EP2957002B1 - Device for contacting a busbar - Google Patents

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

The present invention relates to a contact device for contacting a busbar according to the preamble of claim 1.

STATE OF THE ART

Devices for contacting busbars are known from the prior art.

For example, the shows US 7,806,711 such a device. The device comprises lever elements, which are acted upon by a spring with a spring force. The lever elements are attached to a busbar and serve to make contact with this one busbar with another busbar. This other busbar is thereby inserted into the intermediate space between two lever elements.

A disadvantage of the contacting according to the US 7,806,711 is that with a tilting of the two busbars to each other do not come to a defined contact.

EP0573368 discloses a contact device according to the preamble of claim 1.

PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION

Based on this prior art, the invention has for its object to provide a contact device for contacting a busbar, which overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art. In particular, the contacting of busbars of different widths and / or the compensation of an angular tolerance should be improved.

This object is achieved by the subject matter of claim 1. Accordingly, a contact device for contacting a busbar with at least two parallel and spaced from each other extending contact surfaces. The contact device comprises a clamping unit for providing a clamping force on the first of the said contact surfaces and a contact unit for electrically contacting a second of the said contact surfaces. The clamping unit is spaced from the contact unit, so that between the clamping unit and the contact unit, a gap is present, which serves to receive said busbar. The clamping unit comprises a clamping element acting on the said contact surface, in particular a lever. The clamping element is movable with respect to the gap on the contact surface. The contact unit comprises a contact jaw with a surface facing the intermediate space, at least one contact element projecting from the surface into the intermediate space and a connection element which is in an electrically conductive manner with the contact element. Preferably, the contact element with respect to the surface is designed to be displaceable or movable.

With the clamping element so the gap between the contact unit and clamping unit can be reduced, wherein the contact device is pulled against the busbar. By at least one displaceable contact element angle errors and / or bumps in the busbar can be compensated, so that always a good electrical contact is made possible.

The contact element is in an example with a contact surface with the contact surface of the bus bar electrically connected. The contact surface can be designed in various ways. By way of example, the contact surface may be in the form of a plane or flat surface extending parallel to said surface. Furthermore, the contact surface may comprise at least one cutting element. Preferably, the cutting element is a cutting edge or a cone-shaped tip. The at least one cutting element preferably extends from the plane surface. Also, the contact surface can be provided exclusively by the at least one cutting element.

The cutting element has the advantage that, for example, busbars, which are coated with an electrically insulating shrink tube, a lacquer layer, an oxide layer or otherwise with an electrically insulating material, are also contacted with the contact device.

Particularly preferably, a plurality of contact elements are arranged at regular intervals from one another.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the connection element is connected to a cable. In particular via a connection unit.

In another example, the contact element has the shape of a pin. The pin is movably mounted in a bore in the contact jaw and comprises a contact surface for electrical contacting of the busbar. The contact surface may be the end face of the pin and at least one arranged on the front side cutting element. Alternatively, the contact surface can also be provided exclusively by the at least one cutting element, which then closes the pin towards the intermediate space.

Preferably, the pin is acted upon in said bore with a spring, wherein the spring presses the pin seen from the bore towards the surface. The spring force acts in the direction of the gap. When contacting the busbar, the pin can be moved into the bore against the spring force.

Preferably, the clamping unit and the contact unit are displaceable relative to each other along a movement axis, so that the distance or the width of the gap between the clamping unit and the contact unit is substantially adjustable to the width of the busbar.

Due to the relative displaceability between the clamping unit and contact unit, the gap can be roughly adjusted to the width of the busbar. The fine adjustment, which ultimately leads to the contact, is achieved by the clamping element and the contact element as described above. This adjustability can be Contact busbars of different width particularly easy and fast.

The contact unit and the clamping unit are preferably in contact with one another via guide elements. These guide elements allow a relative movement between the contact unit and the clamping unit along a movement axis and prevent a relative movement about the movement axis. Contact unit and clamping unit can thus be moved toward or away from each other along a linear movement. In other words, the guide elements allow an axial displacement of the contact unit with respect to the clamping unit while preventing a radial movement between the two components.

Preferably, the guide elements have the shape of at least one guide pin, which projects into an opening of the contact unit and an opening of the clamping unit. Preferably, the guide pin is pressed into one of the openings and is held there firmly.

Preferably, the contact device has an elongated connecting element extending along the axis of movement, via which the contact unit and the clamping unit are connected to one another.

Preferably, the connecting element has the shape of a rod, in particular with a circular cross section. Alternatively, the connecting element preferably has the shape of a tube.

Preferably, the clamping unit, particularly preferably in the end region of the connecting element, with respect to a movement along the movement axis fixed to the connecting element in connection and the contact unit is movably mounted on the lateral surface of the connecting element. Due to the displaceability of the contact unit, the said setting of the intermediate space can be achieved.

Preferably, the connecting element is mounted rotatably about the movement axis to the fixed clamping unit and to the fixed contact unit. Consequently, the connecting element to the two units can be rotated about the axis of movement.

In a preferred embodiment, the connecting element is connected via a bearing point with the clamping unit, wherein the connecting element to the clamping unit with respect to a movement along said movement axis is fixedly mounted and wherein the connecting element to the clamping unit with respect to a movement about the movement axis is rotatably mounted.

Particularly preferably, said bearing point on the clamping unit at an angle to the connecting element lying locking element and arranged on the connecting element and encircling the axis of movement groove, wherein the locking element engages in the groove. The locking element is preferably fork-shaped, so that it can engage on two sides in the groove.

In the said preferred embodiment, the contact unit, in particular the contact jaw, a through opening, wherein the connecting element is passed through this opening. The connecting element can be pivoted to the contact unit about the movement axis and can be moved along the movement axis.

Particularly preferably, the opening in the contact unit has an internal thread and the connecting element has an external thread cooperating with the internal thread, wherein during the rotation of the connecting element to the fixed contact unit, the contact unit is moved along the movement axis. The path of the movement per revolution is dependent on the pitch of the thread.

