Contact bridge for connecting two busbars and connector with contact bridge

Abstract

This provides a means for connecting electric busbars that can easily and uniformly compensate for positional tolerances regardless of shape. [Solution] The contact bridge 1 comprises a first clamp opening 8' that partially receives a first busbar 4', a second clamp opening 8'' that partially receives a second busbar 4'' and faces away from the first clamp opening 8', and a spring assembly 50, wherein the first clamp opening 8' and the second clamp opening 8'' are openable to the spring assembly 50, and the spring assembly 50 comprises the first clamp opening 8' which is electrically conductive and transmits motion, thereby ensuring that the contact bridge 1 overcomes positional tolerances between the busbars 4', 4'' and that the necessary compensatory motion is distributed between the first clamp opening 8' and the second clamp opening 8''. A housing for such a contact bridge and a connector comprising the contact bridge.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a contact bridge for connecting two busbars. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a housing for such a contact bridge. In addition, the present invention relates to a connector comprising a contact bridge and a housing.

Background Art

[0002] Busbars are used in a wide variety of technical fields for transmitting current and / or signals between electrical modules. In many cases, each of these electrical modules has its own busbar, and thus, for example, the respective ends of the busbars must be connected to each other.

[0003] This connection becomes more difficult because the relative position between the connected busbar ends is subject to certain tolerance-related variations. For example, the busbar ends may be inclined relative to each other and / or may be offset in height. In addition, the relative position of the busbar ends may change due to thermal expansion during operation of the electrical module.

[0004] To compensate for these position tolerances of the busbar, in many cases, a flexible conductor part formed from, for example, braided copper wire is provided, which makes it possible to adjust the position of the busbar ends to different relative positions. However, these flexible conductor parts are costly to manufacture and need to be pre-incorporated into the shape of the busbar. In addition, the busbar needs to be bent into a predetermined shape, sometimes with a considerable force, whereby one of the busbars is often bent more than the other. This can unnecessarily increase the amount of force required, especially when the busbars have different degrees of rigidity or when the bending is not performed within the linear elastic range.

[0005] Therefore, it is necessary to connect electrical modules, especially their busbars, with as little effort as possible despite the position tolerances.

Summary of the Invention

[0006] Therefore, the present invention aims to provide a means for connecting electric busbars that can easily, evenly, and regardless of shape compensate for positional tolerances. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] This objective is achieved by a contact bridge for connecting a first busbar to a second busbar, the contact bridge comprising a first clamp opening for at least partially receiving the first busbar, a second clamp opening facing away from the first clamp opening for at least partially receiving the second busbar, and a spring assembly, the first and second clamp openings being configured to be openable to the spring assembly, the first clamp opening being connected to the second clamp opening in a manner that is electrically conductive and transmits motion.

[0008] According to the solution provided by the present invention, the contact bridge is configured as a spring-loaded double clamp or double-sided clamp that can be attached to a busbar to bridge the busbar. The first clamp opening and the second clamp opening are connected to each other so as to be electrically conductive, so that current and / or electrical signals can be transmitted through the contact bridge when, for example, one end of the first busbar is received in the first clamp opening and one end of the second busbar is received in the second clamp opening.

[0009] The first and second clamping ports are configured to be openable or expandable relative to the spring assembly, and therefore, when opening or expanding each of the first or second clamping ports, the elastic restoring force of the spring assembly must be overcome. This elastic restoring force of the spring assembly allows the contact bridge to apply the necessary contact force to the inserted busbar.

[0010] Furthermore, the first and second clamping ports are connected to each other such that the movement of the first clamping port (e.g., opening and closing) causes the movement of the second clamping port (e.g., opening and closing), and vice versa. This ensures that the compensatory movement necessary to overcome positional tolerances is evenly distributed between the first and second clamping ports. Since the compensatory movement can be performed by the clamping ports and spring assembly, the busbar itself does not need to have a flexible conductor.

[0011] Therefore, the contact bridge provides a simple means of connecting busbars with uniform tolerance compensation regardless of the busbar shape.

[0012] The above solution can be further improved by additional embodiments described below. Each individual embodiment is advantageous in itself and can be combined with one another as desired.

[0013] According to one possible embodiment, the spring assembly can extend at least partially between the first and second clamp openings, resulting in a space-saving arrangement. Optionally, the spring assembly can form retaining sections for the first and second busbars. This improves the handling of the contact bridge, as fixed endpoints are defined for each insertion movement when receiving the busbars.

[0014] In other words, the spring assembly can separate the first clamp opening from the second clamp opening. Alternatively, the first and second clamp openings can form a continuous receiving channel, and the spring assembly surrounds the receiving channel. In this embodiment, the busbars can be in direct contact with each other within the continuous receiving channel, thus improving the flow of current and / or signals.

[0015] To achieve the most uniform force distribution possible, the spring assembly can be positioned centered between the first and second clamp openings. If the ends of the first and second busbars have the same shape, the first clamp opening may be configured to be the same size as the second clamp opening. In particular, the first and second clamp openings may be configured symmetrically with respect to the spring assembly. If there are differences in the shape of the busbar ends, these differences can be reflected in the size and shape of the clamp openings.

[0016] According to further possible embodiments, the contact bridge may comprise a first pair of clamping jaws forming a first clamping opening and a second pair of clamping jaws forming a second clamping opening. Each pair of clamping jaws may define one, two, or three clamping gaps accessible from mutually perpendicular directions for receiving their respective busbar ends. In other words, there is a first clamping gap for a first busbar between the first pair of clamping jaws and a second clamping gap for a second busbar between the second pair of clamping jaws.

[0017] Each clamp jaw of the first pair of clamp jaws and each clamp jaw of the second pair of clamp jaws can be held movably relative to each other by the elastic deformation of the spring assembly. In particular, the spring assembly can form a support point or pivot point for the first pair of clamp jaws and each pair of clamp jaws. In other words, each clamp jaw of the first pair of clamp jaws and each pair of clamp jaws can be mounted to roll, tilt, or pivot by a part of the spring assembly. Here, the virtual support point or virtual pivot point may be located inside or outside the spring assembly.

