DE102019219495B4 - Contact element and contact arrangement - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a contact element (1) for inserting a mating contact element (60) along an insertion direction (E), the contact element (1). The contact element (1) has a connection section (2) which is set up to connect an electrical line (40) and a contact section (3) which is set up to contact the mating contact element (60). A lamella group (20) is arranged in the contact section (3), the lamella group (20) having at least two contact lamellae (21), the contact lamellae (21) of the lamella group (20) each at a first end (22) on a common back element (23) are connected and protrude from the back element (23) essentially in the same direction. The contact blades (21) of the blade group (20) extend for the greater part of their extension length (L1, L2) parallel to the insertion direction (E), each of the contact blades (21) having a contacting section (24) with a contact point (25) which is set up to contact the mating contact element (60), the contact points (25) of the contact blades (21) of the blade group (20) each pointing in a contact point direction (P1, P2) which is essentially perpendicular to the insertion direction (E), wherein the contact point directions (P1, P2) of the contact points (25) of the contact lamellas (21) of the lamella group (20) enclose an angle (α) of at most 45 ° or of at most 30 ° to one another, the contact points (25) of the contact lamellas (21) the group of lamellae (20) are arranged one behind the other as viewed along the insertion direction (E), the contact points (25) of the contact lamellae (21) of the group of lamellae (20) being perpendicular to the direction of insertion (E) In the x-direction, have a distance (Δx) from one another which is at most 0.8 times or 0.7 times a width (B) of a contact blade (21) of the blade group (20). The contact lamellae (21) of the lamella group (20) each have a spring section (26) between the back element (23) and the contacting section (3), the spring sections (26) of the contact lamellae (21) of the lamella group (20) being designed in this way that an equally large deflection of the contact points (25) of the contact lamellas (21) radially outwards causes an equally large contact force.

Description

Field of invention

The invention relates to a contact element and a contact element arrangement

State of the art

For a high contact reliability of an electrical plug connection that has a contact element and a mating contact element (a so-called contact arrangement), it is advantageous to equip the socket contact with as large a number of contact points as possible, which establish the electrical connection to the mating contact element (e.g. a round pin or a flat knife ) take. These contact points are usually attached to resilient contact lamellas, which press the contact point with a defined normal force that is adapted to the requirements of the contact and the load-bearing capacity of the contact surface on the mating contact, e.g. designed as a flat blade. The extension of the contact lamella usually follows the longitudinal direction of the contact element and runs parallel to the insertion direction of the mating contact element.

From the DE 10 2005 043 156 A1 a socket contact is known in which several contact blades are provided, each with a contact point. The contact points of two contact blades are arranged one behind the other, viewed along the insertion direction. However, the contact lamellas differ greatly in their geometrical shape. In addition, a complex folding process is necessary, since the contact lamellas, the contact points of which are arranged one behind the other, protrude in opposite directions from their own back element on the original sheet metal part.

From the CH 476 404 A an electrical connector is known with at least one electrical contact element detachably latched into a one-piece insulating body by means of a resilient locking lug. On the contact element, at least two locking lugs, each locking on one side in the opposite direction, are arranged on at least one resilient locking tongue as locking elements. In each case three contact lamellas of different lengths arranged one behind the other along an insertion direction are arranged opposite one another in such a way that a printed circuit board that can be inserted between this arrangement is contacted on both sides.

From the DE 10 2012 103 258 A1 a contact device for making electrical contact with a mating contact surface is known. The contact device comprises at least two elastically deflectable contact arms with contact points for contacting the mating contact surface. It is provided that at least one contact arm forms a control arm and at least one contact arm forms a follower arm, the follower arm being coupled to the control arm in a deflection-following manner and a deflection of the control arm necessarily leading to a deflection of the follower arm. The control arm 3 exerts a greater force on the mating contact surface than the follower arm. A normal force of the control arm is greater in the rest state than the normal force that the follower arm exerts on the counter contact surface. If the two contact arms are deflected in a normal direction by vibrations, the control arm reacts more strongly than the follower arm, with its increase in force per deflection unit of the counter contact surface being greater than the increase in force of the follower arm.

From the US 2008/0 287 011 A1 an electrical contact element with at least one pair of opposing contact blades is known.

From the CN 202 444 090 U a contact element for high-current applications is known which has two mutually opposite lamella arrangements. The lamella arrangements each have contact lamellae connected on two sides, each contact lamella having two contact points.

Disclosure of the invention

The invention is based on the knowledge that previously known embodiments of contact elements with a plurality of contact points can either only be very complex to produce (by an additional folding process, see above). However, the simplest possible manufacturing process is advantageous for manufacturing the contact element.

A simple solution in which several contact points (viewed along the insertion direction) are applied one behind the other on the same contact lamella in the form of a "double hump", however, has the disadvantage that even the smallest differences in the hump height are sufficient to change the normal force or less to let the exposed contact point lift off completely, so that it no longer plays a role in the transmission of electricity. It has been shown that it can be advantageous to provide the contact points with their own spring arms without mechanical coupling in order to avoid mutual influencing of the normal forces. Ideally, the resilient lamellae have at least approximately the same geometric shape.

Furthermore, the invention is based on the knowledge that the arrangement of several Contact lamellas with their own contact points next to each other is limited by the width of the contact lamellas (these must apply the appropriate (contact) forces), the punching gap between them, and the specified width of the mating contact element (e.g. a flat knife). Furthermore, it is necessary that the mating contact element can have a certain amount of play in the contact element when it is inserted into the contact element. As a result, in the interest of low insertion forces, it is to be achieved that in no tolerance position (position and size) of the mating contact element and contact element, large frictional forces or even clamping occurs. Due to this play, the position of the mating contact element in the contact element is not exactly determined; on the other hand, all contact points in every position of the mating contact element (even when resting on one of the side walls of the contact element) should have reliable contact on the mating contact element.

