Electrically conductive plug connection and electrically conductive plug socket

Abstract

The invention relates to an electrically conductive plug connection (1) for connecting a first electrically conductive component (2) and a second electrically conductive component (3) by way of an electrically conductive cable sleeve (5) and a spring body (7), wherein a first end region (5a) of the cable sleeve (5) is designed such that it is used to receive a corresponding plug element (9), wherein the plug element (9) is or can be coupled to the second electrically conductive component (3), wherein a second end region (5b) of the cable sleeve (5) is designed such that it is used to receive an end region (2a) of the first electrically conductive component (2), and wherein the spring body (7) consists of an electrically conductive material and is designed such that, in the assembled state, it is partially in contact with the outer surface (6) of the first end region (5a) of the cable sleeve (5) and partially in contact with the outer surface (4) of the plug element (9).

Description

[0001] Electrically conductive plug connection and electrically conductive socket

[0002] The invention relates to an electrically conductive plug connection and an electrically conductive plug element, in particular a plug socket.

[0003] Common detachable connectors for the electrical connection of two electrically conductive components typically consist of a plug or a plug element and a corresponding socket. These connectors are manufactured from copper alloys such as brass, beryllium copper, or phosphor bronze; some are also made of plastic or a similar material. The connection of the plug and socket to the electrical components is typically achieved by soldering, welding, or crimping.

[0004] The known plug connections have significant disadvantages, especially for use in automation technology:

[0005] • Commercially available connectors are not RoHS-compliant. RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) is a European Union directive that affects electrical and electronic devices and their manufacture. Specifically, the RoHS directive prohibits the manufacture and sale of electronic or electrical devices within the EU if they are manufactured using substances classified as hazardous to health and / or the environment. Since lead is considered a hazardous substance, soldering common connectors poses a particular problem, as commercially available solders contain lead.

[0006] • Conventional connector systems can only be used as a combination consisting of a plug and a corresponding socket. They therefore require a relatively large amount of space. Since the field devices used in automation technology tend to be manufactured in ever smaller dimensions, the existing connectors are only suitable to a limited extent or no longer at all for the electrical connection of field devices due to their size. • The use of commercially available connectors is not suitable for high-temperature applications because, as already mentioned, materials with a low melting point, such as plastics or similar materials, are also used in their production.

[0007] • Because it is safety-relevant and required by the standard / regulations, a plug-in connection must be secured against accidental loosening under the application of force, e.g., under the application of force due to external vibrations that commonly occur in automation technology under process conditions. For this purpose, screw-in threads or spring clips are used, for example. Threads have the disadvantage that a screw must be tightened. This requires a certain degree of accessibility for applying a tool – this required space is often not available. In addition, the counterpart of the screw must be secured against twisting. Spring clips require a component on the counterpart with a corresponding locking geometry into which the spring clip can engage.

[0008] The invention is based on the object of proposing both an electrically conductive plug connection and an electrically conductive plug socket which can be used under all process conditions.

[0009] The task is solved with regard to the electrically conductive plug connection as follows:

[0010] The electrically conductive plug connection serves to connect a first electrically conductive component and a second electrically conductive component to a cable sleeve and a spring body. A first end region of the cable sleeve is designed to receive a corresponding plug element that is coupled or can be coupled to the second electrically conductive component. A second end region of the cable sleeve is designed to receive an end region of the first electrically conductive component. The spring body consists of a conductive material and is designed such that, when assembled, it rests partially against the outer surface of the cable sleeve and partially against the outer surface of the plug element. The electrically conductive plug connection according to the invention has a number of advantages over known solutions:

[0011] • The electrically conductive connector can be used in a wide temperature range. Temperatures from -200°C to 500°C are possible. With the appropriate choice of spring element material (e.g., Inkonel), the connector can be designed for high-temperature applications. A qualified person will know which materials are suitable for the respective temperature range.

[0012] • The multiple contacts via the plug connection and the attached / sliding spring body ensure secure electrical and mechanical contact.

[0013] • The risk of accidental disconnection of the connector is reduced by the fact that the holding force increases automatically in this case: When extended, the spring body tapers and encloses the counterpart more tightly. This ensures a stable connection between the components of the electrically conductive connector.

