Clip-on terminal

Abstract

The invention relates to a terminal block (1) comprising at least two contact elements (2), each of which has two electrically connected conductor clamping points (20) for electrical connection to an electrical conductor to provide through-wiring via the contact element (2), and an insulating housing (3) receiving the contact elements (2), wherein the insulating housing (3) defines at least a portion of a conductor entry channel (4) leading from the outside to the respective conductor entry channel (20) for each conductor clamping point (20), wherein the conductor entry channels (4) associated with the same contact element (2) extend along or substantially parallel to the same axis of extension (X1) and are directed away from each other, wherein each of the contact elements (2) has a contact clamping point (5) for receiving a contact pin (11).wherein the contact clamping points (5) are each electrically connected to the conductor clamping points (20) of the associated contact element (2), wherein the insulating housing (3) for each contact clamping point (5) limits at least a portion of the contact insertion channels (6) leading from the outside to the respective contact clamping points (5), and wherein the contact insertion channels (6) each extend along a further axis of extension (X2) which is oriented substantially perpendicular to the axis of extension (X1) of the conductor insertion channels (4) associated with the same contact element (2).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a (multi-pole) terminal block which can be plugged onto contact pins - e.g. of a printed circuit board - for electrical contact.

[0002] Terminal blocks are a well-known type of electrical device. They are used for the electrical connection of conductors. Terminal blocks can be provided loosely or mechanically fastened. Terminal blocks that are mounted directly onto printed circuit boards (PCBs) are also known, simplifying the electrical connection of conductors to the board. These terminal blocks typically have integrated contact protrusions, allowing them to be inserted onto the PCB and then usually soldered permanently. Such soldering requires appropriate temperatures, which can affect the insulating housing of the terminal block, typically made of plastic.Such known terminals usually only have a connection option for electrical conductors from one side, so that through-wiring, which is preferred for terminal blocks, is not possible or only possible with considerable effort.

[0003] Furthermore, terminal blocks are known from the prior art, which are used in luminaires and are often integrated into the luminaire housing; for example, clipped into it. These terminal blocks serve in particular for looping through a through-wiring system on the one hand and for selectively tapping into the through-wiring system on the other; for example, to corresponding luminaire components, such as a luminaire control gear.

[0004] DE19964616B4 describes a terminal design and a mounting method in which a contact part is fixed in an insulating body and secured against inward movement.

[0005] US2017 / 0229792 A1 discloses a wire connection terminal structure, consisting of a leaf spring, a conductive plate and a mounting frame, enabling an external electrical wire to be held and electrically connected, wherein the conductive plate and the mounting frame are each made of materials with high conductivity and high structural stiffness, respectively.

[0006] DE102019104290A1 shows a two-wire connector with an insulating base, an electrically conductive terminal, two flexible plates and a movable pressure element, which together improve stability and strength in the clamped state.

[0007] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a terminal block and a circuit board arrangement equipped therewith which enable simple and safe electrical contacting of the terminal block with high flexibility for providing through-wiring.

[0008] This problem is solved by the subject matter of the independent claims. The dependent claims further develop the central idea of ​​the present invention in a particularly advantageous manner.

[0009] According to a first aspect, the present invention relates to a terminal block comprising at least two contact elements. Each of the contact elements has two electrically connected conductor clamping points, each for electrical connection to an electrical conductor to provide through-wiring via the contact element. Furthermore, the terminal block has an insulating housing that (preferably at least partially or completely) accommodates the contact elements. The insulating housing encloses at least a portion of a conductor entry channel leading from the outside to the respective conductor entry point for each conductor clamping point. The conductor entry channels associated with the same contact element extend along the same axis of extension or at least substantially parallel to it, and are directed away from each other. Each of the contact elements has a contact clamping point for receiving a contact pin.The contact terminals are each electrically connected to the conductor terminals of the associated contact element; thus, the contact terminal and the conductor terminals of the same contact element are electrically connected to each other. The insulating housing encloses at least a portion of the contact entry channels leading from the outside to the respective contact terminals. The contact entry channels each extend along a further axis of extension, which is oriented essentially perpendicular to the axis of extension of the associated conductor entry channels—that is, those associated with the same contact element.

