Connecting apparatus and also assembly and electronic device

Abstract

The invention relates to a connecting apparatus (100) for connecting a current-carrying element (300) to a rail element (200), comprising - a receptacle body (110) to which the current-carrying element (300) can be fastened, wherein the receptacle body (110) has a first transverse side (112) and a second transverse side (113), which is situated opposite the first transverse side (112), and a first longitudinal side (114) and a second longitudinal side (115), which is situated opposite the first longitudinal side (114), - a first latching arm (116) for fastening the connecting apparatus (100) to the rail element (200), and - a second latching arm (117) for fastening the connecting apparatus (100) to the rail element (200), wherein the first latching arm (116) is joined to the first transverse side (112) of the receptacle body (110) and wherein the second latching arm (117) is joined to the second transverse side (113) of the receptacle body (110).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a connecting device for connecting a current-carrying element to a rail element. Furthermore, the invention relates to an assembly comprising a current-carrying element, a rail element, and such a connecting device. Furthermore, the invention relates to an electronic device.

[0002] The connecting device has a receiving body to which the current-carrying element can be fastened, wherein the receiving body has a first transverse side and a second transverse side opposite the first transverse side, and a first longitudinal side and a second longitudinal side opposite the first longitudinal side. Furthermore, the connecting device has a first locking arm for fastening the connecting device to the rail element and a second locking arm for fastening the connecting device to the rail element, wherein the first locking arm is connected to the first transverse side of the receiving body and wherein the second locking arm is connected to the second transverse side of the receiving body. In addition, the connecting device has at least one holding arm which has a U-shaped end section which, in the fastened state, forms a point contact with the rail element.

[0003] Such a connecting device can be attached to a rail element along an attachment direction, thereby connecting the connecting device to the rail element. For example, a shield clamp can be connected to the connecting device as a current-carrying element, so that this current-carrying element can be secured to the rail element via the connecting device.

[0004] A shield clamp is used to connect a shield conductor, for example, in the form of a braided shield surrounding the conductors of an electrical cable, to a discharge potential, particularly a grounding potential – for example, a busbar, a mounting rail, or the housing wall of an electrical system (e.g., a control cabinet). The contact should be durable, particularly temperature- and corrosion-resistant (even in aggressive environments), in order to ensure reliable grounding of the shield conductor over the service life of an electrical system.

[0005] Rail elements can be designed in different ways. For example, a so-called C-rail can have edge sections that face inward toward each other, forming a slotted opening between them. Other rail elements, on the other hand, can be designed, for example, as support rails with outward-facing collars or edge sections.

[0006] For example, DE 103 15 668 B4 discloses a terminal block with a busbar and a base section for snap-on attachment to a mounting rail. Further connecting devices are described in DE 10 2009 057 514 B3, DE 200 03 081 U1, DE 44 09 206 C1, and JP S45 11877 Y1.

[0007] The object of the present invention is to provide a connecting device for connecting a current-carrying element to a rail element as well as a corresponding assembly and an electronic device in which a particularly secure connection between the connecting device and the rail element can be achieved.

[0008] The object is achieved according to the invention with the features of the independent claims. Expedient embodiments and advantageous further developments of the invention are specified in the subclaims.

[0009] The connecting device according to the invention is characterized in that a first holding arm and a second holding arm are provided, wherein the first holding arm is connected to the first longitudinal side of the receiving body and the second holding arm is connected to the second longitudinal side of the receiving body.

[0010] The connecting device is preferably made of a conductive material, in particular a metal material. However, it is also possible for the connecting device to be made of an insulating material, such as a plastic material. If the connecting device is made of a metal material, it can be a stamped and bent part. For receiving and securing the current-carrying element, the connecting device has a receiving body. The receiving body preferably has one or more fastening means by means of which the current-carrying element can be fastened to the receiving body. For example, the fastening means can be in the form of bores into which a screw element or rivet element of the current-carrying element can be inserted and fastened.Furthermore, the fastening means can also be in the form of locking elements which can be brought into locking engagement with the current-carrying element. The receiving body is preferably flat or rectilinear. The receiving body can be in the form of a plate. The receiving body can be rectangular. The receiving body has two oppositely arranged transverse sides and two oppositely arranged longitudinal sides. The longitudinal sides are longer than the transverse sides. A locking arm is connected to each of the two transverse sides, via which locking arm the connecting device can be fastened to the rail element. The locking arms are preferably connected to the transverse sides in such a way that these locking arms each form a lateral extension of the receiving body. The receiving body is thus formed or arranged between the two locking arms.If the connecting device is placed on the rail element in the attachment direction, the locking arms can engage behind the rail element to secure the connecting device to the rail element. In the attached state, the locking arms can exert a contact force on the rail element that acts opposite to the attachment direction of the connecting device. The locking arms are preferably designed to be resilient.

