Terminal block for electrical wires

Abstract

Terminal (1) for electrical conductors (L1, L2), with a housing (G) forming a bearing area (L) on which a separating element (13) is movably mounted between a contact position in which the separating element (13) electrically connects two contacts (K, K1-K6) and a separation position in which the separating element (13) electrically separates the two contacts (K, K1-K6) from each other, characterized in that two components (10, 11) of the terminal (1) each form at least one section (T1, T2) of the bearing area (L).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a terminal for electrical conductors according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] Such a clamp comprises a housing that forms a bearing area on which a separating element is movably mounted between a contact position in which the separating element electrically connects two contacts and a separation position in which the separating element electrically separates the two contacts from each other.

[0003] Such a terminal, in the form of a disconnect terminal with several parallel disconnecting elements, is described in DE 20 2016 103 277 U1.

[0004] With these types of clamps, the separating elements are typically mounted to the housing via a pin on the respective separating element, which fits into a hole in a housing part of the clamp. This hole not only secures the separating element but also serves as a pivot point. The pivot point allows the separating blade to be swung, for example, into a shaft to close an electrical circuit. However, this usually results in the hole and the shaft for the separating element being orthogonal to each other. If the housing is to be manufactured using plastic injection molding, this means that a slide is required in the injection mold for demolding, which either forms the hole or the shaft, resulting in at least one additional lateral opening. This can be visually imperfect and can also allow dirt to penetrate.Furthermore, the opening can impair the insulation because it usually reduces the distance to conductive components.

[0005] Furthermore, slides in injection molds are not only technically complex but also expensive. In addition, the use of slides is not possible with all housing shapes, so the use of one or more such slides regularly restricts design freedom, which further complicates manufacturing.

[0006] The object of the present invention is to provide a terminal for electrical conductors that is particularly easy to manufacture.

[0007] This problem is solved by an object having the features of claim 1.

[0008] Accordingly, it is planned that two components of the clamp each form at least one section of the bearing area.

[0009] This allows for the provision of a bearing point for the separating element (e.g., on the housing) while still enabling the production of components (e.g., housing parts) using injection molding without the use of a slide. Furthermore, the bearing point can form part of a snap-fit ​​connection, particularly serving as a snap-fit ​​receptacle. A component, such as the separating element, can be snapped to the bearing point. This significantly simplifies the manufacturing of the clamp. Optionally, the clamp can form a bearing point on both sides of the separating element.

[0010] Optionally, both sections of the bearing area describe a circular arc in cross-section, in particular a semicircle or smaller. This allows the separating element to be easily and directly supported by the two components, requiring only a few parts. Together, the two sections of the bearing area form, for example, a circular cylindrical receptacle. Alternatively, one or both sections of the bearing area may be trough-shaped.

[0011] In particular, the separating element can be pivotally mounted about a pivot axis at the bearing area. This allows for particularly easy adjustment between the contact position and the separation position. For example, the separating element includes a pin that is received in the bearing area, in particular one pin each, which is located in one of the two bearing areas formed on either side of the separating element.

[0012] In one embodiment, the housing forms a recess within which the separating element is movable. This allows the separating element to protrude from the housing only partially or not at all in at least one of its positions, thus preventing accidental movement of the separating element relative to the housing. The recess is, for example, designed in the form of a shaft. For instance, the recess (the shaft) extends within the housing perpendicular to the pivot axis.

[0013] At least one of the components, e.g., a first housing part, has at least one outer wall that is closed at a point towards which the pivot axis points. Since no slide is required for manufacturing this housing part using an injection mold, the outer wall of the housing can be sealed with a single material along the straight extension of the pivot axis. This provides insulation protection and prevents, for example, the ingress of dirt or liquids at the separating element, thus protecting the area of ​​the particularly sensitive separation point between the contacts that can be electrically connected by means of the separating element.

[0014] For example, the first housing part is designed in the form of an upper shell (especially an outer one). It can be provided that the second component (e.g., a second housing part) can be inserted into this upper shell. This allows for a largely uniform outer surface and particularly easy assembly.

[0015] In this advanced training, the first housing part and a further housing part (e.g., a third housing part) can be positively locked together using one or more locking hooks. This enables quick and easy assembly. The locking hook(s) are, for example, formed on the second housing part and engage, for example, in an opening in the first housing part.

[0016] The separating element includes, for example, a contact blade that can be inserted, for instance, into at least one slot of a connecting conductor that is electrically connected to one of the contacts. This enables an easily manufactured and disconnectable, yet secure, electrical connection.

