EP3376600A1 - Terminal blocks - Google Patents

Abstract

Shown and described is a terminal block (1) with a housing (2), with at least one connection element (3, 4), with at least one current bar (5, 6), with a protective element (7) and with an electrically conductive spring element (8 ), wherein the first terminal (7a) of the protective element (7) is electrically conductively connected to the at least one terminal element (3, 4), the first end section (9) of the conductive spring element (8) being connected to the at least one current bar (5). is electrically conductively connected, wherein the second end portion (10) of the conductive spring element (8) in the normal state of the protective element (7) via a thermally disconnecting compound (11) to the second terminal (7b) of the protective element (7) is electrically connected, and wherein when a predetermined limit temperature of the protective element (7) is exceeded, the thermally isolating connection (11) between the second end portion (10) of the conductive spring element (8) and the second Ans 7b) of the protective element (7) separates and the second end portion (10) of the conductive spring element (8) moves due to the spring force of the spring element (8) in a position in which the second end portion (10) from the second terminal (7b ) of the protective element (7) is spaced. In order to further simplify the construction and assembly of the terminal block (1), it is provided that at least one recess (15) is formed in the current bar (5) and the first end section (9) of the conductive spring element (8) is at least one Z-shaped one Tongue (16) extending from the top of the current bar (5) through the recess (15) to the bottom of the current bar (5), so that the free end (17) of the tongue (16) at the bottom of the current bar ( 5) is applied.

Description

The invention relates to a terminal block with a housing, with at least one connection element, with at least one current bar, with a protective element and with an electrically conductive spring element, wherein the first terminal of the protective element is electrically conductively connected to the at least one connection element. The first end portion of the conductive spring element is electrically conductively connected to the at least one current bar, while the second end portion of the spring element in the normal state of the protective element is electrically conductively connected via a thermally disconnecting connection with the second terminal of the protective element. When a predetermined limit temperature of the protective element is exceeded, the thermally disconnecting connection between the second end portion of the spring element and the second terminal of the protective element, so that the second end portion of the spring element moves due to the spring force of the spring element in a position in which it from the second terminal the protective element is spaced. The protective element is then separated electrically.

Terminal blocks have been known for decades and are used millions of times in the wiring of electrical systems and devices. The terminals are often snapped onto mounting rails, which in turn can be arranged in a plurality in a control cabinet. In addition, however, the terminal blocks can also be fastened alone or as a plurality of terminal blocks in a wall opening of a housing wall, in particular in an opening in a control cabinet wall.

Electrical terminal blocks are often connection terminals, so that they have at least two connection elements which are connected to one another in an electrically conductive manner, as a rule via a current bar arranged in the terminal housing. As terminal elements predominantly screw terminals, spring-cage terminals or leg spring terminals are used in terminal blocks. In addition to this basic type of terminal blocks, which is often referred to as a feed-through terminal, there are a variety of different types of terminal block, which are specially adapted to the particular application. As an example, protective conductor terminals, disconnect terminals and installation terminals may be mentioned.

In addition, there are terminal blocks in which additional electrical or electronic components are arranged in the housing in addition to the connection elements and the at least one current bar. The protective elements may in particular be overvoltage-limiting components, for example varistors, diodes or gas-filled surge arresters with which the connected line and signal paths are protected against overvoltages. Such terminal blocks then have the function of overvoltage protection devices and are used extensively, in particular in measurement, control and regulation technology.

For monitoring the state of a protective element, it is known to connect this via a thermally disconnecting connection with a connection element. The thermal separation point ensures that the protective element is electrically disconnected in the event of inadmissible heating. From the DE 42 41 311 C2 For example, an overvoltage protection element is known which has a thermal separation device for monitoring the state of a varistor. In this overvoltage protection element, the first terminal is connected via a flexible conductor to a rigid separating element whose end remote from the flexible conductor is connected via a soldering point to a connection lug provided on the varistor. The other connection is permanently connected to a second connection lug on the varistor via a flexible conductor. The conductive connecting element is acted upon by a spring system with a force that causes the connecting element is linearly moved away during the separation of the solder joint from the terminal lug, so that the varistor is electrically disconnected under thermal overload.

The DE 695 03 743 T2 discloses an overvoltage protection element with two varistors, which has two conductive connecting elements, by means of which the varistors can each be separated individually at the end of their life. The connecting elements are each designed as resilient separating tongues, the first end of the separating tongue being integrally connected or soldered to the first connecting contact and the second end of the separating tongue being fastened in the normal state of the overvoltage protection element via a soldering point to a connection tongue on the varistor. If there is an inadmissible heating of the varistor, this leads to a melting of the solder joint. Since the separation tongue is deflected in the soldered state from its rest position and thus biased, the free end of the separation tongue springs upon softening of the solder joint away from the terminal tab of the varistor, whereby the varistor is electrically disconnected.

