EP4270663A1 - Grounding device, grounding unit, contact insert, and electrical plug-in connector and method for producing a contact insert - Google Patents

Abstract

A grounding device, in particular for a contact insert, with a substantially plate-shaped base body made of an electrically conductive material, the base body having at least one passage for a contact, in particular a contact pin, and at least one contact element with a contact surface extending radially outwards. A grounding unit, a contact insert and an electrical connector are also specified. Furthermore, a method for producing a contact insert is described.

Description

The invention relates to a grounding device, in particular for a contact insert.

The invention further relates to a grounding unit as well as a contact insert and an electrical connector.

The invention further relates to a method for producing a contact insert.

Corresponding devices are known from practice and are used in particular to derive fault currents.

The DE 10 2018 105 770 B4 The underlying task is to produce a continuous metallic connection between the preferably centrally arranged PE contact (protective contact) and the housing by means of one or more, usually resilient, contact elements. This connection is realized by a separate contact element enclosing the PE contact in a non-positive manner. Contact with the metal housing is made via spring arms. For this purpose, the connection arrangement is pushed axially into corresponding gaps and openings until the contact formation snaps into the openings of the one-piece insulating body.

This solution implies several disadvantages. What is obvious is the complicated assembly of the connection arrangement in the insulating body, which is difficult to automate. Furthermore, it proves to be disadvantageous that the connection arrangement, which is already complex to produce, has to be inserted deep into the monolithic contact body, so that the contact surfaces of the spring arms can contact the metal housing through a breakthrough in the contact body. This constructive solution requires that gaps and openings must be made in the one-piece contact body. This requires a slide tool, which is correspondingly complex and expensive.

To produce the difficult gaps and openings in the insulating body, complicated tool inserts are required, which are correspondingly sensitive and expensive to produce. This is also a challenge in terms of spraying technology, as the gaps extend quite deeply into the insulating body. Due to the fluidity required of the material required, the selection of flame-retardant plastics is limited.

A key point in connectors is the individual design of pin patterns as well as the contact density and scalability/miniaturization. The gaps required to accommodate the connection arrangement reduce the available space in the pole pattern. High-pole or miniaturized connectors cannot be implemented in this way because the pole pattern is always crossed by these gaps. The desired pole configuration that can be realized is always a compromise between the available space and the feasibility of the connection arrangement.

Given the given arrangement, it is difficult to imagine an off-center placement of the PE contact. The connection arrangement must also meet the required current carrying capacity. One parameter for this is to adjust the material thickness. In the known design, this makes it even more difficult to produce them. Mountability also becomes even more difficult due to more rigid spring arms and the gaps for receiving the connection arrangement are wider, which leads to larger outside diameters rather than smaller ones. Upon further inspection, it becomes apparent that the connection arrangement only has two contact points to the metal housing, which in itself limits the current carrying capacity. In addition, the contact points are concave. The resulting rather small overall contact area increases the so-called narrow resistance and this leads to a correspondingly large amount of heating at the contact point in the current-carrying conductor. It is to be expected that the known construction is unsuitable for higher fault currents for this reason alone.

All contact points of the known protective conductor device are based on non-positive connections. In the case of higher fault currents, this leads to additional heating, which makes damage to the plug connection more likely. However, contact reliability is extremely important, even after long periods of use, in particular the minimal changes in contact resistance with aging. It should be noted that the normal contact force remains as constant as possible over time and that no oxidation, which has an insulating effect, can occur in the contact area. The Indian DE 10 2018 105 770 B4 The connector described has two different contact points in the current path of the protective device on the spring arms of the connection arrangement on the metal housing and the contact point between the protective conductor and metal housing.

The problem here is the dependence of the protective conductor contact point on the preload caused by the spring arms of the connection arrangement. If the preload of the spring arms decreases, the normal contact force of the connecting tongues will also decrease, which leads to large changes in resistance overall.

