Fixing device for a terminal block in a building services device and building services device

Abstract

Fastening device for a terminal block in a domestic appliance, such as a heat pump, instantaneous water heater, hot water tank or ventilation device, comprising a plurality of recesses, wherein the recesses are provided for receiving locking pins of the terminal block, characterized in that by applying force in one direction the terminal block is locked to the fastening device and by applying force in the opposite direction it is unlocked.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a fastening device for a terminal block in a domestic appliance and to a domestic appliance.

[0002] From DE 102007016344 B4 a holding device for a socket terminal block is known, whereby the socket terminal block is attached to a wall or floor of the building services device.

[0003] DE 4127898 A1 describes various locking pins which snap into a locking hole in a metal mounting wall.

[0004] Terminal blocks, or modular terminal blocks, are generally known and are state-of-the-art in electrical cabling and wiring. Terminal blocks are available in various designs and from various manufacturers. A distinction is often made between 2-wire and 4-wire terminal blocks, as well as by the number of poles.

[0005] To securely connect terminal blocks, for example, to a housing, locking pins are available as an option. These locking pins are located at a certain distance below the terminal blocks and are firmly pressed into pre-drilled holes in the housing sheet metal by hand. By firmly pressing them in, the terminal blocks are secured to the housing or a panel via the locking pins.

[0006] Firm mounting is very important, especially for home automation devices. Home automation devices are subject to a wide variety of movements during operation, such as vibrations and shocks. Shocks are also possible, for example, during transport.

[0007] Terminal blocks often need to be removed, especially during maintenance and repair work. For example, if a new electronic module is installed and the electrical wiring needs to be adjusted, the terminal block must be removed and fitted with the new electrical wires.

[0008] To release the terminal block from the housing, the locking pins must be pushed or pulled out of the holes with considerable force. Often, this is done with the aid of tools such as pliers. Due to the design of the locking pins and the expansion of the locking pin springs, non-destructive removal of the terminal block is almost impossible. The locking pins, which are usually made of plastic, break off irreparably. This requires the use of new terminal blocks with locking pins.

[0009] The use of new terminal blocks is unsustainable and incurs costs. Additionally, the time and effort required by service personnel is significant.

[0010] It is therefore the object of the invention to provide a fastening device which accommodates one or more terminal blocks, firmly fixes them and ensures non-destructive removal of the terminal blocks from the fastening device.

[0011] This object is achieved by the fastening device according to claim 1 and by the domestic technology device according to claim 10.

[0012] The fastening device according to the invention has recesses, in particular circular contours, which are connected to one another by connecting contours. The connecting contours have a smaller recess than the circular contours.

[0013] In a further design, the contours can also be square or oval.

[0014] Due to the inventive and special design of two different contours, the terminal block is locked into the fastening device.

[0015] The invention provides for a first contour at one end of the fastening device and a second contour at the other end. This creates a locking mechanism by shifting the terminal block to one side, resulting in a secure fit. The secure fit is designed so that accidental contact or vibrations caused by the device do not cause the device to disengage.

[0016] According to a preferred embodiment, the first contour 120 has a diameter between 5 mm and 10 mm, in particular between 7 mm and 9 mm.

[0017] According to a preferred embodiment, the second contour 130 has a diameter between 3 mm and 6 mm, in particular between 4.5 mm and 5.5 mm.

[0018] At the same time, the terminal block is released by sliding it (opposite the locking direction). This allows service personnel to disassemble the terminal block without damaging it and reinstall it after rewiring. This saves costs for the terminal(s) and labor for service personnel, as well as in the manufacturing of the building services equipment.

[0019] According to a preferred embodiment, the fastening device is plate-shaped and consists of a metal or a plastic.

[0020] According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the plate-shaped fastening device has a thickness of 0.1 mm to 3 mm, in particular of 0.5 mm to 1.5 mm. Figures: Fig. 1 shows the state of the art Fig. 2 shows an embodiment of the invention Fig. 3 shows a further embodiment of the invention Fig. 4 shows the rounded edges Fig. 5a shows the inserted locking pins in the fastening device Fig. 5b shows the inserted locking pins in the fastening device Fig. 6a shows the engaged locking pins in the fastening device Fig. 6b shows the engaged locking pins in the fastening device

[0021] In Fig. Figure 1 shows the state of the art. Terminal blocks with locking pins, shown here as an example for a terminal block with four locking pins, are secured by holes that secure the locking pins. The four locking pins are pressed into the holes with force. Non-destructive disassembly of the terminal block is not possible.

