JP7793300B2 - Closure element - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a closure element for fitting into an insulator housing of a conductor connection terminal block having at least one conductor connection portion, each of which is assigned at least two functional ports. The conductor connection terminal block can be configured, for example, as a plug connector, a rail-mounted terminal block, a terminal block for printed circuit boards, a screw terminal block, a connector terminal block, etc.

DE 196 28 116 C1 discloses a blind plug which can close off terminal blocks in a housing that are not equipped with a connection unit.
The blind plugs are inserted into the functional ports of the housing from the outside and are not arranged in such a way that they cannot be lost inside the functional ports. This means that the blind plugs can fall out of the closed functional ports, and the blind plug function is no longer provided. In this case, the blind plugs block a single type of functional port of one assigned conductor connection part, but not multiple types of functional ports of one conductor connection part.

DE19628116C1

Starting from this, the object of the present invention is to provide an improved closure element.

This problem is solved by a closure element having the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments are set forth in the dependent claims.
The proposal for the closing element of the generic concept is that this closing element is adapted to simultaneously at least partially close at least two functional ports of a conductor connection part of a conductor connection terminal block.

The closure element according to the invention can provide simultaneous closure of at least two functional ports of a conductor connection terminal block. It is also conceivable that the closure element can close multiple functional ports of a conductor connection terminal block, in particular three or four functional ports. In this case, the closure element closes at least two functional ports assigned to one conductor connection section. In this context, a conductor connection section is an area of the conductor connection terminal block into which an electrical conductor can be inserted and firmly clamped. At least two functional ports are therefore assigned to each of these areas into which an electrical conductor can be clamped.

A functional port of a conductor connection terminal block is, inter alia, an opening that allows access to the interior of the conductor connection terminal block in order to provide a specific function. Such a function can, for example, be the opening and/or closing of a clamping part of a conductor connection. A functional port can therefore be formed, for example, as a conductor insertion port, an opening for an actuating element, an inspection port, or an opening in the plug or socket area.

The closure element according to the invention can therefore, inter alia, close two functional ports of the same type on two adjacent conductor connection parts, as well as close two functional ports of different types on one conductor connection part.

Closure means, for example, that electrical conductors can no longer be passed from the outside through the functional opening into the insulator housing, thereby reducing or completely preventing the risk of electrical conductors being inserted incorrectly. In this case, the functional opening does not need to be completely closed. It is sufficient that the functional opening is closed so that electrical conductors can no longer be inserted into the insulator housing from the outside. If the functional opening is, for example, a socket for inserting a plug, the closing element closes this socket at least to the extent that a plug can no longer be inserted completely. The closing element can also close a functional opening through which, for example, an actuating element accessible from the outside of the conductor connection terminal block can pass. In this case, the closing element prevents electrical conductive parts, which may be located inside the insulator housing, from being contacted when the actuating element is not present.

Closure of a functional port exists, for example, when the functional port is at its narrowest point at least 50% or at least 70% blocked by the closing segment of the closing element. A functional port that is closed by a closing segment of the closing element can be closed, for example, so that the closing segment protrudes from the insulator housing or terminates flush with the insulator housing. The closing segment may protrude again, terminate again flush, and terminate within the insulator housing slightly offset from the housing wall containing the functional port, for example, by an offset that may reach the diameter of the functional port.

However, it is also conceivable that the actuating element is arranged within the insulator housing and extends from the interior of the insulator housing to the exterior through the functional opening. In this case, the closure element can be formed to enclose the exterior part of the actuating element, so that the actuating element cannot be actuated by the user at all, or at least not very easily. However, it is also conceivable that the actuating element passes through a hole in the closure element, in which case the hole blocks the actuating element so that the closure element can block manual actuation of the actuating element.

The closure element may have a first closure segment and a second closure segment, each adapted to close one functional port.

These closure segments can protrude from the body or connecting piece of the closure element and can fit into respective functional openings of the insulator housing. In this case, it is conceivable that these closure segments protrude from the body in different directions. For example, two closure segments can protrude from the body at a 90° angle to each other. However, it is also conceivable that two closure segments protrude from the body at a 180° angle to each other. In the case of three closure segments, it is also conceivable that each closure segment protrudes from the body at a 90° angle from another closure segment.

Alternatively, the closure element may have only one closure segment, which simultaneously closes two functional ports, for example by passing through the first functional port and extending to the second functional port to also close the second functional port.

