EP1043805A2 - Electrical connection terminal - Google Patents

Abstract

The terminal has a housing (2) of electrically conducting material containing a conducting connecting arrangement (10) with associated cable insertion openings in the housing and clamping devices for the inserted cables. The housing contains at least o temp. sensitive element (15) with electrical connections (16) and mounted in a thermal transfer association with an external hou surface. An Independent claim is also included for an electrical device, e.g. transformer, with an electrical terminal.

Description

The invention relates to an electrical connection or Terminal with an electrically insulating Material existing housing and with arranged in the housing electrically conductive connection or Connection means, the cable entry openings in the Housing and clamping means for electrical introduced into them Lines are assigned.

Such electrical connection or connection terminals are known in practice in various forms. Your electrically conductive connection or connection means are often essentially sleeve, tube, tab-shaped or rail-shaped metal parts Brass or bronze while clamping screws as clamping means, Clamping springs, insulation displacement contacts and the like are provided. The connection or connection means are kept safe in the insulating material housing, the housing itself fasteners in Shape of screw holes, recesses for sliding open can have on mounting tabs, etc.

Such terminals are typically used for used electrical devices to which they usually work are immediately attached. The terminals themselves can be single or multi-pole, and also several terminals combined into so-called terminal strips could be. Under the name "clamp" are in Within the scope of the present invention, such terminal strips and understood corresponding terminal arrangement.

For example ballasts for gas discharge lamps, Transformers, chokes and the like must depending on their use, be equipped with a temperature fuse or monitoring to ensure that when a predetermined overtemperature is exceeded the device is switched off. The same applies also for luminaires for which a predetermined excess temperature must not be exceeded may.

From DE 33 09 110 C2 it is known in a Coils of a choke or a transformer like a cap covering insulating molded part a temperature sensitive Accommodate element that is thermally conductive Assignment to the winding heads in one of the winding heads engaging tongue of the molded insulating part and its electrical connections with the Connection means connected to an associated terminal are. Special precautions must be taken to prevent the temperature sensitive Element when soaking and at elevated temperature curing of the impregnating compound taking place becomes. In addition, the temperature sensitive element in its response characteristic to the respective power loss of the transformer or the choke be what different in series production Types and sizes of such transformers or chokes Manufacturing disadvantages.

Basically the same applies to one from the DE 29 16 639 C2 known proposal, a temperature sensitive Element in the form of a bimetal heat protection switch in a corresponding housing-like recess to accommodate the coil body of a coil winding. This recess can be closed to the outside be, but this version is not very flexible and also expensive. It is also from the UK 1540685 C2 known, in a ballast for gas discharge lamps a PCT resistor in series with the Glow starter of the gas discharge lamp is switched in to accommodate its own small housing, which on the Terminal of the ballast is clipped on.

Based on this state of the art Invention based on the object to point a way it allows effective overtemperature protection thermally allow used equipment or devices, without the production of the facilities or Devices themselves or their structure are difficult.

To solve this problem, the one mentioned at the beginning was given electrical connection or connection terminal created, which is characterized according to the invention in that you Housing having at least one electrical connection contains temperature-sensitive element, which in heat-transferring Assignment to an outer surface of the housing is arranged.

This formation of the connection or terminal is based on the original consideration, the connection or

To use the connection terminal itself as a temperature sensor, i.e. temperature monitoring in the connection or Lay the connection terminal. This results in the Advantage that the device to be protected even without consideration on any necessary heat protection devices can be manufactured. The required Limit temperature monitoring is completed by on the Device attached, new connection or Terminal causes and is independent of any Impregnation or hardening processes in the manufacture of the device. The invention also allows an optimal adaptation of the Temperature response value of the in the connection or connection terminal housed, heat-sensitive element the thermal conditions and properties of the assigned device or the device used for this Materials. By appropriate choice of connection or Connection clamp can also only in the final assembly be decided whether a device according to the respective Requirements with or without a heat protection device is delivered. Finally, there is an opportunity by simply exchanging the connection or Terminal on the finished device an optimal adjustment For example, the thermal conditions at the place of use of the device. This is with lights or with ballasts used in luminaires or Transformers of considerable importance because of that Thermal protection to the thermal conditions in the luminaire and the defined ambient temperature of the luminaire can be customized. For transformers, chokes, Ballasts, etc. their windings of an impregnation need is an impairment of the temperature sensitive Element excluded.

