Connecting device for shielded conductors of electric wires

Abstract

The present invention relates to a connection device for a shielded conductor of an electric wire. A connection device (1) for a shielded conductor (20) of an electric wire (2), comprising: a housing (10) attachable to a potential collector (3), into which the electric wire (2) can be inserted with the shielded conductor (20); and a spring element (11) adjustably arranged on the housing (10), the spring element having clamping feet (111) and movable from an open position to a clamping position relative to the housing (10), so that in the clamping position the clamping feet (111) act on the shielded conductor (20) of the electric wire (2) inserted in the housing (10), wherein a locking element (13) is provided, which can be adjusted relative to the housing (10) between a locked position and an unlocked position, wherein in the locked position the housing (10) attached to the potential collector (3) is locked together with the potential collector (3), and the unlocked position is used to release the housing (10) from the potential collector (3).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a connecting device for connecting a shielded conductor of an electrical line to a potential pick-up according to the preamble of claim 1 .

[0002] This connection device includes a housing attachable to a potential collector, into which a wire can be inserted with a shielded conductor. The connection device also includes a spring element adjustably arranged on the housing, the spring element having clamping legs that can be moved relative to the housing from an open position to a clamped position so that in the clamped position the clamping legs act on the shielded conductor of the wire inserted into the housing. Background Art

[0003] This connection device, also known as a shield clamp, is used to establish large-area contact between the shield conductor and a potential collector, such as a busbar, mounting rail, or housing wall of an electrical device (e.g., a switchgear). This contact must be durable, particularly temperature- and corrosion-resistant (even in corrosive environments), and vibration-resistant, to ensure reliable potential shielding of the shield conductor over the service life of the electrical device.

[0004] Conventional connecting devices have a relatively complex structure, use multiple components and are correspondingly expensive to manufacture. In addition, connecting the shielded conductors generally requires multiple installation or removal steps, which can mean a significant workload, for example, when a busbar has a large number of such connecting devices.

[0005] In the structural clamp disclosed in DE 202015102037 U1, a potential collector in the form of a metal conductor and an electric wire can be inserted into a housing. A clamping screw is arranged on the housing, which is used to make the electric wire and the metal conductor come into clamping contact.

[0006] DE 10 2016 110 393 A1 describes a contact device for contacting a shielded conductor. The device comprises a housing enclosing a receiving cavity. The housing can be attached to a potential pick-up device such that the potential pick-up device extends within the receiving cavity. Furthermore, a spring element is provided on the housing so as to be pivotable about a pivot axis. The spring element can be deflected from an open position to a clamped position. This enables reliable and durable contact between the shielded conductor of an electrical line and the potential pick-up device. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The object of the present invention is to provide a connecting device which can make the shielded conductor of an electric wire contact with a potential collector (such as a busbar, a mounting rail or a housing edge of an electrical device) as reliably as possible and is easy to operate.

[0008] The solution of the invention for achieving the above-mentioned object is the subject of the invention having the features of claim 1 .

[0009] In view of this, the connecting device has a locking element, which can be adjusted, in particular moved, relative to the housing between a locked position and an unlocked position, wherein the housing attached to the potential collector is locked together with the potential collector in the locked position and in the unlocked position the housing is released for removal from the potential collector.

[0010] Therefore, the connecting device has a locking element, by means of which the connecting device can be locked to the potential pick-up in a simple manner, so that the connecting device is retained on the potential pick-up in a loss-proof manner, particularly with a positive fit. This eliminates the need to secure the connecting device to the potential pick-up using fastening elements (such as screws), for example. Thus, the connecting device can be securely fixed to the potential pick-up despite being simple to operate.

[0011] The spring element is adjustably, in particular, pivotably, arranged on the housing and can be brought into contact with the shielding conductor of an electrical cable fed into the receiving cavity of the connection device via its clamping legs. The spring element can be made, for example, of spring steel and thus possesses inherent elasticity, thereby establishing a clamping contact between the shielding conductor and the potential pick-up and compensating for, for example, aging-related deformations of the shielding conductor or the potential pick-up without impairing the contact between the shielding conductor and the potential pick-up.