[0011] The first locking arm can be designed such that, when fastened to the rail element, it forms a first linear contact with the rail element, and / or the second locking arm can be designed such that, when fastened to the rail element, it forms a second linear contact with the rail element. A linear contact is preferably a linear contact, in contrast to a point contact. The contact area of ​​a linear contact is therefore larger than the area of ​​a point contact. The first linear contact formed by the first locking arm preferably runs parallel to the second linear contact formed by the second locking arm. The two linear contacts preferably run transversely to the attachment direction. The two linear contacts preferably extend parallel to the two transverse sides of the receiving body.The one or two linear contacts allow for a particularly secure, detachable attachment of the connecting device to the rail element. Furthermore, the oxide layer on the rail element can be broken up in the area of ​​the linear contacts, thereby reducing contact resistance.

[0012] Preferably, the first locking arm is connected to the receiving body over the entire length of the first transverse side of the receiving body. Further preferably, the second locking arm is connected to the receiving body over the entire length of the second transverse side of the receiving body. This allows for a particularly large connection surface to be formed between the receiving body and the two locking arms. The width of the two locking arms is then, particularly at the connection area of ​​the two locking arms on the two transverse sides of the receiving body, exactly the same size as the length of the two transverse sides. This allows the connecting device to have particularly high stability.

[0013] The first locking arm can have a locking element for locking the rail element behind it. The locking element can, for example, be sheared out of the locking arm in the form of a tab or a nose, or can be punched out and bent. The locking element preferably protrudes from the surface of the first locking arm toward the rail element. The locking element can form a point-like contact of the first locking element with the rail element.

[0014] The locking element is preferably formed in the region of the first linear contact. This allows for particularly good force transmission from the first locking arm to the rail element, enabling secure attachment of the connecting device to the rail element. The point contact formed by the locking element can overlap the linear contact, allowing a linear contact to be formed simultaneously with a point contact for attaching the first locking arm to the rail element.

[0015] To release the connecting device from the rail element again, the first locking arm can have a tool-receiving area into which a tool, such as a screwdriver, can be inserted. Using the tool, the first locking arm can be deflected in such a way that the first locking arm can be released from the rear engagement with the rail element. The tool-receiving area can be designed in the form of a recess or an opening.

[0016] The first locking arm preferably has a different shape than the second locking arm. The type of locking of the first locking arm to the rail element is therefore also preferably different from the type of locking of the second locking arm to the rail element. Furthermore, the first locking arm and the second locking arm can be of different lengths.

[0017] The first locking arm is preferably bent in an S-shape. The first locking arm thus preferably has two bends along its length. The linear contact of the first locking arm can be formed between the two bends. The linear contact of the first locking arm can thus be formed approximately centrally along the longitudinal extension of the first locking arm.

[0018] The second locking arm can, for example, be bent into a U-shape. The second locking arm thus preferably has only one bend along its length. The linear contact of the second locking arm is preferably formed at a free end of the second locking arm.

[0019] In addition to the two locking arms, the connecting device can have at least one support arm, which can have a support surface with which, in the fastened state, a point contact can be formed with the rail element. The support surface can preferably rest on the rail element in the attachment direction in order to form the point contact. The support surface is formed on an edge surface of the support arm. The support arm is preferably connected to the receiving body via a 90° bend. The support arm preferably extends in a plane that is at a right angle to the plane formed by the receiving body.