Furthermore, it describes DE 10 2016 213 952 A1 a plug connection part, whereby one or more connecting elements are also introduced into an insulating body.

The production of the insulating body is also only possible with a slide tool, the disadvantages of which have already been described above. The design is designed so that the leaf springs dip laterally. This has the disadvantage that, due to the space required by the receiving pocket, the wall thicknesses within the insulating body can be thin and the desired pole pattern cannot therefore always be achieved.

Any PE arrangement in the pole pattern is difficult or often not possible due to the geometry of the leaf springs, i.e. this design only allows PE contacts arranged in the middle. It is also obvious that the assembly is difficult. Automation of assembly can only be achieved with considerable effort and high costs. Another disadvantage in terms of safety and UL approval is that the leaf spring element is positioned by the plastic insulating body. It cannot therefore be ruled out that in the event of a strong residual current the insulating body will soften, which will at least limit the area of application or the function of the protective conductor device.

As opposed to DE 10 2018 105 770 B4 The connecting elements do not enclose the PE contact, but the contact between the connecting element and the PE contact or to the housing is made by blunt contact. Practice has shown that the so-called blunt contact of the contact partners is sensitive to oxidation, especially if the contact point is not moved for a long time. The possible oxidation layer usually increases the contact resistance, This in turn leads to increased heating of the contact point in the case of a current-carrying conductor and may lead to damage to connector components.

The present invention is therefore based on the object of designing and developing a grounding device, a grounding unit as well as a contact insert and an electrical plug connector in such a way that a reliable function, in particular the discharge of residual currents, is achieved using structurally simple means and therefore cost-effectively, even under harsh conditions. Furthermore, a method for producing such a contact insert should be specified.

According to the invention, the above object with regard to the grounding device is solved by claim 1. This provides a grounding device, in particular for a contact insert, with a substantially plate-shaped base body made of an electrically conductive material, the base body having at least one passage for a contact, in particular a contact pin, and at least one contact element with a contact surface extending radially outwards having.

In accordance with the invention, it was first recognized that a robust grounding device can be produced in a particularly simple manner by means of a substantially plate-shaped base body. Due to the at least one passage, reliable contacting with a contact is possible, in particular PE contacting. The contact could be designed as a contact pin. In principle, the grounding device can be used in electrical plug connections with or without shielding. Furthermore, the base body and the at least one contact element can be formed in one piece.

The structural design of the grounding unit according to the invention allows a high current carrying capacity. Larger line cross-sections can be achieved on the contact surfaces of the contact elements or the base body simply by increasing the material thickness.

In a particularly advantageous manner, the base body can be made from a metal. The contact resistance between the contact points of the base body and an electrically conductive housing touching the base body can be minimized by the shape of the contact points, the normal contact force and the galvanic surface used. This can be achieved in an advantageous manner by producing the base body using a laser cutting process, a punching process and/or a punch-bending process. In general, it is conceivable that the base body is made from sheet metal.

Advantageously, the base body is made of a material that has good spring properties and good electrical conductivity and also has good thermal conductivity for the purpose of optimized heat dissipation of the grounding unit. This can be, for example, a copper alloy, preferably lead-free CuSN6. The use of other materials, such as spring steel, is also generally conceivable.

Furthermore, the volume resistance of the contact point between the contact, in particular the PE contact, and the base body can be optimized by creating a preferably cohesive connection there. For example, this connection can be produced inexpensively by resistance or laser welding or soldering. A press fit can also be implemented. For this purpose, a sleeve-like edge or projection can be formed on the passage in a further advantageous manner.

Advantageously, the contact element can be designed to be resilient in the radial direction. This has the advantage that a secure electrical connection is achieved with a housing surrounding the grounding device to realize a plug connector. Furthermore, a resilient or flexible design of the contact elements can reduce excessive vibration transmission due to vibration or structure-borne noise due to shock stress. Specifically, the contact element can have a spring arm with a free end and/or a clip-shaped spring arm. Advantageously, the contact element and the base body can lie in a common plane. This design measure allows a residual current to be safely diverted and is also effective in the event of vibrations and shocks affecting the device Contact security guaranteed. In concrete terms, the at least one contact element can therefore be designed to be resilient in the radial direction (for example as a spring arm) and lie in a plane with the base body. A corresponding construction can also be produced in a particularly simple manner.

