DE102019125746A1 - Terminal block arrangement with pick-off terminal - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a terminal block arrangement (10) having a terminal block (20) with an insulating housing (21) in which at least one current bar (30; 31) is received, the terminal block (20) having a respective conductor connection (32; 33). has, via which an electrical conductor can be contacted with a current bar (30; 31). At least one bridge shaft (22; 23) is provided on the terminal block (20), via which a current bar (30; 31) of the terminal block (20) can be electrically connected to a current bar of another terminal block by means of a cross connector. A tapping terminal (40; 40 ') is inserted into at least one such bridge shaft (22; 23) of the terminal block (10) and has a busbar (41) which makes electrical contact with a current bar (30; 31) of the terminal block (20).

Description

The invention relates to a terminal block arrangement according to the preamble of claim 1, comprising a terminal block with an insulating housing in which at least one current bar is received, the terminal block having a respective conductor connection via which an electrical conductor can be contacted with this current bar. At least one bridge shaft is also provided on the terminal block, via which such a current bar of the terminal block can be electrically connected to a current bar of another terminal block by means of a cross connector.

In electrical connection technology, terminal blocks are often used, which are snapped onto a common mounting rail next to one another in order to form a larger terminal block module. Each terminal block has an insulating housing with one or more openings for inserting a respective electrical conductor in order to contact the conductors in the housing of the terminal block with a current bar. Conductor connections, which can be configured in a variety of ways, are provided within these openings. An electrical conductor is connected to a busbar of the terminal block via such a conductor connection. For example, it is a screw connection, a tension spring connection or a simple plug connection.

In order to connect different terminal blocks with the same potential, so-called potential bridges or cross connectors are usually used. Such a cross connector can be designed, for example, as a plug-in bridge with several plugs that are inserted into the bridge shafts of two adjacent terminal blocks. Within a bridge shaft, a cross connector then makes contact with the current bar of a terminal block.

In addition to openings for connecting electrical conductors, a terminal block can have further openings that can be used, for example, for connecting a test plug. From the DE 200 02 713 U1 such a test plug is known which is inserted into an opening and contacts a conductor connection there. The conductor connection is in particular a tension spring connection. The test plug is designed as a stamped / bent part folded in several layers with two contact webs. A first contact web makes contact with the conductor connection, while a second contact web is designed to latch with the housing of the terminal block.

Also from the DE 295 14 711 U1 a terminal block arrangement is known in which further openings for receiving a test plug are also provided in the housing of a terminal block. A test plug makes contact with a conductor connection such as a tension spring connection through these openings.

The invention is based on the object of providing a terminal block arrangement in which a tapping terminal is attached in an advantageous manner.

This object is achieved by a terminal block arrangement having the features of claim 1. Advantageous further developments of the terminal block arrangement emerge from the subclaims 2-10. The object is also achieved by a terminal block module according to claim 11.

The terminal block arrangement according to the invention has a terminal block with an insulating housing in which at least one current bar is received. It also has a respective conductor connection via which an electrical conductor can be contacted with a current bar. For this purpose, an electrical conductor is inserted through an opening into the insulating housing and contacted there with a current bar via the conductor connection. The electrical conductor is pressed against the current bar by spring force, for example, but other contact mechanisms can also be used. In particular, a conductor connection is designed, for example, as a screw connection, bolt connection, tension spring connection or simple plug connection.

At least one bridge shaft is provided on the terminal block, via which a current bar of the terminal block can be electrically connected to a current bar of another terminal block by means of a cross connector. A current bar is then, for example, in the lower area of such a bridge shaft. If several terminal blocks are mounted next to each other on a mounting rail, they can be connected to one another via cross connectors, which are inserted into the bridge shafts and contact the respective current bar there.

According to the invention, a tapping terminal is inserted into at least one such bridge shaft of the terminal block. This pick-off terminal has a busbar that makes electrical contact with a current bar of the terminal block. The busbar of the tapping terminal thus makes contact with the current bar of the terminal block within the bridge shaft, for example in its lower area.

Thus, the invention provides a terminal block arrangement with a tapping terminal, which offers an additional possibility of contacting further conductors via a separate tapping point. The tapping terminal is simply plugged into an already existing bridge shaft of the terminal block, so that, for example, no further opening has to be provided in the housing of the terminal block, as is the case with known test plugs. A modular terminal can also be used with and without an additional tapping terminal without having to modify its structure.

