EP1981056A2 - Terminal block system - Google Patents

Abstract

The system has a housing base (2) and a set of connection devices (5, 6) provided for a conductor. A retaining chamber is provided for a functional module (10a) that is insertable into the retaining chamber. Three functional modules with different functions and/or geometries are inserted into a recess (9), and contact a set of contacts (11, 12). The functional modules are lockable in the recess with a separate hook. The contacts are formed at the functional modules and connected with the connection devices over bus bars (13).

Description

The invention relates to a terminal block system according to the preamble of claim 1.

It is known on housing base of terminal blocks, which can be latched onto mounting rails to unlock function blocks, which may contain, for example, fuses or relay modules. Such a state of the art shows the EP 0 899 820 A2 or the DE 20 2004 006 227 U1 ,

The function blocks and the housing base are usually adapted to one another in such a way that a certain function block can only be latched onto a specific housing base.

As a result of this, in the case of a terminal block manufacturer, a wide variety of housing sockets are typically required for different purposes in the assortment.

The state of the art still the DE 10 2004 045 889 A1 , the DE 102 54 871 A1 , the DE 10 2005 005 914 and the WO 95/12905 A1 called.

The invention has the object to solve this problem.

The invention solves this problem by the subject matter of claim 1.

The invention provides a terminal block system having at least one housing base, which has at least one or more connection devices for conductors and a recess, in particular a receiving shaft, for a in the receiving shaft plug-in function module, wherein the terminal block system has a plurality - at least three - of function blocks of different function and / or geometry, which are each inserted into the recess and contact there at least one or more contacts and are preferably latched there.

In this way, a terminal block base - here referred to as a basic socket - is used or usable for many different function blocks, which reduces stock keeping and simplifies plant planning and design.

Advantageous embodiments of the invention can be found in the dependent claims.

Figur 1a, 1b

eine erfindungsgemäße Reihenklemme mit einem ersten Funktionsbaustein im eingesteckten und im nicht eingesteckten Zustand;

Figuren 2 bis 6

die Reihenklemme aus Figur 1 mit weiteren Funktionsbausteinen jeweils im eingesteckten und nicht eingesteckten Zustand;

Figur 7

die Reihenklemme aus Figur 1 mit den sechs verschiedenen Funktionsbausteinen aus Figur 1 bis 6;

Figuren 8 bis 13

perspektivische Ansichten und dargestellte Ansichten der Reihenklemme aus Figur 1 bis 7 sowie weitere Ausgestaltungen erfindungsgemäßer Reihenklemmen mit verschiedenen Funktionsbausteinen.

The invention will be described in more detail with reference to the drawing with reference to embodiments. It shows:

FIG. 1a, 1b

a terminal block according to the invention with a first functional module in the inserted and uninstalled state;

FIGS. 2 to 6

the terminal block off FIG. 1 with further function blocks in each case in the inserted and not inserted state;

FIG. 7

the terminal block off FIG. 1 with the six different function blocks Figure 1 to 6 ;

FIGS. 8 to 13

perspective views and views of the terminal block Figure 1 to 7 and further embodiments of terminal blocks according to the invention with different functional components.

FIG. 1 shows a terminal 1 of a terminal block system, the overview in FIG. 7 is shown.

The terminal block 1 has a housing base 2 made of an insulating material, which can be placed on a support rail 4 by means of latching feet 3 and locked there / latched.

In the housing base 2 of insulating material at least two or more connection devices 5, 6 are arranged for connecting external conductors.

These connection devices 5, 6 are here as an example as compression spring contacts in Direktstecktechnik formed having a compression spring (only hinted) and a clamping cage 7, wherein conductors are inserted through openings 8 in the housing base 2 in the connection devices.

The housing base 2 has at least one recess 9 for receiving functional components 10, which according to FIG Figure 1 to 6 or 7 are configured in various ways.

The recess 9 is here formed centrally between the two connection devices 5 and directly above the support rail 4 in the housing base 2.

Preferably, the recess 9 in the mounting direction or longitudinal direction of the support rail 4 is bounded on both sides by thin, insulating partitions 29, 30.

The recesses extend substantially almost to the lower edge of the housing base 2 on the support rail 4th

In the recess 9 here protrude two contacts 11, 12, which are formed for contacting appropriately trained contacts (not visible here) to the functional components 10.

The contacts 11, 12 are connected via busbars 13 to the connection devices 5.

