Connection terminal for connecting electrical conductors

Abstract

The invention relates to a connection terminal (1, 1A, 1B) for connecting an electrical line (2), comprising: a housing part (10, 10A, 10B); a contact element (11) arranged on the housing part (10, 10A, 10B), the contact element (11) having a contact section (110) for making electrical contact with the electrical conductor (2); a spring element (12) having a clamping leg (120) which is displaceable relative to the housing part (10, 10A, 10B); and an actuating element (14) which is arranged on the housing part (10, 10A, 10B) so as to be pivotable about a pivot axis (S) and which can be pivoted from an unactuated position into an actuated position in order to displace the clamping leg (120). The actuating element (14) has a first sliding surface (147) formed on its main body section (144) and the housing part (10, 10A, 10B) has a second sliding surface (16) formed on its housing section (160) to slidably support the first sliding surface (147) when the actuating element (14) pivots about the pivot (S).

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] The connecting terminal comprises a housing part, a contact element arranged on the housing part and having a contact section for making electrical contact with an electrical conductor, and a spring element with clamping legs that can be adjusted relative to the housing part. The clamping legs of the spring element are formed to act on the electrical conductor in a clamping position to make contact with the contact section. The actuating element is arranged on the housing part pivotably about a pivot axis and can be pivoted from a non-actuating position to an actuating position in order to move the clamping legs out of the clamping position.

[0003] By using the spring element, the connecting terminal realizes a spring force connection, wherein the electrical conductor is clamped to the contact element in a connection position under the action of the elastic spring of the spring element, and is thus electrically connected to the contact element.

[0004] In the connection terminal known from DE 10 2019 127 464 B3, a spring element in the form of a tension spring is provided, which pulls the connected electrical conductor into contact with the corresponding contact element by elastic spring action, thereby establishing a clamping connection between the electrical conductor and the contact element. To this end, the electrical conductor is pushed through the opening in the clamping leg when connecting and is clamped between the clamping leg and the contact element in the connected position.

[0005] In the terminal of DE 10 2019 127 464 B3, a latching device is provided, by which the clamping leg is latched in a release position relative to the housing. When the electrical conductor is plugged in, the latching device is released, thereby canceling the latching, so that the clamping leg moves out of the release position, and the electrical conductor is thereby clamped together with the contact element. In order to transfer the clamping leg to the release position, in particular to be able to connect the electrical conductor or release the connected electrical conductor from the terminal, a tool, such as a screwdriver, can be connected to the terminal, so that a force is applied to the clamping leg.

[0006] In DE 10 2019 127 464 B3, the displacement of the clamping leg is carried out directly with a tool, while the connecting terminals known from DE 10 2019 135 203 A1 and DE 10 2020 104 140 A1 are each provided with an actuating element in the form of a so-called pusher, which can be pressed into the housing of the connecting terminal, thereby acting on the clamping leg and moving it into the release position. The actuating element is prestressed against the housing spring of the connecting terminal by a tension spring in the form of a compression spring. In the connecting terminal known from DE 10 2019 135 203 A1, an actuating nose is mounted on the actuating element, which hooks into the fixing section of the retaining element when the actuating element is in the actuating position. Summary of the invention

[0007] The object of the present invention is to provide a connecting terminal in which an operating element can be easily operated and the supporting of the operating element relative to a housing part of the connecting terminal is stable and reliable.

[0008] This object is achieved by a product having the features of claim 1 .

[0009] Therefore, the operating element has a first sliding surface formed on its body section, and the housing member has a second sliding surface formed on its housing section to slidably support the first sliding surface when the operating element pivots about the pivot axis.

[0010] The connecting terminal comprises a housing part on which a spring element is arranged. The spring element has clamping legs which are designed to act in a clamping manner on an electrical conductor connected to the connecting terminal in order to clamp it together with a contact section of a contact element, thereby electrically connecting the electrical conductor with the uninsulated conductor end to the contact element.

[0011] The clamping leg can be elastically displaced relative to the housing part in order to move the clamping leg out of the clamping position. In particular, the clamping leg can be moved into a release position in order to remove the clamping leg from the contact section of the contact element, thereby enabling a simple, essentially forceless connection of an electrical conductor or enabling a connected electrical conductor to be removed from the terminal in a simple, forceless manner.

