Holder for receiving contact element

Abstract

The invention relates to a holder for receiving a contact element. The invention relates to a holder for receiving a contact element for an electrical plug connector, comprising a fastening region for fastening the holder to the contact element, and a spring region axially adjoining the fastening region and for contacting a contact spring arm of the contact element with a spring force. The cage also has a cover region which axially adjoins the spring region and serves to cover the insertion end of the contact element. A hole is formed in the spring region, and a rib is arranged in the hole. A first axial end of the rib is connected to the fixed region and a second axial end of the rib is connected to the cover region. Starting from the first axial end and from the second axial end, the rib is twisted in each case at a torsion angle [phi] R, [phi] R'with respect to the longitudinal axis of the rib such that the contact spring arm can be brought into contact with the contact point of the rib with a spring force.

Description

Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a cage for receiving contact elements.

[0002] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a contact device having a contact element and a cage, the contact element extending at least partially through the cage.

[0003] Finally, the present invention relates to an electrical plug connector having a contact device and a plug connector receptacle, the contact device extending at least partially through the plug connector receptacle and the contact device being connected to the plug connector receptacle. Background Art

[0004] Electrical plug connectors (especially for high-voltage applications in electric or hybrid vehicles, for example) have contact elements made of a material with high electrical conductivity. In high-voltage applications, copper is preferably used for this purpose. However, as is known, copper has the disadvantages of low aging resistance and low temperature stability. The elasticity or spring force of the contact spring tabs or contact spring arms of the contact element that come into contact with the associated mating contact element decreases over time or at the high temperatures typically occurring in high-voltage plug connectors due to material fatigue (relaxation). In both cases, the electrical contact resistance between the contact element and the mating contact element deteriorates in an unfavorable manner and may ultimately lose contact in extreme cases.

[0005] To prevent this, EP 2 690 716 B1, for example, proposes assembling the contact element at least in its contact area into a cylindrical receptacle (also called a cage) in which a plurality of additional springs corresponding to the number of contact spring arms of the contact element are formed. If the receptacle and its additional springs are made of a material with lower material fatigue (such as including stainless steel), and if each contact spring arm of the contact element contacts through the associated additional spring of the receptacle, then, if there is material fatigue in the copper of the contact element, the constant spring force of the additional spring acts on the associated contact spring arm and prevents the deterioration of the electrical contact between the contact spring arm and the mating contact element.

[0006] Such a contact device including a contact element and a cage basically has the following technical disadvantages:

[0007] Due to the relative movement between the individual contact spring arms and the associated additional springs during insertion of the mating contact element into the contact device, friction is generated between the individual contact spring arms and the associated additional springs, which additionally increases the insertion force.

[0008] Furthermore, the additional springs attached to the cage on one side are more easily damaged (such as bent) when being handled during assembly.

[0009] The aim is to mitigate these two technical drawbacks. Summary of the Invention

[0010] In view of this background, the fundamental object of the present invention is to describe a contact device including a contact element and a cage, which is improved in terms of its mechanical and / or geometric properties.

[0011] According to the present invention, this object is achieved by a cage having the features of claim 1.

[0012] Thus, there is provided:

[0013] A cage for receiving a contact element, the cage having:

[0014] - A fixing region for fixing the cage to the contact element,

[0015] - A spring region axially adjacent to the fixing region and adapted to contact a contact spring arm of the contact element with a spring force, and

[0016] - A covering region axially adjacent to the spring region and adapted to cover an insertion end portion of the contact element,

[0017] - Wherein, holes are formed in the spring region,

[0018] - Ribs are arranged in the holes,

[0019] - A first axial end of the rib is connected to the fixing region, and

[0020] - A second axial end of the rib is connected to the covering region,

[0021] - Wherein, starting from the first axial end and from the second axial end, the rib is twisted at a twist angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the rib in each case, such that the contact spring arm can contact the contact point of the rib with a spring force.

[0022] The insight / concept behind the present invention is to provide a cage having at least one rib, the at least one rib being attached to the cage at each of its two axial ends, and starting from the two axial ends of the rib, the rib is twisted around the longitudinal axis of the rib, such that on the one hand, the rib of the cage contacts the associated contact spring arm of the contact element, and on the other hand, the twisting of the rib generates a spring force in the rib, the rib acts rotationally with respect to the longitudinal axis and exerts a contact force on the associated contact spring arm.

[0023] During the process of plugging the mating contact element into the contact element, the attachment of the two axial ends of the rib to the cage enables the rib to perform only rotational movement about the longitudinal axis of the rib. In contrast, the associated contact spring arm attached to the contact element at a single axial end causes rotational movement about an axis during insertion, which axis is orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the contact element and thus orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the cage, and which axis extends in the transition between the contact spring arm and the rest of the body of the contact element. Since the rib is attached to the cage on both sides, the rib does not perform such rotational movement about an axis orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the cage. The relative movement between the rib rotating about the longitudinal axis of the rib and the contact spring arm rotating about an axis orthogonal to the contact spring arm is significantly less than the relative movement between the contact spring arm and the additional spring according to the prior art, where both the contact spring arm and the additional spring according to the prior art rotate about associated and parallel axes. Therefore, the friction associated with the relative movement between the rib of the cage according to the invention and the associated contact spring arm is significantly reduced, and thus a significantly lower insertion force is advantageously achieved during insertion.

[0024] The bilateral attachment of the rib to the cage according to the invention ensures better integration of the rib into the mounting space of the cage. Therefore, the protrusion of the rib from the mounting space of the cage (as in the case where the free axial end of the additional spring is attached to the cage on one side) is advantageously significantly reduced or completely eliminated, and thus the risk of damaging the rib during the assembly process is eliminated.

