Clamping device for arranging on a support rail

Abstract

The invention relates to a clamping device (3) for arrangement on a support rail (8), comprising a clamping body (30), a first connection device for connecting a first electrical line (9) to a first current bar section (44), a separation device (5), a socket (61), a surge protection plug (6) which can be plugged into the socket for connection to the first current bar section (44) or to a second current bar section (52-54), and a second connection device for connecting a second electrical line (2) to the second current bar section (52-54). The separation device (5) has a separation blade (50) which is configured to electrically connect the first current bar section (44) and the second current bar section (52-54) to one another in a first position and to electrically separate the first current bar section (44) and the second current bar section (52-54) from one another in a second position. The second connection device consists of a plug-in connector terminal (7), a plug-in connector part (17) for connecting the second electrical line (2) to the second connection device being able to be plugged into the plug-in connector terminal.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a clamping device for being arranged on a support rail as described in the preamble of claim 1, and an overpressure protection assembly having the clamping device. Background Technology

[0002] This clamping device can be arranged on the support rail and thus can be combined with other clamping devices at the support rail, especially depending on the type of serial terminals.

[0003] This clamping device includes a clamping body, a first current bar segment disposed on the clamping body, a second current bar segment disposed on the clamping body, a first connecting device for connecting a first conductor to the first current bar segment, a separating device, and a second connecting device for connecting a second conductor to the second current bar segment. The separating device has a separating blade configured to electrically connect the first and second current bar segments to each other in a first position, and to electrically separate them in a second position. Furthermore, the clamping device includes a socket to which an overvoltage protection plug can be plugged to connect to either the first or second current bar segment.

[0004] An overvoltage protection assembly is known from DE 10 2018 201 333 A1, which has an overvoltage protection plug that can be plugged into a clamping device and protects the electrical connection from overvoltage in the plugged state.

[0005] There is always a need for structural forms that are advantageous in terms of structural space in relevant clamping devices. Such clamping devices should facilitate wiring connections to control devices on one hand and to sensors and / or actuators on the other. By providing sockets on the clamping device for inserting overvoltage protection plugs, protection can be provided, for example, for signaling technology equipment with enhanced safety requirements, such as in systems used in railway infrastructure.

[0006] In this article, an overvoltage protection plug is understood as a protective plug that provides overvoltage protection by reducing voltage peaks. This overvoltage protection plug establishes an electrical connection with ground potential, particularly with the support rail at ground potential, when the voltage is high, i.e., when the voltage exceeds a predetermined limit, thereby conducting the overvoltage to ground and protecting the electrical equipment. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The purpose of this invention is to provide a clamping device and an overpressure protection assembly for arrangement on a support rail, which can achieve a spatially advantageous arrangement with flexible maneuverability.

[0008] This objective is achieved by a subject matter having the features of claim 1.

[0009] Therefore, the second connection device is formed by plug connector terminals, and the plug connector component for connecting the second electrical wire to the second connection device can be connected to the plug connector terminals in a plug-in manner.

[0010] With the aid of a clamping device, different functional components are combined into a single structural unit. Therefore, a first electrical conductor can be connected via a first connecting device, for example, for connecting a sensor or actuator. Conversely, a second electrical conductor can be connected via a second connecting device, for example, for connecting to a detection and / or control device. A separation device allows for the separation of the current strip segments, thus electrically isolating the first and second connecting devices from each other. Furthermore, an overvoltage protection plug can be inserted into the clamping device via a socket to provide overvoltage protection on the conductive path established through the current strip segments on the clamping device.

[0011] Since the second connecting device is composed of plug-in connector terminals, the plug-in connector component can be plugged into and connected to these plug-in connector terminals, allowing the second electrical wire to be flexibly connected to the clamping device. In this way, the second electrical wire can be connected to the plug-in connector component. The plug-in connector component can be plugged into the plug-in connector terminals of the clamping device, thereby connecting the second electrical wire to the clamping device in this manner. Therefore, the connection of the second electrical wire to the clamping device is achieved through the plug-in connection between the plug-in connector component and the plug-in connector terminals.

[0012] In one design, the clamping body extends in a disc shape along a plane that is extended longitudinally and vertically. Clamping devices can be arranged along an alignment direction perpendicular to this plane with other clamping devices on a support rail. Therefore, electrical functional components can be provided on the support rail through a combination of multiple clamping devices of the same or different structural forms, via which wiring connections for devices such as control devices, sensors, and / or actuators can be provided. Here, the clamping body of the clamping device, measured along the alignment direction, is thinner compared to its extension along the plane perpendicular to the alignment direction. Through this disc-shaped structure, the clamping bodies of the clamping devices can be placed adjacent to each other along the alignment direction and arranged on the support rail so that the clamping devices can be combined with each other on the support rail.

[0013] In one design, a first connecting device, a separating device, a socket, and a second connecting device are arranged relative to each other along the longitudinal direction. Functionally, the first connecting device and the second connecting device are located, for example, at different ends of the clamping device with respect to the longitudinal direction, wherein the first connecting device, the separating device, the socket, and the second connecting device are arranged relative to each other along the longitudinal direction. The operation for connecting a first electrical wire to the first connecting device and connecting a second electrical wire to the second connecting device via a plug connector component can be performed on a common operating side, which is, for example, opposite to the side of the clamping body that has a locking device for locking the clamping device onto the support rail.

[0014] In one design, a separating blade is oscillatingly positioned on a clamping body. In a first position, the separating blade establishes an electrical connection between a first current bar segment corresponding to a first connecting device and a second current bar segment corresponding to a second connecting device. The separating blade can then be displaced on the clamping body to release the electrical connection between the current bar segments and thereby electrically separate the connecting devices from each other. Therefore, by means of the separating device, the electrical connection between connecting devices can be separated when connecting electrical wires by oscillating the separating blade relative to the clamping body.

[0015] In one design, the connector component can be plugged into and connected to the connector terminal along a first plugging direction, while the overvoltage protection plug can be plugged into and connected to the socket along a second plugging direction. Preferably, the first and second plugging directions can be different from each other, for example, they can be oriented at an acute angle to each other. This design of the socket and connector terminal can produce an arrangement that is particularly advantageous in terms of structural space, where the clamping device has a relatively small length along the longitudinal direction. Here, the second plugging direction corresponding to the overvoltage protection plug can, for example, point perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, while the first plugging direction corresponding to the connector component points obliquely to the longitudinal direction. By inserting the connector component obliquely onto the connector terminal, the connector terminal can be arranged spatially close to the socket of the overvoltage protection plug, wherein the plugging connection between the connector component and the connector terminal can be achieved even when the overvoltage protection plug is inserted.

