EP3118933B1 - Connecting device with plug-in terminal - Google Patents

Connecting device with plug-in terminal Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP3118933B1
EP3118933B1 EP16174927.0A EP16174927A EP3118933B1 EP 3118933 B1 EP3118933 B1 EP 3118933B1 EP 16174927 A EP16174927 A EP 16174927A EP 3118933 B1 EP3118933 B1 EP 3118933B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
clamping
contact
busbar
contact lug
latching
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Active
Application number
EP16174927.0A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP3118933A1 (en
Inventor
Ralph Burckhardt
Alexander Wachter
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
ABB Schweiz AG
Original Assignee
ABB Schweiz AG
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from DE102016110174.5A external-priority patent/DE102016110174A1/en
Application filed by ABB Schweiz AG filed Critical ABB Schweiz AG
Publication of EP3118933A1 publication Critical patent/EP3118933A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP3118933B1 publication Critical patent/EP3118933B1/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Images

Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R9/00—Structural associations of a plurality of mutually-insulated electrical connecting elements, e.g. terminal strips or terminal blocks; Terminals or binding posts mounted upon a base or in a case; Bases therefor
    • H01R9/22—Bases, e.g. strip, block, panel
    • H01R9/24—Terminal blocks
    • H01R9/26—Clip-on terminal blocks for side-by-side rail- or strip-mounting
    • H01R9/2625—Clip-on terminal blocks for side-by-side rail- or strip-mounting with built-in electrical component
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
    • H01R13/02—Contact members
    • H01R13/03—Contact members characterised by the material, e.g. plating, or coating materials
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R4/00—Electrically-conductive connections between two or more conductive members in direct contact, i.e. touching one another; Means for effecting or maintaining such contact; Electrically-conductive connections having two or more spaced connecting locations for conductors and using contact members penetrating insulation
    • H01R4/28—Clamped connections, spring connections
    • H01R4/48—Clamped connections, spring connections utilising a spring, clip, or other resilient member
    • H01R4/4809—Clamped connections, spring connections utilising a spring, clip, or other resilient member using a leaf spring to bias the conductor toward the busbar
    • H01R4/48185—Clamped connections, spring connections utilising a spring, clip, or other resilient member using a leaf spring to bias the conductor toward the busbar adapted for axial insertion of a wire end
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R4/00—Electrically-conductive connections between two or more conductive members in direct contact, i.e. touching one another; Means for effecting or maintaining such contact; Electrically-conductive connections having two or more spaced connecting locations for conductors and using contact members penetrating insulation
    • H01R4/28—Clamped connections, spring connections
    • H01R4/48—Clamped connections, spring connections utilising a spring, clip, or other resilient member
    • H01R4/4809—Clamped connections, spring connections utilising a spring, clip, or other resilient member using a leaf spring to bias the conductor toward the busbar
    • H01R4/4828—Spring-activating arrangements mounted on or integrally formed with the spring housing
    • H01R4/48365—Spring-activating arrangements mounted on or integrally formed with the spring housing with integral release means
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R4/00—Electrically-conductive connections between two or more conductive members in direct contact, i.e. touching one another; Means for effecting or maintaining such contact; Electrically-conductive connections having two or more spaced connecting locations for conductors and using contact members penetrating insulation
    • H01R4/58—Electrically-conductive connections between two or more conductive members in direct contact, i.e. touching one another; Means for effecting or maintaining such contact; Electrically-conductive connections having two or more spaced connecting locations for conductors and using contact members penetrating insulation characterised by the form or material of the contacting members
    • H01R4/62—Connections between conductors of different materials; Connections between or with aluminium or steel-core aluminium conductors

