EP0769825B1 - Connection terminal, in particular for connecting tapping conductors to main conductor and contact element therefor - Google Patents

Abstract

The feeder connector allows a branch cable to be connected to a main cable and has a fitting that is cylindrical in shape and this has a recess to receive a clamping element Ä25Ü This is shaped to install a contact element Ä39Ü that is of metal and has formed spikes Ä43Ü that are pressed into the metal strands of the main power cable. The inner profile is curved to match that of the cable. A strip sealing material is used Ä45Ü. The contact element has a hole Ä51Ü sized to suit the branch cable.

Description

The present invention relates to a contact element for generating an electrical contact between the main conductor of a ground line and branch line, according to the preamble of claim 1.

Furthermore, the present invention relates to a terminal for connecting branch conductor to the main conductor of a ground line, according to the preamble of claim 7.

Terminals are used to connect at least one branch conductor with a main conductor, which is usually laid in the ground and as such must not be interrupted, d. H. a separation of the main conductor and interposition of a connector to the branch for the branch conductors is prohibited according to appropriate regulations.

From the FR-A-2 135 400 For example, a terminal for connecting branch conductors to main conductors of a ground line is known which has a plurality of clamping elements which can be attached to and enclose the main conductor. The terminal has a plurality of contact elements in the assembled state between a core of a main conductor of a ground line and generate a branch conductor an electrical contact. The contact element has at least one opening for introducing a branch conductor, wherein the contact element tooth-shaped contacts, which are suitable to pierce the insulation of a main conductor and to produce the electrical contact between the contact element and the main conductor.

The clamping elements are connected to each other and to the main conductor via a clamping device secured in position. Like, for example FIG. 1 of the FR-A-2 135 400 it can be seen, the branch conductors are secured in position by means of clamping screws in the clamping elements at their extraction. The clamping screws have a, according to the branch conductor, large, possibly almost equal outside diameter, which is obviously necessary to exert the necessary clamping force on the branch conductor. The power transmission to the branch conductor via the inner wall of the clamping element formed in the opening for receiving the branch conductor. Due to the large-scale installation of the branch conductor to the clamping element, which is not least generated by the fixed terminals by means of the clamping screws, a secure power transmission is generated.

From the US-A-3,383,648 is known a contact socket for receiving extremely thin components which are not larger than a human hair. For temporary holding spring elements with pointed tongues are provided which are to establish an electrical contact between the contact socket and the hair-thin contact pin, while ensuring an unlimited often pulling out of the contacts from the socket.

The present invention is therefore an object of the invention to provide a contact element, which is suitable for the connection of at least one branch conductor to a main conductor, and thus finds universal application, both the electrical connection and the position assurance of the branch conductor against pulling out by simple measures and to be ensured without additional clamping screws.

Furthermore, the present invention seeks to improve a terminal of the type mentioned in such a way that it can be used universally and in particular a particularly simple fixation of the or the branch conductor in the terminal allows.

The solution of these objects results from the features of claim 1 and 7, respectively.

Characterized in that the contact element (39) has at least two spring elements (57) which are formed substantially the same, wherein the spring elements (57) spring means (67) and in the opening (51) of the contact element (39) are angeornet, and that the spring elements (57) are annular and are provided by the inner edge (61) of the annular spring element (57) starting notches (63) extending in the direction of the outer edge (65) of the spring element (57), wherein between two adjacent notches (63) one of the spring means (67) is formed, wherein the spring means engage the branch conductor such that both a position assurance of the branch conductor (15) without additional screwing and jamming and the electrical contact between the branch conductor (15) and contact element (39) generated is, is a particularly simple mounting of the contact elements, in particular without the use of other plant or groan . Reached screws elements

According to the invention thus the spring device is deformed upon insertion of the branch conductor through this and thus generates both a position assurance of the branch conductor and an electrical contact between the contact element and branch conductor.

According to the invention, it is thus possible to position-secure in the contact element by simply inserting the branch conductor into the corresponding opening of the contact element, wherein additional complex screwing and jamming of the branch conductor by means of screws are avoided.

The spring element used in the contact element according to the invention is able to produce the required position securing force for the branch conductor, wherein in addition a good electrical contact due to the deformed Sections of the contact element and thus their investment is ensured at this.

