WO2013079577A2 - Contact-device protection cover and electric, electronic and/or optical system, device, apparatus - Google Patents

Contact-device protection cover and electric, electronic and/or optical system, device, apparatus Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2013079577A2
WO2013079577A2 PCT/EP2012/073922 EP2012073922W WO2013079577A2 WO 2013079577 A2 WO2013079577 A2 WO 2013079577A2 EP 2012073922 W EP2012073922 W EP 2012073922W WO 2013079577 A2 WO2013079577 A2 WO 2013079577A2
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
contact device
protection cover
contact
assembly
region
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/EP2012/073922
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Christoph Kraemer
Original Assignee
Tyco Electronics Amp Gmbh
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Tyco Electronics Amp Gmbh filed Critical Tyco Electronics Amp Gmbh
Publication of WO2013079577A2 publication Critical patent/WO2013079577A2/en

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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
    • H01R13/46—Bases; Cases
    • H01R13/502—Bases; Cases composed of different pieces
    • H01R13/506—Bases; Cases composed of different pieces assembled by snap action of the parts
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
    • H01R13/44—Means for preventing access to live contacts
    • H01R13/447—Shutter or cover plate

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a contact device protection cover for an electric, electronic and/or optical contact device of a piece of equipment, a device or an apparatus, in particular an electro-contact protection cover or a universal protection cover.
  • the invention further relates to an electric, electronic and/or optical piece of equipment, device or apparatus in particular for a motor vehicle, having a contact device protection cover, in particular an electro-contact protection cover or a universal protection cover.
  • Protection covers for electric, electronic and/or optical contact devices or connections of electric, electronic and/or optical pieces of equipment, such as, for example, connectors, devices or apparatuses are mounted in the longitudinal direction of the relevant contact devices or the respective connection in the prior art.
  • a contact device can become damaged when the protection cover is assembled or disassembled.
  • the relevant contact devices or the connection may be secured, but this security comes at the expense of potential damage to a contact device when the protection cover is assembled or disassembled on/over the relevant contact devices or the respective connection.
  • the object of the invention is achieved with a contact device protection cover for an electric, electronic and/or optical contact device of a piece of equipment, a device or an apparatus, in particular with an electro-contact protection cover or a universal protection cover according to claim 1 ; and with an electric, electronic and/or optical piece of equipment, device or apparatus, in particular for a motor vehicle according to claim 10.
  • the contact device protection cover according to the invention has a securing or protection region for at least partially covering a contact device and an assembly region for providing the contact device protection cover on/over the contact device.
  • the assembly region of the contact device protection cover is constructed according to the invention in such a manner that the contact device protection cover can be provided laterally on/over the contact device with respect to a longitudinal extent of the contact device. That is to say, the contact device protection cover according to the invention is itself constructed in such a manner that it can be provided laterally on/over the contact device with respect to the longitudinal extent of the contact device.
  • An electric, electronic and/or optical piece of equipment, device or apparatus has the contact device protection cover according to the invention, in particular the electro-contact protection cover according to the invention or the universal protection cover according to the invention.
  • the contact device of the piece of equipment, the device or the apparatus may be an electric contact device which is preferably constructed as an electric pin contact device.
  • Another contact device such as, for example, a socket contact device, can naturally be used.
  • the term “contact device” is intended to include the term “connection” below.
  • the assembly region is constructed in such a manner that the contact device protection cover can be fitted laterally on/over the contact device.
  • the assembly region may be constructed in such a manner that the contact device protection cover may be provided on/over the contact device mainly or substantially perpendicularly with respect to the longitudinal extent or a longitudinal axis of the contact device.
  • the contact device protection cover has a plurality of assembly regions, for example, with two assembly regions being arranged with respect to each other in such a manner that the contact device protection cover can consequently be provided on/over the contact device from two different sides.
  • the assembly region(s) may have a catch device, in particular a catch projection, by means of which the contact device protection cover can be engaged on/over the contact device.
  • a catch recess can also be used.
  • the assembly region(s) may have a guide device, in particular a guide rail, by means of which the contact device protection cover can be provided so as to be guided on/over the contact device. In place of a guide rail, for example, it is also possible to use a guide recess.
  • the securing region of the contact device protection cover may have an opening or a through-recess for passage of the contact device into an inner space of the securing region.
  • a region of a covering plate of the securing region or the covering plate of the contact device protection cover may be constructed in a resilient manner, a region of the covering plate that is adjacent to the opening for the passage of the contact device being particularly constructed in a resilient manner.
  • a portion of the covering plate may form a delimitation of the opening.
  • One or a plurality of regions, portions, parts of the contact device protection cover or the contact device protection cover itself may be constructed in one piece or in several pieces, whereby a single-piece, monobloc or materially integral or integral contact device protection cover is produced.
  • the first assembly region may be constructed as a narrow guide by means of which the contact device protection cover can be provided on/over the contact device.
  • the second assembly region may be constructed as a surface guide by means of which the contact device protection cover can be provided on/over the contact device.
  • Figure 1 is a laterally front perspective view of an embodiment of a contact device protection cover according to the invention ;
  • Figure 2 is a rear perspective top view of the embodiment of the contact device protection cover from Figure 1 ;
