DE102023106169A1 - CLAMP CONNECTORS AND CONNECTORS WITH A CLAMP CONNECTOR - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a clamp connector (1) for electrically connecting a first conductor (L1) to a second conductor (L2) in an assembled state, wherein the clamp connector (1) is integrally formed as a single part and comprises a first receiving section (110) for arranging the first conductor (L1) in a first conductor receiving direction (R1) and a second receiving section (120) for arranging the second conductor (L2) in a second conductor receiving direction (R2), wherein the clamp connector (1) comprises a clamping element (200) which is designed and configured to connect the first conductor (L1) and the second conductor (L2) to one another in a force-fitting manner in the assembled state. The invention further relates to a plug connector (2) for electrically connecting at least one first conductor (L1) and at least one second conductor (L2) in a plug connector housing (21) of the plug connector (2), wherein at least one clamp connector (1) is arranged within the plug connector housing (21).

Description

The present invention is in the field of electrical engineering, i.e. electromechanics, and relates to a clamp connector for electrically connecting a first conductor to a second conductor in an assembled state, as well as a connector with such a clamp connector.

In the field of electrical engineering and in particular electrical installation technology, for example in buildings, in electrical devices or in systems in the process industry, there is a great need for connectors to create electrically conductive connections between electrical conductors. The connectors should be robust and easy to handle and install. In addition, numerous requirements must be met to ensure safety and durability.

In addition, sustainability and saving raw materials are now other issues that need to be addressed. The relatively soft and easily malleable metal copper or the relatively light metal aluminum, for example, are important raw materials for the electrical industry, the production of which is becoming increasingly expensive and whose natural reserves are limited.

Various spring-loaded clamping mechanisms for connecting electrical conductors to a busbar or to a current bar are known from the prior art patent literature.

For example, German patent specification No. EN 10 2004 030 085 B4 a terminal for connecting electrical conductors and a terminal arrangement are known, wherein the conductors are each inserted through a conductor opening in a carrier plate of the terminal and then electrically and mechanically clamped in a clamping point of the terminal. A separately formed leaf spring tongue made of spring steel is fixedly attached with its head end to the carrier plate of the terminal and its tongue end extends towards a busbar piece. The busbar piece extends transversely to the tongue end of the leaf spring such that the tongue end of the leaf spring with the busbar piece forms the clamping point for the electrical conductor. The busbar piece is designed in the form of a busbar rod which is fixedly attached to the carrier plate.

Furthermore, the German patent specification No. EN 10 2013 105 263 B3 a connector with an insulating housing and with at least one spring-loaded clamping element for clamping an electrical conductor in a contact space is described. On the side opposite the conductor insertion opening there is a receiving opening for a busbar. The spring-loaded clamping element has a retaining plate which extends diagonally to the conductor insertion opening and extends with an angled end region into the busbar receiving opening. Furthermore, a separately formed contact plate or spring plate with at least one clamping finger is provided, which protrudes through a conductor feedthrough opening of the retaining plate. The busbar is inserted into the U-shaped contact claw formed by the angled end region of the retaining plate and the clamping finger and clamped.

The German Disclosure Document No. EN 10 2008 032 038 A1 relates to a device for connecting a conductor to a busbar by means of a spring clamp element. The spring clamp element comprises a bracket that can be pushed on transversely to the longitudinal axis of the busbar and has bracket legs that grip the busbar like a clamp. An end section of an electrical conductor can be clamped between a bracket leg and the busbar.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a clamp connector for electrically connecting a first conductor to a second conductor in an assembled state, which is optimized in terms of structural design and clamping force, preferably with regard to production, material consumption and assembly. Furthermore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a plug connector with at least one such clamp connector.

The object is achieved by the features of claims 1 and 12. Further embodiments and applications of the present invention emerge from the dependent claims and are explained in more detail in the following description with partial reference to the figures.

According to a first general aspect, the present invention relates to a clamp connector for electrically connecting a first conductor to a second conductor in an assembled state, wherein the clamp connector is integrally formed as a single part and comprises a first receiving portion for arranging and/or receiving the first conductor in a substantially first conductor receiving direction and a second receiving portion for arranging and/or receiving the second conductor in a substantially second conductor receiving direction, wherein the clamp connector comprises a clamp element which is designed and configured to electrically connect the first conductor and the second conductor in the assembled state. to be connected to one another in a force-fitting and/or captive manner.