This results in the contact element according to the invention in addition the advantage that this is universally applicable to terminals, and can be used for any type of terminals, which are used in the electrical connection of two conductors.

This includes in particular multi-core conductors both as a main conductor and as a branch conductor.

If the contact element has at least two spring elements which are suitable for branch conductors of different cross-sectional dimensions, a universal applicability of the contact element and thus of the terminal is provided. For example, by different diameters branch conductors of different diameters can be held by an embodiment of a terminal.

By means of spring devices is advantageously achieved that when inserting the branch conductor whose surface is scratched or torn open and the oxide layer located thereon, for example, is destroyed in aluminum conductors. This thus leads to the safe generation of an electrical contact connection.

Advantageously, an even higher compactness of the terminal is achieved in that the contact element has two openings for receiving two branch conductors. Thus, with a contact element two branch lines for two different houses can be clamped.

In this case, the axes of the openings coincide, wherein additionally advantageously the axis or the axes parallel to the axis of the main conductor in the terminal runs or run.

If a partition is provided between the openings, then this advantageously serves as a stop for the branch conductor when it is inserted into the opening.

The same or the same applies to the above-described different spring elements or spring element sets, for example, the openings of the spring elements in Rejuvenate the direction of the stop of the opening or the partition wall. This means that the smallest branch conductor is received by the innermost spring element and the largest branch conductor is received by the spring element which is closest to the inlet opening.

Advantageously, tooth-shaped contacts are arranged in several rows next to each other.

In a particularly simple embodiment, the contact element may be sleeve-shaped.

Terminals, especially those that are laid in the ground, must be permanently protected against ingress of dirt and moisture, so that the electrical connection is permanently secured. For this reason, the clamping element has at least one opening inwardly towards the main conductor cavity for receiving a contact element. This is advantageously achieved that the contact element against the exterior of the terminal is completely sealed and thus penetration of moisture and dirt can be reliably prevented.

It has proved to be advantageous that the terminal is composed of a plurality of clamping elements, which are formed sector-shaped for this purpose.

Depending on the type of executive, corresponding sectors are formed. Thus, in a four-wire main conductor having substantially four equal-sized wires, a terminal with four clamping elements is formed, which may be identical in their design. This in turn advantageously has a simplification in the production of the clamping elements result.

Increasingly, however, main conductors are used, which have different sizes in their veins. For example, a main conductor is used in which three cores are sector-shaped with an angle of greater than 90 ° and a fourth wire as a neutral is located in the remaining fourth sector, this wire may for example also be present as a round wire.

Accordingly, the clamping elements are formed, d. H. Three clamping elements with larger sector dimensions and one clamping element with a smaller sector are used.

Advantageously, the clamping elements are formed in a circular arc segment ( FIG. 3 and 5 ).

In the case of four equally large clamping elements results in a circular arc sector angle α of 90 ° degrees per clamping element.

In a so-called three-and-half-core main conductor, three clamping elements are formed with a corresponding sector angle α, and the fourth, smaller clamping element has a correspondingly smaller sector angle.

For further sealing of the electrical connection points of contact element or clamping element and main conductor, is a sealant, preferably in the form of a sealing strip ( FIGS. 3 to 5 ) is provided, which extends between the inner peripheral side of the contact element and the main conductor.

Accordingly, the opening of the contact element, in which the branch conductor is inserted, are sealed to the outside.

For stiffening the clamping element on the one hand and for saving material in the clamping element on the other hand, this is designed as a rib-like, provided with externally accessible depressions body. As a result, the sufficient strength of the clamping element is achieved when it is pressed against the main conductor on the one hand and when pressed against the adjacent clamping elements on the other hand.

Advantageously, the clamping element has a wedge projecting in the direction of the main conductor, which makes it possible for the wedge to be able to be inserted between two wires of the main conductor when applying the clamping element, thus achieving a first holding of the loose clamping element on the main conductor.

The wedge is advantageously divided into two spaced part wedges, which are advantageously arranged in axial end regions of the clamping element, so that there is provided between them for the introduction of the contact element in the clamping element, a corresponding space.

Again, in particular for reasons of sealing, the clamping element has one, preferably two, in the axial direction oppositely extending, querschnittsverjüngende areas, which extend from the end faces of the clamping member.

