Contact bridge for connecting two busbars and connector with contact bridge
By using a spring-loaded double-clamp contact bridge, the connection difficulties caused by positional tolerances and thermal expansion in busbar end connections are solved, achieving simple and uniform tolerance compensation and cost reduction.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- TE CONNECTIVITY SOLUTIONS GMBH
- Filing Date
- 2025-12-02
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-05
AI Technical Summary
In the prior art, the connection at the end of the busbar is difficult due to positional tolerances and thermal expansion, and the use of flexible conductor sections is costly and requires a large bending force.
A spring-loaded double-clamp or double-sided clamp contact bridge, including a first clamp and a second clamp, is connected by a spring assembly. This can uniformly compensate for positional tolerances and transmit the connection busbar through the movement of the clamps, avoiding dependence on the geometry of the busbar.
It achieves simple and uniform compensation of positional tolerances without increasing busbar rigidity, reducing the effort and cost of connecting busbars and improving the reliability and flexibility of the connection.
Smart Images
Figure CN122158984A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to a contact bridge for connecting two busbars. Furthermore, this invention relates to a housing for such a contact bridge. Additionally, this invention relates to a connector having a contact bridge and a housing. Background Technology
[0002] Busbars are used in various technical fields to transmit current and / or signals between electrical modules. Typically, each of these electrical modules has its own busbar, such that the respective ends of the busbars must be connected to each other.
[0003] This connection is made more difficult because the relative positions between the busbar ends to be connected are subject to certain tolerance-related fluctuations. For example, the busbar ends may tilt relative to each other and / or offset in height. Furthermore, the relative positions of the busbar ends may change due to thermal expansion during the operation of the electrical module.
[0004] To compensate for these positional tolerances in the busbars, flexible conductor sections, such as those made of braided copper wire, are typically provided, allowing the positions of the busbar ends to be adjusted to different relative positions. However, these flexible conductor sections are costly to manufacture and must be pre-fitted into the geometry of the busbar. Furthermore, the busbars must subsequently be bent into shape, sometimes requiring considerable force, resulting in one busbar typically bending more than the other. This can unnecessarily increase the required force, especially if the busbars have different degrees of stiffness or if the bending occurs outside the linear elastic range.
[0005] Therefore, despite the positional tolerances, it is still necessary to connect electrical modules, especially their busbars, with as little effort as possible. Summary of the Invention
[0006] Therefore, the present invention is based on the purpose of providing a device for connecting electrical busbars, which can easily and uniformly compensate for positional tolerances, regardless of geometry.
[0007] This objective is achieved by a contact bridge for connecting a first busbar to a second busbar, wherein the contact bridge includes a first clamp for at least partially receiving the first busbar, a second clamp opposite to the first clamp for at least partially receiving the second busbar, and a spring assembly, the first clamp and the second clamp each being configured to open against the spring assembly, wherein the first clamp is connected to the second clamp in a conductive and motion-transmitting manner.
[0008] According to the solution provided by the present invention, the contact bridge is configured as a spring-loaded double-clamp or double-sided clamp that can be attached to busbars to bridge them. Since the first clamp and the second clamp are electrically connected to each other, current and / or electrical signals can be transmitted via the contact bridge when, for example, one end of the first busbar is received in the first clamp and one end of the second busbar is received in the second clamp.
[0009] The first and second clamps are configured to resist the opening or expansion of the spring assembly, such that the elastic restoring force of the spring assembly must be overcome when the corresponding first or second clamp is opened or expanded. This elastic restoring force of the spring assembly, in turn, allows the contact bridge to apply the necessary contact force against the inserted busbar.
[0010] Furthermore, the first and second clamps are connected to each other in such a way that movement in the first clamp (e.g., opening or closing) generates movement in the second clamp (e.g., opening or closing), and vice versa. This ensures that any compensating movement required to overcome positional tolerances is evenly distributed between the first and second clamps. The busbar itself does not need to have a flexible conductor section, as the compensating movement can occur within the clamp and spring assembly.
[0011] Therefore, contact bridges provide a simple means of connecting busbars with uniform tolerance compensation, regardless of their busbar geometry.
[0012] The above solution can be further improved through the additional embodiments described below. Each embodiment is advantageous in itself and can be combined with each other arbitrarily.
[0013] According to one possible embodiment, the spring assembly may extend at least partially between the first and second clamps, resulting in a space-saving arrangement. Optionally, the spring assembly may form a stop for the first and second busbars. This improves the operation of the contact bridge because a fixed endpoint is defined for each insertion movement when receiving the busbar.
[0014] In other words, the spring assembly can separate the first clamp from the second clamp. Alternatively, the first and second clamps can form a continuous receiving channel around which the spring assembly surrounds. In this embodiment, the busbars can be in direct contact with each other within the continuous receiving channel, thereby improving the flow of current and / or signals.
[0015] To achieve the most uniform force distribution possible, the spring assembly can be centrally positioned between the first and second clamps. If the ends of the first and second busbars have the same geometry, the first clamp can be configured to have the same dimensions as the second clamp. In particular, the first and second clamps can be configured symmetrically with respect to the spring assembly. If there are differences in the geometry of the busbar ends, this can be reflected in the size and shape of the clamps.
[0016] According to another possible embodiment, the contact bridge may include a first pair of jaws forming a first clamping jaw and a second pair of jaws forming a second clamping jaw. Each pair of jaws may define a clamping gap that can enter from one, two, or three mutually perpendicular directions to receive a corresponding busbar end. In other words, there is a first clamping gap for a first busbar between the first pair of jaws, and a second clamping gap for a second busbar between the second pair of jaws.
