HK1102650B - Spring-operated plug terminal - Google Patents

Description

Plug type spring wire clamp

Technical Field

The present invention generally relates to plug spring clamps.

Background

Plug spring clamps are known from DE20210105U1, DE20206763U1, DE20313041U1, EP0908965a1, DE8136054U1, DE20312861U1 and from DE 1261923B.

Plug spring clamps are used, for example, in switchgear, circuit breaker systems or junction boxes. In such plug-type spring clamps, individual conductors of different cross-sectional shapes and profiles, with or without an upper end (Aufsatz), such as a cable termination sleeve or a core wire termination sleeve, can be clipped.

The plug-spring cable clamp known from DE20210105U1 has a U-shaped spring, which comprises two separate spring arms and thus two spring ends, and a clamping frame, which has a quadrangular recess and a clamping section bent out of the plane of the clamping frame. The spring is fixedly mounted in the recess in a fixed end position, and the two spring ends of the spring arms and the clamping section of the clamping frame form a clamping area for the barb-like contacting of two conductor cores to be connected. The spring end is designed here as a continuous clamping edge.

Similar plug spring clamps are known from DE20206763U 1.

The plug spring clip known from DE1261923B has a V-shaped plug clip spring element. The plug-spring clamp also has a first arm designed as a base plate and a second arm which is centrally spaced in the longitudinal direction of the arms. The two parts of the second arm are provided at the end with a blade for clamping the conductor on the one hand and a hook-shaped crosspiece which is provided for applying pressure by means of a tool or an actuating element for detaching the clamped conductor on the other hand.

However, plug-spring clamps for reliably clamping electrical lines with conventional clamping properties are desirable, which are also used for testing and testing purposes on the one hand and are particularly suitable for the easy contacting and separation of multi-pole contacts on the other hand.

Disclosure of Invention

The object of the invention is therefore to create a plug-type spring clamp which can be used in a versatile manner and thus for different clamping purposes.

The above-mentioned object is achieved according to the invention by a plug-type spring clamp comprising a U-shaped or Ω -shaped spring and a rectangular clamping frame, which has two separate spring arms and thus two spring ends, which has a four-sided groove and a clamping section bent out of the plane of the clamping frame, wherein the spring is fixedly mounted in the groove in a fixed end position, and the two spring ends of the spring arms and the clamping section of the clamping frame form a clamping region for clamping two wire cores and/or flat plugs to be connected, wherein each spring end has a first central straight section designed as a clamping edge for the barb-like contact to connect the wire core, and each spring end has a second edge section bent at the edge side and forming a clamping surface, the clamping surface of the second section projects from the clamping edge in the clamping direction, so that the flat plug can be contacted only by applying pressure.

In addition to the spring end as part of the plug spring clamp and the first part which is designed with a clamping edge for the latching contact of the line in the plug spring clamp and the removal of the line therein only by means of the actuating device, the design of the second section of the spring end on the basis of the clamping surface makes it possible to contact the line to be connected in a pressure-tight, but non-latching, non-barbed or non-seized manner, so that the desired removal of the line from the plug spring clamp can be achieved without the need for disassembly or actuating devices, i.e. only by means of a tensile force exerted on the line. The result is a plug-spring clamp by means of which a more reliable and simple detachable clamping connection to a conductor or conductors can be achieved.

In contrast to the plug-spring clamps known from the cited documents, it is therefore not necessary, for example, for the wires to be temporarily connected to be detached from the clamped wires with a tool or an operating device. This feature of the plug-spring clamp is used in particular for the easy connection and disconnection of a multipole switching device or a circuit breaker device in combination with another device and in addition allows not only easy clamping of the lines but also easy removal of the lines for testing purposes, for example for measuring voltages or the like. In addition, it is possible to avoid additional clamping points for the connection of the device beyond the anti-pulling-off clamping points that must be provided, since both functions are fulfilled in a space-saving manner with the plug-spring clamp according to the invention. Advantageously, the spring end is provided with a third section with a clamping surface for pressing the contact-making line. The third spring end section is arranged in the region of the lateral longitudinal edge of the spring end, like the first spring end section, so that the second spring end section is located between the first spring end section and the third spring end section. A wire to be connected, for example for testing purposes, has in particular a flat shape, i.e. a rectangular cross section, and a wire width which is substantially equal to the distance between the first and third spring end sections and can thus be connected electrically conductively thereto. The second spring end section or also the intermediate section is set back compared to the other two opposite spring end sections and is particularly suitable for permanently and fixedly connecting a round wire inserted between the two outer spring end sections.

Advantageously, the spring end has a fourth section as an actuating shoulder for actuating means, such as a screwdriver, an eccentric lever or a pushbutton, so that a simple removal of the line can be achieved while complying with the contact protection procedure.