Another advantage of the invention is that a user only ever has to select one modular basic terminal and also subsequently receives one or more power outputs by plugging in the tapping terminal without having to forego just one functional element of the basic terminal. The isolating function, test function and the terminal points remain available. Depending on the application, the pick-off terminal can remain permanently in the basic housing of the terminal block. Alternatively, it can only be used for short-term connections, as is the case, for example, with commissioning and test applications.

In one embodiment of the invention, the busbar of the tapping terminal makes contact with the current bar of the terminal block by being pushed into a bridge hole in the current bar. The pick-off terminal thus uses a bridge hole in the current bar for contacting the terminal block, which is otherwise used for contacting a cross connector.

The tapping terminal preferably has a test socket which is electrically connected to the busbar of the tapping terminal. In particular, it is a 4mm test socket. In this way, a fully-fledged test socket can be provided with the tapping terminal. Various standard test plugs can be adapted to this test socket.

The pick-off terminal is inserted into the bridge shaft in a suitable manner in such a way that there is a secure connection with the current bar of the terminal block. In one embodiment of the invention, the tapping terminal has for this purpose, for example, a terminal housing which is held in the bridge shaft of the terminal block in such a way that the busbar of the tapping terminal is connected to the current bar of the terminal block in a secure manner. The outer contour of the terminal housing is then adapted to the inner contour of the bridge duct in the area that is introduced into the bridge duct. In addition, latching structures can also be provided which hold the tapping terminal in the bridge shaft. The holding force of the locking structures can be overcome by pulling hard on the pick-off terminal.

The tapping terminal can be shaped and attached to the terminal block in such a way that other openings on the terminal block are still freely accessible. For example, it is one or more sockets or one or more openings for the introduction of an electrical conductor. In another embodiment of the invention, the tapping terminal is shaped and attached in such a way that it covers another opening on the terminal block. For example, the tapping terminal covers the opening of a socket of the terminal block.

In one embodiment of the invention, the tapping terminal has a clamping point via which an electrical conductor can be electrically contacted with the busbar of the tapping terminal. The pick-off terminal provides another option for making contact with a conductor. This terminal point preferably also has a conductor connection like a direct terminal point on the terminal block. Here, too, the conductor connection can be designed as a screw connection, bolt connection, tension spring connection or simple plug connection.

The terminal block of the terminal block arrangement according to the invention can have one or more current bars and thus also one or more bridge shafts. In one embodiment with two current bars and two bridge shafts, one tapping terminal is introduced into one or both bridge shafts.

The invention also includes a terminal block module having a plurality of terminal blocks and at least one terminal block arrangement according to one embodiment of the invention. At least one terminal block thus has a bridge shaft with an inserted tapping terminal. The respective current bar of at least two series terminals is electrically connected to a current bar of a further series terminal by means of a cross connector, in that the cross connector is introduced into a bridge shaft of the respective series terminal.

Further advantages, special features and expedient developments of the invention emerge from the subclaims and the following illustration of preferred exemplary embodiments using the figures.

• 1 eine Seitenansicht einer Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemäßen Reihenklemmenanordnung mit Gehäusedeckel;
• 2 eine dreidimensionale Ansicht einer Reihenklemmenanordnung gemäß 1;
• 3 einen Längsschnitt durch einen Reihenklemmenanordnung gemäß 1;
• 4 eine dreidimensionale Ansicht einer Ausführungsform einer Abgriffklemme für eine erfindungsgemäße Reihenklemmenanordnung mit Deckel;
• 5 eine Abgriffklemme gemäß 4 ohne Deckel; und
• 6 eine dreidimensionale Ansicht einer zweiten Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemäßen Reihenklemmenanordnung mit zwei Abgriffklemmen.

Show it

• 1 a side view of an embodiment of the terminal block arrangement according to the invention with housing cover;
• 2 a three-dimensional view of a terminal block arrangement according to 1 ;
• 3rd a longitudinal section through a terminal block arrangement according to 1 ;
• 4th a three-dimensional view of an embodiment of a tap for a terminal block arrangement according to the invention with a cover;
• 5 a pick-off terminal according to 4th lidless; and
• 6th a three-dimensional view of a second embodiment of the terminal block arrangement according to the invention with two pick-off terminals.

