Terminal module and conductor connection terminal formed therewith

Abstract

The invention relates to a terminal module for forming a modular conductor terminal block composed of several interconnected terminal modules. The invention also relates to a modular conductor terminal block made of several interconnected terminal modules of the aforementioned type.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a terminal module for forming a modular conductor terminal block composed of several interconnected terminal modules. The invention also relates to a modular conductor terminal block made of several interconnected terminal modules of the aforementioned type.

[0002] With such terminal modules, for example a modular conductor connection terminal in the form of a freely configurable distribution terminal block can be formed.

[0003] DE 10 2020 122 136 A1 discloses a distribution terminal consisting of a feed-in element and a distribution element plugged together with it.

[0004] The invention is based on the objective of providing a further improved conductor connection terminal and a terminal module designed for this purpose.

[0005] This problem is solved by a terminal module for forming a modular conductor terminal consisting of several interconnected terminal modules, wherein the terminal module has a housing section, at least one busbar section arranged in the housing section, and one or more spring-clamp terminals arranged in the housing section for connecting electrical conductors by means of spring clamping, wherein the terminal module has at least one terminal contact projecting from the housing section on a first housing side of its housing section and a terminal opening on the second housing side of the housing section, diametrically opposite the first housing side, through which a terminal contact of an adjacent terminal module attached to it can be plugged in and electrically contacted with the busbar section of the terminal module.With such a terminal module, conductor connection terminals can be built in a completely modular fashion and freely configured according to the user's requirements. In particular, the conductor connection terminal formed from several terminal modules can be flexibly configured by the manufacturer or the end user with regard to its connection options. The number of terminal modules connected to form a conductor connection terminal can be freely selected. In this way, the conductor connection terminal can be optimally adapted to the respective application.

[0006] In particular, a system with differently configured terminal modules can be provided, e.g., a feed-in module designed for connecting large-diameter electrical conductors through which electrical signals can be fed into the conductor connection terminal, and a distribution module designed for connecting small-diameter electrical conductors whose cross-section is significantly smaller than that of large-diameter electrical conductors. A distribution terminal block can advantageously be formed using such a feed-in module and one or more connected distribution modules.

[0007] From a manufacturing perspective, advantages arise from the use of identical components in the distribution modules and a reduction in inventory for different variants of terminal blocks, as was necessary with non-modular terminal blocks according to the prior art. Advantageously, the terminal block according to the invention can be provided with fully compatible electrical connection values ​​compared to conventional terminal blocks. In particular, the full rated current fed into the busbar assembly via the feed-in module can be passed through to the last distribution module.

[0008] A distribution terminal block serves to distribute an electrical signal or electrical energy, fed into the distribution terminal block via an electrical conductor, to several electrical conductors also arranged on the distribution terminal block. These conductors typically have a smaller cross-section than the electrical conductor supplying the signal or electrical energy. In the distribution terminal block according to the invention, the supplying electrical conductor is connected to the input module, and the small-cross-section electrical conductors carrying this supplied electrical energy or signal are connected to spring-loaded terminals of the distribution modules. The input module can be plugged into the first distribution module of the distribution block in the same way that the distribution modules can be plugged together. The same plug-in connection technology can be used.

[0009] The feed-in module may, in particular, have only one spring-clamp terminal. The distribution modules may be identical or different in design. A distribution module may, for example, have one spring-clamp terminal or two spring-clamp terminals arranged symmetrically around a central plane of the distribution module. A distribution module may also have more than two spring-clamp terminals. For example, one, two, or more spring-clamp terminals may be located next to each other in a distribution module in the direction of the modules being arranged. In particular, the system may include distribution modules with different widths of the housing sections in the direction of the modules being arranged. It is also conceivable that the system includes only one type of distribution module, all of which are identically designed.

[0010] A spring-clamp terminal can, for example, have a clamping spring or be designed as such. The clamping spring can, for example, be attached to the busbar section of the respective module, i.e., the feed-in module or the distribution module, e.g., in an opening of the busbar section. The busbar section of a distribution module can also have a type of clamping cage for receiving one or more clamping springs of the spring-clamp terminals or be integrally formed with such a clamping cage.

