EP1119077A1 - Contact element for electrically connecting two contact pieces - Google Patents

Abstract

The contact element extends along a longitudinal axis (19) and contains a number of separate identical and essentially parallel, transversely arranged sprung individual elements (12) attached to a longitudinal carrier strip (11). The elements make the electrical connection between contact surfaces on the contact parts to be connected together and are in the form of nested contact yokes.

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

The present invention relates to the field of electrical contacts. It relates to a contact element according to the preamble of claim 1.

Such a contact element, in which individual contact webs or contact plates are resiliently attached to a sheet of metal sheet, e.g. by the applicant manufactured and sold under the type designation "MC contact lamella LACu", or is described in US-A-4,456,325.

STATE OF THE ART

In the technology of electrical contacts for the transmission of high currents lamellar contact elements or contact lamellas have proven themselves in all occur in two variants: In the one (one-piece) variant, the The entire contact lamella is punched out of a metal strip and deformed in such a way that a continuous series of individual, from the plane of the metal strip outstanding and torsionally resilient contact webs that result from continuous side webs are related. Are the contact bars symmetrical formed to its longitudinal axis, the existing between two contact pieces depends Tolerance that can still be bridged by the contact lamella the width of the contact webs. The wider the twisted around its longitudinal axis Are bridges, the greater the tolerance that can be bridged with them. Since with increasing Width of the contact bars but also the number of bars per unit length of the contact lamella and thus the number of contact points decreases between the contact pieces, decreases with increasing size of the tolerance that can be bridged, the level of the transmissible currents. Around Avoiding this dilemma has been suggested in the past (see e.g. EP-B1-0 520 950) to design the contact webs asymmetrically and nested in such a way that the bridgeable Tolerance can be increased without the number of bars per unit length need to change.

In the other variant, as from the applicant's production program or is known from the publication mentioned above, the functions separate from suspension and contact: contact is made via individual, solid and electrically well-conductive bars or plates (e.g. made of Cu or Ag), those for fixing and suspension on a corresponding punched out carrier tape are mounted. Although in this variant by the separation of functions from Suspension and contact and the associated freedom in the choice of materials increased flexibility in the design and easier optimization of the Contact and spring properties of the contact lamella are possible, it is because of the previously used solid, essentially rectangular contact plates not succeeded in bridging at higher power transmission power to higher Tolerances and thus an expansion of the area of application of these Contact slats to come.

PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore an object of the invention, one from a common carrier tape and consisting of a plurality of individual contact elements attached thereto Develop the contact lamella so that it does not affect the Power transmission power allows a significantly increased tolerance compensation.

The object is achieved by the entirety of the features of claim 1. The essence of the invention consists in the individual elements being nested within one another Contact bracket are formed. By nesting it can the effective width of the individual contact elements and thus the bridgeable Tolerance can be changed in a wide range without changing the periodicity or the number per unit length of the individual elements must be changed. Since the individual contact elements or contact brackets are independent of the punching of the carrier tape can be shaped, can be optimized easily Realize geometries for the contact bracket.

A first preferred embodiment of the invention is characterized in that that the contact bracket is substantially V-shaped with two free ends and one intermediate bend are formed, and that the contact bracket are attached with their free ends to the carrier tape such that their central bend in each case at a predetermined height above the carrier tape located. In particular, the spanned by the V-shaped contact bracket Surface oriented obliquely to the level of the carrier tape, and the carrier tape is designed so that the contact bracket attached to it with its central Bend can be moved resiliently towards the carrier tape. The V-shaped brackets are easy to manufacture and ensure with the central bend a clear contact.

The carrier tape is preferably in individual rows in the direction of the longitudinal axis arranged band sections divided, each band section a contact clip is associated and each band section comprises two of one central web running in the central axis of the carrier tape transverse to the longitudinal axis outgoing spring arms, at the free ends of the associated contact bracket with its free ends are attached. This results in particularly good spring properties.

