EP2976811A1

EP2976811A1 - Terminal block arrangement

Info

Publication number: EP2976811A1
Application number: EP14709283.7A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Jochen Mestars
Original assignee: Phoenix Contact GmbH and Co KG
Current assignee: Phoenix Contact GmbH and Co KG
Priority date: 2013-03-19
Filing date: 2014-03-11
Publication date: 2016-01-27
Anticipated expiration: 2034-03-11
Also published as: WO2014146930A1; JP6116713B2; US9640878B2; EP2976811B1; US20160020532A1; CN105103375B; JP2016513856A; DE102013004666A1; CN105103375A

Abstract

Terminal block arrangement (100) comprising a terminal block (1) with a housing (2) and a plurality of connection terminals (3, 4, 5). Each connection terminal (3, 4, 5) comprises a terminal unit (6) for contacting a conductor (7), which can be accommodated on the connection terminal (3, 4, 5), and comprises an associated actuation unit (8) for actuating the terminal unit (6) in order to transfer the terminal unit (6) selectively between two positions (9, 10). One of the positions is an open position (9) and one of the positions is a contact position (10). A blocking device (11) is provided. In a blocking position (13), the blocking device (11) can prevent actuation of the actuation units (8) of a plurality of connection terminal (3, 4, 5) in unison.

Description

Terminal block arrangement

The present invention relates to a terminal block assembly and a terminal block and a locking device for such a terminal block.

In the prior art a variety of terminal blocks have become known, which have multiple terminals and can be used for a variety of purposes. For example, terminal blocks have become known, which are designed as wall feed-through terminals and to the

Connection of electrical conductors for photovoltaic systems are suitable. In these and other cases, it may be useful to prevent the actuation of a switch or a lever clamp. For this purpose, a corresponding fuse element or a seal can be used, so that an undesirable

Operation difficult or unnoticed operation

is prevented. In order to secure a plurality of actuators simultaneously against unwanted and unauthorized actuation, a housing may be provided around all the elements, which prevents access to the actuators. Such a system works, but has the disadvantage that the state of the individual actuators is not directly visible, and also that there is a high installation cost.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a terminal block assembly, as well as a terminal block and a locking device, with what a

undesired actuation of a plurality

Actuators is prevented in a simpler way. This object is achieved by a terminal block assembly having the features of claim 1, by a

Locking device with the features of claim 14 and by a terminal block with the features of claim 18.

Further advantages and features of the present invention will become apparent from the dependent claims, the general

Description and the description of the embodiment. The terminal block assembly according to the invention comprises at least one terminal block with a housing. The terminal block has a plurality of terminals. Essentially each terminal has at least one clamping unit

Contacting at least one conductor which can be accommodated on the connection terminal and at least one associated one

Actuator for operating the respective clamping unit. By means of the actuating unit, the clamping unit can be selectively transferred between at least two positions. At least one of the positions is an open one

Position and at least one of the positions is one

Contact position for contacting a conductor. At least one locking device is provided. The

Locking device is suitable in the blocking position to prevent the actuation of the actuating units of at least two terminals of the plurality of terminals together.

The terminal block assembly of the invention has many

Advantages because it allows a simple structure and allows the simultaneous blocking or prevention of the operation of multiple operating units. It is possible that a clamping unit and an actuating unit are made in one piece. But it is also possible that the operating unit and the

Clamping unit are separate components. Then, via the operation of the operating unit, the clamping unit for

Contacting a conductor used.

The locking device prevents in the locked position, the actuation of the actuating units of at least two terminals. It is possible that the

Locking device prevents access to the operating units. It is also possible that the locking device directly restricts or prevents movement of the actuating unit. For example, the actuating units can be formed as an actuating lever whose movement is limited or blocked by the locking device. In such a case, the locking device prevents, for example, the movement of the actuating lever. If an operating unit, for example as

Actuating screw executed, so it is also possible that the locking device only prevents access to the screw. But it is also possible that a rotational movement of the screw is partially or completely prevented by the locking device.

