Electrical contact element, electrical plug-in connector and electrical plug-in connection

Abstract

The invention relates to an electrical contact element (2, 21) for an electrical connector (1), comprising a magnetic arrangement (10, 10') and an end contact section (11, 11') designed for electrical contact with an electrical mating contact element (12), which is movable along a mating direction (S) between a starting position (PA, PA') not contacted by the mating contact element (12) and a contacting position (PK, PK') contacted by the mating contact element (12). The magnetic arrangement (10, 10') is configured to apply a force component (F) directed from the contacting position (PK, PK') to the starting position (PA, PA') to the end contact section (11, 11') by means of magnetic repulsion.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an electrical contact element for an electrical connector, comprising a magnetic arrangement and an end contact section designed for electrical contacting with an electrical mating contact element, which is movable along a plugging direction between a starting position not contacted by the mating contact element and a contacting position contacted by the mating contact element.

[0002] The invention further relates to an electrical connector for connection with an electrical mating connector and an electrical plug connection comprising the electrical connector and the electrical mating connector.

[0003] Various electrical connectors are known from electrical engineering. Electrical connectors are known to transmit electrical power and / or data signals to corresponding mating connectors. A connector or mating connector can be, among other things, a plug, a PCB connector, a panel-mount connector, a socket, a coupling, or an adapter. The terms "connector" and "mother connector" used within the scope of the invention are representative of all possible variants.

[0004] A connector must sometimes withstand high stresses, such as mechanical vibrations, and remain reliably closed even under adverse environmental conditions to prevent unintentional electrical disconnection. Furthermore, it is generally necessary to ensure that reliable electrical contact between the connector and mating connector remains possible even with high component tolerances.

[0005] To meet the aforementioned requirements, connectors with end contacts typically employ a contact element that is spring-loaded along the mating direction or axially, as proposed, for example, in WO 2014 / 067645 A1. In most cases, a mechanical spring is arranged within the contact element between two components that are movable relative to each other along the mating direction. This allows the mating contact element of the mating connector to deflect the contact element of the connector from a starting position to a contacting position against the spring's restoring force, ensuring sufficient contact pressure between the contact element and the corresponding mating contact element when the contact element is engaged.

[0006] However, due to space constraints, the use of such a spring is not suitable for all applications or connector types. Furthermore, the spring is subjected to significant mechanical stress due to the continuous load when the connector is mated, and this can limit the service life of the entire connector.

[0007] In view of the prior art, the object of the present invention is to provide an electrical contact element for end-face contacting which ensures reliable contacting, particularly under adverse environmental conditions and / or with high component tolerances, preferably in a compact and durable design.

[0008] The present invention also aims to provide an electrical connector that ensures reliable contact, particularly under adverse environmental conditions and / or with high component tolerances, preferably in a compact and durable design.

[0009] Finally, it is also an objective of the invention to provide an electrical connector that ensures reliable contact, particularly under adverse environmental conditions and / or with high component tolerances, preferably in a compact and durable design.

[0010] The problem is solved for the electrical contact element by the features listed in claim 1. With regard to the electrical connector, the problem is solved by the features of claim 14, and with regard to the electrical plug connection by the features of claim 15.

[0011] The dependent claims and the features described below relate to advantageous embodiments and variants of the invention.

[0012] The invention relates to an electrical contact element for an electrical connector, comprising a magnetic arrangement and an end contact section designed for electrical contact with an electrical mating contact element. The end contact section is movable between a starting position not contacted by the mating contact element and a contacting position contacted by the mating contact element along a mating direction (in particular in an axial direction, hereinafter also referred to as "axial direction").

[0013] Preferably, in its initial position, the end contact section is positioned further "forward" in the connection interface ("interface") provided for connection with the mating contact element, i.e., deflected further towards the mating contact element, than in the contacting position. The mating contact element is thus able to move the end contact section during contacting from its initial position to the contacting position located further "backward" in the connection interface.

[0014] Preferably, the end contact section projects into the connection interface in its initial position (particularly in the manner of a contact pin). For example, the end contact section can protrude from an end face of a separate dielectric surrounding the end contact section (e.g., a housing component or other component of the connector) in its initial position. In the contacting position, the end contact section can preferably be arranged coplanar to the connection interface or recessed (recessed) within the connection interface. However, it should be emphasized that the end contact section can optionally also be arranged coplanar to the connection interface or recessed within the connection interface in its initial position, and / or that the end contact section can still project into the connection interface in the contacting position.

[0015] According to the invention, the magnet arrangement is configured to apply a force component directed from the contacting position to the starting position to the end contact section by means of magnetic repulsion.