  • Figure 3 is a three-dimensional view of a first electronic device when the contact device protection cover according to the invention from Figure 1 is fitted;
  • Figure 4 shows the first electronic device from Figure 3 in a view similar to Figure 3, with the contact device protection cover fitted to electric contact devices of the first electronic device;
  • Figure 5 is a three-dimensional view of a second electronic device when the contact device protection cover according to the invention of Figure 1 is fitted; and Figure 6 shows the second electronic device from Figure 5 in a view similar to Figure 5, with the contact device protection cover fitted to electric contact devices of the second electronic device.
  • a contact device protection cover 1 0 according to the invention being suitable for an electric, electronic and/or optical piece of equipment, for example, a connector, a device 1 or an apparatus 1 , in particular for a motor vehicle.
  • the contact device protection cover 10 is not limited to pieces of equipment, devices 1 or apparatuses 1 in a motor vehicle, but can also be used in all electric, electronic and/or optical pieces of equipment, devices 1 , apparatuses 1 , systems, etcetera, outside the automotive sector. Only a device 1 is referred to below, the terms piece of equipment, apparatus, system, etc., being intended to be included by this term.
  • the contact device protection cover 1 0 may in this instance also be referred to as a connection protection cover 1 0, protection hood 1 0, protection casing 1 0, protection sleeve 10, cover 10 and in particular as an electro-contact protection cover 10 or universal protection cover 10.
  • the contact device protection cover 10 serves to protect, secure and/or cover electric, electronic and/or optical contact devices 20 or an electric, electronic and/or optical connection 20.
  • a plurality of contact devices 20 is also intended to refer to a single contact device 20 below.
  • Figures 1 and 2 are each perspective views of the contact device protection cover 10 according to the invention which substantially has three regions 100, 1 10, 120 which are preferably constructed integrally with each other.
  • the longitudinal extents L 0 o, L 0 , L 2 o of the three regions 100, 1 10, 120 are mainly or substantially perpendicular relative to each other. It is naturally possible to provide other angles between two of the three regions 100, 1 10, 120 in this instance (not illustrated in the drawings).
  • the longitudinal extents L-no, L-120 are in each case located substantially parallel with an assembly direction of the contact device protection cover 10 on/at the device 1 , and the longitudinal extent L 0 o is located in the assembly state of the contact device protection cover 10 on/at the device 1 substantially parallel with the contact devices 20 or the longitudinal extents L 2 o of the contact devices 20.
  • the region 100 is constructed as a securing region 100 or a protection region 100 for the at least one contact device 20, the region 1 10 as an assembly region 1 10 or a first assembly region 1 10 or a narrow guide 1 10 and the region 120 also as an assembly region 120 or a second assembly region 120 or a surface guide 120.
  • the contact device protection cover 10 may have only one of the two assembly regions 1 10/120 or a differently constructed assembly region (neither illustrated in the drawings). It should simply be noted that the relevant assembly region 1 10, 120, ... is constructed in such a manner that the contact device protection cover 10 can be laterally pushed or moved therewith on/over the contact devices 20 of the device 1 and can preferably be engaged on/at the device 1 .
  • the assembly regions 1 10, 120 serve to provide the contact device protection cover 10 on/at the device 1 (see Figure 3 to 6).
  • both assembly regions 1 10, 120 are constructed in such a manner that the contact device protection cover 10 can be assembled therewith on two different devices 1 , the first assembly region 1 10 or the second assembly region 120 being used to assemble the contact device protection cover 10 on/at the device 1 in accordance with a device 1 , respectively. That is to say, using the first assembly region 1 10, the contact device protection cover 10 can be provided/assembled on/at an assembly region of a first device 1 (see Figures 3 and 4) and, using the second assembly region 120, the contact device protection cover 10 can be provided/assembled on/at an assembly region of a second device 1 (see Figures 5 and 6).
  • a universal protection cover 10 which can be used with at least two different devices 1 is thereby obtained. It is further possible to structurally adapt relevant assembly regions of a plurality of different devices 1 to at least one assembly region 1 10, 120 of the contact device protection cover 10 so that the contact device protection cover 10 is universally applicable. A significant cost advantage is thereby achieved. It is further possible to provide more than two assembly regions 1 10, 120, these being able to be provided so as to be, for example, parallel or perpendicular relative to one of the two assembly regions 1 10, 120 provided; other angles can naturally also be used. In this instance, it may be necessary to provide an additional opening or through-recess (see below) in the securing region 100 of the contact device protection cover 10, in order to enable passage of the contact devices 20 when the contact device protection cover 10 is assembled.
  • the securing region 100 is mainly or substantially parallelepipedal, the securing region 100 having two openings 101 , 102 and/or through-recesses 101 , 102 for the relevant assembly region 1 10, 120.
  • the openings 101 , 102 when the contact device protection cover 10 is assembled on/at the device 1 , serve to allow passage of the contact devices 20 of the device 1 into an inner space 103 of the securing region 100.
  • the openings 101 , 102 themselves are selected in terms of their size in such a manner that, when the contact device protection cover 10 is moved forward on/at the device 1 , the contact devices 20 thereof can be received in a contactless manner in the hollow inner space of the contact device protection cover 10.
  • the securing region 100 has the opening 102 for the passage of the contact devices 20.
  • the opening 102 is comparatively large since the contact device protection cover 10 or the second assembly region 120 thereof is constructed in such a manner that, when the contact device protection cover 10 is assembled on/at the device 1 , a series of contact devices 20 can be provided in one step in the inner space 103 of the contact device protection cover 10 (see Figures 5 and 6).
  • the opening 102 may have a short edge which extends in the longitudinal direction -.-no.
  • the opening 102 may have an upper edge, which connects the sides of the opening 102 that are spaced apart in the longitudinal direction L 0 to each other (not illustrated in the drawings) and thus provides the contact device protection cover 10 with increased rigidity.
