DE102008054675A1 - Electrical plug-in connector, particularly airbag-plug-in connector for motor vehicle, has support for electrical connecting unit of electrical cable and electrical contact unit for electrical contacting of cable - Google Patents

Abstract

The electrical plug-in connector (1) has a support (110) for an electrical connecting unit (310) of an electrical cable (3) and an electrical contact unit (120) for an electrical contacting of the cable. The support and the contact unit are arranged to each other in the plug-in connector such that the cable is electrically contacted with a setting of the connecting unit in the plug connector. An independent claim is also included for a method for installing an electrical cable in an electrical plug-in connector, particularly an airbag plug-in connector.

Description

The The invention relates to an electrical connector, in particular an airbag connector for a motor vehicle, as well a method for mounting an electric cable in an electric Connector, in particular an airbag connector.

In Electronics and / or electrical engineering are a big one Number of electrical pin and / or socket connectors, hereinafter called (electrical) connectors known, which serve electrical power and / or electrical signals with the largest possible Bandwidth of voltages, currents, frequencies and data rates. Furthermore, electrical connectors, in particular in the automotive field, in dirty, damp and / or chemical Aggressive environments permanently ensure proper transmission ensure electrical signals and electrical power. Due to the wide range of applications for Connectors are a large number of specially optimized ones Known connectors.

Especially in safety-critical electrical connections, such as an electrically conductive connection between an igniter, z. B. an airbag and / or a belt tensioning device, and a electrical control unit of an occupant restraint system in a motor vehicle, high demands are to be made on the electrical connector provided. A suitable for this purpose electric airbag connector must work properly and be designed compact. Here, the airbag connector on the one hand the Igniter of the airbag transmit a trigger signal absolutely reliable and, on the other hand, electrical interference signals, the z. B. due to voltage spikes in the vehicle electronics be triggered, no accidental ignition of the airbag.

Around to prevent such electrical voltage peaks or their effects minimize, are in the prior art connectors for airbags or airbag connector with electrical ferrite core chokes known. Because such a ferrite core choke - hereinafter also referred to as electrical (throttle) device of the airbag connector called - comparatively requires a lot of space inside the airbag connector, Such airbag connectors are comparatively large. Due to limited space at a place of installation the airbag connector, such. B. a steering wheel of a motor vehicle, should the airbag connector but as flat as possible or be small.

Further are high demands on the electrical produced Connections within the airbag connector and with the Airbag connectors to be produced, electrically conductive connections posed. In particular, this is a safe installation of within the airbag connector to be set up electrical connection devices be assured, with the simplest possible Assembly is not only desirable for cost reasons, but also because of an achievable thereby lower error rate in the Assembly. When installing the connection devices must also have a electrically conductive connection to the electrical throttle device done the airbag connector.

The DE 101 46 430 A1 discloses an electric airbag connector with a four-part housing, in which two angled electrical socket contacts and an electrical grounding line are arranged. A single socket contact and the ground line are electrically connected within the airbag connector via solder and / or crimp, each with a cable. In a mounted state of the airbag connector is a ferrite core choke in an electrically conductive connection with one of the two socket contacts and the ground line. This electrically conductive connection takes place via a solder connection between in each case one line element of the respective socket contact or the ground line, and a respective line end of a coil of the ferrite core choke. The socket contacts are already angled after their manufacture, so that they are installed in an angled state.

The US 5,310,362 discloses an airbag connector with socket contacts, which are electrically connected via a solder connection with flat conductors of a flexible ribbon cable. Furthermore, the airbag connector has an electrical ferrite core choke, which electrically connects a single socket contact with a ground line of the airbag connector. The ferrite core choke is provided away from the socket contacts and off the ribbon cable within the airbag connector and electrically connected to her trained webs via solder joints with the relevant flat conductors of the ribbon cable.

It is an object of the invention to provide an improved electrical connector, in particular an improved airbag connector for a motor vehicle, and an improved method for mounting an electrical cable in a connector, in particular an airbag connector. Here, a safe and easy installation of an electrical connection device within the connector should be feasible as inexpensively. The assembly of a or a plurality of connection devices should in particular also be possible with a customer in such a way that they can equip the connector independently with an already at least partially assembled electrical cable. Furthermore, the connector should be constructed from a few, individual parts and designed as small as possible or compact.

