EP3714512B1 - Honeycomb component - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a honeycomb module for forming a marshalling honeycomb, having a box-shaped housing with two end faces and four side faces which extend between the end faces, with at least two conductor entry openings being formed in each of the two end faces, each of which is assigned a conductor connection element arranged in the housing. The side surfaces each have at least one connecting element for connecting to another honeycomb module, the connecting elements being designed and arranged to correspond to one another on opposite side surfaces.

To connect electrical conductors, electrical terminal blocks have been used for decades, which are usually snapped onto a mounting rail in a number next to one another, with a plurality of mounting rails equipped with terminal blocks in this way often being arranged in a control cabinet. Wherever a large number of electrical conductors have to be connected in a confined space, marshalling patches are often used instead of terminal blocks, since a relatively large amount of space remains unused between the individual mounting rails.

Marshalling honeycombs are known from practice in which a plurality of honeycomb modules are arranged in corresponding chambers of the frame within a fixed, rectangular assembly frame. Electrical conductors can be connected to the marshalling honeycomb or the individual honeycomb modules both from the front, the field side, and from the rear, the system side. For this purpose, conductor connection elements are arranged in the box-shaped housings of the individual honeycomb modules, which are usually connected to one another via corresponding conductor rails, so that an electrical conductor inserted through a corresponding conductor insertion opening in the front end face can be electrically connected to an electrical conductor or a connection contact that is inserted through a corresponding conductor entry opening in the rear face of the housing.

Such a marshalling honeycomb with a plurality of honeycomb modules is for example from DE 195 12 226 A1 known. In the case of the marshalling honeycomb disclosed in this document, the individual honeycomb building blocks that are used in the individual chambers of the marshalling honeycomb all have the same dimensions. A mounting flange attachment is formed on the upper and lower edge side of the marshalling patch, via which the marshalling patch can be fastened to a mounting frame by means of screws. An adaptation of the marshalling patch to the individual wishes of the user is not possible with this known marshalling patch. If the number of conductors to be connected has to be increased, a correspondingly larger marshalling matrix with a greater number of individual honeycomb modules must be used, with marshalling cells with 18, 32, 48, 54 or 80 honeycomb modules being available in practice.

From the DE 10 2014 101 528 A1 a marshalling matrix is known which is characterized by increased flexibility and the possibility of adapting the marshalling matrix to individual wishes. This is achieved in that the individual side faces of the honeycomb building blocks each have at least one connecting element for connecting to another honeycomb building block. The connecting elements, which are formed on mutually opposite side faces, are formed and arranged so that they correspond to one another, so that the honeycomb building blocks can be connected directly to one another. As a result, the use of a rigid mounting frame that defines the number of individual honeycomb modules can be dispensed with, so that the marshalling honeycomb can in principle have any number of honeycomb modules

A similar marshalling comb is also from the WO 2016/162463 A1 and the DE 20 2015 101 776 U1 known. These marshalling honeycombs also consist of a plurality of honeycomb building blocks which can be individually connected to one another and on the side faces of which locking elements which correspond to one another are formed. In addition, at the from the DE 20 2015 101 776 U1 known marshalling patches discloses various termination elements that can be selectively attached to one side of the marshalling patches. For this purpose, the closing elements have counter-locking elements that correspond to the locking elements of the honeycomb building blocks. The terminating elements can be used to fasten, mark or guide the conductors to be connected.

WO 2016/162463 A1 discloses a honeycomb module according to the preamble of independent claim 1.

If, in the marshalling honeycombs or honeycomb components known from the prior art, individual honeycomb components are to be electrically connected to one another or the individual connections of a honeycomb component are to be electrically connected to one another, a conductor must be connected to the conductor connection elements to be connected. This then means that when two honeycomb modules are electrically connected to one another, one connection contact of a honeycomb module is required for the connection, so that the number of freely available conductor connection elements is correspondingly reduced by one in each case.

The object of the present invention is therefore to provide a honeycomb module in which a potential distribution is possible in a simple manner. In particular, an electrical connection between two honeycomb modules should be able to be implemented easily, if necessary also subsequently.

