Device and method for connecting a cover cap to a plug-in connector housing and method thereof

Abstract

The present invention comprises a device (1) for connecting a cover cap (2) having at least two locking tabs (3.1; 3.2) to a connector housing (4). The device (1) has a base body (5) with a receiving area (6) for receiving the cover cap (2) and at least two fixing units (7.1; 7.2) arranged on the base body (5). The fixing units (7.1; 7.2) are movable between a fixing position and a release position. The fixing units (7.1; 7.2) each have a retaining section (8.1; 8.2) that can be inserted into one of the locking tabs (3.1; 3.2) of the cover cap (2) and is arranged within the receiving area (6) in the fixing position. The retaining sections (8.1; 8.2) have a retaining section spacing (9) which, in the fixing position, is smaller than a locking tab spacing (10) that the locking tabs (3.1; 3.2) have to each other. The fixing units (7.1; 7.2) each have an insertion section (11.1; 11.2) adjacent to the retaining section (8.1; 8.2). The insertion sections (11.1; 11.2) have an insertion section spacing (12) which, in the fixed position, is smaller in an area adjacent to the retaining sections (8.1; 8.2) and larger at an end (13) of the insertion sections (11.1; 11.2) facing away from the retaining sections (8.1; 8.2) than the locking tab spacing (10). In the release position, the retaining section spacing (9) is larger than the locking tab spacing (10). Furthermore, the present invention comprises a method for attaching the cover cap (2) to a connector housing (4) with a device (1) according to the invention.

Description

Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to a device and a method for connecting a cover cap to a connector housing for connectors of signal lines. State of the art

[0002] The production of connector systems typically involves a complex sequence of various processing steps. Both the manufacturing of the individual components required for the respective connector system and the assembly of these components into a complete connector system can necessitate numerous process steps. To ensure consistently high manufacturing quality, highly automated processes are therefore desirable. However, automating these processes often also increases the complexity of the manufacturing process and the machines and tools required to carry it out.In some cases, this can lead to individual process steps still being carried out manually or only semi-automatically, despite the aim of achieving a high degree of automation, in order to keep the manufacturing or assembly process of the connector system economical. Particularly with relatively simple components, such as cover elements, which are usually only plugged in or attached, manual or semi-automated assembly is often used.

[0003] Publication DE 10 2015 002 832 A1 discloses a method for assembling an angled connector with a connector housing which has an angled through-channel for receiving conductor components running at an angle to each other, wherein a first conductor component inserted into the through-channel from one side is connected inside the through-channel by force and / or form locking to a second conductor component inserted into the through-channel from the other side.

[0004] Publication US 3,698,058 A discloses a tool for installing flanged tubular wire clamps onto a wire. The tool comprises a plurality of finger elements pivotally mounted around a hollow central push rod, such that they close radially toward the rod when axial pressure is applied. Means for applying axial pressure are provided, whereby a wire clamp is wedged between the fingers and the push rod. As the pressure is increased, the fingers and the rod exert opposing axial forces on the clamp, sufficient to deform the cylindrical clamp wall inward, thus securing the wire to the clamp.

[0005] Publication DE 10 2020 132 855 A1 discloses an assembly device for a connector comprising a connector housing, a sleeve-shaped screw cap having at least one rotationally asymmetrical cap contour section, a threaded pair formed by the connector housing and the screw cap, and an elongated conductor inserted into the connector housing through the screw cap. A connector receptacle for holding the connector housing in a rotationally fixed manner and a fastening device for screwing the screw cap onto the connector housing are provided, the fastening device comprising a rotatable cap receptacle for gripping the screw cap. Description of the invention

[0006] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a device that enables the automated arrangement of cover caps on connectors and has a low degree of complexity. Furthermore, it is an object of the invention to provide a method for attaching a cover cap to a connector housing using such a device.

[0007] The problems are solved by the features of the independent claims for the device and the method. Further advantageous embodiments of the device and the method can be found in the dependent claims, the description, and the drawings.

