Connection device, connection terminal, and electronic device

Abstract

The invention relates to a connection device (100) for connecting an electrical conductor (300), having a current bar (110), a clamping spring (111) having a holding arm (112) and a clamping arm (113), wherein the conductor (300) to be connected is clamped relative to the current bar (110) in a clamped position of the clamping spring (111) by means of the clamping arm (113), and a handling element (115) by means of which the clamping spring (111) can be transferred from the clamped position into an open position, wherein the handling element (115) is held in position in the open position of the clamping spring (111) by means of the current bar (110) in order to hold the clamping spring (111) in the open position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a connection device for connecting electrical conductors, the device having a current bar, a clamping spring having a holding arm and a clamping arm, wherein the conductor to be connected is clamped relative to the current bar in a clamped position by means of the clamping arm, and the connection device having an actuating element by means of which the clamping spring can be moved from the clamped position to an open position. The invention also relates to a connection terminal and an electronic device. Background Technology

[0002] Such connecting devices typically have a clamping spring configured as a clamping arm, which has a retaining arm and a clamping arm, wherein a conductor introduced into the connecting device can be clamped to the current bar by means of the clamping arm of the clamping spring. If clamping a particularly flexible conductor, the clamping spring must be moved to the open position and thus manipulated by an actuating element before the conductor is inserted, so that the clamping spring or clamping arm pivots away from the current bar, thereby allowing the conductor to be inserted into the intermediate space between the current bar and the clamping spring, which constitutes a conductor connection chamber. Only in the case of a rigid and therefore stable conductor can the conductor apply sufficient force to the clamping spring or the clamping arm of the clamping spring to pivot the clamping arm away from the current bar without requiring the user to manipulate the actuating element. In the case of a flexible conductor, the user must first swing the clamping spring away from the current bar by manipulating the actuating element to insert the flexible conductor. Here, the actuating element typically presses against the clamping arm of the clamping spring to pivot the clamping arm away from the current bar and release the conductor connection chamber. Then, the operating elements are mostly held manually in the open position until the flexible conductor is introduced into the connection chamber and can be clamped relative to the current bar. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide a connection device, a connection terminal, and an electronic device, wherein the operation for the user can be simplified when connecting conductors, particularly flexible conductors.

[0004] According to the invention, this objective is achieved using the features of the independent claim. Advantageous embodiments and improvements of the invention are given in the dependent claims.

[0005] The connecting device according to the invention is characterized in that the operating element is held in the open position of the clamping spring by means of an electric current bar so as to hold the clamping spring in the open position.

[0006] According to the present invention, in the open position of the clamping spring, the operating element is engaged with the current bar, thereby holding the operating element in a fixed position relative to the current bar. By engaging the operating element with the current bar in the open position of the clamping spring, relative movement between the operating element and the current bar, as well as between the operating element and the clamping spring in this open position, can be prevented. By holding the operating element in a fixed position, the clamping spring can be reliably held in the open position, thereby allowing for easy insertion of the conductor to be connected. By holding the operating element in a fixed and thus stable position by means of the current bar, it is no longer necessary to manually hold the operating element in said position. This allows the user to operate the connecting device more easily, especially with one hand, so that conductors, especially flexible conductors, can be connected simply and reliably. The holding of the operating element on the current bar can be achieved through a form-locking and / or force-locking connection between the current bar and the operating element when the clamping spring is in the open position.

[0007] To keep the operating element in a fixed position relative to the current bar, the operating element can be tensioned and / or locked onto the current bar in the open position of the clamping spring.

[0008] The tensioning or locking mechanism can be configured, for example, by establishing a locking connection between the operating element and the current bar when the clamping spring is in the open position. Once the operating element moves to the open position, the operating element can lock onto the current bar, thereby holding the operating element in a fixed and stable position against the pressure exerted on it by the clamping spring through this locking connection.

[0009] To form a locking connection, the actuating element can have a locking edge, by means of which the actuating element can lock onto the current bar, particularly the contact section of the current bar, in the open position of the clamping spring. By the pressure applied to the actuating element by the clamping spring, particularly by the clamping arm of the clamping spring, in the open position of the clamping spring, the actuating element can be tensioned and locked relative to the current bar, particularly relative to the contact section of the current bar, by its locking edge, and the conductor to be connected is clamped to the contact section in the clamping position of the clamping spring. The locking edge of the actuating element can, for example, lock or tension on the edge surface of the contact section of the current bar.

