terminal block

Abstract

The invention relates to a terminal (1) having at least one spring force clamping connection (3, 4) for connecting an electrical conductor, wherein the spring force clamping connection (3, 4) has at least one clamping spring (4), wherein the terminal (1) has a housing (2) having an operating channel (20) formed in the housing (2) and a pushbutton element (5) arranged movably in longitudinal direction in the operating channel (20), which is designed for operating the clamping spring (4), wherein the pushbutton element (5) is variably lengthened.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a terminal block having at least one spring-force clamping connector for connecting an electrical conductor, wherein the spring-force clamping connector has at least one clamping spring, wherein the terminal block has: a housing having an operating channel formed therein; and a button element disposed longitudinally movable in the operating channel, the button element being configured to operate the clamping spring, wherein the button element has at least one first and a second button portion, wherein the first and a second button portions are configured as two separate components, and the first button portion is rotatably supported relative to the second button portion about a longitudinal axis. Background Technology

[0002] For example, a terminal block with push-button operation is known from DE 29 920 231 U1. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Based on the objective of this invention, a further improved terminal block with button operation is proposed.

[0004] The objective is achieved in the type of terminal block mentioned earlier by the following manner: the second button portion is guided in an operating channel in a form-fitting manner and is non-rotatable about a longitudinal axis, wherein the first button portion can rotate relative to the second button portion only in the deflected state of the button element, otherwise it is guided in an operating channel in a form-fitting manner and is non-rotatable about a longitudinal axis. This can be achieved, for example, by guiding the first button portion in an anti-rotational manner in the operating channel during the movement of the button element from a non-deflected position (initial position) to a deflected state, and then allowing it to rotate relative to the second button portion only when the deflected state is reached, in which the clamping spring deflects. In this deflected state, the form-fitting element of the first button portion, which will be described further below, can reach an overlapping position in the operating channel. For example, the second button portion can always be guided in an anti-rotational manner, and only the first button portion can have the possibility of rotation, and only in the deflected state.

[0005] In this manner, the button element as a whole can be guided in the operating channel without friction or gaps, wherein the aforementioned additional functions can be achieved through the rotatability of the first button portion.

[0006] This allows for the implementation of variable-length button elements with minimal cost and simple construction. The first button portion can be, for example, a manually operable portion operated directly by the user's hand or with the aid of a tool. The second button portion has a loading area by which the clamping spring is loaded when the button element is actuated and the clamping portion of the spring-forced connector is opened.

[0007] The aforementioned method enables the creation of a two-piece rotary button for terminal blocks. This allows for the integration of additional functions into the button element and the terminal block as a whole. For example, the described method enables the button element to be locked in the operating position.

[0008] Here, the first and second button portions can be rotatably supported about any axis in this principle. Advantageously, the first and second button portions are rotatably supported relative to each other about the longitudinal axis of the button element. In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the rotatability of the first button portion relative to the second button portion can be limited to a maximum angle, for example, a maximum angle of 45 degrees. This angular limitation of rotatability can be achieved, for example, by a mechanical stop in the coupling area between the first and second button portions and / or a mechanical stop between at least one of the button portions and a portion of the housing of the terminal block, for example, in the area of ​​the operating channel.

[0009] According to an advantageous design of the invention, the button element is configured with a variable length. Specifically, the button element can be configured with a variable length along its operating direction, along which it can move longitudinally within the operating channel. This variability in length allows for additional functional improvements to the button element, such as hinged connections between the various button portions. In particular, the variable length allows the button element to be configured with increased flexibility or elasticity over a certain length, enabling it to follow the operating channel, which is curved or bent along the operating direction, during operation. This is advantageous when the change in the length of the button element is caused by rotation of the first button portion relative to the second button portion.

[0010] According to an advantageous design of the invention, the terminal block, particularly its housing, has a first shaped-fit element in the region of the operating channel and a second shaped-fit element on the outer circumference of the first button portion. The first shaped-fit element is associated with the second shaped-fit element as a mating member, such that a shaped-fit coupling between the first and second shaped-fit elements can be established through the connection between the first and second shaped-fit elements. Accordingly, the button element can be locked at least in a specific state, such as a deflected state, in which the clamping portion of the terminal block is open. The button element is not moved back to its initial position by the restoring force of the clamping spring, but is held in its occupied position due to the shaped-fit coupling between the first and second button portions. Thus, the button element is locked in the longitudinal direction. The lock can be easily re-released by the user correspondingly continuing to rotate or rotate the first button portion back, for example, when the clamping portion should be closed.