This task is a honeycomb module with the features of the characterizing part of the patent. This makes it possible, for example, to electrically connect two honeycomb modules arranged next to one another in a simple manner, simply by using a plug-in bridge that functions as a cross-bridge and has two plugs with its two plugs is plugged into a function shaft of a honeycomb module. The busbars contacted by the plugs are then electrically connected to one another via the plugs of the plug-in bridge, so that an electrical cross-connection is realized between the two honeycomb modules.

It was stated at the outset that at least two conductor insertion openings are formed in each of the two end faces of the honeycomb module are, each of which is assigned a conductor connection element arranged in the housing. In such a case, the honeycomb module then has a total of four conductor entry openings, so that four conductor connection elements are also arranged in the housing, with the conductor connection elements assigned to one another being connected to one another, for example via a corresponding conductor rail, so that an electrical conductor inserted through the conductor entry opening in the front end face can be connected via the first conductor connection element, the busbar and the second conductor connection element to an electrical conductor which is inserted through the associated insertion opening in the rear end face of the housing.

Of course, the honeycomb module can also have more than two conductor entry openings on both end faces, for example three, four, five, six or more conductor entry openings, so that a correspondingly larger number of conductor connection elements is then arranged in the housing. A number of function shafts corresponding to the number of conductor entry openings are then preferably formed on at least one end face and a corresponding number of busbars are also arranged in the housing, which are electrically connected to the conductor connection elements and are accessible via the function shafts for a plug of a jumper.

As has been explained above, in the case of the honeycomb module according to the invention, a transverse bridging between two adjacent honeycomb modules can be realized in a simple manner by the design of the functional shafts and the corresponding arrangement of the conductor rails. In addition, there is also the possibility of electrically connecting the conductor connection elements of a honeycomb module to one another with the aid of a plug-in bridge having a corresponding number of plugs, in that the plug-in bridge is inserted with its plugs into the functional shafts of the honeycomb module. In the case of the honeycomb module according to the invention, not only is cross-bridging to an adjacent honeycomb module possible, but also bridging of the individual potentials of a honeycomb module.

According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the honeycomb module according to the invention, at least one function shaft is dimensioned in such a way that two plugs of two jumpers can be inserted one behind the other into the functional shaft in the direction in which the associated busbar extends. As a result, there is the possibility of simultaneously realizing a transverse bridging between two adjacent honeycomb modules and a bridging of the individual potentials of a honeycomb module by means of two corresponding plug-in bridges. The function shaft thus has a length that corresponds to the width of two plugs, so that two plugs of two jumpers can be plugged into the function shaft one behind the other.

So that two plugs of two plug-in bridges can not only be plugged into the function shaft, but can also contact the busbar assigned to the function shaft, the opening in the busbar is dimensioned according to one embodiment of the invention in such a way that two plugs of two plug-in bridges one behind the other in the direction of extension of the busbar into the opening can be inserted. The opening thus has a length that corresponds to the width of two plugs of two jumpers. Alternatively, two separate openings in the direction of extension of the busbar can be arranged one behind the other in the busbar, so that a plug of one jumper can then be plugged into one opening and a plug of the other jumper can be plugged into the other opening.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the housing has a frame-like, hollow outer housing and at least two inner housings arranged next to one another therein. The connecting elements for connecting the honeycomb module to other honeycomb modules are formed on the outer housing. The conductor insertion openings and the at least one functional shaft are formed in the individual inner housings, and the conductor connection elements are arranged. Each inner housing preferably has a conductor insertion opening on the front and a conductor insertion opening on the back, with two conductor connection elements electrically connected to one another then also being arranged in the inner housing. Such a configuration of the honeycomb module has the advantage that an outer housing can be optionally combined with different inner housings. Depending on the diameter of the conductor insertion openings, a different number of inner housings can thus be arranged next to one another, for example in an outer housing. The as slide-in elements trained inner housing each have their own potential and can be firmly connected to each other and to the outer housing via corresponding locking elements.

