EP3186858A1

EP3186858A1 - Contact element

Info

Publication number: EP3186858A1
Application number: EP15744585.9A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Zhenyu Hu
Original assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
Current assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
Priority date: 2014-08-25
Filing date: 2015-07-31
Publication date: 2017-07-05
Anticipated expiration: 2035-07-31
Also published as: US9859644B2; DE102014216864A1; CN106663891B; DE102014216864B4; WO2016030129A1; EP3186858B1; CN106663891A; US20170271803A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a contact element (200) for plugging into a contact chamber (160, 170) of a plug connector (100) in a plug-in direction (280). The contact element (200) has a housing (210) extending along the plug-in direction (280). The contact element (200) also has a latching element (240) which is connected to the housing (210) and is intended to latch in the contact chamber (160, 170) of the plug connector (100). The latching element (240) has a self-supporting end region (244), wherein the self-supporting end region (244) has a first section (260) and a second section (270) connected to the first section (260). The first section (260) extends counter to the plug-in direction (280) or the first section (260) points obliquely away from the housing (210) to the outside counter to the plug-in direction (280). The second section (270) is bent inwards with respect to the first section (260). In order to increase the stability of the latching element (240) when a force acts on the latching element (240), at least one supporting element (300) is provided between the first section (260) and the second section (270), which supporting element supports the second section (270) on the first section (260) when the force acts on the latching element (240).

Description

description

title

contact element

Field of the invention

The invention relates to a contact element with the features of the preamble of the independent claim.

State of the art

In the field of technology, e.g. in automotive engineering, it is often necessary to connect electrical lines together. For example, cables must be connected together or connected to electrical equipment. For this purpose, connectors are often used, in which in one

Connector housing one or more contact chambers are provided. In each of the contact chambers each connected to an electrical line contact element is arranged and locked therein. The contact element is designed to produce an electrically conductive connection with a suitably designed counter-contact element of a mating connector or a socket as soon as the connector is plugged together with the mating connector or the socket. In the manufacture of such connectors, the contact elements to which the associated cables are crimped at the rear end, inserted into the individual contact chambers. In order to prevent the contact elements, for example, in a train on the cable from slipping out of the contact chambers, the contact elements are usually locked in a form-fitting manner in the contact chambers. In a frequently used embodiment of the contact elements for this purpose an outwardly projecting and inwardly deflectable locking element or a locking lance is provided on the housing of the contact element. This latching element protrudes against a direction of insertion of the contact element into the contact chamber obliquely outwards over the housing of the contact element. When inserting the contact element into the contact chamber, the latching element is first deformed elastically inwardly to subsequently in reaching its target position in a To be able to snap recess (a Verrastkammer) in the contact chamber to thereby lock the contact element in the contact chamber.

In DE 10 2009 054 705 AI is a conventional with a projecting

Locking element provided electrical contact element for connectors described.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION The invention is based on the recognition that, in particular for use in

Automotive to connectors and the contact elements used therein high mechanical demands are made. On the one hand, the locking of the contact elements within the contact chambers of the connector should be as stable as possible in order to avoid tearing of the contact elements in, for example, a train on crimped on it cable. For this purpose, as a rule, the locking element should be as rigid as possible. On the other hand, for loading the contact elements in the

Contact chambers the spring element elastically spring as easy as possible and then return to its original position in the Verrastkammer to lock a contact element in a contact chamber easily and reliably.

In addition, to protect the contact elements and the contact chambers in the connector housings often sealing mats are arranged made of an elastic material through which the contact elements when inserted into the

Contact chambers are inserted through. Is the removal of one or more contact elements from the respective contact chamber necessary, for example

Maintenance purposes, or because when plugging the connector, the contact element was inserted into a wrong contact chamber, so there is a risk that the obliquely outwardly against the plug-in projecting locking element or the

Latch damaged the sealing mat and in this way the sealing function

is restricted. For this purpose, in a cantilevered end of the

Locking element, a first portion may be provided which protrudes outwards from the housing against the insertion direction and a second portion, which is bent over the first portion to the inside, so that a sharp-edged outwardly projecting end of the locking element is avoided.

It has been found that in such contact elements at a force on the locking element, for example by a train on the contact element crimped cable, the second portion can relatively easily slide on the wall of the Verrastkammer transversely to the direction of insertion to the outside. This allows the locking element relatively high mechanical loads at its root, ie at its

Connection point with the housing, be exposed and it can lead to breakage of the locking element in the worst case. Especially with very high or open Verrastkammern the outward sliding of the second portion of the locking element can not by e.g. a blanket of the Verrastkammer be stopped before damage to the locking element is possible. In such contact elements, in particular in miniaturized contact elements in which, despite small size and low material thickness high mechanical requirements are made, the sliding of the second section can also be facilitated by the fact that the second section is always on to the first section out (possibly even plastic ), whereby the sliding surface of the second portion is always aligned approximately parallel to the Verrastkammerwand.

There may therefore be a need to provide a contact element, in which the stability of the latching element or the latching lance is increased by a novel construction of the latching element with a force acting on the latching element or the latching lance and which a sliding of the second portion or the latching lance within the Verrastkammer, especially in high or open at the top

Verrastkammern, difficult to the outside.

