EP3804042A1

EP3804042A1 - Securing system for plug connectors

Info

Publication number: EP3804042A1
Application number: EP19726939.2A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Martin Zebhauser; Paul Schroeder; Markus Henning; Stefan Loeffelholz
Original assignee: Rosenberger Hochfrequenztechnik GmbH and Co KG
Current assignee: Rosenberger Hochfrequenztechnik GmbH and Co KG
Priority date: 2018-06-05
Filing date: 2019-05-21
Publication date: 2021-04-14
Anticipated expiration: 2039-05-21
Also published as: WO2019233763A1; EP3804042C0; CN112262506B; EP3804042B1; US20210265763A1; CN112262506A; US11557847B2; DE102018113368A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a securing system for plug connectors (8, 11), having an adapter (7, 10) and a housing part (3, 4) with at least one plug space (6, 9) with interfaces for receiving the adapter (7, 10). The exterior of the adapter (7, 10) has interfaces for positioning in the plug space (6, 10) of the housing part (3, 4). Furthermore, the adapter has an interior geometry for receiving a plug connector (8, 11). The exterior of the adapter (7, 10) and the plug space (6, 9) of the housing part (3, 4) are designed to form a primary securing device (15) for securing the adapter (7, 10) in the respective plugs space (6, 9) when the adapter (7, 10) is inserted into a defined plug position in the plug space (6, 9). In order to secure the adapter (7, 10) in the plug space (6, 9), a secondary securing device (18) is provided which can be plugged into the housing part (3, 4) up to a defined end position. The secondary securing device (18) is designed to also secure the plug connector (8, 11) in the adapter (7, 10) in the end position.

Description

Fuse system for connectors

The invention relates to a security system for connectors.

The invention also relates to a modular connector system for vehicles with a hedging system for the connector according to claim 18.

The invention also relates to a secondary fuse for a fuse system for connectors or for a modular connector system for vehicles according to claim 22.

In the assembly of cables whose conductors are typically ver with a connector connected to then in a known manner electrical connections with other cables or Lei tern, the corresponding connector or mating connector, to be able to produce. In a connector or mating connector may be a plug, a Einbauste cker, a socket, a clutch or an adapter. The term te used in the context of the term "connector" is representative of all variants.

In particular, to connectors for the automotive industry or for vehicles high demands are made in terms of their robustness and safety of the connectors. Thus, a connector must withstand sometimes high loads, such as mechanical loads, and remain defined closed, so that the electrical connection is not unintentionally, example, during operation of a vehicle, separated. In particular, in the autonomous operation of vehicles and assistance systems, ensuring safety is paramount.

Furthermore, the number of connectors to be installed in vehicles is steadily increasing, while the connector systems required are becoming more and more complex at the same time. In practice, different types of connectors are often integrated in a common module housing in practice. Problema table is in particular that the compilation of to be integrated in a module housing different connector types application-specific, for example, depending on the driving tool type, can vary greatly. The human and economic effort to design, manufacture and assembly of the connector systems is therefore comparatively large, especially for vehicles.

The present invention has for its object to provide an improved security system for recorded in an adapter connector.

This object is solved by the features of claim 1. It is a further object of the present invention to provide an improved connector system for vehicles in which the connectors received in an adapter are reliably secured.

This object is solved by claim 18.

The dependent claims relate to advantageous embodiments and variants of the invention.

The present invention is also an object of the invention to provide an improved fuse for a hedging system for connector or a modular connector system for vehicles.

This object is achieved by claim 22.

The fuse system for connectors according to the invention has an adapter and a housing part with at least one slot with interfaces for receiving the adapter. The adapter has on its outer side interfaces for positioning in the slot of the housing part. The adapter also has an internal geometry for receiving a connector. The outer sides of the Adap age and the slot of the housing part are designed such that they form a primary fuse for loading fastening of the adapter in the slot when the adapter is inserted into a predefined Steckpositi on in the slot. According to the invention, a secondary fuse is provided to secure the adapter in the plug, which is inserted into a predefined end position in the housing part, wherein the secondary fuse is designed to secure in the end position and the fastex binder in the adapter.

The security system according to the invention makes it possible for an adapter, which itself receives a fastex binder, can be particularly reliably connected to a housing part. There is, especially in the automotive industry, a high demand that connectors are included in suitable adapters, which in turn are themselves plugged into a slot in a housing part. It can be provided that the housing part has several different or similar slots. It is crucial that the adapter is securely and securely fixed in the slot. Furthermore, it is of particular importance that the connector is added reliably in the adapter. This is especially true if, as shown below, the security system is used in the context of a modular connector system.

The security system according to the invention solves several problems in a simple and advantageous manner. The security system according to the invention has both a primary fuse and a Sekundärsi insurance, whereby a particularly secure and reliable connection is achieved. In addition, the secondary fuse not only secures the adapter in the slot, but at the same time the connector in the adapter. The fact that the secondary fuse the aforementioned components in the End position ensures is also checked in a particularly advantageous manner by the secondary fuse, whether the adapter is plugged into the intended position (plug position) in the housing part and whether the connector (contact) is in the intended position in the adapter. The secondary fuse thus checks the correct positioning (seat) of the adapter in the housing or the plug connector in the adapter and also secures the corresponding connections.

Preferably, the secondary fuse secures or fixes the adapter in the respective slot by virtue of a positive and / or positive fit.

Preferably, it is further provided that the secondary fuse secures or fixes the connector in the adapter in a force-locking and / or form-fitting manner.

The slot in the housing part is preferably designed as a chamber. Preferably, the housing part has a plurality of slots or chambers.

It is advantageous if the adapter can be plugged into the housing part in an insertion direction (A, B) and the secondary fuse can be inserted in an insertion direction (C) orthogonal thereto.

It has been shown that the fact that the secondary fuse is inserted in a plug-in direction in the housin seteil, which is orthogonal to the insertion of the adapter in the housing part, particularly high forces can be absorbed by the secondary fuse, in particular forces in or against the insertion of the adapter in the housing part act.

Preferably, the secondary fuse is inserted orthogonal to the insertion of the adapter in the housin seteil. However, it is also possible to insert the secondary fuse at a different angle relative to the insertion of the adapter in the housing part, for example, at an angle of up to 5 °, up to 10 °, up to 15 ° or even up to 45 °.

