EP1251594A2 - Connector for a linear lambda sensor having a secondary locking with checking function - Google Patents

Abstract

Coupler plug comprises a housing (2), a base body (3), a covering element (4), electrical components fixed into the housing, and an alignment element for a broad band lambda probe. At least one of the free ends of a support element (11) has control elements (20) facing away from the longitudinal extension of the support element. Preferred Features: The support element has a nose-like protrusion which interacts with a recess (22). The recess is formed in a holder (21) connected to the housing.

Description

• einem Gehäuse, nämlich einem Grundkörper und einem Deckelelement sowie
• elektrischen Bauteilen, die in das Gehäuse einlegbar und fixierbar sind, und
• einem Abgleichelement für eine Sonde, insbesondere eine planare Breitband-Lambdasonde, die in dem Kupplungsstecker oder über ein weiteres Kontaktelement ausserhalb des Kupplungssteckers anzubringen ist, wobei das Deckelelement über der Abgleicheinheit aufsteckbar ist und eine Primär- und eine mit dem Deckelelement zusammenwirkende Sekundärverriegelung aufweist, und die Sekundärverriegelung als Fixierelement zum Fixieren mindestens eines in dem Gehäuse eingelegten elektrischen Kontaktes vorgesehen ist und dieses Fixierelement zusätzlich zum Deckelelement hinweisende Stützelemente aufweist in der Art, dass nur in der Endstellung des Sekundärelements das Deckelelement vollständig schliesst.

The invention relates to a coupling plug, in particular for a planar lambda probe, consisting of

• a housing, namely a base body and a cover element and
• electrical components that can be inserted and fixed in the housing, and
• a balancing element for a probe, in particular a planar broadband lambda probe, which is to be fitted in the coupling plug or via a further contact element outside the coupling plug, the cover element being pluggable over the balancing unit and having a primary and a secondary locking device cooperating with the cover element, and the secondary locking device is provided as a fixing element for fixing at least one electrical contact inserted in the housing and this fixing element has supporting elements pointing towards the cover element in such a way that the cover element closes completely only in the end position of the secondary element.

State of the art

Coupling plugs of the above type are usually for the connection formed between a harness connector and a lambda probe, the connections provided in the coupling plug for adjustment, Signal and / or heating of the probe are provided. The lambda probe and the lambda control today in conjunction with the 3-way catalytic converter an effective exhaust gas purification process. The lambda probe, which is screwed into an exhaust system, for example, includes one Sensor for determining the oxygen content in the exhaust gas.

The residual oxygen content is very suitable as a measurement and regulates the air-fuel ratio, as this shows precisely whether the air-fuel mixture completely burned.

The lambda probe delivers a voltage signal that the current Represents the value of the mixture composition and the mixture changes follows. The fuel supply to the engine is through a mixture processing system correspond to the signal of the lambda probe regulated in such a way that a stoichiometric air-fuel ratio λ = 1 is achieved. Depending on the version of the exhaust system and the operating conditions heated or unheated probes are used. More applications can be found the lambda probe outside of fuel vehicles, e.g. B. for regulation of gas engines or oil / gas burners.

Broadband lambda probes in particular have a modular structure and allow them in connection with the planar technology the integration of several functions. They usually have functional layers that are made of a porous Protective layer, consisting of an outer electrode, a sensor film, an inner electrode, a reference air duct film, an insulation layer, a Heating element, a heating foil, a resistor or a balancing element and connection contacts exist.

Because the broadband lambda probes from the combination of a Nernet concentration cell (= Sensor cell) with an oxygen ion transporting Pump cell exists, it can not only in the stoichiometric Measure the point very precisely at λ = 1, but also in the lean and rich area.

Each probe has to be adjusted individually. For this purpose, the probe has one built-in resistor ("mini hybrid"). The comparison, which is preferred by means of a laser beam, is carried out in that the Resistance layer, which is located on a ceramic substrate, accordingly is removed, causing a change in resistance a comparison is made.

