EP3685476B1 - Modular connection block - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a modular terminal block with a plurality of

Connection modules and with holding means (12) according to the preamble of claim 1, which connection modules are used for conductor connection to an electronic component. The connection modules each have a connection housing, which are held together by the holding means to form the connection block in a composite system Connection housing arranged to connect electronic component electrically or to be able to connect.

To form a connection point, at least one electrical connection element is accommodated in the connection housing, which can be designed in various ways in order to electrically connect a conductor connected thereto to the electronic component.

Furthermore, the connection housing can be designed in different ways and, for example, set up and designed for a plug-in connection for connecting a conductor to an electronic component. The electrical connection element can therefore be set up and designed, for example and in particular, to form a spring clamp connection, screw connection or plug-in connection at the connection point. Likewise, the electronic component can be contacted by a plug-in connection, for which the connection housing is set up and designed accordingly. Modular connection blocks of the type in question are known, for example, from EP 0742 608 A2 as well as JP2000156252A1 , In which the connecting means for forming a composite of a plurality of terminal blocks provide a closed holding frame. At this plug-in locations are formed for the connection housing, in which they are inserted and held together by latching with the holding frame in the composite.

Furthermore, modular connection blocks of the type in question are known from DE 10 2009 013 689 A1 or EP 2 312 700 A1 , in which the connecting means has a bow-shaped securing element that encompasses the series arrangement of a plurality of connection housings in the manner of a clamp and thus secures their connection. EP 2 312 700 A1 as well as JP2002 305828 as well as DE 20 2013 103611 U1 , WO 2015/085994 A1 and DE 10 2014 215809 A1 provide a holding frame on which the connection housings are first arranged and finally held on the holding frame by means of clamp-like connecting means. The document EP 2 312 700 A1 also discloses the preamble of independent claim 1.

A limitation of these modular terminal blocks, however, is that the mounting frame dictates the type and number of terminal housings that can be used to form a terminal block.

Furthermore, modular terminal blocks of the type in question are also made DE 103 09 965 A1 known, wherein the connection housing are shaped such that they can be plugged together directly to form a composite. In this way, modular connection blocks formed in this way make it possible to connect any number of connection modules to one another. For this purpose, however, the design of the individual connection modules must be matched to one another in order to form such a network, which results in geometric restrictions in the design and spacing of the connection housings from one another.

The invention is based on the object of specifying a modular connection block with a plurality of connection modules for forming a conductor connection on an electronic component, in which the limitations of the modular connection blocks known from the prior art are avoided and a connection block with any number can be easily created of connection modules that are held together in the network is made possible.

The object is achieved according to the invention with the features of independent claim 1 . Expedient configurations and advantageous developments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims.

In order to solve its task, the invention moves away from the idea of providing adaptation means in order to adapt the individual connection modules in such a way that they are made compatible with one another to form a connection block.

Furthermore, the invention moves away from the idea of providing a large number of different connecting means in order to be able to combine different types of connection modules with one another and to be able to connect them to form a network.

Rather, the invention solves the problem in that the holding means have at least one strip-shaped connecting element with which the connection housings are connected, the connection housings being arranged next to one another in a row along the strip-shaped connecting element.

Furthermore, the invention provides that the strip-shaped connecting element has a plurality of mutually spaced connecting sections, the arrangement of which defines connection locations on the strip-shaped connecting element, the connecting sections being set up and designed in such a way that one of the connection modules with the strip-shaped connecting element is attached to a respective connecting section is positively or non-positively connectable or connected. According to the invention, latching means are provided which are set up and designed for a positive and/or non-positive connection between the connection housing and the strip-shaped connecting element.

According to the invention, a connection housing of a connection module is preferably assigned or can be assigned to each connection section.

According to the invention, the strip-shaped connecting element has free ends, between which the connection housings are arranged or can be arranged next to one another. In this case, the connection housings are preferably arranged in a uniform orientation.

The invention dispenses with the use of a frame by which the connection housing would be bordered in the circumferential direction. Furthermore, the invention dispenses with gripping the connection housings in their row arrangement in the manner of clamps in order to be able to hold them together. Instead, according to the invention, at least one strip-shaped connecting element is used to connect the connection housings to one another without a frame or clip to form the connection block, in that it preferably extends flatly along the connection housings arranged next to one another.

According to the invention, the strip-shaped connecting element is a separate element which is elongated between its free ends. According to the invention, the strip-shaped connecting element is arranged on only one side of the connection housing of a respective connection module, which makes it possible to easily adapt the length of the strip-shaped connecting element to the number of connection modules to be connected to one another.

Within the scope of the invention, the strip-shaped connecting element preferably extends in an elongate or rectilinear manner. Furthermore, according to the invention, it is preferably designed flat and therefore has a small thickness, as a result of which it has a small space requirement.

As explained above, the strip-shaped connecting element has a side on which the connection modules can be arranged and connected. The aforementioned thickness of the strip-shaped connecting element results transversely to this side.

In this case, the at least one strip-shaped connecting element is arranged on only one side of the connection housing of each connection module in order to connect this connection housing to other connection housings. A high degree of design freedom for the connection housing is thus achieved.

In a modular connection block according to the invention, the connection housings can be designed almost freely and therefore do not necessarily have to be identical or uniform to one another.

One advantage of the invention is that different types of connection modules are also designed differently from one another Connection housings can be connected to a terminal block by the at least one strip-shaped connecting element.

A modular connection block according to the invention is also referred to below as a connection block for short.

Furthermore, the invention leads to the advantage that the number of connection housings connected to one another in a row arrangement to form a connection block is not limited by the strip-shaped connecting element, in particular its design. The length of the strip-shaped connecting element, along which the connection modules are arranged in a row and connected to one another, can be adapted according to the invention, for example by simply cutting to length, to the number of connection modules. The cutting to length can also take place at a point in time after the connection modules have been connected to the strip-shaped connecting element.

Rather, the length of the strip-shaped connecting element depends on the number of connection modules or connection housings that are provided to form a connection block according to the invention. In the simplest case, a connection block comprises two connection modules that are arranged next to one another.

The invention therefore advantageously makes it possible to be able to combine connection modules with different designs, functions and different connection points, as a result of which a high degree of variability is achieved when forming a connection block. The invention thus opens up a wide range of uses.

In order to be able to easily arrange the connection modules or their connection housing on the strip-shaped connection element, connection locations are formed by the connection sections. This makes it possible for the respective connection modules or their connection housings to be placed on the strip-shaped connection element at a position predetermined by the respective connection location, without any special alignment/placement effort being necessary.

Furthermore, in addition to the strip-shaped connecting element, no further connecting elements are absolutely necessary, which also results in advantages in terms of the effort required to implement a connection block.

The connection block therefore makes it possible to arrange the connection housings very close to one another and to keep them connected to one another, as a result of which the space requirement can be kept to a minimum.

According to the invention, the formation of variants or combination and arrangement of the connection housings can take place at a later point in time in production, as a result of which a high degree of flexibility and adaptability in the formation of a connection block is achieved.

