DE102015209792B4 - contact element - Google Patents

Abstract

Contact element for insertion in a plug-in direction (280) into a contact carrier (500), the contact element (100) comprising: a contact box (120) and a reversibly displaceable latching lance (140) for latching the contact element (100) in the contact carrier (500), wherein the latching lance (140) is connected to a first end (146) in a connecting portion (130) with the contact box (120) and extends opposite to the insertion direction (280), wherein the latching lance (140) with one of the first end (146 ) remote from the contact box (120), characterized in that between the connecting portion (130) and an end face (102) of the contact element (100) at least a first contact jaw (430) and at least one second contact jaw (440 ), are provided such that upon a displacement of the second end (142) of the locking lance (140) away from the contact box (120) an approximation of the at least one first contact jaw (430) and the at least one second contact forceps jaw (440) relative to each other is reachable up to an end position, in which the at least one first contact forceps jaw (430) and the at least one second contact forceps jaw (440) come into mechanical contact.

Description

Field of the invention

The invention relates to a contact element for insertion in a plug-in direction in a contact carrier.

State of the art

In connector assemblies for producing electrical connections, for example in the automotive sector, contact elements are usually fitted after crimping in a contact carrier made of plastic. The contact element usually locked in the contact carrier z. B. by a latching lance projecting from the contact resilient element which engages in a corresponding recess on the contact carrier.

From the DE 10 2012 209 029 A1 is such a contact element known.

From the US 5 741 162 A is an electrical contact with an improved locking lance known.

Disclosure of the invention

The invention is based on the recognition that the locking lance should meet two not easily compatible requirements. On the one hand, the locking lance should be so rigid that a high pull-out force can be achieved. The force limit at which the locking lance the pull-out force no longer withstood but z. B. damaged can also be referred to as a primary holding force. The highest possible primary holding force is to be achieved both in the case of open and closed chambers of the contact carrier in which the contact element latches.

At the same time, the locking lance should be elastic in order to ensure sufficient latching surface (for this it must spring open sufficiently far after the insertion process) and thus the locking lance can be pressed reversibly elastically in the direction of the contact element during insertion of the contact element into the contact carrier with little force and after the insertion process rebounded again. An inelastic or not sufficiently elastic locking lance can not spring enough after assembly, resulting in an insufficient or no Verrastfläche between the locking lance and the chamber wall of the contact carrier. It is then ensured no sufficiently secure locking.

Especially with regard to miniaturized contact elements, it is difficult to meet both requirements at the same time sufficiently. Even with miniaturized contact elements, high mechanical demands are placed on the primary holding force despite small sheet thicknesses and small size. An increase in the primary holding force by measures such. B. larger sheet thicknesses or a partial bending of the locking lance to form a strip, is at the expense of the required elasticity.

There may therefore be a need to provide a contact element in a cost-effective and simple manner in which a high primary holding force can be achieved by a novel design and at the same time the elasticity of the locking lance during insertion and the subsequent Auffedern in the chamber of the contact carrier is not affected ,

Advantages of the invention

This need can be met by the subject matter of the present invention according to the independent claim. Advantageous embodiments of the present invention are described in the dependent claims.

It is proposed a contact element for insertion in a plug-in direction in a contact carrier, in which a particularly stable and at the same time elastic locking lance is provided. As a result, compared with the prior art, a higher primary holding force can be achieved with a simultaneous low insertion force during the insertion process into the contact carrier.

This is achieved in that the contact element comprises a contact box and a reversibly displaceable locking lance for locking the contact element in the contact carrier. The locking lance is connected to a first end in a connecting portion with the contact box and extends counter to the insertion, ie to the rear. The locking lance is with a remote from the first end second end of the contact box from (ie, from the outside), for example, the locking lance is obliquely from the contact box. The first end may also be referred to as the front end and the second end as the rear end with respect to the insertion direction. The second end may also be referred to as a free end. It may be configured such that it is not directly connected to the contact box. According to the invention it is provided that -. B. viewed along the insertion - between the connecting portion and a front end - ie viewed along the insertion front end to which no cable is struck - the contact element at least a first contact jaw and at least one second contact jaw are provided. The at least one first contact jaw and the at least a second contact forceps jaw are provided in such a way, in particular provided or designed in pairs, that at a displacement of the second end or the free end of the locking lance away from the contact box an approximation of at least one first contact jaw and the at least one second contact jaw relative to each other to a End position is effected or can be reached, in which end position the at least one first contact forceps jaw and the at least one second contact forceps jaw come into mechanical contact. There are z. B. pairs of first contact jaws and second contact jaws in the final position in mechanical contact.