[0012] In order to move the clamping leg relative to the housing part, an operating element is pivotably arranged on the housing part. The operating element can be pivoted relative to the housing part about a pivot axis and acts on the clamping leg, in particular to move it out of the clamping position, thereby elastically moving it relative to the housing part.

[0013] In the case of an actuating element pivotably mounted on a housing part for displacing a clamping leg, load forces act on the actuating element not only in the form of tension and compression (as is usually the case with an actuating element pushably mounted on the housing), but also in the form of bending loads, in particular about a bending axis perpendicular to the pivot axis. In order to provide support for the actuating element pivotably mounted on the housing part for this purpose, the actuating element has a first sliding surface formed on a body section, which sliding surface is intended to cooperate with a complementary sliding surface on a housing section of the housing part in order to form a support between the actuating element and the housing part when the actuating element is pivoted.

[0014] The first sliding surface and the second sliding surface are radially spaced from the pivot.For example, the first sliding surface can be formed on the radially outward outer wall of the operating element so as to interact with the sliding surface on the housing section of the housing component in a sliding manner.

[0015] In this case, the first sliding surface and the second sliding surface are always in sliding contact with one another during a rotation of the actuating element, so that a sliding bearing exists between the sliding surfaces.

[0016] In another embodiment, it can also be provided that the first sliding surface comes into contact with the second sliding surface on the housing section of the housing part only when an (excessive) load is applied to the operating element, for example when pressure is applied to the operating section in a direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation. In this embodiment, the sliding surfaces are therefore not always in contact with each other, but only in sliding contact with each other when the operating element is subjected to an (excessive) load.

[0017] In one design, the first sliding surface and / or the second sliding surface are bent around the pivot. For example, the first sliding surface and / or the second sliding surface can have a constant radius of curvature around the pivot, so that the first sliding surface and / or the second sliding surface can extend in a constant radius arc around the pivot.

[0018] The first sliding surface and the second sliding surface are preferably curved around the pivot and have an arc shape with a constant radius of curvature relative to the pivot. The shapes of the sliding surfaces complement each other, the first sliding surface on the operating element is convex, and the second sliding surface on the housing section is complementary concave.

[0019] However, it is also conceivable that only one sliding surface is curved and abuts against the other sliding surface in a punctiform manner at one or more contact points.

[0020] In one embodiment, the actuating element has an actuating section for actuation by a user and an actuating section acting on the clamping leg. The actuating section can be accessed from outside the housing part, for example by the user using a tool such as a screwdriver or manually actuating the actuating section, while the actuating section is in an operative connection with the clamping leg of the spring element. By displacing the actuating element, a displacement force is applied to the clamping leg via the actuating section, so that, in particular when the actuating element is displaced from the non-actuated position to the actuated position, the clamping leg is entrained and thus moved in the direction of the release position.

[0021] In one embodiment, the main body section of the actuating element, on which the first sliding surface is formed, forms an action section for acting on the clamping leg when the actuating element is pivoted. With the main body section forming the action section, which also forms the (first) sliding surface on the actuating element as a whole and in one piece, the actuating element acts on the clamping leg of the spring element when pivoting from the non-actuating position to the actuating position and displaces it in the direction of the release position. The main body section in which the sliding surface of the actuating element is located is formed by the action section, so that when the actuating element is pivoted relative to the housing part, the actuating element is supported in a sliding manner on the housing section of the housing part via the surface of the action section.

[0022] Preferably, the first sliding surface is in contact with the second sliding surface in the non-operating position and the operating position of the operating element and when the operating element is pivoted about the pivot axis between the non-operating position and the operating position. The first sliding surface and the second sliding surface are thus in contact with each other in a supporting manner in both the non-operating position and the operating position and during the movement therebetween. In particular, the forces on the operating element when the clamping leg is deflected can be absorbed and supported by the support in the operating position without the force effect of the clamping leg leading to a (significant) deformation of the operating element.

[0023] In one embodiment, the actuating element has another second body section. For example, the clamping leg is received in a receiving slot between the (first) body section on which the first sliding surface is formed and the other second body section. In this way, the clamping leg is supported at a certain position on the actuating element, wherein when the actuating element is pivoted about the pivot axis, the clamping leg pivots together with the actuating element relative to the housing and thus moves in the direction of the release position.

