EP3276757A1 - Busbar connector and set consisting of two complementary busbar connectors and metal troughs containing power conductor profile - Google Patents

Abstract

A busbar connector (1, 1 a, 1 b) for the electrically conductive connection of lines (22) to webs (7) of a current-carrying profile (6), which has a top (O), at which the lines (22) via the intermediate spaces ( 12) between the webs (7) are accessible, will be described. The busbar connector (1, 1 a, 1 b) has a Isolierstoffgehäuse (2) and a plurality of pairwise electrically conductively interconnected first and second plug contacts (4, 9). It is a first plug contact region (4) with the first plug contacts (5) for attachment to the top (O) perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (E) of the current-carrying profile (6) in a first plug-in direction (S1) and plug-in contact of the lines (22) of the Stromführungsprofils (6) available. Furthermore, a second plug contact region (8) on one end side of the insulating material (2) is provided, wherein the second plug contact region (8) the second plug contacts (9) for plug contacting a complementary connector (1, 1 a, 1 b) in one of the longitudinal direction ( E) of the current-carrying profile (6) has the corresponding plug-in direction (S2). The plane which spans the top (O) is at an angle to a plane spanning the end face.

Description

The invention relates to a busbar connector for electrically conductive connection of lines to webs of a current-carrying profile having an upper surface at which the lines are accessible via the spaces between the webs, wherein the busbar connector a Isolierstoffgehäuse and a plurality of pairs electrically conductively interconnected first and has second plug contacts.

The compound further relates to a set of two such complementary busbar connectors and metal troughs, each with incorporated therein power guide profile.

Such current management profiles are used in particular for lighting systems in buildings, to lay cables for the supply of equipment, such as lights or other energy and / or data to be supplied devices cost and visually appealing. The installation location of the devices can then be selected flexibly along the busbar and varied slightly. The devices can then not only be easily contacted with a connector in a simple manner electrically conductive with the lines to a variably determinable installation location. Such busbar systems also have the advantage that the devices can be carried at the same time mechanically on the busbar.

To connect several adjoining power management profiles is eg in the US 4,053,194 A proposed a connecting element, which is inserted into the front side open current guide profiles in the front side and there via a Screw is clamped or bolted to the current guide profile. The busbar connector is formed from a one-piece insulating material, in which contact elements for the current-carrying lines of the current-carrying profiles and line contact connectors are integrated between these contact elements. The energy supply to the current-carrying lines of the current-carrying profiles can be done by integrated into the busbar connector lines.

DE 35 02 864 C2 discloses a device for blunt electrical connection of the ends of parallel adjacent bus bars. At the ends of the busbar fitting connectors consist of meandering curved packages of flexible, variable length metal bands with expansion loops.

US 6,296,498 B1 discloses a busbar connector, which in turn is inserted axially in the extension direction of the current-carrying profiles in this. In this case, located on the side walls of the current-carrying profile conductors are contacted by laterally projecting plug contacts of the busbar connector.

As an alternative to the busbar connectors which can be inserted axially in the direction of extent of the current-carrying profiles, in the US 2003/021111 A1 a variant shown in which electrically connected by means of cables pairs of busbar connectors are attached to the top of the current-carrying profiles. The electrically conductive connection is then made at a distance from the location of the successive current-carrying profiles. The plug contacts are adapted to the comb-like structure of the bus bar to be inserted into this from the top, thereby contacting the guided in the grooves formed by the webs of the comb-like structure lines.

In a similar way is also in EP 2 091 113 A1 proposed to contact two comb-like current-carrying profiles by means of a pair of connectors with each other electrically conductive, in turn, by a ribbon cable or wire conductors are electrically conductively connected to each other. The busbar connectors are plugged vertically to the extension direction of the current-carrying profiles on this.

DE 10 2010 032 383 B4 discloses a busbar connector with two slidably mounted in the longitudinal direction of each other Isolierstoffgehäuseteilen. At the two ends of the insulating material plug contact portions are provided with projecting on a bottom of the insulating housing plug contacts. These plug contact sections are plugged onto the top of the current-carrying profile. The plug contacts of the two opposite plug contact regions are electrically conductively connected to one another via conductor contact connectors, which are accommodated in guide grooves of the insulating material housing.

When mounting the current-carrying profiles, which are usually accommodated in a metal trough, once the current-carrying profiles have to be aligned, and e.g. be attached to a building ceiling. Subsequently, then in a separate step, the electrically conductive connection by attaching the busbar connectors. This is laborious and requires specialized personnel.

Proceeding from this, it is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved busbar connector, which allows a quick and fail-safe assembly preferably already in the juxtaposition of current management profiles with a simple structure.

The object is achieved with the busbar connector having the features of claim 1 and with the set of two complementary busbar connectors and metal troughs, each with its incorporated current-carrying profile with the feature of claim 14. Advantageous embodiments are described in the subclaims.

• dass ein erster Steckkontaktbereich mit den ersten Steckkontakten zum Aufstecken auf die Oberseite senkrecht zur Längserstreckungsrichtung des Stromführungsprofils in einer ersten Steckrichtung und zur Steckkontaktierung der Leitungen des Stromführungsprofils vorhanden ist, und
• dass ein zweiter Steckkontaktbereich an einer Stirnseite des Isolierstoffgehäuses vorhanden ist, wobei der zweite Steckkontaktbereich die zweiten Steckkontakte zur Steckkontaktierung eines komplementären Stromschienenverbinders in eine der Längserstreckungsrichtung des Stromführungsprofils entsprechenden zweiten Steckrichtung hat,
• wobei die Ebene, welche die Oberseite aufspannt, in einem Winkel zu einer die Stirnseite aufspannenden Ebene steht.

In the generic busbar connector is proposed

• that a first plug contact region with the first plug contacts for attachment to the top is provided perpendicular to the longitudinal extension direction of the current-carrying profile in a first plug-in direction and plug-in contact of the lines of the current-carrying profile, and
• a second plug-in contact region is provided on one end side of the insulating housing, wherein the second plug-in contact region has the second plug-in contacts for plug-in contact of a complementary busbar connector in a second plug-in direction corresponding to the longitudinal extension direction of the current-carrying profile,
• wherein the plane which spans the top is at an angle to a plane spanning the end face.

