Patent ID: 6224429
Filing Date: 2001-05-01
Classification: H01R,H02B

Abstract:
A terminal block assembly adapted for connection with a horizontal support rail (4) having a generally U-shaped cross-sectional configuration including a horizontal base portion having a pair of opposed ends, a pair of vertical leg portions (4a, 4b) extending upwardly from said base portion ends, respectively, said leg portions having upper ends, and a pair of generally horizontal flange portions (4c, 4d) extending outwardly in opposite directions from said leg portion upper ends, respectively, said flange portions having upper surfaces, respectively, comprising:(a) a generally rectangular vertically arranged terminal block housing (8) having top, bottom and end portions,(1) said housing bottom portion having a bottom wall surface containing a transverse groove (40) adapted to receive the rail when said terminal block housing is mounted transversely upon the rail, said groove having an upper horizontal wall (40a) adapted to be seated upon the rail flange upper surfaces;(2) said housing bottom portion containing a horizontal through passage (7) extending between said housing end portions adjacent and spaced vertically above said groove upper wall; and(b) means for fastening said terminal block housing to the rail, including a horizontal integral fastening member (3) mounted in said through passage, said fastening member comprising:(1) a center portion (10);(2) means (10a, 10b) connecting said center portion with said terminal block housing;(3) a pair of fastening member end portions (5, 6) slidably arranged on opposite sides of, and spaced from, said center portion, respectively, said fastening member end portions having adjacent ends including downwardly extending hook-shaped foot portions (1, 2) that extend within said groove, respectively; and(4) a pair of integral spring portions (9a, 9b) connecting said fastening member end portions for independent displacement relative to said center portion, respectively, said spring portions normally biasing said fastening member end portions from outwardly separated disengaged positions in which said locking foot portions are disengaged from said support rail inwardly toward locking positions in which said locking foot portions extend beneath the rail flanges, respectively, thereby to fasten said terminal block housing to the support rail.