Conductor connection terminal
Patent Information
- Application Number
- JP2024516366
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2021-09-15
- Filing Date
- 2022-09-09
- Publication Date
- 2025-09-10
AI Technical Summary
Existing conductor connection terminals lack sufficient functionality and expandability, limiting their ability to form stable and direction-independent connections with other components.
The conductor connection terminal features complementary form-fitting elements, such as protrusions and recesses with dovetail or T-shaped cross-sections, allowing for stable and direction-independent attachment of multiple terminals and components, with additional fixing elements for secure mounting.
Enables stable, efficient, and versatile connections of conductor terminals and other parts, facilitating easy assembly and secure attachment without reducing internal space, while allowing for expansion and alignment independence.
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Abstract
Description
[Technical field]
[0001] The present invention relates to a conductor connection terminal having a conductor terminal connection part arranged in a housing, the housing having a first end face formed as a conductor insertion surface having at least one conductor insertion opening, a second end face opposite the first end face, and a first side face interconnecting the first and second end faces, the housing further having a bottom face interconnecting both end faces and both longitudinal faces, and a top face opposite the bottom face. [Background technology]
[0002] DE 4003701 A1 discloses a connection terminal consisting of two individual post terminals assembled by means of interlocking linear dovetail guides which run along a side wall of the housing of the connection terminal in a direction transverse to the conductor insertion direction. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]
[0003] The object of the present invention is to provide a conductor connection terminal which is improved as far as possible and a conductor connection terminal arrangement formed therewith which has as extended a functionality as possible. [Means for solving the problem]
[0004] This problem is solved by a conductor connection terminal having the features of claim 1 or by a conductor connection terminal device having the features of claim 12. Advantageous variants are described in claims 2 to 11 and claims 13 and 14. Exemplary embodiments are shown in the figures.
[0005] In a conductor connection terminal having a conductor terminal connection part arranged in a housing, the housing has a first end face formed as a conductor insertion surface having at least one conductor insertion opening and a second end face opposite the first end face, as well as a first side face and a second side face opposite the first side face connecting the first and second end faces to each other, as well as a bottom face connecting both end faces and both side faces to each other and a top face opposite the bottom face, wherein the invention proposes that at least on the first side face a first form-fitting element and a second form-fitting element spaced apart from the first form-fitting element are arranged, both form-fitting elements having two different contours which are formed complementarily to each other, i.e. the form-fitting elements are formed relative to each other in such a way that they have complementary contours which can come into contact with each other in a form-fitting manner.
[0006] In a preferred embodiment, both form-fitting elements are adapted to interact with at least one complementary first form-fitting element and at least one complementary second form-fitting element of at least one second conductor connection terminal. This embodiment provides an advantageously stable form-fitting connection, with which at least one further second conductor connection terminal or other part, for example a fixing element, can be simply connected to the conductor connection terminal. For this purpose, the second conductor connection terminal or other part has a form-fitting element complementary to the conductor connection terminal. The different design allows the further second conductor connection terminal or other part to be connected in the correct position.
[0007] In a preferred embodiment, the form-fitting elements extend transversely to the longitudinal direction of the side faces extending between the end faces, and are preferably oriented at least approximately perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, so that, for example, conductor tensile forces can be advantageously absorbed by the form-fitting connection.
[0008] In a preferred embodiment, the first form-fitting element is formed as a protrusion protruding from the side surface, and the second form-fitting element is formed as a recess complementary to the protrusion. The recess thus matches the protrusion to produce a form-fit. In this respect, it is preferred that the protrusion has a T-shaped or dovetail-shaped cross-sectional profile, and the recess has a complementary T-shaped or dovetail-shaped cross-sectional profile. Thus, in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the side surface, there is an undercut that is used for the form-fitting. Advantageously, this also ensures a form-fit in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the side surface. The different design of the two form-fitting elements also allows for a direction-independent mounting of the two conductor connection terminals relative to each other.
