Electrical connector comprising two pluralities of flexible strips, one surrounding the other in an inserted configuration of the connector
The electrical connector design addresses the balance of low insertion force, resistance, and compact size by using radially flexible strips and additional conductive parts to enhance contact surface area and reduce volume, achieving improved performance and cost-effectiveness.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- FR2022010084
- Authority / Receiving Office
- FR · FR
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2022-10-03
- Publication Date
- 2025-09-05
- Estimated Expiration
- 2042-10-03
AI Technical Summary
Existing electrical connectors face challenges in achieving a balance between low insertion force, low electrical resistance, good vibration resistance, and compact size, while maintaining reasonable manufacturing costs.
The electrical connector design features a first contact with an axially projecting insertable portion surrounded by a first additional conductive part, and a second contact with a plurality of radially flexible strips and additional conductive parts that are pressed against each other in the inserted configuration, enhancing contact surface area and reducing volume.
The design achieves a larger contact surface area with reduced size and insertion force, while maintaining low electrical resistance and ease of manufacturing, thus improving overall performance and cost-effectiveness.
Smart Images
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Abstract
Description
Title of the invention: Electrical connector comprising two pluralities of flexible strips, one surrounding the other in an inserted configuration of the connector
[0001] The present invention relates to an electrical connector comprising a first contact and a second contact movable between a non-inserted configuration, in which the first contact is spaced from the second contact, and an inserted configuration, in which an electrically conductive insertable portion of the first contact is inserted along an insertion axis into a housing defined by the second contact.
[0002] The electrical connector is for example a power connector, that is to say it is adapted to transmit a current of an intensity greater than or equal to IA.
[0003] Two categories of these electrical connectors are currently known. A first category includes connectors having an interface intended to guarantee a good contact surface. The interface is usually made using wires or a stamped plate in order to create the appropriate shape. This category has the advantage of having low insertion forces and good resistance to vibrations. However, the number of parts used to make the interface is relatively high, and the space occupied by the interface creates bulk. In addition, this type of connector is relatively expensive.
[0004] In the second category, the electrical contact is ensured by the pressure of the two contacts, which must be high, in order to compensate for a small contact surface. These connectors have a lower manufacturing cost, but also high insertion forces and less good resistance to vibrations and that is to say to fretting wear that affects the contacting surfaces of the first contact and the second contact.
[0005] In order to improve the quality of this type of electrical connector, it has been proposed that the second contact comprises a plurality of flexible strips surrounding the insertable part of the first contact, one or more annular retaining members sometimes being used to increase the pressure of the strips on the insertable part.
[0006] However, these connectors, although satisfactory, because they offer both a reasonable insertion force and low electrical resistance, occupy a certain volume in the inserted configuration.
[0007] An aim of the invention is therefore to provide an electrical connector which always has a reasonable insertion force and low electrical resistance, but also a reduced size (volume) in the inserted configuration, while remaining simple to manufacture and competitively priced.
[0008] For this purpose, the invention relates to an electrical connector comprising a first contact and a second contact movable between a non-inserted configuration, in which the first contact is spaced from the second contact, and an inserted configuration, in which an electrically conductive insertable portion of the first contact is inserted along an insertion axis into a housing defined by the second contact, the first contact comprising a first electrically conductive body from which the insertable portion projects axially, the second contact comprising a second electrically conductive body, and a first plurality of strips projecting axially from the second body and distributed angularly around the insertable portion in the inserted configuration, the first plurality of strips being electrically conductive and radially flexible, the second body and the first plurality of strips defining the housing,in which: ,
[0009] - the first contact further comprises a first additional electrical part electrically conductive protruding axially from the first body and surrounding the insertable portion around the insertion axis,
[0010] - the second contact comprises a second electrically additional part conductive axially projecting from the second body and surrounding the first plurality of lamellae around the insertion axis,
[0011] - the first additional part and the second additional part are adapted to be radially pressed against each other and to be in electrical contact with each other in the inserted configuration, and to be spaced apart from each other in the non-inserted configuration, and
[0012] - the first additional part comprises one of a crown and a second plurality of slats distributed angularly around the insertion axis and radially flexible, the second additional part comprising the other of the crown and the second plurality of slats.
