AU2015247269B2 - Quick connector device with low-force leaf spring - Google Patents
Quick connector device with low-force leaf spring Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- AU2015247269B2 AU2015247269B2 AU2015247269A AU2015247269A AU2015247269B2 AU 2015247269 B2 AU2015247269 B2 AU 2015247269B2 AU 2015247269 A AU2015247269 A AU 2015247269A AU 2015247269 A AU2015247269 A AU 2015247269A AU 2015247269 B2 AU2015247269 B2 AU 2015247269B2
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- Prior art keywords
- leaf spring
- conductor
- intermediate portion
- stop
- leaf
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- 239000004020 conductor Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 84
- 238000003780 insertion Methods 0.000 claims description 51
- 230000037431 insertion Effects 0.000 claims description 51
- 238000006073 displacement reaction Methods 0.000 claims description 12
- 238000005452 bending Methods 0.000 claims description 5
- 230000000284 resting effect Effects 0.000 claims description 3
- 230000004913 activation Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000003213 activating effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000903 blocking effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000008859 change Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000005489 elastic deformation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000003993 interaction Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004044 response Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000630 rising effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000000926 separation method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000009466 transformation Effects 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
- H01R13/02—Contact members
- H01R13/193—Means for increasing contact pressure at the end of engagement of coupling part, e.g. zero insertion force or no friction
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R4/00—Electrically-conductive connections between two or more conductive members in direct contact, i.e. touching one another; Means for effecting or maintaining such contact; Electrically-conductive connections having two or more spaced connecting locations for conductors and using contact members penetrating insulation
- H01R4/28—Clamped connections, spring connections
- H01R4/48—Clamped connections, spring connections utilising a spring, clip, or other resilient member
- H01R4/4809—Clamped connections, spring connections utilising a spring, clip, or other resilient member using a leaf spring to bias the conductor toward the busbar
- H01R4/4828—Spring-activating arrangements mounted on or integrally formed with the spring housing
- H01R4/48365—Spring-activating arrangements mounted on or integrally formed with the spring housing with integral release means
Abstract
Device for connecting a conductor (3) to an electrical terminal, of the type comprising at least one flexible leaf spring (1) having a first portion designed to press said conductor (3), as it is pushed into a connection chamber (8), against a conducting surface (2) electrically connected to said terminal, and comprising: - elastic means for keeping said first leaf spring portion (1) away from the conducting surface (2), said first leaf spring portion (1) being preloaded and kept in a position of equilibrium in a situation of disconnectedness; - means for releasing said first leaf spring portion (1) which are activated as the conductor (3) is pushed in, unsettling the position of equilibrium, the first leaf spring portion (1) released presses the pushed-in conductor (3) against the conducting surface (2) in a situation of connectedness. This devices is characterized in that the leaf (1) is a strip comprising transverse folds delimiting leaf portions, the means that keep the first leaf spring portion (1) in position and that release same being provided in a second elastic leaf spring portion (1) made as one with the first leaf spring portion (1), an intermediate portion having a region of attachment to a wall (5) of the connection chamber (8) connecting said first and second leaf spring portions (1).
Description
Quick connector device with low-force leaf spring
Technical domain of the invention
The present invention concerns a device for connecting a conductor to an electrical terminal, of the type comprising at least one flexible leaf spring having a first portion designed to press said conductor, as it is pushed into a connection chamber, against a conductive surface electrically connected to said terminal. Said conductive surface is located for example at one of the walls of the connection chamber where the leaf spring is iocated.
An object of the invention is to reduce the effort of pushing the conductor into the connection device.
The invention also concerns a modular electrical apparatus, such as a circuit breaker or safety switch, fitted with such a connection device. The connection chamber then consists of a hole opening into one wall of the electrical apparatus.
The devices for which the invention is particularly pertinent are those enabling the insertion of a part of an electrical distribution system such as a bridge bar with spade or blade connectors into a leaf spring(s) connector, for example of a modular electric apparatus. Said leaf springs must provide good electrical contact that does not change over time, and consequently produce sufficient contact force to achieve this. Now, the insertion force of the conductor, for example a blade of a bridge bar, is directly related to the contact force produced by the spring.
