Connector inserts and connectors for data transmission in cars

Abstract

The present invention relates to a connector insert having a housing and a stabilizer, the stabilizer being made of a dimensionally stable material that is stable in shape. The housing has at least one receiving chamber for a plug contact that can be attached to an electric wire of a cable, and an entrance for the plug contact to enter the at least one receiving chamber. The stabilizer is intended to mechanically protect the two independent and exposed electric wires in the area in front of the entrance. For this purpose, it is made of a dimensionally stable material and has a fastening position for attaching to the housing. In its state mounted on the housing, the stabilizer extends away from the entrance and has, separated from the entrance, a fastening position for attaching to the cable. The stabilizer can be crimped at the fastening position. In addition, the stabilizer can be fixed to the fastening position at the housing by form fit. The stabilizer can be used in particular as a shield. The connector insert is used to transmit data in a car via a dual-conductor or multi-conductor system.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the Chinese invention patent application (application number: 201610031280.1, application date: January 18, 2016, invention name: Connector insert and connector for data transmission in automobiles). Technical Field

[0002] The invention relates to a plug connection for data transmission in a motor vehicle. Background Art

[0003] Data transmission using a two-conductor system is widely used in automobiles. In a two-conductor system, two unshielded twisted cores are used to transfer data. This solution is simple and cost-effective. In addition, cables with large cross-sections can be used in a two-conductor system, which are better suited to the difficult operating conditions in automobiles.

[0004] However, two-conductor systems have a particular risk of failure in the area of ​​the plug connection. Summary of the invention

[0005] The invention therefore sets itself the object of improving the plug connection of a two-conductor system for data transmission.

[0006] According to the invention, this is achieved by a connector insert, which is particularly intended to be inserted into a connector for transmitting data in a motor vehicle via a two-conductor or multi-conductor system, has a housing with at least one receiving chamber for a plug contact which can be attached to an electrical line of a cable, and an inlet for the plug contact to enter the receiving chamber, and has a stabilizer which consists of a dimensionally stable material and has a fastening location for attachment to the housing and which, in its mounted state on the housing, extends away from the inlet and has, spaced apart from the inlet, a fastening location for attachment to the cable.

[0007] As a result of this simple solution, in which plug contacts are not used directly in the connector, but an inserted connector insert is used, the handling of the cable is simplified at the same time. With the aid of the connector insert, the entire cable, with all its wires and plug contacts, can be inserted into the connector or can be removed from the connector as a whole. This facilitates the automation of the production and installation of the connector or the connector insert. The risk of the wires being damaged or separated from the plug contacts during the separate handling of the individual wires is avoided. Furthermore, the connector, which is directly exposed at the connector insert but is usually still insulated, is fixed in a manner that resists pulling forces and is held in a kink-proof manner by a stabilizer. The risk of damage is particularly great precisely in the areas of the cable in which the wires are exposed, because the coating has been removed.

[0008] The solution according to the invention can be further improved by the following configurations which are independent of one another and are advantageous per se.

[0009] Thus, according to a first advantageous configuration, the stabilizer, at least between the two fastening locations, can form a trough with side walls, and the wire can be received in the trough. The trough supports and hardens the exposed area of ​​the wire. Its base or side walls protect the wire, in particular the insulation of the wire, from damage.

[0010] The groove can be wider towards the housing in order to form a guide for the wires which, due to the contact elements, are spaced further apart from one another at their ends than in a cable.

[0011] For protection from mechanical damage, the side wall can be, at least in the section of the groove, higher than the exposed wire. In this configuration, therefore, the side wall protrudes upward from the groove base by more than the wire diameter, in particular including the insulation.

[0012] The ends of the slots at the cable sides may be used to place the cables to simplify installation.

[0013] The housing may rest at the end of the slot in the housing side, so that the stabilizer may be used as a mounting aid to enable easier mounting of the contact elements along the base of the slot.

[0014] The stabilizer can be made of a soft magnetic (especially ferromagnetic) material. In this configuration, it can especially serve as a shield for areas with exposed wires. In this area, data transmission is endangered because the wires are no longer twisted. By integrating the shielding in the stabilizer for pulling relief and kinking prevention, high data transmission rates can be ensured.

[0015] The stabilizer may in particular be a stamped bent part supported from sheet metal, which results in low production costs.

[0016] The shielding effect can be improved if the stabilizer, at least partially, overlaps the cable sheath and / or the plug contacts.

[0017] For good shielding, it is further advantageous that the stabilizer at the fastening position at the housing externally surrounds the at least one receiving chamber for the plug contact on the housing. For example, the stabilizer at the fastening position at the housing and / or at the cable can surround the wire in the circumferential direction. In this case, the circumferential direction is arranged around the longitudinal direction of the wire. The stabilizer can in particular be completely surrounded, i.e. 360° surrounds the wire or the receiving chamber, in particular the plug contact in the receiving chamber. However, smaller gaps around can be tolerated, as long as the size of the gap is not a quarter of the wavelength of the expected interference frequency. However, complete surrounding is preferred, because this also improves the mechanical load-bearing capacity at the fastening position.

[0018] The housing and the stabilizer may be capable of being crimped to one another at a fastening location of the housing and / or of forming a form-fit which acts at least in the longitudinal direction of the cable.

[0019] The stabilizer can be crimped around the housing at a fastening position at the housing and / or crimped around the cable sheath at a fastening position at the cable. Thus the connection between the stabilizer and the housing and between the stabilizer and the cable, respectively, can be accomplished simply and cost-effectively.