[0010] The control element is preferably supported in a movable manner. The control element can be configured as a sliding element.

[0011] To facilitate the movement of the clamping spring from the clamped position to the open position, the actuating element is preferably guided along a first actuating direction pointing axially and a second actuating direction oriented transversely to the first actuating direction. Therefore, the actuating element can be guided along both actuating directions to actuate the clamping spring. To move the clamping spring from the clamped position or initial position to the open position, the actuating element can be guided first along the first actuating direction and then along the second actuating direction. If the clamping spring is to be moved from the open position to the clamped position or initial position, the movement of the actuating element can be reversed by first guiding it along the second actuating direction and then along the first actuating direction. Axial movement of the actuating element is achieved not only when moving along the first actuating direction but also when moving along the second actuating direction. The first actuating direction preferably extends transversely to the insertion direction of the conductor to be connected. The second actuating direction preferably extends parallel to the insertion direction of the conductor to be connected. Movement of the actuating element along the second actuating direction preferably achieves locking / tensioning of the actuating element on the current bar or releases the locking / tensioning of the actuating element and the current bar. When the actuating element moves along the first actuating direction, it is preferable to perform actual actuation of the clamping spring or the clamping arm of the clamping spring in order to move it to the open position or the clamping position.

[0012] The manipulation of the control element can be achieved, for example, manually by a user. To allow for manual manipulation, the control element may have a gripping surface. The gripping surface is preferably constructed on the outer surface of the control element.

[0013] Additionally or alternatively, the actuating element may have a tool engagement opening for actuating the actuating element with the aid of a tool, such as a screwdriver. A tool introduced into the tool engagement opening can guide the actuating element along a first actuating direction and a second actuating direction.

[0014] Additionally or alternatively, a release element may be provided, by which the operating element can be actuated. The release element is preferably part of the connecting device and can be movably guided relative to the operating element so as to release the operating element, particularly from its holding position with the current bar. The release element may have an abutment surface by which it can press against the operating element, and thus apply pressure to the operating element to disengage it from the current bar. Once the operating element is disengaged from the current bar, the operating element can be moved back by pressure applied to it by the clamping arm of the clamping spring, thereby moving the clamping spring from the open position to the clamped position. Viewed in the conductor insertion direction, the release element is preferably positioned above the operating element so that it can press against the operating element from above to release the operating element from its engagement with the current bar. The operating direction of the release element is preferably oriented at an angle to the conductor insertion direction or the two operating directions of the operating element, particularly at an angle between 20° and 70°. Through this angular positioning, the release element can be tilted against the operating element. The release element may be configured as a pin, for example. The release element may be operated manually or by means of a tool.

[0015] In addition to its original function of releasing the connection between the current bar and the operating element, the release element can also function as a status indicator, indicating the clamping and open positions of the clamping spring. Based on the position of the release element, the user can externally identify whether the clamping spring is in the clamped or open position. If the operating element is engaged with the current bar, and therefore the clamping spring is in the open position, the release element can protrude from the connecting device with an end section, which, when visible to the user from the outside, signals the open position of the clamping spring. If the end section is no longer visible from the outside, it signals the clamping position of the clamping spring. The end section of the release element can, for example, be formed by the gripping area of ​​the release element.

[0016] The release element can be operatively connected to the spring element and thus spring-loaded. When the actuating element is operated to move the clamping spring from the clamped or initial position to the open position, the actuating element can press against the release element and cause the release element to move away in the opposite direction of operation. During this movement of the release element against its operating direction, the spring element can be tensioned, thereby pre-tensioning the release element in the open position of the clamping spring. If the clamping spring is to be moved from the open position to the clamped position, the release element is operated in the operating direction of the release element, wherein, by means of the spring force of the spring element, the release element can act on the actuating element with increased pressure so as to disengage the actuating element from the current bar. Here, the spring element can be arranged such that the pressure of the spring element acts parallel to the operating direction of the release element.