This angle can e.g. be a right angle, so that the levels are approximately perpendicular to each other.

By means of the second plug contact region of the first bus bar connector, a plug contact for a complementary bus bar connector is provided, which in the axial direction, i. is plugged onto the first busbar connector in the direction of the extension of the current-carrying profiles to be connected to one another in a conductive manner. Then, the set of bus bar connectors and complementary bus bar connectors has three interfaces, the spaced apart first plug contact areas providing an interface for vertically plugging onto the current routing profiles and the second plug contact areas providing an interface for axially mating the bus bar connectors.

While in the prior art either variable-length fully assembled busbar connectors with two spaced plug contact areas for plugging on a power guide rail or busbar couplings for axial insertion in a juxtaposed power guide profiles are anticipated, another way is now proposed.

It is the principle of vertical Aufsteckens on a first plug contact area with first plug contacts for electrical connection of the current-carrying profiles used for plug contacting the line of the current-carrying profile, wherein the busbar connector is attached to the top of the current-carrying profile. This makes it possible that the first plug contacts can dig in the direction of extension of the lines immovably with the lines. The long-term contact is thus significantly improved and counteracted in particular a formation of oxide layers with the concomitant increase in contact resistance.

In addition, however, an interface to the axial plug connection with the second plug contact regions is then also provided. As with the busbar couplings, this has the advantage that an electrically conductive connection of current-conducting profiles to be arranged one behind the other can be produced directly in the step of juxtaposing current-carrying profiles. However, this electrically conductive connection is not realized by plug-contacting the line of the current-carrying profiles in the axial direction, but by a further connector, in the extension direction of the current-carrying profiles, i. acts in the axial direction. By the second plug contacts can be provided on the busbar connector itself a reliable, long-term stable contact. The contact conditions are thus specified solely by the busbar connectors and are not dependent on the conditions of the current-carrying profile.

Unlike the tap for connecting devices to a current-carrying profile, greater demands are placed on the electrically conductive connection of the lines of current-carrying profiles. The currents flowing there are, as a rule, much higher than the currents flowing into a single device. In addition, thermal expansions of the lines during the connection of successive current-carrying profiles affect the reliability of the plug-in contact. A movement of the plug contacts relative to the conductor can lead to fretting corrosion and the formation of oxide layers even at very low movements, which leads to the high-resistance connection and heat generation. This can be counteracted by the use of attachable to the top of the power guide profile first plug contact areas in a simple and secure way. Himself resulting disadvantage that the busbar connectors can then be plugged subsequently only after the installation of the current-carrying profiles, is counteracted by providing an additional interface to the axial plug contact via the second plug contact areas.

The second plug contacts of the second plug contact region can be designed as blade contacts and / or fork contacts. Thus, the second plug contacts of the first bus bar connector can be designed as blade contacts and the plug contacts of a complementary bus bar connector as fork contacts. However, a combination is also conceivable such that a connector for a plurality of second plug contacts has a variation of blade and fork contacts and the complementary plug connector, which is provided for plugging onto the plug connector, has a correspondingly matched complementary variation of fork and blade contacts. Furthermore, a hermaphroditic plug contact with blade and / or fork contacts is conceivable.

The plug-in connection of two busbar connectors with the aid of blade and fork contacts enables a reliable plug-in contact even for high currents, which is long-term stable and can be implemented easily and reliably. The knife and fork contacts are also very compact executable.

The first plug-in contacts for plugging on the current-carrying profiles and contacting on webs of the current-carrying profiles arranged lines may each have at least one spring tongue. This allows an electrically conductive contacting of the busbar connector with lines by utilizing spring forces of the spring tongues. While in forks of two forks successive forces are exerted on the intermediate blade contact, the contact force is exerted on the line to be contacted only one side of the spring tongues on one side.

The spring tongues may have at least one laterally projecting contact edge. This has the advantage that the spring tongues when plugging in to be contacted Claw lines of the current-carrying profile. Thus, a relative movement of the plug contacts to the lines along the extension direction of the lines can be prevented in a simple manner.

At the first plug contact region webs may be formed, which are provided for insertion into the intermediate space of adjacent webs of the current-carrying profile and in each case carry the first plug contacts, wherein on both sides of the web in each case a plug contact can be arranged. These webs thus serve to receive the first plug contacts and to guide the busbar connector with its first plug contact area into the space between the webs of the current guide profile to be contacted, when the busbar connector is attached to the top of the current-carrying profile. In addition, the webs ensure electrical insulation of adjacent plug contacts.

The second plug contacts can then be mounted movably in the plug-in direction in the insulating material. This has the advantage that relative movements of the current routing profiles arranged in alignment one behind the other at the interface between the busbar connector and the complementary busbar connector attached thereto in the second plug-in contact region are compensated. The plug-in contact of the second plug contacts of the busbar connector and the plugged complementary busbar connector is not affected in such axial movement. The length compensation then takes place in each case in the connection of the movably mounted second plug contacts with the associated first plug contacts of the same busbar connector. In this case, the entire pair of contacts consisting of the electrically conductive interconnected first and second plug contacts and the intermediate busbar piece may be movably received in the insulating material. This ensures that each of the plug contacts of a contact pair can move independently of each other, if individual lines in the current guide profile extend different from each other.

The pairs of first and second plug contacts may be connected to each other via a bus bar piece or a flexible line. The busbar piece may be a flexible, e.g. meandering section to provide a length tolerance compensation. But the busbar piece can also be multi-part and have a coupling to compensate for movements in the axial direction while ensuring a good contact.

The pairs of first and second plug contacts may be integrally formed with a busbar piece connecting the plug contacts. You can then simply as e.g. From a sheet metal molded part are inserted into the insulating material. This allows easy installation and a reliable construction of the busbar connector.

