EP4645599A1

EP4645599A1 - Electrical connection device

Info

Publication number: EP4645599A1
Application number: EP24305686.8A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Saurabh Bisht; Angadi PRAVEEN; Philippe France
Original assignee: TE Connectivity Solutions GmbH; TE Connectivity India Pvt Ltd
Current assignee: TE Connectivity Solutions GmbH; TE Connectivity India Pvt Ltd
Priority date: 2024-04-30
Filing date: 2024-04-30
Publication date: 2025-11-05

Abstract

The invention relates to an electrical connection device for electrically connecting a plurality of electrical conductors, in particular wires and/or busbars. The electrical connection device (100, 1000) comprises a distribution connector (300), the distribution connector (300) comprising a first receptacle (400, 401, 403, 405) configured to receive a first conductor through a first conductor opening (409). The first receptacle (400, 401, 403, 405) also comprises a fastening opening (413) configured to receive a fastener (303, 305, 307, 309) for the fastening of the first conductor with the distribution connector (300). The electrical connection device (100, 1000) is characterised in that the electrical connection device (100, 1000) further comprises a fastener retaining member (301, 1001), the fastener retaining member (1001) comprising a fastener positioning element (600, 601, 603, 605) configured to retain an at least partially unfastened fastener (303, 305, 307, 309), wherein the fastener retaining member (301, 1001) is arranged with the distribution connector (300) such that the fastener positioning element (600, 601, 603, 605) remains disposed at least partially face-to-face with the fastening opening (413).

Description

The present invention relates to an electrical connection device for electrically connecting a plurality of electrical conductors.
Electrical connection devices for electrically connecting two or more electrical conductors are known in the art. Such a device can be a distribution connector for distributing electrical current from one electrical conductor to one or more other electrical conductors. For example, the distribution connector can electrically connect a busbar input with a plurality of electrical wire outputs.
It is also known to fasten an electrical conductor with the distribution connector by means of a fastener, for example a grub screw or set pin or a headless bolt. Thus, an electrical connection is typically provided with a fastener already pre-fastened with the distribution connector. To connect an electrical conductor with the distribution connector, and/or to disconnect an electrical conductor from a distribution connector, the fastener must be unfastened from the distribution connector.
The unfastening of the fastener risks the falling off, dropping or losing of the fastener. A losing of a fastener for the fastening of the electrical conductor with the distribution connector increases assembly time, maintenance costs, material costs, and especially increases the risk of electrical accidents.
It is therefore an objective of the present invention to provide an electrical connection device in which the risk of losing a fastener is mitigated or eliminated.
This objective is achieved by means of an electrical connection device for electrically connecting a plurality of electrical conductors, in particular wires and/or busbars, according to the present disclosure. The electrical connection device comprises a distribution connector, the distribution connector comprising a first receptacle configured to receive a first conductor through a first conductor opening, the first receptacle also comprising a fastening opening configured to receive a fastener for the fastening of the first conductor with the distribution connector.
According to the invention, the electrical connection device is characterised in that the electrical connection device further comprises a fastener retaining member, the fastener retaining member comprising a fastener positioning element configured to retain an at least partially unfastened fastener, wherein the fastener retaining member is arranged with the distribution connector such that the fastener positioning element remains disposed at least partially face-to-face with the fastening opening.
The fastener positioning element receives a fully or partially unfastened fastener and thus retains the fastener in the fastener retaining member. The retained fastener is prevented from dropping or falling off, and the risk of losing the fastener is thus reduced. Specifically, because the fastener positioning element is disposed at least partially face-to-face with the fastening opening, the fastener positioning element can directly receive the fastener as it is being unfastened from the distribution connector, reducing the risk of falling off of the fastener. In addition, as the fastener is retained in the fastener positioning element at least partially face-to-face with the fastening opening, the re-fastening of the fastener with the distribution connector through the fastening opening is facilitated.
In some aspects, the fastener positioning element can be disposed aligned, in particular coaxially aligned, with the fastening opening. This further facilitates the unfastening of the fastener from the distribution connector into the fastener positioning element as well as the refastening of the fastener from the fastener position element with the distribution connector.
In some aspects, the fastener positioning element can be configured to retain an entirely unfastened fastener. That is, the fastener positioning element can be configured to retain the fastener in the state disconnected from the distribution connector. Thus, the fastener can be entirely removed from the distribution connector without risking getting lost. This allows, for example, for a larger electrical conductor to be received and fastened in the first receptacle.
In other aspects, the fastener positioning element is instead configured to retain a partially unfastened fastener. That is the fastener positioning element can be configured to retain the fastener in a state where it is partially unfastened from a fully fastened position in the distribution connector but is still connected with the distribution connector. This allows, for example, for the unfastening and refastening to be operated faster.
In some aspects, the fastener positioning element can comprise a fastener duct configured to receive and guide the fastener, and wherein the fastener duct extends towards the fastening opening. The fastener duct can facilitate the receiving and holding of the fastener in the fastener positioning element.