The contact box may preferably extend along a longitudinal axis, which in the inserted state is approximately parallel to the insertion direction.

Advantageously, the contact element is produced as a stamped and bent part. Particularly advantageously, the contact element is produced in one piece. The contact element, in particular the contact box, can be made of a metal sheet. Material thicknesses of the metal sheet in the range from 0.1 mm to 0.3 mm, in particular from 0.12 mm to 0.2 mm, can be used in particular for miniaturized contact elements. The contact element or the contact box may have dimensions of about 1.5 mm to 2.0 mm × 0.7 mm to 1.3 mm.

The locking lance is preferably displaceable in a direction of displacement transversely to the insertion direction. Preferably, the locking lance is elastically reversible displaceable, d. H. it may be moved from a rest position inwardly (i.e., towards the contact box) to a first position and outwardly (i.e., away from the contact box) to a second position without undergoing plastic deformation or damage. After a shift to the first or in the second position in consequence of an acting force, the locking lance displaced by its elasticity or spring action after the end of the force of action from back to the rest position.

The locking lance is preferably designed such that it can positively lock with the second end to an undercut in the contact carrier.

The locking lance and the contact box have different functions. The contact box serves to make electrical contact with a mating contact element. For example, a mating contact element can be inserted into the contact box. The contact box can have, for example, a square, rectangular, round, ellipsoidal or generally polygonal cross-section. He can z. B. be designed hollow inside. The locking lance is used to secure the contact element, for example in an undercut of the contact carrier, d. H. Captive against unintentional release, to lock. The locking can z. B. done as a positive connection between locking lance and undercut.

In the context of this application, a contact forceps jaw can be understood as a surface which can come into mechanical contact with another surface, preferably a contact forceps jaw opposite it, ie. H. that the surfaces then touch. The approach of the first contact forceps jaw and the second contact forceps jaw can be done, for example, pliers. This means that the two contact forceps jaws are displaced toward one another about a common pivot point or rocking point or tilting point. This movement is for example a rotary movement, or a rocking movement or a tilting movement. The pivot point or rotary section or rocking point or tilting point of the latching lance can lie, for example, in the connecting section between latching lance and contact box or be formed by the connecting section.

Compared to the prior art, the contact element according to the invention has the advantage that the locking lance can be easily displaced inward and yet can be made very stiff and very robust and has a high primary holding force. The stable form of training can be typical failure patterns such. As a break at the locking lance at the first end or slipping in an open-top Verrastkammer the contact carrier avoid or occur only at higher Ausreißkräften. Thus, advantageously increases the primary holding force. At the same time, the elasticity of the locking lance is not reduced or impaired, in particular when displacing inwardly, due to the increased rigidity and stability. This advantageously allows a very low mounting force for the insertion process of the contact element in the contact carrier, which can for example prevent the bending of attached to the rear end of the contact element electrical lines. Furthermore, the locking lance receives an additional support by the two in contact with the contact jaws when trying to pull the contact element in the locked state of the contact carrier. If the locking lance in the contact chamber upwards or outwards, ie away from the contact box on the undercut or in the Verrastkammer the contact carrier first, it is prevented after a small displacement distance to the outside by the meeting of the two contact jaws it, further upwards to slip or additionally stabilized by the mechanical contact of the two contact jaws. In plug-in operations or intentional pull-out operations, in which the locking lance is pressed inwards, ie to the contact box, on the other hand, the elastic spring action of the locking lance is not affected by the contact jaws, as at least one first contact jaw of a displacement of the locking lance the at least one second contact forceps jaw removed.

Advantageous developments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

In one embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the displacement of the second end of the locking lance away from the contact box to the end position requires a first force F1 and that upon reaching the end position for a further displacement of the second end of the locking lance away from the contact box required force increased relative to the first force F1.

This increase compared to the first force F1 can z. B. in a force-displacement diagram jumped when reaching the end position. The increase of the necessary force compared to the first force F1 is for example at least 10%, preferably at least 20%, more preferably at least 30% and most preferably at least 50%.

In other words, due to the relatively thin connecting web, which serves as a kind of elastic pivot point for the compression and rebound of the locking lance, allows a light and only a first force F1 requiring, for example, rotational movement or displacement of the locking lance in a first displacement area. This first, preferably elastically reversible, displacement region extends to a rest position of the locking lance outwards and inwards.

