Contact device, electrical component unit, method, and use of a contact device in an electrical component unit

Abstract

A contact device includes a first plug connector, which for forming a plug contact is pluggable onto a corresponding second plug connector of a first component, and comprising at least one first abutment section, which for forming a pressure contact is pressable against a second abutment section of a second component and/or of an additional element that is connectable to the second component. At least one spring section is provided between the first plug connector and the first abutment section and/or between a fastening section of the additional element and the second abutment section. The spring section presses the two abutment sections against one another with an elastic force when the two components are electrically connected to one another. The first plug connector is designed as a push-on sleeve, so that it is pluggable onto a second plug connector, designed as a plug, of the first component.

Claims

1. A contact device, for establishing an electrical connection between a first component and a second component, comprising a first plug connector, which for forming a plug contact is pluggable onto a corresponding second plug connector of the first component, and comprising at least one first abutment section, which for forming a pressure contact is pressable against a second abutment section of the second component and/or of an additional element that is connectable to the second component, at least one spring section being provided between the first plug connector and the first abutment section and/or between a fastening section of the additional element and the second abutment section, the spring section pressing the two abutment sections against one another with an elastic force when the two components are electrically connected to one another, wherein the first plug connector is designed as a push-on sleeve, so that it is pluggable onto a second plug connector, designed as a plug, of the first component.

2. The contact device according to claim 1, wherein the first plug connector has an open design along an insertion directions, the first plug connector, in the state in which it is plugged onto the second plug connector, preferably extending beyond a free end of the second plug connector along the insertion direction.

3. The contact device according to claim 1, wherein the elastic force acts along a spring axis, the spring axis extending along the insertion direction, a longitudinal direction, and/or a transverse direction, and/or forming an acute angle with the insertion direction, the longitudinal directions, and/or the transverse direction.

4. The contact device according to claim 1, wherein the contact device includes multiple spring sections, from whose individual elastic forces and/or individual spring axes the elastic force, which acts along the spring axis, results.

5. The contact device according to claim 1, wherein the contact device includes a support section for supporting the contact device on the first component, the support section being situated at the first plug connector, between the first plug connector and the at least one spring section, and/or between the at least one spring section and the first abutment section.

6. The contact device according to claim 1, wherein the spring axis extends centrally with respect to at least one of the abutment sections, with respect to the first plug connector, and/or with respect to the support section.

7. The contact device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one spring section is designed as at least one bent spring arm, at the end of which the at least one abutment section is situated.

8. The contact device according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the abutment sections is designed as an abutment surface, abutment arc, abutment bracket, abutment point, and/or abutment end, and/or the at least one first abutment section rests, directly, against the at least one second abutment section of the second component and/or of the additional element.

9. The contact device according to claim 1, wherein the contact device includes multiple first abutment sections and/or second abutment sections, so that the contact device is electrically connected to the second component via multiple pressure contacts.

10. The contact device according to claim 1, wherein the contact device has a one-part or multi-part design, the one-part contact device being designed as a contact element, and/or the multi-part contact device including, in addition to the contact element, the additional element and/or a compression spring.

11. The contact device according to claim 1, wherein the contact element of the multi-part contact device includes the first plug connector and the at least one first abutment section, and/or the additional element includes the at least one spring section and the at least one second abutment section, the contact element and the additional element resting against one another for electrically connecting the two components via the at least one first abutment section of the contact element and the at least one second abutment section of the additional element.

12. The contact device according to claim 1, wherein the additional element is fastened to the second component, in a non-displaceable manner, by means of the fastening section.

13. The contact device according to claim 1, wherein the contact device includes a compensation section that compensates for and/or bridges an offset of the second plug connector relative to the second abutment section, the offset being formed along a longitudinal direction and/or transverse direction of the contact device.

14. The contact device according to claim 1, wherein the compensation section connects the first plug connector to the support section, to the spring section, and/or to the first abutment section, the compensation section being designed as a compensation loop.

15. The contact device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one spring section is designed as a leaf spring and/or compression spring, the spring section designed as a leaf spring forming a cohesive unit together with the first plug connector, the first abutment section, the second abutment section, the support section, and/or the fastening section, and/or the spring section designed as a compression spring acting on one of the abutment sections, the first plug connector, and/or the support section.

16. An electrical component unit, comprising a first component that includes at least one second plug connector, comprising a second component that has at least one second abutment section and/or that is connectable to an additional element having the second abutment section, and comprising a contact device for establishing an electrical connection between the first component and the second component, wherein the contact device is designed according to claim 1.