Furthermore, it is also possible to reduce the number of connection modules in a connection block formed according to the invention, even after it has been created, by severing the at least one strip-shaped connection element at the desired point. Furthermore, it is possible that the length of the strip-shaped connecting element can be adjusted as desired by simply cutting it to the desired length. For this purpose, separating aids, such as separating lines, slits or perforations, can also be provided at appropriate intervals on a strip-shaped connecting element.

The invention also offers the advantage that the assembly of the plurality of connection modules can take place at a very late point in time in the production process. This means that a connection block can be configured flexibly thanks to the flexible combination and arrangement of the terminal housings of the connection housings. In addition, connection blocks according to the invention can also be produced in very small series.

The invention also makes it possible to adapt a connection block according to the invention in a simple manner, for example by cutting through the strip-shaped connecting element even after it has been fitted with connection housings and thus the number of connection housings can be reduced.

In addition, the invention makes it possible for the connection housing of a respective connection module to be arranged as required. The order in which the connection modules are arranged next to one another is arbitrary.

The invention thus advantageously leads to increased degrees of freedom with regard to the design and series arrangement of the respective connection modules.

The invention takes into account that other bodies can also be arranged between the connection modules instead of connection housings, which can serve, for example, as spacers or gap fillers.

In the case of a connection block according to the invention, each connection housing is connected individually to the strip-shaped connection element, so that a high level of connection security can be achieved. Larger distances between the connection housings are thus also possible, with the connection housings preferably being arranged next to one another as closely as possible for a small space requirement. The distance between two adjacent connection housings can therefore be kept small or the connection housings can be arranged next to one another, as a result of which the distance is reduced to or close to zero. It is also provided that the connection housings touch one another in the row arrangement and arrangement on the strip-shaped connecting element.

The invention makes it possible to fix the connection modules to the strip-shaped connection element in a simple manner and to hold them securely in the space provided for them at a connection point.

Within the scope of the invention, an electronic component is preferably and in particular a printed circuit board or an arrangement of printed circuit boards on which or on which a conductor connection can be realized by means of a connection block. An electronic component can therefore also be an electronic device with a printed circuit board or an arrangement of printed circuit boards, on which a connection block for forming a conductor connection can or is arranged.

For the conductor connection, a connection housing has one or a plurality of connection points to which the connection of conductors is provided in order to be able to connect them electrically to an electronic component.

In this case, a conductor can in particular be an uninsulated end of an electrical wire of a cable, on which, for example, a ferrule can also be arranged, as is customary in the case of electrical wires formed from stranded wires.

The strip-shaped connecting element can be connected to the respective connection housings of the connection modules in different ways.

In this case, each of the connection housings is preferably connected to the strip-shaped connecting element in the same way. However, the invention is not limited to this, so that the connection housings can be connected differently to the strip-shaped connecting element.

To connect a connection housing to the strip-shaped connection element, the invention provides that the connection housing has at least one receptacle for the strip-shaped connection element, with the receptacle and the strip-shaped connection element or its respective connection section being set up and designed to correspond to one another in such a way that the Connection housing of each connection module is positively and / or positively connected to the strip-shaped connecting element or connected.

An advantage associated with the aforementioned development is that the invention enables a tool-free connection of the connection housing of a respective connection module to the strip-shaped connection element. Furthermore, a high stability of the connection can be achieved in this way.

Furthermore, the invention allows non-destructive removal of a connection housing from the strip-shaped connecting element.

In this context, the invention also provides that the connection housing is non-positively connected to the strip-shaped connecting element connected is. The invention also includes any combination of connection types. In particular, a form-fitting or force-fitting connection between the connection housing and the strip-shaped connection element advantageously allows the connection to be broken non-destructively and connection modules to be removed accordingly or the at least one strip-shaped connection element to be removed from one, several or even all connection modules of a connection block.

Furthermore, the advantage arises in particular from a form-fitting or force-fitting connection that the arrangement of the connection modules can be changed or connection modules can be exchanged or replaced by other connection modules. The invention thus makes it possible to easily change the arrangement of the plurality of connection modules in a connection block designed according to the invention.

The invention also allows one connection module to be exchanged for another, for example.

This therefore also leads to advantages in handling, maintenance and recycling and the adaptability to different or changing requirements.

In addition, according to the invention, a cohesive connection between the strip-shaped connecting element and the connection housing can also be provided, for example by means of an adhesive that is applied between the strip-shaped connection element and the connection housing secure and, if necessary, make inseparable. A protection against manipulation is thus achieved in a cost-effective and simple manner.

Liquid adhesives can be used as adhesives, which, after application, produce a material connection between the strip-shaped connecting element and the connection housing. Furthermore, an integral connection can also be achieved by adhesive strips. In addition, a material connection by welding, for example and in particular by means of ultrasonic welding or laser beam welding, whereby the connection housing of a respective connection module and/or the strip-shaped connecting element is/are set up and designed accordingly.

The use of adhesive leads to a firm connection between the connection housing and the strip-shaped connecting element, which, for example and in particular, cannot be detached without being destroyed.

The invention provides that the connecting section and the receptacle for a translatory movement guide are set up and designed relative to one another in such a way that they move between an initial position, in which the respective connection housing is arranged on the strip-shaped connecting element and is not connected to it, to an end position, in which respective connection housing is connected to the strip-shaped connecting element is movable.

The invention thus makes it possible for each connection housing to be able to be connected to the strip-shaped connecting element by means of a translatory movement between them. The invention thus enables the connection housing of a connection module to be connected to the strip-shaped connection element by means of a translational movement in the row direction in which the connection housings of the connection modules are arranged next to one another to form a modular connection block according to the invention, which is significantly smaller than the width of the connection housing in question is dimensioned in the direction of alignment.

For this purpose, it is provided that the connection section and the receptacle for a translational movement of the connection housing and the strip-shaped connection element relative to one another between an initial position, in which the respective connection housing is not connected to the strip-shaped connection element, to an end position, into the respective connection housing with the strip-shaped connecting element is connected, set up and formed.

This eliminates the need for tools to create the connection. For further simplification, the connection housings can initially be placed side by side are arranged in order to then be connected together according to the type described above with the strip-shaped connecting element. This results in both handling and time advantages.

The connection housings of the connection modules have a body section which is formed between a head section for the conductor connection and a foot section for contacting the electronic component. The receptacle for the strip-shaped connecting element is preferably formed on a body side of the body section, which faces outwards when the connection housings are arranged in a row and is transverse to a rowing direction in which the connection housings are arranged next to one another on the strip-shaped connecting element.

In the context of the invention, a rowing direction is that in which the respective connection housings of the plurality of connection modules are arranged or lined up next to one another to form a row arrangement, in which they are/are held together by the at least one strip-shaped connecting element.

Against this background, a further advantageous development of the invention takes into account that the receptacle is arranged on a body side of the connection housing.

Associated with this is the advantage that the connection of the individual connection housings to one another does not impair the formation of conductor connections or the formation of the contacting of the electronic component. Furthermore, this results in handling advantages.

