EP3804042B1 - Securing system for plug connectors - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a securing system for connectors.

The invention also relates to a modular connector system for vehicles with a securing system for the connectors according to claim 12.

When cables are assembled, their conductors are typically connected to a connector so that electrical connections can then be made in a known manner with other cables or conductors that have corresponding connectors or mating connectors. A connector or mating connector can be a plug, a built-in plug, a socket, a coupling or an adapter. The term "connector" used in the context of the invention represents all variants.

In particular, connectors for the automotive industry and for vehicles are subject to high demands in terms of their robustness and the safety of the plug connections. A plug connection must be able to withstand high loads, such as mechanical loads, and must remain closed in a defined manner so that the electrical connection is not accidentally disconnected, for example while a vehicle is in operation. Ensuring safety is a priority, particularly in the autonomous operation of vehicles and for assistance systems.

Furthermore, the number of plug connections to be installed in vehicles is constantly increasing, while the required connector systems are becoming more and more complex. In practice, different types of connectors are often integrated in a common module housing. A particular problem is that the combination of the different connector types to be integrated in a module housing can vary greatly depending on the application, for example depending on the vehicle type. The personnel and financial expenditure on design, production and assembly of the connector systems is therefore comparatively high, especially for vehicles.

The US6,491,542B1 discloses a connector assembly for a vehicle wiring system. A locking structure is disclosed that can be used to secure connectors in a housing.

The present invention is based on the object of providing an improved securing system for connectors accommodated in an adapter.

This object is solved by the features of claim 1.

The present invention is also based on the object of providing an improved connector system for vehicles in which the connectors accommodated in an adapter are reliably secured.

This problem is solved by claim 12.

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

The securing system for plug 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 interfaces on its outside for positioning in the slot of the housing part. The adapter also has an internal geometry for receiving a plug connector. The outer sides of the adapter and the slot of the housing part are designed in such a way that they form a primary securing device for fastening the adapter in the slot when the adapter is inserted into a predefined plug position in the slot. According to the invention, a secondary securing device is provided to secure the adapter in the slot, which can be inserted into the housing part up to a predefined end position, wherein the secondary securing device is designed to also secure the plug connector in the adapter in the end position.

The securing system according to the invention makes it possible for an adapter, which itself accommodates a connector, to be connected to a housing part in a particularly reliable manner. There is a great need, particularly in the automotive sector, for connectors to be accommodated in suitable adapters, which in turn are themselves plugged into a slot in a housing part. The housing part can have several different or similar slots. It is of crucial importance that the adapter is reliably and securely fixed in the slot. Furthermore, it is particularly important that the connector is also reliably accommodated in the adapter. This applies in particular if, as shown below, the securing system is used as part 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 security and a secondary security, which creates a particularly safe and reliable connection. In addition, the secondary security not only secures the adapter in the slot, but also the connector in the adapter. Because the secondary security secures the aforementioned components in the end position, the secondary security also checks in a particularly advantageous manner whether the adapter is plugged into the housing part in the intended position (plug position) and whether the connector (contact) is in the intended position in the adapter. The secondary security thus checks the correct positioning (fit) of the adapter in the housing or the connector in the adapter and also secures the corresponding connections.

Preferably, the secondary lock secures or fixes the adapter in the respective slot with a force-locking and/or positive locking mechanism.

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

The slot in the housing part is preferably designed as a chamber. The housing part preferably has several slots or chambers.

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

It has been shown that by inserting the secondary fuse into the housing part in an insertion direction that is orthogonal to the insertion direction of the adapter into the housing part, the secondary fuse can absorb particularly high forces, in particular forces that act in or against the insertion direction of the adapter into the housing part.

Preferably, the secondary fuse is inserted orthogonally to the direction in which the adapter is inserted into the housing part. However, it is also possible to insert the secondary fuse at a different angle relative to the direction in which the adapter is inserted into 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 at the beginning, particularly high demands are placed on connector systems for vehicles. Sometimes it must be ensured that plug connections are not opened despite high mechanical loads. A secondary fuse can therefore be particularly advantageous for keeping the plug connections securely closed in all cases and complying with or exceeding the relevant safety guidelines for vehicles.

The primary securing means according to the invention can in particular be a force-fitting and/or form-fitting securing means of the adapter in the housing part.

Preferably, the primary locking device is designed as a positive axial locking device to prevent the adapter from being pulled out in the opposite direction to the insertion direction when the adapter is inserted into its plug-in position.

It may be possible to release the primary fuse again if necessary, for example using a suitable tool such as a screwdriver. However, it may also be possible to ensure that the primary fuse can no longer be opened without causing damage once the corresponding adapter has been inserted into its plug-in position.

In a further development, it can be provided in particular that the secondary fuse has a locking element in order to block the primary fuse in its locking state.

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

In a further development of the invention, it can also be provided that the secondary fuse has a plug-in prevention device, wherein the plug-in prevention device is designed to prevent a connection of a plug connector to a corresponding plug connector or a mating plug connector when the secondary fuse is plugged in but not yet completely inserted into the predefined end position in the housing part.

This can prevent the user from (accidentally) plugging two adapters together if, for example, one of the adapters is not yet in a defined mounting position and/or is not yet sufficiently secured by the secondary lock.

