Elastic clamping protection device

Abstract

The invention relates to a cover element (10) for covering a spring clamping device (50) that can be connected to a printed circuit board (400), comprising: a connection section (24; 25) for connecting the cover element to a connecting section (64; 64 ') of the spring clamping device (50); 65), and a cover section (28) for covering a conductor receptacle (57) of the spring clamping device (50), the cover section (14) having an opening channel (30) for form-fitting and / or force-fitting receiving of the connecting strand (100), through which opening channel a conductor (102) of the connecting strand can be guided and into the line receptacle (57) of the spring clamping device (50). The invention also relates to a clamping system and to a method for producing a cover element.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a covering element for covering an elastic clamping device connected or connectable to a circuit board, a method for manufacturing the covering element, a clamping system equipped with the covering element, and a power tool. Background Art

[0002] Power tools, especially hand-held power tools, are used in many industries under various operating conditions. In addition to high power density and ergonomic tool design, robustness and reliability are also among the most important tool requirements.

[0003] In particular, various additional requirements arise during use, especially in the case of metal raw materials, since the dust emitted through metal applications can have abrasive, electrically conductive, thermal, and health-hazardous components.

[0004] Hand-held power tools often operate in such an environment. In particular, the electrical components arranged inside the hand-held power tool are exposed to these emissions because ambient air is used to cool the components.

[0005] Thus, deposits of metal particles occur due to the ambient air contaminated with metal particles (which is sucked through the machine housing to cool the hand-held power tool), and these deposits can build up electrically conductive paths due to gradual accumulation. These paths can cause the tool to burn out due to overheating and short circuits. In the worst case, the operator may be endangered thereby.

[0006] Generally, hand-held power tools, especially angle grinders, are used on construction sites as long as they are functional. The recommended maintenance and cleaning intervals are not carried out or not carried out properly, and thus the above-mentioned hazards cannot be prevented.

[0007] Elastic clips (Federkraftklemme) are used to releasably connect electronic components to flexible conductors. In particular, they are commonly used as releasable connections between current supply units (mains connection stranded lines, batteries) and electronic modules. Due to the topography, it is no longer possible to space the mains connection clips far enough apart from each other spatially, and thus to separate different mains potentials far enough from each other. The above-mentioned emissions can cause electrically conductive paths, leakage currents, and short circuits induced by metal dust, and thus cause progressive damage to the electronic modules.

[0008] As is known, spring clips are provided with conductors that are connected to them by means of a covering that is matched to the material, and thereby protect the contact parts (spring clips, conductors). This covering provides sufficient protection, but limits the original function of the spring clip. Spring clips are used in electronics for releasably coupling or connecting wire, cable cores, and lines, and are applied when a safe but releasable contact part, for example between a circuit board and a conductor, is required. If the contact part is provided with a covering that is matched to the material, this covering must be removed in the case of contact detachment. This is often impossible without residue. When reusing an electronic unit with spring clips, the covering that is matched to the material needs to be renewed.

[0009] There are no spring clips available on the market that have the necessary compactness for such electronic units, or that can be assembled dust-tight and casting-safe on a circuit board. The contact and manipulation areas of the spring clips on the market are rather designed openly and thus do not provide protection or a barrier effect against metallic dust. Summary of the Invention

[0010] The object of the invention is to protect and seal a spring clamping device from environmental influences without significantly restricting its function and the safe but releasable contact of the conductors.

[0011] This object is solved by the covering element according to claim 1 of the patent and by the method for manufacturing it according to claim 15. Preferred embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims and are furthermore derived from the further description of the invention.

[0012] By the inventive design of the covering element, a connection configuration can be simply manufactured for a system comprising a covering element, a spring clamping device, and a connecting stranded wire, wherein the line of the connecting stranded wire is clamped in the line receiving part of the spring clamping device, the connecting stranded wire is form-fittingly received in the open channel of the covering element, and the covering element is connected to and covers the spring clamping device. The form-fitting accommodation of the covering section and the connecting stranded wire in the open channel prevents metallic dust from entering the line receiving part.

[0013] The open channel forms a passage through the covering section. The open channel is preferably constructed in a hollow cylindrical shape and is constructed for form-fittingly and / or force-fittingly receiving a cylindrical connecting stranded wire.

[0014] Preferably, the open channel extends away from the covering section, in particular, the open channel is arranged perpendicular to the planar covering section.

[0015] On the one hand, the open channel fulfills the following tasks: achieving a sealing effect through form-fitting and / or force-fitting wire accommodation. On the other hand, the connecting stranded wire is oriented in the direction of the wire receiving portion through the open channel, thereby supporting the introduction of the wire into the wire receiving portion. In addition, the connection of the elastic clamping device to the covering element and the form-fitting accommodation of the connecting stranded wire in the open channel result in damping possible vibrations acting on the connecting stranded wire and unloading the clamping connection of the wire to the elastic clamping device. Thereby, the reliability of the electrical contact is improved.

[0016] Preferably, the open channel has at least one sealing device, in particular in order to prevent particles from penetrating through the open channel.