[0024] For example, the first sliding surface is formed on the outer side of the main body section that points radially outwards with respect to the pivot.Therefore, the first sliding surface is formed on the outer surface of the operating element, and radially outwards, so as to be supported on the second sliding surface of the housing section of the housing part in a sliding manner.

[0025] In one design, the first sliding surface is arranged on the side of the clamping leg facing away from the pivot. The clamping leg is therefore accommodated on the operating element in the area between the first sliding surface and the pivot. For example, the clamping leg can extend approximately transversely to the (imaginary) line between the first sliding surface and the pivot, thereby extending through between the first sliding surface and the pivot. The clamping leg is therefore radially supported on the operating element within the first sliding surface. The first sliding surface for sliding support relative to the housing during the pivoting process is therefore located radially outside the clamping leg, thereby ensuring that the bending loads on the operating element are reliably supported and distributed.

[0026] In one design, a housing section of the housing component forms an insertion opening for inserting an electrical conductor. On the housing section, a second sliding surface is formed on the side of the housing component to provide sliding support for the operating element when it is rotated relative to the housing component.

[0027] In addition to the sliding support, the operating element is preferably pivotably supported on the housing via the first and second sliding surfaces. For example, an axle element can be formed on the operating element or on the housing part, which is concentric with the pivot axis and by which the operating element is pivotably supported on the housing part. The axle element is arranged radially inside the first sliding surface.

[0028] For example, the sliding element can be supported on the housing part only on one side (relative to the pivot axis) via the axle element.

[0029] For example, the connecting terminal may be part of a connecting device having a plurality of connecting terminals arranged in a row with one another in the arrangement direction.

[0030] In one design, the spring element of the terminal is designed as a tension spring. In this case, the clamping leg of the spring element is designed to pull the electrical conductor into contact with the contact element by spring force. For example, in this case, an opening can be formed on the clamping leg, and when the electrical conductor is inserted into the terminal, the electrical conductor can pass through the opening so that after the clamping leg is released from the release position, the electrical conductor is pulled into clamping contact with the contact element.

[0031] Alternatively, the spring element of the connection terminal can also be designed as a compression spring. In this case, the clamping leg is formed to press the electrical conductor into the contact element by means of spring force. When the electrical conductor is inserted into the connection terminal, the electrical conductor enters the space between the clamping leg and the contact element, wherein after the clamping leg is triggered from the release position, the clamping leg acts on the electrical conductor and presses the electrical conductor into contact with the contact element.

[0032] For example, the spring element of the connecting terminal can have a supporting leg, by which the spring element is supported on the housing part and fixed to the housing part. The clamping leg can be elastically deflected relative to the supporting leg, wherein in the release position, the clamping leg is deflected in such a way that the spring element is elastically tensioned, and after release from the release position, the clamping leg moves out of the release position in an elastically pretensioned manner.

[0033] For example, the support leg can rest on a support section of the housing part and thereby be supported on the housing part. In this way, the spring element is fixed to the housing part independently of the contact element, so that if the housing part is made of an electrically insulating material, in particular a plastic material, the spring element is not directly electrically connected to the contact element.

[0034] In one embodiment, the spring element has a curved connecting section arranged between the clamping leg and the supporting leg, which extends about a pivot axis. The supporting leg and the clamping leg preferably extend from the actuating element and are arranged at an (acute) angle to one another, wherein the clamping leg can be elastically displaced relative to the supporting leg. Since the connecting section extends about the pivot axis, a pivot point can be defined for the clamping leg, which pivot point is preferably concentric with the pivot axis of the actuating element, so that when the actuating element is pivoted, the clamping leg is supported in a fixed position on the actuating element and pivots together with the actuating element about the corresponding pivot axis of the actuating element and is thus deflected relative to the supporting leg.

[0035] In one design, the support leg of the spring element is supported on the housing part assigned to the connecting terminal and the housing part of the connecting terminal adjacent in the arrangement direction. Thus, the support leg is supported on the housing of the corresponding connecting terminal and, for example, on a support section on the wall of the housing part. In addition, the support leg is also supported on the housing part of the adjacent connecting terminal, for example, on a support section on the wall of the adjacent housing part. Thus, the support leg is supported jointly on two housing parts of the adjacent connecting terminal.

