EP3050177B1 - Electrical terminal housing and electrical terminal - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a housing device with a terminal housing for an electrical terminal and such a terminal, wherein the terminal housing can be attached to a component via a Verrastungssystem.

In the prior art a variety of housing means for electrical terminals have become known, which can be attached to the housing of an electrical device.

It is the object of the present invention to provide a further housing device with which a simple and flexible connection of a housing device with another component or an attachment to an electrical construction device is possible.

This object is achieved by a housing device with the features of claim 1 and by an electrical terminal with the features of claim 16. Preferred developments of the invention are subject of the dependent claims. Further advantages and features of the invention will become apparent from the general description and the description of the embodiment.

The housing device according to the invention comprises a terminal housing for an electrical terminal and at least one Verrastungssystem. The locking system has two interacting locking units. In this case, a latching unit is designed as a latching arm with the terminal housing is connected and extends away from the terminal housing. The other latching unit is designed as a latching connector and is intended to cooperate with the latching arm. In this case, the latching connector on a latching body having a wedge-like shape in a latching direction along a Verrastungsbewegung the two locking units. On at least one transverse surface of a first of the two locking units a locking toothing is provided. An engagement unit is provided on at least one transverse surface of a second of the two latching units, such that the latching toothing and the engagement unit engage in one another for latching in order to latch the cooperating latching units.

The housing device according to the invention has many advantages, as it allows a simple structure and a simple fixation of the housing device to another component such as an electrical device or the like.

Characterized in that the latching toothing and the engagement unit are provided on transverse surfaces which are aligned transversely to the latching direction, a simple and permanently secure latching of the housing device is made possible.

Preferably, the latching direction is a first direction. A second direction, which is perpendicular to the first direction, preferably extends through the transverse surfaces, which may be formed, for example, on transverse sides. Preferably, the transverse surfaces are aligned parallel or approximately parallel to the first direction. But it is also possible that the transverse surfaces in one Angle between in particular 0 ° and 30 ° are aligned.

Advantageously, the engagement unit comprises at least one latching tooth and in particular a plurality of latching teeth, which are preferably arranged in the manner of a latching toothing or form such a latching toothing.

It is also preferred that a latching toothing is provided on the latching connector. Preferably, the latching toothing on the latching connector is longer or has more latching teeth than the latching toothing on the latching arms. As a result, the latching body of the latching connector can be pushed in the latching direction until a tight fit of the terminal housing takes place. The length of the latching body of the latching connector and the steepness of the wedge-like shape of the latching body are dimensioned so that typical clamping distances can be maintained.

Preferably, the latching arm has at its free end an approximately U-shaped configuration with a receding leg and a groove between the leg and the body of the latching arm.

Advantageously, the engagement unit is arranged on an outer surface of the leg. This means that preferably designed as a detent engagement unit is arranged on the outer surface of the leg. It is preferred that at least two latching arms are arranged symmetrically on the terminal housing. In particular, the at least two latching arms are arranged mirror-symmetrically to one another. It is also possible that the latching arms are formed point symmetrical or arranged. A mirror-symmetrical Arrangement of the engagement units or the latching teeth of the latching arms causes the latching connectors are attached to the outer sides.

It is particularly preferred that at least one latching arm is provided on opposite sides of the terminal housing, wherein in each case at least one latching tooth or the latching toothing of the latching arm is provided on the outer surfaces facing away from each other.

In all embodiments, it is preferred that at least one latching tooth of the latching arm is elastically biased outwardly. This results in an automatic engagement of the locking tooth of the locking arm in the locking teeth of the latching connector.

In preferred embodiments, a guide groove is provided on at least one latching connector. The guide groove is used in particular for receiving the returning leg of a latching arm. Preferably, the locking toothing is provided on the guide groove, so that the guide groove is formed as a locking slot. By sliding the guide groove on the returning from the free end leg of the locking arm so a locking of the locking arm with the locking connector. Now, if the body of the latching connector is designed wedge-shaped in the latching direction, takes place with increasing movement during latching an axial displacement of the latching connector to the terminal housing.