According to the invention it is now possible to use a wide variety of functional components 10 in the recess 9.

So shows FIG. 1 a first functional module 10a, which has an insulating body 14 with a lateral receptacle 15 for a fuse 16.

The insulating body 14 is provided with locking projections 17 which are formed for engagement in correspondingly shaped recesses in the recess 9 (not shown here).

Laterally, the insulating body on a web 18 which serves as a guide web and for engagement a corresponding groove (not visible here) in the recess 9 is configured.

The housing or the insulating body 14 of the functional module 10 is stepped.

It is conceivable, by type Fig. 1 several function blocks 10a with different sized fuse holders for different sized fuses (5 x 20, 5 x 25, 6, 35 x 32) provided (not shown).

The function block 10a of FIG. 1 , which acts as a fuse holder, is locked in the lowest position.

In this case, an intermediate position (for separation) may be provided.

According to FIG. 2 is the function block 10b designed as a plug-in circuit breaker, as it is freely available for example commercially. It can be used for various machines for various nominal currents.

The circuit breaker is also locked in the lowest position. There contact his contacts 31, 32, the contacts 11, 12 in the recess. 9

Again, an intermediate position for separation can be provided.

FIG. 3 shows a functional module 10c, which in turn is designed as a pluggable fuse holder with a receptacle 33 for flat fuses (especially motor vehicle fuses) 20. There are different flat fuses available for different nominal currents.

This function module 10c is locked in the lower position. Again, an intermediate position for separation may be provided (not shown).

FIG. 4 shows a functional module 10d, which is designed to accommodate electronic components 21. These electronic components 21 can be used, for example, as a printed circuit board be formed with different electronic components. It is also conceivable to realize a different electronic structure here. It is also conceivable, for example, the design as a relay module.

FIG. 5 shows an embodiment in which the function block 10e is designed as a plug-in insert with disconnector function, so that a kind of disconnect terminal is realized.

Here are in not plugged in state ( FIG. 5a ) an intermediate position (disconnected) and disconnector plugged ( FIG. 5c ).

In FIG. 5c the contacts between the function blocks 10 and the base 2 are closed. In FIG. 5b are they open.

To FIG. 6 is the function block 10f designed as an additional pluggable terminal, which may have its own housing 34 with another terminal 35 in any technique, for example, as a tension spring - as in FIG. 6 shown - can be configured. Alternative embodiments in push-in technology, compression spring technology, as a screw, as IDC connection and the like. are also possible.

FIG. 7 shows an overview of the various function blocks 10a to 10f.

Further function blocks with further functions (not shown here) are conceivable.

It is advantageous if the recess 9 has different latching contours for latching different corresponding latching means differently configured function blocks, so that function blocks of different outer geometry in the recess 9 are latched (compare for example. Fig. 1 and 2 ).

To FIG. 8a another function block 10g has an LED which indicates the state. The LED bears the reference numeral 36.

An LED 37 may also be positioned in a marking channel 24 located in the base housing.

The marker can also be made transparent, so that two functions can be combined: a label and / or a visual display by an LED or a glow lamp or the like.

This combined function could also be accommodated on a safety lever.

The function module and / or the basic module can also be provided with an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) module for transmitting the functional state, for example the security signal state.

FIG. 9 shows a further variant in which the functional module 10, for example, the fuse holder 10a, from vibrations u.dgl. is secured by a separate (or molded) locking hook 25 in the recess 9.

The separate locking hook 25 has locking means 26 for locking in a recess 40 on the functional module 10, an actuating lever 27 and a latching hook 28 which is designed to engage behind a corresponding latching edge or latching shoulder 38 on the housing base 2 in the recess 9 (FIG. Fig. 11 ).

When inserting the detent hook differs from 28 and pivots in the lowest position in the undercut 38 a and thus prevents release of the function block ( Fig. 11c ).

To release one grips the handle portion or the recessed grips 41 and thus the operating lever 27 and thereby actuated automatically the latching hook 28 and released the locking.

By a paragraph 39 on the housing base 2 can be seen whether the function block has been inserted far enough (is the paragraph of the fuse holder and the upper edge of the terminal carrier at a height, the fuse holder has reached the correct depth). The movable projection or shoulder 39 on the base housing secures an optical Recognizability of whether the fuse holder has been inserted into its working position. This is in FIGS. 10a and 10b shown.