[0011] A distribution terminal block, unlike other types of conductor connection terminals, is characterized by a block-like, essentially prismatic housing. On one conductor connection side of the housing, the housing shape may deviate slightly from the purely prismatic form, e.g., appearing trapezoidal in side view.

[0012] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the connection contact is designed as a contact lug or contact blade. Such a contact lug is suitable for transmitting high currents with low contact resistance. Furthermore, such a connection contact can be manufactured simply and cost-effectively, particularly using conventional manufacturing processes.

[0013] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the terminal module has at least one connecting contact designed as a counterpart to the at least one protruding connection contact, with which the connection contact of an adjacent terminal module can be plugged together in the manner of a plug connection, wherein the connecting contact is connected to the busbar section of the terminal module. In this way, the terminal modules can be easily plugged together, similar to electrical connectors, with the electrical contact between the busbar sections being established automatically upon plugging.

[0014] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the at least one connecting contact is integrally formed with the busbar section of the respective distribution module. This simplifies the manufacture and assembly of the distribution modules and thus reduces costs. Furthermore, such an integral design can further improve current-carrying capacity and minimize contact resistance.

[0015] The connecting contact can, for example, be designed as a surface section of the busbar section of the terminal module.

[0016] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the terminal module has a busbar section arranged at least predominantly within its housing section, which forms part of the busbar arrangement of the conductor connection terminal to be formed by the terminal modules. This makes the terminal modules modular with respect to the current-transmitting component, i.e., the busbar arrangement.

[0017] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the at least one connecting contact protruding from the housing section is formed integrally with the busbar section arranged in the housing section. This simplifies the manufacture and assembly of the distribution modules and thus reduces costs. Furthermore, such an integral design can further improve current-carrying capacity and minimize contact resistance.

[0018] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the busbar sections of adjacent terminal modules are electrically contacted with each other by providing that a terminal module has at least one connecting contact protruding from a first housing side of its housing section and at least one connecting opening on the second housing side of its housing section, diametrically opposite the first housing side, through which a connecting contact of another terminal module attached to it can be plugged in and electrically connected to the busbar section of the terminal module. This allows the terminal modules to be easily plugged together laterally to form the conductor connection terminal in the manner of a plug-in system.

[0019] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the connecting contact is formed integrally with the connecting contact. This simplifies the manufacture and assembly of the terminal modules, thus reducing costs. Furthermore, such an integral design allows for improved current-carrying capacity and minimizes contact resistance. Safety is also enhanced by the integral design, as these elements cannot be unintentionally separated.

[0020] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the connecting contact and the connecting contact form a first S-shaped contact unit. Such an S-shaped contact unit can be readily integrated into the structure of a conductor terminal block assembled from several terminal modules. The first S-shaped contact unit can be configured, in particular, such that the connecting contact extends in a first spatial plane and the connecting contact extends in a second spatial plane spaced apart from the first, wherein the connecting contact is connected to the connecting contact via a connecting section, the connecting section forming a shoulder of the S-shaped contact unit thereby formed.

[0021] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, a contact spring is arranged at each connecting contact, by which a connecting contact attached to the connecting contact can be pressed against the connecting contact. Such a contact spring ensures reliable contact and, in particular, generates sufficient contact force.

[0022] The contact spring can be an additional spring to the clamping springs of the spring-clamp terminals, specifically designed for contacting the terminal contact and the connecting contact. Alternatively, a clamping spring from a distribution module can be used as a contact spring to press the terminal contact against the connecting contact, while also functioning as a clamping spring for a spring-clamp terminal of the distribution module.

[0023] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the contact spring has a first spring leg, a spring arc adjoining the first spring leg, and a second spring leg adjoining the spring arc, with the connecting contact being arranged between the first and second spring legs. In this way, the contact spring can be supported with one spring leg against the connecting contact and with the other spring leg against the inserted terminal contact. The contact spring can be permanently attached to the connecting contact, e.g., clamped to it as a pre-tensioned spring by means of its spring force.