[0020] Preferably, a first support arm and a second support arm are provided, wherein the first support arm can be connected to the first longitudinal side of the receiving body, and wherein the second support arm can be connected to the second longitudinal side of the receiving body. The two support arms preferably each extend in a plane parallel to one another. The two support arms are preferably arranged symmetrically to one another on the two longitudinal sides of the receiving body.

[0021] According to the invention, the connecting device comprises at least one holding arm having a U-shaped end section which, when the connecting device is fastened to the rail element, forms a point contact with the rail element. The holding arm therefore preferably has a different shape than the support arm. By means of the U-shaped end section, the holding arm can encompass an area of ​​the rail element. The holding arm is preferably connected to the receiving body via a 90° bend. The holding arm preferably extends in a plane which is at a right angle to the plane formed by the receiving body.

[0022] According to the invention, a first holding arm and a second holding arm are provided, wherein the first holding arm is connected to the first longitudinal side of the receiving body and wherein the second holding arm is connected to the second longitudinal side of the receiving body. The two holding arms preferably each extend in a plane that runs parallel to one another. The two holding arms are preferably arranged symmetrically to one another on the two longitudinal sides of the receiving body.

[0023] The first support arm and the second support arm, together with the first locking arm, can form a first fastening unit, and the first holding arm and the second holding arm, together with the second locking arm, can form a second fastening unit. Both the first fastening unit and the second fastening unit each have both a linear contact and point contacts, preferably two point contacts each, with the rail element. The two fastening units are thus formed at two opposite ends of the receiving body. The two fastening units can be used for fastening at two opposite fastening points on the rail element.Preferably, the two retaining arms can laterally overlap the second locking arm at least in some areas, so that the linear contact and the two point contacts of the second fastening unit formed by the two retaining arms can be located in one plane. The two support arms preferably do not laterally overlap the first locking arm. The linear contact formed by the first locking arm is thus preferably formed in a different plane than the two point contacts of the first fastening unit formed by the two support arms.

[0024] The object of the invention is further achieved with an assembly comprising a current-carrying element, a rail element, and a connecting device, wherein the connecting device is designed and developed as described above. The current-carrying element is attached to the connecting device, and the connecting device is attached to the rail element, so that the current-carrying element is held and attached to the rail element via the connecting device.

[0025] The current-carrying element can be, for example, a busbar, a shield terminal or a tap terminal.

[0026] Furthermore, the object of the invention is achieved by means of an electronic device which has at least one module designed and further developed as described above.

[0027] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the attached drawings using preferred embodiments.

[0028] It shows Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of a connecting device according to the invention in a first side view, Fig. 2 is a schematic representation of the Fig. 1 shown connecting device in a second side view, Fig. 3 a schematic representation of the in Fig. 1 shown connecting device in a view from below, Fig. 4 a schematic representation of the in Fig. 1 shown connecting device arranged on a rail element, Fig. 5 a schematic sectional view of the in Fig. 4 shown arrangement, Fig. 6 a schematic representation of an assembly according to the invention, Fig. 7 a schematic representation of a further assembly according to the invention, and Fig. 8 a schematic representation of a further assembly according to the invention.

[0029] Fig. 1 bis 3 show a connecting device 100 in various views. The connecting device 100 is formed here from a metal part by punching the connecting device 100 out of a metal strip and bending it into its shape. The connecting device 100 is thus formed from an electrically conductive material. The connecting device 100 is a stamped and bent part. The connecting device 100 has elastic properties or spring properties, at least in some areas.

[0030] However, the connecting device 100 can also be made of an insulating material, such as a plastic material. Fig. 8 In the embodiment shown, the connecting device 100 is made of an insulating material. Fig. 6 and 7 In the embodiments shown, the connecting device 100 is made of a metal material.

[0031] The connecting device 100 has a receiving body 110, on which a current-carrying element 200, as shown in the Fig. 6 bis 8 shown. The receiving body 110 is flat or planar. The receiving body 110 has a substantially rectangular shape. The receiving body 110 here has two fastening means 111, each in the form of a bore, via which the current-carrying element 200 can be fastened to the receiving body 110. The two fastening means 111 are provided on the receiving body 110 at a distance from one another.

[0032] The receiving body 110 is bounded by two transverse sides 112, 113 and two longitudinal sides 114, 115. The two transverse sides 112, 113 are formed at a right angle to the two longitudinal sides 114, 115. The two longitudinal sides 114, 115 are longer than the two transverse sides 112, 113.