[0017] The jaws of the gripper pair can remain movable relative to each other under the elastic deformation of the spring assembly. Specifically, the spring assembly can form support points or pivot points for the first and second pairs of jaws. In other words, the jaws of the gripper pair can be mounted in a rocking, tilting, or pivoting manner via a portion of the spring assembly. Here, the imaginary support point or pivot point can be located inside or outside the spring assembly.
[0018] According to another possible embodiment, the contact bridge may include a first support element extending in the longitudinal direction and a second support element spaced laterally, particularly perpendicularly, to the longitudinal direction from the first support element. Optionally, the second support element may be configured identically to the first support element and arranged in a mirror-reversible manner relative to the spring assembly. In particular, when the contact bridge is in a state without external force, the second retaining element may then extend parallel to the first retaining element in the longitudinal direction. When the contact bridge is installed, the longitudinal direction may extend along the connecting line between the first and second busbars. Therefore, the longitudinal direction corresponds to the busbar bridging direction.
[0019] If the first support element forms the first jaw of the first pair of grippers and the first jaw of the second pair of grippers, and the second support element forms the second jaw of the first pair of grippers and the second jaw of the second pair of grippers, the aforementioned motion transmission connection between the first jaw and the second jaw can be easily achieved. Therefore, the pairs of grippers are connected to each other in their movement via the support elements.
[0020] In this embodiment, the first support element and the second support element each extend from the first clamping gap to the second clamping gap. Therefore, the aforementioned conductive connection between the first clamp and the second clamp can also be achieved through the support elements.
[0021] Furthermore, the first support element and the second support element are opposite each other with respect to the first clamping gap and the second clamping gap. In other words, the distance measured perpendicular to the longitudinal direction between the first support element and the second support element corresponds to the net width of the first clamp and the second clamp.
[0022] According to another possible embodiment, the spring assembly may include a retaining spring that connects the first support element to the second support element in a form-fit and / or material-joint manner. In other words, a form-fit and / or material-joint connection may exist between the retaining spring and the first support element, and another form-fit and / or material-joint connection may exist between the retaining spring and the second support element. Therefore, in its initial state, the first support element, the second support element, and the retaining spring can each exist as separate components. This allows for flexible material selection, enabling the support elements to be made of a conductive material and the retaining spring to be made of another material with a higher elastic limit.
[0023] Alternatively, the first clamp, the second clamp, and the spring assembly can be configured as a single piece, particularly as an integral unit. This reduces manufacturing, transportation, and storage costs because the contact bridge can be supplied as a single component (e.g., a stamped and bent component). In particular, the integral component may include a first leg section and a second leg section for bridging the first busbar and the second busbar, respectively, and a spring section for clamping (i.e., compressing or retracting) the first leg section and the second leg section together.
[0024] The spring section extends from the first leg section to the second leg section and is functionally equivalent to the retaining spring. The first and second leg sections correspond in function and position to the first and second support elements. Thus, the first and second leg sections each extend from the first clamping gap to the second clamping gap. Furthermore, the first and second leg sections are opposite each other with respect to the first and second clamping gaps.
[0025] A space-saving embodiment is achieved when the first support element, the second support element, the retaining spring, and / or the integral component are each configured as a flat body. A flat body is a flat, planar, plate-like, or tabular component whose spatial dimension is much smaller than its other dimensions. Therefore, the first support element, the second support element, the retaining spring, and / or the integral component may each include two flat sides that are far apart from each other, and the distance between them corresponds to the aforementioned small spatial dimension.
[0026] To ensure sufficient rigidity of the first support element, the second support element, and / or the retaining spring, despite their flat body design, it is recommended that their flat sides be aligned parallel to the aforementioned net widths of the first and second clamps. In other words, the first support element, the second support element, and / or the retaining spring can be arranged vertically relative to the generatrix. This increases the area moment of inertia of the respective flat bodies.
[0027] According to another possible embodiment, the first support element may include a first contact region that tapers towards the first clamp and a second contact region that tapers towards the second clamp. Similarly, the second support element may include a first contact region that tapers towards the first clamp and a second contact region that tapers towards the second clamp. In particular, the contact regions may create a narrowing in the respective clamp by protruding into the interior of the respective clamping gap. Thus, the first clamp may include a first narrowing, and the second clamp may include a second narrowing. The narrowing results in greater surface pressure, which increases the contact force on the received busbar.
[0028] Specifically, the first and / or second contact areas of the first support element and / or the first and / or second contact areas of the second support element may each include a tip. The tip may be formed by a rounded protrusion or an angular notch of the respective support element. Advantageously, the contact bridge can roll on the generatrix using the corresponding tip. This means that there is no predefined, (sub)stable angular position between each pair of individual tips and the generatrix, but rather a continuous range of hypothetical relative angular positions. This facilitates the aforementioned compensating motion to overcome positional tolerances.
[0029] Optionally, the corresponding tip may include an insertion bevel for receiving the busbar. From the perspective of the received busbar, the first clamp may widen behind the first narrowing, and the second clamp may widen behind the second narrowing. These widenings provide the corresponding busbar with increased degrees of freedom of movement, which is beneficial for the aforementioned compensating motion.
[0030] Additionally or alternatively, the first and / or second contact areas of the first support element and / or the first and / or second contact areas of the second support element may each include a double tip. The double tip may be two round or angular tips aligned in the longitudinal direction. Perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, the two tips have equal lengths such that when the contact bridge is clamped to the busbar on one side, the double tips define center alignment.
[0031] To achieve additional flexibility in the contact area, the respective tips and / or the respective double tips may be angled or bent relative to the rest of the contact bridge. This means that an angle other than 180° is formed between the respective tips and the rest of the contact bridge.
[0032] According to another possible embodiment, the contact bridge may include a plurality of first support elements arranged coincidentally or overlappingly with each other, and a plurality of second support elements arranged coincidentally or overlappingly with each other. The first support elements may be displaced relative to each other, and the second support elements may also be displaced relative to each other. In other words, in this embodiment, the plurality of first support elements and second support elements are arranged side by side or stacked on top of each other, such that the contact bridge has a larger total conductor cross-sectional area.
