EP3793031A1 - Plug-in connector assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a connector arrangement (1). The present invention also relates to a plug connector housing element (17) for a plug connector arrangement (1), a method for producing a plug connector arrangement (1) and a device for producing a plug connector arrangement (1). A connector arrangement (1) comprises at least two cables (3) each with a cable sheath (10) and a shield (9) each arranged within the cable sheath (10). The shielding (9) is exposed at one cable end (11) from the cable sheath (10). The connector arrangement (1) additionally comprises a connector housing (4) made of an electrically conductive material, in which a bushing (5) is formed for each cable (3). The exposed shielding (9) of each cable (3) is located in the respective bushing (5) and is non-positively connected to the connector housing (4). The connector arrangement (1) finally also comprises a crimp sleeve (14). The crimp sleeve (14) encloses the connector housing (4) and each feedthrough (5) and is connected to the connector housing (4) in a force-locking manner.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a connector arrangement having the features of claim 1.

The invention also relates to a first connector housing element for a connector arrangement.

The invention also relates to a method for producing a connector arrangement having the features of claim 14.

The invention finally relates to a device for producing a connector arrangement having the features of claim 15.

TECHNICAL BACKGROUND

There is an increasing demand for electric and hybrid vehicles. High electrical powers have to be transmitted between the individual electrical units of an electric or hybrid vehicle, namely the battery and the electric drive. Suitable high-voltage cables and high-voltage connectors are required for this.

In today's electric and hybrid vehicles, components of the control and communication electronics are installed in the smallest of spaces with high-voltage components. The individual components and assemblies interfere with each other through electromagnetic radiation, or even malfunction. In addition, power electronic components such as drive inverters generate more than 100 times more electromagnetic radiation than components of control and communication electronics.

An essential technical requirement for the design of high-voltage cables, high-voltage connectors and high-voltage units in electric and hybrid vehicles is consequently the shielding of these components or units as well as an optimized screen transfer between these components or units.

The screen transfer between a screened high-voltage cable and a screened high-voltage connector housing is preferably carried out via a crimp connection. A crimp connection enables an electrical connection with minimized contact resistance between the shielding of the high-voltage cable and the shielding of the high-voltage connector housing. In addition, a crimp connection is used to create a reliable mechanical connection over the long term.

High-voltage connectors are often connected to several shielded high-voltage cables at the interface on the cable side. It is known that two electrical lines are required for direct current transmission between the energy source and energy consumer, while three-phase current transmission requires three electrical lines. The separate distribution of multiple electrical lines to individual high-voltage cables is typically aimed at compared to routing the multiple lines together in a single high-voltage cable. With a distribution over several cables, each with a smaller cable cross-section, a smaller bending radius of the cables and thus more flexible laying of the cables can be achieved.

The connection of several shielded high-voltage cables to the high-voltage connector requires a crimping process for each individual high-voltage cable. This multiple crimping process per high-voltage connector disadvantageously worsens the process time. In addition, this disadvantageously requires a more complex geometry for the connector housing and a higher space requirement.

This is a condition that needs to be improved.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Against this background, the present invention is based on the task of connecting a plurality of cables to a common plug connector, a technical one Specifying a solution for a time-synchronous connection, in particular for a time-synchronous crimping, of several cables to a common connector.

According to the invention, this object is achieved by a connector arrangement with the features of claim 1, by a method for producing a connector arrangement with the features of claim 14 and by a device for producing a connector arrangement with the features of claim 15.

• wenigstens zwei Kabel mit
• jeweils einem Kabelmantel und
• jeweils einer innerhalb des Kabelmantels angeordneten Schirmung,
• wobei die Schirmung an einem Kabelende vom Kabelmantel freigelegt ist,
• ein Steckverbindergehäuse aus einem elektrisch leitfähigen Material,
• in dem für jedes Kabel jeweils eine Durchführung ausgebildet ist,
• wobei die freigelegte Schirmung jedes Kabels sich in der jeweiligen Durchführung befindet und
• mit dem Steckverbindergehäuse kraftschlüssig verbunden ist, und
• eine Crimphülse,
• wobei die Crimphülse das Steckverbindergehäuse und jede Durchführung umschließt und
• mit dem Steckverbindergehäuse kraftschlüssig verbunden ist.

Accordingly, it is provided:
A connector arrangement comprising:

• at least two cables with
• a cable jacket and
• one shield each arranged within the cable jacket,
• whereby the shielding is exposed at one end of the cable from the cable sheath,
• a connector housing made of an electrically conductive material,
• in which there is a bushing for each cable,
• the exposed shielding of each cable is in the respective bushing and
• is positively connected to the connector housing, and
• a crimp barrel,
• wherein the crimp barrel encloses the connector housing and each feedthrough and
• is positively connected to the connector housing.

• Bereitstellen der wenigstens zwei Kabel mit jeweils der am Kabelende vom Kabelmantel freigelegten Schirmung,
• Einfügen jedes Kabels in die zugehörige Durchführung des Steckverbindergehäuses und
• kraftschlüssiges Verbinden des Steckverbindergehäuses mit der Crimphülse.

A process for producing a connector arrangement with the process steps:

• Provision of the at least two cables, each with the shielding exposed at the cable end from the cable sheath,
• Insertion of each cable into the corresponding bushing of the connector housing and
• force-fit connection of the connector housing with the crimp barrel.

• einen Amboss zur Aufnahme des Steckverbindergehäuses und
• einen relativ zum Amboss bewegbaren Crimper,
• wobei ein Querschnittprofil eines vom Amboss und vom Crimper umschlossenen Hohlraumes einem Querschnittsprofil des Steckverbindergehäuses entspricht.

An apparatus for producing a connector assembly comprising:

• an anvil for receiving the connector housing and
• a crimper movable relative to the anvil,
• wherein a cross-sectional profile of a cavity enclosed by the anvil and the crimper corresponds to a cross-sectional profile of the connector housing.

The knowledge / idea on which the present invention is based consists in realizing an optimized screen transition between the screen of the connector housing and the screen of each cable with the aid of a single crimp sleeve, each of which has a crimp connection, ie. H. preferably a force-fit connection achieved between the shielding of the connector housing and the shielding of each cable.

For this purpose, the shielding of the connector housing is implemented in that the connector housing is made from an electrically conductive material. In addition, the shielding of each cable is exposed from the cable sheath at the cable end.

In order to achieve a force-fit transition between the shielding of each cable and the shielding of the connector housing, a bushing is formed in the connector housing for each cable through which the individual cable is led from the outside into the interior of the connector housing. In addition, each cable is passed through the associated bushing in the connector housing in such a way that the exposed shielding is located in the associated bushing. The exposed shielding of each cable is frictionally connected to the connector housing within the associated bushing. In order to achieve the frictional connection between the shielding of each cable and the connector housing made of electrically conductive material, a crimp sleeve is also provided which surrounds the connector housing and the bushings formed in the connector housing and which is frictionally connected to the connector housing. In a frictional connection, the crimp sleeve rests on a contact surface of the connector housing which surrounds a region of the connector housing in which all of the feedthroughs are formed.

If a connector arrangement according to the invention is designed in this way, a number of cables can be frictionally connected to a connector housing at the same time in a single crimping process.

The number of several cables connected to the connector is preferably two cables in the case of direct current transmission and three cables in the case of three-phase transmission. In addition, the invention also covers a higher number of several cables, for example four cables or six cables.

Crimping is understood here and in the following to be a joining method in which at least two components are connected to one another by plastic deformation. It is also conceivable that one component is plastically deformed while the other component is either plastically or only elastically deformed. In the connector arrangement according to the invention, the crimp sleeve, the connector housing and the shielding of the individual cable are plastically or elastically deformed by the crimping process. This creates a homogeneous, non-positive connection between the shielding of the individual cables and the connector housing and between the connector housing and the crimp sleeve. This homogeneous non-positive connection enables a stable mechanical and electrical connection between the shielding of the individual cables and the electrically conductive connector housing as well as a stable mechanical connection between the crimp sleeve and the connector housing. In addition to the connection security, the crimp connection can be used to achieve a connection technology that is easy to handle and therefore suitable for series production. Details of the crimping process and the crimping tool that are essential to the invention will be discussed further below.

Since the connection of several cables with a single connector is used in particular in the high-voltage range, the cables are preferably each designed as a high-voltage cable and the connector as a high-voltage connector.