[0016] The force component preferably runs along the insertion direction or in the axial direction towards the mating contact element, so that the end contact section in the uncontacted state in the connector tends to move forward, i.e. in the direction of the mating contact element.

[0017] Due to the aforementioned magnetic repulsion and the associated force component applied to the end contact section, the end contact section can be pressed into its initial position by the magnet arrangement. In the uncontacted state, or in a state free from separate external forces, the end contact section can be moved into its initial position by the magnet arrangement. This results in contact pressure or force between the contact element and the mating contact element when the end contact section is in contact with the mating contact element, thus ensuring reliable contact (e.g., vibration- and tolerance-resistant).

[0018] The magnetic arrangement can advantageously act on the end-contact section in a manner similar to a mechanical spring, but without the mechanical disadvantages of a mechanical spring, such as the risk of breakage under cyclic or continuous loads. The proposed contact element can therefore be particularly robust and durable.

[0019] Furthermore, it has been shown that a magnetic arrangement can be used more flexibly and in a more space-efficient way as an alternative to a mechanical spring, since higher contact forces or larger spring travels can be generated in the same volume than with a mechanical spring arranged in the same volume.

[0020] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the electrical contact element comprises at least one first component having the end contact section.

[0021] The electrical contact element or alternatively the connector (e.g. a housing component of the connector) can have a second component, wherein the first component is preferably movable relative to the second component along the insertion direction.

[0022] The first component can be movable translationally and / or rotationally relative to the second component. In particular, the first component can be telescopically extendable or retractable in the axial direction, or at least substantially in the axial direction, relative to the second component. In a less preferred embodiment, an additional or exclusive pivoting movement of the first component relative to the second component (e.g., by means of a hinge connection) can also be provided.

[0023] According to a further development of the invention, it can be provided that one of the said components is received with an axial end section in the other component and is thereby guided in motion in the other component.

[0024] At least one of the two components is preferably designed in a sleeve shape, although a pin-shaped, rod-shaped, or fully cylindrical design of at least one of the two components is also possible. It is particularly preferred that both components are designed in a sleeve shape.

[0025] Insofar as both components are designed in a sleeve-like form, the first component can, for example, be arranged on an end section of the second component in the manner of an end cap or cap – or vice versa. However, tubular components, i.e., components without a closed end face, can also be provided within the scope of the invention.

[0026] If one of the components is pin-shaped, rod-shaped, or fully cylindrical, said component can preferably be received within the other, sleeve-shaped component. If both components are pin-shaped, rod-shaped, or fully cylindrical, they can, for example, be arranged axially spaced apart from each other within a sleeve-shaped third component (e.g., an electrical conductor or a dielectric) that encloses both components. This third component can also be a component of the connector itself that is independent of the contact element (such as a housing component).

[0027] According to a further development of the invention, it can be provided that the end contact section in the initial position is further away from the second component (in particular with regard to the axial direction, but possibly also with regard to a swivel angle) than in the contacting position.

[0028] The component pair formed from the two components can therefore be preferably telescopically extended in its initial position relative to the contacting position, as already mentioned. Preferably, the axial length of the component pair formed from the two components in its initial position is thus greater than the axial length of the component pair in the contacting position. The contact element can therefore be axially "compressed" in the contacting position relative to its initial position.

[0029] Preferably, the first component cannot be moved beyond the initial position from the contact position and / or cannot be moved beyond the contact position from the initial position.

[0030] Preferably, the first component is only movable in a range between the starting position and the contacting position.

[0031] In a further development of the invention, it can be provided that the first component has at least one first movement limiting means and the second component has at least one corresponding second movement limiting means.

[0032] Movement limiting devices can include, for example, stops (e.g., outer and / or inner surface protrusions or steps, lateral or radial extensions, webs, pins, slots, end faces, flanges, etc.), locking hooks, locking arms, locking recesses, or other suitable movement limiting devices to restrict the relative movement of the components. A closed end face of a sleeve-shaped component and an end face of a pin, rod, or fully cylindrical component can also be used as stops.

[0033] Particularly preferably, the first movement limiting means can be designed as the first locking arm and the second movement means as the second locking arm, extending in opposite directions and interlocked when the two components are assembled.

[0034] In a further development of the invention, it can be provided that the magnet arrangement has at least a first magnet and a second magnet.

[0035] Preferably, the magnetic pole orientations (i.e., the direction of an imaginary vector pointing from a north pole of the magnet to its south pole) of the first magnet and the second magnet are at least substantially opposite to each other. Thus, the same poles of the magnets are aligned with each other (i.e., north-north or south-south) to generate the magnetic repulsion between the magnets.

[0036] In particular, it may be provided that the magnetic pole alignment is aligned at least substantially along the insertion direction or the axial direction of the contact element.

