DE102022115134B4 - Thermocouple connector with lever mechanism - Google Patents

Abstract

Thermocouple plug connector, with- a housing (20), wherein the housing (20) has an upper housing part (22) and a lower housing part (24),- a lever device (40) arranged in the housing (20) and having a pivotable lever (42) and a clamping element (44), wherein the lever device (40) can be adjusted by means of the lever (42) between a clamping position for clamping a conductor element (50) and a release position for inserting or removing the conductor element (50),- a first and a second contact element (30, 31), wherein the contact elements (30, 31) are formed from two different metals, wherein the contact elements (30, 31) have a first section (33) arranged in the housing (20) and in the clamping position in contact with the conductor element (50) and a second section (32) provided for connection to a suitable plug or socket element, and- a holding device (46) for storing the Lever device (40) and for receiving a passage (48) for passing through the contact elements (30, 31) in the housing (20) is arranged in a form-fitting manner, wherein the holding device (46) has a window region (47) for introducing the conductor element (50).

Description

The invention relates to a thermocouple connector.

Thermocouples are known from the state of the art as a cheap and accurate way of measuring temperature, with thermocouple cables and thermocouple connectors being used for the electrical connection. Connecting known thermocouple connectors usually requires the housing of the thermocouple connector to be opened, which is a laborious process, for example in order to clamp the individual conductors into sockets using screws or similar. Connecting thermocouple connectors is therefore very time-consuming.

The EN 10 2015 221 628 B3 relates to a thermal plug with two plug pins made of different electrically conductive materials; two connection sockets, each of which is electrically connected to one of the plug pins, for screwless connection of electrical lines, wherein the connection sockets have the same material as the plug pin connected to the respective connection socket.

The EN 10 2019 124 740 A1 relates to an electrical connection element. In order to enable a good and reliable connection and at the same time to be characterized by a simple construction, the electrical connection element has a contact element for establishing an electrical contact, a spring element and a sliding element for adjusting the spring element and contact element relative to one another between an open position and a clamping position, wherein the spring element has a window region with a clamping edge, wherein the window region forms an insertion opening for a conductor element in the open position, and wherein in the clamping position, in order to achieve a clamping effect, the clamping edge is shifted in the direction of the contact element relative to the open position.

According to the EP1533869A1 a thermocouple connector assembly comprises a first connector configured to have a probe lead extending therefrom and having an interior configured to receive an end of the probe lead, and a second connector configured to have an electrical connection lead extending therefrom and having an interior configured to receive an end of the lead.

The EN 10 2012 003 614 B3 teaches a temperature measuring device set with at least one thermocouple and a temperature measuring device that can be connected to the thermocouple for temperature measurement.

It can be considered a task to provide a thermocouple connector that is characterized by its simple design to simplify the connection and at the same time enables a good and reliable connection.

The object is achieved by a thermocouple connector according to claim 1. Dependent claims relate to advantageous embodiments of the invention.

The thermocouple connector is part of a two-pole plug contact. The thermocouple connector can be used, for example, to create plugs and/or sockets to which cables, strands or wires are to be connected as conductor elements.

The thermocouple connector according to the invention comprises a housing, a lever device, and a first and a second leg (contact elements).

According to the invention, the housing has an upper housing part and a lower housing part.

To ensure a simple construction, the housing composed of the upper housing part and the lower housing part is preferably cuboid-shaped. The housing can also be rounded or adapted to the application environment in some other way. The upper housing part and the lower housing part can preferably be made of a material that is very robust. In addition, the material is preferably electrically insulating. In order to enable partial or complete access to the housing from the outside, it can be provided to provide recesses in the housing so that functions such as contacting and actuation can be ensured.

The lever device is arranged in the housing and has a pivotable lever and a clamping element. By means of the lever, the lever device can be adjusted at least between a clamping position for clamping a conductor element and a release position for inserting or removing the conductor element.

The lever is designed to adjust the lever device between the clamping position and the release position. The lever is arranged in the lever device in such a way that it can be operated from outside the housing. The lever is pivotally mounted. For example. In the clamping position, the lever can be positioned flush with the housing surface. In the release position, the lever can be inclined at an angle of greater than 10° from the housing surface.

The clamping element is preferably a component that can be elastically deformed so that it can assume different positions, including the clamping position and the release position. The clamping element can preferably be placed in states of varying tension when acted upon by the lever. For example, the clamping element can be more tensioned in the release position due to the effect of the lever than in the clamping position. The clamping element can preferably be made of a metallic material such as steel or a copper alloy. It can also be made of a non-conductive material, for example plastic. The clamping element can be a spring, with a design as a flat spring being preferred.

