Busbar for an electrical conductor and assembly with the busbar

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a conductor connection with an electrical busbar according to the preamble of claim 1 and to an electrical assembly with such a conductor connection.

[0002] To connect electrical conductors to electrical assemblies, spring-cage terminals or screw terminals in the form of crimp connections, particularly using push-in technology, are frequently used. A busbar, which may be approximately U-shaped, is then provided for the electrical contact with the electrical conductor. To center the electrical conductor in the busbar, it is also known to design it at least partially or entirely in a roughly V-shaped manner. However, with stranded conductors, an unfavorable position of the strand package may occur, resulting in only a small portion of the strands making electrical contact with the busbar and thus carrying current. DE 10 2013 000 713 A1 discloses such prior art.

[0003] DE 10 2011 087 584 A1 discloses a screw terminal with a busbar having a cylindrical protrusion. US 2 381 331 A discloses a conductor terminal with a busbar according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0004] For the technological background, DE 12 90 211 B, US 4 213 669 A, FR 2 858 118 A1, and DE 10 2015 108 630 A1 are also mentioned. The object of the present invention is to improve the electrical contact of the electrical conductor with the busbar in a generic conductor connection such that the entire electrical conductor contributes to the current-carrying function, in particular that, in the case of stranded conductors, all strands contribute to the current-carrying function, and / or that the contact force is improved.

[0005] The object is achieved with a conductor connection having the features of independent claim 1 and an electrical assembly having the features of independent claim 9. Advantageous embodiments can be found in the dependent claims.

[0006] The conductor connection is designed as a spring-loaded connection, particularly using direct plug-in technology. It preferably comprises a clamping spring for clamping the electrical conductor in the receiving space of the busbar, which acts as a compression spring. However, the invention can also be used with other connection types, such as other spring terminals or screw terminals (e.g., clamping yoke terminals).

[0007] The conductor terminal's busbar is designed to electrically contact an electrical conductor. It is preferably used for contacting stranded conductors. However, it can also be used for solid conductors.

[0008] The busbar has two opposing side walls, as well as a contact wall for the electrical conductor, which extends between the side walls and transversely or substantially transversely to them. The side walls are preferably arranged at a right angle to the contact wall. However, they can also be arranged at a different angle to it, in particular at an obtuse angle and / or in particular at an angle between 75° and 115°. In these cases, the invention is particularly advantageous.

[0009] The side walls and the contact wall extend in an insertion direction and define a receiving space for the electrical conductor.

[0010] The busbar is characterized in that at least one or more preferably electrically conductive elevations are arranged on the system wall, wherein the width of the one or more elevations individually or that of the elevations (as a group) as a whole is smaller than the width of the system wall.

[0011] Their edge(s), where they protrude from the surrounding wall, are then spaced apart from the edges of the wall, both individually and collectively. Thus, one of the elevations, or the one elevation at the edge of the wall, does not merge into another wall adjacent to it.

[0012] The electrically conductive elevation creates new conductor contact points on the busbar for an electrical conductor. The elevation disrupts the arrangement within the stranded wire package and the position of individual strands within the stranded wire package. This causes movement in the stranded wire package when an electrical conductor is inserted into the busbar. The strands rub against each other, breaking up impurities on the strands and improving contact between the strands. The movement also causes the strands to be rearranged, which means that more strands are contacted. In the case of very fine-stranded conductors or solid conductors, the elevation lifts the conductor. This increases the contact force exerted by a clamping spring on the conductor, thus improving contact.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment, the side walls and the contact wall are connected to each other. In this embodiment, the busbar is essentially U-shaped. With such a busbar, the raised portion can cause an off-center arrangement of the conductor in the busbar when using a thin conductor. With thick conductors, it can cause a regrouping and altered arrangement of the strands of the strand pack.

[0014] However, it is particularly preferred that a connecting wall is provided between each of the side walls and the contact wall, which connecting wall extends at an acute first angle to the contact wall and connects the contact wall to the side wall. In this embodiment, the busbar comprises an approximately V-shaped part. Since the connecting walls are connected to one another by the contact wall, the contact wall forms a flattened tip of the approximately V-shaped part. With this design of the busbar, an electrical conductor, in particular a thin one, is either pressed between the elevation and the connecting wall so that it is arranged off-center. Or the elevation causes individual strands to group around it, thus contacting more strands overall.

[0015] It can preferably be provided that the busbar is manufactured in one piece, in particular as a stamped and bent component. The raised portion is preferably also formed in one piece with the walls, in particular the contact wall, of the busbar. This prevents it from detaching from the walls when an electrical conductor is inserted. The busbar is preferably made of a highly conductive material, particularly preferably copper or a copper alloy. Alternatively, the busbar can also be manufactured from several pieces, for example, using a welding process.

