EP1764872B1 - Bus bar connection module - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a busbar connection module with a housing and a predetermined, arranged in the housing number of clamping devices for receiving and fixing electrical cables stripped cable ends according to the preamble of patent claim 1.

The DE 296 15 341 U1 describes an adapter for busbar systems, in which for contacting the busbars contact springs project on the housing bottom and are electrically connected via cable lugs with the corresponding lines. By placing the adapter on the busbar system, the contact springs get into electrical connection with the respective busbar.

In Fig. 1 a conventional busbar connection module is described, which is formed three-pole and consists of a housing by a number of poles tuned number of clamping devices is provided. Fig. 1 shows a plan view of the connection module, which consists of a housing 1, in which in the illustrated embodiment, three clamping devices 2, 3, 4 are provided. Between the clamping devices 2, 3, 4 are partitions 5, 6. The lines are in Fig. 1 with 7, 8, 9 indicated.

Fig. 2 shows a side view of a clamp, as used in conjunction with Fig. 1 2 to 4 is designated. In the Fig. 2 illustrated clamp 2 consists of a metal body 10 which is bent substantially U-shaped and has two mutually parallel wall portions 10a, between which a housing side fixed contact 11 is arranged and a relative to the metal body 10 adjustable mating contact 12, which by screw means 13 relative to the Contact 11 height adjustable is for the purpose of clamping the stripped end of one of the cables 7 to 9. The approximately L-shaped bent or mouth-like end of the metal body 10 is located at the lower end of the module and is laterally closed by Isolierwände, the lower with teeth 10c provided foot portion of the metal body engages under a bus bar, not shown in the figure, such that the mouth-like opening receives a busbar. The metal body 10 is made by the housing bottom formed insulating feet, which surround the body 10 on three sides, bordered.

Such a connection module includes cable connection terminals with terminal plates. The conductor connection terminals consist here of metallic holding bodies with wire protection bars and clamping screws. The connection module is placed on the busbars fastened, such that the cables or cables, which are usually performed by the housing down, do not interfere with each other. Depending on the cross-section of the cables, the terminals are placed on the busbars at a lateral distance. The terminals are commercially available for cable cross-sections from 16 to 300 mm. The busbar connection module has the connection plates of insulating material, such as plastic, which contain the conductor connection terminals. As described above, the terminals or clamping devices are already arranged in a corresponding distance insulating to each other, so that the lines are kept insulating on the adjacent phase rails.

Such a conventional connection module has the disadvantage that a relatively large space requirement is required by the juxtaposition and longitudinally staggered arrangement of the clamping devices 2, 3, 4, i. the connection module has a complex overall structure. The further disadvantage is that the cable ends must be clamped by screwing with the aid of a tool for actuating the screw 13 or in the case of an exchange, the screw means 13 are to be solved.

The invention has for its object to improve a busbar connection module of the type mentioned so that a small footprint is required and the assembly of the stripped cable ends in a simple and fast way is feasible.

This object is achieved by the features specified in claim 1.

The invention provides a busbar connection module which is configured without screws and in which, according to the invention, the clamping devices for receiving the stripped-off cable ends are provided in a plane one behind the other. Such a screwless connection module can be used for cables with a cross section of max. 16 mm ² .

According to one embodiment of the invention, such a connection module may have a width of about 1 cm and is designed multipolar. For the purpose of connecting the stripped cable ends, it is hereby ensured in a simple and secure manner that the stripped cable ends from the top through a through hole in the down Module are introduced and locked automatically by a present in the module clamping spring. The stripped cable ends are in electrical contact with the contact spring present in the module on the one hand and a tongue of a locking spring on the other hand. If the line ends must be removed from the module, this can also be done in a simple and fast manner by the end of a screwdriver or other tool is guided through a separate through hole to wegzuschwenken one end of the locking spring from the locked position relative to the line end ,

In a preferred embodiment of the connection module according to the invention, the walls defining the receiving chambers are formed or molded onto a side wall of the housing, while the other side wall can be fastened to the base housing by latching means. In this way, the contact springs and locking springs can be installed easily and quickly for the purpose of their installation in the housing. In the busbar connection module according to the invention, the line exit, i. the exit of the connecting cable can be made upwards or downwards.