[0016] The first connecting device can be constructed in different ways. For example, the first connecting device can be constructed using additional plug-in connector terminals, to which the corresponding additional plug-in connector component to which the first electrical wire is connected can be grounded with the additional plug-in connector terminals. In other designs, the first connecting device can be formed, for example, by a clamp that implements a spring force terminal, a screw clamp, or other clamp for connecting electrical wires.

[0017] In one design, the first connecting device has a first clamp with a spring element for clamping a first conductor to a contact section of a first current strip segment. The first clamp accordingly implements a spring-force connection, wherein the corresponding conductor is clamped to the contact section of the first current strip segment by the spring force of the spring element and thereby electrically connected to the first current strip segment.

[0018] In one design, the spring element has a resiliently adjustable clamping leg. For example, the spring element may have a support leg by which it is supported on the housing of the first terminal clamp created by the clamping body. The clamping leg is resiliently adjustable relative to the support leg, wherein the clamping leg is configured to act on the first conductor in a clamped position to clamp the first conductor to the contact section, and is movable from the clamped position to a released position to release the first conductor. Thus, the clamping leg clamps the conductor to the contact section of the first current strip section, thereby electrically connecting the conductor to the first current strip section and preferably also mechanically locking it to the terminal clamp.

[0019] The clamping legs can, in principle, be configured to apply pressure or tension to the conductor. If the clamping legs are designed to apply pressure to the conductor, the clamping legs press the conductor with their free ends against the contact section of the first current strip segment, thereby clamping the conductor to the current strip segment. If the clamping legs are designed to apply tension to the conductor, an opening is formed in the clamping legs, into which the conductor can be introduced, wherein the clamping legs pull the conductor against the contact section of the first current strip segment by an elastic tension force, thereby clamping it to the contact section.

[0020] In one design, the first terminal clamp has an actuating element for adjusting the clamping legs from a clamping position to a released position. This actuating element is movably disposed on and movable on the clamping body to act on the clamping legs and adjust them from the clamping position to the released position. By adjusting the clamping legs to the released position, space within the housing provided by the clamping body of the first terminal clamp is released, allowing electrical wires to be plugged into or removed from the terminal clamp in a substantially unsecured manner.

[0021] The actuating element can be, for example, oscillatingly or slidably mounted on the clamping body of the clamping device.

[0022] In one design, the clamping leg remains in the release position relative to the contact section of the first current bar segment. If the clamping leg is moved to the release position by actuation of an actuating element, the clamping leg is locked in the release position and therefore cannot be easily returned to the clamping position. This enables simple operation, allowing the clamping leg to be moved to the release position so that the electrical wire can be plugged into the terminal block, without requiring separate, continuous user operation to hold the clamping leg in the release position.

[0023] In one design, the first terminal clamp has a trigger element configured to interact with a first electrical wire upon insertion into the first terminal clamp, thereby releasing the clamping legs from the release position. By providing the trigger element, the terminal clamp is automatically triggered upon insertion of the electrical wire. Upon insertion, the electrical wire contacts the trigger element, which moves and releases the clamping legs from the release position. Consequently, the clamping legs move from the release position to the clamping position due to the elastic tension of the spring element, clamping the electrical wire at the contact section with the first current strip segment.

[0024] For example, the trigger element can be designed such that the actuating element or clamping leg can be locked to the trigger element. Thus, the clamping leg is held in the release position directly or indirectly (through the actuating element) by the trigger element, wherein the trigger element can move by acting in conjunction with the electrical wire when plugged into the clamp, so as to release the clamping leg and thus release the clamping leg from the release position.

[0025] The trigger element may be arranged, for example, in a pivoting manner on the clamping body. However, in other designs, the trigger element may also be designed to be movable relative to the clamping body in other ways.

[0026] An overvoltage protection assembly includes a clamping device of the type described above, an overvoltage protection plug that can be plugged into and connected to a socket, and a plug-in connector component that can be plugged into and connected to plug-in connector terminals.

[0027] The overvoltage protection plug is used to provide overvoltage protection on the conductive path provided by the current strip section of the clamping device. In the event of an overvoltage, the overvoltage protection plug provides a connection to the ground potential, such as the potential of the support rail, so that the overvoltage is discharged to ground (grounding).

[0028] Such an overvoltage protection plug can be constructed, for example, as described in DE 10 2018 201 333 A1. In particular, such an overvoltage protection plug can have one or more varistors and / or one or more suppression diodes and / or one or more gas dischargers and / or one or more voltage limiting elements. Such an overvoltage protection plug can, for example, implement a so-called VF circuit, a 1x2 circuit, or a so-called binary circuit, as described in DE 10 2018 201 333 A1.

[0029] The overvoltage protection plug provides overvoltage protection on the conductive path of the clamping device provided by the current bar section when it is plugged in, and is inserted into the corresponding socket when plugged in. If the overvoltage protection plug is not connected to the socket, no overvoltage protection is provided on the conductive path, wherein the conductive path of the current bar section is closed regardless of whether the overvoltage protection plug is plugged in (provided that the separating blade of the separating device is in the first closed position).

[0030] In one design, the connector terminals have mating wells and the connector assembly has mating sections for insertion into the mating wells. The connector assembly has mating sections in the form of mating arches that can be inserted into the mating wells of the connector terminals, thereby connecting the connector assembly to a clamping device.

[0031] In one design, the connector assembly has an electrical contact element to which a second electrical conductor can be connected. This electrical contact element is electrically connected to a second current strip segment via a mating connection between the connector assembly and a connector terminal. By mating the connector assembly onto the connector terminal, the contact element of the connector assembly is electrically connected to the second current strip segment, thereby connecting the second electrical conductor to the connector assembly to the second current strip segment. The mating of the connector assembly is performed along a mating direction corresponding to the connector assembly. By pulling the connector assembly out in the opposite direction of mating, the connector assembly can be removed from the clamping device, thereby separating the second electrical conductor connected to the connector assembly from the clamping device.

