EP1873865B1 - Connecting and switching device - Google Patents

Abstract

Terminal block connecting apparatus comprises two test terminal blocks connected with two supports for electrical engagement when the supports are in intermediate condition between disengaged and engaged conditions, and carrier (4) supporting the second test terminal block for displacement relative to associated support where the test terminal blocks remain in electrical engagement during displacement of the supports between intermediate test condition and final connected condition. Terminal block connecting apparatus comprises two supports (6, 3) supporting two main terminal block assemblies and being linearly displaceable in a given direction between successive disconnected, intermediate, and connected positions. The contacts of the terminal blocks are in engagement when the supports are in the connected condition. A first test terminal block (9) is connected with the support. A second test terminal block (8) is also provided. The test terminal blocks have pin and socket contacts. A carrier supports the second test terminal block at a first position on the other support for engagement with the first test terminal block when the supports are in the test position. It displaces the second test terminal block toward a second position relative to the other support when the supports are displaced between the test and connected conditions. The test terminal blocks are maintained in electrical engagement during the displacement of the second test terminal block to second position. A friction retainer (10) normally resists movement of the carrier from one position.

Description

The invention relates to a connecting device according to the preamble of claim 1.

For example, in the field of emergency power supply such switching devices are used to connect power contacts with each other and to solve each other. In this case, a further device section with the corresponding power contacts is pushed onto a basic device section with first power contacts. It is known, in addition to the power contacts to connect further contacts on the device sections with each other, which already contact each other in a test position, before a displacement of the device section takes place in the switched position in which the power contacts are connected to each other. In this way, tests can already be carried out, for example, for checking functions of the device sections to be connected to each other before reaching the connected position. The invention broadly relates to the area of connection of the further contacts to the device sections to be joined together by means of suitable connection devices. It is conceivable, for example, that one of the contacts to be connected to one another is designed in the manner of a sliding contact, in which the other of the contacts from a first position - the test position - schleifend up to the switched position (in which the power contacts are connected to each other) movable is.

The state of the art is the US 5 434 369 A and the US 5,691,518 A called.

From the US 5 434 369 A is a connection and switching device for connecting terminal contacts of a terminal block with further terminal contacts of a connecting device is known, which is configured such that the terminal block from a first position, in particular a test position, in which the terminal contacts of the terminal block and the connecting device contacting each other on a carriage on a rail of a device portion in the contacting state together to a second position, in particular a switched position, are displaceable, wherein the connecting device at least one releasable locking device for locking the connecting device in the first position, which is designed such that the locked position is solvable solely by translationally sliding the connecting device by overcoming a frictional force between elements of the locking device, wherein the locking device has a locking slide.

The known connection devices are known per se from the prior art. Their structure is often relatively complicated. In addition, the known constructions are not always completely reliable.

The invention has the object to provide a connection device, which has a structurally simple and yet very stable structure, with the safe and easy both the required test position and the switched position can be reached even at high forces to be included in the circuit.

The invention solves this problem by the subject matter of claim 1.

The connecting device according to the invention is simple in construction and therefore inexpensive to implement. The locking device is constructed such that initially clearly recognizable a locking position is achieved. Either in this position or shortly thereafter, the test position for performing tests is reached. The switched position or the "connect position" can be achieved solely by further insertion with a higher insertion force. In this case, even very high forces can be easily absorbed by the connecting device.

Advantageous embodiments can be found in the dependent claims.

