WO2009079999A1

WO2009079999A1 - Electrical contact element

Info

Publication number: WO2009079999A1
Application number: PCT/DE2008/002106
Authority: WO
Inventors: Richard Vicktorius; Wolfgang Görlich
Original assignee: Merten Gmbh & Co. Kg
Priority date: 2007-12-21
Filing date: 2008-12-17
Publication date: 2009-07-02
Also published as: RU2490764C2; AU2008340915A1; EP2223391B1; CN101926056B; EP2223391A1; BRPI0821774A2; ES2706609T3; RU2010130491A; AU2008340915B2; CN101926056A; BRPI0821774B1; DE102007063592A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a contact element for the transmission of current, consisting of a terminal connector (10) and a contact area (51). The aim of the invention is to provide a contact element (8, 9) which allows at least two elements to be contacted in a reliable and easy manner. The contact element according to the invention is characterized in that two functionally independent contact points (52, 53) are formed in the contact area (51) and have respective pairs of spring arms (58, 59, 60, 61) extending away from a base (50), said pair of spring arms forming a jack (62, 65) for receiving a contact pin (32, 33, 54).

Description

ELECTRICAL CONTACT ELEMENT

description

The invention relates to a contact element according to the preamble of claim 1.

Sockets with socket-shaped contact elements for receiving pins of appliance connectors are known in electrical home installations and are used in the initial equipment as well as in the retrofit area. Often it is important to be able to functionally upgrade such electrical installation device. For this reason, it has proved to be advantageous to provide corresponding assemblies that can be mounted as needed in addition to the existing installation device.

From the prior art, for example from EP 0 281 969 B1, an electrical installation device is known in which the front side of a device plug is releasably inserted into corresponding contact elements, while the back of an optional assembly can be arranged. The disadvantage here is that the electrical contacting of the rear module is done by a permanent connection with existing in the installation device contact elements. Such arrangements and methods require an increased installation effort and are not particularly practicable.

The object of the present invention is therefore to eliminate the above-mentioned disadvantages and to provide a contact element which enables a secure and easy to assemble contact of at least two elements. This problem is solved by the features specified in claim 1. Advantageous embodiments emerge from the subclaims.

The invention according to claim 1 has the advantage that a releasable contact for a device connector and a further assembly is provided, wherein mechanically and functionally independent contact points are formed in a one-piece contact region of a contact element. The contact element consists of a connection region for the connection of supply lines and opposite from the one-piece contact region for at least two elements.

The mechanical processes during the insertion of the respective contact pins are not transmitted from one contact point to the other contact point, so that the clamping forces are not subject to interactions and an uninterrupted and thus secure contact is ensured. The insertion forces and movements of the sockets are independently absorbed by the spring arms, so that the connection of different components in one and the same contact element essential for releasable contacts connection properties such as clamping or contact forces are not affected. Such an advantageous effect is separately provided by a common base on the contact element executed Federarmpaare, each pair of spring arm forms a socket for receiving a contact pin. In this case, the Federarmpaare from the base parallel to each other and are separated by a slot.

By different design of Federarmpaare and different positioning of the respective sockets Plug positions for two parallel pluggable elements, such as a device plug and a module created. Thus, the usual and practical plug-in from the front and / or the back is still possible.

From the base extend opposite spring legs, which are divided into the two Federarmpaare. The upper spring arms are bent backwards inwardly and form between them a socket for a contact pin. The height of the spring arms rises on both sides up to the bending point and drops off to one side on the bushing. As a result, the bushing becomes stable in itself and mechanical stresses are absorbed mainly in the material of strong bending and can not be transmitted to the base. The lower spring arms protrude in the longitudinal extension over the upper spring arms and are stepped in the longitudinal direction inwardly bent and occur immediately in front of the front-side terminating bush in abutment with each other. The height of the spring arms is constant.