The invention is not for application to ballasts and transformers of different power, Types and purposes limited. It can be anywhere be used where it matters, one Limit temperature monitoring. The selection of the each in the new connection or connection terminal used temperature sensitive element depends on the conditions of use and the intended purpose. Temperature sensitive Elements can include thermal circuit breakers, PCT resistors, thermal fuse elements and the like just to name a few examples. It are generally speaking, electrical switching elements that temperature-dependent their electrical state value between change their electrical connections. To non-contact temperature sensors also count if necessary in signal evaluation circuits, etc. are included.

The at least one temperature sensitive element can be embedded in the material of the terminal housing, e.g. cast in, but it is usually advisable if the housing has facilities for receiving the has used temperature-sensitive element, which in turn, for example, at least one pocket, channel or have channel-like recess or recess in which the temperature-sensitive element is used. Electrical Connections of the temperature sensitive element are with Advantage with the connecting or connecting means of Terminal connected so that with insertion and contacting the cable feeds the temperature sensitive Element automatically in an appropriate manner is switched.

The temperature sensitive element can on a Side of the housing of the terminal is at least partially exposed be arranged, but the arrangement can also be taken such that the temperature sensitive Element near a side wall of the terminal box arranged and at least in some areas by a heat-permeable Wall is covered to the outside. That brings the advantage that the temperature sensitive Element in the clamp protected against environmental influences is housed. The heat-permeable wall can be made an electrical insulating material of small wall thickness exist and integrally formed on the housing or formed by a cover part connected to the housing his. To achieve particularly good heat conduction, cases are also conceivable in which the heat-permeable Wall is made of metal. The location of the temperature sensitive Element in the terminal box depends on the structure and the installation position of the terminal in accordance with its intended use Use from. So the temperature sensitive element in heat-transferring assignment to a support surface and / or to a line entry openings containing Side surface of the housing can be arranged. In particular with narrow terminals, it is advantageous if the heat-sensitive Element in an essentially axial orientation is arranged for connecting or connecting means.

Under "heat transfer assignment" to an outer surface the housing is understood to be the heat transfer from this outer surface to the heat sensitive Element as free as possible, but at least defined is possible. The heat transfer itself can be dependent on the type of heat sensitive used Element and the area of application of the connecting or connecting terminal through heat conduction, heat radiation (infrared radiation) u. The like.

The invention also relates to the use of in the above-described connection or connection terminal as a temperature monitor or Thermal fuse for a thermally monitored Device, for example a lamp, one on a circuit board built-up circuit, a ballast for gas discharge devices, a reactor, a transformer and the like. This includes non-electrical devices, where the only thing that matters is that they have a certain Do not exceed the limit temperature. The new one works Connection or connection terminal as a temperature sensor.

Finally, the subject of the invention is a electrical device, in particular a ballast or Transformer or the like, with an inventive Terminal, in which that arranged in the terminal housing temperature sensitive element by using the device connected terminal in heat-transferring assignment to a heat-emitting area of the device to be monitored is held. The area to be monitored can e.g. on a current-carrying winding or one with it formed in a thermally conductive part his. The device can also be a lamp.

Fig. 1

eine Verbindungs- oder Anschlußklemme gemäß der Erfindung, im axialen Schnitt in einer Seitenansicht;

Fig. 2

die Klemme nach Fig. 1 in einer Ansicht der Geräte-Anschlußseite;

Fig. 3

die Klemme nach Fig. 2 in einer Ansicht der Leitungs-Anschlußseite;

Fig. 4

die Klemme nach Fig. 1 unter Veranschaulichung einer Geräte-Befestigungseinrichtung und eines Geräte-Anschlußes;

Fig. 5

ein Vorschaltgerät mit einer Anschlußklemme nach Fig. 1 in der Draufsicht;

Fig. 6

das Vorschaltgerät nach Fig. 5 in einer Seitenansicht, unter Veranschaulichung der Anschlußklemme im Längsschnitt entsprechend Fig. 4;

Fig. 7

das Vorschaltgerät nach Fig. 6 in einer Ansicht der Leitungs-Einführseite;

Fig. 8

ein Vorschaltgerät mit einer Anschlußklemme gemäß der Erfindung in einer abgewandelten Ausführungsform und in einer Draufsicht ;