Advantages of the invention

This need can be met by the subject matter of the present invention according to the independent claim. Advantageous embodiments of the present invention are described in the dependent claims. The following are characteristics, details and possible benefits of one

Contact element according to embodiments of the invention discussed in detail.

According to a first aspect of the invention, a contact element for insertion in a plug-in direction in a contact chamber of a connector is proposed which has a reduced risk of slipping of the locking element in the Verrastkammer at a force on the locking element and at the same time when removing the contact element from the contact chamber the risk one Damage to a mat seal or a sealing mat is greatly reduced.

At the same time should generally in a force acting on the contact element force bending of the locking element or a bending of components of the

Locking element, in particular a (in particular plastic) bending of the

Locking element or parts of the locking element can be avoided by the invention or should occur by the invention, such a (plastic) Verbiegeprozess or a fraction of components only at an increased force compared to the prior art. This is achieved by the contact element extending along the

Has plug-in direction extending housing. The contact element furthermore has a latching element connected to the housing, preferably fixedly connected, for latching in the contact chamber of the plug connector. The locking element has a cantilevered end. In this case, the cantilevered end region has a first section and a second section connected to the first section. In particular, the second section immediately follows the first one

Section on. The first section extends counter to the insertion direction or the first section has opposite to the insertion obliquely outward away from the housing. The second portion is bent inwardly from the first portion (e.g., facing the housing of the contact member). According to the invention, it is provided that at least one support element is provided between the first section and the second section, which supports the second section on the first section when the latching element exerts a force. Compared to the prior art, the contact element according to the invention has the advantage that when a force acting on the locking element, for example by a train on the cable connected to the contact element against the

Insertion direction, the second section only with respect to conventional

Locking elements increased effort can be bent more strongly compared to the first section. Because by means of the support element between the first

Section and the second section, the second section may be supported on the first section. In this way, the risk of a

Deformation, in particular an excessive deformation of the locking element reduced. This in turn can reduce the risk of breakage of the locking element. The support element acts in two ways. On the one hand, it is prevented by the support element that with a force acting on the latching element, the locking element pivoting outwards in the latching chamber can slide particularly easily along the chamber wall of the latching chamber. Because without the support element can be particularly miniaturized

Bend contact elements with very thin sheet thicknesses of the second section so that it is always aligned approximately parallel to the chamber wall of the Verrastkammer. In this way, a sliding process by a large contact surface with the

Chamber wall relieved. The pressure required for locking in the wall (pressure = force per area) is opposite to e.g. reduced tip end of a locking element or a latching element without second section, as the force distributed to the surface of the second section.

In a contact element with support element, the second section

Supported according to the invention by means of the support member on the first section. As a result, upon pivoting the latching element, the second section can no longer be bent substantially parallel to the chamber wall of the latching chamber. With increasing pivoting of the locking lance is thus a steadily decreasing surface of the second portion in contact with the chamber wall. Compared to the scenario described above without support element and resulting in itself

bending second portion thus increases in a contact element according to the invention advantageously the pressure of the second section on the

Chamber wall. The second section may look similar in this way

Crampons literally dig into the chamber wall, creating another

Swinging the locking element difficult or even prevented. To this

Way can be prevented exceeding a critical Aufschwenkwinkels, wherein the locking element can break, for example, at its root.

As a second effect is by acting on the locking element acting on the

Reduces torque by the lever arm acting on the locking element is reduced. Since the latching element protrudes obliquely outward acts on the latching element in a train, for example, opposite to the insertion, a torque (T). This torque (T) results from the tensile force and the lever arm acting perpendicular to the force according to the equation torque (T) = force (F) x lever arm (R), ie T = FxR. The lever arm results here as a distance between the root of the

Locking element and the point of the locking element on the chamber wall of the latching chamber transversely to the insertion direction. At a bendable second section the force is introduced into the locking element substantially at the end of the first section, ie in the transition region to the second section. If, on the other hand, the second section can be supported on the first section by means of the at least one support element, then the force input into the latching element takes place essentially at the contact point of the second section with the chamber wall and via the support element. Compared to the scenario with a bendable second section, the lever arm is reduced by a difference distance AR along the direction of suspension. The difference distance results from the distance from the transition point between the first and second section on the one hand to the contact point of the second section with the

Chamber wall of Verrastkammer or the point of application of the support element on the first section. Thus, the torque acting on the locking element is reduced by the contact element according to the invention. This will increase the risk of

Damage to the locking element or a breakage of the locking element, for example, at the root of the locking element, compared to conventional locking elements significantly reduced.

For example, in this way, the force that can damage the

Locking element leads to be at least 30% higher than without support element, preferably at least 60% higher.

At the same time, the protection of the mat seal or the sealing mat against damage during the execution of the contact element from the contact chamber is advantageously retained. The latching element may extend substantially counter to the insertion direction and projecting obliquely beyond the housing to the outside. It can preferably be elastically reversibly deflected inwards along a direction of springing extending transversely to the insertion direction. The latching element can be arranged or fastened to the housing at a latching element root, which lies at an end of the latching element facing away from the cantilevered end.

The cantilevered end portion may be formed spaced from the housing, in particular in the spring-back direction transversely to the insertion direction. The cantilevered end region is preferably spaced apart from the housing, for example, in a rest position without the action of force. The latching element may be formed integrally with the housing or with the contact element. The locking element and / or the housing and / or the

Contact element can be made as a stamped and bent part of a thin sheet.

