SE1951101A1

SE1951101A1 - Locking arrangement of an electrical connector assembly, an electrical connector assembly and a vehicle comprising an electrical connector assembly

Info

Publication number: SE1951101A1
Application number: SE1951101A
Authority: SE
Inventors: Johan Lundberg; Magnus Sundberg
Original assignee: Scania Cv Ab
Priority date: 2019-09-30
Filing date: 2019-09-30
Publication date: 2021-03-31
Also published as: DE102020005548A1; SE544114C2; BR102020018992A2

Abstract

The present invention relates to a locking arrangement of an electrical connector assembly (A) for electrically connecting a leading vehicle unit (1) to a trailing vehicle unit (2). The electrical connector assembly (A) comprises a cable configuration (C) with a first cable connector (20) at a first end of the cable configuration (C). The first cable connector (20) is removably attachable to a vehicle unit connector (40, 50) arranged on a vehicle unit (1, 2). The locking arrangement comprises a bracket member (10) attached to a cable connector (20, 30). The bracket member (10) is configured such that, when the cable connector (20, 30) is attached to a vehicle unit connector (40, 50), the bracket member (10) lockingly interacts with a locking member (46, 56) of the vehicle unit connector.The present invention also relates an electrical connector assembly. The present invention also relates to a vehicle comprising a leading vehicle unit and a trailing vehicle unit.

Description

LOCKING ARRANGEIVIENT OF AN ELECTRICAL CONNECTORASSEIVIBLY, AN ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR ASSE|\/IBLY AND A VEHICLECONIPRISING AN ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR ASSE|\/IBLY TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a locking arrangement of an electricalconnector assembly for electrically connecting a leading vehicle unit to atrailing vehicle unit.

The present invention also relates to an electrical connector assembly forelectrically connecting a leading vehicle unit to a trailing vehicle unit. Thepresent invention also relates to a vehicle comprising a leading vehicle unit and a trailing vehicle unit.

BACKGROUND Vehicles having a leading vehicle unit and a trailing vehicle unit that may beconnected to the leading vehicle unit are provided with an electrical connectorassembly for electrically connecting a leading vehicle unit to a trailing vehicleunit. An example of such a vehicle is a semi-trailer truck having a tractor andtrailer electrically connected to the tractor by means of an electric connectorassembly. Such a vehicle may have more than one trailer/trailing vehicle,where electrical connection is provided between two trailing vehicles by meansof an electrical connector assembly.

An electrical connector assembly for electrically connecting a leading vehicleunit to a trailing vehicle unit, comprises a cable configuration with a first cableconnector at one end and a second cable connector at the opposite end anda cable there between.

The cable comprises a set of sheathed electrical wires terminating at the cableconnectors. One of the cable connectors is removably attachable to a vehicleunit connector of a leading vehicle unit and the other of the cable connectors is removably attachable to a vehicle unit connector of trailing vehicle unit.

When the cable connector is attached to a vehicle unit connector it is importantthat accidental disconnection is avoided. There may be certain requirementsin place regarding accidental trailer cable disconnection, such as e.g. theconnector being able to withstand a certain pulling force without disconnectingfrom the vehicle unit connector. Therefore some kind of locking arrangementfor preventing displacement of the cable connector is needed. Due to addedrequirement for accidental trailer cable connection, locking arrangementsassociated with certain standard cable connectors are not sufficient for fulfilment of the requirements.

Certain standard cable connectors have a body made of rubber material whichmay affect the retention force obtained with certain locking arrangements.

There is thus a need for providing improved locking arrangement for easily and efficiently securing the connection of an electrical connector assembly.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a locking arrangement of anelectrical connector assembly for electrically connecting a leading vehicle unitto a trailing vehicle unit, which facilitates securing connection between cable connector and vehicle unit connector.

A further object of the present invention is to provide an electrical connector assembly comprising such a locking arrangement.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle comprising aleading vehicle unit and a trailing vehicle unit comprising such an electricalconnector assembly.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION These and other objects, apparent from the following description, are achievedby a locking arrangement, an electrical connector assembly and a vehicle, asset out in the appended independent claims. Preferred embodiments of the locking arrangement are defined in appended dependent claims.

Specifically an object of the invention is achieved by a locking arrangement ofan electrical connector assembly for electrically connecting a leading vehicleunit to a trailing vehicle unit. The electrical connector assembly comprises acable configuration with a first cable connector at a first end of the cableconfiguration. The cable connector is removably attachable to a vehicle unitconnector arranged on a vehicle unit. The locking arrangement comprises abracket member attached to a cable connector. The bracket member isconfigured such that, when the cable connector is attached to a vehicle unitconnector, the bracket member lockingly interacts with a locking member of the vehicle unit connector.

By thus providing a bracket member attached to a cable connector, connectionbetween cable connector and vehicle unit connector may be secured in aneasy and efficient way, preventing displacement of the attached cableconnector in the opposite direction to the connection direction of the cableconnector and vehicle unit connector. Such a bracket member may easily beadded to an existing standard cable connector, such as cable connectorshaving a body made of rubber material, so as to increase the retention forceobtained by the locking arrangement. Such a bracket member may accordingto an embodiment be made of sheet metal.

