A busbar clamp

Abstract

The utility model discloses a current collection clamp, including the casing, be provided with clamping portion and wiring portion in the casing, and clamping portion includes clamping conductor, forms the clamping groove on clamping conductor, and one end of clamping groove is provided with fixed clamping block, and the other end is provided with movable clamping block, and fixed clamping block is connected with clamping conductor conduction, and still be provided with the puncture contact unit on fixed clamping block, movable clamping block is connected through guide rod, and still be connected through screw between guide rod and clamping conductor, and guide rod rotation can drive movable clamping block to move to the direction of approaching or away from fixed clamping block, and one end of guide rod away from fixed clamping block is connected with wiring portion. Through separating mechanical clamping function and current conduction function, make movable clamping block only bear the mechanical function of clamping force transmission, and complete the fixed clamping portion conductor and fixed clamping block to the heavy current conduction task, make the whole clamping portion can be made flat, make it can easily stretch into the copper row clearance of very limited thickness.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of electrical equipment, and in particular to a bus clamp. Background Technology

[0002] In the safe operation and maintenance of power systems, planned maintenance of distribution lines or equipment is a crucial step. To ensure uninterrupted power supply to critical loads during this period, temporary power is typically provided via emergency power supply vehicles (mobile generators) through the copper busbars in the distribution cabinet. Currently, the mainstream method for achieving this temporary power supply is the use of busbar clamps (or emergency connection clamps). A typical traditional busbar clamp usually includes a terminal, a guide rod as the main conductor, and a clamping head at the front end. This head has a built-in movable clamp and a fixed clamp. By rotating the guide rod, a threaded mechanism is driven, causing the movable clamp to move linearly, thereby working with the fixed clamp to clamp the copper busbar. The fixed clamp usually has a piercing structure (such as a spring clip) to pierce the insulation layer of the copper busbar and establish an electrical connection.

[0003] This existing technology has an inherent design limitation: the mechanical component providing clamping force (i.e., the movable clamp) is also a critical link in the main conductive path. This "integrated clamping and conductive function" design leads to a serious structural contradiction: to safely carry the large current required for emergency power supply, the movable clamp must have a sufficiently large conductive cross-section, which directly results in a bulky and large clamping head structure. When faced with the extremely narrow electrical clearances caused by the use of thick-section copper busbars and compact layouts in modern high-capacity distribution cabinets, this bulky clamping head often has difficulty or even cannot pass through, greatly limiting its application scenarios. In addition, forcibly installing such clamps in narrow spaces can easily lead to improper clamping and poor contact due to inconvenient operation, causing overheating of connection points, posing safety hazards, and also reducing the efficiency and reliability of emergency power supply operations. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to solve the above-mentioned technical problems and provide a bus clamp.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0006] A bus clamp includes a housing, within which a clamping part and a wiring part are disposed. The clamping part includes a clamping conductor with a clamping groove formed on it. A fixed clamping block is disposed at one end of the clamping groove, and a movable clamping block is disposed at the other end. The fixed clamping block is electrically connected to the clamping conductor, and a piercing contact unit is also disposed on the fixed clamping block. The movable clamping block is connected by a guide rod, and the guide rod is threadedly connected to the clamping conductor. Rotation of the guide rod can drive the movable clamping block to move closer to or away from the fixed clamping block. The end of the guide rod away from the fixed clamping block is connected to the wiring part.

[0007] By using the above technical solution, the mechanical clamping function and the current conduction function are separated by electrically isolating the movable clamping block from the main conductive circuit composed of the fixed clamping block and the clamping part conductor. The movable clamping block can be designed as a compact structure that only meets the mechanical strength requirements, without the need to set up a huge lateral conductive interface to bear large currents. This greatly reduces the overall thickness of the clamping head and solves the bottleneck problem that traditional integrated designs cannot be applied in narrow copper busbar gaps.

[0008] As a preferred embodiment of this invention, the end of the guide rod away from the fixed clamping block is provided with a socket for external electrical connection.

[0009] The above technical solution provides a socket at the end of the guide rod, which facilitates quick plugging and unplugging with the standard cable plug of the emergency power supply vehicle.

