Holding and contacting device

Abstract

Holding and contacting device (1), comprising a housing (2) defining a cable path (8) through the housing (2) and a spring element (3) projecting into the cable path (8) and designed to exert a clamping force on a cable (14) placed along the cable path (8), wherein the spring element (3) and the housing (2) comprise a metal wherein the spring element (3) further comprises a release lever (13) and wherein the release lever (13) is designed such that pulling the release lever (13) deforms the spring element (3) in such a way that no clamping force is exerted on a cable (14) arranged along the cable path (8), and wherein a first end (9) of the spring element (3) is attached to the housing (2) and a second end (10) of the spring element (3) protrudes from the housing (2) and forms the release lever (13).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a holding and contacting device. The device is designed to mechanically fasten a cable to another electronic component, in particular to a power electronics component. Furthermore, the device is designed to establish electrical contact between the cable and the component.

[0002] DE 10 2005 043 877 A1 shows a terminal clamp body made of a single part, which is made of stainless steel and in which the spring tongue which brings about the clamping effect is formed integrally from the clamp body.

[0003] DE 10 2015 102 840 A1 shows a clamping spring connector comprising a clamping spring, a clamping part and a carrier, which are all formed in one piece on a frame.

[0004] Further connecting devices are known from each of DE 10 2008 032 837 A1, DE 42 31 244 A1, DE 20 2004 000 418 U1, DE 10 2007 035 336 B3 and DE 10 2010 024 809 A1.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a holding and contacting device with improved properties. This object is achieved by the subject matter of claim 1.

[0006] A holding and contacting device is provided comprising a housing defining a cable path through the housing and a spring element projecting into the cable path and configured to exert a clamping force on a cable placed along the cable path, wherein the spring element and the housing comprise a metal.

[0007] The cable can be mechanically secured by the clamping force. In particular, the holding and contacting device can be designed such that the spring element is arranged on one side of a clamped cable, and a component and a bottom wall of the housing are arranged on the other side of the cable, thereby clamping the cable in such a way that it is mechanically secured.

[0008] Furthermore, an electrical connection can be formed between the cable and the component when the cable is pressed onto the component.

[0009] By providing a housing and a spring element, both of which comprise a metal, it can be ensured that the holding and contacting device is temperature-resistant up to high temperatures. High temperatures can occur as a result of high currents in the cable. The metal material of the housing and the spring element is selected so that this material is not damaged or deformed by the high temperatures. This makes it possible to provide a holding and contacting device suitable for power electronics components, which are typically designed for high current values.

[0010] The housing and spring element can be free of any plastic materials. Such materials are typically less resistant to high temperatures.

[0011] The materials of the holding and contacting device are highly unlikely to fatigue. The spring element can be designed to withstand an enormous number of compression / relaxation cycles as well as temperature cycles, making it resistant to material fatigue.

[0012] Preferably, the spring element and the housing comprise the same metal. Accordingly, the spring element and the housing have the same coefficient of thermal expansion. Therefore, heating of the holding and contacting device during operation of the device cannot generate mechanical stress between the spring element and the housing.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment, the spring element and the housing can be manufactured in one piece from a single sheet metal. In particular, the holding and contacting device can be formed from the single sheet metal using a manufacturing process that includes a step of cutting the sheet metal and several steps of bending the sheet metal. The spring element can be formed in one piece with the housing.

[0014] By forming the spring element and housing from a single sheet metal, the amount of raw material used in the construction of the holding and contacting device can be minimized. Only a minimal amount of sheet metal material can be wasted during device production. Accordingly, the manufacturing process costs can be reduced. Assembly costs are also reduced if the entire device is made from a single piece.

[0015] Furthermore, forming the spring element and housing from a single sheet metal prevents potential problems that could arise due to the spring element becoming detached from the housing. Since the spring element can be formed integrally with the housing, it cannot become detached from the housing during use of the holding and contacting device.

