EP4099520A1 - Transport connector, system with the transport connector and method for manufacturing a wire harness with the transport connector - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a transport connector (10), a system (5) and a method for producing a cable harness (300), the transport connector (10) having a first receptacle (25), a second receptacle (30), a first clamping section (35 ) and a second clamping section (40), wherein the transport connector (10) extends along a longitudinal direction between a first longitudinal side (60) and a second longitudinal side (65) arranged opposite the first longitudinal side (60), the first receptacle (25) extends in the longitudinal direction and the first clamping section (35) adjoins the first receptacle (25) in the longitudinal direction on the side facing the first longitudinal side (60), the first clamping section (35) having a first clamping receptacle ( 100), wherein the second receptacle (30) extends in the longitudinal direction and the second clamping section (40) extends opposite in the longitudinal direction to the first clamping section (35) adjoins the second receptacle (30), the second clamping section (40) having a second clamping receptacle (160) which is continuous in the longitudinal direction.

Description

The invention relates to a transport connector according to patent claim 1, a system according to patent claim 11 and a method for producing a cable harness with the transport connector according to patent claim 14.

In order to produce a cable harness, cables are usually laid individually on a form board. The cables are provided individually hanging in tubes. This can tangle the cables in the deployment. After the wires are laid on the form board, they are wrapped in the bundle to form the wire harness.

That's it US 5,630,273A discloses a holding device for temporarily holding a plurality of terminals of a wire harness. The retainer removably encloses the clamp. The cables are routed out of the holding device on a common side.

It is an object of the invention to provide a shipping connector, an improved system and an improved method for manufacturing a wire harness. In particular, it is the object of the invention to prevent the cables from becoming tangled and tangling

This object is achieved by means of a transport connector according to patent claim 1, by means of a system according to patent claim 11 and by means of a method according to patent claim 14. Advantageous embodiments are specified in the dependent claims.

It was recognized that a transport connector for connecting a first electrical cable to a second electrical cable in a production of a cable harness can be provided in that the transport connector has a first receptacle, a second receptacle, a first clamping section and a second clamping section. The transport connector extends along a longitudinal direction between a first longitudinal side and a second longitudinal side arranged opposite the first longitudinal side, the first receptacle extending in the longitudinal direction and the first clamping section extending in the longitudinal direction on the first longitudinal side side facing the first receptacle, the first clamping section having a first clamp receptacle that is continuous in the longitudinal direction, the second receptacle extending in the longitudinal direction and the second clamping section adjoining the second receptacle opposite the first clamping section in the longitudinal direction, the second clamping section has a continuous second clamping receptacle in the longitudinal direction.

This configuration has the advantage that the first cable can be mechanically connected to the second cable in a particularly simple manner in the production of the cable harness in order to roll up the first cable and the second cable and to transport them on a transport roller in a particularly simple manner. As a result of the design, the first cable and the second cable can be inserted into the transport connector in a fully automated manner.

It is particularly advantageous if the first receptacle is designed to receive a first contact element of the first electrical cable at least in sections, the first electrical cable being able to be guided through the first clamp receptacle at least in sections. As a result, the first clamping section encompasses the first electrical cable in the assembled state and fixes the first electrical cable. The second receptacle is designed to receive a second contact element of the second electrical cable at least in sections, the second electrical cable being able to be passed through the second clamp receptacle at least in sections. As a result, the second clamping section encompasses the second electrical cable in the assembled state and fixes the second electrical cable to the transport connector.

In a further embodiment, the transport connector has a plate-shaped plate section which extends along a first straight line and delimits the first receptacle and the second receptacle in a vertical direction inclined to the first straight line. The first receptacle has a first insertion opening and the second receptacle has a second insertion opening, the first insertion opening and the second insertion opening being arranged on a common side opposite in the height direction to the plate section. The first contact element can be inserted into the first receptacle via the first insertion opening and the second contact element can be inserted into the second receptacle via the second insertion opening. This has the advantage that the transport connector does not have to be rotated when the cable is plugged into the transport connector.

In a further embodiment, the transport connector has a separating web extending along the first straight line, with the second receptacle being offset next to the first receptacle in a transverse direction that runs inclined to the first straight line and extending in the longitudinal direction along the first straight line. The separating web separates the first recording from the second recording. The separating web is connected to the plate section on one side and is arranged inclined, preferably perpendicularly, to the plate section. This avoids mechanical contact between the first electric cable and the second electric cable and rubbing of the electric cables against each other. In addition, the contact element in the receptacle is protected against mechanical damage.

In a further embodiment, the first clamping section has a first clamping arm, the first clamping arm enclosing the first clamping receptacle at least in sections in a direction transverse to the first straight line. The first clamp arm is connected at a first fixed end to the separator web or a panel portion of the shipping connector. The first clamping arm can be pivoted, in particular bent, around the first straight line. The clamping arm is designed to press the first electrical line, which can be guided through the first clamping receptacle, against the separating web. As a result, the first cable is attached particularly well to the transport connector, so that a high tensile force can be exchanged between the transport connector and the first cable without being damaged.

In a further embodiment, the first clamping section has a first clamping counterpart arranged on the separating section, the first clamping counterpart projecting beyond the separating web in the transverse direction. A first gap is arranged between a free end of the first clamping arm and the first clamping counterpart, the first gap opening into the first clamping receptacle. The first electrical line can be inserted into the first clamping receptacle via the first gap. During insertion, the first clamping arm is bent open and, after the first electrical line has been inserted into the first clamping receptacle, reduces the first gap again, so that the first electrical line is prevented from slipping out of the first clamping receptacle.

