EP2149935A2 - Connector - Google Patents

Abstract

The connector (1) has a contact bracket (4) mounted on a surface (2) of the connector, where the connector is produced from strip material, which is deformable by heating or cooling process. A contact case (3) has an opening, which is arranged in a plugging direction. A contact stud (7) is arranged on a connection contact surface (5) at a front side (6) of the connector. The contact case is arranged at lower side of the connector surface. An engagement hook (8) and a crimp claw fastener (9) are provided for pressing the connector at an end of an electrical line.

Description

The invention relates to a connector according to the type specified in the preamble of claim 1.

From the prior art connectors in a variety of forms for the same purpose are known, especially for electrical engineering. For example, an electrical contact element is made of DE 2 216 174 A known. Connectors consisting of two different contact pairs reveal the GB 1 433 382 A , as well as the US Pat. No. 3,065,448 . US Pat. No. 3,706,960 and US 3,914,004 A , The known connectors all have a more or less complicated and prone to failure form, which are usually not intrinsically safe, and in production and use consuming and expensive, especially because they usually consist of a pair of pin and plug sleeve.

In addition, the reveals US 2,787,774 a connector having a molded contact clip and a contact tongue. The contact bottom of the contact clip is parallel to the contact tongue surface. The contact tongue, which is pushed flat under the contact bracket, has a hemispherical elevation. Matching this, a hemispherical recess is formed in the contact bottom. A fuse of the connector takes place only on the friction of the two hemispherical surfaces.

From the US Pat. No. 3,065,451 For example, a connector is known which comprises a connector pin and a connector sleeve. The pin has a flat contact tongue with retraction protection. The plug sleeve has a contact clip and a receptacle for the retraction protection.

The US 2 406 895 discloses a connector having a contact clip and a contact tongue, wherein the contact tongue is fork-shaped. The contact bottom of the contact clip is arranged parallel to the contact tongue surface.

From the US 3,514,740 For example, a connector is known which has a contact tongue and a pair of pressure clips. Both components of the connector are of similar design. The contact tongue has a hemispherical elevation, which is guided by the two pressure bars and allows an aligned nesting of two similar components. The contact pressure is generated by the bent when inserting the contact tongue pressure bar.

The invention is based on the object, a connector according to the specified in the preamble of claim 1 type such that it is universal, simple, robust, intrinsically safe and cheaper and can be connected to the bands and conductor ends.

The object is solved by the characterizing features of claim 1 in conjunction with its preamble features.

The dependent claims form advantageous developments of the invention.

As is known, a plug connector comprises a base body of electrically conductive material having at least one surface and an end face lying in the plugging direction. A surface is dependent on the shape of the base body, for example, any side surface of a cuboid base body or the lateral surface of a cylinder. At the front side of the connector according to the invention a contact tongue is arranged. In particular, the contact tongue of the connector can lie with its surface parallel to the corresponding surface of the connector, for example, be arranged in a plane with this. This simplifies the manufacturing process and thus reduces the manufacturing costs. Further, the connector comprises at least one connection contact surface via which an electrical contact can be produced.

According to the invention, the plug connector has at least one contact pocket integrally formed on at least one surface of the main body and having a contact bottom. The contact bottom rises in one direction relative to the corresponding surface. The contact pocket is provided with at least one opening. Due to the inclination of the contact pocket with respect to the surface, a contact tongue of a corresponding connector, which is inserted parallel to the surface into the contact pocket, is braced. The tension is made possible in that the contact tongue of the connector is immovably connected to the corresponding connector orthogonal to the surface. Thus, a mechanically extremely stable connection of at least two connectors is produced. The electrical contact resistance is very high low, and is further reduced by a temperature increase, atypically, in addition, because by the voltages occurring in the connector due to heating increase the contact force. This allows high rated currents, which ensures flexible use of the connector.