Even with terminal blocks, which have a corresponding protective element, it is known to use a resilient separating tongue for monitoring the protective element, which is connected at one end via a solder joint as thermally disconnecting connection with a terminal of the protective element. The other end of the separation tongue is firmly soldered either with a connection of a printed circuit board or with a current bar, which means an increased production cost. The problem is also that such terminal blocks increasingly smaller and smaller dimensions, especially smaller widths should have, which further complicates the assembly.

The present invention is therefore an object of the invention to provide a terminal described above, which can be produced with the least possible effort and thus at low cost. The assembly of the terminal block should be as simple as possible and preferably carried out largely automated.

This object is achieved in the terminal block described above with the features of claim 1, characterized in that at least one recess is formed in the current bar and the first end portion of the leitfähgigen spring element has at least one Z-shaped tongue extending from the top of the current bar through the recess in the current bar extends to the bottom of the current bar so that the free end of the tongue rests against the underside of the current bar.

In the terminal block according to the invention, the connection between the conductive spring element and the current bar is thus not by a relatively expensive soldering, but by a positive connection between the current bar and the conductive spring element, so that the spring element can be attached by a purely mechanical assembly step to the current bar , To ensure the necessary solid and secure connection between the spring element and the current bar, which can also absorb the forces and moments resulting from the deflection of the spring element from its rest position, the spring element is fixed to the current bar via the at least one Z-shaped tongue. For this purpose, the extending in the longitudinal direction of the current bar tongue protrudes through the recess in the current bar, wherein the spring element is clamped by the tongue to the current bar.

Preferably, the current bar has an increase, for example, produced by embossing, to which a corresponding recess is formed in the first end portion of the spring element, in which engages the increase in the assembled state of current bar and spring element. By the increase and the recess, which are preferably each rectangular or square, a defined position and position of the spring element relative to the current bar can be ensured in a simple manner, both in the direction of the longitudinal extent of the current bar and transversely to the longitudinal extent.

Since most of the spring element is made of a harder material than the current bar, it is usually easier to form the increase in the current bar and the recess on the spring element, the latter for example by punching. Alternatively, however, it is also possible in principle that the first end portion of the conductive spring element has an increase and in the current bar a corresponding recess is formed, in which engages the increase in the mounted state of current bar and spring element. Also in this case, a secure and unambiguous positioning of the spring element is ensured relative to the current bar by the interaction of increase and recess.

In order to facilitate the simplest possible attachment of the spring element to the current bar, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the recess in the current bar to an edge of the current bar and the recess in the first end portion of the spring element to the opposite edge of the spring element open. This makes it possible to postpone the spring element during assembly with its end portion perpendicular to the longitudinal extent of the current bar on the current bar. The recess in the spring element is thereby pushed from the side over the increase in the current bar and the tongue inserted into the laterally open recess in the current bar. For assembly then only a single-axis mounting movement is perpendicular to the longitudinal extent of the current bar and thus usually also perpendicular to the level of the terminal block required, which allows easy automation of assembly.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the current bar in the region in which the free end of the tongue rests against the underside, a bevel at the transition from the longitudinal side to the bottom. As a result, the sliding of the spring element or the tongue is facilitated on the current bar. As a result, in particular a simple play-free mounting of the spring element on the current bar is made possible, for which purpose a press fit is realized according to a further advantageous embodiment between the Z-shaped tongue of the first end portion of the conductive spring element and the current bar. The distance between the top of the tongue and the underside of the spring element is thus slightly less than the thickness of the current bar. Also by this interference fit thus a secure and stable attachment of the spring element is ensured at the current bar.

In the embodiment of the invention described above exactly one recess is formed on the current bar, to which the first end portion of the spring element correspondingly has only one Z-shaped tongue. According to an alternative embodiment of the terminal block according to the invention two opposing recesses are formed in the current bar, to which the first end portion of the conductive spring element has two mutually parallel Z-shaped tongues. The two tongues each extend from the top of the current bar through a recess to the underside of the current bar, so that the free ends of the tongues bear against the underside of the current bar.

In this embodiment, both the first end portion of the spring element and the current bar are then formed mirror-symmetrically to their respective longitudinal axis at least in the region in which the two components are connected to each other. This has the advantage that twisting in the connection area can be avoided so that a firm and permanent connection of spring element and current bar can be realized.

