EP2614556A1

EP2614556A1 - Connecting apparatus

Info

Publication number: EP2614556A1
Application number: EP11757818.7A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Constantin Classen; Stephan Fehling; Herbert Fricke; Walter Hanning; Michael Herrmann; Dietmar Horn; Paulo Russo; Karlo Stjepanivic; Siegfried Storm; Jürgen Ziemke
Original assignee: Weidmueller Interface GmbH and Co KG
Current assignee: Weidmueller Interface GmbH and Co KG
Priority date: 2010-09-08
Filing date: 2011-09-07
Publication date: 2013-07-17
Anticipated expiration: 2031-09-07
Also published as: WO2012032097A1; EP2614556B1; DE202010008485U1

Abstract

Connecting apparatus (1) for electrical conductors (16), with a body (2) with an interior (3) and an insertion opening (4) for inserting the electrical conductor (16) in an insertion direction (6) into the interior (3); a spring unit (10), which is arranged in the interior (3), for clamping and making contact with the electrical conductor (16); and an actuating device (7) for releasing the spring unit (10) from a clamping position, wherein the spring unit (10) has at least two spring sections, of which at least one is in the form of a clamping spring (11).

Description

connection device

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

Such a connection device is used for connection or contacting of an electrical conductor. In a clamping position, a stripped or bare electrical conductor is brought into a electrically conductive connection with a contact section. For this purpose, the conductor end to be connected is inserted into the connection device. The connecting device can be opened by an actuator for easy insertion of the conductor and also for pulling it out. A continuously increasing demand for such connection devices, e.g. in automation areas, results in the demand for improved connection devices in terms of small number of parts, small size and safe and easy handling. The object of the present invention is therefore to provide an improved connection device.

The object is achieved by a connection device with the features of claim 1.

The connection device allows an increased contact force on an electrical conductor by a spring unit with at least two spring sections clamps the electrical conductor and at the same time increases the contact force by a compression spring.

A connection device according to the invention comprises:

a body having an inner space and an insertion opening for introducing the electrical conductor in an insertion direction into the inner space; a spring unit arranged in the interior for clamping and contacting the electrical conductor; and an actuating device for releasing the spring unit from a clamping position. The spring unit has at least two spring sections, of which at least one is designed as a clamping spring. Another advantage is that the clamping spring has a self-locking function, which effectively prevents withdrawal of the conductor from the connection device. Furthermore, a so-called tumbling of the conductor is resolved or largely reduced.

The clamping spring may be V-shaped, wherein a holding portion allows a simple fixing in the body, an associated arc section is provided a spring action and a clamping section attached thereto with clamping edge for clamping. The clamping edge can also be adapted to a diameter of the conductor to be clamped or connected by appropriate rounding.

The contact force can also be increased if one of the at least two spring sections of the spring unit is a clamping spring with a clamping edge for clamping the electrical conductor and another of the at least two spring sections of the spring unit is a reinforcing spring for enhancing the action of the clamping spring. In this case, the reinforcing spring may at least partially have the shape of the clamping spring and be arranged directly on it. Thus, a spring unit with double V-shaped clamping spring is formed.

In one embodiment, the spring unit is integrally formed, wherein it has a sigma shape and thereby results in a space-saving design. For example, a clamping spring and a compression spring are connected via a common holding section, which fixes them to the body.

Alternatively, the at least two spring sections can also be provided individually. As a result, a large variation of different spring forces is possible.

In a preferred embodiment, a side plate is arranged in the interior and forms with edges a spring receptacle for the spring unit. In this case, one of the edges of the side plate can form a contact portion, against which the electrical conductor can be contacted in the clamping position. For a further space saving and small number of parts, an edge of the side plate can form a retaining wall for the spring unit. The spring unit can be loosely or firmly attached to the retaining wall. For this purpose, the holding sections can serve.

The actuating device may comprise a plunger with a pressure edge, which is arranged displaceably in the body. The plunger can with the cooperate formed as a clamping spring spring portion of the spring unit.

The actuating device and the insertion opening for the conductor to be connected are arranged on the same side of the connecting device, wherein an insertion direction is substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the plunger. Thus, a simple and easy operation is possible.

A baying terminal has at least one connection device described above.

