EP3136513A1 - Connection device for connecting a conductor to a busbar - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a connecting device (10) comprising at least two connecting elements (20) for respectively connecting a conductor (100) to a busbar (200) and a first insulating housing (40) surrounding the connecting elements (20). The connection elements (20) have a conductor terminal (22) and a busbar terminal (24) electrically connected to the conductor terminal (22). The connecting device (10) can be plugged by a movement in a slip-on direction (A) onto at least two busbars (200) which run approximately parallel to an extension direction (E). The first insulating housing (40) comprises a first housing section (45) which has an attachment groove (42) for each connection element (20) which is suitable for receiving a section (202) of one of the busbars (200). The bus bar clamp (24) of each terminal member (20) has at least one leg (26) which projects into the slip groove (42) and is adapted to be brought into contact with the portion (202).

Description

The invention relates to a connection device for connecting a conductor to a busbar, in particular a busbar of a distribution device.

Connection devices are known from the prior art which are suitable for connection of a single conductor to a single busbar. These connection devices serve both the mechanical and the electrical connection of the conductor to the busbar. To connect the conductor and the bus bar to the terminal device, screw terminals are mainly used.

From the publication DE 10 2008 032 037 A1 a connecting device is known, which is made of a stamped sheet metal part and is adapted to receive a portion of the busbar form-fitting manner and to be connected to a stripped end of the conductor.

From the publication EP 1 322 000 A2 a connecting device is known, which is on the one hand connected to a portion of the busbar and on the other hand comprises a Zugfederanschluss which can be connected to an end of the conductor. The connection device comprises an insulating housing, which is provided with an actuating lever, by means of which the Zugfederanschluss can be opened for insertion of the conductor.

It is the object of the present invention to improve the known connection devices.

According to the invention, this object is achieved by a connection device according to claim 1.

According to the invention, the connection device serves to connect at least two conductors to a respective busbar and comprises at least two connection elements for the respective connection of a conductor to a busbar and a surrounding the connection elements first insulating housing. The connection elements have a conductor terminal and a busbar terminal electrically connected to the conductor terminal. The connecting device can be plugged by a movement in a Aufsteckrichtung on at least two bus bars, which extend approximately parallel to an extension direction. The first insulating housing comprises a first housing portion, which has a Aufstecknut for each connection element, which is suitable for receiving a portion of one of the busbars. The busbar terminal of each terminal element has at least one leg which projects into the slip-on groove and is suitable for being brought into contact with the section.

As a result of the configuration according to the invention, the connection device can be connected to the busbars and the conductors in a simple and reliable manner. Due to the first insulating material surrounding the connection elements, the connection elements are electrically insulated and a fitter installing the connection device is protected against electric shocks.

Preferably, the connection elements are arranged in the attachment direction substantially one behind the other or arranged offset in the extension direction and / or transversely to the mounting direction to each other.

This configuration allows the connection device to produce a mechanical and electrical connection between individual conductors and individual busbars in a space-saving manner.

Preferably, the conductor has a cross-section which further preferably has a surface area of between about 1.5 mm ² and about 35 mm ² .

In a preferred embodiment, the cross section of the conductor has a diameter which is between about 1.0 mm and about 7 mm.

Preferably, a distance through which the connection element is offset in the extension direction relative to the next in the Aufsteckrichtung or against the Aufsteckrichtung connection element, approximately the cross section of the conductor.

In a preferred embodiment, the connection element is offset in the same direction relative to the respectively next attachment element in the attachment direction, that is to say either in the extension direction or opposite to the extension direction. In another preferred embodiment, the connection element is alternately displaced once in the direction of extension and once counter to the direction of extent in relation to the next attachment element in the attachment direction.

In a preferred embodiment, the conductor terminal and / or the busbar terminal of each connection element is designed as a clamping element.

This embodiment allows a simple and secure connection of the connection device with the busbars.

The busbars, in particular the busbars of a distribution device are normally arranged at a constant distance from each other, which may be for example 40 millimeters.

Preferably, the various connection elements of the connection device are spaced from each other by the same distance, by which the busbars are also spaced from each other.

Alternatively, the connection elements of the connection device can be subdivided into at least two groups, namely at least one first group and at least one second group. The terminal members of the first group are spaced apart by a first distance corresponding to the spacing between the busbars or a multiple of the spacing of the busbars. The connection elements of second group are spaced apart by a second distance, which also corresponds to the distance between the busbars or a multiple of the distance of the busbars. The connection elements of the first group are spaced from the connection elements of the second group by a third distance, which corresponds to a sum of the multiple of the distance between the busbars and an offset. Preferably, the offset is between 1 and 4 millimeters, more preferably between 2 and 3 millimeters. The multiple of the distance corresponds to the distance multiplied by a natural number greater than zero.

For attaching each individual of the connection elements on the portion of the busbar a Aufsteckkraft must be overcome, which acts in the opposite direction to the mounting direction on the connection element. The offset between the connection elements of the first group and the connection elements of the second group thus makes it possible to better distribute the plug-in forces which generally occur when the connection device is plugged on via the attachment process.

Preferably, the first housing portion opposite the conductor terminal of each terminal member each having an insertion opening which is adapted to be penetrated by the conductor to electrically connect the conductor to the conductor terminal.

This configuration facilitates the connection of the conductor clamp to the conductor.

In a preferred embodiment, the conductor terminal and / or the insertion openings are formed to allow insertion of the conductor into the conductor terminal in a plug-in direction, wherein the insertion direction is substantially in a plane which is substantially orthogonal to the extension direction, and wherein the insertion direction and the slip-on form an angle which has between 30 ° and 150 °, preferably between 90 ° and 150 °, further preferably about 120 °.

This embodiment also facilitates the connection of the conductor to the conductor terminal.

Preferably, the first housing section has at least one recess, into which one of the Aufstecknuten opens.

This embodiment facilitates the attachment of the connection device to the busbars.

According to this embodiment, the connecting device can be connected to the busbars by the connecting device is moved transversely to the direction of extension and to Aufsteckrichtung that the sections of the busbars are received in the recess, and then the connection device is moved in the mounting direction until the sections in the Aufstecknuten are included.