[0018] In further possible embodiments, the contact bridge may comprise a first bracket element extending longitudinally and a second bracket element separated laterally from the first bracket element, particularly perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. Optionally, the second bracket element may be identically configured to the first bracket element and positioned mirror-image to the spring assembly. In particular, when the contact bridge is unforced, the second bracket element may extend longitudinally parallel to the first bracket element. When the contact bridge is installed, the longitudinal direction may extend along the connecting line between the first busbar and the second busbar. Thus, the longitudinal direction corresponds to the busbar bridge direction.

[0019] When a first bracket element forms the first clamp jaw of a first pair of clamp jaws and the first clamp jaw of a second pair of clamp jaws, and a second bracket element forms the second clamp jaw of a first pair of clamp jaws and the second clamp jaw of a second pair of clamp jaws, the above-mentioned connection that transmits motion between the first clamp jaw and the second clamp jaw can be easily realized. Thus, the motion of the pair of clamp jaws is coupled to each other via the bracket element.

[0020] In this embodiment, the first bracket element and the second bracket element extend from the first clamp gap to the second clamp gap, respectively. Therefore, the electrically conductive connection between the first clamp opening and the second clamp opening can also be achieved via the bracket elements.

[0021] In addition, the first and second bracket elements are opposite each other with respect to the first and second clamp gaps. In other words, the distance between the first and second bracket elements, measured perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, corresponds to the inner width of the first and second clamp openings.

[0022] According to another possible embodiment, the spring assembly may include a retaining spring that connects a first bracket element to a second bracket element in a shape-fit and / or material-bonded manner. In other words, there may be a shape-fit connection and / or material-bonded connection between the retaining spring and the first bracket element, and there may be a further shape-fit connection and / or material-bonded connection between the retaining spring and the second bracket element. Thus, the first bracket element, the second bracket element, and the retaining spring can exist as separate parts in their initial state. This allows for flexible material selection, and therefore, the bracket element can be formed from a conductive material, and the retaining spring can be formed from another material having a higher elastic limit.

[0023] Alternatively, the first clamp opening, the second clamp opening, and the spring assembly can be constructed as a single part, particularly a monolithic part. This allows the contact bridge to be provided as a single, integrated part (e.g., a stamped and bent part), thereby reducing manufacturing, transportation, and storage costs. In particular, the integrated part may include first and second legs for bridging the first and second busbars, respectively, and a spring for clamping (i.e., compressing or contracting) the first and second legs together.

[0024] The spring part extends from the first leg part to the second leg part and functionally corresponds to a holding spring. The first leg part and the second leg part have functions and positions corresponding to the first bracket element and the second bracket element. Therefore, the first leg part and the second leg part respectively extend from the first clamp gap to the second clamp gap. In addition, the first leg part and the second leg part are on opposite sides with respect to the first clamp gap and the second clamp gap.

[0025] When the first bracket element, the second bracket element, the holding spring, and / or the integral part are each configured as a flat body, a space-saving embodiment is realized. The flat body is a flat, planar, plate-like, or tab-like part in which one spatial dimension is much smaller than the other dimensions. Therefore, the first bracket element, the second bracket element, the holding spring, and / or the integral part can each include two flat surfaces, and these flat surfaces face opposite sides of each other, and the distance therebetween corresponds to the small spatial dimension described above.

[0026] In order to give sufficient rigidity to the first bracket element, the second bracket element, and / or the holding spring despite the flat body design, it is desirable to align the flat surfaces parallel to the above-mentioned inner width of the first clamp opening and the second clamp opening. In other words, the first bracket element, the second bracket element, and / or the holding spring can be arranged upright with respect to the bus bar. Thereby, the second moment of area of each flat body increases.

[0027] According to a further possible embodiment, the first bracket element can include a first contact region that tapers the first clamping opening and a second contact region that tapers the second clamping opening. Similarly, the second bracket element can include a first contact region that tapers the first clamping opening and a second contact region that tapers the second clamping opening. In particular, the contact regions can form constrictions in the respective clamping openings by protruding into the interior of the respective clamping gaps. Thus, the first clamping opening can include a first constriction, and the second clamping opening can include a second constriction. These constrictions increase the surface pressure and the contact force on the received busbar.

[0028] In particular, the first contact region and / or the second contact region of the first bracket element, and / or the first contact region and / or the second contact region of the second bracket element can each include a tip. The tip can be formed by a rounded protrusion or an angular notch of the corresponding bracket element. It is advantageous that the contact bridge can roll on the busbar by means of the respective tips. This means that there is not a predetermined (quasi-)stable angular position between each pair of the tip and the busbar, but rather a continuous range of possible relative angular positions. This facilitates the above-mentioned compensating movement to overcome positional tolerances.

[0029] Optionally, each tip can include an insertion ramp for receiving the busbar. From the perspective of the received busbar, the first clamping opening can widen behind the first constriction, and the second clamping opening can widen behind the second constriction. These widened portions increase the degree of freedom of movement of the respective busbar and facilitate the above-mentioned compensating movement.

[0030] In addition, or instead, the first and / or second contact areas of the first bracket element, and / or the first and / or second contact areas of the second bracket element, may each include a double tip. The double tip may be two longitudinally aligned rounded or angular tips. Perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, the two tips are of equal length, and therefore, when the contact bridge is clamped to the busbar on one side, the double tip defines the center alignment.

[0031] To achieve additional flexibility in the contact area, each tip and / or each double tip may be angled or bent relative to the rest of the contact bridge. This means that angles other than 180° are enclosed between the individual tips and the rest of the contact bridge.

