Pickup connector and grounding contact for same

Abstract

A protective earthing contact (1) for the electrically conductive connection of a protective earth conductor of a current-carrying profile to an electrically conductive support element for the current-carrying profile is described. The protective earthing contact (1) has a sheet metal element (2) designed for contact with a tap connector (17) that can be plugged onto the current-carrying profile. The protective earthing contact (1) has a contact element (11) which is movable relative to the sheet metal element (2) by means of a spring element (9, 32) and is designed for electrically conductive contacting of the protective earth conductor of the current-carrying profile by means of a force-fit connection of the contact element (11) with the protective earth conductor by means of a spring force applied by the spring element (9, 32).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a protective earthing contact for the electrically conductive connection of a protective earth conductor of a current-carrying profile with an electrically conductive support element for the current-carrying profile, wherein the protective earthing contact has a sheet metal element and a protective earth contact element which is movable relative to the sheet metal element by means of a spring element and is designed for electrically conductive contacting of the protective earth conductor of the current-carrying profile by means of a force-fit connection of the protective earth contact element with the protective earth conductor arranged in a groove of the current-carrying profile by means of a spring force applied by the spring element.

[0002] The invention further relates to a tap connector with an insulating housing, with conductor contact elements for electrically conductive contacting of electrical conductors of a current-carrying profile, and with such a protective earthing contact for electrically conductive connection of a protective earth conductor of the current-carrying profile with an electrically conductive support element in which the current-carrying profile is arranged.

[0003] For distributing electrical energy in a building and connecting luminaires at selected positions, busbar systems with profile elements are known. These elements have a comb-like cross-section with webs and the grooves formed by them, and electrical conductors are accommodated in the grooves. In such busbar profiles, these electrical conductors are received in the grooves, for example, on the side walls of the webs, and can be electrically connected by a tap connector with contacts projecting into the grooves.

[0004] DE 10 2011 056 043 B4 shows a busbar tap element with an insulating housing and an electrically conductive contact arm designed for contacting an electrical conductor of a comb-like busbar. An electrically conductive retaining arm extends parallel to the contact arm, with a space between the contact arm and the retaining arm to receive a comb tooth of the busbar. The electrical conductors are electrically contacted laterally by the contact arm.

[0005] DE 10 2015 114 741 A1 discloses a connector for end-mounting onto a current-carrying profile. In its upper, lateral area, the connector has a raised protective earth contact area with a plug-in contact for electrically conductive connection to the current-carrying profile. The cover section of the connector part has a corresponding protrusion with a contact pin that interacts with a protective earth contact of the connector.

[0006] DE 9404548 U1 discloses a lighting arrangement in which a protective conductor connection is made with a prefabricated assembly unit consisting of a connecting cable and a clamping element.

[0007] DE 20 2008 001 961 U1 discloses a contacting system for continuous lighting systems in which an electrically conductive conductor of the current-carrying profile is designed as a protective conductor. A contact finger of the contact device is designed as a leading electrical connection when the contact device is placed on the current-carrying profile. The contact finger establishes a positive electrical connection between the protective conductor of the current-carrying profile and the mounting rail.

[0008] EP 1 475 565 B1 discloses a lighting arrangement in which an earthing plate is arranged in the area of ​​the electrical adapter, serving as the electrical connection between the protective conductor and the mounting rail. A plug contact of the earthing plate, which is formed parallel to clamping fingers on the connection surface in the insertion direction, engages an opening of a socket of the electrical adapter when plugged in and contacts the protective conductor contact.

[0009] EP 1 361 632 A1 discloses a support element comprising a fastening element for attachment to the busbar and a space for routing additional wires or cables. The support has a U-shaped cross-section and features undercuts at at least one end of the U-legs, forming a space for routing wires or cables.

[0010] JP S56 50069 U discloses a conductor termination contact in which the rear end of a conductor of the same width is bent obliquely from the rear to the front to contact and conduct another conductor. The contact portion is bent obliquely upwards at the front. In the middle of the conductor is a bent portion for locking the termination, a downward-bent cable stop in the form of a thick plate, an upper open portion for inserting the cable, a hanging portion, a lower surface portion, and a front portion.

[0011] DE 20 2010 004783 U1 discloses a track adapter for attaching a luminaire or spotlight to a U-shaped track and for contacting conductors running inside the track. The track adapter has a housing with a T-shaped cross-section, comprising a central part designed to engage the track and a base part adjoining the central part and oriented transversely to it, which rests against the outside of the track when installed. A core element for holding the luminaire or spotlight is arranged inside the housing and extends into both the central part and the base part, preferably being formed in one piece.