Prior art
Currently, when it is at rest, the leaf spring of such a connector is pressed onto the conductive surface of the terminal, and the distance of travel of the spring is consequently equal to the thickness of the blade which is inserted into the connection device. Naturally, the connection of an eiectricai distribution system such as bridge bar with spade or blade connectors requires a simultaneous or nearly simultaneous insertion of several blades into the connectors of a row of modular electrical apparatuses disposed side by side on the same DIN rail. Such simultaneous insertion requires overcoming the resistance of several leaf
2015247269 12 Apr 2019 springs at the same time, which can prove to be a problem since the contact forces on each leaf spring are far from negligible, and they are exerted nearly perpendicular to the insertion forces. In this case, the problem consists of reducing the insertion effort without altering the characteristics of the spring, and particularly the force of contact it can produce once the 5 blade of the inserted bridge bar is pressed onto the terminal.
The document EP 1 612 889 proposes several technical solutions in response to the problem posed. Said solutions consist of prepositioning the leaf spring of the connection device in a position ready for insertion.
Said prepositioning makes it possible to limit the travel of the leaf spring during insertion of io the conductor, and thus to ensure a progressiveness of effort. Such progressiveness provides the installer with an ease of insertion when he implements this type of device.
One of the variants proposed comprises a guillotine holding the leaf away from the terminal, and activated only at the end of travel during insertion of the conductor in order to optimize the contact force once the conductor is inserted. This solution allows the insertion area to be is completely cleared, thus minimizing the insertion effort. However, this variant has the disadvantage of being single use, because the guillotine cannot be returned to its initial position.
Moreover, in all the proposed variants, the leaf spring is relatively complex in shape, having lateral attachment walls in a cage terminal, as well as a central orifice creating a free space to allow passage of the screw of the cage terminal.
Object of the Invention
It is an object of the invention to overcome one or more of the above disadvantages, or at least to provide a useful alternative.
Summary
The present invention provides a device for connecting a conductor to an electrical terminal, of the type comprising at least one flexible leaf spring having a first portion designed to press said conductor, as it is pushed into a connection chamber, against a conductive surface electrically connected to said terminal, comprising:
NUHAGP029AU - Response^final.docx
2015247269 12 Apr 2019
- elastic means for holding said first portion of the leaf spring away from the conductive surface, said first portion of the leaf spring being preloaded and kept in a position of equilibrium in a connected state;
- means for releasing said first portion of the leaf spring which is activated as the s conductor is pushed in, unsettling the position of equilibrium, the released first portion of the leaf spring pressing the pushed-in conductor against the conductive surface in the connected state;
the leaf spring being a smooth strip comprising transverse bends delimiting leaf portions, the means for holding the first portion of the leaf spring in position and that io releases same being provided by an elastic second portion of the leaf spring, integral with the first portion of the leaf spring, an intermediate portion connecting said first and second portions of the leaf spring, wherein said intermediate portion has a region of attachment to a wall of the connection chamber, and it comprises means of relocking the first portion of the leaf spring is in a position of equilibrium.
There is disclosed herein an overall remedy to the aforementioned disadvantages, proposes an alternative solution with a one-piece leaf spring having a simple, refined shape, enabling a quick connection of a conductor with little insertion effort, and the position of which can be easily reinitialized inside the connection chamber in order to repeat the connection operation. In particular, by its simplicity of construction it is distinguished from leaf springs disclosed in the document DE 203 00 266 Ul, which has bent blades that extend beyond the main leaf spring: in addition to more manufacturing steps, since pre-cuts must be made with precise location and length prior to bending the blades resulting therefrom, according to a predetermined orientation, this solution is mechanically less reliable because such blades are subject to deformations that risk disrupting the operation.
