EP0621656B1 - Electrical terminal device - Google Patents

Abstract

An electrical connecting terminal device has a housing (1) which consists of insulating material and in which at least one insulation-piercing terminal contact is arranged which is constructed on a contact spring (17). The contact spring is additionally provided with at least one plug contact (27) and one equipment connecting contact (29). <IMAGE>

Description

The invention relates to an electrical terminal device with a housing made of insulating material, at least an insertion slot that is open to the edge on an insertion side for an electrical line and at least one arranged in the housing, forming a contact zone Insulation displacement contact with an open edge and on the insertion slot aligned insulation displacement slot for conductor connection has, the insulation displacement contact on a Contact spring is formed.

Electrical terminal devices of this type, for example in the form of terminals or terminal strips, allow contacting of the conductors according to the so-called Insulation displacement technology. This technique offers special in the automatic production of wiring for devices, such as lights, considerable advantages because no own actuation of clamping elements, such as screws or the like is required.

Except for connecting terminals for connecting conductors it is also known to connect terminals for to equip electrical devices with such insulation displacement contacts. An example of this is described in EP 002 099. On the laminated core of a transformer is one housing made of insulating material placed in the several insulation displacement contacts arranged for conductor connection are. Each of these insulation displacement contacts is on one U-shaped contact spring formed on two opposite sides with two insulation displacement slots is provided, the dimensions of the connection a winding wire on one side and a power cable on the other hand are coordinated. Basically it is a matter of connecting terminals of two lines of different diameters, both after the Insulation displacement technology can be connected to the contact spring.

From US-A-5 147 218 is a multi-part, electrical Known connector device, which essentially Has U-shaped bent contact springs, each of which at the end of one leg with an insulation displacement contact and at the end of the parallel other leg than Plug or preferably fork-shaped socket is. In the area of the two legs together connecting arch is an additional on the contact spring Plug contact in the form of a cut Flat plug or a plug opening available. The IDC slot of the IDC contact of the contact spring is only for disassembled housing for the Conductor connection accessible so that the clamping device is out of the question for automatic wiring. In addition, the multi-part special housing structure limits the one for placing the housing on a special one as well Terminal strip containing conductor connections determined is the possible uses of the clamping device on.

In another connection element known from DE 30 24 249 A1 for electrical jumper wires different The contact spring is folded over by 180 °, being in the folded area with two Insulation displacement contacts is formed, which is designed are that jumper wires of different diameters can be pinched. The contact spring also carries at the end of one of her thighs a socket pin, during the end section of her other leg designed as a plug contact in the manner of a flat plug can be. Nothing is disclosed about the structure of the housing. Finally, US-A 5 061 203 discloses one two-part device connector with a plug part and one to be attached to the device to be connected Socket part in which to manufacture the electrical Connection the plug part is inserted. With this Inserting the plug part are arranged in this Contact springs that have an insulation displacement slot at the end carry with their insulation displacement slot over in the socket part supported conductor ends to be pushed, to make electrical contact. The essentially U-shaped contact springs are in the area of your inside the connector part lying as Plug contacts for power cables to be inserted from the outside educated. Such a multi-part device connector is with a connection terminal of the type in question here cannot be compared. she is also not intended for electrical wiring or set up.

For a number of applications, it would be desirable to use the Simplify device connection or an even more universal Possible use of such, in particular suitable for the automatic production of wiring Connection device according to the insulation displacement technique too achieve. This is the basis of the invention Task.

To solve this problem is the electrical mentioned Terminal device according to the invention by the Features of claim 1 characterized.

The contact spring of the new terminal device points in addition to the insulation displacement contact, at least one Plug contact and a contact for a device connection on. Your insulation displacement slot is above the open-edge insertion slot on the insertion side of the housing for the conductor connection freely accessible from the outside, with the the insertion slot formed on at least one side, groove-like depression in length, depth and width is dimensioned such that a connection line contained therein is touch-proof. The device connection contact is in one embodiment as Plug contact formed, this device connection contact and the additional plug contact that is otherwise available with opposite insertion directions of the to be connected Parts are designed so that their insertion openings for the parts to be connected on opposite Housing sides are arranged. An alternative The device connection contact has an embodiment at least one socket pin protruding from the housing on for a solder or clamp connection of a connected part is set up and at the same time if necessary also for the mechanical connection of the Connection device with a circuit board, etc. used can be. This embodiment is particularly closed use when it comes to connecting equipment in To be used with circuit boards or printed circuits.