[0033] The connecting device 100 has two locking arms 116, 117, via which the connecting device 100 is attached to a rail element 200, as shown in Fig. 4 bis 8 shown. The two locking arms 116, 117 are formed integrally with the receiving body 110. In contrast to the rectilinear receiving body 110, the two locking arms 116, 117 are curved. The two locking arms 116, 117 are spring-elastic.

[0034] The first locking arm 116 is connected to the first transverse side 112 of the receiving body 110. The second locking arm 117 is connected to the second transverse side 113 of the receiving body 110. The two locking arms 116, 117 are thus connected to opposite ends of the receiving body 110. The two locking arms 116, 117 form an extension of the receiving body 110 in the longitudinal direction of the receiving body 110. The receiving body 110 extends between the two locking arms 116, 117.

[0035] The first locking arm 116 is designed such that, in a state fastened to the rail element 200, it forms a first linear contact L1 with the rail element 200, as shown in Fig. 3 The second locking arm 117 is designed such that, when fastened to the rail element 200, it forms a second linear contact L2 with the rail element 200, as also shown in Fig. 3 is shown. The two linear contacts L1, L2 are formed opposite one another on the rail element 200. The two linear contacts L1, L2 run parallel to one another. The linear contacts L1, L2 each form a linear contact with the rail element 200, wherein this linear contact extends along the width of the first locking arm 116 or along the width of the second locking arm 117. The first linear contact L1 is formed approximately centrally along the length or along the longitudinal extent of the first locking arm 116. The second linear contact L2, on the other hand, is formed at a free end of the second locking arm 117.

[0036] The two locking arms 116, 117 are connected to the receiving body 110 over the entire length of the first transverse side 112 and the entire length of the second transverse side 113, respectively. The lengths of the two linear contacts L1, L2 thus correspond, in the embodiment shown here, to the length of the first transverse side 112 and the second transverse side 113 of the receiving body 110, respectively.

[0037] The first locking arm 116 is formed in an S-shaped manner, with the first locking arm 116 having a first bend 118 and a second bend 119 spaced apart therefrom. The linear contact L1 is formed between the two bends 118, 119.

[0038] Between the two bends 118, 119, the first locking arm 116 has a locking element 120 for locking the rail element 200 behind, as shown in particular in Fig. 5 can be seen. The locking element 120 is designed here in the form of a tab sheared out of the material of the first locking arm 116, wherein the tab is sheared out of the plane of the first locking arm 116 in the direction of the rail element 200. The locking element 120 is formed in the region of the first linear contact L1 of the first locking arm 116. In addition to the linear contact L1, the locking element 120 forms a point-like contact with the rail element 200. The locking element 120 is formed on the first locking arm 116 approximately in the middle of the width of the first locking arm 116.

[0039] Furthermore, a tool receiving area 121 in the form of an opening is formed on the first locking arm 116, into which a tool, such as a screwdriver, can engage in order to release the first locking arm 116 and thus the connecting device 100 from the rail element 200.

[0040] In contrast to the first locking arm 116, the second locking arm 117 has a U-shape, so that the second locking arm 117 has only one bend 122. The linear contact L2 is formed remotely or spaced from the bend 122, so that the linear contact L2 is formed at a free end or at a free transverse edge 123 of the second locking arm 117.

[0041] In addition to the two locking arms 116, 117, the connecting device 100 also has two support arms 124, 125 and two holding arms 126, 127 in order to fasten the connecting device 100 to the rail element 200.

[0042] The two support arms 124, 125 are arranged opposite each other on the receiving body 110, with the first support arm 124 being connected to the first longitudinal side 114 and the second support arm 125 being connected to the second longitudinal side 115. The two support arms 124, 125 are assigned to the first locking arm 116, so that the two support arms 124, 125, together with the first locking arm 116, form a first fastening unit 128. The locking element 120 is also part of the first fastening unit 128.

[0043] The two holding arms 126, 127 are arranged opposite each other on the receiving body 110, with the first holding arm 126 being connected to the first longitudinal side 114 and the second holding arm 127 being connected to the second longitudinal side 115. The two holding arms 126, 127 are assigned to the second locking arm 117, so that the two holding arms 126, 127 together with the second locking arm 117 form a second fastening unit 129.

