EP1758213B1 - Electrical socket - Google Patents

Abstract

The socket has housing with a plug slot for insertion of a connecting plug. A set of contact springs (37) is parallely arranged in the plug slot and forms a contact spring array (38). The contact springs are laminarly attached over its entire length to respective stoppers (41), where the stoppers are connected with one another as a single piece. Each stopper forms a stop unit (45) that includes a free space between the stoppers for receiving a retaining rib of the connecting plug, where the rib is arranged between adjacent plug contacts.

Description

The invention relates to an electrical socket with the features of the preamble of claim 1.

Sockets are for example from the DE 102 42 143 A1 known and are also referred to as "Western Jacks". They are used in the news and data technology for the production of electrical connections. Through the interaction of the socket with a corresponding connector, a detachable electrical connection can be made to transmit electrical signals. In many cases, the socket on eight juxtaposed contact springs. Each two contact springs are assigned to a pair of conductors, so that electrical signals can be transmitted by means of the socket over four pairs of conductors. However, it is also known receptacles with only six contact springs for transmitting electrical signals via three pairs of conductors. The plug-in slot of a socket with eight contact springs is wider than the plug-in shaft of a socket with only six contact springs. The corresponding connectors have a contact arrangement with six or eight plug contacts, which are assigned to the respective contact springs of the sockets. Due to the configuration of the plug shafts of sockets with six or eight contact springs, a user can erroneously use a provided for a socket with six contact springs Verbindungsstekker in a socket with eight contact springs. This can cause damage to the contact springs of the socket as a result, because they are kept as short as possible in order to avoid a disturbing electrical signal coupling within the socket between pairs of conductors, the one Inserted connector with six plug contacts in a socket with eight contact springs, so there is a risk that at least the outer contact springs of the contact spring row are plastically deformed by the connector. If subsequently the six plug contacts having connecting plug replaced by a connector having eight plug contacts, the plastic deformation of the outer contact springs of the socket can result in that between the outer contact springs and the associated plug contacts of the connector no electrical connection can be made can.

In order to avoid the erroneous insertion of a connector with only six plug contacts (hereinafter referred to as "non-compatible connector") in a socket with eight contact springs, in the US patent application US 2005/0153580 A1 proposed to arrange a rib or a projection under the two outer contact springs. These form the erroneous insertion of a non-compatible connector plug a stop on which the outer contact springs create so that they can not be bent. When trying to insert a connector with only six plug contacts in the socket, the user experiences due to the no further bending outer contact springs an increasing resistance, which makes him aware that he is about to insert a non-compatible connector.

The same effect is at a in the US Pat. No. 6,416,364 B1 described socket achieved in that each of the contact springs is associated with a stop on which the respective contact spring may rest when inserting a non-compatible connector. Between each two adjacent stops a free space is positioned, in each of which a retaining rib, which between adjacent plug contacts a plug to be inserted into the connector is arranged, can be added.

In the US patent application US 2002/0009930 A1 is proposed to avoid erroneous insertion of the use of an insertable in the insertion direction of the connector against an elastic restoring force contact element, which is designed in the form of a ramp and is arranged below the row of contact springs. The ramp extends transversely to the contact springs and forms a common stop for all contact springs.

Through the use of the abovementioned stops and abutment elements that limit the bending movement of the contact springs, while the risk can be reduced that a non-compatible connector plug is inserted into the socket, a careless user can, however, the non-compatible connector so far into the connector shaft introduce that at least one contact spring or a stop are damaged before he realizes that he uses a wrong connector.

Object of the present invention is therefore to develop an electrical socket of the type mentioned in such a way that the risk of damage to a contact spring or a stop when using a non-compatible connector is reduced.

This object is achieved with an electrical socket of the generic type according to the invention that the contact springs over its entire length surface can be applied to the respective stop and that the stops are integrally connected to one another and form a stop element, wherein the stop element between each other immediately adjacent arranged stops each having a free space for receiving a between adjacent plug contacts arranged holding rib of the connector.

By providing stops for all contact springs ensures that their respective travel is limited, so they can not be bent beyond their travel out, that is, a plastic deformation of the contact springs is excluded. The contact springs can be applied flat over their entire length to the respective stop. This has the advantage that a bending of the contact springs can be reliably avoided. If a connector is inserted into the connector shaft of the socket, which has so many plug contacts, the contact springs are arranged in the connector slot, it can be made between all the plug contacts and contact springs, an electrical connection. However, if a non-compatible connector plug is mistakenly inserted into the connector slot, an edge region of a contact part carrying the connector contacts the outer contact springs, which, however, can only bend so far that they bear against the respectively assigned stop. Plastic deformation of the contact springs is thereby avoided, and at the same time it is prevented that the non-compatible connector plug can be completely inserted into the connector shaft. Even if the user inadvertently introduces the connector further into the connector slot, all contact springs are reliably supported and damage to the contact springs is avoided.

