DE102008062122B3 - Contact pin for use as electrical contact element for connecting connection wire in fluorescent tube, has fixing section with diameter smaller than diameter of insertion section and diameter of receiving section - Google Patents

Abstract

The pin (1) has a continuous recess (3) with insertion, fixing and receiving sections (10, 11, 12) for receiving a connection wire. The fixing section is arranged between two free ends (4, 5) of the contact pin and connects the connection wire at the internal periphery of the recess. The receiving section accommodates an end of the connection wire, where the receiving section ends at one free end (4) of the contact pin. The diameter of the fixing section is smaller than the diameter of the insertion section and the diameter of the receiving section. An independent claim is also included for a method for producing a contact pin.

Description

The The invention relates to a contact pin for use as an electrical Contact element according to the preamble of claim 1. Next concerns the invention a method for producing such a contact pin.

Known fluorescent tubes have end caps at their axial ends, at each of which two Contact pins are provided. These pins serve as electrical Contact elements with which the fluorescent tube in a socket, for example in a socket, attached to a fluorescent tube and electrically will be contacted. In the generic pins is here along the longitudinal axis a recess provided in each of which at least one connecting wire the fluorescent tube is plugged, thereby the fluorescent tube with electrical voltage to supply. The connecting wire is thereby after plugging in the recess of the contact pin with the contact pin electrically contacted, which is done for example by soldering or reshaping can. The outer wall the contact pin has a cylindrical contact area, when starting the fluorescent tube in the base socket electrically will be contacted.

A generic contact pin is for example in the DE 1 221 726 A described. The continuous recess in the interior of the contact pin is produced by drilling and has two sections, each with a different diameter. The first section begins at the socket-facing end of the contact pin and has a relatively large diameter. In this first section of the lead wire, for example, from the fluorescent tube coming inserted. At this first portion of the recess, a second smaller diameter section connects, which extends to the free end of the contact pin. The connecting wire is inserted from the first portion of the recess in the contact pin coming in this second section and pushed through until the end of the connecting wire protrudes beyond the free end of the contact pin. Subsequently, the connecting wire is fixed in the second section and contacted electrically, which can be realized for example by soldering the lead wire. The known contact pins are produced by drilling a metal semi-finished product, in particular by attaching holes in wires with a corresponding outer circumference.

The US 2005/0136754 A1 and the GB 2 044 986 A also describe generic contact pins with a continuous recess, wherein sections with varying diameters are present in the interior of the contact pin.

The generic contact pins can not only on fluorescent tubes, but also in general as a board pin or pin be used.

adversely on the known contact pins it is that after manufacture the connection between the connecting wire and the contact pin necessary is the end of the lead wire, that at the free end of the contact pin withstand the outside to remove. To do this the contact pins, for example, reworked by grinding become.

Farther A disadvantage of the known contact pins that this is their highest mechanical stability across from Have bending loads at the free end of the contact pin, where namely the second portion of the recess with the relatively small inner diameter is provided. In other words, that means the largest load-bearing cross-section of the contact pin lies in an area where the least mechanical Loads occur. In this respect, the mechanical properties because of this unfavorable Arrangement of the largest bearing Cross-section only insufficiently utilized.

The known manufacturing method for producing the contact pins mounting a hole allows only relatively low production speeds, what in the generic pins, which is one to be produced in mass production Hardware is very disadvantageous. In addition, by the cutting Processing of the contact pins produces a relatively large amount of metal scrap, in the form of chips disposed of and further processed.

outgoing From this prior art, it is therefore an object of the invention to propose a new contact pin, for example for use with fluorescent tubes, the cheaper production allowed. It is another object of the present invention, a method to suggest for the preparation of such pins.

These Tasks are performed through a contact pin and through a procedure according to the teaching of the two independent all claims solved.

The contact pin according to the invention is based on the basic idea that the continuous recess in the contact pin no longer has only two sections, each with a different inner diameter, but at least three sections. The first section, which will also be referred to as the introductory section below, begins again at the socket-facing end of the contact pin and extends a little way into the interior of the contact pin. This insertion section with a relatively large inner diameter is used to insert the lead wire into the recess of the contact pin.