The plug contact is expedient with a detachable conductor connection designed so that a connecting line contacted here, for example additional equipment, such as a capacitor in lamp wiring can optionally be solved again. In contrast it is often advantageous if the contact for the device connection for the permanent connection of a connector of the device is set up so that the connection device no longer removed from the device by the user can be.

The plug contact is usually cut out by with the part to be connected spreading Tabs formed in the contact spring, which coincide with the one to be connected Lock the part and manufacture it a well conductive electrical contact jam the contact spring.

By designing the dividing lines accordingly and accordingly Shape of the rag can be achieved that the connector is either detachable or non-detachable. If it is to be detachable, it is on the contact spring more accessible from the outside of the device with a release tool Unlocking area assigned, the rag by one in the unlocking area on the contact spring pressure force in the release direction elastic are deformable. As a release tool in the Usually a screwdriver is used as is common is.

There are particularly simple structural relationships, if the contact spring is a flat spring. The contact spring can in the area of the insulation displacement slot by 180 ° be turned to improve contact to ensure with the conductor to be connected (cf. in this connection OS 2 330 159).

The housing receiving the contact spring has in one expedient embodiment at least two one above the other arranged chambers on which the contact spring crosses are and of which one chamber the plug contact and the other chamber contains the device connection contact, whereby the chambers have entries for the parts to be connected are assigned and otherwise provided, if necessary, support and guide devices for the contact spring are. For reasons of space, it is usually advisable if the two chambers below the insulation displacement contact containing housing part are arranged. Around to prevent the contact spring when pressing the Leader in their insulation displacement slot is the Contact spring with advantages in the bottom chamber against one on the insulation displacement slot in the longitudinal direction of the contact spring acting force supported.

Often it is also necessary to take precautions to to prevent the contact spring when loosening the plug contact due to excessive force on the Release tool is plastically bent so that the connection device damaged or even unusable. To do this to prevent, if necessary, the contact spring in the chamber assigned to the plug contact against Supported direction of the pressure force of the release tool. This support can be at locally limited support points be formed on the walls of the chamber, the location these support points from the special design of the Release or release area is dependent, which in turn by designing the rag and guiding the Separation lines for their free cutting is necessary.

In the housing can also be a transverse Opening or recess for receiving a device-side Fasteners are designed so that the terminal device also mechanically without additional equipment to be able to attach.

In the embodiment with base pin (s) is the Socket pin usually cut on the contact spring and designed appropriately. Basically, he can naturally also connected to the contact spring and then possibly made of a different material his.

To the mechanical strength of the connection of the terminal improve with a board and if necessary further electrical connection options create, as in cases of very high current load, it may be appropriate that the contact spring essentially U-shaped with a double-walled, from the web of the Outgoing U-shaped part containing the insulation displacement slot Section is bent, being on the two Legs socket pins are cut. So that results For each contact spring there is a support at two locations spaced locations where both are electrically conductive Parts can be connected.

The additional plug contact is expediently on one of the two legs of the contact spring, but there is also the possibility of plug contacts on both legs to provide.

The possible uses of the new connection device are practically unlimited. The connection device is for all wiring in low voltage circuits suitable and is particularly suitable for automatic production such wiring using one of one Robot routed tool according to the program on.

Since the connection device directly with at least one Device connection contact is provided, it is often from Advantage, the connection device directly on the device to fix it yourself, which is sometimes advisable for on the connection side of the device itself precautions for secure connection of the new terminal device create.

One such field of application is the connection with a ballast for gas discharge lamps or a Low voltage transformer, because with such devices the manufacturer usually already has a connection terminal, often in the form of a luster clamp that is either on the laminated core or on a Base plate is fixed. With one in practice far widespread embodiment of such a ballast or transformers are made for winding head insulation Plastic existing caps provided that the The laminated core is then placed on the respective winding head are. As in DE-PS 2 244 158 in this context described, it is known on the connection side Insulating material cap protruding like a pin or to form pieces of pipe that have a slot at the bottom, in which a winding wire is inserted, whereby then on the pin or pipe section by crushing (Crimping) a cable end sleeve is attached to the Pin or pipe section is mechanically firmly held and on which the winding wire is electrically connected in this way is.