In a further advantageous manner, at least two or at least three contact elements can be formed in the circumferential direction of the base body, preferably symmetrically. This avoids contact interruptions, since if there are several contact elements, at least one or more contact elements are in engagement with a housing surrounding the grounding unit.

According to an advantageous embodiment, at least two passages can be formed. Furthermore, it is conceivable that a central passage arranged in the middle of the base body and at least three, in particular four or five, further passages arranged radially outside the central passage, preferably symmetrically, are provided. Thus, both a PE contact and at least one further contact, for example for signal and/or power transmission, can be guided through the base body, wherein the PE contact can additionally be electrically connected to the base body. The further signal and/or power contacts can be electrically insulated from the base body. The number of passes can be selected according to the desired pole pattern.

With regard to the grounding unit, the above task is solved by the features of claim 5. This means that a grounding unit is claimed with a grounding device according to one of claims 1 to 4 and at least one contact, in particular a contact pin, arranged in a form-fitting and/or non-positive and/or cohesive manner in and/or on the passage.

Advantageously, the contact, in particular the contact pin, can serve as a PE contact (protective conductor) or be connected to a protective conductor. Depending on the area of application, also because of the extreme shock and vibration load, for example when starting and stopping industrial engines, the PE cable can be connected to the contact or contact pin via a screw terminal connection, crimp connection and/or insulation displacement connection. However, other types of connection are also conceivable. Alternatively or additionally, the contact can be made of a copper alloy, preferably lead-free CuZn40. This material has the advantage that it can be crimped. It is also conceivable that the surface of the contact and/or the contact surface is nickel-plated, tin-plated or gold-plated in order to achieve permanently low contact resistances.

Furthermore, it is conceivable that the contact, in particular the PE contact, has a knurl to produce a press fit with the grounding device. Alternatively or additionally, the contact, in particular the PE contact, can have a second knurling. This enables defined positioning of the contact, especially in the unshielded version. The second knurl ensures contact if no base body is provided. This means that the calculated clearance and creepage distances can be maintained.

In a further advantageous manner, the contact can be designed in two parts, with a first part being able to be connected to a second part in a form-fitting and/or force-fitting and/or material-locking manner, preferably screwed. As a result, the contact can be arranged in a particularly simple manner with or on the passage of the base body.

With regard to the contact use, the above task is solved by the features of claim 9. A contact insert is thus claimed, with a grounding unit according to one of claims 5 to 8, a first insulating body and a second insulating body, the grounding device being accommodated between the first insulating body and the second insulating body, and wherein the contact surface of the at least one contact element protrudes freely.

In accordance with the invention, it has been recognized that by using two insulating bodies and a grounding device according to the invention, the ideal material can be used for the individual components.

Advantageously, the first insulating body and the second insulating body can have connecting elements designed to be complementary to one another. This can, for example, be at least one contact dome and at least one contact dome recording act, in particular for positive and/or non-positive connection. The outside of the contact dome and the inside of the contact dome receptacle can advantageously be conical, so that they wedge together when the contact dome is pressed into the contact dome receptacle. The arrangement can therefore be assembled in a simple manner. The connecting elements, in particular the contact dome and the contact dome receptacle, or at least a part of the complementary connecting elements, can be designed such that it or they extend through one of the passages. It is also conceivable that a signal and/or power contact is surrounded by at least some of the complementary connecting elements in the area of the passage of the base body. This achieves electrical insulation of the signal and/or power contact from the base body of the grounding device.

