EP3477793B1 - Tapping connector - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a tap connector with an insulating housing and with a contact element movably mounted in the insulating housing, which is designed for electrically conductive contacting of electrical conductors of a current-carrying profile, a spring element being arranged between a support of the insulating housing and the contact element and the contact element by the spring element can be acted upon by a spring force.

For the distribution of electrical energy in a building and for connecting lights to optionally selected positions, busbar systems with profile elements are known which have a comb-like cross-section with webs and grooves formed thereby and electrical conductors received in the grooves. With such current-carrying profiles, these electrical conductors are received in the grooves, e.g. on the side walls of the webs, and can be contacted in an electrically conductive manner by a tap-off connector with contacts protruding into the grooves.

DE 10 2011 056 043 B4 shows a busbar tap element with an insulating material housing and an electrically conductive contact arm provided for contacting an electrical conductor of a comb-like busbar. An electrically conductive holding arm extends parallel to the contact arm, with a free space for receiving a comb teeth of the busbar being present between the contact arm and the holding arm. The electrical conductors are contacted in an electrically conductive manner laterally by the contact arm.

Likewise from the DE 10 2007 033 945 B4 a connector arrangement with a connector is known which makes contact with electrical conductors of a comb-like connector with additional springs arranged on the side of contact lugs.

U.S. 3,771,103 A discloses a system for the installation of electrical lines in buildings with a current conducting profile, in the grooves of which electrical conductors are received. For conductor tapping, a tap connector is provided which has pin contacts that dip into the grooves of the current-carrying profile and rest on the electrical conductor to be contacted. The pin contacts are pressed against the electrical conductors with a spring preload. The contact lug of a connection line can be clamped on, for example, with a contact screw, which is also provided for fixing the spring for a contact lug.

JP 2003 045541 A shows an electrically conductive connector with an insulating material housing. The electrical connector has two connection elements for electrical conductors, the second connection element being designed as a spring. The first connection element is movably arranged with respect to the spring, a contact leg of the spring making electrically conductive contact with the first connection element.

WO 02/27870 A1 discloses spring contact pins with elastic arm elements which generate the spring pressure on the spring contact pins. The spring contact pins are arranged in a housing, part of the spring contact pins being arranged outside the housing and part being arranged inside the housing. The elastic arm elements are designed as springs and apply a spring force to the spring contact pins.

DE 20 2015 106730 U1 discloses a tap connector according to the preamble of claim 1.

Based on this, the object of the present invention is to create an improved tap connector which, with a very compact design, ensures a reliable connection contact for an electrical conductor of a current-carrying profile, the contact elements being connectable to an electrical conductor in a reliable and simple manner.

The object is achieved by the connector with the feature of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments are described in the subclaims.

For a generic tap connector, it is proposed that the spring element be a U-shaped bent leaf spring with a spring leg, a spring arch adjoining the spring leg and a contact leg adjoining the spring arch. The contact element rests on the spring leg so that it can move relative to the spring leg. The contact leg rests on the support of the insulating material housing and has a conductor connection contact for connecting an electrical connection conductor, e.g. for an incoming or outgoing line or a data connection. The conductor connection contact is formed in one piece with the leaf spring from the sheet metal material of the leaf spring and has a spring arm for clamping an electrical connection conductor.

This has the advantage that the conductor connection contact can be formed directly on the leaf spring with a simple and compact structure and inexpensive production using the forming process. The leaf spring, with its resilient properties provided for applying force to the contact element, also provides the spring properties desired for clamping an electrical connection conductor by means of spring force through the spring arm. In this way, an electrical connection conductor can simply be plugged into the conductor connection contact of the leaf spring in order to be clamped to the conductor connection contact there with the aid of the spring arm. Such plug contacts for the electrical connection conductor with a spring arm have proven themselves in conductor connection technology. By using a U-shaped leaf spring for the spring element of the contact element, the tap connector can be made very flat, with sufficient contact force or contact pressure of the contact element on the electrical conductor still being realizable. Because the contact element is not integrally or in one piece with the spring element, but rests on the spring leg so that it can move relative to the spring leg, the pivoting movement of the spring leg of the spring element is decoupled from the linear movement of the contact element. In this way, the contact force of the spring leg when fully deflected is transferred to the contact element movably mounted in the insulating material housing largely without friction losses and tilting of the contact element when force is applied by the U-shaped leaf spring is prevented. Due to the decoupled or two-part design of the contact element and the spring element, an optimized material selection can also be made for both components with regard to the required properties, for example spring elasticity and electrical conductivity. Due to the two-part design of the contact element and the spring element, the conductor connection contact and the contact element are also decoupled from one another, so that a force caused by a conductor path advantageously does not move from the conductor connection contact to the contact element and thus also not to the contact point between the contact element and an electrical conductor of the current carrying profile.