[0016] Furthermore, the use of the spring element and housing formed from a single sheet metal allows for the construction of a maintenance-free holding and contacting device. In particular, if the spring element and housing are formed from a single sheet metal, the spring element cannot be moved relative to the housing due to vibrations or temperature cycles. However, if the spring element and / or housing comprised plastic parts, the risk of unwanted movement due to vibrations or temperature cycles during normal operation would be significantly higher.

[0017] Consequently, there is no need to readjust a cable secured by the holding and contacting device comprising a metal part instead of plastic parts after the device has been subjected to significant vibrations and / or temperature changes, since the mechanical connection is not loosened by operational vibrations or temperature changes.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the spring element and the housing can be positively connected to each other. A positive connection between the spring element and the housing also makes it possible to achieve a holding and contacting device in which a cable secured by the device cannot be loosened by vibrations and / or temperature changes. Consequently, no maintenance, e.g., readjustment of the cable, is required during normal operation of the device.

[0019] The mass of the spring element can be small relative to the force it exerts on the cable. Thus, the spring element can be virtually vibration-proof.

[0020] In one embodiment, the spring element may be configured such that a magnitude of the clamping force exerted on a cable placed along the cable path depends on the diameter of the cable, wherein the spring element is configured to exert a stronger clamping force on a cable having a first diameter than on a cable having a second diameter that is smaller than the first diameter.

[0021] Such a configuration can be achieved using a spring element shaped to be deformed more by the cable with the first diameter than by the cable with the second diameter. Greater deformation of the cable can result in a stronger clamping force being exerted.

[0022] The spring element can be designed to exert a clamping force sufficient to mechanically fasten the cable regardless of the cable diameter. Typically, a cable with a larger diameter also has a greater weight, so a greater force is required to fasten the cable. Since the holding and contacting device can be designed such that the clamping force exerted is greater for cables with a larger diameter, it can be ensured that a sufficiently strong force is exerted on cables with a large diameter while at the same time no excessive force is exerted on a cable with a small diameter. Such an excessive force would otherwise, in the worst case, damage the cable with a small diameter. Thus, a wide range of different cable diameters can fit into the holding and contacting device.

[0023] The cable can be either a copper braid or a solid wire. The copper braid can include cable lugs or no lugs. In some cases, it may be necessary to lift a release lever before inserting the cable. Once the cable is inserted, the release lever can be released, and the spring force is then applied to the cable, establishing the mechanical and electrical connection.

[0024] The spring element can be designed to exert the clamping force in a direction perpendicular to the cable path. This allows a cable placed along the cable path to be secured in position.

[0025] In one embodiment, the spring element and the housing can be made of stainless steel.

[0026] Stainless steel offers several advantages. Stainless steel is resistant to high temperatures, so heat generated by high currents in the cable cannot damage the holding and contacting device. Furthermore, stainless steel is non-magnetic in its annealed state. The holding and contacting device can be manufactured using cold-working processes, particularly stamping and bending. However, the material can still become slightly magnetic after these processes. Furthermore, stainless steel is corrosion-resistant. These material properties contribute to a long service life of the device, as the housing and spring element are not damaged by magnetic fields or corrosion.

[0027] Furthermore, the spring may include a sharp edge facing the cable path. In addition to the clamping force exerted on the cable by a stop of the spring element, the sharp edge may penetrate a surface material of the cable and form a claw that further secures the cable.

[0028] The holding and contacting device can be designed to establish electrical and mechanical contact between a cable and a component. The component can be a power electronics component. The holding and contacting device can be designed to secure the component and the cable using the clamping force exerted by the spring element.

[0029] The material of the housing and spring element can be designed such that the resulting electrical contact can withstand even high current values, e.g., over 50 A. As discussed above, the use of a metallic material for the housing and spring element allows for the construction of a device that is not damaged by the heat inevitably generated by such high currents.