[0009] In a preferred embodiment, a fastening part for fastening the conductor connection terminal is arranged between the first and second form-fitting elements. The fastening part is used to fasten the conductor connection terminal, for example, to a mounting plate, a support rail or the like. Preferably, an independent fastening element, for example an engagement leg, can be arranged on the fastening part. In an advantageous embodiment, the fastening part is formed as a groove-like recess. The recess is preferably formed trough-like, i.e. semicircular or semicylindrical. The recess extends transversely to the longitudinal direction of the side surface, preferably over the entire height or only over a portion of the height. The recess does not have to be formed uniformly, but may also have a protrusion or the like. Instead, the fastening part may simply be formed as a limited recess, for example a hole-like engagement receptacle.
[0010] In a preferred embodiment, a third and a fourth form-fitting element are arranged on the second side, the third form-fitting element being arranged point-symmetrically to the first form-fitting element and the fourth form-fitting element being arranged point-symmetrically to the second form-fitting element, in particular point-symmetrically, with respect to an axis of symmetry oriented transversely to the longitudinal direction of the conductor connection terminal and parallel to the side. It is preferred that the first and third form-fitting elements on the one hand and the second and fourth form-fitting elements on the other hand have the same cross-sectional contour. This form of design allows further conductor connection terminals or other components, for example fastening elements, to be connected on both sides of the conductor connection terminal. In this respect, it is advantageous that the point-symmetric arrangement of the variously formed form of form-fitting elements allows for an orientation-independent attachment of the conductor connection terminals to one another. This is particularly advantageous when the conductor connection terminal has conductor insertion openings on both opposite end faces.
[0011] In a preferred embodiment, the recess is formed by two raised, spaced apart projections arranged on the side, so that the recess does not extend into the interior space of the housing, but is formed on the side, which advantageously does not reduce the interior space.
[0012] In a preferred embodiment, the side is provided with a stop that limits the insertion of the protrusion into the recess, which allows the user to easily mount the two conductor connection terminals or other components in a defined final position. Advantageously, in this final position, the bottom surfaces of both respective conductor connection terminals form a common plane, i.e. are located in a common plane, which may form a common mounting surface.
[0013] In an advantageous embodiment, the protrusions at least partially extend toward one another in a wedge-shaped manner and / or the protrusions are at least partially formed in a wedge-shaped manner. Such an embodiment allows for a simplified installation for the user, since the protrusions can be more easily screwed or inserted into the recesses. It is therefore advantageous if this at least partially wedge-shaped extension is present at least in the insertion section. The protrusions and the wedge-shaped extension of the protrusions can also serve to form a stop for limiting the insertion depth.
[0014] A further aspect of the invention is a conductor connection terminal device with a first conductor connection terminal and a second conductor connection terminal, which are connected to each other by a first form-fitting element of the first conductor connection terminal engaging with a second form-fitting element of the second conductor connection terminal, which is complementary to the first form-fitting element, and a second form-fitting element of the first conductor connection terminal engaging with a first form-fitting element of the second conductor connection terminal, which is complementary to the second form-fitting element. That is to say, a particularly stable form-fitting connection occurs in a continuous alignment direction of the conductor connection terminals, which alignment direction is determined by a substantially perpendicular line to the side surface. In one variant, it is advantageous if the first and second form-fitting elements on the respective sides of the conductor connection terminal are formed differently, so that the conductor connection terminals can be attached and connected to each other in a direction-independent manner.
[0015] In an advantageous embodiment, the fastening element of the first conductor connection terminal, preferably configured as a groove-like recess, and the fastening element of the second conductor connection terminal, configured as a groove-like recess, are located on opposite sides and form a circumferential receptacle, which is at least approximately closed, in which case an elongated gap may remain in the region where the lateral faces of the conductor connection terminals adjoin, but does not have to remain. Advantageously, the circumferential receptacle is suitable for receiving, for example, an engagement leg, a screw or a sign support.
