EP2555331B1 - Earth terminal - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a ground terminal.

Earthing terminals for grounding of eg water pipes or for equipotential bonding are available in various forms on the market. Out US2010227483 is a ground terminal known, which consists of two half-shells which are screwed together via two lateral flanges. A clamping device for fixing a grounding wire is firmly formed on one of the two half-shells. The half-shells make contact with the pipe. To mount the ground terminal, the two half-shells are placed around the pipe to be grounded and fastened by means of screws.

Out DE3502022 and DE3332353 Further grounding terminals are known, comprising a clamping device, which is laterally connected to a mounting portion. A metal band is fixed with one end fixed to the attachment portion and can be inserted with the free end in a guide element of the attachment portion. To attach the ground terminal to a pipe to be grounded, the metal strip is placed around the pipe and the free end of the metal strip is inserted into the guide member and fixed by a screw in the mounting portion by deformation of the tape perpendicular to its surface. Such grounding terminals are cumbersome to install and the type of fixation leads to an insufficient clamping force. In addition, they are not easy solvable and reusable.

EP1398850 The same applicant describes a ground terminal with a clamping device, which is arranged directly on a support member. The support member has two laterally bent by 90 degrees contact elements, which the contact to grounding device. In addition, the support member has two free-standing, bent back and arranged transversely to the contact elements tabs that allow attachment of the ground terminal by means of a band clip, but do not rest on the device to be grounded. The ground terminal has many undercuts, which complicate a cost-effective production. In addition, it has long load paths between the tabs and the contact elements and the entire ground terminal can deform unintentionally at the high clamping forces of a band clamp, which can lead to insufficient contact.

The object of the invention is to provide a ground terminal, which is easier and less expensive to produce and allows better contact with the device to be grounded.

It has been shown that the known earthing terminals either have a complicated construction and are therefore expensive to manufacture, or that a secure contact with the device to be grounded due to the arrangement of contact element, guide means and pipe clamp are insufficient. Furthermore, a flexible attachment is not possible.

The above object is achieved by a ground terminal with the features of claim 1. The earthing terminal according to the invention, comprising a clamping device for at least one earthing line and a fastening section with which the earthing terminal can be fastened to a device to be earthed by means of a guided clamp, wherein the fastening section has at least one guide means for guiding the clamp, is accordingly characterized in that Attachment section has at least one contact element for resting on the device to be grounded, wherein the at least one guide portion and the at least a contact element are arranged adjacent to each other in such a way that in the mounted state of the ground terminal clamped on a device to be grounded, the contact element between the pipe clamp and the device to be grounded and thus fixed. Instead of a pipe clamp, another suitable fastening means, such as a band clamp, Bride, hose clamp, wire clamp or the like, can be used.

In this way, a good and stable contact of the ground terminal is ensured on the device to be grounded, since the clamping pressure of the strong clamping pipe clamp is transmitted directly to the contact element. In addition, due to the simple arrangement of the contact element and guide portion and the attachment via conventional pipe clamps cost-effective production with little material loss is possible. By replacing the pipe clamp, the ground terminal can be used e.g. be adapted to different diameters.

The at least one contact element of the grounding terminal according to the invention is preferably a contact plate. As a result, the contact surface of the ground terminal can be significantly increased, which allows an even better contact. Further preferably, such a contact plate may be angled or rounded, and / or be deformable and / or have a predetermined bending point, so that the bearing surface resp. Contact surface of the contact plate on a device to be grounded, preferably a pipe, is further enlarged.

In a preferred embodiment, the at least one guide means is arranged laterally adjacent to the at least one contact plate.

In a further preferred embodiment, in each case a guide section is arranged at two opposite ends or sides of the contact element, so that in the mounted state of the ground terminal on a device to be grounded, the clamp extends over the contact element.

In a still further embodiment, the at least one guide section lies between two contact elements, so that in the mounted state of the ground terminal on a device to be earthed, the pipe clamp runs over the contact element.

In the various embodiments, the at least one guide means may be preferably formed as a tab or slot-shaped recess through which the pipe clamp to be attached extends. The at least one guide means may also be designed as two webs or two tongues, so that the pipe clamp to be attached extends between the webs or tongues and over the contact element. The type of guide means can be chosen according to their arrangement in the various embodiments.

In the embodiments with contact plate, this is preferably angled or rounded, so that the bearing surface of the contact plate on a device to be grounded, preferably a pipe, is enlarged. The contact element, preferably the contact plate, may be about 20 to 40 mm, preferably 25 to 30 mm, wide and about 20 to 40 mm, preferably 25 to 30 mm long.

The clamping device can be arranged via a connecting portion transverse to the direction of the pipe clamp. The clamping device can also be arranged on the attachment section via a connecting section along the running direction of the clamp be, in which case at least one guide means is formed by a slot-shaped recess in the connecting portion.

