Floating connector

Abstract

To provide an improved floating type electric connector provided with a mounting member and a fitting member relatively movable to the mounting member.SOLUTION: The floating type electric connector 1 is provided with a mounting member 3 and a fitting member 2 movable relatively to the mounting member 3. One member of a member group including the fitting member 2 and the mounting member 3 has a bearing 12 and at least one elastic energizing element 16. The other member of the group including the mating member 2 and the fixed member 3 has a floating ring 14 that extends into the gap between the biasing element 16 and the bearing 12. Biasing element 16 biases floating ring 14 against bearing 12. The biasing element 16 is a tongue attached to the one member.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] Technical field to which the invention belongs The present invention relates to a floating-type electrical connector that includes a mounting member and a mating member that is movable relative to the mounting member. [Background technology]

[0002] Background of the Invention From US 10,892,576 B2, a floating electrical socket connector is known that includes a base and a barrel disposed within a passage in the base and movable within the base. The barrel includes contacts seated within the barrel, a wall, and a flange extending from the wall into a channel that extends outward from the passage in the base. Two spring washers surround the walls on either side of the flange within the channel and bias the flange into engagement with the base.

[0003] US 2020 / 0313332 A1 discloses a connector similar to US 10,892,576 B2 but with only one bias washer. The connector includes a generally cylindrical mounting base for receiving a contact element. The cylindrical sidewall of the mounting base has an opening for receiving the flange of the contact element so that the contact element can be laterally displaced within the opening. A wave washer disposed between the retainer and the flange biases the flange toward the flange on the base.

[0004] EP1441419A2 describes a coaxial connector including a base and a floating outer contact. The base has a passage extending between a mounting end and a mating end, and the mounting end has an inwardly extending flange. The floating outer contact includes a mounting end with an outwardly extending flange sandwiched between the base flange and a circuit board to which the connector is attached. A spring washer disposed between the floating outer contact's lock washer and the base's mating end applies an axial force to the lock washer to urge the floating outer contact away from the circuit board, thereby compressing the base's inwardly extending flange against the floating outer contact's outwardly extending flange. An annular spring can be disposed between the base flange and the floating outer contact flange to counteract the biasing force of the spring washer.

[0005] US2020 / 0403343A1 discloses another floating-type connector having a generally cylindrical mounting base for receiving contact elements. A biasing element is disposed between the contact elements and the base, the biasing element being an annular array of spring members for radially biasing the contact elements relative to the base.

[0006] EP 2878041 B1 deals with a contact element having an outer conductor and an inner conductor disposed within the outer conductor. The outer conductor has at least one contact on one of its longitudinal end faces for contacting a contact of a component to be contacted. In one embodiment, the end face is a wave ring, and in another embodiment, the end face is a contact ring with spring tabs arranged in an arc around the central axis of the contact ring. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] Object of the invention An object of the present invention is to provide an improved floating-type electrical connector having a mounting member and a mating member that is movable relative to the mounting member. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] Solution according to the invention Hereinafter, any reference to one (including the articles "a" and "the"), two or another number of objects is meant to be understood as not excluding the presence of more than that number of such objects in the present invention, unless something else is expressly stated. Reference numerals in the claims do not imply limitation but merely serve to improve the readability of the claims.

[0009] According to a first aspect of the present invention, the problem is solved by a floating electrical connector having the features of claim 1. The floating connector comprises a mounting member and a mating member movable relative to the mounting member. One member of the group of members including the mating member and the mounting member has a bearing and a resilient biasing element, and the other member of the group of members including the mating member and the mounting member has a floating ring extending into a gap between the biasing element(s) and the bearing. The biasing element biases the floating ring against the bearing. The biasing element is fixed to one of the members.

[0010] As used herein, the term "electrical connector" refers to any connector that can mate with a connector adapted to transmit electrical and / or electromagnetic signals, but does not exclude that the connector can also transmit other modalities, such as fluid or light.

[0011] In the context of the present invention, the term "mounting member" refers to a part of a connector that is attached to or constitutes a part of an apparatus or part of an apparatus that is to include the connector. Examples of equipment or parts of equipment on which the connector is provided include housing parts, conductor rails (also called power rails), or circuit boards. Furthermore, as used herein, the term "mating member" refers to a part of a connector that can mate with a compatible mating connector to establish a connection.

[0012] The term "floating connector" in the context of this invention refers to a characteristic of a connector whereby the mounting member of the connector can move relative to a mating member. The term "floating ring" refers to a portion of one member that allows one member to float relative to the other member, or the other member to float on one member.

