Contact rings and contact systems

Abstract

The present invention relates to a contact ring (10, 100) for connecting at least first and second conductive contact elements (1, 2), the contact ring (10, 100, 1000) comprising: a strip (12) comprising a conductive material, wherein the strip (12) comprises a plurality of protrusions (14, 104, 1004) on at least one longitudinal side, wherein the protrusions (14, 104) are configured to contact the conductive material of the contact elements (1, 2) and establish a conductive connection therebetween. The invention also relates to a contact system comprising a contact ring (100), a grounding cylinder (200), and a shielding cylinder (300) having a centering protrusion, wherein the contact ring is disposed between the two cylinders, and wherein the grounding cylinder (200) and the shielding cylinder (300) are connected to each other by a press fit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a contact ring that connects a contact element in a conductive manner, and to a contact system comprising a ground cylinder, a shield cylinder, and a contact ring that connects the two cylinders in a conductive manner. Background Technology

[0002] Known contact rings are in the form of compression spring contacts, made of conductive material, and thus capable of establishing a conductive connection between contact elements. These contact rings are typically flat and have, for example, a wave-like shape, such that they alternately touch the surfaces of the contact elements.

[0003] Figure 1A and 1B Two contact elements 1 and 2 without connecting members are shown. Figure 1A ) and two contact elements 3 with connecting member 3 ( Figure 1B (The usual layout). Figure 1B The connecting member 3 in the design is a typical contact ring 3 known in the prior art. The contact ring 3 is flat and wavy, and is typically made of spring steel, which has good mechanical properties but poor electrothermal properties, which are difficult to compensate for with thick silver plating. The contact portions of known contact rings also cannot reliably penetrate electrically insulating surface layers, such as alumina, with typical contact forces. They are also prone to corrosion.

[0004] Although contact elements contain conductive material whose surfaces are made of electrically insulating layers (such as natural oxides), they cannot be connected in a sufficiently conductive manner by contact elements described in the prior art. Furthermore, the contact elements are not configured to avoid air gaps between them. Therefore, the electromagnetic shielding of such a connection is inefficient at high frequencies. Therefore, a connecting member is needed that provides both conductive connection and effective electromagnetic shielding between contact elements having surfaces made of electrically insulating layers. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This problem is addressed by the subject matter of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are presented in the dependent claims.

[0006] In order to connect contact elements having a conductive core and an electrically insulating surface layer, the present invention is based on the idea of ​​using contact members made of conductive material that penetrate the electrically insulating surface layer of the contact element.

[0007] The contact member according to the invention has a ring shape, wherein the term "ring" in this application refers to a circular ring structure and a structure that is topologically equivalent to a circular ring structure. This includes, for example, non-overlapping polygonal structures. For better understanding, the term "ring" will be used hereinafter only without further explanation. The accompanying drawings illustrate circular ring structures by way of example, although structures that are topologically equivalent to circular ring structures are also included.

[0008] The annular shape of the contact member particularly enables the efficient connection of cylindrical contact elements to the corresponding bottom area, as the latter offers a suitable architecture for use within the limited annular mounting space. This results in the enclosed arrangement of strips of a conductive material that can be silver-plated (e.g., a copper alloy) to form the annular structure. The use of a silver-platable copper alloy is advantageous because it represents a good trade-off between mechanical and electrothermal properties.

[0009] The strip includes protrusions on at least one longitudinal side. The protrusions have sharp tips or edges that penetrate the electrically insulating surface layer of the contact elements, thereby establishing a conductive connection between the conductive cores of the contact elements. By using a large number of short protrusions, the contact member according to the invention benefits from the advantages of multi-contact physics and has advantageous electrothermal properties. Each protrusion establishes a conductive contact, thereby establishing multiple conductive connections between the contact elements, resulting in numerous short current flows and redundant contacts.

[0010] In contrast to known contact rings with planar contact portions for touch contact elements, the contact ring according to the invention has very limited contact portions, thereby reducing corrosion.

[0011] According to an advantageous embodiment, the strips of the contact ring are arranged in a cylindrical shape and thus can be well adapted to cylindrical contact elements.

[0012] In this embodiment, the protrusion tapers gradually to a tip and has an S-shaped cross-section, causing the tip to affect the surface of the contact element at an obtuse angle. This avoids greater lateral or surface contact between the protrusion and the surface of the contact element. This, in turn, reduces the occurrence of fretting corrosion.

