EP2614556B1 - Connecting apparatus - Google Patents

Description

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

Such a connection device, as for example from the GB 2 298 973 A is known, is used for connection or a contact 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.

Figur 1

eine schematische perspektivische Seitenansicht eines ersten Ausführungsbeispiels einer erfindungsgemäßen Anschlussvorrichtung;

Figur 2

das erste Ausführungsbeispiel nach Figur 1 vor Einführung eines Leiters;

Figur 3

das erste Ausführungsbeispiel nach Figur 2 bei Einführung eines Leiters;

Figur 4 und 5

das erste Ausführungsbeispiel nach Figur 3 mit einem angeschlossenen Leiter in einer Seitenansicht und in einer Schnittansicht;

Figur 6

ein zweites Ausführungsbeispiel der erfindungsgemäßen Anschlussvorrichtung in einer Schnittansicht mit einem angeschlossenen Leiter;

Figur 7

eine schematische perspektivische Seitenansicht eines dritten Ausführungsbeispiels der erfindungsgemäßen Anschlussvorrichtung;

Figur 8

das dritte Ausführungsbeispiel nach Figur 7 bei Einführung eines Leiters; und

Figur 9 und 10

das dritte Ausführungsbeispiel nach Figur 8 mit einem angeschlossenen Leiter in einer Seitenansicht und in einer Schnittansicht.

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

FIG. 1

a schematic perspective side view of a first embodiment of a connecting device according to the invention;

FIG. 2

the first embodiment according to FIG. 1 before introducing a leader;

FIG. 3

the first embodiment according to FIG. 2 when introducing a leader;

FIGS. 4 and 5

the first embodiment according to FIG. 3 with a connected conductor in a side view and in a sectional view;

FIG. 6

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

FIG. 7

a schematic perspective side view of a third embodiment of the connecting device according to the invention;

FIG. 8

the third embodiment according to FIG. 7 when introducing a leader; and

FIGS. 9 and 10

the third embodiment according to FIG. 8 with a connected conductor in a side view and in a sectional view.

In FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective side view of a first embodiment of a connecting device 1 according to the invention shown.

The connection 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 of the conductor is connected to the connecting device 1 in the clamping position, wherein an electrical connection between a contact portion of the connecting 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 runs in the FIG. 1 in the insertion direction 6 from top to bottom, the width at right angles to it from left to slightly obliquely bottom right. 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 a side 2a, in FIG. 1 the back, closed. At the front side, approximately the upper half is closed as an upper portion 2g having a side 2b, whereas the lower half is exposed and exposing an inner space 3 defined by a lower side 2f, the upper portion 2g and a respective end face 2c, 2d , 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 top 2e, with a portion in the right end portion of the top 2e extending 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 top 2e ago is on in the FIG. 1 left side an insertion opening 4 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 passage 5 serve to receive a conductor 16 (see, for example FIG. 4 ), which in the interior 3 by the spring unit 10 in the connecting device 1 can be connected, which will be explained in more detail below.

In the right region of the upper portion 2g of the body 2, an actuator 7 is provided, which in a receptacle 7a (see FIG. 5 ) receives a displaceable plunger, which at its upper end an actuating portion 8a and at its lower end, which projects into the inner space 3, a pressure edge 8b for cooperation with the spring unit 10. The plunger 8 is arranged displaceably in the insertion direction 6 and opposite to this in the receptacle 7a. Its function will be described in detail below. The actuator 7 is also accessible and operable in the direction of insertion 6.

The located in the interior 3 of the body 2 spring unit 10 is in the in FIG. 1 illustrated first embodiment of two springs or spring sections, namely an upper spring portion, an upper spring clip 11 and a lower spring portion, a compression spring arranged below 12. This spring unit 10 is here made in one piece, wherein the two spring portions clamping spring 11 and compression spring 12 connected to each other are or merge into each other. The spring unit 10 is referred to herein as a "sigma spring" with a "sigma shape". 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 11 and 12 are connected via their holding portions 11a and 12a. These holding portions 11a and 12a extend in a certain section parallel to the right end face 2c.

The clamping spring 11 is V-shaped, wherein one leg of the holding portion 11a and another leg is a clamping portion 11c, which are both connected via an arc portion 11b. From the holding portion 11a, the semicircular arc portion 11b extends leftward counterclockwise in the inner space 3. The arc portion 11b then goes into the straight clamping portion directed downward at an angle of about 45 ° 11c, which ends in a clamping edge 11d. The clamping edge 11d extends across the width of the spring unit 10. The clamping edge 11d may also be arcuate.