[0012] To facilitate the contact of the clamping foot against the shielding conductor (which may, in particular, have a cylindrical basic shape corresponding to the shape of the wire), and in particular to achieve EMC-compliant large-surface contact, the clamping foot can have a contact section that serves to bring the clamping foot into contact (planarly) with the shielding conductor and whose shape matches the shielding conductor. This contact section thus forms a curved or bent contact profile (viewed in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, along which the shielding conductor can be inserted into the housing of the connector), so that the contact section, viewed circumferentially to the longitudinal axis, can at least partially contact the shielding conductor planarly. This facilitates the application of force while achieving favorable planar contact with the shielding conductor. Furthermore, the press fit of the shielding conductor in the connector housing can be improved, since the shielding conductor is fixed in position within the housing by the contact profile in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the conductor and thus cannot move relative to the clamping foot transversely to the longitudinal axis (in the tangential direction of the potential pick-up).

[0013] The spring element is, for example, made in one piece. As an alternative or in addition, the housing can be made in one piece. The housing and / or the spring element can, for example, be respectively implemented as a stamped and bent part.

[0014] A recess for accommodating a potential collector can be constructed on the housing. The side walls of the housing can, in particular, have several recesses. The shape of the recess can match the shape of the potential collector, so that the potential collector, such as a metal conductor with a rectangular cross-section, can be accommodated in a particularly precise fit. In order to achieve electrical contact between the shielded conductor of the electric wire and the potential collector, the electric wire is preferably first inserted into the housing of the connecting device with its stripped shielded conductor. The housing is then attached together with the electric wire arranged thereon to a potential collector, such as a busbar for grounding of an electrical device (such as a switch cabinet or the like), a mounting rail, or a section of the housing wall. When the housing is attached to the potential collector, the potential collector preferably passes through the accommodating cavity in a transverse direction, with the side walls of the housing being spaced a certain distance apart in this transverse direction.

[0015] In one technical solution, the locking element locks, for example partially or completely, a receptacle defined by a recess in the housing (particularly a side wall of the housing) in the locked position, so that a potential collector received in the recess is retained therein with a positive fit. This allows for a reliable connection between the connecting device and the potential collector while maintaining a relatively simple structure.

[0016] The locking element is guided, for example, in at least one guide element on the housing. This at least one guide element can be formed, in particular, as a slot in one of the side walls. This allows for a simple and robust design. Optionally, at least one guide element for the locking element, in particular a pair of guide grooves, can be formed on each of the two side walls. This provides precise guidance. The locking element can be pre-tensioned into the guide grooves so that the locking element is held in place on the housing with a press-fit and prevents unintentional movement relative to the housing or rattling due to vibrations.

[0017] The housing can be attached to the potential collector along an attachment direction. The locking element can be movable relative to the housing along a movement direction perpendicular to the attachment direction. Therefore, pulling the wire does not cause unintended adjustment of the locking element. The side walls of the housing can be spaced apart in a lateral direction perpendicular to both the attachment direction and the movement direction.

[0018] In one embodiment, the spring element is pivotally supported on the housing about the pivot axis. To achieve this pivotable support, two hinge plates arranged opposite each other can be formed on the spring element, which extend beyond the spring element and, for example, engage with hinge pins arranged on the housing, thereby articulating the spring element to the housing. The pivotable support of the spring element on the housing facilitates its manipulation. By implementing this pivoting mechanism, the spring element can be easily adjusted between an open position and a clamped position, for example, to bring a shielding conductor into contact with a potential pick-up attached to the housing or to disconnect an electrical conductor from a connection device.

[0019] The spring element is adapted to adjust the locking element relative to the housing. For example, at least one position and / or movement of the spring element relative to the housing determines at least one position and / or movement of the locking element relative to the housing. This allows for particularly simple operation of the connecting device.

[0020] Optionally, the clamping foot is designed so that when the spring element is moved from the clamped position into the open position, the locking element is pressed into the unlocked position. This solution allows the clamping foot to be lifted from the shielding conductor and the housing to be unlocked from the potential pick-up in a single actuation, resulting in particularly simple operation. Thus, despite the locking provided on the potential pick-up, the connecting device can be removed from the potential pick-up in a single working step.

