DE10205613B4 - contact element - Google Patents

Abstract

contact element (1) with a contact pin (2) for directly contacting a main electrical conductor and with a directly on the contact pin (2) fixed clamping spring (3) as an electrical connection point of a Outgoing line, characterized in that between the clamping spring (3) and the contact pin (2) a terminal space (11) for contacting the outgoing line is formed.

Description

The The invention relates to a contact element according to the preamble of the claim 1.

For connection of electrical conductors terminals are known, which are based on the principle of insulation piercing technology. In this connection technology, also referred to in technical terminology as piercing technology, a contact element is guided in such a way that it penetrates into the conductor core of the conductor. To pick up power from the connected electrical conductor, an outgoing lead is attached to the terminal. In known terminals, the connection of the outgoing line, for example via a cage clamp, which is connected via an electrically conductive connecting web with the contact element. Such a solution is for example from the DE 199 11 415 A1 known. The disadvantage here is that the known ways to connect an outgoing line, occupy a large part of the space required for the terminal slot. Due to the long cable route from the connected main electrical conductor to the outgoing cable, a secure power tap is not guaranteed in every case. In particular, through the structurally sometimes very elaborate connection point of the outgoing line can lead to interruptions of the current flow here.

The AT 251 072 B shows a connection element with tooth-shaped contacts, wherein annular spring elements are arranged with tongue-shaped notches in openings of the connection element. The output conductor is then fixed by the resilient notches. This structurally very complex design can only ensure a secure power tap if no tensile forces act on the outgoing conductor.

The US 2,068,314 shows finally an electrical connector for connecting a plurality of conductors with a U-shaped leaf spring, which is arranged on a plate which is provided with two openings. The two arms of the leaf spring serve to secure the position of a plug attached to a conductor end, the diameter of which is adapted to the diameter of the opening.

The post-published older DE 102 05 470 C1 shows finally a terminal contact with a mounted on a terminal body contact element for connecting a main line. This contact element cooperates with a clamping spring for simultaneous connection of a outgoing line. The peculiarity of the local connection contact consists in the synchronous mobility of the contact element and the clamping spring.

Of the Invention has for its object to provide a contact element, which ensures a safe and space-saving connection of a feeder line is.

These Task is solved by a contact element according to claim 1. The inventive contact element has a contact pin for directly contacting an electrical Main conductor and a pin fixed on the clamping spring as electrical connection point of a outgoing line.

Of the The basic idea of the invention lies in the outgoing line directly connect to the contact pin of the contact element. According to the invention this is achieved in that attached to the contact pin a clamping spring is that as a junction for an outgoing line is used. Because the junction of the outgoing line close is provided for electrical main conductor, the contact element can be extremely space-saving be designed. Due to the direct fixation of the clamping spring At the contact pin a very compact design is achieved. The required installation space is therefore opposite usual Contact elements very low. In addition, the leads direct connection of the outgoing line to the contact pin to an extremely safe and reliable Contacting the outgoing line. As in addition to the clamping spring no additional components are required to connect the outgoing line, continues to be an extremely simple and therefore very robust construction. The error rate the proposed solution is therefore very low. In particular, by the elimination of electrical conductive connecting bridges will increase the risk of interruption the flow of current, for example due to manufacturing errors or faulty joints locked out.

The Clamping spring is fixed to the contact pin, that between the clamping spring and a pinch space is formed on the contact pin. This results a precisely defined connection space, into which the outgoing line introduced for contacting can be.

at a preferred embodiment According to the invention of claim 2, the contact pin is an insulation piercing contact. With such contacts is a contact of a main electrical conductor possible without its previous stripping. This contacting technique is used especially when connecting ribbon cables. When using an insulation piercing contact, the contact pin be designed as a contact sword. Likewise, other forms of insulation piercing contacts, such as contact pins, serve as a contact pin.

Under Contact pin will hereinafter be any elongated, i. predominantly Viewed in one dimension extending device that at his one end at least one cutting edge or tip for contacting having an electrical conductor, and the contacting of this Conductor causes it to penetrate the conductor core of the conductor, or at least on the core contact contact.