The arrangement of the thread has the advantage that the setting of the clear width of the intermediate space can be done by rotating the connecting element. Thus, the user can adjust the distance of the contact unit with respect to the clamping unit by turning the connecting element.

In one embodiment of the invention, the connecting element is a part of the connecting element, wherein the connecting element is in electrical contact with the contact elements of the contact unit via an electrically conductive connection.

Consequently, therefore, the contact elements engage the busbar and the connecting element is electrically connected via the contact elements with the busbar.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the at least one contact element is electrically conductively connected to the contact jaw and the contact jaw is electrically conductively connected to the connecting element in connection. Consequently, therefore, an electrically conductive connection between the contact element and connecting element is produced via the contact jaw.

Preferably, a switching element, preferably a contact blade, is provided between the at least one contact element and the contact jaw and / or between the contact jaw and the connecting element.

Preferably, the connection element has a connection receptacle, which is electrically conductively connected to the connection element or the connection element and which has a connection section for receiving a cable. The connection receptacle is preferably arranged opposite the clamping unit. Connection element and connection receptacle form a connection unit.

Preferably, the connecting element extends at least partially into an opening in the terminal receptacle, wherein in the opening a switching element, in particular a contact blade, is arranged, which mediates an electrical contact between terminal receptacle and connecting element, and wherein the connecting element is rotatably mounted in the opening.

Consequently, the connection receptacle rests upon rotation of the connecting element relative to the clamping unit and the contact unit.

Preferably, the clamping element is operable with an actuator element, wherein the actuator element is preferably a rod mounted by the connecting element, which acts with a front end on the lever. Particularly preferably, the actuator element is mounted within the tubular connecting element.

Particularly preferably, the connecting element has an internal thread for receiving an adjusting screw, wherein the adjusting screw acts on the Aktuatoerlement, in particular on the rear end of the rod and upon rotation of the adjusting screw, the actuator element is moved in the connecting element.

Particularly preferably, the lever has a restoring element in the form of a spring, which holds the lever in a rest position.

Preferably, the contact device further comprises a housing which is designed to be electrically insulating.

The housing preferably comprises a first housing part which extends around the contact jaw and a second housing part which extends around the connection element and is non-rotatably connected thereto, wherein the housing parts overlap in sections. During the adjusting movement between the clamping unit and the contact unit, the user can apply the movement to the connecting element via the second housing part.

In an alternative embodiment, the connecting element has the shape of a tube in which an actuator along the central axis of the tube is mounted longitudinally displaceable and rotationally fixed to the tube, which actuator element acts with its front end on the clamping element, in particular on the jaw, whereby this relative to Contact unit is displaceable. In this embodiment, the contact device comprises the clamping unit, the contact unit and the connection element, with which at least the contact unit, preferably also the clamping unit, is electrically conductively connected.

Particularly preferred in the said alternative embodiment, a connection unit is arranged at the end of the tube opposite the clamping element and contact element. The connection unit is designed so that it is electrically conductively connected to an external element. With the connection unit, the connection element, which is electrically conductively connected to the contact unit, is connected to the external one Element connectable.

The connection unit has a connection receptacle with an opening. The connection element, in particular the tube, extends at least partially into an opening in the connection receptacle, wherein a switching element, in particular a contact lamella, is arranged in the opening, which mediates electrical contact between connection receptacle and the connection element, in particular the tube, and wherein the connecting element, in particular the tube, is rotatably or fixedly mounted in the opening.

Further embodiments are given in the dependent claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Fig. 1

eine perspektivische Ansicht einer Kontaktvorrichtung mit einer Klemmeinheit und einer Kontakteinheit gemäss einem ersten Beispiel;

Fig. 2

eine Schnittansicht durch die Kontaktvorrichtung nach Figur 1;

Fig. 3

eine Schnittansicht durch die Kontaktvorrichtung nach Figur 1, wobei die Kontakteinheit an einer anderen Position gezeigt wird;

Fig. 4

eine Detailansicht der Figur 2;

Fig. 5

eine Detailansicht der Figur 2;

Fig. 6

eine Schnittansicht durch die Kontakteinheit gemäss Fig. 1;

Fig. 7

eine Detailansicht von Klemmeinheit und Kontakteinheit nach Fig. 1;

Fig. 8a/b

eine perspektivische und teilweise geschnittene Ansicht einer Kontaktvorrichtung mit einer Klemmeinheit und einer Kontakteinheit gemäss einem zweiten Beispiel;

Fig. 9

eine Schnittansicht durch die Kontaktvorrichtung nach Figur 8;

Fig. 10

eine Schnittansicht durch die Kontaktvorrichtung nach Figur 8, wobei die Kontakteinheit an einer anderen Position gezeigt wird;

Fig. 11

eine Detailansicht der Figur 9;

Fig. 12

eine Detailansicht der Figur 9;

Fig. 13a/b

eine perspektivische Ansicht einer Kontaktvorrichtung mit einer Klemmeinheit und einer Kontakteinheit gemäss einer ersten Ausführungsform der vorliegenden Erfindung;

Fig. 13c

eine Schnittdarstellung der Figur 13a;

Fig. 14

eine Schnittansicht durch die Kontaktvorrichtung nach Figur 13;

Fig. 15

eine Schnittansicht durch die Kontaktvorrichtung nach Figur 13, wobei die Kontakteinheit an einer anderen Position gezeigt wird;

Fig. 16

eine Detailansicht der Figur 15;

Fig. 17

eine Detailansicht der Figur 15; und

Fig. 18

eine perspektivische Detailansicht der Figur 13 mit einem Kontaktelement nach einer zweiten Variante.