According to an embodiment of the looking arrangement, the cableconfiguration comprises a second cable connector at a second end of the cableconfiguration opposite the first end, and wherein the second cable connector is removably attachable to a vehicle unit connector arranged on a vehicle unit.

According to an embodiment of the locking arrangement, the bracket membercomprises an interaction portion arranged to run along a connection directionof the cable connector, the interaction portion having a stop portion configuredto face away from a connector opening of the cable connector, the stop portionbeing configured to provide a stop for the locking member, thus preventingdisplacement of the cable connector in the opposite direction to the connectiondirection. By thus having an interaction portion arranged to run along aconnection direction of the cable connector and having such a stop portionproviding a stop for the locking member of the thus attached vehicle unitconnector, an increased retention force by means of the thus attached bracketmember may be obtained. Hereby a cable connector configured to fulfillSO4091:2003 clause 5.6 associated with requirements for accidental trailer cable disconnection may be easily obtained. regulations according to By providing a locking arrangement with such a bracket member, a cableconnector 20 with a bracket member 10 having the strength to fulfil regulationsaccording to lSO4091:2003 clause 5.6 associated with requirements foraccidental trailer cable disconnection is facilitated. By thus fulfilling regulationsaccording to lSO4091:2003 clause 5.6 a vehicle with ADFi-certificate may beobtained.

According to an embodiment of the locking arrangement, the stop portion ofthe interaction portion is arranged to run along an essential part of the cableconnector in a direction essentially perpendicular to the connection directionof the cable connector. With “essential part” is herein meant a considerable orsubstantial part. By thus providing a stop portion running, i.e. extending, alongan essential part of the cable connector in direction essentially perpendicularto the connection direction of the cable connector, the retention force provided by the stop portion may be increased in that the force may be distributed overa larger portion in a direction transversal to the Iongitudinal extension of thecable connector. Displacement of the cable connector in the opposite direction to the connection direction may hereby be efficiently avoided.

According to an embodiment of the locking arrangement, the locking memberof the vehicle unit connector is comprised in a cover movable between a closedposition in which a connection opening of the vehicle unit connector is coveredand an open position for allowing connection with a cable connector, thelocking member comprising a hook portion, wherein the bracket member isconfigured to lockingly interact with the hook portion when the cover is in theopen position and the cable connector is attached to the vehicle unit connector.By thus utilizing a locking member comprised in a cover with such a hookportion, a locking arrangement with increased retention force may be efficientlyobtained by means of the bracket member thus attached to the cable COn FIGCÉOI".

According to an embodiment of the locking arrangement, wherein the bracketmember is configured such that the cover, in the open position, when the cableconnector is attached to the vehicle unit connector, runs outside of theinteraction portion of the bracket member, and wherein the hook portion runstowards the cable connector in a direction essentially perpendicular to theextension of the interaction portion for interaction with the stop portion of theinteraction portion. By thus having the cover portion of the vehicle unitconnector run outside of the interaction portion of the bracket member andhaving the hook portion thus interacting with the stop portion of the bracketmember, prevention of displacement of the cable connector in the oppositedirection to the connection direction is efficiently obtained, facilitating increased retention force.

According to an embodiment of the locking arrangement, the cable connectorhas a cylindrical configuration with recess portions, the recess portions runningin the connection direction of the cable connector, the respective recess portion providing a fastening portion for the bracket member. By thus utilizingfastening portions of recess portions of the cable connector for fastening orattaching the bracket member, an efficient attachment by joint members suchas screw joints of the bracket member to the cable connecter is achieved.Thereby a high resisting force for holding the bracket member to the cableconnector may be efficiently obtained.

According to an embodiment of the locking arrangement, the fastening portionof the respective recess portion is facing away from the connection opening ofthe cable connector. Hereby the resisting force for holding the bracket memberto the cable connector by means of the attachment is mainly directed in theconnection direction of the cable connector, facilitating providing an efficientlocking arrangement by means of the bracket member. Hereby the bracketmember is efficiently attached in a manner facilitating efficient interactionbetween the stop portion of the interaction portion and the hook portion of thelocking member when the cable connector is attached to a vehicle unit COn FIGCÉOI".

According to an embodiment of the locking arrangement, the interactionportion of the bracket member is configured to run between the recessportions, the bracket member further comprising attachment portionsprotruding from the interaction portion so as to interact with the fasteningportion of the respective recess portion. By thus arranging and configuring thebracket member, the resisting force for holding the bracket member to thecable connector by means of the attachment is mainly directed in theconnection direction of the cable connector, facilitating providing an efficientlocking arrangement by means of the bracket member. Hereby the bracketmember is efficiently attached for facilitating efficient interaction between thestop portion of the interaction portion and the hook portion of the lockingmember when the cable connector is attached to a vehicle unit connector.

According to an embodiment of the locking arrangement, the interactionportion of the bracket member has a ridge configuration running in the connection direction of the cable connector. Hereby an even more robustconfiguration of the bracket member may be obtained, wherein the interactionportion may run over the cable connector, where the cable connector may havea cylindrical configuration, forming cover portions inclining towards the cable COn FIGCÉOI".

