Bridging element, connection element and electronic device

Abstract

The invention relates to a bridging element (100) for electrically connecting a first current bar (210) with at least one second current bar (211), with a contact body (110) which is made of an electrically conductive material and which has a first end section (111) and a second end section (112) arranged at a distance from the first end section (111), wherein the contact body (110) has between its first end section (111) and its second end section (112) a first retaining area (113) for holding the contact body (110) on the first current bar (210) and at least one second retaining area (114) for holding the contact body (110) on the second current bar (211), wherein the second retaining area (114) is formed at a distance from the second retaining area (114) along a longitudinal axis (A) of the contact body (110).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a bridging element for electrically connecting a first current conductor to at least one second current conductor, which has a contact body made of an electrically conductive material and which has a first end section and a second end section spaced apart from the first end section, wherein the contact body has, between its first end section and its second end section, a first retaining area for holding the contact body on the first current conductor and at least a second retaining area for holding the contact body on the second current conductor, wherein the second retaining area is spaced apart from the first retaining area along a longitudinal axis of the contact body, and wherein the contact body has a cylindrical shape. The invention further relates to a connecting element and an electronic device.

[0002] A corresponding bridging element is known, for example, from DE 20 2014 009 737 U1. A bridging element is also known from US 6 280 259 B1. A bridging element is typically inserted into the housing of a connection element to electrically connect at least two current bars arranged in the housing. The housing usually has a bridging slot through which the bridging element can be inserted. The current bars each have a window-like opening through which the bridging element is passed to make contact with the respective current bar. The bridging element is typically secured via the housing of the connection element by snapping it into place in the area of ​​the bridging slot when it is inserted into the housing.The bridging element is thus secured via the plastic material of the housing, which usually reduces the stability of the fastening, especially over longer periods, and consequently also reduces the contact force between the bridging element and the current bars. Furthermore, the sometimes differing contact force between the contact body and the current bars can cause the bridging element to be unintentionally pushed out of the housing. In some cases, it is therefore necessary to hot-stitch the bridging element in its inserted state to the insulating material of the connection element's housing in the area of ​​the bridging shaft. This significantly increases the effort required to secure the bridging element in the connection element and also precludes the bridging element from being reused.

[0003] The invention is therefore based on the objective of providing a bridging element, a connecting element and an electronic device in which the fastening of the bridging element in a housing of the connecting element can be improved and, in particular, multiple uses of the bridging element are possible.

[0004] The problem is solved according to the invention by the features of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims.

[0005] The bridging element according to the invention is characterized in that the first holding area and / or the second holding area is formed in the form of a window-like recess on the contact body.

[0006] According to the invention, the bridging element is designed such that, when inserted into the bridge shaft of a housing, it no longer needs to be attached to the housing of the connecting element. Instead, the bridging element is preferably attached exclusively via the current bars, which the bridging element is intended to connect electrically. The bridging element can thus be held and attached solely to the current bars. For this purpose, the bridging element has at least two retaining areas on its contact body, each of which interacts with a current bar to hold and thus attach the bridging element to the current bar. The retaining areas of the contact body thus form attachment points for securing the contact body to the current bars.The contact body is preferably made of a metal material, allowing for a metal-to-metal connection between the contact body and the current bars, ensuring a stable connection even over extended periods. This stable connection guarantees a constant contact force between the contact body, and thus the bridging element, and the current bars over a long time. Hot-stitching the bridging element to the housing of the connection element is then unnecessary. By holding the bridging element directly against the current bars, a detachable connection and thus a detachable fastening of the bridging element to the connection element is possible, enabling multiple uses of the bridging element. The contact body is preferably elongated, with the retaining areas spaced apart from each other along its length.The bridging element is secured to a connection element at least at two different, spaced-apart points on the bridging element by means of at least two retaining areas. Furthermore, the bridging element is now secured directly to the contact body itself, which also forms the electrical connection between the current bars. By holding and thus securing the contact body directly to the current bars, a uniform and defined contact force between the current bars and the contact body can be achieved. The direction of the contact force between the current bars and the contact body can also be precisely defined and maintained.The at least two holding areas enable secure positioning of the bridging element in the housing, so that an unintentional pushing of the bridging element out of the housing by the contact forces acting between the contact body and the current bars can be prevented.