Definitions

  • the invention is based on a connecting device according to the preamble of claim 1.
  • Such a generic connecting device is known in connection with circuit breakers, residual current circuit breakers, motor protection switches, relays or contactors, in particular for use in distributors or switchgear in industrial use, for example in the power supply or control of motors or in low-voltage switchgear.
  • An example of a connecting element that can be used in a generic connecting device is a busbar.
  • a busbar is a device for simultaneously electrically connecting a plurality of terminals of one or more lined-up installation switching devices to one another.
  • the pole bar of the busbar and the contact lugs that protrude from the pole bar mostly in a comb-like manner are made of a rigid and electrically highly conductive material, for example a rigid conducting plate, preferably made of copper or a copper alloy with good conductivity.
  • the pole bar is accommodated in an insulating profile, from which the contact lugs protrude through openings at the points provided for this purpose.
  • Connectors are used to establish an electrical connection between the terminals of a motor protection switch and a contactor, for example.
  • a connector for connecting two three-phase devices has, for example, three connecting conductors, which can be arranged together in an insulating housing, with two contact lugs protruding from each connecting conductor, one for insertion into the connection terminal of the motor protection switch and one for insertion into the connection terminal of the contactor.
  • a further example of a connecting element that can be used in a generic connecting device for the electrical connection of a three-pole contactor is a so-called reversing connector.
  • this is a three-pole connector in which the connecting conductors between the individual poles of the two devices to be connected are arranged in such a way that the direction of rotation of a connected motor is reversed.
  • connection element is connected in two steps. First, the connecting element is placed on the open screw terminals, with the contact lugs being inserted into the open screw terminals. After that, one after the other clamping screws tightened.
  • the spring-loaded terminal has a clamping frame and an approximately ⁇ -shaped clamping spring that has a support wing, a clamping wing with a slot for clamping the connecting conductor and a loop that forms a spring and connects the support to the clamping wing.
  • the DE 10 2010 012 820 A1 shows a conductor entry plug with a handle section and at least one conductive plug section for insertion into a conductor entry opening of a spring-loaded terminal, which has an insulating material housing with at least one busbar inserted therein and at least one clamping spring, the clamping spring having a clamping edge that is at an acute angle on a in the conductor entry opening plugged-in electrical conductor and forms a clamping point for the electrical conductor together with an opposite section of the busbar, with the plug section located outside the grip section having at least two layers at least on a contact area provided for contact with the clamping spring, with a first layer facing the clamping spring consisting of one first metallic material and a second layer facing the busbar is formed from a second metallic material.
  • the WO 2010/015308 A1 shows an installation switching device, with a housing, and with a screwless terminal connection with a clamping spring for connecting connecting conductors, which is fixed in position in a terminal connection space of the housing, the terminal connection space through the housing broad sides is laterally delimited, and wherein the opening of the terminal connection space can be covered by a terminal cover part which is pivotably connected to the housing and has a number of connection openings corresponding to the number of connecting conductors to be connected and which can open the clamping spring when it is pivoted in the direction of the interior of the housing.
  • the terminal cover part includes a spacer which, in a detent position, limits the pivoting path of the terminal cover part in the direction of the clamping spring and releases this in a release position for opening the clamping spring
  • the FR 2 713 832 shows a connecting device with an insulating housing, which has an inner housing in which at least two stripped conductor ends can be clamped between a fixed and a movable contact lamella by a clamping screw.
  • the device is characterized in that the movable contact blade is formed by a flexible piece of metal at one end of a fixing projection in the inner wall of the housing facing the fixed blade, having at the other end a terminal portion with parallel slots made in the movable lamina define a plurality of independent fingers such that under the action of the clamping screw on the surface of the movable lamina opposite the fingers, these fingers independently press the conductor ends against the fixed lamina.
  • connection element to or from a plurality of lined-up screwless terminal connections of lined-up installation switching devices is made possible.
  • the terminal is of the type that has at least one clamping spring acting as a compression spring on a clamping point of the contact lug for clamping the contact lug and for pressing a contact point of the contact lug on a busbar, and the contact lug is at least in the area in which the clamping spring presses on the terminal point, hardened and thus has a greater surface hardness there than at least at the contact point, so that the clamping spring is prevented from cutting into the contact lug in the area of the terminal point.
  • the object is thus achieved according to the invention by two measures.
  • the first relates to the use of another type of screwless spring clamp, namely the type which has at least one clamping spring acting as a compression spring on a clamping point of the contact tab for clamping a connecting conductor.
  • This type is also known as a spring-loaded clamp, also known as a "push-in" clamp.
  • a spring-loaded clamp also known as a "push-in" clamp.
  • the spring-loaded terminal has a support wing, a clamping wing for clamping the connection conductor or the contact lug at the free end of the clamping wing, and a loop that forms a spring and connects the support to the clamping wing.
  • a connecting element for example a busbar with its plurality of adjacent rigid contact lugs or a plug connector or a reversible connector can be easily inserted into a plurality of terminal openings arranged next to one another and clamped without the need for a tool.
  • the clamping end of the clamping wing When pressing on, the clamping end of the clamping wing could press into the material of the contact lug, especially if it consists of a copper alloy with good conductivity. The clamping end of the clamping wing could then get caught a little in the contact lug. This can mean that it is no longer easy to pull out the busbar without an additional tool and it is only possible with considerable effort against the interlocking resistance, with repeated pulling out the clamping spring or the contact lug being damaged. In order to pull out the busbar, it could then be necessary to first press each clamping spring a little further away from the contact lug, using a tool.
  • the second inventive measure is therefore that the contact lug has a greater surface hardness in the area in which the clamping spring presses on the clamping point than in the rest of the contact lug, in particular than at the contact point at which the contact lug is pressed on the busbar.
  • the contact lug consists of a copper alloy with good electrical conductivity but which is mechanically rather soft
  • the surface is hardened according to the invention in the area in which the clamping spring presses on the clamping point.
  • the advantageous effect is that in this hardened surface area, the clamping end of the clamping spring cannot press into the material, so the clamping end of the clamping wing no longer gets caught, and consequently the busbar can also be pulled out again without tools.
  • the surface at a locally limited place to harden is sufficient for this advantageous effect, the surface at a locally limited place to harden. Electrical conductivity may be reduced in the hardened area, depending on how hardened it was. This is not a disadvantage, however, since the contact point at which the contact lug is pressed on the conductor rail is not hardened and the good electrical conductivity of the material of the contact lug is therefore retained where a low electrical contact resistance is important. The surface of the contact lug is only hardened at the point where good mechanical hardness is important but good electrical conductivity is not.
  • the hardening on the surface takes place in such a way that a plate of a different, hard material is placed on the surface of the contact lug or embedded in the surface in the relevant area.
  • the other, hard material is a less electrically conductive material, such as stainless steel, or a non-conductor.
  • the remaining volume of the contact lug and in particular the surface on the side facing the busbar consists of an electrically highly conductive material, for example copper or brass.
  • the contact lug is a metal strip made of two layers of metals of different hardness and conductivity, which are connected to one another in a materially or form-fitting manner, with a first layer with the greater hardness facing the clamping end of the clamping spring, and the second layer with the facing greater electrical conductivity of the busbar.
  • the first layer can be made of stainless steel and the second layer of copper or brass.
  • such a contact lug according to this embodiment is designed similarly to a bimetallic strip, although materials with a similar coefficient of thermal expansion are used as far as possible in order to avoid temperature-related bending of the contact lug.
  • the connecting element In order to be able to easily remove the connecting element again even in such an unfavorable operating situation without an additional tool, in an advantageous development of the invention proposed to form the connecting element with a manually operable opening element which, when actuated, pushes the clamping spring away from the terminal point and thus enables the contact lug to be removed from the terminal without the use of an additional tool. If the connecting element has an insulating profile in which the connecting conductor or conductors with the contact lug or lugs is or are embedded, then in an advantageous further development the insulating profile is designed with the opening member that can be actuated by hand.
  • the connecting element When operating a connecting device according to the invention in an industrial environment, under unfavorable circumstances, for example due to strong vibrations, the pressure force at the terminal point could be loosened or the contact lug could “shake out” of the connection terminal.
  • the latching element prevents the connecting element from shaking loose.
  • the connecting element has an insulating profile in which the connecting conductor or conductors with the contact lug or lugs is or are embedded, then in an advantageous further development the insulating profile is designed with the opening member that can be actuated by hand. For example, this can be implemented with a busbar with an insulating profile.
  • the latching element also prevents the busbar from shaking loose as a whole.
  • the latching element is designed for a detachable latching connection with the latching means on the housing, so that the connecting element, for example the busbar with the insulating profile, can also be removed again.
  • An advantageous example of a locking element according to the invention is a locking lug on a locking bar clamped resiliently on one side, and the corresponding locking means on the housing can in an advantageous example be a corresponding locking lug or a locking opening molded onto the housing.
  • busbar with an insulating profile is only selected and described here as an example and as an example; the choice of this example is in no way meant to be restrictive.
  • inventive idea described using the example of the busbar can easily be transferred to other connecting elements, in particular to plug connectors and reversible connectors, without the need for further explanations of the figures.
  • the figure 11 shows a connecting device 100 according to the invention.
  • it has two three-phase motor protection switches 1, 1' lined up on their broad sides.
  • Each of the two motor protection switches 1, 1' has three access terminals 3, 4, 5, 3', 4', 5' and three output terminals opposite each other, only two can be seen in the figure, with the reference numbers 6, 7.
  • On the access side a busbar 8 is to be plugged in.
  • the busbar 8 has an insulating profile 9, in which a pole bar 10 (see figure 12 ) is arranged, on which six contact lugs 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 are formed in a comb-like manner and protrude perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction of the pole rail.
  • the contact lugs then engage in the terminal openings.
  • figure 12 shows a detailed view of one of the connection terminals diagonally from above.
  • the insulating profile has been removed from the busbar here, you can see the pole bar 10 and two of the contact lugs 12, 13.
  • the connection terminal is a plug-in spring terminal as a clamping spring 40. You can see the upper part of the loop 18 and part of the clamping wing 19.
  • the contact lug 12 is just before it is inserted into the terminal opening.
  • FIG. 12 shows, schematically and by way of example, a cross section through part of the connecting device 100 as shown in FIG. Part of the housing of the motor protection switch 1 can be seen: the front side 20, the rear front side 21, the front narrow side 22, the rear narrow side 23.
  • An insertion opening 28 is formed on the rear narrow side 21 for inserting the contact lug 11 of the busbar 8 to the Terminal point in the direction of arrow P.
  • the terminal point is formed by a spring clip terminal.
  • This has a clamping spring 40 with a support wing 25, a clamping wing 19 and a loop 18 which connects the clamping wing 19 to the support wing 25 and which forms a spring and causes the restoring spring force on the clamping wing.
  • the clamping wing 19 has a slight kink, its terminal end 24 is slightly upwards towards the front 21, bent.
  • the clamping spring 40 is supported with the support wing 25 on a support rail 26 inside the service switching device 1 . With the terminal end 24, the clamping spring 40 presses an inserted connection conductor, for example the contact lug 11, against a busbar 27. The electrical contact takes place between the busbar 27 and the contact lug 11, see FIG figure 2 .
  • the conductor rail 27 and the support rail 26 can be parts of a common terminal frame, but they can also be designed as individual parts.
  • the support rail 26 could also be designed as a housing projection. Further conductor sections inside the service switching device 1 are then connected to the conductor rail 27 and continue the current path from the clamping point inside the service switching device 1 .
  • busbar 8 and the motor protection switch 1 are still separated from each other.
  • the busbar 8 can be inserted into the insertion opening 28 in the direction of the arrow P, with the contact lug 11 first.
  • figure 2 shows the state in which the busbar 8 is inserted into the insertion opening 28 with the tab 11 first.
  • the clamping end 24 of the clamping wing 19 presses against one side of the contact tab 11.
  • the area in which the terminal end 11 rests against the contact tab 11 is referred to as the terminal point 29.
  • the pressure effect of the clamping end 24 of the clamping wing 19 on the contact lug 11 presses the side of the contact lug 11 opposite the clamping point 29 flat against the busbar 27 .
  • the area in which the side of the contact lug 11 opposite the clamping point 29 lies flat against the busbar 27 is referred to as the contact point 30 .
  • the electrical contact between the pole rail 10 and the busbar 27 takes place at the contact point 30. There the current flows from the pole rail into the installation switching device 1 or out of the installation switching device 1 into the pole rail. A low electrical contact resistance should therefore prevail at the contact point 30 . If the pole bar with the contact lugs 11 consists of a highly conductive material, for example copper or a copper alloy, this can be achieved with a sufficiently large contact pressure from the clamping spring and its clamping end on the clamping point.
  • a spring steel used for the production of the clamping spring 40 is usually not a good electrical conductor; it is specially optimized with regard to its spring-elastic properties.
  • the contact lug 11 has a greater surface hardness in the area in which the clamping spring with the clamping end 24 presses on the clamping point 29 than at least at the contact point 30.
  • the area with the greater surface hardness is colored black in the figures here in the example Area 29 shown.
  • the advantageous effect is that the clamping end 24 of the clamping spring is prevented from cutting into the contact lug 11 made of a highly conductive but less hard material in the region of the clamping point 29 .
  • the busbar can therefore also be pulled out of the insertion opening 28 without any problems, without a tool being required to bend the clamping wing 19 back.
  • the terminal end 24 will simply slide on the hard surface of the portion 29 as it is withdrawn.
  • the hardening of the surface in area 29, the clamping point can be brought about in the example by placing a plate of another, hard material on the surface the contact lug 11 is placed in the area 19 or embedded in the surface of the contact lug 11 in the area 19 .
  • the other, hard material can be an electrically poorly conductive material or a non-conductor.
  • Other methods of surface hardening known in principle can also be used in order to produce a higher surface hardness at least in area 29, the clamping point, than in the area of contact point 30.
  • the hardened area 29 is shown here as a spatially limited area. This is also sufficient to fulfill the advantageous function according to the invention.
  • the hardened area 29 can of course also be larger than shown here in the example in the figures; it could even extend over the entire one broad side of the contact lug 11 . It is important that in the remaining volume of the contact lug 11 and the pole rail 10 and at the contact point 30 the material of the pole rail and the contact lug 11 has a high electrical conductivity.
  • the contact lug 11' is a metal strip made of two layers 29', 29" of metals of different hardness and conductivity, which are connected to one another in a materially bonded or form-fitting manner, with a first layer 29' having the greater hardness being attached to the clamping end 24 of the clamping spring 40 faces, and the second layer 29" with the greater electrical conductivity faces the busbar 27.
  • the first layer 29′ can be made of stainless steel and the second layer 29′′ can be made of copper or brass.
  • such a contact tab 11′ is constructed similarly to a bimetallic strip, although materials with a similar coefficient of thermal expansion are used as far as possible in order to to avoid temperature-related bending of the contact lug 11'.
  • the insulating profile 9 is designed with a latching element 31, which interacts in a latching manner with a latching element 32 adapted thereto on the housing of the installation switching device, here in the example on the rear narrow side 23, when the clamping spring with the clamping end 24 the contact lug 11 is clamped at the terminal point 29 and presses on the contact point 30 to the busbar 27.
  • the locking member 31 is a locking lug 33 on a one-sided resiliently clamped Latching bar 34.
  • the latching element 32 on the housing that corresponds thereto is a corresponding latching lug or latching opening (not shown here in the figure) formed on the housing.
  • the latching element 31 in latching with the latching element 32 prevents the insulating profile 9 and thus also the busbar from shaking loose in an industrial environment, and thus supports the clamping effect of the clamping end 24 of the clamping spring 40 on the contact lug 11.
  • the latching element 31 can be bent away without tools using one or more fingers, so that the latching lug 33 releases the latching element 32, and the busbar 8 can then be pulled out of the insertion opening 28 with the same hand or the other hand.
  • FIGS figures 1 and 2 differs from that in FIGS figures 1 and 2
  • the insulating profile 9 is designed with an opening element 35 that can be actuated by hand, which, when actuated, pushes the clamping end 24 of the clamping spring away from the clamping point 29 and thus enables the contact lug 11 to be removed from the clamp without the use of an additional tool.
  • This is advantageous since, under unfavorable circumstances, the clamping wing 19 could stick or otherwise adhere to the contact lug 11 during long-lasting operation of a connecting device 100 according to the invention, making it difficult for the busbar 8 to be pulled out.
  • the insulating profile 9 is designed with an opening element that can be actuated by hand, as is only shown by way of example in FIGS Figures 8 - 10 is shown.
  • the opening element 35 is designed in the form of a double-armed lever 35 .
  • Its pivot axis 36 is located on a projection 37 on the insulating profile 9, which protrudes a little from the insulating profile 9.
  • a first arm 38 of the double-armed lever extends approximately parallel to the contact lug 11 in the direction of the clamping wing 19 of the clamping spring 40 .
  • a second arm 39 of the double-armed lever extends into the space outside the insulating profile 9 and is with the busbar inserted externally operable by hand. In the embodiment shown here, which is only given as an example, the second arm is slightly angled so that it is easier to reach with a finger for actuation.
  • figure 8 shows the busbar separated from the installation switching device 1.
  • figure 9 shows the busbar 8 attached to the insertion opening 28 of the installation switching device 1.
  • the free end of the first arm 38 of the opening element 35 ends here just before the clamping wing 19 of the clamping spring 40.
  • FIG 10 shows the situation when the opening device is actuated. Pressure on the second arm 39 in the direction of arrow D pivots the first arm 38 clockwise, this pushes the clamping end 24 of the clamping wing 19 away from the clamping point, indicated by the arrow E, and the contact lug 11 can be pulled out upwards, see Arrow F
  • FIG. 3 - 5 considered.
  • the insulating profile 9 is both with a manually operable opening member 35, as in connection with the Figures 8 - 10 explained, formed, as well as additionally with a latching member 31 which cooperates latching with a latching element 32 adapted thereto on the housing of the installation switching device, as in connection with the figures 6 and 7 already explained above.
  • the contact lug can in each case be designed as a metal strip made of two layers of metals of different hardness and conductivity, which are connected to one another in a materially bonded or form-fitting manner, with a first layer with the greater hardness facing the clamping end of the clamping spring 40, and the second layer facing the greater electrical conductivity of the busbar, according to the in figures 13 and 14 illustrated manner.
  • a figurative representation of this should be dispensed with.

Landscapes

  • Connections Arranged To Contact A Plurality Of Conductors (AREA)

Description

Die Erfindung geht aus von einer Verbindungsvorrichtung, gemäß dem Oberbegriff von Anspruch 1.The invention is based on a connecting device according to the preamble of claim 1.

Eine solche gattungsgemäße Verbindungsvorrichtung ist bekannt im Zusammenhang mit Leitungsschutzschaltern, Fehlerstromschutzschaltern, Motorschutzschaltern, Relais oder Schützen, insbesondere zur Anwendung in Verteilern oder Schaltanlagen im industriellen Einsatz, also beispielsweise bei der Stromversorgung oder Steuerung von Motoren oder in Niederspannungsschaltanlagen. Ein Beispiel für ein Verbindungselement, das bei einer gattungsgemäßen Verbindungsvorrichtung zum Einsatz kommen kann, ist eine Sammelschiene. Eine Sammelschiene ist eine Vorrichtung, um gleichzeitig eine Mehrzahl von aneinandergereihten Anschlüssen eines oder mehrerer aneinandergereihter Installationsschaltgeräte elektrisch miteinander zu verbinden. Die Polschiene der Sammelschiene und die von der Polschiene meistens in etwa kammartig abstehenden Kontaktfahnen sind aus einem starren und elektrisch gut leitenden Material, einem starren Leitblech beispielsweise, bevorzugt aus Kupfer oder einer gut leitenden Kupferlegierung, gefertigt. Zum Zweck der elektrischen Berührsicherheit ist die Polschiene in einem Isolierprofil aufgenommen, aus dem die Kontaktfahnen an den dafür vorgesehenen Stellen durch Öffnungen hindurchragen.Such a generic connecting device is known in connection with circuit breakers, residual current circuit breakers, motor protection switches, relays or contactors, in particular for use in distributors or switchgear in industrial use, for example in the power supply or control of motors or in low-voltage switchgear. An example of a connecting element that can be used in a generic connecting device is a busbar. A busbar is a device for simultaneously electrically connecting a plurality of terminals of one or more lined-up installation switching devices to one another. The pole bar of the busbar and the contact lugs that protrude from the pole bar mostly in a comb-like manner are made of a rigid and electrically highly conductive material, for example a rigid conducting plate, preferably made of copper or a copper alloy with good conductivity. For the purpose of electrical protection against accidental contact, the pole bar is accommodated in an insulating profile, from which the contact lugs protrude through openings at the points provided for this purpose.