The second section may be made by a clinching process from the first section.

The second section advantageously has a length of at least 0.4 mm, preferably a length of at least 0.7 mm or at least 1.0 mm and very particularly preferably a length of at least 2 mm. The second section has at most a length of 5 mm, preferably of at most 3 mm and most preferably of at most 2.5 mm. In particular, the length of the second portion may be at least 2.5 times a sheet thickness of a sheet from which the second portion may be made, preferably at least 4 times the sheet thickness. The sheet thickness may e.g. in the case of micro-contacts are between 0.05mm and 0.4mm, preferably 0.1mm to 0.3mm and most preferably from 0.12mm to 0.17mm. For contacts that are not formed as Mikrokon clocks and sheet thicknesses greater than 0.4mm can be provided. An end face of the first section, which is formed by a punching process, e.g. slightly bent is not to be regarded as a second section in the context of this application.

The bending radius at the transition from the first section to the second section may preferably be at most 0.3 mm, very particularly preferably at most 0.1 mm.

For the purposes of this application, the expression "transversely to the insertion direction" is understood to mean a direction which is essentially orthogonal to the insertion direction. Accordingly, the expression "transverse to the springback direction" can be understood to mean a direction substantially orthogonal to the springback direction. Thus, an axis along the insertion direction, an axis along the

Auffederrichtung and a lateral axis, which extends transversely to the insertion and transverse to the direction of spring form a Cartesian coordinate system of three mutually orthogonal axes. The term "outward" can be understood from the housing starting a direction that points away from the housing transversely to the plug, for example along an axis parallel to the springback axis. Accordingly, the term "inward" may refer to a direction transverse to the direction of insertion toward the housing.

Under the expression "an obliquely outwardly projecting locking element"

(Especially in the non-energized state) may be a request of the

Detent element can be understood in an acute angle with respect to the extension direction of the housing. In particular, the latching element and the insertion direction can include an angle greater than 1 ° and less than 89 °, preferably an angle between 5 ° and 55 °, very particularly preferably an angle between 5 ° and 40 °. A right angle and an extension direction parallel to the insertion direction do not fall under the term "oblique" in the context of this application.

Characterized in that the first portion and the second portion an angle α

lock in,

wherein the at least one support element is designed such that in a

Force, in particular a force against the insertion, on the locking element of the angle α by more than 5 ° can be reduced, is advantageously effected that the second section is particularly little bent when the

Locking element due to a force along the chamber wall swings outwards. As a result, on the one hand particularly fast or at a low Aufschwenkwinkel the locking element, the effects described above

Support element (increasing the line pressure and reducing the lever arm) can be achieved. At the same time, a certain flexibility of the second section compared to the first section can be maintained. Particularly advantageously, a plastic deformation of the second portion relative to the first portion can be avoided, it is then bent, for example, only elastically reversible against the support member and then supported. The second section can thus spring back elastically reversible back to its starting position with respect to the first portion at a decrease in the force and a spring back of the locking element inwardly.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the angle α enclosed by the first section and the second section lies in a range between 45 ° and 75 °. This advantageously causes a particularly simple and cost-effective production of the locking element. Moreover, at such an angle between the first section and the second section, the above-described ones occur particularly quickly Effects (crampon effect and reduction of the lever arm) on. At the same time, the sealing mat arranged in the connector is particularly effectively protected against damage in this angular range. The fact that the at least one support element is formed integrally with the latching element is advantageous causes a particularly simple and cost-effective production of the contact element. In particular, in the case of miniaturized contact elements, the support element with its small dimensions can be particularly so

Reliable, safe to manufacture and easy to manufacture.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one support element is connected to the first section, in particular firmly connected, and protrudes from the first section opposite to the insertion direction or substantially opposite to the first section

Plug-in direction towards the second section. Alternatively or at the same time, the at least one support element can be connected to the second section, in particular firmly connected, and project from the second section along the insertion direction or essentially along the insertion direction, towards the first section.

The fact that the at least one support element extends along the insertion direction or opposite to the insertion direction is a particularly efficient

Support causes. For this causes the introduction of force from the second portion to the first portion at least at the beginning of the force substantially parallel to a caused for example by a train on the cable of the contact element force on the locking element. At the same time, the lever arm is reduced particularly advantageous. The extension direction of the support element may be e.g. in an undamaged resting state, e.g. immediately after

Manufacturing process of the contact element or in the inserted state without

Force be determined.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the latching element is formed substantially flat. In this case, the latching element has at least one side wall bent inward in relation to the housing, wherein the at least one side wall has at least one cutout in the first section. In this case, the at least one support element is arranged on the at least one side wall. The at least one support element is arranged in particular in the region of the at least one recess. The term "planar" may be understood to mean a shape of the latching element that extends substantially along a flat surface, with the exception of the at least one side wall and the second section lends a profile to the rotated and / or mirrored

If the letter "L" or an upside-down letter "U" can correspond, the latching element may advantageously have increased stability against plastic deformation. The at least one side wall may face the housing of the contact element with its front side.