The new connection device can now with its device connection contact directly onto that of this cable end sleeve formed connector part plugged and with this unsolvable be locked. Such a direct plug connection is also possible for all devices where a pin or plug-like connection part is available, on which the connection device can be plugged directly can.

For additional mechanical guidance and for avoidance of crawl paths, it is advantageous if on the cover cap of the aforementioned ballast and the housing of the Terminal cooperating guide and / or bracket elements are trained.

In principle, it is also possible with such a ballast or transformer the outer line connection to manufacture on a board that, for example is arranged electrically insulated on the base plate and that can carry additional circuit elements that manufacturer's ballast or transformer be assigned. In this case, there is the beginning explained second embodiment with the at the Contact spring arranged base pins.

Fig. 1

das Gehäuse einer Anschlußeinrichtung gemäß der Erfindung in der Ausbildung als einfache einphasige Geräteanschluß- oder Verbindungsklemme in perspektivischer Darstellung,

Fig. 2

eine Anschlußeinrichtung gemäß der Erfindung in der Ausbildung als zweipolige Geräteanschluß - oder Verbindungsklemme in perspektivischer Darstellung,

Fig. 3

zwei Anschlußklemmen nach Fig. 1, in Verbindung mit einem Vorschaltgerät für Gasentladungslampen in perspektivischer schematischer Teildarstellung,

Fig. 4

eine Abdeckkappe des Vorschaltgerätes nach Fig. 3 in einer Seitenansicht,

Fig. 5

die Anordnung nach Fig. 3, geschnitten längs der Linie V - V der Fig. 3 in einer Seitenansicht und in einem anderen Maßstab,

Fig. 6

die Anschlußklemme nach Fig. 1 geschnitten längs der Linie VI - VI der Fig. 7 in einer Seitenansicht und in einem anderen Maßstab,

Fig. 7

die Anschlußklemme nach Fig. 1 in einer Ansicht von der Rückseite mit weggelassener Kontaktfeder und in einem anderen Maßstab,

Fig. 8, 9

die Kontaktfeder der Anschlußklemme nach Fig. 1 in der Draufsicht und in einer Seitenansicht und in einem anderen Maßstab,

Fig. 10

eine Anschlußeinrichtung gemäß der Erfindung in einer anderen Ausführungsform in Verbindung mit einem elektrischen Vorschaltgerät für Gasentladungslampen in perspektivischer schematischer Darstellung teilweise im Ausschnitt,

Fig. 11

die Anschlußeinrichtung nach Fig. 10 in einer Ansicht von vorne mit teilweise weggelassenen Kontaktfedern,

Fig. 12

die Anschlußeinrichtung nach Fig. 11, geschnitten längs der Linie XII - XII der Fig. 11 in einer Draufsicht,

Fig. 13,14

die Anschlußeinrichtung nach Fig. 11 in der Draufsicht,

Fig. 15

eine Kontaktfeder der Anschlußeinrichtung nach Fig. 10 in einer Seitenansicht bzw. in einer Schnittdarstellung entsprechend der Linie XIV - XIV der Fig. 12 und in einem anderen Maßstab,

Fig. 16

die Kontaktfeder nach Fig. 14, geschnitten längs der Linie XV - XV der Fig. 14 in einer Seitenansicht und

Fig. 17

die Kontaktfeder nach Fig. 14 in einer Seitenansicht.

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

Fig. 1

the housing of a connection device according to the invention in the form of a simple single-phase device connection or connection terminal in a perspective view,

Fig. 2

a connection device according to the invention in the form of a two-pole device connection or connection terminal in a perspective view,

Fig. 3

1, in connection with a ballast for gas discharge lamps in a perspective schematic partial representation,

Fig. 4

3 shows a cover cap of the ballast according to FIG. 3 in a side view,

Fig. 5

3, cut along the line V - V of FIG. 3 in a side view and on a different scale,

Fig. 6

1 cut along the line VI - VI of FIG. 7 in a side view and on a different scale,

Fig. 7

1 in a view from the rear with the contact spring omitted and on a different scale,

8, 9

1 in top view and in a side view and on a different scale,

Fig. 10

a connection device according to the invention in another embodiment in connection with an electrical ballast for gas discharge lamps in a perspective schematic representation, partly in section,

Fig. 11

10 in a view from the front with contact springs partially omitted,

Fig. 12

11, cut along the line XII - XII of FIG. 11 in a plan view,

Fig. 13,14

11 in top view,

Fig. 15

10 in a side view or in a sectional view along the line XIV - XIV of FIG. 12 and on a different scale,

Fig. 16

14, cut along the line XV - XV of FIG. 14 in a side view and

Fig. 17

14 in a side view.