In some aspects, the fastener positioning element can comprise a duct opening arranged opposed to the fastening opening with respect to the fastener duct. In particular, the duct opening can be arranged extending towards the fastening duct and configured such that a fastener received in the in the fastener duct can be fastened and/or unfastened. In this configuration, the fastening, for example by a manually or automatically operated screwdriver, can be operated directly on the fastener received in the fastener positioning element through the duct opening.
In some aspects, the duct opening can have a surface area smaller, in particular at least 5%, preferably 10%, smaller, than the transverse section surface area of the fastener duct. Preferably, the duct opening can have a surface area smaller than the fastening opening. With the duct opening having a surface area smaller than the transverse section surface area of the fastener duct, or even smaller than the fastening opening, the fastener can be prevented from falling out of the fastener duct through the duct opening.
In some aspects, the fastener duct can have a transverse section surface area larger, in particular 5% to 15% larger, than the transverse section surface area of the fastening opening. This allows for the fastener to be received in the fastener positioning element in a floating state, that is, in a marginally movable and in particular rotatable state. Specifically, in this configuration, a clearance can be provided for the fastener received in the fastener positioning element. This can facilitate the positioning of the fastener with the fastener opening in order to be re-fastened with the distribution connector.
In some aspects, the fastener positioning element can comprise a plurality of support shanks, the support shanks forming together the fastener duct, in particular wherein two support shanks respectively comprise a curved surface and the curved surfaces are arranged face-to-face to form together walls of the fastener duct. The support shanks can provide a fastener duct that can reliably receive a fastener while at the same time requiring little material.
In some aspects, the fastener positioning element can comprise a support bushing forming the fastener duct. A support bushing can receive a fastener even more reliably.
In some aspects, the distribution connector can be formed monolithically in one piece from an electrically conductive material, preferably a copper alloy, a brass, an aluminium alloy, or a zinc alloy such as zamak.
In some aspects, the first receptacle can extend from the conductor opening along a conductor direction and also extends from the fastening opening along a fastening direction, wherein the fastening direction extends orthogonally to the conductor direction. When the fastening direction is orthogonal to the conductor direction, the fastening force of the fastener for fastening of the electrical conductor is increased.
In some aspects, the electrical connection device may further comprise a housing, wherein the distribution connector is arranged in the housing. The housing can for example protect a user from live, that is electrically active, portions of the electrical connection device, in particular the distribution connector.
In some aspects, the housing, distribution connector and the fastener retaining member can be separate pieces, the distribution connector and the fastener retaining member being assembled in the housing. In this configuration, the assembly, maintenance and reparation of the electrical connection device is facilitated.
In some aspects, the fastener retaining member can comprise a latching tongue configured to latch, in particular snap-lock, with a matching latching element of the housing, wherein the latching tongue extends in parallel to the fastening direction. In this configuration, the fastener retaining member can be assembled with the distribution connector in the housing in the same direction as a fastening or unfastening of the electrical conductors with the distribution connector is realised.
In some aspects, the matching latching element can be formed on or in an internal wall of the housing. In this case, the fastener retaining member can only be disassembled from the distribution connector from the inside of the electrical connection device, preventing unauthorised disassembly actions.
In some aspects, the fastener retaining member can be attached, in particular form-fit, to the distribution connector, such that it is blocked from movement in the fastening direction and in the first conductor direction, and such that it is movable along a third direction orthogonal to the fastening direction and the first conductor direction.
Here, the fastener retaining member can be pre-assembled with the distribution connector prior to arrangement in the housing. In this configuration, the stability of the fastener retaining member with respect to the distribution connector is improved, providing improved support during fastening and unfastening operations of the electrical connection element.
In some aspects, the fastener retaining member can comprise a groove extending along the third direction and/or a cam extending along the third direction, and the distribution connector comprises matching cam extending along the third direction and/or a matching groove extending along the third direction, wherein the groove and the matching cam and/or the cam and the matching groove realize the attachment, in particular the form-fit.
The cam-groove fitting of the fastener retaining member with the distribution connector allows for a swift assembly together by a single sliding movement along the third direction. In addition, when the distribution connector is arranged in the housing with the attached fastener retaining member, the fastener retaining member and the distribution connector can be locked together along the first direction by the housing walls.
In some aspects, the electrical connection device can comprise the fastener, wherein the fastener is a bolt, and wherein the first receptacle is internally threaded along the fastening direction towards the fastening opening, wherein the bolt is screw-fastened with the internal threading of the first receptacle. Fastening of an electrical conductor with the distribution connector by means of a bolt allows more reliable and more precise application of a fastening force.
In some aspects, the electrical connection device can further comprise a plurality of second receptacles configured to receive respective second conductors through respective second conductor openings, each second receptacle further comprising a fastening opening configured to receive a respective fastener for the fastening of respective second conductors with the distribution connector, in particular wherein the first conductor is a conductor bar and the second conductors are electrical wires. In this configuration, the electrical connection device can distribute electrical power from an input electrical conductor, in particular the conductor bar, to a plurality of output electrical conductors, in particular electrical wires.