According to the invention, the strip-shaped connecting element can be arranged on the connection housings in many different ways.

The invention provides, for example and in particular, that a respective connection module with its connection housing can be attached to the strip-shaped connecting element transversely to the strip-shaped connecting element in order to arrange it on the strip-shaped connecting element for connection thereto.

Furthermore, according to the invention, for example and in particular, it is provided that a relative movement transverse to the direction in which the aforementioned attachment of the connection housing of the connection module to the strip-shaped connection element takes place between the strip-shaped connection element and the connection housing brings about a non-positive and/or material connection with one another .

Thus, within the scope of the invention, the connection housing is in particular attached to the strip-shaped connecting element in one direction and a movement for a form-fitting or force-fitting connection to one another takes place in a direction directed transversely thereto.

For this purpose, a further advantageous development of the invention provides that the receptacle is set up and designed such that the strip-shaped connecting element can be attached to the receptacle for arranging the connection housing on the strip-shaped connecting element in a direction transverse to the side of the fuselage.

In this way, the strip-shaped connecting element and the receptacle of the connection housing can also be fed to one another along a surface normal of the fuselage side or surface.

This leads to the advantage that the strip-shaped connecting element does not have to be guided with its one free end along all the connection housings that are used to form a connection block according to the invention, resulting in handling advantages for creating a connection block according to the invention. Furthermore, it is possible according to the invention to connect the connection housings in the row arrangement to the strip-shaped connection element at the same time, as a result of which further time and cost advantages are realized when creating a connection block according to the invention.

The invention makes it possible for the connection modules to be connected to the strip-shaped connection element to form a connection block independently of one another but at the same time.

In order to be able to connect the connection housing to the strip-shaped connection element, the strip-shaped connection element has a plurality of connection sections, with one connection housing each being assigned to at least one connection section, as is provided in a further advantageous development of the invention.

The respective connection section serves to connect the connection housing to the strip-shaped connection element, with a connection section being assigned in particular to each connection housing. This is the case, for example and in particular, when the external dimensions of the connection housing or the body sections of the respective connection housing have the same dimensions as one another in the aforementioned arrangement direction.

Within the scope of the invention, the connecting sections are spaced apart from one another along the strip-shaped connecting element and, in particular, are of uniform design. It is thus possible for the plurality of connection housings to be arranged in combination with one another in any order on the strip-shaped connecting element and connected to it.

The result of the development is that the points that are provided for connecting the respective connection housing to the strip-shaped connection element allow the connection housing to be arranged in a row at predetermined distances from one another. Associated with this is first of all the advantage that the connection housings are arranged next to one another in the row arrangement with predetermined spacings which are predetermined by the strip-shaped connecting element. This simplifies the alignment of the connection housings to one another. Furthermore, this makes it possible to ensure compatibility of the connection housings with one another in order to form a composite. This leads to easier handling when manufacturing a terminal block.

Following on from this idea of the invention, it is determined in a further advantageous development of the invention that the connecting sections are spaced at equal intervals along the strip-shaped connecting element are spaced apart from one another, whereby advantageously the connection housings can also be arranged at equal distances from one another or can be arranged or are arranged at predetermined points in the manner of a grid.

In order to be able to hold the connection modules securely together, a further advantageous development of the invention provides that the receptacle of the connection housing and/or the connecting sections of the strip-shaped connection element has/have latching means which are set up and configured for latching the connection housing and the strip-shaped connection element to one another are.

The invention thus enables a connection block to be formed without the use of tools. In addition, such a formation can also be carried out without the use of any aids, so that, for example, adhesives or a material connection can be dispensed with.

In addition, the invention also allows the combination of connection modules to be broken up without tools or a simple reduction in the number of connection modules.

According to the invention, the connection housings in their row arrangement are connected to the strip-shaped connecting element, preferably non-destructively, by means of the latching means. The invention is not limited to this, so that the connection housing can also be firmly connected to the strip-shaped connecting element by the latching means in such a way that the connection can only be released with the risk of destruction.

In order to be able to realize a connection block with small dimensions or a small space requirement, it is provided according to the invention that the receptacle is formed by at least one recess.

For this purpose it is provided in an advantageous development of the invention that the receptacle has at least one recess which is formed in particular in the manner of a groove.

The invention thus succeeds in using available installation space as efficiently as possible, or a modular connection housing with only a small amount of space To realize space requirements, so that the invention enables a high connection point density for the conductor connection.

For this purpose, it is preferably provided that the recesses are designed to correspond or complement the strip-shaped connecting element or its respective connecting section such that the strip-shaped connecting element is accommodated in the recess in the end position flush with the side of the fuselage.

According to the invention, the recess can be designed in many ways. For this purpose, it is provided within the scope of the invention that the recess is formed in the manner of a groove for the strip-shaped connecting element, which extends in a rowing direction over the connection housing side.

Within the scope of the invention, based on a previous inventive idea, it is preferably provided that the recess is set up and configured at least in sections to form a movement guide for the strip-shaped connecting element, through which the strip-shaped connecting element is guided translationally, in particular linearly, for a movement between the initial position and the end position is.

The recess preferably extends in the rowing direction along the respective connection housing of a respective connection module, so that the individual recesses in an arrangement of the respective connection modules to form a connection block result in a continuous groove-shaped recess that extends longitudinally over the plurality of connection modules

For easy attachment of the connector housing to the strip-shaped connecting element, a further advantageous development of the invention therefore provides that the respective recesses of at least two connector housings arranged next to one another are arranged in the row arrangement of the connector housing so that they correspond to one another, in particular are aligned with one another.

This makes it possible to form a groove that extends along all the connection housings arranged next to one another in order to be able to easily connect them to one another in the resulting row arrangement by means of the strip-shaped connecting element or to be able to keep them connected to one another.

For simple and cost-effective production and to promote simple handling, a further advantageous development of the invention provides for the strip-shaped connecting element to be formed in one piece.

The creation of a strip-shaped connecting element can thus be produced inexpensively in a simple manner, for example by means of a stamped part, a rod profile, a strip product (metal strip, plastic strip, etc.), an extruded profile as well as an extruded body.

In addition, there are numerous other production options, so that the aforementioned examples represent only a selection of options.

In order to achieve a low component weight with sufficient strength, a further advantageous development of the invention provides that the strip-shaped connecting element is made of a plastic, in particular an insulating material, in order to be able to effectively avoid undesired electrical short circuits.

Furthermore, a strip-shaped connecting element can thus be produced inexpensively and also offers possibilities for being able to produce the locking means correspondingly inexpensively. This also leads to good recyclability.

In order to achieve good stability and high torsional rigidity of a connection block, a further advantageous development of the invention provides that the holding means have at least two strip-shaped connecting elements arranged at a distance from one another, in particular parallel to one another, between which the connection housings are arranged.

The strip-shaped connecting elements are preferably arranged parallel to one another.

The connection housings are set up and adapted accordingly for the use of at least two strip-shaped connecting elements. They therefore also have corresponding receptacles on two fuselage sides, which are preferably arranged opposite one another on the connection housing. The configuration of these recordings is analogous to the above-mentioned explanations, whereby the recordings as well as the strip-shaped connecting elements can be designed differently from one another.

