TERMINAL FOR ELECTRICAL CABLES

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a terminal for electrical conductors according to the preamble of claim 1 and a system with at least one such terminal and at least two different components according to claim 10.

[0002] Such a terminal comprises a housing on which at least two terminals are provided for electrically connecting an electrical line to a connecting conductor arranged in the housing, wherein the connecting conductors are electrically separated from each other at a separation point between two contacts.

[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] However, the known solution is limited in terms of flexibility of use and the variety of mounting options. In many cases, clamps of the known type can only be used with specific mounting fixtures in dedicated systems. This usually requires the clamp manufacturing process to be adapted for each specific application, which can include the production of corresponding injection molds. This typically makes manufacturing complex and costly, and requires a significant lead time.

[0005] DE 10 2012 009286 A1, DE 10 2015 103113 A1, WO 2014 / 169339 A1 also reveal relevant state of the art.

[0006] The object of the present invention is to provide an improved terminal for electrical conductors.

[0007] This problem is solved by an object having the features of claim 1. Accordingly, it is provided that the housing forms at least one receptacle in which the contacts of the disconnect point of the connecting conductors are arranged such that they can be electrically contacted by a component that can be attached to the at least one receptacle.

[0008] This allows for the optional attachment of one of several components at the disconnect point to fulfill a specific function, depending on the requirements of the particular application. For example, the component could be a disconnecting element that is movable between a disconnect position and a contact position when mounted on the fixture. Alternatively, the component could be a passive component, such as a resistor, or an active component, such as a relay. In this way, the terminal can be configured as a disconnect terminal if needed. Alternatively or additionally, the terminal can perform further functions. This enables particularly flexible and versatile use of the terminal, allowing the same tools to be used to manufacture terminals with different functions.

[0009] The mounting surface has at least one insertion ramp. This makes it easier to insert the component correctly.

[0010] Optionally, at least one bearing area for the movable mounting of the component is formed on, and especially within, the mounting. This allows not only the attachment of rigid components to the mounting, but also of components that are movably mounted on it, which can significantly expand the clamp's potential range of applications. The bearing area is, for example, located adjacent to or below an insertion ramp.

[0011] According to a further development, the bearing area has a substantially circular cross-section. A component that can move within it can, for example, be pivotally mounted on the bearing area. Optionally, the bearing area is formed jointly by two assemblable housing parts, i.e., each of the two housing parts forms a section of the bearing area. It can be provided that both sections of the bearing area describe a circular arc in cross-section, in particular a semicircle or smaller. This allows the component to be mounted simply and directly on the two housing parts, requiring only a few parts. Together, the two sections of the bearing area form, for example, a circular cylindrical mount.

[0012] The contacts are formed, for example, in a slot, such as a slot in a flat piece of electrically conductive material. This enables simple and reliable contacting, for example, by a contact knife of a component.

[0013] The recess can be designed in the form of a shaft. This allows the component to be at least partially inserted into the housing.

[0014] The terminal (on the housing) comprises several receptacles arranged in a row. The terminal is designed, for example, in the form of a terminal strip. Thus, a single terminal can fulfill a variety of variably selectable functions.

[0015] One of the connecting conductors is designed as a busbar conductor with multiple contacts. Each of these contacts is located at one of the multiple terminals.

[0016] At least one of the terminals is optionally designed as a push-in connection. Alternatively, all terminals can be designed as push-in connections. 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.

[0017] According to one aspect, a system is provided with at least one terminal according to any embodiment described herein and at least two different components, each of which can be attached to the terminal. The at least two different components can each be optionally attached to the (same) at least one receptacle such that the (selected) component electrically contacts the contacts of the disconnect point of the connecting conductors.

[0018] Optionally, (at least) one of the components is designed in the form of a separating element with a contact blade for contacting the contacts of the at least two connecting conductors, wherein the separating element can be attached to (in particular in) the receptacle in such a way that it is movably mounted between a contact position in which the separating element electrically connects the contacts together and a separation position in which it electrically separates the two contacts from each other.

[0019] Furthermore, one of the components can include a passive or active electrical component, which allows for a wide range of applications for the terminal.