The high-voltage cable is designed in particular as a shielded high-voltage cable. Such a shielded high-voltage cable typically contains an inner conductor which comprises a bundle of strands that are preferably stranded with respect to one another. The inner conductor is enclosed by insulation. The insulation, in turn, is enclosed by a shield. A shield, which is also referred to as a shield or as an outer conductor shield or outer conductor shield, typically comprises a fabric of interwoven metallic wires. In rare cases, a screen is also designed as a metal foil or as a combination of metal foil and metal wire mesh. Finally, the shielding is enclosed by a cable jacket made of an electrically insulating material.

The high-voltage connector is preferably shielded by a shielded housing of the high-voltage connector. In addition to a metallically coated plastic housing, the shielding of the housing can also be implemented by a connector housing made of an electrically conductive material. In order to save the additional production step of the coating, a connector housing made of an electrically conductive material, i. E. H. preferably made of a metal. In order to save the weight of the metallic connector housing, with the exception of the load-bearing parts of the connector housing, a large part of the connector housing is shell-shaped. A shell-shaped connector housing or a shell-shaped connector housing element is understood below to mean a housing or a housing element whose housing wall thickness is made significantly smaller in relation to the surface area of the housing wall.

For weight reasons, aluminum is preferably used as the electrically conductive material for the connector housing. In addition, however, zinc, brass, bronze, steel or suitable alloys can also be used.

To implement the shield transition between the shielding of the individual cables and the shielding of the connector, the shielding of the individual cable is exposed at the end of the cable that is inserted into the connector.

To achieve an optimized shield transition between the shielding of each cable and the connector housing made of electrically conductive material, a bushing must be provided in the connector housing for each cable. The geometry of the bushing, ie the cross-sectional profile of the bushing, is based on the geometry or the cross-sectional profile of the cable, in particular in the area of the exposed Cable shielding to adapt. Since in most cases the cable has a round cross-sectional profile or approximately a round cross-sectional profile in the area of the exposed shielding, the cross-sectional profile of the bushing must also be round. In the much rarer case of a ribbon cable, a cable with a square, rectangular, elliptical or differently shaped cross-sectional profile in the area of the exposed shielding, the cross-sectional profile of the associated bushing should be designed to be square, rectangular, elliptical or differently shaped.

The size of the bushing must be adapted to the size of the cable in the area of the shielding so that the cable can be simply inserted into the associated bushing during the assembly process and, at the same time, a reliable non-positive connection between the cable shielding and the connector housing can be produced in the crimping process.

The high-voltage connector can be designed as a straight connector or as an angled connector. Further technical functions of a high-voltage connector, such as contacting, sealing, heat dissipation, mechanical stabilization, etc., are not explained here because they are not essential to the invention. These can be implemented by means of customary and known technical measures.

Advantageous refinements and developments emerge from the further subclaims and from the description with reference to the figures of the drawing.

It goes without saying that the features mentioned above and those yet to be explained below can be used not only in the respectively specified combination, but also in other combinations or on their own, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

In a preferred embodiment, the shielded cable contains a support sleeve. A support sleeve, which is preferably made of a metal, is passed over the cable sheath. The shielding is wrapped around the support sleeve at the end of the cable. The Support sleeve can also be made of a non-metal. A support sleeve can preferably also be made of an elastic material, provided that the elastic material forms the hydrostatic pressure. Thus, non-relaxing rubber is also suitable as a material for a support sleeve.

The size and the cross-sectional profile of the bushing are preferably designed to be constant over the entire length of the bushing. Alternatively, the leadthrough can also be conically shaped, i. H. have a larger cross-section at the end on the inside of the housing than at the end on the outside of the housing. In this way, in addition to the non-positive connection, the crimping process also achieves a positive connection between the shielding of the cable and the connector housing. The additional form fit improves the pull-out force and the surface pressure from the connector housing on the shielding of the cable. In addition to a conical shape, a concave or convex arched passage or a stepped passage is also conceivable for the formation of a form fit.

The use of different manufacturing technologies in the production of electrically conductive connector housings, for example casting, stamping and bending, stamping and packaging, extrusion, etc., enables connector housings to be designed with a large number of different geometries and a different number of connector housing elements.

In a first embodiment, the connector housing is made in one piece from a single connector housing element. In this connector housing element, a bushing is formed for each cable. As already mentioned, the size and the cross-sectional profile are adapted to the size and the cross-sectional profile of the cable in the area of the shielding, in particular in the area of the support sleeve with the unbeaten shielding.

A connector housing of this type can preferably be produced by means of casting or stamping packaging. In the case of punch packaging, the connector housing element is made from several identical sheet-metal lamellae with punched-out bushings. The individual punched sheet metal lamellas are stacked and pressed together in the area of the bushings. Finally, the individual sheet metal lamellas pressed together are bent into a connector housing.

By forming slots in the connector housing in the area of the bushings, a plastic or elastic deformation of the connector housing in the area of the bushings can be achieved in a crimping process. The slots are preferably closed in the crimping process. The plastic or elastic deformation of the area of the connector housing in which the bushings are formed creates a force fit between the shielding of each cable and the connector housing. The individual slot preferably extends along the entire length of the leadthrough and is formed adjacent to the individual leadthrough, preferably oriented radially to the leadthrough in the connector housing.

In a preferred second embodiment, the connector housing is constructed in several parts. Here, the individual bushings of the connector housing are formed in at least one connector housing element. The at least one connector housing element in which the individual bushings are formed is referred to below as the first connector housing element. The at least one first connector housing element here forms the area of the connector housing in which the crimp connection is implemented. To form a complete connector housing, the connector housing additionally comprises at least one further connector housing element, which is referred to below as a second connector housing element. These second connector housing elements are preferably each designed in the form of a shell. The at least one second connector housing element is arranged between the crimp sleeve and the at least one first connector housing element. In this way, a non-positive connection between the at least one first connector housing element and the at least one second connector housing element is realized. A self-contained and mechanically stable connector housing is thus created. In addition to the frictional connection, a corresponding shaping of the outer wall of the at least one first connector housing element and the inner wall of the at least one second connector housing element a form fit can be achieved.

The individual first connector housing element is each preferably shaped like a disk. In the crimping process, the crimping tool applies a crimping force directed laterally to the longitudinal extension of the bushings onto the connector housing and thus onto the individual first connector housing element. This laterally introduced crimping force is converted into the best possible holding force and thus into the best possible frictional connection between the connector housing and the cable when the individual first connector housing element is formed in the shape of a disk.

The disc-shaped first connector housing element has two end-face surfaces which are parallel to one another and which are axially spaced apart at a smaller distance than the lateral extent of the first connector housing element. In more rare cases, the end-face surfaces can also not be arranged parallel to one another. A concave or convex curvature of the end-face surfaces is also conceivable.

The individual first connector housing element is preferably produced in a casting process, in particular in a die-casting process. Alternatively, a forming process such as extrusion or extrusion is also conceivable. In a rarer case, die-stacking or a machining process is also conceivable.

The material used and the geometry that can be achieved by means of the casting, forming or machining process enables the production of a first connector housing element which can be plastically and / or elastically deformed in the crimping process. In addition, through a suitable choice of the material and the geometry of the individual first connector housing element, at least a low-loss transfer of the crimping force exerted by the crimping tool on the crimp barrel to the holding force with which the connector housing holds the cables can be achieved.

The second connector housing element, which is preferably shell-shaped, can be produced by means of pressing or stamping and subsequent bending. A deep-drawing or casting process is also conceivable.

For the axial and rotational fixation of the individual first connector housing element on the at least one second connector housing element, a fixing area is formed in a preferred embodiment on the first connector housing element. This fixing area forms a positive connection with a corresponding fixing area which is formed on a second connector housing element. The corresponding fixing area can also be formed jointly by two adjacent second connector housing elements.

The fixing area can be designed, for example, as a hook-shaped, pin-shaped, plate-shaped or lamellar extension of the first connector housing element, which extends in the axial and tangential directions at the lateral boundary of the first connector housing element. This hook-shaped, pin-shaped, plate-shaped or lamellar extension is positively inserted into a correspondingly shaped recess which is shaped on the inner wall of the second connector housing element. Lateral delimitation of the first connector housing element is understood below to mean the outer wall of the first connector housing element adjoining the inner wall of the second connector housing element, which is arranged laterally to the longitudinal axis of the first connector housing element, which is preferably disc-shaped.

