DE102022119586B3 - Contact unit, connector and socket - Google Patents

Abstract

For the purpose of increasing the current carrying capacity of a socket (44), a contact unit (10) for a plug connector (12) is proposed, comprising - a connection contact (14), which can be connected to an electrical cable, - a contact socket (16 ), into which a contact pin (18) of a correspondence plug connector (20) can be inserted along a vertical axis (H) of the contact socket, comprising - a first contact leg (22), and - a second contact leg (22 '), - a first spring arm (24), via which the first contact leg is resiliently and electrically conductively connected to the connection contact, and - a first spring tab (26), which is electrically conductively connected to the connection contact; wherein - the first contact leg can assume a first and a second position relative to the vertical axis and has an inner surface (28) pointing towards the vertical axis and an outer surface (30) pointing away from the vertical axis; and - in the second position of the first contact leg, the first spring tab rests on the outer surface of the first contact leg and - in the first position of the first contact leg (22), the first spring tab (26) does not rest on the outer surface (30) of the first contact leg (22). A plug connector (12) with such a contact unit (10) and a socket (44) with such a plug connector are also proposed.

Description

The invention relates to a contact unit for a plug connector, a plug connector with such a contact unit and a socket with such a plug connector.

DE 929 909 B discloses a socket with a socket base, two connection terminals and two resilient sockets. The sockets are arranged on the socket base and are connected to the connection terminals. A plug pin of a plug can be inserted into each socket along a vertical axis of the socket. Each plug socket includes two contact legs that are symmetrical to one another, each with a contact surface for contact with the respective plug pin. The contact surfaces are concave with respect to the vertical axis and curved along a quarter circle. Each contact leg is connected to the respective connection terminal in a resilient and electrically conductive manner via a spring arm. Each spring arm has a first and a second section. The respective connection terminal is electrically conductively connected to the second section via the first section, and the first section is electrically conductively connected to the respective contact leg via the second section. The first section is U-shaped and the second section is straight. Consequently, each current path between one of the contact legs and the respective connection terminal also has a U-shaped and a straight section. This limits the current carrying capacity of the known socket.

The DE 10 2015 119 389 A1 discloses a socket pole contact for a socket insert of an electrical flush-mounted or surface-mounted installation device. Conductor entries are provided which have conductor entries, between which an end stop of an unlocking spring is arranged, which spaced the conductor entries apart from one another.

The FR 2 936 657 A1 discloses an electrical connection terminal which, on the one hand, is a metal strip from which two tabs are formed with two end parts connected to one another by a bridge and two other free end parts which are bent in such a way that they delimit a cavity between them which is intended to receive a connection pin , and on the other hand includes a metallic contact tab for connecting an electrical conductor.

The EP 4 054 008 A1 discloses a fixed insertion force socket terminal that enables insertion of a plug terminal, comprising: a base part mounted and fixed in a socket plate; a connecting part formed by extending upwardly from the base part; and a male part formed by bending and extending from one side of the connecting part, the male part having two vertical parts and a horizontal part for connecting the two vertical parts; a front end surface of the horizontal part protrudes forward to form two limiting parts, and an upper end surface of each of the vertical parts is first bent horizontally and extends downward to form a contact part so that the two contact parts clamp the connector terminal; and each of the vertical parts forms a contact part. a front end surface of the horizontal part protrudes forward to form two limiting parts, and an upper end surface of each of the vertical parts is first bent horizontally and extends downward to form a contact part so that the two contact parts clamp the male terminal; and each of the contact parts extends downward to form a stop part, and the two stop parts are arranged between the two limit parts so that the two limit parts prevent the two stop parts from moving excessively.

The DE 10 2007 063 592 A1 discloses a contact element for the transmission of electrical current. To form a contact element, two functionally independent contact points are formed, each of which has a pair of spring arms extending from a base and forming a socket for receiving a contact pin.

The object of the invention is to increase the current carrying capacity of a socket.

Against this background, the invention proposes the subject matter of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are described in the dependent claims.

• - wenigstens einen Anschlusskontakt, der an ein elektrisches Kabel anschließbar ist,
• - wenigstens eine Kontaktbuchse, in die ein Kontaktstift eines Korrespondenz-Steckverbinders entlang einer Hochachse der wenigstens einen Kontaktbuchse einführbar ist, umfassend
  • - einen ersten Kontaktschenkel, der insbesondere zur Anlage an dem Kontaktstift ausgebildet ist, und
  • - einen zweiten Kontaktschenkel, der insbesondere zur Anlage an dem Kontaktstift ausgebildet ist;
• - einen ersten Federarm, über den der erste Kontaktschenkel mit dem wenigstens einen Anschlusskontakt federnd und elektrisch leitend verbunden ist, und
• - eine erste Federlasche, die mit dem wenigstens einen Anschlusskontakt elektrisch leitend verbunden ist;

wobei

• - der erste Kontaktschenkel relativ zu der Hochachse eine erste und eine zweite Position einnehmen kann und eine zu der Hochachse hin weisende Innenfläche, die insbesondere zur Anlage an dem Kontaktstift ausgebildet ist, und eine von der Hochachse weg weisende Außenfläche aufweist; und
• - in der zweiten Position des ersten Kontaktschenkels die erste Federlasche an der Außenfläche des ersten Kontaktschenkels anliegt.

According to a first aspect of the invention, a contact unit for a plug connector is proposed, comprising

• - at least one connection contact that can be connected to an electrical cable,
• - comprising at least one contact socket, into which a contact pin of a correspondence plug connector can be inserted along a vertical axis of the at least one contact socket
  • - a first contact leg, which is designed in particular to rest on the contact pin, and
  • - a second contact leg, which is designed in particular to rest on the contact pin;
• - a first spring arm, via which the first contact leg is connected to the at least one connection contact in a resilient and electrically conductive manner, and
• - a first spring tab which is connected in an electrically conductive manner to the at least one connection contact;

where

• - the first contact leg can assume a first and a second position relative to the vertical axis and has an inner surface pointing towards the vertical axis, which is designed in particular to rest on the contact pin, and an outer surface pointing away from the vertical axis; and
• - In the second position of the first contact leg, the first spring tab rests on the outer surface of the first contact leg.

The contact pin is, for example, one of two contact pins of a protective contact plug comprising the correspondence plug connector, which is also referred to as a CEE 7/4 plug, type F plug or Schuko plug, and then typically has an outer diameter of 4.8 mm; or the contact pin is, for example, one of two contact pins of a Euro plug comprising the correspondence plug connector, which is also referred to as a CEE 7/16 plug, type C plug or EN 50075 plug, and then typically has an outer diameter of 4.0 mm.

The first contact leg assumes the first position, for example, when the contact pin is not inserted into the contact socket, and it assumes the second position, for example, when the contact pin is inserted into the contact socket in such a way that it rests on the first contact leg and this deflects away from the vertical axis.

The contact unit proposed according to the first aspect enables a higher current carrying capacity compared to that of DE 929 909 B well-known resilient socket. Because if a contact pin is inserted into the contact socket in such a way that it rests on the first contact leg and deflects it into the second position, then a first current path runs from the contact pin via the first contact leg and the first spring arm to the connection contact. And since, according to the invention, in the second position the first spring tab rests on the outer surface of the first contact leg, in addition to this current path, a current path connected in parallel is created, which runs from the contact pin via the first contact leg and the first spring tab to the connection contact. This additional current path is preferably shorter than the first current path.

In an exemplary embodiment of the first aspect, it is determined that the first spring tab is electrically conductively connected directly to the connection contact. Preferably, the first spring tab is firmly connected to the connection contact, for example by being attached to the connection contact, in particular by soldering or welding, or by being monolithic with the connection contact. Preferably, the first spring tab runs substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the contact socket, with the longitudinal axis running at right angles to the vertical axis and in particular substantially parallel to the first spring arm.