[0020] 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 shows a view of an embodiment of a terminal for electrical conductors in a state fitted with several separating elements, the separating elements each being arranged in a contact position; Fig. 2 shows 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 clamp according to Fig. 1 ; Fig. 4 a view of a third housing part of the housing of the terminal according to Fig. 1 Fig. 5 shows a view of a second housing part of the terminal that can be inserted between the first and the third housing part according to Fig. 1 ; Fig. 6 a view of several connecting conductors which 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 clamp according to Fig. 1 ; Fig. 8 a cross-sectional view of the first housing part of the terminal housing according to Fig. 1 ; Fig. 9 a circuit diagram of the terminal with the components according to Fig. 1 , however with open contacts; Fig. 10 a circuit diagram of the terminal according to Fig. 1 without components; Fig. 11 a view of the third housing part according to Fig. 4 components used according to Fig. 6 ; Fig. 12 a common terminal conductor of the terminal according to Fig. 1 ; and Fig. 13 a view of the clamp according to Fig. 1 , however, as a set in a state equipped with partially different components.

[0021] Fig. 1 Figure 1 shows a terminal 1 for connecting electrical conductors L1 and L2. The terminal 1 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 receptacle into which an electrical conductor L1 or L2 can be inserted to electrically connect a contact area inside the 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.

[0022] The housing G further forms several receptacles R, six in the example shown. An external component can be inserted into each of the receptacles R in such a way that the component can electrically contact contacts arranged within the respective receptacle. In the Fig. 1 In the example shown, a component in the form of a separating element 13 is mounted in each of the recordings R. Thus, the terminal 1 is according to Fig. 1 configured in the form of a disconnect terminal. Each of the disconnecting elements 13 is movable, pivotable in the example shown, and mounted on the corresponding receptacle R of the terminal 1, specifically between a disconnect position and a contact position. Fig. 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. 2 The figure shows the isolating elements 13 in the isolating position, 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.

[0023] Fig. 9 Figure 1 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 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 represent 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.

[0024] 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.

[0025] To move the separating elements 13 between the separation position and the contact position, each separating element 13 includes an engagement area 133 for engagement by a tool W. In this case, the engagement area 133 is designed in the form of a slot into which the tool W, designed as a slotted screwdriver, can engage.

[0026] The separating elements 13 are movably mounted on the housing G, such that each of the separating elements 13 can be moved within its respective receptacle R in the housing G. The receptacles R are each designed in the form of a shaft.

[0027] Based on Fig. 1 and 2 It can further be seen 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.

[0028] Instead of some or all of the separating elements 13, other components can also be connected to terminal 1.

[0029] Fig. 10 Figure 1 shows a circuit diagram of terminal 1 without the connecting isolating elements 13. The respective pairs of contacts K, K1-K6 are spaced apart from each other at the corresponding isolating point X1-X6 and electrically separated from each other (and thus insulated).

[0030] Fig. 13 For comparison, a system with terminal 1 is shown, but unlike... Fig. 1 In some of the receptacles R, other components 18A-18C are used instead of separating elements 13. Specifically, component 18A is provided in the form of a manually insertable and removable bridge, with which the corresponding contacts K, K2 can be electrically connected. Furthermore, component 18B is provided, which carries an electrical component and electrically connects it to contacts K, K4 in the corresponding receptacle R. In the example shown, the component is a passive component, such as a diode, a capacitor, or a resistor. Another component 18C is provided, which can fulfill further functionalities. For example, components with a fuse, test devices, indicator devices, and / or measuring devices are conceivable.

[0031] Depending on requirements, terminal 1 can be equipped accordingly. A system (or set) with terminal 1 and several components 13, 18A-18C thus enables particularly flexible use.

[0032] Components 13, 18A-18C can (optionally) be removed from terminal 1 without damage. Terminal 1 can be re-equipped at the mounting points R by removing at least one component 13, 18A-18C mounted on a mounting point R. Therefore, the function of terminal 1 can be changed.

[0033] 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 release the connection of 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.

[0034] Next to each of the sliders 16 of the parallel terminals A1-A6, a test contact 15 is arranged at a housing opening. The potential present at the respective terminal conductor 14A-14F can be measured at the test contacts 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 present at the common terminal A.

