Shielding element and plug connector

Abstract

The present invention relates to a shielding element (1) and a plug connector (19) with the aim of defining a solution to provide a reliable shielding and to reduce assembly work and assembly costs through this solution, savings can be achieved in terms of material, weight and material costs. The way in which this aim is achieved is that at the second end (6) of the hollow cylindrical body (2) a plurality of protrusions (7) are provided along the circumference of the hollow cylindrical body (2), which protrusions (7) are curved, the position of the protrusions (7) being such that they at least partially protrude radially from the longitudinal axis (3) of the hollow cylindrical body (2).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The invention relates to a shielding element having a hollow cylindrical base body and an inner spring element at a first end of the hollow cylindrical base body for establishing an electrical contact with a shielding of a mating connector and being in electrically conductive connection with a second end of the hollow cylindrical base body to a housing of an electrical assembly.

[0002] The invention also relates to a plug connector which is provided together with a mating connector to form a plug connection.

[0003] The invention particularly relates to a shielding element which is arranged in a plug connection for establishing an electrical connection to an assembly in a vehicle. Here, such a connection is both connected to a so-called main unit in the vehicle and to a so-called auxiliary unit. BACKGROUND

[0004] In the field of motor vehicle technology, main units and auxiliary units are distinguished. While main units enable the vehicle to move, all auxiliary machines which cannot directly move the vehicle are referred to as auxiliary units. Examples of such auxiliary units are starters, alternators, air-conditioning compressors, auxiliary heaters, lubricant pumps, hydraulic pumps, cooling water pumps, fuel pumps, brake boosters or auxiliary power units.

[0005] For example, plug connections of this type are required to transmit operating voltages, to transmit signals for controlling or regulating assemblies and / or to transmit status information within the vehicle.

[0006] For example, when used in hybrid or electric vehicles, electrical connections are required to be established between a voltage source, such as a battery or an electrical generator, and a load, such as an electric motor.

[0007] These electrical connections should be designed as detachable connections, usually by means of plug connections. Furthermore, an electrical connection and continuous shielding should be provided between the shielding of the electrical cable and the housing of the main or auxiliary unit, such as an electrical generator or an electric motor.

[0008] Such shielding is required to protect other vehicle assemblies, such as control units (ECU; electronic control unit) and the like, from interference and to avoid emitting interference which can affect normal operation.

[0009] Such plug connections are particularly used in the area of electrical cables or wiring in so-called high-voltage vehicle electrical systems, for example, in hybrid or electric vehicles, for example, electrical cables or wiring required for electrical power supply in which voltages of 300 V to 800 V are used in this high-voltage range. In particular in this voltage range, shielding measures are required in order, for example, to minimize interference with vehicle electrical systems which operate in the 12 V or 24 V low-voltage range.

[0010] In this case, the shielded element with plug connection must on the one hand provide a detachable connection and on the other hand enable a secure and reliable electrical connection to the housing of the main unit or auxiliary unit and to the shield of the high-voltage cable. A secure and robust connection is to be understood as meaning that the electrical connection remains intact over its service life, while at the same time being exposed to vibrations or impacts due to the generally harsh environmental conditions in a vehicle.

[0011] DE 20 2012 000 421 U1 discloses a shielded connection with a shielded connection piece comprising a housing for connecting to an inner shield element of a shielded cable. In particular, the housing is designed as an angled housing.

[0012] The problem to be solved is to provide a plug connection which enables an optimal shielded connection between the cable and the connection piece.

[0013] According to this solution, the shielded element can be directly connected to the shielded backfolded braid on the cable by means of the clasp of the housing, the shielded transfer element being arranged within the housing and being directly connected to the shielded braid.

[0014] DE 10 2015 226 034 A1 discloses a connection piece carrier made of plastic, which has a metal sleeve on the device for shielding purposes.

[0015] The problem to be solved is to improve the universal shielded contact element by improving the functional components while maintaining the required shielding effect.

