WO2019144987A1 - Plug connector having spring contact - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a plug connector (1) consisting of a base body and at least one electrical contact (2), wherein the base body has at least one first opening (3) as a conductor receptacle opening, in which the electrical contact (2) is received. The electrical contact (2) has a spring contact (5) for connecting conductors, having a first leg end (5.1) and a second leg end (5.2). The first leg end (5.1) contacts the electrical contact (2) and the second leg end (5.2) has a cage-shaped, closed recess, which is formed in that the second leg end (5.2) is bent toward the first leg end (5.1), such that the first leg end (5.1) extends through the recess of the second leg end (5.2), wherein the spring contact (5) fixes and electrically contacts the conductor. According to the invention, the spring contact (5) is a streamlined cage clamp spring having a first leg end (5.1) and a second leg end (5.2) extending parallel in regions. According to the invention, this optimally saves installation space and costs.

Description

 Connector with spring contact

description

 The invention relates to a connector with spring contact according to the preamble of independent claim 1.

Such connectors are used for contacting and connecting electrical lines or conductors. These connectors usually consist of an insulating body, which can be used in a housing. Alternatively, the insulating body of the forms

 Connector directly the case. For contacting electrical lines or conductors such connectors with

connected corresponding mating connectors.

In the main body of the connector electrical contacts are provided, which are electrically connected to the lines or conductors to be connected. To connect the electrical lines or conductors spring contacts are usually provided, which are connected to the electrical contacts. One could also say that the spring contacts are formed on the electrical contact. Depending on

Design various types of spring contact elements are provided, which serve to contact the wires or conductors. Suitably, the spring contact elements are designed so that the connection with the lines or the conductors is releasable again.

State of the art

 DE 10 2007 009 082 C5 shows a multi-pole electrical

Connector having a spring contact, wherein for each conductor to be connected to the connector, a first opening

is provided which is adapted to receive the conductor. A second opening, which is parallel to the first opening, is adapted to receive an actuator which, by sliding in the second opening - acting on a spring contact of the connector according to its position to lock the conductor to the connector or to release it from the connector. The release of the conductor from the spring contact by means of a tool, which for

Levering the actuating pin is used.

DE 20 2006 009 460 U1 describes a connecting device for conductors, which consists of a busbar, a clamping spring and a combined, movable locking and release element and allows tool-free clamping of a line.

EP 0 303 818 A2 discloses a screwless connection and / or connection terminal with a conductor rail and at least one clamping spring, which is opened by means of a release tool, which is guided inside a bolt.

From DE 27 06 482 C2 a screwless connection and / or connection terminal is known. This terminal corresponds to a contact element and acts together with a clamping spring on a busbar.

A disadvantage of the prior art is that the known solutions take up a lot of space, which in the market

desired miniaturization is not available.

The German Patent and Trademark Office has in the priority application for the present application, in addition to the already mentioned, the following prior art research: DE 10 2010 012 820 B4;

DE 197 07 120 C1; DE 10 2016 113 974 A1; US 7,628,640 B2. task

 The object of the invention is to use a small connector

Prescribe spring contacts for contacting electrical conductors, in which the connection and the release of the conductors to be connected without the aid of tools are possible. The small connectors should provide the same number of electrical contacts as the previously known larger connector.

The task is characterized by the characterizing features of

independent claim 1 solved.

Advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in the subclaims. In the present invention is a connector consisting of an insulating body and at least one electrical contact. The main body has at least one first opening as a conductor receiving opening, in which the electrical contact is received, wherein the electrical contact has a spring contact for clamping conductors. The spring contact has a first leg end and a second leg end, wherein the first

Leg end touched the electrical contact and the second

Leg end has a cage-shaped closed recess which is formed by that the second leg end is bent to the first leg end, that the first leg end extends through the recess of the second leg end. The spring contact fixes the conductor and contacts it electrically.

The electrical contact has a first side, which as

Cable connection side is formed. The cable connection side is accommodated inside the main body. A second side of the electrical contact is designed as a pin or socket contact and protrudes into a mating side of the body. The mating side of the

The base body is used to insert and contact the connector with a corresponding mating connector. The conductor receiving opening, which is arranged on the cable connection side, allows access to the contact element and serves to receive an electrical conductor through the first opening. Thus, a connection of the electrical conductor can be made with the electrical contact.