At this introductory section includes then a second section, the below also as an attachment section should be designated and a smaller diameter than the insertion section having. In this attachment section, the contact takes place between connecting wire and contact pin. Unlike the known ones Contact pins, this attachment portion does not extend to the free end of the contact pin. Rather, it closes according to the invention at these Attachment section to a third section, the following should also be referred to as a recording section. This recording section has a larger inner diameter on as the mounting portion, so that the connecting wire after the Pass through the attachment section easily continue to be performed can. The receiving section serves to receive the free end of the connecting wire. The receiving section itself extends doing so until the free end of the contact pin, so as a result This is achieved in that the free end of the connecting wire not over the free end of the contact pin protrudes and thus the reworking of the contact pin for removing the protruding end of the connecting wire eliminated. The diameter of the receiving portion is smaller than that Diameter of the attachment section, so that between receiving section and attachment portion on the one hand and between insertion section and attachment portion, on the other hand, each an inner diameter jump located. The inner diameter of receiving portion and insertion section can on the other hand be either different or even the same size. Furthermore can in addition to the between the insertion section and the receiving portion located mounting portion also still more Sections with different inside diameters along the Be provided recess of the contact pin.

by virtue of the fact that the attachment section with its relative small inner diameter now pointing in the direction of the socket End of the contact pin is moved, the mechanical Features of this largest wearing Cross-section of the contact pin better used, since the highest mechanical Loads, especially the highest mechanical bending loads near the socket End of the contact pin occur.

In which way the contact between the connecting wire and the contact pin is made, is basically arbitrary. From the state The technique is known to be a solder joint between the connecting wire and make the inner circumference of the contact pin. Especially easy and process reliable, the contacting can be realized, if the contact pin in the region of the attachment portion suitable is transformed, in this way a positive and / or positive connection between the inner periphery of the recess in the contact pin and the outer periphery of the connecting wire to produce.

For the production the deformation in the attachment section, there are again a variety of potential Manufacturing processes. Particularly suitable for contacting the connecting wire it is when a crimping using a Umformstempels will be produced. Here, the forming die in the material of Contact pin pressed in and the material of the contact pin thereby reshaped, that the Connecting wire is pressed in the recess. To the electric Contacting properties of the contact pin by attaching the Forming to contact the connecting wire not negative to Influence, it is particularly advantageous if the forming zone outside the cylindrical contact area on the outer wall of the contact pin is arranged.

At the outer wall of the contact pin can be a ring-shaped Bund be provided, with which the contact pin when plugging in the recess of an end cap of the fluorescent tube on the wall of the end cap can come to the plant. With regard to the arrangement of the attachment portion inside the contact pin it is particularly advantageous if the annular Waistband on the outside of the contact pin the attachment portion in the interior of the contact pin embraces. Because of the arrangement of the federal government, the zone of the highest bending load set in the contact pin. By the arrangement of the attachment portion in the area of the federal is guaranteed that the maximum bending load in the contact pin caused by the federal government is given, at the same time occurs in the area due to of the relatively large supporting cross-section in the region of the attachment section particularly has high mechanical properties.

Around the introduction of the connecting wire during to simplify production at the opening of the insertion section, which is located at the end of the contact pin, a first Einführfase be provided. At this introduction phase the end of the lead wire can be guided during insertion into the contact pin and be passed into the recess.

Another, second Einführfase can at the transition between the insertion and the Fixing portion may be provided in order to overcome the jump in cross section during insertion of the lead wire without difficulty.

In the from the DE 1 221 726 B Known manufacturing method for the production of contact pins, it is known that the recess in the contact pin is produced by machining, namely by drilling. This manufacturing process is costly and time consuming. To improve the manufacturing process, therefore, a method with the following method steps is proposed. First, a semi-finished metal product is cut to length. This may in particular be a wire with a diameter whose diameter corresponds to the cylindrical contact region of the contact pin to be produced. Thereafter, the cut-to-size metal semi-finished product is transformed from its two ends into two deformation zones. The first deformation in this case relates to the production of the insertion at the end of the metal semi-finished product, which will point to the socket at the subsequent contact pin. The second forming zone serves to produce the receiving portion at the second end of the metal semi-finished product, which will form the free end on the subsequent contact pin. As soon as the insertion section and the receiving section are produced by forming the metal semifinished product, the separating material between the insertion section and the receiving section is subsequently removed in order to produce in this way the continuous recess in the contact pin and ultimately produce the fastening section.

which Forming process for the production of the insertion section or for the production of the receiving section is used, in principle arbitrary. Particularly suitable is the counter-extrusion, through which the semi-finished metal massively transformed. For the production of the attachment section are different Manufacturing variants conceivable. According to one The first, preferred method variant is also the attachment section partly by forming the metal semi-finished product, in particular by Indirect extrusion produced. Only then will it still be Remaining separating material between the insertion and receiving section removed without forming, for which separation material, for example, drilled out or can be punched out.

alternative to this combined production of the attachment section through Forming and subsequent Cutting or punching can be the separating material between the insertion section and receiving section also completely by drilling or punching be removed without deformation.

