EP3719933B1 - Connector device with at least one connector - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a plug connection device with at least one plug connector, the plug connector having a housing, at least one plug body for connection to an outer conductor of a cable and at least one inner conductor part for connection to an inner conductor of the cable, according to the preamble of claim 1.

When assembling cables, their conductors are typically connected with a connector. The connector can be a plug, socket, or adapter. The term connector used in the context of the invention is representative of all variants.

The plug connector is used to establish an electrical connection with a correspondingly complementary further plug connector.

To connect the cable to the connector, a connector body is generally provided, which is connected to an outer conductor of the cable. Furthermore, the plug connector has at least one inner conductor part, which is provided for connection to an inner conductor of the cable. The number of inner conductors or inner conductor parts is not limited in the present case, with common plug connectors, in particular HF plug connectors or plug connectors for coaxial cables, usually having only one inner conductor part for connection to an inner conductor of the cable.

The known connectors have a housing, preferably a plastic housing, with a receptacle for inserting the at least one connector body.

The connector body can be connected to the outer conductor of the cable or the at least one inner conductor part to an inner conductor of the cable using known measures, usually by means of soldering, gluing, clamping or crimping.

The cable can be connected to the plug connector by stripping a section of the cable jacket of the cable in a first step. This exposes an outer conductor. The outer conductor can be a braided cable shield, for example. A support sleeve is then crimped onto the braided cable shield in such a way that the braided cable shield protrudes over the support sleeve. The protruding braided cable shield can be folded back in the next step and placed over the support sleeve. The front end of the cable can then be further stripped so that an inner conductor of the cable is exposed. The exposed inner conductor of the cable can then subsequently be connected to the inner conductor part of the connector, preferably in such a way that the inner conductor part is crimped on. Then the stripped front end of the cable is inserted into the connector body. The connector is preferably on crimped onto the outer conductor of the cable or the braided cable shield, which is preferably folded back over the support sleeve. The connector body is thus reliably connected to the outer conductor of the cable by crimping, and the inner conductor part is protected within the connector body.

It is then provided that the cable jacket of the cable is stripped, preferably 10 to 15 mm behind the connector, and a metal clamp is crimped directly onto the cable shield braid of the cable. The metal clip provides a reliable or low-impedance ground connection, for example to the body of a vehicle, which is in electrical connection with a negative terminal of a battery when the connector is used in a vehicle.

The disadvantage of attaching the metal clamp directly to the braided shield of the cable is that the cable sheath is additionally damaged so that contact with the braided cable shield is possible at all.

The present invention is not limited to use in a vehicle, with the term vehicle encompassing any means of transportation within the scope of the invention, in particular vehicles on land, on water or in the air, including spacecraft.

The invention is not limited to a specific plug connection device or a specific plug connector, the invention being particularly suitable for the assembly of HF cables. The connector can preferably be used as an HF connector, in particular PL connector, BNC connector, TNC connector, SMBA (FAKRA) connector, N connector, 7-16 connector, SMA connector, SMB connector, SMS Connectors, SMC connectors or SMP connectors be formed.

The connector can be designed as a so-called FAKRA connector, which corresponds to the so-called FAKRA standardization scheme (FAKRA=expert group automotive engineering) for SMB connections. Here, a plastic housing is provided, which holds the connector body, protects it and pre-positions it for the mating process with another connector with a plastic housing. The housing can also have mechanical coding so that only matching housings can be plugged into one another.

From the U.S. 2003/0176104 A1 a coaxial connector with a plastic housing is known, which corresponds to the so-called FAKRA standardization scheme for SMB connections.

the JP H11 67362 A describes a plug-in connection device in which a socket and a plug are attached to a holder in a mated state, the plug-in connection device being designed to detect an incompletely mated state between socket and plug.

For further background, reference is also made to the DE 101 63 296 A1 , the DE 10 2008 060 642 A1 and the US 5,240,425A referred. DE 101 63 296 A1 and DE 10 2008 060642 A1 disclose a connector assembly according to the preamble of claim 1.

Such plastic housings for coaxial connectors, which are also called FAKRA housings, are used in automotive engineering for data transmission cables. These data transmission cables are usually coaxial cables or similar shielded cables based on a single electrical conductor. The mechanical dimensions of such FAKRA housings in the interface area, i. H. in an axial section of the housing, which interacts with a complementary connector to create a mechanical connection between the two plastic housings, are specified in DIN 72594-1 in the October 2004 version.

The invention is particularly suitable for such connectors.

When inserting the connector body into the housing, for example a FAKRA housing, it is essential that the mating dimensions are correctly observed so that a complementary connector can be mated with the connector without damage occurring and also the signal transmission is optimal.

It is known from the prior art to insert a fuse element, which is referred to in the prior art as a secondary fuse, in the housing in order to fix the plugged-in connector body in the end position. The secondary fuse is inserted into the housing orthogonally to the insertion direction of the connector body.

The known plug connectors, in particular also the plug connectors according to the FAKRA standardization scheme, enable a safe and reliable connection with a complementary plug connector. One disadvantage, however, is that the cable sheath must also be damaged in order to establish a ground connection in order to contact the outer conductor, in particular the braided shield of the cable. The contacting of the braided shield and the stripping of the cable sheath also require a corresponding amount of effort during assembly and jeopardize functional reliability.

The present invention is based on the object of simplifying the assembly of a plug-in connection device and improving the functional reliability.

This object is achieved by claim 1 according to the invention.

Advantageous configurations of the invention are described in the further claims.

The plug connection device according to the invention has at least one plug connector. The connector has a housing, at least one connector body for connection to an outer conductor of a cable and at least one inner conductor part for connection to an inner conductor of the cable.

The plug body preferably has means for connection to the outer conductor and the inner conductor part preferably has means for connection to the inner conductor of the cable.

Preferably, each connector has only one connector body, but it is also possible to assign multiple connector bodies to a connector.

Depending on the design of the plug connector, it can have one or more inner conductor parts for connection to one or more inner conductor parts of the cable.

For a preferred embodiment of the plug connector, in particular also as a FAKRA plug connector, the formation of precisely one inner conductor part for connection to an inner conductor of the cable is particularly suitable. Such a configuration is particularly suitable when the connector is provided for connection to a coaxial cable.

