DE102022131440A1 - Electrical contact socket and connection system - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to an electrical contact socket and the use of the electrical contact socket in an electrical connection system, comprising the contact socket (hereinafter referred to synonymously as "socket") and a plug with at least one pin contact that can be inserted into the socket and wherein the socket is designed to be electrically conductive in at least one partial area, wherein the socket is designed as a cylindrical hollow body that has a wall that encloses an interior (cavity), wherein the cavity has two end areas spaced apart from one another, wherein at least one end area has an opening, and wherein sealing means are arranged in the at least one end area containing an opening, which cooperate with a sealing pin that is displaceably arranged in the interior of the socket and seals the interior of the socket in a water- and moisture-tight, dirt-tight, and generally against physical (material) environmental influences. The invention further relates to the use of the electrical contact socket for producing electrical connections, in particular in watery and dirty environments.

Description

The invention relates to an electrical contact socket and the use of the electrical contact socket in an electrical connection system, comprising the contact socket (hereinafter referred to synonymously as "socket" or also socket contact) and a plug with at least one pin contact that can be inserted into the socket and wherein the socket is designed to be electrically conductive in at least one partial area, wherein the socket is designed as a cylindrical hollow body that has a wall that encloses an interior (cavity), wherein the cavity has two end areas spaced apart from one another, wherein at least one end area has an opening, and wherein sealing means are arranged in the at least one end area containing an opening, which cooperate with a sealing pin that is arranged so as to be displaceable essentially in the interior of the socket and seals the interior of the socket so that it is watertight, moisture-tight, dirt-tight and generally against physical (material) environmental influences. The invention further relates to the use of the electrical socket contact for producing electrical connections, in particular in watery and dirty environments, in particular in the low voltage range up to the high voltage range. The invention further relates to a method for producing electrical connections from the low voltage range to the high voltage range and from the low current range to the high current range and for data transmission in moist or wet environments and in contaminated environments, wherein an electrical connection system as described herein is used.

background

Electrical connection systems which are used in damp, wet and/or dirty environments are known in the art, for example in the automotive sector, in construction machinery, in rail vehicles, in agricultural technology, in shipping or in open spaces which are exposed to the weather. These connection systems are usually equipped with a closure system such as a cover or plug or a flap (generally a closure part). The tightness of the connection system is achieved via the housing parts of the socket and plug. When not connected, i.e. the socket and plug are separated, the part of the connection system containing the socket is usually closed by a cap, a plug or flap to prevent the ingress of moisture or dirt. In order to connect the socket and plug, i.e. to close the electrical contact, the closure part of the socket must be removed (e.g. manually), then the plug can be inserted into the socket to close the contact. This must be done in a water-, moisture- and dirt-free environment so that the contact area is not contaminated by moisture, water or dirt, which would negatively affect the electrical contact. Only when the two housing parts are closed (connected) does the contact system become insensitive to water, moisture and dirt. Several steps are required to operate such a contact system. 5 and 6 shows some examples (without claiming to be complete) of such connection systems.

Registration EN 102019115324.7 discloses a plug arrangement with at least one pin-shaped plug element, which is electrically conductive at least in some areas, and has a plug receptacle with at least one receiving hole with an electrically conductive contact area, wherein the at least one plug element can be inserted into the at least one receiving hole to form an electrically conductive connection. According to the invention, it is provided that the at least one receiving hole in the plug receptacle is designed as a through hole with a first mouth opening and an opposite second mouth opening and that the at least one pin-shaped plug element can be inserted into the through hole with a sliding fit in the manner of a displacement piston.

However, this does not allow a plug to be inserted in a virtually moisture-free manner, which would ensure electrical contact in a wet or dirty environment or under water with virtually no moisture or dirt. In a non-contacted state, the inside of the socket is not protected from water or dirt. The contact system cannot be operated under water.

There was therefore a need for an electrical connection system that can be connected in a damp or wet environment and possibly even in heavily soiled or underwater environments and that provides a reliable electrical connection in such an environment. In addition, the system should be able to operate reliably in the entire voltage range from low voltage / low current range for data lines and data contact systems (e.g. for data lines in the range of up to several GBit/sec transmission speed) to high voltage (up to e.g. 3kV) and high current range (e.g. up to 800 A). The applicant currently covers these ranges with connection systems (socket - plug). These specified ranges do not represent upper limits. The person skilled in the art knows the conventional connections connection systems and can calculate and design them using calculation methods familiar to him in accordance with the requirements for transmitted voltage and current, contact clearances, etc. as well as the associated material selection for the contact pairs socket and plug (e.g. contact material made of brass, copper or bronze, with coatings (e.g. gold or silver) or without coating. The invention is applicable to such connection systems.