[0008] A device according to the invention is suitable for connecting a cover cap having at least two locking tabs to a connector housing. Advantageously, the connector housing has at least two locking elements that can be connected to the locking tabs of the cover cap in order to attach the cover cap to the connector housing. Furthermore, the cover cap can have a cover side that is enclosed by a side wall, in particular in a collar-like form. It is particularly preferred that the locking tabs are arranged in the side wall, especially opposite each other. The device according to the invention has a base body with a receiving area for receiving the cover cap. Preferably, the receiving area has a base surface and a wall surrounding the base surface. Preferably, the receiving area has an inner diameter that is larger than the outer diameter of the cover cap.The receiving area can, for example, be provided as a recess in the base body. Furthermore, the device according to the invention has at least two fixing units. The fixing units are arranged on the base body. Preferably, the number of fixing units corresponds to the number of locking tabs of the cover cap. The fixing units are movable between a fixing position and a release position. Preferably, the fixing units are movable perpendicular to a joining axis. Particularly preferably, when moving from the fixing position to the release position, the fixing units move away from the joining axis. Each fixing unit has a retaining section that can be inserted into one of the locking tabs of the cover cap and is arranged within the receiving area in the fixing position. Preferably, the retaining sections of the fixing units are arranged facing each other.The retaining sections have a retaining section spacing that, in the fixed position, is smaller than the locking tab spacing between the locking tabs. Each fixing unit has an insertion section adjacent to the retaining section. The insertion sections can also be partially inserted into the locking tabs. Preferably, the respective insertion section extends parallel to the joining axis from the retaining section to which it adjoins. Furthermore, it is preferred that the retaining section and the insertion section of a fixing unit are formed in one piece and from the same material. The insertion sections have an insertion section spacing that, in the fixed position, is smaller than the locking tab spacing in an area adjacent to the retaining sections. At an end of the insertion sections facing away from the retaining sections, the insertion section spacing is larger than the locking tab spacing.The end facing away from the holding sections is preferably also facing away from the receiving area. In the release position, the holding section spacing is greater than the latching tab spacing.

[0009] The device according to the invention provides a simple tool for connecting a cover cap to a connector housing, which is also applicable in a fully automated process. With the aid of the movable fixing units, a cover cap arranged in the receiving area can be easily attached and thus handled in a defined manner within a production process. Furthermore, the holding sections and the insertion sections of the fixing elements ensure a simple and reliable connection to the connector housing.

[0010] In this context, the term "holding section distance" can be understood as the shortest distance between the holding sections of the two fixing units along a plane perpendicular to the joining axis. The holding section distance can vary along the joining axis.

[0011] The insertion section spacing can be understood as the shortest distance between the insertion sections of the fixing units along a plane perpendicular to the joining axis. The insertion section spacing can vary along the joining axis.

[0012] A locking tab spacing can be understood as the shortest distance between the locking tabs, whereby the locking tabs preferably extend parallel to each other and parallel to the joining axis.

[0013] A joining axis can be understood as an imaginary axis along which the cover cap is moved relative to the connector housing in order to connect the cover cap to the connector housing.

[0014] The fixing units can each be arranged on the base body via a spring element that pre-tensions the fixing unit into the fixing position. The force generated by the pre-tension of the spring element preferably acts perpendicular to the joining axis and particularly preferably towards the joining axis.

[0015] The insertion section spacing can increase continuously, particularly linearly, from the area adjacent to the retaining sections to the end furthest from the retaining sections. Due to the increasing insertion section spacing, which the insertion sections exhibit with increasing distance from the respective retaining section to which they adjoin, a kind of slope or ramp can be formed on at least one of the insertion sections, particularly preferably on both insertion sections, which can be used both for positioning the cover cap in the receiving area and for connecting the connector housing to the cover cap.

[0016] The holding sections can have a smaller spacing at the end facing the receiving area than in an area adjacent to the insertion sections. The spacing of the holding sections can increase with increasing distance to the receiving area, particularly linearly, so that an incline or ramp is formed on at least one of the holding sections, preferably on both holding sections.

[0017] The insertion sections and / or the holding sections can be arranged in a main plane. The main plane is preferably arranged parallel to the joining axis. It is particularly preferred that the joining axis is arranged on the main plane.

