Vibration-resistant electrical flat female terminal

Abstract

To provide a vibration-resistant electromechanical flat socket terminal for an electric connector, especially a high voltage connector for a vehicle, especially a vehicle having an electric traction motor.SOLUTION: The invention relates to a vibration-resistant electromechanical flat socket terminal, in particular, a high-voltage flat socket terminal and has an essentially cuboid tab contact receptacle 250 into which an essentially cuboid tab contact portion of an electrical mating terminal, in particular, a high-voltage mating terminal for making electrical contact with the flat socket terminal can be plugged. The tab contact receptacle is formed between a plug contact portion 110 of an electromechanical connection component 10 and a mechanical contact spring cage 20 that is formed separately from the plug contact portion of the flat socket terminal.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a vibration-resistant electro-mechanical flat female terminal, and more particularly to a high-voltage flat female terminal for an electrical connection part, particularly a high-voltage connection part. The present invention further relates to a vibration-resistant electrical connector, particularly a high-voltage connector, a vibration-resistant electrical connection part, particularly a high-voltage connection part, and an electrical entity, particularly a high-voltage entity.

Background Art

[0002] In the field of electricity (electronics, electrical engineering, electrical technology, etc.) except for ground-based electrical engineering and the like, a large number of electrical connectors are known. They are used, for example, to transmit voltages in the high-voltage range (high voltage: alternating voltage exceeding 24 V and up to and including 1 kV maximum, direct current voltage exceeding 48 V and up to and including 1.5 kV maximum) and / or currents in the high-current range (high current exceeding 25 A and up to and including 1 kA maximum). Here, the connector has to provide a defect-free transmission of electrical energy supply and / or distribution in a warm, possibly hot, dirty, humid and / or chemically aggressive environment, either for a short period of time and / or permanently. This of course also applies to the low-voltage and / or low-current range.

[0003] Due to their wide range of applications, a large number of such connectors are known in the automotive and non-automotive fields, except for ground-based electrical engineering and the like. In the automotive field, such high-voltage and / or high-current connectors are suitable, for example, for connecting high-voltage and / or high-current electrical wires, for electrically connecting such electrical wires to corresponding electrical high-voltage entities, and vice versa, or for another type of electro-mechanical contact. In this specification, the term high voltage is intended to also include the term high current.

[0004] High-voltage connectors may be used for direct or indirect high-voltage and / or high-current connections for high-voltage and / or high-current power sources. Such high voltage and / or such high current may originate from, or be determined with respect to, an electrical high-voltage entity. Such high-voltage entities are, for example, rechargeable battery modules or rechargeable batteries, traction battery modules or traction batteries, inverters, switchgears, electric (traction) motors, devices, equipment, etc. (see also below).

[0005] Efforts to reduce the high cost and environmental impact of fossil fuels have led to a need for, e.g., hybrid or electric vehicles in the automotive field. As one aspect of these vehicles, they may handle high charging voltages and operating voltages as well as high charging currents and operating currents, and the associated components of the vehicle need to be designed accordingly. This is relevant, for example, to high-voltage lines (e.g., stranded wires, busbars, etc. made of copper alloy or preferably aluminum alloy), and the associated high-voltage terminals of high-voltage connectors (e.g., connection parts, flat contacts, busbars, etc. made of aluminum alloy or preferably copper alloy).

[0006] Such high-voltage connectors and their housings may be provided on electric wires, cables, cable harnesses, etc., which are hereinafter referred to as pre-assembled (electrical) cables, and which are also herein referred to as electrical high-voltage entities. High-voltage connectors and their housings may also be provided on electrical devices or electrical means such as, for example, housings, lead frames, busbars, etc., electrical (high-power) components or corresponding assemblies, etc., which are likewise herein referred to as electrical high-voltage entities.

[0007] When a connector is arranged on a cable, it is also referred to as a flying (plug) connector or a plug, socket or coupling. When it is arranged on an electrical component, assembly, etc., it is also referred to as a connector device such as a (built-in / attached) connector, (built-in / attached) plug or (built-in / attached) socket. In electrical engineering (preferably involving three-phase current high-voltage transmission, generation, conversion, storage and transportation of large currents in an electrical network), due to their complex structure, they are referred to as cable appliances.

[0008] Efforts have been constantly made to improve electrical connectors and their terminals, especially to design them more effectively and to configure and / or produce them more cost-effectively. In many cases, non-compliance with the vibration requirements (classes or severity levels 2, 3 and / or 4 of LV214 or LV215, or the like) for electrical high-voltage connections is caused by the relative movement between the socket terminals and tab terminals that are inserted together due to the relatively large mass and vibration load associated with the terminals and lines for the high-voltage connections being relatively heavy. Summary of the Invention Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0009] It is difficult to meet the vibration requirements of LV214 or LV215 at a severity level of 3 or higher using conventional flat socket terminals or high-voltage flat socket terminals. In order to be able to generate the required holding force, additional measures are required, which result in high-cost solutions such as high-cost flat socket terminals or T-shaped flat socket terminals and occupy additional structural space. Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a vibration-resistant electrical connection for a vehicle, especially having an electric traction motor. Means for Solving the Problems

[0010] The object of the present invention is preferably achieved by a vibration-resistant electromechanical flat socket terminal for an electrical connection, in particular a T-shaped connection, for a vehicle, in particular a vehicle having an electric traction motor, by a vibration-resistant electrical connector, in particular a T-shaped connector, by a vibration-resistant electrical connection, in particular a T-shaped connection, and by an electrical entity, in particular a T-shaped entity. Advantageous developments, additional features and / or advantages of the present invention can be found in the dependent claims and the following description.