Ein weiteres Beispiel für ein Verbindungselement, das bei einer gattungsgemäßen Verbindungsvorrichtung zum Einsatz kommen kann, ist ein Steckverbinder. Steckverbinder dienen zum Herstellen einer elektrischen Verbindung zwischen den Anschlussklemmen beispielsweise eines Motorschutzschalters und eines Schützes. Ein Steckverbinder zur Verbindung zweier dreiphasiger Geräte hat beispielsweise drei Verbindungsleiter, die gemeinsam in einem Isolierstoffgehäuse angeordnet sein können, wobei von jedem Verbindungsleiter zwei Kontaktfahnen abstehen, eine jeweils zum Einführen in die Anschlussklemme des Motorschutzschalters und eine zum Einführen in die Anschlussklemme des Schützes.Another example of a connecting element that can be used in a generic connecting device is a plug connector. Connectors are used to establish an electrical connection between the terminals of a motor protection switch and a contactor, for example. A connector for connecting two three-phase devices has, for example, three connecting conductors, which can be arranged together in an insulating housing, with two contact lugs protruding from each connecting conductor, one for insertion into the connection terminal of the motor protection switch and one for insertion into the connection terminal of the contactor.

Ein weiteres Beispiel für ein Verbindungselement, das bei einer gattungsgemäßen Verbindungsvorrichtung zum elektrischen Anschluss eines dreipoligen Schützes zum Einsatz kommen kann, ist ein sogenannter Wendeverbinder. Das ist im Prinzip ein dreipoliger Steckverbinder, bei dem die Verbindungsleiter zwischen den einzelnen Polen der beiden zu verbindenden Geräte so angeordnet sind, dass die Laufrichtung eines angeschlossenen Motors sich umkehrt.A further example of a connecting element that can be used in a generic connecting device for the electrical connection of a three-pole contactor is a so-called reversing connector. In principle, this is a three-pole connector in which the connecting conductors between the individual poles of the two devices to be connected are arranged in such a way that the direction of rotation of a connected motor is reversed.

Traditionell werden bei im industriellen Umfeld verwendeten Installationsschaltgeräten Schraubklemmen eingesetzt. Das Anschließen eines Verbindungselementes erfolgt dabei in zwei Schritte. Zunächst wird das Verbindungselement auf die geöffneten Schraubklemmen aufgelegt, dabei werden die Kontaktfahnen in die geöffneten Schraubklemmen eingesetzt. Danach werden einzeln nacheinander die Klemmschrauben angezogen.Traditionally, screw terminals are used in installation switching devices used in industrial environments. A connection element is connected in two steps. First, the connecting element is placed on the open screw terminals, with the contact lugs being inserted into the open screw terminals. After that, one after the other clamping screws tightened.

In letzter Zeit wurde vorgeschlagen, auch schraubenlose Klemmen bei im industriellen Umfeld verwendeten Installationsschaltgeräten einzusetzen. Dabei wird anstatt einer Klemmschraube eine als Käfig-Federzugklemme bekannte Anordnung eingesetzt. Ein Beispiel dafür ist in der EP 0 928 043 B1 gezeigt. Die Federzugklemme hat einen Klemmrahmen und eine in etwa Ω-förmig gebildete Klemmfeder, die einen Auflageflügel, einen Klemmflügel mit Schlitz zum Festklemmen des Anschlussleiters und eine Schleife, die eine Feder bildet und den Auflage- mit dem Klemmflügel verbindet, aufweist. Um den Anschlussleiter anzuklemmen, muss man mit einem Werkzeug auf die Schleife drücken und damit den Klemmflügel verschieben, so dass der Schlitz frei gegeben wird zum Einführen des Anschlussleiters. Wenn das Werkzeug entfernt wird, zieht die rückstellende Federkraft der schleife den Klemmflügel wieder zurück, und der Anschlussleiter wird im Schlitz festgeklemmt. Gegenüber der Schraubklemme bietet das eine gewisse Arbeitserleichterung, und die Klemmkraft ist reproduzierbar durch die Federkraft der Federschleife eingestellt und nicht mehr abhängig davon, mit welchem Drehmoment der Monteur die Klemmschraube anzieht. Zum Entfernen des Anschlussleiters wird wieder das Werkzeug benötigt, um den Klemmflügel wieder in seine Öffnungsstellung zu drücken.Recently it has been proposed to also use screwless terminals in installation switching devices used in the industrial environment. In this case, instead of a clamping screw, an arrangement known as a cage spring clamp is used. An example of this is in the EP 0 928 043 B1 shown. The spring-loaded terminal has a clamping frame and an approximately Ω-shaped clamping spring that has a support wing, a clamping wing with a slot for clamping the connecting conductor and a loop that forms a spring and connects the support to the clamping wing. In order to connect the connection conductor, you have to press the loop with a tool and thus move the clamping wing so that the slot is free for inserting the connection conductor. When the tool is removed, the loop's restoring spring force pulls the clamping wing back and the lead is clamped in the slot. Compared to the screw clamp, this offers a certain amount of work simplification, and the clamping force is set reproducibly by the spring force of the spring loop and is no longer dependent on the torque with which the fitter tightens the clamping screw. To remove the connection conductor, the tool is required again in order to press the clamping wing back into its open position.

Beim Anschluss eines Verbindungselementes mit Kontaktfahnen an ein oder mehrere nebeneinander angereihte Installationsschaltgeräte mit solchen schraubenlosen Federzugklemmen ergibt sich allerdings die Schwierigkeit, dass eine Mehrzahl von Federzugklemmen, nämlich so viele, wie Kontaktfahnen eingesteckt sind, gleichzeitig geöffnet werden müsste. Das kann für den Monteur nahezu unmöglich sein, da sich für eine Person eine Mehrzahl von Werkzeugen mit einer Hand kaum sinnvoll betätigen lässt, und auch die vom Monteur aufzubringende Kraft zum Öffnen einer Anzahl von aneinandergereihten Klemmen ein Vielfaches der Klemmkraft einer einzelnen Federzugklemme beträgt, was leicht eine nicht mehr handhabbare Dimension der aufzubringenden Öffnungskraft erreichen kann.However, when connecting a connecting element with contact lugs to one or more installation switching devices arranged next to one another with such screwless spring-loaded terminals, the difficulty arises that a plurality of spring-loaded terminals, namely as many as contact lugs are inserted, would have to be opened at the same time. This can be almost impossible for the fitter, since one person can hardly operate a number of tools with one hand, and the force required by the fitter to open a number of terminals lined up is many times the clamping force of a single spring-loaded terminal, which can easily reach an unmanageable dimension of the opening force to be applied.

Die DE 10 2010 012 820 A1 zeigt einen Leitereinführungsstecker mit einem Griffabschnitt und mindestens einem leitenden Steckerabschnitt zum Einführen in eine Leitereinführungsöffnung einer Federkraftklemme, die ein Isolierstoffgehäuse mit mindestens einer darin eingesetzter Stromschiene und mindestens eine Klemmfeder hat, wobei die Klemmfeder eine Klemmkante aufweist, die in spitzen Winkel auf einen in die Leitereinführungsöffnung eingesteckten elektrischen Leiter ausgerichtet ist und zusammen mit einem gegenüberliegenden Abschnitt der Stromschiene eine Klemmstelle für den elektrischen Leiter bildet, wobei der sich außerhalb des Griffabschnitts befindliche Steckerabschnitt zumindest an einem zum Kontakt mit der Klemmfeder vorgesehenen Kontaktbereich mindestens zweilagig mit einer ersten der Klemmfeder zugewandten Lage aus einem ersten metallischen Material und einer zweiten der Stromschiene zugewandten Lage aus einem zweiten metallischen Material ausgebildet ist.the DE 10 2010 012 820 A1 shows a conductor entry plug with a handle section and at least one conductive plug section for insertion into a conductor entry opening of a spring-loaded terminal, which has an insulating material housing with at least one busbar inserted therein and at least one clamping spring, the clamping spring having a clamping edge that is at an acute angle on a in the conductor entry opening plugged-in electrical conductor and forms a clamping point for the electrical conductor together with an opposite section of the busbar, with the plug section located outside the grip section having at least two layers at least on a contact area provided for contact with the clamping spring, with a first layer facing the clamping spring consisting of one first metallic material and a second layer facing the busbar is formed from a second metallic material.

Die WO 2010/015308 A1 zeigt ein Installationsschaltgerät, mit einem Gehäuse, und mit einem schraubenlosen Klemmenanschluss mit einer Klemmfeder zum Anschließen von Anschlussleitern, die in einem Klemmenanschlussraum des Gehäuses lagefixiert ist, wobei der Klemmenanschlussraum durch die Gehäusebreitseiten seitlich begrenzt ist, und wobei die Öffnung des Klemmenanschlussraums durch ein schwenkbar mit dem Gehäuse verbundenes Klemmenabdeckteil bedeckbar ist, welches eine der Anzahl anzuschließender Anschlussleiter entsprechende Anzahl von Anschlussöffnungen aufweist und welches bei Verschwenken in Richtung auf das Gehäuseinnere hin die Klemmfeder öffnend beaufschlagen kann. Das Klemmenabdeckteil umfasst ein Distanzstück, welches in einer Raststellung den Verschwenkweg des Klemmenabdeckteils in Richtung auf die Klemmfeder hin begrenzt, und diesen in einer Freigabestellung zum Öffnen der Klemmfeder freigibtthe WO 2010/015308 A1 shows an installation switching device, with a housing, and with a screwless terminal connection with a clamping spring for connecting connecting conductors, which is fixed in position in a terminal connection space of the housing, the terminal connection space through the housing broad sides is laterally delimited, and wherein the opening of the terminal connection space can be covered by a terminal cover part which is pivotably connected to the housing and has a number of connection openings corresponding to the number of connecting conductors to be connected and which can open the clamping spring when it is pivoted in the direction of the interior of the housing. The terminal cover part includes a spacer which, in a detent position, limits the pivoting path of the terminal cover part in the direction of the clamping spring and releases this in a release position for opening the clamping spring

Die FR 2 713 832 zeigt eine Verbindungsvorrichtung, mit einem isolierenden Gehäuse, das ein Innengehäuse hat, in dem mindestens zwei abisolierte Leiterenden zwischen einer festen und einer beweglichen Kontaktlamelle durch eine Klemmschraube festgeklemmt werden können. Die Vorrichtung ist dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die bewegliche Kontaktlamelle durch ein flexibles Metallstück an einem Ende eines Befestigungsvorsprungs in der Innenwand des Gehäuses gebildet ist, die der feststehenden Lamelle zugewandt ist, wobei sie am anderen Ende einen Anschlussabschnitt mit parallelen Schlitzen hat, die in der beweglichen Lamelle eine Vielzahl von unabhängigen Fingern definieren, so dass unter der Wirkung der Klemmschraube auf die den Fingern gegenüberliegende Oberfläche der beweglichen Lamelle, diese Finger die Leiterenden unabhängig voneinander gegen die feststehende Lamelle drücken.the FR 2 713 832 shows a connecting device with an insulating housing, which has an inner housing in which at least two stripped conductor ends can be clamped between a fixed and a movable contact lamella by a clamping screw. The device is characterized in that the movable contact blade is formed by a flexible piece of metal at one end of a fixing projection in the inner wall of the housing facing the fixed blade, having at the other end a terminal portion with parallel slots made in the movable lamina define a plurality of independent fingers such that under the action of the clamping screw on the surface of the movable lamina opposite the fingers, these fingers independently press the conductor ends against the fixed lamina.

