Fastening device for a connector plug in a motor vehicle, fastening arrangement and motor vehicle

Abstract

A fastening device for a connector in a motor vehicle is described, wherein the connector has a connection geometry for a motor vehicle component, wherein the connector has a plug slot arranged laterally to the connection geometry, wherein the fastening device has a base plate, wherein a connection arrangement for fixing the fastening device to the motor vehicle is provided on one side of the base plate and a plug receptacle for the plug slot of the connector is provided on the other side of the base plate.

Description

[0001] The text describes a fastening device for a connector plug in a motor vehicle, a fastening arrangement, and a motor vehicle.

[0002] Fastening devices for a connector plug in a motor vehicle, fastening arrangements and motor vehicles of the type mentioned above are known in the prior art.

[0003] Modern vehicles utilize a wide variety of connectors, which often need to be fixed to the vehicle. However, these connectors are sometimes equipped with different connections by their manufacturers. Different vehicle equipment variants may require different connectors in the same location, for example, one variant might have an electrically operated mirror, while another has an electrically operated mirror with a camera. This means that the different connectors may have different mounting points, requiring different mounting geometries on or in the vehicle, which would significantly increase the design complexity.

[0004] At the same time, this may mean that different tools are needed for different equipment variants, which increases manufacturing complexity.

[0005] From DE 20 2015 100 360 U1, a cable holder for fastening cables to the structure of a vehicle, in particular an aircraft or motor vehicle, is known, comprising a base plate for arrangement on the structure of the vehicle, in particular an aircraft or motor vehicle, and a cable clamp for receiving at least one cable, wherein the cable clamp is designed to be positively interlocking and tool-free connectable to the base plate, characterized in that the cable clamp and the base plate are designed to be slid onto one another by means of a linear positive guide.

[0006] JP 2003 - 243 106 A discloses a connector mounting adapter for attaching a connector housing to a mounting plate, comprising: a base body attached to the mounting plate and a mounting part attached to a connector housing. A flexible tongue section engaging the connector housing, a plate receiving section receiving the mounting plate, and an opening facing the flexible tongue section are provided in the main body.

[0007] DE 20 2022 101 364 U1 describes a connector with a housing, wherein the housing has at least one conductor insertion opening for inserting an electrical conductor from a conductor insertion direction and a conductor clamping device is received in the housing, and at least one outer wall of the housing is formed with a snap-on contour for snapping a retaining element, wherein the outer wall of the housing has a first receiving groove with a longitudinal extent greater than a transverse extent, wherein the first receiving groove has a retaining section suitable for receiving a retaining means of the retaining element, the outer wall of the housing has a second receiving groove with a longitudinal extent greater than a transverse extent, wherein the second receiving groove is suitable for receiving a snap-on means of the retaining element, the second receiving groove has counter-snap means which cooperate with the snap-on means of the retaining element.the longitudinal extent of the first receiving groove and the longitudinal extent of the second receiving groove are predominantly parallel.

[0008] KR 10 2018 0 101 105 A discloses a part for the assembly of a protector. The part comprises a common sliding coupling part for guiding the sliding coupling of one side of the body to a coupling projection part extending from the circumferential surface of a protector, and a selector slide coupling part for guiding the sliding coupling of the other side of the body to a corresponding connector, by forming the other side of the body with the different shape corresponding to the connector.

[0009] CN 2 16 563 884 U discloses a combined buckle for securing the automotive wiring harness connector, comprising a buckle body and a clamping connector, wherein at least one adapter is arranged between the buckle body and the clamping connector. A first T-shaped inner clamping end is arranged on the lower part of the adapter and a second T-shaped inner clamping end is arranged on the upper part of the adapter; a clamping head is arranged on the lower part of the buckle body, a clamping support washer is arranged in the middle of the buckle body, and a first T-shaped inner clamping end is arranged on the upper part of the buckle body. A first T-shaped male clamping end is connected to a first T-shaped clamping end on the adapter in a matched manner. The clamping head is connected to a mounting hole formed in the vehicle body in a matched manner.A second T-shaped clamping end is arranged on the lower section of the terminal connector, a third T-shaped clamping end is arranged on the upper section of the terminal connector, and a positioning structure is arranged on the third T-shaped clamping end. The second T-shaped clamping end is connected to a second T-shaped clamping end on the adapter in a matched configuration; and the third T-shaped clamping end is connected to the connector in a matched configuration.

