Electrical contact element with support ring

Abstract

The invention relates to an electrical contact element (1) having a plurality of spring arms (4) which, in a contactless relaxed initial state (2), are spaced apart from one another, are arranged around an opening (6) in a circumferential direction (U) and extend away from a common base (8) in a longitudinal direction (L). At least two spring arms (4) have end portions (10) which face away from the base (8) and each form a ring segment (12) which protrudes in the circumferential direction (U) at least on one side, wherein the ring segments (12) of the at least two spring arms (4) support one another in a fully compressed state (16) to form a support ring (18).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to an electrical contact element. BACKGROUND

[0002] Electrical contact elements are used for various applications from the low frequency range to the high frequency range for electrically contacting mating contact elements. In particular in the high frequency range, high normal contact forces are required to ensure a reliable and lasting contact. The high normal contact forces lead to high plug-in forces due to the increased frictional forces caused by the normal contact forces between the contact element and the mating contact element. There is a need for an electrical contact element which ensures both high normal contact forces and low plug-in forces. SUMMARY

[0003] It is an object of the present invention to provide such an electrical contact element.

[0004] According to the invention, this object is met by an electrical contact element having a plurality of spring arms which are spaced apart from each other in a contact-free relaxed initial state, which are arranged in a circumferential direction around an opening and which extend away from a common base in a longitudinal direction. At least two spring arms have end portions facing away from the base, which each form a ring segment protruding in the circumferential direction on at least one side, wherein the ring segments of the at least two spring arms support each other in a radially fully compressed state to form a support ring.

[0005] The advantage of the present invention is that the electrical contact element according to the invention allows to reduce the plug-in force during plugging and provides tolerance compensation compared to conventional contact elements. Since the spring arms are spaced apart from each other in the relaxed initial state, they can be deflected independently of each other. If the electrical contact element is plugged, for example into a contact socket of a mating plug connector, during plugging the spring arms can be compressed radially inwards until the support ring is formed. Upon formation of the support ring, further deflection of the at least two spring arms is avoided by the mutual support of the ring segments. Thus, the support ring serves the purpose of protecting the spring arms from overstretching and at the same time ensuring high normal contact forces. In the radially fully compressed state, the profile of the contact element according to the invention corresponds to a conventional closed contact sleeve. Thus, existing plug connector systems can easily be retrofitted with the contact element according to the invention. There is no need to redesign the entire plug connector system for the contact contact element.

[0006] In the following, further improvements are specified in detail, which can be combined with each other independently of each other as desired and which are advantageous in their own right.

[0007] The electrical contact element can be a contact element for a coaxial plug connector. In particular, the electrical contact element can be configured for use in a coaxial high-frequency plug connector in the range from about 3 MHz to about 20 GHz.

[0008] According to an advantageous embodiment, the annular section of at least one of the at least two spring arms can protrude on both sides in the circumferential direction. Thereby, it can be ensured that, in the fully compressed state, the remaining portions of the at least two spring arms extending between the base and the free end are spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction. Thus, the contact element can have a recess between the remaining portions of the at least two spring arms, whereby it can be prevented that the remaining portions overlap each other or rub against each other due to vibrations.

[0009] In order to distribute the support force of the support ring evenly over the annular sections, the annular sections can be of equal length in the circumferential direction.

[0010] In one exemplary embodiment, each of the plurality of spring arms can have a separate annular section, such that the force acting on the support ring is distributed between the plurality of annular sections.

[0011] Alternatively, the electrical contact element can comprise at least three spring arms with annular sections for improved impedance and EMC properties, wherein two of the three spring arms are rigidly connected to each other by means of a common annular section.

[0012] According to another preferred embodiment, the side surfaces of the annular sections abutting against each other in the circumferential direction in the fully compressed state can extend at an angle with respect to the longitudinal direction and / or the circumferential direction. The side surfaces can extend at an angle of between about 15° and about 60°, in particular at an angle of about 45°, with respect to the longitudinal direction. The side surfaces of the adjacent annular sections can preferably extend complementary to the adjoining side surfaces, so that the side surfaces lie against each other in the fully compressed state. This configuration allows for greater tolerance compensation, since the risk of lifting of the opposite arrangement of the adjacent annular sections is prevented.