In a preferred embodiment, the first housing section has at least one insertion bevel, which opens into the recess and is suitable for guiding the section into the recess.

This configuration makes it possible for the section to be guided into the recess when the connection device is moved toward the busbars transversely to the mounting direction and transversely to the extension direction.

Preferably, an insertion bevel is provided for each recess.

Preferably, the first insulating housing comprises a closure element which is suitable to assume an open position and a closed position, wherein the portion is inserted into the Aufstecknut in the open position and is held in the locking position in a form-fitting manner in the Aufstecknut.

In a preferred embodiment, the closure element is held movably on the first insulating material housing between the open position and the closed position in a displacement direction, wherein preferably the displacement direction is approximately orthogonal to the Aufsteckrichtung and / or extends approximately orthogonal to the direction of extension.

This embodiment allows a simple and secure connection of the connection device to the busbars, wherein the connection can be solved in a simple manner again.

In a preferred embodiment, the first insulating housing has a dovetail groove in cross-section and a spring dovetailed in cross-section, wherein the groove and the spring are arranged and the spring engages in the groove, that the closure element on the first housing portion in the direction of displacement between the open position and the closed position is kept movable.

Preferably, the groove is arranged on the closure element and the spring is arranged on the first housing section. Alternatively, the groove can be arranged on the first housing section and the spring can be arranged on the closure element.

Preferably, the first insulating housing has at least one nose, at least one first notch and at least one second notch, wherein the nose, the first notch and the second notch are arranged such that the nose engages in the opening position in the first notch to the closure element to hold in the open position, and wherein the nose engages in the closed position in the second notch to hold the closure element in the closed position.

In a preferred embodiment, the nose is arranged on the closure element and the first notch and the second notch are arranged on the first housing section. Alternatively, the first notch and the second notch may be disposed on the closure member and the tab may be disposed on the first housing portion.

Preferably, the closure element is connected via a hinge to the first insulating housing, wherein the hinge allows pivoting of the closure element from the open position into the closed position and wherein preferably the closure element and the hinge are integrally formed on the first housing section.

In a preferred embodiment, the first housing portion extends from a first end to a second end in the slip-on direction and the closure element is arranged adjacent to the second end or at the second end.

Preferably, the connection device comprises a reinforcing element that at least partially surrounds the busbar clamp and is furthermore preferably made of steel.

In a preferred embodiment, the busbar clamp and / or the reinforcing element is formed in cross-section substantially dovetail-shaped.

Alternatively, the busbar clamp and / or the reinforcing element may be formed in cross-section substantially rectangular or omega-shaped.

Preferably, the first housing portion comprises at least a first support portion adapted to form a first support for a lever formed by a tool and a busbar portion adjacent the portion as a fulcrum to displace the terminal by exerting a force on the tool in the slip-on direction ,

The tool is preferably a screwdriver.

In a preferred embodiment, the first housing section comprises at least one second support section, which is suitable for a second support for a lever which can be formed as a hinge point by a tool and a busbar section arranged adjacent to the section form to offset the connection device by applying a force to the tool against the slip-on.

Preferably, the reinforcing element is formed by deformation, further preferably by bending a stamped part.

This embodiment has the advantage that the reinforcing element can be produced in a simple and cost-effective manner.

The first housing section and the closure element preferably surround the section of at least one busbar completely, that is to say in a circumferential direction of the busbar extending transversely to the direction of extent.

In a preferred embodiment, the first housing portion comprises at least one projection which extends substantially transversely to the mounting direction and comprises the first support portion and the second support portion.

Preferably, the projection is arranged on a side wall of the first housing section and further preferably has an approximately circular cross-section.

In a preferred embodiment, the projection is provided with a collar-shaped guide device for guiding the tool.

Preferably, the connection device comprises a connection device comprising at least one further connection element for connecting a conductor to a busbar and a second insulating material housing surrounding the further connection element. The further connection element has a conductor terminal and a busbar terminal electrically connected to the conductor terminal. The connection device can be attached to at least one of the busbars by a movement in the slip-on direction. The second insulating housing comprises a second housing portion, which has a Aufstecknut for the further connection element, which for receiving a portion of the Busbars is suitable. The busbar terminal of the further connection element has at least one limb which projects into the slip-on groove and is suitable for being brought into contact with the section. The first insulating housing is connected to the second insulating housing.

In a preferred embodiment, the first insulating material housing is connected to the second insulating material housing by means of a tongue and groove connection.

The connecting device preferably comprises at least one connecting element which is received in a recess formed by juxtaposition of a first recess introduced in the first housing section and a second recess introduced in the second housing section, in order to connect the first insulating housing to the second insulating housing.

Preferably, the connection device comprises at least two further connection devices and at least one connection element, which is accommodated in a recess formed by juxtaposition of two second recesses formed in the respective second housing sections of the connection devices in order to connect the connection device to the further connection device.

In a preferred embodiment, the connecting element comprises a handling portion, by means of which the connecting element can be pulled out of the recess.

Preferably, the first recess and / or the second recess and / or the recess extends substantially in a direction that is skewed with respect to the slip-on direction or this intersects.

In a preferred embodiment, the connecting device further comprises a fixing device, which has a contact portion and a spring portion, wherein the spring portion is elastically deformable and wherein the abutment portion is adapted to abut in a fixed position on the busbar to a displacement of the To prevent connecting device against the Aufsteckrichtung, and to be spaced in a release position of the busbar to allow a displacement of the connecting device against the Aufsteckrichtung.

In a preferred embodiment of the connection device, this is formed from at least two connection devices and a fixing device, wherein the second insulating material of the connection devices together with the fixing device form the first insulating housing of the connection device and wherein the second housing sections of the connection devices together with the fixing device form the first housing section.

Preferably, the attachment groove of the connection device is formed by an attachment groove formed in the attachment device and / or an attachment groove formed in the attachment device.

Preferably, the fixing device comprises at least one fixing surface to which the connection device is fixed.

Alternatively or additionally, the connection device may be designed to be fixed to a wall of a housing of the distributor device.

Preferably, the connecting device comprises at least one connecting element, which is received in a recess formed by juxtaposition of a first recess introduced in the fixing device and a second recess formed in the second housing section, in order to connect the fixing device to the second insulating housing.