[0021] In one refinement, the end of the clamping foot is first lifted from the shield conductor of the cable inserted into the receiving cavity. Subsequently, as the spring element moves from the clamping position into the open position, the end acts on the actuating section of the locking element. This first releases the cable and allows it to be removed, while the connecting device remains attached to the potential pick-up. Only with further opening movement does the locking element unlock, and the connecting device can be separated from the potential pick-up. This allows for comfortable and reliable operation, with a reduced risk of accidentally dropping one of the components.

[0022] The spring element can, for example, include an actuating leg pivotally supported on the housing. The actuating leg is connected to a clamping leg that clamps against the shielding conductor of the electrical wire inserted into the receiving cavity and is bent relative to the clamping leg. The actuating leg can be snapped together with the housing to secure the position of the spring element relative to the housing in a clamped position. Using the actuating leg, a user can, for example, manually or with a tool, act on the spring element and, for example, press it toward the clamping position to establish electrical contact between the shielding conductor and the potential collector. The clamping leg allows the spring element to clamp against the shielding conductor, pressing the shielding conductor against the potential collector and establishing electrical contact between the shielding conductor and the potential collector.

[0023] Optionally, the actuating leg is designed so that when the spring element is moved from the open position into the clamped position, the locking element is pressed into the locked position. This allows the shielding conductor to be clamped and the locking element to be locked in just one working step. When the spring element is arranged in the clamped position, the locking element is fixed in the locked position by the actuating section of the spring element.

[0024] The actuating foot preferably snaps the spring element into place with the housing in the clamped position. For this purpose, the actuating foot preferably has a snap-in mechanism, which can, for example, be formed by a snap-in projection on the end of the actuating foot facing away from the clamping foot. The snap-in projection snaps the actuating foot into place with, for example, a snap-in projection on the housing, so that the actuating foot is positively secured in its clamped position and thus held in the clamped position. This prevents the spring element from accidentally opening.

[0025] To close the connection, the spring element is compressed, for example, by pressing the actuating leg toward a clamping position. In this clamping position, the spring element clamps the shielded conductor of the cable to a potential pick-up attached to the housing, such that the shielded conductor makes electrical contact with the potential pick-up. The spring element can be released from the closed position, for example, by a user engaging a tool (e.g., a screwdriver) in a tool recess on the end of the actuating leg, thereby releasing the latching protrusion of the actuating leg from the latching protrusion of the housing. Upon releasing the latching protrusion, the spring element springs out of the clamping position due to the elastic pretension of the clamping leg (applied by contact with the shielded conductor of the cable), thereby opening the connection and allowing the cable to be removed from the housing. Further movement of the spring element into the open end position also unlocks the locking element, allowing the housing to be removed from the potential pick-up. However, the spring element can also be opened manually without the use of tools.

[0026] The housing can, for example, be integrally formed. In one embodiment, the housing can include two parallel sidewalls spaced a certain distance apart in the transverse direction, with the accommodating cavity formed between the sidewalls, and a connecting section connecting the sidewalls. For example, at least one guide for the locking element can be formed on each of the sidewalls. This allows the housing to have, for example, a U-shaped cross-section, into which the wires can be inserted with stripped shielded conductors.

[0027] In the connected state, the wires and the potential collector extend in different directions relative to the housing. The wires are laid through the housing along the longitudinal axis, while the potential collector passes through the accommodating cavity transversely to the wires. Accordingly, the housing can be attached to the potential collector in such a way that the potential collector passes through the accommodating cavity transversely. The shielded conductor can, for example, be inserted into the housing in such a way that it passes through the accommodating cavity between these side walls along the longitudinal axis in the clamped position. The shielded conductor can, for example, be inserted into the accommodating cavity along an insertion direction transverse to the longitudinal axis and transverse to the transverse direction, and before the housing is attached to the potential collector, these side walls are separated by a certain distance along the insertion direction. In this way, it is not necessary to pass the wires through the housing, and as an alternative, it can simply be inserted into the housing along the insertion direction so that the shielded conductor is located in the accommodating cavity of the housing.