[0010] Within the scope of the invention, the phrase "the conductor entry channels extend along the same axis and are directed away from each other" means that the conductor entry channels are coaxially aligned with each other and their external access points (i.e., the conductor entry openings) are located on opposite sides; that is, they are open and accessible facing away from each other. Within the scope of the invention, the phrase "the conductor entry channels extend (essentially) parallel to the same axis and are directed away from each other" means that, viewed axially, the conductor entry channels are radially offset from each other, but preferably overlap in the axial direction, so that their external access points (i.e., the conductor entry openings) are located on opposite sides; that is, they are open and accessible facing away from each other.Within the scope of the invention, "essentially parallel (to the axis of extension)" means that the direction of extension can be inclined with respect to the axis of extension by a maximum of approximately 20°, preferably a maximum of approximately 10°; thus, it can extend (longitudinally) in a cone of 20° or 10° around the axis of extension. Within the scope of the invention, "essentially perpendicular (to the axis of extension)" means that the further axis of extension can be inclined with respect to a normal to the axis of extension by a maximum of approximately 20°, preferably a maximum of approximately 10°; thus, it can extend (longitudinally) in a cone of 20° or 10° around the normal.

[0011] The terminal block described above allows for particularly easy connection of contact pins (e.g., from a printed circuit board) by simply pushing them into place, while simultaneously maintaining the terminal block's functionality for through-wiring thanks to the diverging conductor entry channels. Furthermore, since clamping contacts are provided within the terminal block to accommodate a contact pin, the contact pins can be pre-attached to a suitable component, such as a printed circuit board, so that any temperatures incurred during pin attachment (e.g., by soldering) do not affect the terminal block itself. This also allows for a very flat and therefore compact terminal block.

[0012] Preferably, all contact entry channels and their axes of extension are aligned parallel to each other. Furthermore, preferably, all contact entry channels are accessible from the same side of the terminal block. In addition, the external access points (i.e., the contact entry openings) to the contact entry channels are preferably all arranged side by side in a row; thus, the contact entry channels are preferably all arranged side by side in a row. This allows for a compact terminal block design that is also particularly easy to plug onto contact pins or a contact pin strip. Moreover, the conductor entry channels, which are oriented essentially perpendicular to the insertion direction, are particularly easy to access after insertion, simplifying the connection of through-wiring.

[0013] The contact elements preferably each comprise a contact frame and, for each associated conductor clamping point, a spring clamping element, which interact to form the respective conductor clamping points. This design provides a simple and effective contact method for the reliable connection of an electrical conductor. Furthermore, these components can be manufactured in a particularly simple manner; for example, as stamped and bent parts.

[0014] Each spring clamping element preferably has a spring clamping leg which is movable – and particularly preferably pivotable – to selectively open the respective conductor clamping point for inserting or removing an electrical conductor. By providing such a spring clamping leg, a simple design of the spring clamping element can be achieved while maintaining effective clamping action. Furthermore, such a spring clamping element can be manufactured in a particularly simple manner; for example, as a stamped and bent part.

[0015] Each of the spring clamping elements, or preferably its spring clamping leg, can be pre-tensioned towards the associated contact frame (i.e., the contact frame of the same contact element). In this way, an effective clamping effect can be maintained permanently.

[0016] The spring clamping elements of the same contact element can preferably be integrally formed. This reduces the number of individual parts and simplifies manufacturing and assembly.

[0017] For example, the spring clamping elements of the same contact element can be formed via a connecting web, which preferably extends substantially parallel to the axis of extension of the conductor entry channels assigned to the same contact element between the spring clamping elements. This allows for a simple and effective design of the integrally provided spring clamping elements. Furthermore, this enables the spring clamping elements to be manufactured in a material-friendly manner, while simultaneously allowing for simple and defined assembly and, preferably, automatic positioning of the two spring clamping elements.

[0018] The contact elements can preferably each have a contact clamping spring which interacts with the associated contact frame to form the respective contact clamping point. Thus, the contact element, with its simple yet effective design, can also provide an effective clamping point. The contact clamping springs are preferably pre-tensioned towards the associated contact frame to ensure a consistently effective clamping action at the contact clamping point.

[0019] The contact clamping springs are particularly preferably formed integrally with at least one or both of the associated spring clamping elements (i.e., the same contact element). This further simplifies the overall design of the terminal block, as well as its manufacture and assembly.

[0020] The contact clamping springs are preferably formed in the associated connecting bridge (i.e., of the same contact element) so that they can be provided in a simple and effective manner.

[0021] The contact clamping points can each be arranged parallel to the axis of extension of the associated conductor entry channels – i.e., those associated with the same contact element – ​​between the assigned conductor clamping points. In this way, the respective contact element with the contact clamping point – and thus the terminal block as a whole – can be designed compactly, while simultaneously maintaining its effective function of providing through-wiring.