[0013] In this specification, the expression "one member" means one member of a group of members including a mating member and an attachment member. Accordingly, the present invention encompasses not only embodiments in which one member is a mating member, but also embodiments in which one member is an attachment member. Furthermore, in the context of the present invention, the expression "the other member" means a member other than one member of a group of members including a mating member and an attachment member. Accordingly, when one member is a mating member, the other member is an attachment member, and vice versa.

[0014] As used herein, the requirement that the biasing element be "fixed" to one of the members means that it is rigidly connected to one of the members, directly or indirectly, for example by welding (such as laser welding), soldering or gluing to one of the members, by a frictional connection such as press-fitting, flanging, screwing or clamping to one of the members, or by being integral with one of the members.

[0015] The present invention allows for a simplified design of the floating connector. In particular, it is possible to avoid a portion of one of the components that serves as a seat for a biasing element, such as a collar bolt. The simplified design can be accompanied by space savings due to a more compact design of the floating connector. It also reduces manufacturing costs.

[0016] According to a second aspect of the present invention, the problem is solved by a floating electrical connector having the features of claim 3. The floating electrical connector comprises a mounting member and a mating member movable relative to the mounting member. One of the members comprising the mating member and the mounting member has a bearing and at least one resilient biasing element. The other member of the member group comprising the mating member and the mounting member has a floating ring extending into a gap between the biasing element(s) and the bearing. The biasing element is a tongue that biases the floating ring against the bearing.

[0017] Preferred embodiments of the present invention Preferred features of the invention, which may be applied alone or in any combination, are set out below and in the dependent claims.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the biasing element(s) press the floating ring against the bearing such that the biasing force exerted by the biasing element causes the floating ring to contact the bearing, thereby establishing electrical contact between the bearing, which is part of one member, and the floating ring, which is part of the other member, allowing electricity to flow between the mating member and the mounting member.

[0019] The biasing element of the preferred floating-type connector is part of the biasing member. The preferred biasing member includes a base plate having a base surface facing the floating ring. The preferred base plate is ring-shaped. The biasing member preferably resiliently extends toward the floating ring outside the base surface, thereby allowing the biasing element to resiliently press against the floating ring.

[0020] Preferably, there are at least two, more preferably more than two, e.g., three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, or more than nine biasing elements. Preferred biasing elements press against the floating ring at different positions on the floating ring. The positions at which the biasing elements press against the floating ring are preferably equidistant, e.g., arranged circumferentially about the center of the biasing member comprising the biasing elements.

[0021] The preferred biasing elements are tongues extending from the base surface of the biasing member to press against the floating ring. The preferred tongues are resilient, thereby providing the resilience required to bias the biasing elements against the floating ring. More preferably, all of the biasing members are such tongues. Preferably, one end of the biasing member tongue is attached to the base plate, while the other end of the tongue extends outside the base surface toward the floating ring.

[0022] The preferred base plate extends perpendicular to the direction of pressure of the tongues against the floating ring. The preferred longitudinal extension of the tongues is slightly inclined relative to an imaginary plane perpendicular to the direction of pressure. The preferred longitudinal extension of the tongues is oriented in the circumferential direction of the biasing member. A possible advantage of this embodiment of the invention is that part of the circumference of the biasing member can be used as the longitudinal extension of the tongues, which circumference may be significantly larger than the available width of the biasing member.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the biasing element has a pressing point or a pressing surface for pressing the floating ring. Preferably, the pressing point is convex dome-shaped, or the pressing surface has convex rounded or beveled edges. Advantageously, a convex pressing point or a convex edge of the pressing surface can reduce or avoid damage to the surface of the floating ring. Alternatively or additionally, a preferred biasing element is a tongue with a rounded free end, the arc of the roundness extending along the surface of the tongue.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, at least one or more, and more preferably all, of the biasing elements are integral with the base plate. More preferably, the entire biasing member is a single piece. This embodiment simplifies the manufacture of the biasing member and improves its durability. For example, the combination of the biasing element(s) and base plate, and preferably the entire biasing member, can be formed from a sheet of material by one or a combination of methods such as punching, stamping, cutting, deep drawing, casting, molding, milling, etc.

[0025] The preferred base plate with the biasing member is ring-shaped and has an inner rim and an outer rim. The preferred outer rim has a circular, oval, or rectangular cross-section. Similarly, the preferred inner rim has a circular, oval, or rectangular cross-section.

[0026] A preferred biasing member includes one or more reinforcing portions for reinforcing the biasing member. Particularly preferably, the base plate of the biasing member includes one or more reinforcing portions for reinforcing the biasing member. Preferred reinforcing portions are corrugations, preferably formed by punching or stamping. Additionally or alternatively, the reinforcing portions may be webs formed by casting, molding, or milling.

