US3315215A

US3315215A - Modular terminal block assembly

Info

Publication number: US3315215A
Application number: US357051A
Authority: US
Inventors: Eugene R Kulka
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1964-04-03
Filing date: 1964-04-03
Publication date: 1967-04-18
Anticipated expiration: 1984-04-18

Description

April 18, 1967 E. R. KULKA MODULAR TERMINAL BLOCK ASSEMBLY Filed April 3, 1964 .FIG.,6. 2: 4.2%]!

I NVEN TOR.

EUGfNE 1?. KUL (A BY arron AIL-ya E drawbacks and disadvantages.

Patented Apr. 18, 1967 3,315,215 MODULAR TERMINAL BLOCK ASSEMBLY Eugene R. Kulha, It Tamerton St., Mount Vernon, NY. 10552 Filed Apr. 3, 1964, Ser. No. 357,051 8 Claims. (Cl. 339-126) The present invention relates generally to improvements in electrical connecting devices, and it relates in particular to an improved terminal block of modular construction.

The conventional terminal block, although widely used in many types of electrical assemblies, possesses many The terminal block generally includes a strip or bar of insulating material provided with apertured end wings to facilitate the mounting thereof. A plurality of longitudinally spaced terminal members are mounted on the strip and each usually includes a tapped base plate provided with a connector lug and a screw engaging the tapped base plate and registering with a corresponding opening formed in the insulator strip. Successive terminals are frequently separated by intervening vertical partitions, or barriers formed integrally with the insulator strip. The cost of these insulator blocks is high by reason of the fact that the block bodies are initially molded of thermosetting plastic such as phenolic resins, in the form of long strips having, for example, thirty terminal stations separated by barrier walls, and these strips must be cut down to provide the number of stations required. The cutting is accomplished by a rotating Carborundum wheel which, because of its thiclo ness, grinds away approximately one-eighth inch of plastic at the cut, leaving a rough surface on each cut end and often cutting into the barrier. Both cut ends then require sanding to provide a smooth finish and the sanded ends provide a porous surface which often requires sealing by a varnish coating. The manufacturing operation is thus wasteful, time-consuming and expensive.

A further drawback of the conventional terminal block is its relatively low breakdown or arcing voltage by reason of the small unimpeded air space between the terminals or terminal screws and the underlying mounting plates or surfaces. In addition, the mounting of the conventional terminal block is often difficult and these terminal blocks otherwise leave much to be desired.

It is, therefore, a principal object of the present invention to provide an improved electrical connector.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved terminal block.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide an improved terminal block having an adjustable number of terminals.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a terminal block modular unit which may be assembled in preselected numbers to form corresponding terminal blocks of the desired length.

Still a further object of the present invention is to provide an improved device of the above nature characterized by its versatility, low cost, ease of use and assembly and superior electrical properties.

In accordance with the present invention there is provided a modular terminal block assembly comprising a mounting member or panel having an elongated slot formed therein, a plurality of modules insertible within said slot and having complementary depressions and projections for interlocking the modules in an abutting line within the slot. Each module includes an insulator block having an upper section located above the mounting panel and a lower section located beneath the panel and separated from the upper section by a shoulder resting on'the top surface of the panel. Each insulator block has a through bore extending through the upper and lower sections thereof, and a terminal member mounted at the top of the bore. The terminal member includes a screw, the free end of which is spaced a substantial distance above the bottom of the lower section. The line of interlocked modules are secured within the slot by a spring clip frictionally engaging the lower section of at least one of the modules and bearing on the bottom surface of the mounting panel.

The above and other objects of the present invention will become apparent from a reading of the following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a pair of terminal block modules embodying the present invention illustrated in disassembled condition in a mounting panel; b1 FiG. 2 is a top plan view of the assembled terminal FIG. 3 is a front elevational view thereof, the mounting panel being shown in section;

FIG. 4 is a bottom fragmentary plan view thereof;

FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along line 55 in FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken along line 6-6 in FIG. 1; and

FIG. 7 is a transverse vertical sectional view of another form of module embodying the present invention.

Referring now to the drawings, and particularly FIGS. 1 to 6 thereof which illustrate a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the reference numeral 10 generally designates the improved terminal block assembly which includes a mounting panel 11 and a connector module assembly 12. It should be noted that while the terminal block assembly 19) is illustrated as containing four connector modules, it may contain any desired number thereof. The mounting plate 11 may be formed of any desired material, such as metal, plastic or the like, and may constitute the wall of a cabinet, or housing or any part of the electrical equipment associated with the terminal block assembly It), or it may constitute a separate member. Formed in the panel 11 is a longitudinally extending rectangular slot 13 which is substantially coextensive with the module assembly 12. The module assembly 12 registers with the slot 13 and is locked therein in the manner hereinafter set forth.