Preferably, the terminals are designed as lever clamps and equipped with operating levers as operating units. But it is also possible that only a few

Terminals are designed as a lever terminals, while others are designed as screw terminals or other terminals. Preferably, the locking device comprises a back part, on which the locking device can be used in total, for example. Preferably, the locking device has a plurality of protruding locking units. The locking units may be all or partially provided on the back part. In

preferred embodiments, the locking device may be formed as a whole comb-like. The locking units are preferably aligned approximately parallel and are inclined or perpendicular from the back part. The

Locking device with the blocking units projecting therefrom can extend in one plane. But it is also possible that the back part of the locking device is bent or has one or more angles. Preferably, at least one of the terminal block

Lock recording for receiving the locking device added. In particular, at least one of the terminal block

Disable recording for receiving at least one locking unit of the locking device provided. By transfer of the

Locking device from a neutral or distant position to a position at least partially in the locking receptacle may be a blockage of the actuation units of at least two terminals. In preferred embodiments, the locking units of the locking device are each in separate locking recordings

received so that the corresponding operating units of the terminals are blocked. In preferred embodiments, at least one sealing aid is provided on the back part and the housing in each case. Such a sealing aid may, for example, comprise an opening through which a wire or wire wire is passed can. But it is also possible that corresponding openings serve as a seal, by example, a

Padlock or the like is performed. In all embodiments, it is preferred that the

Locking units are formed flat. Then one can

Locking unit in a correspondingly flat trained

Receiving pocket of the terminal block are introduced. In such embodiments, a locking receptacle is preferably formed as a flat receiving pocket.

Preferably, the housing has at the terminals

Receiving grooves for receiving the locking units. In such an embodiment, a positive reception of a locking unit can take place on the receiving grooves of the housing. The lock recording can be made by the area between the

Be formed grooves.

Preferably, at least one barrier unit has at least one through hole. At the through hole, a test and / or contact opening can be provided. As a result, even after the attachment of a locking device Prüfabgriffe and / or contact taps on the terminal can be done. A complex opening of the terminal block assembly or a removal of the locking device of a terminal block is then not necessary to perform measurement or testing tasks.

Preferably, the actuating units are with the

Locking device in the contact position lockable. Then preferably not only the operation is preventable, but a movement of the operating unit per se is preferably prevented. This can z. B. take place in which a Locking unit through a corresponding opening in the

Actuator is inserted.

In all embodiments, it is preferred that at least one sealing unit is provided, with which the

Locking device is sealable at least in the locked position. Such a sealing unit can be taken, for example, a group of sealing units, which

Plombierdrähte, sealing wax, adhesive seal and others

Includes plumbing.

The locking device according to the invention is suitable for use on a terminal block and also on a terminal block arrangement. Such a terminal block comprises a housing and a plurality of terminals. At least substantially each terminal of such a terminal block has at least one clamping unit for contacting at least one conductor receivable on the terminal and at least one associated actuating unit for actuating the clamping unit to selectively transfer the clamping unit between at least two positions. The clamping units of such a terminal block can be transferred at least between an open position and a contact position. The locking means comprises a plurality of locking units for actuating the actuating units of at least two terminals of the plurality of locking units

To prevent terminals of the terminal block together.

The locking device according to the invention has many advantages, since the locking device, the actuation of two or more

Can prevent actuation units of a terminal block together. As a result, by simple means a more reliable function and a simpler operation possible. Preferably, the locking device comprises at least one back part from which protrude the locking units. In particular, the blocking units are at least partially aligned parallel to each other.

Preferably, at least one locking unit is designed as a particular flat locking prongs. The locking units of a locking device can stand evenly spaced from the back of. At least one barrier unit may have a reduced cross section at the lateral areas. This results in a profiling of the locking unit in the lateral areas, which is suitable for engagement in retaining grooves of a terminal block. Then results in the middle region, a constant cross-section, which decreases stepwise or continuously at both lateral ends.

By a gradation in the lateral areas of the

Locking units can after inserting a

Locking device can be achieved in a terminal block a smooth outer surface.

The terminal block according to the invention comprises a housing and a plurality of terminals, wherein at least in

Substantially each or even each terminal at least one clamping unit for contacting at least one conductor receivable on the terminal and at least one associated actuating unit for actuating the

Clamping unit comprises. As a result, the clamping unit can be selectively transferred between at least two positions.

At least one position is an open position and at least one position is a contact position. In the contact position an inserted conductor is contacted.