However, the receptacles and the strip-shaped connecting elements are preferably designed to be identical to one another, which results in logistical advantages in addition to handling and cost advantages.

It is also possible within the scope of the invention for the connection housing to be designed using a uniform format, so that in particular its width is determined or dimensioned by a uniform basic dimension or an integral multiple of this basic dimension.

A further advantageous development of the invention provides that at least one external dimension (length, width or depth) of each connection housing, in particular its respective width, is determined by a uniform basic dimension or an integral multiple of this basic dimension.

Thus, for example and in particular, the width of a connection housing is determined by the basic size in conjunction with an integer factor by which the basic size is multiplied. The width of the respective connection housing is determined in the rowing direction in which connection housings are arranged or rowed next to one another along the strip-shaped connecting element.

The outer dimensions are measured in mutually orthogonal directions according to a Cartesian coordinate system on the respective connection housing. You can do this in the respective direction using a basic dimension be determined, whereby the values of the respective basic dimensions can be the same or different from one another.

Against this background, the connection housings have, for example and in particular, the same width. Furthermore, the connection housing can have the same height dimension, the height being obtained orthogonally to the width of the connection housing and being measured from one side for the conductor connection to an opposite side of the connection housing. A flat connection side can thus be formed on the connection block, which simplifies the conductor connection.

The invention takes into account that the connection housings are designed in particular in such a way that they provide the connection points for the conductors in one plane in the row arrangement in which they are held together to form the connection block.

Furthermore, it is also provided, for example and in particular, that the connection housings have the same external dimensions, as a result of which a simple configurability of a connection block is achieved.

Within the scope of the invention, a connection block can be attached to an electronic component in different ways. For example, the connection housings can be set up and designed for an integral connection, in particular by means of soldering, on the electronic component for its electrical contacting. Furthermore, it is also possible within the scope of the invention for a respective connection housing to be set up and designed for a plug-in connection with the electronic component, in particular as a plug housing.

Therefore, to simplify the assembly of the connection block on the electronic component, a further advantageous development of the invention provides that the connection housing is set up and designed for plug-in connection with a socket which is arranged on the electronic component and via which the connection block is electrically connected to the electronic component is connectable.

Accordingly, the respective connection housings of the connection modules can be connected in a simple manner to the electronic component, for example with a socket designed as a base strip, via which the electrical contact is made between the connection block and the electronic component.

A base is thus formed on a foot section of the connection housing, which is designed and set up to correspond with the socket for plug-in connection. The connection block can preferably be detached and removed from the socket without destroying it.

This leads to the advantage that the connection block forms a plug for the conductors connected to the connection points, so that the electronic component can be easily separated from the conductors arranged on the connection block.

For a renewed installation of this connection block on another electronic component, the effort of connecting the conductors to the connection points of the connection block is eliminated. This favors cost-effective and simple maintenance.

The connection housings are preferably arranged on one side of the strip-shaped connecting element and connected to it. In a further advantageous development of the invention, the invention provides that the strip-shaped connecting element is set up and designed in such a way that a row arrangement of connection housings can be or are arranged on one side and another row arrangement on an opposite side along the strip-shaped connecting element.

The sides of the strip-shaped connecting element, on which the connection housings are arranged, are set up and designed as described above.

The invention thus makes it possible to connect numerous connection modules in two row arrangements to form a connection block with just one strip-shaped connection element and to keep them connected to one another.

The two sides of the strip-shaped connecting element are preferably designed to be identical to one another. However, the invention is not limited to this, so that the sides can also be designed and set up differently from one another. The same applies to the connection housing of the connection modules.

The invention thus extends the advantages already mentioned above and simplifies the handling of the connection housings combined with one another to form a connection block. Furthermore, the effort and the necessary number of parts are thus kept low. Furthermore, the row arrangements can be arranged close together, as a result of which they have only a small space requirement.

The invention develops further advantages when used to form a connection on a printed circuit board. Accordingly, in a further advantageous development of the invention, it is provided that the electronic component is a printed circuit board or an arrangement of printed circuit boards, which is/are preferably accommodated in an electronics housing. In this case, it is preferably possible for a series arrangement of the connection housings to be assigned to a printed circuit board for the conductor connection. Within the scope of the invention, an electronic component can also be formed by an electronic device on which the connection block for the conductor connection is arranged. In this case, the electronic device can be designed in particular for arrangement on a mounting rail, onto which the electronic device can preferably be latched.

The formation of a printed circuit board connection is simplified by the connection block. Furthermore, a socket arranged on the printed circuit board can simplify the assembly of the connection block on the printed circuit board.

Furthermore, the socket can also be used for measuring purposes, for example, so that a plug of a measuring device can be used in it instead of the connection block.

Furthermore, a strip-shaped connecting element of a connection block according to the invention can form further functional elements or surfaces, such as a labeling surface, to which labeling can be attached, for example also by means of a marking element.

The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the attached drawing, in which three exemplary embodiments and an arrangement of connection blocks according to the invention on an arrangement of printed circuit boards are shown as representative of a large number of connection blocks according to the invention.

All of the features claimed, described and shown in the drawing form the subject matter of the invention on their own or in any combination with one another, regardless of their summary in the patent claims and their back-references and regardless of their description or representation in the drawing. Therefore, the features are not tied to the constellation explained below, but can also form a connection block according to the invention isolated from one another or in a different combination.

The figures of the drawing show possible embodiments of a connection block according to the invention, each in a schematic representation. The representations in the figures are therefore in particular not necessarily true to scale, so that the scales selected in each case in the figures can also be different from one another.

For a better overview, the illustrations are reduced to the elements/components/components that support understanding, with the same or corresponding components/components or elements being provided with the same reference symbols in the figures. For a better overview, not all elements/components/components are always provided with reference numbers in the figures, with the assignment resulting from the same representation or a representation adapted to the view.

Fig. 1

ein erstes Ausführungsbeispiel eines erfindungsgemäßen Anschlussblocks in einer perspektivischen Ansicht in schematischer Darstellungsweise, mit einer Reihenanordnung einer Mehrzahl von Anschlussmodulen, die mittels der gezeigten und zur Reihenanordnung beabstandeten streifenförmigen Verbindungselemente im Verbund miteinander gehalten werden,

Fig. 2

das erste Ausführungsbeispiel eines erfindungsgemäßen Anschlussblocks aus Fig. 1 mit den in einer Anfangsstellung an der Reihenanordnung angeordneten streifenförmigen Verbindungselementen, in gleicher Darstellungsweise wie in Fig. 1,

Fig. 3

das erste Ausführungsbeispiel eines erfindungsgemäßen Anschlussblocks aus Fig. 2 in einer weiteren perspektivischen Seitenansicht in ansonsten gleicher Darstellungsweise wie in Fig. 2,

Fig. 4

das erste Ausführungsbeispiel eines erfindungsgemäßen Anschlussblocks aus Fig. 1 mit den in einer Anfangsstellung an der Reihenanordnung angeordneten streifenförmigen Verbindungselementen, in gleicher Darstellungsweise wie in Fig. 2,