[0017] The connecting device may also have a pivotally supported trigger element that engages with the operating element in the open position of the clamping spring. The trigger element is operable via the conductor to be connected, thereby allowing the operating element to be released from a holding position with the current bar. The holding position is one in which the operating element is held in place by means of the current bar to hold the clamping spring in the open position. The trigger element enables tool-free connection of conductors with small cross-sections, particularly flexible conductors. The trigger element may have a pressing surface, which can be operated via the conductor to be connected to move the clamping spring from the open position to the clamping position. Operating the pressing surface can pivot a release element relative to the operating element, thereby causing movement of the operating element along its second operating direction, which disengages the operating element from the current bar. The trigger element, and particularly its pressing surface, is preferably arranged in the insertion area of ​​the conductor insertion connecting device and thus in the extension of the conductor insertion opening in the housing of the connecting terminal, so that the conductor can contact the pressing surface of the trigger element when inserted into the connecting device. By applying pressure to the compression surface via a conductor, the trigger element can be positioned in a pivoting or tilting motion in the insertion direction of the conductor. This allows the trigger element to pivot or tilt relative to the operating element, particularly relative to the trigger protrusion of the operating element, in the insertion direction of the conductor. Through the pivoting motion of the trigger element relative to the trigger protrusion of the operating element, the operating element can be positioned to disengage from and release from the current bar, allowing the operating element, and consequently the clamping spring, to move from the open position to the clamped position without manual assistance. This special mechanism allows conductors, especially those with small cross-sections and / or flexible conductors, to be connected particularly easily solely by the insertion motion of the conductor, without the user needing to manipulate other components of the connection device, such as the operating element itself, to release the clamping spring and move it from the clamped position to the open position. This simplifies the operation of the connection device and saves time when connecting conductors. Therefore, in the open position of the clamping spring, the tension or locking of the operating element and the current bar can be released or released by the conductor itself to be connected. The trigger element is preferably configured so wide that it completely covers the conductor connection chamber in the insertion direction, thereby ensuring that even conductors with very small conductor cross-sections will encounter the pressing surface of the trigger element when inserted into the conductor connection chamber, and enabling the trigger element to pivot.

[0018] The actuating element may have at least one actuating arm and at least one connecting section arranged transversely to the actuating arm. An actuating surface may be constructed on the at least one actuating arm, which can cooperate with the clamping arm of a clamping spring for actuating the clamping spring. The at least one actuating arm can be used for direct cooperation with the clamping spring, particularly with the clamping arm of the clamping spring. All actuating surfaces or actuating elements for actuating the actuating element can be arranged on the connecting section. For example, a gripping surface and / or tool engagement opening may be formed on the connecting section. Furthermore, a trigger protrusion may be constructed at the connecting section. The at least one actuating arm may laterally restrict the conductor connection chamber, thereby preventing incorrect insertion of the conductor to be connected.

[0019] The actuating element may also have two actuating arms connected to each other by a connecting section. The actuating element can then have a U-shaped cross-section. The actuating element may include a first actuating arm and a second actuating arm spaced apart from the first actuating arm. These two actuating arms are preferably oriented parallel to each other. A free space is formed between the two actuating arms, into which the conductor to be connected can be introduced and guided towards the triggering element. The conductor connection chamber formed between the current bar and the clamping spring can be laterally defined by the first and second actuating arms, allowing the actuating arms to guide the conductor to be connected and preventing lateral displacement of the conductor. Both actuating arms can simultaneously cooperate with the clamping arm of the clamping spring, such that the first actuating arm has a first actuating surface and the second actuating arm has a second actuating surface for actuating the clamping arm of the clamping spring.

[0020] The clamping arm of the clamping spring may have a clamping tongue and at least one side tongue disposed on the side of the clamping tongue. The at least one side tongue may cooperate with at least one actuating arm to actuate the clamping spring or its clamping arm. A clamping edge may be constructed on the free end of the clamping tongue for clamping the conductor to be connected relative to the current bar in the clamped position. By means of the at least one side tongue, pressure can be applied from the clamping arm of the clamping spring to the actuating element in the open position of the clamping spring, which can keep the actuating element engaged with the current bar. The at least one side tongue is preferably curved, thereby constituting a skid that can slide along the actuating surface of the at least one actuating arm of the actuating element when the clamping spring is transferred to the open and clamped positions.