The different design of Federarmpaare allows different clamping forces on the respective sockets. As decreasing clamping forces can be realized with increasing length of the spring arm pairs, the circumferentially larger ones become practical

Contact pins in the shorter spring arms contacted while the thin ones

Contact pins, with less contact force, are contacted in the longer spring arms.

Conical designs of the socket facilitate the insertion. In addition, the upper portion of the sleeve of the upper spring arm pair is not tied to the spring arms, so that the insertion of a contact pin is further facilitated. The contact pin widens the socket initially only on top and then slides along a resulting Inclination with further expansion in the socket. When the contact pin is pulled out, the twisting effect also acts, so that the contact pin or plug is "ejected" to the end, and when the pull-out force is applied, the bush is deformed a little elastically even before the limit for sliding friction is reached Force conditions within the socket and the plug can be solved more easily.

An additional stiffening and protection against excessive expansion of the bush and the spring arms by a positive positioning of the contact element in corresponding chambers of the device base.

The contact element according to the invention allows a universally usable installation device that can be upgraded if necessary with a suitable modular assembly, with a simple

Assembly and disassembly is retained. Advantageously, carried out by the mechanical assembly of the assembly at the same time their electrical

Contacting. Separate connection work, such. B. soldering, is eliminated. The contact element is suitable both for the front side and / or of the

Rear inserted pins.

The modules can fulfill a wide variety of functions and form functionally self-contained assemblies, so that no changes are necessary to the device base. In particular, there are modules that are used depending on the application, z. B. overvoltage protection modules, display and lighting modules or mechanical function modules. Furthermore, in the modules an incoming mains voltage can be converted into any smaller voltage or other type of energy. In addition to conventional installation technology here is the use of bus technologies possible. Conceivable here are not only wired and non-wired components, for example, for data transmission by means of radio or infrared signals. The modules contain in particular optical, mechanical and / or electrical components.

A particularly advantageous component arrangement enables the creation of a receiving space for an optional module within the existing structure of the device base. In a preferred embodiment, the receiving space is form-fitting to the module body and thus space-saving. There is no need for extra space in front of or behind the base of the unit to place the module. The module can be mounted on the front and flush-mounted in the device base. It is essential that for upgrading the installation device only the function-specific front element must be removed to use the module or to exchange. A disassembly of the device base or the support frame from the stationary installation housing is not necessary, so that a considerable installation advantage arises. The generally existing structure of device bases, in particular their dimensions and their attachment and contact points remains unchanged. Thus, for example, the function-specific front elements can be used within a product series when replacing an existing installation device.

One possible embodiment of the electrical installation device is a socket with an optionally installable surge protection module.

Further details, features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of a preferred

Embodiment with reference to the drawings. Show it:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a contact element.

Figure 2 is a plan view of the contact element.

Figure 3 is a perspective view of an installation device with

Front element and with cover.

Figure 4 is a perspective view of a module.

Figure 5 is a perspective view of the installation device and the module prior to assembly.

Figure 6 is a perspective view of the installation device

Figure 5 without release element.

FIG. 7 shows an enlarged view from FIG. 6.

Figure 8 is an enlarged view of Figure 7 with imported

Contact pins.

The same or equivalent components are provided in the following description with the same reference numerals.

The structure of the contact element according to the invention will be described in more detail with reference to Figures 1 and 2.

The contact element 8 is z. B. of multi-machined, preferably bent, copper sheet and has a box-shaped Basic structure. From a centrally located base 50 opposite a terminal 10 for the connection of supply lines and a one-piece contact area 51 with separated contact points 52 and 53 for different pins 32, 33 and 54, preferably from a device connector, not shown, and from a module 2, from. In the contact region 51 extend from the base 50 opposite slightly inwardly inclined spring legs 55 and 56, which merge integrally into a separated by a slot 57 upper Federarmpaar 58, 59 and a lower Federarmpaar 60, 61. The dimensioning of the upper spring arms 58 and 59 and lower spring arms 60 and 61 is designed for the mechanical loads of different thickness contact pins 32, 33 and 54.

