Mounting adapter for top-hat rail and kit comprising the mounting adapter

Abstract

The present invention relates to a mounting adapter (1) for receiving several terminal blocks (10) and mounting on a DIN rail (100, 200), wherein the mounting adapter (1) comprises: a support body (2) extending longitudinally along a longitudinal axis (L), which has a receiving seat (3) for receiving several terminal blocks (10), a first snap-fit ​​connection structure (4) for snapping the support body (2) in a first connection direction (C1) with the longitudinal axis (L) transverse to a first longitudinal extension axis (L100) of a first DIN rail (100) to the first DIN rail (100), and a second snap-fit ​​connection structure (5) for snapping the support body (2) in a second connection direction (C2) with the longitudinal axis (L) parallel to a second longitudinal extension axis (L200) of a second DIN rail (200).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a mounting adapter for accommodating a plurality of terminal blocks and fastening them to a DIN rail. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a mounting adapter system comprising the mounting adapter and at least one or more terminal blocks held thereon or therein. The present invention also relates to a kit comprising such a mounting adapter or mounting adapter system and correspondingly several different DIN rails.

[0002] Electrical distribution boxes, colloquially known as distribution boxes, are well-known from the state of the art. These boxes house fuse and switching elements for distributing electrical power. A distribution box typically offers at least one or more installation rows for electrical components. These installation rows are usually formed by so-called top-hat rails. Top-hat rails are generally standardized components. Top-hat rails are used for the simple – usually snap-in – mounting of electrical components, such as terminal blocks, circuit breakers, relays, and the like.

[0003] For attaching terminal blocks to DIN rails, mounting adapters are available which can usually accommodate several terminal blocks and can be attached to the DIN rail in a defined orientation.

[0004] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a fastening adapter, a fastening adapter system and a kit of the type mentioned at the outset, with which a more variable fastening of the fastening adapter to a top-hat rail is possible in a simple manner, even in different installation situations.

[0005] This object is achieved by the subject matter of the independent claims. The dependent claims develop the central idea of ​​the present invention in a particularly advantageous manner.

[0006] According to a first aspect, the present invention relates to a fastening adapter for receiving a plurality of connection terminals - preferably in (e.g., a) row next to one another - and fastening them to a top-hat rail. The fastening adapter has a carrier body extending elongately along a longitudinal axis. The carrier body, in turn, has a receiving seat for receiving a plurality of connection terminals - preferably in (e.g., a) row next to one another. The fastening adapter further has a first snap-in connection structure for fastening the carrier body to the first top-hat rail in a first connection direction with the longitudinal axis oriented transversely - preferably substantially perpendicularly - to a first longitudinal extension axis of a first top-hat rail.In addition, the fastening adapter further comprises a second snap-in connection structure for fastening the carrier body to the second top-hat rail in a second connection direction with the longitudinal axis oriented parallel to a second longitudinal extension axis of a second top-hat rail.

[0007] The mounting adapter according to the invention makes it possible to fasten the adapter – and thus the connecting terminals accommodated thereon / to be accommodated thereon – in two defined orientations to corresponding – generally standardized – top-hat rails. Thus, the first snap-in connection structure enables fastening with an orientation extending transversely to the (first) top-hat rail. In this way, the top-hat rail can be effectively used to fasten numerous components. The second snap-in connection structure makes it possible to provide the mounting adapter compactly on or along the corresponding top-hat rail, particularly in installation situations with limited installation space or other types of accessibility. This makes it possible to provide a variable fastening option depending on the given installation situation, which significantly increases the possible uses of the same mounting adapter.

[0008] The first snap-in connection structure can preferably have two first locking projections directed toward one another to define a first receiving space between them for the locking reception of the first top-hat rail. The first snap-in connection structure can thus be provided with a simple yet effective design.

[0009] The two first locking projections are preferably provided so as to be elastically movable relative to one another, in order to selectively expose a first insertion space for the first top-hat rail in the direction of the first connection direction (as viewed). Thus, both the snapping of the mounting adapter onto a corresponding (first) top-hat rail by means of the first snap-connection structure, as well as any desired release of the mounting adapter from this (first) top-hat rail, can be easily achieved, while simultaneously maintaining effective fastening during operation.