[0032] In further possible embodiments, the contact bridge may comprise a plurality of first bracket elements arranged congruently or coincidentally with each other, and a plurality of second bracket elements arranged congruently or coincidentally with each other. The first bracket elements, like the second bracket elements, may be displaceable relative to each other. In other words, in this embodiment, several first and second bracket elements are arranged side by side or stacked on top of each other, and therefore the contact bridge has a larger total conductor cross-sectional area.

[0033] Optionally, the contact bridge may comprise an equal or symmetrical number of first and second bracket elements. The spring assembly may include a corresponding number of retaining springs arranged congruently and movably with respect to one another, each retaining spring connecting the first bracket elements in pairs to the second bracket elements.

[0034] In other words, one first bracket element, one second bracket element, and one retaining spring can together form a bridge unit, and the contact bridge is composed of a stack of such bridge units. By arranging the first bracket element, the second bracket element, and the retaining spring jointly with each other, the entirety of all first clamp gaps of the bridge unit becomes a (common) first clamp opening, and the entirety of all second clamp gaps of the bridge unit becomes a (common) second clamp opening.

[0035] This design allows for tolerance compensation even when the first and second busbars roll relative to each other (i.e., rotate around the busbar bridge direction) due to tolerances. This is because the bridge unit of the contact bridge can be fanned out due to its mobility. As long as there is some overlap between all adjacent clamp gaps, fanning out the bridge unit allows the individual clamp gaps to be shifted relative to each other, creating a "deformed" overall gap at each clamp opening. In summary, the (shared) first clamp opening can be rotated relative to the (shared) second clamp opening, and the busbars that roll relative to each other can be connected by the contact bridge.

[0036] Each bridge unit has its own retaining spring, mechanically independent of the other retaining springs of other bridge units, so that even after strict tolerance compensation, the contact forces within each bridge unit are reliably applied by its own retaining spring. According to an easily manufactured alternative embodiment, the spring assembly may include only one retaining spring that bundles and connects all the first and second bracket elements together.

[0037] The objective described above can also be achieved by a housing for a contact bridge according to one of the embodiments described above. In this case, the housing may be configured to accommodate the contact bridge. Thus, the housing can protect the contact bridge from external influences and also facilitate handling of the contact bridge.

[0038] According to one possible embodiment, the housing may include a first access opening for inserting a first busbar and a second access opening for inserting a second busbar. When the contact bridge is housed in the housing, the first access opening can open into a first clamp opening, and the second access opening can open into a second clamp opening. The size and shape of the access openings are such that foreign matter can be prevented from entering, and thus the housing can function as finger protection.

[0039] Optionally, the housing may comprise a first housing portion forming a first access opening and a second housing portion forming a second access opening, wherein the first and second housing portions are held relative to each other in an angularly movable manner. Angular movableness means that the angle between the housing portions is variable. For example, the housing portions may form a joint in which a contact bridge is located internally.

[0040] Angular movement or flexibility allows the housing to be aligned to the orientation of the busbar being received. In particular, the same angle between the housing sections can be set as the angle between the busbars. This allows the access opening to be aligned specifically coplanar with each busbar and perpendicular to each busbar. Therefore, the dimensions of the access opening can be determined to precisely conform to the shape of the busbar while still accommodating busbars of different orientations and heights. Without this angular movement or flexibility, the access opening would have to be made larger to accommodate busbars of different orientations and heights. However, this would impair finger protection.

[0041] As mentioned above, if the contact bridge is a stack of several bridge units, the housing can bundle this stack. Optionally, the housing may include at least one spacer grid having a plurality of parallel spacer ribs. The spacer ribs may be configured as internal ribs that protrude into the housing and between the individual bridge units. This allows the spacer grid to function in positioning the individual bridge units, in particular a plurality of first and second bracket elements, at predetermined intervals, for example, at constant intervals. In addition, the spacer grid may be configured to align the bridge units within the housing in the direction of the busbar bridge.

[0042] Alternatively, the contact bridge can be provided as a laminate of several integral parts having the aforementioned leg and spring portions. In this case as well, a housing can be used to bundle, align, and form a grid of the laminates.

[0043] Finger protection can be improved if the housing includes at least one finger protection grid for attachment to the first busbar and / or the second busbar. The finger protection grid may be provided in addition to the first and second housing portions, or may constitute one of the first and second housing portions. Furthermore, the finger protection grid may be configured as a comb, grid, grate, grille, or gate-like structure that can be positioned at the end of the first or second busbar. In particular, the finger protection grid may include a plurality of parallel finger protection ribs that surround the end of the first or second busbar when in place.

[0044] The dimensions of the finger protection ribs are determined so that neither the VDE test finger nor a human finger can touch the enclosed busbar, but contact with the contact bridge is possible without obstruction. To achieve this, the pitch of the finger protection ribs may be smaller than the tip of the VDE test finger and at the same time correspond to the pitch of the spacer ribs. The pitch represents the distance between each adjacent rib. Furthermore, the finger protection ribs and spacer ribs may have the same width or material thickness. This ensures that the bridge units of the contact bridge, positioned by the spacer grid, reach the busbar by precisely fitting between the finger protection ribs of the finger protection grid.

[0045] The dimensions of the first and / or second access openings of the housing may be determined such that a VDE test finger cannot be inserted into the first or second clamp opening, but a busbar with a finger protection grid can be accommodated without obstruction. For this purpose, additional finger protection ribs covering the first or second clamp opening in the busbar bridge direction may be provided at the first and / or second access openings. These additional finger protection ribs are complementary in number, shape, and position to the finger protection ribs of the finger protection grid.

[0046] To compensate for positional tolerances of the finger protection grid, it is desirable to mount the finger protection grid so that it can move on either the first or second busbar.

[0047] The initially defined objective can also be achieved by a connector comprising a contact bridge and a housing according to one of the embodiments described above, the housing of which accommodates the contact bridge. The connector benefits from the functions and advantages of the contact bridge and housing described above and is suitable for connecting busbars while simultaneously compensating for tolerances.