The conductor element is an electrical conductor such as a strand, a wire or a cable to which the thermocouple connector is connected. The conductor element is clamped in the clamping position in such a way that the conductor element is firmly anchored in the lever device. For this purpose, the clamping element is tensioned in the clamping position in such a way that a sufficiently large spring tension or force is applied to the conductor element to prevent unwanted movement of the conductor element. In order to remove the conductor element from the thermocouple connector again, the lever device is brought into the release position and thus the clamping of the clamping element on the conductor element is released to such an extent that it can be removed from the lever device.

The first and second legs are designed to make electrical contact with a suitable plug or socket element. The legs can also be referred to below as contact elements. A plug element can be understood as any pluggable element, while a socket element is understood as an electrically conductive receiving element for a plug element. For this purpose, the first and second legs (contact element) are electrically conductive and made of metal. The design of the legs (contact elements) is such that the conductor element can be connected by the lever device. According to the invention, the legs (contact elements) are made of two different metals in order to ensure electrical contact without thermoelectric voltage for the connection of a thermocouple or the conductor element.

The legs (contact elements) are further designed in such a way that they have a first section arranged in the housing and in the clamping position in contact with the conductor element and a second section intended for connection to a suitable plug or socket element. In particular, if the thermocouple connector is designed as a plug, the second section can preferably protrude from the housing.

For example, a flat, elongated shape that can be curved or straight can be suitable for the legs (contact elements). The legs (contact elements) can preferably have a rod shape. A flat rod shape can be particularly preferred, so that the legs (contact elements) have flat surfaces and are wider than their height. Furthermore, the legs (contact elements) can have contact surfaces in the area of the second section, while conductor surfaces can be provided in the area of the first section, on which the legs (contact elements) can be in contact with the conductor element through the lever device.

Preferably, the legs (contact elements) are made of a different material than the clamping element. A rust-proof material that is resistant to moisture can be advantageous. The clamping element can have a lower electrical conductivity than the legs (contact elements). The material of the clamping element is designed for a mechanical connection and the material of the legs (contact elements) for an electrical connection.

The thermocouple connector according to the invention is characterized by a structurally simple lever device. In this case, a simple and secure clamping of the conductor element can be achieved simply by means of a lever device without additional use of an auxiliary and/or other tool, so that the conductor element can be easily clamped into the lever device and removed again. In this case, a quick and simple connection of the conductor element is advantageous, whereby the electrical and mechanical contact should be stable and reliable.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the second section can protrude from the housing, in particular as a protruding plug contact. The second section of the legs (contact elements) can be the section of the legs (contact elements) that is completely outside the housing.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the upper housing part can have at least one protruding connecting element and the lower housing part can have at least one receptacle adapted to the connecting element, wherein the connecting element engages in the receptacle. The connecting element can be in the form of a pin or a cuboid-shaped projection that protrudes from the wall of the upper housing part. The receptacle adapted to the connecting element can be, for example, a recess in the lower housing part. The connecting element and the receptacle can be aligned, for example, or can engage by means of a positive closure or locking mechanism. The receptacle and/or the connecting element can each be formed in one piece on the upper and lower housing parts.

According to the invention, a holding device for supporting the lever device and for receiving a passage for passing through the legs (contact elements) is arranged in a form-fitting manner in the housing, wherein the holding device has a window area for introducing the conductor element. In order to support the lever device as stably as possible in the housing, the holding device can be adapted to both the lever device and the housing. For this purpose, the holding device can be formed in a form-fitting manner with the housing, for example. The window area of the holding device can be characterized, for example, by a material recess. The shape of the window area can be rounded or a polygon, for example. The material recess can preferably be formed in a cuboid shape. The window area can be at least partially delimited by a frame, wherein the frame preferably completely encloses the window area. Particularly preferably, the recess can be formed in such a way that it tapers in a funnel shape from the outside to the inside, in order to enable particularly easy insertion of the conductor element.

The feedthrough can be designed to further improve the support of the legs (contact elements) and the clamping elements. For this purpose, the feedthrough can have openings that are adapted to the legs (contact elements). The geometry of the feedthrough preferably specifies or limits the range of movement of the levers between the clamping and release positions.

The manner in which the feedthrough is connected to the holding device can in principle be freely selected. According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the feedthrough can be connected to the holding device by means of a positive lock or snap lock. For this purpose, the feedthrough and the holding device can have interlocking elevations that are adapted to one another. The feedthrough and the elevations of the feedthrough can be produced, for example, by plastic injection molding.