[0033] Optionally, the contact bridge may include an equal or symmetrical number of first and second support elements. The spring assembly may further include a corresponding number of retaining springs arranged coherently and movably relative to each other, wherein each retaining spring connects a first support element to a second support element in pairs.
[0034] In other words, a first support element, a second support element, and a retaining spring can together form a bridging unit, wherein the contact bridge is composed of a stack of such bridging units. Due to the consistent arrangement of the first support element, the second support element, and the retaining spring, the total of all the first clamping gaps of the bridging unit results in a (common) first clamp, and the total of all the second clamping gaps of the bridging unit results in a (common) second clamp.
[0035] Due to this design, tolerance compensation can also be made if the first and second busbars roll relative to each other due to tolerances (i.e., rotate about the busbar bridging direction). This is because the bridging units of the contact bridge can fan out due to their mobility. As long as there is a certain overlap between all adjacent clamping gaps, individual clamping gaps can be displaced relative to each other by fanning them out, thereby creating a “twisted” overall gap in the corresponding clamping jaws. In short, the (shared) first clamping jaw can rotate relative to the (shared) second clamping jaw, thus allowing busbars that are coiled relative to each other to be connected by the contact bridge.
[0036] Because each bridging unit has its own retaining spring, which is mechanically independent of the other retaining springs in other bridging units, the contact force within each bridging unit is reliably applied by its own retaining spring, even after strong tolerance compensation. According to an alternative embodiment that is easy to manufacture, the spring assembly may also include only one retaining spring that bundles and connects all the first and second support elements together.
[0037] The objective described at the beginning can also be achieved by a housing for a contact bridge according to one of the above embodiments. In this case, the housing can be configured to accommodate the contact bridge. Therefore, the housing can protect the contact bridge from external influences and also simplify the handling of the contact bridge.
[0038] According to one possible embodiment, the housing may include a first access opening for inserting a first busbar and a second access opening for inserting a second busbar. When the contact bridge is housed in the housing, the first access opening may lead to a first clamp, and the second access opening may lead to a second clamp. The size and shape of the access openings prevent foreign objects from entering, allowing the housing to function as finger protection.
[0039] Optionally, the housing may include a first housing portion forming a first access opening and a second housing portion forming a second access opening, wherein the first housing portion and the second housing portion are held together in an angularly movable manner. Angular movableness describes the fact that the angle between the housing portions is variable. For example, the housing portions may form a joint in which a contact bridge is located.
[0040] Angular mobility or flexibility allows the housing sections to be aligned with the orientation of the busbar to be received. Specifically, an angle identical to the angle between the housing sections and the busbar can be set. This allows the access opening to be specifically flush and perpendicular to the corresponding busbar. Therefore, the size of the access opening can be designed to precisely fit the busbar geometry while still accommodating busbars of different orientations and heights. Without this angular mobility or flexibility, the access opening would have to be excessively large to accommodate busbars of different orientations and heights. However, this would compromise finger protection.
[0041] If the contact bridge is a stack of multiple bridging units as described above, the housing can bundle the stack. Optionally, the housing may include at least one spacer grid with multiple parallel spacer ribs. The spacer ribs may be configured as internal ribs that project into the interior of the housing and between the individual bridging units. This allows the spacer grid to be used to position the individual bridging units at predefined intervals, such as regular intervals, particularly the multiple first and second support elements. Furthermore, the spacer grid may be configured to align the bridging units within the housing in the bus bridging direction.
[0042] Alternatively, the contact bridge can be configured as a stack of multiple integral parts having the leg sections and spring sections already described above. In this case, the housing can also be used for bundling, alignment, and gridding of the stack.
[0043] Increased finger protection can be achieved if the housing includes at least one finger protection grid for attachment to the first busbar and / or the second busbar. The finger protection grid can be provided in addition to the first and second housing portions, or it can form one of the first and second housing portions. Furthermore, the finger protection grid can be configured as a comb-like, grid-like, lattice-like, sieve-like, or gate-like structure that can be placed on the end of the first or second busbar. In particular, the finger protection grid may include a plurality of parallel finger protection ribs that surround the end of the first or second busbar when in place.
[0044] The finger protection ribs are sized so that neither the VDE test finger nor the human finger can touch the enclosed busbar, while ensuring unimpeded contact with the contact bridge. To achieve this, the spacing of the finger protection ribs can be smaller than the tip of the VDE test finger, corresponding to the spacing of the spacer ribs. The spacing describes the corresponding distance between adjacent ribs. Furthermore, the finger protection ribs and spacer ribs can have the same width or material thickness. This ensures that the bridging units of the contact bridge, positioned via the spacer grid, precisely fit between the finger protection ribs of the finger protection grid and thus reach the busbar.
[0045] The dimensions of the first and / or second entry openings of the housing can be designed such that the VDE test finger cannot be inserted into the first or second clamp, while the busbar with the finger protection grid can engage unimpeded. For this purpose, additional finger protection ribs can be provided in the first and / or entry openings, covering the first or second clamp in the busbar bridging direction. These additional finger protection ribs are complementary to the finger protection ribs of the finger protection grid in number, shape, and position.
[0046] To compensate for any positional tolerances of the finger protection grid, it is recommended that the finger protection grid be installed such that it can move on the first or second busbar.
[0047] The objectives defined at the beginning can also be achieved by a connector having contact bridges and a housing, each contact bridge and housing according to one of the embodiments described above, wherein the housing accommodates the contact bridge. The connector benefits from the functionality and advantages of the contact bridges and housings already described, making it suitable for connecting busbars while compensating for tolerances.