Fig. 9

das Vorschaltgerät gemäß Fig. 8 in einer Ansicht der Leitungs-Einführseite;

Fig. 10

ein Vorschaltgerät mit einer Anschlußklemme gemäß der Erfindung in einer weiteren abgewandelten Ausführungsform und in einer Draufsicht;

Fig. 11

das Vorschaltgerät nach Fig. 10 in einer Seitenansicht unter Veranschaulichung der Anschlußklemme im Längsschnitt;

Fig. 12

das Vorschaltgerät nach Fig. 10 in einer Ansicht auf die Leitungs-Einführseite;

Fig. 13

ein Vorschaltgerät mit einer Anschlußklemme gemäß der Erfindung in einer weiteren abgewandelten Ausführungsform und in einer Draufsicht;

Fig. 14

das Vorschaltgerät nach Fig. 13 in einer Seitenansicht unter Veranschaulichung der Anschlußklemme im Längsschnitt entsprechend Fig. 11 und

Fig. 15

das Vorschaltgerät nach Fig. 13 in einer Ansicht der Leitungs-Einführseite.

Exemplary embodiments of the subject matter of the invention are shown in the drawing. Each shows in a schematic representation:

Fig. 1

a connecting or connecting terminal according to the invention, in axial section in a side view;

Fig. 2

the clamp of Figure 1 in a view of the device connection side.

Fig. 3

the clamp of Figure 2 in a view of the line connection side.

Fig. 4

the clamp of Figure 1 illustrating a device fastening device and a device connection.

Fig. 5

a ballast with a terminal of Figure 1 in plan view.

Fig. 6

5 in a side view, illustrating the terminal in longitudinal section corresponding to FIG. 4;

Fig. 7

the ballast of Figure 6 in a view of the cable insertion side.

Fig. 8

a ballast with a terminal according to the invention in a modified embodiment and in a plan view;

Fig. 9

the ballast of Figure 8 in a view of the cable entry side.

Fig. 10

a ballast with a terminal according to the invention in a further modified embodiment and in a plan view;

Fig. 11

the ballast of Figure 10 in a side view illustrating the terminal in longitudinal section.

Fig. 12

the ballast of Figure 10 in a view of the cable insertion side.

Fig. 13

a ballast with a terminal according to the invention in a further modified embodiment and in a plan view;

Fig. 14

the ballast of FIG. 13 in a side view illustrating the terminal in longitudinal section corresponding to FIG. 11 and

Fig. 15

13 in a view of the line insertion side.

The schematically illustrated in Figs. 1 to 4 three-pole terminal 1 is as Screw terminal designed and has one of an electrical insulating plastic material Housing 2 on. The housing 2 consists of three identical designs elongated housing parts or units 3, the are connected to each other by molded webs 4, 5 in the area of which is continuous from top to bottom, one Fastening device forming screw hole 6 is arranged is (Fig. 5). Each of the rectangular in cross section Housing units 3 has one from the front 7 Back 8 continuous, channel-like recess 9 on, in which forms a connection or connection means, metallic clamping sleeve 10 is used. Each of the ferrules 10 is not known in a manner with two provided threaded holes shown in the Clamping screws 11 are screwed in. The clamping sleeves 10 and the clamping screws 11 are in the housing units 3 or in insulating material sleeves 12 molded onto them kept safe from touch.

In the area below the clamping sleeves 10 are on the housing units 3 each assigned to one another in pairs, parallel strips 13 formed, which is a common Form the footprint 14 for the terminal housing 2. Between two strips 13a is a temperature sensitive Element 15 used, which is a substantially rectangular Has cross-sectional shape and two electrical Leads 16 carries, which bent approximately L-shaped, in 2 from the manner shown in the neighboring two clamping sleeves 10 are inserted, one of which is the central clamping sleeve 10 of the three-pole screw terminal 1. The temperature sensitive element 15 is symmetrical the two clamping sleeves assigned to the connecting wires 16 10, 10a arranged and in the axial direction a housing shoulder 17 (Fig. 1) on the connecting wires 16 opposite end face fixed. On the the side facing the installation surface 14 is the heat-sensitive one Element 15 through a thin, heat-permeable Wall 18 covered, which are integrally formed on the two webs 13a is and consists of the material of the terminal housing 2. Alternatively, the heat-permeable wall 18 can also be used as be formed separate part with the terminal housing glued, locked or otherwise connected. In as a rule it is sufficient if the temperature sensitive Element 15 in the of the webs 13a of the heat-permeable Wall 18 and the overlying parts of the terminal box 2 limited, pocket-shaped recess 19 inserted and therein by the in the clamping sleeves 10, 10a jammed connecting wires 16 is held. If necessary the temperature-sensitive element 15 can also glued in or otherwise additionally anchored like it is also conceivable, the pocket-like recess 19, at least on one end, by means of a closure seal or shed.