Within the scope of the invention, the feature “plug body” can include both a plug body and a plurality of plug bodies, each of which is associated with a plug connector. Furthermore, the feature "inner conductor part" can define either just one inner conductor part or several inner conductor parts which are connected to a corresponding number of inner conductors of a cable and are jointly assigned to a plug connector.

According to the invention it is provided that the housing has at least one receptacle for inserting the at least one connector body. In principle, the housing can be designed in such a way that it has a plurality of receptacles for inserting a plurality of connector bodies. In a particularly preferred embodiment, especially when the housing is a so-called FAKRA housing, only one receptacle for inserting a connector body is provided. However, the invention is not limited to this.

According to the invention, a contact element is provided which can be inserted into the housing in such a way that a front area of the contact element makes electrical contact with the connector body inserted into the housing on its outer circumference, the contact element being electrically conductively connected to a fastening means in order to establish a ground connection independently of the cable to be made with another component.

This solution facilitates assembly of the plug-in connection device and increases functional reliability.

The solution according to the invention enables a connection between the outer conductor of a cable and a ground connection in a particularly simple manner. For this purpose, the contact element makes contact with the plug body which is inserted into the housing and which, according to the invention, is connected to an outer conductor of a cable, and thereby establishes an electrical connection with the fastening means. For this connection, it is no longer necessary to strip the cable jacket outside of the housing and to crimp a ground clamp onto the braided shield of the cable. The solution according to the invention makes it possible to establish the connection within the housing without an additional stripping process being necessary.

The solution according to the invention makes it possible for an outer conductor of a cable to be connected to a connector body. The plug body can have a connection area in order to connect another plug, a cable or the like to the plug body. In addition, it is now provided according to the invention that a contact element makes electrical contact with the plug body on its outer circumference in order to produce an additional connection, which is a ground connection, with a further component. The further component can be a ground part, for example a vehicle ground (body, negative battery pole or the like).

The connector according to the invention can be provided for connecting the cable to a complementary or matching connector on a connection area of the connector, for example to connect the cable to a continuing cable or to connect the cable to a printed circuit board or an electrical device. In addition, the outer conductor of the cable is connected to the further component via the contact element making electrical contact with the outer circumference of the plug body and the fastening means in order to create an additional ground connection.

The outer conductor of the cable can thus advantageously be electrically connected to the further component via the contact element or the fastening means. The electrical signal transmission quality can be improved by the ground connection. In particular, improved shielding can be ensured and the electrical connection can turn out to be more robust overall.

Due to the fact that the contact element can be inserted into the housing of the plug connector and is designed to establish the ground connection with the further component, a secondary fuse can be combined with a ground connection. The secondary fuse can be designed to show a fitter the correct positioning of the connector body relative to the connector and/or the housing of the connector, with the secondary fuse preferably only being able to be plugged in if it is correctly positioned. This can preferably be ensured in that a displacement path for inserting the contact element is only fully accessible when the parts of the plug connector are aligned with one another or are plugged into one another.

The fastening means can be designed in any way. The fastening means can be designed in particular to produce a simple ground connection, for example to the body of a vehicle or to another suitable component. The fastening means can be connected to a vehicle ground, for example, by means of a screw connection or similar measures.

It is sufficient if the fastening means is designed to create a simple ground connection. It is not necessary for the fastening means itself to be fastened directly to the other component, for example the body of a vehicle. It can be sufficient if the fastening means serves to establish an electrical connection between the contact element and the further component without itself being mechanically fastened to the further component.

If a mechanical attachment of the plug connector is provided, this can optionally be done using additional holders. In one embodiment of the invention, however, it can be provided that the fastening means itself is already designed in such a way that the fastening means can be mechanically fixed or fixed directly or via fixing elements. The fixation or fastening can take place on the further component with which the ground connection is also established. However, the invention is not limited to this. Provision can also be made for the plug connector to be fixed via the fastening means to any component, possibly also a non-conductive component.

The plug-in connection device according to the invention is suitable for any plug-in connector, in particular the plug-in connectors already mentioned, and can preferably be used in all HSD, FAKRA and high-voltage plug-in connectors that have a metallic, in particular shielding, outer conductor.

It is advantageous if the front area of the contact element can be positively connected to at least part of the outer circumference of the plug body.

A positive connection ensures good and reliable electrical contact. Furthermore, a form-fitting connection also fulfills the task of secondary securing of the connector body in the housing, as a result of which the connection dimension can also be ensured.

According to the invention, it can be provided that the contact element is inserted into the housing at an angle, preferably orthogonally to the longitudinal or axial axis of the plug body, and is positively connected to the plug body in an orthogonal alignment. This produces a particularly suitable secondary fuse.

In principle, the connector body can be connected to the housing in any desired manner. However, it is particularly advantageous if the plug body is plugged into the receptacle of the housing in the axial direction of the plug body. For this purpose, the receptacle can preferably be a bore, in particular as an axial bore, be formed in the housing. With this type of connection of the connector body to the housing, a particularly advantageous secondary safety device can be produced as a result of the contact element, which ensures with little effort that the connector body no longer accidentally or independently detaches itself from the housing and, in particular, also the connection dimension is defined.

The housing is preferably made of plastic.

It is advantageous if the plug body and the receptacle are designed in such a way that an end position of the plug body is fixed in the receptacle of the housing.

Such a design of the plug body and receptacle allows the plug body to be positioned in the housing before the contact element is plugged into the housing and preferably provides a secondary fuse.

The housing is preferably designed in such a way that the plug body is latched in the intended end position, for which purpose a snap connection, in particular a snap body or a snap hook, is used, for example, which allows the plug body to be pushed in, but prevents it from being pulled back counter to the plug-in direction.

The housing or its receptacle is preferably designed in such a way that it serves as a primary fuse for the connector body. The primary fuse is preferably designed to be detachable. The housing is preferably designed as a FAKRA housing, which can already have such a primary fuse.

It is advantageous if the plug connector has a securing element which can be introduced into a recess in the housing in such a way that movement of the housing relative to the securing element is limited at least in one degree of freedom.

