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) with a holding leg (112) and a clamping leg (113), wherein the conductor (300) to be connected is clamped against the current bar (110) in a clamping position of the clamping spring (111) by means of the clamping leg (113), and having a handling device (115) by means of which the clamping spring (111) can be transferred from the clamping position into an open position, wherein the handling device (115) has a first handling element (116) and a second handling element (117) which is in operative connection with the first handling element (116) and the clamping spring (111), wherein the first handling element (116) and the second handling element (117) are movable relative to one another.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a connection device for connecting electrical conductors, comprising a current bar and a clamping spring having a holding leg and a clamping leg, wherein the conductor to be connected is clamped against the current bar in a clamped position by means of the clamping leg, and the connection device has an operating mechanism by means of which the clamping spring can be moved from the clamped position to an open position. Furthermore, this invention relates to connection terminals and electronic devices. Background Technology

[0002] Such connection devices typically have a clamping spring designed as a leg-type spring, which has retaining legs and clamping legs, wherein a conductor inserted into the connection device can be clamped against the current bar by the clamping legs of the clamping spring. If clamping a flexible conductor in particular, the clamping spring must have been moved to the open position and thus manipulated by an actuating element before the conductor is inserted, so as to pivot the clamping spring or clamping legs away from the current bar, thereby allowing the conductor to be introduced into the intermediate space formed as the conductor connection space between the current bar and the clamping spring. Only when the conductor is rigid and therefore stable can the conductor apply sufficient force to the clamping spring or the clamping legs of the clamping spring to pivot the clamping legs away from the current bar, without the user needing to manipulate the actuating element for this purpose. In the case of a flexible conductor, the user must first pivot the clamping spring away from the current bar by manipulating the actuating element, thereby allowing the flexible conductor to be inserted. The actuating element here typically presses against the clamping legs of the clamping spring to pivot the clamping legs away from the current bar and release the conductor connection space. The operating element is then typically held in the open position manually until the flexible conductor is introduced into the connection space and can be clamped against 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, which can simplify the user's operation when connecting conductors, especially flexible conductors.

[0004] This objective is achieved according to the invention by the features of the independent claim. Advantageous constructions and advantageous extensions of the invention are described in detail in the dependent claims.

[0005] The connecting device according to the invention is characterized in that the operating device has a first operating element and a second operating element effectively connected to the first operating element and the clamping spring, the first operating element and the second operating element being movable relative to each other.

[0006] According to the invention, instead of providing only one actuating element in the form of a actuator or lever, the connecting device now has an actuating mechanism comprising two actuating elements. These two actuating elements are kinetically coupled to each other, allowing them to move relative to each other and be effectively connected. The kinetic coupling between the two actuating elements is preferably designed to form a hinged connection between them. This hinged connection allows the actuating elements to move in two directions, particularly in two rotational directions. Furthermore, the actuating mechanism is kinetically coupled to a clamping spring via a second actuating element to manipulate the clamping spring. For this purpose, the second actuating element is preferably movable relative to the clamping spring. Both the first and second actuating elements are preferably designed to rotate relative to each other. The relative movement between the first and second actuating elements can therefore take the form of rotational movement of the two actuating elements relative to each other. Furthermore, the relative movement between the second actuating element and the clamping spring can take the form of rotational movement of the second actuating element relative to the clamping spring. This rotational movement of the second actuating element relative to the clamping spring allows the first actuating element to perform linear movement, particularly relative to the clamping spring, in addition to its rotational movement. Therefore, the first actuating element can perform both rotational and axial linear movement. This allows for a particularly large range of motion for the first actuating element and thus for the entire actuating device, which in turn increases user control. Axial linear movement is preferably parallel to the insertion direction of the conductor to be connected into the connector. The second actuating element is preferably arranged between the first actuating element and the clamping spring. Therefore, the first actuating element is preferably arranged at a certain distance from the clamping spring.

[0007] Preferably, the second actuating element is positioned such that it laterally defines a conductor connection space formed between the clamping spring and the current bar. The second actuating element can be arranged such that it laterally spans the conductor connection space at least on one side, thereby forming a boundary wall for the conductor connection space. The second actuating element can thus form a lateral guide for the conductor to be connected and thus prevent the conductor from being incorrectly inserted. The second actuating element can preferably laterally define the conductor connection space in each of its positions, so that it can form a lateral guide for the conductor to be connected regardless of its positioning or location.

[0008] The kinematic coupling between the two actuating elements is preferably designed such that the first actuating element is rotatably supported on the second actuating element. Therefore, the second actuating element may preferably be formed or have a rotation axis about which the first actuating element can rotate.

