EP2388863A1 - Device for electrically insulating covers of a connector for connecting electrical circuits and connection device with such a device - Google Patents

Abstract

The device (1) has a contact protection element (30) provided in a region of an opening (50), which is provided for passage of a tool e.g. screwdriver. Electrical conductors (2, 4) are connected by actuation of the tool. The element provides protection against contact of live parts of a connector (10) in an initial position. The protection element is moved out from a protection position during actuation of the tool. The protection element closes only a part of the opening in the initial position. The tool is brought into engagement with the connector by an unclosed part of the opening. An independent claim is also included for a connector for connecting electrical conductors.

Description

The invention relates to a device for electrically insulating covering a connecting device for connecting electrical lines and a connecting device with such a device.

Such connecting devices are known, for example, for connecting low-voltage electrical lines for rated voltages up to 380 V and currents up to 25 A as so-called luster terminals, wherein the terminal body and the connecting means are encapsulated by a plastic insulation. The openings in the overmolded plastic insulation are so small that contact protection is ensured.

In the field of cable networks for the electrical power supply also screw terminals are used, in which the cross sections of the conductors to be connected, however, may be between 10 and 2500 mm ² . In low-voltage applications up to 1000 V, cables often consist of several cores with different phases of line voltage, which are isolated from each other. Connections are installations of Cable fittings often performed under tension. It is advantageous to isolate the electrical clamp body. From the prior art it is known, after connecting the electrical leads to provide the connecting device by means of a shrink tube or by dipping the parts in an electrically insulating plastic with an electrically insulating outer skin. This outer skin has a substantially closed surface, so that a contact protection is given. Only in the area of the fastening screws, the insulation is interrupted by recesses to allow the passage of the fastening tools.

The invention has for its object to provide a device for electrically insulating covering a connecting device for connecting electrical lines and an associated connecting device with such a device, which overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art. In one embodiment, a permanently reliable electrical insulation of the connecting device should be ensured and still the connecting device should be flexible to handle.

This object is achieved by the device defined in claim 1 and by the connection device defined in the independent claim. Particular embodiments of the invention are defined in the subclaims.

In one embodiment, the device has an opening for the passage of the tool, through the actuation of which the lines can be connected, in particular mechanically and electrically connected to the terminal body. In the event that the connecting device is a screw terminal, this is Tool a screwdriver and the lines can be connected by screwing a connecting screw. In the event that installation work is carried out under tension, the tool is a specially assigned insulated screwdriver, which always ensures the contact protection together with the device according to the invention.

The device has in the region of the opening on a Berührschutzelement, which provides protection against the contact of live parts of the connecting device. The connecting device can already be live if one of the lines to be connected, as a rule a cable whose end can already be stripped or has an insulating jacket, is introduced into the connection device, thereby forming a live surface of the line with the terminal body of the connection device Contact is coming. At the latest when one of the lines is connected to the connecting device and carries voltage, the terminal body is also live. As a rule, at least one further connecting means, for example a second connecting screw, must be actuated in this state, either in order to additionally secure the connected line or to connect another line to the connecting device. Accordingly, the further connecting element is still in its starting position, but is already in connection with the clamp body and therefore live, and must therefore be arranged touch-safe in the device.

The device provides protection against contact with live parts by foreign objects such as a finger of an operator. In one embodiment, the device provides a Protection against contact according to IP 2X according to standard DIN EN 60529 (VDE 0470-1) of September 2000, in particular protection against foreign bodies with a diameter of more than 12 mm. The device could for this purpose have a sleeve-shaped portion, which indeed provides access for the fastener or for the engagement of the associated tool, but it is so long that a shock protection is guaranteed.

For applications in which such a length is not possible or advantageous, the device in the region of the opening on a Berührschutzelement, which provides protection against contact with live parts of the connecting device. The contact protection element can be moved out of its position to provide protection when the tool is being actuated, thereby clearing the way for the further engagement of the tool in the device. This is particularly advantageous when using an electrically insulated tool, in which the tool shank has an insulating plastic sheath whose outer diameter is greater than the diameter of the tool engagement surface. By herausbewegbare from its protective position offering Berührschutzelement the tool can also enter with its plastic sheath in the opening and thereby the tool is fully actuated. In an initial position, however, the contact protection element covers the opening so far that only the tool engagement surface can be introduced into the opening and can thus be brought into contact with a connection means of the connection device.

