EP0678932B1 - Electrical junction and connection terminal - Google Patents

Abstract

The clamp has relatively spaced termination points (16) for electrical leads and associated contact devices for connecting the inserted leads, with the clamps housing (1) formed in at least 2 parts (2, 3), each providing at least one of the termination points. The housing parts are combined to form a single unit, with at least one termination point (18) of the latter provided with a knife clamp contact device, to allow automatic wiring. The assembled unit has interlocking elements (51), allowing it to be combined with other similar units providing the same, or a different, function. The knife contact termination point is pref provided at the separation plane between the individual parts of the clamp housing. <IMAGE>

Description

The invention relates to an electrical connection and connection terminal according to the preamble of claim 1, a particularly such connection and connection terminals containing kit for the production of multi-pole connection and connecting terminals and one using such Connection and connection terminals manufactured multi-pole Connection or connection clamping device.

For example, the one described in DE 4 218 741 A1 Process for automatic wiring of connection points electrical devices or components find connection and connection clamping elements use, which in training as a connector in the form of a Automatic wiring set insulation displacement contact point exhibit. In the insulation displacement slot the program-controlled along a line-laying tool a predetermined line routing electrical Conducting an electrical contact pressed in automatically, whereupon the line if necessary cut off immediately next to the terminal contact point becomes. To those containing the insulation displacement slot electrical contact means inside an insulating material housing are arranged so that they are safe to touch Connection line of the electrical device, for example a capacitor, a lamp holder or a ballast in a not shown, known per se Way connected. In training as a connecting clamp the clamping device has two spatially separate Connection points in the form of insulation displacement contact points on that by inside the insulating material housing the terminal arranged contact means conductively with each other are connected. Both insulation displacement contact points are set up for automatic wiring, arrangements have been made to ensure that the two Insulation displacement contact points cut conductor ends in the terminal are kept safe from touch.

With such trained connection points is one electrical terminal device provided in the EP 0 573 792 A1 is explained. The arrangement can be taken such that the terminal device Is part of a connection element that is directly to the bracket electrical equipment is set up, for example by connecting the terminals to one Lamp holder or one for connecting a capacitor decorated base part molded or otherwise are attached.

These terminal devices have been put into practice already excellently proven. They guarantee theirs Insulation displacement contact points a perfect gas-tight Contacting the electrical conductors for the internal wiring the wired device, for example one electric lamp for gas discharge lamps. As long as this Devices of basically the same design are sufficient large series are produced, there are no difficulties the connection terminals for the respective To interpret the purpose and function and to manufacture it specifically. But the desire is also increasing according to connection suitable for this automatic wiring or use clamps that allow using relatively few individual parts as required different To create connectivity to it to meet the needs of the individual case. For example for electrical lights, the internal wiring should be done automatically according to the insulation displacement technique, while the lamp is connected to the external leads the line network via screw terminals or screwless terminal contacts should take place, as previously are common when connecting luminaires. In addition, that less internal wiring with electrical conductors Cross-section gets along, while the power supply lines have larger cross-sections of the house installation.

The object of the invention is therefore for the automatic electrical wiring suitable connection and To create connecting clamps that are more rational at simple Manufacturing an adaptation to different needs enable and thus the storage at Reduce users to a minimum.

To solve this problem, the above-mentioned connection and connecting terminal according to the invention with the Features of the characterizing part of patent claim 1 educated.

The clamp consists of at least two parts, one of which each part has at least one connection point and the positively connected to each other to form a single element are, at least one connection point in the form of a insulation displacement contact point set up for automatic wiring is available, in particular for connection of the electrical wiring of the internal wiring while at least one other junction for example as a screw terminal contact point or as screwless terminal contact point can be formed and especially for connecting the lines of the external wiring is set up. Regardless of the training this other junction has the terminal facilities for positive coupling with other individual elements same or different function.

This also allows the user according to another invention multi-pole connection or connection terminal devices assemble that from several single or multi-pole such individual elements exist, the individual elements can at least partially have different functions.

Finally, the user can also use an inventive one Kit for the production of multi-pole connection and connection terminals be made available from a Number of individual elements of the aforementioned type in the form of such a single or multi-pole connection or There are connecting terminals, each with several connection points have, of which at least one for automatic Wiring set up insulation displacement contact point while at least one other junction as screw terminal contact point or screwless terminal contact point is trained. All individual elements point same laterally arranged coupling means on the positive coupling of multipole terminals or Terminal strips lined up individual elements of the same or different functions are set up.

These measures allow the user with warehousing for comparatively few individual parts to find and of its own for the most rational Wiring or for the respective needs to put together suitable clamping devices yourself.

Developments of the new connection or connection terminal are the subject of subclaims.

Fig. 1

eine Anschluß- oder Verbindungsklemme gemäß der Erfindung in Form eines Einzelelementes zum schraubenlosen Anschluß von Leitungen in perspektivischer schematischer Darstellung,

Fig. 2

die Anschluß- oder Verbindungsklemme nach Fig. 1 im auseinandergenommenen Zustand in perspektivischer Darstellung,

Fig. 3

die Anschluß- oder Verbindungsklemme nach Fig. 1 geschnitten längs der Linie III - III der Fig. 1 in einer Seitenansicht und in einem anderen Maßstab,

Fig. 4

die Anschluß- oder Verbindungsklemme nach Fig. 3 mit eingefügtem Erdstecker in einer entsprechenden Schnittdarstellung,