[0017] The sealing device preferably includes a surrounding, in particular annular, protruding section constructed in the cylindrical open channel. The protruding section extends concentrically with the circular channel cross-section at the inner wall of the open channel. The protruding section is particularly configured to produce a force-fitting connection between the open channel and the connecting stranded wire in such a way that when the connecting stranded wire is guided through the protruding section and accommodated in the open channel, the protruding section is pressed into the flexible material of the insulating sheath of the connecting stranded wire, and / or in such a way that the protruding section itself is flexible or elastic. If the compressed insulating sheath or the protruding section exerts a restoring force, the connecting stranded wire is force-fittingly accommodated in the open channel.

[0018] The sealing device preferably includes an annular sealing element arranged in the cylindrical open channel. The sealing element can be an integral part of the sealing device or the open channel, or alternatively, for example, an O-ring. The sealing element is particularly configured to produce a force-fitting connection between the open channel and the connecting stranded wire in such a way that when the connecting stranded wire is guided through the sealing element and accommodated in the open channel, the sealing element is pressed into the flexible material of the insulating sheath of the connecting stranded wire, and / or in such a way that the sealing element itself is flexible or elastic.

[0019] Preferably, the open channel extends away from the covering section. Preferably, the open channel extends along a longitudinal axis. Preferably, the open channel has a first opening leading into the interior space of the opening of the covering element. Preferably, the open channel has a channel section that has a reduced opening cross-section in the direction of the first opening and that particularly leads into the first opening. The opening cross-section in the first opening and / or along the entire open channel has a diameter of 1 mm to 4 mm and is suitable for introducing and threading connecting stranded wires with different outer diameters. These outer diameters are between 1 mm and 4 mm, preferably between 2 mm and 3.7 mm and particularly preferably between 2.5 mm and 3.5 mm (including these values). This achieves a dust-tight closure of the inserted connecting stranded wires with different outer diameters.

[0020] Alternatively, the opening cross-section of the opening channel can be configured to increase in the direction of the second opening starting from the first opening. Here, the second opening is the location where the conductor is introduced into the opening channel.

[0021] The opening channel is in particular an integral part of the covering element. However, it can also be formed as a replaceable part. Exchange inserts can be provided, which can be received in corresponding receiving parts of the covering element and have different opening channels with different opening diameters, in particular in order to make the covering element usable for connection strands with significantly different diameters. The opening channel or the exchange insert can have or be made of a flexible material.

[0022] The covering section is preferably planar overall or section by section, but it can also be arched overall or section by section. The covering section is in particular an integral part of the covering element.

[0023] The connecting section of the covering element is in particular configured to establish a form-fitting and / or force-fitting connection with the connecting section of the spring-loaded clamping device. The connecting section of the covering element is preferably configured as a projection of the covering element, in particular as a pin or a locking lug, or as a cutout or opening of the covering element, which can each be configured to engage or receive the complementary connecting section at the spring-loaded clamping device. The partial section of the covering element, in particular of the opening channel, pointing into the interior space of the covering element is preferably configured as the connecting section of the covering element, which engages form-fittingly and / or force-fittingly into the conductor receiving part of the spring-loaded clamping device in the assembled position.

[0024] The covering element preferably has one, two, three or more connecting sections. These connecting sections are preferably each configured to engage or receive the complementary connecting section at the spring-loaded clamping device.

[0025] The covering element is preferably manufactured in one-piece construction, in particular by an injection molding method or by an additive manufacturing method.

[0026] The covering element is preferably made of or has a non-conductive material. The material of the covering element can in particular be a plastic, in particular selected from thermosetting plastics, thermoplastics or elastomers, in particular silicone, in particular PTFE, or a combination of the materials mentioned.

[0027] Spring-loaded clips for electrical conductors are used in electronics in order to reversibly connect electrical conductors, such as wires or cables, safely and reliably. These clips utilize the force of a spring in order to fix the electrical conductor and make electrical contact with the electrical conductor without welding or screwing.

[0028] The spring clip especially includes a housing in which there is one or more metal jaws. When an electrical conductor is introduced, the spring of the spring clip presses the jaws together, which establishes an electrical and mechanical connection. This type of clip is typically used in distribution boards, circuits or junction boxes because they enable quick and secure connections and also enable simple maintenance or removal of the conductors.

[0029] The spring clamping device has a connecting section and a line receiving part for connecting the covering element to the spring clamping device. The spring clamping device can especially have one, two, three or more such connecting sections.

[0030] The clamping function for clamping the conductors of the stranded wire for connection can especially be achieved by the clamping device of the spring clamping device. Optionally, the spring clamping device has a base body at which the connecting section, the line receiving part and especially the clamping device are arranged. The base body can be the housing of the spring clamping device or have the housing of the spring clamping device.

[0031] The base body is preferably made of a non-conductive material or has a non-conductive material. The material of the base body can especially be plastic, especially selected from thermosetting plastics, thermoplastics or elastomers, especially silicone, especially PTFE, or a combination of the materials mentioned.

[0032] The clamping device especially includes one or more metal jaws. When an electrical conductor is introduced, the spring of the spring clip presses the jaws together, which establishes an electrical and mechanical connection. However, the clamping function can also be achieved by means of other clamping components.