[0016] This problem is solved by configuring the spring element as an outer spring element arranged at one end of the hollow cylindrical base body for contact with the electrical device and as an inner spring element arranged at the other end of the hollow cylindrical base body for contact with the shield of the cable.

[0017] With this configuration of the shielded contact element, the inner spring element is advantageously no longer arranged outwardly, i.e. does not protrude beyond or from the outer surface of the hollow cylindrical base body, thereby effectively preventing kinking.

[0018] In a further development, the hollow cylindrical base body can have a plurality of recesses on one end of the circumference into which the outer spring element is inserted. These recesses cause a partial region of the outer spring element to protrude beyond the outer surface of the hollow cylindrical base body, while the remaining region, in particular the adjacent region of the region of the spring element protruding beyond this surface, is arranged on the base body.

[0019] Connection pieces for shielding in plug connections, both in mating connection pieces in plug and socket assemblies and in connection pieces with a socket, are known. These conventional solutions have the significant disadvantage that such shielding in the connection piece and in the mating connection piece requires several separate components. This multi-component solution on the one hand increases the assembly complexity, thereby increasing the assembly costs. On the other hand, this multi-component solution requires more material, thus increasing the weight of the connection piece.

[0020] Based on this prior art, there is a need for an improved shielding element. SUMMARY

[0021] It is an object of the present application to provide a shielding element and a plug connection piece which provide reliable shielding, reduce assembly complexity and assembly costs, thus saving material, weight and material costs.

[0022] This object is achieved by the shielding element provided by the present application. Further developments are described.

[0023] The object is also achieved by the connection piece provided by the present application. Further developments are described.

[0024] It is envisaged to provide a shielding element having a hollow cylindrical base body with internal spring elements at a first end of the hollow cylindrical base body. These spring elements establish an electrical contact with a shield of a mating connection piece. In order to contact the shield of the mating connection piece, which is for example connected to an electrical cable and a shield of the electrical cable, the mating connection piece usually has a ring-shaped element which is connected to the shield of the mating connection piece or forms the shield of the mating connection piece.

[0025] Furthermore, the shielding element can be electrically conductively connected to a housing of an electrical assembly, for example a main unit or an auxiliary unit in a vehicle, at a second end of the hollow cylindrical base body.

[0026] To this end, the shielding element has a plurality of protrusions at the second end of the hollow cylindrical base body, which are arranged along a circumference of the hollow cylindrical base body. These protrusions have a bend, for example, which divides each protrusion into two parts. The respective first part of the protrusion extends in an extension of the lateral surface of the hollow cylindrical base body, while the corresponding second part of the protrusion, after the bend, projects radially outward from the hollow cylindrical base body at an angle. This angle can be in the range of 60 degrees to 130 degrees, for example, and can be 90 degrees. This angle is formed between the second part of the protrusion and the hollow cylindrical base body.

[0027] In an alternative embodiment of the shielding element, the bend can be provided directly at the beginning of the protrusion, i.e. at the transition between the lateral surface of the hollow cylindrical base body and the protrusion itself, thus omitting the first part.

[0028] In any case, a plurality of protrusions is arranged along the circumference of the hollow cylindrical base body, which is at least partially arranged to point radially outward or away from the longitudinal axis of the hollow cylindrical base body. These protrusions have the function of contact elements or contact springs and produce an electrically conductive connection between the shielding element and the housing of the electrical assembly.

[0029] Furthermore, at least some of the adjacent protrusions can be arranged at an equal distance to each other. This regular arrangement of adjacent protrusions is not mandatory and can be interrupted.

[0030] Each protrusion can have a bead arranged in its curved portion. These beads, which represent a groove-like recess, are preferably each arranged transversely to the longitudinal extension of the curved protrusion. These beads form the contact surface of the protrusion or contact spring, which abuts against the housing of the electrical assembly or is contacted by a corresponding arrangement of the shielding element.

[0031] Furthermore, the shielding element can be arranged in a connector housing surrounding the shielding element. For example, in order to provide a detachable plug connection of the current-carrying cable with the electrical assembly, the plug connection consists of two parts, with a plug connector and a mating connector.