Es ist daher die Aufgabe der vorliegenden Erfindung, eine gattungsgemäße Verbindungsvorrichtung so zu verbessern, dass ein werkzeugloses Verbinden bzw. wieder Entfernen eines Verbindungselementes mit bzw. von einer Mehrzahl von aneinandergereihten schraubenlosen Klemmanschlüssen aneinandergereihter Installationsschaltgeräte ermöglicht wird.It is therefore the object of the present invention to improve a generic connection device in such a way that tool-free connection or removal of a connection element to or from a plurality of lined-up screwless terminal connections of lined-up installation switching devices is made possible.

Diese Aufgabe wird gelöst durch eine Verbindungsvorrichtung mit den Merkmalen des Anspruchs 1.This object is achieved by a connecting device having the features of claim 1.

Erfindungsgemäß also ist die Klemme von dem Typ, der wenigstens eine als Druckfeder auf eine Klemmstelle der Kontaktfahne einwirkende Klemmfeder zum Festklemmen der Kontaktfahne und zum Andrücken einer Kontaktstelle der Kontaktfahne an einer Stromschiene aufweist, und die Kontaktfahne ist wenigstens in dem Bereich, in dem die Klemmfeder auf die Klemmstelle drückt, gehärtet und weist dadurch dort eine größere Oberflächenhärte auf als zumindest an der Kontaktstelle, so dass ein Einschneiden der Klemmfeder in die Kontaktfahne im Bereich der Klemmstelle verhindert ist.According to the invention, the terminal is of the type that has at least one clamping spring acting as a compression spring on a clamping point of the contact lug for clamping the contact lug and for pressing a contact point of the contact lug on a busbar, and the contact lug is at least in the area in which the clamping spring presses on the terminal point, hardened and thus has a greater surface hardness there than at least at the contact point, so that the clamping spring is prevented from cutting into the contact lug in the area of the terminal point.

Die Lösung der Aufgabe erfolgt erfindungsgemäß somit durch zwei Maßnahmen. Die erste betrifft die Verwendung eines anderen Typs von schraubenloser Federklemme, nämlich des Typs, der wenigstens eine als Druckfeder auf eine Klemmstelle der Kontaktfahne einwirkende Klemmfeder zum Festklemmen eines Anschlussleiters aufweist. Dieser Typ ist auch bekannt als Federdruckklemme, im englischen Sprachgebrauch auch als "push-in" - Klemme bekannt. Bei der Federdruckklemme kann ein starrer Anschlussleiter, beispielsweise eine Kontaktfahne, ohne Öffnungswerkzeug eingeschoben werden. Die Federdruckklemme hat einen Auflageflügel, einen Klemmflügel zum Festklemmen des Anschlussleiters beziehungsweise der Kontaktfahne am freien Ende des Klemmflügels und eine Schleife, die eine Feder bildet und den Auflage- mit dem Klemmflügel verbindet. Beim Einschieben drückt der starre Anschlussleiter beziehungsweise die Kontaktfahne das Endstück des Klemmflügels beiseite, die rückstellende Federkraft der Schleife sorgt für die nötige Kontaktdrucckraft. Durch Verwendung dieses Typs von schraubenloser Federklemme lässt sich ein Verbindungselement, beispielsweise eine Sammelschiene mit ihrer Mehrzahl von nebeneinanderliegenden starren Kontaktfahnen oder auch ein Steckverbinder oder ein Wendeverbinder leicht in eine Mehrzahl von nebeneinander angeordneten Klemmöffnungen einsetzen und festklemmen, ohne dass ein Werkzeug benötigt würde.The object is thus achieved according to the invention by two measures. The first relates to the use of another type of screwless spring clamp, namely the type which has at least one clamping spring acting as a compression spring on a clamping point of the contact tab for clamping a connecting conductor. This type is also known as a spring-loaded clamp, also known as a "push-in" clamp. With the spring-loaded terminal, a Rigid connecting conductors, for example a contact lug, can be inserted without an opening tool. The spring-loaded terminal has a support wing, a clamping wing for clamping the connection conductor or the contact lug at the free end of the clamping wing, and a loop that forms a spring and connects the support to the clamping wing. When it is pushed in, the rigid connection conductor or the contact lug pushes the end piece of the clamping wing aside, the restoring spring force of the loop provides the necessary contact pressure. By using this type of screwless spring clamp, a connecting element, for example a busbar with its plurality of adjacent rigid contact lugs or a plug connector or a reversible connector can be easily inserted into a plurality of terminal openings arranged next to one another and clamped without the need for a tool.

Beim Andrücken könnte sich das Klemmende des Klemmflügels in das Material der Kontaktfahne eindrücken, insbesondere wenn diese aus einer gut leitfähigen Kupferlegierung besteht. Das Klemmende des Klemmflügels könnte dann ein wenig in der Kontaktfahne verhaken. Das kann dazu führen, dass ein Herausziehen der Sammelschiene ohne zusätzliches Werkzeug nicht mehr einfach und nur noch mit erheblichem Kraftaufwand gegen den Verhakungswiderstand möglich ist, wobei bei wiederholtem Herausziehen die Klemmfeder oder die Kontaktfahne Schaden nehmen könnte. Zum Herausziehen der Sammelschiene könnte es dann erforderlich sein, jede Klemmfeder wieder von der Kontaktfahne erst ein Stück weit weg zu drücken, mittels eines Werkzeugs. Die zweite erfinderische Maßnahme liegt daher darin, dass die Kontaktfahne in dem Bereich, in dem die Klemmfeder auf die Klemmstelle drückt, eine größere Oberflächenhärte aufweist als im Rest der Kontaktfahne, insbesondere als an der Kontaktstelle, an der die Kontaktfahne an der Stromschiene angedrückt wird. Wenn also zum Beispiel die Kontaktfahne aus einer gut elektrisch leitenden, aber mechanisch eher weichen Kupferlegierung besteht, so ist erfindungsgemäß in dem Bereich, in dem die Klemmfeder auf die Klemmstelle drückt, die Oberfläche gehärtet. Der vorteilhafte Effekt ist der, dass in diesem gehärteten Oberflächenbereich das Klemmende der Klemmfeder sich nicht in das Material eindrücken kann, somit das Klemmende das Klemmflügels nicht mehr verhakt, und folglich die Stromschiene auch werkzeuglos wieder herausgezogen werden kann. Erfindungsgemäß genügt es für diesen vorteilhaften Effekt, die Oberfläche an einer lokal begrenzten Stelle zu härten. In dem gehärteten Bereich kann die elektrische Leitfähigkeit, je nachdem, wie gehärtet wurde, reduziert sein. Das ist aber nicht nachteilig, da an der Kontaktstelle, an der die Kontaktfahne an der Stromschiene angedrückt wird, ja nicht gehärtet ist und somit dort, wo es auf einen niedrigen elektrischen Übergangswiderstand ankommt, die gute elektrische Leitfähigkeit des Materials der Kontaktfahne erhalten bleibt. Nur an der Stelle, an der es auf eine gute mechanische Härte, aber nicht auf eine gute elektrische Leitfähigkeit ankommt, wird die Oberfläche der Kontaktfahne gehärtet.When pressing on, the clamping end of the clamping wing could press into the material of the contact lug, especially if it consists of a copper alloy with good conductivity. The clamping end of the clamping wing could then get caught a little in the contact lug. This can mean that it is no longer easy to pull out the busbar without an additional tool and it is only possible with considerable effort against the interlocking resistance, with repeated pulling out the clamping spring or the contact lug being damaged. In order to pull out the busbar, it could then be necessary to first press each clamping spring a little further away from the contact lug, using a tool. The second inventive measure is therefore that the contact lug has a greater surface hardness in the area in which the clamping spring presses on the clamping point than in the rest of the contact lug, in particular than at the contact point at which the contact lug is pressed on the busbar. If, for example, the contact lug consists of a copper alloy with good electrical conductivity but which is mechanically rather soft, the surface is hardened according to the invention in the area in which the clamping spring presses on the clamping point. The advantageous effect is that in this hardened surface area, the clamping end of the clamping spring cannot press into the material, so the clamping end of the clamping wing no longer gets caught, and consequently the busbar can also be pulled out again without tools. According to the invention it is sufficient for this advantageous effect, the surface at a locally limited place to harden. Electrical conductivity may be reduced in the hardened area, depending on how hardened it was. This is not a disadvantage, however, since the contact point at which the contact lug is pressed on the conductor rail is not hardened and the good electrical conductivity of the material of the contact lug is therefore retained where a low electrical contact resistance is important. The surface of the contact lug is only hardened at the point where good mechanical hardness is important but good electrical conductivity is not.

Das Härten an der Oberfläche erfolgt so, dass in dem betreffenden Bereich eine Platte eines anderen, harten Materials auf die Oberfläche der Kontaktfahne aufgesetzt oder in der Oberfläche eingelassen ist. Das andere, harte Material ist ein elektrisch weniger gut leitendes Material , beispielsweise Edelstahl, oder ein Nichtleiter.The hardening on the surface takes place in such a way that a plate of a different, hard material is placed on the surface of the contact lug or embedded in the surface in the relevant area. The other, hard material is a less electrically conductive material, such as stainless steel, or a non-conductor.

Das restliche Volumen der Kontaktfahne und insbesondere die Oberfläche an der der Stromschiene zugewandten Seite besteht aus einem elektrisch gut leitenden Material, beispielsweise Kupfer oder Messing.The remaining volume of the contact lug and in particular the surface on the side facing the busbar consists of an electrically highly conductive material, for example copper or brass.

Gemäß einer vorteilhaften Ausführungsform der Erfindung ist die Kontaktfahne ein Metallstreifen aus zwei Schichten unterschiedlich harter und unterschiedlich leitfähiger Metalle, die miteinander stoffschlüssig oder formschlüssig verbunden sind, wobei eine erste Schicht mit der größeren Härte dem Klemmende der Klemmfeder zugewandt ist, und die zweite Schicht mit der größeren elektrischen Leitfähigkeit der Stromschiene zugewandt ist. Die erste Schicht kann dabei aus Edelstahl und die zweite Schicht aus Kupfer oder Messing bestehen. Im Aufbau ist eine solche Kontaktfahne gemäß dieser Ausführungsform ähnlich wie ein Bimetallstreifen ausgebildet, wobei jedoch möglichst Materialien mit ähnlichem Wärmeausdehnungskoeffizienten verwendet werden, um ein temperaturbedingtes verbiegen der Kontaktfahne zu vermeiden.According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the contact lug is a metal strip made of two layers of metals of different hardness and conductivity, which are connected to one another in a materially or form-fitting manner, with a first layer with the greater hardness facing the clamping end of the clamping spring, and the second layer with the facing greater electrical conductivity of the busbar. The first layer can be made of stainless steel and the second layer of copper or brass. In terms of construction, such a contact lug according to this embodiment is designed similarly to a bimetallic strip, although materials with a similar coefficient of thermal expansion are used as far as possible in order to avoid temperature-related bending of the contact lug.

