Two-part electrical pin contact assembly

Abstract

To provide a nano or pico two-part pin-contact assembly for an electrical plug connection that can be manufactured more robustly and more cost-effectively, in particular in an automotive field.SOLUTION: A nano or pico two-part electrical pin-contact assembly 1 is realized which includes a pin-contact device 2 extending in a longitudinal direction Lr, and a contact body 3 extending in the longitudinal direction Lr, where the pin-contact device 2 is secured to the contact body 3 by means of an established primary lock 11 and an established secondary lock 12.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a two-part electrical pin contact assembly, in particular a nano or pico pin contact assembly for electrical plug connections in the automotive field. Furthermore, the present invention relates to an electrical entity, in particular for the automotive field. [Background technology]

[0002] In the electrical field (electronics, electrical engineering, electricity, power engineering, etc.), a large number of electrical connector devices or connector assemblies, sockets, pins and / or hybrid connectors, etc., are known, hereinafter referred to as (electrical) connectors (also referred to as mating connectors), used to transmit currents, voltages, signals and / or data with a wide range of currents, voltages, frequencies and / or data rates. In low, medium or high voltage and / or current ranges, and particularly in the automotive field, such connectors must reliably transmit power, signals and / or data permanently, repeatedly and / or within a short time after relatively long periods of shutdown, in mechanically stressed, warm, possibly hot, polluted, humid and / or chemically aggressive environments. Due to the wide range of applications, many specially designed connectors are known.

[0003] Such connectors (also electrical entities) and, where applicable, their associated (e.g. in the case of a connector device or connector assembly) or superordinate (e.g. in the case of a connector assembly) housings may be installed on wires, cables, cable harnesses, etc. (hereinafter referred to as assembled (electrical) cables (also electrical entities)), or on electrical assemblies or devices, such as housings, punching grids, printed circuit boards, etc., electrical (high-voltage), electro-optical or electronic components or corresponding assemblies, etc. (also electrical entities).

[0004] When a connector (with or without a housing) is arranged on a cable, line or wire harness, it is also referred to as a flying (plug) connector or plug, socket or coupling, and when it is arranged on an electrical, electro-optical or electronic component, assembly or the like, it is also referred to as a connector assembly, e.g., a (recessed / surface-mount) connector, a (recessed / surface-mount) plug or a (recessed / surface-mount) socket. Furthermore, the connector in such an assembly is often also referred to as a (plug) receptacle, pin connector, pin strip or header. Here, in the context of power engineering (the generation, conversion, storage and transport of power flows in power systems, preferably involving three-phase high-voltage transmission), reference is made to cable apparatus due to its relatively complex structure.

[0005] Such connectors must ensure fault-free power transmission, and corresponding partially complementary connectors (connector and mating connector) typically have a locking and / or fixing assembly for permanently, but usually releasably, locking and / or fixing the connector to the mating connector or vice versa. Furthermore, an electrical connection assembly for the connector must be fixedly accommodated therein, which comprises or at least has, for example, the actual contact device (terminal, e.g., (crimp) contact element, etc., usually formed as one piece or integrally in material) or contact assembly (terminal, e.g., (crimp) contact assembly, usually formed as one piece and in multiple or two pieces or as one piece in material). Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] Efforts are continually being made to improve electrical terminals, and thus two-piece electrical contact assemblies, to make them more robust as installation spaces become smaller, and to design and / or manufacture them more cost-effectively. It is an object of the present invention to describe a two-piece pin contact assembly, particularly a miniature or ultra-small pin contact assembly. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The object of the present invention is solved by a two-part electrical pin contact assembly, in particular a miniature or ultra-small pin contact assembly for electrical plug connections in the automotive sector, and an electrical entity, in particular for the automotive sector, according to the independent claims. Advantageous developments, additional features and / or advantages of the invention can be found in the dependent claims and in the following description.

[0008] A pin contact assembly according to the present invention comprises a longitudinally extending pin contact device (a first part of the two-part pin contact assembly) and a longitudinally extending contact body (a second part of the two-part pin contact assembly), wherein the pin contact device is secured to the contact body, and wherein the pin contact device is secured to the contact body by an established primary lock and an established secondary lock. The secondary lock may be formed in the pin contact assembly such that if the primary lock is defective, the secondary lock takes over the task or purpose of the primary lock.

[0009] The primary locking may comprise a materially bonded connection between the pin contact device and the contact body. This may be a soldered connection or possibly a conductive adhesive connection in addition to a welded connection (see below). The secondary locking may comprise a mechanically seating connection between the pin contact device and the contact body. A seating connection (see below) may be understood to mean, for example, a contact device stop or locking connection.

[0010] The primary lock may comprise a welded connection, and the secondary lock may comprise a contact device stop and / or a mechanical locking connection. Furthermore, the secondary lock may be formed by a press connection, a clip connection, etc. between the pin contact device and the contact body. In particular, the welded connection may be formed as a spot weld.