[0012] JP S59 49175 A discloses a connector with an insulating housing in which L-shaped tap contacts for electrically conductive contacting of electrical conductors in lateral grooves of a current-carrying profile and a rod-shaped protective earthing contact mounted on a spring element are installed and provided with sockets.

[0013] Based on this, the object of the present invention is to create an improved protective earthing contact and a tap connector.

[0014] The problem is solved by the protective earthing contact having the features of claim 1 and the tap connector having the features of claim 11. Advantageous embodiments are described in the dependent claims.

[0015] The protective earth contact has a protective earth contact element which is movable relative to the sheet metal element by means of a spring element and is designed for electrically conductive contacting of a protective earth conductor of the current-carrying profile by means of a force-fit connection of the protective earth contact element with the protective earth conductor arranged in a groove of the current-carrying profile by means of at least one spring force applied by the spring element when a tap connector equipped with the protective earth contact is plugged onto the current-carrying profile.

[0016] It is proposed that the protective earth contact element be designed as a needle contact, wherein the needle contact has a tip for contacting the protective earth conductor, and that the sheet metal element is designed for attachment to a tap connector that can be plugged onto the current-carrying profile and has tabs designed for clamping to the support element for an electrically conductive connection of the sheet metal element to the support element.

[0017] Using a protective earth contact element held under spring force by a spring element, a protective earth contact with a protective earth conductor of a current-carrying profile can be established in a very simple, compact, and reliable manner. This creates an electrically conductive connection between the protective earth conductor and a support element that is electrically connected to the sheet metal element. The protective earth contact element is designed as a needle contact so that its tip makes contact with the protective earth conductor.

[0018] The protective earthing contact is very simple in design and easy to install.

[0019] The spring element can be integrally formed with the sheet metal element. This has the advantage that the protective earthing contact is extremely simple in design and handling. The spring element can be a spring tongue that is freestanding and bent away from a support surface of the sheet metal element. The spring tongue can be connected to the support surface of the sheet metal element at its root and freestanding adjacent to the root by cutouts or punches, so that a gap or slot exists between the spring tongue and the adjacent part of the sheet metal element, allowing the spring tongue to move relative to the adjacent area of ​​the sheet metal element.

[0020] The bending of the spring tongue out of the plane of the support plane determines the direction of the spring force for the protective earth contact element that interacts with the spring tongue.

[0021] The protective earth contact element can be formed integrally with the spring element, such as the spring tongue exposed by the sheet metal element, and thus as a single unit with the sheet metal element. In this way, the protective earth contact is formed from only a single part, namely the sheet metal element, with the protective earth contact element being integrally connected to the spring element and, if necessary, forming the end region of the spring element.

[0022] The protective earth contact element can also be a separate part from the sheet metal element, which rests against the spring element.

[0023] It is also conceivable that a separate spring element is provided, which rests on the sheet metal element and interacts with the protective earth contact element. The protective earth contact element can be formed integrally with this separate spring element or as a separate part. Thus, it is conceivable that the protective earth contact is formed in three parts: the sheet metal element, the spring element, and the protective earth contact element. The spring element is positioned between the sheet metal element and the protective earth contact element in such a way that the protective earth contact element is relatively movable relative to the sheet metal element and is subject to the spring force of the spring element.

[0024] The sheet metal element can have a conductor connection for clamping an electrical conductor. This allows an additional protective earth conductor to be connected to a tap connector equipped with the protective earth contact. This is particularly advantageous when the protective earth contact with its tap connector is used as a feed-in connector to supply electrical potential to the electrical conductors of the current-carrying profile.

[0025] Such a conductor connection can be designed as a spring clamp connection with at least one clamping leg. The clamping leg(s) are designed as elastic springs to clamp an electrical conductor to the sheet metal element. The clamping legs can be formed integrally from the material of the sheet metal element.

[0026] The sheet metal element has tabs designed for clamping onto the support element. These can be arranged, for example, on opposite sides of the sheet metal element. This allows the sheet metal element of the protective earthing contact to be spring-loaded and clamped into the support element on both sides.

[0027] A side rib can project from the contact surface of the sheet metal element, transitioning into a tab extending towards the horizontal plane defined by the contact surface. These tabs, formed on the side ribs of the sheet metal element, allow the sheet metal element, and thus any tap connector connected to it, to be clamped to the support element, thereby establishing an electrically conductive connection between the support element and the sheet metal element for the protective earth connection.