[0036] In the connection terminal, when the electrical wire is inserted into the connection terminal, the clamping leg acts on the electrical wire, so that the electrical wire is elastically loaded in the direction of contacting the contact element, so that the electrical wire is electrically contacted with the electrical contact element. In order to facilitate the plugging of the electrical wire, the clamping leg of the spring element can be elastically deflected, for example, by a tool or by operating the operating element, so as to move the clamping leg to a release position, in which the space in the insertion opening area is released, so that the electrical wire can be inserted into the insertion opening in a substantially forceless manner, or the connected electrical wire can be easily removed from the connection terminal.

[0037] Once the clamping leg is transferred to the release position, in one design, the clamping leg will remain in the release position relative to the housing part. This can be achieved by direct or indirect locking of the clamping leg relative to the housing part, for example, by an operating element.

[0038] In one design, the terminal has a trigger element, which is formed to cooperate with the electrical wire when the electrical wire is inserted into the terminal, and release the clamping leg from the release position. The trigger element is used to trigger the clamping leg from the release position so that the clamping leg is automatically released from the release position when the electrical wire is inserted, thereby transferring it to the clamping position, in which the electrical wire inserted into the terminal is in electrical contact with the contact element of the terminal. Since the trigger element is deflected when the electrical wire is inserted, the terminal is automatically closed when the electrical wire is inserted. In this way, a simple connection process is achieved, and the contact between the electrical wire and the contact element is reliable.

[0039] Such a terminal block, in which the clamping legs of the spring element are held in their position relative to the housing part in the released position, can be automatically triggered by the trigger element when an electrical conductor is inserted, for example, can be provided by the manufacturer with the clamping legs in the released position.

[0040] In one embodiment, the trigger element has a trigger leg, which is formed to cooperate with the electrical conductor when the electrical conductor is inserted into the terminal. The trigger leg is triggered by interaction with the electrical conductor, thereby releasing the clamping leg from the release position. The housing part defines a receiving space, into which the electrical conductor can be inserted by inserting the electrical conductor into the insertion opening. The trigger leg extends in the receiving space to cooperate with the electrical conductor. In particular, the electrical conductor can be inserted into the insertion opening along an insertion direction, wherein the trigger leg extends in the receiving space at least with an end section (approximately) transverse to the insertion direction.

[0041] For example, the trigger element can be designed as an integral element which is elastically resilient.

[0042] In one embodiment, the trigger element has a support end, relative to which the trigger leg can be elastically displaced by interaction with an electrical conductor inserted into the terminal. The trigger element is supported on the housing part via the support end, for example, in that the support end is connected to a corresponding connection device of the terminal housing part. The trigger element is thus fixed to the housing part via the support end, in that the support end is operatively connected to the connection device of the housing part and is thereby held on the housing part in a torque-proof manner.

[0043] The support end is preferably fixed to the connection device of the terminal housing part in a torque-proof manner. The support end can extend flatly, which has the advantage that a profile can be easily formed on the support end, for example by stamping, so that it can be reliably fixed to the connection device of the housing part, for example in a form-fitting manner. When the support end is supported in a torque-proof manner relative to the housing part, the trigger leg can be elastically displaced in the receiving space and thus extend in the receiving space, so that the electrical conductor inserted into the terminal hits the trigger leg when inserted into the receiving space, thereby deflecting it.

[0044] In one design, the supporting end of the triggering element of the connecting terminal is supported on the housing part assigned to the connecting terminal and the housing part of the connecting terminal adjacent to it in the arrangement direction. Therefore, the supporting end is supported on the housing part of the corresponding connecting terminal and, for example, engages with an engagement opening on the wall of the housing part. In addition, the supporting end is also supported on the housing part of the adjacent connecting terminal, for example, engages with an engagement opening on the wall of the adjacent housing part. Therefore, the supporting end is jointly supported on two housing parts of the adjacent connecting terminal.