[0024] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the contact spring is designed to be mirror-symmetrical about a plane of symmetry extending between the first spring leg and the second spring leg. In this way, a compact contact spring with a high spring force can be provided.

[0025] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the contact spring is omega-shaped in side view. This shape allows for a high spring force with a comparatively small contact spring design. The omega-shaped design of the contact spring can be configured such that the first and second spring legs initially converge at the spring bow and then curve away from each other towards the free end, forming an insertion funnel in the longitudinal direction of the contact spring towards the free end of the spring legs.

[0026] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the contact spring has a window-like opening through which the connecting contact and / or the connecting contact can be inserted. This allows for a particularly compact arrangement of the connecting contact, the associated connecting contact, and the contact spring. In this way, small, miniaturized terminal modules can be provided, and correspondingly miniaturized conductor connection terminals can be assembled from them.

[0027] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the terminal module has, as an additional separate component, at least one jumper that extends from the busbar section of the terminal module out of the housing section of the terminal module and can be connected to the busbar section of an adjacent terminal module connected to it. This further improves the connection between the adjacent terminal modules. Such a jumper can, for example, increase the current-carrying capacity because it enlarges the conductor cross-section available for the current flow. In particular, the relatively high supply current in a distribution terminal block can thus be efficiently routed to the individual distribution modules.

[0028] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the jumper can be connected on one side to a terminal contact of a terminal module and on the other side to a connecting contact of an adjacent terminal module. It is also possible for the terminal contact of a terminal module to be arranged between two contact sections of different jumpers.

[0029] The bridge can, in particular, have a first contact section connected to a second contact section via a connecting section. The first contact section can extend in a first spatial plane, and the second contact section in a second spatial plane spaced apart from the first. A step is formed between the first and second contact sections via the connecting section. In particular, the bridge can be configured as a second S-shaped contact unit.

[0030] The aforementioned task is also solved by a modular conductor connection terminal consisting of several interconnected terminal modules of the type described above, wherein the housing sections of the terminal modules form a housing for the conductor connection terminal, and wherein the busbar section of one terminal module is connected to the busbar section of an adjacent terminal module via a plug connection, thus forming a busbar arrangement of the conductor connection terminal. This also allows the previously described advantages to be realized.

[0031] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the plug connection has at least one connection contact of a terminal module and one connecting contact of an adjacent terminal module.

[0032] The conductor terminal can be designed, for example, in the form of a distribution terminal block, which has a housing with several conductor entry openings and spring-loaded clamping terminals arranged in the housing and accessible via the conductor entry openings for connecting electrical conductors, wherein at least one first spring-loaded clamping terminal is provided for connecting large-section electrical conductors, via which electrical signals can be fed into the conductor terminal, and several second spring-loaded clamping terminals are provided for connecting small-section electrical conductors, whose conductor cross-section is significantly smaller than that of large-section electrical conductors, wherein the first and second spring-loaded clamping terminals are electrically connected to each other via a busbar arrangement.The conductor terminal can be modularly constructed by having at least one feed-in module, which includes at least one first spring-clamp terminal, and several distribution modules connected to form a distribution block, each containing at least one second spring-clamp terminal. The feed-in module and each distribution module each have their own housing section, with the housing of the conductor terminal being formed by the housing sections of the feed-in module and the connected distribution modules. The terminal modules described above can be used as distribution modules.

[0033] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the plug connection comprises at least one contact section of a jumper, which is arranged between the terminal contact and the connecting contact of at least one terminal module. For example, the first contact section of the jumper can be arranged between the terminal contact and the connecting contact of a terminal module, and the second contact section of the same jumper can be arranged in an adjacent terminal module downstream of the terminal contact of the first-mentioned terminal module, as seen from the connecting contact of that terminal module.

[0034] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the first and / or second S-shaped contact unit is arranged essentially parallel to a conductor entry side of the conductor terminal, on which conductor entry openings of the conductor terminal are arranged. In this way, a compact plug connection between the terminal modules can be realized, in particular by means of horizontally arranged S-shaped contact units.