According to the invention, the spring contact is a streamlined cage tension spring with partially parallel first leg end and second leg end. The general principle and the operation of a cage tension spring is in the prior art, for example by the

DE 27 06 482 C2, sufficiently known in the art. Spring contacts in the form of cage tension springs can be opened with simple tools, such as screwdrivers, nails, pins, actuators or the like, to securely fix an electrical conductor. The well-known in the art spring contact has for this purpose a first leg end and a second leg end, wherein the first leg end of the

touched electrical contact and the second leg end a

Caged closed recess, which is formed by the second leg end is bent to the first leg end so that the first leg end extends through the recess of the second leg end. The tool acts to open on the second leg end and pushes it in the direction of the first leg end. Thus, the cage-shaped recess protrudes into the first opening and allows insertion and fixing of a

electrical conductor.

However, the known in the art cage tension springs in the region of the arc between the two leg ends are very bulbous designed. In addition, a significant bend, approximately 90 ° or less, of the second leg end is necessary so that the first

Leg end can be inserted through the recess of the second leg end. For the expert, there was no reason to change this because there is enough space in

 Connector housings or connector main bodies was available. As part of the further development of machines and connectors and the trend towards miniaturization, however, this space is no longer available. Consequently, there was a desire for a narrow-built cage tension spring, on the one hand, the secure fixation and on the other hand, the limited space to meet.

This desire was fulfilled by the spring contact according to the invention with the partially parallel leg ends. Due to the zone-wise, approximately parallel course of the first leg end and the second leg end, the spring contact in the region of the plug side is narrower than the known cage tension springs. In addition, the bend of the second leg end has been widened, so this is an obtuse angle. It's a dull one

Angle greater than 90 ° and less than 180 °: Preferably, the widened angle is an angle between 1 10 ° and 160 °.

Ideally, the angle is greater than 130 ° and less than 140 °. In the widened angle in combination with the partially parallel leg ends increases the space savings significantly. In this embodiment, the spring contact manufacturing technology is simple and inexpensive to produce.

Due to its shape, this spring contact according to the invention additionally enables a minimization of wear on the actuator and a reduction in force during the actual actuation of the actuator. Thereby Be the life of the connector and at the same time a

Facilitated the placement process for a user.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the spring contact also has a further bend in the region of the recess. This further bend is formed as an obtuse angle. In this case, the obtuse angle is greater than 90 ° and less than 180 °: It is preferably an angle between 100 ° and 150 °. Ideally, the angle is greater than 105 ° and less than 120 °. In the widened angle in combination with the partially parallel leg ends and the further bending increases the space savings even more clearly. In this embodiment, the spring contact

production technology simple and inexpensive to produce. The connector preferably has a second opening. The second opening is next to one of the side surfaces on the

Cable connection side of the connector arranged. In the main body preferably the same number of first and second openings is present as electrical contacts are accommodated in the base body. In each case a first opening and a second opening and an electrical contact are associated with each other.

In an advantageous embodiment is in the second opening a

Actuator arranged. The second opening serves to actuate the electrical contact. Alternatively, the second opening may be adapted for insertion of a suitable tool - for example a screwdriver, a nail, a pin or the like - to act on and open the electrical contact. at

open electrical contact can be as an electrical conductor introduced via the conductor receiving opening and connected to the electrical contact. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the first opening is arranged next to the second opening in the middle of the cable connection side. This is the possibility of the actuator acting on the

Spring contact optimally guaranteed.

The connector preferably has at least one third opening, wherein the third opening allows access to the associated spring contact. In the main body is preferably the same number of first, second and third openings present as electrical contacts are accommodated in the body. In each case a first opening, a second opening, a third opening, and an electrical contact are associated with each other.

In this case, advantageously, the third opening next to one of

Side surfaces arranged on the cable connection side of the connector. Alternatively or additionally, the third opening is centered with respect to the first opening and the second openings

Cable connection side of the connector arranged. Center refers to the position of the third opening on the cable connection side between the two side surfaces.

A preferred embodiment of the subject invention provides that the third opening for receiving a test means or a

Bridge means is suitable.