[0011] The flat socket terminal according to the invention comprises a substantially cuboid tab contact receptacle into which a substantially cuboid tab contact portion of a mating terminal, in particular a T-shaped mating terminal, can be inserted to form an electrical contact with the flat socket terminal. The tab contact receptacle is formed between a plug contact portion of an electromechanical connecting component and a mechanical contact spring cage of the flat socket terminal, which is formed separately from the plug contact portion. Here, the connecting component is preferably made of copper or a copper alloy, and the contact spring cage is preferably made of steel, in particular spring steel. Of course, other materials such as aluminum or an aluminum alloy may be used for the connecting component.

[0012] A single flat socket terminal may be formed as a terminal rigidly mechanically connected in at least two or exactly two parts of the plug contact portion and the contact spring cage. Here, the contact spring cage may be formed as a single part (see below, as a materially joined single piece or integrally) or as a plurality of parts. The contact spring cage may be provided on the plug contact portion in a substantially flat form, and the upper inner surface of the contact spring cage and the outer surface of the plug contact portion may define the tab contact receptacle. At least one further lateral inner surface of the contact spring cage, in particular two further lateral inner surfaces, may further define the tab contact receptacle.

[0013] The plug contact portion of the connecting component may be formed essentially or substantially as a tab. This means that the contact spring cage of the flat socket terminal enables a plug connection between tabs (the first tab: the plug contact portion, the second tab: the tab contact portion of the mating terminal). At least the plug contact portion may be formed as a materially joined single piece or integrally. Here, the details described below regarding forming the contact spring cage as a materially joined single piece and / or integrally, of course, may equally apply to the plug contact portion, the entire connecting component, or any suitable location. The plug contact portion in the tab contact receptacle may have a plurality of electromechanical contact areas (domes) formed, for example, as (solid) protrusions or beads. Of course, other types of contact areas, such as contact springs, may be used.

[0014] The contact spring cage may be accessible to the tab contact portion on at least one or precisely one side. This means that it is considered possible to insert the tab contact portion into the tab contact receptacle from a single side or (at least) two sides. The contact spring cage may further be formed as a single piece, as a materially joined single piece, or integrally. Of course, it is also possible to form the contact spring cage as a plurality of parts, particularly two parts.

[0015] The single-piece form is understood to mean a form of the contact spring cage in which the components of the contact spring cage are fixed to each other by force fitting and / or form fitting, and preferably the contact spring cage can be separated again into its components without causing damage, optionally using tools. The contact spring cage is designed as a single piece although it has a multi-part configuration.

[0016] The form of a single piece materially (by bonding) joined means that the individual parts of the contact spring cage are fixed to each other (by welding, soldering, adhesive bonding, etc.) so as to be materially joined, and preferably the contact spring cage is understood to mean a form of contact spring cage in which it is impossible to separate the individual parts without damaging one of the individual parts. Here, the contact spring cage may be further joined by force fitting and / or form fitting (except in the case of an integral form).

[0017] The integral form is understood to mean the form of a contact spring cage in which there is only a single part that can be separated only by destruction. This part is made from a single piece of raw material (sheet metal, blank, etc.) and a single mass of raw material (molten metal) that are necessarily integral in part. This is internally joined by adhesion and / or agglomeration. Here, there may further be a laminate, coating, etc. of a single piece materially (by bonding) joined, or an integrated deposit, plating, etc.

[0018] The contact spring cage may further be formed as a bent spring and / or a stamped spring. Here, the contact spring cage may be formed as a spring bent particularly by 180°, or as a spring particularly shaped and stamped. The bent spring may, of course, also be formed as a stamped spring or a shaped and stamped spring before being bent.

[0019] The contact spring cage may be formed to be substantially closed on at least three, at least four, or five sides. A contact spring cage formed to be substantially closed on three sides preferably comprises two side walls and a cover wall. A contact spring cage substantially closed on four sides further comprises a bottom wall, and in the case of a contact spring cage substantially closed on five sides, the end face is further at least partially closed so that the tab contact portion of the mating terminal cannot be inserted through this end face.

[0020] The cover wall of the contact spring cage may have at least one mechanical cover contact spring that projects or protrudes into the tab contact receptacle. At least one side wall of the contact spring cage may further have a mechanical side contact spring that projects or protrudes into the tab contact receptacle. At least one cover contact spring and / or at least one side contact spring may be formed as a contact spring bent approximately 180° into the tab contact receptacle. Of course, a 0° attachment portion of the cover contact spring and / or side contact spring may be used.

[0021] The associated contact spring functions to mechanically receive or mount the tab contact portion of the mating terminal into the tab contact receptacle in a fixedly spring-loaded fashion, i.e., such that it can only move up to a limited extent. At least one cover contact spring functions, in particular, to preferably press the tab contact portion against the contact area of the plug contact portion. At least one side contact spring functions, in particular, to meet the vibration requirements for flat socket terminals.

[0022] Here, at least one cover contact spring and at least one side contact spring interact via the tab contact portion of the mating terminal, of course, in such a way that the cover contact spring in particular can also contribute to meeting the vibration requirements. The relevant contact springs may be attached to one or both sides of the receptacle body of the contact spring cage and form a pivotable and / or linearly movable inner boundary of the tab contact receptacle, in addition to its deformability as a spring.

[0023] The contact spring cage may be formed such that the contact spring arranges the tab contact portion inserted into the tab contact receptacle at its center and presses it against the plug contact portion there. The contact spring cage may further be formed such that the spring directions of at least one cover contact spring and at least one side contact spring are substantially perpendicular to each other. For this purpose, in the contact spring cage or the tab contact receptacle, the cover contact spring is configured to be movable in both longitudinal directions and the side contact spring is configured to be movable in both lateral directions.