In a further development of the invention, it can be provided that the secondary fuse, the housing part and/or the adapter are designed such that the secondary fuse can assume at least two plug-in states, wherein one plug-in state relates to a pre-locking position in which the secondary fuse is connected to the adapter within the housing part, and wherein a further plug-in state relates to the end position in which the secondary fuse is completely plugged into the housing part, wherein the secondary fuse fixes the connector in the adapter in this plug-in state.

Because the secondary lock can assume at least two plug states, various designs can be implemented. For example, it can be provided that the secondary lock is positioned in the pre-locking position in such a way that the plug-in prevention prevents the plug connector from being plugged together with a corresponding other plug connector, i.e. that two plug connectors cannot yet be plugged together. This can be achieved, for example, by the plug-in prevention being located in the plug path of the two corresponding plug connectors so that they cannot be mechanically plugged together. Furthermore, in the pre-locking position, it can be provided that the secondary lock at least checks whether the adapter is in the intended position in the housing part. This can be achieved, for example, by the secondary lock not being able to be mechanically plugged into the pre-locking position if the plug connector is not correctly positioned in the adapter. It can optionally be provided that the secondary lock is captively connected to the housing part or the adapter in the pre-locking position.

In a further development of the invention, it can also be provided that the secondary fuse, the housing part and/or the adapter are designed in such a way that the secondary fuse can assume at least three plug-in states along its plug-in direction, wherein a first plug-in state relates to a basic position in which the secondary fuse is captively connected to the housing part but not yet to the adapter, and wherein a second plug-in 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-in state relates to the end position in which the secondary fuse is completely plugged into the housing part. The secondary lock in the third plug-in state fixes the connector in the associated adapter.

In a particularly advantageous manner, the secondary securing means is designed in such a way that it secures or fixes both the adapter in the associated housing part and the connector in the respective adapter.

The secondary safety device can preferably be designed as a slide.

Because the secondary fuse is captively connected to the housing part in its basic position, the secondary fuse can be delivered with the housing part and is immediately ready for use during assembly without delay. The secondary fuse cannot therefore be lost during delivery or assembly.

Preferably, the secondary safety device can be designed in such a way that the plug-in prevention prevents two corresponding adapters or connectors from being plugged together when the secondary safety device is in the pre-locking position. For this purpose, it is sufficient if one of the adapters is provided with a secondary safety device that has a plug-in prevention device.

It is advantageous if the secondary locking device in the end position is positively connected to the housing part and positively connected to the adapter and/or the associated connector in order to introduce axial forces acting on the connectors into the associated housing part via the secondary locking device.

This design allows axial forces acting on the connector in its plugging/unplugging direction to be absorbed by the housing part in a particularly advantageous manner. The connection between the connector and the corresponding connector or a mating connector with which the connector is to be connected is thus relieved.

The secondary securing means may comprise a securing clamp, a snap connection, a receptacle or a partially circular, preferably semicircular spring element which, in the end position, at least partially surrounds the connector inserted into the adapter in a form-fitting and/or force-fitting manner.

The connector preferably has a suitable groove, an annular recess or a recess into which the safety clamp, the snap connection, the receptacle or the spring element preferably penetrates in a form-fitting manner.

According to the invention, it can be provided that the secondary fuse has a locking element which, in the end position, positively locks with a locking receptacle in the adapter in order to prevent movement of the secondary fuse against the insertion direction.

By forming a locking element and a locking receptacle, the secondary lock can be easily fixed to the adapter and thus also in the housing part, so that the secondary lock is reliably held in the end position.

In a further development, the locking element can be formed on at least one exposed end of the safety clamp, the receptacle, the snap connection or the spring element. The locking element locks in the end position of the secondary lock with the adapter, preferably in locking receptacles formed there, for example in a recess, a shoulder or a groove. This should preferably result in a positive connection in the pull-out direction or against the insertion direction.

The locking element(s) of the secondary lock are preferably designed as snap hooks. It can be provided that the secondary lock has two or more locking elements designed in this way. However, it is preferred that only one snap hook is provided and a corresponding locking receptacle is formed in the adapter with which the snap hook can lock in the end position of the secondary lock. This has proven to be particularly suitable for reliably securing the secondary lock in the adapter, but at the same time allowing the secondary lock to be released from the adapter using simple measures, for example an appropriate tool, preferably a special tool, by releasing the locking element from its locking position in the adapter.

The secondary fuse is preferably designed in such a way that it can only be inserted into the end position if the connector is positioned correctly or in its plug position (end position) in the respective adapter. This can preferably be achieved by designing the fuse clamp in such a way that it must, for example, meet an annular recess in the connector in order to be able to encompass the connector.

In a further development, it can be provided that the connector is designed as a plug, coupling, socket, printed circuit board connector and/or housing 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 connectors typically used in the automotive industry, and in particular for connectors for high-frequency technology.

In a further development of the invention, it can be provided in particular that the slot and the adapter form a guide for inserting the adapter into the slot.

The guide can preferably be formed by the slot having guide webs which, in combination with corresponding guide elements, for example grooves or additional guide bars of the adapter, form a rail system or other forced guide for the insertion movement. Alternatively, the adapter can have guide bars and the slot can have correspondingly designed guide elements, for example grooves.

This makes the insertion movement particularly comfortable. In particular, tilting and any resulting damage to the components during insertion can be avoided.

It can be provided that a slot is designed to accommodate several adapters and thus connectors. The slot can have appropriately designed guide bars and/or rail systems in order to optionally accommodate several adapters if necessary.