Preferred embodiments of the invention will be described below with reference to the drawings, which are given by way of illustration only and are not to be interpreted as limiting. In the drawings show:

Fig. 1

a perspective view of a contact device with a clamping unit and a contact unit according to a first example;

Fig. 2

a sectional view through the contact device according to FIG. 1 ;

Fig. 3

a sectional view through the contact device according to FIG. 1 wherein the contact unit is shown at a different position;

Fig. 4

a detailed view of the FIG. 2 ;

Fig. 5

a detailed view of the FIG. 2 ;

Fig. 6

a sectional view through the contact unit according to Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 7

a detailed view of clamping unit and contact unit according to Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 8a / b

a perspective and partially sectioned view of a contact device with a clamping unit and a contact unit according to a second example;

Fig. 9

a sectional view through the contact device according to FIG. 8 ;

Fig. 10

a sectional view through the contact device according to FIG. 8 wherein the contact unit is shown at a different position;

Fig. 11

a detailed view of the FIG. 9 ;

Fig. 12

a detailed view of the FIG. 9 ;

Fig. 13a / b

a perspective view of a contact device with a clamping unit and a contact unit according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 13c

a sectional view of FIG. 13a ;

Fig. 14

a sectional view through the contact device according to FIG. 13 ;

Fig. 15

a sectional view through the contact device according to FIG. 13 wherein the contact unit is shown at a different position;

Fig. 16

a detailed view of the FIG. 15 ;

Fig. 17

a detailed view of the FIG. 15 ; and

Fig. 18

a detailed perspective view of FIG. 13 with a contact element according to a second variant.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In the FIGS. 1 to 7 a first example is shown. In the FIGS. 8a to 12 a second example is shown. Finally, the show FIGS. 13a to 18 a first embodiment of the present invention. The same parts bear the same reference numerals.

In the FIG. 1 a contact device 1 according to a first example for contacting a busbar 2 is shown. The busbar 2 is in the Figures 2 and 3 shown schematically. The contact device 1 is used to connect a cable connected to the contact device 1, which in the FIG. 1 not shown, to the busbar. It should be provided an electrical contact between the busbar and the cable.

The contact device 1 comprises a clamping unit 5 for providing a clamping force on the busbar and a contact unit 6 for electrically contacting the busbar. Furthermore, the contact device 1 according to the FIG. 1 a connection unit 21. The connection unit 21 serves to connect a cable to the contact device 1.

The clamping unit 5 is arranged at a distance from the contact unit 6. Between clamping unit 5 and the contact unit 6, a gap 7 is present, which serves to receive said busbar.

The clamping unit 5 and the contact unit 6 are designed to be movable relative to one another. The Figures 2 and 3 show the contact device 1 in a sectional view. The gap 7 between the clamping unit 5 and the contact unit 6 is in the in the FIG. 2 shown position smaller than in the FIG. 3 shown position. In the FIG. 2 So a thinner busbar 2 can be clamped. Based on Figures 2 and 3 Now, the structure of the contact device 1 will be explained in more detail.

The clamping unit 5 essentially provides a clamping force on the contact surface 4 of the busbar 2, while the contact unit 6 serves for electrically contacting the busbar 2 via the second contact surface 3.

The clamping unit 5 comprises a clamping element 8 acting on the said contact surface 4. The clamping element 8 here has the shape of a lever 8. The lever 8 is designed to be movable relative to the intermediate space 7 on the contact surface 4 of the busbar 2. In the present embodiment, the lever 8 can pivot about a rotation axis 39. The lever 8 and its operation will be explained in more detail below.

The contact unit 6 comprises a contact jaw 9 with a surface 10 facing the gap 7. The contact unit 6 further comprises at least one contact element 11 displaceable relative to the surface 10 and projecting into the gap 7, and a connection element 12 electrically connected to the contact element In the present embodiment, a plurality of contact elements 11 are arranged. The connection element 12 provides an electrical connection between the connection unit 21 and the contact elements 11. Thus, via the contact elements 11 and the connection element 12 and possibly the connection unit 21, the voltage on the busbar 2 can be tapped. However, the connection element 12 can also be directly electrically connected to an external element, in which case the connection unit could be dispensed with.

In the contacted state, the lever 8 causes a constant force on the contact surface 4 of the busbar 2. About this force, the contact jaw 9 is pulled with the contact elements 11 against the contact surface 3, so that a constant electrical contact between the contact surface 3 and the at least one contact element 11 is provided. In this context, it should be mentioned that the busbar preferably has a rectangular cross-section, wherein the two contact surfaces 3, 4 are two mutually parallel surfaces.

The contact element 11 has, as in the FIGS. 6 and 7 shown, the shape of a pin 33. The pin 33 is preferably a cylindrical pin. Next, the contact jaw 9 per contact element 11 and pin 33 has a bore 35 in which the pin 33 is movably mounted. The bores 35 extend from the surface 10 into the contact jaw 9. The pin 33 has a contact surface 34, which serves the electrical contacting of the busbar 2. The contact surface can be designed in various ways. Here, the contact surface 34 has the shape of a cutting edge 40, which may also be referred to as a cutting element. The cutting edge 40 extends from the end face of the pin 33. The end face may be 40 depending on the design of the cutting edge also part of the contact surface. The pin 33 is acted upon by a spring 36 which presses the pin 33 seen from the bore 35 in the direction of the surface 10. Now, if the pin 33 is pressed into the bore 35, the spring provides a corresponding spring force against the movement of the pushing. The spring 36 may be, for example, a plate spring or a compression spring. In the FIG. 6 the arrangement of the spring and the pin is shown in a particularly preferred embodiment.

Furthermore, the contact element 11 or the pin 33 comprises at least one cutting element 40. In the figures, a cutting edge 40 is shown. The cutting element extends substantially from the end face of the pin 33 in the direction of the intermediate space 7. The cutting element forms the contact surface 34 or part of the contact surface 34. With the cutting element, for example, provided with a shrink tube busbar can be contacted, wherein the cutting element Shrink tubing penetrates and comes in electrical contact with the power rail. The cutting element but can also be designed differently, for example as a conical tip.

In the FIG. 6 It is further shown that between the pin 33 and the bore 35, a switching element 41 for improving the electrical contact between the pin 33 and the surface of the bore 35 is present. Here, the switching element 41 is a contact blade, which provides the electrical contact between the pin 33 and the contact jaw 9.