Figur 1a bis 1c

einen Anschlussblock an einer Verbindungsvorrichtung an einem Kragen eines elektrischen Gerätes in verschiedenen Ansichten in einer ersten Betriebsstellung (Teststellung);

Figur 2a bis 2c

die Anordnung aus Fig. 1 in einer zweiten Betriebsstellung (Connect Stellung);

Figur 3

eine vergrößerte Ansicht des Anschlussblocks nebst Verbindungsvorrichtung in der Betriebsstellung der Figur 1a;

Figur 4

eine vergrößerte Ansicht des Anschlussblocks nebst der Verbindungsvorrichtung in der Betriebsstellung der Figur 2a;

Figur 5

eine Sprengansicht von Elementen einer Verbindungsvorrichtung,

Figur 6

die Elemente der Figur 5 in zusammengebautem Zustand; und

Figur 7a bis 7f

Elemente der Verbindungsvorrichtung zur Veranschaulichung der Funktion der Verriegelung der Teststellung und weiterer Betriebsstellungen;

Figur 8a bis 8c

einen weiteren Anschlussblock in verschiedenen Ansichten vor (8a) und während des weiteren Aufschiebens (8b, 8c) auf eine Verbindungsvorrichtung an einem Kragen eines elektrischen Gerätes in der Trennstellung (Disconnect), in welcher noch kein Kontakt zwischen den Stift- und Buchsenkontakten besteht;

Figur 9a bis 9c

einen weiteren Anschlussblock an einer Verbindungsvorrichtung an einem Kragen eines elektrischen Gerätes in verschiedenen Ansichten in einer ersten Betriebsstellung;

Figur 10

eine vergrößerte Ansicht des Anschlussblocks der Figur 8a; und

Figur 11a, b

Detailansichten weiteren Ausführungsformen der Erfindung.

The invention will be described in more detail below with reference to an exemplary embodiment and with reference to the drawings, in which:

FIGS. 1a to 1c

a terminal block on a connecting device on a collar of an electrical device in various views in a first operating position (test position);

FIGS. 2a to 2c

the arrangement Fig. 1 in a second operating position (Connect position);

FIG. 3

an enlarged view of the terminal block together with connecting device in the operating position of FIG. 1a ;

FIG. 4

an enlarged view of the terminal block together with the connecting device in the operating position of FIG. 2a ;

FIG. 5

an exploded view of elements of a connection device,

FIG. 6

the elements of FIG. 5 in assembled condition; and

FIGS. 7a to 7f

Elements of the connection device to illustrate the function of locking the test position and other operating positions;

FIGS. 8a to 8c

a further terminal block in different views before (8a) and during further pushing (8b, 8c) on a connection device on a collar of an electrical device in the disconnected position (disconnect), in which there is no contact between the pin and socket contacts;

FIGS. 9a to 9c

a further connection block on a connecting device on a collar of an electrical device in various views in a first operating position;

FIG. 10

an enlarged view of the terminal block of FIG. 8a ; and

FIG. 11a, b

Detailed views of other embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 1 and 2 show a terminal block 1, which is formed here as a terminal block consisting of a plurality of juxtaposed (terminal) terminals 2, which are held together in a mounting frame 25 (see also the embodiment of Fig. 8 , which, except for details to be explained below, largely corresponds to the exemplary embodiment of FIG Fig. 1 corresponds).

To connect the example of a basic device section with power contacts (the latter two components are not shown here) preassembled unit from the terminal block 1 with the mounting frame 25 with a pushed onto the base unit section further device section with further power ^{contacts _} of which only one collar 3 is shown - Serves a connecting device 4 with several components.

The terminal block 1 can be slid onto the connecting device 4, which it firstly pushes in a test position (FIG. FIGS. 1a to 1c . FIGS. 7a, 7f ) contacted.

In addition, the mated unit of the connecting device 4 and the terminal block 1 in a switched position (in which the power contacts contact each other), which in FIG. 2 and 7c is reached. In this case, the contact between the contacts of the terminal block 1 and the connecting device 4 remains.

In the switched (power) position of the terminal block 1 and the connecting device 4 are common and here only hinted at the fixed collar 3 device section relative to each other in a direction X translationally movable. The collar 3 can be formed on the device to be wired or, for example, fastened to it (for example screwed or latched).