The first electrical conductor and/or the second electrical conductor can each be designed in the form of a single wire, a strand (several individual wires combined, for example twisted and/or stranded together) or a wire mesh. Preferably, the first conductor receiving direction and the second conductor receiving direction are different directions from each other, i.e. not identically oriented or running directions.

The present invention provides, for example, a clamp connector which is reduced in terms of production and material consumption and is thus optimized. Furthermore, the clamp connector preferably enables simple assembly, for example as an integrated component of a plug connector, for electrically connecting the first conductor to the second conductor and/or vice versa.

The clamp connector also preferably enables the formation of a direct or immediate force-fitting connection between the first conductor and the second conductor via the respective section of the first conductor and the second conductor which is in contact or comes into contact therewith.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, it can be provided that the clamping element is configured to press the second conductor at least in sections directly onto or against the first conductor in the assembled state, forming an elastic deformation state or deformation state, and/or to press the first conductor at least in sections directly onto or against the second conductor.

The clamping element or at least a portion of the clamping element thus exerts a compressive force or a pressing force on the first conductor and/or on the second conductor in the assembled state and in an elastic deformation state.

The clamping element of the clamp connector according to the present invention makes additional components or elements for implementing the electrical connection between the first conductor and the second conductor, for example a busbar or a current bar, unnecessary. For example, the first conductor itself can serve and/or be designed as a busbar.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, it can be provided that the first conductor receiving direction and the second conductor receiving direction are different from one another, wherein preferably the first conductor receiving direction and the second conductor receiving direction are arranged and/or oriented substantially perpendicular to one another in a view, preferably in a plan view of the clamp connector.

This ensures, among other things, that the first conductor and the second conductor can be inserted and/or picked up into the clamp connector and/or on the clamp connector from different directions.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, it can be provided that the clamping element is formed on the second receiving section or is at least a part of the second receiving section, and that the clamping element is designed to be actuated at least in sections in a direction different from the first conductor receiving direction and/or in a direction different from the second conductor receiving direction, preferably actuated at least in sections by the first conductor and/or by the second conductor, preferably actuated reversibly elastically.

It is possible for the clamping element and the second receiving section to form, at least in sections, a passage that can be closed by the clamping element for the passage of the second conductor, wherein the clamping element preferably forms a closing element for the passage.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, it can be provided that the clamping element and/or the second receiving section comprises at least one passage for the passage of the second conductor. The clamping element can, for example, not only be designed to form a passage together with the second receiving section, but can itself comprise at least one passage for the second conductor.

It is possible for the clamping element to be designed at least in sections as a clamping plate, as a clamping bracket and/or as a clamping fork. It is also possible for the clamping element to be designed as a clamping tongue. In other words, the clamping element can be designed at least in sections as a plate, bracket or fork, or can extend in the form of a tongue and thus in the form of a free-standing section from the second receiving section.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, it can be provided that the clamping element is designed to be substantially flat and/or substantially plate-shaped at least in sections, and/or that in a view in the first conductor receiving direction the clamping element is designed to be U-shaped and/or hairpin-shaped at least in sections. The hairpin-shaped design here comprises a deflection curve towards a free end of the clamping element by at least 180°.

It is possible for the clamping element to comprise at least one deformation section for forming a defined reversible deformation and/or generating a compressive force in the assembled state, and for the clamping element to comprise at least one active section for directly contacting the first conductor and/or the second conductor in the assembled state, wherein the deformation section is preferably arc-shaped and/or wherein the at least one active section is preferably in the form of an edge. The active section is preferably formed at a free end of the clamping element.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, it can be provided that the first receiving section for arranging and/or receiving the first conductor in the first conductor receiving direction is at least partially half-open, preferably at least partially channel-shaped, and/or that the first receiving section for arranging and/or receiving the first conductor in the first conductor receiving direction is at least partially sleeve-shaped, at least partially fork-shaped with at least two receiving legs or at least partially ring-shaped.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, it can be provided that the clamp connector is designed as a bent part and/or as a stamped part, wherein the clamping element is preferably formed by at least one laser cutting process. In other words, the clamp connector can be produced by at least one bending process and/or by at least one stamping process. It is possible that the clamping element on the clamp connector is produced or formed by at least one laser cutting process. The clamp connector according to the present invention is characterized, for example, by a simple manufacturing process.