It ranges from an inner first position on the rest position in which the locking lance z. B. latched in the contact carrier and can project obliquely from the contact box, to a second outer position. The second, outer, position up to which an elastically reversible displacement is possible can basically, d. H. without the contact jaws, further out than the end position of the locking lance, in which a further displacement to the outside is blocked or inhibited by the meeting of the respective pairs of first and second contact jaws. However, for a displacement of the locking lance outward beyond the end position, the stability of the locking lance increases with respect to a further outward displacement as a result of the coincidence of the pairs of first and second contact jaws. Thus, a further shift beyond the end position requires a clearly over the first force, and z. B. abruptly, increased force, since now not only the elasticity of the relatively thin connection portion must be overcome, but also already abutting contact jaws on each other moved or would have to be deformed. The contact jaws are clearly spaced from the pivot point in the connecting portion, z. B. at least 10% of the locking lance length along the insertion. So they are located away from the pivot point and thus form a lever arm, against which a force would have to work in addition to the further displacement of the second end of the locking lance. Ultimately, a further displacement of the locking lance outwardly advantageous only by a plastic deformation of the locking lance or the two contact jaws to be possible after a meeting of the two contact jaws.

The system of locking lance and connecting section can be considered as a kind of lever system. The distance from the connecting portion to the second end of the locking lance, where the force attaches to the outside, thereby forming the lever arm with the length L1. By applying a force F, which acts outwards, ie perpendicular to the lever arm, a torque T = F × L1 is achieved multiplied by the lever arm. This torque T counteracts a counter torque T2 caused by the elasticity of the connecting portion. Only when a force F acts outwards, which together with the lever arm results in a torque T, which is greater than the counter torque T2, the second end of the locking lance can be moved to the outside. The counter torque can, for. B. are considered to be constant until reaching the end position, so that the first force F1 also remains almost constant, if the length L1 of the lever arm does not change. However, the counter torque may change even with a displacement of the second end of the locking lance, z. B. increase. The force needed to move the second end outwards increases in this case until reaching the end position. The end position is then achieved by application of a first force F1.

By designing the system such that a sudden increase in force occurs from reaching the end position is advantageously causes the displacement of the second end of the locking lance inward without great effort is possible and the insertion forces are low and that at the same time after a preferably small displacement distance of the second End z. B. transversely or perpendicular to the insertion direction from the rest position into the end position, the resistance of the locking lance against a further movement to the outside increases dramatically, preferably increases significantly. This can be done with simple means a highly stable contact element with low insertion forces can be provided.

In a development of the invention, it is provided that the second end of the locking lance can be displaced transversely to the insertion direction by at least 1 mm and at most 5 mm, in particular by at least 2 mm and at most 4 mm, before the end position is reached. The specified displacement path of at least 1 mm and at most 5 mm or of at least 2 mm and at most 4 mm in this case refers to a displacement of the locking lance from its rest position. The rest position is defined as the position in which the locking lance is in the force-free state, for example projecting obliquely outward from the contact element. By this development is advantageously causes the locking lance in the state in which the contact element is latched in the contact carrier, on the one hand has sufficient leeway with an acting pull-out to this elastic pull-out, for example, caused by vibration to cushion elastically. As a result, for example, the battered at the contact element cable at low movement distances against the insertion loaded only muted because the locking lance can dampen such movements by a springing. At the same time, it is advantageously effected that, in the case of pull-out forces or pull-out forces which act counter to the insertion direction over a relatively long distance, the locking lance obtains its full rigidity by reaching the end position already after a slight displacement to the outside. This avoids that the locking lance rebounds too much outward and thus the stability of the locking lance could be impaired especially at the first end.

A further development of the invention provides that the at least one first contact forceps jaw and the at least one second contact forceps jaw are arranged in a side wall of the contact element, in particular are arranged opposite one another. This has the advantageous effect that the contact jaws are arranged in a particularly space-saving manner in the contact element and they are formed, for example, in one piece with the contact element.

Under sidewall here can be understood a wall of the contact element whose surface normal points in a direction which is aligned approximately transversely to the insertion direction and at the same time transversely to the displacement direction of the locking lance.

In a development of the invention, it is provided that the side wall of the contact element comprises the following regions or sections: a first region, which is a part of the latching lance and in which the at least one first contact forceps jaw is arranged; a second portion which is a part of the contact box and in which the at least one second contact jaw is arranged; the connecting portion, by which the first region and the second region are connected to each other, in particular are integrally connected. This has the advantageous effect that the locking lance can be designed to be particularly stable because it is at least partially formed from the side wall. The latching lance advantageously has a further region which, for example, is bent approximately at 90 ° with respect to the side wall and extends approximately in the direction of a top wall or a below wall of the contact box. As a result, the stability of the locking lance and thus the primary holding force can be increased significantly, especially in the case of miniaturized contact elements.