The in particular in FIGS. 1, 3 and 6 and 7 in shape a single-pole terminal shown new terminal has an existing of insulating material Housing 1 of substantially rectangular cross-sectional shape on that on both opposite Sides two parallel molded skirting boards 2 carries and that with fasteners in the form of a nearby the flat bottom surface 3 arranged continuous longitudinal slot 4 provided with a rectangular cross-sectional shape is. As can be seen from Fig. 3, the terminal is with its bottom surface, for example on the base plate 5 an electrical ballast 6 placed and on this by means of a notched from the base plate bent tab 7 attached by the longitudinal slot 3 protrudes and at its free end if necessary is slightly bent down.

The two side walls 8 of the up to its line insertion side towards the open housing 1 carry on the inside two opposite ribs 9, the approximately in the middle between the two end faces 10 of the housing lying and between them a slightly wedge-shaped or insertion slot 11 with parallel flanks (FIGS. 1, 11) limit that on its top by insertion bevels 12 is broadened.

In the ribs 9 extend from below on the Housing height consistently two opposite each other narrow grooves 14 (Fig. 1, 6), the two of which are open at the edge Cutting clamp slot 15 delimiting leg 16 of an insulation displacement contact that is attached to a contact spring 17 (Fig. 8, 9) made of spring steel or bronze or another conductive spring material is arranged, the in the form of a flat spring or a spring plate is trained. The narrow, plate-shaped contact spring 17 is in the housing as shown in FIG. 6 1 except for those formed on the legs 16 Insulation displacement slot 15 facing cutting sections on all sides embedded in the insulating material of the housing 1, the two legs 16 being limitedly movable in the grooves 14 are led. In the area of the insulation displacement slot 15 is the contact spring at 18 (Fig. 6, 9) by 180 ° folded and on the folded part on both sides of the IDC slot 15 with two over the level of the envelope locking tabs cut at an angle 19 provided for the fixed fixation of the Serve spring 17 in the housing 1. Through the turned over The insulation displacement slot 15 delimiting cutting edges doubled, so that overall result in four contact points for the pressed-in conductor, which are opposite each other in pairs

As can be seen in particular from FIGS. 1, 5 and 6, points the housing 1 on both sides of the ribs 9 and thus the Insertion slot 11 then each have a groove-like depression 20, 21 substantially rectangular or light wedge-shaped cross-sectional shape that next to the insertion slot 11 to the overhead cable insertion side of the housing 1 opens. The two groove-like depressions 20, 21 are mutually and with the Insertion slot 11 arranged in alignment. You are up also limited by an insertion bevel 22. In particular Fig. 3 shows that the depth of the two groove-like Wells 20, 21 is larger than that of the insertion slot 11, but with the opening on the front face groove-like recess 21 is deeper than the other groove-like depression leading to the rear 20. The width the groove-like depressions 20, 21 is much larger than that of the insertion slot 11.

The dimensions of the individual parts are chosen so that with an insulated one pushed in through the insertion slot 11 Line 22 in the manner shown in FIG. 5 the insulation in the insulation displacement slot 15 from the legs 16 of the insulation displacement contact is cut open, with a gas-tight contact between the insulation displacement contact and that at the clamping point deforming metallic conductor of the line 22 takes place. With its insulation, the pressed line 22nd simultaneously in the insertion slot 11 between the two Ribs 9 clamped. The connected line fixed in this way 22 passes through the groove-like recess 21 while its cut end 23 in the other groove-like Well 20 lies (Fig. 5). The breadth and depth of the groove-like depressions 20, 21 and their axial length are dimensioned in such a way that for the management and in particular for their cut end 23 automatically Protection against contact results. That means that the standardized Not touching fingers when testing for touch safety up to the cut end face of the End 20 of the line 22 in the depth of the associated groove-like Well 20 can penetrate. The metallic one Insulation displacement contact on the contact spring 17 itself is with his legs 16 in the grooves 14 of the insulating material housing 1 completely protected from the outside. It is in one such depth that even in the area of the insertion slot 11 absolute contact security is given.

