Connection device for connecting electrical conductors

Abstract

The invention relates to a connection device (1) for connecting an electrical conductor (2), comprising a housing (10), a current bar (11), a clamping element (12) having a clamping section (120), which can be transferred from a clamping position, in which the electrical conductor (2) can be clamped against the current bar (11), into a release position, and comprising a slide (13), which is supported in a slideable manner on the housing (10) for transferring the clamping section (120) from the clamping position into the release position. A lever (14) is provided, which is pivotably supported about a rotation axis (D) at a support point (106) fixed to the housing, by means of which the slide (13) can be moved relative to the housing (10).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a connection device for connecting electrical conductors according to the preamble of claim 1. Background Technology

[0002] Different structural forms of electrical connection devices are known from practice. In threaded terminals, for example, an electrical wire is inserted into an insertion opening with its uninsulated conductor end, and then secured in the threaded terminal by tightening. In spring-loaded terminals, an electrical conductor is inserted into an insertion opening and contacts the arm of a spring, wherein the spring acts on the electrical conductor, causing the conductor to lock mechanically and, for example, to make electrical contact with a current strip.

[0003] In such a connection device, it is desirable to be able to easily connect electrical conductors. Advantageously, when an electrical conductor is inserted, the connection device automatically closes; for example, the clamping element automatically moves from a released position to a clamping position to ensure safe and reliable contact with the electrical conductor inserted into the housing insertion opening. This contact, especially automatic triggering, should generally be applicable not only to relatively rigid electrical conductors, such as core end sleeves or wires arranged on the conductor, but also to electrical conductors that can be inserted into the housing insertion opening with relatively small insertion force, such as stranded wires.

[0004] DE 10 2019 131 141 A1 describes a connection device of the type described at the beginning. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a connection device for connecting electrical conductors that is as easy to operate as possible.

[0006] This objective is achieved by means of a subject matter having the features of claim 1.

[0007] Therefore, a connection device for connecting an electrical conductor is provided, comprising a housing, a current bar, a clamping element having a clamping section that can be transferred from a clamped position to a released position in which the electrical conductor can be clamped against the current bar, and including a slider slidably supported on the housing for transferring the clamping section from the clamped position to the released position. A lever is provided here that is pivotally supported relative to the housing about a rotation axis at a support point fixed to the housing, through which the slider can move relative to the housing.

[0008] This allows for well-defined pivoting movements of the lever, with a particularly low tendency for components to jam, making the connecting device especially easy to operate.

[0009] The housing may include a groove through which the slider is movably supported. This allows for a particularly defined movement of the slider. For example, the slider contacts a clamping section. The slider is arranged, for example, in such a way that displacement of the slider relative to the housing forces the clamping section out of the clamping position and into the release position. The clamping section is, for example, spring-pre-tensioned elastically into the clamping position.

[0010] In one extended design, the slide is widened at a certain location. For example, the slide includes a first section and a second section along its direction, the second section being wider than the first section in a direction perpendicular to its direction. For example, the wider second section is formed at one end of the slide. The wider second section allows the slider to move along the slide perpendicular to the displacement direction.

[0011] Optionally, the slider has a pin that engages with a groove, particularly a pin guided within the groove. This allows for precise pre-setting of the slider's sliding path.

[0012] Optionally, the housing includes another groove, for example, through which the sliding element is supported in a manner movable relative to the housing. It may be specified that the two grooves have different shapes and / or orientations. This enables combined translational and rotational movements. For example, one of the grooves may be at least partially straight and / or one of the grooves may be at least partially curved.

[0013] The slider may have a locking edge that can, for example, lock with the edge of the housing. This locking can be released, for example, by moving a pin of the slider in a direction different from the main extension direction of the groove within a widened section of the groove.

[0014] The slider selectively has a trigger surface that can be contacted by an electrical conductor inserted through an insertion opening in the housing. Because the slider itself provides the trigger surface, the connecting device can be constructed with very few components, and therefore can be constructed particularly simply.

[0015] In a further extension, the slider can be moved relative to the housing by pressure applied to the trigger surface by an electrical conductor inserted into the insertion opening, specifically causing the locking edge of the slider to disengage from and release from the edge of the housing. This allows for intuitive operation with a simple structure.