The securing element can, like preferably the contact element, serve as a secondary securing device which secures the connector body in the housing or in the receptacle of the housing as soon as it has reached the intended end position.

The securing element is preferably fed to the plug body at an angle, particularly preferably orthogonally to its axial direction, which results in a particularly advantageous securing.

It is advantageous if at least part of the securing element is located in a displacement path of the connector body introduced into the housing.

In particular, when the connector body is pushed into a receptacle of the housing by a movement along its axial axis, it is particularly suitable to design the securing element and to introduce it into the housing in such a way that a part of the securing element is located in a displacement path of the connector body introduced into the housing. This can be achieved particularly advantageously if the plug body has a taper, a recess, an indentation or an indentation into which at least part of the securing element can penetrate in order to prevent the plug body from being pulled out again and/or pushed in further into the receptacle.

Alternatively, but less suitably, the plug body may have a protrusion or bulge which is blocked by part of the fuse element.

The securing element can have a latching hook or the like, which hooks into a correspondingly suitable recess of the housing, so that the securing element is prevented from being pulled out again if it is pushed in so far that the securing element secures or fixes the plug body. Alternatively, the housing can also have a latching hook and the securing element can be designed accordingly. The receptacle or the housing can be designed in such a way that the latching hook can be released again in order to remove the securing element again if necessary and pull the connector body out of the housing again, if necessary after additional release of the primary fuse.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the contact element, together with the securing element, serves as a secondary safeguard in order to fix and secure the connector body in the end position in the receptacle.

It is particularly advantageous for securing the plug body if it has a taper on its outer circumference, into which the contact element and preferably also the securing element or a part of the securing element engages. The taper can be designed as a ring-shaped peripheral taper.

Depending on the design of the connector body, it can be provided that it has a two-part or multi-part structure. In this case, it can be provided that at the connection point of two parts of the plug body a taper is formed, which is used for the engagement of the contact element and/or the fuse element.

To produce a particularly suitable connection between the contact element and the plug body, at least the front area of the contact element can be designed as a clamp. The clamp can preferably have two clamp arms which at least partially surround the plug body on its outer circumference. The terminal can be designed in such a way that it has two partially ring-shaped clamping arms and the terminal is pushed onto the outer circumference of the plug body laterally or from a radial direction. The clamp is preferably designed in such a way that this clamps at least a part of the outer circumference of the plug body between itself and thereby fixes it. Preferably, the clip comprises an annular portion of more than 180° of the outer circumference of the plug body.

Irrespective of the specific configuration of the contact element, but in particular when the contact element is configured in such a way that the front area is designed as a clamp, it can be provided that the contact element is releasably connected to the plug body.

It is advantageous if the securing element is positively connected to the contact element.

For this purpose it can be provided in particular that the securing element has a recess and the contact element is designed as a clamp at least in the front area. The terminal can protrude through the recess, the contact element being prestressed in such a way that the contact element spreads open in the recess and is thus connected to the recess in a form-fitting manner. It is particularly advantageous if the contact element has an indentation or a recess that is positioned in the area of the cutout, so that the edge of the cutout of the securing element engages in the indentation of the contact element, thus creating a form fit.

Instead of a recess, the clamp can also have a projection and the recess can be designed in a correspondingly complementary manner.

The contact element and the securing element can be handled as one component after their positive connection. In this configuration, it may be advisable to establish the electrically conductive connection between the contact element and the fastening means via the fuse element. In this case, the securing element is formed at least partially from metal, preferably entirely from metal.

According to the invention it is provided that the contact element is formed in one piece with the fastening means.

If the contact element is formed in one piece with the fastening element, the securing element can optionally be omitted.

If the contact element is electrically conductively connected directly to the fastening means, there is no need for the fuse element to be made of metal. In this embodiment, it makes sense to make the securing element from plastic. Furthermore, in this configuration it is advisable for the securing element to have a passage in order to insert the contact element and to connect its front region to the plug body.

In this embodiment it can be provided that first the securing element is inserted into the housing, for example pre-assembled. The connector housing can be pushed into the receptacle of the housing up to the intended end position beforehand or afterwards. The securing element can then preferably be pushed in further in the manner already described until it secures the position of the plug body in the receptacle and preferably serves as a secondary fuse. The contact element can then be inserted at any point in the housing, preferably the contact element is inserted into a passage of the fuse element in such a way that the contact element is pushed in far enough for its front area to be connected to the plug body.

It is advisable for the connection to the housing to be made by clipping the housing onto the contact element and thus preferably attaching the housing to the fastening means on the one hand and attaching the plug body to the contact element on the other hand, which is preferably designed as a clamp in the front area , is clipped on.

Of course, the fuse element and the contact element can also be connected to the housing in a different order.

The fastening means is preferably at least partially made of metal or an electrically conductive material. The fastening means is preferably made of metal.

The contact element is at least partially made of an electrically conductive material, preferably at least partially made of metal, particularly preferably made entirely of metal. The contact element is preferably designed entirely in the form of a clamp, which preferably has resilient properties in order to reliably enclose the plug body on its outer circumference.

According to the invention it is provided that the fastening means has two snap connection parts for fastening the housing of the connector. It is particularly advantageous if the fastening means has both a support and two snap-on connection parts.

The snap-on connection part can be designed, for example, as a snap-on hook, which snaps into a suitable counter-element of the housing and fixes the housing in the intended position on the fastening means. The support of the fastening means can be designed, for example, as a plate-shaped projection, optionally with a suitable edge projection for defined accommodation, in particular for placing an underside of the connector.

According to the invention it is provided that the snap connection parts penetrate at least partially into a groove in the outside of the housing in order to form a form-fitting connection in the axial direction (or insertion direction) between the housing and the fastening means.

Preferably, the two snap connection parts are provided in the manner of snap hooks. The snap hooks can at least partially, preferably completely, enclose the housing of the plug connector on two opposite outer sides. The snap hooks can be designed in such a way that they can be pushed laterally over the outer circumference of the housing of the connector. The snap-in hooks preferably clamp a part of the outer circumference of the housing of the plug connector between them and thereby (detachably) fix the fastening means to the housing.

