EP0009493B1 - Electric connector and process for producing such - Google Patents

Electric connector and process for producing such Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0009493B1
EP0009493B1 EP79900165A EP79900165A EP0009493B1 EP 0009493 B1 EP0009493 B1 EP 0009493B1 EP 79900165 A EP79900165 A EP 79900165A EP 79900165 A EP79900165 A EP 79900165A EP 0009493 B1 EP0009493 B1 EP 0009493B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
contact body
resilient sleeve
locating
cams
contact
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired
Application number
EP79900165A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP0009493A1 (en
Inventor
Max Pfister
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
CDM Connectors Development and Manufacture AG
Original Assignee
CDM Connectors Development and Manufacture AG
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by CDM Connectors Development and Manufacture AG filed Critical CDM Connectors Development and Manufacture AG
Publication of EP0009493A1 publication Critical patent/EP0009493A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0009493B1 publication Critical patent/EP0009493B1/en
Expired legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
    • H01R13/02—Contact members
    • H01R13/15—Pins, blades or sockets having separate spring member for producing or increasing contact pressure
    • H01R13/18—Pins, blades or sockets having separate spring member for producing or increasing contact pressure with the spring member surrounding the socket
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
    • H01R13/02—Contact members
    • H01R13/15—Pins, blades or sockets having separate spring member for producing or increasing contact pressure
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
    • H01R13/02—Contact members
    • H01R13/15—Pins, blades or sockets having separate spring member for producing or increasing contact pressure
    • H01R13/17—Pins, blades or sockets having separate spring member for producing or increasing contact pressure with spring member on the pin
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T29/00—Metal working
    • Y10T29/49—Method of mechanical manufacture
    • Y10T29/49002—Electrical device making
    • Y10T29/49117—Conductor or circuit manufacturing
    • Y10T29/49204—Contact or terminal manufacturing
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T29/00—Metal working
    • Y10T29/49—Method of mechanical manufacture
    • Y10T29/49826—Assembling or joining
    • Y10T29/49908—Joining by deforming
    • Y10T29/49909—Securing cup or tube between axially extending concentric annuli
    • Y10T29/49913—Securing cup or tube between axially extending concentric annuli by constricting outer annulus
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T29/00—Metal working
    • Y10T29/49—Method of mechanical manufacture
    • Y10T29/49826—Assembling or joining
    • Y10T29/49908—Joining by deforming
    • Y10T29/49915—Overedge assembling of seated part
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T29/00—Metal working
    • Y10T29/49—Method of mechanical manufacture
    • Y10T29/49826—Assembling or joining
    • Y10T29/49908—Joining by deforming
    • Y10T29/49925—Inward deformation of aperture or hollow body wall

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an electrical connector with an electrically conductive contact body, which has a substantially cylindrical part, and with a spring sleeve comprising at least a part of the cylindrical part of the contact body, which is rolled from a spring sheet and has a longitudinal joint, the contact body and the spring sleeve are connected to one another by recesses in one of these parts and by projections on the other part engaging in the recesses.
  • the invention further relates to a method for producing such a connector.
  • the contact body of the plug connector can optionally be designed as a plug pin or as a socket. It suitably consists of an electrical contact material, such as brass, copper, bronze, and ensures a low electrical volume resistance and a relatively high current carrying capacity. Because of the relatively low elasticity of the contact material, the contact body can be easily connected to an electrical conductor by means of a crimp or crimp connection.
  • the spring sleeve serves several purposes.
  • the spring sleeve can help prevent deformation of the contact body, in particular if it is rolled out of sheet metal and has a longitudinal groove.
  • the spring sleeve can finally also be provided to prevent the contact tongues from bending too far outward and / or to urge the contact tongues resiliently towards the inside in order to increase contact pressure on one in the socket bring inserted plug pin.
  • the spring sleeve is fixed on the contact body in that tabs formed on the spring sleeve engage in recesses in the contact body.
  • This type of fixation requires that the spring sleeve be held in full contact with the circumference of the cylindrical part of the contact body during the manufacture of the connector, while the tabs are bent into the prepared recesses in the contact body.
  • the recesses in the direction transverse to the bending line of the flaps must be considerably larger than the sheet thickness of the spring sleeve and than the end position of the flaps would require. This results in an undesired weakening of the contact body.
  • the connector is a socket
  • the previous type of fixation has the further disadvantage that the tabs of the spring sleeve must be relatively short so that they do not protrude into the interior of the contact body intended for receiving a plug pin, which is why the anchoring of the spring sleeve on the contact body is proportionate is unsafe and the longitudinal joint of the spring sleeve may open when using the socket.
  • this makes the connector more complicated and expensive, and there are local enlargements of the outer dimensions of the spring sleeve due to the superimposed sleeve parts and tabs, which is disadvantageous in some applications.
  • the electrical socket 1.0 shown in Fig. 1 consists of an essentially tubular contact body 11 made of electrically good conductive contact material, e.g. Brass, copper or bronze, and a spring sleeve 12 made of spring sheet, surrounding the contact body 11, e.g. Sheet steel.
  • One end part of the contact body 11 is designed as a cross-sectionally U-shaped terminal 13 for inserting an electrical conductor (not shown) which can be mechanically and electrically connected to the contact body 11, for example, by squeezing the terminal 13.
  • the opposite end of the contact body 11 has an opening 14 for inserting the plug pin according to FIG. 2. Details of the socket 10 are explained in more detail below.
  • the electrical connector pin 20 shown in FIG. 2 consists of a contact body 21 made of electrically highly conductive material and a spring sleeve 22 made of spring sheet metal which surrounds part of the contact body 21 on the outside.
  • One end part of the contact body 21 is designed as a connecting terminal 23 for inserting an electrical conductor (not shown) which, for example, can be mechanically and electrically connected by squeezing the connecting terminal 23 to the contact body 21.
  • the other end part of the contact body 21 is designed as a contact pin 24, which can be inserted through the mouth 14 into the socket 10. Details of the connector pin 20 will be described later.
  • the contact body 11 is rolled from sheet material and has a longitudinal joint 31 where the mutually opposite cut edges of the sheet butt butt against one another, as can be clearly seen in FIGS. 3 and 4.
  • the contact body 11 has a transverse slot 32 and two longitudinal slots 33, which are arranged symmetrically with respect to the longitudinal joint 31 and together with the longitudinal joint 31 form two adjacent contact fingers 34 which extend in the longitudinal direction of the contact body 11 and radially to the longitudinal axis of the contact body 11 are compliant.
  • the two longitudinal slots 33 are further arranged such that the two contact fingers 34 are opposite a contact body part 35 which extends over approximately half the circumference of the contact body 11 and is thus practically radially unyielding.
  • the cut edges of the contact body section 35 adjoining the longitudinal slots 33 each form a stop for the free end section of one or the other contact finger 34 in order to limit the mobility of the contact fingers inwards.
  • the contact body Between the end of the contact body 11 having the mouth 14 and the transverse slot 32, the contact body has a cylindrical part 36 which is closed along the entire circumference.
  • An analog cylindrical portion 37 of the contact body 11 is located at the opposite end of the longitudinal slots 33.
  • the spring sleeve 12 is rolled from a spring sheet metal blank 40 (FIG. 7) so that the opposite cutting edges 41 of the sheet metal blank lie opposite one another and form a longitudinal joint 43 between them on the spring sleeve, as can be clearly seen in FIGS. 3, 4 and 6.
  • the longitudinal joint 43 of the spring sleeve 12 is diametrically opposite the longitudinal joint 31 of the contact body 11, as clearly shown in FIGS. 3 and 4.
  • the spring sleeve 12 has a transverse slot 44 and two longitudinal slots 45 extending therefrom, for the purpose of forming a tongue 46 which is diametrically opposite the longitudinal joint 43 and is shaped such that it exerts pressure on the contact fingers 34 of the contact body under the influence of its elasticity 11 exercises to push them towards the inside.
  • the end of the spring sleeve 12 facing away from the mouth 14 of the contact body 11 has a plurality of locking tabs 47 which are spread apart from the contact body 11 and which, together with an outer bead 48 of the contact body, serve to hold the socket 10 in an insulating housing (not shown), as is the case here is known to the expert.
  • the spring sleeve 12 has on its adjoining the longitudinal joint 43 and in the area of the cylindrical contact body parts 36 and 37 lying parts each have an opening 51 with which an anchor cam 53 of the contact body 11 is in locking engagement.
  • the armature cams 53 are located on the side of the contact body facing away from the longitudinal joint 31 of the contact body 11.
  • the openings 51 are each arranged at a distance from the adjacent cutting edge 41 (FIG.
  • the dimensions of the openings 51 and the armature cams 53 in the direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the socket 10 are approximately the same, as a result of which the spring sleeve 12 is also secured on the contact body 11 against axial displacement.
  • the openings 51 and the armature cams 53 are preferably arranged symmetrically with respect to a plane which contains the longitudinal axis of the socket 10 and passes through the center of the longitudinal joint 43 of the spring sleeve 12.
  • each retaining web 55 of the spring sleeve 12 a smaller width in the circumferential direction of the spring sleeve at its axial end parts 57 than in its central part 58, so that only the latter with the associated anchor cam 53 is in plant, as Fig. 6 shows.
  • the height dimension of each anchor cam is only slightly larger than the thickness of the spring plate forming the spring sleeve 12.
  • the flat spring plate blank 40 (FIG. 7) is prepared, which is provided with the openings 51 and the retaining webs 55 on opposite edge parts.
  • the prepared sheet metal blank 40 is first bent into a widened U-shape, which according to FIG. 8 consists of a central U-web 61 and two lateral U-legs 62. Both the U-web 61 and each of the lateral U-legs 62, viewed in cross-section, run along an arc that extends over approximately 120 ° and is adapted to the curvature of the peripheral surface of the cylindrical parts 36 and 37 of the contact body 11.
  • each of the retaining webs 55 is wound so that its edge edge 64 which faces away from the edge edge 41 of the sheet metal blank 40 and adjoins the opening 51 comes to lie further outwards than the remaining part of the part containing the opening 51 relevant U-leg 62, as can be clearly seen in FIGS. 8, 11 and 12.
  • This twisting of the retaining webs 55 is favored by the fact that the width of each retaining web at its axial end portions 57 is smaller than in its central portion 58. It is therefore predominantly the peripheral edge 64 of the central portion 58 that is displaced outward.
  • the prefabricated contact body 11 is inserted between the U-legs 62 into the expanded U-shape of the sheet metal blank 40 formed in the manner described, the part of the contact body 11 having the longitudinal joint 31 being brought into contact with the U-web 61.
  • the armature cams 53 of the contact piece 11 face away from the U-web 61.
  • the two U-legs 62 are pivoted laterally towards the contact body 11 for the purpose of completing the spring sleeve 12.
  • the edge edges 64 of the retaining webs which are offset outwards by the twisting of the retaining webs 55, viewed in cross section according to FIG. 8, move approximately along circular arcs 66 just above the armature cams 53 of the contact body 11.
  • a recess 68 (FIG. 10, right) can additionally be provided in individual or in all anchoring cams 52 Half) can be attached by driving a caulking tool into the relevant anchor cam.
  • the flank 56 of the armature cam is pressed in the direction against the longitudinal joint 43 against the retaining web 55 and the spring sleeve is tensioned even more about the contact body 11.
  • the edge edge of the central portion 58 of each opening 51 which cooperates with the radial flank 56 of the armature cam 53, has an approximately circular arc shape.
  • FIGS. 13 and 14 other embodiments are also possible, as illustrated purely for example in FIGS. 13 and 14.
  • the contact body 21 is rolled from sheet metal material and, like the contact body 11 of the socket 10, has a longitudinal joint 31 (FIG. 5).
  • the spring sleeve 22 comprising part of the contact body 21 is rolled from a spring plate blank (not shown separately) and, like the spring sleeve 12 of the socket 10, has a longitudinal joint 43 (FIG. 5) which is diametrically opposite the longitudinal joint 31 of the contact body 21.
  • the end part of the spring sleeve 22 facing away from the contact pin 24 forms a plurality of locking tabs 47 which are spread apart from the contact body 21 and in a known manner.
  • the spring sleeve 22 is fixed on the contact body 21 in an analogous manner to the spring sleeve 12 on the contact body 11.
  • the parts of the spring sleeve 22 adjoining the longitudinal joint 43 each have an opening 51 with which an armature cam 53 of the contact body 21 is in locking engagement, such as most clearly shows Fig.5.
  • the shape and arrangement of the openings 51 and the armature cams 53 are the same in detail as has been described in detail with reference to the socket 10.
  • the method for producing the plug pin 20 is completely analogous to the method for producing the socket 10 described above, which is why additional words are unnecessary.
  • the connectors 10 and 20 described have the advantage over known designs that the spring sleeve 12 or 22 is properly fixed on the contact body 11 or 21 by the openings 51 of the spring sleeve and the armature cams 53 of the contact body 11 or the engaging openings 51. 21. It is also advantageous that none of the parts serving to fixate protrude into the interior of the contact bodies 11 or 21 or protrude outwardly beyond the circumference of the spring sleeve 12 or 22. Another major advantage is that the manufacturing method described is relatively simple and reliably leads to faultless connectors.