[0024] The contact spring cage may further be formed such that at least one cover contact spring and at least one side contact spring extend substantially in the longitudinal direction of the flat socket terminal. Furthermore, the cover contact spring and / or the side contact spring may have exactly one or at least one mechanical contact protrusion for forming an electromechanical contact with the tab contact portion. Thus, for example, two, three or more contact protrusions may be configured for each contact spring, and of course, the corresponding number of contact protrusions of the contact spring need not be the same.

[0025] At least one cover contact spring may be configured in the tab contact receptacle so as to apply a spring load in the longitudinal direction of the flat socket terminal above the plug contact portion. At least one side contact spring may further be configured in the tab contact receptacle so as to apply a spring load in the lateral direction of the flat socket terminal above the plug contact portion. Further, two side contact springs located on opposite sides of each other in the lateral direction may be configured in the tab contact receptacle so as to apply a spring load to each other.

[0026] A single contact spring may be integrally (as above) attached to one or both sides of the receptacle body of the contact spring cage in the longitudinal direction. When the associated contact spring is attached to one side, it is preferred that there is a substantially 180° attachment portion of the contact spring to the receptacle body. For example, for this purpose, the contact spring is bent from the outside towards the receptacle body, which is preferably still open here. When the associated contact spring is attached to both sides, it is preferred that there is a substantially 0° attachment portion of the contact spring to the receptacle body. For example, for this purpose, the contact spring is cut out from the wall of the receptacle body, which may in particular be done by stamping.

[0027] A single contact spring may have at least one or exactly one mechanical contact projection that projects into the tab contact receptacle in its longitudinal central region. In addition to its contact projection, the single contact spring may further have a front spring portion and possibly a rear spring portion. Here, of course, the spring portions extend in one longitudinal direction away from the contact projection, while the other spring portion extends away from the contact projection in the other longitudinal direction. The front spring portion, the contact projection, and the rear spring portion preferably have a V-shape. The free end of the single contact spring may be mounted to be slidable on the inner surface of the receptacle body (of course, only in the case of one-sided attachment of the contact spring). Here, the free end preferably has a V-shape.

[0028] The contact spring cage can have a bottom wall through which the contact spring cage is fixed to the plug contact portion. This means that it is preferred that the contact spring cage is formed to be substantially closed on at least four sides (two side walls, a cover wall, a bottom wall). Each of the two side walls may have a through-opening through which the plug contact portion is inserted into the contact spring cage. The through-opening in the side wall inside the socket terminal is formed to be larger than, in particular, the through-opening in the side wall on the opposite side in the lateral direction outside the socket terminal. Here, of course, those through-openings are preferably configured "concentrically" in the contact spring cage.

[0029] The through-opening inside the socket terminal may have dimensions such that it is possible to insert substantially the entire plug contact portion in the lateral direction. The through-opening inside the socket terminal may have dimensions such that at least one blocking shoulder of the connecting component abuts against the outside of the receptacle body. The through-opening outside the socket terminal may have dimensions such that at least one blocking shoulder of the plug contact portion abuts against the inside of the receptacle body. It is preferable that two blocking shoulders are used for each through-opening, which are arranged longitudinally side by side in the longitudinal direction in the connecting component or the plug contact portion.

[0030] The plug contact portion may be fixed to the receptacle body of the contact spring cage on the bottom wall by means of mounting means. The mounting means may be formed as a mounting tab of the bottom wall that protrudes from the bottom wall. The mounting tab may engage around the (outer) edge of the plug contact portion, thereby fixing the receptacle body to the plug contact portion. The free end of the mounting tab may be bent into the recess of the plug contact portion in the tab contact receptacle.

[0031] Of course, it is preferable that a plurality of such mounting tabs are formed on the bottom wall. In particular, at least two or exactly two mounting means on the bottom wall for each lateral side of the plug contact portion fix the receptacle body or the contact spring cage to the plug contact portion. Here, it is even more preferable that the mounting means have a large or as large an interval as possible from each other.

[0032] The flat socket terminal as a T-shaped flat socket terminal may be designed for voltages of at least about 100V, 200V, 300V, 400V, 500V, 600V, 750V, 1kV, 1.25kV, 1.5kV, 1.75kV, or 2kV. Here, the T-shaped flat socket terminal may further be designed to withstand short-term voltages that significantly exceed these values in any case (for example, dynamic drive modes at about +175%, +200%, +250%, +300%, +350%, +400%, +500%). The T-shaped flat socket terminal may be designed for continuous currents of at least about 100A, 200A, 300A, 400A, 500A, 750A, 1kA, or 1.25kA. Here, the T-shaped flat socket terminal may further be designed to withstand short-term currents that significantly exceed these values in any case (for example, dynamic drive modes at about +175%, +200%, +250%, +300%, +350%, +400%, +500%).

[0033] The flat socket terminal may meet the vibration requirements for these classes or severity levels 2, 3, and / or 4 according to, for example, LV214, LV215, or the like. In particular, the vibration requirements for these classes or severity level 3 are met by the flat socket terminal. Further, it may be possible that the flat socket terminal does not meet the vibration requirements for these classes or severity level 4 and / or above according to, for example, LV214, LV215, or the like. The flat socket terminal is preferably designed for operating temperatures of about -40°C to about 80°C, 100°C, 120°C, 140°C, 150°C, 160°C, 170°C, or 180°C. Specifications regarding voltage rating, current-carrying capacity, vibration resistance, and / or heat resistance can, of course, also be applied to tab terminals, connectors (see below), and / or connection parts (see below).

[0034] According to the present invention, it is possible to use an integral contact spring cage, in particular, which is made of stainless steel having good material properties to meet vibration requirements and is much more cost-effective than copper. For example, this contact spring cage formed as a spring bent at 180° allows for multiple embodiments regarding the range of force required to meet vibration requirements in any case. The flat socket terminal according to the present invention, in which the contact spring is made of steel, has a much smaller insertion force than a flat socket terminal having a copper spring. The vibration strength (side contact spring) of the flat socket terminal according to the present invention can be set independently of the mechanical normal force (cover contact spring).