Fig. 5 und 6

den Erdungsbügel der Anschluß- und Verbindungsklemme nach Fig. 3 in der Draufsicht von unten und in der Zuordnung zu einem Loch in der metallischen Unterlage, unter Veranschaulichung des nicht eingerasteten und des eingerasteten Zustands,

Fig. 7

eine Anschluß- oder Verbindungsklemme gemäß der Erfindung in einer zweiten Ausführungsform mit schraubenlosen Klemmkontaktstellen und Schraubenklemmkontaktstellen in perspektivischer Darstellung,

Fig. 8

ein Teilgehäuse der Anschluß- und Verbindungsklemme nach Fig. 7 mit der Kontaktfeder und der Klemmfeder im auseinandergenommenem Zustand in perspektivischer Darstellung und in einem anderen Maßstab,

Fig. 9

die Anschluß- und Verbindungsklemme nach Fig. 7 in einer Ansicht von hinten entsprechend dem Pfeil IX der Fig. 7 und in einem anderen Maßstab,

Fig. 10

das Teilgehäuse nach Fig. 8 in der Draufsicht und in einem anderen Maßstab,

Fig. 11

eine Anschluß- und Verbindungsklemme ähnlich Fig. 7 in der Ausführung mit einer zugeordneten Feinsicherungseinrichtung bei abgenommenem Deckel der Feinsicherungseinrichtung in perspektivischer auseinandergezogener Darstellung,

Fig. 12

die Anschluß- und Verbindungsklemme nach Fig. 1 geschnitten längs der Linie XII - XII der Fig. 11 in einer Seitenansicht und in einem anderen Maßstab,

Fig. 13

die Anschluß- und Verbindungsklemme nach Fig. 11 unter Veranschaulichung des vorderen Teilgehäuses teilweise im Schnitt entsprechend der Linie in einem anderen Maßstab,

Fig. 14

die Anschluß- und Verbindungsklemme nach Fig. 13 in einer entsprechenden Darstellung mit eingefügter Kontaktfeder und abgenommenem Deckel der Feinsicherungseinrichtung,

Fig. 15, 16

eine Kontaktfeder der Anschluß- und Verbindungsklemme nach Fig. 14 in zwei Seitenansichten von vorne und von hinten,

Fig. 17

die zweite Kontaktfeder der Anschluß- und Verbindungsklemme nach Fig. 14 in der Draufsicht und

Fig. 18, 19

eine aus zwei bzw. drei Anschluß- und Verbindungsklemmen nach Fig. 11 zusammengefügte Klemmeinrichtung mit zugeordneter Zugentlastung für die Leiter der äußeren Verdrahtung unter Veranschaulichtung zweier verschiedener Montagemöglichkeiten der Zugentlastung jeweils in perspektivischer Darstellung und im auseinandergenommenem Zustand.

Exemplary embodiments of the subject matter of the invention are shown in the drawing. Show it:

Fig. 1

a connecting or connecting terminal according to the invention in the form of a single element for screwless connection of lines in a perspective schematic representation,

Fig. 2

1 in the disassembled state in a perspective view,

Fig. 3

1 cut along the line III - III of FIG. 1 in a side view and on a different scale,

Fig. 4

3 with inserted earth plug in a corresponding sectional view,

5 and 6

3 in the top view from below and in association with a hole in the metallic base, illustrating the non-locked and the locked state,

Fig. 7

a connecting or connecting terminal according to the invention in a second embodiment with screwless terminal contact points and screw terminal contact points in a perspective view,

Fig. 8

7 with the contact spring and the clamping spring in the disassembled state in a perspective view and on a different scale,

Fig. 9

7 in a view from the rear according to the arrow IX of FIG. 7 and on a different scale,

Fig. 10

8 in top view and on a different scale,

Fig. 11

7 in the embodiment with an associated microfuse device with the cover of the microfuse device removed in a perspective exploded view,

Fig. 12

1 cut along the line XII - XII of FIG. 11 in a side view and on a different scale,

Fig. 13

11 showing the front part housing partly in section along the line on a different scale,

Fig. 14

13 in a corresponding representation with inserted contact spring and removed cover of the microfuse,

15, 16

14 in two side views from the front and from behind,

Fig. 17

the second contact spring of the connection and connection terminal according to FIG. 14 in plan view and

18, 19

11 with a corresponding strain relief for the conductors of the external wiring, illustrating two different mounting options for the strain relief, each in a perspective view and in a disassembled state.

The in Figures 1 to 4 in a first embodiment The connection or connecting terminal shown is in two parts built up. It has a consisting of two parts 2, 3, housing 1 made of insulating material, its parts along one perpendicular to a support surface 4 oriented parting plane 5 are put together. The two sub-housings 2, 3 are locked together. To for this purpose, as in particular from FIGS. 2 to 4 can be seen on the one partial housing 2 three hook-shaped Locking clips 6, 7 formed on the parting line 5th protrude and sit on appropriate elastic arms 8, 9. The opposing locking clips 6 are arranged immediately after the contact surface 4, while the locking clip 7 approximately in the middle of the partial housing 2 are provided at a distance above the locking clips 6 is.

The locking clips 6, 7 are on the other sub-housing 3 molded locking elements 10, 11 associated with the assembled Part housings 2, 3 in the from FIGS. 1 to 4 are evidently attacked. The locking elements 10 are in the form of the outside of the partial housing 3 molded strip-like on opposite sides Share formed while the locking element 11 by a formed in the interior of the partial housing 3 transverse rib is. Obviously, the arrangement is such that the two sub-housings 2, 3 based on Fig. 3, 4 in a horizontal Direction, i.e. parallel to the contact surface 4 inserted and locked, i.e. to the housing 1 can be put together.

