Bridge element, connection element and electronic device

Abstract

The invention relates to a bridge element (100) for electrically connecting a first current bar (210) with at least one second current bar (211), having a contact body (110) which is composed of an electrically conductive material and has a first end section (111) and a second end section (112) which is arranged spaced apart from the first end section (111), wherein the contact body (110) has, between its first end section (111) and its second end section (112), a first holding region (113) for holding the contact body (110) on the first current bar (210) and at least one second holding region (114) for holding the contact body (110) on the second current bar (211), wherein the second holding regions (114) are configured spaced apart along a longitudinal axis (A) of the contact body (110).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The invention relates to a bridge element for electrically connecting a first current bar with at least one second current bar. The invention further relates to a connection element and to an electronic device. BACKGROUND

[0002] Bridge elements are usually introduced or inserted into the housing of a connection element in order to electrically connect at least two current bars arranged in the housing with one another. For this purpose, the housing usually has a bridge well through which the bridge element can be introduced into the housing. The current bars each have a window-like opening through which the bridge element passes in order to come into contact with the respective current bar. The fixing of the bridge element is usually effected by the housing of the connection element, wherein, when the bridge element is introduced into the bridge well, the bridge element is latched with the housing in the region of the bridge well. The fixing is thus effected by the plastic material of the housing, whereby the stability of the fixing is reduced, in particular over longer periods of time, and whereby the contact forces acting between the bridge element and the current bars are also reduced. Furthermore, due to the locally different intensities of the contact forces acting between the contact body and the current bars, the bridge element can undesirably be pressed out of the housing. It is therefore necessary in some cases to thermally crimp the bridge element in the region of the bridge well with the insulating material of the housing of the connection element in the inserted state, however, whereby the outlay for fixing the bridge element in the connection element is significantly increased, and furthermore, the bridge element cannot be used multiple times. SUMMARY

[0003] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a bridge element, a connection element and an electronic device, wherein the fixing of the bridge element in the housing of the connection element can be improved and, in particular, multiple use of the bridge element can be achieved.

[0004] This object is achieved according to the invention with the features of the independent claims. Advantageous design and advantageous refinements of the invention are given in the dependent claims.

[0005] The bridge element according to the invention has a contact body which is composed of an electrically conductive material and has a first end section and a second end section arranged spaced apart from the first end section, wherein the contact body has, between its first end section and its second end section, a first holding region for holding the contact body on a first current bar and at least one second holding region for holding the contact body on a second current bar, wherein the second holding region is configured spaced apart from the second holding region along a longitudinal axis of the contact body.

[0006] Now, in accordance with the application, the bridging element is designed such that, when the bridging element is inserted into the bridging well of the housing, the bridging element no longer has to be fixed to the housing of the connection element, but rather the fixing of the bridging element is preferably only carried out via the current bars to which the bridging element is to be electrically connected to one another. The bridging element can thus be held and fixed only on the current bars. The bridging element for this purpose has at least two holding regions on its contact body, wherein these holding regions each cooperate with one current bar in order to hold the bridging element on the current bar and thus to fix it on the current bar. The holding regions of the contact body thus constitute fixing regions for fixing the contact body on the current bar. The contact body is preferably made of a metallic material, so that a metallic- metallic fixing connection between the contact body and the current bar can be formed, which enables a stable connection even over a long period of time. By means of this stable connection, a constant contact force between the contact body and thus the bridging element and the current bar can be ensured over a long period of time. A thermal caulking of the bridging element to the housing of the connection element is no longer necessary. By holding the bridging element directly on the current bars, a detachable connection and thus a detachable fixing of the bridging element in the connection element can be achieved, so that a multiple use of the bridging element is enabled. The contact body is preferably elongate in shape, wherein the holding regions are configured spaced apart from one another along the length of the contact body. By means of the at least two holding regions, the fixing of the bridging element in the connection element takes place at at least two different, spaced-apart points of the bridging element. Furthermore, the fixing of the bridging element is now directly achieved by means of the contact body itself, which also constitutes the electrical connection between the current bars. By holding the contact body directly on the current bars and thus fixing it, a uniform and defined contact force between the current bars and the contact body can be achieved. The direction of action of the contact force between the current bars and the contact body can thus also be precisely defined and maintained. The at least two holding regions enable a reliable positioning of the bridging element in the housing, so that an undesired pressing of the bridging element out of the housing due to the contact force acting between the contact body and the current bars can be prevented.

