Connector arrangement for electrically connecting an electrical device to electrical connecting means, component comprising such a connector arrangement

Abstract

A connector assembly (1) for electrically connecting an electrical device (2) to electrical connection means (3), wherein the connector assembly (1) comprises at least one conductive pad (4) electrically connected to the electrical connection means (3), and at least one electrical connector (5), wherein the at least one electrical connector (5) is configured to be pierced through a cover element (12) or a shield in order to electrically connect the electrical device (2) to the at least one conductive pad (4), wherein the at least one conductive pad (4) has a terminal with a plurality of contact holes, wherein each contact hole is adapted to receive the at least one electrical connector (5) in order to electrically connect the electrical device (2) to the electrical connection means (3).

Description

[0001] This invention generally relates to connector assemblies for electrically connecting an electrical device to electrical connection means. Furthermore, this invention relates to components designed for use in a vehicle, such as sun visor assemblies, wherein the components are provided with connector assemblies for electrically connecting an electrical device to corresponding electrical connection means.

[0002] The document DE 103 40 079 A1 relates to a sun visor for a motor vehicle, comprising a sun visor body which is provided with at least one additional equipment, in particular on its surface side facing the vehicle occupant in the shading position.

[0003] Components such as sun visors, which are used particularly in the interior of a vehicle, are well known. It is desirable that they be lightweight and inexpensive. On the other hand, it is also desirable that they be inexpensive to assemble and have a long service life, during which they are sometimes exposed to extreme conditions in terms of temperature and vibration. Furthermore, it is desirable that such components be easily accessible for recycling at the end of their useful life. It is also desirable that such components be aesthetically pleasing.

[0004] In such known components, it is common for electrical devices to be used in the components. Such electrical devices may include light sources, in particular LEDs, and / or electrical operating elements and / or heating devices.

[0005] Interior components, such as sun visors, are currently installed in the interior of motor vehicles in a series of work steps at multiple stations on a vehicle assembly line. Individual interior components that require electricity as a power source or to provide a signal are individually connected to the vehicle's electrical system during assembly.

[0006] A wiring harness containing all the wires required for an interior component is attached to a structural part of the component using adhesive tape or hot melt glue, for example. The various wires making up the wiring harness are typically located between the structural part of the interior component and a cover member of the component. To electrically connect an electrical device to the wires making up the wiring harness, a connection space must be created by cutting or opening appropriate holes in the cover member. However, exposing the connection space by cutting or opening holes requires precise detection of the position of the connector, which requires time and money in the assembly process. This is especially true when the wiring harness or component to be electrically connected is not visible or is not always in the same position in front of the component to be mounted.

[0007] An object of the invention is therefore to provide a way of electrically connecting an electrical device of a component designed for use in a vehicle interior, wherein a certain relative positional dispersion between the electrical device and the component is possible without requiring an additional cutting and / or positioning operation.

[0008] In particular, the present invention relates to a way to electrically connect some components of a sun visor, allowing for a certain relative positional variation between these components. This feature is very useful when the target is not visible or is not always in the same position in front of the element to be mounted.

[0009] These objects are achieved according to embodiments of the invention by a connector assembly for electrically connecting an electrical device to electrical connection means, wherein the connector assembly comprises at least one conductive pad electrically connected to the electrical connection means and at least one electrical connector, preferably comprising a connector pin, wherein the at least one electrical connector is configured to be pierced through a cover layer, a cover plate or other shield to electrically connect the electrical device to the at least one conductive pad.

[0010] According to the invention, it is provided that the at least one conductive pad has a terminal with a plurality of contact holes, each contact hole being adapted to receive the at least one electrical connector (in particular the connector pin of the at least one electrical connector) in order to electrically connect the electrical device to the electrical connection means.

[0011] It is advantageous if the at least one conductive pad comprises a grid structure made of a conductive material and electrically connected to the electrical connection means, wherein the plurality of contact holes is formed by the grid structure, each contact hole being suitable for receiving the at least one electrical connector to thereby electrically connect the electrical device to the electrical connection means. Preferably, the grid structure has a grid spacing that is equal to or smaller than the size of the electrical connector, and in particular, the connector pin of the electrical connector.

[0012] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the at least one conductive pad comprises at least one conductive line electrically connected to the electrical connection means, wherein the at least one conductive line is aligned in a zigzag pattern. The at least one conductive pad may comprise a plurality of hook holes formed on the surface of the conductive pad by piercing, wherein the conductive line is inserted into the hook holes and connected in a zigzag pattern.