The fastening means can have at least one eyelet. The eyelet can be provided in order to create a connection between the fastening means and a mass part, for example a vehicle mass. For this purpose, for example, a screw can be inserted through the eyelet and the fastening means can be screwed on accordingly. Other connection options are also conceivable here, in particular detachable connections such that the fastening means can be easily detached from the mass part again. A low-impedance electrical ground connection is preferably established.

According to the invention, it is provided that the fastening means has connecting elements in order to establish or form the ground connection with the further component. A connecting element can also be the eyelet mentioned above.

In one embodiment, the fastening means can also be formed or consist only of the connecting elements or one connecting element.

The fastening element can preferably be designed in such a way that it has connecting elements in order to establish a ground connection to the further component or to enable the connection. Particularly preferably, the fastening means can be designed in such a way that it has a design in order to fasten the fastening means on the housing, in particular such that the fastening means is fixed in a defined manner on the housing and, in particular in connection with the fixing of the contact element, a precise positioning of the fastener on the housing results.

The fastening means can also be designed in such a way that it has means to fix the fastening means mechanically to a further component, for example also the further component. But this is optional. Mechanical attachment of the fastener to another component is not primarily important. This can also be solved in another way within the scope of the invention, if the fastening means is to be fixed to a further component at all. In the context of the invention, it is essential that the contact element is electrically conductively connected to the fastening means, and the fastening means is designed to create an electrically conductive connection between the contact element and another component, the connection being designed as a ground connection.

According to the invention, it is provided that the connecting elements are designed as a crimp connection in order to connect a ground connection cable to the fastening means. As a result, the ground connection to the further component can be produced or formed in a simple manner.

The use of a ground connection cable as an electrical connection between the fastening means and the further component has proven to be particularly flexible in terms of handling. The ground connection cable can be connected in an electrically and mechanically robust manner to a connection area of the fastening means via the crimp connection, for example via one, two or more crimp terminals. For connection to the further component or a ground part, the ground connection cable can be connected to the end which is not connected to the fastening means, e.g. B. have an eyelet, a cable lug or the like, which is in turn crimped onto the ground connection cable, for example. The ground connection cable can then, for example, be screwed to the additional component or plugged into a connection point of the additional component.

The ground connection cable can also be connected to the further component or the ground part in a different way, for example by gluing, soldering or clamping.

According to the invention it is provided that the fastening means, the at least one snap connection part, the contact element and the connection elements for the ground connection are designed in one piece.

The fastening means is preferably designed as a one-piece sheet metal with the above-mentioned components. The fastening means can then preferably be manufactured using the stamping and bending technique.

In a further development it can be provided that the housing of the connector and the fastening means are designed in such a way that the fastening means, when it is inserted into the housing of the connector, does not protrude beyond the outside of the housing of the connector.

In particular when the fastening means is formed as a sheet metal, this can extend snugly along the outer circumference of the housing of the connector (preferably coplanar with the associated outer sides of the housing or set back from the associated outer sides of the housing). The connector can thus have a compact structure and the fastening means can be protected from damage.

It is advantageous if the fastening means is designed for fastening and making electrical contact with a plurality of plug connectors.

In this case, the electrical contact can be made via the contact elements, which can be part of the fastening means or can be connected thereto, in the manner already described.

Preferably, the plug connectors can be inserted parallel to one another in the fastening means or can be connected to it.

In one configuration of the fastening means for accommodating a plurality of plug connectors, it can be advantageous if there are two or more connection options, in particular eyelets, for fastening a fastening means to a mass part, for example a vehicle mass.

The contact element according to the invention, in particular in combination with the fuse element, can advantageously take over the task of the secondary fuse or fuse in general and also ensure the connection dimension, as well as establish a connection between the outer conductor of the cable and a ground part. If the plug connection device according to the invention is used in a vehicle, the ground part can be a vehicle ground, in particular to establish an indirect electrical connection with a negative pole of a vehicle battery.

The connector according to the invention can be provided in particular for connection to a data transmission cable, in particular for high-frequency applications.

Exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown in principle below with reference to the drawing.

The figures each show preferred exemplary embodiments in which individual features of the present invention are shown in combination with one another. The features of an exemplary embodiment can also be implemented independently of the other features of the same exemplary embodiment and can accordingly be combined by a person skilled in the art to form further meaningful combinations with features of other exemplary embodiments.

The embodiments according to Figures 1 to 11 do not form part of the invention and are for illustration only.

Figur 1

eine perspektivische Darstellung einer Steckverbindungsvorrichtung mit einem vertikal verlaufenden Längsschnitt durch ein Gehäuse des Steckverbinders, wobei ein Steckerkörper ungeschnitten dargestellt ist;

Figur 2

eine rückseitige Ansicht auf die Steckverbindungsvorrichtung nach Fig. 1;

Figur 3

eine perspektivische Ansicht auf die Steckverbindungsvorrichtung aus Pfeilrichtung III der Fig. 2;

Figur 4

einen horizontalen Längsschnitt durch eine Steckverbindungsvorrichtung nach Fig. 1;

Figur 5

eine Draufsicht von vorne auf ein Befestigungsmittel mit einem Kontaktelement und einem Sicherungselement;

Figur 6

eine Darstellung der Fig. 5 von hinten;

Figur 7

eine Draufsicht von vorne auf ein Befestigungsmittel mit einem Kontaktelement und einem Sicherungselement in einer zweiten Ausführungsform;

Figur 8

eine Darstellung einer möglichen Montage eines Steckerkörpers und eines Sicherungselements in ein Gehäuse des Steckverbinders;

Figur 9

eine perspektivische Darstellung von hinten auf ein Befestigungsmittel zur Befestigung und elektrischen Kontaktierung mehrerer Steckverbinder;

Figur 10

eine perspektivische Darstellung von vorne auf ein Befestigungsmittel nach Fig. 9;

Figur 11

eine Darstellung von hinten auf ein vollständig mit Steckverbindern bestücktes Befestigungsmittel zur Befestigung und elektrischen Kontaktierung mehrerer Steckverbinder;

Figur 12

eine besonders bevorzugte Ausführungsform eines einstückigen Befestigungsmittels der erfindungsgemäßen Steckverbindungsvorrichtung;

Figur 13

eine besonders bevorzugte Ausführungsform eines Steckverbinders der erfindungsgemäßen Steckverbindungsvorrichtung zur Verwendung mit dem einstückigen Befestigungsmittel nach Fig. 12; und

Figur 14

den besonders bevorzugten Steckverbinder der Fig. 13 mit einem eingesetzten Befestigungsmittel gemäß Fig. 12.

