Butt strap

Abstract

Disclosed is a butt strap (2) for connecting two overhead conductor rail pieces (12) extending in a longitudinal direction (4), comprising a transverse support (4) which extends in a transverse direction (4) transversely to the longitudinal direction (2) and supports two tensioning arms (16) which extend counter to a vertical direction (8), transversely to the longitudinal direction (4) and transversely to the transverse direction (8) and to the lower face of each of which, as seen in the vertical direction (8), a clamping arm (18) for holding a contact wire (10) is connected, wherein each tensioning arm (16) has at least one conductor rail interlocking element (36) oriented in the transverse direction (6) and acting in the vertical direction (8), comprising: - a main body (42) which extends in the longitudinal direction and is delimited in the transverse direction (6) by two opposite transversely extending surfaces (44, 46), - a butt strap interlocking element (40), which is formed integrally on one of the transversely extending surfaces (46), for interlocking connection, acting in the vertical direction (8), to the conductor rail interlocking element (36) when the transversely extending surface (46) is placed onto the tensioning arm (16) having the conductor rail interlocking element (36), characterized in that - the butt strap interlocking element (40) comprises a spacer region (62) which, when placed onto the tensioning arm (16) having the conductor rail interlocking element (36), is spaced apart from the conductor rail interlocking element (36) in the vertical direction (8) and in the transverse direction (6).

Description

[0001] Impact flap

[0002] The present invention relates to a butt plate according to the preamble of claim 1 and a ceiling busbar with the butt plate.

[0003] A lashing plate according to the preamble of claim 1 is known from EP 2 255 991 A2.

[0004] The object of the present invention is to improve the impact flap.

[0005] According to one aspect of the invention, a butt plate for connecting two longitudinally extending ceiling conductor rail sections comprises a crossbeam extending transversely to the longitudinal direction in a transverse direction, which carries two clamping arms extending transversely to the longitudinal direction and transversely to the transverse direction against a vertical direction, to the underside of each of which, viewed in the vertical direction, a clamping arm for holding a contact wire is attached, wherein each clamping arm has at least one conductor rail positive locking element oriented in the transverse direction and acting in the vertical direction, and a base body extending in the longitudinal direction.which is bounded in the transverse direction by two opposing transverse surfaces and has a butt plate form-locking element molded onto one of the transverse surfaces for a positive connection in the vertical direction with the busbar form-locking element when the transverse surface is placed on the clamping arm with the busbar form-locking element.

[0006] According to the invention, the butt plate form-locking element comprises a spacer area which, in the state placed on the clamping arm with the busbar form-locking element, is spaced apart from the busbar form-locking element in the vertical and transverse directions.

[0007] The design of the specified butt plate is based on the principle that the aforementioned butt plate for connecting two ceiling busbar sections is designed exclusively for positive locking. This means that the butt plate makes contact with the clamping arms of the busbar sections over a large area to ensure a stable and precise connection. This approach aims for the largest possible contact area between the butt plate and the clamping arms to distribute forces evenly and maximize the mechanical stability of the connection.

[0008] However, the large contact area also brings some disadvantages. Firstly, an extensive contact area leads to high local stresses, which can cause material fatigue and wear. Particularly under dynamic loads and temperature fluctuations, these stresses can cause cracks and deformations, significantly reducing the service life of the connection. Furthermore, the large contact area can complicate the assembly and disassembly of the butt plate, as precise alignment and high contact pressure are required to achieve a complete positive fit. This increases the demands on manufacturing tolerances and assembly accuracy, resulting in higher costs and increased installation effort. The specified butt plate addresses these disadvantages through a special design that provides a smaller contact area while maintaining the positive fit principle.The butt plate includes a butt plate form-locking element that has a gap. When in place, this gap is spaced vertically and laterally from the busbar form-locking element. This reduces the contact area while ensuring a secure fit.

[0009] Reducing the contact area lowers local stresses, minimizing the risk of material fatigue and cracking. The butt plate can better adapt to thermal expansion and mechanical loads, extending the connection's service life and improving structural integrity. Furthermore, the reduced contact area facilitates the butt plate's assembly and disassembly. The smaller contact area requires less clamping force and allows for easier component alignment, making manufacturing tolerances and assembly accuracy less critical. This results in a more efficient and cost-effective installation.

[0010] The overall idea behind the specified butt tab is to retain the advantages of a positive fit while overcoming the disadvantages of a large contact area. This results in a more robust, durable, and easier-to-assemble connection that better meets the demands of modern applications.

[0011] In a further development of the specified butt plate for connecting two sections of ceiling busbars, the gap can extend longitudinally over the entire base body. Extending the gap over the entire length of the base body further develops the concept of a reduced contact area by uniformly minimizing the contact area, which helps to reduce local stresses across the entire connection. The forces are no longer concentrated at just a few points, but are distributed more evenly. This leads to a significant reduction in the risk of material fatigue and cracking, which can typically occur in large-area contact connections. The uniform reduction of the contact area also reduces stress peaks that can occur with large contact areas. This protects the material from premature wear and fatigue.Furthermore, the connection's spacing range allows for better adaptation to thermal expansion and mechanical stresses, increasing the connection's service life and structural integrity. Assembly is also simplified, as the required contact pressure is reduced. This lowers the demands on manufacturing tolerances and alignment accuracy, making installation more efficient and cost-effective.

[0012] In another refinement of the specified butt plate, the gap area in a longitudinal cross-section of the base body is formed as a rounded section. Such a rounded section helps to reduce stress concentrations that can occur at sharp edges or corners. The smooth transition shape distributes stresses more evenly, which reduces material fatigue and the risk of cracking. This improves the durability and reliability of the connection.

[0013] Furthermore, a rounded shape facilitates assembly, as the parts interlock more easily and require less precise alignment. The rounded edges reduce the risk of damage during handling and assembly, thus increasing process reliability. Rounding also offers advantages with regard to thermal expansion: the more even distribution of stresses allows the connection to adapt better to temperature changes without deformation or weakening.

[0014] Furthermore, rounding helps reduce wear, as the contact surfaces are less susceptible to abrasion. This results in an overall longer service life for the fasteners. Another advantage is that rounded shapes are generally easier to manufacture using primary forming processes such as extrusion. Extrusion enables the production of complex profiles with high precision and efficiency, and rounded shapes help the material flow more evenly through the die, leading to improved surface quality and dimensional accuracy.

[0015] In a further development of the specified butt plate, the gap area in a longitudinal cross-section of the base body is formed as a circular radius. This offers several advantages resulting from the symmetry of the circle and thus a uniform distribution of stresses in the transverse and vertical directions. In contrast to other possible radiuses or transition shapes, where the stress distribution can be uneven, the circular radius, due to its symmetry, ensures that stresses are distributed evenly across the entire contact surface.

[0016] This uniform stress distribution is particularly advantageous because it significantly reduces the risk of local stress peaks. Local stress peaks can lead to material fatigue, cracking, and premature failure of the joint. The circular rounding minimizes these stress peaks, thus improving the structural integrity and longevity of the joint.

[0017] Furthermore, the symmetrical shape of the circle enables a consistent and predictable mechanical response to loads. This means that the connection is able to absorb and dissipate mechanical loads from different directions uniformly, without uneven deformation. This is particularly important in applications where the connection is subjected to dynamic loads or repeated load cycles. In a preferred embodiment of the specified butt plate, the ratio between the radius of the circular rounding and the maximum transverse extent of the butt plate's form-fit element is between 1:2 and 1:3. Such a ratio ensures that the stresses generated by mechanical loads are optimally distributed. The radius is large enough to avoid stress concentrations, yet small enough to guarantee effective force transmission.This even distribution of stress reduces the risk of cracks and material fatigue, thus increasing the service life of the connection.