[0010] The task is therefore to further develop fastening devices for a connector in a motor vehicle, fastening arrangements and motor vehicles of the type mentioned above in such a way that better compatibility between different connectors for fixing in the motor vehicle is ensured, whereby no changes to the fastening structures on the motor vehicle side should be necessary.

[0011] The problem is solved by a fastening device for a connector plug in a motor vehicle according to claim 1, a fastening arrangement according to dependent claim 8, and a motor vehicle according to dependent claim 9. Further embodiments and developments are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0012] A fastening device for a connector in a motor vehicle is described, wherein the connector has a connection geometry for a motor vehicle component, wherein the connector has a plug slot arranged laterally to the connection geometry, wherein the fastening device has a base plate, wherein a connection arrangement for fixing the fastening device to the motor vehicle is provided on one side of the base plate and a plug receptacle for the plug slot of the connector is provided on the other side of the base plate.

[0013] The fastening device can be made of plastic, particularly by injection molding. One possible material is polyamide (PA), which is characterized by high strength, toughness, and good thermal stability. Polyamide also has good electrical insulation properties and is resistant to chemicals and moisture. Polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) is another option. PBT offers high stiffness and good dimensional stability, while also having low moisture absorption and being flame-retardant. Polycarbonate (PC) can also be used. Polycarbonate is particularly impact-resistant and heat-resistant, making it suitable for pluggable connections that are frequently subjected to mechanical stress. For flexible components, thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) is one possibility, characterized by its rubber-like properties and resistance to chemicals and environmental influences.

[0014] The fastening device makes it possible to securely attach a connector to the vehicle without having to adapt the vehicle's connection structures or use new tools, which significantly increases production costs and platform compatibility.

[0015] Furthermore, by providing a base plate that is used on the one hand for connection to the vehicle and on the other hand for connection to the connector, it is possible to ensure cost-effective application-specific compatibility.

[0016] Furthermore, it is provided that the plug-in receptacle has a retaining plate aligned parallel to and spaced apart from the base plate, wherein insertion slots are provided on both sides between the base plate and the retaining plate, the insertion slots being limited by an end-face stop.

[0017] The retaining plate serves on the one hand as a guide for the connector and on the other hand it secures the connector against forces that point perpendicularly away from the base plate.

[0018] The retaining plate may be slightly oversized compared to the socket, so that a slight material compression occurs between the socket of the connector and the retaining plate, which increases the holding forces and thus prevents the connector from unintentionally slipping out of the mounting device.

[0019] The end stop can simultaneously attach the retaining plate to the base plate.

[0020] The end stop prevents the connector from being incorrectly positioned on the mounting device, as the insertion depth is limited by the end stop. This ensures precise positioning of the connector.

[0021] In a further, more advanced embodiment, it is provided that a tongue is formed on the base plate, which is oriented in the plane of the base plate.

[0022] The tongue's orientation in the plane of the base plate thus extends the base plate in one direction towards the mounting device. The tongue can be designed to be flexible. This allows the connector to be positioned on the mounting device and the plug to be inserted into the slot without tilting.

[0023] In a further, more advanced embodiment, it is provided that a flexible arm with at least one locking projection is formed on the base plate.

[0024] In this way, a secure positioning of the connector on the mounting device can be achieved, whereby the connector can only be removed by releasing the locking connection.

[0025] In a further refined embodiment, it is provided that the retaining plate has a support wall diametrically opposite the end stop, which is less wide perpendicular to an insertion direction than the end stop.

[0026] In this way, the mounting plate can be fixed to the base plate at additional points, and the stability of the mounting connection, i.e., the maximum load that can be absorbed, can be increased.

[0027] Furthermore, the support wall can serve as a positioning aid and prevent the connector from having any play when fastened.

[0028] In a further, more advanced embodiment, it is provided that the retaining plate is supported by a central wall running in the insertion direction.

[0029] This increases the stability of the mounting plate.

[0030] In a further embodiment, it is provided that the connection arrangement has an insertion slot with a locking arm arranged in the insertion slot that can be deflected transversely to an insertion direction.

[0031] In a further refined embodiment, the connection arrangement is provided to include a Christmas tree clip, a rib clip, a cable tie or a winding connector.

[0032] By providing one of these connection types, the fastening device can be flexibly designed for various applications. It is also easy to reconfigure the connection arrangement to suit the available fastening options.

[0033] A first independent item relates to a fastening arrangement with a fastening device of the type described above and a connector plug.

[0034] Another independent item relates to a motor vehicle with at least one fastening arrangement of the type described above.