Below the containing the insulation displacement slot 15 in Above described housing part with the groove-like Recesses 20, 21 are two one above the other in the housing 1 arranged chambers 24, 25 formed, one in have a substantially rectangular cross-sectional shape and open into the flat vertical rear of the housing. The two Chambers 24, 25 are vertical from the platelet-shaped mounted contact spring 17 traverses with its lower Front edge on the bottom one at the bottom of the second chamber 25 provided recess 26 is seated. On in this way the contact spring 17 is in the housing in the axial direction against the effect of when inserting a Conductor in the insulation displacement slot 15 exerted compressive force properly supported so that they do not give way axially can. At the same time, it is guided in the grooves.

In the area below the insulation displacement slot 15 and of the envelope at 18 is the contact spring 17 in particular 8, 9 can be seen with three Plug contact points 27, 28 and 29 are formed. The two adjacent plug contact points 27, 28 serve for connecting electrical cables while the ones below arranged, in the plane of symmetry with the insulation displacement slot 15 lying plug contact point 29 for the connection the terminal to an appropriately designed electrical conductive connector of a device, for example the ballast 6 (Fig. 3) is determined. This Connection part can also be a connecting wire, such as in general at the plug contact point 29 a line can be permanently connected.

The plug contact points 27, 28 are of the same design. she each have two through rectangular openings as well punched through at right angles to each other Dividing lines 32, 33, 34 delimited essentially T-shaped Flaps on the crossbar at 35 in one essentially triangular area slightly oblique are too pronounced inside.

Similarly, at the device connection point at 29 two essentially T-shaped by lateral rectangular ones Cutouts 36 and dividing lines 37 laterally exempted Flap 38 formed, which are opposite to each other and between them a narrow one with the insulation displacement slot 15 aligned gap 39, the middle of an approximately square expansion. Also the two rags 38 are obliquely outward from the plane of the contact spring 17 embossed too inclined, but on the other side like the upper lobes in areas 35, as shown in FIG. 9 is seen.

Fig. 6 shows that the upper two plug contact points 27, 28 lie approximately on a central axis of the chamber 24 and to two horizontal insertion openings 36 in the chamber end wall are aligned to the front insertion channels 38 widening towards the clamp in a funnel shape Connect circular cross-section. Between the insertion channels is a rectangular opening in the end wall of the chamber provided to the front of the contact spring 17 leads and which allows a release tool, for example a screwdriver, insert and in the area the dividing line 33 on the T-shaped tabs of the Push plug contacts 27, 28, so that one in between to release the locked conductor.

So under the effect of those exerted with the release tool Pressure force the contact spring 17 not inadmissible Way is bent, this is on their the cable entry openings 36 opposite side locally by four support strips formed in the corners of the chamber 24 40 supportable on the end faces of the contact spring 17 can rest.

The device connection, also designed as a plug connection 29 lies centrally in the lower chamber 25 (FIG. 6), the one on the other side of the contact spring 17 Front of housing leading rectangular in cross section Opposite opening 42, for example, the insertion a test probe allows the operating status of the connected device. The opening 42 is limited by housing walls, the length of which is dimensioned that the contact spring 17 is touch-safe to the outside is recorded. The chamber 25 is with one to the rear of the housing opening insertion funnel 43 formed, the mounting of the connection terminal on a device facilitated.

Finally, below the chamber 22 is the parallel through slot formed longitudinal slot 3 arranged, which is used to attach the terminal, such as this has already been explained.

The terminal described can, as already pointed out was used universally. Your special The advantage is the use with the ballast 6, as explained below with reference to FIGS. 3 to 5 shall be:

The ballast 6 is on both sides of the laminated core each with an essentially rectangular shape Insulating material existing cap 44 for the in Fig. 5 provided at 45 indicated winding head. On the in Fig. 3 connection side shown is the cap 44 on its front with two parallel to the side walls subsequent, vertical, molded guide rails 45 provided that emerge from the plane of the front wall and are limited to parallel flanks. Each of the guide rails 45 carries one in cross section in the lower region essentially rectangular extension 46, on the turn a molded, horizontally aligned, protruding Tube 47 sits on the bottom with an over the length of the insertion slot 48 is provided, the inside of the winding head 45 containing the Cover 44 opens.