[0035] The connector according to the present invention includes a connector housing and the electromechanical flat socket terminal according to the present invention configured in the connector housing. The connection part according to the present invention includes the electromechanical flat socket terminal according to the present invention and an electrical mating terminal having a tab contact part, in particular a T-shaped mating terminal, and the tab contact part is formed to partially complement the tab contact receptacle of the flat socket terminal.

[0036] The tab contact part may have at least one partially complementary clamping means corresponding to the contact spring cage. The tab contact part preferably has exactly two or at least two clamping means preferably configured on the side of the tab contact part located on opposite sides of each other. Of course, two or more clamping means may be used for each side. The clamping means may be configured as clamping recesses on the wide side and / or the narrow side of the tab contact part. The mechanical contact area of the contact spring of the contact spring cage may seat, for example, on the clamping means.

[0037] At least one blocking projection of the tab contact portion may further abut against the outer edge of the opening of the tab contact receptacle. It is preferable that at least two blocking projections configured on the sides of the tab contact portions located on opposite sides of each other abut against the peripheral outer edge of the opening of the tab contact receptacle. Here, at least one, in particular two such blocking projections are respectively configured on the wider side of the tab contact portion. The blocking projection may be configured as a bead, for example, in the tab contact portion.

[0038] Here, the position of at least one blocking projection in the tab contact portion may be selected such that, in a flat socket terminal, mechanical tensile force is applied to the bracket of the tab contact portion by, for example, two mechanical contact springs, for example side contact springs (above and below the clamping means for reference). As a result, the tab contact portion can be held in the insertion direction and the extraction direction of the tab contact portion in the flat socket terminal substantially without play in the tab contact receptacle.

[0039] The mechanical contact area of the contact spring and the associated clamping means of the tab contact portion may be designed with respect to each other such that when there is vibration in the connection part, the tab contact portion has a tendency to move further into the tab contact receptacle. This may be reversed, for example, as follows.

[0040] For example, in the case of two mechanical contact springs configured in a tab contact portion such that they are mirror-symmetrical with respect to the longitudinal direction of the tab contact portion (i.e., the tab contact portion can be projected onto itself there), such as a side contact spring, the leading edge of each associated clamp recess of the tab contact portion (closer to the free insertion end of the tab contact portion) may be configured to be more steeply inclined in the tab contact portion than the trailing edge of each associated clamp recess of the tab contact portion (farther from this free insertion end). In a plan view of such a clamp recess, the clamp recess has a substantially V-shaped configuration having, for example, a short front leg and a longer rear leg.

[0041] The entity according to the present invention has an electrical device and a flat socket terminal according to the present invention, a connector according to the present invention and / or a connection portion according to the present invention. Such an entity may be formed as, for example, an electrical device, a (pre-) assembled electrical cable, an electrical sub-assembly, an electrical bus bar, an electrical module (e.g., a rechargeable battery module, a traction battery module), an electrical component (e.g., a rechargeable battery, a traction battery, an inverter), an electrical appliance, an electrical apparatus, a switchgear, an electrical (traction) motor, an electrical unit, an electrical facility, an electrical system, etc.

[0042] A vehicle having an electric traction motor, particularly an automobile (a road vehicle), in addition to a railway vehicle, a water vehicle and / or an aircraft is understood to mean an automobile that may have, in addition to the electric traction motor, a further non-electrical drive unit such as an internal combustion engine. This means that a vehicle having an electric traction motor may be understood to mean, for example, a hybrid electric vehicle, an electric vehicle (electric drive only), a fuel cell vehicle, etc.

[0043] Based on the exemplary embodiments, with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings which are not to scale, the present invention will be described in detail below. Parts, elements, components, units, constituents and / or figures having the same, distinct or similar forms and / or functions are designated by the same reference signs in the description of the drawings (see below), the description of the signs, the claims, and each figure of the drawings. Possible alternatives, which are not described in the description of the invention (see above), not shown in the drawings, and / or not comprehensive, static and / or kinematic inversions, combinations, etc. of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention or their constituents, figures, units, parts, elements or portions may be further found in the description of the signs and / or the description of the drawings.

[0044] In the present invention, a feature (part, element, component, unit, constituent, function, size, etc.) may take an explicit form, i.e., exist, or may take a potential form, i.e., not exist. In this specification (description (description of the invention (see above), description of the drawings (see below)), description of the signs, the claims, the drawings), a potential feature is not explicitly described as a feature if it is not important whether or not it exists according to the present invention. This means that an actual invention that is not an invention configured according to the prior art can be established by omitting this feature.

[0045] The features of this specification may be applied not only in the described manner but also in different manners (with separation, combination, substitution, addition, isolation, omission, etc.). In particular, in the description, the description of the signs, the claims and / or the drawings, it is possible to substitute, add or omit the features in the claims and / or the description, with the aid of the reference signs and the features assigned thereto, and vice versa. As a result, furthermore, the features may be described and / or defined in detail in the claims.

[0046] The features of the description may be interpreted as optional features, taking into account the prior art (which is initially mostly unknown), i.e., each feature may be interpreted as an optional, arbitrary or suitable, i.e., non-compulsory feature. Thus, it is possible to extract the features, including in some cases their outer edges, from the exemplary embodiments, whereupon the feature may be transformed into a generalized inventive concept. The absence of a feature (potential feature) in an exemplary embodiment indicates that the feature may be optional (known to those skilled in the art) with respect to the present invention. Further, the technical terms relating to a feature may be interpreted as general terms relating to that feature (such as further possible hierarchical subdivision into sub-categories, etc.), and as a result, it is possible to generalize the feature taking into account its same effect and / or equivalence.