  • L 0 o is the opening 101 for the passage of the contact devices 20.
  • the opening 101 is comparatively small since the contact device protection cover 10 or the first assembly region 1 10 thereof is constructed in such a manner that, when the contact device protection cover 10 is assembled on/at the device 1 , the contact devices 20 can be provided one after the other in the inner space 103 of the contact device protection cover 1 0 (see Figures 3 and 4).
  • the opening 1 02 may have a short edge which extends in the longitudinal direction L-I20- Furthermore, the opening 1 01 may have an upper edge which connects the sides of the opening 102 that are spaced apart in the longitudinal direction L 2 o to each other and thus provides the contact device protection cover 1 0 with increased rigidity.
  • the securing region 100 is preferably closed, the relevant wall terminating in a lower region since a portion of the first assembly region 1 1 0 is located here.
  • the covering plate 1 04 is constructed in a resilient manner in a region of the opening 1 01 , for which reason the opening 1 01 in a lower region, in the same manner as the wall which has just been mentioned, is not closed, that is to say, the opening 1 01 is constructed in a U-shaped manner. Since the covering plate 104 is constructed in a resilient manner in the region of the opening 1 01 , this region can be used for engagement of the contact device protection cover 1 0.
  • the first assembly region 1 1 0 is constructed so as to complement or correspond to an assembly region of the device 1 from Figures 3 and 4, the contact device protection cover 10 being able to be engaged on/at the device 1 by means of the catch device 1 1 1 .
  • the contact device protection cover 10 is assembled with the first assembly region 1 10 thereof, see Figures 3 and 4, the contact device protection cover 10 is moved along a longitudinal axis L 0 towards the device 1 or the assembly region thereof, the longitudinal extent L-no of the first assembly region 1 10 extending along the longitudinal axis L-no.
  • the contact devices 20, on condition that they are all arranged in series are received sequentially inside the securing region 100.
  • the second assembly region 120 (see also Figures 5 and 6 for the function thereof) preferably protrudes laterally away from the securing region 100 of the contact device protection cover 10, which confers on the contact device protection cover 10 an L-shaped profile.
  • a base of the second assembly region 120 is constructed in a planar manner and has in each case, at the transverse ends thereof, a guide device 122, in particular a guide rail 122, between the two of which the assembly region of the device 1 can be received.
  • the guide rails 122 each have at least one guide projection 123.
  • a catch device 121 in particular a catch projection 121 , serves to engage the contact device protection cover 10 on/at the device 1 .
  • the second assembly region 120 is constructed so as to complement or correspond to an assembly region of the device 1 from Figures 5 and 6, the contact device protection cover 10 being able to be engaged at/on the device 1 by means of the catch device 121 .
  • the contact device protection cover 10 is assembled with the second assembly region 120 thereof, see Figures 5 and 6, the contact device protection cover 10 is moved along a longitudinal axis L-i 2 o towards the device 1 or the assembly region thereof, the longitudinal extent L 2 o of the second assembly region 120 extending along the longitudinal axis L 2 o-
  • the contact devices 20, on condition that they are all arranged in series are received in a parallel manner, that is to say, together in a row, inside the securing region 100.
  • Figures 3 and 5 each show an initial position for assembly of the contact device protection cover 10 on/at the device illustrated in Figures 3 and 5, respectively.
  • the contact device protection cover 10 can be secured to, in particular engaged with, the relevant device 1 in Figure 3 by means of the first assembly region 1 10 thereof and in Figure 5 by means of the second assembly region 1 10 thereof.
  • An arrow in Figures 3 and 5 in each case indicates an assembly movement of the contact device protection cover 10 towards the relevant device 1 .
  • Figures 4 and 6 each show the end assembly position of the relevant contact device protection cover 10.
  • the first assembly region 1 10 is suitable for contact devices 20 which are comparatively freely accessible but which are laterally not so readily accessible with respect to a series of the contact devices 20, whereas the second assembly region 120 is suitable for contact devices 20 which are partially offset but readily accessible from a side. So that the second assembly region 120 does not come into conflict with a piece of equipment in the assembly region of the device 1 , it may have a through-recess 124 or a through-slot 124 in which the piece of equipment of the assembly region of the device 1 can be received in the assembly position of the contact device protection cover 10.
  • the securing region 100 extends further away along the longitudinal extent L 2 o of the contact devices 20 than the contact devices 20.
  • the longitudinal extent L 0 o of the securing region 100 is arranged parallel with the respective longitudinal extents L 2 o of the contact devices 20.
  • the securing region 100 may naturally be constructed in accordance with the extent and number of the contact devices 20. In this instance, for example, it is possible to provide a plurality of rows of contact devices 20 or to arrange the contact devices 20 in a circular manner.
  • the contact device protection cover 10 can be removed for electrical contacting of the contact devices 20 or remain assembled. It is further possible to first remove the contact device protection cover 10 for the electrical contacting of the contact devices 20 and to provide them again afterwards. That is to say, the contact device protection cover 10 may remain permanently assembled and act as contact protection, for example, for high-voltage applications.
  • Assembly of the contact device protection cover 10 is carried out in particular by means of a lateral pushing movement, that is to say, a movement laterally or mainly perpendicularly relative to the longitudinal extent L 2 o of the contact devices 20.
  • a lateral pushing movement that is to say, a movement laterally or mainly perpendicularly relative to the longitudinal extent L 2 o of the contact devices 20.
  • An advantage in this instance is that this is the best assembly movement of the contact device protection cover 10 to prevent potential contact with and/or damage to the contact devices 20, for example, the contact pins 20 and/or the contact sleeves.
  • An operation involving the contact devices 20 being “threaded on” or “threaded in” is not necessary.
  • the pushing movement of the contact device protection cover 10 enables a centering operating outside a collision region of the contact devices 20, a risk of the contact devices 20 becoming bent or damaged being minimised.