[0010] The first snap-connection structure can preferably have an alignment contour section in the first receiving space, which extends between the two first locking projections in such a way as to delimit a clamping space for the first top-hat rail together with the first locking projections; this is preferably for clamping the first top-hat rail. This alignment contour section enables the fastening adapter to be precisely aligned using the first snap-connection structure. This reliably prevents incorrect installation. Furthermore, the preferably clamping reception of the fastening adapter via the first snap-connection structure enables highly effective and secure attachment to the first top-hat rail.

[0011] The second snap-in connection structure preferably has two second locking projections directed toward each other to define a second receiving space between them for the locking reception of the second top-hat rail. Similar to the first locking projections, a simple but effective locking connection structure can thus also be provided for the second locking projections.

[0012] The alignment contour section preferably has one of the two second locking projections. Thus, the function of the alignment contour section when fastened via the first snap-connection structure and the function of the second locking projections for fastening by means of the second snap-connection structure can be combined in one component section, so that the fastening adapter can be designed to be simple and compact overall. For example, the carrier body can then have the other of the two second locking projections in order to provide an overall compact and effective snap-connection or locking connection.

[0013] The two second locking projections are preferably provided so as to be elastically movable relative to each other, in order to selectively expose a second insertion space for the second top-hat rail in the direction of the second connection direction (as viewed). In this way, both a connection by means of the second snap-connection structure and a release of the second snap-connection structure from a corresponding second top-hat rail can be achieved in a particularly simple but effective manner.

[0014] The alignment contour section can preferably be provided so as to be elastically twistable - for example on the carrier body - in order to selectively move the second locking projection provided on the alignment contour section away from the other second locking projection by elastically twisting the alignment contour section - for example relative to the carrier body. The non-destructive elastic twisting of the alignment contour section can thus provide a simple way to release the second snap connection structure when needed and, if necessary, to securely lock it in place. For example, the alignment contour section can have a tool receiving opening for this purpose, through which a tool - for example a screwdriver - can be inserted, in order to safely and easily enable a lever arm for twisting the alignment contour section and thus for sufficiently moving the second locking projection away.

[0015] The carrier body can preferably extend essentially in one plane. This allows for an overall compact or flat but effective design of the mounting adapter.

[0016] The first connection direction is preferably inclined relative to the extension plane. In this way, the extension plane or the mounting adapter, when the mounting adapter is attached via the first snap-on connection structure, is also inclined relative to the top-hat rail, which can, for example, improve accessibility to the connection terminals. For example, when using connection terminals with a release lever, the extension plane can be inclined such that the connection terminals or their release levers are provided further or better exposed, thus significantly simplifying operation for an installer.

[0017] The first connection direction and / or the second connection direction can be oriented substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. Thus, the mounting adapter can be easily, effectively, and intuitively attached to a corresponding top-hat rail using the first snap-on connection structure or the second snap-on connection structure, respectively, by simply and preferably vertically plugging it into the mounting adapter.

[0018] The receiving seat can preferably have a base section for attaching the connecting terminals. This ensures a secure fit of the connecting terminals on the mounting adapter.

[0019] The receiving seat can preferably have two locking sections, each extending parallel to the longitudinal axis and defining a mounting space between them for the locking reception of the connection terminals. The two locking sections can provide a simple yet effective structure for the locking reception of the connection terminals. This increases the ease of installation of the mounting adapter.

[0020] The locking sections preferably extend away from the base section (preferably in the same direction relative to the base section and particularly preferably parallel to each other) to define the mounting space together with the base section. This provides a secure and stable receptacle for the connection terminals.

[0021] The locking sections can preferably each have at least one or more locking structures extending parallel to the longitudinal axis and projecting toward the mounting space for lockingly receiving the connecting terminals. Thus, a simple but effective locking structure can also be provided for the connecting terminals.

[0022] The mounting adapter is preferably designed as an integral component, and particularly preferably as a one-piece integral component—e.g., a plastic part. For example, the mounting adapter can be manufactured as an integral plastic injection-molded part. This makes the mounting adapter easy to manufacture and easy to handle. Furthermore, if the mounting adapter is made of plastic, it is also electrically insulating.