Due to the fact that the at least one side wall has at least one recess in the first section, for example immediately before the transition to the second section, the latching element can be manufactured in a particularly simple and production-safe manner, without it becoming undesirable in the production process

Bending of the second portion, the first portion or the sidewall due to overlaps of sidewall, first portion and / or second portion due to manufacturing tolerances comes. The fact that the at least one support element is arranged on the at least one side wall advantageously causes an introduction of force from the second section into the first section to lead to a particularly greatly reduced lever arm. At the same time, by introducing the force into the side wall, a particularly good distribution of force in the

Detent element due to the high area moment of inertia of the at least one side wall can be effected.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the second section has a free end facing away from the first section, wherein the at least one support element is arranged on the at least one side wall such that when the force is applied to the latching element, in particular in a

Applying force along the insertion direction, the second portion is supported with its free end to the least one support element. This has the advantageous effect that the lever arm is particularly greatly reduced in a Aufschwenkbewegung the locking lance, especially if the free end of the second section projects, for example, particularly far inward to the housing. Advantageously, thereby a particularly simple production of the contact element is possible. According to one embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the at least one support element is designed as at least one laterally protruding from the second portion tab to the insertion direction. The at least one tab is at least partially bent in the direction of insertion, in particular bent by 90 ° to 135 °. As a result, a particularly simple production of the contact element, the latching element and the support element is advantageously effected. Because by bending the tab, the tab can come under the first section to the plant and be covered by the first section as far as possible. As a result, manufacturing tolerances in the bending process of the tab can largely remain without major impact on the support effect of the support element, since the overlap of the tab with the first section and thus the support effect is almost always given. At the same time a particularly effective support can be effected in a simple manner. For example, by the bent tab also a resilient support can be effected, which makes it possible, after an end of the force to move the second portion elastically back to its original position. Advantageously, the tab rest flatly by the Umbiegeprozess on the first section and so effectively effect a planar support effect.

Characterized in that the at least one tab has a free tab end, which is supported on a force applied to the locking element, in particular along the plug, the free tab end on a housing facing the inside of the first portion, is advantageously causes the

Power transmission can take place from the second section to the first section over a larger area. As a result, on the one hand, the surface load of individual points is particularly low. On the other hand, manufacturing tolerances in the bending process of the support element, that is, the tab, the support effect does not or only slightly, since the inside of the first section is a relatively large area.

According to one embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the latching element has a further section with a first width w1 along a lateral direction transverse to the insertion direction. In this case, the first section is arranged between the further section and the second section. At the same time, the first one tapers Section towards the second section from the first width w1 to a second width w2 of the second section. In this case, the second section and the tab along the lateral direction to a total width w3, which is smaller than or equal to the first width w1. This advantageously has the effect that, viewed along the insertion direction, the tab and the second section do not protrude laterally beyond the latching element. As a result, damage to the sealing mat, for example, during insertion or when unplugging the contact element can advantageously be avoided.

At the same time, this advantageously has the effect that the tab acting as a support element can initiate the force action into the first section in a particularly effective manner, e.g. in the middle of the first section. Thereby, a partial bending over of the second section, e.g. on one side, bent forward.

The first width w1 may be for example at least 0.3 mm, preferably at least 0.4 mm and very particularly preferably at least 0.8 mm. For example, the second width w2 may be at most 75% of the first width w1, preferably at most 50% of the first width, and most preferably at most 30% of the first width w1.

drawings

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

Show it:

Fig. 1 is an exploded view of a connector; FIG. 2a shows a perspective view of a contact element according to the prior art in a contact chamber without a force acting on the latching element; FIG.

Fig. 2b, the contact element of Fig. 2a at a force on the

Contact element;

3a shows a schematic cross section of a contact element according to the invention; 3b a schematic representation of the principle of action of the contact element according to the invention; 4 shows a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the latching element of the contact element according to the invention;

5a shows a perspective view of a further embodiment of the contact element according to the invention;

FIG. 5b shows a perspective view of the latching element of the contact element from FIG. 5a from below; FIG.

Fig. 5c is a perspective view of the contact element of Fig. 5a at

Force on the locking element;

6 shows a perspective view of a further embodiment of the contact element according to the invention; Fig. 7 is a schematic cross section of another embodiment of the contact element according to the invention.

All figures are merely schematic representations according to the invention

Devices or their components according to embodiments of the invention. In particular, distances and size relations are not in the figures

reproduced to scale. In the different figures are

provide corresponding elements with the same reference numbers.

Fig. 1 shows a connector 100, which may be part of a connector to a mating connector. The connector 100 can be used, for example, for mechanically and electrically connecting a plurality of cables to each other or a wiring harness to a control unit in a motor vehicle.

The connector 100 has an upper housing part 130 and a lower housing part 140, which can be mechanically connected to one another via latching lugs 150. Between the upper housing part 130 and the lower housing part 140 is a

Matt seal 180 made of an elastic material with passage openings arranged. Both in the upper housing part 130 and in the lower housing part 140, contact chambers 160, 170 are provided, through which cables and contact elements (not shown in FIG. 1) attached thereto can be inserted into the plug 100 and latched therein.

Fig. 2a shows a contact element 200 according to the prior art.