In an exemplary embodiment of the first aspect, it is determined that the first spring tab is directly electrically conductively connected to the first spring arm and is electrically conductively connected via this to the connection contact. Preferably, the first spring tab is firmly connected to the first spring arm, for example by being attached to the first spring arm, in particular by soldering or welding, or by being monolithic with the first spring arm. Preferably, the first spring tab runs essentially parallel to the vertical axis.

According to the invention, it is determined that in the first position of the first contact leg, the first spring tab does not rest on the outer surface of the first contact leg.

In an exemplary embodiment of the first aspect, it is determined that in the second position of the first contact leg, the first spring tab is resiliently biased towards the outer surface of the first contact leg or towards the vertical axis. This increases the contact pressure between the first contact leg and the inserted contact pin.

• - einen zweiten Federarm, über den der zweite Kontaktschenkel mit dem Anschlusskontakt federnd und elektrisch leitend verbunden ist, und
• - eine zweite Federlasche, die mit dem Anschlusskontakt elektrisch leitend verbunden ist;

wobei

• - der zweite Kontaktschenkel relativ zu der Hochachse eine erste und eine zweite Position einnehmen kann und eine zu der Hochachse hin weisende Innenfläche, die insbesondere zur Anlage an dem Kontaktstift ausgebildet ist, und eine von der Hochachse weg weisende Außenfläche aufweist; und
• - in der zweiten Position des zweiten Kontaktschenkels die zweite Federlasche an der Außenfläche des zweiten Kontaktschenkels anliegt.

In an exemplary embodiment of the first aspect it is determined that the contact unit comprises

• - a second spring arm, via which the second contact leg is connected to the connection contact in a resilient and electrically conductive manner, and
• - a second spring tab which is electrically connected to the connection contact;

where

• - the second contact leg can assume a first and a second position relative to the vertical axis and has an inner surface pointing towards the vertical axis, which is designed in particular to rest on the contact pin, and an outer surface pointing away from the vertical axis; and
• - In the second position of the second contact leg, the second spring tab rests on the outer surface of the second contact leg.

The second contact leg assumes the first position, for example, when the contact pin is not inserted into the contact socket, and it assumes the second position, for example, when the contact pin is inserted into the contact socket in such a way that it rests on the second contact leg and this deflects away from the vertical axis.

This second spring tab - analogous to the first spring tab - enables an additional current path, which is connected in parallel to the current path that runs from the inserted contact pin via the second contact leg and the second spring arm to the connection contact.

• - der zweite Federarm symmetrisch, insbesondere spiegelsymmetrisch in Bezug auf eine durch die Hochachse und die Längsachse aufgespannte Ebene, zu dem ersten Federarm oder wie der erste Federarm ausgebildet ist; und/oder
• - die zweite Federlasche symmetrisch, insbesondere spiegelsymmetrisch in Bezug auf diese Ebene, zu der ersten Federlasche oder wie die erste Federlasche ausgebildet ist.

In an exemplary embodiment of the first aspect it is determined that

• - the second spring arm is designed symmetrically, in particular mirror-symmetrically, with respect to a plane spanned by the vertical axis and the longitudinal axis, to the first spring arm or like the first spring arm; and or
• - The second spring tab is designed symmetrically, in particular mirror-symmetrically with respect to this plane, to the first spring tab or like the first spring tab.

• - wenigstens einen Anschlusskontakt, der an ein elektrisches Kabel anschließbar ist;
• - wenigstens eine Kontaktbuchse, in die ein Kontaktstift eines Korrespondenz-Steckverbinders entlang einer Hochachse der wenigstens einen Kontaktbuchse einführbar ist, umfassend
  • - einen ersten Kontaktschenkel, der insbesondere zur Anlage an dem Kontaktstift ausgebildet ist, und
  • - einen zweiten Kontaktschenkel, der insbesondere zur Anlage an dem Kontaktstift ausgebildet ist;
• - einen ersten Federarm, über den der erste Kontaktschenkel mit dem wenigstens einen Anschlusskontakt federnd und elektrisch leitend verbunden ist; und
• - eine erste Federlasche, die mit dem ersten Kontaktschenkel elektrisch leitend verbunden ist;

wobei

• - der erste Kontaktschenkel relativ zu der Hochachse eine erste und eine zweite Position einnehmen kann und eine zu der Hochachse hin weisende Innenfläche, die insbesondere zur Anlage an dem Kontaktstift ausgebildet ist, und eine von der Hochachse weg weisende Außenfläche aufweist;
• - der erste Federarm eine zu der Außenfläche des ersten Kontaktschenkels hin weisende Innenfläche aufweist; und
• - in der zweiten Position des ersten Kontaktschenkels die erste Federlasche an der Innenfläche des ersten Federarms anliegt.

According to a second aspect of the invention, a contact unit for a plug connector is proposed, comprising

• - at least one connection contact that can be connected to an electrical cable;
• - comprising at least one contact socket, into which a contact pin of a correspondence plug connector can be inserted along a vertical axis of the at least one contact socket
  • - a first contact leg, which is designed in particular to rest on the contact pin, and
  • - a second contact leg, which is designed in particular to rest on the contact pin;
• - a first spring arm, via which the first contact leg is connected to the at least one connection contact in a resilient and electrically conductive manner; and
• - a first spring tab which is electrically conductively connected to the first contact leg;

where

• - the first contact leg can assume a first and a second position relative to the vertical axis and has an inner surface pointing towards the vertical axis, which is designed in particular to rest on the contact pin, and an outer surface pointing away from the vertical axis;
• - the first spring arm has an inner surface pointing towards the outer surface of the first contact leg; and
• - In the second position of the first contact leg, the first spring tab rests on the inner surface of the first spring arm.

The contact unit proposed according to the second aspect enables a higher current carrying capacity compared to that of DE 929 909 B well-known resilient socket. Because if a contact pin is inserted into the contact socket in such a way that it rests on the first contact leg and deflects it into the second position, then a first current path runs from the contact pin via the first contact leg and the first spring arm to the connection contact. And since, according to the invention, in the second position the first spring tab rests on the inner surface of the first spring arm, in addition to this current path, a parallel-connected current path is created which runs from the contact pin via the first contact leg, the first spring tab and the first spring arm to the connection contact . This additional current path is preferably shorter than the first current path.

Preferably, the first spring tab is firmly connected to the first contact leg, for example by being attached to the first contact leg, in particular by soldering or welding, or by being monolithic with the first contact leg. Preferably, the first spring tab runs essentially parallel to the vertical axis.

In an exemplary embodiment of the second aspect, it is determined that in the first position of the first contact leg, the first Spring tab does not rest on the inner surface of the first spring arm or rests on this inner surface. In the second case, the first spring tab is resiliently biased in particular towards this inner surface or away from the vertical axis.

In an exemplary embodiment of the second aspect, it is determined that in the second position of the first contact leg, the first spring tab is resiliently biased towards the inner surface of the first spring arm or away from the vertical axis. This increases the contact pressure between the first contact leg and the inserted contact pin.

• - einen zweiten Federarm, über den der zweite Kontaktschenkel mit dem Anschlusskontakt federnd und elektrisch leitend verbunden ist, und
• - eine zweite Federlasche, die mit dem zweiten Kontaktschenkel elektrisch leitend verbunden ist;

wobei

• - der zweite Kontaktschenkel relativ zu der Hochachse eine erste und eine zweite Position einnehmen kann und eine zu der Hochachse hin weisende Innenfläche, die insbesondere zur Anlage an dem Kontaktstift ausgebildet ist, und eine von der Hochachse weg weisende Außenfläche aufweist;
• - der zweite Federarm eine zu der Außenfläche des zweiten Kontaktschenkels hin weisende Innenfläche aufweist; und
• - in der zweiten Position des zweiten Kontaktschenkels die zweite Federlasche an der Innenfläche des zweiten Federarms anliegt.