[0023] According to a further aspect, the present invention further relates to a fastening adapter system comprising a fastening adapter according to the invention and at least one connecting terminal that is received or can be received in the receiving seat. In this way, a fastening adapter system comprising the above-described fastening adapter can be provided, which supports the corresponding connecting terminals and to which the advantages already described above also apply.

[0024] Preferably, if the receiving seat has the two locking sections, the connecting terminal can accordingly have two opposing counter-locking structures, wherein the connecting terminal is then arranged or can be arranged in the fastening space between the locking sections such that each of the counter-locking structures is or can be connected in a locking manner to one of the locking sections—preferably at opposite ends of the connecting terminal. Thus, an overall simple but effective structure for the locking reception of the connecting terminals in the fastening adapter or its receiving seat can be provided.

[0025] The locking connection can be such that the connecting terminal is displaceable parallel to the longitudinal axis or the locking connection allows such a displacement of the connecting terminals parallel to the longitudinal axis. In this way, the position of the connecting terminals in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis - thus preferably along a juxtaposition direction of the connecting terminals, which can preferably be arranged or arranged next to one another in a row, in the receiving seat - can be varied as desired in order to be optimally aligned or arranged according to the given conditions. It is conceivable that the connecting terminals, with the corresponding locking connection, can assume defined locking positions along the longitudinal axis via the locking sections and counter-locking structures in order to be able to position the connecting terminal in a defined manner along the longitudinal axis; this is particularly true if the receiving seat is not completely occupied with connecting terminals.

[0026] The mounting adapter system can preferably comprise a plurality of connection terminals that can be accommodated or accommodated in the receiving seat in a row along the longitudinal axis. Thus, the mounting adapter can be equipped with a corresponding number of connection terminals as required, thus adapting it to the requirements as needed.

[0027] The multiple terminals can preferably all have the same or at least partially different number of poles. For example, it is conceivable for all terminals to have the same number of poles—for example, three poles. Terminals with different numbers of poles—for example, some terminals with three poles, others with five / seven / nine / etc. poles, and the like—can also be provided, in order to equip the mounting adapter with the desired terminals as needed.

[0028] According to a further aspect, the present invention further relates to a kit comprising a fastening adapter according to the invention or a fastening adapter system according to the invention, as already described above, as well as (at least) a first top-hat rail and (at least) a second top-hat rail. The fastening adapter can then optionally be connected to the first top-hat rail in a snap-in manner using the first snap-in connection structure or to the second top-hat rail in a snap-in manner using the second snap-in connection structure. Consequently, by means of such a kit, a corresponding fastening adapter and, with it, preferably also corresponding connection terminals, can be provided as required and depending on the given spatial conditions, either transversely / perpendicularly or longitudinally / parallel to the longitudinal axis; for example, for equipping an electrical distributor having the first and / or second top-hat rail.

[0029] The first top-hat rail can preferably have a first base section extending longitudinally along a first longitudinal axis and, on both sides of the first longitudinal axis, first wing sections extending in a wing-like manner, preferably mirror-symmetrically with respect to the first longitudinal axis, away from the first base section and parallel to the first longitudinal axis. This preferably allows the use of standard top-hat rails and thus common components. The first distal wing ends of the wing sections are configured accordingly for a latching connection to the first snap-in connection structure.

[0030] In the same way, the second top-hat rail can also have a second base section extending longitudinally along a second longitudinal axis and second wing sections on both sides of the second longitudinal axis, extending in a wing-like manner and preferably mirror-symmetrically with respect to the second longitudinal axis away from the second base section and parallel to the second longitudinal axis, whereby the second top-hat rail can also preferably be provided in accordance with standards. The second distal wing ends of the second wing sections are then preferably designed accordingly for a locking connection to the second snap-in connection structure.