The contact element 200 has a direction of insertion 280

extending housing 210. The contact element 200 can be produced as a stamped and bent part in one piece from a thin, for example, metallic sheet and is preferably electrically conductive. The contact element 200 furthermore has a latching element 240 connected to the housing 210, which extends substantially counter to the insertion direction 280 and protrudes obliquely outward from the housing 210. The locking element 240 is fixed to a locking element root 230 on the housing 210. The locking element root 230 may be an excellent point at which the transition from the housing 210 to the locking element 240 takes place. However, it can also be merely a virtual point around which, for example, a rotation or a pivoting of the locking element 240 can take place. The latching element 240 is elastically reversible inwardly deflectable along a direction of spring 284 extending transversely to the insertion direction 280. A lateral direction 286 extends transversely to the insertion direction 280 and transversely to the spring-back direction 284. The contact element 200 is divided into a front contact section 212 in which the latching element 240 is arranged. The contact section 212 is adjoined by a middle section 214, which in turn is followed by a crimp section 216 in the rear part of the section

Contact element 200 connects. In the crimp section 216, one can not

represented electrical cable to the contact element 200 are electrically connected.

The latching element 240 has a cantilevered end portion 244. The cantilevered end portion 244 is spaced from the housing 240 and has a first one

Section 260 and a second section connected to the first section 260

Section 270 on. The first portion 260 extends in the illustrated

Embodiment (ie without external force) obliquely outward away from the housing. The second portion 270 has a free end 274 and is bent inwardly from the first portion 260, i. the second section is essentially with its front side or with its free end 274

Housing 210 facing. The first section 260 and the second section 270 are both formed as substantially flat surfaces and include an angle α between them. The second section may have, for example, a length in a range between 0.5 mm and 2.5 mm. The latching element 240 also has a further section 250, wherein the further section 250 is arranged between the latching element root 230 and the first section 260. The latching element 240 is formed along its extension direction 280 substantially as a flat surface, wherein the latching element 240 at its (relative to the lateral direction 286) outer sides in each case inwardly

having bent side walls 242.

The contact element 200 is inserted into the contact chamber 170 in the lower housing part 140 of the connector 100. The contact chamber 170 is of a

Contact chamber wall 172 limited. At the front end of the contact chamber 170, a contact opening 171 is provided through which a mating contact element, for example in the form of a connector pin or a contact blade, in the

Contact portion 212 of the contact element 200 can be inserted. In the contact section 212, inside the housing 210 at least one,

For example, resilient, contact blade (not shown here) may be arranged, with which the mating contact element is electrically and mechanically contacted. At the upper part of the contact chamber 170 in the figure, an open latching chamber 173 is provided in the con tact chamber wall 172. When inserting the contact element 200, the latching element 240, which is sprung inward during the insertion process, can spring outward into the latching chamber 173. In a train on the contact element 200 against the plug-in direction 280, the latching element can be supported on a latching stop 175 of the latching chamber 173 designed as a kind of undercut and thus prevent unintentional release of the contact element 200 from the contact chamber 170. By the contacting opening 171, for example, a

Unlocking tool for releasing the locking element 240 are introduced.

FIG. 2 b shows a situation in which the contact element shown in FIG. 2 a is acted upon by a force against the insertion direction 280, for example by a pull on the cable. If this force exceeds a certain minimum thickness then the locking element 240 can pivot about the locking element root 230 to the outside. In this case, the free end region 244 of the latching element 240 slides along the

Verrastanschlags 175 in the Verrastkammer 173 always further up.

Especially with miniaturized contact elements with low sheet thicknesses while the second portion 270 against the first portion 260 are bent further and further to the first portion 260 out. In other words, the angle between the first portion 260 and the second portion 270 decreases more and more (by Δα). This is shown in the figure by the angle α-Δα. In this case, Δα can be more than 10 °, more than 15 ° or even more than 25 °. The second section 270 can thereby also be plastically deformed or bent relative to the first section 260.

By sliding the locking element 240 upwards, the holding action of the locking element 240 is reduced in several ways.

With increasing pivot angle of the locking element 240 relative to the

Extension direction of the housing 210 increases on the one hand acting on the locking element 240 in the pivot direction torque, since the lever arm between the point of the locking element 240 on the Verrastanschlag 175 (the point sets at one end 262 of the first portion 260) and the

Locking element root 230 is getting bigger. With the same force, the locking element root 230 becomes ever larger as a result of the torque thus increased

exposed to mechanical stress.

In addition, the sliding process of the locking element 240 on Verrastanschlag 175 by the always approximately parallel to Verrastanschlag 175 aligned second

Section 270 continues to be supported. Because the force exerted by the Verrastanschlag 175 on the locking element 240, distributed to the mechanical contact surface on a large area, namely on the surface of the second portion 260. As a result, a punctual or line-shaped pressure between the locking element 240 and the Verrastanschlag 175 lacks Therefore, the locking element 240 is difficult

non-positive or positive connection to Verrastanschlag 175, for example in the form of a crampon, received, so the other

To prevent upward sliding.

When a force is applied in this way, the locking element 240 can be bent in a self-reinforcing process of increasing torque and decreasing surface pressure more and more up. This can eventually lead to a plastic deformation of the locking element root 230, a spring back inward with decreasing force is then no longer possible. If the force does not decrease, it can even lead to a rupture of the locking element 240 on the locking element Root 230 come. Such behavior is particularly relevant in open

Verrastkammer 173 or Verrastkammern 173, which have very high or long chamber walls 172 and Verrastanschläge 175, where the locking element 240 can slide freely upwards.