Es könnte bei einem lang anhaltenden Betrieb einer erfindungsgemäßen Verbindungsvorrichtung unter ungünstigen Umständen zu einem Verkleben oder anderweitigen Anhaften des Klemmschenkels an der Kontaktfahne kommen, wodurch ein Herausziehen des Verbindungselementes erschwert wird. Um auch in einem solchen ungünstigen Betriebsfall ohne zusätzliches Werkzeug das Verbindungselement leicht wieder entfernen zu können, wird in einer vorteilhaften Weiterbildung der Erfindung vorgeschlagen, das Verbindungselement mit einem von Hand betätigbaren Öffnungsorgan auszubilden, welches bei Betätigung die Klemmfeder von der Klemmstelle weg drückt und somit ein Entfernen der Kontaktfahne aus der Klemme ermöglicht ohne Einsatz eines zusätzlichen Werkzeugs. Wenn das Verbindungselement ein Isolierprofil hat, in dem der oder die Verbindungsleiter mit der oder den Kontaktfahnen eingebettet ist bzw. sind, so ist in vorteilhafter Weiterbildung das Isolierprofil mit dem von Hand betätigbaren Öffnungsorgan ausgebildet.During long-term operation of a connecting device according to the invention, under unfavorable circumstances the clamping leg could stick or otherwise adhere to the contact lug, making it more difficult to pull out the connecting element. In order to be able to easily remove the connecting element again even in such an unfavorable operating situation without an additional tool, in an advantageous development of the invention proposed to form the connecting element with a manually operable opening element which, when actuated, pushes the clamping spring away from the terminal point and thus enables the contact lug to be removed from the terminal without the use of an additional tool. If the connecting element has an insulating profile in which the connecting conductor or conductors with the contact lug or lugs is or are embedded, then in an advantageous further development the insulating profile is designed with the opening member that can be actuated by hand.

Beim Betrieb einer erfindungsgemäßen Verbindungsvorrichtung in industrieller Umgebung könnte es unter ungünstigen Umständen, beispielsweise durch starke Vibrationen, zu einer Lockerung der Andruckkraft an der Klemmstelle oder zu einem "Herausrütteln" der Kontaktfahne aus der Anschlussklemme kommen. Um das zu verhindern, wird gemäß einer vorteilhaften Ausführungsform der Erfindung vorgeschlagen, das Verbindungselement mit einem Rastorgan auszubilden, welches mit einem daran angepassten Rastelement an dem Gehäuse des Installationsschaltgerätes verrastend zusammenwirkt, wenn die Klemmfeder die Kontaktfahne an der Klemmstelle festklemmt und an der Kontaktstelle an die Stromschiene andrückt. Das Rastorgan verhindert ein Losrütteln des Verbindungselementes. Wenn das Verbindungselement ein Isolierprofil hat, in dem der oder die Verbindungsleiter mit der oder den Kontaktfahnen eingebettet ist bzw. sind, so ist in vorteilhafter Weiterbildung das Isolierprofil mit dem von Hand betätigbaren Öffnungsorgan ausgebildet. Beispielsweise kann das bei einer Sammelschiene mit Isolierprofil so realisiert sein. Das Rastorgan verhindert hier auch ein Losrütteln der Sammelschiene insgesamt. Das Rastorgan ist zu einer lösbaren Rastverbindung mit dem Rastmittel am Gehäuse ausgebildet, so dass das Verbindungselement, beispielsweise die Sammelschiene mit dem Isolierprofil auch wieder abgenommen werden kann. Ein vorteilhaftes Beispiel für ein erfindungsgemäßes Rastorgan ist eine Rastnase an einem einseitig federnd eingespannten Rastbalken, und das damit korrespondierende Rastmittel an dem Gehäuse kann in einem vorteilhaften Beispiel eine an dem Gehäuse angeformte korrespondierende Rastnase oder eine Rastöffnung sein.When operating a connecting device according to the invention in an industrial environment, under unfavorable circumstances, for example due to strong vibrations, the pressure force at the terminal point could be loosened or the contact lug could “shake out” of the connection terminal. In order to prevent this, it is proposed according to an advantageous embodiment of the invention to design the connecting element with a latching element which interacts in a latching manner with a latching element adapted thereto on the housing of the installation switching device when the clamping spring clamps the contact lug firmly at the clamping point and at the contact point on the busbar presses. The latching element prevents the connecting element from shaking loose. If the connecting element has an insulating profile in which the connecting conductor or conductors with the contact lug or lugs is or are embedded, then in an advantageous further development the insulating profile is designed with the opening member that can be actuated by hand. For example, this can be implemented with a busbar with an insulating profile. The latching element also prevents the busbar from shaking loose as a whole. The latching element is designed for a detachable latching connection with the latching means on the housing, so that the connecting element, for example the busbar with the insulating profile, can also be removed again. An advantageous example of a locking element according to the invention is a locking lug on a locking bar clamped resiliently on one side, and the corresponding locking means on the housing can in an advantageous example be a corresponding locking lug or a locking opening molded onto the housing.

Figurenbeschreibungcharacter description

Figuren und Beschreibung dienen dem besseren Verständnis des Gegenstands. Gegenstände oder Teile von Gegenständen, die im Wesentlichen gleich oder ähnlich sind, können mit denselben Bezugszeichen versehen sein. Die Figuren sind lediglich eine schematische Darstellung von vier möglichen Ausführungsformen der Erfindung.Figures and description serve to better understand the subject. Items or parts of items that are essentially the same or similar can be provided with the same reference numbers. The characters are just a schematic representation of four possible embodiments of the invention.

Dabei zeigt:

Figur 1
schematisch und exemplarisch einen Querschnitt durch eine erfindungsgemäße Verbindungsanordnung gemäß einer ersten Ausführungsform, mit einer Sammelschiene, vor dem Einstecken der Sammelschiene,
Figur 2
schematisch und exemplarisch einen Querschnitt durch die Verbindungsanordnung nach Figur 1, mit eingesteckter Sammelschiene,
Figur 3
schematisch und exemplarisch einen Querschnitt durch eine erfindungsgemäße Verbindungsanordnung gemäß einer zweiten Ausführungsform, vor dem Einstecken der Sammelschiene,
Figur 4
schematisch und exemplarisch einen Querschnitt durch die Verbindungsanordnung nach Figur 3, mit eingesteckter Sammelschiene,
Figur 5
schematisch und exemplarisch einen Querschnitt durch die Verbindungsanordnung nach Figur 3, vor dem Herausziehen der Sammelschiene,
Figur 6
schematisch und exemplarisch einen Querschnitt durch eine erfindungsgemäße Verbindungsanordnung gemäß einer dritten Ausführungsform, vor dem Einstecken der Sammelschiene,
Figur 7
schematisch und exemplarisch einen Querschnitt durch die Verbindungsanordnung nach Figur 6, mit eingesteckter Sammelschiene,
Figur 8
schematisch und exemplarisch einen Querschnitt durch eine erfindungsgemäße Verbindungsanordnung gemäß einer vierten Ausführungsform, vor dem Einstecken der Sammelschiene,
Figur 9
schematisch und exemplarisch einen Querschnitt durch die Verbindungsanordnung nach Figur 8, mit eingesteckter Sammelschiene,
Figur 10
schematisch und exemplarisch einen Querschnitt durch die Verbindungsanordnung nach Figur 8, vor dem Herausziehen der Sammelschiene,
Figur 11
eine erfindungsgemäße Verbindungsanordnung mit zwei aneinandergereihten Motorschutzschaltern und einer Sammelschiene,
Figur 12
eine Detailansicht von schräg oben auf eine erfindungsgemäße Verbindungsanordnung nach Figur 11, kurz bevor die Kontaktfahnen der Sammelschiene in die Steckfederklemme eingesteckt werden.
Figur 13
schematisch und exemplarisch einen Querschnitt durch eine erfindungsgemäße Verbindungsanordnung gemäß einer fünften Ausführungsform, vor dem Einstecken der Sammelschiene,
Figur 14
schematisch und exemplarisch einen Querschnitt durch die Verbindungsanordnung nach Figur 13, mit eingesteckter Sammelschiene,
It shows:
figure 1
schematically and by way of example a cross section through a connection arrangement according to the invention according to a first embodiment, with a busbar, before the busbar is inserted,
figure 2
schematically and by way of example a cross section through the connection arrangement figure 1 , with inserted busbar,
figure 3
schematically and as an example a cross section through a connection arrangement according to the invention according to a second embodiment, before the insertion of the busbar,
figure 4
schematically and by way of example a cross section through the connection arrangement figure 3 , with inserted busbar,
figure 5
schematically and by way of example a cross section through the connection arrangement figure 3 , before pulling out the busbar,
figure 6
schematically and as an example a cross section through a connection arrangement according to the invention according to a third embodiment, before the insertion of the busbar,
figure 7
schematically and by way of example a cross section through the connection arrangement figure 6 , with inserted busbar,
figure 8
schematically and as an example a cross section through a connection arrangement according to the invention according to a fourth embodiment, before the insertion of the busbar,
figure 9
schematically and by way of example a cross section through the connection arrangement figure 8 , with inserted busbar,
figure 10
schematically and by way of example a cross section through the connection arrangement figure 8 , before pulling out the busbar,
figure 11
a connection arrangement according to the invention with two lined up motor protection switches and a busbar,
figure 12
a detailed view obliquely from above of a connection arrangement according to the invention figure 11 , just before the contact lugs of the busbar are plugged into the spring-loaded terminal.
figure 13
schematically and as an example a cross section through a connection arrangement according to the invention according to a fifth embodiment, before the insertion of the busbar,
figure 14
schematically and by way of example a cross section through the connection arrangement figure 13 , with inserted busbar,

In den Figuren sind gleiche, ähnliche sowie gleich oder ähnlich wirkende Elemente mit denselben Bezugsziffern bezeichnet.In the figures, elements that are the same, similar, or have the same or similar effect are denoted by the same reference numerals.

Das Beispiel der Sammelschiene mit Isolierprofil ist hier lediglich beispielhaft und exemplarisch gewählt und beschrieben, keinesfalls ist die Wahl dieses Beispiels einschränkend gemeint. Die am Beispiel der Sammelschiene beschriebene Erfindungsidee lässt sich ohne weiteres auf andere Verbindungselemente, insbesondere auf Steckverbinder und Wendeverbinder, übertragen, ohne dass es dazu weiterer figürlicher Erläuterungen bedürfte.The example of the busbar with an insulating profile is only selected and described here as an example and as an example; the choice of this example is in no way meant to be restrictive. The inventive idea described using the example of the busbar can easily be transferred to other connecting elements, in particular to plug connectors and reversible connectors, without the need for further explanations of the figures.

Es werde zunächst die Figur 11 und 12 betrachtet. Die Figur 11 zeigt eine erfindungsgemäße Verbindungsvorrichtung 100. Diese weist hier im Beispiel zwei an ihren Breitseiten aneinandergereihte dreiphasige Motorschutzschalter 1, 1' auf. Jeder der beiden Motorschutzschalter 1, 1' hat drei Zugangsklemmen 3, 4, 5, 3', 4', 5' und jeweils gegenüberliegend drei Abgangsklemmen, in der Abbildung sind nur zwei zu sehen, mit den Bezugszeichen 6, 7. An der Zugangsseite soll eine Sammelschiene 8 angesteckt werden. Die Sammelschiene 8 hat ein Isolierprofil 9, in dem eine Polschiene 10 (siehe Figur 12) angeordnet ist, an der kammartig sechs Kontaktfahnen 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 angeformt sind und senkrecht zur Längserstreckungsrichtung der Polschiene abstehen. Wie der Pfeil P in Figur 11 andeutet, wird die Sammelschiene 8 mit den Kontaktfahnen 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 voran senkrecht auf die Frontseite 17 der Motorschutzschalter aufgesteckt, die Kontaktfahnen greifen dann in die Klemmenöffnungen ein.It will be the first figure 11 and 12 considered. the figure 11 shows a connecting device 100 according to the invention. In this example, it has two three-phase motor protection switches 1, 1' lined up on their broad sides. Each of the two motor protection switches 1, 1' has three access terminals 3, 4, 5, 3', 4', 5' and three output terminals opposite each other, only two can be seen in the figure, with the reference numbers 6, 7. On the access side a busbar 8 is to be plugged in. The busbar 8 has an insulating profile 9, in which a pole bar 10 (see figure 12 ) is arranged, on which six contact lugs 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 are formed in a comb-like manner and protrude perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction of the pole rail. Like the arrow P in figure 11 indicates that the busbar 8 is plugged with the contact lugs 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 in front vertically onto the front side 17 of the motor protection switch, the contact lugs then engage in the terminal openings.