While an inner housing has at least one conductor entry opening both on its front and on its rear, each of which is assigned a conductor connection element, it is basically sufficient if a function shaft is formed only on the front or on the rear. In principle, however, it is also possible for a function shaft to be formed both in the front and in the rear of the honeycomb module or the inner housing, so that a jumper can be connected both from the front and from the rear, i.e. from the field side or from the system side , can be plugged into the honeycomb module.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, a recess is formed on at least one edge region of at least one end face, which recess is arranged adjacent to a functional shaft. As a result, there is the possibility that the rail strip of a jumper is received by the recess or can be inserted into the recess when two adjacent honeycomb modules are electrically bridged with one another via the jumper. In this way it can be achieved that an inserted jumper with its rail strip does not protrude beyond the face of the honeycomb module. This reduces the risk of a jumper being unintentionally pulled out of a honeycomb module, or of the connection of individual conductors to the conductor connection elements being made more difficult by a jumper protruding from the honeycomb module. If, according to the preferred embodiment, the honeycomb module has an outer housing and a plurality of inner housings, the at least one recess is formed in the outer housing. A recess is preferably formed in each of two opposite edge regions, so that in the case of a transverse bridging with adjacent honeycomb modules on both sides, the rail strip of a plug-in bridge can be inserted into the recess.

In the case of the honeycomb module according to the invention, a holding element is also preferably formed on at least one edge region of an end face, which together with a corresponding holding element of a second, adjacently arranged honeycomb module forms a retaining groove for a marker plate. As a result, the individual honeycomb modules or a marshalling honeycomb composed of a plurality of honeycomb modules can be identified in a simple manner without additional terminating elements having to be attached to the marshalling honeycomb. In addition, this creates the possibility of marking individual honeycomb building blocks, since the marking labels can be arranged directly adjacent to the individual honeycomb building blocks.

In order not to increase the space requirement or the dimensions of the individual honeycomb modules, each honeycomb module does not have its own retaining groove for a marker plate, but rather a retaining groove is formed by two honeycomb modules arranged next to one another. Since connecting elements for connecting to an adjacent honeycomb module are formed on the side faces of the honeycomb modules, there is a certain distance between the connection areas of two honeycomb modules arranged next to one another, which is thus used as a fastening location for a marking plate. For this purpose, with the individual honeycomb modules at the edge area of the face, d. H. a holding element is formed as a part of the holding groove at the transition area of the end face to the side face, which faces the adjacent honeycomb module.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, at least one groove and at least one web corresponding to the groove are formed as connecting elements on each side surface of the honeycomb modules, with the individual grooves and the individual webs each extending parallel to the longitudinal extent of the respective side surface. The webs and the grooves preferably each have a dovetail-shaped cross section, so that two honeycomb building blocks connected to one another in this way can be displaced relative to one another perpendicularly to the longitudinal extent of the grooves and webs. The at least one groove on a side face of a honeycomb module is arranged mirror-symmetrically to the web on the opposite side face of the honeycomb module, so that when two honeycomb modules are connected to one another, a web on a side face of one honeycomb module fits into the corresponding groove on the opposite side face of the other honeycomb module intervenes. At the same time forms a groove on a side face of one honeycomb module together with a web on the opposite side face of the other honeycomb module also creates a corresponding mechanical connection. There are then at least two connections, in particular at least two tongue and groove connections, between two honeycomb modules connected to one another.

By forming at least one connecting element on all four side faces of the honeycomb modules, with the connecting elements that are formed on opposite side faces being designed to correspond to one another, a honeycomb module can be connected to another honeycomb module both in the x-direction and in the y-direction and adjacent honeycomb modules of a marshalling honeycomb are fixed relative to each other both in the x-direction and in the y-direction.

In order to also securely fix the honeycomb building blocks to one another in the z-direction, locking elements are preferably provided on the honeycomb building block, which are arranged on at least two adjacent side surfaces of the honeycomb building blocks. Because at least one locking element is arranged on two adjacent side faces of the honeycomb modules, two honeycomb modules can also be fixed to one another in the z-direction, regardless of whether the second honeycomb module is arranged next to the first honeycomb module in the x-direction or in the y-direction becomes.

The latching elements are preferably designed as latching lugs, so that the fixing or latching between two adjacent honeycomb building blocks takes place in that the latching lug of one honeycomb building block is brought into engagement with the latching lug of the adjacent honeycomb building block. For this purpose, two honeycomb modules to be connected to one another must be arranged in relation to one another in such a way that they face one another with a side face on which a latching element is formed in each case. In order to make it easier for the latching lugs to slide past one another, the side surfaces on which the latching lugs are arranged are preferably designed to be resilient. As an alternative to this, the latching elements can also be designed as latching arms, on the free ends of which at least one latching lug is arranged in each case.