[0025] The cage or cage element can form a receiving portion into which the contact element can be at least partially inserted. Therefore, preferably, the cage has a cylindrical design to at least partially surround the contact element. The advantageous technical functions of the cage are in particular:

[0026] - Applying an additional long-term and temperature-stable spring force to the contact spring arm of the contact element to compensate for the spring force decline of the contact spring arm due to material fatigue,

[0027] - Protecting the contact spring arm of the contact element from damage as much as possible, especially during the assembly process, and

[0028] - Achieving the fastening of the contact element in the plug connector receiving portion and thus the axial positioning of the contact element in the plug connector receiving portion.

[0029] Therefore, preferably, the contact element extends at least with its contact area within the cage. Preferably, the basic geometry of the cage matches the basic geometry of the contact area of the contact element: Since the contact area of the contact element has at least one contact spring arm (each contact spring arm is in an elongated shape in each case to generate sufficient spring force), not only the contact element but also the shape of the cage is elongated. If the contact element is designed as a rotationally symmetric circular contact with a plurality of contact spring arms arranged in a rotationally symmetric configuration relative to the longitudinal axis, the associated cage is also made rotationally symmetric relative to the longitudinal axis of the cage. If the contact spring arms of the contact element for contacting a flat mating contact element are arranged in a cuboid basic structure with a rectangular cross-sectional profile, the cage also has a cuboid basic structure with a rectangular cross-sectional profile.

[0030] Since the contact element and the associated mating contact element can preferably be inserted relative to each other in the direction of the longitudinal axis, the cage preferably has insertion openings at the ends for inserting the mating contact element. Since preferably only a part of the length of the contact element extends within the cage, the remaining body of the contact element (preferably the connection area, which is designed as a crimping area, for example) extends out of the cage. Accordingly, corresponding end openings are preferably formed in the cage at the two axial ends of the cage. Therefore, the cage preferably has a cylindrical geometry, and the cylindrical geometry preferably surrounds the contact element at least in the contact area. As will be described in detail below, the mating contact element can also be adapted to be inserted laterally into the contact area of the contact element. Therefore, corresponding lateral insertion openings for feeding the mating contact element can be formed in a part of the length on at least one side of the cage (the at least contact area of the contact element is arranged in this part within the cage).

[0031] Preferably, the cage is made of a material with low material fatigue (preferably including stainless steel). Preferably, the cage is manufactured by stamping and bending. However, it is also conceivable to manufacture the cage by metal removal or casting.

[0032] In the elongated cage, the fixing area is formed such that the fixing area can be connected to the associated fastening area of the contact element in a mechanically stable manner. For this purpose, the geometry of the fixing area of the cage preferably corresponds to the geometry of the fastening area of the contact element: The fastening area of the contact element with a rectangular cross-sectional profile (such as a cylindrical fastening area) can extend within a similar cylindrical fixing area of the cage with a similar rectangular cross-sectional profile. However, it is also conceivable to deviate from this geometric equivalence as long as a mechanically stable fixing can be achieved thereby: For example, the fastening area of the contact element with a U-shaped cross-sectional profile can extend within the fixing area of the cage with a rectangular cross-sectional profile.

[0033] Preferably, the fixation between the fixation region and the fastening region is a positive design. For example, at least one latching lug that is stamped and bent in the fixation region in each case is latched in an associated latching recess formed in the fastening region in each case. In a less preferred embodiment, the positive engagement between the fixation region and the fastening region can also be achieved by an additional body (such as a clamping part) that is latched in the associated latching recesses of the fixation region and the fastening region. In addition, a non-positive fixation between the cage and the contact element can also be envisaged, for example, by implementing an interference fit between the fixation region and the fastening region. Finally, a material-bonding connection between the cage and the contact element can also be achieved, for example, by one or more brazing or welding points between the fixation region and the fastening region.

[0034] The spring region of the cage axially adjoins the fixation region of the cage in the direction of the insertion end of the cage, and at least one rib is formed in the spring region, and the at least one rib is for contacting an associated contact spring arm that is oppositely arranged in the contact element.

[0035] The covering region of the cage axially adjoins the spring region of the cage in the direction of the insertion end of the cage, and the covering region is configured to cover the insertion end of the contact element.

[0036] The three regions of the cage (the fixation region, the spring region, and the covering region) are preferably integrally connected to each other, especially in the case where the cage is implemented as a stamped and bent part. In a less preferred design, the three regions of the cage can also be each manufactured from a separate part and then connected to each other by known techniques. Therefore, preferably, each individual rib of the spring region is also connected to the fixation region and the covering region in each case.

[0037] Here and hereinafter, preferably, a rib should be understood to mean an elongated form with a small thickness. Therefore, the longitudinal extent is usually a multiple of the lateral extent. The small thickness and width of the rib (less than several times the length) enable the rib to be easily deformed in the rotational direction with respect to the longitudinal axis of the rib. Such a rib is also called a torsion rib because of its suitability for torsion, and this rib is prestressed by torsion and can transfer the spring force applied by the torsion prestress as a contact pressure to the contact spring arm of the contact element that contacts it.

[0038] Each individual rib in the spring region is connected to the fixed region at one axial end (referred to herein and hereinafter as the first axial end of the rib) and to the covering region at the other axial end (referred to herein and hereinafter as the second axial end of the rib). Thus, in each case, in the longitudinal extent direction of each individual rib, each individual rib extends in the longitudinal extent direction of the cage and thus in the longitudinal extent direction of the contact elements arranged at least partly in the cage. In order to enable the torsional movement to be carried out unhindered, preferably each individual rib is not connected to the cage at the lateral ends or lateral edges.