According to an embodiment of the locking arrangement, the bracket member is removably attached to the cable connector.

Specifically an object of the invention is achieved by an electrical connector assembly comprising a locking arrangement as set out herein.

Specifically an object of the invention is achieved by a vehicle comprising aleading vehicle unit and a trailing vehicle unit, the vehicle comprising an electrical connector assembly as set out herein.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS For a better understanding of the present invention reference is made to thefollowing detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings, wherein like reference characters refer to like parts throughout the several views, and in which: Fig. 1 schematically illustrates a side view of a vehicle comprising a leadingvehicle unit and a trailing vehicle unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Fig. 2 schematically illustrates a side view of an electrical connector assemblyfor electrically connecting a leading vehicle unit to a trailing vehicle unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Fig. 3 schematically illustrates a perspective view of a cable configurationaccording to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Fig. 4a schematically illustrates an exploded view of a cable connector and avehicle unit connector according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Fig. 4b schematically illustrates a perspective view of the cable connector andvehicle unit connector in fig. 4a, attached and locked by means of a lockingarrangement, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Fig. 5a schematically illustrates a plan view of a bracket member according toan embodiment of the present disclosure; Fig. 5b schematically illustrates a side view of the bracket member in fig. 5a according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Fig. 6a schematically illustrates a front view of the bracket member in fig. 5aaccording to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and, Fig. 6b schematically illustrates a perspective view of the bracket member in fig. 5a according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Herein the term “cable configuration” refers to any suitable cable configurationfor electrically connecting a leading vehicle unit to a trailing vehicle unit. A“cable configuration” may refer to a cable configuration comprising a first cableconnector at one end and a second cable connector at the opposite end witha cable there between, one of the cable connectors being removablyattachable to a vehicle unit connector of a leading vehicle unit and the other ofthe cable connectors being removably attachable to a vehicle unit connectorof trailing vehicle unit. A “cable configuration” may refer to a cable configurationwhere one end is fixedly attached to a vehicle unit, e.g. a trailer, and theopposite end of the cable configuration comprises a cable connector beingremovably attachable to a vehicle unit connector of a vehicle unit, e.g. aleading vehicle unit such as a tractor, car or the like.

Fig. 1 schematically illustrates a side view of a vehicle V according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The exemplified vehicle V is a heavy vehicle in the shape of a truck. Theexemplified vehicle may be operated in any suitable way. The exemplifiedvehicle may be operated by means of an internal combustion engine. Theexemplified vehicle may be an electrically operated vehicle. The exemplifiedvehicle may be a hybrid vehicle. The exemplified vehicle may be an autonomous vehicle.

The vehicle V comprises according to this embodiment a leading vehicle unit1 and a trailing vehicle unit 2. The leading vehicle unit 1 is according to thisembodiment a tractor and the trailing vehicle unit 2 is according to thisembodiment a trailer connected to the tractor.

The vehicle V comprises an electrical connector assembly A for electricallyconnecting the leading vehicle unit 1 to the trailing vehicle unit 2.

The vehicle according to the present disclosure may be any suitable vehiclehaving a leading vehicle unit and one or more trailing vehicle units, where anelectrical connector is provided for electrically connecting vehicle units. lf thevehicle comprises more than one trailing vehicle unit, an electrical connectorassembly is provided for electrically connecting a trailing vehicle with anadditional trailing vehicle. A trailing vehicle unit, e.g. a trailer, may hereby actas a leading vehicle unit for an additional trailing vehicle unit, e.g. an additionaltrailer. The vehicle according to the present disclosure may be any suitablevehicle where one or more vehicle units require electrical connection by means of an electrical connector assembly.

Fig. 2 schematically illustrates a side view of an electrical connector assemblyA for electrically connecting a leading vehicle unit 1 to a trailing vehicle unit 2according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

The electrical connector assembly A comprises a cable configuration C. Thecable configuration C comprises a cable C1. The cable configuration Ccomprises a first cable connector 20 at one end of the cable C1 and a second cable connector 30 at the opposite end of the cable C1.

The electrical connector assembly A comprises a vehicle unit connector 40 ofa leading vehicle unit 1. The vehicle unit connector 40 of the leading vehicleunit 1 is according to an aspect of the present disclosure configured to befixedly arranged to the leading vehicle unit 1.

The electrical connector assembly A comprises a vehicle unit connector 50 ofa trailing vehicle unit 2. The vehicle unit connector 50 of the trailing vehicle unit2 is according to an aspect of the present disclosure configured to be fixedlyarranged to the trailing vehicle unit 2.

One of the cable connectors 20, 30 is removably attachable to the vehicle unitconnector 40 of the leading vehicle unit 1 and the other of the cable connectors30, 20 is removably attachable to the vehicle unit connector 50 of the trailingvehicle unit 2.

Here the first cable connector 20 is attached to the vehicle unit connector 40of the leading vehicle unit 1 and the second cable connector 30 is attached tothe vehicle unit connector 50 of the trailing vehicle unit 2.

The electrical connection of the electrical connector assembly A is secured by means of a locking arrangement 10, 46, 46a, 10, 56, 56a.