Preferably, at least one abutment portion is provided on the terminal housing, which is provided for abutment against a wall of an electrical device to which the housing device is to be received. For assembly For this purpose, the terminal housing is inserted through a recess or an opening in the wall of the electrical device until the abutment portion rests against the wall of the electrical device. The locking arms dive through the opening in the wall. To fix the housing device on the wall, the latching connectors are attached to the latching arms below, so that the distance between the latching connectors and the contact portion of the terminal housing is reduced until the terminal housing is firmly received on the wall of the electrical device. Due to the wedge shape of the locking connector different distances and wall thicknesses can be compensated.

Preferably, a plurality of latching connectors are connected together. In this case, the individual latching connectors can be connected to one another via one or more elastic connectors. Such an elastic connector may be a flexible element such as a rope or a thread or the like. An advantage of the connection of a plurality of latching connectors with each other is the captive recording. Optionally, a rigid connector may be provided to attach a plurality of latching connectors in one step simultaneously to a terminal housing.

In particularly preferred embodiments, at least one counter-bearing element for local support of at least one latching arm is provided on the terminal housing. Such an abutment element may be formed, for example, as a wall element, which is separated in particular by a gap of the latching arm.

It is possible and preferred that the wall element forms the counter-bearing element for two latching arms spaced apart from one another. Then, a latching arm is supported on one side of the wall element and the other latching arm is supported from the other side against the wall element. In such embodiments, the counter bearing element defines a minimum distance of the latching arms in the latching state.

Preferably, the latching arms and the counter-bearing element form a U-shaped or H-shaped section, so that the wall element receives and dissipates the force along its longitudinal direction. The wall element is arranged in particular between the latching connectors, so that their minimum distance is defined and predetermined by the wall element. As a result, the minimum distance between the latching arms is also predetermined in the locked state. On the other hand, without snap-in connectors, the latching arms can also pivot inwards.

It is preferred that the abutment elements and the latching arms are part of a circumferential housing contour or at least form part of such a housing contour.

In all embodiments, it is preferred that the latching arms can elastically deform each other when no latching unit is locked.

In all embodiments, it is preferred that an electrical connection terminal is accommodated on the housing device.

In this respect, the invention is also directed to an electrical terminal with a housing device in which a terminal housing and a Verrastungssystem are provided. The locking system comprises two together interacting locking units. In this case, a latching unit is designed as a latching arm, which is connected to the terminal housing and extending away from the terminal housing. The other latching unit is designed as a latching connector and is intended to cooperate with the latching arm for latching. In this case, the latching connector has a latching body which has a wedge-like shape in a latching direction along a movement of the two latching units when latching. On at least one transverse surface of a first of the two locking units is a locking toothing and at least one transverse surface of a second of the two locking units is an engagement unit provided such that the locking teeth and the engagement unit engage for locking into each other to lock the cooperating locking units together.

The electrical terminal according to the invention also has many advantages, since the terminal housing of the electrical terminal is flexible and easy to connect to a wall, for example, an electrical device.

In preferred developments, the housing device comprises at least one feature of a housing device, as has been described above.

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

Fig. 1

eine perspektivische Ansicht einer Anschlussklemme in der Kontakt- und der Offenposition;

Fig. 2

eine schematische Draufsicht auf eine Wandung einer elektrischen Baueinrichtung mit einem daran aufgenommenen Klemmengehäuse;

Fig. 3

eine perspektivische Ansicht eines Klemmengehäuses;

Fig. 4

eine schematische perspektivische Ansicht auf eine Wandung einer elektrischen Baueinrichtung mit einem daran aufgenommenen Klemmengehäuse und ein vergrößertes Detail;

Fig. 5

eine andere Rasteinheit für das Klemmengehäuse nach Fig. 4; und

Fig. 6

eine schematische perspektivische Ansicht einer geöffneten Anschlussklemme ohne Außengehäuse.