[0047] Each of the drawings is merely exemplary and schematic and is as follows.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0048]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0049] Based on an exemplary embodiment of a vibration-resistant electro-mechanical high-voltage flat socket terminal 1 (10, 20), which may also be referred to as a high-current connection part 0, the present invention will be described in detail below. Of course, the present invention may also be applied to a flat socket terminal 1 for a vibration-resistant electrical connection part 0 in the range of low voltage and / or weak current.

[0050] Here, the high-voltage flat socket terminal 1 may of course be installed in a connector housing 2 (see FIG. 1) so as to form vibration-resistant electrical high-voltage connectors 1, 2. The high-voltage connectors 1, 2 may be formed, for example, as plug connectors 1, 2, accessory connectors 1, 2, built-in connectors 1, 2, etc. The high-voltage connection part 0 includes a high-voltage flat socket terminal 1, or a high-voltage connector having the high-voltage flat socket terminal 1, and an electrical high-voltage mating terminal 5, or an electrical high-voltage mating connector having the high-voltage mating terminal 5. Of course, the same also applies to vibration-resistant electrical connectors 1, 2 and connection parts 0 in the range of low voltage and / or weak current.

[0051] The present invention will be described and illustrated in more detail by preferred exemplary embodiments, but the present invention is not limited by the disclosed exemplary embodiments and is of a more fundamental nature. Other variations may be derived therefrom and / or from the above (description of the present invention) as long as the protection scope of the present invention is not exceeded. The present invention may generally be applied in the electrical field, that is, in the non-automotive field, in the case of an electrical entity (referenced above). Ground-based electrical engineering and the like are exceptions. Only the physical parts of the object of the present invention necessary for understanding the present invention are shown in the drawings. Terms such as connector and mating connector, terminal and mating terminal, etc. should be interpreted synonymously, that is, they may be interchangeable in any case.

[0052] In the following, the description of the present invention based on the drawings (also refer to the above) is made with reference to the longitudinal direction Lr, the vertical direction Hr, the transverse direction Qr, etc. of the connection part 0 of the flat socket terminal 1. Here, the longitudinal direction Lr (an example thereof is the insertion direction Sr of the tab contact portion 550 of the mating terminal 5. Refer to the following) corresponds to the main extending direction of the tab contact receptacle 250 of the flat socket terminal 1 and the main extending directions of the contact springs 222 and 232 arranged therein. Further, the electromechanical connection component 10 has its plug contact portion 110 extending substantially in the transverse direction Qr. Alternatively, the plug contact portion 110 may be configured in the connection component 10 at an angle. The electrical contact surface of the plug contact portion 110 extends in the longitudinal direction Lr and the transverse direction Qr, and the thicknesses of the plug contact portion 110 and the tab contact portion 550 extend in the vertical direction Hr.

[0053] First, compare FIGS. 4 and 5. In this example, the mating terminal 5 has a tab contact portion 500 that can be inserted into the tab contact receptacle 250 of the flat socket terminal 1. Except for the tab contact portion 550, the mating terminal 5 may be formed for a specific application. The tab contact portion may have touch protection means at its free end, and clamp means 555, particularly clamp recesses 555, for the contact springs 222 and 232 of the tab contact portion 500, for example, on the side located on the opposite side to each other, and stop protrusions (such as beads as stop portions in the insertion direction Sr) etc. on the side located on the opposite side to each other (refer to the above).

[0054] FIG. 1 shows the mating terminal 1 with respect to the mating terminal 5 as a flat socket terminal 1 including an integrated electromechanical connection component 10 and an integrated mechanical contact spring cage 20. Of course, the connection component 10 and / or the contact spring cage 20 may be formed as a plurality of components, may be a single piece, or may be materially joined as a single piece (refer to the above).

[0055] The electromechanical connection component 10 (see also FIG. 2) includes a plug contact portion 110, a transition portion 120 adjacent thereto, for example, and a connection portion 130 adjacent thereto, for example. The connection portion 130 is formed, for example, as a fixed contact portion 130 having a welding region, a welding pad, etc. Of course, different forms of the connection portion 130, such as a welding compression portion, a crimping portion, etc., may be used. The transition portion 120 may be used as a thickness compensation portion of the bottom wall 210 (see below) of the contact spring cage 20 (see FIG. 1).

[0056] In this example, the plug contact portion 110 is formed to have an essentially or substantially tab shape, and the contact spring cage 20 is fixed to the plug contact portion 110, and its tab contact receptacle 250 or contact chamber 250 is fixed above the plug contact portion 110. Here, the substantially free inner surface of the plug contact portion 110 and the inner surface of the contact spring cage 20 provided on the plug contact portion 110 define a substantially socket-shaped tab contact receptacle 250 or contact chamber 250 of the flat socket terminal 1 into which the tab contact portion 550 of the mating terminal 5 can be inserted.

[0057] The plug contact portion 110 has a plurality of electromechanical contact regions 112 on its free inner surface in the tab contact receptacle 250. The contact regions 112 function to electrically connect the plug contact portion 110 to the tab contact portion 550 by seating or pressing against the tab contact portion 550. In this example, four contact regions 112 are configured in two sets. Further, the plug contact portion 110 has a recess 114 on its free inner surface that can receive the free end of the mounting tab 214 (see below) of the contact spring cage 20 so that it does not substantially protrude from the surface of the plug contact portion 110.

