EP4518037A1 - Connector housing assembly and connector - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a connector housing arrangement (2), in particular for an electrical connector (1), having a housing component (5) with at least one receiving chamber (6) for a contact element (3) and a securing element (7) that can be mounted in the housing component (5) in order to axially secure the contact element (3) in an assembled state within the receiving chamber (6) along a longitudinal axis (L) of the receiving chamber (6). The housing component (5) has at least one cable-side end stop (13) for the securing element (7) in order to limit an axial movement of the securing element (7) along the longitudinal axis (L) of the receiving chamber (6) at least in the event of a tensile load (Fz) acting on the contact element (3). It is provided that at least one first blocking means (14) is formed on the housing component (5) in order to limit a movement of the securing element (7) at least in the case of tensile loading (Fz) in at least one spatial direction (x, y) running at an angle to the longitudinal axis (L) of the receiving chamber (6).

Description

The invention relates to a connector housing arrangement, in particular for an electrical connector, comprising a housing component with at least one receiving chamber for a contact element and at least one securing element mountable in the housing component in order to axially secure the contact element in an assembled state within the receiving chamber along a longitudinal axis of the receiving chamber, according to the preamble of claim 1.

The invention also relates to a connector, in particular an electrical connector, comprising the connector housing arrangement and the contact element.

Various connectors are known from information and communication technology. Connectors are known to be used to transmit electrical power, electrical data signals and/or optical data signals to other connectors or to corresponding mating connectors. A connector or mating connector can be a plug, a circuit board connector, a built-in connector, a socket, a coupler, a capacitive coupler or an adapter. The term "connector" or "mating connector" used in the context of the invention represents all variants. In particular, a connector or mating connector in the context of the invention can be an electrical and/or optical connector or mating connector.

The transmission of electrical power or an electrical/optical data signal between a connector and a corresponding mating connector is achieved by contacting a contact element of the connector and an associated mating contact element of the mating connector. In order to achieve reliable electrical or optical contact, the individual contact element must generally be correctly positioned both axially and laterally within the connector housing. The correct positioning and alignment of the contact element is usually mechanically secured by at least one securing element. As a rule, axial movement of the contact element against its mounting direction is limited so that the contact element does not emerge from the associated receiving chamber of the housing component at the back or cable side when subjected to tensile stress or during a plugging process.

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

During connector assembly, the securing element is usually fed axially or laterally to the contact element inserted in a receiving chamber. If a tensile force then acts on the electrical or optical cable connected to the contact element, the securing element limits the axial displacement of the securing element either by a direct mechanical connection to the contact element (also known as "Independent Secondary Lock" (ISL)) or indirectly by blocking a separate primary securing element (also known as "Dependent Secondary Lock" (PLR)). The securing element usually abuts axially against an end stop of the housing component. However, with particularly large mechanical loads or tensile forces, it can happen that the securing element bends transversely to the tensile force and/or is moved out of its securing position, thereby releasing the contact element.

In view of the known prior art, the object of the present invention is to provide a connector housing arrangement with a securing element for a contact element, which is able to reliably secure the contact element even under particularly high mechanical loads, preferably with simple assembly and economical manufacture.

The present invention is also based on the object of providing a connector whose contact element is reliably secured in the connector housing arrangement even under particularly high mechanical loads, in particular tensile loads, while preferably being easy to assemble and economical to manufacture.

The object is achieved for the connector housing arrangement with the features listed in claim 1. With regard to the connector, the object is achieved by the features of claim 15.

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

A connector housing arrangement for a connector is proposed. The connector housing arrangement according to the invention can be particularly advantageously suitable for an electrical connector or for an optical connector.

The connector housing arrangement according to the invention has a housing component with at least one receiving chamber for a contact element (in particular for an electrical or optical contact element).

Preferably, the receiving chamber is designed to enable the contact element to be mounted starting from the cable-side end of the housing component in the direction of the plug-side end of the housing component along the longitudinal axis of the housing component. However, it is also fundamentally possible to mount the contact element starting from the plug-side end of the housing component in the direction of the cable-side end.

According to the invention, the connector housing assembly further comprises a securing element mountable in the housing component in order to axially secure the contact element in an assembled state within the receiving chamber along a longitudinal axis of the receiving chamber.

The proposed securing element is thus able to secure the contact element in the correct position and/or orientation when it is accommodated in the receiving chamber. Such securing elements are also known as "secondary securing".

The securing element is preferably a component that is independent of the housing component and that can be inserted into the housing component at least in sections during connector assembly to attach or secure the contact element. For this purpose, the securing element can be fed in particular laterally and/or axially in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the housing component or the receiving chamber.

According to the invention, the housing component has at least one cable-side end stop for the securing element in order to limit an axial movement of the securing element along the longitudinal axis of the receiving chamber at least in the case of a tensile load acting on the contact element.

In the assembled state, the securing element can be connected or mechanically coupled to the contact element, so that the securing element is axially carried along by the contact element when the cable is pulled axially or when a tensile load acts on the contact element. The securing element can then ultimately abut axially on the housing component or on the connector housing and thereby limit the movement of the contact element.

According to the invention, it is provided that the housing component has at least one first blocking means in order to limit a movement of the securing element at least in the case of tensile loading in at least one spatial direction running at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the receiving chamber.

Because the movement of the securing element in the event of tensile loading is additionally limited in at least one spatial direction running at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the receiving chamber, the securing element cannot leave the securing position in which the contact element is secured against pulling out, even in the event of excessive tensile loading. The securing element can thus advantageously be secured in at least one further spatial direction.

According to a preferred development of the invention, it can be provided that the securing element is designed to mechanically directly axially secure the contact element in the state mounted in the housing component.

The securing element can in particular form a positive connection with the contact element in order to prevent axial displacement and/or rotation of the contact element within the receiving chamber of the housing component. This development of the invention is particularly suitable for the independent secondary securing described above.

