EP3376600B1 - Terminal blocks - Google Patents
Terminal blocks Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP3376600B1 EP3376600B1 EP18161792.9A EP18161792A EP3376600B1 EP 3376600 B1 EP3376600 B1 EP 3376600B1 EP 18161792 A EP18161792 A EP 18161792A EP 3376600 B1 EP3376600 B1 EP 3376600B1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- spring element
- current bar
- end section
- conductive spring
- terminal
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Active
Links
- 210000002105 tongue Anatomy 0.000 claims description 67
- 230000001681 protective effect Effects 0.000 claims description 65
- 230000007704 transition Effects 0.000 claims description 6
- 230000001154 acute effect Effects 0.000 claims description 2
- 229910000679 solder Inorganic materials 0.000 description 8
- 239000004020 conductor Substances 0.000 description 7
- 238000005452 bending Methods 0.000 description 5
- 238000005476 soldering Methods 0.000 description 5
- 230000015572 biosynthetic process Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000003780 insertion Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000037431 insertion Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 description 3
- 239000011324 bead Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000013461 design Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000010438 heat treatment Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000012544 monitoring process Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000004080 punching Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000001960 triggered effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000005352 clarification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005516 engineering process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000003993 interaction Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005259 measurement Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000155 melt Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000002844 melting Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000008018 melting Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000284 resting effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000000926 separation method Methods 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R9/00—Structural associations of a plurality of mutually-insulated electrical connecting elements, e.g. terminal strips or terminal blocks; Terminals or binding posts mounted upon a base or in a case; Bases therefor
- H01R9/22—Bases, e.g. strip, block, panel
- H01R9/24—Terminal blocks
- H01R9/26—Clip-on terminal blocks for side-by-side rail- or strip-mounting
- H01R9/2625—Clip-on terminal blocks for side-by-side rail- or strip-mounting with built-in electrical component
- H01R9/2641—Clip-on terminal blocks for side-by-side rail- or strip-mounting with built-in electrical component with built-in overvoltage protection
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01C—RESISTORS
- H01C7/00—Non-adjustable resistors formed as one or more layers or coatings; Non-adjustable resistors made from powdered conducting material or powdered semi-conducting material with or without insulating material
- H01C7/10—Non-adjustable resistors formed as one or more layers or coatings; Non-adjustable resistors made from powdered conducting material or powdered semi-conducting material with or without insulating material voltage responsive, i.e. varistors
- H01C7/12—Overvoltage protection resistors
- H01C7/126—Means for protecting against excessive pressure or for disconnecting in case of failure
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
- H01H37/00—Thermally-actuated switches
- H01H37/02—Details
- H01H37/08—Indicators; Distinguishing marks
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
- H01H37/00—Thermally-actuated switches
- H01H37/74—Switches in which only the opening movement or only the closing movement of a contact is effected by heating or cooling
- H01H37/76—Contact member actuated by melting of fusible material, actuated due to burning of combustible material or due to explosion of explosive material
- H01H37/761—Contact member actuated by melting of fusible material, actuated due to burning of combustible material or due to explosion of explosive material with a fusible element forming part of the switched circuit
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01T—SPARK GAPS; OVERVOLTAGE ARRESTERS USING SPARK GAPS; SPARKING PLUGS; CORONA DEVICES; GENERATING IONS TO BE INTRODUCED INTO NON-ENCLOSED GASES
- H01T1/00—Details of spark gaps
- H01T1/14—Means structurally associated with spark gap for protecting it against overload or for disconnecting it in case of failure
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01C—RESISTORS
- H01C7/00—Non-adjustable resistors formed as one or more layers or coatings; Non-adjustable resistors made from powdered conducting material or powdered semi-conducting material with or without insulating material
- H01C7/10—Non-adjustable resistors formed as one or more layers or coatings; Non-adjustable resistors made from powdered conducting material or powdered semi-conducting material with or without insulating material voltage responsive, i.e. varistors
- H01C7/12—Overvoltage protection resistors
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
- H01H37/00—Thermally-actuated switches
- H01H37/74—Switches in which only the opening movement or only the closing movement of a contact is effected by heating or cooling
- H01H37/76—Contact member actuated by melting of fusible material, actuated due to burning of combustible material or due to explosion of explosive material
- H01H37/761—Contact member actuated by melting of fusible material, actuated due to burning of combustible material or due to explosion of explosive material with a fusible element forming part of the switched circuit
- H01H2037/762—Contact member actuated by melting of fusible material, actuated due to burning of combustible material or due to explosion of explosive material with a fusible element forming part of the switched circuit using a spring for opening the circuit when the fusible element melts
- H01H2037/763—Contact member actuated by melting of fusible material, actuated due to burning of combustible material or due to explosion of explosive material with a fusible element forming part of the switched circuit using a spring for opening the circuit when the fusible element melts the spring being a blade spring
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01T—SPARK GAPS; OVERVOLTAGE ARRESTERS USING SPARK GAPS; SPARKING PLUGS; CORONA DEVICES; GENERATING IONS TO BE INTRODUCED INTO NON-ENCLOSED GASES
- H01T4/00—Overvoltage arresters using spark gaps
- H01T4/04—Housings
Definitions
- the invention relates to a terminal block with a housing, with at least one connection element, with at least one current bar, with a protective element and with an electrically conductive spring element, the first connection of the protective element being electrically conductively connected to the at least one connection element.
- the first end section of the conductive spring element is electrically conductively connected to the at least one current bar, while the second end section of the spring element in the normal state of the protective element is electrically conductively connected to the second connection of the protective element via a thermally separating connection.
- the thermally separating connection between the second end section of the spring element and the second connection of the protective element breaks, so that the second end section of the spring element moves into a position due to the spring force of the spring element in which it is separated from the second connection of the protective element is spaced.
- the protective element is then electrically separated.
- Terminal blocks have been known for decades and are used millions of times in the wiring of electrical systems and devices.
- the terminals are often snapped onto mounting rails, which in turn can be arranged in a plurality in a control cabinet.
- the terminal blocks can also be fastened alone or in groups as a terminal block in a wall opening in a housing wall, in particular in an opening in a control cabinet wall.
- Electrical terminal blocks are often connecting terminals, so that they have at least two connection elements which are connected to one another in an electrically conductive manner, generally via a current bar arranged in the terminal housing.
- Screw terminals, tension spring terminals or leg spring terminals are mainly used as connection elements in terminal blocks.
- this basic type of terminal block which is often also referred to as a feed-through terminal block, there are a large number of different terminal block types that are specially adapted to the respective application.
- Protective conductor terminals, disconnect terminals and installation terminals are mentioned as examples.
- connection elements in addition to the connection elements and the at least one current bar, additional electrical or electronic components are arranged in the housing.
- the protective elements can in particular be overvoltage-limiting components, for example varistors, diodes or gas-filled surge arresters, with which the connected line and signal paths are protected against overvoltages.
- Such terminal blocks then have the function of surge protective devices and are used extensively, in particular in measurement, control and regulation technology.
- an overvoltage protection element is known, for example, which has a thermal disconnection device for monitoring the state of a varistor.
- the first connection is connected via a flexible conductor to a rigid separating element whose end facing away from the flexible conductor is connected via a soldering point to a connecting lug provided on the varistor.
- the other connection is firmly connected to a second connection lug on the varistor via a flexible conductor.
- a spring system applies a force to the conductive connecting element, which causes the connecting element to be moved linearly away from the connecting lug when the solder joint is opened, so that the varistor is electrically disconnected in the event of thermal overload.
- the DE 695 03 743 T2 discloses an overvoltage protection element with two varistors, which has two conductive connecting elements through which the varistors can be separated individually at the end of their life.
- the connecting elements are each designed as resilient separating tongues, the first end of the separating tongue being integrally connected or soldered to the first connection contact and the second end of the separating tongue being fastened to a connecting tongue on the varistor via a soldering point in the normal state of the overvoltage protection element. If the varistor is inadmissibly heated, this leads to the solder connection melting.
- the separating tongue Since the separating tongue is deflected from its rest position in the soldered state and is thus preloaded, the free end of the separating tongue springs when the solder connection softens away from the connecting tongue of the varistor, as a result of which the varistor is electrically disconnected.
- terminal blocks that have a corresponding protective element
- a resilient separating tongue for monitoring the protective element, which is connected at one end to a connection of the protective element via a soldering point as a thermally separating connection.
- the other end of the separating tongue is either soldered to a connection of a printed circuit board or to a current bar, which in each case means an increased manufacturing outlay.
- terminal blocks should have increasingly smaller dimensions, in particular smaller widths, which further complicates the assembly.
- the EP 3 041 004 A1 describes a terminal block with connection elements, with a protective element and a conductive spring element according to the upper handles of independent claims 1 and 8.
- the present invention is therefore based on the object of providing a terminal block described at the outset which can be produced with the least possible outlay and thus also at low cost.
- the assembly of the terminal block should be as simple as possible and preferably largely automated.
- the connection between the conductive spring element and the current bar is thus not made by a relatively complex soldering process, but by a positive connection between the current bar and the conductive spring element, so that the spring element can be attached to the current bar by a purely mechanical assembly step ,
- the spring element is fixed to the current bar via the at least one Z-shaped tongue.
- the tongue extending in the longitudinal direction of the current bar protrudes through the recess in the current bar, the spring element being clamped by the tongue on the current bar.
- the current bar preferably has an elevation produced, for example, by stamping, for which a corresponding recess is formed in the first end section of the spring element, into which the elevation of the current bar and spring element engages in the assembled state.
- the elevation and the recess which are preferably each rectangular or square, a defined position and position of the spring element relative to the current bar can be ensured in a simple manner, both in the direction of the longitudinal extension of the current bar and transversely to the longitudinal extension.
- the spring element is usually made of a harder material than the current bar, it is generally easier to form the elevation on the current bar and the recess on the spring element, the latter, for example, by punching out.
- the first end section of the conductive spring element it is also possible in principle for the first end section of the conductive spring element to have an elevation and for a corresponding recess to be formed in the current bar, in which the elevation engages when the current bar and the spring element are assembled. In this case too, the interaction of the elevation and the recess ensures that the spring element is positioned securely and unambiguously relative to the current bar.
- the recess in the current bar on one edge of the current bar and the recess in the first end section of the spring element are open to the opposite edge of the spring element. This makes it possible to slide the spring element with its end section perpendicular to the longitudinal extension of the current bar onto the current bar during assembly.
- the recess in the spring element is pushed from the side over the elevation in the current bar and the tongue is inserted into the laterally open recess in the current bar.