[0018] The holding sections and / or the insertion sections can extend perpendicularly from an end face of the receiving area. If the fixing units are arranged on a main plane, it is preferred that the main plane is arranged perpendicular to the base surface of the receiving area.

[0019] The base body can have a feed-through opening in the receiving area for routing a signal line. The feed-through opening preferably extends parallel to the joining axis from an end face of the base body to a rear face. Preferably, the receiving area is located on the end face of the base body. Furthermore, the feed-through opening can be accessible from both the end face and the rear face of the base body.

[0020] The through-hole can be arranged at least partially between the fixing units. Preferably, the through-hole is arranged in the same plane as the fixing units. Furthermore, the through-hole can be arranged centrally between the fixing units. It is particularly preferred that the fixing units are arranged symmetrically to the through-hole. In this case, the plane of symmetry preferably runs perpendicular to the main plane.

[0021] The through-hole can be accessible via a side wall of the base body. The side wall can connect the rear of the base body to its front face. Preferably, the receiving area and / or the through-hole is arranged adjacent to the side wall of the base body.

[0022] The receiving area can be designed to be complementary to an outer contour of the cover cap, at least in sections.

[0023] In addition to the device according to the invention, the invention also relates to a method for attaching the cover cap to the connector housing using the device according to the invention. The method according to the invention comprises the following steps: arranging the cover cap in the receiving area; inserting the fixing units into the locking tabs, preferably via an outer wall of the cover cap, by moving the fixing units into the fixing position; positioning the cover cap on the joining axis; aligning and positioning the connector housing on the joining axis; moving the connector housing relative to the cover cap and connecting locking elements of the connector housing with the locking tabs of the cover cap. During the connecting step, the connector housing exerts a force on the fixing units, which moves the fixing units into the release position and removes the retaining sections from the locking tabs.The connector housing can exert force on both the insertion section and the retention section. Furthermore, during the connection process, the connector housing can first exert force on the insertion section and then on the retention section. Preferably, the connector housing has an outer diameter that is smaller than the inner diameter of the cover cap. It is also preferred that the outer diameter of the connector housing is larger than the insertion section spacing and / or retention section spacing of the locking elements in the locking position. In this way, the locking elements release the locking tabs, allowing the locking elements of the connector housing to engage with the locking tabs of the cover cap.

[0024] The method according to the invention can include a step of inserting a signal line into a feedthrough opening of the base body. The insertion step can take place either before or after the arrangement step. The signal line is preferably inserted into the feedthrough opening from the rear to the front face of the base body.

[0025] Furthermore, the method according to the invention can include a step of passing a signal line through a line opening in the cover cap. This passing step can occur before or after the positioning step and before or after the insertion step. Preferably, the signal line is passed through the line opening on a side of the cover cap facing the receiving area. It is also preferred that, after the positioning step, the line opening is positioned in alignment with the feedthrough opening.

[0026] Before insertion, a cable seal can be positioned between the connector housing and the cover cap. Preferably, the cable seal is ring-shaped. It is also preferred that the cable seal is pushed onto the signal cable.

[0027] During the insertion step, the retaining sections can be arranged in the locking tabs. Preferably, the retaining sections are inserted into the locking tabs via an outer wall. Furthermore, it is preferred that the insertion sections are arranged segmentally within the locking tabs.

[0028] Before the assembly step, a step of deflecting the fixing units from the fixing position to the release position can be performed. This deflection step can be carried out either by an actuator that moves the fixing units into the release position, or by moving the cover cap along the joining axis, so that the cover cap exerts a force on the fixing units, deflecting them into the release position.

[0029] Furthermore, additional advantages and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments. The features described there and above can be implemented individually or in combination, provided that the features do not contradict each other. The following description of the preferred embodiments is given with reference to the accompanying drawings. These show: Figures 1 and 2 are three-dimensional views of an embodiment of a device according to the invention; and Figures 3 to 8 show an embodiment of a method according to the invention with the embodiment of the device according to the Figures 1 and 2 in several process steps.