There are several spatially separated from one another on the housing 1 Connection points for electrical lines are provided. Of these connection points there are two connection points side by side at 14 in the area of rear end face 15 of the partial housing 2 and, so aligned two more junctions at 16 in the area the front end face 17 of the other partial housing 3, such that on the wide end faces 15, 17 results in the same configuration. The connection points 14, 16 are screwless terminal contact points, their structure is still described in detail will be.

On the top of the housing 1 is another connection point 18 provided in the form of an automatic Wiring suitable insulation displacement contact point is trained.

Finally, is on the underside of the housing 1 in the areas the bearing surface 4 at 19 still a junction in Form of a plug contact junction available, in particular intended for connecting an earth plug 20 (Fig. 4) is.

All of these connection points 14, 16, 18 and 19 are electrical Contact means assigned to a common contact spring 20 arranged inside the housing 1 (Fig. 2) made of an electrically highly conductive material, for example Lead bronze or brass, trained and so that they are electrically connected to each other.

The contact spring 20 consists in particular of a thin one Sheet metal strip that is essentially a closed one Trapezoid is curved, which is a flat lower one Leg 21, two sloping at the end of this inwardly inclined side legs 22 and a two-part to the lower leg approximately parallel upper Has leg 23. From the two parts of the top Leg 23 is one in the form of a flap 24 approximately in the middle of the longitudinal extent of the lower leg 21 bent at right angles while the other part at 25 is also bent down approximately at right angles and with its front edge near the lower leg 21 ends. In the tab 24 is one with insertion bevels 26 provided edge open insulation displacement slot 27, from the top edge of the flap 24 goes out and the contact means for the insulation displacement contact point 18 forms.

In the contact spring 20 is a substantially C-shaped curved, the inner contour of the contact spring 20 adapted Clamping spring 28 made of resilient steel sheet used by the angled part 25 of the contact spring 20 is held and for fixing those connected to the contact spring 20 electrical cables.

In the side legs 22 of the contact spring 20 are to accommodate the stripped ends of the to be connected Lines provided certain openings, of which the assigned to the connection points 14 in the partial housing 2 Openings in the form of cutouts open to the side 29 and the other connection points 16 in the sub-housing 3 assigned openings designed as oval holes 30 are. The recesses 29 and the holes 30 are in each case in the partial housing 2 or 3 at the connection points 14 or 16 provided cable entry channels 31 and 32 (Fig. 3, 4) aligned, which after on the outside at 33 or 34 to a kind of cylindrical section expand larger diameter to accommodate the non-stripped line part is used to this The necessary touch protection to ensure outside.

The recesses 29 and the openings 30 are through the with their top sharp edges 35 near the top Cut-out or opening edge ending on the side Leg 36 of the clamping spring 28 covered. When inserting they become an electrical line to be connected elastically bent inward, with the result that it is Line end with its edges 35 against the respective part press the upper leg 23 of the contact spring 20 and while spreading against the end of the line and lock it tight.

In order to be able to disconnect a connected cable end again, is a release button 38 in each of the sub-housings 2, 3 provided, one of which is illustrated in Figs. 2, 3 is and their actuation allows both at the same time Loosen connection points 14 and 16 the line contact.

The substantially T-shaped release button 38 is with a in cross section rectangular shaft 39 in a below the connection points 14 and 16 arranged, of the Front 14 and 17 outgoing and parallel to the cable entry channels 31 or 32 aligned longitudinal guide 40 slidably mounted. The shaft 39 is at the end provided with a hook part 41, which after the Insert through the channel-like longitudinal guide 40 at the Internal edge hooked, so that the release button 38 captive is mounted on the respective partial housing 2 or 3.

As can be seen in particular from FIG. 3, the release button protrudes 38 with the front end of its shaft 39 through an opening 42 in the side leg facing her 22 of the contact spring 20 (see FIG. 2). When actuated the release button 38 is thus over the shaft 39 of this opposite legs 36 of the clamping spring 28 after pressed inside, with the result that the edge 35 the connected Releases the conductor and pulls it out of the clamp can be.

The fact that the release button 38 each under the connection points 14 or 16 on the end face 15 or 16 of the housing 1 is arranged, result in very space-saving and also user-friendly conditions.

The insulation displacement contact point 18 on the top of the im Cross section of substantially lower housing part 1 is from correspondingly molded elements of the two sub-housings 2, 3 formed together. The insulation displacement slot 27 load-bearing tab 24 of the contact spring 20 is substantially exactly in the separating surface 5. It is through on the broad side each have a flat bearing surface 43 or 44 on the partial housing 2 or the sub-housing 3 supported and on the narrow side between two strip-shaped molded on the partial housing 2 Housing parts 45 held when plugged together Housing in corresponding groove-like recesses 46 (Fig. 2) engage the other sub-housing 3. In the area of the two contact surfaces 43 is a continuous with the Insulation displacement slot 27 aligned insertion slot 47, the one with insertion bevels 48 for the one to be connected Provide ladder and its width slightly larger than the width of the insulation displacement slot 27 is.

At the insertion slot 48, the wall of which, as shown in FIG. 2 to see, half assigned to each of the two sub-housings 2, 3 closes on each of the two sub-housings 2, 3 each have an axially parallel to the insertion slot 48 aligned parallel flanks groove-like recess 49, the width of which is greater than that of Insertion slot 48 is. The dimensions of the groove-like Recess 49 are each dimensioned so that one in the Near the insertion slot 47 cut end of the the connection point 18 connected touch safe stored in the associated groove-like depression is. Specifically, this means that the free line part of the line end from the standardized test finger in Areas of the groove-like depression 49 cannot be reached may. At the same time, the two groove-like depressions serve to guide the cable laying tool at automatic wiring, as detailed in DE 4 218 741 A1 is explained.

