Fastening screws, electrical plug connectors and electrical plug fittings

Abstract

The present invention relates to a fastening screw (1) comprising an electrically insulating insulator (4) and a metal body (5) formed of metal and having external threads (6). The metal body (5) is fastened to the insulator (4) and has a first axial end (7) and a second axial end (8) opposite to the first axial end (7), wherein the first axial end (7) is located away from the screw head (2) of the fastening screw (1). Provided, the insulator (4) is exposed from the first axial end (7) of the metal body (5) along the longitudinal axis (L) of the metal body (5) by means of a shank portion (10).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a fastening screw, particularly a fastening screw for an electrical plug connector, the fastening screw comprising an electrically insulating insulator and a metal body formed of metal and having external threads.

[0002] The present invention also relates to an electrical plug connector having an electrically insulated plug connector housing, contact elements, and fastening screws.

[0003] The present invention also relates to an electrical plug connector having an electrical plug connector and a mating electrical plug connector. Background Technology

[0004] Various electrical plug connectors are known in electrical engineering. Electrical plug connectors are used in known ways to transmit power signals and / or data signals to corresponding mating plug connectors. A plug connector or mating plug connector can be a plug, panel plug, socket, coupler, or adapter. In the context of this invention, the terms "plug connector" or "mating plug connector" represent all variations.

[0005] Electrical plug connectors are subject to special requirements, particularly in the high-voltage range. In the motor vehicle industry, high-voltage plug connectors are primarily used in electric and / or hybrid vehicles to supply charging current to the vehicle's battery or to draw stored energy from the battery and supply it to the electric drive unit. In this case, the electrical plug connector must permanently and securely prevent the penetration of moisture and impurities and ensure fault-free transmission of high current with preferably low transfer impedance.

[0006] Because high voltage can be applied to the conductive contact elements of electrical plug connectors during operation and assembly, non-conductive housing components are typically provided to surround the contact elements of the plug connector or plug connector and / or mating plug connector to prevent accidental contact with the contact elements by human fingers or tools. In this case, touch protection must first and foremost be safe. However, due to the mass production capability of plug connectors, manufacturing must also be easy and cost-effective.

[0007] Specifically, during assembly, the conductive parts or contact elements of the plug connector must be initially accessible, such as conductive fastening screws (specifically, "pins"), which are typically protected from accidental contact only in a structurally complex manner.

[0008] For example, fastening screws or pins protrude naturally from the component to be fastened along the assembly direction by means of a shank or pointed end, so that they can be screwed into complementary recesses, such as nuts, during assembly. Touch protection on the shank of the fastening screw must generally be provided on the sides and also on the end face, while not hindering the screwing in.

[0009] In addition, it is often necessary to protect the screw heads of fastening screws from accidental contact, at least after assembly.

[0010] To provide touch protection to the pointed tip of the fully conductive pin or fully conductive fastening screw of the plug connector, US 10,205,274 B2 proposes, for example, placing an insulating protective cap on the end face of the pointed tip of the pin provided for screw fastening to at least cover the pointed tip of the pin. This may prevent accidental contact of the pin at the end face. To also provide adequate lateral touch protection along the shank of the pin, another insulating protective element is needed, which surrounds the pin at radial intervals. For this purpose, the insulating protective element protrudes from the plug connector housing as a separate web. In addition to touch protection in the area of ​​the screw shank, another protective cap is provided for the screw head. Therefore, the design of the plug connector proposed in US 10,205,274 B2 is extremely complex. Consequently, this plug connector can only be manufactured in a relatively complex manner. Summary of the Invention

[0011] In view of the known prior art, the object of the present invention is to provide a fastening screw that ensures particularly safe touch protection for conductive parts, and is therefore preferably advantageously suited for use with plug connectors, especially with high-voltage plug connectors.

[0012] The present invention is also based on the objective of providing an electrical plug connector that specifically has particularly safe touch protection for conductive parts, and is therefore preferably advantageously suited for use as a high-voltage plug connector.

[0013] Finally, an object of the present invention is to provide an electrical plug connector that specifically provides particularly safe touch protection for conductive parts, and is therefore preferably advantageously suited for use as a high-voltage plug connector.

[0014] For fastening screws, this objective is achieved by the feature specified in claim 1. For electrical plug connectors, this objective is achieved by the feature of claim 13. For electrical plug fittings, this objective is achieved by claim 15.

[0015] The dependent claims and the features described below relate to advantageous embodiments and variations of the invention.