The module assembly 12 is formed of a plurality of interlocking end-to-end terminal units or modules including the single-partitioned modules 14 and a double-partitioned module 16. Each of the modules 14 comprises a block 17 formed of any suitable insulating material such as commonly employed, synthetic organic thermosetting or thermoplastic resins, and includes integrally formed upper and

lower sections

18 and 19 respectively. The upper insulator block section 18 is of trapezoidal vertical transverse cross-section having a base width greater than that of slot 13. The block lower section 19 includes a cylindrical member 20 depending below panel 11 and having an enlarged shallow substantially square upper part 21 of approximately the width of slot 13 and registering therewith. The block upper and lower sections 13 and 1-9 are separated along their front and rear by transversely spaced longitudinally extending downwardly facing horizontal shoulders 22 which rest on the upper longitudinal border-s of slot 13.

Formed on one of the end faces 23 of each of the insulator block upper sections 13 is a pair of transversely spaced longitudinally directed projections 24 in the shape of hemispherical knobs or bosses. The other end of the insulator block upper section is provided with an integrally formed substantially rectangular vertical panel 26 delineating a partition or divider. The panel 26 is of greater width and height than the upper body section 13, projecting above and transversely beyond said upper section 18 and having a lower edge at the level of shoulder 22. A pair of transversely spaced hemispherical depressions 27 are formed in the outer face of panel 26 and are of a shape complementing projections 24 and mate the projections 24 of an adjacent module 14. The depressions 27 are at the level of and in longitudinal alignment with the corresponding projections 24.

A vertical axial bore 28 is formed in each of the insulator blocks 17 and terminates at its top in a bore of reduced diameter delineated from bore 28 by a downwardly directed peripheral shoulder. An internally threaded metal bushing 29 registers with the bore of reduced diameter and is provided at its top with an integral 1y formed square plate or flange 30 abutting the top face of insulator block 17. The bottom of the bushing 29 is upset, as at 32, to engage the bore shoulder and firmly lock bushing 29 to insulator block 17. A metal screw 33 having a fiat-bottomed slotted head 34 engages tapped bushing 29 and cooperates with plate 30 to define a connector terminal.

The end module 16 is similar in construction to the modules 14, differing therefrom only in that the two end faces thereof are provided with partition panels having coupling depressions formed therein. Specifically, module 16 comprises an insulator block 36 of the same configuration as insulator block 17 but provided at both end faces with integrally formed partition panels 37 of the shape of panel 26, each of panels 37 having formed in its outer face a pair of transversely spaced depressions 38 corresponding to depressions 27 in shape and disposition. As in module 14, module 16 is provided with an electrical terminal member 39.

In assembling terminal block 10, a module 16 and one or more modules 14, three in the illustrated embodiment, are pressed in end-to-end relationship with their confronting end faces in substantial abutment and the registering projections 24 and depressions 27 and 38, as the case may be, in interlocking mating engagement. The resulting module assembly 12 is then brought into registry with matching slot 13, sections 21 engaging slot 13, shoulders 22 abutting the upper borders of slot 13, and the cylindrical sections 20 projecting below slot 13. The module assembly 12 is then locked in slot 13, by means of a pair of spring clips 40 engaging the cylindrical sections 20 of the end insulator blocks and resiliently bearing on the underface of panel 11. The spring clips 40 may be of .the Tinnerman speed nut type or the like and each includes a pair of end notched resilient legs 41 integrally formed in a plate 42, the notched ends of legs 41 biting into the engaged cylindrical section 20.

It is clear from the above that merely by the provision of two types of connector modules, terminal blocks of any desired length may be rapidly assembled at minimum cost and maximum convenience, the only variable being the length of mounting slot 13. This arrangement provides for the further advantages that the assembly and mounting of the terminal block are simultaneously effected and the design and construction of the associated equipment simplified and expedited since slot 13 may be formed in any suitable or desirable location. In addition, the improved terminal block possesses a high breakdown voltage and surface leakage path by reason of the great free air distance between the bottom of terminal screw 33 and the ground as represented by panel 12 or clip 40 since screw 33 is deeply recessed in the bore 28.

In FIGURE 7 of the drawing, there is illustrated an alternative form of module 43 which may be employed to advantage in many applications. The module 43 diflfers from

modules

14 and 16 earlier described Only in the substitution of a different type terminal member 44, for the bushing 29 and the corresponding modification of the insulator block. The insulator block 46 is similar in shape to the insulator block 17 and has a vertical axial bore 47 formed therein whose upper section is of lesser diameter than its lower and is delineated therefrom by a downwardly facing peripheral shoulder. A cup-shaped socket member 48 having a tapped axial bore telescopes the upper bore section and is provided with an outwardly directed square upper fiange 45 abutting the top face of insulator block 46. The bottom of the socket member 48 has a peripheral lip 49 formed thereon which engages the bore separating shoulder to lock socket member 48 to insulator block 46.

Depending from the socket member 48 and integrally formed therewith is a solder lug defining axial post 50 projecting below insulator block 46 and terminating in an enlarged head 51. A headed screw member 52 engages the tapped bore in socket member 48. In all other details, connector module 43 is similar in structure to

modules

14 and 16 and a plurality thereof are assembled and employed in the manner of

modules

14 and 16, as earlier set forth.