[0009] The second actuating element can be shaped to have a first end segment, a second end segment, and a connecting arm connecting the first end segment and the second end segment. The second actuating element can be effectively connected to the first actuating element through its first end segment. The second actuating element can be effectively connected to a clamping spring through its second end segment. The connecting arm can be formed as a tab. The tab-shaped connecting arm can be arc-shaped. In particular, in the region of the connecting arm, the second actuating element can be formed to be at least regionally spring-resilient. The relative movement of the first end segment of the second actuating element with respect to the second end segment can be achieved by the spring elasticity of the connecting arm.

[0010] The first end section may have a receiving element, on which the first actuating element may be rotatably supported. The receiving element may form a rotation axis about which the first actuating element may rotate. The receiving element may, for example, be formed in the form of a tab or finger, on which the first actuating element may be rotatably positioned. The first actuating element may have an opening into which the receiving element may engage.

[0011] Furthermore, the first end section may have a stop surface for limiting the rotational movement of the first actuating element. The stop surface is preferably formed and disposed near a receiving element on the first end section of the second actuating element. Like the receiving element, the stop surface may be formed on a tab-shaped or finger-shaped element.

[0012] For the interaction between the second actuating element and the clamping spring, the second end section of the second actuating element may have an abutment element that abuts against the clamping leg of the clamping spring at least in the open position, and the clamping spring may be held in the open position by the abutment element. Particularly in the open position, the abutment element may rest on the upper side of the clamping leg away from the retaining leg. In the clamping position of the clamping spring, the abutment element may be spaced apart from the upper side of the clamping leg. The abutment element may be shaped such that it can overlap the upper side of the clamping leg. The abutment element may extend transversely to the longitudinal direction of the clamping leg, particularly extending across the width of the clamping leg. The abutment element may be tab-shaped or finger-shaped.

[0013] Furthermore, the second end section may have a retaining element through which the second actuating element is rotatably supported. The retaining element may form a rotation axis about which the second actuating element can rotate to actuate the clamping spring. The retaining element can thus form a support point for the second actuating element. The retaining element may be tab-shaped or finger-shaped.

[0014] The retaining element is rotatably supported in the region of the arcuate section of the clamping spring that connects the clamping leg and the retaining leg. The clamping spring can therefore at least partially surround the retaining element of the second actuating element and thus at least partially surround the axis of rotation of the second actuating element formed by the retaining element. This achieves a compact arrangement of the clamping spring and the second actuating element. Furthermore, since the axis of rotation of the second actuating element formed by the retaining element is located very close to the clamping spring, only a relatively small rotational movement of the second actuating element is required to actuate the clamping spring via the second actuating element. This, in turn, reduces the space required for the connecting device.

[0015] The connecting arm can be curved, and can be U-shaped or V-shaped. Alternatively, the connecting arm can be a full-face design, thus having a rectangular shape, allowing the connecting arm to form the largest possible lateral guide wall for the conductors to be connected.

[0016] The connecting device may also have a pivotally supported trigger element that, when the clamping spring is in the open position, can engage with a second actuating element to hold the second actuating element in a fixed position relative to the clamping spring. The trigger element is actuated by the conductor to be connected, allowing the second actuating element to be released from the fixed position when the trigger element is actuated. The fixed position is one in which the second actuating element, and thus the entire actuating device, is held in place by the trigger element to keep the clamping spring in the open position. The trigger element allows for the connection of conductors with small cross-sections, particularly flexible conductors, without the need for tools. The trigger element may have a pressure surface, which can be actuated by the conductor to be connected to move the clamping spring from the open position to the clamped position. By actuating the pressure surface, the trigger element can disengage from the second actuating element, thereby enabling the second actuating element to move in such a way that the clamping spring can be moved from the open position to the clamped position. The trigger element, particularly its pressure-bearing surface, is preferably arranged in the area where the conductor is inserted into the connecting device, thus positioned within the extension of the conductor insertion opening in the housing of the connecting terminal, such that the conductor impacts the pressure-bearing surface of the trigger element upon insertion into the connecting device. By applying pressure to the pressure-bearing surface through the conductor, the trigger element can pivot or tilt in the direction of conductor insertion, thereby disengaging from the second actuating element and allowing the clamping spring to move from the open position to the clamped position without manual assistance. Using this specific mechanism, conductors, especially those with small cross-sections and / or flexible conductors, can be connected particularly easily solely by the insertion movement of the conductor, without the user needing to manipulate other elements on the connecting device, such as the actuating element itself, to release the clamping spring and move it from the clamped position to the open position. This facilitates the operation of the connecting device and saves time when connecting conductors. Therefore, the tension or locking of the actuating element and the current bar in the open position of the clamping spring can be released or released by the conductor itself. The trigger element preferably has such a width that it completely covers the conductor connection space in the insertion direction, thereby ensuring that even if a conductor with a very small cross-section is inserted into the conductor connection space, it impacts the pressure surface of the trigger element and can cause the trigger element to pivot.