The insulating housing may have fastening elements or fastening contours for fixing to the current-carrying profile or a metal trough carrying or receiving the current-carrying profile. This further avoids the danger that the contacts present on the first plug-in contact area move relative to the lines of the current-carrying profile. The busbar connector is fixedly connected in this way with the associated current-carrying profile, to which the busbar connector is attached. Alternatively, the determination takes place with the metal trough receiving the current-carrying profile.

Furthermore, it is conceivable that the busbar connector has a protective cap for covering the second plug contact area. Thus, a transport protection is available, which can be removed during assembly of the light strips. This protective cap can have a contour designed to automatically release the protective cap from the second plug contact region when the complementary bus bar connector is plugged onto the second plug contact region. This ensures in any case that a touch of the second plug contacts in the second plug contact area is impossible, even if the busbar connector is plugged onto a power guide profile. This protective cap is then removed only when attaching a complementary busbar connector. But this is not easy manually with the result that the second plug contacts then still temporarily not protected against touch. Rather, it is ensured by a suitable contour of the cap, that it dissolves automatically when attaching the complementary busbar connector from the second plug contact area. This can be realized by a latching connection and guide projections which cooperate with the complementary busbar connector and / or the current-carrying profile and / or the metal trough, which then cancels the snap-in connection and moves the protective cap away from the second plug-in contact region by the pushing-on process.

The second plug contact region can be formed without latching means for the movable plug connection of the insulating material housing and the second plug contacts of the busbar connector and a complementary busbar connector received therein. This has the advantage that the plug connection between the busbar connector and the complementary busbar connector remains movable in the axial direction. For a tolerance compensation in the connection of the second plug contacts is ensured with each other.

Electrically separated second plug contacts of a busbar connector, which are provided for contacting different lines of the current-carrying profile, can be arranged one above the other in two planes. The second plug contact region then has an insulating insert with a bottom separating the two planes and with partitions between second plug contacts arranged side by side in a common plane. In this way, the second plug contact region can be made very compact. Using the additional Isolierstoffeinlegeteils then manages to provide the required clearance and creepage distances between the juxtaposed and stacked second plug contacts and to allow quick and easy installation of the second plug contacts in the insulating material.

The bus bar connector may have a leading ground contact terminal with one on a side wall of the insulating housing for plug contacting a metal trough, in which the current-carrying profile is accommodated, when the Busbar connector is attached to the arranged in the metal trough power guide profile. This additional earthing contact terminal ensures a continuous grounding of the metal trough in a simple and reliable manner. The ground contact terminal then contacts the metal trough when plugging the busbar connector onto the current-carrying profile with the grounding contact present on the side wall of the insulating housing.

The busbar connector described above provides as a set of two complementary busbar connectors, which are plugged into each other via their second plug contact areas, an electrically conductive connection between two in a run successively arranged current guide profiles ready. These current-carrying profiles are usually taken in a metal trough.

For the mechanical connection of the metal troughs, which are arranged one after the other in alignment, a connecting element may be present which has guide sections for insertion into two metal troughs to be connected to one another. The connecting element may additionally have a retaining plate for resting on the busbar connectors and for guiding a busbar connector plugged onto a current-carrying profile of a first metal trough to the second plug-in contact region of a complementary busbar connector plugged onto a current-carrying profile of a second metal trough. With the help of such a connecting element, it is thus not only possible to mechanically connect the metal troughs arranged one behind the other in the longitudinal direction of the metal troughs. Rather, by means of the retaining plate and the busbar connector can be prevented from slipping on the top of the busbar guide profile. In addition, with the retaining plate, a guidance of the busbar connectors to be contacted with one another via their second plug contact regions is achieved.

Figur 1

- Seitenansicht eines Sets aus zwei Stromschienenverbindern und einer Stromschiene;

Figur 2

- Set aus Figur 1 im aufgesteckten Zustand der Stromschienenverbinder;

Figur 3

- Perspektivische Ansicht eines Sets aus zwei Stromschienenverbindern und zwei Metalltrögen mit darin jeweils aufgenommenen Stromführungsprofilen;

Figur 4

- Perspektivische Ansicht zweier komplementärer Stromschienenverbinder, die jeweils auf ein Stromführungsprofil aufgesetzt sind;

Figur 5

- Perspektivische Ansicht von zwei komplementären Stromschienenverbindern;

Figur 6

- Perspektivische Ansicht des Stromführungsverbinders aus Figur 5 im geöffneten Zustand ohne Abdeckung;

Figur 7

- Perspektivische Ansicht der Stromschienenverbinder aus Figur 6 im zusammengesteckten Zustand;

Figur 8

- Querschnittsansicht durch einen auf ein Stromführungsprofil aufgesteckten und mit einem Metalltrog elektrisch leitend verbundenen Stromschienenverbinder;

Figur 9

- Perspektivische Ansicht einer Ausführungsform eines Stromschienenverbinders im geöffneten Zustand;

Figur 10

- Perspektivische Ansicht eines Steckverbinderpaares für den Stromschienenverbinder aus Figur 9;

Figur 11

- Perspektivische Ansicht des Isolierstoffgehäuses des Stromschienenverbinders aus Figur 9 und 10;

Figur 12

- Perspektivische Ansicht eines Isolierstoffeinlegeteils für den Stromschienenverbinder aus Figur 9 und 10;

Figur 13

- Perspektivische Ansicht eines komplementären Stromschienenverbinders im geöffneten Zustand;

Figur 14

- +Perspektivische Ansicht eines Steckverbinderpaares für den Stromschienenverbinder aus Figur 13;

Figur 15

- Perspektivische Ansicht des Isolierstoffgehäuses des Stromschienenverbinders aus Figur 13 mit eingelegten Stromschienenpaaren;

Figur 16

- Perspektivische Ansicht eines Isolierstoffeinlegeteils für den Stromschienenverbinder aus Figur 15;

Figur 17

- Explosionsansicht des aus vier Einzelteilen bestehenden Isolierstoffgehäuses für eine andere Ausführungsform eines Stromschienenverbinders;

Figur 18

- Perspektivische Ansicht von vier unterschiedlichen Steckverbinderpaaren für den Stromschienenverbinder aus Figur 17;

Figur 19

- Perspektivische Ansicht des aus vier Teilen gebildeten Isolierstoffgehäuses eines weiteren Steckverbinders;