[0022] The contact insertion channels are preferably each, viewed from the outside towards the associated contact clamping point, bounded at least partially on one side along their axis of extension by a first contact guide section of the associated contact frame and at least partially on the opposite side by a second contact guide section of the associated contact frame. In this way, a contact pin to be inserted can be securely received and stored in the corresponding contact insertion channel, thus enabling effective and reliable electrical contact with the associated contact element.

[0023] The first contact guide section and the second contact guide section are preferably arranged one after the other along the axis of extension of the associated contact insertion channel – i.e., in its axial direction. This ensures that the contact insertion channel is provided reliably and stably, while effectively enabling electrical contacting.

[0024] The first and second contact guide sections are preferably connected to each other via a bent section of the associated contact frame. This bent section can be, for example, a section of the associated contact frame extending transversely or orthogonally to the axis of extension of the contact insertion channel. In this way, the contact guide sections can be easily provided by bending and thus simultaneously ensured overall stability. Furthermore, the portion of the contact insertion channel provided by the contact frame can be easily produced using a stamping and bending process for manufacturing the contact frame.

[0025] The bending section preferably has a through-opening that forms or limits part of the associated contact insertion channel. This allows for the efficient provision of the contact insertion channel while simultaneously ensuring high stability of the contact frame despite the provision of a corresponding passage for a contact pin. Likewise, the previously described first and second contact guide sections can be provided in a particularly simple manner using this method.

[0026] The contact elements can preferably each have additional conductor clamping points besides the conductor clamping points for providing through-wiring. In this way, the functionality of the terminal block can be extended in any desired manner.

[0027] The conductor clamping points and the other conductor clamping points of the same contact element are preferably integrally formed together. In this way, the advantages of an integral design, such as the reduction of individual parts and the simplification of manufacturing and assembly, can also be transferred to the other conductor clamping points in the same way.

[0028] Preferably, one of the conductor clamping points shares a spring clamping element with one of the other conductor clamping points of the same contact element. This spring clamping element then has a movable or pivotable spring clamping leg for each assigned conductor clamping point, allowing for selective opening of the respective conductor clamping point. This enables the provision of an overall compact terminal block with a small number of parts, thus simplifying assembly and manufacturing.

[0029] The insulating housing preferably defines at least a portion of an additional conductor entry channel leading from the outside to each additional conductor entry point. These additional conductor entry channels can be designed in a manner essentially comparable to the conductor entry channels described above. In particular, the additional conductor entry channels preferably also extend along a further axis of extension, which is preferably oriented substantially parallel to the axis of extension of the conductor entry channels associated with the same contact element. This allows for a compact design of the terminal block when multiple corresponding conductor entry points are provided. The preferred parallel arrangement of the axes of extension of the conductor entry channels not only enables a compact design of the terminal block but also facilitates simple electrical contacting by a single operator.

[0030] The terminal block can have, for each contact element, an actuating element, such as a push button or a lever, for at least one or both conductor clamping points and, if present, preferably also for at least one or more or all further conductor clamping points (preferably each), for selectively opening the respective conductor clamping point to insert or remove an electrical conductor. In this way, the functionality of the terminal block can be further increased. In particular, different electrical conductors, such as rigid or flexible conductors, can be easily connected and, if necessary, removed again.

[0031] The respective actuating element can preferably be movably mounted within the insulating housing. This allows the actuating element to be stored simply and securely within a compact terminal design, which in turn enables high functionality with ease of use.

[0032] The at least two (or more) contact elements can preferably be arranged side by side in series; this is particularly preferably offset perpendicular to the conductor entry channels and the contact entry channel or to their axes of extension. This allows for the simple and compact provision of a terminal block with any number of poles.

[0033] By providing only one insulating housing, its manufacture and assembly can be simplified. In principle, the insulating housing can be designed in multiple parts. For example, it could have a housing section and a housing cover, which can be closed after the corresponding contact elements are inserted, thus securely holding them. It is also conceivable that the insulating housing could be designed in such a way that, for example, each contact element has its own housing section, which can then be connected in any number – for example, to form a multi-pole terminal block – using snap-fit ​​or latching connections.

[0034] The terminal block or its insulating housing preferably features positioning elements for positioning the terminal block on a printed circuit board (PCB). This allows the terminal block to have a defined positioning structure, ensuring secure and precise alignment at the mounting site. Furthermore, defined positioning points can be provided to avoid large-area contact of the terminal block – for example, on a PCB. This protects electrical components on the PCB. It also allows for at least partial thermal separation between the terminal block and the PCB.

[0035] The positioning elements preferably project outwards, with their distal ends preferably all lying in the same plane. This allows for a secure and defined contact point for the terminal block using simple structural means.