Fig. 5

das erste Ausführungsbeispiel eines erfindungsgemäßen Anschlussblocks aus Fig. 4 mit den in einer Endstellung an der Reihenanordnung angeordneten streifenförmigen Verbindungselementen, in einer weiteren perspektivischen Seitenansicht in ansonsten gleicher Darstellungsweise wie in Fig. 4,

Fig. 6

1. a) das erste Ausführungsbeispiel eines erfindungsgemäßen Anschlussblocks aus Fig. 2, in einer in Fig. 2 durch A gekennzeichneten Ansicht, in ansonsten gleicher Darstellungsweise wie in Fig. 2,
2. b) das erste Ausführungsbeispiel eines erfindungsgemäßen Anschlussblocks aus Fig. 4, in einer in Fig. 4 durch B gekennzeichneten Ansicht, in ansonsten gleicher Darstellungsweise wie in Fig. 4,

Fig. 7

das erste Ausführungsbeispiel eines erfindungsgemäßen Anschlussblocks aus Fig. 1 in einer weiteren perspektivischen Seitenansicht in ansonsten gleicher Darstellungsweise wie in Fig. 1,

Fig. 8

das erste Ausführungsbeispiel eines erfindungsgemäßen Anschlussblocks aus Fig. 2 in einer Seitenansicht in ansonsten gleicher Darstellungsweise wie in Fig. 2,

Fig. 9

ein zweites Ausführungsbeispiel eines erfindungsgemäßen Anschlussblocks in einer perspektivischen Ansicht in schematischer Darstellungsweise, analog zur Darstellung der Fig. 1,

Fig. 10

1. a) das zweite Ausführungsbeispiel eines erfindungsgemäßen Anschlussblocks aus Fig. 9, mit den in einer Anfangsstellung an der Reihenanordnung angeordneten streifenförmigen Verbindungselementen, in ansonsten gleicher Darstellungsweise wie in Fig. 9,
2. b) das zweite Ausführungsbeispiel eines erfindungsgemäßen Anschlussblocks aus Fig. 9 mit den in einer Endstellung an der Reihenanordnung angeordneten streifenförmigen Verbindungselementen, in der die streifenförmigen Verbindungselemente die Anschlussgehäuse im Verbund halten, in ansonsten gleicher Darstellungsweise wie in Fig. 9,

Fig. 11

ein drittes Ausführungsbeispiel eines erfindungsgemäßen Anschlussblocks in einer perspektivischen Ansicht in schematischer Darstellungsweise, bei dem die streifenförmigen Verbindungselemente zu den in zwei Reihenanordnungen angeordneten Anschlussgehäusen beabstandet dargestellt sind,

Fig. 12

das dritte Ausführungsbeispiel eines erfindungsgemäßen Anschlussblocks in gleicher perspektivischer Ansicht wie in Fig. 11 in schematischer Darstellungsweise, bei dem die streifenförmigen Verbindungselemente in einer Endstellung sind, in ansonsten gleicher Darstellungsweise wie in Fig. 11,

Fig. 13

ein Anwendungsbeispiel in einer perspektivischen Ansicht in schematischer Darstellungsweise mit einem erfindungsgemäßen Anschlussblock, der nach Art eines ersten Ausführungsbeispiels aus Fig. 1 gebildet ist, und einem weiteren Anschlussblock, der nach Art eines dritten Ausführungsbeispiels aus Fig. 11 gebildet ist, wobei die zwei Anschlussblöcke zur in ein Elektronikgehäuse eingesetzt werden, zu dem sie beabstandet in Fig. 13 dargestellt sind.

Fig. 14

das Anwendungsbeispiel aus Fig. 13 in gleicher perspektivischer Ansicht wie in Fig. 13 in schematischer Darstellungsweise, bei dem die erfindungsgemäßen Anschlussblöcke in einem Elektronikgehäuse eingesetzt sind.

Show it

1

a first exemplary embodiment of a connection block according to the invention in a perspective view in a schematic representation, with a row arrangement of a plurality of connection modules, which are held in combination with one another by means of the strip-shaped connecting elements shown and spaced apart from the row arrangement,

2

the first exemplary embodiment of a connection block according to the invention 1 with the strip-shaped connecting elements arranged in an initial position on the row arrangement, in the same representation as in 1 ,

3

the first exemplary embodiment of a connection block according to the invention 2 in a further perspective side view in otherwise the same representation as in 2 ,

4

the first exemplary embodiment of a connection block according to the invention 1 with the strip-shaped connecting elements arranged in an initial position on the row arrangement, in the same representation as in 2 ,

figure 5

the first exemplary embodiment of a connection block according to the invention 4 with the strip-shaped connecting elements arranged in an end position on the row arrangement, in a further perspective side view in otherwise the same representation as in FIG 4 ,

6

1. a) the first exemplary embodiment of a connection block according to the invention 2 , in one in 2 marked by A, in otherwise the same representation as in 2 ,
2. b) the first exemplary embodiment of a connection block according to the invention 4 , in one in 4 marked by B, in otherwise the same representation as in 4 ,

7

the first exemplary embodiment of a connection block according to the invention 1 in a further perspective side view in otherwise the same representation as in 1 ,

8

the first exemplary embodiment of a connection block according to the invention 2 in a side view in otherwise the same representation as in 2 ,

9

a second embodiment of a connection block according to the invention in a perspective view in a schematic representation, analogous to the representation of FIG 1 ,

10

1. a) the second exemplary embodiment of a connection block according to the invention 9 , with the strip-shaped connecting elements arranged in an initial position on the row arrangement, in otherwise the same representation as in FIG 9 ,
2. b) the second exemplary embodiment of a connection block according to the invention 9 with the strip-shaped connecting elements arranged in an end position on the row arrangement, in which the strip-shaped connecting elements hold the connection housings in the assembly, in otherwise the same representation as in 9 ,

11

a third exemplary embodiment of a connection block according to the invention in a perspective view in a schematic representation, in which the strip-shaped connecting elements are shown spaced apart from the connection housings arranged in two row arrangements,

12

the third exemplary embodiment of a connection block according to the invention in the same perspective view as in FIG 11 in a schematic representation, in which the strip-shaped connecting elements are in an end position, in otherwise the same representation as in 11 ,

13

an application example in a perspective view in a schematic representation with a connection block according to the invention, which is made in the manner of a first exemplary embodiment 1 is formed, and a further connection block, which is made in the manner of a third exemplary embodiment 11 is formed, wherein the two terminal blocks are used in an electronics housing, to which they are spaced in 13 are shown.

14

the application example 13 in the same perspective view as in 13 in a schematic representation, in which the terminal blocks according to the invention are used in an electronics housing.

In 1 shows a first exemplary embodiment of a connection block 2 according to the invention with a plurality of electrical connection modules 4 for conductor connection to an electronic component (in 1 Not shown).

To form a conductor connection device 6, the connection block 2 according to the invention provides connection points 8 by means of the connection housing 10, to which electrical conductors (not shown) can be connected in order to electrically connect them to the electronic component.