- only a uniaxial assembly movement perpendicular to the longitudinal extension of the current bar and thus generally also perpendicular to the level of the terminal block is required, which enables the assembly to be automated easily.
- the current bar has a chamfer at the transition from the long side to the underside in the area in which the free end of the tongue rests on the underside. This makes it easier to push the spring element or tongue onto the current bar. In particular, this also enables simple, play-free mounting of the spring element on the current bar, for which purpose, according to a further advantageous embodiment, a press fit is realized between the Z-shaped tongue of the first end section of the conductive spring element and the current bar. The distance between the top of the tongue and the bottom of the spring element is thus slightly less than the thickness of the current bar. This press fit also ensures secure and stable attachment of the spring element to the current bar.
- exactly one recess is formed on the current bar, to which the first end section of the spring element correspondingly also has only a Z-shaped tongue.
- two mutually opposite recesses are formed in the current bar, for which the first end section of the conductive spring element has two Z-shaped tongues arranged parallel to one another. The two tongues each extend from the top of the current bar through a recess to the bottom of the current bar, so that the free ends of the tongues rest on the bottom of the current bar.
- both the first end section of the spring element and the current bar are designed to be mirror-symmetrical to their respective longitudinal axes. This has the advantage that twists in the connection area are avoided, so that a firm and permanent connection of the spring element and the current bar can be realized.
- the current bar preferably has an elevation to which a corresponding recess is formed in the end section of the spring element, into which the elevation engages when the spring element and current bar are assembled.
- the increase and the Recess each formed or arranged symmetrically to the central plane of the current bar and the first end section of the spring element.
- the top of the current bar and / or the bottom of the first end section of the conductive spring element has point-like or line-shaped elevations, for example grooves, beads or embossments.
- a reduced contact area is formed between the spring element and the current bar.
- This advantageously leads to an improved surface pressure in the case of positive contact between the spring element and the current bar, which leads to a lower contact resistance between the two components.
- the spring element not only serves to separate the protective element in the event of a spring, but also the surge or overcurrent to be dissipated when the protective element responds flows via the spring element and the current bar. For this purpose, a good electrical connection with the lowest possible contact resistance between the first end section of the spring element and the current bar is advantageous.
- At least one recess is formed in the current bar and that the first end section of the conductive spring element has at least one Z-shaped tongue.
- the arrangement of recess and tongue can also be interchanged, so that at least one recess is formed in the first end section of the conductive spring element and the current bar has a Z-shaped tongue. In the assembled state, this extends through the recess on the upper side of the spring element, so that the free end of the tongue rests on the upper side of the spring element.
- the Z-shaped tongue is thus formed on the current bar, for which purpose it is punched out and bent out of the current bar.
- the tongue preferably also extends in the longitudinal direction of the current bar and is arranged in the center, based on the width of the current bar.
- the recess in the first end section of the spring element can be produced simply by punching out.
- the assembly of the current bar and spring element can be carried out particularly easily in that the recess in the spring element is on one edge of the Spring element is open so that the spring element can be pushed onto the current bar perpendicular to the longitudinal extent of the latter during assembly.
- the Z-shaped tongue extends through the recess, the free end of the tongue resting on the top of the spring element in the assembled state.
- a press fit is preferably implemented between the Z-shaped tongue of the current bar and the first end section of the spring element, so that the spring element is securely clamped on the current bar by the tongue.
- a chamfer is preferably formed on the tongue at the transition from the long side to the underside.
- the current bar additionally has an elevation to which a corresponding recess is formed in the first end section of the conductive spring element, into which the elevation engages in the assembled state.
- the recess in the spring element is open at the edge facing the current bar in the mounting direction, so that the spring element can be pushed onto the current bar perpendicular to the longitudinal extent of the current bar during assembly.
- a stop can be formed on the upper side of the current bar, against which the end face of the first end section of the conductive spring element lies. In this embodiment, the formation of a recess in the first end section of the spring element can then be dispensed with.
- the electrically conductive spring element is preferably designed as a leaf bending spring, ie as a leaf spring which is primarily subjected to bending.
- the spring element is shaped so that the first end portion of the spring element parallel to the current bar in the assembled state runs.
- an angled central section or a C-shaped central section is arranged between the first end section and the second end section.
- the central section of the spring element is not straight, but rather C-shaped or angled, creates the possibility of using a spring element that has a sufficient length, even with only a small amount of installation space available, so that the spring element can be triggered safely required spring force of the spring element can be guaranteed without the elastic limit of the spring element being exceeded.
- the electrically conductive spring element according to the first embodiment variant has an angled middle section, then this preferably has two legs which are arranged at an angle ⁇ to one another.
- the angle ⁇ is formed as an acute angle, preferably less than 75 °, in particular less than 65 °.
- the angle ⁇ between the two legs of the angled central section can be, for example, between 50 ° and 60 °.
- the first end section and the second end section of the spring element are also each arranged at an angle to the adjacent leg of the central section of the spring element.
- the angle ⁇ between the first end section and the first leg of the central section of the spring element is designed as an obtuse angle, preferably greater than 110 °, in particular greater than 125 °.
- the prestressing force with which the spring element is deflected from its rest position can be set by the choice or determination of the angle ⁇ when the second end section of the spring element is connected to the second connection of the protective element via the thermally separating connection.
- the distance a from the transition from the first end section to the central section of the conductive spring element to the Z-shaped tongue is as large as possible, so that a lever arm between the point of contact of the spring element on the current bar and the area where the spring element is fixed on the current bar.
- the distance a is at least as large as the width of the current bar. This prevents that there is a bending of the current bar or the spring element due to the bending moment created by the spring force at the fastening point weakened by the recess in the current bar.
- a display element is slidably arranged in the housing of the terminal block, which cooperates with the second end portion of the conductive spring element such that the display element is in a display position when the second End portion of the conductive spring element is separated from the second terminal of the protective element when the thermal connection is separated. If the thermal connection between the second end section of the spring element and the second connection of the protective element is broken due to inadmissible heating of the protective element, this leads to the second end section of the spring element springing away from the second connection of the protective element.
- the movement of the second end section of the spring element leads to a corresponding movement of the display element, which can be used in a simple manner to display the triggered state of the protective element.
- a window is formed in the housing of the terminal block, through which a display surface of the display element is visible when the display element has been brought into its display position by springing back of the spring element.
- the display element is preferably brought from the first position into the display position by a purely linear movement.
- the spring element is designed such that it is still somewhat deflected from its rest position when the display element is in the display position. As a result, the display element is also held securely in the display position with a certain spring force.
- Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of a terminal block 1 according to the invention from the side.
- the terminal block 1 has a housing 2 made of plastic, in each of which two connection elements 3, 4 are arranged on two levels are, the connection elements 3, 4 of a level are each connected to one another via a current bar 5, 6.
- a protective element 7, which in the present case is a varistor, and an electrically conductive spring element 8 are also arranged in the housing 2 of the terminal block 1.
- the first connection 7a of the protective element 7 is connected to the two upper connection elements 3 via the upper current bar 6.
- the electrical connection of the first connection 7a of the protective element 7 to the connection elements 3 does not necessarily have to be made via a current bar.
- a flexible conductor or the conductor track of a circuit board can also be used for the electrical connection of the first connection 7a of the protective element 7 to at least one of the two connection elements 3.
- the electrically conductive spring element 8 serves for the electrical connection of the second connection 7b of the protective element 7.
- the first end section 9 of the spring element 8 is first connected to the lower current bar 5 in an electrically conductive manner.
- the second end section 10 of the spring element 8 is electrically connected to the second connection 7b of the protective element 7 via a thermally separating connection 11.
- the thermally separating connection 11, which is a corresponding solder, is designed such that the solder melts and thus separates the connection 11 when the protective element 7 has exceeded a predetermined limit temperature. This then leads to the spring element 8 deflected out of its rest position, the second end section 10 of the spring element 8 moving away from the second connection 7b of the protective element 7, so that the protective element 7 is electrically separated.
- the housing 2 also has a mounting foot 12 with which the terminal block 1 can be fastened on a mounting rail 13.
- a metallic connecting element 14 is arranged in the housing 2 of the terminal block 1, via which the lower current bar 5 is electrically connected to the mounting rail 13 in the latched state. If the mounting rail 13 is at ground potential, the second connection 7b of the protective element 7 can also be electrically connected to ground potential only via the spring element 8, the current bar 5 and the connection element 14, so that the lower connection elements 4 are not absolutely necessary. Nevertheless, in practice both current bars 5, 6 are usually connected at their ends to a connecting element 3, 4, as shown in FIG Fig. 1 is shown.
- the connecting elements 3, 4 for connecting electrical conductors can be screw terminals. However, other connection elements, for example tension spring clamps or leg spring clamps, can also be used just as well.
- Fig. 2 shows an embodiment of a spring element 8 attached to a current bar 5, in a perspective view.
- An enlarged view of the attachment or the connection area of the current bar 5 and spring element 8 shows Fig. 3 , in perspective ( Fig. 3a ), of the page ( Fig. 3b ) and from above ( Fig. 3c ).
- Further design variants of the connection of current bar 5 and spring element 8 show the 4 to 9 . All of the illustrated exemplary embodiments have in common that the connection between the conductive spring element 8 and the current bar 5 is not made by a complex solder or weld connection but by a positive and non-positive connection, so that the spring element 8 is a purely mechanical assembly process on the current bar 5 can be attached.
- a recess 15 is formed in the current bar 5, through which extends a Z-shaped tongue 16 which is stamped and bent free at the first end section 9 of the spring element 8.
- the tongue 16 extends from the top of the current bar 5 through the recess 15 to the bottom of the current bar 5, where the free end 17 of the tongue 16 abuts.
- the current bar 5 also has a rectangular elevation 18, to which a corresponding recess 19 is formed in the first end section 9 of the spring element 8, in which the elevation 18 engages.
- the spring element 8 By working together From the elevation 18 and the recess 19, the spring element 8 is securely fixed in its position and orientation with respect to the current bar 5, wherein the first end section 9 of the spring element 8 is prevented from being lifted off the current bar 5 by the Z-shaped tongue 16 inserted into the recess 15.
- the recess 15 in the current bar 5 is open towards one (front) edge of the current bar 5.
- the recess 19 in the spring element 8 is open towards the opposite (rear) edge of the spring element 8, so that the spring element 8 can be pushed onto the current bar 5 with its first end section 9 perpendicular to the longitudinal extension L of the current bar 5 during assembly.
- the mounting direction M is in Fig. 3c drawn for clarification.