[0011] According to an advantageous design of the invention, the form fit between the first and second form fit elements can be established by a rotational movement of the first button portion relative to the second button portion. This allows for simple operation of the button element by the user. The button element can be operated like any common button for a terminal block, wherein locking of the button element can be achieved by a simple rotational movement in a corresponding state where a form fit can be established. The rotational movement of the first button portion relative to the second button portion is preferably at an angle of 45°, wherein the angle deviation is preferably up to 10° (i.e., in the range of 35° to 55°). This allows for simple operation because the rotational movement is only performed within a relatively small angular range significantly less than 90°. Here, the form fit between the first and second form fit elements can only be established in the deflected state of the button element, that is, when the first and second form fit elements have corresponding overlapping positions.

[0012] According to an advantageous design of the invention, the first and second button portions are connected to each other via a hinge. This allows for a mechanically simple coupling between the first and second button portions, which selectively allows the aforementioned rotatability and / or additional degrees of freedom of movement between the first and second button portions, such as, for example, the pivotability of the first button portion relative to the second button portion. The first button portion may be pivotable relative to the second button portion, for example, along the longitudinal axis of the button element or along the operating direction.

[0013] According to an advantageous design of the invention, a first button portion is connected to a second button portion via a form-fit coupling. In this manner, the first and second button portions can be permanently connected to each other, preventing them from accidentally separating. Depending on the type of form-fit coupling, this can also be configured to be releasable.

[0014] According to an advantageous design according to the invention, the form-fitting coupling has a bolt / bolt receiving connection or a ball / ball socket connection. This allows for multiple degrees of freedom of movement between the first and second button portions. The bolt in the bolt / bolt receiving connection can, for example, have a cross-sectional expansion towards the free end, thus forming a mushroom-shaped structure. The bolt receiving portion can be molded as a fitting element for this configuration of the bolt, wherein the bolt receiving portion can have an excess dimension relative to the bolt along the operating direction of the button element to allow for variability in the length of the button element.

[0015] According to an advantageous design of the invention, the first and second button elements have corresponding end faces facing each other, via which an operating force can be transmitted from the first button element to the second button element when the button element is operated. In this manner, the operating force can be transmitted over a relatively large area, enabling the achievement of a small pressure per unit area. This has the advantage that the first and second button elements can, for example, be constructed as plastic components.

[0016] According to an advantageous design of the invention, the operating channel is configured in a bent and / or curved manner along the operating direction of the button element. This allows for a space-optimized construction of the terminal block. The construction of the terminal block is not limited to the operating channel having to extend in a straight line as a whole. By providing at least one bent or curved portion of the operating channel, the operating channel can, for example, be positioned particularly space-efficiently next to the wire inlet channel of the terminal block. With the advantageous construction of the button element according to the invention, the button element can operate along such a bent or curved operating channel.

[0017] According to an advantageous design of the invention, the operating channel has at least one first segment and a second segment disposed behind the first segment along the operating direction of the button element, wherein an angle is formed between the central axis of the first segment and the central axis of the second segment. Here, for example, a first button portion may be associated with the first segment of the operating channel, and a second button portion may be associated with the second segment. Correspondingly, when the button element is operated, the first button portion moves at least substantially within the first segment, and the second button element moves at least substantially within the second segment.

[0018] According to an advantageous design of the invention, the button element is flexible at at least one location, where it can deform during longitudinal movement, passing through bent and / or curved portions of the operating channel. In this manner, the button element can align very well with the bent or curved operating channel. The flexibility here relates to the possible pivoting or flipping movement of the first button portion relative to the second button portion about an axis perpendicular to the operating direction. Here, the first and second button portions can also be integrally connected to each other via a membrane hinge connection, which enables torsional movement of the button portions relative to each other about a longitudinal axis and flipping movement about a flipping axis perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

[0019] Alternatively, the first and second button portions can be manufactured as a single piece, for example, as an injection-molded part, and have a theoretical fracture point in the connection area between the first and second button portions. During a first rotational movement of the first button portion relative to the second button portion, the theoretical fracture point breaks, such that in continued use, the first and second button portions exist as separate components and can have the configuration according to the invention.

[0020] According to an advantageous design of the invention, the first button portion is shorter than the second button portion in the longitudinal or operating direction. Therefore, the first button portion can be, for example, half the length of the highest part of the second button portion in the longitudinal or operating direction. This allows for a particularly space-saving arrangement of the entire button element within the terminal block.

[0021] According to an advantageous design of the invention, the first button portion has a slit or groove on the side pointing forward from the second button portion. This has the advantage that the button element on the first button portion can be operated in a simple and reliable manner using a tool such as a screwdriver.