[0027] In some embodiments of the invention, the biasing member comprises a cylindrical collar. Preferred collars extend from the inner or outer rim of the base plate. Preferred collars have a circular, oval, or rectangular cross section. Preferably, the collar is integral with the base plate. The base plate and collar combination can be manufactured, for example, by deep drawing from a flat sheet of material, preferably metal.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, one of the members comprises a cylindrical or hollow cylindrical portion from which extends radially a biasing member. The preferred (more preferably hollow) cylindrical portion of one of the members is more particularly of circular, elliptical or rectangular cross section. The biasing member may extend outward from the outer surface of the (more preferably hollow) cylinder, or, in the case of a hollow cylinder, may alternatively extend inward from the inner surface of the hollow cylinder.

[0029] The biasing member is fixedly attached to one of the members, preferably the cylindrical portion of one of the members, at either the inner or outer edge of the base plate.

[0030] The biasing member may be attached by, for example, welding (such as laser welding), soldering, adhesive, frictionally attached such as by press fitting, flanging, screwing, clamping, or otherwise integrally attached to the other member, thereby indirectly securing the biasing element to the other member via the base plate and, in some embodiments, via a collar, which preferably extends within or through the interior of the cylindrical portion of the other member.

[0031] If the collar is on the inner rim of the base plate or the base plate is attached to a component at its inner rim, the biasing element is preferably located at or near the other rim of the base plate. Conversely, if the collar is on the outer rim of the base plate or the base plate is attached to a component at its outer rim, the biasing element(s) is preferably located at or near the inner rim of the base plate.

[0032] Preferably, the biasing member, particularly the entire biasing member, is electrically conductive. This advantageously allows the biasing member to electrically contact the floating ring, thereby transmitting electricity between the fitting member and the mounting member. Specifically, in addition to the electrical contact between the bearing and the floating ring, electricity can be passed between the fitting member and the mounting member not only via the bearing but also via the biasing member. Advantageously, this provides a particularly reliable electrical connection between the fitting member and the mounting member.

[0033] Like the first member, the preferred second member also comprises a cylindrical or hollow cylindrical part from which the floating ring extends radially, preferably integrally. More specifically, the preferred (more preferably hollow) cylindrical part of the second member has a circular, elliptical, or rectangular cross section. The floating ring may extend outward from the outer surface of the (preferably hollow) cylinder, or, in the case of a hollow cylinder, may alternatively extend inward from the inner surface of the hollow cylinder. The surface of the floating ring that contacts the biasing element preferably extends in a direction perpendicular to the direction of compression that exerts a biasing force on the floating ring.

[0034] A preferred biasing element presses the floating ring against the bearing in a pressing direction. A preferred bearing has one or more points or surfaces (hereinafter referred to as bearing points or bearing surfaces) that contact the surface of the floating ring facing the bearing. Preferably, the bearing points are convex dome-shaped, or the edges of the bearing surface are convexly rounded or beveled. This advantageously reduces or avoids damage to the surface of the floating ring. A preferred bearing has a ring-shaped bearing surface, the inner and outer edges of which are preferably convexly rounded or beveled to reduce or avoid damage to the floating ring.

[0035] Preferably, the floating ring, and more preferably the entire other member, is copper, a copper alloy such as brass or bronze, aluminum, or an aluminum alloy. Preferably, at least the portion of the floating ring that contacts the bearing or the biasing element is coated with a top layer of silver (soft or hard), silver-graphite, gold (soft or hard), tin, platinum, rhodium, palladium, or nickel. The present invention also encompasses embodiments in which the portion(s) of the floating ring that contact the bearing or the biasing element are uncoated. Preferably, the bearing, and more preferably the entire one member, is copper, a copper alloy such as brass or bronze, aluminum, or an aluminum alloy. Preferably, at least the bearing points or bearing surfaces of the bearing are coated with a top layer of silver (soft or hard), silver-graphite, gold (soft or hard), tin, platinum, rhodium, palladium, or nickel. The present invention also encompasses embodiments in which the bearing points or bearing surfaces are uncoated. Preferably, the biasing element, and more preferably the entire biasing member, is stainless steel or a copper alloy. Preferably, at least the pressure point or pressure surface of the biasing member is coated with a top layer of silver (soft or hard), silver-graphite, gold (soft or hard), tin, platinum, rhodium, palladium, or nickel. The present invention also encompasses embodiments in which the pressure point or pressure surface is uncoated.