For this purpose, it can be provided in particular that the securing element has one or more locking elements, e.g. a rib running partially annularly along an inner surface, which engages in at least one corresponding locking receptacle of the contact element (e.g. in a groove running partially annularly or annularly along an outer surface). The securing element can therefore encompass or clasp the contact element at least in sections or engage in the contact element at least in sections in order to bring about a direct movement coupling.

Optionally, in particular (but not exclusively) in the case of the independent securing element for the direct mechanical securing of the contact element, It must be provided that the securing element can be locked to the contact element when mounted in the housing component.

The securing element can preferably have a latching element and the contact element a corresponding counter-latching element. However, the shape of the securing element itself and the shape of the contact element can also cause mutual latching, for example if the securing element is designed in the shape of a clamp and is elastic at least in some areas, so that the clamp can temporarily spread out on the contact element during assembly. The contact element can, for example, have the ring-shaped groove already mentioned above or another recess in the outer surface into which the securing element can engage in the assembled state in such a way that the securing element is not only axially coupled to the contact element in terms of movement, but also latches to the contact element. In principle, however, any type of fastening of the securing element to the contact element can be provided (positive locking, non-positive locking and/or material locking), so that the securing element can be moved together with the contact element, particularly in the event of an axial movement, for example a tensile load, and/or is secured against unintentional disassembly against the mounting direction of the securing element.

According to a further development of the invention, which can be implemented alternatively or in combination with the direct mechanical connection between the securing element and the contact element of the first variant, it can be provided that the securing element is designed to axially secure the contact element in the state mounted in the housing component indirectly by blocking a separate primary securing element. This further development of the invention is therefore particularly suitable for the dependent secondary securing described above.

In particular, it can also be provided to combine a dependent secondary fuse and an independent secondary fuse within the scope of the present invention, so that the fuse element is on the one hand directly mechanically connected to the contact element, in particular locked or otherwise axially coupled for movement, and also blocks an additional primary fuse element that is also present.

The separate primary securing element for the contact element can in particular be a primary locking hook. This primary locking hook can be blocked in the securing position of the securing element in such a way that an unlocking movement is prevented.

The housing component, preferably an inner wall or an outer wall of the housing component, can be shaped in such a way, in particular in a region which directly adjoins a feed opening for the securing element in the direction of the cable, that it forms both an axial stop and a lateral blocking for the axially deflected securing element.

Preferably, the at least one first blocking means is formed in one piece or monolithically from the housing component. If necessary, however, a multi-part design consisting of the housing component and the first blocking means can also be provided. For example, it can be provided that the first blocking means is attached to or in the housing component (in a material-locking, force-locking and/or form-locking manner). However, the monolithic design is preferred.

The housing component can preferably be made of an electrically insulating material, in particular a plastic. In principle, however, the housing component can also be made of an electrically conductive material, in particular a metal.

The housing component is preferably an insulator element or an insulating inner housing, by means of which the contact element is electrically insulated from at least one other contact element. However, the housing component can also be an insulating outer housing, for example, particularly if the connector is an unshielded connector.

The housing component is preferably a one-piece or monolithic housing component of the connector housing arrangement. Optionally, however, the housing component can also be made up of several pieces, for example, it can be made up of two half shells that can be connected to one another.

Optionally, the connector housing arrangement can have one or more sealing elements. For example, a sealing element can be attached as a separate component in the at least one housing component or can be injected into at least one housing component.

The contact element, which is preferably not part of the proposed connector housing arrangement, can be an inner conductor contact element or an outer conductor contact element.

The contact element is preferably at least substantially rotationally symmetrical. However, this is not absolutely necessary. In principle, the invention can be suitable for any geometry of contact elements. In particular, the invention is suitable for primarily elongated contact elements. However, an angled contact element can also be provided.

The receiving chamber can preferably extend completely through the housing component (starting from a cable-side end to a plug-side end).

The receiving chamber can be a completely enclosed chamber, but can also be accessible laterally if necessary.

The cable-side end stop of the housing component can be formed in particular by a stop surface within a feed opening for the securing element. In principle, however, the cable-side end stop can be formed in any way in the housing component or by the housing component, for example also outside a corresponding feed opening. The cable-side end stop can also be formed by a separate component that is connected to the housing component. Preferably, however, the cable-side end stop is formed integrally or monolithically with the housing component.

A plug-side end stop can also be provided to limit axial movement of the securing element along the longitudinal axis of the receiving chamber in the direction of the plug-side end of the securing element. The plug-side end stop can also be, for example, a stop surface within the above-mentioned feed opening or another stop surface or another stop.

In an advantageous development of the invention, it can be provided that the housing component has a feed opening for the securing element that runs at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the receiving chamber.

Preferably, the feed opening opens into the receiving chamber.

The feed opening can basically run along any angle to the longitudinal axis of the receiving chamber, for example at an angle of 0° to 90°, in particular 45° to 90°, for example approximately 90°. The feed opening particularly preferably runs orthogonally to the longitudinal axis of the receiving chamber.

Thus, during connector assembly, the securing element can be fed at an angle, preferably orthogonally, in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the receiving chamber to the contact element mounted in the receiving chamber and guided through the feed opening during the feed.

The feed opening can in particular be designed as a slot in the housing component. However, it can also be a window-shaped opening in the housing component or another opening.

In a further development of the invention, it can be provided that the securing element has at least one securing leg for securing the contact element.

To secure the contact element, the at least one securing leg can interact with a protrusion or depression on the outer surface of the contact element, for example by laterally engaging in an annular depression in the contact element.

The securing element can consist exclusively of at least one securing leg.

In principle, the securing element can be designed in any way, for example pin- or bolt-shaped, plate-shaped or sleeve-shaped. Preferably, however, the securing element has two securing legs connected to one another in the manner of a clamp via a connecting bracket.