The first connector housing element can only have a single fixing area. Alternatively, a plurality of fixing areas can also be formed, which are arranged distributed over the lateral outer wall of the first connector housing element.

In a first sub-variant of the second embodiment of the connector housing, all of the feedthroughs are formed in a single first connector housing element.

With regard to a secure non-positive connection between the shielding of the individual cables and the first connector housing element, a complete enclosure of the cable shielding by the first connector housing element is desirable in the pressed or crimped state.

In the case of two cables that are connected to the plug connector, the two bushings are to be arranged in a first plug connector housing element with a preferably elliptical or oval shaped cross-sectional profile. In this case, each feedthrough is preferably completely surrounded by the first connector housing element in the pressed state. The two bushings are each arranged adjacent in the longer axis of the elliptically or ovally shaped cross-sectional profile of the first connector housing element. The elliptical or oval cross-sectional profile of the first connector housing element thus forms a comparatively small wall thickness between the individual bushing and the outer wall of the first connector housing element over an approximately semicircular area that is located at the axial ends of the longer axis of the ellipse or the oval extends. This favors the plastic or elastic deformation of the first connector housing element, which is necessary for the crimping process, in particular in this area. Alternatively, a first connector housing element with a round cross-sectional profile is also conceivable.

In the case of three cables that are connected to the plug connector, the bushings can also be arranged in a row next to one another in a plug connector housing element with a preferably elliptical or oval shaped cross-sectional profile. Alternatively, the three feedthroughs can be arranged triangularly to one another in a plug connector housing element with a cross-sectional profile that corresponds to a uniform thickness. This is a cross-sectional profile with three angular segments evenly distributed along the circumference with the same radius and / or the same arc length. An asymmetrical triangular arrangement of the three bushings is also conceivable.

In a modification of the first sub-variant of the second embodiment, the individual bushings can also be in a plurality of first connector housing elements each be designed. The individual feedthrough is here completely formed in a single first connector housing element. In particular, each feedthrough can in each case be formed in a single associated first connector housing element. The individual first connector housing elements are arranged and fastened to one another in such a way that, as in the case of a single first connector housing element, they jointly form a connector housing area with an elliptical, oval, round or polygonal, in particular rounded polygonal, cross-sectional profile.

In a second sub-variant of the second embodiment, the individual feedthrough can each be formed by two or more first connector housing elements. For this purpose, a recess is formed and arranged in each of the individual first connector housing elements and the individual first connector housing elements are arranged in relation to one another in such a way that the recesses of the individual first connector housing elements jointly form the feedthrough. These recesses are referred to below as first recesses.

The individual first connector housing elements are here also shaped like a disk and, arranged with respect to one another, form a common connector housing area with an elliptical, oval, round or polygonal, in particular rounded polygonal cross-sectional profile.

As a result of the crimping process, the multiple first connector housing elements arranged relative to one another are each plastically and / or elastically deformed in such a way that the cross-sectional profile of the individual first recesses and the feedthroughs jointly formed by the first recesses are reduced. This results in a force fit between the shielding of the individual cables and the connector housing within the individual bushings.

In a preferred embodiment of the second embodiment of the connector housing, recesses are formed in individual areas of the first connector housing element, in each of which no passage is formed, which are in the Hereinafter referred to as second recesses. These second recesses are each formed in the first connector housing element in such a way that a first rib-shaped area, which at least partially delimits a passage, and a second rib-shaped area, which at least partially forms a lateral outer wall of the first connector housing element, are formed. Finally, the second recesses also form a third rib-shaped area which extends between a second rib-shaped area and a third rib-shaped area.

The third rib-shaped area is preferably oriented perpendicular to the first rib-shaped area and to the second rib-shaped area. Thus, a crimping force directed perpendicularly from the crimp sleeve onto the second rib-shaped area of the first connector housing element is directed perpendicularly onto the first rib-shaped area and thus radially onto the leadthrough to create a holding force between the connector housing and the cable.

Thus, in a first connector housing element with a non-rotationally symmetrical cross-sectional profile, d. H. For example, in the case of an oval, elliptical or polygonal cross-sectional profile, the crimping force introduced from the crimping tool via the crimping sleeve to the first connector housing element not radially to the individual passage is diverted into a holding force directed radially to the individual passage. In this way, a rotationally symmetrical, homogeneous, non-positive connection between the shielding of the individual cables and the connector housing is achieved.

In addition to the deflection of the non-radially introduced crimping force into a radial holding force, the formation of second recesses in the first connector housing element also advantageously results in a weight reduction in the connector housing.

When casting the first connector housing element, the parting plane is arranged in a cross-sectional plane between the two axial ends of the first connector housing element and the second recesses preferably each axially on the end surfaces of the disc-shaped first connector housing element formed, a more uniform distribution of the casting compound over the entire extension of the connector housing and thus areas of the first connector housing element with comparatively similar wall thicknesses is achieved by such a formation of second recesses in the first connector housing element.

In a preferred embodiment of the first connector housing element, the parting plane is completely filled with a material. The second recesses, which are each formed on the end-face surfaces of the first connector housing element, are thus separated from one another. The parting plane of the first connector housing element filled with material thus enables optimal shielding of electromagnetic radiation between the interior of the housing and the outer space of the connector. The parting plane filled with material can be arranged centrally between the two end-face surfaces of the first connector housing element. However, the parting plane filled with material is preferably arranged on the inside surface of the housing or in the area of the inside surface of the first connector housing element, since in this way, in addition to the frictional connection, a conically shaped, form-fitting connection can be realized between the first connector housing element and the shielding of the cable is. Alternatively, the formation of second recesses is conceivable, which extend between the two end-face surfaces of the first connector housing element without the formation of a parting plane filled with material.

In the second sub-variant of the second embodiment of a connector housing, the parting plane in the casting process can alternatively also be in an axial direction of extent of the first connector housing element, i. H. be arranged in a direction parallel to the longitudinal extension of the bushings.

In this case, second recesses can be formed in the areas of the first plug connector housing element in which no feedthroughs are formed. These second recesses are shaped and arranged in such a way that, as a result, fourth rib-shaped areas are formed in each case parallel to the end-face surfaces of the first connector housing element. also Fifth rib-shaped areas can be formed by the arrangement and shaping of the second recesses, which are arranged between the fourth rib-shaped areas and connect the fourth rib-shaped areas to one another.

This technical measure also enables a uniform distribution of the casting compound over the entire extent of the first connector housing element and thus areas of the first connector housing element with comparatively similar wall thicknesses. In addition, this additionally reduces the weight of the first connector housing element.

In the event that several first connector housing elements are used, these can preferably be joined to one another by means of guide areas that correspond to one another. In this way, the individual first connector housing elements are already fixed to one another in the assembly process with the individual cables. This fixing of the individual first connector housing elements by means of guide areas that correspond to one another is essential in the crimping process, since a correct arrangement of the shielding of the individual cables in the associated bushings of the connector housing, a correct arrangement of the individual first connector housing elements, is essential for realizing a reliable crimp connection to each other and a correct arrangement of the crimp sleeve to the individual first connector housing elements is absolutely necessary.

The guide areas, which are each formed in the first connector housing elements that can be joined to one another, can be implemented, for example, as a guide rib and as an associated guide groove. Alternatively, a guide pin or a guide tongue can also be formed which correspond to a guide bore or a guide recess. Interlocking guide lamellas are also conceivable. The individual shapes of a guide area can also be present several times. For example, a guide area can be composed of a comb of several guide ribs, which is inserted into a corresponding comb of several guide grooves of the opposite guide area. The mutually corresponding guide areas are each formed in the contact areas of the first connector housing elements to be arranged adjacent. In this way, you also prevent the strands of the outer conductor shielding penetrate into the gaps between a plurality of first connector housing elements.

The joining of several first connector housing elements to one another can alternatively also be implemented via the fixing areas already described above, which are each formed between a first connector housing element and at least one second connector housing element.

For the axial fixation of the shielding of the individual cables in the associated bushings of the connector housing, at least one radial extension directed radially into the bushing is formed on the connector housing at at least one axial position in the bushing.