In the figures show:

Fig. 1

a perspective view of a terminal in the contact and the open position;

Fig. 2

a schematic plan view of a wall of an electrical device with a recorded thereon terminal housing;

Fig. 3

a perspective view of a terminal housing;

Fig. 4

a schematic perspective view of a wall of an electrical device with a recorded thereon terminal housing and an enlarged detail;

Fig. 5

another latching unit for the terminal housing after Fig. 4 ; and

Fig. 6

a schematic perspective view of an open terminal without an outer housing.

With reference to the accompanying figures, the construction and function of a terminal 100 embodied here as a lead-through terminal and of an electrical component 500 equipped with at least one such terminal 100 are explained below.

It shows FIG. 1 side by side two perspective views of a terminal 100, namely left in the clamping state or in the contact position 145 and right next to it in the open state or in the open position 144th

The terminal 100 has a terminal housing 150 and is provided by means of a Verrastungssystems 201 to be locked on a wall 502 of an electrical device 500. In this case, the wall 502 is clamped between the abutment portion 172 and the latch unit 220, as in Fig. 4 shown.

In Fig. 1 the conductor receptacle 115 can be seen, the contact position 145 shown on the left is largely closed, while in the open position 144 shown on the right, a particularly large opening angle between the current bar and the clamping lever results, which can reach 75 ° or more. This makes it possible to pivot a conductor into the conductor receptacle 115, which can considerably facilitate the connection, in particular with conductors of several square millimeters in cross-section.

The terminal housing 150 is in particular made of an electrically non-conductive material and preferably a plastic. The contact portion 172 may be provided as a circumferential web, with which the terminal 100 is supported on the wall 502 circumferentially. It is also possible that the abutment portion 172 consists of several segments or comprises individual support elements.

At the connection terminal 100, both in the contact position 145 and in the open position 144, the tool opening 109 is visible, which is provided on the actuating device 103. The actuating device 103 comprises a cover housing in the form of a cover cap 153. The cover 153 here consists of an insulating material and protects the interior of the actuator 103 and also the interior of the terminal 100 from mechanical contact. The air and creepage distances are considerably increased by the cap 153.

The terminal housing 150 may include an outer housing 170 and an inner housing 160 to which the bracket 108 is received. The holder 108 is preferably made of metal and in particular of a bending-punching part. The outer and the inner housing are preferably made of a plastic. On the inner housing 160, the holder 108 is received during assembly and it will be mounted the required metal and clamping parts. The inner housing forms with the bracket 108 is a preassembled unit that only needs to be plugged into the outer housing 170 or in a to an electrical device 500 already present and there z. B. integrally formed with the wall outer housing must be inserted or locked.

The terminal 100 has the pivotable actuator 103. By pivoting the actuator 103, the terminal can be opened or closed again. When pivoting the actuating device 103, a gap 148 between the peripheral wall of the abutment portion 172 and the cap 153 of the actuator 103 arise, namely where in the contact position 145 of the shutter 149 is present. Will be out of the in Fig. 1 On the left-hand side shown, the actuating device 103 is pivoted to the rear, the closure web 149 is pivoted through the wall bushing 154 and thus through the wall 502 into the electrical construction device 500. At the same time, a gap 148 is created between the wall 172 and the covering cap 153 at the point where the closure web 149 was previously arranged. When further pivoting into the open position 144, the gap 148 is finally closed again by the deflector 155. so that there is no gap 148 in the open position. The gap 148 is spaced from the conductor receptacle 115 and independent of the conductor receptacle 155.

Fig. 2 shows a highly schematic plan view of an electrical device 500 with a wall 502, to which a terminal 100 is received, from the in Fig. 2 for clarity, only the outer housing 170 is shown. In the interior of the outer housing 170 lugs 177 and 178 are provided, on which the inner housing 160 is locked during assembly.