[0018] Furthermore, this ratio ensures efficient material utilization. The radius is sufficiently large to fully exploit the benefits of rounding, yet not so large as to waste material unnecessarily. This results in economical production of the butt plate, which nevertheless meets high mechanical requirements. Another advantage is that a radius between one-third and one-half of the maximum transverse dimension facilitates extrusion manufacturing. The material distribution during the extrusion process becomes more uniform, leading to improved surface quality and dimensional accuracy. This reduces scrap and increases production efficiency.

[0019] Mechanically, this ratio offers a good balance between the flexibility and stiffness of the connection. A radius that is too small could restrict flexibility and result in a rigid but fragile connection. Conversely, a radius that is too large could reduce the necessary stiffness. A ratio of 1:2 to 1:3 ensures that the connection is mechanically stable and at the same time flexible enough to accommodate loads and thermal expansion.

[0020] Another practical advantage of this ratio is easier maintenance and inspection. The rounded edges are less susceptible to dirt accumulation and corrosion. The smooth, uniformly rounded edges facilitate cleaning and inspection of the connection, simplifying maintenance and increasing the service life of the busbar connection. Finally, the circular rounding with the aforementioned ratio minimizes the notch effect that can occur at sharp corners. This leads to a reduction in local stresses and prevents the concentration of loads at specific points, which in turn increases the mechanical strength of the connection.

[0021] In another embodiment, the specified butt plate features a gap at the transition between the transverse surface and the butt plate's form-fitting element. A gap arranged in this way can help reduce stresses at the transition points, which is particularly advantageous for preventing material fatigue and cracking that could be caused by sharp transitions and high local stresses. Furthermore, the gap increases the flexibility of the connection, as it allows for some movement, thus enabling a more even distribution of stresses.

[0022] Another advantage is that the gap allows the components to expand and contract due to temperature changes without experiencing excessive stress or deformation. This contributes to the longevity and reliability of the connection. By allowing thermal movement, it prevents cracks or other damage from forming at the joint points. The gap can also simplify assembly by providing some tolerance for component alignment errors. This can be particularly helpful if the components are not perfectly aligned during assembly. The gap allows for easy position adjustments before final tightening, making assembly processes more efficient and less prone to errors.

[0023] Another advantage is that the gap can prevent the transverse surface and the butt plate form-locking element from rubbing directly against each other, reducing friction and wear. This can also prevent contact corrosion by minimizing direct metal-to-metal contact, thus extending the service life of the joint. Although gaps are prone to the accumulation of contaminants, a well-designed gap can help to channel away dirt and moisture. If the gap is designed with a slight slope or opening to the outside, contaminants can be more easily removed by gravity or movement. Such a gap can also be made accessible for maintenance, allowing dirt and debris to be removed regularly to keep the joint clean and functioning properly.

[0024] In a further development, the specified butt plate includes an additional gap area which, together with the first gap area in the transverse direction, encloses a contact area for placement on the busbar positive locking element. In this way, the mechanical connection between the butt plate and the busbar can be dimensioned, depending on the application, between ideal line contact and ideal surface contact. Line friction or line contact occurs when the contact area is very small and the friction acts along a narrow line. This type of friction can generate higher specific pressures, leading to increased frictional resistance. However, it can also lead to higher local stresses, which can increase the risk of material fatigue and cracking.Line friction is useful in applications where precise and targeted force transmission is required and the overall contact area should be minimized. Surface friction, or surface contact, on the other hand, occurs when the contact area is larger and the friction is distributed over a greater area. This results in a more uniform force distribution and lower local stresses, reducing the risk of material fatigue and cracking. Surface friction offers greater stability and a more robust connection because the forces are distributed over a larger area. This type of friction is advantageous in applications requiring high loads and uniform force transmission.

[0025] The specific design of the butt plate, with two spacing zones that enclose a contact area in the transverse direction, allows the contact to be adjusted between full surface friction and full line friction, depending on the application. This offers a significant advantage, as the connection can be flexibly adapted to the specific requirements of each application. For applications requiring high precision and targeted force transmission, the contact area can be designed to dominate line friction. This enables higher specific pressures and precise component positioning. In applications requiring high stability and uniform force distribution, the contact area can be enlarged to generate surface friction. This results in a more robust and durable connection that withstands high loads and reduces the risk of material fatigue.This flexible design of the contact surface offers significant advantages, as it allows the connection to be precisely tailored to the mechanical and thermal requirements of the application. This optimizes both the service life and reliability of the connection. The ability to dimension the contact surface as needed makes the butt plate a versatile solution for a wide range of applications across various industries.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment of the specified butt plate, the contact area is inclined in the longitudinal direction, both vertically and transversely. This leads to a better distribution of forces across the entire contact surface due to the inclination, which ensures a more even distribution of the load, thereby significantly reducing stress peaks that typically occur at sharp transitions. The inclined arrangement introduces forces into the connection not only vertically but also laterally. This means that under load, a portion of the forces is diverted along the axis of inclination, thus balancing and distributing the pressure distribution on the contact surface. This uniform distribution of forces prevents the concentration of loads at specific points, leading to a reduction in material fatigue and cracking.As a result, the structural integrity of the connection is improved, since the uniform stress distribution minimizes the risk of weakening and failure. This makes the connection not only more stable but also more durable, as the uniform load distribution absorbs mechanical stresses more efficiently and distributes them across the entire surface. This is particularly advantageous in applications subjected to high mechanical and thermal stresses, as the uniform force distribution helps ensure the structural strength and reliability of the connection.

[0027] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the specified butt plate, the contact area is flat. This allows the mating parts to be joined without undercuts, meaning there are no disruptive geometries or recesses when the parts are joined. This simplifies the manufacturing and assembly of the joint. It also facilitates disassembly and maintenance of the joint, as there are no areas that are difficult to disassemble and could be exposed to contamination or corrosion.

[0028] In a further development of the specified butt plate, the spacing zones are provided to have different lengths or radii. The invention is based on the consideration that conventional connections of busbar profiles, particularly via positive-locking plate systems, often have a symmetrical contact geometry. However, such a symmetrical design is unable to respond effectively to uneven load distributions or direction-dependent assembly tolerances. This leads to uneven force transmission, especially under high temperature fluctuations, rail deformation, or alternating mechanical loads, and can result in overloading of individual contact areas.

[0029] The specified butt plate is therefore based on the premise that a deliberate asymmetry in the geometry of the spaced areas—either through different radii and / or different lengths of the spaced areas—enables a direction-dependent force distribution and a controlled, directed introduction of assembly or operating forces. In particular, such an asymmetrical design allows the butt plate to make sequential contact when the fasteners are tightened. This allows manufacturing tolerances or assembly deviations inherent in the design to be transformed into a mechanically functional contact characteristic.

[0030] Furthermore, the varying radii or lengths of the gap zones allow for the creation of defined pressure profiles across the contact area. This helps to specifically avoid stress peaks in highly stressed areas and instead establish a uniform preload in the relevant contact zones. Additionally, contact quality during operation is improved, as the load is no longer borne solely by the main contact zone, but also by a graduated load transfer along the asymmetrical transition zones.