[0007] The retaining areas are preferably designed to form a positive-locking connection between the contact body and the current bars. To create this positive-locking connection, the retaining areas can be designed such that the current bars can partially engage within them, allowing them to, for example, snap into place or engage behind the retaining areas. Each retaining area can thus form a snap-fit ​​connection with its associated current bar. In addition to the positive-locking connection, a frictional connection between the bridging element and the current bars can also be formed.

[0008] According to the invention, the first holding area and / or the second holding area are formed in the form of a window-like recess on the contact body. The holding areas can thus each be formed in the form of a clearance on the contact body. The current bars can then, with an edge surface that defines the window-like opening on the current bar, engage in this clearance or in the window-like recess on the contact body to form a connection between the bridging element and the respective current bar.

[0009] Preferably, the window-like recess is designed to be longer than it is wide. The window-like recess can thus be in the form of an elongated slot. The length of the window-like recess preferably extends along the length or longitudinal axis of the contact body. Due to the greater length of the window-like recess, current bars with varying thicknesses can be securely connected and fastened to the bridging element. The greater length of the window-like recess also allows for a greater variation in the distance between the current bars to be contacted without requiring any structural modifications to the bridging element. Furthermore, changes in distance, caused, for example, by heating, can be compensated for without reducing the contact force.

[0010] The second retaining area can be arranged below the first retaining area in the insertion direction of the bridging element, and the second retaining area may have a section that tapers towards the first retaining area. When the bridging element is inserted into the housing of the connection element, the bridging element, with its second retaining area, first passes the first current bar before the second retaining area reaches the second current bar and thus its final position. The tapered section of the second retaining area facilitates its passage past the first current bar, as this tapered section reduces the frictional force or resistance that must be overcome between the contact body in the area of ​​the second retaining area and the first current bar. The second retaining area can therefore be divided into two sections. The first section can be used to hold orThe second support beam serves to secure the second support section, and the second section can be the tapered section, which facilitates the passage of the second support section past the first support beam. The first section can have a rectangular base shape, resembling a window. The second section, and thus the tapered section, can have a triangular base shape, also resembling a window.

[0011] To facilitate the insertion of the bridging element into the connection element, particularly into the housing and the bridge shaft of the housing, as well as into the window-like openings on the current bars, an insertion ramp can be formed on the second end section of the contact body. The insertion ramp can be formed on a free edge section or on the end face of the second end section of the contact body. The insertion ramp preferably extends around the entire circumferential surface of the bridging element.

[0012] The bridging element can further comprise a cap element made of an insulating material, wherein at least one fastening element can be formed on the contact body at the first end section, and the cap element can be attached to the contact body via this at least one fastening element. The cap element can serve to guide the bridging element in the bridge shaft of the housing. In addition, the cap element can form a gripping area for a user to grasp the bridging element. In contrast to the contact body, the cap element is made of an insulating material, such as a plastic. The cap element is directly attached to the contact body. The contact body can therefore have at least one fastening element at its first end section, via which the cap element can be attached to the contact body.The fastening element can, for example, be in the form of a fastening tab. To create a particularly secure fastening, two or more fastening elements can also be provided. These two or more fastening elements can each be in the form of a fastening tab.

[0013] The cap element can be attached to the at least one fastening element via a material-bonded connection. For example, the cap element can be injection-molded onto the at least one fastening element. This creates a particularly secure, permanent connection between the cap element and the contact body. Alternatively, a positive-locking and / or force-locking connection can be formed between the at least one fastening element and the cap element. For example, a snap-fit ​​connection can be formed between the at least one fastening element and the cap element. The at least one fastening element can then, for example, have a locking lug that engages in an undercut formed on the cap element and locks into place.

[0014] According to the invention, the contact body has a cylindrical shape. The contact body can be rolled. The contact body can have a C-shape in cross-section, so that the

[0015] The contact body has a slot along its length. Its cylindrical shape allows for a secure and unambiguous bearing of the contact body against the current conductors when inserted.

[0016] Preferably, the contact body is formed from a stamped and bent part. This allows for simple and cost-effective manufacturing of the contact body. The contact body can then be stamped from a sheet metal part and subsequently bent into the desired shape.