[0017] The trigger element can be designed as a separate component. The trigger element can be pivotally supported, for example, on a current bar or on a clamping spring.

[0018] Alternatively, the trigger element can be integrally formed with the clamping spring. The trigger element can form a third leg in addition to the clamping leg and the retaining leg. The trigger element is then preferably formed on the retaining leg, so that the retaining leg can be arranged between the clamping leg and the trigger element. The trigger element can then be formed from the spring sheet of the clamping spring. The trigger element is then preferably pivotable relative to the retaining leg because the trigger element is pivotally supported on the retaining leg by an integral design.

[0019] The second actuating element can be held in a fixed position by a locking connection between the second actuating element and the triggering element. For this purpose, the second actuating element can have a locking region in which the triggering element can engage to hold the second actuating element in a fixed position. The locking region can be formed as an opening or an undercut on the second actuating element. The triggering element can then have a locking lug that engages with the locking region of the second actuating element. Alternatively, the locking region of the second actuating element can be designed as a locking lug that can then engage in an opening or an undercut formed on the triggering element.

[0020] To facilitate the transfer of the clamping spring from the open position to the clamping position, a return spring element can be provided, through which a return force can be applied to the second actuating element. The return spring element can abut against the second actuating element, particularly when the clamping spring is in the open position. When the clamping spring is transferred from the clamping or initial position to the open position, the return spring element can be tensioned by the pivoting movement of the second actuating element. During the open position of the clamping spring, the return spring element can remain in this tensioned position. If the second actuating element is released from its latch with the trigger element and thus from the fixed position, the pressure exerted on the second actuating element by the return spring element can cause the second actuating element to pivot, so that the clamping spring can also pivot from the open position to the clamping or initial position. The return spring element can be formed as a spring arm molded onto the clamping spring. The return spring element can be arranged, for example, particularly in the region of the arcuate section and / or in the region of the retaining leg on the clamping spring. The return spring element can also be provided as a separate component.

[0021] User operation of the control device is preferably performed via a first operating element. For this purpose, the first operating element may have a gripping section for operating the first operating element. The gripping section allows the user to manually operate the first operating element and thus manually operate the control device. The gripping section may also form a status display element, through which the user can determine the position of the clamping spring from the outside of the connecting device or connecting terminal. Depending on the position of the gripping section, the user can thus see whether the clamping spring is in the open position, the clamped position, or the initial position.

[0022] Furthermore, the first actuating element may also have a tool insertion opening into which a tool, such as a screwdriver, can be inserted to manipulate the first actuating element and thus the actuating device. For example, the tool insertion opening may also be formed on the gripping section.

[0023] To enable the first actuating element to automatically return from the actuated position to the starting position, the first actuating element may have a spring element that allows it to automatically reset to the starting position after the second actuating element is actuated. When the first actuating element moves to the actuated position, the spring element can be tensioned, allowing it to apply pressure to the first actuating element to rotate it back to the starting position. The spring element may be formed on the first actuating element, for example, in the form of a spring arm. Alternatively, the spring element may be formed separately from the first actuating element and can be effectively connected to it.

[0024] The object of the invention is also achieved by a terminal block, in particular a junction box, having a housing and at least one connecting device arranged in the housing and formed and extended as described above.

[0025] A conductor insertion opening can be formed on the housing, which is aligned with the conductor connection space of the connecting device. The conductor to be connected can be inserted into the housing through this opening, thereby inserting into the connecting device and its conductor connection space. This is especially useful in junction boxes designed to snap onto mounting rails, where two or more such connecting devices can be arranged in one housing.

[0026] The second actuating element of the operating device can, for example, be rotatably supported on the housing. For this purpose, the housing can have a receiving area where a clamping spring can be arranged and the second actuating element can be rotatably supported on the receiving area by its retaining element. The clamping spring and the second actuating element can thus be arranged and supported on the same receiving area. The receiving area can, for example, be formed in the form of a tab or pin protruding from the housing wall of the housing, on which the clamping spring rests with its arcuate section. The tab or pin can also have an opening into which the retaining element can engage and be rotatably supported.