Landscapes

  • Manufacturing Of Electrical Connectors (AREA)
  • Coupling Device And Connection With Printed Circuit (AREA)
  • Details Of Connecting Devices For Male And Female Coupling (AREA)
  • Connector Housings Or Holding Contact Members (AREA)

Abstract

In a connector consisting of an electric contact body (11) and an elastic socket (12) surrounding this body and presenting a longitudinal slot (43), the fixing of the socket to the contact body is as follows: the socket parts (12) which define together the longitudinal slot (43), have each an opening (51), said opening being engaged in an locking manner by an anchoring cam (53) of the contact body extending outwards. Between each opening (51) and the longitudinal slot (53) there is provided a stop (55) which, with the neighbouring anchoring cam (53) maintains the socket (12) tight in close contact with the periphery of a cylindrical part of the contact body (11). When manufacturing the connector, a cut piece of sheet metal for the socket is U-shaped, the branches and the bottom of the U extending each along an arc of a circle, on 120 about, with a curve adapted to the contour of the contact body (11). The contact body (11) provided with anchoring cams (53) is inserted in the U-shaped sheet metal so that the anchoring cams (53) are separated by the bottom of the U. The branches of the U are then pushed laterally towards the contact body (11) causing the stops (55) to move over the anchoring cams (53) and finally they are brought in locking engagement.

Description

Die vorliegende Erfindung betrifft einen elektrischen Steckverbinder mit einem elektrisch leitenden Kontaktkörper, der eine im wesentlichen zylindrische Partie aufweist, und mit einer mindestens einen Teil der zylindrischen Partie des Kontaktkörpers umfassenden Federhülse, die aus Federblech rohrförmig gerollt ist und eine Längsfuge aufweist, wobei der Kontaktkörper und die Federhülse durch Ausnehmungen im einen dieser Teile und durch in die Ausnehmungen eingreifende Vorsprünge am anderen Teil miteinander verbunden sind.The present invention relates to an electrical connector with an electrically conductive contact body, which has a substantially cylindrical part, and with a spring sleeve comprising at least a part of the cylindrical part of the contact body, which is rolled from a spring sheet and has a longitudinal joint, the contact body and the spring sleeve are connected to one another by recesses in one of these parts and by projections on the other part engaging in the recesses.

Ferner betrifft die Erfindung ein Verfahren zur Herstellung eines solchen Steckverbinders.The invention further relates to a method for producing such a connector.

