TERMINAL FOR CONTACTING A CONTACT PIN

A terminal for contacting at least one contact pin includes: a socket carrier; and at least one socket, which includes in each case a first contact arm connected to the socket carrier and a second contact arm connected to the first contact arm via a resilient connection, which second contact arm is pivotable, in a space between the first contact arm and the socket carrier, between a vacant position and an occupied position. In the vacant position the second contact arm is arranged at a first distance from the socket carrier and in the occupied position the second contact arm is arranged at a second distance from the socket carrier which is smaller than the first distance. A restoring force of the resilient connection in the occupied position contacts the respective contact pin between the first contact arm and the second contact arm.

FIELD

The invention relates to a terminal or clamp for contacting at least one contact pin. In particular, the invention relates to, but is not limited to, a corresponding terminal block.

BACKGROUND

In existing rail-mounted terminal blocks, the individual connections, for example with a width of about 6.3 mm, comprise a double-sided spring contact (for example a tulip-type contact) as a socket or receptible. The use of such spring contacts in a terminal with narrower connections, for example with a width of about 3.5 mm, is not possible because their installation space requirement in the width direction is too large. The space requirement is too large since the double-sided spring contact is too wide just for the socket alone and, furthermore, both contact sides of the double-sided spring contact are spring-loaded.

SUMMARY

In an embodiment, the present invention provides a terminal for contacting at least one contact pin, comprising: a socket carrier; and at least one socket, which comprises in each case a first contact arm connected to the socket carrier and a second contact arm connected to the first contact arm via a resilient connection, which second contact arm is pivotable, in a space between the first contact arm and the socket carrier, between a vacant position and an occupied position, wherein in the vacant position the second contact arm is arranged at a first distance from the socket carrier and in the occupied position the second contact arm is arranged at a second distance from the socket carrier which is smaller than the first distance, and wherein a restoring force of the resilient connection in the occupied position is configured to contact the respective contact pin between the first contact arm and the second contact arm.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In an embodiment, the present invention provides a terminal or clamp for contacting at least one contact pin, which builds or is narrower or allows more connections in a given width, preferably without reducing a contact force for contacting the contact pin and/or without reducing a receivable pin width of the contact pin. In an embodiment, the invention provides a terminal or clamp for contacting at least one contact pin, which is capable of receiving the contact pin laterally close to an edge of the terminal or clamp.

Further features and advantages of embodiments of the invention are described below, partly with reference to the drawings.

One aspect of the invention relates to a terminal (or clamp) for contacting at least one contact pin. The terminal comprises a socket carrier (or socket support) and at least one socket (or receptacle or bushing or jack). The at least one socket comprises a respective first contact arm attached to the socket carrier and a respective second contact arm attached to the first contact arm via a resilient connection. The second contact arm is pivotally movable, in the space between the first contact arm and the socket carrier, between a vacant position (or unoccupied position) and an occupied position. In the vacant position, the second contact arm is arranged at a first distance from the socket carrier. In the occupied position, the second contact arm is arranged at a second distance from the socket carrier, which is smaller than the first distance. A resilient force of the resilient connection in the occupied position is configured for contacting the respective contact pin between the first contact arm and the second contact arm.

In embodiments, by the first contact arm being attached to the socket carrier and the second contact arm being attached to the first contact arm via the resilient connection, the second contact arm pivots from the vacant position to the occupied position under a wedge action of the contact pin inserted into the socket in the longitudinal direction, while the first contact arm remains in position relative to the socket carrier. These or further embodiments enable a terminal for contacting the at least one contact pin, which builds or is narrower or has more terminals in a given width. A contact force for contacting the contact pin and/or a receivable pin width of the contact pin may be the same as (or greater than) a larger-built double-sided spring contact, for example, in that within the resilient region of the resilient connection, a travel of the second contact arm between the vacant position and the occupied position is twice as great as a travel of a conventional contact arm. The same or further embodiments may allow the contact pin to be received laterally close to an edge of the terminal, for example by the first contact arm facing the edge of the terminal or being disposed at the edge of the terminal.