The connector is connectable to a corresponding counterpart, which also has at least one contact pocket and at least one contact tongue. The contact pocket of the connector is designed such that it can receive the contact tongue of the counterpart. The contact tongue of the connector is designed so that it can be inserted into the contact pocket of the counterpart. If the connector and a corresponding counterpart are inserted into one another with surfaces lying parallel to one another, the contact tongue is deflected out of its original position due to the different setting of contact base and contact tongue to the surface. By this deflection, a restoring force is generated, which causes a contact pressure of the respective contact tongue on the respective associated contact bottom. Due to the high pressure a mechanically stable connection of the connector is given with its counterpart. By this pressure, the respective areas between the contact tongue and contact pocket are pressed together. Due to the contact pressure and the relatively large contiguous surfaces results in a low contact resistance, which allows high rated currents and means low losses. As explained above, the stresses occurring during operation due to the increase in temperature increase the contact pressure.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the width of a contact pocket is slightly larger than the width of the associated contact tongue. The contact tongue is aligned in alignment with the sides of the contact pocket. The connector has a recess corresponding to the projection of the contact bottom on the corresponding surface of the connector. This embodiment allows a nesting of two identical connectors which are axially rotated by 180 ° from each other. The respective contact tongues are deflected out of their original position by the corresponding contact bottom surface. This creates a particularly large-area and non-positive electrically conductive contact by the entangling connector. The mechanical tension, which is generated by the entangled nesting, is additionally increased by an increase in the temperature. Contrary to the usual increase in contact resistance when heated, remains constant in the contact resistance in connectors according to the invention when heated, or even decreases.

Particularly noteworthy is an embodiment which has exactly one contact pocket and, correspondingly, exactly one contact tongue. This embodiment is particularly suitable for connecting wires and / or strands. Alternatively, the embodiment of a connector having a plurality of contact tongues and correspondingly a plurality of contact pockets aligned in alignment with the contact tongues makes it possible to make contact with individual corresponding connectors. As a result, a current distribution can be achieved.

In particular, a connector having a plurality of contact pockets and contact tongues can be connected to a corresponding connector with likewise a plurality of contact pockets and contact tongues. This allows a larger current flow (rated current). A corresponding connector system can be used in this way modular as needed.

Preferably, the contact tongue can be provided with at least one locking means. The locking means cooperates with a, provided within the contact pocket recess, which may have an edge in the insertion direction. Depending on the design of the locking means, the two corresponding connectors can be more difficult to solve each other, and are better protected against unwanted separation. This embodiment is particularly effective if both corresponding connectors are provided with corresponding latching means, because at the same time their two act. The locking means may be in the form of a latching nub, so a hemisphere, a spring wedge or the like. Depending on the configuration of the latching means in conjunction with the formation of the edge expression, two corresponding plug-in connectors can latch releasably or non-detachably.

In a further embodiment, a plug connector comprises a base body made of electrically conductive material having at least one surface, and an end face lying in the plugging direction. A surface is dependent on the shape of the body, for example, any side surface of a cuboid or the lateral surface of a cylinder. At the front side of the connector according to the invention at least one contact bridge is arranged. This is characterized in that it has a lower bridge edge, which is substantially parallel to the associated surface, and is spaced therefrom. Between the lower edge of the bridge and the surface, a flat tongue can be inserted into the contact pocket. This embodiment allows connection to conventional tab plug connectors.

According to the invention, the plug connector has at least one contact pocket integrally formed on at least one surface of the main body and having a contact bottom. The contact bottom rises in one direction relative to the corresponding surface. The contact pocket has at least one opening. Due to the inclination of the contact pocket relative to the surface, a contact tongue inserted parallel to the surface into the contact pocket is braced with the contact bridge lying in the insertion direction in front of the contact pocket. As a result, a mechanically stable connection of at least two plug connectors is produced. The contact resistance is very low, and is atypically further reduced by a temperature increase, which is caused inter alia by the current flow itself. This allows high rated currents, which ensures flexible use.

In a particularly advantageous manner, the contact base increases with respect to the surface in the insertion direction and in this way forms an opening between the contact base and the surface. The resulting opening therefore points in the direction of insertion. This has the advantage that a "frontal" nesting of a corresponding connector pair is made possible.