[0027] In order to reach the defined position of the first actuating element in its initial position, the housing may have a stop surface against which the first actuating element can abut in its initial position. The stop surface may form a path restriction for the rotational movement of the first actuating element. The stop surface may preferably be formed by a wall of the housing. The stop surface preferably extends in the housing such that, in the initial position of the first actuating element, the first actuating element can abut against the stop surface at least regionally and flatly with its gripping area.

[0028] The housing may have an opening in which a first actuating element may be disposed, wherein the first actuating element is at least partially protruding from the housing opening when the clamping spring is in the clamped position, and is submerged in the housing opening when the clamping spring is in the open position. This allows for the formation of a status display through which a user can see from the outside of the connection terminal whether the clamping spring is in the open or clamped position.

[0029] Furthermore, the objective according to the invention is achieved by an electronic device having at least one connection device formed and extended as described above and / or at least one connection terminal formed and extended as described above. The electronic device may be, for example, a switch cabinet, in which one or more mounting rails or mounting plates may be provided, on which multiple connection terminals, particularly junction boxes, may be snapped together, having corresponding connection devices. Attached Figure Description

[0030] The invention will now be explained in more detail using preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0031] In the picture

[0032] Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of the connecting terminal according to the invention in the starting position of the clamping spring and the starting position of the first actuating element is shown.

[0033] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 The diagram shows the connection terminals.

[0034] Figure 3 A schematic cross-sectional view of the connection terminals in the open position of the clamping spring and the operated position of the first actuating element is shown.

[0035] Figure 4 It shows Figure 3 The diagram shows the connection terminals.

[0036] Figure 5 A schematic cross-sectional view of the connecting terminal recessed in the connecting terminal housing is shown in the open position of the clamping spring and the initial position of the first actuating element.

[0037] Figure 6 It shows Figure 6 The diagram shows the connection terminals.

[0038] Figure 7 It shows Figure 5 and Figure 6 The diagram shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the connecting terminal when the conductor to be connected is inserted.

[0039] Figure 8It shows Figure 7 The diagram shown depicts connection terminals with conductors to be connected.

[0040] Figure 9 A schematic cross-sectional view of the connection terminal is shown, with the clamping spring in the clamped position of the inserted conductor and the first actuating element in the initial position.

[0041] Figure 10 It shows Figure 8 The diagram shown illustrates the connection terminals with connected conductors.

[0042] Figure 11 A schematic diagram of the control device is shown, and

[0043] Figure 12 A schematic diagram of the second control element is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0044] Figures 1 to 10 The diagram shows connection terminals 200 with housings 210, within which connection devices 100 for connecting conductors 300 are arranged. The housing 210 may be formed of an insulating material, particularly a plastic material. The connection devices 100 are arranged inside the housing 210.

[0045] The connecting device 100 has a current bar 110 and a clamping spring 111, wherein the conductor 300 to be connected can be clamped against the current bar 110 in an conductive manner by the clamping spring 111, for example... Figure 9 As shown in the image.

[0046] The clamping spring 111 is formed as a leg-type spring. The clamping spring 111 has a retaining leg 112 and a clamping leg 113. The retaining leg 112 and the clamping leg 113 are connected to each other via an arcuate section 114. The retaining leg 112 is arranged in a fixed position within the housing 110. The clamping leg 113 can pivot relative to the retaining leg 112, thereby allowing the clamping spring 111 to shift according to the position of the clamping leg 113. Figure 3 , Figure 5 and Figure 7 The opening position shown and as Figure 1 and Figure 9 Position it in the starting or clamping position shown.

[0047] The connecting device 100 has an actuating device 115 for moving the clamping spring 111 from a starting position or a clamping position to an open position. The actuating device 115... Figure 11 It is shown separately again in the text.

[0048] The operating device 115 has a first operating element 116 and a second operating element 117. The two operating elements 116 and 117 are kinetically coupled to each other by being rotatable relative to each other, as indicated by the arrows. The operating device 115 can be operated by a user via the first operating element 116. The second operating element 117 is effectively connected to the clamping spring 111, forming a connection between the first operating element 116 and the clamping spring 111.

[0049] The first control element 116 has a grip section 118 through which a user can grip the first control element 116 to operate the first control element 116 and thus operate the control device 115.

[0050] Furthermore, the first actuating element 116 has a spring element 119, which enables the first actuating element 116 to automatically return from the actuated position to the starting position. The spring element 119 is formed on the first actuating element 116 in an extension of the gripping section 118. The spring element 119 has an elongated tab-like structure. Like the rest of the first actuating element 116, the spring element 119 may be made of plastic material.

