EP2380246B1 - Contacting plug and contacting connection - Google Patents

Description

State of the art

The invention relates to a Kontaktierungsstecker for contacting a contact carrier, in particular a printed circuit board, according to the preamble of claim 1 and a Kontaktierungsstecker comprehensive Kontaktierungsverbindung according to claim 17.

A known Kontaktierungsverbindung comprising a Kontaktierungsstecker, and a Kontaktierungssteckeraufnahme is in the DE 10 2005 063 239 A1 described. The known Kontaktierungsverbindung is characterized by the fact that the applied contact elements on a printed circuit board contact forces are independent of clamping forces with which the contact elements carrying, designed as a contact holder clamping jaws abut the circuit board. The known Kontaktierungsverbindung has been proven. However, it appears to be in need of improvement in that the clamping force with which the relatively pivotable contact holders are pressed against the printed circuit board depends on the quality and dimensional stability of Kontaktierungssteckaufnahme supported on the V-shaped spring elements for generating the clamping force. Any type of change in shape or relaxation of Kontaktierungssteckaufnahme under the influence of force or temperature influence can reduce the required clamping force. Another disadvantage is that the clamping force generated by the cross-sectionally V-shaped spring means not lie with the contact points of the contacting elements for contacting the PCB country in the same plane of action.

Disclosure of the invention

The invention has for its object to further develop the known Kontaktierungsstecker to the effect that force or temperature-influenced changes in shape the Kontaktierungssteckeraufnahme do not affect the clamping force with which the Kontaktierungsstecker on the contact carrier, in particular a printed circuit board, is supported. Furthermore, the object is to propose a contacting connection with a correspondingly optimized contacting plug.

This object is achieved with respect to the Kontaktierungssteckers with the features of claim 1 and with respect to the Kontaktierungsverbindung with the features of claim 17. Advantageous developments of the invention are specified in the subclaims. All combinations of at least two features disclosed in the description, the claims and / or the figures fall within the scope of the invention.

The invention is based on the idea that the Kontaktierungsstecker in terms of the size of the clamping force with which the, preferably designed as a contact holder, clamping claws on the contact carrier, in particular a printed circuit board, rest independently form. In other words, the clamping force of the contacting plug acting on the clamping claws is, at least approximately, preferably completely independent of a contacting plug receptacle. This is achieved in a trained according to the concept of the invention Kontaktierungsstecker characterized in that the spring means in the final state of a fitted with the Kontaktierungsstecker Kontaktierungsverbindung, that is not supported in the Kontaktierungssteckeraufnahme Kontaktierungsstecker to generate the clamping force as in the prior art on the Kontaktierungssteckeraufnahme , but only on the Kontaktierungsstecker.

The spring means thus act exclusively on the contacting plug, such that the clamping claws, of which at least one contact holder carrying at least one resilient contact element, are endeavored to move toward one another. In other words, the spring means acting to generate the clamping force acting exclusively on the contacting plug, preferably exclusively on the clamping claws, counteract an opening movement of the clamping claws forced during the insertion process. Since the clamping force in a contact plug formed according to the concept of the invention no longer depends on a change in shape or relaxation the Kontaktierungssteckeraufnahme, falling below a minimum required clamping force is avoided with advantage. In addition, the structure of a Kontaktierungssteckers invention can be significantly simplified due to the special design and arrangement of the spring means. Another significant advantage is that the clamping force can be generated without the provision of a Kontaktierungssteckeraufnahme, so that can be dispensed with from case to case on the provision of such a recording. Basically, it should be noted that the here proposed Kontaktierungsstecker, as in the DE 10 2005 063 239 A1 described, can be formed, with the essential difference that the spring means for generating the clamping force is not supported on the Kontaktierungssteckeraufnahme, but exclusively on Kontaktierungsstecker.

In a further development of the invention is advantageously provided that the spring means are designed and arranged such that the clamping force generated by the spring means and the contact force generated by the at least one resilient contact element lie in a plane of action. In other words, the force arrows of the aforementioned forces are in a plane in a force arrow model. This can be achieved, for example, in that the spring means are arranged directly outside the contact points at which the contact elements rest on the contact carrier, in particular on land or conductor tracks of a printed circuit board.