[0028] The tabs can have at least one bent end stop for locking the tab onto the support element. Such an end stop allows the sheet metal element to be positively locked to the support element and secured against being pulled out. Simultaneously, such an end stop can also be used when attaching the sheet metal element to the support element to scrape away paint or oxide layers on the support element, thus reducing the contact resistance for the electrically conductive connection between the sheet metal element and the support element.

[0029] The tabs can be fitted with spring-loaded contact tongues that extend away from the contact surface in a direction opposite to the tab's direction of extension. This provides additional spring arms that clamp the sheet metal element elastically into the support element and establish electrical contact. These contact tongues ensure tolerance compensation for height variations in the support element.

[0030] A tap connector of the type mentioned above can be equipped with a protective earthing contact as described above.

[0031] In such a tap connector, the conductor contact elements can be movably mounted within the insulating housing, with a spring element positioned between a support of the insulating housing and the conductor contact element. The conductor contact element can be subjected to a spring force by the spring element. Using such conductor contact elements, the other electrical conductors of the current-carrying profile, intended for electrically conductive potential or data, can be contacted. These conductor contact elements are spring-loaded in the same way as the protective earth contact element for the protective earth contact and contact the associated electrical conductor of the current-carrying profile in the manner of a push-fit connection.

[0032] The invention is explained in more detail below using exemplary embodiments.

[0033] They show: Figure 1 - perspective view of a protective earthing contact; Figure 2 - perspective side sectional view of a tap connector with a protective earthing contact according to Figure 1 Figure 3 - perspective view of another embodiment of a protective earthing contact; Figure 4 - perspective view of the protective earthing contact made of Figure 3 with a view of the protective earth contact element; Figure 5 - Front view of the protective earth contact from Figure 3 Figure 6 - perspective view of the sheet metal element of the protective earthing contact made of Figures 3 to 5 Figure 7 - perspective view of the sheet metal element of the protective earthing contact according to Figure 4Figure 8 - perspective view of a tap connector; Figure 9 - perspective view of the tap connector showing the sheet metal element of the protective earth contact on the underside; Figure 10 - perspective view of the insulating housing for the tap connector; Figure 11 - perspective side sectional view of a tap connector with another embodiment of a protective earth contact; Figure 12 - side sectional view of the tap connector made of Figure 10 Figure 13 - perspective view of the further embodiment of the protective earthing contact made of Figures 10 and 11 Figure 14 - perspective view of the sheet metal element for the protective earthing contact made of Figure 12 Figure 15 - perspective view of the spring element and protective earth contact element for the protective earth contact made of Figure 12 Figure 16 - perspective view of the spring element with protective earth contact element made of Figure 14View from the opposite side; Figure 17 - perspective view of a tap connector in the state inserted into a support element.

[0034] Figure 1Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a protective earthing contact 1, which has a sheet metal element 2 with a support surface 3. The protective earthing contact 1 has a spring element 9 formed integrally with the sheet metal element 2. This spring element 9 is connected to the support surface 3 of the sheet metal element 2 at its root and is freed from the support surface 3 by a slot S adjacent to it. The spring element 9 is designed as a spring tongue that is bent upwards from the support surface 3. A support 10 for mounting a separate protective earth contact element (not shown) is formed at the upper free end of the spring element 9. The bearing surface formed between the support 10 and the protective earth contact element is variable; for example, the protective earth contact element can have its underside intersecting the support or be aligned parallel to it.This results in more flexible installation options for the protective earth contact 1. However, it is also conceivable that the protective earth contact element is formed integrally with the spring element 9 and forms the free end area of ​​the spring element 9.

[0035] It is further evident that the protective earthing contact 1 has an additional conductor connection contact 13, which is also formed in one piece from the sheet metal element 2. A sheet metal strip 14 protrudes from the support plane 3 and is shaped such that two opposing contact tongues 15 are bent out of the sheet metal strip 14, between which the stripped end of an electrical conductor can be clamped. However, an embodiment is also conceivable in which only a single spring-loaded contact tongue 15 is provided, which interacts with an opposing contact edge of the sheet metal strip 14.

[0036] It is also conceivable that a spring-loaded contact for an electrical conductor is formed with an additional contact spring, even if this is more complex than in the illustrated embodiment.

[0037] Figure 2 Figure 1 shows a perspective side section view of a tap connector 17 with a protective earthing contact 1. The tap connector 17 has an insulating housing 18 and conductor contact elements 19 built into it for electrically conductive contacting of electrical conductors in current-carrying profiles.

