EP3012918A1

EP3012918A1 - Quick-connection terminal device for electrical connections

Info

Publication number: EP3012918A1
Application number: EP15382487.5A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Javier BARBERO DOMEÑO
Original assignee: Simon SA
Current assignee: Simon SA
Priority date: 2014-10-22
Filing date: 2015-10-07
Publication date: 2016-04-27
Also published as: RU2615978C1; RU2015142631A; ES1132305Y; ES1132305U

Abstract

Comprising at least one metal body (2) incorporating one elastic element for the quick connection of one cable (3). Said elastic element consists of a flat strip (4) arranged obliquely of about 30º degrees with respect to the straight section (2a) of the metal body (2). The metal body (2) consists of a bent in C-shaped comprising a central straight section (2a), with one channel (21) wherein the cable is inserted (3), a lower section (2b), wherein the flat strip (4) is fixed being oblique to the central straight section (2a) with a longitudinal section (42), which allows to receive two cables (3), one on each side and an upper section (2c) just as hole (25) wherein a projection (41) is inserted allowing to press with a tool. The lower section (2b) has a first lower initial section (2b1) perpendicular to the central straight section (2a), and a second lower distal section (2b2) that is oblique to the former one and wherein the flat strip (4b) is fixed in a coplanar manner. On the second lower distal section (2b2) of the lower section (2b) by means of folded flaps (24). The broken upper section (2c) of the metal body (2) has a bend at an acute angle (2c1) which, inferiorly, defines a convergent housing (26) for receiving the end of the cable (3). The channel (21) presents a recess (22) in the first lower initial section (2b1) a curved side edge (23) in the central straight section (2a).

Description

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

The invention as expressed in the title of this specification refers to a quick-connection terminal device for electrical connections, which provides the function for which it is intended with various advantages and characteristics of novelty, which will be explained in detail below, which are an improvement over the current state of the art in its scope.
The object of the present invention focuses specifically on a quick-connection terminal device essentially comprising of a metallic element whose obvious purpose is to provide a mean of a quick attachment of a cable to the terminal connector in an electrical connection without using a screw, said device having a simplified and innovative structural configuration that incorporates a flat elastic element specially designed to, among other advantages, facilitate such attachment while ensuring optimum and extensive cable contact with the metal surface of the device to ensure electrical conduction.

SCOPE OF THE INVENTION

The scope of the present invention is encompassed in the industrial sector dedicated to the manufacture of appliances, electrical devices and mechanisms particularly in the area of the connecting elements.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

As a reference to the current state of the art it is noted that while various quick-connection terminal mechanisms and devices are known, i.e. to connect a cable directly to the terminal connector without using screws or other additional fixing means, the applicant at least is not aware of any that present a similar technical, structural and constitutive features to those of the device claimed herein.
In this regard, examples of the aforementioned prior art include patent ES419361A1 , referring to an arrangement of a screwless terminal connector for electrical conduction, which essentially comprises a contact bridge arranged in a housing of insulating material and retaining spring supported thereon, that is, forming with the bridge, at least one fastening place for conductors, or also patent ES2193312T3 , which discloses a connector terminal for electrical conductors, which is essentially configured based on a casing of insulating material in which a metal contact element is housed with at least two clamping points, which are always formed between a leaf spring and a current rod common to all the clamping points.
Both solutions, however, differ considerably in terms of technical, structural and constitutive features from the device of the invention, highlighting, among others, the increased complexity and number of elements that comprise compared to the simplicity of the device proposed by the present invention.

