Electrical contact device

Abstract

An electrical connector unit (100) has a first section (104) that can be accommodated in one end of a tube or tubular housing. A second section (106), not accommodated in the tube or tubular housing, has at least one circumferential electrical contact surface arranged on the outer surface, which is connected to a respective connection area to which an electrical conductor (132) can be connected. The electrical connector unit (100) has at least two segments (102) that are hinged or pivotably connected by means of a hinge or joint parallel to an axis extending through the first (104) and the second section (106) of the electrical connector unit (100). In a first position, the segments are arranged side by side, and in a second position, they form a body that can be partially accommodated in the tube or tubular housing.At least one of the segments (102) has an electrical contact surface and an associated electrical connection area. None of the electrical contact surfaces extends over the entire circumference of the electrical connector unit (100) in the second position.

Description

Area

[0001] The invention relates to a plug unit of an electrical contact device, in particular a plug unit that is at least partially receptible in a first part of a two-part device for the mechanical connection of a functional unit with a base unit. background

[0002] The mechanical connection of functional units to base units, especially a detachable or adjustable mechanical connection, is desirable in many applications. Often, the functional units are equipped with electrical or electronic components, so electrical contacting is required in addition to the mechanical connection. These electrical or electronic components can include, for example, electric drives and sensors.

[0003] An example of a functional unit with electrical and electronic components is a car seat headrest, which incorporates sensors or actuators. The headrest typically has two support tubes that are inserted into corresponding guide tubes in the seat.

[0004] Typically, a functional unit is first mechanically connected to the base unit, and then an electrical connection is established. In the case of the example headrest, the support tubes are first slid into the guide tubes, and then the electrical connections are made.

[0005] To reduce the number of assembly steps, it is desirable to perform the mechanical connection of the functional unit and the base unit simultaneously with the electrical connection in a single operation. For this purpose, it is known to equip the parts to be mechanically connected with corresponding plugs or sockets that simultaneously establish an electrical connection during the mechanical connection. Particularly when the available installation space for the mechanically connected parts is small, or when mechanical connections exhibit a comparatively large tolerance regarding their alignment during assembly, yet still require reliable electrical contact, there is a need for a new solution, especially one that can provide a large number of electrical contacts in a limited space.

[0006] From EP 3 467 968 ​​A1, a connector unit according to the preamble of claim 1 is known, in which an insulating part can be moved from an open state to a folded state. In the open state, contact pins can be inserted into corresponding receiving bores or holes in the interior of the insulating part. Subsequently, the insulating part can be moved into the folded state, in which it can be inserted into a connector housing. From EP 3 185 371 A1 A connector unit is known that comprises a flexible printed circuit board, which can be arranged on the outer circumference of a connector body and has a number of contacts. When mated, the contacts make contact with corresponding contacts of the socket. The contact surfaces are connected to terminal areas for conductors via ridges on the printed circuit board.

[0007] Starting from this, the present invention has the objective of creating an electrical contact device with a plug unit which has at least some of the aforementioned desirable properties. Summary of the invention

[0008] To solve this problem, the invention proposes an electrical connector unit for contacting an electrical socket unit not belonging to the invention. These can, for example, be arranged on a first and second part, respectively, of a two-part device for the mechanical connection of a functional unit to a base unit, such that an electrical connection is established simultaneously with the mechanical connection. The first part of the two-part device for the mechanical connection can, for example, comprise a guide tube of the base unit, and the second part can comprise a retaining tube of the functional unit received in the guide tube of the base unit. The retaining tube can be adjustably received in the guide tube, for example, in the longitudinal direction, and can also be detachably fixed in one or more positions.

[0009] The electrical connector unit has a first section that can be received in one end of a tube or tubular housing. The tube or tubular housing can also be formed by a suitably shaped recess in an otherwise differently shaped housing. For the sake of simplicity, the following will refer to a tube or tubular housing. A second section of the electrical connector unit, not received in the tube or tubular housing, has at least one electrical contact surface arranged circumferentially on the outer surface of the electrical connector unit, which extends only over a portion of the circumference of the electrical connector unit. The terms circumference and circumferentially refer to the circumference on a surface of the electrical connector unit that essentially represents an extension of the surface of the tube or tubular housing.The second section can be designed in such a way that its insertion into the pipe or tubular housing is effectively prevented, e.g. because of a diameter that is larger than the diameter of the pipe or tubular housing, or by a locking mechanism that prevents the second section from penetrating the pipe or tubular housing.