Based on Figures 2 . 3 and 4 Now, the mobility between the clamping unit 5 and the contact unit 6 will be explained in more detail. The clamping unit 5 and the contact unit 6 are displaceable relative to each other along a movement axis B, so that the width of the intermediate space 7 between the clamping unit 5 and the contact unit 6 is adjustable. In the present embodiment, the contact unit 6 can be moved against the fixed clamping unit 5 accordingly.

The clamping unit 5 is connected to the contact unit 6 via a guide member 13 in connection. The guide member 13 is in the FIG. 7 shown as a guide pin 13. Here, only one guide pin 13 is shown, but there may be two or more guide pins 13. The guide pins 13 thereby guide the relative movement between the contact unit 6 and the clamping unit 5. The guide elements 13 extend parallel to the movement axis B and prevent a relative movement about the axis of movement of the two units 5, 6 to each other. Consequently, a pivoting of the clamping unit 5 to the contact unit 6 is not possible.

The guide member 13 protrudes here in openings 42 in the clamping unit 5 and in the contact unit 6. Preferably, the guide member 13 is pressed into one of the two openings 42 and moves during the adjustment process of the gap 7 in the other opening 42 into it.

The contact device 1 further comprises a connecting element 15 extending along the movement axis B. The connecting element 15 connects the contact unit 5 to the clamping unit 6, wherein the contact unit 5 and clamping unit 6 are connected to one another via the connecting element 15. The Connecting element 15 preferably has the shape of a rod or tube 15, as shown in the figures.

The clamping unit 5 is arranged here in the end region 37 of the connecting element 15. The clamping unit 5 is connected to the connecting element 15 in such a way that the clamping unit 5 with respect to a movement along the movement axis B is fixed to the connecting element 15 in connection. The contact unit 6 is mounted movably on the lateral surface 38 of the connecting element 15. This means that the contact unit 6 can be moved with respect to the clamping unit 5 fixedly connected to the connecting element 15.

However, the connecting element 15 is rotatable about the movement axis B to the clamping unit 5 and the contact unit 6. Consequently, therefore, the connecting element 15 can rotate both to the clamping unit 5 and also to the contact unit 6. This functionality is now based on the FIG. 4 explained in more detail.

The connecting element 15 is connected via a bearing 16 with the clamping unit 5 in connection. The bearing 16 is designed such that a movement between the clamping unit 5 and connecting element 15 along the movement axis B is not possible. But it is true that the connecting element 15 can be rotated about the movement axis B. The bearing 16 essentially comprises a locking element 17 mounted in the clamping unit 5, which engages in a groove 18. The groove 18 extends from the lateral surface 38 of the connecting element 15 into the connecting element 15.

The contact unit 6, here the contact jaw 9, has a through opening 19, through which the connecting element 15 is passed. In other words, it can be said that the contact unit 6 is mounted on the connecting element via the opening 19. The connecting element 15 can be pivoted to the contact unit B about the movement axis B. Furthermore, the contact unit 6 or the contact jaw 9 can be moved along the movement axis B on the lateral surface 38. The connecting element 15 can be moved relative to the contact unit 6 in the axial as well as in the radial direction.

The opening 19 has an internal thread 52 and the connecting element 15 has an internal thread 52 matching external thread 51 at the corresponding location. The external thread 51 is engaged with the internal thread 52. If now the connecting element 15 is rotated about the movement axis B, this results in an adjustment of the gap 7, because by the engagement of the two threads 51, 52, the rotational movement of the connecting element 15 in a longitudinal movement of the contact unit 6 results. Thus, therefore, by turning the connecting element 15, the gap 7 can be adjusted. By the guide member 13, there is no pivoting between the clamping unit 5 and contact unit. 6

The connecting element 15 further represents a part of the connection element 12 which connects the contact unit 6 to the connection unit 21. The connection element 15 is in electrical contact with the contact elements 11 of the contact unit 6 via an electrically conductive connection. As already explained above, here the at least one contact element 11 is electrically conductively connected to the contact jaw 9. The contact jaw 9 in turn is then electrically connected to the connecting element 15 in connection, wherein preferably between the connecting element 15 and the opening 19 in the contact jaw, a switching element 20, such as a contact blade is provided. In the FIG. 4 the path of the electrical connection from the upper contact element 11 to the connecting element 15 is shown in dashed lines. The dashed line is to be understood purely schematically.

Based on FIG. 5 now the contact of the terminal unit 21 will be explained in more detail. The connection unit 21 has a connection receptacle 43. This terminal receptacle 43 has an opening 23 which communicates with the connecting element 15 via a switching element 24, in particular a contact blade electrically connected. The connecting element 15 is in turn rotatably arranged for connection receptacle 21. Furthermore, the connection receptacle 43 comprises a contact opening 44, via which a cable can be connected. The cable can be clamped, for example via screws 50 in the contact opening 44. In another construction, the cable can be connected via a press connection or cone-shaped, formed in the form of an inner and / or outer cone, formed clamping point.

With view on FIG. 2 Now, the entire electrical contact of the contact device 1 can be summarized by the contact elements 11 to the connection receptacle. The contact elements 11 are electrically connected via the contact jaw 9 and the connecting element 15 to the terminal receptacle 43, wherein a switching element for improving the electrical contact is provided between the said parts in each case.

Referring to the FIG. 2 and 3 Now the operation of the clamping element 8 will be explained. The clamping element 8 can be actuated with an actuator element 25. In the present embodiment, the actuator element 25 has the shape of a rod 25, which is mounted within the connecting element 15 in the shape of the tube 15. The actuator element 25 can be moved along the movement axis B. The actuator element 25 acts with a front end 26 on the lever. The lever has here an upper lever portion 14 and a lower lever portion 45. The front end 26 acts on the upper lever portion 14 and presses the lower lever portion 44 against the busbar 2. In this case, the lever is pivoted about the pivot point 39 accordingly. In the lower lever portion 45, the lever also has a contact element 46.