[0037] It should be noted that, in principle, more than the two magnets mentioned above can be used to form the magnetic arrangement. For example, instead of the first magnet, a group of several first magnets and / or instead of the second magnet, a group of several second magnets can be used, with their combined magnetic pole orientations opposite to each other to generate the repulsive force. Multiple magnetic arrangements, each consisting of two or more magnets, are also possible. The use of one first magnet and one second magnet and exactly one magnetic arrangement represents only a preferred, minimalist version of the invention and is not to be understood as limiting.

[0038] It is also possible for a contact element or the magnetic arrangement of the contact element, as defined in the present invention, to have only a single magnet (in particular the "first" magnet). In this case, the magnetic repulsion can be generated together with a further "second" magnet, independent of the contact element, which is arranged, for example, within the connector at a suitable position and with a suitable orientation. For example, several contact elements can "share" a "second" magnet of the connector in this way.

[0039] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the second magnet is arranged coaxially to the first magnet.

[0040] A coaxial arrangement of the magnets is not absolutely necessary within the scope of the invention, but is generally advantageous for maximizing the magnetic repulsion force and minimizing the installation space.

[0041] The first magnet is preferably spaced apart from the second magnet, at least in the initial position, along the insertion direction. The magnets may optionally also remain spaced apart in the contact position of the contact element, although the distance between the magnets in the contact position is preferably reduced compared to the initial position. In principle, the magnets can also touch in the contact position and, for example, serve as end stops for a maximum deflection.

[0042] The magnets are preferably permanent magnets. However, they can also be magnetizable or current-carrying bodies. The specific design of the magnets is not essential to the invention.

[0043] In a further development of the invention, it can be provided that the first magnet and / or the second magnet is designed as a bar magnet, ring magnet (axially or radially polarized) or electromagnet.

[0044] The use of bar magnets has proven particularly advantageous, as they can be compact and cost-effective. The use of one or more bar magnets can be especially beneficial when used with a contact element designed as an inner conductor contact element.

[0045] However, the use of one or more ring magnets can also be advantageous, especially for use with a contact element designed as an external conductor contact element.

[0046] It is also possible to provide a combination of ring and bar magnets, whereby, for example, a first magnet designed as a bar magnet may be arranged at least partially inside a second magnet designed as a ring magnet - or vice versa.

[0047] The use of an electromagnet to form at least one of the two magnets can be particularly advantageous when the magnetic repulsion of the end contact section towards the mating contact element is not permanently desired. For example, the use of the electromagnet allows the electrical contact to be advantageously "decoupled" from the mechanical connection. The electrical contact can thus be deliberately delayed relative to the mechanical connection – or vice versa. It is also possible, for example, to deliberately release the electrical contact before releasing the mechanical connection, in order to implement an "interlock function" in a high-voltage connector.

[0048] The electromagnet, or at least the coil of the electromagnet, can preferably be arranged in a non-moving part of the contact element, in particular in the second component or on a component of the connector that is not movable (relative to the end contact section), in order to exert a repulsive effect on the end contact section or the (first) component connected to the end contact section, which can be controlled as required.

[0049] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the force component applied to the end contact section, which is directed from the contacting position to the starting position, is provided solely by the magnetic repulsion of the magnet arrangement.

[0050] In particular, it can be provided that the contact element does not have a mechanical spring or other mechanical components for generating the force component. The contact pressure for contacting and the restoring force of the end contact section to its initial position are thus preferably effected exclusively by the magnet arrangement.

[0051] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the end contact section can be provided to be motion-coupled with the first magnet. The movement of the end contact section thus preferably occurs synchronously with a movement of the first magnet.

[0052] In particular, the first magnet may be arranged on the first component. The first magnet may preferably be attached to the first component directly or indirectly. Especially if the first magnet is arranged within the first component in a way that prevents it from being lost (at least in the axial direction), attachment is not strictly necessary.

[0053] The first magnet can also be formed integrally with the first component or even include the end-contact section itself. Thus, the first component can also be the first magnet. The end-contact section can therefore, for example, be arranged on an end face of the first magnet. A permanent magnet with good electrical conductivity can preferably be used for this purpose, and it can also be provided, for example, that the permanent magnet is coated to increase the electrical conductivity on its surface.

[0054] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the second magnet in the electrical connector is static or fixed in position or immovable, and the first magnet in the electrical connector is movably arranged.

