GB1393282A - Adapter for current distributor rails - Google Patents

Abstract

1393282 Two-part couplings STAFF & SCHWARZ GmbH 19 July 1972 [3 Aug 1971] 33717/72 Heading H2E A connector for use with current distributor rails comprises a hollow rectangular housing 13 of two identical halves detachably held together by screws 21, a plurality of contacts 16 which protrude from the housing but are resiliently retractable into the housing, an earth contact 18, and support lugs 19 also resiliently retractable into the housing. Figs. 1 and 4 show a bridging connector 10 adapted to interconnect the conductors of two rails 12 placed end to end and comprising opposed displacement members 24 held apart against opposite side walls 13a by springs 23 and capable of being moved towards each other along guides 22. Mounted on the members 24 and displaceable therewith are two pairs of contacts 16 extending through openings 26 in the walls 13a-respective contacts of each pair being interconnected by connecting straps 27, the holding lugs 19 and actuating extensions 31 which are engageable by a tool to retract the members 24, contacts 16 and lugs 19 inwardly of the housing. In use, the connector 10 is inserted into the hollow of the rails so that lugs 18a on the earth contacts 18 engage earth conductors 17 with the contacts 16 and lugs 19 initially retracted and then released to bear against conductors 15 and engage securing grooves 12b. A supply feed connector (11, Figs. 2 and 6, not shown) comprises a coupling part (30) at one end adapted to mate with a complementary part connected to a supply and only one pair of contacts (16) at each side wall, the contacts (16) being wired to the terminals of the coupling part (30) and connected with the rail conductors at the end of the rail. In an alternative embodiment (Fig. 7, not shown) the holding lugs (19) are rigidly secured to the housing instead being mounted on the displacement members. A further embodiment (Figs. 8-11, not shown) has a housing comprising an upper and lower part held together by spring hooks (38b) engaging apertures (46), and the contacts (42) sliding in slots (41) in the housing, bent-over retaining ends (42a) of the contacts bearing directly against the springs (43). Holding lugs (47) on the housing engage grooves (53) in the rail to support the connector which is locked in position by a screw (50) passing through the housing and engaging a web (51) of the rail. Beneath the lugs (47) protrudes a spring earthing strip (48). A bevelled portion (34) of the housing ensures correct alignment of the connector in the rail.