- Fig. 4 shows an enlarged view of a variant of the attachment of current bar 5 and spring element 8 according to Fig. 2 , in perspective ( Fig. 4a ) and from the side ( Fig. 4b ).
- the current bar 5 has a recess 15 through which the Z-shaped tongue 16 formed on the first end section 9 of the spring element 8 extends.
- an elevation 18 which engages in a recess 19 in the first end section 9 of the spring element 8.
- an elevation 21 is formed on the underside of the spring element 8, whereby between the current bar 5 and the spring element 8 a reduced contact area is formed.
- the elevation 21 is realized by a bead introduced into the spring element 8.
- a corresponding elevation for example a groove running perpendicular to the longitudinal extension L of the current bar 5, can also be provided on the upper side of the current bar 5.
- FIG. 5 shows a second embodiment of a spring element 8 attached to a current bar 5 in a perspective view.
- An enlarged representation of the connection area between the current bar 5 and the spring element 8 is shown in FIG Fig. 6 shown, namely in perspective ( Fig. 6a ), of the page ( Fig. 6b ) and from above ( Fig. 6c ).
- the second embodiment shown is that two opposing recesses 15, 15 'are formed in the current bar 5 and the first end section 9 of the spring element 8 has two Z-shaped tongues 16, 16' arranged parallel to one another.
- the two tongues 16, 16 'each extend from the top of the current bar 5 through a recess 15, 15' to the bottom of the current bar, where the free ends 17 of the tongues 16, 16 'rest on the bottom of the current bar 5.
- the spring element 8 is mounted on the current bar 5 not by pushing it in from the side but by pivoting the first end region 9 of the spring element 8 in, which is why the free ends 17, 17 'of the tongues 16, 16' are initially inserted into the recesses 15 from above, 15 'and then the spring element 8 - in the arrangement according to Fig. 5 - is pivoted clockwise.
- the elevation 18 formed on the upper side of the current bar 5 engages in the recess 19 formed in the first end section 9 of the spring element 8, as a result of which the position and position of the spring element 8 on the current bar 5 is precisely defined.
- the current bar 5 and the first end section 9 of the spring element 8 are formed in the connection region in a mirror-symmetrical manner with respect to the center plane of the current bar 5 and the spring element 8.
- the assembly of the spring element 8 is more complex, since the fastenings cannot be produced by a simple linear assembly movement.
- Fig. 7 shows a third embodiment variant of the connection of a current bar 5 to a spring element 8, which initially differs from the previously described embodiment variants in that here a recess 22 is formed in the first end section 9 of the spring element 8 and the current bar 5 has a Z-shaped tongue 23 ,
- the tongue 23 extends through the recess 22 such that the free end 24 of the tongue 23 rests on the top of the spring element 8. Since the recess 22 in the first end section 9 of the spring element 8 is open towards one (rear) edge of the spring element 8, the assembly can also be carried out simply by pushing the spring element 8 onto the current bar 5 laterally.
- the middle region of the Z-shaped tongue 23 slides into the recess 22, while at the same time the region of the first end section 9 of the spring element 8 adjoining the recess 22 is pushed under the free end 24 of the tongue 23.
- a press fit can be realized between the Z-shaped tongue 23 and the first end section 9 of the spring element 8, as a result of which the spring element 8 is securely clamped to the current bar 5.
- a chamfer formed on the tongue 23 can facilitate the insertion of the end section 9 of the spring element 8.
- a stop 25 is additionally formed, which serves as an anti-rotation device for the spring element 8.
- the stop 25 can also facilitate precise and tolerance-free positioning of the spring element 8 on the current bar 5 when the end face 26 of the first end section 9 of the conductive spring element 8 abuts the stop 25.
- Fig. 9 shows a further variant of the first exemplary embodiment of a spring element 8 fastened to a current bar 5.
- the spring element 8 is designed as a leaf spring, which is made of a corresponding spring material is punched out and bent.
- an angled middle section 27 is arranged between the first end section 9, which runs parallel to the current bar 5 in the assembled state, and the second end section 10.
- a C-shaped central section 28 is formed between the first end section 9 and the second end section 10 of the spring element 8.
- a spring element 8 can be realized which, even with limited installation space, has a sufficient length to provide the necessary spring force that is necessary for the second end section 10 of the spring element 8 when the limit temperature of the protective element 7 is reached, it springs away reliably and safely from the second connection 7b of the protective element 7.
- the middle section 27 of the spring element 8 has two legs 29, 30 which are arranged at an angle ⁇ to one another, the angle ⁇ being approximately 55 ° in the exemplary embodiment shown.
- the angle ⁇ between the first end section 9 and the first leg 29 of the central section 27 is approximately 135 °.
- the deflection path by which the second end section 10 is deflected out of the rest position of the spring element 8 can be adjusted in a simple manner via the choice of the angle ⁇ when it is connected to the second connection 7b of the protective element 7 via the thermally separating connection 11 , If the angle ⁇ is reduced while the dimensions are otherwise the same, this leads to the spring element 8 being deflected further in the normal state of the protective element 7, so that a greater pretensioning force acts on the thermally separating connection 11.
- the first leg 29 of the central section 27 does not directly adjoin the connection area of the first end section 9 of the spring element 8. Rather, there is a distance a between the first leg 29 of the central section 27 and the base of the Z-shaped tongue 16.
- the distance a is preferably at least as large as the width of the current bar 5. This creates a lever arm between the connection area of the spring element 8 realized with the current bar 5 and the support point 31 of the spring element 8, so that the forces and bending moments occurring in the connection area of the first end section 9 due to the spring force of the spring element 8 are reduced. hereby it is ensured that the current bar 5 does not bend in the area weakened due to the recess 15.
- the first end section 9 of the spring element 8 has the same width as the current bar 5, as a result of which the spring element 8 can be supported laterally on the housing 2 in this area.
- the second end section 10 of the spring element 8 on the other hand, has a smaller width, so that the second end section 10 is not hindered when the spring element 2 springs back by lateral contact with the housing 2.
- soldering of these two components can be dispensed with due to the positive and non-positive connection between the current bar 5 and the spring element 8, but regardless of this, the connection between the second connection 7b of the protective element 7 and the second end section 10 takes place of the spring element 8 via a solder joint as a thermally separating connection 11.
- a tab 32 is bent laterally on the second end section 10 of the spring element 8, the angle between the tab 32 and the second end section 10 being approximately 90 ° is.
- the formation of a bent tab 32 also has the advantage that a certain tolerance compensation is possible with respect to the position of the second connection 7b of the protective element 7. Different protective elements 7 with slightly different dimensions can thus also be used.
- a display element 33 is displaceably arranged in the housing 2 of the terminal block 1, with the aid of which a user is shown that the thermally separating connection 11 has opened and thus the protective element 7 has been electrically separated.
- the free end of the second end section 10 of the spring element 8 engages in a corresponding receptacle 34 on the display element 33, so that when the spring element 8 springs back, the display element 33 is displaced into its display position by the spring element 8.
- display position is a preferably color-coded display surface 35 of the display element 33 below a viewing window formed in the housing 2, so that the state of the protective element 7 - connected or disconnected - is easily recognizable for a user.
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Microelectronics & Electronic Packaging (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Electromagnetism (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
- Fuses (AREA)
Description
Die Erfindung betrifft eine Reihenklemme mit einem Gehäuse, mit mindestens einem Anschlusselement, mit mindestens einem Strombalken, mit einem Schutzelement und mit einem elektrisch leitfähigen Federelement, wobei der erste Anschluss des Schutzelements mit dem mindestens einen Anschlusselement elektrisch leitend verbunden ist. Der erste Endabschnitt des leitfähigen Federelements ist mit dem mindestens einen Strombalken elektrisch leitend verbunden, während der zweite Endabschnitt des Federelements im Normalzustand des Schutzelements über eine thermisch auftrennende Verbindung mit dem zweiten Anschluss des Schutzelements elektrisch leitend verbunden ist. Bei Überschreiten einer vorgegebenen Grenztemperatur des Schutzelements trennt die thermisch auftrennende Verbindung zwischen dem zweiten Endabschnitt des Federelements und dem zweiten Anschluss des Schutzelements auf, so dass sich der zweite Endabschnitt des Federelements aufgrund der Federkraft des Federelements in eine Position bewegt, in der er vom zweiten Anschluss des Schutzelements beabstandet ist. Das Schutzelement ist dann elektrisch abgetrennt.The invention relates to a terminal block with a housing, with at least one connection element, with at least one current bar, with a protective element and with an electrically conductive spring element, the first connection of the protective element being electrically conductively connected to the at least one connection element. The first end section of the conductive spring element is electrically conductively connected to the at least one current bar, while the second end section of the spring element in the normal state of the protective element is electrically conductively connected to the second connection of the protective element via a thermally separating connection. When a predetermined limit temperature of the protective element is exceeded, the thermally separating connection between the second end section of the spring element and the second connection of the protective element breaks, so that the second end section of the spring element moves into a position due to the spring force of the spring element in which it is separated from the second connection of the protective element is spaced. The protective element is then electrically separated.
Reihenklemmen sind seit Jahrzehnten bekannt und werden millionenfach bei der Verdrahtung elektrischer Anlagen und Geräte eingesetzt. Die Klemmen werden häufig auf Tragschienen aufgerastet, welche ihrerseits in einer Mehrzahl in einem Schaltschrank angeordnet sein können. Daneben können die Reihenklemmen aber auch alleine oder zu mehreren als Klemmenblock in einer Wandöffnung einer Gehäusewand, insbesondere in einer Öffnung in einer Schaltschrankwand, befestigt sein.Terminal blocks have been known for decades and are used millions of times in the wiring of electrical systems and devices. The terminals are often snapped onto mounting rails, which in turn can be arranged in a plurality in a control cabinet. In addition, the terminal blocks can also be fastened alone or in groups as a terminal block in a wall opening in a housing wall, in particular in an opening in a control cabinet wall.
Elektrische Reihenklemmen sind häufig Verbindungsklemmen, so dass sie mindestens zwei Anschlusselemente aufweisen, die elektrisch leitend miteinander verbunden sind, in der Regel über einen im Klemmengehäuse angeordneten Strombalken. Als Anschlusselemente werden dabei in Reihenklemmen überwiegend Schraubklemmen, Zugfederklemmen oder Schenkelfederklemmen verwendet. Neben diesem Grundtyp der Reihenklemmen, der häufig auch als Durchgangsklemme bezeichnet wird, gibt es eine Vielzahl von unterschiedlichen Reihenklemmentypen, die speziell an die jeweiligen Anwendungsfälle angepasst sind. Als Beispiel seien Schutzleiterklemmen, Trennklemmen und Installationsklemmen genannt.Electrical terminal blocks are often connecting terminals, so that they have at least two connection elements which are connected to one another in an electrically conductive manner, generally via a current bar arranged in the terminal housing. Screw terminals, tension spring terminals or leg spring terminals are mainly used as connection elements in terminal blocks. In addition to this basic type of terminal block, which is often also referred to as a feed-through terminal block, there are a large number of different terminal block types that are specially adapted to the respective application. Protective conductor terminals, disconnect terminals and installation terminals are mentioned as examples.