An embodiment thus concerns a device for connecting a conductor to an electrical terminal, of the type comprising at least one flexible leaf spring having a first portion designed to press said conductor, as it is pushed into a connection chamber, against a conductive surface electrically connected to said terminal, and comprising:
3o - elastic means for keeping said first portion of leaf spring away from the conductive surface, said first portion of leaf spring being preloaded and kept in a position of equilibrium in a
NUHAGP029AU - Response_/inal.docx
3a
2015247269 12 Apr 2019 situation of disconnectedness;
- means for releasing said first portion of leaf spring which are activated as the conductor is pushed in, unsettling the position of equilibrium, the released first portion of leaf spring pressing the pushed-in conductor against the conductive surface in a situation of s connectedness.
Since the leaf spring is normally held away from the terminal, it is possible to introduce the tooth of a jumper comb into the connection chamber, first with no insertion effort at the beginning of travel, then with a small insertion effort at the end of travel to activate the means of releasing the leaf spring. Once released, the leaf spring presses against the tooth io and presses it against the conductive surface in the connection position.
The tooth is thus wedged between the leaf spring and the conductive surface, completing the electrical contact connection.
By initially preloading the leaf spring and keeping the conductive surface away from it, the contact force is preserved which is subsequently developed by the leaf spring following is activation of the release means.
The connection device of the invention is principally characterized in that the leaf spring is a smooth strip comprising transverse bends delimiting leaf portions, the means that keep the first portion of leaf spring in position and that release same being provided in a second elastic leaf spring portion made as one with the first portion of leaf spring, an intermediate portion having a region of attachment to a wall of the connection chamber connecting said first and second portions of leaf spring.
NUHAGP029AU - Response^final.docx . 4 The leaf spring is therefore a thin strip, the opposite surfaces of which are free of any protrusions since no blade goes past it, and which also comprises three portions, each fulfilling different technical functions. Said three portions are situated in continuity with each other, and form a single flexible strip having only undergone several transverse bends, excluding any other bending operation.
In this configuration, the shape of the leaf spring per se and the interaction between its different portions enable it to be either preloaded in a stable position, or pressed against the conductor, with no intervention of intermediate parts. The design of the connection device is therefore relatively spare and relies essentially on the elastic properties of the leaf spring and on its precise positioning inside the connection chamber.
According to the invention, the leaf spring is configured as a loop and:
- the end of the distal first portion of the intermediate portion is blocked beneath a stop of the second portion taking the form of a section oriented substantially parallel to the direction of insertion of the conductor or of an upper edge of a window and comprising the end of said proximal second portion of the intermediate portion, said stop also constituting the means of holding the first portion of leaf spring away from the conductive surface:
- the second portion comprises a section forming an actuator oriented in a direction tunning perpendicular to the direction of insertion F of the conductor, and constituting the end of the distal second portion of the intermediate portion, said actuator being situated on the path of the conductor and also constituting the means of release of the first portion of leaf spring;
- the intermediate portion is disposed, with respect to the walls of the connection chamber, to enable a displacement of the second portion releasing the first portion.
The exact position of the stop depends on the distance at which it is desired to place the leaf spring with respect to the conductive surface. Said distance must be at least greater than the width of the conductor so that said conductor can be inserted without friction and without effort, prior to activation of the means of release of the leaf spring.
The actuator constitutes an obstacle during insertion of the conductor into the connection chamber. A small effort of insertion of the conductor is necessary to slightly move said actuator at the time they come into contact, which then causes the general displacement of the second portion of the spring and of course its stop, resulting in the release of the first portion of the leaf spring. The exact position of the actuator on the insertion path of the conductor depends on the desired moment for contact with the conductor, and also depends on the necessary and sufficient displacement of the stop to release the leaf spring.
According to one possibility, the ends of the first and second distal portions of the intermediate portion respectively form the first and second free ends of the leaf spring in loop form. The leaf spring then does not contain additional portions beyond the three portions previously described.
Specifically, the second portion of leaf spring is movable between:
- a first free position in a situation of disconnectedness where the second end of the leaf spring is disposed on the path of insertion of the conductor and the first end of the leaf spring is blocked beneath the stop;
- a second bent position in a situation of connectedness where the second end of the leaf spring is displaced by the conductor and the first end of the leaf spring is unblocked with respect to the stop.