It has been shown that the electrically conductive contact between the electrical conductor and a connection conductor connected to the leaf spring is still very reliable, even if the contact element is not formed in one piece with the leaf spring, but only a support is present between the contact element and the leaf spring. In addition, an at least partial coating can take place on the contact surfaces or contact sections in order to optimize the current transfer on the one hand and / or the friction on the other hand.

The contact limb is supported on the support of the insulating material housing, so that the spring force of the leaf spring is concentrated on the contact element via the spring limb, which is movable relative to the supported, resting contact limb. Because the contact leg has a conductor connection contact, with a very compact design and relatively short current paths, an electrical connection conductor clamped to the conductor connection contact of the contact leg can be connected in an electrically conductive manner via the leaf spring and the contact element to the electrical conductor of a current-carrying profile (e.g. a busbar rod). The contact resistances are sufficiently low.

The contact element can be mounted in a web of the insulating material housing. The contact element is thus accommodated in the web of the insulating material housing so as to be linearly displaceable. This web of the insulating material housing can then dip into a groove in the current-carrying profile in which the electrical conductor of the current-carrying profile is arranged. The web thus serves on the one hand for mounting and guiding the contact element, in that there is a corresponding free space in the web for receiving the contact element, and on the other hand for guiding and Storage of the tap connector in the chamber-like current-carrying profile. The web can then also provide electrical insulation for the side surfaces of the contact element.

The conductor connection contact can have two spaced apart spring arms which have a decreasing distance towards their spring arm ends and are designed to clamp an electrical connection conductor between the spring arm ends. Such a pair of spring arms aligned facing one another forms a conductor entry funnel for the electrical connection conductor to be clamped. Due to the two spring arms facing each other, the electrical connection conductor is clamped between the spring arm ends, the contact force being optimally concentrated on the relatively small contact surfaces of the spring arm ends with the electrical connection conductor. This increases the surface pressure and optimally utilizes the clamping force of the spring arms. The contact resistance can be reduced in this way and the power line cross-sections can be increased by using two spring arms.

A side wall can be bent away from the contact leg of the leaf spring. The spring bow can be formed on a part of the side wall that is exposed from the contact leg. With the help of such a side wall bent away from the contact leg, the folding provides a stable surface from which the spring arm formed integrally from the side wall protrudes. In addition, the side wall provides a guide wall for the electrical connection conductor, which reaches the at least one spring arm past a side wall, in order then to be clamped on by the spring arm end.

A plurality of contact elements can be arranged in the insulating material housing, each cooperating with a spring element. This means that the tap connector can have a plurality of contact elements, ie at least two or more contact elements, each of which is pressed with its spring element onto the electrical conductor of a current-carrying profile to be contacted when the tap-off connector is placed on the current-carrying profile to be contacted.

The insulating material housing can have several webs extending parallel to one another. The contact elements are then stored in the webs. In this way, a comb-like current-carrying profile can then be contacted by the tap connector in such a way that several electrical conductors arranged next to one another in grooves of the current-carrying profile are contacted by the contact elements dipping into the grooves.

It is conceivable that contact elements can be positioned at a distance in a row next to one another and in at least two rows one behind the other in the insulating material housing. In this way it is possible to increase the air and creepage distances and to provide a conductor connection for the supply and discharge lines to be clamped to the tap connector on several levels or from two opposite end faces of the tap connector.

The term “next to one another” is understood to mean that the elements are directly adjacent or are indirectly related to one another with elements lying between them.

The insulating housing can be composed in several parts from a base body and insert elements. The insert elements are then designed for receiving and mounting the contact elements and for optionally plugging them into slots in the base body for receiving one insert element in each case. In this way, a tap connector can be adapted by inserting and fixing insert elements at selected slots of the base body so that the tap connector fulfills a desired contacting requirement of selected electrical conductors of the current-carrying profile. By equipping a base body with insert elements, a tap connector can also be adapted to optionally be rotated by 180 degrees, depending on the equipment of the insert elements, to be plugged onto the current-carrying profile. The insert elements also preferably accommodate the spring elements. The insert elements can also be arranged displaceably within a row for a phase selection.