[0011] The primary lock may be formed as a circumferential longitudinal portion of the pin contact assembly, where the pin contact device may be locked to the contact body in at least two (e.g., defective or non-defective welded connections) or all three (e.g., non-defective welded connections) translational degrees of freedom. Furthermore, the pin contact device may be locked to the contact body in at least two or all three rotational degrees of freedom. Furthermore, the primary lock may be designed as a welded, possibly circumferential, form-fit connection between the pin contact device and the contact body.

[0012] In other words, this also means that the "primary lock" (as established in the pin contact assembly) (as a whole) should be understood as the complete longitudinal extension of the pin contact assembly in which at least this primary lock (as a whole) of the pin contact device is located on the contact body.

[0013] The secondary lock may be formed as a circumferential longitudinal portion of the pin contact assembly, where the pin contact device may be locked to the contact body in five translational directions or all three translational degrees of freedom. Furthermore, the pin contact device may be locked to the contact body in at least two or all three rotational degrees of freedom. Furthermore, the secondary lock may be designed as a stop or lock between the pin contact device and the contact body, and possibly as an at least partial circumferential form-fit connection.

[0014] In other words, this also means that the "secondary lock" (as established in the pin contact assembly) (as a whole) should be understood as the complete longitudinal extension of the pin contact assembly in which at least this secondary lock (as a whole) of the pin contact device is located on the contact body.

[0015] Only the associated locking surfaces of the actual secondary lock itself may lock the pin contact device to the contact body in exactly one translational direction or degree of freedom. Furthermore, it may not lock the pin contact device to the contact body in any rotational direction or degree of freedom, or may lock the pin contact device to the contact body in at least one or exactly one rotational direction or degree of freedom. Additionally, these locking surfaces may be formed as the actual stop or locking connection between the pin contact device and the contact body.

[0016] "The actual secondary lock itself" is understood to mean simply its cooperating locking surface of its associated secondary detent device, i.e., the locking surface without the surroundings and respective connections via the respective secondary detent devices to the pin contact device and contact body. In the case of, for example, a detent connection, this may be just two interrelated surfaces of the pin contact assembly, and in the case of, for example, a locking connection, it may likewise be just two interrelated surfaces or 2x2 or more interrelated surfaces.

[0017] A mechanical locking connection may be established between the longitudinal ends of the pin contact device and the inwardly facing projections of the contact body, which may be realized, for example, by inwardly facing protrusions of the contact body (beads, bulges, latches, etc.) or inwardly facing tabs (walls) of the contact body.

[0018] In a mechanical locking connection, the pin contact device and the contact body may bear against each other or interlock, and in particular, the mechanical locking connection may be established between an outer surface of the pin contact device and an inner surface of the contact body.

[0019] The secondary lock may include a pin contact device secondary locking assembly and a contact body secondary locking assembly. In the secondary lock, the secondary locking assemblies are seated against each other (little or no play) or are seatable against each other (play). The pin contact device secondary locking assembly may include at least one, exactly two, or multiple secondary detent devices. The contact body secondary locking assembly may similarly include at least one, exactly two, or multiple secondary detent devices.

[0020] Here, a single secondary detent device of the pin contact device or of the contact body may be designed as a stop or detent device. The detent device may be, for example, a detent protrusion, a locking lug, a locking shoulder, a locking rim, a locking edge, a detent recess, etc. In this case, the associated secondary detent devices block or lock the pin contact device to the contact body or the contact body to the pin contact device. Of course, if necessary, more than two secondary detent devices may be provided per secondary locking assembly.

[0021] The mutually associated secondary detent devices of the pin contact device and the contact body may form a stop or latch in the pin contact assembly, where exactly or at least one such latch may be established in the pin contact assembly, where one (only) such latch may be formed, for example, as an engagement of a protrusion in a blind hole, and two such latches may be laterally opposite or diagonally opposite each other.

[0022] At least one secondary detent device of the pin contact device may be designed as a detent device, and at least one secondary detent device of the contact body may also be designed as a detent device. Thus, for example, due to the detent devices of the pin contact device and the contact body, displacement of the pin contact device relative to the contact body in the longitudinal direction is not possible or is only conditionally possible. Such detent devices may be formed, for example, as shears, indentations, teeth, compressions, beads, impressions, indentations, notches, recesses, etc.

[0023] The two inter-associated detent devices of the pin contact device and the contact body may be formed as detent protrusions or as detent protrusions and detent recesses. Furthermore, the detent protrusions and / or detent recesses, or secondary detent devices, may be formed as plastic cold-formed parts of the pin contact device and / or the contact body.