Steckverbinder der genannten Art sind z.B. aus der GB-PS 246 700 oder der CH-PS 511 523 bekannt. Der Kontaktkörper der Steckverbinder kann wahlweise als Steckerstift oder als Steckbuchse ausgebildet sein. Er besteht zweckmässig aus einem elektrischen Kontaktmaterial, wie Messing, Kupfer, Bronze, und gewährleistet einen niedrigen elektrischen Durchgangswiderstand und eine verhältnismässig hohe Strombelastbarkeit. Wegen der relativ geringen Elastizität des Kontaktmaterials lässt sich der Kontaktkörper in einfacher Weise durch eine Quetsch- oder Crimp-Verbindung an einen elektrischen Leiter anschliessen. Die Federhülse dient mehreren Zwecken. Einmal kann sie mit abgespreizten Zungen oder Lappen versehen sein, weiche zwar das Einschieben des Steckverbinders in ein Iso-Jierstoffgehäuse erlauben, aber das Zurückziehen des Steckverbinders aus dem Gehäuse durch Anschlagen an einer Innenschulter des Gehäuses verhindern. Weiter kann die Federhülse dazu beitragen, eine Deformation des Kontaktkörpers zu verhüten, insbesondere wenn dieser aus Blechmaterial rohrartig gerollt ist und eine Längsnut aufweist. Im Falle eines als Steckbuchse ausgebildeten Kontaktkörpers, der durch Längsschlitze gebildete Kontaktzungen aufweist, kann die Federhülse schliesslich auch dazu vorgesehen sein, ein zu starkes Auswärtsbiegen der Kontaktzungen zu verhindern undloder die Kontaktzungen federnd gegen innen zu drängen, um einen erhöhten Kontaktdruck auf einen in die Steckbuchae eingeführten Steckerstift herbeizuführen.Connectors of the type mentioned are e.g. known from GB-PS 246 700 or CH-PS 511 523. The contact body of the plug connector can optionally be designed as a plug pin or as a socket. It suitably consists of an electrical contact material, such as brass, copper, bronze, and ensures a low electrical volume resistance and a relatively high current carrying capacity. Because of the relatively low elasticity of the contact material, the contact body can be easily connected to an electrical conductor by means of a crimp or crimp connection. The spring sleeve serves several purposes. On the one hand, it can be provided with spread-out tongues or rags, which allow the connector to be inserted into an insulating material housing, but prevent the connector from being pulled back out of the housing by striking an inner shoulder of the housing. Furthermore, the spring sleeve can help prevent deformation of the contact body, in particular if it is rolled out of sheet metal and has a longitudinal groove. In the case of a contact body designed as a socket, which has contact tongues formed by longitudinal slots, the spring sleeve can finally also be provided to prevent the contact tongues from bending too far outward and / or to urge the contact tongues resiliently towards the inside in order to increase contact pressure on one in the socket bring inserted plug pin.

Bei den bisher bekannten Steckverbindern der eingangs genannten Art ist die Federhülse am Kontaktkörper dadurch festgelegt, dass an der Federhülse gebildete Lappen in Ausnehmungen des Kontaktkörpers eingreifen. Diese Art der Fixierung bedingt, dass bei der Herstellung des Steckverbinders die Federhülse in satter Anlage am Umfang der zylindrischen Partie des Kontaktkörpers gehalten wird, während die Lappen in die vorbereiteten Ausnehmungen des Kontaktkörpers hineingebogen werden. Um das Hineinbiegen der Lappen in die Ausnehmungen des Kontaktkörpers überhaupt zu ermöglichen, müssen die Ausnehmungen in Richtung quer zur Biegelinie der Lappen erheblich grösser sein als die Blechstärke der Federhülse und als es die Endlage der Lappen erfordern würde. Daraus resultiert eine unerwünschte Schwächung des Kontaktkörpers. Falls der Steckverbinder eine Steckbuchse ist, hat die bisherige Art der Fixierung den weiteren Nachteil, dass die Lappen der Federhülse relativ kurz sein müssen, damit sie nicht in den zur Aufnahme eines Steckerstiftes bestimmten Innenraum des Kontaktkörpers hineinragen, weshalb die Verankerung der Federhülse am Kontaktkörper verhältnismässig unsicher ist und beim Gebrauch der Steckbuchse die Längsfuge der Federhülse möglicherweise aufklafft. Dies könnte zwar dadurch vermieden werden, dass die an die Längsfuge angrenzenden Partien der Federhülse selbst formschlüssig miteinander verbunden werden, indem Lappen an der einen Hülsenpartie mit Ausnehmungen in der andern Hülsenpartie in Eingriff gebracht und zurückgebogen werden. Hierdurch wird jedoch der Steckverbinder komplizierter und teurer, und es entstehen örtliche Vergrösserungen der Aussenabmessungen der Federhülse infolge der übereinanderliegenden Hülsenpartien und Lappen, was in manchen Anwendungsfällen nachteilig ist.In the previously known connectors of the type mentioned, the spring sleeve is fixed on the contact body in that tabs formed on the spring sleeve engage in recesses in the contact body. This type of fixation requires that the spring sleeve be held in full contact with the circumference of the cylindrical part of the contact body during the manufacture of the connector, while the tabs are bent into the prepared recesses in the contact body. In order to allow the flaps to be bent into the recesses of the contact body at all, the recesses in the direction transverse to the bending line of the flaps must be considerably larger than the sheet thickness of the spring sleeve and than the end position of the flaps would require. This results in an undesired weakening of the contact body. If the connector is a socket, the previous type of fixation has the further disadvantage that the tabs of the spring sleeve must be relatively short so that they do not protrude into the interior of the contact body intended for receiving a plug pin, which is why the anchoring of the spring sleeve on the contact body is proportionate is unsafe and the longitudinal joint of the spring sleeve may open when using the socket. This could be avoided by connecting the parts of the spring sleeve adjoining the longitudinal joint themselves in a form-fitting manner by engaging tabs on one sleeve section with recesses in the other sleeve section and bending them back. However, this makes the connector more complicated and expensive, and there are local enlargements of the outer dimensions of the spring sleeve due to the superimposed sleeve parts and tabs, which is disadvantageous in some applications.

Es ist nun die Aufgabe der vorliegenden Erfindung, zwecks Vermeidung der geschilderten Nachteile bekannter Ausführungsarten einen Steckverbinder der eingangs genannten Art so auszugestalten, dass eine einwandfreie Verbindung zwischen der Federhülse und dem Kontaktkörper gewährleistet ist, ohne dass lappenförmige Teile der Federhülse in das Innere des Kontaktkörpers hineinragen und ohne dass die Aussenabmessungen der Federhülse durch übereinanderliegende Hülsenpartien vergrössert sind. Ferner soll der Steckverbinder so ausgestaltet sein, dass seine Herstellung auf verhältnismässig einfache und rationelle Weise ermöglicht ist.It is the object of the present invention, in order to avoid the disadvantages of known embodiments described, to design a connector of the type mentioned in such a way that a perfect connection between the spring sleeve and the contact body is ensured without tab-shaped parts of the spring sleeve protruding into the interior of the contact body and without the outer dimensions of the spring sleeve being enlarged by superimposed sleeve parts. Furthermore, the connector should be designed in such a way that it can be manufactured in a relatively simple and rational manner.

Schliesslich gehört es auch zur Aufgabe der Erfindung, ein zweckmässiges, relativ einfaches und rationelles Verfahren zur Herstellung des Steckverbinders anzugeben, durch welches Verfahren eine sichere Fixierung der Federhülse am Kontaktkörper ermöglicht ist.Finally, it is also part of the object of the invention to provide an expedient, relatively simple and rational method for producing the plug connector, by means of which method a secure fixing of the spring sleeve on the contact body is made possible.

Diese Aufgabe ist durch den im Anspruch 1 gekennzeichneten Steckverbinder und durch das im Anspruch 8 wiedergegebene Verfahren zur Herstellung des Steckverbinders gelöst.This object is achieved by the connector characterized in claim 1 and by the method for producing the connector reproduced in claim 8.

Vorteilhafte Ausführungsarten des erfindungsgemässen Steckverbinders und des Verfahrens zu seiner Herstellung ergeben sich aus den übrigen Ansprüchen.Advantageous embodiments of the connector according to the invention and the method for its production result from the remaining claims.