In this case, the projection areas can advantageously be formed integrally with the clamping element, so that the clamping element can be produced, for example, as an injection-molded part.

The clamping device for clamping the clamping elements to each other and to the main conductor is preferably formed as a pipe clamp, which can be placed in a simple manner around the clamping elements.

The clamp may be band-shaped and have a helical tightening element which applies by screws a corresponding torque on the clamping elements.

To a well-defined torque and thus a clearly defined clamping force of the terminal on To produce main conductor, the screw of the helical tightening element is designed as Abreißkopfschraube. Upon reaching a corresponding tightening torque thus breaks off the head of this screw, which also supports a particularly simple and secure installation of the terminal.

• Figur 1 eine perspektivische Ansicht einer an einem Hauptleiter montierten erfindungsgemäßen Anschlußklemme;
• Figur 2 eine teilweise aufgebrochene Teilansicht eines Klemmelements der erfindungsgemäßen Anschlußklemme;
• Figur 3 eine Schnittansicht gemäß der Linie III-III von Figur 2;
• Figur 4 eine Seitenansicht auf das Klemmelement der erfindungsgemäßen Anschlußklemme, in einer verkleinerten Darstellung;
• Figur 5 eine Seitenansicht eines Kontaktelements;
• Figur 6 eine Schnittansicht gemäß der Linie VI-VI von Figur 5 des Kontaktelements; und
• Figur 7 eine Draufsicht auf ein Federelement des Kontaktelements.

Further details, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments of the contact element according to the invention or the terminal according to the invention with reference to the drawings. It shows:

• FIG. 1 a perspective view of a mounted on a main conductor according to the invention terminal;
• FIG. 2 a partially broken away partial view of a clamping element of the terminal according to the invention;
• FIG. 3 a sectional view along the line III-III of FIG. 2 ;
• FIG. 4 a side view of the clamping element of the terminal according to the invention, in a reduced view;
• FIG. 5 a side view of a contact element;
• FIG. 6 a sectional view along the line VI-VI of FIG. 5 the contact element; and
• FIG. 7 a plan view of a spring element of the contact element.

Hereinafter, with reference to the figures, first, the structure of the terminal according to the invention will be described.

FIG. 1 shows in a perspective schematic representation of a terminal 1, which is arranged around a main conductor 3. The main conductor 3 has an insulating jacket 5 which surrounds a multicore cable harness 7. In the present In a schematic example, the cable harness 7 comprises four wires.

In the area 9 of the terminal of the main conductor 3 is freed from its insulating jacket 5, resulting in a taper of the diameter of the main conductor 3.

The area 9 is surrounded by the terminal 1, which has four clamping elements 11, of which in FIG. 1 three are visible.

For the sake of drawing simplification, only one clamping element 11 is shown, which is provided with openings 13, in each of which a branch conductor 15 is inserted. The other clamping elements 11 also have openings for the branch conductor 15.

The four sector-shaped clamping elements 11 are surrounded by a band-shaped pipe clamp 17, which has a helical tightening element 19.

In the in FIG. 1 shown mounted state of the terminal is a Abreißkopfschraube 21 can be seen in which the Abreißkopf has already been separated and only a corresponding fracture surface 23 can be seen.

As in FIG. 1 can be seen, the clamping elements 11 shown there have smooth outer surfaces, whereas in an alternative embodiment according to FIG. 2 a clamping element 25 is shown, the rib-shaped structures with after outside open recesses or cavities 27 is provided. Ribs 29 and 30 define these cavities 27.

How out FIG. 2 Furthermore, it can be seen, the clamping element 25 on its end face 31 on a cross-sectional tapered projection portion 33, wherein the taper extends in the direction of the outside or in the axial direction of the clamping member 25.

Again, a rib structure is maintained and the protruding portion 33 is integrally connected to the clamping member 25.

The partially broken section A is used in conjunction with FIG. 6 described.

FIG. 3 shows a sectional view along the line III-III of FIG. 2 , From this sectional view, the structure of the clamping element 25, which is identical except for the outer contour with the structure of the clamping element 11, clearly. For the sake of clarity, the illustration of the spring elements is omitted here and is in FIG. 5 shown.