The third opening of the connector is preferably arranged adjacent to the second opening. Here, the third opening is centered on a connection side, more precisely the cable connection side, opposite the

Plug side of the connector arranged. Center means that the third opening is located centrally on the cable connection side between the two side surfaces. Particularly advantageously, all third openings are arranged side by side in one to two rows, so that these close lie together. This results in particularly short ways for a bridging of electrical contacts. Thus, the third opening can serve to bridge several contacts.

The third opening can be used as a test opening. With a suitable tester, a probe tip or a probe tip can be inserted into the third hole. Electrical measurements can be made directly on the contact without the connector too

Decontact or remove a connected conductor.

It has proved to be particularly advantageous in practice that the spring contact consists of a flat material, in particular a flat material with resilient properties. This flat material is stable. Preferably, the material is electrically conductive.

Preferably, it is a metal to achieve the optimum electrical conductivity. Alternatively, an insulating material, such as a plastic, may be used. In addition, the spring contact is quick, simple,

cost-effective and resource-saving to produce.

In an advantageous embodiment, the actuator is prismatic. This form has proven to be useful in practice, since they are in the

The corresponding opening can glide optimally without twisting or tilting. At the end of the actuator is at least one Anformung, with which the spring contact can be opened. The actuator has near the Anformung a recess in which the spring contact can dodge to its initial state

to return.

The recess is for at least partially receiving the

Spring contacts provided. The spring contact and the actuator are arranged to each other so that the spring contact is relieved when he far as possible received in the recess of the actuator. Due to the linear movement of the actuator, the spring contact at

Sliding out of the recess by means of pressure tensioned by the Anformung.

The connector of the present invention may thus comprise two

States have: a first, open state, and a second, closed state. In the first, open state, the spring contact in the main body is stretched so that an electrical conductor can be inserted through the first opening in the connector. In the second, closed state, the spring contact is relieved. An inserted into the spring contact electrical conductor is firmly clamped to the spring contact in the base body and connected to the connector.

Preferably, the actuator has a recess for insertion of a tool for moving the actuator. By means of the

Tool, the actuator is arranged linearly displaceable in its second opening.

An advantageous embodiment of the connector provides that it can be inserted into a holding frame and has at least one latching lug for fixing in the holding frame. The connector may advantageously be designed as a connector module. Holding frames are also known, for example, under the term connector modular frame. DE 19 707 120 C1 discloses such a holding frame with appropriately designed connector modules. These

Design allows the widest possible product portfolio and easy handling of the modular connector with respect to the contact with an electrical conductor. embodiment

 An embodiment of the invention is illustrated in the drawings and will be explained in more detail below. Show it:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the prior art

Fig. 2 shows an inventive spring contact

 Fig. 3 is a connector

 Fig. 4 is a sectional view through the connector

 Fig. 5 is a connector module

 Fig. 6a-c is a sectional view through the connector module

The figures contain partially simplified, schematic representations. In part, for the same, but possibly not identical

Elements identical reference numerals used. Different views of the same elements could be scaled differently.

1 shows a perspective view of a spring contact 5 ^' in the form of a cage tension spring, as is known in the prior art. The spring contact 5 ^' has a first leg end 5.1 ^' and a second leg end 5.2 ^' . The first leg end 5.1 ^' and the second

Leg end 5.2 ^' apart at an acute angle. Thus, the first leg end 5.1 ^' through the recess of the second

Leg end 5.2 ^' can be inserted through, the second leg end 5.2 ^{' must} be bent accordingly. The bend in the second leg end 5.2 ^' is about 75 °.

FIG. 2 shows a spring contact 5 according to the invention. Like the spring contact 5 ^' of the prior art, it has a first leg end 5.1 and a second leg end 5.2. The first

Leg end 5.1 and the second leg end 5.2 run partially parallel to each other and are connected to each other by means of a bow. Thus, the first leg end 5.1 through the recess of the second Leg end 5.2 can be inserted through, is the second

Leg end 5.2 double bent. The two kinks of the second leg end 5.2 correspond in each case to an obtuse angle. The one bend has an angle of about 130 °. The other bend, which is located in the region of the recess, has an angle of about 115 °. The first leg end 5.1 is tapered at the end which is inserted through the recess in order to design the movement space with low friction. In the figure 3 is a perspective view of a first

 Design of a connector 1 shown. In this variant, it is a festpoligen contact insert with sixteen electrical contacts 2 (not shown), and first openings 3. The first openings 3 are openings for receiving electrical conductors. The number of contacts 2 and associated first openings 3 is shown here only as an example and can be any natural, integer greater than zero.