Show it:

figure 1

a perspective view of a connector device with a vertical longitudinal section through a housing of the connector, wherein a connector body is shown uncut;

figure 2

a rear view of the connector device 1 ;

figure 3

a perspective view of the connector device from the direction of arrow III 2 ;

figure 4

a horizontal longitudinal section through a plug-in connection device 1 ;

figure 5

a front plan view of a fastener with a contact element and a fuse element;

figure 6

a representation of figure 5 from behind;

figure 7

a plan view from the front of a fastener with a contact element and a fuse element in a second embodiment;

figure 8

a representation of a possible assembly of a connector body and a fuse element in a housing of the connector;

figure 9

a perspective view from behind of a fastening means for fastening and electrical contacting of a plurality of connectors;

figure 10

a perspective view from the front of a fastener 9 ;

figure 11

a rear view of a fully equipped with connectors fasteners for mounting and electrical contacting a plurality of connectors;

figure 12

a particularly preferred embodiment of a one-piece fastening means of the plug-in connection device according to the invention;

figure 13

according to a particularly preferred embodiment of a plug connector of the plug connection device according to the invention for use with the one-piece fastening means 12 ; and

figure 14

the most preferred connector of 13 with an inserted fastener according to 12 .

The plug connection device according to the invention is shown in the exemplary embodiments using a so-called FAKRA standardization scheme, with only the features essential to the invention being shown in more detail below. Possible designs and variants result from DIN 72594.

However, the present invention and also the exemplary embodiment shown are not to be understood as being limited to a FAKRA connector or a FAKRA housing. The solution according to the invention is suitable for any connector.

The features shown below Figures 1 to 14 can, insofar as this is not technically impossible, be combined with one another as desired.

The invention can be implemented in different variants. In the embodiment, two variants are shown as examples. the Figures 1 to 11 show a first variant that does not belong to the invention and is only used for illustration, in which the fastening means 2 and the contact element 13 are designed separately from one another and can be plugged into one another. In these figures, the fastener 2 is also designed such that the fastener on another component / part can be fixed mechanically. the Figures 12 to 14 show a particularly preferred variant of the invention, according to which the fastening means 2 is formed in one piece with the contact element 13 . In the Figures 12 to 14 no means are formed on the fastening means 2 in order to mechanically fix the fastening means 2 mechanically to another (any) component. In principle, however, this is also possible.

figure 1 shows a vertical longitudinal section through a connector device with a connector 1 and a fastener 2.

The connector 1 has a housing 3, which is also in the Figures 2 to 4 and 8 to 11 is shown in more detail. This can be a so-called FAKRA housing of a connector 1 .

the Figures 13 and 14 show a variant of the housing 3 that differs somewhat from this, but which is preferably also designed to be compatible with the FAKRA standardization scheme.

The housing 3 is preferably made of plastic.

The connector 1 also has a connector body 4, which is connected to an outer conductor 5 of an in figure 1 only schematically shown cable 6 is connected. The connector body 4 can be connected to the outer conductor 5 using known measures, for example by soldering, gluing, clamping or crimping. In the exemplary embodiment, it is provided in a manner not shown in detail in the drawing that the connector body 4 is crimped to the outer conductor 5 . For this purpose, the connector body 4 can optionally also be designed in several parts, preferably at least a part of the connector body 4 is designed to be crimped onto the outer conductor 5 . This can preferably be done by stripping a cable jacket 7 of the cable 6 to such an extent that the outer conductor 5, which can preferably be a braided shield, is exposed. The connector body 4 can then be crimped onto this braided shield. If necessary, it can be provided that a support sleeve (not shown) is first crimped onto the outer conductor 5, in particular the braided shield, and the braided shield is then folded back over the support sleeve and only then a part of the plug body 4 or a connecting piece for connection to the plug body 4 or the connector body 4 is crimped in one piece onto the folded-over outer conductor 5 or otherwise connected to it.

The connector 1 also has at least one inner conductor part 8 (see figure 4 ), which is provided for connection to an inner conductor 9 of the cable 6. The connection can be made, for example, by soldering, gluing, clamping or crimping. In the exemplary embodiment, it is provided that the inner conductor part 8 is crimped onto the inner conductor 9 of the cable 6 . The inner conductor part 8 is preferably connected to the inner conductor 9 of the cable 6 after the outer conductor 5 of the cable 6 has been exposed and preferably folded over, and before the connector body 4 is crimped onto the outer conductor 5 becomes. In order to attach the inner conductor part 8 to the inner conductor 9, the latter can be stripped beforehand, which can be done using known measures.

the figure 4 shows in section and as an example the course and the arrangement of the inner conductor part 8 within the plug body 4. In a synopsis with the figure 1 1 shows how the connector 1 provides a connection in order to put on another, not shown, complementary connector and to connect it electrically to the inner conductor part 8 and the connector body 4 .

At the in the Figures 13 and 14 In the connector 1 shown, the connection to the outer conductor 5 of the cable 6 (not shown there) and the connection of the inner conductor 8 of the cable 6 to the inner conductor part 8 can basically be provided in a similar or identical manner.

The exemplary embodiment shows that the connector body 4 accommodates a single inner conductor part 8 . Of course, the connector body 4 can also accommodate several inner conductor parts 8, which are connected to a corresponding number of inner conductors 9.

Furthermore, it is shown in the exemplary embodiment that the connector 1 accommodates a connector body 4 . In principle, it can also be provided that the connector 1 accommodates a plurality of connector bodies 4 . The embodiment is to be understood accordingly.