[0048] The invention is explained below by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings. The embodiments shown represent only a subset of possible combinations of features. If the technical effect associated with a particular feature is irrelevant to a specific application, the features of the embodiments may be omitted based on the above description. Conversely, if the technical effect associated with a feature is relevant to a specific application of the embodiment, the feature may be added to the described embodiments. Attached Figure Description
[0049] In the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals are used for features that correspond to each other in terms of function and / or structure.
[0050] Figure 1 This is a schematic perspective view of a contact bridge according to an exemplary embodiment;
[0051] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Another schematic perspective view of the contact bridge and two busbars;
[0052] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 Another schematic perspective view of the contact bridge;
[0053] Figure 4 It is along as a detailed view Figure 3 A schematic perspective cross-sectional view of the contact bridge at section IV-IV;
[0054] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a side view of a contact bridge according to another exemplary embodiment;
[0055] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a side view of a connector according to an exemplary embodiment;
[0056] Figure 7 This is a schematic perspective view of a contact bridge according to another exemplary embodiment;
[0057] Figure 8 This is a schematic perspective cross-sectional view of a connector according to another exemplary embodiment;
[0058] Figure 9 This is a schematic perspective cross-sectional view of a connector according to another exemplary embodiment;
[0059] Figure 10 This is a schematic perspective view of a connector according to another exemplary embodiment;
[0060] Figure 11 This is a schematic perspective view of a contact bridge according to another exemplary embodiment;
[0061] Figure 12 This is a schematic perspective view of a contact bridge according to another exemplary embodiment;
[0062] Figure 13 This is a schematic perspective view of a contact bridge according to another exemplary embodiment;
[0063] Figure 14 This is a schematic perspective view of a contact bridge according to another exemplary embodiment;
[0064] Figure 15 This is a schematic perspective view of a contact bridge according to another exemplary embodiment; and
[0065] Figure 16 This is a schematic perspective view of a contact bridge according to another exemplary embodiment. Detailed Implementation
[0066] The following is for reference. Figures 1 to 16 Describe the structure and function of contact bridge 1. Additionally, refer to... Figure 6 , Figure 8 , Figure 9 and Figure 10 Explain the structure and function of connector 2.
[0067] Figure 1 A schematic perspective view of contact bridge 1 is shown. From Figure 2 As can be seen, the contact bridge 1 is used to connect the first busbar 4' to the second busbar 4". Busbars 4' and 4" belong to different electrical modules (not shown), which will be connected to or bridged with the contact bridge 1 to transmit current and / or signals. In particular, the respective ends 6 of the buses 4' and 4" can be connected to each other.
[0068] For this purpose, the contact bridge 1 includes a first clamping jaw 8' for at least partially receiving the first busbar 4', particularly its end 6. For example, the contact bridge 1 may include a first pair of clamping jaws 10' forming the first clamping jaw 8'. The first pair of clamping jaws 10' defines a first clamping gap 12', which the first busbar 4' can approach from up to three mutually perpendicular directions 7', 7”, 7”. In other words, the end 6 of the first busbar 4' can be inserted into the first clamping gap 12' as needed from one of the three directions 7', 7”, 7’''.
[0069] Furthermore, the contact bridge 1 includes a second clamping jaw 8” facing away from the first clamping jaw 8” for at least partially receiving the second busbar 4”, particularly its end 6. Similarly, the contact bridge 1 may include a second pair of clamping jaws 10” forming the second clamping jaw 8”. Thus, the second pair of clamping jaws 10” defines a second clamping gap 12”, from which the second busbar 4” can approach from up to three mutually perpendicular directions 7’, 7”, 7’’’. Here again, the end 6 of the second busbar 4” can be inserted into the second clamping gap 12” from each of the three directions 7’, 7”, 7’’’.
[0070] Preferably, the busbars 4' and 4" move toward each other when inserted into the clamping gaps 12' and 12" as shown. Figure 2 As shown. However, if necessary, busbars 4', 4” can also be inserted into clamping gaps 12', 12” from the side. For example, contact bridge 1 can be placed laterally or pushed onto the end 6 of busbars 4', 4”.
[0071] When the end 6 of the first busbar 4' is inserted into the first clamp 8' and the end 6 of the second busbar 4" is inserted into the second clamp 8", current and / or signals are transmitted between the buses 4' and 4" because the first clamp 8' is conductively connected to the second clamp 8".
[0072] For this purpose, the contact bridge 1 may include a first support element 14' extending from the first clamping gap 12' to the second clamping gap 12". Furthermore, the contact bridge 1 may include a second support element 14", which also extends from the first clamping gap 12' to the second clamping gap 12". The support elements 14', 14" are preferably made of a conductive material (e.g., aluminum, copper, or alloys thereof) and are positioned relative to each other with respect to the first clamping gap 12' and the second clamping gap 12".
[0073] The first support element 14' may extend along the longitudinal direction 16. The second support element 14" may be spaced laterally from the first support element 14', particularly perpendicular to the longitudinal direction 16. Therefore, the distance 18 between the first support element 14' and the second support element 14" measured perpendicular to the longitudinal direction 16 corresponds to the respective net width 20 of the first clamp 8' and the second clamp 8"
[0074] Figure 1 The diagram shows the contact bridge 1 in a stress-free state 22, where the second support element 14” extends parallel to the first support element 14' in the longitudinal direction 16. The contact bridge 1 is shown in its installed state 24 (see [reference]). Figure 2 In this configuration, the longitudinal direction 16 can extend along the connecting line between the first busbar 4' and the second busbar 4”. The longitudinal direction 16 then corresponds to the busbar bridging direction 26. Optionally, the second support element 14” can be configured identically to the first support element 14' and arranged in a mirror-reversed manner with respect to the clamping gaps 12', 12”.