[0036] The terminal block or its insulating housing preferably has a coupling element for mechanically coupling the terminal block. This coupling element can, for example, be designed as a latching or snap-fit ​​connection component (e.g., as a latching pin) which interacts with a corresponding latching or snap-fit ​​connection component (e.g., a snap-fit ​​receptacle) on the mounting side (e.g., a printed circuit board) for mechanical coupling. The coupling element can preferably be integrally formed with at least one of the positioning elements.

[0037] The terminal block or its insulating housing preferably has a receiving section for partially receiving the contact pins to be electrically connected via the contact clamping points, with the contact insertion channels preferably opening into the receiving section. In this way, defined structures of a contact pin assembly, such as a carrier part of a contact pin strip, can be securely received, while the terminal block can be mounted securely and as compactly as possible.

[0038] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the receiving section can include at least one of the positioning elements, or the positioning sections can form the receiving section. This allows these two functional sections to be integrated, enabling a high level of functionality while maintaining a compact terminal design.

[0039] According to a further aspect, the present invention relates to a printed circuit board arrangement which, in addition to the aforementioned terminal block, also comprises a printed circuit board with projecting contact pins. The terminal block is then arranged on the printed circuit board such that the contact pins are each connected to the associated contact clamping point via (exactly) one (other) of the contact insertion channels, so that the two conductor clamping points and, if present, preferably also the further conductor clamping points of the associated contact element are electrically connected to the printed circuit board.

[0040] The aforementioned circuit board arrangement allows the advantages of the terminal block to be transferred to a corresponding circuit board layout. The circuit board can thus be easily equipped with the appropriate contact pins. The terminal block can then be electrically connected simply by pushing it on, in a particularly easy and gentle manner. The terminal block is therefore independent of any fastening processes – such as soldering – of the contact pins.

[0041] The contact pins are preferably detachably connected to the associated contact terminal, so that the terminal can be removed or replaced as needed.

[0042] At least several or all of the contact pins can preferably be connected in a contact pin header by means of a carrier element, thus simplifying the provision of corresponding contact pins on the printed circuit board. The carrier element is preferably incorporated in the receiving section. The carrier element can preferably be a plastic part, so that the contact pins are easily isolated from each other, while at the same time being easy to handle and automatically positioned relative to each other.

[0043] According to a further aspect, the present invention also relates to a luminaire which has a luminaire body with light source(s) and a circuit board arrangement according to the present invention, which in turn are electrically coupled to each other in such a way as to functionally couple the luminaire body and preferably the light source with the circuit board.

[0044] In this way, the advantages of the terminal block and the circuit board arrangement are equally transferred to a luminaire equipped with it.

[0045] Further embodiments and advantages of the present invention are described below with reference to the figures in the accompanying drawings. These show: Fig. 1 a side view of a printed circuit board arrangement according to the invention with a terminal block according to an embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 2 a top view of the printed circuit board arrangement according to Fig. 1 Viewed in direction II, Fig. 3 is a front view of the printed circuit board arrangement according to Fig. 1 Viewed in direction III, Fig. 4 shows a side sectional view of the printed circuit board arrangement along section IV-IV. Fig. 2 , and Fig. 5 a sectional view of the printed circuit board arrangement along section VV from Fig. 2 .

[0046] The figures show an embodiment of a terminal block 1 according to the present invention. Such terminal blocks 1 are used in particular for connecting an electrical or electronic device (e.g., a corresponding lamp) to an externally provided wiring system and for tapping into this external wiring system for defined electrical or electronic components, such as (via) a printed circuit board 10 and / or an operating device.

[0047] The terminal block 1 has at least two or more (in this case, five) contact elements 2. Depending on the desired number of poles, the number of contact elements can be chosen arbitrarily; for example, 3-pole, 5-pole (as shown), 7-pole, or 11-pole, and so on. Each of the contact elements 2 has two electrically connected conductor clamping points 20, each for electrically connecting to an electrical conductor to provide through-wiring via the contact element 2. This is particularly preferred from the Fig. 4 visible.

[0048] The contact elements 2 preferably each have a contact frame 21 and each associated conductor clamping point 20 a spring clamping element 22, as is also the case with the Fig. 4 The contact frame 21 and the corresponding spring clamping elements 22 of the same contact element 2 interact in such a way that they form the respective conductor clamping points 20.

[0049] Each of the spring clamping elements 22 has, as shown in Fig. 4 evidently, preferably at least one spring clamping leg 23, which is movable and preferably pivotable in order to selectively open the respective conductor clamping point 20 for inserting or removing an electrical conductor.