[0045] In one embodiment, the actuating element engages with a triggering element of the terminal in the actuating position. In the actuating position, the actuating element is fixed by the triggering element, so that the clamping leg of the spring element is also fixed in the release position, so that an electrical conductor can be easily connected to the terminal or a connected electrical conductor can be removed from the terminal in a substantially forceless manner. After the latch is released, the actuating element can be reset to the non-actuating position, in particular automatically, preferably under the action of a spring preload. For example, the spring preload of the actuating element can be achieved by means of a clamping leg, which is elastically deflected in the actuating position and, after the actuating element is released, acts on the actuating element in a spring-mechanical manner to move the actuating element from the actuating position to the non-actuating position.

[0046] In one embodiment, the actuating element has a latching section for latching with a latching device of a triggering element of the connecting terminal in the actuating position. For example, the latching section can be arranged on a side of the actuating element remote from the actuating section (relative to a pivot axis of the actuating element pivotably mounted on the housing part), preferably approximately diametrically opposite the actuating part relative to the pivot axis. The actuating element is latched with the associated latching device of the triggering element in the actuating position by means of the latching section, so that the actuating element is fixed in the actuating position, but can be released from the actuating position in a simple and reliable manner by means of the triggering leg when the electrical conductor is inserted.

[0047] For example, the latching device of the triggering element can be formed by an opening, with which the latching section of the actuating element (for example, formed by a projection) engages in the actuating position of the actuating element. The actuating element is thus held in its actuating position by the positive engagement of the latching section in the opening of the triggering element, wherein the engagement can be cancelled by displacing the triggering leg, whereby the actuating element can be released from the actuating position, thereby transferring the clamping leg to the release position.

[0048] In one design, the operating element of the connecting terminal is supported on the housing part assigned to the connecting terminal and the housing part of the connecting terminal adjacent in the arrangement direction. In this way, the housing parts of the adjacent connecting terminals can jointly support the operating element between them. For example, each housing part can have an axle head, which engages with the bearing opening on the operating element, so as to provide a pivot support for the operating element between the housing parts.

[0049] In one design, the connection device has a plurality of connection terminals, which are designed as described above. The housing parts of the connection terminals are arranged side by side in an arrangement direction. The connection device has a housing, into which the housing parts of the connection terminals arranged in the arrangement direction can be inserted in an assembly direction. The connection device is formed by attaching the housing parts of the connection terminals to each other in the arrangement direction. In a state in which they are arranged in a row, the housing parts can be inserted into the housing of the connection device, so that in an assembled state, the housing parts are accommodated in the housing and thus surrounded by the housing.

[0050] For example, shell can be the box-shaped of one side opening, so just can the housing parts in a row be pushed in the box-shaped shell.In another design, shell can be the frame shape of for example opening on both sides, and the housing parts in a row can insert wherein.

[0051] By providing the housing, the advantages of a sheet-shaped design and a so-called one-piece design of the connection terminal are combined with each other.

[0052] By designing the connection terminal with separate housing parts that can be connected to each other in the arrangement direction to form a connection arrangement, the housing parts can be designed so that the components of the connection terminal (such as spring elements and contact elements) can be assembled on the respective housing parts in a simple manner. For example, the housing parts of each connection terminal are not closed to the outside, and the housing of the connection terminal can be completed by simply connecting the housing parts of the connection terminal to each other. Therefore, the assembly of a single connection terminal is very simple and can be combined with other connection terminals in different ways.

[0053] By enclosing the terminal blocks arranged in a row in the housing in the assembled state, a mechanically stable arrangement is also produced, wherein the housing parts of the terminal blocks arranged in a row are received in a defined manner in the housing and fastened to the housing.

[0054] The arrangement direction and the assembly direction of the connection terminals are preferably perpendicular to each other. By arranging the housing parts in the assembly direction, the (sheet-like) connection terminals are attached to each other in the installation direction. In a state where they are arranged in a row, the housing parts are pushed into the housing in the assembly direction perpendicular to the row direction, so that the housing parts are enclosed in the housing in the assembled state. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0055] The basic idea of ​​the present invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the embodiments shown in the drawings.