[0075] The first busbar 4' and the second busbar 4" may each include two flat sides 28 parallel to each other. Contact can be achieved on these flat sides 28 by means of a contact bridge 1. For this purpose, the first support element 14' may include a first contact region 30' that tapers the first clamp 8' and a second contact region 30 that tapers the second clamp 8". Similarly, the second support element 14" may include a first contact region 30' that tapers the first clamp 8" and a second contact region 30 that tapers the second clamp 8". The first contact regions 30' are opposite each other relative to the first clamping gap 12', while the second contact regions 30" are arranged opposite each other relative to the second clamping gap 12". This allows the contact regions to produce narrowings 32', 32" in the respective clamps 8', 8" which selectively generate increased contact forces against the received busbars 4', 4". Thus, the first clamp 8' includes a first narrowing 32', and the second clamp 8" includes a second narrowing 32".
[0076] like Figure 1As shown, the first contact area 30' of the first support element 14' and the first contact area 30' of the second support element 14" may each include a tip 34. The tip 34 may be formed by the angular fork 36 of the respective support elements 14', 14" and protrude into the first clamp 8'. Alternatively, the circular protrusion 38 of the support elements 14', 14" may also form the corresponding tip 34 (see Figure 13 Contact bridge 1 can be rolled on busbars 4' and 4" with corresponding tips. Therefore, even if there is a height offset of 40 between busbars 4' and 4" (see...). Figure 5 Alternatively, with another type of positional tolerance, contact bridge 1 can also connect busbars 4' and 4'.
[0077] Each of the shown tips 34 includes an insertion bevel 42 for receiving the busbar. From the perspective of the received busbar, the first clamp 8' can be widened behind the first narrowing 32', and the second clamp 8" can be widened behind the second narrowing 32" . When the contact bridge 1 rolls on the busbars 4', 4" (see...) Figure 5 These widenings give the corresponding busbars an increased degree of freedom of motion.
[0078] The second contact area 30” of the first support element 14' and the second contact area 30” of the second support element 14” may each include a double tip 44. The double tip 44 may be two round or angular tips 34 aligned in the longitudinal direction 16. Perpendicular to the longitudinal direction 16, the two tips 34 have equal lengths, such that when the contact bridge 1 is clamped to the busbar on one side, the double tip 44 defines center alignment.
[0079] To achieve additional flexibility in the contact area, the respective tips 34 and / or the respective double tips 44 may be angled or bent relative to the remainder of the contact bridge 1. This means that an angle 46 other than 180° is formed between the respective tips 34 and the remainder of the contact bridge 1 (see [reference]). Figure 16 ).
[0080] from Figure 1 As can be seen, the first support element 14' can form the first jaw 48' of the first pair of jaws 10" and the first jaw 48' of the second pair of jaws 10"; while the second support element 14" forms the second jaw 48" of the first pair of jaws 10" and the second jaw 48" of the second pair of jaws 10". Therefore, the jaw pairs 10', 10" are connected to each other via the support elements 14', 14" in their movement, such that there is a motion transmission connection between them. In other words, the movement of the first jaw 8' (e.g., opening or closing) causes the movement of the second jaw 8" (e.g., opening or closing), and vice versa. This ensures that any compensating movement required to overcome positional tolerances is uniformly distributed between the first jaw 8' and the second jaw 8".
[0081] Contact bridge 1 is configured with its first and second clamping jaws 8', 8" as a spring-loaded double-clamp or double-sided clamp. From Figure 3 As can be seen, the contact bridge 1 includes a spring assembly 50, and the first clamp 8' and the second clamp 8" are each configured to resist the opening of the spring assembly 50. This means that when the first clamp 8' and the second clamp 8" are opened or expanded, the elastic restoring force of the spring assembly 50 must be overcome. This elastic restoring force of the spring assembly 50 enables the contact area of the contact bridge 1 to apply the necessary contact force to the received busbar.
[0082] The grippers 48', 48" of the gripper pairs 10', 10" can remain movable relative to each other under the elastic deformation of the spring assembly 50. Specifically, the spring assembly 50 can form support points or pivot points for the first pair of grippers 10' and the second pair of grippers 10"". In other words, the grippers 48', 48" of the paired grippers 10', 10" can be mounted via the spring assembly 50 in a rocking, tilting, or pivoting manner. Here, the imaginary support points or pivot points can be located within or outside the spring assembly 50.
[0083] The spring assembly 50 may extend at least partially between the first clamp 8' and the second clamp 8"". In other words, the spring assembly 50 may separate the first clamp 8' from the second clamp 8"". Optionally, the spring assembly 50 may form a stop 52 for each of the first busbar 4' and the second busbar 4"". Optionally, the distance 54 measured in the longitudinal direction 16 between the narrowing portion 32 and the stop 52 in the first clamp 8' and the second clamp 8" may be less than the net width 20 of the narrowing portion 32. In other words, the depth of the first clamp 8' and the second clamp 8" is greater than their width.
[0084] according to Figure 11 In the alternative embodiment shown, the first clamp 8' and the second clamp 8" can form a continuous receiving channel 56 for the first busbar 4' and the second busbar 4". Here, the spring assembly 50 can surround the receiving channel 56.
[0085] The spring assembly 50 can be centrally arranged between the first clamp 8' and the second clamp 8" . If the ends 6 of the first busbar 4' and the second busbar 4" have the same geometry, the first clamp 8' can be configured to have the same dimensions as the second clamp 8" . In particular, the first clamp 8' and the second clamp 8" can be symmetrically arranged with respect to the spring assembly 50 (see Figure 15 If there are differences in the geometry of the busbar ends, this can be reflected in the size and shape of the clamps.
[0086] like Figure 3As shown, the spring assembly 50 may include a retaining spring 58 that forms a form-fit connection between the first support element 14' and the second support element 14"". Therefore, the first support element 14', the second support element 14" and the retaining spring 58 can each be a separate component. In particular, the retaining spring 58 may be made of a different material (e.g., spring steel) having a higher elasticity than the support elements 14' and 14"".