A displacement of two honeycomb modules against each other in the longitudinal extension (z-direction) of the respective side surfaces is preferably prevented in the marshalling honeycomb or the honeycomb modules in that two latching elements are arranged on at least two adjacent side surfaces of the honeycomb modules. The two latching elements are arranged next to one another viewed in the longitudinal extension of the respective side surface, with the latching elements extending in opposite directions. In addition, the latching elements are designed and arranged in such a way that their ends overlap somewhat in the longitudinal extension. If two honeycomb modules are connected to one another, in which two such latching elements are arranged on the opposite side surfaces, the result is that the two latching element pairs formed by the total of four latching elements cross in the middle of the side surfaces of the honeycomb modules. It is then no longer possible to move two honeycomb modules connected to one another in this way parallel to the longitudinal extension of the two opposite side surfaces, so that the two honeycomb modules are also securely latched to one another in the z-direction.

In addition to a honeycomb module for forming a marshalling honeycomb, the invention also relates to a marshalling honeycomb with a plurality of interconnected honeycomb modules according to the invention. The design of the individual honeycomb modules each with at least two functional shafts creates the possibility of electrically conductively connecting several honeycomb modules to one another within the marshalling honeycomb.

For this purpose, according to a first embodiment of the invention, a jumper with two plugs is used, with one plug of the jumper being plugged into a function shaft of two adjacent honeycomb modules, so that the two plugs of the jumper each contact a busbar in a honeycomb module and thereby the two busbars are electrically connected to each other. A plug-in bridge can be used as a plug-in bridge, as is basically known from the prior art. Such a plug-in bridge has, in particular, two plugs that are connected to one another via a rail strip, so that the plug-in bridge is designed in a U-shape overall. In particular in the area of the rail strip, the jumper has an insulating head, which can also be used as a Handle section is used for the jumper. The individual plugs of the jumper can consist of parallel contact legs arranged next to one another, of which at least one is preferably designed to be resilient, so that the plugs make resilient contact with the corresponding openings in the busbars. Such plug-in bridges are known in principle, in particular for use in terminal blocks.

According to an alternative embodiment, the transverse bridging between two adjacent honeycomb modules of a marshalling honeycomb does not take place by means of a plug-in bridge but by means of a U-shaped, electrically conductive connecting element. In each case one U-leg of the connecting element is inserted into a functional shaft of two adjacent honeycomb modules, so that the two U-legs of the connecting element each contact a busbar in a honeycomb module and the two busbars are thus electrically connected to one another. Such a connecting element can be stamped out very easily from an electrically conductive flat material and bent accordingly.

Irrespective of whether a jumper or a U-shaped connecting element is used in the marshalling honeycomb according to the invention for transverse bridging between adjacent honeycomb modules, a jumper with a plurality of plugs can preferably also be inserted into the function shafts of at least one honeycomb module, with the plugs of the jumper connecting several busbars of the Connect the honeycomb module to each other electrically. The honeycomb module preferably has a number of functional shafts corresponding to the number of conductor insertion openings on an end face and a corresponding number of busbars connected to the conductor connection elements, so that all potentials of the honeycomb module can be connected to one another via a jumper with a corresponding number of plugs.

Fig. 1

ein Ausführungsbeispiel zweier Wabenbausteine, in perspektivischer Darstellung und von vorne,

Fig. 2

die beiden Wabenbausteinen gemäß Fig. 1, mit eingesteckten Steckbrücken, in perspektivischer Darstellung und von vorne,

Fig. 3

eine weitere Anordnung zweier Wabenbausteine, mit eingesteckten Steckbrücken, von vorne,

Fig. 4

die beiden Wabenbausteinen gemäß Fig. 1, im noch nicht ganz zusammengesteckten Zustand, in perspektivischer Darstellung,

Fig. 5

die beiden Wabenbausteinen gemäß Fig. 1, mit teilweise eingestecken Steckbrücken, in perspektivischer Darstellung,

Fig. 6

die beiden Wabenbausteinen gemäß Fig. 1, mit einer teilweise eingestecken Querbrücke, in perspektivischer Darstellung,

Fig. 7

die beiden Wabenbausteine gemäß Fig. 2, mit entfernter vorderer Seitenfläche, in perspektivischer Darstellung, und

Fig. 8

eine alternative Ausführung der beiden Wabenbaustein gemäß Fig. 2, mit entfernter vorderer Seitenfläche, in perspektivischer Darstellung.