Außerdem gibt es Reihenklemmen, bei denen neben den Anschlusselementen und dem mindestens einem Strombalken zusätzliche elektrische oder elektronische Bauelemente im Gehäuse angeordnet sind. Bei den Schutzelementen kann es sich insbesondere um überspannungsbegrenzende Bauelemente handeln, beispielsweise Varistoren, Dioden oder gasgefüllte Überspannungsableiter, mit denen die angeschlossenen Leitungs- und Signalpfade gegen Überspannungen geschützt werden. Derartige Reihenklemmen haben dann die Funktion von Überspannungsschutzgeräten und werden insbesondere in der Mess-, Steuerungs- und Regelungstechnik umfangreich eingesetzt.There are also terminal blocks in which, in addition to the connection elements and the at least one current bar, additional electrical or electronic components are arranged in the housing. The protective elements can in particular be overvoltage-limiting components, for example varistors, diodes or gas-filled surge arresters, with which the connected line and signal paths are protected against overvoltages. Such terminal blocks then have the function of surge protective devices and are used extensively, in particular in measurement, control and regulation technology.
Zur Überwachung des Zustandes eines Schutzelements ist es bekannt, dieses über eine thermisch auftrennende Verbindung mit einem Anschlusselement zu verbinden. Durch die thermische Trennstelle wird gewährleistet, dass das Schutzelement bei einer unzulässigen Erwärmung elektrisch abgetrennt wird. Aus der
Die
Auch bei Reihenklemmen, die ein entsprechendes Schutzelement aufweisen, ist es bekannt, zur Überwachung des Schutzelements eine federnde Trennzunge einzusetzen, die mit ihrem einen Ende über eine Lötstelle als thermisch auftrennende Verbindung mit einem Anschluss des Schutzelements verbunden ist. Das andere Ende der Trennzunge ist dabei entweder mit einem Anschluss einer Leiterplatte oder mit einem Strombalken fest verlötet, was jeweils einen erhöhten Fertigungsaufwand bedeutet. Problematisch ist dabei auch, dass derartige Reihenklemmen zunehmend immer kleinere Abmessungen, insbesondere geringere Breiten, aufweisen sollen, was die Montage zusätzlich erschwert.Even with terminal blocks that have a corresponding protective element, it is known to use a resilient separating tongue for monitoring the protective element, which is connected at one end to a connection of the protective element via a soldering point as a thermally separating connection. The other end of the separating tongue is either soldered to a connection of a printed circuit board or to a current bar, which in each case means an increased manufacturing outlay. It is also problematic that such terminal blocks should have increasingly smaller dimensions, in particular smaller widths, which further complicates the assembly.
Die
Der vorliegenden Erfindung liegt daher die Aufgabe zugrunde, eine eingangs beschriebene Reihenklemme zur Verfügung zu stellen, die mit möglichst geringem Aufwand und damit auch mit geringen Kosten hergestellt werden kann. Die Montage der Reihenklemme soll dabei möglichst einfach und vorzugsweise weitestgehend automatisierbar erfolgen.The present invention is therefore based on the object of providing a terminal block described at the outset which can be produced with the least possible outlay and thus also at low cost. The assembly of the terminal block should be as simple as possible and preferably largely automated.
Diese Aufgabe ist bei der eingangs beschriebenen Reihenklemme mit den kennzeichneten Merkmalen der unabhängigen Patentansprüche 1 oder 8 gelöst.This object is achieved in the terminal block described above with the features of the
Bei der erfindungsgemäßen Reihenklemme erfolgt die Verbindung zwischen dem leitfähigen Federelement und dem Strombalken somit nicht durch einen relativ aufwendigen Lötvorgang, sondern durch eine formschlüssige Verbindung zwischen dem Strombalken und dem leitfähigen Federelement, so dass das Federelement durch einen rein mechanischen Montageschritt an dem Strombalken befestigt werden kann. Zur Gewährleistung der erforderlichen festen und sicheren Verbindung zwischen dem Federelement und dem Strombalken, die auch die durch die Auslenkung des Federelements aus seiner Ruhelage resultierenden Kräfte und Momente aufnehmen kann, ist das Federelement über die mindestens eine Z-förmige Zunge an dem Strombalken festgelegt. Hierzu ragt die sich in Längsrichtung des Strombalkens erstreckende Zunge durch die Ausnehmung im Strombalken, wobei das Federelement durch die Zunge an dem Strombalken festgeklemmt wird.In the terminal block according to the invention, the connection between the conductive spring element and the current bar is thus not made by a relatively complex soldering process, but by a positive connection between the current bar and the conductive spring element, so that the spring element can be attached to the current bar by a purely mechanical assembly step , To ensure the required firm and secure connection between the spring element and the current bar, which can also absorb the forces and moments resulting from the deflection of the spring element from its rest position, the spring element is fixed to the current bar via the at least one Z-shaped tongue. For this purpose, the tongue extending in the longitudinal direction of the current bar protrudes through the recess in the current bar, the spring element being clamped by the tongue on the current bar.
Vorzugsweise weist der Strombalken eine beispielsweise durch Prägen hergestellte Erhöhung auf, zu der im ersten Endabschnitt des Federelements eine korrespondierende Aussparung ausgebildet ist, in die die Erhöhung im montierten Zustand von Strombalken und Federelement eingreift. Durch die Erhöhung und die Aussparung, die vorzugsweise jeweils rechteckig oder quadratisch ausgebildet sind, kann auf einfache Art und Weise eine definierte Position und Lage des Federelements relativ zum Strombalken sichergestellt werden, und zwar sowohl in Richtung der Längserstreckung des Strombalkens als auch quer zur Längserstreckung.The current bar preferably has an elevation produced, for example, by stamping, for which a corresponding recess is formed in the first end section of the spring element, into which the elevation of the current bar and spring element engages in the assembled state. By means of the elevation and the recess, which are preferably each rectangular or square, a defined position and position of the spring element relative to the current bar can be ensured in a simple manner, both in the direction of the longitudinal extension of the current bar and transversely to the longitudinal extension.
Da meistens das Federelement aus einem härteren Material hergestellt ist als der Strombalken, ist es in der Regel einfacher, die Erhöhung am Strombalken und die Aussparung am Federelement auszubilden, Letzteres beispielsweise durch Ausstanzen. Alternativ dazu ist es jedoch grundsätzlich auch möglich, dass der erste Endabschnitt des leitfähigen Federelements eine Erhöhung aufweist und im Strombalken eine korrespondierende Aussparung ausgebildet ist, in die die Erhöhung im montierten Zustand von Strombalken und Federelement eingreift. Auch in diesem Fall wird durch das Zusammenwirken von Erhöhung und Aussparung eine sichere und eindeutige Positionierung des Federelements relativ zum Strombalken gewährleistet.Since the spring element is usually made of a harder material than the current bar, it is generally easier to form the elevation on the current bar and the recess on the spring element, the latter, for example, by punching out. As an alternative to this, however, it is also possible in principle for the first end section of the conductive spring element to have an elevation and for a corresponding recess to be formed in the current bar, in which the elevation engages when the current bar and the spring element are assembled. In this case too, the interaction of the elevation and the recess ensures that the spring element is positioned securely and unambiguously relative to the current bar.
Um eine möglichst einfache Befestigung des Federelements am Strombalken zu ermöglichen, ist gemäß einer bevorzugten Ausgestaltung der Erfindung die Ausnehmung im Strombalken zum einen Rand des Strombalkens und die Aussparung im ersten Endabschnitt des Federelements zum gegenüberliegenden Rand des Federelements hin offen. Dadurch ist es möglich, das Federelement bei der Montage mit seinem Endabschnitt senkrecht zur Längserstreckung des Strombalkens auf den Strombalken aufzuschieben. Die Aussparung im Federelement wird dabei von der Seite über die Erhöhung im Strombalken geschoben und die Zunge in die seitlich offene Ausnehmung im Strombalken eingeführt. Zur Montage ist dann nur eine einachsige Montagebewegung senkrecht zur Längserstreckung des Strombalkens und damit in der Regel auch senkrecht zur Ebene der Reihenklemme erforderlich, was eine einfache Automatisierbarkeit der Montage ermöglicht.In order to enable the spring element to be attached to the current bar as simply as possible, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the recess in the current bar on one edge of the current bar and the recess in the first end section of the spring element are open to the opposite edge of the spring element. This makes it possible to slide the spring element with its end section perpendicular to the longitudinal extension of the current bar onto the current bar during assembly. The recess in the spring element is pushed from the side over the elevation in the current bar and the tongue is inserted into the laterally open recess in the current bar. For the assembly, only a uniaxial assembly movement perpendicular to the longitudinal extension of the current bar and thus generally also perpendicular to the level of the terminal block is required, which enables the assembly to be automated easily.
Gemäß einer vorteilhaften Ausgestaltung weist der Strombalken dabei in dem Bereich, in dem das freie Ende der Zunge an der Unterseite anliegt, eine Fase am Übergang von der Längsseite zur Unterseite auf. Hierdurch wird das Aufschieben des Federelements bzw. der Zunge auf den Strombalken erleichtert. Dadurch wird insbesondere auch eine einfache spielfreie Montage des Federelements am Strombalken ermöglicht, wozu gemäß einer weiteren vorteilhaften Ausgestaltung zwischen der Z-förmigen Zunge des ersten Endabschnitts des leitfähigen Federelements und dem Strombalken eine Presspassung realisiert ist. Der Abstand zwischen der Oberseite der Zunge und der Unterseite des Federelements ist somit etwas geringer als die Dicke des Strombalkens. Auch durch diese Presspassung wird somit eine sichere und stabile Befestigung des Federelements am Strombalken gewährleistet.According to an advantageous embodiment, the current bar has a chamfer at the transition from the long side to the underside in the area in which the free end of the tongue rests on the underside. This makes it easier to push the spring element or tongue onto the current bar. In particular, this also enables simple, play-free mounting of the spring element on the current bar, for which purpose, according to a further advantageous embodiment, a press fit is realized between the Z-shaped tongue of the first end section of the conductive spring element and the current bar. The distance between the top of the tongue and the bottom of the spring element is thus slightly less than the thickness of the current bar. This press fit also ensures secure and stable attachment of the spring element to the current bar.
