Contact bridge for connecting two busbars and connectors with a contact bridge

Abstract

The present invention relates to a contact bridge (1) for connecting a first busbar (4') to a second busbar (4''), wherein the contact bridge (1) comprises a first terminal (8') for at least partially receiving the first busbar (4'), a second terminal (8'') facing away from the first terminal (8') for at least partially receiving the second busbar (4''), and a spring arrangement (50) against which the first terminal (8') and the second terminal (8'') are each designed to be openable, wherein the first terminal (8') is electrically conductive and motion-transmitting connected to the second terminal (8''). This ensures that compensating movements necessary to overcome positional tolerances between the busbars (4', 4'') are distributed evenly between the first and second terminals (8', 8'').Furthermore, the present invention relates to a housing (84) and a connector (2) with such a contact bridge.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a contact bridge for connecting two busbars. The present invention further relates to a housing for such a contact bridge. The present invention also relates to a connector comprising a contact bridge and a housing.

[0002] In a wide variety of technical fields, busbars are used to transmit electrical currents and / or signals between electrical modules. Often, each of these electrical modules has its own busbar, meaning that, for example, the respective ends of the busbars must be connected to each other.

[0003] This connection process is complicated by the fact that the relative position between the busbar ends to be connected is subject to certain tolerance-related fluctuations. For example, the busbar ends may be inclined and / or offset in height relative to each other. Furthermore, the relative position of the busbar ends can change due to thermal expansion during operation of the electrical modules.

[0004] To compensate for these positional tolerances in busbars, flexible conductor sections, for example made of braided copper wire, are often used. These allow the position of the busbar ends to be adjusted to different relative positions. However, these flexible conductor sections are complex to manufacture and must be pre-integrated into the geometry of the busbars. Furthermore, the busbars then sometimes have to be bent into shape, requiring considerable force, and often one busbar is bent more than the other. This can unnecessarily increase the force required, especially if the busbars have different stiffnesses or if the bending does not occur within the linear elastic range.

[0005] Therefore, there is a need to connect electrical modules, especially their busbars, with as little effort as possible despite positional tolerances.

[0006] The present invention is therefore based on the objective of providing means for connecting electrical busbars with which positional tolerances can be compensated simply, uniformly and independently of geometry.

[0007] This task is solved by a contact bridge for connecting a first busbar to a second busbar, wherein the contact bridge has a first terminal for at least partially receiving the first busbar, a second terminal facing away from the first terminal for at least partially receiving the second busbar, and a spring arrangement against which the first terminal and the second terminal are each designed to be openable, wherein the first terminal is electrically conductive and motion-transmitting connected to the second terminal.

[0008] According to the inventive solution, the contact bridge is designed as a spring-loaded double clamp or double-sided clamp which can be plugged onto the busbars to bridge them. Since the first and second terminal jaws are electrically connected to each other, an electric current and / or an electric signal can be transmitted via the contact bridge if, for example, one end of the first busbar is inserted into the first terminal jaw and one end of the second busbar is inserted into the second terminal jaw.

[0009] The first and second terminal jaws are designed to open or expand against the spring assembly, so that an elastic restoring force of the spring assembly must be overcome when opening or expanding the respective first or second terminal jaw. This elastic restoring force of the spring assembly, in turn, allows the contact bridge to apply the necessary contact force against the receiving busbars.

[0010] Furthermore, the first and second terminal jaws are interconnected in such a way that a movement (e.g., opening or closing) of the first terminal jaw generates a movement (e.g., opening or closing) in the second terminal jaw, and vice versa. This ensures that any compensating movements necessary to overcome positional tolerances are distributed evenly between the first and second terminal jaws. The busbars themselves do not need to have flexible conductor sections, as the compensating movements can occur within the terminal jaws and the spring assembly.

[0011] Consequently, the contact bridge enables a simple connection with uniform tolerance compensation between the busbars, regardless of their busbar geometry.

[0012] The above solution can be further improved with the additional modifications explained below. Each modification is advantageous independently and can be combined with any number of others.

[0013] According to one possible embodiment, the spring assembly can extend at least partially between the first and second terminal jaws, resulting in a space-saving arrangement. Optionally, the spring assembly can form a stop for both the first and second busbars. This improves the handling of the contact bridge, as a fixed endpoint is defined for each insertion movement of the busbars.

[0014] In other words, the spring assembly can separate the first terminal jaw from the second terminal jaw. Alternatively, the first and second terminal jaws can form a continuous receiving channel, with the spring assembly surrounding this channel. In this embodiment, the busbars within the continuous receiving channel can come into direct contact with each other, thus improving the current and / or signal flow.

[0015] To achieve the most even force distribution possible, the spring assembly can be positioned centrally between the first and second terminal jaws. If the ends of the first and second busbars have the same geometry, the first terminal jaw can be the same size as the second. In particular, the first and second terminal jaws can be designed symmetrically with respect to the spring assembly. If there are differences in the geometries of the busbar ends, this can be reflected in the size and shape of the terminal jaws.

[0016] According to another possible embodiment, the contact bridge can have a first pair of clamping jaws forming the first terminal jaw and a second pair of clamping jaws forming the second terminal jaw. Each pair of clamping jaws can define a clamping gap accessible from one, two, or three mutually perpendicular directions for the respective busbar end to be clamped. In other words, there is a first clamping gap for the first busbar between the first pair of clamping jaws and a second clamping gap for the second busbar between the second pair of clamping jaws.

[0017] The clamping jaws of the clamping jaw pairs can be held movable relative to each other by elastic deformation of the spring assembly. In particular, the spring assembly can form a bearing point or pivot point for the first clamping jaw pair and the second clamping jaw pair. In other words, the clamping jaws of the clamping jaw pairs can be mounted to rock, tilt, or pivot by a section of the spring assembly. The imaginary bearing point or pivot point can be located within or outside the spring assembly.