[0050] Each of the spring clamping elements 22 or their spring clamping legs 23 is / are preferably pre-tensioned towards the associated contact frame 21. In the Figur 4 With regard to the two conductor clamping points 20 of the contact element 2 visible in the section shown, the associated spring clamping legs 23 are thus pre-tensioned upwards against the contact frame 21.

[0051] The spring clamping elements 22 of the same contact element 2 are preferably integrally formed together, as is the Fig. 4 This can be seen from the spring clamping elements 22 of the same contact element 2. Fig. 4 The connecting web 24 of the same contact element 2, which extends essentially horizontally, is connected to each other or is integrally formed via this.

[0052] The contact elements 2 or their components - namely the contact frame 21 and the spring clamping element(s) 22 - are preferably manufactured as stamped and bent parts.

[0053] The terminal block 1 further comprises an insulating housing 3 that at least partially, or preferably completely, accommodates the contact elements 2, as illustrated here by way of example. The insulating housing 3 is preferably made of a plastic material. Preferably, the insulating housing 3 is manufactured as an injection-molded part. The insulating housing 3 can be provided in any number of parts and, for example, as shown, comprise a housing part 30 and a housing cover 31, which are closed after receiving the corresponding contact element 2.

[0054] The insulating housing 3 limits at least a portion of a conductor entry channel 4 leading from the outside to the respective conductor terminal 20 at each conductor terminal 20, as these are found, for example, in the Fig. 3 and 4 shown.

[0055] The conductor entry channels 4 assigned to the same contact element 2 can extend along the same axis of extension X1 and be directed away from each other, as is particularly evident from the Fig. 4 The conductors can be accessed from opposite sides of the terminal 1; thus, the access points or conductor insertion openings 41 of the conductor insertion channels 4 are open and facing away from each other. According to this embodiment, the conductor insertion channels 4 associated with the same contact element 2 are therefore arranged coaxially and facing away from each other. It is also conceivable that the conductor insertion channels 4 associated with the same contact element 2 extend essentially parallel to the same axis of extension X1 and are directed away from each other, thus being accessible from opposite sides of the terminal 1; thus, also such that the access points or conductor insertion openings 41 of the conductor insertion channels 4 are open and facing away from each other.

[0056] As well as the Fig. 4 As can be seen, the optional connecting web 24 can preferably extend substantially parallel to the extension axis X1 of the conductor entry channels 4 assigned to the same contact element 2 between the spring clamping elements 22.

[0057] Each of the contact elements 2 also has a contact clamping point 5 for receiving a contact pin 11, as is particularly evident from the Fig. 4 and 5 can be seen from this.

[0058] The contact terminals 5 are each electrically connected to the conductor terminals 20 of the same contact element 2. This can be achieved, for example, by integrally forming the contact terminal 5 and the conductor terminals 20 of the same contact element 2. Alternatively, the contact terminal 5 and the conductor terminals 20 of the same contact element 2 can also be electrically connected in other ways.

[0059] How especially the Fig. 4 and 5 As can be seen, each of the contact elements 2 can have a contact clamping spring 50 which interacts with the associated contact frame 21 to form the respective contact clamping point 5. The contact clamping springs 50 are preferably pre-tensioned towards the associated contact frame 21, as can be seen by way of example in the Fig. 5 as is evident.

[0060] The contact clamping springs 50 can each preferably be integrally formed with at least one or both of the associated spring clamping elements 22. As shown from Fig. 4 As can be seen, the respective contact clamping spring 50 can preferably be formed in the associated connecting web 24.

[0061] The contact clamping points 5 can each preferably be provided with respect to a direction parallel to the extension axis X1 of the conductor entry channels 4 assigned to the same contact element 2 between the assigned conductor clamping points 20, as can be seen by way of example in the Fig. 4 as is evident.

[0062] As exemplified in Fig. 5 As can be seen, the insulating housing 3 limits at least a portion of the contact entry channels 6 leading from the outside to the respective contact entry points 5 at each contact terminal 5. The contact entry channels 6 each extend along a further axis X2, which is oriented essentially perpendicular to the axis X1 of the conductor entry channels 4 assigned to the same contact element 2, as can be seen by way of example in the Fig. 1 , 4 and 5 as is evident.