[0031] The asymmetrical design can also be used to create specific mounting directions or self-centering effects. For example, differentiating the spacing ranges allows the butt plate to be precisely "swiveled" into the busbar, significantly simplifying adjustment and alignment during installation. This reduces installation effort and the potential for errors, thus contributing to increased operational reliability. In a further development of the specified butt plate, the radius of the first spacing range is larger than that of the second. This design is based on the principle that a targeted variation of the radii of curvature allows for directed force application and preferential contact zone formation.While symmetrical contact geometries typically lead to uniform but mechanically sluggish contact surfaces, the asymmetrical radius design enables a preferred initial contact, which is particularly advantageous in the case of variable screw torques or thermally induced component expansion.

[0032] The different curvatures of the two spacer sections allow the section with the larger radius to initially contact the corresponding surface of the busbar positive locking element when the connecting screws are tightened. This creates a defined initial contact line along which the preload force can build up in a controlled manner. Only as the screws are tightened further does the second spacer section with the smaller radius come into play, resulting in a gradual increase in contact pressure.

[0033] This stepped contact not only contributes to improved control of the tightening process but also reduces stress by preventing local over-crimping or material over-extension. Furthermore, the greater curvature of the first gap section enables improved joining behavior, as it allows for a smooth conformity to the mating surface. This is particularly beneficial in the case of temperature-induced length changes, as it allows for elastic tolerance compensation without compromising mechanical integrity.

[0034] Furthermore, this further development of the butt plate allows for targeted control of the current transmission characteristics, as the shape and sequence of the contact zones can be adapted. The larger radius in the first distance range promotes a broad, area-wide contact zone, while the smaller radius in the second distance range enables more focused contact, which can result in improved electrical contact stability under varying operating conditions.

[0035] Overall, the targeted differentiation of radii in the spacing ranges increases the adaptability of the specified butt plate to operational and manufacturing challenges and contributes to improved assembly quality, operational safety and service life of the connection.

[0036] Overall, this further development of the butt plate enables targeted adaptation of the connection to operational requirements by employing asymmetrical geometries for the active control of mechanical and thermal load distribution. This makes the connection more robust, easier to assemble, and more durable than conventional symmetrical designs.

[0037] In a further development of the specified butt plate, the transverse dimension of the butt plate's positive locking element is less than that of the busbar's positive locking element. This design addresses the technical challenge that, in current-carrying connections, relative positional changes between the connected busbar sections can occur due to temperature fluctuations, manufacturing tolerances, or dynamic loads. Conventional solutions with uniform or overlapping expansion of the positive locking elements tend to result in unwanted stress, loss of contact, or a restriction of movement during thermal expansion.

[0038] The reduced lateral expansion of the butt plate form-locking element creates a targeted, structurally defined range of motion within the connection, allowing controlled relative movement of the components during axial expansion or lateral displacement. This range of motion does not act as a loose gap, but is geometrically embedded within the connection and securely held by the other form-locking elements and bolted connections. This prevents mechanical forces from being transmitted uncontrollably into adjacent components or from causing deformation of the busbar profiles.

[0039] Particularly in applications with cyclic temperature changes or long busbar sections, this tolerance margin has a positive effect on the durability and stability of the connection. It prevents the formation of local stress peaks due to thermal stress and simultaneously ensures that current transmission via the butt plate is not impaired by mechanically induced positional deviations. As a result, the connection remains reliably electrically conductive and mechanically sound, even under load.

[0040] Furthermore, the reduced lateral dimension of the butt plate facilitates assembly, as it supports the insertion of the plate element between the busbar profiles even when components are not perfectly aligned. This improves assembly tolerance without impairing the functionality of the connection.

[0041] Overall, this further development of the specified impact flap enables a structurally simple, but functionally highly effective compensation of elongation and tolerance deviations, which contributes to increased operational safety and system reliability, especially in demanding application environments.

[0042] In a further development of the specified butt plate, it is provided that the butt plate has a tolerance compensation surface in the vertical direction, which is designed as a plano-convex section that is resiliently deformable in the vertical direction. The underlying principle of this butt plate is that height tolerances occurring during assembly or operation, e.g., due to uneven clamping points, manufacturing variations, or dynamic vibration loads, can lead to unfavorable relative positions between the busbar profile and the plate. A rigid design of the plate would not be able to compensate for these vertical differences in such cases, which can lead to uneven contact conditions and mechanical overload.

[0043] The specified butt plate addresses this problem by incorporating a resilient tolerance compensation surface with a plano-convex profile. This section is designed to deform elastically under vertical load, thus compensating for height differences between the busbar profiles being connected. The plano-convex design ensures an initial contact area that progressively increases with increasing preload. This results in a uniform force distribution without localized over-compression or tilting of the butt plate.

[0044] Additionally, the tolerance compensation surface acts as a buffer against dynamic influences such as shocks, vibrations, or load-dependent deflections of the busbar structure. This ensures that the connection remains reliably tensioned and electrically and mechanically functional even under transient conditions. The plano-convex area thus acts not only as a passive compensation element but also as an actively functioning elastic area that contributes to operational reliability.

[0045] This tolerance compensation surface can be formed either by targeted material tapering or by a defined arc shape within the base body of the butt plate. It is particularly advantageous in application environments with high assembly requirements or highly fluctuating environmental conditions.

[0046] Overall, this further development of the specified impact flap contributes to bridging height differences in a structurally robust and functionally reliable manner, thereby achieving a uniform mechanical and electrical connection across the entire contact zone.

[0047] In a further development of the specified butt plate, the contact area is designed as a clamping zone with a defined bending moment to absorb peak mechanical stresses. This design addresses the technical requirement that high local loads can occur in busbar systems, particularly at joints – whether due to assembly tolerances, uneven bolt preload, or dynamic forces during operation. Conventional solutions typically transfer such stresses directly through the connecting elements, which can lead to uncontrolled material stresses or, in extreme cases, premature failure.

[0048] The specified butt plate addresses this problem by designing the contact area as a mechanical tensioning zone. Through its specific geometry – particularly regarding wall thickness, material profile, and deflection curve – this area is able to elastically absorb occurring forces and transfer them in a controlled manner to the adjacent sections of the plate. The tensioning zone thus acts like a "flexural joint" in the contact area, reducing stress peaks and ensuring a uniform load distribution.

[0049] The defined bending moment ensures that even with suboptimal installation or uneven alignment, no excessive forces act on the electrical contact surfaces or screw connections. This protects the busbar profiles from plastic deformation and guarantees consistent contact quality throughout the entire service life of the connection.

[0050] The clamping zone can be achieved through targeted cross-sectional modifications or material savings – for example, by a slight constriction in the central area of ​​the contact segment or by a graduated wall thickness distribution. In this way, the structural behavior of the contact area is precisely tailored to the stresses that occur.

[0051] Overall, this further development of the specified butt plate enables a mechanically adapted energy absorption in the area of ​​the butt joint, thereby improving both the reliability and the fatigue strength of the joint without the need for additional components or complex assembly steps.

[0052] In a further development of the specified butt plate, the contact area is designed to have a rounded or polygonal transition zone between the gaps in the transverse direction. This facilitates a low-stress force distribution under varying preload. The underlying principle of this butt plate is that the transition geometry between mechanically separated contact and gap areas plays a crucial role in stress concentration and load distribution within the connection. Conventional designs with sharp edges or abrupt transitions tend to generate stress peaks that can lead to microcracks or localized material failure.

[0053] By strategically designing the transition area – either with a continuous rounding or a stepped polygonal geometry – the force flow within the contact area is harmonized. This results in a uniform load distribution, even with uneven bolt preload or component deformation during operation. The tab thus adapts better to real-world mechanical conditions and minimizes the risk of localized overloads.

