Terminal block with a multi-contact terminal

Abstract

Terminal block with a multi-contact terminal, comprising a terminal block body (1) having a plug recess (11) at one end and a plurality of plug slots (12) connected to the plug recess (11) at the other end; a multi-contact terminal (2) having a transverse web (21) which is received in the plug-in recess (11) and a plurality of longitudinal webs (22) which extend at equal intervals from one side of the transverse web (21) and are received in the plug-in slots (12); and a wiring harness (3) comprising at least one first wire (31) and at least one second wire (32) or a combination thereof, wherein the first wire (31) can be inserted into the plug recess (11) and can be in electrical contact with the transverse web (21), and the second wire (32) can be inserted into one of the plug slots (12) and can be in electrical contact with the corresponding longitudinal web (22).

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE REVELATION Technical Area

[0001] This application concerns a terminal block, in particular a terminal block with a multi-contact terminal. Description of the state of the art

[0002] The terminal block is a common connection component that is currently widely used in areas such as industrial communication with high information volumes, in closely integrated industrial plants, in the energy sector to increase the reliability and safety of power systems, and in highly automated industrial control.

[0003] A multi-conductor terminal block is a terminal block that allows the simultaneous connection of two or more conductors in a compact unit. It serves to save space and provide flexible bridging functions (jumpers). In modern power distribution and automation technology, it is frequently used to solve the space problem of conventional terminals and thus achieve efficient and compact wiring.

[0004] However, the aforementioned multi-conductor terminal block requires the integration of short-circuit bridges or auxiliary terminals if a short circuit between the circuits or other circuit configurations are to be implemented. This, in turn, leads to a higher number of components, an increase in contact resistance, and a greater space requirement. Therefore, the inventor's research and development focuses on creating a multi-conductor terminal block that does not require the additional use of short-circuit bridges or auxiliary terminals.

[0005] In view of this, the inventor, based on the aforementioned prior art, has conducted an investigation using theoretical principles to solve the above problems, which became the aim of improving this application. SUMMARY OF THE REVELATION

[0006] This application provides a terminal block with a multi-contact terminal, which uses a multi-contact terminal having a transverse rib received in a plug recess and a plurality of longitudinal ribs extending at equal intervals from one side of the transverse rib and receiving in the respective plug slots, whereby this terminal block according to the application achieves the advantages of a reduced number of components, lower contact resistance and reduced space requirements during installation.

[0007] In the present embodiment, the terminal block with a multi-contact terminal comprises: a terminal block body having a plug-in recess at one end and a plurality of plug-in slots connected to the plug-in recess at the other end; a multi-contact terminal having a transverse rib that is received in the plug-in recess and a plurality of longitudinal ribs extending at equal intervals from one side of the transverse rib and receiving in the plug-in slots; and a conductor set comprising at least one first conductor and at least one second conductor or a combination thereof, wherein the first conductor can be inserted into the plug-in recess and can be in electrical contact with the transverse rib, and the second conductor can be inserted into one of the plug-in slots and can be in electrical contact with the corresponding longitudinal rib.

[0008] Based on the foregoing, this application comprises a single multi-contact terminal block that forms a transverse rib and a plurality of longitudinal ribs in one piece. The transverse rib is accommodated in the plug-in recess, and the plurality of longitudinal ribs are accommodated in the respective plug-in slots, thereby eliminating the need for conventional additional short-circuit bridges or auxiliary terminals. This terminal block according to the application thus achieves the advantages of a reduced number of components, lower contact resistance, and a reduced installation footprint. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. Figure 1 is an exploded view of the mounting box, clamping sleeve and pull screw of this application. Fig. Figure 2 is an exploded view of the terminal block of this application. Fig. Figure 3 is another exploded view of the terminal block of this application. Fig. Figure 4 is a perspective view of the terminal block of this application. Fig. Figure 5 is a perspective view of the multi-contact terminal of this application. Fig. Figure 6 is another perspective view of the multi-contact terminal of this application. Fig. 7 is a sectional view of the multi-contact terminal of this application. Fig. 8 is a sectional view of the multi-contact terminal in its operational state in this application. Fig. 9 is another sectional view of the multi-contact terminal in its operational state in this application. Fig. Figure 10 is a schematic view of the first wiring state and the first circuit diagram of the multi-contact terminal of this application. Fig. Figure 11 is a schematic view of the second wiring state and the second circuit diagram of the multi-contact terminal of this application. Fig. Figure 12 is a schematic view of the third wiring state and the third circuit diagram of the multi-contact terminal of this application. Fig. Figure 13 is a schematic view of the fourth wiring state and the fourth circuit diagram of the multi-contact terminal of this application. Fig. Figure 14 is a schematic view of the fifth wiring state and the fifth circuit diagram of the multi-contact terminal of this application. Fig. Figure 15 is a schematic view of the sixth wiring state and the sixth circuit diagram of the multi-contact terminal of this application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0009] In the context of this application, terms such as "front," "back," "left side," "right side," "front end," "rear end," "end," "longitudinal direction," "transverse direction," "vertical direction," "top," "bottom," etc., are used to describe orientations and positions based on the representations in the drawings. These terms serve only to simplify and facilitate the description of this application and do not imply that the device or element in question must have a specific orientation, be constructed in a specific orientation, or be operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, these terms are not to be understood as limiting this application.

