Elastic clip connection

Abstract

The invention relates to a spring clip connection (1) having a busbar (2) and a clamping spring (3a, 3b), the clamping spring having clamping legs (6a, 6b), wherein the clamping legs (6a, 6b) extend towards the busbar (2) and have spring clamping edges (7a, 7b) for clamping an electrical conductor (17), and wherein the busbar (2) has busbar clamping edges (11a, 11b) for fixing the electrical conductor (17) to be clamped, wherein the busbar clamping edges (11a, 11b) have a radius of less than or equal to 0.2 mm.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an elastic clamping connector having a busbar and a clamping spring having clamping legs extending toward the busbar and having spring clamping edges for clamping electrical wires, and wherein the busbar has busbar clamping edges for securing electrical wires to be clamped.

[0002] Furthermore, the present invention also relates to a method for manufacturing such a spring-loaded clamping connector. Background Technology

[0003] DE 10 2014 102 517 A1 discloses a spring-loaded clamping contact for contacting an electrical conductor. The spring-loaded clamping contact has a clamping spring having a spring-loaded clamping edge and a busbar with the clamping edge, wherein the clamping edge and the spring-loaded clamping edge form a clamping portion for the electrical conductor. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Therefore, the purpose of this invention is to provide an improved elastic clamping connector.

[0005] The objective is achieved by means of the elastic clamping connector of the present invention. Advantageous embodiments are described herein.

[0006] In such elastic clamping connectors, it is proposed that the bus clamping edge has a radius of less than or equal to 0.2 mm. It is also advantageous that the bus clamping edge has a radius of less than or equal to 0.1 mm.

[0007] A spring-loaded clamping connector with a large conductor holding force is provided by constructing bus clamping edges with a very small radius. This is particularly important for thin and / or multi-core conductors, where a large conductor holding force is required to reliably hold the conductor in the spring-loaded clamping connector. With multi-core conductors, there is a problem that only the outer core wire bears the holding force due to the loading of the spring clamping edges. When, for example, a tensile force is applied to the conductor, the holding force may be insufficient to reliably clamp such a multi-core conductor. Furthermore, the conductor may be damaged when the outer core wire tears from the conductor due to the holding force.

[0008] The bus clamping edge enhances the holding force of the spring-loaded clamping connector by providing additional holding force to the conductor to be clamped, which is located next to the spring clamping edge. The holding force of the bus clamping edge can be further strengthened by ensuring that its radius is less than or equal to 0.2 mm, particularly less than or equal to 0.1 mm. The small radius of the bus clamping edge allows it to be sharply formed. Sharpness means that the bus clamping edge can cut through the conductor to be clamped, allowing it to embed itself into the conductor. This applies a greater holding force to the conductor, ensuring reliable fixation within the spring-loaded clamping connector. Furthermore, this can also be achieved with multi-core conductors, where the outer cores on two opposing sides of the multi-core conductor can be loaded with an increased holding force. This ensures a higher overall holding force compared to when the spring clamps the edges into the core of a multi-core electrical conductor.

[0009] The radius of the sharply formed busbar edge is the radius of curvature of the circle of curvature at the corner of the sharp busbar edge with a small rounded bevel. This circle of curvature is the circle that most closely approximates the contour of the edge. The distance from the midpoint of this circle of curvature to the corner of the edge is the radius of curvature. This radius is the reciprocal of the curvature of the busbar edge along a flat curve at the corner of the edge. The radius of the edge rounding can be measured, for example, using a conventional radius gauge or a measuring magnifying glass.

[0010] It is conceivable that the bus clamping edge also has a small radius, for example, less than or equal to 0.075 mm, less than or equal to 0.05 mm, less than or equal to 0.025 mm, or less than or equal to 0.01 mm. Reducing the radius provides a sharper bus clamping edge that can more easily cut through the wire to be clamped, thereby embedding it more deeply into the wire.