Also in this embodiment, the current bar preferably has an elevation, to which a corresponding recess is formed in the end portion of the spring element, in which engages the increase in the mounted state of spring element and current bar. In order to maintain the symmetry described above, the increase and the Recess each formed or arranged symmetrically to the center plane of the current bar and the first end portion of the spring element.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the terminal block according to the invention, the top of the current bar and / or the bottom of the first end portion of the conductive spring element point or line-shaped elevations, such as grooves, beads or embossing. As a result, a reduced contact surface is formed between the spring element and the current bar. This leads advantageously to an improved surface pressure during non-positive contact between the spring element and the current bar, which leads to a lower contact resistance between the two components. This is advantageous because the spring element not only serves to separate the protective element in the event of a spring, but also flows over the spring element and the current bar and the derived during the response of the protective element shock or overcurrent. For this purpose, a good electrical connection with the lowest possible contact resistance between the first end portion of the spring element and the current bar is advantageous.

Initially, it has been stated that at least one recess is formed in the current bar and that the first end section of the conductive spring element has at least one Z-shaped tongue. According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, the arrangement of recess and tongue can also be reversed, so that in the first end portion of the conductive spring element at least one recess is formed and the current bar has a Z-shaped tongue. This extends in the mounted state through the recess on the upper side of the spring element, so that the free end of the tongue rests on the upper side of the spring element.

In this alternative of the invention, the Z-shaped tongue is thus formed on the current bar, for which purpose it is correspondingly punched free from the current bar and bent. Preferably, the tongue also extends in the longitudinal direction of the current bar and, based on the width of the current bar, is arranged centrally. The recess in the first end portion of the spring element can be easily manufactured by punching. The assembly of current bar and spring element can be particularly simple, that the recess in the spring element to one edge of the Spring element is open, so that the spring element can be pushed during assembly perpendicular to the longitudinal extent of the current bar on this. The Z-shaped tongue extends through the recess, wherein in the mounted state, the free end of the tongue rests on the upper side of the spring element.

Preferably, a press fit is realized between the Z-shaped tongue of the current bar and the first end portion of the spring element, so that the spring element is securely clamped by the tongue on the current bar. In order to facilitate the sliding of the spring element on the current bar or the insertion of the first end portion of the spring element under the tongue of the current bar, a chamfer is preferably formed on the tongue at the transition from the longitudinal side to the bottom.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the second alternative of the invention, the current bar additionally has an increase, to which a corresponding recess is formed in the first end portion of the conductive spring element, in which engages the increase in the mounted state. Thus, in this embodiment, a single-axis mounting movement is possible, the recess in the spring element at the edge, which faces the current bar in the mounting direction, open, so that the spring element can be pushed during assembly perpendicular to the longitudinal extent of the current bar on the current bar.

In order to ensure an exact positioning of the spring element on the current bar, a stop may be formed on the upper side of the current bar, against which the first end section of the conductive spring element rests with its end face. In this embodiment can then be dispensed with the formation of a recess in the first end portion of the spring element.

Regardless of whether the at least one Z-shaped tongue is arranged on the spring element or on the current bar, in the terminal block according to the invention, the electrically conductive spring element is preferably designed as a sheet bending spring, ie as a leaf spring, which is claimed primarily on bending. The spring element is shaped so that the first end portion of the spring element in the mounted state parallel to the current bar runs. In addition, between the first end portion and the second end portion, an angled central portion or a C-shaped central portion is arranged. The fact that the central portion of the spring element is not straight but C-shaped or angled, the possibility is created, even with a small available space to use a spring element, which has a sufficient length, so that for a safe triggering required spring force of the spring element can be ensured without the yield strength of the spring element is exceeded.

If the electrically conductive spring element according to the first embodiment variant has an angled middle section, then it preferably has two limbs which are arranged at an angle α to one another. The angle α is formed as an acute angle, preferably less than 75 °, in particular less than 65 °. Depending on the available space for the spring element, the angle α between the two legs of the angled central portion may be for example between 50 ° and 60 °.

If the spring element has an angled middle section, the first end section and the second end section of the spring element are also each arranged at an angle to the adjacent leg of the middle section of the spring element. The angle β between the first end portion and the first leg of the central portion of the spring element is formed as an obtuse angle, preferably greater than 110 °, in particular greater than 125 °. By selecting or fixing the angle β, the biasing force can be adjusted, with which the spring element is deflected from its rest position when the second end portion of the spring element is connected via the thermally disconnecting connection with the second terminal of the protective element.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the terminal block according to the invention, the distance a from the transition from the first end portion to the central portion of the conductive spring element to the Z-shaped tongue as large as possible, so that a lever arm between the support point of the spring element on the current bar and the area where the spring element is set at the current bar exists. The distance a is at least as large as the widths of the current bar. This prevents that there is a bending of the current bar or the spring element due to the bending force arising from the spring force at the weakened by the recess attachment point in the current bar.