Bei der zuvor beschriebenen Ausgestaltung der Erfindung ist am Strombalken genau eine Ausnehmung ausgebildet, zu der der erste Endabschnitt des Federelements korrespondierend auch nur eine Z-förmige Zunge aufweist. Gemäß einer alternativen Ausgestaltung der erfindungsgemäßen Reihenklemme sind im Strombalken zwei einander gegenüberliegende Ausnehmungen ausgebildet, zu denen der erste Endabschnitt des leitfähigen Federelements zwei parallel zueinander angeordnete Z-förmige Zungen aufweist. Die beiden Zungen erstrecken sich dabei jeweils von der Oberseite des Strombalkens durch eine Ausnehmung zur Unterseite des Strombalkens, so dass die freien Enden der Zungen an der Unterseite des Strombalkens anliegen.In the embodiment of the invention described above, exactly one recess is formed on the current bar, to which the first end section of the spring element correspondingly also has only a Z-shaped tongue. According to an alternative embodiment of the terminal block according to the invention, two mutually opposite recesses are formed in the current bar, for which the first end section of the conductive spring element has two Z-shaped tongues arranged parallel to one another. The two tongues each extend from the top of the current bar through a recess to the bottom of the current bar, so that the free ends of the tongues rest on the bottom of the current bar.
Bei dieser Ausführungsvariante sind dann sowohl der erste Endabschnitt des Federelements als auch der Strombalken zumindest in dem Bereich, in dem die beiden Bauteile miteinander verbunden werden, spiegelsymmetrisch zu ihrer jeweiligen Längsachse ausgebildet. Dies hat den Vorteil, dass Verwindungen im Verbindungsbereich vermieden werden, so dass eine feste und dauerhafte Verbindung von Federelement und Strombalken realisiert werden kann.In this embodiment variant, both the first end section of the spring element and the current bar, at least in the region in which the two components are connected to one another, are designed to be mirror-symmetrical to their respective longitudinal axes. This has the advantage that twists in the connection area are avoided, so that a firm and permanent connection of the spring element and the current bar can be realized.
Auch bei dieser Ausführungsvariante weist der Strombalken vorzugsweise eine Erhöhung auf, zu der im Endabschnitt des Federelements eine korrespondierende Aussparung ausgebildet ist, in die die Erhöhung im montierten Zustand von Federelement und Strombalken eingreift. Um auch dabei die zuvor beschriebene Symmetrie aufrechtzuerhalten, sind die Erhöhung und die Aussparung jeweils symmetrisch zur Mittelebene von Strombalken und erstem Endabschnitt des Federelements ausgebildet bzw. angeordnet.In this embodiment variant, too, the current bar preferably has an elevation to which a corresponding recess is formed in the end section of the spring element, into which the elevation engages when the spring element and current bar are assembled. In order to maintain the symmetry described above, the increase and the Recess each formed or arranged symmetrically to the central plane of the current bar and the first end section of the spring element.
Gemäß einer weiteren vorteilhaften Ausgestaltung der erfindungsgemäßen Reihenklemme weist die Oberseite des Strombalkens und/oder die Unterseite des ersten Endabschnitts des leitfähigen Federelements punkt- oder linienförmige Erhebungen, beispielsweise Rillen, Sicken oder Prägungen auf. Dadurch wird zwischen dem Federelement und dem Strombalken eine reduzierte Kontaktfläche ausgebildet. Dies führt in vorteilhafter Weise zu einer verbesserten Flächenpressung beim kraftschlüssigen Kontakt zwischen dem Federelement und dem Strombalken, was zu einem geringeren Übergangswiderstand zwischen den beiden Bauteilen führt. Dies ist vorteilhaft, da das Federelement nicht nur zur Abtrennung des Schutzelements im Federfall dient, sondern über das Federelement und den Strombalken auch der beim Ansprechen des Schutzelements abzuleitende Stoß- oder Überstrom fließt. Hierzu ist eine gute elektrische Verbindung mit einem möglichst geringen Übergangswiderstand zwischen dem ersten Endabschnitt des Federelements und dem Strombalken vorteilhaft.According to a further advantageous embodiment of the terminal block according to the invention, the top of the current bar and / or the bottom of the first end section of the conductive spring element has point-like or line-shaped elevations, for example grooves, beads or embossments. As a result, a reduced contact area is formed between the spring element and the current bar. This advantageously leads to an improved surface pressure in the case of positive contact between the spring element and the current bar, which leads to a lower contact resistance between the two components. This is advantageous since the spring element not only serves to separate the protective element in the event of a spring, but also the surge or overcurrent to be dissipated when the protective element responds flows via the spring element and the current bar. For this purpose, a good electrical connection with the lowest possible contact resistance between the first end section of the spring element and the current bar is advantageous.
Eingangs ist ausgeführt worden, dass im Strombalken mindestens eine Ausnehmung ausgebildet ist und der erste Endabschnitt des leitfähigen Federelements mindestens eine Z-förmige Zunge aufweist. Gemäß einer alternativen Ausgestaltung der Erfindung kann die Anordnung von Ausnehmung und Zunge auch vertauscht werden, so dass im ersten Endabschnitt des leitfähigen Federelements mindestens eine Ausnehmung ausgebildet ist und der Strombalken eine Z-förmige Zunge aufweist. Diese erstreckt sich dabei im montierten Zustand durch die Ausnehmung auf die Oberseite des Federelements, so dass das freie Ende der Zunge auf der Oberseite des Federelements aufliegt.It was stated at the outset that at least one recess is formed in the current bar and that the first end section of the conductive spring element has at least one Z-shaped tongue. According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, the arrangement of recess and tongue can also be interchanged, so that at least one recess is formed in the first end section of the conductive spring element and the current bar has a Z-shaped tongue. In the assembled state, this extends through the recess on the upper side of the spring element, so that the free end of the tongue rests on the upper side of the spring element.
Bei dieser Alternative der Erfindung ist die Z-förmige Zunge somit am Strombalken ausgebildet, wozu sie entsprechend aus dem Strombalken freigestanzt und abgebogen wird. Vorzugsweise erstreckt sich auch dabei die Zunge in Längsrichtung des Strombalkens und ist, bezogen auf die Breite des Strombalkens, mittig angeordnet. Die Ausnehmung im ersten Endabschnitt des Federelements kann einfach durch Ausstanzen hergestellt werden. Die Montage von Strombalken und Federelement kann dadurch besonders einfach erfolgen, dass die Ausnehmung im Federelement zum einen Rand des Federelements hin offen ist, so dass das Federelement bei der Montage senkrecht zur Längserstreckung des Strombalkens auf diesen aufgeschoben werden kann. Die Z-förmige Zunge erstreckt sich dabei durch die Ausnehmung, wobei im montierten Zustand das freie Ende der Zunge auf der Oberseite des Federelements aufliegt.In this alternative of the invention, the Z-shaped tongue is thus formed on the current bar, for which purpose it is punched out and bent out of the current bar. The tongue preferably also extends in the longitudinal direction of the current bar and is arranged in the center, based on the width of the current bar. The recess in the first end section of the spring element can be produced simply by punching out. The assembly of the current bar and spring element can be carried out particularly easily in that the recess in the spring element is on one edge of the Spring element is open so that the spring element can be pushed onto the current bar perpendicular to the longitudinal extent of the latter during assembly. The Z-shaped tongue extends through the recess, the free end of the tongue resting on the top of the spring element in the assembled state.
Vorzugsweise ist dabei zwischen der Z-förmigen Zunge des Strombalkens und dem ersten Endabschnitt des Federelements eine Presspassung realisiert, so dass das Federelement durch die Zunge sicher auf dem Strombalken festgeklemmt wird. Um dabei das Aufschieben des Federelements auf den Strombalken bzw. das Einschieben des ersten Endabschnitts des Federelements unter die Zunge des Strombalkens zu erleichtern, ist an der Zunge vorzugsweise eine Fase am Übergang von der Längsseite zur Unterseite ausgebildet.A press fit is preferably implemented between the Z-shaped tongue of the current bar and the first end section of the spring element, so that the spring element is securely clamped on the current bar by the tongue. In order to facilitate the pushing of the spring element onto the current bar or the insertion of the first end section of the spring element under the tongue of the current bar, a chamfer is preferably formed on the tongue at the transition from the long side to the underside.
Gemäß einer vorteilhaften Ausgestaltung der zweiten Alternativen der Erfindung weist der Strombalken zusätzlich eine Erhöhung auf, zu der im ersten Endabschnitt des leitfähigen Federelements eine korrespondierende Aussparung ausgebildet ist, in die die Erhöhung im montierten Zustand eingreift. Damit auch bei dieser Ausgestaltung eine nur einachsige Montagebewegung möglich ist, ist die Aussparung im Federelement an dem Rand, der in Montagerichtung dem Strombalken zugewandt ist, offen, so dass das Federelement bei der Montage senkrecht zur Längserstreckung des Strombalkens auf den Strombalken aufgeschoben werden kann.According to an advantageous embodiment of the second alternative of the invention, the current bar additionally has an elevation to which a corresponding recess is formed in the first end section of the conductive spring element, into which the elevation engages in the assembled state. So that only a single-axis assembly movement is possible in this embodiment, the recess in the spring element is open at the edge facing the current bar in the mounting direction, so that the spring element can be pushed onto the current bar perpendicular to the longitudinal extent of the current bar during assembly.
Um eine exakte Positionierung des Federelements auf dem Strombalken zu gewährleisten, kann auf der Oberseite des Strombalkens ein Anschlag ausgebildet sein, an dem der erste Endabschnitt des leitfähigen Federelements mit seiner Stirnseite anliegt. Bei dieser Ausführungsform kann dann auf die Ausbildung einer Aussparung im ersten Endabschnitt des Federelements verzichtet werden.In order to ensure an exact positioning of the spring element on the current bar, a stop can be formed on the upper side of the current bar, against which the end face of the first end section of the conductive spring element lies. In this embodiment, the formation of a recess in the first end section of the spring element can then be dispensed with.