According to a second general aspect, the present invention relates to a connector for electrically connecting at least one first conductor and at least one second conductor in a connector housing of the connector, wherein at least one clamp connector as disclosed herein is arranged within the connector housing, wherein the connector housing comprises at least one conductor insertion opening for inserting the at least one first conductor in a first conductor receiving direction and at least one second conductor insertion opening for inserting the at least one second conductor in a second conductor receiving direction.

The previously described embodiments and features of the present invention can be combined with one another as desired. Further or other details and advantageous effects of the present invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the attached figures.

• 1A ein erstes Ausführungsbeispiel des Klemmverbinders gemäß der vorliegenden Erfindung in einem Herstellungszustand in einer Draufsicht;
• 1B den Klemmverbinder aus 1A in einer Seitenansicht;
• 1C den Klemmverbinder aus 1A in einem Montagezustand mit einem ersten Leiter und mit einem zweiten Leiter, welche über den Klemmverbinder elektrisch miteinander verbunden sind;
• 1D den Klemmverbinder aus 1C zusammen mit dem ersten und dem zweiten Leiter in einer Seitenansicht;
• 2 ein zweites Ausführungsbeispiel des Klemmverbinders gemäß der vorliegenden Erfindung in einem Montagezustand in einer Seitenansicht mit einem ersten Leiter und mit einem zweiten Leiter, welche über den Klemmverbinder elektrisch miteinander verbunden sind;
• 3A ein drittes Ausführungsbeispiel des Klemmverbinders gemäß der vorliegenden Erfindung in einer Draufsicht;
• 3B den Klemmverbinder aus 3A in einer Seitenansicht;
• 3C den Klemmverbinder aus 3A in einem Montagezustand mit einem ersten Leiter und mit einem zweiten Leiter, welche über den Klemmverbinder elektrisch miteinander verbunden sind;
• 3D den Klemmverbinder aus 3C zusammen mit dem ersten und dem zweiten Leiter in einer Seitenansicht;
• 3E eine Anordnung mit vier Klemmverbindern des dritten Ausführungsbeispiels in einem Montagezustand mit einem gemeinsamen ersten Leiter und mit jeweils einem zweiten Leiter, welche über den jeweiligen Klemmverbinder elektrisch miteinander verbunden sind;
• 4 ein viertes Ausführungsbeispiel des Klemmverbinders gemäß der vorliegenden Erfindung in einem Montagezustand in einer Seitenansicht mit einem ersten Leiter und mit einem zweiten Leiter, welche über den Klemmverbinder elektrisch miteinander verbunden sind;
• 5 ein fünftes Ausführungsbeispiel des Klemmverbinders gemäß der vorliegenden Erfindung in einem Steckverbindergehäuse eines Steckverbinders in einer Seitenansicht;
• 6 ein sechstes Ausführungsbeispiel des Klemmverbinders gemäß der vorliegenden Erfindung in einem Montagezustand in einer Seitenansicht mit einem ersten Leiter und mit einem zweiten Leiter, welche über den Klemmverbinder elektrisch miteinander verbunden sind;
• 7 ein siebtes Ausführungsbeispiel des Klemmverbinders gemäß der vorliegenden Erfindung in einem Montagezustand in einer Seitenansicht mit einem ersten Leiter und mit einem zweiten Leiter, welche über den Klemmverbinder elektrisch miteinander verbunden sind.

They show:

• 1A a first embodiment of the clamp connector according to the present invention in a manufacturing state in a plan view;
• 1B the clamp connector 1A in a side view;
• 1C the clamp connector 1A in an assembled state with a first conductor and a second conductor which are electrically connected to one another via the clamp connector;
• 1D the clamp connector 1C together with the first and second conductors in a side view;
• 2 a second embodiment of the clamp connector according to the present invention in an assembled state in a side view with a first conductor and a second conductor, which are electrically connected to one another via the clamp connector;
• 3A a third embodiment of the clamp connector according to the present invention in a plan view;
• 3B the clamp connector 3A in a side view;
• 3C the clamp connector 3A in an assembled state with a first conductor and a second conductor which are electrically connected to one another via the clamp connector;
• 3D the clamp connector 3C together with the first and second conductors in a side view;
• 3E an arrangement with four clamp connectors of the third embodiment in a Assembly state with a common first conductor and with a second conductor each, which are electrically connected to each other via the respective terminal connector;
• 4 a fourth embodiment of the clamp connector according to the present invention in an assembled state in a side view with a first conductor and a second conductor, which are electrically connected to one another via the clamp connector;
• 5 a fifth embodiment of the clamp connector according to the present invention in a connector housing of a connector in a side view;
• 6 a sixth embodiment of the clamp connector according to the present invention in an assembled state in a side view with a first conductor and a second conductor, which are electrically connected to one another via the clamp connector;
• 7 a seventh embodiment of the clamp connector according to the present invention in an assembled state in a side view with a first conductor and a second conductor, which are electrically connected to one another via the clamp connector.

Identical or functionally equivalent components or elements are identified in the figures with the same reference numerals. For their explanation, reference is also made to the description of other embodiments and/or figures in order to avoid repetition.

The following detailed description of the embodiments shown in the figures serves to further illustrate or clarify and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention in any way.

1A shows a first embodiment of the clamp connector 1 according to the present invention in a manufacturing state in a top view. The manufacturing state is preferably the state by which the clamp connector 1 is characterized immediately after its manufacture, i.e. it is not yet in an assembled state together with the first conductor and the second conductor.

The clamp connector 1 is configured as a device for forming an electrical connection of a first conductor L1 to a second conductor L2 or between a first conductor L1 and a second conductor L2 by applying and/or exerting a clamping force or pressure force in an assembled state and is described in more detail below. In other words, the assembled state preferably represents a state in which an electrical connection between the first conductor L1 and the second conductor L2 is established or formed via the clamp connector 1. The first conductor L1 and the second conductor L2 are, for example, in 1C shown schematically and are also described in more detail below.

The clamp connector 1 according to the present invention is formed as a separate individual part in one piece and is preferably characterized by essentially homogeneous material properties, especially by a homogeneous density. A starting material for producing the clamp connector 1 can preferably be a metal strip, that is to say a flat strip made of a metallic material.

The clamp connector 1 is preferably made from a metallic material by at least one bending process and/or by at least one punching process and/or by at least one pressing process. Additionally or alternatively, the clamp connector 1 can be made by at least one laser cutting process. For example, the clamping element 200 can be formed on the clamp connector 1 by at least one laser cutting process. The metallic material can be an electrically conductive and malleable, preferably reversibly elastically deformable, material. The clamp connector 1 can preferably be made essentially from steel or based on a steel alloy. It is also possible for the clamp connector 1 to be made from copper or based on a copper alloy, for example.

Alternatively, the clamp connector 1 can preferably be formed essentially from aluminum or based on an aluminum alloy.

The clamp connector 1 can be designed to be spring-elastic and/or reversibly elastically deformable at least in sections by means of a geometric design in conjunction with a respective material.

The clamp connector 1 comprises a first receiving section 110 for arranging and/or receiving the first conductor L1 in a first conductor receiving direction R1. In addition, the clamp connector 1 comprises a second receiving section 120 for arranging and/or receiving the second conductor L2 in a second conductor receiving direction R2. Preferably, the first conductor receiving direction R1 and the second conductor receiving direction R2 in a plan view of the clamp connector 1 are arranged or oriented essentially perpendicular to each other (see 1C ). Alternatively, the arrangement or orientation of the first and second conductor receiving directions R1, R2 to one another in a plan view of the clamp connector 1 is possible while forming an angle smaller or larger than 90°.

According to the invention, the clamp connector 1 comprises a clamping element 200, which is formed on the clamp connector 1 and configured to connect the first conductor L1 and the second conductor L2 to one another in a force-fitting and/or direct and/or captive manner in the assembled state, that is to say when the conductors L1 and L2 are accommodated, and above all to establish an electrically conductive connection between the first conductor L1 and the second conductor L2, so that the transmission of electrical energy and/or electrical signals between the first conductor L1 and the second conductor L2 is realized.

In other words, the clamping element 200 is arranged and configured to clamp or press the first conductor L1 against the second conductor L2 at least in sections and/or vice versa.