[0017] The problem according to the invention is further solved by means of a connection element which has a housing, a first current bar arranged in the housing and at least a second current bar arranged in the housing, wherein the housing has a bridge shaft through which a bridging element as described above, designed and further developed, is inserted into the housing in the plug-in direction, wherein in an inserted state the bridging element is held with the first holding area of ​​the contact body on the first current bar and with the second holding area of ​​the contact body on the second current bar.

[0018] The connection element can be, for example, a terminal block, in particular a terminal block. The two current bars arranged in the housing are preferably spaced apart one above the other in the insertion direction, with the second current bar being arranged below the first current bar when viewed in the insertion direction.

[0019] Furthermore, the problem according to the invention is solved by means of an electronic device which has a housing in which at least one connection element, as described above, is arranged. For example, a mounting rail can be arranged in the housing of the electronic device, on which one or more such connection elements can be snapped. The electronic device can then, for example, be a control cabinet.

[0020] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and preferred embodiments.

[0021] They show Fig. 1a - 1c shows a schematic representation of a contact body of a bridging element according to the invention in differently rotated views, Fig. 2 shows a schematic representation of a bridging element according to the invention, Fig. 3 shows a schematic representation of the in Fig. 2 The bridging element shown is inserted into two current bars, Fig. 4 a schematic representation of the in Fig. 1a - 1c The contact body of a bridging element shown is inserted into two current bars, Fig. 5 a schematic sectional view along the in Fig. 4 The line BB shown in Fig. 6 is a schematic representation of a connection element with a [missing information] as in [missing information]. Fig. 2 shown, inserted bridging element, and Fig. 7 a schematic sectional view of the in Fig. 6 shown connection element.

[0022] Fig. 1a bis 1c Figure 1 shows a contact body 110 of a bridging element 100. The contact body 110 is made of an electrically conductive material, in particular a metallic material.

[0023] The contact body 110 is formed in one piece. The contact body 110 can be formed as a stamped and bent part, so that the contact body 110 is stamped from a sheet metal part and bent into the shape shown here. The contact body 110 is formed here as a rolled metal part, so that the contact body 110 has a substantially cylindrical shape.

[0024] The contact body 110 is elongated. It has a first end section 111 and a second end section 112 arranged along the longitudinal axis A of the contact body 110 at a distance from the first end section 111. Between the two end sections 111 and 112 of the contact body 110, a first retaining area 113 is formed for holding or securing the bridging element 100 to a first current bar 210, and a second retaining area 114 is formed for holding or securing the bridging element 100 to a second current bar 211 arranged at a distance from the first current bar 210. The two retaining areas 113 and 114 are aligned with each other.

[0025] The first holding area 113 is located closer to the first end section 111 of the contact body 110, and the second holding area 114 is located closer to the second end section 112 of the contact body 110. The contact body 110, and thus the bridging element 100, is secured to the two current bars 210, 211 via the two holding areas 113, 114. Furthermore, electrical contact is made between the contact body 110 and the two current bars 210, 211 in the area of ​​the two holding areas 113, 114. The two holding areas 113, 114 are designed to apply consistently high contact forces between the contact body 110 and the current bars 210, 211.

[0026] The two retaining areas 113, 114 are each designed to form a positive-locking connection between the contact body 110 and the respective current bar 210, 211. The retaining areas 113, 114 are designed as detent areas, enabling a detent connection between the contact body 110 and the respective current bar 210, 211.

[0027] In the embodiment shown here, the two holding areas 113, 114 are each formed in the form of a window-like recess 115, 116 on the contact body 110. The window-like shape of the recesses 115, 116 completely encloses them on all sides.

[0028] The two window-like recesses 115, 116 are elongated along the longitudinal axis A of the contact body 110, such that the length L of the window-like recesses 115, 116 extending parallel to the longitudinal axis A of the contact body 110 is greater than the width B of the window-like recesses 115, 116. The window-like recesses 115, 116 are thus each designed as an elongated slot. The width of the window-like recesses 115, 116 is such that the respective current bar 210, 211, with its edge surface 214, 215 which defines the window-like opening 212, 213 on the current bar 210, 211, can extend into the window-like recess 115, 116 and thus into the respective holding areas 113, 114.

[0029] As in Fig. 1a bis 1c As can be seen, the two window-like recesses 115 and 116 each have a different shape. The first window-like recess 115 is essentially rectangular.