[0038] The previously described protective earth contact 1 is inserted into the insulating housing 18 such that it contacts and supports a protective earth contact element 11, which is provided separately in this embodiment, via the spring element 9. This causes the protective earth contact element 11 to protrude from the insulating housing 18 with its contact tip 12 in order to contact a protective earth conductor located there. The protective earth contact element 1 is supported by a bearing 10 formed at the upper free end of the spring element 9 such that it is approximately perpendicular to the bearing surface 3 of the sheet metal element 2. The protective earth contact element 11 then exerts a contact force in the direction of extension on an electrical protective conductor in a current-carrying profile when the protective earth contact 1 is mounted on a current-carrying profile.This provides a so-called tip contact, whereby the tapered contact end 12 of the protective earth contact element 11, as illustrated in the embodiment, rests on a protective earth conductor. It is thus designed as a needle contact.

[0039] In Figure 2 It is clearly evident that the spring element 9 is formed in one piece from the sheet metal element 2 or bent out of it. The bending angle can be selected according to a direction suitable for the contact force of the adjacent protective earth contact element 11 and can, for example, be between 0 and 90° with respect to the support plane 3. However, obtuse bending angles are also conceivable in principle.

[0040] Figure 3Figure 1 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of a protective earthing contact 1, which has a sheet metal element 2 with a support surface 3. Opposing side webs 4a, 4b project from the support surface 3, extending obliquely downwards from the support surface 3 in the view shown. These side webs 4a, 4b transition into a tab 5a, 5b that extends in the opposite direction to the horizontal plane spanned by the support surface 3.

[0041] The outer corners 6 of the tabs are bent outwards, away from the support surface 3, to provide a flared contour for contacting a mounting rail. Thus, the tabs 5a, 5b with their flared corners 6 dig into the sheet metal of a mounting rail when the protective earthing contact is inserted into a support element for a current-carrying profile.

[0042] Furthermore, it is evident that end stops 7 are bent from each of the tabs 5a and 5b, which also project obliquely outwards from the support surface 3. These end stops 7 are adapted to lock the respective tab 5a and 5b onto a support element.

[0043] It is further evident that spring-loaded contact tongues 8 are formed on the tabs 5a, 5b, extending away from the bearing surface 3 in a direction opposite to the extension direction of the respective tab 5a, 5b. These tabs 8 can be oriented obliquely towards the space below the bearing surface 3 in order to form a support for bearing on a plane of the support element.

[0044] With the help of these contact tongues 8, the sheet metal element 2 is held resiliently on the support element (not shown) so that the end stops 7 rest against a detent edge of the support element.

[0045] It is further evident that the protective earthing contact 1 has a spring element 9 formed integrally with the sheet metal element 2. This spring element 9 is connected to the support surface 3 of the sheet metal element 2 at its root and is freed from the support surface 3 by slots S adjacent to it. The spring element 9 is designed as a spring tongue that is bent transversely upwards from the support surface 3 in the opposite direction to the side webs 4a, 4b. At the upper free end of the spring element 9, a support 10 is formed by a bent-out material tab, on which a separate protective earth contact element 11 rests. The protective earth contact element 11 then exerts a contact force K in the direction of extension on an electrical protective conductor in a current-carrying profile when the protective earthing contact 1 is mounted on a current-carrying profile.This provides a so-called tip contact, whereby the tapered contact end 12 of the protective earth contact element 11, as illustrated in the embodiment, rests on a protective earth conductor. It is thus designed as a needle contact.

[0046] It is further evident that the protective earthing contact 1 has an additional conductor connection contact 13, which is also formed in one piece from the sheet metal element 2. A sheet metal strip 14 is bent out of the support plane 3 and shaped so that two opposing contact tongues 15 are bent out of the sheet metal strip 14, between which the stripped end of an electrical conductor 16 can be clamped. However, an embodiment is also conceivable in which only a single spring-loaded contact tongue 15 is provided, which interacts with an opposing contact edge of the sheet metal strip 14.

[0047] It is also conceivable that a spring-loaded contact for an electrical conductor 16 is formed with an additional contact spring, even if this is more complex than in the illustrated embodiment.