[0021] If the actuating element has two actuating arms, the clamping arm preferably also has two side tongues, wherein the two side tongues can be respectively formed on the side of the clamping tongue of the clamping arm. The clamping tongue is arranged between the two side tongues. The two side tongues preferably have direct contact with the actuating element, so that the clamping spring can be actuated by means of the actuating element through the two side tongues of the clamping arm. Preferably, the clamping tongue does not have direct contact with the actuating element, but is only used to clamp the conductor relative to the current bar in the clamping position.

[0022] To achieve particularly stable positioning of the clamping spring within the connecting device, the clamping spring can be secured to the current bar via its retaining arm. By securing the clamping spring to the current bar via its retaining arm, undesirable tilting of the clamping spring can be prevented. The retaining arm can be secured to the current bar, for example, via a locking connection or riveting.

[0023] The current bar may have a through hole through which the conductor to be connected can be guided into the conductor connection chamber.

[0024] The current bar may have multiple sub-segments, and the current bar may also have contact segments and holding segments.

[0025] The clamping section can be used to connect conductors in such a way that the conductor to be connected can be clamped relative to the contact section of the current bar by means of the clamping arm of the clamping spring. The contact section can extend parallel to the insertion direction of the conductor to be connected. The actuating element is preferably engaged with the current bar in the area of ​​the contact section so as to keep the clamping spring in the open position.

[0026] The retaining arm of the clamping spring can be fixed to the retaining section of the current bar, which serves to secure the clamping spring to the current bar. A through-hole can also be designed in the fixing section of the current bar, allowing the conductor to be connected to be introduced into the conductor connection chamber.

[0027] Furthermore, the objective according to the invention is achieved by means of a connecting terminal, particularly a series terminal, having a housing and at least one connecting device arranged in the housing, constructed and improved as described above.

[0028] The housing can be provided with a conductor insertion opening, which is aligned with the conductor connection chamber of the connecting device. The conductor to be connected can be inserted into the housing and the connecting device through the conductor insertion opening. In particular, when configured as a series terminal that can be locked onto a support rail, two such connecting devices can also be arranged in one housing.

[0029] Furthermore, the objective according to the invention is achieved by means of an electronic device having at least one connection device constructed and improved as described above and / or at least one connection terminal constructed and improved as described above. The electronic device may be, for example, a switch cabinet in which one or more support rails or mounting plates may be provided, and multiple connection terminals, particularly series terminals, with corresponding connection devices can be secured to the support rails or mounting plates. Attached Figure Description

[0030] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and preferred embodiments.

[0031] The attached figure shows

[0032] Figure 1 A schematic perspective view of the connecting terminal, in the initial or clamped position of the clamping spring, according to the present invention, is shown.

[0033] Figure 2 This shows the clamping spring in its initial or clamped position. Figure 1 Another schematic diagram of the connection terminals shown.

[0034] Figure 3 It shows Figure 2 A schematic cross-sectional view of the connection terminals shown.

[0035] Figure 4 This shows the clamping spring in the open position. Figure 1 The schematic diagram of the connection terminals shown is as follows.

[0036] Figure 5 The image shows the clamping spring in the open position. Figure 4 The diagram shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the connection terminals together with the introduced conductor.

[0037] Figure 6 It shows Figures 1 to 5 The schematic cross-sectional view shown has the connection terminals of the connected conductors.

[0038] Figure 7 It shows Figure 1 The diagram shows the connection terminal rotated 90°, and...

[0039] Figure 8 It shows Figure 1 The diagram shows the connection terminal rotated to another angle. Detailed Implementation

[0040] Figures 1 to 8The diagram shows connection terminals 200 with housing 210, and connection devices 100 for connecting conductors 300 arranged inside the housing. Housing 210 may be made of insulating material, especially plastic material. Connection devices 100 are arranged in the internal space of housing 210.

[0041] The connecting device 100 has a current bar 110 and a clamping spring 111, wherein the conductor 300 to be connected can be electrically clamped relative to the current bar 110 by means of the clamping spring 111, for example in Figure 6 As shown in the image.