In a further development, it can 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 can interact with the corresponding adapter accordingly. The adapter can also be provided with an end stop which, when the adapter is plugged into its plug-in position, hits the outside or another location provided for this purpose on the housing part.

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

In an advantageous development of the invention, it can be provided that the primary safety device is formed by at least one locking lug and one spring arm.

In principle, any locking means can be provided that allow
or several locking lugs, spring arms, snap hooks, snap receptacles, locking hooks, etc.

Preferably, the corresponding adapter can be removed from the slot without causing any damage if necessary.

In a further development, it can also be provided that the adapter and the slot are designed in such a way that the adapter can only be inserted in one predetermined orientation.

The adapter and the slot can have a polarization, for example to prevent an adapter from being inserted into a slot at an angle of 180° or in any other way. For this purpose, the adapter and/or the slot can be designed mechanically or geometrically accordingly, for example using asymmetrical structures, in particular bevels or chamfers. Magnetic coding or anti-twisting devices can also be provided, for example by appropriate arrangement and distribution of magnetic poles of permanent magnets on the adapter and the slot.

In a further development, it can further be provided that mechanical codings are provided on a front end of the adapter in the insertion direction and/or a front end of a slot of the housing part such that only pairs of connectors can be connected to one another which are functionally assigned to one another and/or which correspond to the same connector type.

In particular, corresponding connectors of the same type can only be connected to one another if they are functionally assigned to one another. For example, this can prevent a control line of a right-hand indicator of a motor vehicle from being mixed up with the control line of a left-hand indicator. This is particularly advantageous if the housing part has several slots or the security system is implemented in a modular connector system.

The design can also ensure that plug types that do not correspond to the same type cannot be connected to one another.

The modular connector system for vehicles according to claim 12 according to the invention has a module housing with a first housing part with a plurality of uniform slots with interfaces for receiving a first adapter from a first adapter group, wherein the first adapter group comprises a plurality of first adapters of different types, which have uniform interfaces on their outer sides for positioning in the slots of the first housing part, and which have a different internal geometry for receiving differently designed connectors. The outer sides of the first adapters and the slots of the first housing part are designed in such a way that they form a primary lock for fastening the first adapter in the respective 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 with a plurality of uniform slots with interfaces for receiving a second adapter from a second adapter group, wherein the second adapter group comprises a plurality of second adapters of different types, which have uniform interfaces on their outer sides for positioning in the slots of the second housing part. The outer sides of the second adapters and the slots of the second housing part are designed such that they form a primary lock for fastening the second adapter in the respective slot when the second adapter is inserted into a predefined plug-in position in the slot.

According to the invention, a securing system having secondary fuses is provided, wherein the secondary fuses can be inserted into the housing parts up to a predefined end position, and wherein the secondary fuses are designed to secure the first adapters and/or the second adapters in the respective slots in the end position and the secondary fuses are further designed to secure the plug connectors in the first adapters and/or to secure the mating plug connectors in the second adapters.

The modular connector system described is advantageously suitable for use in a vehicle, since the requirements - especially with regard to weight, size and number of different connector types to be used - are particularly high in a vehicle.

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

In the sense of the invention relating to the modular connector system, a "uniform slot" is to be understood as meaning in particular a functionally uniform slot that can be used for universally accommodating the adapter types provided in the corresponding adapter group. The geometric and, if applicable, electrical design of the various slots does not necessarily have to be completely identical, but this is preferably the case.

The slots are preferably designed as chambers.

The adapters are used to make any type of connector or mating connector usable for the modular connector system. The connector or mating connector can be plugged into an adapter of a suitable type.

A connector or mating connector can also be a single (or multiple) assembled contacts.

It is a particular advantage of the invention that a connector system for vehicles can now be used in a modular manner, which can significantly simplify the design, production and assembly effort of the connector system. For example, the connector system according to the invention can be used across vehicle models. The module housing can always be the same. During assembly, it may only be necessary to select the appropriate adapters from a number of adapters provided for receiving the connectors or mating connectors and to combine them almost freely in the module housing using any number of slots.

The slots can be designed as cavities or chambers which have a functionally identical geometric design in order to accommodate the different types of adapters which, however, have uniform interfaces for positioning, in particular for fastening.

Preferably, all slots for the first adapter group are identical. Preferably, all slots for the second adapter group are identical. Preferably, the slots for the first adapter group and the slots for the second adapter group are not identical.

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

It can be provided that an adapter and thus a connector or mating connector of any type of the first or second adapter group can be inserted into each slot, in that the adapters are designed with a functionally identical external geometry and have an internal geometry which is designed to accommodate the respective connector or mating connector.

A modular system of different adapters can be provided for the integration of any connector or mating connector into the connector system.

According to the invention, the first adapters have uniform interfaces on their outer sides for positioning, in particular for fastening and/or for insertion into the slots of the first housing part. Interfaces for positioning are in particular interfaces for fastening, for insertion, for positioning or aligning in the plug position with little play and for receiving a uniform secondary fuse. The adapters are preferably designed in such a way that they form at least one, preferably several, particularly preferably all of the interfaces mentioned below. Preferably provided is an interface for forming the primary fuse, an interface for receiving a secondary fuse, an interface for introducing/guiding the adapter in order to position it in the slot, an interface that is suitable for forming an end stop with the slot and an interface for forming a positioning in the plug position (assembly position) in the slot with as little play as possible, wherein the external geometry of the first adapter is preferably designed accordingly for positioning with little play.