Therefore, the case can arise that the contact body would have enough space to accommodate several adjacent lamellae, but there is a risk that a contact point of a contact lamella in certain positions of the mating contact element only makes contact with its edge or edge or even its surface at all no longer contacted. For example, the outer dimensions of a socket contact for a mating contact element designed as a flat blade with a blade width of 0.6 mm can be approximately the same as those of a socket contact for a mating contact element designed as a flat blade with a blade width of 1.2 mm. In this example it would thus be possible for two contact lamellae to be attached next to one another in a contact element for a mating contact element designed as a 0.6 mm flat blade, as is usual with contacts for a mating contact element designed as a 1.2 mm flat blade. However, reliable contact with the contact points of the two contact lamellae would not be guaranteed here in every insertion position of the 0.6 mm counter-contact element.

There may therefore be a need to provide a contact element into which a mating contact element can be inserted. The contact element should be as simple as possible to produce, it should also have a high number of contact points, which are ideally arranged one behind the other when viewed along the insertion direction, it should ensure that each contact point applies essentially the same contact force (normal force) to the inserted mating contact element, and should continue to do so It ensures that the insertion forces are not too high when the mating contact element is inserted, e.g. by keeping the risk of tilting as low as possible and ensuring that, regardless of the position of the mating contact element, each contact point securely touches the surface of the mating contact element inserted across the direction of insertion (and not just its edge or edge) contacted.

Advantages of the invention

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

According to a first aspect of the invention, a contact element for inserting a mating contact element along an insertion direction is proposed.

The contact element has a connection section which is set up to connect an electrical line. The contact element furthermore has a contact section which is set up for contacting the mating contact element. A group of lamellae is arranged in the contact section, the group of lamellae having at least two contact lamellae, the contact lamellae of the group of lamellae being connected to a common back element at a first end and protruding from the back element essentially in the same direction, the contact lamellae of the group of lamellae being predominantly located (eg to more than 50%) extend their length parallel to the direction of insertion. Each of the contact lamellas has a contacting section with a contact point, the contact point being set up to contact the mating contact element. The contact points of the contact lamellae of the lamella group each point in a contact point direction that is essentially perpendicular to the insertion direction, the contact point directions of the contact points of the contact lamellae of the lamella group enclosing an angle of at most 45 ° or at most 30 ° to one another. The contact points of the contact lamellas of the lamella group are arranged one behind the other when viewed along the insertion direction.

The invention provides that the contact points of the contact lamellae of the lamella group, viewed along an x-direction perpendicular to the insertion direction, are at a distance from one another which is at most 0.8 times or 0.7 times the width of a contact lamella the lamella group, particularly preferably at most as large as 0.5 times the width of a contact lamella of the lamella group and very particularly preferably at most as large as 0.3 times the width of a contact lamella of the lamella group.

It can also be provided - purely by way of example - that the contact points of the contact lamellae of the lamella group, viewed along an x-direction perpendicular to the insertion direction, are at a distance from one another that is at most twice as large as the diameter of the largest of the contact points viewed along the x-direction .

The contact element can advantageously be produced in a particularly simple manner, since the contact lamellae of a lamella group are all arranged on the same back element and protrude essentially in the same direction. Furthermore, this creates a large number of contact points for which even a tolerance in the contact point height does not impair the normal force on the mating connector - because the contact points are assigned to different contact blades. By arranging the contact points one after the other along the insertion direction, an improved contact security of the surface of the mating contact element can advantageously be achieved compared to adjacent contact points, which is independent of the position of the mating contact element transversely to the insertion direction. This positioning tolerance for the mating contact element transversely to the insertion direction can in turn advantageously bring about a reduction in the insertion forces, since tilting becomes less likely.

• ■ eine x-Richtung, die bei Betrachtung einer spezifischen Kontaktlamelle senkrecht zu deren Radialrichtung und senkrecht zur Einsteckrichtung verläuft;
• ■ eine Radialrichtung, die senkrecht zur Einsteckrichtung und - sofern es sich nicht um einen Rundkontakt handelt mit rotationssymmetrischer Kontaktkammer - senkrecht zur x-Richtung gerichtet ist; entlang der Radialrichtung werden die Kontaktlamellen ausgelenkt, wenn das Gegenkontaktelement in das Kontaktelement eingeschoben wird und somit wirkt die Normalkraft bzw. Kontaktkraft entlang der Radialrichtung; üblicherweise werden die Kontaktlamellen radial nach außen aufgefedert beim Einstecken des Gegenkontaktelements - die Kontaktkraft wirkt dann radial nach innen.

In the context of this application, in addition to the direction of insertion, a distinction is made between the following directions:

• An x-direction which, when viewing a specific contact blade, runs perpendicular to its radial direction and perpendicular to the insertion direction;
• ■ a radial direction which is perpendicular to the insertion direction and - unless it is a round contact with a rotationally symmetrical contact chamber - perpendicular to the x-direction; the contact blades are deflected along the radial direction when the counter-contact element is pushed into the contact element and the normal force or contact force thus acts along the radial direction; Usually, the contact lamellas are spring-loaded radially outwards when the mating contact element is inserted - the contact force then acts radially inwards.

In the case of a flat knife as the mating contact element, the insertion direction, radial direction and x-direction can set up a Cartesian coordinate system.

If, for example, there is a round contact and the contact lamellas are arranged in a circumferential direction around the insertion direction, the x-direction is basically also a radial direction and can only be defined relative to a specific contact lamella. A spacing of the contact points along the x-direction can then be understood as a spacing along the radial direction.