As can be seen from the figures, in particular from the figures 1 , 4 , 8th and 13 As can be seen, the housing 3 has a receptacle 10 for inserting the plug body 4 . In the exemplary embodiment, the receptacle 10 is designed as a bore that extends axially through the housing 3 . In the exemplary embodiment, it is also provided that the connector body 4 is moved by a movement along its longitudinal axis or in the axial direction A (cf. figure 13 ) is inserted into the housing 3 or the receptacle 10 of the housing 3. The connector body 4 and the receptacle 10 are designed in such a way that an end position of the connector body 4 in the receptacle 10 is fixed. In order to fix the end position, provision is preferably made for the plug body 4 to noticeably engage in the receptacle 10 in its end position. In the exemplary embodiment, it is provided that the housing 3 has at least one latching element 11 (cf. figure 4 ) which deflects laterally or radially when the plug body 4 is pushed in and lets the plug body 4 through, but returns to its previous or non-deflected position when the plug body 4 reaches the end position, preferably springs back in such a way that the latching element 11 gets in the way of the plug body 4 stands when it is pulled back in the opposite direction to the direction of insertion. The locking element 11 can preferably be designed in such a way that it can be operated and thus deflected if necessary, for example by inserting a screwdriver, in order to enable the plug body 4 to be removed from the housing 3 or the receptacle 10 again if necessary.

The plug body 4 preferably has a taper 12 into which the latching element 11 penetrates when the plug body 4 has reached its end position in the receptacle 10 . This can also be any recess, a depression or the like. However, the formation of a preferably ring-shaped circumferential taper 12 has proven to be particularly suitable. The taper 12 can also be produced, for example, by the plug body 4 having a two-part or multi-part structure, with the taper 12 preferably being formed in the connection area between two parts of the plug body 4 .

In the exemplary embodiment, it can be provided that the receptacle 10 and the connector body 4 have mechanical coding so that the insertion of a connector body 4 that is not intended for the housing 3 is mechanically prevented.

According to the invention, a contact element 13 is provided which can be inserted into the housing 3 in such a way that a front region 13a of the contact element 13 makes electrical contact with the plug body 4 inserted into the housing 3 on its outer circumference. In this case, the contact element 13 is electrically conductively connected to the fastening means 2 . As a result, a ground connection to another component 24 (cf. figure 14 ), e.g. B. a conductive body part of a vehicle. The front portion 13a of the contact element 13, which includes the outer periphery of the connector body 4, is particularly good at figure 1 , 7 and in the figure 12 shown. In the horizontal longitudinal section shown, FIG. 4 shows only a short section of the front region 13a of the contact element 13, which is otherwise covered by the connector body 4 shown in section.

the figures 5 , 7 , 9 , 10 and 12 show the contact element 13, in particular the front area 13a of the contact element 13, without the inserted plug body 4.

A connection of the contact element 13 with the fastener 2 is in particular the figures 2 , 6 , 7 , 9 , 10 and 11 removable.

In the variant of Figures 12 to 14 On the other hand, the contact element 13 is formed in one piece with the fastening means 2, as already mentioned.

In the exemplary embodiment, the front region 13a of the contact element 13 is positively connected to at least part of the outer circumference of the plug body 4 . The front area 13a of the contact element 13 is designed as a terminal 13a. The clamp 13a has two clamping arms, which are preferably designed to be resilient and are deflected out of their relieved position for connection to the outer circumference of the plug body 4 and, after connection to the outer circumference of the plug body 4, spring back again as far as possible and thus hold the plug body 4 between include oneself.

In principle, the contact element 13 can contact the connector body 4 at any desired position. In the exemplary embodiment, it is provided that the contact element 13 or its terminal 13a engages in the taper 12 of the plug body 4 . In the exemplary embodiment, the locking element 11 also engages in the same taper 12, but this is not absolutely necessary. This can also involve different tapers, depressions, recesses or the like. However, the use of a common taper 12 can be advantageous in terms of design and therefore economically.

In the exemplary embodiment, it is provided that the contact element 13 is positioned in the housing 3 in such a way that the contact element 13 engages in the taper 12 when the plug body 4 has reached its end position, which also ensures a connection dimension of the plug body 4 .

How from the Figures 1 to 11 can also be seen that the connector 1 in this variant has a securing element 14, which is in a recess 15 (see figure 4 and figure 8 ) of the housing 3 can be introduced in such a way that a movement of the housing 3 relative to the securing element 14 is limited at least in one degree of freedom. Limiting the movement of the housing 3 relative to the securing element 14 in at least one degree of freedom, preferably at least in the direction of movement for pushing the plug body 4 in and out, is particularly advantageous if the securing element 14 is attached directly and/or via the contact element 13 to the fastening means 2 is fixed. In this case, a movement of the housing 3 relative to the fastening means 2 is already limited by the securing element 14, preferably at least in said direction of movement or longitudinal direction or axial direction A of the housing 3.

The securing element 14 and the recess 15 of the housing 3 are preferably designed in such a way that the housing 3 is also limited in terms of its movement relative to the securing element 14 in further degrees of freedom. Provision can also be made for the securing element 14 to latch in the intended end position in the housing 3 when it has been pushed completely into the recess 15 . A latching hook can be provided for this purpose. The latching hook can preferably be detachable in order to remove the securing element 14 from the recess 15 or the housing 3 again.

By receiving the securing element 14 in the recess 15 and the latching hook in an essentially form-fitting manner, provision can be made for the securing element 14 and the housing 3 to be connected to one another in an essentially immovable manner.

As can be seen in particular from the presentation of figure 4 results, at least a part 14a of the securing element 14 protrudes into a displacement path of the plug body 4 introduced into the housing 3. In the exemplary embodiment, a part 14a of the securing element 14 protrudes into the taper 12, so that the plug body 4 can be pulled out again from the housing 3 or .is blocked from the receptacle 10 by the part 14a.

The exemplary embodiment shows that both the contact element 13 and the securing element 14 are connected to the connector body 4 by an orthogonal movement.

The contact element 13 and also the securing element 14 thus extend orthogonally in the direction of the connector body 4 when the latter is inserted into the housing 3 in the end position.

The part 14a of the securing element 14, like the clamp 13a and the latching element 11, projects into the same taper 12, but this is optional.

As in particular from the figures 2 , 6 , 9 and 10 can be seen, the contact element 13 is in the variant of Figures 1 to 11 positively inserted into a recess 17 of the fastener 2. Alternatively, the contact element 13 can also be connected to the fastening means 2 in any desired manner, for example by soldering, gluing or riveting. The contact element 13 can also be designed in one piece or in one piece with the fastening means 2 . A one-piece training is in the variant of Figures 12 to 14 shown.