[0031] Further advantages, features, and embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to the figures of the accompanying drawings. They show: Fig. 1 a perspective view of a fastening adapter according to the invention with several connection terminals for forming a fastening adapter system according to the invention, here connected to or snapped onto a first top-hat rail via the first snap connection structure, Fig. 2 a perspective view of the fastening adapter or fastening adapter system from Fig. 1 here connected to or snapped onto a second top hat rail via the second snap connection structure, Fig. 3 a perspective view of the mounting adapter according to Fig. 1 , Fig. 4 a longitudinal view of the mounting adapter according to Fig. 3 seen in direction IV, Fig. 5 a top view of the mounting adapter according to Fig. 3 seen in direction V, Fig. 6 a front view of the mounting adapter according to Fig. 3 seen in direction VI, Fig. 7 the longitudinal view of the mounting adapter according to Fig. 4equipped with connection terminals to form the mounting adapter system according to Fig. 1 , Fig. 8 a top view of the fastening adapter system according to Fig. 7 according to the top view according to Fig. 5 , Fig. 9 a front view of the fastening adapter system according to Fig. 7 according to the frontal view according to Fig. 6 , Fig. 10 an exploded view of the fastening adapter system according to Fig. 7 , Fig. 11 a perspective view in partial exploded view of the fastening adapter system including the first top-hat rail according to Fig. 1 , Fig. 12 a front view (seen in the direction of the first longitudinal axis of the first top-hat rail) of the components according to Fig. 11 , Fig. 13 a perspective view of the components according to Fig. 11 during an installation step, Fig. 14 a front view of the components during the installation step according to Fig. 13 , Fig. 15 a perspective view of the components according to Fig. 1, Fig. 16 a front view of the components according to Fig. 15 , Fig. 17 a front view in section of the components according to Fig. 16 , Fig. 18 a perspective view of the components according to Fig. 15 with a release tool for releasing the locking fastening of the first snap connection structure, Fig. 19 a perspective view in exploded view of the fastening adapter system including the second top-hat rail according to Fig. 2 , Fig. 20 a front view (seen in the direction of the second longitudinal axis of the second top-hat rail) of the components according to Fig. 19 , Fig. 21 a perspective view of the components according to Fig. 2 with a release tool for releasing the locking fastening of the second snap connection structure, Fig. 22 a front view in section of the components according to Fig. 21 , Fig. 23 a perspective view of the components according to Fig. 2 and 21with a release tool for releasing the locking connection terminals, Fig. 24 a front view of the components according to Fig. 2 Seen in direction XXIV, Fig. 25 a partially exploded view of an electrical distributor including the second top-hat rail and fastening adapter system according to Fig. 2 , Fig. 26the components according to Fig. 25 in perspective view and installed state, Fig. 27 the components according to Fig. 26 in perspective view with a release tool for releasing the locking fastening of the second snap connection structure according to the illustration according to Fig. 21 , Fig. 28the perspective view of the components according to Fig. 26 with a release tool to release one of the terminals, comparable to the Fig. 23, Fig. 29 an alternative fastening situation for fastening the fastening adapter or fastening adapter system according to the invention in an electrical distributor (also without a top-hat rail provided therein), and Fig. 30 a perspective view of the components according to Fig. 29 when installed.

[0032] The figures show a fastening adapter 1 and a fastening adapter system S equipped therewith according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figures 3-6 the fastening adapter 1 alone, while in the other figures the fastening adapter 1 is shown together with at least one - and here several (e.g. five) - connection terminals 10 to form a corresponding fastening adapter system S.

[0033] The mounting adapter 1 serves to accommodate several connection terminals 10, as shown in all figures - with the exception of the Figures 3-6- are shown. In particular, the mounting adapter 1 serves to accommodate the several connection terminals 10 in (e.g. here a) row next to each other, as can be seen for example from the Figures 1 and 2 is evident.

[0034] The connecting terminals 10 are provided with an actuating lever 13, by means of which an associated conductor terminal of the corresponding pole can be selectively opened in order to connect or remove an electrical conductor. The electrical conductor can be inserted into the conductor terminal via a conductor insertion channel 14. In principle, other types of connecting terminals 10 are also conceivable, which have no or other mechanisms for selectively opening the conductor terminal(s). For example, spring-loaded terminals can be provided in the connecting terminals 10, as are used, for example, in Fig. 24are indicated. The present invention is not limited to any particular embodiment or type of terminal 10.

