LU100141B1 - terminals - Google Patents

Abstract

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

Description

terminals

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

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

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

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

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

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

Even with terminal blocks, which have a corresponding protective element, it is known to use for monitoring the protective element a springy separation tongue, which is connected at one end via a Lötsstelle as a thermally splitting connection with a terminal of the protective element. The other end of the separating tongue is fixedly soldered either with a connection of a printed circuit board or with a current bar, which in each case means an increased manufacturing outlay. The problem is also that such terminal blocks increasingly smaller and smaller Ab-measurements, especially smaller widths, should have, which further complicates the assembly.

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

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

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

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

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

In order to allow the simplest possible attachment of the spring element to the current bar, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the recess in the current bar to one edge of the current bar and the recess in the first end portion of the spring element to the gegenüberlie-ing edge of the spring element towards open. This makes it possible to push the spring element during assembly with its end portion perpendicular to the longitudinal extension of the current bar on the current bar. The recess in the spring element is thereby pushed from the side of the increase in the current bar and the tongue inserted into the laterally open recess in the current bar. For assembly then only a uniaxial assembly movement is perpendicular to the longitudinal extension of the current bar and thus usually also perpendicular to the plane of the terminal block required, which allows a simple automation of assembly.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the current bar in the region in which the free end of the tongue rests against the underside, a

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

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

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

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

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the terminal block according to the invention, the upper side of the current bar and / or the underside of the first end portion of the leitfaherigen spring element point or line-shaped projections, such as grooves, beads or Prggungen. As a result, a reduced contact area is formed between the spring element and the current bar. This leads advantageously to an improved Flchchenpressung the frictional contact between the spring element and the current bar, which leads to a lower transition resistance between the two components. This is advantageous because the spring element not only serves for the separation of the protective element in the spring case, but also flows over the spring element and the current bar and the derived during the response of the protective element shock or overcurrent. For this purpose, a good electrical connection with the lowest possible contact resistance between the first end portion of the spring element and the current bar is advantageous.

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

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

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

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

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

Regardless of whether the at least one Z-shaped tongue is arranged on the spring element or on the current bar, in the case of the terminal block according to the invention, the electrically conductive spring element is preferably designed as a sheet-bending spring, i. as a leaf spring, which is claimed primarily on bending. The spring element is shaped so that the first end portion of the spring element in the mounted state is parallel to the current bar. In addition, between the first end portion and the second end portion, an angled central portion or a C-shaped central portion is arranged. The fact that the central portion of the spring element is not exactly C-shaped or bent angled, the possibility is created to use even with only a small available standing-building space, a spring element having a sufficient length, so that for a reliable release spring force of the spring element can be ensured without the expansion limit of the spring element is exceeded.

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

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

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

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

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

In particular, there are now a variety of ways to design and further develop the terminal block according to the invention. For this purpose, reference is made to both the patent claims 1 and 8 subordinate patent claims as well as to the following description of Ausfiih-approximately embodiments in conjunction with the drawings. In the drawing show

1 is an illustration of an inventive terminal from the side, once with a connected protective element and once with electrically separated protective element,

2 shows a first exemplary embodiment of a spring element fastened to a current bar, in a perspective view,

3 is an enlarged view of the Verbmdungsbereichs of current bar and spring element of FIG. 2, in perspective view, from the side and from above,

4 shows an enlarged illustration of a variant of the first embodiment of a spring element fastened to a current bar, according to FIG. 2, in a perspective view and from the side,

5 shows a second exemplary embodiment of a spring element attached to a current bar, in perspective view,

6 is an enlarged view of the connecting portion of current bar and spring element of FIG. 5, in perspective view, from the side and from above,

7 shows a third exemplary embodiment of a spring element attached to a current bar, in perspective view,

8 is an enlarged view of the connecting portion of current bar and spring element of FIG. 7, in perspective view, from the side and from above, and

9 shows a further variant of the first exemplary embodiment of a spring element fastened to a current bar, according to FIG. 2, in a perspective view.