[0087] The retaining spring 58 may include a first connection region 60' for form-fitting connection to the first support element 14' and a second connection region 60" for form-fitting connection to the second support element 14". Specifically, the connection regions 60', 60" may surround the respective support elements 14', 14". For example, the connection regions 60', 60" may include form-fitting tabs 62 that surround and retain in place the associated support elements 14', 14" from at least two opposite sides (see [link]). Figure 4 ).
[0088] Furthermore, the retaining spring 58 may include a first pressure region 64' for preloading the first support element 14' in the direction of the second support element 14" and a second pressure region 64" for preloading the second support element 14" in the direction of the first support element 14'. The first pressure region 64' is supported by a first connecting region 60', while the second pressure region 64" is supported by a second connecting region 60". For example, the first and second pressure regions 64', 64" may each be configured as leaf springs 66, which preload the limited support elements 14', 14".
[0089] The connecting regions 60' and 60" can be connected to each other via an intermediate section 68. This intermediate section 68 forms the corresponding stop 52 for the first busbar 4' and the second busbar 4" . Figure 1 As shown, the support elements 14', 14” and the intermediate section 68 can each be located between pressure regions 64', 64”. The connection regions 60', 60” are optionally located between the intermediate section 68 and the associated pressure regions 64', 64”.
[0090] exist Figure 3 In the diagram, the intermediate section 68 is shown as straight and beam-shaped. Furthermore, the intermediate section 68 extends laterally offset from the support elements 14', 14" (see [reference]). Figure 1 However, the middle section 68 can also be circular (see...). Figure 13 ), cross-shaped (see Figure 14 ) and / or corrugated (see Figure 15 and Figure 16 Furthermore, the middle portion 68 can extend precisely between the support elements 14' and 14").
[0091] As an alternative to or supplement to the form-fit connection just described, a material bonding connection may exist between the retaining spring 58 and the first support element 14', and between the retaining spring 58 and the second support element 14"". For example, the connection regions 60', 60" may be welded to the respective support elements 14 (see...). Figure 14 ).
[0092] According to another alternative embodiment, the first clamp 8', the second clamp 8', and the spring assembly 50' can be configured as a single piece, particularly as an integral part. For example, the contact bridge 1 can be configured as a stamped and bent part 70. Thus, the contact bridge 1 can include a first leg section 72' and a second leg section 72" for bridging the first and second busbars 4', 4" respectively. The first leg section 72' and the second leg section 72" correspond in function and position to the first support element 14' and the second support element 14" respectively. This means that the first leg section 72' and the second leg section 72" each extend from the first clamping gap 12' to the second clamping gap 12". Furthermore, the first leg section 72' and the second leg section 72" are opposite each other with respect to the first clamping gap 12' and the second clamping gap 12".
[0093] Furthermore, the contact bridge 1 may then include a spring section 74 for clamping (i.e., pressing together or pulling together) the first and second leg sections 72', 72''. Here, the spring section 74 extends from the first leg section 72'' to the second leg section 72'' and is functionally equivalent to the retaining spring 58, particularly its intermediate section 68.
[0094] From Figure 12 The stamped bent part 70 is optionally configured as a flat body 76. Therefore, it is a flat, planar, plate-like, or tabular component with a spatial dimension 78' that is many times smaller than the other dimensions 78”, 78”’. Furthermore, the stamped bent part 70 includes two flat sides 80 facing away from each other, and the distance between them corresponds to the aforementioned smaller spatial dimension 78’. Similarly, the first support element 14’, the second support element 14”, and / or the retaining spring 58 can each be configured as a flat body 76 having two flat sides 80.
[0095] To ensure sufficient rigidity of the first support element 14', the second support element 14"', the retaining spring 58, and / or the stamped bending member 70, despite their design as flat bodies 76, it is recommended that their flat sides 80 be aligned parallel to the aforementioned net width 20 of the first and second clamps 8', 8''. In other words, the first support element 14'', the second support element 14"'', the retaining spring 58, and / or the stamped bending member 70 can be arranged vertically relative to the generatrices 4', 4"'. This increases the area moment of inertia of the corresponding flat bodies 76.
[0096] like Figure 7 As shown, the contact bridge 1 may include a plurality of first support elements 14' and a plurality of second support elements 14'". The first support elements 14' are arranged in a consistent or overlapping manner with each other, and the second support elements 14' are arranged in a consistent or overlapping manner with each other. The first support elements 14' can move relative to each other, just as the second support elements 14' can move relative to each other. In other words, in this embodiment, the plurality of first support elements 14' and the plurality of second support elements 14' are arranged adjacent to each other or stacked, such that the contact bridge 1 has a larger total conductor cross-sectional area.
[0097] Optionally, the contact bridge 1 may include an equal or symmetrical number of first and second support elements 14', 14'. The spring assembly 50 may further include a corresponding number of retaining springs 58, which are arranged coherently to each other and can be displaced relative to each other, wherein each retaining spring 58 connects a pair of first support elements 14' to the second support element 14'.
[0098] In other words, a first support element 14', a second support element 14" and a retaining spring 58 can together form a bridging unit 82, thereby the contact bridge 1 is composed of a stack of such bridging units 82. Due to the consistent arrangement of the first support element 14', the second support element 14" and the retaining spring 58, the entirety of all the first clamping gaps 12' of the bridging unit 82 results in a (common) first clamping jaw 8', and the entirety of all the second clamping gaps 12" of the bridging unit 82 results in a (common) second clamping jaw 8".