If the individual cables are inserted axially into the bushings formed in the connector housing, there is only one radial extension on the individual connector housing elements at one axial position within the bushing, namely at a position on the end of the bushing on the inside of the housing or adjacent to the end of the bushing on the housing side trained in the implementation area. The shielding of the individual cable, which is folded back around the support sleeve, is supported on this radial extension. Thus, in the case of an axial joining process of the individual cable, at least one axial fixation of the cable to the connector housing in an axial direction can be realized.

If the individual cables can be inserted laterally or laterally into the associated feedthroughs of the connector housing according to the second sub-variant of the second version of the connector housing, then at two axially spaced positions within the individual feedthroughs, radial extensions directed radially into the respective feedthrough in the individual connectors Housing elements are formed. In this way, an axial fixation of the cable in both axial directions within the connector housing is possible.

As a radial extension of the first connector housing element, which is formed in at least one axial position within the individual passage, a fully circumferential extension on the inner wall of the first connector housing element can be used trained bridge serve. Alternatively, several webs can also be provided, each arranged in a distributed manner on the inner wall of the first connector housing element and each extending only over an angular segment of the inner wall circumference. In particular, the radial expansion of the first connector housing element at the end of the bushing on the inside of the housing is fully formed, as it also prevents electrical connection of strands of the outer conductor shielding with strands of the inner conductor and thus a short-circuit connection. At the end of the bushing on the outside of the housing, however, a plurality of radial extensions of the first connector housing element are preferably formed in a reduced angular segment each, since this design is less rigid than a full design and thus has a lower risk of breakage. Instead of a radial expansion of the first connector housing element, a collar on the support sleeve is also conceivable for axial fixation.

For the plastic or elastic deformation of the connector housing, in particular the bushings formed in the connector housing, slots are formed in the connector housing in the non-pressed state. These slots are each formed either between two bushings or between a bushing and a lateral delimitation of the connector housing. The individual slot preferably extends along the entire length of the leadthrough and is formed adjacent to the individual leadthrough, preferably oriented radially to the leadthrough in the connector housing.

As a result of the plastic or elastic deformation of the connector housing, in particular of the first connector housing elements, during the crimping process, the individual slots are significantly reduced in terms of their slot width, preferably closed. In this way, the cross-sectional profile of the individual feedthrough is reduced, so that a reliable non-positive connection between the shielding of the cables and the connector housing can be achieved. A closed slot can also be identified on the inner wall of the first connector housing element in the pressed state. A single slot can preferably be located on the inner wall of the first connector housing element or, alternatively, several slots can also be located.

The individual slot is preferably designed as an open or closed gap, which either has two feedthroughs with each other or a feedthrough with the lateral delimitation of the first connector housing element in a direct connection, i. H. in the shortest possible connection, connects. In the case of the connection between two bushings, the individual slot can alternatively also be designed as an open or closed channel, which is formed between a groove-shaped formation of the first connector housing element and a rib-shaped formation of the same or of another first connector housing element inserted in the groove-shaped formation .

As already mentioned, a crimp sleeve is required to form a non-positive connection between the shielding of the individual cables and the connector housing, which surrounds the connector housing and all feedthroughs and is non-positively connected to the connector housing.

The crimp sleeve can be designed either as a closed band or as an open band, the ends of which are preferably connected to one another in a form-fitting manner after joining, for example by means of a clinch connection.

The axial width of the crimp sleeve preferably corresponds to the axial extent of the at least one first connector housing element. The axial width of the crimp sleeve can alternatively also be made larger than the axial extent of the at least one first plug connector housing element. The crimp sleeve is preferably axially aligned on the contact surface of the connector housing for the axial position of the at least one first connector housing element. Alternatively, the crimp sleeve can be arranged axially offset from the at least one first connector housing element.

The crimp sleeve can be connected to the connector housing not only in a force-locking manner, but also in a form-locking or material-locking manner. As soon as the crimp sleeve rests on the display surface of the connector housing, it is pretensioned in the circumferential direction in this case and exerts a compression force on the connector housing. The fixation of the crimp sleeve to the connector housing can here cohesively, for example via a point-like weld or solder connection, or in a form-fitting manner, for example via latching means which are respectively formed on the crimp sleeve and the connector housing and which correspond to one another.

At this point it should be mentioned that in the crimping process, in combination with the non-positive connection between the shielding of the individual cables and the connector housing, a material connection, in particular a locally limited material connection, is also possible. Such a material connection is possible in a cold welding process through the relative movement between the crimp sleeve and the connector housing and between the connector housing and the shielding of the individual cables.

In the unpressed state, this crimp sleeve has a cross section which is preferably larger than the cross section of the connector housing in the area of the feedthroughs in order to allow the connector housing to be easily enclosed by the crimp sleeve. In the pressed state, the cross-sectional profile of the crimp sleeve is no longer round, but rather adapted to the cross-sectional profile of the single first connector housing element or to the cross-sectional profile of the first connector housing elements that are joined to one another. The cross-sectional profile of the crimp barrel in the pressed state also results from the cross-sectional profile of the closed crimping tool. It can therefore assume an elliptical, oval, round or any other suitably rounded polygonal shape.

In addition, the circumference of the crimp sleeve, which rests in a force-locking manner on the connector housing in the pressed state, is reduced compared to the round circumference of the crimp sleeve in the non-pressed state. From the excess length of the crimp sleeve thus created by the crimping process, the crimping tool forms at least one fold-shaped section, preferably two fold-shaped sections, which each protrude from the connector housing or rest on the connector housing. Since the crimp sleeve experiences tensile forces during the crimping process due to the crimping force of the crimping tool, such a crimp is also referred to as a tension belt crimp.

The formation of fold-shaped sections of the crimping barrel can also be avoided if the crimping barrel is in an axial flow process through the crimping tool is transferred, in which instead of an excess length, an axial widening of the crimp barrel is achieved.

As an alternative to the tension belt crimp, a crimp sleeve is also conceivable, the circumference of which is compressed during the crimping process and therefore does not produce any excess length. Such a crimp barrel is preferably designed as a twelve-edged crimp barrel, since a crimp barrel with twelve edges best approximates an elliptical or oval cross-section. However, a crimp barrel with a lower or higher number of edges is also conceivable. A polygonal crimp can, for example, have up to 100 edges, preferably up to 20 edges, particularly preferably eight to 16 edges and very particularly preferably ten to 14 edges.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the individual support sleeves additionally have several depressions and / or elevations. These depressions and / or elevations formed on the support sleeve are preferably each formed in an annular manner. Alternatively, the depressions or elevations of the support sleeve can also be achieved by knurling the surface of the support sleeve. The shielding of the cable is guided in the longitudinal direction of the support sleeve in a form-fitting manner along the individual depressions or elevations and is therefore also axially fixed. In this way the pull-out force of the cable is increased.

The invention further relates to a first connector housing element for a connector arrangement.

The invention also relates to a method for producing a connector assembly. For this purpose, at least two cables are provided, each of which includes a shield and a cable jacket surrounding the shield. In addition, the shielding of each cable at the end of the cable is exposed by the cable sheath. In a further manufacturing step, each cable is inserted into the associated bushing, which is each formed in the connector housing. Finally, in a further manufacturing step, the connector housing is frictionally connected to a crimp sleeve.

Due to the force-fit connection of the connector housing with the crimp sleeve, the shielding of each cable is also connected with the connector housing in a force-fit manner. For this purpose, the crimp sleeve encloses the connector housing and the bushings formed in the connector housing.

The crimp sleeve is preferably already guided over the connector housing in the area of the bushings before the cables are inserted into the associated bushing of the connector housing. In this case, the at least one connector housing element with the inserted cables are then inserted into the at least one second connector housing element over which the crimp sleeve has already been placed.

Alternatively, however, it is also possible to guide the crimp sleeve over the connector housing only when the cables have already been inserted into the associated bushings of the connector housing and the at least one first connector housing element has been inserted into the at least one second connector housing element.

The invention further relates to a device for producing a connector arrangement which comprises an anvil for receiving the connector housing and a crimper which can be moved relative to the anvil. The connector housing is in a preassembled state, d. H. it is already enclosed by the crimp barrel and contains the cables inserted in the individual feed-throughs.