For this purpose, each connection point 8 has an electrical connection element (not visible), which is accommodated in the respective connection housing 10 and which serves to electrically connect an electrical conductor connected to the connection point 8 to the electronic component.

The respective connection point 8 is set up and designed for connecting a conductor, which is an individual conductor of a cable, and has in this Embodiment, a conductor insertion opening 9, through which the individual conductors can be inserted into the connection housing 10 in order to be able to electrically connect the individual conductors in the interior of the connection housing 10, for example by means of a spring-loaded terminal system. In this exemplary embodiment of a connection block 2 according to the invention, the connection points are designed in the manner of a push-in connection, to which the invention is not restricted.

Since the connection housings 10 are all designed the same in this exemplary embodiment and the connection points 8 are also designed uniformly, only one connection point 8 is representative of the other connection points 8 in 1 provided with a reference number. The same applies to the conductor insertion opening 9. Furthermore, the electrical connection modules 4 and the connection points 8 are uniformly provided with the reference symbols 4 and 8, respectively.

The first exemplary embodiment of a connection block 2 according to the invention is also referred to below as connection block 2 for short.

The connection modules 4 each have a connection housing 10 which is held together in a composite 14 by holding means 12 . For this purpose, the connection housings 10 can, for example and in particular, be cuboid or disc-shaped, so that they can be lined up next to one another. In this exemplary embodiment, the connection housings 10 are each designed cuboid.

The holding means 12 comprise two strip-shaped connecting elements 16, 18 designed identically to one another, between which the connection housings 10 are arranged and with which the connection housings 10 are connected to form the composite 14.

In this network 14, the connector housings 10 are arranged side by side along the strip-shaped connecting elements 16,18 in a row arrangement 20 in a rowing direction 22 and are held side by side by the strip-shaped connecting elements 16,18.

The strip-shaped connecting elements 16,18 are each formed in one piece and from an electrically insulating plastic.

In order to be able to connect the connection housing 10 to one another using the two strip-shaped connecting elements 16,18, each of the connection housings 10 has a receptacle 24,26 for one of the strip-shaped connecting elements 16,18, through which the connection housing 10 of the respective connection module 4 is connected to the strip-shaped connecting elements 16,18 is positively or non-positively connected in order to form a fixed composite 14 of the connection housing 10 arranged next to one another.

The aforementioned recordings 24,26 are representative of the other recordings 24,26 only on a connection housing 10 with the reference numerals 24,26.

The same applies to the other components of a connection housing 10, which are identified on a connection housing 10 as representative of the other connection housing 10 with reference symbols for a better overview.

The receptacles 24 , 26 are provided on a body section 28 of the respective connection housing 10 , one receptacle 24 being formed on a body side 30 of the body section 28 , while the other receptacle 26 is arranged on a body side 32 opposite this body side 30 .

In the row arrangement 20 of the connection housing 10, the hull sides 30, 32 each face outwards transversely to the rowing direction 22 and are therefore correspondingly freely accessible for attachment of the strip-shaped connecting elements 16, 18.

The respective receptacle 24,26 for arranging the connection housing 10 on the respective strip-shaped connecting element 16,18 is set up and designed in such a way that the strip-shaped connecting element 16,18 in question can be moved in a direction 34,34` transversely to the respective fuselage side 30,32 or .transversely to the rowing direction 22 to the receptacle 24 is attachable or attachable. The aforementioned direction 34,34' is parallel to the surface normal (not shown) of the respective fuselage side 30,32.

The respective strip-shaped connecting element 16,18 has a plurality of connecting sections 36 (uniformly provided with the reference numeral 36) which are arranged at equal distances from one another on the respective strip-shaped connecting element 16,18. The connection sections 36 form connection locations, so that the connection housings 10 of the connection modules can be arranged at predetermined locations on the respective strip-shaped connection element 16,18.

The strip-shaped connecting elements 16, 18 are designed identically to one another, so that the connecting sections 36 are only marked with a reference number on the strip-shaped connecting element 18 for a better overview.

A connection section 36 is provided on the respective strip-shaped connection element 16 , 18 for each connection housing 10 , so that the strip-shaped connection elements 16 , 18 each have six connection sections 36 for the six connection housing 10 provided.

In each case, a connection housing 10 is assigned to a connecting section 36 of the respective strip-shaped connecting element 16,18 in order to connect it to the strip-shaped connecting element 16,18 in question.

Provision is also made for the respective connection section 36 and the receptacle 24, 26 of the connection housing 10 to be arranged thereon to be set up and designed for translational movement guidance relative to one another in such a way that the strip-shaped connection element 16, 18 and the respective connection housing 10 move between an initial position, in which the respective connector housing 10 is not connected to the strip-shaped connecting element 16,18, can be moved into an end position in which the respective connector housing 10 is connected to the strip-shaped connecting element 16,18. This is also illustrated by the further figures.

For this purpose, the respective receptacle 24 , 26 has a recess 38 which is formed in the manner of a groove 40 . For a better overview, the respective recess 38 or the respective groove 40 are identified as representative of the others only on one body side 30 of a connection housing 10 .

For easy attachment of the strip-shaped connecting elements 16,18, the respective recesses 38 of the connection housings 10 arranged next to one another are arranged in the row arrangement 20 of the connection housing 10 in a manner corresponding to one another, in particular in alignment with one another.

The recesses 38 thus form a continuous groove, which makes it possible for the strip-shaped connecting elements 16 , 18 to have no influence on the external dimensions of the connection block 2 or of the respective connection modules 2 .

The respective recesses 38 are designed to correspond to or complement the strip-shaped connecting elements 16, 18 or the relevant connecting section 36 of the respective strip-shaped connecting element, on which the relevant connection module 4 is to be arranged, in such a way that the respective strip-shaped connecting element 16, 18 at least in the end position is received in the recess 38 flush with the fuselage side 30 , 32 in question.

The invention provides that the receptacle 24 of the respective connection housing 10 and/or the connecting section 36 of the respective strip-shaped connection element 16,18 has/have latching means 42 which are designed and configured for latching the connection housing 10 and the strip-shaped connection element 16,18 to one another are.

In this exemplary embodiment, the connecting sections 36 of the respective strip-shaped connecting element 16,18 have similarly formed latching means 42 (uniformly provided with the reference numeral 42), which latch in the end position of the strip-shaped connecting element 16,18 in question in the recess 38 of the relevant receptacle 24,26 and block in particular a translational mobility of the strip-shaped connecting element 16,18 in the rowing direction 22 and also positively prevent movement transversely thereto. This is done through Clamping forces that are formed in the end position by interaction between the respective strip-shaped connecting element 16,18 and that of the connection housing 10 in question.

For a better overview, the latching means 42 are identified only on the strip-shaped connecting element 18 .

The latching means 42 are formed on the outer edges 44,44' of the respective strip-shaped connecting element 16,18 and are formed on the respective connecting element 16,18 in an elastically deformable manner.