One advantage of the clamp connector 1 according to the present invention is, for example, that no additional or further busbar or an additional or further current bar is required in order to reliably and/or sufficiently form an electrical connection between the first conductor L1 and the second conductor L2. The clamp connector 1 is also characterized, for example, by a simple structure and by low material consumption during its production.

For further description of the clamp connector 1, please refer to 1B to 1D which, when viewed together, graphically illustrate the design and configuration of the clamp connector 1. 1B shows the clamp connector 1 from 1A in a side view. 1C shows the clamp connector 1 from 1A in the assembled state with the first conductor L1 and with the second conductor L2, which are electrically connected to each other via the terminal connector 1. 1D shows the clamp connector 1 from 1C with the first conductor L1 and with the second conductor L2 in a side view and thus in the assembled state.

The first receiving section 110 is at least partially sleeve-shaped and therefore comprises, as seen in the first conductor receiving direction R1, two opposite and spaced-apart receiving sleeves 111 and 112, which are each at least partially open in their circumferential direction (see the side view in 1B) . It is alternatively possible that the first receiving section 110 is half-open in the first conductor receiving direction R1 and is preferably channel-shaped or fork-shaped.

The clamping element 200 is in the first embodiment of the 1A to 1D as a clamping plate or as a clamping tongue and thus as a free-standing, essentially flat and/or essentially plate-shaped section. The clamping element 200 comprises a deformation section 201 for forming a defined reversible deformation and/or generating a compressive force in the assembled state. Furthermore, the clamping element 200 comprises at its free end an active section 202 for directly contacting the second conductor L2 in the assembled state. The active section 202 preferably comprises an active edge, which furthermore directly presses or presses the second conductor L2 onto or against the first conductor L1 in the assembled state (see 1D ).

From the 1A to 1D it follows that the clamp connector 1 is designed and/or configured as a push-through clamp connector with regard to the first conductor L1 and the second conductor L2. The second receiving section 120 is U-shaped, apart from or independently of the clamping element 200, that is to say when the clamping element 200 is hidden, and preferably in a plan view of the clamp connector 1, with the legs merging into the first receiving section 110. Due to this configuration of the first receiving section 110, the first receiving section 110 together with the clamping element 200 forms at least in sections a closable passage 121 through which the second conductor L2 can be guided by applying a force during assembly in order to then receive the second conductor 2 in the second conductor receiving direction R2 in the second receiving section 120.

The clamping element 200 is preferably integrated within the second receiving section 120 or preferably at least part of the second receiving section 120. As can be seen from the overview of the 1A and 1B Both the second receiving portion 120 and the clamping element 200 are substantially flat and/or substantially plate-shaped.

2 shows a second embodiment of the clamp connector 1 according to the present invention in an assembled state in a side view with a first conductor L1 and with a second conductor L2, which are electrically connected to each other via the terminal connector 1.

The clamp connector 1 in 2 is to the clamp connector 1 from the 1A to 1D very similarly designed or almost substantially identically designed, wherein the first receiving section 110 for the first conductor L1 is at least partially designed to be channel-shaped or trough-shaped and can also be formed by several parts or sections. In other words, the first receiving section 110 extends in the first conductor receiving direction R1 at least partially in the form of a channel or a trough. This enables, for example, simple assembly of the first conductor L1 in the first conductor receiving direction R1.

3A shows a third embodiment of the clamp connector 1 according to the present invention in a plan view and 3B shows the clamp connector 1 from 3A in a side view.

In this embodiment, the first receiving section 110 is essentially semi-ring-shaped, at least in sections. Overall, the first receiving section 110 is more or less fork-shaped. A passage 121 for passing through a second conductor L2 during assembly is formed on the second receiving section 120. The clamping element 200 is essentially flat and essentially plate-shaped. Preferably, the second receiving section 120 is at least partially groove-shaped.

3C shows the clamp connector 1 from 3A in an assembled state in a top view with a first conductor L1 and with a second conductor L1, which are electrically connected to one another via the clamp connector 1. It is clearly visible that in the top view the first conductor receiving direction R1 and the second conductor receiving direction R2 of the clamp connector 1 are arranged or oriented essentially perpendicular to one another.