On the housing at least one locking receptacle is provided, which is adapted to receive a locking device to prevent the actuation of the actuating units of at least two terminals together.

Also, the terminal block according to the invention has many advantages, since the terminal block according to the invention enables reliable operation. A simple installation is possible.

Preferably, substantially each terminal of the terminal block has at least one locking receptacle. Then, for example, when a blocking device is received on the terminal block, each blocking unit of the blocking device can be inserted into a blocking receptacle of a connecting terminal.

Overall, the invention allows a blocking function in a terminal block, with a seal is possible. Such a seal can be performed differently and z. B. over sealing wires, adhesive seal or

Sealing lacquers or the like can be executed. In a specific embodiment, the blocking function is provided on a multi-pole lever or screw terminal. The locking device locks at a lever clamp the lever against opening. In a screw terminal access to the screw head can be prevented by the locking device. For other types of terminals, opening or closing is prevented accordingly. The invention enables a faster assembly, since several poles can be locked in one operation.

It is possible that juxtaposed adjacent poles are locked at the same time. But it is also possible that only individual poles are locked while lying next to or in between single or multiple poles can continue to be operated. This can be achieved, for example, by the fact that individual locking units are not provided in the case of, for example, a comb-like locking device or are removed afterwards. As a result, any pattern can be achieved when locking individual poles, so that a particularly flexible use is possible.

In all embodiments, the pressing force on an inserted conductor different from the

Operating force to be an operating unit, as the

Actuating force is optionally applied translated over another element.

Further advantages and features of the present invention will become apparent from the description of the embodiment, which will be explained below with reference to the accompanying figures.

In the figures show:

1 shows a perspective view of a terminal block according to the invention with a blocking device in a neutral and unlocked position; Fig. 2 shows the terminal block of Figure 1 in a locked position.

Fig. 3 is a highly schematic sectional view of a

Terminal blocks in contact position;

Fig. 4 is a highly schematic sectional view of a

Terminal blocks in open position; Figure 5 shows the terminal block of Figure 2 in a locked and sealed position.

Fig. 6 is an enlarged detail of Fig. 5; Fig. 7 shows the terminal block of Fig. 2 in a locked and sealed position with another

Sealing unit; and

Fig. 8 shows the terminal block of Fig. 2 in a locked and sealed position with another

Sealing unit.

An embodiment of the invention will be explained with reference to the attached FIGS. 1 to 8, wherein FIG. 1 shows a slightly perspective view of a terminal block 1 according to the invention. In addition to the terminal block 1, a locking device 11 is shown, which together with the

Terminal block 1 results in a terminal block assembly 100. In the open or unlocked position 14 shown in Figure 1, the locking device 11 with the

Locking units 18 are not introduced into the corresponding locking receptacles 31 of the terminal block 1. This allows the Operating lever 16 of the lever terminals 15 of the terminal block 1 are arbitrarily transferred to the open position or the contact position. It is also possible that individual

Operating lever 16 of the lever clamp 15 are opened, while other operating levers 16 remain closed.

The terminal block 1 has a housing 2, which may be formed as a common housing for all terminals 3, 4, 5, etc. But it is also possible that each individual terminal 3,4,5 a separate housing

so that all housings together result in the housing 2 of the terminal block 1.

At the individual connection terminals 3, 4, 5, a conductor insertion opening is provided in order to introduce a conductor 7 (compare FIGS. 3 and 4). In the embodiment of Figure 1, the terminal block 1 is designed as a wall feed-through terminal block. But it is also possible that such a

Terminal block 1 for contacting on a circuit board or as a connector for a variety of applications

is used.

In the embodiment of Figure 1 are the

Actuators 8 of the terminals 3 to 5 executed in each case as an actuating lever 16. But it is equally possible that screw terminals are used, in which the actuating units are designed as screws, which lead by screwing or unscrewing to a contacting of an inserted conductor 7.

It is possible that the operating units 8 directly contact the conductor to clamp it. It is possible and preferred, however, that the operating units 8 on separate elements, such as clamping units 6, act (see Figures 3 and 4). Then, the operating units 8 do not contact an inserted conductor 7 directly. On the housing 2 of the terminal block 1 16 locking receptacles 31 are here provided directly above the operating lever, which serve here for receiving and fixing the locking units 18 of the locking device 11. The actuation units 8 are designed here as actuation levers 16.