In all embodiments, the attachment portion and a portion of the clamping device (without, for example, clamping screw and clamping plate) are preferably integrally stamped and / or bent together from a steel sheet. The steel sheet may be about 1 to 3 mm, preferably about 2 mm, thick.

To secure the ground terminal, a per se known band clamp or strap, e.g. with a Schraubspannverschluss, used. In all embodiments, a pipe clamp with lock and strap can be easily attached by the guide means. Other fasteners, provided they fit in the guide means, can also be used. The earthing clamp is, as long as the clamp is not tightened, freely slidable along the clamp, so that the clamp of the clamp and the clamp can be brought into the desired positions. The closure resp. the lock of the clamp and the clamping device are therefore variably arranged. Also, the inventive earthing terminal is reusable, since the clamp can be removed without destroying or can simply be replaced by a new pipe clamp.

The invention further relates to a kit of a ground terminal according to the invention and a pipe clamp, preferably a band clamp with lock and strap, more preferably a band clamp with Schraubspannverschluss as a lock.

Fig. 1

eine perspektivische Ansicht einer ersten Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemässen Erdungsklemme mit einer Bandschelle auf einem zu erdenden Rohr;

Fig. 2

eine weitere perspektivische Ansicht der Ausführungsform aus Fig. 1;

Fig. 3

eine Seitenansicht der Ausführungsform aus Fig. 1;

Fig. 4

eine Draufsicht auf die Ausführungsform aus Fig. 1;

Fig. 5

eine perspektivische Ansicht der Erdungsklemme aus Fig. 1 losgelöst von der Bandschelle;

Fig. 6

eine perspektivische Ansicht einer zweiten Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemässen Erdungsklemme;

Fig. 7

eine perspektivische Ansicht einer dritten Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemässen Erdungsklemme;

Fig. 8

eine perspektivische Ansicht einer vierten Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemässen Erdungsklemme; und

Fig. 9

eine perspektivische Ansicht einer fünften Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemässen Erdungsklemme.

The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to embodiments in conjunction with the drawings. Show it:

Fig. 1

a perspective view of a first embodiment of the inventive grounding clamp with a band clamp on a pipe to be grounded;

Fig. 2

another perspective view of the embodiment Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 3

a side view of the embodiment Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 4

a plan view of the embodiment Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 5

a perspective view of the ground terminal Fig. 1 detached from the band clamp;

Fig. 6

a perspective view of a second embodiment of the inventive grounding clamp;

Fig. 7

a perspective view of a third embodiment of the inventive grounding clamp;

Fig. 8

a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of the inventive grounding terminal; and

Fig. 9

a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of the inventive ground terminal.

In Fig. 1 to 4 are a first embodiment of the inventive ground terminal 1 in perspective views ( Fig. 1 and 2 ), or a side view ( Fig. 3 ) and a plan view ( Fig. 4 ). The ground terminal 1 is shown with a band clamp 5 with lock 13 and strap 14 on a pipe to be grounded 6, wherein the band clamp not tightened. The ground terminal 1 has a known clamping device with clamping plate and clamping screw. In the clamping device 2, a grounding line 3 is clamped. The grounding line 3 may be, for example, a wire, a stranded wire, a rope, a cable or the like. The earthing terminal 1 further comprises a fastening section 4 with a contact element designed as a contact plate 7, which rests on the tube 6. The contact plate 7 is angled centrally, so that the support surface is enlarged to the tube 6. In addition, the attachment portion 4 on two opposite sides of the contact plate 7 each about 90 degrees bent parts, in which a slot-shaped recess 8 are formed as a guide means for the band clamp 5. The slot-shaped recesses 8 extend beyond the bent region, so that the clamping force of the pipe clamp 5 is transmitted via the clamping band 14 directly to the contact plate 7.

On one of the two sides, the bent part is continued as a connecting portion 9 for the clamping device 2. The connecting portion 9 is therefore arranged in the running direction of the tension band 14 of the pipe clip 5 on the attachment portion 4. The guide means 8 at the free end, ie the clamping device 2, respectively. the connecting portion 9, opposite end, may also be formed as two webs or tongues, between which the pipe clamp 5 can be performed.

Fig. 3 shows the embodiment in a side view with a view along the longitudinal axis of the tube 6. This illustration clearly shows the enlarged bearing surface of the angled contact plate. 7

Fig. 5 also shows the embodiment Fig. 1 in a perspective view, wherein the ground terminal 1 is shown detached from the pipe clamp 5 with lock 13 and strap 14. As a clamp can also be another suitable fastener be used. The contact plate 7 also has a predetermined bending point 15. The predetermined bending point 15 is arranged such that when attaching the ground terminal 1 on a pipe to be grounded 5, a portion of the contact plate under the clamping pressure of the pipe clip 5 turns towards the pipe, whereby the contacting of the ground terminal 1 is increased to the tube 5.