Die Erfindung und deren Vorteile sind nachstehend anhand von Ausführungsbeispielen näher erläutert unter Bezugnahme auf die beigefügten Zeichnungen.

  • Fig. 1 zeigt einen als Steckbuchse ausgebildeten elektrischen Steckverbinder in einer Seitenansicht ;
  • Fig. 2 ist eine analoge Darstellung eines als Steckerstift ausgebildeten elektrischen Steckverbinders ;
  • Fig. 3 stellt in grösserem Massstab einen Querschnitt nach der Linie 111-111 in Fig. 1 dar ;
  • Fig. 4 zeigt einen analogen Querschnitt nach der Linie IV-IV in Fig. 1 ;
  • Fig. 5 ist eine analoge Darstellung eines Querschnittes nach der Linie V-V in Fig. 2 ;
  • Fig. 6 zeigt einen Teil des Steckverbinders nach Fig. 1 in Ansicht gemäss dem Pfeil VI, in grösserem Massstab ;
  • Fig. 7 stellt eire Teilansicht eines für die Bildung der Federhülse bestimmten flachen Blechzuschnittes dar ;
  • Fig. 8, 9 und 10 sind Querschnittdarstellungen, die verschiedene Phasen des Verfahrens zum Herstellen des Steckverbinders veranschaulichen ;
  • Fig. 11 zeigt einen Querschnitt nach der Linie XI-XI in Fig. 12 durch eine Partie der Federhülse ;
  • Fig. 12 ist eine Ansicht der gleichen Partie der Federhülse in Richtung des Pfeiles XII in Fig. 11 gesehen ;
  • Fig. 13 und 14 zeigen je eine Ausführungsvariante des Blechzuschnittes für die Federhülse.
The invention and its advantages are explained in more detail below with reference to exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings.
  • Fig. 1 shows an electrical connector designed as a socket in a side view;
  • Fig. 2 is an analog representation of a as Connector pin trained electrical connector;
  • Fig. 3 shows on a larger scale a cross section along the line 111-111 in Fig. 1;
  • Fig. 4 shows an analog cross section along the line IV-IV in Fig. 1;
  • Fig. 5 is an analog representation of a cross section along the line VV in Fig. 2;
  • Fig. 6 shows part of the connector of Figure 1 in a view according to arrow VI, on a larger scale.
  • Fig. 7 shows a partial view of a flat sheet metal blank intended for the formation of the spring sleeve;
  • Figures 8, 9 and 10 are cross-sectional views illustrating different phases of the method of manufacturing the connector;
  • FIG. 11 shows a cross section along the line XI-XI in FIG. 12 through a part of the spring sleeve;
  • Fig. 12 is a view of the same portion of the spring sleeve seen in the direction of arrow XII in Fig. 11;
  • 13 and 14 each show an embodiment variant of the sheet metal blank for the spring sleeve.

Die in Fig. 1 dargestellte elektrische Steckbuchse 1.0 besteht aus einem im wesentlichen rohrförmigen Kontaktkörper 11 aus elektrisch gut leitendem Kontaktmaterial, z.B. Messing, Kupfer oder Bronze, und einer den Kontaktkörper 11 aussen umgebenden Federhülse 12 aus Federblech, z.B. Stahlblech. Die eine Endpartie des Kontaktkörpers 11 ist als im Querschnitt U-förmige Anschlussklemme'13 zum Einlegen eines (nicht dargesteilten) elektrischen Leiters ausgebildet, der beispielsweise durch Quetschen der Anschlussklemme 13 mit dem Kontaktkörper 11 mechanisch und elektrisch verbindbar ist. Das entgegengesetzte Ende des Kontaktkörpers 11 weist eine Mündung 14 zum Einführen des Steckerstiftes gemäss Fig. 2 auf. Einzelheiten der Steckbuchse 10 sind weiter unten näher erläutert.The electrical socket 1.0 shown in Fig. 1 consists of an essentially tubular contact body 11 made of electrically good conductive contact material, e.g. Brass, copper or bronze, and a spring sleeve 12 made of spring sheet, surrounding the contact body 11, e.g. Sheet steel. One end part of the contact body 11 is designed as a cross-sectionally U-shaped terminal 13 for inserting an electrical conductor (not shown) which can be mechanically and electrically connected to the contact body 11, for example, by squeezing the terminal 13. The opposite end of the contact body 11 has an opening 14 for inserting the plug pin according to FIG. 2. Details of the socket 10 are explained in more detail below.

Der in Fig. 2 gezeigte elektrische Steckerstift 20 besteht aus einem Kontaktkörper 21 aus elektrisch gut leitendem Material und einer einen Teil des Kontaktkörpers 21 aussen umgebenden Federhülse 22 aus Federblech. Die eine Endpartie des Kontaktkörpers 21 ist als Anschlussklemme 23 zum Einlegen eines (nicht gezeigten) elektrischen Leiters ausgebildet, der z.B. durch Quetschen der Anschlussklemme 23 mit dem Kontaktkörper 21 mechanisch und elektrisch verbindbar ist. Die andere Endpartie des Kontaktkörpers 21 ist als Kontaktstift 24 ausgebildet, der durch die Mündung 14 in die Steckbuchse 10 eingeführt werden kann. Einzelheiten des Steckerstiftes 20 werden später beschrieben.The electrical connector pin 20 shown in FIG. 2 consists of a contact body 21 made of electrically highly conductive material and a spring sleeve 22 made of spring sheet metal which surrounds part of the contact body 21 on the outside. One end part of the contact body 21 is designed as a connecting terminal 23 for inserting an electrical conductor (not shown) which, for example, can be mechanically and electrically connected by squeezing the connecting terminal 23 to the contact body 21. The other end part of the contact body 21 is designed as a contact pin 24, which can be inserted through the mouth 14 into the socket 10. Details of the connector pin 20 will be described later.

Nun. sei zunächst die Ausbildung der Steckbuchse 10 näher erläutert. Der Kontaktkörper 11 ist aus Blechmaterial gerollt und weist eine Längsfuge 31 auf, wo die einander gegenüberliegenden Schnittkanten des Bleches stumpf aneinanderstossen, wie man deutlich in den Fig. 3 und 4 erkennt. Der Kontaktkörper 11 weist einen Querschlitz 32 und zwei Längsschlitze 33 auf, die in bezug auf die Längsfuge 31 symmetrisch angeordnet sind und zusammen mit der Längsfuge 31 zwei nebeneinander verlaufende Kontaktfinger 34 bilden, welche sich in Längsrichtung des Kontaktkörpers 11 erstrecken und radial zur Längsachse des Kontaktkörpers 11 nachgiebig sind. Die beiden Längsschlitze 33 sind weiter derart angeordnet, dass den beiden Kontaktfingern 34 eine Kontaktkörperpartie 35 gegenüber liegt, die sich über etwa den halben Umfang des Kontaktkörpers 11 erstreckt und somit praktisch radial unnachgiebig ist. Die an die Längsschlitze 33 angrenzenden Schnittkanten der Kontaktkörperpartie 35 bilden je einen Anschlag für die freie Endpartie des einen bzw. des andern Kontaktfingers 34, um die Beweglichkeit der Kontaktfinger nach innen zu begrenzen. Zwischen dem die Mündung 14 aufweisenden Ende des Kontaktkörpers 11 und dem Querschlitz 32 weist der Kontaktkörper eine zylindrische, längs des ganzen Umfanges geschlossene Partie 36 auf. Eine analoge zylindrische Partie 37 des Kontaktkörpers 11 befindet sich am gegenüberliegenden Ende der Längsschlitze 33.Now. Let us first explain the design of the socket 10 in more detail. The contact body 11 is rolled from sheet material and has a longitudinal joint 31 where the mutually opposite cut edges of the sheet butt butt against one another, as can be clearly seen in FIGS. 3 and 4. The contact body 11 has a transverse slot 32 and two longitudinal slots 33, which are arranged symmetrically with respect to the longitudinal joint 31 and together with the longitudinal joint 31 form two adjacent contact fingers 34 which extend in the longitudinal direction of the contact body 11 and radially to the longitudinal axis of the contact body 11 are compliant. The two longitudinal slots 33 are further arranged such that the two contact fingers 34 are opposite a contact body part 35 which extends over approximately half the circumference of the contact body 11 and is thus practically radially unyielding. The cut edges of the contact body section 35 adjoining the longitudinal slots 33 each form a stop for the free end section of one or the other contact finger 34 in order to limit the mobility of the contact fingers inwards. Between the end of the contact body 11 having the mouth 14 and the transverse slot 32, the contact body has a cylindrical part 36 which is closed along the entire circumference. An analog cylindrical portion 37 of the contact body 11 is located at the opposite end of the longitudinal slots 33.

