DE102012000081A1 - Electrical mandrel connector for electrically contacting strip conductor of LED-strip, has trough element for accommodating line section, where mandrel is driven by conductor to manufacture contact between connector and conductor - Google Patents

Abstract

The connector has a trough element (101) for accommodating an electrical line section, and a fluid substance (103) i.e. silicon, formed in the trough element and provided for partially enclosing an end of the line section. A conducting mandrel (105) is driven by an electrical conductor for manufacturing electrical contact between the connector and the conductor. A covering element is connected with the trough element by a locking connection or a form-fit connection, where the line section is pressed against the conducting mandrel during connection of the covering and trough elements. An independent claim is also included for a method for electrically conducting a conductor of an electrical line section.

Description

The present invention relates to an electrical mandrel connector for contacting at least one insulated line piece.

For electrical contacting of insulated tracks of electrical line sections, such as electric LED strips (LED: Light Emitting Device), usually the first surrounding the electrical trace insulating layer must be removed. However, this is expensive in the industrial environment and therefore expensive.

If the electrical tracks are strip lines of an LED strip, in which the electrical tracks contact LED lighting elements, the stripping of the generally flat tracks is not easy and involves a certain risk of damage to a conductor track.

After stripping the conductor tracks, these can be electrically connected, for example, by soldering or screwing. After that, however, the connections generally need to be electrically re-isolated to avoid the risk of electrical leakage.

It is therefore the object of the present invention to provide a simpler concept for contacting and protecting electrical leads against moisture.

This object is solved by the features of the independent claims. Advantageous developments are the subject of the dependent claims, the description and the accompanying drawings.

The invention is based on the recognition that the above object can be achieved by an electric mandrel connector in conjunction with flowable material. By means of the mandrel connector, an electrical contact can be produced in a simple manner. The flowable material can, for example, encase stripped cut edges of the electrical conductor pieces and thereby protect them against moisture. For example, if electrical line pieces pushed or inserted frontally in the electrical mandrel connector, press, for example, the cut edges are shaped, the flowable material together, which can form, for example, a plug, which closes the cut edges and thereby protects against moisture.

In one aspect, the invention features an electrical mandrel connector for electrically contacting a first electrical trace isolated by an insulating layer of a first electrical lead, comprising a well member for receiving the first electrical lead, a flowable substance disposed and provided in the well member, an end partially enclose the electrical line piece for protection against moisture, and a first conductive mandrel, which is drivable by the first electrical conductor for making an electrical contact.

The tub element may, for example, have a U-shaped cross section with side tub walls. However, the tub member may have any shape which allows attachment of flowable material. The flowable material can be pre-fabricated to line a surface of the tub element or introduced on site.

According to an embodiment, the electrical connector may be designed for contacting a single line piece. Here, the electrical connector may comprise an electrical connection, via which an electrical connection to the electrical line piece can be realized.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, however, the electrical connector may be provided for contacting a plurality, for example two electrical line pieces. In this case, electrical conductor tracks of the respective electrical line piece can be electrically connected by means of the connecting sleeve, wherein the respective line piece can be fastened or fixed by means of a fastening pin assigned to the respective line piece.

According to one embodiment, the flowable material is formed during the insertion, in particular during insertion, of the electrical line piece in the tub element, the flow of the end of the electrical line piece to at least partially enclose. By inserting, for example, a cutting edge of the electrical line piece presses the flowable substance together on the end side, as a result of which a graft enclosing it can form. This effectively protects the cutting edge against moisture.

In one embodiment, the flowable material comprises silicone.

According to one embodiment, the tub element is open on one or both sides. If the tub element open on one side, so a single line piece can be pushed into it. This embodiment is particularly advantageous when an electrical connection, for example a Termination to follow the electrical line piece. For this purpose, the tub element can have a connection terminal which, for example via the conductive mandrel, makes an electrical contact to the line section or to a conductor track of the line section.

If the tub element is open on both sides, electrical line sections can be inserted or pushed in on both sides and contacted by means of conductive mandrels. In this way, two electrical line pieces can be electrically connected together. The flowable material insulates both pipe sections, so that they are protected against moisture.