Particularly preferred is an embodiment of the contacting plug, wherein the contact holder has at least one contact surface defining the position of the contact element to the contact carrier. In other words, the clamping claws are preferably each provided with a contact surface which, when the clamping claws rest on the contact carrier in the final assembly position, ensure a defined relative position of the contact elements to the printed circuit board or a defined relative position of the receiving trenches for the contact elements to the printed circuit board and thus cause a defined bias of, preferably metallic, resilient contact elements, for example in the manner as shown in the DE 10 2005 063 239 A1 shown and described.

In a further development of the invention is advantageously provided that the Kontaktierungsstecker to cooperate with at least one, the spring means at Inserting the Kontaktierungssteckers exciting, Gegeneinsteckelement is formed. In this case, the Gegeneinsteckelement is preferably part of a Kontaktierungssteckeraufnahme mentioned and inserted during insertion of Kontaktierungssteckers in a corresponding receptacle (receiving channel) of the same and causes the insertion process widening of the clamping jaws, ie a relative pivoting thereof to each other, which in turn leads to a tension of the spring means.

In a further development of the invention is provided with advantage that the spring means are circumferentially closed, i. form a, in particular rectangular contoured, ring which surrounds the clamping claws, preferably in transverse directions to the longitudinal extent thereof. In other words, the spring means surround the clamping jaws in full, and act upon them with a spring force towards each other.

There are different possibilities with regard to the concrete training of the spring means. Particularly preferred is an embodiment in which the spring means of at least two, preferably only two, most preferably identical, spring elements are formed, which are operatively connected to each other. For the effective connection of the spring elements, it is advantageous to connect the spring elements with one another in a form-fitting manner. Alternative embodiments can also be implemented in which the springs are connected to one another with the aid of, in particular mechanical, fastening elements, or material-locking, for example by welding. It is also possible that the spring means are formed by only a single spring element, which is fixed with its free ends to each other and thus forms a ring.

Particularly preferred is an embodiment of the Kontaktierungssteckers, wherein the at least one spring element, preferably in which the at least two, in particular the only two spring elements respectively, is designed as a wire spring elements / are. It is particularly preferred if the wire spring elements are connected by positive engagement with each other, whereby a non-positive and / or material-locking connection, for example by soldering, welding or gluing can be realized.

It is particularly expedient if the, preferably a wire spring element comprehensive, spring means in one, preferably designed as a circumferential groove on at least one of the clamping jaws, preferably on both clamping claws, are guided. It is particularly preferred if the groove in a contact points with which the contact elements rest on the contact carrier, receiving plane are arranged.

According to an alternative embodiment, it is also conceivable that the spring means comprise an example formed as an O-ring ring made of an elastic material, for example of a sealing material, most preferably surrounds the clamping claws ring.

Additionally or preferably, as an alternative to a peripheral embodiment of the spring means, an embodiment can be realized in which the spring means comprise at least one spring loading the tensioning jaws on tension, which preferably acts on the mutually facing sides of the clamping jaws. This is preferably a helical spring or a helical spring. In order to enable a symmetrical application of force to the clamping claws, an embodiment is preferred in which two springs arranged on different sides of the clamping jaws and which stress the clamping claws on tension, preferably helical springs, are provided.

In order to realize a particularly compact contacting plug, it is proposed in a further preferred embodiment of the invention that the spring means is designed as a spring, each with a first aligned in the clamping direction and a first portion adjacent to the first hook-shaped second portion, wherein the second Section on the side facing away from the first portion each having an end portion which is arranged at an angle to the clamping direction, wherein the second portions are arranged at least substantially in a common plane, and wherein the clamping of the spring elements, the second portions get into punctiform bearing contact and the Springs are elastically deformed transversely to the clamping direction over the end region and then lock positively. In other words, this means that the positively cooperating hook portions move against each other Dodge laterally without that perpendicular to the joining direction space for the springs is needed.

It is particularly preferred in this case if the angle between 30 ° and 60 °, in particular 45 °. With the specified angle range, the assembly forces are limited to a meaningful measure when pressing against each other the hook areas, at the same time a simple lateral deflection of the hook is guaranteed.