[0016] For example, the lever has a lever arm with an operating area that interacts with a surface of the slider, such as a concave surface. This enables the slider to be displaced relative to the housing and simultaneously applies lateral pressure to the rear region of the slider by pivoting the lever about a support point fixed to the housing. This allows the slider to easily and securely engage with a locking mechanism at the edge of the housing.

[0017] The lever can also have a lever arm that can be manipulated by the user, for example, manually and / or with a tool. This enables simple and intuitive operation.

[0018] A lever can be designed such that the axis of rotation is positioned between the two lever arms. For example, both lever arms originate from the axis of rotation. The lever arms can be positioned on opposite sides of the axis of rotation. This allows for a compact external shape and good ergonomics.

[0019] A slider is arranged, for example, between the lever and the clamping element, and is at least a major part of the slider. This enables efficient force transmission. When manipulated, the lever applies pressure, for example, to the slider, and / or the slider applies pressure to the clamping section.

[0020] The support point can be in the form of a (physical) shaft. For example, a lever has a housing in which the shaft is housed. This allows for simple assembly and secure support of the lever.

[0021] Optionally, the clamping element is designed in the form of a spring, particularly a leg-type spring with two legs capable of elastically deflecting relative to each other. The clamping section can be elastically preloaded into the clamping position. It can be specified that the clamping section is formed by one leg and / or the retaining section, which is supported in a position-fixed manner relative to the housing, is formed by the other leg. This allows the clamping section to be automatically pushed to a predetermined position, such as the clamping position.

[0022] In the release position, the clamping section can be elastically tensioned relative to the holding section. This allows the clamping section to be elastically pressed into the clamping position. Attached Figure Description

[0023] The underlying ideas of this invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. In the drawings:

[0024] Figure 1 A view of a connection device for connecting electrical conductors is shown, which includes a housing, a current bar, a clamping element, a slider, and a lever.

[0025] Figure 2A-2C A cross-sectional view of the connecting device is shown, illustrating clamping elements, sliders, and levers in different positions;

[0026] Figure 3 A view of the slider is shown;

[0027] Figure 4 A view of the lever is shown;

[0028] Figure 5 A view of the housing is shown; and

[0029] Figure 6A view of a connection device with an inserted electrical conductor is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0030] Figure 1-6 A connection device 1 capable of connecting an electrical conductor 2 is shown.

[0031] The connecting device 1 includes a housing 10 with an insertion opening 104 into which an electrical conductor 2 can be inserted in the insertion direction E. The housing 10 defines an internal space 100 (in the form of a chamber) into which the electrical conductor 2, with its (uninsulated) conductor end, can be introduced (through the insertion opening 104) into the chamber to make electrical contact with a current strip 11 arranged in the housing 10 within the internal space 100. Optionally, the housing 10 is closed by a cover not shown in the figure. The housing 10 is made of an insulating material, such as plastic.

[0032] The current bar 11 has a bar segment 110 extending segmentally along the wall of the housing 10, in the present case within the interior space 100. In the illustrated example, the current bar has a connecting segment extending from the housing 10 for establishing an electrical connection with another component. An electrical conductor 2 inserted into the interior space 100 can be electrically connected to another component via the current bar 11. A stop portion 111, in the form of a protruding edge, is also formed on the current bar 11. The stop portion 111 is formed on a portion of the bar segment 110 extending parallel to the insertion direction E. Furthermore, the current bar 11 also has an abutment segment 112 protruding from the bar segment 110 in the present case. The abutment segment 112 is arranged on one side of the interior space 100, and the stop portion 111 is arranged on the opposite side.

[0033] To ensure reliable electrical contact between the inserted conductor 2 and the current bar 11, the connecting device 1 includes a clamping element 12 with a clamping section 120 that can be moved from a clamping position to a released position, in which the conductor 2 can be clamped against the current bar 11 by means of the clamping section 120. The clamping position is as follows: Figure 1 , Figure 2A and Figure 6 As shown, the release position is as follows Figure 2B and Figure 2C As shown.

[0034] The clamping element 12 is designed as a bent spring element, here in the form of a leg spring. In this case, the clamping element 12 is integrally formed, for example, by stamping and bending a single piece of spring steel. The clamping section 120 is formed by one leg of the leg spring. The retaining section 122 of the clamping element 12 is formed by the other leg. The retaining section 122 and the clamping section 120 are interconnected by a bend 121. The retaining section 122 rests against the contact section 112 of the current bar 11 within the housing 10.

