Plug connection device for a can bus system and method

Abstract

The invention relates to a plug connection device (12) for a CAN bus system (10), having a housing body (14) with a first connection side (15) for electrical connection to a 4-pole connecting element (16) of the CAN bus system (10), which first connection side is designed to contact the pins CAN High in (A), CAN High out (B), CAN Low in (C) and CAN Low out (D), and having a second connection side (17) for electrical connection to a 2-pole connecting element (18) of the CAN bus system (10), which second connection side is designed to contact the pins CAN High (E) and CAN Low (F), wherein the plug connection device (12) comprises a first internal electrical line element (22), by means of which the pins CAN High in (A) and CAN High out (B) of the first connection side (15) can be contact-connected to the pin CAN High (E), and a second internal electrical line element (24), by means of which the pins CAN Low in (C) and CAN Low out (D) of the second connection side (17) can be contact-connected to the pin CAN Low (F). The invention also relates to a method for producing such a plug connection device (12).

Description

[0001] Connector device for a CAN bus system and method

[0002] The invention relates to a connector device for a CAN bus system according to claim 1. The invention further relates to a method for manufacturing such a connector device.

[0003] Properly manufactured connectors and connector devices in CAN bus systems are essential for ensuring stable signal transmission between control units and connected components. Such connections are particularly necessary in vehicles to enable and maintain high signal quality and thus reliable communication, for example, between control units. The stringent specifications include, for example, electrical parameters such as contact resistance and / or capacitance, as well as mechanical tolerances for a secure fit. Only by adhering to these specifications can the flawless operation of the entire CAN bus system be guaranteed.

[0004] For example, crimp connectors are known from the prior art for this purpose, which are used in cable harnesses for signal transmission in CAN bus systems. While these do disconnect the CAN signals, they are prone to quality problems and cannot be manufactured automatically.

[0005] Accordingly, the purpose of the invention is to provide a robust and automatable connector device that meets the requirements of a CAN bus system and enables the best possible signal transmission.

[0006] This problem is solved by means of a plug-in connection device with the features of claim 1 and by means of a method according to the invention for manufacturing such a plug-in connection device. Advantageous embodiments of the plug-in connection device according to the invention are to be regarded as advantageous embodiments of the method according to the invention, wherein the means of the plug-in connection device are used to carry out the method steps. Furthermore, advantageous further developments of the invention are described by the dependent claims, the following description, and the figures.

[0007] A first aspect of the invention relates to a connector for a CAN bus system, particularly for a motor vehicle, especially a passenger car. The connector comprises a housing body with a first connection side for connecting to a 4-pin connector and a second connection side for connecting to a 2-pin connector. The connectors can each be configured as plugs or sockets, while the housing body includes corresponding receptacles or counterparts, i.e., sockets or plugs, for receiving the connectors. A preferred embodiment includes sockets with receptacles into which the plugs of the connectors can be inserted, thus ensuring a secure mechanical connection and a reliable conductive connection of the corresponding pins when plugged in.

[0008] The 4-pin connector thus has the pins CAN High in, CAN High out, CAN Low in, and CAN Low out, while the 2-pin connector contains the pins CAN High and CAN Low. The housing is equipped with internal electrical conductors that provide a conductive connection between the pins of the connectors. Specifically, the connector assembly includes a first internal conductor that connects the CAN High in and CAN High out pins of the first terminal side to the CAN High pin of the second terminal side, and a second internal conductor that connects the CAN Low in and CAN Low out pins of the first terminal side to the CAN Low pin of the second terminal side.

[0009] In other words, this arrangement enables reliable signal transmission between the 4-pin connector and the 2-pin connector. Each connector encompasses the corresponding pins, ensuring that CAN High and CAN Low signal transmission between the two connection points is essentially interference-free and bridge-free. This is particularly relevant for CAN bus systems in vehicles, where control units are often located far apart and lossless signal transmission over longer distances is required. According to CAN bus system specifications, individual wires, for example, should generally not exceed a maximum length of 1 meter to essentially prevent signal loss and / or interference.However, the connector system allows signal transmission to be extended over greater distances by securely connecting multiple segments with pre-assembled connectors. This enables flexible adaptation of the wiring to different vehicle architectures for various motor vehicles without significantly compromising signal quality.

[0010] The connector is designed to minimize potential signal quality impairments such as increased line resistance, signal reflections, and / or delays. These effects can occur particularly with longer cables or improper connections. The low-loss and interference-free signal transmission ensures that interference is essentially avoided. This solution is especially advantageous in complex vehicle designs where control units need to communicate with each other over longer distances.