[0035] In summary, the invention can realize, among other things, the following advantages: - Free configurability of a conductor connection terminal, - Increased current-carrying capacity of the busbar arrangement due to additional jumpers, - Production of the individual components using conventional manufacturing processes, - Simple and logical arrangement and plugging of the distribution modules to form the distribution block and plugging in with the feed-in module to form the complete distribution terminal block.

[0036] For the purposes of the present invention, the indefinite term "a" is not to be understood as a numeral. Therefore, when, for example, a component is mentioned, this is to be interpreted as "at least one component". Where angles are specified in degrees, these refer to a circle of 360 degrees (360°).

[0037] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to exemplary embodiments and drawings.

[0038] They show Fig. 1 a modular conductor connection terminal in the form of a distribution terminal block in perspective view, Fig. 2 the busbar arrangement of the conductor connection terminal according to Fig. 1 in a perspective view, Fig. 3 a contact spring in perspective view, Fig. 4 the busbar arrangement according to Fig. 2 in a different perspective view, Fig. 5 Another embodiment of a busbar arrangement of a conductor connection terminal in perspective view.

[0039] The Fig. Figure 1 shows a conductor connection terminal 1 in the form of a distribution terminal block. The conductor connection terminal 1 has a modular design with several terminal modules 11, 12, namely a feed-in module 11 and several distribution modules 12. The distribution modules 12 are plugged together to form a distribution block. The distribution block is plugged together with the feed-in module 11. The feed-in module 11 has a housing section 21. The distribution modules 12 each have a housing section 22. The plugged-together housing sections 21, 22 of the aforementioned modules form a block-shaped housing 2 of the conductor connection terminal 1.

[0040] It is further evident that housing section 21 has a relatively large conductor entry opening L1 for receiving a large-diameter electrical conductor. The housing sections 22 of the distribution modules 12 each have two conductor entry openings L2, which are smaller than conductor entry opening L1 and are each designed to receive a small-diameter electrical conductor. The conductor entry openings L1 and L2 are arranged on a conductor entry side 23 of the housing 2. Each conductor entry opening L1 or L2 is associated with a spring-clamp terminal located in the respective housing section 21 or 22. For each spring-clamp terminal, the housing sections 21 and 22 each have an associated actuating opening 5 through which the spring-clamp terminal can be actuated by means of a tool or an actuating element fixed to the conductor terminal, e.g., an actuating push button.In addition, a busbar section is arranged in each of the housing sections 21, 22, wherein in the . Fig. 1 only the busbar section 32 of the last distribution module 32 of the series arrangement is recognizable. In addition, the housing sections 21, 22 each have at least one connection opening 24 through which electrical contact with an adjacent terminal module 11, 12 can be made.

[0041] The Fig. Figures 2 to 4 illustrate an advantageous embodiment of a busbar arrangement 3 of the conductor connection terminal according to Fig. 1. It can be seen that the busbar arrangement 3 has one busbar section 31 of the feed-in module 11 and three busbar sections 32 of the respective distribution modules 12. The busbar sections 31, 32 have an opening 6 for each spring-clamp terminal through which the electrical conductor to be clamped can be passed. In this area, the clamping spring for clamping the electrical conductor is also arranged as part of the spring-clamp terminal, which can be done in a known manner and in the Fig. 2 to 4 are therefore not shown for the sake of clarity.

[0042] It can be seen that the busbar sections 32 of the distribution modules 12 are each connected to each other and electrically contacted by a connecting contact 34 extending from one busbar section to the next. Furthermore, an electrical connection to the busbar section 31 of the feed-in module 11 is established via a connecting contact 34 of the last busbar section 32. The connecting contacts 34 can, for example, be integrally formed with the material of a respective busbar section 32 and protrude from it in the manner of connecting lugs or blade contacts.

[0043] In the illustrated embodiment, the busbar sections 32 of the distribution modules 12 and also the busbar section 31 of the feed-in module 11 have connecting contacts 33, which serve as counterparts to the connection contacts 34 and can be electrically connected to the connection contacts 34. Each connection contact 34 is connected to one connecting contact 33. The connecting contacts 33 can also be integrally formed with the material of the respective busbar section 31, 32 and, for example, be formed by a flat central region of the respective busbar section 31, 32.