As mentioned above, particularly high demands are placed on connector systems for vehicles. Sometimes it must be ensured that the opening of connectors is avoided despite high mechanical loads. A secondary fuse can thus be particularly advantageous to keep the connectors securely closed in any case and comply with appropriate safety guidelines for vehicles or to exceed.

The primary fuse according to the invention may in particular be a positive and / or positive fuse of the adapter in the housing part. Preferably, the primary fuse is designed as a form-locking axial securing to pull out of the adapter against the insertion direction to prevent when the adapter is inserted into its plug Posi tion.

It can be provided to release the primary fuse again when needed, for example, to help a suitable means, such as a screwdriver. But it can also be seen easily that the primary fuse can not be opened non-destructively after the corre sponding adapter is inserted into its insertion position.

In a further development may be provided in particular that the secondary fuse has a Sperrele element to block the primary fuse in its locked state.

For example, it can be provided that the blocking element is designed as a dome-like elevation and / or as a web to block a spring arm of the primary fuse or to engage behind and firmly fix in the corresponding locking lug or to hold the locking lug in a form-fitting engagement.

In one embodiment of the invention may also be provided that the secondary fuse has a plug-in prevention, wherein the plug-in prevention is designed to prevent connection of a connector with a corresponding connector or a mating connector when the secondary fuse plugged, but not yet fully into the predefined end position is inserted into the housing part.

Thus, a user-side (accidental) mating of two adapters blocked who the, for example, if one of the adapters is not yet in a defined mounting position and / or is not sufficiently secured by the secondary fuse.

In a further development of the invention can be provided that the secondary fuse, the housing part and / or the adapter are designed such that the secondary fuse can occupy at least two Steckzu stands, wherein a plug state relates to a pre-locking position, in which the secondary fuse tion with the adapter is connected within the housing part, and wherein a further plug state relates to the end position in which the secondary fuse is fully inserted into the housing part, where in the secondary fuse in this plug state fixes the connector in the adapter.

Because the secondary fuse can assume at least two plug-in states, different configurations can be realized. It may be provided, for example, that the secondary fuse is positioned in the pre-locking position such that the plug-in prevention prevents mating of the connector with a corresponding further connector, that is, two connectors can not yet mate. This can be achieved, for example, by the fact that the plug-in prevention in the plug-in path of the two corresponding plug-in connectors finds, so that they can not be put together mechanically. Furthermore, it can be provided in the pre-locking position that the secondary fuse at least checks whether the adapter is in the intended position in the housing part. This can be achieved, for example, by the fact that the secondary fuse can not be mechanically inserted into the pre-locking position if the plug-in connector is not positioned correctly in the adapter. It may optionally be provided that the secondary fuse is captively connected in the pre-locking position with the housing part or the adapter.

In a further development of the invention may also be provided that the secondary fuse, the housing part and / or the adapter are designed such that the secondary fuse can take at least three plug states along its plug, wherein a first plug state relates to a basic position in which the secondary fuse captive with the housing part but not yet connected to the adapter, and wherein a second plug state relates to a pre-locking position in which the secondary fuse is connected to the adapter within the housing part, and wherein a third plug state relates to the end position in which the secondary fuse completely in the Housing part is inserted, the secondary fuse in the third plug state fixes the connector in the supplied th adapter.

In a particularly advantageous manner, the secondary fuse is designed such that it both the adapter in the associated housing part as well as the connector in the respective adapter chert or fixed.

The secondary fuse may preferably be designed as a slide.

Due to the fact that the secondary fuse is captively connected to the housing part in its basic position, the secondary fuse can advantageously be delivered with the housing part and is immediately ready for use without delay during installation. The secondary fuse can thus not be lost during delivery or assembly.

Preferably, the secondary fuse can be designed such that prevent the plug prevention to sammenstecken of two corresponding adapters or connectors when the secondary fuse is in the pre-locking position. For this purpose, it is sufficient if one of the adapters is provided with a secondary fuse having a plug-in preventer.

It is advantageous if the secondary fuse in the end position is positively connected to the housing part and positively connected to the adapter and / or the associated connector to initiate acting on the connector axial forces on the secondary fuse in the associated housing part. By this configuration, we can be added to the connector in its insertion / Aussteckrichtung we kende axial forces in a particularly advantageous manner of the housing part. The connection between the connector and the corresponding connector or a Ge gensteckverbinder with which the connector is to be joined, is thus relieved.

The secondary fuse may comprise a fuse terminal, a snap connection, a receptacle or a partially circular, preferably semicircular spring element, which in the end position comprises the plug connector inserted into the adapter at least partially positively and / or non-positively.

The connector preferably has a suitable groove, an annular recess or a recess, in which the fuse terminal, the snap connection, the receptacle or the Fe derelement preferably enters positively.

According to the invention it can be provided that the secondary fuse has a latching element, wel Ches positively locked in the end position with a locking receptacle in the adapter to prevent a BEWE tion of the secondary fuse against the plug.

By forming a latching element and a latching receptacle, the secondary fuse can be fixed in a simple manner to the adapter and thus also in the housing part, so that the Sekundärsi insurance is reliably held in the final position.

In a further development, the locking element may be formed on at least one exposed end of the fuse terminal, the receptacle, the snap connection or the spring element. The Ras telement locked in the final position of the secondary fuse with the adapter, preferably in there formed locking receptacles, for example in a recess, a paragraph or a groove. Preference, as a result, a positive connection in the pull-out or opposite to the insertion direction erge ben.

The one or more locking elements of the secondary fuse are preferably designed as snap hooks.

It can be provided that the secondary fuse has two or more Ras elements formed in this way. However, it is preferred that only a snap hook is provided and accordingly a locking receptacle is formed in the adapter, with which the snap hook can latch in the end position of the secondary fuse. This has been found to be particularly suitable to secure the se kundärsicherung in the adapter reliably, but at the same time with simple measures, such as a suitable tool, preferably a special tool to enable release of the secondary fuse from the adapter by the locking element from its locking position in the adapter is released again. The secondary fuse is preferably designed such that it can only be inserted into the end position when the connector is positioned correctly or in its plug position (end position) in the respective respective adapter. This can preferably be achieved in that the fuse terminal is designed such that it must meet, for example, an annular recess of the connector in order to include the connector can.