[0017] The separating element optionally includes an engagement area to which a tool can be attached to move the separating element between the contact position and the separation position. This allows the separating element to be designed to be particularly small.

[0018] The two components are made of plastic, for example, in the form of injection-molded plastic parts. While the bearing area design described above can simplify many conceivable manufacturing processes, it is particularly advantageous for injection-molded parts.

[0019] The housing also features several terminals for electrically connecting individual wires. At least one of these terminals can be designed as a push-in connection, although other types of connections are also possible. This allows for particularly easy and quick connection of the terminal. Furthermore, such push-in connections can be designed and arranged in a particularly space-saving manner.

[0020] The terminal can be designed as a disconnect terminal, which, for example, includes a common terminal that can be electrically connected to several terminals arranged in a series via one of several disconnecting elements. Optionally, the terminal includes an insert located between the first and second housing parts, which has one or more partitions.

[0021] The underlying concept of the invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the embodiment shown in the figures. The figures show: Fig. 1 a view of an embodiment of a terminal for electrical conductors in the form of a disconnect terminal with several disconnecting elements, wherein the disconnecting elements are each arranged in a contact position; Fig. 2 a view of the terminal according to Fig. 1, wherein the separating elements are arranged in a separating position; Fig. 3 a view of a first housing part designed as an upper shell of a housing of the terminal according to Fig. 1; Fig. 4 a view of a third housing part of the terminal housing according to Fig. 1; Fig. 5 a view of a second housing part of the terminal which can be inserted between the first and the third housing part according to Fig. 1; Fig. 6 a view of several connecting conductors that form electrically contactable contacts by means of the separating elements, and of the separating elements of the terminal according to Fig. 1; Fig. 7 a cross-sectional view of the terminal according to Fig. 1; Fig. 8 a cross-sectional view of the first housing part of the terminal housing according to Fig. 1; and Fig. 9 a circuit diagram of the terminal according to Fig. 1.

[0022] Fig. Figure 1 shows a terminal 1 for connecting electrical conductors L1 and L2. Terminal 1 is designed as a disconnect terminal and comprises a housing G with, in addition to a terminal referred to here for simplicity as a common terminal A, several terminals A1-A6, for example six (alternatively, for example, two, four, eight, ten, or twelve), each for an electrical conductor L2. The common terminal A and each of the terminals A1-A6 are located on the common housing G. The common terminal A and each of the terminals A1-A6 each form a recess into which an electrical conductor L1 or L2 can be inserted to electrically connect a contact area inside terminal 1. An electrical conductor L2 connected to each of the terminals A1-A6 can be electrically connected to an electrical conductor L1 connected to the common terminal A.

[0023] Furthermore, terminal 1 includes a separating element 13 for each of the connections A1-A6. Each of the separating elements 13 is movable, pivotable in the example shown, and mounted on terminal 1, specifically between a separating position and a contact position. Fig. Figure 1 shows the separating elements 13 in the contact position in which the separating element 13 electrically connects the respective terminal A1-A6 to the common terminal A. Fig. Figure 2 shows the isolating elements 13 in their isolating positions, in which the respective terminals A1-A6 are electrically isolated from the common terminal A. By moving an isolating element 13 into the isolating position, a circuit can be opened. Conversely, a circuit can be closed by moving an isolating element 13 into the contact position.

[0024] Fig. Figure 9 shows this setup in the form of a circuit diagram. The common terminal A is electrically connected to several, in this case six, contacts K via a connecting conductor, which for simplicity is referred to below as common terminal conductor 14. Each of the several, in this case six, terminals A1-A6 is electrically connected to a contact K1-K6 via a connecting conductor 14A-14E. The isolating elements 13 are movably mounted between the contact position in which the respective isolating element 13 electrically connects two contacts K, K1-K6 (namely one contact K of the common terminal conductor 14 and one of the contacts K1-K6 assigned to the respective isolating element 13) and the isolating position in which the isolating element 13 electrically isolates the two contacts K, K1-K6 from each other. Fig. 9 the separating elements 13 are each simplified to the form of a switch; it should be noted that it is also possible that the separating elements 13 in the respective separating position do not electrically contact either of the two electrically connectable contacts K, K1-K6.

[0025] A disconnect point X1-X6 is provided between the collective connection conductor 14 and each of the connection conductors 14A-14F, which can be electrically closed by means of the respective disconnecting element 13.

[0026] To move the separating elements 13 between the separation position and the contact position, each separating element 13 comprises an engagement area 133 for engagement by a tool W. In the present case, the engagement area 133 is preferably designed in the form of a slot into which the tool W, designed as a slotted screwdriver, can engage, whereby a manually operable area on the separating element 13 is also conceivable (e.g. if the terminal 1 is designed as a knife-type disconnect terminal).