The connecting wires are through the two insertion slots 49 led out of the coil of the ballast 6. she are each electrically conductive with a cable end sleeve 50 connected, which is squeezed onto the associated pipe section 47 (crimped) and thus firmly with the cover cap 4 connected is.

When installing the connection terminals on the pre-assembled Ballast 6, each terminal is simply on the base plate 5 is placed on the cover 44 pushed, the fastening tab 7 in the longitudinal slot 3 occurs. The pen-like protruding dimensionally stable cable end sleeve 50 through the insertion funnel 43 automatically into the chamber 25 and from this into the Device connector 29 inserted and inserted with the contact spring 17 contacted. With this pressing on the Terminal on the cover 44, the two T-shaped Tab 38 of the contact spring 37 in FIG. 5 evidently spread outward into the opening 43. They lock themselves positively with the Cable end sleeve 50, so that a permanent connection made between the cable end sleeve 50 and the contact spring 17 becomes. When sliding the contact spring 17 on the cable end sleeve 50 is this of the under tension on it sliding and according to the central angular extension of the gap 39 (Fig. 8) sharp edges of the T-shaped Rag 38 scraped bare, with any existing Color parts are removed automatically, so that a flawless Contacting is guaranteed.

The terminal pushed onto the cover 44 is designed to be essentially in a cross section rectangular connection area 51 (Fig. 6, 7) its rear side engages around the respective guide bar 45, as can be seen from Fig. 5. So that is not just a form-fitting bracket for the terminal housing 1 ensured on the cap 44 but it will at the same time the occurrence of inadmissible Creepage paths prevented. It is also a perfect one Protection against accidental contact is also given at these points.

At the two plug contacts 27, 28 can from the outside Lines are connected as shown in Fig. 5 for a line 51 is illustrated, the insulation of which is shown in FIG the respective insertion channel 38 is received while its conductor 52 the contact spring 17 in one of the triangular Areas 35 (Fig. 8) penetrates and through which spring-elastic obliquely inward T-shaped Rag is locked.

The clamping can be carried out by means of a recess 39 (Fig. 7) introduced release tool in the already described Way to be solved.

The terminal described can naturally also as two-pole or multi-pole terminal be formed, such as this is the second embodiment described below shows, of which in Fig. 2 is a two-pole and in the 10 to 14 illustrates a seven-pole variant is.

With the embodiment of FIG. 1, the same parts are in the description of the embodiment according to FIGS. 10 to 13 provided with the same reference numerals, only the addition "a" is added. Another discussion the structure and function of the same Parts are unnecessary; in this respect, the foregoing Explanations referenced.

While in the embodiment of Fig. 1, the device connection is formed at 29 as a plug contact and Terminal together in the manner shown in Fig. 5 together can be used with a ballast 6 is the embodiment of FIGS. 10 to 14, in particular for use with printed circuit boards Determines circuits and the like, such as this in particular can be seen from Fig. 10.

In the housing designed here in the form of a terminal strip 1a (Fig. 2) or 1b (Fig. 10 to 13) made of insulating material are several insulation displacement contacts that are electrically separated from each other side by side in a row in housing sections arranged, designed the same among themselves are. Such a housing section is therefore sufficient to explain only for an insulation displacement contact:

The upper part of the housing 1a, 1b is essentially similar to Fig. 1 to the line insertion side designed open. Is between two side walls 9a an insertion slot 11a between each of the ribs 10a limited, next to the two narrow grooves 14a for receiving a corresponding section of a contact spring 17a (Fig. 14 to 16) are provided. The contact spring 17a has one in the area of each insertion slot aligned insulation displacement slot 15a on both Sides are each delimited by a leg 16a. In the housing 1a, b are on both sides of the insulation displacement contact two elongated groove-like depressions 20a, 21a (Fig. 13) trained, their length, width and depth similar to is dimensioned in the embodiment of FIG. 1.

Below the two groove-like depressions 20a, 21a a chamber for each contact spring 17a in the housing 1a, b 24a formed in the front of the housing an insertion opening 36a and a cable insertion channel 38a flow out (see Fig. 15). Next to the cable entry duct 38a is in turn a rectangular opening 39a to Introducing a release tool provided (Fig. 2).