In an advantageous embodiment, the first section of the spring end and at least one of the further sections of the spring end have a common base body, as a result of which separate spring joints can be saved or a compact design can be achieved.

The base body is advantageously designed in the form of a clamping frame, so that the spring joint and the pressure section or contact section opposite the spring joint are realized by only one component.

Advantageously, the spring is fixed to one side of the clamping frame and is mounted movably with its spring end in the region of a contact section on the other side of the clamping frame opposite this side, wherein the contact section is part of the clamping frame; the clamping frame thus provides all the components necessary for clamping the conductor in a very compact design.

In an advantageous further development, the contact sections are angled transversely to the longitudinal direction of the clamping frame in order to form the conductor contact surfaces, as a result of which a conductor guide is obtained which also suppresses possible skewing of the conductor.

The clamping frame advantageously has a double spring, the first and second springs of which are each provided with a separate spring end; one of the clamping springs can be used, for example, to connect a round conductor to be hooked in a barbed manner, and the other clamping spring can be used, for example, to connect a flat test plug or a flat device plug which is only contacted by pressure.

Drawings

The invention and its advantageous further embodiments are explained in more detail below with reference to the exemplary embodiments shown in the drawings, but the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments; in the drawings:

fig. 1 and 2 show in different perspective views a plug spring clamp according to the invention, comprising a clamped round wire and a clamped flat wire;

FIG. 3 is a side view of the plug spring clamp of FIG. 1 installed in a housing portion without the clamped wires;

fig. 4 shows a plug-spring clamp according to fig. 2 with clamped round wires in a side view; and

fig. 5 shows the plug-spring cable clamp according to fig. 2 with a clamped flat cable in a side view.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1 and 2 show a plug-spring clamp 1 which is provided with a first and a second spring element 2, 3 which are separate therefrom. The two spring elements 2, 3 each have a substantially U-or Ω -shaped form, the fastening ends being accommodated in a rectangular base body designed as a clamping frame 4 and having a quadrilateral groove 5 and being fastened in place by a housing part 6 according to fig. 3. However, the fastening ends 7, 8 of the spring element are also inserted into the slot cutouts of the clamping frame 4, where the fastening is effected by means of soldering, welding or a joining process. Opposite the fastening point of the spring elements 2, 3, a clamping section 9 is obtained by the bead running from the clamping frame 4, which clamping section 9 serves as a conductor support and thus as a counterpressure section for contacting the conductor. The clamping frame 4 is usually made of sheet steel, while the spring elements 2, 3 are made of spring steel by forming.

At the free end, i.e. in the region of the clamping section 9 and thus in the clamping region 10 of the plug-spring clamp 1, the two spring elements 2, 3 are divided into a plurality of sections 2.1, 2.2, 2.3; 3.1, 3.2 and 3.3. The spring ends of the two spring elements 2, 3 each have a curved shoulder 2.1, 2.3 with a sliding surface in the extension of the two longitudinal edges; 3.1 and 3.3. These two shoulders 2.1, 2.3; 3.1, 3.3 point with their convex side or with their outer radius in the direction of the contact section 9. Two shoulders 2.1, 2.3; 3.1, 3.3, each spring end having an intermediate section 2.2; 3.2, which is opposite to the outward shoulders 2.1, 2.3; 3.1, 3.3 are retracted along the longitudinal axis of the free arm of the spring. An intermediate section 2.2; 3.2 and shoulder 2.1, 2.3; 3.1, 3.3 are provided with sharp cutting edges and can be produced by means of cutting or punching. In an advantageous embodiment, the spring end can have a fourth portion, which projects away from the other portion and serves as an actuating shoulder for an actuating means, such as a screwdriver. In order to make it easier to detach at least one connected conductor, the contact area, in particular the intermediate section 2.2; 3.2 contact area expansion. Different sections 2.1 to 2.3 and 3.1 to 3.3 of the spring ends can therefore be lowered, lifted or bent in relation to one another in order to be able to contact different lines, in particular with different line shapes and line cross sections.

In the case of the first spring element 2, in order to make contact at the clamping edge of the intermediate section 2.2, the conductor core 11 of the round conductor shown in the drawing is inserted between the clamping section 9 and the spring end and latched there; the wire core 11 here has a diameter which is smaller than the inner clear width of the two spring parts 2.1, 2.3 which are spaced apart. In the adjacent case, the flat plug 12 is inserted between the clamping section 9 and the spring end, its width being substantially equal to the mutual distance of the two shoulders 3.1, 3.3, so that the flat plug 12 is electrically connected to the clamping frame 4 by means of the two rounded contact surfaces of the spring end. The clamping frame 4 can be connected to the device component in both cases by connecting means, such as current rails (Stromleitbahnen).