The The object of the invention is achieved by means of an electrical connector, in particular an airbag connector for a motor vehicle, according to claim 1; and by a method for Mounting an electrical cable in an electrical connector, in particular an airbag connector for a motor vehicle, solved according to claim 4. advantageous Further developments of the invention will become apparent from the dependent Claims.

Of the inventive electrical connector has a device or receptacle for an electrical connection device an electric cable, and an electrical contact device for an electrical contacting of the cable within the Connector on. The receptacle for the connection device and the contact means for contacting the cable are arranged on / in the connector so that the cable when setting up the connection device in the receptacle, from the Contact device is electrically contacted.

In Embodiments of the invention include the receptacle two at an angle to each other arranged areas or sections on. In a first section is a first or free longitudinal end section the terminal device, and in a second section is a second or bonded longitudinal end portion of the connection device received. According to the invention, when setting up the Connection device in / on the receptacle of the connector, preferably the free longitudinal end portion of the connection device on / in recorded in a first section of the recording, and subsequently the bound longitudinal end portion of the connection device bent into a second section of the receptacle.

The inventive method for mounting a electrical cable in / on an electrical connector the steps Place or set up a first longitudinal end section an electrical connection device of an electrical cable on / in a first section of a receptacle of the connector. Subsequently, a second longitudinal end portion of the connecting device on / in bent a second section of the recording. Here, so at Assembly, the cable is provided by a connector provided in the electrical contact device contacted electrically. In embodiments The invention is the first longitudinal end portion free longitudinal end portion of the connection device, and the second longitudinal end portion is a bonded longitudinal end portion the connection device.

In preferred embodiments of the invention is the first Section of the recording a through-hole, in which the first longitudinal end portion of the electrical connection device can be inserted is or is inserted; In this case, the first longitudinal end portion lock in the through hole. The second section of the Recording is in preferred embodiments of the invention a slot or channel, in which then the second longitudinal end portion the connection device is bendable or bent; a catch the second longitudinal end portion in the slot or channel is again possible. It is preferred that both sections substantially in a plane and at a substantially right angle to each other are arranged. In particular, other angles between the two Sections of the recording are of course applicable.

In Embodiments of the invention is the electrical contact device an insulation displacement device which is used during installation or mounting the connection device in the connector electrical insulation of the cable. Other contact devices are natural applicable, wherein it is preferred that only by the assembly of At final device and thereby doing positioning the electrical cable inside the connector, an electrical Head of the cable by the contact device concerned independently will be contacted. This can be z. B. by a prior stripping and a corresponding contact device or by the contact device yourself.

at The invention can be the electrical connection means of the cable be an electrical pin or socket contact to which the electrical cable is fixed or fixed. Hereby points the connection device preferably in a middle section a Bending area, by means of which the two longitudinal end sections the connecting device against each other at an angle bendable or are bent. The bending region of the connection device is preferred a substantially flat center section. Ie. the bending area can be approximately rectangular in its cross-section or a flatter Ring section with a comparatively small momentum be.

In embodiments of the invention, the electrical contact means of the connector is electrically connected to an electrical device within the connector. These Device in turn may be electrically connected to an electrical ground cable of the connector. In such a case, it is preferable that the electrical device is a diode, a coil, a capacitor, an ohmic resistor and / or a ferrite core or a ferrite core choke.

In In a preferred embodiment, the electrical Device of the connector two diodes, with a diode with a connection device is electrically conductively connected. The both diodes are provided in such a way within the connector, that their passage or blocking directions opposite to each other are provided. Ie. in a plan view of the two diodes, is in a geometric direction the one diode in the forward direction and the other arranged in the reverse direction. The two are preferred Diodes in parallel offset to the electrical cables or the electrical Connection devices arranged within the connector.

According to the The invention will be simple in construction and easy to install electrical connector provided, whose electrical connection devices, such as pin or socket contacts, can be mounted quickly and safely. This can be done without Tool done. The assembly of the pin or socket contacts can be made directly by a customer, the inventive Connector or its housing with a on the needs equipped by the customer tailored electrical cable is. Furthermore, the erfindungemäße connector only a few items and can, for. B. by the parallel arrangement the diodes with the pin or socket contacts, small or flat be interpreted.