[0013] According to particular embodiments, the electrical connector comprises one or more of the following characteristics, taken in isolation or in all technically possible combinations:
[0014] - the crown surrounds the second plurality of slats around the insertion axis in the inserted configuration, the second plurality of lamellae being pressed radially against a radially inner surface of the crown;
[0015] - at least one annular pressure member arranged on faces of the second plurality of slats, the pressure member being adapted to exert radial pressure on the second plurality of slats towards the crown in the inserted configuration;
[0016] - the or each pressure member comprises a curved blade in the shape of a “C”;
[0017] - a plurality of annular pressure members axially offset from each other to others;
[0018] - at least one annular retaining member arranged on radially ex faces inner surfaces of the first plurality of slats, the retaining member being adapted to exert centripetal radial pressure on the first plurality of slats in the inserted configuration;
[0019] - the crown defines: a radially inner cylindrical or truncated cone-shaped surface widening distally along the axis of insertion; or a radially outer cylindrical or frustoconical surface narrowing distally along the axis of insertion;
[0020] - the first body comprises a main part, and a base received axially in and fixed on said main part, the insertion part being integral with said base;
[0021] - the second body comprises a main part, and a base received axially in and fixed on said main part, the first plurality of slats being integral with said base; and
[0022] - the second plurality of slats is made in one piece with a base defined by the first body or the second body, said base being received axially in and fixed on a main part of the first body or the second body.
[0023] The invention will be better understood on reading the following description, given solely by way of example and with reference to the appended drawings, in which:
[0024] [Fig-1] [Fig.l] is a perspective view of an electrical connector according to the invention, in the non-inserted configuration,
[0025] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a sectional view along a radial plane of the electrical connector shown in [Fig.l], in the inserted configuration,
[0026] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is a perspective view of an electrical connector according to the invention, in the non-inserted configuration, the electrical connector constituting a variant of that shown in Figures 1 and 2, and
[0027] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] is a sectional view along a radial plane of the electrical connector shown in [Fig.3], in the inserted configuration.
[0028] With reference to Figures 1 and 2, an electrical connector 10 according to the invention is described.
[0029] The electrical connector 10 comprises a first contact 12 and a second contact 14 movable between a non-inserted configuration ([Fig.l]), in which the first contact is spaced from the second contact, and an inserted configuration ([Fig.2]), in which an electrically conductive insertable portion 16 of the first contact is inserted along an insertion axis D into a housing 18 defined by the second contact.
[0030] For the purposes of this document, the term “conductor” means a material whose electrical resistivity at 300 K is, for example, less than or equal to 105 Qm. Conversely, “insulator” means a material whose electrical resistivity at 300 K is, for example, greater than or equal to 105 Qm
[0031] The first contact 12 comprises a first electrically conductive body 20 from which the insertable portion 16 projects axially, and a first additional electrically conductive portion 22 projecting axially from the first body and surrounding the insertable portion around the insertion axis D.
[0032] In the example, the insertable part 16 and the first additional part 22 are integral with the first body 20.
[0033] Advantageously, the insertable part 16 and the first additional part 22 define radially between them an annular space 24 adapted to receive the second contact 14 in the inserted configuration. The insertable part 16 and the first additional part 22 are for example centered on the insertion axis D.
[0034] On the proximal side, the first body 20 defines for example a housing 26 provided to receive an electric cable or a conductive part (not shown).
[0035] By "proximal", we mean, for each of the contacts, the side opposite the insertion along the insertion axis D. Correlatively, by "distal", we mean the side defined by the direction of insertion along the insertion axis D.
[0036] The insertable part 16 is for example cylindrical and advantageously solid.
[0037] In the example, the first additional part 22 forms a crown 28. The first additional part 22 and the insertion part 16 comprise distal ends 30, 32 for example located substantially at the same level along the insertion axis D.