[0035] The mounting adapter 1 is also used for mounting on a top hat rail 100, 200, as used for example in the Figures 1, 2 , and 11-25 are shown. The attachment of the mounting adapter 1 to the corresponding DIN rails 100, 200 is described in more detail below. DIN rails 100, 200 are generally standardized components for the mechanical attachment of components in electrical distribution boards (distribution boxes).

[0036] The mounting adapter 1 can, as in particular the Figures 3-6can be seen, preferably as an integral and particularly preferably as a one-piece integral component. In the exemplary embodiment shown here, the fastening adapter 1 is designed as a one-piece integral plastic part - for example, as a plastic injection-molded part.

[0037] The fastening adapter 1 has a carrier body 2 extending longitudinally along a longitudinal axis L, as shown in all figures. As can be seen in particular from the Figures 3-6 As can be seen, the carrier body 2 can preferably extend substantially in an extension plane P.

[0038] The carrier body 2 has a receiving seat 3 for receiving several connection terminals 10, as can be seen in particular from the Figures 3-5 , 10 , 25 , 29 and 30 is evident.

[0039] The receiving seat 3 may preferably have a bottom section 30 for placing the connection terminals 10, as can be seen, for example, from the Figures 3-6 , 10 , 25 , 29 and 30 is clearly visible.

[0040] The receiving seat 3 can have two locking sections 31, 32, which each extend parallel to the longitudinal axis L and between them delimit a fastening space 33 for the locking reception of the connection terminals 10, such as in particular the Figures 3 , 5 , 10 , 25 , 29 and 30 can be seen.

[0041] The locking sections 31, 32 preferably extend away from the base section 30 - here in the same direction starting from the base section 30 and preferably parallel to each other - in order to delimit the fastening space 33 together with the base section 30, as can also be seen from the aforementioned figures.

[0042] The locking sections 31, 32 preferably each have at least one or more locking structures 34, 35 extending parallel to the longitudinal axis L and projecting toward the fastening space 33 for the locking reception of the connection terminals 10, as can also be seen from the aforementioned figures. In particular with reference to the Figures 3 and 5 It can be seen that the mounting adapter 1 shown here is shown as an example on a (rear) side (in Fig. 3 left; in Fig. 5 above) six locking structures 34 and on one (front) side (in Fig. 3 right; in Fig. 5 below) has fifteen locking structures 35, wherein the number of locking structures 34, 35 is not limited by the present invention.

[0043] The fastening adapter further comprises a first snap connection structure 4, as shown in particular in the Figures 1-3 , 11-18 and 23can be seen. The first snap-in connection structure 4 serves for the locking fastening of the carrier body 2 to the first top-hat rail 100 in a first connection direction C1; this is oriented with the longitudinal axis L transversely - here preferably perpendicularly - to a first longitudinal extension axis L 100 of the first top-hat rail 100.

[0044] The first connection direction C1 can preferably be oriented substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L, as can be seen, for example, from the synopsis of the Figures 11 and 12 is evident.

[0045] The first connection direction C1 can preferably be inclined with respect to the extension plane P, as can be seen, for example, from the Figures 1 , 15 and 18 is visible in order to improve accessibility to the connection terminals 10 provided thereon.

[0046] As in particular the Figures 12 , 14 , 16, 17 and 23As can be seen, the first snap connection structure 4 can have two first locking projections 40 directed towards one another in order to define a first receiving space 41 therebetween for the locking reception of the first top-hat rail 100.

[0047] The two first locking projections 40 can be provided so as to be elastically movable relative to each other in order to selectively expose a first insertion space E1 for the first top-hat rail 100 in the direction of the first connection direction C1, as can be seen, for example, from the synopsis of the Figures 14 and 16 is evident.

[0048] The first snap connection structure 4 can, as well as the Figures 11-18 and 23can be seen, have an alignment contour section 42 in the first receiving space 41. This then preferably extends between the two first locking projections 40 in order to delimit, together with the first locking projections 40, a clamping space 43 for the first top-hat rail 100; this preferably for clamping the top-hat rail 100, as can be seen, for example, from the Figures 16 and 17 is evident.