In the clamping element 25, a cavity 35 is formed, which is open from the inside 37 of the clamping member 25 ago.

In this cavity 35, a contact element 39 is inserted, which is formed so that it follows the contour of the cavity 35 on the one hand and the inside 37 of the clamping member 25 on the other hand.

At the main conductor facing the inside or bottom 41 of the contact element 39 tooth-shaped contacts 43 are provided which taper towards the main conductor point.

On the underside 41 of the contact element 39, a band-shaped sealant 45 is further provided.

The clamping element 25 further has a wedge 47, which serves for a first position securing the clamping element 25 on the main conductor.

In FIG. 4 is shown in reduced form a clamping element 25 with two projection portions 33 schematically. The clamping element 25 in this case has two partial wedges 47, which are arranged on the respective end regions of the clamping element 25. In between, there is a free space 49, which serves in particular to introduce the contact element 39 from below into the cavity 35 of the clamping element 25.

Again, the band-shaped sealant 45 is visible and in conjunction with FIG. 3 shows that the tooth-shaped contacts 43 are arranged in three rows of 4 teeth each.

Other configurations of the teeth themselves or the arrangement are of course possible within the scope of the invention.

FIG. 5 is the view of an insulated inventive contact element 39, as shown in FIG. 3 is shown as inserted into the clamping element 25 part. Out FIG. 5 is an end opening 51 can be seen with reference to FIG. 6 is explained in more detail.

FIG. 6 shows a sectional view of the contact element 39 according to the invention according to the line VI-VI of FIG. 5 ,

How out FIG. 6 It can be seen that the contact element 39 has a symmetrical design with two openings 51 whose axes 53 and 54 coincide in this embodiment.

Between the openings 51, a partition wall 55 is formed, which can serve as a stop for a branch conductor.

For fixing the branch conductor 15 in the opening 51 or 13 (FIG. FIG. 1 ) spring elements 57 are provided, one of which in FIG. 7 is shown in plan view

As in FIG. 6 it can be seen in each opening 51 three sets 59 of spring elements 57 are arranged.

How out FIG. 7 it can be seen that the spring element 57 is annular, with notches 63 running from the inner edge 61 to the outer edge 65, which result in flexible spring devices in the form of tongues.

Hereinafter, the operation of the terminal according to the invention or the contact element according to the invention will now be described.

For attaching the terminal to the main conductor of the insulating jacket 5 is first in the area 9 of the terminals 1 removed, so that the turn isolated cores of the multi-core main conductor 3 are accessible from the outside.

A sector-shaped clamping element 11 or 25 after the other is inserted by means of the wedge 47 between two wires of the main conductor 3 and is initially secured in position.

If all, in the example trap 4 clamping elements 11 are on the main conductor 3, the band-shaped pipe clamp 17 is placed around the clamping elements 11 and tightened by Abreißkopfschraube 21.

In this case, the tooth-shaped contacts 43 penetrate into the insulating sheath of each core, cut through this and meet the actual metallic conductor of the corresponding core.

After application of a predetermined torque tears off the Abreißkopf the Abreißkopfschraube 21 and the terminal 1 is fixedly mounted on the main conductor 3.

Then, the branch conductor 15 is inserted into the opening 13 or 51 and passes through one or more spring element sets 59. In this case, the spring means 67 deform and grind on the surface of the branch conductor 15 such that the oxide layer located thereon is severed and an electrical contact is made , At the same time, the spring devices 67 jam on the branch conductor and prevent it being able to be pulled out of the opening 51 or 13 counter to its insertion direction. This will be both a safe electrical Contact or a secure electrical connection created as well as a secure anchoring of the branch conductor 15 in the opening of the clamping element 11 and 25 ensured.

The present invention is not limited to the described embodiments. Depending on requirements, for example, more clamping elements can be provided, for example, in main conductors with more than four wires. The contact element 39 has two openings 51 in the illustrated example case. When using the terminal for only one branch, however, it is sufficient that only about half of the contact element 39 is provided, ie. H. that only one opening 51 is provided.

Furthermore, the training and the number of rings 57 can be configured according to variable. For example, polygonal internal recesses of the rings could be provided, and the holding and contacting action of a spring element 57 may already be sufficient to securely hold the corresponding branch conductor in the contact element and to ensure the electrical connection.