[0024] Thus, at least two secondary detent devices of the pin contact device may be established as detent recesses or as outwardly facing detent protrusions on opposite longitudinal sides of the pin contact device. In this case, the detent recesses or detent protrusions are preferably diagonally opposite each other in the longitudinal direction. Of course, a mixed form, i.e., at least one detent recess and at least one detent protrusion, may also be used. In particular, such cold-formed detent protrusions may be formed, for example, as embossments, compressions, indentations, reliefs, etc., and detent recesses may be formed, for example, as embossments, compressions, beads, etc.

[0025] Furthermore, at least two secondary detent devices of the contact body may be established as internal detent recesses or inwardly directed detent protrusions on opposite longitudinal sides of the contact body. In this case, the detent recesses or detent protrusions are preferably diagonally opposite each other in the longitudinal direction. Of course, a mixed configuration, i.e., at least one detent recess and at least one detent protrusion, may also be used. In particular, such a cold-formed internal detent protrusion or such a cold-formed external detent recess may be formed, for example, as impressions of shear cuts, beads, etc.

[0026] The normal vectors of the respective locking surfaces of the pin contact device may be established in opposite directions on the pin contact device. Similarly, the normal vectors of the respective locking surfaces of the contact body may be established in opposite directions on the contact body. In other words, the associated normal vectors point towards or away from each other and need not be established parallel on a single device.

[0027] The secondary detent devices of each of the pin contact devices may be established in opposite directions in the pin contact assembly. Similarly, the secondary detent devices of each of the contact bodies may be established in opposite directions in the pin contact assembly. In other words, the secondary detent devices of a single device cannot be aligned by translation; a mirroring or wiring would additionally be required for this purpose.

[0028] The contact body may have a mechanical receptacle for a pin contact device. Here, the receptacle may be formed so as to be substantially completely closed in the circumferential direction around the longitudinal direction in at least one mounting longitudinal portion. In such a mounting longitudinal portion, the contact body may have a bottom wall, two side walls, and a top wall that provide stability to the contact body. To completely close the mounting longitudinal portion, the top wall engages with or through the side walls, or the side walls engage with or through the top wall (bayonet closure, lock and key principle).

[0029] The primary lock may be established between two such longitudinal mounting portions of the contact body. Furthermore, the receiving part may have a plurality of internal support surfaces for the pin contact assembly, preferably diagonally opposite each other in the longitudinal direction. Preferably, two such internal support surfaces are established on the inside of the receiving part, for each longitudinal side. The internal support surfaces may be inner surfaces of internal protrusions formed on the receiving part (see above). In addition, a locking surface of the secondary detent device may be substantially directly adjacent to the internal support surfaces.

[0030] The primary lock may be established at the longitudinal extension of the pin contact assembly. Here, the primary lock may be formed by a peripheral portion of the receiving portion in which the pin contact device is partially received. Furthermore, in the primary lock, the circumferential tab of the receiving portion, the wall of the receiving portion, and the pin contact device may be welded together. Furthermore, the free edges of the circumferential tab and the free edges of the wall, and preferably corner regions of the pin contact device, may be welded to each other in the primary lock.

[0031] The contact body may be designed as a contact body that can be latched to the housing. Here, the contact body may have a primary locking assembly and a secondary locking assembly for the pin contact assembly in the housing. The primary locking assembly may be formed on the contact body as a preferably resilient locking lance. In this case, the locking lance may protrude from the contact body and may be designed to be resilient relative to the contact body. The locking lance preferably extends substantially longitudinally and protrudes upward (longitudinal) or laterally (lateral) from the contact body.

[0032] The secondary locking assembly may be designed as a preferably rigid locking edge or shoulder on the contact body, which may form the border of the contact body and may be designed to rest fixedly on the contact body, preferably extending laterally and / or longitudinally.

[0033] The pin contact assembly, which is preferably formed of exactly two parts, may be formed as a single piece or as a materially single piece. A single-piece design is understood to mean a pin contact assembly design in which the individual parts of the pin contact assembly (the pin contact assembly and the contact body) are fixed to one another by frictional engagement and / or form-fitting and can be separated into their individual parts, preferably without damaging one of the individual parts. In the case of a multi-part design, the frictional engagement and / or form-fitting may (conditionally) be absent or the cohesive force of the contact assembly may be generated by a third part.

[0034] A materially (bonded) one-piece design is understood to mean a pin contact assembly design in which the individual parts of the pin contact assembly (pin contact device and contact body) are fixed to one another by a material bond (welding, soldering, adhesive bonding, etc.) and it is not possible to separate the pin contact assembly into its individual parts, preferably without damaging one of its individual parts, where the joining force of the pin contact assembly may be generated by frictional engagement and / or form fit (except in the case of a one-piece design).

[0035] Furthermore, the pin contact assembly is preferably not one piece and not formed of at least three parts. If the pin contact assembly is of one piece design, there will be only a single component that can be separated only by breaking. This component will be made from a single piece of raw material (sheet metal, blank, etc.) and / or a single mass of raw material (metal / plastic melt) that will be joined together. The internal bond will be achieved solely by gluing and / or bonding.