[0035] Further advantages, features, and details will become apparent from the following description, in which – possibly with reference to the drawing – at least one embodiment is described in detail. Identical, similar, and / or functionally equivalent parts are identified by the same reference numerals.

[0036] They show schematically: Fig. 1A-C perspective views of a first embodiment of a fastening device; Fig. 2A-C Views of a second embodiment of a fastening device, as well as Fig. 3A-D Partial perspective views of a third embodiment of a fastening device.

[0037] In the embodiments described below, identical or equivalent components or elements are provided with the same reference numerals for better readability, with variants being indicated by single quotes.

[0038] Fig. Figures 1A to 1C show perspective views of a first embodiment of a fastening device 2.

[0039] The fastening device 2 has a base plate 4 on which a connecting arrangement 6 and a plug-in receptacle 8 are arranged on the one hand. The plug-in receptacle 8 is shown above. The connecting arrangement 6 is used in connection with Fig. 1B explains in more detail the plug socket 8 in conjunction with Fig. 1C.

[0040] The base plate 4 has a flexible arm 4.1 at the end of which a projecting locking element 4.2 is provided. When mounting the connector to the mounting device 2, the connector is inserted in a mounting direction Z, and the flexible arm 4.1 is elastically bent by the locking element 4.2 sliding along the connector. In the final position, the connector locks into place, thus permanently securing it to the locking element 4.2.

[0041] The connection arrangement 6 serves to fix the fastening device 2 to the motor vehicle, e.g. when used in a door of the motor vehicle to a connecting element arranged in the door, e.g. a connecting element provided in a plastic component or in a metal component of the door.

[0042] The fastening device 2 can be used, for example, to establish a plug connection with an electric mirror module of the motor vehicle in the door, where the plug connection has a connector that is not compatible with existing plug connections and would normally require a redesign of the door elements and might also require new tools for assembly.

[0043] The connection arrangement 6 has an insertion slot 6.1 through which the fastening device 2 can be attached to existing connection points on the vehicle side. The insertion slot 6.1 is bounded on both sides by side walls, wherein in Fig. 1A only one side wall 6.2 is visible.

[0044] The plug-in receptacle 8 has a retaining plate 8.1, which is oriented essentially parallel to the base plate 4 and spaced apart from it. The retaining plate 8.1 is attached to the base plate 4 by means of an end stop 8.2, a support wall 8.3 and a central wall 8.4, from which in Fig. 1A only one seam is visible. Perpendicular to the mounting direction Z, the support wall 8.3 is narrower than the end stop 8.2, allowing the connector to pass through the support wall 8.3 during insertion and simultaneously abut the end stop 8.2. The retaining plate 8.1 is wider than the support wall 8.3 perpendicular to the insertion direction Z and, together with the base plate 4 and the support wall 8.3, forms an insertion slot 8.6.

[0045] Fig. Figure 1B shows the fastening device 2 from an underside view in a detached representation.

[0046] A collar 6.3 is formed on the side wall 6.2, which is oriented essentially parallel to the base plate 4, thereby dimensionally limiting the insertion slot 6.1. On the opposite side, another side wall 6.4 with a corresponding collar 6.5 is formed. The side walls 6.2, 6.4 and collars 6.3, 6.5 are each limited by a stop in the insertion direction Z, although in this case, due to the perspective, only one stop 6.6 is visible.

[0047] A flexible arm 6.7 is fixed to the base plate 4 centrally between the side walls 6.2 and 6.3. A locking projection 6.8 is formed on a free end of the flexible arm 6.7. When the fastening device 2 is attached to the vehicle, the connecting assembly 6 is slid onto it via a connection formed on the vehicle, whereby the flexible arm 6.7 is deflected laterally and then locks into place, so that the fastening device 2 is captive and fixed to the vehicle via the connecting assembly 6.

[0048] Fig. Figure 1C shows the plug-in receptacle 8 of the fastening device 2 in a detached view. Reference is made to the corresponding descriptions in connection with the individual elements of the plug-in receptacle 8. Fig. referred to 1A.

[0049] In terms of design, the plug receptacle 8 can be designed as a module in a CAD program, which can be easily integrated into different embodiments.

[0050] Fig. Figures 2A to 2C show a first variant of a fastening device 2' in which a variant of a base plate 4' is used that does not have a locking element. Instead, a tongue 4.1' extending the base plate 4' is provided, which serves as an insertion aid for the plug-in receptacle 8.

