EP1215763B1 - Female contact for an electrical connector - Google Patents

Abstract

The tab of the holding spring (116) is formed in one piece with the contact spring (102).

Description

The present invention relates to an electrical contact socket for a electrical connector according to the preamble of claim 1.

Such electrical connectors are provided via a Contact socket and a pin between a first electric wire and another electrical line or between an electrical line and an electrical unit a re-releasable electrical connection manufacture. Possible applications are u. a. around Automotive electronics. The connectors must be due to the extreme harsh environmental conditions, in particular with regard to vibration resistance and Corrosion resistance, but also in terms of temperature resistance and Current resistance meets high requirements. The connections must over it Be often solved and can be reliably closed again. In addition, when plugging and opening as little forces as possible overcome.

European Patent EP 0 711 009 B1 describes one according to the Preamble of the main claim trained electrical contact socket. The Contact socket consists essentially of a rectangular in cross-section trained body with a detent spring tongue for locking the Contact socket in a chamber of a housing. The main body has an im Essentially rectangular in cross-section quiver-like design Has contact area, for holding a contact spring receiving is provided. The contact spring consists of a contact plate, which is U-shaped bent around the transverse to its longitudinal extension middle zone is, so that two substantially at a distance parallel to each other Contact arms are formed whose free ends for fixing the contact spring on Body both positive and cohesive (welds) with communicate with the opening area of the contact area.

This type of contact socket has significant disadvantages: it is only one single contact point between the main body and the contact spring, namely the in the opening area of the contact area, provided, whereby a high Contact resistance between body and contact spring results. The required welding points complicate and increase the cost of assembly. Moreover turns out that often the spring characteristics of the detent spring tongue are not are optimal.

Object of the present invention is therefore to provide a contact socket for a specify electrical connector, the improved spring characteristics of Has detent spring tongue.

This task is accomplished by a contact socket with the characteristics of Patent claim 1 solved.

To realize a cooperation with a female connector housing part provided primary lock is an integral with the contact spring trained spring-elastic detent tongue, which is issued to the outside.

A significant advantage of the contact socket according to the invention is that the current carrying capacity is increased. This is due to the presence of a second Contact point between body and contact spring reached. By the exact defined location and nature of the second contact point, the Current stability of the overall arrangement can be significantly improved.

In addition, due to the special structure can be a cheap production and simplified assembly of the components can be achieved.

Further embodiments of the invention are the subject of several Dependent claims.

According to a preferred embodiment, the second contact point is located at a short distance from the connection area in which the connection between the base body and the electrical connection cable. On This way can be a good power transmission with low electrical Resistance can be guaranteed.

To the occurring when contacting the contact socket with the pin To keep insertion forces as low as possible, the contact spring can be executed be that it is made up of two free spring arms. low Mating forces are especially in multi-pole electrical Connector arrangements important.

The realization of the contact spring of two spring arms cut free, the are each divided by a slot in two contact bridges, the reduced Insertion forces continue. In addition, this realization allows a good Contact with the inserted pin. This is also supported by the fact that two successively arranged contact points are provided. Such Contacting is very safe even with vibrations.

Characterized in that according to a further advantageous embodiment, the contact webs the two contact arms are set bottle-neck-like inside, is a guaranteed defined pressure on the pin.

Forming the second contact point as a crimp contact, this has the advantage that expensive and expensive welded joints become unnecessary. A particularly easy to produce and quickly mountable embodiment of Contact spring represents the realization of two separate sheets, the lying in a half-shell shape. By connecting these two sheets via a crimp contact, which at the same time connects to the main body can be saved in the production time and costs.

Furthermore, it has the alternative implementation of the second contact point means a pressed against the inner wall of the main body contact spring the advantage that in the connection area of the main body no additional crimping region must be provided and thus the electrical connector further can be miniaturized.

When the contact spring in the inserted state at one end of the Contact area of the body rests, there is the advantage that the Contact spring is protected against incorrect positioning during assembly and itself even in later operation can not move in the axial direction.