[0054] Particularly when dealing with varying screw tensile forces or subsequent thermal expansion of the busbar profiles, this transition zone provides a defined flexibility that has a stress-balancing effect on the entire connection. The contact area does not lose stiffness; rather, its geometry gives it a targeted elasticity that contributes to long-term functional reliability during operation.

[0055] Depending on the design, the rounded transition zone can be implemented as a radius profile with a continuous curvature gradient or as a faceted polygon step with a graduated stiffness progression. Both variants allow the mechanical requirements to be precisely tailored to the intended application.

[0056] Overall, this further development of the specified butt plate improves the load distribution in the area of ​​the butt joint, increases the fatigue strength and enables an application-adaptive design without requiring additional components or assembly steps.

[0057] In a further development of the specified butt plate, the contact area is designed as a self-centering geometry with a convex curvature. This butt plate addresses the practical challenge that precise positioning of the plates is required during the installation of ceiling busbar sections to prevent vertical and lateral misalignment. Conventional butt joints with flat contact surfaces offer only minimal passive guidance and demand high alignment accuracy, which increases installation effort and the risk of faulty connections.

[0058] The convex geometry of the contact area, on the other hand, creates a passive self-centering effect. When the butt tab is placed against the busbar locking element, the curvature causes the tab to self-align into the intended position under slight contact pressure. The curvature acts similarly to a guide element that, under assembly force, fits into the shape of the mating part, thereby enabling precise centering along the transverse and / or vertical direction.

[0059] This self-centering feature not only improves assembly efficiency but also ensures that the final position of the butt tab is always reproducible, regardless of minor manufacturing or alignment errors. This improves the uniform force transmission across the contact surface and creates a defined, repeatable assembly state, which has a positive effect on electrical contact quality and mechanical stability.

[0060] The convex curvature can be designed as a uniformly curved radius or as an asymmetrical curve with a targeted entry line. Both variants allow for functional self-centering without additional auxiliary parts or complex guide mechanisms.

[0061] Overall, this further development of the specified butt tab increases the assembly accuracy, reduces the requirements for external alignment tools and permanently improves the quality of the connection between the busbar sections.

[0062] In a further development of the specified butt plate, the transverse surface of the butt plate is inclined at an angle to the vertical direction to achieve preferential force application in the clamping area. The specified butt plate takes into account the fact that the direction in which forces are introduced between the butt plate and the busbar positive locking element has a significant influence on the stress distribution and the contact stability of the connection.

[0063] In conventional tab designs, force transmission typically occurs perpendicular to the contact surface, which in practice can lead to local stress peaks, especially if the contact surfaces are not perfectly flat or uniformly loaded. This can result in uneven preload, localized material strain, or even a partial failure of the connection.

[0064] The inclined design of the transverse surface, on the other hand, allows the application of the tightening force via the connecting screws to be controlled at a preferred angle. This leads to an improved surface distribution of the preload and creates a kind of sliding and settling behavior, enabling the tab to optimally conform to the mating profile. Particularly in multi-part busbar structures or during assembly under tension equalization, this results in a uniform contact pressure without tilting or over-pressurization of individual areas.

[0065] The inclination can be chosen to correspond to the course of the operating loads or to specifically facilitate assembly, for example through the self-guiding behavior of the tab when sliding it onto the busbar profile.

[0066] Overall, this further development of the specified impact lug enables optimized force transmission, increased contact reliability, and easier assembly with higher tolerance to alignment errors or surface deviations of the busbar profiles to be connected.

[0067] In a further development of the specified butt plate, at least one of the spacing areas is backed with an elastically deformable or energy-absorbing material segment that dampens vibrations or thermal expansion. The underlying principle of this butt plate is that, particularly in railway or industrial applications, impact loads, vibrations, and cyclic thermal expansion can place considerable stress on the mechanical connection. Conventional positive-locking connections made of purely metallic components typically react rigidly to such loads, thereby introducing stresses directly and without damping into the busbar structure. Over time, this leads to material fatigue, contact instability, and potentially to micro-movements that impair electrical conductivity.

[0068] By selectively integrating an elastic or damping material segment within the gap area, this rigid connection is intentionally broken up and supplemented by a functional elastic zone. This zone can be designed as an insert, coating, or structurally integrated damping section, preferably using polymer-based or metallic-elastic materials. The material segment allows for reversible deformation under load and thus acts as a mechanical buffer.

[0069] Particularly during temperature changes, the material segment can accommodate expansions or contractions within the lug joint without significantly altering the preload. Vibrations or impulse loads, such as those generated by high-speed vehicle passages, are also reduced by the damping properties, thus improving the mechanical service life and electrical stability of the joint.

[0070] Overall, this further development of the specified impact lug enables active adaptation to dynamic operating conditions and contributes to improved fatigue strength, vibration resistance and reliability, especially in highly stressed applications with recurring mechanical stress.

[0071] In a further development of the specified butt plate, the transition from the gap to the contact area is designed with a continuous curvature profile without a tangent break, in order to prevent material fatigue caused by local stress concentrations. This butt plate is based on the technical insight that abrupt geometric transitions within contact zones are particularly susceptible to the formation of local stress concentrations – especially under cyclic mechanical or thermal loading.

[0072] Conventional geometries with sharp edges, corners, or abrupt transitions between spaced and contacting areas tend to generate stress peaks that, over long-term operation, can lead to the initiation of microcracks and subsequently to fatigue fractures. Such structural weakening often goes undetected and negatively impacts the long-term stability and reliability of the connection.

[0073] The specified butt plate addresses this problem through a deliberately continuous rounding in the transition area. The curvature profile between the gap and the contact surface is continuous, without any abrupt changes in tangents or curvature, ensuring that mechanical stresses are distributed evenly and that the stress distribution is non-critical. This significantly increases the fatigue strength of the connection and simultaneously provides an elastic, shock-absorbing effect under impulse loads.

[0074] Depending on the manufacturing process, the continuous transition can be designed, for example, as a spline curve, an elliptical profile, or a harmonic radius function. The continuous profile also facilitates processing of extruded profiles and contributes to improved dimensional accuracy and surface quality.

[0075] Overall, this further development of the specified impact lug contributes to increased operational strength, extended service life, and improved maintenance-free operation – particularly in environments with cyclic mechanical or thermal stresses. A further development of the specified impact lug features a surface texture on the contact area to increase the coefficient of friction and prevent micro-movements under operating load. This design takes into account that, especially under dynamic operating conditions – such as train passages, vibrations, or thermally induced relative movements – minor micro-movements can occur within the contact surfaces. These can lead to wear, material fatigue, and increased contact resistance in the long term.

[0076] Conventional contact surfaces are often smooth or finely machined to ensure the tightest possible metallic connection. However, this can result in insufficient frictional engagement under lateral or vertical impulse forces, causing the butt plate to move or vibrate minimally. These movements often go unnoticed but lead to gradual material abrasion (fretting) and impair both the mechanical and electrical performance of the connection.

[0077] The specified butt plate addresses this problem through targeted structuring of the contact surface. This structuring can take the form of, for example, fine ribbing, a cross pattern, a dot texture, or micro-scale roughness. The aim is to selectively increase local friction without significantly altering the surface pressure or complicating assembly. The structured surface prevents the contact area from "wandering" under load and contributes to the long-term positional stability of the connection.