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Description

CONTACT-DEVICE PROTECTION COVER AND ELECTRIC, ELECTRONIC AND/OR OPTICAL SYSTEM, DEVICE, APPARATUS
The invention relates to a contact device protection cover for an electric, electronic and/or optical contact device of a piece of equipment, a device or an apparatus, in particular an electro-contact protection cover or a universal protection cover. The invention further relates to an electric, electronic and/or optical piece of equipment, device or apparatus in particular for a motor vehicle, having a contact device protection cover, in particular an electro-contact protection cover or a universal protection cover.
Protection covers for electric, electronic and/or optical contact devices or connections of electric, electronic and/or optical pieces of equipment, such as, for example, connectors, devices or apparatuses are mounted in the longitudinal direction of the relevant contact devices or the respective connection in the prior art. In this instance, the problem arises that a contact device can become damaged when the protection cover is assembled or disassembled. When the protection cover is assembled, the relevant contact devices or the connection may be secured, but this security comes at the expense of potential damage to a contact device when the protection cover is assembled or disassembled on/over the relevant contact devices or the respective connection.
Since protection covers serve only to secure the relevant contact devices or the respective connection and are no longer required temporally after contacting the relevant contact devices or the respective connection, a protection cover should be as cost-effective as possible since they have to fulfil their function only for packaging, transport and optionally preassembly of the relevant piece of equipment, device or apparatus. In this instance, there is a separate protection cover for a specific application in order to protect the relevant contact device or the respective connection from damage.
An object of the invention is to provide an improved contact device protection cover for an electric, electronic and/or optical contact device of a piece of equipment, a device or an apparatus, in particular an electro-contact protection cover or a universal protection cover. Another object of the invention is to provide an accordingly improved electric, electronic and/or optical piece of equipment, device or an accordingly improved apparatus, in particular for a motor vehicle. In this instance, the contact device protection cover according to the invention is intended to be cost-effective, to reliably prevent damage to a contact device when the contact device protection cover is assembled or disassembled and/or is intended to be able to be used for a plurality of different applications with the contact device protection cover having the same construction. The object of the invention is achieved with a contact device protection cover for an electric, electronic and/or optical contact device of a piece of equipment, a device or an apparatus, in particular with an electro-contact protection cover or a universal protection cover according to claim 1 ; and with an electric, electronic and/or optical piece of equipment, device or apparatus, in particular for a motor vehicle according to claim 10. Advantageous developments, additional features and/or advantages of the invention will be appreciated from the dependent claims and the following description.
The contact device protection cover according to the invention has a securing or protection region for at least partially covering a contact device and an assembly region for providing the contact device protection cover on/over the contact device. In this instance, the assembly region of the contact device protection cover is constructed according to the invention in such a manner that the contact device protection cover can be provided laterally on/over the contact device with respect to a longitudinal extent of the contact device. That is to say, the contact device protection cover according to the invention is itself constructed in such a manner that it can be provided laterally on/over the contact device with respect to the longitudinal extent of the contact device. An electric, electronic and/or optical piece of equipment, device or apparatus has the contact device protection cover according to the invention, in particular the electro-contact protection cover according to the invention or the universal protection cover according to the invention. In this instance, the contact device of the piece of equipment, the device or the apparatus may be an electric contact device which is preferably constructed as an electric pin contact device. Another contact device, such as, for example, a socket contact device, can naturally be used. The term "contact device" is intended to include the term "connection" below.
In one embodiment of the invention, the assembly region is constructed in such a manner that the contact device protection cover can be fitted laterally on/over the contact device. Furthermore, the assembly region may be constructed in such a manner that the contact device protection cover may be provided on/over the contact device mainly or substantially perpendicularly with respect to the longitudinal extent or a longitudinal axis of the contact device. Preferably, the contact device protection cover has a plurality of assembly regions, for example, with two assembly regions being arranged with respect to each other in such a manner that the contact device protection cover can consequently be provided on/over the contact device from two different sides.
In this instance, the assembly regions or the longitudinal extents of the assembly regions may be mainly or substantially arranged in a plane. However, it is possible to arrange the assembly regions or the longitudinal extents thereof in different planes. Preferably, the assembly regions or the longitudinal extents of the assembly regions define a mainly or substantially right angle with respect to each other. Other angles may of course be used in this instance.