In a further embodiment, the separating web tapers from the first longitudinal side of the transport connector towards a middle in the vertical direction, wherein the separating web from the second longitudinal side of the transport connector opposite the first longitudinal side is designed to taper towards the middle in the vertical direction. As a result, the insertion openings are particularly good from above accessible. In particular, it is not necessary for a tool, with which the first and/or second cable is/are inserted into the associated receptacle, to be designed as narrow as the respective receptacle.

In a further embodiment, the transport connector has a first side wall on a side of the transport connector facing away from the second receptacle, the first side wall extending in the longitudinal direction, the first side wall delimiting the first receptacle in a transverse longitudinal direction, the first side wall adjoining adjoins the second longitudinal side of the transport connector and is designed to be shorter in the longitudinal direction than the first receptacle. As a result, the first receptacle is also particularly easily accessible for the tool in the transverse direction.

In a further embodiment, the first receptacle and the second receptacle have a different width in the transverse direction.

In a further embodiment, the first receptacle and the second receptacle have an identical width in the transverse direction.

A system for producing the cable harness has a first electrical cable with a first electrical line and a first contact element, a second electrical cable with a second electrical line and a second contact element, the transport connector described above. The first contact element is electrically and mechanically connected to a first electrical conductor of the first electrical line. The second contact element is connected to a second electrical conductor of the second electrical line. The first contact element is arranged in the first receptacle, with the first electrical line reaching through the first clamping receptacle, with the first clamping section fastening the first electrical line. The second contact element is arranged in the second receptacle. The second electrical line passes through the second clamping receptacle, with the second clamping section fastening the second electrical line, with the line connector connecting the first cable to the second cable to transmit the tensile force between the first electrical cable and the second electrical cable, with the first electrical Extend the wire and the second electrical wire longitudinally oppositely away from the shipping connector. As a result, the first and second electrical cables can be transported together during production, for example wound up on a transport roller. This prevents the first electrical cable and the second electrical cable from knotting on one another.

In a further embodiment, the second receptacle is designed at least in sections to correspond to the second contact element, the second contact element bearing at least in sections on the second receptacle, the second contact element being fastened in the second receptacle by means of a second clamp connection.

To produce the wiring harness, a first electrical cable having a first electrical line and a first contact element connected to the first electrical line, a second electrical cable having a second electrical line having a second contact element connected to the second electrical line, and the transport connector described above are provided . The first contact element is inserted at least in sections into the first receptacle of the transport connector. The second contact element is inserted at least in sections into the second receptacle of the transport connector. The first electrical line is guided through the first clamping receptacle of the first clamping section and the second electrical cable is guided through the second clamping receptacle of the second clamping section. The first electrical cable and the second cable, which is connected to the first electrical cable via the transport connector, are wound up into a transport roll. The transport roll is transported to a form board, the first cable being unwound from the transport roll on the form board. The first contact element is removed from the first receptacle and the first cable is routed along a predefined first cable path. The transport connector is separated from the first and/or second cable, with the second cable being unwound from the transport reel on the form board. The second cable is routed along a predefined second cable path. The first cable and the second cable are connected to each other circumferentially to the wire harness by a wire harness cover.

Winding is facilitated if the transport connector is made of an elastic material such as an elastomer and/or silicone.

Figur 1

eine perspektivische Darstellung eines Transportverbinders gemäß einer ersten Ausführungsform;

Figur 2

eine Draufsicht auf den in Figur 1 gezeigten Transportverbinder;

Figur 3

eine Draufsicht auf den in den Figuren 1 und 2 gezeigten Transportverbinder gemäß der ersten Ausführungsform;

Figur 4

eine Draufsicht auf den Transportverbinder gemäß einer zweiten Ausführungsform;

Figur 5

ein Ablaufdiagramm eines Verfahrens zur Herstellung eines Kabelbaums mittels des in den Figuren 1 bis 4 gezeigten Transportverbinders;

Figur 6

eine Draufsicht auf ein Formbrett zur Herstellung des Kabelbaums;

The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to figures. show:

figure 1

a perspective view of a transport connector according to a first embodiment;

figure 2

a top view of the in figure 1 shown transport connector;

figure 3

a top view of the in the figures 1 and 2 shown transport connector according to the first embodiment;

figure 4

a plan view of the transport connector according to a second embodiment;

figure 5

a flowchart of a method for producing a wire harness by means of in Figures 1 to 4 shown transport connector;

figure 6

a plan view of a mold board for manufacturing the wire harness;

In the following figures, reference is made to a coordinate system for better explanation. The coordinate system is designed as a legal system, for example. The coordinate system has an x-axis (longitudinal direction), a y-axis (transverse direction) and a z-axis (vertical direction). The coordinate system is designed as a legal system.

figure 1 shows a perspective view of a transport connector 10.

The transport connector 10 is used to mechanically connect a first electrical cable 15 to a second electrical cable 20. The transport connector 10 is designed in one piece and from the same material and is preferably injection molded. In this case, the transport connector 10 can be made of a plastic.

The transport connector 10 has a first receptacle 25 , a second receptacle 30 , a first clamping section 35 and preferably a second clamping section 40 . In addition, the transport connector 10 can have a plate section 45 and a separating web 50 .

The transport connector 10 extends in the longitudinal direction between a first longitudinal side 60 and a second longitudinal side 65 arranged longitudinally opposite the first longitudinal side. The longitudinal direction can run parallel to the x-axis or, in a further development, in an arc. The first receptacle 25 extends, for example, along a first straight line 55, which is aligned parallel to the x-axis, in the longitudinal direction. The first clamping section 35 adjoins the first longitudinal side 60 of the transport connector 10 in the longitudinal direction. On the first long side 60 On the opposite second longitudinal side 65 of the transport connector 10 in the longitudinal direction, the first receptacle 25 is designed to be closed, for example. In the vertical direction, the first receptacle 25 can have a first insertion opening 70 in a first partial section between the first clamping section 35 and the second longitudinal side 65 . The first insertion opening 70 is designed to be open at the top at least in the height direction.