Preferably, the securement device comprises at least one attachment groove adapted to receive a portion of one of the busbars for connecting the securement device to the manifold. Further preferably, the fixing device is designed to receive the section in the Aufstecknut by a displacement of the fixing device in a Aufsteckrichtung.

The attachment groove of the connection device is preferably formed by an attachment groove formed in the attachment device and / or the attachment groove formed in the attachment device.

Preferably, the portion is received positively and / or non-positively in the slip-on of the connection device.

Preferably, the fixing device comprises at least one fixing device, which comprises a contact portion and a spring portion, wherein the spring portion is elastically deformable and wherein the abutment portion is adapted to abut in a fixed position on the busbar to prevent a displacement of the fixing device against the Aufsteckrichtung, and in a release position to be spaced from the busbar to allow a displacement of the connecting device and / or the fixing device against the Aufsteckrichtung.

In a preferred embodiment, the fixing device is provided with at least one predetermined breaking point. According to this embodiment, it is possible to shorten the fixing device in such a simple manner, so that by means of this a connection device of the desired length (in Aufsteckrichtung) can be formed, which is connectable for example with a single busbar or with a plurality of busbars.

Further preferably, the predetermined breaking point extends substantially transversely to the mounting direction and / or transversely to the direction of extent.

• Fig. 1: zeigt eine perspektivische Ansicht der Anschlussvorrichtung nach einem ersten Ausführungsbeispiel;
• Fig. 2: zeigt eine perspektivische Ansicht eines Anschlusselements der Anschlussvorrichtung nach dem ersten Ausführungsbeispiel, wobei ein Leiter mit der Leiterklemme verbunden ist;
• Fig. 3: zeigt einen Ausschnitt der Anschlussvorrichtung nach dem ersten Ausführungsbeispiel, wobei eine Wandung des ersten Isolierstoffgehäuses zur Veranschaulichung nicht dargestellt ist;
• Fig. 4: zeigt eine Seitenansicht der Anschlussvorrichtung nach dem ersten Ausführungsbeispiel sowie fünf Sammelschienen;
• Fig. 5: zeigt eine Seitenansicht der Anschlussvorrichtung nach dem ersten Ausführungsbeispiel sowie fünf Sammelschienen;
• Fig. 6: zeigt eine Seitenansicht der Anschlussvorrichtung nach dem ersten Ausführungsbeispiel sowie fünf Sammelschienen, wobei veranschaulicht wird, wie die Anschlussvorrichtung mittels eines Werkzeugs auf die Sammelschiene aufgesteckt werden kann;
• Fig. 7: zeigt eine Detailansicht der Figur 6;
• Fig. 8: zeigt eine Seitenansicht der Anschlussvorrichtung nach dem ersten Ausführungsbeispiel, die auf die Sammelschienen aufgesteckt ist;
• Fig. 9: zeigt eine Detailansicht der Figur 8;
• Fig. 10: zeigt eine perspektivische Ansicht der in Figur 6 gezeigten Anschlussvorrichtung;
• Fig. 11: zeigt einen Ausschnitt einer Seitenansicht der Anschlussvorrichtung nach dem ersten Ausführungsbeispiel, wobei veranschaulicht wird, wie die Anschlussvorrichtung von den Sammelschienen gelöst werden kann;
• Fig. 12: zeigt einen Ausschnitt einer Seitenansicht der Anschlussvorrichtung nach dem ersten Ausführungsbeispiel, wobei veranschaulicht wird, wie die Anschlussvorrichtung von dem Sammelschienen gelöst werden kann;
• Fig. 13: zeigt eine perspektivische Ansicht der Anschlussvorrichtung nach dem ersten Ausführungsbeispiel, wobei veranschaulicht wird, wie die Anschlussvorrichtung von dem Sammelschienen gelöst werden kann;
• Fig. 14: zeigt eine perspektivische Ansicht der Anschlussvorrichtung mit abgenommenem Verschlusselement;
• Fig. 15: zeigt eine perspektivische Ansicht des Verschlusselements der Anschlussvorrichtung nach dem ersten Ausführungsbeispiel;
• Fig. 16: zeigt eine Seitenansicht der Anschlussvorrichtung nach dem ersten Ausführungsbeispiel, die mit den Sammelschienen verbunden ist und dessen Verschlusselement die Verschlussstellung einnimmt;
• Fig. 17: zeigt eine Detailansicht der Anschlussvorrichtung nach dem ersten Ausführungsbeispiel, wobei das Verschlusselement die Öffnungsstellung einnimmt;
• Fig. 18: zeigt eine Detailansicht der Anschlussvorrichtung nach dem ersten Ausführungsbeispiel, wobei das Verschlusselement die Verschlussstellung einnimmt;
• Fig. 19: zeigt eine perspektivische Ansicht der Anschlussvorrichtung nach einem zweiten Ausführungsbeispiel;
• Fig. 20: zeigt eine perspektivische Ansicht eines Anschlusselements der Anschlussvorrichtung nach dem zweiten Ausführungsbeispiel, wobei ein Leiter mit der Leiterklemme verbunden ist;
• Fig. 21: zeigt einen Ausschnitt der Anschlussvorrichtung nach dem zweiten Ausführungsbeispiel, wobei eine Wandung des ersten Isolierstoffgehäuses zur Veranschaulichung nicht dargestellt ist;
• Fig. 22: zeigt eine Seitenansicht der Anschlussvorrichtung nach dem zweiten Ausführungsbeispiel sowie fünf Sammelschienen;
• Fig. 23: zeigt eine Seitenansicht der Anschlussvorrichtung nach dem zweiten Ausführungsbeispiel sowie fünf Sammelschienen;
• Fig. 24 : zeigt eine Seitenansicht der Anschlussvorrichtung nach dem zweiten Ausführungsbeispiel sowie fünf Sammelschienen, wobei veranschaulicht wird, wie die Anschlussvorrichtung mittels eines Werkzeugs auf die Sammelschiene aufgesteckt werden kann;
• Fig. 25. : zeigt einen Ausschnitt einer Seitenansicht der Anschlussvorrichtung nach dem zweiten Ausführungsbeispiel, wobei veranschaulicht wird, wie die Anschlussvorrichtung von den Sammelschienen gelöst werden kann;
• Fig. 26: zeigt eine perspektivische Ansicht der Anschlussvorrichtung nach dem zweiten Ausführungsbeispiel, wobei die Anschlussvorrichtung vier Anschlusseinrichtungen umfasst;
• Fig. 27: zeigt eine weitere perspektivische Ansicht der Anschlussvorrichtung gemäß Fig. 26;
• Fig. 28: zeigt einen Ausschnitt der Anschlussvorrichtung nach dem zweiten Ausführungsbeispiel, wobei veranschaulicht wird, wie die Anschlusseinrichtung mit dem Isolierstoffgehäuse der Anschlussvorrichtung mittels eines Verbindungselements verbunden werden kann;
• Fig. 29: zeigt eine perspektivische Ansicht einer Festlegevorrichtung einer Anschlussvorrichtung nach einem dritten Ausführungsbeispiel;
• Fig. 30: zeigt eine perspektivische Ansicht einer Anschlussvorrichtung nach dem dritten Ausführungsbeispiel, welche eine Festlegevorrichtung und acht Anschlusseinrichtungen umfasst; und
• Fig. 31 zeigt eine weitere perspektivische Ansicht einer Anschlussvorrichtung nach dem dritten Ausführungsbeispiel.