FIG. 3 a shows a contact element 200 according to the invention. In contrast to the contact element according to the prior art from Figs. 2 a and 2 b, the contact element 200 according to the invention has, between the first section 260 and the second section 270, a support element 300 with which the second section 270 can be supported on the first section 260 when a force is applied. The lever arm in the non-force-loaded state of Fig. 3a is denoted by R ₀ . It extends along the springback direction 284 between the end 262 of the first section 260 and the catch element root 230. The first section 260 and the second section 270 enclose the angle α, where α lies in a range between 30 ° and 80 °, preferably between 45 ° and 75 °.

FIG. 3b schematically shows how a conventional contact element 200a and a contact element 200b according to the invention behave under the action of force. In the non-force-loaded state, the conventional and the contact element 200a, 200b according to the invention are likewise locked in the latching chamber 173.

Between the first portion 260 and the second portion 270, the angle α is included.

Upon an action of force on the contact element 200 along the arrow 282 (that is, opposite to the insertion direction 280), the conventional detent element 240 moves or slides upwards on the latching stop 175, wherein the second section 270 bends. The first section 260 and the second section 270

included angle changes from α to α-Δα. Accordingly, the force acts on the end 262 of the first section 260 and the lever arm increases in relation to the powerless state of R ₀ to R ^.

With the same application of force to the contact element 200b according to the invention, the latching element 240 also slides up along the latching stop 175. Due to the support member 300, however, the angle α included between the first portion 260 and the second portion 270 remains substantially constant. It may, if appropriate, be reduced by up to, for example, 5 ° (ie, by a maximum of 5 °), if between the first section 260 and the support element 300 or between the second section 270 and the support element 300

production-related a small gap exists. In this way, the force acts approximately punctiform or linear at the free end 274 of the second section 270.

As a result, a higher local pressure is generated, as a result of which the latching element 240 can engage with the free end 274 of the second section 270 in the latching stop 175. At the same time, the force is introduced into the locking element 240 with a comparison with the conventional situation reduced length of the lever arm. Because the force is no longer applied at the end 262 of the first section but at the level of the support member 300 and at the height of the free end 274 of the second portion 270. The length of the lever arm is in the example shown R ^ AR. This reduces the torque (T) acting on the latching element 240 or on the latching element root 230 with the same force (F), ie, AT = F x AR.

The conventional contact element 200a is therefore pulled further out of the contact chamber 170 than the contact element 200b according to the invention with the same force (for example, pulling on the cable). This is by the position of

Locking element root 230 shown.

In this way, a further or an excessively wide pivoting of the locking element 240 is prevented. With the contact element 200b according to the invention, considerably higher forces, for example due to a pull on the cable of the contact element 200, are necessary in order to allow the latching element 240 to slide upwards in the latching chamber 173 in the contact element 200b according to the invention exceeds a pivot angle, which leads to damage or failure of the locking element 240 (eg in the form of a plastic deformation) or even to a break of the locking element 240, for example, at its locking element root 230. In the case of the contact element 200b according to the invention, this force is preferably at least 30% higher than in the case of the conventional contact element 200a, very particularly preferably at least 60% higher. The pull-out force in the conventional

Contact element 200a, in which there is a failure of the locking element 240, may for example be at least 15N, preferably at least 25N, most preferably at least 40N. 4, an embodiment of the contact element 200 according to the invention is shown. Here, the locking element 240 is formed substantially flat. The Locking element 240 has, in the insertion direction 280 on its outer sides (with respect to the lateral axis 286) inwardly bent side walls 242.

In other words, the side walls with their end faces the housing 210. The latching element 240 thus has a profile in the form of an inverted letter "U" in a cross-section transverse to the insertion direction 280. There may also be exemplary embodiments in which only one side wall 242 is provided The latching element 240 shown is preferably along along the plug-in direction 280 In particular, the first portion 260 and the second portion 270 are formed flat and have, in cross-section, substantially the shape of a straight line.

The side walls 242 also extend in the first portion 260. Here, however, they have recesses 243 which face the second portion 270. The exemplary embodiment illustrated has two support elements 300, which are arranged in the first section 260 and fixedly connected to the first section 260. The two support elements 300 protrude at the housing 210 facing the end of

Side walls 242 in the first section 260 against the insertion direction 280 from the side walls 242 toward the second portion 270 from. They are designed finger-like. As viewed in the insertion direction 280, the two support elements 300 are completely covered by the second section 270 along the lateral direction 286. As a result, they allow the second section 280 to be supported on the two support elements (300 and thus on the first section 260) when the second section 270 is inserted in the insertion direction 280. As a result, bending of the second section 270 relative to the first section 260, which could lead to a reduction of the angle α enclosed between the two sections 260, 270 by more than 5 °, is also prevented by this covering a damage of the sealing mat 180 during the unplugging of the

Contact element 200 prevented by the counter to the insertion direction 280 projecting support elements 300. Production-related can be between the second

Section 270 and free ends 302 of the support members 300 a slight gap may be present. This gap is closed when a force is applied to the second section 270. However, such a gap is not necessarily provided. The support elements 300 may also be in direct mechanical contact with the second section 270 immediately after production. The embodiment with two support members 300 that support the outer ends of the second portion 270 causes a particularly good support effect. For example, this prevents unilateral folding down of the second section 270. Also, the force acting on the second portion 270 distributes this force particularly evenly over a larger area, whereby damage to the second portion can be avoided by a high punctiform load at the support points. The pull-out force which leads to damage can be increased by at least 30% with the two support elements 300 compared to a construction without support element 300, depending on the embodiment even by at least 60%. In Fig. 5a is another embodiment of the invention

Contact element 200 shown. In this embodiment, only a single support element 300 is provided with a free end 302. Like in

Embodiment of Fig. 4, the support member 300 is formed in extension of one of the side walls 242 of the locking element 240. Again, in the

Side walls 242 provided in the region of the first portion 260 each have a recess 243.