[0016] It is further preferred that the elevation is arranged at the end of the busbar in the insertion direction.

[0017] The elevation is approximately oval, elliptical, round, or drop-shaped. It will, for example, rise from an approximately or substantially oval, elliptical, round, or drop-shaped base and become rounded towards the top. With an approximately circular base, the shape is approximately that of a spherical segment, for example. Furthermore, the elevation is preferably designed as a web extending counter to a pressing direction that extends transversely to the insertion direction. Other embodiments of the elevation are also preferred which disrupt the arrangement of the strands of a strand pack of the electrical conductor. An elliptical or drop-shaped design, in particular in the manner of a longitudinal hump, is particularly preferred. As a result, the elevation has a ramp that rises slowly in the insertion direction, so that the strands are gradually guided onto the elevation.Furthermore, it is preferably flattened. In a transverse direction perpendicular to the insertion direction, it therefore has steeply sloping flanks next to the flattened portion, along which the strands can slide. This shape has proven effective for grouping the strands around the raised portion. Preferably, the individual raised portion is narrower perpendicular to the conductor insertion direction than the conductor to be contacted, particularly as a multi-strand conductor to be connected.

[0018] The raised section allows more strands to contact the busbar and / or with greater contact force. This results in a better current-carrying capacity of the connection.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment, the clamping spring of the conductor connection has a clamping leg with a contour that is designed to correspond essentially to an inner contour of the receiving space. As a result, the clamping leg can extend transversely through the receiving space when the conductor connection is empty, i.e. as long as no electrical conductor is inserted into the conductor connection. A contact edge arranged at the outer end of the clamping spring can then be arranged in contact with the contact wall of the busbar. This design therefore also enables very thin electrical conductors to be clamped in the conductor connection. In addition, it can preferably be provided that the conductor connection comprises a stop for the electrical conductor, which limits the insertion of the electrical conductor into the conductor connection.

[0020] The problem is further solved using an electrical assembly with such a conductor connection. The electrical assembly is preferably a series connection terminal.

[0021] The invention is described below with reference to figures. These figures are merely exemplary and not limiting.

[0022] They show: Figure 1 in (a) - (c) each show a section of a busbar according to the invention with an inserted thin stranded conductor; Figure 2 in (a) and (b) each show a further section of the busbar of the Fig. 1 with an inserted thick stranded conductor; Figure 3 shows another section of the busbar of the Fig. 1 in a perspective view; Figure 4 in (a) an electrical conductor being inserted into the busbar of the Fig. 1 , in (b) a section of a conductor connection with the busbar of the Fig. 4 (a)and with the electrical conductor inserted in a perspective view, and in (b) an end face of the conductor connection of the Fig. 4 (a) ; and Figure 5 shows a section of an electrical assembly with a busbar according to the invention.

[0023] Fig. 1 (a) - (c) each show a section of a busbar 1 according to the invention with an inserted thin stranded conductor 2. The busbar 1 has two opposing, here parallel, side walls 11, each extending parallel to an insertion direction 31 and a pressing direction 32. Furthermore, the busbar 1 has a contact wall 13, which extends transversely to the side walls 11, in particular parallel to the insertion direction 31 and a transverse direction 33, and between them.

[0024] Only dashed lines indicate an embodiment of the busbar 1 in which the side walls 11 are directly connected to the contact wall 13. This embodiment of the busbar 1 is therefore U-shaped.

[0025] A further embodiment of the busbar 1 is shown in solid lines, in which a connecting wall 12 is provided between each of the side walls 11 and the contact wall 13. The connecting wall 12 extends at an acute first angle 181 to the contact wall 13. It connects the contact wall 13 to the side wall 11. The busbar 1 therefore has an approximately V-shaped part, the tip of which (not shown) is flattened by the contact wall 13. Due to the right-angled arrangement of the contact wall 13 to the side walls 11, the side walls 11 each also have an acute second angle 182 to the connecting walls 12.

[0026] This embodiment of the busbar 1 is preferred and the invention will be described below with reference to this embodiment.

[0027] A protrusion 15 is arranged on the contact wall 13. The protrusion 15 has the shape of a longitudinal hump. It is arranged in the insertion direction 31 approximately at or near the end 192 of the busbar 1 (see Fig. 4(a) ).

[0028] The busbar 1 is formed in one piece here. This includes the raised portion 15. Therefore, the raised portion 15 is also formed in one piece with the walls 11, 12, and 13. It is preferably produced by stamping.