The at least one contact element can be designed as a flat sheet metal part with a contact end tapering towards a contact tip. In this way Tip contacting of the electrical conductor of a current-carrying profile with the contact tip is provided, in which the contact force of the U-shaped leaf spring is concentrated on the contact tip of the contact element and from there on the electrical conductor to be contacted. The contact tip is also suitable for digging into the electrical conductor in order to penetrate oxide layers in this way. In this way, the contact resistance can be further reduced. The flat design of the contact element, designed as a blade contact, for example, is particularly advantageously suitable for being received in recesses in a narrow section of the insert element which dip into grooves of a current-carrying profile.

The end of the contact element diametrically opposite the contact end can be widened by bending over, folding over or also by punching and can form a support for the spring element. In this way, a contact element can be formed from a sheet metal element which, through the widened end, provides a sufficient support surface for the spring element and is otherwise kept narrow for insertion into a groove in the current-carrying profile.

Figur 1

- Perspektivische Ansicht eines Abgriffsteckverbinders mit Blick schräg von vorne,

Figur 2

- Perspektivische Ansicht des Abgriffsteckverbinders aus Figur 1 mit Blick schräg von hinten;

Figur 3 a)

- Schnittansicht eines Einsatzelementes für den Abgriffsteckverbinder;

Figur 3 b)

- Schnittansicht eines modifizierten Einsatzelementes für den Abgriffsteckverbinder;

Figur 4 a)

- Perspektivische Ansicht des Einsatzelementes aus Figur 3 a);

Figur 4 b)

- Perspektivische Ansicht des Einsatzelementes aus Figur 3 b);

Figur 5 a)

- Seiten-Schnittansicht des Einsatzelementes aus Figuren 3 a) und 4 a) im unbelasteten Zustand;

Figur 5 b)

- Seiten-Schnittansicht des Einsatzelementes aus Figuren 3 b) und 4 b) im unbelasteten Zustand;

Figur 6 a)

- Seiten-Schnittansicht des Einsatzelementes aus Figur 5 a) im Kontaktzustand;

Figur 6 b)

- Seiten-Schnittansicht des Einsatzelementes aus Figur 5 b) im Kontaktzustand;

Figur 7 a)

- Perspektivische Ansicht eines Kontaktelementes mit U-förmig gebogener Blattfeder;

Figur 7 b)

- Perspektivische Ansicht des Kontaktelementes mit U-förmig gebogener Blattfeder aus Figur 7 a) in 180 Grad gedrehter Ansicht;

Figur 8 a)

- Perspektivische Ansicht eines modifizierten Kontaktelementes mit U-förmig gebogener Blattfeder;

Figur 8 b)

- Perspektivische Ansicht des modifizierten Kontaktelementes mit U-förmig gebogener Blattfeder aus Figur 8 a) in 180 Grad gedrehter Ansicht;

Figur 9

- Teilschnittansicht eines Abgriffsteckverbinders mit U-förmig gebogenen Blattfedern und darauf aufgelagerten Kontaktelementen;

Figur 10

- Perspektivische Ansicht des Abgriffsteckverbinders aus Figur 9;

Figur 11

- Perspektivische Ansicht des Abgriffsteckverbinders aus Figur 10 mit Blick auf die Unterseite mit Deckelteil;

Figur 12

- Perspektivische Ansicht eines Isolierstoffgehäuseteils für den Abgriffsteckverbinder aus Figur 9 bis 11;

Figur 13

- Perspektivische Ansicht der Unterseite des Deckelteils;

Figur 14

- Perspektivische Ansicht des Isolierstoffgehäuseteils aus Figur 12 von der Unterseite;

Figur 15

- Seiten-Schnittansicht einer weiteren Variante des Einsatzelementes mit mehreren Kontaktspitzen.

The invention is explained in more detail below using exemplary embodiments with the accompanying drawings. Show it:

Figure 1

- Perspective view of a tap connector with an oblique view from the front,

Figure 2

- Perspective view of the tap connector Figure 1 looking diagonally from behind;

Figure 3 a)

- Sectional view of an insert element for the tap connector;

Figure 3 b)

- Sectional view of a modified insert element for the tap connector;

Figure 4 a)

- Perspective view of the insert element Figure 3 a) ;

Figure 4 b)

- Perspective view of the insert element Figure 3 b) ;

Figure 5 a)

- Side sectional view of the insert element Figures 3 a) and 4 a) in the unloaded state;

Figure 5 b)

- Side sectional view of the insert element Figures 3 b) and 4 b) in the unloaded state;

Figure 6 a)

- Side sectional view of the insert element Figure 5 a) in contact state;