[0022] The aforementioned objective is achieved according to another independent aspect of the invention by a terminal block having at least one spring-forced clamping connector for connecting an electrical conductor, wherein the spring-forced clamping connector has at least one clamping spring, wherein the terminal block has: a housing having an operating channel formed therein; and a button element longitudinally movably disposed in the operating channel, the button element being configured to operate the clamping spring, wherein the button element has a first button portion and a second button portion, the second button portion being pivotable relative to the first button portion about a rotation axis, characterized in that...

[0023] - The button element is movably positioned in the operating channel along the operating direction, and

[0024] - The operating direction and the axis of rotation are mostly parallel to each other.

[0025] Therefore, the advantages mentioned above can also be achieved. The terminal block can be configured in particular according to at least one design scheme described above. The characteristic that the operating direction and the axis of rotation are mostly parallel to each other can be understood as follows: the operating direction and the axis of rotation need not necessarily be precisely parallel or coincident, but can have at least a small angular deviation from each other, for example, an angular deviation of up to 10 degrees or up to 5 degrees.

[0026] Within the scope of this invention, the indefinite article “a” is not to be understood as a numeral. Thus, if, for example, a component is mentioned, it is interpreted in the sense of “at least one component,” provided that the angle is described in degrees, which refers to a circumference of 360 degrees (360°). Attached Figure Description

[0027] The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. The drawings show:

[0028] Figures 1 to 2 A cross-sectional view of a portion of a terminal block with a push-button element is shown.

[0029] Figures 3 to 5 A perspective view of the button element is shown, and

[0030] Figure 6 Showing according to Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of the button component, and

[0031] Figure 7 Showing according to Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the button component, and

[0032] Figure 8 A perspective view of the first button portion is shown, and

[0033] Figure 9 A partial perspective view of the second button portion is shown, and

[0034] Figure 10-11 The terminal block is shown in Figures 1 to 2 The top view of the portion shown in the image, facing the opening into which the wire is introduced, and

[0035] Figure 12 A side view of the entire terminal block is shown.

[0036] The reference numerals used in the accompanying drawings have the following relationships:

[0037] 1. Terminal block

[0038] 2. Shell

[0039] 3 busbars

[0040] 4. Clamping spring

[0041] 5. Button Components

[0042] 20 Operation Channels

[0043] 21. First section of the operating channel

[0044] 22. Second section of the operating channel

[0045] 23. Wire introduction channel

[0046] 24 First shape-fitting element

[0047] 41. Lean against the leg.

[0048] 42 Spring Bow

[0049] 43. Clasp your legs together.

[0050] 51 First button section

[0051] 52 Second button section

[0052] 53 Hinges

[0053] 54 Slit

[0054] 55 bolts

[0055] 56 Bolt Receiving Section

[0056] 57 Second Shape Fitting Components

[0057] 58 shoulder

[0058] 59 recess

[0059] 60 end face

[0060] 61 End face

[0061] 62 Loading Area

[0062] B Operation Direction

[0063] A. Rotation axis Detailed Implementation

[0064] exist Figure 1 The terminal block 1 is partially shown. The terminal block 1 has a housing 2, such as an insulating material housing. An operating channel 20 is formed within the housing 2, in which a push-button element 5, longitudinally movable in the operating direction B, is provided. Adjacent to the operating channel 20, the housing 2 has a wire introduction channel 23 in which a wire can be guided to the clamping portion of the terminal block 1. A busbar 3 and a clamping spring 4 are present in the housing 2 as components for spring force clamping the connection. The clamping spring 4 has a contact leg 41, a spring bow 42, and a clamping leg 43. Here, the clamping portion is formed between the clamping leg 43 and a portion of the busbar 3. The clamping spring is supported via the contact leg 41 relative to the clamping force applied to the wire at the clamping portion. The contact leg 41 can, for example, be fixed to or abutted against the busbar 3.

[0065] The operation channel 20 has a first section 21 and a second section 22 disposed behind the first section 21 along the operation direction B of the button element 5. It can be seen that the operation channel 20 does not extend in a straight line, but is bent in the transition section from the first section 21 to the second section 22.

[0066] The button element 5 is used to operate the clamping spring 4. If the button element 5 is manually applied with an operating force from the outside of the terminal 1, the operating force is transmitted to the clamping leg 43 of the clamping spring 4 via the loading area 62 at the button element 5. The clamping leg 43 deflects in the aforementioned manner, thereby opening the clamping portion. Figure 1 This shows the state of button element 5 when it is not in operation. Figure 2 The state of the operated button element 5 is shown, with the clamping leg 43 deflected downwards.