[0042] The clamping spring 111 is constructed as a clamping arm spring. The clamping spring 111 has a retaining arm 112 and a clamping arm 113. The retaining arm 112 and the clamping arm 113 are connected to each other via an arcuate section 114. The retaining arm 112 is arranged in a fixed position within the housing 110, which, in the design shown here, is achieved by fixing the retaining arm 112 to the current bar 110. The clamping arm 113 is pivotable relative to the retaining arm 112, thereby allowing the clamping spring 111 to be shifted and positioned according to the position of the clamping arm 113. Figure 4 and Figure 5 In the opening position shown, and as Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 6 In the initial position or clamping position shown.

[0043] To move the clamping spring 111 from the initial position or the clamping position to the open position, the connecting device 100 has an actuating element 115. The actuating element 115 is slidably disposed in the housing 210 of the connecting terminal 200.

[0044] In the configuration shown here, the actuating element 115 has two actuating arms 116a and 116b and a connecting section 117, wherein the two actuating arms 116a and 116b are connected to each other via the connecting section 117. The two actuating arms 116a and 116b extend parallel to each other. A free space 118 is formed between the two actuating arms 116a and 116b, into which the conductor 300 to be connected can be inserted, such that the two actuating arms 116a and 116b can form lateral boundaries for the conductor 300 to be connected. Due to the two actuating arms 116a and 116b and the connecting section 117 connecting the two actuating arms 116a and 116b, the actuating element 115 has a U-shape.

[0045] The two control arms 116a and 116b each have control surfaces 119a and 119b, through which the clamping arm 113 of the clamping spring 111 can be manipulated to move the clamping spring 111 to the open position. The two control surfaces 119a and 119b extend parallel to each other. The control surfaces 119a and 119b are formed on the edge surface of one of the control arms 116a and 116b.

[0046] The clamping arm 113 of the clamping spring 111 has a clamping tongue 120 and two side tongues 121a and 121b disposed on the side of the clamping tongue 120. The first side tongue 121a interacts with the first operating arm 116a, and the second side tongue 121b interacts with the second operating arm 116b, so as to move the clamping spring 111 to the open position and hold it in the open position.

[0047] Preferably, the clamping tongue 120 does not contact the operating element 115, but rather the clamping tongue 120 is used to clamp the conductor 300 relative to the current bar 110. For this purpose, the clamping tongue 120 has a clamping edge 122 at its free end, which allows the clamping tongue 120 to clamp the conductor 300 to be connected relative to the current bar 110, such as... Figure 6 As shown. The clamping tongue 120 has a longer length than the two side tongues 121a, 121b provided on the sides of the clamping tongue 120, such that the clamping tongue 120 protrudes beyond the two side tongues 121a, 121b. The two side tongues 121a, 121b are respectively curved, so that the two side tongues 121a, 121b can slide along the operating surfaces 119a, 119b of the operating arms 116a, 116b of the operating element 115 when operated by the operating element 115.

[0048] In order to keep the clamping spring 111 in the open position without manual assistance, the operating element 115 can be held in the open position of the clamping spring 111 by means of the current bar 110. The operating element 115 can be tensioned or locked by the current bar 110 in the open position of the clamping spring 111. For this purpose, a locking connection 123 can be established between the operating element 115 and the current bar 110 in the open position of the clamping spring 111.

[0049] To establish the locking connection 123, locking edges 124a and 124b can be constructed on the actuating element 115. These locking edges can lock or tension with the current bar 110, for example, in... Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 4As can be seen in the diagram. Not only can a locking edge 124a be constructed on the first operating arm 116a, but a locking edge 124b can also be constructed on the second operating arm 116b, so that in the open position of the clamping spring 111, the operating element 115 can be locked or tensioned onto the current bar by its two operating arms 116a, 116b. The locking edges 124a, 124b can preferably extend parallel to the insertion direction E of the conductor 300, such as... Figures 1 to 8 As seen in the image, the locking edges 124a and 124b can be constructed in a concave manner.

[0050] To form the locking connection 123, the actuating element 115 is guided along an axially pointing first actuating direction B1 and an axially pointing second actuating direction B2. The second actuating direction B2 extends laterally relative to the first actuating direction B1, i.e., at a 90° angle. The second actuating direction B2 extends parallel to the insertion direction E of the conductor 300. The first actuating direction B1 extends laterally to the insertion direction E of the conductor 300.