[0010] The electrical connector unit also has at least one electrical connection area connected to a respective electrical contact surface, to which an electrical line of the functional unit can be connected. The at least one electrical connection area is, for example, located in the first section of the electrical connector unit; however, it is also possible to locate the at least one electrical connection area in the second section of the electrical connector unit. The latter can be the case, for example, if a body of the electrical connector unit is surrounded on the tube or housing side by a sleeve inserted into the tube or tubular housing together with the body, which also encloses an area of ​​the body located outside the tube or tubular housing in which the connection area is located, and the connection area is, for example,because of a stop provided on the outside of the sleeve, it is not in the pipe or the tubular housing.

[0011] The electrical connector unit comprises at least two segments hinged or pivotably connected parallel to an axis running through the first and second sections of the electrical connector unit by means of a hinge or joint, at least one of which has an electrical contact surface and an associated electrical connection area. The hinges can be formed, in particular, by film hinges that are molded together with the segments in an injection molding process. The joints can be formed, for example, by one or more pins molded onto a respective segment, which engage in corresponding hinge bushings.The hinge bushings can also be shaped in such a way that T-shaped pins can be clipped laterally through a slot in the wall of the hinge bushing, with the stem of the T-shaped pin lying in a corresponding incision in the wall of the hinge bushing running transversely to the slot and thus being movably mounted around the crossbar of the T-shaped pin.

[0012] If multiple contact surfaces are provided, they can be positioned equidistant from one end of the second section, or at varying distances from the end. In the latter case, leading or lagging contacts can be easily implemented.

[0013] The segments can preferably consist of an electrically insulating material that accommodates the electrical contact surface, the associated electrical connection area, and optionally an electrical connection between the two. The electrically conductive areas of the electrical connector unit can, for example, be formed by stamped parts overmolded with the electrically insulating material, whereby at least part of the electrical contact surface and the electrical connection area remain accessible. However, it is also possible to subsequently apply the electrically conductive areas to the segments made of the electrically insulating material, or to attach or connect them to these segments.

[0014] The segments are arranged side by side in a first position when unfolded or pivoted. In a second position when folded or pivoted, the segments form a body of the electrical connector unit, which is partially recessed within the tube or tubular housing. The second section of this body has at least one electrical contact surface located circumferentially on the outside. The body can, for example, have a substantially cylindrical or rod-shaped, elongated form. None of the electrical contact surfaces extend over the entire circumference of the electrical connector unit in the second position when folded or pivoted.

[0015] The segments located on the outside in the unfolded or pivoted first position can have locking means which can be brought into locking engagement with each other in the folded or pivoted second position of the segments, thus holding the segments in this position without external influence.

[0016] The segments may also have guide elements which, in particular, determine an axial position of the segments relative to each other during or after folding or pivoting into the second position.

[0017] In one or more embodiments, at least one connection area of ​​the electrical connector unit is designed to be connected to an electrical conductor of the functional unit by a form-fit or material-fit connection, e.g., by crimping, soldering, or welding, in particular by ultrasonic welding. The size of the connection area and its material are adapted to the respective connection method.

[0018] In one or more embodiments, the end region of the second section of the connector unit, facing away from the first section, tapers towards its end, e.g., conically, frustoconically, parabolically, or truncated parabolically. This facilitates the insertion of the electrical connector unit into a socket, and with appropriate support of the socket, tolerances regarding the alignment of the connector unit and socket relative to each other can be compensated for.

[0019] According to the invention, the electrical connector unit has a fixing sleeve which, in the second position of the segments relative to each other, can be slid onto areas of the segments located in the first section of the connector unit. The fixing sleeve can be designed such that it can be locked onto one or more of the segments. For this purpose, at least one spring-loaded locking element can be provided on the fixing sleeve, which engages in a corresponding end piece or recess of a segment of the electrical connector unit. Alternatively or additionally, the fixing sleeve can form a notch together with corresponding, appropriately shaped areas of the segments, which, for example, enables the connector unit as a whole to be fixed in the tube or the tubular housing. The fixing sleeve can further be designed such that it can only be slid onto the segments of the connector unit in a specific angular position.The fixing sleeve, together with the areas of the segments located in the first section of the plug units, can be accommodated in the tube or the tubular housing.

[0020] In one or more embodiments, the fixing sleeve of the connector unit has ribs on its outer surface that extend in a substantially axial direction. These ribs can, for example, serve to compensate for tolerances in the outer dimensions of the fixing sleeve and the inner diameter of the tube or tubular housing, thus preventing unwanted movement of the electrical connector unit within the tube or tubular housing. The ribs can deform when the electrical connector unit is inserted into the tube or tubular housing.

[0021] In one or more embodiments, the fixing sleeve of the connector unit has a structure on its outer surface that can be snapped into a corresponding recess or bore in the tube or tubular housing. The structure can, for example, include an outwardly projecting locking hook that engages in a radial bore in the wall of the tube or tubular housing.