[0010] Unless otherwise defined herein, the terms "substantially" and "approximately" are used to describe and represent minor deviations. When used in connection with an event or circumstance, these terms may include the exact time of the occurrence of the event or circumstance as well as its approach to a nearby point. For example, when used with a numerical value, the term may encompass a range of deviation of less than or equal to ±10% of that value, such as less than or equal to ±5%, ±4%, ±3%, ±2%, ±1%, ±0.5%, ±0.1%, or ±0.05%.

[0011] The detailed description and technical content of this application are explained below with reference to the drawings. However, it should be noted that the attached drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit this application.

[0012] As in the Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 5, Fig. 6, Fig. 7, Fig. 8, Fig. 9, Fig. 10, Fig. 11, Fig. 12, Fig. 13, Fig. 14 to Fig. As shown in 15, the terminal block 10 with a multi-contact terminal of this application essentially comprises a terminal block body 1, a multi-contact terminal 2 and a wiring harness 3.

[0013] As in the Fig. 2, Fig. 3 to Fig. As shown in Figures 4 and 7 to 15, the terminal block body 1 is made of insulating material. The terminal block body 1 has a plug-in recess 11 at one end and a plurality of plug-in slots 12 at the other end, which are connected to the plug-in recess 11. A plurality of separating discs 13 extend from the terminal block body 1 inside the plug-in recess 11. A plurality of separating slots 14 are formed between the separating discs 13, which are connected to the respective plug-in slots 12. Each separating disc 13 is provided with a slot 131 that extends inwards from its rear end. In addition, the terminal block body 1 has an intermediate plate 15 between the plug-in recess 11 and the plurality of plug-in slots 12.

[0014] As in the Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 5, Fig. 6, Fig. 7, Fig. 8, Fig. 9, Fig. 10, Fig. 11, Fig. 12, Fig. 13, Fig. 14 to Fig. As shown in Figure 15, the multi-contact terminal 2 is made of conductive material. The multi-contact terminal 2 has a transverse web 21 and a plurality of longitudinal webs 22 extending at equal intervals from one side of the transverse web 21. The entire multi-contact terminal 2 is inserted into the terminal block body 1 via the plug-in recess 11, with the transverse web 21 being inserted into the slots 131 and received in the plug-in recess 11, while the longitudinal webs 22 are received in the plug-in slots 12. In the present embodiment, the number of longitudinal webs 22 is three, so that the multi-contact terminal 2 has an E-shape, although this application is not limited to such a shape.

[0015] The detailed description is as follows. The transverse web 21 is provided with a plurality of first screw holes 211 corresponding to the longitudinal webs 22. The first screw holes 211 are located in the respective parting grooves 14. Each longitudinal web 22 forms a first locking lug 221 on one side and a second locking lug 222 on the other side. A serrated knurling 223 is formed on one side of the end section of each longitudinal web 22.

[0016] As in the Fig. 8, Fig. 9, Fig. 10, Fig. 11, Fig. 12, Fig. 13, Fig. 14 to Fig. As shown in Figure 15, the wiring harness 3 includes one or more first wires 31 and / or one or more second wires 32, or a combination thereof. The first wire 31 can be inserted into one of the separating slots 14 of the plug recess 11 and make electrical contact with the transverse web 21. The second wire 32 can be inserted into one of the plug slots 12 and make electrical contact with the corresponding longitudinal web 22.