[0063] The further extension axes X2 of the contact insertion channels 6 are preferably all aligned parallel to each other, as exemplified by the Fig. 5 The contact insertion channels 6 can preferably all be accessible from the same side of the terminal block 1 (in the illustrated embodiment, an underside of the terminal block 1). Preferably, the contact insertion channels 6 are all arranged side by side in a row, as can also be clearly seen in the following example. Fig. 5 can be seen in Fig. 5 It can also be seen that the external access points (i.e., the contact insertion openings 63) to the contact insertion channels 6 are all preferably arranged in a row next to each other.

[0064] As can be seen in particular from the Fig. 5 As can be seen, the contact insertion channels 6 can each be viewed from the outside towards the associated contact clamping point 5 along their extension axis X2 at least sectionally on one side by a first contact guide section 61 of the associated contact frame 21 and at least sectionally on one side opposite one side by a second contact guide section 62 of the associated contact frame 21.

[0065] The first contact guide section 61 and the second contact guide section 62 are preferably arranged one after the other along the extension axis X2 of the associated contact insertion channel 6, as in particular shown by the Fig. 5 can be seen from this.

[0066] The first contact guide section 61 and the second contact guide section 62 are preferably connected to each other via a bending section 25 of the associated contact frame 21, as can be seen from the overall view of the Fig. 4 and 5The bending section 25 preferably has a through-opening 60, which forms part of the associated contact insertion channel 6 (see figure). Fig. 5 ).

[0067] The contact elements 2 preferably each have, in addition to the associated conductor clamping points 20 for providing the through-wiring, further conductor clamping points 26, as shown in Fig. 4 This is shown as an example. In the illustrated embodiment, two further conductor clamping points 26 are shown for each contact element 2.

[0068] As well as the Fig. 4 As can be seen, the conductor clamping points 20 and the further conductor clamping points 26 of the same contact element 2 can preferably be integrally formed together.

[0069] For example, it is conceivable that one of the conductor clamping points 20 shares a spring clamping element 22 with one of the other conductor clamping points 26 of the same contact element 2, which has a spring clamping leg 23 for each assigned conductor clamping point 20, 26 that can be pivoted to selectively open the respective conductor clamping point 20, 26. Thus, with regard to the cross-sectional view of the Fig. 4 The contact element 2 shown, for example the conductor clamping point 20 shown here on the left, shares a spring clamping element 22 with a further conductor clamping point 26 below it. Likewise, the conductor clamping point 20 shown here on the right shares a spring clamping element 22 with a further conductor clamping point 26 below it.

[0070] As shown here, the spring clamping elements 22 have the corresponding spring clamping leg 23 at each conductor clamping point 20, 26, which in an integral design are connected to each other via an arc-shaped connecting section 27 of the spring clamping element 22 and are preferably movable or pivotable via this same.

[0071] The insulating housing 3 preferably limits at least a portion of a further conductor entry channel 40 leading from the outside to the further conductor entry channel 26 for each further conductor terminal 26. The further conductor entry channels 40 preferably extend along a further axis of extension X3, which is oriented essentially parallel to the axis of extension X1 of the conductor entry channels 4 associated with the same contact element 2, as for example in the Fig. 4 The additional conductor entry channels 40 are accessible from the outside via corresponding additional conductor entry openings 42. In the illustrated embodiment, two further conductor clamping points 26, each with an associated conductor entry channel 40, are shown by way of example. The two additional conductor entry channels 40 each run parallel to one of the conductor channels 4. The additional conductor entry openings 42 of these additional conductor entry channels 40 are also open and directed away from each other, and are preferably located next to the conductor entry opening 41 of the adjacent conductor entry channel 4.

[0072] Terminal 1 can be used, as shown in the Fig. 2-5 As can be seen, each contact element 2 preferably has an actuating element 7, such as a push button or alternatively a lever, for selectively opening the respective conductor clamping point 20 for inserting or removing an electrical conductor, for at least one or both conductor clamping points 20. It is also conceivable that, alternatively and additionally, at least one, several, or all of the other conductor clamping points 26 per contact element 2 may have a corresponding actuating element 7 (not shown). The respective actuating element 7 is, as the Fig. 4 to be removed, preferably movably received from the insulating housing 3.

[0073] As in particular the Fig. 5 As can be seen, the several contact elements 2 can be arranged in a row next to each other; this is particularly preferably offset perpendicular to the conductor insertion channels 4 and the contact insertion channel 6 or to their extension axes X1, X2.

[0074] The terminal block 1 or its insulating housing 3 may preferably have positioning elements 8 for positioning the terminal block 1 on a printed circuit board 10, such as these in particular the Fig. 1 and 3-5 The positioning elements 8 preferably project outwards. In the embodiment shown here, the positioning elements 8 are designed as ribs. However, they can be designed in any other form, such as a pin or frame. Particularly preferably, the distal ends 80 of the positioning elements 8 all lie in a plane E, as shown, for example, in the Fig. 1 and 4 as is evident.