[0033] The line receiving part includes an outwardly opening area of the spring clamping device through which the conductors of the stranded wire for connection can be introduced into the spring clamping device and especially guided up to the clamping device. When the covering element is connected to the spring clamping device in the assembled position, the opening channel of the covering element is oriented relative to the opened area of the spring clamping device such that the stranded wire for connection introduced in the opening channel is guided through the opened area. Especially, in this assembled position, the conductors of the stranded wire for connection are introduced into the clamping device which is oriented according to the direction of the opening channel and the opened area. The orientation of the opening channel, the opened area and the clamping device is especially such that the components mentioned are arranged along the central axis of the opening channel.

[0034] The opened area can be an opening in an optional housing of the spring clamping device or can be achieved by the lack of covering of the clamping device. The opening cross-section of the opened area is especially larger than the opening cross-section of the opening channel of the covering element.

[0035] The elastic clamping device may have an engagement area, in particular an opening in an optional housing of the elastic clamping device, through which a tool can be introduced, by means of which the clamping connection of the conductor clamped in the clamping device can be loosened. This can be achieved by introducing an elongate tool, by means of which the user tensions the spring of the clamping device, whereby for example the jaws are loosened from each other. In particular, when no housing is provided, the engagement area can also be achieved by the lack of covering of the clamping device.

[0036] The elastic clamping device may also have an actuating device, by means of which the clamping connection of the conductor clamped in the clamping device can be loosened without a tool. The actuating device may include a movable pin, which can in particular be movably supported in the housing or in the base body, and by the deflection of which the user can tension the spring of the clamping device, whereby for example the jaws are loosened from each other.

[0037] By means of a connection, in particular a non-destructive and reversible connection, of the connecting section to the complementary connecting section of the elastic clamping device, the covering element is designed to be removable in particular in order to loosen the connecting strand. Such a connection can in particular be form-fitting and in particular a snap connection. Alternatively or additionally, the covering element may have an actuating element, which can be connected to the elastic clamping device in such a way that the clamping connection can be loosened by actuating the actuating element and the connecting strand can be removed from the opening channel. The actuating device may include a movable pin, which can in particular be movably supported in the covering element, and by the deflection of which the user can tension the spring of the clamping device, whereby for example the jaws are loosened from each other.

[0038] Preferably, a bucket element is provided, in which the elastic clamping device is arranged. The bucket element can also be part of the elastic clamping device. Such a bucket element serves to spatially separate the elastic clamping device, in particular the electrical contacts arranged therein, from the environment. In particular, the bucket element serves as a casting bucket, which enables the application of a casting compound in the case of an elastic clamping device arranged on a circuit board, which covers the electrical contacts on the circuit board. The bucket element prevents the casting compound from penetrating into the elastic clamping device and thus prevents the reversibly clamped conductor from being glued by the casting compound.

[0039] When assembled on the circuit board, the bucket element is arranged in particular such that the opening of the bucket element (through which the elastic clamping device is inserted into the bucket element) points away from the circuit board, i.e. "upwards". The bucket element can have one, two or more openings or cutouts, through which the contact pins or conductors of the elastic clamping device can be guided, in particular in order to connect to the circuit board. These openings are preferably arranged in the bottom section of the bucket element. The disadvantage of such an opening (in which the contact pins are guided outwards) is that the casting compound can penetrate through the opening into the interior of the bucket during the use of the casting compound and thus reach the clamped conductor.

[0040] Therefore, the bucket element preferably has a barrier device arranged inside the bucket element, in particular on its bottom plate. The barrier device prevents dust or casting material from penetrating into the area of the underside of the contact pins. The barrier device can in particular include a barrier layer, which can be arranged and / or applied on the bottom plate of the bucket element. The barrier layer can serve as a seal between the spring-loaded clamping device and the bucket element.

[0041] As an alternative to or in addition to the barrier layer, the barrier device preferably has a material-fit paste, which forms the barrier layer or enhances the barrier effect.

[0042] The barrier device can alternatively or additionally also have barrier elements, which establish a form-fit connection or a barrier between the spring-loaded clamping device and the bucket element when the two components are connected in such a way that they are arranged between the spring-loaded clamping device and the bucket element. The barrier elements can be configured to establish a form-fit connection between the spring-loaded clamping device and the bucket element and can in particular include structures that engage into each other, in particular elevations and recesses. The barrier elements can for example form elevations in the form of projections at the bottom of the casting bucket and notches in the form of grooves at the spring clip in order to form a form-fit connection.

[0043] The bucket element can have a connection section for connecting the bucket element to the covering element. In this case it is not necessary for the spring-loaded clamping device to have this connection section.

[0044] The barrier layer preferably consists of or has a non-conductive material. This material can in particular be an elastomer, in particular an elastically and / or plastically pre-tensioned elastomer, PU, silicone, and their foams (closed-cell) and / or gel-like properties. Also preferred materials are solidified casting materials or one-component or two-component based adhesives, paints and pastes, paste-like non-conductive substrates or combinations of the above.

[0045] The invention particularly relates to a clamping system having a spring-loaded clamping device and a covering element according to the invention that can be connected to the spring-loaded clamping device. The reversible connection of these two components of the clamping system has the advantage that the engagement opening of the spring-loaded clamping device is covered by the covering element in the assembled position for the purpose of dust sealing and is thus not accessible to release the clamping device, but access to the engagement opening and the release of the clip again are achieved by removing the covering element. Preferably, the covering element completely encapsulates the spring-loaded clamping device in the assembled position and has an opening channel as the only opening in the assembled position.