The connection section can be designed to fix and electrically contact an electrical line. It can, for example, be designed as a crimp section. The electrical line can of course also be attached to the connection section by soldering or welding, for example.

The contact lamella can be made of a material with good electrical conductivity, for example copper, aluminum or another metal.

The mating contact element can be designed, for example, as a blade contact, as a flat blade (e.g. with an aspect ratio (thickness to width) of at least 1: 3), as a pin, as a round pin, etc. The mating contact element can, for example, be part of a mating connector.

The term “contact point” is intended to represent an area on the contact lamella in which the electrical contact between the contact lamella and the countercontact element is established when the mating contact element is normally plugged in and at which the normal force acts on the mating contact element.

More than two contact lamellas can also be provided on the lamella group, e.g. three, four, five or even more contact lamellae. If more than two contact lamellae are provided, all contact points of the contact lamellae of the lamella group are nevertheless one behind the other.

In this case, all contact points of the contact lamellas can also be less spaced from one another (outermost contact point to other outermost contact point, each center to center point measured), for example along the x direction (transversely to the insertion direction) than, for example, 0.8 times the width of a Contact lamella of the lamella group, preferably no more than 0.7 times the width of a contact lamella of the lamella group, particularly preferably no more than 0.5 times the width of a contact lamella of the lamella group and very particularly preferably no more than as large as 0 , 3 times the width of a contact lamella of the lamella group.

For example, it can be provided that this spacing is at most as large as twice the diameter of the largest contact point.

On the other hand, however, it is not necessary to count all contact lamellas that protrude from a common back element in approximately the same direction to form a lamella group. Here, for example, with five contact lamellae protruding from a back element, it is possible to assign only two of the contact lamellae to a group of lamellae.

The contact element can have a contact box in the contact section, in the interior of which the group of lamellae is arranged. At its front end, the contact element can have an insertion opening for inserting the mating contact element. This can for example be arranged at a front end of the contact box.

The contact force or normal force is to be understood as that force which, when the mating contact element is inserted, is exerted by a contact lamella (via its contact point) on the surface of the mating contact element. The contact force or normal force per contact lamella can be, for example, in a range from 0.5N to 7N, preferably in a range from 1N to 5N, it can be, for example, 1N or 2N per contact lamella.

The expression “essentially along the same direction” is to be understood as meaning that an angle between the contact blades is no more than +/- 20 ° (in particular with respect to their main direction of extent).

The extension length of a contact lamella can be understood as its length along the insertion direction, calculated from the point at which it is cut free from the back element to its end furthest away from the back element.

The contact lamellas of the lamella group are formed separately from one another with the exception of the common back element and, if applicable, their other end. In other words: they are spaced from one another or cut free from one another.

The fact that the contact lamellae of the lamella group are each designed to be cantilevered on a second end facing away from the first end has the advantageous effect that a particularly large spring deflection of the contact lamellae can be represented radially outward. Production is also advantageously simplified in this way, since each contact lamella is only connected to a single point. In addition, this advantageously ensures that when a mating contact element is inserted at an angle, each contact lamella can rebound individually or separately, so that there is no very high point loading on one side of the mating contact element and little or no loading on the other side.

A contact lamella tied at the end, led to the second end, redirected there in a U-shape and returned to the first end and tied there again is not to be understood as "self-supporting" in the sense of this application, since such a contact lamella is tied at both ends.

The contacting section of the contact lamella can for example be arranged at the free end of the contact lamella. For example, a length of the contacting section is at most 20%, preferably at most 15%, particularly preferably at most 10% of the total length of the contact lamella.

The fact that the widths of the contact lamellae of the lamella group differ from one another by at most 25% advantageously has the effect that the spring forces of the contact lamellae are approximately the same. In other words: the normal force of each contact lamella exerted on the mating contact element is similar or essentially the same for each contact lamella. This can advantageously lead to approximately the same electrical contact resistance on each contact lamella to the mating contact element. In addition, this advantageously simplifies the manufacture of the group of lamellae and the thickness tolerances of the contact lamellae can be adhered to better, since approximately the same amount of material is always pressed when cutting free.

The fact that each contact lamella is continuously formed in the x-direction perpendicular to the insertion direction advantageously simplifies the manufacture of the lamella group.

The term “continuous” here means that the contact lamella is an element that has no holes or through openings.

It can be provided, for example, that each contact lamella, especially in the area of the first end, has no through opening or is not severed.

The fact that at least two of the contact lamellae of the lamella group are connected directly adjacent to one another on the back element advantageously has the effect that the contact points of these at least two contact lamellae can be particularly easily arranged one behind the other. Advantageously, these at least two directly adjacent contact lamellae can also be designed to be essentially the same in terms of their geometry.

In a development it is provided that the contact element is designed as a socket contact element. This makes a particularly advantageous causes good and reliable contacting of the mating contact element.

Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that the contact element is a stamped and bent part. This enables a particularly simple and inexpensive manufacture of the contact element. For example, the contact element can be formed from a metal, for example it can predominantly comprise copper or aluminum.

The fact that the contact points are embossed in the contact lamellas advantageously enables a particularly simple, inexpensive and reproducible production of the contact points.

It can be provided, for example, that the contact points are circular or oval or elliptical or in the manner of a polygon or linear.

For example, it can be provided that all contact points are designed in the same way. However, it can be provided that the contact points of different contact lamellas differ in their shape, e.g. one contact point can then be (semi) spherical (i.e. circular in plan view), another can be elliptical in plan view, for example with an aspect ratio greater than 1: 1.2.

The fact that the contact points of the contact lamellae of the lamella group overlap when viewed along the insertion direction has the advantageous effect that the contact points can contact the mating contact element particularly reliably, even when the mating contact element is displaced transversely to the insertion direction (along the x direction) with respect to a target position of the Mating contact element.