Brief description of the invention

According to a first aspect, the invention provides an electrical connection system 1 comprising a socket 2 and a plug 30 with a pin contact 31 which can be inserted into the socket 2 to close an electrical contact. The socket 2 is designed to be electrically conductive in at least one partial area 15 and electrically non-conductive in at least one partial area 9, wherein the pin contact 31 can be inserted into the socket 2 in the axial direction. The socket 2 is designed as a cylindrical hollow body with an interior 3 which has a wall 4 which encloses the interior (cavity) 3, wherein the cavity 3 has two end regions 10, 11 spaced apart from one another, wherein at least one end region 10, 11 has an opening 12, wherein at least one sealing means, preferably two sealing means 13, are arranged in the at least one end region 10, 11 containing an opening 12.

A sealing pin 7 made of electrically non-conductive material is arranged in the interior 3 of the cylindrical hollow body, which at least partially fills the hollow body 7 and is provided with a sliding fit relative to the wall 4, so that the sealing pin 7 can be displaced from a position A within the interior to a position B, e.g. by sliding.

The sealing pin 7 preferably comprises an electrically non-conductive material, or consists thereof, and is arranged in the interior 3 of the hollow body at least in such a way that at least in position A (according to 1 ) the sealing pin 7 and the sealing means 13 have at least one overlapping area. The sealing pin 7, in conjunction with the sealing means 13, thus closes the opening 12 of the socket 2 in a watertight/liquid-tight or dust- and dirt-tight manner. The sealing means 7 is arranged so as to be elastically displaceable along the axis 5 (axially) by means of a spring 8.

Another object of the invention is the use of a connection system as described herein for creating and maintaining electrical connections in particular in aqueous and contaminated environments.

To establish the electrical connection, the plug 30 with its associated pin contact 31 can be inserted into the opening 12 of the socket 2. The pin contact 31 is adapted with its circumference and its surface quality so that it slides easily in the socket 2 on the wall 4 (sliding fit) and can establish and maintain an electrical contact at least in the contact area 6 of the wall 4.

According to a further aspect of the invention, there is also provided a method for creating electrical connections from the low voltage range to the high voltage range in a moist or wet environment, using an electrical connection system as described herein.

The advantage of the present invention is that, in comparison to connection systems according to the prior art, a connection system can be implemented that can use known socket-plug systems, which can be made water- and moisture-tight by applying the invention and can be made insensitive to the ingress of dust and dirt into the connection area. Additional flaps or caps etc. can be dispensed with. The connection process takes place with fewer work steps than with known connection systems. Connection systems according to the invention allow electrical connection steps to be carried out safely and reliably even in watery, damp and/or dirty environments.

Short description of the characters

• 1 shows, according to a first aspect of the invention, an electrical connection system according to the invention, wherein the two parts, socket and plug, are shown separately.
• 2 shows in another aspect the connection system in connected state
• 3 shows an example of a pin contact with a front side made of electrically non-conductive material

Detailed description of the invention

Reference number:

1

electrical connection system

2

Rifle

3

Cylindrical hollow body with interior

4

Wall of the hollow body

5

axis

6

Contact distance

7

Sealing pin

8th

Spring / return device

9

Electrically non-conductive area

10

End area

11

End area

12

opening

13

Sealants

14

Front side sealing pin 7

15

Electrically conductive part

30

Plug

31

Pin contact

32

Surface of the pin contact

33

Front side of the pin contact

34

Isolation area

35

Tip of the pin contact with electrically non-conductive section

The invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to the figures, whereby the representations are not to be understood as limiting the scope of protection. They are intended to illustrate the essence of the invention. Plug housings on the pin and socket side are also not shown in the figures, nor are, for example, designs for fastening cables for supplying or forwarding signals and/or electrical power, as they are not essential to the invention. Furthermore, the sizes shown in the figures are not to scale and may differ from the sizes shown. Of course, several contact systems according to the invention can be combined with corresponding housings to form larger units.

1 shows an electrical connection system 1 according to the invention, comprising a socket 2 and a plug 30 which can be inserted into the socket 2 to make an electrical contact. Socket 2 and plug 30 are shown here in a non-contacted state. 2 represents the contact system socket 2 and plug 30 in contacted state.

According to 1 the bushing 2 is designed as a cylindrical hollow body with an interior 3, which has a wall 4 that encloses the interior 3 of the hollow body, and has two end regions 10, 11 spaced apart from one another, wherein at least one end region 10 has an opening 12, wherein at least one sealing means 13, preferably two sealing means, are arranged in the end region 10 containing the opening 12. 1 shows the preferred version with two sealing agents. If the term "one sealing agent" is used in the text, this is to be understood as "at least one sealing agent", and the plural is therefore also meant.

The wall 4 is designed to be electrically conductive in at least one partial area 6 (contact area).