The receiving grooves 22 are formed such that the locking units 18 of the locking device 11 can be accurately recorded therein. A locking device 11 here has a back part 17, on which a plurality of locking units 18 are provided, which protrude here approximately parallel to one another from the back part 17. Each locking unit 18 is formed here as a flat element, which can be referred to here as locking prongs 19.

At the lateral areas 23 of each barrier unit, a gradation is provided so that there are areas 21 of lesser thickness at the lateral ends. These areas 21 of lesser thickness are provided for insertion into the receiving grooves 22 of the housing 2. Overall results after the introduction of the locking device 11 in the receiving grooves 22 of the terminal block 1, a smooth surface, which is formed by the surfaces of the barrier units 18 and the upper cover of the grooves 22.

The blocking device 11 preferably consists of a plastic and in particular of a sprayed plastic. This allows a simple and cost-effective production.

Here, each barrier unit 18 has at least one through hole 24, which can also serve as a test and / or contact opening 25.

Figure 2 shows the terminal block assembly 100, wherein the

Locking device 11 was inserted into the terminal block 1. This position is the locking position 13, in which the movement of the operating lever 16 is prevented, which are covered by locking units 18. Depending on the configuration, it is possible that individual locking units 18 are removed, so that after removal of individual locking units 18, the respective operating lever 16 can be operated again. This can be a targeted influencing of individual

Contact connections are possible.

Both the locking device 11 and the terminal block 1 have sealing aids 20, for example as

Through hole can be made in the respective components. This will do it in a simple way

allows a wire through the sealing aids 20

perform and then, for example, to seal, so that actuation of the actuating lever 16 only after breaking the seal or the seal is possible.

Figures 3 and 4 show schematic cross-sections through a terminal block shown very schematically, the conductors 7 are inserted into the terminals 3. While Figure 3 illustrates the contact position 10 in which the

Actuator 8 was operated so that the clamping unit 6 clamps the conductor 7, Figure 4 represents the open position. 9 in which the clamping unit 6 has the conductor 7 released. In this position, for example, an insertion of the conductor 7 is possible. FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of the terminal block arrangement 100 with a terminal block 1 and a blocking device 11 inserted therein in the blocking position 13. The individual blocking units 18 are received in the blocking receptacles 31 of the terminal block 1. Here, with a sealing unit 12, which is designed here as a seal 29 on a sealing wire 26, the locking device 11 is fixed in the blocking position 13. Here, only by opening the seal of the sealing unit 12, the locking device 11 is removable. In the case of the terminal block assembly 100, the operation of a plurality of actuator units 8 becomes simple in a simple manner

prevented. By the locking device 11 and by the sealing of the actuators 8 of all five terminals of the terminal block 1 can not be operated, so that, for example, the removal of connected conductors 7 or the connection of new conductors is reliably prevented.

FIG. 6 shows an enlarged detail from FIG. 5, in which the sealing unit 12 with the seal 29 can be seen enlarged.

FIG. 7 shows a further terminal block arrangement 100, in which the terminal block 1 is blocked by a blocking device 11. Again, a sealing unit 12 is used, which includes a sealing lacquer 27 here.

In the embodiment of Figure 8, the

Terminal block assembly 100 through an adhesive seal 28 as

Sealing unit 12 sealed. In all embodiments, by attaching a

Locking unit and by attaching a single seal the terminal block 1 each reliable before unnoticed

Tampering protected. The assembly is easy and fast. Only a single seal is needed, even if several poles are to be secured.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