In this way, a clamp-like fastening of the contact element can be provided to secure it. In particular, the contact element can be held securely on both sides, for example by each securing leg engaging in a corresponding recess in the contact element, in particular in a common, ring-shaped recess.

The present invention is particularly advantageously suitable for use with a clamp-shaped secondary securing device, since the solution according to the invention can prevent, on the one hand, escape against the mounting direction and, on the other hand, optionally also prevent lateral spreading of the clamp.

In a further development of the invention, it can be provided that at least one second blocking means is formed on the securing element, which mechanically contacts the first blocking means of the housing component in order to limit the movement of the securing element in the at least one spatial direction running at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the receiving chamber.

The second blocking means is preferably formed integrally or monolithically with the securing element, for example as a raised portion or depression on a side or front surface of the securing element. For example, each of the aforementioned securing legs can have a corresponding second blocking means.

The second blocking means, in particular a second blocking surface of the second blocking means, can preferably be formed on an outer edge of the securing element or on an inner edge of the securing element. An "outer edge" is understood to mean an edge of an outer surface (in particular on an outer side surface or end surface) of the securing element, whereas an "inner edge" is understood to mean an edge of an inner surface (e.g. a recess running in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the receiving chamber and/or a recess running parallel to the longitudinal axis of the receiving chamber).

However, it can also be provided that the second blocking means is designed as a separate component and is connected to the securing element accordingly, for example to each of the securing legs. However, the one-piece variant is preferred.

The blocking of the contact element can advantageously be achieved by the interaction of the first blocking means and the second blocking means. For this purpose, it can be particularly advantageous if the second blocking means has a course that is complementary to the first blocking means. However, this is not absolutely necessary.

In an advantageous development of the invention, it can be provided that the securing element is axially displaceable between a release position and a securing position in the housing component and/or rotatable about the longitudinal axis of the receiving chamber.

A "release position" of the securing element is a position in which the securing element can be removed from the housing component without causing any damage, preferably without tools, in particular in the opposite direction in which it was mounted. The release position is preferably a pre-securing position in which the securing element is usually initially still in the direction of the cable-side end of the connector housing arrangement. Preferably, only when the securing element axially abuts the cable-side end stop of the housing component ("securing position") is the at least one movement of the securing element extending at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the receiving chamber limited.

The movement of the securing element by the at least one first blocking means in the at least one spatial direction running at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the receiving chamber is therefore preferably only limited in the securing position.

In principle, however, it can also be provided that the securing element is mounted in the receiving chamber in such a way that the securing element is already in the securing position immediately after mounting, in which the at least one first blocking means limits the movement of the securing element in at least one spatial direction running at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the receiving chamber. This can be achieved, for example, by the feed opening and the securing element being of the same width or at least substantially the same width.

In a further development of the invention, it can be provided that the first blocking means is a first blocking surface which is formed in the housing component on a recess or on a projection.

The second blocking means can also be designed as a blocking surface. The second blocking surface of the second blocking means can be formed on a recess or on a projection of the securing element.

For the sake of simplicity, the first blocking surface and the second blocking surface are sometimes referred to collectively as "blocking surfaces" below.

The first blocking surface can preferably be formed within the feed opening of the housing component. The second blocking surface can preferably be formed on an outer surface of the securing element, in particular on an outer surface of the at least one securing leg.

The first blocking means, in particular the first blocking surface, can in principle also be formed on an outer side of the housing component or on an inner side of the housing component. The first blocking surface does not necessarily have to be arranged within the feed opening.

1. a) eine zweite Richtungskomponente in Richtung auf die Längsachse der Aufnahmekammer; und/oder
2. b) eine dritte Richtungskomponente entlang der Montagerichtung für das Sicherungselement.

In particular, it can be provided that the blocking surfaces have a first directional component or a first extension direction along the tensile load or along the longitudinal axis of the receiving chamber. In addition, the blocking surfaces also have at least one of the following directional components or extension directions:

1. a) a second directional component in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the receiving chamber; and/or
2. b) a third directional component along the mounting direction for the securing element.

If the blocking surfaces only have the first and second directional components, the movement of the securing element opposite to the mounting direction can advantageously be limited. If, however, the blocking surfaces only have the first and third directional components, the movement of the securing element in a direction away from the longitudinal axis of the receiving chamber (i.e. spreading of the securing element) can be blocked.

In an advantageous further development, it can be provided that the first blocking surface is aligned at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the receiving chamber and/or to a mounting direction for the securing element (for example along the feed opening).

The first blocking surface can be aligned orthogonally to the longitudinal axis of the receiving chamber and/or to the mounting direction for the securing element, for example. Preferably, however, an angle other than 90° is provided. In the case of an oblique alignment of the blocking surfaces at an angle other than 90°, the blocking surfaces have all three of the aforementioned directional components.

Due to the angular alignment, which differs from 90°, it is possible to center and align the secondary fuse in the deflected state in the housing component or in the feed opening.

Another advantage of an angular alignment other than 90° can be that the force for securing the locking element in the locking position becomes stronger the more the tensile load on the contact element increases. Due to the slope or angular alignment of the first blocking surfaces, the locking element is preferably pressed closer to the contact element as the tensile load increases. As the cable tension increases, the locking element becomes increasingly wedged.

Particularly preferably, the first blocking means and the second blocking means are each formed in a complementary oblique manner.

The blocking surfaces can preferably be flat or at least essentially flat or level. The blocking surfaces can, however, also have a curved or bent shape, in particular a mutually complementary convex/concave shape. A stepped or multi-stepped shape of the blocking surfaces can also be provided.

In an advantageous development of the invention, it can be provided that the first blocking means limits the movement of the securing element in two mutually orthogonal spatial directions, which each run at an angle, preferably orthogonally, to the longitudinal axis of the receiving chamber.