[0011] The clamping spring may have a support leg and a spring bow disposed between the support leg and the clamping leg.

[0012] This type of elastic clamping connector does not necessarily require a bus clamping edge with a radius less than or equal to 0.2 mm. Therefore, it is also possible to provide an elastic clamping connector as follows:

[0013] A spring-loaded clamping connector having a busbar and a clamping spring, having clamping legs extending toward the busbar and having spring clamping edges for clamping electrical wires, wherein the busbar has busbar clamping edges for securing electrical wires to be clamped.

[0014] The bus clamping edge can have an asymmetrical profile about a plane of symmetry, wherein the plane of symmetry extends orthogonally to the bus through the bus clamping edge. The bus clamping edge can here form a barb for the conductor to be clamped or have a barb-like function for the conductor to be clamped.

[0015] The bus clamping edge can be configured such that when the conductor to be clamped is pulled, the bus clamping edge cuts through the conductor to be clamped. This can be achieved, for example, by constructing the aforementioned barb. The barb is a hook that is installed at the bus in a reverse orientation, thereby preventing the conductor to be clamped from moving backward in the inserted state and potentially being pulled out of the spring-loaded clamping connector. Reverse orientation means that the radius of the bus clamping edge is oriented towards the conductor introduction direction of the conductor to be clamped, such that when the conductor is pulled in the opposite direction to the conductor introduction direction, the bus clamping edge is embedded in the conductor material and fixed in the spring-loaded clamping connector. However, the barb does not mean that the corresponding connection between the bus clamping edge and the conductor to be clamped cannot be released. For example, the clamping legs of the clamping spring can be deflected by an operating element, such as an operating lever, operating tool, or screwdriver, thereby releasing the clamping connection with the conductor.

[0016] In this way, the large retaining force of the spring-loaded clamping connector can reach the conductor to be clamped. The retaining force is limited to the force required to release the conductor from the clamping point by pulling in the opposite direction to the direction in which the conductor is introduced.

[0017] The bus clamping edge can be set laterally across the width of the bus to be clamped the conductor.

[0018] By providing bus clamping edges across the width of the busbar, it is possible to provide bus clamping edges that can be embedded in the conductor to be clamped over a correspondingly large length. This increases the support area on the conductor to be clamped, allowing the holding force to be evenly transmitted to the conductor, thereby further improving conductor fixation.

[0019] The bus clamping edge can extend over a portion of the bus width, with the remaining portion forming at least one bus connector. The bus connector ensures bus stability and the amount of current flowing through it. Because the bus clamping edge reduces stability and current flow, it has been proven that the clamping edge cannot be constructed over the entire width of the bus, but only over a portion. This also provides a sufficiently large support area on the conductor to be clamped, while still ensuring the amount of current flowing through the bus and bus stability. However, this does not conversely imply that stability and the amount of current flowing through the bus are insufficient when the bus clamping edge is constructed over the entire width of the bus.

[0020] The bus clamping edge can be located at the bus clamping section that is cut out or punched from the bus. It is also advantageous that the bus clamping section is located at the bus before the bus clamping edge, along the conductor introduction direction.

[0021] The bus clamping section is a section manufactured from the bus, for example by punching or cutting, wherein the bus clamping edge is provided at the bus clamping section.

[0022] The busbar may have tabs for securing the clamping spring, wherein the clamping spring is self-supportingly inserted into the tabs. This has the advantage that the clamping spring can be secured to the busbar without the aid of an additional fastening mechanism.

[0023] The busbar may have a recess, which serves to accommodate the spring clamping edge. It is also advantageous that the recess is positioned before the busbar clamping edge along the direction of wire introduction.

[0024] The recessed portion accommodates the spring-clamping edge, additionally stabilizing the clamping spring when the wire to be clamped is not inserted. This improves the transport safety of the spring-clamping connector, allowing it to be reliably transported in its pre-installed state.