[0038] The crown 28 advantageously defines a radially inner cylindrical surface 34, and for example a radially outer surface 36 which is also cylindrical. The crown 28 advantageously has a constant thickness E around the insertion axis D.
[0039] According to a variant not shown, the radially inner surface 34 is frustoconical, widening on the distal side along the insertion axis D.
[0040] The second contact 14 comprises a second electrically conductive body 38, and a first plurality of lamellae 40 projecting axially from the second body 38 and angularly distributed around the insertable portion 16 in the inserted configuration. The second contact 14 comprises a second additional electrically conductive portion 42 projecting axially from the second body 38 and surrounding the first plurality of lamellae 40 around the insertion axis D.
[0041] In the example, the second contact 14 comprises a plurality of annular retaining members 44 arranged on radially outer faces 46 of the first plurality of strips 40, the retaining members being adapted to exert a centripetal radial pressure relative to the insertion axis D on the first plurality of slats in the inserted configuration.
[0042] According to a variant not shown, the second contact 14 comprises only one retention member 44.
[0043] The second contact 14 advantageously comprises a plurality of pressure members 48 or, according to a variant not shown, just one.
[0044] On the proximal side, the second body 38 defines for example a housing 50 provided to receive an electric cable or a conductive part (not shown).
[0045] The second body 38 advantageously comprises a main part 52, and two bases 54, 56 received in and fixed on the main part on the proximal side of the bases, and with which the first plurality of strips 40 and the second additional part 42 are integrally formed.
[0046] According to variants not shown, one and / or the other of the two bases 54, 56 are integral with the main part 52 of the second body 38. In other words, the first plurality of strips 40 and / or the second additional part 42 are not added, but are integral with the main part 52.
[0047] The first plurality of strips 40 are electrically conductive and radially flexible, the second body 38 and the strips 40 defining the housing 18. The strips 40 are adapted to press against a radially outer surface 58 of the insertion portion 16.
[0048] The slats 40 are advantageously identical to each other and distributed regularly around the insertion axis D. Two angularly consecutive slats 40 are advantageously separated by a slot 60.
[0049] The slats 40 are at least two in number. In the example shown, the slats 40 are six in number.
[0050] According to variants not shown, there are four, eight, ten or twelve slats 40.
[0051] The slats 40 advantageously define circumferential grooves 62 aligned with each other around the insertion axis D and adapted to receive the retention members 44.
[0052] In the non-inserted configuration, the slots 60 have, for example, a length 21, along the insertion axis D, of between 5 mm and 40 mm, and a width 22, in the circumferential direction, of between 0.2 mm and 2.5 mm.
[0053] In the inserted configuration, the slats 40 have radially inner faces 64 pressed against the insertable part 16.
[0054] The retaining members 44 are advantageously similar to each other, and for example six in number. The retaining members 44 are adapted to exert centripetal radial pressure on the first plurality of strips 40 in the inserted configuration.
[0055] The containment members 44 are advantageously located axially on a third distal of the first plurality of lamellae 40.
[0056] Each of the retaining members comprises, for example, a blade 66 curved around the insertion axis D and having a “C” shape. Each of the retaining members 44 advantageously forms an interrupted ring.
[0057] Each of the retaining members 44 is advantageously made of a material having a coefficient of thermal expansion lower than that of the strips 40 of the first plurality, and lower than that of the insertable part 16.
[0058] The second additional portion 42 and the first additional portion 22 are adapted to be pressed radially against each other and to be in electrical contact with each other in the inserted configuration. The second additional portion 42 and the first additional portion 22 are spaced apart from each other in the non-inserted configuration.
[0059] In the example, the second additional part 42 consists of a second plurality of strips 67 distributed angularly around the insertion axis D and radially flexible. The second additional part 42 and the first plurality of strips 40 comprise distal ends 68, 70 for example located substantially at the same level along the insertion axis D.
[0060] The second plurality of lamellae 67 is for example surrounded by the crown 28 around the insertion axis D in the inserted configuration, the second plurality of lamellae being pressed radially against the radially inner surface 34 of the crown.