Thus, the connector housing 10 is held in a combination of force and form fit on the respective strip-shaped connecting element 16,18 and connected to it.

Furthermore, the aforementioned body section 28 of a respective connection housing 10 is formed between a head section 46, at which the connection points 8 for the conductor connection are provided, and a foot section 48 for contacting the electronic component.

Due to the fact that the connection housings 10 are aligned in the same way in relation to one another, the head section 46 and the foot section 48 are each identified once as a representative of the others.

The respective connection housing 10 is set up and designed for electrical contacting of the electronic component for a plug-in connection with a socket (not shown), which is arranged on the electronic component and via which the electronic component is contacted. For this purpose, the foot section 48 of the connection housing 10 is set up and designed as a base (not shown) for plug-in connection with the socket (not shown), as is shown in FIG 13 shown embodiment is illustrated.

Within the scope of the invention, however, it is also possible, for example, to provide soldering pins (not shown) on the connection housing 10 in order to achieve electrical contact with an electronic component.

How 1 can be removed, the connection housing 10 are set up and configured in such a way that the connection block provides the connection points 8 for the conductors in one plane. For this purpose, the connection housing 10 at this Embodiment on the same external dimensions, so that they have the same width 50, the same height 52, and the same depth 54.

2 shows the terminal block 2 with the strip-shaped connecting elements 16, 18 arranged in an initial position on the row arrangement 20.

3 shows the connection block 2 in a further perspective side view. This makes it clear that the holding means 12 have at least two strip-shaped connecting elements 16, 18 which are spaced apart from one another, in particular parallel to one another and between which the connection housings 10 are arranged.

The invention provides that at least one outer dimension 50, 52, 54 of the respective connection housing 10 is determined by a basic dimension U. In this exemplary embodiment, the width 50 of each connection housing 10 is determined by the basic dimension U, which results when the connection housings 10 are arranged in a row in the rowing direction 22 .

If the connection housing 10 - as in this exemplary embodiment) are arranged next to one another with a negligible distance or without a distance (distance = 0), the width of the connection block 2 is determined by adding the respective widths 50 of the connection housing 10. If these, as in this Embodiment, which have the same width 50, the width 50 of the terminal block 2 is determined by the number of terminal housings 10 multiplied by the width 50 of a terminal housing 10. In this exemplary embodiment, the width 50 of the terminal block 2 corresponds to the six used in the rowing direction 22 next to one another Connection housing 10 the value of six times the basic dimension U and thus 6U.

For better handling, the distances between the connection housings 10 are preferably the same, as is the case in this exemplary embodiment.

4 shows the connection block with the strip-shaped connecting elements 16, 18 arranged in an initial position on the row arrangement 20.

figure 5 shows the connection block 4 in a further perspective side view, with the arranged in an end position on the row arrangement 20 strip-shaped connecting elements 16,18.

In synopsis with 4 It can be seen that, thanks to the invention, a necessary distance for a translational movement between the connection housing 10 and a respective strip-shaped connecting element 16, 18 for a change between the initial and end position is less than or equal to a width 48 of a connection housing or a basic dimension U.

Fig. 6 a) shows connection block 2 2 , in one in 2 characterized by A view to illustrate the attachment of the respective strip-shaped connecting elements 16,18 to the respective receptacle 24,26, while Fig. 6 b) the connection blocks 4 , in one in 4 characterized by B shows the arrangement on the respective connection housings 10 after attachment of the respective strip-shaped connecting elements 16,18 to the respective receptacle 24,26.

7 shows the connection block 1 in a further perspective side view, whereby the strip-shaped connecting elements 16, 18 are shown spaced apart from the row arrangement 20.

8 shows the connection block 2 in a side view, through which the initial position of the strip-shaped connecting elements 16,18 on the row arrangement 20 of the connection housing 10 is illustrated.

In 9 a second exemplary embodiment of a connection block 2 according to the invention is shown in a perspective view in a schematic representation, the representation of which is analogous to the representation in FIG 1 is.

Furthermore, the explanations for the exemplary embodiments refer to the differences from the first exemplary embodiment of a connection block 2.

The further exemplary embodiment of a connection block 2 according to the invention is again abbreviated as connection block 2 in the following.

The strip-shaped connecting elements 16 , 18 are initially shown spaced apart from the connection housings 10 arranged next to one another, which form a series arrangement 20 to create the connection block 2 . The strip-shaped connecting elements 16, 18 are spaced parallel to one another, so that the series arrangement 20 of the connection housing 10 is arranged between them.

The strip-shaped connecting elements 16, 18 are designed identically to one another and in turn have locking means 42, by means of which they can be connected to the respective connection housings 10 in an end position, which is in Figure 10b is clarified, lock. In contrast to the first exemplary embodiment of a connection block 2 according to the invention, the locking means 42 are arranged between the outer edges 44,44' of the respective strip-shaped connecting elements 16,18.

The respective receptacles 24, 26 of each connection housing 10 are in turn a groove 40 on the connection housing 10, which extends in the rowing direction 22 of the connection housing 10 along the respective fuselage side 30, 32, with the groove 40 of one connection housing fitting into the groove 40 of the adjacent one Connection housing 10 opens and is arranged to be aligned with this in the series arrangement 20. For a better overview, the receptacles 24, 26, recesses 38 and the grooves 40 are marked on only one connection housing 10.

The respective receptacle 24,26 of each connection housing 10 and the respective strip-shaped connecting elements 16,18 or its respective connecting section (36) are in turn set up and designed for a form-fitting or non-positive connection with one another and are designed to complement each other in sections.

In Fig. 10 a) the connection block 2 is off 9 with the strip-shaped connecting elements 16, 18 arranged in an initial position on the row arrangement 20.

In Fig. 10 b) the connection block 2 is off 9 with the strip-shaped connecting elements arranged in an end position on the row arrangement 20 16,18, in which the strip-shaped connecting elements 16,18 hold the connection housing 10 in the composite 14 with one another.

11 shows a third exemplary embodiment of a connection block 2 according to the invention with a plurality of row arrangements 20,20`, 20" of connection housings 10 in a perspective view in a schematic representation, the strip-shaped connecting elements 16,18,56,58 used for the three row arrangements 20, 20`, 20" arranged connection housings 10 are shown spaced apart.

Two strip-shaped connection elements 16,18 are used to form the connection block 2, in which connection housings 10 are arranged on one side 60 of the strip-shaped connection element 16,18.

This exemplary embodiment of a connection block 2 according to the invention also uses two further strip-shaped connecting elements 56,58, which are each set up and designed in such a way that a row arrangement 20,20' of connection housings 10 on one side 60 and a further row arrangement 20',20" on one of these Side 60 opposite side 62 along the strip-shaped connecting element (16,18) can be arranged or are arranged.

Therefore, the strip-shaped connecting elements 56, 58 are each connected to two rows 20', 20', 20" of connector housings 10, while the strip-shaped connecting elements 16, 18 each connect only one row 20', 20" of connector housings 10, as is shown in 12 is shown.