1. a) Das Sicherungselement wird entlang bzw. entgegen der Montagerichtung blockiert, so dass dieses im Falle einer auf das Kontaktelement wirkenden Zugbelastung nicht aus der Zuführöffnung entweichen kann. Die erste Blockierfläche ist damit vorzugsweise winklig zu der Montagerichtung für das Sicherungselement ausgerichtet, insbesondere orthogonal hierzu.
2. b) Das Sicherungselement wird quer zu dessen Montagerichtung in einer von der Längsachse der Aufnahmekammer wegweisenden Richtung blockiert, so dass sich das Sicherungselement im Falle einer auf das Kontaktelement wirkenden Zugbelastung nicht lateral aufzuspreizen vermag.
3. c) Eine Kombination der Blockierung in bzw. entgegen der Montagerichtung, sowie quer zu der Montagerichtung (also eine Kombination aus den vorstehenden beiden Varianten).

This can result in three variants for limiting the safety element:

1. a) The securing element is blocked along or against the mounting direction so that it cannot escape from the feed opening in the event of a tensile load acting on the contact element. The first blocking surface is therefore preferably aligned at an angle to the mounting direction for the securing element, in particular orthogonal to it.
2. b) The securing element is blocked transversely to its mounting direction in a direction away from the longitudinal axis of the receiving chamber so that the securing element cannot spread laterally in the event of a tensile load acting on the contact element.
3. c) A combination of blocking in or against the mounting direction, as well as transverse to the mounting direction (i.e. a combination of the two above variants).

In an advantageous development of the invention, it can be provided that the housing component and the securing element form a mutual thread-like connection.

The thread-like connection preferably extends along the longitudinal axis of the receiving chamber in such a way that the securing element can be moved in the course of an axial

Displacement along the longitudinal axis of the receiving chamber relative to the housing component.

For example, an inner wall of the housing component and an outer surface of the securing element can be formed complementarily to one another at least in sections in order to form the thread-like connection. Thus, when the cable is pulled longitudinally, the securing element can be set in rotation relative to the longitudinal axis of the connector or the receiving chamber.

1. a) Die Verdrehung des Sicherungselements bewirkt eine unmittelbare Fixierung des Sicherungselements an dem Kontaktelement, indem das ausgehend von seiner Ausgangslage verdrehte Sicherungselement das Kontaktelement zumindest abschnittsweise hintergreift, zum Beispiel indem die Öffnung des klammerartigen Sicherungselements relativ zu der Montagerichtung des Sicherungselements verdreht wird; und/oder
2. b) Die Verdrehung des Sicherungselements bewirkt eine unmittelbare Fixierung des Sicherungselements an der Gehäusekomponente, indem das ausgehend von seiner Ausgangslage verdrehte Sicherungselement die Gehäusekomponente zumindest abschnittsweise hintergreift, zum Beispiel indem das Sicherungselement während der Verdrehung zumindest abschnittsweise radial und/oder axial unter einen Vorsprung der Gehäusekomponente verschoben oder zumindest abschnittsweise radial und/oder axial in eine Aufnahme der Gehäusekomponente bewegt wird; und/oder
3. c) Die Verdrehung des Sicherungselements bewirkt eine unmittelbare Fixierung des Sicherungselements an der Gehäusekomponente, indem das ausgehend von seiner Ausgangslage verdrehte Sicherungselement von der Gehäusekomponente zumindest abschnittsweise hintergriffen wird.

The rotation of the securing element can also limit its movement in at least one spatial direction that is at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the receiving chamber. There are three particularly advantageous variants for this:

1. a) The rotation of the securing element causes a direct fixation of the securing element to the contact element in that the securing element rotated from its initial position engages behind the contact element at least in sections, for example in that the opening of the clamp-like securing element is rotated relative to the mounting direction of the securing element; and/or
2. b) The rotation of the securing element causes a direct fixation of the securing element to the housing component in that the securing element rotated from its initial position engages behind the housing component at least in sections, for example in that the securing element is displaced radially and/or axially under a projection of the housing component at least in sections during the rotation or is moved radially and/or axially into a receptacle of the housing component at least in sections; and/or
3. c) The rotation of the securing element results in an immediate fixation of the securing element to the housing component in that the securing element, which has been rotated from its initial position, is at least partially engaged by the housing component.

According to a further development, it can be provided that the thread-like connection forms less than two complete threads, preferably only one complete thread or less, preferably only half a thread or less, particularly preferably only a quarter of a thread or even less.

Thus, even a slight axial displacement can cause a twisting so that the locking element is sufficiently limited in movement or secured.

In an advantageous development of the invention, it can be provided that the housing component has a plurality of receiving chambers running parallel to one another for respective contact elements.

For example, it can be provided that the housing component has exactly two parallel receiving chambers for a respective contact element, three parallel receiving chambers for respective contact elements, four parallel receiving chambers for respective contact elements or even more parallel receiving chambers for respective contact elements.

The securing element can be designed to secure at least two of the contact elements together (in particular at least two contact elements accommodated in immediately adjacent receiving chambers).

The invention also relates to a connector, in particular an electrical connector or an optical connector, having a connector housing arrangement according to the above and following embodiments, as well as the contact element. The contact element can be accommodated in the receiving chamber and the securing element can be mounted in the housing component for axially securing the contact element.

A connector with increased contact holding force can be provided in an advantageous manner by preventing the securing element from moving out of its securing position, for example by springing out. In this way, the holding force of the contact element coupled to the securing element within the connector housing or a housing component of the connector can be increased. Complex geometries of the connector housing for surrounding or overbuilding the securing element can be dispensed with, whereby the installation space for the connector can be minimized despite high mechanical stability or holding force.

It can be provided that the contact element is connected to an electrical or optical conductor of an electrical or optical cable, for example pressed or crimped. As already mentioned above, the connector can be any connector. It does not necessarily have to be a cable connector. The contact element can be connected to be connected to any conductor, for example be soldered or able to be soldered to an electrical conductor on a circuit board.