[0051] To connect the first actuating element 116 to the second actuating element 117, the first actuating element 116 may also have a support section 120 through which the second actuating element 117 is supported on the first actuating element 116. The support section 120 is arranged adjacent to the spring element 119. The support section 120 has an opening 121 into which the second actuating element 117 can engage, so that the second actuating element 117 is rotatably supported in the opening 121.

[0052] The second actuating element 117 forms an effective connection between the first actuating element 116 and the clamping spring 111. Figure 12 It is shown separately in the text.

[0053] The second actuating element 117 has a first end section 122, a second end section 123, and a connecting arm 124 connecting the first end section 122 and the second end section 124.

[0054] The first end section 122 forms a support point for the first actuating element 116. For this purpose, the first end section 122 has a receiving element 125 on which the first actuating element 116 is rotatably supported. The receiving element 125 is shaped such that it can engage in an opening 121 in the support section 120 of the first actuating element 116, such that the receiving element 125 can form a rotation axis about which the first actuating element 116 can rotate.

[0055] Furthermore, the first end section 122 has a stop surface 126 for limiting the rotational movement of the first actuating element 116. The stop surface 126 can interact with a mating stop surface 127 formed on the support section 120 of the first actuating element 116.

[0056] In the design shown here, the receiving element 125 is formed on the first finger element 128 and the stop surface 126 is formed on the second finger element 129. The two finger elements 128 and 129 together form a fork-shaped structure of the first end segment 122. The two finger elements 128 and 129 extend parallel to each other. The two finger elements 128 and 129 are each curved into an L-shape.

[0057] On the second end section 122, the second actuating element 117 is effectively connected to the clamping spring 111 to actuate it.

[0058] The second end section 122 has an abutment element 130 that abuts against the clamping leg 113 of the clamping spring 111 at least when the clamping spring 111 is in the open position, and the clamping spring 111 can be held in the open position by the abutment element. The abutment element 130 can abut against the upper side 131 of the clamping leg 112 opposite to the clamping leg 112, so that the abutment element 130 can apply pressure on the clamping leg 112 in the direction of the holding leg 112 at least when the clamping spring 111 is in the open position, to keep it spaced apart from the holding current bar 110, so that the conductor connection space 132 formed between the current bar 110 and the clamping spring 111 is free, and the conductor 300 to be connected can be inserted into the conductor connection space 132, for example Figure 3 and Figure 5 As shown.

[0059] Furthermore, a retaining element 133 is formed on the second end section 123 of the second actuating element 117, by which the second actuating element 117 is rotatably supported on the housing 210 of the connecting terminal 200. The retaining element 133 is supported on the housing 210 in the region of the arcuate section 114 of the clamping spring 111. The housing 210 has a receiving region 213 for this purpose, which is designed here in the form of a pin protruding from the housing wall 214 of the housing 210. The clamping spring 111 can rest and be supported on the outer peripheral surface of the pin-shaped receiving region 213 with its arcuate section 114. The pin-shaped receiving region 213 also has an opening 215 in which the retaining element 133 engages and is rotatably supported.

[0060] The second end section 123 of the second actuating element 117 also has a forked shape here, because the abutment element 130 is formed on the third finger element 134 and the retaining element 133 is formed on the fourth finger element 135. Both the third finger element 134 and the fourth finger element 135 have an L-shape.

[0061] The connecting arm 124 of the second operating element 117 is formed by an elongated tab, wherein the elongated tab is formed in a bent manner, such that the connecting arm 124 has a V-shape or a U-shape.

[0062] A locking region 136 is formed on the connecting arm 124, through which a locking connection with the trigger element 137 can be formed. In the design shown here, the locking region 136 is formed on the connecting arm 124 adjacent to the first end section 122 of the second actuating element 117. The locking region 136 is formed in the form of an undercut or a recess on the connecting arm 124.

[0063] Trigger element 137 can Figure 1 , Figure 3 , Figure 5 , Figure 7 and Figure 9 As seen in the image, when the clamping spring 111 is in the open position, the trigger element 137 engages in the locking region 136, thereby holding the second actuating element 117 in a fixed position and thus the clamping spring 111 is also held in the open position by the abutment element 130.

[0064] The trigger element 137 is arranged such that it defines a conductor connection space 132 in the insertion direction E of the conductor 300 to be connected. When the conductor 300 to be connected is inserted into the connection terminal 200 through the conductor insertion opening 211 and thus into the connection device 100 or the conductor connection space 132 of the connection device 100, the conductor 300 strikes the trigger element 137, thereby pivoting it in the insertion direction E and thus disengaging the trigger element 137 from the locking region 136 of the connection arm 124 and thus releasing the locking connection between the trigger element 137 and the connection arm 124.