[0032] When the shielding element is arranged in a connector or connector housing, which is for example firmly connected to the housing of the electrical assembly, the cable is connected to the mating connector. By inserting the mating connector into the connector housing, a detachable electrically conductive connection is established between the current-carrying cable and the electrical load arranged in the housing of the electrical assembly. This detachable connection can have for example means which allow the mating connector to snap into place in the connector housing, thus preventing this connection from being released unintentionally.

[0033] Furthermore, a contact carrier can be arranged in the shielding element arranged in the connector housing and surrounded by it. This contact carrier can have for example one, two or more electrical contacts, which ensure the transmission of electrical current between the power supply cable and the electrical load. Furthermore, the contact carrier can have additional contacts, which for example can be used to transmit status signals and / or control signals, or can be used to indicate a correct and safe connection between the mating connector and the plug connector.

[0034] Furthermore, the hollow cylindrical base body of the shielding element can have at its first end means for positioning the hollow cylindrical base body in the connector housing. These positioning means allow an ideal or prescribed positioning of the shielding element in the connector housing. Furthermore, with the appropriate alignment of the shielding element in the connector housing, the complexity of the assembly is also reduced.

[0035] For a precise positioning and a secure hold in place, the hollow-cylindrical base body of the shielding element can have, at its second end, means for rotationally locking the positioning of the contact carrier in the hollow-cylindrical base body and / or the connector housing. In an exemplary embodiment, some of the protrusions are either not formed on the base body at all or are formed with a larger spacing between two adjacent protrusions in the form of a gap.

[0036] The contact carrier is formed with corresponding positioning shapes which are positioned in the gaps when the contact carrier is brought together with the hollow-cylindrical base body. In an alternative embodiment, the connector housing also has cutouts at the location of the gaps. Thus, in the assembly of such a connector, the positioning shapes of the contact carrier can be positioned both in the gaps of the hollow-cylindrical base body and in the recesses of the connector housing at the same time.

[0037] For establishing a secure electrically conductive connection between the shielding element and the housing of an electrical assembly, such as a control unit or a main or auxiliary unit, the unit consisting of the connector housing with the shielding element and the contact carrier can be arranged on the housing of the electrical assembly using fastening means. This arrangement of the unit, also referred to as a connector according to the invention, ensures that the protrusions function as contact elements or contact springs and are biased towards the housing of the electrical assembly or are axially compressed together with the housing in order to permanently establish the electrically conductive connection. For example, screws or rivets can be used as fastening means.

[0038] Between the connector housing and the housing of the electrical assembly a seal can be arranged. Such a ring seal, for example, can prevent the ingress of contaminants and moisture into the housing of the electrical assembly.

[0039] Furthermore, the connector housing can have means for positioning the connector housing on the housing of the electrical assembly. The means can be embodied, for example, as pins to define the mounting position or orientation of the connector housing relative to the housing of the electrical assembly and to enable a simple and error-free assembly. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0040] The above features and advantages of the present invention will be better understood and appreciated, and further features, objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred non-limiting exemplary embodiments of the present invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings shown in the following figures.

[0041] Figure 1 : perspective view of a shielding element according to the present invention,

[0042] Figure 2 : plan view of a connector housing with a shielding element according to the present invention,

[0043] Figure 3 : cross-sectional view of a connector housing and a shielding element according to the present invention along the line AA shown in Figure 2 : cross-sectional view of a connector housing and a shielding element according to the present invention along the line AA shown in

[0044] Figure 4 : Figure 3 enlarged detail of the sectional view shown,

[0045] Figure 5 : perspective view of a connection with a shielding element according to the present application,

[0046] Figure 6 : another embodiment of a protrusion of a shielding element according to the present application, and

[0047] Figure 7 : another sectional view of a connection housing and a shielding element according to the present application based on Figure 6 .