Here, according to this exemplary embodiment, the locking arrangementcomprises a bracket member 10 attached to the first cable connector 20. Thebracket member 10 attached to the first cable connector 20 is configured suchthat, when the first cable connector 20 is attached to the vehicle unit connector40 of the leading vehicle unit 1, the bracket member 10 lockingly interacts witha locking member 46, 46a of the vehicle unit connector 40. Here, according to this exemplary embodiment, the locking arrangement comprises a bracket 11 member 10 attached to the second cable connector 30. The bracket member10 attached to the second cable connector 30 is configured such that, whenthe second cable connector 30 is attached to the vehicle unit connector 50 ofthe trailing vehicle unit 2, the bracket member 10 lockingly interacts with alocking member 56, 56a of the vehicle unit connector 50.

The locking arrangement and bracket member 10 is described in more detail below, with reference to fig. 3, 4a-b, 5a-b and 6a-b.

Fig. 3 schematically illustrates a perspective view of a cable configuration C according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

The cable configuration C comprises a cable C1. The cable configuration Ccomprises a first cable connector 20 at one end of the cable C1 and a second cable connector 30 at the opposite end of the cable C1.

A bracket member 10 is attached to the first cable connector 20. A bracketmember 10 is attached to the second cable connector 30. The cableconfiguration C according to the embodiment illustrated in fig. 3 comprises afirst cable connector 20 at a first end of the cable configuration C. The cableconfiguration C according to the embodiment illustrated in fig. 3 furthercomprises a second cable connector 30 at a second end of the cableconfiguration C opposite the first end of the cable configuration C. The firstcable connector 20 is removably attachable to a vehicle unit connectorarranged on a vehicle unit. The second cable connector 30 is removablyattachable to a vehicle unit connector arranged on a vehicle unit.

Fig. 4a schematically illustrates an exploded view of a cable connector 20 anda vehicle unit connector 40 according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure. A bracket member 10 is also shown in fig. 4a. Fig. 4b schematicallyillustrates a perspective view of the cable connector 20 and vehicle unitconnector 40 in fig. 4a, attached and locked by means of a locking arrangement, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 12 As illustrated e.g. in fig. 3 and fig. 4a, the cable connector 20 has a cylindricalconfiguration. The cable connector 20 has a connection portion 22 with aconnection opening 22a for providing electrical connection with a vehicle unitconnector 40. The cable connector 20 thus has a connection directioncorresponding to the opening of the connection portion 22. The cableconnector 20 with the cylindrical configuration has an imaginary axis X1 withan axial extension corresponding to the connection direction of the cableconnector 20. The connection direction is thereby directed from the cableconnector 20, along an axis parallel to the imaginary axis X1, towards thevehicle unit connector 40.

The cable connector 20 may have an intermediate body 23. The intermediatebody 23 is connected to the connection portion 22.

The cable connector 20 comprises a pair of recess portions 24, 25. The recessportions 24, 25 are configured to run in the connection direction of the cableconnector 20. The recess portions 24, 25 have an extension essentiallyparallel to the axial extension of the imaginary axis X1 of the cable connector20. The recess portions 24, 25 comprises a first recess portion 24 configuredto run along a side of the cable connector 20 and a second recess portion 25configured to run on the opposite side of the cable connector 20. The pair ofrecess portions 24, 25 are according to this example arranged in the intermediate body 23 of the cable connector 20.

The respective recess portion 24, 25 is configured to provide a fasteningportion 24a, 25a for the bracket member 10. Thus, the first recess portion 24provides a firsts fastening portion 24a and the second recess portion 25provides a second fastening portion 25a. The fastening portion 24a, 25a of therespective recess portion 24, 25 is facing away from the connection opening22a of the cable connector. The fastening portion 24a, 25a of the respectiverecess portion comprises an opening for receiving a bolt joint for attaching thebracket member 10. ln fig. 4a the opening O25 for the fastening portion 25a ofthe second recess portion 25 is shown. 13 The cable connector 20 has a cover 26 movable between a closed position inwhich the connection opening 22a of the cable connector 20 is covered andan open position for allowing connection with a vehicle unit connector 40. The cover 26 as illustrated e.g. in fig. 3 and 4a-b is in the open position.

The cable connector 20 has an end portion 27 connecting the cable C1, seefig. 3.

The second cable connector 30 has, according to an aspect of the presentdisclosure, the same configuration as the first cable connector 20. Thus, thesecond cable connector has a cylindrical configuration. The second cableconnector 30 has a connection portion 32 with a connection opening 32a forproviding electrical connection with a vehicle unit connector 50. The cableconnector 30 comprises a pair of recess portions 34, 35 providing fasteningportions 34a, 35a. The cable connector 30 has a cover 36 movable between aclosed position in which a connection opening of the cable connector 30 iscovered and an open position for allowing connection with a vehicle unit connector 50.

As illustrated e.g. in fig. 4a, the vehicle unit connector 40 has a cylindricalconfiguration. The vehicle unit connector 40 has a main body with a cylindricalconfiguration. The vehicle unit connector 40 has a connection portion 42 witha connection opening 42a for providing electrical connection with a cableconnector 20. The vehicle unit connector 40 thus has a connection directioncorresponding to the opening of the connection portion 42. The vehicle unitconnector 40 with the cylindrical configuration has an imaginary axis X2 withan axial extension corresponding to the connection direction of the vehicle unitconnector 40.