Fig. 3 shows the plug-spring clamp 1 in a sectional view, wherein the spring elements 2, 3 are located in the housing part 6 and are fixed in their position by this housing part. The force and the movement angle of the leg springs 2, 3 are dimensioned such that the moving spring ends rest against the contact sections 9 without a wire being inserted. Above, i.e. in the direction of the bending point 13 of the springs 2, 3, a conductor insertion opening 14, which opens into the clamping region 10, extends in the housing part 6 substantially parallel to the longer of the two limbs.

Fig. 4 shows the component arrangement according to fig. 3, but with an inserted round conductor, the conductor core 11 of which is held securely by the clamping edges 15 of the spring elements 2, 3 against a tensile force in the direction of the conductor insertion opening 14. The long arms of the springs 2, 3 are angled at an angle of approximately 30 ° to 60 ° relative to the clamped conductor core 11, which has an advantageous effect on the braking effect produced here. Obviously, the shoulders 2.1, 2.3; 3.1, 3.3, together with the spring ends, are deflected past the conductor core 11 until the brake clamping edge 15 comes to bear against the conductor core 11.

The component arrangement according to fig. 3 shown in fig. 5 now comprises a flat wire or flat plug 12. Here, the flat plug 12 can be formed on the shoulder 2.1, 2.3; 3.1, 3.3 until the desired contact position on the contact surface 16 is reached. Because of the geometry of the contact ends of the springs 2, 3, no undesired braking action on the flat plug 12 occurs, so that it can be easily pulled out again counter to its insertion direction. Of course, the contact pressure may be determined by the choice of spring material and spring size.

In the case of multipole devices, in particular switching devices such as contactors, circuit breakers or overload relays, which are equipped, for example, with three blade contacts on each connection side and each of which is combined with a contact receptacle of an additional device to be connected to the device, an electrically conductive connection between the devices can be produced in a simple manner by plugging the contacts into one another in the contact receptacles. These devices can also be fixed mechanically in the connected state, if necessary, for example by snapping on a suitable hat rail (Hutschienen). In order to disconnect the electrical connection, it is therefore only necessary to pull the interconnected devices apart from one another, to be precise without the use of operating or dismounting devices acting on the contact spring, which otherwise have to be operated simultaneously in a troublesome manner in order to achieve the specified dismounting. Of course, it is also possible to connect a single line, which is usually used on the output side in a single device or in a group of devices. In this case, the round wire must be removed with a tool, and the flat wire or the flat plug can be pulled out without a tool.

The invention set forth above may be summarized as follows:

in order to create a plug-type spring clamp 1 which can be used in many ways and thus for different clamping purposes, the invention provides that, in addition to the separate spring ends of the clamping springs 2, 3, a section 2.2 with a clamping edge 15; 3.2, the other part 2.1 of the spring end 2, 3 is also designed; 2.3 is designed with a clamping surface 16 for sliding contact with another conductor 12. The clamping edge 15 serves for barb-type contacting of a rigid or upper-end-equipped line 11.

Claims (6)

1. Plug-type spring clamp (1) comprising a U-shaped or omega-shaped spring having two separate spring arms (2, 3) and thus two spring ends, and a rectangular clamping frame (4), wherein the clamping frame (4) has a four-sided groove (5) and a clamping section (9) bent out of the plane of the clamping frame (4), wherein the spring is mounted in a stationary manner in the groove (5) with a fixed end (7, 8), and wherein the two spring ends of the spring arms (2, 3) and the clamping section (9) of the clamping frame (4) form a clamping region (10) for clamping two wire cores (11) and/or flat plugs (12) to be connected, wherein each spring end has a first central straight section (2.2, 3.2) designed as a clamping edge (15) for making contact with the wire cores (11) in the form of a barb, and each spring end has a second section (2.1, 3.1) which is bent at the edge and forms a clamping surface (16), the clamping surface (16) of which protrudes in the clamping direction from the clamping edge (15) in such a way that the flat plug (12) can be contacted by applying pressure only.

2. Plug spring clamp according to claim 1, wherein the spring (2, 3) is fixed to one side of the clamping frame (4) and is mounted movably with its spring-end sections (2.1, 2.2, 2.3; 3.1, 3.2, 3.3) on the other side of the clamping frame (4) opposite this side in the region of the clamping section (9).

3. Plug spring clamp according to claim 2, wherein the clamping section (9) is part of the clamping frame (4).

4. Plug spring clamp according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the clamping section (9) bent out of the plane of the clamping frame (4) extends transversely to the longitudinal direction of the rectangular clamping frame (4) in order to form a wire contact surface.

5. Plug spring clamp according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the clamp frame (4) is equipped with double springs, the double springs (2, 3) having separate spring ends (2.1, 2.2, 2.3; 3.1, 3.2, 3.3).

6. Housing with at least one plug-spring clamp (1) according to one of the preceding claims.