The upper spring arms 58 and 59 are each first in continuation of the spring legs 55 and 56 continue slightly inclined and are then bent inwards by almost 180 degrees and form a

Socket 62 off. At the upper end, the bush 62 has an outwardly bent collar 63 to facilitate the insertion of a contact pin 54. The height H1 of the spring arms 58 and 59 rises starting at the spring legs 55 and 56 on the upper side evenly to the bending point

64 to a maximum and falls to the socket 62 back to the

Origin height from. As a result, the pad 52 is stable in itself and mechanical stresses are mainly strong in the material

Bend 64 intercepted and not transferred to the base 50. The contact point 52 is preferably for the clamping reception of

Pins 54 in the range of 4-5 mm designed, z. B. one

Device connector.

The lower pair of spring arms 60, 61 projects longitudinally beyond the upper spring arm pair 58, 59. The spring arms 60 and 61 are each stepped inwardly bent and occur immediately in front of a front side final socket 65 in contact with each other. The height H2 of the spring arms 60 and 61 is constant and less than the height H1 of the upper spring arms 58 and 59. The sleeve 65 is preferably designed for clamping receiving pins 32, 33 in the range of 1 mm, with the slight expansion of the sleeve 65th in connection with the length and the height H2 of the spring arms 60, 61 results in a self-supporting contact point 53, which transmits no forces to the base 50.

Below is an example of an electrical installation device 1 shown in the form of a socket, which is equipped with contact elements 8, 9 according to the invention. The installation device 1 is on the one hand equipped with an optional module 2 for overvoltage protection and on the other hand provided with a device plug.

The installation device 1 has a device base 3, which is formed in principle circular and block-like and consists of insulating materials. The device base 3 surrounds on the outside an annular support frame 4, which is preferably mounted latching. The support frame 4 is made of either metallic or non-metallic materials, preferably plastic. Radial opposite to the device base 3 and on the support frame 4 not shown claw-like fastening means are provided which allow the attachment of the installation device 1 in a stationary installation housing, not shown. Preferably, the device base 3 and the support frame 4 form a mounting unit. Front side, a function-specific front element 5 is fixed, which may be one or more parts depending on the application. (Figure 3)

In the device base 3, the metallic contact elements 8 and 9 are arranged under so-called release elements 6 and 7, in the front Plug pins of a device plug, not shown, are plugged in and the rear side via terminals 10 and 11 are connected to supply lines. Furthermore, in the device base 3, a multiply bent grounding strap 12 is arranged, which serves for the front-side contacting of a ground contact of the device connector and the back-side connection of a ground conductor to a terminal 13.

The two contact elements 8 and 9 are mounted centrally in the device base 3 in correspondingly shaped chambers 14 and 15. The

Terminals 10, 11 are arranged uniformly in a connection region 16 of the device base 3. On the radially opposite side is within the one-piece device base 3 by a radial

Outer wall 17 and a rectilinear inner wall 18, a cylindrically extending receiving space 19 is formed, which is a circular segment-shaped

Base surface 20 which is formed by a rear base plate 21. (Figures 5 and 6)

According to FIG. 3, a removable cover 22 closes this receiving space 19 in the unequipped state, wherein the cover 22 is arranged flush with the release elements 6 and 7. On the bottom plate 21 within the receiving space 19 are locking lugs 23, which serve to fix the module 2. In the receiving space 19, the chambers 14 and 15 of the contact elements 8 and 9 extend on the bottom side. The grounding bar 12 is arranged between the two contact elements 8 and 9 and extends initially at the bottom and then bent perpendicularly along the outer wall 17 in the receiving space 19. In this receiving space 19th is positively a module 2 can be used. According to FIG. 4, the module 2 consists of insulation material and has a cylindrical spatial extension, starting with a circular segment-shaped base surface 24, from which a rectilinear wall 25 and a curved wall 26 extend, which are closed by a cover 27. On the walls 25 and 26 different recesses, free cuts and lugs are formed. In the module 2 various components are arranged, for example, varistors 28, Gasabieiter, a circuit board, resistors, light elements and contact elements. This makes it possible, for example, to implement an overvoltage protection unit.