According to a preferred embodiment, the contact spring is U-shaped bent so that they are in the inserted state, the front edge of the Body encompasses. This will be a particularly good electrical transition between the main body and the contact spring and at the same time their secure fit guaranteed against losing.

A fastening tab on the contact spring, which in the retracted state of Contact spring fits positively into a receiving pocket on the base body, can prevent the contact spring from being moved unintentionally axially.

According to an alternative embodiment of the electrical contact socket can However, the contact spring materially connected via a weld with the Basic body to be connected.

A stable one-piece to the body and parallel to the detent spring tongue extending protective tab prevents unwanted catching the detent spring tongue during transport of the contact socket.

To ensure that the invention by a Collective seal can be passed without the collection seal to Injury, according to a preferred embodiment, the detent spring tongue Their ends are rounded so that they no longer have sharp edges.

To prevent unintentional indentation of the detent spring tongue, can Main body to be provided a support spring for the detent spring tongue.

The contact socket according to the invention can be used both for plug pins square cross-section, as well as for plug pins with rectangular cross section, which are also referred to as a contact blade used.

Depending on the requirements of the electrical connection between the Base body and the electrical connection line can be made, the Connection area of the main body as crimp zone or as insulation displacement zone be educated.

Fig. 1 eine perspektivische Darstellung einer Kontaktbuchse gemäß einer ersten bevorzugten Ausführungsform;

Fig. 2 verschiedene Ansichten der Kontaktbuchse gemäß Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 verschiedene Ansichten des Grundkörpers ohne eingeschobene Kontaktfeder in der ersten bevorzugten Ausführungsform;

Fig. 4 eine perspektivische Ansicht des Grundkörpers gemäß der ersten bevorzugten Ausführungsform;

Fig. 5 verschiedene Ansichten einer Kontaktfeder gemäß der ersten bevorzugten Ausführungsform;

Fig. 6 eine perspektivische Ansicht der Kontaktfeder gemäß der ersten Ausführungsform;

Fig. 7 verschiedene Ansichten einer Kontaktbuchse gemäß einer zweiten bevorzugten Ausführungsform;

Fig. 8 verschiedene Ansichten einer Kontaktfeder gemäß der zweiten bevorzugten Ausführungsform;

Fig. 9 eine perspektivische Darstellung der Kontaktfeder gemäß der zweiten bevorzugten Ausführungsform;

Fig. 10 eine perspektivische Ansicht der Kontaktbuchse gemäß der zweiten Ausführungsform;

Fig. 11 eine perspektivische Ansicht einer Kontaktbuchse gemäß einer dritten bevorzugten Ausführungsform;

Fig. 12 verschiedene Ansichten der Kontaktbuchse gemäß der dritten bevorzugten Ausführungsform;

Fig. 13 verschiedene Ansichten des Grundkörpers gemäß der dritten Ausführungsform;

Fig. 14 eine perspektivische Ansicht des Grundkörpers gemäß der dritten bevorzugten Ausführungsform;

Fig. 15 verschiedene Ansichten der Kontaktfeder gemäß der dritten Ausführungsform;

Fig. 16 eine perspektivische Darstellung der Kontaktfeder gemäß der dritten bevorzugten Ausführungsform;

Fig. 17 verschiedene Ansichten einer Kontaktbuchse gemäß einer vierten bevorzugten Ausführungsform;

Fig. 18 eine perspektivische Darstellung der Kontaktbuchse gemäß der vierten bevorzugten Ausführungsform;

Fig. 19 einen Längsschnitt durch die Kontaktbuchse gemäß der vierten bevorzugten Ausführungsform;

Fig. 20 verschiedene Ansichten des Grundkörpers gemäß der vierten bevorzugten Ausführungsform;

Fig. 21 verschiedene Ansichten der Kontaktfeder gemäß der vierten bevorzugten Ausführungsform;

Fig. 22 eine perspektivische Darstellung der Kontaktfeder gemäß der vierten bevorzugten Ausführungsform;

Fig. 23 eine perspektivische Darstellung der Kontaktbuchse gemäß einer fünften bevorzugten Ausführungsform;

Fig. 24 eine perspektivische Darstellung der Kontaktfeder gemäß der fünften bevorzugten Ausführungsform;

Fig. 25 eine perspektivische Darstellung des Grundkörpers gemäß der fünften bevorzugten Ausführungsform;

Fig. 26 einen Schnitt durch eine Kontaktbuchse gemäß einer sechsten bevorzugten Ausführungsform;

Fig. 27 eine perspektivische Darstellung der Kontaktfeder gemäß der sechsten bevorzugten Ausführungsform.