[0011] A particular advantage of this connector is evident in so-called daisy-chain connections or configurations. In such systems, multiple control units and / or components are connected along a single cable chain, significantly simplifying the overall wiring. However, the aforementioned signal quality impairments can become particularly critical in daisy-chain connections because the cable lengths between the individual devices vary and reflections can occur at the connection points. The connector according to the invention allows daisy-chain connections to be expanded modularly without significantly impairing signal quality. This design enables reliable signal transmission even over longer distances, ensuring that communication between the control units remains dependable even in extensive networks.

[0012] The connector simplifies the installer's work, as it is specifically designed to extend individual cable sections of the pre-assembled wiring harness. Since wiring harnesses are manufactured automatically for safety and quality assurance reasons, they already contain pre-assembled connectors. The installer can connect the connector directly to the existing connector on the wiring harness, ensuring reliable signal transmission through the internal wiring within the connector. A further cable with the corresponding connector is then connected to the other end of the connector, extending the connection accordingly.This not only enables high safety and signal quality, but also simplifies, for example, the installation and / or maintenance of complex wiring harness systems in motor vehicles.

[0013] Finally, it is preferred that the internal conductor elements be designed with the lowest possible contact resistance to minimize signal loss and / or maintain signal quality. The corresponding connection of the pins ensures that both CAN High and CAN Low signals are reliably transmitted from the first terminal to the second. This contributes to significantly improved communication, for example, between control units and the connected vehicle components.

[0014] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the internal conductor elements are provided as stamped grids. These stamped grids are designed for low-loss connection of the pins on the terminal sides by providing a uniform and flat conductor structure. During the manufacturing of the connector, the stamped grids are preferably inserted into designated cavities in the housing body using a stitching process. This process mechanically fixes the stamped grids, resulting in a stable and permanently conductive connection. This design enables high signal quality and thus supports the automated manufacturing of the connector.

[0015] As an alternative to using die-cut grids, it is also possible to manufacture the internal conductor elements by casting them into the housing body. In this process, the conductor elements are embedded in the plastic during injection molding, creating a strong and permanently conductive connection.

[0016] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the housing body comprises a mechanical fastening device. This fastening device, for example in the form of a clip or a screw mount, enables simple and secure mounting on the vehicle body or on engine components, thereby increasing flexibility during vehicle assembly. In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the respective connection sides are sealed watertight from the environment of the housing body when the 4-pole connector is connected and / or when the 2-pole connector is connected, so that, in the inserted state of the connectors, a seal corresponding to protection class IP67 or higher is achieved.This design reliably protects the electrical contacts from the ingress of water and / or moisture when connected, thus contributing to increasing the service life of the connector and the security of signal transmission.

[0017] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the housing structure is designed to be modular or standardized, thus enabling, for example, flexible use of the connector in various vehicle types and CAN bus systems. This is achieved through the standardized design of the housing body and the connection technology, which significantly simplifies both the manufacturing and integration of the connector. The modular design means that the housing structure consists of several standardized components that can be combined variably depending on the application. This allows the same basic structure of the connector to be used for different vehicle models or different requirements in the CAN bus network.

[0018] For example, specific variants of the plug connection device with different connection sides, such as 4-pole or 2-pole connectors, can be easily implemented without requiring a complete redesign.

[0019] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, signals at the pins of the first connection side are automatically forwarded to the pins of the second connection side without the need for additional external components such as controls, switches, and / or jumpers. This enables direct and continuous signal transmission, eliminating the need for additional connection components. The simplified design facilitates the integration of the connector into existing CAN bus systems and significantly reduces assembly effort, as no manual intervention is required to ensure signal transmission. In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the housing is made of a high-strength and / or temperature-resistant plastic, which is specifically designed for use in low-voltage applications.The use of this material enables high mechanical stability and durability, even under heavy stress from vibrations and fluctuating ambient temperatures. Furthermore, the plastic offers high resistance to environmental influences such as moisture and / or dirt, which are typically found in vehicle environments. This ensures the reliable function of the connector even under demanding operating conditions. The use of such a material also allows for simple and cost-effective manufacturing using injection molding.

[0020] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, locking elements are arranged on the connection sides to secure a corresponding connecting element, such as a plug or socket. These locking elements can have various designs, such as spring mechanisms with barbs that prevent unintentional disconnection and can only be released by deliberate actuation. Alternatively, hemispherical locking elements can be used that must be overcome by pulling the connection, or push-button elements or buttons that allow the connection to be released by simply pressing. Preferably, the locking elements are arranged on opposite sides of the receptacle or socket to ensure uniform and stable fixation.This design ensures a secure mechanical connection of the plug connector even under vibrations and / or mechanical stresses, such as those typically found in vehicle environments.