[0013] At least one pair of adjacent protrusions has a flat section disposed between the two protrusions. This flat section serves as overstretch protection for the protrusions during pre-assembly and final assembly between the contact elements. The contact rings on the cylindrical contact elements can optionally be further stabilized by a helical spring engaged with a strip arranged around the cylinder.

[0014] According to another advantageous embodiment, the strips are closed to form a ring structure and arranged in a flat manner.

[0015] The contact ring according to the second embodiment can be used as part of a contact system that, in addition to the contact ring according to the invention, includes a grounding cylinder and a shielding cylinder, shaped to allow for gapless assembly with the flat contact ring, thereby achieving perfect electromagnetic shielding. This connection is established through a double press fit, making it particularly robust. Furthermore, it reduces relative movement and vibration. Due to this connection, the contact system according to the invention provides effective electromagnetic shielding, especially at high frequencies, and can be advantageously used in multi-position connectors.

[0016] The shielding cylinder according to the invention also has three centering protrusions, which enable the shielding cylinder to be effectively centered relative to the grounding cylinder and prevent relative movement and vibration between them, thereby providing additional stability to the connection.

[0017] The cylinder of the contact system preferably comprises aluminum, a conductive material. Other materials are also conceivable.

[0018] According to a third advantageous embodiment, the strip is also closed to form a ring structure and arranged in a flat manner, but also has a zigzag structure with alternating inward and outward facing portions, wherein the inward facing portions bend upward or downward from the plane of the ring and form protrusions for conductive contacts for contact elements.

[0019] The contact rings according to all embodiments are highly adaptable in terms of the orientation, arrangement, number, and construction of the protrusions.

[0020] To better understand the present invention, it will be described in detail with reference to the embodiments shown in the following figures. The same elements are indicated herein by the same reference numerals and the same component designations. Furthermore, some features or combinations of features of the different embodiments shown and described may themselves be independent inventive solutions or solutions according to the present invention. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1A The first and second contact elements are shown.

[0022] Figure 1B The connection via a contact ring is shown in a known embodiment. Figure 1A Two contact elements in the middle.

[0023] Figure 2A A strip is shown according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 2B An optional closure according to a first embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0025] Figure 2C A contact ring according to a first embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0026] Figure 3 The construction of two contact elements and a contact ring according to a first embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0027] Figure 4 A contact ring according to a second embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0028] Figure 5 A contact system according to a second embodiment of the present invention is shown, including a contact ring, a grounding cylinder, and a shielding cylinder according to the second embodiment.

[0029] Figure 6A A grounding cylinder of a contact ring and contact system according to a second embodiment is shown.

[0030] Figure 6B Details of the contact ring and the grounding cylinder of the contact system according to the second embodiment are shown.

[0031] Figure 7A A contact system comprising a shielding cylinder having a centering protrusion is shown according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 7B A cross-section of a contact system comprising a shielding cylinder with centering protrusions according to a second embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0033] Figure 7C Enlarged details of a contact system comprising a shielding cylinder with centering protrusions according to a second embodiment of the present invention are shown.

[0034] Figure 8 A contact ring according to a second embodiment is shown, which may alternatively have teeth instead of internal protrusions.

[0035] Figure 9A A strip closed in a ring-shaped manner with a tortuous structure is shown according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 9B A contact ring according to a third embodiment of the present invention is shown, having protrusions pointing in the same direction.

[0037] Figure 9C A contact ring according to a third embodiment of the present invention is shown, having protrusions pointing in different directions.

[0038] Figure 10 A possible application of the contact ring according to the third embodiment is shown.

[0039] Figure 11A A contact ring according to a third embodiment is shown, with attachment protrusions having a flat shape.

[0040] Figure 11BA contact ring according to a third embodiment is shown, with attachment protrusions having curved projections.

[0041] Figure 11C A contact ring according to the third embodiment in a second variation is shown, with attachment protrusions having a flat shape.

[0042] Figure 11D A contact ring according to the third embodiment in a second variation is shown, with attachment protrusions having curved projections.

[0043] Figure 11E A contact ring according to a third embodiment in a third variation is shown, with attachment protrusions having a flat shape.

[0044] Figure 11F A contact ring according to the third embodiment in a third variation is shown, with attachment protrusions having curved projections.