[0016] In an advantageous embodiment, more than two conductor connection terminals may be aligned, thereby advantageously forming a conductor connection terminal row. In the sense of the present invention, the indefinite concept "one" should not be understood as a numeral, i.e., when referring to, for example, one part, this should be interpreted as meaning "at least one part". When angle indications are made in degrees, these angle indications are relative to the scale of a circle of 360 degrees (360°).
[0017] In the following, the invention is explained in more detail on the basis of an exemplary embodiment shown in the drawing. [Brief description of the drawings]
[0018] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a three-dimensional view of the conductor connection terminal in the first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 13 shows a conductor connecting terminal device with first and second conductor connecting terminals in a second embodiment with engagement legs. [Diagram 3] 3 is a plan view of the conductor connection terminal device of FIG. 2. [Figure 4] 4 is a diagram showing the conductor connection terminal device of FIG. 3 together with a partial cross-section X. FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of a partial cross section X of FIG. [Figure 6] 4 is a cross-sectional view of the conductor connection terminal device taken along the line AA in FIG. 3. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 shows a conductor connection terminal device with first and second conductor connection terminals in a second embodiment with a sign support. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0019] In Fig. 1, a first embodiment of a conductor connection terminal 1 is shown. The conductor connection terminal 1 has a housing 2 with a first end face 3 and a second end face 4 opposite (in other words facing) the first end face 3. Both end faces 3, 4 are interconnected via a first side face 5 and a second side face 6 opposite the first side face 5. The housing 2 further has a bottom face 7 and a top face 8, the top face 8 being on the opposite side to the bottom face 7. The bottom face 7 and the top face 8 interconnect both end faces 3, 4 and both side faces 5, 6. The extension from the first end face 3 to the second end face 4 or vice versa defines a longitudinal direction L of the conductor connection terminal 1.
[0020] At least one conductor insertion opening 9 is arranged on each of the first and second end faces 3, 4, through which a conductor (not shown) can be inserted into a conductor connection part (not shown in more detail) arranged in the housing 2 of the conductor connection terminal 1. Each conductor connection part is constructed, for example, as a spring clamp terminal with a flexible clamp spring, which clamp spring, or each of the clamp springs, can be actuated by an operating lever 10 arranged, for example, on the top face 8 of the housing 2.
[0021] As shown in FIG. 1, two form-fitting elements 11, 12 can further be seen on the first side 5, the first form-fitting element 11 being formed as a protrusion 111. The second form-fitting element 12 has a recess 121. The recess 121 can be formed, for example, by two protruding pieces 15 protruding from the first side 5. Both form-fitting elements are formed complementarily to one another. The form-fitting elements 11, 12 extend in a height direction H oriented substantially perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction L. The form-fitting elements 11, 12 do not extend over the entire height H1 of the side 5, but only over a portion of the height H1. In this respect, the form-fitting elements 11, 12 are spaced apart, for example, with respect to the lower side 7 and with respect to the upper side 8. In this embodiment, it is advantageous that the mounting distance, or displacement distance, between the conductor connection terminal 1 and the further conductor connection terminal can be kept relatively short.
[0022] In addition to this, a fixing element 16 is arranged between the first form-fitting element 11 and the second form-fitting element 12, which is formed, for example, as a groove-like recess. The second side surface 6, which is not visible, is provided with a form-fitting element 13 formed as a protrusion 131, which is also not visible, and a fourth form-fitting element 14 formed as a recess 141. The third form-fitting element 13 is likewise formed complementarily to the fourth form-fitting element 14. In this respect, the first form-fitting element 11 is preferably arranged point-symmetrically to the third form-fitting element 13 with respect to an axis of symmetry S, which is oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L and parallel to the side surfaces 5, 6. Furthermore, the second form-fitting element 12 is arranged point-symmetrically to the fourth form-fitting element 14 with respect to the axis of symmetry S. At a distance from the protrusions 111, 131, a boundary wall 17 is provided, which together with the protrusions 111, 131 form a further recess 18 suitable for receiving a protruding piece 15 of a further conductor connection terminal. By means of this boundary wall 17, a lateral boundary of the recess 18 can be achieved in a simple manner and without increased costs.
