Patent ID: 7683277

Claim:
A connecting element for service switching devices, which are arranged next to one another in a row and bear against one another with their broad sides, whose housings are formed in each case from two shell-like housing parts, the connecting element having an approximately cylindrical basic body having a first outer diameter, on whose front sides in each case two axially protruding first and second spreading arms which spring open radially are integrally formed, whose outer contours rest on a cylindrical outer surface, whose outer diameter is smaller than the first outer diameter of the basic body, and whose free ends have radially protruding tabs on opposite surface lines, which tabs, in the fitted state, latch in behind recesses on the housings, which are to be connected to the connecting element, of the adjacent service switching devices, wherein each case one sprung spreading element is fitted between a first and second spreading arm such that the spreading element assists in spreading the spreading arms apart such that they spring open and makes it more difficult for the first and second spreading arms to spring towards one another.