Figure 6 b)

- Side sectional view of the insert element Figure 5 b) in contact state;

Figure 7 a)

- Perspective view of a contact element with a U-shaped bent leaf spring;

Figure 7 b)

- Perspective view of the contact element with a U-shaped bent leaf spring from Figure 7 a) 180 degree rotated view;

Figure 8 a)

- Perspective view of a modified contact element with a U-shaped bent leaf spring;

Figure 8 b)

- Perspective view of the modified contact element with a U-shaped bent leaf spring from Figure 8 a) 180 degree rotated view;

Figure 9

- Partial sectional view of a tap connector with U-shaped bent leaf springs and contact elements superimposed thereon;

Figure 10

- Perspective view of the tap connector Figure 9 ;

Figure 11

- Perspective view of the tap connector Figure 10 with a view of the underside with cover part;

Figure 12

- Perspective view of an insulating material housing part for the tap connector from Figures 9 to 11 ;

Figure 13

- Perspective view of the underside of the cover part;

Figure 14

- Perspective view of the insulating housing part from Figure 12 from the bottom;

Figure 15

- Side sectional view of a further variant of the insert element with several contact tips.

Figure 1 shows a first embodiment of a tap connector 1, which has an insulating material housing 2 formed from several parts. The insulating material housing 2 is composed of a base body 3 and insert elements 4, which likewise each have a housing element made of insulating material.

On the front side, the base body 3 of the insulating material housing 2 has a transversely extending, slot-like conductor insertion opening 5 which is designed for inserting a plurality of electrical connection conductors 6 into the insulating material housing 2. The electrical connection conductors 6 can thus be guided into assigned, selected insert elements 4 and clamped there.

It becomes clear that contact elements 7 protrude from the insert elements 4 and are mounted so as to be linearly displaceable in the insulating material housing part of the insert elements 4. The contact elements 7 are designed as a flat sheet metal part with a contact end tapering to a contact tip 8. This contact tip 8 protrudes from the insert element 4, which has a web, on the upper edge of the insert element 4 and can be pushed into the insert element 4 by the action of a compressive force, so that the contact tip 8 then ends approximately flush with the upper edge of the insert element 4 or even further in this dips into it.

It is clear that the base body 3 has web-like protruding web elements 9, the insert elements 4 each being able to be inserted into the space between two such web elements 9. They form web elements 9 together with the insert element 4 a web. This intermediate space between two such web elements 9, which are arranged in a row one behind the other, thus provides a slot 10 for inserting an insert element 4.

It can also be seen that the base body 3 has two side walls 11a, 11b on the outer sides, between which the web elements 9 are arranged in rows that form a plurality of webs. These side walls 11a, 11b can laterally encompass a current-carrying profile. The web elements 9 can dip with the insert elements 4 as webs in grooves of the current-carrying profile in order to contact the electrical conductors located there.

Figure 2 FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of the tap connector 1 from FIG Figure 1 looking at the back at an angle. It can be seen that there is also a slot-shaped conductor insertion opening 5 for receiving a plurality of electrical connection conductors 6. Furthermore, two separate conductor entry openings 12 are provided in the form of individual channels, each for receiving an electrical connection conductor 6 to an associated insert element 4. One of these conductor entry openings 12 is provided, for example, for a ground contact (protective earth PE) in order to provide sufficient electrical insulation through this separate conductor entry opening 12 with the largest possible air and creepage distances to the lines leading to the electrical potential.

Another such separate conductor entry opening can also be provided for receiving data lines which are just as sensitive to influences from electrical voltage potential.

It can also be seen that there are slots 10 in the base body 3 in the space between the web elements 9 arranged one behind the other in a row, in order to accommodate insert elements 4 there. These could optionally be used at selected, required slots.

It can also be seen that significantly lower web elements 13 protrude between two web elements 9 in the transverse direction, ie transversely to a respective longitudinal web.

These are designed and provided in order to immerse themselves in shallower grooves which are arranged in the current-carrying profile to be contacted alternating with deeper grooves. In this way, the electrical conductors in the current-carrying profile are arranged alternately on two planes transversely to the direction of longitudinal extent of the webs and grooves, so that the contact elements 7 are also positioned alternately in two height levels transversely to the web direction.