The vehicle unit connector 40 has an end portion 44 for transferring theelectrical connection to the vehicle unit.

The connection portion 42 and the end portion 44 forms the main body of the vehicle unit connector 40. 14 The vehicle unit connector 40 has a locking member 46 in the shape of a cover46 movable between a closed position in which the connection opening 42a ofthe vehicle unit connector 40 is covered and an open position for allowingconnection with a cable connector 20. The cover 46 as illustrated e.g. in 4a-bis in the open position. The cover 46 may comprise a link configuration 46b formoving the cover between the open and closed position about an axis Y. Thecover 46 comprises a support portion 46c for supporting the link configuration46b. The support portion 46c of the cover 46 is arranged around the main body of the vehicle unit connector 40.

The locking member 46 of the vehicle unit connector is thus comprised in thecover 46. The locking member 46 comprises a hook portion 46a. The bracketmember 10 is configured to lockingly interact with the hook portion 46a whenthe cover 46 is in the open position and the cable connector 20 is attached tothe vehicle unit connector 40, see e.g. fig. 4b.

The hook portion 46a is running essentially perpendicular relative to theextension of the cover 46 so that it runs towards the vehicle unit connector 40in the closed position. The hook portion 46a has a transversal extension. Thehook portion 46a has an outer side 46a-1 providing an outer surface configuredto face away from the connection opening 42a in the open position of the cover46. The hook portion 46a has an inner side 46a-2 opposite to the outer side46a-1, the inner side 46a-2 providing an outer surface configured to facetowards the connection opening 42a in the open position of the cover 46.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, as illustrated in fig. 4b, thebracket member 10 is configured such that the cover 46, in the open position,when the cable connector 20 is attached to the vehicle unit connector 40, runsoutside of the interaction portion 12 of the bracket member 10. When the cover46 is running outside of the interaction portion 12 of the bracket member 10,the hook portion 46a is configured to run towards the cable connector 20 in adirection essentially perpendicular to the extension of the interaction portion12 for interaction with the stop portion 12d of the interaction portion 12. The stop portion 12d is described in more detail below with reference to e.g. fig.6b.

The second vehicle unit connector 50 has, according to an aspect of thepresent disclosure, the same configuration as the first vehicle unit connector40. Thus, the second vehicle unit connector 50 has a cylindrical configuration.The second vehicle unit connector 50 has a connection portion with aconnection opening for providing electrical connection with a vehicle unitconnector 50. The second vehicle unit connector 50 has a locking member 56in the shape of a cover 56 movable between a closed position in which theconnection opening of the vehicle unit connector 50 is covered and an openposition for allowing connection with a cable connector 30. The lockingmember 56 comprises a hook portion 56a. The bracket member is configuredto lockingly interact with the hook portion 56a when the cover 56 is in the openposition and the cable connector 30 is attached to the vehicle unit connector50. See fig. 2. According to an aspect of the present disclosure, as illustratedin fig. 2, the bracket member 10 is configured such that the cover 56, in theopen position, when the cable connector 30 is attached to the vehicle unitconnector 50, runs outside of the bracket member 10.

Fig. 5a schematically illustrates a plan view of a bracket member 10 accordingto an embodiment of the present disclosure; fig. 5b schematically illustrates aside view of the bracket member 10 in fig. 5a, fig. 6a schematically illustratesa front view of the bracket member 10 in fig. 5a, and fig. 6b schematicallyillustrates a perspective view of the bracket member 10 in fig. 5a.

The bracket member 10 may, according to an aspect of the present disclosure, have a sheet metal configuration.

The bracket member 10 has an outer side 10a, see e.g. fig. 5b. The outer side10a of the bracket member 10 provides an outer surface. The outer side 10aof the bracket member 10 is configured to face away from a cable connector. 16 The outer side 10a of the bracket member 10 is configured to face away froma cable connector when attached to a cable connector, see e.g. fig. 3.

The bracket member 10 has an inner side 10b opposite to the outer side 10a,see e.g. fig. 5b. The inner side 10b of the bracket member 10 provides an innersurface. The inner side 10b of the bracket member 10 is configured to face acable connector. The inner side 10b of the bracket member 10 is configured toface a cable connector when it is attached to a cable connector, see e.g. fig.3.

The bracket member 10 has a front side 10c, see e.g. fig. 5a-b. The front side10c of the bracket member 10 is configured to face in the direction of aconnector opening of a cable connector when attached to a cable connector,see e.g. fig. 3.

The bracket member 10 has a rear side 10d opposite to the front side 10c, seee.g. fig. 5a-b. The rear side 10d of the bracket member 10 is configured to faceaway from connector opening of a cable connector when attached to a cableconnector, see e.g. fig. 3.