The closure element may be integrally formed.
The one-piece construction allows the closure element according to the invention to be produced inexpensively and with minimal effort, which means, inter alia, that the closure element is produced from one piece, in this respect, inter alia, that the closure element is produced from a non-conductive material, for example a non-conductive plastic or an elastomer.

It is further conceivable that at least one closure segment is formed as an independent element or part. Thus, for example, if a corresponding application is provided with this closure segment, this closure segment can be inserted into a corresponding cut-out portion of the closure element. However, it is also conceivable that all closure segments are formed as independent parts. Thus, the closure element can be composed of closure segments in a modular manner depending on the application.

A coding element may be disposed on the closure element.
The individual functional ports or conductor connections can be designated by coding elements, for example by assigning specific coding elements to specific functional ports, so that it is possible to know directly from the outside what type of functional port, conductor connection or closing element it is.

In this regard, the coding element may be formed as a protruding piece of material that is visible when the closure element is attached to the functional opening. This protruding piece of material may be formed, for example, as a simple straight bar or two intersecting bars, or may have any other desired shape. As an alternative, a recess may be formed instead of the protruding piece of material.

The coding element also makes it possible to code conductor connection terminal blocks, in particular conductor connection terminal blocks configured as plug connectors, so that the plug connectors can only be mated with matching counterpart plug connectors.

At least one piece for increasing the clearance and/or creepage distance of the conductor connection terminal block may protrude from the closure element, for example in the form of a side piece as described below.

In many applications, large clearances and/or creepage distances are required for conductor connection terminal blocks. In particular, with multi-pole conductor connection terminal blocks, some poles may not be equipped with contact inserts for the conductor connection in order to maintain the required clearances and/or creepage distances. The functional openings of such conductor connections can then be closed by a closing element according to the invention, in which case a piece protrudes from the closing element to additionally increase the clearance and/or creepage distance.

The closure element may have a first engaging element for engaging with the conductor connection terminal block. In particular, the first engaging element may be arranged on the first closure segment. It is even more advantageous if the closure element has a second engaging element, which is arranged on the second closure segment.

By providing one engaging element, and in particular two engaging elements, the closure element can be engaged in a way that it cannot be lost within the insulator housing of the conductor connection terminal block. It is also conceivable that the closure element could be installed at the factory, in which case the engaging element could be configured in such a way that it irremovably engages with the insulator housing.

The closure element may have a guide contour for guiding the closure element into the insulator housing.
Guide contours on the closure element facilitate installation of the closure element. The guide contours can be arranged, for example, on one or each of the closure segments, thereby facilitating the closure element's introduction into the insulator housing. For example, the guide contours can be configured as guide ramps, so that they taper towards the free ends of the closure segments.

It is further conceivable that the first and second closure segments, and if present also the third closure segment, are adapted to fit into or pass through the respective functional ports. This ensures that the respective functional ports are particularly well blocked and thus protected by the closure elements. In addition, the closure elements are particularly securely fixed within the conductor connection terminal block.

It is further conceivable that at least two of the functional ports of the conductor connection terminal block are arranged on two surfaces of the insulator housing of the conductor connection terminal block that are arranged at an angle to each other, for example at a substantially right angle.

The present invention further relates to a set consisting of the above-mentioned closure element and an insulator housing for a conductor connection terminal block, the insulator housing having at least two functional ports, and the closure element at least partially closing the at least two functional ports.

This set can be used, inter alia, to close functional ports of the insulator housing of the conductor connection terminal block. In this regard, particularly in embodiments in which the closure element is arranged at least primarily inside the insulator housing, no contact inserts are arranged in the conductor connection terminal block, at least in the conductor connection section where the closure element closes the functional port. The contact inserts generally consist of a power transmission rail and a clamping spring, which form the conductor connection section for the electrical conductor to be clamped. The closure element is designed in such a way that functional ports of different types are at least partially closed, and not just functional ports of the same type, such as two conductor insertion ports arranged next to each other, are at least partially closed.

In this way, particularly in multi-pole conductor connection terminal blocks, empty poles (pole terminals on which no contact inserts are located) can already be closed by corresponding closing elements at the factory in order to reduce or completely prevent the possibility of mis-clamping of the electrical conductors to be clamped.

In the set according to the present invention, the closure element may have a first closure segment and a second closure segment, each of which closes one of the functional ports of the insulator housing.