[0075] The terminal block 1 or its insulating housing 3 preferably has a receiving section 9 for partially receiving the contact pins 11 to be electrically connected via the contact clamping points 5, wherein the contact insertion channels 6 preferably open into the receiving section 9, as is particularly evident from the Fig. 5 can be seen from this.

[0076] As an equally exemplary example, the Fig. 1 and 3-5 As can be seen, the receiving section 9 may preferably have at least one of the positioning elements 8.

[0077] The figures also show a printed circuit board assembly 100 equipped with the terminal block 1. In addition to the terminal block 1, this assembly also has a printed circuit board 10 with – here five – projecting contact pins 11. The terminal block 1 is arranged on the printed circuit board 10 – preferably positioned via the positioning elements 8 – such that the contact pins 11 are each connected to the associated contact clamping point 5 via one of the corresponding contact insertion channels 6, thus electrically connecting the conductor clamping points 20 of the associated contact element 2 to the printed circuit board 10. As already described, the printed circuit board 10, according to the illustrated embodiment, has several – here five – contact pins 11, each of which is then preferably assigned to one (exactly) of the contact clamping points 5, as shown in particular in the sectional view according to the illustration. Fig. 5 can be seen from this.

[0078] The contact pins 11 are each preferably detachably connected to the associated contact clamping point 5.

[0079] As well as the Fig. 5 As can be seen, several (as shown here, the two left and the two right as a pair) or all of the contact pins 11 can be connected in a contact pin strip 13 by means of a carrier part 12. This allows for the use of standard components, if necessary. The carrier part 12 can be, for example, the Fig. 1 , 4 and 5 It can be seen that it was included in recording section 9.

[0080] The circuit board arrangement 100 described and illustrated by way of example can furthermore be part of a luminaire according to the invention, which in addition to the circuit board arrangement 100 further comprises a luminaire body with light source(s), all of which are electrically coupled to each other in such a way as to functionally couple the luminaire body and preferably its light source to the circuit board.

[0081] The present invention is not limited to the embodiment described above, provided it is encompassed by the subject matter of the following claims.

Claims

1. Terminal clamp (1), comprising: at least two contact elements (2), each of the contact elements (2) comprises two electrically connected conductor clamping points (20) each for electrically connecting an electrical conductor to provide a through-wiring via the contact element (2), and an insulating material housing (3) receiving the contact elements (2), wherein the insulating material housing (3) for each conductor clamping point (20) delimits at least one part of a conductor insertion channel (4) leading from the outside to the respective conductor clamping point (20), wherein the conductor insertion channels (4) associated with the same contact element (2) extend along or substantially parallel to the same axis of extension (X1) and are directed away from each other, wherein each of the contact elements (2) provides a contact clamping point (5) for receiving a contact pin (11), wherein the contact clamping points (5) are each electrically connected to the conductor clamping points (20) of the associated contact element (2), wherein the insulating material housing (3) for each contact clamping point (5) delimits at least one part of contact insertion channels (6) leading from the outside to the respective contact clamping points (5), and wherein the contact insertion channels (6) each extend along a further axis of extension (X2) which is oriented essentially perpendicular to the axis of extension (X1) of the conductor insertion channels (4) associated with the same contact element (2).

2. Terminal clamp (1) according to claim 1, wherein the further axes of extension (X2) of the contact insertion channels (6) are all aligned parallel to each other.

3. Terminal clamp (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the contact insertion channels (6) are all accessible from the same side of the terminal clamp (1) and are preferably all arranged in series next to each other.

4. Terminal clamp (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the contact elements (2) each comprises a contact frame (21) and, for each associated conductor clamping point (20), a spring clamping element (22), which interact in such a way as to form the respective conductor clamping points (20).