The housing is further provided with a cover which can be opened either swiveling upward or downward. This ensures that the cover does not have to be removed during the wiring process. In the open position, the cover is necessarily held and does not hinder the installation of the connection cable.

Furthermore, a latching element is integrated in the housing, which ensures a secure fit of the busbar connection module on all common rail widths of a busbar system. An integrally molded combi base pointing downwards on the housing allows it to be placed on current busbars with a thickness of, for example, 5 or 10 mm.

The busbar connection module according to the invention can be provided for lines or cables with a maximum wire thickness of 16 mm ² .

In the following, preferred embodiments of the busbar connection module according to the invention will be described with reference to the drawing to explain further features.

• Fig. 1 eine Draufsicht auf ein bekanntes Stromschienenanschlussmodul,
• Fig. 2 die Darstellung einer bekannten Klemmeinrichtung zur Verwendung bei dem Stromschienenanschlussmodul nach Fig. 1,
• Fig. 3 eine perspektivische Seitenansicht des erfindungsgemäßen Anschlussmoduls,
• Fig. 4a eine Fig. 3 entsprechende Ansicht mit abgenommener Seitenwand zur detaillierten Erläuterung der Aufnahmekammern und der eingesetzten Kontaktfedern und Sperrfedern,
• Fig. 4b zeigt eine vergrößerte Teildarstellung aus Fig. 4a,
• Fig. 5 eine auseinandergezogene Ansicht des Anschlussmoduls zur Erläuterung der Einzelteile,
• Fig. 6a eine schematische Perspektivansicht eines Anschlussmoduls zur Erläuterung der Abdeckung, und
• Fig. 6b eine gegenüber Fig. 6a abgewandelte Darstellung zur Erläuterung der Funktionsweise der Abdeckung.

Show it:

• Fig. 1 a top view of a known busbar connection module,
• Fig. 2 the representation of a known clamping device for use in the busbar connection module according to Fig. 1 .
• Fig. 3 a perspective side view of the connection module according to the invention,
• Fig. 4a a Fig. 3 corresponding view with removed side wall for a detailed explanation of the receiving chambers and the contact springs and locking springs used,
• Fig. 4b shows an enlarged partial view Fig. 4a .
• Fig. 5 an exploded view of the connection module to explain the items,
• Fig. 6a a schematic perspective view of a connection module to explain the cover, and
• Fig. 6b one opposite Fig. 6a modified representation to explain the operation of the cover.

An exemplary embodiment of the busbar connection module according to the invention, referred to below as the connection module, is described below. Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of the connection module, which consists of a housing 21 and a cover 22. To the housing 21 are downwardly abstrebend foot sections 23a, 23b, 23c provided. The housing 21 and the foot portions 23a, 23b are made of a plastic material or of an insulating material. The foot sections 23a to 23c are used for placing on current bus bars, not shown, and include the electrical contacts of the connection module, as will be described below.

How out Fig. 3 and 4 shows, the connection module has two mutually parallel side walls 24, 25, wherein in Fig. 4a the side wall 24 is removed for the purpose of clarifying the structure of the connection module. In the illustrated embodiment, the side wall 24 may be secured by latching means against the side wall 25, as will be described.

The connection module includes according to Fig. 4a in each case a first receiving chamber 26a, 26b, 26c in the case of a three-pole configuration of the connection module for receiving in each case a contact spring, which in Fig. 4a and 5 with 27a, 27b, 27c are designated. Each first receiving chamber 26a, 26b, 26c is open at the bottom, so that each contact spring 27a, 27b, 27c can be contacted by the busbars running in the region of the foot sections 23a, 23b, 23c. Within the downwardly open first receiving chambers 26a to 26c is a bearing pin 28a, 28b, 28c, which is spaced from the adjacent wall 29, 30, 31, so that the respective contact spring 27a, 27b, 27c can be guided over this bearing pin, like this Fig. 4a and 5 is apparent.