In an exemplary embodiment of the second aspect it is determined that the contact unit comprises

• - a second spring arm, via which the second contact leg is connected to the connection contact in a resilient and electrically conductive manner, and
• - a second spring tab which is electrically conductively connected to the second contact leg;

where

• - the second contact leg can assume a first and a second position relative to the vertical axis and has an inner surface pointing towards the vertical axis, which is designed in particular to rest on the contact pin, and an outer surface pointing away from the vertical axis;
• - the second spring arm has an inner surface pointing towards the outer surface of the second contact leg; and
• - In the second position of the second contact leg, the second spring tab rests on the inner surface of the second spring arm.

This second spring tab - analogous to the first spring tab - enables an additional current path, which is connected in parallel to the current path that runs from the inserted contact pin via the second contact leg and the second spring arm to the connection contact.

• - der zweite Federarm symmetrisch, insbesondere spiegelsymmetrisch in Bezug auf eine durch die Hochachse und die Längsachse aufgespannte Ebene, zu dem ersten Federarm oder wie der erste Federarm ausgebildet ist; und/oder
• - die zweite Federlasche symmetrisch, insbesondere spiegelsymmetrisch in Bezug auf diese Ebene, zu der ersten Federlasche oder wie die erste Federlasche ausgebildet ist.

In an exemplary embodiment of the second aspect it is determined that

• - the second spring arm is designed symmetrically, in particular mirror-symmetrically, with respect to a plane spanned by the vertical axis and the longitudinal axis, to the first spring arm or like the first spring arm; and or
• - The second spring tab is designed symmetrically, in particular mirror-symmetrically with respect to this plane, to the first spring tab or like the first spring tab.

• - wenigstens einen Anschlusskontakt, der an ein elektrisches Kabel anschließbar ist,
• - wenigstens eine Kontaktbuchse, in die ein Kontaktstift eines Korrespondenz-Steckverbinders entlang einer Hochachse der wenigstens einen Kontaktbuchse einführbar ist, umfassend
  • - einen ersten Kontaktschenkel, der insbesondere zur Anlage an dem Kontaktstift ausgebildet ist, und
  • - einen zweiten Kontaktschenkel, der insbesondere zur Anlage an dem Kontaktstift ausgebildet ist;
• - einen ersten Federarm, über den der erste Kontaktschenkel mit dem wenigstens einen Anschlusskontakt federnd und elektrisch leitend verbunden ist; und
• - eine erste Federlasche, die mit dem wenigstens einen Anschlusskontakt elektrisch leitend verbunden ist;

wobei

• - der erste Kontaktschenkel relativ zu der Hochachse eine erste und eine zweite Position einnehmen kann und eine zu der Hochachse hin weisende Innenfläche, die insbesondere zur Anlage an dem Kontaktstift ausgebildet ist, und eine von der Hochachse weg weisende Außenfläche aufweist;
• - der erste Kontaktschenkel wenigstens eine durchgehende Ausnehmung aufweist, die von der Innenfläche bis zu der Außenfläche reicht und bevorzugt ein Durchgangsloch bildet;
• - die erste Federlasche wenigstens einen Anlagebereich aufweist; und
• - in der zweiten Position des ersten Kontaktschenkels die erste Federlasche mit ihrem wenigstens einen Anlagebereich durch die wenigstens eine Ausnehmung ragt und mindestens so nah bei der Hochachse liegt wie die Innenfläche des ersten Kontaktschenkels.

According to a third aspect of the invention, a contact unit for a plug connector is proposed, comprising

• - at least one connection contact that can be connected to an electrical cable,
• - comprising at least one contact socket, into which a contact pin of a correspondence plug connector can be inserted along a vertical axis of the at least one contact socket
  • - a first contact leg, which is designed in particular to rest on the contact pin, and
  • - a second contact leg, which is designed in particular to rest on the contact pin;
• - a first spring arm, via which the first contact leg is connected to the at least one connection contact in a resilient and electrically conductive manner; and
• - a first spring tab which is connected in an electrically conductive manner to the at least one connection contact;

where

• - the first contact leg can assume a first and a second position relative to the vertical axis and has an inner surface pointing towards the vertical axis, which is designed in particular to rest on the contact pin, and an outer surface pointing away from the vertical axis;
• - the first contact leg has at least one continuous recess which extends from the inner surface to the outer surface and preferably forms a through hole;
• - the first spring tab has at least one contact area; and
• - In the second position of the first contact leg, the first spring tab with its at least one contact area projects through the at least one recess and is at least as close to the vertical axis as the inner surface of the first contact leg.

The contact unit proposed according to the third aspect enables a higher current carrying capacity compared to that of DE 929 909 C well-known resilient socket. Because if a contact pin is inserted into the contact socket in such a way that it is on the inner surface of the first con clock leg is in contact and deflects it into the second position, then a first current path runs from the contact pin via the first contact leg and the first spring arm to the connection contact. And since, according to the invention, in the second position, the first spring tab with its contact area is at least as close to the vertical axis as the inner surface of the first contact leg and thus also rests on the inserted contact pin, in addition to this current path, a parallel-connected current path is generated, which is connected by the contact pin runs over the first spring tab to the connection contact. This additional current path is preferably shorter than the first current path.

Preferably, in the second position of the first contact leg, the first spring tab with its at least one contact area is closer to the vertical axis than the inner surface of the first contact leg.

In an exemplary embodiment of the third aspect, it is determined that the first spring tab is electrically conductively connected directly to the connection contact. Preferably, the first spring tab is firmly connected to the connection contact, for example by being attached to the connection contact, in particular by soldering or welding, or by being monolithic with the connection contact. Preferably, the first spring tab runs substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the contact socket, with the longitudinal axis running at right angles to the vertical axis and in particular substantially parallel to the first spring arm.

In an exemplary embodiment of the third aspect, it is determined that the first spring tab is directly electrically conductively connected to the first spring arm and is electrically conductively connected via this to the connection contact. Preferably, the first spring tab is firmly connected to the connection contact, for example by being attached to the connection contact, in particular by soldering or welding, or by being monolithic with the connection contact. Preferably, the first spring tab runs essentially parallel to the vertical axis.

In an exemplary embodiment of the third aspect, it is determined that in the first position of the first contact leg, the first spring tab with its contact area lies further from the vertical axis than the inner surface of the first contact leg or protrudes through the recess of the first contact leg and at least as close to the vertical axis lies like the inner surface of the first contact leg. In the second case, the first spring tab is resiliently biased, in particular towards the vertical axis.

In an exemplary embodiment of the third aspect, it is determined that in the second position of the first contact leg, the first spring tab is resiliently biased towards the vertical axis.

• - einen zweiten Federarm, über den der zweite Kontaktschenkel mit dem wenigstens einen Anschlusskontakt federnd und elektrisch leitend verbunden ist, und
• - eine zweite Federlasche, die mit dem wenigstens einen Anschlusskontakt elektrisch leitend verbunden ist;

wobei

• - der zweite Kontaktschenkel relativ zu der Hochachse eine erste und eine zweite Position einnehmen kann und eine zu der Hochachse hin weisende Innenfläche und eine von der Hochachse weg weisende Außenfläche aufweist; und
• - der zweite Kontaktschenkel wenigstens eine durchgehende Ausnehmung aufweist, die von der Innenfläche bis zu der Außenfläche reicht und bevorzugt ein Durchgangsloch bildet;
• - die zweite Federlasche wenigstens einen Anlagebereich aufweist; und
• - in der zweiten Position des zweiten Kontaktschenkels die zweite Federlasche mit ihrem wenigstens einen Anlagebereich durch die wenigstens Ausnehmung des zweiten Kontaktschenkels ragt und mindestens so nah bei der Hochachse liegt wie die Innenfläche des zweiten Kontaktschenkels.