[0013] In order to improve the stability of the spring arms and to prevent the spring arms from being compressed to a state substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction during the plug-in process, the annular sections can extend at an angle of at least about 45°, about 90°, about 120° or about 180° in the circumferential direction at least in the relaxed state.

[0014] In another advantageous embodiment, the spring arms of the plurality of spring arms can each have a contact bend protruding radially outward between the common base and the respective free end. The contact bend can in particular protrude radially outward with respect to the free end and form a contact convex bend, so that a contact socket of the contact element receiving the contact can be contacted in a simple manner. Furthermore, this type of spring arm proves to be extremely fail-safe even in the event of vibrations or impacts.

[0015] The contact bends of the plurality of spring arms can be arranged at a common height in the longitudinal direction, whereby a simultaneous and uniform contact can be achieved.

[0016] If the number of contact points is increased, the contact element can comprise at least one intermediate spring. The at least one intermediate spring can extend in the longitudinal direction between two spring arms adjacent in the circumferential direction from the common base.

[0017] The at least one intermediate spring can preferably be shorter than the spring arms, so that the at least one intermediate spring is spaced apart from the annular section and the support ring in the longitudinal direction. In this way, even with a large number of contact points, a low plug-in force can be maintained, since the at least one intermediate spring is not supported on the support ring after the ring is closed and the plug-in force therefore does not increase further after the ring is closed. The at least one intermediate spring therefore preferably does not form the annular section.

[0018] The annular sections of the spring arms with intermediate springs arranged therebetween can abut against one another in the circumferential direction at the height of the intermediate springs in the fully compressed state.

[0019] In a further advantageous embodiment, the at least one intermediate spring can be spaced apart from the spring arms on three narrow sides. The at least one intermediate spring can thus be configured to be self-supporting, wherein the at least one intermediate spring is protected from mechanical loads by the adjacent spring arms.

[0020] According to a particularly advantageous embodiment, the electrical contact element can comprise a plurality of intermediate springs, each of which is arranged in the circumferential direction between two contact elements.

[0021] Within the meaning of the present application, a plurality of spring arms or intermediate springs means two to ten spring arms or intermediate springs.

[0022] The number of intermediate springs can preferably be less than the number of spring arms. For example, the contact element can comprise three spring arms and two intermediate springs.

[0023] The at least one intermediate spring can also have a contact bend projecting radially outwards, wherein the contact bend of the at least one intermediate spring and the contact bends of the plurality of spring arms are arranged at a common height in the longitudinal direction.

[0024] The electrical plug connector can comprise at least one contact element according to at least one of the configurations for contacting a mating plug connector.

[0025] In an electrical plug connection with a contact element and a mating contact element, for example a contact socket, the contact element can be configured such that the annular sections in the fully plugged-in state join to form a support ring.

[0026] In the following, the application will be described in more detail by way of example using embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. Elements of the figures that correspond to one another in terms of structure and / or function have the same reference characters. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0027] The combination of features shown and described in separate embodiments is for illustrative purposes only. According to the above description, a feature of an embodiment can be omitted if its technical effect is not significant for a particular application. Conversely, according to the above description, a further feature can be added to an embodiment if its technical effect is advantageous or necessary for a particular application,

[0028] wherein:

[0029] Figure 1 a schematic perspective view showing an exemplary configuration of an electrical contact element according to the present application is shown;

[0030] Figure 2 a schematic front view showing an exemplary configuration of an electrical contact element in Figure 1

[0031] Figure 3 a schematic side view showing an exemplary configuration of an electrical contact element in Figure 1 and Figure 2

[0032] Figure 4 a schematic cross-sectional view showing a plug assembly with mating plug connector and electrical contact element in Figures 1 to 3

[0033] Figure 5 a schematic side view showing an exemplary configuration of an electrical plug connector with electrical contact element in Figures 1 to 3 DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] First, reference will be made to Figures 1 to 4 The electrical contact element will be explained in more detail by one embodiment.