In a development, it can be provided that the plug connector is designed as a plug, coupling, socket, printed circuit board plug connector and / or housing plug connector, in particular of the type HFM, H-MTD, AMEC, PL, BNC, TNC, SMBA, SMA, SMB, SMS, SMC, SMP, BMS, HSD, BMK, Mini Coax and / or Makax.

This list is of course not restrictive. In principle, the invention can be implemented with any type of connector. In particular, the invention is suitable for in the automotive industry typically used connector, and in particular for connectors for high frequency technology.

In one embodiment of the invention may be provided in particular that the slot and the adapter forms a guide for inserting the adapter into the slot.

The guide can preferably be formed in that the slot has guide webs which, in combination with corresponding corresponding guide elements, for example grooves or further guide webs of the adapter, form a rail system or another positive guide for the insertion movement. Alternatively, the adapter guide webs and the slot according to correspondingly formed guide elements, for example grooves have.

The insertion movement can thereby be particularly comfortable. In particular, tilting and possibly resulting damage to the components during insertion can be avoided.

It can be provided that a slot for receiving a plurality of adapters and thus connectors is formed. The slot may have correspondingly formed guide webs and / or Schienensys systems, if necessary, also optionally only accommodate multiple adapters.

In a development, it may also be provided that the slot has an axial end stop.

The end stop can be provided on the inside of the slot or on the outside of the slot and cooperate with the corresponding adapter accordingly. It can also be provided that the adapter has an end stop, the one in its plug position plugged adapter on the outside or at any other designated location of the Ge housing part strikes.

Preferably, the end stop can be arranged at one end of a guide web or at one end of the rail system of the slot.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention can be provided that the primary fuse is formed by at least one locking lug and a spring arm.

In principle, any locking means may be provided, the one

or a plurality of locking lugs, spring arms, snap hooks, snap shots, locking hooks, etc. include.

Preferably, the corresponding adapter can be removed from the slot again non-destructively as needed.

In a further development may also be provided that the adapter and the slot are so ge staltet that insertion of the adapter in only one predetermined orientation is possible.

The adapter and slot may be polarized to block, for example, a 180 ° or other twisted insertion of an adapter into a slot. For this purpose, the adapter and / or the slot may be designed mechanically or geometrically, for example, using unsymmetrical structures, in particular bevels or Fa sen. It can also be provided magnetic encodings or anti-rotation, example, by an appropriate arrangement and distribution of magnetic poles of permanent magnets on the adapter and the slot.

In a further development may also be provided that are provided on a plug in the front end of the adapter and / or a front end of a slot of the housing mechanical Codie ments such that only pairs of connectors are connected to each other, the egg are assigned to each other functional and / or which correspond to the same connector type.

Thus, in particular, corresponding connectors of the same type can only be connected to each other if they are functionally associated with each other. For example, this can avoid a swapping a control line of a right turn signal of a motor vehicle with the control line of a left turn signal. This is particularly advantageous if the housing part has several re slots or the security system is reali Siert in a modular connector system. The embodiment can also be achieved or supported that connector types that do not correspond to the same type, are not connected to each other.

The modular connector system for vehicles according to claim 18 comprises a module housing having a first housing part with a plurality of unified slots with interfaces for receiving each of a first adapter from a first group of adapters, wherein the first group of adapters comprises a plurality of first adapters of different types have on their outer sides uniform interfaces for positioning in the slots of the first housing part, and having a different internal geometry for receiving differently shaped connector plug. The outer sides of the first adapter and the slots of the first housing part are designed such that they form a primary fuse for attachment of the first adapter in the jewei time slot when the first adapter is inserted into a predefined plug position in the slot. According to the invention, the module housing further comprises a second housing part having a plurality of uniform slots with interfaces for receiving a second adapter from a second group of adapters, wherein the second group of adapters comprises a plurality of second Adap tern different types having on their outsides uniform interfaces for Positionie tion in the slots of the second housing part. The outsides of the second adapter and the slots of the second housing part are designed such that they form a primary fuse for loading fastening of the second adapter in the respective slot when the second adapter is inserted into a predefined plug position in the slot.

According to the invention, a secondary fuses exhibiting security system is provided, the secondary fuses can be inserted into a predefined end position in the housing parts, and where are formed in the secondary fuses to secure in the final position, the first adapter and / or the second adapter in the respective slots and the secondary fuses are also designed to secure the connectors in the first adapters and / or to secure the mating connectors in the second adapters.

The modular connector system described is advantageously suitable for use in a vehicle, since the requirements - in particular regarding weight, size and number to use the different connector types - are particularly large in a vehicle.

The term "vehicle" in the present case describes any means of locomotion, in particular vehicles on land, on water or in the air, including spacecraft. However, the invention is particularly suitable for use in motor vehicles.

Under a "unified slot" is in the context of the invention regarding the modular connector dersystem in particular a functionally uniform slot to understand the universal acceptance of the provided in the corresponding adapter group adapter types is used. The geo- Metric and possibly electrical design of the various slots does not necessarily have to be completely identical, but this is preferably the case.

The slots are preferably formed as chambers.

The adapters are used to make any types of connectors or mating connectors available for the mo dular connector system. The connector or mating connector can be plugged into an adapter of a suitable type.

A connector or mating connector may also be a single (or more meh) prefabricated contacts.

It is a particular advantage of the invention that now a connector system for vehicles mo dular is used, which can significantly simplify the design, Flerstellungs- and assembly costs of the connector system. For example, it can be provided to use the connector system according to the invention across vehicle models. The module housing can always be the same. During installation, it may only be necessary to select from a number of adapters provided for receiving the connector or mating connector, the appropriate suitable adapter and ren in the module housing using any slots almost freely combinable.

The slots may be formed as cavities or chambers, which have a functionally identical geometric design to the different types of adapters, however, the unitary surfaces for positioning, in particular for mounting, have record.

Preferably, all slots for the first group of adapters are identical. Preferably, all slots for the second group of adapters are identical. Preferably, the slots for the first adapter group and the slots for the second adapter group are not identical ausgebil det.

It is particularly preferred if all slots of the first housing part are identical. It is particularly preferred if all slots of the second housing part are identical. Preferably, the slots of the first housing part and the slots of the second housing are partly not identical.