[0039] Accordingly, each individual rib is arranged in a hole in the cage, i.e. in a passage through the cage. In this case, a corresponding associated hole can be formed in the cage for each individual rib. Alternatively, a plurality of adjacent ribs can be arranged in a common hole. The ribs formed, for example, on the side walls of a cuboid cage can be arranged in a common hole of the cage.

[0040] Each individual rib makes point contact with the associated contact spring arm of the contact element via a contact point located on the rib surface.

[0041] Preferably, the contact point is located on the edge of the rib that is closest to the associated contact spring arm or formed on the rib in the direction of the contact spring arm. The contact point is located between the first end and the second end of the rib, preferably at the axial center between the first end and the second end of the rib. Alternatively, as will be explained in more detail below, the contact point of the rib can also be axially offset relative to the axial center of the rib.

[0042] The covering region of the cage, which is designed to protect the insertion ends of the contact regions (i.e. the respective contact spring arms of the contact elements), extends at least to the insertion ends of the contact elements, preferably beyond the insertion ends of the contact elements. In addition, in order to further protect the contact elements, an end protector for the contact elements can also be provided on the covering region.

[0043] Advantageous embodiments and improvements can be found in the appended dependent claims and in the description with reference to the figures of the drawings.

[0044] It goes without saying that, without departing from the scope of the invention, the above features and the features to be explained below can be used not only in the specifically specified combinations, but also in other combinations or individually.

[0045] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the contact point of the rib can be formed in the transverse portion of the rib, and the transverse portion forms a transverse extension or a transverse offset of the rib in the direction towards the associated contact spring arm. This extension or this offset of the rib can also be referred to as a contact tongue. Especially in the case of ribs with a narrow design, the approach of the contact point of the rib caused by the torsion of the rib to the associated contact spring arm may be too short to achieve contact between the contact point of the rib and the associated contact spring arm. In the case of narrow ribs, the transverse extension or the transverse offset is designed such that the contact spring arm can reliably contact the contact point of the rib.

[0046] In another advantageous embodiment of the present invention, a single rib can have a rounded edge at the corresponding contact point. In this way, wear of the coating on the surface of the contact element can be reduced or, in the best case, prevented. In particular, in the contact area, the contact element has a coating made of a material with high electrical conductivity (preferably made of silver or gold) to reduce the electrical contact resistance between the contact element and the mating contact element, which is important for high-voltage applications.

[0047] Preferably, the maximum torsional angle by which each rib is twisted or distorted relative to the longitudinal axis in the region of the contact point can be configured to be between 10° and 50°. If the torsional angle of the rib in this region is less than 10°, it is not possible to achieve sufficient spring force in the rib to enhance the spring force of the contact spring arm. If the torsional angle exceeds 50°, the spring force exerted by the rib on the contact spring arm is too large, and the required insertion force is too large. A better compromise between the spring force achievable in the rib and the resulting insertion force can be achieved particularly preferably by a torsional angle between 18° and 30°, and very particularly preferably by a torsional angle between 21° and 24°.

[0048] As already explained, in a preferred embodiment, the cage according to the present invention can accommodate flat contact elements, i.e., flat contact elements designed as connectors for plug-in connection with flat mating contact elements designed as contact strips. In this preferred embodiment, the cage can have a basic geometric shape of a cuboid with a rectangular cross-sectional profile.

[0049] Ribs can be formed on one side of the cage, and the ribs contact a single contact spring arm of the contact element with a spring force to fix the flat mating contact element between the single contact spring arm and the opposite side wall. Alternatively, in at least one pair of ribs, symmetrically arranged ribs can be formed on opposite sides of the cage, i.e., formed as relatively arranged ribs. Finally, it is conceivable to form ribs asymmetrically on two opposite sides of the cage, for example, forming one rib on one side and implementing a transverse offset to form two ribs on the opposite side of the cage.

[0050] If the flat contact element has two pairs of contact spring arms in its contact area, each pair of contact spring arms being composed of contact spring arms extending opposite to each other, then in the case of contact spring arms with the same design, due to the contact spring arms being arranged in series in the transverse direction, during each transverse insertion cycle of the flat mating contact element into the flat connector contact element, the coating on the mating contact element undergoes double wear. To prevent this double wear, the contact points of the two contact spring arms with the mating contact element in the contact plane can each be formed to be axially offset relative to each other in the longitudinal extent direction of the contact spring arms.

[0051] To ensure this, as will be explained in more detail below, the contact points of the ribs preferably contact the contact surface of the contact spring arm, which is oriented parallel to the contact plane where the contact spring arm contacts the mating contact element in the plugged state of the contact element and the mating contact element. The axial position of the contact point of the rib with the associated contact spring arm should be aligned with the axial position of the contact point where the contact spring arm contacts the mating contact element: Thus, in another preferred embodiment of the cage according to the invention, the contact points of those ribs formed on the same side of the spring region of the cage can each be formed to be offset relative to each other in the axial direction of the rib.

[0052] In particular, the contact point of the rib in contact with the associated contact spring arm (the contact point of which with the mating contact element is formed to be axially closer to the fastening region of the contact element) can similarly be formed to be axially closer to the fixed region of the cage than the contact point of another rib in contact with another associated contact spring arm (the contact point of which with the mating contact element is formed to be axially farther from the fastening region of the contact element).

[0053] In another particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, in the case of ribs having contact points formed in an axially offset manner in each case, each of the diagonally opposite ribs of the two parallel contact spring pairs can be formed at the same axial position within the longitudinal extent of the rib. Thus, the contact points of the diagonally opposite ribs can be at the same axial distance from the fixed region.