[0056] Figure 1 A view showing a connection device having a plurality of connection terminals accommodated in a housing;

[0057] Figure 2 shows a side view of the connecting device;

[0058] Figure 3 Shows Figure 1 The connecting device shown has the operating element of the terminal in the operating position;

[0059] Figure 4 Shows Figure 3 a side view of the illustrated connection device;

[0060] Figure 5 A longitudinal section through the terminal block is shown, with the actuating element in an unactuated position;

[0061] Figure 6 shows a side view of the terminal block;

[0062] Figures 7A-7C An isolated view of the trigger element of the terminal block is shown;

[0063] Fig. 8A A view showing a housing component of a terminal block;

[0064] Figure 8B Another view of the housing components is shown;

[0065] Figures 9A-9D An isolated view of the operating element is shown;

[0066] Fig.10 An end view of a housing component is shown; and

[0067] Fig.11 Shown along Figure 2 Shown is a cross-sectional view along line II. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0068] Figures 1 to 4 An embodiment of a connection device 3 is shown, which has a plurality of connection terminals 1, 1A, 1B, which are enclosed together in a housing 30. The connection terminals 1, 1A, 1B are arranged side by side along an arrangement direction A and are enclosed together in the housing 30, wherein each connection terminal 1, 1A, 1B is respectively assigned an insertion opening 100 on the corresponding housing part 10, 10A, 10B, and the electrical wire 2 can be inserted into the insertion opening with the (deinsulated) conductor end 20 along the insertion direction E, so as to connect the electrical wire 2 to the connection terminal 1, 1A, 1B.

[0069] Figure 5 and Figure 6 An embodiment of a single connecting terminal 1 is shown, which has a housing part 10 with an insertion opening 100 formed on a housing section 160 for inserting an electrical conductor 2 in an insertion direction E. The other connecting terminals 1A, 1B can be identical in design and function to the connecting terminal 1, so that the following description applies to all connecting terminals 1, 1A, 1B.

[0070] However, it is also conceivable that the connecting terminals 1 , 1A, 1B function differently and, in particular, do not have all of the components described below.

[0071] Terminals 1, 1A, 1B Fig. 8A and Figure 8B The housing 10 shown in the separate view of FIG. 1 defines a receiving space 101, into which the electrical conductor 2 with the deinsulated conductor end 20 is introduced when the electrical conductor 2 is inserted into the insertion opening 100 along the insertion direction E. In the connection position, the electrical conductor 2 with the deinsulated conductor end 20 is located in the receiving space 101 and is electrically contacted with the contact element 11 in the form of a current bar via the clamping legs 120 of the spring element 12, so that the electrical conductor 2 is electrically connected to the terminal 1.

[0072] The spring element 12 has a support leg 121, which is supported on the wall 106 of the housing 10. The clamping leg 120 can be elastically deflected relative to the support leg 121, in particular, the clamping leg 120 acts on the electrical conductor 2 connected to the terminal 1 in a clamping manner in the clamping position and presses it into contact with the contact element 11 under the action of elastic pretension, so that the electrical conductor 2 is electrically contacted with the contact element 11 through its conductor end 20.

[0073] The contact element 11 has a contact section 110, which extends in a plane in the housing part 10. When the electrical conductor 2 is connected to the connecting terminal 1, the conductor end 20 of the electrical conductor 2 is pressed against the contact section by the spring pretensioning of the clamping leg 120. A contact device 111 arranged in the plug connector section 15 is connected to the contact section 110, through which the connecting terminal 1 can be plug-connected with a corresponding electrical counterpart plug connector.

[0074] In the illustrated embodiment, Figures 9A-9D The actuating element 14 shown in the separate view in FIG. 1 is pivotably supported on the housing part 10 of the connecting terminal 1 about a pivot axis S. The actuating element 14 is pivotable about the pivot axis S relative to the housing part 10, wherein the actuating section 141 is accessible from outside the housing part 10 through the actuating opening 102, so that it can be actuated by a user, for example using a tool.

[0075] From the basis Figures 9A-9D It can be seen from the individual view of FIG that the actuating element 14 has a body section 144, which constitutes an acting section for acting on the clamping leg 120. The body section 144 and the body section 145 together form a receiving slot 149, in which the clamping leg 120 is located, so that the spring element 12 can extend around the pivot axis S with a curved middle section 122 arranged between the clamping leg 120 and the support leg 121, so that the rotation point for deflecting the clamping leg 120 is concentric with the pivot axis S.