17. The electrical component unit according to claim 16, wherein the first plug connector is designed as a plug that protrudes from the first component in the insertion direction, and/or the second abutment section, situated at the second component, is designed as an abutment surface.

18. The electrical component unit according to claim 16, wherein at least one fastening device fastens the first component and the second component to one another in the insertion direction in a non-displaceable manner.

19. A method for manufacturing and/or installing an electrical component unit, comprising the following steps: plugging a first plug connector of a contact device, designed according to claim 1, onto a corresponding second plug connector of a first component, in particular a motor, forming a pressure contact between a first abutment section of the contact device and a second abutment section of the second component and/or of an additional element that is connectable to the second component, so that the two components are electrically connected to one another by means of the pressure contact.

20. Use of a contact device, designed according to claim 1, in an electrical component unit, for establishing an electrical connection between a first component, and a second component.

Description

[0051] Further advantages of the invention are described in the following exemplary embodiments. In the figures:

[0052] FIG. 1 shows a schematic front view of an electrical component unit in a disconnected state according to one exemplary embodiment,

[0053] FIG. 2 shows a schematic front view of an electrical component unit, similar to the exemplary embodiment in FIG. 1, in an assembled state,

[0054] FIG. 3 shows a schematic sectional side view of an electrical component unit in an assembled state according to an alternative exemplary embodiment,

[0055] FIG. 4 shows a schematic sectional side view of an electrical component unit in an assembled state according to a further exemplary embodiment,

[0056] FIG. 5 shows a schematic sectional side view of an electrical component unit in an assembled state according to a further alternative exemplary embodiment, and

[0057] FIG. 6 shows a schematic sectional side view of an electrical component unit in an assembled state according to a further alternative exemplary embodiment.

[0058] In the following description of the figures, the same reference symbols are used for features that are in each case identical and/or at least comparable in the various figures. The individual features, their configuration, and/or operating principle are usually explained in detail only at their first mention. If individual features are not further explained in detail, their configuration and/or operating principle correspond(s) to the configuration and operating principle of the already described features having the same function or the same name.

[0059] FIG. 1 shows a schematic front view of an electrical component unit 1 in a disconnected state according to one exemplary embodiment. The electrical component unit 1 comprises a first component 2, a second component 3, and a contact device 4. The first component 2, the second component 3, and the contact device 4 are spaced apart from one another in the disconnected state. The second component 3 is illustrated in cross section. In addition, for a simplified illustration, only a portion of the first component 2 and of the second component 3 are illustrated. Furthermore, the first component 2, which is designed as a motor, for example, is depicted without an output shaft. The output shaft, not illustrated, may protrude through a recess in the second component 3. For a simplified illustration, the second component 3, which is a printed circuit board or a board and/or a lead frame or a contact plate, for example, is depicted without a strip conductor.

[0060] The contact device 4 has a first plug connector 5, which for forming a plug contact is pluggable onto a corresponding second plug connector 6 of the first component 2. According to the invention, the first plug connector 5 is designed as a flat push-on sleeve that is pluggable onto the second plug connector 6 of the first component 2, designed as a flat plug, in an insertion direction AR. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the contact device 4 has a one-part design. The contact device 4 is preferably designed as a bent metal part, it being possible for such a bent metal part to be manufactured in a stamping/bending process, for example. To allow the flat push-on sleeve to be plugged onto the flat plug, the flat push-on sleeve in the insertion direction AR has an open design on at least one side. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the flat push-on sleeve has an open design on both sides. The flat plug or flat push-on sleeve is referred to as flat because the insertion width along a longitudinal direction LR is several times greater than the insertion thickness along a transverse direction QR. Alternatively, it is conceivable for the first plug connector 5 to be designed as a round plug and/or square plug, or for the second plug connector 6 to be designed as a round push-on sleeve and/or square push-on sleeve.

[0061] The contact device 4 is designed to conduct electrical current and/or electrical signals between the two components 2, 3 of the electrical component unit 1. For this purpose, the electrical component unit 1 preferably has at least two contact devices 4. Thus, with the aid of the second component 3 designed as a printed circuit board, a circuit may be closed, or the first component 2 designed as a motor may be supplied with electrical energy.