[0054] In this way, advantageously, a flat contact element having two pairs of contact spring arms can be flexibly inserted into a cage having ribs, the ribs having contact points formed in an axially offset manner in each case, in two possible orientations, i.e., orientations rotated 180° relative to each other with respect to the longitudinal axis of the contact element, without the need to provide mutually matching mechanical numbering means on the cage and the associated contact element respectively. Thus, the design of the ribs on one side of the cage corresponds to the design of the ribs on the opposite side of the cage (i.e., the view of the cage "seen from above" corresponds to the view of the cage "seen from below").

[0055] Preferably, the torsional angle of the rib whose contact point is axially further away from the fixing region in each case can be greater than the torsional angle of the rib whose contact point is axially closer to the fixing region in each case.

[0056] Thus, the rib whose associated contact point is at a greater axial distance from the fixing region can have a higher spring stiffness on the associated contact spring arm compared to the rib whose associated contact point is at a shorter axial distance from the fixing region. Since the rib whose contact point is axially further away from the fixing region of the cage contacts a contact spring arm (the contact point of this contact spring arm with the mating element is axially further away from the fastening region of the contact element and thus this contact spring arm has a lower spring stiffness), by this further preferred embodiment of the invention, the total spring stiffness including the spring stiffness of the rib and the spring stiffness of the associated contact spring arm can be made equal for all rib-contact spring arm pairs. Thus, the mating contact element can withstand equal contact pressures from all contact spring arms and can thus achieve equal electrical contact resistances at all electrical transition portions between the contact element and the mating contact element.

[0057] Due to the equal axial distances between the contact points of two diagonally opposite ribs and the fixing region of the cage, accordingly, the two diagonally opposite ribs are each twisted by the same amount of torsional angle.

[0058] In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, an axial insertion opening for axially inserting and plugging a mating contact element into the contact element may be formed at the front end of the covering area. Preferably, the cross-sectional profile of the axial insertion opening may match the cross-sectional profile of the mating contact element. To protect the end of the contact spring arm, the cross-section of the axial insertion opening may be reduced relative to the cross-section of the cage at the insertion end of the cage. In the case of a cage implemented as a stamped and bent part, the end covering of the contact spring arm may be achieved, for example, by bending the two side walls of the covering area of the cage at 90°. Optionally, the lateral ends of the end covering may be bent at an angle less than 90° in the opposite direction to the insertion direction of the mating contact element to achieve a catching funnel function in the end covering, thereby avoiding sharp edges.

[0059] To enable a flat mating contact element to be laterally inserted into the contact element along an insertion direction orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the contact element or along two insertion directions orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the contact element, corresponding lateral insertion openings may be formed at at least one lateral end of the spring area, preferably at both lateral ends of the spring area. Preferably, the cross-sectional profile of the lateral insertion opening may match the cross-sectional profile of the mating contact element. The lateral insertion opening may extend not only within the spring area of the cage (preferably, the contact area of the contact element is formed in the spring area), but also beyond the covering area up to the insertion end of the cage. In the latter case, the axial insertion opening may be incorporated into at least one lateral insertion opening. At least one lateral insertion opening is formed on the other side of the cage in each case, and this other side is different from the side of the cage where ribs are formed in each case.

[0060] To provide lateral protection for the contact spring arm, the height of each lateral insertion opening may be reduced relative to the corresponding lateral height of the cage at the lateral end of the cage. In the case of a cage implemented as a stamped and bent part, the lateral covering of the contact spring arm may be achieved, for example, by bending the two edge areas of the cage at 90° in the area of the lateral insertion opening. Optionally, the lateral ends of the lateral covering may be bent at an angle less than 90° in the opposite direction to the lateral insertion direction of the mating contact element in each case to achieve a catching funnel function in each individual lateral covering, thereby avoiding sharp edges.

[0061] In addition to the mentioned technical functions, the cage also performs a guiding function for the mating contact element by forming an end covering and a lateral covering.

[0062] Preferably, the technical function of fastening the contact element in the plug connector receptacle by means of a cage can be achieved by positive engagement: For this purpose, a latching device (preferably a latching hook, a latching nose or a latching lug) can be formed on the cage, and this latching device can be latched with a mating latching device (preferably a latching recess) on the plug connector receptacle. In order to achieve a high latching force, preferably, the latching device can have an elongate extent in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the cage. In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the latching device is formed in a hole of the cage, in which at least one rib is also arranged. In addition to fastening the cage to the plug connector receptacle by positive engagement, non-positive fastening (e.g., press fit) or material-bonding fastening (e.g., brazing, welding, adhesive bonding) can also be envisaged.

[0063] In order to protect the ribs against damage in the transverse direction, corresponding transverse protection walls can be formed on the two transverse edges of one or more holes, and in the case of a cage which is embodied as a stamped and bent part, these walls can be embodied, for example, as the laterally bent edge regions of one or more holes of the cage facing outwards.

[0064] The invention also includes a contact device for contacting a mating contact element of an electrical mating plug connector. The contact device has a contact element and a cage, and the contact element extends at least partially through the cage. The technical features, technical characteristics and technical aspects described hitherto with respect to the cage apply in a similar manner to the contact device according to the invention and to all other technical subjects of the invention yet to be described.

[0065] The contact element has at least one fastening region and a contact region, the at least one fastening region being connected or connectable to a fixing region of the cage, the contact region being axially adjacent to the fastening region and being for making electrical and mechanical contact with an associated mating contact element. The contact region has at least one contact spring arm, the at least one contact spring arm being connected to the fastening region in each case, wherein the at least one contact spring arm is configured to contact the mating contact element in each case. As further explained above, the contact region can also have a plurality of contact spring arms. In the case of a flat contact element, preferably, there can be two pairs of oppositely positioned contact spring arms, the opposite positioning meaning that two contact spring arms are arranged on both sides and are symmetric with respect to the flat mating contact element.