In FIG. 10a the function block is plugged to the ground. Here an optical recognition is possible. In the intermediate position of FIG. 10b there is no contact with the basic housing. This function is also held by the locking hook when two undercuts 38a, b offset relative to one another in the insertion direction (into the recess 9) are provided. The function of the locking hook 25 is in particular off FIG. 11 can be seen which shows different functional positions. Good to see the undercuts 38a, b.

According to FIG. 11b is achieved by pressing the hook of the undercut and the function block 10 can be moved upwards for removal or for locking in a second upper position.

Further views of these terminals are the Figures 12 and 13 refer to.

reference numeral

terminal

1

housing base

2

Snap-on foot

3

rail

4

connecting device

5.6

clamping cage

7

opening

8th

recess

9

function module

10

contacts

11, 12

conductor rail

13

insulator

14

admission

15

fuse

16

catch projection

17

web

18

safety switch

20

electronics installation

21

LED

23

locking hook

25

locking means

26

actuating lever

27

latch hook

28

partitions

29.30

contacts

31.32

admission

33

casing

34

connection

35

LED

36

LED

37

locking shoulder

38

paragraph

39

recess

40

handholds

41

Claims (28)

Terminal block system having a housing base (2) which has at least one or more connecting devices (5, 6) for conductors and a recess (9), in particular a receiving shaft, for a functional module (10) which can be plugged into the receiving shaft, wherein the terminal block system has a plurality at least three - of function blocks (10a, b, c, ...) of different function and / or geometry, each of which can be inserted into the recess (9) and contact there at least one or more contacts (11, 12). Terminal block system according to claim 1, characterized in that the function blocks (10a, b, c, ...) can be latched in the recesses. Terminal block system according to claim 2, characterized in that the function blocks (10a, b, c, ...) in the recesses with a separate locking hook (25) can be latched. Terminal block system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the recess (9) contacts (11, 12) protrude, which are formed for contacting appropriately trained contacts on the functional components (10). Terminal block system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the contacts (11, 12) via busbars (13) are connected to the connection devices (5). Terminal block system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the functional components (10) have an insulating body (14). Terminal block system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the insulating body (14) is provided with latching projections (17) which are designed to engage in correspondingly shaped latching recesses in the recess (9). Terminal block system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the insulating body (14) has a web (18) which serves as a guide web and is designed to engage a corresponding groove in the recess (9). Terminal block system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing or the insulating body (14) is stepped. Terminal block system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a first of the functional components (10a) has the insulating body (14) with a lateral receptacle (15) for a fuse (16). Terminal block system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a plurality of the function blocks (10a) are provided with differently sized receptacles (15) for different sized fuses. Terminal block system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the functional module (10a) can be locked in an intermediate position and in an operating position in the recess. Terminal block system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that one of the function blocks (10b) is designed as a plug-in circuit breaker. Terminal block system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the function module (10c) is designed as a pluggable fuse holder with a receptacle (33) for a flat fuse (20). Terminal block system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the function module (10d) is designed for receiving electronic components (21). Terminal block system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the function module (10e) is designed as a plug-in insert with disconnector function, so that a disconnect terminal is realized. Terminal block system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the function module (10f) is designed as an additional plug-in terminal, which has its own housing (34) with a further connection (35). Terminal block system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the function module (10) has an LED (36). Terminal block system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the basic base (2) has an LED (37). Terminal block system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the base housing in a marking channel (24) has the LED (37). Terminal block system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the marker is made transparent. Terminal block system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the function module (10) has an RFID module. Terminal block system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the locking hook (25) locking means (26) for locking in a recess (40) on the function block (10), an actuating lever (27) and a latching hook (28), the rear handle at least one corresponding latching edge or latching shoulder (38) on the housing base (2) in the recess (9) is formed. Terminal block system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the latching hook (28) for the rear grip of at least two latching shoulders (38a, b) on the housing base (2) in the recess (9) is formed. Terminal block system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a movable shoulder (39) on the housing base (2) is provided, which makes it optically recognizable, whether the function module is brought into its operating position. Terminal block system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the recess (9) is formed between the two connection devices (5) and directly above the support rail (4) in the housing base (2). Terminal block system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the recess (9) on one or both sides of insulating partitions (29, 30) is limited. Terminal block system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the recess (9) has different latching contours for latching different corresponding latching means differently ausgestalteter function blocks, so that function blocks of different outer geometry in the recess (9) can be latched.

Images