By way of exemplary embodiments, the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Hereby show:

Figure 1 is a schematic perspective side view of a first

Embodiment of a connecting device according to the invention;

Figure 2 shows the first embodiment of Figure 1 before introduction of a conductor;

FIG. 3 shows the first exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 2 when a conductor is inserted;

Figures 4 and 5, the first embodiment of Figure 3 with a connected conductor in a side view and in a

-Sectional view;

Figure 6 shows a second embodiment of the connecting device according to the invention in a sectional view with a connected conductor;

Figure 7 is a schematic perspective side view of a third

Embodiment of the connecting device according to the invention;

FIG. 8 shows the third exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 7 when a conductor is inserted; and Figures 9 and 10, the third embodiment of Figure 8 with a connected conductor in a side view and in a

Sectional view. FIG. 1 shows a schematic perspective side view of a first exemplary embodiment of a connection device 1 according to the invention.

The connecting device 1 here comprises a body 2, an actuating device 7, a spring unit 10 and at least one contact section 13. The connecting device 1 is here shown in an unactuated position, which is also called clamping position, with no electrical conductor is connected. In an actuated position, a conductor can be inserted or removed in an insertion direction 6. In an unactuated position and an inserted conductor, the conductor is connected to the connection device 1 in the clamping position, wherein an electrical connection between a contact portion of the connection device 1 and the conductor is made. Rigid conductors can also be inserted directly without actuation.

The body 2 is a kind of flat cuboid with a height whose length is about twice as large as its width. The height extends in Figure 1 in the insertion direction 6 from top to bottom, the width at right angles to it from left to slightly obliquely right below. A depth of the body 2 extends from bottom left to top right and has a length which may be about one fifth of the width. The body 2 is made of an insulating material, such as a suitable plastic, and is on one side 2a, in Figure 1, the rear, closed. At the front side, approximately the upper half is closed as an upper portion 2g with a side 2b, whereas the lower half is exposed and releases an inner space 3 which extends from a lower side 2f, the upper portion 2g and a respective front side 2c, 2d is fixed. The upper portion 2g has a top 2e. The sides 2a and 2b are parallel to each other and the end faces 2c, 2d are perpendicular to the sides 2a and 2b. The right end face 2c slightly protrudes at the upper side 2e, with a section in the right end area of the upper side 2e running obliquely upward to the higher edge of the right end face 2c. The lower edge of the right end face 2c is separated by an opening 9 over its entire width from the bottom 2f. Through this opening 9 in a shape as a slot, for example, a contact strip with contacts in the interior 3 may be connected. From the upper side 2e forth on the left in Figure 1 side an insertion opening 4 is formed vertically in the insertion direction 6 in the upper portion 2g. The introduction opening 4 is cylindrical and communicates on its underside with the interior 3 via a passage 5, which is also cylindrical. The insertion opening 4 and the bushing 5 serve to receive a conductor 16 (see, for example, FIG. 4), which can be connected in the interior 3 by the spring unit 10 in the connection device 1, which will be explained in more detail below. In the right-hand area of the upper portion 2g of the body 2 there is provided an actuating device 7 which accommodates in a receptacle 7a (see FIG. 5) a displaceable plunger which at its upper end has an actuating portion 8a and at its lower end which is in the inner space 3, a pressure edge 8b for cooperation with the spring unit 10 has. The plunger 8 is in the insertion direction 6 and opposite to this in the

Receiving 7a arranged displaceably. Its function will be described in detail below. The actuator 7 is also accessible and operable in the direction of insertion 6. The spring unit 10 located in the interior 3 of the body 2 consists in the first embodiment shown in Figure 1 of two springs or spring sections, namely an upper spring portion, an overhead clamping spring 1 1 and a lower spring portion, a compression spring 12 arranged below Spring unit 10 is embodied here in one piece, wherein the two spring portions clamping spring 1 1 and compression spring 12 are connected to each other or merge into each other. The spring unit 10 is referred to herein as "Sigrna" with a "Sigmaform". A width of the spring unit 10 extends perpendicular to the surface of the side 2a, being slightly smaller than the depth of the inner space 3. Both springs 1 1 and 12 are connected via their holding portions 1 1 a and 12 a. These holding portions 1 1 a and 12 a extend in a certain section parallel to the right end face 2 c.

The clamping spring 1 1 is V-shaped, wherein one leg of the holding portion 1 1 a and another leg is a clamping portion 1 1 c, which are both connected via an arc portion 1 1 b. From the holding portion 1 1 a of the semicircular arc section 1 1 b extends to the left counterclockwise in the interior 3. The arc section 1 1 b then goes into the at an angle of about 45 ° to the left below directed straight clamping section 1 1 c over, which ends in a clamping edge 1 1 d. The clamping edge 1 1 d extends across the width of the spring unit 10. The clamping edge 1 1 d may also be arcuate.

