阅读说明：本技术 电子连接组件、机动车照明装置和用于制造机动车照明装置的方法 (Electronic connection assembly, motor vehicle lighting device and method for producing a motor vehicle lighting device ) 是由 丹尼尔·特瓦 胡安-安东尼奥·卢比亚 贝琪兹·罗摩 安东尼奥·孔特勒拉 阿尔索-曼纽尔·古兹 于 2019-07-29 设计创作，主要内容包括：本发明提供一种电子连接组件,包括基座(1)、第一连接器组件(2)和模块连接器(41)。基座(1)包括第一开口(11)和第二开口(12),第二开口(12)包括开槽边缘(121),开槽边缘(121)具有连接第一开口(11)和第二开口(11)的通道(13)。第一连接器组件(2)包括线束(21)、外缘(22)和接收连接器(23),接收连接器从外缘(22)突出连接器高度(hc),外缘(22)适于被引入开槽边缘(121)中。模块连接器(41)适于与接收连接器(23)匹配。第一连接器组件(2)或模块连接器(41)包括漏斗形引导件(24)。(The invention provides an electronic connection assembly comprising a base (1), a first connector assembly (2) and a module connector (41). The base (1) comprises a first opening (11) and a second opening (12), the second opening (12) comprising a notched edge (121), the notched edge (121) having a channel (13) connecting the first opening (11) and the second opening (11). The first connector assembly (2) comprises a wire harness (21), an outer rim (22) and a receiving connector (23) protruding from the outer rim (22) by a connector height (hc), the outer rim (22) being adapted to be introduced into the grooved rim (121). The module connector (41) is adapted to mate with the receiving connector (23). The first connector assembly (2) or the modular connector (41) comprises a funnel-shaped guide (24).)

1. An electronic connection assembly, comprising:

-a base (1) having a first opening (11) and a second opening (12), the second opening (12) comprising a notched edge (121) having a channel (13) connecting the first opening (11) and the second opening (12);

a first connector assembly (2) comprising a wiring harness (21), an outer rim (22) and a receiving connector (23) protruding from the outer rim (22) by a connector height (hc), the outer rim (22) being adapted to be introduced into the grooved edge (121);

a module connector (41) adapted to mate with the receiving connector (23);

wherein the first connector assembly (2) or the module connector (41) comprises a funnel-shaped guide (24).

2. The electronic connection assembly according to claim 1, wherein the notched rim (121) comprises at least one lug (122) adapted to cooperate with the rim (22) when the rim (22) is inserted into the notched rim (121).

3. The electronic connection assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second opening (12) comprises a first positioning element and the outer rim (22) of the first connector assembly (2) comprises a second positioning element (25) adapted to cooperate with the first positioning element such that the outer rim can only enter the correct position of the slotted edge (121).

4. An electronic connection assembly according to claim 3 when dependent on claim 2, wherein the first locating element is a hole in one lug (122) or a hollow between two lugs (122) and the second locating element is a protrusion (25) in the outer rim (22).

5. An electronic connection assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the receiving connector (23) and the module connector (41) comprise mating related elements.

6. The electronic connection assembly of claim 5, wherein the mating-related element comprises a snap-fit connection.

7. The electronic connection assembly of claim 5, wherein the mating-related element comprises a press-fit connection.

8. An electronic connection assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the funnel-shaped guide (24) is rectangular.

9. The electronic connection assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the outer rim (22) is connected to the rest of the first connector assembly (2) by at least one U-shaped element (221) which absorbs displacements and cooperates when inserting the outer rim (22) into the slotted edge (121).

10. The electronic connection assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the funnel-shaped guide (24) extends to completely surround the entire connector height (hc) and exceeds the connector height (hc) by at least 2 mm.

11. An automotive lighting device (10) comprising an electronic connection assembly according to any one of the preceding claims.