[0055] In particular, the second magnet can be arranged on the second component. The second magnet can preferably be attached to the second component directly or indirectly (as already mentioned with regard to the first magnet and the first component, attachment is not strictly necessary). Alternatively, the second magnet can also be formed integrally with the second component or even form the second component itself (and thus, for example, also include or form the "connecting section" mentioned below). A permanent magnet with good electrical conductivity can also be used for the second magnet, for example, a coated permanent magnet to increase electrical conductivity.

[0056] The second magnet and / or the second component can be fixedly or immovably connected to the electrical connector, in particular to a dielectric or connector housing of the connector (directly or indirectly).

[0057] It should be noted that the magnet arrangement, or at least one of the magnets, may also be arranged partially or completely outside of / independently of the aforementioned components, for example, it may be directly or indirectly connectable to or connected to connector components of the connector. However, a compact design, and thus in particular a direct connection or integration of the first magnet with the first component and the second magnet with the second component, is generally preferred.

[0058] The first magnet can be arranged inside or outside the first component (preferably, the first magnet is arranged inside the first component, for example, inside a sleeve-shaped or hollow cylindrical first component). The second magnet can be arranged inside or outside the second component (preferably, the second magnet is arranged inside the second component, for example, inside a sleeve-shaped or hollow cylindrical second component).

[0059] In a further development of the invention, the end contact section may have a contact surface and / or a contact tip. In principle, however, the end contact section can be designed in any way (e.g., also as a "line contact", etc.).

[0060] In particular, if the end contact section is designed as a contact surface, this can be planar or flat, curved or conical (for example, convex or concave).

[0061] In special cases, it may also be provided that the contact surface is inclined or tilted to the longitudinal axis of the connector or the insertion direction, for example, at a tilting angle of 20° to 60° perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the connector, preferably at a tilting angle of 30° to 50°, for example at a tilting angle of 45°.

[0062] The contact element may be provided with a connecting section located at an end section opposite the end contact section for the indirect or direct connection of the contact element to an electrical conductor. The connecting section may, for example, be designed as a press or crimp section for connection to an electrical conductor of an electrical cable, as a solder or pin contact for indirect or direct connection to an electrical circuit board, or as a plug contact (e.g., socket contact or pin contact) for radial and / or axial contacting of another mating contact element of another mating connector.

[0063] The connecting section of the contact element can be formed integrally with the first component or with the second component (preferred). However, integral integration is not strictly necessary – in principle, an indirect or direct connection may suffice.

[0064] The end contact section of the contact element can preferably be formed integrally with the first component (preferred) or be connected to the first component indirectly or directly.

[0065] The first component and / or the second component (preferably both components) are preferably made of an electrically conductive material, in particular a metal. However, in special cases, the first component and / or the second component may also be made partially or completely of an electrically insulating material, for example a plastic (in this case, the first component and / or the second component may, for example, be completely or partially coated with metal or at least partially encased in a sheet metal part).

[0066] As already mentioned, the second component can also be independent of the contact element. In this case, the second component can be a connector component (e.g., a metallic or insulating housing part, or a dielectric or other electrical conductor of the connector).

[0067] As mentioned above, it may be provided in particular that the contact element is designed as an inner conductor contact element or as an outer conductor contact element.

[0068] The invention also relates to an electrical connector for connection with an electrical mating connector, comprising at least one electrical contact element according to the preceding and following embodiments for electrical connection with a mating contact element of the electrical mating connector.

[0069] In principle, one or more contact elements of the connector can be designed according to the foregoing descriptions, i.e., they can have a magnetic arrangement and a corresponding end-contact section. However, the proposed connector can also incorporate "conventional" contact elements, so that only one or some of the contact elements are equipped with a magnetic arrangement according to the invention. Even a hybrid form of end-contact and radial contact (e.g., by laterally movable spring tabs up to a complete spring cage) can be provided, wherein preferably only one or more contact elements intended for end-contact are equipped with a magnetic arrangement and the end-contact section (e.g.,(An outer conductor contact can be formed by a conventional spring basket and one or more inner conductor contacts by end contacts equipped with a magnetic arrangement according to the invention).

[0070] It should also be mentioned here that when using several contact elements according to the invention, it may optionally be provided that several of the contact elements "share" one or more magnets or jointly use one or more magnets of the connector that are separate from the contact elements. This means that a magnetic arrangement of a contact element, or at least one magnet of the connector, can additionally provide or at least enhance a magnetic repulsion for a second contact element or for several further contact elements. In this way, the connector can optionally be designed to be even more compact and cost-effective. For example, this allows: a magnetic pole of a magnet of the connector be positioned axially below the contact elements; or a ring magnet of a contact element (e.g. of an outer conductor contact element) or of the connector at least partially encloses the magnets (in particular bar magnets) of one or more further contact elements, so that all "first" magnets of the contact elements involved, and thus the respective end contact sections, are pressed together into the starting position.