The arranged on the holding portion 1 1 a and connected thereto holding portion 12 a of the compression spring goes down in an arc portion 12 b clockwise about the same radius continues upward in a clockwise direction in a sheet section 12 c in the interior 3 and approximately below the middle of the clamping portion 1 1 c of the clamping spring ends. Within the interior space 3, a contact section 13 with a clamping region 13a and an underlying pressure region 13b is arranged on the inner surface of the left end side 2d parallel thereto. In the same way a retaining wall 14 is arranged opposite to the inner surface of the right end face 2c parallel to this. And at right angles thereto, a bottom 15a lies on the inner surface of the underside 2f parallel thereto. The contact portion 13, retaining wall 14 and bottom 15 a are formed integrally with a side plate 15, wherein they are folded edges of this side plate 15. The side plate 15 forms with these edges a kind of spring receptacle for the spring unit 10 and is located on the inner surface of the side 2a within the interior 3. The side plate 15 surrounds together with these edges, the spring unit 10 on four sides. The retaining wall 14 can be connected loosely or firmly to the holding sections 11a and 12a (see also FIG. 5). The holding sections 1 1 a and 12 a are supported on the retaining wall 14 on the end face 2 c of the body 2 from. At the bottom 15a, the arc section 12b of the compression spring 12 is supported.

The printed sheet section 12c has a convex printing section 12d on its outer surface facing the contact section 13. This pressure section 12d is here spaced apart from the pressure region 13b of the contact section 13, but can also rest against the pressure region 13b of the contact section 13 in this unactuated position of the connection device 1 shown.

The clamping edge 1 1 d is in this illustrated unactuated position of the connection device 1 at a small distance to the terminal portion 13a of the contact portion 13 or is applied to this.

Figure 2 shows the first embodiment of Figure 1 before introduction of a conductor. A tool 17, here a screwdriver, is about to be inserted into the operating portion 8a of the plunger 8, to push it in the insertion direction 6 down into the upper portion 2b of the body 2. The operating portion 8a may have a corresponding slot or the like for a corresponding tool.

FIG. 3 then shows the first exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 2 when a conductor 16 is introduced. The conductor 16 has an electrical conductor element 16a which is freed of an insulation 16b of the conductor 16 over a certain length. The conductor element 16a may be a rigid wire or a stranded wire. The tool 17 is inserted in the insertion direction 6 in the operating portion 8a of the plunger 8 and has pushed by actuation of the plunger 8 in the interior 3 of the body 2. In this case, the pressure edge 8b of the lower end of the plunger 8 cooperates with the surface of the arc portion 1 1 b of the clamping spring 1 1 of the spring unit 10 such that the clamping portion 1 1 c is bent down against a spring force of the arc portion 1 1 b and at the same time the surface of the printed sheet section 12 c of the compression spring 12 rests and this against the spring force of the sheet section 12 c and the sheet portion 12 b of

Compressive spring 12 is compressed. The distances of the clamping edge 1 1 d of the clamping spring 1 1 and the pressure portion 12d of the compression spring 12 are enlarged to the contact portion 13 so that insertion of the conductor 16 with the stripped conductor element 16a through the insertion opening 4 and the passage 5 in the interior. 3 is possible.

An end position of the conductor 16 thus introduced into the connecting device 1 is shown in a side view in FIG. 4 and in a sectional view in FIG. The conductor 16 is inserted with its stripped conductor element 16a in the interior 3, abuts with a longitudinal side of the contact portion 13 and abuts with its end against the bottom 15a. The tool 17 is removed, the downwardly pressed sheet portion 1 1 b of the clamping spring 1 1 springs back and pushes the plunger 8 back up. At the same time in the clamping region 13a, the conductor element 16a on the clamping edge 1 1 d of the clamping spring 1 1 pressed by the spring force and the spring force of the arc portion 1 1 b against the contact portion 13. The clamping portion 1 1 c of the clamping spring 1 1 is at an angle to the insertion direction 6, in which the longitudinal axis of the conductor element 16 a extends. This angle depends on the thickness, eg the diameter, of the conductor element 16a and is in the range of approximately 40 to 45 °. If, in this connected position of the conductor element 16a in the connection device 1, an attempt is then made to pull the conductor element 16a out of the connection device 1 against the insertion direction 6, a function of the self-locking of the clamping spring 11 acts to prevent it from being pulled out and prevents this from occurring. the clamping edge 1 1 d with the spring force of the clamping spring 1 1 acts on the conductor element 1 6a. At the same time, the sheet portion 1 1 ßenbereich with its convex Au abut the pressure edge 8b of the plunger 8 and are held, the plunger 8 at an inner surface of the upper portion 2b of the body 2 with a plunger projection 8d into abutment and on a further movement is prevented upwards against the insertion direction 6.