The arranged on the holding portion 11 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 center of Clamping portion 11c 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 parallel to this on the inner surface of the right end face 2c parallel to this. And perpendicular thereto, a bottom 15a lies on the inner surface of the lower surface 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 to the holding portions 11 a and 12 a (see also FIG. 5 ) be loose or firmly connected. The holding sections 11a and 12a are supported on the retaining wall 14 on the end face 2c of the body 2. 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 11d is in this shown unactuated position of the connection device 1 at a small distance to the clamping region 13a of the contact portion 13 or is applied to this.

FIG. 2 shows the first embodiment FIG. 1 before introducing a leader. 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 embodiment FIG. 2 when introducing a conductor 16. The conductor 16 has an electrical conductor element 16a, which is freed from 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. At this time, the pressure edge 8b of the lower end of the plunger 8 cooperates with the surface of the arc portion 11b of the clamp spring 11 of the spring unit 10 so that the clamp portion 11c is bent downward against a spring force of the arc portion 11b and simultaneously on the surface of the press sheet portion 12c of the compression spring 12 rests and this against the spring force of the sheet section 12c and the sheet portion 12b of the compression spring 12 is compressed. The distances of the clamping edge 11d of the clamping spring 11 and the pressure section 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 made possible.

An end position of the conductor 16 thus inserted into the terminal device 1 is shown in FIG FIG. 4 in a side view and in FIG. 5 shown in a sectional view.

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 11b of the clamping spring 11 springs back and pushes the plunger 8 back up. At the same time, in the clamping region 13a, the conductor element 16a is pressed against the contact section 13 via the clamping edge 11d of the clamping spring 11 by its spring force or the spring force of the arc section 11b. The clamping portion 11c of the clamping spring 11 is at an angle to the insertion direction 6, in which the longitudinal axis of the conductor element 16a extends. This angle depends on the thickness, eg of the diameter, of the conductor element 16a and is in the range of approximately 40 ... 45 °. If, in this connected position of the conductor element 16a in the connection device 1, attempts are 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 counteracts withdrawal and prevents this by the clamping edge 11d with the spring force of the clamping spring 11 acts on the conductor element 16a. At the same time, the curved portion 11 with its convex outer region abut against the pressure edge 8b of the plunger 8 and be held, wherein the plunger 8 on an inner surface of the upper portion 2b of the body 2 with a plunger projection 8d into abutment and on a further upward movement is prevented against the insertion direction 6.

Furthermore, a contact force between the inserted and connected conductor element 16a is enhanced by the pressure of the convex pressure portion 12d of the press sheet portion 12c of the compression spring 12. The pressing portion 12d is pressed against the conductor member 16a in a substantially perpendicular direction to the insertion direction 6 by the spring force of the press sheet portion 12c, and presses this in addition to the clamp spring 11 against the press portion 13b of the contact portion 13, with the press portion 13b below the clamp portion 13a. Depending on the design of the pressure section 12d, the latter presses in a line-shaped or planar manner against the conductor element 16a.

In FIG. 5 the receptacle 7a of the actuating device 7 is shown, which is formed in the upper area in the body 2 wider than in the underlying area to the interior 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. Further, 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 by 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, from this FIG. 5 to recognize that the holding portions 11a and 12a of the spring unit 10 have a recess 19, in which a nose 14a of the retaining wall 14 engages. In this way, the spring unit 10 is fixed. Recess 19 and nose 14a can form a positive connection. It is also possible that the spring unit 10 is fixedly connected to the retaining wall 14 at one or more points, for example by riveting.

FIG. 6 illustrates a second embodiment of the connecting device 1 according to the invention in a sectional view with a connected conductor 16.

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 11 and the compression spring 12 is constructed. The clamping spring 11 is arranged with its holding portion 11a on the holding portion 12a of the compression spring 12, wherein between the holding portions 11a and 12a, a separation region 20 is located. The holding portions 11a and 12a are respectively attached to the holding wall 14 as described above.