EXPLANATION OF THE INVENTION

The invention consists of a terminal connection device for electrical connections which is essentially constituted by a metallic body incorporating at least one elastic element for quick and screwless fixing, of at least, one conductor cable, with the particularity that said elastic element is a flat strip and the metal body is a bent and mechanized piece with a configuration specifically designed to accommodate the cable end ensuring perfect securing thereof with the flat strip and maximizing the area of contact of said cable with the metal surface of said body to provide optimal connectivity. All of this, with a metal body and a flat strip of very simplified construction and easy to assemble making the device a simple and cheap component to manufacture.
For all this, and going into greater detail, the metal body forming the device has an approximately C-shaped configuration which highlights a central straight section where the cable is inserted, an oblique lower section where the flat strip is incorporated oblique to the central section and therefore to the cable to lock on it, and a broken upper section acting as the cable stop and wherein there is at least one contact point for connecting the device with another similar device or with some other external element.
Based on this configuration, the metal body has at least one channel in the central straight section for receiving the cable which, introduced via the bottom of said central section, it engages with the upper edge of the flat strip, as said upper edge is facing said central section and is raised by the cable itself. Thus the upward cable penetration, i.e. from the bottom of the metal body, determines the bending of the strip, as it tends to return to its naturally flat position, it is locked onto the cable fixing it. Moreover, any attempt to pull the cable down, further strengthens its fixation with the strip.
In an optimal embodiment, the inclination of the strip with respect to the horizontal, or perpendicular line to the central straight section of the metal body, is about 30° degrees.
In order to achieve the tilting of the flat strip, the lower section of the metal element has a first initial section, which is perpendicular to the central straight section, thus obtaining a greater channel length with the same height of the metal body, and a second distal section that is oblique to the former section and tilted at 30 ° with regard to the same, wherein by means of a fixing means the flat strip is fixed and which achieves the tilting of the flat strip with regard to the perpendicular to the straight section.
The coplanar fixation between the flat strip with the oblique distal section of the lower section of the metal body, while it determines the tilting of the flat strip, it provides a safer fastening and fixing of said flat strip when working for cable insertion.
On the opposite side, the flat strip has an upper edge which is partially straight, and which locks on the cable, as this is inserted into the device, having a projection which provides a fulcrum to facilitate disengagement of the strip when the cable is to be released. This projection, when there is no cable, is inserted into a hole provided for this purpose in the central straight section of the metal body and the extraction of the cable is achieved by simply pressing on said projection through said hole.
Preferably, the flat strip, in its upper interlocking side is divided into two, providing two top interlocking edges, and the central straight section of the metal body is also configured to receive two cables, one on each side thereof, so each of them is fixed with one of the upper edges of the flat strip and they can work independently in both the locking and unlocking of the conductors.
Furthermore, importantly said central straight section, presents a curved edge laterally defining an interior channel longitudinally embracing the cable providing an increase of the area of contact between said cable and said metal body along the entire central straight section, whereby the connection efficiency is improved.
Finally, on top of the metal body, the broken section referred to in this part has a bend at an acute angle, which inferiorly determines a converging housing for receiving the cable end once introduced along the central straight section. This angled housing acts as a stop to limit the introduction of the cable, serving for different cable diameters through the converging configuration.
The described quick-connection terminal device for electrical connections is therefore an innovative structure of characteristics unknown until now for the purpose for which it is intended, reasons which linked to its practical usefulness, provide sufficient grounds for obtaining the privilege of exclusivity requested.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

To complement the description being made and in order to aid a better understanding of the characteristics of the invention, this descriptive specification is accompanied, as an integral part thereof, by a set of drawings wherein by way of example and without limiting the scope of the invention, the following is shown:

Figure 1: shows a perspective view of an example of embodiment of the quick-connection terminal device for electrical connections, which is the object of the invention, shown exploded with the metal body before entering the flat strip, allowing to assess the parts and elements comprised as well as the configuration and arrangement thereof;
Figures 2 and 3.: show respective perspective views, front and rear respectively of the device of the invention, according to the same example shown in Figure 1, here represented once assembled and with a cable at the point of initiating its insertion; and
Figures 4 and 5: again show respective perspective views; front and rear, of the assembled device, in this case incorporating a cable already introduced into it, thus showing its attachment with the flat strip and its coupling and contact the metal body

PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

In view of the mentioned figures and according to the adopted numbering, shown is an example of preferred embodiment, but not limited thereto, of the quick-connection terminal device for electrical connections of the invention, which comprises the parts and elements which are indicated and described in detail below.
Thus, as seen in said figures, the device (1) in question, comprises at least one metal body (2) incorporating at least one elastic element for the quick-connection of at least one cable (3).
The metal body (2) is a bent and mechanized C-shaped piece having in its central portion a straight section (2a) which receives and makes contact with an end portion of the cable (3) fixing it with an elastic element, which consists of a flat strip (4) disposed obliquely with respect to said straight section (2a), and such that, upon insertion of the cable (3), the upper edge (4a) of the strip folds and locks and fixes said cable (3), as shown in Figure 4, the tilting of the flat strip (4) being of about 30° degrees with regard to the perpendicular to said straight section (2a).
In addition, the metal body (2) has a lower section (2b), where the flat strip (4) is incorporated being oblique to the central straight section (2a) and at 30ºdegrees to the perpendicular, and an upper broken section (2c) that acts as a stop for the cable (3) and which has at least one contact point (5), for the connection of the device (1) with a similar device or another external element.
To achieve the tilting of the flat strip (4), the lower section (2b) of the metal element has a first lower initial section (2b1) which is perpendicular to the central straight section (2a) and thus obtaining a greater channel (21) length with same height of the metal body (2), and a second distal section (2b2) that is oblique and inclined at 30 degree with regard to the same, wherein the flat strip (4) is fixed and which achieves the tilting of the flat strip (4) relative to the perpendicular to the straight section (2a).
As shown in Figures 2 and 3, in this second distal section (2b2) the underside of the flat strip (4) is incorporated in a coplanar manner, as fastening means the respective fins (24) bent inwardly which provided for this purpose press against the side of the underside of the flat strip (4) in coincidence with the respective coupling points (43). Thus, the coplanar fixation of the flat strip (4) with the lower distal section (2b2) of the lower oblique section (2b) of the metal body (2) while determining the tilting of the flat strip (4) provides greater safety in the fastening and fixing of said flat strip (4) when working when bending due to cable (3) insertion.
The metal body (2) has, in the central straight section (2a), with at least one channel (21) to receive and accommodate the cable (3) making contact with the same throughout the length of the straight section (2a), which is determined by the existence of the circular recess (22) in the first lower initial section (2b1) and the existence of a curved side edge (23) in the central straight section (2a).
Upon insertion of the cable (3) in said channel (21), from the bottom of the straight section (2a) of the metal body (2), the upper edge (4a) of the flat strip (4) rises, causing its fixing and prevents it from coming out by pulling the cable in the opposite direction to the input direction.
Importantly, the top edge (4a) of the flat strip (4) is partially straight, to lock onto the cable (3), when the cable is inserted via the bottom of the central straight section (2a) of the metal body (2), having a projection (41) which provides a fulcrum to facilitate its unlocking and allow removal of the cable (3).
This projection (41), as shown in Figures 3 and 5, when the cable (3) is not inserted, protrudes through a hole (25) provided for this purpose in the central straight section (2a) of the metal body and through which it is possible to introduce a tool or other element with the same purpose for accessing said protrusion (41) and pushing it to unlock the cable (3).
Preferably, the flat strip (4) has a longitudinal section (42) which divides it into two by its upper side, determining the existence of a double upper locking edge with two projections (41), and in parallel, and the central straight section (2a) of the metal body also has two channels (21) to receive two cables (3), one on each side thereof, so that each is fixed to one of the upper edges of the flat strip (4).
Finally, the broken upper section (2c) of the metal body (2) has a bend at an acute angle (2c1) that inferiorly, determines a converging housing (26) to receive the end of the cable (3) once introduced along the central straight section (2a), adapting to different cable diameters (3), thanks to this convergent configuration.
Having sufficiently described the nature of the present invention, as well as how to implement it, it is not considered necessary to extend its explanation for anyone skilled in the art to understand its scope and the advantages derived from it.
It is also noted that, within its essence, the invention may be implemented in other embodiments which differ in detail from that indicated by way of example, and which are also covered by the protection claimed provided its fundamental principle is not altered, changed or modified.