[0014] • The electrically conductive plug connection is vibration-resistant and therefore fail-safe: Even if the plug element breaks, the electrical contact is still ensured by the attached conductive spring body.

[0015] • The electrically conductive plug connection is easy to install. If necessary, e.g., if the connected electrical component is defective, the plug connection can be removed quickly and easily.

[0016] • It is characterized by its small space requirement.

[0017] • If the appropriate material is selected (e.g. stainless steel), the plug connection is RoHS compliant.

[0018] All these advantages favor the use of the electrically conductive connection under harsh process conditions, which are particularly common in automation technology. It goes without saying that the solution according to the invention also functions perfectly under normal conditions.

[0019] Preferably, the cable sleeve has a smaller inner diameter and a smaller outer diameter in its first region, which serves for the mechanical and electrical connection of the first electrically conductive component, than in the second region, which serves for the connection of the plug-in element.

[0020] A further development of the plug connection according to the invention provides that the first conductive component is a first cable. The strand of the cable is inserted into the second end region of the cable sleeve and secured in the cable sleeve via a mechanical connection, in particular a crimp connection. If the second electrically conductive component is a second cable, the connection to the plug element is preferably made via a crimp connection. This avoids the problems associated with a soldered connection.

[0021] Crimping is a joining process in which two components are joined by plastic deformation, for example, by flanging, squeezing, crimping, or folding. A crimp connection typically requires a special tool.

[0022] An embodiment of the solution according to the invention provides that the plug-in element as an electrical connection element is an integral component of a field device of automation technology.

[0023] In one embodiment, the plug-in element itself comprises a shaft and a pin, with the pin being positioned in the first end area of ​​the cable sleeve when assembled. The pin has a smaller diameter than the shaft. The pin of the plug-in element serves only to position and guide the cable sleeve. It is a clearance fit, and no friction is generated.

[0024] In order to ensure optimal contact of the spring body with the outer surface of the cable sleeve and the outer surface of the shaft of the plug-in element, the cable sleeve and the shaft of the second conductive element have essentially the same outer diameter.

[0025] An embodiment of the plug connection according to the invention proposes

[0026] The spring body shall be designed so that, when assembled, it rests against the outer surfaces of the cable sleeve and the shaft of the plug-in element with a predetermined contact force. When using a coil spring, the contact force can be adjusted by varying the length and / or the number of turns of the coil spring and / or the inner diameter and / or the wire diameter and / or the material.

[0027] The components of the plug connection are preferably made of a copper alloy, such as brass, or stainless steel. Alternatively, the components of the plug connection are made of a copper alloy, such as brass, or stainless steel, and are at least partially coated with an electrically conductive, corrosion-inhibiting coating. Furthermore, the materials used to manufacture the electrically conductive plug connection are preferably selected so that the electrically conductive plug connection is corrosion-resistant. Particular attention is paid to selecting the materials of the electrically conductive plug connection so that they are also suitable for use in high-temperature ranges when used in automation technology.

[0028] To secure the desired position of the shaped body or the spiral spring on the assembled plug connection, the end piece of the spring body or the spiral spring facing the plug element is bent inwards and engages in a corresponding recess, in particular in a groove, on the outer surface of the shaft of the plug element.

[0029] Furthermore, an embodiment of the invention provides that the outer surface and / or the geometry of the shaft of the plug-in element, at least in the contact area with the spring body or the spiral spring, is / are designed such that the spring body or the spiral spring rests against the shaft of the plug-in element with a defined holding force.

[0030] The problem is solved with regard to the electrically conductive plug socket as follows: The plug socket for an electrically conductive plug connection has a cable sleeve which has a larger diameter in the first end region than in the second end region. The first end region of the cable sleeve is designed such that it serves to receive a corresponding plug-in element, while the second end region of the cable sleeve is electrically connected or connectable to an end region of a first conductive component, in particular a stranded wire of a cable. A spring body, in particular a spiral spring, is attached to the outer surface of the first end region of the cable sleeve in such a way that it partially, preferably half, bears against the first end region of the cable sleeve with a defined holding force and partially, preferably half, projects beyond the first end region of the cable sleeve.A further development of the plug socket according to the invention provides that it is designed as an integral unit consisting of a cable sleeve and a spring body.