In another claimed in claim 3 embodiment of the invention are for the clamping spring two positions provided. From a connection position, which the normal position of the clamping spring, the clamping spring can counter their spring force are transferred to an open position. Of course can the clamping spring from the open position be returned to their normal position. The latter is preferably done automatically on the basis of their own Spring force. The in the junction, so in the terminal room einliegen Outgoing line is thus in the connection position of the clamping spring pressurized. In other words, the outgoing line is in the connection position between the clamping spring and the contact pin trapped. Through this direct contact closure between outgoing line and contact pin is a very safe and extremely robust contact guaranteed.

In a preferred embodiment The invention is used as a clamping spring, a curved bending spring with rectangular Cross section used. This type of clamping spring has become in the Practice for one safe connection of the outgoing line as particularly effective proved.

The Clamping spring is advantageously made of a conductive material produced. For a permanently safe connection of the outlet line is suitable for example, spring steel. However, the clamping spring can also from a no or less well conductive material can be made, as the Spring itself not at the power transmission is involved. The clamping spring is preferably formed in one piece, which a particularly simple production with very good material load capacity allows.

In the preferred embodiments according to claims 5 to 11, the structural features of clamping springs are described, which turned out to be for the task asked have been found particularly suitable. After that the clamping spring advantageously has a leg and a pivot leg on, with the thigh is held on the contact pin. Either the leg and the contact pin are preferably designed such that they support the fixation of the clamping spring on the contact pin. So the thigh can have a receiving opening for receiving the contact pin, and the contact pin a support member, for example in shape a bearing surface, to Have holding the clamping spring. The fixation of the clamping spring on the contact pin is preferably carried out positively. But it is also one frictional or a both positive and positive fixation possible.

By the fixation of the thigh on the contact pin is a sure Pivoting the pivot leg relative to the contact pin possible. Of the Clamping space between the clamping spring and contact pin is therefore both in the open position as also specified exactly in the connection position. The transfer of the Clamping spring from its connection position into the open position is preferably carried out by pivoting the pivoting leg relative to the Contact pin. The clamping spring is designed such that pivoting the pivot leg transversely to the contacting direction is.

A particularly preferred embodiment The clamping spring is described in claim 11. Here is the free U-legs of the U-shaped trained and arranged on the thigh pivot leg as a support leg educated. This support leg grasps the contact pin and supports itself at the opposite side of the terminal space of the contact pin on this. There he forms a kind of abutment in the pivoting of the pivot leg. When deflecting the pivot leg against the spring force of the spring clip from the connection position engages in the open position the supporting leg on the contact pin and thereby ensures the retention of the clamping spring at the Konftaktstift. In other words, the support leg is used in addition, the clamping spring in the cocked open position on the contact pin to fix. The clamping spring is preferably designed such that the free end of the support leg both in the connection position, as well as in the open position directly against the contact pin.

Of the Terminal space for the outgoing line is preferably between the pivot leg and the contact pin formed. It is particularly advantageous if the clamping space formed between the clamping leg and the contact pin becomes. The clamping leg as part of the pivot leg is here advantageously convex, so that it the clamping space narrowed in the direction of the contact pin. This will be a special safe contacting of the outgoing line reached. The terminal room is by pivoting the pivoting leg in the open position Approved. In the open position the terminal space is such that a discharge line into the terminal space be introduced can.

Of the Clamping space is further defined by the fact that the contact pin a recording for having the outgoing line. This recording is preferably directly opposite the clamping leg. To ensure an undisturbed contacting of the main conductor to ensure, the receptacle is preferably located opposite the contact end Freeing the contact pin. The recording is according to the cross-sectional shape designed the departure conductor.

at a further preferred embodiment the contact pin has a support for supporting the support leg. To the contact end the contact pin is also the pad is preferably at the free end of the contact pin. Advantageously located the pad doing so on the opposite side of the recording pin.