It can be provided that in each slot an adapter and thus connectors or mating connector of any type of the first or second group of adapters can be inserted by the adapters are designed with a functionally identical outer geometry and an internal geometry to have, which for receiving the is formed respective connector or mating connector. It may be provided a modular system of various adapters for the integration of any connector or mating connector in the connector system.

The first adapter according to the invention on its outer sides uniform interfaces for positioning tion, in particular for attachment and / or insertion into the slots of the first housing partly on. In particular, interfaces for fastening, for insertion, for low-play positioning or alignment in the plug-in position and for receiving a uniform secondary fuse are considered as interfaces for positioning. The adapters are preferably designed in such a way that they form at least one, preferably a plurality, particularly preferably all, of the interfaces mentioned below. Provided is preferably an interface for forming the primary fuse, an interface for receiving a secondary fuse, an interface for introducing / guiding the adapter to position it in the slot, an interface that is suitable to form a terminal stop with the slot and an interface in order to form a positioning with low backlash in the plug-in position (assembly position) in the slot, the outer geometry of the first adapter preferably being designed accordingly for low-play positioning.

The second adapter preferably has an analogous training of its interfaces with the Steckplät zen of the second housing part.

That the first group of adapters comprises a plurality of first adapters of different types does not mean in all alternatives that each of the first adapters is designed differently. In the context of the invention concerning the modular connector system, it is sufficient if at least two of the first adapter of the first adapter group are designed differently from each other, so at least two different types of connectors from the first adapters of the first adapter group can be men aufgenom. The same applies to the second adapters of the second adapter group.

The safety system provided in the modular connector system according to the invention, which has a plurality of secondary fuses, is preferably designed as described with regard to the fuse system for connectors according to the invention.

The fuse system for connectors according to the invention discloses an advantageous securing of a connector received in an adapter in a housing part.

The inventively provided modular connector system has a module housing with a first housing part and a second housing part, each having a plurality of slots for the acquisition of (first and second) adapters. The fuse system for connectors according to the invention can be used in a particularly advantageous manner in such a modular connector system. Insofar as in the context of the fuse system for connectors reference is made to a connector or an adapter, this is to be understood in the context of modular connector system, both a connector and a mating connector or a first adapter and a second adapter accordingly.

The security system according to the invention for the modular connector system with the plurality of secondary fuses makes it possible to secure the plugged into the housing parts adapter in a particularly advantageous manner. For this purpose, it is provided to insert the secondary fuses position into a predefined end position in the housing parts. The secondary fuses are designed to secure in the end position, the first adapter and / or the second adapter in the respective slots. It is also possible that only a part of the first adapter and / or the second adapter are gesi chert accordingly. Furthermore, the secondary fuses are designed to secure the connectors in the first adapters and / or to secure the mating connectors in the second adapters. Possibly Lich is that only a part of the connector or the mating connectors are secured in the appropriate adapters.

In one development of the invention it can be provided that the first housing part can be connected to the second housing part in order to connect the plug-in connectors received in the first housing part to the corresponding mating connector receptacles accommodated in the second housing part.

The connection of the housing parts for connecting the connector with the mating connectors may be advantageous since then during assembly not every connection between connector and mating connector must be made individually. This can be particularly advantageous if many connectors are present within the connector system.

In particular, an electrical connection of the plug connectors with the corresponding mating plug connectors can be provided in order to provide a suitable signal transmission. Also connect ei ne mechanical connection between the connectors and the corresponding mating connector, for example, using their usual connection and / or latching means may be advantageous.

Basically, in a connection of the connector with the corresponding mating connector also be provided that the first adapter in which the connectors are added and the second adapter in which the mating connectors are received, electrically and / or mechanically connected to one another produce indirect electrical and / or mechanical cal connection of the connectors and mating connector. Basically, it should be noted that under a "first housing part" and a "second Ge housing part" two separate housing parts as well as a purely functional division of the module housing can be understood. The housing parts can therefore also be firmly connected to each other or even formed in one piece.

However, the multi-part construction of the module housing may be particularly advantageous, according to which the first housing part can be connected to the second housing part.

In a further development may be provided in particular, that the housing parts are designed to safely guide off mechanical loads acting on the connectors and the mating connectors and / or to ensure the holding force between the connectors and the mating connectors safely.

In particular, the housing parts may be designed such that they can absorb undesired transverse forces and / or tensile forces. This has the advantage that the adapter and / or the connector or mating connector itself need not be designed to withstand such mechanical loads rule. Thus, the known connector or Gegensteckverbin may be constructed to save material and it can also types of connectors or mating connectors are used, which are typically unsuitable for use in vehicles due to lack of robustness.

In a development of the invention, it can be provided that the housing parts can be inserted into one another and latched to one another via at least one catch element pair.

Alternatively or additionally, however, it can also be provided that a latching between the housings is achieved by corresponding latching means of the adapters with one another and / or by latching means between the plug connectors and mating plug connectors.

It can also be provided that the housing parts are mechanically coded and / or polarized, so that only housing parts of the same module housing type can be plugged together and / or can only be plugged in a defined orientation.

In one embodiment of the invention may also be provided that the housing parts each egg ne, two or more rows of parallel or staggered slots aufwei sen.

In particular, if the housing parts have more than two rows of slots, for example, three rows, a staggered arrangement may be advantageous to ensure the accessibility of the individual slots from a top and / or bottom of the module housing, for example way to insert the secondary fuses to ensure access to the individual Primärsicherun conditions and / or to provide a viewing port for an optical visual inspection of the connector.

In a further development of the invention can be provided that the first adapter, the second adapter and the two housing parts are designed such that the first adapter only in the slots of the first housing part and the second adapter only in the slots of the second housing part are plug-bar ,

For example, it may be provided that in the slots of the first housing part only plug or "male connector" and in the slots of the second housing part only clutches or

"female connectors" are plugged. This can preferably be done by appropriate mechanical coding or geometric configurations of the corresponding slots and adapters. A magnetic coding can also be provided.

According to an advantageous development, a corre sponding secondary fuse can be provided for each adapter type of the two adapter groups.

In particular, it can be provided that the secondary fuses are adapted to secure the connector or the mating connector within the corresponding adapter.