The intermediate portion comprises:
- a first section running perpendicular to the direction of insertion F extending said second portion downstream from the stop;
- a second section running parallel to the direction of insertion F and to a bottom wall of the connection chamber;
- a third section running perpendicular to the direction of insertion F and secured, at said securing region delimited by a positioning block of the leaf spring, at the wall of the connection chamber containing the orifice for insertion of the conductor.
It is said third section that enables the leaf spring to be properly positioned inside the connection chamber. Since it is secured to the connection chamber, it dissociates the leaf spring into two parts on either side of the securing region, said two parts being capable of undergoing deformations and/or displacements independently. Said securing region is therefore important for enabling the different portions of the leaf spring to fulfill their respective functions.
- 6 The bottom wail of the connection chamber comprises a bulge on which the second section of the intermediate portion rests, said intermediate portion being capable of bending along a pivoting axis made on the free end of said bulge when the second end of the leaf spring is displaced by the conductor in a direction running substantially perpendicular to the direction of insertion F during insertion.
It is the pivoting movement caused by the contact between the conductor and the second end of the leaf spring that drives the displacement of the stop and the release of the first end of the leaf spring.
Said tilting by pivoting is limited to one part of the loop thanks to the point secured to the wall of the connection chamber, as explained above. Indeed, when the part of the loop comprising the first end remains fixed, the other part of the loop tilts, causing the separation of the stop with respect to the first end and thus the release thereof.
Advantageously, the connection device comprises means of relocking the first portion of leaf spring in a position of equilibrium. It is therefore possible to return the leaf spring to its position of equilibrium, so the connection device is not of single usage.
Said means of relocking the first portion of the leaf spring consist of a guided member sliding inside the connection device and resting near the first end of the leaf spring, said member being capable of being slidably activated by a user and exerting a pressure on said first end of the leaf spring so as to block it beneath the stop.
A user wishing to withdraw the conductor from the connection chamber can simply press on the member, from the wall of the electrical apparatus for example, in order to relock the leaf spring in its initial preloaded position. Hence it no longer exerts any pressure on the conductor, which can be withdrawn without effort or friction. Said device is therefore secure, simple to operate, and limits the wear of components.
According to one possibility, the first portion of leaf spring has a domed section capable of being pressed against the conductor in a connectedness situation. Specifically, the release of the first end causes the release of the domed section which is then pressed against the conductor. Said domed shape enables the first portion of leaf spring to be quickly pressed against the conductor without having to travel far, and simultaneously makes it possible for the first end of the leaf spring to not move far from the stop in . 7 connection position, to allow a quick relocking of the leaf spring without the need for the member to travel far.
Moreover, the conductor can be provided with a recess capable of receiving the domed section of the leaf spring. Said correspondence between the domed section and the recess makes it possible to ensure the precise positioning of the leaf spring and of the conductor in a position of connectedness, and of blocking any movements of the conductor in the insertion direction. Tirus, once the conductor is inserted, it is not possible to inadvertently remove it, by pulling on the bridge bar for example. The only means of withdrawing the conductor consists of activating the means of relocking the leaf spring.
Optionally, the connection device comprises means of acknowledgement of the position of the leaf spring. This enables the user to verify if the connection has been made.
Said means of acknowledgement of the position of the leaf spring consist of a rod movable between a first position reflecting the locking of the leaf spring and a second position reflecting the release of the leaf spring, said rod being equipped with a head visible by a user and a foot driven by the first end of the leaf spring. Said foot makes it possible to transmit to the rod the relocking and release movements of the leaf spring.
Thus, if the head goes past the wall of the electrical apparatus, for example, (or respectively if the head is flush with the wall), this means that the first end has been released and that the connection is made, and if the head is flush with the wall (or respectively if the head is recessed with respect to the wall), this means that the first end is located beneath the stop and that the connection has therefore not yet occurred.
Preferably, said rod and said member are combined and consist of a single part. This allows the functions of the components in the connection device to he combined, thus reducing their number in order to obtain a simple, optimized system.
In particular, such a connection device is integrated into a modular electrical apparatus such as a circuit breaker or switch.