[0016] A fastening screw is provided, which is particularly used for electrical plug connectors. The fastening screw includes an electrically insulating insulator and a metal body, the metal body being formed of metal and having external threads.

[0017] The metal body can preferably be formed in the shape of a sleeve. For example, the metal body can be formed as a threaded sleeve. The metal body is preferably formed as a component of the screw shank of a screw.

[0018] Fastening screws can also be called pins or pin contacts (especially for electrical plug connectors).

[0019] Fastening screws (especially in their shank region) may have a sleeve-shaped portion made of metal and having external threads.

[0020] By means of a metal body or a metal external thread of a metal body, a threaded connection can be achieved with a complementary internal thread of the nut (especially with the nut of a mating plug connector) using sufficient retaining torque.

[0021] The metal body may include, for example, copper, aluminum, and / or gold. However, virtually any metal or metal alloy may be provided to enable sufficient torque, particularly holding torque. The metal of the metal body may also be optionally selected to facilitate current transmission with low resistance. However, this is not practically necessary, particularly when a plug connector equipped with a fastening screw additionally has at least one contact element for current transmission, in which case the metal body may also be used for current transmission.

[0022] The external thread can be virtually any thread. However, it is preferred to provide a metric ISO thread (DIN13-1), preferably a coarse thread with nominal sizes of M3, M4, M5 (particularly preferred), M6 or M8. However, other nominal sizes or thread standards can also be readily applied.

[0023] Insulators can be made of plastic materials, preferably rigid plastic materials or hard plastics. Plastic materials referred to as hard plastics can particularly belong to the thermoplastic group and the thermosetting group.

[0024] Fastening screws may have a screw head and a screw shank extending from the screw head in the assembly direction.

[0025] The screw head may have an interface for engaging tools that transmit torque, such as a so-called hexagonal socket, internal hex socket, or Phillips head socket.

[0026] According to the invention, the metal body is fastened to the insulator. Preferably, the metal body is fastened to the insulator coaxially.

[0027] The insulator preferably travels at least partially through the metal body, or is at least partially surrounded by the metal body.

[0028] The insulator is preferably injection molded into the metal body. This provides an inseparable connection between the insulator and the metal body, and thus a functionally integrated fastening screw. Consequently, the fastening screw can be manufactured in a particularly robust and cost-effective manner.

[0029] The metal body is particularly preferably fastened to the insulator in a non-twistable and non-removable manner (by form fit, pressure fit and / or material fit).

[0030] According to the present invention, the metal body has a first axial end and a second axial end opposite to the first axial end, wherein the first axial end is away from the screw head of the fastening screw.

[0031] The first axial end can also be referred to as the pointed end of a fastening screw or metal body. The second axial end can also be referred to as the flat end or head end of a fastening screw or metal body.

[0032] According to the invention, the insulator is exposed from the first axial end of the metal body by means of a rod portion along the longitudinal axis of the metal body or the fastening screw.

[0033] The exposed shank portion of the insulator can be combined with the metal body to form the screw shank of the fastening screw.

[0034] The shank portion of the insulator preferably travels exclusively outside the metal body. The fastening portion of the insulator may extend from the shank portion through the metal body in the direction of the screw head. The insulator preferably includes at least the fastening portion and the shank portion along the longitudinal axis. Therefore, insulating material can be provided within the sleeve-shaped region (fastening portion) of the metal body, the insulating material extending axially along the longitudinal axis (shank portion) beyond the metal region of the metal body.

[0035] Because the portion of the screw shank formed of metal is further elongated by the shank portion exposed from the metal body by the insulator, it advantageously provides protection against contact with the conductive metal body. In particular, accidental contact with the first axial end of the metal body at the end face is prevented by the shank portion.

[0036] In addition to touch protection, installers can easily screw the fastening screws into the corresponding receiving device or nut (e.g., for mating plug connectors), as the extended rod portion can form an insertion aid.

[0037] Because of the touch protection of this invention, a separate protective cap is not required to cover the pointed end of the pin, and improved heat dissipation of the metal body can be further ensured during operation. In particular, good heat dissipation may be relevant when the metal body substantially facilitates current transmission, or especially when high currents are transmitted through the metal body.

[0038] The touch protection provided by the pole section can be more robust and reliable than that of a separate protective cap. It has been shown that, in practice, protective caps can be lost, detached from the pin, or damaged during delivery, storage, and / or assembly.

[0039] In an advantageous improvement of the invention, a rod portion exposed from a first axial end of the metal body may be provided having an axial first region extending from the first axial end of the metal body, wherein the outer diameter of the axial first region corresponds to or is smaller than the inner diameter of the metal body.