In an exemplary embodiment of the third aspect it is determined that the contact unit comprises

• - a second spring arm, via which the second contact leg is connected to the at least one connection contact in a resilient and electrically conductive manner, and
• - a second spring tab which is electrically connected to the at least one connection contact;

where

• - the second contact leg can assume a first and a second position relative to the vertical axis and has an inner surface pointing towards the vertical axis and an outer surface pointing away from the vertical axis; and
• - the second contact leg has at least one continuous recess which extends from the inner surface to the outer surface and preferably forms a through hole;
• - the second spring tab has at least one contact area; and
• - In the second position of the second contact leg, the second spring tab with its at least one contact area protrudes through the at least recess of the second contact leg and is at least as close to the vertical axis as the inner surface of the second contact leg.

This second spring tab - analogous to the first spring tab - enables an additional current path, which is connected in parallel to the current path that runs from the inserted contact pin via the second contact leg and the second spring arm to the connection contact.

• - der zweite Federarm symmetrisch, insbesondere spiegelsymmetrisch in Bezug auf eine durch die Hochachse und die Längsachse aufgespannte Ebene, zu dem ersten Federarm oder wie der erste Federarm ausgebildet ist; und/oder
• - die zweite Federlasche symmetrisch, insbesondere spiegelsymmetrisch in Bezug auf diese Ebene, zu der ersten Federlasche oder wie die erste Federlasche ausgebildet ist.

In an exemplary embodiment of the third aspect it is determined that

• - the second spring arm is designed symmetrically, in particular mirror-symmetrically, with respect to a plane spanned by the vertical axis and the longitudinal axis, to the first spring arm or like the first spring arm; and or
• - The second spring tab is symmetrical, in particular mirror-symmetrical in relation to this level, to the first spring tab or how the first spring tab is designed.

Each proposed contact unit can, for example, be monolithic and/or designed as required in such a way that it has no additional or at least one additional connection contact and/or no additional or at least one additional contact socket and/or no additional or at least one additional spring arm and/or no additional or comprises at least one additional spring tab.

In each proposed contact unit, each connection contact can be connected or connectable to an electrical cable, for example directly, or indirectly, in particular via a cable, a wire, a busbar or an electrical component, which includes, for example, a switch and/or an electrical fuse.

In each proposed contact unit, each contact socket can, for example, include no additional contact leg or at least one additional contact leg as required.

In each proposed contact unit, at least one of the spring arms can be connected in an electrically conductive manner to at least one of the connection contacts, for example directly, in particular by being monolithically formed with at least one of the connection contacts, or indirectly, in particular via a cable, a wire, a busbar or an electrical component , which includes, for example, a switch and / or an electrical fuse.

In each proposed contact unit, at least one of the spring arms can be firmly connected to at least one of the contact sockets and/or to at least one of the connection contacts, for example by being attached to at least one of the contact sockets and/or to at least one of the connection contacts, in particular by soldering or welding , or by being monolithic with at least one of the contact sockets and/or with at least one of the connection contacts.

• - der erste Federarm einen ersten und einen zweiten Endbereich aufweist;
• - der erste Endbereich mit einem zu dem ersten Kontaktschenkel hin weisenden Anschlussbereich des Anschlusskontakts elektrisch leitend verbunden ist; und
• - der zweite Endbereich mit einem von dem Anschlusskontakt weg weisenden Anschlussbereich des ersten Kontaktschenkels elektrisch leitend verbunden ist.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention it is determined that

• - the first spring arm has a first and a second end region;
• - the first end region is electrically conductively connected to a connection region of the connection contact pointing towards the first contact leg; and
• - The second end region is electrically conductively connected to a connection region of the first contact leg that points away from the connection contact.

• - der erste Federarm einen ersten, einen zweiten und einen dritten Abschnitt aufweist;
• - der erste Abschnitt mit Abstand und im Wesentlichen parallel zu dem dritten Abschnitt verläuft;
• - der Anschlusskontakt über den ersten Abschnitt mit dem zweiten Abschnitt elektrisch leitend verbunden ist; und
• - der zweite Abschnitt über den dritten Abschnitt mit dem ersten Kontaktschenkel elektrisch leitend verbunden ist.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention it is determined that

• - the first spring arm has a first, a second and a third section;
• - the first section runs at a distance and essentially parallel to the third section;
• - the connection contact is electrically conductively connected to the second section via the first section; and
• - The second section is electrically conductively connected to the first contact leg via the third section.

• - der erste Abschnitt im Wesentlichen parallel zu einer Längsachse der Kontaktbuchse, die rechtwinklig zu der Hochachse verläuft, in Richtung weg von dem Anschlusskontakt, mit Abstand an dem ersten Kontaktschenkel vorbei und bis zu dem zweiten Abschnitt verläuft; und
• - der dritte Abschnitt ausgehend von dem zweiten Abschnitt im Wesentlichen parallel zu der Längsachse in Richtung hin zu dem Anschlusskontakt und bis zu dem ersten Kontaktschenkel verläuft.

In an exemplary embodiment it is determined that

• - the first section runs essentially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the contact socket, which runs at right angles to the vertical axis, in the direction away from the connection contact, at a distance past the first contact leg and up to the second section; and
• - the third section, starting from the second section, runs essentially parallel to the longitudinal axis in the direction of the connection contact and up to the first contact leg.

In an exemplary embodiment, it is determined that the second section is essentially U-shaped or V-shaped.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention it is determined that the inner surface of the first contact leg is concavely curved with respect to the vertical axis.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, it is determined that the second contact leg is designed symmetrically, in particular mirror-symmetrically, with respect to a plane spanned by the vertical axis and the longitudinal axis, to the first contact leg or like the first contact leg.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, it is determined that at least one of the contact legs is resiliently biased towards the other contact leg or towards the vertical axis.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention it is determined that the contact socket is attached to the connection contact, in particular by soldering or welding, or is formed monolithically with the connection contact.

The connector, electrical cable, contact pin and correspondence connector are not included in the proposed contact units.

• - eine erste Kontakteinheit, die wie eine der gemäß dem ersten, zweiten oder dritten Aspekt vorgeschlagenen Kontakteinheiten ausgebildet ist, und
• - ein Gehäuse, in dem die erste Kontakteinheit angeordnet ist.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention, a connector is proposed, comprising

• - a first contact unit, which is designed like one of the contact units proposed according to the first, second or third aspect, and
• - A housing in which the first contact unit is arranged.

The connector proposed according to the fourth aspect enables a higher current carrying capacity compared to that of DE 929 909 C well-known socket base with two connection terminals and two resilient sockets. The explanations for the first, second and third aspects apply analogously to this aspect.

In an exemplary embodiment of the fourth aspect, it is determined that the plug connector comprises a second contact unit which is arranged in the housing and is galvanically isolated from the first contact unit. Preferably, the second contact unit is designed like one of the contact units proposed according to the first, second or third aspect or like the first contact unit.

• - wenigstens einen Steckverbinder, der wie einer der gemäß dem vierten Aspekt vorgeschlagenen Steckverbinder ausgebildet ist, und
• - einen Halterahmen, an dem der wenigstens eine Steckverbinder angebracht ist.

According to a fifth aspect of the invention, a socket is proposed, comprising

• - at least one connector which is designed like one of the connectors proposed according to the fourth aspect, and
• - A holding frame to which the at least one connector is attached.

The socket proposed according to the fifth aspect enables a higher current carrying capacity compared to that of DE 929 909 C known socket. The explanations for the first, second and third aspects apply analogously to this aspect.

The proposed socket can be designed in any way as required, for example as a household socket and/or as a protective contact socket, which is also referred to as a CEE 7/3 socket, type F socket or Schuko socket, and/or in such a way that it does not have any additional or at least one additional connector.

The explanations for one of the aspects of the invention, in particular for individual features of this aspect, also apply analogously to the other aspects of the invention.