The fact that the contact lamellae of the lamella group run parallel to one another along the majority (i.e. more than 50%) of their respective length (e.g. viewed along their main direction of extent) advantageously results in a particularly low space requirement for the contact lamellae at right angles to the insertion direction (in the x direction) required in the contact element or in a contact box of the contact element. As a result, with the same space available, a maximum of contact lamellae can be arranged in the contact element transversely to the insertion direction without the contact lamellae touching or overlapping one another (except on the back element from which they start).

The main direction of extent is that direction along which the major part of the contact lamella runs.

The fact that the contacting section of at least one of the contact lamellae of the lamella group is angled with respect to a main direction of extent of this contact lamella has the effect, with particularly simple means, that the contact points of the at least two contact lamellae of the lamella group are arranged one behind the other and that the distance transversely to the insertion direction (along the x- Direction) between the contact points can be made particularly small. In this way, it can also be advantageously achieved that the contact lamellae have essentially the same geometric shape and at the same time the normal forces or contact forces of all contact points on an inserted mating contact element are essentially the same (e.g. differ by less than 10%).

The at least one contacting section can be angled, for example, by at least 30 °, preferably by at least 45 °, particularly preferably by at least 60 °, for example by 45 ° or by 90 °.

It goes without saying that the contact points can also be arranged one behind the other without an angled portion, whereby, however, for example, a length of the contact lamellae can be greater than with an angled portion.

According to the invention, it is provided that the contact lamellas of the lamella group each have a spring section between the back element and the contacting section, the spring sections of the contact lamellae of the lamella group being designed in such a way that the contact points of the contact lamellae are deflected radially outwards of the same size (e.g. when inserting the mating contact element or . in the plugged-in state with normal plug-in) causes an essentially equally large contact force (where there may be a tolerance of, for example, +/- 10% between the contact forces and normal forces). This advantageously has the effect that all contact points have approximately the same transition resistance to an inserted mating contact element and in this way not one of the contact points (the one with the lowest transition resistance) is excessively loaded or heated by a high current flow and thus wears out more quickly. This advantageously provides a permanent, safe electrical connection with a low contact resistance (the total resistance results from the reciprocal of the sum of the reciprocal values of the individual contact resistances of the contact points to the mating contact element according to Kirchhoff's rule for resistances in the parallel circuit).

The spring section can extend, for example, along the insertion direction or the main extension length, for example starting from the contact section to the contacting section. It causes the spring action of the contact lamella, which acts radially outwards or inwards. The spring section can be separated from the contacting section. The contact point can change the material properties of the contact lamella and thus also its spring constant.

If a section of the contact lamella is angled to its main direction of extent, then the spring section can be formed between the back element and the beginning of the angling.

It is advantageously provided that a contact lamella of the lamella group, the spring section of which is shorter than a spring section of another contact lamella, has a smaller width ( B1 , B2 ) and / or a smaller thickness ( D1 , D2 ) and / or that it is formed from a softer material than the other contact blade with the longer spring section. As a result, with simple, slight adjustments to the geometry of the spring sections of the contact lamellas, the normal forces or the contact forces of the contact points on an inserted mating contact element can be essentially the same.

For example, only the thicknesses can be different. Or only the widths can differ. Or only the material can differ. However, all conceivable combinations of these parameters are also possible; the following are only mentioned here as examples: different widths and thicknesses; different thicknesses and materials; different widths and materials; different widths and thicknesses and materials.

In a development it is provided that the contact element has a plurality of groups of lamellae. This has the advantageous effect that the number of contact points is increased with simple means.

A plurality of groups of lamellae can be fastened jointly to the back element, merely by way of example.

It can therefore be provided that the contact lamellas of several groups of lamellae protrude from the same common back element. In this case, it goes without saying that those contact lamellas whose contact points are arranged one behind the other essentially along a first line parallel to the insertion direction belong to a first lamella group. If other contact points are also roughly one behind the other along a second line parallel to the direction of insertion, the second line being different from the first line and / or being clearly spaced, the contact blades of these other contact points belong to a different second group of blades, which is different from the first group of blades differs.

The fact that at least two of the lamella groups, viewed perpendicular to the insertion direction, are arranged opposite one another along the radial direction, advantageously has the effect that an inserted mating contact element is acted upon by contact force on two opposite sides of its surface. In this way, the mating contact element can advantageously be fixed particularly securely and permanently in the contact element, e.g. clamped. For example, it can advantageously be centered in the contact element. As a result, a defined radial position (that is to say transverse to the direction of insertion) of the mating contact element in the contact element is produced in a particularly simple and reliable manner. This in turn can advantageously lead to particularly good electrical contact with low and well-defined contact resistances.

According to a second aspect of the invention, a contact arrangement is provided. The contact arrangement has a contact element, as described above. The contact arrangement also has a mating contact element. In the completely plugged together state of the contact element and mating contact element, the contact points of the contact lamellae of the lamella group, viewed along the insertion direction, lie one behind the other on the mating contact element.

In this way, the contact arrangement can advantageously be produced in a particularly simple manner, since the contact lamellae of a lamella group are all arranged on the same back element and protrude essentially in the same direction. Furthermore, this creates a large number of contact points for which even a tolerance in the contact point height does not impair the normal force on the mating connector - because the contact points are assigned to different contact blades. By arranging the contact points one behind the other along the insertion direction, an improved contact reliability of the surface of the mating contact element can advantageously be achieved compared to adjacent contact points, which is independent of the position of the mating contact element transversely to the insertion direction (for a flat contact, e.g. along the x-direction). This positioning tolerance for the mating contact element transversely to the insertion direction can in turn advantageously bring about a reduction in the insertion forces, since tilting becomes less likely.