[0066] Due to prestressing the ribs by twisting them about their longitudinal axes, the contact points of the individual ribs contact the associated contact spring arms with a spring force in each case. The spring force from the ribs acting on the associated contact spring arms prestresses the contact spring arms. In the plugged-together state of the contact element and the mating contact element, the contact spring arms are additionally prestressed by the mating contact element. Thus, the contact pressure exerted by the contact spring arms on the mating contact element is the result of the spring force of the ribs and the spring force of the associated contact spring arms. The spring force of the contact spring arms is enhanced by the spring force of the ribs.

[0067] Relative to the contact area, the fastening area can be axially joined to the connection area of the contact element, which is used to electrically and mechanically connect the contact element to an electrical lead (i.e., a cable) or an electrical conductor of a circuit board. The electrical connection can be made by means of a soldering or welding bond through material adhesion or alternatively by means of a crimp connection through positive and / or non-positive engagement.

[0068] In a preferred embodiment of the contact device according to the invention, the contact points of the individual ribs can contact the contact surfaces of the associated contact spring arms, which are shaped such that when contact occurs between the contact surfaces of the contact spring arms and the mating contact element, the contact surfaces are oriented parallel to the contact surface. Thus, the force transmission from the ribs to the contact spring arms and thus the contact pressure exerted by the contact spring arms on the mating contact element advantageously remains constant, even if the contact points of the ribs are displaced relative to the contact surfaces of the contact spring arms due to variations in the manufacturing precision of the cage and the ribs of the cage.

[0069] In another preferred embodiment of the contact device according to the invention, which is particularly suitable for flat contact, the contact element can comprise two pairs of contact elements, each pair of contact elements comprising two opposing contact spring arms. The contact points of the contact spring arms, which are configured to contact the same contact surface of the mating contact element, can be formed in a manner offset relative to each other in the axial direction along the contact spring arms.

[0070] As already explained, this prevents double wear of the coating on the mating contact element during the insertion cycle of the contact element and the mating contact element.

[0071] Preferably, the contact points of the respective contact spring arms can each be formed on a lateral extension or lateral projection of the contact spring arm in the direction of the mating contact element.

[0072] In the case of flat contact, in another advantageous embodiment of the contact device according to the invention, the contact points of the diagonally opposite contact spring arms, which are configured to contact the mating contact element, can each be formed at the same axial distances y1, y2 from the fastening area.

[0073] In this way, the relative positioning of the contact points of the respective contact spring arms of the contact element that are in contact with the mating contact element matches the relative positioning of the contact points of the respective ribs of the cage that are in contact with the contact spring arms associated with the contact element. Accordingly, the contact pressure of the respective contact spring arms of the contact element on the mating contact element can be set to the same level, and each contact spring arm is subjected to an additional contact pressure by the associated rib of the cage.

[0074] Furthermore, the invention includes an electrical plug connector having a contact device and a plug connector receptacle, wherein the contact device extends at least partially through the plug connector receptacle and the contact device is connected to the plug connector receptacle.

[0075] The technical features, technical characteristics, and technical aspects already mentioned with reference to the contact device apply in a similar manner to the electrical plug connector.

[0076] Finally, the invention also includes an electrical plug connection having an electrical plug connector and an associated electrical mating plug connector, the electrical mating plug connector having mating contact elements. The mating contact elements of the electrical mating plug connector are electrically contactable or in electrical contact with the contact elements of the contact device integrated into the electrical plug connector.

[0077] The invention also relates to a contact element of an electrical plug connector independent of claim 1 for contacting a mating contact element of an associated electrical mating plug connector. The contact element has a fastening region and a contact region that is axially adjacent to the fastening region and is for contacting the mating contact element, wherein the contact element has two pairs of spring contact arms, each pair of spring contact arms including two opposing spring contact arms, the two opposing spring contact arms each being connected to the fastening region, and wherein the contact points of the contact spring arms configured to contact the same contact surface of the mating contact element are formed so as to be offset relative to each other in the axial direction along the contact spring arms. The features described in the dependent claims and the description relate to advantageous embodiments and variants of the contact element. The applicant expressly reserves the right to claim the contact element, and here the contact element is described independently of claim 1 (i.e., preferably, in particular independently of the "cage" and its features), optionally in combination with the features of the contact element described in connection with the cage and shown together with the cage in the drawings. The applicant also reserves the right to claim the electrical plug connector and the electrical plug connection having a contact element independent of claim 1 (that is, preferably also without the described cage).

[0078] If applicable, the above embodiments and other improvements can be combined in any desired manner. Other possible embodiments, other improvements and implementations of the present invention also include implicit combinations of the features of the present invention described above or below with respect to the exemplary embodiments. In particular, those skilled in the art will also add various aspects as improvements or supplements to the corresponding basic forms of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0079] The present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the exemplary embodiments shown in the schematic diagrams of the drawings. In the drawings:

[0080] Figure 1A An isometric view of the flat contact device according to the present invention in the unplugged state is shown,

[0081] Figure 1B An isometric view of the flat contact device according to the present invention in the plugged state is shown,

[0082] Figure 2A A longitudinal section through the cage for flat contact elements according to the present invention is shown,

[0083] Figure 2B An isometric view of the cage for flat contact elements according to the present invention is shown,

[0084] Figure 2C A plan view of the cage for flat contact elements according to the present invention is shown,

[0085] Figure 2D A cross-section through the cage for flat contact elements according to the present invention is shown,