[0013] It is further preferred that the at least one electrical connector comprises fastening means, preferably a hook, to prevent the electrical connector from becoming detached from the at least one conductive pad.

[0014] According to a further aspect of the present invention, the object underlying the present invention is achieved according to the embodiments of the invention by a component which is designed for use in a vehicle, wherein the component comprises a structural part and the cover element, wherein the cover element is connected to the structural part preferably by a detachable connection, wherein the structural part is provided with electrical connection means, preferably via a cable harness which has a pattern of electrical connections, and wherein the component further comprises an electrical device and a connector arrangement according to the part summarized above for electrically connecting the electrical device to the electrical connection means.

[0015] According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the component according to the invention, the electrical connecting means comprise a cable harness which is electrically connected to the at least one conductive pad of the connector arrangement, wherein the cable harness electrically connects the at least one conductive pad to a plug connector which is preferably arranged outside the component.

[0016] It is further preferred that the at least one electrical connector of the connector assembly is pierced through the cover element of the component to reach the at least one conductive pad. In this context, it is important to note that the component may further comprise a decorative material or layer covering at least a portion of the cover element.

[0017] The electrical device preferably comprises at least one light source, in particular an LED, at least one electrical operating element and / or at least one heating means.

[0018] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the electrical device is part of an accessory component to be attached to the structural part or the cover element of the component. For example, the component may be a sun visor designed for use in a vehicle, wherein the electrical device comprises vanity mirror illumination means received by a mirror portion of the cover element of the component.

[0019] According to a further aspect, the present invention relates to a sun visor for use in a vehicle, comprising a structural part, a cover element, in particular a cover plate, preferably made of plastic materials such as polyvinyl chloride, and a vanity mirror with illumination means. The vanity mirror is accommodated in a mirror region of the cover element of the sun visor. The structural part of the sun visor is provided with electrical connection means, e.g., a cable harness with a pattern of electrical connections, which is attached to the structural part.The vanity mirror comprises at least one electrical light source connected to the electrical connection means of the structural part by using at least one electrical connector, preferably comprising a connector pin pierced through the cover element of the sun visor to electrically connect the electrical light source to at least one conductive pad of the electrical connection means arranged on the structural part of the sun visor.

[0020] According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the sun visor according to the invention, the sun visor further comprises a decorative material, in particular a decorative layer, which overlies at least one region of the cover element.

[0021] According to a further aspect of the present invention, the object underlying the invention is achieved by a system comprising an electrical device, a sun visor assembly having electrical connecting means and at least one conductive pad electrically connected to the electrical connecting means, and at least one electrical connector, which preferably has a connector pin, wherein the at least one electrical connector is pierced through a cover plate of the sun visor assembly in order to electrically connect the electrical device to the at least one conductive pad.

[0022] The present disclosure further relates to a (unclaimed) method for producing a component for use in a vehicle, in particular a sun visor. The method comprises the step of providing a structural part in the cover element, and the step of arranging the cover element and the structural part relative to one another and connecting the cover element to the structural part, preferably by a connecting movement. The method further comprises the steps of providing an accessory component with an electrical device, arranging the accessory component relative to the cover element and the structural part, and connecting the accessory component to the cover element and the structural part by a connecting movement.During the connection of the accessory component to the cover element, at least one electrical connector of the electrical device is pierced through the cover element in order to electrically connect the electrical device to at least one conductive pad of electrical connection means arranged on the structural part.

[0023] This allows the production of vehicle interior components with electrical devices to be improved, in particular, accelerated, and made more cost-effective. Further features and advantages of components according to the invention are described in or become apparent from the following detailed descriptions of the exemplary embodiment.

[0024] An exemplary embodiment of the component according to the invention will be described in detail with reference to the following figures, wherein: Fig. 1 is a plan view of a sun visor as an example of a component according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention; Fig. 2 an exploded view of the sun visor according to Fig. 1 is; Fig. 3 a plan view of a structural part of the sun visor according to Fig. 1 is; Fig. 4 is a perspective view of electrical connection means mounted on the structural part of the sun visor according to Fig. 1 are arranged; Fig. 5 an exploded view of a vanity mirror arrangement of the sun visor according to Fig. 1; and Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the connector assembly for electrically connecting the vanity mirror assembly to the electrical connection means mounted on the structural part of the sun visor according to Fig. 1 are arranged.