In some aspects, the fastener retaining member can comprise a plurality of the fastener positioning elements, wherein the fastener retaining member is arranged with the distribution connector such that each of the plurality of fastener positioning elements remains disposed at least partially face-to-face with a respective fastening opening. In this configuration, advantageously, a plurality of fasteners can be retained and prevented from dropping.
In some aspects, each of the first and second receptacles can extend from its respective conductor opening along a respective conductor direction and extends from its respective fastening opening along a respective fastening direction, wherein each fastening direction extends orthogonally to its corresponding conductor direction. In particular, the conductor directions can extend in parallel to each other, and the fastening directions extend in parallel to each other. This allows for each electrical conductor received in a first and/or second receptacle to be fastened with a fastener from a same side of the distribution connector.
In some aspects, the housing can comprise a housing opening, and the electrical connection device can further comprise a cover arranged with the housing such that it movably covers and uncovers the housing opening. In this arrangement, the fastening of the fasteners can be operated through the housing opening by uncovering the housing opening with the cover.
In some aspects, the electrical connection device can be configured to realise electrical connections of 50 A to 1500 A, in particular for 100 A to 900 A. Thus, the electrical connection device can be used as power distribution block.
The above-described aspects, objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be more completely understood and appreciated by careful study of the following more detailed description of a presently preferred exemplary embodiment of the invention, taken in conjunction with accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 shows a first perspective view of an assembled and rail-mounted electrical connection device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 shows a second perspective view of the electrical connection device.
Figure 3 shows an exploded view of the electrical connection device.
Figure 4 shows a perspective view of the distribution connector of the electrical connection device.
Figure 5 shows a plane side view of the distribution connector.
Figure 6 shows a perspective view of the fastener retaining member of the electrical connection device.
Figure 7 shows a plane side view of the fastener retaining member.
Figure 8 shows a plane side view of the distribution connector assembled with the fastener retaining member.
Figure 9 shows a cut view of the assembled and rail mounted electrical connection device of Figure 1.
Figure 10 shows a fastener retaining member and a housing for an electrical connection device according to a second embodiment of the invention.

Unless explicitly described otherwise, the structural features of the objects illustrated in Figures 1 to 10 are not drawn to scale, neither individually with respect to their Cartesian dimensions, nor with respect to each other along one Cartesian direction. Further, in the following descriptions of Figures 1 to 10, identical reference signs used in different figures relate to identical elements.
The technical features and their associated advantages or effects described in the following can be combined with or adapted to any aspects or embodiments of the invention, together or independently, yielding further possible embodiments or aspects of the invention.
A first embodiment of the inventive electrical connection device shall now be described with reference to Figures 1 through 9. The electrical connection device 100 of the first embodiment of the invention is shown in Figure 1 in a perspective view. The electrical connection device 100 comprises a substantially cuboid housing 101 having a first connection side 103 and a second connection side 105 opposed to the first connection side, a first lateral side 107 connecting the first connection side 103 with the second connection side 105, and a second lateral side 109 also connecting the first connection side 103 with the second connection side 105. The housing 101 also comprises a backside 111, not visible on Figure 1
On a side opposed to the backside 111, the housing 101 comprises a housing opening 113 providing visual and manual access to the interior of the housing 101, for example for the fastening of fasteners, for example grub screws, through the housing opening 113. The electrical connection device 100 further comprises a cover 115 configured to cover the housing opening 113. The cover 115 is arranged with the housing 101 such that it movably covers and/or uncovers the housing opening 113.
Here, the cover 115 is arranged with the housing 101 by means of a double-hinge arrangement comprising a first hinge device 117 at the first connection side 103, and a second hinge device 119 at the second connection side 105. The first hinge device 117 and the second hinge device 119 allow at the same time a reliable press fitting of the cover 115 with the housing 101, as well as an opening of the housing opening 113 by pivoting the cover 115 around either one of the hinge devices 117, 119 by dislodging the respective other one of the hinge devices 117, 119.
This specific configuration of the cover 115 allows for an opening of the housing opening 113 in two directions, increasing the flexibility of the mounting and maintenance of the electrical connection device 100.
In variants, the electrical connection device of the invention may comprise a differently attached cover 115, or no cover at all. In other variants, the electrical connection device may not comprise any housing at all, such that the components described with reference to Figure 3 are unhoused.
The electrical connection device 100 may be configured as power distribution block in an industrial machining facility or in a solar power electrical installation. Figure 1 shows the electrical connection device 100 in a rail-mounted state, that is, in a state mounted to a mounting rail 121. Specifically, the backside 111 of the housing 101 comprises a rail-fitting device 123a configured of the fitting of the electrical connection device 100 to the mounting rail 121, and the mounting rail 121 is fit with the rail-fitting device 123a. The rail 121 can be part of an electrical panel for an electrical installation. However, the backside 111 of the housing 101 also comprises one or more screw-fitting devices 123b for an alternative fitting of the electrical connection device 100 to a wall or a panel by means of a screw-fitting.