[0022] In one or more embodiments, a region located in the first section of the electrical connector unit of at least one of the segments is configured as a holding or guiding area, which holds and / or guides one or more electrical conductors connected to an electrical connection area. Additionally, in one or more embodiments, the fixing sleeve can have at least one clamping element, which is shaped to interact with a corresponding holding or guiding area of ​​one of the segments and to secure one or more electrical conductors held or guided therein at least axially, thereby providing strain relief to the electrical connection between the conductor and the connection area. The at least one clamping element can, for example, be pressed radially inward through the tube or tubular housing and against one or more electrical conductors located in a holding or guiding area.Additionally, the clamping element can have grooves or ribs running transversely to the longitudinal extent of the electrical conductors, which further support axial fixation of the electrical conductors. The clamping element can be designed in such a way that it covers at least one electrical conductor, thus preventing damage to the insulation of at least one electrical conductor when the electrical connector unit is inserted into the pipe or tubular housing.

[0023] In one or more embodiments, the electrical connector unit has a mechanical coding feature that defines the rotational angular position of the electrical connector unit within the tube or tubular housing. The mechanical coding may, for example, comprise an outwardly projecting area on one of the segments or on the fixing sleeve, which engages in a corresponding recess on the tube or tubular housing.

[0024] An exemplary electrical socket unit, not belonging to the invention, for receiving the plug unit according to the invention comprises a fixing element with an insertion area into which a plug unit according to the invention can be inserted. The insertion area is designed such that a plug unit inserted therein is completely enclosed circumferentially. However, it is also possible to provide the fixing element with a radial slot, for example, to compensate for tolerances in the dimensions of the plug unit to be received therein or to accommodate plug units with different diameters. The fixing element has at least one receptacle for a socket contact. The socket contact has a contact area which faces the insertion area of ​​the fixing element and can be brought into electrical contact there with a contact surface of the electrical plug unit.The at least one receptacle for the socket contact can be designed to position and / or fix the socket contact.

[0025] The socket contact can, for example, be designed as a spring contact connected to an electrical conductor. The electrical connection between the socket or spring contact and the electrical conductor can be made, for example, by crimping, welding, or soldering. The spring contact can have positioning and locking features that determine its position within the receptacle of the fixing piece and secure it in place. The socket or spring contact can have a spring-loaded contact area which, when the socket or spring contact is mounted in the fixing piece, points towards the insertion area of ​​the fixing piece and can be brought into electrical contact with a contact surface of the electrical connector unit.

[0026] The receptacles and / or spring contacts can be designed to be equidistant from a front face of the fixing piece, from which a plug unit can be inserted, or at different distances. In the latter case, leading or lagging contacts can be easily provided.

[0027] The electrical socket unit, which is not part of the invention, may also include a locking element connectable to the fixing element, which allows or prevents the at least one socket or spring contact from being released from the fixing element's receptacle. The locking element may, for example, have one or more mounting areas that can be positively engaged with or in the fixing element. In one or more embodiments, the locking element can be fixed to the fixing element by one or more snap-fit ​​connections. The snap-fit ​​connection may, for example, be located on one of the mounting areas. The locking element may also have one or more conductor guides in which electrical conductors can be guided and / or held.

[0028] The electrical socket unit, which is not part of the invention, may further comprise a housing in which the fixing element and the locking element are received. The housing may have a recess or opening in which a locking hook of the fixing element engages, thus securing the fixing element in the housing. The fixing element simultaneously secures the locking element in the housing.

[0029] The fixing element and / or the locking element, as well as the housing, can be designed to be connected to each other only in a specific direction. For this purpose, the housing can, for example, have a groove, a rib, a slot, or a gap which interacts with a correspondingly shaped area of ​​the fixing element and / or the locking element. The correspondingly shaped area can also be formed by a guide, such as a guide for the locking element. Alternatively or additionally, the shape of the housing and the shape of the fixing element and / or the locking element can be chosen such that assembly is only possible in a specific direction and orientation relative to each other. For example, if the fixing element and / or the locking element has a generally square cross-section, one of the edges can be chamfered, and the housing has a correspondingly cooperating infill 10 in one of the corners.The housing can also be designed to be attached to the base unit only in a specific position, so that the position of the at least one socket or spring contact to the base unit can be determined.

[0030] A method for manufacturing an electrical connector unit according to the invention comprises providing at least two segments connected by means of a hinge or joint so as to be hinged or pivotable, at least one of which has an electrical contact surface and an associated electrical connection area. The segments are preferably provided in a first position in which they are unfolded or pivoted and arranged side by side. Otherwise, the segments are brought into this first position in an additional step.