Next the manufacture of the introduction section and the receiving section by forming it is still special advantageous, although the production of the projecting collar by cold forming, is produced in particular by upsetting.

Become both the supernumerary Bund as well as the receiving section and the introduction section or at least a part of the fastening section produced by deformation, so must the arrangement of the federation at the contact pin with regard to special attention is paid to the forming production. Because in the forming production of the receiving portion or the insertion the metallic material must be parallel to the longitudinal axis of the contact pin in the wall of the contact pin flow. The flow direction in the two deformation zones is in opposite directions directed, so that between the two forming zones a flow sheath forms, with the material on one side of the flow sheath in one direction and the material on the other side of the slip point flows in the other direction. The supernumerary Bund of the contact pin should then be preferred in the area of the flow sheath on outer periphery be arranged of the metal semi-finished product. This ensures that the material for forming the covenant neither in one direction nor in the other direction for the preparation of the insertion or the receiving portion flow got to.

The The geometry of the collar on the contact pin is basically arbitrary. Especially it is advantageous if the supernatant Covenant on one side with a conical flank and on the opposite Side is reformed with a flat edge, with the flat edge or the second conical flank on the wall of the end cap for Plant can come. By the formation of the cone to the collar is the flow facilitates the material in the forming of the federal government.

Various Aspects of the invention are shown schematically in the drawings and are explained below by way of example.

It demonstrate:

1 a contact pin according to the invention in longitudinal section;

2 according to the contact pin 1 after contacting a connecting wire;

3 according to the contact pin 2 in cross-section along the section line II;

4 according to the contact pin 1 when used in a first assembly variant;

5 according to the contact pin 1 when used in a second mounting variant;

6 according to the contact pin 1 when used in a third assembly variant;

7 different chamfers of a first production variant for the production of the contact pin according to 1 starting from a semi-finished metal product;

8th the different chamfers of a second manufacturing variant for the production of the contact pin according to 1 starting from a semi-finished metal product.

1 shows a contact pin 01 which can be used as an electrical contact element of a fluorescent tube. The contact pin 01 has one along its longitudinal axis 02 extending, continuous recess 03 up, standing out from the free end 04 of the contact pin 01 to the end pointing to the fluorescent tube 05 of the contact pin 01 extends. In the recess 03 can be a connecting wire 06 from the end 05 inserted and with the contact pin 01 be contacted (see 2 ). On the outer circumference of the contact pin 01 is a cylindrical contact area 07 provided, which is provided for establishing an electrical contact in the base socket of the fluorescent tube. Toward the end 05 becomes the cylindrical contact area 07 by a protruding covenant 08 limited, which has a contact surface 09 for mounting the contact pin 01 forms.

The recess 03 the contact pin according to the invention 01 includes three sections 10 . 11 and 12 , The function and mode of action of the three sections 10 . 11 and 12 are described below with reference to the illustration in 2 explained.

2 shows the contact pin 01 after inserting a connecting wire 06 into the recess 03 , The connecting wire 06 is used to make the electrical contact between pin 01 and connecting wire 06 by attaching a deformation 13 at the contact pin 01 attached. For the production of forming 13 is a merely schematically illustrated forming die 14 from the side into the material of the contact pin 01 pressed and so in the recess 03 displaced material against the connecting wire 06 pressed. The connection thus created between the contact pin 01 and the connecting wire 06 is in particular out 3 seen in cross section along the section line II. Because the reshaping 13 above the contact area 07 is located, the electrical contact of the contact pin 01 not disturbed to the base socket of the fluorescent tube.