Figur 20

- Perspektivische Ansicht von vier unterschiedlichen Steckverbinderpaaren für den Stromschienenverbinder aus Figur 19;

Figur 21

- Perspektivische Ansicht des Ober- und Unterteils eines Isolierstoffgehäuses für eine weitere Ausführungsform eines Stromschienenverbinders mit einer Anschlussebene;

Figur 22

- Perspektivische Ansicht des Steckverbinderpaares in jeweils zu 180 Grad zueinander verdrehter Anordnung für den Stromschienenverbinder aus Figur 21;

Figur 23

- Perspektivische Ansicht des Ober- und Unterteils des Isolierstoffgehäuses für einen komplementären Stromschienenverbinder;

Figur 24

- Perspektivische Ansicht des Steckverbinderpaares in jeweils zu 180 Grad zueinander verdrehter Anordnung für den Stromschienenverbinder aus Figur 23;

Figur 25

- Perspektivische Ausschnittsansicht eines Metalltrogs mit darin angeordnetem Stromführungsprofil und Befestigungselementen an dem Metalltrog zur Fixierung eines Stromschienenverbinders;

Figur 26

- Perspektivische Ansicht des Metalltrogs mit Stromführungsprofil und darauf aufgestecktem Steckverbinder mit Befestigungselement zur Befestigung an dem Metalltrog;

Figur 27

- Perspektivische Ansicht eines Metalltrogs mit auf ein Stromführungsprofil im Metalltrog aufgesteckten Stromschienenverbinder und zusätzlichem Verbindungselement;

Figur 28

- Querschnittsansicht durch den Metalltrog aus Figur 27 und mit dem Verbindungselement;

Figur 29

- Perspektivische Ansicht von zwei in Pfeilrichtung aufeinander schiebbaren Metalltrögen und mit Verbindungselement;

Figur 30

- Perspektivische Ansicht eines Metalltrogs mit Stromführungsprofil und endseitiger Schutzkappe auf dem Stromführungsprofil;

Figur 31

- Ausschnittansicht eines Metalltroges mit darauf aufgeschobener Schutzkappe;

Figur 32

- Perspektivische Ansicht des Metalltroges mit endseitig aufgeschobener Schutzkappe aus Figur 31 mit Blick auf die Außenseite;

Figur 33

- Perspektivische Ansicht der Schutzkappe;

Figur 34

- Variante der Stromschienenverbinder mit endseitig abgerundeten Steckkontakten.

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

FIG. 1

- Side view of a set of two busbar connectors and a busbar;

FIG. 2

- Set off FIG. 1 in the plugged state, the busbar connector;

FIG. 3

- Perspective view of a set of two busbar connectors and two metal troughs with therein each incorporated power management profiles;

FIG. 4

- Perspective view of two complementary busbar connectors, which are each placed on a power guide profile;

FIG. 5

- Perspective view of two complementary busbar connectors;

FIG. 6

- Perspective view of the power line connector FIG. 5 in the opened state without cover;

FIG. 7

- Perspective view of the busbar connector FIG. 6 in the assembled state;

FIG. 8

- Cross-sectional view through a plugged onto a current-carrying profile and electrically connected to a metal trough busbar connector;

FIG. 9

- Perspective view of an embodiment of a busbar connector in the open state;

FIG. 10

- Perspective view of a connector pair for the busbar connector FIG. 9 ;

FIG. 11

- Perspective view of the insulating material of the busbar connector FIG. 9 and 10 ;

FIG. 12

- Perspective view of an Isolierstoffeinlegeteils for the busbar connector FIG. 9 and 10 ;

FIG. 13

- Perspective view of a complementary busbar connector in the open state;

FIG. 14

- + Perspective view of a connector pair for the busbar connector FIG. 13 ;

FIG. 15

- Perspective view of the insulating material of the busbar connector FIG. 13 with inserted busbar pairs;

FIG. 16

- Perspective view of an Isolierstoffeinlegeteils for the busbar connector FIG. 15 ;

FIG. 17

- Exploded view of the four-part insulating material housing for another embodiment of a busbar connector;

FIG. 18

- Perspective view of four different connector pairs for the busbar connector FIG. 17 ;

FIG. 19

- Perspective view of the formed of four parts Isolierstoffgehäuses another connector;

FIG. 20

- Perspective view of four different connector pairs for the busbar connector FIG. 19 ;

FIG. 21

- Perspective view of the upper and lower part of an insulating housing for a further embodiment of a busbar connector with a connection plane;

FIG. 22

- Perspective view of the connector pair in each case to 180 degrees to each other twisted arrangement of the busbar connector FIG. 21 ;

FIG. 23

- Perspective view of the upper and lower part of the insulating housing for a complementary busbar connector;

FIG. 24

- Perspective view of the connector pair in each case to 180 degrees to each other twisted arrangement of the busbar connector FIG. 23 ;

FIG. 25

- Perspektivische detail view of a metal trough with disposed therein power guide profile and fasteners on the metal trough for fixing a busbar connector;

FIG. 26

- Perspective view of the metal trough with current carrying profile and plugged-on connector with fastener for attachment to the metal trough;

FIG. 27

- Perspective view of a metal trough mounted on a current-carrying profile in the metal trough busbar connector and additional connecting element;

FIG. 28

- Cross-sectional view through the metal trough FIG. 27 and with the connecting element;

FIG. 29

- Perspective view of two successive slidable in the direction of the arrow metal troughs and with connecting element;

FIG. 30

- Perspective view of a metal trough with current-carrying profile and end cap on the power supply profile;

FIG. 31

- Detail view of a metal trough with protective cap pushed onto it;

FIG. 32

- Perspective view of the metal trough with end-pushed protective cap FIG. 31 facing the outside;

FIG. 33

- Perspective view of the protective cap;

FIG. 34

- Variant of the busbar connectors with end rounded plug contacts.

