Hybrid connector housing parts

Abstract

To provide a housing component for a hybrid connector for transmitting electric current and at least one fluid, in particular one fluid or multiple fluids, along a connection direction to a mating connector.SOLUTION: There is provided a housing component 20 for a hybrid connector 100 for transmitting electric current and at least one type of fluid along a connection direction (V) to a mating connector 200. The housing component includes: an electrical connection region 21; and a fluid connection region 24 which is separate from the electrical connection region and comprises an external connection portion 49 located at a distal end 39 having at least one fluid channel for connecting at least one fluid hose 50 across a connection direction V.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a housing part for a hybrid connector for transmitting electric current and at least one fluid, in particular one or more fluids, along a connection direction to a counter connector. [Background technology]

[0002] Such connectors are known and often comprise an electrical connection region and a fluid connection region that is separate from the electrical connection region. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] The object of the present invention is to provide a hybrid connector that can be used in areas where currently known versions cannot be implemented or can only be implemented poorly. [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] According to the invention, this is achieved by an external connection of at least one fluid channel, in particular one or more fluid channels, which is arranged at the distal end and configured to connect at least one fluid hose across the connection direction.

[0005] This solution has the advantage that at least one connected fluid hose automatically projects laterally from the connection direction, whereby the arc formed by the at least one fluid hose ensures mobility of the hybrid connector relative to another element along the connection direction. As a result, such a hybrid connector allows the transmission of at least one type of fluid between elements at variable distances, for example, the transmission of cleaning water and / or air for a camera or mirror from the vehicle body to the vehicle door.

[0006] The solution according to the invention can be further improved by the following further developments and configurations, each of which is preferred in its own right and can be combined with one another as desired.

[0007] In a preferred configuration, the housing parts are configured such that when connected, the electrical connection area is sealed fluid-tight. The term "fluid" generally refers to gas or liquid. In particular, sealing against liquids is important to prevent short circuits. The electrical connection area can be sealed fluid-tight against the outside and / or against the fluid connection area.

[0008] To achieve a good sealing and / or blocking property, a collar may surround the contact field of the hybrid connector, in which case the connections of the fluid connection field may be arranged outside the contact field.

[0009] The arrangement allowing at least one fluid hose to be connected transversely to the connection direction may comprise a substantially tubular external connection part axis extending in a desired direction transversely to the connection direction, the external connection part being open in the desired direction and closeable in the other direction.

[0010] In a preferred configuration, the external connection for connecting at least one fluid hose is configured perpendicular to the connection direction, which allows a particularly high flexibility to be achieved.

[0011] In a configuration that allows for easy manufacturing using injection molding methods, at least one fluid channel comprises two respective segments having a cylindrical internal shape. Such a configuration allows for particularly easy demolding. In this regard, the segments may extend across and be at an angle to one another. In particular, "cylindrical" here generally means a shape having a cross section that remains constant along one direction, which cross section may not necessarily be circular or elliptical, but may also have other shapes, such as partially or completely polygonal or any other shape.

[0012] The path of at least one fluid channel may be such that there are only two straight portions. Each of the portions may comprise one of the segments having a cylindrical internal shape. One of the portions may extend along the connecting direction. The other portion may extend transversely to the connecting direction. Between the two portions there may be a corner where the two portions converge.

[0013] In an alternative configuration, at least one fluid channel, and in particular one or more fluid channels, may have an at least partially curved portion, which may be configured as a curve or arc having a constant or varying radius of curvature.

[0014] Preferably, at least one fluid channel has a constant cross-section or at least a cross-sectional area that remains the same size, thereby minimizing the generation of pressure differences.

[0015] In alternative configurations, the cross-section, particularly the cross-sectional area, may vary. For example, the cross-section may widen outward so that at least one fluid channel has a conical internal shape. This may be used, for example, to vary the pressure of the respective fluids. For example, it may be desirable to increase the pressure due to the geometry of the fluid channels, allowing fluids to be applied at higher pressures. In a configuration with two cylindrical internal shapes, these may have different cross-sectional areas.

[0016] Simple manufacturing is possible if at least one fluid channel, preferably one or more fluid channels, are integral with the rest of the housing part.

[0017] However, in alternative configurations, at least one fluid channel, in particular one or more fluid channels, may be separate components connected to other parts of the housing component. In particular, in preferred configurations, at least one or more fluid channels may be separated and configured as separate components. This may be preferred, for example, if at least one fluid channel is made from a different material or has a shape that is difficult to manufacture.