[0031] In a further step, at least one electrical conductor is electrically connected to one of the at least one connection areas. If one or more of the segments have a holding or guiding area, the conductors are arranged there accordingly.

[0032] In a further step, the segments are moved from the first position into a second, folded or pivoted position. If locking mechanisms are provided on the segments that are on the outside in the first position, these are engaged with each other in the second position.

[0033] In a subsequent step, the fixing sleeve is pushed onto the segments located in the second position.

[0034] The electrical connector unit can now be inserted into a tube or tubular housing of a functional unit to complete the functional unit.

[0035] An exemplary method for manufacturing an electrical socket unit not belonging to the invention comprises providing a fixing piece with an insertion area into which a plug unit can be inserted and with at least one receptacle for a socket contact. Subsequently, at least one socket contact, which has been previously connected to an electrical conductor, is inserted into a corresponding receptacle and locked in the inserted position. The locking can be effected by corresponding means on the socket contact that interact with corresponding means of the fixing piece, e.g., one or more locking pawls on the socket contact or on the fixing piece that engage in recesses or projections on the fixing piece or the socket contact, respectively.Locking can be achieved alternatively or additionally by connecting a locking element to the fixing element, which is designed to prevent or allow the at least one socket contact to come loose. Alternatively or additionally, locking can involve receiving the fixing element, possibly with an attached locking element, within a housing.

[0036] The electrical plug unit described above and a suitable electrical socket unit for receiving it are characterized by the fact that one or more electrical contact surfaces are arranged around their circumference. Particularly in the case of multiple contact surfaces, the plug unit according to the invention and the socket unit suitable for receiving it ensure that the corresponding contacts of the plug unit and the socket unit are always brought together. By appropriately designing and positioning the contact surfaces of the plug unit and the socket contacts, leading and lagging contacts can be easily provided, which, when disconnecting and / or connecting the socket unit and plug unit during operation, i.e., with voltages or signals applied, enable a defined sequence of disconnection or connection of the voltages or signals.

[0037] The ability to connect the segments with electrical conductors in a folded or swiveled position, and only then form them into the body of the connector element, facilitates automatic or machine-based contacting in a single operation, even with small connector element diameters. When using welded connections for electrical contacting, such as ultrasonic welding, which creates an intermetallic bond between the welding partners, contacting can be achieved in a particularly small space, allowing the connector element to be kept especially compact. Brief description of the drawing

[0038] The invention is explained in more detail below using one embodiment as an example, with reference to the accompanying figures. All figures are purely schematic and not to scale. They show: Fig. 1 shows an exemplary perspective view of a segment of an electrical connector unit according to the invention, Fig. 2 shows an exemplary perspective view of four segments of the electrical connector unit according to the invention arranged next to each other in a first position, Fig. 3 shows an exemplary perspective view of the four segments of the electrical connector unit arranged next to each other in the first position. Figure 2 In a top view, Fig. 4 shows an exemplary representation of the four segments of the electrical connector unit arranged side by side in the first position. Figure 2 with connected electrical conductors in a perspective view, Fig. 5 an exemplary representation of the four segments of the electrical plug unit made of Figure 2in a second, folded or pivoted position in a perspective view, Fig. 6 an exemplary representation of the four segments of the electrical plug unit made of Figure 5 with the fixing sleeve pushed on in a perspective view, Fig. 7 a detail view of the end of the first section of the electrical connector unit made of Figure 6 In a perspective view, Fig. 8 shows an exemplary representation of an electrical plug unit received in a retaining tube; in a perspective view, Fig. 9 shows an exemplary representation of a socket contact of an electrical socket unit suitable for receiving the plug unit; in a perspective view, Fig. 10 shows an exemplary representation of the socket contact made of Figure 9with associated electrical conductor in a perspective view, Fig. 11 an exemplary representation of a fixing piece of an electrical socket unit suitable for receiving the plug unit with socket contacts received therein in a perspective rear view, Fig. 12 an exemplary representation of a locking piece connected to the fixing piece of the electrical socket unit suitable for receiving the plug unit, with socket contacts received in the fixing piece, in a perspective rear view, Fig. 13 an exemplary representation of the locking piece connected to the fixing piece of the electrical socket unit made of Figure 12 In a perspective front view, Fig. 14 shows an exemplary representation of the electrical socket unit housed in a casing. Figure 13In a perspective front view, Fig. 15 shows an exemplary representation of the electrical socket unit housed in the casing. Figure 14 with the plug unit positioned in the insertion position and held in the retaining tube made of Figure 8 , Fig. 16 Steps of an exemplary method for manufacturing an electrical plug unit according to the invention, Fig. 17 Steps of an exemplary method for manufacturing an electrical socket unit suitable for receiving the plug unit.