[0035] The clamping section 120 is displaceable relative to the retaining section 122, particularly due to the elastic bending of the bent portion 121 (change in curvature). The bent portion 121 extends within the housing 10 around the support 101 of the housing 10. The retaining section 122 abuts against the abutting section 112 of the current bar 11, in this case with the free end of the retaining section 122 abutting. This prevents the retaining section 122 from being displaced from its retaining position when the clamping section 120 is displaced relative to the housing 10.

[0036] In the clamping position, the clamping section 120 rests against the current bar 11 or against the electrical conductor 2 disposed between the current bar 11 and the clamping section 120. Specifically, the clamping section 120 has a clamping edge 123 that stops at a stop 111 in the clamping position when the internal space 100 is empty, and presses against the electrical conductor 2 when the electrical conductor 2 is disposed in the internal space 100. The stop 111 restricts the range of movement of the clamping section 120.

[0037] If the electrical conductor 2 is inserted into the insertion opening 104, the legs of the clamping element 12, which serve as the clamping section 120, act on the electrical conductor 2, so that the electrical conductor 2 is mechanically locked and also makes it electrically contact the current bar 11.

[0038] In the released position, the clamping section 120 is positioned closer to the holding section 122 than in the clamped position. In the released position, the electrical conductor 2 disposed in the internal space 100 can be removed.

[0039] The clamping section 120 is pre-tensioned to the clamping position. To move the clamping section 120 from the clamping position to the release position, the connecting device 1 includes a slider 13 and a lever 14.

[0040] The slider 13 is slidably supported within the housing 10. For this purpose, the housing 10 includes at least one groove 102, 103 through which the slider 13 is slidably supported. Specifically, two grooves 102, 103 are formed in the housing 10 for guiding the slider 13, see [details omitted]. Figure 5 Slider 13 has pins 132 and 133 (see example). Figure 1 and 5 The slider 13 is typically housed in grooves 102 and 103. It may have at least one pin 132 or 133 that engages with the groove 102 or 103 of the slider 13.

[0041] Especially from Figure 5As can be seen, grooves 102 and 103 each form an elongated guide rail. Grooves 102 and 103 are offset from each other in the sliding direction of the slider 13. Furthermore, grooves 102 and 103 have different shapes. While one groove 103 defines a linear guide rail, the other groove 102 defines a curved guide rail. The straight groove 103 extends perpendicular to the insertion direction E. Moreover, grooves 102 and 103 are inclined towards each other. Thus, the slider 13 translates and rotates as it moves along grooves 102 and 103.

[0042] The slider 13 can move along the slide grooves 102, 103 between a holding position in which the slider 13 holds the clamping section 120 in the release position and a connection position in which the electrical conductor 2 can be clamped against the current bar 11 by means of the clamping element 12.

[0043] The grooves 102 and 103 are formed or introduced, for example, in the form of recesses in the housing 10 (and correspondingly in the cover). One of the grooves 102 and 103, here the straight groove 103, has a widened section. The groove 103 is thus widened at a certain position. The widened section allows the pin 132, received in the groove 103, to move in a direction angled to the guide rail of the groove.

[0044] Figure 3 The slider 13 is shown in detail. The slider 13 has a trigger surface 135, which can be contacted by an electrical conductor 2 inserted through the insertion opening 104 of the housing 10.

[0045] In the example shown, the slider 13 includes two spaced-apart sidewalls 136, on which two pins 132 and 133 are formed respectively. The sidewalls 136 with pins 132 and 133 are mirror images of each other. The sidewalls 136 are interconnected by material sections forming trigger surfaces 135. A protruding foot 137 abuts the trigger surface 135. Furthermore, the sidewalls 136 are interconnected by a rear wall on which a locking edge 131 is formed. In this case, the locking edge 131 protrudes relative to the sidewalls 136.

[0046] In the assembled state, the strip section 110 of the current bar 11 extends through the sidewalls 136 of the slider 13 and between the material section forming the trigger surface 135 and the rear wall.

[0047] Furthermore, the sidewalls 136 each form an actuating region 130 that interacts with the clamping section 120 of the clamping element 12. The actuating regions 130 are formed on the end sides of the respective sidewalls 136. In the present case, the clamping element 12 includes two actuating sections 124, between which the portion of the clamping section 120 forming the clamping edge 123 protrudes at an angle to the actuating section 124. In the illustrated example, the actuating section 124 is flat. The actuating regions 130 of the slider are convex. If the slider 13 slides within the housing 10, the actuating region 130 of the slider 13 slides on the actuating section 124 of the clamping element 12, thereby moving the clamping section 120 between a clamping position and a released position.