One embodiment is that the adjustment unit or Resistor is placed directly on the probe. Another embodiment is that the resistance is outside, for example housed on a wire harness connector coupled to the probe is.

So far, the adjustment has been carried out by the fact that the housing of the coupling plug, in which the resistor is installed without the cover element Adjustment point is transported. After the corresponding laser processing for the adjustment was then made at another assembly point the cover element is attached.

To prevent moisture, dirt or the like in the coupling plug penetrates and to ensure that the appropriate The cover element has an atmosphere inside the coupling plug additional seals. Furthermore, are on the housing of the coupling plug Pressure compensation elements arranged.

Disadvantages of the prior art

After attaching the cover element, it is both for the supplier of the coupling plug as well as for the user, the cover element to remove and possibly carry out another adjustment or to manipulate the coupling plug itself.

Since the cover element in a simple manner on the base body of the Coupling plug can be clipped on, this can be loosened and removed in this way be a proof of when the cover element is removed has been, can no longer be managed.

Securing elements are known which cover the cover element with the base body seal, for example adhesive strips, which are irreparable when removed tear. However, these can also be easily made yourself. There is also the possibility that the adhesive tape may be unintentionally has been destroyed during assembly of the coupling plug.

Object of the invention

The object of the invention is to provide an embodiment of the coupling plug, especially for a planar broadband lambda probe it is provided to develop in such a way that it can be produced very inexpensively and has a control function element by means of which It is easy to determine whether the cover element is unauthorized by third parties has been removed or not.

Solution of the task

The solution to the problem is that at least one of the free Ends of the support elements pointing away from the longitudinal extent of the support elements Has control elements which are designed such that in a first position of the fixing element in the direction of the base body not in a further position from a defined position in an end position is displaceable.

Advantages of the invention

An essential advantage of the invention is that it is here according to the invention proposed coupling connector designed small is because of the compact design, namely the insertion of electrical Contacts in a base body and the arrangement of the adjustment element also in the coupling plug, the external dimensions of the coupling plug, preferably between a wire harness and one Lambda probe is arranged are very small.

It also proves advantageous that the present one according to the invention Coupling connector has only a few components. This is one inexpensive and efficient production possible.

Since the base body is completely surrounded by the cover element, it is possible by arranging sealing lips within the cover element or arrangement of seals on the base body, the interior of the coupling plug seal, so that this in particular against splashing water and / or dirt is protected.

In addition, this also supports the latching of the cover element on the Body. Pre-locking and final locking are preferred Primary and secondary locking provided. This is designed that the cover element has locking arms that are in the closed Apply the condition of the cover to the base body of the coupling plug and engage there with locking lugs.

This primary locking takes place in two stages. In a first stage latches the cover element in such a way that it is held on the base body becomes. By pressing the cover element further in the direction of Base body is caused that the fixing element inserted in the base body on the electrical contact element guided in the base body, For example, a flat connector sleeve, which in connection with the Lambda probe is standing, is fixed. The fixation takes place only in the Form that the fixing element is pressed onto the contact element, so that the contact element and the fixing element enter into a firm connection. In addition, the fixing element is positively guided in the base body, this means that the fixing element is in the fixed state of the contact element only move in the axial direction of the cover can. In addition, the fixing element points away from the fixing element Support elements are provided which extend in the direction of the cover element extend.

Furthermore, the support element and thus the fixing element have control elements which extend away from the longitudinal extension of the support elements. These control elements fall behind in a functional state a hold-down that is fixed to the body of the coupling plug connected is. This will cause the longitudinal movement of the secondary lock in limited in the way that the fixing element only in the direction of the base body can move. Is the assembly of the secondary lock incorrect? the control elements are on the hold-down device and the fixing element cannot be pushed down by the cover element move towards the main body. This can be done immediately it can be determined that the secondary lock has not yet been installed correctly is done.