[0046] Preferably, the clamping system has a single-core or multi-core connecting stranded wire which has an insulating sheath, and the insulating sheath is arranged in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner in the opening channel of the covering element. Then, the covering element is preferably completely sealed against the entry of particles into the interior space of the covering element. Preferably, the covering element completely encapsulates the elastic clamping device in the assembled position, especially in such a way that the opening channel is closed by the connecting stranded wire.

[0047] The clamping system preferably further includes a bucket element as described above. The elastic clamping device can be arranged or configured in the bucket element. In particular, the bucket element and the elastic clamping device can also be firmly and / or integrally connected to each other.

[0048] However, it is also preferred that the clamping system has an elastic clamping device firmly connected to the covering element according to the invention, that is, it is not arranged to first remove the covering element to loosen the contact or remove the connected connecting stranded wire. Such a clamping system directly provides the function of an elastic clip, and thus forms an elastic clip with the advantage of dust sealing. Then, the clamping system can especially have an operating element to loosen the clamping connection, and the operating element is movably arranged in the covering element as already described. By this tool-free releasability of the clamping connection, open engagement openings in the covering element can be avoided, and thus potential entry points for dust can be avoided. In a preferred embodiment, the clamping system forms an elastic clip which provides the advantage of a dust-sealed connection between the clamping device and the conductor compared to commercially available elastic clips, and thus provides environmental protection.

[0049] The invention also relates to a circuit board which is especially equipped with at least one electronic component, and the circuit board has a covering element according to the invention or a clamping system according to the invention.

[0050] The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing a covering element according to the invention, which has the following steps:

[0051] · Providing a material, especially a non-conductive plastic;

[0052] · Manufacturing the covering element as a monolithic component, especially by means of an additive manufacturing method or an injection molding method.

[0053] The connecting stranded wire can be single-core or multi-core.

[0054] The invention also relates to a hand-held power tool, especially an angle grinder, which has a covering element according to the invention, or which has a clamping system according to the invention, or which has a system according to the invention. Description of the Drawings

[0055] Further advantages, features and application possibilities of the invention result from the following description in conjunction with the drawings:

[0056] Figure 1 Shows a front-oblique perspective view of a covering element according to the invention according to one embodiment.

[0057] Figure 2 Shows Figure 1 a rear-oblique perspective view of the covering element.

[0058] Figure 3 Shows the Figure 1 elastic clamping device inserted into the casting ladle that can be covered by the covering element in a front-oblique perspective view.

[0059] Figure 4 Shows Figure 3 a rear-oblique perspective view of the elastic clamping device inserted into the casting ladle as shown in

[0060] Figure 5 Shows, in a perspective exploded view from the front-upper oblique direction, the system consisting of the Figure 1 covering element and the Figure 3 or Figure 4 elastic clamping device and the casting ladle.

[0061] Figure 6 Shows, in a perspective exploded view from the rear-lower oblique direction, the Figure 5 system and the connecting stranded wires that can be introduced into the covering element and into the elastic clamping device.

[0062] Figure 7 Shows, in a perspective transparent side view, the Figure 1 covering element.

[0063] Figure 8 Shows, in a perspective transparent side view, the Figure 3 elastic clamping device.

[0064] Figure 9 Shows, in a perspective transparent side view, the Figure 3 casting ladle.

[0065] Figure 10 Shows, in a perspective transparent side view, the components of Figure 7 , Figure 8 and Figure 9 assembled in the clamping system.

[0066] Figure 11 Shows, in a perspective side view, the components of Figure 6 assembled in the clamping system.

[0067] Figure 12 Shows a hand-held power tool provided with twoFigure 11 Perspective view from the front and at an angle of a circuit board without connecting stranded wires, equipped with electronic components, of a clamping system.

[0068] Figure 13 Shows Figure 1 Cross-sectional view of a covering element.

[0069] Figure 14 Shows Figure 13 Details. Detailed description

[0070] Figure 1 Shows a covering element 10 for covering an elastic clamping device 50 which can be connected to a circuit board. The elastic clamping device serves to releasably connect an electrical network line to a corresponding electrical network voltage contact on the circuit board, which circuit board has an electronic unit of a hand-held power tool, in particular an angle grinder.

[0071] The covering element 10 exists as a covering element 10 produced integrally here by an additive manufacturing method. The covering element can be placed onto the elastic clamping device 50 in order to encapsulate the elastic clamping device and the inserted connecting stranded wire 100 in a dusty environment. The covering element 10 is configured as a cap element, i.e. as a casing which can be placed onto a component 50 formed by the elastic clamping device. It has here two vertically opposed side walls 12 and 13, as well as an inclined front wall 14 and an inclined rear wall 15.

[0072] The front wall 14 forms a covering section 28 for covering a line receiving section in the form of an area to be opened of the elastic clamping device, which area should be protected from the ingress of metallic dust.