The plate section 45 is arranged on the underside of the first receptacle 25 and the second receptacle 30 and delimits the first and second receptacles 25, 30 in the z-direction. In addition, a through opening can be arranged in the plate section 45, which figure 1 is not shown or covered. The plate section 45 is designed to be slimmer in the height direction than its extension in the x and/or y direction. The plate section 45 essentially extends in an xy plane.

The transport connector 10 has a first fastening section 75 in the longitudinal direction between the second longitudinal side 65 and the first insertion opening 70 . The first fastening section 75 delimits the first receptacle 25 at least in the transverse direction and in the vertical direction. The first fastening section 75 can be designed in the manner of a shell. The first fastening section 75 adjoins the plate section 45 on the underside.

The separating web 50 extends between the first receptacle 25 and the second receptacle 30 parallel to the first straight line 55. The separating web 50 is plate-like and is connected to the plate section 45 on the underside. Furthermore, the separating web 50 extends essentially perpendicularly to the plate section 45 , for example running essentially in an xz plane and aligned parallel to the first straight line 55 . In this case, the separating web 50 can have a different height in the vertical direction. For example, a height of the separating web 50 decreases from the first longitudinal side 60 towards a center 79 of the transport connector 10 . The height of the separating web 50 also decreases from the second longitudinal side 65 towards the center 79 of the transport connector 10, so that a contour of the separating web 50 in figure 1 is V-shaped.

The first fastening section 75 has a first side wall 80 which, for example, essentially extends in an xz plane and adjoins the second longitudinal side 65 in the longitudinal direction. The first side wall 80 points in the direction of the first longitudinal side as the distance from the second longitudinal side 65 increases, for example 60 has a decreasing height in the z-direction. Furthermore, the first side wall is, for example, shorter than the first receptacle 25 and is arranged at a distance from the first clamping section 35 in the longitudinal direction.

On the upper side, the first receptacle 25 is delimited on the first fastening section 75 by a first top wall 85 of the first fastening section 75 . The first cover wall 85 is designed in the form of a plate, for example, and extends in an xy plane. The first top wall 85 adjoins the separating web 50 and the first side wall 80 in the z-direction. The first top wall 85 is shorter than the first receptacle 25 in the longitudinal direction.

In the longitudinal direction, the first receptacle 25 is delimited on the second longitudinal side 65 by a first longitudinal wall 90 of the first fastening section 75 . The first longitudinal wall 90 is plate-shaped, for example, and extends in the z-direction between the plate section 45 and the first cover wall 85. The first longitudinal wall 90 extends in the transverse direction between the second clamping section 40 and the first side wall 80.

For example, the first fastening section 75 extends essentially over a first half in the longitudinal direction of a maximum extension of the transport connector 10 and ends essentially at the center 79 of the transport connector 10. The first side wall 80 in the height direction can be identical to the decreasing side wall 80 that becomes slimmer in the height direction Configuration of the separating web 50 be designed.

By way of example, the first clamping section 35 is designed in the manner of a clamp. The first clamping section 35 extends in the transverse direction perpendicular to the first straight line 55. The first clamping section 35 has a first clamping arm 95, a first clamping receptacle 100 and a first clamping counterpart 105. The first clamping arm 95 is fastened laterally to the plate section 45 and/or to the separating web 50 at a first fixed end 110 . The first clamping arm 95 is arcuate or hook-shaped and extends essentially in the z-direction. The first clamping arm 95 can protrude laterally beyond the plate section 45 .

In the transverse direction, the first clamping receptacle 100 is formed and enclosed by the first clamping arm 95 and the separating web 50 . The first clamping counterpart 105 is arranged on the upper side of the separating web 50 , which has a knob-like design and protrudes at least in the transverse direction over the separating web 50 in the direction of the first clamping arm 95 . That first clamping counterpart 105 delimits the first clamping receptacle 100 on a transverse side in the vertical direction.

The first clamping receptacle 100 is designed as a first through opening running in the longitudinal direction. This means that the first clamping receptacle 100 is open on both longitudinal sides and is designed to be continuous in the longitudinal direction.

The first clamping arm 95 is thickened at its first free end 115 . A contour of the first free end 115, at least at the free end 115, can be mirror-symmetrical to the first counterpart clamp 105, with a first plane of symmetry extending in the xz direction, for example, between the first counterpart clamp 105 and the first free end 115. The first clamping arm 95 is designed to be elastically pivotable about the x-axis and the first straight line 55 . In figure 1 the first clamping arm 95 is shown in the relaxed state.

The first clamping receptacle 100 is essentially delimited or preferably almost closed on the upper side by the first free end 115 and the first clamping counterpart 105 . The first clamping counterpart 105 and the free end 115 can rest against one another or, as in figure 1 shown, a first gap 120 may be arranged between the first clamping counterpart 105 and the first free end 115 . The first gap 120 is narrower in the y-direction than the first clamping receptacle 100.

The transport connector 10 can, for example, be designed to be axially symmetrical to a second straight line 125 . The second straight line 125 runs parallel to the z-axis and is arranged in the middle of the separating web 50 . An asymmetrical configuration of the transport connector 10 is also possible.

For this purpose, the transport connector 10 has, for example, a second fastening section 130 . The second fastening section 130 adjoins the first longitudinal side 60 in the longitudinal direction and is arranged opposite the first clamping section 35 in the transverse direction. The second fastening section 130 has a structure analogous to that of the first fastening section 75 .