In one embodiment of the invention, the assembly region(s) may have a catch device, in particular a catch projection, by means of which the contact device protection cover can be engaged on/over the contact device. Naturally, a catch recess can also be used. Furthermore, the assembly region(s) may have a guide device, in particular a guide rail, by means of which the contact device protection cover can be provided so as to be guided on/over the contact device. In place of a guide rail, for example, it is also possible to use a guide recess. The securing region of the contact device protection cover may have an opening or a through-recess for passage of the contact device into an inner space of the securing region. Furthermore, a region of a covering plate of the securing region or the covering plate of the contact device protection cover may be constructed in a resilient manner, a region of the covering plate that is adjacent to the opening for the passage of the contact device being particularly constructed in a resilient manner. In this instance, a portion of the covering plate may form a delimitation of the opening.
One or a plurality of regions, portions, parts of the contact device protection cover or the contact device protection cover itself may be constructed in one piece or in several pieces, whereby a single-piece, monobloc or materially integral or integral contact device protection cover is produced. Furthermore, the first assembly region may be constructed as a narrow guide by means of which the contact device protection cover can be provided on/over the contact device. Alternatively or additionally, the second assembly region may be constructed as a surface guide by means of which the contact device protection cover can be provided on/over the contact device.
In embodiments of the invention, the first assembly region has a through-recess or a through-slot in which the contact device or the retention member thereof can be received. Alternatively or additionally, the second assembly region may be constructed as a receiving member in which the contact device or the retention member thereof can be received. According to the invention, protection, securing and/or covering of the contact device(s) is ensured, damage to a contact device during assembly or disassembly of the contact device protection cover being reliably prevented owing to the fact that the contact device protection cover can be assembled at the side. In particular, the contact device protection cover according to the invention is cost-effective since, owing to the plurality of differently constructable assembly regions of the contact device protection cover, using identical contact device protection covers a plurality of different applications can be fulfilled. Furthermore, the contact device protection cover may be constructed in a simple and robust manner.
The invention is explained in greater detail below with reference to embodiments and the appended drawings. In the detailed Figures:
Figure 1 is a laterally front perspective view of an embodiment of a contact device protection cover according to the invention ;
Figure 2 is a rear perspective top view of the embodiment of the contact device protection cover from Figure 1 ;
Figure 3 is a three-dimensional view of a first electronic device when the contact device protection cover according to the invention from Figure 1 is fitted;
Figure 4 shows the first electronic device from Figure 3 in a view similar to Figure 3, with the contact device protection cover fitted to electric contact devices of the first electronic device;
Figure 5 is a three-dimensional view of a second electronic device when the contact device protection cover according to the invention of Figure 1 is fitted; and Figure 6 shows the second electronic device from Figure 5 in a view similar to Figure 5, with the contact device protection cover fitted to electric contact devices of the second electronic device. The invention is described in greater detail below with reference to an embodiment with modifications, a contact device protection cover 1 0 according to the invention being suitable for an electric, electronic and/or optical piece of equipment, for example, a connector, a device 1 or an apparatus 1 , in particular for a motor vehicle. However, the contact device protection cover 10 is not limited to pieces of equipment, devices 1 or apparatuses 1 in a motor vehicle, but can also be used in all electric, electronic and/or optical pieces of equipment, devices 1 , apparatuses 1 , systems, etcetera, outside the automotive sector. Only a device 1 is referred to below, the terms piece of equipment, apparatus, system, etc., being intended to be included by this term.
The contact device protection cover 1 0 may in this instance also be referred to as a connection protection cover 1 0, protection hood 1 0, protection casing 1 0, protection sleeve 10, cover 10 and in particular as an electro-contact protection cover 10 or universal protection cover 10. In this instance, the contact device protection cover 10 serves to protect, secure and/or cover electric, electronic and/or optical contact devices 20 or an electric, electronic and/or optical connection 20. A plurality of contact devices 20 is also intended to refer to a single contact device 20 below.
Figures 1 and 2 are each perspective views of the contact device protection cover 10 according to the invention which substantially has three regions 100, 1 10, 120 which are preferably constructed integrally with each other. The longitudinal extents L 0o, L 0, L 2o of the three regions 100, 1 10, 120 are mainly or substantially perpendicular relative to each other. It is naturally possible to provide other angles between two of the three regions 100, 1 10, 120 in this instance (not illustrated in the drawings). The longitudinal extents L-no, L-120 are in each case located substantially parallel with an assembly direction of the contact device protection cover 10 on/at the device 1 , and the longitudinal extent L 0o is located in the assembly state of the contact device protection cover 10 on/at the device 1 substantially parallel with the contact devices 20 or the longitudinal extents L2o of the contact devices 20. In this instance, the region 100 is constructed as a securing region 100 or a protection region 100 for the at least one contact device 20, the region 1 10 as an assembly region 1 10 or a first assembly region 1 10 or a narrow guide 1 10 and the region 120 also as an assembly region 120 or a second assembly region 120 or a surface guide 120. In embodiments of the invention, the contact device protection cover 10 may have only one of the two assembly regions 1 10/120 or a differently constructed assembly region (neither illustrated in the drawings). It should simply be noted that the relevant assembly region 1 10, 120, ... is constructed in such a manner that the contact device protection cover 10 can be laterally pushed or moved therewith on/over the contact devices 20 of the device 1 and can preferably be engaged on/at the device 1 . The assembly regions 1 10, 120 serve to provide the contact device protection cover 10 on/at the device 1 (see Figure 3 to 6). In this instance, it is preferable for both assembly regions 1 10, 120 to be constructed in such a manner that the contact device protection cover 10 can be assembled therewith on two different devices 1 , the first assembly region 1 10 or the second assembly region 120 being used to assemble the contact device protection cover 10 on/at the device 1 in accordance with a device 1 , respectively. That is to say, using the first assembly region 1 10, the contact device protection cover 10 can be provided/assembled on/at an assembly region of a first device 1 (see Figures 3 and 4) and, using the second assembly region 120, the contact device protection cover 10 can be provided/assembled on/at an assembly region of a second device 1 (see Figures 5 and 6).