Unabhängig davon, ob die mindestens eine Z-förmige Zunge am Federelement oder am Strombalken angeordnet ist, ist bei der erfindungsgemäßen Reihenklemme das elektrische leitfähige Federelement vorzugsweise als Blattbiegefeder ausgebildet, d.h. als Blattfeder, die in erster Linie auf Biegung beansprucht wird. Das Federelement ist dabei so geformt, dass der erste Endabschnitt des Federelements im montierten Zustand parallel zum Strombalken verläuft. Außerdem ist zwischen dem ersten Endabschnitt und dem zweiten Endabschnitt ein abgewinkelter Mittelabschnitt oder ein C-förmiger Mittelabschnitt angeordnet. Dadurch, dass der Mittelabschnitt des Federelements nicht gerade sondern C-förmig oder abgewinkelt ausgebildet ist, ist die Möglichkeit geschaffen, auch bei einem nur geringen zur Verfügung stehenden Bauraum ein Federelement zu verwenden, das eine ausreichende Länge aufweist, so dass die für ein sicheres Auslösen erforderliche Federkraft des Federelements gewährleistet werden kann, ohne dass die Dehngrenze des Federelements überschritten wird.Regardless of whether the at least one Z-shaped tongue is arranged on the spring element or on the current bar, in the terminal block according to the invention the electrically conductive spring element is preferably designed as a leaf bending spring, ie as a leaf spring which is primarily subjected to bending. The spring element is shaped so that the first end portion of the spring element parallel to the current bar in the assembled state runs. In addition, an angled central section or a C-shaped central section is arranged between the first end section and the second end section. The fact that the central section of the spring element is not straight, but rather C-shaped or angled, creates the possibility of using a spring element that has a sufficient length, even with only a small amount of installation space available, so that the spring element can be triggered safely required spring force of the spring element can be guaranteed without the elastic limit of the spring element being exceeded.
Hat das elektrisch leitfähige Federelement gemäß der ersten Ausführungsvariante einen abgewinkelten Mittelabschnitt, so weist dieser vorzugsweise zwei Schenkel auf, die in einem Winkel α zueinander angeordnet sind. Der Winkel α ist dabei als spitzer Winkel ausgebildet, vorzugsweise kleiner als 75°, insbesondere kleiner als 65°. Je nach dem zur Verfügung stehenden Bauraum für das Federelement kann der Winkel α zwischen den beiden Schenkeln des abgewinkelten Mittelabschnitts beispielsweise zwischen 50° und 60° betragen.If the electrically conductive spring element according to the first embodiment variant has an angled middle section, then this preferably has two legs which are arranged at an angle α to one another. The angle α is formed as an acute angle, preferably less than 75 °, in particular less than 65 °. Depending on the space available for the spring element, the angle α between the two legs of the angled central section can be, for example, between 50 ° and 60 °.
Weist das Federelement einen abgewinkelten Mittelabschnitt auf, so sind auch der erste Endabschnitt und der zweite Endabschnitt des Federelements jeweils unter einem Winkel zum angrenzenden Schenkel des Mittelabschnitts des Federelements angeordnet. Der Winkel β zwischen dem ersten Endabschnitt und dem ersten Schenkel des Mittelabschnitts des Federelements ist dabei als stumpfer Winkel ausgebildet, vorzugsweise größer als 110°, insbesondere größer als 125°. Durch die Wahl bzw. Festlegung des Winkels β kann die Vorspannkraft eingestellt werden, mit der das Federelement aus seiner Ruhelage ausgelenkt ist, wenn der zweite Endabschnitt des Federelements über die thermisch auftrennende Verbindung mit dem zweiten Anschluss des Schutzelements verbunden ist.If the spring element has an angled central section, then the first end section and the second end section of the spring element are also each arranged at an angle to the adjacent leg of the central section of the spring element. The angle β between the first end section and the first leg of the central section of the spring element is designed as an obtuse angle, preferably greater than 110 °, in particular greater than 125 °. The prestressing force with which the spring element is deflected from its rest position can be set by the choice or determination of the angle β when the second end section of the spring element is connected to the second connection of the protective element via the thermally separating connection.
Gemäß einer weiteren vorteilhaften Ausgestaltung der erfindungsgemäßen Reihenklemme ist der Abstand a vom Übergang vom ersten Endabschnitt zum Mittelabschnitt des leitfähigen Federelements zur Z-förmigen Zunge möglichst groß, so dass ein Hebelarm zwischen dem Auflagepunkt des Federelements auf dem Strombalken und dem Bereich, an dem das Federelement am Strombalken festgelegt ist, besteht. Der Abstand a ist dabei mindestens so groß wie die Breits des Strombalkens. Dadurch wird verhindert, dass es zu einer Verbiegung des Strombalkens oder des Federelements aufgrund des durch die Federkraft entstehenden Biegemoments an der durch die Ausnehmung geschwächten Befestigungsstelle im Strombalken kommt.According to a further advantageous embodiment of the terminal block according to the invention, the distance a from the transition from the first end section to the central section of the conductive spring element to the Z-shaped tongue is as large as possible, so that a lever arm between the point of contact of the spring element on the current bar and the area where the spring element is fixed on the current bar. The distance a is at least as large as the width of the current bar. This prevents that there is a bending of the current bar or the spring element due to the bending moment created by the spring force at the fastening point weakened by the recess in the current bar.
Gemäß einer letzten vorteilhaften Ausgestaltung der erfindungsgemäßen Reihenklemme, die hier noch kurz erläutert werden soll, ist im Gehäuse der Reihenklemme ein Anzeigeelement verschiebbar angeordnet, das derart mit dem zweiten Endabschnitt des leitfähigen Federelements zusammenwirkt, dass sich das Anzeigeelement in einer Anzeigeposition befindet, wenn der zweite Endabschnitt des leitfähigen Federelements bei aufgetrennter thermischer Verbindung vom zweiten Anschluss des Schutzelements beabstandet ist. Kommt es zu einem Auftrennen der thermischen Verbindung zwischen dem zweiten Endabschnitt des Federelements und dem zweiten Anschluss des Schutzelements aufgrund einer unzulässigen Erwärmung des Schutzelements, so führt dies dazu, dass der zweite Endabschnitt des Federelements von dem zweiten Anschluss des Schutzelements wegfedert.According to a last advantageous embodiment of the terminal block according to the invention, which will be explained briefly here, a display element is slidably arranged in the housing of the terminal block, which cooperates with the second end portion of the conductive spring element such that the display element is in a display position when the second End portion of the conductive spring element is separated from the second terminal of the protective element when the thermal connection is separated. If the thermal connection between the second end section of the spring element and the second connection of the protective element is broken due to inadmissible heating of the protective element, this leads to the second end section of the spring element springing away from the second connection of the protective element.
Ist nun der zweite Endabschnitt des Federelements mit einem Aufnahme- oder Befestigungsbereich des Anzeigeelements verbunden, so führt die Bewegung des zweiten Endabschnitts des Federelements zu einer entsprechenden Bewegung des Anzeigeelements, was auf einfache Art und Weise zur Anzeige des ausgelösten Zustands des Schutzelements genutzt werden kann. Hierzu ist beispielsweise im Gehäuse der Reihenklemme ein Fenster ausgebildet, durch das eine Anzeigefläche des Anzeigeelements sichtbar ist, wenn das Anzeigeelement durch Zurückfedern des Federelements in seine Anzeigeposition verbracht worden ist. Vorzugsweise wird das Anzeigeelement dabei durch eine rein lineare Bewegung aus der ersten Position in die Anzeigeposition verbracht. Um sicher zu gewährleisten, dass bei aufgetrennter thermischer Verbindung das Anzeigeelement stets bis in seine Anzeigeposition bewegt wird, ist das Federelement so ausgebildet, dass es auch dann noch etwas aus seiner Ruheposition ausgelenkt ist, wenn sich das Anzeigeelement in der Anzeigeposition befindet. Dadurch wird das Anzeigeelement mit einer gewissen Federkraft auch sicher in der Anzeigeposition gehalten.If the second end section of the spring element is now connected to a receiving or fastening area of the display element, the movement of the second end section of the spring element leads to a corresponding movement of the display element, which can be used in a simple manner to display the triggered state of the protective element. For this purpose, for example, a window is formed in the housing of the terminal block, through which a display surface of the display element is visible when the display element has been brought into its display position by springing back of the spring element. The display element is preferably brought from the first position into the display position by a purely linear movement. In order to ensure with certainty that the display element is always moved into its display position when the thermal connection is broken, the spring element is designed such that it is still somewhat deflected from its rest position when the display element is in the display position. As a result, the display element is also held securely in the display position with a certain spring force.
Im Einzelnen gibt es nun eine Vielzahl von Möglichkeiten, die erfindungsgemäße Reihenklemme auszugestalten und weiterzubilden. Dazu wird verwiesen sowohl auf die den Patentansprüchen 1 und 8 nachgeordneten Patentansprüche als auch auf die nachfolgende Beschreibung von Ausführungsbeispielen in Verbindung mit der Zeichnung. In der Zeichnung zeigen
- Fig. 1
- eine Darstellung einer erfindungsgemäßen Reihenklemme von der Seite, einmal mit angeschlossenem Schutzelement und einmal mit elektrisch abgetrenntem Schutzelement,
- Fig. 2
- ein erstes Ausführungsbeispiel eines an einem Strombalken befestigten Federelements, in perspektivischer Darstellung,
- Fig. 3
- eine vergrößerte Darstellung des Verbindungsbereichs von Strombalken und Federelement gemäß
Fig. 2 , in perspektivischer Darstellung, von der Seite und von oben, - Fig. 4
- eine vergrößerte Darstellung einer Variante des ersten Ausführungsbeispiels eines an einem Strombalken befestigten Federelements, gemäß
Fig. 2 , in perspektivischer Darstellung und von der Seite, - Fig. 5
- ein zweites Ausführungsbeispiel eines an einem Strombalken befestigten Federelements, in perspektivischer Darstellung,
- Fig. 6
- eine vergrößerte Darstellung des Verbindungsbereichs von Strombalken und Federelement gemäß
Fig. 5 , in perspektivischer Darstellung, von der Seite und von oben, - Fig. 7
- ein drittes Ausführungsbeispiel eines an einem Strombalken befestigten Federelements, in perspektivischer Darstellung,
- Fig. 8
- eine vergrößerte Darstellung des Verbindungsbereichs von Strombalken und Federelement gemäß
Fig. 7 , in perspektivischer Darstellung, von der Seite und von oben, und - Fig. 9
- eine weitere Variante des ersten Ausführungsbeispiels eines an einem Strombalken befestigten Federelements, gemäß
Fig. 2 , in perspektivischer Darstellung.