[0028] In the clamped position, the spring element is located on one side of the (stripped) shielded conductor of the electrical line, and the potential pick-up is located on the other side. In other words, the shielded conductor is accommodated between the spring element and the potential pick-up and is pressed directly into electrical contact with the potential pick-up by the spring element clamping against the shielded conductor.

[0029] According to one aspect, an assembly is provided, comprising an electric line including a shielded conductor, a potential collector, and a connection device according to any one of the technical solutions described herein.

[0030] The potential collector can in particular be a component of a mounting rail or a busbar.

[0031] According to one aspect, a housing is provided for a connection device for a shielded conductor of an electrical wire, particularly a connection device according to any of the technical solutions described herein. The housing can be attached to a potential collector, and the electrical wire can be inserted into the housing with the shielded conductor. The housing has at least one support portion for adjustably supporting a spring element on the housing, and at least one guide. The at least one guide is configured such that a locking element can be adjusted relative to the housing along the at least one guide between a locked position and an unlocked position. In the locked position, the housing, when attached to the potential collector, is locked to the potential collector, and the unlocked position releases the housing from the potential collector. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] The basic concept of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings.

[0033] Figure 1A A perspective view of a connecting device for contacting a shielded conductor of an electrical line with a potential pick-up of an electrical device, for example in the form of an electrical busbar or a housing edge, wherein the connecting device is shown in a state of being attached and locked to the potential pick-up and includes a clamped shielded conductor;

[0034] Figure 1B is a side view of the connecting device;

[0035] Figure 2A A perspective view of the connection device on the potential collector without wires and in an open and unlocked state;

[0036] Figure 2B for Figure 2A The connecting device shown is in a closed state and locked on the potential collector;

[0037] Figure 3 for Figure 2B a perspective cutaway view of the illustrated connecting device;

[0038] Figure 4A A perspective view of the connection device without the potential collector and wires and in an open and unlocked state;

[0039] Figure 4B for Figure 4A The connection device shown, but in the closed and locked position;

[0040] Figure 5A for Figure 2A a side view of the illustrated connecting device;

[0041] Figure 5B for Figure 2A a cross-sectional view of the connecting device shown;

[0042] Figure 6A for Figure 4B a side view of the illustrated connecting device;

[0043] Figure 6B for Figure 4B a cross-sectional view of the connecting device shown;

[0044] Figure 7A for Figure 2B a side view of the illustrated connection device; and

[0045] Figure 7B for Figure 2B A cross-sectional view of the connecting device shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0046] FIG1 shows a schematic diagram of a connection device 1 for making electrical contact with a shield conductor 20 of an electric wire 2 in the form of a conductive braided shield layer (or a conductive shield film).

[0047] The wire 2 has, for example, a plurality of wire cores 22, which are surrounded by a shield conductor 20, for example in the form of a braided shield layer (and can be selectively electrically insulated or connected to each other). The shield conductor 20 is covered on the outside by an electrically insulating sheath 21, so that the shield conductor 20 is electrically insulated to the outside at the unstripped part.

[0048] The connecting device 1 allows the shielded conductor 20 of the electrical line 2 to be electrically contacted with a potential collector 3 of the electrical device in the form of a metallic conductor (e.g., a busbar, a mounting rail, or a housing wall). This allows the shielded conductor 20 to be applied to, for example, the ground potential of the potential collector 3, thereby grounding the shielded conductor 20 via the connecting device 1.

[0049] In principle, a plurality of electric lines 2 can be arranged on the potential sensor 3, and in particular via Figure 1A The connecting device 1 shown is electrically grounded.

[0050] 1 to 7B , the connecting device 1 comprises a housing 10 consisting of two parallel side walls 100 spaced apart in the transverse direction and a connecting section 104 connecting the two side walls 100. The housing 10 is preferably manufactured in one piece, for example, as a stamped and bent part made of sheet metal.