[0048] Figure 4 shows a perspective view of the protective earthing contact 1 from Figure 3Looking at the side with the protective earth contact element 11, it becomes clear once again that the spring element 9 is designed as a sheet metal strip with slots S, which is freed from the support plane 3, bent or folded, and extends away from the horizontal plane of the support plane 3. The bending angle does not have to be approximately perpendicular (90 degrees) as shown. It can also have another direction suitable for the contact force K of the adjacent protective earth contact element 11. Due to these slots S and the common root area, the spring element 9 is spring-elastic and can exert a contact force on the protective earth contact element 11.

[0049] The protective earth contact element 11 is designed as a separate part and rests on the spring element 9 or on the support 10 on the spring element 9. However, it is also conceivable that the protective earth contact element 11 is formed integrally with the spring element 9 and forms the free end region of the spring element 9.

[0050] It also becomes clear how the stripped end of the electrical conductor 16 is clamped between the two clamping legs 15 of the conductor connection 13, which is designed as a spring clamp connection.

[0051] Figure 5 shows a side view of the protective earthing contact 1. Figure 3 and 4It becomes clear that the side webs 4a, 4b are bent obliquely downwards and away from each other from the horizontal plane defined by the support plane 3. The internal angle is approximately 110 degrees and should be in the range of approximately 90 to 130 degrees. Tabs 5a, 5b project in the opposite direction from these side webs 4a, 4b, forming an internal angle of approximately 45 degrees. The tabs 5a, 5b are connected to their respective side webs 4a, 4b via a curved connecting surface. This provides a receiving space or recess in which additional electrical conductors can be stored.

[0052] It is further evident that contact tongues 8 project from the tabs 5a, 5b in a direction opposite to the extension direction of the tabs 5a, 5b. The contact tongues 8 are bent inwards at an angle of approximately 30 degrees + / - 10 degrees from the plane of the corresponding tab 5a, 5b.

[0053] It is also evident that the end stops 7 are bent outwards from the plane of the respective tabs 5a, 5b. Likewise, the corners 6 of the tabs 5a, 5b are flared to provide a contour for contacting the support element.

[0054] Such a support element is usually designed as a metal profile, the side walls of which have contours into which the tabs 5a, 5b with their end stops 7 are clamped.

[0055] It is further evident that the spring element 9 is designed as a spring tongue bent transversely outwards from the support plane 3. The protective earth contact element 11 rests on the spring element 9, with the protective earth contact element 11 and the end section of the spring element 9, including the support area 10, being approximately perpendicular to the support plane 3.

[0056] Figure 6 shows a perspective view of the sheet metal element 2 for the protective earthing contact 1. Figures 3 and 4 . Here it becomes clear once again that the spring element 9 provides a support for the separate protective earth contact element 11 at its free end with a bent material tongue.

[0057] In the perspective view of sheet metal element 2 in Figure 7 It becomes clearer that this support is formed by a flap of material bent out of the plane of the spring element 9 and pointing away from the support surface 3.

[0058] Figure 8Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a tap connector 17, which has an insulating housing 18 and conductor contact elements 19 integrated therein for electrically conductive contacting of electrical conductors in current-carrying profiles. These conductor contact elements 19, like the protective earth contact element 11 of the protective earthing contact 1, are movably mounted in the contact force direction K and spring-loaded. This allows a spring contact force to be exerted by the contact tip of the conductor contact element 19 on an electrical conductor adjacent to it.

[0059] It becomes clear that the conductor contact elements 19 are arranged in rows of webs 20, which are spaced apart from each other by usable spaces 21. These rows of webs 20 then engage in grooves of a current-carrying profile to contact electrical conductors inserted therein.

[0060] It is further evident that conductor contact elements can also be inserted into the insulating housing 18 as separate insert parts 22. The insert parts 22 are adapted to the contour of the web rows 20.

[0061] The previously described protective earth contact 1 is inserted into the insulating housing 18 in such a way that the protective earth contact element 11 for the protective earth contact 1, as well as the illustrated conductor contact elements 19, also protrudes with its contact tip 12 in a row of ribs 20 in order to contact a protective earth conductor arranged there.

[0062] At least one of the end faces of the insulating housing 18 also has at least one conductor entry opening 23 for the introduction of at least one electrical conductor to an associated conductor connection contact of a conductor contact element 19.

[0063] Figure 9 shows the tap connector 17 from Figure 8Looking at the underside and the protective earthing contact 1 integrated therein, it becomes clear that the support surface 3 of the sheet metal element 2 rests on the underside of the insulating housing 18. The sheet metal element 2 can be positively connected to the insulating housing 18 at this point. For this purpose, locking lugs 24 can be inserted into openings in the sheet metal element 2 to fasten the sheet metal element 2 to the insulating housing 18.