[0051] To move the clamping spring 111 from its initial or clamped position to its open position, the operating element 115 is first moved along the operating direction B1. This causes the operating element 115, via its operating arms 116a and 116b, to pivot the clamping arm 113 of the clamping spring 111 away from the current bar 110, thereby releasing the conductor connection chamber 125 formed between the clamping arm 113 and the current bar 110. To further secure the clamping spring 111 with the operating element 115 and thus autonomously retain it in the open position, the operating element 115 is then moved along the second operating direction B2, where it moves in the opposite direction to the insertion direction E, until the operating element 115 engages or tensions with its locking edges 124a and 124b on the current bar 110. In this tensioned or locked position, the clamping arm 113 applies pressure DS to the operating element 115 or its operating arms 116a and 116b via its side tongues 120a and 120b, thereby tensioning the operating element 115 relative to the current bar 110 via its locking edges 124a and 124b. The pressure DS of the side tongues 120a and 120b acts transversely to the insertion direction E on the operating element 115.

[0052] To release the locking connection 123 so that the clamping spring 111 can move from the open position to the clamped position or the initial position, the operating element 115 is first moved along the second operating direction B2, thereby releasing the locking connection 123 and the operating element 115 is no longer held on the current bar 110. Immediately afterwards, the operating element 115 can be moved back along the first operating direction B1 by the pressure DS acting on the operating element 115, thereby allowing the clamping arm 113 to pivot toward the current bar 110 and, for example, to clamp the conductor 300 introduced into the conductor connection chamber 125 relative to the current bar 110.

[0053] The manipulation element 115 can be operated in different ways and methods. Figures 1 to 8 All possibilities are shown in the connection terminal 200 shown here, but the connection terminal 200 or the connection device 100 need not include all of these possibilities.

[0054] For example, the control element 115 may have a gripping surface 126 via which a user can manually operate the control element 115 to guide the control element 115 along a first operation direction B1 and a second operation direction B2. The gripping surface 126 is formed on the outer surface of the control element 115. The gripping surface 126 is formed on the connecting section 117 of the control element 115.

[0055] Furthermore, the actuating element 115 shown here has a tool engagement opening 127, as in Figure 4 The tool 400 shown can be inserted into the tool engagement opening to manipulate the actuating element 115. The tool engagement opening 127 is formed at the connection section 117 of the actuating element 115.

[0056] In addition, the connection device 100 may include a release element 128, such as Figures 1 to 8 As shown. The release element 128 is movable relative to the control element 115 in the operation direction BL so as to operate the control element 115 and, in particular, release it from the holding position with the current bar 110.

[0057] The release element 128 includes an abutment surface 129 at one end, through which the release element 128 can apply pressure to the operating element 115 in the operating direction BL to release the operating element 115 from the holding position with the current bar 110. The operating direction BL is here configured at an angle between 20° and 70° relative to the two operating directions B1 and B2 of the operating element 115, such that the release element 128 impacts the operating element 115 obliquely with its abutment surface 129 to operate the operating element 115.

[0058] The release element 128 is guided in the guide channel 212 formed on the housing 210 of the connection terminal 200.

[0059] The release element 128 may have a pin shape, at least in cross-section.

[0060] The release element 128 can be operated manually or by means of a tool. In order to operate the release element 128, the release element 128 may include a gripping area 130 at the end section opposite the abutment surface 129.

[0061] In addition to manipulating the control element 115, the release element 128 can form a status indicator element that can indicate to the user, outside the connection terminal 200, the clamping position and open position of the clamping spring 111. If the control element 115 engages with the current bar 110 and therefore the clamping spring 111 is in the open position, the release element 128 can protrude from the connection device 100 and from the housing 210 of the connection terminal 200 through its gripping area 130, as shown below. Figure 4 As shown, the gripping area 130, visible to the user from the outside, can be signaled to indicate the open position of the clamping spring 111. If the gripping area 130 is no longer visible from the outside, for example in… Figure 6 As shown in the figure, the clamping position of the clamping spring 111 is notified by a signal.