[0049] The fastening adapter 1 further comprises a second snap connection structure 5, as shown in particular in Fig. 6 , 9 , 20 , 22 and 24 The second snap-in connection structure 5 serves to latch the carrier body 2 to the second top-hat rail 200 in a second connection direction C2; this is oriented with the longitudinal axis L parallel to a second longitudinal extension axis L 200 of the second top-hat rail 200.

[0050] The second connection direction C2 can be oriented substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L, as can be seen, for example, from the synopsis of the Figures 19 and 20 is evident.

[0051] The second snap connection structure 5 can preferably have two second locking projections 50a, 50b directed towards each other in order to define a second receiving space 51 therebetween for the locking reception of the second top-hat rail 200. This is clearly shown, for example, in the Figures 22 and 24 shown.

[0052] The alignment contour section 42 can preferably have one of the two second locking projections 50a, as is the case, for example, with the Figures 20 and 22-24 In this case, the carrier body 2 can preferably have the other of the two second locking projections 50b, as can be seen, for example, from the Figures 6 , 9 , 20 , 22 and 24 is evident.

[0053] The two second locking projections 50a, 50b can preferably be provided so as to be elastically movable relative to each other in order to selectively expose a second insertion space E2 for the second top-hat rail 200 in the direction of the second connection direction C2, as can be seen, for example, from the synopsis of the Figures 23 and 24 is evident.

[0054] The alignment contour section 42 can preferably be provided so as to be elastically twistable—here, for example, on the carrier body 2—in order to selectively move the second locking projection 50a provided on the alignment contour section 42 away from the other second locking projection 50b by elastically twisting the alignment contour section 42—here, for example, relative to the carrier body 2. Thus, a secure locking connection can be provided by means of the second snap connection structure 5, while this can be easily released using a simple tool W (here, for example, a simple slotted screwdriver or voltage tester) to increase the leverage. For this purpose, the alignment contour section 42 can have a recess 44 for securely receiving the tool W and thus for securely transmitting the leverage required for elastic twisting.

[0055] The second snap connection structure 5 can, like the Figures 6 , 9 ,20 , 22 and 24 can be seen, have a further (second) alignment contour section 52 in the second receiving space 51. This extends - seen in the direction of the longitudinal axis L 200 - here, for example, away from the carrier body 2, in order to be easily and securely inserted into the second top-hat rail 200 when the fastening adapter 1 is fastened to the second top-hat rail 200 by means of the second snap connection structure 5, as can be seen, for example, from the synopsis of the Figures 20 and 24 is evident.

[0056] In particular with reference to all figures - with the exception of the Figures 3-6- a fastening adapter system S according to the invention is shown, which, in addition to the previously described fastening adapter 1, further comprises at least one connection terminal 10, which can be received or is received in the receiving seat 3. The fastening adapter system S can preferably have a plurality of the connection terminals 10, which here can be received or are received in the receiving seat 3, preferably in a row next to one another along the longitudinal axis L. The plurality of connection terminals 10 can all have the same number of poles (as shown) or at least partially different numbers of poles. In the exemplary embodiment shown here, all connection terminals 10 have the same number of poles - namely three poles.

[0057] Preferably, the terminal 10 can have two opposing counter-locking structures 11, 12. The terminal 10 can then be arranged or can be arranged in the fastening space 33 between the locking sections 31, 32 such that each of the counter-locking structures 11, 12 is or can be brought into a locking connection with one of the locking sections 31, 32. This is shown, for example, in the partially exploded view of the Fig. 25 clearly visible.

[0058] The locking connection can then preferably be such that the connecting terminal 10 or the connecting terminals 10 are arranged displaceably parallel to the longitudinal axis L, as can be seen, for example, from the Figures 20 and 30 can be derived.

[0059] The present invention further relates to a kit which, in addition to the fastening adapter 1 according to the invention or the fastening adapter system S according to the invention, further comprises a or the first top-hat rail 100 and a or the second top-hat rail 200. The fastening adapter 1 can optionally be connected to the first top-hat rail 100 in a snap-in manner by means of the first snap-in connection structure 4, or the fastening adapter 1 can be connected to the second top-hat rail 200 in a snap-in manner by means of the second snap-in connection structure 5. This is apparent, for example, from the synopsis of the Figures 1 and 2 Depending on the desired or existing installation situation, the mounting adapter 1 or the mounting adapter system S can be attached to or with the corresponding DIN rail 100, 200 as required.