3D shows the clamp connector 1 from 3C together with the first conductor L1 and the second conductor L2 in a side view. The deformation section 201 of the clamping element 200 for forming a defined reversible deformation and/or generating a compressive force as soon as the second conductor L2 is guided through the passage 121 on the second receiving section 120 during assembly is clearly visible at the transition from the second receiving section 120 to the clamping element 200. Furthermore, the clamping element 200 comprises an active section 202 at its free end for directly contacting the second conductor L2 in the assembled state. The illustration of the 3D again a direct transition between the first receiving section 110 and the second receiving section 120.

3E shows a simplified arrangement with four clamp connectors 1 of the third embodiment in an assembled state with a common or a single first conductor L1 and with a second conductor L2 and thus a total of four second conductors L2, which are electrically connected to one another via the respective clamp connector 1. The first receiving sections 110 are hidden, i.e. not visible. For better clarity, the outer clamp connectors 1 and their clamping elements 200 are also provided with a reference number. The common or a single first conductor L1 of the arrangement is preferably designed as a bus conductor.

4 shows a fourth embodiment of the clamp connector 1 according to the present invention in an assembled state in a side view with a first conductor L1 and a second conductor L2, which are electrically connected to one another via the clamp connector 1.

The second receiving section 120 in turn comprises a passage 121 for the passage of the second conductor L2, which is arranged on a side of the clamp connector 1 that is opposite the side with the first receiving section 110, preferably in the second conductor receiving direction R2. It is possible for the passage 121 to comprise a substantially square cross-section or a substantially circular cross-section. The first receiving section 110 in turn is at least partially groove-shaped or trough-shaped and the clamping element 200 is substantially flat and substantially plate-shaped.

5 shows a fifth embodiment of the clamp connector 1 according to the present invention in a connector housing 21 of a connector 2 in an assembled state in a side view.

The connector 2 is configured to form a plug connection with the first conductor L1 and/or the second conductor L2. For mounting the second conductor L2, the connector housing 21 comprises the second conductor insertion opening 22. Of course, the connector housing 21 also comprises a first conductor insertion opening and a first conductor removal opening, which, however, are not shown in the illustration in 5 is not visible.

In the side view in 5 , which corresponds to the first conductor receiving direction R1, it can be seen that the clamping element 200 is at least partially U-shaped and comprises two deformation sections 201 and an active section 202 for contacting the second conductor L2 in order to transmit a compressive force to the second conductor L2 in the assembled state.

In this embodiment, the first receiving portion 110 and the clamping element 200 are arranged opposite to each other and spaced apart from each other.

6 shows a sixth embodiment of the clamp connector 1 according to the present invention in an assembled state in a side view with a first conductor L1 and a second conductor L2, which are electrically connected to one another via the clamp connector 1.

In this embodiment, the clamping element 200 is designed in a hairpin shape or comprises a hairpin-shaped course at least in the side view of the clamping connector 1 and thus in the first conductor receiving device R1 and comprises a deflection curve towards a free end of the clamping element 1 by at least 180°.

The clamping element 200 further comprises two active sections 202 for contacting the second conductor L2 and two deformation sections 201.

The first receiving section 110 comprises a pull-out protection 113, which is preferably designed as a projection or shoulder and therefore acts as a stop for the first conductor L1, so that the first conductor L1 remains in its position in or on the first receiving section 110 and does not change its position when the second conductor L2 is pulled off or out of the clamp connector 1 during a disassembly process. The pull-out protection 113 is shown in the reproduced section Z in 6 shown enlarged.

7 shows a seventh embodiment of the clamp connector 1 according to the present invention in an assembled state in a side view with a first conductor L1 and a second conductor L2, which are electrically connected to one another via the clamp connector 1.

The clamping element 200 is U-shaped and comprises two opposite and spaced-apart legs which are integrally connected to one another via a deformation section 201 in the form of an arc. The active section 202 is arranged in the immediate vicinity of the first receiving section 110. In side view, the clamping connector 1 is overall L-shaped at least in sections, wherein the second receiving section 120 comprises a passage 121 for the passage of the second conductor L2 in the second conductor receiving direction R2. The passage 121 is arranged and/or formed more or less opposite the deformation section 201.

The present invention provides a clamp connector 1 and a plug connector 2 with at least one clamp connector 1, which is characterized by simple manufacture, low material consumption and simple and safe assembly of electrical conductors L1, L2.