[0030] Figure 1Figure 1 shows a three-dimensional representation of an embodiment of the device 1 according to the invention, comprising a cover cap 2 with two locking tabs 3.1; 3.2 and a connector housing 4. The device 1 according to the invention is shown in an exploded view with the cover cap 2 and the connector housing 4. The device 1 according to the invention has a base body 5, with an end face 29 of the base body 5 facing the viewer. The base body 5 includes a receiving area 6 in which the cover cap 2 can be arranged. In order to enable the device 1 according to the invention to be used also in processes in which a signal line is arranged in the connector housing 4 before or during the connection of the cover cap 2 to the connector housing, the base body 5 has a through-opening 17. The through-opening extends from the end face 29 to a rear face 30 of the base body 5.The feedthrough opening 17 is accessible laterally via a base body side wall 19, allowing a signal line to be inserted laterally into the feedthrough opening 17. The base body side wall 19 connects the front face 29 to the rear face 30. Two fixing units 7.1; 7.2 are attached to the base body 5. The fixing units 7.1; 7.2 are movable between a fixing position and a release position. In the illustration shown, the fixing units 7.1; 7.2 are in the fixing position. In the fixing position, the fixing units 7.1; 7.2 are arranged within the receiving area 6. In the present embodiment, the fixing units 7.1; 7.2 are arranged outside the receiving area 6 in the release position. Furthermore, the feedthrough opening 17 is arranged centrally between the fixing units 7.1; 7.2.

[0031] Figure 2shows another three-dimensional representation of the embodiment according to Fig. 1 of the device 1 according to the invention, wherein the rear side 30 of the base body 5 faces the viewer. The fixing units 7.1; 7.2 are mounted on the rear side 30 of the base body 5. To ensure that the fixing units 7.1; 7.2 are pre-tensioned into the fixing position, the fixing units 7.1; 7.2 are each connected to the base body 5 via a spring element 14.1; 14.2. In the present embodiment, the spring elements 14.1; 14.2 are designed as leaf springs.

[0032] Figure 3 shows a schematic view of a device 1 according to the invention in the embodiment according to the Figures 1 and 2The base body side wall 19 faces the viewer. The fixing units 7.1 and 7.2 are arranged in the fixing position. The fixing units are perpendicular to the joining axis 21 and can each be moved away from the joining axis 21 into the release position. The receiving area 6 is defined by a base surface 16 and a wall 27 that partially surrounds the base surface 16. The wall 27 is partially complementary to an outer contour 20 of the cover cap 2. The fixing units 7.1 and 7.2 extend into the receiving area 6 through recesses in the wall 27. For clarity, the wall 27 in the area of ​​the fixing units 7.1 and 7.2 is not shown. The view shown depicts a preparatory process step for a method according to the invention, in which the cover cap 2 is positioned on a joining axis 21.The joining axis 21 runs perpendicular to the end face 29 of the base body 5 and through the through-opening 17. The cover cap 2 is arranged such that one cover side 25 of the cover cap 2 faces the receiving area 6. Furthermore, a conduit opening 23 arranged in the cover side 25 is aligned with the through-opening 17. The locking tabs 3.1; 3.2, which in the present embodiment of the cover cap 2 are arranged opposite each other in a side wall 26, are positioned on the same plane as the fixing units 7.1; 7.2.

[0033] The fixing units 7.1; 7.2 each have a holding section 8.1; 8.2 and an insertion section 11.1; 11.2 adjacent to the respective holding section 8.1; 8.3. In the fixing position, the holding sections 8.1; 8.2 have a holding section spacing 9 that is smaller than the locking tab spacing 10 between the locking tabs 3.1; 3.2. In the present embodiment of the device 1 according to the invention, the holding section spacing 9 increases linearly from an end 15.1; 15.2 facing the receiving area 6 towards the insertion sections 11.1; 11.2, but always remains smaller than the locking tab spacing 10. In this way, both holding sections 8.1; 8.2 form chamfers facing each other. The insertion sections 11.1, 11.2 are arranged at an insertion section spacing 12, which in an area adjacent to the holding sections 8.1; 8.2 is smaller than the locking tab spacing 10 and at an end 13.1; 13.1 facing away from the holding sections 8.1; 8.2.2 is larger than the latch spacing 10. The insertion section spacing 12 also increases linearly in the direction of the holding sections 8.1; 8.2, so that slopes are also formed between the insertion sections 11.1; 11.2, which, however, enclose a larger angle than the slopes of the holding sections 8.1; 8.2.