Alternatively, the temperature sensitive element 15 also in the manufacture of the terminal housing 2 immediately have been embedded in its material.

The channel-like recess receiving the clamping sleeve 10a 9 of the middle housing part 3 is on the Lead wires 16 of the temperature sensitive element 15 facing away from the front 7, the line connection side the clamp, closed by a wall 20 (Fig. 3), so that the lead wire inserted into the ferrule 10a 16 not accidentally jammed with a power cord can be.

In the screw terminal 1 described, this is heat sensitive Element 15 over the heat permeable wall 18 in heat-transferring assignment to the installation area 14 arranged the clamp. With its footprint 14 acts on a base 22 attached terminal housing 2 the screw terminal as a temperature sensor for the in the base 22 prevailing temperature. The temperature sensitive Element 15 can be a thermal circuit breaker PCT resistor, a thermal fuse element or generally be a heat sensor attached to its leads 16 emits a temperature-dependent signal or, depending on the temperature, one between the connecting wires 16 occurring electrical state variable, e.g. changed a resistance or a switching state. How explained, the temperature sensitive element 15 in the terminal housing 2 simply plugged in, i.e. interchangeable be arranged so that the terminal 1 flexible to the Conditions of the respective application are adjusted can.

For example, the base 22 can be part of a luminaire housing on which the screw terminal 1 is attached is and its temperature from the temperature sensitive Element 15 is monitored when a limit temperature is reached e.g. interrupts the lamp circuit.

Just as an example for other uses 5 to 15 are some possible uses the new screw terminal as a connecting terminal for Ballasts of gas discharge lamps shown. Each of the ballasts 23 has a laminated core 24, the one on the edge flanged with it, metallic Mounting rail 25 is placed. The front The protruding winding heads of the laminated core 24 do not winding shown further are by insulating material caps 26 covered, as in principle, for example in the DE 33 09 110 C2 are described. Each of the insulating material caps 26 carries molded, one-sided slotted tubes 27, on the connection side of the ballast Terminal sleeves 28 are clamped to the winding connection wires are jammed. The connection sleeves 28 are with the clamping sleeves 10, 10a one after the assigned insulating material cap 26 on the mounting rail 25 attached screw clamp 1 jammed as Terminal for the ballast is used. The screw terminal 1 is on the mounting rail 25 by means of a notched, essentially L-shaped tab 29 attached to one of the below one of the two Web 4 lying through openings 30 (Fig. 2) of the Terminal housing 2 protrudes. The arrangement can be such be taken that the resilient tab 29 immediately presses on the temperature sensitive element 15 so that this over the heat-permeable wall 18 against the mounting rail 25 is pressed.

In the embodiment according to FIGS. 5 to 7, this is temperature-sensitive member 15 in FIG. 1 to 4 described way in heat transfer assignment arranged to the footprint 14, being laterally offset from the plane of symmetry of the terminal housing 2, in that of four adjacent clamping screws 16 delimited area sits. The temperature sensitive Element 15 therefore senses the temperature of the mounting rail 25, which is in thermally conductive connection with the Sheet pack 24 and the lamp housing is. In operation 5, it is in series between the into the two outer cable entry openings 30, 31 introduced and with the ferrules 10 on the line connection side 7 connected conductors. The clamping sleeve 10a of the middle pair of clamping screws 11 only serves for connecting the lead wire 16 inserted into it with the winding connection sleeve 28, as shown in the 2, 3 has already been explained.

In the embodiment according to FIGS. 8, 9 that is temperature-sensitive element 15 in thermally conductive assignment arranged to a side wall 32 of the terminal housing 2. It is for this purpose in a side, gutter-like Recess 33 of the terminal housing 2 housed. Its two electrical connecting wires 16 are fundamental wired similarly as in Fig. 5.