[0017] This will be explained in more detail below. The first conductor 31 has exposed first conductors 311 at one end and a conductive ring 312 enclosing the first conductors 311. The second conductor 32 has exposed second conductors 321 at one end. Here, the conductive ring 312 can be considered an O-ring (as in the Fig. 10 and 12 to 15) or be implemented as a C-ring, but this application is not limited to that.

[0018] As in the Fig. As shown in Figures 2 to 4 and 7 to 15, the terminal block 10 of this application further comprises one or more clamping screws 4. The clamping screw 4 is passed through the conductive ring 312 and screwed into one of the first screw holes 211 to clamp the conductive ring 312 between the clamping screw 4 and the crossbar 21.

[0019] As in the Fig. As shown in Figures 2 to 4 and 7 to 9, the terminal block 10 of this application further comprises one or more spring washer rings 5. The spring washer ring 5 can be a conical O-ring (as in the Fig. 2 to Fig. 3) or be designed as a conical C-ring, to which this application is not limited. The spring washer ring 5 is inserted onto the clamping screw 4 and clamped between the clamping screw 4 and the conductive ring 312, so that after compression deformation, the spring washer ring 5 elastically presses the conductive ring 312 against the crossbar 21 to electrically connect the first conductor 31 to the crossbar 21.

[0020] As in the Fig. As shown in Figures 1 and 7 to 15, the terminal block 10 of this application further comprises a plurality of clamping sleeves 6 and a plurality of pull screws 7. The clamping sleeves 6 are made of insulating material. The clamping sleeves 6 are translationally displaceable in the respective plug slots 12 and are mounted on the longitudinal webs 22. The clamping sleeves 6 are each provided with a second screw hole 61. The pull screws 7 are rotatably mounted in the respective plug slots 12 and screwed into the second screw holes 61, so that when the pull screw 7 is rotated, the corresponding clamping sleeve 6 can be moved translationally along the axial direction of the pull screw 7.

[0021] This will be explained in more detail below. The clamping sleeves 6 each have an upper wall 62 and a lower wall 63, which are arranged opposite each other. The second screw hole 61 is formed in the upper wall 62. When the pull screw 7 is turned, thereby moving the clamping sleeve 6 translationally in the direction of the pull screw 7, the second conductors 321 can be clamped between the longitudinal web 22 and the lower wall 63, thus electrically connecting the second conductor 32 to the longitudinal web 22. In the present embodiment, the second conductors 321 are clamped between the serrated knurling 223 and the lower wall 63, so that the serrated knurling 223, due to its uneven surface structure, can clamp the second conductors 321 securely.

[0022] As in the Fig. As shown in Figures 1 to 4 and 7 to 15, the terminal block 10 of this application further comprises a plurality of mounting boxes 8. The mounting boxes 8 are made of insulating material. The mounting boxes 8 are detachably arranged in the respective plug slots 12. Each mounting box 8 has a positioning hole 84 inside, into which the pull screw 7 can be inserted, so that the pull screw 7 is rotatably fixed within the mounting box 8. Inside each mounting box 8, a linear guide 85 is also provided to limit the translational movement of the clamping sleeve 6, so that the clamping sleeve 6 is translationally displaceable within the mounting box 8. The mounting boxes 8 also each have an insertion opening 80 corresponding to the clamping sleeve 6, through which the second conductors 321 can be inserted into the clamping sleeve 6.The intermediate plate 15 and the mounting boxes 8 together form a plurality of through-openings 82 through which the longitudinal webs 22 are guided. The first locking lugs 221 bear against the intermediate plate 15, and the second locking lugs 222 bear against the mounting boxes 8, so that the longitudinal webs 22 are stably positioned in the mounting boxes 8.

[0023] Furthermore, each of the pull screws 7 has a tool receptacle 71. The terminal block body 1 and the mounting boxes 8 together form a plurality of openings 81 that expose the tool receptacles 71. In the present embodiment, the tool receptacle 71 is hexagonal to allow a hexagonal key to be inserted into the tool receptacle 71 and the pull screw 7 to be turned, although this application is not limited to such embodiments. The tool receptacle 71 can also be slotted or Phillips-headed to allow a slotted or Phillips screwdriver to be inserted into the tool receptacle 71 and the pull screw 7 to be turned.