The Invention will be described below with reference to exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings closer explained. In the drawing show:

1 in a three-dimensional view of an embodiment of an electrical connector according to the invention, wherein electrical cables are shown in their mounting position on / in the connector; and

2 a two-dimensional, partial plan view of the connector according to the invention 1 ,

The Invention will be described below with reference to a 2-pole electrical Connector explained in more detail, wherein in the connector two angled electrical socket contacts are included. Of the The connector according to the invention is such designed that he is looking for an electrical connection an airbag of a motor vehicle is suitable. However, the invention is intended not limited to such embodiments be, but in general relate plug and / or mating connector. So it is z. B. possible, instead of electrical socket contacts electrical pin contacts in the invention Provide connector. Furthermore, a number of electrical Poles within the connector housing, of course vary.

The 1 shows a perspective view of an electrical connector according to the invention 1 , which is shown in an open state, ie an interior of the connector 1 is accessible from outside. The connector 1 has a connector housing 100 on, at which, preferably via a film hinge 220 , a lid 200 is preferably provided materially in one piece.

This lid 200 can be timed after a fitting of the connector housing 100 on the connector housing 100 worked out and set with this, in particular to be locked. The connector housing 100 is divided into the connector body 104 , which receives electrical components, and the mating area 102 , which is an electrical contact of a mating connector or an electrical device (both not shown).

In the illustrated embodiment, the plug-in area 102 of the connector housing 100 at a right angle with respect to the connector body 104 intended. Ie. a plug-in direction of the connector 1 is at a 90 ° angle to the inside of the connector 1 provided electrical cables 3 or an electrical ground cable 4 , Further, within the connector body 104 a plurality of electrical contact means 120 . 130 . 150 , two electrical connection devices 310 and an electrical (throttle) device 140 intended. Of course, a particular number may vary.

The electrical connection devices are preferred 310 as pen 310 or socket contacts 310 educated. The electrical contact devices 120 . 130 . 150 are preferably insulation displacement devices 120 . 130 . 150 or contacts 120 . 130 . 150 , Different connection devices 310 and / or contact devices 120 . 130 . 150 are of course applicable. The electrical device 140 preferably comprises two diodes 140 , Furthermore, it is suitable for the electrical device 140 one or a plurality of coils, capacitors, ohmic resistors, ferrite chokes.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the connector according to the invention 1 without electrical connection devices 310 and therefore without electrical cables 3 delivered. This can also be the electrical ground cable 4 absence. A loading of the connector 1 with the connection devices 310 can be done according to the invention only at a customer. Of course it is also possible to use the connector 1 to be delivered in a fully assembled condition; the advantages according to the invention are retained.

After installation of the connection devices 310 with the electric cables 3 and the ground cable 4 becomes the lid 200 on the connector body 104 moved. This locks the lid 200 with locking elements provided on it 260 with locking elements 160 of the connector housing 100 , This happens at least at the plug-in area 102 of the connector housing 100 , moreover preferably also with the connector body 104 (The latter possibility is not shown in the drawing).

The following is the structure of the electrical connector 1 or the connector housing 100 as well as an assembly of the with the electric cables 3 provided electrical connection devices 310 in the connector housing 100 based on 1 and 2 explained in more detail. In the 1 and 2 are the cables 3 . 4 shown only schematically, in particular an electrical conductor 330 of the cable concerned 3 . 4 only with an electrical connection device 310 is shown in dashed lines. Furthermore, the connection devices 310 shown in an electrically non-contacting state, wherein corresponding crimping portions are shown in a non-crimped state.

The electrical connector 1 points in its plug-in area 102 Recordings 110 for the electrical connection devices 310 on, taking the pictures 110 further into the connector body 104 hineinerstrecken. The respective recording 110 has two sections 112 . 114 or areas 112 . 114 on, which are arranged to each other at a certain angle. In the present case this is a right angle; other layers of the two sections 112 . 114 , which can also take a different angle to each other, of course, applicable.

The in the plug-in area 102 of the electrical connector 1 provided first section 112 the recording 110 is here as a Durchgangsausnehmung 112 educated. At a mating face of the connector 1 opposite end of the through-hole 112 this goes over a 90 ° angle in a slot 114 or channel 114 over, the second section 112 the recording 110 forms. This second section 112 the recording 110 is then part of the connector body 104 , Here are two parallel shots 110 provided in the area of their Durchgangsausnehmungen 112 by means of a wall (not visible in the drawing) and in the area of its slots 114 by means of a bridge 113 are separated from each other.