[0032] In one design, the plug connector component has a second clamp for connecting a second electrical wire to a contact element. The second clamp can be, for example, a spring-loaded terminal, a threaded terminal, or other clamp for connecting the corresponding electrical wire. The wire is electrically connected to the plug connector component via the clamp and preferably also mechanically locked to the plug connector component.

[0033] In one design, the second terminal clamp has a spring element for clamping the second electrical wire to the contact element. The second terminal clamp correspondingly implements a spring force terminal, wherein the corresponding electrical wire is clamped to the contact element of the plug connector component by the spring force of the spring element and thereby electrically connected to the contact element.

[0034] In one design, the spring element has a resiliently adjustable clamping leg. For example, the spring element may have a support leg by which it is supported on the housing of the connector component. The clamping leg is resiliently adjustable relative to the support leg, wherein the clamping leg is configured to act on the second electrical wire in a clamped position to clamp the second electrical wire to the contact element, and is movable from the clamped position to a released position to release the second electrical wire. Thus, the electrical wire can be clamped to the contact element of the connector component via the clamping leg, thereby electrically connecting the wire to the contact element of the connector component and preferably also mechanically locking it to the connector component.

[0035] The clamping legs can, in principle, be configured to apply pressure or tension to the electrical conductor. If the clamping legs are designed to apply pressure to the electrical conductor, the clamping legs press the electrical conductor against the contact element of the connector component with their free ends, thereby clamping the conductor to the contact element. If the clamping legs are designed to apply tension to the electrical conductor, an opening is formed in the clamping legs, into which the conductor can be introduced, wherein the clamping legs pull the conductor against the contact element of the connector component by an elastic tension force, thereby clamping it to the contact element.

[0036] In one design, the second terminal clamp has an actuating element for adjusting the clamping legs from a clamping position to a released position. This actuating element is movably disposed on and movable within the housing of the second terminal clamp to act on the clamping legs and adjust them from the clamping position to the released position. By adjusting the clamping legs to the released position, space within the housing of the second terminal clamp is released, allowing electrical wires to be plugged into the second terminal clamp in a substantially unsecured manner, or to be detached from the terminal clamp in a substantially unsecured manner.

[0037] The actuating element may, for example, be arranged oscillatingly or slidably on the housing of the second terminal clamp.

[0038] In one design, the plug connector component has a housing, on which an actuating element is pivotally supported. The actuating element may in particular be designed as a lever that can pivot relative to the housing of the second clamp, thereby adjusting the clamping leg of the spring element from a clamped position to a released position.

[0039] In one design, the clamping leg is held in the release position relative to the contact element of the connector component. If the clamping leg is moved to the release position by actuation of an actuating element, the clamping leg is locked in the release position and therefore cannot be easily returned to the clamping position. This enables simple operation, allowing the clamping leg to be moved to the release position so that the electrical wire can be plugged into the connector clamp, without requiring separate, continuous user operation to hold the clamping leg in the release position.

[0040] In one design, the second terminal clamp has a trigger element configured to interact with a second electrical wire inserted into the second terminal clamp to release the clamping legs from the release position. By providing the trigger element, the terminal clamp is automatically triggered upon insertion of the electrical wire. Upon insertion, the electrical wire contacts the trigger element, which moves and releases the clamping legs from the release position. Consequently, the clamping legs move from the release position to the clamping position due to the elastic tension of the spring element, clamping the electrical wire to the contact element of the second terminal clamp of the connector assembly.

[0041] For example, the trigger element can be configured such that the actuating element or clamping leg can be locked to the trigger element. Thus, the clamping leg is held in the release position directly or indirectly (by the actuating element) by the trigger element of the second clamp, wherein, when the electrical wire is plugged into the second clamp, the trigger element can be moved by the interaction with the electrical wire to release the clamping leg and thus release the clamping leg from the release position.

[0042] The triggering element can be oscillatingly arranged on the housing of the second terminal clamp, for example. However, in other designs, the triggering element may also be movable relative to the housing of the second terminal clamp in other ways.

[0043] In one design, a structural unit comprising a group of plug connector terminals and plug connector components has a coded opening. Another structural unit in the same group has a coded segment that can be inserted into the coded opening. Thus, either the plug connector terminal or the plug connector component has a coded opening. Another structural unit has a coded segment for insertion into the coded opening. This provides a code based on which the plug connector component can be inserted into the clamping device only when the coded segment and the coded opening match.

[0044] For example, an encoding opening is provided on the plug connector terminal of the clamping device, while an encoding segment, for example in the form of a tab, is formed on the plug section of the plug connector component. The plug section can only be plugged into the plug connector terminal when the encoding segment and the encoding opening match each other, so that the plug connector component can be connected to the clamping device.

[0045] In one design, the coding element can be inserted into a coding opening. When the coding element is inserted into the coding opening, the coding segment cannot be inserted into the coding opening. The coding element can, for example, be pin-shaped, which, when inserted, closes the coding opening so that the coding segment cannot engage with the coding opening. By selectively inserting the coding element into the coding opening, a coding can be provided such that the mating segment of the connector component can only be mated to the connector terminal if the coding segment is not present on the corresponding other structural unit (i.e., on the mating segment when the coding opening is formed on the mating connector terminal).

[0046] In one design, the overvoltage protection assembly has two clamping devices arranged relative to each other, each clamping device having a second connecting device constructed via plug-in connector terminals, to which a plug-in connector component can be plugged into. For example, the plug-in connector component may have two plug-in sections for inserting the second connecting devices into the clamping devices. The plug-in connector component can thus be plugged into both clamping devices, thereby connecting electrical wires connected to the plug-in connector component to these clamping devices.

[0047] In one design, each clamping device has a socket, where an overvoltage protection plug can be connected to ground via the same socket as the clamping device. Thus, overvoltage protection can be provided on both conductive paths of the clamping device via the overvoltage protection plug, by conducting the overvoltage to ground potential when an overvoltage occurs on these conductive paths.