To The teaching of claim 16 is the contact pin stationary in one function housing arranged. The contact pin is thus together with the functional housing at Contact the main electrical line in Kontaktierungs direction emotional. For a particularly simple, yet secure holder of the contact pin has the function housing a receiving opening for receiving the contact pin. The contact pin is included in the functional housing at least to the extent that it is fixed in place so that it pivots the clamping spring maintains its position relative to the functional housing. The function housing can also be designed such that it is at its the contacting side opposite Top is open. The contact pin can then be easily inserted into the functional housing.

In a further embodiment According to claim 17, the functional housing has an insertion opening for the outgoing line on. This is arranged so that the outgoing line from the outside easy in the functional housing, and there introduced into the terminal space can be.

Opening the Clamping spring, for example, to remove the outgoing line, takes place preferably by pivoting the pivot leg. In a embodiment This pivoting is done by an attacking on the pivot leg Actuator. By using an actuator becomes a simple and safe pivoting of the pivot leg ensured.

In a particularly preferred embodiment is the actuator a Auslenkschlitten which is movable on the function housing. advantageously, the Auslenkschlitten is arranged such that it can be moved transversely to the contacting direction is. Therefore lets also the pivoting of the clamping spring transversely to the contacting direction just perform. The leadership the Auslenkschlittens on the functional housing, for example, via a Tongue and groove connection made. For a fast availability the Auslenkschlittens it is advantageous if the Auslenkschlitten on the functional housing is attached captive. For example, the Auslenkschlitten in a secured leadership on the functional housing remain. The Auslenkschlitten can simultaneously the upward open functional housing as a kind of cover complete. For a verbes serte Handling has the actuator a preferably ergonomically shaped handle on.

In a further preferred embodiment According to the invention, the functional housing has an actuating opening for Introduce an actuating tool in the housing interior on. An additional actuator as part of the contact element is then not required. In this case, the clamping spring is arranged so that introduced operating tool To pivot the clamping spring directly on the pivot leg attack can. The use of such an external operating tool has the advantage that the structural design of the contact element further simplified becomes. At the same time, the required installation space is reduced.

One or a plurality of contact elements according to the invention can used in a terminal, for example, for ribbon cables become. At the terminal can for example corresponding recesses and / or guides provided for the contact elements be. By using the contact elements according to the invention it is possible, particularly compact connection terminals with a very secure contact to produce the outlet line.

Further embodiments The invention will become apparent from the dependent claims.

following the invention will be described by means of exemplary embodiments, the closer to the pictures explained become. Hereby shows:

1 a plan view of the longitudinal side of a contact element with Auslenkschlitten in connection position,

2 a plan view of the longitudinal side of a contact element with Auslenkschlitten in the open position,

3 a plan view of the narrow side of a contact element with Auslenkschlitten,

4 a top view of the top of a contact element with Auslenkschlitten in connection position,

5 a perspective view of a contact element with Auslenkschlitten in connection position,

6 a longitudinal section of a contact element with Auslenkschlitten in connection position along the line AA 3 .

7 a longitudinal section of a contact element with Auslenkschlitten in the open position along the line AA 3 .

8th a longitudinal section of a contact element with actuating tool in connection position,

9 a longitudinal section of a contact element with actuating tool in Öffnungsstelllung.

1 shows a plan view of the longitudinal side of a contact element 1 , The contact element 1 consists essentially of a contact pin 2 , a clamping spring 3 and a functional housing 4 , As a contact pin 2 finds an insulation piercing contact use. The contact pin 2 is in the functional housing 4 held and extends with his contact end 5 , which is formed in the form of a contact blade, from the bottom 6 of the functional housing 4 out in the direction of an electrical main conductor to be contacted (not shown). To contact the main conductor, the entire contact element 1 , and thus the contact sword, in contacting direction 7 moved towards the main ladder.

The functional housing 4 points to one of its long sides 8th an insertion opening 9 on. This is used to insert one to the contact pin 2 to be connected outlet line (not shown) in the functional housing 4 , At the point of the insertion opening 9 is located in the housing interior 10 a terminal room 11 , The terminal room 11 on the one hand from the contact pin 2 and on the other hand from the contact pin 2 fixed clamping spring 3 Are defined.