In one embodiment, in this initial position, the Berührschutzelement by a contact with the connecting device, for example by the system to the connecting means of Connecting device, prevented from being moved out of the protective position. Only upon actuation of the tool, for example when screwing in the connection means, is the contact protection element preferably automatically movable out of its position to provide protection, for example by the insulation of the tool.

The device may have a plurality of openings, of which at least one part, preferably all openings, have at least one contact protection element. After actuation of the connecting means by means of the tool, in particular after screwing a connecting means in the clamp body, the screw is screwed in far enough, so that preferably without Berührschutzelement a shock protection is given.

In one embodiment, the Berührschutzelement is integrally formed at least in an initial state together with an opening limiting portion of the device. The contact protection element can be detachable from the device by inserting the tool into the opening. In one embodiment, the Berührschutzelement is integrally formed with a portion adjacent to the opening portion of the device and is broken off during insertion of the tool.

In one embodiment, the contact protection element is articulated to an opening limiting portion of the device. When inserting the tool into the opening, the contact protection element can be moved out of the position providing the contact protection, but remains connected to the device. The linkage can for example by a Be formed film hinge, which may be formed integrally with the Berührschutzelement and / or the opening-limiting portion of the device. The deflection of the Berührschutzelements when inserting the tool can be carried out against a restoring force, so that when removing the tool Berührschutzelement resumes its protective position.

In one embodiment, several Berührschutzelemente are arranged in the region of the opening, which preferably together form the contact protection. The Berührschutzelemente can be arranged, for example, a circular arc or arcuately in the circumferential direction of the opening one behind the other, wherein in the circumferential direction successive Berührschutzelemente may be adjacent to each other or may be spaced from each other.

In one embodiment, the opening is arranged at a free end of an at least partially substantially cylindrical, in particular hollow cylindrical portion of the device. The hollow cylindrical or sleeve-shaped portion accommodates the clamping element of the connecting device to be actuated with the tool, for example a clamping screw or a clamping threaded pin.

In one embodiment, the device is made of a material having a sufficiently high strength, so that the device is dimensionally stable even without the connection device can be used therein. The device may for example be made of a polymer plastic. Due to the dimensional stability of the device may also be removed from the connecting device and, if necessary then the same device can be put back on the connecting device.

In one embodiment, the device is multi-part. As a result, the assembly of the device is facilitated on the connecting device, in particular, the device can also be attached to hard to reach places on a connecting device. The several parts of the device can preferably be detachably connected to one another, for example, two or more shell-shaped parts can be joined together in such a way that the connection device is covered completely safe to touch with the exception of at least one entry opening for the electrical lines. For example, a first part of the device may have the one or more openings for the passage of the tool. In one embodiment, the openings for the passage of the tool are arranged only in a part of the device.

In one embodiment, the multiple parts of the device can be connected to each other without tools. The parts can be plugged together, for example. At least some of the parts may have mutually corresponding latching elements, wherein in one embodiment, the latched parts of the device are detachable from each other without tools. Alternatively, the connection or locking of the parts can be solvable only by means of a tool, so that unintentional release and thus opening of the device is reliably prevented.

The invention also relates to a connection device for connecting electrical lines to a device for electrical insulating covering the connecting device as described above. The connecting device may, for example, have a terminal body on which one or more electrical lines can be clamped. As a clamping means, for example, clamping screws or clamping threaded pins can be screwed into the clamp body.

In one embodiment, the clamping means in the initial state in one piece having a clamping portion which is separable when screwing the clamping means at a predetermined predetermined breaking point. As a result, the clamping portion is no longer rotatably connected to the clamping means, whereby the mechanical stress of the line to be contacted is reduced in a further screwing of the clamping means, but still the clamping force on the line can be increased by a further screwing of the clamping means.

As a clamping means Abreißschrauben can be used which can be torn off after connecting the connecting device, in particular the terminal body, with the line to be connected to a predetermined or dependent on the diameter of the line to be connected position, wherein the torn-off part of the clamping screw can be removed. Due to the shortened length of the clamping screw remaining in the clamp body, the contact protection is increased. The torque required for the tearing off of the tear-off screw can be higher than the torque required for the separation of a clamping section of the clamping means.