With reference to the preferred embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings, the invention will be explained in more detail below. Show it:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a contact socket according to a first preferred embodiment;

Fig. 2 different views of the contact socket of FIG. 1;

3 different views of the main body without inserted contact spring in the first preferred embodiment;

4 is a perspective view of the main body according to the first preferred embodiment;

5 shows different views of a contact spring according to the first preferred embodiment;

6 is a perspective view of the contact spring according to the first embodiment;

7 shows different views of a contact socket according to a second preferred embodiment;

8 shows different views of a contact spring according to the second preferred embodiment;

9 is a perspective view of the contact spring according to the second preferred embodiment;

10 is a perspective view of the contact socket according to the second embodiment;

11 is a perspective view of a contact socket according to a third preferred embodiment;

12 shows various views of the contact socket according to the third preferred embodiment;

13 shows different views of the main body according to the third embodiment;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the main body according to the third preferred embodiment; FIG.

Fig. 15 different views of the contact spring according to the third embodiment;

Fig. 16 is a perspective view of the contact spring according to the third preferred embodiment;

17 shows different views of a contact socket according to a fourth preferred embodiment;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the female contact according to the fourth preferred embodiment; FIG.

19 shows a longitudinal section through the contact socket according to the fourth preferred embodiment;

FIG. 20 shows various views of the basic body according to the fourth preferred embodiment; FIG.

21 shows various views of the contact spring according to the fourth preferred embodiment;

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the contact spring according to the fourth preferred embodiment; FIG.

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the female contact according to a fifth preferred embodiment; FIG.

Fig. 24 is a perspective view of the contact spring according to the fifth preferred embodiment;

Fig. 25 is a perspective view of the main body according to the fifth preferred embodiment;

FIG. 26 shows a section through a contact socket according to a sixth preferred embodiment; FIG.

Fig. 27 is a perspective view of the contact spring according to the sixth preferred embodiment.

In the following preferred embodiments of the invention will be closer described. Similar or corresponding details of inventive subject matter are provided with the same reference numerals.

In the drawings, only the electrically conductive, made of metal Components of a contact socket shown. In most cases, however, belongs In addition, not shown in the drawings and therefore not closer described, z. B. made of plastic housing to an electrical Plug connection. In this case, a has a first housing part chambers for Recording of one contact socket each. A second complementary Housing part has one or more chambers for receiving connector pins or contact blades on.

The electrical contact is made between a preferably in cross section rectangular shaped pin or contact blade (in the drawings not shown) and the contact socket 100th

As shown in Fig. 1 in a first embodiment, there is the Contact socket 100 made of a sheet metal by punching and bending Base 104, which has a contact region 105 for receiving the connector pin and one provided for connection of an electrical line Connecting portion 106 has, and a contact spring 102, the connector pin electrically contacted.

Laterally formed in the connection area 106 to the base body 104 Crimping lugs allow the contacting of the electrical connection cable.

With the main body 104, the contact spring 102 is in two places in electrical contact: on the one hand on the end face 108 of the contact area over the two U-shaped curved spring arms 122, on the other hand in the vicinity of the Connection region 106 via two curved around the two spring arms Crimps 120.

At the extension of the one spring arm 122A is a detent spring tongue 116, the used to lock the contact socket in a housing formed. Four Fixing tabs 112 can be used to lock the contact spring in Base body in the corresponding receiving pockets 114 of the base body 104th be bent into it. A punched loop 124 is after the complete Assembly of the contact socket removed. In order for the detent spring tongue 116 to become e.g. Do not accidentally catch during transport of the finished contact socket can, a protective tab 118 is provided on the base body 104, which also for Polarization of the contact socket is used.