In particular, there are a number of possibilities for embodying and developing the honeycomb module according to the invention and the marshalling honeycomb. In this regard, reference is made both to the patent claims subordinate to patent claims 1 and 10 and to the following description preferred embodiments in conjunction with the drawings. Show in the drawings

1

an embodiment of two honeycomb blocks, in a perspective view and from the front,

2

the two honeycomb blocks according to 1 , with inserted jumpers, in a perspective view and from the front,

3

another arrangement of two honeycomb modules, with inserted jumpers, from the front,

4

the two honeycomb blocks according to 1 , not yet fully assembled, in a perspective view,

figure 5

the two honeycomb blocks according to 1 , with partially inserted jumpers, in a perspective view,

6

the two honeycomb blocks according to 1 , with a partially inserted cross bridge, in a perspective view,

7

the two honeycomb blocks according to 2 , with removed front side surface, in perspective view, and

8

an alternative embodiment of the two honeycomb module according to 2 , with the front side surface removed, in a perspective view.

The figures show two honeycomb blocks 1, side by side ( 1 and 2 ) or one above the other ( 3 ) are arranged and thus form a marshalling matrix 2. In practice, such a marshalling honeycomb 2 will generally have more than just two honeycomb modules 1, for example four, eight, sixteen or even more of the same type or different honeycomb modules. The individual honeycomb building blocks 1 can be arranged relative to one another in such a way that each honeycomb building block 1 is connected to at least one other honeycomb building block 1 both in the x direction and in the y direction.

The individual honeycomb modules 1 each have a box-shaped housing 3 with two end faces 4a, 4b and four side faces 5a, 5b, 5c and 5d. The individual side faces 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d extend between the two end faces 4a, 4b and each have an angle of 90° to the end faces 4a, 4b. A honeycomb module 1 thus has an essentially rectangular cross-section, in the present case the individual honeycomb modules 1 are even of square design and have the same dimensions, but without the invention being restricted thereto. In addition, the honeycomb building blocks 1 have a length or depth that runs in the longitudinal extension of the respective side surfaces 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d—and thus in the z direction, which is the same for the two honeycomb building blocks 1 shown. However, the invention is not limited to this either, i. H. individual honeycomb building blocks can also have different depths.

A plurality of conductor insertion openings 6 are formed on the front end face 4a of the honeycomb modules 1, through which a conductor to be connected can be inserted into a conductor connection element 7 arranged inside the housing 3. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in the figures, the conductor connection elements 7 are designed as clamping springs, so that the conductor connection elements 7 are spring clamp connections. As an alternative to this, however, conductor connection elements with a different connection technology, for example screw terminals or spring-cage terminals, can also be used. In the case of the honeycomb module 1 shown, a stripped conductor inserted through a conductor insertion opening 6 is clamped by the clamping spring against a conductor rail which is connected to a second conductor connection element which is accessible through a conductor insertion opening formed on the rear side 4b of the honeycomb module 1.

To connect the honeycomb building blocks 1 to one another, the honeycomb building blocks 1 have a plurality of connecting elements 8, 9 on all four side faces 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d. As a result, a honeycomb module 1 can be connected to another honeycomb module 1 on all four side surfaces 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d and thus both in the x-direction and in the y-direction in order to form a corresponding marshalling honeycomb 2. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in the figures, the honeycomb building blocks 2 have on all four side faces 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d each have a dovetail-shaped groove 8 and a dovetail-shaped web 9 as connecting elements. The groove 8 on a side surface 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d is arranged mirror-symmetrically to the web 9 on the opposite side surface 5c, 5d, 5a, 5b, so that when two honeycomb modules 1 are connected to one another, the groove 8 and the webs 9 of one side surface 5a of one honeycomb module 1 with the web 9 and the groove 8 of the opposite side surface 5c of the adjacent honeycomb module 1 are engaged.

Since both the grooves 8 and the webs 9 each extend parallel to the longitudinal extent of the respective side surface 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, the connection of two honeycomb modules 1 to one another takes place in that the honeycomb modules 1 with their respective opposing grooves 8 and webs 9 in z-direction are pushed into each other, as in 4 is shown. The assembly direction thus runs parallel to the longitudinal extent of the side surfaces 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d. The mounting direction also corresponds to the direction of insertion of the conductors into the conductor insertion openings 6.