Fig. 1

zeigt eine perspektivische Ansicht eines Ausführungsbeispiels einer erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung,

Fig. 2

zeigt eine teilweise aufgebrochene Seitenansicht der Vorrichtung der Fig. 1,

Fig. 3

zeigt eine Frontansicht der Vorrichtung der Fig. 1,

Fig. 4

zeigt eine Unteransicht der Vorrichtung der Fig. 1,

Fig. 5

zeigt eine Seitenansicht eines Oberteils der Vorrichtung der Fig. 1,

Fig. 6

zeigt eine Draufsicht auf das Oberteil der Fig. 6,

Fig. 7

zeigt einen Schnitt entlang VII-VII durch das Oberteil der Fig. 6,

Fig. 8

zeigt eine Frontansicht des Oberteils der Fig. 6,

Fig. 9

zeigt einen Schnitt entlang IX-IX durch das Oberteil der Fig. 6,

Fig. 10

zeigt einen Schnitt entlang X-X durch das Oberteil der Fig. 6, und

Fig. 11

zeigt einen vergrößerten Ausschnitt XI des Oberteils der Fig. 6.

Further advantages, features and details of the invention will become apparent from the subclaims and the following description in which With reference to the drawings, several embodiments are described in detail. The features mentioned in the claims and in the description may each be essential to the invention individually or in any desired combination.

Fig. 1

shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a device according to the invention,

Fig. 2

shows a partially broken side view of the device of Fig. 1 .

Fig. 3

shows a front view of the device of Fig. 1 .

Fig. 4

shows a bottom view of the device of Fig. 1 .

Fig. 5

shows a side view of an upper part of the device of Fig. 1 .

Fig. 6

shows a plan view of the top of the Fig. 6 .

Fig. 7

shows a section along VII-VII through the top of the Fig. 6 .

Fig. 8

shows a front view of the upper part of the Fig. 6 .

Fig. 9

shows a section along IX-IX through the top of the Fig. 6 .

Fig. 10

shows a section along XX through the top of the Fig. 6 , and

Fig. 11

shows an enlarged section XI of the upper part of Fig. 6 ,

The Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of an inventive device 1 for electrically insulating covering a connecting device 10 for connecting electrical lines 2, 4. In the two in the Fig. 1 only schematically illustrated lines 2, 4 may be, for example, single-core electrical cable, which are inserted with their optionally isolated end portion in the device 1 and further in the connecting device 10 and then mechanically and electrically contacted with fastening means 12 in the connecting device, and thereby an electrical connection between the two lines 2, 4 can be produced. The device 1 is in the embodiment in two parts and has a lower part 6 and an upper part 8. The lower part 6 is formed substantially as a semicircular in cross-section groove.

The Fig. 2 shows a partially broken side view of the device 1 of Fig. 1 , with lower part 6 and upper part 8. Die Fig. 3 shows a front view of the device 1. The Fig. 4 a bottom view of the device 1, in particular on the lower part 6. As in particular on the broken section of the Fig. 2 it can be seen, has the arranged within the device 1 connecting means 10 to an electrically conductive terminal body 20 having a longitudinal direction preferably preferably continuous opening 22 for the insertion or passage of the lines 2, 4. In the longitudinal direction one behind the other, the clamp body 20 has a plurality of, in the exemplary embodiment, four consecutively arranged threaded bores, in each of which a connecting means 12 can be screwed to connect the line 2, 4 with the clamp body 20 mechanically and electrically. The connecting means 12 are formed as a threaded pin.

The connecting means 12 has at its end facing the line to be contacted to a clamping portion 14 whose outer diameter corresponds approximately to the core diameter of the external thread of the clamping means 12, in particular is slightly smaller. The clamping portion 14 is connected via a predetermined breaking point 16, with the externally threaded body of the connecting means 12. The predetermined breaking point 16 is formed by a radial recess. When screwing the connecting means 12 and the terminals of the line to be connected 2, 4 it comes when a first torque to a tearing of the clamping portion 14th Clamping portion 14 has at its end to be connected to the line 2, 4 facing the end of a ring cutting edge 18, by means of which during insertion of the connecting means 12 an insulation of the line 2, 4 is penetrable. The first torque for tearing off the clamping portion 14 occurs only when the annular cutting edge 18 has penetrated the insulation and on the metallic core of the line 2, 4 in electrically contacting system.

On the opposite side of the connecting means 12 of the opening 22, the clamp body 20 cutting edges 26, through which an insulating the line 2, 4 is penetrated during terminals and through which an electrical connection of the line 2, 4 can be produced with the clamp body.