When the secondary lock is not actuated, i. H. Non-fixing of the contact element, the support elements protrude so far the main body of the coupling plug that the cover element can only be maintained in the first latching of the primary locking. Just with full actuation and thus correct fixation of the contact element the cover element also goes the second latching of the primary locking on.

This has the advantage that it can be checked in a simple manner can, whether a successful contact and thus securing the electrical contact element to the lambda probe has occurred, and that the cover element closes tightly against the base body.

Hooking devices are advantageously on the circumference of the cover element provided that allow the coupling plug, for example to be attached to another part by means of a tongue and groove connection, or hanging devices in the way that electrical lines on the coupling plug can be attached.

Fastening options for spray water nozzles are optionally available.

Another advantage of the invention is that the aforementioned Seals can be molded onto the cover element, so that these are captively arranged.

A constant contact resistance between the adjustment unit and ensuring the electrical contact elements is one Solder connection provided.

The cover element advantageously consists of PBT (polybutylene terephthalate) or equivalent materials.

Another advantageous embodiment of the invention consists in that the cover element is transparent. That’s it It is possible that the cover element can be installed before the adjustment can, since with transparent cover elements the adjustment by means of a Laser beam can take place through the cover element.

Further advantageous configurations are given in the following descriptions, the claims and the drawings.

Fig. 1

Eine perspektivische Ansicht auf den erfindungsgemässen Kupplungsstecker, mit losgelöstem Deckelelement;

Fig. 2

eine Rückansicht auf den Kupplungsstecker gemäss Fig. 1;

Fig. 3

eine Draufsicht auf den Kupplungsstecker gemäss Fig. 2;

Fig. 4

eine perspektivische Ansicht auf den Kupplungsstecker gemäss Fig. 1, jedoch gegenüber Fig. 1 im Schnitt und mit aufgesetztem, montiertem Deckel;

Fig. 5

einen Schnitt durch den Kabelbaumstecker gemäss Fig. 1 mit dem Deckelelement in Vorraststellung;

Fig. 6

einen Schnitt durch den Kabelbaumstecker gemäss Fig. 1 mit dem Deckelelement unmittelbar vor der Endlage;

Fig. 7

einen Schnitt durch den Kabelbaumstecker gemäss Fig. 1 mit dem in der Endlage;

Fig. 8

eine vereinfachte Darstellung des Sekundärverriegelungselements in einer nicht korrekt montierten Art und Weise;

Fig. 9

eine vereinfachte Darstellung des Sekundärverriegelungselements in einer funktionsgerechten Lage.

Show it:

Fig. 1

A perspective view of the coupling plug according to the invention, with the cover element detached;

Fig. 2

a rear view of the coupling plug of FIG. 1;

Fig. 3

a plan view of the coupling plug according to FIG. 2;

Fig. 4

a perspective view of the coupling plug according to Figure 1, but compared to Figure 1 in section and with attached, assembled lid.

Fig. 5

a section through the wiring harness connector according to Figure 1 with the cover element in the pre-locking position.

Fig. 6

a section through the wiring harness connector according to Figure 1 with the cover element immediately before the end position.

Fig. 7

a section through the harness connector according to Figure 1 with the in the end position.

Fig. 8

a simplified representation of the secondary locking element in an incorrectly assembled manner;

Fig. 9

a simplified representation of the secondary locking element in a functional position.

Description of an embodiment

The coupling plug 1 shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 is concerned is such a plug, which consists of a housing 2, that composed of a base body 3 and a cover element 4.

On the base body 3 is a matching unit 5 in a holding device 6 arranged, which in turn with electrical contact elements 7 with the lambda probe connected via a connecting element 8 or with the via the inserted in the coupling plug 1 and in the drawings Connector not shown is connected.

The electrical contact elements 7 consist of shaped like conductor tracks Metal strips in the area of the coupling option 9 (Fig. 4) of the coupling plug 1 end with one side.

The adjustment unit 6 is made via guide elements 10, which are the largest Part are arranged on the base body 3, guided and by the electrical Contact elements 7 held in the correct position.