[0045] Figure 12A A contact ring according to a third embodiment is shown in an exemplary variant having a flat shape.

[0046] Figure 12B A contact ring according to a third embodiment is shown in an exemplary variant having curved protrusions.

[0047] Figure 12C A contact ring according to a third embodiment is shown in another exemplary variant having a flat shape.

[0048] Figure 12D A contact ring according to a third embodiment is shown in another exemplary variant having curved protrusions.

[0049] Figure 13A A contact ring according to a third embodiment is shown as part of the contact system in a first variant.

[0050] Figure 13B A contact ring according to a third embodiment is shown as part of a contact system in a second variation.

[0051] Figure 13C A contact ring according to a third embodiment is shown as part of a contact system in a third variation.

[0052] Figure 13D A contact ring according to the third embodiment is shown as part of the contact system in the fourth variant. Detailed Implementation

[0053] The following will be referenced Figures 2A to 13D The embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below.

[0054] Figures 2A to 2C A contact ring 10 according to a first embodiment of the present invention is shown. For example... Figure 2A As shown, the contact ring 10 includes a strip 12 made of conductive material. The strip 12 has a protrusion 14 on at least one longitudinal side. The protrusion 14 tapers gradually and forms a tip at its end. Figure 2B The diagram shows that the strip 12 may be equipped with a closure 16 at its end, which allows the strip 12 to be closed to form a structure of annular cylindrical arrangement, as shown in... Figure 2C As can be seen, this structure allows for the simple and inexpensive production of the contact ring 10 through stamping and bending. For example... Figure 2C As shown, protrusion 14 bends outward and has an S-shaped cross-section.

[0055] A helical spring (not shown) may optionally be concentrically wrapped around the contact ring 10, making the connection between the contact ring 10 and the cylindrical contact element 2 even more stable.

[0056] Alternatively, the strip can be opened at the ends without a closure. In this case, a coil spring can optionally hold the strips together. Another possibility is that the strip is slightly longer without a closure and includes overlap at the ends.

[0057] The contact ring 10 is preferably made of a copper alloy that can be silver-plated. Compared to spring steel, this material has good mechanical properties as well as good electrothermal properties.

[0058] Figure 3 An application example of the contact ring 10 is shown. The contact ring 10 is arranged between two contact elements 1 and 2 such that the tip of its S-shaped protrusion 14 touches the opposing surfaces of the contact elements 1 and 2. If the contact elements 1 and 2 are pressed against each other, the tip of the protrusion 14 penetrates an electrically insulating surface layer, such as an alumina layer, which is naturally formed on the surface of the contact elements made of conductive aluminum.

[0059] Therefore, even though contact elements 1 and 2 include insulating surfaces that electrically isolate them from each other, a conductive connection can be established between the conductive core of the first contact element 1 and the conductive core of the second contact element 2 by means of the contact ring 10. Figure 2C As shown, the numerous protrusions 14 (e.g., 24) on both sides of the contact ring 10 have a physically positive effect on the electrothermal performance of the connection between the two contact elements 1 and 2.

[0060] The structure of the contact ring 10, with its sharp protrusions 14 for touching the contact elements 1 and 2, also minimizes the area of ​​the contact portion where the protective surfaces of the contact elements 1 and 2 are damaged. This can thus counteract corrosion of the contact elements 1 and 2.

[0061] Figure 4A contact ring 100 according to a second embodiment of the present invention is shown. The contact ring 100 comprises a flat ring made of a conductive material. The flat ring has protrusions 104 on two narrow sides. The protrusions 104 taper gradually towards their ends. The protrusions 104 are curved such that they point outwards from the plane traversed by the ring 100, wherein the protrusions 104 on the outer side of the ring 100 and the protrusions 104 on the inner side of the ring 100 point in opposite directions. The protrusions 104 are preferably, but not necessarily, arranged at regular intervals, wherein the inner protrusions 104 may also have individual, larger intervals.

[0062] The outer protrusions 104 of the ring 100 have an S-shaped cross-section. They are oriented such that they surround a common inscribed circle that touches them through their flat sides. The inner protrusions 104 of the ring 100 are oriented such that they each touch the common inscribed circle through their edges. These edges are sharp and thus capable of penetrating the insulating surface. The outer protrusions 104 of the ring may also optionally be oriented such that they each touch the common inscribed circle through their sharp edges and thus can penetrate the insulating surface.