[0029] It is visible that an electrical conductor 2 is inserted into a receiving space 10 of the busbar 1, which is delimited by the side walls 11 and the contact wall 13. For this purpose, the electrical conductor 2 is inserted at a beginning 191 (see Fig. 4 (a) ) of the busbar 1 through a conductor insertion opening 16 (see Fig. 4 (a)) is inserted in the insertion direction 31 into the receiving space 10. The electrical conductor 2 has an electrically insulating sheath 21 and a plurality of, in particular seven, electrically conductive strands 22. The strands 22 of this conductor 2 are thin, so that a width b of the strand package (not labeled) formed from the strands 22 extends over less than half the distance a between the side walls 11. At its insertion end (not labeled), part of the sheath 21 is stripped, so that the strands 22 are exposed there (see Fig. 4(a) ). The width of the elevation is smaller than the width of the system wall.

[0030] Fig. 1 (a)shows an off-center arrangement of the strands 22 in the receiving space 10. One strand 22 rests against a connecting wall 12, and another strand 22 makes electrical contact with the elevation 15. The stranded wire package is therefore arranged between the connecting wall 12 and the elevation 15. The elevation 15 disrupts the stranded wire package and causes the strands 22 to move relative to one another. This eliminates foreign layers (not shown) between the strands 22 and improves the contact between the strands 22.

[0031] Fig. 1 (b)shows an unfavorable contact situation. Without the elevation 15, only three strands 22 aligned with the elevation 15 and arranged one above the other would make electrical contact and contribute to the current-carrying capacity. However, the elevation 15 causes the position of the strands 22 relative to each other to be unstable. As a result, the strand package, or rather the lower strand 22, slips off the elevation 15 and the strand package regroups around the elevation 15. This shows Fig. 1 (c) , in which two stranded wires 22 arranged next to one another make electrical contact with the elevation 15.

[0032] Fig. 2 shows in (a) and (b) a further section of the busbar 1 of the Fig. 1 with an inserted thick stranded wire 2. Analogous to Fig. 1 (b) shows Fig. 2 (a)an unfavorable contact situation in which only the three strands 22 aligned with the elevation 15 and arranged one above the other would make electrical contact if the busbar 1 did not have an elevation 15. However, due to the elevation 15, the position of the strands 22 relative to each other is unstable, so that the strand package slips off the elevation 15 and regroups around the elevation 15. This shows Fig. 2 (b) .

[0033] Fig. 3 shows another section of the busbar 1 of the Fig. 1in a perspective view. The elevation 15 is arranged in the insertion direction 31 near the end 192 of the busbar 1. Here, it has an approximately elliptical shape. It is flattened. As a result, it has a gently rising ramp (not designated) in the insertion direction 31 and then a gently falling ramp (not designated). Facing the side walls 11, it has steeply sloping flanks 152. As a result, a stranded conductor 2 guided over the elevation 15 is gradually raised and can easily slide off to the side over one of the flanks 152. This shape has proven advantageous in this respect. In addition, this shape of the elevation 15 is advantageous when inserting the stranded conductor 2 in the insertion direction 31 and when removing the stranded conductor 2 against the insertion direction 31. The elevation 15 can also be drop-shaped, oval, or round.It can also be designed as a web (not shown) or pin (not shown) extending counter to the pressing direction 32, or have another shape that disrupts the relative arrangement of the strands 22 in the strand pack. The extension of the elevation 15 in the insertion direction 31 is greater than the extension perpendicular thereto.

[0034] Fig. 4 shows in (a) an electrical conductor 2 being inserted into the busbar 1 of the Fig. 1 , in (b) a section of a conductor connection 4 with the busbar 1 of the Fig. 4 (a) and with the electrical conductor 2 inserted in a perspective view, and in (b) an end face 40 of the conductor connection 4 of the Fig. 4 (b) .

[0035] At the beginning 191 of the busbar 1, it has the conductor insertion opening 16, through which the electrical conductor 2 is inserted into the receiving space 10. Near the end 192 of the busbar 1, the elevation 15 is arranged, which disrupts the arrangement of the strands 22 relative to one another in the strand package. In the insertion direction 31, behind the elevation 15 but before the end 192 of the busbar 1, through-openings 14 in the form of slots are also provided, through which a contact web 61 (see Fig. 5 ) is feasible. Such a contact web 61 limits the displacement of the electrical conductor 2 in the insertion direction 31 and acts as a stop.

[0036] Fig. 4 (b) shows the section of the conductor connection 4 with the busbar 1 of the Fig. 4 (a)with the electrical conductor 2 inserted. Also shown is a clamping leg 5 of the clamping spring. The clamping leg 5 presses the strands 22 of the electrical conductor 2 in the pressing direction 32 onto the busbar 1. Here, two of the strands 22 are grouped around the elevation 15 and contact the elevation 15 and a connecting wall 12 each. Due to the interference and friction between the strands 22 caused by the elevation 15, their electrical contact with one another is very good. In this embodiment, all strands 22 of the electrical conductor 2 contribute to the current-carrying capacity.