Laterally from the groove-like recess 49 is on each two sub-housings 2, 3 on one side essentially one U-shaped coupling part 50 and on the opposite A complementary strip-like side Coupling part 51 integrally formed.

As can be seen from Fig. 1, the two U-shaped close Coupling parts 50 a T-groove in the assembled state 52 a, which is symmetrical to the separating surface 5 at right angles is oriented to the support surface 4 and they with their bottom surface on the flat side surface of the two Part housing 2, 3 connects.

The coupling parts 50, 51 form complementary devices for positive coupling of the one shown in Fig. 1 Single clamping elements, which in the from FIGS. 18, 19th obviously in any combination with each other can be ranked. In the area of the T-slot 52 on the Latches 53 provided on the inside each engage assembled individual elements in corresponding locking grooves 54 on the inside of the coupling parts 51 of each adjacent single element, so that a safe Locking of the clutch is given.

Since the coupling parts 50 are each less than extend half the height dimension of the partial housings 2, 3, there is a particularly simple coupling process two individual elements: the one becomes an individual element with its coupling parts 51 simply from below to the Coupling parts 50 of the other individual element attached and pushed up until the locking lugs 53 into the locking grooves 54 intervene. In this position, the tops are aligned of the individual elements with each other, so that a uniform, stable structural unit in the form of a multi-pole Clamping device results. In the area of the contact surface 4 are fasteners on the partial housing 3 below in the form of a so-called split pin 55 (Fig. 3, 4) formed, the shape of which in particular from 13, 14 can be seen. The split pin 55 is essentially eyelet-shaped with two support shoulders 56 and two locking projections 57 are formed. He will with his tapered end in a corresponding hole of a mounting plate or the like, whereby it is elastically deformed until the edge of the hole the shoulders 56 has passed and thus a secure locking is guaranteed.

Since the locking pin 55 is molded onto the partial housing 3 and between the two locking clips 6 of the other part of the housing 2 passes through, it simultaneously ensures the Inseparability of the locking connection between the two sub-housings 2, 3 with clamp installed. He also stops About the coupling parts 50 approximately lined up further individual element captively tight because of this with its top between the lower boundaries of the overlapping Coupling parts and so the pad is locked.

At least on the end face 17 of the partial housing 3 a further connection point below the longitudinal guide 40 58 provided for receiving a flat plug part 59 of a grounding bracket 60 or 61 (Fig. 2) is determined. 3, 4 show that at the junction 58th an insertion channel 62 extends inwards to the contact spring 20, the one provided in the contact spring 20 slot-like socket 63 leads, which in the areas of the lower leg 21 of the contact spring 20 is pronounced is (see Fig. 2).

The clamping spring 28 is in the area of the socket 63 64 recessed and at 65 with one by side parallel Incisions cut small locking tabs 65 provided that has a sharp free edge and the connector part inserted through the inflow point 58 59 of the earthing bracket 60 or 61 fixed securely.

The two earthing brackets 60, 61 can optionally be used are, as the junction 58 in general is provided as a protective conductor connection point.

The earthing clip 60 then points to the plug part a strip-shaped one bent essentially at right angles Sheet metal part, the end at 66 (Fig. 2, 4) is bent to the top, with the buttoned End through two parallel longitudinal slots three contact and Locking fingers 67 are formed, of which the middle fingers compared to the two shorter outer fingers is a little too inflected. On the side of the Sheet metal parts are two at the same height Shoulders 68 cut, followed by 69 lateral sharp edges on the outside by an oval Opening 70 limited, elastically deformable legs are trained.

The dimensions of the sheet metal part are chosen such that it is provided in a sheet metal support 71 (FIG. 4) cylindrical hole 72 inserted and in this over the contact and locking fingers 67 are locked can, as shown in detail in FIG. 4. Here is the mutual distance of the sharp edges 69 with respect to the Hole diameter chosen so that when inserting the earthing bracket 60 into the hole 72, the edges 69 the edge of the hole scratch or cut something into it so that any paint or contamination residues removed there and a perfect electrical contact is made becomes.

The other grounding bracket 61 has a basically similar effect, which also connects to the plug contact 69 molded part 73 bent downwards at right angles (FIG. 2) has, but which is approximately V-shaped about a vertical axis is curved, as shown in FIGS. 5, 6. The molding 73 is in the area opposite to each other Long edges at 74 sharp edged; at its end it is slightly tapered to insert into the indicated at 75 To facilitate hole of the metallic base 71.

When inserted into this hole 75, the two Leg of the V-shaped molded part 73 elastically inwards pressed, with their sharp edges 74 on the edge of the hole scrape along or cut into it and with it Remove paint or contamination residues and turn make good contact. At the same time there is one 3-point system on the edge of the hole.

One cut on the molded part 73 in the region of the bending line Detent 76 works together with the one opposite it cut shoulder 77 a flawless positive locking of the engaged earth bracket 61 in hole 75.

On the provided on the underside of the partial housing 2 Junction 19 can either be dashed at 79 in FIG. 3 indicated from the support plate bent up Flag or the grounding plug 20 are connected. To for this purpose, the contact spring 20 is in the range of lower leg 21 with a corresponding slot-like Opening 80 provided with an insertion channel 81 in is aligned with the housing 1 and the two cut away to the side, partially raised locking tabs 82 leads in the clamping spring. The diagonally facing each other oriented locking tabs 82 when inserted the earthing lug 79 or the earthing plug 20 elastically bent up and spread out from the 3, 4 apparent way.