[0018] According to another possible embodiment, the contact bridge can have a first bracket element extending along a longitudinal direction and a second bracket element spaced transversely, in particular perpendicularly, from the first bracket element. Optionally, the second bracket element can be identical in construction to the first bracket element but arranged in a mirror image with respect to the spring arrangement. Particularly when the contact bridge is not under force, the second bracket element can then extend parallel to the first bracket element in the longitudinal direction. When the contact bridge is installed, the longitudinal direction can run along a connecting line between the first and second busbars. The longitudinal direction thus corresponds to a busbar bridging direction.

[0019] The aforementioned motion-transmitting connection between the first and second clamping jaws can be easily achieved if the first clamping element forms a first clamping jaw of the first pair of clamping jaws as well as a first clamping jaw of the second pair of clamping jaws, while the second clamping element forms a second clamping jaw of the first pair of clamping jaws as well as a second clamping jaw of the second pair of clamping jaws. The clamping jaw pairs are thus coupled to each other in their movement via the clamping elements.

[0020] In this configuration, the first and second clamping elements each extend from the first clamping slot to the second clamping slot. Thus, the electrically conductive connection between the first and second clamping jaws mentioned above can also be achieved via the clamping elements.

[0021] Furthermore, the first and second clamping elements are positioned opposite each other with respect to the first and second clamping gaps. In other words, a distance measured perpendicular to the longitudinal direction between the first and second clamping elements corresponds to the clear opening of the first and second clamping jaws.

[0022] According to another possible embodiment, the spring assembly can include a retaining spring that connects the first bracket element to the second bracket element in a form-fit and / or material-fit manner. In other words, a form-fit and / or material-fit connection can exist between the retaining spring and the first bracket element, and another form-fit and / or material-fit connection can exist between the retaining spring and the second bracket element. Thus, the first bracket element, the second bracket element, and the retaining spring can each exist as separate components in an initial state. This allows for flexible material selection, enabling the bracket elements to be made of a highly electrically conductive material and the retaining spring of a different material with a higher elastic limit.

[0023] Alternatively, the first terminal jaw, the second terminal jaw, and the spring assembly can be designed as a single piece, particularly monolithically. This reduces the effort required for manufacturing, transport, and storage, as the contact bridge can be provided as an integral component (e.g., a stamped and bent part). Specifically, the integral component can have a first leg section and a second leg section, each for bridging the first and second busbars, as well as a spring section for clamping (i.e., compressing or contracting) the first and second leg sections together.

[0024] Here, the spring section extends from the first leg section to the second leg section and is functionally comparable to the retaining spring. The first and second leg sections correspond in function and position to the first and second bracket elements. As such, the first and second leg sections each extend from the first clamping gap to the second clamping gap. Furthermore, the first and second leg sections are opposite each other with respect to the first and second clamping gaps.

[0025] A space-saving design is achieved when the first bracket element, the second bracket element, the retaining spring, and / or the integral component are each designed as a flat body. A flat body is a flat, planar, plate-shaped, or tab-shaped component with a spatial extent that is many times smaller than its other dimensions. As such, the first bracket element, the second bracket element, the retaining spring, and / or the integral component can each have two flat sides that point away from each other and whose distance corresponds to the aforementioned smaller spatial extent.

[0026] To ensure sufficient rigidity for the first clamping element, the second clamping element, and / or the retaining spring despite their flat design, it is advisable to align their flat sides parallel to the aforementioned clear opening of the first and second terminal jaws. In other words, the first clamping element, the second clamping element, and / or the retaining spring can be arranged vertically with respect to the busbars. This increases the area moment of inertia of the respective flat body.

[0027] According to another possible embodiment, the first clamping element can have a first contact area that tapers the first terminal jaw and a second contact area that tapers the second terminal jaw. Similarly, the second clamping element can have a first contact area that tapers the first terminal jaw and a second contact area that forms the second terminal jaw. In particular, the contact areas can create constrictions in the respective terminal jaw by projecting into the interior of the respective clamping gap. The first terminal jaw thus has a first constriction, and the second terminal jaw has a second constriction. These constrictions result in a higher surface pressure, which increases the contact force against the busbars being held.

[0028] In particular, the first and / or second contact area of ​​the first clamping element and / or the first and / or second contact area of ​​the second clamping element can each have a point. The point can be formed by a rounded projection or an angular prong of the corresponding clamping element. Advantageously, the contact bridge with its respective point can roll along the busbars. This means that between each individual pair of point and busbar, there is no predefined, (meta-)stable angular position, but rather a continuous range of relative angular positions that can be assumed. This facilitates the aforementioned compensatory movements for overcoming positional tolerances.

[0029] Optionally, each tip can have an insertion ramp for the busbar being inserted. From the perspective of the inserted busbar, the first clamping jaw can widen behind the first constriction, and the second clamping jaw can widen behind the second constriction. These widenings provide the busbar with increased freedom of movement, which facilitates the aforementioned compensatory movements.

[0030] Additionally or alternatively, the first and / or second contact area of ​​the first clamping element and / or the first and / or second contact area of ​​the second clamping element can each have a double tip. The double tip can consist of two rounded or angular points arranged in a longitudinally aligned manner. Perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, the two tips are of equal length, so that the double tip defines a central alignment when the contact bridge is clamped to a busbar on one side.

[0031] To achieve additional flexibility in the contact areas, the respective tip and / or double tip can be angled relative to the rest of the contact bridge. This means that an angle other than 180° is formed between the individual tips and the rest of the contact bridge.