[0039] Identical or similar elements in the figures are marked with the same or similar reference symbols. Example of implementation

[0040] Figure 1Figure 1 shows an exemplary perspective view of a segment 102 of an electrical connector unit 100 according to the invention. The segment has a first section 104, which can be received in a retaining tube (not shown in the figure), and a second section 106, which cannot be received in the retaining tube. The first section 104 and the second section 106 can have different cross-sectional dimensions and / or be separated from each other by a stop rib 108 to prevent the second section 106 from entering the retaining tube. A contact surface 110 is arranged in the second section 106 of the segment 102, which extends only over a portion of the width of the segment 102 and which is connected to a Figure 3The more clearly visible connection area 112 is electrically conductively connected. The contact surface 110 and the connection area 112 can, for example, be formed by an electrically conductive stamped part, around which the segment 102 is formed from an electrically non-conductive material, for example, by an injection molding process. At least the connection area 112 can be designed to contact an electrical conductor by means of ultrasonic welding. An end region of the segment 102 facing away from the first section 104 tapers towards its end, in a frustoconical shape in the figure. A holding or guiding area 114 is arranged in the first section 104 of the segment 102, which serves to hold or guide conductors electrically connected to the connection area 112. At the end of the first section 104 facing away from the second section 106, an end piece 116 is formed, which is connected to a Figure 7 shown spring-loaded detent element 118 of a one in the Figures 6 and 7The fixing sleeve shown interacts with the end piece 116. The end piece 116 can have a recess 122 in the holding or guiding area 114, through which an electrical conductor (not shown in the figure) can be guided, and into which a [missing information] in the Figure 7 The clamping element 124 shown can spring into the fixing sleeve 120 to fix an electrical line guided in the holding or guiding area 114.

[0041] Figure 2 Figure 1 shows an exemplary representation of four segments 102 of the electrical connector unit 100 according to the invention, arranged side by side in a first, unfolded or pivoted position, in a perspective view. The four segments 102 are hinged or pivotably connected to one another in the area of ​​the stop ribs 108 by means of film hinges 126, so that they can be brought into a second, folded or pivoted position and form a Figure 5 form the elongated body shown.

[0042] Figure 3 shows an exemplary representation of the four segments 102 of the electrical connector unit 100 arranged next to each other in the first position. Figure 2In a top view, the connection area 112 of the segments 102 is visible, each of which is electrically connected to a contact surface 110. The film hinges 126, which movably connect the segments 102 to one another, are also visible. On the left segment 102, the retaining or guiding area 114 is highlighted by the dashed oval. Each of the segments 102 can have a recess 128 on one longitudinal side and a projection 130 on the opposite longitudinal side. For clarity, the projection 130 is only labeled with a reference symbol on the left segment 102, and the recess 128 only on the right segment 102.In the second, folded or pivoted position, a projection 130 of a segment 102 engages positively in a recess 128 of the adjacent segment 102, thus additionally securing the segments 102 against displacement transverse to the pivot or folding axis. The recesses 128 and projections 130 also guide the segments 102 during folding or pivoting.

[0043] Figure 4 shows an exemplary representation of the four segments 102 of the electrical connector unit 100 arranged next to each other in the first position. Figure 2 with connected electrical lines 132 in a perspective view. The remaining elements of segments 102 are described above and in the Figure 4 not marked with a reference symbol.

[0044] Figure 5 shows an exemplary representation of the four segments 102 of the electrical plug unit 100. Figure 2In a second, folded or pivoted position, the figure shows the segments 102 forming an elongated body and the contact surfaces 110 arranged circumferentially on the outside of the body. Also clearly visible is the stop ring formed by the stop lugs, which limits the insertion of the electrical connector unit 100 into a retaining tube (not shown in the figure). The electrical conductors 132 now lie close together and can thus be easily inserted into the retaining tube.