Subsequently, the collar 3 is shown as immovable and the connecting device 4 and the terminal block 1 are shown as being movable relative to the collar 3 and thus to the device to be connected. It is also conceivable to arrange the connection block 1 rigidly on a housing and to make the collar 3 displaceable relative to the connection block 1 with optionally associated components. Thus, it is conceivable that the collar 3 is a part of a relative to a basic device section movable device section and that power contacts are connected to each other at the two sections and to be separated from each other (not shown here). Of the Terminal block serves to be able to carry out tests via the terminal block

The connection block 1, the connection device 4 and the device to be connected each have a plurality of electrical connections or connection contacts, which are designed such that all of the connection contacts can be brought into a switched and a disconnected position by a purely translational movement.

This can be realized, for example, in that the connection contacts are in the form of pin and socket contacts, which can be inserted into one another in the direction X and can be pulled apart again.

The illustrated variant is insofar purely exemplary. The illustrated pin and socket contacts 31 and 9a, 9b (szB FIG. 7 Where these are to be recognized as an indication) are also interchangeable with each other in terms of their arrangement on the terminal block 1, on the connecting device 4 and on the device.

At the connecting device 4, double terminals or contacts are here each exemplified, which are designed both on one side for contacting the terminal block 1 and on the other side for contacting the device to be connected. It is also possible for one or more than two terminal rows to be formed on the connecting device and on the terminal block 1.

In detail, the illustrated embodiment is constructed as follows.

The terminal block 1 has a plurality of terminal rows 5a, 5b of pin contacts 31 (see FIG. 1b and 8b ) on.

The two terminal rows 5a, 5b are arranged laterally of a wall 6, which is aligned parallel to the actuating direction X. Together they form a kind of superordinate one Contact block 7, which is contacted by the connecting device 4, wherein the contacting in the test position - FIG. 1 - and the connected position - FIG. 2 - he follows.

The connecting device 4 has a contact block or area 8 that is only hinted at, complementary to the contact block 7 and can be plugged together, which is here provided, for example, with two terminal rows of socket contacts 9a, 9b, which are used to contact the pin contacts 31 of the terminal rows 5a , 5b are designed on the terminal block or terminal block 1.

The contact block 7 of the terminal block forms here almost a kind of strip-shaped plug and the contact block 8 is a kind of strip-shaped socket. A reverse type of arrangement would also be feasible: Thus, the pin contacts could be formed on the connecting device 4 and the socket contacts on the connection or terminal block 1 (not shown here).

The connecting device 4 is guided displaceably in the collar 3.

From the non-contacting position of FIG. 8 the connecting device 4 is pre-mounted on the collar 3 and locked pushed onto the terminal block 7.

To achieve the connection in the test position now the terminal block is first according to the FIGS. 1a, 1b and 1c pushed into the test position, wherein the connecting device 4 does not move.

In particular, two locking devices 10a, 10b are fixed in such a way that ensure that first the pin and socket contacts are pushed far enough together for a good contact before the locking devices 10a, b are released ..

The connecting device 4 also has a kind of collar 11, which has an elongated, substantially rectangular shape (in a plan view), wherein it surrounds the two terminal rows of female contacts 9a, 9b all around.

The collar 11 of the connecting device has two narrow sides 12a, 12b, and is in the collar 3 of the electrical device (see FIG. 5 ) slidably guided.

In this case, one of the locking devices 10a, 10b is arranged between two narrow sides 12a, 12b of the essentially rectangular top view collar 11 of the connecting device 4 and corresponding narrow sides 13a, 13b of the collar 3 of the electrical device.

These locking devices are in the explosive view in FIG. 5 to recognize.

The different functional positions clarifies especially well the FIG. 7 ,

The locking device consists of two lever-type, pivotable locking elements 14a, 14b, which are each pivotally mounted at one of their ends here on pins 15a, 15b on the narrow sides 12a, 12b of the collar 11 of the connecting device 14.

The locking elements 14a, 14b each have a V-shaped end portion 16 at their ends opposite the pivot bearings or pins 15a, 15b.

The V-shaped end portions are designed (see FIG. 7 ) engage in corresponding slots 17 in a groove-like guide track 18 of the collar 3, in which they are guided on the collar 3 slidably.