[0023] In addition to this, a further fastening element 19 is arranged on the second side 6 between the third form-fitting element 13 and the fourth form-fitting element 14, which is formed, for example, as a groove-like recess. The underside 7 of the housing 2 can preferably be made flat and advantageously serves for resting on a mounting surface (not shown). It is also conceivable to provide the underside with recesses or engaging hooks so that the conductor connection terminal 1 can be fixed to the mounting surface.
[0024] 2 to 5 show an embodiment of a conductor connection terminal device according to the invention with a first conductor connection terminal 1 and a second conductor connection terminal 1', which may be formed substantially identically. In particular, both conductor connection terminals 1, 1' have a first, second, third and fourth form-fitting element 11, 12, 13, 14, respectively. In this respect, the first form-fitting element 11 of the first conductor connection terminal 1 interacts with a fourth form-fitting element 14' of the second conductor connection terminal 1' which is complementary thereto, in particular the form-fitting elements 11, 14' are connected to each other in a form-fitting manner. The second form-fitting element 12 of the first conductor connection terminal 1 interacts with a third form-fitting element 13' of the second conductor connection terminal 1' which is complementary thereto, in particular the form-fitting elements 11, 14' are connected to each other in a form-fitting manner. The first and second conductor connection terminals 1, 1' are connected to each other by inserting the form-fitting elements 11, 14', 12, 13' into each other in the height direction H, so that the first and second conductor connection terminals 1, 1' are connected to each other in a form-fitting manner in an alignment direction A oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L and perpendicular to the height direction H (perpendicular to the plane of the side faces 5, 6). In this case, both conductor connection terminals 1, 1' preferably form a common resting surface with their undersides 7, 7'. This can be achieved, for example, in that one or both side faces 5, 6 are provided with stops 28, 29 which limit the insertion of the projections 111, 131 into the recesses 121, 141. As stops, for example, two complementary projections 28, 29 are provided which protrude from the side faces 5, 6, each of which is provided with a stop surface perpendicular to the height direction H and aligned with one another.
[0025] 2 further shows that the fixing elements 16', 19 of the first conductor connection terminal 1 and the second conductor connection terminal 1', which are respectively formed as groove-like recesses and which face each other in the assembled state, form a circumferentially substantially closed receptacle (in other words, a receiving part) 20. In the receptacle 20, for example, an engagement leg 21 protruding from the underside 7 of the conductor connection terminal 1, 1' can be inserted. In order to fasten the conductor connection terminal device to a mounting plate, the end of the engagement leg 21 protruding from the underside 7 of the conductor connection terminal can be inserted, for example, into an engagement opening of a mounting plate (not shown) and engaged there.
[0026] 3 and 4 respectively show a plan view of a conductor connection terminal arrangement consisting of a first conductor connection terminal 1 and a second conductor connection terminal 1'. In particular, a circumferential receptacle 20 consisting of mutually facing fastening elements 16', 19 can be seen, which receptacle 20 is preferably circular in shape at least over a section in the height direction H. For this purpose, the fastening elements 16', 19 each have a semicircular groove-like recess. However, cross-sectional shapes other than circular for the receptacle 20 are also conceivable, for example square, rectangular or star-shaped.
[0027] The part shown in FIG. 5 further clarifies the form-fit connection of the first conductor connection terminal 1 and the second conductor connection terminal 1'. It can be clearly seen that the first form-fitting element 11 of the first conductor connection terminal 1 and the third form-fitting element 13' of the second conductor connection terminal 1' each have a dovetail-shaped or T-shaped cross-sectional contour. In this regard, the projections 111, 131' protruding from the side surfaces 5, 6' each have, in the region spaced apart from the side surfaces 5, 6', portions 22 protruding in the opposite longitudinal direction, which portions 22 are connected to the side surfaces via protruding piece portions 23. In this way, contours with undercuts are realized which can engage with complementary receiving contours of the corresponding fourth form-fitting element 14' of the second conductor connection terminal 1' and the corresponding second form-fitting element 12 of the first conductor connection terminal 1. In this regard, the contours of the form-fitting elements 11, 12, 13', 14' can have rounded contours.