[0044] With the two support arms 124, 125 and the two holding arms 126, 127, point contacts can be formed with the rail element 200.

[0045] Both the support arms 124, 125 and the holding arms 126, 127 are bent at a 90° angle to the plane of the receiving body 110, so that the support arms 124, 125 and the holding arms 126, 127 each span planes that are perpendicular to the plane of the receiving body 110.

[0046] The two support arms 124, 125 each have a support surface 130, with which a point contact with the rail element 200 can be formed in the attached state. As in Fig. 4 As can be seen, the two support arms 124, 125 rest with their support surface 130 from above on the rail element 200 and thus press in the attachment direction A onto the rail element 200.

[0047] The two holding arms 126, 127, however, each have a U-shaped bent end section 131, which, in the fastened state of the connecting device 100 on the rail element 200, can form a point contact with the rail element 200, in that the holding arm 126, 127 can encompass a region of the rail element 200 by means of the U-shaped bent end section 131, as in Fig. 4 can be seen.

[0048] The two holder arms 126, 127 are positioned in such a way that they laterally overlap the second locking arm 117 at least in some areas, as shown in Fig. 1 can be seen, so that the linear contact L2 and the two point contacts formed by the two holding arms 126, 127 can be formed in one plane. The point contacts of the two holding arms 126, 127 act transversely to the attachment direction A.

[0049] However, the two support arms 124, 125 do not laterally overlap the first locking arm 116. The linear contact L1 formed by the first locking arm 116 is thus formed in a different plane than the two point contacts formed by the two support arms 124, 125.

[0050] The two support arms 124, 125 are each connected to the receiving body 110 via exactly one connection section 132.

[0051] The two holding arms 126, 127, however, are each connected to the receiving body 110 via exactly two connecting sections 133, 134.

[0052] Both the two support arms 124, 125 and the two holding arms 126, 127 are spring-elastic.

[0053] Fig. 4 and 5show the arrangement of a connecting device 100 on a rail element 200. The rail element 200 is designed here in the form of a support rail. The rail element 200 has a first outwardly directed collar 210 and a second outwardly directed collar 211. The connecting device 100 is held and fastened to the first collar 210 via the first fastening unit 128, and the connecting device 100 is held and fastened to the second collar 211 via the second fastening unit 129. A contact force K acting counter to the attachment direction A is applied to the rail element 200 via the two locking arms 116, 117 in order to hold the connecting device 100 to the rail element 200.

[0054] The first fastening unit 128 forms a linear contact L1 with the rail element 200 or with the first collar 210 of the rail element 200 via the first locking arm 116 and three point contacts via the two support arms 124, 125 and the locking element 120.

[0055] The second fastening unit 129 forms a linear contact L2 with the rail element 200 or with the second collar 211 of the rail element 200 via the second locking arm 117 and two point contacts via the two holding arms 126, 127.

[0056] The contact force K and the linear contacts L1, L2 as well as the point contacts can break up oxide layers on the rail element 200, whereby particularly low contact resistances between the rail element 200 and the connecting device 100 can be achieved.

[0057] The two locking arms 116, 117 and the holding arms 126, 127 overlap the two collars 210, 211 in the attachment direction A. Both the two locking arms 116, 117 and the two holding arms 126, 127 engage behind or around the two collars 210, 111 of the rail element 200. The two support arms 124, 125, on the other hand, rest with their support surface 130 on the first collar 210.

[0058] Fig. 6 bis 8 show assemblies 400 according to the invention, each comprising a rail element 200, a connecting device 100 and various current-carrying elements 300 which are fastened to the connecting device 100.

[0059] At the Fig. 6 In the embodiment shown, the current-carrying element 300 is a shield terminal.

[0060] At the Fig. 7 In the embodiment shown, the current-carrying element 300 is a busbar.