[0045] Figure 6 shows an exemplary representation of the four segments 102 of the electrical plug unit 100. Figure 5with the locking sleeve 120 in place in a perspective view. The locking sleeve 120 secures the segments 102 against unintentional unfolding or pivoting apart and provides mechanical stability to the electrical connector unit 100. A mechanical coding 134 is provided on the locking sleeve 120, which allows the insertion of the electrical connector unit 100 into a retaining tube (not shown in the figure) only in a specific angular position, in which the mechanical coding 134 engages in a corresponding recess in the retaining tube. Figure 6Also visible are ribs 136 extending in a substantially axial direction, which serve to compensate for tolerances in the outer dimensions of the fixing sleeve 120 and the inner diameter of the retaining tube, thus preventing unwanted movement of the electrical connector unit 100 within the retaining tube. The ribs 136 can deform when the electrical connector unit 100 is inserted into the retaining tube. The fixing sleeve 120 shown in the figure also has a structure 138 that can be snapped into a corresponding recess or bore in the retaining tube. The structure 138 can be arranged on a snap-fit ​​element 118. Also visible in the figure are clamping elements 124 of the sleeve 120, which are shaped to interact with a corresponding holding or guiding area 114 of one of the segments 102 and to secure one or more electrical conductors held or guided therein, at least axially.The clamping elements 124 can provide strain relief for the electrical connection between the cable and the connection area. The figure also shows a notch 140 extending transversely to a longitudinal axis, which is formed by correspondingly shaped areas of one or more segments 102 and the sleeve 120. The notch 140 can, for example, serve to secure the electrical connector unit 100 received in the retaining tube, or for other purposes.

[0046] Figure 7 shows a detailed view of the end of the first section 104 of the electrical plug unit 100 facing away from the second section 106. Figure 6in a perspective view. In this illustration, the interaction of the locking elements 118 of the sleeve 120 with the end pieces 116 of the segments 102 is clearly visible, as is the interaction of the clamping elements 124 with the electrical conductors 132 received in the retaining or guiding areas 114 (not visible in the figure). The clamping elements 124 can already press against the electrical conductors 132 under a preload. However, it is also possible that the clamping elements 124 are additionally pressed against the electrical conductors 132 by the retaining tube in which the electrical connector unit is received. The clamping elements 124 can taper towards each other conically to facilitate insertion into the retaining tube.

[0047] Figure 8Figure 1 shows an exemplary perspective view of an electrical connector unit 100 mounted in a retaining tube 142. This illustration clearly shows how the mechanical coding 134 engages in a corresponding coding notch 144 and secures the electrical connector unit 100 in the retaining tube 142 with respect to its angle of rotation. Also clearly visible are a slot 146 running transversely to the longitudinal axis of the retaining tube 142, which corresponds to the notch 140 of the electrical connector unit 100, and a bore 148 into which the snap-fit ​​structure 138 of the electrical connector unit 100 engages.

[0048] Figure 9Figure 1 shows an exemplary perspective view of a socket contact 152 of an electrical socket unit 150 suitable for receiving the plug unit. The socket contact 152 shown in the figure is designed as a spring contact with a contact area 154 bent into a spring. The socket contact 152 also has positioning means 156 and fixing means 158, e.g., laterally arranged surfaces or rails for positioning the socket contact 152 in a receptacle 162 of a fixing element 160, or a detent spring which engages in a corresponding recess or behind a corresponding projection of the fixing element 160. The socket contact 152 also has a connection area 164 for electrically connecting a conductor 132, e.g., a crimp area.

[0049] Figure 10 shows an exemplary representation of the socket contact 152 from Figure 9with the associated electrical conductor 132 in a perspective view. The conductor 132 is connected to the connection area 164, which is designed as a crimp area, by crimping.

[0050] Figure 11Figure 1 shows an exemplary representation of a fixing piece 160 of an electrical socket unit 150 suitable for receiving the plug unit, with socket contacts 152 included therein, in a perspective rear view. A insertion area 166 is located centrally in the fixing piece 160, into which an electrical plug unit 100 can be inserted. The contact areas 154 of the socket contacts 152, only one of which is clearly visible in the view, face the insertion area 166 and are freely accessible there. The conductors 132 connected to the socket contacts 152 are routed around the insertion area 166 and led out of the fixing piece 160 laterally as a bundle. Guide ribs or pins may be provided to keep the conductors 132 out of the insertion area 166.

[0051] The fixing piece 160 with the socket contacts 152 can form the complete socket unit 150. However, it is also possible to attach a locking piece 170 to the fixing piece 160, which additionally secures the socket contacts 152 and can also include a cable guide. The locking piece 170 can be attached to the fixing piece 160 by means of a snap-fit ​​connection. The fixing piece 160 can, for example, have one or more recesses 168 into which corresponding locking hooks 172 of the locking piece 170 engage.

[0052] Figure 12Figure 1 shows an exemplary representation of a locking piece 170 connected to the fixing piece 160 of the electrical socket unit 150, which is suitable for receiving the plug unit, with socket contacts 152 accommodated in the fixing piece 160, in a perspective rear view. The figure clearly shows how the locking hooks 172 of the locking piece 170 engage in the recesses 168 of the fixing piece 160. In the embodiment of the electrical plug unit 100 shown in the figure, the fixing piece 160 and the locking piece 170 are shaped such that, after they are joined, a body with substantially smooth outer surfaces is formed, thus facilitating positioning in a housing. The locking piece 170 also has conductor guides 174 in which the conductors 132 connected to the socket contacts 152 are guided.