The bracket member 10 has a first long side 10e configured to run from therear side 10d towards the front side 10c, see fig. 5a. The bracket member 10has a second long side 10f, opposite to the first long side 10e, configured torun from the rear side 10d towards the front side 10c, see fig. 5a.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, the bracket member 10comprises an interaction portion 12. The interaction portion 12 may have alongitudinal extension. The interaction portion 12 may have a flat configuration.The interaction portion 12 may have a sheet configuration or plateconfiguration configured to run along the connection direction of a cableconnector when it is attached to the cable connector. The interaction portion12 may comprise the rear side 10d of the bracket member 10. The interactionportion 12 may comprise the opposite long sides 10e and 10f of the bracket member 10. The interaction portion 12 may be arranged to run along a 17 connection direction of the cable connector, see e.g. fig. 3. The interactionportion 12 may be arranged to run along the longitudinal extension of the cableconnector. The interaction portion 12 may be arranged to run in a directionparallel to an axial extension of an imaginary axis X1 of the cable connector20 with a cylindrical configuration, see fig. 4a.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, the interaction portion 12 ofthe bracket member 10 has a ridge configuration R, see e.g. fig. 6a-b. Theridge configuration R of the interaction portion 12 may run in the longitudinalextension of interaction portion 12. The ridge configuration R of the interactionportion 12 may form a middle portion running between the longitudinal side10e, 10f. The ridge configuration R may divide the interaction portion 12 into afirst cover portion 12a and a second cover portion 12b. The first cover portion12a and the second cover portions 12b may have the outer side 10a and innerside 10b. The first cover portion 12a has an outer side 12a-1 corresponding tothe outer side 10a and an opposite inner side 12a-2 corresponding to the innerside 10b. The second cover portion 12b has an outer side 12b-1 correspondingto the outer side 10a and an opposite inner side 12b-2 corresponding to theinner side 10b. See fig. 6a.

The cover portions 12a, 12b of the ridge configuration R may have a certaininclination relative to each other. The cover portions 12a, 12b of the ridgeconfiguration R may have a certain inclination relative to each other so that theinner side 12a-2 of the first cover portion 12a inclines toward the inner side12b-2 of the second cover portion 12b-2. The first cover portion 12a may havean inclination with an angle oi1 relative to a straight plane and the second coverportion 12b may have an inclination with an angle 0:2 relative to the straightplane. The angle oi1 may be the same as the angle oi2. See fig. 6a.

The first long side 10e of the bracket member 10 provides the long side of thefirst cover portion 12a. The second long side 10f of the bracket member 10 provides the long side of the second cover portion 12b. 18 The ridge configuration R with the inclining cover portion 12a, 12b of theinteraction portion 12 provides a shape configured to run along the connectiondirection of a cable connector having an essentially cylindrical configuration,see e.g. fig. 3. The ridge configuration R with the inclining cover portion 12a,12b of the interaction portion 12 may form a roof configured to run along acable connector.

The interaction portion 12 has a stop portion 12d configured to face away froma connector opening of a cable connector, see e.g. fig. 3. The stop portion 12dessentially corresponds to the rear side 10d of the bracket member 10, or atleast a portion of the rear side 10d. The stop portion 12d has an extensionessentially transverse to the longitudinal extension of the interaction portion12.

When the interaction portion has a ridge configuration R, the stop portion 12dmay correspond to the rear side of the interaction portion 12. The stop portion12d has afirst stop 12d-1 corresponding to the rear side 12d-1 of the first coverportion 12a. The stop portion 12d has a second stop 12d-2 corresponding to the rear side 12d-2 of the second cover portion 12b.

The stop portion 12d is configured to provide a stop for a locking member of avehicle unit connector so as to prevent displacement of the cable connector inthe opposite direction to the connection direction, see e.g. fig. 4b.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, as illustrated in fig. 4b, thestop portion 12d of the bracket member 10 is configured to lockingly interactwith hook portion 46a of the locking member 46 of the vehicle unit connector40 when the cover 46 is in the open position and the cable connector 20 is attached to the vehicle unit connector 40.

The stop portion 12d is configured to provide a stop for the hook portion 46aof the locking member 46 of the vehicle unit connector 40 so as to preventdisplacement of the cable connector in the opposite direction to the connection direction, see e.g. fig. 4b. The stop portion 12d is configured to interact with 19 the inner side 46a-2 of the hook portion 46a of the locking member 46 of thevehicle unit connector so as to prevent accidental cable connector disconnection.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, the stop portion 12d of theinteraction portion 12 is arranged to run along an essential part of a cableconnector in a direction essentially perpendicular to the connection directionof the cable connector, see e.g. fig. 3.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, the stop portion 12d of theinteraction portion 12 is arranged to run along an essential part of a cableconnector in a direction essentially perpendicular to the connection directionof the cable connector.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, the bracket member 10further comprises a wing element 14 arranged in the front portion of the bracketmember 10. The wing element 14 comprises attachment portions 14a, 14bprotruding from the interaction portion 12. The bracket member 10 thuscomprises attachment portions 14a, 14b protruding from the interaction portion12. The wing element 14 may also be referred to as an attachment element14.