The arc portion 11b of the clamping spring 11 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 embodiment shows 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 11 and a reinforcing spring 18, which is also V-shaped, and below the clamping spring 11 is arranged directly adjacent to this. The holding portion 11a of the clamping spring 11 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 approximately two thirds of the length of the retaining wall 14 and is disposed lying on the holding portion 11a of the clamping spring 11. The holding portion 18a of the reinforcing spring 18 is further in the interior 3 as the holding portion 11a of the clamping spring 11. An arc portion 18b of the reinforcing spring 18 nestles from the interior 3 down to the arc portion 11b of the clamping spring 11 and continues on the underside of the clamping spring eleventh lying with a pressure section 18 c, which ends approximately in the last quarter of the clamping portion 11 c of the clamping spring 11. 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 FIG. 3 at the introduction of the conductor 16 in a schematic perspective view.

The arc portion 11b of the clamping spring 11 abuts against 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 11 d of the clamping spring 11 and the clamping portion 13 a of the contact portion 13 can be inserted through the insertion opening 4 and the passage 5 in the interior 3.

After releasing the actuator 7, the conductor element 16a is connected in the connecting device 1, such as FIGS. 9 and 10 similar to FIG. 4 and 5 in a side view and in a sectional view. Except for the compression spring 12, the description applies to FIG. 4 and 5 also for FIGS. 9 and 10 and should not be repeated here.

Also in this third embodiment, the holding portions 11a and 18a of the spring unit 10 are each provided with a recess 15 which cooperates with a nose 14a 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 introduced 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 11 and the compression spring 12 compresses and further biases.

It is conceivable that the spring unit 10 may consist of a clamping spring 11, 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

body

2a, 2b

page

2c, 2d

front

2e

top

2f

bottom

2g

Upper section

3

inner space

3a

contact section

4

insertion opening

5

execution

6

insertion direction

7

actuator

7a

admission

7b

attack

8th

tappet

8a

actuating section

8b

printing edge

8c

shoulder

8d

follower lug

9

opening

10

spring unit

11

clamping spring

11a

holding section

11b

arc section

11c

clamping section

11d

clamping edge

12

compression spring

12a

holding section

12b

bottom section

12c

Sheet section

12d

print section

13

Contact section

13a

clamping range

13b

pressure range

14

retaining wall

14a

nose

15

side plate

15a

ground

16

ladder

16a

conductor element

16b

insulation

17

Tool

18

reinforcing spring

18a

holding section

18b

arc section

18c

print section

19

recess

20

separating region

Claims (6)

1. A connection device (1) for electrical conductors (16), having

   - a body (2) having 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) arranged in the interior (3) for clamping and contacting the electrical conductor (16);

   - an actuating device (7) for disengaging the spring unit (10) from a clamping position;

   - wherein the actuating device (7) comprises a plunger (8) having a pressure edge (8b), which is arranged so it is displaceable in the body (2);

   - the spring unit (10) has at least two spring sections, at least one of which is formed as a clamping spring (11);

   - wherein one of the at least two spring sections of the spring unit (10) is a clamping spring (11) having a clamping edge (11d) 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);

   - wherein the plunger (8) of the actuating device (7) interacts with the spring section of the spring unit (10) formed as a clamping spring (11);

   characterized in that

   - the spring unit (10) has a sigma shape, and therefore the spring unit (10) is embodied in one piece, wherein the two spring sections of clamping spring (11) and compression spring (12) are connected to one another or merge into one another; and

   - wherein the pressure edge (8b) of a lower end of the plunger (8) interacts with a surface of a curved section (11b) of the clamping spring (11) of the spring unit (10) such that a clamping section (11c) is bent downward against a spring force of the curved section (11b) and simultaneously bears on the surface of a pressure curved section (12c) of the compression spring (12) and compresses it against the spring force of the pressure curved section (12c) and the curved section (12b) of the compression spring (12).
2. The connection device (1) according to Claim 1, characterized in that a side plate (15) is arranged in the interior (3) and forms a spring receptacle for the spring unit (10) with edges (13, 14, 15a).
3. The connection device (1) according to Claim 2, characterized in that one of the edges (13, 14, 15a) of the side plate (15) forms a contact section (13), against which the electrical conductor (16) can be contacted in the clamping position.
4. The connection device (1) according to Claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the at least two spring sections of the spring unit (10) are attached jointly or separately on a retaining wall (14), which is one of the edges (13, 14, 15a) of the side plate (15).
5. The connection device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuating device (7) and the insertion opening (4) for the electrical conductor (16) are arranged on the same side of the connection device (1), wherein the actuating device (7) is actuable in the insertion direction (6).
6. A modular terminal having at least one connection device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims.

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