[0018] In this configuration, the separate part may have a latching element at its proximal end that latches in the plug-in direction with a protrusion on the housing part, in particular the collar.

[0019] For easy connection with a mating connector, an internal connection located at the proximal end may be configured to connect parallel to the connection direction.

[0020] The directions of the internal and external connections may be transverse to each other, in particular at 90 degrees to each other.

[0021] To increase the reliability of the sealing effect, a separate seal may surround the internal connection.

[0022] To compensate for tolerances, the inner clear cross-section of at least one fluid channel may widen towards the proximal end in the terminal section. Alternatively, such a configuration may be used for a stable connection with a mating element of conical profile. The external cross-section may remain the same.

[0023] A further configuration may provide for the internal permeable cross section of at least one or more fluid channels to taper to allow connection with a complementary mating element of a mating connector.

[0024] The mating connector may be configured with a coupling element in the plug-in direction to connect to the coupling portion, which allows for easy extension of the at least one fluid channel and modular use of the hybrid connector.

[0025] To enable the attachment of a grommet that protectively surrounds the cable and at least one fluid hose, the housing part may have a grommet attachment portion for attaching the grommet. The grommet may accommodate the electrical cable and at least one fluid hose. It may have the shape of a hose or tube, but may be made of a flexible material such as rubber or silicone. It may have at least one bellows to increase flexibility.

[0026] The grommet mounting portion may be configured such that the end of the grommet that is attached to the connector extends transversely from the connector, particularly perpendicular to the connection direction, and particularly such that the grommet extends from the connector along a direction parallel to the direction in which the at least one fluid hose and / or electrical cable extends from the connector.

[0027] A connector according to the invention comprising a housing part according to the invention may further comprise further elements, in particular electrical contact elements and / or sealing elements.

[0028] To allow for a stable connection, the connector may have a slide to secure the connector to the mating connector.

[0029] Alternatively or additionally, the connector may have a lever mechanism to secure the connection and / or increase the connection force. The lever may be configured to compress the locking element into the housing part to secure the hybrid connector in the mated position.

[0030] The housing parts and / or the connector may be configured such that in a desired operating state, the fluid connection area is completely below the electrical connection area with respect to gravity. The desired operating state may be understood in particular as an installed state, in which the hybrid connector is, for example, connected to a suitable mating connector and mounted on a vehicle body, with the vehicle in a normal horizontal position. This prevents at least one fluid from entering the electrical connection area and causing a short circuit or other damage when the connector is connected or disconnected.

[0031] This can be achieved, for example, by having the fluid connection area located entirely in a first half-space defined by a plane, and the electrical connection area located entirely in a second half-space complementary to the first half-space, which is also preferably independent of the first half-space, i.e., the two half-spaces have no common spatial area, and in the intended operating state, the plane extends perpendicular to the direction of gravity and parallel to the tangent plane of the Earth's spherical surface.

[0032] In a preferred configuration, the plane is parallel to the connection direction.

[0033] In particular, the connector may be configured as a plug, which may have plug or socket elements for the electrical current and / or at least one fluid, in which case the connection direction may be a plug-in direction.

[0034] According to a preferred configuration, the seal for sealing the fluid connection region is integrated with the seal for sealing the electrical connection region. This allows for minimizing manufacturing efforts. The seal for sealing the fluid connection region and the seal for sealing the electrical connection region may be parts and / or components of a single seal. To increase operational safety, the connector may be configured such that the connection of the internal connection to the mating element is isolated from the electrical connection region by at least two independent seals or sealing systems in the connected state. The seals may be made of a flexible and / or compressible material, in particular rubber or silicone. The seals may be, for example, O-rings.

[0035] For use in the automotive sector, particularly for use in sheet metal, it is preferred if the connector is configured to be connectable to a mating connector that is attached to a surface, preferably a flat surface. The surface may be considered, for example, as a surface of the sheet metal. At least in the connected state, parts of the connector and / or the mating connector, such as contact elements, may protrude through holes in the surface. The mating connector may have latching elements for connection to the sheet metal to prevent the mating connector from being pulled out in the plug-in direction.

[0036] In such a configuration, the external connection of the at least one fluid channel located at the distal end may be configured to connect at least one fluid hose parallel to the surface.

[0037] The connection direction of such a connector is preferably perpendicular to the surface.

[0038] The present invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the drawings and by means of preferred configurations, wherein the preferred further developments and configurations shown are each independent of one another and may be combined with one another as required depending on how the application requires.