[0027] The separating elements 13 are movably mounted on the housing G, such that each of the separating elements 13 can be moved within a respective receptacle R in the housing G. The receptacles R are each designed in the form of a shaft.

[0028] Based on Fig. 1 and Fig. Figure 2 further shows that each of the separating elements 13 has a pivoting body 131 on which the engagement area 133 is formed and to which a contact blade 130 is attached. The contact blade 130 is made of electrically conductive material. The separating elements 13 can also be referred to as separating blades.

[0029] The busbar A has a larger cross-section compared to the individual terminals A1-A6. Both busbar A and terminals A1-A6 are designed as push-in terminals. The electrical conductors L1 and L2, e.g., cables, can thus be easily inserted into the respective receptacles A and A1-A6 to establish an electrical contact inside terminal 1 and be held in place. This function will be explained in more detail below. To disconnect the electrical conductors L1 and L2 from terminal 1, the terminal includes a slider 16, which can be actuated by a tool, e.g., tool W, and in this case, pushed deeper into the housing G.

[0030] Next to each of the sliders 16 of the parallel terminals A1-A6, an (optional) indicator 15 is arranged. In the example shown, an LED is housed in the casing G for this purpose. The position of the respective separating element 13 can be displayed by means of the indicator 15. Next to the common terminal A (more precisely: next to the slider 16 of the common terminal A) an opening is provided through which a test contact 19 is accessible, e.g. to check a voltage applied to the common terminal A.

[0031] The housing G includes a Fig. 1 and Fig. Figure 2 shows the first housing part 10, which in this case is designed in the form of an upper shell. The first housing part 10 is manufactured in one piece. The first housing part 10 can be manufactured by injection molding and is manufactured in this case using an injection mold consisting of (exactly) two mold halves and which does not include any additional slides.

[0032] The housing G includes positive locking elements, in this case for forming dovetail connections, in order to be positively connected to identical terminals 1 or, more generally, to appropriately designed components. In this way, several terminals 1 and / or other components can be connected to form a longer row.

[0033] The top surface of the first housing part 10 has insertion openings for the connections A, A1-A6. The separating elements 13 are also located on this top surface (and, in the example shown, the sliders 16 as well). Furthermore, a labeling area is (optionally) provided on the top surface, in this case between the connections A1-A6 and the associated separating elements 13. The first housing part 10 forms a receiving section 101 for each of the receiving sections R.

[0034] In addition to the (upper) first housing part 10, the housing G includes a (e.g. in Fig. 5 shown) second housing part 11 and a (e.g. in Fig. 4 shown) third housing part 12.

[0035] The first housing part 10 is firmly connected to the third housing part 12 in the assembled state of the terminal 1, specifically by a positive locking mechanism. For this purpose, the first and third housing parts 10 and 12 include locking elements, allowing the housing parts 10 and 12 to be easily, quickly, and securely fastened to one another. In this case, the first housing part 10 has several openings 106, specifically in its side walls (which extend essentially perpendicular to the top surface). The third housing part 12 has corresponding locking projections, specifically locking hooks 120, which are designed to engage with the openings 106 of the first housing part 10.

[0036] Fig. Figure 3 shows the first housing part 10 separately. It can be seen that each shaft-shaped receiving section 101 in the example shown has a generally rectangular opening cross-section. However, lateral (optional) recesses 104 are additionally provided on the sides of the opening of the respective receiving sections 101, e.g., for guiding the separating elements 13. Furthermore, (optional) insertion ramps 103 are formed on the sides of the opening of the respective receiving sections 101 to engage the separating elements 13 with the housing G.

[0037] Fig. Figure 4 shows the third housing part 12 already mentioned. The third housing part 12 is designed so that it can be inserted into the first housing part 10. For each of the terminals A1-A6 that can be electrically connected to the common terminal A, the third housing part 102 includes a cage 121. The cage 121 for each of the terminals A1-A6 has partitions by means of which the electrical conductors connected to the terminals A1-A6 are electrically insulated from the adjacent terminals and the electrical conductors connected to the common terminal A.

[0038] Between the cage 121 of each of the terminals A1-A6 and the cage 121 of the respective adjacent terminal A1-A6 (or the cages 121 of the respective adjacent terminals A1-A6) a distance, specifically a gap 122, is formed.