The first connection side 103 of the housing 101 comprises at least one, here three, weakened areas 125a, 125b, 125c. The weakened areas 125a, 125b, 125c correspond to respective openings in a distribution connector of the electrical connection device 100, to be described in the following. The weakened areas 125 are partially perforated areas in the first connection side 103 of the housing 101 and comprise knock-out elements 127a, 127c configured to be knocked-out, that is manually removed, should one of the corresponding openings of the distribution connector be needed for electrical connection of an electrical conductor. For illustration purposes, on Figure 1, the knock-out element of the weakened area 125b has been removed, while the knock-out elements 127a, 127c of weakened areas 125a, 125c remain in place.
In some variants, one or more of the knock-out elements 127a, 127b, 127c can additionally be provided with a traversing perforation to facilitate the removal of the knock-out element 127a, 127b, 127c from its respective weakened area 125a, 125b, 125c. For example, one or more of the knock-out elements 127a, 127b, 127c may comprise a traversing perforation in a specific shape, such that a corresponding tool can inserted and realize an outward removal of the knock-out element 127a, 127b, 127c from its respective weakened area 125a, 125b, 125c.
In the present first embodiment, weakened areas 125a, 125b have a round shape for the insertion of correspondingly round busbars in the distribution connector, while weakened area 125c has a rectangular shape for the insertion of a correspondingly rectangular busbar in the distribution connector.
Figure 2 shows another perspective view of the electrical connection device 100, in which the electrical connection device 100 is seen from the other side with respect to Figure 1. That is, in Figure 2, electrical connection device 100 is shown from the second connection side 105. As shown on Figure 2, the second connection side 105 comprises a plurality, here sixteen (16), insertion openings 201. The openings 201 are arranged in a four-by-four (4X4) grid substantially centrally in the second connection side 105. The sixteen insertion openings 201 also correspond to respective openings in the distribution connector that is to be described in the following, and are configured for an insertion of respective electrical wires in the distribution connector.
Optionally, the housing 101 further comprises material excavations to reduce weight and cost of the electrical connection device 100. As shown in Figure 2, in the present first embodiment of the invention, a plurality of first excavations 203 are provided between the grid of insertion openings 201 and the backside 111. In addition a plurality of second excavations 205 are provided inside the grid of insertion openings 201, at the grid intersections.
Further, optionally, the housing 101 may also comprise material excavations to support the assembly of the electrical connection element 100. As shown in Figure 2, in the present first embodiment of the invention, each of the first lateral side 107 and the second lateral side 109 comprises a lateral excavation 207 providing visual and manual access to the interior of the housing 101.
Further excavations may be provided for to reduce mass, improve manufacturing and improve visual access. For example, in some variants, a portion of the first connection 103 side of the housing 101 between the weakened area 127c and the bottom surface 111 may be excavated.
Figure 3 shows the electrical connection device 100 in an exploded view. In addition to the housing 101 and the cover 115 already described in the preceding, the electrical connection device 100 comprises a distribution connector 300, a fastener retaining member 301, and a plurality of fasteners 303.
The present electrical connection device 100 of the first embodiment is a power distribution block and is configured for electrical currents of 50 A to 1500 A, preferably 100 A to 900 A. Thus, the electrical connection device 100 is configured to electrically connect up to three (3) inlet conductors, here busbars, with up to sixteen (16) outlet conductors, here electrical wires. However, the invention is equally applicable to electrical connection devices accommodating any different number of inlet and/or outlet conductors, and the precise number of conductors to be electrically connected is arbitrary.
Therefore, in the present embodiment, the plurality of fasteners 303 consists of two round busbar fasteners 305 for the respective fastening of up to two respective round busbars, two rectangular busbar fasteners 307 for the fastening of up to one rectangular busbar, and sixteen electrical wire fasteners 309 for the respective fastening of up to sixteen respective electrical wires. The fasteners 303 are headless bolts, specifically grub screws or blind screws for the fastening and securing of an electrical conductor against an inner surface of the distribution connector 300.
The housing 101, the distribution connector 300, the fastener retaining member 301 and each one of the fasteners 303 is a separate piece, wherein the distribution connector 300, the fastener retaining member 301, and each one of the fasteners 303 are assembled together in the housing 101.
The distribution connector 300 is formed monolithically in one piece from a zinc alloy, here zamak. Alternatively, the distribution connector 300 may also be formed from a copper alloy, a brass, or an aluminium alloy. The fasteners 303 are formed are also each formed monolithically in one piece from an electrically conductive material, here from a steel. Alternatively, the fasteners 303 may be formed from a same material as the distribution connector 300.
The housing 101, the cover 115 and the fastener retaining member 301 are preferably formed in an insulating thermoplastic polymer, for example an acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) or a polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) or a polyketone (PK) or a polycarbonate (PC) or a polyamide (PA) such as PA66.
Firstly, the distribution connector 300 will now be described with reference to Figure 4 and Figure 5, then fastener retaining member 301 will be described with reference to Figure 6 and Figure 7, and then the arrangement of the fastener retaining member 301 with the distribution connector 300 will be described with reference to Figure 8.