12. A method for manufacturing a motor vehicle lighting device (10), the method comprising the steps of:

providing an electronic connection assembly according to any of claims 1 to 10, wherein the base (1) is comprised in a lighting device housing;

passing the receiving connector (23) through the first opening (11) and the wiring harness (21) through the channel (13) such that the receiving connector (23) and a portion of the wiring harness (21) are located on one side of the second opening (12) and a second portion of the wiring harness (21) is located on the other side of the second opening (12);

inserting a rim (22) of the receiving connector (23) into a notched edge (121) of the second opening (12), wherein the notched edge (121) provides a play such that the rim (22) is free to move within the notched edge (121) in at least one direction;

bringing an electronic module (4) comprising the module connector (41) close to the receiving connector (23), wherein the receiving connector (23) or the module connector (41) comprises a funnel-shaped guide (24) such that a reaction force between one of the module connector (41) and the receiving connector (23) and the funnel-shaped guide (24) moves the receiving connector (23) within the grooved edge (121) and into alignment with the module connector (41) if the module connector (41) is not fully aligned with the receiving connector (23), thereby enabling mechanical and electrical connection between the receiving connector (23) and the module connector (41).

Technical Field

The present invention relates to the field of the manufacture of automotive lighting devices, and more particularly to the positioning of lighting modules on lighting device housings.

Background

Vehicle lighting devices require more and more electrical connections to perform new functions, providing safer and advanced performance.

The wiring harness is used to route information and power supply to each light source of the lighting device. Since the lighting module has to be located in a specific position to meet strict regulations, the wiring harness is distributed in different bundles throughout the housing.

Each of these wires terminates with an electrical connector that is electrically coupled to the lighting module. However, these harnesses are loose and, since the assembly of the lighting device is performed manually, wherein visibility and accessibility are reduced, the final layout of these harnesses after connecting the lighting modules is uncertain. This can be dangerous and affect the correct operation of the lighting device.

Furthermore, current lighting modules sometimes require free rotation or pivoting according to the user's requirements, and therefore these connections cannot be over tightened.

Disclosure of Invention

The invention provides a solution to this problem by means of an electronic connection assembly according to claim 1, a motor vehicle lighting device according to claim 11 and a manufacturing method according to claim 12. Preferred embodiments of the invention are defined in the dependent claims.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein are to be interpreted as commonly understood in the art. It will be further understood that terms, which are used in conjunction therewith, should also be interpreted as commonly used in the relevant art without an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

The terms "comprises" and derivatives thereof (such as "comprises" and "comprising," etc.) herein are not to be taken in an exclusive sense, that is, these terms are not to be construed as excluding the possibility that the described and defined content may include other elements, steps, etc.

In a first aspect, the present invention provides an electronic connection assembly comprising:

a base having a first opening and a second opening, the second opening including a notched edge having a channel connecting the first opening and the second opening;

a first connector assembly including a wire harness, a rim, and a receiving connector protruding from the rim by a connector height, the rim adapted to be introduced into the notched edge;

a modular connector adapted to mate with a receiving connector;

wherein the first connector assembly or the modular connector comprises a funnel-shaped guide.

The assembly allows for semi-automated electrical connection between the modular connector and a receiving connector pre-disposed in the notched edge. The modular connectors can be securely connected in a single motion while achieving both mechanical and electrical connections.

Such a funnel-shaped guide helps to bring one connector to the second connector even if the one connector and the second connector are misaligned.

In some particular embodiments, the notched edge includes at least one tab adapted to mate with the peripheral edge when the peripheral edge is inserted into the notched edge.

This tab is useful because it is not always easy to insert the rim in the notched edge.

In some particular embodiments, the second opening comprises a first positioning element and the rim of the first connector component comprises a second positioning element adapted to mate with the first positioning element such that the rim can only enter the correct position of the grooved edge.

It is sometimes useful to provide a mechanism for ensuring proper orientation of the receiving connector, as some modular connectors are irreversible and only accept one correct position.

