DE20205821U1 - Connection device for an electrical conductor has spring contact within body - Google Patents

Abstract

The housing has a top access point [20] into which the exposed end of an electrical cable [2] is inserted. Within the body is a metal contact [1] that is rigid with an upstand. The other part of the contact is in the form of a spring loop [3] that is deflected by inserting a screwdriver tip [16] to allow the cable end to be inserted.

Description

The invention relates to a connection device for conductors according to the generic term

Connection devices for conductors with clamping springs are known in a wide variety of variants and have proven themselves to be effective. However, there is still a need for a particularly easy-to-use connection device with a clamping spring that is very inexpensive to manufacture and can be used in a variety of ways, with the need for adaptation of the equipment that accommodates the connection device, such as terminal blocks or circuit boards, being as minimal as possible.

The solution to this problem is the object of the invention.

The invention solves this problem by the subject matter of claim 1.

It is then provided that the first longitudinal leg of the clamping spring is fastened to the inside of the first side wall of the metal cage and in sections rests directly on the inside of the side wall, the bending area of the clamping spring rests on at least one web formed directly on the metal cage, and a projection on one of the side walls of the metal cage acts as a limiting element.

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It is also conceivable that the metal cage is made of a highly conductive metal such as copper and performs a current-conducting function, or that the busbar and the metal cage are made in one piece from conductive material.
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The invention provides a particularly inexpensive connection device with a clamping spring consisting of only a few parts, which is fixed securely in the metal cage using functional elements formed directly on the metal cage, whereby all the forces of the actuation are absorbed by the metal cage, which can be inserted as a whole or as a pre-assembled unit into a terminal block housing or mounted on a circuit board. In this way, it is only necessary to provide a recess in a terminal block that is adapted to the external geometry, for example, but no webs or the like are required on the terminal housing or a circuit board to perform special functions - such as preventing the spring from being pulled out or acting as a stop. These functions are instead performed by the metal cage.

Further advantageous embodiments can be found in the remaining subclaims.

The invention is described in more detail below using exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawing. It shows:

Figures Ia-Io show various views and operating states as well as application variants of a first embodiment of the invention; Figures 2a - 2f show various views, operating states, application variants and

Variants of a second embodiment of the invention; Figures 3 to 18 show various perspective views of further embodiments of the invention;

Figures 19 to 21 show various perspective views of a series of connecting devices;

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Figure 22 shows two connection devices according to the invention in a schematically illustrated terminal block; and Figure 23 shows two connection devices according to the invention in a further

schematically shown terminal block. 5

Figure la shows a connection device 1 for a conductor 2 stripped in the end region (see for example Fig. 1b), which has a clamping spring 3 and a busbar 4 which are arranged in a metal cage 5.

The metal cage 5 has a rectangular cross-section with four side walls 5a - 5d and is open at its two axial ends, one of the open sides - in Fig. 1a the upper open side - serving as an insertion opening 14 for a conductor 2 and an operating tool or the like.

The first and third side walls 5a and 5c, which are opposite each other and aligned parallel to each other, are narrower than the two other parallel second and fourth side walls 5b and 5d.

In Fig. 1b, the connection device is shown without the second and here front side wall 5b for better understanding.

As can be seen, the clamping spring 3 formed from a rectangular sheet metal strip has two longitudinal legs 3a and 3b which are aligned at an acute angle to each other and are connected to each other via a bending region 3c.

The first longitudinal leg 3a of the clamping spring 3 is attached to the inside of the first, shorter side wall 5a of the metal cage 5 and in sections lies directly on the inside of the side wall 5a. Its dimensions correspond to the dimensions of the inside of the first side wall 5a.

The busbar 4 is L-shaped in side view and rests with its contact leg 4a on the inside of the third side wall 5c, which is the

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first side wall for fastening the clamping spring 3. The second leg 4b overlaps the axial opening of the metal cage 5 facing away from the insertion opening 14 and thus forms a limit or a stop for the conductor 2 when it is inserted into the connection device. 5

The first longitudinal leg 3a has a recess 6 into which an inwardly projecting projection 7 of the first side wall 1a engages. The recess is rectangular here and lies on the side of the side wall 1a facing away from the insertion side for the conductor 2. The projection 7 here also has a rectangular shape. It is formed by punching a U-shaped cutout into the first side wall 1a, whereupon the metal tab, which is still connected to the first side wall 1a on one side in a bending area 8, is bent inwards. The bending area 8 lies towards the projection 7 on the insertion side of the conductor. In this way, it is possible to insert the clamping spring 3 into the metal cage 5 from the insertion side for the conductor during assembly, with the recess 6 sliding over the projection 7 and being locked there behind its edge forming an undercut 9. The clamping spring 3 is thus easily secured against unintentional release from the metal cage 5 when the connection device 1 is switched off.