According to a further advantageous embodiment, the first and/or the second insulating body and/or the base body can have cutouts which serve as ventilation channels. This improves heat dissipation.

In a further advantageous manner, the connecting elements can be designed to accommodate a signal and/or power contact.

With regard to the electrical connector, the above task is solved by the features of claim 12. This claims an electrical connector, with a contact insert according to one of claims 9 to 11 and an electrically conductive housing, the housing at least partially surrounding the contact insert and the contact surface of the at least one contact element of the contact insert being in electrical contact with the housing.

The connector according to the invention can be used in harsh environments and is particularly suitable for use in asynchronous and three-phase motors or other alternating current systems. It is conceivable to design the connector according to the invention to transmit voltages up to 630V and currents up to 16A, although larger currents are also conceivable. The connector is also characterized by the fact that it is extremely reliable, powerful and space-saving. Robust mechanical properties are also realized, especially extreme shock and vibration resistance. In addition to quick and easy installation in the field, the grounding unit ensures that any electrical accidents, particularly due to vibration-related loosening of live cables and corresponding insulation faults, are avoided, as even high residual currents are safely dissipated.

In a further manner according to the invention, the grounding unit is a completely self-sufficient assembly. The first and second insulating bodies are not absolutely necessary for residual current dissipation. This has an advantageous effect on both the material selection of the first and second insulating bodies and on the fulfillment of the standards necessary for approval.

By providing a connector according to the invention, various variants of electrical accidents can be prevented. If, for example, a fault current reaches the electrically conductive housing due to defective strand insulation on a live line, the fault current flows through the grounding unit and a PE line connected to it. Even if the PE contact of an inserted plug connector is not connected, with the present invention the residual current can advantageously be derived via the grounding unit contacted with the electrically conductive housing and the device grounding. This means that the connector can dissipate residual currents via the device ground even without the PE connection being occupied. Furthermore, another special feature can be realized with the present invention, namely the derivation of particularly large fault currents. Corresponding dangerous damage to the plug connection is prevented by dividing the residual current through the grounding unit. Part of the fault current flows away via the PE line of the connector and the other part can flow away via the protective conductor of the device. Due to the structural design of the grounding unit, a parallel path is created via the coupling sleeve or the locking unit, via which part of the fault current is diverted.

According to a preferred embodiment, the electrically conductive housing can be made of metal, in particular a copper alloy, for example a lead-free alloy such as CuZn40, of a hybrid material, ie plastic and metal, or of a metallized plastic.

The housing can advantageously be designed as a locking device or as a coupling sleeve. The locking device or coupling sleeve is electrically contacted with the grounding unit according to the invention, which in turn has the grounding device with the plate-shaped base body and a contact or PE contact. A first PE contact, which in turn is electrically connected to the PE line, is electrically connected to the complementary PE contact and to its PE line.

In a particularly advantageous manner, only metallic components are used for contacting or positioning in the fault current paths, which fulfill their function safely and stably even when a lot of heat is generated due to corresponding fault currents. In contrast, plug connectors are known from practice in which the required contact force of a PE contact element can only be generated in conjunction with plastic parts. If a large amount of heat is generated as a result of correspondingly large fault currents, these can lose their dimensional stability and thus lead to the failure of the protective conductor function.

Furthermore, the above task in relation to the method is solved by the features of claim 14. This claims a method for producing a contact insert, in particular a contact insert according to one of claims 9 to 11, wherein a first insulating body is introduced into a tool holder, with a grounding device being arranged in the correct position on or in front of the first insulating body in accordance with its pole pattern, whereby a second insulating body is arranged on or in front of the grounding device and the first insulating body and the grounding device and the second insulating body are pressed together.

The process sequence according to the invention is characterized by the fact that it can be implemented using simple operating resources. The method could advantageously be carried out manually, for example with the help of a toggle press. This would allow production in the field. The process could also be cost-effectively automated, for example using a simple rotary transfer machine and appropriate feeds.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the method, at least one contact, in particular a contact pin, can be connected to the grounding device before the first insulating body and the grounding device and the second insulating body are pressed together. Alternatively or additionally, it is conceivable that at least one contact, in particular a contact pin, is connected to the grounding device after the first insulating body and the grounding device and the second insulating body are pressed together.