The second fastening section 130 has a second side wall 135, a second top wall 140 and a second longitudinal wall 145. The second side wall 135, the second top wall 140 and the second longitudinal wall 145 are each formed, for example, in the shape of a plate. Also another embodiment of the second Side wall 135, the second top wall 140 and the second longitudinal wall 145 would be possible.

The second side wall 135 is connected to the plate section 45 on the underside and extends, for example, at right angles to the plate section 45 in an xz plane. The second side wall 135 adjoins the second receptacle 30 laterally and delimits the second receptacle 30 laterally in sections on the side facing away from the separating web 50 . The second side wall 135 has a decreasing height in the z-direction from the first longitudinal side 60 towards the middle 79 .

The second top wall 140 is arranged on the first longitudinal side 60 on top of the second side wall 135 and the second longitudinal wall 145 . The second cover wall 140 is arranged parallel to the plate section 45 and delimits the second receptacle 30 in sections on the upper side and adjoins a second insertion opening 150 of the second receptacle 30 in the longitudinal direction. The second cover wall 140 can be beveled on the side facing the second clamping section 40 . The first loading opening 70 and the second loading opening 150 are arranged on a common side opposite to the plate portion 45 in the height direction.

In the longitudinal direction, the second receptacle 30 is delimited on the first longitudinal side 60 by the second longitudinal wall 145 . The second longitudinal wall 145 is inclined, for example, in particular perpendicularly, to the plate section 45 and extends, for example, in a yz plane. The second longitudinal wall 145 connects the separating web 50 to the second fastening section 130 on the first longitudinal side 60 . The first clamping counterpart 105 can also be arranged on the second top wall 140 .

By way of example, the second clamping section 40 is designed in the manner of a clamp. The second clamping section 40 extends in the opposite direction in the transverse direction to the first clamping section 35 . The second clamping receptacle 160 is delimited in the transverse direction by the second clamping arm 155 on a side facing away from the first longitudinal wall 90 . The second clamp arm 155 is connected to the plate portion 45 at a second fixed end 170 . The second clamping arm 155 has a thickened portion at its second free end 175 . The thickening corresponds to the second clamp counterpart 165, for example formed and arranged approximately at the same height as the second counterpart clamp 165. The second clamp counterpart 165 is on the back of a figure 1 facing side on the separating web 50 arranged. In this case, the second clamping counterpart 165 can protrude above the second top wall 140 . The second clamping counter-piece 165 has an essentially part-circular configuration in the side view.

The second clamp arm 155 and the second clamp counterpart 165 delimit the second clamp receptacle 160. The second clamp receptacle 160 can be configured identically to the first clamp receptacle 100 or differently from the first clamp receptacle 100. A second gap 180 is arranged on the upper side between the second free end 175 and the second clamping counterpart 165 . In the transverse direction, the second gap 180 is narrower than the second clamping receptacle 160. In the vertical direction, the second gap 180 opens into the second clamping receptacle 160 on the underside.

The second clamping receptacle 160 is designed as a second through opening running in the longitudinal direction. This means that the second clamping receptacle 160 is designed to be open and continuous on both longitudinal sides.

figure 2 shows a plan view of the in figure 1 shown transport connector 10.

The separating web 50 has a first contact surface 185 on the first receptacle 25 on a side facing the first side wall 80 . The first contact surface 185 can be flat and extend, for example, in an xz plane. A second contact surface 190 is arranged opposite in the transverse direction on the first side wall 80 and is aligned parallel to the first contact surface 185, for example. The second contact surface 190 can extend, for example, in an xz plane.

A first stop surface 195 of the first longitudinal wall 90 extends in the transverse direction between the first contact surface 185 and the second contact surface 190 on the side of the first longitudinal wall 90 facing the first receptacle 25. The first stop surface 195 is covered on the upper side by the first cover wall 85 and is in figure 2 shown dashed.

On a side facing away from the first receptacle 25 and facing the second receptacle 30, the separating web 50 has a third contact surface 200, which is shown in FIG an xz plane. Opposite the third contact surface 200, the second side wall 135 has a fourth contact surface 205, which also runs in an xz plane, for example, and is therefore aligned parallel to the third contact surface 200, for example. On the first longitudinal side 60 facing the second receptacle 30 , the second cover wall 140 has a second stop surface 211 , which extends in a yz plane, for example, and connects the third contact surface 200 to the fourth contact surface 205 .

figure 3 shows a plan view of the in the figures 1 and 2 shown transport connector 10, wherein the first and second cable 15, 20 are mechanically connected by the transport connector 10.

The first electrical cable 15 has a first electrical line 210 and a first contact element 215 . The first electrical line 210 has a first electrical conductor 220 and a first sheathing 225, with the first sheathing 225 encasing and electrically insulating the first electrical conductor 220 on the peripheral side in a partial region. The first electrical conductor 220 can have, for example, a single wire or a strand made up of a multiplicity of wires arranged in a bundle and is electrically conductive. The first casing 225 insulates the first electrical conductor 220 on the peripheral side and can, for example, have an elastic, electrically non-conductive material. The first contact element 215 can be designed as a socket contact, for example. The first contact element 215 can also be designed as a plug contact, for example.

The first contact element 215 has a first contact section 230 and a first connecting section 235 , the first connecting section 235 being mechanically and electrically connected to the first contact section 230 . In this case, the first connecting section 235 is offset in relation to the first contact section 230 in the longitudinal direction. The first contact section 230 is used to make electrical contact with a further contact element (not shown) of a further contact device when the first contact element 215 is in the installed state, for example in a contact housing. The first connection section 235 is electrically and mechanically connected to the first electrical conductor 220 . In addition, the first connecting section 235 can be mechanically connected, for example crimped, to the first casing 225 in order to form a tension control device. Adjoining the first connection section 235, the first casing 225 encases the first electrical conductor 220 on the peripheral side.