The cross-sectional profile of a cavity enclosed by the anvil and the crimper in a closed state of the crimping tool corresponds to the cross-sectional profile of the connector housing. It consequently has the cross-sectional profile of the single first connector housing element forming the feedthroughs or of the assembled first connector housing elements and is consequently elliptical, oval, round or rounded polygonally shaped.

In this way, with a device of this type for producing a connector arrangement, a reliable non-positive connection between the crimp sleeve is possible and the connector housing and between the shielding of each cable and the connector housing can be produced.

Features that have been described in connection with the connector arrangement according to the invention can of course be implemented for the connector housing element according to the invention, the method according to the invention for producing a connector arrangement and the device according to the invention for producing a connector arrangement - and vice versa.

The above configurations and developments in the individual versions and sub-variants can be combined with one another as desired, provided that it makes sense. Further possible configurations, developments and implementations of the invention also include combinations, not explicitly mentioned, of features of the invention described above or below with regard to the exemplary embodiments. In particular, the person skilled in the art will also add individual aspects as improvements or additions to the respective basic form of the present invention.

CONTENTS OF THE DRAWING

Fig. 1A

eine isometrische Darstellung einer ersten Ausführung einer erfindungsgemäßen Steckverbinder-Anordnung in einem Zwischenschritt der Herstellung,

Fig. 1B

eine isometrische Darstellung einer ersten Ausführung einer erfindungsgemäßen Steckverbinder-Anordnung am Ende der Herstellung,

Fig. 1C

eine Querschnittsdarstellung einer ersten Ausführung einer erfindungsgemäßen Steckverbinder-Anordnung,

Fig. 2A

eine Explosionsdarstellung einer ersten Untervariante einer zweiten Ausführung einer erfindungsgemäßen Steckverbinders-Anordnung in einem ersten Zwischenschritt der Herstellung,

Fig. 2B

eine Explosionsdarstellung einer ersten Untervariante einer zweiten Ausführung einer erfindungsgemäßen Steckverbinders-Anordnung in einem zweiten Zwischenschritt der Herstellung,

Fig. 2C

eine isometrische Darstellung einer ersten Untervariante einer zweiten Ausführung einer erfindungsgemäßen Steckverbinders-Anordnung am Ende der Herstellung,

Fig. 2D

eine Querschnittsdarstellung einer ersten Untervariante einer zweiten Ausführung einer erfindungsgemäßen Steckverbinder-Anordnung,

Fig. 3A

eine Explosionsdarstellung einer zweiten Untervariante einer zweiten Ausführung einer erfindungsgemäßen Steckverbinders-Anordnung mit drei Kabeln in einem ersten Zwischenschritt der Herstellung,

Fig. 3B

eine Explosionsdarstellung einer zweiten Untervariante einer zweiten Ausführung einer erfindungsgemäßen Steckverbinders-Anordnung mit drei Kabeln in einem zweiten Zwischenschritt der Herstellung,

Fig. 3C

eine isometrische Darstellung einer zweiten Untervariante einer zweiten Ausführung einer erfindungsgemäßen Steckverbinders-Anordnung mit drei Kabeln am Ende der Herstellung,

Fig. 3D

eine Querschnittsdarstellung einer zweiten Untervariante einer zweiten Ausführung einer erfindungsgemäßen Steckverbinder-Anordnung mit drei Kabeln,

Fig. 4A

eine Explosionsdarstellung einer zweiten Untervariante einer zweiten Ausführung einer erfindungsgemäßen Steckverbinders-Anordnung mit zwei Kabeln in einem ersten Zwischenschritt der Herstellung,

Fig. 4B

eine Explosionsdarstellung einer zweiten Untervariante einer zweiten Ausführung einer erfindungsgemäßen Steckverbinders-Anordnung mit zwei Kabeln in einem zweiten Zwischenschritt der Herstellung,

Fig. 4C

eine isometrische Darstellung einer zweiten Untervariante einer zweiten Ausführung einer erfindungsgemäßen Steckverbinders-Anordnung mit zwei Kabeln am Ende der Herstellung,

Fig. 4D

eine Querschnittsdarstellung einer zweiten Untervariante einer zweiten Ausführung einer erfindungsgemäßen Steckverbinder-Anordnung mit zwei Kabeln,

Fig. 5

eine Darstellung einer Vorrichtung zur Herstellung einer erfindungsgemäßen Steckverbinder-Anordnung und

Fig. 6

ein Flussdiagramm eines Verfahrens zur Herstellung einer erfindungsgemäßen Steckverbinder-Anordnung.

The present invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the exemplary embodiments specified in the schematic figures of the drawing. It shows:

Figure 1A

an isometric representation of a first embodiment of a connector arrangement according to the invention in an intermediate step of production,

Figure 1B

an isometric view of a first embodiment of a connector arrangement according to the invention at the end of production,

Figure 1C

a cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of a connector arrangement according to the invention,

Figure 2A

an exploded view of a first sub-variant of a second embodiment of a connector assembly according to the invention in a first intermediate step of manufacture,

Figure 2B

an exploded view of a first sub-variant of a second embodiment of a connector assembly according to the invention in a second intermediate step of manufacture,

Figure 2C

an isometric representation of a first sub-variant of a second embodiment of a connector arrangement according to the invention at the end of production,

Figure 2D

a cross-sectional view of a first sub-variant of a second embodiment of a connector arrangement according to the invention,

Figure 3A

an exploded view of a second sub-variant of a second embodiment of a connector assembly according to the invention with three cables in a first intermediate step of manufacture,

Figure 3B

an exploded view of a second sub-variant of a second embodiment of a connector assembly according to the invention with three cables in a second intermediate step of manufacture,

Figure 3C

an isometric representation of a second sub-variant of a second embodiment of a connector assembly according to the invention with three cables at the end of production,

Figure 3D

a cross-sectional view of a second sub-variant of a second embodiment of a connector arrangement according to the invention with three cables,

Figure 4A

an exploded view of a second sub-variant of a second embodiment of a connector assembly according to the invention with two cables in a first intermediate step of manufacture,

Figure 4B

an exploded view of a second sub-variant of a second embodiment of a connector assembly according to the invention with two cables in a second intermediate step of manufacture,

Figure 4C

an isometric view of a second sub-variant of a second embodiment of a connector assembly according to the invention with two cables at the end of production,

Figure 4D

a cross-sectional view of a second sub-variant of a second embodiment of a connector arrangement according to the invention with two cables,

Fig. 5

a representation of a device for producing a connector assembly according to the invention and

Fig. 6

a flow chart of a method for producing a connector arrangement according to the invention.

The accompanying figures of the drawing are intended to provide a further understanding of the embodiments of the invention. They illustrate embodiments and, in conjunction with the description, serve to explain principles and concepts of the invention. Other embodiments and many of the advantages mentioned emerge with a view to the drawings. The elements of the drawings are not necessarily shown to scale with one another.

In the figures of the drawing, identical, functionally identical and identically acting elements, features and components - unless stated otherwise - are each provided with the same reference symbols.

The figures are described in a coherent and comprehensive manner below.

DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

In a first embodiment of the connector assembly according to the invention, which is shown below with reference to the Figures 1A, 1B and 1C is described, the connector housing is formed in one piece.

In the connector arrangement 1 according to Figure 1A two cables 3 are fed to a connector 2 of the connector arrangement 1. In addition to other components, the connector 2 also contains a connector housing 4. To shield the connector 2, the connector housing 4 is made of an electrically conductive material, in particular a metal.

In order to connect the two cables 3 to the connector 2, the connector housing 4 has two associated bushings 5 through which the two cables 3 are passed from the outside into the interior of the connector housing 4. In the area of the bushings 5, a slot 6 is formed in the connector housing 4 in order to reduce the diameter of the bushing 5 for fixing the cable 3 in the bushing during the crimping process. In the non-pressed state of the connector arrangement 1, the diameter of the bushing 5 is slightly larger than the largest diameter of the cable 3 in order to enable the cable 3 to be easily inserted into the connector housing 4. The two bushings 5 are formed adjacent in the connector housing 4 in order to connect the two cables 3 to the connector housing 4 in a non-positive manner in a single crimping process with a common crimping sleeve.