[0028] The cross-sectional view of Fig. 6 shows a cross section passing through the dividing plane of the first conductor connecting terminal 1 and the second conductor connecting terminal 1', as viewed toward the side surface 5' of the second conductor connecting terminal 1'. Here, a cross section of the protrusion 111' of the first form fitting element 11' of the second conductor connecting terminal 1' and a cross section of the protrusion 131 of the third form fitting element 13 of the first conductor connecting terminal 1 can be recognized. The protrusions 111', 131 are surrounded in the longitudinal direction L by two protruding pieces 15 of the respective complementary fourth form fitting element 14 and second form fitting element 12 of the first conductor connecting terminal 1.
[0029] 6 furthermore shows the engagement leg 21 with a preferably substantially cylindrical base body 24 which is fitted and attached to the receptacle 20 and which has at one end a first resiliently deflectable engagement hook 25 suitable for engaging a mating engagement part on the housing of the conductor connection terminal 1, 1'. At the other end, the engagement leg 21 has a second, preferably resiliently deflectable engagement hook 26 which in the assembled state protrudes from the underside 7, 7' of the conductor connection terminal arrangement. The second engagement hook 26 is suitable for fixing the conductor connection terminal arrangement to a mounting plate (not shown) having an engagement opening.
[0030] The engaging legs 21 are pushed or inserted into the receptacle 20, preferably from the underside 7, 7' of the conductor-connecting terminal arrangement, in the plug-in direction E. In so doing, a stop 27 on the base 24 of the engaging legs 21 which interacts with a housing step limits the insertion depth and allows a defined position of the engaging legs. The housing step can preferably be shaped by a protruding piece 15.
[0031] Such a conductor connection arrangement can be expanded by any number of further conductor connection terminals 1 via form-fitting elements 11, 12, 13, 14. In this respect, these conductor connection terminals do not in any case have to be formed identically or similarly, but can differ from one another, for example in the size, shape and / or type of conductor connection. It is merely necessary that form-fitting elements 11, 12, 13, 14 corresponding to one another are present on the conductor connection terminals 1 to be interconnected. The various conductor connection terminals 1 can be attached to one another in a direction-independent manner.
[0032] FIG. 7 shows a further embodiment of a conductor connection terminal device having first and second conductor connection terminals 1, 1', in which a receptacle 20 is formed into which a sign support 30 is fitted for receiving a sign (not shown). [Explanation of symbols]
[0033] 1 Conductor connection terminal 1' Second conductor connection terminal 2. Housing 3 First end face 4 Second End Face 5. First aspect 6. The Second Aspect 6' Second Side 7 Bottom side 7' bottom side 8 Top side 9 Conductor insertion port 10 Operating lever 10' Operating lever 11 First form-fitting element 11' first complementary form-fitting element 12 Second form-fitting element 12' second complementary form-fitting element 13 Third form-fitting element 13' Third complementary form-fitting element 14 Fourth form-fitting element 14' Fourth complementary form-fitting element 15 Projecting piece 16 Fixed elements 16' Fixing element 17 Boundary Wall 17' boundary wall 18 Further recesses 19 Fixed elements 19' Fixing element 20 Receptacle 21 Engagement leg 22 Protrusion 23 Projecting piece part 24 Base 25 First engagement hook 26 Second engagement hook 27 Stopper 28 Stopper 29 Stopper 30 Label support 111 Convex 111' Convex 121 Recess 121' Recess 131 Convex 131' Convex 141 Recess E Insertion direction H Height direction L Longitudinal S Symmetry axis
Claims
1. A conductor connection terminal (1) having a conductor terminal connection portion disposed in a housing (2), the housing (2) comprising: a first end face (3) formed as a conductor insertion face with at least one conductor insertion opening (9) and a second end face (4) opposite said first end face (3); a first side surface (5) and a second side surface (6) opposite the first side surface (5), interconnecting the first and second end surfaces (3, 4); and a bottom surface (7) and a top surface (8) opposite to the bottom surface (7) that interconnect the first and second end surfaces (3, 4) and the first and second side surfaces (5, 6); In a conductor connection terminal (1), - at least on said first side (5) a first form-fitting element (11) and a second form-fitting element (12) spaced apart from said first form-fitting element (11), a conductor connection terminal (1) characterized in that the first and second form-fitting elements (11, 12) have two different contours, said contours being complementary to one another;
2. 2. A conductor connection terminal (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the first and second form-fitting elements (11, 12) are adapted to interact with at least one complementary first form-fitting element (11') and at least one complementary second form-fitting element (12') of at least one second conductor connection terminal (1').