[0065] The trigger element 137 has a locking lug 138 that can engage in the locking region 136 of the connecting arm 124.

[0066] In the design shown here, the trigger element 137 is integrally formed with the clamping spring 111. The trigger element 137 forms a third leg in addition to the clamping leg 113 and the retaining leg 112 of the clamping spring 111. The trigger element 137 is formed on the retaining leg 112, such that the retaining leg 112 is arranged between the clamping leg 113 and the trigger element 137. The trigger element 137 is therefore formed from the spring sheet of the clamping spring 111. The trigger element 137 can pivot relative to the retaining leg 112 because the trigger element 137 is pivotally supported on the retaining leg 112 due to its integral design. The trigger element 137 extends substantially at a right angle away from the retaining leg 112.

[0067] The housing 210 of the connecting terminal 200 is formed in two parts, having a base 216 and a cover 217 that closes the base 216. When assembling the connecting terminal 200, the connecting device 100 is first inserted into the base 216, and then the housing 210 is closed by placing the cover 217.

[0068] Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the connection terminal 200 is shown, in which the clamping spring 111 is in the initial position, in which no conductor 300 has been inserted into the connection terminal 200 and connected. The clamping leg 112 of the clamping spring 111 pivots toward the current bar 110. The first operating element 116 of the operating device 115 is in the initial position, in which the first operating element 116 and its gripping section 118 rest at least partially against the stop surface 218 of the housing 210.

[0069] The stop surface 218 extends substantially parallel to the conductor insertion opening 212. In the initial position, the first operating element 116 extends with its gripping section 118 parallel to the conductor insertion opening 212 of the housing 210. Here, the first operating element 116 extends with its gripping section 118 from the housing opening 219 of the housing 210 such that at least a portion of the surface of the gripping section 118 of the first operating element 116 is visible to the user from the outside of the housing 210, such as... Figure 2 As shown.

[0070] To move the clamping spring 111 from the initial position to the open position, the first actuating element 116 rotates, as follows: Figure 3 As indicated by the arrows in the diagram. Since the first actuating element 116 is coupled to the second actuating element 117, the rotational movement of the first actuating element 116 also causes the second actuating element 117 to rotate in the same direction as the first actuating element 116, wherein the rotational movement occurs in the insertion direction E. The second actuating element 117, and therefore the first actuating element 116, is rotated until the trigger element 137 engages with its locking lug 138 in the locking region 136 of the connecting arm 124, as shown. Figure 3As shown, this causes the second actuating element 117 and thus the first actuating element 116 to stop moving further. The second actuating element 117 is held in a fixed position because the locking lug 138 of the trigger element 137 is inserted into the locking region 136.

[0071] By abutting the abutting element 130 of the second operating element 117 against the clamping leg 113, when the second operating element 117 rotates, pressure is applied to the clamping leg 113 through the abutting element 130, causing the clamping leg 113 to pivot in the direction of the holding leg 112, so that once the second operating element 117 engages with the trigger element 137, the clamping spring 111 is in the open position and automatically remains in the open position, without the user needing to keep the first operating element 116 or the operating device 115 in that position.

[0072] Figure 3 and 4 The operating position of the first operating element 116 is shown, in which the clamping spring 111 has been moved to the open position.

[0073] During the rotational movement of the first actuating element 116, it both rotates and moves axially along the insertion direction E, because the rotational movement of the second actuating element 117 also occurs simultaneously. The rotational axis of the first actuating element 116 is therefore not positioned in a fixed position, but moves within the housing 210. Only the second actuating element 117 has a fixed rotational axis, formed by the retaining element 133 engaging in the opening 215 of the receiving region 213.

[0074] In this operated position of the first operating element 116, the spring element 119 of the first operating element 116 is tensioned, such as... Figure 3 As shown, the spring element 119 can apply a restoring force to the first actuating element 116. The spring element 119 is tensioned against the wall surface 220 within the housing 210.