On the base 24 of the module 2 free spaces 30 and 31 are formed, in which contact pins 32 and 33 are guided out of the module 2 protected, which are electrically contacted with the contact elements 8 and 9 of the device base 3. Between the free spaces 30 and 31, a groove 34 is formed, in which a contact pin 35 protrudes, which contacts the extending in the device base 3 grounding strap 12. In addition, a through hole 36 is arranged in the module 2, so that a socket variant with grounding pin can be realized, the arrangement and contacting of the contact pin 35 remains the same. Within the groove 34 recesses 37 are formed for latching engagement with the locking lugs 23 of the bottom plate 21.

On the upper side of the module 2, preferably on the cover 27, projections 38 are formed, which facilitate the insertion and, if necessary, the removal of the module 2. Furthermore, there is a pin-shaped projection 39 on the upper side of the module 2 at the edge, in order to specifically direct light signals from the module 2

To be able to guide display elements in the front element 5. For this purpose, at least the approach 39 of a photoconductive material such. PC or PMMA. A light element in the form of an LED 40 is in one

Recess 41 is arranged. The installation or function of the installation device 1 will be briefly described below.

A basic version of an installation device 1 consists of a device base 3 equipped with the contact elements 8 and 9 and the earth strap 12 and the support frame 4 attached thereto. The receiving space 19 is closed by a cover 22 and there is no module 2 therein. Such a unit is usually connected in a flush-mounted box by means of the connection terminals 10, 11, 13 to supply lines and fixed by the claw-like fastening means. Finally, the front element 5 is attached.

If necessary, the electrical installation device 1 is retrofitted, for example, to integrate an overvoltage protection. For this purpose, the front element 5 and then the cover 22 of the device base 3 is removed. Due to the positive connection, a module 2 can be pushed linearly without tilting up to the stop in the kreissegmentfömnigen receiving space 19. It is automatically mechanically latched as well as electrically contacted, without an expansion of the installation unit 1 or additional connection work is necessary. On the front side, the module 2 is arranged flush with the release elements 6 and 7 after assembly. Only the extensions 38 protrude, but close off with the support frame 4.

During the assembly process, the locking lugs 23 protruding from the bottom plate 21 of the receiving space 19 engage in the recesses 37 of the module 2. The contact pins 32 and 33 slide through the positive cooperation of the chambers 14 and 15 and the free spaces 30 and 31 in the contact elements 8 and 9. The contact pin 35 slides into a slot 45 in the grounding clip 12, the grounding clip 12 being enclosed by the groove 34.

In the figures 7 and 8, the contacting of each of a contact pin 32, 54 of the module 2 and the device plug, not shown in an enlarged

Scale shown. Both the module 2 and the device plug are inserted front and parallel to each other. The contact pin 32 of the module 2 is in the contact point 53 of the contact element 8 in the

Socket 65 of the lower spring arm pair 60, 61 inserted, wherein the positive connection between the module 2 and the receiving space 19 provides sufficient centering, so that the contact pin 32 without

Centering can be plugged. In this case, the contact pin 32 widens the

Socket 65 on and is pushed to its final position. In the

End position, the spring arms 60 and 61 are slightly widened and clampingly surround the contact pin 32. The spring arms 60 and 61 touch the chamber 14 and increase the contact pressure.

