Bus module system including an internal bus bridge connector

US7311543B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Weidmüller Interface GmbH & Co. KG and PH · DE

Inventors

• Walter Hanning · Detmold, DE
• Jens Schulze · Giswil, CH
• Rudolf Steinmeier · Detmold, DE
• Herbert Fricke · Detmold, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Apr 13, 2006
• Grant date: Dec 25, 2007
• Expiry date: Jun 3, 2026

Classification

• Technology area (CPC H): Electricity
• CPC primary: H01R31/08
• WIPO field: Electrical machinery, apparatus, energy
• WIPO sector: Electrical engineering

Abstract

A bridge connector arrangement includes a bridge member moveable between engaged and disengaged positions relative to a pair of adjacent electrical modules, thereby to connect and disconnect rows of female terminals on the modules, The bridge member carries a plurality of male bridging contacts that extend within the female terminals when the bridge member is in the engaged position, whereupon the male bridging contacts are biased by clamping springs into electrical engagement with stationary wall contacts mounted in the female terminals. Release members carried by the bridge member are operable both to release the clamping springs from the male contacts, and to displace the bridge member toward the disengaged position relative to the modules. The bridge member and the modules include a tongue and groove guide arrangement, thereby to fasten both modules together mechanically.