[0040] Therefore, it can be ensured that the first axial end of the metal body is not covered by the rod portion.

[0041] The first axial region may optionally extend entirely along the rod portion. In this case, the rod portion does not have any additional axial region, particularly the second region mentioned below.

[0042] According to an improvement of the present invention, a rod portion exposed from a first axial end of the metal body may be provided having an axial second region extending from an axial first region of the rod portion, wherein the outer diameter of the second region is larger than the inner diameter of the metal body.

[0043] Therefore, the outer diameter of the rod portion along the longitudinal axis of the assembly direction can first have a first region, and then have a second region, wherein the outer diameter of the rod portion increases after the first region.

[0044] The radially widened portion of the second region is advantageously spaced from the first axial end of the metal body by the first region. As previously mentioned, the first axial end of the metal body is still not covered by the rod portion, thus ensuring good heat dissipation from the axial end. Simultaneously, the radially widened portion in the second region improves touch protection.

[0045] According to the improvement of the present invention, the outer diameter of the axial second region can be smaller than the outer diameter of the metal body.

[0046] This provides a compromise between good heat dissipation and safe touch protection.

[0047] However, it is also possible to provide, in practice, that the outer diameter of the second axial region corresponds to the outer diameter of the metal body. However, these variations are not preferred. Although in these cases the first axial end of the metal body is not covered due to the air gap provided by the first axial region of the rod portion, heat dissipation, especially along the longitudinal axis, can be weakened.

[0048] In an improvement to the invention, the axial second region and / or axial first region of the rod portion may be provided to have one or more axial grooves or slots arranged around the longitudinal axis.

[0049] In one configuration of the invention, the axial first region and / or the axial second region of the rod portion may be formed as a cylinder or a hollow cylinder, or formed by a plurality of cylindrical segments arranged around a longitudinal axis.

[0050] Recesses or segments in the rod section can further improve air circulation or heat dissipation. Additionally, it saves material without compromising touch protection.

[0051] In an improvement of the invention, the insulator may be provided to travel through a through-hole in the metal body or be accommodated in a blind hole that extends from a first axial end of the metal body in the direction of the screw head.

[0052] The insulator is particularly preferably carried through a through-hole in the metal body because the through-hole in the metal body can be realized in a particularly simple manner. In particular, in this case, the metal body can advantageously be formed from a rolled metal sheet portion.

[0053] In an advantageous improvement of the invention, the insulator may be provided to protrude from a second axial end of the metal body along the longitudinal axis of the metal body by means of a head portion. Thus, the insulator may specifically have three parts: a "head portion", a "fastening portion", and a "stem portion".

[0054] Since the insulator is also exposed from the second axial end of the metal body, this provides additional touch protection for the second axial end of the metal body.

[0055] In an improvement to the invention, the metal body may be provided with a radially widened portion in the region of the screw head to form a contact surface for fastening the screw.

[0056] Therefore, the metal body can form part of the screw head. In particular, the metal body can form the so-called "chin" of the screw head by means of the contact surface, in order to ensure the force transmission of the fastening screw.

[0057] In an advantageous improvement of the invention, the screw head may be formed of an insulator.

[0058] The insulator, particularly the head portion of the insulator, can preferably at least partially form the screw head of the fastening screw.

[0059] The insulator is particularly preferably formed as the main part of the screw head.

[0060] An insulator, particularly its head portion, can form an interface for engaging a torque-transmitting tool. This interface can be formed, for example, a hexagonal socket, an internal hexagonal socket, or a Phillips head socket.

[0061] In addition to metal bodies, insulators can be specifically or possibly formed into contact surfaces (the “chin” of the screw head) for fastening screws.

[0062] In an advantageous improvement of the invention, the outer diameter of the screw head may be larger than the outer diameter of the radially widened portion of the metal body or the contact surface.

[0063] Because the outer diameter of the screw head (especially the screw head formed by the insulator or its head portion) is larger than the outer diameter of the radially widened portion of the metal body, the insulator can provide even better touch protection. In particular, the screw head near the metal body can also optionally protect another conductive part (e.g., contact element, busbar, or electrical connection) of the plug connector equipped with a fastening screw from accidental contact.

[0064] In an advantageous improvement of the invention, an insulator may be provided covering the end face of the second axial end of the metal body.

[0065] Therefore, end-face touch protection can be provided or improved in the region of the (flat) second axial end of the metal body.