[0036] The pin contact device may be designed as a tab contact device or a pin contact device. Furthermore, the contact body may have an electrical conductor crimp region and a mechanical insulator crimp region. That is, the contact body is designed as a crimpable contact body, and the pin contact assembly is designed as a crimp contact assembly.

[0037] An entity according to the present invention comprises a two-part electrical pin contact assembly according to the present invention, which may, for example, further comprise, in addition to the entity housing, at least one mechanical, electrical, electronic, optical and / or fluidic device or assembly, and such an entity may be formed, for example, as a device (an electrical connector having a connector housing as the entity housing), an assembly (an electrical connector assembly having an assembly housing as the entity housing), a (pre-)assembled cable (with electrical connectors), a subassembly, a printed circuit board, a component, a module, a unit, an apparatus, an assembly, a plant, a system, etc.

[0038] The present invention will be explained in more detail below by means of exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings, which are not to scale. In the description of the drawings (see below), the list of reference signs, the claims and the figures of the drawings, parts, elements, parts, units, components and / or schemes having identical, unique or similar design and / or function are provided with the same reference signs. Possible alternatives, static and / or kinematic inversions, combinations etc. for the exemplary embodiments of the invention or for its components, schemes, units, parts, elements or parts, which are not described in the description of the invention (see above), not shown in the drawings and / or are inconclusive, can further be derived from the list of reference signs and / or the description of the drawings.

[0039] In the present invention, features (parts, elements, parts, units, components, functions, sizes, etc.) may be explicit, i.e., present, or latent, i.e., absent. In this specification (description (see above, description of the invention, see below, description of the drawings), list of reference signs, claims, drawings), a latent feature is not explicitly described as a feature unless its absence is emphasized according to the present invention. That is, an invention that is actually implemented and not constituted by the prior art stands by omitting this feature.

[0040] Features of this specification may be applied not only in the manner and / or method described, but also in other manners and / or methods (separately, in combination, substituted, added, provided alone, omitted, etc.). In particular, it is possible to substitute, add or omit features in the claims and / or description based on the reference signs and their associated features, or vice versa, in the description, the list of reference signs, the claims and / or drawings. In addition, features in the claims may be interpreted and / or defined in more detail thereby.

[0041] The described features may be interpreted as optional features (in view of the (initially largely unknown) prior art), i.e., each feature may be understood as an optional, optional, or preferred, i.e., non-mandatory feature. Thus, features, possibly including their peripheries, can be extracted from the exemplary embodiments, and these features can be applied to the generalized concept of the present invention. The absence of a feature (latent feature) in the exemplary embodiments indicates, where applicable, that the feature is optional (to those skilled in the art) with respect to the present invention. Furthermore, in the case of a term relating to a type of feature, a generic term relating to the feature may also be read (possibly with further hierarchical subdivision into subdivisions, etc.), thereby allowing for generalization of the feature, for example, in consideration of equivalent effect and / or equivalent value. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0042] [Figure 1]1 is a top oblique side perspective view of an embodiment of a two-part electrical pin contact assembly according to the present invention, including a pin contact device and a contact body; FIG. [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is an isolated detailed plan view of a two-dimensional cross section of the secondary lock established between the pin contact device and the contact body. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is an isolated detailed plan view of a two-dimensional cross section of the secondary lock established between the pin contact device and the contact body. [Figure 4] 10 is a two-dimensional cross-sectional isolated detailed side view of the established primary and secondary latches of the pin contact assembly in the housing. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0043] The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the example of three embodiments (FIGS. 1 to 3: first embodiment, solid reference lines; FIG. 2: second and third embodiments, each with dashed reference lines) of a two-part electrical pin contact assembly 1, in particular a miniature or ultra-small pin contact assembly 1 for electrical plug connections in the automotive field. The invention will be explained and illustrated in more detail by means of preferred exemplary embodiments, but the invention is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments, which are more basic in nature.

[0044] Other variants may be derived therefrom and / or from the above (description of the invention) without departing from the scope of protection of the invention. The invention is generally applicable in the electrical field in the case of electrical entities (see above). An exception is land-based power engineering. In the drawings, only the spatial parts of the subject matter of the invention that are necessary for the understanding of the invention are shown. Designations such as connector and mating connector, terminal (see above) and mating terminal, etc. should be interpreted as synonymous, i.e. can be exchanged for each other if necessary.

[0045] The following description of the invention with reference to the drawings (see FIG. 1 ) refers to longitudinal directions Lr (one of which is the insertion direction Sr), longitudinal directions Hr, transverse directions Qr and circumferential directions Ur of the pin contact assembly 1, where the longitudinal direction Lr corresponds to the main extension direction of the pin contact assembly 1, the longitudinal direction Hr substantially corresponds to the spring direction of the locking lance 341 of the pin contact assembly 1, and the transverse direction Qr substantially corresponds to the extension direction of the locking edge or locking shoulder of the locking lance 341. In addition, the circumferential direction Ur extends around the longitudinal direction Lr.