The cable 3 is typically constructed as follows, in particular from Figure 1C it emerges:
A bundle of individual strands stranded with one another, which form the inner conductor 7 in the interior of the cable 3, is enclosed by insulation 8. A shield 9 made of a mesh of interwoven metal wires in turn surrounds the insulation 8. Finally, an electrically insulating cable sheath 10 surrounds the shield 9 of the cable 3. At the cable end 11, the strand bundles of the inner conductor 7 are exposed from the insulation 8. The inner conductor 7 exposed by the insulation 8 is connected to a contact element 12, preferably by means of a welded connection. Alternatively, a crimp or solder connection is also possible. Finally, it is also possible for the individual To compress strands of the inner conductor 7 at the cable end 11 in a compaction process and to weld them to form a contact element. At the cable end 11, the shielding 9 from the cable sheath 10 is also exposed over a certain longitudinal section of the cable 3. The end of the cable jacket 10 encloses a support sleeve 13 made of metal. The shielding 9 of the cable 3 exposed by the cable sheath 10 is folded back around the support sleeve 13.

How out Figure 1B As can be seen, the two cables 3 are inserted into the associated bushing 5 of the connector housing 4 to such an extent that the shielding 9, which is folded back around the support sleeve 13, is positioned in the area of the associated bushing 5. In this way it is possible, as in Figure 1B is shown, by means of a crimping process, to implement a force-fit connection between the shielding 9 of each cable 3, which is folded back around the support sleeve 13, and the connector housing 4 within the associated bushing 5. Thus, an optimal shield transition between the shielding 9 of each cable 3 and the shielding of the connector 2, which is formed by the metallic connector housing 4, is realized.

To implement the force-fit connection between the shielding 9 of each cable and the connector housing 4, a crimp sleeve 14 is guided around the connector housing 4 in the area of the two bushings 6 each formed in the connector housing 4. The crimp sleeve 14 consequently encloses the connector housing 4 and all of the bushings 5 formed in the connector housing 4, preferably completely. The crimp sleeve 14 thus also encloses the cables 3 passed through the bushings 5 in the area of the shielding 9 that is folded back around the respective support sleeve 13. So that the crimp sleeve 14 can enclose the connector housing 4 and the bushings 5 formed therein, the connector housing 4 has an in sleeve-shaped support surface 15 for the crimp sleeve 14. The axial width of this sleeve-shaped support surface 15 corresponds at least to the axial width of the crimp sleeve 14. It preferably corresponds to the axial width of the crimp sleeve 14.

The cross-sectional profile of this sleeve-shaped support surface 15 is designed in such a way that the region of the connector housing located between the sleeve-shaped support surface 15 4 encloses all bushings 6 as closely spaced as possible. The area of the connector housing 4 located between this sleeve-shaped support surface 15 and the feedthroughs 6 must therefore be designed in such a way that this area of the connector housing 4 can be deformed sufficiently for the crimping process. While the crimp sleeve 14 only has to be plastically deformed, the connector housing 4 can either be plastically or only elastically deformed. For those in the Figures 1A to 1C The feed of two cables 3 shown in each case advantageously results in an oval lateral cross-sectional profile of the sleeve-shaped support surface 15. For a different number of cables 3 to be fed and thus for other possible arrangements of the associated bushings 5, in addition to an oval cross-sectional profile, there is also an elliptical, round or polygonal, in particular a rounded, polygonal, cross-sectional profile is conceivable.

In a crimping process with a suitably designed crimping tool, which will be described below, the crimping force exerted by the crimping tool on the crimping sleeve 14 connects the crimping sleeve 14 to the connector housing 4 in a non-positive manner. The crimping force of the crimping tool has the effect that the area of the connector housing 4 located between the crimp sleeve 14 is plastically or purely elastically deformed. Here, in particular, the lateral cross section of the individual feedthrough 5 is reduced, so that the shielding 9 of each cable 3 is positively connected to the associated inner wall of the connector housing 4 within the feedthrough 5. By reducing the lateral cross section of the individual feedthrough 5, in particular the slot 6 formed in the region of the feedthrough 5 in the connector housing 4 is reduced in size, preferably closed. Due to the frictional connection, the crimp sleeve 14 tightly encloses the connector housing 4 without air inclusion.

The lateral circumference of the crimp sleeve 14 is enlarged compared to the lateral circumference of the connector housing 4 in the area of the bushings 5, ie compared to the lateral cross section of the sleeve-shaped support surface 14, in the non-pressed state of the connector housing 4, in order to easily enclose the connector housing 4 by the crimp sleeve 14 to enable in the assembly. The lateral circumference of the crimp sleeve 14, which is necessary for the non-positive encompassing of the plastically or elastically deformed connector housing 4, is consequently compared to the original Lateral circumference reduced. The crimp sleeve 14 consequently has an excess length after the crimping process, which is not required for the non-positive connection with the connector housing 4. This excess length of the crimp sleeve 14 is converted by the crimping tool into at least one fold-shaped section 16 of the crimp sleeve 14, preferably two fold-shaped sections 16 of the crimp sleeve 14, as in FIG Figure 1C is shown, reshaped. The individual fold-shaped section 16 of the crimp sleeve 14 protrudes from the connector housing 4.

In a second embodiment of the connector arrangement 1 according to the invention, which is described in the following figures, the connector housing 4 is constructed in several parts. The connector housing 4 has at least one first connector housing element 17 in which the bushings 5 are formed. This at least one first connector housing element 17 is in each case plastically or elastically deformed in the crimping process by the crimping sleeve 14 surrounding it. The plastic or elastic deformation of the at least one first connector housing element 17 leads to a reduction in the lateral cross section of the feedthroughs 5 formed therein and thus to a non-positive connection between the shielding 9 of the individual cable 3 and the connector housing 4.

The connector housing 4 additionally comprises at least one second connector housing element 18 ₁ and 18 ₂ . The at least one second connector housing element 18 ₁ and 18 ₂ is used primarily for large-area housing of the connector components integrated in the connector 2, for example the contact elements 12, and is therefore preferably each shell-shaped. The shell-like shape of the second connector housing elements 18 ₁ and 18 ₂ reduces the weight of the connector 2 and enables simple manufacture, for example by means of a casting process. How out Figure 2C As can be seen, the at least one second connector housing element 18 ₁ and 18 _{2 is arranged} between the crimp sleeve 14 and the at least one first connector housing element 17.

As in the first embodiment of the connector arrangement 1 according to the invention, a support surface 15 for the crimp sleeve 14 is provided on the outer surface of the at least one second connector housing element 18 ₁ and 18 _2. For axial fixation of the crimp sleeve 14 on the support surface 15 of the connector housing 4, radially oriented boundary regions 34 are formed _{on the outer surface of the second connector housing elements 18 1} and 18 _2. As a result of the crimping process, the second connector housing elements 18 ₁ and 18 _{2 are} connected to the crimp sleeve 14 and at the same time to the first connector housing element 17 in a force-locking manner.

In a first sub-variant of the second embodiment of a connector arrangement 1 according to the invention, which in the Figures 2A , 2 B , 2C and 2D is described, each feedthrough 5 is formed in a single first connector housing element 17. In the in the Figures 2A to 2D In each case shown special case of a first sub-variant of the second embodiment of the connector arrangement 1 according to the invention, all of the bushings 5 are formed in a single first connector housing element 17.

This special case is characterized by a minimal number of slots 6 which are formed in the first connector housing element 17. The one in the Figures 2A to 2D The first connector housing element 17 shown in each case has a slot 6 in the first connector housing element 17 for each passage 5 between the individual passage 5 and the lateral boundary of the first connector housing element 17. In an alternative form to that shown in the figures in FIG Figures 2A to 2D The one-piece first connector housing element 17 shown in each case, a single slot 6 is formed between the two feedthroughs 5. The minimization of the number of slots in the first connector housing element 17 reduces the degrees of freedom of movement of the cables 3 in the individual feedthroughs 5 during the crimping process and thus undesirable deformation or damage to the pre-assembled cable 3 and the associated support sleeve 13.

As can be seen in particular from the representation of the Figure 2D As can be seen, a plurality of second recesses 19 are provided in the first connector housing element 17. The second recesses 19 are formed in the areas of the first plug connector housing element 17 in which no feedthroughs 5 are provided. The second recesses 19 are each between a parting plane for the Casting process is required and is arranged centrally between the two axial end faces of the disk-shaped first connector housing element 17, and one of the two axial end faces is formed in each case.

As a result of the formation of these second recesses 19, a plug connector housing element 17 which is optimized in terms of casting technology can advantageously be produced from areas each with a comparatively similar wall thickness.