At its end to be connected to the line 2, 4 facing away from the connecting means 12 has a tool engagement surface 24, by means of which the connecting means 12 by means of a tool in the clamp body 20 can be screwed. In the exemplary embodiment, the tool engagement surface 24 is formed by a hexagon socket.

From the front view of the Fig. 3 It can be seen that the opening 22 in the clamp body 20 may have a deviating from the circular contour. In the exemplary embodiment, the opening 22 has three intersecting and each substantially circular holes, wherein the diameter of one of the holes is larger than the diameter of the other two holes. Such an opening 22 is optimized in particular for receiving a so-called sector conductor of the line 2, 4. The clear width of the opening 22 is in the embodiment between 10 and 40 mm, in particular between 20 and 30 mm. The clear height the opening 22 has in the embodiment between 5 and 30 mm, in particular between 15 and 25 mm. The opening 22 may be dimensioned so that conductor cross-sections between 10 and 1000 mm in the opening 22 can be accommodated.

In any case, the upper part 8 is also substantially semicircular in cross-section at its end portions. In a region spaced from the axial ends, the upper part 8 has integrally formed, radially aligned sleeve-shaped sections 28 which cover the connecting means 12. At their free ends, the sleeve-shaped portions 28 are open for the entry of a tool for clamping the line 2, 4 in the connecting device 10, in particular for screwing the connecting means 12. To ensure contact protection, the upper part 8 at its the connecting means 12 only slightly protruding sleeve-shaped portion 28 a below-described contact protection element 30, which provides protection against the contact of live parts of the connecting device 10, in particular protection against touching the connecting means 12 in which in the Fig. 2 illustrated starting position by a foreign body.

The lower part 6 and the upper part 8 have mutually corresponding locking elements 32, 34, by means of which the two parts 6, 8 are assembled without tools. The lower part 6 has for this purpose near its axial ends as a locking element 32 an opening into which a preferably integrally formed as a hook from the upper part 8 locking element 34 can engage. The locking elements 32, 34 are each arranged in the region of substantially cylindrical end portions of the lower part 6 and upper part 8, with which the device 1 in the arranged clamp body 20 of the connecting device 10 projects beyond in the axial direction.

The Fig. 5 shows a side view of the upper part 8 of the device 1, the Fig. 6 shows a plan view of the upper part 6, and the Fig. 7 shows a section along VII-VII of the upper part of Fig. 6 by a plane of symmetry running in the axial direction.

The Fig. 8 shows a front view of the top 8. The Fig. 9 shows a section along IX-IX through the upper part 8 of Fig. 6 , The Fig. 10 shows a section along XX through the upper part 8 of Fig. 6 , The Fig. 11 shows an enlarged section XI on the upper part 8 of Fig. 6 in the area of the contact protection element 50.

In the exemplary embodiment, the upper part 8 has a total of four sleeve-shaped sections 28, wherein in each case two sleeve-shaped sections 28 are connected to one another via an intermediate web 36. As a result, the stability of the sleeve-shaped sections 28 is increased. As is clear from the Fig. 6 and the associated magnification of the Fig. 11 shows, in the exemplary embodiment three contact protection elements 50 are arranged at the free end of the sleeve-shaped sections 28, which cover the opening so far that a specifiable Berührschutz, in the embodiment, a contact protection to IP 2X according to standard DIN EN 60529 (VDE 0470-1) from September 2000 against contact by a foreign body with a diameter of more than 12 mm.

In the illustrated initial state, the Berührschutzelemente 50 are integrally formed with the sleeve-shaped portion 28. The Berührschutzelemente are circular segment and extend over an angular range of slightly less than 120 °, so that between the individual Berührschutzelementen 50, a small gap 38 remains, which is less than 2 mm in the embodiment, in particular less than 1 mm. In the exemplary embodiment, the contact protection elements 50 leave a central opening 40 whose inside width 54 (FIG. Fig. 10 ) is more than 30%, in particular more than 40%, and preferably even more than 50% of the clear width 52 of the original opening 50 of the sleeve-shaped section 28, so that the contact protection elements 50 when inserting the tool reliably the way for engagement of the tool release the connecting means 12, which are formed for example by M12 threaded pins.

The contact protection element 50 is connected to the sleeve-shaped section 28 via a connecting web 42. The connecting web 42 is narrow enough, in particular, its width is less than 50% of the width of Berührschutzelements 50, so that it is ensured that the Berührschutzelement 50 clears the way for engagement of the tool. When inserting the tool, the Berührschutzelement 50 may stop at the web 42 of the sleeve-shaped portion 28, or the connecting web 42 may deform elastically or plastically and thereby clear the way for the engagement of the tool.