A universal protection cover 10 which can be used with at least two different devices 1 is thereby obtained. It is further possible to structurally adapt relevant assembly regions of a plurality of different devices 1 to at least one assembly region 1 10, 120 of the contact device protection cover 10 so that the contact device protection cover 10 is universally applicable. A significant cost advantage is thereby achieved. It is further possible to provide more than two assembly regions 1 10, 120, these being able to be provided so as to be, for example, parallel or perpendicular relative to one of the two assembly regions 1 10, 120 provided; other angles can naturally also be used. In this instance, it may be necessary to provide an additional opening or through-recess (see below) in the securing region 100 of the contact device protection cover 10, in order to enable passage of the contact devices 20 when the contact device protection cover 10 is assembled.
In the present embodiment, the securing region 100 is mainly or substantially parallelepipedal, the securing region 100 having two openings 101 , 102 and/or through-recesses 101 , 102 for the relevant assembly region 1 10, 120. The openings 101 , 102, when the contact device protection cover 10 is assembled on/at the device 1 , serve to allow passage of the contact devices 20 of the device 1 into an inner space 103 of the securing region 100. The openings 101 , 102 themselves are selected in terms of their size in such a manner that, when the contact device protection cover 10 is moved forward on/at the device 1 , the contact devices 20 thereof can be received in a contactless manner in the hollow inner space of the contact device protection cover 10.
The following position indications refer to the illustrations in the drawings. The parallelepipedal securing region 100 has at a longitudinal side, extending in the longitudinal extent L 0 of the assembly region 1 10, a covering plate 104 which, in the assembly state (see Figures 4 and 6) of the contact device protection cover 10 on/at the device 1 , completely covers and consequently protects the contact devices 20 thereof at one side. At an upper side, the securing region 100 may be closed (not illustrated in the drawings) or open. At an opposing lower side, the securing region 100 is open, the first assembly region 1 10 being provided in a lower region of the securing region 100 (see below).
At a side facing the covering plate 104, the securing region 100 has the opening 102 for the passage of the contact devices 20. In this instance, the opening 102 is comparatively large since the contact device protection cover 10 or the second assembly region 120 thereof is constructed in such a manner that, when the contact device protection cover 10 is assembled on/at the device 1 , a series of contact devices 20 can be provided in one step in the inner space 103 of the contact device protection cover 10 (see Figures 5 and 6). At each of the sides, the opening 102 may have a short edge which extends in the longitudinal direction -.-no. Furthermore, the opening 102 may have an upper edge, which connects the sides of the opening 102 that are spaced apart in the longitudinal direction L 0 to each other (not illustrated in the drawings) and thus provides the contact device protection cover 10 with increased rigidity.
At a transverse side which extends in the longitudinal direction, L 0o is the opening 101 for the passage of the contact devices 20. In this instance, the opening 101 is comparatively small since the contact device protection cover 10 or the first assembly region 1 10 thereof is constructed in such a manner that, when the contact device protection cover 10 is assembled on/at the device 1 , the contact devices 20 can be provided one after the other in the inner space 103 of the contact device protection cover 1 0 (see Figures 3 and 4). At each of the sides, the opening 1 02 may have a short edge which extends in the longitudinal direction L-I20- Furthermore, the opening 1 01 may have an upper edge which connects the sides of the opening 102 that are spaced apart in the longitudinal direction L 2o to each other and thus provides the contact device protection cover 1 0 with increased rigidity.
At an opposing transverse side, the securing region 100 is preferably closed, the relevant wall terminating in a lower region since a portion of the first assembly region 1 1 0 is located here. The covering plate 1 04 is constructed in a resilient manner in a region of the opening 1 01 , for which reason the opening 1 01 in a lower region, in the same manner as the wall which has just been mentioned, is not closed, that is to say, the opening 1 01 is constructed in a U-shaped manner. Since the covering plate 104 is constructed in a resilient manner in the region of the opening 1 01 , this region can be used for engagement of the contact device protection cover 1 0. To this end, the covering plate 1 04 has at the inner side and at a lower portion a catch device 1 1 1 , in particular a catch projection 1 1 1 which can be engaged at a suitable catch device of the device 1 (not illustrated in the drawings). The catch device 1 1 1 is preferably already a portion of the first assembly region 1 1 0 (see also Figures 3 and 4 for the function thereof) which is delimited by a lower portion of the covering plate 1 04 and the second assembly portion 1 20 facing it in the longitudinal direction L 2o- In this instance, the first assembly region 1 1 0 has, in addition to its limitations by the covering plate 1 04 and the second assembly portion 1 20, a through-recess 1 14 which is provided therebetween or a through-slot 1 14 which is provided therebetween. At each side of the covering plate 104 and a lower continuation of the second assembly portion 1 20, there is provided a guide device 1 12, in particular a guide rail 1 1 2, for the assembly of the contact device protection cover 1 0 on/at the device 1 .