[0048] The present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The illustrated embodiments represent only a subset of possible combinations of features. Individual features of an embodiment may be omitted in accordance with the above description if the technical effect associated with that feature is not relevant to a particular application. Conversely, if the technical effect associated with a certain feature is relevant to a particular application of the embodiment, that feature may be added to the described embodiment.

[0049] In the diagram, the same reference numerals are used for features that correspond to each other in terms of function and / or structure. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0050] [Figure 1] This is a schematic perspective view of a contact bridge according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a further schematic perspective view of the contact bridge and the two busbars. [Figure 3] Figure 1 is a further schematic perspective view of the contact bridge. [Figure 4] Figure 3 is a schematic perspective cross-sectional view showing the contact bridge along section IV-IV. [Figure 5] This is a schematic diagram showing a side view of a contact bridge according to another exemplary embodiment. [Figure 6]This is a schematic diagram showing a side view of a connector according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 7] This is a schematic perspective view of a contact bridge according to a further exemplary embodiment. [Figure 8] This is a schematic perspective cross-sectional view of a connector according to a further exemplary embodiment. [Figure 9] This is a schematic perspective cross-sectional view of a connector according to a further exemplary embodiment. [Figure 10] This is a schematic perspective view of a connector according to a further exemplary embodiment. [Figure 11] This is a schematic perspective view of a contact bridge according to a further exemplary embodiment. [Figure 12] This is a schematic perspective view of a contact bridge according to a further exemplary embodiment. [Figure 13] This is a schematic perspective view of a contact bridge according to a further exemplary embodiment. [Figure 14] This is a schematic perspective view of a contact bridge according to a further exemplary embodiment. [Figure 15] This is a schematic perspective view of a contact bridge according to a further exemplary embodiment. [Figure 16] This is a schematic perspective view of a contact bridge according to a further exemplary embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0051] The structure and function of contact bridge 1 will be described below with reference to Figures 1 to 16. Furthermore, the structure and function of connector 2 will be described with reference to Figures 6, 8, 9, and 10.

[0052] Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of contact bridge 1. As can be seen in Figure 2, contact bridge 1 functions to connect a first bus bar 4' to a second bus bar 4''. Bus bars 4' and 4'' belong to different electrical modules (not shown) that are connected to or bridged to contact bridge 1 for, for example, to transmit current and / or signals. In particular, the respective ends 6 of bus bars 4' and 4'' can be connected to each other.

[0053] For this purpose, the contact bridge 1 comprises a first clamp opening 8' for receiving a first busbar 4', in particular its end 6, at least partially. For example, the contact bridge 1 may comprise a first pair of clamp jaws 10' forming the first clamp opening 8'. The first pair of clamp jaws 10' define a first clamp gap 12' accessible from up to three mutually perpendicular directions 7', 7'', 7''' for the first busbar 4'. In other words, the end 6 of the first busbar 4' can be inserted into the first clamp gap 12' from one of the three directions 7', 7'', 7''' as needed.

[0054] Furthermore, the contact bridge 1 includes a second clamp opening 8'' facing away from the first clamp opening 8' for receiving the second busbar 4'', particularly its end 6. Similarly, the contact bridge 1 may include a second pair of clamp jaws 10'' forming the second clamp opening 8''. Thus, the second pair of clamp jaws 10'' defines a second clamp gap 12'' accessible from up to three mutually perpendicular directions 7', 7'', and 7'''' for the second busbar 4''. Again, the end 6 of the second busbar 4'' can be inserted into the second clamp gap 12'' from each of the three directions 7', 7'', and 7''''.

[0055] As shown in Figure 2, it is preferable that the busbars 4', 4'' move toward each other when inserted into the clamp gaps 12', 12''. However, if necessary, the busbars 4', 4'' can also be inserted into the clamp gaps 12', 12'' from the side. For example, the contact bridge 1 can be positioned laterally or pressed against the ends 6 of the busbars 4', 4''.

[0056] When the end 6 of the first busbar 4' is inserted into the first clamp opening 8' and the end 6 of the second busbar 4'' is inserted into the second clamp opening 8'', the first clamp opening 8' is connected to the second clamp opening 8'' in an electrically conductive manner, so that current and / or signals are transmitted between the busbars 4' and 4''.

[0057] For this purpose, the contact bridge 1 may include a first bracket element 14' extending from a first clamp gap 12' to a second clamp gap 12''. In addition, the contact bridge 1 may also include a second bracket element 14'' similarly extending from a first clamp gap 12' to a second clamp gap 12''. The bracket elements 14', 14'' are preferably formed from a conductive material (e.g., aluminum, copper, or an alloy thereof) and are positioned opposite each other to the first clamp gap 12' and the second clamp gap 12''.

[0058] The first bracket element 14' may extend along the longitudinal direction 16. The second bracket element 14'' may be separated from the first bracket element 14' laterally, particularly perpendicular to the longitudinal direction 16. Thus, the distance 18 between the first bracket element 14' and the second bracket element 14'', measured perpendicular to the longitudinal direction 16, corresponds to the inner width 20 of the first clamp opening 8' and the second clamp opening 8'', respectively.

[0059] Figure 1 shows the contact bridge 1 in an unforced state 22, in which the second bracket element 14'' extends longitudinally 16 parallel to the first bracket element 14'. In the mounted state 24 of the contact bridge 1 (see Figure 2), the longitudinal direction 16 can extend along the connecting line between the first busbar 4' and the second busbar 4''. Thus, the longitudinal direction 16 corresponds to the busbar bridge direction 26. Optionally, the second bracket element 14'' may be configured identically to the first bracket element 14' and positioned mirror-image with respect to the clamp gaps 12', 12''.