The invention also relates to a secondary fuse for a connector securing system and / or a modular connector system having one or more of the foregoing features of the connector fuse system and the modular connector system, respectively.

The secondary fuse according to the invention can have one of the features or more of the features that have been mentioned above with respect to the secondary fuse, and in particular special effect that the secondary fuse secures the adapter in the predefined end position in the housing part, including the secondary fuse plugged into the housing part is. In particular, it can be provided that the secondary fuse in the end position also secures the connector in the Adap ter and this is designed accordingly, as described above.

The secondary fuse may in particular also have the features that are mentioned in the Anspruchsfas solution with respect to the secondary fuse, the features mentioned there can be combined with each other mitei nander.

The secondary fuse may in particular be designed to secure the primary fuse and / or to secure the correct seat of the adapter in the housing part and / or to secure the connector in the adapter. Further advantageous designs also result from the above and the following description, in particular from the figure description and the undersigned statement.

Features that have already been described in connection with the fuse system according to the invention for fastex binder are of course also applicable to the modular connector system and the secondary fuse accordingly - and vice versa. Furthermore, advantages that have already been mentioned in connection with the fuse system according to the invention for connectors can also be understood based on the modular connector system or the secondary fuse - and vice versa.

It should be noted that terms such as "comprising", "having" or "having" do not exclude other features or steps. Further, terms such as "a" or "that" indicating a singular number of steps or features do not exclude a plurality of features or steps - and vice versa.

An embodiment of the invention will be described in more detail with reference to the drawing.

In the exemplary embodiment, a modular connector system is described, which has the just if inventive security system.

In particular, the description of the embodiment is to be understood to also serve to illustrate how a fuse system for only one connector can be realized. The embodiment is particularly to be understood that a security system for a fastex binder can also be realized if only one housing part with only one slot (or more slots) is present. In particular, it is not necessary for the realization of the security system according to the invention for egg nen connector to form different adapter groups. To Realisie tion of the security system for a connector only the features are required, which are specified in claim 1. All other features, in particular the features that are shown with respect to the modular connector system in the following embodiment, are optional for the fuse system for connectors.

The figures show a preferred embodiment in which individual features of the present invention are shown in combination with each other. However, the features of the embodiment are also detached from the other features of the embodiment implemented and can be connected accordingly speaking of a skilled person readily to further meaningful combinations and Unterkombi nations.

In the figures, functionally identical elements are provided with the same reference numerals. They show schematically:

Fig. 1 shows the modular connector system in the unmounted state in the manner of exploded onsdarstellung in isometric view;

Figure 2 shows the modular connector system in the assembled state in isometric view.

Figure 3 shows the assembled connector system of Figure 2 in a front view of the first Ge housing part.

Fig. 4 shows the assembled connector system of Figure 2 in a front view of the second

Housing part;

Fig. 5 is an isometric, partially sectional view of the first housing part of the unmounted

Connector system;

Fig. 6 shows the representation of the connector system of Figure 5 during a first Monta step.

Fig. 7 is an enlarged view of the section VII of Fig. 6;

FIG. 8 shows an enlarged view of the connector system according to FIG. 5 during a second assembly step; FIG.

Fig. 9 is an enlarged view of the detail IX of Fig. 8; and

10 is a front view of the first housing part with a partial section through one of

Slots to represent a secondary fuse in the final position in the plug.

The embodiment shows the modular connector system 1 according to the invention for vehicles. FIG. 1 shows an unmounted state and FIG. 2 shows an assembled state.

The connector system 1 has a module housing 2 with a first housing part 3 and with a second housing part 4. The housing parts 3, 4 can be inserted into one another and latched to one another via a latching element 5 (cf., FIG. 2). In principle, however, the module housing 2 can also be formed in one piece. Furthermore, the locking element pair 5 may be formed at any point and in any geri execution, be present several times or even omitted. The first housing part 3 has a plurality of uniform slots 6 with interfaces for receiving each of a first adapter 7 from a first group of adapters, wherein the first adapter group comprises a plurality of first adapters 7 of different types, on their outsides uniform interfaces for positioning , in particular for attachment in the slots 6 of the first housing part 3, and having a different internal geometry for receiving under differently shaped connector 8. Analogously, the second housing part 4 has a plurality of uniform slots 9 with interfaces for receiving in each case a second adapter 10 from a second adapter group, wherein the second group of adapters comprises a plurality of second adapters 10 of different types, which have on their outsides uniform interfaces for positioning, have in particular for attachment in the slots 9 of the second housing part 4, and have a different internal geometry for receiving differently shaped mating connector 11 on.

In principle, it can be provided that the housing parts 3, 4 each have a (as in Ausführungsbei game realized), two, three or even more rows of parallel or staggered slots 6, 9 have. On the exact number of used slots 6, 9 and their arrangement or distribution within the module housing 2, it is not within the scope of the invention.

In the exemplary embodiment, the first housing part 3 is connectable to the second housing part 4 to connect the recorded in the first housing part 3 connector 8 with the taken in the second housing part 4, corresponding mating connectors 11. It depends essentially on the production of an electrical connection between the connectors 8 and the Ge gensteckverbindern 11.

In particular, if the module housing 2 is integrally formed, it can also be provided that the first adapter 7 with the connectors 8 received therein directly into the functionally defined ers te housing part 3 of the module housing 2 can be inserted and connected to the corresponding mating connector 1 1 are connected, when the second adapter 10 are inserted with the counter plug connectors 11 received therein in the functionally defined second housing part 4 of the module housing 2.

Preferably, the housing parts 3, 4 are formed in order to reliably dissipate mechanical stresses acting on the plug connector 8 and the mating connector 11 and / or to ensure the holding force between tween the connectors 8 and the mating connectors 11. Accordingly, u. a. unwanted lateral forces derived from the robust module housing 2 and the fastex binder 8 and the mating connector 1 1 are less heavily loaded.

Basically, the connector s and the mating connector 11 may be formed as a plug, couplings, jacks, PCB connectors and / or housing connectors. For example Connectors 8 or counter connectors 1 1 of the types HFM, H-MTD, AMEC, PL, BNC, TNC, SMBA, SMA, SMB, SMS, SMC, SMP, BMS, HSD, BMK, Mini-Coax and / or Makax can be used become. The invention is not limited to a particular type connector 8 or mating connector 11 be.