Overall, the present invention has the advantages that a robust plug connection is provided which has particularly good electrical resistance to aging, i.e. the volume resistance or the permissible volume resistance changes of the components involved are extremely high over the entire service life, even under the most difficult mechanical and climatic conditions small amount. In addition, essential customer requirements such as simple and quick assembly in the field, space-saving dimensions and a low price are met.

It should be noted that in the above description and the following description of the figures, features and advantages of individual components, for example the grounding device, are described in connection with a larger unit, for example the electrical plug connector. These features and advantages can also be realized by the corresponding component of the smaller unit that is claimed separately. Corresponding objects are therefore expressly part of the present disclosure.

Fig. 1

in einer schematischen Darstellung eine perspektivische Ansicht eines Ausführungsbeispiels einer erfindungsgemäßen Erdungseinheit,

Fig. 2

in einer schematischen Darstellung eine perspektivische, teilweise geschnittene Ansicht eines weiteren Ausführungsbeispiels einer erfindungsgemäßen Erdungseinheit,

Fig. 3

in einer schematischen Darstellung eine perspektivische, teilweise geschnittene Ansicht eines weiteren Ausführungsbeispiels einer erfindungsgemäßen Erdungseinheit,

Fig. 4

in einer schematischen Darstellung eine perspektivische Ansicht eines weiteren Ausführungsbeispiels einer erfindungsgemäßen Erdungseinheit,

Fig. 5

in einer schematischen Darstellung, eine perspektivische Explosionsansicht eines Ausführungsbeispiels eines erfindungsgemäßen Kontakteinsatzes,

Fig. 6

in einer schematischen Darstellung, eine perspektivische, teilweise geschnittene Ansicht eines weiteren Ausführungsbeispiels eines erfindungsgemäßen Kontakteinsatzes,

Fig. 7

in einer schematischen Darstellung, eine perspektivische, teilweise geschnittene Ansicht ein weiteres Ausführungsbeispiel eines erfindungsgemäßen Kontakteinsatzes,

Fig. 8

in einer schematischen Darstellung, eine perspektivische, teilweise geschnittene Ansicht eines Ausführungsbeispiels eines erfindungsgemäßen elektrischen Steckverbinders, und

Fig. 9

in einer schematischen Darstellung, eine perspektivische Explosionsansicht von zwei Ausführungsbeispielen erfindungsgemäßer elektrischer Steckverbinder.

There are now various ways to advantageously design and develop the teaching of the present invention. On the one hand, reference should be made to the claims subordinate to the main claims and, on the other hand, to the following explanation of preferred exemplary embodiments of the invention based on the drawing. In connection with the explanation of the preferred exemplary embodiments of the invention with reference to the drawing, generally preferred embodiments and further developments of the teaching are also explained. Show in the drawing

Fig. 1

in a schematic representation a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a grounding unit according to the invention,

Fig. 2

in a schematic representation a perspective, partially sectioned view of a further embodiment of a grounding unit according to the invention,

Fig. 3

in a schematic representation a perspective, partially sectioned view of a further embodiment of a grounding unit according to the invention,

Fig. 4

in a schematic representation a perspective view of a further exemplary embodiment of a grounding unit according to the invention,

Fig. 5

in a schematic representation, a perspective exploded view of an embodiment of a contact insert according to the invention,

Fig. 6

in a schematic representation, a perspective, partially sectioned view of a further embodiment of a contact insert according to the invention,

Fig. 7

in a schematic representation, a perspective, partially sectioned view of a further embodiment of a contact insert according to the invention,

Fig. 8

in a schematic representation, a perspective, partially sectioned view of an embodiment of an electrical connector according to the invention, and

Fig. 9

in a schematic representation, a perspective exploded view of two exemplary embodiments of electrical connectors according to the invention.