The terminal may be configured or deployable (or applicable) as a socket. For example, the terminal may be mounted or mountable on a circuit board. Alternatively or additionally, the terminal may be configured as a series terminal. For example, the terminal may comprise a row or array of sockets as terminals of the terminal block.

The socket or each of the at least one socket may be configured to receive the respective contact pin between the first contact arm and the second contact arm. Each socket may be configured to receive the respective contact pin along a longitudinal direction of the first contact arm.

The restoring force (or reset force) in the occupied position may push the second contact arm toward the first contact arm. In the occupied position, the contact (or the contacting) may comprise (or provide for) an electrical contact, and optionally a frictional contact. The restoring force may move the second contact arm from the occupied position to the vacant position in the absence of a contact pin.

The second contact arm may be exclusively attached to the first contact arm. This means that the second contact arm may be indirectly attached to the socket carrier via the first contact arm.

A stiffness of a mechanical connection between the first contact arm and the socket carrier may be greater than a stiffness of a mechanical connection between the second contact arm and the socket carrier. The mechanical connection between the first contact arm and the socket carrier may be stiff compared to the resilient connection between the second contact arm and the socket carrier.

The socket carrier may be an electrical insulator. The socket carrier may be made of a thermoplastic. The socket carrier may form a closed outer surface of the terminal. The terminal may comprise a plurality of sockets having a socket carrier that is continuously closed on the outer surface.

A distance of the first contact arm to the socket carrier in the vacant position and in the occupied position may be the same. A distance of the first contact arm to the socket carrier may be at least substantially the same in the vacant position and in the occupied position. For example, a distance traveled by the first contact arm between the vacant position and the occupied position may be a fraction (for example, less than one-tenth) of the distance traveled by the second contact arm between the vacant position and the occupied position.

A longitudinal direction of the first contact arm in the vacant position and in the occupied position may be parallel to the socket carrier.

The first contact arm may be connected to the socket carrier on one long side along the longitudinal direction.

The terminal may comprise at least two sockets. Optionally, the terminal may further comprise at least one partition wall, which is extending in the longitudinal direction between adjacent sockets and projecting from the socket carrier. The partition wall may extend parallel to the longitudinal direction adjacent a long side of the first contact arm opposite the connected long side.

The first contact arm may be attached to the socket carrier along the connected long side with a socket wall extending in the longitudinal direction and projecting from the socket carrier, for example directly connected. The socket wall may project vertically from the socket carrier. The socket wall may be arranged centrally between adjacent partition walls.

The socket wall may comprise (opposite the connected long side of the first contact arm) a mounting surface for mounting on the socket carrier. The mounting surface may extend beyond the socket in the longitudinal direction. The socket wall may be riveted using heat to the socket carrier. For example, the mounting surface may have rivet openings for hot riveting.

A height of the socket wall projecting perpendicularly from the socket carrier may determine the first distance. A diameter or width of the contact pin may determine the second distance. The second distance may be the first distance minus the diameter or width of the contact pin.

The socket wall, the first contact arm, the resilient connection and/or the second contact arm may be integrally one-piece. Alternatively or additionally, the socket wall, the first contact arm, the resilient connection and/or the second contact arm may be electrically conductive. The resilient connection may electrically conductively connect the second contact arm to the first contact arm.

One or more contact points for contacting the contact pin may be between the first contact arm and the second contact arm in the longitudinal direction at the level of the socket wall. The first contact arm and the second contact arm may contact each other at the contact point in the vacant position.

The first contact arm may have a beaded projection (or a beading that is projecting) at the contact point. The second contact arm may be curved away from the first contact arm at the contact point.

An end of the first contact arm opposite the resilient connection may extend in the longitudinal direction and/or be parallel to the socket carrier. The end of the first contact arm opposite the resilient connection may extend beyond the socket wall in the longitudinal direction and/or parallel to the socket carrier.