In the exemplary embodiment, the slots 6, 9 and the adapters 7, 10 form guides 12. In Ausfüh approximately example, the guides are designed as guide webs 12 of the slots 6, 9 and not shown corresponding guide elements of the adapter 7, 10. The guide webs 12 serve to receive the adapter 7, 10. Furthermore, the slots 6, 9 include axial end stops 13 (see in particular Figure 1 and Figures 5-6).

Furthermore, the adapters 7, 10 and the slots 6, 9 may be designed such that insertion of the adapters 7, 10 in only one predetermined orientation is possible. In this case, in particular, a plugged insertion, for example a plug-in twisted by 180 °, can be avoided. The Verdrehsi insurance is achieved in the embodiment by a mechanical coding, which is realized by an un symmetrical geometric configuration of the insertion openings of the slots 6, 9 and a korres pondierende outer design of the adapter 7, 10. This can be seen in particular in Figures 3 and 4, which show a front view of the first housing part 3 (Figure 3) and on the second housing part 4 (Figure 4). As a mechanical coding used in particular differently configured bevels 14th

Furthermore, the first adapters 7, the second adapters 10 and the two housing parts 3, 4 are designed such that the first adapters 7 only into the slots 6 of the first housing part 3 and the second adapters 10 only into the slots 9 of the second housing part 4 are pluggable. For this purpose, a corresponding mechanical coding is provided, which is realized by a corresponding geometric design from the components using projections, recesses and / or chamfers 14.

Furthermore, it can be provided that mechanical codes are provided on the front end sides of the adapters 7, 10 and / or on a front end of a slot 6, 9 of the housing parts 3, 4 in the insertion direction A, B (see FIG. that only pairs of connectors 8 and mating connector 1 1 are connected, which are assigned to each other functionally.

Further, it is provided in the embodiment that the outer sides of the first adapter 7 and the Au ßenseiten the second adapter 10 and the slots 6 of the first housing part 3 and the slots 9 of the second housing part 4 are designed such that they have a primary fuse 15 (see 6-9) for mounting the respective adapter 7, 10 in the corresponding slot 6, 9 form when the respective adapter 7, 10 is inserted into its plug-in position in the corresponding slot 6, 9. In particular, it can be provided that the primary fuse 15 is formed by at least one latching lug 16 and a spring arm 17, as shown for example in Figure 6 and the corresponding magnification according to Figure 7. Preferably, the primary fuse has two pairs of Rastna sen 16 / spring arms 17 which fix the adapter 7, 10 on opposite sides in the respective slot 6, 9.

The connector system 1 has secondary fuses 18 for securing the adapter 7, 10 in the respective slots 6, 9, which are orthogonal to the insertion A, B of the adapter 7, 10 to a pre-defined end position in the housing parts 3, 4 along a plug C are pluggable. The end positions can be seen in particular in FIGS. 2 and 8 or 9.

In particular, the secondary fuses 18 may have blocking elements 19 in order to block the primary catch 15 in its locking state, for example by engaging behind the spring arm 17 in order to positively lock it in the latching lugs 16, as shown in FIG. 8 and the magnification according to FIG is clearly recognizable.

The blocking elements 19 prevent the spring arms 17 from being able to spring back into a position which releases the positive locking (in the extension direction) between the latching lug 16 and the associated spring arm 17. Preferably, the locking elements 19 are formed as a flat plate-shaped or web-shaped projections, the front end of the spring arms 17 engages behind. Preferably, each Sekundärsi insurance two locking elements 19, which, when the adapter 7, 10 is inserted into a slot 6, 9, each a pair of locking lugs 16 / spring arms 17 secure.

In addition to securing the adapters 7, 10, the secondary fuse 18 also serve to secure or secure the plug connectors 8 or the mating plug connectors 11 in the adapters 7, 10. For this purpose, a positive and / or non-positive connection between the secondary fuse 18 is preferred and the associated adapter 7, 10 on the one hand and a positive and / or non-positive connection between tween the secondary fuse 18 and the associated connector 8 and the Gegensteckverbin 1 1 provided. For this purpose, the secondary fuse 18, as shown in the exemplary embodiment, for example, have a fuse terminal 20 which is inserted through an opening in the associated adapter 7, 10 and the plug-in connector in the adapter 7, 10 plug-in connector 8 or Ge gen 1 comprises 1 form-fitting , Further, the secondary fuse 18 may be designed such that it is positively inserted into the associated adapter 7, 10.

In the figure 8 and in Figure 10, for which reference is made to the right in section in the drawing plane slot 6, a particularly advantageous embodiment is shown to secure the secondary fuse 18 in the inserted end position. FIGS. 8 and 10 show a particularly advantageous end latching of the secondary safety device 18. The latching is preferably achieved thereby. forms that the secondary fuse 18 one, two or more locking elements 23 has. Preferably, only one locking element 23 is provided. The latching element 23 is preferably formed in that the securing clamp 20 preferably has one, but possibly also a plurality of snap hooks 23.

The adapter 7, with the secondary fuse 18 in the final position by means of the locking element, preferably before the snap hook 23, locked, has a corresponding locking receptacle 24. The locking receptacle 24 may preferably be formed as a recess, groove or shoulder 24. Before preferably the latching receptacle 24 is formed such that a positive connection with the locking element 23 results in such a way that the positive engagement acts in the direction of withdrawal of the secondary fuse 18. This is shown correspondingly in FIG. 8 and FIG.

If the secondary fuse 18 more than one locking element 23, preferably also corre sponding many locking receptacles 24 are provided.

A loosening of the snap hook 23 of the paragraph 24 can preferably be made in the embodiment that a suitable tool, preferably a special tool, is inserted so that the positive connection between the snap hook 23 and the shoulder 24 is released again.

As shown in Figure 8 and Figure 10, preferably only one snap hook 23 is formed on the fuse terminal 20.

Although FIG. 10 shows the first housing part 3, the second housing part 4 or the second adapters 10 may be designed analogously.