According to one embodiment, the invention relates to an electrical mandrel connector, which is designed for electrically contacting a second electrical conductor track insulated by an insulating layer of a second electrical line section, wherein the second line section can be inserted into the tub element, and wherein a second conductive mandrel for contacting the second electrical Track is provided. In this way, two pipe sections can be electrically connected to each other by the conductive mandrels.

According to one embodiment, the first conductive mandrel and the second conductive mandrel are electrically conductively connected. The conductive mandrels may be interconnected, for example, by a conductive web or by an electrical lead.

In one embodiment, the first electrical lead comprises an insulated third electrical trace, the second electrical lead having an insulated fourth electrical trace, a third conductive mandrel for electrically contacting the insulated third electrical trace, and a fourth conductive mandrel for electrically contacting the isolated fourth electrical conductor track are provided, wherein the third and the fourth conductive mandrel are conductively connected. In this way, parallel tracks of several line pieces can be paired together and isolated against moisture.

According to one embodiment, the respective conductive mandrel is designed to break through the respective insulation layer and the respective electrical line piece, in particular a respective strip conductor of the respective line piece, in order to produce an electrical contact. For this purpose, the respective conductive mandrel may have a tip, which allows a formation of a breakthrough in the respective conductor track. The trace may be, for example, an electrical pad of an electrical lead, which may be a flat cable.

According to one embodiment, the respective electrical line piece is an LED strip. The LED strip is formed, for example in the form of an insulated flat cable with LEDs, which are contacted by electrical conductors of the respective electrical line piece. The respective conductive mandrels are driven when piercing the respective electrical line piece through the respective electrical conductor, whereby the conductor tracks are electrically contacted by means of the conductive mandrels.

According to one embodiment, the electrical mandrel connector further comprises a cover element, and the respective electrical line piece is pressed against the respective conductive mandrel upon merging of the lid member and the tub member. The lid member may also be provided with the flowable material of the aforementioned type to seal the respective electrical line piece, for example, frontally, laterally and from above. The cover element and the tub element may for example form a pocket-shaped housing which additionally insulates the connection point. The conductive mandrels can be driven, for example, upon merging of the lid member and the tub member by the electrical lead pieces, whereby electrical contacts can be made in a single operation.

According to one embodiment, the cover element can be connected to the tub element, in particular by means of a latching connection or a mold connection connectable. The latching connection can be realized for example by means of recesses and in this engaging latch hooks. However, the connection may also be a click connection or a tongue and groove connection.

According to one embodiment, the respective conductive mandrel or at least one conductive mandrel is arranged on the cover element and can be pressed against the respective line piece when the tub element and the cover element are brought together. On the lid member, a single conductive mandrel may be arranged to contact, for example, a single electrical lead. If a plurality of conductive mandrels are arranged on the cover element, then these are preferably connected to one another in a conductive manner in order to connect interconnects of electrical line sections to be connected. On the cover element, according to one embodiment, all the conductive mandrels can be arranged.

According to one embodiment, the respective conductive mandrel or at least one conductive mandrel is disposed on the well member, and the respective conduit member is press-fit against the respective conductive mandrel to drive the respective conductive mandrel through the respective electrical conductor. According to this embodiment, the well element may comprise a single conductive mandrel, which is provided for contacting a single line piece. However, the well element may comprise a plurality of conductive mandrels, which are preferably conductively connected together to electrically connect corresponding electrical traces of electrical leads.

According to one embodiment, all the conductive mandrels are arranged on the tub element.

According to one embodiment, all the conductive mandrels are arranged on the cover element.

According to a further aspect, the invention relates to a method for electrically contacting a first electrical conductor track insulated by an insulation layer of a first electrical conductor section, with insertion of the first electrical line section into a tank element, wherein the tank element is provided with a flowable material, and wherein the flowable material displaced upon insertion of the first electrical lead into the well member to at least partially encase a cut edge of the first electrical lead with the flowable moisture proof material, and driving a first conductive mandrel the first electrical trace to establish an electrical contact.

According to one embodiment, in the method, the tub element is provided with the flowable substance prefabricated or the tub member is introduced with the flowable material prior to the step of inserting the first electrical lead piece in the tub member, in particular injected.

