Plug Connector Holding Frame With U-Shaped PE Contact Chamber

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing holding frames for connectors face challenges in connecting protective conductors with large cross-sections due to limited installation space, particularly when using spring-cage terminals.

Innovation Solution

The design incorporates a U-shaped contact chamber on the end parts of the holding frame to house the clamping spring and actuating element, allowing for a larger insertion area and eliminating the need for additional housing, enabling connection of conductors with larger cross-sections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a spring-cage terminal is used in limited installation space, then the connection speed is improved, but the ability to connect conductors with large cross-sections deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection speedVSAvoidinsertion area size
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The contact chamber is designed with a U-shape configuration that utilizes three-dimensional space efficiently. By forming the contact piece in a U-shape with parallel legs, the design creates sufficient insertion area for large cross-section conductors without increasing the overall footprint in the limited installation space, thus resolving the contradiction between connection speed and insertion area size.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If a screw connection is used for PE terminal, then the connection stability is improved, but the connection speed deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidconnection speed
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces the traditional screw connection mechanism with a spring-loaded clamping mechanism. The clamping spring applies continuous mechanical force to secure the conductor to the contact piece, providing stable electrical connection without requiring threading or tightening operations, thus achieving both high reliability and fast connection speed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If additional housing is added to accommodate clamping spring and actuating element, then the functional completeness is improved, but the device complexity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctional completenessVSAvoidhousing structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges the contact chamber housing with the holding frame structure. The contact chamber is formed as an integral part of the holding frame, eliminating the need for separate additional housing to accommodate the clamping spring and actuating element. This integration maintains full functionality while reducing overall device complexity and part count.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

This configuration provides a secure and efficient connection of protective conductors with larger cross-sections even in constrained spaces, without requiring additional housing and ensuring easy assembly and disassembly.

Implementation Method 1

The spring-loaded terminal connection comprises a V-shaped clamping spring with a clamping leg and a contact piece

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

The PE connection has a screw connection, so that a protective conductor can be electrically connected to the connection contact of the PE connection using the screw connection

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Fastening: Mechanical Fastener

Data Source

PatentEP4597755A1Holding frame for a plug connector
Publication Date: 2025.08.06 PHOENIX CONTACT GMBH & CO KG
  • EP4597755A1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1b
  • EP4597755A1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4597755A1 patent drawingFigure 4a~4b

AI summary

The invention relates to a holding frame (1) for a plug-in connector for receiving a plurality of contact inserts (2), comprising two side parts (11) and two end parts (12), wherein the end parts (12) each have a PE connection which has a metallic connection contact (3) and a spring-loaded terminal connection with a clamping spring (4) and a contact piece, and wherein an actuating element (6) is provided which can be moved from a first position into a second position, wherein the clamping leg (41) of the clamping spring (4) is deflected by the actuating element (6) in the second position of the actuating element (6) against its spring force.In the holding frame, a U-shaped contact chamber (7) is arranged on at least one of the two end parts (12), which contact chamber has a U-back (71), a first U-leg (72) and a second U-leg (73), wherein the first U-leg (72) forms the contact piece, wherein the clamping spring (4) and the actuating element (6) are arranged in the contact chamber (7).