1 shows a schematic side view of an embodiment of the terminal block arrangement according to the invention 10 with housing cover. The housing cover 21b is part of a housing of a terminal block 20th . The case 20th forms an insulating housing 21 for the terminal block 20th with multiple openings. Furthermore, are in the insulating housing 21 various functional components of the terminal block 20th recorded. The housing cover 21b covers a housing frame 21a from, in which various openings are formed and various functional components are added. The structure of a terminal block shown in the figures 20th however, it is only to be understood as an example and serves only to explain the invention. In particular, the outer contour of the insulating housing 21 and the design and arrangement of functional components can therefore be selected differently.

2 FIG. 11 shows a three-dimensional view of a terminal block arrangement according to FIG 1 , while 3rd shows a longitudinal section through this. Of the 3rd it can be seen that the terminal block 20th two current bars 30th and 31 having that in the insulating housing 21 are included. Each of these current bars 30th , 31 is each via a bridge shaft 22nd , 23 accessible. A bridge shaft 22nd , 23 is as a shaft inside the insulating housing 21 formed and extends at least to the respective current bar 30th , 31 . A bridge shaft is preferably sufficient 22nd , 23 further than the respective current bar 30th , 31 . It also has a current bar 30th , 31 in the area of a bridge shaft 22nd , 23 one bridge hole each 34 , 35 on. Becomes a cross connector in a bridge shaft 22nd , 23 inserted (not shown), it extends into the bridge hole 34 , 35 and contacts the current bar 30th , 31 in this area.

The terminal block 20th also has two sockets 24 and 25th on that also with a respective current bar 30th , 31 the terminal block 20th are contacted. These sockets 24 , 25th however, are to be regarded as optional functional components. In addition, are in the terminal block 20th two clamping points 26th and 27 intended. These are through a respective opening within the insulating housing 21 formed and have a conductor connection 32 , 33 on. One to the terminal block 20th The electrical conductor to be connected is inserted into an opening and there via a conductor connection 32 , 33 with a current bar 30th , 31 contacted. Different types of conductor connections can be used. The embodiment of the 1 to 3rd provides, for example, a spring-loaded plug connection. When inserting a conductor, a spring is compressed, which can be done by the conductor itself, a tool or a pusher of the conductor connection. Due to the spring force of the spring, the conductor then makes contact between the spring and the current bar 30th , 31 tense.

Like that 1 to 3rd can be seen, is in a bridge shaft 22nd a pick-off terminal 40 plugged in. The pick-off terminal covers it 40 the socket 25th the terminal block 20th from. The pickup clip 40 has a power rail 41 on that in the bridge shaft 22nd the current bar 31 the terminal block 20th contacted. This is done by pushing in the power rail 41 into the bridge hole 35 this current bar 31 .

The pickup clip 40 has a clamping point 44 for connecting an electrical conductor. This terminal point 44 also has a conductor connection in the form of a spring-loaded plug connection and provides a further connection option for an electrical conductor. For this purpose, the conductor connection is electrical with the busbar 41 the pick-off terminal 40 connected. Furthermore, the pick-off terminal 40 a test socket 42 on, which is also electrically connected to the power rail 41 connected is.

The 4th and 5 show three-dimensional views of this pick-off terminal, the 4th a pick-off terminal 40 with lid shows while the 5 this pick-off terminal 40 shows without cover. This embodiment of a tapping terminal is also to be understood only as an example. The cover is part of a terminal housing 43 that has a housing cover 43b has, which has a housing frame 43a covers. In the housing frame 43a are different functional components of the pick-off terminal 40 added and the power rail 41 protrudes from this housing frame 43a out.

The test socket 42 is with the power rail 41 contacted. The same applies to the conductor connection 45 the terminal point 44 . Furthermore, for the Conductor connection 45 optionally a pusher 46 provided, with which a spring of the conductor connection can be moved. The conductor connection 45 however, it can also be designed differently, for example as a screw connection, bolt connection or tension spring connection.

The terminal housing 43 the pick-off terminal 40 in particular forms a protruding arm in which the busbar 41 runs. This arm is inserted into a bridge shaft and can optionally provide means for latching the pick-off terminal 40 with the insulating housing 21 the terminal block 20th exhibit. Furthermore, the terminal housing forms 43 preferably a contact surface 47 from which it is used after it has been brought into a bridge shaft 22nd on the insulating housing 21 the terminal block 20th is applied.