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

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

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

In the embodiment of the terminal block 1 according to the invention shown in FIG. 1, the housing 2 still has a mounting foot 12 with which the terminal block 1 can be fastened on a mounting rail 13. In addition, in the housing 2 of the terminal 1, a metallic connection element 14 is arranged, via which the lower current bar 5 is electrically connected in the latched state with the support rail 13. If the carrier rail 13 is at ground potential, an electrical connection of the second terminal 7b of the protective element 7 to ground potential can also be effected only via the spring element 8, the current bar 5 and the connection element 14, so that the lower connection elements 4 are not absolutely necessary , Nevertheless, in practice both current bars 5, 6 are connected at their ends to a connecting element 3, 4, as shown in FIG. 1. In this case, the connection elements 3, 4 for connecting electrical conductors can be screw terminals, as in the present case. However, other connection elements, for example tension spring clamps or leg spring clamps, can be used just as well.

Fig. 2 shows an embodiment of a fastened to a current bar 5-th spring element 8, in perspective view. An enlarged view of the attachment or the connecting region of current bar 5 and spring element 8 is shown in FIG. 3, in a perspective view (FIG. 3 a), from the side (FIG. 3 b) and from above (FIG. 3 c). 4 to 9 All embodiments shown here is common that the connection between the leitfahigen spring element 8 and the current bar 5 sondem not by an elaborate solder or weld connection by a positive and non-positive connection takes place, so that the spring element 8 can be fixed by a purely mechanical assembly process to the current bar 5.

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

Both from the perspective view of FIG. 2 and FIG. 3a and from the plan view of FIG. 3 c is also apparent that the recess 15 in the current bar 5 to a (front) edge of the current bar 5 is open. In addition, the recess 19 in the spring element 8 to the opposite (rear) edge of the spring element 8 is open, so that the spring element 8 can be pushed during assembly with its first end portion 9 perpendicular to Lângserstreckung L of the current bar 5 on the current bar 5. The mounting direction M is shown in Fig. 3 c for clarification Ver.

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

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

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

In this embodiment variant, the assembly of the spring element 8 at the current bar 5 is not by lateral insertion sondem by a pivoting of the first end portion 9 of the spring element 8, including the free ends 17, 17 'of the tongues 16, 16' at first from above into the recesses 15, 15 'inserted and then the spring element 8 - in the arrangement according to FIG. 5 - is pivoted clockwise. In this case, the raised portion 18 formed on the upper side of the current bar 5 engages in the recess 19 formed in the first end portion 9 of the spring element 8, whereby the spring element 8 is precisely defined in its position and position on the current bar 5.

Both from the perspective view of FIGS. 5 and 6a and from the plan view of FIG. 6c can be seen that in this embodiment variant of the current bar 5 and the first end portion 9 of the spring element 8 in the connection region mirror symmetry to the center plane of the current bar 5 or of the spring element 8 are formed. Due to the formation of two Z-shaped tongues 16, 16 ', twisting of the spring element 8 relative to the current bar 5 is reliably prevented beyond that. Compared to the embodiment variant according to FIGS. 2 to 4, however, the assembly of the spring element 8 is more complicated, since the fastening can not be produced by a simple linear assembly movement.

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

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

9 shows a further variant of the first exemplary embodiment of a spring element 8 fastened to a current bar 5. Both in the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 2 and in the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 9 - and also in the other exemplary embodiments - the spring element 8 is a sheet bending spring formed, which is punched out of a corresponding Federmate rial and bent. In the exemplary embodiments according to FIGS. 1 to 6, an angled middle section 27 is arranged between the first end section 9, which in the assembled state extends parallel to the current bar 5, and the second end section 10. In contrast, in the exemplary embodiments according to FIGS. 7 to 9, a C-shaped middle section 28 is formed between the first end section 9 and the second end section 10 of the spring element 8. Depending on the specific shape and design of the central portion 27, 28 so a spring element 8 can be realized, which has a sufficient length even with limited space to provide the required spring force available, which is necessary so that the second end portion 10 of the spring element reliably and reliably deflected away from the second terminal 7b of the protective element 7 when the limit temperature of the protective element 7 is reached.