FIG. 1 shows a sketch of a set of two complementary busbar connectors 1a, 1b recognize. The busbar connectors 1a, 1b each have an insulating housing 2, which is closed at the top with a cover 3. On the side opposite the cover 3, a first plug contact region 4 is formed with first plug contacts 5. This first plug contact region 4 and the first plug contacts 5 arranged thereon are designed such that the bus bar connector 1a, 1b can be plugged in each case with its first plug contact region 4 on the upper side O of a current-carrying profile 6 to lines accessible via gaps between webs 7 of the current-carrying profile with the first Plug contacts 5 electrically conductive contact. On the front side of the busbar connectors 1a, 1b, a second plug contact region 8 is formed with second plug contacts 9. The second plug-in contact regions 8 of the two complementary busbar connectors 1a, 1b are configured opposite and fitting to each other from the contour and from the position and design of the second plug contacts 9 so that a complementary pair of busbar connectors 1a, 1b with the respective second plug contact areas 8 inserted into each other can be to connect corresponding second plug contacts 9 of the two complementary busbar connectors 1a, 1b electrically conductive with each other. When in the present application of "intertwined" is spoken, then it does not matter which

Part of the other part surrounds or whether the insulating material may be attached only dull one another. It is crucial that the complementary pair of busbar connectors 1a, 1b are formed by their second plug contact regions 8 so that an electrically conductive plug contact between the complementary busbar connectors 1a, 1b can be made to the second plug contact regions 8.

In this case, the plug-in direction S2 of the second plug-in contact regions 8 is structurally predetermined such that it extends in the extension direction E of the current-carrying profile 6.

The plug-in direction S1 of the first plug-in contact regions 4, however, is aligned vertically to the direction of longitudinal extension of the busbar connectors 1a, 1b and the extension direction E of the current-carrying profile 6 to be contacted. The first plug-in contacts 5 are adapted to this plug-in direction S1. Thus, the busbar connector 1a, 1b can be plugged in each case with its first plug contact region 4 on the upper side O of a respective current-carrying profile 6. If now two in a flight successively arranged current guide profiles 6 are to be electrically connected to each other, this is done by plugging two complementary busbar connectors 1a, 1b, which are respectively plugged into the two current guide profiles 6 to be connected, in the axial direction of the current-carrying profiles 6, i. in extension direction E.

FIG. 2 Leaves a side view of the set FIG. 1 detect. It is clear that now the busbar connectors 1a, 1b is plugged from the top O of the current-carrying profile 6 on this. The height is only slightly increased. On the front side of the current-carrying profiles 6, a plug-in connection for a complementary busbar connector 1a, 1b is then provided with the second plug-in contact regions 8 preferably in extension of the contacted lines (not visible) in the contacted current-carrying profile 6. The electrically conductive connection of two current-carrying profiles 6 is thus not simply by an axial direction, ie in the direction of extension E of the current-carrying profile 6 in this plugged busbar couplings. The lines of the current-carrying profile 6 are rather by plugging the busbar connector 1a, 1b contacted transversely to the extension direction E and it is created with the second plug contact area 8, an additional plug contact interface.

It can also be seen that a guide nose 10 is provided on the complementary busbar connector 1b at the first plug-in contact region, which facilitates the insertion and guiding of the complementary plug-in connector 1a into the plug-in position.

FIG. 3 allows a perspective view of the complementary busbar connectors 1a, 1b in the plugged state to recognize a power guide profile 6. In each case, two current-carrying profiles 6 are arranged one behind the other in the extension direction E of the current-carrying profiles 6. In each of these current-carrying profiles 6, a busbar connector 1a, 1b is plugged in each other in a complementary embodiment. The current-carrying profiles 6 have in the longitudinal direction E extending parallel to each other webs 7 with gaps 12 between the webs 7. At the webs 7 or at the bottom of the interstices 12 12 accessible lines 13 are arranged. These are contacted with the first plug contacts 5 of the first plug contact region 4 of the busbar connectors 1a, 1b electrically conductive.

An end face of the current-carrying profiles 6 and these metal troughs 11 are present on the second plug contact regions 8. Thus, the two matching busbar connectors 1a, 1b can then be plugged together and contacted electrically conductive. For this, e.g. in the second plug contact region 8 of the right busbar connector 1b two plug contacts 9 are provided, which are designed as blade contacts. In the plug contact openings in the insulating housing 3 of the left busbar connector 1a then the matching fork contacts are arranged.

FIG. 4 shows the perspective view FIG. 3 without metal trough 11. It is clear that on the side of the busbar connectors 1a, 1b in each case a grounding contact 14 protrudes. This ground contact 14 occurs when plugging the busbar connector 1a, 1b on the busbar 6 in electrically conductive contact with the surrounded metal trough 11, when the current-carrying profile 6 in FIG. 3 shown inserted into a metal trough 11. Thus, the metal trough 11 can be reliably grounded. The grounding contact 14 (PE = Protective Earth) forms together with a plug contact 15 on the second plug contact area 8 a ground contact terminal. This plug-in contact 15 is designed to be leading and has a further from the busbar connector 1a, 1b outstanding length, as the other second plug contacts 9 in the second plug contact area. The grounding contact 14 is thereby separated from each other when the busbar connectors 1a, 1b are removed.

FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of the pair of complementary busbar connectors 1a, 1b. Here again it can be seen that the grounding contact 14 is designed with two projecting spring arms 16 in the opposite direction.

It can also be seen on the right busbar connector 1b a comb-like structure formed with a number of webs 17. The second plug contacts 5 (not visible) are arranged on the webs 17, so that the first plug contact region 4 is designed to be plugged into a plugging direction S1 perpendicular to the surface at the top and bottom of the busbar connector 1a, 1b and its insulating housing 3.

FIG. 6 shows an opened at the top perspective view of a pair of busbar connectors 1a, 1b. In the lower part 18 of the insulating housing 2, a number of contact inserts 19 is present. These each consist of a first plug contact 5 of the first plug contact region 4 and an opposite second plug contact 9 of the second plug contact region 8 and one of these two plug contacts 5, 9 interconnecting busbar piece 20th

The second plug contacts 9 of the first busbar connector 1a are designed as fork contacts. They have two in one common root section interconnected forks, which are directed toward each other resiliently. The root area is a part of the busbar piece 20 or passes into this. Also, the ground contact terminal is provided on the opposite side of the ground contact 14 with such a fork contact 15 as a plug contact.