It can be provided, for example, that the contact points of the contact lamellae of the lamella group each exert a contact force transversely to the insertion direction (in the radial direction) on the mating contact element and that the contact forces of the various contact points are essentially the same. For example, they can differ from one another by a maximum of 10%. This advantageously creates a particularly long-lasting and secure contact arrangement with a low contact resistance and prevents an individual contact point (the one with the lowest contact resistance) from being excessively heated and thereby prematurely worn.

Figure list

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

• 1: eine schematische perspektivische Ansicht einer Kontaktanordnung;
• 2a-2d: schematische Aufsichten auf Kontaktlamellen eines Kontaktelements sowie auf ein Gegenkontaktelement aus dem Stand der Technik;
• 3a-3d: schematische Aufsichten auf eine Lamellengruppe eines Kontaktelements sowie auf ein Gegenkontaktelement gemäß 1;
• 3e: eine vergrößerte Ansicht der Kontaktierabschnitte der beiden Kontaktlamellen aus 3a;
• 3f: eine vergrößerte schräge Ansicht auf die Kontaktierabschnitte der beiden Kontaktlamellen aus 3a;
• 4: eine schematische Aufsicht auf zwei Lamellengruppen eines Kontaktelements sowie auf ein Gegenkontaktelement.

Show it

• 1 : a schematic perspective view of a contact arrangement;
• 2a-2d : schematic top views of contact lamellas of a contact element as well as of a mating contact element from the prior art;
• 3a-3d : schematic top views of a group of lamellae of a contact element and of a mating contact element according to FIG 1 ;
• 3e : an enlarged view of the contacting sections of the two contact blades 3a ;
• 3f : an enlarged oblique view of the contacting sections of the two contact blades 3a ;
• 4th : a schematic plan view of two groups of lamellae of a contact element and a mating contact element.

1 shows a schematic perspective view of a contact arrangement 100 .

The contact arrangement 100 has a contact element 1 on and a mating contact element 60 , which along an insertion direction E into the contact element 1 is pluggable.

The contact element shown here only as an example 1 is designed as a socket contact element. It can be designed as a stamped and bent part, for example. It can, for example, comprise or predominantly comprise a metal as material, for example copper or aluminum or a copper alloy.

A radial direction R runs transversely to the insertion direction E, perpendicular to the insertion direction E and perpendicular to the radial direction R, an x-direction runs here into the image plane.

The contact element 1 has a connection section 2 which is set up to connect an electrical line 40 . The electrical line 40 exhibits insulation 41 on that an electrical conductor 42 , for example copper strands, surrounds. In the connection section 2 are an insulation crimp here 4th and a wire crimp 5 arranged.

The contact element 1 furthermore has a contact section 3 which is set up to contact the mating contact element 60 . In the contact section 3 is a contact box 50 arranged, which has an insertion opening at its front end 52 having. The mating contact element 60 can through this insertion opening 52 into an interior 54 of the contact box 50 be inserted. Internally 54 are mutually opposite contact blades in the radial direction R (perpendicular to the insertion direction E) 21 arranged. In the 1 Contact lamella visible above 21 is part of a first group of lamellas 20a , the contact lamella visible below 21 is part of a second group of lamellas 20b . The two groups of lamellas 20a , 20b are thus in the contact section 3 arranged - in principle, the contact element 1 even without the contact box shown here 50 be trained.

Each of the two groups of lamellas 20a , 20b has at least two contact blades 21 on (in 1 is for each lamella group 20a , 20b only the contact lamella facing the viewer 21 visible, for details, see 3a until 3d ), with the contact blades 21 each lamella group 20a , 20b each at a first end 22a , 22b to a common back element 23a , 23b (first back element 23a , second back element 23b) are connected and essentially (eg +/- 20 °, preferably +/- 10 °) along the same direction from the back element 23 protrude. The contact lamellas 21 of the respective lamella groups 20a , 20b extend for the most part (eg more than 50%) of their extension length L1 , L2 parallel to the direction of insertion E (here only the extension length L of the respective visible contact lamellas is 21 shown). Each of the contact blades 21 of the two groups of lamellae 20a , 20b has a contacting section 24 with a point of contact 25th on, which is set up, the mating contact element 60 to contact. Because the contact points 25th of the four contact blades 21 There are four contact points raised above their surfaces 25th to recognize. The contact points 25th of the contact lamellas 21 each lamella group 20a , 20b point in a contact point direction P1 , P2 (not shown here for reasons of clarity, but see 3f) , which points essentially (eg +/- 20 °, preferably +/- 10 °) perpendicular to the insertion direction E. In 1 indicate the contact points 25th the first group of lamellas 20a essentially (+/- 20 °, preferably +/- 10 °) along the radial direction R downwards, those contact points 25th the second group of lamellas 20b point essentially (+/- 20 °, preferably +/- 10 °) along the radial direction R upwards (the radial direction R is perpendicular to the insertion direction E). The contact point directions P1 , P2 of contact points 25th of the contact lamellas 21 of the respective lamella group 20a , 20b enclose an angle α of at most 45 °, preferably of at most 30 °, to one another (see 3f) . The contact points 25th of the contact lamellas 21 of the respective lamella groups 20a , 20b are arranged one behind the other when viewed along the insertion direction E.

In this exemplary embodiment, the contact points have merely by way of example 25th of the contact lamellas 21 the lamella group 20th Considered perpendicular to the insertion direction E, a distance Δx from one another is at most as large as 0.8 times the width of the contact lamellas 21 . In this exemplary embodiment, the distance .DELTA.x is even at most twice as large as the diameter DK1, DK2 of the largest of the contact points 25th (please refer 3e) .