[0061] In the example, the first plurality of slats 40 and the second plurality of slats 67 are adapted to be received in the annular space 24.
[0062] The slats of the second plurality 67 are advantageously identical to each other and distributed regularly around the insertion axis D. Two angularly consecutive slats 67 are advantageously separated by a slot 72.
[0063] The slats 67 are at least two in number, preferably at least four. In the example shown, the slats 67 are twelve in number.
[0064] According to variants not shown, there are six, eight, ten or more than twelve slats 67.
[0065] The slats 67 advantageously define circumferential grooves 74 aligned with each other around the insertion axis D and adapted to receive the pressure members 48.
[0066] In the non-inserted configuration, the slots 72 have, for example, a length 23, along the insertion axis D, of between 5 mm and 40 mm, and a width 24, in the circumferential direction, of between 0.2 mm and 2.5 mm.
[0067] In the inserted configuration, the blades 67 have radially outer faces 76 pressed against the crown 28.
[0068] The pressure members 48 are advantageously similar to each other, and for example six in number. The pressure members 48 are adapted to exert a centrifugal radial pressure on the second plurality of blades 67 in the inserted configuration.
[0069] The pressure members 48 are for example structurally analogous to the containment members 44.
[0070] The pressure members 48 are advantageously located axially on a distal third of the second plurality of strips 67.
[0071] Each of the pressure members 48 is advantageously made of a material having a coefficient of thermal expansion greater than or equal to that of the second plurality of strips 67, and greater than or equal to that of the crown 28.
[0072] The operation of the electrical connector 10 follows from its structure and will now be briefly described.
[0073] In the uninserted configuration, there is no direct electrical contact between the first contact 12 and the second contact 14. They are disconnected from each other.
[0074] When the first contact 12 and the second contact 14 are moved by axial translation from the non-inserted configuration to the inserted configuration, the insertion portion 16 of the first contact enters the housing 18. The first plurality of strips 40 is pressed against the radially outer surface 58 of the insertion portion 16 over a length L5. Advantageously, the retention member(s) 44 press radially on the strips 40 towards the insertion portion 16 and improve the electrical contact between the strips 40 and the insertion portion 16, by increasing the pressure and the contact surface between them and / or by making it uniform along the insertion axis D.
[0075] Similarly, the first additional part 22 and the second additional part 42 are pressed radially against each other and are in electrical contact with each other over a length L6, for example substantially equal to the length L5. Advantageously, the pressure member(s) 48 press on the second plurality of strips 67 towards the crown 28 and improve the electrical contact between the strips 67 and the crown 28, by increasing the pressure and the contact surface between them and / or by making it uniform along the insertion axis D.
[0076] Thanks to the above features, in particular the first additional part 22 and the second additional part 42, the electrical connector 10 benefits from a larger contact surface than a connector not having these additional parts. For example, the contact surface can be approximately doubled if the lengths L5 and L6 are substantially equal.
[0077] For the same desired contact surface, the electrical connector 10 is therefore shorter, and occupies a smaller volume. In addition, it has a reduced insertion force soundable and low electrical resistance, thanks to the first plurality of lamellae 40 in contact with the insertion part 16, and the second plurality of lamellae 67 in contact with the crown 28.
[0078] Advantageously, the restraining members 44 and the pressure members 48 reduce the electrical contact resistance, all other things being equal.
[0079] The two optional bases 54, 56 facilitate the manufacture of the electrical connector 10, by making it possible to attach the first plurality of strips 40 and the second plurality of strips 67 to the main part 52 of the second body 38.
[0080] Referring to Figures 3 and 4, an electrical connector 100 is described constituting a variant of the electrical connector. The electrical connector 100 is analogous to the electrical connector 100 shown in Figures 1 and 2. Similar elements have the same reference numerals and will not be described again. Only the differences will be described in detail below.
[0081] In the electrical connector 100, the first additional part 22 comprises the second plurality of strips 67, the second additional part 42 forming the crown 28. The optional pressure members 48 are part of the first contact 12.