[0086] Figure 2E An enlarged view of the details of a cross-section through the cage for flat contact elements according to the present invention is shown,

[0087] Figure 3 A longitudinal section through the flat contact element according to the present invention is shown,

[0088] Figure 4 A longitudinal section through the flat contact device according to the present invention is shown,

[0089] Figure 5 An isometric view of the plug-in connector for flat contact according to the present invention, which is inserted laterally, is shown,

[0090] Figure 6A An isometric view of a circular contact element is shown,

[0091] Figure 6B An isometric view of the cage for circular contact elements according to the present invention is shown,

[0092] Figure 6C shows an isometric view of a circular contact device according to the present invention,

[0093] Figure 7A shows a longitudinal section through a plug-in connector for front-side flat contact according to the present invention in an unplugged state, and

[0094] Figure 7B shows a longitudinal section through a plug-in connector for front-side flat contact according to the present invention in a plugged state.

[0095] The illustrations of the drawings are intended to better understand embodiments of the present invention. The drawings show embodiments and, together with the description, are used to clarify the principles and concepts of the present invention. With reference to the drawings, other embodiments and many of the stated advantages will become apparent. The elements of the drawings are not necessarily shown to scale relative to each other.

[0096] In the illustrations of the drawings, unless otherwise stated, elements, features, and components that are identical, functionally identical, and have the same effect are each denoted by the same reference numeral.

[0097] The drawings are described together below in a general manner. Detailed Description

[0098] The contact device 1 including the flat contact element 2 and the associated cage 3 is shown in Figure 1A in an unplugged state and in Figure 1B in a plugged state. The contact element 2 and the corresponding cage 3 are each made of stamped and bent parts.

[0099] In the longitudinal extent of the contact element 2 along the longitudinal axis L1, the contact element 2 has a contact region 4, a fastening region 5 axially adjacent to the contact region 4, and a connection region 6 axially adjacent to the fastening region 5. In this case, the connection region 6 is designed, for example, as a crimping region having a first pair of crimping lugs 71 and a second pair of crimping lugs 72, the first pair of crimping lugs 71 for crimping to the electrical conductor of a cable (not shown) and the second pair of crimping lugs 72 for crimping to the cable sheath of the cable. In Figure 1A and Figure 1B the shown configuration, the contact region 4 of the contact element 2 has two pairs of contact spring arms 8, each pair of contact spring arms being arranged opposite to each other, and the contact spring arms are each connected to the fastening region 5 at one axial end. A mating contact element designed as a flat contact (i.e., a contact blade) can be inserted between the two pairs of contact spring arms 8 arranged opposite to each other and can be electrically contacted by said arms.

[0100] In the longitudinal extent of the cage 3 along the longitudinal axis L2, the cage 3 has a fixing region 9, a spring region 10, and a covering region 11. The fixing region is fixed or fixable to the fastening region 5 of the contact element 2. The spring region is axially adjacent to the fixing region 9, and the covering region is axially adjacent to the spring region 10.

[0101] As Figure 1A and Figure 1B shown, the fixing between the fastening region 5 and the fixing region 8 is achieved, for example, by at least one latching lug 12. At least one latching lug is formed on the cage 3 and is positively latched or positively latchable into an associated latching recess 13 formed in the contact element 2. As an alternative, other positive, non-positive, or material connection variants between the fastening region 5 of the contact element 2 and the fixing region 8 of the cage 3 are also possible.

[0102] At least one rib 15 is arranged in the hole 14 in the spring region 9. The rib contacts the corresponding associated contact spring arm 8 in the plugged-in state of the contact device 1, especially as Figure 4 shown. Therefore, preferably, the number of ribs 15 of the cage 3 corresponds to the number of contact spring arms 8 of the contact element 2. Each rib 15 is connected to the fixing region 9 at the first axial end 16 of the rib and is connected to the covering region 11 at the second axial end 17 of the rib. The longitudinal axis of each rib 15 extends in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis L2 of the cage 3. Each rib 15 is designed as a torsion rib in each case, that is to say, starting from the first axial end 16 and the second axial end 17 of the rib respectively, each rib 15 is twisted by a twist angle φ R (see Figure 2D ) in the direction of the axial portion 19 located between the first axial end 16 and the second axial end 17 with respect to the longitudinal axis of the rib. Due to the torsion of the ribs 15, prestress is applied to each rib 15, so that the spring force established due to the prestress in the ribs 15 can apply sufficient contact pressure on the associated contact spring arm 8 in contact therewith. Merely the torsion of each rib 15 enables contact between the rib 15 and the associated contact spring arm 8.

[0103] To improve the contact between the contact spring arm 8 and the associated rib 15, a transverse portion 20 is formed on the rib 15 in the axial portion 19 of the rib 15 in the direction of the associated contact spring arm 8. The transverse portion is also referred to as a contact tongue and is designed as a transverse extension or transverse offset of the rib 15. Preferably, the contact point 21 of the rib 15 (see Figure 4) are formed in the transverse portion 19 or in the region of the contact tongue, and the contact points provide contact with the contact spring arms 8. It is also conceivable that a plurality of contact points 21 in the transverse portion 20 of the rib 15 contact the associated contact spring arms 15.

[0104] The covering area 11 of the cage 3 covers the contact spring arms 8 of the contact element 1 as much as possible in the axial and transverse directions to prevent the contact spring arms 8 from being damaged from the outside. In the plugged state of the contact device, the contact spring arms 8 of the contact element 2 do not contact the covering area 11 of the cage 3 (see Figure 4 ) to avoid restricting the spring travel of the respective contact spring arms 8.