A second preferred embodiment of the contact element according to the invention is characterized in that the contact bracket each from a wire section exist, and that for attaching a contact bracket to the carrier tape the contact bracket with its free ends from one side through recesses guided in the carrier tape and by bending the through the recesses to the other Side protruding ends is jammed with the carrier tape. this has the advantage that the contact lamella is composed of very simple elements can be firmly connected to each other without special additives can be.

An alternative preferred embodiment of the invention is characterized in that that the contact bracket as stamped parts punched out of sheet metal are formed that for attaching a contact bracket to the carrier tape Contact bracket at its free ends each has a clamping foot with which he is clamped on the associated spring arm that the contact bracket are formed as essentially flat stamped parts that for inclination the contact bracket relative to the level of the carrier tape, the spring arms around their Longitudinal axis are twisted, and that the contact bracket for stiffening have an embossed area in the area of the central bend.

It has proven useful if the contact bracket in the direction of the longitudinal axis with a Grid dimensions of a few millimeters, preferably 2-8 mm, are arranged, and if the deflection of the central contact bracket is at an angle Bend in the direction of the longitudinal axis relative to the attachment points of the Contact bracket on the carrier tape a few millimeters, preferably about 5-10 mm, is.

Further embodiments result from the dependent claims.

BRIEF EXPLANATION OF THE FIGURES

Fig. 1

in einer Seitenansicht in Richtung der Längsachse ein bevorzugtes erstes Ausführungsbeispiel eines Kontaktelementes nach der Erfindung;

Fig. 2

das Kontaktelement der Fig. 1 in einer Seitenansicht quer zur Längsachse;

Fig. 3

das Kontaktelement aus Fig. 1 in der Draufsicht von oben;

Fig. 4

eine perspektivische Ansicht des Kontaktelementes aus Fig. 1;

Fig. 5

eine perspektivische Ansicht des in einen schwalbenschwanzförmigen Einstich eingesetzten Kontaktelementes nach Fig. 1:

Fig. 6

den Einbau eines (ringförmig ausgebildeten) Kontaktelements nach Fig. 1 auf einem Stecker;

Fig. 7

den Einbau eines (ringförmig ausgebildeten) Kontaktelements nach Fig. 1 in eine Buchse; und

Fig. 8-11

in zu den Figuren 1-4 vergleichbaren Darstellungen ein zweites bevorzugtes Ausführungsbeispiel eines Kontaktelementes nach der Erfindung.

The invention will be explained in more detail below on the basis of exemplary embodiments in connection with the drawing. Show it

Fig. 1

in a side view in the direction of the longitudinal axis, a preferred first embodiment of a contact element according to the invention;

Fig. 2

the contact element of Figure 1 in a side view transverse to the longitudinal axis.

Fig. 3

the contact element of Figure 1 in plan view from above.

Fig. 4

a perspective view of the contact element of Fig. 1;

Fig. 5

1 shows a perspective view of the contact element according to FIG. 1 inserted into a dovetail-shaped recess:

Fig. 6

the installation of a (ring-shaped) contact element according to Figure 1 on a plug.

Fig. 7

the installation of a (ring-shaped) contact element according to Figure 1 in a socket. and

Fig. 8-11

in representations comparable to FIGS. 1-4, a second preferred exemplary embodiment of a contact element according to the invention.

WAYS OF CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

1 to 4 is a first preferred embodiment for a contact element (a contact blade) according to the invention in different views (Side view, top view, perspective view) reproduced. The contact element 10 consists of a carrier tape 11 made of stamped sheet metal good spring properties and a large number of V-shaped contact brackets 12, each made from one piece of an electrically highly conductive, mechanical stable wire made of a metal or a metal alloy, i.e. one Wire section 120 are bent. The carrier tape 11 is divided into one in Direction of the longitudinal axis 19 passing through the central web 110 and a plurality of Band sections 111 with parallel spring arm pairs 112, 113, which are in the band section 111 on either side of the central web 110 perpendicular to this stick out to the outside. Each pair of spring arms 112, 113 is one of the Contact bracket 12 assigned.