In the interior 5 of the cylindrical hollow body 3, according to 1 a sealing pin 7 made of electrically non-conductive material is arranged, which is arranged in the hollow body 3 so as to be displaceable from a position A to a position B within the interior. 1 shows the sealing pin in position A, 2 in position B.

The sealing pin 7 preferably comprises or consists of an electrically non-conductive material and is filled with a sliding fit at least in sections in the interior of the hollow body and is designed such that in position A the sealing pin and the sealing means have at least one overlap area. In this way, the sealing pin 7, in conjunction with the sealing means 13, closes the opening 12 of the socket 2 in a watertight, moisture-tight, sealed against contamination, and generally against environmental influences, such as against corrosive media.

Suitable sealing agents within the meaning of the invention are plastics that have a certain elasticity and corresponding surface properties so that they are suitable as sealing material. These include, for example, PU (polyurethane), PA 6.6 (polyamide), elastomers (rubber, butadiene, silicone and the like) as well as thermoplastic elastomers (TPE), PE, PP, PET or perfluorinated polymers (Teflon), although this list is not exhaustive.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the sealing means 13 preferably comprise 2 seals, which can be designed as O-rings. In a further preferred embodiment, the sealing means are provided with wiper lips. Another alternative embodiment of the sealing means would be the use of shaft seals as a sealing and wiper device. Further wiper devices are possible according to the invention and contribute to increasing the tightness.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the sealing pin 7 is elastically displaceable by a spring 8 (generally a return means), in the example here elastically spring-loaded. To establish the electrical connection, the pin contact 31 is inserted into the opening 12 of the socket 3. In this case, the sealing pin 7 is moved from a position A to a position position B; the front side of the sealing pin 14 and the front side of the pin contact 33 are essentially in positive and non-positive engagement over the displacement path from A to B, at least in sections. When the pin contact 31 is pulled out, the sealing pin 7 is moved back from position B to position A. Here, the front sides 14 and 33 are essentially, at least in sections, in positive engagement. Before the front side 33 of the pin contact 31 passes through, the positive engagement between the front sides 14 and 33 is broken, the sealing pin 7 must interact with the sealing agent 13 and thus seal the opening 12.

The person skilled in the art will be familiar with calculating the spring force, generally the at least one return means, according to the design and size of the bushing, in particular taking into account the properties of the sliding fit of the sealing means 7 with the wall 4 and the force required for the interaction of the sealing means 13 with the sealing pin 7, and designing the spring accordingly. Instead of a mechanical spring 8, a pneumatic or hydraulic system or a magnetic or motor-driven system can also be used as the means for displacing the sealing pin 7. The term "spring" is generally used synonymously with "return means".

2 shows the contact system consisting of socket 2 and plug 30 in a closed, connected state. The sealing pin has been moved from position A to position B by the contact process. In this position, the surface 32 of the pin contact is in electrically conductive contact with the contact area 6 of the wall 4 and overlaps with the sealing means 13. In this state, both the electrical conduction and the water/moisture-tight closure of the contact system are guaranteed. According to a further aspect of the invention, the contact system can be used in the low voltage range/data transmission range up to the high voltage range in damp or wet environments. In wet environments, use under water is also possible within the meaning of the invention. The voltage ranges are in the range from 1 V up to 100 KV, with the system according to the invention enabling currents in the range from 10 mA up to several kA, i.e. from around 1 A up to 50 kA.

3 shows a pin contact 31 of the plug 30, which, independently of the insulating region 34, in which the front side 33 of the pin contact 31 is designed as a section made of electrically non-conductive material but pressure-stable material.

Another object of the invention is the use of a connection system as described herein for creating electrical contacts/connections in aqueous and polluted environments and under water; generally for creating electrical connections that are sealed against environmental influences.

According to a further aspect of the invention, a method is also provided for producing electrical connections from the low voltage range to the high voltage range in a moist or wet environment, using an electrical connection system as described herein. The method can also be used in very dirty environments and under water and enables contact to be made essentially without moisture. "Essentially" is to be understood here as meaning that traces of moisture can be introduced into the electrical contact system, but these traces of moisture do not affect the functionality of the electrical contact system.