[0067] The button element 5 is constructed in at least two parts, namely, having a first button portion 51 and a second button portion 52. The first button portion 51 and the second button portion 52 are hingedly connected to each other via a hinge 53. The hinged connection between the first button portion 51 and the second button portion 52 also has a certain gap along the operating direction B, such that the length of the button element 5 is variable along said direction. It can be seen that... Figure 1 In the inactive state, the button element is more active than in the inactive state. Figure 2 The operation state is slightly longer.

[0068] The button element 15 has, for example, a slit 54 or groove on the outward side of the first button portion 51, which is used to operate the button element 5 by means of a tool.

[0069] Figures 3 to 5 The button element 5 is shown in different operating states. Figure 3 In this configuration, the first button portion 51 is not yet connected to the second button portion 52. It is evident that the first button portion 51 has a protruding latch 55. The latch 55 is associated with a latch receiving portion 56 in the second button portion 52. If the first button portion 51 is connected to the second button portion 52, as in... Figure 4As shown, the plug 55 sinks into the plug receiving portion 56 and forms a form-fit coupling between the first and second button portions 51, 52. The plug 55 may have a mushroom-shaped form, allowing it to be engaged in the plug receiving portion 56 by a certain excess size. The first button portion 51 is connected to the second button portion 52 in such a way that the first button portion cannot be undesirably released from the second button portion. With increased force consumption, the first button portion 51 can also be separated from the second button portion 52 again. The form-fit coupling between the first button portion 51 and the second button portion 52 not only allows for a certain lateral pivoting of the first button portion 51 relative to the second portion 52, but also allows for rotational movement of the first button portion 51 relative to the second button portion 52 about the rotation axis A. Figure 5 Showing relative to Figure 4 The button portion 5 of the first rotating part 51 that rotates slightly around the rotation axis A.

[0070] exist Figure 4 and 5 The cross-sectional plane S is drawn in the middle. Figure 6 and 7 The button element is shown in cross-sectional view in section plane S.

[0071] With the help of Figure 6 and 7 The side sectional view of button element 5 illustrates other aspects of the mobility of the first button portion 51 relative to the second button portion 52. It can be seen that the first button portion 51 has a shoulder 58 on the side facing the second button portion 52. The second button portion 52 has a recess 59 at the upper end of the bolt receiving portion 56, the recess being sized and shaped to accommodate the shoulder 58. Figure 4 and 7 In the first rotated position of the first button portion 51 relative to the second button portion 52, the shoulder 58 does not sink into the recess 59 because the shape of the shoulder 58 and the recess 59 is obstructed in the first rotated position. The shoulder 58 of the first button portion 51 rests flat on the end face 61 of the second button portion 52 facing the first button portion. In this state, the button element 5 is more... Figure 5 and 6 The state shown is longer. Figure 5 and 6 In the middle, the first button part 1 rotates slightly around the rotation axis A, so that the shoulder 58 can be pressed into the recess 59 and sink into it.

[0072] Figure 8 The shoulder 58 and the bolt 55 are illustrated exemplary in a view of the first button portion 51 with good visibility towards the second button portion 52. Figure 9 As shown, the bolt receiving portion 56 is wider in the upper region where the recess 59 is located and its shape is basically matched to the shape of the shoulder 58.

[0073] Furthermore, the end face 60 of the first button portion 51 and the end face 61 of the second button portion 52 are visible. When the first button portion 51 and the second button portion 52 are connected, the end faces face each other.

[0074] With the help of Figure 10 and 11 The view details the operation of button element 5 when the clamping part is opened and when it is locked onto housing 2. Figure 10 Corresponding to in Figure 1 The state shown in the image, Figure 11 Corresponding to in Figure 2 The state is shown in the figure. Observe from the side where the terminal 1 is located, the entrance to the operation channel 20 and the entrance to the wire introduction channel 23 are located respectively.

[0075] Based on Figure 1 and 10 The button element 5 shown is in an inactive state. Now, the button element 5 is subjected to an operating force, which acts on the first button portion 51. This causes the button element 5 to be further pressed into the operating channel 20, thereby deflecting the clamping leg 43. If a specific operating state is reached, such as the maximum insertion of the button element 5, then in order to lock the button element 5 approximately in said position, the first button portion 51 rotates by a certain angle about the rotation axis A. Here, the second form-fitting element 57 formed on the first button portion 51 engages with the first form-fitting element 24 formed on the housing 2, for example, engaging with a side recess in the operating channel 20. This locks the operating position of the button element 5. However, if the operating force is removed, the button element 5 remains in said operating position. Due to the rotation of the first button portion 51, as in Figure 6 As shown, the shoulder 58 is now also recessed into the recess 59.