[0064] It can be seen that the side webs 4a, 4b project in the opposite direction to the extension direction of the web rows 20, and the adjoining tabs 5a, 5b project beyond the plane of the side walls of the insulating housing 18. The side webs 4a, 4b and tabs 5a, 5b, which are at an angle to each other, form a recess or receiving tab suitable for receiving electrical conductors routed past the insulating housing 18 of the tap connector 17.

[0065] Furthermore, foot sections 25 are provided on the underside of the insulating housing 18, which are oriented in a direction opposite to the tabs 5a, 5b, pointing towards them.

[0066] The insulating housing 18 also has support feet 26 at all four corner areas.

[0067] It is also evident that a conductor entry opening 27 is provided on the front side in the insulating housing 18, which is open towards the conductor connection 13 of the protective earthing contact 1.

[0068] Figure 10Figure 1 shows a perspective view of the insulating housing 18 without the conductor contact elements 19 inserted therein and without the protective earth contact 1. It is evident that the insulating housing 18 has receiving spaces 28 for receiving insert elements 22. Furthermore, the web sections 20 are defined by projecting, finger-like webs 29, which are arranged at intervals from one another in rows of webs. It is also apparent that a receiving opening 30 for the protective earth contact element 11 of the previously described protective earth contact 1 of the insulating housing is provided adjacent to the left side wall. This protective earth contact element 11 can thus be slidably guided or received within the insulating housing 18.It becomes clear that adjacent to this is the conductor entry opening 27 for an electrical protective earth conductor, which leads to a spring clamp connection or conductor connection 13 arranged in this area when the protective earth contact 1 is inserted into the insulating housing 18.

[0069] Figure 11Figure 1 shows a perspective sectional view of an embodiment of a tap connector 17 with a three-part protective earth contact 1. It is clearly visible that the separate protective earth contact element 11 is slidably mounted in the receiving opening 30 of the insulating housing 18. The protective earth contact element 11 has a widened end 31 that rests on the bearing surface of a spring element 32. In this embodiment, the spring element 32 is formed from a spring steel sheet, which is inserted into a separate sheet metal element 2. For this purpose, a contact surface 33 of the sheet metal element 2 is provided, into which the plug-in tongue 38 of the spring element 32 is inserted, electrically connected, and clamped. The plug-in opening 33 may have spring tabs for this purpose. However, it is also conceivable that the spring element 32 has at least one protruding clamping spring in the plug-in tongue 38.

[0070] The spring force of the spring element 32 pushes the protective earth contact element 11, with its contact tip 12, outwards in the direction of extension of the finger-like ridges 29. It is evident that the protective earth contact element 11 is longer than the conductor contact elements 19, so that the contact tip 12 protrudes further outwards. In this way, the protective earth contact element 11 is positioned ahead of the other conductor contact elements 19. Thus, when the tap connector 17 is attached to a current-carrying profile, the protective earth contact 11 is established first, before the conductor contact elements 19 make contact with their respective electrical conductors.

[0071] It is also clearly evident that the sheet metal element 2 is located on the underside of the insulating housing 18 below the webs 29.

[0072] Similarly, this is also the case in the Figures 3 to 5The illustrated embodiment for the protective earthing contact 1 is incorporated into the insulating housing 18. The only difference here is that the protective earthing contact is located in the insulating housing 18. Figure 11 The protective earthing contact shown is 3-part, whereas in the previous embodiments it is 2-part. The spring element therefore does not need to be as shown. Figure 11 It may be depicted as a separate part. It may also be a spring element 9 bent from the sheet metal element 2.

[0073] Figure 12 shows a side sectional view of the tap connector 17 from Figure 11 This further clarifies that the protective earth contact element 11 is slidably mounted in the receiving opening 30 of the insulating housing 18. It can not only move back and forth in the direction of the contact force K, but also tilt and shift slightly within the tolerance range.

[0074] It is further evident that the widened lower end 31 of the protective earth contact element 11 has a concave contact surface for the spring element 32. It is also evident that the spring element 32 is a torsion spring formed in one piece with a sheet metal part 34, which has a spring arc 35 and an adjoining spring arm 36.

[0075] It can be seen that the tabs 5b of the sheet metal element 2 protrude laterally in the lower area and the spring contact tongues 8 point downwards in the opposite direction to the contact force K.