If, in the context of the present invention, the term “approximately” or “approximately” or “essentially” is used in connection with values or ranges of values or with properties or geometries, this is to be understood as meaning a tolerance range that the person skilled in the art in this field considers usual considered. In particular, in connection with values or value ranges when using the term “approximately” or “approximately,” a tolerance range is ±20%, preferably ±10% and more preferably ±5%. Lower limits of value ranges can therefore be undercut by 5% to 20%. Upper limits of value ranges can therefore be exceeded by 5% to 20%. To the extent that different value ranges, for example preferred and further preferred value ranges, are specified in the present invention, the lower limits and upper limits of the different value ranges can be combined with one another.

Embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below using the accompanying drawings. However, the individual features resulting from this are not limited to the individual embodiments, but can be connected and/or combined with individual features described above and/or with individual features of other embodiments. The details in the drawings are only intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. The reference numbers contained in the claims are not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way, but merely refer to the embodiments shown in the drawings.

• 1 eine perspektivische Ansicht einer ersten Ausführungsform einer Kontakteinheit für einen Steckverbinder, wobei die Kontakteinheit zwei Kontaktschenkel umfasst, die eine erste Position relativ zu einer Hochachse der Kontakteinheit einnehmen;
• 2 die Draufsicht zu 1;
• 3 die Untersicht zu 1, wobei die Kontaktschenkel eine zweite Position einnehmen;
• 4 eine Schnittansicht längs der Linie A-A aus 2;
• 5 die Schnittansicht aus 4, wobei die Kontaktschenkel die zweite Position einnehmen;
• 6 eine perspektivische Ansicht einer zweiten Ausführungsform der Kontakteinheit, wobei die Kontaktschenkel die erste Position einnehmen;
• 7 die Draufsicht zu 6;
• 8 eine Schnittansicht längs der Linie B-B aus 7;
• 9 eine perspektivische Ansicht einer dritten Ausführungsform der Kontakteinheit, wobei die Kontaktschenkel die erste Position einnehmen;
• 10 die Draufsicht zu 9;
• 11 eine Schnittansicht längs der Linie C-C aus 10;
• 12 eine Schnittansicht längs der Linie D-D aus 10;
• 13 die Schnittansicht aus 12, wobei die Kontaktschenkel die zweite Position einnehmen;
• 14 eine Draufsicht einer vierten Ausführungsform der Kontakteinheit, wobei die Kontaktschenkel die erste Position einnehmen;
• 15 eine perspektivische Ansicht einer fünften Ausführungsform der Kontakteinheit, wobei die Kontaktschenkel die erste Position einnehmen;
• 16 die Draufsicht zu 15;
• 17 eine Schnittansicht längs der Linie E-E aus 16;
• 18 eine Schnittansicht längs der Linie F-F aus 16;
• 19 eine perspektivische Ansicht einer sechsten Ausführungsform der Kontakteinheit, wobei die Kontaktschenkel die erste Position einnehmen;
• 20 die Draufsicht zu 19;
• 21 die Untersicht zu 19, wobei die Kontaktschenkel eine zweite Position einnehmen;
• 22 eine Schnittansicht längs der Linie G-G aus 20;
• 23 die Schnittansicht aus 22, wobei die Kontaktschenkel die zweite Position einnehmen;
• 24 eine Draufsicht einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform einer als Schutzkontaktsteckdose ausgebildeten Steckdose, die eine bevorzugte Ausführungsform eines Steckverbinders mit zwei Kontakteinheiten aus 1 umfasst;
• 25 die Schnittansicht entsprechend der Linie H-H in 24;
• 26 eine perspektivische Ansicht zu 24, wobei ein als Schutzkontaktstecker ausgebildeter Stecker, der zwei Steckverbinder mit jeweils einem Kontaktstift umfasst, zum Einführen in die Schutzkontaktsteckdose ausgerichtet ist.

The drawings show in

• 1 a perspective view of a first embodiment of a contact unit for a plug connector, wherein the contact unit comprises two contact legs which assume a first position relative to a vertical axis of the contact unit;
• 2 the top view 1 ;
• 3 the bottom view 1 , with the contact legs assuming a second position;
• 4 a sectional view along line AA 2 ;
• 5 the section view 4 , with the contact legs occupying the second position;
• 6 a perspective view of a second embodiment of the contact unit, with the contact legs occupying the first position;
• 7 the top view 6 ;
• 8th a sectional view along line BB 7 ;
• 9 a perspective view of a third embodiment of the contact unit, with the contact legs occupying the first position;
• 10 the top view 9 ;
• 11 a sectional view along the line CC 10 ;
• 12 a sectional view along the line DD 10 ;
• 13 the section view 12 , with the contact legs occupying the second position;
• 14 a top view of a fourth embodiment of the contact unit, with the contact legs occupying the first position;
• 15 a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of the contact unit, with the contact legs occupying the first position;
• 16 the top view 15 ;
• 17 a sectional view along the line EE 16 ;
• 18 a sectional view along the line FF 16 ;
• 19 a perspective view of a sixth embodiment of the contact unit, with the contact legs occupying the first position;
• 20 the top view 19 ;
• 21 the bottom view 19 , with the contact legs assuming a second position;
• 22 a sectional view along the line GG 20 ;
• 23 the section view 22 , with the contact legs occupying the second position;
• 24 a top view of a preferred embodiment of a socket designed as a protective contact socket, which comprises a preferred embodiment of a plug connector with two contact units 1 includes;
• 25 the sectional view corresponding to the line HH in 24 ;
• 26 a perspective view 24 , wherein a plug designed as a protective contact plug, which comprises two plug connectors, each with a contact pin, is aligned for insertion into the protective contact socket.

In 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 and 5 is a first embodiment of a contact unit 10 for a plug connector 12 ( 25 , 26 ) shown schematically, with the connector 12, for example, in a socket 44 ( 24 until 26 ), which is designed, for example, as a protective contact socket, can be installed. The contact unit 10 includes a connection contact 14, which can be connected to an electrical cable (not shown), and a contact socket 16, which is located on its inside 1 , 4 and 5 upper end has an insertion area 16a, which is, for example, funnel-shaped. For example, a contact pin 18 ( 3 ) of a correspondence connector 20 ( 26 ), which corresponds to the plug connector 12 and is designed, for example, as a protective contact plug, can be inserted into the contact socket 16 along a vertical axis H of the contact socket 16. The contact socket 16 includes a first, in 2 left and in 3 until 5 right contact leg 22 and a second, in 2 right and in 3 until 5 left contact leg 22 ', which are designed to rest on the contact pin 18. To form the funnel-shaped insertion area 16a, each contact leg 22, 22 'has at its in 1 , 4 and 5 upper end has an insertion section 22a, which is angled outwards, away from the other insertion section 22a and the vertical axis H. The contact unit 10 also includes a first and a second spring arm 24, 24 ', via which the first and the second contact legs 22, 22' are each connected to the connection contact 14 in a resilient and electrically conductive manner, and a first and a second spring tab 26, 26 ', which are electrically connected to the connection contact 14. A longitudinal axis L of the contact socket 16 runs at right angles to the vertical axis H and essentially parallel to the spring arms 24, 24 'from the contact socket 16 towards the connection contact 14. A transverse axis Q of the contact socket 16 runs at right angles to the vertical axis H and the longitudinal axis L from the first contact leg 22 towards the second contact leg 22 '.

Each contact leg 22, 22 'runs essentially parallel to the vertical axis H and has an inner surface 28 pointing towards the vertical axis H, which is designed to rest on the contact pin 18, and an outer surface 30 pointing away from the vertical axis H. The contact legs 22, 22 'are, for example, mirror-symmetrical to one another with respect to a plane spanned by the vertical axis H and the longitudinal axis L - which is also referred to as the HL plane - and are resiliently biased towards the vertical axis H by the spring arms 24, 24 '. Each inner surface 28 has, for example, a first, a second and a third inner surface region, which are essentially flat, run essentially parallel to the vertical axis H and with respect to the vertical axis H at a predetermined angle, which is, for example, 45 ° to one another offset. Each inner surface 28 can also be designed differently as required, for example in such a way that it is curved concavely with respect to the vertical axis H in such a way that it has the shape of a channel, the inner contour of which, for example, essentially forms the lateral surface of a quarter-circle cylinder.