[0063] As in the contact ring 10 of the first embodiment, the material of the contact ring 100 of the second embodiment preferably includes a copper alloy, which can be silver-plated and has good mechanical properties and good electrothermal properties.

[0064] The structure of the contact ring 100 can be formed into roll-to-roll strips in a simple and inexpensive manner by stamping and bending.

[0065] Figure 5 The diagram illustrates how a contact ring 100 according to a second embodiment is arranged in a contact system 400 together with a grounding cylinder 200 and a shielding cylinder 300. An outer protrusion 104 of the ring engages around the shielding cylinder 300. An inner protrusion 104 of the ring extends inward against the grounding cylinder 200. A connection is established by press-fitting such that the contact ring 100, the grounding cylinder 200, and the shielding cylinder 300 touch each other without any air gap between them.

[0066] like Figure 6A and 6B As shown, the contact ring 100 contacts the grounding cylinder 200 through the sharp edge of the protrusion 104 on the inner side of the ring. Due to the pressure of the press fit, the sharp edge penetrates the surface of the grounding cylinder 200. As described with respect to the contact ring 10 according to the first embodiment, this establishes a conductive connection between the contact ring 100 and the conductive core of the grounding cylinder 200. Corrosion is further reduced as the contact portion between the contact ring 100 and the grounding cylinder 200 expands.

[0067] like Figures 7A to 7CAs shown, the shielding cylinder 300 includes three centering protrusions 302. The shielding cylinder 300 is connected to the contact ring 100 such that each of the centering protrusions 302 is positioned at a location in the contact ring 100 including internal protrusions 104 with large intervals. As a result, the centering protrusions 302 can bend around the contact ring 100 such that they contact the grounding cylinder 200 from the inside without being obstructed by the protrusions 104 of the contact ring 100.

[0068] The centering protrusions 302 securely hold the shielding cylinder 300 at the grounding cylinder 200. As a result, they help center the shielding cylinder 300 relative to the grounding cylinder 200 and stabilize the contact system 400. The press-fit between the centering protrusions 302 and the contact system 400 ensures that the connection formed by the contact ring 100, the grounding cylinder 200, and the shielding cylinder 300 is free of air gaps and any relative movement or vibration of the components. Consequently, effective electromagnetic shielding can be ensured, especially at high frequencies.

[0069] like Figure 8 As shown, the contact ring 100 according to the second embodiment may alternatively include teeth 106 instead of internal protrusions 104. This alternative to the contact ring 100 according to the second embodiment can be produced in a simple and inexpensive manner by deep drawing, stamping, and bending.

[0070] Figure 9 illustrates a contact ring 1000 according to a third embodiment of the present invention. As with the contact ring 100 of the second embodiment, the contact ring 1000 is composed of a strip that is closed to form a flat annular structure. Furthermore, the contact ring 1000 of the third embodiment has a zigzag structure, having portions that alternately point inward (1008) and outward (1009). This is because the strip is provided with cuts 1010 and 1011 that alternately begin at the inner and outer edges of the strip and extend into the interior of the strip (see Figure 9). Figure 9A The inwardly pointing zigzag bends away from the plane of the ring, thus forming the protrusion 1004 for the conductive contact of the contact element. The protrusions 1004 may point in the same direction, such as... Figure 9B As shown, or pointing in different directions, such as Figure 9C As shown.

[0071] Figure 10A possible application of a contact ring 1000 according to a third embodiment for connecting two contact elements 1 and 2 is shown. Due to its structure, the contact ring 1000 is elastic in multiple directions of expansion. On one hand, the angle between the outer portion 1009 and the curved inner portion 1008 can be changed by moving the contact elements 1 and 2 toward each other or away from each other, thereby changing the expansion of the contact ring 1000 from the plane of the ring. On the other hand, the radius of the contact ring 1000 can be changed by expanding or compressing the tortuous structure, thereby increasing or decreasing the circumference of the contact ring 1000. Figure 10 In the example of contact element 1 shown, this feature allows the radially resilient contact ring 1000 to be pulled over the latch step 1012, which has a ramp 1014 on one side. At the target position, the contact ring 1000 rests against the retaining ring 1015 and is prevented from sliding off the contact element 1 by the latching step 1012.