[0032] According to another possible embodiment, the contact bridge can have a plurality of first clamping elements arranged congruently or identically to each other, and a plurality of second clamping elements also arranged congruently or identically to each other. The first clamping elements can be slidable relative to each other, as can the second clamping elements. In other words, in this embodiment, several first clamping elements and several second clamping elements are arranged side by side or stacked, resulting in a larger overall conductor cross-sectional area for the contact bridge.

[0033] Optionally, the contact bridge can have an equal or symmetrical number of first and second bracket elements. The spring assembly can, in turn, have a corresponding number of retaining springs, which are arranged congruently with each other and slidably relative to one another, with each retaining spring connecting a first bracket element to a second bracket element in pairs.

[0034] In other words, a first clamping element, a second clamping element, and a retaining spring can together form a bridge unit, with the contact bridge consisting of a stack of such bridge units. Due to the congruent arrangement of the first clamping elements, second clamping elements, and retaining springs among themselves, the entirety of all first clamping slots of the bridge units forms the (common) first clamping jaw, and the entirety of all second clamping slots of the bridge units forms the (common) second clamping jaw.

[0035] Thanks to this design, tolerance compensation can occur even if the first and second busbars are curled relative to each other due to tolerances (i.e., twisted around the busbar bridging direction). Because of their adjustability, the contact bridge units can be fanned out. As long as there is a certain overlap between all adjacent clamping slots, the individual clamping slots can be shifted relative to each other by fanning them out, resulting in a "distorted" overall gap in the respective terminal opening. In total, the (common) first terminal opening can thus be twisted relative to the (common) second terminal opening, allowing the curled busbars to be connected to the contact bridge.

[0036] Since each bridge unit has its own retaining spring, which is mechanically independent of the retaining springs of the other bridge units, the contact forces within each bridge unit are reliably exerted by its own retaining spring, even after significant tolerance compensation. According to an alternative, easier-to-manufacture design, the spring assembly can also have only one retaining spring that bundles and connects all first and second bracket elements.

[0037] The task initially set out can also be solved by a housing for a contact bridge according to one of the embodiments described above. In this case, the housing can be designed to accommodate the contact bridge. The housing is thus able to protect the contact bridge from external influences and can also simplify its handling.

[0038] According to one possible embodiment, the housing can have a first access opening for inserting the first busbars and a second access opening for inserting the second busbars. When the contact bridge is installed in the housing, the first access opening can lead into the first terminal, and the second access opening into the second terminal. The size and shape of the access openings prevent the ingress of foreign objects, thus allowing the housing to serve as finger protection.

[0039] Optionally, the housing can comprise a first housing part forming the first access opening and a second housing part forming the second access opening, with the first and second housing parts being angularly movable relative to each other. Angular movement here describes the fact that the angle between the housing parts is variable. For example, the housing parts can form a hinge, inside which the contact bridge is located.

[0040] The angular flexibility allows the housing components to be adjusted and aligned with the orientation of the busbars being installed. Specifically, the angle between the housing components can be set to match the angle between the busbars. This allows the access openings to be aligned perfectly with the respective busbar and perpendicular to it. Consequently, the access openings can be dimensioned precisely to fit the busbar geometry while still accommodating busbars in different orientations and heights. Without this angular flexibility, the access openings would have to be oversized to accommodate busbars in different orientations and heights, which would compromise the finger protection function.

[0041] If the contact bridge, as described above, consists of a stack of several bridge units, the housing can bundle this stack. Optionally, the housing can have at least one spacing grid with a plurality of parallel spacing ribs. The spacing ribs can be designed as internal ribs that project into the interior of the housing and between the individual bridge units. This allows the spacing grid to position the individual bridge units, especially the plurality of first and second clamp elements, at predefined intervals, for example, at regular intervals. Furthermore, the spacing grid can be designed to align the bridge units within the housing in the busbar bridging direction.

[0042] Alternatively, the contact bridge can be configured as a stack of several integral components with the leg sections and spring section already described above. In this case as well, the housing can be used to bundle, align, and grid the stack.

[0043] Enhanced finger protection can be achieved if the housing has at least one finger guard grid for mounting on the first and / or second busbar. The finger guard grid can be provided in addition to the first and second housing sections or constitute one of them. Furthermore, the finger guard grid can be designed as a comb-, grid-, grate-, grill-, or gate-shaped structure that can be mounted on the end of the first or second busbar. In particular, the finger guard grid can have multiple parallel finger guard ribs that, when mounted, enclose the end of the first or second busbar.

[0044] The finger guard ribs are dimensioned so that neither a VDE test finger nor a human finger can touch the enclosed busbar, while unimpeded contact with the contact bridge is possible. To achieve this, the finger guard rib spacing can be smaller than the tip of the VDE test finger and simultaneously correspond to the spacing of the spacer ribs. Here, the spacing describes the distance between adjacent ribs. Furthermore, the finger guard ribs and spacer ribs can have the same width or thickness. This ensures that the contact bridge units, positioned by the spacer grid, fit precisely between the finger guard ribs of the finger guard grid and thus make contact with the busbar.

[0045] The first and / or second access opening of the housing can be dimensioned such that the VDE test finger cannot be inserted as far as the first or second terminal, while a busbar with the finger protection grid can fit in unimpeded. For this purpose, additional finger protection ribs can be provided in the first and / or access opening, which cover the first or second terminal in the busbar bridging direction. These additional finger protection ribs are complementary in number, shape, and position to the finger protection ribs of the finger protection grid.

[0046] In order to compensate for any positional tolerances of the finger guard grid, it is advisable to mount the finger guard grid in a sliding manner on the first or second busbar.

[0047] The task initially set out can also be solved by a connector with a contact bridge and a housing, each according to one of the embodiments described above, where the housing accommodates the contact bridge. The connector benefits from the functions and advantages of the contact bridge and the housing already described, making it suitable for connecting busbars while simultaneously compensating for tolerances.