In a development of the invention, it is provided that a channel-like recess is provided in the side wall, which separates the first area from the second area and adjoins the connecting section, wherein the recess has an opening through an end side of the side wall. In this case, an end face of the side wall is understood as meaning any end of the side wall on which the side wall either ends transversely to the surface normal of the side wall or merges into another wall, for example an upper wall, a lower wall or an end wall of the contact element. In other words, it is provided in this development that the recess causes the first region to be separated from the second region in the region of the recess in a cantilever manner. The recess may for example be formed as a gap or a slot in the side wall. By this development is advantageously effected that the contact jaws can be made particularly simple. You are then z. B. arranged on opposite inner surfaces of the recess. By forming a recess, the distance of the contact jaws in the rest position of the locking lance can be adjusted in a particularly simple manner, whereby the production of the contact element can be realized inexpensively. With changing demands on the primary holding force or on the path of the second end of the locking lance to the end position can advantageously be varied by changing the shape of the recess in a simple manner, the distance between the contact jaws in the resting state without consuming new design of the contact element.

The fact that the recess is formed in such a way that the first region of the side wall merges continuously in the second region of the side wall on the part adjoining the connecting section advantageously has the effect of displacing the latching lance after Cracking at the transition region from the first region to the second region of the recess is suppressed inside or outside. The contact element advantageously has an improved service life and a lower failure rate.

A development of the invention provides that a transition region of the recess from the first region of the side wall to the second region of the side wall has a radius of curvature R of at least 0.5 mm, in particular of at least 1 mm. This advantageously reduces the risk of cracking during the displacement of the locking lance from the rest position inwards or outwards.

Characterized in that the opening of the recess is arranged in a substantially parallel to the insertion facing end side of the side wall is advantageously effected that the contact element is particularly easy to manufacture and the insertion process is not affected in the contact carrier. With facing parallel to the insertion direction end side is meant that the surface normal of the front side has parallel to the insertion direction. This end face thus corresponds to the front end facing the front side of the side wall.

Characterized in that the opening of the recess is arranged in a substantially transversely or perpendicular to the insertion facing end side of the side wall is advantageously effected that the locking lance can have a particularly high stability in the end position. With transversely or perpendicular to the insertion facing end side is meant that the surface normal of the front side has transverse or perpendicular to the insertion direction. Thus, the opening of the recess, for example, a slot in the side wall is now directed to the top wall or to the bottom wall (the bottom) of the contact element. If the contact element is designed as a stamped and bent part, the top wall or the bottom wall may be connected to the side wall and be carried out in a stamping bending process partially in double thickness. This results in a particularly high resistance of both sides of the opening arranged pairs of contact jaws. Thus, if the locking lance reaches its end position, then a deformation of the contact jaws thus executed in double material thickness or multiple material thickness is possible only at considerably higher forces. Thus, the locking lance gains overall considerable stability.

drawings

Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description of exemplary embodiments, which are not to be construed as limiting the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Show it:

1a and 1b a contact element of the prior art in a locked in a contact carrier state;

2a a part of a contact element according to the invention according to a first embodiment with the locking lance in the rest position;

2 B : the contact element 2a with the locking lance in the end position;

2c a schematic force-displacement diagram or torque-displacement diagram for the displacement of the second end of the locking lance;

3 a part of a contact element according to the invention according to a second embodiment with the locking lance in the rest position;

4 a part of a contact element according to the invention according to a third embodiment with the locking lance in the rest position.

All figures are merely schematic representations of devices according to the invention or of their components according to embodiments of the invention. In particular, distances and size relationships are not shown to scale in the figures. In the various figures, corresponding elements are provided with the same reference numbers.

1a shows a contact element 100 according to the prior art. The contact element 100 points along a direction of insertion 280 extending housing 110 and is in the figure in a contact carrier 500 plugged in and at an undercut 512 a in the example shown above open latching chamber 520 of the contact carrier 500 locked. The contact element comprises a contact box 120 in a contact section 160 at a front end (left in the figure) of the contact element 100 is arranged. To the contact section 160 closes against the direction of insertion considered a neck portion 170 on, in turn, in turn, a mounting portion 180 followed. In the attachment section 180 can a cable 300 with a cable insulation 310 and electrically conductive strands 320 be attached to the contact element, for example by Crimplaschen. The contact box 120 has a bottom at its side shown in the picture below 124 on and a side wall facing the viewer 150 of the housing 110 , A second side wall 150 is on the first sidewall 150 opposite side, so on the from the figure from the image plane to the rear side facing away from the case 110 arranged. The contact box 120 is formed, a mating contact element 700 , which may be formed, for example, as a contact blade or a pin, in its interior 122 take. For this purpose, the mating contact element 700 in a mating contact element insertion direction 780 that the insertion direction 280 is opposite, through an insertion opening 190 for the mating contact element 700 in the contact box 120 plugged in. This insertion opening 190 is at a front end or front end 102 of the contact element 100 arranged.