Figure 3 a) shows a perspective sectional view of an insert element 4 with an insulating material housing part 14 in which a sword-like contact element 7 formed from a flat sheet metal material is received. It is clear that the triangular contact tip 8 of the contact element 7 protrudes from the insert element housing 14. In the insert element housing 14 there is a guide slot 15 for receiving the contact element 7 such that the contact element 7 is mounted in the insert element housing 14 such that it can be linearly displaced. The contact element 7 is covered laterally by corresponding side wall sections of the insert element housing 14, which provide corresponding guide walls.

It can be seen that the insert element housing 14 has a lower, wide base section 16 and an adjoining, narrower web section 17. The contact element 7 is mounted in the web section 17. The wider base section 16 has a recess for receiving a U-shaped bent leaf spring 18, which is supported with a contact leg 19 on a support 20 of the insert element 14 as part of the insulating material housing 2. A spring bow 21 adjoins the contact limb 19 and merges into a spring limb 22 opposite the contact limb 19. The spring leg 22 exerts a spring force in the form of a compressive force on the separate contact element 7, which rests on the spring leg 22 with a support 23 at its end opposite the contact tip 8. For this purpose, the end area of the spring leg 22 is bent in a U-shape in order to form a reduced contact surface 24. The adjoining free end of the spring leg 22 is bent away from the contact element 7 in the direction of the contact leg 19 for this purpose.

The contact element 7 is thus supported on the U-shaped bent leaf spring 18 and is not connected to the leaf spring 18. The contact element 7 and the spring leg 22 of the leaf spring 18 are thus relatively movable to one another, the spring leg 22 exerting a spring force on the contact element 7, which moves the contact element 7 away from the leaf spring 18 in the contact direction K, so that the contact tip 8 is out of the front edge of the web portion 17 is pushed out in order to contact an electrical conductor. In this case, a contact force is exerted by the contact tip 8 on an electrical conductor of a current-carrying profile to be contacted, which is determined by the leaf spring 18. The leaf spring 18 also has a conductor connection contact 25. In the exemplary embodiment shown, this is formed in one piece from the contact leg 19. For this purpose, two opposing side walls 26 are bent from the side edge of the contact leg 19. These side walls 26 protrude in the same direction towards the contact element 7 and, together with the contact leg 19 providing a base, form a channel for guiding a stripped end of an electrical connection conductor 6 to a terminal point. The clamping point is provided by two spring arms 27 which are bent towards one another, i.e. bent out of the plane of the side walls 26 to the opposite plane of the opposite side wall 26. These spring arms 27 are formed in one piece from the side walls 26 and cut free from the contact leg 19. The spring arms 27 are thus movable and can clamp the stripped end of an electrical connection conductor 6 with their free end. This is clamped between the two spring arms 27.

It becomes clear that a current path leads from the electrical connection conductor 6 via the conductor connection contact 25 and the leaf spring 18 formed integrally therewith to the separate contact element 7. This is relatively short due to the compact design and has only the contact point on the spring arms 27 (spring tongues) to the stripped end of the electrical connection conductor 6 and between the spring leg 22 and the contact element 7. However, these contact points are so reduced in their contact area that the respective spring force is concentrated on these contact points. The contact resistances are therefore very low, so that a good current transfer is ensured.

Figure 3 b) shows a perspective sectional view of a modified insert element 4. It can be seen that the guide slot 15 for receiving the contact element 7 is widened from the leaf spring 18 to the opposite opening. The guide slot 15 can, for example, have a conically increasing width. The contact element 7 is thus still guided through the parallel side walls of the web section 17 which delimit the guide slot 15. However, it can perform tilting movements in the widening, V-shaped receiving shaft. This is particularly advantageous when the length of the contacted electrical conductor changes.

The contact element 7 has a concavely curved support surface of the support 23 for the spring leg 22. Because the end face of the support 23 facing the support surface 24 of the leaf spring 18 is curved, the friction between the support 23 and the support surface 24 is reduced.

Furthermore, the conductor connection contact 25 is arranged on the side of the contact limb 19 facing away from the spring limb 22, so that the contact limb 19 rests on lateral elevations of the cover part 30. The assembly can thus be simplified.

Figure 4 a) FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of the insert element 4 from FIG Figure 3 a) . It becomes clear that the narrower web section 17 protrudes from the wider base section 16 and is positioned approximately centrally on the base section 16. It can also be seen that the insert element 4 in its base part 16 has a conductor insertion opening 28 for inserting an electrical connection conductor 6 to the conductor connection contact 25.

It can also be seen that the contact tip 8 of the contact element 7 protrudes from the upper edge of the web section 17.

Figure 4 b) FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of the insert element 4 from FIG Figure 3 b) . It is clear that the opening of the guide slot 15 is significantly wider than the contact element 7 received therein, which can thus perform a tilting movement.