[0048] The invention is explained below by way of example embodiments with reference to the drawings. The embodiments shown represent only a subset of possible feature combinations. Individual features of an embodiment can be omitted in accordance with the above explanations if the technical effect associated with the respective feature is not important in a particular application. Conversely, a feature can be added to a described embodiment if the technical effect associated with this feature is important in a particular application of the embodiment.

[0049] In the drawings, the same reference symbols are used for features that correspond to each other in terms of function and / or structure.

[0050] They show: Fig. 1 a schematic perspective representation of a contact bridge according to an exemplary embodiment; Fig. 2 another schematic perspective representation of the contact bridge made of Fig. 1 and two busbars; Fig. 3 another schematic perspective representation of the contact bridge made of Fig. 1; Fig. 4 a schematic perspective sectional view of the contact bridge along the section plane IV-IV from Fig. 3 as a detailed view; Fig. 5 a schematic representation of the contact bridge according to a further exemplary embodiment as a side view; Fig. 6 a schematic representation of a connector according to an exemplary embodiment as a side view; Fig. 7 a schematic perspective representation of the contact bridge according to a further exemplary embodiment; Fig. 8 a schematic perspective sectional view of the connector according to a further exemplary embodiment; Fig. 9 a schematic perspective sectional view of the connector according to a further exemplary embodiment; Fig. 10 a schematic perspective representation of the connector according to a further exemplary embodiment; Fig. 11 a schematic perspective representation of the contact bridge according to a further exemplary embodiment; Fig. 12 a schematic perspective representation of the contact bridge according to a further exemplary embodiment; Fig. 13 a schematic perspective representation of the contact bridge according to a further exemplary embodiment; Fig. 14 a schematic perspective representation of the contact bridge according to a further exemplary embodiment; Fig. 15 a schematic perspective view of the contact bridge according to a further exemplary embodiment; and Fig. 16 a schematic perspective representation of the contact bridge according to a further exemplary embodiment.

[0051] The following section describes the structure and function of a contact bridge 1 with reference to the Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 5, Fig. 6, Fig. 7, Fig. 8, Fig. 9, Fig. 10, Fig. 11, Fig. 12, Fig. 13, Fig. 14, Fig. 15 to Fig. 16 described. Furthermore, the structure and function of a connector 2 is described with reference to the Fig. 6, Fig. 8, Fig. 9 and Fig. 10 explained.

[0052] In Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic perspective view of contact bridge 1. As shown from Fig. As can be clearly seen in Figure 2, the contact bridge 1 serves to connect a first busbar 4' to a second busbar 4''. The busbars 4' and 4'' belong, for example, to different electrical modules (not shown) which are to be connected or bridged by the contact bridge 1 for the transmission of electrical currents and / or signals. In particular, it can be the respective ends 6 of the busbars 4' and 4'' that are connected to each other.

[0053] For this purpose, the contact bridge 1 has a first clamping jaw 8' for at least partially receiving the first busbar 4', in particular its end 6. For example, the contact bridge 1 can have a first pair of clamping jaws 10' that forms the first clamping jaw 8'. The first pair of clamping jaws 10' defines a first clamping gap 12', which is accessible to the first busbar 4' from up to three mutually perpendicular directions 7', 7'', 7'''. In other words, the end 6 of the first busbar 4' can be inserted into the first clamping gap 12' from any of the three directions 7', 7'', 7''' as required.

[0054] Furthermore, the contact bridge 1 has a second terminal jaw 8'' facing away from the first terminal jaw 8' for at least partially receiving the second busbar 4', in particular its end 6. Similarly, the contact bridge 1 can have a second pair of clamping jaws 10'' that forms the second terminal jaw 8''. The second pair of clamping jaws 10'' thus defines a second clamping gap 12'', which is accessible to the second busbar 4'' from up to three mutually perpendicular directions 7', 7'', 7'''. Here too, the end 6 of the second busbar 4'' can be inserted into the second clamping gap 12'' from any of the three directions 7', 7'', 7'''.

[0055] Preferably, the busbars 4', 4'' are moved towards each other when inserted into the clamping slots 12', 12'', as shown in Fig. Figure 2 shows that, if necessary, the busbars 4', 4'' can also be inserted laterally into the clamping slots 12', 12''. For example, the contact bridge 1 can thus be placed or slid laterally onto the ends 6 of the busbars 4', 4''.

[0056] When the end 6 of the first busbar 4' is inserted into the first terminal 8' and the end 6 of the second busbar 4'' is inserted into the second terminal 8'', the electrical currents and / or signals are transmitted between the busbars 4', 4'', since the first terminal 8' is electrically connected to the second terminal 8''.

[0057] For this purpose, the contact bridge 1 can have a first clamping element 14' extending from the first clamping gap 12' to the second clamping gap 12''. Furthermore, the contact bridge 1 can have a second clamping element 14'', which also extends from the first clamping gap 12' to the second clamping gap 12''. The clamping elements 14', 14'' are preferably made of a highly electrically conductive material (e.g., aluminum, copper, or an alloy thereof) and are positioned opposite each other with respect to the first and second clamping gaps 12', 12''.

[0058] The first clamping element 14' can extend along a longitudinal direction 16. The second clamping element 14'' can be spaced transversely, in particular perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction 16, from the first clamping element 14'. A distance 18 measured perpendicular to the longitudinal direction 16 between the first and second clamping elements 14', 14'' thus corresponds to a clear opening 20 of the first and second clamping jaws 8', 8'', respectively.

[0059] Fig. Figure 1 shows a force-free state 22 of the contact bridge 1, in which the second bracket element 14'' extends parallel to the first bracket element 14' in the longitudinal direction 16. In the installed state 24 (see Fig. 2) The longitudinal direction 16 of the contact bridge 1 can run along a connecting line between the first busbar 4' and the second busbar 4''. The longitudinal direction 16 then corresponds to a busbar bridging direction 26. Optionally, the second clamping element 14'' can be designed identically to the first clamping element 14' and arranged in a mirror image with respect to the clamping gaps 12', 12''.