The individual stops are integrally connected to each other and form a stop element, which can be made for example of a plastic material. The attacks thus represent a common component that can be used in a simple manner during assembly of the socket in the housing. Between each other immediately adjacent arranged stops, the stop member each have a free space on Recording a arranged between adjacent plug contacts retaining rib of the connector. The retaining ribs may be integrally connected to the support part of the connector plug on which the plug contacts are held. The retaining ribs can be inserted in the free spaces between adjacent attacks when inserting the connector into the connector shaft. The connector thus undergoes mechanical guidance in the area of the stops, and the sensitive contact springs are protected against mechanical damage by the stops and by the retaining ribs arranged next to the contact springs. The one-piece design of all attacks in the form of the stop element and these are protected against damage. The socket according to the invention is thus characterized by a long life and high mechanical strength.

In an advantageous embodiment, the stop element is arranged in a recess of a bottom wall of the plug shaft. In this case, it is favorable if the recess receives the stop element in a form-fitting manner. The bottom wall can for example be formed by an insulating body of the socket, which limits the plug shaft bottom side and preferably also back and can be inserted into the housing.

The alignment and assembly of the stop element is simplified in a preferred embodiment in that the bottom wall of the plug shaft covers the stop element in at least one edge portion. Thus, for example, be provided that the stop element on two opposite sides each having an inclined surface, which is covered by a corresponding inclined surface of the bottom wall on which it preferably rests flat.

A particularly good protection against mechanical impairments of the contact springs is achieved in an advantageous embodiment in that the stop element, the outer contact springs of the contact spring row embraces. In such an embodiment, the stop element not only forms the stops delimiting the respective spring travel of the contact springs, but also has finger-like extensions which engage around the outer contact springs laterally.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the socket comprises a printed circuit board and the contact springs are each connected to a contact pin which is held in a bore of the printed circuit board, and the stops form in their area facing the contact pin a first, preferably ascending ramp for abutment of a first Section of the respective contact spring, for example, the contact pin facing the end region of the respective contact spring. Contact springs and contact pins may each be integrally connected to each other and form a contact element, which is preferably made of spring steel. When mounting the socket of the contact pin is inserted into a hole in the circuit board, for example, pressed. The printed circuit board has conductor tracks, via which the contact pins communicate with connection contacts, to which the wires of a connection cable can be connected. The terminal contacts may also be held in holes in the circuit board, preferably be pressed into the holes. The contact springs connect on the top of the circuit board to the contact pins and the stops In their area facing the contact pins, they each have a first ramp to which, for example, the end area of the contact spring facing the contact pin can be applied flatly. The shape of the ramp can in this case correspond to the shape of the contact spring. Damage to the contact spring in contact with the respective stop can be reliably prevented.

It is particularly advantageous if the stops in their region facing away from the contact pin form a second, preferably sloping, ramp for engaging a second section of the respective contact spring, for example the free end section of the respective contact spring. The free end regions of the contact springs can be bent in the direction of the bottom wall of the plug shaft, and by providing the second ramp it is ensured that the free end region of the contact springs can be applied flat to the respective stop.

In order to avoid damage to the contact springs in their transition region to the respective contact pin, it is advantageous if the contact springs lie directly against a stop in this transition region. In such an embodiment, there is no free space between the transition region of the contact springs and the associated stop, but rather the stop extends as far as the transition region.

It is particularly advantageous in this case if the stops are curved in an arc shape in their end region facing the transition region. The first ramp can connect to the arcuately curved end region.

Figur 1:

eine schaubildliche Darstellung nach Art einer Explosionszeichnung einer ersten Ausführungsform einer erfindungsgemäßen elektrischen Steckbuchse;

Figur 2:

eine vergrößerte Darstellung von Detail A aus Figur 1;

Figur 3:

eine schaubildliche Darstellung eines Anschlagelementes der elektrischen Steckbuchse aus Figur 1;

Figur 4:

eine Längsschnittansicht der elektrischen Steckbuchse aus Figur 1 mit einem in den Steckerschacht der Steckbuchse eingeführten Verbindungsstecker;

Figur 5:

eine vergrößerte Darstellung des Kontaktbereiches der Steckbuchse aus Figur 1 entsprechend Detail B aus Figur 4;

Figur 6:

eine schaubildliche Darstellung nach Art einer Explosionszeichnung einer zweiten Ausführungsform einer erfindungsgemäßen elektrischen Steckbuchse;

Figur 7:

eine vergrößerte Darstellung von Detail C aus Figur 6;

Figur 8:

eine schaubildliche Darstellung eines Anschlagelementes der elektrischen Steckbuchse aus Figur 6;

Figur 9:

eine Seitenansicht des Anschlagelementes aus Figur 8 und

Figur 10:

eine vergrößerte Darstellung des Kontaktbereichs der Steckbuchse aus Figur 6.