In contrast to the embodiment of FIG. 4, in the region of the support element 300, the side wall 242 is still a little stronger towards the housing 210

pulled down. As a result, upon pivoting of the latching element 240, the free end 274 of the second section 270 can initiate the force acting on the second section 270 at a particularly low point of the latching element 240. This advantageously reduces the length of the lever arm particularly strong. At the same time, the stability of the latching element 240 is increased by the side wall 242, which is pulled down deeply, since the area moment of inertia becomes particularly large in this way. In order to be able to spring the locking element 240 sufficiently far inwards when it is inserted into the contact chamber 170, one of the housings 210 in the housing 210

Side wall 242 opposite housing wall provided with a corresponding to the shape of the side wall 242 recess. When springs inward thus the side wall 242 of the locking element 240 does not abut or not too early to the housing 210.

The support element 300 is formed rounded at its free end 302 facing the second section 270. This prevents on the one hand too punctual

Force effects on the support element 300 facing side of the second

Section 270. In addition, thereby damage to the sealing mat 180 can be avoided. The pull-out force, which leads to damage can with the Support member 300 relative to a construction without support member 300 to

at least 30% are increased, depending on the design even by at least 60%.

In other words, the cantilevered end portion 244 of the detent member 240 is in the form of a grasping left hand, the thumb corresponding to the support member 300, the two last phalanges corresponding to the second portion 270, and the back of the hand and the back of the hand

subsequent first finger member corresponds to the first section 260.

Of course, embodiments are conceivable in which the cantilevered end portion 244 of the locking element 240 has the shape of a cross-right hand. The reinforced area of the side wall 242 and the pulled-down side wall 242 in the first section 260 corresponds in this schematic image of the root of the thumb. In Fig. 5b is a view of the locking element 240 of FIG. 5a shown from below. It can be seen that the support element 300, which is based on the

Side wall 242 opposite to the insertion direction 280 toward the second portion 270 extends slightly along the lateral axis 286 toward the center of the second portion 270 is bent. In this way, it is advantageously effected that, when a force is applied to the second section 270, this second section 270 is not attached to e.g. the outer side (with respect to the lateral direction 286) can bend relative to the first portion 260, on which no support member 300 is arranged. Furthermore, this is advantageous when unplugging the contact element 200 sure a

Damage to the sealing mat 180 prevented by a laterally projecting support member 300.

FIG. 5c shows the contact element 200 according to the invention of FIGS. 5a and 5b in a state in which along the direction of the arrow 282, ie opposite to the

Insertion direction 280, is pulled on the contact element 200. Thus acts in the direction of the insertion direction 280, a force from the Verrastanschlag 175 toward the locking element 240. It is easy to see how by the support member 300 a

Bending of the second portion 270 relative to the first portion 260 is prevented. In this way, on the one hand significantly reduces the length of the lever arm of R ^ to R ^ -AR. The force is introduced into the strengthened or more downwardly guided sidewall (the "root of the thumb") due to this

Reinforcement is particularly stable. Due to the fact that the second section 270 does not bend relative to the first section 260, the force is also linear or even punctiform introduced into the free end 274 of the second portion 270 (namely, at the point where the support member 300 supports the second portion 270). This allows the free end 274 well in the material of the

Einrastanschlags 175 einkrallen, whereby a further movement of the locking element 240 within the Verrastkammer 173 upward with increasing punctiform load is increasingly difficult.

FIG. 6 shows a further exemplary embodiment of the contact element 200 according to the invention. In this exemplary embodiment, the support element 300 is designed as a lug 290 protruding laterally from the second section 270 along the lateral direction 286, that is to say a thin, elongated piece of sheet metal. In this case, the tab 290 is, in turn, after a short stretch of its extension along the lateral axis 286, bent in the direction of the insertion direction 280 by approximately 90 ° to 135 °. The tab 290 has a free tab end 294 facing away from the second section 270. This tab end 294 is bent under the first section 260 and, in the case of a force application of the second section 270, can support the second section 270 on the first section 260. In this case, the second section 270 is supported via the tab 290 and the free tab end 294 on an inner side 264 of the first section 260 facing the housing 210.