In the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 2, the middle section 27 of the spring element 8 has two legs 29, 30 which are arranged at an angle a to one another, wherein the angle a in the exemplary embodiment shown amounts to approximately 55 °. The angle β between the first end portion 9 and the first leg 29 of the central portion 27 is approximately 135 °. By selecting the angle β, the deflection path by which the second end section 10 is deflected out of the rest position of the spring element 8 when it is connected to the second connection 7b of the protection element 7 via the thermally disconnecting connection 11 can be set in a simple manner , If the angle ß reduced with otherwise the same dimensions, this leads to the fact that the spring element 8 is deflected wei-ter in the normal state of the protective element 7, so that a larger biasing force acts on the thermally splitting connection 11.

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

Although in the terminal block 1 according to the invention can be dispensed due to the positive and non-positive connection between the current bar 5 and the spring element 8 to a Verlôten these two components, regardless of the connection takes place between the second terminal 7b of the protective element 7 and the second end portion 10th of the spring element 8 via a soldering point as a thermally splitting connection 11.

So that this solder joint is easily accessible during assembly, a tab 32 is laterally bent at the second end portion 10 of the spring element 8, wherein the angle between the tab 32 and the second end portion 10 is approximately 90 °. The formation of a bent tab 32 has the additional advantage that thereby a certain tolerance compensation with respect to the position of the second terminal 7b of the protective element 7 is possible. Thus, different protective elements 7 with slightly different dimensions can be used.

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

Claims (15)