[0039] This is shown by the following: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0040] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic partial cross-sectional perspective view of one embodiment of a hybrid connector with a mating connector. FIG. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a hybrid connector in an installed state. [Figure 3] 1 is a schematic perspective view, partially in section, of an embodiment of a hybrid connector having a lever. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a mating connector in one embodiment having two fluid channels. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional perspective view of a hybrid connector. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0041] The drawings show one embodiment of a hybrid connector 100. The hybrid connector 100 is connected to a matching mating connector 200, in this example by a plug connection with each other. The mating connector 200 may be attached to a sheet metal 150 of a vehicle door 300, for example. Holes may be drilled in the sheet metal 150 through which components of the mating connector 200 or the hybrid connector 100 may protrude.

[0042] The hybrid connector 100 is used not only to transmit power or electrical signals by current and / or voltage, but also to supply water and / or air to a wiper system, which may be required for a mirror or camera, for example, for autonomous driving.

[0043] In particular, hybrid connector 100 includes a housing component 20 that is typically injection molded from plastic.

[0044] The housing part 20 comprises an electrical connection area 21 in which contact elements, not shown in more detail, are provided for contacting corresponding mating elements in the mating connector 200. The contact elements are attached to a cable, not shown in more detail. This electrical connection may be used for transmitting power and / or signals, for example for a wiper system and / or a camera.

[0045] In addition to the electrical connection area 21, the housing part 20 has a fluid connection area 24 configured to transmit at least one fluid. In the example shown, the at least one fluid is a liquid, i.e., wash water for a wiper system. In other applications, the at least one fluid may be another liquid or a gas.

[0046] The fluid connection area 24 is separated from the electrical connection area 21 to prevent leaking fluid from causing short circuits between or damaging the contact elements, for example by corrosion.

[0047] The contact area 23 formed by the contact element is surrounded by the collar 25. A seal 60 is attached to the collar 25, surrounding the electrical connection area 21 in a first portion 61 and the fluid connection area 24 in a second portion 62. Due to the one-piece construction of the seal 60, manufacturing efforts are minimized.

[0048] The housing part 20 is configured such that when the hybrid connector 100 is connected to the mating connector 200 along the connection direction V, an electrical connection and at least one fluid connection, in particular one or more fluid connections, are simultaneously established.

[0049] The hybrid connector 100 is configured as a plug 101 whose plugging direction S corresponds to the connecting direction V. The hybrid connector 100 and the mating connector 200 each have elements that are adapted to each other for this purpose. For example, the contact elements 102 in the hybrid connector 100 may be configured as plug elements, and the contact elements 201 in the mating connector 200 may be configured as socket elements.

[0050] Thus, an end section 43 of at least one fluid channel 40 in the hybrid connector 100 is configured as a plug element 47 that is inserted into a socket 247 of at least one fluid channel 240 in the mating connector 200. For accurate positioning, the end section 43 forms an internal funnel 42 that cooperates with a circumferentially conical collar 242 in the socket 247. For sealing between the plug element 47 and the socket 247, a separate seal 63 is provided. Thus, the fluid connection region 24 is isolated from the electrical connection region 21 by two separate seals 60, 63.

[0051] In a further preferred embodiment, the seal 63 is configured as an O-ring 64 and is mounted between the end portion 43 of the at least one fluid channel 40 and the opposing contact element 201. In this case, the contact element 201 is configured as a plug element 248 having an internal funnel 250 that tapers in the direction opposite to the plugging direction S. In this configuration, the end portion 43 is configured as a socket 52 that surrounds the plug element 248 and has a larger diameter 54 than the plug element 248. Between the collar 25 and the metal sheet 150, the hybrid connector 100 has a seal 66 that surrounds the end portion 43 of each of the at least one fluid channel 40, preferably one or two fluid channels 40, and seals the at least one fluid channel 40 from the electrical connection region 21.

[0052] At least one fluid channel 40 has an internal connection 41 at the proximal end 31 that serves to connect to a corresponding element 201 in the mating connector 200. Additionally, at least one fluid channel 40 has an external connection 49 at the distal end 39, where each at least one fluid channel 40 is connected to a fluid hose 50. Typically, one end of the at least one fluid hose 50 is slid over the external connection 49 and held by a protrusion.