As can be seen in particular from FIGS. 15 to 18 the contact spring 17a is bent substantially in a U-shape; she has two legs 60a, 61a, which are separated by a web 62a are connected to one another in extension of the leg 60a arranged flat double-walled Area 63a connects the insulation displacement slot 15a contains. This ensures that even at this embodiment a contacting of the insulation displacement technique connected conductor to four separate Contact points.

14, 15 show that the overall h-shaped Contact spring 17a inserted from above into the housing 1a, b with its first leg 60a the chamber 24a crosses and her second leg 61a in an in Bottom of the groove-like recess 20a provided transverse slot 64a is included. The transverse slot 64a are in the side walls of the respective chamber 24a two guide grooves 65a (Fig. 12) associated with the leg 61a laterally to lead.

The other leg 60a is closed in that of FIGS. 15, 17 withdrawing in its upper area with right angles backwards on the leg 61a to be edged strip-like Wall parts 67a provided for stabilization this area of the contact spring 17a serve and 12 in the assembled state Bear sideways against the walls of chamber 24a, with their free longitudinal edges in the housing support points 40a are assigned, which is an impermissible Deformation of the contact spring 17a under the action of a prevent loosening tool introduced through the opening 39a, as has already been explained.

In the area of the chamber 24a is the leg 60a Contact spring 17a a plug contact 27a formed with the line insertion opening 36a is aligned. The plug contact 27a is designed similarly to the plug contact 27 according to FIG. 8, so that it suffices to use the same reference numerals specify. It in turn has two essentially T-shaped ones cut tabs 270a, which by a transverse dividing line 33a separated from one another and in 15 shown in Fig. 15 to be inclined inwards pronounced inclined to the plane of the leg 60a are. Locking tabs indicated at 19a (Fig. 15, 17) are used for the stationary locking of the contact spring 17a in the housing 1a, b.

The two legs 60a, 61a are at their lower ends each provided with a base pin 70a, 71a, which over the underside of the case protrudes and is slightly beveled on one side is.

As can be seen in particular from FIG. 15, the contact spring 17a in the housing 1a, b in the axial direction with the Web 62a of her leg 60a on the bottom of the groove-like Well 20a supported so that it when pinching of a conductor occurring in the insulation displacement slot 15a, loads acting in the axial direction readily can withstand. With their socket pins 70a, 71a the contact springs in the manner shown in FIG. 10 inserted into corresponding openings 72a of a circuit board 73a, on which the terminal device with its housing 1a, b is placed. The board 73 serves in this Trap against the electrical connection of the indicated at 6a Ballast, for example as electronic ballast designed a number of electrical components can contain their own connections require. Individual insulation displacement contacts can optionally be used the connection device also as a line base for the further wiring of the entire luminaire to be used.

The board 73a is on the mounting rail 5a of the ballast 6a arranged and by means of at least one locked to this cut tab 7a by a corresponding slot-like opening of the circuit board 73a protrudes and is bent.

Claims (21)

1. Electrical terminal device with a housing (1) made from insulating material which has at least one lead-in slot (11, 11a) for an electrical lead, this slot being open at the edge towards the lead-in side, and at least one cuffing and clamping contact disposed in the housing and forming a contacting zone with a cutting and clamping slot (15) which is open at the edge and aligned with the lead-in slot for conductor connection, in which

   the cutting and clamping contact is constructed on a contact spring (17, 17a) which has at least one additional plug contact (27, 28; 27a) and a contact (29, 70a, 71a) for an equipment connection,

   a groove-like recess (20, 21; 20a, 21a) is constructed in a housing part which accommodates the cutting and clamping slot (15, 15a), adjoining the lead-in slot (11, 11a) on at least one side, the dimensions of this recess in terms of length, depth and width being such that a connecting lead contained therein is received in a shockproof manner,

   at least one chamber (24, 24a) is disposed in the housing below the housing part containing the cutting and clamping slot and is constructed with a lead-in opening on one side of the housing for a connector (52),

   the chamber (24, 24a) is traversed by the contact spring (17) and contains the additional plug contact (27, 28; 27a), and