The walls 29, 30, 31 defining the first receiving chambers 26a, 26b, 26c have a predetermined course, which will be described below with reference to the wall 29. The wall 29 ( Fig. 4a ) consists of a substantially vertical, optionally slightly curved portion extending 29a and a substantially horizontal and substantially preferably straight portion 29b, wherein the wall portions 29a, 29b, which may also be referred to as webs, as lateral support walls of the respective contact spring 27a serve. The substantially horizontally extending wall or web portion 29b serves to support the section 27a _{1 of} the contact spring 27a extending parallel thereto (see FIG Fig. 5 ). The bearing device 28a is surrounded by a bent spring portion 27a ₂ , which acts as a spring joint. Finally, each first receiving chamber 26a, 26b, 26c is bounded by a lateral web 32 which, in the illustrated embodiment, extends vertically and keeps an opening slit 33 clear of the wall portion 29b through which the extension of the contact spring portion 27a ₁ passes this out Fig. 4a can be seen before the section 27a _{1 is followed by} a substantially vertically downwardly extending contact spring portion 27a ₃ , the in Fig. 4a and 5 to the right of the side wall 32 and substantially parallel to this, optionally spaced from this down. The end of the contact spring portion 27a ₃ is in the illustrated embodiment preferably slightly inwardly, ie bent in the direction of the bent portion 27 a ₂ and sits in a bearing slot 35 which is formed in each foot portion 23 a, 23 b, 23 c side of the wall 32 to to allow safe Verrasterung of the section 27a relative to the housing. In this way, it is achieved that each contact spring with its leg 27a ₃ fixed relative to the housing, ie the receiving or holding slot 35 is arranged and the leg 27a ₃ can not move away from its position when pushed onto the respective power bus.

As the FIGS. 4 and 5 further show, the contact spring 27a has a further bent portion 27a ₅ , to which a bent-back spring tongue 27a ₆ connects, which abuts with its slightly bent-back end 27a ₇ on the underside of the contact spring portion 27a ₁ or can rest when the connection module on the Power busbar is attached or pushed. In non-operative operation, however, the spring end 27a _{7 can maintain} a small distance from the contact section 27a ₁ .

Between the bending regions 27a ₂ and 27a _{5 of} the contact spring 27a there is a substantially straight section, which is designated 27a ₈ . From the enlarged view Fig. 4b shows the detailed course of a preferred used contact spring 27a, wherein in the non-mounted on busbars state between the portion 27a ₁ and 27a ₇ preferably a gap of a few millimeters is present.

In addition to the first receiving chamber 26a, 26b, 26c, a second receiving chamber 37a, 37b, 37c is provided, as in FIG Fig. 5 shown. These second accommodating chambers 37a, 37b, 37c will be described with reference to the chamber 37a and with reference to FIG Fig. 4a . 4b and Fig. 5 explained in more detail. The second accommodating chamber 37a is placed on the in Fig. 4b bounded on the left side by the side wall 32 and by webs or walls 38, 39. In detail is on Fig. 4b directed. Between the webs or walls 38, 39 is a bearing device 40 in the form of a web or a rib, over which a clamping spring 42 is set. Each contact spring 27a, 27b, 27c, such a leaf or clamping spring 42, 43, 44 is provided. The slightly inclined wall 39 is in the illustrated embodiment in a substantially horizontally extending support wall 43, which from the wall 39 via protrudes a predetermined distance in the direction of the wall 32. The bearing device 40 holds in this case a predetermined distance from the wall 29, whereby the clamping spring 42 can be used on the bearing device 40 and partially in contact with the wall 29 in the second receiving chamber 37 a. The clamping spring 42 is designed accordingly and has according to Fig. 4b a bent portion 42a, which substantially comes to rest on the bearing means 40, further includes a substantially straight portion 42b extending therefrom, a portion 42c extending therefrom, which in turn includes a longitudinal slot 42d having a width approximately equal to the tongue 42e which receives the clamping spring end located within the slot 42d. The clamping spring portion 42c thus apparently takes on the contact spring portion 27a ₃ and at the same time the Klemmfederendabschnitt 42e, the Klemmfederendabschnitt 42e in the manner described in FIG Fig. 4b in the counterclockwise direction about the bearing device 40 is pivotable when a line end is inserted.