To prevent damage, for example, a sealing mat 180 during insertion of the contact element 200 by laterally projecting parts of the second portion or the tab 290, the locking element 240 tapers from a first width w1 in the first section 260 to a second width w2 of the second portion 270th Mit In other words, the second section 270, viewed in its transition region to the first section 260 along the lateral axis 286, is narrower than the latching element 240, for example in the further region 250, that is to say the second width w2 is smaller than the first width w1. The tab 290 projecting from the second section 270 is bent in the direction of the insertion direction 280 in such a way that a total width w3, which results from the second width w2 of the second section 270 and from the width of the non-bent section of the tab 290 along the lateral axis 286, is less than or at most equal to the first width w1. The pull-out force which leads to damage can be increased by at least 30% with the strap-like support element 300 compared to a construction without a support element 300, depending on the embodiment even by at least 60%. The illustrated embodiment is particularly easy to manufacture and allows in a particularly simple manner a suspension effect in a

As a result, for example, in the case of a merely short pull on the cable of the contact element 200, the second section 270 can be pressed resiliently against the inner side 264 of the first section 260 via the tab 290. Upon release of the force, the provision of the second portion 270 is supported in its original position relative to the first portion 260 by the spring-like curvature of the tab 290 advantageous. In other words, for the repositioning of the second portion 270, it is not only necessary to resort to the intrinsic elasticity of the second portion 270 at its bending point to the first portion 260, but this retraction is additionally assisted by the spring-like curved tab 290.

In Fig. 7, a further embodiment of the contact element according to the invention is shown in a schematic form. In this embodiment, the tab 290 is not disposed laterally on the second portion 270. Rather, the tab 290 is formed by bending over the free end 274 of the second section 270. In a side view, the free end portion 244 of the detent element 240 thus has a triangular shape, for example in the form of the Greek letter delta ("Δ"). In this embodiment, the second portion 270 and the tab 290 may have the same width along the lateral axis 286 The extraction force, which leads to damage, can with the support member 300 in the form of bent down free end 274 of the tab 290 against a construction without support member 300 by at least 30%. be increased, depending on the design even by at least 60%.

The proposed contact element 200 can generally be used for all contacts,

Mating contacts or connector assemblies are used, for example for female contacts, in particular for high-pin socket contacts (for example, more than 50 or even more than 120 contact chambers per connector), for

Direct connectors or male connector contacts. The proposed contact element 200 is particularly well suited for miniaturized socket contacts which have a plate thickness in the region of the latching element 240 of e.g. 0.1 mm to 0.3 mm.

Claims

Claims:

1 . Contact element for insertion in a plug-in direction into a contact chamber of a connector, the contact element comprising:

a housing (210) extending along the plug-in direction (280),

a locking element (240) connected to the housing (210) for latching in the contact chamber (160, 170) of the connector (100),

wherein the detent member (240) has a cantilevered end portion (244), the cantilevered end portion (244) having a first portion (260) and a second portion (270) connected to the first portion (260),

wherein the first portion (260) extends opposite to the insertion direction (280) or facing away from the housing (210) obliquely outward of the insertion direction (280), the second portion (270) being bent inwardly relative to the first portion (260) is, characterized in that

at least one support element (300) is provided between the first section (260) and the second section (270), which upon a force acting on the latching element (240) supports the second section (270) on the first section (260).

2. Contact element according to claim 1, characterized in that

the first section (260) and the second section (270) enclose an angle α, wherein the at least one support element (300) is designed such that upon an action of force on the latching element (240) the angle α can be reduced by at most 5 °, in particular with a force acting on the latching element (240) against the insertion direction (280).

3. Contact element according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that

the angle α enclosed by the first section (260) and by the second section (270) lies in a range between 45 ° and 75 °.

4. Contact element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized

characterized in that the at least one support element (300) is formed integrally with the latching element (240).

5. Contact element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized

marked that the at least one support element (300) is connected to the first section (260) and protrudes from the first section (260) counter to the insertion direction (280) towards the second section (270) and / or that the at least one support element (300) engages with the second portion (270) and protrudes from the second portion (270) along the insertion direction (280) towards the first portion (260).

6. Contact element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized

characterized in that the latching element (240) has a substantially planar design, wherein the latching element (240) has at least one side wall (242) bent inward in relation to the housing (210),

wherein the at least one side wall (242) has at least one recess (243) in the first section,

wherein the at least one support element (300) is arranged on the at least one side wall (242),

wherein the at least one support element (300) is arranged in particular in the region of the at least one recess (243).

7. Contact element according to claim 6, characterized in that

the second section (270) has a free end (274) facing away from the first section (260),

wherein the at least one support element (300) is arranged on the at least one side wall (242) so that upon application of force, in particular along the insertion direction (280), on the latching element (240) the second section (270) with its free end (274) to the least one

Supporting element (300) is supported.

8. Contact element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized

marked that

the at least one support element (300) is designed as at least one tab (290) protruding laterally from the second section (270), the at least one tab (290) being bent at least in sections in the direction of the insertion direction (280) , is bent over in particular by 90 ° to 135 °.

9. Contact element according to claim 8, characterized in that

the at least one tab (290) has a free tab end (294), wherein at a force application, in particular along the plug-in direction (280), on the latching element (240), the free tab end (294) on one of the housing (210) facing inside (264) of the first portion (260) is supported.

10. Contact element according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the latching element (240) has a further portion (250) with a first width w1 along a lateral direction (286) transversely to the insertion direction (280), wherein the first portion (260). is arranged between the further section (250) and the second section (270),

wherein the first portion (260) tapers toward the second portion (270) from the first width w1 to a second width w2 of the second portion (270), the second portion (270) and the tab (290) being along the lateral direction (270). 286) have a total width w3 that is less than or equal to the first width w1.