[0060] The first and second busbars 4', 4'' can each have two flat sides 28 that are parallel to each other. Contact can be made on these flat sides 28 by means of the contact bridge 1. For this purpose, the first clamping element 14' can have a first contact area 30' that tapers the first terminal opening 8', and a second contact area 30'' that tapers the second terminal opening 8''. Similarly, the second clamping element 14'' can have a first contact area 30' that tapers the first terminal opening 8'', and a second contact area 30'' that tapers the second terminal opening 8''. The first contact areas 30' are opposite each other with respect to the first clamping gap 12', while the second contact areas 30'' are arranged opposite each other with respect to the second clamping gap 12''.Thus, the contact areas can create constrictions 32', 32'' in the respective terminal jaws 8', 8'', resulting in a locally increased contact force against the received busbars 4', 4''. The first terminal jaw 8' therefore has a first constriction 32' and the second terminal jaw 8'' has a second constriction 32''.

[0061] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the first contact area 30' of the first clamping element 14' and the first contact area 30' of the second clamping element 14'' can each have a point 34. The point 34 can each be formed by an angular prong 36 of the corresponding clamping element 14', 14'' and project into the first clamping mouth 8'. Alternatively, rounded projections 38 of the clamping elements 14', 14'' can also form the respective point 34 (see Figure 1). Fig. 13) The contact bridge 1 can roll along the busbars 4', 4'' at its respective tip. Consequently, the contact bridge 1 can connect the busbars 4', 4'' even if there is a height difference of 40° between the busbars 4', 4'' (see Fig. 5) or another type of positional tolerance exists.

[0062] The tips 34 shown each have an insertion chamfer 42 for the busbar to be received. From the perspective of the received busbar, the first terminal jaw 8' can widen behind the first constriction 32' and the second terminal jaw 8'' can widen behind the second constriction 32''. These widenings give the respective busbar increased freedom of movement when the contact bridge 1 rolls on the busbars 4', 4'' (see Fig. 5).

[0063] The second contact area 30'' of the first clamping element 14' and the second contact area 30' of the second clamping element 14'' can each have a double tip 44. The double tip 44 can consist of two rounded or angular tips 34 arranged in alignment along the longitudinal direction 16. Perpendicular to the longitudinal direction 16, the two tips 34 are of equal length, so that the double tip 44 defines a central alignment when the contact bridge 1 is clamped to a busbar on one side.

[0064] To achieve additional flexibility in the contact areas, the respective tip 34 and / or the respective double tip 44 can be angled or oriented at an angle to the rest of the contact bridge 1. This means that an angle 46 other than 180° is formed between the individual tips 34 and the rest of the contact bridge 1 (see Fig. 16).

[0065] As from Fig. As can be seen in Figure 1, the first clamping element 14' can form a first clamping jaw 48' of the first pair of clamping jaws 10'' as well as a first clamping jaw 48' of the second pair of clamping jaws 10'', while the second clamping element 14'' forms a second clamping jaw 48'' of the first pair of clamping jaws 10' as well as a second clamping jaw 48'' of the second pair of clamping jaws 10''. The pairs of clamping jaws 10', 10'' are therefore coupled to each other in their movement via the clamping elements 14', 14'', so that a motion-transmitting connection exists between them. In other words, a movement (e.g., opening or closing) of the first clamping jaw 8' produces a movement (e.g., opening or closing) in the second clamping jaw 8'' and vice versa. This ensures that any compensating movements required to overcome positional tolerances are evenly distributed between the first and second clamping jaws 8', 8''.

[0066] The contact bridge 1, with its first and second clamping jaws 8', 8'', is designed as a spring-loaded double clamp or double-sided clamp. As shown in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 3, the contact bridge 1 has a spring assembly 50 against which the first terminal jaw 8' and the second terminal jaw 8'' are each designed to open. This means that an elastic restoring force of the spring assembly 50 must be overcome when opening or widening the first and second terminal jaws 8', 8''. This elastic restoring force of the spring assembly 50 enables the contact areas of the contact bridge 1 to apply the necessary contact force against the received busbars.

[0067] The clamping jaws 48', 48'' of the clamping jaw pairs 10', 10'' can be held movable relative to each other by elastic deformation of the spring assembly 50. In particular, the spring assembly 50 can form a bearing point or pivot point for the first clamping jaw pair 10' and the second clamping jaw pair 10''. In other words, the clamping jaws 48', 48'' of the clamping jaw pairs 10', 10'' can be mounted by the spring assembly 50 so that they can be rocked, tilted, or pivoted. The imaginary bearing point or pivot point can be located within or outside the spring assembly 50.

[0068] The spring assembly 50 can extend at least partially between the first terminal jaw 8' and the second terminal jaw 8''. In other words, the spring assembly 50 can separate the first terminal jaw 8' from the second terminal jaw 8''. Optionally, the spring assembly 50 can form a stop 52 for the first and second busbars 4', 4''. Alternatively, the longitudinal distance 54 between the constriction 32 and the stop 52 of the first and second terminal jaws 8', 8'' can be smaller than the clear width 20 of the constriction 32. In other words, the first and second terminal jaws 8', 8'' are then deeper than they are wide.

[0069] According to a Fig. In the alternative embodiment shown in Figure 11, the first and second terminal jaws 8', 8'' can form a continuous receiving channel 56 for the first and second busbars 4', 4''. The spring assembly 50 can surround the receiving channel 56.