[0048] List of reference signs

[0049] 1 shielding element

[0050] 2 hollow cylindrical base body

[0051] 3 longitudinal axis

[0052] 4 first end

[0053] 5 spring element

[0054] 6 second end

[0055] 7 protrusion

[0056] 8 gap

[0057] 9 bead

[0058] 10 plug connection housing

[0059] 11 fastening element

[0060] 12 contact carrier

[0061] 13 electrical contact

[0062] 14 housing

[0063] 15 seal

[0064] 16 means for positioning

[0065] 17 positioning shape

[0066] 18 connecting line

[0067] 19 plug connection

[0068] 20 angle DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0069] Figure 1A perspective view of a shielding element 1 according to the application is shown. The shielding element 1 has a hollow cylindrical base body 2 with a longitudinal axis 3.

[0070] Spring elements 5 are provided at the first end 4 of the shielding element 1. These inner spring elements 5 serve to establish an electrical contact with the shielding of a mating connector, which can be connected with an electrical cable. The mating connector and the electrical cable are not shown in Figure 1 . The inner spring elements 5 are provided, for example, in groups of three spring elements 5.

[0071] Protrusions 7 according to the application are provided at the second end 6 of the shielding element 1. These protrusions 7 are spaced apart from one another along the circumference of the hollow cylindrical base body 2. The distance between every two adjacent protrusions 7 can be chosen to be the same or different. In the example shown Figure 1 , the protrusions 7 are provided in two groups, the distance of the protrusions within a group being equal. Between the two groups, i.e. at a location between two adjacent protrusions 7, a so-called gap 8 is created.

[0072] In the example shown Figure 1 , the protrusions 7 have recesses, which can reduce the weight of the shielding element 1. However, this is not essential to the application.

[0073] The protrusions 7 are curved, so that the protrusions 7 at least partially protrude radially outwards from or away from the longitudinal axis 3 of the hollow cylindrical base body 2. This curvature can be in the range of, for example, 60 degrees to 130 degrees.

[0074] The protrusions 7 can be curved in such a way that the curvature divides the protrusions 7 into two parts. As shown Figure 1 , the respective first part of the protrusions 7 extends in an extension of the lateral surface of the hollow cylindrical base body 2. The respective second part of the protrusions 7 after the curvature extends at an angle 20 from the hollow cylindrical base body 2 and protrudes outwards or away from the longitudinal axis 3. In the example shown Figure 1 , the angle 20 is shown to be approximately 65 degrees. The angle 20 is the angle of reflection between the hollow cylindrical base body 2 and the second part of the protrusion 7, wherein, for example, in the case of a curvature of the second part, in particular with a bead 9, the average of the second part of the protrusion 7 is assumed.

[0075] In an alternative embodiment of the shielding element 1 according to the application, the curvature is provided directly at the beginning of the protrusion 7, i.e. at the transition between the lateral surface of the hollow cylindrical base body 2 and the protrusion 7, so that the first part is eliminated. This embodiment is not shown in the figures.

[0076] In the region of the bend, the protrusion 7 has at least one channel-like recess or bead 9, which is arranged transversely to the longitudinal extent of the curved protrusion 7. These beads 9 form the bearing surface of the protrusion 7, which bears on the housing 14 of the electrical assembly, creating an electrically conductive connection between the shielding element 1 and the housing 14 of the electrical assembly. Figure 1 Such an electrical assembly and housing 14 are not shown in

[0077] Figure 2 A plan view of a plug connector housing 10 with a shielding element 1 according to the application is shown. The shielding element 1 is arranged in the plug connector housing 10, which surrounds the shielding element 1 and mechanically fixes it. Such a plug connector housing 10 can have, for example, a rectangular flange, which is arranged on the housing 14 of the electrical assembly using suitable fasteners 11, Figure 2 are not shown. These fasteners 11 fix the plug connector housing 10 with the shielding element 1 on the housing 14, so that the protrusion 7 arranged at the second end 6 of the shielding element 1 is pressed against the surface of the housing 14 and an electrically conductive connection is established between the shielding element 1 and the housing 14. In particular, the second part of the protrusion 7 or the beads 9 included in the protrusion 7 are pressed against the, for example, flat surface of the housing 14.