A web 10a, 10b is formed on the insertion side of the second and fourth side walls 5d of the metal cage 5, the length of which corresponds, for example, to half the width of the clamping spring 3 and which is bent inwards perpendicular to the respective side wall planes. These webs 10 serve in a simple manner as a support for the bending area 3c of the clamping spring 3d.

The second longitudinal leg 3b extends obliquely to the insertion direction for the conductor into the metal cage and, in the unconnected state, reaches up to the busbar 4 and rests against it.
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It is formed in two wave-like curves. When inserting the conductor, the second longitudinal leg 3b - also called the clamping leg - is inserted into the insertion

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Its movement in this direction is limited by an inward-pointing projection 11 on the fourth side wall 5d, which is designed as a tab that is connected to the side wall on one side in a bending area 12 and is punched out in a U-shape on three sides. 5

The metal cage 5 is also formed as a bent part from a punched sheet metal, which after punching is bent into the shape of the metal cage 5 with a rectangular cross section, wherein the interface of the edges of the sheet metal strip lies here in the region of the second side wall 3b and wherein the two edges engage with each other via a lock-like connection 13 (tongue and groove type).

Further projections or cutouts 36, 37 in the second and fourth side walls 5b and 5d in the corner areas to the first side wall 3a on the edges of the side walls 3a, 3b facing away from the insertion opening press the clamping spring 3 in the area of the longitudinal leg 3a against the first side wall 3a.

The bent end of the busbar protruding from the insertion opening 14 for the conductor 2 and the clamping leg 3b of the clamping spring 3 together form a kind of funnel-shaped insertion area for the conductor 2, which facilitates insertion into the connection device 1.

A bulge 15 in the first longitudinal leg 3a of the clamping spring above the recess 6 serves to optimize the tension.

What is created is an essentially fully functional connection device for conductors that can be used in a wide variety of ways without any major adjustments being required at the place of use. For example, it is possible to use the connection device in a terminal block and essentially only provide a recess for inserting the connection device that is adapted to the geometry of the connection device (see also the explanations for Fig. 22 and 23). Special webs and the like, which can be used as stop elements, for example

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for any moving parts of the connection device are not required.

Fig. Ic shows a detailed view of the busbar and the clamping spring 3 in the open state for connection (but without conductors for the sake of clarity).

The clamping leg 3b rests against the projection 11. The busbar 4 can be easily inserted into the metal cage 5b from below for assembly, e.g. in the open state.

Figure 1d shows how the connection device behaves after the insertion of a conductor 2. As can be seen, the clamping leg 3b of the spring rests on the projection 11, so that a particularly defined clamping force is exerted on the conductor, which presses the conductor against the busbar 4.

Figure 1e illustrates that there is enough space next to the conductor to press the clamping leg 3b against the projection 11 to release the conductor 2 by means of an operating tool, in particular a screwdriver 16. When inserting the conductor, such an actuation is not absolutely necessary, but it is also possible to insert the single-wire conductor 2, which is particularly suitable here, or a fine-wire conductor with a crimped-on wire end sleeve, simply by inserting it into the connection device 1.

Figure 1f illustrates the integration of the connecting device 1 into a terminal housing 17, which has a recess 18 and insertion openings 19, 20 for the screwdriver 16 or another operating tool and the conductor 2. With the screwdriver it is possible in particular to press down the clamping leg 4b practically and safely in the wave-shaped area and to open the clamping point of the connecting device 1. The spring shape and the design of the metal cage 5 and the screwdriver guide (opening 19) in the terminal prevent the conductor 2 from being obstructed by the screwdriver.

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Figure 1g shows an alternative embodiment in which an actuating piece 21 rests on the wave-shaped clamping leg 3b, which has a notch or a slot 22 on its upper side for supporting the screwdriver and a locking lug 46 on one side to prevent it from falling out of the terminal housing.