- 8 Description of a preferred embodiment illustrated in the Figures
The invention will now be described in more detail, with reference to the appended Figures in which:
- Figures la and lb represent the connection device according to the invention, the leaf spring being in the locked position;
- Figures 2a and 2b show the connection device with the leaf spring released;
- Figure 3 illustrates a possible variant of the connection device.
With reference to Figures la and lb, the connection device of the invention is comprised principally of a leaf spring (1) elastically pressed towards the conductive surface of a terminal (2), in such a way as to enclose a conductor (3) inserted between the leaf spring (1) and the conductive terminal (2). The conductor (3) is pushed into a connection chamber (8) in the direction of insertion shown by the arrow F, through a connection window' (4) opening into a first wail (5) of a modular electrical apparatus. In Figures la and lb, the conductor (3) is partially inserted, the electrical connection not yet being achieved.
Said connection device is surmounted by a traditional tunnel terminal, with the screw (6) opening onto a second wall (7) of the apparatus, perpendicular to the first wall (5)The leaf spring (1) is located in the volume defined by the connection chamber (8), and is in the form of a loop. To achieve this, a first end (9) of the leaf spring (1) is wedged beneath an angular section of the leaf spring (1) forming a stop (10). Thus, the loop starts from the first end (9) and terminates at the stop (10). In this position, the leaf spring (1) is pre-loaded in a position of equilibrium, therefore locked, and is held away from the conductive terminal (2).
In practice, the leaf spring (1) is comprised of three portions:
- a first portion (31) comprising the free first end (9) of the leaf spring (1), as well as a domed section (11) capable of coming into contact with the conductor (3), and extending in a direction of operation parallel to the direction of insertion F;
- a second portion (32) comprising the second free end (12) of the leaf spring (1) and extending in a direction of operation running perpendicular to the direction of insertion . 9 F, said second portion (32) also comprising the stop (10) running parallel to the direction of insertion F and beneath which the first end (9) is wedged;
- an intermediate portion (33) connecting the first portion (31) and the second portion (32), and comprising a point of securing to the wall (5) of the connection chamber (8) in order to correctly position the leaf spring (1), said intermediate portion (33) comprising:
* a first section (30) downstream from the stop (10) and running perpendicular to the direction of insertion;
* a second section (19) running parallel to the direction of insertion F, continuing from the first section (30) and extending along a bottom wall (17) of the connection chamber (8); and * the third section (21) running perpendicular to the direction of insertion F, extending along the wall (5) of the connection chamber (8) and secured thereto, and connecting the first portion (31) of leaf spring (1).
In the disconnection position, the domed section (11) of the first portion (31) of leaf spring (1), making up part of the loop and intended to come into contact with the conductor (3), is kept away from the conductive terminal (2) via the stop (10). In this instance, the distance between said domed contact section (11 and the conductive terminal (2) is greater than the width or diameter of the conductor (3), so that said conductor can be inserted without effort, and without rubbing against the domed section (11) of the leaf spring (1).
The second free end (12) of the leaf spring (1) is disposed on the final part of the insertion path of the conductor (3), and thus constitutes an obstacle against which the conductor (3) strikes at the end of insertion. Although the user has not encountered resistance during insertion, because the space between the rest of the leaf spring (1) and the conductive terminal (2) is larger in size than the width or diameter of the conductor (3), the end of said conductor (3) encounters the second end (12) of the leaf spring (1) and the user must at that time overcome the locking effort of the leaf spring (1) in order to displace its second end (12).
As illustrated in Figures 2a and 2b, the displacement of the second end (12) causes the general displacement of the second portion (32), and of course the displacement of the
- 10 stop (10) in such a way as to release the first end (9) of the leaf spring (1) and thus unlock the leaf spring (1). The loop thus opens, allowing the domed section (11) of the leaf spring (1) to press forcefully against the conductor (3) in order to flatten it against the conductive terminal (2), thus achieving the electrical connection as illustrated in Figures 2a and 2b.
Said domed section (11) becomes wedged in a corresponding recess (13) made in the conductor (3), thus improving the contact pressure and preventing any relative movement between the leaf spring (1) and the conductor (3) in the connection position.