[0010] As a preferred embodiment of this invention, it further includes a locking mechanism for restricting the rotation of the guide rod. The locking mechanism includes a ratchet disposed on the guide rod and a pawl that cooperates with the ratchet. When the pawl is engaged with the ratchet, the rotation of the guide rod is restricted. When the pawl is disengaged from the ratchet, the guide rod can rotate.

[0011] The ratchet and pawl locking mechanism introduced through the above technical solution provides a reliable one-way locking function for the guide rod. When the pawl and ratchet are engaged, it effectively prevents the guide rod from unexpectedly reversing during equipment operation or under external forces such as vibration, thus ensuring the long-term stability of the clamping force. This eliminates the risk of increased contact resistance, overheating, or even power failure caused by loosening of the clamping force, greatly improving the safety and reliability of the power supply connection.

[0012] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the housing includes a main housing, a clamping housing, a wiring housing, and a slip ring. The clamping housing is connected to one end of the main housing. The slip ring is sleeved on the main housing and can slide on the main housing. A pawl is provided on the slip ring.

[0013] The above technical solution uses a modular design for the housing, consisting of a main housing, a clamping housing, a wiring housing, and a slip ring. The slip ring not only serves as a protective shell but also as an actuating component of the locking mechanism. This integrated design simplifies the overall structure and reduces the complexity of parts and manufacturing costs.

[0014] As a preferred embodiment of this utility model, a groove for guiding the sliding ring is provided on the main housing, and a slider that cooperates with the groove is provided on the sliding ring. The groove includes a first groove arranged along the axial direction of the main housing and a second groove arranged along the circumferential direction of the main housing. The second groove communicates with the first groove. When the slider is in the second groove, the pawl is disengaged from the ratchet.

[0015] The above technical solution provides precise trajectory control for the movement of the slip ring by connecting the first groove (axial) and the second groove (circumferential): sliding along the first groove axis realizes the engagement and disengagement of the pawl and the ratchet, while the circumferential rotation of the second groove enables the switching between the working state (locked) and the free state (adjustment).

[0016] As a preferred embodiment of this invention, the slip ring and the main housing are further connected by a spring, and when the slider is in the second groove, the spring is in a compressed state.

[0017] Through the above technical solution, the spring enables the slip ring to have an automatic axial reset function. When the operator releases the slip ring in the second groove, the spring's restoring force drives the slip ring to automatically slide axially and rotate circumferentially, causing the pawl to quickly and reliably re-engage with the ratchet, achieving automatic locking. This not only simplifies the operation steps (eliminating the need for manual slip ring reset) but also ensures that the locking mechanism can enter a safe state promptly and automatically.

[0018] As a preferred embodiment of this utility model, the guide rod and the wiring housing are fixedly connected. The rotation of the wiring housing can drive the guide rod to rotate synchronously. A quick interface is provided at the end of the wiring housing away from the clamping part, and an insertion space is also provided between the inner wall of the wiring housing and the guide rod.

[0019] By using the above technical solution, the operator's rotation of the wiring housing is directly transmitted to the guide rod without loss by fixing the wiring housing to the guide rod. This eliminates the need to use additional tools in confined spaces, greatly simplifies the operation, reduces labor intensity, and improves the efficiency of power connection in emergency situations.

[0020] As a preferred embodiment of this invention, a pin is provided in the socket, and a contact spring is also provided on the inner wall of the socket.

[0021] The above technical solution, which incorporates pins and contact springs within the socket, significantly improves electrical connection performance. The anti-finger pins have insulating caps to prevent operators from touching the live conductors, ensuring precise engagement with the external plug pins and establishing the mechanical connection center. The contact springs compensate for tolerances, providing continuous contact pressure to ensure a large-area, low-resistance electrical contact between the pins and the inner wall of the socket. This dual-contact design effectively reduces energy loss and heat generation caused by contact resistance, guaranteeing stable and safe connections under high-current conditions.

[0022] In summary, this utility model has at least one of the following beneficial technical effects:

[0023] 1. This utility model separates the mechanical clamping function from the current conduction function, allowing the movable clamping block to only perform the mechanical function of clamping force transmission, while the task of large current conduction is completed by the fixed clamping conductor and the fixed clamping block. It eliminates the extra space occupied by the lateral conductive interface for the movable parts in traditional clamps, allowing the entire clamping part to be made exceptionally flat. This enables it to easily extend into the extremely thin gaps between copper busbars in modern compact distribution cabinets, solving the industry pain point that traditional bulky clamps cannot be used in confined spaces.