As can be seen in Figure 1h, the actuating piece 21 can be guided displaceably in a correspondingly shaped recess 19' and enable a particularly defined and reliable actuation of the connecting device.

As can be seen in Figure Ii, it is also conceivable to fasten the busbar directly to another busbar 44, for example, in which case the busbar 4 is not L-shaped, i.e. it does not have a second leg 4b.

Figure Ij illustrates that a test tap 24 can be arranged at various locations on the connection device, for example on an outer side, for example on the outside of the first side wall 5a.

Figure 1k illustrates, like Figure 11, the insertion of an actuating piece 21 into the opening 19' of the terminal housing 17. The locking lug 46 secures the actuating piece against falling out of the terminal block.

Figure 1 shows that the top of the actuating piece 21 can be widened in such a way that a marker area 38 is formed for attaching a marker. A corresponding recess 39 for receiving the marker area 38 is formed in the terminal housing 17.

Figure In illustrates the assembly or insertion of the connecting device 1a with busbar 4 from the side into the simply designed, essentially rectangular recess 18 of the terminal housing 17, where the connecting device 1 is connected to a projection 45 which protrudes directly from the outside of the metal cage 5.

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is bent out, is securely locked into a recess in the terminal block so that it is secured against falling out sideways.

Figure 1o shows in the upper section the clamping spring 3 or contact spring together with the metal cage 5 and in the lower part the L-shaped busbar 4 in individual representation.

The embodiment of Figure 2 largely corresponds to the embodiment of Figure 1, but here the second clamping leg 3b is not curved in a wave-like manner but is flat, so that no support surface is formed for the screwdriver 16. The variant is nevertheless functional if the insertion opening 19 for the screwdriver 16 is tapered in the insertion direction in the manner of Figure 2b, so that the insertion movement of the screwdriver 16 into the terminal housing 17 is limited.

To achieve a defined stress state, according to the variants in Figure 2c, the clamping spring is thickened in the area of the bend or in the bending area 3c. In Figure 2d, this effect is achieved by the bulge 15 in the first longitudinal leg and in Figure 2e by a taper 40 in the area of the first and second clamping legs on both sides of the clamping legs in connection with the bending area 3b. In Figure 2f, the defined stress state is achieved by two drop-shaped, hole-like openings 41 in the middle of the legs 2a and 2b.

Figure 3 shows a variant in which the metal housing or the metal cage 5 tapers downwards on one side from the insertion side 14 to the busbar 4 (in the area of the side walls 5b and 5d). Accordingly, the cross-section of the metal cage 5 remains rectangular. However, the cross-section also tapers in the insertion direction. A particularly compact connection device is realized here, the structure of which otherwise corresponds to the embodiment in Figure 1.

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In Figure 4, it is even provided that the terminal housing tapers on both sides, i.e. the side walls 5b and 5d each have a trapezoidal shape, which is even more space-saving and compact than in Figure 3.

According to Figures 5a and b, on the side of the connection device 1 opposite the insertion opening 14, a further leg 5e, 4c and 3d is formed on the metal cage 5, on the clamping spring 3 and on the busbar 4, which are bent towards each other, whereby there is a connection option for a pin plug 25 between the spring leg 3d and the busbar leg 4c of the busbar 4. The leg 5e of the metal cage serves as a stop for the movement of the spring leg 3d.

Figures 6a and b illustrate that in a corresponding variant of a busbar 4, which does not close the side of the metal cage 5 opposite the insertion opening 14, the area between a bent end of the first longitudinal leg 3a and the first side wall 5a can be used as a plug-in option for a test tap or for a cross connector 27.

Figure 7a illustrates that such a cross connector 27 or a test plug can also be inserted between the bending region 3c and the first side wall 5a.

Figure 8 combines the variants from Figures 6 and 7 and allows the engagement of cross connectors 27 or test plugs both in the manner of Fig. 6 and in the manner of Fig. 7.

Figure 9 illustrates that the embodiments of Figure 6 can also be used to introduce a further conductor 28 instead of introducing a cross connector 27.
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Analogously, Figure 10 shows the insertion of a further conductor 28 between the bending region 3c of the clamping spring 3 and the first side wall 5a.

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Figure 11 combines the variants from Figure 9 and Figure 10, i.e. conductors 28 are inserted both in the insertion direction between the bending region 3c and the first side wall la and on the opposite side between the bent end 26 and the side wall la.