[0025] A recessed portion can be provided in the area of ​​the bus clamping edge. It is also advantageous that the recessed portion is positioned after the bus clamping edge along the wire introduction direction. The recessed portion allows the bus clamping edge to be positioned at a sufficient height relative to the bus so that the bus clamping edge can be embedded in the wire to be clamped at said height. However, it is important to consider limiting the height, as otherwise damage to the wire to be clamped may occur.

[0026] Compared to the distance between the support surface of the spring-clamped edge of the busbar and the plane parallel to the direction of the conductor introduction and extending through the clamped edge of the busbar along the direction of conductor introduction, the distance between the support surface of the recessed portion and the plane parallel to the direction of the conductor introduction and extending through the clamped edge of the busbar along the direction of conductor introduction can be larger.

[0027] This configuration provides bus clamping edges that can be embedded in the conductors to be clamped at a larger spacing. This configuration can be achieved, for example, by creating an arch in the bus or by forming a thicker bus in the region before the bus clamping edges.

[0028] The elastic clamping connector may have an insulating housing, wherein the insulating housing has at least one wire inlet opening and a clamping spring. It is also advantageous that the insulating housing has at least two wire inlet openings and at least two clamping springs, wherein the wire inlet openings are located at opposite ends of the elastic clamping connector.

[0029] Alternatively, the two clamping springs could also be constructed as a single piece, each clamping spring having a common support leg, the support leg transitioning at its end into a spring bow, the spring bow extending further into the clamping leg having a spring clamping edge. Thus, the elastic clamping connector should be configured such that the two opposing electrical wires can make conductive contact.

[0030] Furthermore, the objective is achieved by a method for manufacturing the aforementioned elastic clamping connector, the method comprising the following steps:

[0031] - Break through the outer contour of the busbar;

[0032] - Cut out or punch out the busbar clamping section, wherein the busbar clamping section is made of a plate plane;

[0033] - Bend the busbar profile;

[0034] -Imprint a recessed section after the busbar clamping section to form the busbar clamping edge.

[0035] It has been confirmed that sharp clamping edges with a radius less than or equal to 0.2 mm can be manufactured by first cutting or punching out a busbar clamping section from the busbar and then pressing a recess after the busbar clamping edge to produce a small radius. By pressing the recess, the side edge region of the busbar next to the busbar clamping section is advantageously lowered relative to the busbar clamping section, causing the busbar clamping section to protrude relative to the upper surface of the busbar with the exposed busbar clamping edge. Thus, a sharp cutting edge is left by pressing (beveling).

[0036] The recess can also be imprinted before the busbar clamping edge. The method steps can be performed simultaneously with the imprinting of the recess or in a separate step after the imprinting of the recess.

[0037] The indefinite article "one" is understood as "one" rather than as a numeral. Therefore, it is also possible for the elastic clamping connector according to the invention to have multiple wire inlet openings, clamping springs, and busbars. It is feasible for the elastic clamping connector to have two busbars arranged side-by-side, each having two clamping springs, such that a total of four wires can be clamped at the elastic clamping connector. However, it is also feasible for three, four, or five busbars arranged side-by-side, each having two clamping springs, to form the elastic clamping connector according to the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0038] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. The drawings show:

[0039] Figure 1 A perspective view showing an embodiment of the spring-clamping connector;

[0040] Figure 2a Showing according to Figure 1 A cross-sectional side view of the elastic clamping connector, without any inserted electrical wires;

[0041] Figure 2b Showing according to Figure 2a An enlarged view of a portion of the elastic clamping connector;

[0042] Figure 2c Showing according to Figures 1 to 2b An enlarged partial top view of the conductor support section;

[0043] Figure 3a Showing according to Figures 1 to 2b A cross-sectional side view of a spring-loaded clamping connector, wherein an inserted electrical wire is present;

[0044] Figure 3b Showing according to Figure 3a An enlarged view of a portion of the elastic clamping connector. Detailed Implementation