The second adapter preferably has an analogous design of its interfaces with the slots of the second housing part.

The fact that the first adapter group comprises a plurality of first adapters of different types does not mean, in all alternatives, that each of the first adapters is designed differently. Within the scope of the invention relating to the modular connector system, it is sufficient if at least two of the first adapters of the first adapter group are designed differently from one another, i.e. at least two different types of connectors can be accommodated by the first adapters of the first adapter group. The same also 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 safety system for connectors according to the invention.

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

The modular connector system provided according to the invention has a module housing with a first housing part and a second housing part, each of which has a plurality of slots for receiving (first and second) adapters. The securing system for connectors according to the invention can be used in a particularly advantageous manner in such a modular connector system.

Insofar as reference is made to a connector or an adapter within the framework of the connector security system, this is to be understood as both a connector and a mating connector or a first adapter and a second adapter within the framework of the modular connector system.

The securing system according to the invention for the modular connector system with the plurality of secondary fuses makes it possible to secure the adapters plugged into the housing parts in a particularly advantageous manner. For this purpose, the secondary fuses are inserted into the housing parts up to a predefined end position. The secondary fuses are designed to secure the first adapters and/or the second adapters in the respective slots in the end position. It is also possible for only some of the first adapters and/or the second adapters to be secured 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. It is also possible for only some of the connectors or the mating connectors to be secured in the corresponding adapters.

In a further 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 connectors accommodated in the first housing part to the corresponding mating plug connectors accommodated in the second housing part.

Connecting the housing parts to connect the connectors to the mating connectors can be advantageous because it means that each connection between the connector and the mating connector does not have to be made individually during assembly. This can be particularly advantageous if there are many plug connections within the connector system.

In particular, an electrical connection between the plug connectors and the corresponding mating plug connectors can be provided in order to provide suitable signal transmission. A mechanical connection between the plug connectors and the corresponding mating plug connectors, for example using their usual connection and/or locking means, can also be advantageous.

In principle, when connecting the connectors with the corresponding mating connectors, it can also be provided that the first adapters in which the connectors are accommodated and the second adapters in which the mating connectors are accommodated are connected to one another. electrically and/or mechanically connected to establish an indirect electrical and/or mechanical connection between the connectors and mating connectors.

Basically, it should be noted that a "first housing part" and a "second housing part" can be understood as two separate housing parts or a purely functional division of the module housing. The housing parts can therefore also be firmly connected to one another or even formed as one piece.

However, the multi-part design of the module housing can be particularly advantageous, whereby the first housing part can be connected to the second housing part.

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

In particular, the housing parts can be designed in such a way that they can absorb undesirable transverse forces and/or tensile forces. This has the advantage that the adapters and/or the plug connectors or mating plug connectors themselves do not necessarily have to be designed to withstand such mechanical loads. This means that the known plug connectors or mating plug connectors can possibly be constructed in a way that saves material and types of plug connectors or mating plug connectors can also be used that are typically unsuitable for use in vehicles due to a lack of robustness.

In a further development of the invention, it can be provided that the housing parts can be plugged into one another and locked together via at least one pair of locking elements.

Alternatively or additionally, however, it can also be provided that a locking between the housing parts is achieved by corresponding locking means of the adapters among each other and/or by locking 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 in a defined orientation.

In a further development of the invention, it can also be provided that the housing parts each have one, two or more rows of slots arranged parallel or offset from one another.

In particular, if the housing parts have more than two rows of slots, for example three rows, a staggered arrangement can be advantageous in order to ensure accessibility of the individual slots from a top and/or a bottom of the module housing, for example to insert the secondary fuses, to provide access to the individual primary fuses and/or to provide a viewing opening for visual inspection of the connector.

In a further development of the invention, it can be provided that the first adapter, the second adapter and the two housing parts are designed in such a way that the first adapter can only be inserted into the slots of the first housing part and the second adapter can only be inserted into the slots of the second housing part.

For example, it can be provided that only plugs or "male connectors" can be plugged into the slots of the first housing part and only couplings or "female connectors" can be plugged into the slots of the second housing part. This can preferably be done by appropriate mechanical coding or geometric configurations of the corresponding slots and adapters. Magnetic coding can also be provided.

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

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

Features that have already been described in connection with the security system for connectors according to the invention are of course also applicable to the modular connector system - and vice versa. Furthermore, advantages that have already been mentioned in connection with the security system for connectors according to the invention can also be understood as relating to the modular connector system - and vice versa.

It should be noted that terms such as "comprising", "having" or "with" do not exclude other features or steps. Furthermore, terms such as "a" or "the", which indicate a singular number of steps or features, do not exclude a plural number of features or steps - and vice versa.

An embodiment of the invention is described in more detail below with reference to the drawing.

In the exemplary embodiment, a modular connector system is described which also has the security system according to the invention.

The description of the embodiment is to be understood in particular as meaning that it also serves to illustrate how a security system for only one connector can be implemented. The embodiment is to be understood in particular as meaning that a security system for a connector can also be implemented if only one housing part with only one slot (or several slots) is present. In order to implement the security system according to the invention for a In particular, it is not necessary to form different adapter groups for a connector. To implement the security system for a connector, only the features specified in claim 1 are necessary. All other features, in particular the features shown in relation to the modular connector system in the following embodiment, are optional for the security system for connectors.