[0058] To attach the contact spring cage 20 by inserting it into the connection component 10, the connection component 10 has at least one blocking shoulder 118 (as a barrier between the actual connection component 10 and the actual plug contact portion 110), and the plug contact portion 110 of the connection component 10 has at least one blocking shoulder 119. Each of the two pairs of blocking shoulders 118, 118, 119, 119 is preferably configured in a longitudinal alignment in the longitudinal direction Lr in the connection component 10 or the plug contact portion 110. Here, each of the blocking shoulders 118, 119 enlarges the cross-section of the connection component 10 or the plug contact portion 110 so that the connection component 10 or the plug contact portion 110 cannot be inserted further through the through openings 228, 229 (see below) in the associated side wall 220 of the contact spring cage 20. Of course, each of the blocking shoulders 118, 119 may be formed as part of a lock collar.

[0059] The mechanical contact spring cage 20 (see FIGS. 1 to 3) has, in this example, a receptacle body 200 having a substantially flat rectangular cross-section (transverse direction Qr, longitudinal direction Hr). Here, the receptacle body 200 is formed as being essentially or substantially closed on at least four sides, and includes a bottom wall 210, a (first) side wall 220, a cover wall 230, and a (second) side wall 220, and the walls 210, 220, 230, 220 are integrally joined to each other in this order in the circumferential direction. In addition to the plug contact portion 110, these walls 210, 220, 230, 220 form the tab contact receptacles 250 of the contact spring cage 20 on the inner surface of the plug contact portion 110.

[0060] The front end face 252 of the contact spring cage 20 is formed as an opening for the tab contact portion 550 to reach the tab contact receptacle 250. The rear end face 254 of the contact spring cage 20, which is located on the opposite side thereof in the longitudinal direction Lr, may also be formed as an opening. However, this end face 254 is preferably formed to be at least partially closed. In this example, a retaining means 255, which is particularly formed as a wide retaining tab 255, is provided on the front face 254 and extends in the vertical direction Hr from the cover wall 230 towards the bottom wall 210.

[0061] The side walls 220, 220 have through openings 228, 229 through which the plug contact portion 110 is at least partially inserted or vice versa, for mounting the contact spring cage 20 to the plug contact portion 110. In this way, the plug contact portion 110 can be inserted into the contact spring cage 20 until its stop shoulders 118, 119 sit against the contact spring cage 20. Here, at least one stop shoulder 118 of the connecting component 10 bears against the outer edge of the through opening 228 inside the socket terminal of one of the side walls 220, and one stop shoulder 119 of the plug contact portion 110 bears against the inner edge of the through opening 229 outside the socket terminal of the other side wall 220.

[0062] Here, the plug contact portion 110 is arranged on the bottom wall 210. When the plug contact portion 110 is mounted through the through openings 228, 229, the mounting tabs 214 exposed from the bottom wall 210 are bent around the transverse edges of the plug contact portion 110 that are located on opposite sides of each other in the longitudinal direction Lr. Here, the free ends of the mounting tabs 214 are received in the depressions 114 of the plug contact portion 110. Of course, different fixings of the contact spring cage 20 above the plug contact portion 110 may be used. At least one contact area 112 of the plug contact portion 110 is preferably configured to be substantially directly adjacent to the mounting tabs 214 that engage around the associated transverse edge.

[0063] Each side wall 220 has at least one mechanical side contact spring 222 attached to one side (as in this example) or both sides of the receptacle body 200 in the longitudinal direction Lr. Here, the related attachment portion 223 to the receptacle body 200 is integrated. When the side contact spring 222 is attached to one side as shown in the figure, the attachment portion 223 is preferably an attachment portion 223 of approximately 180°. In the case of an attachment portion 223 of approximately 0°, the side contact spring 222 protrudes from the side wall 220, for example, in a strip shape.

[0064] The side contact spring 222 shown in the figure (see particularly FIG. 2) is integrally coupled to its side wall 220 via an attachment portion 223 of approximately 180°. Starting from the attachment portion 223 of approximately 180°, the side contact spring 222 extends toward the tab contact receptacle 250 and includes a (front) spring portion 224 that terminates at a mechanical contact protrusion 225 that extends farthest from the side contact spring 222 toward the tab contact receptacle 250.

[0065] Starting from the contact protrusion 225, the side contact spring 222 retreats again in the direction of its side wall 220 through a (rear) spring portion 226 and terminates at a free end 227 there. The free end 227 has a curved portion located on the opposite side of the inner surface of the side wall 220, and this curved portion presses slidably against the side wall 220. In the case of side contact springs 222 attached to both sides, of course, this is coupled to the side wall 220.

[0066] In particular, each side wall 220 has a single side contact spring 222 such that two side contact springs 222 having contact protrusions 225 extending toward each other are configured in the tab contact receptacle 250 (see FIGS. 2 and 4). When the tab contact portion 550 is inserted into the tab contact receptacle 250 (FIG. 4), the contact protrusions 225 are pushed away from each other and then each spring force F acts on the tab contact portion 550 in the lateral direction Qr (FIG. 5).

[0067] The cover wall 230 has at least one mechanical contact spring 232 attached to one side (as in this example) or both sides of the receptacle body 200 in the longitudinal direction Lr. Here, the related attachment portion 233 to the receptacle body 200 is integrated. When the cover contact spring 232 is attached to one side as shown in the figure, the attachment portion 233 is preferably an attachment portion 233 of approximately 180°, and in the case of an attachment portion 233 of approximately 0°, the cover contact spring 232 protrudes from the cover wall 230, for example, in a strip shape.

[0068] The illustrated cover contact spring 232 (see particularly FIG. 3) is integrally coupled to the cover wall 230 via an attachment portion 233 of approximately 180°. Starting from the attachment portion 233 of approximately 180°, the cover contact spring 232 extends toward the tab contact receptacle 250 and includes a (front) spring portion 234 that terminates at a mechanical contact protrusion 235 that extends farthest from the cover contact spring 232 toward the tab contact receptacle 250.