[0031] Advantageous embodiments of the plug socket according to the invention have already been mentioned in connection with the plug connection according to the invention. Repetition will be omitted.

[0032] The invention is explained in more detail with reference to the following figures. They show: Fig. 1: different views of an embodiment of the electrically conductive plug connection according to the invention in an application in automation technology: a) exploded view b) assembled state c) partially assembled state with further details d) assembled state with cross-section marked BB e) cross-section according to the marking BB in Fig. 1d.

[0033] Fig. 2: shows different views of an embodiment of the electrically conductive plug connection according to the invention in a further application a) exploded view, b) partially assembled state with assembled plug socket, c) assembled state.

[0034] Fig. 1 shows different views of an embodiment of the electrically conductive plug connection according to the invention in an application in automation technology. The individual components of the electrically conductive plug connection 1 for connecting a first electrically conductive component 2 and a second electrically conductive component 3 are clearly visible in the exploded view in Fig. 1a. The plug connection 1 has a cable sleeve 5 and a spring body 7. The cable sleeve 5 and the spring body are made of an electrically conductive material. A first end region 5a of the cable sleeve 5 is designed such that it serves to receive a corresponding plug element 9. The plug element 9 is coupled or can be coupled to the second electrically conductive component 3. In the case shown, the second conductive component 3 is the electrical connection of a field device in automation technology.The latter is not shown separately in the figure.

[0035] The second end region 5b of the cable sleeve 5 is designed to accommodate an end region 2a of the first electrically conductive component 2. The second electrically conductive component 2 is a cable 10a whose stranded wire 8a is exposed in an end region 2a. The stranded wire 8a is mechanically and electrically connected to the second end region 5b of the cable sleeve 5 via a crimp connection, as shown in Fig. 1c.

[0036] The spring body 7 is designed as a spiral spring 7a. In the assembled state (Fig. 1b), the spiral spring 7a is partially in contact with the outer surface 6 of the first end region 5a of the cable sleeve 5 and partially with the outer surface 4 of the plug element 9. The holding force of the spiral spring 7a is preferably dimensioned such that it maintains both the mechanical cohesion and the electrical coupling of the plug connection 1 in the event of a breakage of the pin 9b.

[0037] The end portion of the coil spring 7a facing the plug-in element 9 exhibits an inward bend 7b. When assembled, the bent end turn of the coil spring 7a engages in a corresponding recess 13, in particular a groove 13. This is located on the outer surface 4 of the shaft 9a of the plug-in element 9. This effectively prevents the coil spring 7a from accidentally loosening under the influence of force, e.g., due to external vibrations.

[0038] The plug socket 14 according to the invention comprises only the components 5, 7 shown in the different views—that is, the cable sleeve 5 with a first end region 5a and a second end region 5b—and the spring body 7, which in the illustrated case is a spiral spring 7a. While Fig. 1a shows the components in an exploded view, Fig. 1c shows the components of the plug socket 14 in the assembled state.

[0039] Figures 2a, 2b, and 2c largely correspond to Figures 1a, 1b, and 1c. The difference lies in the nature of the second electrically conductive component 3. While in the previously described embodiment, the second electrically conductive component 3 is the connection part of a field device in automation technology, in this embodiment, the second electrically conductive component 3 is a second cable 10b. The stranded wire 8b of the second cable 10b is connected to the plug-in element 9 via a crimp connection 14.