While in the embodiment of FIG. 3, the connection point 19 laterally next to the fastening split pin 55 such is arranged that the earthing lug 79 is conveniently inserted can be, is in the embodiment of FIG The grounding plug 200 is bent so that its plug part 201 with its part protruding over the bearing surface 4 inside of the split pin 55 is and over this protrudes on both sides. The plug part 201 is in turn on opposite sides similar to the grounding bracket 60 formed with sharp longitudinal edges 202 that when pressed into the hole 203 of the support plate 71 the edge thereof scrape or cut to make a perfect one Make contact.

That described above with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4 Single element of a single-pole connection and connection terminal is apart from the insulation displacement contact point 18 on both ends for the conductor connection screwless terminal contact points. It is especially for the internal wiring of devices, for example of lights, determined.

For example, in certain countries there is a desire Light up via screw terminals on the lines of the building installation to be able to connect. In order to make this possible, is the single element according to FIGS. 1 to 4 in the 7 to 10 evidently modified:

The first partial housing 2 is replaced by a partial housing 2a, that in its outer dimensions and in the areas its cutting contact point 18 and the coupling elements 50, 51 the same as the partial housing 2 according to FIGS. 1 to 4 is designed. It can therefore in the same way with the second partial housing 3 of FIGS. 1 and 4 plugged together and be locked, so that is shown in Fig. 7 Terminal single element results in its overall housing is denoted by la.

A modified contact means is provided in the overall housing la Contact spring 20a arranged, which essentially forms a "half" of the contact spring 20. To which the embossed Socket 63a and the opening 80a for the flag 79 (Fig. 3) or for the grounding plug 200 (Fig. 4) lower leg 21a closes on the side of the partial housing 3 the inward inclined side Leg 22a with the openings 30a and 42a, their meaning has already been explained. The leg 22a sets in the approximately right-angled tabs 24a continued, which in turn the insulation displacement slot 27a with the Includes chamfers 26a.

At its other end, the lower leg 21a is at 85 turned over by 180 ° and provided with a threaded hole 86, into which a clamping screw 87 can be screwed.

A clamping spring 28a is inserted into the contact spring, which are similar in their essential parts to the clamping spring 28 is designed according to Fig. 2. Same parts are with provided with the same reference numerals, only the letter a is added. At their inclined inward Leg 36a opposite end is the clamping spring 28a bent up at 88 at right angles and in the partial housing 2a supported in the axial direction.

As can be seen from FIGS. 7, 10, the partial housing 2a subsequent to the groove-like depression 49 of the Insulation displacement contact point 18 forming parts with a semi-oval through opening 90 on its top provided by which the clamping screw 87 when assembled Part housing 2a, 3 is accessible from above. The spatial relationships are basically like this is illustrated in the sectional view of FIG. 12 is.

The rear cable entry channels 31a lead on both sides to the clamping screw 87, by means of which it has a interposed washer against the end part 85 of the Contact spring 20a can be jammed.

Since the contact spring 20 and the clamping spring 28a on their in the side of the partial housing 2 is the same as the corresponding one Part of the clamping spring 20 of FIG. 2 are designed, can, as already mentioned, with the two screw connection contact points 14a having partial housing 2a the "normal" other sub-housing 3 already described connected so that there is a total of a single element, the one pair of screw contact points 14a and one pair has screwless contact points 16. The latter A release button 38 can again be assigned to connection points be, the longitudinal guide at 40 in Fig. 7 visible is, while the other parts are the same as in Fig. 2nd and therefore with the same reference numerals and not again are explained.

Since the coupling elements 50, 51 are the same as in 1 to 4, individual elements can 7 with individual elements according to FIG. 1 in any sequence to a multi-pole clamping device combined and strung together to form one Unit be locked.

Finally, it should be mentioned that in the partial housing 2a 7 to 10 generally such parts that are the same with corresponding parts of the partial housing 2 according to FIG. 2, with the same reference numerals with the addition of the letter a are designated and not explained again.

In principle, it is also possible to use such an individual element in such a way that the sub-housing 3 is similar the sub-housing 2a also with two screw terminal contact points is equipped, as is also conceivable, dependent of the desired application, the sub-housing 2, as in Fig. 2, leave for two screwless contact points, and only the partial housing 3 for two screw contact terminal points to set up at 16.

In any case, you only need the corresponding sub-housing 2 and / or 3 designed accordingly and one of the Functional contact spring with assigned clamping spring to be provided. Regardless of the design the line connection points 14 and 16 all have these Individual elements of the same design and the same Position arranged insulation displacement contact point 18, which for automatic wiring is suitable. Also are the individual elements with identical coupling means 50 and / or 51 provided, which allow the individual elements with individual elements of the same or different function to combine and lock multipole clamping devices.

While two exemplary embodiments of connection and connecting terminals with different training of the connection points have also been explained Use cases in which the request occurs immediately on the clamping element devices for holding a electrical equipment, such as a capacitor or to have a microfuse available. An example of such an application is in the 11 to 17 illustrates. The illustrated embodiment is designed with a microfuse and otherwise set up to turn on one side with individual elements according to FIGS. 1, 7 positively to be coupled.

In its basic structure, the individual element corresponds 11 to 14 the single element according to the Fig. 7 to 10. The same parts are therefore again with provided with the same reference numerals, only the letter b is added and the same parts a further explanation is unnecessary.