Figure 12 shows that soldering or pressing legs 29 can be formed directly on the ends of the metal cage 5 opposite the insertion opening 14, which can be inserted into a circuit board 23 or openings 31 of the circuit board 23 and can be soldered, pressed or riveted there. According to Figure 12, in addition to the soldering legs, plug-in legs 30 with projections 43 are also formed, which create undercuts 32, which can be locked into place when corresponding slots 33 on the circuit board 30 are pushed through. An outer housing 34 - Fig. 13 - can be plugged over one or more of these connection devices. This outer housing 34 can, for example, be made of insulating material.

Figure 14 illustrates that the busbar 4 can also be formed integrally with the metal cage or can form part of the metal cage if the latter is made of a highly conductive material.

Figure 15 illustrates a further variant which can be soldered to a printed circuit board 23, with soldering legs 29 and a projection 35 for locking an over-insulating housing onto one of the side walls of the metal cage 5, which also performs a conductive function as a busbar.

Figures 16 and 17 illustrate that instead of soldering legs 29, SMD-type fastening pieces 35 can be used for an SMD-type fastening to the circuit board (see also Figure 17).

Figures 18a and b illustrate that the connecting device according to the type of Figure 1a can also be placed on a printed circuit board or on a web or a busbar 44.

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Figure 19 illustrates a plurality of connection devices arranged in a row on a printed circuit board, wherein the second longitudinal legs 4b of the busbars 4 of the connection devices are integrally connected to one another to form a conductive plate 42.

Figure 22 illustrates a terminal block with two connection devices 1 that taper downwards. It is clearly visible that this terminal block is narrower than Figure 23 with non-tapering connection devices 1 in the manner of Figure 1.

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List of reference symbols

Connection device 1 Director 2 Clamping spring 3 Longitudinal leg 3a and 3b Bending area 3c Busbar 4 Contact leg 4a leg 4b Metal cage 5 Side walls 5a -5d Recess 6 head Start 7 Bending area 8th Undercut 9 web 10 head Start 11 Bending area 12 Connection 13 Insertion opening 14 Bulge 15 screwdriver 16 Terminal housing 17 Recess 18 Insertion openings 19,20 Actuator 21 head Start 21' slot 22 Circuit board 23 Test tap 24 Pin connector 25 End 26 Cross connectors 27 Director 28 Soldering legs 29 Plug leg 30 opening 31 Undercut 32 slot 33 Outer casing 34 Mounting piece 35 Punchings 36,37 Marker area 38 ■ · · · · · I · · · · < ' * * * * « ·

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Recess 39

Rejuvenations 40

Openings 41

Plate 42

Head Start 43

Busbar 44

Head start 45

Locking lug 46

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Claims (28)