1. a) Bereitstellung einer Gehäusekomponente mit wenigstens einer Aufnahmekammer für ein Kontaktelement, insbesondere für ein elektrisches Kontaktelement;
2. b) Einfügen des Kontaktelements in die Aufnahmekammer entlang einer Längsachse der Aufnahmekammer, insbesondere in Richtung auf ein steckseitiges Ende der Gehäusekomponente;
3. c) Bereitstellen und Montieren eines Sicherungselements (vorzugsweise eines vorstehend und nachfolgend beschriebenen Sicherungselements), um das Kontaktelement innerhalb der Aufnahmekammer entlang der Längsachse der Aufnahmekammer axial zu sichern, insbesondere gegen Zugbelastung zu sichern.

The invention also relates to a method for producing a connector, in particular an electrical connector, with at least the following method steps:

1. a) providing a housing component with at least one receiving chamber for a contact element, in particular for an electrical contact element;
2. b) inserting the contact element into the receiving chamber along a longitudinal axis of the receiving chamber, in particular in the direction of a plug-side end of the housing component;
3. c) providing and mounting a securing element (preferably a securing element described above and below) to axially secure the contact element within the receiving chamber along the longitudinal axis of the receiving chamber, in particular to secure it against tensile stress.

The invention also relates to a securing element for a connector housing arrangement of a connector, in particular an electrical connector, wherein the securing element can be mounted in a housing component of the connector housing arrangement in order to axially secure a contact element accommodated in the housing component in its mounted state.

Features that have been described in connection with one of the objects of the invention, namely the connector housing arrangement according to the invention, the connector according to the invention, the securing element according to the invention and the method for producing the connector, can also be implemented advantageously for the other objects of the invention. Likewise, advantages that have been mentioned in connection with one of the objects of the invention can also be understood to relate to the other objects of the invention.

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

In a purist embodiment of the invention, however, it can also be provided that the features introduced in the invention with the terms "comprising", "having" or "with" are listed exhaustively. Accordingly, one or more lists of features can be considered complete within the scope of the invention, for example, considered for each claim. The invention may, for example, consist exclusively of the features mentioned in claim 1.

It should be noted that terms such as "first" or "second" etc. are used primarily for reasons of distinguishing between respective device or process features and are not necessarily intended to indicate that features are mutually dependent or related to one another.

It should also be emphasized that the values and parameters described here include deviations or fluctuations of ±10% or less, preferably ±5% or less, more preferably ±1% or less, and most preferably ±0.1% or less of the respective specified value or parameter, provided that these deviations are not excluded in the implementation of the invention in practice. The indication of ranges by initial and final values also includes all those values and fractions that are included in the respective specified range, in particular the initial and final values and a respective mean value.

In the following, embodiments of the invention are described in more detail with reference to the drawings.

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

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

Figur 1

einen Steckverbinder gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung mit einem Kontaktelement und einer Steckverbindergehäuseanordnung, die eine Gehäusekomponente und ein Sicherungselement aufweist, in einem Vormontagezustand in einer perspektivischen Darstellung;

Figur 2

den Steckverbinder der Figur 1 in einem montierten Zustand während einer auf das Kontaktelement wirkenden Zugbelastung;

Figur 3

eine abschnittsweise Längsschnittdarstellung durch den montierten Steckverbinder gemäß Figur 2 in einem unbelasteten Zustand des Kontaktelements, in dem sich das Sicherungselement in einer Freigabeposition befindet;

Figur 4

eine abschnittsweise Längsschnittdarstellung durch den montierten Steckverbinder gemäß Figur 2 in dem unter Zugspannung stehenden Zustand des Kontaktelements, in dem sich das Sicherungselement in einer Sicherungsposition befindet;

Figur 5

eine abschnittsweise Längsschnittdarstellung durch einen montierten Steckverbinder gemäß einem weiteren Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung, bei dem die Sicherung des Kontaktelements durch das Sicherungselement mittelbar durch Sicherung eines Primärsicherungselements erfolgt;

Figur 6

einen Steckverbinder gemäß einem weiteren Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung, in einem Vormontagezustand in einer perspektivischen Darstellung;

Figur 7

den Steckverbinder der Figur 6 in einem montierten Zustand, während einer auf das Kontaktelement wirkenden Zugbelastung;

Figur 8

eine abschnittsweise Längsschnittdarstellung durch den montierten Steckverbinder gemäß Figur 7 in einem unbelasteten Zustand des Kontaktelements, in dem sich das Sicherungselement in einer Freigabeposition befindet;

Figur 9

eine abschnittsweise Längsschnittdarstellung durch den montierten Steckverbinder gemäß Figur 7 in dem unter Zugspannung stehenden Zustand des Kontaktelements, in dem sich das Sicherungselement in einer Sicherungsposition befindet;

Figur 10

einen Steckverbinder gemäß einem weiteren Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung, in einem Vormontagezustand in einer perspektivischen Darstellung;

Figur 11

den Steckverbinder der Figur 10 in einem montierten Zustand während einer auf das Kontaktelement wirkenden Zugbelastung;

Figur 12

einen Steckverbinder gemäß einem weiteren Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung, in einem Vormontagezustand in einer perspektivischen Darstellung;

Figur 13

den Steckverbinder der Figur 12 in einem montierten Zustand, in dem sich das Kontaktelement in einem unbelasteten Zustand befindet;

Figur 14

den Steckverbinder der Figur 12 in einem montierten Zustand, in dem sich das Kontaktelement unter Zugspannung befindet;

Figur 15

eine Querschnittsdarstellung durch den montierten Steckverbinder gemäß Figur 13 in dem unbelasteten Zustand des Kontaktelements;

Figur 16

eine Querschnittsdarstellung durch den montierten Steckverbinder gemäß Figur 14 in dem unter Zugspannung stehenden Zustand des Kontaktelements; und

Figur 17

Zwei beispielhafte Varianten für ein gegenseitiges Hintergreifen von Sicherungselement und Gehäusekomponente im dem aus der Ausgangslage verdrehten Zustand des Sicherungselements.