According to a last advantageous embodiment of the terminal block according to the invention, which will be briefly explained here, a display element is slidably disposed in the housing of the terminal, which cooperates with the second end portion of the conductive spring element, that the display element is in a display position when the second Endabschnitt of the conductive spring element with separated thermal connection from the second terminal of the protective element is spaced. If there is a separation of the thermal connection between the second end portion of the spring element and the second terminal of the protective element due to inadmissible heating of the protective element, this leads to the fact that the second end portion of the spring element springs away from the second terminal of the protective element.

Now, if the second end portion of the spring element connected to a receiving or mounting portion of the display element, the movement of the second end portion of the spring element leads to a corresponding movement of the display element, which can be used in a simple manner for displaying the triggered state of the protective element. For this purpose, for example, in the housing of the terminal block, a window is formed through which a display surface of the display element is visible when the display element has been moved by spring-back of the spring element in its display position. Preferably, the display element is spent by a purely linear movement from the first position to the display position. To ensure that the display element is always moved to its display position when the thermal connection is disconnected, the spring element is designed so that it is still somewhat deflected out of its rest position when the display element is in the display position. As a result, the display element is also securely held in the display position with a certain spring force.

Fig. 1

eine Darstellung einer erfindungsgemäßen Reihenklemme von der Seite, einmal mit angeschlossenem Schutzelement und einmal mit elektrisch abgetrenntem Schutzelement,

Fig. 2

ein erstes Ausführungsbeispiel eines an einem Strombalken befestigten Federelements, in perspektivischer Darstellung,

Fig. 3

eine vergrößerte Darstellung des Verbindungsbereichs von Strombalken und Federelement gemäß Fig. 2, in perspektivischer Darstellung, von der Seite und von oben,

Fig. 4

eine vergrößerte Darstellung einer Variante des ersten Ausführungsbeispiels eines an einem Strombalken befestigten Federelements, gemäß Fig. 2, in perspektivischer Darstellung und von der Seite,

Fig. 5

ein zweites Ausführungsbeispiel eines an einem Strombalken befestigten Federelements, in perspektivischer Darstellung,

Fig. 6

eine vergrößerte Darstellung des Verbindungsbereichs von Strombalken und Federelement gemäß Fig. 5, in perspektivischer Darstellung, von der Seite und von oben,

Fig. 7

ein drittes Ausführungsbeispiel eines an einem Strombalken befestigten Federelements, in perspektivischer Darstellung,

Fig. 8

eine vergrößerte Darstellung des Verbindungsbereichs von Strombalken und Federelement gemäß Fig. 7, in perspektivischer Darstellung, von der Seite und von oben, und

Fig. 9

eine weitere Variante des ersten Ausführungsbeispiels eines an einem Strombalken befestigten Federelements, gemäß Fig. 2, in perspektivischer Darstellung.

In particular, there are a variety of ways to design and further develop the terminal block according to the invention. Reference is made to both of the claims 1 and 8 subordinate claims as well as the following description of exemplary embodiments in conjunction with the drawing. In the drawing show

Fig. 1

an illustration of a terminal block according to the invention from the side, once with attached protective element and once with electrically separated protective element,

Fig. 2

a first embodiment of a spring element attached to a current bar, in perspective view,

Fig. 3

an enlarged view of the connecting portion of the current bar and spring element according to Fig. 2 , in perspective, from the side and from the top,

Fig. 4

an enlarged view of a variant of the first embodiment of a spring element attached to a current bar, according to Fig. 2 , in perspective and from the side,

Fig. 5

A second embodiment of a spring element attached to a current bar, in perspective view,

Fig. 6

an enlarged view of the connecting portion of the current bar and spring element according to Fig. 5 , in perspective, from the side and from the top,

Fig. 7

A third embodiment of a spring element attached to a current bar, in perspective view,

Fig. 8

an enlarged view of the connecting portion of the current bar and spring element according to Fig. 7 , in perspective, from the side and from above, and

Fig. 9

a further variant of the first embodiment of a spring element attached to a current bar, according to Fig. 2 , in perspective.

Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of a terminal block 1 according to the invention from the side. The terminal block 1 has a housing 2 made of plastic, in which two connection elements 3, 4 are arranged on two levels are, wherein the connection elements 3, 4 a plane in each case via a current bar 5, 6 are interconnected. In addition, a protective element 7, which is a varistor in the present case, and an electrically conductive spring element 8 are arranged in the housing 2 of the terminal block 1. The first terminal 7 a of the protective element 7 is connected via the upper current bar 6 with the two upper terminal elements 3. However, the electrical connection of the first terminal 7a of the protective element 7 with the connection elements 3 does not necessarily have to take place via a current bar. Instead of the current bar 6, it is also possible to use a flexible conductor or the printed conductor of a printed circuit board for the electrical connection of the first terminal 7a of the protective element 7 to at least one of the two connecting elements 3.