[0024] As in the Fig. As shown in Figures 2 to 3 and 7 to 9, the terminal block 10 of this application further comprises a plurality of fastening elements 9. The intermediate plate 15 and the fastening boxes 8 together form a plurality of fastening holes 83. The fastening elements 9 are secured in the fastening holes 83, so that the fastening boxes 8 are stably connected to the intermediate plate 15. In the present embodiment, the fastening elements 9 are designed as screws, but this application is not limited to this. The fastening elements 9 can also be designed as studs or snap-in elements.

[0025] As in the Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 5, Fig. 6, Fig. 7, Fig. 8, Fig. 9, Fig. 10, Fig. 11, Fig. 12, Fig. 13, Fig. 14 to Fig. As shown in Figure 15, in the operating state of the terminal block 10 of this application, the crossbar 21 of the multi-contact terminal 2 is received in the plug-in recess 11, while the longitudinal ribs 22, which extend at regular intervals from one side of the crossbar 21, are received in the plug-in slots 12. In this configuration, the first conductor 31 can be inserted into the plug-in recess 11 and be in electrical contact with the crossbar 21, while the second conductor 32 can be inserted into one of the plug-in slots 12 and be in electrical contact with the corresponding longitudinal rib 22. This allows for a short circuit between the circuits or other circuit configurations.

[0026] This will be explained in more detail below. In the present embodiment, there are three contact points (clamping screws 4 and first screw holes 211) on each of the longitudinal webs 22 and the transverse web 21. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 10, three first lines 31 are electrically connected to the crossbar 21 and three second lines 32 to three longitudinal bars 22, creating a short-circuit circuit with three inputs and three outputs, as shown in Figure 10. Fig. 10 shown. Fig. In 11, no first line 31 is electrically connected to the crossbar 21, while three second lines 32 are electrically connected to three longitudinal bars 22, thus forming another short-circuit circuit with three inputs and zero outputs. Fig. In 12, three first lines 31 are electrically connected to the crossbar 21, while no second line 32 is electrically connected to the longitudinal bars 22, thus forming another short-circuit circuit with zero inputs and three outputs. Fig. In 13, a first line 31 is electrically connected to the crossbar 21, while three second lines 32 are electrically connected to three longitudinal bars 22, thus forming a branch circuit with three inputs and one output. Fig. In section 14, three first lines 31 are electrically connected to the crossbar 21, while a second line 32 is electrically connected to a longitudinal bar 22, thus forming a branch circuit with one input and three outputs. Finally, in Fig. 15 two first lines 31 with the crossbar 21 and three second lines 32 with three longitudinal bars 22 are electrically connected, thereby forming a branch circuit with three inputs and two outputs.

[0027] Conventional multi-conductor terminal blocks require the addition of short-circuit bridges or auxiliary terminals for internal short circuits between circuits or other circuit configurations. This results in a higher number of components, increased contact resistance, and also requires more space.

[0028] In comparison, this application, with its one-piece multi-contact terminal 2, which forms a single unit comprising a first crossbar 21 and several longitudinal bars 22, allows the replacement of conventional short-circuit bridges or auxiliary terminals. The crossbar 21 is received in the plug-in recess 11, while the longitudinal bars 22 are housed in the plug-in slots 12. As a result, the terminal block 10 of this application achieves the advantages of a reduced number of components, lower contact resistance, and a smaller installation footprint.

[0029] In summary, it can be stated that this terminal block with a multi-contact terminal, as applied for, actually achieves the intended uses and overcomes the shortcomings of the prior art. Since this application also demonstrates industrial applicability, novelty, and an inventive step, and thus fully meets the requirements for a utility model application, a corresponding application is hereby filed in accordance with the Utility Model Act to protect the inventor's rights.