[0060] The first busbar 4' and the second busbar 4'' may each include two parallel flat surfaces 28. Contact can be achieved by the contact bridge 1 on these flat surfaces 28. For this purpose, the first bracket element 14' may include a first contact region 30' that taperes the first clamp opening 8' and a second contact region 30'' that taperes the second clamp opening 8''. Similarly, the second bracket element 14'' may include a first contact region 30' that taperes the first clamp opening 8' and a second contact region 30'' that taperes the second clamp opening 8''. The first contact region 30' is located on opposite sides of the first clamp gap 12', and the second contact region 30'' is located on opposite sides of the second clamp gap 12''. This allows the contact area to form constrictions 32', 32'' at each clamp opening 8', 8'', selectively generating a large contact force on the accepted busbars 4', 4''. Thus, the first clamp opening 8' includes a first constriction 32', and the second clamp opening 8'' includes a second constriction 32''.

[0061] As shown in Figure 1, the first contact area 30' of the first bracket element 14' and the first contact area 30' of the second bracket element 14'' may each include a tip 34. The tip 34 is formed by the angular prongs 36 of the corresponding bracket elements 14', 14'' and can protrude into the first clamp opening 8'. Alternatively, the rounded projections 38 of the bracket elements 14', 14'' may form the respective tip 34 (see Figure 13). The contact bridge 1 can roll on the bus bars 4', 4'' by their respective tips. Thus, the contact bridge 1 can connect the bus bars 4', 4'' even if there is a height difference 40 (see Figure 5) or another type of positional tolerance between the bus bars 4', 4''.

[0062] Each of the illustrated tip portions 34 includes an insertion slope 42 for receiving a busbar. From the viewpoint of the receiving busbar, the first clamping opening 8' can widen behind the first constriction 32', and the second clamping opening 8'' can widen behind the second constriction 32''. These widening portions increase the degrees of freedom of motion of each busbar as the contact bridge 1 rolls over the busbars 4', 4'' (see Figure 5).

[0063] The second contact area 30'' of the first bracket element 14' and the second contact area 30'' of the second bracket element 14'' may each include a double tip 44. The double tip 44 may be two rounded or angular tips 34 aligned in the longitudinal direction 16. Perpendicular to the longitudinal direction 16, the two tips 34 are of equal length, and therefore, when the contact bridge 1 is clamped to the busbar on one side, the double tip 44 defines a central alignment.

[0064] To achieve additional flexibility in the contact area, each tip 34 and / or each double tip 44 may be angled or bent relative to the rest of the contact bridge 1. This means that angles other than 180° are enclosed between the individual tip 34 and the rest of the contact bridge 1 (see Figure 16).

[0065] As can be seen in Figure 1, the first bracket element 14' can form the first clamp jaw 48' of the first pair of clamp jaws 10'' and the first clamp jaw 48' of the second pair of clamp jaws 10'', and the second bracket element 14'' can form the second clamp jaw 48'' of the first pair of clamp jaws 10'' and the second clamp jaw 48'' of the second pair of clamp jaws 10''. Thus, the motion of the pairs of clamp jaws 10', 10'' is coupled to each other via the bracket elements 14', 14'', and therefore there is a connection that transmits motion between the pairs of clamp jaws 10', 10''. In other words, the movement of the first clamp opening 8' (e.g., opening and closing) causes the movement of the second clamp opening 8'' (e.g., opening and closing), and vice versa. This ensures that the compensatory movement necessary to overcome positional tolerances is evenly distributed between the first clamp opening 8' and the second clamp opening 8''.

[0066] The contact bridge 1 is configured as a spring-loaded double clamp or double-sided clamp by having a first clamp opening 8' and a second clamp opening 8''. As can be seen in Figure 3, the contact bridge 1 includes a spring assembly 50, and the first clamp opening 8' and the second clamp opening 8'' are configured to be openable relative to the spring assembly 50. This means that when opening or expanding the first clamp opening 8' and the second clamp opening 8'', the elastic restoring force of the spring assembly 50 must be overcome. This elastic restoring force of the spring assembly 50 allows the contact area of ​​the contact bridge 1 to apply the necessary contact force to the accepted busbar.

[0067] The clamp jaws 48', 48'' of the pair of clamp jaws 10', 10'' can be held movably relative to each other by the elastic deformation of the spring assembly 50. In particular, the spring assembly 50 can form a support point or pivot point for the first pair of clamp jaws 10' and the second pair of clamp jaws 10''. In other words, the clamp jaws 48', 48'' of the pair of clamp jaws 10', 10'' can be mounted by the spring assembly 50 to roll, tilt, or pivot. Here, the virtual support point or virtual pivot point may be located inside or outside the spring assembly 50.

[0068] The spring assembly 50 can extend at least partially between the first clamp opening 8' and the second clamp opening 8''. In other words, the spring assembly 50 can separate the first clamp opening 8' from the second clamp opening 8''. Optionally, the spring assembly 50 can form retaining portions 52 for the first busbar 4' and the second busbar 4'', respectively. Optionally, in the first clamp opening 8' and the second clamp opening 8'', the distance 54 measured longitudinally 16 between the constricted portion 32 and the retaining portion 52 may be less than the internal width 20 of the constricted portion 32. In other words, the first clamp opening 8' and the second clamp opening 8'' are deeper than they are wider.

[0069] According to the alternative embodiment shown in Figure 11, the first clamp opening 8' and the second clamp opening 8'' can form a continuous receiving channel 56 for the first bus bar 4' and the second bus bar 4''. Here, the spring assembly 50 can surround the receiving channel 56.

[0070] The spring assembly 50 can be positioned in the center between the first clamp opening 8' and the second clamp opening 8''. If the ends 6 of the first busbar 4' and the second busbar 4'' have the same shape, the first clamp opening 8' may be configured to be the same size as the second clamp opening 8''. In particular, the first clamp opening 8' and the second clamp opening 8'' may be configured symmetrically with respect to the spring assembly 50 (see Figure 15). If there are differences in the shape of the busbar ends, these differences can be reflected in the size and shape of the clamp openings.