Preferably, at least one conductor connection is arranged opposite the end face of the main body in order to establish contact with an electrical conductor. Alternatively, the conductor connection, depending on the purpose, also be arranged laterally of the main body, for example 90 ° to the direction of insertion. As a result, an intrinsically safe strain relief is realized. Intrinsic safety beyond this can be achieved by placing the conductor connection in the plug-in direction. However, this must lie in a spaced-apart from the surface of the connector level, as this would otherwise prevent the nesting of two identical connectors. By the conductor connection is in the direction of insertion, a force acts on the head also in the insertion direction which causes an additional entanglement of two connectors.

In particular, the conductor connection can be designed so that the contacting of a conductor is made possible by pressing. Particularly suitable for this is, for example, a crimp contact. Therefore crimping claws are provided as a conductor connection for pressing the connector to the ends of electrical lines, in particular strands. Crimp contacts are widely used and known for their ease of handling and temperature stable connection.

It is further conceivable, the connector via its conductor connection form-fitting and / or cohesively with a device wall, a contact body, a belt or a grounding rail connect. Of course, the connector according to the invention can also be connected to metal boards and metal moldings accordingly.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the connector is made of strip material. The contact pocket can be formed from the base body in this embodiment. The strip material may alternatively be cold or thermoformable. This embodiment is particularly robust, inexpensive and easy to manufacture.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the plug-in connector has molded-on side walls. The side walls of the connector can be flat, angled, as well as profiled. You can also be designed as a guide with stop and / or have locking tongues. The additional side walls results in an enlargement of the cross section of the connector. This embodiment is mainly used for insulation and latching within Isoliergehäusekammern application.

Further advantages, features and possible applications of the present invention will become apparent from the following description in conjunction with the exemplary embodiments illustrated in the drawing,

Fig. 1

einen mit einer Kontakttasche ausgestatteten Steckverbinder in perspektivischer Ansicht von oben;

Fig. 2

einen axial um 180° gedrehten Steckverbinder nach Fig.1 in perspektivischer Ansicht;

Fig. 3

zwei ineinander gesteckte Steckverbinder in perspektivischer Ansicht;

Fig. 4

eine Seitenansicht von zwei ineinander gesteckten Steckverbindern nach Fig. 1;

Fig. 5

ein axiales Schnittbild zweier ineinander gesteckter Steckverbinder nach Fig. 2;

Fig. 6

zwei Steckverbinder die an einem Leiterbandende angeschlossen sind.

Fig. 7

einen Verteilerstecker mit zwei weiteren Steckverbindern nach Fig.1 in perspektivischer Ansicht;

Fig. 8

einen Steckverbinder mit Seitenwand und seitlich ausgelenkten Rasthaken in perspektivischer Ansicht;

Fig. 9

einen, zu dem Steckverbinder aus Fig. 8 korrespondierenden Steckverbinder in perspektivischer Ansicht

Fig. 10

ein Steckverbinder mit Seitenwand und vertikal ausgelenkten Rasthaken in perspektivischer Ansicht;

Fig. 11

ein zu dem Steckverbinder aus Fig. 10 korrespondierenden Steckverbinder;

Fig. 12

einen Steckverbinder mit einer stirnseitigen, herausgeprägten Kontaktbrücke mit einem als Flachsteckzunge ausgebildeten Steckverbinder;

Fig. 13

einen Steckverbinder mit einer stirnseitig angeformten Kontaktbrücke mit einem als Flachsteckzunge ausgebildeten Steckverbinder;

Fig. 14

einen Steckverbinder mit stirnseitig angeformter Kontaktbrücke verbunden mit einem als Flachsteckzunge ausgebildeten Steckverbinder;

Fig. 15

einen Steckverbinder mit einem Leiteranschluss an einer Seitenfläche 90° zur Steckrichtung, und

Fig. 16

zwei zusammengesteckte Steckverbinder mit einem Leiteranschluss an einer Seitenfläche 90° zur Steckrichtung

Fig. 17

einen Stecker mit in Steckrichtung liegenden Krimmkrallen in perspektivischer Draufsicht;

Fig. 18

einen Steckverbinder mit in Steckrichtung liegenden Krimmkrallen in perspektivischer Ansicht von unten;

Fig. 19

zwei zusammengesteckte Steckverbinder mit in Steckrichtung liegenden Krimmkrallen.