[0030] Furthermore, the spring further comprises a release lever, wherein the release lever is configured such that pulling the release lever deforms the spring element such that no clamping force is exerted on a cable arranged along the cable path. In particular, pulling the release lever away from the cable path deforms the spring element such that no clamping force is exerted on a cable arranged along the cable path.

[0031] The release lever can enable easy removal of a cable secured in the holding and contacting device. When the release lever is pulled, the spring element can be deformed such that the spring element is moved upward away from a bottom wall of the housing. Thus, a cable clamped between the spring element and the bottom wall of the housing can be easily removed when the release lever is pressed.

[0032] The same principle can be applied when inserting a copper braid into the cable path. Before the copper braid can be inserted, the spring element must be opened. Accordingly, the release lever must be pulled to open the spring element. The copper braid can then be inserted. Once inserted, the release lever can be released, and the spring element exerts the clamping force on the cable, securing the connection.

[0033] In particular, the release lever can comprise at least one opening designed to be engaged with a tool to release the clamping force exerted by the spring element. The holding and contacting device can be designed such that a cable can only be inserted into or removed from the device if the release lever is simultaneously engaged with a tool, so that the clamping force exerted by the spring element is temporarily released. This structural design can prevent the unintentional installation or removal of a cable into or from the device.

[0034] The holding and contacting device may further comprise an insulating block surrounding the housing, wherein the insulating block includes a hole that allows a tool to engage the release lever. In particular, the insulating block may be designed such that the hole represents the only way to engage the release lever. This design also contributes to improved safety by preventing accidental removal of the cable. The hole may be parallel to the cable path.

[0035] The spring may comprise a metal band, with a first end of the metal band being attached to the housing. The second end of the metal band may protrude from the housing and may form the release lever.

[0036] The spring element may comprise a stop portion configured to engage a cable positioned along the cable path and configured to exert the clamping force on the cable. In particular, the sharp edge may be arranged in the stop portion of the spring element.

[0037] According to another aspect, the present invention relates to an assembly comprising the above-described holding and contacting device, a cable and a power electronics component, wherein the holding and contacting device establishes an electrical and mechanical contact between the cable and the power electronics component.

[0038] Further features and embodiments will become apparent from the following description of the exemplary embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a holding and contacting device. Fig. 2 shows another perspective view of the holding and contacting device from a different perspective. Fig. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of an assembly comprising a holding and contacting device, a cable and a component. Fig. Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the assembly without the cable.

[0039] The Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 show perspective views of a holding and contacting device 1.

[0040] The holding and contacting device 1 comprises a housing 2 and a spring element 3. The device 1 is designed to provide electrical and mechanical contact between a cable and a component that can be arranged in the housing 2. The component can be a power electronics component, e.g., a power electronics capacitor.

[0041] The housing 2 comprises four walls 4, 5, 6, 7. In particular, the housing 2 comprises an upper wall 4 and a lower wall 5 arranged opposite the upper wall 4. Furthermore, the housing 2 comprises two side walls 6, 7 that connect the upper wall 4 and the lower wall 5. Thus, the housing 2 has the shape of a cuboid, with two opposing walls missing. This defines a cable path 8 that runs through the housing 2. A cable can be arranged along the cable path 8.

[0042] The spring element 3 protrudes into the cable path 8. The spring element 3 is attached to the top wall 4 of the housing 2. The spring element 3 comprises a metal band. A first end 9 of the spring element 3 is attached to the housing 2. In particular, the first end 9 is attached to the top wall 4. The spring element 3 has a curved shape so that a portion of the spring element 3 protrudes into the cable path 8. A second end 10 of the spring element 3, opposite the first end 9, is arranged outside the cable path 8.

[0043] The spring element 3 includes a stop section 11. The stop section 11 is the section of the spring element 3 that is arranged closest to the bottom wall 5 of the housing 2. When a cable is arranged in the cable path 8, the stop section 11 is designed to be pressed onto the cable, thereby exerting a clamping force on the cable. The clamping force is exerted in a direction perpendicular to the cable path 8.