The first contact element 215 can be inserted into the first receptacle 25 via the first insertion opening 70 . When the first contact element 215 is inserted into the first receptacle 25, a first end face 240 of the first contact section 230, which is arranged on a side of the first contact section 230 that faces away from the first electrical conductor 220, can bear against the first stop surface 195 of the first longitudinal wall 90.

A first width b ₁ between the first contact surface 185 and the second contact surface 190 corresponding to a transverse extent of the first contact section 230 is preferably selected to be slightly smaller than a transverse extent of the first contact section 230 in the transverse direction. This has the advantage that the first bearing surface 185 bears against a first side surface 245 and the second bearing surface 190 bears against a second side surface 250 of the first contact section 230 and when the first contact element 215 is in the inserted state, the first receptacle 25 is widened in the transverse direction. As a result, the first side wall 80 presses the second contact surface 190 against the second side surface 250 and also braces the first side surface 245 against the first contact surface 185. This provides a first clamping connection in the first receptacle 25 between the transport connector 10 and the first contact element 215. First contact element 215 unintentionally falling or tipping out of first receptacle 25 is prevented by first cover wall 85 on second longitudinal side 65 . In addition, the first clamping connection ensures that the first contact element 215 is held reliably in the first receptacle 25 and tilting of the first contact element 215 in the first receptacle 25 is prevented. Furthermore, jamming of the first contact element 215 between the first cover wall 85 and the plate section 45 is avoided. This prevents possible damage to a latching means of the first contact element 215, for example a latching spring.

The first electrical line 210 can be inserted into the first clamping receptacle 100 via the first gap 120 . When the first electrical cable 15 is inserted into the transport connector 10 , the first electrical line 210 is guided through the first clamping receptacle 100 . In the first clamping receptacle 100, the first clamping arm 95 clamps the first sheathing 225 of the first electrical line 210 on the separating web 50 and forms a second clamping connection. In this case, the first electrical line 210 is reliably fixed in the first clamping receptacle 100 . In addition, a The first electrical line 210 is prevented from slipping out through the thickened first free end 115 and the first clamping counterpart 105 via the first gap 120 .

A tensile force Fz can be reliably transmitted between the first electrical cable 15 and the transport connector 10 by the first clamp connection and the second clamp connection.

The second electrical cable 20 has a second contact element 251 and a second electrical line 252 . The second contact element 251 is designed as a plug contact, for example. Of course, the second contact element 251 can also be in the form of a socket contact and can be identical to the first contact element 215 . The second electrical line 252 has a second sheathing 270 and a second electrical conductor 265 . The second electrical conductor 265 can have, for example, a single wire or a strand made up of a multiplicity of wires arranged in a bundle and is electrically conductive. The second casing 270 insulates the second electrical conductor 265 on the peripheral side and can, for example, have an elastic, electrically non-conductive material. The second contact element 251 has a second contact section 255 and a second connecting section 260 , the second connecting section 260 being offset in the longitudinal direction with respect to the second contact section 255 . Furthermore, the second connecting section 260 is electrically and mechanically connected to the second electrical conductor 265, for example crimped and/or welded. In addition, the second connection section 260 can be mechanically connected, for example crimped, to the second casing 270 in order to form a tension protection device. Furthermore, the second connection portion 260 is electrically and mechanically connected to the second contact portion 255 .

The second contact element 251 can be inserted into the second receptacle 30 via the second insertion opening 150 . The second contact element 251 is arranged in the second receptacle 30 rotated by 180° about the z-axis relative to the first contact element 215 . The second connecting section 260 can be arranged in the transverse direction in the longitudinal direction approximately at the level of the first contact section 230 of the first contact element 215 . Electrically, the second connecting section 260 is arranged at a distance from the first contact element 215 and in particular from the first contact section 230 by the separating web 50 in the transverse direction. As a result, electrical contact between the two contact elements 215, 251 is avoided.

The second contact section 255 has a third side surface 275 . The third side surface 275 is arranged on the side of the second contact section 255 facing the separating web 50 . Opposite in the transverse direction on a side facing away from the separating web 50 , the second contact section 255 has a fourth side surface 280 . For example, the third and fourth side surfaces 275, 280 are aligned parallel to one another and can each extend in an xz plane in the assembled state.

For example, a second width b ₂ of the second receptacle 30 between the third contact surface 200 and the fourth contact surface 205 can be selected to be slightly smaller than a second transverse extent of the second contact element 251 between the third side surface 275 and the fourth side surface 280 . As a result, when the second contact element 251 is in the inserted state in the second receptacle 30, the second receptacle 30 is widened. As a result, the second side wall 135 presses the fourth contact surface 205 against the fourth side surface 280 and also braces the third side surface 275 against the third contact surface 200. This provides a third clamping connection in the second receptacle 30 between the transport connector 10 and the second contact element 251, which the second contact element 251 is reliably fixed in the second receptacle 30 . In addition, the second contact element 251 can be prevented from falling or tipping out of the second receptacle 30 by the second contact element 251 striking the top side, in particular at a tip 285 of the second contact section 255 by the second top wall 140 . The second contact section 255 can bear against the second stop surface 211 on a second end face 290 or on the tip 285 . Furthermore, jamming of the second contact element 251 between the second cover wall 140 and the plate section 45 is avoided. This prevents possible damage to a latching means of the second contact element 251, for example a latching spring.

In the Figures 1 to 3 the second width b ₂ of the second receptacle 30 is identical to the first width b ₁ of the first receptacle. In particular, if the first contact element 215 is configured identically to the second contact element 251, by selecting the same width bi, b ₂ and also the identical design of the first receptacle 25 and the second receptacle 30 to one another, the first contact element 215 can be inserted into both the first Recording 25 and in the second recording 30 are inserted. Likewise, the second contact element 251 in the first receptacle 25 or in the second Recording 30 can be inserted. This makes handling the transport connector 10 particularly easy.