As is clear from the FIGS. 8 and 9 results, the locking element 34 has a wedge-shaped portion, wherein the wedge angle 44 is less than 30 °, in particular between 5 and 25 ° and preferably between 10 and 20 °. At its end pointing away from the upper part 8, the inner side of the latching element 34 does not run parallel to the plane of symmetry 48, but also encloses an inner angle of between 5 and 25 °, with this in particular between 10 and 15 °, and preferably about 12.5 °. As a result, a merging of upper part 8 and lower part 6 is simplified.

The clear width 52 ( Fig. 10 ) of the opening 50 in the sleeve-shaped portion 28 is about as large as the outer diameter of the test finger according to the shock protection class to be provided. By contrast, the clear width 54 of the central opening 40, which is left by the Berührschutzelementen 50 in their initial position, significantly lower and is slightly more than half of the clear width 52 in the embodiment. Despite the remaining central opening 40, a shock protection is guaranteed. This is especially true for the in the Fig. 2 illustrated initial state in which the connecting means 12 ends immediately below the opening of the sleeve-shaped portion 28, thus immediately below the Berührschutzelemente 50. If the contact protection elements 50 exerted a pressure from the outside, they come into contact with the connecting means 12 and thereby block penetration into the device 1, whereby the contact protection is ensured. On the other hand, the tool can be brought into contact with the tool engagement surface 24 of the connecting means 12 through the central opening 40 and thereby the connecting means 12 can be screwed.

The tool has in turn spaced from the tool engagement surface on an electrical insulation whose outer diameter is greater than the outer diameter of the tool engagement surface. When screwing in the connection means 12, the section with the insulation of the tool must also be introduced into the sleeve-shaped section 28, whereupon the contact protection elements 50 move out of their protective position and thereby clear the way for the further engagement of the tool. Even if the Berührschutzelemente 50 thereby cancel, this is not a problem for the contact protection, because in this case the connecting means 12 is already screwed so far into the clamp body 20, that a Berührschutz ensured only by the sleeve-shaped portion 28 and without the Berührschutzelemente 50 is.

Claims (10)

Device (1) for electrically insulating covering of a connecting device (10) for connecting electrical lines (2, 4), wherein the device (1) has an opening (50) for the passage of a tool, by the actuation of which the lines (2, 4) are connectable, characterized in that the device (1) in the region of the opening (50) comprises a Berührschutzelement (30), which provides protection in an initial position before touching live parts of the connecting device (10), and that the Berührschutzelement (30) can be moved out of its position to provide protection when the tool is actuated. Device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the contact protection element (30) in the initial position only a part of the opening (50) closes, and that on the unclosed part (40) of the opening (50), the tool in engagement with the Connecting device (10) can be brought. Device (1) according to claim 1 or one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the Berührschutzelement (30) at least in the initial position in one piece with a the opening (50) defining portion (28) of the device (1) is formed. Device (1) according to Claim 1 or one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the contact protection element (30) is articulated on a section (28) of the device (1) delimiting the opening (50) and upon actuation of the tool Although it can be moved out of the position providing contact protection, it remains connected to the device (1). Device (1) according to claim 1 or one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the region of the opening (40) a plurality Berührschutzelemente (30) are arranged, which form the contact protection. Device (1) according to claim 1 or one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device (1) is made of a material which has a sufficiently high strength in order to maintain the dimensional stability of the device (1) even without the connecting device (FIG. 10). Device (1) according to claim 1 or one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device (1) is multi-part, in particular that the plurality of parts (6, 8) of the device (1) can be connected to each other without tools. Connecting device (10) for connecting electrical lines (2, 4) to a device (1) according to Claim 1 or one of the preceding claims. Connecting device (10) according to claim 8, characterized in that the connecting device (10) has a clamp body (20) and a connecting means (12), and that in the initial position of the Berührschutzelements (30) while the tool in engagement with the connecting means (12 ) Can be brought, but that only when pressing the tool for Connecting the lines (2, 4), the Berührschutzelement (30) can be moved out of its protective position. Connecting device (10) according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that in an initial position of the connecting device (10) the Berührschutzelement (30) when inserting the tool in abutment with the connecting device (10) can be brought, in particular in contact with a connecting means (12 ) of the connecting device (10), and thereby can not be moved out of its protective position.

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