1. Connection device ( 1 ) for a conductor ( 2 ), which a) has a clamping spring ( 3 ) and preferably a busbar ( 4 ) which is/are arranged in a metal cage ( 5 ) which has a cross-sectionally angular shape with at least three, preferably four side walls ( 5a - 5d ) and is open at at least one axial end which forms an insertion opening ( 14 ) for the conductor ( 2 ), b) the clamping spring ( 3 ) has two longitudinal legs ( 3a and 3b ), one of which is designed as a clamping leg ( 3b ), which are aligned at an acute angle to each other and are connected to each other via a bend ( 3c ), characterized in that - the first longitudinal leg ( 3 a) of the clamping spring ( 3 ) is attached to the inside of the first side wall ( 5 a) of the metal cage ( 5 ) and in sections rests directly on the inside of the side wall ( 5 a), - the bending region ( 3 b) of the clamping spring ( 3 ) rests on at least one web ( 10 a, 10 b) formed directly on the metal cage ( 5 ), and - a projection ( 11 ) is provided on the inside of one of the side walls ( 5d ) of the metal cage as a limit for the deflection of the clamping leg ( 11 ). 2. Connecting device according to claim 1, characterized in that the first projection ( 7 ) on the first side wall, which engages in the recess ( 6 ), forms an undercut ( 9 ) for the recess ( 6 ). 3. Connection device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the busbar ( 4 ) is L-shaped and rests with its contact leg ( 4a ) on the inside of one of the side walls. 4. Connecting device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second leg ( 4 b) of the busbar ( 4 ) overlaps the axial opening of the metal cage ( 5 ) facing away from the insertion opening ( 14 ) and forms a limitation and a stop for the conductor ( 2 ). 5. Connecting device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the metal cage ( 5 ) consists of a highly conductive metal such as copper and performs a current-conducting function. 6. Connecting device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that one of the webs ( 10 a, 10 b) is formed on the second and fourth side walls ( 5 d) of the metal cage ( 5 ) on the insertion side. 7. Connecting device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the length of the webs ( 10 ) preferably corresponds to half the width of the clamping spring ( 3 ) and that the webs are bent inwards relative to the side wall plane and serve as a support for the bending region ( 3c ) of the clamping spring ( 3 ). 8. Connecting device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the clamping leg ( 3 b) of the clamping spring is flat. 9. Connecting device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second longitudinal leg is corrugated in itself and thus forms at least one support for a screwdriver ( 16 ) or for an actuating piece ( 21 ) when actuating the clamping spring ( 3 ). 10. Connecting device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the metal cage ( 5 ) is formed as a bent part from a punched sheet metal, the two edges of the sheet metal strip engaging with each other via a lock-like connection ( 13 ). 11. Connecting device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that punched-out portions ( 36 , 37 ) in the side walls ( 5b , 5d ) of the metal cage ( 5 ) press the clamping spring ( 3 ) against further side walls of the metal cage ( 5 ). 12. Connecting device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the clamping leg ( 3 b) of the clamping spring ( 3 ) rests against the busbar ( 4 ) in the non-connected state. 13. Connecting device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connecting device is inserted into a recess ( 18 ) of a terminal housing ( 17 ), wherein recesses ( 19 , 20 ) for inserting a conductor and a screwdriver or an actuating piece are formed in the terminal housing in the insertion direction. 14. Connecting device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that recesses ( 19 , 19 ', 20 ) for inserting a conductor ( 2 ) and/or a screwdriver ( 16 ) and/or an actuating piece ( 21 ) are formed in the terminal housing ( 17 ) in the insertion direction. 15. Connecting device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuating piece ( 21 ) acting on the clamping leg ( 3b ) is inserted into one of the recesses ( 19 '). 16. Connecting device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuating piece ( 21 ) acts on the wave-shaped region of the clamping leg ( 3b ). 17. Connecting device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the upper side of the actuating piece ( 21 ) is widened in such a way that a marker area ( 38 ) is formed for attaching a marker, wherein the terminal housing ( 17 ) is preferably provided with a corresponding recess ( 39 ) for receiving the marker area ( 37 ). 18. Connecting device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the metal cage ( 5 ) tapers on one or both sides in the insertion direction. 19. Connecting device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the clamping spring has a bulge ( 15 ) or a taper ( 40 ) or openings ( 41 ) in the region of the contact with the terminal housing in the region of the first longitudinal leg. 20. Connecting device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the clamping spring ( 3 ) thickens in its bending region ( 3c ). 21. Connecting device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connecting device is provided with a test tap. 22. Connection device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that on the side of the connection device ( 1 ) opposite the insertion opening ( 14 ), a further leg ( 5 e, 4 c and 3 d) is formed on the metal cage ( 5 ), on the clamping spring ( 3 ) and on the busbar ( 4 ), which are bent towards one another, wherein a connection option for a pin plug ( 25 ) is formed between the further spring leg ( 3 d) and the further busbar leg ( 4 c) of the busbar ( 4 ), and wherein the leg ( 5 e) of the metal cage ( 5 ) serves as a stop for the movement of the spring leg ( 3 d). 23. Connecting device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a cross connector ( 27 ) and/or a further conductor ( 28 ) can be inserted between the bending region ( 3c ) and one of the side walls of the metal cage ( 5 ). 24. Connecting device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a conductor and/or a test tap and/or a cross connector ( 27 ) can be inserted counter to the insertion direction between a bent end ( 26 ) of the clamping spring ( 3 ) and a side wall ( 5a ) of the metal cage ( 5 ). 25. Connecting device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that soldering legs ( 29 ) and/or other plug devices are formed on the metal cage. 26. Connecting device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that SMD contact areas ( 35 ) are formed on the connecting device. 27. Connection device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the busbars ( 4 ) of connecting devices ( 1 ) arranged in a row are connected to one another in one piece in the manner of a plate ( 42 ). 28. Connecting device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a projection ( 45 ) is formed on the outside of the metal cage ( 5 ), which can be locked in a recess of a terminal housing ( 17 ) or another outer housing.