[0053] Figure 13shows an exemplary representation of the locking piece 170 of the electrical socket unit 150 connected to the fixing piece 160. Figure 12 in a perspective front view. In this figure, it is clearly visible how the contact areas 154 of the socket contacts 152 project into the insertion opening 166 of the fixing piece in order to come into contact with an inserted plug unit 100. Also visible are two locking hooks 176, which can, for example, be used to secure the socket unit 150 in a housing.

[0054] Figure 14 shows an exemplary representation of the electrical socket unit 150 enclosed in a housing 180. Figure 13In a perspective front view, only the front of the socket unit 150, a locking hook 172, a small portion of one side of the fixing piece 160, and a small part of the locking piece 170 are visible; the rest is concealed by the housing 180. It is clearly visible how the locking hook 172 engages in an opening 182 of the housing 180, thus securing the socket unit 150 within the housing 180. The guide 174 of the locking piece 170 is guided in a slot 184 of the housing 180; both elements can also be used to determine the orientation of the socket unit 150 relative to the housing 180.

[0055] Figure 15 shows an exemplary representation of the electrical socket unit 150 included in the housing 180. Figure 14 with the plug unit 100 positioned in the insertion position and received in the retaining tube 142 Figure 8The insertion and disconnection direction is indicated by the double arrow. This figure clearly shows how the plug unit 100, which tapers towards one end, facilitates insertion into the socket unit 150 and, with appropriate flexible mounting of the socket unit 150, corrects any axial misalignment. The relative positions of the contact surfaces 110 of the plug unit 100 and the contact areas 154 of the socket unit 150 are also clearly visible. The arrangement of the contact surfaces 110 on four sides along the circumference of the plug unit 100 and the corresponding arrangement of four contact areas 154 in the socket unit 150—with appropriate mechanical fixing in the base unit and the functional unit—enables reliable assignment and contacting of the respective pairs of contacts. In addition to the four-contact version shown in this example, variants with more or fewer contacts are also conceivable.The cross-sectional shape of the connector unit can be triangular for three contacts, and correspondingly pentagonal or polygonal for a larger number of contacts. The flat contact surfaces 110 and contact areas 154 ensure a reliable electrical contact that can conduct even higher currents and is easier to manufacture compared to contacts bent and matched according to the radius of the retaining tube 142.

[0056] Figure 16Figure 200 shows the steps of an exemplary method for manufacturing an electrical connector unit 100 according to the invention. In step 202, at least two segments 102, which are hinged or pivotably connected by means of a hinge or joint, are provided, at least one of which has an electrical contact surface 110 and an associated electrical connection area 112. The segments 102 are either provided in a first, unfolded or pivoted position or, if necessary, brought into such a position in a further step 203. In step 204, at least one electrical conductor 132 is electrically connected to one of the at least one connection areas 112. In step 206, the segments 102 are moved from the first position into a second, folded or pivoted position. If a fixing sleeve 120 is provided, it is slid onto the segments in step 208.

[0057] Figure 17Figure 300 shows the steps of an exemplary process for manufacturing an electrical socket unit 150 suitable for receiving the plug unit. In step 302, a fixing piece 160 is provided, which has an insertion area 166 into which a plug unit 100 can be inserted, and at least one receptacle 162 for a socket contact 152. In step 304, at least one socket contact 152, which has previously been connected to an electrical conductor 132, is inserted into a corresponding receptacle 162, and in step 306, it is locked in the inserted position. If a locking piece 170 is provided, it is connected to the fixing piece 160 in an alternative or additional step 306a. The locking of the socket contact 152 can therefore also be effected exclusively by the locking piece 170. The socket unit 150 can be connected to a holder or a housing 180 in step 308.