The electrically conductive spring element 8 serves for the electrical connection of the second terminal 7b of the protective element 7. For this purpose, the first end section 9 of the spring element 8 is initially electrically conductively connected to the lower current bar 5. In addition, in the normal state of the protective element 7, the second end section 10 of the spring element 8 is electrically connected to the second terminal 7 b of the protective element 7 via a thermally disconnecting connection 11. The thermally splitting connection 11, which is a corresponding solder, is designed such that the solder melts and thus separates the connection 11 when the protective element 7 has exceeded a predetermined limit temperature. This then causes the deflected from its rest position spring element 8 springs back, with the second end portion 10 of the spring element 8 away from the second terminal 7b of the protective element 7, so that the protective element 7 is electrically disconnected.

The two states described above - normal state of the protective element 7, in which both terminals 7a, 7b are electrically contacted and electrically separated protective element 7, in which the second terminal 7b is no longer connected to the second end portion 10 of the spring element 8 - are in Fig. 1a (Normal state) and Fig. 1b (separated state) shown.

At the in Fig. 1 illustrated embodiment of the terminal block 1 according to the invention, the housing 2 still has a mounting foot 12, with which the terminal block 1 can be mounted on a support rail 13.

In addition, a metallic connection element 14 is arranged in the housing 2 of the terminal block 1, via which the lower current bar 5 is electrically connected in the latched state with the support rail 13. If the carrier rail 13 is at ground potential, an electrical connection of the second terminal 7b of the protective element 7 to ground potential can also be effected only via the spring element 8, the current bar 5 and the connection element 14, so that the lower connection elements 4 are not absolutely necessary. However, in practice, both current bars 5, 6 are connected at their ends in each case with a connecting element 3,4, as in Fig. 1 is shown. In this case, it may be in the connection elements 3, 4 for connecting electrical conductors as in the present case to screw terminals. Just as well, however, other connection elements, such as tension spring clamps or leg spring clamps can be used.

Fig. 2 shows an embodiment of a fixed to a current bar 5 spring element 8, in perspective view. An enlarged view of the attachment or the connection region of current bar 5 and spring element 8 shows Fig. 3 , in perspective ( Fig. 3a ), of the page ( Fig. 3b ) and from above ( Fig. 3c ). Other variants of the connection of current bar 5 and spring element 8 show the Fig. 4 to 9 , All embodiments shown here is common that the connection between the conductive spring element 8 and the current bar 5 is not carried out by a complex soldering or welding connection but by a positive and non-positive connection, so that the spring element 8 by a purely mechanical assembly process to the current bar 5 can be attached.

In the first embodiment according to the Fig. 2 and 3 is formed in the current bar 5 a recess 15 through which a Z-shaped tongue 16 extends, which is punched free at the first end portion 9 of the spring element 8 and bent. As in particular from the enlarged view according to Fig. 3a it can be seen, the tongue 16 extends from the top of the current bar 5 through the recess 15 to the underside of the current bar 5, where the free end 17 of the tongue 16 is applied. In addition, the current bar 5 still has a rectangular elevation 18, to which in the first end portion 9 of the spring element 8, a corresponding recess 19 is formed, into which the elevation 18 engages. Through the interaction of elevation 18 and recess 19, the spring element 8 is securely fixed in its position and orientation relative to the current bar 5, wherein a lifting of the first end portion 9 of the spring element 8 is prevented by the current bar 5 through the inserted into the recess 15 Z-shaped tongue 16.

Both from the perspective view according to Fig. 2 and Fig. 3a as well as from the top view Fig. 3c is also apparent that the recess 15 in the current bar 5 to one (front) edge of the current bar 5 is open. In addition, the recess 19 in the spring element 8 to the opposite (rear) edge of the spring element 8 is open, so that the spring element 8 can be pushed during assembly with its first end portion 9 perpendicular to the longitudinal extent L of the current bar 5 on the current bar 5. The mounting direction M is in Fig. 3c drawn for clarity.

In order to prevent the risk of a possible slight tilting of the spring element 8 on the current bar 5, a press fit is realized between the tongue 16 of the spring element 8 and the current bar 5. The distance between the top of the free end 17 of the tongue 16 and the underside of the first end portion 9 of the spring element 8 is thus slightly smaller than the thickness of the current bar 5. Thus thereby nevertheless the pushing on of the first end portion 9 of the spring element 8 and the insertion of the Tongue 16 in the recess 15 is easy and without tilting possible, the region of the current bar 5, at which the free end 17 of the tongue 16 rests on the underside, a chamfer 20 at the transition from the longitudinal side to the underside of the current bar 5.