- Fig. 1
- a representation of a terminal block according to the invention from the side, once with a connected protective element and once with an electrically separated protective element,
- Fig. 2
- 1 shows a perspective view of a first exemplary embodiment of a spring element fastened to a current bar,
- Fig. 3
- an enlarged view of the connection area of the current bar and spring element according to
Fig. 2 , in perspective, from the side and from above, - Fig. 4
- an enlarged view of a variant of the first embodiment of a spring element attached to a current bar, according to
Fig. 2 , in perspective and from the side, - Fig. 5
- 2 shows a second exemplary embodiment of a spring element fastened to a current bar, in a perspective view,
- Fig. 6
- an enlarged view of the connection area of the current bar and spring element according to
Fig. 5 , in perspective, from the side and from above, - Fig. 7
- 3 shows a third exemplary embodiment of a spring element fastened to a current bar, in a perspective illustration,
- Fig. 8
- an enlarged view of the connection area of the current bar and spring element according to
Fig. 7 , in perspective, from the side and from above, and - Fig. 9
- a further variant of the first embodiment of a spring element attached to a current bar, according to
Fig. 2 , in perspective.
Das elektrisch leitfähige Federelement 8 dient zum elektrischen Anschluss des zweiten Anschlusses 7b des Schutzelements 7. Hierzu ist zunächst der erste Endabschnitt 9 des Federelements 8 mit dem unteren Strombalken 5 elektrisch leitend verbunden. Außerdem ist der zweite Endabschnitt 10 des Federelements 8 im Normalzustand des Schutzelements 7 über eine thermisch auftrennende Verbindung 11 mit dem zweiten Anschluss 7b des Schutzelements 7 elektrisch verbunden. Die thermisch auftrennende Verbindung 11, bei der es sich um ein entsprechendes Lot handelt, ist so ausgebildet, dass das Lot schmilzt und damit die Verbindung 11 auftrennt, wenn das Schutzelement 7 eine vorgegebene Grenztemperatur überschritten hat. Dies führt dann dazu, dass das aus seiner Ruhelage ausgelenkte Federelement 8 zurückfedert, wobei sich der zweite Endabschnitt 10 des Federelements 8 vom zweiten Anschluss 7b des Schutzelements 7 entfernt, so dass das Schutzelement 7 elektrisch abgetrennt wird.The electrically
Die beiden zuvor beschriebenen Zustände - Normalzustand des Schutzelements 7, bei dem beide Anschlüsse 7a, 7b elektrisch kontaktiert sind und elektrisch abgetrenntes Schutzelement 7, bei dem der zweite Anschluss 7b nicht mehr mit dem zweiten Endabschnitt 10 des Federelements 8 verbunden ist - sind in
Bei dem in
Außerdem ist im Gehäuse 2 der Reihenklemme 1 ein metallisches Anschlusselement 14 angeordnet, über das der untere Strombalken 5 im aufgerasteten Zustand elektrisch mit der Tragschiene 13 verbunden ist. Befindet sich die Tragschiene 13 auf Massepotential, so kann eine elektrische Verbindung des zweiten Anschlusses 7b des Schutzelements 7 mit Massepotential auch nur über das Federelement 8, den Strombalken 5 und das Anschlusselement 14 erfolgen, so dass die unteren Anschlusselemente 4 nicht zwingend erforderlich sind. Gleichwohl sind in der Praxis in der Regel beide Strombalken 5, 6 an ihren Enden jeweils mit einem Anschlusselement 3,4 verbunden, so wie dies in
Bei dem ersten Ausführungsbeispiel gemäß den
Sowohl aus der perspektivischen Darstellung gemäß
Um die Gefahr eines möglichen leichten Verkippens des Federelements 8 auf dem Strombalken 5 zu verhindern, ist zwischen der Zunge 16 des Federelements 8 und dem Strombalken 5 eine Presspassung realisiert. Der Abstand zwischen der Oberseite des freien Endes 17 der Zunge 16 und der Unterseite des ersten Endabschnitts 9 des Federelements 8 ist somit etwas geringer als die Dicke des Strombalkens 5. Damit dabei gleichwohl das Aufschieben des ersten Endabschnitts 9 des Federelements 8 bzw. das Einschieben der Zunge 16 in die Ausnehmung 15 einfach und ohne Verkanten möglich ist, weist der Bereich des Strombalkens 5, an dem das freie Ende 17 der Zunge 16 an der Unterseite anliegt, eine Fase 20 am Übergang von der Längsseite zur Unterseite des Strombalkens 5 auf.In order to prevent the risk of possible slight tilting of the
Bei dieser Ausführungsvariante erfolgt die Montage des Federelements 8 am Strombalken 5 nicht durch seitliches Einschieben sondern durch ein Einschwenken des ersten Endbereichs 9 des Federelements 8, wozu die freien Enden 17, 17' der Zungen 16, 16' zunächst von oben in die Ausnehmungen 15, 15' eingesteckt und anschließend das Federelement 8 - bei der Anordnung gemäß
Sowohl aus der perspektivischen Darstellung gemäß den
Auch hier kann eine Presspassung zwischen der Z-förmigen Zunge 23 und dem ersten Endabschnitt 9 des Federelements 8 realisiert sein, wodurch das Federelement 8 sicher am Strombalken 5 festgeklemmt wird. Eine an der Zunge 23 ausgebildete Fase kann dabei das Einschieben des Endabschnitts 9 des Federelements 8 erleichtern. Auf der Oberseite des Strombalkens 5 ist zusätzlich noch ein Anschlag 25 ausgebildet, der als Verdrehsicherung für das Federelement 8 dient. Darüber hinaus kann der Anschlag 25 auch eine genaue und toleranzfreie Positionierung des Federelements 8 an dem Strombalken 5 erleichtern, wenn der erste Endabschnitt 9 des leitfähigen Federelements 8 mit seiner Stirnseite 26 am Anschag 25 anliegt.Here too, a press fit can be realized between the Z-shaped
Bei dem Ausführungsbeispiel gemäß
Wie aus
Bei der erfindungsgemäßen Reihenklemme 1 kann zwar aufgrund der form- und kraftschlüssigen Verbindung zwischen dem Strombalken 5 und dem Federelement 8 auf ein Verlöten dieser beiden Bauteile verzichtet werden, unabhängig davon erfolgt jedoch die Verbindung zwischen dem zweiten Anschluss 7b des Schutzelements 7 und dem zweiten Endabschnitt 10 des Federelements 8 über eine Lötstelle als thermisch auftrennende Verbindung 11. Damit diese Lötstelle bei der Montage gut zugänglich ist, ist am zweiten Endabschnitt 10 des Federelements 8 eine Lasche 32 seitlich abgebogen, wobei der Winkel zwischen der Lasche 32 und dem zweiten Endabschnitt 10 näherungsweise 90° beträgt. Die Ausbildung einer abgebogenen Lasche 32 hat darüber hinaus den Vorteil, dass dadurch ein gewisser Toleranzausgleich bezüglich der Position des zweiten Anschlusses 7b des Schutzelements 7 möglich ist. Somit können auch unterschiedliche Schutzelemente 7 mit leicht abweichenden Abmessungen eingesetzt werden.In the
Wie aus der Darstellung der erfindungsgemäßen Reihenklemme 1 gemäß
Claims (15)
- Terminal block (1) having a housing (2), having at least two connecting elements (3, 4), having at least one current bar (5, 6) via which two connecting elements (3, 3; 4, 4) of one level are each connected to one another, having a protective element (7) and having an electrically conductive spring element (8),
wherein the first terminal (7a) of the protective element (7) is electrically conductively connected to the at least one terminal element (3),
wherein the first end section (9) of the conductive spring element (8) is electrically conductively connected to the at least one current bar (5), wherein the second end section (10) of the conductive spring element (8) is electrically conductively connected to the second terminal (7b) of the protective element (7) via a thermally separating connection (11) in the normal state of the protective element (7), and
wherein the thermally separating connection (11) between the second end section (10) of the conductive spring element (8) and the second terminal (7b) of the protective element (7) separates when a predetermined limit temperature of the protective element (7) is exceeded, and the second end section (10) of the conductive spring element (8) moves, as a result of the spring force of the spring element (8), into a position in which the second end section (10) is spaced apart from the second terminal (7b) of the protective element (7),
characterized in
that at least one recess (15) is formed in the current bar (5) and the first end section (9) of the conductive spring element (8) has at least one Z-shaped tongue (16) which extends from the upper side of the current bar (5) through the recess (15) to the underside of the current bar (5), so that the free end (17) of the tongue (16) bears against the underside of the current bar (5). - Terminal block (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the current bar (5) has a raised portion (18) and a corresponding recess (19), into which the raised portion (18) engages, is formed in the first end section (9) of the conductive spring element (8), or that the first end section (9) of the conductive spring element (8) has a raised portion and a corresponding recess, into which the raised portion engages, is formed in the current bar (5).
- Terminal block (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the recess (15) in the current bar (5) is open towards one edge of the current bar (5) and the recess (19) in the first end section (9) of the conductive spring element (8) is open towards the opposite edge of the spring element (8), so that the spring element (8) can be pushed onto the current bar (5) with its first end section (9) perpendicular to the longitudinal extent (L) of the current bar (5) during assembly.
- Terminal block (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that the region of the current bar (5), against which the free end (17) of the tongue (16) bears against the underside, has a chamfer (20) at the transition from the longitudinal side to the underside.
- Terminal block (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that two mutually opposite recesses (15, 15') are formed in the current bar (5) and the first end section (9) of the conductive spring element (8) has two Z-shaped tongues (16, 16') arranged parallel to one another, which extend from the upper side of the current bar (5) through a respective recess (15, 15') to the underside of the current bar (5), so that the free ends (17, 17') of the tongues (16, 16') bear against the underside of the current bar (5).
- Terminal block (1) according to any one of the claims 1 to 5, characterized in that a press fit is implemented between the at least one Z-shaped tongue (16, 16') of the first end section (9) of the conductive spring element (8) and the current bar (5).
- Terminal block (1) according to any one of the claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the upper side of the current bar (5) and/or the underside of the first end section (9) of the conductive spring element (8) has a point or linear elevation (21), so that a reduced contact surface is formed between the spring element (8) and the current bar (5).