The individual second recesses 19 are designed in such a way that first rib-shaped areas 20, second rib-shaped areas 21 and third rib-shaped areas 22 are formed in the first connector housing element 17. The first rib-shaped area 20 forms a sectional delimitation of a feedthrough 5. The second rib-shaped area 21 forms a section of the lateral delimitation of the first connector housing element 17. The third rib-shaped area 22 connects a first rib-shaped area 20 with a second rib-shaped area 21.

The third rib-shaped areas 22 of the connector housing element 17 each cause a deflection of the crimping force, which is either vertical or horizontal by the crimping tool, i. H. perpendicular to the lateral delimitation of the first connector housing element 17, into which the first connector housing element 17 is introduced, in a holding force that is each radially oriented for the individual passage 5. In this way, the inner wall of the first connector housing element 17 in the area of the individual bushing 5 is more evenly compressed radially over the entire circumference and thus a uniform force-fit connection between the first connector housing element 17 and the shielding 9 of the individual cables 3 is achieved.

In the first sub-variant of the second embodiment of the connector arrangement 1 according to the invention, the individual cable 3 with its shielding 9 that is not wrapped around a support sleeve 13 is inserted axially into an associated passage 5 of the first connector housing element 17. In order to axially fix the individual cable 3 in the first plug connector housing element 17, the individual bushing 5 on the inner wall of the first is preferably located on the inside end of the housing Connector housing element 17 each formed radially into the individual passage 5 into extensions 23, as from the Figures 2A and 2 B emerges. The shielding 9 of the individual cable 3 is axially supported on these radially inwardly directed extensions 23 of the first connector housing element 17. Thus, in the first sub-variant of the second embodiment of the connector arrangement 1 according to the invention, the individual cable 3 is fixed in the connector housing 4 at least in one axial direction.

In a second sub-variant of the second embodiment of the connector arrangement 1 according to the invention, the individual bushings 5 are each formed by the molding and the arrangement of a plurality of first connector housing elements 17 ₁ and 17 ₂ .

In the case of the Figures 3A, 3B , 3C and 3D The connector arrangement 1 shown in each case, three cables 3 are fed to a connector 2. The three cables 3 are each inserted in an associated bushing 5 of the connector housing 4, which are formed by two first connector housing elements 17 ₁ and 17 ₂ .

In the two first connector housing elements 17 ₁ and 17 ₂ , a first recess 24 is formed and arranged for each feedthrough 5 in such a way that when the two first connector housing elements 17 ₁ and 17 ₂ are joined together, the individual first recesses 24 that are joined together each have one Training implementation 5.

For joining the two common first connector housing elements 17 ₁ and 17 ₂ at each first connector housing element 17 ₁ and 17 ₂ are each a guide area 25 ₁ and 25 ₂ is formed, which correspond to each other. In the case of the guide areas 25 ₁ and 25 ₂ , it can be, for example, as in FIG Figure 3A is shown to act around a guide rib and a guide groove corresponding thereto. _{Other guide areas 25 1} and 25 ₂ that correspond to one another, such as a guide pin and a matching guide bore, are also conceivable. The two guide areas 25 ₁ and 25 ₂ are on mutually adjacent contact surfaces or contact areas of the two first connector housing elements 17 ₁ and 17 _{2 are} each formed.

In addition to the formation of two first connector housing elements 17 ₁ and 17 ₂ , especially in the case of three cables 3, a three-part design of first connector housing elements arranged relative to one another is also conceivable.

In the cross-sectional view of the Figure 3D In the crimped or pressed state of the connector arrangement 1, the two first connector housing elements 17 ₁ and 17 ₂ joined to one another with the bushings 5 formed therein can be seen. The slots 6, which are closed in the compressed state and are located between the two first connector housing elements 17 ₁ and 17 _{2 that} are joined to one another, can also be seen. After all, in Figure 3D a closed slot 6 between a passage 5 and a second recess 19 can also be seen.

While in Figures 1D and 2C the pressed crimp sleeve 14 is designed as a tension belt crimp is shown in FIG Figure 3D the pressed crimp barrel 14 is alternatively shaped as a so-called polygonal crimp, in particular as a twelve-sided crimp. In order to produce the crimping sleeve 14 with a total of twelve edges by means of the crimping process, a correspondingly shaped crimping tool is required. The pressed crimp sleeve 14 with a total of twelve edges represents the best possible approximation of the oval cross-sectional profile of the two joined first connector housing elements 17 ₁ and 17 _2. It thus enables the best possible homogeneous frictional connection between the crimp sleeve 14 and the two joined first connector housing elements 17 ₁ and 17 ₂ and the interposed second connector housing elements 18 ₁ and 18 ₂ over the entire circumference.

In the Figures 4A, 4B , 4C and 4D a further expression of a second sub-variant of the second embodiment of the connector arrangement 1 is shown in each case. In this case, two cables 3 are inserted into associated bushings 5. The two bushings 5 are each formed by two first recesses 24, which in turn are each formed and arranged _{in two first connector housing elements 17 1} and 17 _2. Due to the cylindrical cross-sectional profile of the In the two passages 5, the associated first recesses 24 in the two first connector housing elements 17 ₁ and 17 _{2 are} each semicylindrical in shape.

Since the two first connector housing elements 17 ₁ and 17 ₂ are joined laterally to one another, lateral insertion of the two cables 3 into the two first connector housing elements 17 ₁ and 17 _{2 is also} possible, as in FIG Figure 4B is indicated. By laterally inserting the individual cables 3 into the associated recesses 24 of the two first connector housing elements 17 ₁ and 17 _{2, it} is possible to axially fix the individual cables 3 in the connector housing 4 in both axial directions.

In the two first connector housing elements 17 ₁ and 17 ₂ , at least one radial extension 23 directed radially inward into the respective passage 5 is formed on the inner walls of the first recesses 24 in two axially spaced positions. This radial widening 23 can each be designed in one piece as a web formed over the entire circumference of the inner wall or in several parts from several webs which are each distributed on the circumference of the inner wall, as shown in FIG Figure 4A can be seen. The radial widenings 23 are preferably formed on the end of the individual feedthrough 5 on the inside and on the outside of the housing and typically correspond to the axial extent of the support sleeve 13.

In the case of a multi-part design of the first connector housing elements 17 ₁ and 17 ₂ , the parting plane in the casting process can not only be arranged centrally and parallel to the two axial end faces of the first connector housing elements 17 ₁ and 17 ₂ , but also alternatively in a plane perpendicular thereto . With this alternative arrangement of the parting plane, second recesses 19 can be formed in the areas of the first plug connector housing elements 17 ₁ and 17 ₂ in which no feedthroughs 5 are formed. These second recesses 19 of the first connector housing elements 17 ₁ and 17 ₂ extend from the lateral delimitation of the first connector housing elements 17 ₁ and 17 ₂ radially in the direction of the interior of the first connector housing elements 17 ₁ and 17 ₂ . In this way, areas of the first connector housing elements which are optimized in terms of casting technology can be achieved Realize 17 ₁ and 17 ₂ with a comparatively similar wall thickness.

In addition, by suitably shaping and arranging the second recesses 19 in the first connector housing elements 17 ₁ and 17 ₂ , fourth rib-shaped areas 26 can be formed which extend parallel to the end faces of the first connector housing elements 17 ₁ and 17 ₂ . Between the two fourth rib-shaped areas 26, fifth rib-shaped areas 28 are additionally formed by the second recesses 19.

A fixing area 29 is formed in each case on the lateral delimitation 27 of the first connector housing elements 17 ₁ and 17 _2. The fixing area 29 of the first connector housing elements 17 ₁ and 17 ₂ cooperates with a corresponding fixing area of the second connector housing elements 18 ₁ and 18 ₂ to form the first connector housing elements 17 ₁ and 17 ₂ to the second connector housing elements 18 ₁ and 18 18 ₂ to be fixed axially and rotationally. The fixing area 29 is typically shaped like a plate and engages with a correspondingly shaped recess in the second connector housing elements 18 ₁ and 18 ₂ . Alternatively, for example, a rod-shaped formation for the fixing area 27 is also conceivable.