Die Federhülse 12 ist aus einem Federblechzuschnitt 40 (Fig. 7) rohrartig gerollt, so dass die entgegengesetzten Schnittkanten 41 des Blechzuschnittes einander gegenüberliegen und zwischen sich eine Längsfuge 43 an der Federhülse bilden, wie die Fig. 3, 4 und 6 deutlich erkennen lassen. Die Längsfuge 43 der Federhülse 12 liegt der Längsfuge 31 des Kontaktkörpers 11 diametral gegenüber, wie die Fig. 3 und 4 deutlich zeigen. Die Federhülse 12 weist einen Querschlitz 44 und zwei von diesem ausgehende Längsschlitze 45 auf, zwecks, Bildung einer Zunge 46, die der Längsfuge 43 diametral gegenüber liegt und so geformt ist, dass sie unter dem Einfluss ihrer Elastizität einen Druck auf die Kontaktfinger 34 des Kontaktkörpers 11 ausübt, um diese gegen innen zu drängen. Das von der Mündung 14 des Kontaktkörpers 11 abgewandte Ende der Federhülse 12 weist mehrere Sperrlappen 47 auf, die vom Kontaktkörper 11 abgespreizt sind und dazu dienen, zusammen mit einem Aussenwulst 48 des Kontaktkörpers die Steckbuchse 10 in einem (nicht dargestellten) Isolierstoffgehäuse festzuhalten, wie dies dem Fachmann bekannt ist.The spring sleeve 12 is rolled from a spring sheet metal blank 40 (FIG. 7) so that the opposite cutting edges 41 of the sheet metal blank lie opposite one another and form a longitudinal joint 43 between them on the spring sleeve, as can be clearly seen in FIGS. 3, 4 and 6. The longitudinal joint 43 of the spring sleeve 12 is diametrically opposite the longitudinal joint 31 of the contact body 11, as clearly shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. The spring sleeve 12 has a transverse slot 44 and two longitudinal slots 45 extending therefrom, for the purpose of forming a tongue 46 which is diametrically opposite the longitudinal joint 43 and is shaped such that it exerts pressure on the contact fingers 34 of the contact body under the influence of its elasticity 11 exercises to push them towards the inside. The end of the spring sleeve 12 facing away from the mouth 14 of the contact body 11 has a plurality of locking tabs 47 which are spread apart from the contact body 11 and which, together with an outer bead 48 of the contact body, serve to hold the socket 10 in an insulating housing (not shown), as is the case here is known to the expert.

Zum Fixieren der Federhülse 12 auf dem Kontaktkörper 11 gegen Verdrehung und gegen achsiale Verschiebung sind die folgenden Mittel und Massnahmen vorgesehen: Gemäss den Fig 1, 3, 4 und 6 weist die Federhülse 12 an ihren an die Längsfuge 43 angrenzenden und im Bereich der zylindrischen Kontaktkörperpartien 36 und 37 liegenden Partien je eine Durchbrechung 51 auf mit welcher ein Ankernocken 53 des Kontaktkörpers 11 in Verriegelungseingriff ist. Die Ankernocken 53 befinden sich auf der von der Längsfuge 31 des Kontaktkörpers 11 abgewandten Seite des Kontaktkörpers. Die Durchbrechungen 51 sind je in einem Abstand von der benachbarten Schnittkante 41 (Fig. 7) des die Federhülse 12 bildenden Blechzuschnittes 40 angeordnet, so dass zwischen jeder Durchbrechung 51 und der Längsfuge 43 der Federhülse ein Rückhaltesteg 55 mit ausreichender Festigkeit vorhanden ist. Diese Rückhaltestege 55 der Federhülse 12 und die der Längsfuge 43 zugewandten Flanken der Ankernocken 53 des Kontaktkörpers 11 liegen aneinander an und bewirken zusammen, dass die Federhülse 12 satt um den Umfang der zylindrischen Partie 36 bzw. 37 des Kontaktkörpers 11 gespannt festgehalten und dadurch gegen Verdrehung in bezug auf den Kontaktkörper gesichert ist. Die Abmessungen der Durchbrechungen 51 sowie der Ankernocken 53 in Richtung parallel zur Längsachse der Steckbuchse 10 stimmen annähernd überein, wodurch die Federhülse 12 auf dem Kontaktkörper 11 auch gegen achsiale Verschiebung gesichert ist. Vorzugsweise sind die Durchbrechungen 51 und die Ankernocken 53 symmetrisch in bezug auf eine Ebene angeordnet, welche die Längsachse der Steckbuchse 10 enthält und durch die Mitte der Längsfuge 43 der Federhülse 12 geht.The following means and measures are provided for fixing the spring sleeve 12 on the contact body 11 against rotation and against axial displacement: According to FIGS. 1, 3, 4 and 6, the spring sleeve 12 has on its adjoining the longitudinal joint 43 and in the area of the cylindrical contact body parts 36 and 37 lying parts each have an opening 51 with which an anchor cam 53 of the contact body 11 is in locking engagement. The armature cams 53 are located on the side of the contact body facing away from the longitudinal joint 31 of the contact body 11. The openings 51 are each arranged at a distance from the adjacent cutting edge 41 (FIG. 7) of the sheet metal blank 40 forming the spring sleeve 12, so that between each opening 51 and the longitudinal joint 43 of the spring sleeve, a retaining web 55 with sufficient strength is present. These retaining webs 55 of the spring sleeve 12 and the flanks of the armature cams 53 of the contact body 11 facing the longitudinal joint 43 abut against one another and together cause the spring sleeve 12 to be held tightly around the circumference of the cylindrical part 36 or 37 of the contact body 11 and thereby to prevent rotation is secured with respect to the contact body. The dimensions of the openings 51 and the armature cams 53 in the direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the socket 10 are approximately the same, as a result of which the spring sleeve 12 is also secured on the contact body 11 against axial displacement. The openings 51 and the armature cams 53 are preferably arranged symmetrically with respect to a plane which contains the longitudinal axis of the socket 10 and passes through the center of the longitudinal joint 43 of the spring sleeve 12.

Die Fixierung der Federhülse 12 auf dem Kontaktkörper 11 ist besonders gut, wenn die der Längsfuge 43 der Federhülse zugewandten Flanken 56 je etwa in einer Ebene verlaufen, welche die Längsachse der zylindrischen Partie 36 bzw. 37 des Kontaktkörpers enthält und radial zur zylindrischen Partie steht, wie am deutlichsten in den Fig. 8 und 10 gezeigt ist. Aus einem noch zu erläuternden Grund Ist es ferner vorteilhaft, gemäss Fig. 7 jedem Rückhaltesteg 55 der Federhülse 12 an seinen achsialen Endpartien 57 eine geringere Breite in Umfangsrichtung der Federhülse zu geben als in seiner Mittelpartie 58, so dass nur die letztere mit dem zugeordneten Ankernocken 53 in Anlage ist, wie Fig. 6 zeigt. Die Höhenabmessung jedes Ankemockens ist nur wenig grösser als die Dicke des die Federhülse 12 bildenden Federbleches.The fixation of the spring sleeve 12 on the contact body 11 is particularly good if the flanks 56 facing the longitudinal joint 43 of the spring sleeve each run approximately in a plane which contains the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical part 36 or 37 of the contact body and is radial to the cylindrical part, as most clearly shown in Figs. 8 and 10. For a reason to be explained, it is also advantageous, according to FIG. 7, to give each retaining web 55 of the spring sleeve 12 a smaller width in the circumferential direction of the spring sleeve at its axial end parts 57 than in its central part 58, so that only the latter with the associated anchor cam 53 is in plant, as Fig. 6 shows. The height dimension of each anchor cam is only slightly larger than the thickness of the spring plate forming the spring sleeve 12.