The groove-shaped depression 33 is in this embodiment too open to the outside. But you can also by a thermally conductive wall, similar to the thermally conductive wall 18 of FIG. 1, be closed. From the mounting rail 25 is a right angled inward Notched tab 34 on which the temperature sensitive Element 15 is present. This also applies to this Embodiment the temperature of the mounting rail 25 monitors.

In the embodiment according to FIGS. 10 to 12 the temperature sensitive element 15 in the area of the Introducing openings for the device connection sleeves 28 Rear 8 of the terminal housing 2 arranged. It is accommodated in a pocket-shaped housing recess 35 and is directly opposed by the screw terminal 1 the adjacent insulating material cap 26 pressed. It speaks directly to the winding head temperature of the Ballast. The circuit of the connecting wires 16 is basically similar to that in FIGS. 5 and 8.

In the embodiment according to FIGS. 13 to 15 finally, the temperature sensitive element is 15 in a pocket-shaped or groove-shaped recess 36 in the middle Housing part 3 inserted upright from below with its shortened clamp sleeve 10b. It feels therefore - if necessary via a heat-permeable thin wall 18 - the temperature of the mounting rail 25. The arrangement is such that the temperature sensitive Element 15 on the the cable entry openings 30 or 31 assigned page 7 of the terminal housing 2 exposed. So that the temperature sensitive Element 15 also on page 7 as a temperature sensor act for which it may be with not shown additional device parts are in contact can.

The application of the new connection and connection terminal is, as already mentioned, not on ballasts, Chokes. Transformers and the like with windings provided devices. The clamp can too as a temperature sensor for non-electrical devices and equipment be used.

Claims (17)

Electrical connection or connection terminal, with one made of electrically insulating material Housing (2) and with arranged in the housing, electrically conductive connection or connection means (10), which have cable entry openings in the housing and clamping means (11) for those inserted therein electrical lines are assigned, characterized in that that the housing (2) at least one electrical connections (16), temperature sensitive Element (15) contains that in heat transfer Assignment to an outer surface of the housing is arranged. Terminal according to claim 1, characterized in that the housing (2) devices (19) for receiving the temperature-sensitive element (15) having. Terminal according to claim 2, characterized in that the facilities for recording the temperature sensitive Element at least one pocket, channel or channel-like recess or recess (19) in which the temperature sensitive element (15) is used. Clamp according to one of the preceding claims, characterized marked that electrical connections (16) of the temperature sensitive element with the Connection or connection means (10) connected are. Clamp according to one of the preceding claims, characterized characterized that the temperature sensitive Element (15) on one side of the housing (2) at least is partially exposed. Clamp according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the temperature sensitive element (15) arranged near a side wall of the housing and that it is at least in some areas a heat-permeable wall (18) covered on the outside is. Terminal according to claim 6, characterized in that the heat-permeable wall (18) from an electrical insulating material of thin walls. Clamp according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the heat-permeable wall (18) is in one piece is formed on the housing. Clamp according to one of claims 6 to 8, characterized characterized in that the heat-permeable wall (18) by a cover part connected to the housing is formed. Clamp according to one of the preceding claims, characterized characterized that the temperature sensitive Element (15) in heat-transferring assignment to a Support surface (14) of the housing (2) is arranged. Terminal according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that that the temperature sensitive element (15) in heat-transferring assignment to a line entry openings containing side surface (37, 34) of the housing (2) is arranged. Clamp according to one of claims 3 to 10, characterized characterized that the heat sensitive element (15) is arranged in an essentially axial alignment with connection or connection means (10). Use of the connecting or connecting terminal after one of claims 1 to 12 as a temperature monitor or thermal fuse for a thermally monitored Facility. Electrical device, in particular ballast, Transformer or the like with a clamp one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that that the temperature-sensitive arranged in the terminal housing (2) Element (15) by the with the Device connected terminal in heat transfer assignment to a heat-emitting area to be monitored the device is held. Device according to claim 14, characterized in that the area to be monitored on a current-carrying area Winding or one with this in heat conductive Connected part is formed. Device according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that the clamp (1) is on a thermally conductive Material existing pad (26) is placed and the temperature sensitive element (15) by the Terminal (1) in heat transfer assignment to this Document is held. Device according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that it is a lamp (22).

Images