5. Terminal clamp (1) according to claim 4, wherein the respective spring clamping element (22) provides a spring clamping leg (23) which is movable, preferably pivotable, in order to selectively open the respective conductor clamping point (20) for inserting or removing an electrical conductor, and / or wherein the respective spring clamping element (22) is pre-tensioned toward the associated contact frame (21), and / or wherein the spring clamping elements (22) of the same contact element (2) are integrally formed with one another, preferably via a connecting web (24), which, in particular, preferably extends substantially parallel to the axis of extension (X1) of the conductor insertion channels (4) associated with the same contact element (2) between the spring clamping elements (22), and / or wherein the contact elements (2) further each have a contact clamping spring (50) which cooperates with the associated contact frame (21) in a way, to form the respective contact clamping point (5), wherein the contact clamping springs (50) are preferably pre-tensioned toward the associated contact frame (21), wherein, preferably, the contact clamping springs (50) are each integrally formed with at least one or both of the associated spring clamping elements (22), wherein the contact clamping springs (50) are further preferably each formed in the associated connecting web (24), if present,6. Terminal clamp (1) according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the contact insertion channels (6), as viewed from the outside toward the associated contact clamping point (5) along their axis of extension (X2), are limited at least sectionally, on one side by a first contact guide section (61) of the associated contact frame (21) and, at least sectionally, on a side opposite the one side by a second contact guide section (62) of the associated contact frame (21), wherein preferably the first contact guide section (61) and the second contact guide section (62) are arranged one after the other along the axis of extension (X1) of the associated contact insertion channel (6), wherein, preferably, the first contact guide section (61) and the second contact guide section (62) are connected to each other via a bending section (25) of the associated contact frame (21), wherein, preferably, the bending section (25) provides a passage opening (60) which forms part of the associated contact insertion channel (6).

7. Terminal clamp (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the contact clamping points (5) are each provided between the associated conductor clamping points (20) with respect to a direction parallel to the axis of extension (X1) of the conductor insertion channels (4) associated with the same contact element (2).

8. Terminal clamp (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the contact elements (2) each comprising further conductor clamping points (26) besides the conductor clamping points (20), for providing the through-wiring, wherein the conductor clamping points (20) and the further conductor clamping points (26) of the same contact element (2) are preferably formed integrally with one another, wherein, preferably, if the contact elements (2) each comprise the contact frame (21) and the spring clamping element (22) associated with each conductor clamping point (20), one of the conductor clamping points (20) shares a spring clamping element (22) with one of the additional conductor clamping points (26) of the same contact element (2), wherein the spring clamping element (22) comprises for each associated conductor clamping point (20, 26) a spring clamping leg (23) that can be pivoted to selectively open the respective conductor clamping point (20, 26), wherein, preferably, the insulating material housing (3) delimits, for each further conductor clamping point (26), at least one part of a further conductor insertion channel (40) leading from the outside to the further conductor clamping point (26), wherein the further conductor insertion channels (40) each extend along a further axis of extension (X3) which is oriented essentially parallel to the axis of extension (X1) of the conductor insertion channels (4) associated with the same contact element (2).

9. Terminal clamp (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the terminal clamp (1) comprises, for each contact element (2) for at least one or both conductor clamping points (20), an actuating element (7), such as a push button or a lever, for selectively opening the respective conductor clamping point (20, 26) for inserting or removing an electrical conductor, wherein preferably the respective actuating element (7) is movably received by the insulating material housing (3).

10. Terminal clamp (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least two contact elements (2) are arranged in series next to each other, preferably offset perpendicular to the conductor insertion channels (4) and the contact insertion channel (6).

11. Terminal clamp (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the terminal clamp (1), preferably the insulating material housing (3), comprises positioning elements (8) for positioning the terminal clamp (1) on a printed circuit board (10), wherein preferably the positioning elements (8) protrude outwardly, wherein furthermore distal ends (80) of the positioning elements (8) preferably all lie in one plane (E).

12. Terminal clamp (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the terminal clamp (1), preferably the insulating material housing (3), comprises a receiving section (9) for partially receiving the contact pins (11) to be electrically connected via the contact clamping points (5), wherein the contact insertion channels (6) each merge into the receiving section (9), wherein, preferably, if the terminal clamp (1) comprises the positioning elements (8), the receiving section (9) comprises at least one of the positioning elements (8).

13. Printed circuit board assembly (100) comprising: a terminal clamp (1) according to one of the preceding claims, and a printed circuit board (10) with contact pins (11) protruding therefrom, wherein the terminal clamp (1) is arranged on the printed circuit board (10) in such a way that the contact pins (11) are each connected to the associated contact clamping point (5) via one of the contact insertion channels (6), so that the conductor clamping points (20) of the associated contact element (2) are electrically connected to the printed circuit board (10).

14. Printed circuit board assembly (100) according to claim 13, wherein the contact pins (11) are each detachably connected to the associated contact clamping point (5).

15. Printed circuit board assembly (100) according to claim 13 or 14, wherein at least several or all of the contact pins (11) are connected by means of a carrier part (12) in a contact pin strip (13), wherein the carrier part (12) is preferably received in the receiving section, if present.

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