[0048] The housing 10 has an edge 105, and the locking edge 131 of the slider 13 can lock with the edge 105. When the slider 13 is in the holding position, the locking edge 131 engages with the edge 105, thereby fixing the slider 13 to the housing 10 in that position.

[0049] The foot 137 of the slider 13 is used to more easily release the inserted electrical conductor 2. The foot 137 allows the slider 13 to more easily penetrate under the electrical conductor 2. If the electrical conductor 2 is now inserted into the internal space 100, its end will strike the trigger surface 135. The slider 13 can be displaced relative to the housing 10 by the pressure exerted by the electrical conductor 2 on the trigger surface 135, causing the locking edge 131 of the slider 13 to disengage from the edge 105 of the housing 10. Specifically, in this case, the slider 13 rotates on the housing 10. The pin 133 here provides a point of rotation. The widened portion of the groove 103 allows this rotation. Due to the rotation of the slider 13, the locking edge 131 disengages from the edge 105 of the housing 10, and the slider 13 is guided by the spring force of the clamping element 12 through the grooves 102, 103 and moves into the connected position, see, for example... Figure 1 , Figure 2A and Figure 6 .

[0050] The lever 14 can be manipulated to move the slider 13 from the connected position to the held position. The lever 14 is supported on the housing 10 at a support point 106 fixed relative to the housing 10 in a manner pivotable about the axis of rotation D. The support point 106 is typically formed on or fixed to the housing 10. Figure 1 , Figure 2A , Figure 2C and Figure 6 The initial position shown and Figure 2BThe actuator pivots between the indicated operating positions. The slider 13 can be moved relative to the housing 10 by means of lever 14. In the present case, the support point 106 is formed by a housing pin, typically by a shaft (specifically, in the form of a screw boss) formed on the housing 10, see, for example... Figure 5 Alternatively, a support housing or an assembly mounted on the housing is also conceivable.

[0051] Figure 4 The lever 14, shown separately, has a receiving portion 140 that is pushed onto the shaft forming the support point 106 of the housing 10. The lever 14 has lever arms 142 and 143 on either side of the receiving portion 140. The lever arms 142 and 143 extend from the receiving portion 140 (and correspondingly from the support point 106) in opposite directions. The axis of rotation D is arranged between the two lever arms 142 and 143.

[0052] One of the lever arms 142 has actuation areas 144 on both sides, through which the lever arm 142 interacts with the slider 13. The other lever arm 143 can be operated by a user, for example, manually or with a tool. The lever arm 142 with the actuation areas 144 is shorter than the other lever arm 143.

[0053] If lever 14 is actuated at the operable lever arm 143 and pivots relative to housing 10 about the axis of rotation D from the initial position to the operated position, the actuating area 144 slides along the face 134 of slider 13. These faces 134 of slider 13 are concave. As lever 14 pivots about the axis of rotation D, the actuating area 144 presses slider 13 along grooves 102, 103 and pushes locking edge 131 to engage with edge 105 of housing 10. This locks clamping section 120 in the clamped position. Lever 14 can then return to the initial position. Connecting device 1 opens and tensions. Housing 10 has stops against which lever 14 abuts in both the initial and operated positions.

[0054] If conductor 2 is inserted, connection device 1 automatically triggers and clamps conductor 2 into contact with current bar 11. To unlock conductor 2 again, lever 14 is manipulated again, causing slider 13 to tension clamping element 12 and open internal space 100 serving as connection chamber. When clamping section 120 is positioned in the clamped position, i.e., not tensioned in the release position, rigid conductors can also be connected using the push-in principle (i.e., by simple insertion) regardless of the state of connection device 1.

[0055] A slider 13 is arranged between a lever 14 and a clamping element 12. When actuated, the lever 14 applies a force to the slider 13 in one direction, which in turn applies a force to the clamping element 12, more precisely, to the clamping section 120, in the same direction. The clamping section 120 is arranged between the slider 13 and a retaining section 122 (particularly at each position of the slider 13).