[0044] The holding and contacting device 1 is formed from a single metal sheet. Specifically, the single metal sheet was cut and bent several times to form it into the holding and contacting device 1. Accordingly, the spring element 3 is formed integrally with the housing 2 from the same metal sheet.

[0045] Alternatively, the spring element 3 and the housing 2 can be formed from two different metal sheets, which are subsequently fastened to each other, e.g., by means of a form-fitting connection.

[0046] The housing 2 and the spring element 3 are made of a metal. In particular, the housing 2 and the spring element 3 are made of the same metal, preferably stainless steel. This material is non-magnetic and corrosion-resistant, ensuring a long service life.

[0047] Furthermore, the spring element 3 includes a sharp edge 12. The sharp edge 12 is formed by an edge in an opening arranged in the material of the spring element 3. The sharp edge 12 extends in a direction perpendicular to the cable path 8. The sharp edge 12 is arranged in the stop section 11 of the spring element 3. In particular, the sharp edge 12 is formed at the point on the spring element 3 that is closest to the bottom wall 5 of the housing 2.

[0048] The spring element 3 is designed such that the stop portion 11 is pressed against a cable when the cable is arranged along the cable path 8, thereby establishing a clamping connection between the spring element 3 and the cable. This connection secures the cable in the holding and contacting device 1.

[0049] The spring element 3 further comprises a release lever 13. The release lever 13 is designed to release a connection between the holding and contacting device 1 and the cable. When the release lever 13 is pulled, the spring element 3 is deformed, thereby releasing the clamping force from the cable and enabling the cable to be removed from the holding and contacting device 1.

[0050] The release lever 13 includes a first opening 17 and a second opening 18. The first opening 17 is located closer to the second end 10 than the second opening 18. In alternative embodiments, the release lever 13 may include only one opening or more than two openings.

[0051] In addition, the holding and contacting device 1 comprises an insulating block 19 that surrounds the housing 2. The insulating block 19 comprises an insulating material. The insulating block 19 is inserted into the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 is not shown. The insulating block 19 is inserted into the Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, which show cross-sectional views of the holding and contacting device 1.

[0052] The insulating block 19 protects the housing 2 from mechanical forces that may be exerted externally. In particular, the insulating block 19 can dampen any mechanical force exerted on the holding and contacting device 1.

[0053] Furthermore, the insulating block 19 includes a hole 20 extending in a direction parallel to the cable path 8. The insulating block 19 is shaped such that the only way to engage the release lever 13 is through the hole 20. It is possible to insert a tool, e.g., a standard flat screwdriver, into the hole such that the tool engages one of the openings 17, 18 of the release lever 13. The release lever 13 can then be pulled away from the cable path 8 by the tool. Depending on the position of the release lever 13, the tool can engage either the first opening 17 or the second opening 18.

[0054] When the release lever 13 is pulled away from the cable path 8, the stop portion 11 of the spring element 3 is moved away from the cable path 8, whereby a cable can be removed from the device 1.

[0055] This ensures that the connection cannot be accidentally loosened, since the cable can only be removed by pulling the release lever 13 and simultaneously removing the cable from the holding and contacting device 1.

[0056] The release lever 13 is designed to deform the spring element 3 such that its stop portion 11 is moved further away from the lower wall 5 of the housing 2.

[0057] Fig. Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view of an assembly comprising the holding and contacting device 1, a cable 14, and a component 15. The component 15 is a power electronics component. The component 15 includes a busbar 16, which is used for electrical contact with the component 15. The cable 14 is made of copper or another material.

