Electrical connector, docking station and vehicle

Abstract

Electrical connecting element (5), comprising: a cover (47) with at least one through-opening (49), at least one conductive contact spring (21) with a first contact part (23) and a second contact part (25) that is elastically movable relative to it, wherein the second contact part (25) comprises a first section (25a) which projects at least into the through-opening (49) and a second section (25b) which follows the first section (25a) in the direction of the first contact part (23) and is biased against the cover (47), and wherein the first section (25a) has a dome produced by deep drawing, and a limiting element (55) which is designed to limit compression of the contact spring (21), wherein the limiting element (55) is designed to rest against the second section (25b) of the contact spring (21) when the contact spring (21) is compressed characterized by the fact that the electrical connecting element (5) comprises a support element (7) on which the first contact part (23) can be supported, wherein the cover (47) and the support element (7) are formed in one piece or are firmly connected to each other.

Description

Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to an electrical connecting element, to a docking station provided for a mobile electrical device with such an electrical connecting element, and to a vehicle with such a docking station. background

[0002] Electrical connectors are used in a wide variety of applications. For example, such connectors are used for the electrical coupling of mobile devices to docking stations.

[0003] Document DE 195 01 651 A1 discloses an electrical connecting element for contacting a mobile device equipped with flat contacts. The connecting element comprises a stationary receiving part in which a printed circuit board is arranged. A spring strip is mounted on this printed circuit board below an opening provided in the receiving part. The spring strip consists of a spring carrier with a plurality of contact springs clamped therein at their lower legs. The upper legs of the contact springs are free to deflect.

[0004] The upper legs of the contact springs are covered by a protective cap. This cap has outward-facing windows through which the contact tips of the springs are exposed. The contact springs press this cap against the mounting part in such a way that the cap's stop shoulders, in conjunction with the inner edges of the opening, limit its outward movement. Thus, the cap is movable relative to the mounting part, the circuit board, and the spring carrier.

[0005] The solution from document DE 195 01 651 A1 has the disadvantage that the shape of the contact springs creates open passages between an outside and an inside of the receiving part at their curved free ends (see, for example, the side view according to Fig. 3 of DE 195 01 651 A1). Through these openings, dust and liquids can penetrate directly into the interior of the connecting part and impair its functionality. Furthermore, the openings are bordered by edges where contaminants can accumulate and users can cut themselves or snag their clothing. Such edges also promote damage to the contact springs.

[0006] Dust and liquids are significant sources of interference when using such an electrical connector, for example, in a docking station in the area of ​​a vehicle's center console. It is common for a cup holder to be located in the center console. The proximity of such a cup holder to an electrical connector necessitates liquid protection for the latter. Ultimately, a spilled beverage in the cup holder should not allow liquid to penetrate the electrical connector.

[0007] Dust also tends to accumulate in the center console area of ​​a vehicle. This is due, for example, to the frequent use of a gearshift lever located in the center console or to reaching for the controls along the center console. Dust entering the electrical connector can also impair its functionality.

[0008] US 5,980,335 A describes an electrical connecting element with conductive contact springs and a second contact part having a first section and a second section that is biased against a cover. US 5,378,160 A describes the closest prior art. Further relevant prior art is disclosed in WO 2006 / 050204 A1, DE 102005027213 A1, US 9281584 B2, and JP S63-23776 U. Brief overview

[0009] The object underlying the invention is to provide a robust electrical connecting element that ensures safe operation and contact.

[0010] The problem is solved according to the invention by an electrical connecting element with the features of claim 1, as well as by a docking station for a mobile electrical device with the features of claim 8 and a vehicle with the features of claim 10. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0011] The electrical connecting element comprises a cover with a through-opening and a conductive contact spring with a first contact part and a second contact part elastically movable relative to it, wherein the second contact part comprises a first section that projects at least into the through-opening and a second section that follows the first section in the direction of the first contact part and is biased against the cover, the first section having a dome produced by deep drawing. Furthermore, the electrical connecting element comprises a limiting element configured to limit compression of the contact spring, wherein the limiting element is configured to bear against the second section of the contact spring when the contact spring is compressed.Finally, the electrical connecting element includes a support element against which the first contact part can be supported, wherein the cover and the support element are formed in one piece or are firmly connected to each other.