In an alternative embodiment, it is provided for forming a particularly compact contacting plug, that the spring means are formed as a spring having two cooperating hook portions and that the plane of the two hook portions are inclined relative to a direction parallel to the joining direction joining plane by an angle , wherein the angle is preferably less than 45 degrees. Such a geometric arrangement of the hook areas allows for the same size opening areas of the hooks compared to a rectangular arrangement to the joining plane reduced space requirements.

In an alternative embodiment, in order to obtain a compactly constructed spring or alternatively to reduce the required tensioning forces of the springs during assembly, it is provided that the spring means comprise at least one spring and that the at least one spring has at least one partially plasticized region.

The partial plasticization is preferably carried out by a mechanical preloading of the spring before its month beyond the deformation required actually during the month.

In an alternative embodiment, it is also possible that instead of a Teilplastfizierung a heat treatment takes place.

The invention also leads to a contacting connection comprising at least one contacting plug described above, to which a contacting plug receptacle, which can preferably be fixed on a contact carrier, is assigned. The Kontaktierungssteckeraufnahme has in accordance with the concept of Invention formed Kontaktierungsverbindung essentially only the task of protecting the Kontaktierungsstecker and prevent unintentional removal against the plug. At the generation of the clamping forces acting on the clamping forces the Kontaktierungssteckeraufnahme is not involved due to the self-sufficient training of Kontaktierungssteckers. The contacting connection is preferably an electrical direct connector for PCB contacting of control devices and / or components, in particular for door control units and / or engine control units in motor vehicles.

Further advantages, features and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments and from the drawings.

Fig. 1

eine perspektivische Darstellung einer möglichen Ausführungsform eines Kontaktierungssteckers,

Fig. 2

eine geschnittene Ansicht des Kontaktierungssteckers gemäß Fig. 1,

Fig. 3 bis Fig. 5

unterschiedliche, stark schematisiert dargestellte, Ausführungsbeispiele eines Kontaktierungssteckers mit jeweils zwei als Schraubenfedern ausgebildeten Federelementen (Zugfedern) zum Erzeugen einer Klemmkraft,

Fig. 6 bis Fig. 10

unterschiedliche Stadien beim Kontaktieren eines als Leiterplatte ausgebildeten Kontaktträgers mit einem in einer Kontaktierungssteckeraufnahme aufnehmbaren Kontaktierungsstecker,

Fig. 11 bis Fig. 13

Vorderansichten auf eine modifizierte Feder, welche besonders kompakt baut, während des Fügeprozesses,

Fig. 14

eine Draufsicht auf zwei miteinander zusammenwirkende, hakenförmige Bereiche einer Feder, welche ebenfalls besonders kompakt baut,

Fig. 15 und Fig. 16

eine Vorderansicht auf einen Kontaktierungsstecker mit einer den Kontaktierungsstecker umfassenden Feder während des Montageprozesses und

Fig. 17

ein Schaubild zur Verdeutlichung des Effektes einer Teilplastifizierung einer Feder.

These show in:

Fig. 1

a perspective view of a possible embodiment of a Kontaktierungssteckers,

Fig. 2

a sectional view of the Kontaktierungssteckers according to Fig. 1 .

FIG. 3 to FIG. 5

different, highly schematically illustrated, embodiments of a Kontaktierungssteckers each with two formed as coil springs spring elements (tension springs) for generating a clamping force,

FIG. 6 to FIG. 10

different stages when contacting a printed circuit board designed as a contact carrier with a recordable in a Kontaktierungssteckeraufnahme Kontaktierungsstecker,

Fig. 11 to Fig. 13

Front views of a modified spring, which is particularly compact, during the joining process,

Fig. 14

a plan view of two cooperating, hook-shaped areas of a spring, which also very compact builds,

FIGS. 15 and 16

a front view of a Kontaktierungsstecker with a Kontaktierungsstecker comprehensive spring during the assembly process and

Fig. 17

a diagram illustrating the effect of a partial plasticization of a spring.

In the figures, like elements and elements having the same function are denoted by the same reference numerals.