The corresponding second busbar connector 1b has in its second plug-in contact region 8 a number of juxtaposed blade contacts for forming the second plug-in contacts 9.

It can also be seen that tongues 21 protrude obliquely on the side opposite from the insulating housing 2 of the two busbar connectors 1a, 1b on opposite sides. These serve to fix the busbar connector 1a, 1b to a metal trough 11, when the busbar connector 1a, 1b is attached to a arranged in the metal trough 11 current guide profile 6.

FIG. 7 shows the pair of busbar connectors 1a, 1b FIG. 6 in the assembled state. It is clear that the trained in the form of blade contacts the second plug contacts 9 of the right busbar connector in the running as a fork contacts second plug contacts 9 of the left busbar connector 1a dive and contacted there by the fork contacts electrically conductive. It is clear that the tabs 21 are then arranged in alignment.

FIG. 8 shows a cross-sectional view through a busbar connector 1 (either busbar connector 1a or complementary busbar connector 1b), which is inserted with its webs 17 in the interstices 12 between the webs 7 of the current-carrying profile 6. At these webs 7 of the current-carrying profile 6 electrical conductors 22 are arranged laterally. These are then contacted with associated first plug contacts 5 in the form of Federbügel- or Federarmkontakten electrically conductive. These first connector 5 are arranged on the webs 17 of the busbar connector 1 and protrude laterally resiliently thereof.

In each case, a first plug contact 5 can be present on each side of the webs 17 of the busbar connector 1.

The grounding contact 14 can optionally be contacted with an associated conductor 22 in the current-carrying profile 6 in an electrically conductive manner. This is preferred to keep the current paths for current drain short.

It is clear that the busbar connector 1 with its first plug contact region 4 for plugging onto the top of the current-carrying profile 6, i. is formed on the open side of the spaces 12 and the ends of the webs 7 of the current-carrying profile 6.

FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a first busbar connector 1a with fork contacts for the second plug contacts 9. These are arranged on two levels in each case adjacent to each other, so as to increase the packing density. The lower part 18 of the insulating housing 2 takes on the contact inserts 19. In the first plug contact region 4, the first plug contacts are arranged on the webs 17. In the second plug-in contact area 8 intermediate walls 23 are provided to electrically isolate the individual juxtaposed plug-in contacts 9 from each other and to form individual chambers. At the top of these chambers are closed by the bottom 24 of a Isolierstoffeinsatzteils 25, which is plugged onto the lower part 18 after inserting the lower contact inserts 19. Then, the upper contact parts 19 are inserted into the insulating housing 18 and the Isolierstoffeinlegeteil 15 to arrange a number of second plug contact terminals 9 in the upper, second level.

This Isolierstoffeinlegeteil 24 has from the bottom 24 downwardly projecting flanges 26, with which the available creepage distances and creepage distances can be further increased.

FIG. 10 exemplifies a contact insert 19 for the lower level. The contact insert 19 for the upper level is constructed comparable to this. It can be seen that the first plug-in contact 5 has a spring tongue 27 (also called spring clip), which protrudes from a common busbar piece 20, which the fork contact 28 at the opposite end to the spring tongue 27 electrically conductively connects. The contact part 19 is integrally formed from a metal sheet. This can be done by punching and bending in a simple manner.

The spring tongue 27 has on both sides contact edges 50, which can cut when plugging the first plug contact 5 on a current guide profile 6 in the line to be contacted 22. Thus, the first plug-in contact 5 is fixed in position to the line 22.

The second plug contact 9 has a double fork contact with two pairs of mutually facing fork tongues 29, whose front free ends are turned away from each other. In this way, an insertion funnel for a corresponding blade contact is created. The busbar piece 20 has a bent bridge section 30, with which the opposite fork tongues 29 are connected to each other.

FIG. 11 leaves a perspective view of the lower part 18 of the insulating housing for the busbar connector FIG. 9 detect. Here, the spaced-apart intermediate walls 23 and webs 17 are clearly visible, each extending in the longitudinal direction of the insulating housing 3 and the lower part 18. The webs 17 are arranged laterally offset from the intermediate walls 23.

FIG. 12 allows a perspective view of the Isolierstoffeinlegeteils 25 recognize. Again, intermediate walls 23 are arranged at a distance to each other, resting on a common floor 24. Also clear are the flanges 26 projecting from the base 24 on the side opposite the intermediate walls 23. A pair of juxtaposed parallel flanges 26 provide a space for receiving an intermediate wall 23 of the lower part 18 of the insulating housing 2.

Accordingly, a receiving slot 31 for receiving a portion of the intermediate wall 23 or the end of a web 17 of the lower part 18 is provided on the back of the intermediate walls 23 respectively.

Thus, the Isolierstoffeinlegeteil 25 can be pushed onto the lower part 18 and fixed in position there.

FIG. 13 leaves a perspective view of the busbar connector 1a FIG. 9 recognize corresponding busbar connector 1b. It is clear that the second plug contacts 9 are designed here as blade contacts. These are again arranged in groups next to each other and in two levels one above the other. Again, a Isolierstoffeinlegeteil 25 is provided, which is inserted into the lower part 18 of the insulating housing 2. In principle, reference may also be made here to the preceding statements. By means of the lower part 18 of the insulating material housing 2 and the Isolierstoffeinlegeteils 25 plug contours with chambers for receiving the second plug contacts 9 (designed here as blade contacts) are provided. These are then inserted into the chambers of the corresponding first connector 1a, wherein the fork contacts 28 then each encompass a blade contact 32 and electrically conductively contact.

The first plug contact region 4 in turn has first plug contacts 5 with spring clips, as in the first exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 14 allows a perspective view of a Kontaktinsatze 19 for this corresponding busbar connector 1b with blade contact 32 on a spring clip contact 27 on the opposite and recognize this first and second plug-in contact 9, 5 connecting busbar piece 20. As with the corresponding busbar connector (see. FIG. 10 ) is also the second plug contact 9 approximately at the height of the contact of the first plug contact 5 on the same mating plane, wherein the in FIG. 14 shown contact insert for use in the lower level of the busbar connector 1b is provided.