[0048] The aforementioned type of overvoltage protection components can provide lightning and overvoltage protection, especially for rail infrastructure. Attached Figure Description

[0049] The ideas based on the present invention are described in detail below with the aid of embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. Wherein: Figure 1 A view of one embodiment of an overvoltage protection assembly is shown, which has two clamping devices, an overvoltage protection plug, and a plug connector component connected to the clamping devices. Figure 2 A separate view of a single clamping device is shown; Figure 3 A side view of the clamping device is shown; Figure 4 A view of one embodiment of a first connecting device for connecting a clamping device to a first electrical conductor is shown; Figure 5A view of another embodiment of the first connecting device for connecting the clamping device to the first electrical conductor is shown; Figure 6 A view of yet another embodiment of the first connecting device for connecting the clamping device to the first electrical conductor is shown; Figure 7 A view of another embodiment of an overvoltage protection assembly is shown, which has two clamping devices, an overvoltage protection plug, and a plug connector component connected to the clamping devices. Figure 8 A separate view of a single clamping device is shown; Figure 9 A side view of the clamping device is shown; Figure 10 A view of an embodiment of a first connecting device for connecting a clamping device to a first electrical conductor is shown; Figure 11 A view of another embodiment of the first connecting device for connecting the clamping device to the first electrical conductor is shown; Figure 12 A view of yet another embodiment of the first connecting device for connecting the clamping device to the first electrical conductor is shown; Figure 13 The following is illustrated in the case of the connector components being loosened. Figure 1 Overvoltage protection components; Figure 14 A side view of one embodiment of the plug connector component is shown; Figure 15 A longitudinal sectional view of the plug connector component is shown; Figure 16A A view of the housing of the connector clamp is shown; Figure 16B A view of another housing component of the wiring clamp is shown; Figures 17A-17C A separate view of the trigger element of the wire clip of the plug connector component is shown; Figure 18 A schematic diagram of the assembly of the first clamp of the clamping device for connecting the first electrical conductor is shown; and Figure 19 An assembly of a connector clamp is shown, in which electrical wires are inserted. Detailed Implementation

[0050] Figure 1 A view showing one embodiment of an overvoltage protection assembly has two clamping devices 3 arranged together along the arrangement direction Y and can be jointly mounted on a support rail 8.

[0051] Each clamping device 3 implements a series terminal and has a clamping body 30 and a locking device 31 formed thereon for locking the clamping body 30 to the support rail 8, as shown in the figure. Figure 2 and 3 The single clamping device 3 is visible in a separate view.

[0052] Electrical wires 2 and 9 can be connected to each clamping device 3.

[0053] For this purpose, the clamping device 3 has a first connecting device with a first wire clamp 4, which in the illustrated embodiment is configured as a spring force terminal and achieves the connection of the electrical wire 9 by insertion into a plug opening 40 corresponding to the wire clamp 4 formed on the clamping body 30.

[0054] Furthermore, the clamping device 3 has a second connecting device designed for insertion into the plug connector terminal 7 of the plug connector component 17. The wire 2 is electrically connected to the plug connector component 17 and can be connected to the clamping device 3 by inserting the plug connector component 17 into the plug connector terminal 7.

[0055] The terminal clamp 4 is equipped with a current strip section 44. The electrical conductor 9 is electrically connected to the current strip section 44 by connecting the terminal clamp 4.

[0056] In contrast, the current strip sections 52-54, which are electrically (in series) connected to each other, correspond to the terminals 7 of the plug connector. By connecting the plug connector component 17 to the connecting device 7, the electrical wire 2 is electrically connected to the current strip sections 52-54.

[0057] A clamping device 5 is provided between current bar segment 44 and current bar segment 52. This clamping device has a separating blade 50, which is pivotally mounted on the clamping body 30 and can be manipulated by the user via a tool engagement part 51. In the closed first position, the separating blade 50 electrically connects the current bar segments 44 and 52 to each other, thereby establishing a closed conductive path between the connecting devices 4 and 7 through the current bar segments 44 and 52-54. The separating blade 50 pivots from the first position to... Figure 2 and 3 In the second swing position shown, the separation device 5 can be opened, thereby interrupting the conductive path.

[0058] according to Figure 1Each clamping device 3 has a socket 61 into which an overvoltage protection plug 6 can be plugged and thus electrically connected to the current bar sections 52-54. Overvoltage protection is provided on the clamping device 3 via the overvoltage protection plug 6, which at least reduces overvoltage. If overvoltage occurs, it is discharged to the ground potential of the support rail 8 via the overvoltage protection plug 6.

[0059] The structure and function of this overvoltage protection plug 6 are known, for example, from DE 10 2018 201 333 A1.

[0060] like Figure 1 As shown, the plug-in connector component 17 and the overvoltage protection plug 6 can be jointly mounted on the clamping devices 3 arranged side by side and plugged into the clamping devices 3. The overvoltage protection plug 6 can be connected in this way to the conductive paths provided by the two clamping devices 3. The plug-in connector component 17 is plugged into the two conductive paths, so that the wire 2 is electrically connected to the wire 9 on the terminal clamp 4 through the plug-in connector component 17 (when the disconnecting devices 5 are closed respectively).

[0061] Each clamping device 3 has a disc-shaped clamping body 30 extending along a plane defined by the longitudinal direction X and the height direction Z. The disc-shaped clamping body 30 is thin in the arrangement direction Y. The wiring clamp 4, the separating device 5, the socket 61, and the plug connector terminal 7 are arranged relative to each other along the longitudinal direction X.

[0062] By having each clamping device 3 have connecting devices 4 and 7, separating devices 5, and a socket 61 for connecting the overvoltage protection plug 6, multiple functional groups are unified in a single structural unit on the clamping device 3 in a space-saving manner.

[0063] The overvoltage protection plug 6 can be inserted into the socket 61 of the clamping device 3 along the insertion direction P. The insertion direction P is in the same direction as the insertion direction L, and the wire 9 can be inserted into the terminal clamp 4 of the clamping device 3 along the insertion direction L.

[0064] In contrast, the plug connector component 17 can move along an acute angle The connector 17, tilted to the insertion direction P and oriented in the insertion direction S, is inserted into the connector terminal 7 of the clamping device 3. In the insertion position, the connector component 17 is adjacent to the overvoltage protection plug 6, such as... Figure 1 As shown, due to the tilted orientation of the connector terminal 7, the clamping device 3 achieves a short and compact structure in the longitudinal direction X.