3. 2. The conductor connection terminal (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the first and second form-fitting elements (11, 12) extend in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction (L) of the side surfaces (5, 6) extending between the end surfaces (3, 4).
4. - said first form-fitting element (11) is formed as a protrusion (111) protruding from said side surface; and A conductor connection terminal (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the second form-fitting element (12) is formed as a recess (121) which corresponds to or is complementary to the protrusion (111).
5. 2. The conductor connection terminal (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that a fixing portion (16) for fixing the conductor connection terminal (1) is arranged between the first form-fitting element and the second form-fitting element (11, 12).
6. 6. A conductor connection terminal according to claim 5, characterized in that the fixing portion (16) is formed as a groove-like recess.
7. 2. The conductor connection terminal (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that a third form-fitting element (13) and a fourth form-fitting element (14) complementary to the third form-fitting element are arranged on the second side (6), the third form-fitting element (13) being arranged point-symmetrically with the first form-fitting element (11) and the fourth form-fitting element (14) being arranged point-symmetrically with the second form-fitting element (12) with respect to an axis of symmetry (S) oriented transverse to the longitudinal direction and parallel to the side surface.
8. 2. The conductor connection terminal (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the recess (121) is formed by two raised, spaced apart protruding pieces (15) arranged on the side surface (5).
9. The conductor connection terminal (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that stoppers are provided on the first side surface (5) and the second side surface (6) to limit insertion of the protrusion (111) into the recess (121).
10. 2. A conductor connection terminal (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the protruding pieces (15) extend at least partially towards each other in a wedge-like shape and / or the protrusions (111) are formed in a wedge-like shape.
11. A conductor connection terminal (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that a boundary wall (17) is arranged on the side surfaces (5, 6) at least on one side of the lateral portion of the protrusion (111).
12. 10. A conductor connection terminal device comprising at least one first conductor connection terminal (1) according to claim 1 and at least one second conductor connection terminal (1') according to claim 1, characterized in that the first conductor connection terminal (1) and the second conductor connection terminal (1') are interconnected by the first form-fitting element (11) of the first conductor connection terminal (1) engaging with the second form-fitting element (12') of the second conductor connection terminal (1') that is complementary to the first form-fitting element (11), and by the second form-fitting element (12) of the first conductor connection terminal (1) engaging with the first form-fitting element (11') of the second conductor connection terminal (1') that is complementary to the second form-fitting element (12).
13. 13. A conductor connection terminal arrangement according to claim 12, characterized in that the fixing element (16) of the first conductor connection terminal (1) and the fixing element (19') of the second conductor connection terminal (1') are located on opposite sides of each other and form a circumferential receptacle (20).
14. A conductor connection terminal arrangement according to claim 12, characterized in that more than two conductor connection terminals (1, 1') can be connected in series.