The wing element 14 comprises a first attachment portion 14a configured toprotrude from the first cover portion 12a of the interaction portion 12. The firstattachment portion 14a is configured to protrude from the long side 10e in thedirection transversal to the longitudinal extension of the interaction portion 12.The first attachment portion 14a has an extension portion 14a-1 running, i.e.extending, in an extension direction corresponding to the extension directionof the first cover portion 12a of the interaction portion. The first attachmentportion 14a has connection portion 14a-2 running in a direction, e.g. from theunderside, essentially perpendicular to the extension of the extension portion14a-1. The connection portion 14a-2 is configured to run in a direction towards a cable connector in a direction essentially perpendicular to the connection direction of the cable connector, when the bracket member 10 is attached tothe cable connector, see e.g. fig. 3. The connection portion 14a-2 has a anopening 01, i.e. a through hole, for receiving a bolt joint for attaching thebracket member 10 to a cable connector, see e.g. fig. 3. The opening 01 isconfigured to run in a direction corresponding to the longitudinal extension ofthe interaction portion 12. The opening 01 is configured to run along aconnection direction of the cable connector when the bracket member 10 isattached to the cable connector, see e.g. fig. 3.

The wing element 14 comprises a second attachment portion 14b configuredto protrude from the second cover portion 12b of the interaction portion 12.The second attachment portion 14b is configured to protrude from the longside 10e in the direction transversal to the longitudinal extension of theinteraction portion 12. The second attachment portion 14b has an extensionportion 14b-1 running in an extension direction corresponding to the extensiondirection of the second cover portion 12b of the interaction portion. The secondattachment portion 14b has connection portion 14b-2 running in a direction,e.g. from the underside, essentially perpendicular to the extension of theextension portion 14b-1. The connection portion 14b-2 is configured to run ina direction towards a cable connector in a direction essentially perpendicularto the connection direction of the cable connector, when the bracket member10 is attached to the cable connector, see e.g. fig. 3. The connection portion14b-2 has an opening 02, i.e. a through hole, for receiving a bolt joint forattaching the bracket member 10 to a cable connector, see e.g. fig. 3. Theopening 02 is configured to run in a direction corresponding to the longitudinalextension of the interaction portion 12. The opening 02 is configured to runalong a connection direction of the cable connector when the bracket member10 is attached to the cable connector, see e.g. fig. 3.

The attachment portions 14a, 14b are configured to protrude from theinteraction portion 12 so as to interact with the fastening portion 24a, 25a ofthe respective recess portion 24, 25, as illustrated in e.g. fig. 3. The first 21 attachment portion 14a of the bracket member 10 is configured to be attachedto the fastening portion 24a of the first recess portion 24 of the cable connector20, see fig. 3. The second attachment portion 14b of the bracket member 10is configured to be attached to the fastening portion 25a of the second recessportion 25 of the cable connector 20, see fig. 3.

The connection portion 14a-2 of the first attachment portion 14a is configuredto be attached by means of a joint member, e.g. a screw joint, to the fasteningportion 24a of the first recess portion 24 via the opening of the fastening portion24a. The connection portion 14b-2 of the second attachment portion 14b isconfigured to be attached by means of a joint member J2, e.g. a screw joint,to the fastening portion 25a of the second recess portion 25 via the opening025 of the fastening portion 25a, see fig. 3 and 4a-b.

By thus attaching the bracket member 10 by means of the attachment portions14a, 14b with the fastening portion 24a, 25a of the respective recess portion24, 25 by means of joint members, the resisting force for holding the bracketmember 10 to the cable connector 20 by means of the attachment is mainlydirected in the connection direction of the cable connector 20, see e.g. fig. 3.Thus, the bracket member 10 is efficiently attached for facilitating efficientinteraction between the stop portion 12d of the interaction portion 12 and thehook portion 46a of the locking member 46 when the cable connector 20 is attached to a vehicle unit connector 40, see fig. 4b.

As shown in e.g. fig. 3 and fig. 4a, the interaction portion 12 of the bracketmember 10 is configured to run between the recess portions 24, 25, whereinthe attachment portions 14a, 14b are protruding from the interaction portion 12so as to interact with the fastening portion 24a, 25a of the respective recessportion 24, 25.

The bracket member 10 is according to an aspect of the present disclosuremade of metal, e.g. sheet metal. The bracket member 10 described e.g. in fig. 5a-b, 6a-b has a configuration adapted to be attached to cable connectors of 22 certain VG standards, e.g. 12P trailer connectors for military vehicles, such asVG 96923.

By providing a locking arrangement with a cable connector attached bracketmember 10 as described e.g. in fig. 5a-b, 6a-b, a cable connector 20configured to fulfil regulations according to 1804091 :2003 clause 5.6associated with requirements for accidental trailer cable disconnection isfacilitated. By providing a locking arrangement with a bracket member 10 asdescribed e.g. in fig. 5a-b, 6a-b, a cable connector 20 with a bracket member10 having the strength to fulfil regulations according to 1804091 :2003 clause5.6 associated with requirements for accidental trailer cable disconnection isfacilitated. By thus fulfilling regulations according to 1804091 :2003 clause 5.6a vehicle with ADB-certificate may be obtained. ADB 2017 adds requirement1804091 :2003 clause 5.6 “Locking device and cable retention strength” to thetrailer connection. By thus providing a locking arrangement fulfilling 1804091 :2003 clause 5.6, an ADB certified truck may be obtained.