[0040] List of reference symbols

[0041] 1 Electrically conductive plug connection

[0042] 2 First electrically conductive component

[0043] 2a End region of the first electrically conductive component

[0044] 3 Second electrically conductive component

[0045] 3a End region of the second electrically conductive component

[0046] 4 Outer surface of the second electrically conductive component

[0047] 5 cable sleeve

[0048] 5a first end area of ​​the cable sleeve

[0049] 5b second end area of ​​the cable sleeve

[0050] 6 Outer surface of the cable sleeve

[0051] 7 spring bodies

[0052] 7a Spiral spring

[0053] 7b bent end piece of the spiral spring

[0054] 8a strand

[0055] 8b strand

[0056] 9 plug-in element

[0057] 9a shaft

[0058] 9b Pin

[0059] 10a first cable

[0060] 10b second cable

[0061] 11 electrical connection component of a field device

[0062] 12 positive connection, e.g. crimp connection

[0063] 13 Recess, in particular groove

[0064] 14 socket

Claims

Patent claims 1. Electrically conductive plug connection (1) for connecting a first electrically conductive component (2) and a second electrically conductive component (3) to an electrically conductive cable sleeve (5) and a spring body (7), wherein a first end region (5a) of the cable sleeve (5) is designed such that it serves to receive a corresponding plug element (9), wherein the plug element (9) is coupled or can be coupled to the second electrically conductive component (3), wherein a second end region (5b) of the cable sleeve (5) is designed such that it serves to receive an end region (2a) of the first electrically conductive component (2), and wherein the spring body (7) consists of an electrically conductive material and is designed such that, in the assembled state, it is partially in contact with the outer surface (6) of the first end region (5a) of the cable sleeve (5) and partially with the outer surface (4) of the plug element (9).

2. Electrically conductive plug connection (1) according to claim 1, wherein the first conductive component (2) is a first cable (10a) with a stranded wire (8).

3. Electrically conductive plug connection (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the plug element (9) consists of a shaft (9a) and a pin (9b), wherein the pin (9b) in the assembled state is in mechanical and electrical contact with the first end region (5a) of the cable sleeve (5).

4. Electrically conductive plug connection (1) according to claim 3, wherein the plug element (9) is an integral part of a field device of automation technology, or wherein the plug element (9) is connected or connectable to the second conductive component (3), in particular to the stranded wire (8b) of a second cable (10b).

5. Electrically conductive plug connection (1) according to at least one of claims 1-4, wherein the outer diameter of the first end region (5a) of the cable sleeve (5) and the outer diameter of the shaft (9a) of the plug element (9) have substantially the same diameter.

6. Electrically conductive plug connection according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the spring body (7) is designed such that, in the assembled state, it bears against the outer surface (6) of the second end region (5a) of the cable sleeve (5) and against the outer surface of the shaft (9a) of the plug element (9) with a predetermined pressing force.

7. Electrically conductive plug connection (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the first end region (2a) of the first electrically conductive component (2; 8a) is positively connected to the second end region (5b) of the cable sleeve (5), wherein the positive connection is preferably a press connection or a crimp connection (12).

8. Electrically conductive plug connection (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the components of the plug connection (1) are preferably made of brass or stainless steel, or wherein the components of the plug connection (1) are preferably made of brass or stainless steel and are at least partially provided with an electrically conductive corrosion-preventing coating.

9. Electrically conductive plug connection according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the spring body (7) is a spiral spring (7a).

10. Electrically conductive plug connection (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the end piece (7b) of the spring body (7) or of the spiral spring (7a) facing the plug element (9) is bent inwards and, in the assembled state, is formed into a corresponding recess (13), in particular a groove, engages on the outer surface (4) of the shaft (9a).

11. Electrically conductive plug connection according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the outer surface (4) and / or the geometry of the shaft (9a) of the plug element (9) are / is designed at least in the contact areas with the spring body (7) or the spiral spring (7a) such that the spring body (7) or the spiral spring (7a) bears against the shaft (9a) of the plug element (9) with a defined holding force.

12. Electrically conductive plug connection (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the materials for manufacturing the electrically conductive plug connection (1) are selected such that the electrically conductive plug connection (1) is corrosion-resistant.

13. Electrically conductive plug connection (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the materials of the electrically conductive plug connection (1) are selected so that it can be used in the high-temperature range.

14. A plug socket (14) for an electrically conductive plug connection (1), comprising a cable sleeve (5) which has a larger diameter in a first end region (5a) than in the second end region (5b), wherein the first end region (5a) of the cable sleeve (5) is designed such that it serves to receive a corresponding plug element (9), wherein the second end region (5b) of the cable sleeve (5) is electrically connected to an end region (2a) of a first conductive component (2), in particular a stranded wire (8a) of a cable (10a), and wherein a spring body (7), in particular a spiral spring (7a), is attached to the outer surface (6) of the first end region (5a) of the cable sleeve (5) in such a way that it partially, preferably half, bears against the first end region (5a) of the cable sleeve (5) with a defined holding force and partially, preferably half, projects beyond the first end region (5a) of the cable sleeve (5).

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