[0078] For example, screws or rivets can be used as fasteners 11.

[0079] A contact carrier 12 is arranged in the shielding element 1. The contact carrier 12 has two contact pieces 13, which ensure the transmission of electrical power between the power supply cable and the electrical load. In addition, the contact carrier 12 can have additional contact pieces, which are not shown in Figure 2 are not shown. For example, a not-drawn mating connector, which is connected to the power supply cable, is inserted into the plug connector housing 10 for the transmission of electrical power, as a result of which the electrical contact pieces 13 are connected to corresponding mating contact pieces arranged in the mating connector, and an electrical current is transported through the cable, the mating contact pieces and the contact pieces 13 to the electrical load arranged in the housing.

[0080] Figure 3 A cross-sectional view along the section line AA shown is shown, through the plug connector housing 10, the shielding element 1 and the contact carrier 12 with the electrical contact pieces 13. Figure 2

[0081] The shielding element 1 is arranged in the plug connector housing 10. The spring element 5 arranged at the first end 4 can also be seen. The plug connector housing 10 is connected to the housing 14 of the electrical assembly, for example a main unit or a secondary unit, with fasteners 11. By this connection, the protrusion 7 arranged at the second end 6 of the shielding element 1 is fixed, in particular with its beads 9, by being pressed against the flat surface of the housing 14.

[0082] ​To prevent dust and moisture from entering the housing 14, an annular seal 15 is provided between the housing 14 and the plug connector housing 10. With this seal 15 design, the sealing performance depends on the opening diameter of the housing 14, rather than on the clamping force generated by the fastener 11 as in the prior art. Therefore, according to the present invention, the sealing performance is maintained even when the clamping force decreases, for example, when the function of the fastener 11 decreases.

[0083] Figure 3 This example is intended as a basic illustration and does not show how the electrical contact 13 is connected to an electrical load (not shown) disposed in the housing 14, which is, of course, absolutely necessary for, for example, power supply.

[0084] Figure 4 Show Figure 3 Enlarged details of the cross-sectional view shown. In this figure, the transition area between the protrusion 7 of the contact spring, which serves as the shielding element 1, and the surface (preferably designed as a flat surface) on the housing 14 is magnified. Fastener 11, seal 15, and contact 13 have been omitted.

[0085] It can be clearly seen that the protrusion 7 abuts against the housing 14, especially against its bead-like body 9, thus achieving an electrical connection. Figure 4 The design of the protrusion 7 with bead-like structures 9 selected is not mandatory for this invention. For example, bending the protrusion 7 so that the second part of the protrusion 7 forms a 90-degree angle 20 with respect to the first part can also make it possible to make the protrusion 7 conductively connected to the housing 14.

[0086] Figure 5 A perspective view of a connector 19 with a shielding element 1 according to the present invention is shown. The connector 19 in the figure includes a plug connector housing 10 with the shielding element 1 and a contact carrier 12.

[0087] Also visible is, for example, a rectangular flange of the plug connector housing 10, which is fastened to the housing 14 (not shown) using a fastening device 11 (not shown).

[0088] A device 16, designed as a pin, is provided on the flange for positioning or aligning the plug connector 19 during assembly on the housing 14.

[0089] The figure also shows the shielding element 1 introduced into the plug connector housing 10, with only the protrusion 7 protruding from the connector 19.

[0090] These protrusions 7 form gaps 8, and the positioning shape 17 formed on the contact carrier 12 ensures the corresponding alignment of the contact carrier 12 when it is inserted into the plug connector housing 10. Thus, the exact position of the contact carrier 12 in the plug connector housing 10 is specified, and the contact carrier 12 is rotated and locked.

[0091] In Figure 5 the example, the not illustrated electrical contact 13 extends outwardly through the described connection line 18 in order to be able to connect, for example, a not illustrated load.

[0092] Furthermore, means known in the prior art for aligning and fixing the not illustrated mating connector with the connector 19 on the plug connector housing 10 can be seen.