A plurality of function shafts 10 are formed in the end face 4a of the two honeycomb modules 1 , the number of function shafts 10 corresponding to the number of conductor insertion openings 6 in the end face 4a of the honeycomb module 1 . In the exemplary embodiments illustrated in the figures, in which five conductor insertion openings 6 are formed in the end face 4a of a honeycomb module 1, five functional shafts 10 are also provided here, as shown in particular in FIG Fig. 1b is evident. In addition, a corresponding number of busbars 11 are arranged in the housing 3 in the area of the function shafts 10 and are each electrically conductively connected to a conductor connection element 7 . How out 7 As can be seen, an opening 12 is formed in the busbars 11 in such a way that it corresponds to the respective function shaft 10 such that a plug 13 of a jumper 14 can be inserted through a function shaft 10 into the opening 12 in the corresponding busbar 11 .

Out of 2 It can be seen that the two honeycomb modules 1 connected to one another are electrically connected to one another via a first plug-in bridge 14 having two plugs 13 . In addition, in the two honeycomb building blocks 1 in each case a second jumper 24 is inserted, each having five plugs 23 . The individual plugs 13 of the jumper 14 or the two plugs 23 of the jumper 24 are each connected to one another via a rail strip, the rail strips being covered by an insulating head 15, 25.

In the exemplary embodiment of the honeycomb module 1 according to the invention shown in the figures, the housing 3 has a frame-like, hollow outer housing 16 and a plurality of inner housings 17 arranged next to one another therein. In the present case, a total of five disk-shaped inner housings 17 are arranged next to one another in the frame-like outer housing 16, with a conductor entry opening 6 being formed on the front and rear of each inner housing 17 and two conductor connection elements 7 assigned to the conductor entry openings 6 being arranged inside the inner housing 17. In addition, a function shaft 10 is formed in the front of the inner housing 17, through which the conductor rail 11, which is also arranged in the inner housing 17, is accessible. The individual inner housings 17 functioning as plug-in elements thus inherently each have their own potential, ie they are not electrically connected to one another. Like in particular Fig. 1b As can be seen, the function shafts 10 of the inner housings 17 arranged next to one another are arranged on a line which runs parallel to the edge of the end face 4a.

From the 2 , 3 and 5 to 7 It can be seen that the individual functional shafts 10 are dimensioned such that two plugs 13 , 23 of two jumpers 14 , 24 can be inserted one behind the other into the functional shaft 10 in the direction of extension E of the associated busbar 11 . The functional shafts 10 thus have a length that corresponds to the width of two plugs 13, 23. So that the two plugs 13, 23 of two jumpers 14, 24 can both contact a busbar 11, the opening 12 in the busbar 11 is dimensioned such that both plugs 13, 23 are inserted one behind the other in the direction E of the busbar 11 into the opening 12 can be ( 7 ). This creates the possibility of simultaneously realizing a transverse bridging between two adjacent honeycomb modules 1 via a first jumper 14 and bridging the individual potentials of a honeycomb module 1 by means of a second jumper 24 . The first jumper 14 has only two plugs 13, while the second jumper 24 has a number of plugs 23 corresponding to the number of function shafts 10 of the honeycomb module 1, in the present case five plugs 23 ( figure 5 ).

In particular from the Figure 2a and 6 it can be seen that the functional shafts 10 are designed in the end faces 4a of the honeycomb modules 1 in such a way that the plug-in bridges 24 can each be inserted far enough into the functional shafts 10 that their rail strip or insulating head 25 does not protrude beyond the end face 4a of the honeycomb modules 1. So that this is also possible with a plug-in jumper 14 connecting two honeycomb modules 1, a recess 18 is formed on two opposite edge regions of the end face 4a, which are arranged adjacent to the functional shafts 10, so that the rail strip or the insulating head 15 of the plug-in jumper 14 can dip into the recess 18. The plugged-in jumpers 14, 24 then do not protrude beyond the end face 4a of the honeycomb modules 1.