[0062] For forming a pressure contact, in the illustrated exemplary embodiment at least one first abutment section 7 of the contact device 4 is pressable against a second abutment section 8 of the second component 3. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the contact device 4 includes two first abutment sections 7 that are designed as convex abutment points or contact points. The second abutment section 8, as an abutment surface, is situated at the second component 3. Since the electrical component unit 1 is illustrated in the disconnected state in the exemplary embodiment shown, the first abutment sections 7 do not rest against the second abutment section 8, for which reason no pressure contact is formed.

[0063] At least one spring section 9 is situated between the first plug connector 5 and the first abutment section. In the exemplary embodiment shown, in each case a spring section 9 connects one of the two first abutment sections 7 to the first plug connector 5. The spring sections 9 are designed as spring arms. Each of the spring sections 9 has an individual spring axis 10, along which an individual spring force of the spring sections 9 acts when the at least one first abutment section 7 abuts on the at least one second abutment section 8, so that the particular first abutment section 7 and the second abutment section 8 are pressed together. The multiple individual spring axes 10 result in a spring axis 11, along which the elastic force resulting from the individual elastic forces acts when the abutment sections 7, 8 are pressed together.

[0064] To mechanically connect the first component 2 to the second component 3, the exemplary embodiment in FIG. 1 has a fastening device 12. The fastening device 12 includes two housing sections 21, 22, for example, the first component 2 being situated at a first housing section 21, and the second component 3 being situated at a second housing section 22. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the second component 3 is situated in a non-displaceable manner at the second housing section 22 along the insertion direction AR, the longitudinal direction LR, and/or the transverse direction QR by means of at least one fastening element 23. The first component 2 is preferably situated in a non-displaceable manner at the first housing section 21 along the insertion direction AR. When the first component 2 is preferably designed as a motor, under load it may be at least slightly moved along the longitudinal direction LR and/or the transverse direction QR. To limit tilting, movement, and/or rotation of the first component 2, in particular the motor under load, within the first housing section 21, the fastening device 12 may include additional elastic elements, not illustrated here in the exemplary embodiment shown.

[0065] To assemble the electrical component unit 1, the first plug connector 5 of the contact device 4 is first plugged onto the corresponding second plug connector 6 of the first component 2. The pressure contact may subsequently be formed between the at least one first abutment section 7 of the contact device 4 and the at least [one] second abutment section 8 of the second component 3 by pressing the abutment sections 7, 8 together. The two components 2, 3 are situated at or in the housing sections 21, 22, respectively, and during installation are moved toward one another and/or fastened, as the result of which the pressure contact may be formed and/or maintained. The resulting assembled state is illustrated in FIG. 2.

[0066] FIG. 2 shows the electrical component unit 1, similar to the exemplary embodiment in FIG. 1, in the assembled state. As described above, in the assembled state of the electrical component unit 1 the first plug connector 5 of the contact device 4 is plugged onto the second plug connector 6 of the first component 2. The first plug connector 5 of the contact device 4 extends beyond a free end 13 of the second plug connector 6 along the insertion direction AR.

[0067] The first abutment sections 7 rest against the second abutment section 8, thus forming a pressure contact. For this purpose, the spring sections 9 press the first abutment sections 7 against the second abutment section 8. The individual elastic forces resulting from the spring sections 9 designed as spring arms act along the individual spring axes 10. Due to the pressing of the abutment sections 7, 8 against one another, the spring sections 9 have deformed, in particular elastically, as a result of which the individual spring axes 10 have shifted and/or rotated. The position and/or orientation of the resulting spring axis 11 are/is the same as in the exemplary embodiment in FIG. 1.

[0068] The spring axis 11 extends along the insertion direction AR. In addition, the spring axis 11 extends centrally with respect to the first plug connector 5 and/or with respect to the second plug connector 6. Furthermore, in the exemplary embodiment shown, the spring axis 11 extends centrally between the two first abutment sections 7 and/or the two spring sections 9. The elastic force running along the spring axis 11 thus acts along the insertion direction AR in such a way that it presses the two components 2, 3 apart. The fastening device 12, which in the exemplary embodiment shown is formed from the two interconnected housing sections 21, 22, acts against the elastic force, as the result of which the pressure contact may be maintained. The two housing sections 21, 22, as illustrated, may be welded together, for example, thus forming a housing of the electrical component unit 1.

