CONNECTION ASSEMBLY HAVING AN INSTALLATION CONNECTION DEVICE AND A FIT-ON CONNECTION DEVICE

Abstract

An installation connection device for installation in a housing opening includes a body, which has an installation portion, and a connection portion. The installation portion has a sealing means designed for sealing with respect to the housing opening or with respect to the housing wall containing the housing opening and is delimited at the transition to the connection portion by a stop structure. The installation portion also has fixing structures designed to fix the installation portion in the housing opening or to the wall surrounding the housing opening. On the side of the stop structure opposite from the installation portion, a collar having a peripherally closed wall is integrally formed on the stop structure. In the body, a holder is removably supported and fixed without a seal, which holder is designed to releasably receive, without a seal, one or more first line connection devices, which each provide a connection point of a line connected thereto for a corresponding second line connection device provided in a fit-on connection device coupled to the connection portion. The holder is supported in the body such that the first line connection devices are accessible within the space surrounded by the collar wall.

Claims

1. An installation connection device for installation in a housing opening, comprising: a body, which has an installation portion of round cross section, and a connection portion, wherein the installation portion comprises a peripheral sealing means designed for sealing with respect to the housing opening or with respect to the housing wall containing the housing opening and is delimited at the transition to the connection portion by a stop structure, wherein the installation portion also has one or more fixing structures designed to fix the installation portion in the housing opening or to the wall surrounding the housing opening, wherein, on the side of the stop structure opposite from the installation portion, a collar having a peripherally closed wall is integrally formed on the stop structure, wherein, in the body, a holder is removably supported and fixed without a seal, which holder is designed to releasably receive, without a seal, one or more first line connection devices, which each provide a connection point of a line connected thereto for a corresponding second line connection device provided in a fit-on connection device comprising a body, which has a fit-on portion and a connection portion, wherein the fit-on portion has a form closed in a cup-like manner, the contour of which follows the collar of the installation connection device and which is designed to surround the collar, wherein, on or in the floor of the fit-on portion, one or more second line connection devices are arranged, which correspond with corresponding first line connection devices of the installation connection device and are designed to contact said first line connection devices, wherein, in the interior of the form closed in a cup-like manner, a sealing means is arranged on the floor of the fit-on portion or near the floor along the inside of the form closed in a cup-like manner, said sealing means being designed to interact with the collar of the installation connection device in the connected state and to seal, toward the floor of the form closed in a cup-like manner, the internal space formed by the collar of the installation connection device, wherein lines each connected to a second line connection device are led fluid-tight through the floor of the form closed in a cup-like manner and into the connection portion and the connection portion leads the lines out of the fit-on connection device without a seal, or wherein lines each connected to a second line connection device are led, without a seal, through the floor of the form closed in a cup-like manner and into the connection portion, and the connection portion leads the lines out of the fit-on connection device through a sealing means, or leads the lines into a line guide element which is connected to the connection portion fluid-tight by a sealing means, said fit-on connection device being coupled to the connection portion, wherein the holder is supported in the body such that the one or more first line connection devices are accessible within the space surrounded by the collar wall.

2. The installation connection device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more first line connection devices comprise fluid couplings or electrically conductive contact pins, contact sleeves or spring clamps.

3. The installation connection device as claimed in claim 1, wherein one or more first guide structures for positioning and/or guiding a fit-on connection device are provided on the collar wall and/or wherein one or more first locking structures for locking a fit-on connection device which is coupled to the connection portion are provided on the collar wall.

4. The installation connection device as claimed in claim 1, wherein one or more positioning structures for positioning the installation connection device in a housing opening are provided on the stop structure.

5. The installation connection device as claimed in claim 1, wherein one or more second guide structures designed to interact with corresponding first guide structures of the installation connection device are provided in the wall of the form closed in a cup-like manner, and/or wherein one or more second locking structures designed to interact with the one or more first locking structures of the installation connection device are provided on or in the wall of the form closed in a cup-like manner.

6. The installation connection device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more second line connection devices comprise fluid couplings or electrically conductive contact pins, contact sleeves or spring clamps.