The contact element 100 also has a reversible movable latching lance 140 for locking the contact element 100 in the contact carrier 500 on. The locking lance 140 is with a first end 146 in a connecting section 130 or by means of a connection section 130 with the contact box 120 connected. The first end 146 the locking lance 140 can also be used as the root or root area of the locking lance 140 be designated. In a power-free rest position, as in 1a shown, stands the locking lance 140 with one from the first end 146 remote second end 142 contrary to the insertion direction 280 diagonally outward from the contact box 120 from. That way she can get at the undercut 512 the Verrastkammer 520 of the contact carrier 500 lock positively. In other words, pulling out the contact element 100 contrary to the insertion direction 280 by the concern of the second end 142 the locking lance 140 at the undercut 512 of the contact carrier 500 not possible without the locking lance 140 or the undercut 512 of the contact carrier 500 damage or without before pulling out the locking lance 140 to push inwards.

The locking lance 140 can with a first force F1 along a transverse or perpendicular to the insertion direction 280 standing shift direction 380 be moved elastically reversible outwards. Ends the force to the outside, so the locking lance moves 140 due to their elasticity back to their resting position. In the same way, for example, during insertion or in a planned Aussteckvorgang the locking lance 140 be moved elastically reversible inward with a force, so as to cross-section the contact element 100 reduce and the contact element 100 through an insertion opening 514 of the contact carrier 500 in the contact carrier 500 push in or out of the contact carrier 500 pull it out.

The contact element 100 points in its sidewall 150 a first area 152 on, the catch lance 140 is assigned or a part of the locking lance 140 is. The contact element 100 points in its sidewall 150 continue a second area 154 on, which is part of the contact box 120 is. The first area 152 is with the second area 154 in the connection section 130 connected.

1b shows the contact element 100 out 1a , wherein on the contact element 100 one opposite the direction of insertion 280 acting extraction force F0 is exercised. The locking lance 140 device at its second end 142 in mechanical contact with the undercut 512 and springs to the outside initially elastically reversible. If a high pull-out force F0 over a greater distance, so slips at a top open Verrastkammer 520 of the contact carrier 500 the second end on 142 at the undercut 512 of the contact carrier 500 without stopping upwards and it can lead to a plastic deformation or to a failure of the first end 146 or the root of the locking lance 140 come. Against such a failure helps in the prior art, only a stronger mechanical design of the locking lance 140 , for example, by higher material thicknesses or the inclusion of the side wall 150 in the construction of the locking lance 140 , This will indeed the locking lance 140 more stable against failure, however, suffers from its elasticity at the same time. Ie. There are significantly higher forces necessary to the locking lance 140 to shift inward, for example, during the insertion process.

2a shows a perspective view of the contact portion 160 an embodiment of a contact element according to the invention 100 in the rest position, ie in the power-free state. In contrast to the contact element 100 from the 1a and 1b has the in 2a shown contact element at its front or front end 102 (in the figure on the left), ie at the end, which is from the second end 142 the locking lance 140 turned away, a recess 400 on.

The recess 400 separates in the sidewall 150 the first area 152 from the second area 154 and adjoins the connection section 130 , The recess also has an opening 420 through the (with your surface normal) parallel to the insertion direction 280 pointing forehead 158a the side wall 150 on (left in the figure, while the locking lance 140 with her second end 142 pointing to the right). The opening 420 the recess 400 is thus in the substantially parallel to the insertion direction 280 pointing forehead 158a the side wall 150 arranged (the surface normal of the front side is parallel to the insertion direction 280 ). The side wall 150 has two more end faces, namely a face turned upwards in the picture 158b at the junction of the sidewall 150 in an upper wall of the locking lance 140 is located as well as a front page 158c on the side wall 150 in the transition to the ground 124 of the contact box 120 is located and points down in the figure. Contrary to the insertion 280 considered the recess widens 400 after the channel-like or slit-like or gap-like opening 420 to an approximately circular recess 400 whose from the opening 420 opposite end 410 to the connecting section 130 borders. This circular segment-like part of the recess 400 has an angle α of about 340 ° to 356 °, but at least an angle of 300 °. The angle α is thereby from the center of the expanded part of the recess 400 dimensioned, wherein the angle beginning at the first inwardly facing end of the channel-like opening 420 is to be removed and the angle end at the second inwardly facing end of the channel-like opening 420 , The contact element 100 also includes another sidewall 150 , In this is a recess 400 analogous to the recess described 400 intended.