[0069] FIG. 3 shows a schematic sectional side view of an electrical component unit 1 in an assembled state according to an alternative exemplary embodiment. Similarly to the exemplary embodiment in FIGS. 1 and 2, here as well only a portion of the first component 2 and of the second component 3 are illustrated. In addition, only one of the contact devices 4 is illustrated, in this exemplary embodiment as well it being possible for the electrical component unit 1 to have multiple, in particular two, contact devices 4. Furthermore, the illustration of the fastening device 12, which may be designed similarly to the exemplary embodiment in FIGS. 1 and 2, has been omitted.

[0070] Here as well, the contact device 4 includes the at least one spring section 9. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the contact device 4 is illustrated in cross section, centrally normal to the longitudinal direction LR, for which reason only the one spring section 9 is illustrated. The contact device 4 preferably has a design that is symmetrical with respect to the section plane selected here, for which reason the contact device 4 in this exemplary embodiment as well includes two spring sections 9 designed as spring arms. The first abutment section 7, which together with the second abutment section 8 of the second component 3 forms the pressure connection, is provided at the end of each spring section 9.

[0071] In contrast to the preceding exemplary embodiments, the second plug connector 6 of the first component 2 and the second abutment section 8 of the second component 3 are spaced apart from one another along the transverse direction QR as well as along the insertion direction AR. This distance may also be referred to as an offset. The contact device 4 includes a compensation section 14 for bridging the distance. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the compensation section 14 is designed as a compensation loop.

[0072] Furthermore, in the exemplary embodiment shown, the contact device 4 includes a support section 15. With the aid of the support section 15, the contact device 4 may be supported on the first component 2 in such a way that the individual spring axes 10 and/or the spring axis 11 act(s) along the insertion direction AR. The course of the individual spring axes 10 and/or of the spring axis 11 may be altered or adapted by use of the support section 15. For this purpose, a corresponding support element 16 may be situated at the first component 2, the support section 15 resting against the support element when pressure contact is formed, i.e., in the assembled state. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the spring axis 11, due to the abutment of the support section 15, extends between the support element 16 of the first component 2 and the second abutment section 8 of the second component 3.

[0073] It is likewise conceivable for the support section 15 to rest directly against the first component 2, thereby being supported. Additionally or alternatively, it is conceivable for the first component 2 to have a shape corresponding to that of the support element 16. It is also conceivable for the compensation section 14 to additionally or alternatively compensate for an offset along the longitudinal direction LR.

[0074] FIG. 4 shows a schematic sectional side view of an electrical component unit 1 in an assembled state according to a further exemplary embodiment. Similarly to the exemplary embodiment in FIGS. 1 through 3, here as well only a portion of the first component 2 and of the second component 3 are illustrated. In addition, only one contact device 4 is illustrated, in this exemplary embodiment as well it being possible for the electrical component unit 1 to have multiple, in particular two, contact devices 4. Furthermore, the illustration of the fastening device 12, which may be designed similarly to the exemplary embodiment in FIGS. 1 and 2, has been omitted.

[0075] In contrast to the preceding exemplary embodiments, the contact device 4 includes a spring section 9 that is designed as a separate compression spring 17. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the contact device 4 is thus designed as a multi-part contact device 4 which includes the compression spring 17 and a contact element 18. The compression spring 17 rests against the support section 15 of the contact element 18, and brings about an elastic force that acts along the spring axis 11. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the contact element 18 includes the first plug connector 5, the compensation section 14, the support section 15, the at least one spring section 9, and the at least one first abutment section 7. Alternatively, it is conceivable for the contact element 18 to include no spring section, and for the contact device to form the pressure contact 4 by means of the spring section 9 designed as a separate compression spring 17.

[0076] FIG. 5 shows a schematic sectional side view of an electrical component unit 1 in an assembled state according to a further alternative exemplary embodiment. Similarly to the exemplary embodiment in FIGS. 1 through 4, here as well only a portion of the first component 2 and of the second component 3 are illustrated. In addition, only one contact device 4 is illustrated, in this exemplary embodiment as well it being possible for the electrical component unit 1 to have multiple, in particular two, contact devices 4. Furthermore, the illustration of the fastening device 12, which may be designed similarly to the exemplary embodiment in FIGS. 1 and 2, has been omitted.