In this first embodiment, the spring arm 24 has a first and a second end region 32a, 32b. The end region 32a is designed monolithically with a connection region 34 of the connection contact 14 pointing towards the contact leg 22 and is thus electrically conductively and firmly connected to the connection region 34 and the connection contact 14. The end region 32b is designed monolithically with a connection region 36 of the contact leg 22 pointing away from the connection contact 14 and is thus electrically conductively and firmly connected to the connection region 36 and the contact leg 22. The spring arm 24 has a first, a second and a third section 38a, 38b, 38c. The section 38a has the end region 32a and runs at a distance and essentially parallel to the section 38c and essentially parallel to the longitudinal axis L in the direction away from the connection contact 14 and the end region 32a, at a distance past the contact leg 22 and up to Section 38b. The section 38a is designed monolithically with the section 38b and is therefore electrically conductively and firmly connected to them, so that the connection contact 14 is electrically conductively and firmly connected to the section 38b via the section 38a. The section 38b is essentially U-shaped, with the arc of the U pointing away from the contact leg 22 and the connection contact 14. The section 38c has the end region 32b and, starting from the section 38b, runs essentially parallel to the longitudinal axis L in the direction towards the connection contact 14 and up to the contact leg 22. The section 38c is designed to be monolithic with the section 38b and thus with it electrically conductive and firmly connected, so that the section 38b is electrically conductively and firmly connected to the contact leg 22 via the section 38c. Consequently, the spring arm 24 is designed to be monolithic with the connection contact 14 and the contact leg 22 and is therefore directly connected to them in an electrically conductive and firmly connected manner. The spring arms 24, 24' are, for example, mirror-symmetrical to one another with respect to the H-L plane, so that the second spring arm 24' also has a first and a second end region 32a, 32b as well as a first, a second and a third section 38a, 38b, 38c having.

In this first embodiment, the spring tab 26 runs essentially parallel to the longitudinal axis L and has an in 1 right and in 2 lower, fixed end region 26a and an in 1 left and in 2 upper, free end region 26b. The end region 26a is designed to be monolithic with the connection region 34 and is therefore electrically conductively and firmly connected to it and the connection contact 14. The end region 26b is designed to be monolithic with the end region 26a and is therefore electrically conductively and firmly connected to it. Consequently, the spring tab 26 is designed to be monolithic with the connection contact 14 and is therefore directly connected to it in an electrically conductive and firmly connected manner. The end region 26b has a contact region 26c, which points towards the outer surface 30 of the contact leg 22. The spring tabs 26, 26' are, for example, mirror-symmetrical to one another with respect to the HL plane, so that the second spring tab 26' also has a fixed end region 26a and a free end region 26b with a contact region 26c.

Each contact leg 22, 22' can assume a first and a second position relative to the vertical axis H. He takes the first position -as in 1 , 2 and 4 shown - for example when the contact pin 18 or another object is not inserted into the contact socket 16, and takes the second position - as in 3 and 5 shown - for example, when the contact pin 18 is inserted into the contact socket 16 along the vertical axis H in such a way that it rests on the respective contact leg 22, 22 'and deflects it away from the vertical axis H.

In this first embodiment, the contact leg 22 is in the second position - as in 3 and 5 shown - the spring tab 26 with its contact area 26c rests on the outer surface 30 of the contact leg 22, and in the second position of the contact leg 22 ', the spring tab 26' rests with its contact area 26c on the outer surface 30 of the contact leg 22'. In the first position of the contact leg 22 is - as in 4 shown - the spring tab 26 does not rest on the outer surface 30 of the contact leg 22, and in the first position of the contact leg 22 'the spring tab 26' does not rest on the outer surface 30 of the contact leg 22'.

Since each spring arm 24, 24 'is monolithically designed on the one hand with the respective contact leg 22, 22' and on the other hand with the connection contact 14 and the spring tabs 26, 26' are monolithically designed with the connection contact 14, the contact unit 10 is monolithically designed overall. The contact unit 10 is, for example, formed from a single piece of sheet metal by punching and bending.

In 6 , 7 and 8th a second embodiment of the contact unit 10 is shown schematically. This embodiment is similar to the first embodiment, so the differences will be explained in more detail below.

In this second embodiment, the first spring tab 26 is not directly electrically conductively connected to the connection contact 14, but is directly electrically conductively connected to the first spring arm 24 and via this is electrically conductively connected to the connection contact 14. The spring tab 26 runs essentially parallel to the vertical axis H and has an in 6 and 8th lower, fixed end region 26a and an in 6 and 8th upper, free end region 26b. The end region 26a is monolithic with the first section 38a of the spring arm 24 and is therefore electrically conductively and firmly connected to this section 38a and the connection contact 14. Consequently, the spring tab 26 is designed to be monolithic with the spring arm 24 and is therefore directly connected to it in an electrically conductive and firmly connected manner and via this to the connection contact 14 in an electrically conductive manner. The end region 26b has a contact region 26c, which points towards the outer surface 30 of the first contact leg 22.

In this second embodiment, the contact leg 22 is in the first position - as in 6 until 8th shown - the spring tab 26 with its contact area 26c on the outer surface 30 of the contact leg 22 in the area of the insertion section 22a and is resiliently biased towards this contact leg 22 and towards the vertical axis H. Even in the second position of the contact leg 22, the spring tab 26 rests with its contact area 26c on the outer surface 30 in the area of the insertion section 22a and is more resiliently biased towards the contact leg 22 and towards the vertical axis H.

Since in this second embodiment the contact legs 22, 22', the spring arms 24, 24' and the spring tabs 26, 26' are each designed to be mirror-symmetrical to one another with respect to the H-L plane, the above statements apply analogously to the second contact leg 22'. , the second spring arm 24 'and the second spring tab 26'.

In 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 and 13 a third embodiment of the contact unit 10 is shown schematically. This embodiment is similar to the second embodiment, so the differences will be explained in more detail below.

In this third embodiment, the first spring tab 26 is not directly electrically conductively connected to the first spring arm 24, but is directly electrically conductively connected to the first contact leg 22 and electrically conductively connected via this and the spring arm 24 to the connection contact 14. The spring arm 24 has an inner surface 40 pointing towards the outer surface 30 of the contact leg 22 and towards the vertical axis H, which is formed, for example, on the first section 38a of the spring arm 24. The spring tab 26 has an in 11 right and in 12 and 13 upper, fixed end region 26a and an in 11 left and in 12 and 13 in 6 and 8th lower, free end region 26b. The end region 26a is designed to be monolithic with the insertion section 22a of the contact leg 22 and is therefore electrically conductively and firmly connected to this insertion section 22a and the contact leg 22. Consequently, the spring tab 26 is designed to be monolithic with the contact leg 22 and is therefore directly connected to it in an electrically conductive and firmly connected manner and is connected to the connection contact 14 in an electrically conductive manner via this and the spring arm 24. The end region 26b has a contact region 26c which points towards the inner surface 40.

In this third embodiment, the contact leg 22 is in the second position - as in 13 shown - the spring tab 26 with its contact area 26c on the inner surface 40 of the spring arm 24. In the first position of the contact leg 22 is - as in 9 , 10 and 12 shown - the spring tab 26 does not attach to this inner surface 40.

Since in this third embodiment the contact legs 22, 22', the spring arms 24, 24' and the spring tabs 26, 26' are each designed to be mirror-symmetrical to one another with respect to the H-L plane, the above statements apply analogously to the second contact leg 22'. , the second spring arm 24 'and the second spring tab 26'.

In 14 a fourth embodiment of the contact unit 10 is shown schematically. This embodiment is similar to the third embodiment, so the differences will be explained in more detail below.