The contact insert has two long parallel and two short parallel sides. On the side surfaces of the long sides of the

 Connector 1 are each second openings 4, better seen in Figure 4, shown therein with actuators 6 shown. The number of second openings 4 are identical to the number of first openings 3. The actuators 6 can be in two different states. In FIG. 3, all actuators 6 are in an actuated state. The connector itself also has two states analogously, a first, open state and a second, closed state. In the second, closed state of the spring contact 5 is relieved. An inserted into the spring contact 5 electrical conductor is fixed to the

Spring contact in the base body jammed and connected to the connector 1. The actuator 6 is accommodated as far as possible in the connector 1. In the first, open state, watch in the figure 4, is the spring contact 5 in the main body tensioned so that an electrical conductor can be inserted through the first opening 3 in the connector 1. The actuator 6 protrudes partially from the main body of the connector 1 out.

4 shows a sectional view through a festpoligen

Contact insert similar to that shown in FIG. In the middle of the contact insert two first openings 3 are arranged side by side. The first openings are each connected by a connecting piece 8 with the arranged below the first opening 3 electrical contacts 2. To the right or left thereof is in each case a second opening 4 with an actuator 6 received therein. In the region between the first opening 3 and the second opening 4, a respective spring contact 5 is arranged. The spring contact 5 contacted with the first leg end 5.1, the connecting piece 8 for electrical contact 2. The connecting piece 8 and the electrical contact 2 are formed in this embodiment as a part.

The actuators 6 on the left side of the image are in one

actuated state. In this state, the spring contact 5 is relieved. This condition is achieved even with inserted conductor, whereby this is held securely. This case is not shown in the figures. For the unloaded state of the spring contact 5 dives in the region of the two kinks of the second leg end 5.2 in a recess 6.2 of the actuator 6. In this state, the course of the two

Leg ends 5.1 and 5.2 approximately parallel. The recess 6.2 is configured in its contour that the spring contact 5 is completely relieved, so that no pressing force acts more on those. The cage-shaped recess of the second leg end 5.2 projects, if at all, only minimally into the first opening 3. An insertion or release of an electrical conductor is not possible. By contrast, the actuator 6 is located on the right side of the image in the open state, in which also the spring contact 5 is stretched. For the tensioned state of the spring contact 5 in the area

Bends with the obtuse angle pressed by means of a molding 6.1 in the direction of the first opening 3. The cage-shaped recess of the second leg end 5.2 projects as far as possible into the first opening 3 to make insertion or removal of an electrical conductor as light as possible. Ideally, the second will be

Leg end 5.2 so far pressed in the direction of the first leg end 5.1, to the smaller-angled kinking at the level of the first

Leg end 5.1 is located and until an inserted conductor through the first opening 3 and the cage-shaped recess of the second leg end 5.2 fits.

The Anformung 6.1 is trapezoidal in this embodiment in cross-section or viewed in three dimensions, it resembles a truncated pyramid. Other geometric configurations of the Anformung 6.1, for example, pyramidal or conical or the shape of a hemisphere, are conceivable as long as the desired, the

Spring contact 5 compressive force is achieved.

The connector 1 is shown configured in the figure 5 as a connector module. The embodiment as a connector module is an alternative variant of the embodiment of the connector 1 as a fixed-pole contact insert. Their structure is similar to the fixed contact insert and the connector module. In this variant, it is a connector module with five electrical contacts 2 (not shown), and first openings 3. The first openings 3 are openings for receiving electrical conductors. The number of contacts 2 and associated first openings 3 is shown here only as an example and can be any natural, integer greater than zero. The connection between the first openings 3 and the electrical contacts 2 is analogous to each one

Connector 8, as shown in Figures 6a-c. This also applies to the spring contact 5, which contacts the connecting piece 8 to the electrical contact 2 with the first leg end 5.1. In this embodiment, the connector 8 and the electrical contact 2 are each formed as a separate part, which are interconnected. Here is the connector 8 in particular as

Power rail designed. The connector module has two long parallel and two short parallel sides. On the side surfaces of the short sides in each case a latching nose is formed for fixing in a Flalterahmen. Flutter frames are well known in the art, for example from EP 0 860 906 B1, DE 10 2015 114 703 A1 or EP 1 801 927 B1. On a side surface of the long sides of the connector module are each second openings 4, better seen in one of the figures 6a-c, shown with actuators 6 therein. The actuators 6 may be in two different states. In FIG. 5, all actuators 6 are in an actuated state.