[0105] An axial insertion opening 23 is formed in the cage 3 at the insertion end 22 of the cage 3, and the mating contact element can be axially inserted into the contact device 1 through this opening. In the regions of the spring region 10 and the covering region 11 of the cage 3, corresponding transverse insertion openings 25 are formed in two opposite side walls 24 of the cage 3, and the corresponding mating contact elements can be inserted into the contact device 1 through each of the openings in one of the two possible transverse insertion directions (see Figure 5 ). Transverse insertion openings 25 are formed in each of the two opposite side walls 24 of the cage 3, and the two opposite side walls 24 of the cage are orthogonally oriented with respect to the side wall 26 of the cage 3 having the rib 15 in the shape of a cuboid. Preferably, the axial insertion opening 23 and the two transverse insertion openings 25 merge with each other, as is particularly evident in Figure 1B .

[0106] To fasten the contact device 1 in the plug connector receptacle, at least one fastening device 27, preferably two fastening devices 27, is formed in the cage 3. Each fastening device 27 is preferably implemented as a latching lug having a longitudinal extent in the direction of the longitudinal axis L2 to achieve as large a spring force and as large a spring travel as possible. In each case, each latching lug is formed parallel to the rib 15 in the bore 14 of the cage 3.

[0107] To axially protect the respective contact spring arms 8 of the contact element 2, the axial insertion opening 23 at the insertion end 22 of the cage 3 is bounded by the axial protection region 28 of the cage 3, and a catching funnel function is formed at the transverse end of this axial protection region in the direction of the insertion opening 23 (see Figure 1A ). In an equivalent manner, each transverse insertion opening 25 is bounded by two transverse protection regions 29 of the cage 3 to transversely protect the respective contact spring arms 8 of the contact element 2. A catching funnel function is similarly formed at each transverse end of the transverse protection region 29 of the cage 3 in the direction of the insertion opening 25.

[0108] Figures 2A to 2E Shows a cage 3 for a flat contact element 2 according to the invention. Figure 2A Shows a longitudinal section, Figure 2B Shows an isometric view, Figure 2C Shows a transverse plane view, Figure 2D Shows a cross-section.

[0109] Preferably, the contact points 21 in the torsional transverse portions 20 of the ribs 15 formed on the same side wall 26 of the cage 3 are formed in such a way that they are axially offset from each other in the direction of the longitudinal axis L2 of the cage, as can be seen from Figure 2A clearly shown. Particularly preferably, the contact points 21 in the torsional transverse portions 20 of the diagonally opposite ribs 15 are respectively at equal axial distances x1 and x2 from the fixed region 9 of the cage 3.

[0110] In Figure 2D the cross-sectional view of the cage 3 shows the torsion of the respective ribs 15 about the longitudinal axis of the rib. As can be seen from Figure 2D the two diagonally opposite ribs 15 are each rotated by a torsional angle φ R which is slightly less than the torsional angle φ R ' by which the other two diagonally opposite ribs 15 are each rotated. Thus, the two first-mentioned ribs 15 have a lower spring stiffness than the two last-mentioned ribs 15, and each of the first-mentioned ribs contacts a contact spring arm 8 having a higher spring stiffness than the two last-mentioned ribs 15. Thus, the overall stiffness of each pair of ribs 15 and contact spring arms 8 is the same in each case.

[0111] In Figure 2E the enlarged detail view of the rib 15 in shows that the contact point 21 of the rib 15 with the associated contact spring arm 8 is formed at the circular edge of the rib 15.

[0112] Figure 3 Shows details of a contact element 2 according to the invention having a contact region 4 and an axially adjacent fastening region 5. The contact region 4 of the contact element 2 for contacting a flat mating contact element has two pairs of contact spring arms 8, each pair of contact spring arms being arranged opposite each other. Preferably, the respective contact points 30 of the contact spring arms 8 contacting the same contact surface of the flat mating contact element are each at different axial distances y1 and y2 from the fastening region 5 of the contact element 2 in the direction of the longitudinal axis L1. Particularly preferably, the contact points 30 of the respective diagonally opposite contact spring arms 8 are at the same axial distance y1 or y2 from the fastening region 5.

[0113] Figure 4Shows a contact device 1 including a contact element 2 and a cage 3 in a plugged-in state. The contact point 21 of each rib 15 contacts the contact surface K of the associated contact spring arm 8 F ( Figure 4 (the dashed line in F is formed such that in the state where the contact device 1 and the flat mating contact element are plugged together, the contact surface is oriented parallel to the associated contact surface of the flat mating contact element.

[0114] Figure 5 Shows a flat mating contact element 31 being inserted laterally into the contact device 1.

[0115] Figure 6A Shows a circular contact element 2', and the contact area 4' of the circular contact element has a plurality of contact spring arms 8' arranged along the circumferential direction of the contact element 2'. In Figure 6B , a corresponding number of ribs 15' are formed in the associated cage 3'. Finally, Figure 6C shows a contact device 1' having a circular contact element 2' and an associated cage 3', and the ribs 15' of the associated cage are twisted such that the ribs 15' contact the associated contact spring arms 8' with contact pressure.

[0116] An electrical plug-in connector 32 including an electrical plug connector 33 and an associated electrical mating plug connector 34 is shown in Figure 7A in an unplugged state and in Figure 7B in a plugged-in state. The electrical plug connector 33 includes a contact device 1 having a contact element 2, and the contact element 2 is fastened in the associated cage 3. The cage is fastened in the plug connector receptacle 35 by two fastening means 27 designed as latching lugs. The electrical mating plug connector 34 includes a mating contact element 36, and the mating contact element is designed as a flat contact element, and the flat contact element is similarly fastened in the mating plug connector receptacle 37 by a fastening means designed as a latching lug. For example, the plug connector receptacle 35 and the mating plug connector receptacle 37 can be fixed relative to each other by a latching connection, and the latching connection is composed of a latching hook portion 38 on the plug connector receptacle 35 and an associated latching recess 39 in the mating plug connector receptacle 37.