Die Herstellung der beschriebenen Steckbuchse 10 geschieht zweckmässig nach dem folgenden Verfahren:

  • Der Kontaktkörper 11 mit den Ankemocken 53 wird als einteiliges Werkstück vorfabriziert, indem in an sich bekannter Weise ein passend zugeschnittenes Blechstück gerollt wird und vorzugsweise in einer Zwischenphase die Ankemocken 53 von der am fertigen Kontaktkörper innen liegenden Seite her nach aussen gedrückt werden mit Hilfe einer (nicht dargestellten) Prägematrize und eines dazu passenden Prägestempels.
The socket 10 described is expediently produced using the following method:
  • The contact body 11 with the anchor cams 53 is prefabricated as a one-piece workpiece by rolling a suitably cut piece of sheet metal in a manner known per se and preferably in an intermediate phase pressing the anchor cams 53 outwards from the inside of the finished contact body with the aid of a ( embossing die (not shown) and a matching stamp.

Zur Bildung der Federhülse 12 wird der flache Federblechzuschnitt 40 (Fig. 7) vorbereitet, der an entgegengesetzten Randpartien mit den Durchbrechungen 51 und den Rückhaltestegen 55 versehen wird. Der vorbereitete Blechzuschnitt 40 wird zunächst in eine aufgeweitete U-Form gebogen, die gemäss Fig. 8 aus einem mittleren U-Steg 61 und zwei seitlichen U-Schenkein 62 besteht. Sowohl der U-Steg 61 als auch jeder der seitlichen U-Schenkel 62 verläuft im Querschnitt gesehen längs eines Kreisbogens, der sich über etwa 120° erstreckt und der Krümmung der Umfangsfläche der zylindrischen Partien 36 und 37 des Kontaktkörpers 11 angepasst ist. Die entgegengesetzten Randkanten 41 des Blechzuschnittes 40 haben in der erwähnten aufgeweiteten U-Form voneinander einen Abstand, der etwa gleich dem Aussendurchmesser des Kontaktkörpers 11 ist. Während der Bildung der beschriebenen aufgeweiteten U-Form wird jeder der Rückhaltestege 55 so verwunden, dass seine von der Randkante 41 des Blechzuschnittes 40 abgewandte und an die Durchbrechung 51 angrenzende Randkante 64 weiter nach aussen zu liegen kommt als der die Durchbrechung 51 enthaltende übrige Teil des betreffenden U-Schenkels 62, wie deutlich in den Fig. 8, 11 und 12 zu sehen ist. Diese Verwindung der Rückhaltestege 55 ist dadurch begünstigt, dass die Breite jedes Rückhaltesteges an seinen achsialen Endpartien 57 kleiner ist als in seiner Mittelpartie 58. Es ist somit vorwiegend die Randkante 64 der Mittelpartie 58, die nach aussen versetzt wird.To form the spring sleeve 12, the flat spring plate blank 40 (FIG. 7) is prepared, which is provided with the openings 51 and the retaining webs 55 on opposite edge parts. The prepared sheet metal blank 40 is first bent into a widened U-shape, which according to FIG. 8 consists of a central U-web 61 and two lateral U-legs 62. Both the U-web 61 and each of the lateral U-legs 62, viewed in cross-section, run along an arc that extends over approximately 120 ° and is adapted to the curvature of the peripheral surface of the cylindrical parts 36 and 37 of the contact body 11. The opposite marginal edges 41 of the sheet metal blank 40 have a spacing from one another in the widened U-shape which is approximately equal to the outer diameter of the contact body 11. During the formation of the widened U-shape described, each of the retaining webs 55 is wound so that its edge edge 64 which faces away from the edge edge 41 of the sheet metal blank 40 and adjoins the opening 51 comes to lie further outwards than the remaining part of the part containing the opening 51 relevant U-leg 62, as can be clearly seen in FIGS. 8, 11 and 12. This twisting of the retaining webs 55 is favored by the fact that the width of each retaining web at its axial end portions 57 is smaller than in its central portion 58. It is therefore predominantly the peripheral edge 64 of the central portion 58 that is displaced outward.

In die auf die beschriebene Weise gebildete aufeweitete U-Form des Blechzuschnittes 40 wird der vorgefertigte Kontaktkörper 11 zwischen den U-Schenkeln 62 hindurch eingelegt, wobei der die Längsfuge 31 aufweisende Teil des Kontaktkörpers 11 mit dem U-Steg 61 in Anlage gebracht wird. Die Ankernocken 53 des Kontaktstückes 11 sind dabei vom U-Steg 61 abgewandt. Nachher werden die beiden U-Schenkei 62 zwecks Fertigstellung der Federhülse 12 seitlich an den Kontaktkörper 11 herangeschwenkt. Hierbei bewegen sich die durch die Verwindung der Rückhaltestege 55 nach aussen versetzten Randkanten 64 der Rückhaltestege im Querschnitt gemäss Fig. 8 gesehen etwa entlang Kreisbögen 66 knapp über die Ankernocken 53 des Kontaktkörpers 11 hinweg. Wenn die U-Schenkei 62 vollständig in Anlage am Kontaktkörper 11 gebracht worden sind, wie Fig.9 zeigt, liegen die ursprünglich entgegengesetzten Randkanten 41 des Blechzuschnittes 40 einander gegenüber, um die Längsfuge 43 der Federhülse 12 zu bilden, und die Ankernocken 53 befinden sich innerhalb der zugeordneten Durchbrechungen 51. Während die U-Schenkel 62 weiterhin seitlich an den Kontaktkörper 11 gedrückt bleiben, werden anschliessend die verwundenen Rückhaltestege 55 in ihre ursprüngliche Form zurückgedrückt und in Anlage am Kontaktkörper 11 gebracht. Dabei gelangen die zuvor nach aussen versetzten Randkanten 64 der Rückhaltestege 55 in Verriegelungseingriff mit den radial verlaufenden Flanken 56 der Ankemocken, wie in der linken Hälfte von Fig. 10 veranschaulicht ist. Bei diesem Vorgang verkeilen sich die Randkanten 64 der Rückhaltestege 55 mit den Flanken 56 der Ankernocken 53, so dass die Federhülse 12 in satter Anlage am Kontaktkörper festgehalten wird, wenn schliesslich die seitliche Pressung auf die U-Schenkel 62 aufgehoben wird.The prefabricated contact body 11 is inserted between the U-legs 62 into the expanded U-shape of the sheet metal blank 40 formed in the manner described, the part of the contact body 11 having the longitudinal joint 31 being brought into contact with the U-web 61. The armature cams 53 of the contact piece 11 face away from the U-web 61. Afterwards, the two U-legs 62 are pivoted laterally towards the contact body 11 for the purpose of completing the spring sleeve 12. In this case, the edge edges 64 of the retaining webs, which are offset outwards by the twisting of the retaining webs 55, viewed in cross section according to FIG. 8, move approximately along circular arcs 66 just above the armature cams 53 of the contact body 11. When the U-leg 62 has been brought completely into contact with the contact body 11, as shown in FIG. 9, the originally opposite marginal edges 41 of the sheet metal blank 40 lie opposite one another to form the longitudinal joint 43 of the spring sleeve 12, and the armature cams 53 are located within the assigned openings 51. While the U-legs 62 continue to be pressed laterally against the contact body 11, the twisted retaining webs 55 are then pressed back into their original shape and brought into contact with the contact body 11. The edge edges 64 of the retaining webs 55, which were previously offset outwards, come into locking engagement with the radially extending flanks 56 of the anchor cams, as illustrated in the left half of FIG. 10. During this process, the edge edges 64 of the retaining webs 55 wedge with the flanks 56 of the armature cams 53, so that the spring sleeve 12 is held firmly against the contact body when the lateral pressure on the U-legs 62 is finally released.