[0021] A further aspect of the invention relates to a method for manufacturing a connector according to the previous aspect, in which the housing body is produced by injection molding and the internal electrical conductor elements are subsequently attached. This method enables efficient and, in particular, cost-effective manufacturing of the connector, since both the housing body and the electrical conductor elements or respective conductor structures can be processed in an automated production process. The housing body is manufactured by injection molding, for example, by injecting a high-strength and / or temperature-resistant plastic under high pressure into a specially shaped injection mold. After the material has completely cooled and hardened, the finished housing body is removed.This process enables precise shaping of the housing with precisely executed cavities and fastening elements designed to accommodate the connecting elements and conductor elements.

[0022] In an advantageous embodiment, the internal electrical conductors can be cast in during the injection molding process. The conductors are placed in the injection mold and firmly enclosed as the plastic material is injected. This method results in a particularly stable and durable connection between the conductors and the housing body. Furthermore, casting the conductors in the mold achieves a high degree of sealing, thus providing additional protection for the contacts against environmental influences such as moisture and dirt.

[0023] Alternatively, in a further advantageous embodiment, the internal electrical conductor elements can be inserted into designated cavities in the housing body using a stitching process. The stitching process is an automated method for integrating electrical conductor elements into the housing body. The conductor elements, typically in the form of stamped grids, are mechanically inserted into prepared cavities in the housing. Subsequently, the conductor elements are fixed by targeted pressing or clipping, ensuring they are securely seated in the housing body and provide a reliable electrical connection.

[0024] In the stitching process, the conductor elements are mechanically inserted with precision into their designated positions and then firmly fixed. This enables accurate alignment of the conductor tracks and a reliable electrical connection. The stitching process offers the advantage that the conductor elements can be integrated independently of the injection molding process, allowing for high manufacturing flexibility. This enables the production of different connector variants with varying conductor configurations, all based on a single, uniform housing.

[0025] Another advantage of these manufacturing processes is their suitability for both small batches and mass production. Depending on the application, the most appropriate process can be selected to meet the specific requirements of the connector. Furthermore, by choosing a high-strength and / or temperature-resistant plastic for the housing, high mechanical strength and resistance to, for example, thermal influences can be achieved. Both methods make the connector suitable for use in CAN bus systems in vehicles with demanding environmental conditions.

[0026] In other words, the connector is designed to be a flexible, robust, and modular solution for CAN bus systems, providing all essential signals via a waterproof and vibration-resistant connection. The use of a die-cut grid, the mechanical fastening option, and the vibration-resistant and waterproof construction all contribute to a stable and reliable connection, even under adverse conditions. Furthermore, the modular design offers broad applicability and reduces manufacturing costs through direct integration into pre-assembled cable harnesses.

[0027] Further features of the invention will become apparent from the claims, the figures, and the description of the figures. The features and combinations of features mentioned above in the description, as well as the features and combinations of features mentioned below in the description of the figures and / or shown in the figures alone, are not only usable in the combinations specified, but also in other combinations or on their own.

[0028] The invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to a preferred embodiment and the drawings. The drawings show:

[0029] Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of a cross-section of a possible design of a connector device for CAN-BUS systems.

[0030] In the figure, identical and functionally equivalent elements are provided with the same reference symbols.

[0031] Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of a cross-section of a possible design of a plug connection device 12 for a CAN bus system 10.

[0032] The connector assembly 12 comprises a housing body 14 with a first connection side 15 for connection to a 4-pin connector 16 of the CAN bus system 10, which includes the pins CAN High in A, CAN High out B, CAN Low in C and CAN Low out D. The housing body 14 also has a second connection side 17 for connection to a 2-pin connector 18 of the CAN bus system 10, which includes the pins CAN High E and CAN Low F.

[0033] The connector assembly 12 includes a first internal electrical conductor element 22 that connects the CAN High in A and CAN High out B pins of the first terminal side 15 to the CAN High E pin of the second terminal side 17. It also includes a second internal electrical conductor element 24 that connects the CAN Low in C and CAN Low out D pins of the first terminal side 15 to the CAN Low F pin of the second terminal side 17.

[0034] In the preferred embodiment shown in Fig. 1, the housing body 14 has receptacles into which the connectors, represented as the 4-pin connector 16 and the 2-pin connector 18, can be inserted and plugged in. These receptacles are designed so that the connectors 26, 28 can be securely inserted into the housing body and reliably fixed by the integrated locking elements 26, 28. The locking mechanism ensures that the connectors are held mechanically stable during operation and do not become unintentionally loosened even under vibration or shock. This design enables a reliable and permanent connection between the pins of the connectors 16, 18 and the internal conductor elements 22, 24 of the connector assembly 12.

[0035] In a preferred embodiment, these internal conductor elements 22, 24 are provided as stamped grids, enabling particularly accurate and low-loss signal transmission. Alternatively, the conductor elements 22, 24 can also be inserted into the housing body 14 by a stitching process or embedded directly into the housing body 14 during the injection molding process. Embedding in the injection molding process ensures particularly stable mechanical fixation of the respective conductor elements 22, 24 as well as additional protection against external influences such as moisture and / or dirt.