According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the lever device and/or the holding device can be held in the housing by pairing the upper housing part with the lower housing part. By connecting the upper housing part and the lower housing part to one another, the lever device and/or the holding device can be firmly mounted in the housing by the connecting element of the upper housing part and the receptacle of the lower housing part. The upper housing part and the lower housing part can be adapted to the lever device and/or holding device.

The material of the housing can basically be freely selected. According to a preferred development of the invention, the upper housing part and the lower housing part can be made of plastic. Plastic has the advantage of being electrically insulating. The plastic can preferably be glass fiber reinforced to increase its robustness. The upper housing part and/or the lower housing part can be manufactured using an injection molding process.

The manner in which the upper housing part and the lower housing part can be connected to one another can be freely chosen. For example, the upper housing part and the lower housing part can be screwed together. In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the upper housing part and the lower housing part can be connected to one another in a material-locking manner. Any type of adhesive can be used here. A plastic adhesive can be used here with particular preference. In particular, with a material-locking connection between the upper and lower housing parts, a connection between the connecting element and the receptacle can also be formed.

According to a further preferred development of the invention, the upper housing part and the lower housing part can be connected to one another by ultrasonic welding. Ultrasonic welding can be particularly suitable for welding thermoplastics. Ultrasonic waves can be used for ultrasonic welding of plastics, for example, which generates frictional heat and consequently leads to the melting of the plastic. The plastics can then be joined together under additional pressure. The upper housing part and the lower housing part can thus be joined together to form the housing.

The dimensions of the housing can basically be selected differently depending on the intended use. In a further preferred development of the invention, the housing can have a width in the range from 10 mm to 20 mm, a length in the range from 20 mm to 30 mm and/or a height of 6 mm to 12 mm. The housing can particularly preferably have a width of 13 to 17 mm, a length of 23 to 27 mm and/or a height of 7 to 9 mm. Such small dimensions enable the attachment of connectors with a high density.

According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the legs (contact elements), or at least one of the legs (contact elements), can have conduction surfaces in the region of the first section and contact surfaces in the region of the second section, the contact surfaces being flat and wider than the conduction surfaces. This embodiment of the invention can, for example, ensure a stable connection to a suitable counterpart, i.e. plug or socket, while the narrower conduction surfaces save space and thus enable a small installation size.

According to a further development of the invention, the legs (contact elements) can be formed in one piece and have at least one bend in the area between the contact surfaces and the line surfaces, which makes it possible to design the thermocouple connector to be particularly compact. The bend can be arranged inside the housing, for example. Furthermore, the bend can be in the area between the contact surfaces and the line surfaces. The bend can particularly preferably be formed at a right angle to the flat contact surface.

According to a further development of the invention, the legs (contact elements) can each have an anchoring surface between the contact surface and the conducting surface and the anchoring surface can have at least one perforation adapted to the connecting element, with the connecting element passing through the perforation. This embodiment of the invention can ensure stable fixation of the legs (contact elements) in the housing. The perforation adapted to the connecting element can be, for example, one or more holes if the connecting element has one or more projections. Furthermore, using this embodiment, the connecting element can not only connect the upper part of the housing to the lower part of the housing, but also fix the legs (contact elements). This means that additional fastening of the legs (contact elements) can be dispensed with.

In a further preferred development of the invention, the legs (contact elements) can have two opposite bends in order to further increase the compactness of the thermocouple connector. In this case, the contact surfaces and the line surfaces can be arranged in two different, spaced-apart planes.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the legs (contact elements) can be formed with different widths in the area of the second section. This embodiment of the invention can characterize a difference through the different width between the legs (contact elements). It can therefore be clearly seen which leg (contact elements) is assigned to which pole, for example. Furthermore, the security against confusion when assembling the legs (contact elements) is further increased.

The legs (contact elements) can basically be made of any metal. In advantageous embodiments, the legs (contact elements) can be made of platinum, nickel, chromium, copper, iron or alloys of these metals. According to preferred embodiments of the invention, for example, the first leg (contact element) can be made of nickel-chromium and the second leg (contact element) of nickel or nickel-aluminum, so that a type K thermocouple can be connected. Or the first leg (contact element) can be made of nickel-chromium-silicon and the second leg (contact element) of nickel-silicon, so that a type N thermocouple can be connected, or the first leg (contact element) can be made of iron and the second leg (contact element) of copper-nickel for connecting a type J thermocouple. In further embodiments of the thermocouple connector, the first and second legs (contact elements) can be made of other material pairs, so that thermoplugs of other types can be connected. Particularly preferably, the legs (contact element) and the conductor element can be formed from the same material.