In particular embodiments, the first locating element is a hole in one lug or a hollow portion between two lugs, and the second locating element is a protrusion in the outer rim.

The protrusions in the outer edge are an inexpensive and reliable way of ensuring the correct position of the receiving connector.

In some particular embodiments, the receiving connector and the module connector include mating related elements. These mating related mechanisms may be used to prevent accidental disconnection of the connectors. Some examples of such mating-related mechanisms are snap-fit connections or press-fit connections.

In some particular embodiments, the funnel-shaped guide is rectangular. This shape is particularly advantageous because it provides corners that facilitate rapid alignment of the modular connector.

In some particular embodiments, the rim is connected to the rest of the first connector assembly by means of at least one U-shaped element which absorbs displacement and cooperates when the rim is inserted into the grooved rim.

These U-shaped elements may be used to provide flexibility to the outer rim so that it can be more easily introduced into the grooved rim.

In some particular embodiments, the funnel-shaped guide extends to completely surround the entire connector height, and exceeds the connector height by at least 2 mm.

Such a funnel-shaped guide provides good protection for the connector and receives the corresponding mating connector within a suitable misalignment range.

In another inventive aspect, the invention provides a motor vehicle lighting device comprising an electronic connection assembly according to the preceding inventive aspect.

In another inventive aspect, the present invention provides a method for manufacturing a lighting device for a motor vehicle, the method comprising the steps of:

providing an electronic connection assembly according to the aforementioned inventive aspect, wherein the base is included in the lighting device housing;

passing the receiving connector through the first opening and the wire harness through the passage such that the receiving connector and a portion of the wire harness are located on one side of the second opening and the second portion of the wire harness is located on the other side of the second opening;

inserting the outer rim of the receiving connector into the notched edge of the second opening, wherein the notched edge provides a play such that the outer rim is free to move within the notched edge in at least one direction;

an electronic module including a module connector is brought into proximity with a receiving connector, wherein the receiving connector or the module connector includes a funnel-shaped guide such that if the module connector is not properly aligned with the receiving connector, a reaction force between one of the module connector and the receiving connector and the funnel-shaped guide causes the receiving connector to move within the grooved edge and align with the module connector such that a mechanical and electrical connection can be made between the receiving connector and the module connector.

When this method is used, even if the module connector and the receiving connector are misaligned, mechanical connection and electrical connection that can be automatically performed can be achieved in the same step.

Drawings

To complete the description and for a better understanding of the invention, a set of drawings is provided. The drawings form an integral part of the description and illustrate embodiments of the invention, which, however, should not be taken to limit the scope of the invention, but are merely as examples of how the invention may be practiced. The drawings include the following figures:

fig. 1 shows a first step of the method according to the invention.

Fig. 2 shows a second step of the method according to the invention.

Fig. 3 shows a third step of the method according to the invention.

Fig. 4 shows a specific view of a detail of the assembly according to the invention.

Fig. 5 shows a fourth step of the method according to the invention.

Fig. 6a to 6c show a schematic depiction of the operating principle of the method according to the invention.

Fig. 7 shows a motor vehicle with a motor vehicle lighting device according to the invention.

Detailed Description

The exemplary embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those of ordinary skill in the art to implement and practice the systems and processes described herein. It is important to understand that embodiments may be provided in many alternative forms and should not be construed as limited to the examples set forth herein.

Accordingly, while embodiments may be modified in various ways and take on various alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof are shown in the drawings and will be described below in detail by way of example. It is not intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the appended claims. Throughout the drawings and the appropriate detailed description, elements of the exemplary embodiments are identified by the same reference numerals.

Fig. 1 shows a first step of the method according to the invention. In this step, a connection assembly is provided.

The connection assembly comprises a housing 1 of a motor vehicle lighting device, which housing 1 comprises a first opening 11 and a second opening 12. The second opening 12 comprises a notched edge 121 and has a channel 13 connecting the first opening 11 and the second opening 12.