The resilient connection may comprise an arc at a transverse side of the first contact arm to the second contact arm. An end of the second contact arm opposite the transverse side (resiliently connected to the first contact arm, for example) may be a free end of the second contact arm. The end of the second contact arm opposite the transverse side (resiliently connected to the first contact arm) may be a free end of the pivotal movement between the vacant position and the occupied position. The free end may be movable due to or against the resilient force of the resilient connection.

A continuous connection of the socket wall along the long side of the first contact arm may be wider than the arc at the transverse side of the first contact arm.

The second contact arm may have a ramp slope or leading ramp at an end opposite the resilient connection, which is configured to be moved from the vacant position to the occupied position against the restoring force from the contact pin.

The terminal may be open on a side opposite the socket carrier and/or bounded (or covered) by the first contact arm.

The terminal may further comprise a mating surface (or interface surface) perpendicular to the socket carrier. The mating surface may include, in spatial association (or spatial relation) with each of the at least one socket, a through opening for receiving the respective contact pin. The end of the first contact arm opposite the resilient connection may be aligned in the longitudinal direction with the through opening in the mating surface for receiving the respective contact pin.

An end face of the partition wall, an end face of the mating face and/or an outer face of the first contact arm may be parallel to the socket carrier. The end face (or edge) of the partition wall, the end face (or edge) of the mating surface and/or the outside of the first contact arm (for example, with the exception of the bead at the contact point) may be flush.

The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the drawings based on preferred embodiments.

FIG. 1shows a first embodiment of a terminal generally designated by reference numeral100for contacting at least one contact pin102(for example, a pin).

The terminal100comprises a socket carrier104and at least one socket106(which may also be referred to as a receptacle or a plug socket). Each of the at least one socket106comprises a first contact arm108attached to the socket carrier104and a second contact arm112attached to the first contact arm108via a resilient connection110. The first contact arm may form a stiff contact side of the socket106.

The second contact arm112is pivotally movable in the space between the first contact arm and the socket carrier104, namely between a vacant position and an occupied position of the second contact arm112. The second contact arm may form a resilient contact side of the socket106.

In the vacant position, the second contact arm112is arranged at a first distance from the socket carrier104. In the occupied position, the second contact arm112is arranged at a second distance from the socket carrier104, which is smaller than the first distance. A resilient force of the resilient connection110in the occupied position urges the second contact arm112against the respective contact pin102, and thus urges the contact pin102against the first contact arm108, whereby the contact pin102is in contact with both sides between the first contact arm108and the second contact arm112.

The first contact arm108is preferably attached to the socket carrier104along its extent (for example, its entire extent or more than half of its extent) in a longitudinal direction of the socket106(which is referred to as the y-direction in the first embodiment ofFIG. 1), i.e., mechanically connected to the socket carrier104.

Preferably, the mechanical connection also makes electrical contact, for example, to a conductor (preferably a conductor track or trace) on the socket carrier104. The described mechanical connection conducts current from the contact point to the base (or foot)114of the socket106. The electrical contact between the socket106and the conductor (for example, a conductor track or trace) may further comprise a solder connection (preferably not in a variant of an embodiment with a lead frame).

At the base114, contact is made, for example via the solder connection, with a conductor track or trace on a printed circuit board of the socket carrier104. The base114(for example, its contact surface) may be adapted to a solder geometry for the printed circuit board.

For a compact terminal100and/or for receiving the contact pin102laterally close to the edge of the terminal100, the first contact arm108may be directly connected to the socket carrier104(for example, a rear wall of the terminal100) as a contact side of the socket106. As a result, the first contact arm108may be stiff, for example several times stiffer than the second contact arm112. By being connected to the first contact arm108via the resilient connection110, the second contact arm112may be resiliently pivotable. The second contact arm112generates a contact force (more precisely: contact normal force) required for contacting in the occupied position of the socket106, i.e., in the plugged state of the contact pin102.

While embodiments describe the resilient connection110as a separate portion of the socket106, the resilient connection110and the second contact arm112may also jointly provide the spring resilience. For example, the second contact arm112may be a flat-form spring.