The first assembly region 1 1 0 is constructed so as to complement or correspond to an assembly region of the device 1 from Figures 3 and 4, the contact device protection cover 10 being able to be engaged on/at the device 1 by means of the catch device 1 1 1 . When the contact device protection cover 10 is assembled with the first assembly region 1 10 thereof, see Figures 3 and 4, the contact device protection cover 10 is moved along a longitudinal axis L 0 towards the device 1 or the assembly region thereof, the longitudinal extent L-no of the first assembly region 1 10 extending along the longitudinal axis L-no. In this instance, the contact devices 20, on condition that they are all arranged in series, are received sequentially inside the securing region 100.
The second assembly region 120 (see also Figures 5 and 6 for the function thereof) preferably protrudes laterally away from the securing region 100 of the contact device protection cover 10, which confers on the contact device protection cover 10 an L-shaped profile. Generally, a base of the second assembly region 120 is constructed in a planar manner and has in each case, at the transverse ends thereof, a guide device 122, in particular a guide rail 122, between the two of which the assembly region of the device 1 can be received. In order to ensure reliable guiding of the contact device protection cover 10 at/on the assembly region of the device 1 , the guide rails 122 each have at least one guide projection 123. A catch device 121 , in particular a catch projection 121 , serves to engage the contact device protection cover 10 on/at the device 1 .
The second assembly region 120 is constructed so as to complement or correspond to an assembly region of the device 1 from Figures 5 and 6, the contact device protection cover 10 being able to be engaged at/on the device 1 by means of the catch device 121 . When the contact device protection cover 10 is assembled with the second assembly region 120 thereof, see Figures 5 and 6, the contact device protection cover 10 is moved along a longitudinal axis L-i2o towards the device 1 or the assembly region thereof, the longitudinal extent L 2o of the second assembly region 120 extending along the longitudinal axis L 2o- In this instance, the contact devices 20, on condition that they are all arranged in series, are received in a parallel manner, that is to say, together in a row, inside the securing region 100. Figures 3 and 5 each show an initial position for assembly of the contact device protection cover 10 on/at the device illustrated in Figures 3 and 5, respectively. In this instance, the contact device protection cover 10 can be secured to, in particular engaged with, the relevant device 1 in Figure 3 by means of the first assembly region 1 10 thereof and in Figure 5 by means of the second assembly region 1 10 thereof. An arrow in Figures 3 and 5 in each case indicates an assembly movement of the contact device protection cover 10 towards the relevant device 1 . Figures 4 and 6 each show the end assembly position of the relevant contact device protection cover 10. As can be seen in Figures 3, 4 and 5, 6, the first assembly region 1 10 is suitable for contact devices 20 which are comparatively freely accessible but which are laterally not so readily accessible with respect to a series of the contact devices 20, whereas the second assembly region 120 is suitable for contact devices 20 which are partially offset but readily accessible from a side. So that the second assembly region 120 does not come into conflict with a piece of equipment in the assembly region of the device 1 , it may have a through-recess 124 or a through-slot 124 in which the piece of equipment of the assembly region of the device 1 can be received in the assembly position of the contact device protection cover 10. So that, in the present embodiment of the contact device protection cover 10 according to the invention, correct assembly is possible, on the one hand, on the first device 1 and, on the other hand, on the second device 1 , the two assembly regions 1 10, 120 are arranged so as to be offset relative to each other in the direction of the longitudinal extent L 0o of the securing region 100. See in this regard also the longitudinal axes L-no, L-120 illustrated in an offset state for the assembly regions 1 10, 120. In this instance, the comparatively narrow first assembly region 1 10 is provided below the second assembly region 120, the two assembly regions 1 10, 120 preferably being directed away from each other. It can be clearly seen in Figures 4 and 6 that the securing region 100 extends further away along the longitudinal extent L2o of the contact devices 20 than the contact devices 20. In this instance, the longitudinal extent L 0o of the securing region 100 is arranged parallel with the respective longitudinal extents L2o of the contact devices 20. The securing region 100 may naturally be constructed in accordance with the extent and number of the contact devices 20. In this instance, for example, it is possible to provide a plurality of rows of contact devices 20 or to arrange the contact devices 20 in a circular manner.
The contact device protection cover 10 can be removed for electrical contacting of the contact devices 20 or remain assembled. It is further possible to first remove the contact device protection cover 10 for the electrical contacting of the contact devices 20 and to provide them again afterwards. That is to say, the contact device protection cover 10 may remain permanently assembled and act as contact protection, for example, for high-voltage applications.
Assembly of the contact device protection cover 10 is carried out in particular by means of a lateral pushing movement, that is to say, a movement laterally or mainly perpendicularly relative to the longitudinal extent L2o of the contact devices 20. An advantage in this instance is that this is the best assembly movement of the contact device protection cover 10 to prevent potential contact with and/or damage to the contact devices 20, for example, the contact pins 20 and/or the contact sleeves. An operation involving the contact devices 20 being "threaded on" or "threaded in" is not necessary. The pushing movement of the contact device protection cover 10 enables a centering operating outside a collision region of the contact devices 20, a risk of the contact devices 20 becoming bent or damaged being minimised.