[0078] Furthermore, the increased friction ensures a more even distribution of force across the contact surface, as the load is not concentrated on just a few points. This has a positive effect on the service life of the connection and reduces the need for subsequent readjustments or maintenance. Overall, this improved design of the impact lug helps prevent long-term damage caused by micro-movements and increases both the mechanical safety and electrical stability of the connection under real-world operating conditions.

[0079] In a further development of the specified butt plate, the spacing areas are provided with a drip edge or drainage channel to prevent moisture from penetrating the contact area. This design is based on the consideration that, particularly in outdoor applications or under fluctuating climatic conditions, condensation or precipitation can accumulate at the busbar connection points. This moisture can penetrate the contact zones between the butt plate and the busbar profile via capillary action or surface wetting.

[0080] Moisture ingress into the contact zone poses several technical risks: It can lead to contact corrosion, increased electrical contact resistance, fretting corrosion, and, in the long term, a weakening of the mechanical connection. Furthermore, freezing in cold environments can create stresses in the structure due to frozen water accumulation.

[0081] The specified impact flange addresses these challenges through the targeted design of drip edges or drainage elements within the spacing geometry. These elements are arranged to prevent the formation of water films at critical points or to divert them effectively. The drip edges break up surface wetting and promote water runoff, while channels can effectively drain moisture from the spaced areas.

[0082] These elements can be shaped as sharp-edged shoulders, circumferential notches, beveled drainage channels, or structured drip edges – preferably along the underside of the tab or in the area of ​​lateral transition geometries. The drip edges also act as dirt-repellent features and facilitate cleaning and inspection of the joint.

[0083] Overall, this further development of the specified butt tab contributes significantly to increasing corrosion resistance and improving electrical contact quality - especially under demanding climatic operating conditions or in the absence of complete sealing of the connection.

[0084] In a further development of the described butt plate, the base body is provided with two offset butt plate positive-locking elements that form a tangentially clamped multi-point contact system. The underlying principle of this butt plate is that, for longer butt joints or under increased mechanical requirements, a single contact point is insufficient to ensure uniform force distribution and a stable electrical connection. A conventionally centrally arranged positive-locking element typically creates a point-like contact zone that is susceptible to tolerance deviations, local stress concentrations, and uneven current distribution.

[0085] The formation of several, preferably staggered, butt-lock elements along the base body allows for a more extensive and controlled contact. The staggered arrangement creates tangential tension within the busbar connection, where the contact forces act not only in the normal direction but also achieve cross-sectional stabilization. This type of force application reduces the risk of local overloads and improves contact stability even under dynamic operating conditions.

[0086] Furthermore, the multi-point contact system allows for redundancy in the connection: even in the event of partial failure or wear of a positive locking element, the functional integrity of the connection is maintained. This increases operational reliability, particularly in safety-critical or difficult-to-access installations.

[0087] The staggered arrangement can be linear along the longitudinal axis or staggered in cross-section, with different heights or radially offset contact zones being conceivable. The specific geometry can be tailored to the respective busbar architecture and the mechanical load profile.

[0088] Overall, this further development of the specified butt plate enables increased mechanical strength, improved current-carrying capacity and higher fault tolerance when connecting multiple busbar sections - while simultaneously simplifying assembly through clear, redundant contact points.

[0089] In a further development of the specified butt plate, the base body includes a transversely restoring bending resistance area that exerts an elastic restoring force for repositioning after temperature fluctuations or dynamic loads. The specified butt plate thus addresses the technical problem that mechanical stress conditions in the connection can change as a result of thermal expansion, environmental influences, or dynamic load cycles. This can lead, in particular, to permanent displacements or deformations, causing the butt plate to lose its optimal installation position or preload.

[0090] The restoring bending resistance zone is therefore designed to generate a restoring force during mechanical deformation within an elastic limit, automatically returning the butt plate to its original position. This feature acts like an integrated "memory element" within the geometry, ensuring that the connection returns to its intended state even after loading cycles. The contact quality is maintained without the need for readjustment. The restoring force can be achieved through targeted shaping—for example, by local cross-sectional changes, arc shapes, or spring chambers—or by selecting suitable materials (e.g., high-strength aluminum or spring steel alloys). The effect can be purely transverse or combined with a spring component in the vertical direction, depending on the design of the butt plate body.

[0091] Overall, this further development of the specified impact lug increases the operational reliability and robustness of the connection, as it actively reacts to changing environmental conditions and independently performs mechanical corrections.

[0092] In a further development of the specified butt plate, the contact area is provided with a torsion-stabilizing pressure distribution ridge, which prevents the plate from tilting when the screws are tightened. This butt plate is based on the understanding that undesirable torsional torques often occur when clamping flat plate elements – especially if the screws are not tightened precisely synchronously or under uneven surface pressure.

[0093] Such twisting (torsion) causes the butt plate to tilt relative to the busbar's positive locking element, which impairs contact conditions, results in uneven preload distribution, and potentially leads to skewed force transmission. This can negatively affect the mechanical stability and electrical conductivity of the connection.

[0094] By strategically creating a pressure-distributing ridge in the contact area—for example, as a reinforced ridge, thickening, or profile along the clamping axis—rotation of the tab is mechanically prevented. This ridge acts as a torsional lock and stabilizes the tab's position in the transverse direction, ensuring a uniform, flat connection when the screws are tightened. Furthermore, the pressure-distributing ridge improves the surface pressure by enabling a more even distribution of force across the entire contact zone. This enhances both the assembly quality and the fatigue strength of the connection.

[0095] Overall, this further development of the specified impact tab contributes to improving assembly precision, preventing torsional damage and increasing operational safety - especially in the case of mechanically stressed busbar connections.

[0096] According to a further aspect of the invention, a ceiling busbar comprises two ceiling busbar sections, each with a crossbeam extending transversely to the longitudinal direction in a transverse direction, which carries two clamping arms extending transversely to the longitudinal direction and transversely to the transverse direction against a vertical direction, on the underside of each of which, viewed in the vertical direction, a clamping arm for holding a contact wire is attached, wherein each clamping arm has at least one busbar positive locking element oriented in the transverse direction and acting in the vertical direction, and one of the previously specified butt plates connecting the ceiling busbar sections to one another.

[0097] The properties, features, and advantages of this invention described above, as well as the manner in which they are achieved, will become clearer in connection with the following description of the exemplary embodiments, which are explained in more detail in conjunction with the drawings. The drawings show:

[0098] Fig. 1 shows an indication of a ceiling busbar with a butt joint in a cross-sectional profile,

[0099] Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a ceiling busbar section with the butt plate from Fig. 1, Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional profile of the butt plate from Fig. 1, and

[0100] Fig. 4 is an illustration of a connecting section between the butt plate and the ceiling busbar part from Fig. 2.

[0101] The figures use identical technical elements with the same reference symbols and describe them only once. The figures are purely schematic and, above all, do not represent the actual geometric relationships.

[0102] Reference is made to Figs. 1 to 3, which accordingly show a ceiling busbar 2 in a cross-sectional profile, a part of the ceiling busbar 2 from Fig. 1 in a perspective view, and a part of the ceiling busbar from Figs. 1 and 2.

[0103] The ceiling power rail 2 is arranged in a space defined by a longitudinal direction 4 extending out of the image plane, a

[0104] The transverse direction 6 is arranged transversely to the longitudinal direction 4 and to a vertical direction 8 transversely to the longitudinal direction 4 and transversely to the transverse direction 6 and clamps a contact wire 10 on the underside in the vertical direction 8 as seen.