Main body and contact spring are mostly made of different materials manufactured, as placed on the contact spring high elastic requirements be the base body but e.g. is crimped. The elastic properties the material of the contact spring are for the properties of the detent spring tongue also very advantageous.

FIG. 2 shows various views of the contact bushing 100 shown in FIG according to the first preferred embodiment.

In Fig. 3 are different views of the base body 104 without the inserted contact spring 102 of the contact socket 100 according to the first preferred embodiment shown.

It can be seen in the longitudinal direction of the subdivision of the body in the Contact area 105 and the connection area 106. The front side 108 of Contact area 105 and the two Crimplaschen 120 serve an electrical Contact with the contact spring. The terminal portion 106, which according to the present preferred embodiment is designed as a crimping zone serves the connection of an electrical connection cable. In the receiving pockets 114 the fastening tabs 112 of the contact spring can be bent in to to lock these.

FIG. 4 shows the main body according to the first preferred embodiment in FIG another perspective view.

The to the previously described preferred embodiment of the contact socket 100 associated contact spring 102 is in different views, both as a plan Punching tape element as shown in Fig. 5 in the finished bent state.

The contact spring consists of two spring arms 122A and 122B cut free, the bottles neck-like for a later holding the connector pin be bent towards each other. Each spring arm consists of two by one Long hole separate contact webs 123. Through this subdivision The plug forces that occur when the connector pin is in the ready-assembled Contact socket is inserted, can be significantly reduced. The spring arm 122A is at the terminal side 126 opposite end of the contact spring U-shaped bent. At the extension of this spring arm 122A are the Attachment tabs 112 and the detent spring tongue 116 integrally formed. I'm done bent state, the two spring arms 122A and 122B with their Terminal ends 126 stacked and by bending the Crimplaschen 128 fixed. The punched tape eyelet 124 may after the completion of the contact socket be removed.

A perspective view of the contact spring 102 according to the previously described preferred embodiment is shown in Fig. 6.

In contrast to the embodiment shown in Fig. 5, is in this Version in the connection area 126 no Crimplasche 128 on the spring arm 122B provided. The two spring arms are only half-shell-shaped with their Anschlusseiten nested and are after insertion into the Base 104 fixed by the Crimplaschen 120.

FIG. 7 shows different views of a contact socket 100 in a second one preferred embodiment.

The main difference to the first described so far Embodiment is to be seen in that in addition to that on the spring arm 122A molded detent spring tongue 116 a second detent spring tongue 117 to the Spring arm 122B is formed. This is done to a symmetrical distribution of forces to achieve when locking the socket contact with a housing.

A contact spring 102, which has two detent spring tongues 116 and 117, is shown in FIG. 8 is shown. At the same time Fig. 8 shows another possible embodiment of the Connecting ends 126 of the two spring arms: The connection ends come as the two halves of a cylindrical tube, to lie on each other and can again be fixed on each other via the Crimplaschen 120 of the body.

FIG. 9 shows the contact spring of FIG. 8 in a perspective view.

FIG. 10 is an overall perspective view of the female contact 100 according to FIG second embodiment.

Here it can be seen that the U-shaped bent two spring arms 122A and 122B enclose the base body 104 and on the end 108 of the Contact area 105 find a stop. With the help of the fastening tabs 112 For example, the contact spring 102 can be locked firmly to the base body 104. In order to the two detent spring tongues 116 and (not visible in this illustration) 117 can not accidentally catch during transport, are two each Protective tabs 118A, 118B and 119A, 119B formed on the base body 104.

Figure 11 shows a perspective view of a contact socket 100 according to a third preferred embodiment. In this variant, the encounters Contact spring 102 flush with the end face 108 of the contact portion 105 on Basic body 104.