On the two sub-housings 2b and 3b, of which the sub-housing 2b two designed as screw contact terminals Has connection points 14b and the other sub-housing 3b with two connection points 16b in the form of screwless Terminal contact points is provided on the Coupling elements 50b opposite side in principle in the manner of a rectangular cross section Fuse housing 92 molded onto the box. The Fuse housing 92 is in two parts. It consists of two each U-shaped housing parts 93, which with the partial housing 2b and 3b are connected and at 94 in the Partition plane 5b between the two sub-housings 2b, 3b overlap. The on the top of the partial housing 2b, 3b arranged insulation displacement contact point at the connection point 18b is identical to the terminal contact point 18 (Fig. 1) or 18a (Fig. 7) and therefore not discussed again in detail.

In the two part housings 2b, 3b there are two separate contact springs 20b and 20b 'housed, of which the contact spring 20b similar to the right side of the contact spring 20 of Fig. 2 is designed. On her lower leg 21b closes the inward inclined side leg 22b on the side assigned to the partial housing 2b, in which also the openings 30b (Fig. 16) are provided during in the area of the lower leg 21, the socket 63b is stamped. 23b denotes the upper leg, the approximately up to the vicinity of the parting plane 5b leads.

On the other hand, the lower leg 21b sits down in a side leg 22b, which is approximately parallel is aligned with the first lateral leg 22b, so that there is an approximately diamond-shaped shape of the contact spring 20b results. This left leg 22b in FIG. 12 then continues in the vertical tab 24b, which the insulation displacement slot 27b with the insertion bevels 26b 15, 16 as shown in FIGS.

The connection relationships in the field of screwless Terminal contact point trained 16b in the sub-housing 3b are the same as in Fig. 2 and need no further explanation.

A clamping spring 28b is inserted into the contact spring 20b, the basic shape of which can be seen from FIG. 12 is. The clamping spring 28b is approximately triangular with a cut free and bent up in her lower leg Rag 95.

Starting at a right angle laterally from the lower leg 21b is the contact spring 20b with a connecting tab 96 provided (Fig. 15, 16), which can be seen in Fig. 14 Protrudes into the fuse housing 92, in which them with one plugged onto them, essentially U-shaped resilient fuse holder bracket 94 electrically is conductively connected. The fuse holder bracket 94 serves to accommodate one indicated at 95 Microfuse in the known way.

At a distance of the fine fuse 95 from the fuse holder 94 of FIG. 14 is on the bottom of the fuse housing 93 a second such fuse holder bracket 94 is arranged, the one with a connecting tab 99 (Fig. 17) of the other Contact spring 20b '(FIG. 12) in a corresponding manner, as in Fig. 14 is electrically connected.

Those in the sub-housing 2b are electrically insulated from the contact spring 20b accommodated contact spring 20b 'is essentially L-shaped (Fig. 12) and at 85b means of a folded part formed double-walled as well provided with the threaded hole 86b. The one in the threaded hole 86b screwed-in clamping screw 87b is shown in FIG. 12. Via the housing opening 90b from the outside (above) accessible.

For inserting a miniature fuse 95 into the two fuse retaining clips 94 is one shown in FIG. 11 at 100 box-shaped cover part that has an operating handle 101 and two in pairs lying vertically one above the other integrally formed clamping arms 102, 103.

The microfuse is between the clamping arm pairs 102, 103 95 resiliently clamped, with a spare fuse in the Space between the upper clamp arms 102, 103 and the top wall 104 of the box-like cover part can be accommodated can. The lid part 100 is then from above into the Fuse housing 92 inserted until the between the Arm pairs 102, 103 held microfuse 95 between the Holding clips 94 is jammed.

Also for the single element equipped with a microfuse 11 that it is naturally also with screwless terminal contact points on both sides or with screw terminals on the right instead of the left side (Fig. 12) as well as with two screw terminal contact points could be executed.

Alternatively, it would also be conceivable for the fuse housing 92 not to be molded onto the sub-housings 2b, 3b, but as to form a separate part, e.g. by means of the side molded coupling parts 50 or 51 corresponding to FIG. 2 be coupled to a single element according to Fig. 1 or 7 can, whereby in these individual elements only precaution for accommodating the contact springs 20b and 20b ' 12 and 20a of FIG. 8 and a corresponding, second contact spring isolated therefrom would have to be such that both contact springs are above devices with which they attach to fuse holder clips 94 electrically on the bottom of the fuse housing 93 can be connected conductively.

The above based on the described embodiments explained individual elements of different Function, three of which are illustrated in Figs. 1, 7, 11 are, as already mentioned, with individual elements same or different function in any Order compiled into clamping devices and positively via the identical coupling elements 50, 51 are locked together, as shown in FIGS. 18 and 19 as examples of a two-pole and a three-pole Show connection and connection terminal. Because the individual elements on its underside fastening split 55 wear, the assembly so assembled in simple Way on the bottom of a housing or the like can be locked in assigned mounting holes.

The invention therefore also includes a kit in which such individual elements of the same and different functions are included and which allows the user to use a small number of different individual parts Individual elements and different from these Clamping devices according to their respective needs build up.

The clamping devices assembled in this way, for example in the form of a multi-pole terminal or Terminal strips can also be assigned to additional devices be responsible for the use of these clamps are advantageous and are added so that they do not Changes to the individual elements themselves required do.

This is based on FIGS. 18, 19 in connection with a Strain relief for cables to be connected, in particular of external wiring.