[0045] Figure 1 A perspective view of the elastic clamping connector 1 according to the first embodiment is shown. The elastic clamping connector 1 has a busbar 2, wherein clamping springs 3a and 3b are respectively provided at opposite ends of the busbar 2. The clamping springs 3a and 3b each have support legs 4a and 4b, which transition into spring bows 5a and 5b and extend into clamping legs 6a and 6b. The clamping legs 6a and 6b extend into the section of the busbar 2, wherein the clamping legs 6a and 6b have spring clamping edges 7a and 7b and form a clamping portion with the busbar 2 for clamping the electrical wire to be clamped.

[0046] As can be seen, wire receiving sections 8 for clamping electrical wires are provided at opposite ends of the busbar 2. It becomes clear that the wire receiving sections 8 are circumferentially closed. The wire receiving sections 8 here have top sections 9a and 9b associated with the support legs 4a and 4b on the top surface 9, and a bottom section 12 associated with one of the spring clamping edges 7a and 7b, wherein the corresponding top sections 9a and 9b and bottom section 12 are connected to each other via two side surfaces 13 and form a continuous wire receiving section 8 that is circumferentially closed.

[0047] Viewed along the corresponding conductor introduction direction L, before the conductor receiving sections 8a and 8b, the busbar components 2 each have preferably one-piece molded contact-type conductor support sections 2a and 2b. In the closed state, without any introduced conductors, the spring-clamping edges 7a and 7b are preferably placed on the conductor support sections. The conductor support sections 2a and 2b are preferably inclined relative to the conductor introduction direction L and form a conductor introduction surface or a conductor introduction ramp.

[0048] It is also evident that two tabs 10a and 10b are provided on the top surface 9 of the busbar 2, with tabs 10a and 10b respectively located at opposite ends of the top surface 9. One of the clamping springs 3a and 3b is self-supporting, that is, it is engaged with tabs 10a and 10b without additional fastening mechanism.

[0049] However, it is also possible to consider that the clamping springs 3a and 3b are configured as a single clamping spring with two clamping legs 7a and 7b, wherein the single clamping spring extends at the top surface 9 of the busbar 2.

[0050] Figure 2a Showing according to Figure 1 A cross-sectional side view of the elastic clamping connector 1, without any inserted wires. It can be seen that the busbar 2 has busbar clamping edges 11a and 11b in the regions of the spring clamping edges 7a and 7b, respectively. The busbar clamping edges 11a and 11b can be provided in the regions of the wire support sections 2a and 2b. The busbar clamping edges 11a and 11b have radii less than or equal to 0.2 mm, and particularly less than or equal to 0.1 mm. By constructing the busbar clamping edges 11a and 11b with very small radii, the elastic clamping connector 1 is provided with a large wire holding force. By forming the small radius of the busbar clamping edges 11a and 11b, the busbar clamping edges 11a and 11b are sharply formed, such that the busbar clamping edges 11a and 11b can cut into the conductor to be clamped, and the busbar clamping edges 11a and 11b can thus be embedded into the conductor to be clamped, thereby achieving the corresponding conductor holding force.

[0051] However, it is also possible to consider having smaller radii for the bus clamping edges 11a and 11b. This would further improve the effectiveness of cutting the electrical wires.

[0052] It is evident that the bottom section 12 of the busbar 2 can form a support for the conductor to be clamped. The bottom section 12 may include connector-type conductor support sections 2a and 2b. The bottom section 12 and the top surface 9 are connected to each other via two opposing side surfaces 13. It becomes clear that the bottom section 12 and the side surfaces 13 have notches 14. It also becomes clear that the top surface 9 is configured as a conductor-introducing ramp, wherein the top surface 9 forms a V-shape. Here, the cross-section of the conductor-receiving section 8 gradually tapers towards the center of the elastic clamping connector 1. In this way, the conductor can be introduced into the larger cross-section of the conductor-receiving section 8, wherein the conductor can be guided towards the clamping location through the gradually tapering cross-section.