The Fig. 1 and 2 show in incomplete representations of a possible embodiment of a Kontaktierungssteckers 1 for electrically contacting a, preferably designed as a printed circuit board, not shown contact carrier, in particular Lands or printed conductors of the printed circuit board. By means of the Kontaktierungssteckers 1, an electrically conductive connection between a harness, not shown, and the contact carrier can be made. The Kontaktierungsstecker 1 comprises two identically formed and mirror-image arranged clamping jaws 2, 3, which are each formed as a contact holder 4, 5, wherein each contact holder 4, 5 carries in the embodiment shown a plurality of juxtaposed contact elements 6, for direct contacting of a contact carrier , more precisely to serve a conductor or a country of a contact carrier. On the provision of male connectors is here deliberately omitted. The contact elements 6 are designed as metallic spring elements, which rest with a substantially perpendicular to the surface extension of the contact carrier oriented contact force thereon. The contact force with which the contact elements 6 bear against the contact carrier, is independent of a clamping force with which the clamping claws 2, 3 are supported in the normal direction of the contact carrier.

To generate the clamping force spring means 7 are provided which, as is apparent from Fig. 2 results, are formed by two formed as wire spring elements spring elements 8, 9. These are positively connected with each other and formed as a common part to minimize manufacturing costs and simplify installation. As it turned out Fig. 2 In other words, the spring elements 8, 9, an annular spring element, the spring claws 2, 3, toward each other to spring force acted upon. Instead of producing a positive connection between the spring elements 8, 9, these can additionally or alternatively be fixed to each other by soldering, welding, gluing or by other, in particular mechanical fastening means.

As it turned out Fig. 1 shows, the clamping claws 2, 3 are formed as separate components, which are pivotally connected to each other via two pivot joints 10 (here in the form of hinges), wherein also an embodiment analogous to DE 10 2005 063 239 A1 can be realized with integrally formed clamping claws 2, 3, which are preferably pivotable about a film hinge.

As can be seen from a synopsis of Fig. 1 and 2 results, the spring means 7, in transversely to the longitudinal extent of the Kontaktierungssteckers 1 extending grooves 11, 12 are received, which guide the spring means 7. The spring elements 8, 9 engage in sections in these grooves 11, 12, wherein the grooves 11, 12 are arranged such that they are in a plane with the contact points, not shown, at which the contact elements 6 from both sides to the not shown Contact carrier abut. Thus, the contact forces as well as acting on the clamping jaws 2, 3 clamping force in a common plane of action.

How to get out Fig. 2 shows, the spring elements 8, 9 on the upper side and on the underside of the Kontaktierungssteckers 1 corrugated or serrated formed and lie at defined, transversely to the longitudinal extent of the Kontaktierungssteckers 1 and transversely to the insertion direction E spaced from each other, points in the grooves 11, 12 on the clamping jaws 2, 3. In the embodiment shown, the grooves 11, 12 are contoured substantially cylindrical, wherein also a cross-sectionally rectangular, prismatic, trapezoidal or triangular cross-sectional contouring of the grooves 11, 12 can be realized.

Instead of the spring means formed by spring elements and spring means can be used, which are formed of a preferably elastomeric elastomeric material.

As it turned out Fig. 2 shows, on each longitudinal side of the Kontaktierungssteckers 1 one of the clamping jaws 2, 3 limited, extending in the insertion direction E receiving channel 13, 14 is provided. The receiving channels 13, 14 serve for receiving a respective Gegeneinsteckelementes, which preferably at the in the Fig. 1 and 2 Not shown Kontaktierungssteckeraufnahme is arranged. The Gegeneinsteckelemente provide via corresponding chamfers for the fact that the clamping jaws 2, 3 are pivoted when inserted into the Kontaktierungssteckeraufnahme relative to each other about the pivot joints 10, wherein in this pivoting the spring means 7 stretched and the clamping jaws 2, 3 towards each other to spring force acted upon.

In the Fig. 3 to 5 are highly schematic different design options of the clamping jaws 2, 3 shown with associated spring means 7. In the embodiment according to Fig. 3 the spring means 7 are formed by two spaced-apart, laterally arranged coil springs 15, 16 which force the clamping claws 2, 3 at a distance from the pivot joints, not shown.