Figure 4 shows a perspective view of the distribution connector 300. The distribution connector 300 comprises a plurality of receptacles 400. Specifically, the distribution connector 300 comprises two round busbar receptacles 401 configured to receive two respective round busbars, one rectangular busbar receptacle 403 configured to receive a rectangular busbar and sixteen electrical wire receptacles 405 configured to receive sixteen respective electrical conductors, visible also on Figure 3.
In the following only one first receptacle 407 of the two round busbar receptacles 401 of the distribution connector 300 will be described in detail. The described features of the receptacle 400 are applicable in a corresponding fashion to each one of the other receptacles 401, 403, 405.
The first receptacle 407 is configured to receive a first conductor, here an extremity of a round busbar from which any insulating material has been removed, through a first conductor opening 409. The first receptacle 407 extends from the first conductor opening 409 in a conductor direction 411 for the receiving and extending of the first conductor inside the distribution connector 300.
In addition to the first conductor opening 409, the first receptacle 407 also comprises a fastening opening 413, and the first receptacle 407 also extends from the fastening opening 413 along a fastening direction 415 inside the distribution connector 300. The fastening direction 415 is orthogonal to the conductor direction 411. The first receptacle 407 therefore has a T-shape or a L-shape according to a cross-sectional view through the distribution connector 300.
The first receptacle 407 is configured to receive a fastener 305 through the fastening opening 413 for the fastening of an electrical conductor, received through the conductor opening 409 along the conductor direction 411, with the distribution connector 300. Specifically, the portion of the first receptacle 407 extending along the fastening direction 415 towards the fastening opening 413 is internally threaded and configured to mesh with the external threading of a matching fastener 305.
As shown on Figure 4, the busbar receptacles 401, 403 are arranged on a first side 417 of the distribution connector 300, and the electrical wire receptacles 405 are arranged on the second side 419 of the distribution connector 300, wherein the second side 419 is opposed to the first side 417. The rectangular busbar receptacle 403 is staggered, that is, shifted in the conductor direction 411 with respect to the round busbar receptacles 401. Similarly, the sixteen electrical wire receptacles 405 are arranged in four rows of four, wherein the rows are staggered, that is, shifted, in a direction opposed to the conductor direction 411 with respect to each other.
Due to the staggered arrangement of the receptacles 400, the distribution connector 300 is formed substantially in a V-shape in the plane formed by the conductor direction 411 and the fastening direction 415. Specifically, the first side 417 of the distribution connector 300 corresponds to a first limb of the V-shape and the second side 419 of the distribution connector 300 corresponds to a second limb of the V-shape. The staggered arrangement of the receptacles 400 allows for improved access to each of the receptacles 400 for a fastening with a fastener 303, but also allows for reduction of manufacturing material of the distribution connector 300.
The distribution connector 300 comprises a first groove 421 and a second groove 423. The first groove 421 is arranged on a first inward-facing surface 425 of the first side 417 of the distribution connector 300. The second groove 423 is arranged on a second inward-facing surface 427 of the second side 419 of the distribution connector 300, the second inward-facing surface 427 facing the first inward-facing service 425. The first groove 421 and the second groove 423 each extend in the distribution connector 300 along a third direction 429 orthogonal to both the conductor direction 411 and the fastening direction 415. The grooves 421, 423 are configured to realise a form fit of the distribution connector 300 with the fastener retaining member 301 through matching cams thereof 300, as will be described later with reference to Figure 8.
Figure 5 shows a plane side view of the distribution connector 300 shaped in V-shape. As can be seen on Figure 5, the first inward-facing surface 425 comprising the first groove 421 faces the second inward-facing surface 427 comprising the second groove 423.
Figure 6 shows a perspective view of the fastener retaining member 301 of the electrical connection device 100. The fastener retaining member 301 is configured to be attached to the distribution connector 300 and comprises a plurality of fastener positioning elements 600. Specifically, the fastener retaining member 301 comprises two fastener positioning elements 601 configured to retain respective round busbar fasteners 305, two fastener positioning elements 603 configured to retain respective rectangular busbar fasteners 307, and sixteen fastener positioning elements 605 configured to retain respective electrical wire fasteners 309.
In the following, only one fastener positioning element 600 of the two fastener positioning elements 601 for retaining around busbar fasteners 305 will be described in detail. The described features of the fastener positioning element 600 are applicable in a corresponding fashion to each one of the other fastener positioning elements 601, 603, 605.
The fastener positioning element 600 comprises two support shanks 607 arranged face-to-face and forming a fastener duct 609 that is configured to receive and guide a fastener 303. Each support shank 607 comprises a curved surface 611, and the two curved surfaces 611 face each other so as to form together walls of the fastener duct 609. In variants, the fastener duct 609 can also be formed by more than two support shanks, or by a single bushing-type support shank.
The fastener positioning element 600 comprises a duct opening 613 opening into the fastener duct 609 and configured such that a fastener 303 received in the fastener duct 609 can be fastened and/or unfastened. The duct opening 613 has a surface area more than 10% smaller than the transverse section surface area of the fastener duct 609. Specifically, the duct opening 613 has a surface area configured such that the received fastener 303 does not fit through the duct opening 613. The duct opening 613 is configured such that a fastening tool, for example the tip of a screwdriver, can reach through the duct opening 613 towards a head of the received fastener 303.