[0037] The clamping leg 5 here has a contour 50 corresponding to an inner contour 100 of the receiving space 10. Therefore, it has side edges 51 running approximately parallel to one another, a transverse edge 53 running transversely thereto, and two connecting edges 52, which each connect the transverse edge 53 to one of the side edges 51. Due to this corresponding shape, the clamping leg 5 can be fully immersed in the receiving space 10 when no electrical conductor 2 is arranged in the receiving space 10. The clamping leg 5 then penetrates the receiving space 10 almost completely. As a result, the clamping leg 5 can be pivoted against its restoring force against a pivoting direction 171 (see Fig. 4 (a) ) so that the electrical conductor 2 is clamped in the conductor terminal 4.

[0038] Fig. 4 (b)shows the end face 40 of the conductor terminal 4 with the electrical conductor 2 clamped in the busbar 1. Due to the centering connecting walls 12 and the grouping of the strands 22 around the elevation 15, the conductor 2 is arranged symmetrically to a center plane (not shown) extending in the insertion direction 31 and pressing direction 32 and centrally penetrating the receiving space 10 in the transverse direction 33. This allows for a very even current flow across the entire conductor 2.

[0039] Fig. 5 shows a section of an electrical assembly 6 with a busbar 1 according to the invention. The assembly 6 is a series connection terminal that can be connected to a mounting rail (not shown). The busbar 1 is intended for the connection of two electrical conductors 2. At its opposite ends (not labeled), it is therefore analogous to the Fig. 4 (a) trained.

[0040] Visible here are stop webs 61, shown in abbreviated form, which serve as stops for the electrical conductors 2 inserted into the busbar 1 and penetrate the through-openings 14 of the busbar 1. The through-openings 14 therefore each show the end 192 of a conductor connection 4. The clamping springs are not shown for the sake of clarity. Reference symbol 1 Busbar 10 recording room 100 Inner contour of the recording room 11 side wall 12 connecting wall 13 system wall 14 Through opening, slot 15 Survey 151 flattening 152 flank 16 Conductor insertion opening 171 Panning direction 181 First angle 182 Second angle 191 Introducer of the busbar 192 End of the busbar or conductor connection 2 Electrical conductor, stranded conductor 21 Sheathing 22 stranded wire 31 Longitudinal direction, insertion direction 32 Pressing direction 33 Transverse direction 4 Conductor connection 5 clamping leg 50 Contour of the clamping leg 51 Page margin 52 Connecting edge 53 Investment margin 6 Electrical assembly 61 stop, stop bar

Claims

1. Conductor terminal (4) having a busbar (1), wherein the conductor terminal (4) is designed as a spring-force connection or as a screw connection and wherein the busbar (1) serves for making electrical contact with an electrical conductor (2), having two mutually opposite side walls (11), and having a bearing wall (13) for the electrical conductor (2) which extends between the side walls (11) and transversely or essentially transversely thereto, wherein the side walls (11) and the contact wall (13) extend in an insertion direction (31) and define a receiving space (10) for receiving the electrical conductor (2), wherein at least one or more electrically conductive elevations (15) is / are arranged on the bearing wall (13), wherein the width of the one or more elevations is smaller than the width of the bearing wall, wherein the edge of the at least one or more elevations provided on the bearing wall is spaced apart individually or the edges of the elevations as a whole are spaced apart from the edges of the bearing wall, and that the elevation (15) is roughly oval, elliptical, round or drop-shaped and tapers away from the bearing wall (13) starting from a correspondingly shaped base surface, characterized in the extension of the elevation (15) in the insertion direction (31) is greater than the extension perpendicular thereto.

2. Conductor terminal (4) having a busbar (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that either - the side walls (11) and the bearing wall (13) are connected to each other, such that the busbar (1) is substantially U-shaped, or - in that a connecting wall (12) is provided between one of the side walls (11) and the bearing wall (13), which connecting walls extend at an acute first angle (181) to the bearing wall (13) and connect the bearing wall (13) to one of the side walls (11), respectively, such that the busbar (1) comprises a substantially V-shaped portion.

3. Conductor terminal (4) having a busbar (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the busbar is made in one piece, particularly as a punched and bent component.

4. Conductor terminal (4) having a busbar (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the elevation (15) is arranged at the end of the busbar (1) in the insertion direction (31).

5. Conductor terminal (4) having busbar (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the elevation (15) is flattened.

6. Conductor terminal (4) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is configured as a spring force connection in push-in technology and comprises a terminal spring for clamping the electrical conductor (2) in the receiving space (10) of the busbar (1).

7. Conductor terminal (4) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a clamping leg (5) of the terminal spring has a contour (50) which substantially corresponds to an inner contour (100) of the receiving space (10).

8. Conductor terminal (4) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a stop (61) for the electrical conductor (2).

9. Electrical assembly (6), particularly a series connecting terminal, having a conductor terminal (4) according to one of claims 1-8.