[0070] The spring assembly 50 can be arranged centrally between the first terminal jaw 8' and the second terminal jaw 8''. If the ends 6 of the first and second busbars 4', 4'' have the same geometry, the first terminal jaw 8' can be the same size as the second terminal jaw 8''. In particular, the first and second terminal jaws 8', 8'' can be symmetrical with respect to the spring assembly 50 (see Fig. 15) If there are differences in the geometries of the busbar ends, this can be reflected in the size and shape of the terminal openings.

[0071] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the spring assembly 50 can include a retaining spring 58 that positively connects the first bracket element 14' to the second bracket element 14''. Thus, the first bracket element 14', the second bracket element 14'', and the retaining spring 58 can each be separate components. In particular, the retaining spring 58 can be made of a different material with higher elasticity than the bracket elements 14', 14'' (e.g., spring steel).

[0072] The retaining spring 58 can have a first connection area 60' for a positive connection with the first bracket element 14' and a second connection area 60'' for a positive connection with the second bracket element 14''. In particular, the connection areas 60', 60'' can encompass the respective bracket element 14', 14''. For example, the connection areas 60', 60'' can have positive locking tabs 62 that surround the associated bracket element 14', 14'' on at least two opposite sides and hold it captive (see Fig. 4).

[0073] Furthermore, the retaining spring 58 can have a first pressure area 64' for pre-tensioning the first bracket element 14' towards the second bracket element 14'' and a second pressure area 64'' for pre-tensioning the second bracket element 14'' towards the first bracket element 14'. The first pressure area 64' is supported by the first attachment area 60', while the second pressure area 64'' is supported by the second attachment area 60''. For example, the first and second pressure areas 64', 64'' can each be designed as a leaf spring 66, which pre-tensions the captive bracket element 14', 14''.

[0074] The connection areas 60', 60'' can be connected to each other by a central section 68. It is this central section 68 that forms the respective stop 52 for the first and second busbars 4', 4''. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the ironing elements 14', 14'' and the central section 68 can each be located between the pressure areas 64', 64''. The connection areas 60', 60'' are optionally located between the central section 68 and the corresponding pressure area 64', 64''.

[0075] In Fig. Figure 3 shows the central section 68 as straight and beam-shaped. Furthermore, the central section 68 runs laterally offset from the stirrup elements 14', 14'' (see Figure 3). Fig. 1) However, the central section 68 can also be ring-shaped (see Fig. 13), cruciform (see Fig. 14) and / or be wavy (see Fig. 15 and Fig. 16). Furthermore, the central section 68 can run exactly between the stirrup elements 14', 14''.

[0076] Alternatively or in addition to the positive-locking connection described above, a material-locking connection can exist between the retaining spring 58 and the first bracket element 14' as well as between the retaining spring 58 and the second bracket element 14''. For example, the connection areas 60', 60'' can be welded to the corresponding bracket element 14 (see Fig. 14).

[0077] According to a further alternative embodiment, the first terminal jaw 8', the second terminal jaw 8', and the spring assembly 50' can be formed in one piece, in particular monolithically. For example, the contact bridge 1 can be provided as a stamped and bent part 70. As such, the contact bridge 1 can have a first leg section 72' and a second leg section 72'', each for bridging the first and second busbars 4', 4''. The first and second leg sections 72', 72'' correspond in function and position to the first and second clamping elements 14', 14''. That is, the first and second leg sections 72', 72'' each extend from the first clamping gap 12' to the second clamping gap 12''. Furthermore, the first and second leg sections 72', 72'' are opposite each other with respect to the first and second clamping gaps 12', 12''.

[0078] Furthermore, the contact bridge 1 can then have a spring section 74 for clamping (i.e., compressing or contracting) the first and second leg sections 72', 72'' together. The spring section 74 extends from the first leg section 72' to the second leg section 72'' and is functionally comparable to the retaining spring 58, in particular its central section 68.

[0079] The stamped and bent part 70 made of Fig. 12 is optionally configured as a flat body 76. It is thus a flat, planar, plate-shaped, or tab-shaped component with a spatial extent 78' that is many times smaller than its other dimensions 78'', 78'''. Furthermore, the stamped and bent part 70 has two flat sides 80 that point away from each other and whose distance corresponds to the aforementioned smaller spatial extent 78'. Likewise, the first bracket element 14', the second bracket element 14'', and / or the retaining spring 58 can each be configured as a flat body 76 with two flat sides 80.

[0080] To ensure sufficient rigidity for the first bracket element 14', the second bracket element 14'', the retaining spring 58, and / or the stamped and bent part 70, despite their design as flat bodies 76, it is advantageous to align their flat sides 80 parallel to the aforementioned clear width 20 of the first and second clamping jaws 8', 8''. In other words, the first bracket element 14', the second bracket element 14'', the retaining spring 58, and / or the stamped and bent part 70 can be arranged vertically with respect to the busbars 4', 4''. This increases the area moment of inertia of the respective flat body 76.

[0081] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 7, the contact bridge 1 can have a plurality of first clamping elements 14', which are arranged congruently or identically to each other, and a plurality of second clamping elements 14'', which are arranged congruently or identically to each other. The first clamping elements 14' can be displaceable relative to each other, as can the second clamping elements 14''. In other words, in this embodiment, several first clamping elements 14' and several second clamping elements 14'' are arranged side by side or stacked, resulting in a larger overall conductor cross-sectional area for the contact bridge 1.

[0082] Optionally, the contact bridge 1 can have an equal or symmetrical number of first and second bracket elements 14', 14''. The spring arrangement 50 can in turn have a corresponding number of retaining springs 58, which are arranged congruently with respect to each other and slidably relative to each other, with each retaining spring 58 connecting a first bracket element 14' to a second bracket element 14'' in pairs.