Fig. 4 shows an enlarged view of a variant of the attachment of current bar 5 and spring element 8 according to Fig. 2 , in perspective ( Fig. 4a ) and from the side ( Fig. 4b ). Also in this embodiment, the current bar 5 has a recess 15 through which the Z-shaped tongue 16 formed at the first end portion 9 of the spring element 8 extends. In addition, an elevation 18 is pronounced on the upper side of the current bar 5, which engages in a recess 19 in the first end portion 9 of the spring element 8. In contrast to the embodiment according to the Fig. 2 and 3 is formed on the underside of the spring element 8, a survey 21, whereby between the current bar 5 and the spring element 8 is formed a reduced contact surface. In the illustrated embodiment, the elevation 21 is realized by an introduced in the spring element 8 bead. Alternatively, a corresponding increase, for example, a perpendicular to the longitudinal extent L of the current bar 5 extending groove may also be provided on the upper side of the current bar 5.

Fig. 5 shows a second embodiment of a fixed to a current bar 5 spring element 8 in a perspective view. An enlarged view of the connection region of current bar 5 and spring element 8 is shown in FIG Fig. 6 shown, in a perspective view ( Fig. 6a ), of the page ( Fig. 6b ) and from above ( Fig. 6c ). A major difference between the in the Fig. 2 to 4 illustrated first embodiment and in the Fig. 5 and 6 illustrated second embodiment is that in the current bar 5 two opposing recesses 15, 15 'are formed and the first end portion 9 of the spring element 8 has two mutually parallel Z-shaped tongues 16, 16'. The two tongues 16, 16 'each extend from the upper side of the current bar 5 through a recess 15, 15' to the underside of the current bar, where the free ends 17 of the tongues 16, 16 'rest against the lower side of the current bar 5.

In this embodiment, the assembly of the spring element 8 on the current bar 5 is not effected by lateral insertion but by pivoting the first end portion 9 of the spring element 8, including the free ends 17, 17 'of the tongues 16, 16' first from above into the recesses 15, 15 'inserted and then the spring element 8 - in the arrangement according to Fig. 5 - is pivoted clockwise. In this case, the formed on the top of the current bar 5 elevation 18 engages in the formed in the first end portion 9 of the spring member 8 recess 19, whereby the spring element 8 is accurately determined in its position and position on the current bar 5.

Both from the perspective view according to the Fig. 5 and 6a as well as from the top view Fig. 6c It can be seen that in this embodiment, the current bar 5 and the first end portion 9 of the spring element 8 are formed in the connection region mirror-symmetrical to the center plane of the current bar 5 and the spring element 8. By the Formation of two Z-shaped tongues 16, 16 ', moreover, a rotation of the spring element 8 relative to the current bar 5 is reliably prevented. Compared to the embodiment according to the Fig. 2 to 4 However, the assembly of the spring element 8 is more expensive, since the fasteners can not be produced by a simple linear assembly movement.

Fig. 7 shows a third embodiment of the connection of a current bar 5 with a spring element 8, which initially differs from the previously described embodiments in that here in the first end portion 9 of the spring member 8, a recess 22 is formed and the current bar 5 has a Z-shaped tongue 23 , The tongue 23 extends in such a way through the recess 22 that the free end 24 of the tongue 23 rests on the upper side of the spring element 8. Since the recess 22 in the first end portion 9 of the spring element 8 to a (rear) edge of the spring element 8 is open, also in this case the assembly can be done simply by pushing the side of the spring element 8 on the current bar 5. In this case, the central region of the Z-shaped tongue 23 slides into the recess 22, while at the same time the region of the first end portion 9 of the spring element 8 adjoining the recess 22 is pushed under the free end 24 of the tongue 23.

Again, a press fit between the Z-shaped tongue 23 and the first end portion 9 of the spring element 8 may be realized, whereby the spring element 8 is securely clamped to the current bar 5. A chamfer formed on the tongue 23 can facilitate the insertion of the end section 9 of the spring element 8. On the top of the current bar 5, a stop 25 is additionally formed, which serves as an anti-rotation device for the spring element 8. In addition, the stop 25 can also facilitate an accurate and tolerance-free positioning of the spring element 8 on the current bar 5, when the first end portion 9 of the conductive spring element 8 rests with its end face 26 on the Anschag 25.