Details and further advantages of the device according to the invention and of the method according to the invention will be explained with reference to the exemplary embodiments described below. In detail, they illustrate:

• Fig. 1 : shows a perspective view of the connecting device according to a first embodiment;
• Fig. 2 1 is a perspective view of a terminal of the terminal device according to the first embodiment, with a conductor connected to the conductor terminal;
• Fig. 3 : shows a section of the connecting device according to the first embodiment, wherein a wall of the first insulating housing for illustration is not shown;
• Fig. 4 1 shows a side view of the connection device according to the first embodiment and five busbars;
• Fig. 5 1 shows a side view of the connection device according to the first embodiment and five busbars;
• Fig. 6 5 shows a side view of the connecting device according to the first exemplary embodiment as well as five busbars, illustrating how the connecting device can be plugged onto the busbar by means of a tool;
• Fig. 7 : shows a detailed view of the FIG. 6 ;
• Fig. 8 : shows a side view of the connecting device according to the first embodiment, which is mounted on the busbars;
• Fig. 9 : shows a detailed view of the FIG. 8 ;
• Fig. 10 : shows a perspective view of the FIG. 6 shown connection device;
• Fig. 11 FIG. 1 shows a detail of a side view of the connection device according to the first embodiment, illustrating how the connection device can be released from the busbars; FIG.
• Fig. 12 FIG. 1 shows a detail of a side view of the connecting device according to the first exemplary embodiment, FIG it is illustrated how the connection device can be released from the busbar;
• Fig. 13 1 is a perspective view of the terminal device according to the first embodiment, illustrating how the terminal device can be released from the busbar;
• Fig. 14 : shows a perspective view of the connecting device with the closure element removed;
• Fig. 15 : shows a perspective view of the closure element of the connection device according to the first embodiment;
• Fig. 16 1 shows a side view of the connection device according to the first exemplary embodiment, which is connected to the busbars and whose closure element assumes the closed position;
• Fig. 17 shows a detailed view of the connecting device according to the first embodiment, wherein the closure element assumes the open position;
• Fig. 18 shows a detailed view of the connecting device according to the first embodiment, wherein the closure element assumes the closed position;
• Fig. 19 : shows a perspective view of the connecting device according to a second embodiment;
• Fig. 20 1 is a perspective view of a terminal of the terminal device according to the second embodiment, with a conductor connected to the conductor terminal;
• Fig. 21 : shows a section of the connecting device according to the second embodiment, wherein a wall of the first insulating housing for illustration is not shown;
• Fig. 22 1 shows a side view of the connection device according to the second embodiment and five busbars;
• Fig. 23 1 shows a side view of the connection device according to the second embodiment and five busbars;
• Fig. 24 5 shows a side view of the connection device according to the second exemplary embodiment as well as five busbars, illustrating how the connection device can be plugged onto the busbar by means of a tool;
• Fig. 25 , FIG. 1 shows a detail of a side view of the connection device according to the second embodiment, illustrating how the connection device can be detached from the busbars; FIG.
• Fig. 26 1: shows a perspective view of the connection device according to the second embodiment, wherein the connection device comprises four connection devices;
• Fig. 27 : shows another perspective view of the connecting device according to Fig. 26 ;
• Fig. 28 1 shows a section of the connection device according to the second exemplary embodiment, illustrating how the connection device can be connected to the insulating housing of the connection device by means of a connection element;
• Fig. 29 : shows a perspective view of a fixing device of a connecting device according to a third embodiment;
• Fig. 30 FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a connection device according to the third embodiment, which comprises a fixing device and eight connection devices; FIG. and
• Fig. 31 shows a further perspective view of a connecting device according to the third embodiment.

A connection device 10 according to the invention comprises at least two connection elements 20 for respectively connecting a conductor 100 to a busbar 200 and a first insulating housing 40 surrounding the connection elements 20. The connection elements 20 have a conductor terminal 22 and a busbar terminal 24 electrically connected to the conductor terminal 22. The connection device can be plugged onto at least two busbars 200 by a movement in a slip-on direction A. The bus bars 200 are approximately parallel to an extension direction E.

The first insulating housing 40 comprises a first housing section 45, which has an attachment groove 42 for each connection element 20, which is suitable for receiving a section 202 of one of the busbars 200. The bus bar clamp 24 of each terminal 20 has at least one leg 26, 27 which projects into the slip groove 42 and is adapted to be brought into contact with the section 202.

The connecting device 10 according to a first embodiment comprises five connection elements 20 and can be plugged onto five approximately parallel in the direction of extension E extending busbars 200.

The busbars 200, in particular the busbars 200 of a distributor device are normally arranged at a constant distance from each other, which may be, for example, 40 millimeters.

According to the reproduced embodiment, the connecting elements 20 are arranged in the mounting direction A substantially one behind the other. Preferably, the connection elements 20 are approximately in a plane extending transversely to the extension direction E level.