Each of the V-shaped contact brackets 12 has a central bend 121 in Shape of a kink. The free ends of the wire section 120 are one piece far through corresponding recesses 116, 117 in the end regions of the spring arm pairs 112, 113 led down and bent inwards so that they run there as clamping feet 122, 123 parallel to the carrier tape 11. At the same time the corresponding section of the contact bracket 12 on the top of the carrier tape 11 pressed against the carrier tape 11 so that the contact bracket securely and permanently with the carrier tape 11 or the spring arms of the respective Spring arm pair 112, 113 is pressed. This also ensures that that the currents to be forwarded by the contact element 10 exclusively through the contact bracket 12, namely from the central bend 121 to the clamp feet 122, 123 or vice versa. The recesses 116, 117 can be designed as holes in the spring arms 112, 113. Especially it is favorable for the automated production of the contact elements 10 however, if the recesses 116, 117 - as shown in the figures - as Indentations are formed in which the contact bracket 12 from the side can be introduced.

The contact clips 12 are arranged nested on the carrier tape 11 and attached with their free ends to the carrier tape 11 such that their central bend 121 is at a predetermined height above the Carrier tape 11 is located. The spanned by the V-shaped contact bracket 12 The surface is inclined at an angle to the plane of the carrier tape 11 oriented. The height of the central bend 121 above the carrier tape 11, which is determined by the angle of inclination and the length of the wire section 120 is decisive for the maximum that can be bridged by the contact element 10 Tolerance between two contact pieces. The attached to the carrier tape 11, inclined contact bracket 12 can be used with their central Bend 121, particularly as a result, resiliently in the direction of the carrier tape 11 are moved because the associated spring arms 112, 113 during such a movement twist about its longitudinal axis and act as torsion springs.

So that in practice sufficiently high currents are transmitted via the contact element 10 can be, it has proven that the contact bracket 12 in the direction the longitudinal axis 19 with a grid dimension a (Fig. 3) of a few millimeters, preferably 2-8 mm, are arranged.

As already mentioned, the length of the contact bracket 12 can meet the requirements Location (tolerance to be bridged) can be adapted in wide areas. In practice, however, it has proven its worth if the contact brackets are at an angle 12 the deflection b (Fig. 3) of the central bend 121 in the direction of Longitudinal axis 19 relative to the attachment points of the contact bracket 12 on the carrier tape 11 is a few millimeters, preferably about 5-10 mm.

The installation of the contact elements 10 in a (flat) contact piece 13 or one (Round) plug 15 or a (round) socket 17 is preferably carried out on the in 5 to 7 type shown: In the respective contact piece 13 (or 15, 17) a recess 14 with a dovetail cross-sectional profile is provided in which the contact element 10 is inserted or inserted. For guidance of the contact element 10 in the recess 14 have the spring arms 112, 113 on their free ends preferably cranked guide tabs 114, 115 (Fig. 3). The bottom of the recess 14 then forms the one contact surface 18 on which the Place the contact bracket 12 with its clamp feet 122, 123 (Fig. 4). The opposite Contact area (not shown) is provided by central bends 121 contacted. In the case of a round plug 15 (FIG. 6), the contact element forms 10 a ring. The same applies to an existing of plug 16 and socket 17 Plug contact (Fig. 7), in which the contact element 10 with the central bends 121 is inserted into the socket 17 facing inwards.

8 to 11 is a representation comparable to FIGS. 1 to 4 second preferred embodiment for a contact element according to the invention reproduced. The contact element 20 in turn consists of a carrier tape 21 made of stamped sheet metal with good spring properties and one A large number of V-shaped contact brackets 22. The contact brackets 22 are now punched out as stamped parts from a sheet metal, which from an electrical well conductive, mechanically stable metal or a metal alloy. The Carrier belt 21 is also divided into a continuous one in the direction of the longitudinal axis Middle web 210 and a plurality of band sections 211 with parallel Spring arm pairs 212, 213, each in the band section 211 on both sides of the central web 210 protrude vertically away from this. Each A pair of spring arms 212, 213 is assigned to one of the contact brackets 22.