[0083] In other words, each first clamping element 14', a second clamping element 14'', and a retaining spring 58 can together form a bridge unit 82, wherein the contact bridge 1 consists of a stack of such bridge units 82. Due to the congruent arrangement of the first clamping elements 14', second clamping elements 14'', and retaining springs 58 with respect to one another, the entirety of all first clamping slots 12' of the bridge units 82 forms the (common) first clamping jaw 8', and the entirety of all second clamping slots 12'' of the bridge units 82 forms the (common) second clamping jaw 8''.

[0084] Due to their adjustability, the bridge units 82 of the contact bridge 1 can be fanned out, as shown in Fig. Figure 7 shows an example. As long as a certain overlap remains between all adjacent clamping slots 12', 12'', the individual clamping slots 12', 12'' can be shifted relative to each other by fanning them out, resulting in a "distorted" overall gap in the respective terminal opening 8', 8''. In total, the (common) first terminal opening 8' can thus be rotated relative to the (common) second terminal opening 8''. Thanks to this design, tolerance compensation can also occur if the first and second busbars 4', 4'' are rolled relative to each other due to tolerances (i.e., rotated about the busbar bridging direction 26).

[0085] As from Fig. As can be clearly seen in Figure 7, each bridge unit 82 has its own retaining spring 58, which is mechanically independent of the other retaining springs 58 of the other bridge units 82. Thus, the contact forces within each bridge unit 82 are reliably exerted by its own retaining spring 58, even after significant tolerance compensation. According to the alternative embodiment from Fig. 11. The spring assembly 50 can also have only one retaining spring 58, which bundles and connects all first and second bracket elements 14', 14''. In this case, the spring assembly 50 can have several first pressure areas 64' for pre-tensioning the first bracket elements 14' towards the second bracket elements 14'' and several second pressure areas 64'' for pre-tensioning the second bracket elements 14'' towards the first bracket elements 14'.

[0086] In Fig. Figure 6 shows the connector 2 with a housing 84 for the contact bridge 1. The housing 84 is made of an electrically insulating material and is designed to accommodate the contact bridge 1. Furthermore, the housing 84 can have a first access opening 86' for inserting the first busbars 4'' and a second access opening 86'' for inserting the second busbars 4''. When the contact bridge 1 is received in the housing 84, the first access opening 86' can lead into the first terminal jaw 8', and the second access opening 86'' can lead into the second terminal jaw 8''.

[0087] Optionally, the housing 84 can comprise a first housing part 88', forming the first access opening 86', and a second housing part 88'', forming the second access opening 86'', wherein the first and second housing parts 88', 88'' are angularly movable relative to each other. Angular movability here describes the variable angle 90° between the housing parts 88', 88''. For example, the housing parts 88', 88'' can form a hinge 92, inside which the contact bridge 1 is located. Alternatively, the housing parts 88', 88'' can be connected by a film hinge or an elastic hose segment.

[0088] The angular mobility or articulation allows the housing parts 88', 88'' to be adjusted and aligned to the orientation and height of the busbars 4', 4'' to be accommodated. For example, the same height offset can be set between the access openings 86', 86'' as exists between the busbars 4', 4''. Likewise, the same angle can be set between the housing parts 88', 88'' as exists between the busbars 4', 4''.

[0089] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 8, the housing 84 can bundle the stack of several bridge units 82. Optionally, the housing 84 can have at least one spacing grid 94 with a plurality of parallel spacing ribs 96. The spacing ribs 96 can be designed as internal ribs 98, which project into the interior of the housing 84 and between the individual bridge units 82 (see Figure 8). Fig. 9) This allows the spacing grid 94 to be used to position the individual bridge units 82, in particular the majority of first and second bracket elements 14', 14'', at predefined intervals, for example, at regular intervals. Furthermore, the spacing grid 94 can be designed to align the bridge units 82 within the housing 84 in the busbar bridging direction 26.

[0090] Alternatively, the contact bridge 1 can be configured as a stack of several stamped and bent parts 70 with the leg sections 72', 72'' and the spring section 74 already described above. In this case as well, the housing 84 can be used to bundle, align, and grid this stack.

[0091] In Fig. Figure 9 shows that the housing 84 can have at least one finger guard 100 for mounting on the first and / or second busbar 4', 4''. The finger guard 100 can be provided in addition to the first and second housing parts 88', 88''. Furthermore, the finger guard 100 can be designed as a comb-, grid-, grate-, grill-, or gate-shaped structure, which can be mounted on the end 6 of the first or second busbar 4', 4''. In particular, the finger guard 100 can have a plurality of parallel finger guard ribs 102 which, when mounted, enclose the end 6 of the first or second busbar 4', 4''.

[0092] The finger guard ribs 102 are dimensioned such that unimpeded contact between the enclosed busbar and the contact bridge 1 is possible, while a VDE test finger (not shown) cannot touch the enclosed busbar. To achieve this, it must be ensured that the bridge units 82 of the contact bridge 1, positioned by the spacing grid 94, engage individually between the finger guard ribs 102 of the finger guard grid 100 and thus reach the busbar (see Fig. 10) For this purpose, it is suitable that one division of the finger protection ribs 102 corresponds to one division of the spacer ribs 96. Furthermore, the finger protection ribs 102 and spacer ribs 96 can have the same width or material thickness. At the same time, the division of the finger protection ribs 102 should be smaller than the tip of the VDE test finger, with the division describing the respective distance between adjacent ribs.

[0093] The first and / or second access opening 86', 86'' of the housing can be dimensioned such that the VDE test finger cannot be inserted as far as the first or second terminal jaw 8', 8'', while a busbar with the finger protection grid 100 can fit in unhindered. For this purpose, additional finger protection ribs 102 can be provided in the first and / or access opening 86', 86'', which cover the first or second terminal jaw 8', 8'' in the busbar bridging direction 26. These additional finger protection ribs 102 are complementary in number, shape, and position to the finger protection ribs 102 of the finger protection grid 100.