The connecting element 15 has an internal thread 27 for receiving a set screw 28 in the region of the connection unit 21. The adjusting screw 28 acts on the actuator element 25, in particular on the rear end 29 of the rod 25. Upon rotation of the adjusting screw 28, the actuator element 25 is moved in the connecting element 15 along the actuating axis B. Regarding the FIG. 2 can be said that when the actuator element 25 is pushed against the lever portion 44, the clamping operation takes place. As soon as the adjusting screw is moved again in the other direction, the Akuatorelement 25 moves in the same direction. For this purpose, the lever 8 is pre-loaded with a spring element accordingly. The return spring 30 is in the FIG. 7 shown accordingly.

From the sectional view in the FIG. 2 can be further recognized that the contact device 1 comprises a housing 32. The housing 32 extends substantially completely around the contact device 1 around. It's just the Surface 10 and the contact pins 11 and 33 accessible from the outside. All other elements are electrically isolated by the housing 32. In the rear region, namely in the region of the connection unit 21, the housing 32 has a grip section 53. About this handle portion 53, a rotation can be given to the connecting element 15 by hand. Consequently, the housing 32 is fixedly connected to the connecting element 15 in connection. For this purpose, the connecting element 15 corresponding connection points 47. In other words, it can also be said that the housing 32 essentially comprises a first housing part 48 and a second housing part 49. The first housing part 48 extends around the contact jaw 9 around and the second housing part 49 extends around the connecting element 15 around. The first housing part 48 in this case has a slightly larger diameter than the housing part 49, so that the housing part 49 can protrude into the housing part 48. The housing part 49 is, as already explained, with the connecting element 15 in accordance with. In the area of the handle, the housing also has a protective shield 54, which provides a stop for the user's hand so that it does not come into contact with the busbar. The clamping unit 5 is here also formed with a third housing part 55, which electrically isolates the clamping unit 5. The three housing parts 48, 49 and 55 are formed separately from each other.

In the FIGS. 8a to 12 a contact device 1 for contacting a busbar according to a second example is shown. Like parts bear like reference numerals with respect to the preceding figures. The second example differs from the first example essentially by the formation of the clamping unit 5, in particular of the clamping element 8, and by the formation of the contact unit 6, in particular of the contact element 11, and by the formation of the movement between the clamping unit 5 and the contact unit 6 responsible parts.

However, the contact element 11 could also be used in the other embodiments.

The contact device 1 according to the second example comprises a clamping unit 5 for providing a clamping force on the first of said contact surfaces 4 and a contact unit 6 for electrically contacting a second of said Contact surfaces 3.

The sectional view after the Figures 9 . 10 and 11 shows that the contact element 11 has the shape of at least one rocker 56 which is mounted in a rocker receptacle 57 in the contact jaw 9. The rocker 56 includes said contact surface 34 for electrical contacting of the busbar 2. The rocker 56 has opposite the contact surface 34 on a storage portion 66, which is concave rounded and is located in the convexly rounded rocker receptacle 57. Rounded design makes it possible for the rocker 56 in the rocker receptacle to tilt slightly so that an optimum adjustment of the rocker to the contact surface 3, 4 of the busbar is achieved. Particularly preferably, the rocker 56 on the contact surface 34 comprises at least one of the said cutting elements 40.

The rocker 56 is electrically conductive with the rocker receptacle 57 and thus also with the contact jaw 9 in connection.

The contact jaw 9 itself is electrically conductively connected to a connection element 12 in the second example. The connecting element 12 is, as will be explained below, a tube 62. The tube 62 protrudes into a receiving opening 67 on the contact jaw 9 and is preferably connected to the contact jaw 9 with a material fit. Via the connecting element 12, the voltage can be transmitted from the busbar to another element. Here, the voltage is transmitted to a terminal unit 21, which in turn may be in communication with a cable. The connection unit 21 is electrically connected to the tube 62 in connection.

In the FIG. 11 the path of the electrical connection from the rocker 56 to the terminal 12 is shown in dashed lines. The dashed line is to be understood purely schematically.

The clamping element 8 is in the second example, a jaw 63. The jaw 63 is in the FIG. 11 well shown. The jaw 63 has a contact surface 68 for contacting the busbar 2. In one variant, the contact surface can be more integral Part of the jaw 63 and is in particular provided by a surface thereof. In a further variant, the contact surface 68 may be parts of a rocker 56, which is mounted in a rocker receptacle 57 in the clamping jaw 63. The rocker 56 and the rocker receptacle 57 may be stored analogously to the storage in the contact jaw 9 in the jaw 7.

From the partially cut representation in the FIG. 8b and the detail view of the FIG. 11 can be well recognized that in the second example, not only is an electrical contact between the contact jaw 9 and the tube 62 is present, but that also an electrical contact between the tube 62 and the jaw 63 is provided. The clamping jaw 63 is electrically connected to a connecting part 69. The connecting part 69 in turn projects into the tube 62 or is in electrical contact with it. In a gap between the connecting part 69 and the contact jaw 9, a switching element 70 for providing the electrical contact between the connecting part 69 and tube 62 is arranged. The connecting part 69 can be displaced in the tube 62 and optionally also in the contact jaw 9 along the central axis M. In general terms, the clamping element 8 is electrically conductively connected to the contact jaw 9 and said connection element 12, here in the shape of the tube 62 in connection.

In the second example, the connecting element 12 is a tube 62, in which an actuator element 25 along the central axis M of the tube 62 is mounted longitudinally displaceable and rotationally fixed to the tube 62. The actuator element 25 acts with its front end 26 on the clamping element 8, in particular acts on the clamping jaw 63, whereby this relative to the contact unit 6 is displaceable. Here, the actuator element 25 is connected via a threaded connection with the connecting part 69 in connection, wherein the connecting part 69 projects into the tube 62, so that the above-described electrical contact between tube 62 and Connecting part 69 can be provided. The connecting part 69 is fixed, for example via a screw 89, with the jaw 63 in connection.

In other words, the actuator element 25 is fixed via the connecting part 69 with the clamping element 8, in particular with the clamping jaw 63, in conjunction.

In the embodiment shown, the tube 62 is extended by a bore 71 in the contact jaw 9. In this bore 71, the tube 62 is electrically connected to the contact jaw 9. In another variant, however, the connecting part 69 can also protrude into the tube 62.

The tube 62 is surrounded on the outside with an electrically insulating housing 72.