[0025] A perspective view of a sun visor 10 as shown in Fig. 1 is an example of a component according to some aspects of the present invention.

[0026] The sun visor 10 has a cover element 12 that surrounds a mirror area 14 and / or at least partially covers its edge area. The mirror can be designed as a vanity mirror 13 or the like and, in particular, can have an illumination.

[0027] An exemplary embodiment of a suitable vanity mirror arrangement 13 is shown in an exploded view in Fig. 5. Furthermore, it can be provided that the mirror region 14 and / or the mirror - in addition to the cover element 12 - has a decorative cover not designated in more detail by a reference number.

[0028] To clarify the structure of the sun visor 10 and / or the component, Fig. 2 shows an exploded view, wherein in particular at least one molded body (cover element 12) is visible. The sun visor 10 can also be a Fig. 2. The sun visor 10, as an example of the component according to the illustrated embodiment of the invention, may have a decorative material or layer on its top and bottom sides, respectively, and a molded body functioning as a cover element 12.

[0029] In the example, a structural part 11 is located between the molded bodies forming the cover element 12, to which, for example, structural elements of the structural part 11 and electrical connecting means 3 and / or lines of the component and / or the sun visor 10 (in Fig. 2 not further designated by reference numerals). The presence of a top and a bottom of the sun visor 10 is due to the fact that the sun visor 10 generally has a visible surface on both sides, ie it is possible for the user to see both the top and the bottom, depending on the folding position of the sun visor 10.

[0030] However, this feature does not have to be provided for every component according to the invention in and / or on a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle. For example, in the case of components intended for lining a door or another component of a vehicle interior, it is possible for these components to have only one visible side. In this case, such a component could also have only a molded body serving as a cover element 12, which can be provided with a decorative material.

[0031] Only the other side of the sun visor 10 is described in more detail below.

[0032] The top of the sun visor 10 has a cover element 12 formed by a molded body and preferably comprising a decorative material. The decorative material and, in the illustrated embodiment, also the molded body of the cover element 12 may have an opening. The opening in the molded body of the cover element 12 serves as a mirror area and is designated by the reference numeral 14. In the sun visor 10, as an example of a component, the opening 14 is provided in particular for the vanity mirror arrangement 13 provided on one side. However, in a different component, corresponding openings could also be used for other purposes.

[0033] According to the illustrated embodiment of the invention, the molded body of the cover element 12 has an edge region around the opening 14, in which the decorative material can be secured to the molded body, so that, for example, no wrinkling of the decorative material occurs. This can be achieved, for example, by bending back the decorative material or by using an additional fastening element.

[0034] A plan view of the top of the sun visor 10 without the cover element 12 is shown in Fig. 3 is illustrated schematically, so that the structural part 11 of the sun visor 10 and exemplary elements for providing the electrical and mechanical functionality of the sun visor 10 are visible. The exemplary elements for providing the electrical and mechanical functionality of the sun visor 10 are all substantially integrated into and / or attached to the structural part 11 of the sun visor 10. For example, a sliding cover, a cover spring, a vanity mirror assembly 13, a pivot device, a pivot spring, and electrical connectors 3 are attached to the structural part 11 of the sun visor 10.

[0035] In Fig. Figure 4 shows an exploded view of an exemplary embodiment of the electrical connection means 3, which are substantially integrated into and / or attached to the structural part 11 of the sun visor 10. According to this exemplary embodiment, the electrical connection means 3 comprise at least one conductive pad 4 electrically connected to a cable harness 6 having a pattern of electrical connections. The cable harness 6 electrically connects the at least one conductive pad 4 to a connector 7, which may be provided outside the sun visor 10. The at least one conductive pad 4 may be connected to the electrical connections of the cable harness 6 by crimping or other connection means.

[0036] The at least one conductive pad 4 has a terminal with a plurality of contact holes, each contact hole being suitable for receiving at least one electrical connector 5, preferably in the form of a connector pin, in order to electrically connect the electrical connector 5 to the electrical connection means 3 which are integrated into or arranged on the structural part 11 of the sun visor 10.