Each of the V-shaped contact clips 22 has a central bend 221. At the free ends of the contact bracket 22 there are clamping feet 222, 223, respectively trained, middle of which the contact bracket 22 safely and permanently on the spring arms 212, 213 of the associated band section 211 is clamped.

The contact bracket 22 are also in this embodiment according to the invention arranged on the carrier tape 21 nested one inside the other central bend 221 each at a predetermined height above the carrier tape 21 is located. The area spanned by the V-shaped contact clips 22 is inclined at an angle to the plane of the carrier tape 21 oriented. Since the contact bracket 22 is formed as a substantially flat stamped parts are for the inclination of the contact bracket 22 relative to the level of the carrier tape 21 the spring arms 212, 213 are twisted (twisted) about their longitudinal axis educated. For stiffening, the contact brackets 22 have in the area of the central one Bend 221 each have an embossing area 224, which is a clearly visible one in FIG slight bend in the area. Hiefuch becomes simultaneous ensures that the contact bracket 22 of the electrical contact in the area of the central bend 221 is defined and largely remains punctiform.

• Es ergibt sich ein grosser Arbeitsbereich zur Ueberbrückung von grossen Toleranzen und Winkelabweichungen.
• Eine Ausführung mit noch grösserem Arbeitsbereich ist durch Verlängerung des Hebelarmes am Kontaktbügel möglich.
• Durch die verschachtelte Anordnung der Kontaktbügel lässt sich ein kleines Rastermass und damit eine hohe Strombelastbarkeit erreichen.
• Die Einbaubreite ist gering, weil sich die Drehgelenke der auf Torsion beanspruchten Federarme in der Mitte des Kontaktelementes befinden.
• Es ist ein minimaler Einbauraum (Einstichtiefe) nötig.
• Durch Trennung von Feder- und Kontaktfunktion ergeben sich gute Federeigenschaften.
• Die Gleiteigenschaften sind gleichbleibend gering.
• Ueber die Kontaktbügel ergibt sich trotz eines relativ langen Stromweges eine gute Kontaktierung.
• Es ergibt sich eine definierte 3-Punkt-Kontaktierung (2 Kontaktpunkte unten, 1 Kontaktpunkt oben).
• Das Kontaktelement ist sowohl als Stecker- oder Buchsenlamelle (in verschiedenen Durchmessern) als auch als Flacheinbau anwendbar.

Overall, the new contact element is characterized by the following properties and advantages:

• There is a large working area for bridging large tolerances and angular deviations.
• A version with an even larger working area is possible by extending the lever arm on the contact bracket.
• The nested arrangement of the contact brackets enables a small pitch and thus a high current carrying capacity to be achieved.
• The installation width is small because the swivel joints of the spring arms, which are subjected to torsion, are located in the middle of the contact element.
• A minimal installation space (penetration depth) is necessary.
• Good spring properties result from the separation of spring and contact function.
• The sliding properties are consistently low.
• Despite the relatively long current path, good contact is obtained via the contact bracket.
• The result is a defined 3-point contact (2 contact points below, 1 contact point above).
• The contact element can be used both as a plug or socket lamella (in different diameters) and as a flat installation.