In another embodiment, which is not shown in these embodiments, the connecting elements 20 in the extension direction E and / or transversely to the mounting direction A to each other be arranged offset. Preferably, the connection elements 20 are arranged offset from each other by a distance in the extension direction E.

Preferably, the conductor terminals 22 are adapted to be connected to a conductor 100 having a cross section. Preferably, the cross section of the conductors 100 has an area that is between about 10 mm ² and about 35 mm ² . In a preferred embodiment, the cross section of the conductor 100 has a diameter which is between about 1.0 mm and about 7 mm.

In a preferred embodiment, the connection element 20 is arranged offset to its adjacent connection elements 20 by the distance in the extension direction E. Preferably, the distance corresponds to the cross section of the conductor 100.

How the particular FIGS. 1 and 10 1, the first housing section 45 opposite to each conductor terminal 22 each comprises an insertion opening 44. The insertion opening 44 is adapted to be penetrated by the conductor 100 in order to electrically connect the conductor 100 to the conductor terminal 22. According to the illustrated first exemplary embodiment, the connecting device 10 has five insertion openings 44.

The insertion openings 44 and the conductor terminals 22 are formed to allow insertion of the conductor 100 into the conductor terminal 22 in a plug-in direction L. The insertion direction L is substantially in a plane which is substantially orthogonal to the direction of extension E. In particular FIG. 3 can be seen, form the insertion direction L and the mounting direction A at an angle α, which has between 30 ° and 150 °, preferably between 90 ° and 150 °, further preferably about 120 °. According to the embodiments, the angle α is about 120 °.

Preferably, the first housing portion 45 has at least one recess 46 into which one of the Aufstecknuten 42 opens. How the particular FIGS. 4, 5 . 6 . 11, 12 and 16 to recognize, the connection device 10 according to the first embodiment, four Recesses 46, in each of which one of four Aufstecknuten 42 opens.

Preferably, the first housing portion 45 extends from a first end 41 to a second end 43 in Aufsteckrichtung A. According to the first embodiment, the adjacent to the second end 43 arranged Aufstecknut 42 has no such recess 46. Preferably, the Aufstecknut 42 arranged adjacent to the second end is open towards the second end 43.

Preferably, the first housing section 45 has at least one insertion bevel 48, which opens into the recess 46 and is suitable for guiding the section 202 into the recess 46. Further preferably, the first housing portion 45 for each recess 46 each have an insertion bevel 48. According to the reproduced first embodiment, the first housing portion 45 is provided with five insertion bevels 48, each opening into one of the four recesses 46. This embodiment facilitates the attachment of a connecting device 10 on the busbars 200. This is in particular from the FIGS. 4 and 5 seen. If the connection device 10 is moved towards the busbars 200 in a direction transverse to the extension direction E and transverse to the attachment direction Ab, the busbars 200 can slide along the insertion bevels 48 in order to be guided into the recesses 46. The arranged in the recesses 46 bus bars 200 are in FIG. 5 played.

In order to connect the connection device 10 to the busbars 200, the sections 202 of the busbars 200 slide into the attachment slots 42. This is achieved by means of a displacement of the connection device 10 in the attachment direction A. Preferably, the first housing portion 45 includes at least a first support portion 56 adapted to form a first support for a lever formed by a tool 300 and a busbar portion 204 adjacent the portion 202 as a fulcrum around the connector 10 by applying a force to move the tool 300 in Aufsteckrichtung A.

Preferably, the first support portion is disposed adjacent to one of the Aufstecknuten 42. Preferably, the support portion 56 is formed by a header projecting from the first housing portion 45 in the extension direction E or counter to the extension direction E. This preferred embodiment is according to the embodiments, in particular in the FIGS. 6 to 10 as well as 24 and 25. According to the embodiments, the tool 300 is a screwdriver. As the FIGS. 6 to 10 As can also be seen from FIGS. 24 and 25, the connecting device 10 can be displaced in the attachment direction A by means of the tool 300 such that the sections 202 of the busbars 200 slide from the recess 46 into the attachment groove 42.

Preferably, the first housing portion 45 comprises at least a second support portion 58 adapted to form a second support for a lever formable by a tool 300 and a bus bar portion 204 adjacent the portion 202 to articulate the connector 10 by exerting a force to move the tool 300 against the slip A direction. Preferably, the second support portion 58 is disposed adjacent the second end 43 or at the second end 43. The FIGS. 11 to 13 illustrate how such a lever can be formed by means of a screwdriver. These figures also illustrate the operation of this lever. An exercise of a force on the lever allows a displacement of the connecting device 10 against the mounting direction A, so that the sections 202 can slide out of the Austecknuten 42 in the recesses 46.

As in the FIGS. 24 and 25 1, the first housing section 45 may comprise at least one projection 49, which extends substantially transversely to the attachment direction A and / or parallel to the extension direction E and comprises the first support section 56 and the second support section 58. In this case, the projection 49 may be arranged on a side wall 47 of the first housing section 45 and preferably have an approximately circular cross-section.

In a further preferred embodiment, the projection 49 is provided with a collar-shaped guide device 49 a, which serves to guide the tool 300.

The first insulating material housing 40 preferably comprises a closure element 60 which is held movably on the first housing section 45 between an open position S ₀ and a closed position S _V in a displacement direction V. The section 202 can be inserted into the attachment groove 42 in the open position S _O. In the closed position S _V , the portion 202 is held positively in the Aufstecknut 42. The open position is in the FIGS. 1 . 4 . 5 . 6 . 8th . 10 . 11, 12 . 13 and 17 shown. The closure position S _V is the FIGS. 16 and 18 played. The displacement direction V preferably runs approximately orthogonal to the mounting direction A and / or approximately orthogonal to the direction of extent E.

The first insulating housing 40 preferably has a dovetail-shaped groove 62 and a dovetailed cross-section spring 50. The groove 62 and the spring 50 are arranged in such a way and the spring 50 engages in the groove 62 such that the closure element 60 is held movably on the first housing section 45 in the direction of displacement V between the open position S _O and the closed position S _V.

According to the first embodiment, the dovetail groove 62 is disposed on the shutter member 60, and the spring 50 is disposed on the first housing portion 45. Alternatively, the groove 62 may also be arranged on the first housing section 45 and the spring 50 may be arranged on the closure element 60.