[0022] An embodiment of a fastening device 100 for a 4-pole terminal block 200 according to the invention is shown in Fig. 2. The terminal block 200 is inserted into the first contours 120 and reaches, with a view to the Fig. 2, fixation by applying horizontal force to the left. The final position is reached in the second contours 130.

[0023] In another embodiment, the fixation can also be achieved in the opposite direction.

[0024] Depending on the shape of the locking pins 210, the recesses 110 of the fastening device 100 can also be oval or square.

[0025] In Fig. 3 shows a further embodiment using the example of a 9-pin terminal block 200. The lateral openings of the first contours 120 are larger and thus the second contours 130 are flatter.

[0026] In order to achieve a displacement of the locking pins 210 within the fastening device 100, rounded edges 140 are provided in the transitions from the second contour to the first contour and vice versa, which in Fig. 4. This inventive design ensures that the terminal block 200 is secured in the final position, yet can still be unlocked without damaging it. The terminal block 200 is secured by the locking pins 210 between (per locking pin) two rounded edges 140 in the second contour 130. The rounded edges 140 enable the terminal block 200 to be easily moved within the fastening device 100.

[0027] By varying the design of the edges and contours of the fastening device 100, various parameters of the fastening device 100 can be adapted. Thus, depending on the manufacturer of the terminal blocks 200, the locking pins 210 can be designed differently. Furthermore, the force required for locking and unlocking can also be adjusted.

[0028] The designs shown here represent a good average.

[0029] The Fig. 5a and Fig. 5b shows the inserted terminal blocks 200 in the fastening device 100. The Fig. 5a shows the fastening device 100 with an inclined view from below, while in Fig. 5b shows the fastening device 100 from an inclined view from above. In this exemplary embodiment, two different terminal blocks 200 are combined in one fastening device 100. While on one side a terminal block 200 with four locking pins is used, on the other side a terminal block with nine locking pins is used.

[0030] The locking pins 210 are inserted into the first contours 120 and by moving the terminal block 200 with the locking pins 210 to one side R1, locking or fixing is achieved.

[0031] The Fig. 6a and Fig. 6b shows the latched terminal blocks 200 in the fastening device 100. The Fig. 6a shows the fastening device 100 with an inclined view from below, while in Fig.6b shows the fastening device 100 viewed from above. By applying force, the terminal block 200 is displaced in the direction R2 (the opposite direction of R1) to achieve non-destructive unlatching of the terminal block 200. The terminal blocks 200 can then be removed from the fastening device. List of reference symbols 100 fastening device 110 recesses 120 first contour 130 second contour 140 edges 200 terminal block 210 locking pins R1 towards locking R2 towards unlocking QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 102007016344 B4

[0002] DE 4127898 A1

[0003]

Claims

[1] Fastening device (100) for a terminal block (200) with locking pins (210) in a domestic appliance, such as a heat pump, instantaneous water heater, hot water tank or ventilation device, comprising a plurality of recesses (110), wherein the recesses (110) are provided for receiving locking pins (210) of the terminal block (200), characterized by that by applying force in one direction (R1) the terminal block (200) is locked to the fastening device (100). [2] Fastening device (100) according to claim 1, characterized by that by applying force in the opposite direction (R2) the terminal block (200) is released. [3] Fastening device (100) according to claim 1 and 2, characterized bythat the recesses (110) of the fastening device (100) consist essentially of a plurality of contours (120, 130), wherein each contour (120, 130) has an opening to a next contour (120, 130) at least on one side. [4] Fastening device (100) according to claims 1 to 3, characterized by that the fastening device (100) is plate-shaped, consists of metal or plastic and has a thickness of 0.1 mm to 3 mm, in particular of 0.5 mm to 1.5 mm. [5] Fastening device (100) according to claims 1 to 4, characterized by that the fastening device (100) is designed as a part in or on the housing and / or as part of a printed circuit board of the domestic appliance. [6] Fastening device (100) according to claims 1 to 5, characterized by that the fastening device (100) consists of at least one first contour (120) and at least one second contour (130). [7] Fastening device (100) according to claims 1 to 6, characterized by that the fastening device (100) ends on one side with the first contour (120) and on the opposite side with the second contour (130). [8] Fastening device (100) according to claims 1 to 7, characterized by that the first contour (120) has a diameter between 5 mm and 10 mm, in particular between 7 mm and 9 mm, and the second contour (130) has a diameter between 3 mm and 6 mm, in particular between 4.5 mm and 5.5 mm. [9] Fastening device (100) according to claims 1 to 8, characterized by that the second contour (130) has two rounded edges (140). [10] Domestic appliance, such as a heat pump, instantaneous water heater, hot water tank or ventilation device, which has a fastening device (100) for a terminal block (200) according to claims 1 to 8.

Images