In this fourth embodiment, the first contact leg 22 is in the first position - like in 14 shown - the first spring tab 26 with its contact area 26c on the inner surface 40 of the first spring arm 24 and is resiliently biased towards this inner surface 40 and this spring arm 24 and away from the vertical axis H. Even in the second position of the contact leg 22, the spring tab 26 rests with its contact area 26c on the 40 and is more resiliently biased towards the inner surface 40 and the spring arm 24 and away from the vertical axis H.

Since in this fourth embodiment the contact legs 22, 22', the spring arms 24, 24' and the spring tabs 26, 26' are each designed to be mirror-symmetrical to one another with respect to the H-L plane, the above statements apply analogously to the second contact leg 22'. , the second spring arm 24 'and the second spring tab 26'.

In 15 , 16 , 17 and 18 a fifth embodiment of the contact unit 10 is shown schematically. This embodiment is similar to the third embodiment, so the differences will be explained in more detail below.

In this fifth embodiment, the first spring tab 26 has an in 15 and 18 lower and in 17 left, fixed end region 26a and one in 15 and 18 upper and in 17 right, free end region 26b. The first contact leg 22 has an in. remote from the insertion section 22a 15 and 18 lower and in 17 left edge section 22b. The end region 26a is designed to be monolithic with the edge section 22b and is therefore electrically conductively and firmly connected to the edge section 22b and the contact leg 22. Consequently, the spring tab 26 is designed to be monolithic with the contact leg 22 and is therefore directly connected to it in an electrically conductive and firmly connected manner and is connected to the connection contact 14 in an electrically conductive manner via this and the spring arm 24. The end region 26b has a contact region 26c which points towards the inner surface 40.

In this fifth embodiment, in the second position of the contact leg 22, the spring tab 26 rests with its contact area 26c on the inner surface 40 of the spring arm 24. In the first position of the contact leg 22 is - as in 16 and 18 shown - the spring tab 26 does not attach to this inner surface 40.

Since in this fifth embodiment the contact legs 22, 22', the spring arms 24, 24' and the spring tabs 26, 26' are each designed to be mirror-symmetrical to one another with respect to the H-L plane, the above statements apply analogously to the second contact leg 22'. , the second spring arm 24 'and the second spring tab 26'.

In 19 , 20 , 21 , 22 and 23 a sixth embodiment of the contact unit 10 is shown schematically. This embodiment is similar to the first embodiment, so the differences will be explained in more detail below.

In this sixth embodiment, the first contact leg 22 has a continuous recess 22c, which extends from its inner surface 28 to its outer surface 30 and, for example, forms a through hole 22c through the contact leg 22. Investment area 26c.

In this sixth embodiment, the first contact leg 22 protrudes in the second position - as in 21 and 23 shown - the first spring tab 26 with its contact area 26c through the through hole 22c and lies with the contact area 26c closer to the vertical axis H than the inner surface 28 of the contact leg 22. If the contact pin 18 - as in 21 shown - is inserted along the vertical axis H into the contact socket 16 in such a way that it rests on the contact leg 22 and moves it away from the vertical axis H and in 21 and 23 deflects to the left, then the spring tab 26 rests with its contact area 26c on the contact pin 18. In the first position of the contact leg 22 is - as in 19 , 20 and 22 shown - the spring tab 26 with the contact area 26c further from the vertical axis H than the inner surface 28 of the contact leg 22.

Since in this sixth embodiment the contact legs 22, 22', the spring arms 24, 24' and the spring tabs 26, 26' are each designed to be mirror-symmetrical to one another with respect to the H-L plane, the above statements apply analogously to the second contact leg 22'. , the second spring arm 24 'and the second spring tab 26'.

A seventh embodiment, not shown, is similar to the sixth embodiment, so the differences will be explained in more detail below.

In this seventh embodiment, each spring tab 26, 26 'is not directly electrically conductively and firmly connected to the connection contact 14, as in the first and sixth embodiments, but is, as in the second embodiment, directly electrically conductively connected to the respective spring arm 24, 24' and connected via this to the connection contact 14 in an electrically conductive manner. Each end region 26a is monolithic with the first section 38a of the respective spring arm 24 theoretically formed and thus electrically conductive and firmly connected to this section 38a and the connection contact 14.

In 24 and 25 A preferred embodiment of a socket 44 is shown schematically, which is designed, for example, as a protective contact socket. The socket 44 includes a connector 12, which is designed according to a preferred embodiment, and a holding frame 46 to which the connector 12 is attached. The plug connector 12 comprises two contact units 10, 10', which are designed according to the first embodiment and are galvanically isolated from one another, and a housing 42 in which the contact units 10, 10' are arranged.

In an alternative, not shown, at least one of the contact units 10, 10' of the plug connector 12 is designed according to the second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth or seventh embodiment.

26 shows the socket 44 and the correspondence connector 20, which is aligned for insertion into the socket 44. The correspondence plug connector 20 is designed, for example, as a protective contact plug and includes two contact pins 18, which are galvanically isolated from one another.

Reference symbol list

10/10'

first/second contact unit

12

Connectors

14

Connection contact

16

Contact socket

16a

Insertion range of 16

18

Contact pin

20

Correspondence connectors

22/22'

first/second contact leg

22a/b/c

Insertion section/edge section/recess of 22, 22'

24/24'

first/second spring arm

26/26'

first/second spring tab

26a/b

fixed/free end range of 26, 26'

26c

Investment area of 26b

28/30

Indoor/outdoor area of 22, 22'

32a/b

first/second end area of 24, 24'

34

Connection range of 14

36

Connection area of 22, 22'

38a/b/c

first/second/third section of 24, 24'

40

Inside area of 24, 24'

42

Housing of 12

44

Power outlet

46

Holding frame of 44

H/L/Q

Portrait/longitudinal/transverse axis of 16

Claims (29)