[0051] A spring element 11 is arranged on the housing 10 so as to be pivotable relative to the housing 10 about a pivot axis S. The spring element 11 comprises an actuating foot 110 and a clamping foot 111 bent relative to the actuating foot 110. The spring element 11 is made, for example, as a stamped and bent part of spring steel and is inherently elastic in order to elastically adjust the relative position of the actuating foot 110 and the clamping foot 111.

[0052] Figure 1A and 1B The spring element 11 is shown in a clamped position, in which the spring element 11 is clamped against the partially stripped shield conductor 20 of the electrical line 2 by means of the clamping legs 111 and is pressed against the shield conductor 20 in such a manner that it makes electrical contact with the potential pick-up 3 extending through the housing 10. In this clamped position, the spring element 11 is latched together with the latching projections 102 on the oppositely arranged side walls 100 by means of latching projections 114 on the ends 113 of the actuating legs 110 facing away from the clamping legs 111, thereby positively holding the spring element 11 in its clamped position relative to the housing 10.

[0053] In this clamped position, the clamping foot 111 rests with the abutment section 117 on the shielded conductor 20 of the electric line 2. In the region of this abutment section 117, the clamping foot 111 is bent (in a plane perpendicular to the deflection axis S) to prevent the sharp edge region of the clamping foot 111 (in particular, not its end edge facing away from the deflection axis S) from abutting against the shielded conductor 20, thereby placing the clamping foot 111 in a planar manner against the shielded conductor 20.

[0054] In this clamping position, the spring leg 111 is elastically tensioned relative to the actuating leg 110 in that the spring element 11 is pressed into the clamping position and, in this clamping position, is snapped together with the housing 10 by the actuating leg 110. Due to the elasticity of the spring element 11, for example, (age-related) yielding of the shielding conductor 20 of the electrical line 2 can be compensated without this yielding affecting the electrical contact between the shielding conductor 20 and the potential pick-up 3.

[0055] The spring element 11 has two oppositely arranged hinge plates 112 on the actuating foot 110, each of which is connected in an articulated manner to one of the side walls 100 of the housing 10 and, for this purpose, is articulated on a hinge pin 103 of the side wall 100. As a result, the spring element 11 can be pivoted about the hinge pin 103 and can be moved, in particular, between an open position and a clamped position (see, for example, Figure 1A ) is adjusted, in which open position the spring element 11 is adjusted in the opposite direction to the closing direction Z (see for example Figure 2A ) to open from the clamped position.

[0056] Several recesses 101 are arranged opposite to each other on the side wall 100 of the housing 10, and the potential collector 3 can be accommodated in these recesses so that Figure 1A and Figure 2A As shown, the potential collector 3 , when attached to the housing 10 , passes through the accommodation cavity 12 of the housing 10 formed between the side walls 100 in the transverse direction.

[0057] Each of the recesses 101 is designed as a slot in the corresponding housing wall 100. The slots extend parallel to one another.

[0058] The wire 2 can be inserted in the insertion direction E (see, for example, Figure 4A ) is inserted into the housing 12 from the side facing away from the connection section 104 of the housing 10, so that the wire 2 is inserted along the longitudinal axis L (see in particular Figure 1A ) passes through the accommodating cavity 12 of the housing 10 transversely to the lateral direction and transversely to the insertion direction E.

[0059] In order to establish electrical contact between the shielded conductor 20 of the electrical line 2 and the potential collector 3, the electrical line 2 with its partially stripped shielded conductor 20 is first inserted into the receiving chamber 12 along the insertion direction E (alternatively, perpendicular to the insertion direction E and transversely or perpendicular to the transverse direction and obliquely relative to the insertion direction E). The spring element 11 is normally in its open position (see, for example, Figure 4A ), the spring element 11 can be moved along the closing direction Z from the open position into the clamping position.

[0060] Subsequently, the connecting device 1 together with the wire 2 arranged thereon is attached to the potential collector 3 by snapping the housing 10 and the potential collector 3 together via the recess 101. The potential collector 3 is thereby passed through the receiving cavity 12 of the housing 10 such that the spring element 11 and the potential collector 3 rest on different sides of the wire 2.