[0007] The holding regions are preferably designed in such a way that they constitute a form-fit connection of the contact body with the current bars. In order to constitute a form-fit connection, the holding regions can be designed in such a way that the current bars can be inserted regionally into the holding regions, so that the current bars can be inserted into the holding regions and thus, for example, can be latched or hooked into the holding regions. The holding regions can thus each constitute a latching connection with the current bar to which they correspond. In addition to the form-fit connection, a force-fit connection between the bridging element and the current bars can thus also be formed.

[0008] For example, the first holding region and / or the second holding region can be configured in the form of a window-like recess on the contact body. Thus, the holding regions can be configured in the form of cutouts on the contact body, respectively. The current bar can then sink into the cutout or into the window-like recess on the contact body with an edge face which defines the window-like opening on the current bar, in order to establish a fixation between the bridge element and the respective current bar.

[0009] Preferably, the window-like recess is configured such that its length is greater than its width. Thus, the window-like recess can be configured in the form of a slot, respectively. The window-like recess preferably extends along the length or longitudinal axis of the contact body with its length. By the greater length of the window-like recess, current bars with different current bar thicknesses can be reliably connected and fixed with the bridge element. The greater length of the window-like recess also allows for a greater variation of the distance between the current bars to be contacted without having to structurally change the bridge element. Furthermore, distance variations, for example caused by heating, can be compensated without reducing the contact force.

[0010] The second holding region can be arranged below the first holding region in the plug-in direction of the bridge element, wherein the second holding region can have a tapering section in the direction of the first holding region. When the bridge element is inserted or introduced into the housing of the connection element, the bridge element with its second holding region first passes the first current bar before the second holding region reaches the second current bar and thus its end position. The tapering section configured on the second holding region can make it easy for the second holding region to pass the first current bar, since by the tapering section the frictional force or resistance to be overcome between the contact body and the first current bar in the region of the second holding region can be reduced. Thus, the second holding region can be divided into two sections. The first section can serve to hold or fix the second current bar in the second holding region, and the second section can be the tapering section which makes it easy for the second holding region to pass the first current bar. The first section as the window-like recess can have a rectangular basic shape. The second section and thus the tapering section as the window-like recess can have a triangular basic shape.

[0011] In order to make it easy for the bridge element to be introduced into the connection element, in particular into the housing and the bridge well of the housing, and into the window-like opening on the current bar, an introduction ramp can be formed on the second end section of the contact body. The introduction ramp can be configured on the free edge section of the contact body or on the end face of the second end section of the contact body. The introduction ramp is preferably formed circumferentially around the entire peripheral surface of the bridge element.

[0012] The bridge element can also have a cap element made of insulating material, wherein at least one securing element can be configured on the contact body on the first end section, wherein the cap element can be secured on the contact body by means of the at least one securing element. The cap element can serve to guide the bridge element in the bridge well of the housing. Furthermore, the cap element can form a gripping area for gripping the bridge element by a user. In contrast to the contact body, the cap element is made of an insulating material, such as a plastic material. The cap element is secured directly on the contact body. To this end, the contact body can have at least one securing element on its first end section, by means of which the cap element can be secured on the contact body. The securing element can be designed, for example, in the form of a securing tab. In order to constitute a particularly reliable securing, two or more securing elements can also be provided. The two or more securing elements can each be designed in the form of a securing tab.

[0013] The securing of the cap element on the at least one securing element can be effected by means of a material-fit connection. For example, the cap element can be injection-molded on the at least one securing element. Thus, a particularly reliable, non-detachable connection can be configured between the cap element and the contact body. Furthermore, however, it is also possible for a form-fit and / or force-fit connection to be configured between the at least one securing element and the cap element. For example, a latching connection can be configured between the at least one securing element and the cap element. The at least one securing element can then have, for example, a latching protrusion which can be inserted and latched into a lateral recess configured on the cap element.

[0014] The contact body preferably has a cylindrical shape. The contact body can be rolled up. The contact body can have a C-shaped cross section, so that the contact body has a gap along its length. The cylindrical shape makes it possible for the contact body to be supported unambiguously on the current bar in the inserted state.

[0015] Preferably, the contact body is composed of a stamped and bent part. This makes it possible to manufacture the contact body simply and cost-effectively. The contact body can then be stamped from a sheet metal part and subsequently bent into the desired shape.