REFERENCE SIGN LIST

10.20

Contact element

11.21

Carrier tape

12.22

Contact bracket

13

Contact piece

14

puncture

15.16

plug

17th

Rifle

18th

Contact area

19th

Longitudinal axis

110,210

Mittelsteg

111,211

Band section

112,113

Spring arm

114.115

Guide tab

116.117

Recess

120

Wire section

121.221

central bend (kink)

122.123

Clamp foot

212.213

Spring arm

214.215

Guide tab

222,223

Clamp foot

224

Embossing area

a

Pitch

b

Deflection

Claims (13)

Contact element (10, 20) for electrically connecting two contact pieces (13, 15, 16, 17), which face each other with contact surfaces (18), which Contact element (10, 20) extends along a longitudinal axis (19) and one A plurality of separate, similar, substantially parallel to each other and Resilient individual elements (12, 22) arranged transversely to the longitudinal axis (19) comprises, which on a extending in the direction of the longitudinal axis (19), continuous carrier tape (11, 21) are attached and each electrical Cause contact between the contact surfaces (18), characterized in that that the individual elements are designed as nested contact brackets (12, 22) are. Contact element according to claim 1, characterized in that the Contact bracket (12, 22) substantially V-shaped with two free ends and one intermediate bend (121, 221) are formed, and that the Contact bracket (12, 22) with its free ends on the carrier tape (11, 21) are attached so that their central bend (121, 221) is in each case in a predetermined Height above the carrier tape (11, 21). Contact element according to claim 2, characterized in that the of the V-shaped contact bracket (12, 22) spanned surface obliquely to the level of Carrier tape (11, 21) is oriented, and that the carrier tape (11, 21) is formed is that the contact bracket (12, 22) attached to it with its central bend (121, 221) can be moved resiliently in the direction of the carrier tape (11, 21) can. Contact element according to claim 3, characterized in that the Carrier tape (11, 21) in individual, one behind the other in the direction of the longitudinal axis (19) arranged band sections (111, 211) is divided, each band section (111, 211) is assigned a contact bracket (12, 22), and that each Belt section (111, 211) two of one in the central axis of the carrier belt (11, 21) extending central web (110, 210) extending transversely to the longitudinal axis (19) Includes spring arms (112, 113; 212, 213), at the free ends of the associated Contact bracket (12, 22) is attached with its free ends. Contact element according to claim 4, characterized in that the Carrier tape (11, 21) with its central web (110, 210) and that of the central web (110, 210) spring arms (112, 113; 212, 213) going out laterally as a stamped part from a Metal sheet is made. Contact element according to one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that the contact clips (12) each consist of a wire section (120), and that for fastening a contact bracket (12) to the carrier tape (11) the contact bracket (12) with its free ends from one side through recesses (116, 117) in the carrier tape (11) and by bending the through Recesses (116, 117) to the other side projecting ends with the Carrier tape (11) is jammed. Contact element according to one of claims 4 and 5, characterized in that that the contact bracket (22) as stamped parts punched out of sheet metal are formed, and that for fastening a contact bracket (22) to the carrier tape (21) the contact bracket (22) has a clamping foot at its free ends (222, 223) with which it rests on the associated spring arm (212, 213) is clamped. Contact element according to claim 7, characterized in that the Contact bracket (22) are designed as essentially flat stamped parts, and that for the inclination of the contact bracket (22) relative to the plane of the carrier tape (21) the spring arms (212, 213) are rotated about their longitudinal axis. Contact element according to one of claims 7 and 8, characterized in that the contact bracket (22) for stiffening in the area of the central bend (221) have an embossing area (224). Contact element according to one of claims 6 to 9, characterized in that that the contact bracket (12, 22) made of an electrically highly conductive metal or a metal alloy. Contact element according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the contact bracket (12, 22) in the direction of the longitudinal axis (19) with a Pitch (a) of a few millimeters, preferably 2-8 mm, arranged are. Contact element according to claim 3, characterized in that at the inclined contact brackets (12, 22) the deflection (b) of the central Bend (121, 221) in the direction of the longitudinal axis (19) relative to the fastening points the contact bracket (12, 22) on the carrier tape (11, 21) a few millimeters, preferably about 5-10 mm. Contact element according to claim 4, characterized in that the Spring arms (112, 113) for guiding the contact element (10) in one, preferably dovetail-shaped, recess (14) of a contact piece (13) have free guide tabs (114, 115) at their free ends.

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