[0034] Figure 4Figure 1 shows the device 1 according to the invention during the step of arranging the cover cap 2 in the receiving area 6. For this purpose, the cover cap 2 is moved along the joining axis 21 towards the receiving area 6. During the movement of the cover cap 2 towards the receiving area, the cover cap 2 first abuts the insertion sections 11.1; 11.2 and thereby pushes the fixing units 7.1; 7.2 out of their fixing position. As soon as the insertion sections 11.1; 11.2 have an insertion section spacing 12 that is greater than the outer diameter of the cover cap 2, the cover cap 2 enters between the retaining sections 8.1; 8.2. The cover cap 2 pushes the fixing units 7.1; 7.2 into the release position and is arranged in the receiving area.

[0035] Figure 5Figure 1 shows the device 1 according to the invention with a cover cap 2 arranged in the receiving area 6. The locking tabs 3.1; 3.2 are aligned with the fixing units 7.1; 7.2, so that the pre-tensioned fixing units 7.1; 7.2 have moved back into the fixing position in a process step not shown. Accordingly, the retaining sections 8.1; 8.2 and partially the insertion sections 11.1; 11.2 project through the locking tabs 3.1; 3.2. The fixing units 7.1; 7.2 thus fix the cover cap 2 in the receiving area 6. The cable opening 23 is aligned with the feedthrough opening 17.

[0036] Figure 6Figure 1 shows the device 1 according to the invention during the step of inserting a signal line 18. The fixing units 7.1; 7.2 are in the fixing position and fix the cover cap 2 in the receiving area 6. The signal line 18 is passed through the rear side 30 of the base body 5 via the feedthrough opening 17 and the line opening 23.

[0037] Figure 7Figure 1 shows a step of aligning and positioning the connector housing 4 on the joining axis 21. The connector housing 4 has locking elements 22.1; 22.2, which are arranged in the same plane as the locking tabs 3.1; 3.2. A cable seal 24 is then slid onto the signal line 18 and positioned between the connector housing 4 and the cover cap 2. Following the alignment step, a step (not shown) involves moving the connector housing 4 relative to the cover cap 2, in which the connector housing 4 is moved towards the cover cap 2. During this movement, the connector housing 4 is inserted into the cover cap 2, as the connector housing 4 has an outer diameter 28 that is smaller than the locking tab spacing 10. The cable seal 24 is thereby pushed into the connector housing 4. During the moving step, the connector housing 4 first strikes the insertion sections 11.1; 11.2, which partially protrude through the locking tabs 3.1; 3.2 and engage with the retaining sections 8.1; 8.2, thus pushing them out of their fixed position and therefore out of the locking tabs 3.1; 3.2. The connecting step then takes place, in which the locking elements 22.1; 22.2 are connected to the locking tabs 3.1; 3.2 of the cover cap.

[0038] Figure 8 Figure 1 shows the device 1 according to the invention after the step of moving the connector housing 4 relative to the cover cap 2 and after the step of connecting. The fixing units 7.1; 7.2 are held in the release position by the locking means 22.1; 22.2, so that the connector housing 4 and the cover cap 2 connected to the connector housing 4 can be removed from the device. REFERENCE MARK LIST

[0039] 1 Device 2 Cover cap 3 Locking tabs 4 Connector housing 5 Base body 6 Receiving area 7 Fixing units 8 Retaining section 9 Retaining section spacing 10 Locking tab spacing 11 Insertion sections 12 Insertion section spacing 13 End far from retaining sections 14 Spring element 15 Receiving area near end 16 Base surface 17 Feed-through opening 18 Signal line 19 Base body side wall 20 Outer contour 21 Joining axis 22 Locking means 23 Line opening 24 Line seal 25 Cover side 26 Side wall 27 Wall 28 Housing outer diameter 29 Front side 30 Rear side