Claims

[1] Terminal block with a multi-contact terminal, comprising a terminal block body (1) having a plug recess (11) at one end and a plurality of plug slots (12) connected to the plug recess (11) at the other end; a multi-contact terminal (2) having a transverse web (21) which is received in the plug-in recess (11) and a plurality of longitudinal webs (22) which extend at equal intervals from one side of the transverse web (21) and are received in the plug-in slots (12); and a wiring harness (3) comprising at least one first wire (31) and at least one second wire (32) or a combination thereof, wherein the first wire (31) can be inserted into the plug recess (11) and can be in electrical contact with the transverse web (21), and the second wire (32) can be inserted into one of the plug slots (12) and can be in electrical contact with the corresponding longitudinal web (22). [2] Terminal block with a multiple contact terminal according to claim 1, characterized by, that inside the plug recess (11) a plurality of separating discs (13) extend from the terminal block body (1), wherein a plurality of separating grooves (14) are formed between the separating discs (13) which are connected to the respective plug grooves (12), wherein the separating discs (13) are each provided with a slot (131) extending inwards from their rear end, wherein the crossbar (21) is inserted into the slots (131), and wherein the first conductor (31) can be inserted into one of the separating grooves (14). [3] Terminal block with a multiple contact terminal according to claim 2, characterized by , that the crossbar (21) is provided with a plurality of first screw holes (211) which are located in the respective separating grooves (14). [4] Terminal block with a multiple contact terminal according to claim 1, characterized byat least one clamping screw (4), wherein the crossbar (21) is provided with a plurality of first screw holes (211) corresponding to the longitudinal webs (22), wherein the first conductor (31) has exposed first conductors (311) at one end and a conductive ring (312) enclosing the first conductors (311), wherein the clamping screw (4) is passed through the conductive ring (312) and screwed into one of the first screw holes (211) to clamp the conductive ring (312) between the clamping screw (4) and the crossbar (21). [5] Terminal block with a multiple contact terminal according to claim 4, characterized by at least one spring washer ring (5) which is inserted onto the clamping screw (4) and clamped between the clamping screw (4) and the conductive ring (312). [6] Terminal block with a multiple contact terminal according to claim 1, characterized bya plurality of clamping sleeves (6) and a plurality of draw screws (7), wherein the clamping sleeves (6) are translationally displaceable in the respective plug grooves (12) and are placed on the longitudinal webs (22), wherein the clamping sleeves (6) are each provided with a second screw hole (61), wherein the draw screws (7) are rotatably received in the respective plug grooves (12) and screwed into the second screw holes (61), so that when the draw screw (7) is rotated the corresponding clamping sleeve (6) can be translationally moved along the axial direction of the draw screw (7). [7] Terminal block with a multiple contact terminal according to claim 6, characterized by, that the second conductor (32) has exposed second conductors (321) at one end, wherein the clamping sleeves (6) each have an upper wall (62) and a lower wall (63) arranged opposite each other, wherein the second screw hole (61) is formed in the upper wall (62), and wherein the second conductors (321) are clamped between a longitudinal web (22) and a lower wall (63). [8] Terminal block with a multiple contact terminal according to claim 7, characterized by , that a toothed knurling (223) is formed on one side of the end section of each longitudinal web (22), wherein the second veins (321) are clamped between a toothed knurling (223) and a lower wall (63). [9] Terminal block with a multiple contact terminal according to claim 6, characterized bya plurality of fastening boxes (8) which are detachably arranged in the respective plug slots (12), wherein the pull screws (7) are rotatably fixed in the respective fastening boxes (8), wherein the clamping sleeves (6) are translationally displaceable in the respective fastening boxes (8), and wherein the fastening boxes (8) each have an insertion opening (80) corresponding to the clamping sleeve (6). [10] Terminal block with a multiple contact terminal according to claim 9, characterized by , that the tension screws (7) each have a tool receptacle (71), wherein the clamping block body (1) and the mounting boxes (8) together form a plurality of openings (81) that expose the tool receptacles (71). [11] Terminal block with a multiple contact terminal according to claim 9, characterized by, that the terminal block body (1) has an intermediate plate (15) between the plug recess (11) and the plurality of plug slots (12), wherein the intermediate plate (15) and the mounting boxes (8) together form a plurality of through openings (82) through which the longitudinal webs (22) are passed. [12] Terminal block with a multiple contact terminal according to claim 11, characterized by , that each longitudinal web (22) forms a first locking lug (221) on one side which can rest against the intermediate plate (15) and a second locking lug (222) on the other side which can rest against the mounting box (8). [13] Terminal block with a multiple contact terminal according to claim 11, characterized by a plurality of fastening elements (9), wherein the intermediate plate (15) and the fastening boxes (8) together form a plurality of fastening holes (83), and wherein the fastening elements (9) are fastened in the fastening holes (83).

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