As it turned out Fig. 4b results in the clamping spring portion 42c approximately in the horizontal direction and approximately perpendicular to the contact spring portion 27a ₃ , which is caused by the support wall 43, since the clamping spring portion 42c rests on the support wall 43 and is thereby held in this horizontal position. It can also be seen that the spring section 42b is in contact with the wall 39. Between the Klemmfederendabschnitt 42e and the bent portion 42a, there are two further, mutually slightly inclined portions 42f and 42g, which for clarity only in Fig. 5 are shown. In order to limit the position of the clamping springs, in particular the position of the clamping spring portion 42g, a projection 38a is formed on the housing side of the boundary wall 38, which limits the movement of the clamping spring portion 42g.

How out Fig. 4b it can be seen, each clamping spring 42, 43, 44 acts with the in Fig. 4b 42e designated tongue portion in the direction of the contact spring portion 27a _third Since the clamping spring portion 42e clockwise around the bearing 40 can be pivoted, thus, the tongue portion 42e can be moved away from the contact spring portion 27a ₃ in the case where a pipe is inserted into the top through an opening to be described. The stripped line section thus comes to lie between the contact spring section 27a and the clamping spring section 42e and is fixed by the clamping spring section 42e such that it is locked or clamped against being pulled out in the direction of the upper side of the housing.

As is clear from the above description, each contact spring 27a, 27b, 27c defines a double-springed contact, on the one hand in the region of the spring joint on the bearing means 28a, 28b, 28c and on the other hand by the bent portion 27a ₅ , which then acts as a spring Tongue section 27a ₇ comes to the section 27a ₁ in Appendix.

How out Fig. 4a can be seen, there is above each second receiving chamber 37a, 37b, 37c, a through hole 45 through which a line end is passed with its stripped end to after striking the clamping spring 42 in the region of the sections 42e and 42f this spring leg as explained in the counterclockwise direction wegzuschwenken, whereby the insertion of the stripped conductor end is made possible to a desired depth and parallel to the contact spring portion 27 a. In addition to the through-hole 45, there is formed a through-hole 46 independent therefrom, which allows access by means of a screwdriver or similar tool to the clamping spring portion 42g with the aim of pivoting the clamping spring portion 42f clockwise to disengage a lead end from the contact spring portion 27a ₃ and to release the Klemmfederendabschnitt 42e.

The above statements show that the connection module according to the invention thus enables a screwless attachment of line ends, which are inserted in a simple and fast manner through the respective passage opening 45 in the receiving chamber 37 a and 37 b and 37 c and by the action between the contact spring 27 a, etc. and Clamping spring 42a etc. are locked automatically and secured against being pushed out. However, the cable ends can be solved again in a simple and fast manner by means of a screwdriver or other suitable tool, the clamping spring 42a, etc. is operated in the manner described above, to release the cable ends.

Although in the embodiment described above, the through holes 45 and 46 are directed substantially vertically, they may also be inclined or otherwise provided to enable insertion of wire ends also in a different direction to the vertical direction.

The number of terminals for the leads is, in the illustrated embodiment, aligned with three lead terminals, i. for a three-pole connection module. The number of poles can be increased or decreased as needed. Accordingly, the number of clamping devices must be increased or decreased.