[0093] By mechanically fixing the plug connector 19 on the housing 14 through the use of the fastener 11, the electrically conductive protrusion 7, which operates as a contact spring, is pressed against the housing 14 of the not illustrated electrical component, for example a control unit, main unit or auxiliary unit in a vehicle, thus ensuring the electrical contact between the mating connector and the plug connector for power and / or signal transmission, including the ground connection for shielding, which contact is robust and tight.

[0094] Figure 6 Another exemplary embodiment of the shielding element 1 according to the present application is shown, in which the protrusion 7 is designed in an alternative configuration. It can be seen from this embodiment that the protrusion 7 is designed without the bead 9, but with an angle 20 of approximately 90 degrees.

[0095] Figure 7 A partial cross-sectional view of the shielding element 1 according to the present application in the plug connector housing 10 is shown in the configuration Figure 6 In this embodiment, the angle 20 formed between the hollow cylindrical base body 2 of the shielding element 1 and the second portion of the protrusion 7 is approximately 90 degrees, with the protrusion 7 abutting the housing 14.

Claims

1. A shielding element (1) comprising a hollow cylindrical base body (2) and an inner spring element (5) arranged at a first end (4) of the hollow cylindrical base body (2), the inner spring element (5) being intended for electrical contact with a shielding layer of a mating connector, the shielding element (1) being arranged such that a second end (6) of the hollow cylindrical base body (2) is electrically conductively connected to a housing (14) of an electrical assembly, characterized in that At the second end (6) of the hollow cylindrical base body (2), a number of protrusions (7) are provided along the circumference of the hollow cylindrical base body (2), which protrusions (7) are bent, wherein the protrusions (7) are provided such that they at least partially protrude radially from the longitudinal axis (3) of the hollow cylindrical base body (2), wherein a respective first portion of the protrusions (7) extends in an extension of the lateral surface of the hollow cylindrical base body (2) and a respective second portion of the protrusions (7) protrudes radially outward from the hollow cylindrical base body (2) after the bend at an angle of 60 to 130 degrees, wherein the angle is formed between the second portion of the protrusions (7) and the hollow cylindrical base body (2), and wherein a contact carrier (12) is provided in the shielding element (1) arranged in the plug connector housing (10) and is surrounded by the shielding element (1), there are gaps (8) between the protrusions (7), and a positioning shape formed on the contact carrier (12) ensures the respective alignment of the contact carrier (12) when inserted into the plug connector housing (10), wherein the plug connector housing (10) together with the shielding element (1) and the contact carrier (12) is arranged on the housing (14) of the electrical assembly by means of fastening means (11), and by mechanically fixing the plug connector housing (10) to the housing (14) using the fastening means (11), the protrusions (7) acting as contact springs abut against the housing (14) of the electrical assembly.

2. The shielding element (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that The protrusions (7) each have a bead (9) provided in the region of the bend, which beads are each arranged transversely to the longitudinal extension of the bent protrusions (7).

3. The shielding element (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that The shielding element (1) is arranged in the plug connector housing (10) surrounding the shielding element (1).

4. The shielding element (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that The contact carrier (12) is arranged in the shielding element (1).

5. The shielding element (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that The hollow cylindrical base body (2) of the shielding element (1) comprises means for positioning the hollow cylindrical base body (2) at its first end (4) in the plug connector housing (10).

6. The shielding element (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that The hollow cylindrical base body (2) of the shielding element (1) comprises means for torsion-proof positioning of the contact carrier (12) at its second end (6) in the plug connector housing (10).

7. The shielding element (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that The contact carrier (12) has at least one electrical contact (13) for signal transmission.

8. The shielding element (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that The contact carrier (12) has at least one electrical contact (13) for current transmission.

9. A plug connector (19) arranged to be plugged with a mating plug connector, characterized in that The plug connector (19) has a plug connector housing (10), a contact carrier (12) and a shielding element (1) arranged therebetween and having any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. Plug connector (19) according to claim 9, characterized in that Sealing means and means for positioning (16) are provided on the plug connector housing (10).

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