[0039] Fig. Figure 5 shows the second housing part 11 of the terminal 1. In the assembled state of the terminal 1, the second housing part 11 is enclosed between the first housing part 10 and the third housing part 12. In this case, the second housing part 11 is arranged in an interior space defined by the first housing part 10 and the third housing part 12. The second housing part 11 is formed in one piece. The second housing part 11 can be manufactured by injection molding and is manufactured in this case using an injection mold that preferably consists of (exactly) two mold halves and does not include any additional slides.

[0040] The second housing part 11 further forms a receiving section 111 of the corresponding receptacle R for each of the separating elements 13. The receiving section 111 of the second housing part 11 adjoins the respective receiving section 101 of the first housing part 10. Each of the receiving sections 111 is defined by walls in which several recesses 112 are formed. In this case, the recesses 112 are trough-shaped, more precisely: they describe a circular arc in cross-section. Several of these recesses 112 each form a section T1 of a Fig. 7 shown storage area L for the corresponding separating element 13.

[0041] In each of the recording sections 111, there are brackets 114 for items related to Fig. 6 further explained connection conductors 14, 14A-14F were trained.

[0042] The second housing part 11 further comprises several partitions 110. In the assembled state of terminal 1, each of the partitions 110 extends into one of the columns 122, which enables particularly good insulation of adjacent terminals A, A1-A6, and thus comparatively high voltages with at the same time particularly small dimensions of terminal 1.

[0043] Furthermore, the second housing part 11 includes a bearing 115 for each of the connections A1-A6 (which can each be electrically connected to the common connection A via a separating element 13) for a Fig. 7. Contact spring 17 shown. The second housing part 11 can also be called a spring holder.

[0044] Fig. Figure 6 shows the separating elements 13 in the contact position in which the respective contact blade 130 electrically contacts both associated contacts K, K1-K6. The contact K of the common terminal A is formed on a slot 140 (in a preceding section) of the common terminal conductor 14. The respective contacts K1-K6 of the individual terminals A1-A6 are each formed on a slot 140 (in a preceding section) of the corresponding terminal conductor 14A-14F.

[0045] The busbar conductor 14 includes a contact area 141 which can be electrically contacted by the electrical conductor L1 inserted into the busbar A.

[0046] Each of the connecting conductors 14A-14F comprises a contact area 141, which can be electrically contacted by the electrical conductor L2 inserted into the corresponding terminal A1-A6. The connecting conductors 14A-14F are each U-shaped, with the contact area 141 and the section with the slot 140 each forming one of the two legs of the U.

[0047] The in Fig. The arrangement of (combination) connecting conductors 14, 14A-14F shown in section 6 is located inside terminal 1, between the first, second and third housing parts 10, 11, 12.

[0048] Fig. 7 and Fig. Figure 8 provides a view of the interior of terminal 1. It can be seen in particular that the housing G comprises the first housing part 10 and the second housing part 11, each forming a section T1, T2 of the bearing area L.

[0049] Both sections T1 and T2 of the bearing area L describe a circular arc in cross-section that is (slightly) less than a semicircle. The two sections T1 and T2 of the bearing area L are each formed by a recess 100 and 112, respectively, in the first housing part 10 and the second housing part 11. The recesses 100 and 112 of the bearing area L together define a circular cylindrical cavity.

[0050] In the bearing area L, a pin 132 of the corresponding separating element 13 is received. Specifically, each separating element 13 comprises a pin 132 on both sides (which are arranged coaxially), each of which is received in a corresponding bearing area L. The separating element 13 is pivotably mounted about a pivot axis S at the bearing area L (specifically: at the bearing areas L). During a pivoting movement about the pivot axis S, the respective separating element 13 is movable within the receptacle R (and at least partially pivotable out of the receptacle R). Fig. Figure 7 is illustrated by means of a double arrow. The recording R extends at least partially perpendicular to the pivot axis S. In this case, all separating elements 13 are pivotable about coaxial pivot axes S.

[0051] Because both the first housing part 10 and the second housing part 11 can be manufactured with an injection mold without a slide, since the receiving sections 101, 111 of the bearing areas L have no undercuts, the first housing part 10 can be designed with closed outer walls 102, in particular at the point where an imaginary extension of the pivot axis S meets the (two opposing) outer walls 102.

[0052] As already mentioned, terminals A, A1-A6 are designed as push-in terminals. A contact spring 17 is provided for each of terminals A, A1-A6. The contact spring 17 is mounted on the corresponding bearing 115 of the second housing part 11. The contact spring 17 comprises two spring arms. An electrical conductor L1, L2 inserted into the corresponding terminal A, A1-A6 displaces one spring arm of the contact spring 17, slides along one end edge of it, and is then pressed against the corresponding contact area 141 by the spring arm of the contact spring 17, thus making electrical contact.