Obwohl auf die beschriebene Weise ein genügend fester Sitz der Federhülse 12 auf dem Kontaktkörper 11 erzielbar ist, kann zusätzlich noch in einzelnen oder in allen Verankerungsnocken 52 eine Vertiefung 68 (Fig. 10, rechte Hälfte) angebracht werden, indem ein Stemmwerkzeug in den betreffenden Ankernocken hineingetrieben wird. Hierdurch wird die Flanke 56 des Ankernockens in Richtung gegen die Längsfuge 43 an den Rückhaltesteg 55 gedrängt und die Federhülse noch stärker um den Kontaktkörper 11 gespannt.Although a sufficiently firm fit of the spring sleeve 12 on the contact body 11 can be achieved in the manner described, a recess 68 (FIG. 10, right) can additionally be provided in individual or in all anchoring cams 52 Half) can be attached by driving a caulking tool into the relevant anchor cam. As a result, the flank 56 of the armature cam is pressed in the direction against the longitudinal joint 43 against the retaining web 55 and the spring sleeve is tensioned even more about the contact body 11.

Gemäss den Fig. 6 und 7 hat die mit der radialen Flanke 56 des Ankernockens 53 zusammenarbeitende Randkante der Mittelpartie 58 jeder Durchbrechung 51 einen etwa kreisbogenförmigen Verlauf. Es sind jedoch auch andere Ausführungsformen möglich, wie sie rein beispielsweise in den Fig. 13 und 14 veranschaulicht sind.6 and 7, the edge edge of the central portion 58 of each opening 51, which cooperates with the radial flank 56 of the armature cam 53, has an approximately circular arc shape. However, other embodiments are also possible, as illustrated purely for example in FIGS. 13 and 14.

Nun sei noch die Ausbildung des Steckerstiftes 20 gemäss den Fig. 2 und 5 näher erläutert. Der Kontaktkörper 21 ist aus Blechmaterial gerollt und weist wie der Kontaktkörper 11 der Steckbuchse 10 eine Längsfuge 31 auf (Fig. 5). Die einen Teil des Kontaktkörpers 21 umfassende Federhülse 22 ist aus einem (nicht separat dargestellten) Federblechzuschnitt gerollt und weist wie die Federhülse 12 der Steckbuchse 10 eine Längsfuge 43 auf (Fig. 5), die der Längsfuge 31 des Kontaktkörpers 21 diametral gegenüber liegt. Die vom Kontaktstift 24 abgewandte Endpartie der Federhülse 22 bildet mehrere Sperrlappen 47, die vom Kontaktkörper 21 abgespreizt sind und in bekannter Weise dazu. dienen, zusammen mit einem Aussenwulst 48 des Kontaktkörpers den Steckerstift 20 in einem (nicht dargestellten) Isolierstoffgehäuse festzuhalten. An der andern Endpartie der Federhülse 22 sind mehrere nach aussen angespreizte Federzungen 49 vorhanden, die zum Zentrieren des Kontaktstiftes in bezug auf eine den Steckerstift 20 beherbergende Ausnehmung des erwähnten Isolierstoffgehäuses dienen.The design of the plug pin 20 according to FIGS. 2 and 5 will now be explained in more detail. The contact body 21 is rolled from sheet metal material and, like the contact body 11 of the socket 10, has a longitudinal joint 31 (FIG. 5). The spring sleeve 22 comprising part of the contact body 21 is rolled from a spring plate blank (not shown separately) and, like the spring sleeve 12 of the socket 10, has a longitudinal joint 43 (FIG. 5) which is diametrically opposite the longitudinal joint 31 of the contact body 21. The end part of the spring sleeve 22 facing away from the contact pin 24 forms a plurality of locking tabs 47 which are spread apart from the contact body 21 and in a known manner. serve, together with an outer bead 48 of the contact body to hold the connector pin 20 in an insulating material housing (not shown). At the other end part of the spring sleeve 22 there are a plurality of outwardly spread spring tongues 49 which serve to center the contact pin with respect to a recess of the insulating housing mentioned which accommodates the plug pin 20.

Die Federhülse 22 ist am Kontaktkörper 21 auf analoge Weise fixiert wie die Federhülse 12 am Kontaktkörper 11. Die an die Längsfuge 43 angrenzenden Partien der Federhülse 22 weisen je eine Durchbrechung 51 auf, mit welcher je ein Ankernocken 53 des Kontaktkörpers 21 in Verriegelungseingriff ist, wie am deutlichsten Fig.5 zeigt. Zwischen jeder Durchbrechung 51 und der Längsfuge 43 ist ein Rückhaltesteg 55 vorhanden, der in Zusammenarbeit mit dem betreffenden Ankernocken 53 den Federring 22 um den Umfang einer zylindrischen Partie 37 des Kontaktkörpers 21 gespannt festhält. Form und Anordnung der Durchbrechungen 51 und der Ankernocken 53 sind im einzelnen gleich wie mit Bezug auf die Steckbuchse 10 ausführlich beschrieben worden ist. Ebenso ist das Verfahren zum Herstellen des Steckerstiftes 20 völlig analog dem oben beschriebenen Verfahren zur Herstellung der Steckbuchse 10, weshalb sich weitere Worte erübrigen.The spring sleeve 22 is fixed on the contact body 21 in an analogous manner to the spring sleeve 12 on the contact body 11. The parts of the spring sleeve 22 adjoining the longitudinal joint 43 each have an opening 51 with which an armature cam 53 of the contact body 21 is in locking engagement, such as most clearly shows Fig.5. Between each opening 51 and the longitudinal joint 43 there is a retaining web 55 which, in cooperation with the anchor cam 53 in question, holds the spring ring 22 tight around the circumference of a cylindrical portion 37 of the contact body 21. The shape and arrangement of the openings 51 and the armature cams 53 are the same in detail as has been described in detail with reference to the socket 10. Likewise, the method for producing the plug pin 20 is completely analogous to the method for producing the socket 10 described above, which is why additional words are unnecessary.

Die beschriebenen Steckverbinder 10 und 20 haben gegenüber bekannten Ausführungen den Vorteil, dass die Federhülse 12 bzw. 22 auf dem Kontaktkörper 11 bzw. 21 einwandfrei fixiert ist durch die Durchbrechungen 51 der Federhülse und die in die Durchbrechungen 51 hineingreifenden Ankernocken 53 des Kontaktkörpers 11 bzw. 21. Vorteilhaft ist auch, dass keine der Fixierung dienenden Teile in das Innere der Kontaktkörper 11 bzw. 21 hineinragen oder merklich über dem Umfang der Federhülse 12 bzw. 22 nach aussen vorstehen. Ein wesentlicher Vorteil ist ferner, dass das beschriebene Herstellungsverfahren verhältnismässig einfach ist und sicher zu einwandfreien Steckverbindern führt. Durch das beschriebene Verwinden der Rückhaltestege 55 beim Bilden der aufgeweiteten U-Form 61, 62 des Federblechzuschnittes ergibt sich der Vorteil, dass beim nachfolgenden seitlichen Andrücken der U-Schenkei 62 an den Kontaktkörper 11 bzw. 21 die Rückhaltestege 55 mühelos über die Ankernocken 53 hinweg bewegt werden können. Es ist aber auch eine Verfahrensvariante möglich, bei welcher die Verwindung der Rückhaltestege 55 entfällt und diese beim seitlichen Anpressen der U-Schenkel 62 an den Kontaktkörper 11 bzw. 21 einfach über die Ankernocken 53 gedrängt werden, wobei eine vorübergehende elastische oder zum Teil elastische Deformation der Rückhaltestege 55 erfolgt und diese schliesslich hinter den Ankernocken einrasten. Durch Verstemmen der Ankernocken 53, nachdem diese in Eingriff mit den Durchbrechungen 51 der Federhülse 12 bzw. 22 gebracht worden sind, lässt sich auf einfache Weise ein noch festerer Sitz der Federhülse auf dem Kontaktkörper 11 bzw. 21 erzielen.The connectors 10 and 20 described have the advantage over known designs that the spring sleeve 12 or 22 is properly fixed on the contact body 11 or 21 by the openings 51 of the spring sleeve and the armature cams 53 of the contact body 11 or the engaging openings 51. 21. It is also advantageous that none of the parts serving to fixate protrude into the interior of the contact bodies 11 or 21 or protrude outwardly beyond the circumference of the spring sleeve 12 or 22. Another major advantage is that the manufacturing method described is relatively simple and reliably leads to faultless connectors. The described twisting of the retaining webs 55 when forming the widened U-shape 61, 62 of the spring plate blank results in the advantage that when the U-leg 62 is laterally pressed onto the contact body 11 or 21, the retaining webs 55 effortlessly pass over the armature cams 53 can be moved. However, a variant of the method is also possible in which the torsion of the retaining webs 55 is omitted and these are simply pushed over the anchor cams 53 when the U-legs 62 are pressed against the side of the contact body 11 or 21, with a temporary elastic or partly elastic deformation The retaining webs 55 take place and these finally snap in behind the anchor cams. By caulking the armature cams 53 after they have been brought into engagement with the openings 51 of the spring sleeve 12 or 22, an even firmer fit of the spring sleeve on the contact body 11 or 21 can be achieved in a simple manner.