Furthermore, a contact force between the inserted and connected conductor element 1 6a is reinforced by the pressure of the convex pressure section 12d of the printed-sheet section 1 2c of the compression spring 1 2. The printing section 1 2d is pressed by the spring force of the sheet section 1 2c in a direction substantially perpendicular to the insertion direction 6 against the conductor element 1 6a and presses this in addition to the clamping spring 1 1 against the pressure region 13b of the contact portion 1 3, wherein the pressure range 1 3b below the Clamping range 1 3a is located. Depending on the design of the printing section 12d presses this line or planar against the conductor element 1 6a.

FIG. 5 shows the receptacle 7a of the actuating device 7, which is formed wider in the upper region in the body 2 than in the lower region toward the inner space 3 with a stop 7b. The stopper 7b forms a stop for a shoulder 8c of the plunger 8 displaceably arranged in the receptacle 7a in the insertion direction 6, in order to limit a movement in the insertion direction 6. Furthermore, near its lower end with the pressure edge 8d, the plunger has the plunger projection 8d, which limits movement of the plunger 8 against the insertion direction 6, coming into abutment with a portion of the inner surface of the upper portion 2d, which is shown here , This section is here an edge of opening 7a opening into the interior 3. Furthermore, it can be seen from this figure 5 that the holding sections 1 1 a and

1 2a of the spring unit 10 have a recess 1 9, in which a nose 14a of the retaining wall 14 engages. In this way, the spring unit 1 0 is fixed. Recess 1 9 and nose 14a can form a positive connection. It is also possible for the spring unit 10 to be connected to the retaining wall 14 at one or more points, e.g. by riveting, firmly connected.

FIG. 6 shows a second exemplary embodiment of the connecting device 1 according to the invention in a sectional view with a connected conductor 1 6. In contrast to the first embodiment, which is explained in detail above, here the spring unit 10 of two individual springs, namely the clamping spring 1 1 and the compression spring 12 is constructed. The clamping spring 1 1 is arranged with its holding portion 1 1 a above the holding portion 12a of the compression spring 12, wherein between the holding portions 1 1 a and 12a, a separation region 20 is located. The holding portions 1 1 a and 12 a are each attached to the retaining wall 14 as described above.

The arc portion 1 1 b of the clamping spring 1 1 is arranged in this second embodiment with its convex, overhead outer side of a correspondingly shaped contact portion 3a of the inner surface of the upper portion 2b in the interior 3 fitting.

A third exemplary embodiment is shown in FIG. 7 in a schematic perspective side view of the connecting device 1 according to the invention.

Here, the spring unit 10 consists of the V-shaped clamping spring 1 1 and a reinforcing spring 18, which is also V-shaped, and below the clamping spring 1 1 is arranged directly adjacent to this. The holding portion 1 1 a of the clamping spring 1 1 extends along the entire length of the retaining wall 14 in the insertion direction 6, wherein a holding portion 18a of the reinforcing spring 18 has about two-thirds of the length of the retaining wall 14 and arranged on the holding portion 1 1 a of the clamping spring 1 1 lying is. The holding portion 18 a of the reinforcing spring 18 is further in the interior 3 as the holding portion 1 1 a of the clamping spring 1 first An arc portion 18b of the reinforcing spring 18 nestles down from the interior 3 down to the arc portion 1 1 b of the clamping spring 1 1 and continues on the underside of the clamping spring 1 1 lying with a pressure section 18c, which in the last quarter of the clamping portion 1 1 c the clamping spring 1 1 ends. The reinforcing spring 18 has a particularly reinforcing effect with larger wire diameters of a conductor element 16a, for which purpose the length of the pressure section 18c of the reinforcing spring 18 can be adapted to different diameters of conductor elements 16a.

FIG. 8 shows the third embodiment similar to FIG. 3 when the conductor 16 is inserted in a schematic perspective view.