It is essential that the fastening and clamping units are provided for the terminals in each case in a plane one behind the other, whereby an extraordinary narrow construction of the connection module is ensured. The screwless connection module according to the invention thus ensures a secure, vibration-proof and gas-tight conductor clamping of the connection line. The above-described courses of the walls and webs also ensure the necessary length between poles in order to adapt creepage distances and clearances to the desired requirements.

To this end, goes from the in Fig. 4a shown wall 29 a wall portion 47 obliquely upward, whereby the walls 47 and 29 give an approximately triangular shape and thus a comparably large distance between the insertion portion 45 for the connecting cable and the contact spring 26a below the wall 29b.

In the illustrated embodiment, a locking element 48 is further provided ( Fig. 4a ), which is biased by an angled foot counterclockwise. This ensures that after placing the connection module on the busbar system a secure fit relative to the busbar system is present. The sections 49 and 50 produce a spring effect. In detail will be on Fig. 4a directed.

As is apparent from the drawing, the second receiving chambers 37a, 37b, 37c are provided with laterally projecting, the foot sections forming supports which engage in the patch on the busbar system state, the busbars, as is well known. These combination feet or supports are in Fig. 4a denoted by 53, 54, 55.

In the Fig. 5 shown side wall 24 is preferably provided detachably against the side wall 25 to fix the side wall 24 to the side wall 25. Of the side wall 25 are preferably in the region of the second receiving chambers 37a, 37b, 37c projecting locking means 58, 59, 60 are provided, which after placing the side wall 24 in corresponding openings 61, 62, 63 (FIG. Fig. 5 ) of the side wall 24 and hold the side wall 24 at a distance from the side wall 25. Here, the side wall 24 comes into abutment with the end edges of the walls 29, 47, etc. and the end edges of the foot sections defining walls 65, 66, 67 ( Fig. 4a ), which together with the previously described wall 32 form the second receiving chamber, which has approximately rectangular shape in the illustrated embodiment.

In the illustrated embodiment, the webs or walls 29, 29a, 32, 65, 66, 67, etc., preferably formed on the wall 25 and are manufactured with this in one operation. After the introduction of the contact springs and clamping springs, the wall 24 can finally be placed. How out Fig. 4a and 5 shows, with the exception of the passages 45, 46 a separation between the top and the bottom of the connection module is provided, for which purpose in the axial direction of the connection module extending transverse wall sections 70, 71, 72 are provided.

The lines or conductor ends used in the connection module according to the invention are preferably led out laterally from the connection module. To complete the connection module according to the invention a preferably pivotable lid is attached to this, with respect to Fig. 6a and 6b is briefly described. The end cover 22 has a substantially U-shaped configuration with a transverse leg 22a and two lateral short legs 22b, 22c, which branch away from the transverse leg 22a. To accommodate the end cover 22, for example, arcuate recesses 75, 76 are formed in the two mutually parallel walls 24, 76, which can be brought into engagement with, for example, pin-like projections 78, 79 on the cover 22, characterized in that these pin-like projections 78, 79 in the semicircular recesses 75, 76 are "snapped". Thus, it is possible to maintain the lid 22 pivotally mounted on one side, whereas at the same time it can be removed on the other side. As a result, the lid 22 is pivotally corresponding Fig. 6b held on the connection module when it is released on the opposite side to the latching openings. Instead of semicircular recesses 75, 76 corresponding slots may be provided to allow a certain displaceability of the pin-shaped storage devices 78, 79.

Like from the FIGS. 6a and 6b As can be seen, the cover plates 22 are formed by pin-shaped joints 78, 79, the corresponding hinge openings 75, 76 in the two side walls 24, 25 can be engaged. These pin-shaped joints 78, 79 extend in this embodiment perpendicular to the axis of the cover plate 22nd

Claims (15)