The figures show a preferred embodiment in which individual features of the present invention are shown in combination with one another. However, the features of the embodiment can also be implemented separately from the other features of the embodiment and can therefore be easily combined by a person skilled in the art to form further useful combinations and sub-combinations.

In the figures, functionally identical elements are provided with the same reference symbols.

Fig. 1

das modulare Steckverbindersystem im unmontierten Zustand in der Art einer Explosionsdarstellung in isometrischer Ansicht;

Fig. 2

das modulare Steckverbindersystem im montierten Zustand in isometrischer Ansicht;

Fig. 3

das montierte Steckverbindersystem der Figur 2 in einer Vorderansicht auf das erste Gehäuseteil;

Fig. 4

das montierte Steckverbindersystem der Figur 2 in einer Vorderansicht auf das zweite Gehäuseteil;

Fig. 5

eine isometrische, teilgeschnittene Ansicht auf das erste Gehäuseteil des unmontierten Steckverbindersystems;

Fig. 6

die Darstellung des Steckverbindersystems gemäß Fig. 5 während eines ersten Montageschritts;

Fig. 7

eine vergrößerte Darstellung des Ausschnitts VII der Fig. 6;

Fig. 8

die ausschnittsvergrößerte Darstellung des Steckverbindersystems gemäß Fig. 5 während eines zweiten Montageschritts;

Fig. 9

eine vergrößerte Darstellung des Ausschnitts IX der Fig. 8; und

Fig. 10

eine Vorderansicht auf das erste Gehäuseteil mit einem Teilschnitt durch einen der Steckplätze zur Darstellung einer Sekundärsicherung in der Endposition in dem Steckplatz.

They show schematically:

Fig.1

the modular connector system in the unassembled state in the form of an exploded view in an isometric view;

Fig.2

the modular connector system in assembled state in isometric view;

Fig.3

the assembled connector system of the Figure 2 in a front view of the first housing part;

Fig.4

the assembled connector system of the Figure 2 in a front view of the second housing part;

Fig.5

an isometric, partially sectioned view of the first housing part of the unassembled connector system;

Fig.6

the representation of the connector system according to Fig.5 during a first assembly step;

Fig.7

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

Fig.8

the enlarged detail of the connector system according to Fig.5 during a second assembly step;

Fig.9

an enlarged view of section IX of the Fig.8 ; and

Fig.10

a front view of the first housing part with a partial section through one of the slots to show a secondary fuse in the final position in the slot.

The embodiment shows the modular connector system 1 for vehicles according to the invention. In Figure 1 is an unassembled state and in Figure 2 an assembled state is shown.

The connector system 1 has a module housing 2 with a first housing part 3 and a second housing part 4. The housing parts 3, 4 can be plugged into one another and locked together using a pair of locking elements 5 (cf. Figure 2 ). In principle, however, the module housing 2 can also be designed as a single piece. Furthermore, the locking element pair 5 can be designed at any location and in any design, can be present multiple times or can also be omitted.

The first housing part 3 has a plurality of uniform slots 6 with interfaces for receiving a first adapter 7 from a first adapter group, the first adapter group comprising a plurality of first adapters 7 of different types, which have uniform interfaces on their outer sides for positioning, in particular for fastening in the slots 6 of the first housing part 3, and which have a different internal geometry for receiving differently designed plug connectors 8. Similarly, the second housing part 4 has a plurality of uniform slots 9 with interfaces for receiving a second adapter 10 from a second adapter group, the second adapter group comprising a plurality of second adapters 10 of different types, which have uniform interfaces on their outer sides for positioning, in particular for fastening in the slots 9 of the second housing part 4, and which have a different internal geometry for receiving differently designed mating plug connectors 11.

In principle, it can be provided that the housing parts 3, 4 each have one (as implemented in the embodiment), two, three or even more rows of slots 6, 9 arranged parallel or offset from one another. However, the exact number of slots 6, 9 used and their arrangement or distribution within the module housing 2 are not important within the scope of the invention.

In the exemplary embodiment, the first housing part 3 can be connected to the second housing part 4 in order to connect the plug connectors 8 accommodated in the first housing part 3 to the corresponding mating plug connectors 11 accommodated in the second housing part 4. In this case, it is essentially a matter of establishing an electrical connection between the plug connectors 8 and the mating plug connectors 11.

In particular, if the module housing 2 is designed in one piece, it can also be provided that the first adapters 7 with the plug connectors 8 accommodated therein can be plugged directly into the functionally defined first housing part 3 of the module housing 2 and are connected to the corresponding mating plug connectors 11 when the second adapters 10 with the mating plug connectors accommodated therein 11 are inserted into the functionally defined second housing part 4 of the module housing 2.

Preferably, the housing parts 3, 4 are designed to safely dissipate mechanical loads acting on the connectors 8 and the mating connectors 11 and/or to ensure the holding force between the connectors 8 and the mating connectors 11. Accordingly, undesirable transverse forces are diverted from the robust module housing 2 and the connectors 8 and the mating connectors 11 are subjected to less stress.

In principle, the connectors 8 and the mating connectors 11 can be designed as plugs, couplings, sockets, printed circuit board connectors and/or housing connectors. For example, connectors 8 or mating connectors 11 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. The invention is not limited to a specific type of connector 8 or mating connector 11.