These closure segments can protrude from the body or connecting piece of the closure element, and the closure segments can fit into functional ports in the insulator housing. Alternatively, the closure element can have only one closure segment, which simultaneously closes two functional ports, for example by passing through a first functional port and extending to a second functional port to also close the second functional port.

In the set according to the present invention, the insulator housing can have at least one conductor connection portion, to which at least two functional ports are assigned, and the shape of the first closing segment and/or the shape of the second closing segment are formed to match the shape and/or position of the respective functional ports. The shape of the first closing segment or the second closing segment can match the shape and/or position of the respective functional ports only if the outer contour of the closing segment is formed, at least in a major part, as a counterpart (negative shape) to the inner contour of the functional port. In this regard, the at least two functional ports can have the same shape or different shapes.

The set can be assigned a contact insert that, together with a conductor connection, constitutes the conductor connection, and at least two functional ports are assigned to this conductor connection. In this case, one or more of the closure segments can be formed so that their shape matches the shape of each of the functional ports to be closed. This ensures that each closure segment only fits the corresponding functional port, which, on the one hand, simplifies the insertion of the closure element into the insulator housing, and, on the other hand, eliminates or at least significantly reduces the probability of misalignment of the closure element.

In the set according to the invention, the first closure segment and/or the second closure segment may each pass through one of the functional openings of the insulator housing.
Through includes, inter alia, the fact that the first and/or second closing segments in the installed state are arranged in the respective functional openings, but it is also conceivable that the closing segments pass through the respective functional openings and, after passing through, are arranged inside or outside the conductor connection terminal block.

In the set according to the invention, a closure element may be arranged in the interior space of the insulator housing.
By "internal space" is meant, in particular, that the majority of the closure element (51%, preferably 75%, and even more preferably 100% of the volume of the closure element) is arranged in the internal space of the insulator housing. The functional opening of the conductor connection terminal block is thus closed from the inside of the insulator housing. That is, the closure element, in particular the closure segment, projects from the internal closure element into the functional opening of the insulator housing and is not inserted into the functional opening from the outside.

Such positioning of the closure element can be achieved, for example, by factory installation, so that the user can no longer remove the closure element without destroying it, thereby ensuring reliable use.

The features of the closure element arranged in the interior space of the insulator housing can be considered as an independent invention and independent of the aforementioned invention. Therefore, the corresponding set can also be formed as follows:

A set consisting of an insulator housing for a conductor connection terminal block and a closure element for fitting into the insulator housing, the insulator housing having at least one functional port, the closure element adapted to at least partially close the functional port, and the closure element arranged in the interior space of the insulator housing.

In such a set, too, the closure element extends from the interior space of the insulator housing into the functional opening, and is not fitted into the functional opening from the outside.
In the set according to the invention, at least one piece can be arranged on the closing element, which protrudes from the insulator housing in the area of the functional port in order to increase the clearance and/or creepage distance of the conductor connection terminal block.

In this case, the piece is arranged on the closure element so that after installation it protrudes from the functional opening, i.e. from the insulator housing. This makes it possible to easily increase the clearance and/or creepage distances.

In the set according to the invention, an engaging element can be arranged on the closure element, which engaging element is configured for engaging with the insulator housing.
The provision of one engaging element, in particular two engaging elements, allows the closure element to be engaged in the insulator housing of the conductor connection terminal block so that it cannot be lost. It is even conceivable that the closure element can be installed at the factory, in which case the engaging element is formed in such a way that the closure element is permanently engaged with the insulator housing.

In the set according to the invention, the insulator housing can be configured as a multi-pole conductor connection terminal block with a large number of conductor connections, in which one, several or all of the conductor connections are each assigned at least two function ports.

In particular, in multi-pole conductor connection terminal blocks, under certain conditions, such as when increased clearance and creepage distances are required, it is possible that a number of poles do not have conductor connections. In this case, one closing element according to the present invention can close at least two or even all of the function ports of the assigned conductor connection.

However, it is also conceivable that the closing element closes a functional port to which a conductor connection, constituted for example by a contact insert, is assigned.
The general concept "one" should be understood both as a numeral and not as a numeral. It is also conceivable that the closing element has three, four or five closing segments, each of which is adapted to close a functional outlet of an assigned conductor connection part. However, in this case, at least two functional outlets are assigned to one conductor connection part in the insulator housing of the conductor connection terminal block, i.e., to one location for clamping one electrical conductor, and these functional outlets are of different types.