[0076] The body sections 144, 145 protrude relative to the rear wall 146 of the operating element 14. The support leg 122 protrudes from the operating element 14 in the area of ​​the opening 142 and is supported on the housing part 10, such as Figure 5 Since the clamping leg 120 is accommodated in the accommodating slit 149, when the operating element 14 pivots, the operating force is introduced into the clamping leg 120 through the action section 144, so that the clamping leg 120 is elastically deflected relative to the support leg 121 around the rotation point coaxial with the pivot axis S and moves toward the release position.

[0077] like Fig.9A Combination Fig. 8A and Figure 8B As shown, the operating element 14 has an axis element 140 formed on a body section 145 and engaging in a bearing opening 109 on a wall 105 of the housing part 10. The operating element 14 is pivotably supported about a pivot axis S on the housing part 10 via the axis element 140.

[0078] In the illustrated embodiment of the operating element 14, a notch 148 is formed on the rear side of the rear wall 146, with which the shaft element 109' of the adjacent housing part engages. Fig.10 An end view of the middle housing component 10 is shown.

[0079] A first sliding surface 147 is formed on the outer side of the main body section 144 forming the active section. The sliding surface is curved around the pivot axis S and has a constant curvature radius R relative to the pivot axis S. Fig.9D The sliding surface 147 faces the corresponding second sliding surface 16 on the housing section 160 of the housing component 10. The shape of the second sliding surface is complementary to the first sliding surface 147 and has a constant curvature radius R relative to the pivot axis S, as shown in FIG. Fig. 8A shown.

[0080] When the operating element 14 is pivoted, the sliding surfaces 147, 16 support each other in a sliding manner. The sliding surface 16 is located on the housing section 160 of the housing part 10, on which the insertion opening 100 is also formed, wherein the sliding surface 16 is formed on the side of the housing section 160 facing the operating element 14 above the insertion opening 100.

[0081] Since the sliding surface 147 is formed on the outer side of the main body section 144 constituting the effective section acting on the clamping leg 120, the sliding support is performed by the sliding surfaces 147, 16 at a radius R larger than the pivot axis S, and thus at a position radially away from the pivot axis S. Therefore, when pressure is applied, the bending load acting on the operating section 141 to drive the operating element 14 can be mutually absorbed by the sliding support of the sliding surfaces 147, 16, thereby avoiding excessive stress on the operating element 14, especially the shaft element 140.

[0082] The connecting terminal 1 has a trigger element 13, which is fixed to the housing part 10 via a support end 132 and is thus supported in a torque-proof manner relative to the housing part 10. The trigger leg 130 extends from the support end 132, which extends substantially transversely to the insertion direction E into the receiving space 101 and thus extends in a region flush with the insertion opening 100.

[0083] from Figures 7A-7C An isolated view of the triggering element 13 is shown, Fig. 8A , 8B A detailed view of the housing part 10 is shown and Fig.11 It can be seen from the cross-sectional view shown that the support end 132 of the trigger element 13 is connected to the connecting device 103, 103' of the adjacent housing part 10, 10A in a form-fitting manner. The support end 132 of the trigger element 13, which is composed of a strip-shaped spring element, has notches 134, 135 on its opposite side edges, and when the trigger element 13 is in the assembled position, the notches 134, 135 engage with the form-fitting elements 104, 104' on the connecting device 103, 103'.

[0084] The connection devices 103, 103' are each formed by an engagement opening 107, with which the support end 132 engages, so that the support end 132 is received in a form-fitting manner on the housing part 10. The form fit between the support end 132 and the housing part 10 makes it impossible for the support end 132 to slip out of the connection devices 103, 103', and in addition, the support end 132 is supported on the housing part 10 in such a way that when the trigger leg 130 is elastically deflected, the torque can be absorbed at the support end 132 and introduced into the housing part 10, and the support end 132 is maintained in its position relative to the housing part 10.

[0085] like Figure 5 , 6 and Fig. 8A , 8B As shown, the engagement opening 107 is formed on a wall section 106 of each corresponding housing component 10 , 10A, and the wall section 106 protrudes beyond the flat side wall 105 of the housing component 10 , 10A.

[0086] The function of the trigger leg 130 is to cooperate with the electrical wire 2 inserted into the insertion opening 100 , and in particular to automatically connect the electrical wire 2 to the connection terminal 1 by triggering the clamping leg 120 .