[0020] In the area of ​​the housing, it is advantageous if the stabilizer does not protrude beyond the cubic volume of the housing. This configuration protects the backward compatibility of the connector insert equipped with the stabilizer, so that it can be used instead of any existing connector insert. Automation of the processing of the connector insert is therefore also facilitated.

[0021] The housing may have a recess or a hollow for receiving the stabilizer at least at a fastening location at the housing.

[0022] The stabilizer can, in particular at the housing, be placed into a complementarily configured hollow or a continuous hollow. Thus, it can be integrated into the cubic volume of the housing. The at least one hollow or recess can additionally form a form fit between the stabilizer and the housing. If there is a crimp connection, the firmness of the connection between the housing and the stabilizer can be increased by this form fit.

[0023] In the fastening position at the housing, the stabilizer, according to a further advantageous configuration, can have protruding lugs which extend into complementary recesses of the housing or rest in these recesses. The lugs can protrude in the longitudinal direction and / or transversely to the longitudinal direction and in particular occur in pairs, wherein each pair can have lugs protruding in opposite directions. Each pair can in particular be located in a side surface of the housing. The lugs and the complementary recesses enhance the form fit of the stabilizer and the housing. Due to the protruding configuration, the lugs serve as torque supports, which in particular serve as torque supports in the event of bending of the cable or transverse forces on the cable and can absorb greater forces.

[0024] In order to be able to support such forces in as many directions as possible, lugs may be present on at least three sides of the housing. The shoulders of the recesses on which the side walls of the lugs bear should be arranged as perpendicularly as possible with respect to the longitudinal direction of the conductor. There are preferably two such shoulders for each lug. Alternatively, the lugs may be supported with their end surfaces on such shoulders.

[0025] The form fit between the stabilizer and the housing, according to a further configuration, acts in particular in the pulling direction of the cable.

[0026] The stabilizer can have two opposing crimping wings at its end at the housing and / or at its end at the cable, in particular of approximately equal length. When the crimp connection is completed, these crimping wings are placed around the jacket of the housing and / or the cable. The crimping wings can in particular be formed by extensions of the sides of the groove. When the crimp connection is completed, the crimping wings can overlap each other or be located behind each other in the wire direction.

[0027] If the crimping wings are provided with mutually engaging elements, for example at least one projection and at least one cavity complementary to the projection, which engage with each other and form a form fit when crimping is completed, loosening of the crimped connection under high stress can be avoided.

[0028] In order to fix the stabilizer before the crimping connection is produced at the housing, in particular in the pre-installed position, it can be configured so that it latches with the housing. For this purpose, the stabilizer can have at least one latching element that latches with a mating latching element of the housing in a fastening position at the housing. In one configuration, the latching element can be on the crimping wing, in particular in the area of ​​the crimping wing adjacent to the side of the housing. The latching between the stabilizer and the housing can simply be produced by a latching lug protruding into the hole. In this case, the hole can be arranged on the stabilizer or on the housing and the latching lug can be arranged on the housing or on the stabilizer.

[0029] For quality assurance purposes, it may be necessary to test the connection between the plug contact and the electrical wire when the plug contact is received in the connector insert. For this purpose, the housing may have at least one test opening, via which the plug contact is accessible from the outside of the housing from the side. The plug contact is accessible via the test opening transversely to the longitudinal direction.

[0030] Another advantageous configuration of the connector insert provides for the housing to have a fixing groove, which extends through the receiving chamber and is arranged transversely to the longitudinal direction. The side walls of the fixing groove can be at least approximately aligned with the projection of the plug contact received in the receiving chamber. If a fixing element is inserted in the fixing groove, such a fixing groove can be used to fix the plug contact in the receiving chamber. The fixing element holds the projection of the plug contact in a form-fitting manner. At the same time, the housing can be fixed by the fixing element via the side walls of the fixing groove.

[0031] The fixing groove can extend continuously over the entire width of the housing, so that a plurality of plug contacts which are arranged side by side and oriented in their receiving chambers can be fixed simultaneously using a fixing element.

[0032] In order to prevent the plug contact from being pulled out of the connector insert, the protrusion of the plug contact is located at the side wall of the fixing groove to the rear in the insertion direction of the plug contact.

[0033] The fixing groove may be used as a test hole for checking the electrical connection between the plug contact and the wire.

[0034] The plug contacts may be arranged on the base of the fixing groove, in particular recessed in the receiving channel. The receiving channel may form part of the receiving chamber.

[0035] In addition to the connector insert, the invention, in one of its configurations described above, also relates to a connector comprising at least one such connector insert which is preferably inserted into the connector. The connector preferably comprises a plurality of connector inserts which are inserted into the connector and are arranged in a row or field-like manner. The connector may have a retaining lug which fixes the connector insert and the plug contact in the connector insert simultaneously in the connector in a form-fitting manner in the pulling direction of the cable or in the longitudinal direction of the wire. The retaining lug may be capable of being brought into a retaining groove arranged in the housing of the connector insert and may in particular overlap with the receiving chamber.

[0036] The retaining lug can be hinged at the foldable housing element of the connector housing, in particular at its free end, so that it is non-detachably retained. An integral hinge, for example, can be used, using the foldable housing element and the connector housing can be produced by an injection molding method.

[0037] The retaining lug can be latched in the fixing groove of the housing of the connector insert. For this purpose, the retaining lug can have a latching projection, which, in the latched state, protrudes approximately in the longitudinal direction of the wire and grips in the side wall of the fixing groove.

[0038] In one configuration of the connector, the foldable housing element can form part of the outer wall of the connector. If the housing element is folded into the fixing groove with its retaining lugs to fix the connector insert, it simultaneously covers the connector insert. In the latched state, the foldable housing element can in particular also cover the stabilizer of the connector insert, at least in the area thereof that overlaps with the fastening position at the housing.