- Terminal block (1) having a housing (2), having at least two connecting element (3, 4), having at least one current bar (5, 6) via which two connecting elements (3, 3; 4, 4) of one level are each connected to one another, having a protective element (7) and having an electrically conductive spring element (8),
wherein the first terminal (7a) of the protective element (7) is electrically conductively connected to the at least one terminal element (3), wherein the first end section (9) of the conductive spring element (8) is electrically conductively connected to the at least one current bar (5), wherein the second end section (10) of the conductive spring element (8) is electrically conductively connected to the second terminal (7b) of the protective element (7) via a thermally separating connection (11) in the normal state of the protective element (7), and
wherein the thermally separating connection (11) between the second end section (10) of the conductive spring element (8) and the second terminal (7b) of the protective element (7) separates when a predetermined limit temperature of the protective element (7) is exceeded, and the second end section (10) of the conductive spring element (8) moves, as a result of the spring force of the spring element (8), into a position in which the second end section (10) is spaced apart from the second terminal (7b) of the protective element (7),
characterized in
that at least one recess (22) is formed in the first end section (9) of the conductive spring element (8) and the current bar (5) has a Z-shaped tongue (23) which extends through the recess (22) onto the upper side of the conductive spring element (8), so that the free end (24) of the tongue (23) rests on the upper side of the spring element (8). - Terminal block (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that the current bar (5) has a stop (25) against which the first end section (9) of the conductive spring element (8) bears with its end face (26).
- Terminal block (1) according to any one of the claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the electrically conductive spring element (8) is designed as a leaf spring, that the first end section (9) of the spring element (8) runs parallel to the current bar (5), and that an angled middle section (27) or a C-shaped middle section (28) is arranged between the first end section (9) and the second end section (10) of the spring element (8).
- Terminal block (1) according to claim 10, having an angled middle section (27), characterized in that the middle section (27) has two limbs (29, 30) which are arranged at an angle α to one another, wherein the angle α is an acute angle, preferably less than 75°, in particular less than 65°.
- Terminal block (1) according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the first end section (9) and the first limb (29) of the middle section (27) of the conductive spring element (8) are arranged at an angle β to one another, wherein the angle β is an obtuse angle, preferably greater than 110°, in particular greater than 125°.
- Terminal block (1) according to any one of the claims 10 to 12, characterized in that the distance a from the transition of the first end section (9) to the middle section (27) of the conductive spring element (8) to the Z-shaped tongue (16) of the spring element (8) or to the Z-shaped tongue (23) of the current bar (5) is as large as possible.
- Terminal block (1) according to any one of the claims 1 to 13, characterized in that at the second end section (10) of the conductive spring element (8) a tab (32) is bent laterally, wherein the thermally separating connection (11) is arranged between the second terminal (7b) of the protective element (7) and the tab (32).
- Terminal block (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the second end section (10) of the conductive spring element (8) interacts with a display element (33) arranged displaceably in the housing (2) in such a manner that the display element (33) is in a display position when the second end section (10) of the conductive spring element (8) is at a distance from the second terminal (7b) of the protective element (7), when the connection (11) is disconnected.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
SI201830029T SI3376600T1 (en) | 2017-03-15 | 2018-03-14 | Terminal blocks |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
LU100141A LU100141B1 (en) | 2017-03-15 | 2017-03-15 | terminals |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP3376600A1 EP3376600A1 (en) | 2018-09-19 |
EP3376600B1 true EP3376600B1 (en) | 2019-12-25 |
Family
ID=59021554
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP18161792.9A Active EP3376600B1 (en) | 2017-03-15 | 2018-03-14 | Terminal blocks |
Country Status (3)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP3376600B1 (en) |
LU (1) | LU100141B1 (en) |
SI (1) | SI3376600T1 (en) |
Citations (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP3041004A1 (en) * | 2013-04-08 | 2016-07-06 | ZOTUP S.r.l. | Surge arrester for the protection of electric plants from transient surges |
Family Cites Families (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE4241311C2 (en) | 1992-12-08 | 1995-06-08 | Phoenix Contact Gmbh & Co | Temperature switch with a block housing |
FR2727806A1 (en) | 1994-12-05 | 1996-06-07 | Soule Sa | PROTECTION DEVICE AGAINST TRANSIENT OVERVOLTAGES BASED ON VARISTORS AND THERMAL DISCONNECTORS |
DE19708912C1 (en) * | 1997-03-05 | 1998-06-10 | Weidmueller Interface | Earthed conductor lead terminal esp in terminal block housing |
DE102004018904B4 (en) * | 2004-04-15 | 2013-11-14 | Wago Verwaltungsgesellschaft Mbh | Screwless busbar connection for electrical terminals |
WO2006040418A1 (en) * | 2004-10-08 | 2006-04-20 | Abb France | Overvoltage protection device provided with arc cutting means and corresponding method |
FR2877154B1 (en) * | 2004-10-22 | 2006-12-22 | Legrand Sa | IMPROVED DEVICE FOR PROTECTING ELECTRICAL DEVICES AGAINST OVERVOLTAGES |
DE102012219741A1 (en) * | 2012-10-29 | 2014-04-30 | Tyco Electronics Amp Gmbh | Electrical contact and connector with such an electrical contact |
-
2017
- 2017-03-15 LU LU100141A patent/LU100141B1/en active IP Right Grant
-
2018
- 2018-03-14 EP EP18161792.9A patent/EP3376600B1/en active Active
- 2018-03-14 SI SI201830029T patent/SI3376600T1/en unknown
Patent Citations (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP3041004A1 (en) * | 2013-04-08 | 2016-07-06 | ZOTUP S.r.l. | Surge arrester for the protection of electric plants from transient surges |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
SI3376600T1 (en) | 2020-09-30 |
LU100141B1 (en) | 2018-09-19 |
EP3376600A1 (en) | 2018-09-19 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
DE10001667C1 (en) | Multi-pole overvoltage diverter for LV current supply system has U-shaped base part fitted with interchangable pre-configured terminals cooperating with removable fuse elements | |
DE102007036295B4 (en) | Plug-in PCB terminal block | |
DE102013113975B4 (en) | Holding frame for a connector | |
DE102008031917B4 (en) | Snubber | |
DE202014011610U1 (en) | Holding frame for a connector | |
EP3134942B1 (en) | Conductor connection clamp | |
EP2242327B1 (en) | Electric heating device | |
EP1614200B1 (en) | Overvoltage protection magazine for a device of telecommunications technology | |
EP3259807B1 (en) | Electric terminal block | |
DE202014103262U1 (en) | Snubber | |
EP3404772B1 (en) | Screwless clamping device for electric conductors | |
DE102014003113B3 (en) | Plug connection part with clip elements | |
DE102018111034A1 (en) | fuse element | |
DE102015010312A1 (en) | Screwless clamping device for electrical conductors | |
DE102009008386B4 (en) | Electronic device and contact element for use in an electronic device | |
EP2297820A1 (en) | Metal protective ground conductor connection device | |
DE102017105554A1 (en) | terminals | |
DE1515624B1 (en) | Electrical resistance with fuse | |
EP3376600B1 (en) | Terminal blocks | |
EP3476011B1 (en) | Feed-through terminal | |
DE102010033112B4 (en) | Electrical installation device | |
DE102017117300A1 (en) | Cross jumper and terminal block arrangement | |
DE102015104629B4 (en) | Clamping spring for a conductor connection terminal and conductor connection terminal with corresponding clamping spring | |
DE102019112680A1 (en) | Surge protection device | |
DE19816907A1 (en) | Protective plug for telecommunications unit |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
PUAI | Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012 |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: THE APPLICATION HAS BEEN PUBLISHED |
|
AK | Designated contracting states |
Kind code of ref document: A1 Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR |
|
AX | Request for extension of the european patent |
Extension state: BA ME |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: REQUEST FOR EXAMINATION WAS MADE |
|
17P | Request for examination filed |
Effective date: 20190319 |
|
RBV | Designated contracting states (corrected) |
Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR |
|
GRAP | Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1 |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: GRANT OF PATENT IS INTENDED |
|
RIC1 | Information provided on ipc code assigned before grant |
Ipc: H01T 4/00 20060101ALI20190619BHEP Ipc: H01H 37/76 20060101ALI20190619BHEP Ipc: H01T 4/04 20060101ALN20190619BHEP Ipc: H01C 7/12 20060101ALI20190619BHEP Ipc: H01R 9/26 20060101AFI20190619BHEP |
|
INTG | Intention to grant announced |
Effective date: 20190704 |
|
GRAS | Grant fee paid |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3 |
|
GRAA | (expected) grant |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210 |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: THE PATENT HAS BEEN GRANTED |
|
AK | Designated contracting states |
Kind code of ref document: B1 Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: GB Ref legal event code: FG4D Free format text: NOT ENGLISH |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: CH Ref legal event code: EP |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: AT Ref legal event code: REF Ref document number: 1218151 Country of ref document: AT Kind code of ref document: T Effective date: 20200115 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: DE Ref legal event code: R096 Ref document number: 502018000545 Country of ref document: DE |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: IE Ref legal event code: FG4D Free format text: LANGUAGE OF EP DOCUMENT: GERMAN |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: NL Ref legal event code: MP Effective date: 20191225 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: SE Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20191225 Ref country code: LV Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20191225 Ref country code: GR Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20200326 Ref country code: LT Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20191225 Ref country code: BG Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20200325 Ref country code: NO Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20200325 Ref country code: FI Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20191225 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: LT Ref legal event code: MG4D |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: HR Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20191225 Ref country code: RS Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20191225 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: AL Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20191225 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: NL Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20191225 Ref country code: CZ Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20191225 Ref country code: RO Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20191225 Ref country code: EE Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20191225 Ref country code: PT Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20200520 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: SM Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20191225 Ref country code: IS Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20200425 Ref country code: SK Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20191225 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: DE Ref legal event code: R097 Ref document number: 502018000545 Country of ref document: DE |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: MC Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20191225 Ref country code: DK Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20191225 Ref country code: ES Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20191225 |
|
PLBE | No opposition filed within time limit |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261 |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT |
|
26N | No opposition filed |
Effective date: 20200928 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: BE Ref legal event code: MM Effective date: 20200331 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: LU Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20200314 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: IE Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20200314 Ref country code: IT Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20191225 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: PL Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20191225 Ref country code: BE Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20200331 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: CH Ref legal event code: PL |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: LI Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20210331 Ref country code: CH Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20210331 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: TR Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20191225 Ref country code: MT Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20191225 Ref country code: CY Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20191225 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: MK Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20191225 |
|
GBPC | Gb: european patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee |
Effective date: 20220314 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: GB Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20220314 |
|
P01 | Opt-out of the competence of the unified patent court (upc) registered |
Effective date: 20230424 |
|
PGFP | Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: DE Payment date: 20230530 Year of fee payment: 6 |
|
PGFP | Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: SI Payment date: 20240301 Year of fee payment: 7 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: AT Ref legal event code: MM01 Ref document number: 1218151 Country of ref document: AT Kind code of ref document: T Effective date: 20230314 |
|
PGFP | Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: FR Payment date: 20240326 Year of fee payment: 7 |