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

Furthermore, the adapters 7, 10 and the slots 6, 9 can be designed in such a way that the adapters 7, 10 can only be inserted in one predetermined orientation. In particular, incorrect insertion, for example insertion rotated by 180°, can be avoided. In the exemplary embodiment, the anti-twisting device is achieved by a mechanical coding, which is implemented by an asymmetrical geometric design of the insertion openings of the slots 6, 9 and a corresponding external design of the adapters 7, 10. This is particularly evident in the Figures 3 and 4 , which is a front view of the first housing part 3 ( Figure 3 ) or on the second housing part 4 ( Figure 4 ) can be recognized. Differently designed bevels 14 serve as mechanical coding for this purpose.

Furthermore, the first adapter 7, the second adapter 10 and the two housing parts 3, 4 are designed such that the first adapter 7 can only be inserted into the slots 6 of the first housing part 3 and the second adapter 10 can only be inserted into the slots 9 of the second housing part 4. For this purpose, a corresponding mechanical coding is also provided, which is implemented by a corresponding geometric design of the components using projections, recesses and/or bevels 14.

Furthermore, it can be provided that the holes in the insertion direction A, B (cf. Figure 1 ) front faces of the adapters 7, 10 and/or at a front end of a slot 6, 9 of the housing parts 3, 4 mechanical Coding is provided in such a way that only pairs of connectors 8 and mating connectors 11 that are functionally assigned to one another can be connected.

Furthermore, in the exemplary embodiment, it is provided that the outer sides of the first adapter 7 and the outer sides of the second adapter 10 as well as the slots 6 of the first housing part 3 and the slots 9 of the second housing part 4 are designed in such a way that they have a primary fuse 15 (cf. Figures 6-9 ) for fastening the respective adapter 7, 10 in the corresponding slot 6, 9 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 locking lug 16 and a spring arm 17, as is shown for example in Figure 6 and the corresponding magnification according to Figure 7 Preferably, the primary fuse has two pairs of locking lugs 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 locks 18 for securing the adapters 7, 10 in the respective slots 6, 9, which can be inserted orthogonally to the insertion direction A, B of the adapters 7, 10 up to a predefined end position in the housing parts 3, 4 along an insertion direction C. The end positions are particularly in the Figures 2 and 8th or 9 respectively.

In particular, the secondary locks 18 can have locking elements 19 to block the primary locks 15 in their locking state, for example by engaging behind the spring arms 17 in order to block them in a form-fitting manner in the locking lugs 16, as shown in Figure 8 and the magnification according to Figure 9 is clearly visible.

The locking elements 19 prevent the spring arms 17 from springing back into a position that releases the positive connection (in the extension direction) between the locking lug 16 and the associated spring arm 17. The locking elements 19 are preferably designed as flat plate-shaped or web-shaped projections, the front end of which engages behind the spring arms 17. Each secondary lock preferably has two locking elements 19, which, when the adapter 7, 10 is inserted into a slot 6, 9, each secure a pair of the locking lugs 16/spring arms 17.

In addition to securing the adapters 7, 10, the secondary fuse 18 also serves to secure or fasten the plug connectors 8 or the mating plug connectors 11 in the adapters 7, 10. For this purpose, a positive and/or force-locking connection is preferably provided between the secondary fuse 18 and the associated adapter 7, 10 on the one hand and a positive and/or force-locking connection between the secondary fuse 18 and the associated plug connector 8 or the mating plug connector 11 on the other. For this purpose, the secondary fuse 18, as shown in the exemplary embodiment, can have, for example, a fuse terminal 20 which is inserted through an opening in the associated adapter 7, 10 and which secures the plug connector 8 accommodated in the adapter 7, 10 or the mating plug connector 11 in a form-fitting manner. Furthermore, the secondary fuse 18 can be designed such that it is inserted in a form-fitting manner into the associated adapter 7, 10.

In the Figure 8 and in the Figure 10 , for which reference is made to the slot 6 shown in the drawing plane on the right in section, a particularly advantageous design is shown to secure the secondary fuse 18 in the inserted end position. The Figures 8 and 10 show a particularly advantageous final locking of the secondary fuse 18. The locking is preferably designed in that the secondary fuse 18 has one, two or more locking elements 23. Preferably only one locking element 23 is provided. The locking element 23 is preferably designed in that the safety clamp 20 preferably has one, but possibly also several snap hooks 23.

The adapter 7, with which the secondary safety device 18 is locked in the end position by means of the locking element, preferably the snap hook 23, has a corresponding locking receptacle 24. The locking receptacle 24 can preferably be designed as a recess, groove or shoulder 24. The locking receptacle 24 is preferably designed in such a way that a positive connection with the locking element 23 is produced in such a way that the positive connection acts in the pull-out direction of the secondary safety device 18. This is shown in the Figure 8 and the Figure 10 shown accordingly.

If the secondary fuse 18 has more than one locking element 23, a corresponding number of locking receptacles 24 are preferably also provided.

In the exemplary embodiment, the snap hook 23 can preferably be released from the shoulder 24 by inserting a suitable tool, preferably a special tool, in such a way that the positive connection between the snap hook 23 and the shoulder 24 is released again.

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

The Figure 10 shows the first housing part 3, but the second housing part 4 or the second adapter 10 can be designed analogously.