[0058] The spring element 3 exerts a clamping force on the cable 14, thereby pressing the cable 14 onto the component 15. In particular, the cable 14 and the component 15 are clamped between the spring element 3 and a bottom wall 5 of the housing 2. In particular, the cable 14 is pressed onto the busbar 16 of the component 15, allowing an electrical current to flow from the cable 14 into the busbar 16. Accordingly, an electrical connection is provided between the cable 14 and the component 15. Furthermore, the cable 14 is secured to the component 15 by the clamping force exerted by the spring element 3 on the cable 14. The spring element 3 thereby ensures that the cable 14 cannot be moved relative to the component 15.

[0059] The cable 14 is arranged between the component 15 and the spring element 3. Accordingly, the cable 14 is pressed onto the upper side of the component 15. This structural design enables the arrangement of the component 15 in a lower position, thus enabling the construction of a compact assembly.

[0060] In Fig. 3 shows that the sharp edge 12 of the spring element 3 slightly penetrates the material of the cable 14. This provides additional fastening of the spring element 3 and the cable 14, as the sharp edge 12 digs into the material of the cable 14. This additional fastening further contributes to the mechanical fastening of the cable 14 within the cable path 8 due to the clamping force exerted by the spring element 3.

[0061] To release the cable 14 from the assembly, a user must insert a tool into the opening 20 of the insulating block 19 such that the tool engages the second opening 18 of the release lever 13. The release lever 13 can then be pulled upward, i.e., away from the cable, thereby deforming the spring element 3 such that the spring element 3 no longer exerts a clamping force on the cable 14. The cable 14 can then be removed. Accordingly, the second opening 18 allows the spring element 3 to be manually deformed when a cable 14 is arranged in the cable path 8 so that no clamping force is exerted on the cable 14.

[0062] Fig. 4 shows the assembly of Fig. 3 without the cable 14. In this configuration, the spring element 3 is more relaxed than in the configuration shown in Fig. 3. The spring element 3 is dimensioned such that, if only the component 15 and no cable 14 is present in the cable path 8, the spring element 3 rests against the busbar 16 of the component 15 and the spring element 3 exerts a small clamping force on the component 15. This ensures that the holding and contacting device 1 remains in its position even if the cable 14 is removed.

[0063] The device 1 is designed to connect the component 15 to a wide range of cables 14 with all kinds of different cable diameters. If a cable 14 is inserted into the cable path 8 in the configuration as shown in Fig.4, the spring element 3 is deformed such that its stop portion 11 is moved in a direction away from the bottom wall 5 of the housing 2. The extent by which the spring element 3 is deformed depends on the diameter of the inserted cable 14. If a cable 14 with a rather small diameter is inserted into the cable path 8, the spring element 3 is deformed by a rather small amount, so that the spring element 3 exerts a small clamping force on the small cable 14 and the component 15. The spring element 3 is dimensioned such that this clamping force is sufficient to fasten the cable 14 to the component 15.

[0064] If a cable 14 with a larger diameter is inserted into the cable path 8, the spring element 3 is deformed to a greater extent. Accordingly, the spring element 3 exerts a stronger clamping force on the cable 14, thereby pressing it against the component 15. Again, this clamping force is sufficient to secure the cable 14 to the component 15.

[0065] Accordingly, the holding and contacting device 1 is designed such that a stronger force is exerted on a cable 14 with a first diameter than on a cable with a second diameter that is smaller than the first diameter. The cable 14 with the first diameter deforms the spring element 3 to a greater extent than the cable with the second diameter. A greater deformation of the spring element 4 leads to a stronger clamping force.

[0066] The holding and contacting device 1 is designed in such a way that it is virtually impossible for the cable 14 to be accidentally released. Due to the shape of the spring element 3 and the sharp edge 12, a clamping force is created that only allows the cable 14 to be released intentionally.