They show schematically:

Figure 1

a connector according to an embodiment of the invention with a contact element and a connector housing arrangement which has a housing component and a securing element, in a pre-assembled state in a perspective view;

Figure 2

the connector of the Figure 1 in an assembled state during a tensile load acting on the contact element;

Figure 3

a section-wise longitudinal sectional view through the assembled connector according to Figure 2 in an unloaded state of the contact element in which the securing element is in a release position;

Figure 4

a section-wise longitudinal sectional view through the assembled connector according to Figure 2 in the tensile state of the contact element in which the securing element is in a securing position;

Figure 5

a partial longitudinal sectional view through an assembled connector according to a further embodiment of the invention, in which the contact element is secured by the securing element indirectly by securing a primary securing element;

Figure 6

a connector according to a further embodiment of the invention, in a pre-assembled state in a perspective view;

Figure 7

the connector of the Figure 6 in an assembled state, during a tensile load acting on the contact element;

Figure 8

a section-wise longitudinal sectional view through the assembled connector according to Figure 7 in an unloaded state of the contact element in which the securing element is in a release position;

Figure 9

a section-wise longitudinal sectional view through the assembled connector according to Figure 7 in the tensile state of the contact element in which the securing element is in a securing position;

Figure 10

a connector according to a further embodiment of the invention, in a pre-assembled state in a perspective view;

Figure 11

the connector of the Figure 10 in an assembled state during a tensile load acting on the contact element;

Figure 12

a connector according to a further embodiment of the invention, in a pre-assembled state in a perspective view;

Figure 13

the connector of the Figure 12 in an assembled state in which the contact element is in an unloaded state;

Figure 14

the connector of the Figure 12 in an assembled state in which the contact element is under tensile stress;

Figure 15

a cross-sectional view through the assembled connector according to Figure 13 in the unloaded state of the contact element;

Figure 16

a cross-sectional view of the assembled connector according to Figure 14 in the tensile state of the contact element; and

Figure 17

Two exemplary variants for a mutual engagement of the securing element and the housing component in the state of the securing element rotated from its initial position.

The Figures 1 to 4 show a connector 1 according to a first embodiment of the invention. In Figure 1 is in perspective view an unassembled state and in the Figures 2 to 4 In each case, an assembled state is shown. The connector 1 is an example of an electrical connector 1.

The connector 1 comprises a connector housing arrangement 2 and a contact element 3. The contact element 3 can, as shown by way of example in the exemplary embodiments, be connected to an electrical conductor of an electrical cable 4 (e.g. crimped or soldered/welded). In the exemplary embodiments, a coaxial or rotationally symmetrical, primarily elongated contact element 3 is shown, although this should not be understood as limiting.

The connector housing arrangement 2 has a housing component 5 with at least one receiving chamber 6 (see in particular Figure 1 ) for the contact element 3. The contact element 3 can thus be mounted in the receiving chamber 6, as in Figure 2 For reasons of clarity, the housing component 5 is shown in Figure 2 only shown in dashed lines.

For axially securing the contact element 3 in the housing component 5 or in the receiving chamber 6, the connector housing arrangement 2 also has a securing element 7, which can also be mounted in the housing component 5. An assembled state of the contact element 3 and the securing element 7 is shown in Figure 2 shown.

In principle, the securing element 7 can be designed in any way. In the exemplary embodiments, a clamp-like securing element 7 is provided which has two securing legs 8 which are connected to one another via a common connecting bracket 9. The securing element 7 can thus grip the contact element 3 like a clamp.

It can be provided that at least one locking element 10b of the securing element 7 engages directly in at least one corresponding locking receptacle 10a of the contact element 3, so that a movement coupling is created between the contact element 3 and the securing element 7. For this purpose, the securing element 7 in the exemplary embodiments has an annular rib 10b on the inner casing side between the securing legs 8, which engages in an annular recess or groove 10a of the contact element 3 on the outer casing side. The securing element 7 can optionally also be latchable to the contact element 3 or locked in some other way when mounted in the housing component 5 (not shown in the exemplary embodiments).

The safety element 7 of the Figures 1 to 4 (and also the following Figures 6 to 17 ) is thus designed to mechanically secure the contact element 3 directly axially in the state mounted in the housing component 5. As already mentioned above, such a securing element 7 is also known under the designation "independent securing element".

In principle, however, an indirect securing of the contact element 3 by a "dependent securing element" can also be provided, as in Figure 5 As can be seen from Figure 5 The securing element 7 can also axially secure the contact element 3 for this purpose, for example by blocking a separate primary securing element 11, for example by preventing a primary locking hook from rebounding, as is shown in Figure 5 through the connecting bracket 9 of the securing element 7. In this case, the securing element 7 can optionally also be mechanically connected directly to the contact element 3 and/or the housing component.

In the exemplary embodiments, the housing component 5 has a feed opening 12 in the form of a slot for the securing element 7, which runs at an angle, in particular orthogonally, to the longitudinal axis L of the receiving chamber 6. The feed opening 12 or the slot opens into the receiving chamber 6.

However, in the embodiments, a connector 1 or a connector housing arrangement 2 with only a single contact element 3 or with only a single Receiving chamber 6 is shown, it can basically be provided that the housing component 5 has several receiving chambers 6 running parallel to one another for respective contact elements 3. Several housing components 5 can also be provided in a common connector housing arrangement 2, each with at least one receiving chamber 6. The securing element 7 can then be designed to axially secure at least two of the contact elements 3 together, in particular at least two immediately adjacent contact elements 3. In the case of several receiving chambers 6 or several contact elements 3, it can of course also be provided that these are secured by a respective securing element 7. The invention should therefore not be understood as being limited to use with a connector 1 with only a single contact element 3.