[0053] To disconnect the electrical line L1, L2 from the terminal A, A1-A6, the slider 16 can be pushed deeper into the housing G, so that the slider 16 releases the spring leg of the contact spring 17 from the electrical line L1, L2 and this can be removed without damage.

[0054] The combination of the push-in terminals with the receptacles R allows for a particularly compact design, since the release mechanism via the slider 16 can be positioned in a very space-saving manner between the receptacle of the respective terminal A1-A6 and the corresponding receptacle R, and because the adapted shape of the connecting conductors 14A-14F can be used synergistically for contacting the contact spring 17. Terminals A1-A6, for example, have a nominal cross-section of approximately 6 mm². 2 for the pluggable (stripped) electrical leads L1.

[0055] In particular, based on Fig. Figure 7 shows that the housing G has a bottom surface to which mounting material can optionally be attached, in particular mounting material adapted to the application. For example, double-sided adhesive tape can be fixed to the flat underside. Alternatively or additionally, the following can be used: Fig.The rails can be connected to the seven recognizable, double-sided guides. Furthermore, it is possible to connect mounting modules using the aforementioned positive locking devices, e.g., mounting modules with at least one screw hole. In particular, since the housing G can be designed as a closed unit, a floating connection in an unfixed mounting configuration is also possible.

[0056] Terminal 1 therefore forms a busbar block with connections for the common conductor and individual connections leading from it (connections A1-A6), as well as a isolating zone for each individual connection. Terminal 1 can serve in particular as a potential busbar block or potential distribution block. Reference symbol list 1 terminal 10 first component (housing part) 100 Exclusion 101 Recording Section 102 Exterior wall 103 Lead-in ramp 104 Exclusion 105 Shaft 106 Opening 11 second component (housing part) 110 partition wall 111 Recording section 112 Exclusion 114 bracket 115 warehouses 12 third housing part 120 locking hooks 121 cage 122 gap 13 Separating element 130 contact knives 131 Swivel bodies 132 pens 133 Intervention area 14 (Collective) connection conductors 14A-14F connection conductor 140 slots 141 Contact area 15 ads 16 sliders 17 Contact spring A (collective) connection A1-A6 connection G Housing K, K1-K6 Contact L Storage area L1, L2 electrical line R recording S swivel axis T1, T2 section W tool X1-X6 junction 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 20 2016 103 277 U1

[0003]

Claims

[1] Terminal (1) for electrical conductors (L1, L2), with a housing (G) forming a bearing area (L) on which a separating element (13) is movably mounted between a contact position in which the separating element (13) electrically connects two contacts (K, K1-K6) and a separation position in which the separating element (13) electrically separates the two contacts (K, K1-K6) from each other, characterized by , that two components (10, 11) of the clamp (1) each form at least one section (T1, T2) of the bearing area (L). [2] Clamp (1) according to claim 1, characterized by , that both sections (T1, T2) of the bearing area (L) describe a circular arc in cross-section. [3] Clamp (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that the separating element (13) is pivotably mounted on the bearing area (L) about a pivot axis (S). [4] Clamp (1) according to claim 3, characterized by, the housing (G) forms a receptacle (R) within which the separating element (13) is movable, the receptacle (R) extending in the housing (G) perpendicular to the pivot axis (S). [5] Clamp (1) according to claim 3 or 4, characterized by , that at least one of the housing parts (10, 11) has at least one outer wall (102) which is closed at a point towards which the pivot axis (S) points. [6] Clamp (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that one of the components (10) is a housing part in the form of an upper shell into which the second component (11) can be inserted. [7] Clamp (1) according to claim 6, characterized by , that the housing part (10) and another housing part (12) can be positively locked together by means of locking hooks (120). [8] Clamp (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the separating element (13) comprises a contact blade (130) which can be electrically inserted into at least one slot (140) of a connecting conductor (14, 14A-14F) which is electrically connected to one of the contacts (K, K1-K6). [9] Clamp (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the separating element (13) includes an engagement area (133) to which a tool (W) can be attached in order to move the separating element (13) between the contact position and the separation position by means of the tool (W). [10] Clamp (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the housing parts (10, 11, 12) are injection-molded plastic parts. [11] Clamp (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the housing (G) forms several terminals (A, A1-A6) for electrically connecting one electrical line (L1) each, wherein at least one of the terminals (A, A1-A6) is designed in the form of a push-in terminal. [12] Clamp (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the terminal (1) is designed in the form of a disconnect terminal.

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