6th shows a three-dimensional view of a second embodiment of the terminal block arrangement according to the invention 10 with two pick-off clips 40 and 40 ' . Each of these pick-off terminals 40 , 40 ' is in one bridge shaft each 22nd , 23 the terminal block 20th plugged in. Each of the pick-off clips 40 , 40 ' furthermore each has a test socket 42 , 42 ' and a terminal point 44 , 44 ' on. The two pick-off terminals cover this 40 , 40 ' the sockets 24 , 25th the terminal block 20th from.

List of reference symbols

10, 10 '

Terminal block arrangement

20th

Terminal block

21st

Insulating housing

21a

Housing frame

21b

Housing cover

22.23

Bridge shaft

24.25

Rifle

26.27

Terminal point

30.31

Current bar

32.33

Conductor connection

34.35

Bridge hole

40.40 '

Pick-off terminal

41

Busbar

42.42 '

Test socket

43

Terminal housing

43a

Housing frame

43b

Housing cover

44.44 '

Terminal point

45

Conductor connection

46

pusher

47

Contact surface

QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Patent literature cited

• DE 20002713 U1 [0004]
• DE 29514711 U1 [0005]

Claims (11)

Terminal block arrangement (10; 10 '), comprising a terminal block (20) with an insulating housing (21) in which at least one current bar (30; 31) is received, the terminal block (20) having a respective conductor connection (32; 33), Via which an electrical conductor can be contacted with a current bar (30; 31), and at least one bridge shaft (22; 23) is provided on the terminal block (20), via which a current bar (30; 31) of the terminal block (20) is provided by means of a Cross connector is electrically connectable to a current bar of a further series terminal, characterized in that a tapping terminal (40; 40 ') is inserted into at least one bridge shaft (22; 23) of the series terminal (10), which has a busbar (41) which has a Electrical contact is made with the current bar (30; 31) of the terminal block (20). Terminal block arrangement according to Claim 1 , the busbar (41) of the tapping terminal (40; 40 ') making electrical contact with the current bar (30; 31) of the terminal block (20) by being pushed into a bridge hole (34; 35) in the current bar (30; 31). Terminal block arrangement according to Claim 1 or 2 wherein the tapping terminal (40; 40 ') has a test socket (42; 42') which is electrically connected to the busbar (41) of the tapping terminal (40; 40 '). Terminal block arrangement according to one of the Claims 1 to 3rd , wherein the tapping terminal (40; 40 ') has a terminal housing (43) which is held in the bridge shaft (22; 23) of the terminal block (20) that the busbar (41) of the tapping terminal (40; 40') is secure in contact is connected to the current bar (30; 31) of the terminal block (20). Terminal block arrangement according to one of the Claims 1 to 4th , wherein the tapping terminal (40; 40 ') covers the opening of a socket (24; 25) of the terminal block (20). Terminal block arrangement according to one of the Claims 1 to 5 wherein the tapping terminal (40; 40 ') has a clamping point (44; 44') via which an electrical conductor can be electrically contacted with the busbar (41) of the tapping terminal (40; 40 '). Terminal block arrangement according to Claim 6 , wherein the clamping point (44; 44 ') has a conductor connection (45). Terminal block arrangement according to Claim 7 , wherein the conductor connection (45) is designed as a screw connection, bolt connection, tension spring connection or spring-loaded plug connection. Terminal block arrangement according to one of the Claims 1 to 8th wherein the terminal block (20) has two current bars (30; 31) and two associated bridge shafts (22; 23), and a tapping terminal (40) is introduced into one of the two bridge shafts (22; 23). Terminal block arrangement according to one of the Claims 1 to 8th wherein the terminal block (20) has two current bars (30; 31) and two associated bridge shafts (22; 23), and a tapping terminal (40; 40 ') is introduced into each of the two bridge shafts (22; 23). Terminal block module, comprising a plurality of terminal blocks (20) and at least one terminal block arrangement (10; 10 ') according to one of the Claims 1 to 10 , wherein the current bar (30; 31) of at least two series terminals (20) is electrically connected by means of a cross connector to a current bar of a further series terminal in that the cross connector is introduced into a bridge shaft (22; 23) of the respective series terminal (20).

Images