7. A fluid-tight connection assembly comprising an installation connection device as claimed in claim 1.

8. A method for mounting an installation connection device as claimed in one of claim 1 in a housing opening, comprising: providing a housing, which has a housing opening and one or more lines connected within the housing, and providing a body of the installation connection device, leading the one or more lines through the housing opening out of the interior of the housing, wherein, if the one or more lines are not yet provided with first line connection devices, the method also comprises: providing first line connection devices, connecting each of the one or more lines to a respective first line connection device, wherein, if the first line connection devices connected to lines are not yet supported and fixed in a holder, the method also comprises: providing a holder, and arranging the first line connection devices connected to lines in the holder, wherein the method also comprises: receiving the holder in the body, and inserting the installation connection device into and fixing it in the housing opening.

10. A fit-on connection device for connection to an installation connection device, a body, which has an installation portion of round cross section, and a connection portion, wherein the installation portion comprises a peripheral sealing means designed for sealing with respect to the housing opening or with respect to the housing wall containing the housing opening and is delimited at the transition to the connection portion by a stop structure, wherein the installation portion also has one or more fixing structures designed to fix the installation portion in the housing opening or to the wall surrounding the housing opening, wherein, on the side of the stop structure opposite from the installation portion, a collar having a peripherally closed wall is integrally formed on the stop structure, wherein, in the body, a holder is removably supported and fixed without a seal, which holder is designed to releasably receive, without a seal, one or more first line connection devices, which each provide a connection point of a line connected thereto for a corresponding second line connection device provided in the fit-on connection device; said fit on connection device comprising a body, which has a fit-on portion and a connection portion, wherein the fit-on portion has a form closed in a cup-like manner, the contour of which follows the collar of the installation connection device and which is designed to surround the collar, wherein, on or in the floor of the fit-on portion, one or more second line connection devices are arranged, which correspond with corresponding first line connection devices of the installation connection device and are designed to contact said first line connection devices, wherein, in the interior of the form closed in a cup-like manner, a sealing means is arranged on the floor of the fit-on portion or near the floor along the inside of the form closed in a cup-like manner, said sealing means being designed to interact with the collar of the installation connection device in the connected state and to seal, toward the floor of the form closed in a cup-like manner, the internal space formed by the collar of the installation connection device, wherein lines each connected to a second line connection device are led fluid-tight through the floor of the form closed in a cup-like manner and into the connection portion and the connection portion leads the lines out of the fit-on connection device without a seal, or wherein lines each connected to a second line connection device are led, without a seal, through the floor of the form closed in a cup-like manner and into the connection portion, and the connection portion leads the lines out of the fit-on connection device through a sealing means, or leads the lines into a line guide element which is connected to the connection portion fluid-tight by a sealing means.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

[0022] The invention is described below, by way of example, with reference to the drawing. In the drawing:

[0023] FIG. 1 shows parts of an exemplary connection assembly of known design,

[0024] FIG. 2 shows a detail view of the parts of the connection assembly of FIG. 1,

[0025] FIG. 3 shows a completed connection assembly from FIG. 1,

[0026] FIG. 4 shows a plurality of lines for arranging in a holder before they are fixedly connected to respective line connection devices, said holder being provided for use with the installation connection device according to the invention,

[0027] FIG. 5 shows the line connection devices received in a holder, with the lines connected to said line connection devices,

[0028] FIG. 6 shows an installation connection device with a holder inserted therein, in a perspective rear view,

[0029] FIG. 7 shows the installation connection device from FIG. 6 in an oblique front view,

[0030] FIG. 8 shows a second exemplary embodiment of an installation connection device in an oblique front view,

[0031] FIG. 9 shows another view of the second exemplary embodiment of the installation connection device according to the invention in an oblique front view,

[0032] FIG. 10 shows an installation connection device according to the invention mounted in a housing,

[0033] FIG. 11 shows another example of an installation connection device mounted in a housing,

[0034] FIG. 12 shows an exemplary embodiment of a part of a fit-on connection device according to the invention fitted on an installation connection device according to the invention,

[0035] FIG. 13 shows an installation connection device according to the invention mounted in a housing, with fitted-on fit-on portion of a fit-on connection device according to the invention, and

[0036] FIG. 14 shows an exemplary flowchart of a method for mounting an installation connection device according to the invention in a housing opening.