The axial securing of the contact element 3 in the receiving chamber 6 by the securing element 7 is particularly well illustrated by the Figures 3 and 4 recognizable. In Figure 3 is a force-free, unstressed state and in Figure 4 a tensile load Fz (see e.g. the force arrow in the Figures 2 and 3 ) deflected state of the contact element 3 and the securing element 7 is shown.

The housing component 5 has a cable-side end stop 13 for each of the securing legs 8 in order to limit an axial movement of the securing element 7 along the longitudinal axis L of the receiving chamber 6 at least in the case of the tensile load Fz acting on the contact element 3. The securing element 7 can thus, for example, strike the inside of the feed opening 12 and, due to the direct or indirect connection with the contact element 3, also limit the movement of the contact element 3.

In order to prevent, according to the invention, the securing element 7 from no longer being able to maintain its securing position within the receiving chamber 6 when the tensile load Fz is further increased, for example by moving the securing element 7 against its mounting direction M (cf. Figure 1 ) is again partially lifted out of the feed opening 12 or spreads out laterally to the longitudinal axis L of the receiving chamber 6, it is proposed to form at least one first blocking means 14 on the housing component 5 in order to prevent movement of the securing element 7 at least in the case of tensile load Fz in at least one spatial direction x, y running at an angle to the longitudinal axis L of the receiving chamber 6 (cf. in particular the in Figure 1 coordinate system shown).

In the embodiment of the Figures 1 to 4 It is provided that the movement of the securing element 7 in the case of tensile load Fz is against the mounting direction M of the Securing element is limited orthogonally to the longitudinal axis L of the receiving chamber 6 in a first spatial direction y (cf. Figures 2 and 4 ).

The securing element 7 has a respective second blocking means 15 on each of the securing legs 8, which is designed to mechanically contact the first blocking means 14 of the housing component 5 in order to limit the movement of the securing element 7 accordingly. The second blocking means 15 and the first blocking means 14 preferably each have a complementary course. In particular, the first blocking means 14 can be a first blocking surface 16, which is formed in the housing component 5 on a recess or a projection, in particular in the feed opening 12 for the securing element 7. Accordingly, the second blocking means 15 can be a complementary, second blocking surface 17.

In the embodiment of the Figures 1 to 4 the blocking surfaces 16, 17 are aligned at an angle to the mounting direction M of the securing element 7 or to the course of the feed opening 12. In particular, an angle α other than 90° has proven to be suitable (cf. Figure 3 ) to ensure centering of the securing element 7 in the case of tensile load and also to continuously increase the retaining force for the securing element 7 with a continuously increasing tensile load Fz.

In the Figures 1 to 4 In the embodiment shown, an undesirable slipping out of the securing element 7 from the feed opening 12 is thus avoided even under very strong tensile loads Fz. However, a lateral or radial spreading of the securing element 7 cannot be ruled out in this variant. In order to avoid spreading of the securing element 7, the Figures 6 to 9 a further embodiment of the invention will be presented.

In the embodiment of the Figures 6 to 9 the blocking surfaces 16, 17 of the first blocking means 14 and the second blocking means 15 are arranged at an angle to the longitudinal axis L of the receiving chamber 6, preferably at an angle β other than 90° (cf. Figure 8 ). As can be seen particularly well from the Figures 8 and 9 shown, sectional view, can be used in the case of tensile load Fz (cf. Figure 9 ) spreading of the clamp-like securing element 7 from its securing position in a second spatial direction x can be avoided by the inclined blocking surfaces 16, 17.

Nevertheless, in the embodiment of the Figures 6 to 9 It cannot be ruled out that the securing element 7 emerges from the feed opening 12 against the mounting direction M if the contact element 3 is subjected to particularly high tensile loads Fz. Therefore, based on the Figures 10 and 11 In a further embodiment of the invention, a combination of the two variants is shown in order to limit the movement of the securing element 7 in two mutually orthogonal spatial directions x, y, which each also run orthogonally to the longitudinal axis L of the receiving chamber 6.

Accordingly, the housing component 5 has a first blocking means 14 for each securing leg 8 with a first blocking surface 16 running at an angle to the receiving chamber 6 and an additional first blocking means 14 with a further first blocking surface 16 aligned at an angle to the mounting direction M of the securing element 7. Consequently, two first blocking surfaces 16 are provided in the housing component 5 for each securing leg 8. The securing element 7 has complementary second blocking surfaces 17. In this way, the securing element 7 can be prevented from spreading and slipping out of the feed opening 12.

A further embodiment of the invention is shown in the Figures 12 to 16 shown.

As an alternative to the above variants, it can be provided that the housing component 5 and the securing element 7 form a mutual, thread-like connection 18 which extends in the direction of the longitudinal axis L of the receiving chamber 6 in such a way that the securing element 7 rotates relative to the housing component 5 in the course of an axial displacement along the longitudinal axis L of the receiving chamber 6. The twisted state in the case of tensile load is shown in the Figures 14 and 16 shown.

The rotation of the securing element 7 can thus also result in a direct fixation of the securing element 7 to the contact element 3 (and/or to the housing component 5, as will be explained below with reference to Figure 17 The rotation can cause the opening of the securing element 7 to be rotated in relation to its mounting direction M, so that the securing element 7 engages behind the contact element 3, which can lead to a movement limitation according to the invention (cf. the Figures 15 and 16 ).

Based on Figure 17 In addition, two variants that can be implemented independently of one another or in combination for a locking element 7 that is twisted in the loaded state are shown in detail (the contact element 3 is hidden in each case), in which the locking element 7 is directly fixed or secured to the housing component 5 in that the locking element 7 and the housing component 5 engage behind one another axially and/or radially at least in sections due to the twisting. For example, the locking element 7 can be placed under a first blocking surface 16 of a first blocking means 14 be moved, as well as when comparing the Figures 13 and 14 is clearly visible. Respective securing edges 19 of the securing element 7 and/or housing component 5 can also be used accordingly to limit the movement of the securing element 7 in the at least one spatial direction x, y running at an angle to the longitudinal axis L of the receiving chamber 6 when the securing element 7 is rotated from its initial position. In particular (but not exclusively) in the case of the Figure 17 In the variant shown on the right, locking can be achieved by utilizing the simultaneous axial and radial displacement of the thread.