In Fig. 2 the shape of the locking units 210 of Verrastungssystems 201 can be seen. The locking units 210 are designed as latching arms 211. The legs 215 of the latching arms 211, which extend outward away from the terminal housing 150, are covered here by the support wall 173, which also acts as an abutment element 173a. The width 173b (cf. Fig. 4 ) of the support wall 173 corresponds exactly to the outer distance of the two in Fig. 2 visible latching arms 211. This will ensure, as still with respect to the Fig. 4 It is explained that while the latching arms 211 can momentarily pivot inwardly during assembly on the wall 502, they are laterally retained externally by the latching units 220 cooperating with the latching arms 211, so that the cross section of the wall duct 154 remains free on the inside.

Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of the terminal housing 150 and its outer housing 170 with the first housing portion 140 on a first side 142 of the contact portion 172 and thus outside of the electrical device 500. On the second side 143 is within the housing 501 of the second housing portion 141st arranged. The second housing section 141 serves here as a fastening section, on which the abutment elements 173a together with the latching arms 211 and the walls 174 provide a peripheral wall 175. As a result, the interior of the second housing portion 141 is mechanically protected from influences and touches when z. B. the actuator 103 is partially immersed in the opening movement in the second housing portion 141.

The latching arms 211 are configured at the free ends 216 approximately U-shaped. Between the returning leg 215 and the latching arm 211, a groove 213 is provided into which a part of the latching unit 220 dips (see FIG. Fig. 4 ).

On the outer transverse surface 214, an engagement unit 217 is provided, which here forms as a latching toothing or comprises a plurality of latching teeth. The latching teeth 217 on the opposing latching arms 211 are respectively arranged on the outer surfaces 215a, 215b facing away from each other, which are each transverse to the transverse direction 204 (see FIG. Fig. 4 ) lie. The outer surfaces 215a, 215b may be arranged perpendicular to the transverse direction 204, but are arranged in particular at a slight angle between 0 ° and 30 ° thereto.

Conditioned by the grooves 212 between the side wall and the latching arms 211, the latching arms 211 can deflect elastically during assembly.

Fig. 4 shows a mounted on a wall 502 of an electrical device 500 terminal 100, in which a part of the second housing portion 141 of the terminal housing 150 is schematically visible behind the wall 502. In principle, however, the terminal housing 150 is suitable also for use with other electrical terminals.

For attachment, a latching system 201 is provided, which here comprises four latching units 210 and four latching units 220. The latching units 210 are formed as latching arms 211 resiliently received on the terminal housing 150 and extending outwardly of the terminal housing 150 to the free end 216 thereof. There are the latching arms 211st
U-shaped, so that the locking groove 213 formed therebetween is suitable for receiving the locking units 220. The latching units 220 designed as latching connectors 221 can be individual separate parts, as shown in FIG Fig. 4 is shown, or they can be about z. B. a flexible connector 225 or a bracket connected to each other, as in Fig. 5 is shown enlarged.

Each snap-in connector 221 has a latching body 222, which has an approximately wedge-shaped structure 223, in order thereby to be able to effect a clamping on differently strong or wedge-like walls 502.

For mounting, the second housing section 141 of the terminal housing 150 is pushed through the opening in the wall 502, whereby the elastic latching arms 211 bend elastically inwards momentarily when the respective latching arm 211 passes the wall 502. Thereafter, the latching arms 211 snap outward again. Then the terminal housing 150 can not be easily removed again. For attachment of the terminal housing 150 then the locking units 220 are attached. In this case, the latching connector 221 are attached with its groove 226 on the legs 215 of the latching arms 211, so that the latching elements 217 at the transverse surface 224 in latching connection with the locking teeth 227 on the latching connectors 221 device. In the movement of the latching connector 221 in the latching direction 202, the ends of the latching arms 211 are clamped by the wedge-shaped latching body 222 of the latching connector 221 and pushed away from the wall 502. Thus, even with different wall thicknesses or wedge-shaped or staircase-like walls 502 can be provided for a secure fit. The locking toothing 227 extends transversely to the connecting direction. The locking teeth 217 and 227 are respectively provided on transverse surfaces 214 and 224, which abut each other in the mounted state.