The second electrical line 252 is routed through the second clamping receptacle 160 and the second clamping section 40 forms a fourth clamping connection with the second sheathing 270 of the second electrical line 252, the second electrical line 252 being on a side opposite the first electrical line 210 in the longitudinal direction is led out of the transport connector 10. Both the second contact element 251 and the second electrical line 252 are reliably attached to the transport connector 10 by the third and fourth clamping connection, so that a second tensile force Fz can be reliably transmitted between the transport connector 10 and the second electrical cable 20 .

figure 4 12 shows a plan view of the transport connector 10 according to a second embodiment.

The transport connector 10 is essentially identical to that shown in FIGS Figures 1 to 3 shown transport connector 10 is formed. In the following, only the differences of the in figure 4 Transport connector 10 shown compared to that in FIGS Figures 1 to 3 shown transport connector 10 received.

In the embodiment, for example, the first receptacle 25 is designed differently, for example narrower in the transverse direction, than the second receptacle 30 . In this case, in the embodiment, for example, the first width b ₁ is smaller than the second width b ₂ . As a result, different electrical cables 15, 20 can be mechanically connected to one another by means of the transport connector 10, with the contact element 215, 251 also being designed differently in each case.

figure 5 shows a flow chart of a method for producing a wire harness 300 by means of in the Figures 1 to 4 shown transport connector 10.

figure 6 shows a top view of a mold board 305 for manufacturing the cable harness 300.

In order to manufacture the wire harness 300, the mold board 305 and a manufacturing facility 306 are provided. The mold board 305 can have a plurality of holders 330 arranged at a distance from one another. Instead of the holder 330, a mold having a mold space may be provided.

In a first method step 405, the production facility 306, coming from a cable drum (not shown), cuts the first electrical line 210 to length. At a first longitudinal end of the first electrical line 210, the first sheathing 225 is removed in regions and the first contact element 215 is connected to the first electrical conductor 220 and preferably to the first sheathing 225 at the first connecting section 235. This can be done, for example, by crimping or welding. In addition, of course, a further contact element can be attached to a further longitudinal end of the first electrical line 210 . However, the further contact element can also be dispensed with.

In a second method step 410 following the first method step 405 , the production facility 306 inserts the first electrical contact element 215 into the first receptacle 25 . Due to the reduced height of the separating web 50 at the center 79, a tool of the production system 306 can insert the first contact element 215 into the first receptacle 25 particularly well. Furthermore, the first electrical line 210 is introduced into the first clamping receptacle 100 in the z-direction through the first gap 120 . At this time, the first clamp arm 95 is pivoted/bent outward and clamped. If the first electrical line 210 is located completely in the first clamping receptacle 100, the first clamping arm 95 remains at least partially clamped. The first clamping arm 95 presses the first electrical line 210 against the separating web 50 and clamps the first electrical line 210 on the first sheathing 225 in the first clamping receptacle 100. The first electrical cable 15 is prevented from slipping out of the transport connector 10 both through the first clamping connection as well as the second clamping connection is prevented. Furthermore, the first fastening section 75 additionally secures the first contact element 215 in the first receptacle 25. The first electrical line 210 can also be arranged only loosely in the first clamp receptacle 100.

Before, after or at the same time as inserting the first electrical cable 15 into the first receptacle 25 , the first electrical cable 15 can be wound onto the transport roller 310 on the side facing away from the first contact element 215 . The winding is interrupted so that the transport connector 10 is not yet on the transport roller 310 .

In a third method step 415, the production system 306 unrolls the second electrical line 252 from a second cable reel and cuts it to a desired length. Furthermore, the manufacturing facility 306 removed at a second longitudinal end of the second electrical line 252, the second sheathing 270 of the second electrical line 252. The stripped end of the second electrical line 252 connects the manufacturing system to the second contact element 251 on the second connecting portion 260 by means of crimping or welding.

In a fourth method step 420, the second electrical cable 20 is inserted by the production system 306 into the second receptacle 30 with the second contact element 251 and with the second electrical line 252 adjoining the second contact element 251. This can be done analogously to the connection of the first cable 15 to the transport connector 10 in the first receptacle 25 . In this case, the second electrical cable 20 is clamped both in the second receptacle 30 and preferably on the second clamping section 40 and the third and fourth clamping connection is formed.

In a fifth method step 425 following the fourth method step 420 , the first electrical cable 15 is further wound onto the transport roller 310 . The transport roller 310 can pull on the first electrical cable 15 and introduce the tensile force Fz into the first cable 15 . The tensile force Fz can be transmitted to the transport connector 10 by the first and second clamping connection between the first electrical cable 15 and the transport connector 10 . The transport connector 10 in turn pulls on the second electrical cable 20 with the tensile force Fz. During the rolling up, the second electrical cable 20 is also rolled up onto the transport roller 310 together with the transport connector 10 . This has the advantage that knotting of the first electrical cable 15 with the second electrical cable 20 is reliably prevented. The top wall 85, 140 prevents the respective contact element 215, 251 from being levered out of the associated receptacle 25, 30.

The production facility 306 can produce not just one, but a multiplicity of first and second electrical cables 15, 20, which are each connected to one another via the transport connector 10, as described in the second and fourth method steps 410, 420. In particular, it is possible for the production system 306 to produce all the electrical cables 15, 20 required for the cable harness 300 in an appropriately unwound manner and to wind them up on a common transport roller 310, connected by a plurality of transport connectors 10. For this purpose, the first to fifth method steps 405, 410, 415, 420, 425 are repeated accordingly (multiple times).