[0016] Furthermore, the object of the application is also achieved by means of a connection element having a housing, a first current bar arranged in the housing and at least one second current bar arranged in the housing, wherein the housing has a bridge well through which a bridge element configured and expanded as described above is introduced into the housing in the insertion direction, wherein the bridge element is held in the introduced state with a first holding region of the contact body on the first current bar and with a second holding region of the contact body on the second current bar.

[0017] The connecting element may be, for example, a connecting terminal, especially a junction box. The two current rods arranged in the housing are preferably spaced apart and arranged vertically relative to each other in the insertion direction, wherein, viewed in the insertion direction, the second current rod is arranged below the first current rod.

[0018] Furthermore, the objective according to the invention is achieved by means of an electronic device having a housing in which at least one connecting element of the aforementioned construction and improvement is arranged. For example, a support rail may be arranged within the housing of the electronic device, on which one or more such connecting elements can be engaged. The electronic device can thus be, for example, a switch cabinet. Attached Figure Description

[0019] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and preferred embodiments.

[0020] The attached figure shows

[0021] Figures la-c Schematic diagrams showing different rotational views of the contact body of the bridging element according to the present invention are shown.

[0022] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a bridging element according to the present invention is shown.

[0023] Figure 3 It shows Figure 2 The diagram shows the bridging element inserted into two current rods.

[0024] Figure 4 As shown Figures la-c The diagram shows the contact of the bridging element inserted into the two current rods.

[0025] Figure 5 It shows along Figure 4 The schematic cross-sectional view of line BB shown in the figure.

[0026] Figure 6 It shows a pattern such as Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the connecting elements of the inserted bridging element is shown, and...

[0027] Figure 7 It shows in Figure 6 A schematic cross-sectional view of the connecting element shown in the figure. Detailed Implementation

[0028] Figures la-c The contact 110 of the bridging element 100 is shown. The contact 110 is made of a conductive material, especially a metallic material.

[0029] The contact body 110 is formed in one piece here. The contact body 110 can be configured as a stamped and bent part, so that the contact body 110 is stamped from a sheet metal part and is configured in a bent manner to the shape shown here. The contact body 110 is configured as a rolled-up metal part here, so that the contact body 110 has a substantially cylindrical shape.

[0030] The contact body 110 is configured in an elongate manner. The contact body 110 has a first end section 111 and a second end section 112 arranged spaced apart from the first end section 111 along a longitudinal axis A of the contact body 110. Between the two end sections 111, 112 of the contact body 110, a first holding region 113 for holding or fixing the bridge element 100 on the first current bar 210 and a second holding region 114 for holding or fixing the bridge element 100 on a second current bar 211 arranged spaced apart from the first current bar 210 are formed. The two holding regions 113, 114 are arranged in alignment with one another.

[0031] The first holding region 113 is configured closer to the first end section 111 of the contact body 110, and the second holding region 114 is configured closer to the second end section 112 of the contact body 110. By means of the two holding regions 113, 114, the fixing of the contact body 110, and thus of the bridge element 100, on the two current bars 210, 211 is achieved. Furthermore, in the region of the two holding regions 113, 114, the electrical contacting of the contact body 110 to the two current bars 210, 211 is achieved. The two holding regions 113, 114 are configured in such a way that they can exert a constant-acting, sufficiently high contact force between the contact body 110 and the current bars 210, 211.

[0032] The two holding regions 113, 114 are each configured in such a way that they can configure a form-fitting connection of the contact body 110 to the respective current bar 210, 211. The holding regions 113, 114 are each configured as a latching region for this purpose, so that they can configure a latching connection between the contact body 110 and the respective current bar 210, 211.

[0033] In the design variant shown here, the two holding regions 113, 114 are each configured on the contact body 110 in the form of a window-like recess 115, 116. By means of this window-like, the recesses 115, 116 are surrounded all around.

[0034] The two window-like recesses 115, 116 are elongated along the longitudinal axis A of the contact body 110, such that the length L of the window-like recesses 115, 116 extending parallel to the longitudinal axis A of the contact body 110 is greater than the width B of the window-like recesses 115, 116. Thus, the window-like recesses 115, 116 are configured as long holes here, respectively. The width of the window-like recesses 115, 116 is dimensioned such that the respective current bar 210, 211 can intrude into the window-like recesses 115, 116 and thus into the respective holding region 113, 114 with its edge face 214, 215, which defines a window-like opening 212, 213 on the current bar 210, 211.