In Fig. 6 a second embodiment of the inventive ground terminal 1 is shown in a perspective view. In contrast to the embodiment of Fig. 1 is that the connecting portion 9 opposite side of the contact plate 7 no guide means 8. The pipe clamp 5 (not shown) is guided with the clamping band 14 through the slot-shaped recess in the connecting portion 9 and extends over the contact plate. 7

In Fig. 7 a third embodiment of the inventive ground terminal 1 is shown in a perspective view. In contrast to the embodiment of Fig. 1 the clamping device 2 is connected via a connecting portion 9 with the contact plate 7, wherein the connecting portion 9 arranged transversely to the direction of the pipe clamp on one side of the contact plate, which is between the two guide means 8, 8 '. In this embodiment, both guide means 8, 8 'may be formed as webs or tongues.

In Fig. 8 a fourth embodiment of the inventive ground terminal 1 is shown in a perspective view. In contrast to the embodiment of Fig. 7 the contact element as two connected via a bridge 10 contact plates 7, 7 'is formed. Two guide means 8, 8 'are each formed in bent parts between the contact plates 7, 7' and the bridge 10. The pipe clamp 5 (not shown) is with the clamping band through the slot-shaped recess in the bent parts 11, 11 'out, wherein the clamping band 14 under the bridge and over the contact plates 7, 7' extends.

In Fig. 9 a fifth embodiment of the inventive ground terminal 1 is shown in a perspective view. In contrast to the embodiment of Fig. 8 are the contact element as webs 12, 12 'formed directly below the guide means 8, 8'.

NAME LIST

1

ground terminal

2

clamping device

3

ground wire

4

attachment section

5

pipe clamp

6

device to be grounded

7, 7 '

Contact element, contact plate

8th

guide means

9

connecting portion

10

bridge

11, 11 '

bent part

12, 12 '

Contact element, footbridge

13

Lock pipe clamp

14

strap

15

Predetermined bending point

Claims (15)

1. An earth terminal (1) comprising a clamping device (2) for at least one earth cable (3) and a fastening portion (4) by which the earth terminal (1) can be fastened by means of a loosely guided pipe clip (5) to a device (6) to be earthed, wherein the fastening portion (4) has at least one guide means (8) for guiding the pipe clip (5), wherein the fastening portion (4) has at least one contact element (7) for placing onto the device (6) to be earthed, characterized in that the at least one guide means (8) and the at least one contact element (7) are arranged adjacent to one another in such a way that, in the fitted state of the earth terminal (1) on a device (6) to be earthed, the contact element (7) is assembled between the pipe clip (5) and the device (6) to be earthed.
2. The earth terminal (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one contact element (7) is a contact plate.
3. The earth terminal (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the at least one guide means (8) is arranged laterally adjacent to the at least one contact plate (7).
4. The earth terminal (1) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the contact plate (7) is deformable and/or has a predetermined bending area (15) so that, in the assembled state of the earth terminal (1) on the device to be earthed, the contact of the contact plate (7) on the device (6) to be earthed is increased.
5. The earth terminal (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the at least one guide means (8) is formed as a strap or slit-like cutout.
6. The earth terminal (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the at least one guide means (8) is formed as two bars or two tongues.
7. The earth terminal (1) according to one of claims 2 to 6, characterized in that the contact plate (7) is bent or rounded, so that the contact surface of the contact plate (7) on a device (6) to be earthed, preferably a clip, is enlarged.
8. The earth terminal (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the contact element (7) has a width of approximately 20 to 40 mm, preferably 25 to 30 mm, and a length of approximately 20 to 40 mm, preferably 25 to 30 mm.
9. The earth terminal according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in each case a guide means (8) is arranged on two opposing sides of the contact element (7) so that, in the assembled state of the earth terminal (1) on a device (6) to be earthed, the pipe clip (5) extends over the contact element (7).
10. The earth terminal according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the at least one guide means (8) is located between two contact elements (7) so that, in the assembled state of the earth terminal (1) on a device (6) to be earthed, the pipe clip (5) extends over the contact elements (7).
11. The earth terminal according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the clamping device (2) is arranged, via a connecting portion (9), transversely with respect to the direction in which the pipe clip (5) extends.
12. The earth terminal according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the clamping device (2) is arranged on the fastening portion (4), via a connecting portion (9) along the direction in which the pipe clip (5) extends, and that at least one guide means (8) is formed by a slit-like cutout in the connecting portion (9).
13. The earth terminal according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fastening portion (4) together with a part of the clamping device (2) is stamped and/or bent out in one piece from a steel sheet.
14. The earth terminal according to claim 13, characterized in that the steel sheet has a thickness of approximately 1 to 3 mm, preferably approximately 2 mm.
15. A kit with an earth terminal according to one of claims 1 to 13 and a pipe clip, preferably a band clip (5) with a lock (13) and a band clip (14).

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