[0044] To ensure reliable electrical contact between a terminal contact 34 and a connecting contact 33, a clamping spring 7 is provided for each of these connections. The clamping spring 7 has a first spring leg 71 and a second spring leg 72. The spring legs 71 and 72 are connected to each other via a spring arc 70. Each connecting contact 33, with its attached terminal contact 34, is positioned between the spring legs 71 and 72, so that the respective terminal contact 34 is pressed against the connecting contact 33 by the spring legs 71 and 72. Only the last busbar section 32 extending from the busbar section 31 has no terminal contact 34 inserted.

[0045] The contact springs 7 each have a window-like opening 73 that extends over the spring arc 70 into the first and second spring legs 71, 72. In side view, the contact spring 7 is essentially omega-shaped.

[0046] In the illustrated embodiment, additional bridges 8 are used to increase the current-carrying capacity. These bridges extend from one busbar section 32 to the adjacent busbar section 32 or 31. Each bridge 8 has a first contact section 81, a connecting section 83, and a second contact section 82, which is connected to the first contact section 81 via the connecting section 83.

[0047] The first and second contact sections 81, 82 are arranged in different spatial planes by means of a kind of offset or step formed by the connecting section 83. This gives the bridges 8 an S-shaped appearance in side view.

[0048] The bridges 8 can be made of a material that is highly electrically conductive, e.g. copper or a copper alloy.

[0049] In the illustrated embodiment, the connection contacts 34 of the adjacent busbar sections 32 do not contact their connecting contacts 33 directly, but rather via a first contact section 81 of a jumper 8, which is arranged between the connecting contact 33 and the connection contact 34. The contact spring 7 extends over the entire arrangement, i.e., the contact spring 7 rests on the top side of the busbar section 32 and on the underside of the second contact section 82 of a jumper 8. Each jumper 8 thus extends in an S-shape from one busbar section to the next. The S-shaped jumpers 8 are arranged horizontally, i.e., essentially parallel to the conductor connection side 23.

[0050] Only on the busbar section 31 of the feed-in module 11 is the connection contact 34 of the adjacent busbar section 32 directly connected to the connecting contact 33.

[0051] The busbar arrangement according to the Fig. Alternatively, sections 2 to 4 can also be implemented without the bridge 8. In this case, the respective connection contact 34 is directly connected to the connecting contact 33 of the other busbar section.

[0052] The Fig. Figure 5 shows an embodiment of a busbar arrangement 3 in which each connecting contact 33 is integrally formed on the busbar section 32 and is additionally integrally formed via a connecting section 35 with a terminal contact 34 integrally formed thereon. In the Fig.In the embodiment shown in Figure 5, jumpers 8 are used; however, a version without jumpers 8 is also possible. Without jumpers 8, a connecting contact 33 is always directly connected to a terminal contact 34 of an adjacent busbar section 32; otherwise, a contact section of the jumper 8 is arranged between them. Such a connecting contact 33 with an integrally formed terminal contact 34 forms an S-shaped contact unit, which is arranged parallel to the conductor connection side 23 of the housing 2. Here, too, contact springs 7 can be used to increase the contact force, in this case directly pressing a connecting contact 33 together with a terminal contact 34. Reference symbol list 1 conductor connection terminal 2 cases 3. Busbar arrangement 5 Actuating opening 6 busbar opening 7 Contact spring 8 bridges 12 distribution module 21 Housing section of the feed-in module 22 Housing section of the distribution module 23 Ladder entry side 24 Connection opening 31 Busbar section of the feed-in module 32 Busbar section of the distribution module 33 Connection contact 34 Connection contact 35 Connecting section 70 feather bows 71 first spring leg 72 second spring leg 73 window-like opening 81 first contact section 82 second contact section 83 Connecting section of the bridge A direction of queuing L1 conductor entry opening L2 conductor entry opening QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. 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