[0066] In an improvement to the invention, the wall thickness of the metal body may be provided to be at least 0.5 mm to 2.0 mm in the region of the external thread, preferably 0.7 mm to 1.5 mm, particularly preferably 0.8 mm to 1.2 mm, and especially preferably about 1.0 mm.

[0067] Sufficient minimum wall thickness of the metal body can be advantageous to ensure that the fastening screw can achieve sufficient torque, especially holding torque. In this case, the wall thickness can depend on the metal used to form the metal body.

[0068] The present invention also relates to a method for producing a fastening screw having an electrically insulating insulator and a metal body formed of metal and having external threads. The metal body has a first axial end and a second axial end opposite to the first axial end, wherein the first axial end is located away from the screw head of the fastening screw. Provided that the metal body is applied to the insulator, or the insulator is incorporated into the metal body, such that the insulator protrudes from the first axial end of the metal body along the longitudinal axis of the metal body by means of a shank portion.

[0069] Specifically, fastening screws for electrical plug connectors or module connectors can be provided, with touch protection integrated into the fastening screws. The fastening screws and touch protection can be advantageously integrated as a single unit, resulting in low storage and assembly costs.

[0070] For example, the metal body can be formed from a flat metal plate portion. The metal body can also be made from, for example, a cylindrical metal portion equipped with through holes or blind holes along its longitudinal axis.

[0071] The insulator can preferably be injection molded into the metal body by means of an injection molding process.

[0072] A particularly advantageous fastening screw can be provided if the insulator is incorporated into the metal body such that the first axial end of the metal body is not covered by the insulator.

[0073] The invention also relates to an advantageous use of a fastening screw for an electrical plug connector as described above and below. The fastening screw, formed as a plastic element with an integral metal thread, can therefore be advantageously used to mechanically connect a plug connector to a complementary mating plug connector.

[0074] The present invention also relates to an electrical plug connector having an electrically insulated plug connector housing, a contact element, and a fastening screw, particularly a fastening screw according to the embodiments described above and below. The contact element is housed within the plug connector housing and is accessible at its end face for contacting a mating contact element of a mating plug connector. The fastening screw is guided through a through-hole in the contact element for mechanical connection with the internal threads of the mating plug connector (e.g., the internal threads of a nut).

[0075] Electrical plug connectors can also be called "module connectors", and mating plug connectors are called "module mating connectors".

[0076] The fastening screws of the plug connector can advantageously provide touch protection to prevent accidental contact with the screw tip or the first axial end of the metal body.

[0077] The pointed end or first axial end of the metal body is particularly preferably not covered by touch protection. In particular, particularly advantageous touch protection and good heat dissipation can be provided by an axial air gap between the radially widened portion of the metal body and the insulator exposed from the metal body.

[0078] Electrical plug connectors may have a connection area for connecting contact elements to the electrical conductors of a busbar or wire. The contact elements may be connected (e.g., pressure-fitted or welded) to the electrical conductors in the connection area by means of different material mating connections (e.g., by laser welding, friction welding, brazing, etc.). The connection area may have fastening devices for securing the conductors of the busbar or wire. However, it is also practically permissible to provide that the contact elements are not fastened to the busbar or electrical conductor in the connection area because sufficiently stable fastening to the busbar or electrical conductor can already be provided by fastening screws.

[0079] According to the improvement of the plug connector of the present invention, the shank portion of the insulator is sized such that, in the pre-assembled state of the fastening screw in the plug connector, the accessibility of the metal body of the fastening screw is hindered, particularly the accessibility of a human finger, due to the cooperation of the plug connector housing and the shank portion.

[0080] For example, the axial length of the shank portion may substantially correspond to the axial length of the external thread of the metal body. For instance, the axial length of the shank portion may correspond to at least one-quarter of the length of the external thread, preferably at least one-third of the length of the external thread, particularly preferably at least half the length of the external thread, further preferably at least two-thirds of the length of the external thread, and even more preferably at least three-quarters of the length of the external thread, for example, more precisely, the length of the external thread. Furthermore, the shank portion may be formed such that it is longer than or shorter than one-quarter of the axial length of the external thread.

[0081] For example, the axial length of the rod portion may correspond to at least one-quarter of the length of the metal body, preferably at least one-third of the length of the metal body, particularly preferably at least half of the length of the metal body, for example, also at least two-thirds of the length of the metal body, at least three-quarters of the length of the metal body, or precisely the length of the metal body. Furthermore, the rod portion may be formed such that it is longer than or shorter than one-quarter of the axial length of the metal body.