[0030] The second window-like recess 116 is divided into two sections 117 and 118. The first section 117 forms the actual fastening or holding area for attaching or holding the contact body 110 to the second current bar 211. The first section 117 is essentially rectangular. The first section 117 of the second window-like recess 116 thus corresponds essentially to the shape of the first window-like recess 115. The second section 118 adjoins the first section 117 directly, so that the window-like recess 116 of the first section 117 transitions into the window-like recess 116 of the second section 118. The second section 118 tapers towards the first window-like recess 115 or the first retaining section 113. The second section 118 is acute-angled, so that the second section 118 has a triangular shape.The tapered section 118 makes it easier for the second stopping area 114 to pass the first current beam 210 in the direction of insertion S.

[0031] The contact body 110 has a slot 119 which extends parallel to the longitudinal axis A of the contact body 110. The slot 119 is such that it extends over the entire length of the contact body 110. Due to the slot 119, the contact body 110 has a spring effect along its length, which facilitates the insertion of the bridging element 100 into a bridge shaft 221 of a housing 220 of a connecting element 200, as described in Fig. 6 und 7 As shown, this can be facilitated. Due to the slot 119, the contact body 110 has a C-shape in cross-section.

[0032] A chamfer 120 is formed on the second end section 112 of the contact body 110. The chamfer 120 is formed on the contact body 110 such that the contact body 110 tapers towards an end face 121 formed on the second end section 112. The chamfer 120 extends around the entire circumference of the contact body 110. The chamfer 120 facilitates the insertion of the contact body 110 into the window-like openings 212, 213 formed on the current bars 210, 211.

[0033] A fastening element 122 is formed on the first end section 111 of the contact body 110, via which a cap element 123 made of an insulating material can be attached to the contact body 110, as shown in Fig. 2 The fastening element 122 is designed here in the form of two fastening tabs 124a, 124b. The fastening tabs 124a, 124b extend parallel to the longitudinal axis A of the contact body 110. The two fastening tabs 124a, 124b are arranged opposite each other. The cap element 123 can be attached to the fastening element 122, for example, by means of a snap-fit ​​connection and / or by means of a metallurgical connection, by the cap element 123 being injection-molded onto the fastening element 122. As shown in Fig. 2 In the attached state shown, the fastening element 122 or the fastening tabs 124a, 124b of the fastening element 122 are enclosed by the material of the cap element 123.

[0034] In contrast to the contact body 110, the cap element 123 has a rectangular shape. Guide elements 126a, 126b are formed on an outer circumferential surface 125 of the cap element 123 for guiding the cap element 123 and thus the bridging element 100 within the bridge shaft 221 of the connecting element 200. The guide elements 126a, 126b are each formed as a guide rib on the outer circumferential surface 125 of the cap element 123.

[0035] Fig. 3 Figure 1 shows a state in which the bridging element 100 electrically connects two superimposed current bars 210, 211. The current bars 210, 211 each have a window-like opening 212, 213 through which the contact body 110 of the bridging element 100 projects, wherein in the inserted state, as shown in Figure 100, the contact body 110 of the bridging element 100 is connected to the current bar. Fig. 3 As shown, the holding areas 113, 114 are arranged exactly at the same height as the window-like openings 212, 213 of the respective current bars 210, 211, so that the contact body 110 with its holding areas 113, 114 can be held and fastened to the current bars 210, 211. The bridging element 100 is inserted into the window-like openings 212, 213 of the current bars 210, 211 in the insertion direction S.

[0036] Fig. 4 Figure 110 also shows a contact body 110 which is passed through two window-like openings 212, 213 of the two current bars 210, 211 and is held and fastened to the current bars 210, 211 with its holding areas 113, 114.

[0037] Fig. 5 shows a cross-sectional view along the in Fig. 4 the drawn line BB. The section goes through the first holding area 113 of the contact body 110. It can be seen that the current bar 210 with its edge surface 214, which limits the window-like opening 212, is immersed in the holding area 113 and thus in the window-like recess 115 of the holding area 113, so that the current bar 210 with its edge surface 214 is locked in the window-like recess 115.