[0012] The first section can generally have an essentially circular cross-section. Additionally or alternatively, the first section can be at least essentially closed in the circumferential direction and especially in its curved area (i.e., in the area of ​​the dome) (e.g., except for manufacturing-related artifacts, particularly those resulting from deep drawing).

[0013] The first section can comprise a dome-forming first part and a second hollow cylindrical part. The second part can connect the first part to the second section. Alternatively, one or more further sections could be provided between the first and second sections. The second part can extend perpendicularly from the second section. The second part can be longer in its direction of extension than the first part to which it connects.

[0014] The first section can pass through the opening and protrude from the opening on the side of the cover opposite the second section. Thus, both the first part and (at least partially) the second part of the first section can protrude beyond the cover.

[0015] The contact spring can be a stamped / bent part. A deep-drawing process to form the dome can take place after stamping and before or after bending. During stamping, recesses or other structures can be formed in the workpiece to secure it during deep drawing.

[0016] The contact spring can have an elastic section connecting the first and second contact parts. This elastic section can have at least one recess, for example, to adjust the elasticity of the contact spring and / or to secure the component during deep drawing. Multiple recesses can be present, allowing for even finer adjustment of the elasticity in specific areas. Such recesses can be through-holes, indentations, or lateral cutouts in the contact spring.

[0017] The second section can be a flange surrounding the first section. The flange can surround the first section in sections or completely (for example, in the form of a ring). The flange can be designed to seal the through-opening.

[0018] The first section can transition seamlessly (e.g., circumferentially) into the second section. This creates, for example, a cap-like second contact part with a periphery designed as a circumferential flange. The second contact part can be positioned centrally above the first contact part.

[0019] Furthermore, the contact spring can have guide sections on one of the contact sections (e.g., projecting laterally towards the other contact section). The contact spring can be attached to the support element and / or the cover with its first contact section. For the latter, the first contact section can utilize the guide sections, which, for example, snap into complementary receiving sections of the cover. In this way, the contact spring can be attached to the cover with its second contact section in the through-opening before the support element is connected to the cover. This can avoid the more complex simultaneous alignment of several contact springs, each attached only to the support element, with their second contact sections in the respective through-openings of the cover.

[0020] In one embodiment, the guide sections are located at a free end of the first contact part, which is furthest from the second contact part along the contact spring. Alternatively or in addition to the guide sections, the contact spring can be attached (only) to the first contact part directly on the cover.

[0021] Without compression, the contact spring can only be pre-tensioned against the cover with its second section. In this case, the second section can represent the only contact area between the contact spring and the cover. The second section can be provided with a seal on its side facing the cover (e.g., in the form of a coating or pad). The seal can be made of a polymer material.

[0022] The electrical connecting element may further include a limiting element designed to limit compression of the contact spring. The limiting element may be designed to bear against the second section of the contact spring on the side opposite the through-hole when the contact spring is compressed.

[0023] The limiting element can, in the actuated state of the electrical connecting element, bear directly against the second section, and preferably only against it. The limiting element and the cover can be formed as a single piece or permanently joined together.

[0024] The connecting element (e.g., the support element and / or the limiting element) may have one or more drainage openings for draining fluid that has entered the electrical connecting element.

[0025] The electrical connecting element can comprise multiple through-holes and multiple contact springs projecting into each of these, forming a row of contacts. Such a design allows connection with a complementary connecting element that has multiple contact sections, through which, for example, data and electrical energy can be transmitted.

[0026] The docking station for a mobile electrical device comprises an electrical connection element as described above and below. The docking station may have a tray for receiving a device to be docked, and the electrical connection element may be located within the tray. The tray may include an ejection device for the device to be docked. The docking station may be installed in the vehicle, for example, in the area of ​​the center console or in the area of ​​a rear seat. Brief description of the drawings

[0027] The present invention is described with the aid of drawings, wherein similar features have similar reference numerals. To improve the readability of the drawings, only some of the similar reference numerals are shown, while others are deducible. In these drawings, the following are shown: Fig. 1 a perspective view of an embodiment of a docking station with an electrical connecting element, Fig. 2 a perspective view of the electrical connecting element made of Fig. 1, Fig. 3 a perspective exploded view of the electrical connecting element made of Fig. 2, Fig. 4a-c a perspective (a), a side (b) and a frontal (c) view of a conductive contact spring of the electrical connecting element made of Fig. 3, Fig. 5 a cross-section through the electrical connecting element made of Fig. 2 in an unconnected basic state, in which a through-opening is created by means of the contact spring made of Fig. 4a-c is sealed, and Fig. 6 the cross-section from Fig. 5 in a connected state of the electrical connecting element, in which a second contact part of the contact spring is made of Fig. 4a-c is pressed down to a limiting element, so that the passage opening is open. Detailed description