[0039] Several connector inserts can be received in a connector having grooves that are at least approximately aligned with each other. In this configuration, the retaining lugs can simultaneously engage in the grooves of the connector inserts, which are juxtaposed with each other and fixed together.

[0040] An independent solution making it possible to simultaneously fix a connector and a connector insert in a simple and easy-to-assemble manner can involve a connector insert, in particular for insertion into a connector for transmitting data in a motor vehicle via a two-conductor or multi-conductor system, having a housing with at least one receiving chamber for a plug contact of an electric line that can be attached to a cable, wherein the housing has a fixing groove that extends through the at least one receiving chamber and opens at at least one side wall of the housing, the wall being directed transversely to the longitudinal direction.

[0041] The stand-alone solution may involve a connector for transmitting data in a car, in particular by means of a two-conductor or multi-conductor system, the connection device having at least one socket, the socket comprising at least one connector insert, the connector insert having a housing with at least one receiving chamber for a plug contact that can be attached to an electric line of a cable, wherein the housing has a fixing groove that extends through the at least one receiving chamber and opens at at least one side wall of the housing, the side wall being directed transversely to the longitudinal direction. In this case, the connector insert can be inserted into the socket transversely to the longitudinal direction, and the socket can have a retaining lug that can be introduced into the fixing groove.

[0042] This solution offers the advantage that, due to the transverse introduction of the connector insert into the socket of the connector, the retaining lugs are automatically driven into the fixing grooves and fix the connector insert in the longitudinal direction of the wire.

[0043] The connector insert of the stand-alone solution can also be engaged with the connector housing in one of the above-described configurations, wherein the retaining lugs are arranged on the foldable housing element.

[0044] The retaining lugs may be rigidly mounted in the socket and automatically driven into the securing grooves when the housing is inserted into the socket. The connector insert may be fixed transversely to the longitudinal direction of the wires thereof by a latching mechanism.

[0045] As already stated above, the retaining lugs can simultaneously secure the connector insert and the plug contacts of the connector insert. The retaining lugs can also be further configured as described above. The connector insert of the stand-alone solution has a stabilizer in one of the above configurations.

[0046] In addition, in a variant with a connector insert that is inserted laterally and is automatically secured by retaining lugs, the connector can, when inserted, have a foldable housing element by which the socket can be closed. In this way, the connector insert can be secured against removal.

[0047] Before the foldable housing element closes the socket, the connector insert can be locked in place in the socket. Thus, the connector insert is fixed in the socket already in the pre-assembled position.

[0048] In this configuration, a foldable housing element may be hinged to the end of the connector at the plug face to enable insertion of the cable.

[0049] The foldable housing element may be secured by a latch in a position in which it closes the receptacle for the connector insert.

[0050] In addition, a fixing element can be provided on the housing element, by means of which the latch of the connector insert in the socket can be fixed, i.e., the triggering of the latch can be blocked. In order to fix the latch of the connector insert in the socket, the housing element, which is particularly foldable, can have fixing tongues, which are driven into a recess behind the latch of the connector insert when the socket is closed. Release of the latch of the connector insert in the socket can thus be blocked in a form-fitting manner.

[0051] Another independent solution that makes it possible to fix a connector and a connector insert simultaneously in a simple and easy-to-assemble manner can involve a connector for transmitting data in a car via a two-conductor or multi-conductor system, the connection device having at least one socket, the socket having at least one connector insert, the connector insert having a housing having at least one receiving chamber for a plug contact that can be attached to an electric wire of a cable, wherein the housing has a fixing groove that extends through the at least one receiving chamber and opens at at least one side wall of the housing, the side wall being directed transversely to the longitudinal direction, and wherein the connector insert can be inserted into the socket transversely to the longitudinal direction, and the socket has a retaining lug that can be introduced into the retaining groove. The connector of the independent solution can also have a stabilizer in one of the above configurations and / or one of the features of the above configurations of the connector and / or the connector insert, for example the retaining lug can be rigidly mounted in the socket and can be automatically driven into the fixing groove when the housing is inserted into the socket.

[0052] In the following, the invention is explained in more detail using embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. With regard to the above comments, it is possible to dispense with individual features in the described and depicted embodiments if the advantages associated with this feature are not relevant to the specific use of the embodiment. Conversely, also with regard to the above comments, further features not described may be added if their features are necessary for the use of the embodiment. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0053] In the following figures, the same reference numerals are used for elements that are identical in design and / or function.

[0054] In the attached picture:

[0055] Figure 1 A first embodiment of a connector insert according to the invention is shown in a schematic perspective view;

[0056] Figure 2 A schematic perspective view shows a process for producing Figure 1 The first step of the embodiment of the present invention;

[0057] Figure 3 A schematic perspective view of the process for producing Figure 1 The second step of the embodiment;

[0058] Figure 4 A schematic perspective view shows a process for producing Figure 1 The third step of the embodiment;

[0059] Figure 5 A third step for producing a second embodiment of a connector insert according to the invention is shown in a schematic perspective view;

[0060] Figure 6 A second embodiment of a connector insert according to the invention is shown in a schematic side view;

[0061] Figure 7 The side view shows the Figure 6 The first step of the embodiment of the present invention;

[0062] Figure 8 The schematic plan view shows the process for producing Figure 6 The second step of the embodiment;

[0063] Fig. 9 A schematic side view of the Figure 8 Steps;

[0064] Fig.10 A schematic perspective view of a process for producing Figure 6 The third step of the embodiment;

[0065] Fig.11 A schematic perspective depiction shows an unsecured position of a first embodiment of a connector according to the invention;

[0066] Fig.12 A schematic perspective view shows Fig.11 A fixed position of an embodiment of the present invention;

[0067] Fig.13 Another embodiment of a connector insert is shown in schematic perspective depiction;

[0068] Fig.14A schematic perspective view of a connector with several Fig.12 Another embodiment of the connector.