Further method steps result directly from the functionality of the mandrel connector according to the invention.

Further embodiments will be explained with reference to the accompanying drawings. Show it:

1 a cross-sectional view of a mandrel connector according to an embodiment;

2 a cross-sectional view of a mandrel connector according to an embodiment;

3 a cross-sectional view of a mandrel connector according to an embodiment;

4 a cross-sectional view of a mandrel connector according to an embodiment;

5 a side view of the mandrel connector 4 ; and

6 a schematic side view of the mandrel connector 4 ,

1 shows a side cross-section of a mandrel connector according to one embodiment. The mandrel connector includes a tub member 101 and a flowable fabric 103 , which in the tub element 101 is arranged. The mandrel connector further includes a first conductive mandrel 105 which has a tip for breaking an in 1 Not shown line piece include. The in 1 shown mandrel connector may comprise a single conductive mandrel. According to one embodiment, the in 1 illustrated mandrel connector a second conductive mandrel 107 which also includes a tip and thereby may produce a breakdown in an electrical lead.

2 shows a front cross-sectional view of the mandrel connector 1 , The tub element 101 For example, a U-shaped cross-section with side walls 106 . 107 exhibit to the flowable substance 103 take. The spike connector may, for example, be open on the front side in order to be able to insert an electrical line piece, for example a flat electrical cable. The flowable material 103 may be the first conductive spike 105 at least partially cover. The flowable material 103 can over the side walls 106 . 107 stick out or not.

3 shows a front cross-sectional view of a mandrel connector, which may have four conductive pins. Behind the first conductive spike 105 is the second conductive mandrel 107 arranged. Next to it is a third conductive spike 301 arranged, which is provided for contacting a third electrical line piece or as a conductor. Behind the third conductive mandrel 301 a fourth conductive mandrel is arranged, which is provided for contacting a fourth electrical line piece or its conductor track. In this way, four electrical line sections or four parallel electrical conductor tracks of two electrical line sections can be contacted in pairs.

The in the 1 to 3 illustrated embodiments of the electrical connector are characterized in that the conductive mandrels on the tub member 101 are arranged.

4 shows a side cross-sectional view of a mandrel connector, in which the conductive mandrels 105 and 107 on a cover element 401 are arranged. For holding the flowable substance 103 is a tub element 403 provided, for example, as in the 2 and 3 shown, may have U-shaped cross-section.

The cover element 401 and the tub element 403 may be interconnected by means of one or more latching connections according to an embodiment. For this purpose, the cover element 401 and the tub element 403 Include locking recesses or latching hooks. In addition, a clickable tongue and groove connection can be provided. For example, along a wall 166 . 107 of the tub element 403 a spring or a groove may be formed, in which engages, for example, a groove or a spring, which on the cover element 401 can be arranged laterally. According to one embodiment, spring and / or groove elements can be arranged in each case on both sides.

According to one embodiment, the cover element 401 have deep-drawn side walls which, for example, on the side walls of the cover element 403 can be placed, whereby a pocket-shaped housing can be realized. The cover element 401 Optionally, it may also be provided with flowable fabric, which may contain silicone, to provide further moisture protection.

5 shows a side view of the mandrel connector 4 in working condition. The ceiling element 401 and the tub element 401 are merged and connected to each other, for example by means of one or more snap-in connections. The mandrel connector electrically connects a first electrical lead 501 and a second electrical lead 503 , For this purpose break through the conductive mandrels 105 . 107 electrical conductor tracks of the electrical line sections 501 . 503 , The electrical line pieces 501 . 503 are at least cut edge side in the flowable material 103 embedded. This embedding can when inserting or inserting the electrical line pieces 501 . 503 in the tub element 403 be effected. By a contact pressure thereby displace the electrical line pieces 501 . 503 or their cut edges the flowable material 103 , This bulges around the edges, as it is in 6 is shown as an example.