The secondary fuse 18 is preferably designed in such a way that it can only be fully inserted into the adapter 7, 10 in its end position if both the adapter 7, 10 and the plug connector 8 or the mating plug connector 11 are in their predefined plug position (end position), i.e. in the assembly position. The secondary fuse 18 thus makes it possible to determine whether the adapter 7, 10 and the plug connector 8 or the mating plug connector 11 are correctly positioned. If the position is incorrect, the secondary fuse 18 cannot be inserted to its end position. This can preferably be achieved by the fuse clamp 20 being designed in such a way that it can only enclose the plug connector 8 or the mating plug connector 11 on the outside if the fuse clamp 20 is positioned on an outside area of the plug connector 8 or the mating plug connector. 11, which is suitably designed, preferably has a partially annular or annular recess, a groove, a recess, a taper 25 or a shoulder, into which the safety clamp 20 can engage. This is shown in the Figures 5, 6 and 8th shown in principle.

The engagement is preferably positively locked. It is also preferably provided, as is particularly evident from Figure 8 It can be seen that a positive connection is created at least in the pull-out direction, so that the plug connector 8 (or the mating connector 11) is prevented from being pulled out. If necessary, in addition to or as an alternative to the end stop 13, a positive connection in the plug-in direction of the plug connector 8 (or the mating connector 11) can also be provided. In the exemplary embodiment, the plug connector 8 has a shoulder, so that a taper 25 is created. Alternatively, a positive connection can also be created in and against the plug-in direction, for example by means of a groove. In Figure 8 a stop area 26 is shown as an example to symbolize the form closure.

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 designed such that the secondary fuses 18 can assume at least two, preferably at least three plug-in states along their plug-in direction C, wherein a first plug-in state relates to a basic position in which the secondary fuse 18 is captively connected to the housing part 3, 4, but not yet to the corresponding adapter 7, 10, and wherein a second stretched state relates to a pre-locking position in which the secondary fuse 18 is connected to the corresponding adapter 7, 10 within the housing part 3, 4, and wherein a third plug-in state relates to the end position in which the secondary fuse 18 is completely plugged into the housing part 3, 4.

In a particularly advantageous manner, as can be seen in the figures, the secondary fuse 18 introduces axial forces acting on the plug connector 8/mating plug connector 11 into the associated housing part 3, 4. This is also achieved by the positive connection of the secondary fuse 18 with the associated plug connector 8/mating plug connector 11 or the adapter 7, 10 and the positive connection of the secondary fuse 18 with the associated housing part 3, 4.

The secondary fuse 18 can have plug-in preventions 21, as shown in the embodiment, wherein the plug-in preventions 21 can be designed to prevent two corresponding adapters 7, 10 from being plugged together when the secondary fuse 18 is not in its end position in the housing part 3, 4. Preferably, the plug-in prevention 21 of the secondary fuse 18 blocks the plugging together of the corresponding adapters 7, 10 of the plug connector 8 with a mating plug connector 11 when the secondary fuse 18 is in its pre-locking position.

The plug-in prevention device 21 can be designed in such a way that during the insertion of the secondary fuse 18 it initially moves in the displacement path of the Adapters 7, 10 correspond to adapters 10, 7 and only release the displacement path when fully inserted in the final state.

The interfaces, which are designed uniformly for the adapters 7, 10, are designed in such a way that they form at least one, preferably several, particularly preferably all of the following interfaces: an interface for the primary securing, for example the locking lugs 16; an interface for the secondary securing 18; an interface for the guide, for example a corresponding guide that interacts with the guide webs 12; an interface for the end stops 13; and an interface for positioning the adapters 7, 10 in the slots 6, 9 in the plug-in position with as little play as possible, for which purpose the adapters 7, 10 preferably have a suitable external 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, an area 22 in which corresponding mechanical codings can be provided on the first housing part 3 is shown in Figure 3 highlighted with dashed lines.

Claims (14)