[0082] Electrical plug connectors may optionally have washer and / or screw locking devices (e.g., Schnorr washers or locking washers) arranged between the fastening screw and the through hole of the contact element. This can further improve the safety and force transmission of the connection, such as the vibration safety of the plug connector.

[0083] The present invention also relates to an electrical plug connector having an electrical plug connector and an electrical mating plug connector, particularly according to the embodiments described above and below. The mating plug connector has an electrically insulated mating plug connector housing, mating contact elements, and internal threads. The mating contact elements are housed within the mating plug connector housing and are accessible at their end faces for contact with the contact elements of the plug connector. The internal threads are formed as external threads for mechanical connection with the metal body of a fastening screw.

[0084] Therefore, it is advantageous to provide touch protection for electrical plug connectors, where a separate touch protection element can be omitted. Touch protection via the rod portion of the insulator allows touch protection to be created without a protective cover covering the pointed end of the metal body.

[0085] The plug connector of the present invention can be particularly advantageously used in vehicles, especially motorized vehicles. In this context, the term "vehicle" describes any mode of transport, particularly land vehicles, water vehicles, or aircraft, including spacecraft. In particular, a possible area of ​​use is high-voltage plug connectors primarily in electric and / or hybrid vehicles.

[0086] However, the plug connector of the present invention as a whole is suitable for any application in electrical engineering and should not be considered as limited to use in automotive engineering or high-voltage technology.

[0087] It goes without saying that the features described in connection with the fastening screw of the present invention can also be advantageously applied to electrical plug connectors, electrical plug connectors, methods of manufacturing the fastening screw, and their use, and vice versa. Furthermore, the advantages already mentioned in connection with the fastening screw of the present invention can also be understood to relate to methods of manufacturing the electrical plug connectors, electrical plug connectors, fastening screw, and their use, and vice versa.

[0088] Furthermore, it should be noted that terms such as “comprising,” “having,” or “with” do not exclude other features or steps. Additionally, terms involving singular steps or features, such as “a” or “the,” do not exclude plural features or steps, and vice versa.

[0089] However, in linguistic embodiments of the invention, it may also be provided that features specified by the terms "comprising," "having," or "with" are listed exhaustively. Therefore, in the context of the invention, for example, with respect to each claim individually, a list of one or more features may be considered exhaustive. For example, the invention may consist exclusively of the features mentioned in claim 1.

[0090] It should be noted that identifiers (such as "first" or "second") are primarily used to distinguish the respective features of the apparatus or method, and are not necessarily intended to indicate that the features are interdependent or related to each other.

[0091] Furthermore, it should be emphasized that the values ​​and parameters described herein include deviations or fluctuations of ±10% or less, preferably ±5% or less, further preferably ±1% or less, and especially preferably ±0.1% or less of the values ​​or parameters mentioned in each case. Such deviations are not excluded when the invention is practiced in practice. The specified ranges using starting and ending values ​​cover all those values ​​and the fractions included in the ranges mentioned in each case, particularly the starting and ending values ​​and the corresponding median values.

[0092] The present invention also relates to a fastening screw comprising a first body and a second body, wherein the second body has external threads, and wherein the first body protrudes from at least one axial end of the second body along its longitudinal axis by means of a shank portion. The first body may be formed such that it is electrically insulating or conductive. For example, the first body may be an electrically insulating body as described above and below. The second body may be formed such that it is electrically insulating or conductive. The second body may be, for example, a metallic body as described above and below. The claims dependent on claim 1, the further features of claim 1, and the embodiments of the fastening screw of claim 1 in the context present advantageous optional improvements to the fastening screw mentioned in this section. Furthermore, the fastening screw mentioned in claims 13 to 15 may also relate to the fastening screw mentioned in this section. Attached Figure Description

[0093] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0094] The accompanying drawings each illustrate preferred exemplary embodiments, in which individual features of the invention are shown as combinations of each other. A feature of one exemplary embodiment may be implemented separately from other features of the same exemplary embodiment, and therefore, those skilled in the art can readily combine it with features of different exemplary embodiments to achieve further useful combinations and sub-combinations.