The mechanical connection may comprise a base114, for example, as shown inFIG. 1. The base114may be attached to the socket carrier104in a surface or point (i.e., spot) manner. For example, the base114of the socket106may be adhesively (preferably glued) attached to the socket carrier104. Alternatively or additionally, the base114may include through recesses through which the base114is riveted to the socket carrier104. Alternatively, mounting pins (for example, thermoplastic mounting pins) may be formed on the socket carrier104and crimped or welded into the through recesses of the base114.

The base114may serve to secure the socket106, and preferably to conduct current, to the socket106. Optionally, the geometry of the base114, particularly the end of the base114, may be formed into a shape adapted for soldering (for example, for connection to the printed circuit board), or may be shaped according to the application.

FIG. 2shows a schematic sectional view parallel to the longitudinal direction of the terminal100according to the first embodiment in the vacant position.

A direct connection116, such as the socket wall, between the first contact arm108(i.e., the stiff contact side of the socket106) and the socket carrier104achieves stiffness of the first contact arm108, for example, by shaping the socket106such that the first contact arm108is directly connected to the socket carrier104of the terminal100along its entire length (in the y-direction). Preferably, the direct connection116of the first contact arm108comprises a small lever arm relative to contact points118and120of the contact arms108and112, respectively.

In one variation of each embodiment, the contact points118and120may contact each other in the vacant position. In another variation, the contact points118and120may be spaced apart in the vacant position.

In the occupied position (for example, in both variations), one of the contact points118and120may each rest pressed against opposite sides of the contact pin102by the restoring force.

The contact point118on the first contact arm108may comprise a bead in the first contact arm108. The contact point120on the second contact arm112may comprise a bend in the second contact arm112that curves away from the first contact arm108.

By implementing the contact point118of the first contact arm108(i.e., the stiff contact side), for example, by a bead, the design space requirement124(i.e., the required design width) may be small, for example, compared to a bent or buckled contact arm.

In addition, the electrical current conducted through the socket106may be conducted (or conducted away) by means of the direct connection116. Preferably, the mechanical attachment of the socket106, the rigidity of a contact side of the socket106to the first contact arm108, and the conduction of current to the socket106(i.e., from the base114to the contact arms) are fulfilled by means of the direct connection116, i.e., by means of the same structural element.

The stiffness of the first contact arm108ensures that the contact pin102, which is freely movable within certain limits in the transverse direction (i.e., the width direction or x-direction), is aligned with the contact point118of the first contact arm108during a plug-in operation122of the contact pin102, and only the second contact arm112swings out during the plug-in operation122(i.e., swings from the vacant position to the occupied position) by bending the resilient connection110of the socket106. As a result, an installation space requirement124of the socket106between an edge126of the terminal100and the contact point118on the first contact arm108(or an outer edge of the contact pin102) may be reduced compared to conventional terminals. For example, a package space requirement124may correspond to a thickness of the first contact arm108, including a bead at the contact point118of the first contact arm108, if applicable.

The terminal100is preferably open on the side of the first contact arm108. The first contact arm108may limit or cover the corresponding side of the socket106.

Furthermore, even if the socket106is not ideally aligned with a contact pin102that is laterally clamped, for example, not freely movable transversely to the longitudinal direction (i.e., in the x-direction), it is ensured that the edge126of the terminal100or a space limit or space requirement124is not exceeded at the open side of the terminal100, since during the transition from the vacant position to the occupied (or clamped) position, the first contact arm108(i.e., the stiff side of the socket106) does not bend or bends only negligibly (for example in the direction of the open side of the terminal100).

A path or travel (i.e., a spring path or spring travel) of the second contact arm112(for example, the flat-form spring) when the contact pin102is mated122is configured such that the second contact arm112swings out (for example, away from the open terminal side) in the direction of the non-critical installation space.