In the embodiment according to Fig. 4 are the clamping jaws 2, 3 on the sides facing each other transversely to the longitudinal extent concave and in the embodiment according to Fig. 5 convex arched. Instead of the coil springs 15, 16 and spiral springs or rod springs, etc. can be used in each case. It is essential that the clamping claws 2, 3 by means of the spring means 7 in the direction towards each other to spring force acted upon when the clamping claws 2, 3 are pivoted relative to each other during the insertion process.

In the Fig. 6 is shown in a sectional view of a bonding connection 17 at the beginning of a Einsteckvorgangs. This includes a substantially analogous to the Fig. 1 and 2 formed Kontaktierungsstecker 1 and a fixedly connected to a printed circuit board formed as a contact carrier 18 Kontaktierungssteckeraufnahme 19. This includes two spaced transversely to its longitudinal extent Gegeneinsteckelemente 20, 21, which are adapted to be received in the in Fig. 2 shown receiving channels 13, 14 are formed and arranged. In the Fig. 6 to 10 only one front receiving channel 13 is shown. It can be seen that the Gegeneinsteckelemente 20, 21 are equipped with a run-on slope 22, 23, which cooperates with corresponding mating surfaces of the receiving channels 13, 14 during insertion, such that the contact holder 4, 5 formed clamping jaws 2, 3 to the common pivot joints 10 relative to each other, here apart, be pivoted.

It can be seen that the contact carrier 18 is provided with a plurality of conductor tracks 24, wherein the contact holders 4, 5 the conductor tracks 24 associated, formed of metal, resilient contact elements 6 wear, which are electrically conductively connected to corresponding leads 25 of a wiring harness 26.

In Fig. 6 the spring means 7 can be seen, which are arranged in sections in grooves 11, 12 on the backs of the clamping jaws 2, 3, and act on the clamping jaws 2, 3 with a spring force directed towards each other, in particular during insertion in a plug-in direction E.

In Fig. 7 an already introduced position of Kontaktierungssteckers 1 is shown in the Kontaktierungssteckeraufnahme 19. It can be seen that the clamping claws 2, 3 were pivoted about the pivot joints 10 in the manner of an opening jaw due to the spreading of the Gegeneinsteckelemente 20, 21. This pivotal movement counteracts the clamping force generated by the spring means 7. The spring means 7 are based in the mounted state not on the Kontaktierungssteckeraufnahme 19 (housing of a control unit) from.

In the presentation according to Fig. 8 the insertion process is even more advanced. It can be seen that the clamping claws 2, 3 again move towards each other, which is due to the fact that corresponding sliding surfaces of the receiving channels 13, 14 meanwhile run along drain slopes 27 of the Gegeneinsteckelemente 20, 21. In other words, a bottleneck formed by the sliding surfaces is just overcome during insertion.

In the presentation according to Fig. 9 the final assembly position of the Kontaktierungssteckers 1 within the Kontaktierungssteckeraufnahme 19 is substantially achieved. Only one end locking 28 to be explained later is not yet closed. It can be seen that the clamping claws 2, 3 are supported with contact surfaces 29, 30 on the flat sides, ie on both sides of the contact carrier 18, wherein the contact surfaces 29, 30 guarantee a defined voltage of the contact elements 6, so that the clamping force generated by the spring means 7 the contact force with which the contact elements 6 rest on the contact carrier 18 does not influence.

In the presentation according to Fig. 10 a previously mentioned end lock 28 was closed by pivoting. As a result, the contacting plug 1 is secured against unintentional pulling out against the insertion direction E at the contacting plug receptacle 19.

In the Fig. 11 to 13 are detailed views of two cooperating spring elements 8 and 9 shown. Here, each of the spring elements 8, 9 arranged in the joining direction of the arrows 31 and 32, rectilinear first portion 33 and 34, to each of which a hook-shaped second portion 35, 36 connects. The second sections 35 and 36 have on the side facing away from the first portion 34 and 35 each have a rectilinear end portion 37, 38. Here, the end portions 37, 38 are arranged at an angle α to the joining direction according to the arrows 31, 32, wherein the angle α between 30 ° and 60 °, in particular 45 °.