[0095] Functionally similar components are represented by the same reference numerals in the accompanying drawings. In the schematic diagram:

[0096] Figure 1 A first exemplary embodiment of the fastening screw of the present invention is shown in a cross-sectional view along the longitudinal axis;

[0097] Figure 2 Perspective view Figure 1 Fastening screws;

[0098] Figure 3 A second exemplary embodiment of the fastening screw of the present invention is shown in a cross-sectional view along the longitudinal axis;

[0099] Figure 4 A preferred exemplary embodiment of the fastening screw of the present invention is shown in a cross-sectional view along the longitudinal axis;

[0100] Figure 5 Perspective view Figure 4 Fastening screws;

[0101] Figure 6 A first exemplary embodiment of the electrical plug connector of the present invention in an unconnected state is shown in a cross-sectional view along the longitudinal axis, the electrical plug connector having according to Figure 1 Fastening screws;

[0102] Figure 7 A cross-sectional view along the longitudinal axis shows the connected state. Figure 6 Plug connectors;

[0103] Figure 8 A second exemplary embodiment of the electrical plug connector of the present invention in an unconnected state is shown in a cross-sectional view along the longitudinal axis, the electrical plug connector having according to... Figure 4 Fastening screws; and

[0104] Figure 9 A cross-sectional view along the longitudinal axis shows the connected state. Figure 8 Plug connectors. Detailed Implementation

[0105] Figure 1 and Figure 2 A fastening screw 1 according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown. The fastening screw 1 has a screw head 2 and a screw shank 3.

[0106] The fastening screw 1 includes an electrically insulating insulator 4 and a metal body 5, the metal body 5 being formed of metal and having external threads 6. The metal body 5 is fastened to the insulator 4 and has a first axial end 7 and a second axial end 8 opposite to the first axial end 7. The first axial end 7 is formed as a pointed end of the metal body 5 and is at least partially tapered (although this is not mandatory). The axial end 7 is located away from the screw head 2 of the fastening screw 1 and is thus part of the screw shank 3.

[0107] In the context of the method for producing the fastening screw 1, the insulator 4 can preferably be injection molded into the metal body 5 via an injection molding process. Other production processes are also essentially possible; however, injection molding is particularly capable of producing a particularly robust fastening screw 1, which can be manufactured in a cost-effective manner.

[0108] The insulator 4 has a fastening portion 9 and a rod portion 10, the fastening portion 9 extending axially through the metal body 5 along the longitudinal axis L, and the rod portion 10 protruding from the first axial end 7 of the metal body 5.

[0109] The screw head 2 of the fastening screw 1 is essentially formed of an insulator 4. The insulator 4 has an interface 11 in the region of the screw head 2 for engaging a tool used to apply torque to the fastening screw 1. For example, the interface can be a hexagonal socket, an internal hexagonal socket, a Phillips head socket, or other standard.

[0110] The external thread 6 can be a metric ISO thread, preferably having a nominal size of M5.

[0111] In all exemplary embodiments, the rod portion 10 exposed from the first axial end 7 of the metal body 5 has an axial first region 12, which extends from the first axial end 7 of the metal body 5 (see...). Figure 1 (Extension). In this case, the outer diameter d1 of the first region 12 corresponds to the inner diameter d1 of the metal body 5.

[0112] exist Figure 1 and Figure 2 as well as Figures 4 to 9 In the exemplary embodiment shown, the rod portion 10 also has a first region 12 extending from the rod portion 10 (see [reference]). Figure 1 The second axial region 13 extends, wherein the outer diameter d2 of the second region 13 is greater than the inner diameter d1 of the metal body 5. Therefore, touch protection can be further improved, wherein the first axial end 7 is still not covered by the insulator 4 because the first region 12 is positioned before the radially widened portion of the second region 13. Favorable ventilation and thus heat dissipation from the metal body 5 can be provided due to the air gap provided by the first region 12. To further optimize heat dissipation, the outer diameter d2 of the second region 13 can preferably be smaller than the outer diameter d1 of the metal body 5.a .

[0113] exist Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figures 4 to 9 In the exemplary embodiment shown, the insulator 4 travels from the first axial end 7 of the metal body 5 through the through hole 14 to the second axial end 8 of the metal body 5. The insulator 4 is assisted by a head portion 15 (see, for example, see...). Figure 1 The insulator 4 protrudes from the second axial end 8 of the metal body 5 along the longitudinal axis L. In this case, the insulator 4 covers the second axial end 8 of the metal body 5 at its end face and advantageously also provides touch protection for the second axial end 8 of the metal body 5. However, this is optional.

[0114] The metal body 5 forms a radially widened portion in the region of the screw head 2 to form a contact surface 16 for fastening the screw 1 (the so-called "chin" of the screw head 2).

[0115] The outer diameter D of the screw head 2 or the insulator 4 a1 The outer diameter D of the radially widened portion or contact surface 16 of the metal body 5 can be larger than that of the metal body 5. a2 (See details) Figure 1 ).