[0117] Although the present invention has been fully described above with reference to preferred exemplary embodiments, the present invention is not limited thereto, but can be modified in various ways.

Claims

1. A holder (3, 3') for receiving a contact element (2, 2') for an electrical plug connector (33), the holder comprising a fixing region (9), a spring region (10) and a covering region (11), the fixing region being used to fix the holder (3) on the contact element (2, 2'), the spring region being axially adjacent to the fixing region (9) and being used to contact with a contact spring arm (8, 8') of the contact element (2, 2') with a spring force, the covering region being axially adjacent to the spring region (10) and being used to cover an insertion end of the contact element (2, 2'), wherein: A hole (14) is formed in the spring region (10), in which a rib (15, 15') is arranged, a first axial end (16) of the rib being connected to the fixing region (9) and a second axial end (17) of the rib being connected to the covering region (11), wherein, starting from the first axial end (16) and from the second axial end (17), the rib (15, 15') is in each case twisted at an angle φ to the longitudinal axis of the rib (15, 15'). R ,φ R ' is twisted so that the contact spring arm (8, 8') can contact the contact point (21) of the rib (15, 15') with the spring force.

2. The retaining frame (3, 3') according to claim 1, It is characterized in that The contact point (21) of the rib (15, 15') is formed in a transverse portion (20) of the rib (15, 15'), which forms a transverse extension or transverse offset of the rib (15, 15') in the direction towards the contact spring arm (8, 8').

3. The retaining frame (3, 3') according to claim 1 or 2, It is characterized in that The rib (15, 15') has a rounded edge at the contact point (21).

4. A cage (3, 3') according to any one of claims 1 to 3, It is characterized in that The torsion angle φ R ,φ R 'Preferably between 10° and 50°, particularly preferably between 18° and 30° and very particularly preferably between 21° and 24°.

5. The cage (3, 3') according to any one of claims 1 to 4, It is characterized in that The retaining frame (3, 3') has a rectangular cross-sectional profile, at least one rib (15, 15') is formed on each of the two opposite sides of the spring area (10), preferably two pairs of ribs each comprising two opposite ribs (15, 15') are formed on each of the two opposite sides of the spring area.

6. The cage (3, 3') according to claim 5, It is characterized in that The contact points (21) of the ribs (15, 15') formed on the same side of the spring region (10) are each formed in a manner offset relative to each other in the axial direction of the ribs (15, 15').

7. A cage (3, 3') according to claim 5 or 6, It is characterized in that The contact points (21) on the diagonally opposite ribs (15, 15') are each at the same axial distance x1, x2 from the fixing region (9).

8. A cage (3, 3') according to any one of claims 5 to 7, It is characterized in that The torsion angle φ of the rib (15, 15') whose contact point (21) is in each case further away from the fixing region (9) R ' is greater than the torsion angle φ of the rib (15, 15') whose contact point (21) is in each case axially closer to the fixing region (9). R .

9. A cage (3, 3') according to any one of claims 1 to 8, It is characterized in that An axial insertion opening (23) is formed at the front end (22) of the cover area (11).

10. The cage (3, 3') according to any one of claims 1 to 9, It is characterized in that A lateral insertion opening (25) is formed at at least one lateral end of the spring region (10), preferably at each of the two lateral ends of the spring region (10).

11. A contact device (1, 1') for contacting a mating contact element (36) of an electrical mating plug connector (34), the contact device comprising a contact element (2, 2') and a holder (3, 3') according to any one of claims 1 to 10, the contact element (2, 2') extending at least partially through the holder, wherein: The contact element (2, 2') has a fastening region (5) and a contact region (4), the fastening region being connected to the fixing region (9) of the holder (3, 3') and the contact region being axially adjacent to the fastening region (5), wherein the contact region (4) has at least one contact spring arm (8, 8') connected to the fastening region (5) in each case, wherein the at least one contact spring arm (8, 8') is in each case configured to be in contact with the mating contact element (36), wherein the contact point (21) of the respective rib (15, 15') in each case is in contact with the associated contact spring arm (8, 8') with the spring force.

12. The contact device (1, 1') according to claim 11, It is characterized in that The contact point (21) of the corresponding rib (15, 15') and the contact surface K of the associated contact spring arm (8, 8') F The contact surface is shaped so that when contact occurs between the contact spring arm (8, 8') and the contact surface of the mating contact element (36), the contact surface K F Oriented parallel to the contact surface.

13. The contact device (1, 1') according to claim 12, It is characterized in that The contact element (2, 2') comprises two pairs of contact elements, each pair of contact elements comprises two opposing contact spring arms (8, 8'), wherein the contact points (21) of the contact spring arms (8, 8') configured to contact the same contact surface of the mating contact element (36) are formed in a manner offset relative to each other in the axial direction of the contact spring arms (8, 8').

14. The contact device (1, 1') according to claim 13, It is characterized in that The contact points (21) of the diagonally opposite contact spring arms (8, 8') configured to contact the mating contact element (36) are each formed at the same axial distance y1, y2 from the fastening region (5).

15. An electrical plug connector (33), comprising a contact device (1, 1') according to any one of claims 11 to 14 and a plug connector receptacle (35), the contact device (1, 1') at least partially extending through the plug connector receptacle and the contact device (1, 1') being connected to the plug connector receptacle.

Images