[0077] In contrast to the preceding exemplary embodiments, the contact device 4 together with the contact element 18 and an additional element 19 is designed as a multi-part contact device 4. The contact element 18 includes the first plug connector 5 and the at least one first abutment section 7. The first abutment section 7 is designed as an abutment surface. The additional element 19 includes the at least one spring section 9 and the at least one second abutment section 8. The at least one second abutment section 8 is designed as an abutment end or abutment base. In addition, in contrast to the preceding exemplary embodiments, the at least one spring section 9 is situated at the additional element 19. For the electrical connection, the at least one first abutment section 7 of the contact element 18 is placed against the at least one second abutment section 8 of the additional element 19, thereby forming the pressure contact.

[0078] The additional element 19 is fastened to the second component 3 with the aid of a fastening section 20. In addition, the additional element 19 may be electrically connected to the second component 3 by means of the fastening section 20. When the second component 3 is the printed circuit board, the fastening section 20 may be in operative electrical connection with the strip conductors of the second component 3 designed as a printed circuit board, thus forming the closed circuit.

[0079] As illustrated in the exemplary embodiment in FIG. 5, the contact element 18 of the multi-part contact device 4 may also include the compensation section 14. Due to the first abutment section 7 designed as an abutment surface, this compensation section 14 may be designed as a simple extension of this abutment surface. The second abutment section 8 of the additional element 19 may thus rest against the first abutment section 7, designed as an abutment surface, over its entire length, thus forming the pressure contact.

[0080] FIG. 6 shows a schematic sectional side view of an electrical component unit 1 in an assembled state according to a further alternative exemplary embodiment. Only one contact device 4 is illustrated, in this exemplary embodiment as well it being possible for the electrical component unit 1 to have multiple, in particular two, contact devices 4.

[0081] The contact device 4 includes two spring sections 9, each of which presses the respective abutment sections 7, 8 together via the individual spring force that acts along the individual spring axis 10. In contrast to the preceding exemplary embodiments, the individual spring axes 10 form an acute angle with respect to the transverse direction QR. It may thus be ensured that the first abutment sections 7 of the contact device 4 in the transverse direction QR press against the second abutment sections 8 of the second component 3. The two individual elastic forces act opposite one another, essentially along the transverse direction QR or at the acute angle with respect to the transverse direction QR, so that the pressure contact is maintained.

[0082] It is also conceivable for only one of the first abutment sections 7 and/or one of the spring sections 9 to be situated at the contact device 4, and/or for one of the second abutment sections 8 to be situated at the second component 3. For maintaining the pressure contact, in such an exemplary embodiment the support section 15, the support element 16, and/or the compression spring 17 may be situated similarly to FIGS. 3 through 5. For this purpose, the support section 15, the support element 16, and/or the compression spring 17 may be adapted in such a way that the pressure contact along the transverse direction QR is maintained.

[0083] In addition, in the exemplary embodiment in FIG. 6 the second component 3 is designed as a lead frame and/or contact plate, which may be embedded in the second housing section 22 as shown in the exemplary embodiment. The second housing section 22 may thereby ensure the electrical insulation, with the electrical contacting of the second component 3 being enabled only at the at least one second abutment section 8 and/or at a plug outlet 24. Electrical power may be introduced into the electrical component unit 1 via the plug outlet 24, so that the first component 2 designed as a motor may be operated.

[0084] Since the second component 3 is embedded in the second housing section 22, these two parts are connected to one another in a non-displaceable manner along the insertion direction AR, the transverse direction QR, and the longitudinal direction LR. The first component 2, in particular the motor, is connected to the first housing section 21 in a non-displaceable manner only along the insertion direction AR. At least a slight movement, tilting, and/or rotation of the first component 2, in particular under load, along the longitudinal direction LR and/or the transverse direction QR may thus be ensured.

[0085] The present invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments that are illustrated and described. Modifications within the scope of the claims are also possible, as well as a combination of the features, even if these are illustrated and described in different exemplary embodiments.

LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS

[0086] 1 electrical component unit [0087] 2 first component [0088] 3 second component [0089] 4 contact device [0090] first plug connector [0091] 6 second plug connector [0092] 7 first abutment section [0093] 8 second abutment section [0094] 9 spring section [0095] individual spring axis [0096] 11 spring axis [0097] 12 fastening device [0098] 13 free end [0099] 14 compensation section [0100] support section [0101] 16 support element [0102] 17 compression spring [0103] 18 contact element [0104] 19 additional element [0105] fastening section [0106] 21 first housing section [0107] 22 second housing section [0108] 23 fastening element [0109] 24 plug outlet [0110] AR insertion direction [0111] LR longitudinal direction [0112] QR transverse direction