[0065] like Figure 1 Combination Figure 13As can be seen, the plug connector component 17 has two plug sections 15 formed on the housing 16, which are in the form of plug arches, and they can be inserted into the corresponding plug wells 71 of the plug connector terminals 7 of the clamping device 3. A contact pin 70 is arranged inside each plug well 71, which is formed on the current strip section 54 of each clamping device 3, and makes electrical contact with the contact element 11 of the corresponding terminal clamp 1 of the plug connector component 17 when the plug connector component 17 is plugged into the clamping device 3, as described below by means of... Figures 14 to 17A -17C will be explained as follows.

[0066] In the region of the insertion well 71, a coding opening 72 is formed on each clamping device 3. If necessary, a coding segment 18 on the corresponding insertion segment 15 can be introduced into the coding opening, as shown in the figure. Figure 13 As can be seen from the diagram. Here, the encoding element 73 can be inserted into the encoding opening 72 (or both encoding openings 72) to close the encoding opening 72 and prevent the introduction of the encoding segment 18, as can be seen from the diagram. Figure 13 As can be seen, by providing a specific arrangement of coding sections 18 on the mating section 15 of the mating connector component 17 and by assembling one or more coding elements 73 on the mating section 15 in a manner complementary to the coding sections 18, coding can be achieved in the combination of the clamping device 3 and the corresponding mating connector component 17. The coding allows the installation of only one such mating connector component 17, which is coded according to the coding elements 73 in the coding opening 72 of the component of the clamping device 3.

[0067] In the illustrated embodiment, the plug connector component 17 has two wire clips 1. One embodiment of this plug connector component 17 is... Figures 14 to 17A As shown in -17C, it should be noted that the terminal clamp 1 can also be designed in other ways and is therefore not limited to the illustrated embodiment of the spring force terminal.

[0068] exist Figures 14 to 17A In the embodiment of the plug connector component 17 shown in -17C, two wire clips 1 are together enclosed within a housing 16. Each wire clip 1 is provided with a plug opening 100 on the housing 10, into which a wire 2 can be inserted with its (stripped) conductor end 20 along the plugging direction E to connect the wire 2 to the wire clip 1.

[0069] As per Figure 15As can be seen in the cross-sectional view, the housing 10 of each connector 1 defines a receiving space 101 into which the conductor 2 is introduced with its stripped conductor end 20 when it is inserted into the insertion opening 100 along the insertion direction E. In the connected position, the conductor 2 with its stripped conductor end 20 is located within the receiving space 101 and is electrically contacted with the contact element 11 by the clamping leg 120 of the spring element 12, so that the conductor 2 is electrically connected to the connector 1.

[0070] The spring element 12 has a support leg 121 that rests against the wall of the housing 10, thereby fixing the spring element 12 to and relative to the housing 10. The clamping leg 120 is elastically deflectable relative to the support leg 121, and in particular, deflected in such a way that the clamping leg 120 clamps the wire 2 connected to the terminal clamp 1 in the clamped position, and presses the wire into contact with the contact element 11 under elastic preload, thereby making electrical contact between the wire 2 and the contact element 11 through its conductor end 20.

[0071] The contact element 11 has a contact section 110 that extends planarly within the housing 10. When the wire 2 is connected to the clamp 1, the wire 2 is pressed against the contact section at its conductor end 20 by the elastic preload of the clamping legs 120. A contact device 111, arranged in a staggered pattern in the corresponding plug connector section 15, is connected to the contact section 110. Through this staggered contact, the clamp 1 can be plugged into the contact pin 70 in the corresponding plug well 71 on each clamping device 3.

[0072] In the illustrated embodiment, the housing 10 of the corresponding wiring clamp 1 is connected via... Figure 16A and 16B The housing components 105 and 105' are shown in the diagram. Here, adjacent terminal clips 1 share housing components 105 and 105'. This is as follows... Figure 16A , 16B As can be seen, the housing parts 105, 105' of the wire clips 1 arranged one on each other are attached to each other and are together enclosed in the housing 16 of the plug connector part 17.

[0073] An operating element 14 is pivotally supported on the housing 10 of the clamp 1 via a pivot shaft 140. The operating element 14 is pivotable relative to the housing 10 about the pivot shaft 140, wherein the operating section 141 is accessible from outside the housing 10 via an operating opening 102 and is therefore operable by a user, for example, when using a tool.

[0074] In the illustrated embodiment, the swing shaft 140 is formed on the housing member 105, and the short shaft 140' of the housing member 105' is embedded in the housing member 105, thereby completing the swing support of the actuating element 14 on the housing 10, as this is from Figure 16A , 16B As can be seen from the text.

[0075] The actuating element 14 and the clamping leg 120 of the spring element 12 are in operative connection. For this purpose, the spring element 12 passes through a through opening 142 inside the actuating element 14, such that the spring element 12 engages around the swing axis 140 with a curved intermediate section 122, as this is from... Figure 15 As can be seen, the support leg 121 protrudes from the opening 142 on the first side and rests on the housing 10. In contrast, the clamping leg 120 extends from the actuating element 14 on the remote second side and extends in the area of ​​the insertion opening 100 within the receiving space 101 such that the spring element 12 can act through the clamping leg 120 on the electrical wire 2 inserted into the insertion opening 100 to contact the contact element 11 and also for mechanical locking.

[0076] The connector 1 has a trigger element 13, which is fixed to the housing 10 via a support end 132. A trigger leg 130 extends from the support end 132, extending substantially transversely to the insertion direction E into the receiving space 101 and thus extending in the area aligned with the insertion opening 100.

[0077] As this is based on Figures 17A-17C A separate view of the trigger element 13, according to Figure 16A , 16B Views of housing parts 105, 105' and according to Figure 15 As can be seen in the cross-sectional view, the support end 132 of the trigger element 13 is connected in a form-fitting manner to the connecting devices 103, 103' of the housing parts 105, 105' constituting the housing 10 of the wiring clamp 1. The support end 132 of the trigger element 13, which is composed of a strip spring element, has notches 134, 135 on its opposing lateral edges, which engage with protruding elements on the connecting devices 103, 103' in the mounting position of the trigger element 13.

[0078] Connecting devices 103 and 103' are formed through engagement openings 107 and 107', respectively, and a support end 132 engages into the engagement opening, such that the support end 132 is form-fitted into the housing 10. Here, the support end 132 and the housing 10 are form-fitted in such a way that the support end 132 cannot slide out of the connecting devices 103 and 103', and furthermore, the support end 132 is supported on the housing 10 so that when the trigger leg 130 elastically deflects, the torque can be absorbed on the support end 132 and discharged into the housing 10, and the support end 132 is thus held in position relative to the housing 10.