The fastener duct 609 extends along a duct direction 615 that corresponds to the fastening direction 415 of the distribution connector 300 when the fastener retaining member 301 is attached to the distribution connector 300. Thus, the duct opening 613 is configured to receive a screwdriver tip in the duct direction 615.
The fastener duct 609 formed by the support shanks 607 has a transverse section surface area more than 15% larger than the transverse section surface area of the fastening opening 413 of the distribution connector 300. Specifically, the fastener duct 609 is configured such that a fastener 303 can be received floatingly, that is, with a clearance between an external thread of the fastener 303 and the curved surfaces 611.
The plane side view of the fastener retaining member 301 represented in Figure 7 shows that the fastener retaining member 301 has a V-shape corresponding to the V-shape of the distribution connector 300. The fastener retaining member 301 comprises a first matching cam 701 configured to mate with the first groove 421 and a second matching cam 703 configured to mate with the second groove 423.
The first matching cam 701 and the second matching cam 703 extend along a cam direction 705 orthogonal to the duct direction 615 and corresponding to the third direction 429 of the distribution connector. Thus, the cams 701, 703 of the fastener retaining member 301 can be matched with the grooves for 421, 423 of the distribution connector 300 such that the fastener retaining member 301 can be slid on or over the distribution connector 300 to assemble the fastener retaining member 301 and the distribution connector 300 together.
Figure 8 shows a plane side view of the distribution connector assembled 300 with the fastener retaining member 301. The first groove 421 is matched with the first matching cam 701, and the second groove 423 is matched with the second matching cam 703. Thus, the fastener retaining member 301 is form fit to the distribution connector 300 such that the fastener retaining member 301 is blocked from movement in the fastening direction 415 corresponding to the duct direction 615, and also blocked from movement in the conductor direction 411.
In the present embodiment, the grooves 421, 423 and the cams 701, 703 are configured, that is dimensioned, such that they frictionally engage, establishing a friction fit at resting state that blocks movement along the third direction in addition to the form fit. However, upon manual action, the fastener retaining member 301 is movable, that is slidable, along the cam direction 705 corresponding to the third direction 429.
Figure 9 shows a cut view of the electrical connection device 100 mounted to the mounting rail 121 with the rail-fitting device 123a. The distribution connector 300 is assembled with the fasteners 303 and the fastener retaining member 301, and installed in the housing 101 such that the conductor openings 409 of the receptacles 400 match respective openings in the housing. Specifically, the conductor openings 409 of the round busbar receptacles 401 match the weakened areas 125a, 125b, the conductor opening of the rectangular busbar receptacle 403 matches the weakened area 125c, and the conductor openings of the electrical wire receptacles 405 match the respective insertion openings 201.
Figure 9 illustrates that the fastener retaining member 301 is arranged with the distribution connector 300 such that the fastener positioning element 600 remains disposed face-to-face with the fastening opening 413 of the first receptacle 407. The fastener duct 609 formed by the support shanks 607 extends towards and is aligned with the fastening opening 413, and the fastening direction 415 is coaxial with the duct direction 615. The duct opening 613 is arranged opposed to the fastening opening 413 with respect to the fastener duct 609.
In variants, the fastener retaining member 301 may be arranged with the distribution connector 300 floatingly, such that the fastener positioning element 600 is disposed only partially face-to-face with the fastening opening 413.
In the cut view of Figure 9, the fasteners 303 are entirely unfastened, that is, disconnected, from their respective receptacles 407 from the distribution connector 300, and fully received in respective fastener ducts 609. Thus, the fasteners 303 are floatingly lodged in respective fastener positioning elements 600 of the fastener retaining member 301.
In this entirely unfastened state, fasteners 303 do not impede the insertion of electrical conductors in respective receptacles 407 of the distribution connector 300 along the respective conductor direction 411. The electrical conductors can thus be inserted in the respective receptacles 407 and fastened with the fasteners 303.
Despite being entirely unfastened from the distribution connector 300, the fasteners 303, being retained by the fastener retaining member 301, are securely held in their respective fastener positioning element 600 and thus no longer risk falling off. In particular, the fasteners 303 no longer risk falling to the side to the side, or falling and rolling into a different portion of the housing 101, or falling out of the housing 101.
Figure 9 shows the electrical connection device 100 in a pre-assembled state. The pre-assembled state is achieved by first screwing the fasteners 303 in their respective receptacles 407 in the distribution connector 300, then mounting the fastener retaining member 301 on the distribution connector 300, then inserting the distribution the assembled distribution connector in the housing 101, and then screwing out of the fasteners 303 into their respective fastener positioning element 600.
In order to electrically connect an electrical conductors with the distribution connector 300, the conductor is inserted in a receptacle 407, the cover 115 is opened, and a fastener 303 corresponding to the receptacle 407 is fastened with the distribution connector 300. Here, the fastener 303 is a grub screw screwed using a screwing tool through the duct opening 613.