[0073] The opening channel 30 extends vertically away from the front wall 14. In the region of the front wall 14, the opening channel has a first opening 33 which opens into the interior space of the opening 20 of the covering element. The opening channel 30 serves for form-fitting and force-fitting accommodation of the connecting stranded wire 100. On its inner side, the opening channel 30 has an annular projection 31 which extends concentrically around the central axis A of the opening channel 30. The projection forms the narrowest diameter of the opening channel 30 on the inside. When the connecting stranded wire 100 is introduced into the opening channel 30, the projection 31 serves to press the flexible sheath 101 of the connecting stranded wire 100 in a circumferential manner. Thereby, the opening of the opening channel 30 is sealed with respect to the environment, in particular in an airtight and / or dust-tight manner. Thus, the projection 31 forms a sealing device 32. In addition, it fixes the connecting stranded wire 100 against undesired movements (such as vibrations) which could affect the electrical contact of the electrical contacts of the elastic clamping device by the conductors 102 of the connecting stranded wire 100.

[0074] The rear wall 15 has a connecting plate element 17, which is formed by a plate parallel to the rear wall 15. The plate is integrally connected to the rear wall via two base members and forms an insertion channel 18 between the plate and the rear wall. The connecting plate element 17 is available for removing the covering element. In this way, a tool is introduced into the insertion channel 18 and the covering element is grasped by means of the tool. The connection between the covering element and the elastic clamping device is released by the action of force, and the covering element is removed in this way.

[0075] The planar side walls 12, 13, the planar front wall 14 and the planar rear wall 15 intersect in the upper edge region 16 and thus enclose the interior space of the covering element 10 upward (in the positive z-direction). According to the implementation, the choice, arrangement and shape of the walls depend on the characteristics of the elastic clamping device 50 that should be covered by the covering element 10.

[0076] The interior space is open downward (in the negative z-direction). This lower opening 20 is used to accommodate the upper part of the elastic clamping device 50, which is received from below into the covering element 10 and is in form-fitting connection with the covering element.

[0077] As can be seen in Figure 2 the rear wall 15 does not extend completely down to the plane in which the lower edges 21, 22 of the side walls are located. Instead, the lower edge 23 of the rear wall 15 terminates above this plane. Thereby, it is made easier to introduce the elastic clamping device 50 into the interior space of the covering element 10 through the opening 20.

[0078] The placement of the covering element 10 onto the elastic clamping device is simplified by the guiding device of the covering element 10. The guiding device includes a guiding groove 19, which extends linearly in an obliquely upward direction from the lower edge 21 on the inner side of the side wall 12. The direction of the guiding groove extends parallel to the virtual axis A, which forms the longitudinal axis of the hollow cylindrical opening channel 30.

[0079] According to a preferred design of the clamping system 200, when the covering element 10 is assembled at the elastic clamping device 50 until the assembled position (assembly position), the connecting strand 100 has already extended through the opening channel 30 of the covering element 10, wherein the conductor 102 has already been clamped in the metal jaws (not shown) of the elastic clamping device. The jaws are part of the clamping device arranged inside the elastic clamping device. Since the covering element 10 has not yet been assembled when the conductor is introduced into the jaws, the user can visually check the success of the contact through the opened area of the line receiving part, which allows the observation of the contacts.

[0080] To place the covering element 10 onto the spring-loaded clamping device and then move the covering element 10 along the connecting stranded wire 100, which is introduced into the open area of the spring-loaded clamping device 50 and the conductors of which lead into the jaws. The open area serves to enable the conductors to enter the clamping device. When the covering element 10 is connected to the spring-loaded clamping device in the assembled position, the open channel 30 of the covering element 10 is oriented relative to the open area 57 of the spring-loaded clamping device 50 such that the connecting stranded wire is guided through the open area 57. The guide groove 19, which is oriented parallel to the open channel 30 and the connecting stranded wire 100 arranged therein, follows this direction of the axis A, thereby enabling the covering element 10 to be assembled without resistance and in a targeted manner.

[0081] According to another preferred use case of the clamping system 200, the covering element 10 is first assembled at the spring-loaded clamping device until the assembled position (assembled state). Then, the connecting stranded wire 100 is only introduced into the open channel, thereby introducing it into the line receiving part of the spring-loaded clamping device, and the conductor 102 is pushed between the jaws 61. Since the covering element 10 has already been assembled when the conductor 102 is introduced into the jaws 61, although an experienced user cannot visually check the success of the contact due to the covering by the covering element 10, he can detect the successful contact haptically.

[0082] The front wall 14 of the covering element 10 has an extension 26 at its lower edge, which extension includes a hook-shaped projection pointing backward (in the negative y-direction), and this hook-shaped projection forms the connecting section 26. In the assembled position of the covering element on the spring-loaded clamping device, this connecting section counteracts the backward movement of the covering element relative to the spring-loaded clamping device by form-fitting abutment at the complementarily extending edge 86 of the bucket element 80.

[0083] In Figure 1 it can also be seen, among other things, the cylindrical openings 24 and 25 in the side wall 12 of the covering element 10. These openings 24, 25 respectively form connecting sections for connecting the covering element 10 to the pin-shaped projections 64, 65 of the respective complementary connecting sections of the spring-loaded clamping device 50.

[0084] In the assembled position of the covering element 10 at the spring-loaded clamping device 50, with the connecting strand 100 inserted into the open channel 30, there is no longer an opening through which dust can enter the interior space between the interior space of the covering element 10 and the environment. The lower edges 21, 22 terminate at the outer contour of the housing of the spring-loaded clamping device 50 and the upper edge 86 of the bucket element 80, which can also be regarded as an optional component of the spring-loaded clamping device 50. The openings 24 and 25 in the side walls 12 are closed by complementary connecting pins 64, 65 of the spring-loaded clamping device, and the open channel 30 is sealed off by the connecting strand 100.