To prevent the lateral displacement of the adjustment unit 6 are Support elements 11 are provided perpendicular to the longitudinal extension of the adjustment unit 6. These support elements 11, as shown in particular in FIGS. 5, 6 7 and 7 are formed as part of a fixing element 12.

The fixing element 12 is provided as a secondary locking element and has the function of an electrical one arranged in the housing 2 Contact 13, which is in particular connected to the lambda probe, to keep in position.

For this purpose, the fixing element 12 is preferably W-shaped in its cross section formed, being axially between its two legs 12a / 12b includes the electrical contact 13 in the assembled state (FIG. 7).

The secondary locking element or the fixing element 12 is also configured in such a way that it is preferably connected to the support elements 11 forms an integral part.

With the electrical contact not yet assembled and fixed 13, as shown in FIG. 5, the support elements 11 protrude in this way far out of the housing 2 that the cover member 4 that is on the housing 2 is placed, can only be fixed in a pre-locking.

This causes that when the secondary lock is not actuated and thus non-functional fixation of the electrical contact 13 and thus improper positioning of the fixing element 12, the cover element 4 does not close (see Fig. 6).

Only when the secondary locking is positioned correctly in its end position, it is possible for the cover element 4 to have its own end position occupies.

The secondary locking device, once installed, is after it has been locked no longer detachable without completely destroying the coupling plug 1.

To prevent the inserted fixing element 12 (secondary locking) unexpectedly emerges are at the free ends of each Legs 12a, 12b control elements 20 arranged in the in 9 and 10 embodiment shown perpendicular to this protrude and form nose-like bulges. These control elements 20 engage in a hold-down device 21 which directly connects to the housing 2 the coupling plug 1 is connected. The hold-down 21 has one Recess 22 into which the control element 20 of the fixing element 12 intervenes if the secondary locking is installed in a functional manner. If the fixing element 12 is not installed correctly, lie the control elements 20 on the hold-down 21, so that the Do not fix the cover element 4 on the base body 3 of the coupling plug 1 leaves.

The coupling plug 1 preferably has grooves 14 on its circumference, which allow a coupling plug 1 in the holder provided insert.

In addition, there are 2 holding and fixing elements 15 in the base body, as is the case is shown in Fig. 2, which allow the coupling plug 1 to be arranged on electrical lines 16, as shown in FIG. 1.

For this purpose, the holding element 15 is designed like a clip, so that the coupling plug 1 with the holding element 15 in the open position Cable harness can be plugged in, and by means of a further movement this can then be closed.

This provides the opportunity to attach the coupling plug to a motor (holder), for example.
Due to its small external mass, it is also possible to accommodate the coupling plug in a grooved tube.

Claims (3)

Coupling plug (1), in particular for a planar lambda probe, consisting of a housing (2), namely a base body (3) and a cover element (4) and electrical components that can be inserted and fixed in the housing, and a balancing element (6) for a probe, in particular a planar broadband lambda probe, which is to be fitted in the coupling plug (1) or via a further contact element outside the coupling plug, wherein the cover element (4) can be plugged over the adjustment unit (6) and has a primary and a secondary locking device cooperating with the cover element (4), and the secondary locking device as a fixing element (12) for fixing at least one electrical contact inserted in the housing (2) (13) is provided and this fixing element (12) has supporting elements (11) pointing towards the cover element (4) in such a way that the cover element (4) closes completely only in the end position of the secondary locking device, characterized in that
at least one of the free ends of the support elements (11) has control elements (20) which point away from the longitudinal extent of the support elements (11) and which are designed such that in a first position the fixing element (12) does not point towards the base body (3), is displaceable in a further position from a defined position into an end position. Coupling plug according to claim 1, characterized in that the support element (11) has a nose-like configuration which engages behind a recess (22). Coupling plug according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the recess (22) is formed in a hold-down device (21) connected to the housing (2).

Images