[0067] To insert the cable 14, the user must first engage a tool with the opening 20 so that the tool engages the first opening 17 of the release lever, thereby allowing the release lever 13 to be pulled away from the busbar 16. This deforms the spring element 3 such that it provides a gap along the cable path 8, thereby allowing the cable 14 to be inserted into the cable path 8. Accordingly, the first opening 17 allows the spring element 3 to be manually deformed when no cable 14 is arranged in the cable path 8, so that no clamping force is exerted on the component 15. Reference numbers 1 holding and contacting device 2 housings 3 spring element 4 Upper wall 5 Lower wall 6 Side wall 7 Side wall 8 Cable path 9 First End 10 Second Ending 11 Stop section 12 Sharp Edge 13 Release lever 14 cables 15 components 16 Busbar 17 First opening 18 Second opening 19 Insulation block 20 holes

Claims

[1] Holding and contacting device (1), comprising a housing (2) defining a cable path (8) through the housing (2), and a spring element (3) projecting into the cable path (8) and designed to exert a clamping force on a cable (14) placed along the cable path (8), wherein the spring element (3) and the housing (2) comprise a metal, wherein the spring element (3) further comprises a release lever (13) and wherein the release lever (13) is designed such that pulling the release lever (13) deforms the spring element (3) such that no clamping force is exerted on a cable (14) arranged along the cable path (8), and wherein a first end (9) of the spring element (3) is fastened to the housing (2) and a second end (10) of the spring element (3) protrudes from the housing (2) and forms the release lever (13). [2] Holding and contacting device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the spring element (3) and the housing (2) comprise the same metal. [3] Holding and contacting device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the spring element (3) and the housing (2) are made in one piece from a single sheet metal. [4] Holding and contacting device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the spring element (3) and the housing (2) are positively connected to one another. [5] Holding and contacting device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the spring element (3) is designed such that a magnitude of the clamping force exerted on a cable (14) placed along the cable path (8) depends on the diameter of the cable (14), and wherein the spring element (3) is designed to exert a stronger clamping force on a cable (14) with a first diameter than on a cable with a second diameter which is smaller than the first diameter. [6] Holding and contacting device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the spring element (3) is designed to exert the clamping force in a direction perpendicular to the cable path (8). [7] Holding and contacting device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the spring element (3) and the housing (2) are made of stainless steel. [8] Holding and contacting device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the spring element (3) comprises a sharp edge (12) pointing towards the cable path (8). [9] Holding and contacting device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the spring element (3) comprises a stop portion (11) which is designed to bear against a cable (14) placed along the cable path (8) and which is designed to exert the clamping force on the cable (14). [10] Holding and contacting device (1) according to claims 8 and 9, wherein the sharp edge (12) is arranged in the stop section (11). [11] Holding and contacting device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the device (1) is designed to establish an electrical and mechanical contact between a cable (14) and a component (15). [12] Holding and contacting device (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the material of the housing (2) and the spring element (3) is designed such that the electrical contact produced can withstand a high current value of more than 50 A. [13] Holding and contacting device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the release lever (13) comprises at least one opening (17, 18) designed to be engaged with a tool in order to release the clamping force exerted by the spring element (3). [14] Holding and contacting device (1) according to the preceding claim, further comprising an insulating block (19) surrounding the housing (2), wherein the insulating block (19) comprises a hole (20) allowing the engagement of a tool in the release lever (13). [15] Assembly comprising a holding and contacting device (1) according to one of the preceding claims and a power electronics component (15), wherein the holding and contacting device (1) is designed to establish a self-maintaining mechanical contact between the holding and contacting device (1) and the power electronics component (15). [16] Assembly according to claim 15, wherein the spring element (3) is dimensioned such that, if only the power electronics component (15) and no cable (14) is present in the cable path (8), the spring element (3) bears against the power electronics component (15) and the spring element (3) exerts a clamping force on the power electronics component (15). [17] Assembly according to one of claims 15 and 16, further comprising a cable (14), wherein the holding and contacting device (1) establishes an electrical and mechanical contact between the cable (14) and the power electronics component (15).

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