In the description of the figures below, the same elements are given the same reference numbers. Furthermore, to improve clarity, not all elements in the figures are provided with a reference number.

Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a grounding unit 1 according to the invention. The grounding unit 1 comprises a grounding device 2 with a plate-shaped base body 3, which has a plurality of passages 4 and a plurality of contact elements 5, as well as an electrical contact 6. The contact 6 is via a Press fit arranged in the center passage 7 of the base body 3. In order to achieve a permanent and robust connection, the contact 6 has a knurl 8 and a projection 9 is formed on the base body 3. When the contact 6 is pressed in, the material tips of the knurling 8 are displaced into the recesses, so that preliminary damage caused by crack formation in the cylindrically shaped pressing area on the base body 3 is avoided. This means that higher pressing forces can be achieved, which in turn leads to lower contact resistances.

The contact 6 has a screw terminal connection in order to establish a connection with a conductor, in particular a PE conductor. However, other types of connection are also conceivable, for example crimping, a soldered version or a cage clamp version.

The contact elements 5 are realized as a spring arm 10, which is designed to be resilient in the radial direction outwards. If a PE conductor is connected to the contact 6, a residual current can be derived to an electrically conductive housing 15 surrounding the grounding unit 1 via the contact surfaces 14 of the electrically conductive base body 3 formed on the contact elements 5.

Additional signal and/or power contacts can be routed through the additional passages 4 arranged symmetrically around the center passage 7. The number of passages 4 and the positioning of the contact 6 for the PE conductor in the base body 3 can be selected according to the desired pole pattern.

Not shown are features on the base body 3, which serve as spacers between the two heat-insulating insulating bodies in order to promote heat dissipation.

Fig. 2 shows a further exemplary embodiment of a grounding unit 1 according to the invention. This essentially corresponds to the embodiment according to Fig. 1 , so that reference is made to the description above. The main difference is that the contact 6 is cohesively connected to the base body 3. For example, it can be a welded or soldered connection.

The base body 3 has a projection 9, which does not necessarily have to be designed. It may be sufficient to weld or solder the contact 6 to the base body 3.

Fig. 3 shows a further exemplary embodiment of a grounding unit 1 according to the invention. This essentially corresponds to the embodiment according to Fig. 1 , so that reference is made to the description above. The main difference is that the contact 6 is designed in two parts. The first part 29 has an internal thread into which an external thread of the second part 30 can be screwed, with the first part 29 and the second part 30 each engaging behind one side of the base body 3, so that a mechanical and electrical connection is created. It is also conceivable that the first part 29 has an external thread that can be screwed into an internal thread of the second part 30.

Fig. 4 shows a further exemplary embodiment of a grounding unit 1 according to the invention. This essentially corresponds to the embodiment according to Fig. 1 , so that reference is made to the description above. The main difference is that the contact elements 5 are designed as a clamp-shaped, closed spring arm 10. This embodiment is characterized by the fact that a particularly high contact force in the radial direction can be permanently achieved. It is conceivable that the contact 6 corresponds to one of the embodiments of Fig. 2 or 3 formed and connected to the base body 3.

Fig. 5 shows, in a schematic representation, an exploded perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a contact insert 13 according to the invention. This has a first insulating body 11 and a second insulating body 12, between which a grounding unit 1 is arranged. The grounding unit 1 corresponds to the exemplary embodiment Fig. 2 , which can be any grounding unit 1 according to the invention, for example according to Fig. 1 , 3 or 4 .

It is important that the contact surfaces 14 of the contact element 5 are not covered in the radial direction, i.e. protrude freely, so that contact with an electrically conductive housing 15, not shown, is possible.