Terminal block 1

Housing 2 Terminal 3

Terminal 4

Terminal 5

Clamping unit 6

Head 7 operating unit 8

Position, open position 9

Position, contact position 10

Locking device 11

Sealing unit 12 blocking position 13

Unlocked position 14

Lever clamp 15

Operating lever 16

Back part 17 Locking unit 18

Locking prongs 19

Sealing aid 20

Sheet metal layer 21

Receiving groove 22 lateral area 23

Through hole 24

Test and / or contact opening 25

Sealing wire 26

Sealing wax 27 Adhesive seal 28

Sealing 29

Disable recording 31

Terminal block assembly 100

Claims

claims

A terminal block assembly (100) comprising a terminal block (1) having a housing (2) and at least a plurality of terminals (3, 4, 5),

each terminal (3, 4, 5) comprising at least one clamping unit (6) for contacting at least one conductor (7) receivable on the terminal (3, 4, 5) and at least one associated actuating unit (8) for actuating the clamping unit (6). to selectively transfer the clamping unit (6) between at least two positions (9, 10), wherein at least one of the positions is an open position (9) and at least one of the positions is a contact position (10), characterized

in that at least one blocking device (11) is provided, and in that the blocking device (11) is in one

Locking position (13) is adapted to the operation of the actuating units (8) of at least two

Terminals (3, 4, 5) of the plurality of

To prevent connecting terminals together.

2. terminal block assembly (100) according to claim 1, wherein

at least one connection terminal (3, 4, 5) as

Lever clamp (15) with an actuating lever (16) is designed as an actuating unit (8).

3. terminal block assembly (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the locking device (11) has a back part (17) (18).

4. Terminal block assembly (100) according to one of

preceding claims, wherein the locking means (11) at least one blocking unit projecting therefrom and / or wherein on the terminal block (1) a locking receptacle (31) for receiving the locking unit (18) is provided.

5. Terminal block assembly (100) after one of the two

preceding claims, wherein at least one sealing aid (20) is provided on the back part (17) and the housing (2).

6. Terminal block assembly (100) according to one of

preceding claims, wherein at least one

Locking unit (18) is formed flat.

7. Terminal block assembly (100) according to one of

previous claims, wherein the housing (2) to the

Connecting terminals (3, 4, 5) receiving grooves (22) for receiving the locking unit (18).

8. Terminal block assembly (100) according to one of

preceding claims, wherein lateral portions (23) of the locking unit (18) in the receiving grooves (22) of the housing (2) are inserted.

9. Terminal block assembly (100) according to one of

preceding claims, wherein at least one

Locking unit (18) has at least one through hole (24).

Terminal block assembly (100) according to any one of

preceding claims, wherein at the through hole (24) has a test and / or contact opening (25)

provided. Terminal block assembly (100) according to any one of

preceding claims, wherein with the

Locking device (11) the actuating units (8) in the contact position (10) can be blocked.

Terminal block assembly (100) according to any one of

preceding claims, wherein at least one

Seal unit (12) is provided, with which the locking device (11) in the locking position (13) is sealable.

Terminal block assembly (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein at least one sealing unit (12) is taken from a group of sealing units (12), which sealing wires (26), sealing lacquers (27),

Adhesive seal (28) and seals (29).

Locking device (11), which is suitable for use on a terminal block (1), one such

Terminal block (1) has a housing (2) and a plurality of terminals (3, 4, 5),

each terminal (3, 4, 5) comprising at least one clamping unit (6) for contacting at least one conductor (7) receivable on the terminal (3, 4, 5) and at least one associated actuating unit (8) for actuating the clamping unit (6). to selectively transfer the clamping unit (6) between at least two positions (9, 10), wherein at least one of the positions is an open position (9) and at least one of the positions is a contact position (10)

that the locking device (11) a plurality of

Locking units includes the actuation of the

Actuator units (8) of at least two Terminals (3, 4, 5) of the plurality of

To prevent connecting terminals together.

Locking device (11) according to the preceding claim, wherein the locking device (11) at least one

Back part (17) comprises, of which the locking units

(18) stand out.

Locking device (11) after one of the two

preceding claims, wherein at least one

Locking unit (18) as a particularly flat locking prongs

(19) is formed.

Locking device (11) after one of the three

preceding claims, wherein at least one

Locking unit (18) at the lateral areas (23) has a reduced cross-section.

Terminal block (1) with a housing (2) and a

Plurality of connection terminals (3, 4, 5),

in that at least one locking receptacle (31), which is suitable, is provided on the housing

Locking device (11) at least partially absorb the operation of the operating units (8) of prevent at least two terminals (3, 4, 5) together.

Terminal block (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein substantially each terminal (3, 4, 5) has a locking receptacle (31).