[0046] 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of a two-part electrical pin contact assembly 1. The pin contact assembly 1 is here preferably formed as a single physical piece, but may also be formed simply as a single piece, i.e. without any physical connection. The pin contact assembly 1 may be provided, for example, in a housing 0 (see FIG. 4), e.g., a connector housing 0, an entity housing 0, etc., and may in particular be latched. For this purpose, a primary lock 41, and preferably also a secondary lock 42, is preferably used between the pin contact assembly 1 and the housing 0.

[0047] The pin contact assembly 1 in this example comprises an electrical pin contact device 2 as a first part and an electrical contact body 3 as a second part, where the pin contact device 2 may be formed as a straight pin 2, a straight tab 2, etc. A further feature of the pin contact device 2 is that it is not formed as a socket, but preferably has a solid material cross section.

[0048] The pin contact assembly 1 is divided into an electrical contact portion 20 (part of the pin contact device 2), a mechanical latch portion 30 (substantially part of the contact body 3), and an electromechanical cable connection portion 35 (part of the contact body 3). The latch portion 30 is further divided into a primary locking region 31 for a primary lock 41 and a secondary locking region 32 for a secondary lock 42. Additionally, the cable termination portion 35 is further divided into an electrical conductor crimping region 36 and a mechanical insulator crimping region 37 for an electrical cable (not shown).

[0049] In this example, the pin contact device 2 is designed as a simple pin contact device 2 with a square cross section. Other cross sections, such as oval, circular, rectangular or polygonal cross sections, can of course also be used, i.e. other contact devices 2, such as tab contact devices 2, etc. The pin contact device 2 has substantially the shape of a straight solid cylinder with a substantially regular cross section and preferably has insertion slopes at its longitudinal ends.

[0050] The contact body 3 has a receiving portion 300 for the pin contact device 2 in its latch portion 30, in which the pin contact device 2 is received and fixed. The receiving portion 300 is designed to be completely closed in the circumferential direction Ur at its front and rear longitudinal ends. Here, each longitudinal end has a bottom wall, two side walls, and a top wall, and the top wall is inserted into the side wall that preferably extends substantially over the entire latch portion 30 for locking. The opposite side wall in the lateral direction Qr and the bottom wall also preferably extend substantially over the entire latch portion 30. Here, the top wall is discontinued.

[0051] The primary locking assembly 341 of the contact body 3 is established between two longitudinal ends of the receiving part 300, each of which is completely closed in the circumferential direction Ur. In this case, the primary locking assembly 341 is preferably designed as a locking lance 341 that is elastic in the longitudinal direction Hr (see also FIG. 4). In this case, the locking lance 341 extends integrally from the closed longitudinal front end substantially to the rear in the longitudinal direction Lr and somewhat in the longitudinal direction Hr. In this case, the locking lance 341 may be guided in a window in the side wall adjacent to it by a protrusion protruding from the locking lance 341 in the lateral direction Qr. The locking lance 341 may have a detent protrusion at its free longitudinal end.

[0052] 4, the rear region of the longitudinal rear end of the receiving part 300, which is completely closed in the circumferential direction Ur, is formed as a secondary locking assembly 342. Here, the secondary locking assembly 342 is preferably formed as a rigid locking shoulder 342. The rigid locking shoulder 342 preferably extends substantially in the transverse direction Qr and optionally in the longitudinal direction Hr.

[0053] In addition, the electrical and mechanical primary locking 11 of the contact device 2 with the contact body 3 is preferably established below the primary lock 341 in the longitudinal direction Hr, i.e. in the direction of the receiving part 300. Here, the primary locking 11 is formed as a preferably substantially complete circumferential form-fit connection (see the longitudinal section at the top) of the contact body 3 around the pin contact device 2, which is fixed in the longitudinal direction Lr by a materially bonded connection, in particular a welded connection. In other words, a translational displacement of the contact device 2 is not possible without damaging the material connection.

[0054] The circumferential form-fit connection is constituted by the longitudinal portions of the base wall and the two side walls and the circumferential tab 310 (longitudinal portion, cover) of the receiving part 300, and the pin contact device 2 is accommodated between these portions substantially by form-fitting. Here, the circumferential tab 310 is bent from one side wall towards the opposite side wall. At the transition between the free end of the circumferential tab 310 and the associated side wall, a material bonded connection, in particular a welded connection, is established.

[0055] In particular, the material bond connection fastens together the free end of the circumferential tab 310, the free edge of the side wall associated with this end, and the pin contact device 2. Here, the pin contact device 2 is firmly connected to the contact body 3, in particular by one of its corner regions. Alternative primary locks 11, such as a latch, a press fit, etc., can of course also be used.