It has been shown that a particularly advantageous securing of the securing element 7 can be achieved if the thread-like connection 18 forms only one complete thread or less, preferably only a quarter of a thread.

The variants described and illustrated above are to be understood as merely examples and not as restrictive. In principle, a limitation of the securing element 7 by at least one first blocking means 14 of the housing component 5 can also be possible in many other ways within the scope of the invention.

Claims (15)

Connector housing arrangement (2), in particular for an electrical connector (1), comprising a housing component (5) with at least one receiving chamber (6) for a contact element (3) and a securing element (7) mountable in the housing component (5) in order to axially secure the contact element (3) in an assembled state within the receiving chamber (6) along a longitudinal axis (L) of the receiving chamber (6), wherein the housing component (5) has at least one cable-side end stop (13) for the securing element (7) in order to limit an axial movement of the securing element (7) along the longitudinal axis (L) of the receiving chamber (6) at least in the case of a tensile load (Fz) acting on the contact element (3),
characterized in that
at least one first blocking means (14) is formed on the housing component (5) in order to limit a movement of the securing element (7) at least in the case of tensile loading (Fz) in at least one spatial direction (x, y) running at an angle to the longitudinal axis (L) of the receiving chamber (6). Connector housing arrangement (2) according to claim 1,
characterized in that
the housing component (5) has a feed opening (12) for the securing element (7) which runs at an angle, preferably orthogonally, to the longitudinal axis (L) of the receiving chamber (6) and opens into the receiving chamber (6). Connector housing arrangement (2) according to claim 1 or 2,
characterized in that
the securing element (7) is designed to mechanically secure the contact element (3) directly axially in the state mounted in the housing component (5), in particular by at least one locking element (10b) of the securing element (7), which engages in at least one corresponding locking receptacle (10a) of the contact element (3). Connector housing arrangement (2) according to one of claims 1 to 3,
characterized in that
the securing element (7) is designed to indirectly lock the contact element (3) in the state mounted in the housing component (5) by blocking a separate Primary securing element (11) for the contact element (3), in particular a primary locking hook, to be secured axially. Connector housing arrangement (2) according to one of claims 1 to 4,
characterized in that
the securing element (7) for securing the contact element (3) has at least one securing leg (8), preferably two securing legs (8) connected to one another in a clamp-like manner via a connecting bracket (9). Connector housing arrangement (2) according to one of claims 1 to 5,
characterized in that
at least one second blocking means (15) is formed on the securing element (7), which mechanically contacts the first blocking means (14) of the housing component (5) in order to limit the movement of the securing element (7) in the at least one spatial direction (x, y) running at an angle to the longitudinal axis (L) of the receiving chamber (6), wherein the second blocking means (15) preferably has a course complementary to the first blocking means (14). Connector housing arrangement (2) according to one of claims 1 to 6,
characterized in that
the securing element (7) is axially displaceable between a release position and a securing position in the housing component (5) and/or rotatable about the longitudinal axis (L) of the receiving chamber (6), wherein the movement of the securing element (7) by the at least one first blocking means (14) in the at least one spatial direction (x, y) running at an angle to the longitudinal axis (L) of the receiving chamber (6) is only limited in the securing position. Connector housing arrangement (2) according to one of claims 1 to 7,
characterized in that
the first blocking means (14) is a first blocking surface (16) which is formed in the housing component (5) on a recess or on a projection, wherein the first blocking surface (16) has a first directional component along the longitudinal axis (L) of the receiving chamber (6), and a) a second directional component in the direction of the longitudinal axis (L) of the receiving chamber (6); and/or b) a third directional component along a mounting direction (M) for the securing element (7). Connector housing arrangement (2) according to claim 8,
characterized in that
the first blocking surface (16) is aligned with the longitudinal axis (L) of the receiving chamber (6) at an angle (α, β) other than 90°. Connector housing arrangement (2) according to one of claims 1 to 9,
characterized in that
the first blocking means (14) limits the movement of the securing element (7) in two mutually orthogonal spatial directions (x, y), which each run at an angle, preferably orthogonally, to the longitudinal axis (L) of the receiving chamber (6). Connector housing arrangement (2) according to claim 7,
characterized in that
the housing component (5) and the securing element (7) form a mutual thread-like connection (18) which extends in the direction of the longitudinal axis (L) of the receiving chamber (6) such that the securing element (7) rotates relative to the housing component (5) in the course of an axial displacement along the longitudinal axis (L) of the receiving chamber (6). Connector housing arrangement (2) according to claim 11,
characterized in that
the rotation of the securing element (7) causes that in a state of the securing element (7) rotated from an initial position a) the safety element (7) the contact element (3); and/or b) the securing element is the housing component (5); and/or c) the housing component (5) engages behind the securing element at least in sections in order to thereby limit the movement of the securing element (7) in at least one spatial direction (x, y) running at an angle to the longitudinal axis (L) of the receiving chamber (6). Connector housing arrangement (2) according to claim 11 or 12,
characterized in that
the thread-like connection (18) forms only one complete thread or less, preferably only half a thread or less, particularly preferably only a quarter of a thread or even less. Connector housing arrangement (2) according to one of claims 1 to 13,
characterized in that
the housing component (5) has a plurality of receiving chambers (6) running parallel to one another for respective contact elements (3), wherein the securing element (7) is designed to axially secure at least two of the contact elements (3) together. Connector (1), in particular electrical connector (1), comprising a connector housing arrangement (2) according to one of claims 1 to 14 and the contact element (3), wherein the contact element (3) is received in the receiving chamber (6) and the securing element (7) is mounted in the housing component (5) for axially securing the contact element (3).

Images