As is apparent from Fig. 12, the third embodiment differs therein from the previous, that the spring arms 122 are no longer U-shaped around the front 108 of the contact area 105 are bent. In particular from the Longitudinal view A-A (and especially Figure 15) will be seen that the Spring arm 122A and the detent spring tongue 116 not from the same lot of Punching tape are formed, but during the bending process to the Longitudinal axis come to rest on each other.

Also in this embodiment, fastening tabs 112 are on the contact spring provided that can be locked to the base 104. For education a second contact point between the base body and the contact spring are the both spring arms 122A and 122B with their terminal ends 126 on each other and are fixed by the Crimplaschen 120 of the body. By a Welded joint 129, preferably a laser spot weld, can Fixing tabs 112 are additionally fixed on the base body 104.

Different views of the base 104 in the curved as well as in the unbent state are shown in FIG.

At the end face 108 of the contact region 105 is for mechanical fixation of to be inserted contact spring a guide plate 130 is formed.

In Fig. 14, the main body 104 according to the third embodiment in a shown in perspective view.

In Fig. 15, the contact spring 102 according to the third embodiment is shown. As most easily recognizable from the representation of the unbent contact spring, the contact spring consists of the two contact arms 122A and 122B, respectively two contact webs 123 and a connection side 126 have, and a also cut free detent spring tongue 116, which through the box-shaped Bending the contact spring about its longitudinal axis on the spring arm 122A to lie comes. To the spring arm 122B are in the connection area 126 Crimplaschen 128th formed, the connecting portion of the spring arm 122 A in the finished bent Enclose and fix the condition. In the area of the contact point 110 are, as out the lateral view, the two spring arms 122A and 122B bottleneck facing each other to a defined resilient contact to allow a pin.

Figure 16 shows a perspective view of the contact spring 104 according to the third embodiment.

A female contact according to a fourth embodiment is in different Views shown in Fig. 17.

The essential difference of this fourth embodiment to the foregoing described third embodiment is that the terminal ends the two spring arms 122A and 122B not from the region of the contact area be brought out and not come into contact with each other. Of the defined contact between the contact spring 102 and the base 104 is in this embodiment by a resilient pressing of the spring arms 122A and 122B to the inner wall of the main body 104 realized. Also with this Embodiment, the detent spring tongue 116 is formed by the contact spring 102 and by a formed on the base 104 protective tab 118 before protected from unwanted snagging. By welding points 129A and 129B, the Preferably, a laser spot weld can be made, optionally Contact spring 102 inextricably connected to the base 104.

FIG. 18 shows the contact bushing 100 in a further perspective view represents.

A longitudinal section through the contact socket 100 shown in Fig. 18 is for Clarification of the pressure points of the spring arms 122A and 122B to the Inner wall of the contact region 105 shown in Fig. 19. Also visible from this representation, how the two spring arms face each other, in the Area of the contact point 110 to allow a contact of the connector pin.

In Fig. 20 is in various representations of the base body 104 according to the fourth embodiment.

Figure 21 is an illustration of the contact spring 102 according to the fourth Embodiment. This embodiment differs from the contact springs 102 used in the 15 and 16 are shown by the shortened spring arms 122A and 122B, which no longer protrude from the contact region 105 of the base body. The Both spring arms 122A and 122B are thus exposed to the outside with their free ends bent, that they are in the inserted state with a defined contact pressure Press against the inner wall of the body.

Figure 22 shows a perspective view of the contact spring 102 according to the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 23 shows a perspective view of a contact socket 100 according to FIG a fifth preferred embodiment. Unlike the previous ones described embodiments, the detent spring tongue 116 in this preferred embodiment bent so that they no longer sharp edges having. The protective tab 118 on the base body 104 is compared to the previously described protective tabs 118 with a rounded geometry Mistake. In addition to the previous embodiments, the Contact socket 100 according to the present fifth embodiment of her Base 104 a support spring 132 for the detent spring tongue 116, the prevents unintentional impressions due to weak pressure forces. These Embodiment, which is also referred to as Clean Body design is selected when the contact bush passed through a collecting seal should be so that the collective seal is not violated.