[0069] Starting from the contact protrusion 235, the cover contact spring 232 retreats again in the direction of its cover wall 230 through a (rear) spring portion 236 and terminates at a free end 237 there. The free end 237 includes a curved portion located on the opposite side of the inner surface of the cover wall 230, and this curved portion presses slidably against the cover wall 230. In the case of the cover contact springs 232 attached to both sides, of course, this is coupled to the cover wall 230.

[0070] In particular, the cover wall 230 has a plurality or a large number of such cover contact springs 232 that enable it to press or apply pressure to the tab contact portion 550 against the contact region 112. Here, the free ends 237 of the cover contact springs 232 may be spaced apart from each other in the transverse direction Qr or may be integrally connected to each other.

[0071] In an embodiment, the contact springs 222, 232 may be formed as identical and / or substantially the same (FIG. 3). Of course, it is also possible to form the contact springs 222, 232 as different, and it is preferable that the contact spring 222 of the side wall 220 and / or the contact spring 232 of the cover wall 230 be each formed as substantially the same.

[0072] The bottom wall 210 of the contact spring cage 20 preferably projects in the longitudinal direction Lr from below the plug contact portion 110 on both sides (where the mounting tab 214 is an exception) (see FIGS. 2 and 4), and is preferably aligned with the connecting component 10 in the transverse direction Qr (see FIGS. 4 and 5). The same also applies to the region of the side wall 220 adjacent to the bottom wall 210.

[0073] When viewed in the transverse direction Qr, the contact protrusions 225, 235 may of course be configured to be displaced upward in the longitudinal direction Hr between two contact regions 112 that are directly adjacent to each other in the longitudinal direction Lr in the flat socket terminal 1 (see FIG. 3). When viewed in the longitudinal direction Lr, the mounting tab 214 may of course be configured to be displaced in the longitudinal direction Lr between two contact regions 112 that are directly adjacent to each other in the transverse direction Qr in the flat socket terminal 1 (see FIG. 1).

Description of Reference Numerals

[0074] 0 (Vibration-resistant electrical) connection part, particularly high-voltage connection part 1 (Vibration-resistant electromechanical) flat socket terminal (10, 20), particularly high-voltage flat socket terminal 2 Connector housing 5 (Electrical) mating terminal, particularly high-voltage mating terminal 10 (Electromechanical) connecting component 20 (Mechanical) contact spring cage 110 Plug contact portion 112 (Electromechanical) contact region 114 Recess for the mounting tab 214 120 Transition portion Lock shoulder of the connecting component 10 Lock shoulder of the plug contact portion 110 Connection portion 130 Receptacle body 200 Bottom wall 210 Mounting means, in particular mounting tabs Side wall 220 (Mechanical) (side) contact spring attached to one or both sides Integrated (preferably approximately 0° or approximately 180°) mounting portion (Front) spring portion 224 (Mechanical) contact protrusion 225 (Rear) spring portion 226 Free end (only in the case of the side contact spring 22 attached to one side) Through opening (inside the socket terminal) Through opening (outside the socket terminal) Cover wall 230 (Mechanical) (cover) contact spring attached to one or both sides Integrated (preferably approximately 0° or approximately 180°) mounting portion (Front) spring portion 234 (Mechanical) contact protrusion 235 (Rear) spring portion 236 Free end (only in the case of the cover contact spring 232 attached to one side) Tab contact receptacle, contact chamber (Front) end face 252 (Rear) end face 254 Securing means, in particular securing tabs Tab contact portion 550 Clamping means, in particular clamping recesses Spring force F of the side contact spring 222 Longitudinal direction Lr (undirected) Insertion direction Sr parallel to the longitudinal axis (directed) Vertical direction of Hr (undirected) Horizontal direction of Qr (undirected)

Claims

1. A vibration-resistant electromechanical flat socket terminal (1) for an electrical connection part (0) of a vehicle, In the vibration-resistant electromechanical flat socket terminal (1) having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped tab contact receptacle (250) into which a substantially rectangular parallelepiped tab contact portion (550) of an electrical mating terminal (5) for forming electrical contact with the flat socket terminal (1) can be inserted, The tab contact receptacle (250) is formed between a plug contact portion (110) of an electromechanical connection component (10) and a mechanical contact spring cage (20) of the flat socket terminal (1) that is formed separately from the plug contact portion (110), ● The contact spring cage (20) is formed to be substantially closed on at least three, at least four, or five sides, ● The cover wall (230) of the contact spring cage (20) has at least one mechanical cover contact spring (232) that projects or protrudes toward the tab contact receptacle (250), ● At least one of the two side walls (220) of the contact spring cage (20) has a mechanical side contact spring (222) that projects or protrudes toward the tab contact receptacle (250), and ● At least one of the cover contact spring (232) and at least one of the side contact spring (222) are formed as contact springs (232, 222) bent approximately 180° toward the tab contact receptacle (250), The cover contact spring (232) is In order from the portion connected to the cover wall (230) toward the tip, a first curved portion that projects or protrudes from the cover wall (230) farthest from the tab contact receptacle (250) and a second curved portion that slidably presses the cover wall (230) are provided, The side contact spring (222) is In order from the portion connected to the side wall (220) toward the tip, a third Curved portion that projects or protrudes from the side wall (220) farthest from the tab contact receptacle (250) and a fourth curved portion that slidably presses the side wall (220) are provided, A vibration-resistant electromechanical flat socket terminal (1), characterized by the above.

2. ● The single flat socket terminal (1) is formed as a terminal (1) that is firmly mechanically connected in at least two or exactly two parts of the plug contact part (110) and the contact spring cage (20), ● The contact spring cage (20) is provided on the plug contact part (110) in a substantially flat form, and the upper inner surface of the contact spring cage (20) and the outer surface of the plug contact part (110) define the tab contact receptacle (250), and / or, ● Further, at least one further side inner surface or two further side inner surfaces of the contact spring cage (20) define the tab contact receptacle (250) The flat socket terminal (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that.