At the four individual locking arms 211 is individually clamped here, so that even locally different wall thicknesses of the wall 502 at the individual locking arms 211 play no role.

In the assembled state forms, as in Fig. 4 illustrated, the support wall 173, an abutment member 173a with a width 173b, against which the adjacent latching arms 211 are supported. This ensures that the wall duct 154 or the space between the support walls 173 remains free. If, after insertion into the wall 502, an elastic latching arm 211 does not bend elastically (completely) outwards by itself, the latching arm 211 is pulled outwards by the latching connectors 221, since the latching connectors 221 with their latching members 222 on the support wall 173 support as an abutment 173a.

Thus, a reliable operation of the terminal 100 can be ensured because in the transfer of the actuator 103 from the contact position 145 to the open position 144, the clamping spring 101 and others Components of the actuator are partially pivoted through the wall duct 154 therethrough. Therefore, it must be ensured in such a configuration that the space in the interior of the electrical device 500, the occupies the second housing portion 141, no obstacles in the pivoting movement provides.

Fig. 6 shows a schematic perspective view of an opened feed-through terminal 100 without outer housing 170 but with mounted inner housing 160 made of plastic, on which the holder 108 is received in metal. The holder 108 of the terminal 100 has an approximately U-shaped cross section and consists here of a bending stamped part. The current bar 110 is received on the holder 108.

The lead-through terminal 100 is shown in the open position 144, in which a conductor to be connected can be pivoted from above into the conductor receptacle 115. Optionally, a ladder can also be inserted from the front.

Slants 161 and 162 are provided as an insertion aid in the plastic wall of the inner housing 160 on the conductor receptacle 115. The detent openings 165 and 166 on the lateral outer walls are provided for receiving the lugs 177 and 178 on the inner walls of the outer housing 170, whereby the terminal housing is fixed in itself.

The actuator 103 is covered by a cap 153. At the cap 153 of the closure bar 149 is provided which closes a gap 148 between the abutment wall or the abutment portion 172 and the wall duct 154 in the contact position 145. In the open position 144 closes the Deflector 155 the gap 148. The wall 185 covers in the contact position 145, the conductor receiving 115 upwards from. In addition, the wall 185 may define an insertion funnel for a tool. Such an insertion funnel can be provided when side walls connect the deflector 155 and the wall 185, so that the tool holder 109 is funnel-shaped surrounded by walls.

An opening 158 on the cap 153 can be seen laterally, with which an insert device 118 with projections 157 is latched from the inside.

In the conductor receiving 115 Durchsteckschutz 117 is provided which prevents too deep insertion of a conductor to be connected.

Furthermore, the clamping lever 102 with the clamping edge 122, and an auxiliary lever 104 can be seen. The auxiliary lever 104 is rotatably received on the bracket 108. Of an insert device inside the actuator only the plug-in protection 156 can be seen here, which reliably prevents insertion of a conductor into the region of the clamping spring 101 above the conductor receptacle 115 in the open position 144. The plug-in protection 156 is part of a multifunctional inner part 186. The inner part 186 includes the inserting device and latching lugs for latching at openings 158 in the cap 153.

The invention provides an advantageous housing device. In this case, at least two latching arms 211 may be arranged symmetrically on the terminal housing 150.

It is preferable that on opposite sides 150a, 150b of the terminal housing 150 each at least one locking arm 211 is provided. In particular, on the facing away from each other outer surfaces 215a, 215b, at least one locking tooth is provided in each case. It can also form a plurality of ratchet teeth a locking teeth.

At least one latching tooth or the latching toothing on at least one latching arm 211 is preferably resiliently biased outwardly.