[0079] The engagement openings 107, 107' are formed on the wall sections 106, 106' of the corresponding housing parts 105, 105', which protrude from the flat sidewalls of the housing parts 105, 105', as shown in the image. Figure 16A , 16B As can be seen from the text.

[0080] The trigger leg 130 is used in conjunction with the electrical wire 2 inserted into the plug opening 100, and in particular for automatically connecting the electrical wire 2 to the terminal clamp 1 when the clamping leg 120 is triggered.

[0081] In the illustrated embodiment, the trigger element 13 has an opening 131, which, when the actuating element 14 has been moved to the actuating position along the actuating direction B, locks with the opening via a locking section 143 in the form of a protrusion. In the actuating position, the actuating element 14 engages with the opening 131 via the locking section 143 and is thereby locked onto the trigger leg 130, such that the actuating element 14 is locked in the actuating position.

[0082] In the illustrated embodiment, the trigger leg 130 itself is curved. An intermediate section 136 extends laterally between the free end 138 of the trigger leg 130 away from the support end 132 and the leg section 137 of the trigger leg 130 aligned with the support end 132 and having an opening 131 formed thereon. Through a suitable shape, the trigger element 13 can be adapted to the structural space conditions within the receiving space 101 of the housing 10.

[0083] If the operating element 14 is operated in the operating direction B, thereby causing it to swing about the swing axis 140 relative to the housing 10, then the operating element 14 drives the clamping leg 120 of the spring element 12 via the actuating section 144 and thereby adjusts the clamping leg 120 to the release position. In the release position, the clamping leg 120 is away from the contact section 110 of the contact element 11 with its free end and thus releases the area in the receiving space 101 aligned with the plug opening 100 along the plugging direction E, so that the wire 2 can be inserted into the plug opening 100 without obstruction by the clamping leg 120 and thus can be connected to the terminal clamp 1 in a substantially unobstructed manner.

[0084] If the conductor 2, with its stripped conductor end 20, is inserted into the insertion opening 100 and then introduced into the receiving space 101 along the insertion direction E, and the operating element 14 is in the operating position and the clamping leg 120 is in the released position, then the conductor 2 abuts against the trigger leg 130 of the trigger element 13, causing the trigger leg to elastically deflect relative to the support end 132 and thus relative to the housing 10. Consequently, the trigger leg 130 adjusts along the insertion direction E relative to the locking section 143 of the operating element 14, causing the locking section 143 to disengage from the opening 131, thereby releasing the operating element 14 from the operating position.

[0085] On the side of the opening 131 facing the free end 138 of the trigger leg 130, a curved section of the trigger element 13, formed as a plate element, constitutes a sliding element 133. A locking section 143, in the locking position, rests against this sliding element and slides on it when released from the lock. Because the electrical wire 2 acts on the trigger leg 130 with a greater lever arm than that acting on the locking section 143, the trigger leg 130 can deflect with a smaller force applied through the electrical wire 2, thereby easily and reliably releasing the lock when the electrical wire 2 is inserted.

[0086] After the locking mechanism is released when the wire 2 is inserted, the operating element 14 is disengaged from the operating position due to the elastic preload on the clamping leg 120 and resets in the opposite direction of operation B. Here, the clamping leg 120 clamps and abuts the wire 2, thereby pressing the conductor end 20 into the abutment that contacts the contact element 11, so that the wire 2 is electrically connected to the terminal clamp 1 and is also mechanically locked.

[0087] Because the operating element 14 is moved out of the operating position after the locking mechanism is released, the user can safely and reliably identify that the terminal clamp 1 has been triggered and the wire 2 is thus connected to the terminal clamp 1. This reduces the risk of misoperation.

[0088] If the wire 2 is to be released from the connected position and removed from the clamp 1, the operating element 14 can be moved to the operating position, thereby disengaging the clamping leg 120 from the wire 2. Thus, the wire 2 can be removed from the clamp 1 in a substantially effortless manner.

[0089] The wires 2 can be connected to the plug connector component 17 via the wire clamp 1. These wires correspond to, for example, the control device. Therefore, the control device can be wired to the overvoltage protection component of the clamping device 3 via the plug connector component 17.

[0090] In contrast, the wires 9 corresponding to the sensor and / or actuator can be connected to the clamping device 3 via the wiring clip 4, for example. Therefore, the sensor and / or actuator can be wired to the clamping device 3 and thus to the control device via the wiring clip 4.

[0091] In the illustrated embodiment, the wiring clamp 4 is constructed by a spring force connector, which can be designed according to different functional principles.

[0092] exist Figure 4 In the illustrated embodiment, the wiring clamp 4 has an actuating element 41, a spring element 42, and a trigger element 43. According to... Figure 4 The wiring clamp 4 in the embodiment is configured such that the wiring clamp 4 is automatically triggered when the wire 9 is inserted and electrically clamps the wire 9 to the contact section 440 of the current bar section 44.

[0093] The following also uses Figure 18 and 19 An embodiment of this self-triggered connector 4 is described.

[0094] exist Figure 5 In the illustrated embodiment, the terminal clamp 4 has an actuating element 41 and a spring element 42 opposite to it. The actuating element 41 is designed as a button and can be pressed into the housing of the terminal clamp 4 in the same actuating direction as the insertion direction L, so that the clamping leg 420 of the spring element 42 is deflected from the clamping position to the release position when the spring element 42 is elastically tensioned. The wire 9 can then be inserted into the insertion opening 40 corresponding to the terminal clamp 4, so that the wire 9 is clamped via the clamping leg 420 to the contact section 440 of the current bar section 44 by releasing the actuation of the actuating element 41.