[0053] Figure 2b Showing according to Figure 2a An enlarged partial view of the elastic clamping connector 1. The area surrounding the busbar clamping edge 11a is shown here enlarged. It will become clear that the busbar clamping edge 11a is located at the busbar clamping section 18. Here, the busbar clamping section 18 is cut out or punched out from the busbar 2.

[0054] It is also evident that the busbar 2 has a recessed portion 15 and a recessed portion 16, wherein the recessed portion 15 is positioned after the busbar clamping edge 11a with respect to the wire introduction direction L, while the recessed portion 16 is positioned before the busbar clamping edge 11a with respect to the wire introduction direction L. The recessed portion 16 is configured such that it can accommodate the spring clamping edge 7a when no wire is inserted into the elastic clamping connector 1. In this way, the clamping spring 3a can be further stabilized, thereby improving the transport safety of the elastic clamping connector 1.

[0055] The recessed portion 15 allows the bus clamping edge 11a to be positioned at a sufficient height so that it can be embedded in the conductor to be clamped. However, a height limit is possible, as otherwise damage to the conductor to be clamped could occur.

[0056] It also becomes clear that, along the conductor introduction direction L, the plane E, parallel to the conductor introduction direction L and extending through the busbar clamping edge 11a, has a larger distance ΔA2 from the busbar 2 after the busbar clamping edge 11a than the distance ΔA1 before the busbar clamping edge 11a. Here, the support surface of the recessed portion 15 is considered as a reference point after the busbar clamping edge 11a. Here, along the conductor introduction direction L before the busbar clamping edge 11a, the support area of ​​the spring clamping edges 7a and 7b on the conductor support sections 2a and 2b is a reference point.

[0057] Figure 2c Showing according to Figures 1 to 2bAn enlarged partial top view of the conductor support section 2a. It becomes clear that the bus clamping edge 11a is provided at the protruding bus clamping section 18. The bus clamping section 18 is preferably punched out of the material of the bus 2, wherein the bus clamping section 18 extends in a U-shape from the conductor support section 2a of the bus 2.

[0058] It is also evident that the busbar clamping section 18 extends from the busbar 2 along the conductor introduction direction L before the busbar clamping edge 11a.

[0059] Figure 3a Showing according to Figures 1 to 2b A cross-sectional side view of the elastic clamping connector 1, which has an inserted electrical wire 17. Figure 3b Showing according to Figure 3a An enlarged partial view of the elastic clamping connector 1. Here, the area surrounding the busbar clamping edge 11a is shown in enlarged view.

[0060] It becomes clear that the conductor 17 is clamped and held at the bottom section 12 of the busbar 2 between the spring clamping edge 7a and the busbar clamping edge 11a. The busbar clamping edge 11a is configured as a barb, wherein when the conductor 17 is pulled in the opposite direction to the conductor introduction direction L, the busbar clamping edge 11a cuts the conductor 17 and thus embeds itself into the conductor 17. In this way, a correspondingly high holding force can be applied to the conductor 17, wherein the conductor 17 can be fixedly held in the clamping portion of the spring clamping connector 1.

[0061] Here, the bus clamping edge 11a can be configured to be stiffer than the spring clamping edge 7a. The increased stiffness of the bus clamping edge 11a relative to the clamping spring 7a ensures that the bus clamping edge 11a cuts the wire to be clamped.