Contact unit (10) for a plug connector (12), comprising - a connection contact (14) which can be connected to an electrical cable, - a contact socket (16), into which a contact pin (18) of a correspondence plug connector (20) can be inserted along a vertical axis (H) of the contact socket (16). - a first contact leg (22), and - a second contact leg (22'), - a first spring arm (24), via which the first contact leg (22) is connected to the connection contact (14) in a resilient and electrically conductive manner, and - a first spring tab (26), which is electrically conductively connected to the connection contact (14); where - the first contact leg (22) can assume a first and a second position relative to the vertical axis (H) and an inner surface (28) pointing towards the vertical axis (H) and an outer surface (30) pointing away from the vertical axis (H). having; and in the second position of the first contact leg (22), the first spring tab (26) rests on the outer surface (30) of the first contact leg (22) and wherein in the first position of the first contact leg (22), the first spring tab (26) on the Outer surface (30) of the first contact leg (22) does not rest. Contact unit (10) according to Claim 1 , wherein the first spring tab (26) is electrically connected directly to the connection contact (14). Contact unit (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first spring tab (26) is electrically conductively connected directly to the first spring arm (24) and is electrically conductively connected via this to the connection contact (14). Contact unit (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein in the second position of the first contact leg (22) the first spring tab (26) faces the outer surface (30) of the first contact leg (22) or is resiliently biased towards the vertical axis (H). Contact unit (10) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising - a second spring arm (24'), via which the second contact leg (22') is connected to the connection contact (14) in a resilient and electrically conductive manner, and - a second spring tab (26 '), which is electrically conductively connected to the connection contact (14); where - the second contact leg (22') can assume a first and a second position relative to the vertical axis (H) and has an inner surface (28) pointing towards the vertical axis (H) and an outer surface (30) pointing away from the vertical axis (H). ) having; and - In the second position of the second contact leg (22'), the second spring tab (26') rests on the outer surface (30) of the second contact leg (22'). Contact unit (10) according to Claim 5 , wherein - the second spring arm (24 ') is designed symmetrically to the first spring arm (24) or like the first spring arm (24); and/or - the second spring tab (26') is designed symmetrically to the first spring tab (26) or like the first spring tab (26). Contact unit (10) for a plug connector (12), comprising - a connection contact (14) which can be connected to an electrical cable; - a contact socket (16), into which a contact pin (18) of a correspondence plug connector (20) can be inserted along a vertical axis (H) of the contact socket (16). - a first contact leg (22), and - a second contact leg (22'); - a first spring arm (24), via which the first contact leg (22) is connected to the connection contact (14) in a resilient and electrically conductive manner; and - a first spring tab (26), which is electrically conductively connected to the first contact leg (22); where - the first contact leg (22) can assume a first and a second position relative to the vertical axis (H) and an inner surface (28) pointing towards the vertical axis (H) and an outer surface (30) pointing away from the vertical axis (H). having; - the first spring arm (24) has an inner surface (40) facing the outer surface (30) of the first contact leg (22); and - In the second position of the first contact leg (22), the first spring tab (26) rests on the inner surface (40) of the first spring arm (24). Contact unit (10) according to Claim 7 , wherein in the first position of the first contact leg (22), the first spring tab (26) does not rest on the inner surface (40) of the first spring arm (24) or rests on this inner surface (40). Contact unit (10) according to one of Claims 7 until 8th , wherein in the second position of the first contact leg (22), the first spring tab (26) is resiliently biased towards the inner surface (40) of the first spring arm (24) or away from the vertical axis (H). Contact unit (10) according to one of Claims 7 until 9 , comprising - a second spring arm (24 '), via which the second contact leg (22') is resiliently and electrically conductively connected to the connection contact (14), and - a second spring tab (26'), which is connected to the second contact leg (22 ') is connected in an electrically conductive manner; wherein - the second contact leg (22 ') can assume a first and a second position relative to the vertical axis (H) and an inner surface (28) pointing towards the vertical axis (H) and an outer surface (28) pointing away from the vertical axis (H). 30); - the second spring arm (24') has an inner surface (40) facing the outer surface (30) of the second contact leg (22'); and - in the second position of the second contact leg (22'), the second spring tab (26') rests on the inner surface (40) of the second spring arm (24'). Contact unit (10) according to Claim 10 , wherein - the second spring arm (24 ') is designed symmetrically to the first spring arm (24) or like the first spring arm (24); and/or - the second spring tab (26') is designed symmetrically to the first spring tab (26) or like the first spring tab (26). Contact unit (10) for a plug connector (12), comprising - a connection contact (14) which can be connected to an electrical cable, - a contact socket (16) into which a contact pin (18) of a correspondence plug connector (20) is inserted along a Vertical axis (H) of the contact socket (16) can be inserted, comprising - a first contact leg (22), and - a second contact leg (22 '), - a first spring arm (24), via which the first contact leg (22) is connected to the connection contact (14) is connected resiliently and electrically conductively; and - a first spring tab (26), which is electrically connected to the connection contact (14). is; wherein - the first contact leg (22) can assume a first and a second position relative to the vertical axis (H) and an inner surface (28) pointing towards the vertical axis (H) and an outer surface (30) pointing away from the vertical axis (H). ) having; - the first contact leg (22) has a continuous recess (22c) which extends from the inner surface (28) to the outer surface (30); - the first spring tab (26) has a contact area (26c); and - in the second position of the first contact leg (22), the first spring tab (26) projects with its contact area (26c) through the recess (22c) of the first contact leg (22) and is at least as close to the vertical axis (H) as the Inner surface (28) of the first contact leg (22). Contact unit (10) according to Claim 12 , wherein the first spring tab (26) is electrically connected directly to the connection contact (14). Contact unit (10) according to one Claims 7 until 9 , the Claims 12 until 13 , wherein the first spring tab (26) is directly electrically connected to the first spring arm (24) and is electrically connected via this to the connection contact (14). Contact unit (10) according to one of Claims 12 until 14 , wherein in the first position of the first contact leg (22), the first spring tab (26) with its contact area (26c) lies further from the vertical axis (H) than the inner surface (28) of the first contact leg (22) or through the recess (22c ) of the first contact leg (22) protrudes and is at least as close to the vertical axis (H) as the inner surface (28) of the first contact leg (22). Contact unit (10) according to one of Claims 12 until 15 , wherein in the second position of the first contact leg (22), the first spring tab (26) is resiliently biased towards the vertical axis (H). Contact unit (10) according to one of Claims 12 until 16 , comprising - a second spring arm (24 '), via which the second contact leg (22') is connected to the connection contact (14) in a resilient and electrically conductive manner, and - a second spring tab (26'), which is connected to the connection contact (14) is electrically connected; wherein - the second contact leg (22 ') can assume a first and a second position relative to the vertical axis (H) and an inner surface (28) pointing towards the vertical axis (H) and an outer surface (28) pointing away from the vertical axis (H). 30); and - the second contact leg (22') has a continuous recess (22c) which extends from the inner surface (28) to the outer surface (30); - the second spring tab (26') has a contact area (26c); and - in the second position of the second contact leg (22'), the second spring tab (26') projects with its contact area (26c) through the recess (22c) of the second contact leg (22') and at least as close to the vertical axis (H) lies like the inner surface (28) of the second contact leg (22 '). Contact unit (10) according to Claim 17 , wherein - the second spring arm (24 ') is designed symmetrically to the first spring arm (24) or like the first spring arm (24); and/or - the second spring tab (26') is designed symmetrically to the first spring tab (26) or like the first spring tab (26). Contact unit (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein - the first spring arm (24) has a first and a second end region (32a, 32b); - the first end region (32a) is electrically conductively connected to a connection region (34) of the connection contact (14) pointing towards the first contact leg (22); and - The second end region (32b) is electrically conductively connected to a connection region (36) of the first contact leg (22) pointing away from the connection contact (14). Contact unit (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein - the first spring arm (24) has a first, a second and a third section (38a, 38b, 38c); - the first section (38a) runs at a distance and essentially parallel to the third section (38c); - the connection contact (14) is electrically conductively connected to the second section (38b) via the first section (38a); and - The second section (38b) is electrically conductively connected to the first contact leg (22) via the third section (38c). Contact unit (10) according to Claim 20 , wherein - the first section (38a) is substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis (L) of the contact socket (16), which runs at right angles to the vertical axis (H), in the direction away from the connection contact (14), at a distance on the first contact leg (22) over and extends to the second section (38b); and - the third section (38c), starting from the second section (38b), runs essentially parallel to the longitudinal axis (L) in the direction of the connection contact (14) and up to the first contact leg (22). Contact unit (10) according to one of Claims 20 until 21 , wherein the second section (38b) is essentially U-shaped or V-shaped. Contact unit (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the inner surface (28) of the first contact leg (22) is concavely curved with respect to the vertical axis (H). Contact unit (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the second contact leg (22 ') is designed symmetrically to the first contact leg (22) or like the first contact leg (22). Contact unit (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the contact legs (22, 22') is resiliently biased towards the other contact leg (22', 22) or towards the vertical axis (H). Connector (12), comprising - a first contact unit (10), which according to one of Claims 1 until 6 or according to one of the Claims 7 until 11 or according to one of the Claims 12 until 25 is formed, and - a housing (42) in which the first contact unit (10) is arranged. Plug connector (12) according to Claim 26 , comprising - a second contact unit (10 '), which is arranged in the housing (42) and is galvanically isolated from the first contact unit (10). Plug connector (12) according to Claim 27 , wherein the second contact unit (10 ') according to one of Claims 1 until 6 or according to one of the Claims 7 until 11 or according to one of the Claims 12 until 25 or how the first contact unit (10) is designed. Socket (44), in particular household socket, comprising - a plug connector (12) according to one of Claims 26 until 28 is formed, and - a holding frame (46) to which the connector (12) is attached.

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