In the position in which the V-shaped end portions 16 engage in the slots 17, the connecting device 4 is in its test position ( Fig. 7a ).

In this test position is between the two in this position parallel aligned locking elements 14a, 14b, which are spaced from each other in two adjacent corner regions of the collar 11 of the connecting device 4, a head 28 of a locking slide 19, which is exactly between the two V-shaped End portions 16 engages, so that the movement of the inner housing or collar 11 of the locking device is blocked, so that the inner housing or the connecting device or the collar 11 in both directions X +, X- is resilient.

In this position, now the terminal block 1 can be easily pushed into the test position. Respectively. The collar 3 with the connection device preassembled on it can accordingly be pushed onto the connection block 1.

It is now essential that a device is provided to achieve the switched position, which makes it possible, the locking slide 19 from the test position or the locking position of the Fig. 7a to move in the X direction, which is possible even at high supported forces perpendicular to the direction of movement X, since only the frictional force between the locking slide 19 and the locking elements 14a, 14b must be overcome.

The locking slide 19 passes through a receptacle 20 which is formed or attached to the narrow sides 12a, 12b of the collar 11 of the connecting device 14.

The receptacle is designed such that the locking slide, the in FIG. 5 can be seen, relative to the receptacle and the collar 11 is displaced.

The locking slide 19 has a receiving space 21 for a return spring 22. If the locking slide 19 is pushed in the receptacle 20, grab his head 28 and two webs 23 an opening 34 of the receptacle 20, so that the locking slide is slidably guided in the receptacle or on the collar, wherein it by the return spring 22 relative to the collar in held a defined position unless an X-direction force is exerted on it. The webs 23 prevent a failure of the locking slide 19 and thus the connecting device 4 with the collar 11 from the collar 3 of the device section.

The exertion of a force in the X direction is realized by means of an actuating slide which is immovable with the terminal block 1 or a frame 25 of the terminal block which receives the terminals 2 (see FIGS. 1a and 1c ), connected is.

The frame 25 (see Fig. 1 ) has an actuating slide 24, which has two latching webs 26 which are adapted to snap at a displacement of the terminal block 1 relative to the connecting device 4 after the complete achievement of the test position on the receptacle 20 over, then to advance webs 27 on the locking slide 19 , The operating slide 24 pushes the locking slide, which has a widened head 28, in the X direction, so that its head 28 is pushed past in the X direction, when the frictional forces between the locking elements 14a, 14b are exceeded, so that a the head 28 subsequent taper 29 of the locking slide 19 between the two locking elements 14a, 14b shifts, whereby it is possible that the locking elements pivot inwards. In this way, the lock is released and the connecting device as a whole (see Figure 7b, 7c ) in the contacted or switched position ( FIG. 7 ), in which the power contacts, which are not shown here, are connected to each other.

Conversely, when moved in the opposite direction, the latching hook webs 26 pull the connecting device 14 against the receptacle 20, so that the entire connecting device is moved back to the height of the slots ( Fig. 7d and more).

When this position is reached, further pulling causes the head 28 to move the locking hooks back into the slots 17 (see FIG Figure 7e ), so again the connection device in the test position ( FIG. 7 ) is contacted.

In this position, then the terminal block may also be completely deducted.

Fig. 9 and 10 show an embodiment in which the test position is realized in an alternative way. Here, the design and dimensioning is such that the locking slide 19 is already pushed so far in the test position that his head 28 is no longer exactly between the two V-shaped end portions 16 engages, so that they swing back out of the slots 17. The locking position is thus almost "before" the achievement of the test position on the type Fig. 1 leave again, which has the advantage that the mechanical components in the test position of forces are further relieved, for example, if this is retained for a long time ..

Fig. 11 shows in Fig. 11a and 11b It replaces this latching hook webs 26 by two alternative latching hook webs 30, each of which has a type of corrugation 32a on their mutually facing sides, with which they can be latched into corresponding corrugations 32b on mutually remote outer surfaces of the receptacle 22, to take the receptacle 20 when releasing .. This design is particularly stable and thus insensitive.