The following description of two preferred embodiments of the invention is used in conjunction with the drawings for further explanation. Show it:

FIG. 1:

a perspective view in the manner of an exploded view of a first embodiment of an electrical socket according to the invention;

FIG. 2:

an enlarged view of detail A from FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 3:

a perspective view of a stop element of the electrical socket FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 4:

a longitudinal sectional view of the electrical socket FIG. 1 with a male connector inserted into the male connector of the female connector;

FIG. 5:

an enlarged view of the contact area of the socket FIG. 1 according to detail B off FIG. 4 ;

FIG. 6:

a perspective view in the manner of an exploded view of a second embodiment of an electrical socket according to the invention;

FIG. 7:

an enlarged view of detail C from FIG. 6 ;

FIG. 8:

a perspective view of a stop element of the electrical socket FIG. 6 ;

FIG. 9:

a side view of the stop element FIG. 8 and

FIG. 10:

an enlarged view of the contact area of the socket FIG. 6 ,

In the FIGS. 1 to 5 schematically a first embodiment of an electrical socket 10 according to the invention is shown. It comprises a housing 12, which has a front side 13, into which a plug shaft 14 opens for receiving a known, in FIG. 4 schematically illustrated electrical connector 16

On the underside, an insulating plate 18 can be inserted into the housing, which carries a printed circuit board 20, on which an insulating body 22 can be placed. The insulating body 22 forms a bottom wall 24 and a rear wall 25, which limits the plug shaft 14 on the bottom side or rear side.

On the housing 12, a lid 27 can be placed, and the underside and back can connect to the housing 12, a shield plate 29 for electrical shielding of the socket 10th

The circuit board 20 has a series of through holes 31. In the through holes 31, a contact pin 33 is pressed in each case, to which a contact spring 37 integrally connects on the upper side 35 of the printed circuit board 20. Overall, the socket 10 shown in the drawing eight juxtaposed in a row contact springs 37 which form a contact spring row 38, survive on the circuit board 20 and dive into the connector shaft 14. The outer contact springs of the contact spring row 38 are in FIG. 2 with the reference numerals 37a and 37b occupied. If a connecting plug 16 is inserted into the plug shaft 14, then a plug contact 39 of the plug 16 can each contact a contact spring 37 to establish an electrical connection between the socket 10 and the plug 16.

If the connecting plug 16 is inserted into the plug shaft 14, the contact springs 37 are elastically deformed by the associated plug contacts 39. However, the contact springs 37 can be deformed only to a limited extent, because below each contact spring 37, a stop 41 is arranged facing away from the contact pin 33 an ascending ramp 42 and the contact pin 33 facing away from a sloping ramp 43 forms. All stops 41 are integrally connected to each other and form in their entirety a stop element 45 which is received by a recess 47 of the bottom wall 24 of the insulating body 22. The recess 47 is formed as a passage opening into which the stop element 45 can be inserted from below. All stops 41 of the stop element 45 are arranged in a row next to each other. The in the series of stops 41 outer attacks are in FIG. 3 with the reference numerals 41a and 41b occupied.

Between each other directly adjacent stops 41, the stop element 45 each have a clearance 49. In the free spaces 49 can a dipped between adjacent plug contacts 39 arranged retaining rib (not shown in the drawing) of the connector plug 16.

The stops 41 are slightly above the bottom wall 24 into the interior of the plug shaft 14. It can be provided, for example, that the stops 41 project beyond the bottom wall 24 by a maximum of 0.5 mm, preferably less than 0.4 mm, in particular approximately 0.3 to 0.4 mm.

The in the series of stops 41 outer stops 41a and 41b are laterally encompassed by fingers 51 and 52 of the stop element 45 and are therefore particularly effectively protected against mechanical damage.

The printed circuit board 20 has in the usual way printed conductors, via which the contact pins 33 are in electrical connection with connection contacts 54, which are also pressed into the circuit board 20 and to which the wires of a known and therefore not shown in the drawing connection cable are connected can.

If a connecting plug 16 is inserted into the plug shaft 14, a plastic deformation of the contact springs 37 is reliably prevented by the stops 41. The risk of such a deformation is given in particular if in the plug shaft 14, a connector is inserted, which has only six plug contacts, which is followed on the outside in each case a rigid side region of the connector. If such, that is inappropriate mating connector 16 inserted into the connector shaft 14, then encounter the rigid side portions of the connector 16 to the outer contact springs 37a, 37b. However, since these are limited by the outer stops 41a and 41b in their travel, a plastic deformation of the particular contact springs 37a, 37b can be reliably prevented.