[0024] 2. This utility model provides an extremely convenient operating experience. The operator can directly hold and rotate the wiring housing. This rotation is directly and synchronously converted into the rotation of the guide rod through the fixed connection between the housing and the guide rod, thereby driving the clamping action. This eliminates the hassle of using additional wrenches or special tools in confined spaces, significantly reducing the labor intensity and skill requirements of operators, and also significantly shortening the emergency power supply access time, thus improving the efficiency of emergency repair and maintenance.

[0025] 3. By setting up a locking mechanism consisting of a ratchet and a pawl, and linking its control with the sliding / rotation of the slip ring, the reliability of the clamping state is ensured. Once clamped in place, the pawl automatically engages with the ratchet teeth under the action of a spring, forming a one-way lock. This effectively prevents the guide rod from accidentally reversing and the clamping force from loosening due to vibration or external force during equipment operation. It eliminates the risk of high temperatures or even arcing caused by poor contact, greatly improving the safety and reliability of emergency power supply. Attached Figure Description

[0026] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the manifold clamp of this utility model.

[0027] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the manifold clamp of this utility model.

[0028] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the manifold clamp for removing the slip ring according to this utility model.

[0029] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the manifold clamp for removing the slip ring according to this utility model. Detailed Implementation

[0030] The following is in conjunction with the appendix Figure 1-4 This utility model will be described in further detail.

[0031] like Figures 1 to 4 As shown, this embodiment discloses a bus clamp, whose overall structure achieves convenient operation in confined spaces while ensuring conductivity and mechanical strength. The clamp's structure can be functionally divided into a housing, a clamping system, a transmission and conductivity system, and a locking system.

[0032] The housing consists of a main housing 9, a clamping housing 5, a wiring housing 13, and a slip ring 12, forming a complete protective and support frame. The clamping housing 5 contains a clamping conductor made of copper, which has excellent conductivity and provides the structural foundation for the clamping system, forming a crucial part of the current path. In this embodiment, the clamping conductor includes a first conductor 8 and a second conductor 1, which are connected by bolts, forming a C-shaped clamping groove. A fixed clamping block 4 is fixedly installed at one end (the head end) of the clamping groove, while a movable clamping block 7 is accommodated at the other end. The fixed clamping block 4 maintains a reliable electrical connection with the copper clamping conductor. A piercing contact unit 3, typically made of a high-hardness conductive material, is provided on the contact surface of the fixed clamping block 4 to pierce the insulation layer on the copper busbar surface. The piercing contact unit 3 is detachably connected to the fixed clamping block 4, for example, by screws.

[0033] The movable clamping block 7 can move within the clamping groove and does not directly contact the clamping conductor (first conductor 8 or second conductor 7), thus separating the mechanical clamping function from the current conduction function and eliminating the lateral conductive interface (such as conductive slide plate or elastic finger) that must be provided for connecting moving parts in traditional structures. This directly eliminates the extra space occupied by the lateral conductive mechanism, allowing the thickness of the movable clamping block 7 to be designed to be minimized only according to mechanical strength requirements, thereby achieving an overall thin profile of the clamping head.

[0034] The movable clamping block 7 moves within the clamping slot. Its compact structure eliminates the need for space around it for large lateral conductive components. Current is transmitted through a fixed path, and the movable component only performs the clamping function. This separation of functions is the fundamental reason for the significant reduction in thickness.

[0035] The main housing 9 has a hollow interior to accommodate the guide rod 1 and some transmission components. The guide rod 1, serving as the main transmission shaft and main conductor, penetrates the main housing 9. One end of the guide rod 1 engages with the clamping conductor via a threaded structure. In this embodiment, the head of the guide rod 1 is threaded, and a threaded hole is provided on the second conductor 7. The head of the guide rod 1 is positioned within the threaded hole. The head of the guide rod 1 is also fixed to the movable clamping block 7 by screws. The sliding clamping block 7 also cooperates with the slide rail in the clamping groove. The guide rod 1, the second conductor 8, and the sliding clamping block 7 essentially form a screw and nut mechanism. When the guide rod 1 rotates, it can drive the sliding clamping block 7 to move closer to or away from the fixed clamping block 4, thereby clamping the copper busbar or loosening the connection with the copper busbar.