The introductory section 10 the recess 03 has a relatively large diameter, so that the end 15 of the connecting wire 06 easily into the recess 03 can be introduced. Introducing the end 15 It is additionally accompanied by a chamfer 16 at the end of the introductory section 10 facilitated. At the transition between the insertion section 10 and the attachment portion 11 is a second introduction phase 17 provided the end 15 when inserted into the attachment section 11 leads.

To the introductory section 10 closes in the recess 03 the attachment section 11 at. This attachment section 11 has a smaller inner diameter, so that here the largest load-bearing cross-section of the contact pin 01 lies. This is particularly advantageous because the highest bending loads occur in this area. The small inner diameter in the attachment section 11 also allows the connection wire 06 by attaching a relatively small deformation 13 at the contact pin 01 to attach and contact electrically.

To the attachment section 11 closes again the receiving section 12 in which the end 15 of the connecting wire 06 is recorded. Because the connection wire 06 so with his end 15 not over the end 04 of the contact pin 01 can survive the post-processing to remove the end 15 omitted. To check the insertion length after fixing the connecting wire 06 For example, non-contact inspection methods, such as using a laser interferometer, may be used to determine the distance between the end 15 of the connecting wire 06 and the end 04 to determine the contact pin.

4 to 6 show different variants for mounting the contact pin 01 , According to the variant in 4 becomes the contact pin 01 in a recess of an end cap 18 pressed in, with the contact surface 09 on the outside of the end cap 18 comes to the plant. It can be seen that the highest bending loads of the contact pin 01 occur in a cross-sectional area, due to the small inner diameter of the attachment portion 11 has the largest load-bearing cross-section.

Alternatively to pressing in an end cap 18 can the contact pin 01 also in an end cap 19 molded, for example, be overmoulded. Again, the highest bending stress occurs in the contact pin 01 in a cross-sectional area due to the small inner diameter in the attachment portion 11 has a particularly high load capacity.

6 represents the use of the contact pin 01 when riveting into an end cap 20 represents.

In 7 are the different chamfers of a first variant of a manufacturing method for producing the contact pin 01 shown schematically. First, a semi-finished metal 21 Sheared in the appropriate length and then compacted the material in a first manufacturing step by setting. Subsequently, the federal government 08 produced by transverse extrusion presses, wherein the cross extrusion of the Federal 08 can also be realized in two stages by pre-pressing and finish pressing.

Then the recess becomes 03 in the area of the introductory section 10 produced by counterfluxing. In a fifth manufacturing step is then the receiving section 12 the recess 03 produced by counter-extrusion press forming. In the sixth illustrated manufacturing step then the attachment portion 11 and the introduction phase 17 made by machining, namely by drilling and lowering machined. In the last illustrated manufacturing step then the ends 04 and 05 of the contact pin 01 with the introduction phase 16 and the chamfer 22 Mistake.

8th shows a second variant of a manufacturing method for producing the contact pin 01 , This process variant is correct in the first five and in the last production step with the in 7 Basically, the manufacturing method illustrated differs only and differs only in how the attachment portion 12 will be produced. Instead of as in the first manufacturing process in the attachment section 12 the recess 03 and the introduction phase 17 produced by machining, this is prepared according to the second manufacturing method by combined forming and subsequent punching of the remaining release material. This means, more precisely, that in the sixth production step, starting from the insertion section and the receiving section, the attachment section 11 each partially made by counter-extrusion press forming. The remaining release material then 23 through which the recess 03 is locked, is punched out in a seventh manufacturing step and the inner diameter of the attachment portion 11 then smoothed by boring altogether.

Claims (14)