Also with this design a variety of embodiments can be realized, including those that are otherwise the nature of Fig. 1 to 7 or 8 and 9 are designed.

The advancement of the locking slide takes place here - as well as essentially after Fig. 1 first comes through the actuating slide 24 to a corresponding surface 33 of the locking slide 19 to the plant to advance this until the corrugations snap into each other and the receptacle 20 and the locking slide are advanced together. The retraction then takes place via the positive connection to the corrugations 32nd

reference numeral

terminal block

1

clamp

2

collar

3

connecting device

4

connection row

5a, 5b

wall

6

Contact block

7

Contact block

8th

Contact block

9

female contacts

9a, 9b

locking device

10a, 10b

collar

11

narrow side

12a, 12b

narrow side

13a, 13b

connecting device

14

locking element

14a, 14b

spigot

15a, 15b

end

16

slot

17

guideway

18

locking slide

19

admission

20

accommodation space

21

Return spring

22

web

23

slot

24

frame

25

Rest hook web

26

web

27

head

28

rejuvenation

29

locking pins

30

pin contacts

31

corrugations

32a, 32b

area

33

opening

34

Claims (12)

1. Connecting and switching device for connecting terminal contacts (31) of a connecting block (1) to further terminal contacts (9a, 9b) of a connecting device (4), designed such that the connecting block (1) can be moved from a first position, in particular a test position, in which the terminal contacts (31, 9a, 9b) of the connecting block (1) and the connecting device (4) contact each other, to a second position, in particular a connected position, jointly in the contacting state along a collar (3) of an apparatus section, or wherein the connecting block is rigidly located on a housing and the collar is movable relative to the connecting block, wherein the connecting device comprises at least one releasable locking device (10a, 10b) for locking the connecting device in the first position to the collar (3) of the electric apparatus, the locking device being designed such that the locked position is releasable solely by a translatory sliding of the connecting device by overcoming a frictional force between elements of the locking device, wherein each of the locking devices is provided with two pivotable locking elements (14a, 14b), which are designed V-shaped at ends remote from pivot pins (15) and which are arranged such that they engage slots (17) in the collar (3) in a locking position, and wherein a locking slide (19) movably guided on the connecting device (4) is designed to lock in or before the test position the two locking elements (14a, 14b) with a head (28) in the slots (17) of the collar (3), so that the connecting block (1) can be moved as far as the test position.
2. Connecting device according to claim 1, characterised in that the locked position is the test position.
3. Connecting device according to claim 1, characterised in that the locked position is a position independent of the test position.
4. Connecting device according to claim 1, 2 or 3, characterised in that the connecting device (4) comprises a further collar (11) movably guided in the collar (3) of the electric apparatus, wherein locking devices are severally provided between sides, in particular narrow sides (12a, 12b), of the collar (11) and corresponding sides of the collar (3) of the electric apparatus.
5. Connecting device according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the locking slide (19) is movably guided in a location (20) of the connecting device (4).
6. Connecting device according to claim 5, characterised in that the locking slide (19) is supported in the location by a return spring (22).
7. Connecting device according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that a taper (29) adjoins the head (28) of the locking slide (19).
8. Connecting device according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the connecting block (1) is fitted with an operating slide (24) designed to release or move the locking slide (19) from its position between the V-shaped end sections (16) of the locking elements (14a, 14b).
9. Connecting device according to claim 8, characterised in that the operating slide (24) is located on a frame (25) of the connecting block (1).
10. Connecting device according to claim 8 or 9, characterised in that the operating slide (24) is provided with latching hook webs (26, 20) designed to withdraw, on reaching the connected position, the connecting device from the connected position or in the collar (3) in order to release the connected position.
11. Connecting device according to claim 10, characterised in that the latching hook webs (26, 30), in order to withdraw the connecting device from the connected position, carry along the location (20), which in turn carries along the locking slide (19).
12. Locking device according to claim 10 or 11, characterised in that the latching hook webs (30) and the location (20) have corresponding corrugations.

Images