[0036] The other end of the guide rod 1 extends into the insertion space of the wiring housing 13. The guide rod 1 and the wiring housing 13 are fixedly connected. When the wiring housing 13 is rotated, the guide rod 1 will rotate synchronously. A quick-connect interface 17 is provided at the end of the wiring housing 13, and an insertion space is also provided between the inner wall of the wiring housing 13 and the guide rod 1 for inserting an external plug to electrically connect with the guide rod 1.

[0037] The end of the guide rod 1 away from the fixed clamping block 4 (tail end) is provided with a socket 14 for electrical connection with an external plug. The socket 14 is equipped with a pin 15, and the inner wall of the socket 14 is also provided with a contact spring 16 to ensure stable contact with the external cable plug.

[0038] A groove 18 is provided on the outer surface of the main housing 9. The groove 18 includes a first groove arranged along the axial direction of the main housing 9 and a second groove arranged along the circumferential direction of the main housing 9. The second groove communicates with the first groove. The slip ring 12 cooperates with the groove 18 through a slider on its inner side, and can slide along the axial direction of the main housing or rotate circumferentially within a certain angle. A spring 11 is provided between the slip ring 12 and the main housing 9 to provide a restoring force. In this embodiment, a spring sleeve 10 is provided on the main housing 9, and the spring 11 is installed on the spring sleeve 10, with the slip ring 12 abutting at the other end of the spring 11.

[0039] This embodiment also includes a ratchet locking mechanism to prevent the guide rod 1 from accidentally reversing and loosening after clamping. This mechanism consists of a ratchet 20 fixed to the guide rod 1 and a pawl 19 mounted on the slip ring 12. The pawl 19 receives preload from the spring 11, tending to engage with the ratchet 20. At this time, the guide rod 1 is locked and cannot rotate. If the slip ring 12 is moved towards the clamping part, the pawl 19 will disengage from the ratchet 20, allowing the guide rod 1 to rotate and thus move the movable clamping block 7. When the slip ring 12 is slid and rotated, causing the slider on the slip ring to engage in the second groove (circumferentially arranged groove) of the slide groove 18, the pawl 19 is locked in the disengaged position from the ratchet 20, allowing the guide rod 1 to rotate.

[0040] The complete working principle of a bus clamp in this embodiment is as follows:

[0041] During operation, first insert the clamp head into the gap of the copper busbar to be connected. Push the slip ring 12 forward by hand, so that its slider slides from the first groove into the second groove along the groove 18 of the main housing 9. During this process, the slip ring 12 compresses the spring 11 and generates circumferential rotation, causing the pawl 19 on it to disengage from the ratchet 20 on the guide rod 1. At this time, the guide rod 1 is in a state of free rotation.

[0042] Subsequently, the operator grasps and rotates the wiring housing 13. The rotation of the wiring housing 13 causes the guide rod 1, which is fixed to it, to rotate synchronously. Due to the threaded engagement between the guide rod 1 and the clamping conductor, the rotational motion of the guide rod 1 is converted into linear motion of the movable clamping block 7 toward the fixed clamping block 4. The two clamping blocks gradually clamp the copper busbar, while the piercing contact unit 3 on the fixed clamping block 4 pierces the insulation layer of the copper busbar, establishing metallic contact with the copper busbar body.

[0043] After clamping, release the slip ring 12. Under the restoring force of the spring 11, the slip ring 12 slides and rotates in the opposite direction, causing the pawl 19 to re-engage in the tooth groove of the ratchet 20, achieving one-way locking. At this time, the guide rod 1 cannot rotate in the opposite direction, and the clamping force is reliably maintained.

[0044] The current path is thus established: current flows from the external cable into the socket 14 of the bus clamp, and is conducted to the guide rod 1 through the pin 15 and the contact spring 16. Subsequently, the current flows along the guide rod 1 through the clamping conductor, reaches the fixed clamping block 4, and finally injects into the copper busbar by piercing the contact unit 3.