[0105] The ceiling power track 2 consists of several

[0106] Ceiling conductor track sections 12 are formed, all of which are butt-jointed. An butt joint, as understood by those skilled in the art, is a type of connection in which the end face of one ceiling conductor track section 12 rests against the end face of another ceiling conductor track section 12, without the two ceiling conductor track sections 12 overlapping or interlocking. This type of connection is a mechanically stable, positive-locking connection in the longitudinal direction 4, allows for particularly simple installation of the ceiling conductor track 2 over longer distances in the longitudinal direction, and ensures that the entire ceiling conductor track 2 forms a homogeneous and reliable unit.

[0107] Reference is made to Figs. 1 to 3, which accordingly show a ceiling busbar 2 in a cross-sectional profile, a part of the ceiling busbar 2 from Fig. 1 in a perspective view, and a part of the ceiling busbar from Figs. 1 and 2.

[0108] The ceiling conductor rail 2 is arranged in a space defined by a longitudinal direction 4 extending out of the plane of the image, a transverse direction 6 perpendicular to the longitudinal direction 4 and a vertical direction 8 perpendicular to the longitudinal direction 4 and perpendicular to the transverse direction 6, and clamps a contact wire 10 on the underside in the vertical direction 8 as seen.

[0109] The ceiling conductor track 2 is formed from several conductor track sections 12, all of which are butt-jointed. A butt joint, as understood by those skilled in the art, is a connection where the end face of one conductor track section 12 rests against the end face of another conductor track section 12 without the two conductor track sections 12 overlapping or interlocking. This type of connection is a mechanically stable, positive-locking connection in the longitudinal direction 4, allows for particularly easy installation of the ceiling conductor track 2 over longer distances in the longitudinal direction, and ensures that the entire conductor track 2 forms a homogeneous and reliable unit.

[0110] The ceiling conductor rail 2, and thus each section 12 of the ceiling conductor rail, has a crossbeam 14 which can be clamped to a support structure (not visible) to bear the load of the ceiling conductor rail. It extends in the transverse direction 6 and distributes the mechanical load evenly across two clamping arms 16 spaced apart in the transverse direction 6 and in the opposite direction to the vertical direction 8. A clamping arm 18 is held on the underside of each clamping arm 16 as viewed in the vertical direction 8. The clamping arms 18 converge at an angle to the vertical direction 8 in the transverse direction 6 and are designed to clamp the contact wire 10.

[0111] Viewed from an interior space 20 between the two tension arms 16, each tension arm 16 is supported in the transverse direction 6 from the interior space 20 on its outer side by an internal stiffening element 22 and on its inner side by an external stiffening element 24 against the crossbeam 14. The stiffening elements 22, 24 protect the tension arms 16 from mechanical stress and unintentional damage during bending to insert and remove the contact wire 10. The internal stiffening elements 22 are taller than the external stiffening elements 24 when viewed in the opposite direction of height 8, so that the bending stiffness of the tension arms 16 for bending movements towards the interior space 20 is greater than the bending stiffness away from the interior space 20.

[0112] For bending the tension arms 16, the individual ceiling conductor rail sections 12 have travel paths 26 in the vertical direction 8 between the tension arms 16 and the clamping arms 18. A threading carriage (not shown) moves along the travel paths 26 in or against the longitudinal direction 4 and pulls the tension arms 16 apart in the transverse direction 6, as seen from the interior 20, by means of tension elements 28, to insert the contact wire 10. After the contact wire 10 has been inserted and the threading carriage has continued moving in the longitudinal direction 4, the tension arms 16 retract in the transverse direction 6 towards the interior 20 and clamp the contact wire 10 in the position shown in the figures.

[0113] The clamping arms 18 transmit the clamping force from the clamping arms 16 to the contact wire 10. For this purpose, the clamping arms 18 are generally designed with an arc shape to efficiently transmit and evenly distribute the forces. In the present embodiment, the arc shape is achieved by a polygonal structure consisting of a first clamping arm section 30 held on the clamping arm 16 and a second clamping arm section 32 resting against the contact wire 10. This structure optimizes the direction of force transmission by aligning the angle and curvature so that the clamping force acts evenly on the contact wire 10. This optimizes the pressure point and efficiently applies the clamping force at the required locations. A right-angled clamping arm 18 would lead to a higher concentration of stress at the corners, which could increase material fatigue and the risk of breakage.The polygonal design distributes the stresses over a larger area, thus avoiding high stress peaks. This distribution of the load along the length of the clamping arm 18 increases the mechanical stability and durability of the connection.

[0114] To prevent condensation or other contaminants from penetrating to the contact points between the contact wire 10 and the second clamping arm sections 32, protective walls 34 are molded onto the second clamping arm sections 32, extending vertically 8 into the interior space 20. These protective walls 34 stop the contaminants and reduce the risk of a harmful galvanic connection forming between the contact wire 10 and the overhead conductor rail section 12. Furthermore, the second clamping arm sections 32 may have concealed openings that drain any condensation that accumulates in the interior space 20.

[0115] On the side of the clamping arms 16 facing the interior 20, four conductor rail positive locking elements 36 are spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction 8. Their construction will be described in more detail later. Both the number and the positioning of the conductor rail positive locking elements 36 depend on the application and can, for example, also be selected according to EP 2 255 991 A2. Butt plates 38 are located on the sides of the clamping arms 16 facing the interior 20, mechanically connecting the end-to-end ceiling conductor rail sections 12. To eliminate any mechanical stresses from the contact wire 10, the individual ceiling conductor rail sections 12 must be precisely aligned with each other in the vertical direction 8.For this purpose, the butt plates 38 have butt plate form-locking elements 40 which engage in the busbar form-locking elements 36 on the clamping arms 16, thus creating a form lock acting in the vertical direction 8 and ensuring the exact alignment in the vertical direction 8.

[0116] Before discussing this positive locking in the vertical direction 8 in more detail, we will first discuss the structure of the butt tabs 38 and the fixing in the transverse direction 6 in more detail.

[0117] In the ceiling conductor rail 2, all butt plates 38 are formed identically from a single base body 42, but arranged in different orientations. To simplify the description, the butt plate 38 that is located at the rear of the ceiling conductor rail 2 in Fig. 1, as viewed in the transverse direction 6, is explained below with reference to Fig. 3. The description of the other butt plate 38, the front one viewed in the transverse direction 6, must then be adjusted accordingly.

[0118] The cross-section of the base body 42 is bounded in the transverse direction 6 by a transverse front face 44 and a transverse rear face 46. Similarly, the base body 42 is bounded in the vertical direction by a vertical upper face 48 and a vertical lower face 50 opposite the vertical upper face 48. The butt-locking elements 40 are formed into the transverse rear face 46 of this base body 42. The transverse front face 44 and the transverse rear face 46 are aligned with each other in the cross-section in the vertical direction 8, viewed from bottom to top. A corresponding angle of inclination 52 is adapted to a taper of the clamping arms 16 opposite to the vertical direction 8 in the cross-section and ensures that the facing transverse rear faces 46 of the butt-locking elements 38 are aligned parallel to each other in the interior 20 of the ceiling busbar 2.Each butt plate 38 has screw-in openings 54 perpendicular to the transverse rear face 46, into which screws 56 can be screwed. These screws 56 are first guided through corresponding through-holes in the clamping arms 16 (not further referenced). Due to the aforementioned parallel alignment of the transverse rear faces 46, these screws 56 can be screwed into the butt plates 38 parallel to the transverse direction 6 and thus perpendicular to the vertical direction.