• 1 in perspektivischer Darstellung einen Thermoelementsteckverbinder;
• 2 der Thermoelementsteckverbinder aus 1 in einer Explosionsdarstellung;
• 3a einen Längsschnitt des Thermoelementsteckverbinders aus 1 entlang einer Schnittlinie A-A;
• 3b einen Längsschnitt des Thermoelementsteckverbinders aus 1 entlang der Schnittlinie A-A mit einem Leiterelement in Klemmposition;
• 4a einen Querschnitt des Thermoelementsteckverbinders aus 1 entlang einer Schnittlinie B-B und
• 4b einen Querschnitt des Thermoelementsteckverbinders aus 1 entlang der Schnittlinie B-B mit dem Leiterelement in Klemmposition.

An embodiment of the thermocouple connector according to the invention is explained in more detail below with reference to drawings. The figures show:

• 1 a perspective view of a thermocouple connector;
• 2 the thermocouple connector made of 1 in an exploded view;
• 3a a longitudinal section of the thermocouple connector 1 along a section line AA;
• 3b a longitudinal section of the thermocouple connector 1 along the section line AA with a conductor element in clamping position;
• 4a a cross-section of the thermocouple connector 1 along a section line BB and
• 4b a cross-section of the thermocouple connector 1 along the cutting line BB with the conductor element in clamping position.

1 shows a thermocouple connector 10 with a housing 20, a lever device 40 and a first and second leg (contact element) 30, 31 in a perspective view. The embodiment of the thermocouple connector 10 shown is a two-pole plug; in alternative embodiments of a thermocouple connector 10, for example, a two-pole socket of similar construction can be provided.

The housing 20 has an upper housing part 22 and a lower housing part 24. The upper housing part 22 and the lower housing part 24 are made of plastic and are connected to one another by ultrasonic welding.

A holding device 46 is arranged in the housing 20 and is designed to support the lever device 40 in the housing 20. The holding device 46 is formed in a form-fitting manner with the housing. The holding device 46 also has two window areas 47.

The first and second legs (contact element) 30, 31 have a second section 32 protruding from the housing 20. The first and second legs (contact element) in the area of the second section 32 are of different shapes, namely different widths. The first and second legs (contact elements) 30, 31 have flat contact surfaces 35 in the area of the second section 32, the contact surfaces 35 being wider than the line surfaces 36 arranged in the area of the first section 33 in the lever device 40 (see 2 ).

The exploded view in 2 shows the structure of the thermocouple connector 10. A feedthrough 48 has a positive closure 49 in order to be connected to the holding device 46.

The first and second legs (contact element) 30, 31 also each have an anchoring surface 37 in the region between the contact surface 35 and the conducting surface 36. A perforation 38 is formed in the anchoring surface 37.

In 3a The interior is shown in the assembled state based on the cross section of the thermocouple connector. The upper housing part 22 has a connecting element 26, with a pot-shaped receptacle 28 of the lower housing part 24 being adapted to the connecting element 26. The connecting element 26 engages in the receptacle 28.

The perforation 38 in the anchoring surface 37 of the legs (contact elements) 30, 31 is adapted to the connecting element 26. The connecting element 26 extends through the perforation 38 in the anchoring surface 37 and is in engagement with the receptacle 28. This ensures stable mounting of the legs (contact elements) 30, 31. Furthermore, an additional component is no longer required to fix the legs (contact elements) 30, 31 in the housing 20.

The first and second legs (contact elements) 30, 31 each have two opposing bends 34 in the area between contact surfaces 35 and conduction surfaces 36. The legs (contact elements) 30, 31 are formed in one piece.

The lever device 40 consists of two levers 42 and associated clamping elements 44. The levers 42 are pivotally mounted in the holding device 46 in pivot bearings 43. In the clamping position shown here, the levers 42 are flush with the housing surface. The open levers 42 act on the clamping elements 44 so that they are under greater spring tension. The levers 42 can be pivoted upwards so that the lever device 40 assumes a release position (not shown) in which the clamping elements 44 are more tightly tensioned.

In 3b is in addition to the representation of the thermocouple connector 10 in 3a a conductor element 50 is shown, which is brought into contact with the first leg (contact element) 30 by the clamping element 44. The conductor element 50 is inserted when the lever device 40 is in the release position. Subsequently, by pivoting the lever 42 into the clamping position, the clamping elements 44 are tensioned so that they clamp the conductor elements 50 onto the conductor surfaces 36 of the legs (contact element) 30, 31 and thus an electrical contact is established and the conductor elements 50 are also mechanically fixed.

In order to illustrate the secure holding of the conductor element 50 by the clamping element 44, are in 4a and 4b a cross-section of the thermocouple connector 10 in the area of the clamping element 44 is shown. The clamping element 44 has a serrated surface for securely holding the conductor element 50 (see 4b) .