[0058] Although the invention has been described above with reference to the connection of a headrest with a vehicle seat, the application of the invention in other cases where mechanical connections are to be made or broken simultaneously with electrical connections in one step is not excluded. Reference symbol list 100 connector unit 162 Recording 102 segment 164 Connection area 104 first section 166 Introductory section 106 second section 168 Depths 108 Stop bar 170 locking piece 110 Contact surface 172 Locking hook 112 Connection area 174 Pipeline 114 Holding / guiding area 176 Locking hook 116 Final piece 180 Housing 118 Latching element 182 opening 120 Fixing sleeve 184 slot 122 Exclusion 124 Clamping element 200 Proceedings 126 film hinge 202 Provide 128 recess 203 bring into first position 130 projection 204 Connect 132 electrical line 206 bring into second position 134 mechanical coding 208 Slide on the fixing sleeve. 136 rib 138 snap-fit ​​structure 300 Proceedings 140 score 302 Provide 142 Holder tube 304 Insert socket contact 144 coding notch 306 Lock socket contact 146 slot 306a Connect the locking piece 148 Drilling 310 Connect the housing 150 socket unit 152 socket contact 154 Contact area 156 Positioning device 158 Determination means 160 Fixing piece

Claims

1. Electrical plug unit (100) having a first portion (104) which can be received in one end of a tube or a tubular housing, wherein a second portion (106) of the electrical plug unit (100), the second portion not being received in the tube or the tubular housing, has at least one electrical contact area (110) which is connected to a respective connection region (112) of the electrical plug unit (100) to which an electrical line can be connected, wherein the electrical plug unit (100) has at least two segments (102) which are foldably or pivotably connected by means of a hinge or a joint (126) parallel to an axis running through the first portion (104) and the second portion (106) of the electrical plug unit (100) and are lined up next to each other in a folded-apart or pivoted-apart first position, and in a folded-together or pivoted-together second position form a body of the electrical plug unit (100), the body being partially receivable in the tube or the tubular housing, characterized in that at least one of the segments (102) has the electrical contact area (110) and the associated electrical connection region (112), wherein the electrical contact area (110) is arranged circumferentially on the outside of the surface, and in that the plug unit (100) has a fixing sleeve (120) which, in the second position of the segments (102) in relation to each other, can be pushed onto regions of the segments (102) of the plug unit (100), the regions being situated in the first portion (104) of the plug unit, and can be received in the tube or the tubular housing together with the regions of the segments (102), the regions being situated in the first portion (104) of the plug unit (100) .

2. Electrical plug unit (100) according to Claim 1, wherein the at least one connection region (112) is designed to be connected to an electrical line in a positively locking or integral manner.

3. Electrical plug unit (100) according to Claim 1 or 2, wherein an end region of the second portion (106) of the plug unit (100) facing away from the first portion (104) tapers towards the end.

4. Electrical plug unit (100) according to any of Claims 1 to 3, wherein the fixing sleeve (120) is configured such that it can be locked to one or more of the segments (102), and / or that the fixing sleeve (120) together with correspondingly shaped regions of the segments (102) form a notch (140) which allows the plug unit (100) to be fixed in the tube or the tubular housing (142) .

5. Electrical plug unit (100) according to any of Claims 1 to 4, wherein the fixing sleeve (120) has on its outside one or more ribs (136) running in substantially the axial direction.

6. Electrical plug unit (100) according to any of Claims 1 to 5, wherein the fixing sleeve (120) has on its outside a structure (138) which can be connected in a latching manner to a corresponding cutout or hole (148) in the tube or the tubular housing.

7. Electrical plug unit (100) according to any of Claims 1 to 6, wherein a region of at least one of the segments (102), the region being situated in the first portion (104) of the electrical plug unit (100), is designed as a holding or guide region (114) which holds and / or guides one or more electrical lines (132) which are connected to an electrical connection region (112), and wherein the fixing sleeve (120) has at least one clamping element (124) which is shaped such that it interacts with a corresponding holding or guide region (114) of one of the segments (102) and at least axially defines one or more electrical lines held or guided therein.

8. Electrical plug unit (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein a mechanical coding (134) is provided, which defines the rotation angle position of the electrical plug unit (100) in the tube or the tubular housing.

9. Method (200) for producing an electrical plug unit (100) according to one or more of Claims 1 to 8, comprising: - providing (202) at least two segments (102) which are foldably or pivotably connected by means of a hinge or a joint parallel to an axis running through the first portion (104) and the second portion (106) of the electrical plug unit (100), at least one of which segments has an electrical contact area (110), which is arranged circumferentially on the outside of the surface, and an associated electrical connection region (112), wherein the segments (102) are provided in a first, folded- or pivoted-apart position or possibly are moved to such a position (203), wherein in the first position the segments (102) are lined up next to each other, - electrically conductively connecting (204) at least one electrical line (132) to one of the at least one connection regions (112), and - moving (206) the segments (102) from the first position to a second, folded-together or pivoted-together position, wherein in the second position the segments (102) form a body of the electrical plug unit (100), the body being partially receivable in the tube or the tubular housing, - pushing the fixing sleeve (120) onto regions of the segments (102) of the plug unit (100), the regions being situated in the first portion (104) of the plug unit.

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