[0036] The preferred bearing is ring-shaped, with the surface of the ring preferably extending in a plane perpendicular to the direction of the biasing force of the biasing element. In some embodiments of the invention, the bearing is formed by a bearing flange extending radially from a cylindrical or hollow cylindrical portion of one of the members, preferably integral with this member. The preferred cylindrical portion of one of the members is preferably a hollow cylinder. Its cross section is preferably circular, elliptical or rectangular. The flange may extend outward from the outer surface of the cylinder, or in the case of a hollow cylinder, may alternatively extend inward from the inner surface of the hollow cylinder.

[0037] Preferably, if the biasing member extends outward from a portion of one of the members, the bearing also extends outward from that portion of the one of the members, and conversely, if the biasing member extends inward from a portion of one of the members, the bearing also extends inward. Also preferably, the biasing member and the bearing extend to form the same part of one of the members. This achieves a simple and compact design that provides space for the floating ring between the biasing member and the bearing.

[0038] Where the biasing member and bearing form part of and extend outward from one of the members, the floating ring preferably extends inward from the other member, and vice versa. This also allows for a simple and compact design. Preferably, a gap is provided between the floating ring and one of the members, for example by making the inner or outer diameter of the floating ring significantly larger than the adjacent diameter of the one of the members, to allow the floating ring to move relative to the one of the members in a plane essentially perpendicular to the biasing direction of the biasing element(s).

[0039] The preferred mating member has a contact portion with a mating direction that is preferably essentially perpendicular to the direction in which the mating member can move relative to the mounting part, and preferably the mating direction is aligned with the biasing direction of the biasing element.

[0040] The mating portion may be male or female. The mating portion may have a circular cross section or may be elongated, such as the flat female mating portion or male blade contacts disclosed in JP 2000182696A. The mating portion preferably includes contacts for making electrical contact with the mating connector when mated with the mating connector. Numerous examples of suitable male or female mating members can be found in, for example, EP 3843219A1. The contacts may be stamped from sheet metal, such as the type offered by ODU GmbH & Co KG under the brand name STAMPTAC®.

[0041] The preferred female mating member has an opening for accessing the contacts, the inner edge of which preferably has a lead-in chamfer for the mating connector, and correspondingly, one or more contacts of the preferred male mating member have a lead-in chamfer on their outer leading edge.

[0042] The contacts can be contact sleeves, preferably hollow cylindrical contact sleeves. The contact sleeves can employ one or more springs as contact elements, such as those disclosed in DE 3 342 742 C2 or EP 0 627 784 B1 or those offered by ODU GmbH & Co. KG under the trade name SPRINGTAC®. The contact sleeves can be non-slotted or slotted, such as those offered by ODU GmbH & Co. KG under the trade name TURNTAC®, in which case the portion of the sleeve between the slots can resiliently contact a corresponding contact element of a mating connector. Some or all of the slots typically extend parallel to one another. The preferred male mating member is a contact pin, which can be slotted or non-slotted. Preferably, the sleeve or pin is integrally formed with the inner cylindrical portion.

[0043] The contact sleeve or pin may employ a lamella comb as a contact element, such as those disclosed in EP 2015403 B1, EP 3641068 B1, EP 2209167 B1, or EP 3761455 A1, or those offered by ODU GmbH & Co. KG under the brand name LAMTAC®. In the context of the present invention, a "lamella comb" is an arrangement of two or more elastically resilient lamellae extending in the same general direction. The lamellae of the lamella comb can be mated with a matching contact pin or contact sleeve of a mating connector to establish electrical contact between the lamella comb and the contacts of the mating connector. For this purpose, preferred lamellae of the lamella comb can be elastically deflected in a direction perpendicular to the surface along which the lamella comb extends. This allows the lamellae to be elastically biased against the contacts of the mating connector, providing a reliable electrical contact.

[0044] A preferred lamella comb is a lamella basket. In the context of the present invention, a "lamella basket" is a ring-shaped structure in which the lamellae are spaced apart from one another along the circumferential direction of the ring. Preferably, the lamellae of the lamella basket extend perpendicular to the circumferential direction of the ring. Preferably, the lamellae extend mainly along the direction of the symmetry axis of the ring and also towards the inside. They can preferably be elastically biased in the radial direction against contact with the opposing connector.

[0045] Alternatively, the lamella combs extend along a straight line. Particularly preferably, the lamellae extend perpendicular to the straight line. A preferred connector comprises at least two lamella combs of a type in which the lamellae are arranged adjacent to each other along a straight line. Preferably, at least one pair of such lamella combs contacts the same contact point of a counter connector. The straight lines of the pair of lamella combs preferably lie in a common plane, and particularly preferably extend parallel to each other. Preferably, the lamellae of each comb of the pair extend primarily perpendicular to the common plane toward the other comb of the pair. They can preferably be elastically biased against contact with a counter connector inserted between the pair of lamella combs. Such a pair of lamella combs can be suitably used for contacting counter connectors having parallel flat surfaces facing the lamella combs, as in the case of contact blades. It can also be suitably used for contacting conductor bases (also called busbars).