This in 1 pictured contact element 1 is in connection position, which means that one through the insertion hole 9 in the terminal room 11 introduced outgoing line through the clamping spring 3 at the contact pin 2 would be fixed. The outgoing line would be in this connection position with the clamping spring 3 acted upon and would thus firmly on the contact pin 2 abutment, whereby a reliable electrical contact is ensured. Preferably, only a stripped on a short section contact end of an otherwise insulated outgoing line in the terminal space 11 brought in.

In the illustrated embodiment, the contact element 1 In addition, an actuating element in the form of a Auslenkschlittens 12 on. The Auslenkschlitten 12 serves to pivot the clamping spring 3 against its clamping force from the connection position into an open position. A contact element 1 in open position is in 2 displayed. The Auslenkschlitten 12 is on the top 13 of the functional housing 4 movably arranged. When moving the Auslenkschlittens 12 along the transverse to the contacting direction 7 lying housing longitudinal direction 14 becomes the clamping spring 3 in the housing interior 10 taken. As a result, the clamping spring pivots 3 out of their original connection position and the terminal space 11 will be completely released. The outlet line can easily in this open position in the terminal compartment 11 introduced or from the terminal room 11 be removed. The method of Auslenkschlittens 12 against the spring force of the clamping spring 3 in the open position is preferably done by hand. At the front 15 the Auslenkschlittens is for this purpose an ergonomically shaped handle 16 attached in the manner of a thumb grip. Once the Auslenkschlitten 12 is no longer held in the open position, it is under the influence of the clamping spring 3 returned to its original position. The clamping spring 3 automatically returns from its open position to the connection position.

The Auslenkschlitten 12 is formed such that it both in the connection position and in the open position, the insertion opening 9 in the functional housing 4 not covered. The position of the outgoing line is thus at no time from Auslenkschlitten 12 disturbed.

3 shows the narrow side 17 of the functional housing 4 a contact element according to the invention. The cutting edges are clear 18 represented the contact sword. On the functional housing 4 rests the Auslenkschlittten 12 , The Auslenkschlitten 12 has guide tabs 19 , which in corresponding guide grooves 20 on the functional housing 4 intervention. For a particularly reliable guidance in the process of Auslenkschlittens 12 are guide grooves 20 both on the two long sides 8th as well as at the top 13 of the functional housing 4 intended. The guide noses 19 on Auslenkschlitten 12 are arranged accordingly.

The functional housing 4 has at its two long sides 8th Wing-like pending fasteners 21 on. These serve to lock the contact element 1 when installed in a terminal. As in 4 are shown at the connecting elements 21 arranged offset from each other to allow unobstructed access of the outlet line to the insertion 9 to ensure. In addition, the staggered arrangement of the connecting elements is used 21 a secure locking of the contact element 1 in the connection terminal. In the top 22 the Auslenkschlittens 12 is in the housing longitudinal direction 14 in the middle a stop opening 23 except. One at the top 13 the radio tion housing 4 arranged stop nose 24 lies in the connection position at the stop of the stop opening 23 and thereby prevents another method of Auslenkschlittens 12 , The Auslenkschlitten 12 thus becomes firm on the functional housing 4 held in its connection position.

In 5 is a contact element 1 shown in a perspective view, wherein the side walls are shown transparent. The bottom 6 of the functional housing 4 has a receiving opening 25 on, through which the contact sword is led to the outside. The curved clamping spring 3 that are completely inside the housing 10 essentially has a festive leg 26 and a pivot leg 27 on. From the festschenkel 26 is a passage opening 28 worked out by which the contact pin 2 is performed. The festive 26 This will cause the contact pin 2 held. At the same time, therefore, the entire clamping spring 3 directly at the contact pin 2 fixed.

In the embodiment shown, the contact pin 2 one on both sides transversely to the contacting direction 7 extending support pad 29 on, on the thigh 26 the clamping spring 3 rests. This support pad 29 at the same time serves to fix the contact pin 2 in the receiving opening 25 that has a corresponding recess 30 for receiving the support pad 29 having. The in the receiving opening 25 lying support pad 29 at the same time effectively prevents twisting of the contact pin 2 when contacting the main conductor.