[0076] It is also evident that contact inserts 22 with conductor contact elements 19 can be inserted into the insulating housing 18 in order to provide additional contact connections for current-carrying electrical conductors of a current-carrying profile in addition to the protective earth contact element 11 for a protective earth conductor.

[0077] Figure 13shows a perspective view of the second embodiment of the protective earthing contact 1. Figure 11 and 12 with its 3-part construction. It is evident that in the support plane 3 of the sheet metal element 2, there is a plug-in opening 33 with spring tabs into which a plug-in tongue 38 of the spring element 32 is inserted. It is also clear that a conductor connection contact 13 in the form of a spring clamp connection with two clamping legs 15 angled towards each other is formed on this spring element 32. Furthermore, a U-shaped bent leg spring is formed integrally with the sheet metal part of the spring element 32, on which the protective earth contact element 11 is supported.

[0078] The sheet metal element 2 can be designed such that plug receptacles or plug openings 33 are arranged on opposite outer surfaces of the contact surface 3. In this way, the position of the spring element 32 and the protective earth contact element 11 can be adjusted as required, depending on the intended plug orientation. It is also possible to use two spring elements 32 to provide a redundant protective earth contact with two protective earth contact elements 11.

[0079] Figure 14 shows a perspective view of the sheet metal element 2 for the protective earthing contact 1. Figure 13 The openings 37 in the support plane 3 are still visible, which are provided for force- or form-fit fastening of the sheet metal element 2 to an insulating housing 18 of a tap connector 17.

[0080] For the construction of tabs 5a and 5b, reference can be made to the previously described embodiment.

[0081] Figure 15 Figure 1 shows a perspective view of the spring element 9 and the separate protective earth contact element 11 for the further embodiment. It is evident that the spring element 9 is formed in one piece from a sheet metal part 34. A plug-in tongue 38 projects from the central section of the sheet metal part 34. The plug-in tongue 38 has a raised area 39 to optimize the spring force clamping on the spring tabs of the plug-in opening 33. The raised area 39 also stiffens the plug-in tongue 38.

[0082] It is also evident that the clamping legs 15 of the conductor connection 13 are simply formed as material flaps bent from the central section of the sheet metal part 34 and are aligned at an angle towards each other.

[0083] The torsion spring 32 is also formed from a sheet metal section bent from the central section of the sheet metal part 34. The free end is convexly curved so that the concavely curved bearing surface 31 of the protective earth contact element 11 rests there.

[0084] Figure 16 shows the representation of the spring element 32 with the protective earth contact element 11 made of Figure 15 from the other side. There it is again clearly shown that the clamping legs 15 are angled towards each other in order to form a spring clamp connection for an electrical conductor 16.

[0085] The elevation 39 in the insertion tongue 38 is also recognizable, the lower end of which is conically tapered.

[0086] It is further evident that a locking tab 40 extends obliquely outwards from the central section of the sheet metal part 34. The locking tab serves to lock the spring element 9 in the insulating housing 18 of the tap connector 17. A support and end stop, as well as a support for the spring element 9 relative to the sheet metal part 2 in the inserted state, is formed by an end-face edge of the sheet metal part of the spring element 9, for example, by the edge facing the sheet metal part 2 below the conductor connection 13.

[0087] Figure 17Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a tap connector 17 mounted on a current-carrying profile 41. The current-carrying profile 41 has electrical conductors 42, for example, in the form of conductor bars, which in the illustrated embodiment are arranged alternately offset on two planes in grooves 43 and extend parallel to each other in the longitudinal direction. The current-carrying profile 41 is arranged in a support element 44. It is snapped into locking tabs 45 on locking contours 46 of the support element 44. The support element 44 is designed as a metal trough that extends in the longitudinal direction and has an opening on the side opposite the base surface 47 on which the current-carrying profile 41 rests. This opening can be covered with a cover part 48 of the support element 44.

[0088] The tap connector 17 then rests on the cover part 48 with its support feet 26. It can be seen that the side walls 49 of the cover part 48 have U-shaped folded edges 50. The tabs 5a, 5b of the protective earth contact 1 are spring-loaded between the base of the cover part 48 and the folded edges 50. The spring-loaded contact tongues 8 of the tabs 5a, 5b extend obliquely towards the bearing surface of the cover part 48 and rest there. This locks the tap connector 17 onto the cover part 48 and electrically connects the protective earth contact 1 to the cover part 48 to provide a protective earth for the support element 44.