Centered in the connector module and parallel to the second openings 4, the first openings 3 are arranged so that always a first opening 3 and a second opening 4 are opposite to each other. The number of second openings 4 is identical to the number of first openings 3. On the side surface of the second long sides of the

 Connector module each third openings 7 are arranged. These serve as test or measuring openings and have, as well as the first openings 3 access to the electrical contact 2, seen in Figures 6a-c.

Figures 6a-c are sectional views of Figure 5 with

different states depending on the position of the Actuator 6 and thus also from the position of the spring contact 5. These different positions or states of the actuator 6 are analogous in fixed-pole contact inserts according to Figures 3 and 4 possible. In the figure 6a shows the actuator 6 in the open state, in which the spring contact 5 is relieved. In an intermediate position, the actuator 6 is shown in FIG. 6b. The actuator 6 is already

partially received in the main body of the connector module, but not yet arrived in the actuated state. The

Spring contact 5 is partially stretched. In the actuated state, the actuator 6 is in the figure 6c. Here the spring contact 5 is also relieved.

Although various aspects or features of the invention are shown in combination in the figures, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art, unless stated otherwise, that the combinations illustrated and discussed are not the only ones possible. In particular, corresponding units or feature complexes from different embodiments can be exchanged with one another.

Connector with spring contact

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

Connectors

 electric contact

 first opening

 second opening

, 5 ^' spring contact

.1, 5.1 ^' first leg end

.2, 5.2 ^' second leg end

 actuator

.1 formation

.2 recess

 third opening

 joint

Claims

claims 1. Connector (1) consisting of a main body and  at least one electrical contact (2),  wherein the base body has at least one first opening (3) as a conductor receiving opening, in which the electrical contact (2) is accommodated,  the electrical contact (2) having a spring contact (5) for clamping conductors,  wherein the spring contact (5) has a first leg end (5.1) and a second leg end (5.2),  wherein the first leg end (5.1) touches the electrical contact (2) and the second leg end (5.2) has a cage-shaped closed recess, which is formed by the second leg end (5.2) on the first  Leg end (5.1) is bent to the first  Leg end (5.1) through the recess of the second  Leg end (5.2) extends through,  wherein the spring contact (5) fixes and electrically contacts the conductor  characterized in that  the spring contact (5) is a cage tension spring with partially parallel first leg end (5.1) and second leg end (5.2). 2. Connector (1) according to claim 1  characterized in that  the connector (1) has a second opening (4) and the second opening (4) next to one of the side surfaces of the Connector (1) is arranged. 3. Connector (1) according to claim 2  characterized in that  in the second opening (4) an actuator (6) is arranged. 4. Connector (1) according to any one of the preceding claims  characterized in that  the first opening (3) next to the second opening (4) in the middle of the connector (1) is arranged. 5. Connector (1) according to any one of the preceding claims  characterized in that  the connector has at least one third opening (7), wherein the third opening (7) allows access to the associated spring contact (5). 6. Connector (1) according to claim 5  characterized in that  the third opening (7) next to one of the side surfaces of the  Connector (1) is arranged or  in that the third opening (7) is arranged centrally in the connector (1) with regard to the first opening (3) and the second openings (4). 7. Connector (1) according to any one of claims 5 or 6  characterized in that  the third opening (7) is suitable for receiving a test device or a bridge means. 8. Connector (1) according to any one of the preceding claims  characterized in that the spring contact (5) consists of a flat material. 9. Connector (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that  the actuator (6) is prism-shaped,  the actuator (6) has at least one projection (6.1) at the end, with which the spring contact (5) can be opened,  that the actuator (6) in addition to the Anformung (6.1) a  Recess (6.2), in which the spring contact (5) can escape to its initial state  to return. 10. Connector (1) according to any one of the preceding claims  characterized in that  the actuator (6) has a recess for insertion of a tool for displacing the actuator (6). 1 1. Connector (1) according to any one of the preceding claims  characterized in that  the connector (1) has a latching nose over which it can be fixed in a Flalterahmen.