[0061] At the Fig. 8In the embodiment shown, the current-carrying element 300 is a tap terminal. The connecting device 100 is made of an insulating material. The connecting device 100 forms a latching support element. List of reference symbols

[0062] 100Connecting device 110Holding body 111Fastening means 112First transverse side 113Second transverse side 114First long side 115Second long side 116First locking arm 117Second locking arm 118First bend 119Second bend 120Locking element 121Tool holding area 122Bend 123Transverse edge 124First support arm 125Second support arm 126First holding arm 127Second holding arm 128First fastening unit 129Second fastening unit 130Support surface 131End section 132Connection section 133Connection section 134Connection section 200Rail element 210First collar 211Second collar 300Current-carrying element 400Assembly L1First linear contact L2Second linear contact AApply direction KContact force

Claims

1. Connecting apparatus (100) for connecting a current-conducting element (300) to a rail element (200), having - a receptacle body (110) to which the current-conducting element (300) is able to be fastened, wherein the receptacle body (110) has a first transverse side (112) and a second transverse side (113) opposite the first transverse side (112), and a first longitudinal side (114) and a second longitudinal side (115) opposite the first longitudinal side (114), - a first latching arm (116) for fastening the connecting apparatus (100) to the rail element (200), and - a second latching arm (117) for fastening the connecting apparatus (100) to the rail element (200), wherein the first latching arm (116) is attached to the first transverse side (112) of the receptacle body (110), and wherein the second latching arm (117) is attached to the second transverse side (113) of the receptacle body (110), and - at least one holding arm (126, 127) which has an end portion (131) that is bent in a U-shaped manner and in the fastened state forms a point contact with the rail element (200), wherein provided are a first holding arm (126) and a second holding arm (127), characterized in that the first holding arm (126) is attached to the first longitudinal side (114) of the receptacle body (110), and the second holding arm (127) is attached to the second longitudinal side (115) of the receptacle body (110).

2. Connecting apparatus (100) according to Claim 1, characterized in that the first latching arm (116) is designed in such a manner that the latter, in a state fastened to the rail element (200), forms a first linear contact (L1) with the rail element (200), and / or in that the second latching arm (117) is designed in such a manner that the latter, in the state fastened to the rail element (200), forms a second linear contact (L2) with the rail element (200).

3. Connecting apparatus (100) according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the first latching arm (116) is attached to the receptacle body (110) over the entire length of the first transverse side (112) of the receptacle body (110), and / or in that the second latching arm (117) is attached to the receptacle body (110) over the entire length of the second transverse side (113) of the receptacle body (110).

4. Connecting apparatus (100) according to one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the first latching arm (116) has a latching element (120) for latching behind the rail element (200).

5. Connecting apparatus (100) according to Claim 4, characterized in that the latching element (120) is formed in the region of the first linear contact (L1).

6. Connecting apparatus (100) according to one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the first latching arm (116) has a tool receptacle region (121).

7. Connecting apparatus (100) according to one of Claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the first latching arm (116) is designed so as to be bent in an S-shaped manner.

8. Connecting apparatus (100) according to one of Claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the second latching arm (117) is designed so as to be bent in a U-shaped manner.

9. Connecting apparatus (100) according to one of Claims 1 to 8, characterized by at least one bearing arm (124, 125) which has a bearing face (130) by way of which a point contact with the rail element (200) is formed in the fastened state.

10. Connecting apparatus (100) according to Claim 9, characterized in that provided are a first bearing arm (124) and a second bearing arm (125), wherein the first bearing arm (124) is attached to the first longitudinal side (114) of the receptacle body (110), and the second bearing arm (126) is attached to the second longitudinal side (115) of the receptacle body (110).

11. Connecting apparatus (100) according to Claim 10, characterized in that the first bearing arm (124) and the second bearing arm (125) conjointly with the first latching arm (116) form a first fastening unit (128), and in that the first holding arm (126) and the second holding arm (127) conjointly with the second latching arm (117) form a second fastening unit (129).

12. Module having a current-conducting element (300), a rail element (200) and a connecting apparatus (100) by way of which the current-conducting element (300) is fastened to the rail element (200), wherein the connecting apparatus (100) is designed according to one of Claims 1 to 11.

13. Module according to Claim 12, characterized in that the current-conducting element (300) is a current rail, a shielding clamp or a tapping clamp.

14. Electronic device having at least one module according to Claim 12 or 13.

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