[0028] In Fig. Figure 1 shows a docking station 1 in a perspective view from a slightly oblique angle, which has a receiving tray 3 for a mobile electrical device (e.g., a mobile phone or a tablet computer; not shown). The receiving tray 3 can be installed in the area of ​​the center console of a vehicle. An ejection device 4 for the mobile electrical device docked in the receiving tray 3 and an electrical connecting element 5 are fixedly arranged within this receiving tray 3.

[0029] Fig. Figure 2 shows this electrical connecting element 5 in a perspective view from a slightly oblique angle above. The in Fig. The section plane shown in section 2 is described later. Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 shown. Fig. Figure 3 shows a perspective exploded view from the same angle as in Fig. 2, in which the electrical connecting element 5 is shown disassembled into its individual parts.

[0030] As can be seen from the figures mentioned, the electrical connecting element 5 has a support element 7 that extends longitudinally in a plate-like manner. This support element 7 has two ends 9 that taper in width transverse to the longitudinal direction, each with a through-hole 11 located centrally in the end 9. A mounting section 13 extends between the ends 9. In the exemplary embodiment, the mounting section 13 comprises six centrally arranged contact spring mounting sections 15 extending transversely to the longitudinal direction of the support element, which are identically spaced from one another in the longitudinal direction of the support element 7, and mounting sections 17 located closest to the two ends 9, which have openings 19 extending along a line transverse to the longitudinal direction of the support element 7. Contact springs 21 are attached to the contact spring mounting sections 15, see also the Fig. 5 and Fig. 6.

[0031] Fig. Figure 4a shows a perspective view of one of the contact springs 21 from a slightly oblique angle above, as in Fig. 3. Fig. Figure 4b shows a side view of the contact spring 21, in which the shape and course of the contact spring 21 can be seen, and Fig. 4c a frontal view of the contact spring made of Fig. 4a, in which the width of the contact spring 21 can be seen.

[0032] The contact spring 21 is made of a conductive metallic material as a stamped and bent part and extends in an S-shape, see Fig. 4b, from a lower first contact part 23 to a centrally arranged upper second contact part 25 that is elastically movable relative to it. The lower contact part 23 extends along a plane, with guide sections 29 projecting laterally to the second contact part 25 at its free end 27. Along the longitudinal center axis of the lower contact part 23 are two through-openings 31, which are arranged centrally and spaced apart from each other. These through-openings 31 serve to save material and / or to fasten the lower first contact part 23 of the contact spring 21 to the support element 7.

[0033] An elastic section 35 adjoins the first contact part 23 at its end 33 opposite the free end 27, see Fig. 4b. This elastic section 34 extends from the end 33 in a first part 37 orthogonally to the lower contact part 23 in the direction of the second contact part 25 over a length which is equal to or less than the length of the guide sections 29 from the lower contact part 23 in the direction of the second contact part 25.

[0034] The first part 37 is adjoined by a second part 39, which extends at an angle of 1° to 20° to the first contact part 23 towards the free end 27 of the first contact part 23, terminating before reaching an orthogonal line to the free end 27 of the first contact part 23. Two recesses, designed as through-openings 40, extend longitudinally across the first and second parts 37, 39. Alternatively, only one recess 40 may extend across the first part 37 to influence the elasticity of the contact spring 21. The second part 39 is adjoined by a third part 41, which extends orthogonally to the lower contact part 23 towards the second contact part 25 over a shorter length than the first part 37. The third part 41 is adjoined by a fourth part 43, which extends parallel to the first contact part 23 towards the first part 37.The fourth part 43 is adjoined by a fifth part 45, which extends at an angle of 1° to 20° to an orthogonal line to the first contact part 23 and away from it over a length corresponding to one-third of the length of the second part 39. The second contact part 25, which is rotationally symmetrical, adjoins the fifth part 45.