[0060] As in particular the Fig. 12As can be seen, the first top-hat rail 100 can have a first base section 101 extending longitudinally along a first longitudinal axis L 100 and first wing sections 102 on both sides of the first longitudinal axis L 100, which extend in a wing-like manner and preferably mirror-symmetrically with respect to the first longitudinal axis L 100 away from the first base section 101 and parallel to the first longitudinal axis L 100. The first wing sections 102 or their (first) distal wing ends 103 are preferably designed accordingly for a latching connection with the first snap connection structure 4, as can be seen, for example, from the Figures 16 and 17 is evident.

[0061] With reference to the Fig. 20Accordingly, the second top-hat rail 200 can also have a second base section 201 extending longitudinally along a second longitudinal axis L 200 and second wing sections 202 extending wing-like on both sides of the second longitudinal axis L 200 and preferably mirror-symmetrically with respect to the second longitudinal axis L 200 away from the second base section 201 and parallel to the second longitudinal axis L 200. The second wing sections 202 or their (second) distal wing ends 203 are preferably designed accordingly for a latching connection with the second snap connection structure 5, as can be seen, for example, from the Figures 22 and 24 is evident.

[0062] The Figures 25 to 30 show an example of an electrical distributor V. In the Figures 25 to 28This is equipped with a second top-hat rail 200. The electrical distributor V can alternatively or additionally be equipped with a first top-hat rail 100. Fig. 25 shows the components before the locking fastening via the second snap connection structure 5. Figure 26 then shows the components in the locking fastening. Figure 27 shows the use of a tool W for releasing the locking fastening; here by elastically twisting the alignment contour section 42 to move the one second locking projection 50a away from the other second locking projection 50b to expose the second insertion space E2. Fig. 28 shows the connected state as in Fig. 26 , wherein a tool W is attached here for releasing one of the connecting terminals 10 from the receiving seat 3. For this purpose, a free space F between the several locking sections 32 can be used.

[0063] Figures 29 and 30show one possibility for the fastening adapter 1 or the fastening adapter system S to be securely installed, if required, even without a top-hat rail 100, 200 - here, for example, in an electrical distributor V. For this purpose, the fastening adapter 1 - or here its carrier body 2 - can have structural sections 20, which can be used to fasten the fastening adapter 1 if required. In the exemplary embodiment shown here, the structural sections 20 are through-openings for the passage of fastening means (here screws) 300, with which the fastening adapter 1 can be fastened to the electrical distributor V. In principle, other structural sections 20 are also conceivable, which preferably enable a force-fitting and / or form-fitting connection or type of connection.

[0064] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, as long as it is encompassed by the subject matter of the following claims.

Claims

1. Fastening adapter (1) for receiving a plurality of connection terminals (10) and fastening to a top-hat rail (100, 200), wherein the fastening adapter (1) comprises: a carrier body (2) extending longitudinally along a longitudinal axis (L), which has a receiving seat (3) for receiving a plurality of connection terminals (10), a first snap-in connection structure (4) for connecting the carrier body (2) in a first connection direction (C1) with the longitudinal axis (L) transversely to a first longitudinal extension axis (L 100 ) of a first top-hat rail (100) oriented to the first top-hat rail (100), and a second snap-connection structure (5) to fasten the carrier body (2) in a second connection direction (C2) with the longitudinal axis (L) parallel to a second longitudinal extension axis (L 200 ) of a second top-hat rail (200) oriented to the second top-hat rail (200) in a snap-in manner.

2. Fastening adapter (1) according to claim 1, wherein the first snap connection structure (4) has two first locking projections (40) directed towards one another in order to delimit a first receiving space (41) for the locking reception of the first top-hat rail (100), wherein preferably the two first locking projections (40) are provided so as to be elastically movable away from one another relative to one another in order to selectively expose a first insertion space (E1) for the first top-hat rail (100) in the direction of the first connection direction (C1).