[0071] As shown in Figure 3, the spring assembly 50 may include a retaining spring 58 that geometrically connects the first bracket element 14' to the second bracket element 14''. Therefore, the first bracket element 14', the second bracket element 14'', and the retaining spring 58 may each be separate parts. In particular, the retaining spring 58 may be formed from a different material (e.g., spring steel) having higher elasticity than the bracket elements 14' and 14''.

[0072] The retaining spring 58 may include a first connection region 60' for shape-fitting connection to a first bracket element 14' and a second connection region 60'' for shape-fitting connection to a second bracket element 14''. In particular, the connection regions 60', 60'' may surround the respective bracket elements 14', 14''. For example, the connection regions 60', 60'' may include shape-fitting tabs 62 that surround the associated bracket elements 14', 14'' from at least two opposing sides and hold them in a fixed position (see Figure 4).

[0073] Furthermore, the retaining spring 58 may include a first pressure region 64' for preloading the first bracket element 14' in the direction of the second bracket element 14'', and a second pressure region 64'' for preloading the second bracket element 14'' in the direction of the first bracket element 14'. The first pressure region 64' is supported by a first connection region 60', and the second pressure region 64'' is supported by a second connection region 60'. For example, the first pressure region 64' and the second pressure region 64'' may be configured as leaf springs 66 that preload the anchored bracket elements 14' and 14'', respectively.

[0074] The connection regions 60', 60'' can be connected to each other by a central portion 68. This central portion 68 forms the respective stoppers 52 for the first busbar 4' and the second busbar 4''. As shown in Figure 1, the bracket elements 14', 14'' and the central portion 68 may be located between the pressure regions 64', 64'', respectively. Optionally, the connection regions 60', 60'' are located between the central portion 68 and the associated pressure regions 64', 64''.

[0075] In Figure 3, the central section 68 is shown as linear and beam-shaped. Furthermore, the central section 68 extends laterally offset from the bracket elements 14' and 14'' (see Figure 1). However, the central section 68 may also be ring-shaped (see Figure 13), cross-shaped (see Figure 14), and / or corrugated (see Figures 15 and 16). In addition, the central section 68 can extend precisely between the bracket elements 14' and 14''.

[0076] Alternatively, or in addition to the above-described shape-fitting connections, material bonding connections may be provided between the retaining spring 58 and the first bracket element 14', and between the retaining spring 58 and the second bracket element 14''. For example, the connection regions 60', 60'' can be welded to the corresponding bracket elements 14 (see Figure 14).

[0077] According to further alternative embodiments, the first clamp opening 8', the second clamp opening 8', and the spring assembly 50' can be configured as a single part, particularly as a monolithic part. For example, the contact bridge 1 can be provided as a punched and bent part 70. Thus, the contact bridge 1 may comprise a first leg 72' and a second leg 72'' for bridging the first bus bar 4' and the second bus bar 4'', respectively. The function and position of the first leg 72' and the second leg 72'' correspond to the first bracket element 14' and the second bracket element 14''. This means that the first leg 72' and the second leg 72'' extend from the first clamp gap 12' to the second clamp gap 12'', respectively. In addition, the first leg portion 72' and the second leg portion 72'' are opposite each other with respect to the first clamp gap 12' and the second clamp gap 12''.

[0078] Furthermore, the contact bridge 1 may include a spring portion 74 for clamping (i.e., pushing or pulling) the first leg 72' and the second leg 72''. Here, the spring portion 74 extends from the first leg 72' to the second leg 72'' and functionally corresponds to the retaining spring 58, particularly its central portion 68.

[0079] Optionally, the punched and bent part 70 in Figure 12 is configured as a flat body 76. Thus, the flat body 76 is a flat, planar, plate-like, or tab-like part in which the spatial dimension 78' is much smaller than the remaining dimensions 78'', 78''''. Furthermore, the punched and bent part 70 includes two flat surfaces 80, these flat surfaces 80 facing opposite directions from each other, with their distance corresponding to the smaller spatial dimension 78' mentioned above. Similarly, the first bracket element 14', the second bracket element 14'', and / or retaining spring 58 may each be configured as a flat body 76 having two flat surfaces 80.

[0080] To provide sufficient rigidity to the first bracket element 14', the second bracket element 14'', the retaining spring 58, and / or the punched-bend part 70 despite their design as flat bodies 76, it is desirable to align the flat surface 80 parallel to the above-mentioned inner width 20 of the first clamp opening 8' and the second clamp opening 8''. In other words, the first bracket element 14', the second bracket element 14'', the retaining spring 58, and / or the punched-bend part 70 can be positioned upright relative to the busbars 4', 4''. This increases the second moment of area of ​​each flat body 76.

[0081] As shown in Figure 7, the contact bridge 1 may comprise a plurality of first bracket elements 14' arranged congruently or coincidentally with each other, and a plurality of second bracket elements 14'' arranged congruently or coincidentally with each other. The first bracket elements 14' may be movable relative to each other, just as the second bracket elements 14'' may be movable relative to each other. In other words, in this embodiment, some first bracket elements 14' and some second bracket elements 14'' are arranged adjacent to each other or stacked, and therefore the contact bridge 1 has a larger total conductor cross-sectional area.

[0082] Optionally, the contact bridge 1 may comprise an equal or symmetrical number of first bracket elements 14' and second bracket elements 14''. The spring assembly 50 may include a corresponding number of retaining springs 58 that are congruent to each other and displaceable relative to each other, with each retaining spring 58 connecting the first bracket elements 14' to the second bracket elements 14'' in pairs.

[0083] In other words, one first bracket element 14', one second bracket element 14'', and one retaining spring 58 together can form a bridge unit 82, thereby the contact bridge 1 is composed of a stack of such bridge units 82. By congruently arranging the first bracket element 14', the second bracket element 14'', and the retaining spring 58 together, the entirety of all first clamp gaps 12' of the bridge unit 82 becomes a (common) first clamp opening 8', and the entirety of all second clamp gaps 12'' of the bridge unit 82 becomes a (common) second clamp opening 8''.