Claims

Claims
1 . Contact device protection cover for an electric, electronic and/or optical contact device (20) of a piece of equipment, a device (1 ) or an apparatus (1 ), in particular an electro-contact protection cover (10) or a universal protection cover (10), having
a securing region (100) for at least partially covering the contact device (20), and an assembly region (1 10, 120) for providing the contact device protection cover (10) on/over the contact device (20), characterised in that
the assembly region (1 10, 120) of the contact device protection cover (10) is constructed in such a manner that the contact device protection cover (10) can be provided laterally on/over the contact device (20) with respect to a longitudinal extent (L2o) of the contact device (20).
2. Contact device protection cover according to the preceding claim, characterised in that the assembly region (1 10, 120) is constructed in such a manner that the contact device protection cover (10) can be fitted laterally on/over the contact device (20), and/or
the assembly region (1 10, 120) is constructed in such a manner that the contact device protection cover (10) can be provided on/over the contact device (20) mainly or substantially perpendicularly with respect to the longitudinal extent (L2o) of the contact device (20).
3. Contact device protection cover according to either of the preceding claims, characterised in that the contact device protection cover (10) has a plurality of assembly regions (1 10, 120),
two assembly regions (1 10, 120) being arranged with respect to each other in such a manner that the contact device protection cover (10) can consequently be provided on/over the contact device (20) from two different sides.
4. Contact device protection cover according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the assembly regions (1 10, 120) or the longitudinal extents (-.-no, Li2o) of the assembly regions (1 10, 120) are arranged mainly or substantially in a plane, and/or
the assembly regions (1 10, 120) or the longitudinal extents (L 0, L 2o) of the assembly regions (1 10, 120) define a mainly or substantially right angle with respect to each other.
5. Contact device protection cover according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the assembly region (1 10, 120) has a catch device (1 1 1 , 121 ), in particular a catch projection (1 1 1 , 121 ), by means of which the contact device protection cover (10) can be engaged on/over the contact device (20).
6. Contact device protection cover according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the assembly region (1 10, 120) has a guide device (1 12, 122), in particular a guide rail (1 12, 122), by means of which the contact device protection cover (10) can be provided so as to be guided on/over the contact device (20).
7. Contact device protection cover according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the securing region (100) has an opening (101 , 102) or a through-recess (101 , 102) for passage of the contact device (20) into an inner space (103) of the securing region (100).
8. Contact device protection cover according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that a region of a covering plate (104) or the covering plate (104) of the contact device protection cover (10) is constructed in a resilient manner, with a region of the covering plate (104) that is adjacent to the opening (101 ) for the passage of the contact device (20) particularly being constructed in a resilient manner and a portion of the covering plate (104) preferably forming a delimitation of the opening (101 ).
9. Contact device protection cover according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that: · the contact device protection cover (1 0) is constructed in one piece, in a monobloc manner or materially integral manner or integrally;
• the assembly regions (1 1 0, 1 20) or the longitudinal extents (L-no, L120) of the assembly regions (1 1 0, 1 20) are arranged in different planes;
• the first assembly region (1 1 0) is constructed as a narrow guide (1 1 0), by means of which the contact device protection cover (1 0) can be provided on/over the contact device (20) ;
• the first assembly region (1 1 0) has a through-recess (1 14) or a through-slot (1 14) in which the contact device (20) or the retention member thereof can be received;
· the second assembly region (1 20) is constructed as a surface guide (1 20) by means of which the contact device protection cover (1 0) can be provided on/over the contact device (20) ; and/or
• the second assembly region (1 20) is constructed as a receiving member, in which the contact device (20) or the retention member thereof can be received.
1 0. Electric, electronic and/or optical piece of equipment, device or apparatus, in particular for a motor vehicle, having a contact device protection cover (1 0), in particular an electro-contact protection cover (1 0) or a universal protection cover (1 0), characterised in that the
contact device protection cover (1 0), in particular the electro-contact protection cover (1 0) or the universal protection cover (1 0) is constructed in accordance with any one of the preceding claims.
1 1 . Electric, electronic and/or optical piece of equipment, device or apparatus according to the preceding claim, characterised in that a contact device (20) of the piece of equipment, the device or the apparatus is an electric contact device (20) which is preferably constructed as an electric pin or stud contact device (20).
PCT/EP2012/073922 2011-12-02 2012-11-29 Contact-device protection cover and electric, electronic and/or optical system, device, apparatus WO2013079577A2 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE201110087615 DE102011087615A1 (en) 2011-12-02 2011-12-02 Contactor protection cap and electrical, electronic and / or optical device, device, device
DE102011087615.4 2011-12-02

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2013079577A2 true WO2013079577A2 (en) 2013-06-06

Family

ID=47278817

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/EP2012/073922 WO2013079577A2 (en) 2011-12-02 2012-11-29 Contact-device protection cover and electric, electronic and/or optical system, device, apparatus

Country Status (2)

Country Link
DE (1) DE102011087615A1 (en)
WO (1) WO2013079577A2 (en)

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US4640575A (en) * 1986-01-13 1987-02-03 Rockwell International Corporation Fiber optic connector cover apparatus
GB2229048A (en) * 1989-02-24 1990-09-12 Wendy Stuart Security device for telephone sockets
JP2567946Y2 (en) * 1993-03-11 1998-04-08 住友電装株式会社 Protection cap for panel mounting connector
US5741156A (en) * 1996-11-08 1998-04-21 The Whitaker Corporation Protective cover for electrical connector
JP3220106B2 (en) * 1999-03-01 2001-10-22 日本航空電子工業株式会社 Connector protection cover
US6835076B2 (en) * 2002-09-30 2004-12-28 Delphi Technologies, Inc. Electrical connector assembly
JP2007122886A (en) * 2005-10-25 2007-05-17 Fujitsu Component Ltd Connector protection cover
US8152540B2 (en) * 2007-10-16 2012-04-10 Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. Connector terminal protection cap and harness assembly
CN101436731B (en) * 2007-11-16 2010-11-10 鸿富锦精密工业（深圳）有限公司 Electronic device
DE202011050067U1 (en) * 2011-05-09 2011-08-02 Harting Electronics Gmbh & Co. Kg Protective cap with retaining means

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Title
No further relevant documents disclosed

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