[0037] In the figures, identical or similar elements can be referenced with the same reference signs.

DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

[0038] FIGS. 1 to 3 have already been described above and are therefore not explained again.

[0039] FIG. 4 shows a plurality of lines 170 for arranging in a holder 150 before they are fixedly connected to respective line connection devices 160, said holder being provided for use with the installation connection device 100 according to the invention. The lines are guided in a tube, which serves as a line guide element 172. The line connection devices 160, only some of which, for reasons of clarity, are provided with reference signs, have a crimp connection point 162 for connecting the respective line 170 and are provided with contact pins 166 for connecting to corresponding sleeves, sockets, clamping springs or the like. A locking element 164 which serves for fixing the line connection device 160 in the holder 150 is arranged between the crimp connection point 162 and the contact pin 166.

[0040] FIG. 5 shows the line connection devices 160 received in a holder 150, with the lines 170 connected to said line connection devices. The figure clearly shows how the locking elements 164 of the line connection devices 160 are supported on the holder 150 and prevent the line connection devices 160 from being removed from the holder 150. The contact pins 166 are led through a front plate 156 and fixed in position. A locking element 154 is provided on the holder 150, the upper edge of which locking element interacts with a corresponding protrusion in the body 102 of the installation connection device 100 and prevents the holder 150 from being removed from the body 102. The locking element 154 can be flexibly supported or, as shown here, can itself be flexible so that, when said locking element is pressed down, the holder 150 can be removed from the body 102. A projecting protuberance 152 is used to correctly orient the holder 150 in the body 102 of the installation connection device 100, the installation connection device having a corresponding complementary recess.

[0041] FIG. 6 shows a first exemplary embodiment of an installation connection device 100 with a holder 150 inserted therein, in a perspective rear view. The body 102 of the installation connection device 100 is divided into an installation portion 120 having a round cross section and a connection portion 140, with a stop structure 130 lying therebetween. Of the holder 150, only the rear side within the installation portion 120 can be seen, and also the lines 170 arranged therein, which, for better clarity, are not all provided with reference signs. The installation portion 120 comprises fixing means 124, which fix the one installation connection device 100 in a housing opening once said installation connection device has been installed in the housing opening. In the example shown in the figure, the fixing means 124 are flexible locking hooks. The installation portion 120 also comprises a sealing means 122, here a peripheral sealing ring. The connection portion 140 comprises a collar 142 having a peripherally closed wall. On the collar 142, a locking structure 144 can be seenhere in the form of a locking projection. First guide means 146 are also provided on the collar, said first guide means interacting with corresponding second guide structures 246 (not shown in the figure) of a fit-on connection device 200 (not shown in the figure). The stop structure 130 comprises a positioning structure 132, which, in order to position the installation connection device 100 in a housing opening, interacts with a corresponding structure at or in the housing opening.

[0042] FIG. 7 shows the installation connection device 100 from FIG. 6 in an oblique front view. In this view, the peripherally closed wall of the collar 142 is clearly visible, as are the contact pins 166, which are accessible in the space surrounded by the collar 142. The locking structure 144 and the first guide structures 146 are also clearly visible.

[0043] FIG. 8 shows a second exemplary embodiment of an installation connection device 100 in an oblique front view. This exemplary embodiment corresponds essentially to the exemplary embodiment from FIGS. 6 and 7. In contrast thereto, here a protruding plate 134 running parallel to the stop structure is provided. The plate 134 can be used for marking purposes, e.g. by affixing a sticker or by printing thereon. The other elements correspond to those of the first exemplary embodiment and are not discussed again here.

[0044] FIG. 9 shows another view of the second exemplary embodiment of the installation connection device 100 according to the invention in an oblique front view. In this view, it is clear how the contact pins 166 are accessible in the space surrounded by the collar 142. Also clear is a through-hole 148 in the floor of the space surrounded by the collar 142, through which the locking element 154 of the holder 150 can be actuated. At the bottom edge of the through-hole 148, part of the front plate 156 of the holder 150 can be seen.