[0035] The electrical contact element 1 according to the embodiment comprises a plurality of spring arms 4 which, in a contactless relaxed initial state 2, are spaced apart from one another, are arranged in a circumferential direction U around an opening 6, and extend away from a common base 8 along a longitudinal direction L. At least two spring arms 4 have an end 10 which is directed away from the base 8, each end forming a ring segment 12 which protrudes at least on one side in the circumferential direction U.

[0036] ​​​​At least in the initial state of relaxation, the at least two annular segments 12 can be spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction U, such that a slot 14 is formed between the annular segments 12. As shown in the exemplary configuration, each spring arm 4 can be equipped with a separate annular segment 12, which is spaced apart from the adjacent annular segments 12 by a respective slot 14 in the initial state of relaxation 2. Thus, the spring arms 4 in the exemplary configuration are self-supporting at least in the initial state of relaxation. Thus, the spring arms 4 can be deflected independently of each other, at least partially, whereby the required insertion force during the plug-in process is reduced. Furthermore, the separation of the annular segments 12 increases the ability of the electrical contact element 1 to compensate for tolerances, whereby, for example, manufacturing tolerances and / or misalignments of the plug connectors relative to each other can be better compensated for compared to conventional contact elements.

[0037] However, not all spring arms 4 need to be equipped with a separate annular segment 12. For example, according to an embodiment not shown, at least two spring arms 4 can be connected to each other by a common annular segment, and one spring arm 4 can be equipped with a separate annular segment, which is spaced apart from the common annular segment in the circumferential direction at least in the initial state of relaxation 2. Although the connection of two spring arms 4 by a common annular segment leads to an increase in the insertion force compared to several separate annular segments, the stability of the spring arms and the normal contact force are increased by the common annular segment.

[0038] The spring arms 4 are configured such that they are compressed radially inward to the fully compressed state 16, in which the spring arms 4 support each other to form a support ring 18 (see Fig. 2). Figure 4 Thus, the previously self-supporting spring arms 4 are no longer self-supporting in the fully compressed state 16.

[0039] Since the spring arms support each other in the fully compressed state 16 to form a support ring 18, overstretching of the spring arms 4 can be prevented, and a high and stable normal contact force is obtained.

[0040] The contact element 1 can be a stamped and bent component 20 in particular to ensure efficient production, in particular mass production. For example, a plurality of contact elements 1 can be molded onto a support strip 22, whereby the plurality of contact elements 1 can be stored and transported in a simple manner.

[0041] The annular segments 12 can protrude, in particular on both sides in the circumferential direction U. In particular, the annular segments 12 can be longer in the circumferential direction U than the remaining portions 24 of the respective spring arms 4 extending from the base 8 to the end 10. Thus, it can be prevented that the remaining portions 24 of adjacent spring arms 4 overlap each other and / or rub against each other in the fully compressed state.

[0042] Thus, the contact element 1 can comprise a recess 26 delimited by the base 8, the two adjacent spring arms 4 and the at least one annular section 12. Preferably, the slot 14 can open into the respective recess 26 at least in the relaxed initial state 2.

[0043] The annular sections 12 can have substantially equal lengths in the circumferential direction. However, as shown in the embodiment, at least two annular sections 12 can have different lengths in the circumferential direction U. In order to increase the stability of the individual spring arms 4 and to prevent the spring arms 4 from being compressed during the plug-in process, the annular sections can extend at least about 45°, preferably at least about 90°, at least in the relaxed initial state 2. According to this embodiment, for example, the annular sections in the relaxed state can extend over an angle of about 130° in the circumferential direction U.