The first and second legs (contact element) 30, 31 are made of different metals. In the embodiment shown, the first leg (contact element) 30 is made of nickel-chromium, while the second leg (contact element) 31 is made of nickel or nickel-aluminum. In this way, the conductor element 50 of a type K thermocouple can be connected to the thermocouple connector 10 without there being a material transfer at the connection point.

In further embodiments of the thermocouple connector 10, the first and second legs (contact element) 30, 31 can be made of other material pairs so that thermocouple cables of other types of thermocouples can be connected. For example, the first leg (contact element) 30 can consist of a nickel-chromium-silicon alloy and the second leg (contact element) 31 can consist of a nickel-silicon alloy in order to be able to connect a type N thermocouple. Furthermore, the first leg (contact element) 30 can consist of iron and the second leg (contact element) 31 can consist of a copper-nickel alloy so that a type J thermocouple can be connected to the thermocouple connector 10.

List of reference symbols

10

Thermocouple connectors

20

Housing

22

Housing top

24

Housing base

26

Connecting element

28

Recording

30

First leg (contact element)

31

Second leg (contact element)

32

second part

33

first section

34

Bending

35

Contact surfaces

36

Pipeline surfaces

37

Anchoring surface

38

perforation

40

Lever device

42

lever

43

Swivel bearing

44

Clamping element

46

Holding device

47

Window area

48

execution

49

Closure

50

Ladder element

Claims (15)

Thermocouple connector, with - a housing (20), the housing (20) having an upper housing part (22) and a lower housing part (24), - a lever device (40) arranged in the housing (20) and having a pivotable lever (42) and a clamping element (44), the lever device (40) being adjustable by means of the lever (42) between a clamping position for clamping a conductor element (50) and a release position for inserting or removing the conductor element (50), - a first and a second contact element (30, 31), the contact elements (30, 31) being made of two different metals, the contact elements (30, 31) having a first section (33) arranged in the housing (20) and in the clamping position in contact with the conductor element (50) and a second section (32) provided for connection to a suitable plug or socket element, and - a holding device (46) for supporting the lever device (40) and for receiving a passage (48) for passing through the contact elements (30, 31) in the housing (20) is arranged in a form-fitting manner, wherein the holding device (46) has a window region (47) for introducing the conductor element (50). Thermocouple connectors according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the second portion (32) protrudes from the housing (20). Thermocouple connectors according to Claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that the housing upper part (22) has at least one protruding connecting element (26) and the housing lower part (24) has at least one receptacle (28) adapted to the connecting element (26), wherein the connecting element (26) engages in the receptacle (28). Thermocouple connectors according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the passage (48) is connected to the holding device (46) by means of a positive closure (49). Thermocouple connector according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lever device (40) and/or the holding device (46) are held in the housing (20) by the pairing of the housing upper part (22) with the housing lower part (24). Thermocouple connector according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing upper part (22) and the housing lower part (24) are made of plastic. Thermocouple connector according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing upper part (22) and the housing lower part (24) are materially connected to one another. Thermocouple connector according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing upper part (22) and the housing lower part (24) are connected to one another by ultrasonic welding. Thermocouple connector according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing (20) has a width in the range of 10 mm to 20 mm, a length in the range of 20 mm to 30 mm and/or a height of 6 mm to 12 mm. Thermocouple connector according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of the contact elements (30, 31) has a conducting surface (36) in the region of the first section and a contact surface (35) in the region of the second section, wherein the contact surface (35) is flat and wider than the conducting surface (36). Thermocouple connectors according to Claim 10 , characterized in that the contact elements (30,31) are formed in one piece and have at least one bend (34) in the region between the contact surfaces (35) and the conducting surfaces (36). Thermocouple connectors according to Claim 11 , characterized in that the contact elements (30, 31) each have an anchoring surface (37) between the contact surface (35) and the conducting surface (36) and the anchoring surface (37) has at least one perforation (38) adapted to the connecting element (26), wherein the connecting element (26) passes through the perforation (38). Thermocouple connector according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the contact elements (30, 31) are formed with different widths in the region of the second section (32). Thermocouple connectors according to Claim 13 , characterized in that the contact elements (30, 31) have two opposite bends (34). Thermocouple connector according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first contact element (30) is made of nickel-chromium and the second contact element (31) is made of nickel-aluminium or nickel, or the first contact element (30) is made of nickel-chromium-silicon and the second contact element (31) is made of nickel-silicon, or the first contact element (30) is made of iron and the second contact element (31) is made of copper-nickel.

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