Preferably, the secondary fuse 18 is designed such that it is only completely in its final position in the adapter 7, 10 can be inserted when both the adapter 7, 10 and the connector 8, and the mating connector 1 1 in their predefined plug position (End position), ie in the mounting position. The secondary fuse 18 thus makes it possible to determine whether the adapters 7, 10 and the plug connectors 8 or the mating plug connectors 11 are correctly positioned. If the position is not correct, the secondary fuse 18 can not be inserted to its end position. This can preferably be achieved in that the fuse terminal 20 is designed such that it can only comprise the connector 8 and the mating connector 1 1 outside if the fuse terminal 20 meets an outer region of the connector 8 or the counter plug connector 1 1, is suitably designed, preferably a part-annular or annular recess, a groove, a recess, a taper 25 or a paragraph, in which the Si cherungsklemme 20 can engage. This is shown in principle in FIGS. 5, 6 and 8. The engagement is preferably positive. Further preferably, it is provided, as in particular special from Figure 8 can be seen that a positive connection results at least in the pull-out, so that a withdrawal of the connector 8 (or analogous to the mating connector 1 1) is prevented. Ge optionally, in addition or as an alternative to the end stop 13, a positive connection in insertion direction of the connector 8 (or analogous to the mating connector 1 1) may be provided. In Ausfüh approximately example, the connector 8 has a paragraph, so that a taper 25 results. Alternatively, it is possible, for example by means of a groove, to produce a positive fit in and against the insertion direction. In FIG. 8, a stop region 26 is shown by way of example in order to symbolize the positive connection.

Preferably, a corresponding secondary fuse 18 is provided for each adapter type of the two adapter groups.

Preferably, the secondary fuses 18, the housing parts 3, 4 and / or the adapters 7, 10 are formed such that the secondary fuses 18 along its plug C at least two, preferably before at least three plug states can take, with a first plug state relates to a basic position, in the secondary fuse 18 is captively connected to the housing part 3, 4, but not yet connected to the corresponding adapter 7, 10, and wherein a second stretched state ei ne pre-locking position in which the secondary fuse 18 with the corresponding adapter 7, 10 in within the Housing part 3, 4 is connected, and wherein a third plug state relates to the end position in which the secondary fuse 18 is completely inserted into the housing part 3, 4.

In a particularly advantageous manner, the secondary fuse 18, as can be seen in the figures, transmits axial forces acting on the plug connector 8 / mating plug connector 1 into the assigned housing part 3, 4. This is also achieved by the positive connection of the secondary fuse 18 with the associated connector 8 / mating connector 1 1 and the adapter 7, 10 and the positive connection of the secondary fuse 18 with the associated housing part 3, 4.

The secondary fuse 18 may have plug-in prevention 21, as shown in the embodiment Darge, wherein the plug-in prevention 21 may be formed to prevent mating of two corresponding adapters 7, 10, when the secondary fuse 18 is not in its final position in the housing part 3, 4th located. Preferably, the plug-in prevention 21 Se secures the secondary assurance 18 the mating of the corresponding adapter 7, 10 of the connector 8 with a mating connector 1 1, when the secondary fuse 18 det in their pre-detent det.

The plug-in prevention 21 may be designed such that they kundärsicherung 18 initially during the insertion of Se in the displacement of which the secondary fuse 18 assigned Adapter 7, 10 corresponding adapter 10, 7 is located and releases the displacement only in fully ge stecktem final state.

The interfaces, which are designed uniformly in the adapters 7, 10, are designed such that they form at least one, preferably more, more preferably all of the following interfaces: an interface for the primary fuse, for example the latching lugs 16; an interface for the secondary fuse 18; an interface to the guide, for example, a corresponding Füh tion, which cooperates with the guide webs 12; an interface for the end stops 13; and ei ne interface to position the adapter 7, 10 as possible without play in the slots 6, 9 in the insertion position, including the adapters 7, 10 preferably have a suitable outer geometry.

Finally, it can be provided that the module housing 2 or its housing parts 3, 4 are mechanically coded so that only housing parts 3, 4 of a common module housing type can be plugged into one another. Purely by way of example, a region 22 in which corresponding mechanical codes can be provided on the first housing part 3, highlighted in dashed lines in Figure 3.

Claims

Patent claims

A security system for connectors (8,11), comprising an adapter (7,10) and a housing part (3,4) with at least one slot (6,9) with interfaces for receiving the adapter (7,10), wherein the Adapter (7,10) on its outside Interfaces for positioning in the slot

(6.10) of the housing part (3, 4) and wherein the adapter (7, 10) has an internal geometry for receiving a connector (8, 11), the outside of the adapter (7, 10) and the slot (6, 9) of the housing part (3,4) are designed such that they form a primary fuse (15) for fastening the adapter (7,10) in the respective slot (6,9) when the Adap ter (7,10) in a predefined plug position is inserted in the slot (6,9),

d a d u r c h e c e n c i n e s that

for securing the adapter (7,10) in the slot (6,9) vorgese a secondary fuse (18) hen, which is inserted into a predefined end position in the housing part (3,4), wherein the secondary fuse (18) is formed is to secure in the end position and the connector (8,11) in the adapter (7,10).

2. Security system according to claim 1,

d a d u r c h e c e n c i n e s that

the adapter (7, 10) can be inserted into the housing part (3, 4) in an insertion direction (A, B) and the secondary securing device (18) can be inserted in an insertion direction (C) orthogonal thereto.

3. Security system according to claim 1 or 2,

d a d u r c h e c e n c i n e s that

the secondary fuse (18) has a blocking element (19) to block the primary fuse (15) in its locked state.

4. Security system according to one of claims 1, 2 or 3,

d a d u r c h e c e n c i n e s that

the secondary fuse (18) has a plug-in prevention (21), wherein the plug-in prevention (21) is designed to prevent a connector (8, 11) from connecting with a corresponding plug connector (11, 8) if the secondary fuse (18) inserted, but not yet fully inserted into the predefined end position in the housing part (3, 4).

5. Security system according to one of claims 1 to 4,

d a d u r c h e c e n c i n e s that

the secondary fuse (18), the housing part (3, 4) and / or the adapter (7, 10) are designed in such a way that the secondary fuse (18) can assume at least two plug states, wherein a plug state relates to a pre-latching position, in which the secondary fuse (18) with the adapter

(7.10) within the housing part (3,4) is connected, and wherein another plug state the Affected end position in which the secondary fuse (18) is completely inserted into the housing part (3,4), wherein the secondary fuse (18) in this plug state, the connector (8,11) fixed in the adapter (7,10).