[0056] Within the receiving part 300, the pin contact device 2 is preferably received between and seated on a plurality of internal support surfaces 303, which protrude inwardly of the receiving part 300 and are formed by internal protrusions of the receiving part 300. Preferably, the internal support surfaces 303 are formed in the side walls of the receiving part 300 by shear-cutting. Preferably, two such internal support surfaces 303 are provided per side wall. Of course, a different number of internal support surfaces per side wall, in particular more than just one or two, can also be used. Of course, an odd number of internal support surfaces 303 may be provided on the inside of one side wall and an even number of internal support surfaces 303 on the opposite side wall.

[0057] In order to secure the primary lock 11 or material bond between the pin contact device 2 and the contact body 3, i.e. in case of possible at least partial defects in the material bond, the pin contact assembly 1 has an established, preferably electrical and in particular mechanical, secondary lock 12, which here locks the pin contact device 2 to the contact body 3, in particular to the receiving part 300.

[0058] Three embodiments of such a secondary lock 12 are shown here, see in particular Figure 2. Other embodiments are of course possible. For example, Figure 2 shows the locking connection of the pin contact device 2 to the contact body 3 on the left and in the middle of the connection area between the pin contact device 2 and the contact body 3, respectively, and the contact device stop of the pin contact device 2 at the contact body 3 on the right. The middle locking connection in Figure 2 may be described as an engaging connection. All these mechanical connections may be referred to as mechanical seating connections (see above).

[0059] In the seating connection in the middle of Fig. 2, a protrusion engages in a recess. Here, the protrusion of the pin contact device 2 may engage in a recess of the contact body 3, or vice versa. In the seating connection on the right side of Fig. 2, the free end of the pin contact device 2 may rest on a protrusion in the receiving part 300 of the contact body 3. This protrusion may be formed, for example, as a bead, a tab bent from the contact body 3, etc.

[0060] The seating connection on the left side of Fig. 2 (see also Fig. 3) is designed as a locking connection. Here, the pin contact device 2 has a secondary locking assembly 220, and the contact body 3 also has a secondary locking assembly 320. The secondary locking assemblies 220, 320 are designed to be partially complementary and preferably seat against each other with some play in the installed state of the pin contact device 2 in the receiving part 300 (Fig. 3). In this example, the associated secondary locking assembly 220, 320 comprises two secondary locking assemblies 2220, 3220, each having a locking surface 2222, 3222. The respective secondary detent devices 2220, 3220 may be formed, for example, as a detent protrusion, a locking lug, a locking shoulder, a locking rim, a locking edge, a detent recess, etc.

[0061] In the established secondary lock 12, two inter-associated secondary detent devices 2220 / 3220 or two inter-associated locking surfaces 2222 / 3222 block the pin contact device 2 in only a single translational direction in the contact body 3. Therefore, it is preferred that 2×2 inter-associated secondary detent devices 2220 / 3220 are established in the pin contact assembly 1 such that the pin contact device 2 is retained or blocked in the contact body 3 in both possible translational directions (i.e., full translational degrees of freedom) apart from the primary lock 11.

[0062] Here, the secondary detent device 2220 of the pin contact device 2 and the secondary detent device 3220 of the contact body 3 are established in opposite directions to each other in the pin contact assembly 1. That is, not only do the mutually associated locking surfaces 2222 / 3222 of the two mutually associated secondary detent devices 2220 / 3220 face each other, but the locking surfaces 2222 / 2222 of the pin contact device 2 and the locking surfaces 3222 / 3222 of the contact body 3 also face each other in the pin contact assembly 1.

[0063] Here, the two secondary detent devices 2220 or the two locking surfaces 2222 of the pin contact device 2 are preferably established on sides of the pin contact device 2 that are opposite each other in the transverse direction Qr. Furthermore, the two secondary devices 2220 or the two locking surfaces 2222 of the pin contact device 2 are established offset from each other in the longitudinal direction Lr on the pin contact device 2. Of course, this also applies to the contact body 3 or the receiving part 300 in their internal structure.

[0064] It is, of course, also possible to use other secondary detent devices 2220, 3220, such as detent recesses 3220 / 2220 in addition to detent protrusions 2220 / 3220. Furthermore, the secondary detent devices 2220, 3220 can be provided on a single side, three sides, or four sides, for example. Additionally, the secondary detent devices 2220, 3220 can be established in the pin contact assembly 1 such that the pin contact device 2 does not need to be or can be biased or oriented in two or three rotational positions in the contact body 3.