[0035] The housing G includes a Fig. 1 and 2 The first housing part 10 shown is designed in the form of an upper shell. The first housing part 10 is formed in one piece. The first housing part 10 can be manufactured by injection molding and has been manufactured in this case.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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). The third housing part 12 has corresponding locking hooks 120, which are designed to engage with the openings 106 of the first housing part 10.

[0040] Fig. 3 The first housing part 10 is shown 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 or the other components 18A-18C. Furthermore, (optional) insertion ramps 103 are formed on the sides of the opening of the respective receiving sections 101 to snap the separating elements 13 or the other components 18A-18C into the housing G.

[0041] Fig. 4 The third housing part 12, already mentioned, is shown. 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] Fig. 5 Figure 1 shows the second housing part 11 of terminal 1. In the assembled state of 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 within 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 by injection molding in this case.

[0044] The second housing part 11 further forms a receiving section 111 of the corresponding receptacle R for each of the separating elements 13 or the other components 18A-18C. 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 or another component 18A-18C.

[0045] In each of the recording sections 111, there are brackets 114 for items related to Fig. 6 The connection conductors 14, 14A-14F were explained in more detail.

[0046] 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.

[0047] Furthermore, the second housing part 11 comprises a bearing 115 for each of the connections A1-A6 (which can be electrically connected to the common connection A via a separating element 13, or are generally electrically connected to the common connection A via a component arranged in the receptacle R). Fig. 7 The contact spring 17 shown. The second housing part 11 can also be called a spring holder.

[0048] Fig. 6 Figure 1 again shows, by way of example, the separating elements 13 in the contact position in which the respective contact blade 130 electrically contacts both assigned 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 contact K1-K6 of the individual terminals A1-A6 is formed on a slot 140 (in a preceding section) of the corresponding terminal conductor 14A-14F.

[0049] The busbar conductor 14 includes a contact area 141 which can be electrically contacted by the electrical conductor L1 inserted into the busbar A.

[0050] The busbar 14 is separate in Fig. 12 The diagram shows a longitudinally extended strip from which several, in this case six, sections project laterally. Slots 140 are formed in each of these sections, into which corresponding mating contacts of components 13, 18A-18C can engage electrically. Inwardly projecting protrusions are provided on the slots 140, enabling a press fit of the mating contacts and thus ensuring particularly reliable contact. The slots 140 of the individual connecting conductors 14A-14F are configured in the same way.

[0051] Each of the connecting conductors 14A-14F comprises a contact area 141, which can be electrically connected by the electrical conductor L1 inserted into the corresponding terminal A1-A6. The contact areas of the connecting conductors 14A-14F are each U-shaped (see in particular...). Fig. 6 ), wherein the contact area 141 and the section with the slot 140 each form one of the two legs of the U.

[0052] The in Fig. 6 The arrangement of (combination) connection conductors 14, 14A-14F shown is located inside terminal 1, between the first, second and third housing parts 10, 11, 12. The arrangement in the third housing part 12 shows Fig. 11 It is evident that the connecting conductors 14A-14F are arranged at least partially, in this case predominantly, specifically: completely with the exception of the end sections, in the respective cages 121.

[0053] Fig. 7 und 8 This provides a view of the interior of terminal 1. It is particularly evident 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.

[0054] 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.

[0055] In storage area L, a pin 132 of the corresponding separating element 13 is accommodated. Alternatively, a corresponding pin from another component 18A-18C can be accommodated therein.

[0056] Specifically, the separating element 13 (or the other component 18A-18C) comprises a pin 132 on each side (which are arranged coaxially), each of which is received in a corresponding bearing area L. The separating element 13 is pivotally 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, in Fig. 7 As illustrated by a double arrow, the respective separating element 13 is movable within the receptacle R (and at least partially pivotable out of the receptacle R). For this purpose, the receptacle R extends at least partially perpendicular to the pivot axis S.

[0057] Especially based on the Fig. 5 , 7 und 8 It is evident that the clamp 1 forms at least two bearing areas L at each mounting point R (in this case, two bearing areas L on each side). The two bearing areas L are spaced apart from each other perpendicular to a pivot axis S (or more generally: cylinder axis) defined by one of the bearing areas L. If a component 18A-18C, for example, is engaged at both bearing areas L, then it is mounted firmly and immovably relative to the housing G.