However, it is also conceivable that the closing element closes several function ports of adjacent conductor connections, such as in the case of a multi-pole conductor connection terminal block, in which case two function ports assigned to one conductor connection are additionally closed.

The present invention will now be described in more detail, by way of example, based on exemplary embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings.

1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a closure element; FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view of the closure element according to FIG. 1 in an insulator housing; 3 is a perspective view of a closure element in the insulator housing according to FIG. 2; FIG. 10 is a side cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of a closure element within an insulator housing. FIG. 10 is a side cross-sectional view of a third embodiment of a closure element within an insulator housing. FIG. 10 is a side cross-sectional view of a fourth embodiment of a closure element within an insulator housing. FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of a closure element. 8 is a side cross-sectional view of the closure element according to FIG. 7 in an insulator housing. 9 is a perspective view of a closure element in the insulator housing according to FIG. 8; FIG. 10 is a side cross-sectional view of a sixth embodiment of a closure element within an insulator housing. FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a seventh embodiment of a closure element. 12 is a side view of the closure element according to FIG. 11 in an insulator housing. 13 is a perspective view of a closure element in an insulator housing according to FIG. 12; FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an eighth embodiment of a closure element. 15 is a side view of the closure element according to FIG. 14 in an insulator housing. 16 is a perspective view of a closure element in an insulator housing according to FIG. 15;

Figure 1 shows a closure element 1 having a first closure segment 2a and a second closure segment 2b. The closure segments 2a, 2b are connected to one another via a connecting piece 3, and the closure element 1 is formed as a single piece. The closure element 1 has a first partial segment 20 and a second partial segment 21 within the first closure segment 2a. The first partial segment 20 is adjacent to the connecting piece 3. The second partial segment 21 is arranged on the side of the first partial segment 20 facing away from the connecting piece 3. In alternative forms, which will also be described in further embodiments, the closure element 1 may be configured, for example, by shortening the first and/or second partial segments 20, 21. The second partial segment 21 may also be completely eliminated.

At the other end of the connecting piece 3, the closure element 1 merges into the second closure segment 2b via an inclined segment 11. The second closure segment 2b has two spaced-apart side pieces 8, which can be arranged parallel to one another and shaped substantially identically. The side pieces 8 are connected to one another on their upper sides via a cover segment 9. The side pieces 8 can be used, for example, to close a functional opening of a conductor connection terminal block through which an actuating element, such as an actuating lever, passes from the interior of the housing of the conductor connection terminal block to the outside. In this case, a partial region of the side piece 8 can be arranged inside the housing. At the free end of the second closure segment 2b, the side pieces 8 merge into respective engaging elements 7b, which can serve, for example, to engage and mechanically secure the second closure segment 2b in the housing of the conductor connection terminal block. The inclined segment 11 can, for example, extend obliquely relative to the connecting piece 3 and the cover segment 9.

The closure element 1 is adapted to at least partially close at least two functional ports 5a, 5c of one conductor connection of a conductor connection terminal block. Figure 2 shows the closure element 1 according to Figure 1, where the closure element 1 is inserted from the outside into the insulator housing 4 for the conductor connection terminal block. The first closure segment 2a passes through the first functional port 5a, and the second closure segment 2b passes through the second functional port (not visible) of the insulator housing 4.

The first functional opening 5a is formed as a conductor insertion opening for the electrical conductor to be clamped, through which the electrical conductor can be led into the insulator housing 2. The second closure segment 2b passes through a second functional opening which can be formed as an opening for an actuating element. In the illustrated embodiment, the insulator housing 4 does not have a contact insert for forming a conductor connection.

It will be appreciated that the first closure segment 2a is entirely or primarily disposed within the interior space 10 of the insulator housing 4. The side piece 8 is also primarily disposed within the interior space 10, with only the lid segment 9 being outside the insulator housing 4.

However, it is also conceivable that such a contact insert is arranged in the insulator housing 4, and that the closure element 1 closes a functional port of the insulator housing 4. It is understood that two different types of functional port may be assigned to one conductor connection.