FIG. 3schematically shows a side view looking in the longitudinal direction of the terminal100according to the first embodiment. The direct connection116with a small lever arm from the first contact arm108(more precisely: the contact point118) to the attachment point at the base114in the terminal100achieves a rigid contact support at the first contact arm108.

The restoring force (i.e., the contact force) in the occupied position of the socket106(i.e. in the plugged state of the contact pin102) may be determined by a material thickness, a first depth128(for example, an extension in the z-direction including the resilient connection110and the direct connection116), a second depth129(for example, an extension in the z-direction of the resilient connection110), and/or a length (for example, an extension in the longitudinal direction or y-direction) of the resilient connection110and/or the second contact arm112(for example, the flat-form spring).

Preferably, the depth128or129of the resilient connection110and/or the second contact arm112(for example, the flat-form spring) is variable, for example, the depth128or129changes along the length of the resilient connection110and/or the second contact arm112(for example, along the flat-form spring). For example, to mechanically form the flat-form spring110-112to withstand stress, its depth128or129may increase from the contact point120to the fixed constraint on the first contact arm108. The contact force (preferably the contact normal force or a nominal contact normal force) may be in the range of 1 N to 7 N, preferably from 2 N to 6 N.

The shallower depth128of the design is further advantageous for insulation requirements, for example near an open side of the terminal100.

As exemplified based on the first embodiment inFIGS. 1 to 3, embodiments of the terminal100allow for a very small installation space requirement124of the socket106in the region of the relevant width direction. This is true in the vacant position (i.e., in the unmated or unplugged state) and also in the occupied position (i.e., in the plugged state), and optionally considering a non-aligned contact pin102.

A height130of the direct connection116, for example the height130between the base114as a mounting support and the first contact arm108, may be determined by the shape of the socket106, for example a corresponding stamped part.

The terminal100may comprise a plurality of jacks106attached side-by-side to the same socket carrier104.

FIG. 4shows a schematic perspective view of a terminal100according to a second embodiment in an occupied position. The second embodiment may further form some or all of the first embodiment. For example, some or all of the jacks106in the second embodiment may include some or all of the features of the first embodiment. Interchangeable or matching features of the embodiments are indicated by the same reference numerals.

Further, between adjacent receptacles106there are requirements for air gaps and/or creepage distances between adjacent receptacles106. Embodiments (for example, the second embodiment) may satisfy requirements for insulation, air gaps, and/or creepage distances in a more compact manner. For example, the socket106may allow these requirements to be met more easily because the socket106requires little installation space near the open terminal side in the z-direction, and the larger installation space required (for example, to secure the socket106by means of the base114in the terminal100) is shifted to the lower region, i.e., near the socket carrier104(for example, the rear wall of the terminal). For example, an increase in a spacing132between the first contact arms108of adjacent jacks106is achievable due to the reduced overall depth128compared to conventional jacks (for example, due to a shallow overall depth128according to the invention). The increased spacing132is advantageous for meeting air gap and creepage distance requirements, as shown schematically inFIGS. 3 and 4, for example. Optionally, the clearances and/or creepage distances are further increased by partition walls134between adjacent sockets106.

The base114of each socket106may be secured by mounting pins136of the socket carrier104. The mounting pins136may engage through recesses of the base114and frictionally connect (for example, by swaging the mounting pins136) or positively connect (for example, by hot riveting the mounting pins136) the base114to the socket carrier104.

Alternatively or additionally, some or all of the jacks106may be secured to a pedestal138of the socket carrier104. The mounting of the socket106in the terminal100may be directly on the socket carrier104(for example, on the rear wall of the terminal) or on an elevation (for example, the pedestal138). Elevated mounting requires less material for the socket106. The attachment may also be made to the pedestal138by hot riveting.

The plurality of contact pins102may each be inserted and contacted in a separate socket106. The plurality of contact pins102may be terminals of a relay140.

FIG. 5shows a schematic sectional view parallel to the longitudinal direction of the terminal100according to the second embodiment in an occupied position. For example, the relay140is plugged. Each contact pin102is receivable in a respective through opening142, which is laterally close to the edge126, during the plugging operation122.