The invention is described below with reference to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings. In the description, in the claims and in the drawing, the terms and associated reference numerals used in the list of reference numerals recited below are used. In the drawing show:

Fig. 1

a connector equipped with a contact pocket in a perspective view from above;

Fig. 2

an axially rotated by 180 ° connector after Fig.1 in perspective view;

Fig. 3

two nested connectors in perspective view;

Fig. 4

a side view of two nested connectors after Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 5

an axial sectional view of two nested connectors after Fig. 2 ;

Fig. 6

two connectors connected to a conductor strip end.

Fig. 7

a distributor plug with two other connectors after Fig.1 in perspective view;

Fig. 8

a connector with side wall and laterally deflected latching hook in a perspective view;

Fig. 9

one, to the connector off Fig. 8 corresponding connector in perspective view

Fig. 10

a connector with side wall and vertically deflected latching hook in perspective view;

Fig. 11

on to the connector Fig. 10 corresponding connector;

Fig. 12

a connector having a front side, embossed contact bridge with a designed as a flat tongue connector;

Fig. 13

a connector with a frontally molded contact bridge with a designed as a flat tongue connector;

Fig. 14

a connector with frontally molded contact bridge connected to a flat tab formed as a connector;

Fig. 15

a connector with a conductor connection on a side surface 90 ° to the insertion direction, and

Fig. 16

Two plug-in connectors with a conductor connection on a side surface 90 ° to the plug-in direction

Fig. 17

a plug with in the direction of insertion Krimmkrallen in a perspective plan view;

Fig. 18

a connector with lying in the direction of insertion Krimmkrallen in a perspective view from below;

Fig. 19

two plug-in connectors with crimper claws lying in the direction of insertion.

Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a connector made of strip material 1. Its base body 2 is provided with a surface 2a, and an end face 6 in the insertion direction, on which a contact tongue 7 is arranged. Opposite the end face 6, a conductor connection in the form of crimping claws 9 is shown. From the main body 2 is formed with a contact pocket 3 with a contact bottom 4, wherein the distance from the surface 2a increases to the contact bottom in the insertion direction. Since the contact pocket 3 is shaped out of the main body 2 in this case, a recess of the main body 2 in size and shape of the projection of the molded contact bottom 3 results on the surface 2a. The shaping results in the insertion direction, the locking edge 12. In addition, the in Fig. 1 shown connector 1 a latch hook 8. By this, the connector 1 can be fixed in a corresponding housing of a corresponding counterpart of the connector.

Fig. 2 shows a connector 1 as in Fig. 1 in axial rotated by 180 ° position. This comprises a contact pocket 3 and a, in the insertion direction facing opening 10. On the front side 6 a contact tongue 7 is arranged, on which a latching nub 11 is pronounced. The latching nub 11 passes after insertion of the contact tongue 7 in a similar connector 1a in the recess of the body 2 and snaps there, see in particular Fig. 3 ,

Fig. 3 shows a connector 1 mated with a similar connector 1a in the contact pocket 3, the contact tongue 7 of the connector 1a receives, at the same time the contact tongue 7 of the connector 1 is inserted into the contact pocket 3 of the connector 1a. The latching nubs 11 engage in each case behind the respective latching edges 12. The intrinsic safety of the plug connection is increased by the latching nubs 11 in conjunction with the latching edges 12.

Fig. 4 shows the put together; as in Fig. 3 trained connector 1 and 1a in a side view. This illustration shows the parallel position of the surfaces of the two connectors 1 and 1a.