However, in the illustrated embodiment, the closure element 1 also closes two different types of functional openings, in particular one conductor insertion opening and one opening for an actuating element.
3 shows a perspective view of the closure element 1 in the insulator housing 4 according to FIG. 2. It can be seen that the insulator housing 4 is designed for a multi-pole conductor connection terminal block and has a number of first functional ports 5a and a number of second functional ports 5b. In this regard, one first functional port 5a and one second functional port 5b are assigned to each pole. It can also be seen that the first closure segment 2a of the closure element 1 closes the first functional port 5a, and the second closure segment 2b of the closure element closes the second functional port in the form of an actuating port 40 of the assigned pole. The actuating port 40 can be designed as a slit-like opening in the insulator housing 4, through which a portion of the actuating element can pass when the actuating element is attached to the conductor connection terminal block.

1 and 2 also show that the first closure segment 2a is provided with a guide contour 6 for guiding the closure element 1 into the insulator housing 4. The guide contour 6 is configured as a guide slope in this case, so that the closure segment 2a tapers toward its free end. This allows the closure element to be easily inserted through the first functional opening 5a into the insulator housing 4. In this regard, the beveled guide contour 6 may be configured in such a way that a collision with a contact insert (not shown) inserted into the insulator housing 4 is avoided.

Furthermore, it can be seen that an engaging edge formed as a first engaging element 7a is arranged on the first closure segment 2a. By fitting the closure element 1 into the insulator housing 4, the first engaging element 7a grips, for example, an edge of the insulator housing 2 arranged inside the insulator housing 4, so that the closure element 1 can no longer be removed from the insulator housing 4 in the direction R1 of the first functional opening 5a without external influence.

A second engagement element 7b is arranged on the second closure segment 2b and is configured as two opposing engagement pieces. In the installed state, the second engagement element 7b grips the insulator housing 2 in such a way that the closure element 1 can no longer be removed from the insulator housing 4 in the direction R2 of the opening for the actuating element without external influence.

By arranging one of the engaging elements 7a, 7b on one of the closure segments 2a, 2b, respectively, a closure element 1 can be provided that cannot be lost. However, it is also conceivable that only one of the engaging elements 7a, 7b, or none at all, is arranged on the closure element 1.

It can also be seen that the second closure segment 2b has two opposing side pieces 8 which, when the closure element 1 is installed, pass through the second functional opening 40 and protrude from the insulator housing 4 on the outside of the insulator housing 4. In this regard, the side pieces 8 do not necessarily abut the insulator housing 4. The side pieces 8 protrude from the second functional opening of the insulator housing 2 and are connected to each other via the cover segment 9. The side pieces 8 in this case increase the clearance and creepage distances within the insulator housing 4.

This increase in clearance and creepage distances applies in particular to multi-pole conductor connection terminal blocks, where the clearance and creepage distances between two adjacent conductor connections can be increased by fitting the closure element 1.

It can also be appreciated that the closure element 1 does not necessarily have to close all functional ports 5a. A third functional port 5c, for example for a socket contact, is arranged in the insulator housing 4. However, the closure element does not close the third functional port 5c.

Figure 4 shows a conductor connection terminal block in an embodiment equivalent to Figure 2. In this case, the closure element 1 in the second embodiment is inserted into the insulator housing 4. The second embodiment of the closure element 1 differs from the first embodiment by the shortened design of the first closure segment 2a. The first closure segment 2a only has a partial segment 20, which itself is also shorter than in the embodiment of Figures 1 to 3.

Figure 5 shows a conductor connection terminal block equivalent to Figure 2, in which a closure element 1 in a third embodiment is inserted into the insulator housing 4. This third embodiment of the closure element 1 differs from the previously described embodiments by the modified design of the second closure segment 2b. In this case, the side piece 8 extends directly from the connecting piece 3. This side piece 8 has a slightly greater structural height than the previously described embodiments, so that it protrudes from the insulator housing 4 in its outer region 80. This allows for an increased distance to accessible surfaces, thereby increasing clearance and creepage distances and contact protection.

In such a closure element 1, different types of first and second closure segments 2a, 2b may be combined with one another in any way.
FIG. 6 shows a conductor connection terminal block as shown in FIG. 5, in which the third functional port 5c is closed by a separate closing element 14.

Figure 7 shows the closure element 1 in a fifth embodiment, and Figure 8 shows the closure element 1 installed in the insulator housing 4. In this case, the insulator housing 4 is formed identically to the insulator housing 4 in Figure 2.