The clamping element 8 is displaceable relative to the tube 62 along the central axis M of the tube 62. The clamping element 8 is preferably mounted movably in a housing 64. The housing 64 is preferably fixed to the contact jaw 9 and the housing 72, which surrounds the tube 62 on the outside, in conjunction.

Between the clamping element 8 and the tube 62 or other elements at least one guide element is present, which prevents rotation between the clamping element 8 and the tube 62. The guide element can also be provided by groove-comb connection or by flat guide areas.

Opposite the clamping unit 5 and the contact unit 6, a drive element 73 is arranged. The contact device thus further comprises a drive element 73, which is arranged at the opposite end of the tube 62. The drive element 73 has a handle portion 53 on the outside. The drive element 73 is connected via a thread 74 with the actuator element 25 in connection. Upon rotation of the Antriebselmentes 73, the actuator element 25 is moved due to the interaction on the thread and the rotationally fixed mounting in the tube 62 along the central axis of said tube 62.

The drive element 73 here comprises a grip part 74 and a sleeve element 75, which is non-rotatably mounted in the grip part 74 and has an internal thread 76 which is in contact with the external thread 77 of the actuator element 25.

Next, the sleeve member 75 is electrically conductive with the tube 62 in contact. For this lies between the tube and sleeve part a switching element 78. On the outside, the sleeve part is connected via a switching element 24 with the connection unit 21, more precisely with an opening 23 provided in the connection receptacle 43, in electrical contact. Between the sleeve part 75 and the opening 23, a switching element 24 producing the electrical contact is preferably arranged.

The connection unit 21 can be designed in various ways. Particularly preferably, this is formed according to the first embodiment and comprises a connection portion 44. The connection portion 44 may be connected to a cable or an adapter part 79, as in FIG. 12 shown to be electrically connected.

In the FIGS. 13a to 18 a contact device 1 for contacting a busbar according to a first embodiment is shown. Like parts bear like reference numerals with respect to the preceding figures. The first embodiment differs from the first example essentially by the formation of the clamping unit 5, in particular of the clamping element 11, and by the formation of the contact unit 6, in particular of the contact element 11, as well as the formation of the movement between the clamping unit 5 and the contact unit. 6 responsible parts.

However, the contact element 11 could also be used in the other embodiments.

The contact element 11, which in the FIG. 18 is well recognizable, here has the shape of at least one claw 58 protruding into the gap Krallabschnitten 59, which claw 58 is mounted in a claw seat 60 in the contact jaw 9. The claw portions 59 comprise said contact surface 34 for making electrical contact with the busbar 2.

From the partially cut representation in the FIG. 13b and in the sectional view of the FIG. 13c can be well recognized that in the first embodiment, not only an electrical contact between the contact jaw 9 and the tube 62 is present, but that also an electrical contact between the tube 62 and the jaw 63 is provided. The clamping jaw 63 is electrically connected to a connecting part 69. The connecting part 69 is here in electrically conductive connection with the tube 62. Next, the connecting part 69 via the switching element 65 is in electrical contact with the contact jaw 9 and / or the jaw 63. Here, in particular the connection with the jaw 63 is shown, while the contact jaw 9 is integrally formed with the connecting part 69. The switching element 65 is installed here flat in a plane. The flat installation also ensures that the contact jaw 9 and the jaw 63 rotatably to each other. The clamping jaw 63 can be displaced with the connecting part 69 relative to the switching element 65. In general terms, the clamping element 8 is electrically conductively connected to the contact jaw 9 and said connection element 12, here in the shape of the tube 62 in connection. In the FIG. 13b and 16 the contact paths between the individual elements are shown with dashed lines.

The jaw 63 can be moved relative to the connecting part 69. For this purpose, the clamping jaw 63 is fixedly connected to the front end 26 of the actuator element 25 with the actuator element 25. If the fine adjustment described herein is also used, then the contact jaw 9 and the switching element can be moved relative to the jaw.

Due to the flat installation of the switching element 65 also planar guide portions 61 are provided. In the FIG. 13b Such guide portions 61 connecting part 69 are shown.

In the variant after the FIG. 18 extends from a base portion 80 on the one hand, the claw cuts 59 and on the other hand, a fixing portion 81 which projects into a slot 82 in the contact jaw 9. The slot 82 represents the claw receptacle 60. Here, two such contact elements 11 are arranged, the attachment portions 81 protrude into the same slot.

The clamping element 8 also comprises at least one claw receptacle 60 with a claw 58 mounted therein. The claw 58 in the region of the clamping element 8 can thereby be formed identical to that in the contact jaw 9.

In the in FIG. 16 In the embodiment shown, the tube 62 is extended by a bore 71 in the contact jaw 8. In this bore 71, the tube 62 is electrically connected to the contact jaw 8. In another variant, however, the connecting part 69 can also protrude into the tube 62.

The tube 62 is surrounded on the outside with an electrically insulating housing 72.

The clamping element 8 is displaceable relative to the tube 62 along the central axis M of the tube 62. The clamping element 8 is preferably mounted movably in a housing 64. The housing 64 is preferably fixed to the housing 72, which surrounds the tube 62 on the outside, in conjunction.

Opposite the clamping unit 5 and the contact unit 6, a drive element 73 is arranged. The contact device thus further comprises a drive element 73. The drive element 73 of the first embodiment is slightly different in design than the drive element of the second example. The drive element 73 according to the first embodiment essentially comprises a coarse adjustment element 83, with which a coarse adjustment is made possible between the clamping unit and the contact unit, and a fine adjustment element 84 with which between the clamping unit and contact unit is possible.

The coarse adjustment element 83 has a handle section 53 on the outside. The drive element 73 is connected via a thread 76, 77 with the actuator element 25 in connection. Upon rotation of the Antriebselmentes 73, the actuator element 25 is moved due to the interaction on the thread and the rotationally fixed mounting in the tube 62 along the central axis of said tube 62.

The drive element 73 here comprises a grip part 74 and a sleeve element 75, which is non-rotatably mounted in the grip part 74 and has an internal thread 76 which is in contact with the external thread 77 of the actuator element 25. The external thread 77 is not formed completely encircling here.