Out of 1 it can also be seen that holding elements 19 are formed on the edge regions of the end face 4a of the honeycomb building blocks, which together with the corresponding holding elements 19 of the adjacent honeycomb building block 1 form a holding groove 20 into which a marker plate can be snapped. The retaining elements 19 are preferably formed on all four edge regions of both end faces 4a, 4b, so that corresponding marking labels can be attached both to the front, the field side, of the honeycomb building blocks 1 and to their rear, the contact side. In addition, the marking plates can then be attached to the honeycomb building blocks 1 either in the x-direction and/or in the y-direction. From a comparison of 2 and 3 It can also be seen that, depending on the arrangement of the honeycomb modules 1, the cross bridging by means of the jumpers 14, 24 can take place in the x-direction or in the y-direction.

According to the illustration 4 It can also be seen that the individual honeycomb building blocks 1 are firmly connected to one another in the x-direction and y-direction in that the individual dovetail-shaped webs 9 are pushed into the corresponding grooves 8 . However, displacement of the honeycomb building blocks 1 relative to one another in the z-direction is prevented by the grooves 8 and webs 9 are not prevented, since the grooves 8 and webs 9 all extend parallel to the longitudinal extension of the respective side surface 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d and stops or edges that would limit displacement in the z-direction are not provided. So that the individual honeycomb components 1 of a marshalling honeycomb 2 cannot be displaced relative to one another in the z-direction either, the honeycomb components 1 in the embodiment shown have two locking elements 21 designed as locking lugs on their individual side surfaces 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d.

The latching elements 21 each extend in the longitudinal extension of the respective side surface 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, the two latching elements 21 formed on one side surface being arranged next to one another in the longitudinal extension of the respective side surface 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d and extending in opposite directions. Since the ends of the locking elements 21 overlap in the longitudinal direction, the end of one locking element 21 is arranged somewhat further back in the z-direction and the end of the other locking element 21 is arranged somewhat further forward.

the Figures 5 to 7 illustrate how a plug-in bridge 14 for the cross connection between the two honeycomb modules 1 can be inserted into two honeycomb modules 1 arranged next to one another, which are connected to one another via the corresponding grooves 8 and webs 9 and are also fixed to one another via the locking elements 21 in the z-direction. In addition, a jumper 24 can also be inserted into each of the two honeycomb modules 1, via which the individual conductor connection elements 7 in the individual inner housings 17 can be bridged.

A person skilled in the art can see that it is by no means mandatory for all three jumpers 14 , 24 to be plugged into the two honeycomb modules 1 . Rather, it is also possible for only two adjacent honeycomb modules 1 to be cross-bridged via the jumper 14 , or just one jumper 24 can also be inserted into a honeycomb module 1 . In all possible variants, however, the individual conductor insertion openings 6 remain free for the connection of individual conductors, so that a maximum of five conductors per end face 4a, 4b can always be connected to the honeycomb modules 1 shown in the figures, regardless of whether they are in the individual functional shafts 10 a plug 13, two plugs 13, 23 or no plug is inserted.

8 shows an alternative embodiment of the two honeycomb modules 1 according to FIG 2 or. 7 , wherein the cross-bridging of the two honeycomb modules 1 does not take place via a jumper 14 but via an electrically conductive connecting element 22 . The connecting element 22 is essentially U-shaped, with the two U-legs 26 of the connecting element 22 each being inserted into a functional shaft 10 of the two adjacent honeycomb modules 1 . The ends of the U-legs 26 of the connecting element 22 are bent in such a way that they extend parallel to the busbars 11 . In addition, an opening 27 is formed in each of the ends of the U-legs 26, into which a plug 23 of a jumper 24 is inserted.

At the in 8 The electrical connection of the U-legs 26 of the connecting element 22 to the associated busbars 11 is thus made via a respective plug 23 of the plug-in bridges 24 plugged into the honeycomb module 1 adjacent honeycomb modules 1 are used, in which case, however, a jumper 14, 24 should be inserted in each case for reliable electrical contacting of the busbars 11 through the connecting element 22 in the two honeycomb modules 1.