[0069] Fig.15 A schematic perspective view shows Fig.14 A fixed position of an embodiment of the present invention; DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0070] First, use Figure 1 The construction of the connector insert 1 according to the present invention is explained.

[0071] The connector insert 1 has a housing 2, which is preferably made of plastic material. In this embodiment, the wires 4 of a two-core cable 6 are introduced into the housing 2. In a region 8, the sheath 10 of the cable 6 is removed and the wires are exposed before the wires 4 enter the housing 2. The length of the region 8 along the longitudinal direction 12 of the wires 4 or of the connector insert 1 may be about 10 mm.

[0072] In the region 8 , the electrical line 4 is still provided with its insulation 14 . The conductor 16 itself is only exposed within the housing 2 .

[0073] The wires 4 are terminated in the housing 2. The wires 4 may be stripped of their insulation at their ends so that the conductors 16 are exposed. Each wire 4 is securely connected to a plug contact 18 (not shown) in an electrically conductive and mechanical manner. Figure 1 ), for example by crimping. The plug contacts 18 are insulated from each other in the housing 2. The plug contacts 18 can be configured as sleeves or pins.

[0074] At the end opposite the cable 6 in the longitudinal direction 12 , the connector insert 1 has a plug face 20 for producing a plug connection of the plug contacts 18 with mating contacts (also not shown) of a mating plug (also not shown).

[0075] The connector insert 1 is further provided with a stabilizer 22 which is made of a dimensionally stable material, such as sheet metal, for example, and which serves as protection for the wires 4 and as a relief against pulling, so that the exposed wires are held in a tensilely secured and kink-proof manner.

[0076] The stabilizer 22 has at least one fastening location 24 at the housing and at least one fastening location 26 at the jacket of the cable 6. In particular at the fastening location 24 at the housing, the stabilizer 22 can be held in a forced fit, for example by crimping and / or in a form fit.

[0077] For crimping, two crimping wings 28 can be provided at the fastening position 24 of the stabilizing member 22 at the shell, the two crimping wings 28 being arranged opposite to each other, in particular transversely to the longitudinal direction 12, and the two crimping wings 28 closing the shell 2 in a crimped state in the box-shaped shell 2 along a circumferential direction 30 around the longitudinal direction 12 at least three sides, or generally with a wrapping of more than 180°.

[0078] To form a positive fit acting in the longitudinal direction 12, at least one shoulder 32 with a stop surface 34 is provided on the housing 2, which is directed in the longitudinal direction 12 or opposite to the longitudinal direction 12 and is arranged opposite corresponding mating surfaces of the stabilizer 22. These mating surfaces can be formed by crimping wings 28, for example.

[0079] Instead of two opposing crimping wings, it is of course also possible to use only one single, but longer, crimping wing.

[0080] In the embodiment shown, there are also two crimping wings 28 at the fastening location 26 at the cable. Figure 1 As shown, these can be configured so that they overlap each other in the longitudinal direction and each has a wrap angle greater than 360°. The crimping wings 28 at the crimping location 26 at the cable can, for example, taper along their free ends so that they become narrower when viewed in the circumferential direction 30 of the wire 4. As a result, each individual crimping wing fixes the stabilizer 22 independently of the other crimping wings 28 on the cable 6.

[0081] The area 8 in which the wire 4 is exposed is bridged by the stabilizer 22 by forming a section of a type of groove 36 for the wire 4. The wire 4 does not necessarily have to rest on the base of the groove. However, the groove 36 has side walls 38 on both sides thereof, which preferably extend onto the wire 4. The groove 36 widens from the cable 6 to the housing 2. The groove 36 may be open at its end at the cable and / or at its end at the housing. The housing 2 may be placed into the groove 36, just like the cable 6.

[0082] The side wall 38 merges towards the end at the housing into the crimping wings 28 of the fastening location 24 at the housing. At the end at the cable, the side wall 38 may continue in the crimping wings of the fastening location 26 at the cable.

[0083] The U-shaped cross section of the stabilizer 22 transversely to the longitudinal direction 12, with its groove shape and side walls 38, not only protects the wire 4, but also, due to this cross-sectional shape, is very rigid so that it can compensate for forces acting on the cable 6 transversely to the longitudinal direction 12. When such transverse forces act, the crimping wings 28 at the fastening point 24 on the housing can be supported on the shoulders 32 and thus form a torque support. The form fit thus strengthens the crimp connection at the fastening point 24 on the housing.

[0084] like Figure 1 As further shown, the stabilizer 22 can be arranged in a recess or hollow 40 of the housing 2 so that it does not protrude outside the cubic volume of the housing 2. This ensures backward compatibility of the connector insert 1 so that it can replace connector inserts used hitherto, albeit with the additional stabilizer.

[0085] In the configuration described, the connector insert 1 is used for transmitting data in a car via a two-wire system, which is shown as two wires 4 of the cable 6. The connector 1 can obviously also receive more than two wires 4, in which case only the number of plug contacts 18 is increased and the geometry of the housing 2 and the stabilizer 22 must be appropriately adjusted.