[0053] In a preferred embodiment, the mating connector 200 has a coupling element 252 in the plugging direction S below the sheet metal 150 that projects radially from at least one fluid channel 240 of the mating connector 200. The coupling element 252 is configured to be able to engage with a coupling portion 254 to allow linear outflow of at least one fluid in the plugging direction S and / or to connect further fluid channels.

[0054] The external connection 49 of the at least one fluid channel 40 is configured to connect at least one fluid hose 50 across the connection direction V. This results in the at least one fluid hose 50 following an arc in its path, thereby allowing the plug 100 to move along the connection direction V (see, e.g., FIG. 2 , which shows the installed and therefore intended operating state).

[0055] In the illustrated example, the attachment direction A of the at least one fluid hose 50 is perpendicular to the connection direction V and parallel to the first transverse direction Q1. In other configurations, angles other than 90° may be possible. Additionally, the attachment direction A may have a component in a second transverse direction Q2 that is perpendicular to the first transverse direction Q1 and perpendicular to the connection direction V.

[0056] To allow for easy demolding of the housing part 20 during injection molding, the at least one fluid channel 40 comprises two segments 44, 46, each having a cylindrical internal permeable cross section. In this regard, the first segment 44 is connected to the second segment 46 via a 90° corner 45. However, in other configurations, the internal cross section may vary, in particular increasing in size towards the outside, for example to allow for easier demolding. Furthermore, the two segments 44, 46 may have different cross-sectional areas, for example if the pressure of the respective fluids is to be increased or decreased.

[0057] In the illustrated embodiment, at least one fluid channel 40 is integral with the rest of the housing component 20. In particular, if at least one fluid channel 40 is difficult to form, for example because it has a curved shape, or if it is to be made from a different material, it may be manufactured as a separate component and later connected to the rest of the housing component 20. In a preferred configuration, for example, two fluid channels 40 may be manufactured as separate components 56 and assembled. In this case, the fluid channels 40 of the separate components 56 may be integrally connected to each other at the proximal end 31 via a material bridge 57. Furthermore, in this configuration, the proximal end 31 has flexible latch elements 58, e.g., latch arms 59, extending radially and angularly upward from the proximal end 31 in a direction opposite the insertion direction S and away from the outer periphery of each fluid channel 40. When the proximal end 31 of the separate part 56 is inserted in the insertion direction S, the latch element 58 locks onto the protrusion 26 of the collar 25, thereby preventing the separate part 56 from loosening in the direction opposite to the insertion direction S.

[0058] The housing part 20 further comprises a grommet mounting portion 29 to which a grommet 90 can be attached. The grommet 90 may be understood as a hose-like or tubular element made of a flexible material that serves to protect the electric cable and the at least one fluid hose 50. The grommet mounting portion 29 is configured to mount the grommet 90 at its end so that the grommet 90 extends along the mounting direction A of the at least one fluid hose 50. The grommet 90 may have at least one bellows 91 that allows slight bending deformation.

[0059] The housing part 20 is configured such that, when mounted, the fluid connection region 24 is located entirely below the electrical connection region 21. This is achieved in that the fluid connection region 24, in particular the internal connection portion 41, is located entirely in the first half-space H1, and the electrical connection region 21 with the contact elements is located entirely in the second half-space H2. The two complementary half-spaces H1, H2 are delimited by a plane E and separated from each other. This prevents the at least one fluid from entering the electrical connection region 21 during connection or disconnection, since the at least one fluid can drip only under the force of gravity into the first half-space H1.

[0060] To apply the contact force, the hybrid connector 100 also has a slide 70 that is displaceable along a first lateral direction Q1 relative to the housing part 20, thereby, for example, achieving fixation of the hybrid connector 100 to the mating connector 200 or applying a contact force.

[0061] In other configurations, other locking mechanisms may be provided, such as a mechanism having a lever 72 (as can be seen in FIG. 3 ). In this configuration, the lever 72 is formed complementarily with the housing part 20 and has a hinge 74 that allows the lever 72 to move toward the housing part 20 about the second lateral direction Q2, such that the lever 72 presses the locking element 76 into the housing part 20 in the direction of the first lateral direction Q1, thereby locking the hybrid connector 100 with the locking element 76.

[0062] The hybrid connector 100 is configured to be connected to a mating connector 200 that is mounted on a metal sheet 150. The metal sheet 150, and in particular its face 151, provides a flat surface 152 on which the hybrid connector 100 is mounted. In this regard, the face 151 of the metal sheet 150 extends parallel to the first transverse direction Q1 and the second transverse direction Q2. To ensure a good sealing connection thereto, the outer regions of the seals 60 and 66 lie in a plane perpendicular to the plane E that separates the two half-spaces H1, H2. The mounting direction A is parallel to the plane formed by the face 151.