Furthermore, complementary connecting elements 20 are formed on the first and second insulating bodies 11, 12, namely contact dome receptacles 21 and contact domes 22. A positive and non-positive connection is thus created when the contact domes 22 are inserted through the passages 4 into the contact dome receptacles 21. The electrical contact 6 serving as PE contact 17 does not necessarily have to be arranged in the center passage 7, but can also be positioned in one of the other passages 4, depending on the desired pole pattern.

Fig. 6 shows a further exemplary embodiment of a contact insert 13 according to the invention, which is implemented as a pin insert. This has a first insulating body 11, a second insulating body 12 and a grounding unit 1 arranged between them. A contact 6 serving as a PE contact 17 is arranged in the central passage 7 and is made according to the exemplary embodiment Fig. 1 is connected to the base body 3 via a press fit. This contact 6 can also be connected to the base body 3 in another way, for example according to one of the exemplary embodiments Fig. 2 to 4 . The contact 6 has a second knurl 18 with which it engages the second insulating body 12, so that improved positioning is achieved.

Furthermore, a further contact 6 serving as a signal and/or power contact 19 is arranged, which is surrounded by the connecting element 20 of the second insulating body 12 in the area of the passage 4 of the base body 3. Thus is this contact 6 is electrically insulated from the base body 3. In order to hold this contact 6 securely in the second insulating body 12, elevations 23 or contact claws are formed on the contact 6 in the circumferential direction. The insulating bodies 11, 12 are pressed against each other so that the contact domes 22 engage in the contact receiving domes 21 and realize a non-positive or positive connection.

It is important that the contact surfaces 14 of the base body 3 are not enclosed by the insulating bodies 11, 12 and therefore protrude freely. Therefore, these can be brought into electrical contact 6 with an electrically conductive housing 15 when this is arranged around the contact insert 13. This means that fault currents can be safely diverted.

Furthermore, cutouts 16 are formed on the second insulating body 12, which allow the heat generated as a result of a fault current to escape or remove the strongly heated air.

Fig. 7 shows a further exemplary embodiment of a contact insert 13 according to the invention. This essentially corresponds to the embodiment according to Fig. 6 , so that reference is made to the description above. The main difference is that the contact insert 13 is designed as a socket insert and not as a pin insert and that the PE contact 17 is arranged off-center, whereas the signal and/or power contact 19 runs through the center passage 7 of the base body 3.

Fig. 8 shows an exemplary embodiment of an electrical connector 31 according to the invention. This has a contact insert 13 according to Fig. 6 on, which is surrounded by an electrically conductive housing 15 designed as a coupling sleeve 24. It can be clearly seen that the contact surfaces 14 of the contact elements 5 designed as spring arms 10 rest on the coupling sleeve 24, so that there is electrical contact between the coupling sleeve 24 and the PE contact 17 via the base body 3. In the can version, the coupling sleeve 24 represents a component of a locking unit.

The contact point between the base body 3 and the coupling sleeve 24 is thus realized by pressing the spring arms 10 arranged radially on the base body 3. The contact resistance between these components essentially depends on the contact force or shape of the contact surface 14 of the contact element 5. In order to further minimize this transition, welding these spring arms 10 to the coupling sleeve 24 is basically conceivable. For this purpose, two half-shell-shaped welding cathodes enclose the coupling sleeve 24 and a second one is realized through the PE contacting.

In this way, the contact resistance is further minimized. The flexible connection between base body 3 and coupling sleeve 24, which is essential in the event of shock and vibration, is maintained if only the contact surfaces 14 are welded on and the vibrations are dampened by the spring arms 10.

Fig. 9 shows two exemplary embodiments of electrical connectors 31 according to the invention. The upper exemplary embodiment describes a pin design, the lower exemplary embodiment describes a socket design.

To assemble, the pressure screw 25, the sealing ring 26 and the spacer sleeve 27 are first threaded onto a cable. The cable has already been or is now being stripped, the cores stripped and the strands connected. Finally, the spacer sleeve 27 is pushed onto the insulating body and the sealing ring is pressed into the molded clamping basket of the spacer sleeve 27.