The strain relief has a flat, substantially T-shaped Base part 105, which consists of insulating material and on a hinge 106, a line clamping web 107 is held captive by means of two clamping screws 108, the threaded bushes 109 in the Cross legs of the base part 105 are associated with this can be screwed. On the base part 105 and the clamping web 107 provided clamping ribs 110, which deepens are arranged ensure in the usual way the correct position tensile fixation of the under elastic Deformation of the conductor insulation jammed between them electrical wire.

On the opposite leg of the base part 105 End of the longitudinal leg 111 are in pairs mutually associated locking fingers 112 arranged, of which each carries an outwardly facing latching hook 113.

For coupling the strain relief to the individual elements 1, 7 and 11 are the partial housing 2, 2a, 2b each starting from the end face 14 or 14a, 14b cross-sectionally rectangular with parallel flanks Provide connecting channels 114, which extend over part of the Length of the partial housing 2, 2a, 2b extend and laterally are delimited by two parallel webs 115, which are opposite the adjacent side surface of the respective sub-housing are set back inside. The webs 115 are on their side facing the separating surface 5 in each case through an outward penetrating side wall opening rectangular latching opening 116 limits the exact Dimensions can be seen from Fig. 3. Otherwise open is formed on the underside by a molded web part 117 (Fig. 3) limited connection channels 115 behind the Locking opening 116 on the underside of the partial housing 2 (2a, 2b) in the area between the locking arms 8, like this also emerges from Fig. 3.

The cross-sectional dimensions of the connection channels 114 are chosen such that each connection channel 114 in the out Fig. 18 can be seen way for receiving a pair of locking fingers 112 is set up, the latching hook in the inserted Snap the condition into the locking opening 116 and so that the molded part 105 of the strain relief fix securely.

As shown in Fig. 18, the lateral distance between the locking finger pairs 112 on the base part 105 to the pitch of Individual elements, i.e. whose partial housing 2 matched, so that with a two-pole clamping device the molding 105 with its locking fingers 112 in the connecting channels 114 neighboring individual elements can be used. The Strain relief is thus with that between the ribs 110 jammed cable on the middle between the two individual elements, i.e. whose connection point pairs 14 aligned.

The webs 115 are opposite the adjacent side walls the partial housing 2 (2a, 2b) is set back by such an amount, that between two via the coupling elements 50, 51st positively coupled individual elements each again an insertion channel 114 'is limited, which after has the same cross-sectional dimensions at the bottom like the connection channel 114 of a single element. There too the grid of the connecting channels 114 'strung together Individual elements are the same as the grid of the connecting channels 114, as can be seen from FIG. 19, the base part 105 of the strain relief optionally also in two neighboring ones Connection channels 114 'inserted and in their locking openings 116 can be locked. In the three-pole shown Clamping device means that this is in the strain relief connecting cables clamped over the ribs 110 now on the connection points 14 of the middle single element is aligned.

With a large number in the manner described lined up Individual elements can also have several strain reliefs are provided in such a way that molded parts 105, for example, also abutting with their transverse legs are attached.

The attachment of the strain relief in the manner described is independent of the formation of the connection points 14, 16 of the individual elements and thus also independently of their function. In principle, embodiments are also conceivable in which the connection channels 114 in the described Way with the webs 115 on both sub-housings 2, 3rd (2a, 2b; 3a, 3b) are only provided for those the other sub-housings 3 (3a, 3b) with such connection channels are executed.

With an advantage of the described strain relief in that even after the clamping device has been installed, for example in a lamp later can be inserted without the attachment of the Clamping device would have to be solved. Because the strain relief has a base part 105 inserted at the end, there are also short, simple routes for the leading the clamped cable into the connection points Cables.

Through the illustrated separation of the vertically divided Housing 1 in two sub-housings 2, 3 (Fig. 1 to 4) result very simple molded parts for the partial housing mainly manufactured with slide-less injection molds can be. This means that only a small number be held ready by different injection molds must and despite a large number of possible variants the clamps incur low investment costs.

Claims (36)