[0063] In a preferred configuration, the mating connector 200 may have latch elements 202 for securing the mating connector 200 to the metal sheet 150, and the latch elements 202 protrude from the mating connector 200 in the lateral direction Q2 and can flexibly bend to enable a latch connection with the metal sheet 150 after the mating connector 200 is inserted into the opening 154. The metal sheet 150 may further have openings 156 for receiving corresponding contact elements 201 of the mating connector 200. [Explanation of symbols]

[0064] 20 Housing parts 21 Electrical Connection Area 23 Contact Area 24 Fluid Connection Area 25 colors 26 Protrusion 29 Grommet mounting part 31 Proximal end 39 Distal end 40 fluid channels 41 Internal connection 42 Funnel 43 Termination section 44 First Segment 45 Corner 46 Second Segment 47 Plug Elements 49 External connection part 50 fluid hose 52 sockets 54 Socket diameter 56 Separate Parts 57 Material Bridge 58 Latching Elements 59 Latch arm 60 stickers 61 Partial Seal 62 Partial Seal 63 Seal 64 O-rings 66 stickers 70 slides 72 Lever 74 Hinge 76 Fixed Elements 90 Grommets 91 Bellows 100 Hybrid Connector 101 Plug 102 Contact Elements 150 Metal sheet 151 sides 152 sides 154 Opening 156 Opening 200 Mating Connector 201 Contact Elements 202 Latching Elements 240 fluid channels 241 Internal Connection 242 Color 247 Socket 248 Plug Elements 250 Funnel 252 bonding elements 254 Joint 300 doors A Installation direction E plane H1 First half-space H2 Second half-space Q1 First horizontal direction Q2 Second horizontal S Insertion direction V Connection direction

Claims

1. A housing part (20) for a hybrid connector (100) for transmitting electric current and at least one fluid to a mating connector (200) along a connection direction (V), comprising: an electrical connection area (21) and a fluid connection area (24) separate from said electrical connection area (21) and having an external connection part (49) arranged at a distal end (39) of at least one fluid channel (40) for connecting at least one fluid hose (50) across said connection direction (V); a first seal that, in a connected state, surrounds and fluid-tightly seals the fluid connection region (24) and the electrical connection region (21); Housing part (20).

2. 2. The housing part (20) of claim 1, wherein a collar (25) surrounds the contact area (23) of the hybrid connector (100).

3. The housing component (20) of claim 1, wherein the at least one fluid channel (40) comprises two respective segments (44, 46) having a cylindrical internal shape.

4. The housing component (20) of claim 1, wherein the at least one fluid channel (40) is configured as a separate component (56) attached to the hybrid connector (100).

5. 2. The housing part (20) according to claim 1, wherein the internal connection (41) of the at least one fluid channel (40) arranged at the proximal end (31) is configured to connect parallel to the connection direction (V).

6. 6. The housing part (20) according to claim 5, wherein the internal connection (41) has a separate seal (63).

7. 2. The housing part (20) according to claim 1, wherein the internal permeation cross section of the at least one fluid channel (40) widens towards the one or proximal end (31) at a terminal portion (43).

8. 2. The housing component (20) of claim 1, wherein the housing component (20) comprises a grommet mounting portion (29) for mounting a grommet (90).

9. 2. The housing part (20) according to claim 1, wherein the housing part (20) is configured such that, in a desired operating state, the fluid connection area (24) is located completely below the electrical connection area (21) with respect to gravity.

10. 2. The housing part (20) according to claim 1, wherein the fluid connection area (24) is located entirely in a first half-space (H1) defined by a plane (E), and the electrical connection area (21) is located entirely in a second half-space (H2) complementary to the first half-space (H1).

11. A hybrid connector (100) comprising a housing part (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. The hybrid connector (100) of claim 11, wherein the hybrid connector (100) is configured as a plug (101).

13. The hybrid connector (100) is configured as described in claim 11, wherein the connection of the internal connection portion (41) of the at least one fluid channel (40) located at the proximal end (31) to the mating element is isolated from the electrical connection region (21) by at least two independent seals (60, 63) in the connected state.

14. The hybrid connector (100) of claim 11, wherein the hybrid connector (100) is configured to connect to a mating connector (200) attached to a surface (152).

Images