With the festschenkel 26 connected is a substantially U-shaped pivot leg 27 in the housing longitudinal direction 14 , ie transverse to the contacting direction 7 , in the housing interior 10 is pivotable. The directly with the festschenkel 26 connected first U-legs of the pivot leg 27 serves as a clamping leg 31 for charging the outgoing cable in the connection position. The clamping leg 31 is for a particularly safe and effective contact of the outgoing conductor in the terminal space 11 in convex.

The clamping leg 31 goes into the free second U-leg, where he is the contact end 5 opposite free end 32 of the contact pin 2 embraces. For this purpose, the pivot leg 27 a pivot opening 33 on, through which the contact pin 2 passed through. The clamping leg 31 opposite second U-legs serves as a support leg 34 who is at the contact pin 2 supported.

The 6 shows a longitudinal section through the contact element 1 along the line AA 3 in connection position. The clamping spring 3 is so on the contact pin 2 attached to her with her pigtail 26 on the ground 35 of the functional housing 4 rests. In the area of the receiving opening 25 is the bottom wall 36 of the functional housing 4 strengthened. As a result, even large clamping forces when contacting the main conductor of the functional housing 4 be recorded. At the same time the tunnel-shaped receiving opening serves 25 a stable arrangement of the contact pin 2 in the functional housing 4 , In addition, the contact pin 2 at his free end 32 at the top 13 of the functional housing 4 fixed. The stable position of the contact pin 2 in the functional housing 4 will be further improved.

In the in 7 shown opening position is the Auslenkschlitten 12 in the housing longitudinal direction 14 method. The Auslenkschlitten 12 points to its underside 37 a driver 38 on, the transition from the connection in the open position in the housing interior space 10 einfährt and there on the support leg 34 the clamping spring 3 attacks. When moving the Auslenkschlittens 12 in the open position of the pivot leg 27 pivoted so that the terminal space 11 is released. During the pivoting of the pivoting leg 27 remains the thigh 26 stationary at the contact pin 2 , The in housing longitudinal direction 14 shaped pivot opening 33 in the pivot leg 27 is dimensioned such that during the entire pivoting of the pivot leg 27 the free 32 of the contact pin 2 free and from the pivot leg 27 remains untouched. In order to avoid excessive pivoting, the pivoting movement is limited. This is done by the stop of the pivot leg 27 on the front wall 39 of the functional housing 4 ,

The 8th and 9 show a second embodiment of a contact element 1 , Shown in turn is a longitudinal section through the contact element 1 according to the section along the line AA 3 , with the difference that in the second embodiment no Auslenkschlitten 12 is available.

As well as in the 6 and 7 shown embodiments, the contact pin 2 for defining the terminal space 11 a concave recording 40 for the outgoing line on. Outlet lines with a round conductor cross-section can thus be connected extremely reliable. At the same time, the back of the recording serves 40 as a condition 41 for supporting the supporting leg 34 ,

For pivoting the pivot leg 27 is in place of the Auslenkschlittens 12 at the top 13 of the functional housing 4 an actuating opening 42 intended. Through this actuation opening 42 may be an operating tool, such as the blade 43 a screwdriver, into the housing interior 10 be introduced. The operating opening 42 is designed such that the introduced actuating tool turn on the support leg 34 the clamping spring 3 attacks. The pivot leg 27 the clamping spring 3 is shaped so that a complete pivoting into the open position takes place when the actuating tool in the contacting direction further into the housing interior 10 is introduced. If the operating tool from the housing interior 10 removed, the clamping spring goes 3 automatically back from its open position to the connection position.