[0035] The second contact part 25 has a first section 25a and a second section 25b. The first section 25a comprises a hollow dome with a circular cross-section, which is closed (also) in the circumferential direction, at its free end. The first section 25a transitions seamlessly into the second section 25b in its circumferential direction. The second section 25b is a closed flange that surrounds the first section 25a.

[0036] In the exemplary embodiment, the first section 25a comprises a first dome-forming part 25a1 and a second hollow cylindrical part 25a2. The latter connects the first part 25a1 with the second section 25b, so that the first section 25a transitions directly into the second section 25b. The second part 25a2 extends perpendicularly away from the second section 25b and is longer in its direction of extension than the first part 25a1 to which it connects.

[0037] The first section 25a was manufactured by multi-stage deep drawing (e.g., in 2 to 10 or more deep-drawing steps to prevent material tearing). The deep drawing, or at least some of the steps, was performed after the contact spring 21 was punched out but before it was bent. Deep drawing allows the first section 25a to be formed into a closed shape over a sufficient length and with a predetermined diameter (for example, over a length of 2 to 4 mm with a diameter of 1 to 3 mm). The sufficient length ensures that the area of ​​the first section 25a projecting beyond the cover 47, and in particular the curved dome part 25a1, has no openings or penetrations. As mentioned at the outset, such open areas allow for the undesirable formation of edges, the ingress of dust or liquids, snagging, etc.

[0038] The in Fig. As already mentioned, the contact spring 21 shown in 3 is attached in a first assembly step with its first contact part 23 to the contact spring mounting section 15 of the support element 7.

[0039] Subsequently, in a further assembly step, a cover 47 with through-openings 49 is placed over the unit consisting of contact springs 21 and support element 7, so that the second contact part 25 of the contact spring 21 with its first section 25a protrudes through the through-opening 49 and the second section 25b of the contact spring 21 is pre-tensioned against the cover 47 and thus seals the through-opening 49, see Fig. 5. The second section 25b may be provided with a polymeric coating or covering on its side facing the cover 47 in order to increase the sealing effect, especially against liquid ingress.

[0040] The cover 47 is firmly connected to the support element 7 by means of U-shaped contact holders 51, which are held in the mounting sections 17 of the support element 7. Of course, the cover 47 and the support element 7 can be formed as a single piece. The contact spring 21 is thus pre-tensioned against the cover 47 only by means of the second section 25b.

[0041] Alternatively or in addition to the above method of attaching the contact spring 21 to the connecting element 5, the guide sections 29 can be used for attaching it to the cover 47, see the Fig. 5 and Fig. 6. The guide sections 29 engage in complementary receiving sections 48 of the cover 47. In this way, the guide sections 29 serve both to guide the contact spring 21 during its compression, to prevent it from kinking, and to fix the contact spring 21 to the cover 47, in order to facilitate the insertion of the first section 25a of the second contact part 25 into the through-opening 49 in the cover 47.

[0042] On the side of the connecting element 5 that is closest to the free end 27 opposite the end 33 of the first contact part 23 of the contact spring 21, there is an opening 53 into which a limiting element 55 can be inserted using a non-releasable snap connection.

[0043] The Fig. 5 and Fig. Figure 6 shows the limiting element 55 in its state firmly connected to the cover 47, in which the second section 25b abuts the cover 47 in a sealing manner and the first section 25a projects through the passage opening 49, so that both the first part 25a1 and (largely) the second part 25a2 of the first section 25a protrude above the top of the cover 47. Of course, the limiting element 55 and the cover 47 can be formed in one piece. The limiting element 55 has drainage openings 56, see also Fig. 3, for draining fluid that has entered the electrical connecting element 5. The drainage openings 56 can additionally or alternatively be part of the support element 7.

[0044] Fig. Figure 5 shows the unconnected basic state of the electrical connecting element 5, in which the contact spring 21 is pre-tensioned between the cover 47 and the support element 7, with the cover 47 contacting only the second section 25b of the second contact part 25 and the support element 7 contacting only the first contact part 23. In this basic state, the contact spring 21 is also spaced away from the limiting element 55, i.e., it does not touch it. The geometry of the contact spring 21 is chosen such that, in the basic state of the electrical connecting element 5, its fourth section 43 is spaced X > 0 away from the cover 47.