As already mentioned above, the features described with respect to one receptacle 401, one fastener 303 and one fastener positioning element 600, are applicable in same fashion to each one of the other receptacles 400, 403, 405, 407. That is, each of the plurality of receptacles 400, 403, 405, 407 is configured to receive respective conductors through respective conductor openings, each second receptacle 400, 403, 405, 407 also comprising a fastening opening configured to receive a respective fastener 303, 305, 307, 309 for the fastening of a respective conductors with the distribution connector 300.
Specifically, the fastener retaining member 301 comprises a respective plurality of the fastener positioning elements 600 and each of the plurality of fastener positioning elements 600 remains disposed at face-to-face with a respective fastening opening. Each of the other receptacles 400, 403, 405, 407 extends from its respective conductor opening along a respective conductor direction and extends from its respective fastening opening along a respective fastening direction, wherein each fastening direction extends orthogonally to its corresponding conductor direction. That is, the conductor directions extend in parallel to each other, and the fastening directions extend in parallel to each other.
Figure 10 relates to an electrical connection device 1000 according to a second embodiment of the invention. Figure 10 shows the electrical connection device 1000 in a partially disassembled state, in which the fastener retaining member 1001 of the electrical connection device 1000 is not yet inserted in and assembled with the housing 1003 of the electrical connection device 1000.
The electrical connection device 1000 differs from the electrical connection device 100 of the first embodiment only with respect to the arrangement and/or attachment of the fastener retaining member with the distribution connector and the housing. According to the second embodiment, the fastener retaining member 1001 is not attached to the distribution connector by a groove-cam form fit and/or a groove-cam friction-fit. Instead, according to the second embodiment, the fastener retaining member 1001 is snap-fit directly to the housing 1003.
The fastener retaining member 1001 comprises at least one, here a plurality, in particular four, latching tongues 1005. The latching tongues 1005 extend from the body of the fastener retaining member 1001 in parallel to the duct direction 615 corresponding to the fastening direction 415. The housing 1003 comprises, for each latching tongue 1005, a corresponding matching latching element 1009, here in the form of a through-hole through the first connection side 103 and/or the second connection side 105 of the housing 1003.
Each latching tongue 1005 comprises a hook extremity 1007 configured to elastically deviate from the duct a direction 615 during insertion of the fastener retaining member 1001 in the housing 1003, until reaching and latching in a matching through hole 1009. Thus, each latching tongue 1005 latches and snap-locks with a corresponding matching latching element 1009.
Thus, in this embodiment, the fastener retaining member 1001 is not attached to the distribution connector 300 but instead to the housing 1003. However, in a variant, the groove-cam arrangement of the first embodiment and the latching tongue arrangement of the second embodiment can also be combined.
Optionally, as shown on Figure 10, the fastener retaining member 1001 and/or the fastener retaining member 301 may further comprise at least one, here two, centring pins 1011. The centring pins 1011 are configured to centre the fastener retaining member 1001 by insertion in matching centring holes 1013 in the distribution connector 300, seen on Figure 4. Specifically, the centring pins 1011 support the centring of the fastener positioning elements 600 face-to-face with respective fastening openings 413. In a variant, one or more of the centring holes 1013 or an additional centring hole may be suited for realizing voltage measurement. For example, the one or more of the centring holes 1013 or an additional centring hole can be configured to receive a voltage measuring test probe.

Reference signs

100 electrical connection device
101 housing
103 first connection side
105 second connection side
107 first lateral side
109 second lateral side
111 backside
113 housing opening
115 cover
117 first hinge device
119 second hinge device
121 mounting rail
123a rail-fitting device
123b screw-fitting device
125a, 125b, 125c weakened area
127a, 127c knock-out element
201 insertion opening in the second connection side
203 first excavation
205 second excavation
207 lateral excavation
300 distribution connector
301 fastener retaining member
303 fastener
305 round busbar fastener
307 rectangular busbar fastener
309 electrical wire fastener
400 receptacle
401 round busbar receptacle
403 rectangular busbar receptacle
405 electrical wire receptacle
407 first receptacle
409 first conductor opening
411 conductor direction
413 fastening opening
415 fastening direction
417 first side of the distribution connector
419 second side of the distribution connector
421 first groove
423 second groove
425 first inward-facing surface
427 second inward-facing surface
429 third direction
600 fastener positioning element
601 fastener positioning element for round busbar fastener
603 fastener positioning element for rectangular busbar fastener
605 fastener positioning element for electrical wire fastener
607 support shank
609 fastener duct
611 curved surface of a support shank
613 duct opening
615 duct direction
701 first matching cam
703 second matching cam
705 cam direction
1000 electrical connection device
1001 fastener retaining member
1003 housing
1005 a latching tongue
1007 hook extremity
1009 through hole
1011 centring pin
1013 matching centring hole

Claims

Electrical connection device for electrically connecting a plurality of electrical conductors, in particular wires and/or busbars,
the electrical connection device (100, 1000) comprising a distribution connector (300), the distribution connector (300) comprising a first receptacle (400, 401, 403, 405) configured to receive a first conductor through a first conductor opening (409), the first receptacle (400, 401, 403, 405) also comprising a fastening opening (413) configured to receive a fastener (303, 305, 307, 309) for the fastening of the first conductor with the distribution connector (300),

characterised in that the electrical connection device (100, 1000) further comprises a fastener retaining member (301, 1001), the fastener retaining member (1001) comprising a fastener positioning element (600, 601, 603, 605) configured to retain an at least partially unfastened fastener (303, 305, 307, 309), wherein the fastener retaining member (301, 1001) is arranged with the distribution connector (300) such that the fastener positioning element (600, 601, 603, 605) remains disposed at least partially face-to-face with the fastening opening (413).