In a sixth method step 430, the transport roller 310 with the electrical cables 15, 20 wound up is transported to the form board 305. The second electric cable 20 is unwound from the transport roller 310 on the form board 305 and placed on the form board 305 according to a predefined first cable path. In this case, the second electrical cable 20 can first be hooked into the contact housing 315 and then the first electrical line 210 can be routed. Furthermore, the first contact element 215 of the second cable 20 (if present) can be plugged into a first contact housing 314 of a first contact device 313 . The unwinding and placing can, for example, take place fully automatically. In particular, the second electrical cable 20 unwound from the transport roller 310 can be placed directly in the mold or hung on the holder 330 .

In a seventh method step 435 following the sixth method step 430 , the second contact element 251 of the second cable 20 is removed from the second receptacle 30 and the second electrical line 252 is removed from the second clamping receptacle 160 . Furthermore, in the seventh method step 435 the second contact element 251 can be plugged into a second contact housing 315 of a second contact device 320 .

In an eighth method step 440 following the seventh method step 435 , the transport connector 10 is removed from the first electrical cable 15 . The eighth method step 440 corresponds to the seventh method step 435 for the first electrical cable 15.

In a ninth method step 445 following the eighth method step 440, the first electrical cable 15 is unwound from the transport roller 310 and suspended along a second cable path in the mold space of the mold or in the holder 330 of the mold board 305. In this case, the second contact element 251 of the first cable 15 can be plugged into the first contact housing 314 .

Furthermore, in the ninth method step 445 the first contact element 215 can be plugged into the second contact housing 315 of the second contact device 320 .

The sixth to ninth method steps 430, 435, 440, 445 are repeated until all rolled-up electrical cables 15, 20 have been laid on the form board 305 along the respectively predefined cable path.

In a tenth method step 450 following the ninth method step 445, the cables 15, 20 are provided with a cable harness sheathing 325. The cable harness sheathing 325 can be wound around the electrical lines 210, 252, for example, or the electrical lines 210, 252 can be surrounded by foam using a foaming process. A different type of mechanical connection of the electrical lines 210, 252 would also be possible.

In an eleventh method step 455 following the tenth method step 450, the cable harness 300 is removed and installed in the vehicle.

The manufacturing method has the advantage that the cables 15, 20 do not get tangled, which means that the cables can be laid particularly easily. The cables can be laid both manually and automatically, for example by means of a production robot directly from the transport roller 310 down.

reference list

5

system

10

transport connector

15

first electric cable

20

second electrical cable

25

first shot

30

second shot

35

first clamping section

40

second clamping section

45

plate section

50

divider

55

first straight

60

first long side

65

second long side

70

first insertion opening

75

first attachment section

79

center

80

first side wall

85

first top wall

90

first longitudinal wall

95

first clamp arm

100

first clamp

105

first clamp counterpart

110

first solid end

115

first free end

120

first crack

125

second straight

130

second attachment section

135

second side wall

140

second top wall

145

second longitudinal wall

150

second insertion opening

155

second clamp arm

160

second clamp mount

165

second clamp counterpart

170

second fixed end

175

second free end

180

second gap

185

first contact surface

190

second contact surface

195

first stop surface

200

third plant area

205

fourth area

210

first electric line

211

second stop surface

215

first contact element

220

first electrical conductor

225

first sheath

230

first contact section

235

first connection section

240

first face

245

first face

250

second side face

251

second contact element

252

second electrical line

255

second contact section

260

second connection section

265

second electrical conductor

270

second sheath

275

third side face

280

fourth side face

285

Top

290

second face

300

wiring harness

305

form board

306

manufacturing plant

310

transport roller

313

first contact device

314

first contact housing

315

second contact housing

320

second contact device

325

Wire Harness Sheath

330

holder

405

first step in the process

410

second process step

415

third step

420

fourth step

425

fifth step

430

sixth step

435

seventh step

440

eighth step

445

ninth step

450

tenth step

455

eleventh step

Claims (14)