[0095] According to Figure 4 and Figure 5 In one embodiment, the spring element 42 is configured to press the inserted electrical wire 9 against the contact section 440 of the current bar section 44 at the free end of the clamping leg 420, while Figure 6In the illustrated embodiment, the spring element 42 of the connector 4 is configured to cause a pulling force on the inserted wire 9, so as to pull the wire 9 through the clamping leg 420 into contact with the contact section 440 of the current strip section 44. For this purpose, an opening is formed in the clamping leg 420, into which the wire 9 can be inserted. The clamping leg 420 can be positioned, for example, by a tool. Figure 6 The release position shown allows the wire 9 to be inserted into the connector 4 via the insertion opening 40. Releasing the clamping leg 420 causes a pulling force acting on the wire 9 (according to...). Figure 6 In the embodiment, (opposite to direction X) so as to clamp the wire 9 with the contact section 440.

[0096] Other structural forms of spring force joints are also possible and can be considered.

[0097] If the wiring clamp 4 is designed as follows Figure 4 In an embodiment of the automatically triggered clip with trigger element 43, the clamping leg 420 of spring element 42 remains in the released position relative to the housing of the wiring clip 4. This is as follows: Figure 18 As schematically shown, the actuating element 41 can be locked to the triggering element 43 via the lever 410, wherein an actuating section 414 is formed on the lever 410, through which the actuating element 41 acts on the clamping leg 420 of the spring element 42, thereby holding the clamping leg 420 in the released position.

[0098] The control element 41 has a control head 412 that is externally accessible for user operation and, for example, has a tool engagement portion for user operation. A joystick 410 extends from the control head 412, wherein the control element 41 is engaged at the end 411 of the joystick 410 into an opening 431 on the trigger element 43.

[0099] Clamping your legs together 420 Figure 18 In the released position shown, the locking section 432 of the trigger element 43 is embedded in the recess 413 in the region of the end 411 of the lever 410, thereby locking the lever 41 with the trigger element 43, and the clamping leg 420 is thus held in the released position via the lever 41 with the spring element 42 itself tensioned. Here, spring stress is applied to the lever 41 via the clamping leg 420, which spring-loads the lever 41 in the direction in which the recess 413 engages with the locking section 432.

[0100] In the illustrated embodiment, the trigger element 43 is pivotally supported on the housing of the connector 4 via the clamping body 30. The trigger element 43 has a trigger leg 430 that extends into a region inside the housing aligned with the insertion opening 40, such that the wire 9 contacts the trigger leg 430 when inserted into the insertion opening 40, causing the trigger element 43 to move.

[0101] By oscillating the trigger element 43, the locking section 432 slides out of the recess 413 and thus releases the locking of the operating element 41. This releases the clamping leg 420 from its released position, causing the clamping leg 420 to swing in the clamping direction K and clamp the wire 9 to the contact section 440 due to its spring tension. The wire 9 is thus electrically connected to the contact section 440 and also mechanically locked to the terminal clamp 4.

[0102] According to Figures 1 to 3 In one embodiment, each clamping device 3 is provided with a (unique) terminal clamp 4 for connecting the electrical wire 9, while Figures 7 to 9 In the embodiment shown, each clamping device 3 is provided with two wire clips 4 to connect two electrical wires 9.

[0103] The connector 4 implements a spring force joint. Different design schemes for the connector 4 are both possible and feasible, similar to... Figure 4 Automatically triggered wiring clip 4 (see Figure 10 Similar to Figure 5 However, the wiring clip 4 with operating element 41 without automatic triggering (see Figure 11 ) and similar Figure 6 4. Tensile cable clamp (see) Figure 12 In this regard, please refer to the explanation above.

[0104] In addition to the number of wiring clips 4 on the corresponding clamping device 3, according to Figures 7 to 9 Implementation examples and according to Figures 1 to 3 The embodiments are the same, especially considering the plug connector component 17, the overvoltage protection plug 6, and the disconnection device 5.

[0105] The ideas upon which this invention is based are not limited to the foregoing embodiments, but can also be implemented in other ways.

[0106] The aforementioned type of overvoltage protection components can be applied, for example, in rail infrastructure to provide protection for signaling equipment with enhanced safety requirements. Such overvoltage protection components can be used for measurement and detection tasks, such as in signaling electronics.

[0107] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0108] 1 connector

[0109] 10 housing

[0110] 100mm plug opening

[0111] 101 Accommodation Space

[0112] 102 Socket Opening

[0113] 103, 103' connecting device

[0114] 105, 105' housing components

[0115] 106, 106' wall section

[0116] 107, 107' sidewalls

[0117] 11. Contact element (current bar)

[0118] 110 contact section

[0119] 111 Contact Device

[0120] 12 clamping springs

[0121] 120 Clamping Legs

[0122] 121 Supporting Legs

[0123] 122 Intermediate Section

[0124] 13 trigger elements

[0125] 130 trigger legs

[0126] 131 Locking Device (Lock Opening)

[0127] 132 support end

[0128] 133 sliding element

[0129] 134, 135 Shape-Matching Components (Notches)

[0130] 136 intermediate section

[0131] 137 outrigger section

[0132] 138 end

[0133] 14 control elements

[0134] 140 swing axis

[0135] 141 control section

[0136] 142 through opening

[0137] Section 143

[0138] 144 functional section

[0139] 15-section connector

[0140] 16-inch shell

[0141] 17 Plug Connector Components

[0142] 18 coding segments

[0143] 2 wires

[0144] 20 conductor ends

[0145] 3 clamping devices

[0146] 30 clamping body

[0147] 31. Locking device

[0148] 4 connectors

[0149] 40mm plug opening

[0150] 41 Control elements

[0151] 410 joystick

[0152] 411 end

[0153] 412 control head

[0154] 413 concave part

[0155] 414 Action Section

[0156] 42 Spring Components

[0157] 420 Clamping Legs

[0158] 43 trigger elements

[0159] 430 trigger leg

[0160] 431 opening

[0161] 432 Card Lock Section

[0162] 44 Current Bar Section

[0163] 440 contact section

[0164] 5. Separation device

[0165] 50 splitting blade

[0166] 51 Tool Connector

[0167] 52-54 Current bar section

[0168] 6 Overvoltage protection plug

[0169] 61 socket

[0170] 7-pin connector terminals

[0171] 70 contact pin

[0172] 71 plug-in well

[0173] 72-code opening

[0174] 73 coding elements

[0175] 8 Support Rails

[0176] 9 wires horn A. Arrangement Direction B controls the direction. E insertion direction K clamping direction L insertion direction P insertion direction S connection direction X longitudinal direction Y-alignment direction Z-axis

Claims

1. A clamping device (3) for arrangement on a support rail (8), comprising: Clamping body (30), The first current strip section (44) is arranged on the clamping body (30). The second current bar section (52-54) is arranged on the clamping body (30). A first connecting device for connecting the first electrical conductor (9) to the first current strip section (44), The separation device (5) has a separation blade (50) configured to electrically connect the first current bar segment (44) and the second current bar segment (52-54) in a first position, and electrically separate the first current bar segment (44) and the second current bar segment (52-54) in a second position. The socket (61) and the overvoltage protection plug (6) are capable of being plugged into the socket to connect to the first current bar section (44) or the second current bar section (52-54), and A second connecting device for connecting the second conductor (2) to the second current bar section (52-54), Its features are, The second connection device is composed of a plug connector terminal (7) for connecting the second electrical wire (2) to the plug connector component (17) of the second connection device, which is capable of being plugged into and connected to the plug connector terminal.