[0035] As can be seen in Figures la-c , the two window-like recesses 115, 116 are configured differently here, respectively. The first window-like recess 115 is essentially configured rectangular.

[0036] The second window-like recess 116 is divided into two sections 117, 118 here. The first section 117 constitutes a true fixing region or holding region for fixing or holding the contact body 110 on the second current bar 211. The first section 117 is essentially configured rectangular. The first section 117 of the second window-like recess 116 thus essentially corresponds to the configuration of the first window-like recess 115. The second section 118 directly adjoins the first section 117, such that the window-like recess 116 of the first section 117 transitions into the window-like recess 116 of the second section 118. The second section 118 tapers in the direction of the first window-like recess 115 or the first holding region 113. The second section 118 is formed spitzwinklig, such that the second section 118 has a triangular shape. By means of the tapering section 118, it can be made easy for the second holding region 114 to be guided in the plug-in direction S past the first current bar 210.

[0037] The contact body 110 has a slit 119, which extends parallel to the longitudinal axis A of the contact body 110. The slit 119 is configured so long that it extends over the entire length of the contact body 110. By means of the slit 119, the contact body 110 has a spring action along its length, by means of which the introduction of the bridge element 100 into the bridge well 221 of the housing 220 of the connection element 200 can be made easy, as is shown in Figure 6 and Figure 7 Due to the slit 119, the contact body 110 has a C shape in cross section.

[0038] At the second end section 112 of the contact body 110, an introduction bevel 120 is configured here. The introduction bevel 120 is formed on the contact body 110 such that the contact body 110 tapers in the direction of an end face 121 formed on the second end section 112. The introduction bevel 120 is configured circumferentially on the contact body 110. By means of the introduction bevel 120, the introduction of the contact body 110 into the window-like openings 212, 213 configured on the current bars 210, 211 can be made easier.

[0039] On the first end section 111 of the contact body 110, a fixing element 122 is configured, by means of which a cap element 123 made of insulating material can be fixed on the contact body 110, as is shown in Figure 2 The fixing element 122 is configured here in the form of two fixing tabs 124a, 124b. The fixing tabs 124a, 124b extend parallel to the longitudinal axis A of the contact body 110. The two fixing tabs 124a, 124b are arranged opposite one another here. By means of injection molding of the cap element 123 on the fixing element 122, the cap element 123 can be fixed on the fixing element 122, for example by means of a latching connection and / or by means of a material-fit connection. In the fixed state as is shown in Figure 2 The fixing element 122 or the fixing tabs 124a, 124b of the fixing element 122 are surrounded by the material of the cap element 123 in the fixed state as is shown in

[0040] In contrast to the contact body 110, the cap element 123 has a rectangular configuration. On the outer peripheral face 125 of the cap element 123, guide elements 126a, 126b are configured for guiding the cap element 123 and thus the bridge element 100 inside the bridging well 221 of the connection element 200. The guide elements 126a, 126b are each configured in the form of a guide rib on the outer peripheral face 125 of the cap element 123.

[0041] Figure 3 A state is shown in which the bridge element 100 electrically connects two current bars 210, 211 arranged one above the other to one another. The current bars 210, 211 each have a window-like opening 212, 213 through which the contact body 110 of the bridge element 100 passes, wherein, in the inserted state as is shown in Figure 3 The holding regions 113, 114 are each arranged just at the height of the window-like openings 212, 213 of the respective current bar 210, 211 in the inserted state as is shown in such that the contact body 110 can be held and fixed at the current bars 210, 211 by means of its holding regions 113, 114. For this purpose, the bridge element 100 is inserted into the window-like openings 212, 213 of the current bars 210, 211 in the plug-in direction S.

[0042] Figure 4Also shown is the contact body 110, which passes through the two window-like openings 212, 213 of the two current bars 210, 211 and is held and secured in the current bars 210, 211 with its holding regions 113, 114.

[0043] Figure 5 A sectional view along the line B-B drawn in Figure 4 is shown. The section passes through the first holding region 113 of the contact body 110. It can be seen here that the current bar 210 is inserted into the holding region 113 with its edge face 214, which defines the window-like opening 212, and thus into the window-like recess 115 of the holding region 113, so that the current bar 210 is latched in the window-like recess 115 with its edge face 214.

[0044] Figure 6 and Figure 7 A connection element 200 is shown, which has a bridge element 100 as shown in Figures la-c and Figure 2 The connection element 200 is formed here in the form of a connection terminal, in particular a terminal block, which can be latched on a support rail.