[0000] DE 10 2020 122 136 A1

[0003]

Claims

[1] Terminal module (11, 12) for forming a modular conductor connection terminal (1) formed from a plurality of terminal modules (11, 12) joined together, wherein the terminal module (11, 12) has a housing section (21, 22), at least one busbar section (31, 32) arranged in the housing section (21, 22) and one or more spring-loaded terminal connections arranged in the housing section (21, 22) for connecting electrical conductors by means of spring-loaded clamping, wherein the terminal module (11, 12) has at least one connection contact (34) projecting from the housing section (21, 22) on a first housing side of its housing section (21, 22) and a connection opening (24) on the second housing side of the housing section (21, 22) facing diametrically away from the first housing side, through which a connection contact (34) of an adjacent, plugged-in terminal module (11, 12) and connected to the busbar section (31, 32) of the terminal module (11,12) can be electrically contacted., [2] Terminal module according to claim 1, characterized by that the connecting contact (34) is designed as a contact lug or contact blade. [3] Terminal module according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the terminal module (11, 12) has at least one connecting contact (33) designed as a counterpart to the at least one protruding connecting contact (34), with which the connecting contact (34) of an adjacent terminal module (11, 12) can be plugged together in the manner of a plug connection, wherein the connecting contact (33) is connected to the busbar section (31, 32) of the terminal module (11, 12). [4] Terminal module according to one of claims 3, characterized by that the connection contact (34) is formed integrally with the connecting contact (33). [5] Terminal module according to claim 4, characterized bythat the connection contact (34) forms a first S-shaped contact unit with the connecting contact (33). [6] Terminal module according to claim 5, characterized by that the connection contact (34) runs in a first spatial plane and the connecting contact (33) runs in a second spatial plane spaced from the first spatial plane, wherein the connection contact (34) is connected to the connecting contact (33) via a connecting section (35), wherein the connecting section (35) forms a shoulder of the S-shaped contact unit formed thereby. [7] Terminal module according to one of claims 3 to 6, characterized by that a contact spring (7) is arranged on the respective connecting contact (33), by means of which a connection contact (34) plugged onto the connecting contact (33) can be pressed against the connecting contact (33). [8] Terminal module according to claim 7, characterized bythat the contact spring (7) has a window-like opening (73) through which the connection contact (34) and / or the connecting contact (33) can be inserted. [9] Terminal module according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the terminal module (11, 12) has at least one jumper (8) as an additional separate component, which extends from the busbar section (31, 32) of the terminal module (11, 12) out of the housing section (21, 22) of the terminal module (11, 12) and can be connected to the busbar section (31, 32) of an adjacent terminal module (11, 12) plugged onto it. [10] Terminal module according to claim 9, characterized by that the jumper (8) can be connected on one side to a connection contact (34) of a terminal module (11, 12) and on the other side to a connection contact (33) of an adjacent terminal module (11, 12). [11] Terminal module according to claim 9 or 10, characterized bythat the bridge (8) is designed as a second S-shaped contact unit. [12] Modular conductor connection terminal (1) made up of a plurality of terminal modules (11, 12) plugged together according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the housing sections (21, 22) of the terminal modules (11, 12) form a housing (2) of the conductor connection terminal (1) and wherein the busbar section (31, 32) of a terminal module (11, 12) is connected to the busbar section (31, 32) of an adjacent terminal module (11, 12) via a plug connection. [13] Conductor terminal according to claim 12, characterized by that the plug connection has at least one connection contact (34) of a terminal module (11, 12) and a connection contact (33) of an adjacent terminal module (11, 12). [14] Conductor terminal according to claim 13, characterized bythat the plug connection comprises at least one contact section (81, 82) of a bridge (8) which is arranged between the connection contact (34) and the connecting contact (33). [15] Conductor terminal according to one of claims 12 to 14, characterized by that the first and / or second S-shaped contact unit is arranged substantially parallel to a conductor insertion side (23) of the conductor connection terminal (1), on which conductor insertion openings (L1, L2) of the conductor connection terminal (1) are arranged.

Images