The contact pin 54 of the device plug is inserted into the contact point 52 of the contact element 8 in the socket 62 of the upper Federarmpaares 58, 59, wherein initially a centering in the collar 63 of the sleeve 62 takes place. Subsequently, the contact pin 54 expands the sleeve 62 on top and then slides along the resulting inclination of the spring arms 58 and 59 with further expansion in the socket 62 to its final position. In the end position, the spring arms 58 and 59 are slightly widened and clampingly surround the contact pin 54, wherein a sufficiently high contact pressure due to the shortness of the spring arms 58 and 59, the contact pin 54 securely contacted. The contacting of the contact pin 32 of the module 2 in the contact element 8 remains in the contacting of the contact pin 54 of the device plug in the same contact element 8 due to the separation of the contact points 52 and 53 without mechanical interactions. When pulling out the device plug, the described twisting effect also acts, so that the device plug is "ejected" to the end and the sleeve 62 is deformed a little elastically when the pull-out force is applied even before the limit for sliding friction has been reached the socket 62 and the device plug can be solved more easily.

The foregoing description of the embodiment is for illustrative purposes only and not for the purpose of limiting the invention. Various changes and modifications are possible within the scope of the invention without departing from the scope of the invention and its equivalents.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1 installation device

2 module

3 device base

4 support frame

5 front element

6 release element

7 release element

8 contact element

9 contact element

10 connection terminal

11 connection terminal

12 earthing bar

13 terminal

14 chamber

15 chamber

16 connection area

17 outer wall

18 inner wall

19 recording room

20 floor space of 19

21 base plate

22 cover

23 latch

24 base of the module

25 wall

26 wall

27 lid

28 varistor

29 30 free space

31 free space

32 contact pin

33 contact pin 34 groove

35 contact pin

36 through hole

37 recess

38 extensions 39 approach

40 LEDs

41 recess 45 slot 50 base 51 contact area

52 contact point

53 contact point

54 contact pin

55 spring leg 56 spring leg

57 slot

58 spring arm

59 spring arm

60 spring arm 61 spring arm

62 socket

63 collar

64 bending point

65 Socket H1 height

H2 height

Claims

claims

1. Contact element for the transmission of electric current consisting of a terminal (10) and a contact region (51), wherein in the contact region (51) two functionally independent contact points (52, 53) are formed, each one of a base (50 ) extending Federarmpaar (58, 59, 60, 61) having a socket (62, 65) for receiving a contact pin (32, 33, 54) is formed.

2. Contact element according to claim 1, characterized in that the contact region (51) is integrally formed.

3. Contact element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the Federarmpaare (58, 59, 60, 61) are aligned parallel to each other and separated by a slot (57).

4. Contact element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the bushes (62, 65) are oriented parallel to each other.

5. Contact element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the sockets (62, 65) from each other different contact pressure can be generated.

6. Contact element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the bushes (62, 65) are spaced differently from the base (50).

7. Contact element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the diameter of the bushes (62, 65) is different.

8. Contact element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one socket (62) an extended collar (63) autweisen.

9. Contact element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the spring arms (58, 59) of a

Federarmpaares are bent backwards inwards.

10. Contact element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the height (H1) of the Federarmpaares (58, 59) of the base (50) increases and to the socket (62) drops out.

11. Contact element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the spring arms (58, 59) are conically widened.

12. Contact element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the spring arms (60, 61) of a Federarmpaares stepped inwardly bent.

13. Contact element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the height (H2) of the spring arm pair (60, 61) is constant.

14. Electrical installation device (1) consisting of a device base (3), from one to the device base (3) attached

Support frame (4), from one on a front side of the device base (3) fastenable function-specific front element (5) and from a on the device base (3) attachable module (2), wherein in the device base (3) contact elements (8, 9) are arranged according to one of the claims 1 to 13.

15. Electrical installation device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device base (3) has a receiving space (19) for a form-fitting plug-in module (2).

16. Electrical installation device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the module (2) is arranged on the front side and flush in the device base (3).

17. Electrical installation device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the receiving space (19) and the module (2) are cylindrical and each have a circular segment-like base.

18. Electrical installation device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the mechanical positioning of the module (2) in the receiving space (19) takes place an automatic electrical contacting.

19. Electrical installation device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the electrical installation device (1) is designed as an electrical outlet with an overvoltage protection module.