Similarly, the conductive terminal (2) can be provided with a boss (28) capable of being wedged in a corresponding second recess (29) made in the conductor (3), facing the first recess (13) so as to prevent any relative movement between the conductive terminal (2) and the conductor (3) in the connection position.
More precisely, the displacement of the second end (12) of the leaf spring (1) is perpendicular to the displacement of the conductor (3), and thus to the direction of insertion F. The end (14) of the conductor (3) is beveled and forms a gradient (15), corresponding to movement transformation means on which the second end (12) of the leaf spring (1) slides. Thus, while the conductor (3) advances along the direction of insertion F, the second end (12) of the leaf spring (1) moves along the gradient in a direction running perpendicular to the direction F, and causes part of the loop to tilt into the connection chamber (8). Indeed, the lower part (19) of the loop, corresponding to the second section (19) of the intermediate portion (33), rests on a bulge (16) made in the bottom wall (17) of the connection chamber (8), and is capable of bending along a pivot axis made on the free end (18) of said bulge (16). The lower part (19) of the leaf spring (1) bends over a maximum distance equal to the height H (illustrated by a double arrow) of the bulge (16), the tilting of the loop being stopped when its lower part (19) stops against the wall (17).
The upper part of the loop, i.e. the first portion (31) of leaf spring (1), should not tilt with the rest of the loop, because the first end (9) would follow the tilting movement and would remain wedged beneath the stop (10), and the release and unlocking of the leaf spring (1) would therefore not take place. In order to dissociate the movements of the upper part of the loop from the rest of the loop, the leaf spring (1) is secured to the wall (5) of the connection chamber (8) at the third section (21) of the intermediate portion (33) of the leaf
- 11 spring (1). Said securing is achieved by means of a positioning block (20), provided inside the connection chamber (8), and capable of securing the section (21) of leaf spring (1) against the wall (5) of the connection chamber (8). Said securing enables the ioop to be divided into two parts, i.e. a tilting part and a non-tilling part, corresponding to the first portion (31) of the leaf spring (1). Said securing also makes it possible to correctly position the leaf spring (1) inside the connection chamber (8).
When the device is in the connection situation and the user wishes to disconnect it by withdrawing the conductor (3), he must first separate the leaf spring (1) from the conductor (3) to eliminate the force of pressure.
In order to be able to relock the leaf spring (1), i.e. re-wedge its first end (9) beneath the stop (10), a sliding guided member (22) (or a rod) is provided inside the connection device. Said member (22) comprises an end foot (23) resting on the first end (9) of the leaf spring (1), and a head (24) opening out at the wall (7) through an orifice (25) provided for that purpose, and thus being visible by a user from outside the apparatus.
To withdraw the conductor (3), the user simply presses the head (24) of the member (22) so that the end foot (23) presses on the first end (9) of the leaf spring (1) and brings it beneath the stop (10) by elastic deformation. Once the relocking of the leaf spring (1) is completed, the head (24) of the member is withdrawn with respect to the wail (7), indicating to the user that the leaf spring (1) is again in the preloaded equilibrium position, that it is no longer in contact with the conductor and (3) and that the relocking has been completed. The conductor (3) can then be withdrawn effortlessly.
Conversely, during the release of the leaf spring (1), i.e. during the connection of the conductor (3), its first end (9) drives the end foot (23) in a direction running perpendicular to the direction of insertion F and the head (24) of the member (22) is then flush with the wall (7), indicating to the user that the leaf spring (1) has been unlocked, that the conductor (3) is correctly inserted and that the electrical connection has been completed. Finally, it provides an acknowledgment of the position of the leaf spring (1).
To prevent the member (22) from rising back up unexpectedly without unlocking the leaf spring (1), the member (22) comprises a second foot (26) fixed beneath the first
- 12 end (9) of the leaf spring (f), thus eliminating the degree of freedom of the member (2) in its sliding direction when no unlocking has taken place.
Said member (22) therefore fulfills two functions: a function of relocking the leaf spring (1), and a function of acknowledging the position of the leaf spring (1).