Contact pin ( 01 ) for use as an electrical contact element, wherein the contact pin ( 01 ) one along its longitudinal axis ( 02 ) extending through recess ( 03 ), in which at least one connecting wire ( 06 ) is plugged in and electrically with the contact pin ( 01 ), wherein the outer wall of the contact pin ( 01 ) a cylindrical contact area ( 07 ) which can be brought into a socket to produce an electrical contact for engagement, characterized in that the continuous recess ( 03 ) for receiving the connecting wire ( 06 ) at least three sections ( 10 . 11 . 12 ), wherein the first section, the insertion section ( 10 ), at the end pointing to the frame ( 05 ) of the contact pin ( 01 ) begins and the insertion of the lead wire ( 06 ) in the recess ( 03 ), wherein the second portion, namely the attachment portion ( 11 ), between the two ends ( 04 . 05 ) of the contact pin ( 01 ) is arranged and for contacting the connecting wire ( 06 ) on the inner circumference of the recess ( 03 ), and wherein the third section, namely the receiving section ( 12 ), at the free end ( 04 ) of the contact pin ( 01 ) ends and the end ( 15 ) of the connecting wire ( 06 ), wherein the diameter of the attachment portion ( 11 ) is smaller than the diameter of the insertion section ( 10 ) and wherein the diameter of the attachment portion ( 11 ) is smaller than the diameter of the receiving section ( 12 ). Contact pin according to claim 1, characterized in that the contacting of the connecting wire ( 06 ) on the inner circumference of the recess ( 03 ) by attaching a forming ( 13 ) in the attachment section ( 11 ) is made. Contact pin according to claim 2, characterized in that the deformation ( 13 ) for contacting the connecting wire ( 06 ) by applying a crimp using a Umformstempels ( 14 ) is made. Contact pin according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the deformation ( 13 ) for contacting the connecting wire ( 06 ) outside the contact area ( 07 ) on the outer wall of the contact pin ( 01 ) is arranged. Contact pin according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the outer wall of the contact pin ( 01 ) an annular collar ( 08 ), with which the contact pin ( 01 ) when inserted into a recess of an end cap ( 18 . 20 ), which is arranged at the axial end of a fluorescent tube, on the wall of the end cap ( 18 . 20 ), whereby the Federal Government ( 08 ) the recess ( 03 ) of the contact pin ( 01 ) in the region of the attachment section ( 11 ) surrounds. Contact pin according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that at the opening of the insertion section ( 10 ) at the end ( 05 ) of the contact pin ( 01 ) a first introduction phase ( 16 ) for guiding the connecting wire ( 06 ) when inserted into the recess ( 03 ) of the contact pin ( 01 ) is provided. Contact pin according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that at the transition between the insertion section ( 10 ) and fixing section ( 11 ) a second introduction phase ( 17 ) for guiding the connecting wire ( 06 ) when inserted into the recess ( 03 ) of the contact pin ( 01 ) is provided. Method for producing a contact pin according to one of Claims 1 to 7, with the following method steps: a) Cutting to length of a metal semi-finished product ( 21 ), in particular a wire with a diameter which corresponds to the diameter of the cylindrical contact area ( 07 ), b) reshaping the cut-to-size metal semi-finished product ( 21 ) for producing the introduction section ( 10 ) at one end ( 05 ) of the semi-finished metal product ( 21 ) and for the production of the receiving section ( 12 ) at the second end ( 04 ) of the semi-finished metal product ( 21 ), c) generating a continuous recess ( 03 ) by removing the release material ( 23 ) between the introduction section ( 10 ) and receiving section ( 12 ) for the production of the fastening section ( 11 ). Method according to claim 8, characterized in that the semi-finished metal product ( 21 ) for producing the introduction section ( 10 ) and / or for the production of the receiving section ( 12 ) is massively formed by counterfluxing. Method according to claim 9, characterized in that the metal semi-finished product ( 21 ) for the production of the fastening section ( 11 ) first, in particular by counter-extrusion, and then the remaining release material ( 23 ) between the introduction section ( 10 ) and receiving section ( 12 ) is removed without deformation. A method according to claim 9, characterized in that the still remaining release material ( 23 ) between the introduction section ( 10 ) and receiving section ( 12 ) is removed without deformation by drilling or punching out. Method according to one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that the semi-finished metal product ( 21 ) for the production of a superior federal ( 08 ), in particular by upsetting, is transformed. Method according to one of claims 9 to 12, characterized in that the two each from one end ( 04 . 05 ) of the semi-finished metal product ( 21 ) forming zones, which are used to produce the insertion section ( 10 ) and for the production of the receiving section ( 12 ) and / or for producing at least a part of the fastening portion ( 11 ), between them forming a flow sheath, wherein the projecting collar produced by deformation ( 08 ) in the region of the flow sheath on the outer circumference of the metal semi-finished product ( 21 ) is arranged. Method according to claim 13, characterized in that the projecting collar ( 08 ) is formed on one side with a conical flank and on the opposite side with a flat flank or with a second conical flank, wherein the flat flank or the second conical flank on the wall of the end cap ( 18 . 20 ) comes to the plant.