Fig. 5 shows a longitudinal section through the connector 1 and 1a after Fig. 4 whose contact tongues 7 latch in the contact pockets 3 by the rising slope of the contact bottoms 4 are entangled. The result is a contact between the contact bottom 4 of the first connector 1 and the contact tongue 7 of the second connector 1a, and a further analog. Furthermore, a further contact is made by the surfaces lying between the respective contact pocket 3 and contact tongue 7. Beyond the production of an electrically conductive connection, three connection contact surfaces 5 are additionally pressed together by the restoring springing of the contact tongues 7, wherein the return springing of the band material is not overtaxed. By heating occurs no contact pressure loss, but it is on the contrary increased by the heating, the tension and the contact resistance is reduced and intrinsic safety is achieved.

Fig. 6 shows a connector 1 molded onto a band end 15. This type of connection is particularly suitable for grounding conductors, housing walls or the like. In addition, plug-in cards can be connected to a housing.

Fig. 7 shows a molded onto a distributor plate 16 connector 1. Here, however, a plurality of contact pockets and correspondingly associated contact tongues are shown. This type of connector here has a distributor function, to a connector 1 are a plurality of connectors 1a, as in Fig. 1 shown infectable.

Fig. 8 shows a connector 1 after Fig. 1 However, with laterally angled side walls 13 and to this, laterally associated latching hook 8. Through these walls, the stability of the connector is increased and increases the cross-section of the connector.

Fig. 9 shows a connector after Fig. 8 However, with a lying on the underside of the base body 2 surface 2b contact pocket. 3

The FIGS. 10 and 11 show connectors after the FIGS. 8 and 9 , In these figures, angled side walls 14 are integrally formed on the sides of the main body. The angled side walls 14 have a surface perpendicular to the surface 2a and an outwardly facing surface 2a parallel to the surface. At the surface 2a parallel surface is followed by a latching hook 8.

Fig. 12 shows a connector with contact pocket 1, which has a contact bridge at its end face 6. Also shown is a commercially available flat tab connector 1b. Of the Flat plug connectors 1b is inserted parallel to the surface 2a of the connector 1 under the contact bridge, and inserted into the contact pocket 3. Due to the fact that the contact bottom 4 runs obliquely to the surface 2a, the flat plug connector 1b is clamped between the contact bridge 17 and the contact pocket 4. Both supports and the surface between contact pocket 4 and contact bridge 17 each represent a connection contact surface 5. The contact bridge 17 is stamped out of the base body 2.

Fig. 13 shows a connector 1 with contact pocket 4 and contact bridge 17, and a flat tab connectors 1 b. The connector 1 is made of strip material. The contact bridge 17 is integrally formed on the front side 6 of the connector 1. The contact bridge 17 is bent up here from the main body 2. Through the opening under the contact bridge 17, the flat plug connector 1 b is inserted into the contact pocket 4. In addition, the connector 1 still has an impressed on the contact bridge 17 leading edge 20. As in Fig. 4 is characterized in that the contact bottom 4 extends obliquely to the surface 2 a, the flat tab connectors 1 b jammed between the contact bridge 17 and contact pocket 4. Both supports and the surface between the contact pocket 4 and contact bridge 17 each represent a connection contact surface 5.

Fig. 14 shows a connector 1 with a flat tab connector 1b as in Fig. 13 , wherein the flat plug connector 1 b is inserted into the contact pocket 4 and under the contact bridge 17 is located.

Fig. 15 shows a connector 1 with a contact pocket 4 whose opening 10 is in the insertion direction, in a perspective view. In this embodiment, the conductor connection, which is designed as a crimp connection is 90 ° to the front side or also to the plugging direction.

Fig. 16 shows two mated connectors 1, 1a after Figure 15 , In this illustration, it is particularly clear that this arrangement significantly increases the intrinsic safety of the connector. It becomes clear that a pull on a cable attached to the conductor connection acts orthogonally to the plug-in direction. Therefore, no force results from the train, which acts to release the connectors from each other. This force must be consciously applied in the appropriate direction.