Terminal block (1) having a housing (2), with at least one connection element (3, 4), with at least one current bar (5, 6), with a protective element (7) and with an electrically conductive spring element (8), wherein the first terminal (7a) of the protective element (7) is electrically conductively connected to the at least one terminal element (3), the first end section (9) of the conductive spring element (8) being electrically conductively connected to the at least one current bar (5), wherein the second end portion (10) of the conductive spring element (8) in the normal state of the protective element (7) via a thermally disconnecting compound (11) to the second terminal (7b) of the protective element (7) is electrically connected, and wherein when exceeding a predetermined limit temperature of the protective element (7) the thermally disconnecting compound (11) between the second end portion (10) of the leitfahigen spring element (8) and the second terminal (7b) of the protective element (7) au and the second end portion (10) of the conductive spring member (8) moves to a position where the second end portion (10) is spaced from the second terminal (7b) of the protection member (7) due to the spring force of the spring member (8); characterized in that in the current bar (5) at least one recess (15) is formed and the first end portion (9) of the conductive spring element (8) at least one Z-shaped tongue (16) extending from the top of the current bar (5 ) extends through the recess (15) to the underside of the current bar (5), so that the free end (17) of the tongue (16) rests against the underside of the current bar (5). Second terminal block (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the current bar (5) has an increase (18) and in the first end portion (9) of the leitfahigen spring element (8) has a corresponding recess (19) is formed, in which the Elevation (18) engages or that the first end portion (9) of the conductive spring element (8) has an increase and in the current bar (5) has a corresponding recess is formed, in which the increase engages. 3. Terminal block (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the recess (15) in the current bar (5) to one edge of the current bar (5) is open and the recess (19) in the first end portion (9) of the leitfahigen spring element (8) towards the opposite edge of the spring element (8) is open, so that the spring element (8) during assembly with its first end portion (9) perpendicular to the longitudinal extent (L) of the current bar (5) on the current bar (5) pushed is. 4. Terminal block (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that the region of the current bar (5) on which the free end (17) of the tongue (16) rests against the underside, a chamfer (20) at the transition from the Långsseite to the bottom. 5. Terminal block (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that in the current bar (5) has two opposing recesses (15, 15 ') are formed and the first end portion (9) of the leitfaenigen spring element (8) arranged two mutually parallel Z-shaped tongues (16, 16 ') extending from the top of the current bar (5) through a respective recess (15, 15') to the underside of the current bar (5), so that the free ends (17, 17 ') of the tongues (16, 16') against the underside of the current bar (5). 6. Terminal block (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that between the at least one Z-shaped tongue (16, 16 ') of the first end portion (9) of the leitfahigen spring element (8) and the current bar (5) a press fit is realized. 7. terminal (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the top of the current bar (5) and / or the underside of the first end portion (9) of the leitfahigen spring element (8) has a point or line-shaped elevation (21 ), so that a reduced contact area is formed between the spring element (8) and the current bar (5). 8. Terminal block (1) with a housing (2), with at least one connection element (3, 4), with at least one current bar (5, 6), with a protective element (7) and with an electrically leitfahigen spring element (8), wherein the first terminal (7a) of the protective element (7) is electrically conductively connected to the at least one terminal element (3), the first end section (9) of the conductive spring element (8) being electrically conductively connected to the at least one current bar (5), wherein the second end portion (10) of the conductive spring element (8) in the normal state of the protective element (7) via a thermally disconnecting compound (11) to the second terminal (7b) of the protective element (7) is electrically connected, and wherein when a predetermined limit temperature of the protective element (7) the thermally disconnecting compound (11) between the second end portion (10) of the leitfahigen spring element (8) and the second terminal (7b) of the protective element (7) opens and the second end portion (10) of the conductive spring member (8) moves to a position where the second end portion (10) is spaced from the second terminal (7b) of the protection member (7) due to the spring force of the spring member (8), characterized in that in the first end portion (9) of the conductive spring element (8) at least one recess (22) is formed and the current bar (8) has a Z-shaped tongue (23) extending through the recess (22) on the Upper side of the conductive spring element (8) extends, so that the free end (24) of the tongue (23) rests on the upper side of the spring element (8). 9. Terminal block (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that the current bar (5) has a stop (25) against which the first end portion (9) of the leitfaenigen spring element (8) with its end face (26). 10. terminal block (1) according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the electrically conductive spring element (8) is designed as a sheet bending spring, that the first end portion (9) of the spring element (8) runs parallel to the current bar (5), and that between the first end portion (9) and the second end portion (10) of the spring element (8) an angled central portion (27) or a C-shaped central portion (28) is arranged. 11. Terminal block (1) according to claim 10, with an angled central portion (27), characterized in that the central portion (27) has two legs (29, 30) which are arranged at an angle a to each other, wherein the angle a acute angle is preferably less than 75 °, in particular less than 65 °. 12. Terminal block (1) according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the first end portion (9) and the first leg (29) of the central portion (27) of the leitfahigen spring element (8) are arranged at an angle ß to each other, wherein the Angle ß is a stumbling angle, preferably greater than 110 °, in particular greater than 125 °. 13. Terminal block (1) according to any one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that the distance a from the transition of the first end portion (9) to the central portion (27) of the leitfahigen spring element (8) to the Z-shaped tongue (16) of the spring element (8) or to the Z-shaped tongue (23) of the current bar (5) is as large as possible. 14. Terminal block (1) according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that at the second end portion (10) of the conductive spring element (8) a tab (32) is bent laterally, wherein the thermally disconnecting compound (11) between the second Terminal (7b) of the protective element (7) and the tab (32) is arranged. 15. Terminal block (1) according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the second end portion (10) of the leitfahigen spring element (8) in such a way with a housing (2) slidably arranged display element (33) cooperates, that the display element (33) is located at a display position when the second end portion (10) of the conductive spring member (8) is spaced apart from the second terminal (7b) of the protection member (7) when the connection (11) is disconnected.