[0086] The wires 4 are twisted in the cable 6 so that they have only a low interference sensitivity. This twist is removed in the region 8 so that not only the mechanical sensitivity but also the sensitivity to electromagnetic interference fields is increased there. The stabilizer 22 not only increases the mechanical strength, but, if it is made of a soft magnetic material, but in particular a ferromagnetic material, for example, it shields the wires 4 in the region 8. In order to achieve effective shielding, the stabilizer 22 overlaps with the cable sheath 10, in particular in the region in which the wires 4 are twisted again. At the housing, the stabilizer 22 overlaps with the plug contacts 18 located there. The high wrap angle of the stabilizer 22 increases the shielding effect in addition to the mechanical strength.

[0087] Next, the connector insert 1 is produced using Figure 2-4Description. When the cable 6 is ready for use at its end pointing towards the housing 2, i.e. the coating 10 is removed in the region 8 so that the wires 4 are exposed and their insulation 14 is removed at the end of the wires 4 and the conductors 16 are exposed, the plug contacts 18 are connected to the wires 4. One plug contact 18 is fastened to each wire 4, the conductors 16 also being conductively connected to the plug contacts 18. The fastening can be produced by one or more crimping connections. The plug contacts are then pushed in the push-in direction 41 through the inlet 59 in the receiving chamber 58 in the housing 2. The plug contacts 18 can be equipped with gripping means 42 in the form of holes for receiving gripping lugs at the housing or (as shown in the embodiment) resiliently deflectable gripping protrusions engaging in holes at the housing. Once the plug contacts 18 are pushed sufficiently deep into the housing 2, the plug contacts 18 engage automatically.

[0088] In order to additionally fix the plug contacts 18 in the housing 2, contact fixing means may be provided in a further configuration. Such contact fixing is described in more detail below with regard to different examples of configurations of the connector insert 1.

[0089] After the plug contact 18 is fixed in the housing 2, the stabilizer 22, such as Figure 3 As shown, the housing 2 and the cable 6 are pushed along a joining direction 44 transverse to the longitudinal direction 12 , as indicated by the arrows.

[0090] The crimping wings 28 form a U-shaped cross section together with the base 46 of the stabilizer 22. The crimping wings of the stabilizer 22 can be arranged parallel to each other or in a splayed manner before installation.

[0091] In this configuration, the stabilizer 22 forms a slot-shaped channel into which the housing 2 and the cable 6 are placed. The shoulder 32 can serve as a guide that facilitates accurate assembly of the arrangement of the housing 2 and the cable 6.

[0092] Figure 4 It shows how the cable 6 and housing 2 have been placed in the stabilizer 22. Now only the crimping wings remain to be folded, as indicated by arrows 47. Once this has happened, according to Figure 1 The configuration is produced.

[0093] Another embodiment of the connector insert 1 is Figure 6 For the sake of brevity, only the differences with respect to the previous embodiments are discussed below.

[0094] Figure 6The embodiment of the present invention differs from the connector insert 1 of the first embodiment, in particular in the configuration of the two fastening locations 24, 26 of the stabilizer 22 and in the configuration of the housing 2. The housing 2 is therefore provided with a fixing groove 48 arranged transversely to the longitudinal direction 12. The two side walls 50 of the fixing groove 48 point in the longitudinal direction 12 and opposite to the longitudinal direction 12, respectively.

[0095] The fixing groove 48 can in particular extend continuously over the entire width 52, so that it is open at its two ends. The plug contacts 18 can be arranged at the base 54 of the fixing groove 48. The plug contacts 18 can in particular be located in a recess of the housing 2, so that they do not protrude beyond the part of the base 54 formed by the housing 2 into the fixing groove 48.

[0096] The plug contact 18 is accessible from the outside in the fixing groove, in particular from a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction 12. The fixing groove can in this way be used as a test hole, through which a measuring device can be passed to electrically contact the plug contact 18. This makes it possible to test the conductor 16 ( Figure 1 ) and a plug contact 18 is possible.

[0097] Alternatively or additionally, a further test hole 56' may provide access from the outside to the area of ​​the plug contacts 18. In particular, a separate test hole 56 may be provided for each plug contact 18. This further test hole 56' may be arranged on the other side of the stabilizer 22, closer to the end of the housing 2 opposite the cable 6, i.e. closer to the plug face 20. The additional test hole 56' may simultaneously represent a hole at the housing, in which the latching means 42 of the plug contact 18 latches.

[0098] The fixing groove 48 can in particular extend through one or more receiving chambers 58 of the housing 2 in which the plug contacts are received. A fixing projection 60 of the plug contact 18, which is at least approximately aligned with one of the side walls 50 (preferably with the side wall pointing toward the cable 6), is adjacent to the fixing groove 48. Another fixing projection can be on the opposite wall 50 of the fixing groove 48. If the locking body (not in Figure 5-10 If the plug contact 18 is inserted into the fixing groove 48, the plug contact 18 can be additionally fixed in the housing 2 by two fixing protrusions 60. The locking body located in the fixing groove 48 forms a form fit with the protrusion 60 acting in the longitudinal direction 12, and the protrusion 60 prevents the plug contact 18 from being pulled out and / or being pressed in too much.

[0099] Figure 6 A first difference between the embodiment of the embodiment of FIG. 4 and the previous embodiment is the shape of the recess 40 and the crimping wings 28 of the housing 2 .

[0100] At the fastening location 26 at the cable, the crimping wings 28 are provided with form-fitting elements 62 which complement each other and engage each other when the crimping connection is completed. For example, one form-fitting element may be shaped to extend in the circumferential direction 30 ( Figure 1 ) protruding protrusion, and another form-fitting element 62 can be shaped as a cavity configured in a corresponding complementary manner. When the crimp connection is completed, the protrusion is in the cavity. The form-fitting element ensures a precise crimp connection and fixes the two crimping wings 28 against each other in their crimping position.