[0119] To mount the ceiling conductor rail 2, a first conductor rail section 12 is first attached to the aforementioned support structure (not shown in further detail). Then, the butt plates 38 are screwed onto this conductor rail section 12 as shown in Fig. 2. The transverse rear faces 46 of the butt plates 38, to which the butt plate interlocking elements 40 are integrally formed, are placed onto the sides of the clamping arms 16 facing the interior 20, with the butt plate interlocking elements 40 being inserted into the corresponding conductor rail interlocking elements 36 on the clamping arms 16. In this way, the end-face connection of the conductor rail sections 12 defines their relative position in the longitudinal direction 4, the connection of the interlocking elements 36 and 40 defines their relative position in the vertical direction 8, and the connection of the butt plates 38 to the clamping arms 16 defines their relative position in the transverse direction 6.To permanently fix this relative position, the screws 56 are finally screwed into the screw holes 54. Finally, the state in which the butt plate positive locking elements 40 are inserted into the corresponding busbar positive locking elements 36 will be explained in more detail with reference to Fig. 4.

[0120] The butt-locking element 40 is divided into three areas in the transverse direction 6. These areas include a contact area 58, also called a bearing area 58, in which the butt-locking element 40 rests against a corresponding bearing area 60 of the busbar-type locking element 36, opposite to the vertical direction 8. Furthermore, the tensile force of the screw 56 ensures that the two locking elements 40 and 36 are not only in contact at the described contact areas 58 and 60, but also at a corresponding opposite contact area in the vertical direction 8, which, for the sake of clarity, is not designated with a separate reference numeral. In this way, it is ensured that the locking elements are pressed firmly together by the tensile force of the screw 56.This reinforces the mechanical connection and ensures that ceiling busbar section 12 and butt plate 38 are securely and stably connected. The additional contact surface also improves the overall force distribution, which increases the structural integrity of the connection and ensures a reliable electrical connection.

[0121] In front of the contact area 58, the butt plate locking element 40 has a gap 62 in the transverse direction 6. When placed on the clamping arm 16 with the busbar locking element 36, this gap 62 is spaced away from the busbar locking element 36 in the vertical direction 8 and in the transverse direction 6. This is achieved in the butt plate locking element 40 by having the gap 62 designed as a circular segment cross-section with a radius 64, while the corresponding gap 66 on the busbar locking element 36 has a smaller curvature than this radius 64, which in this embodiment is designed as a straight line with zero curvature. The circular segment shape of the gap 62 with a specific radius 64 ensures that a defined gap is created between the locking elements 40 and 36 during assembly.This gap allows for a controlled and uniform distribution of the stresses generated by the tensile force of screw 56. The different curvatures of the spacer areas 62 and 66 ensure that the contact surfaces are optimally aligned at the critical points, thus increasing the mechanical stability and efficiency of the connection and providing sufficient space to accommodate elastic material displacements.

[0122] Similarly, the butt plate locking element 40 also has a gap 68 in the transverse direction 6 after the contact area 58. This gap 68 is also spaced apart from the busbar locking element 36 in the vertical direction 8 and in the transverse direction 6 when the busbar locking element 36 is placed on the clamping arm 16. This is achieved by providing the gap 68 with a smaller curvature than the curvature of the corresponding gap 70 on the busbar locking element 36, which is again achieved by a straight design. This gap 70 is designed as a circular segment cross-section with a further radius 72.

[0123] The two radii, 64 and 72, can be formed identically.

[0124] The contact area 58 on the side of the butt plate locking element 40 is designed with a width 74 in the transverse direction 6, as previously described, which is equal to the width 74 on the side of the busbar locking element 36. The widths of the spacing areas 62, 66, 68, and 70, which are not indicated by a separate reference numeral, can, however, be freely and independently selected. The butt plate locking element 40 has an extension 76 in the transverse direction 6. Similarly, the busbar locking element 36 has an extension 78 in the transverse direction 6, whereby both extensions 76 and 78 can be the same or different. If the dimension 76 of the butt plate form-locking element 40 is smaller than the dimension 78 of the busbar form-locking element 36, the transverse rear side 46 of the butt plates 38 can be placed on the corresponding clamping arm 16.Otherwise, if the extent 76 of the butt plate form-locking element 40 is greater than the extent 78 of the busbar form-locking element 36, a gap remains between the transverse rear side 46 of the butt plates 38 and the corresponding clamping arm 16.

[0125] The ratio between the radius 64 of the circular curvature of the spacer area 62 and the transverse dimension 76 of the butt plate form-locking element 40 should ideally be between 1:2 and 1:3 to ensure optimal stress distribution. This ratio ensures that the curvature of the spacer area 62 is not too steep, thus avoiding stress concentrations and increasing mechanical stability. A uniform stress distribution reduces the risk of material fatigue and cracking, which extends the service life of the connection. Furthermore, this design allows sufficient flexibility to efficiently accommodate thermal expansion and mechanical loads without deformation or structural damage.By adjusting this ratio, it can be ensured that the connection is both mechanically robust and permanently reliable, which is crucial for the safe and efficient operation of the ceiling busbar 2.

[0126] In the illustrated embodiment, the gap sections 62 and 68 of the butt plate positive locking element 40 are further provided to have different lengths and / or radii compared to each other. For example, the radius 64 of gap section 62 can be larger than the radius 72 of gap section 70 at the opposite end. This results in an asymmetrical geometry, which creates a directed contact during assembly. The butt plate 38 initially contacts the busbar positive locking element 36 in the area of ​​the larger radius 64 before, with increasing tightening force, the area of ​​the smaller radius 72 also comes into contact with the busbar positive locking element 36. This graduated contact effect promotes a defined preload distribution in the contact area 58.

[0127] In another embodiment, the dimension 76 of the butt plate form-locking element 40 in the transverse direction 6 can be smaller than the dimension 78 of the busbar form-locking element 36. This results in a clearance that allows the butt plate 38 to shift slightly within the connection in the event of temperature-related changes in length of the ceiling busbar sections 12, without losing the mechanical form lock.

[0128] Furthermore, the base body 42 of the butt plate 38 can include a section that forms a restoring bending resistance in the transverse direction 6. This section is designed to generate a restoring force during elastic deformation, allowing the butt plate 38 to return to its original position after load changes or temperature fluctuations. This increases operational stability and reduces the need for manual readjustment.

[0129] To ensure the most even and stress-free force transmission possible between the butt plate positive locking element 40 and the busbar positive locking element 36, the contact area 58 in the illustrated embodiment is designed as a planar section with a defined profile. The transitions between the spacing areas 62, 68 and the contact area 58 exhibit a continuous curvature profile in cross-section without any abrupt changes in the tangent. This avoids stress peaks at the transitions, which improves the fatigue strength of the connection.

[0130] The surface of the contact area 58 can further be provided with a fine structure that increases the coefficient of friction. In this way, the occurrence of micro-movements under load is prevented and a permanent mechanical and electrical connection is ensured.

[0131] In the illustrated embodiment, the two gap areas 62 and 68 are arranged such that they each form a drip edge at their lowest point. These drip edges facilitate the controlled drainage of condensation that might accumulate in the ceiling conductor rail 2, thus preventing moisture from penetrating the contact area 58.

[0132] In the illustrated embodiment, the positive locking elements 40 are arranged on both sides of the base body 42. This offset arrangement forms a tangentially clamped multi-point contact system in which the butt plate 38 is in contact with the busbar positive locking elements 36 not only at a single point, but also over several axially offset surfaces. This results in a more uniform force transmission and reduces the risk of local overload.