Fig. 9 shows a further variant of the first embodiment of a fixed to a current bar 5 spring element 8. Both in the embodiment according to Fig. 2 as well as in the embodiment according to Fig. 9 - And also in the other embodiments - the spring element 8 is formed as a sheet bending spring, which consists of a corresponding spring material punched out and bent. In the embodiments according to the Fig. 1 to 6 is disposed between the first end portion 9, which is parallel to the current bar 5 in the assembled state, and the second end portion 10, an angled central portion 27 is arranged. In contrast, in the embodiments according to the Fig. 7 to 9 between the first end portion 9 and the second end portion 10 of the spring element 8, a C-shaped central portion 28 is formed. Depending on the specific shape and design of the central portion 27, 28 so a spring element 8 can be realized, which has a sufficient length even with limited space to provide the required spring force is available, so that the second end portion 10 of the spring element. 8 upon reaching the limit temperature of the protective element 7 reliably and reliably springs away from the second terminal 7 b of the protective element 7.

In the embodiment according to Fig. 2 the central portion 27 of the spring element 8 has two legs 29, 30, which are arranged at an angle α to each other, wherein the angle α in the illustrated embodiment is approximately 55 °. The angle β between the first end portion 9 and the first leg 29 of the central portion 27 is about 135 °. By selecting the angle β, the deflection path by which the second end section 10 is deflected out of the rest position of the spring element 8 when it is connected to the second connection 7b of the protection element 7 via the thermally disconnecting connection 11 can be set in a simple manner , If the angle β is reduced with otherwise identical dimensions, then this leads to the fact that the spring element 8 is deflected further in the normal state of the protective element 7, so that a larger preload force acts on the thermally splitting connection 11.

How out Fig. 2 can be seen, the first leg 29 of the central portion 27 does not directly adjoin the connecting portion of the first end portion 9 of the spring element 8. Rather, there is a distance a between the first leg 29 of the central portion 27 and the base of the Z-shaped tongue 16. The distance a is preferably at least as large as the width of the current bar 5. As a result, a lever arm between the connecting portion of the spring element. 8 realized with the current bar 5 and the support point 31 of the spring element 8, so that the forces occurring in the connecting region of the first end portion 9 due to the spring force of the spring element 8 and bending moments are reduced. hereby ensures that there is no bending of the current bar 5 in the area weakened due to the recess 15. The first end portion 9 of the spring element 8 has the same width as the current bar 5, whereby the spring element 8 can be supported laterally on the housing 2 in this area. The second end portion 10 of the spring element 8, however, has a smaller width, so that the second end portion 10 is not hindered by the spring back 2 of the spring element 2 by lateral contact with the housing 2.

In the terminal block 1 according to the invention, although due to the positive and non-positive connection between the current bar 5 and the spring element 8, soldering of these two components is dispensed with, but independently the connection between the second terminal 7b of the protective element 7 and the second end section 10 takes place So that this solder joint is easily accessible during assembly, a tab 32 is laterally bent at the second end portion 10 of the spring element 8, wherein the angle between the tab 32 and the second end portion 10 approximately 90th ° is. The formation of a bent tab 32 has the additional advantage that thereby a certain tolerance compensation with respect to the position of the second terminal 7b of the protective element 7 is possible. Thus, different protection elements 7 can be used with slightly different dimensions.

As shown in the illustration of the terminal block 1 according to the invention Fig. 1 it can be seen, a display element 33 is slidably disposed in the housing 2 of the terminal block 1, with the aid of which a user is displayed that the thermally disconnecting compound 11 has separated and thus the protective element 7 has been electrically disconnected. For this purpose, the free end of the second end portion 10 of the spring element 8 engages in a corresponding receptacle 34 on the display element 33, so that upon spring-back of the spring element 8, the display element 33 is displaced by the spring element 8 in its display position. In the in Fig. 1b shown display position is a preferably color-coded display surface 35 of the display element 33 below a formed in the housing 2 viewing window, so that the state of the protective element 7 - connected or disconnected - is easily recognizable to a user.

Claims (15)