In the FIGS. 6 to 10 a second embodiment of a socket according to the invention is shown, which is generally designated by the reference numeral 110. This is largely identical to that in the FIGS. 1 to 5 illustrated socket 10. For identical components are therefore in the FIGS. 6 to 10 the same reference numerals as in the FIGS. 1 to 5 and with respect to these components, reference is made to the foregoing explanations to avoid repetition.

The socket 110 differs from the socket 10 in that a stop element 145 is used, which is substantially rectangular in plan view and unlike the stop member 45 has no laterally projecting fingers. In contrast to the stop element 45, it has on opposite transverse sides 146, 148 each have an inclined surface 150 and 155, which are covered by corresponding inclined surfaces formed as a passage opening recess 147 of the bottom wall 24 of the insulating body 22. The stop element 145 can be inserted from below into the recess 147 and is aligned by the inclined surfaces 150, 155 and the corresponding inclined surfaces of the recess 147 in a simple manner.

From a bottom 157 of the stop element 145 are two knobs down from, wherein in FIG. 9 only a nub 159 can be seen. The Knobs 159 can be inserted into a corresponding bore of the printed circuit board 20 of the socket 110. This allows a simple alignment of the stop element 145 with respect to the printed circuit board 20th

On the upper side, the stop element 145 comprises eight stops 141 which are arranged laterally next to one another and extend up to an arcuate longitudinal side 161 of the stop element 145, so that an end region 163 of the stops 141 arranged on the longitudinal side 161 is likewise arcuately curved. At the end portion 163, the rising ramp 42 and connects to this in turn the sloping ramp 43, as they have already been explained in connection with the stops 41 of the socket 10.

How out FIG. 10 becomes clear, the stop element 145 extends with its longitudinal side 161 up to the level of the through holes 31 of the circuit board 20. A transition region 165 of the contact springs 37, which adjoins the respective contact pin 33 on the upper side of the circuit board 20, thereby directly at the end portion 163 of abut respective stop 141. The contact springs 37 of the socket 110 are thus over its entire length surface to the respective associated stop 141 can be applied when in the connector shaft 14 of the socket 110, a corresponding connector 16 is inserted, as in FIG. 10 is illustrated.

For mounting, the stop element 145 can first be aligned relative to the printed circuit board 20 by means of the knobs 159. Subsequently, the stop element 145 can be glued to the circuit board 20, preferably by means of ultrasound, and then in a subsequent assembly step Printed circuit board 20 are positioned together with the stop member 145 on the underside of the bottom wall 24, wherein the stop member 145 is immersed in the recess 147 from below and the stops 141 protrude about 0.3 mm above the top of the bottom wall 24.

Even with the socket 110 is reliably prevented by the stops 141 plastic deformation of the contact springs 37, as has already been set out above with reference to the socket 10 in detail.

Claims (8)

1. Electrical socket with a housing (12), which has a plug compartment (14) for inserting a coupling plug (16), and with a number of contact springs (37), which are disposed side by side in a row in the plug compartment (14), form a row of contact springs (38) and can be contacted by associated plug contacts (39) of the coupling plug (16), a stop (41; 141) which limits the deflection of the contact springs (37) being associated in each case with the contact springs (37) of the row of contact springs, and the stops (41; 141) being connected to one another in one piece and forming a stop element (45; 145), the stop element (45; 145) having in each case between directly neighbouring stops (41; 141) a clearance (49) for receiving a retaining rib of the coupling plug (16) disposed between neighbouring plug contacts (39), characterized in that the contact springs (37) can be made to butt against the respective stop (41; 141) face-to-face over their entire length.
2. Electrical socket according to Claim 1, characterized in that the stop element (45; 145) is disposed in a cutout (47; 147) in a bottom wall (24) of the plug compartment (14).
3. Electrical socket according to Claim 2, characterized in that the cutout (47; 147) receives the stop element (45; 145) with positive engagement.
4. Electrical socket according to Claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the bottom wall (24) covers the stop element (145) in at least a marginal portion (150, 155).
5. Electrical socket according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the socket (10; 110) has a printed circuit board (20), and in that the contact springs (37) are each connected to a contact pin (33), which is held in a bore (31) in the printed circuit board (20), and in that the stops (41; 141) form in their region facing the contact pin (33) a first ramp (42), for the abutment of a first portion of the respective contact spring (37).
6. Electrical socket according to Claim 5, characterized in that the stops (41; 141) form in their region facing away from the contact pin (33) a second ramp (43), for the abutment of a second portion of the respective contact spring (37).
7. Electrical socket according to Claim 5 or 6, characterized in that, in their transitional region (165) with respect to the respective contact pin (33), the contact springs (37) lie directly against a stop (141).
8. Electrical socket according to Claim 7, characterized in that the stops (141) are arcuately curved in their end region (163) facing the transitional region (165).

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