[0061] Alternatively, the housing 10 may be placed on the potential collector 3 first, and then the wire 2 may be inserted into the accommodating cavity 12 between the spring element 11 and the grounding element 3 .

[0062] Thus, by pressing the operating foot 110, the spring element 11 is brought to a position in particular Figure 1A 、 1B , 2B and 3 and pressed in the closing direction Z until the operating leg 110 is locked together with the locking protrusion 102 on the side wall 100 of the housing 10 by its locking protrusion 114 arranged on the end 113. In this way, the spring leg 111 comes into clamping contact with the shielding conductor 20 and is elastically tensioned, thereby pressing the shielding conductor 20 against the potential collector 3 in a contact-type abutment manner with sufficient contact force.

[0063] When it is necessary to remove the wire 2 from the potential pick-up 3, the user can use a corresponding tool (such as a screwdriver) to engage the tool recess 115 in the form of an opening on the end 113 of the operating leg 110, thereby releasing the locking of the operating leg 110 from the housing 10 by (elastic) bending of the (here bent) end 113. Subsequently, due to the pretensioning of the spring leg 111, the spring element 11 pops out of its clamping position, thereby opening the connecting device 1.

[0064] In order to prevent the connecting device 1 from being accidentally separated from the potential pick-up 3 , the connecting device 1 further comprises a locking device having a locking element 13 which is adjustably supported on the housing 10 .

[0065] The locking element 13 can move relative to the housing 10 between a locking position in which the housing 10 attached to the potential collector 3 is locked together and an unlocking position for releasing the housing 10 from the potential collector 3 .

[0066] The locking element 13 is made in one piece and is implemented here as a stamped and bent part made of sheet metal. The locking element 3 is generally U-shaped. The locking element has two side parts 133, each of which is parallel to the housing wall 100. The side parts 133 form the legs of the U. Each of the side parts 133 has at least one sliding section, here two sliding sections 130. Each of the sliding sections 130 is designed in the form of a (bent) tongue facing away from the corresponding side part 133. The sliding sections 130 are each snapped into a guide 105 of the housing 10. The guide 105 is designed here as a slot in the corresponding side wall 100 of the housing. The length of the sliding section 130 is smaller than the guide 105, so that it can be moved along the displacement axis V (see in particular Figure 3 The movement axis V extends perpendicularly to the transverse direction and perpendicularly to the main extension direction of the recess 101 .

[0067] The sliding section 130 snaps outward from the interior of the receiving chamber 12 into the guide 105. The side sections 133 of the locking element 13 are connected via the actuating section 132. The side sections 133 are prestressed outward, thereby forcing the sliding section 130 into the guide 105. Alternatively or additionally, the sliding section 130 can be prestressed against the guide 105. The locking element 13 is (only) linearly movable along the guide 105 relative to the housing 10.

[0068] The operating section 132 has a U-shaped cross section (see, for example, Figure 3 ) and is arranged in such a way as to form a part of the connecting section 104 of the buckle housing 10. The locking element 13 can be moved relative to the housing 10 between two end positions, that is, between the locking position and the unlocking position.

[0069] A protrusion 131 extends from each of the side portions 133 (in the direction of the movement axis V). In the locked position of the locking element 13, the protrusion 131 prevents the potential collector 3 from being removed from the recess 101 in the direction of the main extension axis of the recess 101. The protrusion 131 acts as a latch. The recess 101 surrounds the potential collector 3 on three sides, and the protrusion 131 extends along the fourth side of the potential collector 3 in the locked position. Thus, when the locking element 13 is arranged in the locked position, the potential collector 3 cannot be removed from the recess 101 in any direction perpendicular to its main extension axis, for example, see Figure 1A 、 1B , 2B, 3, 4B and 6A-7B.

[0070] Especially from Figure 5B 、 6B 7B , the locking element 13 can be moved relative to the housing 10 by the relative movement of the spring element 11 relative to the housing 10. To this end, the actuating section 132 of the locking element 13 is arranged and constructed such that the actuating leg 110 and the clamping foot 111 of the spring element 11 can act on the actuating section.