The second sections 112 the recordings 110 extend over at least a certain distance along the connector body 104 , In these parts of the second sections 112 are in an assembled state of the electrical con nection devices 310 electrically insulated portions of the respective electrical cable 3 intended. Parallel to this is inside the connector body 104 the electrical device 140 provided, the present two diodes 140 includes.

Every diode 140 is in an electrically conductive connection with a single electrical contact device 120 in the preferably adjacent extension of the respective second section 114 the recordings 110 is arranged. Furthermore, every diode is 140 in an electrically conductive connection with a single electrical contact device 130 which makes an electrically conductive connection to the electrical ground cable 4 makes, which in turn preferably with an electrical contact device 150 he follows. The two diodes 140 are connected in anti-parallel, ie with an electric current in one direction leaves the one diode 140 the current through, the other not and vice versa.

An assembly of an electric cable 3 with an electrical connection device provided thereon 310 , especially a pencil 310 or a socket contact 310 , takes place as follows.

The substantially rectilinear and elongated connection device 310 , with its free longitudinal end section 312 in the first section 112 a recording 110 plugged in. Here, the connection device 310 within the first section 112 lock. Preference is given to the first section 112 narrows in the area of its mating face, so that the connection device 310 when plugging in not out of the plug-in area 102 emerges. The free longitudinal end section 312 the connection device 310 is an electrical contact region of the connection device 310 which serves an electrically conductive connection with a corresponding contact area of another connection device (not shown in the drawing).

In a temporal connection to it, one becomes to the rear of the Steckbereich 102 of the electric connector 1 projecting portion of the electrical connection device 310 on the connector body 104 bent closed. Ie. a bonded longitudinal end section 314 the connection device 310 will be in the second section 114 the recording concerned 110 bent. The bound longitudinal end section 314 the connection device 310 is an electrical connection area for the electrical cable 3 , The cable 3 can be in any shape with the bound longitudinal end portion 314 the connection device 310 be electrically connected. However, welding with a corresponding region of the connection device is preferred 310 (not shown in the drawing) or crimping.

At the same time as moving in the bound longitudinal end section 314 the connection device 310 in the second cut 114 the recording 110 , This also moves at the bound longitudinal end portion 314 provided electrical cable 3 into a part of the second gate 114 the recording 110 and their extension into it. This happens the cable 3 the electrical contact device 120 and is electrically contacted by this. D. h., That directly during assembly of the connection device 310 in the connector 1 an electrically conductive connection to the device 140 can be produced. In the prior art, this is cumbersome by welding or soldering related components.

A contacting of the electric cable 3 takes place, for. B. in the event that the contact device 120 as an insulation displacement device 120 is formed, such that when moving in the cable 3 in the insulation displacement device 120 whose electrical insulation 320 cut open and inside the insulation 320 of the cable 3 located electrical conductors 330 from the insulation displacement device 120 is contacted electrically.

Due to the electrically conductive connection of the insulation displacement device 120 with also preferred as insulation displacement device 130 trained electrical contact device 130 , which in turn with the diode 140 conductive is the cable 3 over the diode 140 with the ground line 4 electrically connected. The diode 140 is preferably via a second insulation displacement device 130 and a line with also preferably as insulation displacement device 150 trained contact device 150 electrically connected. The latter contact device 150 contacts the electrical ground cable 4 , This contact device 150 is also about another electrical contact device 130 with the second diode 140 electrically connected.

In a temporal connection to it, the lid becomes 200 on the connector housing 100 moved and locked with this. The electrical connector 1 is fully assembled and ready for use.

So that the free longitudinal end section 312 and the bonded longitudinal end portion 314 the electrical connection device 310 are mutually bendable, the connection device 310 in a transitional area of the free 312 in the bound longitudinal end section 314 a special embodiment. This transition region is here as a bending region 313 formed, which preferably a uniaxial bending of the two longitudinal end portions 312 . 314 allowed so that they retain their shape when bending.

Usually, such electrical connection devices are as stiff as possible, so that they do not deform during insertion or during insertion of a corresponding connector device. In the present case, this property is only for the two longitudinal end sections 312 . 314 the connection device 310 desired and no longer for the bending area 313 designed transitional area from the free 312 in the bound longitudinal end section 314 , Ie. in the bending area 313 is the connection device 310 bendable trained.