3. ● The plug contact part (110) of the connecting part (10) is essentially or substantially formed as a tab, ● At least the plug contact part (110) of the connecting part (10) is formed as a single piece that is materially joined or integrally formed, and / or, ● The plug contact part (110) has a plurality of electromechanical contact regions (112) in the tab contact receptacle (250) The flat socket terminal (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that.

4. ● The contact spring cage (20) is accessible with respect to the tab contact part (550) on at least one or exactly one side, ● The contact spring cage (20) is formed as a single piece, as a single piece that is materially joined, or integrally formed, and / or, ● The contact spring cage (20) is formed as a bent spring and / or a stamped spring The flat socket terminal (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that.

5. ● Contact springs (222, 232) are arranged such that the tab contact part (550) inserted into the tab contact receptacle (250) is centered in the tab contact receptacle (250) and pressed against the plug contact part (110), and the contact spring cage (20) is formed. ● The contact spring cage (20) is formed such that the spring directions of at least one cover contact spring (232) and at least one side contact spring (222) are substantially perpendicular to each other. ● The contact spring cage (20) is formed such that at least one of the cover contact springs (232) and at least one of the side contact springs (222) extend substantially in the longitudinal direction (Lr) of the flat socket terminal (1), and / or ● The contact spring cage (20) is formed such that the cover contact spring (232) and / or the side contact spring (222) has exactly one or at least one mechanical contact protrusion (225) for forming an electromechanical contact with the tab contact portion (550). The flat socket terminal (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by the above.

6. In the tab contact receptacle (250), ● At least one cover contact spring (232) is configured to apply a spring load in the vertical direction (Hr) of the flat socket terminal (1) above the plug contact portion (110). ● At least one side contact spring (222) is configured to apply a spring load in the lateral direction (Qr) of the flat socket terminal (1) above the plug contact portion (110), and / or ● Two side contact springs (222) located on opposite sides in the lateral direction (Qr) are configured to apply a spring load to each other. The flat socket terminal (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by the above.

7. ● The contact spring cage (20) has a bottom wall (210), and the contact spring cage (20) is fixed to the plug contact portion (110) via the bottom wall (210). ● Two side walls (220) of the contact spring cage (20) each have through openings (228, 229) through which the plug contact portion (110) is inserted into the contact spring cage (20), and / or ● The plug contact portion (110) is fixed to the receptacle body (200) on the bottom wall (210) by mounting means (212). The flat socket terminal (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that...

8. ● The through-opening (228) on the inner side of the flat socket terminal in the side wall (220) of the contact spring cage (20) has dimensions such that it can substantially insert the entire plug contact portion (110) in the lateral direction (Qr). ● The through-opening (228) on the inner side of the flat socket terminal has dimensions such that at least one blocking shoulder (118) of the connecting component (10) hits the outside of the receptacle body (200), and / or ● The through-opening (229) on the outer side of the flat socket terminal in the side wall (220) has dimensions such that at least one blocking shoulder (119) of the plug contact portion (110) hits the inside of the receptacle body (200). The flat socket terminal (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that...

9. ● The mounting means (214) is formed as a mounting tab (214) of the bottom wall (210) that exposes from the bottom wall (210) of the contact spring cage (20). ● The mounting tab (214) engages around the edge of the plug contact portion (110), thereby fixing the receptacle body (200) to the plug contact portion (110), and / or ● The free end of the mounting tab (214) is bent into the recess (114) of the plug contact portion (110) in the tab contact receptacle (250). The flat socket terminal (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that...

10. A vibration-resistant electrical connector (1, 2) for a vehicle, wherein the connector (1, 2) comprises a connector housing (2) and an electromechanical flat socket terminal (1) configured in the connector housing ( 2). In the vibration-resistant electrical connector (1, 2), the flat socket terminal (1) is formed according to any one of claims 1 to 4. The vibration-resistant electrical connector (1, 2), characterized in that...

11. A vibration-resistant electrical connection part (0) for a vehicle, wherein the vibration-resistant electrical connection part (0) comprises an electromechanical flat socket terminal (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4 and an electrical mating terminal (5) having a tab contact portion (550). The tab contact portion (550) is formed so as to partially complement the tab contact receptacle (250) of the flat socket terminal (1). A vibration-resistant electrical connection part (0), characterized by this.

12. ● The tab contact portion (550) has at least one partially complementary clamping means (555) corresponding to the contact spring cage (20). ● The mechanical contact regions (225, 235) of the contact springs (222, 232) of the contact spring cage (20) are seated on the clamping means (555), and / or ● At least one blocking projection of the tab contact portion (550) abuts against the outer edge of the opening of the tab contact receptacle (250). The vibration-resistant electrical connection part (0) according to claim 11, characterized by this.

13. The mechanical contact regions (225, 235) of the contact springs (222, 232) and the associated clamping means (555) of the tab contact portion (550) are designed such that when there is vibration in the vibration-resistant electrical connection part (0), the tab contact portion (550) has a tendency to move further into the tab contact receptacle (250). with each other like this The vibration-resistant electrical connection part (0) according to claim 12, characterized by this.

14. An electrical entity for a vehicle, wherein the electrical entity comprises an electrical device and a flat socket terminal (1), a connector (1, 2), and / or an electrical connection part (0). In the electrical entity, the flat socket terminal (1), the connector (1, 2), and / or the electrical connection part (0) are formed according to any one of claims 1 to 4. An electrical entity, characterized by this.

15. The flat socket terminal (1) is a terminal for an electrical connection part (0) of a vehicle having an electric traction motor. The flat socket terminal (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

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