[0045] FIG. 10 shows an installation connection device 100 mounted in a housing 50. Of the housing opening 52, only an edge can still be seen; the rest is concealed by the stop structure 130.

[0046] FIG. 11 shows another example of an installation connection device 100 mounted in a housing 50. In this example, it is clear how the positioning structure 132 corresponds with a hole at the housing opening of the housing 50 and fixes the position of the installation connection device 100.

[0047] FIG. 12 shows an exemplary embodiment of a part of a fit-on connection device 200 according to the invention fitted on an installation connection device 100 according to the invention. The figure shows merely the fit-on portion 220. The fit-on portion 220 has a form closed in a cup-like manner, the contour of which follows that of the collar 142 of the installation connection device 100 and surrounds said collar. Consequently, the collar 142 is not visible in the figure. In the fit-on portion 220, second line connection devices are arranged which correspond with corresponding first line connection devices 160 of the installation connection device 100 and contact said first line connection devices (not shown in the figure). The second line connection devices are arranged in or on the floor of the fit-on portion 220; the figure shows only the lead-throughs 222, which finally lead lines connected to the second line connection devices out of the fit-on portion 220. On the top side of the fit-on portion, a locking structure 230 can be seen, which here is formed by an elastic tongue that interacts with the locking projection 144 of the connection portion 140 of the installation connection device 100. For this purpose, an opening can be provided in the wall of the fit-on portion 220. Instead of an elastic tongue, an elastically supported rigid tongue can also be provided. In the fit-on portion 220, sealing means are provided, which cannot be seen in the figure and which interact with the collar of the installation connection device 100.

[0048] FIG. 13 shows an installation connection device 100 according to the invention mounted in a housing 50, with a fitted-on fit-on portion 220 of a fit-on connection device 200 according to the invention. Reference signs are not used in the figure; the individual elements have already been described in FIGS. 10 and 12.

[0049] FIG. 14 shows an exemplary flowchart of a method 300 for mounting an installation connection device 100 according to the invention in a housing opening 52. In step 310, a housing 50, which has a housing opening 52 and one or more lines 170 connected within the housing 50, and a body 102 of the installation connection device 100 are provided. In step 320, the one or more lines 170 are led through the housing opening 52 out of the interior of the housing. If the one or more lines 170 are not yet provided with first line connection devices 160, in step 330, first line connection devices 160 are provided, and in step 340 each of the one or more lines 170 is connected to a respective first line connection device 160. If the first line connection devices 160 connected to lines 170 are not yet supported and fixed in a holder 150, in step 350 a holder 150 is provided, and in step 360 the first line connection devices 160 connected to lines 170 are arranged in the holder 150. In step 370, the holder 150 is received in the body, and finally in step 380 the installation connection device 100 is inserted into and fixed in the housing opening 52. In the figure, the conditional steps are shown with dashed boxes.

LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS (PART OF THE DESCRIPTION)

[0050] 10 Connection assembly [0051] 12 Line [0052] 14 Corrugated tube [0053] 16 Seal [0054] 18 Sleeve [0055] 20 Plugging connector [0056] 22 Connection housing [0057] 50 Housing [0058] 52 Housing opening [0059] 100 Installation connection device [0060] 102 Body [0061] 120 Installation portion [0062] 122 Sealing means [0063] 124 Fixing structure [0064] 130 Stop structure [0065] 132 Positioning structure [0066] 134 Plate [0067] 140 Connection portion [0068] 142 Collar [0069] 144 Locking structure [0070] 146 First guide structure [0071] 148 Through-hole [0072] 150 Holder [0073] 152 Protuberance [0074] 154 Locking element [0075] 156 Front plate [0076] 160 First line connection device [0077] 162 Crimp connection point [0078] 164 Locking element [0079] 166 Contact pin [0080] 170 Line [0081] 172 Line guide element [0082] 200 Fit-on connection device [0083] 220 Fit-on portion [0084] 222 Lead-throughs [0085] 230 Second locking structure [0086] 300 Method [0087] 310 Providing [0088] 320 Leading through [0089] 330 Providing [0090] 340 Connecting [0091] 350 Providing [0092] 360 Arranging [0093] 370 Receiving [0094] 380 Inserting and fixing