[0045] Fig. Figure 6 shows an actuated state (i.e., connected to a complementary electrical connecting element of the mobile electrical device, not shown) of the electrical connecting element 5. In this state, the contact spring 21 is compressed due to a force acting orthogonally towards the first contact part 23 on the first part 25a1 of the second contact part 25, as indicated by the dashed horizontal line. The limiting element 55 restricts this compression of the contact spring 21. More precisely, in this state, the side of the second section 25b of the second contact part 25 opposite the through-hole 49 rests against the limiting element 55. Simultaneously, the second part 43 of the elastic section 35 of the contact spring 21 is drawn close to the first contact part 23 to a distance Y > 0.In this state, the first part 25a1 of the first section 25a only extends into the passage opening 49, but not through it towards an interior of the connecting element 5.

[0046] Consequently, the elastic section 35, with none of its five parts 37, 39, 41, 43 and 45, touches any of the other components of the electrical connecting element 5 in any state of the electrical connecting element. This ensures that the elastic properties of the contact spring 21 can be predicted more easily and that wear due to contact with the other components of the electrical connecting element 5 can be reduced.

[0047] The in Fig.The electrical connecting element 5 shown in Figure 2 has six through-holes 49 and six contact springs 21 of the same type projecting into them, thus forming a contact row, since the openings are arranged along a line. Naturally, the number of through-holes 49 and contact springs 21 can be increased or decreased as required. Furthermore, several through-holes 49 need not be arranged along a line, but can also be arranged according to a pattern that meets the requirements.

[0048] As can be seen from the exemplary embodiments, the electrical connecting element 5 described here not only provides a good seal in its unconnected basic state, but also ensures good electrical contact due to the pre-tensioned contact spring section 25a. The contact spring 21 saves material and weight. It also enables a uniform force distribution, which benefits the service life of the electrical connecting element 5. Edges are avoided due to the domed shape of the first section 25A. This also reduces the risk of damage, the risk of injury, and the risk of snagging on the freely accessible area of ​​the contact spring 21.

[0049] In this embodiment, only small contact areas of the contact spring are present on the cover, which have no negative impact on the seal at the through-opening 49. At the same time, a larger section of the contact spring 21 is available as an elastic section. Furthermore, it is ensured that the contact spring 21 cannot be displaced by a relative movement between the cover 47 and the limiting element 55, thus preventing the seal of the through-opening 49 from being compromised.

Claims

[1] Electrical connecting element (5), comprising: a cover (47) with at least one through-opening (49), at least one conductive contact spring (21) with a first contact part (23) and a second contact part (25) that is elastically movable relative to it, wherein the second contact part (25) comprises a first section (25a) which projects at least into the through-opening (49) and a second section (25b) which follows the first section (25a) in the direction of the first contact part (23) and is biased against the cover (47), and wherein the first section (25a) has a dome produced by deep drawing, and a limiting element (55) which is designed to limit compression of the contact spring (21), wherein the limiting element (55) is designed to rest against the second section (25b) of the contact spring (21) when the contact spring (21) is compressed characterized by, that the electrical connecting element (5) comprises a support element (7) on which the first contact part (23) can be supported, wherein the cover (47) and the support element (7) are formed in one piece or are firmly connected to each other. [2] Electrical connecting element according to claim 1, wherein the contact spring (21) is a stamped / bent part. [3] Electrical connecting element according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the second section (25b) is a flange surrounding the first section (25a). [4] Electrical connecting element according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first section (25a) transitions in a closed circumferential direction into the second section (25b). [5] Electrical connecting element according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the contact spring (21) in the absence of compression only rests with the second section (25b) against the cover (47); and / or the limiting element (55) and the cover (47) are formed in one piece or are firmly connected to each other. [6] Electrical connecting element according to one of the preceding claims, comprising several through-holes (49) and several contact springs (21) projecting into these, forming a contact row. [7] Electrical connecting element according to one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one drainage opening (56) for draining fluid that has entered the connecting element. [8] Docking station (1) for a mobile electrical device, wherein the docking station (1) comprises an electrical connecting element (5) according to one of the preceding claims. [9] Docking station according to claim 8, wherein it has a shell (3) for receiving a device to be docked and the electrical connecting element (5) is arranged inside the shell (3). [10] Vehicle with a docking station (1) according to one of claims 8 or 9.

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