[0046] Preferred lamella combs are one-sided in the sense that the lamella at one end is relatively fixed and the other end is open, i.e., free to move. Alternatively, the lamella comb can be two-sided, in the sense that the lamella at both ends is relatively fixed to each other. Methods for fixing the lamella are disclosed, for example, in EP 2 209 167 A1, the relevant parts of which are incorporated herein by reference. For example, the fixed end of the lamella can be bonded to a metal strip at one (one-sided) end or both (two-sided) ends of the lamella. Preferably, the lamella is integral with the ring.

[0047] The lamella comb may be formed, for example, by stamping, cutting, deep drawing (for example as disclosed in EP 3761455 A1), or a combination of these methods.

[0048] Preferred mating members, particularly preferred female and male mating members, have a housing that encloses the contacts. The preferred cylindrical inner surface of the housing is a right cylinder. In some embodiments of the invention, metal pieces of a lamella comb are clamped between the housing and the inner cylinder.

[0049] A preferred mounting element has a mounting part for fixedly and electrically conductively mounting the mounting element to a conductor rail or a circuit board. Specifically, the mounting element has an essentially cylindrical mounting part for mounting the mounting element in a hole in, for example, the conductor rail or the circuit board. The outer peripheral surface of the mounting part of the mounting element is at least partially corrugated, preferably knurled, thereby achieving a secure fit of the mounting part. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0050] More preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to examples, but the present invention is not limited to these examples. The drawings are shown schematically as follows: [Figure 1] 1 is a cross-sectional side view of a first embodiment of the present invention in which a biasing member is attached to a fitting member by a flange and the mounting member has a cylindrical portion. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective cross-sectional side view of the embodiment of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] 2 is a cross-sectional side view of a second embodiment of the present invention similar to FIG. 1 but without the cylindrical portion of the mounting member. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective cross-sectional side view of the embodiment of FIG. 3. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the biasing member of the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 4. [Figure 6] Figure 2 is a perspective side view of the embodiment of Figure 1. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional side view of a third embodiment of the invention similar to Figure 1 but in which the biasing member is secured to the fitting with a screw. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a perspective cross-sectional side view of the embodiment of FIG. 6. [Figure 8]FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional side view of a fourth embodiment of the present invention similar to FIG. 1 but on a different scale. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a perspective cross-sectional side view of the embodiment of FIG. 8. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the biasing member of the embodiment of FIGS. 8 and 9. [Figure 11] Figure 10 is a perspective view of the biasing member of the embodiment of Figures 8 and 9. Figure 11 is a cross-sectional side view of a fifth embodiment of the invention similar to Figure 1 but in which the biasing member is welded to the fitting member. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a perspective cross-sectional side view of the embodiment of FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a perspective cross-sectional side view of a sixth embodiment of the present invention similar to FIG. 1, but in which the biasing member includes a collar. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the biasing member of the embodiment of FIG. 13. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional side view of a seventh embodiment of the present invention in which a biasing member is attached to a mounting member having a disc-shaped bearing. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a perspective cross-sectional side view of the embodiment of FIG. [Figure 17] Figure 16 is a perspective side view of the embodiment of Figure 15. Figure 17 is a cross-sectional side view of the embodiment of Figure 1 mounted on a conductor rail. [Figure 18] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the biasing member of the embodiment of FIGS. 15 and 16. [Figure 19] Figure 16 is a perspective view of the biasing member of the embodiment of Figure 15. Figure 17 is a cross-sectional view of an eighth embodiment of the invention similar to the embodiment of Figures 15 and 16 but having an annular bearing. [Figure 20] FIG. 13 is a perspective cross-sectional side view of a ninth embodiment of the present invention, which includes a conductor rail with through holes that serves as a mounting member. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional side view of the embodiment of FIG. 20. [Figure 22] Figure 21 is a cross-sectional side view of the embodiment of Figure 20. Figure 22 is a perspective cross-sectional side view of a tenth embodiment of the present invention in which the mating members are short pin contacts. [Figure 23] FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional side view of the embodiment of FIG. 22. [Figure 24] Fig. 23 is a cross-sectional side view of the embodiment of Fig. 22. Fig. 24 is a perspective cross-sectional side view of an eleventh embodiment of the present invention in which the mating portion is a slotted bushing for a pin contact. [Figure 25] FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional side view of the embodiment of FIG. 24. [Figure 26] Figure 25 is a cross-sectional side view of the embodiment of Figure 24. Figure 26 is a perspective cross-sectional side view of a twelfth embodiment of the invention in which the fitting comprises a W-shaped lamella basket. [Figure 27] FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional side view of the embodiment of FIG. 26. [Figure 28] FIG. 23 is a perspective cross-sectional side view of a twelfth embodiment of the present invention in which the fitting comprises a U-shaped lamella basket. [Figure 29] FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional side view of the embodiment of FIG. [Figure 30] FIG. 23 is a perspective cross-sectional side view of a twelfth embodiment of the present invention, the mating portion comprising a flat bushing. [Figure 31] FIG. 31 is a cross-sectional side view of the embodiment of FIG. 30. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0051] Detailed Description of Embodiments of the Invention In the following description of preferred embodiments of the present invention, identical reference numerals designate identical or similar elements.