The contact lamellas 21 of the two groups of lamellae 20a , 20b point here only by way of example between the back element 23 and the contacting section 3 each a spring section 26a , 26b on. The feather sections 26a , 26b of the contact lamellas 21 of the two group of lamellas 20a , 20b are designed here merely by way of example in such a way that the same large deflection of the contact points 25th of the contact lamellas 21 causes an (approximately) equal contact force radially outwards. This contact force can, for example, when the mating contact element is inserted 60 are set or is when the mating contact element is fully inserted 60 on a surface 62 of the mating contact element 60 upset.

At the contact box 50 a reversibly elastically resilient locking lance protrudes outward 51 which is set up for primary latching on an undercut, not shown here, of a contact chamber of a connector, not shown here.

The contact lamellas 21 of the two groups of lamellae 20a , 20b are here by way of example each at one of the first end 22a , 22b remote second end 27a , 27b self-supporting. Basically there is also a connection at both ends 22a , 27a or. 22b , 27b of the contact lamellas 21 possible, for example by having a common back element at the second end 27a , 27b . Such a second back element would then be from the first back element, for example 23a , 23b different.

The contact points 25th can in the contact lamellas 21 being shaped. This can be done, for example, by means of an embossing process. The contact points 25th can for example be circular or oval or elliptical or in the manner of a polygon or linear. Here they are - mainly for the sake of clarity - circular (in plan view), ie approximately hemispherical in their three-dimensional shape.

the 2a until 2d show schematic top views from the radial direction R onto a first contact lamella 21a and a second contact blade 21b a pair of lamellas 20th of a contact element 1 as well as a mating contact element 60 from the state of the art. For each of the contact elements 1 a central axis Z is shown, which runs parallel to the insertion direction E through the center of the contact element 1 or the contact box 50 runs.

The contact lamellas 21a , 21b of the pair of lamellas 20th are in the connection section 3 on the common back element 23 tied and protrude against the insertion direction E from the common back element 23 away. The first contact lamella 21a has a first width B1 on and the second contact lamella 21b has a second width B2 on. The two widths B1 , B2 can be the same. Both contact blades 21a , 21b have the same extension length L. They have a feather area 26th and a contact area 27 at its second end 27 , which is designed to be self-supporting. In the contact area 27 is always a contact point 25th educated. The two contact blades 21a , 21b are between their first end 22nd and its second end 27 cut free from each other.
The number of contact blades 21 that are next to each other (along the x-direction) in the contact element 1 or in a contact box 50 of the contact element 1 can be arranged, for example, of one width BKE of the contact element 1 (along the x-direction). This width of the contact element 1 can, for example, have a width BGK (along the x direction) of the mating contact element 60 depend.

2a represents a contact arrangement 100 from contact element 1 and mating contact element 60 in a state in which they are not plugged together. The mating contact element 60 is arranged centrally to the central axis Z with respect to its width BGK. It can be seen that the width BKE of the contact element 1 is greater than the width BGK of the mating contact element 60 . This can be used, for example, when inserting the mating contact element 60 tilting and thus increased insertion forces impede. Also can be the width BKE of the contact element 1 for mating contact elements 60 be formed with different width BGK.

The mating contact element 60 has a surface 62 on as well as an edge 61 .

2 B represents the contact arrangement 100 the end 2a in the assembled state of the contact element 1 and mating contact element 60 both contact points 25th contact the surface 62 of the mating contact element 60 and are sufficiently far from its edge 61 spaced.

2c shows the same contact arrangement 100 from contact element 1 and mating contact element 60 as in 2a (not plugged together). In contrast to 2a is the mating contact element 60 with regard to its width BGK is no longer arranged centrally to the central axis Z, but rather shifted to the right along the x-direction (approximately up to a side wall 56 of the contact box 50 ).

2d represents the contact arrangement 100 the end 2c in the assembled state of the contact element 1 and mating contact element 60 represents. By the displacement of the mating contact element 60 to the right (in relation to the central axis Z) only the contact point makes contact 25th the second contact lamella 21b the surface 62 of the mating contact element 60 . The point of contact 25th the first contact lamella 21a hits nowhere (there can also be situations in which he 61 of the mating contact element 60 hits - but then cannot apply the full contact force there).

The number of those contact points 25th that the mating contact element 60 contact is therefore reduced compared to the ideal state.

the 3a until 3d show schematic top views from the radial direction R onto a first contact lamella 21a and a second contact blade 21b (hereinafter also referred to as contact lamellas 21 denotes, if a distinction is not necessary) of a pair of lamellas 20th of a contact element 1 as well as a mating contact element 60 . It can be, for example, a section from the contact arrangement 1 Act. Both contact blades 21 the lamella group 20th are immediately adjacent to one another on the back element 23 tied up. In other exemplary embodiments, more than two contact blades can also be used 21 the lamella group 20th be assigned. In this case, for example, at least two of the contact blades of the blade group can be directly adjacent to one another on the back element 23 be connected.

The contact lamellas 21 of the pair of lamellas 20th are in the connection section 3 on the common back element 23 tied and protrude against the insertion direction E from the common back element 23 away.

In principle, however, it is also possible that the contact lamellae 21 from the back element 23 protrude along the insertion direction E. Then there would be the back element 23 at the bottom of the 3a until 3d arranged.

The point of contact 25th the first contact lamella 21a has a first diameter DK1, that of the second contact blade 21b has a second diameter DK2.

It can be seen that the contact points 25th of the contact lamellas 21 the lamella group 20th viewed along the insertion direction E are arranged one behind the other.

Furthermore, viewed perpendicular to the direction of insertion E (along the x direction), they have a spacing Δx from one another which is at most 0.8 times the respective width B1 , B2 of the contact lamellas 21 , where the two widths B1 , B2 are roughly the same size here. In this embodiment, the distance .DELTA.x is even less than 0.3 times the width B1 , B2 of the contact lamellas 21 . The distance .DELTA.x is here - merely as an example to illustrate the small distances .DELTA.x that can be achieved - is even at most twice as large as the diameter DK1, DK2 of the largest of the contact points 25th .