12 shows the terminal block 2, the strip-shaped connecting elements 16,18,56,58 being arranged in an end position on the terminal housings 10 and the terminal housings 10 being connected to one another via the strip-shaped connecting elements 16,18,56,58.

13 an application example with connection blocks 2 according to the invention, which are attached to an electronics housing 64, in which an electronic component 66 is included, are to be used in sections, to which they are included in 13 are spaced.

The electronic component 66 is symbolized by the reference number 66 and is formed by an arrangement of printed circuit boards (not shown), which are arranged parallel to one another in this exemplary embodiment.

The two terminal blocks 2 are at a distance from the electronic component 66, on which a socket 70 for the terminal block 2 and a further socket 70' for the further terminal block 2 are provided on an outside 68.

The socket 70' is formed from individual sockets 70'', 70'', 70'', one of the sockets 70'', 70'', 70'' being arranged on a printed circuit board. The arrangement of the printed circuit boards forms the socket 70', into which the one connection block 2 can be inserted.

A further socket 70, in which the further connection block 2 can be inserted, is arranged on a further printed circuit board of the arrangement of printed circuit boards.

In this case, one connection block 2 is formed in the manner of a first exemplary embodiment and the other connection block 2 is formed in the manner of a third exemplary embodiment.

The connection housing 10 of the respective connection block 2.2' are set up and designed for a plug-in connection with the respective socket 70,70'.

The electronics housing 64 is designed and set up to be arranged on a mounting rail 72 .

The invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments described above and illustrated with the aid of the figures.

For example, the connector housings 10 can also be designed differently from one another. Furthermore, it is possible that the strip-shaped connecting elements 16, 18, 56, 58 used can be designed differently from one another.

Furthermore, a connection block 2 according to the invention is suitable, for example and in particular, for forming a printed circuit board connection device on one or an arrangement of printed circuit boards. For example, individual conductors can be connected to the connection blocks 2 and electrically connected to a printed circuit board in question.

This results in a variety of design options and fields of application for a connection block 2, 2' formed according to the invention. <b>Reference List</b> Modular terminal block 2 connection module 4 conductor connection device 6 connection points 8th conductor entry hole 9 junction box 10 holding means 12 compound 14 Strip-shaped connecting element 16.18 row arrangement 20,20',20" baying direction 22 Recording 24.26 fuselage section 28 fuselage side 30.32 Direction across the fuselage side 34, 34' connection section 36 recess 38 groove 40 locking means 42 outer edges 44.44` of the strip-shaped connecting element head section 46 foot section 48 Width of a junction box 50 Height of a junction box 52 Depth of a junction box 54 Strip-shaped connecting element (can be equipped on both sides) 56.58 One side of the strip-shaped connecting element 60 Another side of the strip-shaped connecting element 62 electronics housing 64 electronic component 66 Outside of the electronics housing 68 version 70, 70', 70ʺ, 70‴, 70ʺʺ mounting rail 72 basic size u

Claims (14)

1. Modular connection block (2, 2') with a plurality of electric connection modules (4) for conductor connection to an electronic component (66), and with holding means (12); the connection modules (4) each having a connection housing (10), which connection housings (10) are held to one another in a compound structure (14) by way of the holding means (12), the holding means (12) having at least one strip-shaped connecting element (16, 18, 56, 58), to which the connector housings (10) are connected, the connector housings (10) being arranged next to one another in a series arrangement (20, 20', 20'') along the strip-shaped connecting element (16, 18, 56, 58), the connector housing (10) having at least one receptacle (24) for the strip-shaped connecting element (16, 18, 56, 58), the receptacle (24) and the strip-shaped connecting element (16, 18, 56, 58) being set up and configured to correspond to one another in such a way that the connection housing (10) can be connected to the strip-shaped connecting element (16, 18, 56, 58), characterized in that the strip-shaped connecting element (16, 18, 56, 58) has a plurality of connecting portions (36) which are spaced apart from one another and by way of the arrangement of which connecting spaces are prespecified on the strip-shaped connecting element (16, 18, 56, 58), at which connecting spaces a respective connection module (4) can be connected or is connected in a positively locking or non-positive manner to the strip-shaped connecting element (16, 18, 56, 58) by means of latching means (42), a connecting portion (36) and the receptacle (24) being set up and configured for a translational movement in the series direction (22) of the connection housing (10) and the strip-shaped connecting element (16, 18, 56, 58) relative to one another between a starting position, in which the respective connection housing (10) is not connected to the strip-shaped connecting element (16, 18, 56, 58), and an end position, in which the respective connection housing (10) is connected to the strip-shaped connecting element (16, 18, 56, 58).
2. Modular connection block (2, 2') according to Claim 1, characterized in that the receptacle (24) is arranged on a rump side (30, 32) of the connection housing (10).
3. Modular connection block (2, 2') according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the receptacle (24) is set up and configured in such a way that the strip-shaped connecting element (16, 18, 56, 58) can be placed onto the receptacle (24) in a direction (34) transversely with respect to the rump side (30, 32) for arranging the connection housing (10) on the strip-shaped connecting element.
4. Modular connection block (2, 2') according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connecting portions (36) are spaced apart from one another at identical spacings.
5. Modular connection block (2, 2') according to one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the receptacle (24) of the connection housing (10) and/or the connecting portion (36) of the strip-shaped connecting element (16, 18, 56, 58) have/has the latching means (42) which are set up and configured to latch the connection housing (10) and the strip-shaped connecting element (16, 18, 56, 58) to one another.
6. Modular connection block (2, 2') according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the receptacle (24) has at least one recess (38) which is formed, in particular, in the manner of a groove (40).
7. Modular connection block (2, 2') according to Claim 6, characterized in that the respective recesses (38) of at least two connection housings (10) which are arranged next to one another are arranged so as to correspond with one another, in particular so as to be flush with one another.
8. Modular connection block (2, 2') according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the strip-shaped connecting element (16, 18, 56, 58) is formed in one piece.
9. Modular connection block (2, 2') according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the strip-shaped connecting element (16, 18, 56, 58) is formed from a plastic, in particular an insulating material.
10. Modular connection block (2, 2') according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the holding means (12) have at least two strip-shaped connecting elements (16, 18, 56, 58) which are arranged spaced apart from one another, in particular parallel to one another, and between which the connection housings (10) are arranged.
11. Modular connection block (2, 2') according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one external dimension (48, 50, 52) of each connection housing, in particular its respective width (48), is defined by a basic dimension (U) or an integral multiple of this basic dimension (U).
12. Modular connection block (2, 2') according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connection housing (10) is set up and configured for plug-in connection to a frame (70, 70', 70", 70‴, 70ʺʺ).
13. Modular connection block (2, 2') according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the strip-shaped connecting element (56, 58) is set up and configured in such a way that a series arrangement (20, 20') of connection housings (10) can be arranged or is arranged on one side (60), and a further series arrangement (20', 20") can be arranged or is arranged on a side (62) which lies opposite the former side (60), along the strip-shaped connecting element (56, 58).
14. Modular connection block (2, 2') according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the electronic component (66) is a printed circuit board or an arrangement of printed circuit boards.

Images