[0085] Figure 3 The spring-loaded clamping device 50 is shown, which is inserted into a casting ladle 80 serving as a bucket element. The casting ladle serves to protect the components arranged therein from contact with the casting material. The spring-loaded clamping device 50 is a commercially available spring clip in the embodiment, and the bucket element 80 is a matching casting ladle in the embodiment. The covering element 10 is specifically adapted in terms of shape and properties to these components, and in this case is particularly suitable for retrofitting components with the covering element 10 according to the invention.

[0086] The spring-loaded clamping device 50 has a housing 51, the shape of which is such that it adapts to the inner contour of the covering element 10. Thus, it has parallel, oppositely arranged, vertically downwardly extending side walls 52 and 53, an inclined front wall 54 and an inclined rear wall 55, where these walls converge at the upper edge 56, which is directly opposite the inner side of the upper edge 16 of the covering element 10 in the assembled position. A vertically downwardly extending rear wall 66 is connected below the inclined rear wall 55 of the housing 51. Due to the vertical extension, the rear wall 66 and the side walls 52, 53 can be pushed into the bucket element 80 from above. The bucket element has vertical side walls 92 and 93, as well as a vertical front wall 94 and a vertical rear wall 95. These walls extend up to the bottom plate 96, to which they are integrally connected.

[0087] The inclined front wall 54 has a conductor receiving portion 57, which is the open area 57 of the front wall. In the assembled position of the covering element 10 on the spring-loaded clamping device 50, this open area is centered on an axis A, which is the longitudinal axis of the open channel 30.

[0088] In particular, the two-piece housing 51 has a joining opening 58 on the inclined front wall 54 through which the user can use a tool for joining in order to tension the spring of the clamping contact, so that the conductor 102 can be removed. The inclined rear wall 55 also has a locking opening 67. These openings 57, 67, 58 are covered by the covering element 10, thereby preventing metal dust from possibly penetrating into the housing 51.

[0089] The elastic clamping device 50 does not necessarily have to have a housing in principle, since the covering element 10 can form its housing. The clamping device 60 with the jaws 61 and the contact pins 68 and 69 can also be arranged on a base part that can be covered by the covering element 10. Instead of a joint opening for tool engagement to release the clamping device, the covering element 10 can then have, for example, a actuating element that is movably and form-fittingly arranged in the joint opening of the covering element 10, by means of which operation the user can release the clip.

[0090] To guide the insertion of the elastic clamping device 50 into the bucket element 80, a guiding device is provided, which includes the lower pin-shaped protrusions 74 and 75 on the side wall 52 of the housing 51 as guiding elements. These guiding elements are guided by the vertical grooves 84 and 85 in the side wall 92 of the bucket element 80 during insertion.

[0091] As can be seen in Figure 4 , there is a protrusion 63 on the side wall 53, which also serves as a guiding element and is guided in the vertically extending groove 83 on the side wall 93 of the bucket element 80. By means of the guiding elements, it is ensured that when the elastic clamping device 50 is assembled in the bucket element 80, the contact pins 68 and 69 of the elastic clamping device 50 are precisely guided into the associated openings 88 and 89 of the bottom plate 89 of the bucket element 96 ( Figure 6 ). Thus, in the assembled position of the elastic clamping device 50, the contact pins can protrude through the bucket element 80 in order to be able to connect to the corresponding contact parts on the circuit board.

[0092] Inside the elastic clamping device 50, the clamping device 60 is arranged such that the jaws 61 of the clamping device follow the conductor receiving part 57 in the inward direction along the axis A. The jaws 61 are metallic and are electrically connected to the metallic contact pins 68 and 69.

[0093] In Figure 4 it can also be seen that there is a slit-shaped opening 67, which serves as a locking opening for engaging the locking lug 27, which is shown, for example, in Figure 7 .

[0094] Figure 5 A exploded view of the clamping system 200 is shown, which includes the covering element 10, the elastic clamping device 50 and the bucket element 80. The view from above into the bucket element 80 shows the upper side of the bottom plate 96 of the bucket element, which is covered by the barrier layer 99. The barrier layer 99 consists of a non-conductive elastic material and is part of the bottom plate 96. The barrier layer prevents dust from penetrating in the direction of the contact pins 68, 69 and / or casting material from penetrating through the bottom openings 88, 89 into the bucket element 80 or the elastic clamping device 50. All components 10, 50 and 80 of the clamping system are made of non-conductive material, such as thermoplastic.

[0095] A barrier layer that prevents dust from entering in the direction of the contact pins 68 and 69 can also be implemented in a material - coordinated manner, such that protruding structures specifically provided for this purpose at the inner wall of the bottom plate 96 of the bucket element 80 completely surround the bottom openings 88 and 89 by ultrasonic welding and are connected to the underside of the elastic clamping device 50.

[0096] The casting bucket 80, together with the elastic clip 50 and the barrier layer 99, forms an electronic component that can be assembled by THT (Through - Hole Technology) and can be directly inserted and soldered into a circuit board.