In plug-in direction 280 is seen between the connecting portion 130 and the front or front end 102 of the contact element 100 in each side wall, a first contact jaw 430 and one of the first contact jaws 430 opposite second contact forceps jaw 440 intended. The contact pliers jaws 430 . 440 are in pairs as the mutually facing inner surfaces of the side wall 150 in the channel-like opening 420 the recess 400 educated. Thus, the first area 152 cantilevered over the second area 154 of the contact element 100 trained and the first area 152 is only by means of the connection section 130 or in the connection section 130 with the second area 154 connected.

The connecting section 130 is relatively short along the insertion 280 considered trained. This causes a force on the locking lance 140 outward or inward the locking lance 140 from the rest position, initially pliers-like around the connecting section 130 as a kind of fulcrum moves around, that is rotated substantially rotationally. For this purpose, the connecting portion deforms 130 elastically reversible and thus acts like a spring element. A displacement of the locking lance inwards is possible in this way with a very low force. With a displacement to the outside, the locking lance can be 140 initially relocate F with a relatively low force. On the one hand, the second end shifts 142 the locking lance outward, but at the same time also displaces the at least one first contact jaw 430 pliers-like inside, as between the at least one first contact jaw 430 and the second end 142 the locking lance 140 the connecting section 130 lies. After a short distance of the second end 142 the locking lance outward along the displacement direction 380 , For example, after at least 1 mm and at most 5 mm or after at least 2 mm and at most 4 mm, a final position is reached using a first force F1, wherein the at least one first contact jaw 430 with the at least one second contact forceps jaw 440 comes into mechanical contact.

In the illustrated embodiment (and in which the 3 and 4 ) is simplified assuming that the force F to shift the second end 142 from the rest position until the end position is reached, it is the same as the first force F1. Therefore, the arrow in the figures upwards is always denoted by "F1". It may happen in other embodiments that the force F changed until reaching the end position and the first force F1 must be applied only to reach the end position. Between the pivot point of the locking lance 140 in the connecting section 130 and the second end 142 the locking lance, which acts on the force F, the lever arm extends with its on the insertion direction 280 projected length L1.

2 B shows the contact element 2a in the final position. Here are pairs of the first contact jaws 430 with the second contact pliers jaws 440 in mechanical contact and the channel-like opening 420 the recess 400 has closed.

In a further shift of the second end 142 the locking lance 140 outward now not only the spring-like elasticity of the connecting portion must be overcome by the first force F1, but it is an additional force .DELTA.F spend at least 10% or at least 20% or at least 30% of the first force F1, preferably at least 50% of first force F1, more preferably at least 70% of the first force F1, and most preferably at least 150% of the first force F1. Because a further displacement either requires a deformation of the adjacent pairs of first and second contact jaws 430 . 440 or alternatively a plastic deformation of the first end 146 the locking lance 140 , so the root of the locking lance 140 , on which the locking lance in the connecting portion 130 with the contact box 120 is connected or a deformation of the portion between the connecting portion 130 and the second end 142 the locking lance 140 ,

The recess 400 assumes in the final position now an almost circular shape, since the channel-like opening 420 closed is. By the circular configuration with a radius of curvature R, in particular in the at the connecting portion 130 adjacent part is advantageously causes it at a displacement of the locking lance 140 inside not to voltage spikes on the connecting section 130 comes that a crack on the connecting portion 130 trigger and thus a destruction of the connection section 130 could cause.

2c schematically represents a force-displacement diagram or a torque-displacement diagram for the displacement of the second end 142 the locking lance 140 from the resting position away from the contact box 120 On the x-axis is the displacement distance s of the second end 142 transverse or perpendicular to the insertion direction 280 applied. On the y-axis is the shift to the second end 142 away from the contact box necessary force applied F or the torque necessary for relocating T, which consists of the multiplication of the applied force F perpendicular to the insertion direction 280 and the lever arm (see 2a . 2 B ) along the insertion direction 280 between the second end 142 and the (virtual) fulcrum in the connection section 130 results.

To the second end 142 from the rest position (shown on the x-axis as point s0) to move out a torque T is necessary, which corresponds to the counter torque T2 (s0) at the point s0, that of the acting in the manner of a spring connecting portion 130 a displacement from the rest position at s0 counteracts. In the figure, only a slight increase of the counter torque to the end position is shown, for example, after the displacement of the second end 142 is reached at the position s1. In order to reach the end position at s1, the first force F1 or the torque T1 = F1 × L1 (s1) proportional to the first force F1 must be used so that the counter torque T2 (s1) acting at the point s1 is compensated. In principle, a constant force curve is also conceivable until the end position s1 is reached (as for the 2a and 2 B described).