   the equipment connection contact is either constructed as a plug contact (29) with an opposing lead-in direction to the additional plug contact (27, 28; 27a) for a connector (50) and a lead-in is associated with it which opens on the side of the housing opposite the lead-in (36) of the additional plug contact, or the equipment connection contact has at least one base pin (70a, 71a) projecting out of the housing.
2. Terminal device as claimed in Claim 1, characterised in that the plug contact (27, 28; 27a) and/or the equipment connection contact (29, 70a) are constructed on a planar part of the contact spring (17, 17a) containing the cutting and clamping slot (15, 15a).
3. Terminal device as claimed in Claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the plug contact (27, 28; 27a) is constructed with a releasable conductor connection.
4. Terminal device as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterised din that the equipment connection contact (29, 70a 71a) is set up for non-releasable connection of a connector of the equipment (6, 6a).
5. Terminal device as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the plug contact (27, 28, 27a) is formed by free-cut flaps in the contact spring (17, 17a) which spread apart when the connector is inserted and with which an unlocking zone accessible from the outside of the equipment with a releasing tool is optionally associated, and that in this case the flaps are constructed so as to be resiliently deformable by a pressing force acting in the unlocking zone on the contact spring in the release direction.
6. Terminal device as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the contact spring (17) is a flat spring.
7. Terminal contact device as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the contact spring (17, 17a) is bent round in the region of the cuffing and clamping slot (15, 15a) by 180°.
8. Terminal device as claimed in Claim 2, characterised in that the housing has at least two chambers (24, 25) disposed one above the other which are traversed by the contact spring (17) and of which one chamber (24) contains the plug contact (27, 28) and the other chamber contains the equipment connection contact (29), and that both chambers (24, 25) are constructed with associated lead-ins for connectors (50, 52).
9. Terminal device as claimed in Claim 8, characterised in that the two chambers (24, 25) are disposed below the housing part containing the cutting and clamping contact.
10. Terminal device as claimed in Claim 9, characterised in that the contact spring (17, 17a) is supported in the housing (1; 1a, b) against a force acting on the cutting and clamping slot (15, 15a) in the longitudinal direction of the contact spring.
11. Terminal device as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the contact spring (17, 17a) is supported in the region of the plug contact (27, 28; 27a) against the direction of a force exerted by a releasing tool.
12. Terminal device as claimed in Claims 8 and 11, characterised in that the support is constructed at locally defined support points (40) on the walls of the chamber (25).
13. Terminal device as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterised in that lateral guide means for the contact spring (17, 17a) which pass through on both sides are constructed in the housing part containing the cutting and clamping slot (15, 15a) and in at least one chamber (24, 24a) disposed below it.
14. Terminal device as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterised in that a transversely extending opening (3) to receive a fixing means (7) on the equipment side is constructed on the housing (1).
15. Terminal device as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterised in that a chamber (25) of the housing (1) containing the equipment connection constructed as a plug contact (29) has an associated lead-in funnel (43) for the connector (50).
16. Terminal device as claimed in Claim 1, characterised in that the base pin (70a, 71a) is cut on the contact spring (17a).
17. Terminal device as claimed in Claim 16, characterised in that the contact spring (17a) is bent substantially in a U-shape with a double-walled portion (63a) containing the cutting and clamping slot (15a) extending from the web (62a)¹ of the U-shaped part, and that the base pins are cut on the two arms (60a, 61a).
18. Terminal device as claimed in Claim 17, characterised in that the plug contact (27a) is constructed on one arm (60a).
19. Terminal device as claimed in one of the preceding claims in conjunction with a ballast or transformer which has a cap made from insulating material covering the coil end, pin-like connectors for winding wires being disposed on the end face of the cap, characterised in that the terminal device with its equipment connection contact (29) is pushed directly onto the respective connector (50) and is non-releasably locked thereon.
20. Terminal device as claimed in Claim 19, characterised in that cooperating guide and/or retaining elements (45, 46; 51) are constructed on the covering cap (44) and the housing (1a, b) of the terminal device.
21. Terminal device as claimed in one of Claims 16 to 18 in conjunction with a ballast or transformer, characterised in that connected to the ballast (6a) or transformer is a plate (73a) made from insulating material which has openings (72) to receive the base pins (70a, 71a) which are connected to or contacted with connectors of the ballast or transformer.

Images