[0045] The connection element 200 has a housing 220. In the housing 220, the two current bars 210, 211 are arranged one above the other. The two current bars 210, 211 are electrically conductively connected to one another by the bridge element 100. The bridge element 100 can be introduced into the housing 220 for this purpose in the plug-in direction S through a bridge well 221 configured on the housing 220 and through the two window-like openings 212, 213 configured on the current bars 210, 211. Figure 6 and Figure 7 An inserted state is shown, in which the bridge element 100 is arranged in its end position and is held and secured on the current bars 210, 211 with its two holding regions 113, 114.

[0046] As can be seen in the sectional view in Figure 7 , in the inserted state, the current bars 210, 211 project with their edge faces 214, 215, which define the window-like openings 212, 213, into the window-like recesses 115, 116 of the holding regions 113, 114 of the contact body 110, so that the bridge element 100 is latched with its two holding regions 113, 114 and at the same time rests in electrically contacting manner on the two current bars 210, 211.

[0047] Legend of the Figures

[0048] 100 bridge element

[0049] 110 contact body

[0050] 111 first end section

[0051] 112 second end section

[0052] 113 first holding region

[0053] 114 second holding region

[0054] 115 window-like recess

[0055] 116 window-like recess

[0056] 117 first section

[0057] 118 second section

[0058] 119 gap

[0059] 120 lead-in chamfer

[0060] 121 end face

[0061] 122 fixing element

[0062] 123 cap element

[0063] 124, 124b fixing tab

[0064] 125 outer peripheral surface

[0065] 126a, 126b guide element

[0066] 200 connecting element

[0067] 210 first current bar

[0068] 211 second current bar

[0069] 212 window-like opening

[0070] 213 window-like opening

[0071] 214 edge face

[0072] 215 edge face

[0073] 220 housing

[0074] 221 bridging well

[0075] A longitudinal axis

[0076] S insertion direction

[0077] L length

[0078] B width

Claims

1. Bridge element (100) for electrically connecting a first current bar (210) with at least one second current bar (211), the bridge element having a contact body (110) which is composed of an electrically conductive material and has a first end section (111) and a second end section (112) which is arranged spaced apart from the first end section (111), wherein The contact body (110) has, between its first end section (111) and its second end section (112), a first holding region (113) for holding the contact body (110) on the first current bar (210) and at least one second holding region (114) for holding the contact body (110) on the second current bar (211), wherein the second holding region (114) is configured spaced apart from the second holding region (114) along the longitudinal axis (A) of the contact body (110), wherein the first holding region (113) and / or the second holding region (114) is / are configured in the form of a window-like gap (115, 116) on the contact body (110).

2. The bridging element (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that The holding regions (113, 114) are configured such that they constitute a form-fit connection of the contact body (110) to the current bars (210, 211).

3. The bridging element (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that The length (L) of the window-like gap (115, 116) is greater than the width (B).

4. The bridging element (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The second holding region (114) is arranged below the first holding region (113) in the plug-in direction (S) of the bridge element (100), wherein the second holding region (114) has a section (118) which narrows in the direction of the first holding region (113).

5. The bridging element (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that An introduction bevel (120) is configured on the second end section (112) of the contact body (110).

6. The bridging element (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that A cap element (123) composed of insulating material, wherein at least one fixing element (122) is configured on the contact body (110) on the first end section (111), wherein the cap element (123) is fixed on the contact body (110) by means of the at least one fixing element (122).

7. The bridging element (100) according to claim 6, characterized in that The cap element (123) is injection molded on the at least one fixing element (122).

8. The bridging element (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that The contact body (110) has a cylindrical shape.

9. The bridging element (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that The contact body (110) is composed of a stamped and bent part.

10. Connection element (200) having a housing (220), a first current bar (210) arranged in the housing (220) and at least one second current bar (211) arranged in the housing (220), wherein The housing (220) has a bridge well (221) through which the bridge element (100) configured according to any one of claims 1 to 9 is inserted into the housing (220) in the plug-in direction (S), wherein, in the inserted state, the bridge element (100) is held on the first current bar (210) with the first holding region (113) of the contact body (110) and on the second current bar (211) with the second holding region (114) of the contact body (110).

11. Electronic device, which has a housing, inside which at least one connection element (200) according to claim 10 is arranged.

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