[0084] As shown in Figure 7, the bridge unit 82 of the contact bridge 1 can be expanded in a fan shape due to its mobility. As long as there is a certain overlap remaining between all adjacent clamp gaps 12', 12'', the individual clamp gaps 12', 12'' can be displaced relative to each other by expanding in a fan shape, thus creating a "deformed" overall gap at each clamp opening 8', 8''. Thus, as a whole, the (common) first clamp opening 8' can be rotated relative to the (common) second clamp opening 8''. This design also allows for tolerance compensation when the first busbar 4' and the second busbar 4'' roll relative to each other due to tolerance (i.e., rotate around the busbar bridge direction 26).

[0085] As can be seen in Figure 7, each bridge unit 82 includes its own retaining spring 58, which is mechanically independent of the other retaining springs 58 of the other bridge units 82. Therefore, even after strong tolerance compensation, the contact force within each bridge unit 82 is reliably applied by its own retaining spring 58. According to an alternative embodiment shown in Figure 11, the spring assembly 50 may include only one retaining spring 58 that bundles and connects all the first bracket elements 14' and the second bracket elements 14'' together. In this case, the spring assembly 50 may include several first pressure regions 64' for preloading the first bracket elements 14' in the direction of the second bracket elements 14'' and several second pressure regions 64'' for preloading the second bracket elements 14'' in the direction of the first bracket elements 14'.

[0086] Figure 6 shows a connector 2 with a housing 84 for a contact bridge 1. The housing 84 is formed from an electrically insulating material and is configured to house the contact bridge 1. Furthermore, the housing 84 may include a first access opening 86' for inserting a first busbar 4'' and a second access opening 86'' for inserting a second busbar 4''. When the contact bridge 1 is housed in the housing 84, the first access opening 86' can open into a first clamp opening 8' and the second access opening 86'' can open into a second clamp opening 8''.

[0087] Optionally, the housing 84 may comprise a first housing portion 88' forming a first access opening 86' and a second housing portion 88'' forming a second access opening 86'', the first housing portion 88' and the second housing portion 88'' being held relative to each other in an angularly movable manner. Angular movableness means that the angle 90 between the housing portions 88' and 88'' is variable. For example, the housing portions 88' and 88'' may form a joint 92 in which the contact bridge 1 is located. Alternatively, the housing portions 88' and 88'' may be connected by a film hinge or an elastic hose segment.

[0088] Angular movement or flexibility allows the housing sections 88', 88'' to be aligned to match the orientation and height of the receiving busbars 4', 4''. For example, the same height offset present between the busbars 4', 4'' can be set between the access openings 86', 86''. Similarly, the same angle present between the busbars 4', 4'' can be set between the housing sections 88', 88''.

[0089] As shown in Figure 8, the housing 84 can bundle a stack of several bridge units 82. Optionally, the housing 84 may include at least one spacer grid 94 having a plurality of parallel spacer ribs 96. The spacer ribs 96 may be configured as internal ribs 98 that protrude from the inside of the housing 84 and between the individual bridge units 82 (see Figure 9). This allows the spacer grid 94 to function in positioning the individual bridge units 82, in particular a plurality of first bracket elements 14' and second bracket elements 14'', at predetermined intervals, for example, at constant intervals. In addition, the spacer grid 94 may be configured to align the bridge units 82 within the housing 84 in the busbar bridge direction 26.

[0090] Alternatively, the contact bridge 1 can be provided as a laminate of several punched and bent parts 70 having the aforementioned leg portions 72', 72'' and spring portions 74. In this case as well, the housing 84 can be used to bundle, align, and grid this laminate.

[0091] Figure 9 shows that the housing 84 may include at least one finger protection grid 100 for placement on the first bus bar 4' and / or the second bus bar 4''. The finger protection grid 100 may be provided in addition to the first housing portion 88' and the second housing portion 88''. Furthermore, the finger protection grid 100 may be configured as a comb, grid, grate, grille, or gate-like structure that can be placed on the end 6 of the first bus bar 4' or the second bus bar 4''. In particular, the finger protection grid 100 may include a plurality of parallel finger protection ribs 102, which, when installed, surround the end 6 of the first bus bar 4' or the second bus bar 4''.

[0092] The dimensions of the finger protection ribs 102 are determined so that contact between the enclosed busbar and the contact bridge 1 is possible without obstruction, but the VDE test finger (not shown) cannot touch the enclosed busbar. To achieve this, it must be ensured that the bridge unit 82 of the contact bridge 1, positioned by the spacer grid 94, reaches the busbar by individually engaging between the finger protection ribs 102 of the finger protection grid 100 (see Figure 10). For this purpose, it is advantageous that the pitch of the finger protection ribs 102 corresponds to the pitch of the spacer ribs 96. Furthermore, the finger protection ribs 102 and the spacer ribs 96 may have the same width or material thickness. At the same time, the pitch of the finger protection ribs 102 should be smaller than the tip of the VDE test finger, and the pitch represents the distance between each adjacent rib.

[0093] The dimensions of the first access opening 86' and / or the second access opening 86'' of the housing may be determined such that a VDE test finger cannot be inserted into the first clamp opening 8' or the second clamp opening 8'', but a busbar having a finger protection grid 100 can be accommodated without obstruction. For this purpose, additional finger protection ribs 102 covering the first clamp opening 8' or the second clamp opening 8'' in the busbar bridge direction 26 may be provided at the first access opening 86' and / or the second access opening 86''. These additional finger protection ribs 102 are complementary in number, shape, and position to the finger protection ribs 102 of the finger protection grid 100.