A good mechanical and electrically conductive connection between the contact element 13 and the fastening means 2 is produced by the positive connection shown in the exemplary embodiment.

In all exemplary embodiments, the fastening means 2 and also the contact element 13 are preferably at least partially electrically conductive; the fastening means 2 and also the contact element 13 are preferably at least partially formed from an electrically conductive metal. The fastening means 2 and/or the contact element 13 is preferably made of metal essentially completely, particularly preferably completely.

The form-fitting connection of the contact element 13 with the recess 17 of the fastening means 2 can be produced particularly advantageously in that the contact element 13 is resilient and has a taper 18, into which the edge of the recess 17 engages in order to hold the contact element 13 in the recess 17 to fix. Preferably, the contact element 13, as in the embodiment according to Figures 1 to 11 shown, an embodiment with two clamping arms, which are mirror images of each other and each have a taper 18, in which the edge of the recess 17 engages, as is evident from FIG figure 2 is evident.

Alternatively, the contact element 13 can also have a projection and the recess 17 can be designed in a correspondingly complementary manner to produce a form-fitting connection.

Like that one in particular figure 8 and the figure 9 As can be seen, the fuse element 14 may have a passage 19 for inserting the contact element 13 and connecting its front portion, ie the terminal 13a, to the plug body 4. This has the advantage that the housing 3 no additional Recess must have for letting the contact element 13 through, but the passage 19 can be formed in a simple manner in the fuse element 14, which is already in a recess 15 of the housing 3 anyway. The contact element 13 is thus plugged into the housing 3 in the sense of the invention due to the presence of the passage 19 in the securing element 14 .

In the embodiment according to Figures 1 to 11 the passage 19 is formed in two parts, so that a passage is created for each clamping arm of the contact element 13 .

In this embodiment, the securing element 14 is preferably made of plastic. In this embodiment, the fuse element 14 is preferably not electrically conductive.

the figure 7 shows an alternative embodiment of the securing element 14. Is shown in figure 7 a relatively flat configuration of the securing element 14, but this is not primarily important in the present case. The embodiment of figure 7 differs from the exemplary embodiment described above essentially in that the contact element 13 is inserted into a recess 20 in the fuse element 14 . The contact element 13 can be designed in the way that has already been described in the exemplary embodiment, in which case an edge of the recess 20 of the securing element 14 engages in the taper 18 of the contact element 13 or its clamping arms, which run in a mirror image, in order to Contact element 13 in the recess 20 record form-fitting.

in the in figure 7 illustrated embodiment no direct connection between the contact element 13 and the fastener 2 is provided. The electrical connection between the contact element 13 and the fastening means 2 takes place in the exemplary embodiment according to FIG figure 7 via the fuse element 14. For this purpose, the fuse element 14 is at least partially electrically conductive, preferably at least partially made of metal, particularly preferably essentially or completely made of metal. The contact element 13 can be loosely positioned in a recess 17 of the fastening means 2 . Provision can be made for the securing element 14 to be connected to the fastening means 2 by a snap connection, for example. However, the connection can also be made in other ways. In principle, a fixed connection between the securing element 14 and the fastening means 2 can also be completely dispensed with. This is possible in particular when the housing 3 is connected to the fastening means 2 in such a way that the securing element 14 is clamped between the housing 3 and the fastening means 2 and is accordingly fixed as a result.

In principle, the securing element 14 can also be used in the exemplary embodiment according to FIG figure 7 be inserted into a recess 15 of the housing 3 in such a way that a movement of the housing 3 relative to the securing element 14 is limited at least in one degree of freedom. The fuse element 14 in the embodiment according to figure 7 can also be designed in such a way that it has a part 14a, which penetrates into a displacement path of the plug body 4 introduced into the housing 3 when the securing element 14 is positioned accordingly.

How from the Figures 1 to 11 As can be seen, the fastening means 2 can have a support 21 and/or at least one snap connection part 22 for fastening the housing 3 of a connector 1. In the embodiments of the variant of Figures 1 to 11 Both a support 21, on which an underside of the housing 3 can be placed, and a snap connection part 22, which is designed as a snap hook in the exemplary embodiment, are provided. The support 21 can have a safety edge in order to additionally limit a horizontal movement of the housing 3 in particular.

The fastening means 3 can also have at least one eyelet 23 or also several eyelets 23 which can be provided to electrically and mechanically connect the fastening means 2 to a ground part or to the further component 24, for example a vehicle ground or the like.

the Figures 9 to 11 show an embodiment of the fastener 2 for receiving and fastening as well as for electrical contacting of several connectors 1. In the exemplary embodiment three connectors 1 are shown, but the invention is not limited to the specific number of connectors 1 that can be accommodated by a fastener 2. In the embodiments according to Figures 9 to 11 the fastening means 2 has two eyelets 23 . Alternatively, only one or more eyelets 23 can be provided. Furthermore, the design of the eyelets 23 or their presence in all fastening means 2 is optional. The eyelets 23 can optionally be omitted entirely, but it is advantageous if the fastening means 2 has connecting elements in order to attach the fastening means 2 to a mass part or to the further component 24 in a simple manner.

As can be seen from the embodiments relating to the variant of Figures 1 to 11 As a result, the plug body 4 can be secured as long as the securing element 14 and the contact element 13 have not yet been brought up to the plug body 4 by a corresponding design of the housing 3, in particular by the latching element 11. This is called the primary backup.

After the locking element 14 and/or the contact element 13 has been pushed into its end position, the connector body 4 previously positioned in the housing 3 can be secured by them. This is referred to as a secondary fuse, with an interaction of the contact element 13 and the fuse element 14 being particularly suitable for this purpose. The contact element 13 and the securing element 14 can also be responsible for the precise positioning of the plug body 4 in the housing 3 and thus also ensure the connection dimensions for connecting to a complementary plug connector, not shown in detail.

the figure 8 shows the securing element 14 in a so-called pre-locked position. The securing element 14 is preferably preassembled in the housing 3 . To assemble the connector body 4, it is provided that the connector body 4 is first inserted into the housing 3 and then, when the connector body 4 has reached its end position in the housing 3, the secondary fuse 14 is pressed in until it latches.