However, it can also be useful to make the distance .DELTA.x somewhat larger than shown here for each contact point 25th to provide a different plug-in lane. Then a distance Δx would be, for example, in the range of twice the diameter DK1, DK2 of the contact point 25th up to 0.8 times a width B of the contact blade 21 are, preferably in the range of twice the diameter DK1, DK2 of the contact point 25th up to 0.7 times a width B of the contact blade 21 , particularly preferably in the range of three times the diameter DK1, DK2 of the contact point 25th up to 0.5 times a width B of the contact blade 21 and very particularly preferably in the range of three times the diameter DK1, DK2 of the contact point 25th up to 0.3 times a width B of the contact blade 21 .

In this exemplary embodiment, it is even provided, by way of example, that the contact points 25th of the contact lamellas 21 the lamella group 20th overlap (at least partially) when viewed along the insertion direction E.

It can be seen that here, for example, a first length L1 the first contact lamella 21a is greater than a second length L2 The second Contact lamella 21b . A first spring section 26a the first contact lamella 21a be made longer than a second spring section 26b the second contact lamella 21b . In principle, however, this exemplary length difference could also be due, for example, to contact sections of different lengths 24 be effected. It would also be possible that no length difference occurs at all. This could be done, for example, by a different free cutting position on the common back element 23 be made possible.

Furthermore, it is provided here by way of example that the contact lamellas 21 the Lammelengruppe 20th along most of their respective length L1 , L2 run parallel to one another, in particular viewed along their main direction of extent, which here runs, for example, parallel to the insertion direction E or along the insertion direction E.

For example, it is provided here that the contacting section 24 at least one of the contact blades 21 (here even from both contact lamellas 21 ) of the lamella group 20th compared to the main direction of extent of this contact lamella 21 is angled. Here are the respective contacting sections 24 with respect to the spring sections, for example by approx. 45 ° in each case in the direction of the other contact blade 21 angled. The angle is advantageously at least 30 °. In this way, a possible difference in length of the spring sections 26th can be kept particularly low.

However, it is also possible for the contact points to be one behind the other 25th without bending the contacting sections 24 to reach.

3a represents a contact arrangement 100 from contact element 1 and mating contact element 60 in a state in which they are not plugged together. The mating contact element 60 is arranged centrally to the central axis Z with respect to its width BGK. It can be seen that the width BKE of the contact element 1 is greater than the width BGK of the mating contact element 60 . This can be used, for example, when inserting the mating contact element 60 to prevent tilting and thus increased insertion forces. Also can be the width BKE of the contact element 1 for mating contact elements 60 be formed with different width BGK.

The mating contact element 60 has a surface 62 on as well as an edge 61 .

3b represents the contact arrangement 100 the end 3a in the assembled state of the contact element 1 and mating contact element 60 both contact points 25th that lie one behind the other and overlap when viewed in the direction of insertion (slight offset along the x-direction), contact the surface 62 of the mating contact element 60 and are sufficiently far from its edge 61 spaced.

3c shows the same contact arrangement 100 from contact element 1 and mating contact element 60 as in 3a (not plugged together). In contrast to 3a is the mating contact element 60 with regard to its width BGK is no longer arranged centrally to the central axis Z, but rather shifted to the right along the x-direction (approximately up to a side wall 56 of the contact box 50 ).

3d represents the contact arrangement 100 the end 3c in the assembled state of the contact element 1 and mating contact element 60 in contrast to 2d contacted despite the displacement of the mating contact element 60 to the right (based on the central axis Z) of each of the contact points 25th of the contact lamellas 21a , 21b the surface 62 of the mating contact element 60 . Both contact points 25th can with their approximately equal contact force or normal force (e.g. with a maximum difference of +/- 10%) on the surface 62 of the mating contact element 60 to press.

The number of contact points 25th that the mating contact element 60 contact is therefore opposite the ideal position of the mating contact element 60 in the ideal state (here: in the middle of the central axis Z) not reduced.

3e shows an enlarged view of the contacting sections 24 of the two contact lamellas 21 the end 3a .

The distance Δx between the two contact points 25th is easy to see. Both contact points 25th overlap here in their outermost sections.

It can also be seen that the second contact lamella 21b the lamella group 20th , whose spring section 26b is shorter than the spring section 26a the first contact lamella 21a , a smaller second width B2 and / or a smaller second thickness D2 and / or that it is formed from a softer material than the first contact blade 21a with the longer spring section 26a . In this way, for example, one of different extension lengths L1 , L2 or different lengths of the spring sections 26a , 26b resulting spring constant of the two contact blades 21a , 21b be adjusted to each other. In this way it can be ensured, for example, that the normal forces or contact forces of the two contact points 25th are essentially the same size or differ from one another by a maximum of 10%, for example.

3f shows an enlarged oblique view of the contacting sections 24 of the two contact lamellas 3a . It can be seen that the contact points (first contact point 25a and second contact point 25b) into the material of the contact lamellas 21 are shaped. A first contact point direction can also be seen P1 of the first contact point 25a and a second contact point direction 25b of the second contact point (in each case as a normal to the surface of the highest point). The two contact point directions P1 , P2 enclose an angle α, which is approx. 10 ° here, as the two contact blades 21a , 21b are slightly tilted towards each other. Ideally, the angle α = 0 °, preferably it is less than 45 °, particularly preferably it is less than 30 °. In the case of a round contact, it can be normal that the angle α is not 0 °. This then depends on the number of contact blades 21 in a circular segment of the round contact.