1

contact element

2

pin

3

clamping spring

4

function housing

5

Contact end

6

bottom of the functional housing

7

contacting direction

8th

long side of the functional housing

9

insertion

10

Housing interior

11

terminal space

12

Auslenkschlitten

13

top of the functional housing

14

Housing longitudinally

15

front the Auslenkschlittens

16

handle

17

narrow side of the functional housing

18

cutting edge

19

guide nose

20

guide

21

connecting element

22

top the Auslenkschlittens

23

stop opening

24

stop lug

25

receiving opening

26

fixed leg

27

pivot legs

28

Through opening

29

support pad

30

recess

31

clamping leg

32

free end

33

pivot aperture

34

support legs

35

ground of the functional housing

36

bottom wall of the functional housing

37

bottom the Auslenkschlittens

38

takeaway

39

bulkhead of the functional housing

40

admission

41

edition

42

actuating opening

43

blade

Claims (22)

Contact element ( 1 ) with a contact pin ( 2 ) for directly contacting an electrical main conductor and with a directly on the contact pin ( 2 ) fixed clamping spring ( 3 ) as electrical connection point of a outgoing line, characterized in that between the clamping spring ( 3 ) and the contact pin ( 2 ) a terminal space ( 11 ) is formed for contacting the outgoing line. Contact element ( 1 ) according to claim 1, characterized in that the contact pin ( 2 ) is an insulation penetrating contact. Contact element ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the clamping spring ( 3 ) against its spring force from a connection position into an open position and back is transferable. Contact element ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the clamping spring ( 3 ) is a curved bending spring with a rectangular cross-section. Contact element ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the clamping spring ( 3 ) a fixed leg ( 26 ) and a pivoting leg ( 27 ) having. Contact element ( 1 ) according to claim 5, characterized in that the thigh ( 26 ) on the contact pin ( 2 ) is held. Contact element ( 1 ) according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the thigh ( 26 ) a passage opening ( 28 ) for receiving the contact pin ( 2 ) having. Contact element ( 1 ) according to one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that the contact pin ( 2 ) a support pad ( 29 ) for holding the clamping spring ( 3 ) having. Contact element ( 1 ) according to one of claims 5 to 8, characterized in that the thigh ( 26 ) positively on the contact pin ( 2 ) is present. Contact element ( 1 ) according to one of claims 5 to 9, characterized in that the pivoting leg ( 27 ) transversely to the contacting direction ( 7 ) is pivotable. Contact element ( 1 ) according to one of claims 5 to 10, characterized in that the pivot leg ( 27 ) U-shaped, wherein the first U-leg as a clamping leg ( 31 ) and with the thigh ( 26 ), and wherein the free second U-leg as a support leg ( 34 ) is formed, which the contact pin ( 2 ) and at the contact pin ( 2 ) is supported. Contact element ( 1 ) according to one of claims 5 to 11, characterized in that the clamping space ( 11 ) between pivot legs ( 27 ) and contact pin ( 2 ) is formed. Contact element ( 1 ) according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that the clamping space ( 11 ) between clamping legs ( 31 ) and contact pin ( 2 ) is formed. Contact element ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the contact pin ( 2 ) a recording ( 40 ) for the outgoing line. Contact element ( 1 ) according to one of claims 11 to 14, characterized in that the contact pin ( 2 ) an edition ( 41 ) for supporting the supporting leg ( 34 ) having. Contact element ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that the contact pin ( 2 ) fixed in a functional housing ( 4 ) is arranged. Contact element ( 1 ) according to claim 16, characterized in that the functional housing ( 4 ) an insertion opening ( 9 ) for introducing the outgoing line into the terminal space ( 11 ) having. Contact element ( 1 ) according to one of claims 5 to 17, characterized by a pivot leg ( 27 ) engaging actuator for pivoting the pivot leg ( 27 ). Contact element ( 1 ) according to claim 18, characterized in that the actuating element on the functional housing ( 4 ) transversely to the contacting direction ( 7 ) movable deflection slide ( 12 ). Contact element ( 1 ) according to claim 18 or 19, characterized in that the actuating element is a handle ( 16 ) having. Contact element ( 1 ) according to one of claims 16 to 20, characterized in that the functional housing ( 4 ) an actuating opening ( 42 ) for insertion of an actuating tool ( 43 ) in the housing interior ( 10 ), preferably for engagement with the pivoting leg ( 27 ). Terminal with one in a housing interior ( 10 ) of a functional housing ( 4 ) arranged contact element ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 21.