[0038] Fig. 6 und 7 show a connection element 200 with a like in Fig. 1a - 1c and Fig. 2 The bridging element 100 shown. The connection element 200 is designed here in the form of a terminal block, in particular a terminal block which can be snapped onto a mounting rail.

[0039] The connection element 200 has a housing 220. Two current bars 210, 211 are arranged one above the other in the housing 220. The two current bars 210, 211 are electrically connected to each other via a bridging element 100. The bridging element 100 can be inserted into the housing 220 in the direction S via a bridging shaft 221 formed on the housing 220 and guided through the two window-like openings 212, 213 formed on the current bars 210, 211. Fig. 6 und 7 show the introduced state in which the bridging element 100 is arranged in its end position and held and fastened to the current beam 210, 211 via its two holding areas 113, 114.

[0040] As shown in the sectional view in Fig. 7As can be seen, in the inserted state the current bars 210, 211 with their edge surfaces 214, 215 which limit the window-like openings 212, 213, dip into the window-like recesses 115, 116 of the holding areas 113, 114 of the contact body 110, so that the bridging element 100 is latched to the two current bars 210, 211 via its two holding areas 113, 114 and is simultaneously in electrical contact. Reference symbol list

[0041] 100 Bridging element 110 Contact body 111 First end section 112 Second end section 113 First holding area 114 Second holding area 115 Window-like recess 116 Window-like recess 117 First section 118 Second section 119 Slot 120 Lead-in chamfer 121 End face 122 Fastening element 123 Cap element 124, 124b Fastening tab 125 Outer circumferential surface 126a, 126b Guide element 200 Connection element 210 First current beam 211 Second current beam 212 Window-like opening 213 Window-like opening 214 Edge surface 215 Edge surface 220 Housing 221 Bridge shaft ALongitudinal axis SConnection direction LLength BWidth

Claims

1. Bridging element (100) for electrically connecting a first current bar (210) to at least a second current bar (211), having a contact body (110) which is formed from an electrically conductive material and which has a first end portion (111) and a second end portion (112) arranged spaced apart from the first end portion (111), wherein the contact body (110), between its first end portion (111) and its second end portion (112), has a first holding region (113) for holding the contact body (110) on the first current bar (210) and at least a second holding region (114) for holding the contact body (110) on the second current bar (211), wherein the second holding region (114) is formed spaced apart from the first holding region (113) along a longitudinal axis (A) of the contact body (110), wherein the contact body (110) has a cylindrical shape, characterized in that the first holding region (113) and / or the second holding region (114) are / is designed in the form of a window-like recess (115, 116) on the contact body (110).

2. Bridging element (100) according to Claim 1, characterized in that the holding regions (113, 114) are designed in such a way that they form an interlocking connection between the contact body (110) and the current bars (210, 211).

3. Bridging element (100) according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the window-like recess (115, 116) has a greater length (L) than width (B).

4. Bridging element (100) according to any of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the second holding region (114) is arranged below the first holding region (113) in the insertion direction (S) of the bridging element (100), wherein the second holding region (114) has a portion (118) which tapers in the direction of the first holding region (113).

5. Bridging element (100) according to any of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that an insertion bevel (120) is formed on the second end portion (112) of the contact body (110).

6. Bridging element (100) according to any of Claims 1 to 5, characterized by a cap element (123) formed from an insulating material, wherein at least one fastening element (122) is formed on the contact body (110) at the first end portion (111), wherein the cap element (123) is fastened to the contact body (110) via the at least one fastening element (122).

7. Bridging element (100) according to Claim 6, characterized in that the cap element (123) is injection-moulded on the at least one fastening element (122).

8. Bridging element (100) according to any of Claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the contact body (110) is formed from a stamped and bent part.

9. Connection element (200), having a housing (220), a first current bar (210) arranged in the housing (220) and at least a second current bar (211) arranged in the housing (220), wherein the housing (220) has a bridge shaft (221), via which a bridging element (100) formed according to any of Claims 1 to 8 is inserted into the housing (220) in the insertion direction (S), wherein, in an inserted state, the bridging element (100) is held on the first current bar (210) by way of the first holding region (113) of the contact body (110) and is held on the second current bar (211) by way of the second holding region (114) of the contact body (110).

10. Electronic device, having a housing within which at least one connection element (200) according to Claim 9 is arranged.

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