Preferably, the various connection elements 20 of the connection device 10 are spaced from each other by the same distance, by which the bus bars 200 are also spaced from each other.

According to an alternative preferred embodiment, which is not reflected in the embodiments, the connection elements 20 the connecting device 10 may be divided into at least two groups, namely at least a first group and at least one second group. The connecting elements 20 of the first group are spaced from each other by a first distance corresponding to the distance between the busbars 200 or a multiple of the spacing of the busbars 200. The connecting elements 20 of the second group are spaced apart by a second distance, which also corresponds to the distance between the busbars 200 or a multiple of the spacing of the busbars 200. The connection elements 20 of the first group are spaced from the connection elements 20 of the second group by a third distance, which corresponds to a sum of the multiple of the distance between the bus bars 200 and an offset. Preferably, the offset is between 1 and 4 millimeters, more preferably between 2 and 3 millimeters. The multiple of the distance corresponds to the distance multiplied by a natural number greater than zero.

The first insulating housing 40 preferably has at least one lug 64, at least one first notch 52 and at least one second notch 54. According to the first embodiment, the nose 64 is disposed on the shutter member 60, and the first notch 52 and the second notch 54 are disposed on the first housing portion 45. Alternatively, the nose 64 may also be arranged on the first housing section 45 and the first notch 52 and the second notch 54 may be arranged on the closure element 60. The arrangement of the nose 64 and the notches 52, 54 is in particular from the FIGS. 14 and 15 seen.

The nose 64, the first notch 52 and the second notch 54 are arranged so that the nose 64 engages in the open position S _O in the first notch 52 to hold the closure member 60 in the open position S _O , and in the closed position S. _V in the second notch 54 engages to hold the closure member 60 in the closed position S _V.

Preferably, the closure member 60 is disposed adjacent the second end 43 or at the second end 43.

Alternatively or additionally, the connecting device 10 may be provided with a fixing device 90, which has a contact section 92 and a spring section 94. The spring portion 94 is elastically deformable and the abutment portion 92 suitable to abut in a fixed position S _F to the busbar 200 to prevent displacement of the connecting device 10 against the mounting direction A. In a release position S _{L of} the abutment portion 92 is spaced from the busbar 200 to allow a displacement of the connecting device 10 against the mounting direction A. This embodiment is particularly in FIGS. 22 and 23 illustrated.

Preferably, the fixing device 90 is further provided with an operating section 96, by means of which an installer can transfer the fixing device 90 of the set position S _F in the release position S _L.

Preferably, the connection device 10 comprises a reinforcing element 80 which at least partially surrounds the busbar clamp 24 and is preferably made of steel. The reinforcing element 80 is in particular in the FIGS. 2 and 3 played. According to the first embodiment, the reinforcing member 80 is formed substantially dovetail-shaped. Alternatively, the reinforcing element 80 may also be omega-shaped or rectangular.

Likewise, according to the embodiment, the bus bar clamp 24 is formed dovetail-shaped. However, the busbar terminal 24 may also be omega-shaped or rectangular.

The bus bar clamp 24 may be provided with a first leg 26 and a second leg 27, between which the portion 202 of the bus bar 200 may be arranged to electrically connect the terminal 20 to the bus bar 200. According to this variant, the reinforcing element 80 surrounds the first leg 26 and the second leg 27 of the busbar terminal 24th

According to a further variant of the busbar clamp 24, this has only one leg 26. In order to ensure abutment of the first leg 26 on the portion 202 of the busbar 200 for transmitting electrical energy between the terminal 20 and the busbar 200, the busbar terminal 24 is provided with a reinforcing member 80 comprising two legs, one of the legs the busbar 200 abuts and the other of the legs is formed to press the first leg 26 of the busbar terminal 24 against the portion 202 of the busbar 200.

In a preferred embodiment of the connection device 10, the connection device 10 may further comprise a connection device 410, which comprises a further connection element 420 for connecting a conductor 100 to one of the busbars 200 and a second insulating material housing 440 surrounding the further connection element 420. The further connection element 420 has a conductor terminal 422. The further connection element 420 further comprises a busbar terminal 424, which is electrically conductively connected to the conductor terminal 422.

The connection device 410 can be plugged onto at least one of the busbars 200 by a movement in the attachment direction A. The second insulating housing 440 comprises a second housing section 445, which has an attachment groove 442 for the further connection element 420, which is suitable for receiving a section 202 of the busbar 200.

The bus bar clamp 424 of the further connection element 420 has at least one limb which projects into the slip-on groove 442 and is suitable for being brought into contact with the section 202. The first insulating housing is connected to the connection of the connecting device 410 with the second insulating housing 440.

Preferably, the first insulating housing 40 is connected to the second insulating housing 440 by means of a tongue and groove connection.

For connecting the first insulating housing 40 to the second insulating housing 440, the connecting device 10 may further comprise a connecting element 70 which is formed in a recess 71 formed by juxtaposition of a first recess 51 inserted in the first housing section 45 and a second recess 451 provided in the second housing section 445 is received to connect the first insulating housing 40 with the second insulating housing 440.

Preferably, the second recess 451 is disposed on a side wall 447 of the second housing portion 445.

Preferably, the first recess 51 and / or the second recess 451 and / or the recess 71 extends substantially in a direction which is skewed with respect to the mounting direction A or intersects it.

Such a connection device 10 provided with a total of four connection devices 410 is, for example, in US Pat FIGS. 26 and 27 disclosed.

Alternatively or additionally, the connection device 410 may be connected to the first insulating housing 40, in which the connection device 410 is connected to a further connection device 410 of the connection device 10. According to these features, therefore, the connection device 410 can be connected indirectly to the insulating material housing 40 via a further connection device 410.

This embodiment enables a simple widening of the connection device 10 by further connection elements 20, 420.

In order to connect the connection device 410 to the first insulating housing 40 of the connection device 10, the connection device 410 is initially positioned next to the first insulating housing 40 arranged that the first recess 51 of the second recess 451 is opposite and forms a recess 71. Subsequently, a connecting member 70 is inserted into the recess 71.

The connecting element 70 may comprise an insertion section 72 which can be received in the recess 71 in order to positively connect the first insulating housing 40 with the connecting device 410 and the second insulating housing 440, respectively.