Furthermore, the connection assembly comprises a first connector assembly 2. The first connector assembly 2 includes a wiring harness 21, an outer rim 22, and a receiving connector 23.

The outer rim 22 has a shape adapted to be introduced into the slotted edge 121 of the second opening 12 of the housing 1.

The receiving connector 23 protrudes from the outer edge 22 by a connector height hc so that it can be easily reached by the corresponding connector. Furthermore, the first connector assembly 2 further comprises a funnel-shaped guide 24, the funnel-shaped guide 24 being configured to guide the corresponding connector when it approaches the receiving connector 23.

Fig. 2 shows a second step of the method. In this step, the first connector assembly 2 passes through the first opening 11 and the wire harness 21 passes through the passage 13. By these two substeps, the first connector assembly 2 is positioned on either side of the second opening 12: a portion of the wiring harness is located on a first side of the second opening 12 and the remaining portion of the wiring harness is located on a second side of the second opening 12 along with the outer rim 22, the receiving connector (not shown) and the funnel-shaped guide 24.

Fig. 3 shows a third step of the method. The outer edge 22 of the first connector component 2 is inserted into the slotted edge 121 of the second opening. The notched edge 121 provides play: the slot has a larger dimension than the outer rim 22 such that the outer rim 22 is free to move in at least one direction within the grooved rim 121. Insertion of the outer edge 22 is facilitated by a number of U-shaped elements 221, which U-shaped elements 221 connect the outer edge 22 with the rest of the first connector assembly 2. These U-shaped elements 221 absorb the deformation of the outer rim 22 so that it is easily introduced into the notched edges 121.

In this step of introducing the outer edge 22 into the grooved edge 121, it is sometimes necessary to introduce the outer edge in a specific correct direction. Thus, some mechanism for ensuring proper insertion is provided.

As shown in fig. 4, notched edge 121 includes two tabs 122. The lugs 122 are configured to mate with a protrusion 25 located in the rim, forming a fail-safe (poka-yoke) system to avoid incorrect orientation of the rim 22 in the notched edge 121.

Fig. 5 shows a fourth step of the method. In this step, the electronic module 4 comprising the module connector 41 is close to the receiving connector 23. Since the receiving connector 23 includes the funnel-shaped guide 24, if the module connector 41 is not perfectly aligned with the receiving connector 23, the reaction force between the module connector 41 and the funnel-shaped guide 24 causes the receiving connector 23 to move within the grooved edge 121 and to be aligned with the module connector, so that mechanical and electrical connection can be made between the receiving connector and the module connector.

Once the two connectors are connected together, there are some mating related elements in both connectors so that the two connectors can be easily mechanically and electrically connected by a simple and automated approach step.

In the embodiment of this figure, these mating related elements comprise press fit connections such that when the two connectors are close enough, the tight dimensional difference between them is such that the two remain together after the pressure is removed. In other embodiments, a snap-fit connection is used for this purpose.

Fig. 6a, 6b and 6c show schematic examples of the approach step when two connectors are misaligned.

As shown in the previous figures, the module connector 41 is close to the receiving connector 23 (fig. 6 a). Since the funnel-shaped guide 24 is rectangular, it provides a good guide for the module connector 41, so that a counter force is provided if the module connector 41 is not perfectly aligned with the receiving connector 23 (fig. 6 b). Furthermore, since the funnel-shaped guide 24 extends to completely surround the entire connector height hc and exceeds the connector height by at least 2mm, the modular connector 41 has sufficient surface to change the position of the first connector assembly 2. Finally, the receiving connector 23 is moved and finally the connection between the module connector 41 and the receiving connector 23 is made (fig. 6 c).

Fig. 7 shows a motor vehicle 100 comprising a motor vehicle lighting device 10 having an electronic connection assembly as described in the previous figures. The automotive lighting device 10 can be more easily and reliably manufactured, thereby saving cost and time.