The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. Rather, a large number of variants and modifications are possible which also make use of the inventive concept and therefore fall within the scope of protection. The present invention preferably also claims protection for the subject matter and the features of the subclaims independently of the claims referred to.

List of reference symbols

1

Clamp connectors

2

Connectors

21

Connector housing

22

second conductor insertion opening

110

first recording section

111

Mounting sleeve

112

Mounting sleeve

113

Pull-out protection

120

second recording section

121

Passage

200

Clamping element

201

Deformation section

202

Effective section

L1

first director

L2

second director

R1

first conductor pick-up direction

R2

second conductor pick-up direction

QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of documents listed by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 102004030085 B4 [0005]
• DE 102013105263 B3 [0006]
• DE 102008032038 A1 [0007]

Claims (12)

Clamp connector (1) for electrically connecting a first conductor (L1) to a second conductor (L2) in an assembled state, wherein the clamp connector (1) is integrally formed as a single part and comprises a first receiving section (110) for arranging the first conductor (L1) in a first conductor receiving direction (R1) and a second receiving section (120) for arranging the second conductor (L2) in a second conductor receiving direction (R2), wherein the clamp connector (1) comprises a clamping element (200) which is designed and configured to connect the first conductor (L1) and the second conductor (L2) to one another in a force-fitting manner in the assembled state. Clamp connector (1) according to Claim 1 , wherein the clamping element (200) is configured to press the second conductor (L2) at least partially directly onto the first conductor (L1) in the assembled state while forming an elastic deformation state, and/or to press the first conductor (L1) at least partially directly onto the second conductor (L2). Clamp connector (1) according to Claim 1 or 2 , wherein the first conductor receiving direction (R1) and the second conductor receiving direction (R2) are different from one another, wherein preferably the first conductor receiving direction (R1) and the second conductor receiving direction (R2) are arranged perpendicular to one another in a view, preferably in a plan view of the clamp connector (1). Clamp connector (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the clamping element (200) is formed on the second receiving section (120) or is at least a part of the second receiving section (120), and wherein the clamping element (200) is designed to be operable at least in sections in a direction different from the first conductor receiving direction (R1) and/or the second conductor receiving direction (R2). Clamp connector (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the clamping element (200) and the second receiving portion (120) form at least in sections a passage (121) which can be closed by the clamping element (200) for the passage of the second conductor (L2). Clamp connector (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the clamping element (200) and/or the second receiving portion (120) comprises at least one passage (121) for the passage of the second conductor (L2). Clamp connector (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the clamping element (200) is designed at least in sections as a clamping plate, as a clamping bracket and/or as a clamping fork. Clamp connector (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the clamping element (200) is at least partially flat and/or plate-shaped, and/or wherein in a view in the first conductor receiving direction (R1) the clamping element (200) is at least partially U-shaped and/or hairpin-shaped. Clamp connector (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the clamping element (200) comprises at least one deformation section (201) for forming a defined reversible deformation and/or generating a compressive force in the assembled state, and wherein the clamping element (200) comprises at least one active section (202) for directly contacting the first conductor (L1) and/or the second conductor (L2) in the assembled state, wherein the active section (202) is preferably formed at a free end of the clamping element (200). Clamp connector (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first receiving section (110) for arranging the first conductor (L1) in the first conductor receiving direction (R1) is designed to be at least partially half-open, preferably at least partially groove-shaped, and/or wherein the first receiving section (110) for arranging the first conductor (L1) in the first conductor receiving direction (R1) is designed to be at least partially sleeve-shaped or at least partially ring-shaped. Clamp connector (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the clamp connector (1) is designed as a bent part and/or as a stamped part, wherein preferably the clamping element (200) is formed by at least one laser cutting process. Plug connector (2) for electrically connecting at least one first conductor (L1) and at least one second conductor (L2) in a plug connector housing (21) of the plug connector (2), wherein at least one clamp connector (1) according to one of the preceding claims is arranged within the plug connector housing (21), wherein the plug connector housing (21) has at least a conductor insertion opening for inserting the at least one first conductor (L1) in a first conductor receiving direction (R1) and at least one second conductor insertion opening (22) for inserting the at least one second conductor (L2) in a second conductor receiving direction (R2).

Images