[0133] To further increase assembly accuracy and mechanical stability, the contact area 58 can be designed with a torsion-stabilizing pressure distribution back. This prevents the butt tab 38 from tilting when the screws 56 are tightened and promotes uniform contact of the transverse rear surface 46 along the clamping arms 16. Reference numeral list

[0134] 2 - Ceiling power track

[0135] 4 - Longitudinal direction

[0136] 6 - Transverse direction

[0137] 8 - Altitude

[0138] 10 - Overhead contact wire

[0139] 12 - Ceiling track section

[0140] 14 - Crossbeams

[0141] 16 - Tension arm

[0142] 18 - Clamping arm

[0143] 20 - Interior (between the clamping arms)

[0144] 22 - Internal stiffening element

[0145] 24 - External stiffening element

[0146] 26 - Road

[0147] 28 - Pulling element (on the threading cart)

[0148] 30 - First clamping arm section

[0149] 32 - Second clamping arm section

[0150] 34 - Protective wall (against contamination, on the clamping arm)

[0151] 36 - Busbar positive locking element

[0152] 38 - butt plate

[0153] 40 - butt plate form locking element

[0154] 42 - Base body of the impact lug

[0155] 44 - Transverse front face of the base body

[0156] 46 - Transverse rear side of the base body

[0157] 48 - Altitude direction top

[0158] 50 - Lower side of the elevation direction

[0159] 52 - Vanishing angle

[0160] 54 - Screw-in opening

[0161] 56 - screw

[0162] 58 - Contact area (contact area)

[0163] 60 - Contact area on the busbar positive locking element

[0164] 62 - Distance area (in front of the contact area, at the tab)

[0165] 64 - Radius of the circular segment-shaped rounding (distance range 62) 66 - Distance range at the busbar positive locking element (belonging to 62)

[0166] 68 - Distance area after the contact area (tab side)

[0167] 70 - counterpart to 68 on the busbar positive locking element 72 - radius of the circular segment-shaped rounding (distance range 70)

[0168] 74 - Width of the contact area (58)

[0169] 76 - Transverse extension of the butt plate form-locking element

[0170] 78 - Lateral extension of the busbar positive locking element

Claims

Patent claims 1. Butt plate (2) for connecting two ceiling busbar sections (12) extending in a longitudinal direction (4) with a section running in a transverse direction (4) perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (2). Crossbeam (4) which carries two tension arms (16) extending transversely to the longitudinal direction (4) and transversely to the transverse direction (8) against a vertical direction (8), to the underside of which, as seen in the vertical direction (8), a clamping arm (18) for holding a contact wire (10) is attached, wherein each tension arm (16) has at least one conductor rail positive locking element (36) aligned in the transverse direction (6) and acting in the vertical direction (8), comprising: - a basic body (42) extending in the longitudinal direction, which is bounded in the transverse direction (6) by two opposing transverse direction surfaces (44, 46), - a butt plate form-locking element (40) formed on one of the transverse directional surfaces (46) for a positive locking connection in the vertical direction (8) with the busbar form-locking element (36) when the transverse directional surface (46) is placed on the clamping arm (16) with the busbar form-locking element (36), characterized in that - the butt plate form-locking element (40) comprises a distance area (62) which, in the state placed on the clamping arm (16) with the busbar form-locking element (36), is spaced apart from the busbar form-locking element (36) in the vertical direction (8) and in the transverse direction (6).

2. Impact tab (38) according to claim 1, wherein the spacing area (62) extends over the entire base body (42) when viewed in the longitudinal direction (4).

3. Impact tab (38) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the spacing area (62) in a cross-section of the base body (42) seen in the longitudinal direction is formed as a rounding (64).

4. Impact flap (38) according to claim 3, wherein the rounding (64) is circular.

5. butt plate (38) according to claim 4, wherein the ratio between a radius of the circular rounding (64) to a maximum extent (76) of the butt plate form-locking element (40) in the transverse direction (6) is between 1 :2 and 1:

3.

6. butt plate (38) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the spacing area (62) is formed at a transition between the transverse direction surface (46) and the butt plate form-locking element (40).

7. Impact tab (38) according to claim 6, comprising a further spacer area (68) which, viewed in the transverse direction (6), includes a contact area (58) for placing on the busbar form-locking element (36) together with the spacer area (62).

8. butt plate (38) according to claim 7, wherein the contact area (58) is inclined in the longitudinal direction (4) both to the vertical direction (8) and to the transverse direction (6).

9. Impact tab (38) according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the contact area (58) is flat.

10. Impact tab (38) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the spacing areas (62, 68) have different lengths and / or radii exhibit in order to effect an asymmetrical, directed force introduction into the busbar positive locking element (36).

11. Impact tab (38) according to claim 10, wherein the radius (64) of the spacer area (62) is larger than the radius (72) of the spacer area (68), so that a preferably load-bearing contact line is formed during assembly.

12. butt plate (38) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the extent (76) of the butt plate form-locking element (40) is smaller than the extent (78) of the busbar form-locking element (36), thereby enabling controlled longitudinal expansion without relative movement under the influence of temperature.

13. Impact plate (38) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising, viewed in the height direction (8), an additional tolerance compensation surface which is preferably resiliently deformable as a plano-convex section in the vertical direction.

14. Impact plate (38) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the contact area (58) is dimensioned as a clamping zone with a defined bending moment to absorb mechanical stress peaks.

15. Impact plate (38) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the contact area (58) in the transverse direction (6) has a rounded or polygonal transition zone between the spacing areas (62, 68) which supports a low-stress force distribution under varying prestress.

16. Impact tab (38) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the contact area (58) is a self-centering geometry with a convex A curvature is formed which, when installed by screw force, causes the tab to align automatically.

17. Impact plate (38) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the transverse direction surface (46) of the impact plate is inclined at an angle to the vertical direction (8) in order to achieve a preferred force introduction in the clamping area.

18. Impact plate (38) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the spacing areas (62, 68) is backed with an elastically deformable or energy-absorbing material segment that dampens vibrations or thermal expansions.

19. Impact tab (38) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the transition from the distance region (62) to the contact region (58) is designed with a continuous curvature profile without tangent jumps in order to avoid material fatigue due to local stress peaks.

20. Impact plate (38) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the contact area (58) is designed with a surface structuring to increase the coefficient of friction in order to prevent micro-movements under operating load.

21. Impact flap (38) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the spacer areas (62, 68) each have a drip edge or drainage channel to prevent the ingress of moisture into the contact area.

22. butt plate (38) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the base body (42) carries two offset butt plate form-locking elements (40) which form a tangentially clamped multi-point contact system.

23. Impact plate (38) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the base body (42) comprises a bending resistance area restoring in the transverse direction (6) which exerts an elastic restoring force for repositioning after temperature fluctuation or dynamic load.

24. Impact tab (38) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the contact area (58) is provided with a torsion-stabilizing pressure distribution backing that prevents the tab from tilting when the screws are tightened.

25. Ceiling busbar (2) comprising: - two ceiling busbar sections (12) each with a conductor running in a transverse direction (6) perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (4) Crossbeam (14) which carries two clamping arms (16) extending transversely to the longitudinal direction (4) and transversely to the transverse direction (6) against a vertical direction (8), to the underside of which, as seen in the vertical direction (8), a clamping arm (18) for holding a contact wire (10) is attached, wherein each clamping arm (18) has at least one conductor rail positive locking element (36) oriented in the transverse direction (6) and acting in the vertical direction (8), and - a butt plate (38) connecting the ceiling busbar sections (12) according to one of the preceding claims.

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