1. Electrical connecting and coupling terminal with at least two spatially separated connection points for electrical conductors and with contact means which are associated with the connection points and are connected to one another in the interior of the terminal so as to be electrically conductive, characterised in that the terminal consists of at least two parts (2, 3; 2a, 3a; 2b, 3b) of which each part has at least one connection point (14, 16; 14a, 16a; 14b, 16b), these parts being connected to one another by interlocking to form one single element on which at least one connection point (18) is provided in the form of a blade terminal connection point arranged for automatic wiring, and the said single element has means (50, 51) for interlocking coupling to other single elements having the same or different functions.
2. Terminal as claimed in Claim 1, characterised in that the parts (2, 3; 2a, 3a; 2b, 3b) of the single element are latched to one another.
3. Terminal as claimed in Claim 1 or 2, characterised in that each single element has a two-part housing (1; 1a; 1b) in which at least one contact spring (20; 20a; 20b) forming the contact means is disposed, the parts (2, 3; 2a, 3a; 2b, 3b) of the said single element being joined together at a parting surface (5).
4. Terminal as claimed in Claim 3, characterised in that the blade terminal connection point (18) is disposed substantially in the region of the parting surface (5).
5. Terminal as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterised in that at least one connection point (14a) is constructed as a screw terminal contact point.
6. Terminal as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterised in that at least one connection point (16) is constructed as a screwless terminal contact point.
7. Terminal as claimed in Claim 6, characterised in that releasing means (38) which can be actuated externally are associated with the screwless terminal contact point (16).
8. Terminal as claimed in Claim 7, characterised in that the releasing means have a release key (38) which is movably mounted in the respective part-housing (2, 3; 2a, 3a; 2b, 3b).
9. Terminal as claimed in Claim 8, characterised in that the release key (38) is disposed on an end face (15) adjacent to or below the associated connection point (14).
10. Terminal as claimed in Claim 8 or 9, characterised in that the release key (38) is mounted so as to be undetachable and displaceable.
11. Terminal as claimed in Claims 2 and 3, characterised in that the two part-housings (2, 3; 2a, 3a; 2b, 3b) of the two-part housing (1; 1a; 1b) which is divided vertically relative to the bearing surface (4) of the terminal are latched to one another in the horizontal direction approximately parallel to the bearing surface (4).
12. Terminal as claimed in Claim 3, characterised in that at least one of the two part-housings (3) is arranged for selective connection to part-housings (2, 2a) having various different connection points (14).
13. Terminal as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterised in that in the region of its bearing surface (4) it has a connection point (19) constructed as a screwless terminal contact point.
14. Terminal as claimed in Claim 13, characterised in that the connection point (19) is arranged for connection of an upright tab (79) of a metal support plate (71).
15. Terminal as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterised in that it has a contact part (60, 61, 200) which is connected to the contact means (20; 20a; 20b) and projects externally or is accessible from the exterior:
16. Terminal as claimed in Claim 15, characterised in that the contact part (200) is disposed in the region of the bearing surface (4).
17. Terminal as claimed in Claim 16, characterised in that at least one fixing means (55) is disposed in the region of the bearing surface (4) and the contact part (200) is disposed on or in the fixing means (55).
18. Terminal as claimed in Claim 15, characterised in that the contact part is constructed as a contact clip (60, 61) which is connected to the contact means (20) at a connection point (40, 58) and is disposed on the outside of the terminal.
19. Terminal as claimed in Claim 18, characterised in that the contact clip (60, 61) is connected to a connection point (40, 58) on the end face, the said connection point being disposed in particular below another connection point (16) for lines.
20. Terminal as claimed in one of Claims 15 to 19, characterised in that the contact part (60, 61, 200) is arranged for contacting in a hole (72, 75, 203) of a metal support plate (71).
21. Terminal as claimed in Claim 20, characterised in that the contact part (60, 61, 200) is constructed with lateral sharp edges (69, 73, 202) which can be brought into engagement with the boundary of the hole to produce an electrical contact.
22. Terminal as claimed in Claim 20 or 21, characterised in that the contact part (60, 61, 200) is constructed or provided with means (67, 76, 55) for latching in the hole of the support plate (71).
23. Terminal as claimed in Claim 22, characterised in that the contact part (61) is bent at the end in a partially circular shape or a V shape and is constructed so that it can be clamped with its edges (73) at (76) at three points on the boundary of the hole (Figure 6).
24. Terminal as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterised in that it has on the end face means (114, 114') for selective fixing of traction relief means (105) for conductors to be connected.
25. Terminal as claimed in Claim 24, characterised in that it has connection openings, channels or depressions (114, 114') which are disposed on the end face and are arranged so as to receive insertable fixing parts (112) of the traction relief means.
26. Terminal as claimed in Claim 25, characterised in that the fixing parts (112) of the traction relief means are constructed so that they can be selectively inserted into the detent openings, channels or depressions (114, 114) of two single elements which are coupled to one another or between adjacent single elements.
27. Terminal as claimed in Claim 26, characterised in that depending upon the insertion of the fixing elements (112) the traction relief means is aligned either centrally with the end face of a single element or with the region between two adjacent single elements.
28. Terminal as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterised in that it is provided with a laterally disposed arrangement (92) for receiving an operating means, particularly a fine-wire fuse (95).
29. Terminal as claimed in Claim 28, characterised in that the arrangement has an additional housing (92) which contains contact means (94) for the operating means (95).
30. Terminal as claimed in Claim 29, characterised in that the additional housing (92) is constructed as a discrete part and is releasably connected, particularly latched, to the housing (1, 1a, 1b) of the terminal.
31. Terminal as claimed in Claim 29, characterised in that the additional housing (92) is formed onto the housing (1, la) of the terminal.
32. Terminal as claimed in Claim 30 or 31, characterised in that a closure element (100) is associated with the additional housing (92) and is releasably connected to the additional housing (92).
33. Terminal as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the coupling means have complementary tongue and groove elements (50, 51) which are disposed on opposing sides of the housing (1, la), are oriented transversely with respect to the bearing surface (4) and with which detent means (53, 54) are optionally associated.
34. Terminal as claimed in Claim 33, characterised in that the tongue and groove elements (50, 51) are designed for a coupling arrangement which points away from the bearing surface (4) and is oriented upwards from below, and have a stop in the coupling direction.
35. Set of components for producing multi-pole connecting and coupling terminals, consisting of a plurality of single elements in the form of single- or multi-pole connection and coupling terminals as claimed in one of Claims 1 to 4, each having a plurality of connection points (14, 16, 18) of which at least one (18) is constructed as a blade terminal connection point arranged for automatic wiring and at least one other connection point (14, 14a) is constructed as a screw terminal contact point or as a screwless terminal contact point, wherein all single elements have the same laterally disposed coupling means (50, 51) which are arranged for interlocking coupling of single elements having the same or different functions which are lined up with one another to form multi-pole terminals or terminal strips.
36. Multi-pole connection or coupling terminal arrangement consisting of a plurality of single- or multi-pole single elements in the form of connection and coupling terminals as claimed in one of Claims 1 to 4 which are each coupled to one another by interlocking and of which at least some, or groups of them, have the same or different functions.

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