[0071] If the spring element 11 is deflected from the open position to the clamped position relative to the housing 10, the operating leg 110 contacts the operating section 132 of the locking element 13 just before reaching its end position in which it is engaged with the housing 10. When the spring element 11 moves further toward the engaged end position, the operating leg 110 presses the operating section 132 and the locking element 13 toward the receptacle for the potential collector 3 defined by the recess 101 of the housing 10. As a result, the locking element 13 is moved into its locked position. If the operating leg 110 is in its engaged end position, the operating leg 110 locks the locking element 13 in the closed position, for example, see Figures 6A-7B .

[0072] If the actuating leg 110 is disengaged from the latch and moved into the open position manually or with the aid of a tool (manually, with the aid of a tool, and / or due to the elastic prestressing of the spring element 11 in the clamped position), the actuating leg 110 of the spring element 11 moves away from the actuating section 132 of the locking element 13, thereby allowing the locking element to move along the guide 105. However, due to the prestressing of the locking element 13 against the housing 10, the locking element remains frictionally secured to the housing 10 and remains in the locked position without the application of additional force. As a result, even after the actuating leg 110 is opened, the connecting device 1 remains securely held to the potential pick-up 3.

[0073] If the spring element 11 opens further, counter to the closing direction Z, a different region of the spring element 11 than in the clamped position comes into contact with the locking element 13. The clamping foot 111 is first lifted by the shielding conductor 20 of the cable 2 and then acts on the actuating section 132 of the locking element 13. During this process, the clamping foot 111 contacts the actuating section 132 of the locking element 13 on the side opposite to the side of the actuating element 132 on which the actuating foot 110 acts in the clamped position of the spring element 11. In other words, the actuating foot 110 presses against the actuating section 132 from above on its way to the clamped position, while the clamping foot 111 presses against the actuating section 132 from below on its way to the open position. This unlocks the locking element 13 just before the spring element 11 reaches its fully opened position, allowing the connecting device 1 to be removed from the potential pick-up 3.

[0074] This means that an additional component in the form of a locking element 13 is provided in the connecting device 1 , which ensures a press fit on the potential pick-up 3 .

[0075] If the spring element 11 is not arranged in the locked, clamping position, the locking element 13 can optionally be manually moved between the locked and unlocked positions on the housing 10. This can be done, for example, by simply pressing or pulling the actuating portion 132. This makes it possible, for example, to temporarily secure the connecting device to the potential pick-up 3.

[0076] Optionally, the inclined surface on each of the projections 131 shown in the figures acts on the potential collector 3 in the locked position to hold the potential collector with a force fit in addition to a form fit, for example to prevent the potential collector 3 from lateral movement relative to the connecting device 1 .

[0077] The concept of the invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments described above, but can also be implemented in completely different ways.

[0078] The connecting device provided by the present invention has a simple structure and requires only a few components. In principle, the connecting device can be manufactured from a housing portion, a spring element, and a locking element. Other components can be omitted. This allows for a compact structure while simplifying the manufacturing process and reducing manufacturing costs.

[0079] The connecting device can also provide a favorable, reliable and durable contact force to achieve electrical contact between the shield conductor and the potential collector while establishing a reliable lock with the potential collector. The connecting device is easy and intuitive to operate and release.

[0080] In principle, the connecting device can also be constructed in a different manner than described herein. For example, the housing can have a different shape.

[0081] The housing can preferably be made of metal, for example as a stamped and bent part. However, this is not a necessary solution. The housing can also be made of plastic in principle.