[0097] Figure 6 It is also shown from below Figure 5 the clamping system 200 and the connecting stranded wire 100 to be inserted into the opening channel 30.

[0098] Figure 7 A transparent side view of the covering element 10 is shown. It can be seen here in particular that the guide groove 19 in which the connecting pin 64 is guided finally leads into the opening 24. When the covering element 10 is placed on the elastic clamping device 50, the guide groove 19 of the covering element 10 slides along the connecting pin 64 until, in the assembled position, the connecting pin 64 enters the opening 24 and engages therein in a form - fitting manner. Here, the path P of the guide groove 19 extends parallel to the axis A of the opening channel, as can be clearly seen here.

[0099] The inner side of the front wall 14 of the covering element 10 has an inner section 35 of the opening channel 30, which extends inwards along the axis A from the inner side of the front wall 14. In the assembled position, the inner section 35 engages in a form - fitting manner in the conductor receiving part 57 of the elastic clamping device 50, and thus forms a connecting section 35 that is connected to the connecting section 57 serving as the conductor receiving part. The inner section 35 has a first opening 33 of the opening channel, which is arranged within the conductor receiving part 57 in the assembled position.

[0100] The latching projection 27 is constructed on the inner side of the rear wall 15 of the covering element. In the assembled position where the covering element 10 is assembled on and connected to the elastic clamping device 50, the latching projection 27 latches into the latching opening 67 of the elastic clamping device 50.

[0101] Figure 8 A transparent side view of the elastic clamping device 50 is shown, in the interior of which the clamping device 60 with the contact pins 68, 69 can be seen schematically.

[0102] Figure 9 A transparent side view of the bucket element 80 is shown, in which in particular the openings 88, 89 in the bottom plate can be seen.

[0103] Figure 10 A transparent side view of the clamping system 200 is shown, which is encapsulated in a dust-tight manner except for the opening of the opening channel 30. It is shown that the maximum length L1 of the outer section 34 of the opening channel 30, which points outward from the outer side of the front wall 14, is several times larger than the length L2 of the inner section 35 of the opening channel 30. However, in principle, the outer section 34 can also be shorter, especially L2 = L1 or L2 > L1 can also be present, preferably also L1 = 0 and / or L2 = 0. In particular, the opening channel can only extend through the thickness of the wall (especially the front wall 14 here) of the covering element.

[0104] Figure 11 The clamping system 200 in a connected configuration is shown, in which the connecting strand 100 is inserted into the opening channel and the conductor is clamped in the clamping device 60 and electrically contacted. After the connecting strand 100 is inserted, the clamping system 200 is encapsulated in a dust-tight manner.

[0105] Figure 12 A perspective view of a circuit board 400 equipped with electronic components of a hand-held power tool, in particular an angle grinder, is shown, on which two clamping systems 200 are arranged and used for connecting the mains cable.

[0106] The equipped circuit board is cast. The electronic casting protects the electronic components from contamination. To reduce the risk of casting material entering, there is a casting funnel 80. This casting funnel should prevent the creep process of the casting material and ensure that the spring clip 50 is not filled with the electronic casting and thus no longer guarantees its function. However, it has been proven that the casting funnel 80 alone does not eliminate this problem. Therefore, according to the invention, a barrier layer 99 is provided at the bottom in the casting funnel, which prevents the casting material from entering the funnel 80. Additionally, the barrier layer ensures that it surrounds the contact pins 68, 69, and thus metal foreign bodies that may enter cannot cause a short circuit. The device can be a paste that is materially compatible with the material forming the barrier layer. Alternatively, the barrier layer can also be formed by a form-fitting element, where, for example, a bulge in the form of a protrusion at the bottom of the casting funnel interacts with a notch in the form of a groove at the spring clip to form a materially sealed connection.

[0107] The casting hopper 80 forms an interface here to the covering element 10 according to the invention, so that this interface can sufficiently seal the upper part of the spring clip. The barrier layer 99 ensures that the part of the spring clip 50 pointing towards the bottom plate and in particular the contacts 68, 69 of the spring clip acting as the interface towards the circuit board are passivated. The covering cap 10 receives the connecting strands 100 of the electrical network line in a force-fitting manner and, after the connecting strands are connected to the spring clip, is placed on the spring clip in a form-fitting manner, whereby the part of the spring clip 50 protruding above the electronic casting is shielded and ends with the casting hopper 80. There may be additional elements at the covering cap 10 which facilitate the removal of the covering cap 10 and / or serve for laying the connecting strands 100 of the electrical network connecting line in the power tool.

[0108] Figure 13 A cross-section of the covering element 10 along the axis A of the opening channel 30 and perpendicular to the side walls 12 and 13 is shown.

[0109] The opening channel 30 is visible, which has an annular projection 31 on its inner side, which forms the narrowest part in the opening channel here and thus serves as a functional sealing device. Additionally, it can be seen that the opening channel 30 tapers in the direction of the interior space 20 of the covering element. In other words, at the access 33 of the opening channel 30 into the interior space 20, the diameter of the opening channel is smaller than at the opening of the opening channel, into which the connecting strands are introduced from the outside into the covering element for connection to the spring clamping device.

[0110] Figure 14 Shows Figure 13 an enlarged detail. The tapering in the direction of the interior space 20 and the projection 31 can be clearly seen.