Furthermore, the connecting element 70 may include a gripping portion 74, by means of which the connecting element 70 can be pulled out of the recess 71 in a simple manner in order to separate the connecting device 410 from the first insulating housing 40.

In another in the FIGS. 29 to 31 According to the reproduced embodiment of the connection device 10 according to the application, the connection device 10 comprises at least two connection devices 410, each comprising at least one further connection element 420 for connecting a conductor 100 to a busbar 200 and a second insulating element 440 surrounding the second connection element 420.

The second insulating housing 440 of the connecting devices 410 together with the fixing device 500 preferably form the first insulating housing 40 of the connecting device 10, the second housing sections 445 of the connecting devices 410 forming the first housing section 45 together with the fixing device 500.

Preferably, the further connection elements 420 of the connection devices 410 together form the connection elements 20 of the connection device 10, the second housing sections 445 of the connection devices 410 forming the first housing section 45 together with the fixing device 500.

The further connection element 420 has a conductor terminal 422 and a busbar terminal 424 electrically connected to the conductor terminal 422. The connection device 410 is moved by a movement in the Aufsteckrichtung A attachable to at least one of the busbars 200.

The conductor terminals 422 of the connection devices 410 preferably form the conductor terminals 22 of the connection device 10 according to this exemplary embodiment.

The second insulating housing 440 comprises a second housing section 445, which has an attachment groove 442 for the further connection element 420, which is suitable for receiving a section 202 of one of the busbars 200.

The busbar terminal 424 of the further connection element 420 preferably has at least one leg which projects into the attachment groove 42, 442 and is suitable for being brought into contact with the section 202.

In a preferred embodiment of this connection device 10 according to the application, the connection device 410 has a fixing device 500, which is connected to the second insulating material housing 440. Preferably, the fixing device 500 comprises at least one fixing surface 501, to which the connection device 410 can be fixed. According to this embodiment, the fixing device 500 may include two fixing surfaces 501.

Alternatively or additionally, the connection device 410 may be designed to be fixed to a wall of a housing of the distributor device.

The connection device 410 preferably comprises at least one connecting element 70, which is received in a recess 71 formed by juxtaposition of a first recess 551 provided in the fixing device 500 and a second recess 451 formed in the second housing section 440, around the fixing device 500 with the second insulating housing 440 connect to.

Preferably, the securing device 500 includes at least one slip-on groove 542 adapted to receive a portion 202 of one of the busbars 200 for connecting the securing device 500 to the manifold device. Further preferably, the fixing device 500 is formed to receive the portion 202 in the Aufstecknut 542 by a displacement of the fixing device 500 in a mounting direction A.

Preferably, the Aufstecknuten 442 of the connecting devices 410 together with the Aufstecknuten 542 of the fixing device 500, the Aufstecknuten 42 of the connecting device 10 according to this embodiment.

Preferably, the portion 202 is positively and / or non-positively received in the Aufstecknut 42, 442, 542.

In a preferred embodiment, the fixing device 500 is provided with a fixing device 590, which comprises a contact section 592 and a spring section 594. The spring portion 594 is elastically deformable. The abutment portion 592 is adapted to abut the bus bar 200 in a set position S _F to prevent displacement of the fixing device 500 against the attaching direction A, and to be spaced apart from the bus bar 200 in a release position S _L to displace the terminal device 10 or the fixing device 500 against the Aufsteckrichtung A to allow.

Preferably, the fixing device 590 is further provided with an operating section 596, by means of which an installer can transfer the fixing device 590 of the set position S _F in the release position S _L.

According to this variant, the connecting device 10 can be adapted in a simple manner to the requirements prevailing in the distributor device.

Preferably, the second recess 451, the third recess 551 and / or the recess 71 extends substantially in a direction that is skewed with respect to the mounting direction A or intersects it.

In a preferred embodiment, the fixing device 500 is provided with at least one predetermined breaking point 502. According to this embodiment, it is possible to shorten the fixing device 500 in such a simple manner, so that by means of this a connection device 10 of the desired length (in the mounting direction A) can be formed, for example, with a single busbar 200 or with a plurality of busbars 200 connectable is.

Further preferably, the predetermined breaking point 502 extends substantially transversely to the mounting direction A and / or transversely to the direction of extent E.

The further connection element 420 is preferably formed analogously to the connection element 20 of the connection device 10, which in Fig. 20 is reproduced.

Of course, the invention is not limited to the described and illustrated embodiments. Changes, eg. B. in the embodiments of the various components or substitutions by technical equivalents, as far as they remain within the scope of the claimed protection, at any time possible ^

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10

connection device

20

connecting element

22

conductor terminal

24

Bus terminal

26

first leg

27

second leg

40

first insulating housing

41

first end

42

plug-on

43

second end

44

insertion

45

first housing section

46

recess

47

Side wall

48

chamfer

49

head Start

49a

collar-shaped guide device

50

feather

51

first recess

52

first notch

54

second notch

60

closure element

62

groove

63

nose

70

connecting element

71

deepening

72

insertion

74

cross section

80

reinforcing element

90

Setter

92

abutting

94

spring section

96

operation section

100

ladder

200

bus

202

section

204

Busbar section

300

Tool

410

connecting device

420

another connection element

422

conductor terminal

424

Bus terminal

440

second insulating housing

442

plug-on

445

second housing section

451

second recess

500

The restraint

501

Securing surface

502

Breaking point

542

plug-on

551

first recess

590

Setter

592

abutting

594

spring section

596

operation section

A

mounting direction

e

extension direction

L

insertion

V

displacement direction

S _O

open position

S _V

closed position

S _F

Attachment position

S _L

release position

Claims (22)