It can be seen that the closure element 1 is arranged in the interior space 10 of the insulator housing 4. In this case, the closure element 1 is configured to close the first functional port 5a, the second functional port 5b, and the third functional port 5c. In this case, the first closure segment 2a passes through or is inserted into the first functional port 5a, the second closure segment 2b passes through or is inserted into the second functional port 5b, and the third closure segment 2c passes through or is inserted into the third functional port 5c. In this case, the closure element 1 is entirely arranged in the interior space 10 of the insulator housing 4, with the closure segments 2a, 2b, and 2c passing through the respective functional ports 5a, 5b, and 5c. Thus, the closure segments 2a, 2b, and 2c extend from the interior space 10 into the respective functional ports 5a, 5b, and 5c. In this regard, the first, second, and third closure segments 2a, 2b, and 2c project in different directions from a central base of the closure element 1.

The internal location of the closure element 1 prevents the unintentional insertion of electrical conductors and/or plugs through the functional openings 5a, 5c. Furthermore, the closure element 1 cannot be removed from the insulator housing 4 without the application of force. This provides a closure element 1 that cannot be lost, and the installation of this closure element 1 can be carried out, for example, at the factory. For this reason, it is preferable that the insulator housing 4 be formed in multiple parts, for example in two parts, consisting of a base housing 4a and a cover part 4b.

Figure 9 shows a perspective view of a conductor connection terminal block with an insulator housing 4. It can be seen that at least some of the actuating ports 40 are also equipped with respective actuating elements 41. Parts of the insulator housing 4 that are not equipped with actuating elements 41 and corresponding contact inserts are equipped with respective closing elements 1.

In addition, FIG. 9 shows that the closure element 1 may be longer in the region of the third closure segment 2c, so that the third partial segment 22 of the third closure segment 2c protrudes from the third functional port 5c and thus from the insulator housing 4. This makes it easier for the user to see that no electrical conductors or plugs can be inserted in this part of the conductor connection terminal block. Alternatively, the third functional port 5c may be closed by a separate closure element corresponding to FIG. 6, with or without a partial segment protruding from the insulator housing 4.

Figure 10 shows a conductor connection terminal block equivalent to Figure 8, in which a closure element 1 in the sixth embodiment is fitted into the interior 10 of the insulator housing 4. The sixth embodiment of the closure element 1 is formed without the third closure segment 2c, and therefore the third functional port 5c is not closed by the closure element 1.

A further difference from the embodiment of Figures 7 to 9 is that in the embodiment of Figure 10, the side piece 8 is formed with a greater structural height, and therefore the side piece 8 again has an outer region 80 that protrudes from the insulator housing 4 through the actuation opening 40. In the embodiment of Figures 7 to 9, the side piece 8 is formed so as to at least partially or completely block the actuation opening.

Figure 11 shows the closure element 1 in the seventh embodiment, and Figure 12 shows the closure element 1 in its installed state within the insulator housing 4. It can be seen that the actuating element 41 protrudes from the insulator housing 4, and in this regard, the closure element 1 is formed such that in the installed state the actuating element 41 is enveloped by the curved portion 13 of the closure element 1.

The curved portion 13 substantially covers the outer portion of the actuation element 41 and thus protects it from being grabbed by the hand.
The closure element 1 may be formed in the second closure segment 2b in the same manner as in the embodiment described above, in particular with side pieces 8 protruding from the lid segment 9 and having respective engagement elements 7b at their free ends.

13 shows a perspective view of the conductor connection terminal block according to FIG. 12. This once again makes clear the covering function of the curved part 13 of the closure element 1 for the actuating element 41.
Figure 14 shows the closure element 1 in the eighth embodiment, and Figure 15 shows the closure element 1 mounted in the insulator housing 4. It can be seen that the actuating element 41 protrudes from the insulator housing 4. Unlike the seventh embodiment, this closure element 11 is formed in such a way that the actuating element 11 passes through the hole 12 in the closure element 1.

Figure 14 makes it clear that the closure element 1 is connected to the lid segment 9 from the connecting piece 3 via the area having the aforementioned holes 12. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the holes 12 leave only the respective relatively narrow edge pieces 15, which establish the connection between the connecting piece 3 and the lid segment 9.