FIG. 15 shows the lower part 18 of the previously described busbar connector 1b without insulating insert 25 but with inserted contact inserts 19, both in the lower, as well as in the upper level. It is clear that the busbar pieces 20, which connect the first and second plug-in contact 5, 9 with each other, are guided in a bend through the lower part 18. It is clear that the first plug contacts 5 fixed in position are inserted into the lower part 18. For this purpose, 18 suitable grooves are present in the lower part. The plug contacts 5 of the lower level lie on a side facing away from the web 17 side, on which the plug contacts 5 of the upper level are arranged.

FIG. 16 allows a perspective view of the Isolierstoffeinlegeteils 25 recognize. Here it is clear that the air gaps and creepage distances between the adjacent second plug-in contacts 9 are substantially increased by the receiving fingers 34, which are separated from one another by intermediate gaps 33. This intermediate gap 33 serves to receive the intermediate walls 23 of the corresponding busbar connector 1a, when the busbar connector 1b is plugged onto the complementary busbar connector 1a.

FIG. 17 shows an exploded view of a four-part insulating housing 2 for a further embodiment of a busbar connector. Again, a lower part 18 is provided, which is covered by a cover part 3.

The Isolierstoffeinlegeteil 25 is also made in two parts in this embodiment and consists of a lower part 35 and an upper part 36. These parts of the insulating housing 2 have contours for receiving the contact inserts 19 and to provide a plug contour in the second plug contact region 8 on the front side of the composite insulating 2.

FIG. 18 shows the two different contact inserts 19, in this busbar connector 1 from FIG. 17 be used. The two different contact inserts 19 are shown in two orientations rotated by 180 degrees to each other.

The lower contact insert 19 is the ground contact terminal with the grounding contact 14 on one side and a blade contact 32 on the opposite side, and a busbar piece 20 interconnecting these two contacts 14, 32.

The other contacts have on one side a spring clip and on the opposite side a blade contact 32. Again, the first plug-in contact 5 and the opposite second plug-in contact 9 via a busbar piece 20 are interconnected. This has a U-shaped bend.

FIG. 19 shows an exploded view of an insulating housing 2 also formed of four parts for the complementary busbar connector. To its construction can essentially refer to the description FIG. 9 to get expelled. Again, however, the Isolierstoffeinlegeteil 25 of two parts 35, 36 is formed.

FIG. 20 shows the measures provided for this busbar connector 1 contact inserts 19, each in two to 180 ° to each other rotated orientations. The contact inserts 19 in the upper area in turn have a spring tongue 27 to form the first plug contact 5 and on the opposite side a fork contact 28 to form the second plug contact 9. In this regard, the comments on FIG. 10 directed.

It is clear, however, that for the earthing contact terminal shown below, the fork contact 28 is formed from three pairs of fork tongues 29 arranged one above the other. Thus, the contact force and the current cross-section is increased compared to the overlying contact parts 19, which is particularly important for the grounding contact.

FIGS. 21 to 24 show the insulating housing 2 provided with the lower part 18 and cover 3 and the associated contact inserts 19 for the formation of single-row complementary busbar connectors 1a, 1b. These contact inserts 19 are comparable to the embodiment described above only with spatially slightly modified connection of the busbar piece 20 to the first plug-in contact connection 5 educated.

The same applies to the contact inserts 19 FIG. 24 with the blade contacts 32.

FIG. 25 shows a detail view of a metal trough 11 with the current-carrying profile 6 accommodated therein. It is clear that on the metal trough 11 fasteners 37 are formed, for example in the form of protruding knobs. These fastening elements 37 are provided in order to fix a conductor rail connector 1 a, 1 b attached to the current-carrying profile 6 to the metal trough 11. This can be done by a locking connection, a screw connection or the like. Thus, the fasteners 37 may also be simply designed as holes for receiving tapping screws.

FIG. 26 shows the snapshot view FIG. 25 with now plugged busbar connector 1b. It is clear that the busbar connector 1 b on one side has a mounting area with a matching to the fastening element 37 of the metal trough 11 fastener 38. For example, the busbar connector 1b can be latched to the metal trough 11.

FIG. 27 shows a perspective view of a metal trough 11 with a busbar connector 1b, which is plugged onto a non-visible current-carrying profile 6 in the metal trough 11. This busbar connector 1b is covered by a connecting element 39, more precisely with a retaining plate 40 of the connecting element 39. It can also be seen that the connecting element 39 has opposite side guide wall sections 41, which are inserted on the left side in the profile of the metal trough 11, so that the connecting element is aligned in the alignment of the metal trough 11. Then, a further metal trough 11 with arranged thereon current guide profile 6 attached to the guide wall portions 41 and are pushed by means of the guide wall portions 41 to the underlying metal trough 11. A thereby already plugged onto the current guide profile 6 busbar connector 1a is guided in this way position and position correct to the busbar connector 1b, so that they enter into an electrically conductive plug contact during the sliding of two metal troughs 11. For guidance, at least at the busbar connector 1a, 1b also protrude a guide finger 42 which engages in a corresponding guide opening in the opposite, complementary busbar connector 1a, 1b.

FIG. 28 shows a cross-sectional view through the metal trough 11 from FIG. 27 , It is clear that the holding plate 40 rests on the top of the busbar connector 1 and this holds on the busbar 6. The guide wall sections 41 on the opposite sides then rest on the side walls 43 of the metal tray 11 and can also be guided into corresponding guide grooves or on the corresponding contours.

FIG. 29 shows a perspective view of two in the direction of arrow to each other slidable metal troughs 11 with incorporated therein power guide profiles 6 and already before assembly to the current control profiles 6 plugged busbar connectors 1a, 1b. With the help of the connecting element 39, it is possible to keep not only the already plugged busbar connectors 1a, 1b on the support plate on the current guide profiles 6, but also with the help of the guide wall portions 41, the metal troughs 11 aligned to move toward each other. In this case, the already plugged busbar connectors 1a, 1b are fed to each other in the correct position and plugged into one another.