Subsequently, as in figure 9 and 10 shown by way of example, the connector 1 can be clipped onto the contact element 13, which is already connected to the fastening means 2.

In the variant in the Figures 12 to 14 is shown, a securing element 14 can be dispensed with.

the figures 12 shows a special variant of the fastener 2, which is generally preferred. figure 13 shows a suitable for this variant housing 3 and figure 14 shows the fastening means 2 and the housing 3 in an assembled position. All the features already described above can of course be combined with the features of this variant, provided this is not technically impossible.

The fastening means 2 of this variant also has a contact element 13 which, however, is now formed in one piece with the fastening means 2 . Furthermore, two snap connection parts 22 are provided for fastening the housing 3 of the plug connector 1, which for this purpose enclose the housing 3 on the outside. The housing has a groove 25 on the outside thereof, into which the snap connection parts 22 can penetrate in order to form a positive connection in the axial direction A between the housing 3 and the fastening means 2 . The snap connection parts 22 are also formed in one piece with the fastening means 2 . It can also be provided that the snap-in connection parts 22 are designed as any connection elements and in particular in such a way that they penetrate into the housing 3 and thereby produce a mechanical, in particular positive and/or non-positive connection between the fastening means 2 and the housing 3.

Finally, the fastening means 2 has connecting elements 26 in order to form the ground connection with the further component 24 . In the present case, the connecting elements are designed as a crimp connection 26 and are also in one piece with the fastening means 2.

A ground connection cable 27 can preferably be crimped onto the fastening means 2 via the crimp connection 26 in order to form the ground connection with the further component 24 (cf. figure 14 ). For this purpose, the ground connection cable 27 can preferably have a cable lug 28 (or the like) for electrical and mechanical attachment to the further component 24 at the end that is not crimped to the attachment means 2 .

Preferably, the fastener 2, in particular according to the variant of Figures 12 to 14 , be designed as a thin sheet. The fastener 2 can be designed as a stamped and bent part.

The housing 3 of the connector 1 and the fastening means 2 are preferably designed in such a way that the fastening means 2, when inserted into the housing 3 of the connector 1, does not protrude beyond the outer sides of the housing 3 of the connector 1, and is preferably set back. The housing 3 can have suitable indentations and/or recesses for this purpose, as is shown in FIGS Figures 13 and 14 is recognizable.

Claims (12)

1. A plug connection device having at least one plug connector (1), wherein the one plug connector (1) has a housing (3), at least one plug body (4) for connecting to an outer conductor (5) of a cable (6), and at least one inner conductor part (8) for connecting to an inner conductor (9) of the cable (6), wherein the housing (3) has at least one receptacle (10) for inserting the at least one plug body (4), wherein a contact element (13) which is plug-fittable into the housing (3) in such a manner that a front region (13a) of the contact element (13) electrically contacts the plug body (4), inserted into the housing (3), on the external perimeter of said plug body (4) is provided, and wherein the contact element (13) is connected in an electrically conducting manner to a fastening means (2) so as to, independently of the cable (6), establish a ground connection to another component (24), wherein the fastening means (2) has two snap-fit connection parts (22) for fastening the housing (3) of the plug connector (1), wherein the snap-fit connection parts (22) intrude at least partially into a groove (25) in the outer side of the housing (3) so as to configure a form-fitting connection in the axial direction (A) between the housing (3) and the fastening means (2), wherein the fastening means (2) has connection elements (26) so as to establish the ground connection to the further component (24), wherein the fastening means (2), the snap-fit connection parts (22), the contact element (13), and the connection elements (26) for the ground connection are integrally configured,
   characterized in that
   the two snap-fit connection parts (22) for fastening the housing (3) encompass the housing (3) on the outer side thereof, and in that the connection elements are configured as a crimp connection (26) so as to connect a ground connector cable (27) to the fastening means (2).
2. The plug connection device as claimed in claim 1,
   characterized in that
   the front region (13a) of the contact element (13) is connectable in a form-fitting manner to at least part of the external perimeter of the plug body (4).
3. The plug connection device as claimed in claim 1 or 2,
   characterized in that
   the plug body (4) and the receptacle (10) are designed in such a manner that a terminal position of the plug body (4) in the receptacle (10) is established.
4. The plug connection device as claimed in claim 1, 2, or 3,
   characterized in that
   the plug body (4) on the external perimeter thereof has a diminution (12) in which the contact element (13) engages.
5. The plug connection device as claimed in one of claims 1 to 4,
   characterized in that
   the plug connector (1) has a securing element (14) which is capable of being incorporated in a cutout (15) of the housing (3) in such a manner that a movement of the housing (3) in relation to the securing element (14) is limited in at least one degree of freedom, and wherein the securing element (14) fixes the plug-fitted plug body (4) in its end-position in the housing (3).
6. The plug connection device as claimed in claim 5,
   characterized in that
   at least part of the securing element (14) is located in a displacement path of the plug body (4) incorporated in the housing (3).
7. The plug connection device as claimed in claim 5 or 6,
   characterized in that
   the securing element (14) is connected in a form-fitting manner to the contact element (13).
8. The plug connection device as claimed in one of claims 5 to 7,
   characterized in that
   the securing element (14) is configured from plastics and has a passage (19) for inserting the contact element (13) and for connecting the front region (13a) of the latter to the plug body (4).
9. The plug connection device as claimed in one of claims 1 to 8,
   characterized in that
   the front region (13a) of the contact element (13) is configured as a terminal clamp.
10. The plug connection device as claimed in one of claims 5 to 9, if dependent from claim 4,
    characterized in that
    part (14a) of the securing element (14) engages in the diminution (12).
11. The plug connection device as claimed in one of claims 1 to 10,
    characterized in that
    the housing (3) of the plug connector (1) and the fastening means (2) are configured in such a manner that the fastening means (2) does not project beyond the outer sides of the housing (3) of the plug connector (1) when said fastening means (2) is inserted into the housing (3) of the plug connector (1).
12. The plug connection device as claimed in in one of claims 1 to 11,
    characterized in that
    the fastening means (2) is configured for fastening and electrically contacting a plurality of plug connectors (1).

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