[0075] If the clamping spring 111 is reached in the open position and the second actuating element 117 engages with the triggering element 137, the first actuating element 116 can pivot back to its initial position by the restoring force of the spring element 119, as shown below. Figure 5 and Figure 6As shown. In this case, the first actuating element 116 undergoes a pure rotational movement without simultaneous axial displacement. Due to this folding movement of the first actuating element 116, it is now completely submerged in the housing 210 in the initial position, so that the gripping section 118 of the first actuating element 116 no longer protrudes from the housing opening 219. Thus, the user can see the open position of the clamping spring 111 from the outside of the connecting terminal 200, and can prevent the clamping spring 111 from being accidentally moved from the open position to the clamped position by operating the actuating device 115 from the outside of the connecting terminal 200.

[0076] Specifically, when the clamping spring 111 is in the open position, the second operating member 117 laterally defines the conductor connection space 132, so that the second operating member 117 can laterally guide the conductor 300 when the conductor 300 is inserted into the conductor connection space 132, thereby preventing the conductor 300 to be connected from being incorrectly inserted.

[0077] With the clamping spring 111 in the open position, the conductor 300 to be connected can now be inserted into the housing 210 of the connecting terminal 200 through the conductor insertion opening 212, as shown below. Figure 7 and 8 As shown. The conductor 300 to be connected is inserted into the conductor connection space 132 of the connecting device 100 via the conductor insertion opening 212. The conductor 300 is inserted into the conductor connection space 132 such that the conductor 300 abuts against the pressure surface 139 pointing in the direction of the conductor connection space 132. If the conductor 300 impacts the pressure surface 139, the trigger element 137 pivots in the insertion direction E, thereby disengaging its locking lug 138 from the locking region 136 of the connecting arm 124 of the second operating element 117. The second operating element 117 can then move freely again and rotate back in the opposite direction to the insertion direction E, thereby shifting the clamping leg 113 and thus the clamping spring 111 from the open position to the clamped position, in which the clamping leg 113 clamps the conductor 300 against the current bar 110, as Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown.

[0078] To facilitate easier rotation of the second actuating element 117 in the reverse insertion direction E, a return spring element 140 is provided. This return spring element applies a return force to the second actuating element 117. When the clamping spring 111 is in the open position, the return spring element 140 rests against the second actuating element 117. When the clamping spring 111 moves from the clamping or initial position to the open position, the return spring element 140 can be tensioned by the rotational movement of the second actuating element 117. When the clamping spring 111 is in the open position, the return spring element 140 can be held in this tensioned position, such as... Figure 3 and Figure 5 As shown. If the second actuating element 117 is released from its latch with the trigger element 137 and thus from the fixed position, the pressure exerted on the second actuating element 117 by the return spring element 140 can pivot the second actuating element 117 in such a way that the clamping spring 111 can also pivot from the open position to the clamped position or the starting position.

[0079] The return spring element 140 is designed here as a spring arm formed on the clamping spring 111. The return spring element 140 is formed as a tongue on the clamping spring 111 in the region of the arcuate section 114 of the clamping spring 111. In the tensioned position, as... Figure 3 and Figure 5 As shown, the return spring element 140 extends parallel to the retaining leg 112.

[0080] Figure 9 and 10 The clamping position of the clamping spring 111 is shown, wherein the conductor 300 is clamped against the current bar 110 by the clamping leg 112 and is thus connected. The abutment element 130 is here lifted away from the upper side 131 of the clamping leg 112. When the clamping spring 111 moves from the open position to the clamping position, the first actuating element 116 moves axially against the insertion direction E by the rotational movement of the second actuating element 117 against the insertion direction E, as indicated by the arrow, until the gripping section 118 of the first actuating element 116 protrudes again from the housing opening 219 and is visible to the user from the outside. The first actuating element 116 thus moves along the stop surface 218 of the housing 210 against the insertion direction E.

[0081] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0082] 100 Connecting Device

[0083] 110 Current bar

[0084] 111 Clamping Spring

[0085] 112 Keep your legs

[0086] 113. Clasp your legs together.