Out Fig. 5 shows a device 30 according to the invention for producing a connector arrangement 1. This device 30 for producing a connector arrangement 1 according to the invention contains an anvil 31 and a crimper 32 as a crimping tool. The crimper 32 is relative to the anvil 31, as indicated by the double arrow in FIG Fig. 5 is indicated, movable. The movement of the crimper 32 relative to the stationary anvil 31 is controlled by a controller 33. The controller 33 can optionally also set the crimping force with which the crimper 32 acts on the connector housing 4 of the connector 2. A movement of the crimper 32 with an adjustable force-displacement curve is also conceivable through the control 33.

The cross-sectional profile of a cavity enclosed by the anvil 31 and the crimper 32 in the closed state of the crimping tool, ie in the closed state of the anvil 31 and the crimper 32 corresponds to a cross-sectional profile of the crimped or pressed connector housing 4. If the cross-sectional profile of the connector housing 4 is, for example, oval shaped, as in FIG Fig. 5 is indicated, the cavity formed by the anvil 31 and by the crimper 32 is also oval in shape in the closed state of the crimping tool. In the case of an elliptical or oval cross-sectional profile of the connector housing 4, the relative movement of the crimper 32 to the anvil 31 and to the connector housing 4 arranged in the anvil 31 can take place along the shorter minor axis of the ellipse or the oval, as in FIG Fig. 5 is shown. Alternatively, the relative movement of the crimper 32 to the anvil 31 and to the connector housing 4 arranged in the anvil 31 can also take place along the longer main axis of the ellipse or the oval.

In Fig. 6 the individual method steps of the method according to the invention for producing a connector arrangement 1 are shown:
In a first method step S10, several pre-assembled cables 3 are provided, which are to be fed to the connector 2 of the connector arrangement. A prefabricated cable 3 is understood here to mean at least one cable 3, at the cable end 11 of which the stranded wire bundle of the inner conductor 7 is exposed by the insulation 8 and is preferably connected to an associated contact element 12. In addition, the shielding 9 is exposed from the cable sheath 10 in a pre-assembled cable 3 at the cable end 11. Finally, in a pre-assembled cable 3, the end of the cable jacket 10 is enclosed by a support sleeve 13 around which the exposed shielding 9 is folded back.

A cable 3 pre-assembled and provided in this way is inserted in a further method step S20 into an associated bushing 5 which is formed in the plug connector housing 4 of the plug connector 2.

A crimp sleeve 14 preferably already rests on a support surface 15 of the connector housing 4 and in the process encloses the connector housing 4 located therebetween and the feedthroughs 5 formed therein.

In a final method step S30, a non-positive connection between the crimp sleeve 14 and the connector housing 4 and thus also a non-positive connection between the connector housing 4 and the shielding 9 of the individual cables 3 is established in a pressing or crimping process with a crimping tool.

Although the present invention has been fully described above on the basis of preferred exemplary embodiments, it is not restricted thereto, but rather can be modified in many different ways.

List of reference symbols

1

Connector arrangement

2

Connectors

3

electric wire

4th

Connector housing

5

execution

6th

slot

7th

Inner conductor

8th

isolation

9

Shielding

10

Cable sheath

11

Cable end

12th

Contact element

13th

Support sleeve

14th

Crimp barrel

15th

Support surface

16

wrinkled area

17,17 ₁ , 17 ₂

first connector housing element

18 ₁ , 18 ₂

second connector housing element

19th

second recess

20th

first rib-shaped area

21

second rib-shaped area

22nd

third rib-shaped area

23

radial extension

24

first recess

25 ₁ , 25 ₂

Leadership area

26th

fourth rib-shaped area

27

lateral limitation

28

fifth rib-shaped area

29

Fixation area

30th

Device for producing a connector arrangement

31

anvil

32

Crimper

33

control

34

Limiting area

Claims (15)

Connector arrangement (1) comprising: - At least two cables (3) each with a cable jacket (10) and a shield (9) each arranged within the cable jacket (10), the shield (9) being exposed at one cable end (11) from the cable jacket (10), - A connector housing (4) made of an electrically conductive material, in which a bushing (5) is formed for each cable (3), the exposed shielding (9) of each cable (3) being in the respective bushing (5) and is positively connected to the connector housing (4), and - A crimp sleeve (14), the crimp sleeve (14) enclosing the connector housing (4) and each feedthrough (5) and being connected to the connector housing (4) in a non-positive manner. Connector arrangement (1) according to claim 1,
characterized,
that the bushing (5) is formed in at least one first connector housing element (17; 17 ₁ , 17 ₂ ) of the connector housing (4). Connector arrangement (1) according to claim 2,
characterized,
that the connector housing (4) has at least one second connector housing element (18 ₁ , 18 ₂ ), each of which is shell-shaped, the at least one second connector housing element (18 ₁ , 18 ₂ ) between the crimp sleeve (14) and the at least one first connector housing element (17; 17 ₁ , 17 ₂ ) is arranged. Connector arrangement (1) according to claim 3,
characterized,
that on a lateral boundary (27) of the at least one first connector housing element (17; 17 ₁ , 17 ₂ ) each have a fixing area (29) for the axial and / or rotational fixing of the at least one first connector housing element (17; 17 ₁ , 17 ₂ ) on which at least one second connector housing element (18 ₁ , 18 ₂ ) is formed. Connector arrangement (1) according to one of claims 2 to 4,
characterized, - That the bushing (1) is formed in a single first connector housing element (17); or - That a plurality of first connector housing elements (171, 172) each have a first recess (24), wherein the plurality of first connector housing elements (171, 172), each with the first recess (24), are arranged to one another in such a way that the first recesses (24) form the implementation (5). Connector arrangement (1) according to claim 5,
characterized,
that in the at least one first connector housing element (17; 17 ₁ , 17 ₂ ) a plurality of second recesses (19) are formed in each case in such a way that thereby in the at least one first connector housing element (17; 17 ₁ , 17 ₂ ) a first rib-shaped area (20) which forms a radial delimitation of the feedthrough (5), a second rib-shaped area (21) which forms a lateral delimitation (27) of the at least one first connector housing element (17; 17 ₁ , 17 ₂ ) forms, and forms a third rib-shaped area (22) which connects the first rib-shaped area (20) and the second rib-shaped area (21). Connector arrangement (1) according to claim 5,
characterized,
that in the at least one first connector housing element (17 ₁ , 17 ₂ ) a plurality of second recesses (19) are formed in such a way that a plurality of fourth rib-shaped areas _{are formed in the at least one first connector housing element (17 1} , 17 ₂₎ (26), which are each arranged parallel to one another and are axially spaced from one another, and form at least one fifth rib-shaped region (28) which connects the fourth rib-shaped regions (26) in each case. Connector arrangement (1) according to one of claims 2 to 7,
characterized,
that several first connector housing elements (17 ₁ , 17 ₂ ) each have a guide region (25 ₁ , 25 ₂ ) through which the several first connector housing elements (17 ₁ , 17 ₂ ) are joined. Connector arrangement (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8,
characterized,
that there is at least one slot (6) in the connector housing (4) starting from each passage (5). Connector arrangement (1) according to one of claims 1 to 9,
characterized,
that the connector housing (4) has at least one radial extension (23) directed radially into the bushing (5) in at least one axial position within the bushing (5). Connector arrangement (1) according to one of claims 1 to 10,
characterized,
that at least one fold-shaped section (16) is formed in the crimp sleeve (14). Connector arrangement (1) according to one of claims 1 to 11,
characterized,
that a support sleeve (13) encloses the cable jacket (10) and the exposed shielding (9) is folded back around the support sleeve (13), the support sleeve (13) having several elevations and / or several depressions. First connector housing element (17; 17 ₁ , 17 ₂ ) for a connector arrangement (1) according to one of claims 1 to 12. Method for producing a connector arrangement (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 12 with the method steps: - Provision of the at least two cables (3) each with the shielding (9) exposed at the cable end (11) from the cable sheath (10), - Insertion of each cable (3) into the associated bushing (5) of the connector housing (4) and - Frictional connection of the connector housing (4) with the crimp sleeve (14). Device (30) for producing a connector arrangement (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 12, comprising an anvil (31) for receiving the connector housing (4) and a crimper (32) movable relative to the anvil (31), wherein a cross-sectional profile a cavity enclosed by the anvil (31) and the crimper (32) corresponds to a cross-sectional profile of the connector housing (4).

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