[0094] In order to compensate for any positional tolerances of the finger guard grid 100, it is advisable to mount the finger guard grid in a sliding manner on the first or second busbar 4', 4''. Reference sign 1 contact bridge 2 connectors 4', 4'' busbar 6 End 7', 7'', 7''' direction 8', 8'' jaw clamp 10',10'' pair of clamping jaws 12',12'' clamping gap 14',14'' ironing element 16 Longitudinal direction 18 distance 20 clear widths 22 condition 24 condition 26. Busbar bridging direction 28 flat page 30',30'' contact area 32',32'' narrow passage 34 peak 36 points 38 lead 40 Height offset 42 Inset ramp 44 Double top 46 angles 48',48'' clamping jaw 50 Spring arrangement 52 stops 54 distance 56 recording channels 58 Retaining spring 60',60'' connection area 62 Form-locking tab 64',64'' pressure area 66 leaf spring 68 Middle section 70 Stamped and bent parts 72',72'' thigh section 74 Spring section 76 flat bodies 78',78'',78'' extent 80 flat side 82 bridge units 84 cases 86',86'' access opening 88',88'' Housing part 90 angle 92 joint 94 spacing grid 96 spacer rib 98 inner rib 100 finger guard grids 102 Finger protection rib

Claims

[1] Contact bridge (1) for connecting a first busbar (4') to a second busbar (4''), wherein the contact bridge (1): - a first terminal jaw (8') for at least partial reception of the first busbar (4'), - a second terminal jaw (8'') facing away from the first terminal jaw (8') for at least partial reception of the second busbar (4''), and - a spring arrangement (50) against which the first clamping jaw (8') and the second clamping jaw (8'') are each designed to be openable, wherein the first clamping jaw (8') is electrically conductive and motion-transmitting connected to the second clamping jaw (8''). [2] Contact bridge (1) according to claim 1, wherein the spring arrangement (50) extends at least partially between the first terminal jaw (8') and the second terminal jaw (8'') and forms a stop (52) for the first and second busbar (4',4'') respectively. [3] Contact bridge (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the contact bridge (1) - a first pair of clamping jaws (10') forming the first clamping mouth (8'), and - a second pair of clamping jaws (10'') forming the second clamping jaw (8''), wherein the spring arrangement (50) forms a bearing point for the first pair of clamping jaws (10') and the second pair of clamping jaws (10''). [4] Contact bridge (1) according to claim 3, wherein the contact bridge (1) - a first ironing element (14') extending along a longitudinal direction (16), and - a second bracket element (14') which is spaced transversely to the longitudinal direction (16) from the first bracket element (14'), wherein the first bracket element (14') forms a first clamping jaw (48') of the first pair of clamping jaws (10') and a first clamping jaw (48') of the second pair of clamping jaws (10''), wherein the second bracket element (14'') forms a second clamping jaw (48'') of the first pair of clamping jaws (10') and a second clamping jaw (48'') of the second pair of clamping jaws (10'), wherein the spring arrangement (50) has a retaining spring (58) which connects the first bracket element (14') to the second bracket element (14'') in a form-fitting and / or material-fitting manner. [5] Contact bridge (1) according to claim 4, wherein the first bracket element (14'), the second bracket element (14'') and / or the retaining spring (58) are designed as a flat body (76). [6] Contact bridge (1) according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the first bracket element (14') has a first contact area (30') that tapers the first clamping jaw (8') and a second contact area (30'') that tapers the second clamping jaw (8'') and wherein the second bracket element (14'') has a first contact area (30') that tapers the first clamping jaw (8') and a second contact area (30'') that tapers the second clamping jaw (8''). [7] Contact bridge (1) according to claim 6, wherein the first and / or second contact area (30',30'') of the first bracket element (14') and / or the first and / or second contact area (30',30'') of the second bracket element (14'') each has a tip (34) or a double tip (44). [8] Contact bridge (1) according to claim 7, wherein the respective tip (34) and / or the respective double tip (44) is angled relative to the rest of the contact bridge (1). [9] Contact bridge (1) according to any one of claims 4 to 8, wherein the contact bridge (1) - a plurality of first ironing elements (14') arranged congruently to each other, and - comprising a plurality of second bracket elements (14'') arranged congruently to each other, wherein the spring arrangement (50) comprises a plurality of retaining springs (58) arranged congruently to each other, and wherein each retaining spring (58) connects a first bracket element (14') to a second bracket element (14'') in pairs. [10] Contact bridge (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the first clamping jaw (8'), the second clamping jaw (8'') and the spring arrangement (50) are formed in one piece. [11] Housing (84) for a contact bridge (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the housing (84) has a first access opening (86') for inserting the first busbar (4') and a second access opening (86'') for inserting the second busbar (4''). [12] Housing (84) according to claim 11 or housing (84) for a contact bridge (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the housing (84) has a first housing part (88') and a second housing part (88'), wherein the first and second housing parts (88',88'') are held angularly movably against each other. [13] Housing (84) for a contact bridge (1) according to claim 9, wherein the housing (84) has at least one spacing grid (94) with a plurality of spacing ribs (96), wherein the spacing grid (94) is configured to position the plurality of first and second bracket elements (14',14'') at predefined intervals. [14] Housing (84) according to claim 13, wherein the housing (84) has at least one finger guard grid (100) for mounting on the first and / or second busbar (4',4''), wherein the at least one finger guard grid (100) has a plurality of finger guard ribs (102) whose division corresponds to a division of the spacer ribs (96). [15] Connector (2) with a contact bridge (1) according to one of claims 1 to 10 and a housing (84) according to one of claims 11 to 14, wherein the housing (84) accommodates the contact bridge (1).

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