Next, a sleeve 87 is electrically conductive with the tube 62 in contact. For this purpose, a switching element 78 lies between the tube and the sleeve part. On the outside, the sleeve part is in electrical contact via a switching element 24 with the connection unit 21, more precisely with an opening 23 provided in the connection receptacle 43. Between the sleeve part 75 and the opening 23, a switching element 24 producing the electrical contact is preferably arranged.

The fine adjustment is in the FIG. 13b and 17 well shown. The fine adjustment element 84 comprises in the present embodiment, an eccentric 85, in particular with a spring-trained Exzenterarm 86. The eccentric 85 acts on the rear end of a sleeve 87, which communicates with the tube 62 in connection. As a result, the tube 62 is displaced relative to the actuator element 25, so that the contact unit 6 is moved against the clamping unit 5. As a result, a fine adjustment can be achieved.

The eccentric 85 can be actuated via a drive piece 88. The drive piece 88 is accessible from the outside.

In the particularly preferred embodiment, the eccentric 85 is formed so that it can be operated in the fine adjustment to stop. The eccentric 85 rotates about a rotation axis D, which is perpendicular to the movement axis B.

The connection unit 21 for the first embodiment can be designed in various ways. Particularly preferably, this is formed according to the first example and comprises a connection portion 44. The connection portion 44 can with a cable or an adapter part 79, as in the FIG. 12 shown to be electrically connected. LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS 1 contact device 33 pen 2 conductor rail 34 contact area 3 contact area 35 drilling 4 contact area 36 feather 5 terminal unit 37 end 6 Contact unit 38 lateral surface 7 gap 39 Drehchse 8th Clamping element, lever 40 cutting element 9 contact jaw 41 switching element 10 surface 42 openings 11 contact element 43 terminal receiving 12 connecting element 44 Connection section, contact opening 13 Guide element, guide pin 14 Upper lever section 45 lower lever section 15 Connecting element, pipe 46 contact element 16 depository 47 joints 17 locking element 48 first housing part 18 groove 49 second housing part 19 opening 50 screw 20 switching element 51 external thread 21 connection unit 52 inner thread 23 opening 53 handle portion 24 switching element 54 shield 25 actuator 55 casing 26 front end 56 seesaw 27 inner thread 57 rocker recording 28 screw 58 claw 29 rear end 59 Krall sections 30 Return element 60 claws recording 31 curve 61 management areas 32 casing 62 pipe 63 jaw 78 switching element 64 casing 79 adapter part 65 switching element 80 base section 66 storage section 81 Fastening section 67 receiving opening 82 slot 68 contact area 83 Grobeinstellelement 69 connecting part 84 Feineinstellelement 70 switching element 85 eccentric 71 drilling 86 eccentric arm 72 casing 87 shell 73 driving element 88 drive piece 74 handle part 89 screw 75 sleeve member B motion axis 76 inner thread D axis of rotation 77 external thread

Claims (15)