Figure 5 a) shows a side sectional view of the insert element 4, now with an electrical conductor 29, arranged above the contact tip 8, of a current-carrying profile to be contacted (not shown). It becomes clear that the contact tip 8 of the contact element 7 is pressed onto the electrical conductor 29 in the contact direction K by the clamping force of the U-shaped bent leaf spring 18. This allows the contact tip 8 to penetrate the surface of the electrical conductor 29 and penetrate any oxide layers and to ensure a good electrically conductive contact between the electrical connection conductor 6 clamped to the conductor connection contact 25 and the electrical conductor 29 of a current-carrying profile to be contacted with the contact element 7.

It is also clear that the conductor connection contact 25 of the U-shaped bent leaf spring 18 is aligned such that the electrical connection conductor 6 to be clamped there extends approximately parallel to the electrical conductor 29 of a current-carrying profile to be contacted with the contact element 7. For this purpose, the spring arms 27 of the conductor connection contact 25 are aligned transversely to the direction of longitudinal extent of the contact element 7 and the contact direction K. The contact element 7 is located above the conductor connection contact 25 of the U-shaped leaf spring 18, the spring arch 21 of which lies in the conductor insertion direction for the electrical connection conductor 6 into the conductor connection contact 25 behind the conductor connection contact 25.

It is also clear that the insert element 4 has a cover part 30 with which the base section 16 is closed after the U-shaped bent leaf spring 18 and the contact element 7 have been inserted into a corresponding receiving space and which provides a support 20 for the contact leg 19 of the leaf spring 18 .

It can also be seen that the contact element 7 has a widened support 23 on the side opposite the contact tip 8. This support 23 can also be formed, for example, by bending over, folding over or upsetting the sheet metal element from which the contact element 7 is formed. In the illustrated In the exemplary embodiment, the support is formed by fingers protruding laterally from the surface plane of the contact element 7 and the front edge of the contact element 7.

Figure 5 b) FIG. 14 shows a side sectional view of the modified insert element 4 from FIG Figures 3 b) and 4 b) now with an electrical conductor 29, arranged above the contact tip 8, of a current-carrying profile to be contacted (not shown). It is clear that the contact element 7, due to the V-shaped widened receiving shaft, ie the guide slot 15, can perform a tilting movement when the contacted electrical conductor 29 moves, so that the contact tip 8 continues to rest on the electrical conductor 29. This means that a length shift is possible within a tolerance range without impairing the contact transition.

Figure 6 a) FIG. 4 shows a side view of the insert element 4 from FIG Figure 5 a) now in a state in which the contact element 7 is displaced opposite to the contact direction K in the direction of the conductor connection contact 25 and contact leg 29 of the leaf spring 18. It becomes clear that the contact element 7 is mounted in a linearly displaceable manner in the insert element housing 16 of the insert element 4. As a result, the distance between the electrical conductor 29 of a current-carrying profile (not shown) to be clamped and the insert element 4 in comparison to the state in FIG Figure 5 is reduced, the contact element 7 is pressed further into the insert element 4. The leaf spring 18 now exerts a spring force in the contact direction K due to the displacement of the spring leg 22 towards the contact leg 19 which presses the contact tip 8 relatively strongly against the electrical conductor 29 of the current-carrying profile to be clamped. This provides a very reliable electrical contact. In the area in which the contact element 7 moves freely in the insert element 4 and does not abut the boundary walls of the insert element 4, this is largely independent of the distance between the insert element 4 and the electrical conductor 29 of a current-carrying profile to be clamped.

Figure 6 b) FIG. 4 shows a side view of the modified insert element 4 in a corresponding manner Figure 5 b) in the deflected contact state. In this contact state, too, the contact element 7 can perform a tilting movement due to the guide slot 15 widening towards the opening, through which the contact tip 8 can move in the direction of extent of the contacted electrical conductor 29 in order to compensate for a change in length of the electrical conductor 29.

Figure 7 a) shows a perspective view of the U-shaped bent leaf spring 18 with the conductor connection contact 25 molded in one piece thereon. It becomes clear that the contact leg 19 tapers, ie becomes narrower, in the area of the conductor connection contact 25. It can also be seen that side walls 26 opposite one another are bent from the contact leg 19 from the side edges. Spring arms 27 projecting in the direction of the spring arch 21 are then connected to these side walls 26. These are bent towards one another at an angle and out of the respective plane of the side wall 26.