Electrical connection device according to claim 1, wherein the fastener positioning element (600, 601, 603, 605) comprises a fastener duct (609) configured to receive and guide the fastener (303, 305, 307, 309), and wherein the fastener duct (609) extends towards the fastening opening (413).
Electrical connection device according to claim 2, wherein the fastener positioning element (600, 601, 603, 605) comprises a duct opening (613) opposed to the fastening opening (413) with respect to the fastener duct (609).
Electrical connection device according to claim 3, wherein the duct opening (613) has a surface area smaller, in particular at least 5%, preferably 10%, smaller, than the transverse section surface area of the fastener duct (609), and wherein the fastener duct (609) has a transverse section surface area larger, in particular 5% to 15% larger, than the transverse section surface area of the fastening opening (413).
- Electrical connection device according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the fastener positioning element (600, 601, 603, 605) comprises a plurality of support shanks (607) , the support shanks (607) forming together the fastener duct (609), in particular wherein two support shanks (607) respectively comprise a curved surface (611) and the curved surfaces (611) are arranged face-to-face to form together walls of the fastener duct (609).
Electrical connection device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the first receptacle (400, 401, 403, 405) extends from the conductor opening (409) along a conductor direction (411) and also extends from the fastening opening (413) along a fastening direction (415), wherein the fastening direction (415) extends orthogonally to the conductor direction (413).
Electrical connection device according to claim 6, comprising a housing (101, 1003), wherein the distribution connector (300) is arranged in the housing (101, 1003), and wherein the fastener retaining member (1001) comprises a latching tongue (1005) configured to latch, in particular snap-lock, with a matching latching element (1009) of the housing (1003), wherein the latching tongue (1005) extends in parallel to the fastening direction (415), in particular wherein the matching latching element (1003) is formed on an internal wall of the housing (1003).
Electrical connection device according to claim 7, wherein the housing (101, 1003), distribution connector (300) and the fastener retaining member (301, 1001) are separate pieces, the distribution connector and the fastener retaining member (301, 1001) being assembled in the housing (101, 1003).
Electrical connection device according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the fastener retaining member (301, 1001)is attached, in particular form-fit, to the distribution connector (300), such that it is blocked from movement in the fastening direction (415) and in the first conductor direction (411), and such that it is movable along a third direction (429) orthogonal to the fastening direction (415) and the first conductor direction (411).
Electrical connection device according to claim 9, wherein the fastener retaining member (301, 1001) comprises a groove extending along the third direction (429) and/or a cam (701, 703) extending along the third direction (429), and the distribution connector (300) comprises matching cam extending along the third direction (429) and/or a matching groove (421, 423) extending along the third direction (429), wherein the groove and the matching cam and/or the cam (701, 703) and the matching groove (421, 423) realize the attachment, in particular the form-fit.
Electrical connection device any one of claims 6 to 10, comprising the fastener (303, 305, 307, 309), wherein the fastener (303, 305, 307, 309) is a bolt, and wherein the first receptacle (400, 401, 403, 405) is internally threaded along the fastening direction (415) towards the fastening opening (413), wherein the bolt (303, 305, 307, 309) is screw-fastened with the internal threading of the first receptacle (400, 401, 403, 405).
Electrical connection device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, further comprising a plurality of second receptacles (405) configured to receive respective second conductors through respective second conductor openings, each second receptacle (405) further comprising a fastening opening configured to receive a respective fastener (309) for the fastening of respective second conductors with the distribution connector (300), in particular wherein the first conductor is a conductor bar and the second conductors are electrical wires.
Electrical connection device according to claim 12, wherein the fastener retaining member (301, 1001) comprises a plurality of the fastener positioning elements (600, 601, 603, 605), wherein the fastener retaining member (301, 1001) is arranged with the distribution connector (300) such that each of the plurality of fastener positioning elements (600, 601, 603, 605) remains disposed at least partially face-to-face with a respective fastening opening.
Electrical connection device according to claim 12 or 13, wherein each of the first (400, 401, 403) and second receptacles (405) extends from its respective conductor opening (409) along a respective conductor direction (411) and extends from its respective fastening opening (413) along a respective fastening direction (415), wherein each fastening direction (415) extends orthogonally to its corresponding conductor direction (411).
Electrical connection device according claim 14, wherein the conductor directions (411) extend in parallel to each other, and the fastening directions (415) extend in parallel to each other.