[0052] The floating type electrical connector 1 shown in Figures 1 and 2 comprises a mating member 2 and a mounting member 3, which, when viewed from the outside, are essentially circular cylindrical with a common cylindrical axis 4 extending in the mating direction of the mating member 2.

[0053] The outer cylinder of the fitting 2 is hollow and forms a housing 5 for the mating portion 6 of the fitting 2. The interior of the housing 5 contains a one-sided lamella basket with a number of resilient metal lamellae 7 as contact points. The lamellae 7 extend from a ring-shaped metal piece 8 at one end of the cylindrical housing 5 generally along the cylindrical axis 4 toward the other end. As the lamellae 7 extend toward the other end of the housing 5, they are slightly angled toward the cylindrical axis 4 so as to resiliently contact a matching male contact (not shown) when the male contact is introduced into the female fitting 6. One end face of the cylindrical housing 5 is provided with an opening 9 for accessing the lamellae 7, and its edge is provided with a lead-in chamfer 10 for a matching connector.

[0054] In this embodiment and in a variation of the embodiment described below (this variation is not shown in the figures), the female fitting is replaced by a male fitting, for example as disclosed in EP 3843219 A1.

[0055] The fitting further comprises a hollow inner cylinder 11, the ring-shaped metal strip 8 being clamped between the outer wall of this inner cylinder 11 and the inner wall of the housing 5 which holds the lamella basket. The inner cylinder 11 forms a ring-shaped end face facing the opening 9 in the housing 5. Beyond this end face a flange extends radially outward from the inner cylinder 11 to form a bearing 12. A ring-shaped contact surface 13 of the bearing faces away from the fitting 6 towards a floating ring 14 of the mounting element 3.

[0056] A ring-shaped biasing member 15, spaced apart from the bearing 12, is fixed to the inner tube 11 of the fitting 2 and also extends radially from the inner tube 11. A biasing element in the form of a tongue 16 extends from the surface of the base plate 17 of the biasing member 15 into the space between the biasing member 15 and the bearing 12 and presses against the floating ring 14 of the mounting member 3 that is present in this space. At the position where the biasing member 15 is attached to the inner tube 11 of the fitting 2, the outer diameter of the inner tube 11 is reduced, resulting in a ring-shaped step on the side of the biasing member 15 facing the floating ring 14. On the opposite side of the biasing member 15, the inner tube 11 is flanged outward, securely fixing the biasing member 15 to the inner tube 11 of the fitting 2.

[0057] The floating ring 14 of the mounting member 3 surrounds the inner tube 11 of the mating member 2. The inner diameter of the floating ring 14 is significantly larger than the other diameters of the inner tube 11 of the mating member 2 to allow the floating ring 14 to move relative to the mating member 2 in a plane extending perpendicular to the axis of symmetry 4 of the mating member 2. The outer diameter of the floating ring 14 opens into and is integral with a cylindrical portion 18 of the mounting member 3, which is hollow and extends from the floating ring 14 toward the end of the connector 1 opposite the mating member 2, opening toward this end of the connector 1. The cylindrical portion 18 surrounds the biasing member 15 on its side. The outer surface 19 of the cylindrical portion 18 is knurled to ensure a secure fit of the mounting component when placed in a conductor rail 20 or a matching hole in a circuit board.

[0058] A modification of the connector 1 of Figures 1 and 2 is shown in Figures 3 and 4. It differs from the previous modification only in that the mounting part 3 does not have an outer cylindrical part 18. Instead, knurling is applied to the outer periphery of the floating ring 14.

[0059] 5 shows the side of the biasing member 15 of FIGS. 1 to 4 and 6 and 7 facing the floating ring 14. The biasing member 15 includes a base plate 17 and three biasing elements 16 provided on the outer edge thereof, and these biasing elements 16 are integral with the base plate 17. Furthermore, the base plate 17 is provided with three V-shaped corrugations 21 to improve its rigidity.