It is also clear that on both sides of the retaining plate 40 tabs 44 are present, which can exert a spring pressure on the busbar connectors 1a, 1b and at least serve for improved introduction.

FIG. 30 allows a view of a built-in a metal trough 11 power guide profile 6 with it plugged busbar connector 1 recognize. It is clear that the current-carrying profile 6 is covered on one side with a protective cap 45 on the front side.

FIG. 31 shows a cutaway view of a metal trough 11 with built-in power guide profile 6 and mounted thereon busbar connector 1. On the end of the metal trough 11, a protective cap 46 is pushed, the one Provides transport protection. This protective cap 46 may be provided for manual removal before plugging together second busbar connectors 1a, 1b. It is advantageous, however, if the protective cap 46 has a contour designed in such a way that the protective cap 46 automatically loosens and falls off when an adjacent metal trough 11 is attached or possibly only when a corresponding busbar connector 1a, 1b is attached. For this purpose, for example, projecting webs 47 may be provided on the inside of the protective cap 46.

FIG. 32 shows the metal trough 11 with end-pushed protective cap 46 from FIG. 31 facing the outside. The protective cap 46 is adapted to the cross-sectional contour of the metal trough 11.

FIG. 33 shows a perspective view of the protective cap 46. It is clear that protrude at the opposite edge edges retaining tabs, which rest on the marginal edges of the metal trough 11 in the deferred state and hold the cap 46 to the metal trough 11. Visible are also stops 49 in the form of transverse webs, which form a stop for a metal trough 11 when the protective cap 46 is pushed onto the metal trough.

FIG. 34 shows a variant of the busbar connectors 1a, 1b, in which the plug contacts 9 are rounded end. The plug contacts 9 can be arranged on two contact levels as shown. However, the rounded variant is basically independent of the number of insertion levels.

Claims (14)

Busbar connector (1, 1a, 1b) for the electrically conductive connection of lines (22) to webs (7) of a current-carrying profile (6), which has a top (O), at which the lines (22) via the intermediate spaces (12) between the webs (7) are accessible, said current rail connector (1, 1a, 1b) an insulating housing (2) and a plurality of electrically conductive interconnected by pairs of first and second plug contacts (5, 9), characterized in that - That a first plug contact region (4) with the first plug contacts (5) for attachment to the top (O) perpendicular to the longitudinal direction E) of the current-carrying profile (6) in a first plug-in direction (S1) and plug-in contact of the lines (22) of the current-carrying profile (6) is present, and - That a second plug contact region (8) on one end side of the insulating housing (2) is present, wherein the second plug contact region (8) the second plug contacts (9) for plug contacting a complementary busbar connector (1, 1a, 1b) in one of the longitudinal extension direction (E ) of the current-carrying profile (6) corresponding to the second plug-in direction (S2), - Wherein the plane which spans the upper side (O) is at an angle to a face spanning the end face. Busbar connector (1, 1a, 1b) according to claim 1, characterized in that the second plug contacts (9) are designed as blade contacts (32) and / or fork contacts (28). Busbar connector (1, 1a, 1b) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the first plug contacts (5) each have at least one spring tongue (27). Busbar connector (1, 1a, 1b) according to claim 3, characterized in that the spring tongue (27) has at least one laterally projecting contact edge (50). Conductor rail connector (1, 1a, 1b) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that webs (17) are formed on the first plug contact region (4), which are inserted into the intermediate space (12) of adjacent webs (7) of the current-carrying profile (6 ) are provided and each carry the first plug contacts (5). Busbar connector (1, 1a, 1b) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second plug contacts (9) are mounted movably in the plug-in direction (S2) in the insulating housing (2). Busbar connector (1, 1a, 1b) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pairs of first and second plug contacts (5, 9) via a busbar piece (20) or a flexible line are interconnected. Busbar connector (1, 1a, 1b) according to one of Claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the pairs of first and second plug contacts (5, 9) are formed integrally with a bus bar piece (20) connecting the plug contacts (5, 9). Busbar connector (1, 1a, 1b) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the insulating housing (2) has fastening elements (37) or fastening contours for fixing to the current-carrying profile (6) or a metal trough (11) carrying the current-carrying profile (6) , Conductor rail connector (1, 1a, 1b) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a protective cap (45) to cover the second plug contact region (8), wherein the protective cap (45) for automatically releasing the protective cap (45) (of the second plug contact region 8) when plugging the complementary busbar connector (1, 1a, 1b) on the second plug contact region (8) formed contour. Busbar connector (1, 1a, 1b) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second plug contact region (8) without latching means for movable plug connection of the insulating material (2) and received therein second plug contacts (9) of the busbar connector (6) and a complementary Busbar connector (1, 1a, 1b) is formed. Busbar connector (1, 1a, 1b) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that electrically separate from each other second plug contacts (9) for contacting mutually different lines of the busbar profile (6) are arranged in two planes one above the other, wherein the second plug contact region (8) an Isolierstoffeinlegeteil (25) having a two levels separating from each other bottom (24) and with partitions (23) between in a common plane juxtaposed second plug contacts (9). Busbar connector (1, 1a, 1b) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a leading earthing contact terminal with a grounding contact (14) arranged on a side wall of the insulating housing (2) and for contacting a metal trough (11) in which the current-carrying profile (11). 6) is formed, is formed when the busbar connector (1, 1a, 1b) is placed on the in the metal trough (11) arranged current guide profile (6). Set of two complementary busbar connectors (1, 1a, 1b) according to one of the preceding claims and metal troughs (11) each having therein received Stromführungsprofil (6), characterized by a connecting element (39), the guide wall sections (41) for insertion into two together connecting metal troughs (11) and a holding plate (40) for resting on a current-carrying profile (6) of a first metal trough (11) plugged busbar connector (1, 1a, 1b) and for guiding this on the current-carrying profile (6) of the first metal trough ( 11) plugged busbar connector (1, 1a, 1b) to the second plug contact region (8) on a current-carrying profile (6) of a second metal trough (11) plugged complementary busbar connector (1, 1a, 1b).

Images