While there have been described and illustrated preferred embodiments of the present invention, it is apparent that numerous alterations, omissions and additions may be made without departing from the spirit thereof.

What is claimed is:

1. A terminal block assembly for use with a panel having a top and bottom surface and a longitudinally extending slot formed therein, said assembly comprising a plurality of end-to-end connector modules registering with said slot, each of said modules including a block of insulating material having opposite end faces provided with complementary projections and depressions and upper and lower sections separated by downwardly directed longitudinal shoulders engaging the upper longitudinal borders of said slot, and a terminal member carried by each of said insulator blocks, the projections and depressions of the confronting end walls of successive modules being in mating engagement for interlocking said modules in abutting alignment, said lower section including a cylindrical portion extending beneath said panel, and a spring clip engaging the cylindrical portion of at least one of said modules and bearing upon the bottom surface of said panel for immovably securing the aligned and interlocked modules to said panel.

2. The terminal block assembly of claim 1, wherein each of said insulator blocks has a vertical bore formed therein and extending through said upper and lower sections, and in Which said terminal member comprises a tapped tubular member positioned in the upper section of said bore and a screw engaging said tapped tubular member with the free end of said screw spaced a substantial distance from the bottom end of said cylindrical portion.

3. The terminal block assembly of claim 2, wherein said tapped tubular member is provided with an upper peripheral flange superimposed on the top face of said insulator block, and wherein said vertical bore has a downwardly directed shoulder spaced inwardly from its top end, the bottom end of said tapped tubular member being upset to engage said bore shoulder.

4. The terminal block assembly of claim 1, including a transversely extending vertical partitioning panel of insulating material formed integrally with each of said insulator blocks adjacent an end thereof and projecting above the top face of said insulator block.

5. A connector module comprising a block of insulating material having opposite end faces provided with complementary matable aligned projections and depressions and having a vertical bore formed therein, a tubular extension depending from said block and having an axial bore communicating with the vertical bore of said block, and an electrical terminal mounted at the top end of said block and registering with said vertical bore and including a tapped bushing and a screw engaging said tapped bushing, the free end of said screw extending into said vertical bore and terminating short of the communicating bore of said extension.

6. A connector module comprising a block of insulating material having opposite end faces provided with complementary matable aligned projections and depressions and including upper and lower sections separated by downwardy facing opposite longitudinally extending shoulders, and an electrical terminal located on said insulator block, said lower section including a depending cylindrical end portion, said block having a vertical bore extending through the upper and lower sections, said electrical terminal including a tapped bushing mounted at the upper end of said bore and a screw mounted in said tapped bushing, the free end of said screw extending into said bore and being spaced a substantial distance from the bottom end of said cylindrical portion.

7. A connector module for use with a mounting member having a noncircular aperture therein, said connector module comprising a block of insulating material having opposite end faces provided with complementary matable aligned projections and depressions, said block comprising an upper section of greater area than said mounting member aperture and a lower section insertible through said aperture and forming a downwardly-facing shoulder with said upper section, at least a portion of said lower section being of noncircular cross-section and being located within the noncircular aperture of said mounting member when the lower section is inserted through said aperture until said shoulder is seated on said mounting member, thereby to restrain rotation of said module relative to the mounting member, the remainder of said lower section projecting a substantial distance below said mounting member, an electrical terminal located on the top surface of said upper section, and a spring clip engaging the downwardly-projecting portion of said lower section and bearing on the underface of said mounting member.

8. A terminal block assembly comprising a panel having top and bottom surfaces and an elongated slot formed therein, a plurality of connector modules sized for mounting within said slot with said modules abutting each other and arranged in a line coaxial with said slot, each of said modules comprising a block of insulating material having opposite end faces provided with complementary projections and depressions, and upper and lower sections separated by downwardly directed lateral shoulders, each of said modules being insertible into said slot with the upper section thereof projecting above said panel and said shoulders engaging the upper surface of said panel at the longitudinal borders of said slot, the projections and depressions of the confronting end walls of succes sive modules being located for mating engagement when said modules are in abutment for locking said modules in said line within said slot, said lower section including a noncircular portion located within said slot, and a cylindrical portion depending from said noncircular portion and extending a substantial distance below the bottom surface of said panel, and clip means for frictional engagement with the cylindrical portions of the two end modules in said line, said clip means being adapted to abut the bottom surface of said panel for immovably securing said line of interlocked modules within said slot.

References iited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,701,870 2/1955 Obszarny 339198 X 2,874,248 2/1959 Tondat et a1. 200-- 2,928,666 3/1960 Gordon 339198 2,990,534 6/1961 Nielsen 339198 2,998,589 9/1961 Kulka 339-498 FOREIGN PATENTS 931,803 "11/1947 France.

MARVIN A. CHAMPION, Primary Examiner. ALFRED S. TRASK, Examiner.