Figure 24 shows a perspective view of the contact spring 102 according to the fifth embodiment. One recognizes a rounded bend of the Detent spring tongue 116 and bent-down side parts, which also serve to avoid sharp edges.

Finally, FIG. 25 shows a perspective view of the basic body 104 according to the fifth embodiment. The assist spring 132 comes after the Mounting on the detent spring tongue 116 to the plant. The protective flap 118 became like this Rounding out that they too in carrying through a collection seal no has sharp edges.

Figure 26 shows a longitudinal section through a contact socket 100 in a sixth preferred embodiment.

This sixth embodiment is very similar to the fourth embodiment. Of the significant difference from the fourth embodiment is the fact that in addition to the first contact point present in all embodiments 110 on the spring arms 122A, 122B for contacting a complementary Contact pin, a second contact point 130 on the spring arms 122A, 122B is provided to a reliable contact of the contact pin to to reach. The second pad 130 is in relation to the first 110 in FIG longitudinal direction (towards the crimping area) offset.

Figure 26 shows a perspective view of the contact spring 102 according to the sixth embodiment. One recognizes an additional contact point 130 at the Spring arms 122A, 122B.

Although the embodiments in the drawings are rectangular Cross section of the connector pin and contact sockets show, the present Invention also on pins and contact sockets with circular Cross section are applied.

Claims (13)

1. An electrical contact socket for an electrical plug-type connector having a latching spring tongue (116) for fixing the contact socket (100) in a connector housing, the contact socket (100) comprising a base member (104) and a contact spring (102) inserted therein, the base member (104) having at its one end a connecting area (106) and at its opposite end a contact area (105) for the plug pin, and the base member (104) and the contact spring (102) being connected together electrically,
      characterised in that
      the latching spring tongue (116) is made in one piece with the resilient contact spring (102).
2. An electrical contact socket according to claim 1, characterised in that the electrical connection between contact spring (102) and base member (104) is formed by at least two axially spaced, defined contact points.
3. An electrical contact socket according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterised in that a first contact point is located on the contact area (105) and a second contact point is located at a short distance from the connecting area (106).
4. An electrical contact socket according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the contact spring (102) takes the form of at least two cut-free spring arms (122A, 122B).
5. An electrical contact socket according to claim 4, characterised in that each spring arm (122A, 122B) is divided, at least in places, into two contact webs (123).
6. An electrical contact socket according to one of claims 4 or 5, characterised in that, to form the electrical contact with a plug pin, the spring arms (122A, 122B) comprise two contact points (110, 130) offset axially relative to one another.
7. An electrical contact socket according to one of claims 4 to 6, characterised in that the two spring arms (122A, 122B) rest with their ends (126) facing the connecting area (106) of the base member (104) on one another in the manner of half-shells and are surrounded and fixed by two crimp lugs (120) formed on the connecting area (106) of the base member (104).
8. An electrical contact socket according to one of claims 4 to 6, characterised in that the two spring arms (122A, 122B) are bent outwards with their ends facing the connecting area (106) in such a way that, in the inserted state, they press with a defined spring force against the inner wall of the base member and thus form the second contact point.
9. An electrical contact socket according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterised in that the contact spring (102) rests in the inserted state against an end face (108) of the contact area (105) of the base member (104).
10. An electrical contact socket according to claim 9, characterised in that the contact spring (102) is bent round in a U shape, such that it grips around the end edge of the contact area of the base member when in the inserted state.
11. An electrical contact socket according to claims 1 to 10, characterised in that at least one fastening lug (112) is provided on the contact spring (102), which lug may be caught in a receiving pocket (114) in the base member (104) when the contact spring (102) is in the inserted state.
12. An electrical contact socket according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterised in that the contact spring (102) is connected to the contact area (105) of the base member (104) by means of at least one weld point (129).
13. An electrical contact socket according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterised in that, to form the electrical contact with a plug pin, the spring arms (122A, 122B) are arranged opposite one another and adjusted inwards in the manner of a bottle neck.

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