[0037] In this context, reference is also made to the Fig. 6, which shows an exemplary embodiment of a connector arrangement 1 for connecting an electrical device 2, for example an electrical lighting element of a vanity mirror arrangement 13 (see Fig. 5), with the electrical connecting means 3 arranged on the structural part 11 of the sun visor 10.

[0038] The at least one conductive pad 4 of the electrical connection means 3 can have a grid structure made of a conductive material and can be electrically connected to the electrical terminals (cable harness 6) of the electrical connection means 3. A plurality of contact holes can be formed through the grid structure, wherein each contact hole is suitable for receiving the at least one electrical connector 5, and in particular the connector pin of the at least one electrical connector 5 of the electrical device 2, in order to electrically connect the electrical device 2 to the electrical connection means 3.

[0039] In an alternative embodiment not shown in the drawings, the at least one conductive pad 4 may comprise at least one conductive line electrically connected to the electrical connection means 3, wherein the at least one conductive line is aligned in a zigzag pattern. In this context, the at least one conductive pad 4 may further comprise a plurality of hook holes formed on a surface of the conductive pad 4 by piercing, wherein the conductive line is inserted into the hook holes and connected in the zigzag pattern.

[0040] As in Fig.6, the at least one electrical connector 5 of the electrical device 2 preferably comprises at least one connector pin and is configured to be pierced through the cover element 12 of the sun visor 10 or a cover layer of the sun visor 10 in order to electrically connect the electrical device 2 to the at least one conductive pad 4 of the electrical connection means 3 arranged on the structural part 11 of the sun visor 10.

[0041] Furthermore, the electrical connector 5 may be provided with fastening means, e.g., hooks, to prevent the electrical connector 5 from becoming detached from the at least one conductive pad 4.

[0042] In the illustrated embodiment, the vanity mirror assembly 13 is inserted into the structural part 11 of the sun visor 10 through the cover element 12, which is preferably made of a plastic material, such as polyvinyl chloride. The problem is that when the electrical connector 5 of the vanity mirror assembly 13 is to be electrically connected to the electrical connection means 3 arranged on the structural part 11 of the sun visor 10, the sun visor 10 is already closed by the cover element 12, without any holes to expose the connection area. In addition, the relative position of all components can shift slightly due to manufacturing and assembly variations. This can be a few millimeters more or less than the specified dimensions.

[0043] To solve this problem, the connector assembly 1 according to the invention is used, which enables a "blind" connection. By sliding the vanity mirror assembly 13 with the electrical connector 5, which is a plug-in connector with a connector pin, perpendicularly onto the structural part 11 of the sun visor 10, the electrical connector 5 of the vanity mirror assembly 13 pierces the cover plate of the sun visor 10 to penetrate the conductive pad 4 of the electrical connection means 3 of the structural part 11 of the sun visor 10 at any desired location, thus establishing electrical contact at any location.

[0044] The at least one conductive pad 4 of the electrical connection network can be formed by a grid structure with a grid pitch that is even smaller than the pin size of the electrical connector 5, as long as contact between the two components is ensured.

[0045] In the illustrated embodiment, the electrical device 2 comprises a plurality of light sources, in particular LEDs. However, the invention is not limited to such light sources. Rather, other embodiments comprise electrical operating elements and / or heating means as electrical devices 2.

[0046] It should be noted that references to relative positions (e.g., "top" and "bottom") in this description are merely intended to identify various elements as they are oriented in the figures. It should be noted that the orientation of certain components can vary greatly depending on the application in which they are used.

[0047] It goes without saying that the drawings are not necessarily to scale. In certain cases, details that are not necessary for understanding the invention or that make other details difficult to see may have been omitted. It goes without saying that the invention is not necessarily limited to the particular embodiment shown here.

[0048] It should be noted that the structure and arrangement of the wiring harness 6 and the electrical connectors 3, as shown in the exemplary embodiment, are illustrative only. While the wiring harness 6 according to the present invention has been described in connection with the exemplary embodiment described above, various alternatives, modifications, variations, improvements, and / or substantial equivalents that are known or that are or may be presently unforeseen may become apparent. Accordingly, the exemplary embodiment of the inventive component (sun visor 10) described above is intended to be illustrative and not limiting. Reference number list 1 connector arrangement 2 electrical devices 3 electrical connectors 4 conductive pad 5 electrical connectors 6 Cable harness / electrical connection 7 connectors 10 Component / Sun Visor 11 Structural part 12 Cover element 13 makeup mirrors 14 Mirror area