The bow portion 1 1 b of the clamping spring 1 1 is applied to the abutment portion 3a of the upper portion 2b of the body 2 as in the second embodiment. The actuating device 7 is also actuated as already described above and acts on the spring unit 10 by means of the plunger 8, that the conductor element 16 a between the clamping edge 1 1 d of the clamping spring 1 1 and the clamping portion 13a of the contact portion 13 through the insertion opening 4 and the passage 5 can be inserted into the interior 3. After releasing the actuator 7, the conductor element 16a is connected in the connecting device 1, as Figures 9 and 10 are similar to Figure 4 and 5 in a side view and in a sectional view. Except for the compression spring 12, the description for Figure 4 and 5 for Figures 9 and 10 and shall not be repeated here.

Also in this third embodiment, the holding portions 1 1 a and 18 a of the spring unit 10 are each provided with a recess 15 which cooperates with a nose 14 a of the retaining wall 14. The invention is not limited to the embodiments explained above. Within the scope of the appended claims, the invention is subject to modification.

Depending on the rigidity of the conductor element 16a, e.g. As a single wire, this can also be performed without actuation of the actuator 7 in the connection device 1, wherein the conductor element 16 a when inserted into the interior 3, the clamping spring 1 1 and the compression spring 12 compresses and further biases.

It is conceivable that the spring unit 10 may consist of a clamping spring 1 1, a compression spring 12 and a reinforcing spring 18.

Also, a compression spring 12 adapted reinforcement spring (not shown) is easy to imagine.

The connection devices 1 can be designed as a series terminal.

reference numeral

1 connection device

2 bodies

2a, 2b page

2c, 2d front side

2e top

2f bottom

2g Upper section

3 interior

3a section of investment

4 insertion opening

5 implementation

6 introduction direction

7 actuating device

7a recording

7b stop

8 pestles

8a operating section

8b pressure edge

8c shoulder

8d ram protrusion

9 opening

10 spring unit

1 1 clamping spring

1 1 a holding section

1 1 b arc section

1 1 c clamping section

1 1 d clamping edge

12 compression spring

12a holding section

12b floor section

12c print sheet section

12d printing section

13 contact section

13a clamping area

13b pressure range

14 retaining wall

14a nose Side plate bottom

Leitera Leiterelementb insulation

Tool

Reinforcement spring holding section b Bogenabschnittc printing section

recess

separating region

Claims

claims

1 . Connecting device (1) for electrical conductors (16), with

- A body (2) having an interior (3) and an insertion opening (4) for insertion of the electrical conductor (16) in an insertion direction (6) in the interior (3);

- One in the interior (3) arranged spring unit (10) for clamping and contacting the electrical conductor (16); and

- An actuator (7) for solving the spring unit (10) from a clamping position;

characterized in that

- The spring unit (10) at least two spring portions, of which at least one is designed as a clamping spring (1 1) has.

2. Connection device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that one of the at least two spring sections of the spring unit (10) has a clamping spring (1 1) with a clamping edge (1 1 d) for clamping the conductor (16) and another of the at least two spring sections of the spring unit (10) is a compression spring (12) having a pressure section (12d) for acting on the conductor (16).

3. Connection device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that one of the at least two spring sections of the spring unit (10) has a clamping spring (1 1) with a clamping edge (1 1 d) for clamping the electrical conductor (16) and another of the at least two spring portions of the spring unit (10) is a reinforcing spring (18) for enhancing the action of the clamping spring (1 1).

4. Connection device (1) according to one of the preceding claims,

characterized in that the spring unit (10) is integrally formed.

5. Connection device (1) according to one of the preceding claims,

characterized in that the spring unit (10) has a sigma shape.

6. Connection device (1) according to one of the preceding claims,

characterized in that a side plate (15) in the interior (3) is ordered and with edges (13, 14, 15a) forms a spring receptacle for the spring unit (10).

Connecting device (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that one of the edges (13, 14, 15a) of the side plate (15) forms a contact portion (13), against which the electrical conductor (16) can be contacted in the clamping position.

Connecting device (1) according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the at least two spring portions of the spring unit (10) together or separately on a retaining wall (14) which is one of the edges (13, 14, 15a) of the side plate (15) , are appropriate.

Connecting device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuating device (7) comprises a plunger (8) with a pressure edge (8b), which is arranged displaceably in the body (2).

Connecting device (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that the plunger (8) of the actuating device (7) cooperates with the spring section of the spring unit (10) designed as a clamping spring (11).

Connecting device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuating device (7) and the introduction opening (4) for the electrical conductor (16) are arranged on the same side of the connecting device (1), wherein the actuating device (7) in the insertion direction (6) is actuated.

12. Terminal block with at least one connection device (1) after

of the preceding claims.