[0071] The connector according to the invention is fundamentally suitable for any application within the entire field of electrical engineering. Preferred areas of application include, for example, measurement technology, semiconductor measurement technology, laboratory technology, industrial measurement technology, sensor technology, communication technology, automotive engineering, aerospace engineering, and signal transmission technology in general. The invention is not to be understood as being limited to use in a specific field.

[0072] The connector could, for example, be a coaxial connector. The connector could have one outer conductor contact element and / or one or more inner conductor contact elements.

[0073] The connector according to the invention can be, among other things, a cable connector, a printed circuit board connector, a housing connector, a coupling or coupler, or an adapter.

[0074] The invention also relates to an electrical connector comprising an electrical connector according to the preceding and following embodiments and the electrical mating connector.

[0075] Advantageously, in the proposed connector, an elastic force component of at least one inner conductor contact element and / or one outer conductor contact element of the connector can be generated by repulsive magnetic forces to replace a mechanical compression spring. By using magnets to generate elasticity in the axial or insertion direction instead of a mechanical component, mechanical friction in the connector can be reduced and the service life of the connector increased.

[0076] Features described in connection with one of the objects of the invention, in particular the electrical contact element, the electrical connector, and the electrical plug connection, can also be advantageously implemented for the other objects of the invention. Likewise, advantages mentioned in connection with one of the objects of the invention can also be understood to relate to the other objects of the invention.

[0077] It should also be noted that terms such as "comprehensive," "exhibiting," or "with" do not exclude other characteristics or steps. Furthermore, terms such as "a" or "the," which indicate a singular number of steps or characteristics, do not exclude a plurality of characteristics or steps—and vice versa.

[0078] In a purist embodiment of the invention, however, it may also be provided that the features introduced in the invention with the terms "comprising," "comprising," or "with" are exhaustively listed. Accordingly, one or more lists of features within the scope of the invention may be considered complete, for example, for each claim. The invention may, for instance, consist exclusively of the features mentioned in claim 1.

[0079] It should be noted that designations such as "first" or "second" etc. are primarily used for the purpose of distinguishing between the respective device or process features and are not necessarily intended to indicate that features are mutually dependent or related to each other.

[0080] Furthermore, it should be emphasized that the values ​​and parameters described herein include deviations or fluctuations of ±10% or less, preferably ±5% or less, more preferably ±1% or less, and most preferably ±0.1% or less of the respective named value or parameter, provided that such deviations are not excluded in the practical implementation of the invention. The specification of ranges by initial and final values ​​also includes all those values ​​and fractions that are encompassed by the respective named range, in particular the initial and final values ​​and a respective mean value.

[0081] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are described in more detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0082] The figures each show preferred embodiments in which individual features of the present invention are combined with one another. Features of an embodiment can also be implemented independently of the other features of the same embodiment and can therefore be readily combined by a person skilled in the art to form further meaningful combinations and subcombinations with features of other embodiments.

[0083] In the figures, functionally identical elements are provided with the same reference symbols.

[0084] They show schematically: Figure 1 shows an electrical connector with an electrical inner conductor contact element according to a first embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 shows a close-up of section II of the Figure 1 Figure 3 shows an electrical plug connection from the electrical connector according to Figure 1and a mating connector inserted into the connector; Figure 4 an electrical connector with an electrical inner conductor contact element having an electromagnet, according to a second embodiment of the invention; Figure 5 an electrical connector consisting of an electrical connector with an electrical inner conductor contact element and an electrical outer conductor contact element according to a third embodiment of the invention, with a mating connector, in a first, partially inserted state; Figure 6 the electrical connector according to Figure 5 with the mating connector in a second, partially inserted state; Figure 7 the electrical connector according to Figure 5with the mating connector in a fully inserted state; Figure 8 an electrical connector with an electrical inner conductor contact element and an electrical outer conductor contact element according to a fourth embodiment of the invention; and Figure 9 an electrical plug connection made from the electrical connector according to Figure 8 and a mating connector inserted into the connector.

[0085] Figure 1 shows an electrical connector 1 with an electrical inner conductor contact element 2 according to a first embodiment of the invention. Figure 2 shows a close-up of section II of the Figure 1 and Figure 3 the use of connector 1 in an electrical connector 3.

[0086] The one in the Figures 1 to 3The connector 1 shown in each of the following figures is merely exemplary and not limiting to the invention. In principle, the invention can be used with any type of connector.

[0087] The connectors 1 shown in the figures are, by way of example, couplers or adapters for providing a connection between a corresponding first mating connector 4a and a corresponding second mating connector 4b (see in particular the Figures 5 to 7 In principle, however, the invention can be suitable for any type of connector, and in particular for use with cable connectors or printed circuit board connectors.