[0065] 4 further illustrates an established primary lock 41 and an established secondary lock 42 of the pin contact assembly 1 with the housing 0, where the locking lance 314 presses against an internal protrusion of the housing 0, thereby forming the primary lock 41. Additionally, a secondary lock assembly 342 may also be installed within the housing 0. In this case, a rotationally or translationally movable protrusion of the housing 0 or of a portion of the housing exterior may press against a corresponding area on the secondary lock assembly 342 of the pin contact assembly 1, thereby forming the secondary lock 41.

[0066] In prior art two-piece pin contact assemblies, only one weld spot functions to longitudinally lock the pin contact assembly. If this weld spot is incomplete or poorly formed, it may come loose before or during use of the pin contact assembly in a vehicle. This means that the longitudinal positioning of the pin contact device in the pin contact assembly is not reliable, which can result in electrical contact failure.

[0067] The present invention provides an additional positioning or fixation in addition to, for example, the welding spot of the primary lock 11 of the pin contact device 2 on the contact body 3, which is formed as a secondary lock 12 of the pin contact device 2 on the contact body 3 or the pin contact assembly 1. Thus, if there is a defect or fault in the welding spot, there is no risk of the pin contact device 2 coming out of the contact body 3 or being pushed too far into the contact body 3. Thus, even if there is a defect or fault in the welding spot on the pin contact assembly 1, electrical contact between the pin contact assembly 1 and the socket terminal (not shown) is ensured. [Explanation of symbols]

[0068] 0 Housing 1 Two-Part (Electrical) Pin Contact Assembly 2 (electrical) pin contact devices 3 (Electrical) Contact Body 11 Primary lock established 12 Secondary lock established 20 (Electrical) contact part 220 Secondary Lock Assembly 2220 Secondary Locking Device 2222 Locking surface 30 (mechanical) latch part 31 Primary Lock Area 32 Secondary Lock Area 35 (Electromechanical) Cable Connections 36 (electrical) conductor crimping area 37 (mechanical) insulation crimp area 300 Receiving part 302 Internal protrusion 303 Internal support surface 310 Circumferential tab 320 Secondary Lock Assembly 3220 Secondary Locking Device 3222 Locking surface 341 Primary locking assembly of contact body 3 342 Secondary locking assembly of contact body 3 41 Primary lock established 42 Secondary Lock Established Lr Longitudinal direction (non-directional) Sr Insertion direction parallel to the longitudinal direction Lr (direction) Hr Vertical (non-directional) Qr horizontal direction (undirected) Ur Circumferential direction around the longitudinal direction Lr (undirected)

Claims

1. A two-part electrical pin contact assembly (1), comprising: A two-part electrical pin contact assembly (1) comprising a pin contact device (2) extending in a longitudinal direction (Lr) and a contact body (3) extending in said longitudinal direction (Lr), said pin contact device (2) being fixed to said contact body (3), The pin contact device (2) is fixed to the contact body (3) by an established primary lock (11) and an established secondary lock (12), The contact body (3) has a receiving portion (300) in which the pin contact device (2) is partially received, The primary lock (11) has a welded connection (11), The receiving portion (300) includes at least a first side wall, a second side wall opposite the first side wall in a transverse direction (Qr) intersecting the longitudinal direction (Lr), a bottom wall, and a circumferential tab (310) bent from the first side wall toward the second side wall, At the welded connection (11) of the primary lock (11), the circumferential tab (310) of the receiving portion (300), the second side wall of the receiving portion (300), and the pin contact device (2) are welded together. characterized in that A two-part electrical pin contact assembly (1).

2. 2. The two-part electrical pin contact assembly (1) of claim 1, wherein the secondary lock (12) is formed in the two-part electrical pin contact assembly (1) such that if the primary lock (11) is defective, the secondary lock (12) takes over the task or purpose of the primary lock (11).

3. the primary lock (11) having a material-bonded connection (11) between the pin contact device (2) and the contact body (3); The secondary lock (12) comprises a mechanical seating connection (12), a contact device stop (12) or a mechanical locking connection (12) between the pin contact device (2) and the contact body (3). A two-part electrical pin contact assembly (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that:

4. the primary lock (11) being provided as a circumferential portion of the two-part electrical pin contact assembly (1); the circumferential portion is formed as a welded circumferential form-fit connection between the pin contact device (2) and the contact body (3), the pin contact device (2) is locked to the contact body (3) in at least two or all three translational degrees of freedom; the pin contact device (2) is locked to the contact body (3) in at least two or all three rotational degrees of freedom; A two-part electrical pin contact assembly (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that:

5. the secondary lock (12) is formed as a stop, a lock or an at least partially circumferential form-fit connection between the pin contact device (2) and the contact body (3), The pin contact device (2) is locked to the contact body (3) in five translational directions or in all three translational degrees of freedom; the pin contact device (2) is locked to the contact body (3) in at least two or all three rotational degrees of freedom; A two-part electrical pin contact assembly (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that:

6. The secondary lock (12) comprises a locking surface (2222, 3222) that locks the pin contact device (2) to the contact body (3) in exactly one translational direction or degree of freedom; the pin contact device (2) is not locked to the contact body (3) in any rotational direction or degree of freedom, or is locked to the contact body (3) in at least one or exactly one rotational direction or degree of freedom, The locking surface (2222, 3222) is formed as a stop or locking connection between the pin contact device (2) and the contact body (3). A two-part electrical pin contact assembly (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that:

7. The secondary lock (12) comprises a mechanical connection between an outer surface of the pin contact device (2) and an inner surface of the contact body (3); The mechanical connection is established between the longitudinal ends of the pin contact device (2) and the inwardly directed protrusions of the contact body (3); At the mechanical connection of the secondary lock (12), the pin contact device (2) and the contact body (3) press against or interlock with each other. A two-part electrical pin contact assembly (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that:

8. the secondary lock (12) comprises a secondary lock assembly (220) of the pin contact device (2) and a secondary lock assembly (320) of the contact body (3); In the secondary lock (12), the secondary lock assemblies (220, 320) are seated and / or seatable against one another; the secondary locking assembly (220) of the pin contact device (2) comprises at least one, exactly two, or a plurality of secondary detent devices (2220); The secondary locking assembly (320) of the contact body (3) comprises at least one, exactly two, or a plurality of secondary detent devices (3220). A two-part electrical pin contact assembly (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that:

9. At least one secondary detent device (2220) of the pin contact device (2) is designed as a detent device (2220), and at least one secondary detent device (3220) of the contact body (3) is also designed as a detent device (3220); two mutually associated detent devices (2220, 3220) of said pin contact device (2) and said contact body (3) are formed as detent protrusions (2220, 3220) or as detent protrusions and detent recesses; The detent protrusion (2220, 3220) and / or the detent recess (3220) are formed as a plastic cold-molded part of the pin contact device (2) and / or the contact body (3). A two-part electrical pin contact assembly (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that:

10. The secondary lock (12) comprises a locking surface (2222) of the pin contact device (2) and a locking surface (3222) of the contact body (3); The normal vectors of the locking surfaces (2222) of the pin contact devices (2) are set in opposite directions on the pin contact devices (2); The normal vectors of the locking surfaces (3222) of the contact body (3) are set in opposite directions on the contact body (3), the secondary lock (12) comprises a secondary detent device (2220) of the pin contact device (2) and a secondary detent device (3220) of the contact body (3); the secondary detent devices (2220) of each of the pin contact devices (2) are oriented in opposite directions in the two-part electrical pin contact assembly (1); The secondary detent devices (3220) of each of the contact bodies (3) are oriented in opposite directions in the two-part electrical pin contact assembly (1). A two-part electrical pin contact assembly (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that:

11. the receiving portion (300) comprises a first portion and a second portion spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction (Lr), and the first portion and the second portion are each substantially completely closed in a circumferential direction (Ur) around the longitudinal direction (Lr); the welded connection (11) of the primary lock (11) is established between the first and second parts of the receiving part (300) in the contact body (3); The receiving portion (300) has a plurality of internal support surfaces (302) for the pin contact devices (2) that are diagonally opposite to each other with respect to the longitudinal direction (Lr), The locking surface (2222, 3222) of the secondary detent device (2220, 3220) of the secondary lock (12) is adjacent to the inner support surface (302). A two-part electrical pin contact assembly (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that:

12. The primary lock (11) is established in a longitudinal extension of the two-part electrical pin contact assembly (1), the primary lock (11) is formed by a peripheral portion of the receiving portion (300) in which the pin contact device (2) is partially received, At the welded connection (11) of the primary lock (11), the free edge of the circumferential tab (310) and the second side wall and the corner region of the pin contact device (2) are welded together. A two-part electrical pin contact assembly (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that:

13. The contact body (3) is designed as a contact body (3) that can be latched to the housing (0), The contact body (3) has a primary locking assembly (341) and a secondary locking assembly (342) for the two-part electrical pin contact assembly (1) in the housing (0); The primary locking assembly (341) is formed as a resilient locking lance (341) in the contact body (3); The secondary locking assembly (342) is established as a rigid locking shoulder on the contact body (3). A two-part electrical pin contact assembly (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that:

14. The two-part electrical pin contact assembly (1) is formed as a single piece or as a materially single piece; the pin contact device (2) is designed as a tab contact device (2) or a pin contact device (2), and / or The contact body (3) has an electrical conductor crimping region (36) and a mechanical insulator crimping region (37). A two-part electrical pin contact assembly (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that:

15. The two-part electrical pin contact assembly (1) is a small or ultra-small pin contact assembly (1) for electrical plug connections in the automotive field. A two-part electrical pin contact assembly (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that:

16. An electrical entity for the automotive sector, characterized in that said electrical entity comprises a two-part electrical pin contact assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 15.

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