[0036] A mechanical fastening device 20 is integrated into the housing body 14. This device facilitates the simple and secure mounting of the connector 12 to the vehicle body or engine components. The fastening device 20 can be designed as a clip or clip element that interacts with a corresponding counterpart, such as a holder or receptacle on the vehicle. Alternatively, other fastening methods could be used, such as screw connections or adhesive connections. For example, a double-sided adhesive or tape can be used to enable quick fixing, or the fastening device can be designed with a special geometry that facilitates the insertion of the connector into mounting recesses on the vehicle or other designated areas.These various designs allow for simplified assembly and adaptation of the connector to different installation situations. Additionally, the mounting device minimizes mechanical stress caused by vibrations and can include a damping element if required to prevent damage to the connection from shocks.

[0037] Another advantageous feature of the connector 12 is its modular design. The housing 14 can be adapted to different requirements, which facilitates its use in various vehicle types and CAN bus configurations. This modularity also allows the connector 1 to be integrated into pre-assembled cable harnesses, thereby reducing assembly effort.

[0038] The connection faces 15, 17 of the plug connector 12 are equipped with respective locking elements 26, 28 that securely fix the corresponding connecting elements 16, 18. These locking elements can be designed as spring-loaded hooks, clips, or pressure elements that can be released by pulling or pushing to allow for easy handling of the plug connector.

[0039] In addition, the connector 12 is preferably designed such that a waterproof seal corresponding to protection class IP67 or higher is achieved when the connecting elements 16, 18 are inserted. This seal protects the electrical contacts from the ingress of water, moisture, and dirt, thereby significantly increasing the service life of the connector 12.

[0040] In summary, the invention proposes a waterproof CAN distribution device with a clip mount or a fastening device. Reference numeral list

[0041] 10 CAN bus system

[0042] 12 Connector device 14 Housing structure

[0043] 15 first connection page

[0044] 16 connectors (4-pin)

[0045] 17 second connection page

[0046] 18 connectors (2-pin)

[0047] 20 Fastening device 22 First cable element 24 Second cable element 26 Locking element

[0048] 28 Locking element

[0049] A CAN High in

[0050] B CAN High out

[0051] CCAN Low in

[0052] D CAN Low out

[0053] E CAN High

[0054] F CAN Low

Claims

Patent claims 1. Connector device (12) for a CAN bus system (10), with a housing body (14) with a first connection side (15) for an electrical connection with a 4-pin connecting element (16) of the CAN bus system (10), which is configured to contact the pins CAN High in (A), CAN High out (B), CAN Low in (C) and CAN Low out (D), and with a second connection side (17) for an electrical connection with a 2-pole connecting element (18) of the CAN bus system (10), which is designed to contact the CAN High (E) and CAN Low (F) pins, wherein the plug connection device (12) a first internal electrical conduction element (22) through which the CAN High in (A) and CAN High out (B) pins of the first connection side (15) can be contacted with the CAN High (E) pin, and a second internal electrical conductor element (24) through which the CAN Low in (C) and CAN Low out (D) pins of the second connection side (17) can be contacted with the CAN Low (F) pin.

2. Plug connection device (12) according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the conductor elements (22, 24) are provided as punched grids.

3. Plug connection device (12) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by the fact that the housing body (14) includes a mechanical fastening device (20).

4. Plug connection device (12) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the respective connection sides (15, 17) are sealed watertight against the environment of the housing body (14) when connecting the 4-pole connecting element (18) to the housing body (14) and / or when connecting the 2-pole connecting element (16) to the housing body (14).

5. Plug connection device (12) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing body (14) is modular in design.

6. Plug connection device (12) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that Signals at the pins (A, B, C, D) of the first connection side (15) can be automatically forwarded to the pins (E, F) of the second connection side (17).

7. Plug connection device (12) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connector device (12) is provided for integration into pre-assembled cable harnesses.

8. Plug connection device (12) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing body (14) is made of a high-strength and / or temperature-resistant plastic.

9. Plug connection device (12) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that On the connection sides (15, 17) respective locking elements (26, 28) are arranged for locking the corresponding connecting element (16, 18).

10. Method for manufacturing a plug connection device (12) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the housing body (14) is manufactured in an injection molding process and the internal electrical conductor elements (22, 24) are subsequently attached.

11. Method according to claim 10, characterized by the fact that the internal electrical conducting elements (22, 24) are cast in.

12. Method according to claim 10, characterized by the fact that the internal electrical conduction elements (22, 24) are inserted into respective cavities using a stitching method.

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