6. Security system according to one of claims 1 to 5,

d a d u r c h e c e n c i n e s that

the secondary fuses (18), the housing part (3,4) and / or the adapter (7,10) are ausgebil det such that the secondary fuse (18) can assume at least three plug states, wherein a first plug state relates to a basic position, in the the secondary fuse (18) is captively connected to the housing part (3, 4) but not yet connected to the adapter (7, 10), and a second plug state relates to a pre-latching position in which the secondary fuse (18) is connected to the adapter (7, 10) within the housing part (3,4) is connected, and wherein a third plug state relates to the end position in which the secondary fuse (18) is completely inserted into the housing part (3,4), wherein the secondary fuse (18) in the third Plug state the connector (8,11) in the adapter (7,10) fixed.

7. A security system according to claim 5 or 6,

d a d u r c h e c e n c i n e s that

the plug-in prevention (21) of the secondary fuse (18) is positioned in the pre-latching position such that the plug-in connector (8, 11) can not be connected to a corresponding plug connector (11, 8).

8. Security system according to one of claims 1 to 7,

d a d u r c h e c e n c i n e s that

the secondary fuse (18) in the end position is positively connected to the housing part (3, 4) and is connected positively to the adapter (7, 10) and / or the plug connector (8, 11) in order to contact the plug connector (8, 11) to initiate acting axial forces on the secondary fuse (18) in the housing part (3,4).

A security system according to any one of claims 1 to 8,

d a d u r c h e c e n c i n e s that

the secondary fuse (18) has a fuse terminal (20), a snap connection, a Aufnah me or a part-circular spring element, which in the end position in the adapter (7,10) inserted connector (8,11) at least partially positive and / or non-positively includes.

10. Security system according to one of claims 1 to 9,

characterized in that the secondary fuse (18) has a latching element (23) which in the end position with a locking receptacle (24) in the adapter (7,10) positively locked to prevent movement of the seconds därsicherung (18) against the plug (C) ,

11. Security system according to claim 10,

d a d u r c h e c e n c i n e s that

the latching element (23) is formed on at least one exposed end of the fuse terminal (20), the snap connection, the receptacle or the part-circular spring element.

12. Security system according to one of claims 1 to 11,

d a d u r c h e c e n c i n e s that

the plug connector (8, 11) is designed as a plug, coupling, socket, printed circuit board plug connector and / or housing plug connector, in particular of the HFM, H-MTD, AMEC, PL, BNC, TNC, SMBA, SMA, SMB, SMS, SMC, SMP type , BMS, HSD, BMK, Mini-Coax and / or Makax.

13. Security system according to one of claims 1 to 12,

d a d u r c h e c e n c i n e s that

the slot (6, 9) and the adapter (7, 10) form a guide (12) for inserting the adapter (7, 10) into the slot (6, 9).

14. Security system according to one of claims 1 to 13,

d a d u r c h e c e n c i n e s that

the slot (6,9) has an axial end stop (13).

15. Security system according to one of claims 1 to 14,

d a d u r c h e c e n c i n e s that

the primary fuse (15) is formed by at least one latching lug (16) and a spring arm (17).

16. Security system according to one of claims 1 to 15,

d a d u r c h e c e n c i n e s that

the adapter (7,10) and the slot (6,9) are designed such that insertion of the adapter (7,10) in only one predetermined orientation is possible.

17. Security system according to one of claims 1 to 16,

d a d u r c h e c e n c i n e s that

on a front end side of the adapter (7,10) and / or at a front end of a plug-in place (6,9) of the housing part (3,4) a mechanical coding is provided such that only Pairs of connectors (8,11) are connected to each other, which are assigned to each other functionally and / or which correspond to the same type of plug.

18. Modular connector system (1) for vehicles, comprising a module housing (2) with a first housing part (3) having a plurality of unified slots (6) with interfaces for receiving in each case a first adapter (7) from a first group of adapters, wherein the first adapter group comprises a plurality of first adapters (7) of different types, the housing sides on their outsides uniform interfaces for positioning in the slots (6) of the first Ge (3), and having a different internal geometry for receiving under differently shaped connector (8 ), and wherein the outer sides of the first adapter (7) and the slots (6) of the first housing part (3) are designed such that this pri märsicherung (15) for fixing the first adapter (7) in the respective slot ( 6) form when the first adapter (7) is pushed into a predefined plug-in position in the slot (6), and wherein the M odulgehäuse (2) a second housing part (4) having a plurality of uniform slots (9) with interfaces for receiving a respective second adapter (10) from a second group of adapters, wherein the second group of adapters a plurality of second adapters (10) of different types comprising, on their outsides uniform interfaces for positioning in the slots (9) of the second housing part (4), and having a different internal geometry for receiving differently shaped mating connector (1 1), and wherein the outer sides of the second adapter (10 ) and the slots (9) of the second housing part (4) are designed such that they form a primary catch (15) for fixing the second adapter (10) in the respective slot (9) when the second adapter (10) in a predefined plug-in position in the slot (9) is gescho ben, with a secondary fuses (18) exhibiting Sicherungssyst em is provided, wherein the secondary fuses (18) into a predefined end position in the housing parts (3,4) can be inserted, and wherein the secondary fuses (18) are formed in the end position, the first adapter (7) and / or to secure the second adapter (10) in the respective slots (6,9) and the secondary fuses (18) further to secure the connector (8) in the ers th adapters (7) and / or to secure the mating connector (11) in the second adapters (10) are formed.

19. Modular connector system (1) according to claim 18,

d a d u r c h e c e n c i n e s that

the first housing part (3) can be connected to the second housing part (4) in order to connect the plug connectors (8) received in the first housing part (3) to the corresponding mating plug connectors (11) accommodated in the second housing part (4).

20. Modular connector system (1) according to claim 18 or 19,

characterized in that the housing parts (3, 4) can be inserted into one another and locked together with one another via at least one locking element pair (5).

21. Modular connector system (1) according to one of claims 18 to 20,

d a d u r c h e c e n c i n e s that

the housing parts (3, 4) each have one, two or more rows of parallel or offset zueinan the arranged slots (6, 9).

22. secondary fuse (18) for a security system for connectors (8,11) according to any of claims to 1 to 17 or for a modular connector system for vehicles according to any one of claims 18 to 21.