[0044] In order to prevent the spring arms 4, in particular the annular sections 12, from buckling, the annular sections 12 can comprise side surfaces 28 which point in the circumferential direction U towards an adjacent annular section 12 and which extend at an angle with respect to the longitudinal direction L and / or the circumferential direction U. The side surfaces 28 act as stop surfaces against which the annular sections 12 of adjacent spring arms abut against one another at least in the fully compressed state. Accordingly, the oppositely arranged side surfaces 28 can be configured to be complementary to one another so that they abut against one another at least in the fully compressed state. As shown in the embodiment, the side surfaces 28 can be inclined at an angle of about 15° to about 60°, in particular 45°, with respect to the longitudinal direction L.

[0045] The spring arms 4 can be used to establish an electrical contact with a mating plug connector 30 (see Figure 4 ). The mating plug connector 30 can comprise mating contact elements 31, for example in the form of contact sockets 32 with receptacles 34 into which the contact elements 1 can be at least partially inserted. In order to come into contact with the inner wall 36 of the contact socket 32, the spring arms 4 can each be equipped with an outwardly protruding contact bend 38 which is arranged in the remaining portion 24 between the base 8 and the end portion 10. The contact bend 38 can in particular protrude radially outwardly with respect to the free end portion 10 of the respective spring arm 4, such that the contact bend forms an introduction chamfer 40 which points in the longitudinal direction L. The inner wall 36 can then slide along the introduction chamfer 40 during the plug-in process and press the respective spring arm 4 radially inwards.

[0046] The contact bends of the spring arms 4 are preferably arranged at a common height or in a height plane which is oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L. Thus, these spring arms 4 can be contacted and compressed uniformly at the same time during the plug-in process.

[0047] By separating the ring segments 12 in the relaxed state, at least before the ring closure, the mating force required for the mating process can be drastically reduced. After the ring closure, the mating force increases due to the increased support force exerted by the support ring on the frictional force between the spring arms 4 and the mating plug connector 30.

[0048] If the number of contact points, with which the contact elements contact the mating plug connector 30, is to be increased without additionally increasing the mating force after the ring closure, the contact element 1 can comprise at least one intermediate spring 42 arranged in a recess 26 between two spring arms 4. The intermediate spring 42 can extend from the common base 8 in the longitudinal direction L and can be equidistant to the spring arms 4 adjacent in the circumferential direction U.

[0049] It has been found that it is particularly advantageous if the number of intermediate springs 42 is less than the number of spring arms 4. This results in a particularly preferred ratio between the mating force and the normal contact force. As shown in the present embodiment, the contact element 1 can comprise three spring arms 4 and two intermediate springs 42 arranged around the opening 6 in the circumferential direction.

[0050] In order to prevent the intermediate springs 42 from rubbing and possibly buckling against the ring segments 12 or the support ring 18, the intermediate springs 42 can be shorter in length in the longitudinal direction L than the spring arms 4 and do not form a ring segment. In particular, the end 44 facing away from the base can be spaced apart from the ring segments 12 or the support ring 18 by a gap 46 in the longitudinal direction L.

[0051] The intermediate springs 42 can also be equipped with contact curves 38 projecting radially outward. Preferably, the contact curves 38 can be arranged at the same height or on a vertical plane substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction as the contact curves 38 of the spring arms 4, respectively. Thus, simultaneous contact of the spring arms 4 and the intermediate springs 42 can be ensured.

[0052] From Figure 4 As can be seen from the plug assembly 50 shown, the ring segments 12 can be dimensioned such that they form the support ring 18 when the mating process is complete.

[0053] Figure 5 An electrical plug connector 48 with the electrical contact element 1 is shown by way of example. The plug connector 48 can be a coaxial plug connector, wherein the contact element 1 is configured to contact a mating plug connector 30 radially outward (see Figure 4 ). In particular, the plug connector 48 can be a coaxial high-frequency plug connector for frequencies in the range from approximately 3 MHz to approximately 20 GHz, in particular approximately 15 GHz.