[0087] 114 Arc-shaped section

[0088] 115 Control Device

[0089] 116 First Control Element

[0090] 117 Second Control Element

[0091] 118 Grip Section

[0092] 119 Spring Components

[0093] 120 Support Section

[0094] 121 Opening

[0095] 122 First end section

[0096] 123 Second end section

[0097] 124 Connecting Arm

[0098] 125 Receiving Element

[0099] 126 Stop surface

[0100] 127 Paired stop surfaces

[0101] 128 First finger element

[0102] 129 Second finger element

[0103] 130 Attached Components

[0104] 131 upper side

[0105] 132 Conductor connection space

[0106] 133 Holding element

[0107] 134 Third finger element

[0108] 135 Fourth finger element

[0109] 136 Card Lock Area

[0110] 137 Trigger Element

[0111] 138 Locking lug

[0112] 139 Pressure surface

[0113] 140 Return Spring Element

[0114] 200 terminal blocks

[0115] 210 Housing

[0116] 212 Conductor insertion opening

[0117] 213 Receiving Area

[0118] 214 Shell wall

[0119] 215 Opening

[0120] 216 Base

[0121] 217 cover

[0122] 218 Stop surface

[0123] 219 Shell opening

[0124] 220 wall

[0125] 300 conductor

[0126] E Insertion direction

Claims

1. A connecting device (100) for connecting an electrical conductor (300), which has - Current bar (110) - A clamping spring (111) with a retaining leg (112) and a clamping leg (113), wherein the conductor (300) to be connected is clamped against the current bar (110) in the clamping position of the clamping spring (111) by means of the clamping leg (113), and - An operating device (115) by means of which the clamping spring (111) can be moved from the clamped position to the open position. Its features are, The operating device (115) has a first operating element (116) and a second operating element (117) effectively connected to the first operating element (116) and the clamping spring (111), wherein the first operating element (116) and the second operating element (117) are movable relative to each other, the second operating element (117) is movable relative to the clamping spring (111), the first operating element (116) is rotatably supported on the second operating element (117), the second operating element (117) has a rotation axis about which the first operating element (116) is rotatable.

2. The connecting device (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second operating element (117) laterally defines the conductor connection space (132) formed between the clamping spring (111) and the current bar (110).

3. The connecting device (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second actuating element (117) has a first end section (122), a second end section (123) and a connecting arm (124) connecting the first end section (122) and the second end section (123).

4. The connecting device (100) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first end section (122) has a receiving element (125), on which a first actuating element (116) is rotatably supported.

5. The connecting device (100) according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that, The first end section (122) has a stop surface (126) for limiting the rotational movement of the first actuating element (116).

6. The connecting device (100) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The second end section (123) has an abutment element (130) that abuts against the clamping leg (112) of the clamping spring (111) at least in the open position, and the clamping spring (111) can be held in the open position by the abutment element.

7. The connecting device (100) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The second end section (123) has a retaining element (133) through which the second operating element (117) can be rotatably supported.

8. The connecting device (100) according to claim 7, characterized in that, The retaining element (133) is rotatably supported in the region of the arcuate section (114) of the clamping spring (111) that connects the clamping leg (113) and the retaining leg (112).

9. The connecting device (100) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The connecting arm (124) has a U-shape or a V-shape.

10. The connecting device (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The device has a pivotally supported trigger element (137) that engages with a second actuating element (117) when the clamping spring (111) is in the open position, so as to hold the second actuating element (117) in a fixed position relative to the clamping spring (111), wherein the trigger element (137) is actuated by a conductor (300) to be connected, such that when the trigger element (137) is actuated, the second actuating element (117) can be released from the fixed position.

11. The connecting device (100) according to claim 10, characterized in that, The trigger element (137) and the clamping spring (111) are integrated into one unit.

12. The connecting device (100) according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that, The second actuating element (117) has a locking region (136) and a triggering element (137) engages in the locking region to hold the second actuating element (117) in a fixed position.

13. The connecting device (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that, A reset spring element (140) is provided, through which a reset force can be applied to the second operating element (117).

14. The connecting device (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first control element (116) has a gripping section (118) for manipulating the first control element (116).

15. The connecting device (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first actuating element (116) has a spring element (119) that allows the first actuating element (116) to automatically return to the starting position after the second actuating element (117) is actuated.

16. A connecting terminal (200) having a housing (220) and at least one connecting device (100) arranged in the housing (210) according to any one of claims 1 to 15.

17. The connecting terminal (200) according to claim 16, characterized in that, The connection terminal (200) is a junction box.

18. The connecting terminal (200) according to claim 16, characterized in that, The housing (210) has a receiving area (213) on which a clamping spring (111) is arranged and a second operating element (117) is rotatably supported on the receiving area (213) by its holding element (133).

19. The connecting terminal (200) according to claim 16 or 18, characterized in that, The housing (210) has a stop surface (218), on which the first operating element (116) rests in its starting position.

20. The connecting terminal (200) according to claim 16, characterized in that, The housing (210) has a housing opening (219) in which a first actuating element (116) is arranged, wherein when the clamping spring (111) is in the clamping position, the first actuating element (116) protrudes at least partially from the housing opening (219), and the first actuating element (116) is submerged in the housing opening (219) when the clamping spring (111) is in the open position.

21. An electronic device having at least one connection device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 15 and / or at least one connection terminal (200) according to any one of claims 16 to 20.

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