[0089] It can be seen that the outer corners 6 of the tabs 5a, 5b, which are bent outwards away from the support surface 3, provide a contour flared for contacting the support element 44. The tabs 5a, 5b dig into the sheet metal material of the side walls 50 of the cover part 48 of the support element 44 with their flared corners 6.

[0090] It is further shown that bundles of electrical conductors 51 are placed in a respective recess formed by the tabs 5a, 5b and the side webs 4a, 4b of the sheet metal part of the protective earthing contact 1, which are connected to them by a bend. The recesses are also bounded by the support feet 26, against which the bundles of electrical conductors 51 can rest laterally.

Claims

1. Protective earth contact (1) for electrically conductive connection of a protective earth conductor of a current-carrying profile to an electrically conductive carrier element for the current-carrying profile, wherein the protective earth contact (1) comprises a sheet metal element (2) which is designed to be placed against a tap connector (17) which can be plugged onto the current-carrying profile, and comprises a protective earth contact element (11) which is relatively movable to the sheet metal element (2) by means of a spring element (9, 32) and is designed for electrically conductive contacting of the protective earth conductor of the current-carrying profile by means of a force-fit connection of the protective earth contact element (11) to the protective earth conductor by means of a spring force applied by the spring element (9, 32), wherein the protective earth contact element (11) is designed as a needle contact, characterized in that the needle contact has a tip for contacting the protective earth conductor and in that the sheet metal element (2) comprises tabs (5a, 5b) which are designed for clamping to the carrier element for electrically conductive connection of the sheet metal element (2) to the carrier element.

2. Protective earth contact (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the spring element (9) is formed integrally with the sheet metal element (2).

3. Protective earth contact (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the spring element (9) is a spring tongue that is free from a support plane (3) of the sheet metal element (2) and bent away from the support plane (3).

4. Protective earth contact (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the protective earth contact element (11) is formed integrally with the spring element (9) and the sheet metal element (2).

5. Protective earth contact (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the protective earth contact element (11) is a part separate from the sheet metal element (2) which rests against the spring element (9, 32).

6. Protective earth contact (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sheet metal element (2) comprises a conductor connection (13) for clamping an electrical conductor (16).

7. Protective earth contact (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that the conductor connection (13) is designed as a spring clip connection with at least one clamping leg (15).

8. Protective earth contact (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the tabs (5a, 5b) are arranged on opposite sides of the sheet metal element (2), wherein a side web (4a, 4b) projecting from the support plane (3) in each case, which merges into a lug (5a, 5b) extending into a horizontal plane spanned by the support plane (3).

9. Protective earth contact (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that the tabs (5a, 5b) comprises at least one end stop (7) bent on the tab (5a, 5b) for form-fitting locking of the tab (5a, 5b) on the support element.

10. Protective earth contact (1) according to one of claims 8 or 9, characterized in that spring-loaded contact tongues (8) protrude from the tabs (5a, 5b) in a direction opposite to the direction of extension of the tab (5a, 5b) away from the support surface (3).

11. Tap connector (17) comprising an insulating housing (18), conductor contact elements (19) for electrically conductive contacting of electrical conductors of a current-carrying profile, wherein the electrical conductors are arranged in grooves of the current-carrying profile, and a protective earth contact (1) according to one of the preceding claims for electrically conductive connection of a protective earth conductor of the current-carrying profile arranged in one of the grooves to an electrically conductive carrier element in which the current-carrying profile is arranged, characterized in that the protective earth contact (1) comprises a protective earth contact element (11) which is relatively movable to the sheet metal element (2) by means of a spring element (9, 32) and is designed for electrically conductive contacting of the protective earth conductor of the current-carrying profile by a force-fit connection of the protective earth contact element (11) to the protective earth conductor by means of a spring force applied by the spring element (9, 32), wherein the protective earth contact element (11) is designed as a needle contact and wherein the needle contact has a tip for contacting the protective earth conductor.

12. Tap connector (17) according to claim 11, characterized in that the conductor contact elements (19) are mounted movably in the insulating material housing (18) and a spring element is arranged between a support of the insulating material housing (18) and the conductor contact element (19), wherein the conductor contact element (19) can be acted upon by a spring force by means of the spring element.

13. Tap connector (17) according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that the insulating material housing (18) comprises a plurality of webs (29) extending parallel to one another and the conductor contact elements (19) are mounted in the webs (29) and the protective earth contact element (11) is also displaceably mounted in one of the webs (29).

14. Tap connector (17) according to one of claims 11 to 13, characterized in that the protective earth contact element (11) is ahead of the conductor contact elements (19).

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