1. A contact device (1) for contacting a bus bar (2) having at least two contact faces (3, 4) extending parallel to one another and at a distance from one another,
   wherein the contact device (1) comprises a clamping unit (5) for applying a clamping force to the first of said contact faces (4) and a contact unit (6) for electrically contacting a second of said contact faces (3),
   wherein the clamping unit (5) lies at a distance from the contact unit (6), such that an intermediate space (7) is provided between the clamping unit (5) and the contact unit (6), which intermediate space serves to accommodate said bus bar (2), wherein the clamping unit (5) comprises a clamping element (8) acting on said contact face (4), which clamping element can be moved onto the contact face in relation to the intermediate space (7), and
   wherein the contact unit (6) comprises a contact jaw (9) having a surface (10) facing toward the intermediate space (7), at least one contact element (11) protruding into the intermediate space (7), and a terminal element (12) electrically conductively connected to the contact element (11), characterized in that
   the contact element (11) has the form of at least one claw (58) having claw portions (59) protruding into the intermediate space, which claw (58) is mounted in a claw mount (60) in the contact jaw (9), wherein the claw portions (59) comprise said contact face (34) for electrically contacting the bus bar (2).
2. The contact device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that
   the clamping element (8) is a lever, or in that
   the clamping element (8) is a clamping jaw (63) having a contact face (68), or in that
   the clamping element (8) is a clamping jaw (63) having at least one rocker mount (57) and a rocker (56) mounted therein, or in that
   the clamping element (8) has a clamping jaw (63) having at least one claw mount (60) and a claw (58) mounted therein, and/or
   in that the clamping element (8) is electrically conductively connected to the contact jaw (9) and said terminal element (12).
3. The contact device as claimed in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the clamping unit (5) and the contact unit (6) are displaceable relative to one another along a movement axis (B), such that the width of the intermediate space (7) between clamping unit (5) and contact unit (6) is adjustable.
4. The contact device as claimed in claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the contact unit (6) and the clamping unit (5) are in contact via guide elements (13), which allow a relative movement between contact unit (6) and clamping unit (5) along a movement axis (B) and prevent a relative movement about the movement axis (B), and
   in that the guide elements (13) preferably have the form of at least one guide pin (13), which protrudes into an opening (42) of the contact unit (6) and an opening of the clamping unit (5), or in that the guide elements (13) are preferably provided by housing parts surrounding the contact unit (6) and the clamping unit (5), or in that the guide elements (13) are preferably provided by flat guide regions (61).
5. The contact device as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the contact device has an elongate connection element (15) extending along the movement axis (B), via which connection element the contact unit (6) and the clamping unit (5) are connected to one another, wherein the connection element (15) preferably has the form of a bar or a pipe (15), and
   in that the clamping unit (5), preferably in the end region (37) of the connection element (15), is preferably connected to the connection element (15) fixedly in relation to a movement along the movement axis (B), and in that the contact unit (6) is preferably mounted movably on the outer circumferential face (38) of the connection element (15), and
   in that the connection element (15) is preferably mounted rotatably about the movement axis (B) relative to the stationary clamping unit (5) and relative to the stationary contact unit (6).
6. The contact device as claimed in claim 5, characterized in that the connection element (15) is connected to the clamping unit (5) via a bearing point (16), wherein the connection element (15) is mounted fixedly relative to the clamping unit (5) in relation to a movement along said movement axis (B), and wherein the connection element (15) is mounted rotatably relative to the clamping unit (5) in relation to a movement about the movement axis (B).
7. The contact device as claimed in one of claims 5 to 6, characterized in that the contact unit (6), in particular the contact jaw (9), has a continuous opening (19), wherein the connection element (15) is guided through this opening (19), wherein the connection element (15) relative to the contact unit (6) is pivotable about the movement axis (B) and is movable along the movement axis (B), and/or
   in that the radially stationary contact unit (6) is moved along the movement axis (B) via a thread (20, 51) by rotation of the connection element (15), wherein the opening (19) in the contact unit (6) preferably has an inner thread (52) and the connection element (15) has an outer thread (51) cooperating with the inner thread (52), wherein, when the connection element (15) is rotated relative to the stationary contact unit (6), the contact unit (6) is moved along the movement axis (B).
8. The contact device as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connection element (15) is part of the terminal element (12), wherein the connection element (15) is electrically contacted with the contact elements (11) of the contact unit (6) via an electrically conductive connection, and/or
   in that the at least one contact element (11) is electrically conductively connected to the contact jaw (9), and in that the contact jaw (9) is electrically conductively connected to the connection element (15), wherein a conveying element (20), preferably a multi-lamella contact (20), is preferably provided between the at least one contact element (11) and the contact jaw (9) and/or between the contact jaw (9) and the connection element (15).
9. The contact device as claimed in one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the terminal element (12) is a pipe (62), in which an actuator element (25) is mounted longitudinally displaceably along the center axis (M) of the pipe (62) and non-rotatably relative to the pipe (62), which actuator element (25) acts via its front end (26) on the clamping element (8), in particular on the clamping jaw (63), and is particularly preferably connected fixedly thereto, whereby the clamping element (8) is displaceable relative to the contact unit (6).
10. The contact device as claimed in claim 9, characterized in that the clamping element (8) is displaceable relative to the pipe (62) along the center axis (M) thereof, wherein the clamping element (8) is preferably mounted movably in a housing (64), which housing (64) is fixedly connected to the pipe (62), and/or
    in that the actuator element (25) is fixedly connected via its front end (26) to the clamping element (8), in particular to the clamping jaw (63).
11. The contact device as claimed in one of claims 9 to 10, characterized in that the clamping element (8), in particular the clamping jaw (63), is electrically conductively connected to the pipe (62), wherein a conveying element (65, 70), preferably a multi-lamella contact (65, 70), conveying the electrical contact is arranged between the clamping element (7) and the pipe (62),
    wherein the conveying element (65) preferably lies inside the pipe (62) or in a bore (71) in the contact jaw (8), said bore extending the pipe (62), the contact jaw being electrically conductively connected to the pipe (62), and wherein a connection part (69), which is electrically conductively connected to the clamping jaw (63), protrudes into the pipe (62) or the bore (71),
    or wherein the conveying element (65) preferably extends in a plane, or
    in that the contact unit (5), in particular the contact jaw (9), is electrically conductively connected to the pipe (62), preferably via an integrally bonded connection, and/or
    in that the contact device further comprises a drive element (73), which is connected via a thread (76, 77) to the actuator element (25), wherein, in the event of a rotation of the drive element (73), the actuator element (25) is displaced along the center axis of said pipe (62).
12. The contact device as claimed in claim 11, characterized in that the drive element (73) has a grip part (74) and a sleeve element (75) located non-rotatably in the grip part (74), which sleeve has said thread, and/or
    in that the drive element is a rough adjustment element (83), which enables a rough adjustment between the clamping unit (5) and the contact unit (6), and in that a fine adjustment is possible between the clamping unit (5) and contact unit (6) via a fine adjustment element (84), and
    in that the fine adjustment element (84) preferably is a cam disk (85), in particular with a sprung cam arm (86), wherein the cam disk preferably acts on the rear end of a sleeve (87), which is in contact with the pipe (62), whereby the pipe (62) is displaced relative to the actuator element (25), such that the contact unit (6) is moved against the clamping unit (5).
13. The contact device as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the terminal element (12), in particular the pipe, protrudes into a terminal unit (21) and is in direct or indirect electrically conductive contact there with a terminal receptacle (43) and has a terminal portion (44) for receiving a cable, and
    in that the connection element (15) or the terminal element (12), in particular the pipe (62), preferably extends at least partially into an opening (23) in the terminal receptacle (43), wherein a conveying element (24), in particular a multi-lamella contact, is preferably arranged in the opening (23) and conveys electrical contact between the terminal receptacle (21) and connection element (15) or the terminal element (12), in particular the pipe (62), and wherein the connection element (15) or the terminal element (12), in particular the pipe (62), is preferably mounted rotatably or fixedly in the opening (23).
14. The contact device as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the clamping element (8) can be actuated using an actuator element (25), wherein the actuator element (25) is preferably a rod (25) mounted through the connection element (15), which rod acts via a front end (26) on the clamping element (8), in particular the lever, and
    in that the connection element (15) preferably has an inner thread (27) for receiving a set screw (28), wherein the set screw (28) preferably acts on the actuator element (25), in particular on the rear end (29) of the rod, and, in the event of a rotation of the set screw (28), the actuator element (25) is moved in the connection element (15).
15. The contact device as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lever (8) has a return element (30) in the form of a spring, which holds the lever (8) in a rest position, and/or in that the lever (8) is elbowed and has a rounded portion (31) in the region of the point of contact with the bus bar, and/or in that the contact device also has a housing (32), which is electrically insulating, wherein the housing (32) preferably comprises a first housing part and a second housing part, which first housing part (48) extends around the contact jaw (9), and which second housing part (49) extends around the connection element (15) and is connected thereto for conjoint rotation therewith, wherein the housing parts overlap one another in portions.

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