[0116] At least in the region of the external thread 6, the wall thickness of the metal body 5 can be 0.5 mm to 2.0 mm, preferably 0.7 mm to 1.5 mm, particularly preferably 0.8 mm to 1.2 mm, and especially preferably about 1.0 mm.

[0117] Figure 3 A second exemplary embodiment of the fastening screw 1 of the present invention is shown. In this case, the fastening screw 1 is essentially formed of a metal body 5. The metal body 5 completely forms the screw head 2 of the fastening screw and therefore also has an interface 11 for engaging a tool. An insulator 4 is received in a blind hole 17 in the metal body 5 and protrudes from the metal body 5 only by means of its shank portion 10. A tapered taper of a first axial end 7 is thus provided. The tapered range of the pointed axial end may optionally be continued by the insulator 4, such as... Figure 3 As illustrated by example, the shank portion 10 and the metal body 5 together form the screw shank 3. The metal body 5 further has a contact surface 16 for fastening the screw 1.

[0118] and Figure 1 and Figure 2 Compared to the first exemplary embodiment, in this case, the axial first region 12 of the rod portion 10 extends over the entire length of the rod portion 10. The second region 13 is not provided.

[0119] Figure 4 and Figure 5A preferred exemplary embodiment of the fastening screw 1 of the present invention is shown. The fastening screw 1 is used with... Figure 1 and Figure 2 The fastening screw 1 shown is formed in essentially the same manner, but a larger portion of it is formed with the screw head 2 in the region of the second axial end 8. A stepped, tapered portion is provided in the region of the screw shank 3. The insulator 4 can be injection molded into the through-hole 14, wherein the insulator 14 protrudes from the through-hole 14 by means of its shank portion 10, but does not cover the pointed first axial end 7 of the metal body 5. Furthermore, the metal body 5 can be molded over the insulator 4 in the region of the second axial end 8 to provide particularly suitable touch protection for the screw head 2.

[0120] In particular, to improve air circulation, the rod portion 10 of the insulator 4, especially the axial second region 13 of the rod portion 10, may have a groove or slot 18 (see...). Figure 5 Any number of grooves or notches 18 can be arranged such that they are distributed around the longitudinal axis L of the fastening screw 1.

[0121] Figure 6 and Figure 7 This indicates that the device is in an unconnected state (see [link]). Figure 6 ) and in connected and closed states (see Figure 7 The first exemplary embodiment of the electrical plug connector 19. The electrical plug connector 19 has an electrical plug connector 20 and an electrical mating plug connector 21.

[0122] The electrical plug connector 20 has an electrically insulated plug connector housing 22, a contact element 23, and a fastening screw 1. By way of example, Figure 6 and Figure 7 The fastening screw 1 shown in the image is Figure 1 and Figure 2 The fastening screw 1 of the first exemplary embodiment.

[0123] The contact element 23 of the plug connector 20 is housed in the plug connector housing 22 and is accessible at the end face to make contact with the mating contact element 24 of the mating plug connector 21.

[0124] The mating plug connector 21 has a mating plug connector housing 25, in which the mating contact element 24 is housed. In the mechanically connected state of the plug connector 19 (see...), Figure 7 Contact element 23 and mating contact element 24 are in contact with each other.

[0125] Contact element 23 and mating contact element 24 can be connected to the inner conductor 27 of wire 28 via connection area 26.

[0126] The fastening screw 1 is guided through the through hole 29 of the contact element 23 so that it can be used for mechanical connection with the internal thread 30 of the mating plug connector 21.

[0127] Due to the outer diameter D of the screw head 2 formed by the insulator 4 a1 The outer diameter D of the radially widened portion or contact surface 16 of the metal body 5 is greater than that of the metal body 5. a2 Touch protection for the contact element 23 can be advantageously provided through the housing opening 31 for actuating the fastening screw 1.

[0128] Meanwhile, due to the rod portion 10 of the insulator 4, the metal body 5 of the fastening screw 1 is in a pre-assembled state (see...). Figure 6 Accessibility, especially to human fingers, can be hindered by the interaction with the plug connector housing 22.

[0129] The mating plug connector 21 may also have measures for touch protection, such as a touch protection element 32 for covering the outer wall of the nut 33, which is used to retain the internal thread 30 of the mating plug connector 21.

[0130] To improve the safety and force transmission of the threaded connection, the electrical plug connector 20 may optionally have a washer and / or screw locking device 34, which is arranged between the fastening screw 1 and the through hole 29 of the contact element 23.