[0058] As already mentioned, terminals A, A1-A6 are designed as push-in terminals. For this purpose, 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.

[0059] 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.

[0060] 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 particularly 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. The terminals A1-A6, for example, have a nominal cross-section of approximately 6 mm² for the pluggable (stripped) electrical conductors L1.

[0061] In particular, based on Fig. 7 It can be seen that 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. 7The rails, corresponding to the recognizable, double-sided guides, can be connected, for example, in combination with locking strips under the housing G (third housing part 12). Furthermore, it is possible to connect mounting modules using the aforementioned positive locking devices, for example, mounting modules with at least one screw hole. In particular, since the housing G can be manufactured as a closed unit, a floating connection in an unfixed assembly is also possible.

[0062] 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

[0063] 1 Terminal 10 First housing part 100 Recess 101 Receipt section 102 Outer wall 103 Lead-in chamfer 104 Recess 105 Shaft 106 Opening 11 Second housing part 110 Partition 111 Receipt section 112 Recess 114 Bracket 115 Bearing 12 Third housing part 120 Locking hook 121 Cage 122 Gap 13 Component (separating element) 130 Contact blade 131 Swivel body 132 Pin 133 Engagement area 14 (Combining) connection conductor 14A-14F Connection conductor 140 Slot 141 Contact area 15 Test contact 16 Slider 17 Contact spring 18A-18C Component 19 Test contact A (Combining) connection A1-A6 Connection Housing K, K1-K6 Contact L Bearing area L1, L2 Electrical line R Mount Swivel axis T1, T2 Section W Tool X1-X6 Separation point

Claims

1. Terminal (1) for electrical lines (L1, L2), having a housing (G) on which at least two connections (A, A1-A6) are provided for electrically connecting a respective electrical line (L1, L2) to a respective connection conductor (14, 14A-14F) arranged in the housing (G), wherein the connection conductors (14, 14A-14F) are electrically isolated from one another at an isolation point (X1-X6) between two contacts (K, K1-K6), characterized in that the housing (G) forms a plurality of receptacles (R), which are arranged in a row and on which the contacts (K, K1-K6) of the isolation point (X1-X6) of the connection conductors (14, 14A-14F) are arranged in such a manner that they can be electrically contacted by means of a respective component (13, 18A-18C) that can be attached to the receptacles (R).

2. Terminal (1) according to Claim 1, characterized in that at least one insertion bevel (103) is formed on the receptacle (R).

3. Terminal (1) according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that at least one mounting region (L) for movably mounting the component (13, 18A-18C) is formed on the receptacle (103).

4. Terminal (1) according to Claim 3, characterized in that the mounting region (L) has a substantially circular cross section.

5. Terminal (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the contacts (K, K1-K6) are each formed on a slot (140).

6. Terminal (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the receptacle (R) is designed in the form of a recess.

7. Terminal (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 6, characterized in that one of the connection conductors (14) is designed in the form of a collective connection conductor, which has a plurality of contacts (K), which are each arranged on one of the plurality of receptacles (R).

8. Terminal (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of the connections (A, A1-A6) is designed in the form of a push-in connection.

9. System having at least one terminal (1) according to one of the preceding claims and at least two different components (13, 18A-18C), each of which can be selectively attached to at least one of the receptacles (R) in order to electrically contact the contacts (K, K1-K6) of the isolation point (X1-X6) of the connection conductors (14, 14A-14F).

10. System according to Claim 9, characterized in that one of the components (13) is designed in the form of an isolating element with a contact blade (130) for contacting the contacts (K, K1-K6) of the connection conductors (14, 14A-14F), wherein the isolating element (13) can be attached to the receptacle (R) in such a manner that it is mounted so as to be moveable between a contact position, in which the isolating element electrically connects the contacts (K, K1-K6) to one another, and an isolation position, in which it electrically isolates the two contacts (K, K1-K6) from one another.

11. System according to Claim 9 or 10, characterized in that one of the components (18B, 18C) comprises a passive or active electrical component part.