Figur 12 zeigt in einer Detailansicht eine der Anschlussklemmen von schräg oben. Das Isolierprofil ist hier von der Sammelschiene entfernt, man sieht die Polschiene 10 und zwei der Kontaktfahnen 12, 13. Bei der Anschlussklemme handelt es sich um eine Federsteckklemme als Klemmfeder 40. Man sieht den oberen Teil der Schleife 18 und einen Teil des Klemmflügels 19. Die Kontaktfahne 12 befindet sich kurz vor dem Einstecken in die Klemmenöffnung. figure 12 shows a detailed view of one of the connection terminals diagonally from above. The insulating profile has been removed from the busbar here, you can see the pole bar 10 and two of the contact lugs 12, 13. The connection terminal is a plug-in spring terminal as a clamping spring 40. You can see the upper part of the loop 18 and part of the clamping wing 19. The contact lug 12 is just before it is inserted into the terminal opening.

Es werden nun die Figuren 1 und 2 betrachtet. Figur 1 zeigt schematisch und exemplarisch einen Querschnitt durch einen Teil der Verbindungsvorrichtung 100 wie in Figur 12 gezeigt. Man erkennt einen Teil des Gehäuses des Motorschutzschalters 1: die vordere Frontseite 20, die hintere Frontseite 21, die vordere Schmalseite 22, die hintere Schmalseite 23. An der hinteren Schmalseite 21 ist eine Einführöffnung 28 gebildet zum Einführen der Kontaktfahne 11 der Sammelschiene 8 an die Klemmstelle in Pfeilrichtung P.Now they will figures 1 and 2 considered. figure 1 FIG. 12 shows, schematically and by way of example, a cross section through part of the connecting device 100 as shown in FIG. Part of the housing of the motor protection switch 1 can be seen: the front side 20, the rear front side 21, the front narrow side 22, the rear narrow side 23. An insertion opening 28 is formed on the rear narrow side 21 for inserting the contact lug 11 of the busbar 8 to the Terminal point in the direction of arrow P.

Die Klemmstelle ist durch eine Federsteckklemme gebildet. Diese hat eine Klemmfeder 40 mit einem Auflageflügel 25, einem Klemmflügel 19 und einer Schleife 18, die den Klemmflügel 19 mit dem Auflageflügel 25 verbindet und die eine Feder bildet und die rückstellende Federkraft auf den Klemmflügel bewirkt. Der Klemmflügel 19 hat einen leichten Knick, sein Klemmende 24 ist leicht nach oben, zu der Frontseite 21 hin, abgebogen. Mit dem Auflageflügel 25 ist die Klemmfeder 40 an einer Auflageschiene 26 im Inneren des Installationsschaltgerätes 1 abgestützt. Mit dem Klemmende 24 drückt die Klemmfeder 40 einen eingeführten Anschlussleiter, beispielsweise die Kontaktfahne 11, gegen eine Stromschiene 27. Der elektrische Kontakt erfolgt zwischen der Stromschiene 27 und der Kontaktfahne 11, siehe Figur 2. Die Stromschiene 27 und die Auflageschiene 26 können Teile eines gemeinsamen Klemmenrahmens sein, sie können aber auch als einzelne Teile ausgeführt sein. Die Auflageschiene 26 könnte auch als Gehäusevorsprung ausgeführt sein. An der Stromschiene 27 sind dann weitere Leiterstücke im Inneren des Installationsschaltgerätes 1 angeschlossen, die den Strompfad von der Klemmstelle aus im Inneren des Installationsschaltgerätes 1 weiterführen.The terminal point is formed by a spring clip terminal. This has a clamping spring 40 with a support wing 25, a clamping wing 19 and a loop 18 which connects the clamping wing 19 to the support wing 25 and which forms a spring and causes the restoring spring force on the clamping wing. The clamping wing 19 has a slight kink, its terminal end 24 is slightly upwards towards the front 21, bent. The clamping spring 40 is supported with the support wing 25 on a support rail 26 inside the service switching device 1 . With the terminal end 24, the clamping spring 40 presses an inserted connection conductor, for example the contact lug 11, against a busbar 27. The electrical contact takes place between the busbar 27 and the contact lug 11, see FIG figure 2 . The conductor rail 27 and the support rail 26 can be parts of a common terminal frame, but they can also be designed as individual parts. The support rail 26 could also be designed as a housing projection. Further conductor sections inside the service switching device 1 are then connected to the conductor rail 27 and continue the current path from the clamping point inside the service switching device 1 .

In der Darstellung nach Figur 1 sind die Sammelschiene 8 und der Motorschutzschalter 1 noch voneinander getrennt. Die Sammelschiene 8 kann in Richtung des Pfeiles P, mit der Kontaktfahne 11 voran, in die Einführungsöffnung 28 eingesetzt werden.In the representation after figure 1 the busbar 8 and the motor protection switch 1 are still separated from each other. The busbar 8 can be inserted into the insertion opening 28 in the direction of the arrow P, with the contact lug 11 first.

Figur 2 zeigt den Zustand, in dem die Sammelschiene 8 mit der Kontaktfahne 11 voran in die Einführungsöffnung 28 eingesetzt ist. Das Klemmende 24 des Klemmflügels 19 drückt gegen eine Seite der Kontaktfahne 11. Der Bereich, in dem das Klemmende 11 an der Kontaktfahne 11 anliegt, ist als Klemmstelle 29 bezeichnet. Durch die Druckwirkung des Klemmendes 24 des Klemmflügels 19 auf die Kontaktfahne 11 wird die der Klemmstelle 29 gegenüberliegende Seite der Kontaktfahne 11 flächig gegen die Stromschiene 27 gedrückt. Der Bereich, in dem die der Klemmstelle 29 gegenüberliegende Seite der Kontaktfahne 11 flächig an der Stromschiene 27 anliegt, ist als Kontaktstelle 30 bezeichnet. figure 2 shows the state in which the busbar 8 is inserted into the insertion opening 28 with the tab 11 first. The clamping end 24 of the clamping wing 19 presses against one side of the contact tab 11. The area in which the terminal end 11 rests against the contact tab 11 is referred to as the terminal point 29. The pressure effect of the clamping end 24 of the clamping wing 19 on the contact lug 11 presses the side of the contact lug 11 opposite the clamping point 29 flat against the busbar 27 . The area in which the side of the contact lug 11 opposite the clamping point 29 lies flat against the busbar 27 is referred to as the contact point 30 .

An der Kontaktstelle 30 erfolgt der elektrische Kontakt zwischen der Polschiene 10 und der Stromschiene 27. Dort fließt der Strom von der Polschiene in das Installationsschaltgerät 1 hinein oder aus dem Installationsschaltgerät 1 in die Polschiene heraus. An der Kontaktstelle 30 soll daher ein niedriger elektrischer Übergangswiderstand herrschen. Wenn die Polschiene mit den Kontaktfahnen 11 aus einem gut leitenden Material, beispielsweise Kupfer oder einer Kupferlegierung, besteht, ist das bei einem hinreichend großen Anpressdruck von Seiten der Klemmfeder und deren Klemmende her auf die Klemmstelle erreichbar.The electrical contact between the pole rail 10 and the busbar 27 takes place at the contact point 30. There the current flows from the pole rail into the installation switching device 1 or out of the installation switching device 1 into the pole rail. A low electrical contact resistance should therefore prevail at the contact point 30 . If the pole bar with the contact lugs 11 consists of a highly conductive material, for example copper or a copper alloy, this can be achieved with a sufficiently large contact pressure from the clamping spring and its clamping end on the clamping point.

An der Klemmstelle 29 gibt es keine Stromfluss, die Klemmstelle 29 hat kein elektrische Kontaktfunktion, nur eine mechanische Funktion. Ein für die Herstellung der Klemmfeder 40 verwendeter Federstahl ist üblicher Weise kein guter elektrischer Leiter, er wird speziell hinsichtlich seiner federelastischen Eigenschaften optimiert.There is no current flow at the terminal point 29, the terminal point 29 has no electrical contact function, only a mechanical function. A spring steel used for the production of the clamping spring 40 is usually not a good electrical conductor; it is specially optimized with regard to its spring-elastic properties.

Die Kontaktfahne 11 weist in dem Bereich, in dem die Klemmfeder mit dem Klemmende 24 auf die Klemmstelle 29 drückt, eine größere Oberflächenhärte auf als zumindest an der Kontaktstelle 30. Der Bereich mit der größeren Oberflächenhärte ist in den Figuren hier im Beispiel als ein schwarz gefärbter Bereich 29 dargestellt. Der vorteilhafte Effekt besteht darin, dass so ein Einschneiden des Klemmendes 24 der Klemmfeder in die aus einem gut leitenden, aber weniger harten Material der Kontaktfahne 11 im Bereich der Klemmstelle 29 verhindert ist. Es findet kein Festkrallen des Klemmendes 24 des Klemmflügels 19 der Klemmfeder 40 statt. Die Sammelschiene kann daher problemlos auch wieder aus der Einführöffnung 28 herausgezogen werden, ohne dass ein Werkzeug zum Zurückbiegen des Klemmflügels 19 benötigt würde. Das Klemmende 24 wird beim Herausziehen einfach auf der harten Oberfläche des Bereichs 29 abgleiten.The contact lug 11 has a greater surface hardness in the area in which the clamping spring with the clamping end 24 presses on the clamping point 29 than at least at the contact point 30. The area with the greater surface hardness is colored black in the figures here in the example Area 29 shown. The advantageous effect is that the clamping end 24 of the clamping spring is prevented from cutting into the contact lug 11 made of a highly conductive but less hard material in the region of the clamping point 29 . There is no clawing of the clamping end 24 of the clamping wing 19 of the clamping spring 40 . The busbar can therefore also be pulled out of the insertion opening 28 without any problems, without a tool being required to bend the clamping wing 19 back. The terminal end 24 will simply slide on the hard surface of the portion 29 as it is withdrawn.

Die Härtung der Oberfläche im Bereich 29, der Klemmstelle, kann im Beispiel dadurch bewirkt sein, dass eine Platte eines anderen, harten Materials auf die Oberfläche der Kontaktfahne 11 im Bereich 19 aufgesetzt oder in der Oberfläche der Kontaktfahne 11 im Bereich 19 eingelassen ist. Dabei kann das andere, harte Material ein elektrisch schlecht leitendes Material oder ein Nichtleiter sein. Auch andere, im Prinzip bekannte Methoden der Oberflächenhärtung könne angewendet werden, um zumindest im Bereich 29, der Klemmstelle, eine höhere Oberflächenhärte zu erzeugen als im Bereich der Kontaktstelle 30. Der gehärtete Bereich 29 ist hier als räumlich eng begrenzter Bereich dargestellt. Das ist auch ausreichend zur Erfüllung der erfindungsgemäßen vorteilhaften Funktion. Der gehärtete Bereich 29 kann selbstverständlich auch größer sein als hier im Beispiel in den Figuren dargestellt, er könnte sich sogar auf die ganze eine Breitseite der Kontaktfahne 11 erstrecken. Wichtig ist dabei, dass im restlichen Volumen der Kontaktfahne 11 und der Polschiene 10 und an der Kontaktstelle 30 das Material der Polschiene und der Kontaktfahne 11 elektrisch eine hohe Leitfähigkeit hat.The hardening of the surface in area 29, the clamping point, can be brought about in the example by placing a plate of another, hard material on the surface the contact lug 11 is placed in the area 19 or embedded in the surface of the contact lug 11 in the area 19 . The other, hard material can be an electrically poorly conductive material or a non-conductor. Other methods of surface hardening known in principle can also be used in order to produce a higher surface hardness at least in area 29, the clamping point, than in the area of contact point 30. The hardened area 29 is shown here as a spatially limited area. This is also sufficient to fulfill the advantageous function according to the invention. The hardened area 29 can of course also be larger than shown here in the example in the figures; it could even extend over the entire one broad side of the contact lug 11 . It is important that in the remaining volume of the contact lug 11 and the pole rail 10 and at the contact point 30 the material of the pole rail and the contact lug 11 has a high electrical conductivity.