[0131] Figure 8 and Figure 9 The image shows an electrical plug connector 19 according to a preferred second exemplary embodiment of the invention, wherein the plug connector 19 is configured to... Figure 6 and Figure 7 The first exemplary embodiment is formed in a substantially the same manner as described. However, for example, the contact element 23 of the plug connector 20 is connected to the busbar 35 via the connection area 26. Furthermore, by way of example, it is preferable to use according to Figure 4 and Figure 5 A preferred exemplary embodiment of the fastening screw 1.

Claims

1. A fastening screw (1) comprising an electrically insulating insulator (4) and a metal body (5), said metal body (5) being formed of metal and having external threads (6), wherein, The metal body (5) is fastened to the insulator (4) and has a first axial end (7) and a second axial end (8) opposite to the first axial end (7), wherein the first axial end (7) is away from the screw head (2) of the fastening screw (1), and wherein the insulator (4) is exposed from the first axial end (7) of the metal body (5) along the longitudinal axis (L) of the metal body (5) by means of a rod portion (10); the rod portion (10) of the insulator (4) exposed from the first axial end (7) of the metal body (5) has an axial first region (12), the axial first region (12) extending from the first axial end (7) of the metal body (5), wherein the outer diameter (d1) of the axial first region (12) corresponds to the inner diameter (d) of the metal body (5). i (or smaller than the inner diameter of the metal body).

2. The fastening screw (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The rod portion (10) exposed from the first axial end (7) of the metal body (5) has an axial second region (13), which extends from the axial first region (12) of the rod portion (10), wherein the outer diameter (d2) of the axial second region (13) is greater than the inner diameter (d) of the metal body (5). i ).

3. The fastening screw (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The outer diameter (d2) of the second axial region (13) is smaller than the outer diameter (d) of the metal body (5). a ).

4. The fastening screw (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 3, characterized in that, The axial second region (13) of the rod portion (10) has one or more axial grooves (18) arranged around the longitudinal axis (L).

5. The fastening screw (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The insulator (4) travels through the through hole (14) of the metal body (5), or the insulator (4) is accommodated in a blind hole (17) that extends from the first axial end (7) into the metal body (5).

6. The fastening screw (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The insulator (4) protrudes from the second axial end (8) of the metal body (5) along the longitudinal axis (L) of the metal body (5) by means of the head portion (15).

7. The fastening screw (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The metal body (5) has a radially widened portion in the region of the screw head (2) to form a contact surface (16) for the fastening screw (1).

8. The fastening screw (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The screw head (2) is formed from the insulator (4).

9. The fastening screw (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that, The outer diameter (D) of the screw head (2) a1 The outer diameter (D) of the radially widened portion of the metal body (5) is greater than that of the outer diameter of the radially widened portion of the metal body (5). a2 ).

10. The fastening screw (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that, The outer diameter (D) of the screw head (2) a1 The outer diameter (D) of the radially widened portion of the metal body (5) is greater than that of the outer diameter of the radially widened portion of the metal body (5). a2 ).

11. The fastening screw (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The insulator (4) covers the second axial end (8) of the metal body (5) at its end face.

12. The fastening screw (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The wall thickness of the metal body (5) is at least 0.5 mm to 2.0 mm in the region of the external thread (6).

13. An electrical plug connector (20) comprising an electrically insulated plug connector housing (22), a contact element (23), and a fastening screw (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein, The contact element (23) is housed in the plug connector housing (22) and is accessible at the end face to contact the mating contact element (24) of the mating plug connector (21), wherein the fastening screw (1) is guided through the through hole (14) of the contact element (23) for mechanical connection with the internal thread (30) of the mating plug connector (21).

14. The electrical plug connector (20) according to claim 13, characterized in that, The rod portion (10) of the insulator (4) is sized such that, in the pre-assembled state of the fastening screw (1) in the plug connector (20), the accessibility of the metal body (5) of the fastening screw (1) is impeded due to the cooperation of the plug connector housing (22) and the rod portion (10).

15. An electrical plug connector (19) having an electrical plug connector (20) according to claim 13 or 14 and an electrical mating plug connector (21), wherein, The mating plug connector (21) has an electrically insulated mating plug connector housing (25), a mating contact element (24), and an internal thread (30), wherein the mating contact element (24) is housed in the mating plug connector housing (25) and is accessible at its end face for contacting the contact element (23) of the plug connector (20), and wherein the internal thread (30) is formed for mechanical connection with the external thread (6) of the metal body (5) of the fastening screw (1).

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