[0082] The first body 20 advantageously comprises a main part 102, and a base 104 received in and fixed on the main part 102 on the proximal side of the base, and with which the insertion part 16 is integral, which makes it possible to attach the insertion part 16 to the main part 102 of the first body 20.
[0083] The electrical connector 100 operates in a similar manner to the electrical connector 10, and has the same advantages.
[0084] According to variants not shown of the electrical connectors 10 and 100, the second plurality of strips 67 surrounds the crown 28 around the insertion axis D in the inserted configuration, the second plurality of strips being pressed radially against the radially outer surface 36 of the crown 28.
Claims
Claims
1. An electrical connector (10; 100) comprising a first contact (12) and a second contact (14) movable between a non-inserted configuration, in which the first contact (12) is spaced from the second contact (14), and an inserted configuration, in which an electrically conductive insertable portion (16) of the first contact (12) is inserted along an insertion axis (D) into a housing (18) defined by the second contact (14), the first contact (12) comprising a first electrically conductive body (20) from which the insertable portion (16) projects axially, the second contact (14) comprising a second electrically conductive body (38), and a first plurality of lamellae (40) projecting axially from the second body (38) and angularly distributed around the insertable portion (16) in the inserted configuration, the first plurality of lamellae (40) being electrically conductive and radially flexible,the second body (38) and the first plurality of slats (40) defining the housing (18), wherein:, - the first contact (12) further comprises a first additional electrically conductive part (22) projecting axially from the first body (20) and surrounding the insertable part (16) around the insertion axis (D), - the second contact (14) comprises a second electrically conductive additional portion (42) projecting axially from the second body (38) and surrounding the first plurality of strips (40) around the insertion axis (D), - the first additional portion (22) and the second additional portion (42) are adapted to be pressed radially against each other and to be in electrical contact with each other in the inserted configuration, and to be spaced apart from each other in the non-inserted configuration, and - the first additional part (22) comprises one of a crown (28) and a second plurality of lamellae (67) distributed angularly around the insertion axis (D) and radially flexible, the second additional part (42) comprising the other of the crown (28) and the second plurality of lamellae (67).
2. An electrical connector (10; 100) according to claim 1, wherein the crown (28) surrounds the second plurality of strips (67) around the insertion axis (D) in the inserted configuration, the second plurality of lamellae (67) being pressed radially against a radially inner surface (34) of the crown (28).
3. An electrical connector (10; 100) according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising at least one annular pressure member (48) disposed on faces (76) of the second plurality of strips (67), the pressure member (48) being adapted to exert radial pressure on the second plurality of strips (67) towards the crown (28) in the inserted configuration.
4. An electrical connector (10; 100) according to claim 3, wherein the or each pressure member (48) comprises a blade (66) curved in the shape of a "C".
5. Electrical connector (10; 100) according to claim 3 or 4, comprising a plurality of annular pressure members (48) axially offset from each other.
6. An electrical connector (10; 100) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising at least one annular retaining member (44) disposed on radially outer faces (46) of the first plurality of strips (40), the retaining member (44) being adapted to exert centripetal radial pressure on the first plurality of strips (40) in the inserted configuration.
7. Electrical connector (10; 100) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, in which the crown (28) defines: - a radially inner surface (34) cylindrical, or frustoconical widening on the distal side along the insertion axis (D), or - a radially outer surface (36) cylindrical, or frustoconical narrowing on the distal side along the insertion axis (D).
8. An electrical connector (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the first body (20) comprises a main portion (102), and a base (104) axially received in and fixed to said main portion (102), the insertion portion (16) being integral with said base (104).
9. Electrical connector (10; 100) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the second body (38) comprises a main part (52), and a base (54) received axially in and fixed on said main part (52), the first plurality of strips (40) being integral with said base (104).
10. Electrical connector (10; 100) according to any one of the claims- indications 1 to 9, wherein the second plurality of slats (67) are integral with a base (56) defined by the first body (20) or the second body (38), said base (56) being received axially in and fixed on a main part (52; 102) of the first body (20) or the second body (38).