[0076] If the locked button element 5 is to be released again, then the first button portion 51 simply rotates again in the opposite direction of rotation until it at least approximately reaches the... Figure 10 The position shown in the diagram. Then, the button element 5 can be moved back again by the restoring force of the clamping leg 43, as shown in the diagram. Figure 1 In the original location shown. As from Figure 10 It can be concluded that, in the top view facing the end side 61 of the second button portion 52, the outline of the first button portion 51 is set within the outline of the second button portion 52, so that the button element 5 can move freely in the operation channel 20.

[0077] Figure 12 A complete terminal block 1 is shown, which may, for example, have multiple such spring-force clamping connectors and button elements 5. Exemplarily shown, the button element 5 visible on the left is actuated, while the button element 5 shown on the right is not actuated.

Claims

1. Terminal (1) having at least one spring force clamping connection (3, 4) for connecting an electrical conductor, wherein the spring force clamping connection (3, 4) has at least one clamping spring (4), wherein the terminal (1) has a housing (2) having an operating channel (20) formed in the housing (2) and a pushbutton element (5) which is arranged in the operating channel (20) in a longitudinally movable manner and which is designed for operating the clamping spring (4), wherein the pushbutton element (5) has at least a first and a second pushbutton part (51, 52), wherein the first and the second pushbutton part (51, 52) are designed as two separate components, and wherein the first pushbutton part (51) is rotatably supported relative to the second pushbutton part (52) about a longitudinal axis (A), characterized in that the second pushbutton part (52) is guided in the operating channel (20) in a form-fitting and non-rotatable manner about the longitudinal axis (A), wherein the first pushbutton part (51) is rotatable relative to the second pushbutton part (52) only in a deflected state of the pushbutton element (5) and is otherwise guided in the operating channel (20) in a form-fitting and non-rotatable manner about the longitudinal axis (A).

2. Terminal according to Claim 1, characterized in that the pushbutton element (5) is designed in a variable length.

3. Terminal (1) according to Claim 2, characterized in that a change in the length of the pushbutton element (5) is brought about by a rotational movement of the first pushbutton part (51) relative to the second pushbutton part (52).

4. Terminal according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing (2) has a first form-fitting element (24) in the region of the operating channel (20) and the first pushbutton part (51) has a second form-fitting element (57) on the outer circumference, which is associated with the first form-fitting element (24) as a counter-element, such that a form-fitting coupling is established between the first pushbutton part (51) and the operating channel (20) by the connection of the first form-fitting element (24) and the second form-fitting element (57).

5. Terminal according to Claim 4, characterized in that the form-fitting between the first form-fitting element (24) and the second form-fitting element (57) can be established by a rotational movement of the first pushbutton part (51) relative to the second pushbutton part (52).

6. Terminal according to Claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the form-fitting between the first form-fitting element (24) and the second form-fitting element (57) can be established only in a deflected state of the pushbutton element (5).

7. Terminal according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first and the second pushbutton part (51, 52) are connected to one another via a hinge (53). ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 8. Terminal according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first button part (51) is connected to the second button part (52) via a form-fit coupling.

9. Terminal according to claim 8, characterized in that the form-fit coupling has a peg-peg receptacle connection or a ball-socket connection (55, 56).

10. Terminal according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first button part (51) and the second button part (52) have respective end faces (60, 61) facing each other via which an operating force can be transmitted from the first button part (51) to the second button part (52) when the button element (5) is operated.

11. Terminal according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the operating channel (20) is configured in a kinked and / or curved manner in the operating direction (B) of the button element (5).

12. Terminal according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the operating channel (20) has at least one first section (21) and a second section (22) arranged behind the first section (21) in the operating direction (B) of the button element (5), wherein an angle is formed between the center axis of the first section (21) and the center axis of the second section (22).

13. Terminal according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the button element (5) has a flexibility at at least one location at which the button element (5) can be deformed when moved in a longitudinal direction in which the button element (5) passes through the kinked and / or curved portion of the operating channel (20).

14. Terminal according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that - the button element (5) is arranged movably in the operating channel (20) in an operating direction (B), and - the operating direction (B) and the axis of rotation (A) are oriented mostly parallel to each other.

15. Terminal according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in a deflected state of the button element (5), the clamping spring (4) is deflected by the button element (5) and in turn opens the clamping site of the spring force clamping connection.

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