[0082] Description of Reference Numerals

[0083] 1 Connecting device

[0084] 10 Housing

[0085] 100 sidewall

[0086] 101 Notch

[0087] 102 snap-on protrusion

[0088] 103 hinge pin (bearing part)

[0089] 104 connection section

[0090] 105 guide

[0091] 11 Spring element

[0092] 110 Control feet

[0093] 111 Pinch

[0094] 112 hinged plate

[0095] 113 end

[0096] 114 snap protrusion

[0097] 115 Tool inlay

[0098] 117 Abutment section

[0099] 12 accommodating cavity

[0100] 13 Locking element

[0101] 130 Sliding Section

[0102] 131 Protrusion

[0103] 132 Operation Section

[0104] 133 Side

[0105] 2 wires

[0106] 20 Braided shield (shielded conductor)

[0107] 21 sheath

[0108] 22 cores

[0109] 3 Potential collector

[0110] E Insertion direction

[0111] L vertical axis

[0112] S deflection axis

[0113] V moving axis

[0114] Z closing direction

Claims

1. A connecting device (1) for a shielded conductor (20) of an electric wire (2), the connecting device having - a housing (10) attachable to the potential collector (3), into which the electric wire (2) can be inserted with the shielding conductor (20), and a spring element (11) arranged adjustably on the housing (10), the spring element having clamping feet (111) and being movable relative to the housing (10) from an open position into a clamping position, so that in the clamping position the clamping feet (111) act on the shielding conductor (20) of the electrical line (2) inserted in the housing (10), It is characterized by - a locking element (13) which can be adjusted relative to the housing (10) between a locked position and an unlocked position, in which the housing (10) attached to the potential collector (3) is locked together, and an unlocked position for releasing the housing (10) from the potential collector (3), wherein the spring element (11) is suitable for adjusting the locking element (13) relative to the housing (10).

2. The connection device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that A recess (101) for accommodating the potential collector (3) is formed on the housing (10).

3. The connection device (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that In the locking position, the locking element (13) locks the receiving portion defined by the recess (101) of the housing (10).

4. The connecting device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The locking element (13) is guided in at least one guide (105) on the housing (10).

5. The connection device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that The housing (10) can be attached to the potential collector (3) along an attachment direction, wherein the locking element can be moved relative to the housing (10) along a movement direction perpendicular to the attachment direction.

6. The connection device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that The spring element (11) is deflectable relative to the housing (10) about a deflection axis (S).

7. The connection device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that The clamping foot (111) is designed in such a way that, when the spring element (11) is moved from the clamping position into the open position, the locking element (13) is pressed into the unlocking position.

8. The connection device (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that The clamping foot (110) is first lifted from the inserted shielding conductor (20) and then acts on the actuating section (132) of the locking element (13) when the spring element (11) is moved from the clamping position into the open position.

9. The connection device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that The spring element (11) has an actuating foot (110) which is pivotably arranged on the housing (10) and is bent relative to the clamping foot (111), wherein the actuating foot (110) is designed such that the locking element (13) is pressed into the locked position when the spring element (13) is moved from the open position into the clamping position.

10. The connection device (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that The housing (10) comprises: two side walls (100) extending in parallel and spaced a certain distance apart in the transverse direction, with an accommodating cavity (12) formed between the side walls; and a connecting section (104) connecting the side walls (100) together, wherein at least one guide member (105) is provided on each of the side walls (100).

11. The connection device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that The connecting device (1) is designed to accommodate the shielding conductor (20) of the electrical line (2) between the spring element (11) and the potential pick-up (3) in the clamping position.

12. An assembly comprising an electric line (2) having a shielded conductor (20), a potential collector (3) and a connection device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims.

13. The assembly according to claim 12, characterized in that The potential collector (3) is a component of the mounting rail or busbar.

14. A housing (10) for a connection device (1) for a shielded conductor (20) of an electric wire (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the housing (10) can be attached to a potential collector (3), the electric wire (2) can be inserted into the housing (10) with the shielded conductor (20), wherein the housing (10) has at least one support portion (103) for adjustably supporting a spring element (11) on the housing (10), and at least one guide (105), wherein the at least one guide (105) is constructed such that along the at least one guide (105), a locking element (13) can be adjusted relative to the housing (10) between a locked position and an unlocked position, in which the housing (10) attached to the potential collector (3) is locked together and the unlocked position is used to release the housing (10) from the potential collector (3), wherein The spring element (11) is adapted to adjust the blocking element (13) relative to the housing (10).

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