[0088] As an example, connector 1 is designed as a coaxial connector and has an electrically conductive connector housing 5 serving as the outer conductor. A dielectric 6 is arranged in a through-hole within the outer conductor or connector housing 5, in which the inner conductor contact element 2 is arranged.

[0089] A first connection interface 7a of the connector 1 is designed for electrical and mechanical connection with the first mating connector 4a, wherein in particular the inner conductor contact is made on the end face (cf. Figure 3 The connector 1 also has a second connection interface 7b, into which a socket-shaped connecting section 8 of the inner conductor contact element 2 is inserted for electrical and mechanical contact with a pin-shaped mating contact element 9 (see, among others, [reference]). Figure 5 ) of the second mating connector 4b protrudes into it.

[0090] In the exemplary embodiment of the Figures 1 to 3 The contact element according to the invention, designed as an inner conductor contact element 2, has a magnet arrangement 10 and an end contact section 11 for electrical contacting with an electrical counter-contact element of the first mating connector 4a designed as an end contact element 12.

[0091] The end contact section 11 is located between an initial position PA not contacted by the counter contact element 12, as shown in Figure 1 indicated, and a contacting position PK contacted by the counter-contact element 12, as also shown in Figure 1 as indicated and shown in Figure 3, movable along a plugging direction S or in the axial direction.

[0092] The end contact section 11 is formed on a first component 13, which is movable relative to a second component 14 along the insertion direction S. The second component 14 is rigidly connected to the dielectric 6, whereby the first component 13 together with the end contact section 11 remains movable in the insertion direction S.

[0093] The first component 13, with its end contact section 11, is mounted on an axial end section of the second component 14, acting like an end cap. The first component 13 thus has a closed end face on the side facing the first mating connector 4a, which can simultaneously serve as an end stop for the contact position PK. Both components 13 and 14 are sleeve-shaped. The first component 13 is movable translationally or telescopically along the outer surface of the second component 14. In the initial position PA, the end contact section 11 is therefore further away from the second component 14 than in the contact position PK (see overview of the Figures 1 and 3 ).

[0094] In the initial position PA, the end contact section 11 projects "forward" into the first connection interface 7a, i.e., it protrudes axially from an end face 15 of the dielectric 6 – however, this is not strictly necessary. The main requirement is that the end contact section 11 is movable along the insertion direction S.

[0095] Within the scope of the invention, it is provided that a force component F directed from the contacting position PK to the starting position PA is generated by means of magnetic repulsion (cf. Figure 2 ) is applied to the end contact section 11, that is, a force component F pointing axially in the direction of the mating connector 4a.

[0096] To prevent the first component 13 from moving beyond the initial position PA from the contact position PK and thus from being unintentionally separated from the second component 14, the first component 13 has a first movement limiting means 16 and the second component 14 has a corresponding second movement limiting means 17, which in the exemplary embodiments are designed as interlocking locking arms, although this is not to be understood as a limitation. The principle of guiding the first component 13 on the second component 14 and the movement limitation by the interlocking locking arms are particularly well illustrated in the enlarged view of Figure 2.

[0097] Because the magnetic arrangement 10, through the force component F generated by magnetic repulsion, causes the end contact section 11 in the connector 1 to be moved "forward", i.e. towards the first mating connector 4a, in the contacted state (cf. Figure 3 ) a contact pressure is generated which ensures a robust, tolerance-compensating and vibration-proof electrical connection with the first mating contact element 12.

[0098] For example, the end contact section 11 in the embodiments is designed as a planar or flat contact surface, which can alternatively also be curved. The use of a contact tip as the end contact section 11 is also possible in principle.

[0099] The magnet arrangement 10 can, in principle, be designed in any way, and in the exemplary embodiment of the Figures 1 to 3For example, a first magnet 18 and a second magnet 19 are shown, whose magnetic pole orientations are opposite to each other and aligned along the insertion direction S in order to generate the aforementioned magnetic repulsion. That is, the magnets 18, 19 are aligned with each other such that their magnetic poles are opposite each other (in the exemplary embodiments, north-north, although a south-south orientation can alternatively be provided).

[0100] The second magnet 19 is coaxial with the first magnet 18 and, at least in the initial position PA, is spaced apart from the first magnet 18 along the insertion direction S. The end contact section 11 is coupled to the first magnet 18 by virtue of the first magnet 18 being arranged within the first component 13. The first magnet 18 can be fixed within the first component 13, although this is not strictly necessary. The first magnet 18 can also be freely movable within the first component 13 (at least in the axial direction).