Es werde nun Figur 13 und 14 betrachtet. Die hier gezeigte Ausführungsform unterscheidet sich von der in den Figuren 1 und 2 gezeigten dadurch, dass die Kontaktfahne 11' ein Metallstreifen aus zwei Schichten 29', 29" unterschiedlich harter und unterschiedlich leitfähiger Metalle ist, die miteinander stoffschlüssig oder formschlüssig verbunden sind, wobei eine erste Schicht 29' mit der größeren Härte dem Klemmende 24 der Klemmfeder 40 zugewandt ist, und die zweite Schicht 29" mit der größeren elektrischen Leitfähigkeit der Stromschiene 27 zugewandt ist. Die erste Schicht 29' kann dabei aus Edelstahl und die zweite Schicht 29" aus Kupfer oder Messing bestehen. Im Aufbau ist eine solche Kontaktfahne 11' gemäß dieser Ausführungsform ähnlich wie ein Bimetallstreifen ausgebildet, wobei jedoch möglichst Materialien mit ähnlichem Wärmeausdehnungskoeffizienten verwendet werden, um ein temperaturbedingtes verbiegen der Kontaktfahne 11' zu vermeiden.It will now figure 13 and 14 considered. The embodiment shown here differs from that in FIGS figures 1 and 2 shown in that the contact lug 11' is a metal strip made of two layers 29', 29" of metals of different hardness and conductivity, which are connected to one another in a materially bonded or form-fitting manner, with a first layer 29' having the greater hardness being attached to the clamping end 24 of the clamping spring 40 faces, and the second layer 29" with the greater electrical conductivity faces the busbar 27. The first layer 29′ can be made of stainless steel and the second layer 29″ can be made of copper or brass. According to this embodiment, such a contact tab 11′ is constructed similarly to a bimetallic strip, although materials with a similar coefficient of thermal expansion are used as far as possible in order to to avoid temperature-related bending of the contact lug 11'.

Es werden nun die Figuren 6 und 7 betrachtet. Die darin gezeigte Ausführungsform unterscheidet sich von der in den Figuren 1 und 2 gezeigten Ausführungsform darin, dass hier das Isolierprofil 9 mit einem Rastorgan 31 ausgebildet ist, welches mit einem daran angepassten Rastelement 32 an dem Gehäuse des Installationsschaltgerätes, hier im Beispiel an der hinteren Schmalseite 23, verrastend zusammenwirkt, wenn die Klemmfeder mit dem Klemmende 24 die Kontaktfahne 11 an der Klemmstelle 29 festklemmt und an der Kontaktstelle 30 an die Stromschiene 27 andrückt. Das Rastorgan 31 ist eine Rastnase 33 an einem einseitig federnd eingespannten Rastbalken 34. Das damit korrespondierende Rastelement 32 an dem Gehäuse ist eine an dem Gehäuse angeformte korrespondierende Rastnase oder eine Rastöffnung (hier in der Figur nicht dargestellt). Das Rastorgan 31 in Verrastung mit dem Rastelement 32 verhindert ein Losrütteln des Isolierprofils 9 und damit auch ein Losrütteln der Sammelschiene in industrieller Umgebung, und unterstützt damit die Klemmwirkung des Klemmendes 24 der Klemmfeder 40 auf die Kontaktfahne 11. Zum Entfernen der Sammelschiene 8 kann das Rastorgan 31 werkzeuglos mit einem oder mehreren Fingern weggebogen werden, so dass die Rastnase 33 das Rastelement 32 freigibt, und mit derselben Hand oder der anderen Hand kann dann die Sammelschiene 8 aus der Einführungsöffnung 28 herausgezogen werden.Now they will figures 6 and 7 considered. The embodiment shown therein differs from that in FIGS figures 1 and 2 The embodiment shown is that here the insulating profile 9 is designed with a latching element 31, which interacts in a latching manner with a latching element 32 adapted thereto on the housing of the installation switching device, here in the example on the rear narrow side 23, when the clamping spring with the clamping end 24 the contact lug 11 is clamped at the terminal point 29 and presses on the contact point 30 to the busbar 27. The locking member 31 is a locking lug 33 on a one-sided resiliently clamped Latching bar 34. The latching element 32 on the housing that corresponds thereto is a corresponding latching lug or latching opening (not shown here in the figure) formed on the housing. The latching element 31 in latching with the latching element 32 prevents the insulating profile 9 and thus also the busbar from shaking loose in an industrial environment, and thus supports the clamping effect of the clamping end 24 of the clamping spring 40 on the contact lug 11. To remove the busbar 8, the latching element 31 can be bent away without tools using one or more fingers, so that the latching lug 33 releases the latching element 32, and the busbar 8 can then be pulled out of the insertion opening 28 with the same hand or the other hand.

Es werden nun die Figuren 8 - 10 betrachtet. Die darin gezeigte Ausführungsform unterscheidet sich von der in den Figuren 1 und 2 gezeigten Ausführungsform darin, dass hier das Isolierprofil 9 mit einem von Hand betätigbaren Öffnungsorgan 35 ausgebildet ist, welches bei Betätigung das Klemmende 24 der Klemmfeder von der Klemmstelle 29 weg drückt und somit ein Entfernen der Kontaktfahne 11 aus der Klemme ermöglicht ohne Einsatz eines zusätzlichen Werkzeugs. Dies ist vorteilhaft, da es bei einem lang anhaltenden Betrieb einer erfindungsgemäßen Verbindungsvorrichtung 100 unter ungünstigen Umständen zu einem Verkleben oder anderweitigen Anhaften des Klemmflügels 19 an der Kontaktfahne 11 kommen könnte, wodurch ein Herausziehen der Sammelschiene 8 erschwert wird. Um auch in einem solchen ungünstigen Betriebsfall ohne zusätzliches Werkzeug die Sammelschiene 8 leicht wieder entfernen zu können, wird das Isolierprofil 9 mit einem von Hand betätigbaren Öffnungsorgan ausgebildet, wie es lediglich beispielhaft in den Figuren 8 - 10 gezeigt ist.Now they will Figures 8 - 10 considered. The embodiment shown therein differs from that in FIGS figures 1 and 2 The embodiment shown is that here the insulating profile 9 is designed with an opening element 35 that can be actuated by hand, which, when actuated, pushes the clamping end 24 of the clamping spring away from the clamping point 29 and thus enables the contact lug 11 to be removed from the clamp without the use of an additional tool. This is advantageous since, under unfavorable circumstances, the clamping wing 19 could stick or otherwise adhere to the contact lug 11 during long-lasting operation of a connecting device 100 according to the invention, making it difficult for the busbar 8 to be pulled out. In order to be able to easily remove the busbar 8 again in such an unfavorable operating situation without additional tools, the insulating profile 9 is designed with an opening element that can be actuated by hand, as is only shown by way of example in FIGS Figures 8 - 10 is shown.

Das Öffnungsorgan 35 ist hier im Beispiel in Form eines Doppelarmhebels 35 ausgebildet. Dessen Schwenkachse 36 befindet sich an einer Anformung 37 an dem Isolierprofil 9, die von dem Isolierprofil 9 ein Stück weit absteht. Dadurch ist ein von dem Isolierprofil 9 beabstandeter, fest mit dem Isolierprofil verbundener Drehpunkt für den Doppelarmhebel geschaffen, der eine Verschwenkung zu dem Isolierprofil hin und von dem Isolierprofil weg erlaubt. Ein erster Arm 38 des Doppelarmhebels erstreckt sich in etwa parallel zu der Kontaktfahne 11 in Richtung auf den Klemmflügel 19 der Klemmfeder 40 zu. Ein zweiter Arm 39 des Doppelarmhebels erstreckt sich in den Raum außerhalb des Isolierprofils 9 und ist bei eingesteckter Sammelschiene von außen mit der Hand betätigbar. In der hier gezeigten, lediglich als Beispiel dargestellten Ausführungsform, ist der zweite Arm etwas abgewinkelt, so dass er besser mit einem Finger zum Betätigen erreichbar ist.In this example, the opening element 35 is designed in the form of a double-armed lever 35 . Its pivot axis 36 is located on a projection 37 on the insulating profile 9, which protrudes a little from the insulating profile 9. This creates a pivot point for the double-arm lever that is spaced apart from the insulating profile 9 and is firmly connected to the insulating profile, which pivot point allows pivoting toward the insulating profile and away from the insulating profile. A first arm 38 of the double-armed lever extends approximately parallel to the contact lug 11 in the direction of the clamping wing 19 of the clamping spring 40 . A second arm 39 of the double-armed lever extends into the space outside the insulating profile 9 and is with the busbar inserted externally operable by hand. In the embodiment shown here, which is only given as an example, the second arm is slightly angled so that it is easier to reach with a finger for actuation.

Figur 8 zeigt die Sammelschiene getrennt von dem Installationsschaltgerät 1. Figur 9 zeigt die Sammelschiene 8 aufgesteckt auf die Einführungsöffnung 28 des Installationsschaltgerätes 1. Das freie Ende des ersten Arms 38 des Öffnungsorgans 35 endet hierbei kurz vor dem Klemmflügel 19 der Klemmfeder 40. figure 8 shows the busbar separated from the installation switching device 1. figure 9 shows the busbar 8 attached to the insertion opening 28 of the installation switching device 1. The free end of the first arm 38 of the opening element 35 ends here just before the clamping wing 19 of the clamping spring 40.

Figur 10 zeigt die Situation bei betätigen des Öffnungsorgans. Druck auf den zweiten Arm 39 in Richtung des Pfeiles D verschwenkt den ersten Arm 38 im Uhrzeigersinn, dieser drückt dabei das Klemmende 24 des Klemmflügels 19 weg von der Klemmstelle, angedeutet durch den Pfeil E, und die Kontaktfahne 11 kann nach oben herausgezogen werden, siehe Pfeil F. figure 10 shows the situation when the opening device is actuated. Pressure on the second arm 39 in the direction of arrow D pivots the first arm 38 clockwise, this pushes the clamping end 24 of the clamping wing 19 away from the clamping point, indicated by the arrow E, and the contact lug 11 can be pulled out upwards, see Arrow F

Es werden nun die Figuren 3 - 5 betrachtet. In dem dort beispielhaft gezeigten Ausführungsbeispiel sind die Merkmale der beiden anhand der Figuren 6- 7 und 8 - 10 beschriebenen Ausführungsformen vereinigt. Das Isolierprofil 9 ist sowohl mit einem von Hand betätigbaren Öffnungsorgan 35, wie im Zusammenhang mit den Figuren 8 - 10 erläutert, ausgebildet, als auch zusätzlich mit einem Rastorgan 31, welches mit einem daran angepassten Rastelement 32 an dem Gehäuse des Installationsschaltgerätes verrastend zusammenwirkt, wie es im Zusammenhang mit den Figuren 6 und 7 oben bereits erläutert wurde.Now they will Figures 3 - 5 considered. In the exemplary embodiment shown there as an example, the features of the two are based on the Figures 6- 7 and 8 - 10 described embodiments combined. The insulating profile 9 is both with a manually operable opening member 35, as in connection with the Figures 8 - 10 explained, formed, as well as additionally with a latching member 31 which cooperates latching with a latching element 32 adapted thereto on the housing of the installation switching device, as in connection with the figures 6 and 7 already explained above.