[0072] The tortuous structure according to the third embodiment allows for a mechanically advantageous connection of the contact elements, as they can be effectively separated and thus vibration can be reduced. This configuration is also highly variable and can be easily adapted to given spatial conditions. For example, Figures 11A to 11F A variation of the contact ring 1000 according to the third embodiment is shown, which includes an additional portion of the outwardly curved portion 1016 pointing out of the plane of the ring, and is therefore adapted to be attached to a cylindrical contact element. The length and shape of the inwardly and outwardly pointing cuts can then be changed so that the spatial elastic properties of the contact ring 1000 can be adapted to the corresponding conditions. Figures 12A to 12D A variation of the attachment protrusion is also shown, which can be attached to the contact element, for example, by welding.

[0073] like Figures 13A to 13D As shown, the contact ring 1000 according to the third embodiment can also be used as part of a contact system for connecting the grounding cylinder 200 and the shielding cylinder 300.

[0074] List of reference numerals

[0075] 1, 2 contact elements

[0076] 3. Contact ring in known embodiments

[0077] 10, 100, 1000 contact rings

[0078] 12 strips

[0079] 14, 104, 1004 protrusions

[0080] 15 flat sections

[0081] 16 closures

[0082] 18-coil spring

[0083] 102 increased interval

[0084] 106 teeth

[0085] 200 grounding cylinder

[0086] 300 shielded cylinder

[0087] 302 Reassurance Sudden Rise

[0088] 400 contact system

[0089] 1007 Attached protrusion

[0090] 1008 facing inwards

[0091] 1009 outward part

[0092] 1010 Inward-facing cut

[0093] 1011 outward incision

[0094] 1012 latching steps

[0095] 1013 Inner Slope

[0096] 1014 outer slope

[0097] 1015 retaining ring

[0098] The portion of the outer part outside the plane of the 1016 finger ring

Claims

1. A contact system comprising at least first and second conductive contact elements (1, 2) and contact rings (10, 100, 1000), wherein, The first conductive contact element is a grounded cylinder (200), the second conductive contact element is a shielded cylinder (300), and the contact ring is disposed between the two cylinders for connecting the first and second conductive contact elements (1, 2). The contact ring (10, 100, 1000) includes: Including strips of conductive material (12). The strip (12) includes multiple protrusions (14, 104, 1004) on each longitudinal side. The protrusions (14, 104, 1004) are configured to contact the conductive material of the contact elements (1, 2) and establish a conductive connection between them. The contact ring is press-fitted to the first and second conductive contact elements (1, 2), and the protrusions (14, 104, 1004) penetrate the electrically insulating surface layer of the contact element.

2. The contact system according to claim 1, wherein, Each protrusion (14, 104) includes a tapered end portion that can be connected to the contact element (1, 2).

3. The contact system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The strip (12) is closed to form a ring structure or a topologically equivalent structure.

4. The contact system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, At least one of the protrusions (14, 104, 1004) is bent to form a spring contact.

5. The contact system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The contact rings (10, 100, 1000) are made of copper alloy.

6. The contact system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The strip (12) is closed to form a ring structure or is topologically equivalent to it and arranged in a cylindrical shape.

7. The contact system according to claim 6, wherein, The contact ring (10) includes 24 protrusions on each side.

8. The contact system according to claim 6, wherein, The protrusion (14) has an S-shaped cross-section.

9. The contact system of claim 6 further includes a helical spring (18) engaging around the strip.

10. The contact system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The strips are closed to form a ring structure or a structure that is topologically equivalent to it and is arranged at least partially in a flat manner.

11. The contact system according to claim 10, wherein, The protrusions (104, 1004) have edge portions with sharp edges.

12. The contact system according to claim 10, wherein, The contact ring (100) includes 15 protrusions (104) with sharp edges on one side.

13. The contact system according to claim 1, wherein, The shielding cylinder (300) includes three centering protrusions (302) to center the shielding cylinder (300) relative to the grounding cylinder (200).

14. The contact system according to any one of claims 1 or 13, wherein, At least one of the cylinders comprises aluminum, a conductive material.

15. The contact system according to claim 10, wherein, The strip has a tortuous structure with alternating inward and outward pointing portions, wherein the inward pointing portions bend upward or downward from the plane of the ring and form the protrusion (1004).

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