Claims (14)

1. Honeycomb component (1) for forming a patchboard (2), having a boxshaped housing (3) with two end faces (4a, 4b) and four side faces (5a, 5b, 5c, 5d) extending between the end faces (4a, 4b)

   wherein at least two conductor insertion openings (6) are formed in each of the two end faces (4a, 4b), to each of which a conductor connection element (7) arranged in the housing (3) is assigned,

   wherein the side faces (5a, 5b, 5c, 5d) each have at least one connecting element (8, 9) for connection to another honeycomb component (1), and wherein the connecting elements (8, 9) are formed and arranged on opposite side faces (5a, 5c; 5b, 5d) so as to correspond to one another,

   wherein at least two busbars (11) are arranged in the housing (3), wherein, in each case, one busbar (11) is electrically conductively connected to a conductor connection element (7),

   characterized in

   that at least two functional shafts (10) are formed in at least one end face (4a), and

   that at least one opening (12) corresponding to a functional shaft (10) is formed in each of the at least two busbars (11), so that a plug (13, 23) of a jumper (14, 24) can be inserted through a functional shaft (10) in the end face (4a) into the opening (12) in a busbar (11).
2. Honeycomb component (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one functional shaft (10) is dimensioned in such a way that two plugs (13, 23) of two jumpers (14, 15) can be plugged into the functional shaft (10) one behind the other in the direction (E) in which the associated busbar (11) extends.
3. Honeycomb component (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the one opening (12) in at least one busbar (11) is dimensioned in such a way that two plugs (13, 23) of two jumpers (14, 24) can be plugged into the opening (12) in the busbar (11) one behind the other in the direction (E) in which the associated busbar (11) extends, or that two openings are arranged one behind the other in at least one busbar (11) in the direction (E) in which the busbar (11) extends.
4. Honeycomb component (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the housing (3) has a frame-like, hollow outer housing (16) and at least two inner housings (17) arranged side by side therein, that the connecting elements (8, 9) are formed on the outer housing (16), and that the conductor insertion openings (6) and the at least one functional shaft (10) are formed and the conductor connection elements (7) are arranged in each of the individual inner housings (17).
5. Honeycomb component (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that a recess (18) is formed on at least one edge region of at least one end face (4a) and is arranged adjacent to a functional shaft (10), so that the rail strip (15) of a jumper (14) can be inserted into the recess (18).
6. Honeycomb component (1) according to claim 4 and 5, characterized in that the at least one recess (18) is formed in the outer housing (16).
7. Honeycomb component (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that at least one retaining element (19) is formed on at least one edge region of the end face (4a), which retaining element forms a retaining groove (20) together with a corresponding retaining element (19) of a second, adjacently arranged honeycomb component (1).
8. Honeycomb component (1) according to claim 4 and 7, characterized in that the functional shafts (10) are arranged adjacent to the retaining elements (19) and that the functional shafts (10) of several, adjacently arranged inner housings (17) are arranged on a line which preferably runs parallel to the edge of the end face (4a).
9. Honeycomb component (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that at least one latching element (21) is arranged in each case on at least two adjoining side surfaces (5a, 5b, 5c, 5d) of the honeycomb block (1), wherein the latching elements (21) extend, in each case, in the direction of the longitudinal extent of the respective side face (5a, 5b, 5c, 5d).
10. Patchboard (2) having a plurality of interconnected honeycomb components (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9.
11. Patchboard (2) according to claim 10, having a jumper (14) with two plugs (13), characterized in that in each case one plug (13) of the jumper (14) is plugged into a functional shaft (10) of two adjacent honeycomb components (1), and in that the two plugs (13) of the jumper (14) in each case make contact with a busbar (11) in a honeycomb component (1), so that the two busbars (11) are electrically connected to one another.
12. Patchboard (2) according to claim 10, having a U-shaped, electrically conductive connecting element (22), characterized in that in each case one U leg (26) of the connecting element (22) is plugged into a functional shaft (10) of two adjacent honeycomb components (1), and that the two U legs (26) of the connecting element (22) in each case make contact with a busbar (11) in a honeycomb component (1), so that the two busbars (11) are electrically connected to one another.
13. Patchboard (2) according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that a jumper (24) having a plurality of plugs (23) is plugged into the functional shafts (10) of at least one honeycomb component (1), wherein the plugs (23) of the jumper (24) electrically connect a plurality of busbars (11) of the honeycomb component (1) to one another.
14. Patchboard (2) according to claim 12 and 13, characterized in that the ends of the U-legs (26) of the connecting element (22) are bent so that they run parallel to the busbars (11), and that an opening (27) is formed in each of the ends of the U-legs (26), into which a plug (13, 23) of a jumper (14, 24) is inserted.

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