Thus, advantageously results in a particularly simple, space-saving and universally applicable construction of a terminal and a contact element for this purpose, which is adaptable for a variety of applications by easily executable minor design changes.

Claims (18)

1. A contact element for use in a clamping element (11, 25) of a connection terminal (1), in particular for connecting at least one branch conduit (15) to an electric main (3) of a ground lead, said contact element comprising at least one opening (13, 51) for inserting the branch conduit (15) and comprising dentiform contacts (43) the tops thereof penetrating the insulation of the electric main and connect electrically said electric main (3) and said branch conduit (15),
   characterised in
   that said contact element (39) comprises at least two spring elements (57) being essentially identical, wherein said spring elements (57) including spring devices (67) and being arranged in the opening (51) of the contact element (39), and that said spring elements (57) are ring-shaped and that notches (63) are provided originating from an interior border (61) of the ring-shaped spring element (57) and extending in the direction of an outside border (65) of said spring element (57), one of the spring devices (67) being located between two adjacent notches (63), wherein said spring devices (67) engage said branch conduit such that a retaining action of said branch conduit without additional screwing and clamping as well as an electric contact between branch conduit (15) and contact element (39) is established.
2. The contact element according to claim 1 characterised in that it comprises at least two spring elements (57), being appropriate for accommodating branch conduits of different cross-sections.
3. The contact element according to claim 1 or 2 characterised in that it comprises two openings (51) for receiving two branch conduits, the axes (53, 54) of said openings coinciding.
4. The contact element according to claim 3 characterised in that a separation wall (55) being provided between said openings (51).
5. The contact element according to one of the claims 1 to 4 characterised in that the dentiform contacts (43) being arranged in rows which lie side by side.
6. The contact element according to one of the claims 1 to 5 characterised in that it comprises a sleeve shape.
7. A connection terminal (1) for connecting branch conduits (15) to leads of electric mains (3) of a ground lead, the connection terminal comprising at least two clamping elements (11, 25) capable of attaching to an electric main (3) and surrounding same, said clamping elements (11, 25) being similar and having the shape of a circular arc segment, said clamping elements further comprising at least one cavity (35) which opens inwardly to the electric main, said cavity including contact element (39), and each comprising at least one opening (13) whose axis coincide with the axis of the opening (51) of the contact element being arranged in the cavity (35) and is parallel to the axis of the electric main (3),
   said connection terminal comprising a clamping device (17, 19) for clamping the clamping elements (11, 25) to the electric main (3) of the ground lead,
   characterised in
   that said contact element (39) is provided according to one of the claims 1 to 6.
8. The connection terminal according to claim 7 characterised by comprising four similar clamping elements 811, 25).
9. The connection terminal according to claim 7 characterised by comprising three similar clamping elements and one different, smaller clamping element.
10. The connection terminal according to one of the claims 7 to 9 characterised in that for sealing the contact point between the contact element (39) and the electric main (3), a sealing agent is provided, the sealing agent preferably having the form of a sealing band (45) extending between the inner side (41) of the contact element (39) and the electric main (3).
11. The connection terminal according to one of the claims 7 to 10 characterised in that said clamping element (25) is a rib-shaped body provided with cavities (27) being accessible from outside.
12. The connection terminal according to one of the claims 7 to 11 characterised in that each clamping body comprises a wedge (47) projecting in the direction to the main lead (3).
13. The connection terminal according to claim 12 characterised in that said wedge (47) is separated into two half-wedges (47) being distant to each other.
14. The connection terminal according to one of the claims 7 to 13 characterised in that said clamping element comprises one, preferably two projecting areas (33) having decreasing cross-sections, said projecting areas extending from the front side of said clamping elements (11, 25).
15. The connection terminal according to claim 14 characterised in that said projecting areas (33) are formed integral with said clamping element (25).
16. The connection terminal according to one of the claims 7 to 15 characterised in that the clamping device is a pipe clamp (17).
17. The connection terminal according to claim 16 characterised in that the pipe clamp (17) is preferably band-shaped and comprising a screw-shaped tightening element (19).
18. The connection terminal according to claim 17 characterised in that the screw of the screw-shaped tightening element (19) is a tear-off cap screw (21).

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