It is essential that the first sections 33, 34 and second sections 35, 36 formed so far substantially in a common, parallel to the plane of the Fig. 11 to 13 arranged level are arranged. When the spring elements 8 and 9 move against each other according to the direction of the Arrows 31 and 32, the second portions 35 and 36 in alignment with each other to extend the first portions 33 and 34 in a common point of contact 39, whereupon in the further anther moving the spring elements 8 and 9, the second portions 35 and 36 transversely, ie perpendicular to the arrows 31 and 32 are moved away from each other, wherein this movement takes place within the elastic range of the spring elements 8 and 9.

In the Fig. 12 the state is shown in which the second portions 35 and 36 have experienced their maximum Querauslenkung and lock the next moment in a further movement in the direction of arrows 31 and 32 with each other form-fitting, ie resiliently spring back transversely to its original position, as shown in the Fig. 13 is shown.

In the Fig. 14 is shown in plan view, a connecting portion 41 of two spring elements 8 and 9. Here are the similar to the Fig. 11 to 13 formed hook-shaped areas 42 and 43 can be seen, which are arranged offset by 90 ° to each other. It is essential to the invention here that by tilting, for example, the hook-shaped region 42 in the direction of a joining plane 44, a space-saving arrangement of the hook-shaped regions 42 and 43 is made possible. The space saving is greater, the lower the angle β. Thus, the angle β according to the embodiment is according to FIGS. 11 to 13 Zero degrees. In contrast, the angle β in the in the FIG. 14 illustrated embodiment in the areas 42 and 43 each 45 °, preferably β angle are selected which are less than 45 °.

In the FIGS. 15 and 16 the front view is shown on two clamping claws 2 and 3, which are comprised of two spring elements 8 and 9. Here one recognizes on the basis of Fig. 15 , Which represents the state of the clamping jaws 2 and 3, in which they are not yet in contact with the contact carrier 18, that the spring elements 8 and 9 are acted upon by a biasing force, the two clamping jaws 2 and 3 press against each other. When driving over the chamfers 22 and 33, the clamping jaws 2 and 3 are corresponding to the Fig. 16 moved away from each other, wherein the spring elements 8 and 9 are elongated, ie deform elastically. To achieve particularly compact design spring elements 8 and 9, or alternatively to reduce the required opening forces when pushing apart the clamping jaws 2 and 3 is according to the invention proposed to plasticize the spring elements 8 and 9 at least in some areas. This is now on the Fig. 17 referenced, which represents a force-displacement diagram of a spring element 8 and 9, respectively. It is assumed here that when driving over the run-on slopes 22 and 23 these are deflected by a spring travel s of 2 mm. Looking at the curve A of a fully elastic spring element 8 and 9, it can be seen that to achieve a spring travel s of only exemplified in Ausführungsbeisiel 2mm a force of also exemplarily just under 80 Newtons is required. According to the invention, it is now proposed to deflect the spring element 8 or 9 before its assembly by a spring deflection s of 3 mm. This has the consequence that, starting from the end point of the curve A, the spring element 8 or 9 springs back in a subsequent relaxation according to the curve B. It is essential that this does not spring back to its original length of 0mm, but has a distance s of 0.5mm. In other words, this means that the spring element 8 or 9 has a partial region which has plastically deformed, resulting in the remaining spring travel s of 0.5 mm. Now, if the spring elements 8 and 9 deflected new up to a travel of 2mm, so here according to the invention only a force of about 55 Newtons is required.

If the forces resulting from the plasticized area are too small, the introduced residual stresses can be partially eliminated by a subsequent heat treatment in the form of a "tempering" or "tempering". Here, the spring elements 8 and 9 are stored for a certain time and a white temperature in an oven. Alternatively, it is also possible not to mechanically pretension or plasticize the spring elements 8 and 9, respectively, but to treat them by a tempering process at relatively low temperatures and a relatively short removal time. Depending on the height of the temperature and duration of the heat treatment, the curve of the curves A and B can be influenced.