Above, with reference to e.g. fig. 3, 4a-b, 5a-b and 6a-b, a bracket member 10having a certain shape and being configured to be attached to a cableconnector 20, 30 according to a certain embodiment has been described.

The bracket member according to the present disclosure may have anysuitable shape for providing the desired retention force so as to fulfil addedrequirement regarding accidental trail cable disconnection. The bracketmember according to the present disclosure may have any suitable attachmentarrangement for attachment to a cable connector for providing the desiredretention force so as to fulfil added requirement regarding accidental trail cabledisconnection. The attachment of the bracket member to a cable connectormay alternatively be obtained by one or more joint members such as screwjoints attached in a direction different from the connection direction of the cableconnector, e.g. perpendicular to the connection direction. 23 The foregoing description of the preferred embodiments of the presentinvention has been provided for the purposes of illustration and description. ltis not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise formsdisclosed. Obviously, many modifications and variations will be apparent topractitioners skilled in the art. The embodiments were chosen and describedin order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practicalapplications, thereby enabling others skilled in the art to understand theinvention for various embodiments and with the various modifications suited to the particular use contemplated.

Claims

24 CLAIIVIS

1. A locking arrangement of an electrical connector assembly (A) forelectrically connecting a leading vehicle unit (1) to a trailing vehicle unit (2), theelectrical connector assembly (A) comprising a cable configuration (C) with afirst cable connector (20) at a first end of the cable configuration (C), the firstcable connector (20) being removably attachable to a vehicle unit connector(40, 50) arranged on a vehicle unit (1, 2), characterized in that the lockingarrangement comprises a bracket member (10) attached to the cableconnector (20,), the bracket member (10) being configured such that, whenthe cable connector (20) is attached to a vehicle unit connector (40, 50), thebracket member (10) lockingly interacts with a locking member (46, 56) of the vehicle unit connector.

2. The locking arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the cableconfiguration (C) comprises a second cable connector (30) at a second end ofthe cable configuration (C) opposite the first end, and wherein the secondcable connector (30) is removably attachable to a vehicle unit connector (40, 50) arranged on a vehicle unit (1, 2).

3. The locking arrangement according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the bracketmember (10) comprises an interaction portion (12) arranged to run along aconnection direction of the cable connector (20, 30), the interaction portion (12)having a stop portion (12d) configured to face away from a connector opening(22a, 32a) of the cable connector (20, 30), the stop portion (12d) beingconfigured to provide a stop for the locking member (46, 56), thus preventingdisplacement of the cable connector (20, 30) in the opposite direction to the connection direction.

4. The locking arrangement according to any of claims 1-3, wherein the stopportion (12d) of the interaction portion (12) is arranged to run along anessential part of the cable connector (20, 30) in a direction essentially perpendicular to the connection direction of the cable connector (20, 30).

5. The locking arrangement according to any of claims 1-4, wherein thelocking member (46, 56) of the vehicle unit connector (40, 50) is comprised ina cover movable between a closed position in which a connection opening ofthe vehicle unit connector (40, 50) is covered and an open position for allowingconnection with a cable connector (20, 30), the locking member (46, 56)comprising a hook portion (46a, 56a), wherein the bracket member (10) isconfigured to lockingly interact with the when the cover is in the open positionand the cable connector (20, 30) is attached to the vehicle unit connector (40,50).

6. The locking arrangement according to claim 5, wherein the bracketmember (10) is configured such that the cover, in the open position, when thecable connector (20, 30) is attached to the vehicle unit connector (40, 50 runsoutside of the interaction portion (12) of the bracket member (10), and whereinthe hook portion (46a, 56a) runs towards the cable connector (20, 30) in adirection essentially perpendicular to the extension of the interaction portion(12) for interaction with the stop portion (12d) of the interaction portion (12).

7. The locking arrangement according to any of claims 1-6, wherein the cableconnector (20, 30) has a cylindrical configuration with recess portions (24, 25;34, 35), the recess portions running in the connection direction of the cableconnector (20, 30), the respective recess portion providing a fastening portion(24a, 25a; 34a, 35a) for the bracket member (10).

8. The locking arrangement according to claim 7, wherein the fasteningportion (24a, 25a; 34a, 35a) of the respective recess portion (24, 25; 34, 35) isfacing away from the connection opening (22a, 32a) of the cable connector(20, 30).

9. The locking arrangement according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the interactionportion (12) of the bracket member is configured to run between the recessportions (24, 25; 34, 35), the bracket member (10) further comprisingattachment portions (14a, 14b) protruding from the interaction portion (12) so 26 as to interact with the fastening portion (24a, 25a; 34a, 35a) of the respectiverecess portion (24, 25; 34, 35).

10. The locking arrangement according to any of claims 1-9, wherein theinteraction portion (12) of the bracket member (10) has a ridge configuration(R) running in the connection direction of the cable connector (20, 30).

11. The locking arrangement according to any of claims 1-10, wherein thebracket member (10) is removably attached to the cable connector (20, 30).

12. An electrical connector assembly (A) comprising a locking arrangementaccording to any of claims 1-11.

13. A vehicle (V) comprising a leading vehicle unit (1) and a trailing vehicle unit(2), the vehicle comprising an electrical connector assembly (A) according toclaim 12.