[0101] In addition, the wrap angle of the crimping wings 28 at the fastening location 26 at the cable is greater than Figure 1 In an embodiment of the present invention, the free end of the wing 28 is small, wherein the free end of the wing 28 rests opposite the base 46 of the stabilizer 22.

[0102] Also at the fastening position at the housing, Figure 6 The crimping wings 28 of the embodiment are Figure 1 Thus, the crimping wings 28 have, in particular at their free ends, lugs 64 that protrude in the longitudinal direction 12. The lugs 64 are received in complementary recesses 66 of the housing 2. The lugs 64 and the recesses 66 may, for example, have a rectangular surface area, in particular a square surface area. The lugs 64 may be present on at least three sides of the housing 2.

[0103] At the upper side of the housing opposite the base 46 of the stabilizer 22, a lug 64 can project in the opposite direction to the crimping wings 28. In this case, the free end of each crimping wing 28 is in each case equipped with a lug 64. The lugs 64 of the two crimping wings 28 can, with respect to the longitudinal direction 12, project in opposite directions.

[0104] At the other two side surfaces 67 of the housing 2, a lug or a pair of lugs 66 may project in a direction away from the base 46 of the crimping wing 28. The at least one wing 64 is also received in the recess 66. Each wing 64 is preferably retained in at least two, preferably three directions in a form-fitting manner by a recess 66 complementary thereto.

[0105] The lugs 64 serve in particular as torque supports in the event of bending and torsional loads on the cable 6. At the same time, they ensure that the stabilizer 22 fits accurately at the housing 2 during preassembly.

[0106] exist Figure 5 In the embodiment of the present invention, modifications are conceivable. For example, the lugs 64 at the side wall 68 may not protrude transversely to the longitudinal direction 12 as shown, but may protrude in the longitudinal direction 12 or opposite to the longitudinal direction 12. However, this would hinder the insertion of the housing 2 into the stabilizer. It is therefore preferred that the lugs 64 at the side wall 68 protrude in the direction 44 ( Figure 3 ) extends, the stabilizer 22 is placed on the housing and the cable in this direction. The lugs at the side wall 68 can further facilitate the application of a crimping tool (not shown) and thereby facilitate assembly.

[0107] exist Figure 5 In the embodiment of the stabilizer 22 and the housing 2 are finally latched to each other by at least one latching means 70. For example, in the region of the crimping wings 28 there may be holes through which latching projections of the housing 2 project when the stabilizer 22 is latched. Alternatively, at the stabilizer 22, in particular in the region of the side surfaces 68, there may be stamped tongues which grip in corresponding holes of the housing. Preferably, at least one gripping means is provided at both opposing side surfaces 68, and sometimes also two gripping means are provided.

[0108] At the area covered by the stabilizer 22, the housing 2 may further have a housing protrusion 72, which extends through the stabilizer and protrudes outward over the stabilizer 22. The housing protrusion 72 is inserted into the connector (not in the Figure 5-10 80) and additionally fixes the stabilizer 22 in the longitudinal direction 12. At the same time, it serves to latch the housing 2 when the connector insert 1 is inserted into the connector 80.

[0109] according to Figure 6 The connector insert 1 of the embodiment is produced using Figure 5 and 7 -10 is described below. Again, for the sake of brevity, we will try to limit our discussion to Figure 1 Embodiments or according to Figure 2-4 The production methods are different. Figure 7 As depicted, the stabilizer 22 is pushed onto the housing 2 and the cable 6 in the direction of the arrow 44 and in the process is guided by the lugs 64 and the recesses 66 and the shoulders 34 in the direction of the arrow 44 transversely to the longitudinal direction 12 over the side surfaces 68 and the housing projections 72 .

[0110] The crimping wings 28 at the fastening position 24 at the housing abut against the side surface 68. In the latched position or pre-assembly position, if the housing 2 is positioned on the base 46, the stabilizer 22 and the latching means 70 of the housing 2 latch to each other. The stabilizer 22 is thus stably held in the pre-assembly. This state is Figure 8 and 9 Now the crimping wings 28 at the housing only need to be bent until the lugs 64 are located in the recesses 66 (see Figure 5 and 10 ), the crimping wings 28 at the cable are then finally bent. Figure 6The connector insert described in is then completed. The crimping sequence can obviously also be reversed, i.e. first the crimping wings 28 at the cable, and then the crimping wings at the housing. It is also possible that the crimping wings 28 at the housing and at the cable are crimped simultaneously.

[0111] exist Fig.10 middle, Figure 6 The embodiment of is described again for illustration in a schematic perspective view, in which the fastening location 26 on the cable has not yet been crimped. The mutually complementary form-fitting means 62 can be clearly identified, which are used to form-fit to the crimping wings 28 of the fastening location 26 on the cable. Purely by way of example, they are shaped as an at least approximately triangular protrusion 62 and an at least approximately triangular cavity 62.

[0112] In this depiction, the plug face 20 and the receiving chamber 58 of the connector 18 can also be discerned. Fig.10 As further shown in FIG. 3 , the recess 66 of the lug 64 for the side surface 68 may be eliminated as long as at least one side of the lug 64 is supported on the shoulder 34 .

[0113] Also in this embodiment, the stabilizer 22 is completely located in the recess 40 so that it does not protrude outside the cubic volume of the housing 2 .

[0114] refer to Fig.11 and 12 , the connector 80 is described below, particularly according to Figure 6 The connector insert 1 of the second embodiment can be inserted into the connector 80. The connector insert 1 is only Fig.10 The state shown in exemplarily depicts a situation in which the fastening point 26 at the cable has not yet been completed. The connector 80 can have one or more sockets for one or more connector inserts 1 .