[0099] Due to their mobility, the bridging units 82 of contact bridge 1 can be fanned out, such as... Figure 7 As shown. As long as a certain overlap is maintained between all adjacent clamping gaps 12', 12" , the individual clamping gaps 12', 12" can be displaced relative to each other by fanning out, resulting in a "twisted" overall gap in the corresponding clamps 8', 8" . In short, the (common) first clamp 8' can therefore rotate relative to the (common) second clamp 8" . Due to this design, tolerance compensation can also be performed when the first and second busbars 4', 4" roll relative to each other due to tolerances (i.e., rotate about the busbar bridging direction 26).
[0100] from Figure 7 It can be seen that each bridging unit 82 includes its own retaining spring 58, which is mechanically independent of the other retaining springs 58 of the other bridging units 82. Therefore, even after strong tolerance compensation, the contact force within each bridging unit 82 is reliably applied by its own retaining spring 58. Figure 11In the alternative embodiment shown, the spring assembly 50 may also include only one retaining spring 58, which bundles and co-connects all the first and second support elements 14', 14'". In this case, the spring assembly 50 may include a plurality of first pressure regions 64' for preloading the first support element 14' in the direction of the second support element 14' and a plurality of second pressure regions 64 for preloading the second support element 14' in the direction of the first support element 14'.
[0101] Figure 6 A connector 2 with a housing 84 for a contact bridge 1 is shown. The housing 84 is made of an electrically insulating material and is configured to accommodate the contact bridge 1. Furthermore, the housing 84 may include a first access opening 86' for insertion of a first busbar 4” and a second access opening 86” for insertion of a second busbar 4”. When the contact bridge 1 is accommodated in the housing 84, the first access opening 86' leads to a first clamp 8', and the second access opening 86” leads to the second clamp 8.
[0102] Optionally, housing 84 may include a first housing portion 88' forming a first access opening 86' and a second housing portion 88' forming a second access opening 86'", wherein the first housing portion 88' and the second housing portion 88' are held together in an angularly movable manner. Angular mobility describes the fact that the angle 90 between housing portions 88', 88' is variable. For example, housing portions 88', 88' may form a joint 92, with contact bridge 1 located within the joint 92. Alternatively, housing portions 88', 88' may be connected by a membrane hinge or a flexible hose segment.
[0103] Angular mobility or flexibility allows housing portions 88', 88" to be aligned to match the orientation and height of the busbars 4', 4" to be received. For example, a height offset can be set between the access openings 86', 86" that is the same height offset that exists between the busbars 4', 4" as there is between them. Similarly, an angle can be set between the housing portions 88', 88" that is the same angle that exists between the busbars 4', 4" as there is between them.
[0104] like Figure 8 As shown, the housing 84 can bundle a stack of multiple bridging units 82. Optionally, the housing 84 may include at least one spacing grid 94 having a plurality of parallel spacing ribs 96. The spacing ribs 96 may be configured as internal ribs 98 that protrude into the interior of the housing 84 and are spaced between the individual bridging units 82 (see [reference]). Figure 9 This allows the spacing grid 94 to be used to position individual bridging units 82 at predetermined intervals (e.g., regular intervals), particularly to position multiple first support elements 14' and second support elements 14'. Furthermore, the spacing grid 94 can be configured to align the bridging units 82 within the housing 84 in the bus bridging direction 26.
[0105] Alternatively, the contact bridge 1 can be configured as a stack of multiple stamped and bent parts 70 having leg sections 72', 72" and spring sections 74 as described above. In this case, the housing 84 can also be used to bundle, align and grid the stack.
[0106] Figure 9 The housing 84 is shown to include at least one finger protection grid 100 for placement on the first busbar 4' and / or the second busbar 4"". The finger protection grid 100 may be provided in addition to the first housing portion 88' and the second housing portion 88"". Furthermore, the finger protection grid 100 may be configured as a comb-like, grid-like, lattice-like, sieve-like, or gate-like structure, which may be placed on the end 6 of the first or second busbar 4', 4"". In particular, the finger protection grid 100 may include a plurality of parallel finger protection ribs 102 that surround the end 6 of the first or second busbar 4', 4" when engaged.
[0107] The finger protection rib 102 is sized to allow unobstructed contact between the enclosed busbar and the contact bridge 1, while the VDE test finger (not shown) must not touch the enclosed busbar. To achieve this, it must be ensured that the bridging units 82 of the contact bridge 1, positioned by the spacer grid 94, individually engage between the finger protection ribs 102 of the finger protection grid 100, and thus reach the busbar (see...). Figure 10 For this purpose, it is advantageous that the spacing of the finger protection ribs 102 corresponds to the spacing of the spacer ribs 96. Furthermore, the finger protection ribs 102 and the spacer ribs 96 can have the same width or material thickness. Meanwhile, the spacing of the finger protection ribs 102 should be smaller than the tip of the VDE test finger, where the spacing describes the corresponding distance between adjacent ribs.
[0108] The dimensions of the first entry opening 86' and / or the second entry opening 86" of the housing can be designed such that the VDE test finger cannot be inserted as far as the first clamp 8' or the second clamp 8" while the busbar with the finger protection grid 100 can engage unimpeded. For this purpose, additional finger protection ribs 102 can be provided in the first entry opening 86' and / or the second entry opening 86" that cover the first clamp 8' or the second clamp 8" in the busbar bridging direction 26. These additional finger protection ribs 102 are complementary to the finger protection ribs 102 of the finger protection grid 100 in number, shape, and position.