6 shows a schematically simplified side view of the connector. By inserting or inserting the electrical line pieces 501 503 in the tub element 403 Press the electrical line pieces 501 503 or their cut edges on the front side of the flowable material 103 together. As a result, bulges or grafts form 601 . 603 of the flowable material 103 which enclose the cut edges and protect them from moisture.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

101

when element

103

flowable substance

105

first conductive mandrel

107

second conductive mandrel

301

third conductive thorn

401

cover element

403

when element

501

first electrical line piece

503

second electrical line piece

601

plug

603

plug

Claims (15)

An electrical spike connector for electrically contacting a first electrical trace of a first electrical trace piece insulated by an insulation layer, comprising: a well element (10); 101 . 403 ) for receiving the first electrical lead; a flowable material ( 103 ), which in the tub element ( 101 . 403 ) is arranged and provided to at least partially enclose an end of the electrical line piece for protection against moisture; and a first conductive mandrel ( 105 ) which is drivable by the first electrical conductor for making an electrical contact. An electrical mandrel connector according to claim 1, wherein the flowable substance ( 103 ) is formed during insertion, in particular during insertion, of the electrical line piece in the tub element ( 101 . 403 ) flow-like at least partially enclose the end of the electrical line piece. An electric mandrel connector according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the flowable substance ( 103 ) Contains silicone. Electric mandrel connector according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the tub element ( 101 . 403 ) is open on one or both sides. An electric mandrel connector according to any one of the preceding claims, which is adapted to electrically contact a second electrical trace of a second electrical lead piece insulated by means of an insulating layer; second line piece in the tub element ( 101 . 403 ) is insertable, and wherein a second conductive mandrel ( 107 ) is provided for contacting the second electrical conductor. An electrical mandrel connector according to claim 5, wherein the first conductive mandrel ( 105 ) and the second conductive mandrel ( 107 ) are electrically conductively connected. An electrical mandrel connector according to claim 5 or 6, wherein said first electrical lead comprises an insulated third electrical trace, said second electrical lead having an insulated fourth electrical trace, and wherein a third conductive mandrel (US Pat. 301 ) for electrically contacting the insulated third electrical trace and a fourth conductive mandrel for electrically contacting the isolated fourth electrical trace, the third and fourth conductive mandrels being conductively connected. An electrical mandrel connector according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the respective conductive mandrel ( 105 . 107 . 301 ) is formed to break the respective electrical line piece, in particular a respective conductor track of the respective line piece, in order to produce an electrical contact. An electrical mandrel connector according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the respective electrical lead is an LED strip. An electrical mandrel connector according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a cover member (10). 401 ), and wherein the respective electrical line piece against the respective conductive mandrel ( 105 . 107 . 301 ) when merging the cover element ( 401 ) and the tub element ( 101 . 403 ) can be pressed. Electric mandrel connector according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cover element ( 401 ) with the tub element ( 101 . 403 ) connectable, in particular by means of a latching connection or a mold connection is connectable. An electrical mandrel connector according to any of the preceding claims 10 or 11, wherein the respective conductive mandrel ( 105 . 107 . 301 ) or at least one conductive mandrel ( 105 . 107 . 301 ) on the cover element ( 401 ) and against the respective line piece in merging the tub element ( 101 . 403 ) and the cover element ( 401 ) can be pressed. An electrical mandrel connector according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the respective conductive mandrel ( 105 . 107 . 301 ) or at least one conductive mandrel ( 105 . 107 . 301 ) on the tub element ( 101 . 403 ), and wherein the respective line piece against the respective conductive mandrel ( 105 . 107 . 301 ) is pressable to the respective conductive mandrel ( 105 . 107 . 301 ) to drive through the respective electrical trace. A method of electrically contacting a first electrical trace isolated by an insulating layer of a first electrical lead, comprising: inserting the first electrical lead into a well member, wherein the well member is provided with a flowable substance, and wherein the flowable substance upon insertion of the first electrical lead in the tub member is displaced to at least partially encase a cut edge of the first electrical lead with the flowable moisture protection member; and driving a first conductive mandrel the first electrical trace to establish an electrical contact. The method of claim 14, wherein the tub member is provided prefabricated with the flowable material, or wherein the tub member is introduced with the flowable material before the step of inserting the first electrical lead piece in the tub member, in particular injected.

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