[0094] To compensate for positional tolerances of the finger protection grid 100, it is desirable to mount the finger protection grid so that it can move on the first bus bar 4' or the second bus bar 4''. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0095] 1. Contact Bridge 2 connectors 4', 4'' bus bar 6 End 7', 7'', 7''' direction 8', 8'' clamp opening 10', 10'' pair of clamp jaws 12', 12'' clamp gap 14', 14'' bracket elements 16 Longitudinal direction 18 distance 20 Inner width 22 Status 24 Status 26 Busbar Bridge Direction 28 Flat surface 30', 30'' contact area 32', 32'' waist area 34 Tip 36 Prongs 38 Protrusion 40 Height difference 42 Insertion slope 44 Double tip 46 angle 48', 48'' Clamp Jaw 50 Spring Assembly 52 Stopper 54 distance 56 Reception Channels 58 Retaining spring 60', 60'' connection area 62 Shaped mating tabs 64', 64'' pressure range 66 Leaf spring 68 Central part 70 Punched and bent parts 72', 72'' legs 74 Spring section 76 Flat body 78', 78'', 78''' dimensions 80 flat surface 82 Bridge Unit 84 Housing 86', 86'' Access opening 88', 88'' Housing section 90 angle 92 Joint 94 Spacer Grid 96 Spacer Ribs 98 Internal Ribs 100 Finger Protection Grids 102 Finger protection rib

Claims

1. A contact bridge (1) for connecting a first busbar (4') to a second busbar (4''), wherein the contact bridge (1) is - A first clamp opening (8') for at least partially receiving the first busbar (4'), - A second clamp opening (8'') facing away from the first clamp opening (8'') for at least partially receiving the second busbar (4''), - A spring assembly (50), wherein the first clamp opening (8') and the second clamp opening (8'') are configured to be openable to the spring assembly (50), and Equipped with, A contact bridge (1) in which the first clamp opening (8') is connected to the second clamp opening (8'') in a manner that is electrically conductive and transmits motion.

2. The contact bridge (1) according to claim 1, wherein the spring assembly (50) extends at least partially between the first clamp opening (8') and the second clamp opening (8'') and forms stoppers (52) for the first busbar (4') and the second busbar (4''), respectively.

3. The aforementioned contact bridge (1) is - A first pair of clamp jaws (10') forming the first clamp opening (8'), The second pair of clamp jaws (10'') forming the second clamp opening (8'') and Equipped with, The contact bridge (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the spring assembly (50) forms support points for the first pair of clamp jaws (10') and the second pair of clamp jaws (10''), respectively.

4. The aforementioned contact bridge (1) is - A first bracket element (14') extending along the longitudinal direction (16), - A second bracket element (14'') is separated laterally from the first bracket element (14') with respect to the longitudinal direction (16) and Equipped with, The contact bridge (1) according to claim 3, wherein the first bracket element (14') forms a first clamp jaw (48') of the first pair of clamp jaws (10') and a first clamp jaw (48''') of the second pair of clamp jaws (10''), the second bracket element (14'') forms a second clamp jaw (48'') of the first pair of clamp jaws (10') and a second clamp jaw (48'') of the second pair of clamp jaws (10''), and the spring assembly (50) includes a retaining spring (58) that connects the first bracket element (14') to the second bracket element (14'') in a shape-fit and / or material-bonded manner.

5. The contact bridge (1) according to claim 4, wherein the first bracket element (14'), the second bracket element (14''), and / or the retaining spring (58) are configured as a flat body (76).

6. The contact bridge (1) according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the first bracket element (14') includes a first contact region (30') that taperes the first clamp opening (8') and a second contact region (30'') that taperes the second clamp opening (8''), and the second bracket element (14'') includes a first contact region (30') that taperes the first clamp opening (8') and a second contact region (30'') that taperes the second clamp opening (8'').

7. The contact bridge (1) according to claim 6, wherein the first contact region (30') and / or the second contact region (30'') of the first bracket element (14'), and / or the first contact region (30') and / or the second contact region (30'') of the second bracket element (14'') each include a tip portion (34) or a double tip portion (44).

8. The contact bridge (1) according to claim 7, wherein each of the aforementioned tip portions (34) and / or each of the aforementioned double tip portions (44) is angled with respect to the rest of the contact bridge (1).

9. The aforementioned contact bridge (1) is - Multiple first bracket elements (14') arranged congruently with respect to each other, - Multiple second bracket elements (14'') arranged congruently with respect to each other Equipped with, The spring assembly (50) includes a plurality of retaining springs (58) arranged jointly with each other, each retaining spring (58) connecting a pair of first bracket elements (14') to a second bracket element (14''), the contact bridge (1) according to any one of claims 4 to 8.

10. The contact bridge (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the first clamp opening (8'), the second clamp opening (8''), and the spring assembly (50) are configured as a single component.

11. A housing (84) for a contact bridge (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, The housing (84) comprises a first access opening (86') for inserting the first busbar (4') and a second access opening (86'') for inserting the second busbar (4'').

12. A housing (84) according to claim 11 or a housing (84) for a contact bridge (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the housing (84) comprises a first housing portion (88') and a second housing portion (88''), the first housing portion (88') and the second housing portion (88'') being held relative to each other in an angularly movable manner.

13. A housing (84) for a contact bridge (1) according to claim 9, wherein the housing (84) comprises at least one spacer grid (94) having a plurality of spacer ribs (96), the spacer grid (94) being configured to position the plurality of first bracket elements (14') and the plurality of second bracket elements (14'') at predetermined intervals.

14. The housing (84) according to claim 13, comprising at least one finger protection grid (100) for placement on the first bus bar (4') and / or the second bus bar (4''), wherein the at least one finger protection grid (100) comprises a plurality of finger protection ribs (102) whose pitch corresponds to the pitch of the spacer rib (96).

15. A connector (2) comprising a contact bridge (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10 and a housing (84) according to any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein the housing (84) accommodates the contact bridge (1).

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