[0109] To compensate for any positional tolerances of the finger protection grid 100, it is recommended that the finger protection grid be installed such that it can move on the first or second busbar 4', 4"
[0110] List of reference numerals
[0111] 1 contact bridge
[0112] 2 connectors
[0113] 4', 4'' busbars
[0114] 6 ends
[0115] 7', 7", 7''' direction
[0116] 8', 8'' clamp
[0117] 10', 10'' gripper pair
[0118] 12', 12" clamping gap
[0119] 14', 14" bracket element
[0120] 16 longitudinal directions
[0121] 18 distance
[0122] 20mm net width
[0123] 22 status
[0124] 24 status
[0125] 26 busbar bridging direction
[0126] 28 flat side
[0127] 30', 30'' contact area
[0128] 32', 32'' narrowing section
[0129] 34 tips
[0130] 36 forks
[0131] 38 protrusions
[0132] 40 height offset
[0133] 42 Insert inclined plane
[0134] 44 double tips
[0135] 46 angle
[0136] 48', 48" grippers
[0137] 50 spring assembly
[0138] 52 Stop
[0139] 54 distance
[0140] 56 receiving channels
[0141] 58 retaining spring
[0142] 60', 60'' Connecting Area
[0143] 62 Shape matching protrusion
[0144] 64', 64'' pressure zone
[0145] 66 leaf springs
[0146] 68 Intermediate Section
[0147] 70 stamping bending parts
[0148] 72', 72" leg section
[0149] 74 Spring Section
[0150] 76 Flat Body
[0151] 78', 78'', 78''' size
[0152] 80 flat side
[0153] 82 bridging units
[0154] 84 casing
[0155] 86', 86'' enter the opening
[0156] 88', 88'' shell section
[0157] 90 degrees
[0158] 92 connector
[0159] 94-segment grid
[0160] 96 spacer ribs
[0161] 98 internal ribs
[0162] 100 finger protection grid
[0163] 102 finger protection ribs
Claims
1. A contact bridge (1) for connecting a first busbar (4') to a second busbar (4"), wherein, The contact bridge (1) includes: - First clamp (8'), which is used to at least partially receive the first busbar (4'). - A second clamp (8"), facing away from the first clamp (8'), is used to at least partially receive the second busbar (4) and - Spring assembly (50), the first clamp (8') and the second clamp (8") are each configured to open against the spring assembly (50), The first clamp (8') is connected to the second clamp (8") in a conductive and motion-transmitting manner.
2. The contact bridge (1) according to claim 1, wherein, The spring assembly (50) extends at least partially between the first clamp (8') and the second clamp (8") and forms stops (52) for the first busbar (4') and the second busbar (4"), respectively.
3. The contact bridge (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The contact bridge (1) includes: - The first pair of jaws (10') forming the first jaw (8'), and - Forming the second pair of jaws (10) of the second clamping jaw (8) The spring assembly (50) forms support points for the first pair of grippers (10') and the second pair of grippers (10"), respectively.
4. The contact bridge (1) according to claim 3, wherein, The contact bridge (1) includes - The first support element (14') extends along the longitudinal direction (16), and - A second support element (14") spaced transversely from the first support element (14') in the longitudinal direction (16), Wherein, the first support element (14') forms the first gripper (48') of the first pair of grippers (10') and the first gripper (48") of the second pair of grippers (10"), wherein the second support element (14") forms the second gripper (48") of the first pair of grippers (10') and the second gripper (48") of the second pair of grippers (10"), wherein the spring assembly (50) includes a retaining spring (58) that connects the first support element (14') to the second support element (14") in a form-fitting and / or material-jointing manner.
5. The contact bridge (1) according to claim 4, wherein, The first support element (14'), the second support element (14") and / or the retaining spring (58) are configured as a flat body (76).
6. The contact bridge (1) according to claim 4 or 5, wherein, The first support element (14') includes a first contact area (30') that causes the first clamp (8') to taper and a second contact area (30") that causes the second clamp (8") to taper, and wherein the second support element (14") includes a first contact area (30') that causes the first clamp (8') to taper and a second contact area (30") that causes the second clamp (8") to taper.
7. The contact bridge (1) according to claim 6, wherein, The first contact area (30') and / or the second contact area (30") of the first support element (14') and / or the first contact area (30') and / or the second contact area (30") of the second support element (14") each include a tip (34) or a double tip (44).
8. The contact bridge (1) according to claim 7, wherein, The corresponding tip (34) and / or the corresponding double tip (44) are angled relative to the rest of the contact bridge (1).
9. The contact bridge (1) according to any one of claims 4 to 8, wherein, The contact bridge (1) includes: - A plurality of first support elements (14'), the plurality of first support elements (14') being arranged congruently with each other, and - A plurality of second support elements (14) are arranged congruently with each other. The spring assembly (50) includes a plurality of retaining springs (58) arranged in a consistent manner, wherein each retaining spring (58) connects a first support element (14') to a second support element (14") in pairs.
10. The contact bridge (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein, The first clamp (8'), the second clamp (8") and the spring assembly (50) are configured as a single piece.
11. A housing (84) for a contact bridge (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein, The housing (84) includes a first access opening (86') for inserting the first busbar (4') and a second access opening (86") for inserting the second busbar (4").
12. The housing (84) according to claim 11 or the housing (84) for the contact bridge (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein, The housing (84) includes a first housing portion (88') and a second housing portion (88"), wherein the first housing portion (88') and the second housing portion (88") are held together in a manner that allows for angular movement.
13. The housing (84) for the contact bridge (1) according to claim 9, wherein, The housing (84) includes at least one spacer grid (94) having a plurality of spacer ribs (96), wherein the spacer grid (94) is configured to position the plurality of first support elements (14') and second support elements (14") at predetermined intervals.
14. The housing (84) according to claim 13, wherein, The housing (84) includes at least one finger protection grid (100) for placement on the first busbar (4') and / or the second busbar (4"), wherein the at least one finger protection grid (100) includes a plurality of finger protection ribs (102) and the spacing of the plurality of finger protection ribs (102) corresponds to the spacing of the spacer ribs (96).
15. A connector (2) having a contact bridge (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10 and a housing (84) according to any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein, The housing (84) accommodates the contact bridge (1).