[0054] In particular for high frequency plug connectors, which have high requirements on contact ability and contact normal force, which are achieved by conventional plug connectors at the expense of high insertion forces. Due to the division into separate ring segments, the insertion forces can be reduced, while the required contact ability and normal contact force are ensured by the support ring 18 formed in the fully compressed state 16.

[0055] Reference signs

[0056] 1 contact element

[0057] 2 relaxed initial state

[0058] 4 spring arm

[0059] 6 opening

[0060] 8 base

[0061] 10 end

[0062] 12 ring segment

[0063] 14 groove

[0064] 16 compressed state

[0065] 18 support ring

[0066] 20 stamped and bent component

[0067] 22 support bar

[0068] 24 remaining portion

[0069] 26 recess

[0070] 28 side face

[0071] 30 mating plug connector

[0072] 31 mating contact element

[0073] 32 contact socket

[0074] 34 receptacle

[0075] 36 inner wall

[0076] 38 contact bend

[0077] 40 lead-in chamfer

[0078] 42 intermediate spring

[0079] 44 end

[0080] 46 gap

[0081] 48 plug connector

[0082] 50 plug assembly

[0083] L longitudinal direction

[0084] U circumferential direction

Claims

1. An electrical contact element (1) having a plurality of spring arms (4) which, in a contact-free relaxed initial state (2), are spaced apart from one another, are arranged around an opening (6) in a circumferential direction (U) and extend away from a common base (8) in a longitudinal direction (L), wherein The end portions (10) of the at least two spring arms (4) each form a ring segment (12) projecting at least on one side in the circumferential direction (U), the end portions (10) facing away from the common base (8), and wherein the ring segments (12) of the at least two spring arms (4) support each other in a fully compressed state (16) to form a support ring (18), wherein the electrical contact element (1) comprises at least one intermediate spring (42) extending in the longitudinal direction (L) between two spring arms (4) adjacent in the circumferential direction (U) from the common base (8), the at least one intermediate spring (42) being shorter in the longitudinal direction (L) than the spring arms (4).

2. The electrical contact element (1) according to claim 1, wherein The at least one ring segment (12) projects in the circumferential direction (U) on both sides of the respective spring arm (4).

3. The electrical contact element (1) according to claim 1, wherein The at least two ring segments (12) are equal in length in the circumferential direction (U).

4. The electrical contact element (1) according to claim 1, wherein Each of the plurality of spring arms (4) forms a separate ring segment (12).

5. The electrical contact element (1) according to claim 1, wherein The at least two spring arms (4) are connected by a common ring segment (12), and wherein at least one other spring arm (4) forms a ring segment (12) separate from the common ring segment (12).

6. The electrical contact element (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein The spring arms (4) each are provided with at least one contact bend (38) between the common base (8) and the end portion (10), the contact bend (38) projecting radially outward.

7. The electrical contact element (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein The ring segment (12) projects in the circumferential direction (U) beyond the rest (24) of the respective spring arm (4).

8. The electrical contact element (1) according to claim 1, wherein The at least one intermediate spring (42) does not form a ring segment.

9. The electrical contact element (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein The electrical contact element (1) comprises a plurality of intermediate springs (42), and wherein the number of intermediate springs (42) is less than the number of spring arms (4).

10. The electrical contact element (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein The at least one intermediate spring (42) comprises a contact bend (38) projecting radially outward, wherein the contact bends (38) of the at least one intermediate spring (42) of the spring arms (4) are arranged at a common height.

11. The electrical contact element (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein A side surface (28) of a ring segment (12) extends at an angle with respect to the longitudinal direction (L) and / or the circumferential direction (U), the side surface (28) abutting an adjacent ring segment (12) in the circumferential direction (U) in the fully compressed state (16).

12. A plug assembly (50) comprising an electrical contact element (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, and a mating contact element (31), wherein, The ring segments (12) are joined to form the support ring (18) in the fully plugged-in state.

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