Claims

1. Device (1) for connecting a cover cap (2) having at least two locking tabs (3.1; 3.2), to a connector housing (4) having a base body (5) with a receiving area (6) for receiving the cover cap (2), and at least two fixing units (7.1; 7.2) arranged on the base body (5), wherein the fixing units (7.1; 7.2) are movable between a fixing position and a release position, the fixing units (7.1; 7.2) each have a holding section (8.1; 8.2) which can be inserted into one of the locking tabs (3.1; 3.2) of the cover cap (2) and is arranged in the fixing position within the receiving area (6), the holding sections (8.1; 8.2) have a holding section distance (9) which, in the fixing position, is smaller than a locking tab distance (10) which the locking tabs (3.1; 3.2) to each other, the fixing units (7.1; 7.2) each have a holding section (8.1; 8.2) adjacent insertion section (11.1; 11.2), the insertion sections (11.1; 11.2) have an insertion section distance (12) which, in the fixing position, is smaller in an area adjacent to the holding sections (8.1; 8.2) and is greater than the locking tab distance (10) at an end (13.1; 13.2) of the insertion sections (11.1; 11.2) facing away from the holding sections (8.1; 8.2), and in the release position the holding section distance (9) is greater than the locking tab distance (10).

2. Device (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the fixing units (7.1; 7.2) are each arranged on the base body (5) via a spring element (14.1; 14.2) which prestresses the fixing unit (7.1; 7.2) into the fixing position.

3. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the insertion section distance (12) increases continuously from the area adjacent to the holding sections (8.1; 8.2) to the end (13.1; 13.2) facing away from the holding sections (8.1; 8.2).

4. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the holding sections (8.1; 8.2) have a smaller holding section spacing (9) at an end (15.1; 15.2) facing the receiving area (6) than in an area adjacent to the insertion sections (11.1; 11.2).

5. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the insertion sections (11.1; 11.2) and / or the holding sections (8.1; 8.2) are arranged in a main plane.

6. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the holding sections (8.1; 8.2) and / or the insertion sections (11.1; 11.2) extend perpendicularly away from a base surface (16) of the receiving area (6).

7. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the base body (5) has a through-opening (17) in the receiving area (6) for passing through a signal line (18).

8. Device (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the through-opening (17) is arranged at least in sections between the fixing units (7.1; 7.2).

9. Device (1) according to one of claims 7 or 8, wherein the through-opening (17) is accessible via a base body side wall (19).

10. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the receiving area (6) is formed at least in sections complementary to an outer contour (20) of the cover cap (2).

11. A method for fastening a cover cap (2) to a connector housing (4) with a device (1) according to claims 1 to 10, comprising the steps of: arranging the cover cap (2) in the receiving area (6); introducing the fixing units (7.1; 7.2) into the locking tabs (3.1; 3.2) by moving the fixing units (7.1; 7.2) into the fixing position; positioning the cover cap (2) on a joining axis; aligning the connector housing (4) on the joining axis; moving the connector housing (4) relative to the cover cap (2) and connecting locking means (21.1; 21.2) of the connector housing (4) to the locking tabs (3.1; 3.2) of the cover cap (2); wherein during the connecting step, the connector housing (4) exerts a force on the fixing units (7.1; 7.2) which moves the fixing units (7.1; 7.2) into the release position and removes the holding sections (8.1; 8.2) from the locking tabs (3.1; 3.2).

12. Method according to the preceding claim, comprising a step of inserting a signal line (18) into a feedthrough opening (17) of the base body (5).

13. The method according to claim 12, comprising a step of passing the signal line (18) through a line opening (23) of the cover cap (2).

14. Method according to one of claims 11 to 13, wherein prior to the insertion step, a line seal (24) is arranged between the connector housing (4) and the cover cap (2).

15. Method according to one of claims 11 to 14, wherein during the insertion step the holding sections (8.1; 8.2) are arranged in the locking tabs (3.1; 3.2).

16. Method according to one of claims 11 to 15, wherein before the step of arranging, a step of deflecting the fixing units (7.1; 7.2) from the fixing position into the release position takes place.

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