1. A securing system for plug connectors (8, 11), comprising an adapter (7, 10) and a housing part (3, 4) having at least one plug place (6, 9) with interfaces for receiving the adapter (7, 10), wherein the adapter (7, 10) has interfaces on its outer side for positioning in the plug place (6, 9) of the housing part (3, 4), and wherein the adapter (7, 10) has an internal geometry for receiving a plug connector (8, 11), wherein the outer side of the adapter (7, 10) and the plug place (6, 9) of the housing part (3, 4) are configured in such a way that they form a primary securing means (15) for fastening the adapter (7, 10) in the respective plug place (6, 9) when the adapter (7, 10) is inserted into a predefined plug position in the plug place (6, 9),
   characterized in that
   to secure the adapter (7, 10) in the plug place (6, 9) there is provided a secondary securing means (18) which can be plugged into the housing part (3, 4) up and into a predefined end position, wherein the secondary securing means (18) is designed in the end position also to secure the plug connector (8, 11) in the adapter (7, 10).
2. The securing system as claimed in claim 1,
   characterized in that
   the adapter (7, 10) can be plugged into the housing part (3, 4) in a plug-in direction (A, B), and the secondary securing means (18) can be plugged into the housing part (3, 4) in a plug-in direction (C) orthogonal thereto.
3. The securing system as claimed in claim 1 or 2,
   characterized in that
   the secondary securing means (18) has a blocking element (19) to block the primary securing means (15) in its locking state.
4. The securing system as claimed in one of claims 1, 2 and 3,
   characterized in that
   the secondary securing means (18) has a plug-in preventer (21), wherein the plug-in preventer (21) is designed to prevent a connection between a plug connector (8, 11) and a corresponding plug connector (11, 8) when the secondary securing means (18) is plugged, but not yet completely plugged into the housing part (3, 4) into the predefined end position.
5. The securing system as claimed in one of claims 1 to 4,
   characterized in that
   the secondary securing means (18), the housing part (3, 4) and/or the adapter (7, 10) are designed in such a way that the secondary securing means (18) can assume at least two plug states, wherein one plug state relates to a pre-latching position in which the secondary securing means (18) is connected to the adapter (7, 10) inside the housing part (3, 4), and wherein a further plug state relates to the end position in which the secondary securing means (18) is completely plugged into the housing part (3, 4), wherein the secondary securing means (18) fixes the plug connector (8, 11) in the adapter (7, 10) in this plug state.
6. The securing system as claimed in one of claims 1 to 5,
   characterized in that
   the secondary securing means (18), the housing part (3, 4) and/or the adapter (7, 10) are designed in such a way that the secondary securing means (18) can assume at least three plug states, wherein a first plug state relates to a basic position in which the secondary securing means (18) is captively connected to the housing part (3, 4) but not yet to the adapter (7, 10), and wherein a second plug state relates to a pre-latching position in which the secondary securing means (18) is connected to the adapter (7, 10) inside the housing part (3, 4), and wherein a third plug state relates to the end position in which the secondary securing means (18) is completely plugged into the housing part (3, 4), wherein the secondary securing means (18) fixes the plug connector (8, 11) in the adapter (7, 10) in the third plug state.
7. The securing system as claimed in one of claims 1 to 6,
   characterized in that
   the secondary securing means (18) in the end position is connected to the housing part (3, 4) in a form-fitting manner and to the adapter (7, 10) and/or the plug connector (8, 11) in a form-fitting manner in order to channel axial forces acting on the plug connector (8, 11) via the secondary securing means (18) into the housing part (3, 4).
8. The securing system as claimed in one of claims 1 to 7,
   characterized in that
   the secondary securing means (18) has a securing clamp (20), a snap connection, a receptacle or a partially circular spring element which in the end position embraces the plug connector (8, 11) inserted in the adapter (7, 10) in an at least partially form-fitting and/or force-fitting manner.
9. The securing system as claimed in one of claims 1 to 8,
   characterized in that
   the secondary securing means (18) has a latching element (23) which in the end position latches in a form-fitting manner with a latching receptacle (24) in the adapter (7, 10) to prevent a movement of the secondary securing means (18) counter to the plug-in direction (C).
10. The securing system as claimed in one of claims 1 to 9,
    characterized in that
    the primary securing means (15) is formed by at least one latching nose (16) and a spring arm (17).
11. The securing system as claimed in one of claims 1 to 10,
    characterized in that
    a mechanical coding is provided on a front end side of the adapter (7, 10) and/or on a front end of a plug place (6, 9) of the housing part (3, 4) in such a way that only pairs of plug connectors (8, 11) which are functionally assigned to one another and/or which correspond to the same plug type can be connected to one another.
12. A modular plug connector system (1) for vehicles, comprising a module housing (2) having a first housing part (3) having a plurality of uniform plug places (6) with interfaces for respectively receiving a first adapter (7) from a first adapter group, wherein the first adapter group comprises a plurality of first adapters (7) of different type which have uniform interfaces on their outer sides for positioning in the plug places (6) of the first housing part (3), and which have a different internal geometry for receiving differently configured plug connectors (8), and wherein the outer sides of the first adapters (7) and the plug places (6) of the first housing part (3) are configured in such a way that they form a primary securing means (15) for fastening the first adapter (7) in the respective plug place (6) when the first adapter (7) is inserted into a predefined plug position in the plug place (6), and wherein the module housing (2) comprises a second housing part (4) having a plurality of uniform plug places (9) with interfaces for respectively receiving a second adapter (10) from a second adapter group, wherein the second adapter group comprises a plurality of second adapters (10) of different type which have uniform interfaces on their outer sides for positioning in the plug places (9) of the second housing part (4), and which have a different internal geometry for receiving differently configured mating plug connectors (11), and wherein the outer sides of the second adapters (10) and the plug places (9) of the second housing part (4) are configured in such a way that they form a primary securing means (15) for fastening the second adapter (10) in the respective plug place (9) when the second adapter (10) is inserted into a predefined plug position in the plug place (9), wherein a securing system having secondary securing means (18) is provided, wherein the secondary securing means (18) can be plugged into the housing parts (3, 4) up and into a predefined end position, and wherein the secondary securing means (18) are designed in the end position to secure the first adapters (7) and/or the second adapters (10) in the respective plug places (6, 9), and the secondary securing means (18) are further designed to secure the plug connectors (8) in the first adapters (7) and/or to secure the mating plug connectors (11) in the second adapters (10).
13. The modular plug connector system (1) as claimed in claim 12,
    characterized in 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) received in the second housing part (4).
14. The modular plug connector system (1) as claimed in claim 12 or 13,
    characterized in that
    the housing parts (3, 4) can be plugged one inside the other and can be latched with one another via at least one latching element pair (5).

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