The latching teeth 217 of the latching arms 211 can be accommodated for latching in a guide slot 226 formed as a latching slot of the latching connector 210. LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS terminal 100 clamping lever 102 actuator 103 auxiliary lever 104 bracket 108 mold opening 109 current bar 110 conductor receiving 115 clamping edge 122 housing section 140, 141 page 142, 143 open position 144 contact position 145 gap 148 locking bar 149 Housing, terminal housing 150 page 150a, 150b cap 153 Wall bushing 154 deflector 155 Plug-in 156 opening 158 inner housing 160 slope 161, 162 latching opening 165, 166 outer casing 170 contact section 172 wall 173 Gege bearing element 173a width 173b wall 174 housing contour 175 nose 177, 178 wall 185 Multifunctional inner part 186 detent system 201 Ratchet direction, 1st direction 202 transversely 204 catch unit 210 detent arm 211 groove 212, 213 transverse surface 214 leg 215 outer surface 215a, 215b Free end 216 Engaging unit, toothing 217 body 218 catch unit 220 Rest connector 221 latching body 222 Wedge-like shape 223 transverse surface 224 Strap / connector 225 Groove, guide groove 226 locking teeth 227 electrical construction device 500 casing 501 wall 50

Claims (16)

1. Housing device having a terminal housing (150) for an electric terminal (100) and having at least one latching system (201) comprising two latching units (210, 220) that cooperate with one another, wherein one latching unit (210) is embodied as a latching arm (211), which is connected to the terminal housing (150) and extends away from the terminal housing (150), and wherein the other latching unit (220) is embodied as a latching connector (221) and is intended to cooperate with the latching arm (211) for latching purposes, characterized in that the latching connector (221) has a latching body (222), which has a wedge-like shape (223) in a latching direction (202), along a movement of the two latching units (210, 220) during latching, and in that a latching toothing (227) is provided on at least one transverse face (224) of a first (220) of the two latching units (210, 220) and an engagement unit (217) is provided on at least one transverse face (224) of a second (210) of the two latching units (210, 220), such that the latching toothing (227) and the engagement unit (217) engage with one another for latching purposes in order to latch together the latching units (210, 220) cooperating with one another.
2. Housing device according to the preceding claim, wherein the engagement unit (217) has at least one latching tooth and in particular a latching toothing (217).
3. Housing device according to either of the preceding claims, wherein the latching arm (211) has, at its free end (216), a U-shaped design with a returning leg (215) and a groove (213) between the leg (215) and the body (218) of the latching arm (211).
4. Housing device according to the preceding claim, wherein the engagement unit (217) is arranged on an outer face (215a) of the leg (215).
5. Housing device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least two latching arms (211) are arranged symmetrically on the terminal housing (150) .
6. Housing device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one latching arm (211) is provided on each of the opposite sides (150a, 150b) of the terminal housing (150), said latching arms (211) each having at least one latching tooth on the outer faces (215a, 215b) facing away from one another.
7. Housing device according to one of the preceding Claims 2 to 6, wherein the latching tooth of the latching arm (211) is elastically preloaded towards the outside.
8. Housing device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one latching connector (220) has a guide groove (226), wherein the guide groove is configured in particular as a latching slot at which the latching toothing (227) is provided.
9. Housing device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a plurality of latching connectors (220) are connected together.
10. Housing device according to the preceding claim, wherein the latching connectors (220) are connected together via an in particular resilient connector (225).
11. Housing device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one counter-bearing element (173a) for locally supporting at least one latching arm (211) is provided on the terminal housing (150).
12. Housing device according to the preceding claim, wherein at least one counter-bearing element (173a) is configured as a wall element (173), and wherein the wall element (173) preferably forms the counter-bearing element (173a) for two mutually spaced apart latching arms (211).
13. Housing device according to one of the preceding two claims, wherein the counter-bearing elements (173a) and the latching arms (211) are part of a peripheral housing contour (175).
14. Housing device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the latching arms (211) can deform resiliently towards one another when a latching unit (220) is not latched in place.
15. Housing device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the terminal housing (150) has an abutment portion (172) for abutment against a wall (502) of an electrical component (500), in order for the terminal housing (150) to be received at the wall (502) in a manner clamped between the abutment portion (172) and the latching connectors (221) .
16. Electric terminal (100) having a housing device according to one of Claims 1 to 15.

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