Auch bei Ausführungsformen, die den in den Figuren 3 - 11 gezeigten und beschriebenen entsprechen, kann die Kontaktfahne jeweils als ein Metallstreifen aus zwei Schichten unterschiedlich harter und unterschiedlich leitfähiger Metalle ausgebildet sein, die miteinander stoffschlüssig oder formschlüssig verbunden sind, wobei eine erste Schicht mit der größeren Härte dem Klemmende der Klemmfeder 40 zugewandt ist, und die zweite Schicht mit der größeren elektrischen Leitfähigkeit der Stromschiene zugewandt ist, entsprechend der in den Figuren 13 und 14 dargestellten Weise. Auf eine figürliche Darstellung hierzu soll der Einfachheit halber verzichtet werden. Jedoch ist die Kombination einer als ein Metallstreifen aus zwei Schichten unterschiedlich harter und unterschiedlich leitfähiger Metalle ausgebildeter Kontaktfahne mit jeweils wenigstens einer der Ausführungsformen gemäß wenigstens einer der Figuren 1-2 und 3 - 11 hiermit ausdrücklich offenbart.Also in embodiments that in the Figures 3 - 11 correspond to those shown and described, the contact lug can in each case be designed as a metal strip made of two layers of metals of different hardness and conductivity, which are connected to one another in a materially bonded or form-fitting manner, with a first layer with the greater hardness facing the clamping end of the clamping spring 40, and the second layer facing the greater electrical conductivity of the busbar, according to the in figures 13 and 14 illustrated manner. For the sake of simplicity, a figurative representation of this should be dispensed with. However, the combination of a contact lug designed as a metal strip of two layers of metals of different hardness and conductivity with in each case at least one of the embodiments according to at least one of Figures 1-2 and 3 - 11 hereby expressly disclosed.

BezugszeichenlisteReference List

11
MotorschutzschalterMotor protection switch
1'1'
MotorschutzschalterMotor protection switch
33
Zugangsklemmeaccess clamp
3'3'
Zugangsklemmeaccess clamp
44
Zugangsklemmeaccess clamp
4'4'
Zugangsklemmeaccess clamp
55
Zugangsklemmeaccess clamp
5'5'
Zugangsklemmeaccess clamp
66
Abgangsklemmeoutput terminal
77
Abgangsklemmeoutput terminal
88th
Sammelschienebusbar
99
Isolierprofilinsulating profile
1010
Polschienepole bar
1111
Kontaktfahnecontact flag
11'11'
Kontaktfahnecontact flag
1212
Kontaktfahnecontact flag
1313
Kontaktfahnecontact flag
1414
Kontaktfahnecontact flag
1515
Kontaktfahnecontact flag
1616
Kontaktfahnecontact flag
1717
Frontseitefront
1818
Schleiferibbon
1919
Klemmflügelclamping wings
2020
vordere Frontseitefront front
2121
hintere Frontseiterear front
2222
vordere Schmalseitefront narrow side
2323
hintere Schmalseiterear narrow side
2424
Klemmendeclamping end
2525
Auflageflügelsupport wings
2626
Auflageschienesupport rail
2727
Stromschienepower rail
2828
Einführungsöffnunginsertion hole
2929
Klemmstelleclamping point
29'29'
erste Schichtfirst layer
29"29"
zweite Schichtsecond layer
3030
Kontaktstellecontact point
3131
Rastorganlatching organ
3232
Rastelementlocking element
3333
Rastnasedetent
3434
Rastbalkenrest bar
3535
Öffnungsorganopening organ
3636
Schwenkachsepivot axis
3737
Anformungmolding
3838
erster Armfirst arm
3939
zweiter Armsecond arm
4040
Klemmfederclamping spring
100100
Verbindungsvorrichtungconnecting device
PP
Pfeilarrow
DD
Pfeilarrow
EE
Pfeilarrow
Ff
Pfeilarrow

Claims (9)

  1. A connection device (100) comprising at least one installation switchgear (1) with a housing and with at least one screwless terminal and at least one connection element (8),
    wherein the connection element (8) has at least one connection conductor (10) with at least one contact lug (11) arranged thereon,
    the terminal being of the type which has at least one clamping spring (40) acting as a compression spring on a clamping point (29) of the contact lug (11) for clamping the contact lug (11) and for pressing a contact point (30) of the contact lug (11) against a busbar (27), and
    wherein the contact lug (11), at least in the region in which the clamping spring (40) presses on the clamping point (29), has a greater surface hardness than at least at the contact point (30), so that the clamping spring (40) is prevented from cutting into the contact lug (11) in the region of the clamping point (29),
    characterised in that in the region in which the clamping spring (40) presses on the clamping point (29), a plate of another, hard material is placed on the surface of the contact lug (11) or is embedded in the surface, and
    wherein the other hard material is a less conductive material or a non-conductor.
  2. The connection device (100) according to claim 1, characterised in that
    the contact lug (11) is a metal strip consisting of two layers (29', 29") of metals of different hardness and different conductivity, which are connected to one another in a substance-locking or form-fitting manner, wherein a first layer (29') with the greater hardness faces the clamping end (24) of the clamping spring (40), and the second layer (29") with the greater electrical conductivity facing the busbar (27).
  3. The connection device (100) according to claim 2, characterized in that the first layer (29') is made of stainless steel and the second layer (29") is made of copper or brass.
  4. The connecting device (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that
    the connecting element (8) is formed with a manually operable opening member (35) which, when actuated, presses the clamping spring (40) away from the clamping point (29) and thus enables the contact lug (11) to be removed from the clamp without using an additional tool.
  5. The connecting device (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that
    the connecting element (8) is formed with a latching member (31) which cooperates in a latching manner with a latching element (32) adapted thereto on the housing of the service switching device (1) when the clamping spring (40) clamps the contact lug (11) at the clamping point (29) and presses it against the busbar (27) at the contact point (30).
  6. The connection device (100) according to claim 5, characterised in that
    the latching member (31) is a latching lug (33) on a latching bar (34) resiliently clamped on one side, and in that the latching element (32) corresponding thereto on the housing is a corresponding latching lug or a latching opening integrally formed on the housing.
  7. The connecting device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that
    the connecting element (8) is a bus bar having an insulating profile (9) and wherein the connecting conductor is a pole bar arranged in the insulating profile (9).
  8. The connection device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that
    the connecting element is a connector for establishing an electrical connection between the terminals of a motor protection switch and a contactor.
  9. The connection device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the connection element is a reversible connector.
EP16174927.0A 2015-07-10 2016-06-17 Connecting device with plug-in terminal Active EP3118933B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE102015111226 2015-07-10
DE102016110174.5A DE102016110174A1 (en) 2015-07-10 2016-06-02 Connecting device with plug-in terminal

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP3118933A1 EP3118933A1 (en) 2017-01-18
EP3118933B1 true EP3118933B1 (en) 2022-02-16

Family

ID=56134229

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP16174927.0A Active EP3118933B1 (en) 2015-07-10 2016-06-17 Connecting device with plug-in terminal

Country Status (1)

Country Link
EP (1) EP3118933B1 (en)

Family Cites Families (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2713832B1 (en) * 1993-12-08 1996-03-01 Francois Fischer Connection block, especially for telephone line wires.
FR2773274B1 (en) 1997-12-29 2000-02-11 Schneider Electric Sa ELASTIC CAGE CONNECTION DEVICE
DE102008046067B3 (en) * 2008-08-05 2010-04-08 Abb Ag Installation switching device with a screwless terminal connection
DE102010012820B4 (en) * 2010-03-25 2012-08-23 Wago Verwaltungsgesellschaft Mbh Conductor insertion plug

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP3118933A1 (en) 2017-01-18

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP3369138B1 (en) Contacting device for contacting an electrical conductor to an electrical conductor path
EP3298659B1 (en) Conductor connection terminal
EP3324490B1 (en) Spring clamp contact for connecting an electrical conductor, conductor connection terminal and method for manufacturing a spring clamp contact
DE2826978C2 (en)
EP2843764B1 (en) Spring clamp for conductor
DE102010014143B4 (en) Actuation device for an electrical connection terminal
DE102008017245B4 (en) Plug-in adapter for an electrical switching device
DE3019149C2 (en) Screwless connector
EP3320582B1 (en) Connection terminal
DE102006049772B4 (en) Service switching device
DE102010035704A1 (en) Electrical plug connector for connecting with mating conductor, has spring terminal element resting at outer contact prongs for exerting clamping force on outer contact prongs of composite of connectors
EP3139445A1 (en) Pullable connector for push-in connection points
DE102010050870B4 (en) Low-voltage switching device with a plug-in terminal device
EP3038213B1 (en) Cable connection terminal for clamping at least one electrical conductor
EP3118933B1 (en) Connecting device with plug-in terminal
DE202015102561U1 (en) Conductor terminal
EP2107660B1 (en) Electricity rail connector
EP3116067B1 (en) Connecting device with plug-in terminal
DE102016110189B4 (en) Connection device with plug-in terminal
WO2002075889A2 (en) Clamping auxiliary element
DE102016110174A1 (en) Connecting device with plug-in terminal
DE102011001152A1 (en) Contact element e.g. spring for terminal e.g. separation clamp, has several lamellar contact blades that are formed at end portions of main portion, and contact regions formed between respective end portions and center portion
EP2197010A1 (en) Switch fuse assembly for busbar systems
DE102016110176A1 (en) Connecting device with plug-in terminal
DE102010047170A1 (en) Installation switching device with a Steckklemmvorrichtung

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE APPLICATION HAS BEEN PUBLISHED

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Extension state: BA ME

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: REQUEST FOR EXAMINATION WAS MADE

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20170629

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: EXAMINATION IS IN PROGRESS

17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 20180605

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: EXAMINATION IS IN PROGRESS

GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: GRANT OF PATENT IS INTENDED

INTG Intention to grant announced

Effective date: 20211004

GRAS Grant fee paid

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE PATENT HAS BEEN GRANTED

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

RAP3 Party data changed (applicant data changed or rights of an application transferred)

Owner name: ABB SCHWEIZ AG

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: FG4D

Free format text: NOT ENGLISH

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: EP

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R096

Ref document number: 502016014516

Country of ref document: DE

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: REF

Ref document number: 1469478

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20220315

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FG4D

Free format text: LANGUAGE OF EP DOCUMENT: GERMAN

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: LT

Ref legal event code: MG9D

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: NL

Ref legal event code: MP

Effective date: 20220216

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20220216

Ref country code: RS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20220216

Ref country code: PT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20220616

Ref country code: NO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20220516

Ref country code: NL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20220216

Ref country code: LT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20220216

Ref country code: HR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20220216

Ref country code: ES

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20220216

Ref country code: BG

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20220516

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: PL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20220216

Ref country code: LV

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20220216

Ref country code: GR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20220517

Ref country code: FI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20220216

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20220616

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SM

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20220216

Ref country code: SK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20220216

Ref country code: RO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20220216

Ref country code: EE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20220216

Ref country code: DK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20220216

Ref country code: CZ

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20220216

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R097

Ref document number: 502016014516

Country of ref document: DE

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: AL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20220216

PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

26N No opposition filed

Effective date: 20221117

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MC

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20220216

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PL

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: BE

Ref legal event code: MM

Effective date: 20220630

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20220216

GBPC Gb: european patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee

Effective date: 20220617

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20220617

Ref country code: LI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20220630

Ref country code: IE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20220617

Ref country code: CH

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20220630

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20220617

Ref country code: BE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20220630

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 20230628

Year of fee payment: 8

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20230620

Year of fee payment: 8

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: MM01

Ref document number: 1469478

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20220617

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: AT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20220617

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IT

Payment date: 20230623

Year of fee payment: 8

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: HU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT; INVALID AB INITIO

Effective date: 20160617

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20220216

Ref country code: CY

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20220216