Transport connector (10) for connecting a first electrical cable (15) to a second electrical cable (20) to produce a cable harness (300), - wherein the transport connector (10) has a first receptacle (25), a second receptacle (30), a first clamping section (35) and a second clamping section (40), - wherein the transport connector (10) extends along a longitudinal direction between a first longitudinal side (60) and a second longitudinal side (65) arranged opposite the first longitudinal side (60), - the first receptacle (25) extending in the longitudinal direction and the first clamping section (35) adjoining the first receptacle (25) in the longitudinal direction on the side facing the first longitudinal side (60), - wherein the first clamping section (35) has a first clamping receptacle (100) that is continuous in the longitudinal direction, - the second receptacle (30) extending in the longitudinal direction and the second clamping section (40) adjoining the second receptacle (30) opposite the first clamping section (35) in the longitudinal direction, - The second clamping section (40) having a second clamping receptacle (160) which is continuous in the longitudinal direction. Transport connector (10) according to claim 1, - wherein the first receptacle (25) is designed to receive a first contact element (215) of the first electrical cable (15) at least in sections, - the first electrical cable (15) being able to be passed through the first clamping receptacle (160), at least in sections, - wherein the second receptacle (30) is designed to receive a second contact element (251) of the second electrical cable (20) at least in sections, - The second electrical cable (20) being able to be passed through the second clamping receptacle (160), at least in sections. Transport connector (10) according to claim 1 or 2, - having a plate-shaped plate section (45), - wherein the plate section (45) extends along a first straight line (55) and delimits the first receptacle (25) and the second receptacle (30) in a vertical direction inclined to the first straight line (55), - wherein the first receptacle (25) has a first insertion opening (70) and the second receptacle (30) has a second insertion opening (150), - wherein the first insertion opening (70) and the second insertion opening (150) are arranged on a common side opposite to the plate section (45) in the height direction, - The first contact element (215) being insertable into the first receptacle (25) via the first insertion opening (70) and the second contact element (251) being insertable into the second receptacle (30) via the second insertion opening (150). Transport connector (10) according to claim 3, - having a separating web (50) extending along the first straight line (55), - wherein in a transverse direction that runs inclined to the first straight line (55), the second receptacle (30) is arranged offset next to the first receptacle (25) and extends in the longitudinal direction along the first straight line (55), - the separating web (50) separating the first receptacle (25) from the second receptacle (30), - wherein the separating web (50) is connected on one side to the plate section (45) and is arranged inclined to the plate section (45). Transport connector (10) according to claim 3 or 4, - wherein the first clamping portion (35) comprises a first clamping arm (95), - wherein the first clamping arm (95) encloses the first clamping receptacle (100) at least in sections in a direction transverse to the first straight line (55), - wherein the first clamping arm (95) is connected at a first fixed end (110) to the separating web (50) or a plate section (45) of the transport connector (10), - the first clamping arm (95) being pivotable about the first straight line (55), - The clamping arm (95) being designed to press the first electrical line (210), which can be guided through the first clamping receptacle (100), against the separating web (50). Transport connector (10) according to claim 5, - wherein the first clamping section (35) has a first clamping counterpart (105) arranged on the separating web (50), - the first clamping counterpart (105) protruding over the separating web (50) in the transverse direction, - a first gap (120) being arranged between a free end (115) of the first clamping arm (95) and the first clamping counterpart (105), - wherein the first gap (120) opens out in the first clamping receptacle (100), - The first electrical line (210) being insertable into the first clamping receptacle (100) via the first gap (120). Transport connector (10) according to any one of claims 4 to 6, - wherein the separating web (50) tapers from the first longitudinal side (60) of the transport connector (10) in the direction of a center (79) in the height direction, - wherein the separating web (50) tapers from the second longitudinal side (65) of the transport connector (10) in the direction of the center (79) in the vertical direction. Transport connector (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, - the transport connector (10) having a first side wall (80) on a side facing away from the second receptacle (30), - wherein the first side wall (80) extends along the longitudinal direction, - wherein the first side wall (80) delimits the first receptacle (25) in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction, - The first side wall (80) adjoining the second longitudinal side (65) of the transport connector (10) and being shorter in the longitudinal direction than the first receptacle (25). Transport connector (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, - wherein the first receptacle (25) and the second receptacle (30) have a different width (b1, b2) in the transverse direction. Transport connector (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, - wherein the first seat (25) and the second seat (30) have an identical width (b1, b2) in the transverse direction. systems (5) - having - a first electrical cable (15) with a first electrical line (210) and a first contact element (215), - A second electrical cable (20) with a second electrical line (252) and a second contact element (251), and - a transport connector (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, - wherein the first contact element (215) is electrically and mechanically connected to a first electrical conductor (220) of the first electrical line (210), - wherein the second contact element (251) is connected to a second electrical conductor (265) of the second electrical line (252), - the first contact element (215) being arranged in the first receptacle (25), - wherein the first electrical line (210) extends through the first clamp receptacle (100) and the first clamping section (35) fastens the first electrical line (210), - the second contact element (251) being arranged in the second receptacle (30), - wherein the second electrical line (252) extends through the second clamping receptacle (160) and the second clamping section (40) fastens the second electrical line (252), - wherein the line connector (10) connects the first cable (15) to the second cable (20) for the transmission of a tensile force (Fz) between the first electrical cable (15) and the second electrical cable (20), - wherein the first electrical lead (210) and the second electrical lead (252) extend longitudinally oppositely from the transport connector (10). System (5) according to claim 11, - wherein the first receptacle (25) is designed at least in sections to correspond to the first contact element (215), - wherein the first contact element (215) bears against the first receptacle (25) at least in sections, - Wherein the first receptacle (25), the first contact element (215) is fixed by means of a first clamp connection. System (5) according to claim 11 or 12, - wherein the second receptacle (30) is designed at least in sections to correspond to the second contact element (251), - wherein the second contact element (251) rests at least in sections on the second receptacle (30), - Wherein the second receptacle (30), the second contact element (251) is fixed by means of a second clamp connection. Method for manufacturing a wire harness (300), - A first electrical cable (15) having a first electrical line (210) and a first contact element (215) connected to the first electrical line (210), a second electrical cable (20) having a second electrical line (252). a second contact element (251) connected to the second electrical line (252) and a transport connector (10) according to one of claims 1 to 10 is provided, - the first contact element (215) being inserted at least in sections into the first receptacle (25) of the transport connector (10) and the second contact element (251) being inserted at least in sections into the second receptacle (30) of the transport connector (10), - wherein the first electrical line (210) is guided through the first clamp receptacle (160) of the first clamp section (35) and the second electrical line (252) through the second clamp receptacle of the second clamp section (40), - wherein the first electrical cable (15) and the second cable (20) connected to the first electrical cable (15) via the transport connector (10) are wound onto a transport roller (310), - wherein the transport roller (310) is transported to a form board (305), - the first cable (15) being unwound from the transport roller (310) on the form board (305), - wherein the first contact element (215) is removed from the first receptacle (25) and the first cable (15) is laid along a predefined first cable path, - wherein the transport connector (10) is separated from the first cable (15) and/or second cable (20), - wherein the second cable (20) is unwound from the transport roller (310) on the form board (305) and is laid along a predefined second cable path, - The first cable (15) and the second cable (20) being connected to one another peripherally by a cable harness sheath to form the cable harness (300).

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