Claims

[1] A connector assembly (1) for electrically connecting an electrical device (2) to electrical connecting means (3), wherein the connector assembly (1) comprises at least one conductive pad (4) electrically connected to the electrical connecting means (3), and at least one electrical connector (5), wherein the at least one electrical connector (5) is configured to be pierced through a cover member (12) or a shield to electrically connect the electrical device (2) to the at least one conductive pad (4), wherein the at least one conductive pad (4) has a terminal with a plurality of contact holes, each contact hole being adapted to receive the at least one electrical connector (5) to electrically connect the electrical device (2) to the electrical connecting means (3). [2] Connector assembly (1) according to claim 1, wherein the at least one conductive pad (4) comprises a grid structure made of a conductive material and electrically connected to the electrical connection means (3), wherein a plurality of contact holes are formed through the grid structure, each contact hole being adapted to receive the at least one electrical connector (5) to electrically connect the electrical device (2) to the electrical connection means (3). [3] Connector assembly (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one conductive pad (4) has a grid structure with a grid spacing that is the same size as or smaller than the size of the electrical connector (5). [4] Connector assembly (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the at least one conductive pad (4) comprises at least one conductive line electrically connected to the electrical connection means (3), the at least one conductive line being aligned in a zigzag pattern. [5] The connector assembly (1) according to claim 4, wherein the at least one conductive pad (4) has a plurality of hook holes formed on a surface of the conductive base (4) by piercing, the conductive line being inserted and connected into the hook holes in a zigzag pattern. [6] Connector assembly (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the at least one electrical connector (5) comprises a fastening means to prevent the electrical connector (5) from becoming detached from the at least one conductive pad (4). [7] A component designed for use in a vehicle, comprising a structural part (11) and a cover element (12), wherein the cover element (12) is connected to the structural part (11), wherein the structural part (11) is provided with electrical connection means (3) having a pattern of electrical connections, and wherein the component further comprises an electrical device (2) and a connector arrangement (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6 for electrically connecting the electrical device (2) to the electrical connection means (3). [8] Component according to claim 7, wherein the electrical connection means (3) comprise a cable harness (6) electrically connected to the at least one conductive pad (4) of the connector assembly (1), the cable harness (6) electrically connecting the at least one conductive pad (4) to a connector. [9] Component according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the at least one electrical connector (5) of the connector assembly (1) is pierced through the cover element (12) of the component to reach the at least one conductive pad (4). [10] A component according to any one of claims 7 to 9, further comprising a decorative material covering at least a portion of the cover member (12). [11] Component according to one of claims 7 to 10, wherein the electrical device (2) comprises at least one light source, at least one electrical operating element and / or at least one heating element. [12] Component according to claim 11, wherein the electrical device (2) is part of an accessory component to be attached to the structural part (11) or the cover element (12) of the component. [13] Component according to one of claims 7 to 12, wherein the component is a sun visor (10) designed for use in a vehicle, and wherein the electrical device (2) comprises illumination means of a vanity mirror (13) accommodated in a mirror region (14) of the cover element (12). [14] Sun visor (10) for use in a vehicle, comprising: - a structural part (11); - a cover element (12); and - a make-up mirror (13) with lighting means, wherein the make-up mirror (13) is received in a mirror region (14) of the cover element (12), wherein the structural part (11) of the sun visor (10) is provided with electrical connection means (3) which has a pattern of electrical connections, and wherein the make-up mirror (13) has at least one electrical light source, wherein the sun visor (10) further has at least one connector arrangement (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6 for electrically connecting the electrical light source of the make-up mirror (13) to the electrical connection means (3) of the structural part (11) of the sun visor (10). [15] Sun visor (10) according to claim 14, further comprising a decorative material covering at least a portion of the cover member (12). [16] A system comprising an electrical device (2), a sun visor assembly having electrical connection means (3) and at least one conductive pad (4) electrically connected to the electrical connection means (3), and at least one electrical connector (5), wherein the at least one electrical connector (5) is pierced through a cover element (12) of the sun visor assembly to electrically connect the electrical device (2) to the at least one conductive pad (4), wherein the at least one conductive pad (4) has a terminal with a plurality of contact holes, each contact hole being adapted to receive the at least one electrical connector (5) to electrically connect the electrical device (2) to the electrical connection means (3).

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