FIG. 6shows only exemplary dimensions (in millimeters, with decimal places separated by a dot) in a schematic sectional view of an exemplary socket carrier104, which may be combinable with the first or second embodiment. The advantages described in connection withFIG. 6may also be achievable with other dimensions (for example, as a relative change from a respective conventional terminal to be improved).

Embodiments of the terminal100, preferably the second embodiment, may implement a terminal block with a build width or design width144(for example, reduced compared to conventional terminal blocks), for example, of 3.5 mm. The reduced or small overall width144may be achieved, among other things, by opening one side of the terminal (for example, at the edge126). Embodiments of the terminal100, preferably the second embodiment, may realize terminals of the reduced or small width144for pluggable relays140. By means of the compact sockets106, the contact pins102of the relay140may be plugged into a terminal block, for example of the width of 3.5 mm, while respecting the available installation space.

It is still possible to arrange a plurality of terminals with plugged relays. A cranking of the contact pins102(for example relay pins) is avoided.

The relay140typically has pins, i.e., contact pins102, that lie in a width direction (referred to herein as the x-direction) near one of the side relay housing walls, for example, 0.38 mm and/or as shown inFIG. 6.

With a relay140of a width of about 3.3 mm, this results in a relay arrangement in the terminal100in which the pins102are close to the open terminal side126. An arrangement of the relay140rotated by 180° about the y-axis is not feasible, since the pins102would then lie too close to or in the terminal rear wall104.

By means of the compact socket106of the terminal100with a very narrow design in the width direction, for example, an installation space of approx. 0.48 mm and/or as shown inFIG. 6is made possible. Even with the pin102plugged, and taking into account the tolerances, the socket106preferably does not protrude beyond the installation space, i.e., the edge126, of the terminal100, for example on the open side.

FIG. 7shows a schematic view of an exemplary stamped part for producing the socket106, for example, according to the first or second embodiment of the terminal100.

The socket106may be manufactured as a stamp-bent part. In one embodiment, the stamp-bend part of the socket106or a plurality of sockets106may be stamped as part of a lead frame (i.e., a support strip or connection frame). Optionally, the lead frame may not only be used for fabrication or manufacturing, but may also be used (for example, along with other structural elements on the lead frame) directly in the terminal100.

Advantageously, the socket106may be designed as part of the lead frame, since, for example, there is no welding or the like, for example, only as a bent part.

FIG. 8AandFIG. 8Bshow another embodiment of the terminal100, for example a variant of the first or second embodiment of the terminal100, in a perspective view or sectional view, respectively. The base114comprises a solder pin115, for example for soldering to a printed circuit board or to a conductor.

Alternatively or additionally, the bead at the contact point118of the first contact arm108may be larger transversely (preferably perpendicularly) to the longitudinal direction (i.e., in the z-direction) than in the longitudinal direction (i.e., in the y-direction).

As shown based on exemplary embodiments above, embodiments of the terminal may be more compact in design. In addition, the second contact arm (for example, the flat-form spring) may be protected by the first contact arm (i.e., the stiff contact side) from impermissible plastic deformation, for example, during handling of the open terminal.

In any embodiment, an optional support (i.e., stop) of the second contact arm (for example, the flat-form spring) may allow for a buckling spring characteristic during the mating process.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

Terminal100Contact pin102Socket carrier of the terminal, preferably rear wall of the terminal104Terminal socket106First contact arm of socket108Resilient connection of the socket110Second contact arm of socket112Socket base114Solder pin115Direct connection between first contact arm and socket carrier, preferably socket wall116Contact point on first contact arm118Contact point on second contact arm120Plugging process122Installation space requirement124Edge of the terminal126First depth of connections128Second depth of resilient connection or second contact arm129Height of the direct connection130Distance between contact arms of adjacent sockets132Partition walls between adjacent sockets134Mounting pins of the socket carrier136Pedestal138Relay140Through hole142Width144