[0062] List of reference numerals

[0063] 1. Elastic clamping connector

[0064] 2 busbars

[0065] 2a, 2b Conductor support sections

[0066] 3a, 3b Clamping springs

[0067] 4a, 4b Supporting legs

[0068] 5a, 5b Spring bows

[0069] 6a, 6b Clasp your legs together

[0070] 7a, 7b Spring-clamped edges

[0071] 8. Conductor housing section

[0072] 9. Top surface

[0073] Top sections of 9a and 9b

[0074] 10a and 10b splicing

[0075] 11a, 11b busbar clamping edges

[0076] 12 Bottom Section

[0077] 13 Side View

[0078] 14 Gap

[0079] 15. Sunken section

[0080] 16 Recessed portion

[0081] 17. Electrical wires

[0082] 18. Busbar clamping section

[0083] Spacing between ΔA1 and ΔA2

[0084] E plane

[0085] L-direction of wire introduction

Claims

1. A spring-loaded clamping connector (1) having a busbar (2) and clamping springs (3a, 3b), the clamping springs having clamping legs (6a, 6b) extending toward the busbar (2) and having spring clamping edges (7a, 7b) for clamping electrical wires, and the busbar (2) having busbar clamping edges (11a, 11b) for fixing electrical wires to be clamped. Its features are, The bus clamping edges (11a, 11b) are arranged transversely to the conductor to be clamped in the width of the bus (2). The bus clamping edges (11a, 11b) extend only on a portion of the width of the conductor support section (2a, 2b) of the bus (2). The remaining portion of the conductor support section (2a, 2b) forms at least one bus connecting piece. The bus (2) has a recess (16) which is configured to accommodate the spring clamping edges (7a, 7b) and is arranged in the conductor introduction direction (L) before the bus clamping edges (11a, 11b). A recess (15) is provided in the region of the bus clamping edges (11a, 11b) in the conductor introduction direction (L) after the bus clamping edges (11a, 11b).

2. The elastic clamping connector (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The clamping springs (3a, 3b) have support legs (4a, 4b) and spring bows (5a, 5b) disposed between the support legs (4a, 4b) and the clamping legs (6a, 6b).

3. The elastic clamping connector (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The busbar clamping edges (11a, 11b) have a radius of less than or equal to 0.2 mm.

4. The elastic clamping connector (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The busbar clamping edges (11a, 11b) have a radius of less than or equal to 0.1 mm.

5. The elastic clamping connector (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The bus clamping edges (11a, 11b) have an asymmetrical profile about a plane of symmetry that extends orthogonally to the bus (2) through the bus clamping edges (11a, 11b).

6. The elastic clamping connector (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The bus clamping edges (11a, 11b) form barbs for clamping electrical wires.

7. The elastic clamping connector (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The bus clamping edges (11a, 11b) are configured such that when the conductor to be clamped is pulled, the bus clamping edges (11a, 11b) cut the conductor to be clamped.

8. The elastic clamping connector (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The bus clamping edges (11a, 11b) are located at the bus clamping section (18) cut out or punched from the bus (2).

9. The elastic clamping connector (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that, The bus clamping section (18) is positioned at the bus (2) before the bus clamping edges (11a, 11b) along the conductor introduction direction (L).

10. The elastic clamping connector (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The busbar (2) has tabs (10a, 10b) for securing the clamping springs (3a, 3b), the clamping springs (3a, 3b) being self-supportingly inserted into the tabs (10a, 10b).

11. The elastic clamping connector (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The bus (2) contains at least part of copper.

12. The elastic clamping connector (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, Along the direction of the conductor introduction (L), the plane (E) parallel to the direction of the conductor introduction (L) and extending through the bus clamping edges (11a, 11b) has a greater distance (ΔA1) from the bus (2) after the bus clamping edges (11a, 11b) than it has from the bus before the bus clamping edges (11a, 11b).

13. The elastic clamping connector (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The elastic clamping connector (1) has an insulating material housing with at least one wire inlet opening and clamping springs (3a, 3b).

14. The elastic clamping connector (1) according to claim 13, characterized in that, The insulating material housing has at least two wire inlet openings and at least two clamping springs (3a, 3b), the wire inlet openings being located at opposite ends of the elastic clamping connector (1).

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