This can be z. B. be achieved in that the inventive electrical connection device 10 in its bending area, which is essentially provided in a middle section 313 , has a comparatively small cross-sectional area. In addition, it is preferred that this cross-section has a low momentum, indicating good flexibility. According to the invention, this z. B. by a simple rectangular cross section (not shown in the drawing) or a short annular cross section. In this case, it is preferable for this annular cross section to be an elliptical ring section which preferably contains a secondary vertex of the ellipse.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list The documents listed by the applicant have been automated generated and is solely for better information recorded by the reader. The list is not part of the German Patent or utility model application. The DPMA takes over no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• - DE 10146430 A1 [0006]
• US 5310362 [0007]

Claims (12)

Electrical connector, in particular airbag connector ( 1 ) for a motor vehicle, with a receptacle ( 110 ) for an electrical connection device ( 310 ) of an electrical cable ( 3 ), and an electrical contact device ( 120 ) for electrical contacting of the cable ( 3 ), the recording ( 110 ) and the contact device ( 120 ) to each other in the connector ( 1 ) are arranged that the cable ( 3 ) when setting up the connection device ( 310 ) in the connector ( 1 ), from the contact device ( 120 ) is electrically contactable. An electrical connector according to claim 1, wherein the receptacle ( 110 ) two sections arranged at a certain angle ( 112 . 114 ), and in the first section ( 112 ) a free longitudinal end section ( 312 ) of the connection device ( 310 ), and in the second section ( 114 ) a bonded longitudinal end portion ( 312 ) of the connection device ( 310 ) is receivable. Electrical connector according to claim 1, wherein when setting up the connection device ( 310 ) in / on the recording ( 110 ) of the connector ( 1 ), the free longitudinal end section ( 312 ) of the connection device ( 310 ) on / in the first section of the recording ( 110 ) is receivable, and the bound longitudinal end portion ( 312 ) of the connection device ( 310 ) to the second section of the recording ( 110 ) is bendable. Method for mounting an electric cable ( 3 ) in an electrical connector ( 1 ), in particular an airbag connector ( 1 ) for a motor vehicle, comprising the steps of placing a first longitudinal end section ( 312 . 314 ) an electrical connection device ( 310 ) of the cable ( 3 ) on / in a first section ( 112 . 114 ) of a recording ( 110 ) of the connector ( 1 ), and bending over a second longitudinal end section ( 314 . 312 ) of the connection device ( 310 ) to a second section ( 114 . 112 ) of the recording ( 110 ), whereby the cable ( 3 ) by one adjacent to the receptacle ( 110 ) arranged electrical contact device ( 120 ) is contacted electrically. Method according to claim 4, wherein the first longitudinal end section ( 312 ) of the electrical connection device ( 310 ) a free longitudinal end section ( 312 ), and the second longitudinal end portion ( 314 ) a bonded longitudinal end portion ( 314 ) of the connection device ( 310 ). An electrical connector or method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the first section ( 112 ) of the recording ( 110 ) a passage recess ( 112 ), and the second section ( 114 ) of the recording ( 110 ) a slot ( 114 ), and prefers both sections ( 112 . 114 ) are arranged substantially in one plane and preferably at a substantially right angle to each other. Electrical connector or method according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the electrical contact device ( 120 ) of the connector ( 1 ) an insulation displacement device ( 120 ), which during the installation or mounting of the connection device ( 310 ) in the connector ( 1 ) an electrical insulation ( 320 ) of the cable ( 3 ) cuts open. Electrical connector or method according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the electrical connection device ( 310 ) of the cable ( 3 ) a bending area ( 313 ), by means of which the two longitudinal end sections ( 312 . 314 ) of the connection device ( 310 ) are bendable against each other at a certain angle. An electrical connector or method according to claim 8, wherein the bending region ( 313 ) of the electrical connection device ( 310 ) a substantially flat middle section ( 313 ) of the connection device ( 310 ). Electrical connector or method according to one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the electrical contact device ( 120 ) of the connector ( 1 ) with an electrical device ( 140 ) of the connector ( 1 ) is electrically connected, and the device ( 140 ) is a diode, a coil, a capacitor, an ohmic resistor and / or a ferrite core or a ferrite core choke. An electrical connector or method according to claim 11, wherein the electrical device ( 140 ) of the connector ( 1 ) two diodes ( 140 ), and in each case a single diode ( 140 ) with a single one of two connection devices ( 310 ) is electrically connected. An electrical connector or method according to claim 11, wherein the transmission directions of the two diodes ( 140 ) are provided opposite.