2. The clamping device (3) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The clamping body (30) extends in a disc shape along a plane formed by the longitudinal direction (X) and the height direction (Z), wherein the clamping device (3) is capable of being arranged with other clamping devices on the support rail (8) along an arrangement direction (Y) perpendicular to the plane.

3. The clamping device (3) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first clamping device, the separating device (5), the socket (61) and the second clamping device are arranged relative to each other along the longitudinal direction (X).

4. The clamping device (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The separating blade (50) can be oscillatingly arranged on the clamping body (30).

5. The clamping device (3) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The plug connector component (17) can be plugged into the plug connector terminal (7) along the first plugging direction (S), and the overvoltage protection plug (6) can be plugged into the socket (61) along the second plugging direction (P).

6. The clamping device (3) according to claim 5, characterized in that, The first insertion direction (S) and the second insertion direction (P) are different from each other.

7. The clamping device (3) according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that, The first insertion direction (S) and the second insertion direction (P) form an acute angle with each other. ) Orientation.

8. The clamping device (3) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The first connecting device has a first clamp (4) having a spring element (42) for clamping the first conductor (9) to the contact section (440) of the first current bar section (44).

9. The clamping device (3) according to claim 8, characterized in that, The spring element (42) has a clamping leg (420) that is elastically adjustable, wherein the clamping leg (420) is designed to act on the first electrical wire (9) in a clamping position to clamp the first electrical wire (9) to the contact section (440), and to move from the clamping position to a release position to release the first electrical wire (9).

10. The clamping device (3) according to claim 9, characterized in that, The first terminal clamp (4) has an actuating element (41) for adjusting the clamping leg (420) from the clamping position to the releasing position.

11. The clamping device (3) according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that, In the released position, the clamping leg (420) remains in the position of the contact section (440) relative to the first current bar section (44).

12. The clamping device (3) according to any one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that, The first terminal clamp (4) has a trigger element (43) configured to interact with the first electrical conductor (9) when plugged into the first terminal clamp (4) in order to release the clamping leg (420) from the release position.

13. An overvoltage protection assembly having a clamping device (3) according to any one of the preceding claims, an overvoltage protection plug (6) capable of being plugged into a ground and socket (61), and a plug connector component (17) capable of being plugged into a ground and plug connector terminal (7).

14. The overvoltage protection assembly according to claim 13, characterized in that, The plug connector terminal (7) has a plug well (71), and the plug connector component (17) has a plug section (15) for insertion into the plug well (71).

15. The overvoltage protection assembly according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that, The plug connector component (17) has an electrical contact element (11), a second electrical conductor (2) is connectable to the contact element, and the contact element is electrically connected to the second current strip section (52-54) by plugging the plug connector component (17) with the plug connector terminal (7).

16. The overvoltage protection assembly according to claim 15, characterized in that, The plug connector component (17) has a second clamp (1) for connecting the second electrical wire (2) to the contact element (11).

17. The overvoltage protection assembly according to claim 16, characterized in that, The second terminal clamp (1) has a spring element (12) for clamping the second electrical wire (2) to the contact element (11).

18. The overvoltage protection assembly according to claim 17, characterized in that, The spring element (12) has a clamping leg (120) that is elastically adjustable, wherein the clamping leg (120) is configured to act on the second electrical wire (2) in a clamping position to clamp the second electrical wire (2) to the contact element (11), and is movable from the clamping position to a release position to release the second electrical wire (2).

19. The overvoltage protection assembly according to claim 18, characterized in that, The second wire clamp (1) has an operating element (14) for adjusting the clamping leg (120) from the clamping position to the release position.

20. The overvoltage protection assembly according to claim 19, characterized in that, The plug connector component (17) has a housing (105, 105') wherein the actuating element (14) is pivotally supported on the housing (105, 105').

21. The overvoltage protection assembly according to any one of claims 18 to 20, characterized in that, The clamping leg (120) remains in the release position relative to the contact element (11).

22. The overvoltage protection assembly according to any one of claims 18 to 21, characterized in that, The second terminal clamp (1) has a trigger element (13) configured to work in conjunction with the second electrical conductor (2) when plugged into the second terminal clamp (1) to release the clamping leg (120) from the release position.

23. The overvoltage protection assembly according to any one of claims 13 to 22, characterized in that, One of the structural units in the group consisting of the plug connector terminal (7) and the plug connector component (17) has a coding opening (72), and another structural unit in the group consisting of the plug connector terminal (7) and the plug connector component (17) has a coding segment (18) that can be inserted into the coding opening (72).

24. The overvoltage protection assembly according to claim 23, characterized in that, A coding element (73) can be inserted into a coding opening (72), wherein when the coding element (73) is inserted into the coding opening (72), the coding segment (18) cannot be inserted into the coding opening (72).

25. The overvoltage protection assembly according to any one of claims 13 to 24, characterized in that, The overvoltage protection assembly has two clamping devices (3) arranged in a row, wherein each clamping device (3) has a second connecting device constructed by a plug connector terminal (7), the plug connector component (17) being able to be plugged into the second connecting device.

26. The overvoltage protection assembly according to claim 25, characterized in that, The plug connector component (17) has two plug sections (15) for insertion into the second connection device of these clamping devices (3).

27. The overvoltage protection assembly according to claim 25 or 26, characterized in that, Each clamping device (3) has a socket (61) wherein the overvoltage protection plug (6) is capable of being plugged into the socket (61) of these clamping devices (3).

Images