It can also be seen that the spring leg 22 has a contact surface 24 with a U-shaped bend at the free end. This contact surface 24 rests on a support 23 of the separate contact element 7. This support 23 is formed by the end face of the contact element 7 diametrically opposite the contact tip 8. In order to prevent the contact pin 7 from falling out, this support 23 can be widened in the width direction in comparison with the main section of the contact element 7 adjoining it, as shown. However, it is also conceivable that the contact element 7 is still bent transversely to the surface of the contact element in this area in order to form a support surface and a stop.

It is also clear that the contact element 7 has an indentation 31 in this exemplary embodiment. Here, for example, an approximately central region extending in the contact direction K is bent out of the main plane of the contact element 7. This reshaping of the contact element 7 to form the indentation 31 improves the buckling resistance of the contact element 7.

Figure 7 b) shows a perspective view of the U-shaped bent leaf spring 18 with the contact element 7 with in comparison to FIG Figure 7 viewing direction rotated by 180 °. It can be seen that the contact element 7 is movable relative to the spring leg 22 and is supported on the curved contact surface 24. Furthermore, the spring arms 27 protruding from the side walls 26 running parallel to one another and facing one another can be seen, through which the channel width is reduced starting from the side walls 26 and which can clamp an electrical connection conductor 6 with their free end edges.

Figure 8 a) shows a perspective view of the modified contact element 7 with a U-shaped bent leaf spring 18. The conductor connection contact 25 with the spring arms 27 is arranged on the side of the contact leg 19 which is diametrically opposite the spring leg 22 and the contact element 7. The contact leg 19 thus delimits the conductor receiving space towards the spring leg 22, while the cover element 30 delimits the conductor receiving space on the opposite side. The contact leg 19 and the cover element 30 thus contribute to guiding the electrical conductor to the clamping point on the spring arms 27.

It is also clear that the support 23 is curved concavely on its support surface 24 of the spring leg 22. This reduces the friction between the support surface 24 and the support 23.

Figure 8 b) FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of the modified contact element 7 from FIG Figure 8 a) in a view rotated by 180 degrees. It becomes clear that the support surface 24 of the spring leg 22 dips into the depression of the support 23, which results from the arcuate curvature.

Figure 9 shows another embodiment of a tap connector 1 in a partially transparent representation. It can be seen that the insulating material housing 2 is constructed in several parts and has a base body 3 in which the U-shaped bent leaf springs 18 with the contact elements 7 are received. In this exemplary embodiment, this base body 3 has webs formed integrally therewith, which extend parallel to one another and leave a free space and are adapted to corresponding grooves of a current-carrying profile to be contacted. This For example, webs 9 have alternating heights, so that low and high webs alternate. The contact elements 7 are inserted displaceably in recesses of such webs or, in conjunction with separate insert elements 4, are installed in spaces between such webs 9.

In the exemplary embodiment shown, the contact elements 7 and leaf springs 18 provided for the low webs are received directly in the base body 3.

It can also be seen that the base body 3 is covered on the underside by a cover element 32, which serves as a support for the contact legs 19 of the leaf springs 18. The contact elements 7 and leaf springs 18 can thus be inserted into the base body 3. The base body 3 is then closed by the cover element 32, which is latched to the base body 3 by suitable latching elements or is connected by joining, for example by means of gluing or welding.

Figure 10 FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of the tap connector 1 from FIG Figure 9 . It becomes clear that contact elements 7 are installed in a row R1, R2 at a distance in the base body 3, with two rows R1, R2 being positioned one behind the other in the insulating housing 2. It is also conceivable that there are more than two rows R1, R2, for example three or four rows or even just a single row R1.

In the illustrated embodiment, the contact elements 7 for the lower webs 9 are arranged in the first row R1 and the contact elements 7 for the higher webs 9 in the second row R2. This increases the contact spacing and the air and creepage distances between the webs 9 arranged next to one another in comparison to a variant in which the webs 9 lying next to one another have their contact elements 7 in the same row.

Figure 11 shows a partially transparent view of the tap connector 1 from Figure 9 and 10 . It is clear that the base body 3 is closed by the cover element 32, which serves as a support for the U-shaped bent leaf springs 18 built into the base body 3 in the first row.

Figure 12 FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of the base body 3 of the tap connector 1 from FIG Figures 9 to 11 . It becomes clear that the base body has 3 receiving chambers 33 which are next to one another in a row R1 and separated from one another by partition walls. These are adapted to accommodate the leaf springs 18 bent in a U-shape. Approximately rectangular guide openings 34 lead from the receiving chambers 33 into the non-visible webs on the opposite side in order to receive a contact element 7 in each case.