[0115] The connector insert 1 may in particular extend through the entire connector 80 and form a portion of the plug face 20 of the connector 80 at the end of the connector 80 facing the cable 6. Various standardized plug forms may be combined with one another in the plug face 20 of the connector 80. At least some of these standardized plug types may be formed by the connector insert 1.

[0116] The connector 80 has a retaining lug 82 which can be moved into the fixing groove 48 of the connector insert 1 and can preferably be caught there. The retaining lug 82 serves as a locking body that simultaneously fixes the connector insert 1 and the plug contact 18 in the connector insert 1. In addition to this fixation, the connector 1 can also be latched in the connector 80. Thus, the connector insert 1 can be connected (e.g., can be latched) to the connector housing 84 via the housing protrusion 72 in a form-fitting manner.

[0117] The retaining lug 82 can be arranged at a housing element 84 which is in particular foldably hinged to the connector housing 84. The hinge can take place by an integral hinge 88 at the side of the housing 84 facing the cable 6.

[0118] The connector housing 84 can have a housing groove 90 which is at least approximately aligned with the fixing groove 48 of the at least one connector element and which can extend up to a side wall 92 of the housing 84. When the retaining lug 82 is fully introduced into the fixing groove 48 of the at least one connector insert 1, the housing 84 latches with the housing element 86. For example, a projection 94 at the housing can (in the latched state) engage from behind a projection 96 of the retaining lug 82 which projects in particular in the direction of the cable 6.

[0119] Fig.12 The connector 80 is shown with a latching housing element 86. The housing element 86 forms an outer wall of the connector 80. The connector 80 can now, for example, be fastened to a console (not shown) or be plugged in with a mating plug held at such a console.

[0120] A connector 80 with a corresponding configuration can receive a plurality of connector inserts 1 next to each other, which are oriented at least approximately aligned with their fixing grooves 48. Through the correspondingly wider retaining lugs 82, by closing the housing element 86, a plurality of connector inserts 1 can then be simultaneously fixed to the plug contacts 18 received there.

[0121] Fig.13 A simplified connector insert 1 is shown without the stabilizer 22. Apart from the omitted stabilizer 22, this connector insert 1 corresponds to the connector insert described above.

[0122] Fig.13 The connector inserts can be, like Figure 6 The connector insert is used in a variant of connector 80, such as Fig.14 and Fig.15 , and may be the subject of its own invention independent of the shape stabilizer 22 . Fig.13 The connector 80 is configured to receive three connector inserts 1 for reasons of illustration only. However, it may also be configured to receive only one single connector insert 1 or any desired number of connector inserts 1. Moreover, only the differences from the previous embodiment of the connector 80 will be discussed.

[0123] and Fig.11 and 12In contrast to the connector 80 , the connector insert 1 is not inserted along the longitudinal direction 12 , but rather along an insertion direction 100 arranged transversely to the longitudinal direction 12 , into the connector 80 or into a socket 102 complementary to the connector insert 1 . Fig.14 Three connector inserts 1 are shown in different stages of insertion. The rightmost connector insert 1 has been fully inserted into the corresponding socket 102, while the other two connector inserts 1 are somewhat away from the connector 80.

[0124] and Fig.11 In contrast to the embodiment of , the connector insert 1 is not oriented in alignment with its fixing groove 48 . On the contrary, in the case of each connector insert 1 , the fixing groove is arranged parallel to the insertion direction 100 .

[0125] The fact is that the connector 80 thus has a retaining lug 82 which can be configured to Fig.11 and 12 The retaining lugs 82 of the connector 80 are identical. However, these retaining lugs 82 are a firm and stable part of the connector housing 84. The retaining lugs extend in the insertion direction 100 so that, when the connector insert 1 is inserted into the socket 102, the retaining lugs 82 are pushed into the fixing grooves 48 and fix the connector insert 1 with the plug contacts 18 arranged therein in the longitudinal direction 12. In addition, the connector insert 1 can be fixed in the respective socket 102 by latches 104. The latches 104 extend transversely to the longitudinal direction 12 over the entire width of the housing 2 and fix the connector insert 1 so that it does not come out of the socket 102 opposite to the insertion direction 100.

[0126] The form-fitting fixation of the connector insert 1 by the retaining lugs 82 can be supported by the housing projection 72, which rests on the shoulder 106 against pulling on the cable 6. The shoulder 106 is formed by a recess 108, which is open opposite to the insertion direction 100 for receiving the housing projection 72.

[0127] In contrast to the previous embodiments, the fixing groove 48 may have an undercut 110 , for example at the side wall 50 which is engaged at the cable and from behind by the corresponding projection 96 of the retaining lug 82 .

[0128] Fig.14 The connector housing 80 is also provided with a foldable housing element 86. However, the housing element 86 is preferably hinged on the side of the plug face 20 of the connector 80 so that the connector insert 1 can be placed in the socket 102 without any problem.

[0129] The housing element 86 is provided with a projection 112 which blocks the latch 104 when the housing element 86 is folded and thus secures the connector insert 1 in the housing even if strong lateral forces act on the cable 6. For this purpose, the socket 102 is equipped with a recess 114 which is located behind the latch 104 and in which the projection 112 is received when the housing element 86 is folded. Thereby, the projection 112 prevents the release of the latch 104 by blocking the release of the latch 104 in a form-fitting manner.

[0130] In the folded-shut state, the housing element 86 latches at the front face 116 of the connector 80, which is directed toward the cable 6. Further gripping methods of the connector 80 may be used for fastening to a mating contact or console.