[0101] Whereas the first magnet 18 or the first component 13 is axially movable in the connector housing 5 or in the dielectric 6, the second magnet 19 is arranged statically or fixedly relative to the connector housing 5 or to the dielectric 6 - namely in the second component 14, which is rigidly attached to the electrical connector 1 or in the through-hole of the dielectric 6.

[0102] It should be noted that the second magnet 19 can also be positioned outside the inner conductor contact element 2 (in this case, the magnet arrangement 10 of the inner conductor contact element 2 can only include the first magnet 18, with the second magnet 19 then being a component of the connector 1 or another contact element). However, the illustrated embodiment is generally preferred due to its particularly compact design.

[0103] In the proposed manner, the force component F applied to the end contact section 11, directed from the contacting position PK to the starting position PA, can be conveniently and solely provided by the magnetic repulsion of the magnet arrangement 10. Therefore, mechanical friction or other mechanical stresses within the connector 1 can be minimized. The service life and the maximum number of mating cycles of the connector 1 equipped with the magnet arrangement 10 can thus be significantly increased compared to a conventional version with a mechanical spring.

[0104] In the case of a contact element designed as an inner conductor contact element 2, as in the Figures 1 to 3As shown, it has proven particularly suitable if both components 13, 14 are sleeve-shaped or at least have an axial bore in which the respective magnets 18, 19, which are preferably bar magnets, are received. The magnets 18, 19 can preferably be permanent magnets.

[0105] In Figure 4 An alternative embodiment of an electrical connector 1 with an inner conductor contact element 2 is shown by way of example, in which the magnet arrangement 10 has an electromagnet 20 by means of which a magnetic repulsion of the first component 13, which has the end contact section 11, can be generated not permanently, but only as required. In this way, the electrical contact can be decoupled from the mechanical contact, which can be particularly advantageous when the connector 1 is used as a high-voltage connector.

[0106] In the Figures 5 to 7 An electrical connector 3 consisting of an electrical connector 1 with an electrical inner conductor contact element 2 and an electrical outer conductor contact element 21 is shown according to a further embodiment of the invention. Figures 5 to 7 Figure 1 shows various mating states of the first mating connector 4a in the first connection interface 7a. In the second connection interface 7b, a mated second mating connector 4b is shown as an example. A coaxial connector 1 is also shown, purely as an example.

[0107] In contrast to the previous embodiments, the outer conductor contact element 21 is located in the Figures 5 to 7The multi-part design also includes a magnet arrangement 10' and an end contact section 11' that can be deflected by means of the magnet arrangement 10'. The inner conductor contact element 2 is designed as described above, which is why the following explanations refer essentially to the outer conductor contact element 21 and the differences between the embodiments.

[0108] The outer conductor contact element 21 also has a first component 13' and a second component 14', the first component 13' being movable along the insertion direction S. For this purpose, the first component 13' of the outer conductor contact element 21 is received within the second component 14' and guided in the insertion direction S. Movement limiting means 16', 17' (mutual end stops) are provided to block deflection of the first component 13' beyond the initial position PA'. The initial position PA' of the outer conductor contact element 21 is shown by way of example in the Figures 5 and 6 and the fully contacted contacting position PK ' in Figure 7 depicted. Figure 6Figure 1 shows a partially connected state between the electrical connector 1 and the first mating connector 4a, in which the outer conductor contact element 21 has not yet been moved from its initial position PA'. As in the case of the inner conductor contact element 2, the components 13', 14' of the outer conductor contact element 21 are also telescopically extended in the initial position PA' compared to the contacting position PK'.

[0109] The magnets 18', 19' of the magnet arrangement 10' of the outer conductor contact element 21 are, by way of example, axially polarized ring magnets, wherein a first ring magnet 18' is assigned to the first component 13' and is arranged for this purpose on a flange section 22 of the first component 13', and the second ring magnet 19' is arranged on the second component 14'. The ring magnets 18', 19' can optionally be attached to the respective components 13', 14'.

[0110] As can be seen from a summary of the Figures 5 to 7 As a result, the first component 13' of the outer conductor contact element 21 in the area of ​​the second connection interface 7b is provided for a direct connection with the second mating connector 4b, which is why a deflection of the outer conductor contact element 21 from the initial position PA ' to the contacting position PK ' leads to an axial deflection of the second connection interface 7b and of the second mating connector 4b which may be connected to the second connection interface 7b.

[0111] Insofar as a corresponding axial compensating movement of the second connection interface 7b is undesirable, the second connection interface 7b can alternatively be arranged on the second component 14' of the outer conductor contact element 21, as shown in the exemplary embodiment of the Figures 8 and 9 depicted.