Figure 13 shows a perspective view of the cover part 32 from the underside, which has cuboid supports 35 which are arranged next to one another and which are positioned in a row at a distance from one another. These cuboid supports 35 are adapted to be inserted into the receiving chambers 33 of the base body 3 Figure 12 to immerse and provide a support for the contact leg 19 of a leaf spring 18 there.

Figure 14 FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of the base body 3 in comparison with FIG Figure 12 opposite side. It becomes clear here that the guide openings 34 are provided in the lower webs 9, which open into the respective receiving chamber 33 and are adapted to receive a contact element 7. It is also clear that the webs 9 arranged next to one another in the transverse direction and extending parallel in a common longitudinal direction end in a free space 35 which provides a slot for separate insert elements 4 in order to arrange contact elements for the higher webs 9.

Figure 15 shows a side sectional view of a further variant of the insert element 4, in which the contact element 7 has several contact tips 8. These contact tips 8 claw into the electrical conductor 29 to be contacted. When the electrical conductor 29 changes in length, there is a relative movement of the Support 23 to the support surface 24 of the leaf spring 18. The guide slot 15 is so wide that the contact element 7 can move back and forth in the direction of view to the right and left. In this way, the contact element 7 can follow the movement of the electrical conductor 29 in its direction of extension.

Claims (12)

1. Tap connector (1) comprising an insulating material housing (2) and a contact element (7) which is movably mounted in the insulating material housing (2) and is designed for the electrically conductive contacting of electrical conductors (29) of a current-carrying profile, wherein a spring element is arranged between a support (20, 35) of the insulating material housing (2) and the contact element (7), the spring element being a leaf spring (18) which is bent in a U-shape and has a spring leg (22), a spring arc (21) which adjoins the spring leg (22) and an abutment leg (19) which adjoins the spring arc (21), wherein the abutment leg (19) is supported on the support (20, 35) of the insulating material housing (2) and has a conductor connection contact (25), and wherein the conductor connection contact (25) is formed integrally with the leaf spring (18) from the sheet metal material of the leaf spring (18) and has a spring arm (27) for clamping on an electrical connection conductor (6), characterised in that

   - the contact element (7) can be acted upon by a spring force by the spring element, and in that

   - the contact element (7) rests on the spring leg so as to be movable relative to the spring leg (22).
2. Tap connector (1) according to claim 1, characterised in that the contact element (7) is mounted in a web of the insulating material housing (2).
3. Tap connector (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the conductor connection contact (25) has two spaced-apart spring arms (27) which have a decreasing spacing towards their spring arm ends and are designed for clamping an electrical connection conductor (6) between the spring arm ends.
4. Tap connector (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that a side wall (26) is bent from the abutment leg (19) of the leaf spring (18) and the spring arm (27) is formed from a part of the side wall (26) exposed from the abutment leg (19).
5. Ttap connector (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that a plurality of contact elements (7) are each arranged in the insulating material housing (2) in cooperation with a spring element.
6. Tap connector (1) according to claim 5, characterised in that the insulating material housing (2) has a plurality of webs (9, 17) extending parallel to one another and the contact elements (7) are mounted in the webs (9, 13).
7. Tap connector (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that contact elements (7) can be positioned at a distance in a row (R1, R2) next to one another and in at least two rows (R1, R2) behind one another in the insulating material housing (2).
8. Tap connector (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the insulating material housing (2) is multi-part and has a base body (3) and insert elements (4), wherein the insert elements (4) are designed for receiving and mounting contact elements (7) and for selective insertion into plug in slots (10) of the base body (3) for receiving one insert element (4) each.
9. Tap connector (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the at least one contact element (7) is formed as a flat sheet metal part with a contact end having at least one contact tip (8).
10. Tap connector (1) according to claim 9, characterised in that the end of the contact element (7) diametrically opposite the contact end is widened and forms a support (23) for the spring element.
11. Tap connector (1) according to claim 1, characterised in that the insulating material housing (2) is formed from a base body (3) and insert elements (4) which can be optionally inserted into the base body, and in that the insert elements (4) are designed for receiving and mounting further contact elements (7) and for optional insertion into plug in slots (10) of the base body (3) for receiving in each case one insert element (4), the insert element being arranged between the support (20, 35) of the insert element (4) and the contact element (7).
12. Tap connector (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the contact element (7) is mounted in a free space (15) so as to be tiltable or displaceable transversely to the direction of extension.

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