This pre-assembled assembly is inserted into the locking device 28 or into the coupling sleeve 24. It is important to ensure that the contact insert 13 is pushed as far as it will go. Finally, the pressure screw 25 is screwed on.

With regard to further advantageous embodiments of the teaching according to the invention, in order to avoid repetition, reference is made to the general part of the description and to the attached claims.

Finally, it should be expressly pointed out that the exemplary embodiments of the teaching according to the invention described above only serve to discuss the claimed teaching, but do not limit it to the exemplary embodiments.

Reference symbol list

1

Grounding unit

2

Grounding device

3

Basic body

4

passage

5

Contact element

6

Contact

7

Middle passage

8th

Knurling

9

head Start

10

Spring arm

11

first insulating body

12

second insulator

13

Contact insert

14

Contact surface

15

Housing

16

Free savings

17

PE contact

18

second knurling

19

Signal and/or power contact

20

connecting element

21

Contactdom recording

22

Contactdom

23

survey

24

Coupling sleeve

25

pressure screw

26

sealing ring

27

Spacer sleeve

28

Locking device

29

first part

30

second part

31

Connectors

Claims (15)

Grounding device, in particular for a contact insert, with a substantially plate-shaped base body made of an electrically conductive material, the base body having at least one passage for a contact, in particular a contact pin, and at least one contact element with a contact surface extending radially outwards. Grounding device according to claim 1, characterized in that the contact element is designed to be resilient in the radial direction, in particular has a spring arm with a free end and / or has a clip-shaped spring arm. Grounding device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that at least two or at least three contact elements are formed in the circumferential direction of the base body, preferably symmetrically. Grounding device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that at least two passages are formed, preferably a central passage arranged in the middle of the base body and at least three, in particular four or five, further passages arranged radially outside the central passage, preferably symmetrically. Grounding unit with a grounding device according to one of claims 1 to 4 and at least one contact, in particular a contact pin, arranged in a form-fitting and/or force-fitting and/or cohesive manner in and/or on the passage. Grounding unit according to claim 5, characterized in that the contact serves as a PE contact. Grounding unit according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the contact has a knurl to produce a press fit with the grounding device. Grounding unit according to one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that the contact is designed in two parts, a first part being able to be connected to a second part in a form-fitting and/or force-fitting and/or cohesive manner, preferably screwed. Contact insert with a grounding unit according to one of claims 5 to 8, a first insulating body and a second insulating body, wherein the grounding device is accommodated between the first insulating body and the second insulating body, and wherein the contact surface of the at least one contact element protrudes freely. Contact insert according to claim 9, characterized in that the first insulating body and the second insulating body have connecting elements designed to be complementary to one another, for example at least one contact dome and at least one contact dome receptacle, in particular for a positive and/or non-positive connection. Contact insert according to claim 10, characterized in that the connecting elements are designed to accommodate a signal and/or power contact. Electrical connector with a contact insert according to one of claims 9 to 11 and an electrically conductive housing, wherein the housing at least partially surrounds the contact insert and wherein the contact surface of the at least one contact element of the contact insert is in electrical contact with the housing. Electrical connector according to claim 12, characterized in that the housing is designed as a locking device or as a coupling sleeve. Method for producing a contact insert, in particular a contact insert according to one of claims 9 to 11, wherein a first insulating body is introduced into a tool holder, with a grounding device correspondingly of their pole pattern is arranged in the correct position on or in front of the first insulating body, a second insulating body being arranged on or in front of the grounding device and the first insulating body and the grounding device and the second insulating body being pressed together. Method according to claim 14, characterized in that at least one contact, in particular a contact pin, is connected to the grounding device before the first insulating body and the grounding device and the second insulating body are pressed together,
and/or that at least one contact, in particular a contact pin, is connected to the grounding device after the first insulating body and the grounding device and the second insulating body are pressed together.

Images