Description of the connection procedure

To create an electrical connection, a two-part connection system is typically used, which consists of a socket 2 and a plug 30, with a pin contact 31 that is electrically conductive at least in sections and an insulating region 34 in at least one section. To mechanically and electrically close the connection, the pin contact 31 of the plug 30 is inserted axially into the opening 12 of the socket 2. By inserting the pin contact 31 into the opening 12 of the socket 2, the slidably mounted sealing pin 7 is axially displaced from position A to position B in the direction of the end region 11. In the process, it is moved out of the overlap area with the sealing means 13. Any moisture adhering to the sealing pin is stripped off by the sealing means. The front side 33 of the pin contact is, at least in sections, in force and form connection with the front side 14 of the sealing pin. The further axial movement of the pin contact in the direction of the end area 11 of the socket 2 initially results in a positive connection between the surface 32 of the pin contact and, with further movement, with the contact area 6 of the wall 4 of the socket 2. The connection system is now closed. There is an electrically conductive connection and, due to the positive connection between the sealing means 13 and the surface 32 of the pin contact 31, a sealing connection against the ingress of water/moisture and dirt. The surface 32 at the positive connection with the sealing means 13 is made of a, preferably, non-conductive material 34.

If there is still moisture or dirt on the surface before the pin contact 31 is inserted, this is removed by the sealing means 13. The interior 5 of the socket 2 and the contact area 6 remain free of water, moisture and dirt.

When the connection is separated, the plug 30 is pulled axially out of the socket in the direction of the opening 12. The spring force of the spring 8 ensures that the front side 14 of the sealing pin 7 and the front side 33 of the pin contact 31 remain in positive engagement during the pulling-out process until the sealing pin 7 is back in position and interacts with the at least one sealing means 13. The opening 12 of the socket 2 is again moisture-proof/waterproof, dirt-proof and generally sealed against environmental influences.

QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of documents listed by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• EN 1020191153247 [0003]

Claims (8)

Electrical contact socket comprising a wall which is electrically conductive in at least one partial region and an opening through which a pin contact which is electrically conductive in at least one partial region can be inserted into the socket, the wall enclosing an interior space, the interior space having two end regions spaced apart from one another, at least one end region having an opening, characterized in that sealing means are arranged in the end region containing at least one opening and a sealing pin made of electrically non-conductive material is arranged in the interior space and is arranged so as to be displaceable in the interior from a position A to a position B. Electrical contact socket according to Claim 1 , wherein the sealing pin made of electrically non-conductive material fills the interior at least in sections radially with a sliding fit and which is designed such that in position A the pin and the sealing means have at least one overlap region. Electrical contact socket according to one of the Claims 1 until 2 , comprising at least one seal. Electrical contact socket according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sealing pin is spring-mounted. Electrical contact socket according to one of the preceding claims, for use in an electrical connection system. Electrical connection system, comprising an electrical contact socket and a plug with a pin contact that is electrically conductive in at least one partial area, the contact socket having a wall that is electrically conductive in at least one partial area, the wall enclosing an interior, the interior having two end areas spaced apart from one another, at least one end area having an opening through which the pin contact that is electrically conductive in at least one partial area can be inserted into the socket, sealing means being arranged in the end area containing at least one opening, and a sealing pin made of electrically non-conductive material being arranged in the interior, which is arranged so as to be displaceable from a position A to a position B, and the interior of the socket being sealed against environmental influences by the interaction of the sealing pin in position A with the sealing means, and the sealing pin being displaced from position A to position B when the pin contact is inserted, the electrical connection between the socket and the pin contact being closed, and the pin contact now interacting with the sealing means and sealing the closed connection system against environmental influences. Method for producing an electrical connection system, comprising an electrical contact socket and a plug with a pin contact that is electrically conductive in at least one partial area, the contact socket having a wall that is electrically conductive in at least one partial area, the wall enclosing an interior space, the interior space having two end regions spaced apart from one another, at least one end region having an opening through which the pin contact that is electrically conductive in at least one partial area can be inserted into the socket, sealing means being arranged in the end region containing at least one opening, and a sealing pin made of electrically non-conductive material being arranged in the interior space, which is arranged in the interior space so as to be displaceable from a position A to a position B, and the interior space of the socket being sealed against environmental influences by the interaction of the sealing pin in position A with the sealing means, and when the pin contact is inserted, the sealing pin is displaced from position A to position B, and the electrical connection between the socket and the pin contact is closed, and the pin contact now interacts with the sealing means and seals the closed connection system against environmental influences. Method for separating an electrical connection system, comprising an electrical contact socket and a plug with a pin contact that is electrically conductive at least in a partial area, the contact socket having a wall that is electrically conductive at least in a partial area, the wall enclosing an interior, the interior having two end areas spaced apart from one another, at least one end area having an opening through which the pin contact that is electrically conductive in at least a partial area can be inserted into the socket, sealing means being arranged in the end area containing at least one opening, and a sealing pin made of electrically non-conductive material being arranged in the interior, which is arranged so as to be displaceable from a position B to a position A within the interior, the end faces of the sealing pin and the pin contact being at least partially and substantially in positive engagement until the sealing pin is in contact interact with the at least one sealing agent and the interior of the socket is sealed against environmental influences by the sealing pin in interaction with the at least one sealing agent and the pin contact is no longer in positive connection with the front side of the sealing pin.