Plug Adapter for Switching Device with Tool-Free Push-In Terminal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional switching devices require the use of tools and multiple hand actions to connect or disconnect external connection lines, making the process cumbersome and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A plug-in adapter with a contact spring and clamping device that allows for easy connection of multi-core lines without tools, featuring a push-in terminal design and a housing recess for secure snap-in attachment to the switching device, enabling easy and tool-free connection of flexible lines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional screw connections or spring clamp connections are used for connecting supply lines, then reliable electrical contact is achieved, but the connection process requires tools and multiple hand actions making it cumbersome and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The connection device is segmented into a housing with integrated feed terminals and a separate actuating mechanism. The feed terminals are divided into individual clamping units that can be actuated independently, allowing one-handed operation while maintaining reliable electrical contact for multiple supply lines
Solution Approach 2:
The feed terminals incorporate spring elements that provide dynamic clamping force. The actuating mechanism transforms a single manual pressing motion into the simultaneous opening of multiple terminal clamps, enabling tool-free connection that maintains constant electrical pressure without requiring multiple discrete actions
2Device complexity
If feed terminals are recessed in the housing opening, then a compact design is achieved, but the access for inserting connecting lines becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The actuating mechanism is positioned on the front side of the housing while the feed terminals are recessed in the top surface. This spatial arrangement allows the operator to access and actuate the terminals from the front without interfering with the compact recessed structure, effectively utilizing multiple dimensions for both compactness and accessibility
Solution Approach 2:
The actuating mechanism serves as an intermediary that translates a simple front-side pressing motion into the opening of recessed feed terminals. This mediator allows the operator to access the connection function without directly manipulating the recessed terminals themselves, maintaining both compact housing design and ease of operation
3Reliability
If multiple supply lines are connected to recessed feed terminals, then reliable electrical contact is achieved, but the clearing and insertion of connecting lines becomes time-consuming requiring tools and multiple actions
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple feed terminals are merged into a single integrated housing unit with a common actuating mechanism. This allows multiple supply lines to be connected simultaneously with a single pressing action, maintaining reliable electrical contact for all terminals while dramatically increasing commissioning speed and eliminating the need for tools
Solution Approach 2:
The spring elements in the feed terminals are pre-loaded to provide immediate clamping force as soon as the actuating mechanism is released. This preliminary preparation ensures that reliable electrical contact is established automatically upon insertion, without requiring additional tightening actions or tools during the connection process
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables quick and secure connection of flexible connection cables with reduced handling effort, eliminating the need for screwdrivers and additional support brackets, facilitating faster commissioning and maintenance of switching devices.
Implementation Method 1
The free end of the contact spring is placed against the busbar with elastic pretension
Implementation Method 2
With the use of the operating bar, the lever effect of the operating bar is used so that manual operation is possible with little effort
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a plug adapter for an electrical switching device. The switching device (10) has at least the following for each pole: an input and an output connection contact (12) on each switching device access side (10A); a secondary contact for a supply conductor (122) of the connecting cable (120), accessible in a combination plug opening (15) of the switching device and parallel to a connection contact (12), and the combination plug opening (15) being formed on a switching device top surface (10B) perpendicular to a switching device access side (10A). The plug adapter has an access contact (54b, 35) in a clamping chamber (53), which has the form of a contact spring (54) equipped with a free end (54b). The access contact (54b, 35) has a housing opening (38) which - in the plug-in position of the plug adapter - is parallel to the insertion opening of the connection contact (12) of the switching device (10).The free end of the contact spring (54b) is elastically preloaded against the busbar (35). A clamping device (50) for simultaneously clamping the supply wire (122) with the contact spring (54b) is provided in such a way that the clamping device (50) can be actuated via an actuating lever (52), the actuating lever (52) acting upon a retainer (56) so that the free contact spring arm (54b) can be moved away from the busbar (35). Furthermore, the plug adapter (30) has a housing recess (B, 40, H) on its underside (30D) facing the switching device (10), the span (40) of which corresponds to the distance between the combination plug opening (15) of the switching device (10) and the upper edge of the switching device access side (10A).