Connection device comprising at least two connection elements (20) for respectively connecting a conductor (100) to a busbar (200) and a first insulating material housing (40) surrounding the connection elements (20), the terminal elements (20) having a conductor terminal (22) and a busbar terminal (24) electrically connected to the conductor terminal (22), wherein the connecting device (10) by a movement in a Aufsteckrichtung (A) on at least two bus bars (200) extending approximately parallel to a direction of extension (E) can be plugged, wherein the first insulating housing (40) comprises a first housing portion (45), which for each connection element (20) has a Aufstecknut (42) which is suitable for receiving a portion (202) of the busbars (200), and wherein the bus bar clamp (24) of each terminal member (20) has at least one leg (26) which projects into the slip groove (42) and is adapted to be brought into contact with the portion (202). Connecting device according to claim 1, characterized in that the connection elements (20) in Aufsteckrichtung (A) are arranged substantially one behind the other or in the extension direction (E) and / or transversely to the mounting direction (A) offset from one another. Connecting device according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the conductor clamp (22) and / or the busbar clamp (24) of each connection element (20) is designed as a clamping element. Connecting device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the first housing portion (45) opposite to the conductor terminal (22) of each connection element (20) each having an insertion opening (44) which is adapted from the conductor (100). to be penetrated to electrically connect the conductor (100) to the conductor terminal (22). Connecting device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the conductor clamp (22) and / or the insertion opening (44) are formed to plug in the conductor (100) in the conductor clamp (22) in a plug-in direction (L) allow, wherein the insertion direction (L) lies substantially in a plane which is substantially orthogonal to the extension direction (E), and wherein the insertion direction (L) and the Aufsteckrichtung (A) form an angle (α) which is between 30 ° and 150 °, preferably between 90 ° and 150 °, more preferably about 120 °. Connecting device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the first housing portion (45) has at least one recess (46) into which one of the Aufstecknuten (42) opens. Connecting device according to claim 6, characterized in that the housing portion (45) has at least one insertion bevel (48) which opens into the recess (46) and is adapted to guide the portion (202) in the recess (46). Connecting device according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the insulating housing (40) comprises a closure element (60) which is adapted to assume an open position (S _O ) and a closed position (S _V ), wherein the portion (202) in the open position (S _O ) in the Aufstecknut (42) can be inserted and in the closed position (S _V ) is held in a form-fitting manner in the Aufstecknut (42). Connection device according to claim 8, characterized in that the closure element (60) on the first insulating housing (40) between the open position (S _O) and the closed position (S _V) in a displacement direction (V) is movably held, preferably with the direction of displacement ( V) is approximately orthogonal to the attachment direction (A) and / or approximately orthogonal to the extension direction (E). Connecting device according to claim 9, characterized in that the first insulating housing (40) has a dovetail-shaped groove (62) and a cross-sectionally dovetail-shaped spring (50), wherein the groove (62) and the spring (50) are arranged and the spring (50) engages in the groove (62) such that the closure element (60) is movably held on the first housing section (45) in the displacement direction (V) between the open position (S _O ) and the closed position (S _V ) , Connecting device according to one of claims 9 or 10, characterized in that the first insulating housing (40) at least one nose (64), at least one first notch (52) and at least one second notch (54), wherein the nose (64), the first notch (54) and the second notch (56) are arranged so that the nose (64) in the open position (S _O ) in the first notch (52) engages to the closure element (60) in the open position (S _O ), and wherein the nose (64) in the closed position (S _V ) in the second notch (54) engages to hold the closure element (60) in the closed position (S _V ). Connecting device according to one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that extending the first housing portion (45) from a first end (41) to a second end (43) in the mounting direction (A) and the closure element (60) adjacent to the second end (43) or at the second end (43) is arranged. Connecting device according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized by a reinforcing element (80) that at least partially surrounds the busbar clamp (24) and is preferably made of steel. Connecting device according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the first housing portion (45) at least a first support portion (56) which is suitable, a first support for a through a tool (300) and adjacent to the portion (202 ) arranged busbar portion (204) to form a pivotable lever to the connecting device (10) through Exercise a force on the tool (300) in Aufsteckrichtung (A) to put. Connecting device according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the first housing portion (45) comprises at least a second support portion (58) which is suitable, a second support for a through a tool (300) and adjacent to the portion arranged busbar portion (204) to form lever pivotable to the connecting device (10) by applying a force on the tool (300) against the Aufsteckrichtung (A). Connecting device according to one of claims 14 or 15, characterized in that the first housing portion (45) at least one projection (49) which extends substantially transversely to the mounting direction (A) and the first support portion (56) and the second support portion ( 58). Connecting device according to claim 16, characterized in that the projection (49) on a side wall (47) of the first housing portion (45) is arranged and preferably has an approximately circular cross-section. Connecting device according to one of claims 1 to 17, characterized by at least one connection device (410) comprising at least one further connection element (420) for connecting a conductor (100) to a busbar (200) and a second insulating element surrounding the further connection element (420) ( 440) the further connection element (420) having a conductor terminal (422) and a busbar terminal (424) electrically connected to the conductor terminal (422), wherein the connection device (410) can be plugged onto at least one of the busbars (200) by a movement in the attachment direction (A), wherein the second insulating housing (440) comprises a second housing portion (445), which for the further connection element (420) has an attachment groove (442) adapted to receive a portion (202) of one of the busbars (200), wherein the bus bar clamp (424) of the further terminal member (420) has at least one leg which projects into the slip groove (442) and is adapted to be brought into contact with the portion (202), and wherein the first insulating housing (40) is connected to the second insulating housing (440). Connecting device according to claim 18, characterized in that the first insulating housing (40) with the second insulating housing (440) is connected by means of a tongue and groove connection. Connecting device according to one of claims 18 or 19, characterized in that the connecting device (410) further comprises at least one connecting element (70) which in a by juxtaposition of a in the first housing portion (45) introduced first recess (51) and one in the a recess (71) formed in the second housing section (445) is accommodated in order to connect the first insulating housing (40) to the second insulating housing (440). Connecting device according to claim 20, characterized in that the first recess (51) and / or the second recess (451) and / or the recess (71) extends substantially in a direction that is skewed with respect to the mounting direction (A) or this cuts. Connecting device according to one of claims 1 to 21, characterized by a fixing device (90) comprising a contact portion (92) and a spring portion (94), wherein the spring portion (94) is elastically deformable and wherein the abutment portion (92) is suitable, in one Locating (S _F ) to the busbar (200) to abut to prevent displacement of the terminal device (10) against the Aufsteckrichtung (A), and in a release position (S _L ) of the busbar (200) to be spaced to a Move the connection device (10) against the mounting direction (A) to allow.

Images