[0060] The biasing elements 16 are in the form of tongues whose longitudinal extension is in the circumferential direction of the biasing member 15. The tongues are arranged on the outer edge of the base plate 17. On the side facing the floating ring 14, each tongue is provided with a dome-shaped pressure point 22 through which the biasing element 16 extends towards the floating ring 14. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the tongues do not have the dome-shaped pressure point 22 but instead contact the floating ring 14 with a rounded edge (in the plane of the tongue as shown in the figures) of their free end.

[0061] 6 and 7 show a modification of the connector of FIGS. 1 and 2, in which the biasing member 15 is fixed to the inner cylinder 11 of the fitting member 2 by a screw 23 rather than by a flange.

[0062] The connector 1 according to the present invention can be adapted to various dimensions depending on the requirements of a particular application, for example, the dimensions of the mating connector (not shown). This is illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9, which show a variation of the connector 1 of FIGS. 3 and 4, with a larger diameter and no cylindrical portion. The side of the biasing member 15 of FIGS. 8-9 facing the floating ring 14 is shown in FIG. 10. This biasing member 15 differs from the one shown in FIG. 5 in that its larger diameter allows the base plate 17 to hold six tongues 16 instead of just three, and in that it has six V-shaped corrugations 21 instead of just three for increased rigidity.

[0063] The modified version of the connector 1 of Figures 1 and 2 shown in Figures 11 and 12 differs from the previously described version in that the biasing member 15 on the inner edge of the base plate 17 is fixed to the inner tube 11 of the mating element by welding 24, for example by laser welding, rather than by flanging.

[0064] Figure 13 shows a further variation of the connector 1 of Figures 1 and 2 in which the biasing member 15 includes a cylindrical collar 25 that extends from the inner edge of and is integral with the base plate 17. As best seen in Figure 14, the collar 25 extends through the interior of the inner tube 11 of one of the members and has a flange at its end for securely fastening to the inner tube 11.

[0065] 1 and 2, the connector 1 shown in Figures 15 and 16 differs from the previous embodiments, specifically the embodiments described in Figures 1 and 2, in that the floating ring 14 is part of the fitting member 2, while the bearing 12 and the urging member 15 are part of the mounting member 3. The inner side of the floating ring 14 is connected to the inside of the housing 5 of the fitting portion 6 of the fitting member 2 and is integrated with the fitting portion 6. The cylindrical portion 18 of the mounting member 3 is integrated with the bearing 12, which is disc-shaped and closes the cylindrical portion 18 facing the fitting member 6 of the connector 1.

[0066] The side of the ring-shaped biasing member 15 of Figures 15 and 16 facing the floating ring 14 is shown in Figure 18. This differs from the one shown in Figures 5 and 10 in that there are five biasing elements 16 instead of three, and that the biasing elements 16 are located on the inner edge of the base plate 17. The outer edge of the base plate 17 is also fixed to the mounting member 3 by flanging. The corrugations 21 for reinforcing the base plate are straight rather than V-shaped.

[0067] Figure 15 also shows how the mounting part 3 is mounted in a hole in the conductor rail 20 by means of a knurled rim 19. Similarly, Figure 17 shows how the connector 1 of Figures 1 and 2 is mounted in a hole in the conductor rail 20.

[0068] The connector 1 of Figure 19 differs from that shown in Figures 15 and 16 in that the bearing 12 is annular rather than disk-shaped. As a result, the pin of the mating connector can be inserted through the opening in the annular bearing 12 from the opposite side of opening 9, rather than through opening 9.

[0069] Figures 20 and 21 show how the conductor rail functions as the mounting member 3, including the floating ring 14, eliminating the need for a separate mounting member. Both the bearing 12 and the pressure point 22 contact the portion of the conductor rail that functions as the floating ring. Otherwise, the connector concept is similar to that of Figures 8 and 9, lacking the cylindrical portion 18. The inner tube 11 of the mating member is flanged outward to securely fasten the biasing member 15 to the inner tube 11 of the mating member 2.

[0070] 22 and 23 show an example of a connector 1 with a male mating member 6 rather than a female mating member 6. The male mating member 6 is a mating pin, and the lead-in chamfer 10 is on the outside of the distal end of the pin. The pin is hollow and integrally formed with an inner cylinder 11 and bearing 12. There is no housing 5.

[0071] The connector of Figures 24 and 25 has a female mating portion 6 which has a slotted bushing for the pin contact. As with the pin of Figures 22 and 23, the bushing is formed integrally with the inner cylinder 11 and bearing 12, and there is no housing 5.