In the end position s1, the first and second contact pliers jaws occur 430 . 440 preferably in pairs. Now the second end 142 the locking lance 140 to shift even further outwards, ie to reach a distance s greater than s1, a considerably larger second force F2 (namely F2 = F1 + ΔF) than the first force F1 is suddenly necessary. The force jump .DELTA.F, which is drawn on the y-axis, must be large enough to either the first and second contact jaws 430 . 440 plastically deform or the between the connecting portion 130 and the second end 142 located section of the locking lance 140 deform elastically or plastically. The comparatively slight rotation about the connecting section 130 is through the clash of contact jaws 430 . 440 blocked. The end of the curve is not shown, as it is at too great an increase in the force to a failure of the locking lance 140 can come.

3 shows a further embodiment of a contact element according to the invention 100 , The first contact pliers jaw 430 and the second contact jaw 440 are again as facing inner surfaces of a channel-like opening 420 educated. In contrast to the embodiment of the 2a and 2 B is the channel-like opening 420 in a direction transverse to the insertion 280 pointing in the figure upper end face 158b educated. You can, for example, the upper wall of the contact element 100 from the upper wall of the locking lance 140 separate.

4 shows a further embodiment of the contact element 100 , In contrast to the embodiment according to the 1a and 1b is the recess 400 in this embodiment, after a channel-like opening 420 not circularly widened. Rather, the recess 400 continuous as a channel-like opening 420 formed in the form of a slot or a gap, which differs from the direction of insertion 280 pointing face 158a the side wall 150 to the connecting section 130 extends. The recess 400 goes to her the connecting section 130 facing end steadily from the first area 152 in the second area 154 over, ie without kink or edge. Rather, it has a rounding with a radius of curvature R. This radius of curvature R is at least 0.1 mm, preferably at least 0.5 mm and very particularly preferably at least 1 mm. This will be at a displacement of the locking lance 140 inwardly cracking at the connecting portion 130 prevented.

In another embodiment, the recess 400 between the opening 420 and the connection section 130 also be wedge-shaped, in particular in the form of a wedge widening with a connection to the section 130 rounded down end.

The insertion opening 190 is in the illustrated embodiments as a rectangular opening in a front wall of the contact box 120 educated. The mating contact element 700 is designed as a contact blade with a rectangular cross-section. In embodiments not shown here, it is also possible that the mating contact element is formed with a round or elliptical cross-section and the insertion 190 has a correspondingly complementary, ie round or elliptical cross-section.

In other embodiments, the front wall of the contact box, in which 2a and 2 B the insertion opening 190 provided is also missing completely. The mating contact element can then z. B. only through the side walls 154 and the floor 124 of the contact box 120 be introduced.

In another embodiment not shown here is between the contact box 120 and the locking lance approximately parallel to the ground 124 an intermediate floor or an intermediate plate arranged. By such an intermediate plate, the mating contact element 700 better in the contact box 120 be guided, held and contacted and it can be prevented that the Gegenkontakteklement 700 the function of the locking lance 140 impaired. In addition, the stability of the contact element is thereby improved. Such an intermediate floor or such an intermediate plate can below the recess 400 be arranged.

The relative position of the opening 420 the recess 400 can by an angle with respect to the direction of insertion 280 be specified. Here, the center of the angle is given by the intersection of the straight line of the insertion 280 and the straight line extending in the opening 420 in the recess 400 can be pulled into it. With this definition, the angular position of the opening would be 420 of the 2a . 2 B and 4 Zero degrees (0 °). The angular position of the opening of the 3 corresponds to + 90 °. However, it is also possible in embodiments not shown here that the angular position of the opening 420 corresponds to negative angles, z. B. -45 ° or -90 °. An angular position of -90 ° corresponds to a position of the opening as in 3 only that the opening in 3 then in the picture would be opened downwards and not upwards. Generally speaking, all angular positions of the opening between -90 ° and + 90 ° are conceivable, for. B. + 75 ° or -75 ° (abbreviated: +/- 75 °), +/- 60 °, +/- 45 °, +/- 30 °, +/- 15 °, 0 ° or even intermediate angular positions , Even angular positions between -105 ° and + 105 ° are possible in principle or even -120 ° to + 120 °. Angular positions smaller than 0 ° give particularly stable contact elements when the mating contact element 700 is plugged in. Because then the locking lance 140 against displacement to the outside both by the inserted contact element 700 supported as well by the meeting contact jaws in the final position.