Claims (12)

1. Electrical plug connector with an eiectricai- ly-conducting contact body, which has a substantially cylindrical portion, and with a resilient sleeve surrounding at least a part of the cylindrical portion of the contact body, which is rolled from resilient sheet in the manner of a tube and has a longitudinal seam, the contact body and the resilient sleeve being interconnected by recesses in one of these parts and by projections on the other part engaging in the recesses, characterised in this that, the resilient sleeve (12; 22) has at each of its portions adjoining the longitudinal seam (43) at least one aperture (51), between which aperture and the longitudinal seam (43) a retaining tab (55) is provided, that the contact body (11;.21) has at least two outwardly-projecting locating cams (53). each of which is in locking engagement with one of the apertures (51) of the resilient sleeve (12; 22), and in that the flanks of the locating cams (53) of the contact body (11; 21) facing the longitudinal seam (43) of the resilient sleeve (12; 22) and the retaining tabs (55) of the resilient sleeve (12; 22) lie in contact with one another and thereby tension the resilient sleeve (12; 22) tightly around the periphery of the cylindrical portion (36, 37) of the contact body (11; 21).
2. Plug connector according to claim 1, characterised in this that the flanks (56) of the locating cams (53) of the contact body (11; 21) facing the longitudinal seam (43) of the resilient (12; 22) each extend at least approximately in a plane which contains the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical portion (32, 37) of the contact body (11; 21) and extends radially in relation to the cylindrical portion.
3. Plug connector according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterised in that each retaining tab (55) of the resilient sleeve (12; 22) has a smaller width in the peripheral sense of the resilient sleeve at its axial end portions (57) than at its intermediate portion (58), so that only the intermediate portion of the retaining tab is in contact with the corresponding locating cam (53).
4. Plug connector according to one or more of claims 1 to 3, characterised in this that the locating cams (53) on the contact body (11; 21) and the apertures (51) of the resilient sleeve (12; 22) have substantially equal dimensions in the direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical portion (36, 37) of the contact body (11; 21).
5. Plug connector according to one or more of claims 1 to 4, characterised in this that the locating cams (53) on the contact body (11; 21) have a height dimension, which substantially corresponds to the thickness of the sheet of the resilient sleeve (12; 22).
6. Plug connector according to one or more of claims 1 to 5, characterised in this that the locating cams (53) of the contact body (11) are wedged in the apertures (51) of the resilient sleeve (12).
7. Plug connector according to one or more of claims 1 to 6, characterised in this that the locating cams (53) of the contact body (11; 21) and the apertures (51) and the retaining tabs (55) of the resilient sleeve (12; 22) are disposed symmetrically in relation to a plane which contains the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical portion (36, 37) of the contact body (11; 21) and passes through the middle of the longitudinal seam (43) of the. resilient sleeve (12: 22).
8. Method for the manufacture of a plug connector according to one or several of claims 1 to 7, characterised in this that the contact body (11; 21) is prefabricated as a one-part material piece with the locating cams (53) projecting to the outside, in that a flat sheet metal blank (40) intended for the formation of the resilient sleeve (12; 22) is provided at opposite marginal portions with the apertures (51) and the retaining tabs (55), in that the sheet metal blank (40) is first of all bent into a widened U-shape which consists of a middle U-bridge (61) and two lateral U-Iegs (62), whereby the U-bridge (61) and the U-Iegs (62), viewed in cross section, each run along n circular arc which extends over about 120° and which is adapted to the curvature of the peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion (36, 37) of the contact body (11; 21), in that said contact body (11; 21) is introduced between the legs (62) of the widened U-shape and is put in contact with the U-bridge (61), whereby the locating cams (53) face away from the U-bridge (61), in that the two legs (62) of the widened U-shape are swivelled up laterally against the contact body (11; 21) for the purpose of finishing the resilient sleeve (12; 22) until the retaining tabs (55) of the resilient sleeve (12; 22) have been moved beyond the locating cans (53) of the contact body (11; 21) and in that finally the retaining tabs (55) of the resilient sleeve (12; 22) are brought into locking engagement with the locating cams (53).
9. Method according to claim 8, characterised in this that during the bending of the sheet metal blank (40) into the widened U-shape, the retaining tabs (55) are twisted so that at least the middle portion of the marginal edges (64) of the retaining tabs (55), limiting the apertures (51), is displaced toward the outside, and in that after swivelling the two legs (62) of the U-shape against the contact body (11; 21), the retaining tabs (55) are forced back into their original shape and in doing so the marginal edges (64) of the retaining tabs (55) displaced to the outside, are brought into contact with the flanks (56) of the locating cams (53), facing the longitudinal seam (43) of the resilient sleeve (12; 22).
10. Method according to claim 8 or 9, characterised in this that as a last step, a calking tool is driven into each locating cam (53) and thereby the flank (56) of the locating cam (53) facing the longitudinal seam (43) of the resilient sleeve (12; 22) is forced in the direction against the longitudinal seam (43).
11. Method according to one or several of claims 8 to 10, characterised in this that the contact body (11; 21) is rolled from an originally flat piece of sheet metal and in that the locating cams (53) are pressed to the outside from the side of the piece of sheet metal lying on the inside of the finished contact body (11; 21).
12. Method according to claim 11, characterised in this that a longitudinal seam (31) is formed on the contact body (11; 21) on the side facing away from the locating cams (53).
EP79900165A 1978-02-17 1979-02-12 Electric connector and process for producing such Expired EP0009493B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CH174678A CH624795A5 (en) 1978-02-17 1978-02-17
CH1746/78 1978-02-17

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0009493A1 EP0009493A1 (en) 1980-04-16
EP0009493B1 true EP0009493B1 (en) 1981-10-21

Family

ID=4217605

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP79900165A Expired EP0009493B1 (en) 1978-02-17 1979-02-12 Electric connector and process for producing such

Country Status (6)

Country Link
US (2) US4341434A (en)
EP (1) EP0009493B1 (en)
JP (1) JPS6217826B2 (en)
CH (1) CH624795A5 (en)
DE (1) DE2961040D1 (en)
WO (1) WO1979000635A1 (en)

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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
DE2961040D1 (en) 1981-12-24
JPS6217826B2 (en) 1987-04-20
EP0009493A1 (en) 1980-04-16
US4412718A (en) 1983-11-01
US4341434A (en) 1982-07-27
CH624795A5 (en) 1981-08-14
JPS55500082A (en) 1980-02-14
WO1979000635A1 (en) 1979-09-06

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