[0112] The exemplary embodiment of the Figures 8 and 9This essentially corresponds to the embodiment of the Figures 5 to 7 , wherein the design of the outer conductor contact element 21 is further approximated to that of the inner conductor contact element 2. Interlocking locking arms again serve as movement limiting means 16', 17'.

[0113] As already mentioned, the axial compensating movement in the exemplary embodiment of the Figures 8 and 9 deliberately limited exclusively to the first connection interface 7a, which is why axial deflection in the area of ​​the second connection interface 7b cannot occur with this variant (see overview of the Figures 8 and 9 ).

Claims

1. Electrical contact element (2, 21) for an electrical connector (1), comprising a magnetic arrangement (10, 10') and an end contact section (11, 11') designed for electrical contact with an electrical mating contact element (12), which is located between an initial position (P) not contacted by the mating contact element (12) A , P A ') and a contacting position (P) contacted by the counter contact element (12) K , P K ') is movable along a plugging direction (S), wherein the magnet arrangement (10, 10') is set up to form a magnetic repulsion from the contacting position (P K , P K ') to the starting position (P A , P A ') to apply the directed force component (F) to the end contact section (11, 11').

2. Electrical contact element (2, 21) according to claim 1, characterized by the fact thatthe electrical contact element (2, 21) comprises at least a first component (13, 13`) having the end contact section (11, 11') and a second component (14, 14'), wherein the first component (13, 13`) is movable relative to the second component (14, 14') along the insertion direction (S).

3. Electrical contact element (2, 21) according to claim 2, characterized by the fact that one of the said components (13, 13', 14, 14') is received and guided in motion by an axial end section in the other component (14, 14', 13, 13'), wherein the components (13, 13', 14, 14`) are preferably each formed in a sleeve shape.

4. Electrical contact element (2, 21) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized by the fact that the front contact section (11, 11') in the starting position (P A , P A ') is further away from the second component (14, 14`) than in the contacting position (P K , P K'), wherein the first component (13, 13') and the second component (14, 14') are in the initial position (P A , P A ') opposite the contacting position (P K , P K ') preferably telescopically extended.

5. Electrical contact element (2, 21) according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized by the fact that the first component (13, 13`) has a first movement limiting means (16, 16') and the second component (14, 14') has a corresponding second movement limiting means (17, 17'), such that the first component (13, 13') starting from the contacting position (P K , P K ') not via the starting position (P A , P A ') can be moved further.

6. Electrical contact element (2, 21) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by the fact thatthe magnetic arrangement (10, 10`) comprises at least a first magnet (18, 18`) and a second magnet (19, 19') whose magnetic pole orientations are at least substantially opposite to each other and are each aligned at least substantially along the insertion direction (S) to generate the magnetic repulsion.

7. Electrical contact element (2, 21) according to claim 6, characterized by the fact that the second magnet (19, 19`) coaxial to the first magnet (18, 18') and at least in the starting position (P A , P A ') is arranged spaced apart along the insertion direction (S) from the first magnet (18, 18').

8. Electrical contact element (2, 21) according to claim 6 or 7, characterized by the fact that the first magnet and / or the second magnet is designed as a bar magnet (18, 19), ring magnet (18', 19') or electromagnet (20).

9. Electrical contact element (2, 21) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized by the fact thatthe applied to the end contact section (11, 11') from the contacting position (P K , P K ') to the starting position (P A , P A ') aligned force component (F) is provided solely by the magnetic repulsion of the magnet arrangement (10, 10').

10. Electrical contact element (2, 21) according to one of claims 6 to 9, characterized by the fact that the end contact section (11, 11') is coupled to the first magnet (18, 18`) in terms of movement, wherein the first magnet (18, 18`) is preferably arranged on the first component (13, 13`).

11. Electrical contact element (2, 21) according to one of claims 6 to 10, characterized by the fact that the second magnet (19, 19`) in the electrical connector (1) is statically or fixedly arranged and the first magnet (18, 18') in the electrical connector (1) is movably arranged, wherein the second magnet (19, 19') is preferably arranged on the second component (14, 14').

12. Electrical contact element (2, 21) according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized by the fact that the end contact section (11, 11') has a contact surface or a contact tip.

13. Electrical contact element (2, 21) according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized by the fact that the contact element is designed as an inner conductor contact element (2) or as an outer conductor contact element (21).

14. Electrical connector (1) for connection with an electrical mating connector (4a), comprising at least one electrical contact element (2, 21) according to one of claims 1 to 13 for electrical connection with a mating contact element (12) of the electrical mating connector (4a).

15. Electrical connector (3) comprising an electrical connector (1) according to claim 14 and the mating electrical connector (4a).

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