4th shows a schematic plan view of two groups of lamellae 20th of a contact element 1 as well as a mating contact element 60 along the radial direction R.

In this exemplary embodiment protrude from a common back element 23 two groups of lamellas 20th off, the two contact lamellas each 21 exhibit.

The outer contact lamella in each case viewed along the x-direction 21 of the two groups of lamellae 20th each has a greater length than the respective inner contact lamella 21 and is with their contacting section 24 angled inwards by 90 °. In this way, in this exemplary embodiment, there are two groups of contact points lying one behind the other 25th created (through the first of the two groups is a first axis A1 and through the second group a second axis A2 drawn).

It goes without saying that each is a lamella group 20th associated contact points can also be positioned somewhat offset to one another along the x-direction. They then cause different plug-in tracks on the mating contact element 60 .

The mating contact element 60 is shown in the unplugged state. Once in a central position (ideal position), in which it is centered on the central axis (solid line). And once offset by a deviation ΔA along the x-direction from the ideal position to the right, so that it is just not the right side wall 56 of the contact box 50 touched. It can be clearly seen that in both positions of the mating contact element 60 all contact points 25th the surface 62 of the mating contact element 60 can touch when the mating contact element 60 in the contact element 1 is plugged in.

At the same time it can be seen that with four identically constructed contact lamellas arranged next to one another along the x-direction 21 , with the non-central position of the mating contact element 60 at least the point of contact 25th the leftmost contact blade 21 the surface 62 of the mating contact element 60 would no longer contact.

Finally, it should be noted that the contact element 1 or the mating contact element 60 or the contact arrangement 100 for example, for application or use in motor vehicles or in the case of inverters, motors, control devices, batteries, chargers or generators, is or can be intended or suitable or set up. However, the contact element is 1 or the contact arrangement 70 or the connector 50 or the connector arrangement 100 not limited to such applications or uses.

Claims (14)

Contact element for inserting a mating contact element (60) along an insertion direction (E), the contact element (1) having: - a connection section (2) which is set up to connect an electrical line (40); - A contact section (3) which is set up for contacting the mating contact element (60); wherein a lamella group (20) is arranged in the contact section (3), the lamella group (20) having at least two contact lamellae (21), the contact lamellae (21) of the lamella group (20) each at a first end (22) to a common one The back element (23) are connected and protrude essentially in the same direction from the back element (23), the contact blades (21) of the blade group (20) extending for the greater part of their extension length (L1, L2) parallel to the insertion direction (E), wherein each of the contact blades (21) has a contacting section (24) with a contact point (25) which is set up to contact the mating contact element (60), the contact points (25) of the contact blades (21) of the blade group (20) each in a The contact point direction (P1, P2) pointing essentially perpendicular to the insertion direction (E), the contact point directions (P1, P2) of the contact points (25) of the contact lamellae (21) of the lamella ngruppe (20) enclose an angle (α) of at most 45 ° or of at most 30 ° to one another, the contact points (25) of the contact blades (21) of the blade group (20) being arranged one behind the other as viewed along the insertion direction (E), the Contact points (25) of the contact lamellae (21) of the lamella group (20) are at a distance (Δx) from one another when viewed along an x-direction perpendicular to the insertion direction (E), which is at most as large as 0.8 times or 0.7 times a width (B) of a contact blade (21) of the lamella group (20), the contact lamellae (21) of the lamella group (20) between the back element (23) and the contacting section (3) each have a spring section (26), the spring sections (26) of the contact lamellae (21) of the lamella group (20) being designed in such a way that the contact points (25) of the contact lamellae ( 21) causes an equally large contact force radially outwards. Contact element according to the preceding claim, wherein the contact lamellae (21) of the lamella group (20) are each designed to be cantilevered at a second end (27) facing away from the first end (22). Contact element according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the widths (B1, B2) of the contact blades (21) of the blade group (20) differ from one another by at most 25%. Contact element according to one of the preceding claims, wherein each contact lamella (21) is formed continuously in the x-direction perpendicular to the insertion direction (E). Contact element according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least two of the contact lamellae (21) of the lamella group (20) are connected to the back element (23) directly adjacent to one another. Contact element according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the contact element (1) is designed as a socket contact element and / or wherein the contact element (1) is a stamped and bent part. Contact element according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the contact points (25) are embossed into the contact blades (21). Contact element according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the contact points (25) of the contact blades (21) of the blade group (20) overlap when viewed along the insertion direction (E). Contact element according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the contact lamellae (21) of the lamella group (20) run parallel to one another along the major part of their respective length (L1, L2). Contact element according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the contacting section (24) of at least one of the contact lamellae (21) of the lamella group (20) is angled in relation to a main direction of extent of this contact lamella (21). Contact element according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a contact lamella (21) of the lamella group (20), the spring section (26) of which is shorter than a spring section (26) of another contact lamella (21), a smaller width (B1, B2) and / or has a smaller thickness (D1, D2) and / or that it is formed from a softer material than the other contact blade (21) with the longer spring section (26). Contact element according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the contact element (1) has a plurality of groups of lamellae (20), in particular several groups of lamellae (20) being fastened together to the back element (23). Contact element according to the preceding claim, wherein at least two of the lamella groups (20), viewed perpendicular to the insertion direction (E), are arranged opposite one another. Contact arrangement, having: - A contact element (1) according to one of the preceding claims; - a mating contact element (60), wherein when the contact element (1) and mating contact element (60) are fully plugged together, the contact points (25) of the contact blades (21) of the blade group (20), viewed along the insertion direction (E), lie one behind the other on the mating contact element (60), wherein the contact points (25) of the contact lamellae (21) of the lamella group (20) each exert a contact force transversely to the insertion direction (E) on the mating contact element (60) and the contact forces of the various contact points (25) differ from one another by no more than 10%.

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