[0111] List of reference numerals

[0112] 10 Covering element

[0113] 12, 13 Side walls

[0114] 14 Front wall

[0115] 15 Rear wall

[0116] 16 Edge region

[0117] 17 Connection plate element

[0118] 18 Introduction channel

[0119] 19 Guide groove

[0120] 20 Opening

[0121] 21, 22 Lower edge

[0122] The lower edge of 23 15

[0123] The openings of 24, 25

[0124] The extension part, connecting section of 26

[0125] The covering section of 28

[0126] The locking projection of 27

[0127] The opening channel of 30

[0128] The protrusion of 31

[0129] The sealing device of 32

[0130] The first opening, access part of 33

[0131] The outer section of 34

[0132] The inner section of 35

[0133] The elastic clamping device of 50

[0134] The housing of 51

[0135] The side walls of 52, 53

[0136] The front wall of 54

[0137] The rear wall of 55

[0138] The upper edge of 56

[0139] The area, conductor receiving part of 57

[0140] The access opening of 58

[0141] The clamping device of 60

[0142] The clamping jaws of 61

[0143] The protrusion of 63

[0144] The protrusions, connecting pins of 64, 65

[0145] The rear wall of 66

[0146] The locking opening of 67

[0147] The contact pins of 68, 69

[0148] The bucket element of 80

[0149] The groove of 83

[0150] The grooves of 84, 85

[0151] The edge of 86

[0152] 88, 89 openings

[0153] 92, 93 side walls

[0154] 94 front wall

[0155] 95 rear wall

[0156] 96 bottom plate

[0157] 99 barrier layer

[0158] 100 connection strand

[0159] 101 insulating material

[0160] 102 conductor

[0161] 200 clamping system

[0162] 400 circuit board

[0163] Axis A

[0164] Length of the outer section 34 of L1

[0165] Length of the inner section 35 of L2

Claims

1. A covering element (10) for covering an elastic clamping device (50) that can be connected to a circuit board (400), having: Connection sections (24; 25; 27; 35) for connecting the covering element (10) to the connection sections (64; 65; 67) of the elastic clamping device (50); and A covering section (28) for covering the conductor receiving part (57) of the elastic clamping device (50), Among them, The covering section (28) has an opening channel (30) for form-fitting and / or force-fittingly receiving a connecting stranded wire (100), and the conductor (102) of the connecting stranded wire (100) can be guided through the opening channel and introduced into the line receiving part (57) of the elastic clamping device (50).

2. The covering element according to claim 1, wherein, The opening channel (30) is constructed in a hollow cylindrical shape and is configured to form-fittingly and / or force-fittingly receive a cylindrical connecting stranded wire (100).

3. The covering element according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The opening channel (30) has at least one sealing device (32), in particular to prevent particles from intruding through the opening channel (30).

4. The covering element according to claim 3, wherein, The sealing device (32) includes an annular protrusion (31) at the inner side of the opening channel (30).

5. The covering element according to claim 4, wherein, The protrusion (31) is configured to create a force-fitting connection between the opening channel (30) and the connecting stranded wire (100) in such a way that the protrusion (31) can be pressed into the flexible material of the insulating sheath (101) of the connecting stranded wire (100).

6. The covering element according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The opening channel (30) has a first opening (33) extending away from the covering section (28) along a longitudinal axis (A), into which the connecting stranded wire can be introduced into the opening channel (30), and wherein the opening channel (30) has a channel section that has a reduced opening cross-section in the direction of the first opening (33) and the channel section in particular leads into the first opening (33).

7. The covering element according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The opening channel (30) has an opening cross-section measured perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (A) of the opening channel, and the opening cross-section has a diameter between 1 mm and 4 mm.

8. The covering element according to any one of the preceding claims, which is a monolithic component, in particular a component manufactured by means of an additive manufacturing method or an injection molding method.

9. The covering element according to any one of the preceding claims, which has a guiding groove (19) by means of which the covering body can be pushed onto the elastic clamping device (50) along a defined direction (P), in particular parallel to the longitudinal axis (A) of the opening channel.

10. A clamping system (200) having a covering element (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 9 and an elastic clamping device (50), the elastic clamping device having a conductor receiving part (57) covered by the covering section (28) of the covering element (10).

11. The clamping system (200) according to claim 10, wherein, The covering element (10) completely encapsulates the elastic clamping device (50) in the assembled position and has the opening channel (30) as the only opening.

12. The clamping system (200) according to claim 10 or 11, having a single-core or multi-core connecting stranded wire (100), the connecting stranded wire having an insulating sheath (101), the insulating sheath being arranged in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner in the opening channel (30) of the covering element (10).

13. A circuit board (400), in particular equipped with at least one electronic component, and the circuit board having a covering element according to any one of claims 1 to 9 or a clamping system according to any one of claims 10 to 12.

14. A hand-held power tool, in particular an angle grinder, having a covering element (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, or having a clamping system (200) according to any one of claims 10 to 12, or having a circuit board according to claim 13.

15. A method for manufacturing a covering element (10) according to claim 1, having the following steps: * Providing a material, in particular a non-conductive plastic; * Manufacturing the covering element (10) as a one-piece component, in particular by means of an additive manufacturing method or by means of an injection molding method.

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