[0051] The fastening device 2' has a differently designed connecting arrangement 6' than in the first embodiment. The connecting arrangement 6' has a winding band 6.10 which, as in Fig. 2C shows a slot 6.11. The fastening device 2' can be fixed to the vehicle side using the wrapping strap 6.10.

[0052] To avoid repetition, the description of the corresponding elements from the Fig. referred to 1A to 1C.

[0053] The Fig. Figures 3A to 3D show a third embodiment of a fastening device 2''.

[0054] On the base plate 4', the plug receptacle 8 and, as a connecting arrangement 6'', a cable tie with a plug head 6.14 and a toothed band 6.15 are arranged. The plug head 6.14 is formed on the base plate 4' and has the toothed band 6.15, which projects from the plug head 6.14. The toothed band 6.15 can be tied around a fastening point in the vehicle and locked in place using the plug head 6.14.

[0055] To avoid repetition, the description of the corresponding elements from the Fig. Refer to 1A to 2C.

[0056] Although the invention has been further illustrated and explained in detail by means of preferred embodiments, the invention is not limited by the disclosed examples, and other variations can be derived from them by a person skilled in the art without departing from the scope of protection of the invention. It is therefore clear that a multitude of possible variations exist. It is also clear that the embodiments mentioned as examples are truly only examples and are not to be understood in any way as limiting, for example, the scope of protection, the possible applications, or the configuration of the invention.Rather, the preceding description and the description of the figures enable the person skilled in the art to implement the exemplary embodiments in concrete terms, whereby the person skilled in the art, with knowledge of the disclosed inventive concept, can make various changes, for example with regard to the function or the arrangement of individual elements mentioned in an exemplary embodiment, without leaving the scope of protection defined by the claims and their legal equivalents, such as a further explanation in the description. Reference symbol list 2, 2', 2'' fastening device 4, 4' Base plate 4.1 Flexible arm 4.1' Tongue 4.2 Latching element 6, 6', 6'' connection arrangement 6.1 Import slot 6.2 Side wall 6.3 Collar 6.4 Side wall 6.5 Collar 6.6 Stop 6.7 flexible arm 6.8 Rastvorsprung 6.10 Wrapping tape 6.11 Slot 6.14 Plug-in head 6.15 Tooth band 8 Plug socket 8.1 Mounting plate 8.2 Front-end stop 8.3 Retaining wall 8.4 center wall 8.5 Nut 8.6 Import slot Z Mounting direction

Claims

[1] Fastening device (2; 2'; 2'') for a connector in a motor vehicle, wherein the connector has a connection geometry for a motor vehicle component, wherein the connector has a plug slot arranged laterally to the connection geometry, wherein the fastening device (2; 2'; 2'') has a base plate (4; 4'), wherein on the base plate (4; 4') a connection arrangement (6; 6'; 6'') for fixing the fastening device (2; 2'; 2'') to the motor vehicle is provided on one side and a plug receptacle (8) for the plug slot of the connector is provided on the other side of the base plate (4; 4'), characterized by, that the plug receptacle (8) has a retaining plate (8.1) aligned parallel to and spaced apart from the base plate (4; 4'), wherein insertion slots (8.6) are provided on both sides between the base plate (4; 4') and the retaining plate (8.1), wherein the insertion slots (8.6) are limited by an end-face stop (8.2). [2] Fastening device (2; 2'; 2'') according to claim 1, characterized by , that a flexible arm (4.1) with at least one locking projection (4.2) is formed on the base plate (4). [3] Fastening device (2; 2'; 2'') according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that a tongue (4.1') is formed on the base plate (4'). [4] Fastening device (2; 2'; 2'') according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the retaining plate (8.1) is diametrically opposite the end stop (8.2) a support wall (8.3) is provided which is less wide transverse to an insertion direction (Z) than the end stop (8.2). [5] Fastening device (2; 2'; 2'') according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the retaining plate (8.1) is supported by a central wall (8.4) extending in the insertion direction (Z). [6] Fastening device (2; 2'; 2'') according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the connection arrangement (6) has an insertion slot (6.1) with a locking arm (6.7, 6.8) arranged in the insertion slot (6.1) which can be deflected transversely to an insertion direction (Z). [7] Fastening device (2; 2'; 2'') according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by , that the connection arrangement (6'; 6'') comprises a fir tree clip, a rib clip, a cable tie (6.14, 6.15) or a coil connector (6.10). [8] Fastening arrangement with fastening device (2; 2'; 2') according to one of the preceding claims and a connector plug. [9] Motor vehicle with at least one fastening arrangement according to claim 8.

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