Fig. 17 shows a connector 1 with a base body 2 and a surface 2a, and an end face 6 and an adjoining contact tongue 7. In addition, the shows Connector 1 a, formed on the surface 2a contact pocket 3, this is open in the insertion direction. Next, the in Fig. 17 shown connector 1 a conductor connection in the form of crimping claws 9. The crimping claws 9 are in this embodiment in the insertion direction in a plane parallel to the surface 2 a plane. The crimping claws 9 are connected to the side surfaces of the main body 2 with this.

Fig. 18 shows a connector 1 after Fig. 17 in axial rotated by 180 ° position. In this view, it is particularly clear that the crimping claws 9 lie in a plane which is at a distance from the surface 2 a of the main body 2.

Fig. 19 shows two identical connectors 1, 1a after Fig. 17 or Fig. 18 , In this figure, it is particularly good that the two connectors 1, 1a can be plugged together, although the crimping claws 9, 9a are in the insertion direction. This embodiment has the advantage that a possible tension on the cable, which is to be fastened to the crimping claws 9, 9a, has a force in the insertion direction. By acting in the direction of insertion force, the connector 1, 1a further inserted in train in train. This increases the intrinsic safety of the connector system. As already described in the above-mentioned figures, contact tongue 7 and contact pocket 3 of the plug connectors 1, 1 a also interlock here.

By this invention, a space-saving, intrinsically safe, inexpensive to produce connector is created. This achieved due to the entanglement compound a temperature-stable significantly lower contact resistance than previously known connector.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

Connectors

1

a connector

1b

Flat tabs connector

2

body

2a

surface

2 B

surface

3

Contact bag

4

Contact floor

5

Bonding pad

6

front

7

contact tongue

8th

latch hook

9

crimping claws

10

opening

11

stop knob

12

catch edge

13

Side wall

14

angled side wall

15

tape end

16

distribution plate

17

Contact bridge

18

leading edge

Claims (15)

Connector (1) comprising a base body (2) having at least one surface (2a, 2b) and an end face (6) lying in the insertion direction, on which at least one contact tongue is arranged, and at least one connection contact surface (5) to produce an electrical contact , characterized in that on at least one surface (2a, 2b) of the base body (2) at least one contact pocket (3) having a contact bottom (4) is formed, wherein the contact bottom (4) to the associated surface (2a, 2b) of Base body (2) increases, and the contact pocket (3) has at least one opening (10). Connector according to claim 1, characterized in that in the contact pocket (3) of the connector (1) the contact tongue (7) of a corresponding connector (1a) can be inserted and an electrical contact is made. Connector according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the width of the contact pocket (3) is at least as large as the width of the contact tongue (7), whereby the contact tongue (7) in the contact pocket (3) of a similar connector (1a) pluggable is. Connector according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by exactly one contact pocket (3) and exactly one contact tongue (7). Connector according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a plurality of contact pockets (3) and a plurality of contact tongues (7). Connector according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one latching means (11) on the contact tongue (7) is provided. Connector (1) comprising a base body (2) having at least one surface (2a) and an end face (6) in the insertion direction, on which at least one contact bridge (17) is arranged, and at least one connection contact surface (5) to an electrical contact produce, characterized in that at least one surface (2a) of the base body (2) at least one contact pocket (3) is integrally formed with a contact base (4), wherein the contact base (4) to the associated surface (2a) of the base body (2 ), and the contact pocket (3) has at least one opening (10). Connector according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that contact bottom (4) and the surface (2a) of the base body (2) form at least one opening (10) in the insertion direction. Connector according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that on the, the end face (6) opposite side of the base body (2), a conductor connection (9, 15) is provided. Connector according to claim 8, characterized in that the conductor connection (9) allows a connection with the ends of electrical lines by pressing. Connector according to claim 6, characterized in that the conductor connection is positively and / or materially connectable to other electrically conductive components. Connector according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the base body (2) has a recess which corresponds in position, shape and size, the projection of the contact base (4) on the base body (2). Connector according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connector (1) is made of strip material. Connector according to claim 10 , characterized in that the strip material is cold or hot deformable. Connector according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that on the sides of the base body (2) along the plugging direction side walls (13,14) are integrally formed.

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