Figure 3 shows another possible configuration of the leaf spring (1), wherein the angular section of the leaf spring (1) forming a stop (10) is replaced by a rectilinear section provided with a window (27) the upper edge of which forms the stop (10), since the first end (9) of the leaf spring inserted into the window (27) in the disconnection position presses against said upper edge to form the loop. In the same manner as in the preceding configuration, the displacement of the second end (12) of the leaf spring (1) during insertion of the conductor (3) causes the tilting of part of the leaf spring (1) and allows its first end (9) to leave the window (27) in order to open the loop and thus release the leaf spring (1) to complete the electrical connection.
The configurations shown in the cited Figures are only non-limit!ng possible examples of the invention which encompasses the variants of forms and designs available to a person skilled in the art.
Claims (12)
- 2015247269 12 Apr 2019CLAIMS:1. A device for connecting a conductor to an electrical terminal, of the type comprising at least one flexible leaf spring having a first portion designed to press said5 conductor, as it is pushed into a connection chamber, against a conductive surface electrically connected to said terminal, comprising:- elastic means for holding said first portion of the leaf spring away from the conductive surface, said first portion of the leaf spring being preloaded and kept in a position of equilibrium in a connected state;io - means for releasing said first portion of the leaf spring which is activated as the conductor is pushed in, unsettling the position of equilibrium, the released first portion of the leaf spring pressing the pushed-in conductor against the conductive surface in the connected state;the leaf spring being a smooth strip comprising transverse bends delimiting leaf is portions, the means for holding the first portion of the leaf spring in position and that releases same being provided by an elastic second portion of the leaf spring, integral with the first portion of the leaf spring, an intermediate portion connecting said first and second portions of the leaf spring, wherein said intermediate portion has a region of attachment to a wall of the zo connection chamber, and it comprises means of relocking the first portion of the leaf spring in a position of equilibrium.
- 2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the leaf spring is configured as a loop and:- an end of the first portion which is distant from the intermediate portion is blocked25 beneath a stop of the second portion taking the form of a section oriented substantially parallel to a direction of insertion of the conductor or of an upper edge of a window and comprising an end of said second portion which is in the vicinity of the intermediate portion, said stop also constituting the means of holding the first portion of the leaf spring away from the conductive surface;so - the second portion comprises a section forming an actuator oriented in a direction running perpendicular to the direction of insertion of the conductor, and constituting an endNUHAGP029AU - Response_/inal.docx2015247269 12 Apr 2019 of the second portion, distant from the intermediate portion, said actuator being situated on the path of the conductor and also constituting the means for releasing the first portion of the leaf spring;- the intermediate portion is disposed, with respect to the walls of the connection5 chamber, to enable a displacement of the second portion releasing the first portion.
- 3. The device according to claim 2, wherein the ends of the first and second portions distant from the intermediate portion respectively form first and second free ends of the leaf spring in loop form.
- 4. The device according to claim 3, wherein the second portion of the leaf spring is io movable between:- a first free position in a disconnected state where the second end of the leaf spring is disposed on the path of insertion of the conductor and the first end of the leaf spring is blocked beneath the stop;- a second bent position in a connected state where the second end of the leaf is spring is displaced by the conductor and the first end of the leaf spring is unblocked with respect to the stop.
- 5. The device according to claim 4, wherein the intermediate portion comprises:- a first section running perpendicular to the direction of insertion extending said second portion downstream from the stop;20 - a second section running parallel to the direction of insertion and to a bottom wall of the connection chamber;- a third section running perpendicular to the direction of insertion and secured, at said securing region delimited by a positioning block of the leaf spring, at the wall of the connection chamber containing the orifice for insertion of the conductor.25
- 6. The device according to claim 5, wherein the bottom wall of the connection chamber comprises a bulge on which the second section of the intermediate portion rests, said intermediate portion being capable of bending along a pivoting axis made on the free end of said bulge when the second end of the leaf spring is displaced by the conductor in a direction running substantially perpendicular to the direction of insertion during insertion.so
- 7. The device according to claim 6, wherein said means of relocking the first portion of the leaf spring consists of a guided member sliding inside the connection deviceNUHAGP029AU - Responsefainal.docx2015247269 12 Apr 2019 and resting near the first end of the leaf spring, said guided member being capable of being slidably activated by a user and exerting a pressure on said first end of the leaf spring so as to block it beneath the stop.