[0131] Obviously, the housing element 86 does not have to be hinged. The housing element 86 can also be a separate component that is simply placed on the housing 84.

[0132] exist Fig.15 , the housing element 86 is shown in a folded and latched state. The housing element 86 forms the exterior surface of the connector 80. The viewing window 120 allows visual inspection of the latch 104 from the outside.

[0133] It should be noted that Fig.11 and 14 The retaining lugs 82 in each case can only be introduced into the fixing grooves 48 of the connector insert 1 if the plug contact 18 is correctly installed in the housing 2 of the connector insert 1 and is in its end position. If this is not the case, the projections 60 of the plug contact 18 are located in the fixing grooves 48 and block them. The same applies to Figure 1-10 Embodiment of the invention.

[0134] The protrusion 112 of the housing 86 can only be introduced into the recess 114 if the latch 104 is correct. If the latch 104 is not implemented correctly, the recess 114 located behind it is not large enough to receive the protrusion 112.

[0135] Reference numerals list

[0136] 1 Connector insert

[0137] 2 Housing

[0138] 4 Wires

[0139] 6 Cables

[0140] 8 separate wires 4 zones

[0141] 10. Wrapping

[0142] 12 Vertical direction

[0143] 14 Insulation of electric wire

[0144] 16 Conductor of wire

[0145] 18 plug contacts

[0146] 20 Plug side

[0147] 22 Stabilizer

[0148] 24 Fastening point on housing

[0149] 26 Fastening point at the cable

[0150] 28 Crimp Wing

[0151] 30 Circumferential direction

[0152] 32 Shoulders

[0153] 34 Stop surface

[0154] 36 Groove

[0155] 38 Side wall of groove

[0156] 40 Recessed portion of housing

[0157] 41 Push-in direction of the plug contact into the housing

[0158] 42 Plug contact gripping device

[0159] 44. Direction of the combination of stabilizer, housing and cable

[0160] 46 Stabilizer base

[0161] 47 Folding direction of crimping wings

[0162] 48 Fixed groove

[0163] 50 Sidewall

[0164] 52 Width of housing

[0165] 54 Base of the groove

[0166] 56, 56' test hole

[0167] 58 Receiving Room

[0168] 60 Fixed protrusion

[0169] 62 Form-fitting components

[0170] 64 Lugs

[0171] 66 Recess for lug

[0172] 68 Side surface of the housing

[0173] 70 Gripping Devices

[0174] 72 housing protrusion

[0175] 80 Connectors

[0176] 82 Retaining lug

[0177] 84 Connector housing

[0178] 86 Shell element

[0179] 88 Integral hinge

[0180] 90 Shell groove

[0181] 92 Side wall of connector housing

[0182] 94 protrusion for fixing housing element

[0183] 96 Protrusion of the retaining lug for fixing the housing element

[0184] 100 Insertion direction of connector insert

[0185] 102 Socket for connector insert

[0186] 104 Latch

[0187] 106 Shoulder

[0188] 108 recessed portion for receiving the protruding portion of the housing

[0189] 110 Undercut

[0190] 112 Protrusion at housing element

[0191] 114 A recessed portion for receiving a protrusion at a housing element

[0192] 116 Front face of connector housing

[0193] 117 Grip device for housing element

[0194] 120 Windows

Claims

1. A connector assembly, include: Connectors; and A connector insert (1) to be inserted into a connector, comprising: a cable having a plurality of wires; a plurality of plug contacts (18), each plug contact (18) being attached to a wire; a housing (2), the housing (2) having at least one receiving chamber (58), the at least one receiving chamber (58) defining an entrance (59), a recess (40) and a fixing groove (48) spaced from the recess (40), the fixing groove (48) extending continuously across the entire width of the housing transverse to a longitudinal direction (12), the receiving chamber (58) receiving the plug contact (18) through the entrance (59); and a stabilizing A stabilizer (22), the stabilizer (22) having a first fastening position (24) at which the stabilizer is attached to the housing (2) and a second fastening position (26) at which the stabilizer is attached to the cable (6), in the first fastening position (24), the recess (40) receives the stabilizer, the stabilizer (22) being made of a dimensionally stable material, wherein the connector has a housing comprising a foldable housing element and a retaining lug (82) arranged on the foldable housing element, the retaining lug (82) serving as a locking body for simultaneously fixing a connector insert (1) and a plug contact (18) in the connector insert (1).

2. The connector assembly of claim 1, wherein the at least one receiving chamber (58) receives the retaining tab (82).

3. A connector assembly, include: A connector having a socket (102) with a retaining lug (82); and A connector insert (1) inserted into a socket (102), comprising: a cable having a plurality of wires; a plurality of plug contacts (18), each plug contact (18) being attached to a wire; a housing (2), the housing (2) having at least one receiving chamber (58) for receiving the plug contact (18) and a fixing groove (48) communicating with the at least one receiving chamber (58), the fixing groove (48) extending continuously across the entire width of the housing transverse to the longitudinal direction (12) of the housing, the retaining lug (82) engaging the fixing groove (48), wherein the connector At least one of the connector inserts (1) is fixed transversely to the longitudinal direction (12) by at least one latch (104), wherein the connector (80) has a foldable housing element (86) by which the socket (102) is at least partially lockable, or wherein the connector has a fixing element (112) on the foldable housing element (86) that is capable of blocking the activation of the latch (104), and the retaining lug (82) serves as a locking body for simultaneously fixing the connector insert (1) and the plug contact (18) in the connector insert (1).

4. The connector assembly of claim 3, wherein the retaining lug (82) is rigidly disposed in the receptacle (102) and is automatically driven into the securing groove (48) when the housing is inserted into the receptacle (102).

Images