3. Fastening adapter (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the first snap connection structure (4) in the first receiving space (41) has an alignment contour section (42) which extends between the two first locking projections (40) in such a way as to delimit, together with the first locking projections (40), a clamping space (43) for the first top-hat rail (100).

4. Fastening adapter (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the second snap connection structure (5) has two second locking projections (50a, 50b) directed towards one another in order to delimit a second receiving space (51) for the locking reception of the second top-hat rail (200), wherein preferably the two second locking projections (50a, 50b) are provided so as to be elastically movable away from one another relative to one another in order to selectively expose a second insertion space (E2) for the second top-hat rail (200) in the direction of the second connection direction (C2).

5. Fastening adapter (1) according to the two preceding claims, wherein the alignment contour section (42) has one of the two second locking projections (50a).

6. Fastening adapter (1) according to the two preceding claims, wherein the alignment contour section (42) is provided so as to be elastically twistable in order to selectively move the second locking projection (50a) provided on the alignment contour section (42) away from the other second locking projection (50b) by elastically twisting the alignment contour section (42).

7. Fastening adapter (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the carrier body (2) extends substantially in an extension plane (P), wherein preferably the first connection direction (C1) is inclined with respect to the extension plane (P).

8. Fastening adapter (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first connection direction (C1) and / or the second connection direction (C2) is / are oriented substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (L).

9. Fastening adapter (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the receiving seat (3) has a base section (30) for placing the connection terminals (10) and / or wherein the receiving seat (3) has two locking sections (31, 32), which each extend parallel to the longitudinal axis (L) and delimit a fastening space (33) between them for the locking reception of the connection terminals (10), wherein preferably, if present in each case, the locking sections (31, 32) extend away from the base section (30) in order to delimit the fastening space (33) together with the base section (30), wherein preferably, if present, the locking sections (31, 32) each have at least one or more locking structures (34, 35) extending parallel to the longitudinal axis (L) and projecting towards the fastening space (33) for the locking reception of the connection terminals (10).

10. Fastening adapter (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the fastening adapter (1) is formed as a one-piece integral plastic part.

11. Fastening adapter system (S) with a fastening adapter (1) according to one of the preceding claims and at least one connection terminal (10) which can be received in the receiving seat (3).

12. Fastening adapter system (S) according to claim 11 with a fastening adapter (1) according to claim 9, wherein the connection terminal (10) has two opposing counter-locking structures (11, 12), and wherein the connection terminal (10) is arranged in the fastening space (33) between the locking sections (31, 32) such that each of the counter-locking structures (11, 12) is in a locking connection with one of the locking sections 31, 32), wherein the locking connection is preferably such that the connection terminal (10) is displaceable parallel to the longitudinal axis (L).

13. Fastening adapter system (S) according to one of the two preceding claims, further comprising a plurality of the connecting terminals (10) which can be received in series next to one another in the receiving seat (3) along the longitudinal axis (L), wherein preferably the plurality of connecting terminals (10) all have the same or at least partially different numbers of poles.

14. Kit comprising: • a fastening adapter (1) according to one of claims 1 to 10 or a fastening adapter system (S) according to one of claims 11 to 13, • a first top hat rail (100), and • a second top hat rail (200), wherein the fastening adapter (1) is optionally • either connected to the first top hat rail (100) in a snap-in manner by means of the first snap-in connection structure (4), • or connected to the second top hat rail (200) in a snap-in manner by means of the second snap-in connection structure (5).

15. Kit according to the preceding claim, wherein the first top-hat rail (100) has a first longitudinal axis (L 100 ) longitudinally extending first base section (101) and on both sides of the first longitudinal axis (L 100 ) wing-like and preferably with respect to the first longitudinal axis (L 100 ) mirror-symmetrically away from the first base section (101) and parallel to the first longitudinal axis (L 100 ) extending first wing sections (102), and / or wherein the second top-hat rail (200) has a first wing section (102) extending along a second longitudinal axis (L 200 ) longitudinally extending second base section (201) and on both sides of the second longitudinal axis (L 200 ) wing-like and preferably with respect to the second longitudinal axis (L 200 ) mirror-symmetrically away from the second base section (201) and parallel to the second longitudinal axis (L 200) extending second wing sections (202).

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