- 8. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first5 portion of leaf spring has a domed section capable of being pressed against the conductor in a connected state.
- 9. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein it comprises means of acknowledgement of the position of the leaf spring.
- 10. The device according to claim 9, wherein said means of acknowledgement of 10 the position of the leaf spring consists of a rod movable between a first position reflecting the locking of the leaf spring and a second position reflecting the release of the leaf spring, said rod being equipped with a head visible by a user and a foot driven by the first end of the leaf spring.
- 11. The device according to claim 10, wherein said rod and said guided member are is combined and consist of a single part.
- 12. A modular electrical apparatus such as a circuit breaker or safety switch, wherein it is fitted with a connection device according to claims 1 to 11.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| FR1453389 | 2014-04-16 | ||
| FR1453389A FR3020185B1 (en) | 2014-04-16 | 2014-04-16 | LOW EFFORT SPRING FAST CONNECTION DEVICE |
| PCT/FR2015/050971 WO2015159002A1 (en) | 2014-04-16 | 2015-04-10 | Quick connector device with low-force leaf spring |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| AU2015247269A1 AU2015247269A1 (en) | 2016-12-01 |
| AU2015247269B2 true AU2015247269B2 (en) | 2019-05-09 |
Family
ID=51063649
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| AU2015247269A Active AU2015247269B2 (en) | 2014-04-16 | 2015-04-10 | Quick connector device with low-force leaf spring |
Country Status (4)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP3132501B1 (en) |
| AU (1) | AU2015247269B2 (en) |
| FR (1) | FR3020185B1 (en) |
| WO (1) | WO2015159002A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE102015118574A1 (en) | 2015-10-30 | 2017-05-04 | Eaton Electrical Ip Gmbh & Co. Kg | Contacting device for contacting an electrical conductor to an electrical conductor |
Citations (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE202010016638U1 (en) * | 2010-12-15 | 2011-02-17 | Bjb Gmbh & Co. Kg | clamping contact |
Family Cites Families (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE20300266U1 (en) | 2003-01-08 | 2004-05-19 | Bals Elektrotechnik Gmbh & Co. Kg | Electrical cable terminal has spring clip that is released to press contact end securely against the cable wire |
| DE602004011607T2 (en) | 2004-06-30 | 2009-01-29 | Hager Electro S.A. | Leaf spring terminal with reduced insertion force |
| DE202010003980U1 (en) * | 2010-03-22 | 2011-08-08 | Weidmüller Interface GmbH & Co. KG | connection device |
| DE102012206731A1 (en) * | 2012-04-24 | 2013-10-24 | Tyco Electronics Amp Gmbh | Connecting device for a solar module |
-
2014
- 2014-04-16 FR FR1453389A patent/FR3020185B1/en active Active
-
2015
- 2015-04-10 EP EP15719265.9A patent/EP3132501B1/en active Active
- 2015-04-10 AU AU2015247269A patent/AU2015247269B2/en active Active
- 2015-04-10 WO PCT/FR2015/050971 patent/WO2015159002A1/en active Application Filing
Patent Citations (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE202010016638U1 (en) * | 2010-12-15 | 2011-02-17 | Bjb Gmbh & Co. Kg | clamping contact |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| EP3132501A1 (en) | 2017-02-22 |
| EP3132501B1 (en) | 2020-03-04 |
| FR3020185A1 (en) | 2015-10-23 |
| WO2015159002A1 (en) | 2015-10-22 |
| FR3020185B1 (en) | 2017-12-22 |
| AU2015247269A1 (en) | 2016-12-01 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| HB | Alteration of name in register |
Owner name: HAGER-ELECTRO SAS Free format text: FORMER NAME(S): HAGER-ELECTRO SAS (SOCIETE PAR ACTIONS SIMPLIFIEE) |
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| FGA | Letters patent sealed or granted (standard patent) |