[0062] The release element 128 is operatively connected to and spring-loaded by the spring element 131 disposed in the housing 210. When the actuating element 115 is actuated to move the clamping spring 111 from the clamped or initial position to the open position, the actuating element 115 can press against the release element 128 and move the release element 128 in the opposite actuating direction BL. During this movement of the release element 128 against its actuating direction BL, the spring element 131 can be tensioned, so that the release element 128 can be pre-tensioned in the open position of the clamping spring 111. If the clamping spring 111 is to be moved from the open position to the clamped position, the release element 128 is actuated in the actuating direction BL, wherein the pressure DF of the spring element 131 causes the release element 128 to act on the actuating element 115 with increased force so that the actuating element 115 can disengage from the current bar 110. The spring element 131 is arranged such that the pressure DF of the spring element 131 acts parallel to the actuating direction BL of the release element 128.

[0063] The connecting device 100 also has a trigger element 132. The trigger element 132 is pivotally supported about the rotation axis 133.

[0064] The trigger element 132 has a pressing surface 134 pointing towards the conductor connection chamber 125. The conductor connection chamber 125 is defined by the pressing surface 134 in the insertion direction E of the conductor 300. To switch the clamping spring 111 from the open position to the clamped position, the pressing surface 134 can be actuated by the conductor 300 to be connected, thereby allowing the trigger element 132 to pivot along the insertion direction E. During this pivoting movement along the insertion direction E, the trigger element 132 collides with the actuating element 115, particularly with the trigger protrusion 135 of the actuating element 115, as shown in... Figure 5 As can be seen, the trigger protrusion 135 has a slope 140, along which the trigger element 132 is guided during pivoting, and thus the trigger element 132 can press the trigger protrusion 135 downward in the insertion direction E. Consequently, the entire actuating element 115 moves along the insertion direction E and then along its second actuating direction B2, thereby disengaging the actuating element 115 from the current bar 110.

[0065] The trigger element 132, and in particular the pressing surface 134 of the trigger element 132, is arranged in the extension of the conductor insertion opening 211 of the housing 210 of the connecting terminal 200, so that the conductor 300 impacts the pressing surface 134 of the trigger element 132 when inserted into the connecting terminal 200 and thus into the connecting device 100. By applying pressure to the pressing surface 134 in the insertion direction E by means of the conductor 300, the trigger element 132 can be placed in a pivoting or tilting movement in the direction of insertion E of the conductor 300, so that the release element 132 can impact the operating element 115 in the insertion direction E of the conductor 300, thereby placing the operating element 115 in motion, as just described, so that the operating element 115 can disengage from the current bar 110 and thus be released from the current bar 110, so that the operating element 115 and thus the clamping spring 111 can be transferred from the open position to the clamped position without manual assistance.

[0066] Figure 6 The conductor 300, which is connected accordingly or clamped relative to the current bar 110, is shown.

[0067] The current bar 110 has multiple segments, wherein the conductor 300 to be connected can be electrically clamped relative to the contact segment 136 of the current bar 110. The contact segment 136 extends parallel to the insertion direction E of the conductor 300.

[0068] The contact section 136 is connected to the holding section 137 of the current bar 110. A clamping spring 111 is fixed to the holding section 137. Here... Figures 1 to 8 In the configuration shown, the clamping spring 111 is fixed to the holding section 137 of the current bar 110 by means of its holding arm 112 and a riveted connection 138.

[0069] Furthermore, a through-hole 139 is constructed in the holding section 137 of the current bar 110, through which the conductor 300 to be connected is guided to pass in the through-hole 139 so as to enter the conductor connection chamber 125, for example in Figure 5 and Figure 6 As can be seen in the image. The conductor 300 to be connected is thus inserted through the current bar 110.

[0070] The holding section 137 is positioned above the contact section 136 as observed along the insertion direction E.

[0071] Figure 7 and Figure 8 It shows Figures 1 to 6 The connecting terminal 200 shown is in other possible positions, wherein, depending on the different positions of the connecting terminal 200, the conductor 300 can be inserted and connected to the connecting terminal 200 horizontally, vertically, or at any angle therebetween along the insertion direction E.