The proposed contact element 100 can generally be in contact carrier for everyone 500 usable and there latchable contact elements 100 be used. It can be designed, for example, as a socket contact and is also suitable for miniaturized contact elements, the sheet thickness in the region of the contact box 120 or the locking lance 140 of, for example, 0.1 mm to 0.3 mm.

Claims (15)

Contact element for insertion in a plug-in direction ( 280 ) into a contact carrier ( 500 ), the contact element ( 100 ) comprising: a contact box ( 120 ) and a reversibly displaceable locking lance ( 140 ) for locking the contact element ( 100 ) in the contact carrier ( 500 ), wherein the locking lance ( 140 ) with a first end ( 146 ) in a connecting section ( 130 ) with the contact box ( 120 ) is connected and opposite to the insertion direction ( 280 ), wherein the locking lance ( 140 ) with one from the first end ( 146 ) facing away from the second end ( 142 ) from the contact box ( 120 ), characterized in that between the connecting portion ( 130 ) and a front end ( 102 ) of the contact element ( 100 ) at least one first contact forceps jaw ( 430 ) and at least one second contact jaw ( 440 ), are provided such that upon a displacement of the second end ( 142 ) of the locking lance ( 140 ) away from the contact box ( 120 ) an approximation of the at least one first contact forceps jaw ( 430 ) and the at least one second contact forceps jaw ( 440 ) can be reached relative to each other up to an end position, in which the at least one first contact jaw ( 430 ) and the at least one second contact forceps jaw ( 440 ) come into mechanical contact. Contact element according to claim 1, characterized in that the locking lance ( 140 ) with the one from the first end ( 146 ) facing away from the second end ( 142 ) from the contact box ( 120 ) protrudes at an angle. Contact element according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the displacement of the second end ( 142 ) of the locking lance ( 140 ) away from the contact box ( 120 ) until the end position requires a first force F1 and that, when the end position is reached, one for a further displacement of the second end ( 142 ) of the locking lance ( 140 ) away from the contact box ( 120 ) increases required force relative to the first force F1. Contact element according to claim 3, characterized in that when reaching the end position for a further displacement of the second end ( 142 ) of the locking lance ( 140 ) away from the contact box ( 120 ) force increased relative to the first force F1 by at least 30%. Contact element according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the second end ( 142 ) of the locking lance ( 140 ) by at least 1 mm and at most 5 mm, transversely to the insertion direction ( 380 ) can be moved before the end position is reached. Contact element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second end ( 142 ) of the locking lance ( 140 ) by at least 2 mm and at most 4 mm transversely to the insertion direction ( 380 ) can be moved before the end position is reached. Contact element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one first contact forceps jaw ( 430 ) and the at least one second contact forceps jaw ( 440 ) in a side wall ( 150 ) of the contact element ( 100 ) are arranged. Contact element according to claim 7, characterized in that the side wall ( 150 ) comprises: - a first area ( 152 ), which is a part of the locking lance ( 140 ) and in which the at least one first contact jaw ( 430 ), - a second area ( 154 ), which is part of the contact box ( 120 ) and in which the at least one second contact forceps jaw ( 440 ), - the connecting section ( 130 ), through which the first area ( 152 ) and the second area ( 154 ) are interconnected. Contact element according to claim 8, characterized in that the first region ( 152 ) and the second area ( 154 ) are integrally connected to each other. Contact element according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that in the side wall ( 150 ) a channel-like recess ( 400 ), which covers the first area ( 152 ) from the second area ( 154 ) and to the connecting section ( 130 ), wherein the recess ( 400 ) an opening ( 420 ) through an end face ( 158a . 158b . 158c ) of the side wall ( 150 ). Contact element according to claim 10, characterized in that the recess ( 400 ) is formed such that the first area ( 152 ) of the side wall ( 150 ) on to the connecting section ( 130 ) bordering part steadily, in particular without edge or kink, in the second area ( 154 ) of the side wall ( 150 ) passes over. Contact element according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that a transition region of the recess ( 400 ) from the first area ( 152 ) of the side wall ( 150 ) to the second area ( 154 ) of the side wall ( 150 ) has a radius of curvature R of at least 0.5 mm. Contact element according to claim 12, characterized in that the radius of curvature is at least 1 mm. Contact element according to one of claims 10 to 13, characterized in that the opening ( 420 ) of the recess ( 400 ) in a substantially parallel to the insertion direction ( 280 ) facing end face ( 158a ) of the side wall ( 150 ) is arranged. Contact element according to one of claims 10 to 13, characterized in that the opening ( 420 ) of the recess ( 400 ) in a substantially transverse to the insertion direction ( 280 ) facing end face ( 158b . 158c ) of the side wall ( 150 ) is arranged.

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