[0056] The use of connecting device 1 allows for particularly intuitive and comfortable operation. Furthermore, the mechanism exhibits a particularly low tendency to warp, and connecting device 1 can be implemented with a very small number of parts. Connecting device 1 allows the clamping element 12 to be automatically triggered, and no manual movement of any parts of the connecting device is required except for the insertion of the electrical conductor 2. As described above, this is achieved by the spring, clamping element 12, and actuated by a locking element (slider 13) guided by a groove and a double-arm lever. The rotational movement of lever 14 about the axis of rotation D moves the locking element. The locking element tensions the spring and locks against the housing 10.

[0057] It should be noted that the slider 13 is described as having two mirror-formed sidewalls 136 with pins 132 and 133. However, it is also conceivable that the slider has only one sidewall 136 and / or that pins 132 and 133 are formed on only one sidewall 136. Accordingly, grooves 102 and 103 may be formed only on one side of the slider 13, and the clamping section 120 may be specified to have only one actuation section 124. This also applies to the surface 134 and the actuation area 144.

[0058] The components of the connecting device 1 can be supported in a single-shell or double-shell housing.

[0059] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0060] 1. Connecting device

[0061] 10. Shell

[0062] 100 interior space

[0063] 101 bracket

[0064] 102 Slide

[0065] 103 Slide

[0066] 104 Insertion opening

[0067] 105 Edge

[0068] 106 support points

[0069] 11 Current bar

[0070] 110 sections

[0071] 111 Stop section

[0072] 112 Adjacent Section

[0073] 12 Clamping elements

[0074] 120 clamping section

[0075] 121 Bend

[0076] 122 Maintaining Section

[0077] 123 Clamp the edges

[0078] 124 Control Section

[0079] 13 Sliding parts

[0080] 130 Control Area

[0081] 131 Lock edge

[0082] 132 sales

[0083] 133 sales

[0084] 134 sides

[0085] 135 Trigger Surface

[0086] 136 Sidewall

[0087] 137 Feet

[0088] 14. Lever

[0089] 140 Reservoir

[0090] 142 lever arm

[0091] 143 Lever Arm

[0092] 144 Manipulation Area

[0093] 2. Electrical conductors

[0094] D. Rotation axis

[0095] E Insertion direction

Claims

1. A connecting device (1) for connecting an electrical conductor (2), comprising: - Shell (10) - Current bar (11) - A clamping element (12) having a clamping section (120) capable of moving from a clamping position to a releasing position, in which the electrical conductor (2) is clamped against the current bar (11), and - A sliding member (13), which is slidably supported on the housing (10), is used to transfer the clamping section (120) from the clamping position to the releasing position. - It has a lever (14) that is pivotally supported about a rotation axis (D) at a support point (106) fixed to the housing, and the slider (13) is movable relative to the housing (10) by means of the lever. Its features are, The housing (10) includes grooves (102, 103) through which the slider (13) is movably supported, wherein one groove (103) defines a linear guide and the other groove (102) defines a curved guide, enabling the slider (13) to translate and rotate.

2. The connecting device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The groove (103) is widened at a certain position.

3. The connecting device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The slider (13) has a pin (132) that engages with the groove (103).

4. The connecting device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The slider (13) has a locking edge (131) that can lock with the edge (105) of the housing (10).

5. The connecting device (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that, The slider (13) has a trigger surface (135) that can be contacted by an electrical conductor (2) inserted through an insertion opening (104) of the housing (10), wherein the slider (13) can be displaced relative to the housing (10) by pressure applied to the trigger surface (135) by the electrical conductor (2), thereby disengaging the locking edge (131) of the slider (13) from the edge (105) of the housing (10).

6. The connecting device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The lever (14) has a lever arm (142) having an operating area (144) that interacts with the concave surface (134) of the slider (13).

7. The connecting device (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that, The lever (14) has a lever arm (143) that can be manipulated by a user.

8. The connecting device (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that, The axis of rotation (D) is positioned between the two lever arms (142, 143).

9. The connecting device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The slider (13) is arranged between the lever (14) and the clamping element (12).

10. The connecting device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, The support point (106) is in the form of an axle, wherein the lever (14) has a receiving portion (140) in which the axle is received.

11. The connecting device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that, The clamping element (12) is designed as a leg spring having two legs that can elastically deflect relative to each other, wherein the clamping section (120) is formed by one leg and the holding section (122) which is supported in a position-fixed manner relative to the housing (10) is formed by the other leg.

12. The connecting device (1) according to claim 11, characterized in that, In the release position, the clamping section (120) is elastically tensioned relative to the holding section (122).

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