[0072] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0073] 100 Connecting Device

[0074] 110 Current bar

[0075] 111 Clamping Spring

[0076] 112 Keep arm

[0077] 113 Clamping Arm

[0078] 114 Arc-shaped section

[0079] 115 Control elements

[0080] 116a and 116b control arms

[0081] 117 Connecting Section

[0082] 118 Free Space

[0083] 119a and 119b control surfaces

[0084] 120 Clamping tongue

[0085] 121a, 121b Side tongue plates

[0086] 122 Clamp the edge

[0087] 123 Lock Connection

[0088] 124a, 124b locking edges

[0089] 125 Conductor Connection Chamber

[0090] 126 gripping surfaces

[0091] 127 Tool fitting opening

[0092] 128 Release element

[0093] 129. Abutment surface

[0094] 130 Grip Area

[0095] 131 Spring element

[0096] 132 trigger element

[0097] 133 Rotation axis

[0098] 134 Extrusion Surface

[0099] 135 Trigger bump

[0100] 136 Contact Section

[0101] 137 Maintaining Section

[0102] 138 Riveting connection

[0103] 139 Through Hole

[0104] 140 bevel

[0105] 200 connection terminals

[0106] 210 Housing

[0107] 211 Conductor insertion opening

[0108] 212 Guideway

[0109] 300 conductor

[0110] 400 tools

[0111] B1 First Control Direction

[0112] B2 Second Control Direction

[0113] BL release element operating direction

[0114] E Insertion direction

[0115] Pressure of DF spring element

[0116] Pressure of DS side tongue plate

Claims

1. A connecting device (100) for connecting an electrical conductor (300), having - Current bar (110), - A clamping spring (111) having a retaining arm (112) and a clamping arm (113), wherein the clamping arm (113) clamps the conductor (300) to be connected relative to the current bar (110) in the clamped position of the clamping spring (111), and - An operating element (115) by means of which the clamping spring (111) can be moved from the clamped position to the open position. Its features are, The actuating element (115) is held in the open position of the clamping spring (111) by means of the current bar (110) so as to hold the clamping spring (111) in the open position.

2. The connecting device (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that, In the open position of the clamping spring (111), a locking connection (123) is established between the operating element (115) and the current bar (110).

3. The connecting device (100) according to claim 2, characterized in that, In order to establish the locking connection (123), the operating element (115) has locking edges (124a, 124b) by means of which the operating element (115) locks onto the current bar (110) in the open position of the clamping spring (111).

4. The connecting device (100) according to claim 3, characterized in that, With the help of the locking edges (124a, 124b), the operating element (115) is locked in the open position of the clamping spring (111) onto the contact section (136) of the current bar (110).

5. The connecting device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, In order to move the clamping spring (111) from the clamped position to the open position, the actuating element (115) is guided along a first actuating direction (B1) pointing axially and along a second actuating direction (B2) oriented transversely to the first actuating direction (B1).

6. The connecting device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The control element (115) has a gripping surface (126) for manual operation of the control element (115).

7. The connecting device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The actuating element (115) has a tool engagement opening (127) for actuating the actuating element (115) by means of a tool (400).

8. The connecting device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, Release element (128), which is movably guided relative to the actuating element (115) to release the actuating element (115) from the holding position with the current bar (110).

9. The connecting device (100) according to claim 8, characterized in that, The release element (128) constitutes a status indicator element that indicates the clamping position and the open position of the clamping spring (111).

10. The connecting device (100) according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that, The release element (128) is spring-loaded.

11. The connecting device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that, The connecting device has a pivotally supported trigger element (132) that engages with the actuating element (115) in the open position of the clamping spring (111), wherein the trigger element (132) is operable via the conductor (300) to be connected, such that the trigger element (132) actuates the actuating element (115) so that the actuating element (115) is released from the holding position with the current bar (110).

12. The connecting device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that, The actuating element (115) has at least one actuating arm (116a, 116b) and at least one connecting section (117) arranged transversely to the actuating arm (116a, 116b), wherein an actuating surface (119a, 119b) is formed on the at least one actuating arm (116a, 116b), the actuating surface cooperating with the clamping arm (113) of the clamping spring (111) for actuating the clamping spring (111).

13. The connecting device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that, The clamping spring (111) is fixed to the current bar (110) by its retaining arm (112).

14. The connecting device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that, The current bar (110) has a through hole (139) through which the conductor (300) to be connected can be guided into the conductor connection chamber (125).

15. A connecting terminal (200) having a housing (210) and having at least one connecting device (100) arranged in the housing (210) according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

16. The connecting terminal (200) according to claim 15, characterized in that, The connecting terminal (200) is a series terminal.

17. An electronic device having at least one connection means (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 14 and / or having at least one connection terminal (200) according to claim 15.

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