Claims

Quick-connection terminal device for electrical connections which, comprising at least one metal body (2) incorporating at least one elastic element for the quick connection of at least one cable (3) is characterized in that said elastic element consists of a flat strip (4).
Quick-connection terminal device according to claim 1, characterized in that the metal body (2) consists of a bent and mechanized piece having a straight section (2a) which receives and makes contact with an end section of the cable (3) fixing it with the elastic element (4).
Quick-connection terminal device according to claim 2, characterized in that the flat strip (4) is arranged obliquely with respect to the straight section (2a) of the metal body (2).
Quick-connection terminal device according to claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the flat strip (4) has a tilting of about 30º degrees with regard to the perpendicular to said straight section (2a) of the metal body (2).
Quick-connection terminal device according to any of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the metal body (2) has an approximately C-shaped configuration comprising a central straight section (2a), wherein the cable is inserted (3), a lower section (2b), wherein the flat strip (4) is fixed being oblique to the central straight section (2a) and an upper section (2c).
Quick-connection terminal device according to claim 5, characterized in that the lower section (2b) of the metal body (2) has a first lower initial section (2b1) which is perpendicular to the central straight section (2a), and a second lower distal section (2b2) that is oblique to the former one and wherein the flat strip (4b) is fixed in a coplanar manner.
Quick-connection terminal device according to claim 6, characterized in that the underside of the flat strip (4) is fixed on the second lower distal section (2b2) of the lower section (2b) by means of folded flaps (24) that provided for this purpose press against the sides of said lower side of the flat strip (4).
Quick-connection terminal device according to any of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that the broken upper section (2c) of the metal body (2) has a bend at an acute angle (2c1) which, inferiorly, defines a convergent housing (26) for receiving the end of the cable (3) once introduced along the central straight section (2a), adapting to different cable diameters (3).
Quick-connection terminal device according to any of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the metal body (2) has, in the central straight section (2a), at least one channel (21) to receive and embrace the cable (3).
Quick-connection terminal device according to claim 9 characterized in that said channel (21) is determined by the existence of a recess (22) in the first lower initial section (2b1) and by the existence of a curved side edge (23) in the central straight section (2a).
Quick-connection terminal device according to any of claims 1 to 10, characterized on that the upper edge (4a) of the flat strip (4) there is a projection (41) which provides a fulcrum to facilitate its unlocking and allow extraction of the cable (3).
Quick-connection terminal device according to claim 11 characterized in that the straight section (2a) of the metal body (2) has a hole (25) wherein the protrusion (41) is inserted when there is no cable (3) and that when there is a cable, it allow to insert a tool to press on said projection (41) to remove the cable (3).
Quick-connection terminal device according to any of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the flat strip (4) has a longitudinal section (42) which divides it into two by its upper side, determining the existence of a double upper interlocking edge and in parallel and the central straight section (2a) of the metal body (2) also allows to receive two cables (3), one on each side thereof, so that each of them is fixed with one of the upper edges of the flat strip (4).