Otherwise, this closure element 1 can be formed in the second connecting segment 2b in a manner equivalent to the seventh embodiment described above.
Figure 16 shows a perspective view of a conductor connection terminal block with a closure element 1 according to Figures 14 and 15. It can be seen that the actuating element 41 of the housing segment of the insulator housing 4 into which the closure element 1 is inserted is also grippable by hand. However, due to the size of the hole 12, the actual actuation of the actuating element 41 is prevented, since when it is turned it hits the cover segment 9.

1 Closure element 2a, 2b, 2c Closure segment 3 Connecting piece 4 Insulator housing 4a Base housing 4b Lid part 5a, 5b, 5c Functional opening 6 Guide contour 7a, 7b Engagement element 8 Side piece 9 Lid segment 10 Inner space of insulator housing 11 Slope segment 12 Hole 13 Curved portion 14 Separate closure element 15 Edge piece 20 First partial segment 21 Second partial segment 40 Actuation opening 41 Actuation element 80 Outer area

Claims (19)

A closure element (1) for insertion into an insulator housing (4) of a conductor connection terminal block with at least one conductor connection part, each conductor connection part being assigned at least two functional ports (5a, 5b), the closure element (1) being adapted to at least partially close at least two functional ports (5a, 5b) of the conductor connection part of the conductor connection terminal block,
A closure element (1) characterized in that at least two of the functional ports (5a, 5b) of the conductor connection terminal block are arranged on two surfaces of the insulator housing (4) of the conductor connection terminal block that are arranged at an angle to each other. The closure element (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the closure element (1) has a first closure segment (2a) and a second closure segment (2b), each of which is adapted to close one functional port (5a, 5b). A closure element (1) as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the closure element (1) is integrally formed. A closure element (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that a coding element is arranged on the closure element (1). 5. The closure element (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one piece (8) protrudes from the closure element (1) and is arranged in the internal space (10) of the insulator housing (4) in order to increase the clearance distance and/or creepage distance between two adjacent conductor connections of the conductor connection terminal block. A closure element (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the closure element (1) has engaging elements (7a, 7b) for engaging with the conductor connection terminal block. The closure element (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the closure element (1) has a first engaging element (7a), the first engaging element ( 7a ) being arranged on the first closure segment (2a). The closure element (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that the closure element (1) has a second engaging element (7b), the second engaging element ( 7b ) being arranged on the second closure segment (2b). A closure element (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the closure element (1) has a guide contour (6) for guiding the closure element (1) into the insulator housing (4). A closure element according to claim 2, characterized in that the first closure segment (2a) and the second closure segment (2b) are adapted to fit into or pass through the respective functional ports (5a, 5b). A set comprising a closure element (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10 and an insulator housing (4) for a conductor connection terminal block, wherein the insulator housing (4) has at least two functional ports (5a, 5b), and wherein the closure element (1) at least partially closes the at least two functional ports (5a, 5b). The set described in claim 11, characterized in that the closure element (1) has a first closure segment (2a) and a second closure segment (2b), each of which closes one of the functional ports (5a, 5b) of the insulator housing (4). 13. The set according to claim 12, characterized in that the insulator housing (4) has at least one conductor connection portion, which is assigned to at least two functional ports (5a, 5b), and the shape of the first closing segment (2a) and/or the shape of the second closing segment (2b) are formed to match the shape and/or positions of the at least two functional ports (5a, 5b). A set according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that the first closure segment (2a) and/or the second closure segment (2b) each penetrates one of the functional ports (5a, 5b) of the insulator housing. A set according to any one of claims 11 to 14, characterized in that the closure element (1) is arranged in the internal space (10) of the insulator housing. A set according to any one of claims 11 to 14, characterized in that at least one piece (8) is arranged on the closure element (1), which piece (8) protrudes from the insulator housing (4) in the area of the functional ports (5a, 5b) so as to increase the clearance distance and/or creepage distance of the conductor connection terminal block. A set according to any one of claims 11 to 16, characterized in that the closure element (1) is provided with engaging elements (7a, 7b), which are formed for engaging with the insulator housing (4). A set according to any one of claims 11 to 17, characterized in that the insulator housing (4) is formed as a multi-pole conductor connection terminal block with a plurality of conductor connection portions, in which one, several or all of the conductor connection portions are each assigned at least two functional ports (5a, 5b). The set described in claim 12, characterized in that the first closure segment (2a) and the second closure segment (2b) are fitted into or pass through the respective functional ports (5a, 5b).