[0045] When it is necessary to terminate emergency power supply and retract the bus clamp, the following steps should be taken:

[0046] Step 1: Unlock the ratchet mechanism: The operator pushes the slip ring 12 forward by hand. This action compresses the spring 11, thereby causing the pawl 19 to disengage from the ratchet 20 on the guide rod 1. At this time, the ratchet locking mechanism is released, and the guide rod 1 returns to a state where it can rotate freely.

[0047] Step 2: Reverse rotation to release the clamp: The operator holds and rotates the wiring housing 13 in the reverse direction. The torque of the reverse rotation is converted into linear motion of the movable clamping block 7 away from the fixed clamping block 4 through the helical pair between the guide rod 1 and the clamping conductor. As the movable clamping block 7 retracts, the clamping force applied to the copper busbar is released, and the piercing contact unit 3 exits from the copper busbar.

[0048] Step 3: Confirm disengagement and remove the clamp: Once the movable clamping block 7 has retracted a sufficient distance, or after confirming by slight shaking that the clamp has completely disengaged from the copper busbar electrically and mechanically, the clamp head can be smoothly removed from the gap in the copper busbar. Release the slip ring 12; under the restoring force of the spring 11, the slip ring 12 will automatically slide back to its initial position, and the pawl 19 will re-engage with the ratchet 20.

[0049] The above are all preferred embodiments of this utility model, and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this utility model. Therefore, all equivalent changes made to the structure, shape and principle of this utility model should be covered within the scope of protection of this utility model.

Claims

1. A bus clamp, comprising a housing, wherein a clamping portion and a wiring portion are disposed within the housing, characterized in that: The clamping part includes a clamping conductor, and a clamping groove is formed on the clamping conductor. A fixed clamping block (4) is provided at one end of the clamping groove, and a movable clamping block (7) is provided at the other end. The fixed clamping block (4) is electrically connected to the clamping conductor. A piercing contact unit (3) is also provided on the fixed clamping block (4). The movable clamping block (7) is connected by a guide rod (1). The guide rod (1) is also threadedly connected to the clamping conductor. The rotation of the guide rod (1) can drive the movable clamping block (7) to move closer to or away from the fixed clamping block (4). The end of the guide rod (1) away from the fixed clamping block (4) is connected to the wiring part.

2. A manifold clamp according to claim 1, characterized in that: The guide rod (1) has a socket (14) for external electrical connection at the end away from the fixed clamping block (4).

3. A manifold clamp according to claim 2, characterized in that: It also includes a locking mechanism for restricting the rotation of the guide rod (1). The locking mechanism includes a ratchet (20) disposed on the guide rod (1) and a pawl (19) cooperating with the ratchet (20). When the pawl (19) is engaged with the ratchet (20), the rotation of the guide rod (1) is restricted. When the pawl (19) is disengaged from the ratchet (20), the guide rod (1) can rotate.

4. A manifold clamp according to claim 3, characterized in that: The housing includes a main housing (9), a clamping housing (5), a wiring housing (13), and a slip ring (12). The clamping housing (5) is connected to one end of the main housing (9). The slip ring (12) is sleeved on the main housing (9). The slip ring (12) can slide on the main housing (9). A pawl (19) is provided on the slip ring (12).

5. A manifold clamp according to claim 4, characterized in that: A groove (18) for guiding the sliding ring (12) is provided on the main housing (9). A slider that cooperates with the groove (18) is provided on the sliding ring (12). The groove (18) includes a first groove arranged along the axial direction of the main housing (9) and a second groove arranged along the circumferential direction of the main housing (9). The second groove communicates with the first groove. When the slider is in the second groove, the pawl (19) is disengaged from the ratchet (20).

6. A manifold clamp according to claim 5, characterized in that: The slip ring (12) is also connected to the main housing (9) by a spring (11). When the slider is in the second groove, the spring (11) is in a compressed state.

7. A manifold clamp according to claim 4, characterized in that: The guide rod (1) is fixedly connected to the wiring housing (13). The rotation of the wiring housing (13) can drive the guide rod (1) to rotate synchronously. A quick interface (17) is provided at the end of the wiring housing (13) away from the clamping part, and a plug-in space is also provided between the inner wall of the wiring housing (13) and the guide rod (1).

8. A manifold clamp according to claim 7, characterized in that: A pin (15) is provided in the socket (14), and a contact spring (16) is also provided on the inner wall of the socket (14).

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