[0072] While the lamella baskets of the connectors 1 of Figures 1-21 are one-sided in the sense that the lamella 7 extends from the ring-shaped metal strip 8 on only one side and is open on the other end, the lamella baskets of the connectors of Figures 26 and 27 are two-sided in the sense that the lamella 7 extends between the ring-shaped metal strips 8, 26 on both ends. Furthermore, the lamella 7 are generally W-shaped. This shape provides each lamella with two potential points for contact with a mating connector introduced into the mating portion 6. In contrast, the lamellas of the other similar connectors 1 of Figures 28 and 29 are U-shaped, providing each lamella with one designated potential point for contact with a mating connector introduced into the mating member 6.

[0073] Finally, Figures 30 and 31 show perspective cross-sectional side views of a twelfth embodiment of the invention, in which the mating part comprises a flat bushing. This version can be plugged with blade contacts or directly with conductor bars. The flat bushing has two parallel, linear lamella combs, each of which extends from a metal strip and has an open end. A sheet metal frame with an insertion opening 9 serves as a housing 7 that supports and protects the lamellas 7.

[0074] The features set out in the above description, claims and drawings can be relevant individually or in any combination to realise various embodiments of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0075] reference numbers 1 Floating Electrical Connector 2 Fitting member 3 Mounting parts 4 Cylindrical shaft 5. Housing 6 Fitting part 7 Elastic Metal Lamella 8,26 metal piece 9 Openings 10 Lead-in chamfer 11 Inner cylindrical part 12 Bearings 13 Contact surface 14 Floating Ring 15 Supporting Members 16 Biasing element 17 Base Plate 18 Cylindrical part 19 Outer surface, knurled 20 Conductor rail 21 Reinforcement, corrugation 22 Pressure points 23 screws 24 Laser welding 25 Cylindrical Collar

Claims

1. A floating-type electrical connector (1) comprising a mounting member (3) and a fitting member (2) that is movable relative to the mounting member (3), One of the members including the fitting member (2) and the mounting member (3) has a bearing (12) and at least one elastic biasing element (16), the other member of the group of members including the fitting part (2) and the mounting part (3) has a floating ring (14) extending into a gap between the biasing element (16) and the bearing (12); the biasing element (16) biases the floating ring (14) against the bearing (12); The biasing element (16) is attached to the one part. Floating Electrical Connector (1).

2. The biasing element is a tongue.

2. The floating type electrical connector (1) according to claim 1.

3. A floating-type electrical connector (1) comprising a mounting member (3) and a fitting member (2) that is movable relative to the mounting member (3), One of the members including the fitting member (2) and the mounting member (3) has a bearing (12) and at least one elastic biasing element (16), the other member of the group of members including the fitting part (2) and the mounting part (3) has a floating ring (14) extending into a gap between the biasing element (16) and the bearing (12); the biasing element (16) biases the floating ring (14) against the bearing (12); The biasing element (16) is a tongue. Floating Electrical Connector (1).

4. At least one of the biasing elements (16) a pressing point (22) for pressing the floating ring (14), the pressing point (22) being in the shape of a convex dome; or a pressing surface for pressing the floating ring (14), the end of which is convex and rounded; characterized by comprising A floating type electrical connector (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. the biasing element (16) is part of a biasing member (15) that includes a base plate (17) having a base surface facing the floating ring (14); The biasing element (16) extends outward from the base surface toward the floating ring (14) so ​​as to be pressed against the floating ring (14). A floating type electrical connector (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The biasing element (16) is integral with the base plate (17). A floating type electrical connector (1) according to claim 5.

7. The biasing member (15) is formed by punching, stamping, cutting, deep drawing or a combination thereof. A floating type electrical connector (1) according to claim 5 or claim 6.

8. The base plate (17) is characterized by having a reinforcing portion for reinforcing the base plate (17). A floating type electrical connector (1) according to any one of claims 5 to 7.

9. the base plate (17) is fixedly attached to the one member, directly or indirectly, at the inner rim of the base plate (17). A floating type electrical connector (1) according to any one of claims 5 to 8.

10. the base plate (17) is fixedly attached to the one member, directly or indirectly, at the outer rim of the base plate (17). A floating type electrical connector (1) according to any one of claims 5 to 9.

11. The biasing element (16) is electrically conductive. A floating type electrical connector (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. The fitting direction of the fitting member (2) and the pressing direction are essentially aligned. A floating type electrical connector (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. The fitting (2) comprises a lamella comb, a slotted sleeve or a slotted pin. A floating type electrical connector (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. The fitting member (2) is a female fitting member (2) for mating with a male fitting member of a counter connector, or a male fitting member (2) for mating with a female fitting member. A floating type electrical connector (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. The one member is the fitting member (2). A floating type electrical connector (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

Images