Claims (17)

1. Contact-making plug for making contact with a contact support (18), in particular a printed circuit board, having two clamping claws (2, 3) which can be pivoted relative to one another transversely to a plug-in direction and of which at least one is in the form of a contact holder (4, 5) which carries at least one sprung contact element (6) and which is designed to bear on the contact support (18) with a contact force (FK) and having spring means (7) for generating a clamping force which is independent of the contact force,
   characterized
   in that the spring means (7), in order to generate the clamping force, are designed such that they are supported solely on the contact-making plug (1).
2. Contact-making plug according to Claim 1,
   characterized
   in that the spring means (7) are designed and arranged in such a way that the contact force and the clamping force lie in a common plane of action.
3. Contact-making plug according to either of Claims 1 and 2,
   characterized
   in that the contact holder (4, 5) has at least one abutment face (29, 30) which defines the position of the contact element (6) relative to the contact support (18).
4. Contact-making plug according to one of the preceding claims,
   characterized
   in that the contact-making plug (1) is designed to interact with a mating plug-in element (20, 21) which tensions the spring means (7) when the contact-making plug (1) is plugged in.
5. Contact-making plug according to one of the preceding claims,
   characterized
   in that the spring means (7) are designed so as to be closed at the periphery.
6. Contact-making plug according to one of the preceding claims,
   characterized
   in that the spring means (7) comprise at least two, preferably only two, preferably identical, spring elements (8, 9) which are operatively connected to one another.
7. Contact-making plug according to Claim 6,
   characterized
   in that the spring elements (8, 9) are connected to one another in an interlocking manner.
8. Contact-making plug according to one of the preceding claims,
   characterized
   in that the spring means (7) comprise at least one wire spring element.
9. Contact-making plug according to one of the preceding claims,
   characterized
   in that the spring means (7) are guided in a groove (11, 12), which is preferably in the form of a peripheral groove, on the clamping claws (2, 3).
10. Contact-making plug according to one of the preceding claims,
    characterized
    in that the spring means (7) comprise at least one spring, preferably a helical spring or a spiral spring, which tensions the clamping claws (2, 3) and/or an elastomeric seal, preferably a ring, in particular an O-ring, which is composed of an elastomeric material.
11. Contact-making plug according to Claim 10,
    characterized
    in that the spring means are in the form of springs (8, 9) each having a first section (33, 34) which is aligned in the tensioning direction (31, 32) and a hook-like second section (35, 36) which adjoins the first section (33, 34), with the second section (35, 36) having, on that side which is averted from the first section (33, 34), in each case an end region (37, 38) which is arranged at an angle (α) to the tensioning direction (31, 32), with the second sections (35, 36) being arranged at least substantially in a common plane, and with the two second sections (35, 36) coming into point-to-point abutment contact when the springs (8, 9) are tensioned, and the springs (8, 9) undergoing elastic deformation transversely to the tensioning direction (31, 32) to beyond the end region (37, 38) and then latching in an interlocking manner.
12. Contact-making plug according to Claim 11,
    characterized
    in that the angle (α) is between 30° and 60°, in particular 45°.
13. Contact-making plug according to Claim 10,
    characterized
    in that the spring means are in the form of springs (8, 9) which have two hook regions (42, 43) which interact with one another, and in that the planes of the two hook regions (42, 43) are arranged so as to be inclined through an angle (β) in relation to a joining plane (44) which runs parallel to the joining direction, with the angle (β) preferably being less than 45 degrees.
14. Contact-making plug according to Claim 10,
    characterized
    in that the spring means comprise at least one spring (8, 9), and in that the at least one spring (8, 9) has at least one partially plasticized region.
15. Contact-making plug according to Claim 14,
    characterized
    in that the partial plasticization is performed by mechanical preloading by means of deformation which occurs during assembly.
16. Contact-making plug according to Claim 10,
    characterized
    in that the spring means comprise at least one spring (8, 9), and in that the at least one spring (8, 9) has at least one region which is subjected to thermal treatment, in particular an annealing process.
17. Contact-making connection comprising a contact-making plug (1) according to one of the preceding claims which can be plugged into a contact-making plug receptacle (19) which is associated with a contact holder (4, 5), in particular a printed circuit board.

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