1. Busbar connection module comprising a housing (21) and a predetermined number of clamping means (42; 43; 44) arranged in the housing (21) for receiving and fastening stripped line ends,
   comprising feet projecting on the underside of the clamping means (42, 43, 44) for fastening on busbars,
   the housing (21) having first receiving chambers (26a; 26b; 26c) each for receiving a contact spring (27a; 27b; 27c), the contact springs (27a; 27b; 27c) being provided in succession in a plane;
   the first receiving chambers (26a; 26b; 26c) being established by walls (29; 30; 31) which are integrally formed on at least one side wall (25) of the housing (21);
   characterised in that
   the clamping means (42; 43; 44) are arranged in succession in a plane and are formed without screws; and in that
   second receiving chambers (37a; 37b; 37c) are each provided for receiving a clamping means (42; 43; 44), a second receiving chamber (37a; 37b; 37c) being provided adjacent to each first receiving chamber (26a; 26b; 26c).
2. Busbar connection module according to claim 1,
   characterised in that
   each clamping means (42; 43; 44) is formed by a clamping spring.
3. Busbar connection module according to at least one of the preceding clains,
   characterised in that
   each clamping spring (42; 43; 44) comprises a slitted resilient tongue or a resilient tongue having an opening (42d) in which a portion (27a3) of the respective contact spring (27a; 27b; 27c) and an adjustable tongue (42e) of the clamping means (42; 43; 44) engage.
4. Busbar connection module according to any one of the preceding claims,
   characterised in that
   a mounting means (28a; 28b; 28c) is provided in each first receiving chamber (26a; 26b; 26c), and holds the associated contact spring (27a; 27b; 27c) in the first receiving chamber (26a; 26b; 26c).
5. Busbar connection module according to any one of the preceding claims,
   characterised in that
   a partition wall (32) is provided between the first receiving chamber (26a; 26b; 26c) and the second receiving chamber (37a; 37b; 37c), and establishes a through-slit (33) through which a limb (27a1) of the respective contact springs (27a; 27b; 27c) is passed.
6. Busbar connection module according to any one of the preceding claims,
   characterised in that
   a mounting means (40) for the associated clamping means (42; 43; 44) is provided in each second receiving chamber (37a; 37b; 37c).
7. Busbar connection module according to claim 6,
   characterised in that
   a substantially horizontally extending support wall (43) for bracing a limb (42c) of the respective clamping means (42; 43; 44) is provided in the second receiving chamber (37a; 37b; 37c).
8. Busbar connection module according to any one of the preceding claims,
   characterised in that
   each second receiving chamber (37a; 37b; 37c) comprises a laterally closing side wall (39) which encloses the respective clamping means (42; 43; 44) at least in part.
9. Busbar connection module according to at least one of the preceding claims,
   characterised in that
   a through-opening (45), for passing a line end through towards the movable resilient tongue (42e) of the associated clamping means (42; 43; 44), is provided in the housing (21) between each contact spring (27a; 27b; 27c) and the associated clamping means (42; 43; 44).
10. Busbar connection module according to at least one of the preceding claims,
    characterised in that
    a through opening (46), for passing a tool through, in particular a screwdriver, towards the clamping means (42; 43; 44), is provided so as to pivot a limb (42f) of the respective clamping means to release a line connection end.
11. Busbar connection module according to at least one of the preceding claims,
    characterised in that
    latching means (58; 59; 60) for fastening an attachable side wall (24) of the housing (21) are provided on the housing (21).
12. Busbar connection module according to claim 11,
    characterised in that
    the attachable side wall (24) comprises latching openings (61; 62; 63) assigned to the latching means (58; 59; 60) of the housing (21).
13. Busbar connection module according to any one of the preceding claims,
    characterised in that
    the latching means (58, 59, 60) are formed in the second receiving chambers (37a; 37b; 37c).
14. Busbar connection module according to at least one of the preceding claims,
    characterised in that
    articulation openings (75, 76), into which articulations (78, 79) formed on a closing plate (22) can be latched, are provided in the two mutually parallel side walls (24, 25) of the housing (21).
15. Busbar connection module according to claim 14,
    characterised in that
    the articulations (78, 79) formed on the closure plate (22) are formed pin-shaped or journal-shaped and extend perpendicular to the axis of the closure plate (22).

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