Terminal block (1) with a housing (2), with at least one connecting element (3, 4), with at least one current bar (5, 6), with a protective element (7) and with an electrically conductive spring element (8),
wherein the first terminal (7a) of the protective element (7) is electrically conductively connected to the at least one terminal element (3),
wherein the first end portion (9) of the conductive spring element (8) is electrically conductively connected to the at least one current bar (5), wherein the second end portion (10) of the conductive spring element (8) in the normal state of the protective element (7) via a thermally disconnecting Connection (11) is electrically conductively connected to the second terminal (7b) of the protective element (7), and
wherein when a predetermined limit temperature of the protective element (7) is exceeded, the thermally isolating connection (11) between the second end portion (10) of the conductive spring element (8) and the second terminal (7b) of the protective element (7) separates and the second end portion ( 10) of the conductive spring element (8) moves into a position due to the spring force of the spring element (8), in which the second end section (10) is spaced from the second terminal (7b) of the protective element (7),
characterized,
in that at least one recess (15) is formed in the current bar (5) and the first end section (9) of the conductive spring element (8) has at least one Z-shaped tongue (16) extending from the upper side of the current bar (5) through the Recess (15) to the underside of the current bar (5) extends, so that the free end (17) of the tongue (16) rests against the underside of the current bar (5). Terminal block (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the current bar (5) has an elevation (18) and in the first end portion (9) of the conductive spring element (8) a corresponding recess (19) is formed, in which the elevation ( 18) engages, or that the first end portion (9) of the conductive spring element (8) has an elevation and in the current bar (5) is formed a corresponding recess into which engages the increase. Terminal block (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the recess (15) in the current bar (5) to one edge of the current bar (5) is open and the recess (19) in the first end portion (9) of the conductive spring element (8 ) is open to the opposite edge of the spring element (8), so that the spring element (8) during assembly with its first end portion (9) perpendicular to the longitudinal extent (L) of the current bar (5) on the current bar (5) can be pushed. Terminal block (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that the region of the current bar (5) on which the free end (17) of the tongue (16) rests against the underside, a chamfer (20) at the transition from the longitudinal side to the bottom having. Terminal block (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that in the current bar (5) has two opposing recesses (15, 15 ') are formed and the first end portion (9) of the conductive spring element (8) has two parallel Z- has shaped tongues (16, 16 ') which extend from the upper side of the current bar (5) through a respective recess (15, 15') to the underside of the current bar (5), so that the free ends (17, 17 ') the tongues (16, 16 ') against the underside of the current bar (5). Terminal block (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that between the at least one Z-shaped tongue (16, 16 ') of the first end portion (9) of the conductive spring element (8) and the current bar (5) a press fit is realized. Terminal block (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the upper side of the current bar (5) and / or the underside of the first end portion (9) of the conductive spring element (8) has a point or line-shaped elevation (21) in that a reduced contact surface is formed between the spring element (8) and the current bar (5). Terminal block (1) with a housing (2), with at least one connecting element (3, 4), with at least one current bar (5, 6), with a protective element (7) and with an electrically conductive spring element (8),
wherein the first terminal (7a) of the protective element (7) is electrically conductively connected to the at least one terminal element (3),
wherein the first end portion (9) of the conductive spring element (8) is electrically conductively connected to the at least one current bar (5), wherein the second end portion (10) of the conductive spring element (8) in the normal state of the protective element (7) via a thermally disconnecting Connection (11) is electrically conductively connected to the second terminal (7b) of the protective element (7), and
wherein when a predetermined limit temperature of the protective element (7) is exceeded, the thermally isolating connection (11) between the second end portion (10) of the conductive spring element (8) and the second terminal (7b) of the protective element (7) separates and the second end portion ( 10) of the conductive spring element (8) moves into a position due to the spring force of the spring element (8), in which the second end section (10) is spaced from the second terminal (7b) of the protective element (7),
characterized,
in that at least one recess (22) is formed in the first end section (9) of the conductive spring element (8) and the current bar (8) has a Z-shaped tongue (23) extending through the recess (22) onto the upper side of the conductive element Spring element (8) extends, so that the free end (24) of the tongue (23) rests on the upper side of the spring element (8). Terminal block (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that the current bar (5) has a stop (25) on which the first end portion (9) of the conductive spring element (8) rests with its end face (26). Terminal block (1) according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the electrically conductive spring element (8) is designed as a sheet bending spring that the first end portion (9) of the spring element (8) parallel to the current bar (5), and that between the first end portion (9) and the second end portion (10) of the spring element (8) an angled central portion (27) or a C-shaped central portion (28) is arranged. Terminal block (1) according to claim 10, having an angled central portion (27), characterized in that the central portion (27) has two legs (29, 30) which are arranged at an angle α to each other, wherein the angle α is an acute angle is, preferably less than 75 °, in particular less than 65 °. Terminal block (1) according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the first end portion (9) and the first leg (29) of the central portion (27) of the conductive spring element (8) are arranged at an angle β to each other, wherein the angle β is a stumbling angle, preferably greater than 110 °, in particular greater than 125 °. Terminal block (1) according to one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that the distance a from the transition of the first end portion (9) to the central portion (27) of the conductive spring element (8) to the Z-shaped tongue (16) of the spring element (8 ) or to the Z-shaped tongue (23) of the current bar (5) is as large as possible. Terminal block (1) according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that at the second end portion (10) of the conductive spring element (8) a tab (32) is bent laterally, wherein the thermally disconnecting compound (11) between the second terminal ( 7b) of the protective element (7) and the tab (32) is arranged. Terminal block (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the second end section (10) of the conductive spring element (8) interacts with a display element (33) displaceably arranged in the housing (2) such that the display element (33 ) is in a display position, when the second end portion (10) of the conductive spring element (8) with separated connection (11) from the second terminal (7b) of the protective element (7) is spaced.

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