[0087] The trigger element 13 has an opening 131, and when the operating element 14 is moved to the operating position along the operating direction B, the operating element 14 is locked with the opening 131 by a protruding locking section 143. In the operating position, the operating element 14 is engaged with the opening 131 by the locking section 143, and is thereby held on the trigger leg 130 in a locking manner, thereby locking the operating element 14 in the operating position.

[0088] In the illustrated embodiment, the trigger leg 130 itself is curved. Between the free end 138 of the trigger leg 130 that is remote from the support end 132 and the leg section 137 of the trigger leg 130 that is flush with the support end 132 and on which the opening 131 is formed, there extends an intermediate section 136, which extends transversely between the free end 138 of the trigger leg 130 and the leg section 137 of the trigger leg 130 that carries the opening 131. By appropriately adjusting the shape of the trigger element 13, the trigger element 13 can be adapted to the installation space conditions in the accommodation space 101 of the housing 10.

[0089] If the actuating element 14 is actuated in the actuating direction B, thereby pivoting relative to the housing part 10 about the pivot axis 140 to the actuating position, the actuating element 14 entrains the clamping leg 120 of the spring element 12 via the action section 144, thereby moving the clamping leg 120 to the release position. In the release position, the clamping leg 120 moves away from the contact section 110 of the contact element 11 with its free end, thereby releasing the area in the receiving space 101 that is aligned with the insertion opening 100 along the insertion direction E, so that the electrical conductor 2 can be inserted into the insertion opening 100 without being hindered by the clamping leg 120, thereby being connected to the terminal 1 in a substantially forceless manner.

[0090] If the electrical conductor 2 with the stripped conductor end 20 is inserted into the insertion opening 100 and into the receiving space 101 along the plug-in direction E, and the actuating element 14 is in the actuating position and the clamping leg 120 is in the release position, the electrical conductor 2 will contact the end section 138 of the triggering leg 130 of the triggering element 13 and elastically deflect it relative to the support end 132, thereby deflecting it toward the housing part 10. As a result, the triggering leg 130 is displaced relative to the latching section 143 of the actuating element 14 in the insertion direction E, so that the latching section 143 is disengaged from the opening 131, and the actuating element 14 is released from the actuating position.

[0091] On the side of the opening 131 facing the free end 138 of the trigger leg 130, a contact element 133 is formed by a bent section of the trigger element 13 formed as a metal plate element, against which the locking section 143 rests in the locked position and touches when released from the locked position.

[0092] Since the lever arm of the electrical conductor 2 acting on the trigger leg 130 is larger than the lever arm acting on the locking section 143, the trigger leg 130 can be deflected under the action of a small force applied by the electrical conductor 2, so that the locking can be easily and reliably canceled when the electrical conductor 2 is inserted.

[0093] After the locking is canceled when the electrical conductor 2 is inserted, the actuating element 14 leaves the actuating position due to the elastic preload on the clamping leg 120 and is reset in a direction opposite to the actuating direction B. The clamping leg 120 is in clamping contact with the electrical conductor 2, thereby pressing the conductor end 20 into contact with the contact element 11, so that the electrical conductor 2 is electrically connected to the terminal 1 and mechanically locked.

[0094] Since the actuating element 14 is moved out of the actuating position after the latch is released, the user can safely and reliably recognize that the connecting terminal 1 has been actuated and the electrical conductor 2 is thus connected to the connecting terminal 1. The risk of incorrect operation is thus reduced.

[0095] If the electrical conductor 2 is to be released from the connection position and removed from the terminal 1 again, the operating element 14 can be moved back to the operating position, thereby breaking contact between the clamping legs 120 and the electrical conductor 2. In this way, the electrical conductor 2 can be removed from the terminal 1 in a substantially force-free manner.

[0096] For example, the connecting terminal 1 or the connecting device 3 of all the connecting terminals 1, 1A, 1B can be delivered with the actuating element 14 (respectively) actuated. In the actuated position, the actuating element 14 is locked with the triggering element 13 of the connecting terminal 1, 1A, 1B, wherein the actuating element 14 is held in a tensioned state due to the tension of the spring element 12. The support of the sliding surfaces 147, 16 can absorb and support bending loads, thereby avoiding excessive bending stresses in the region of the shaft element 140.

[0097] Furthermore, even when a force is applied to the actuating section 141 , for example by manual actuation of the actuating element 14 or by a tool, bending loads can be mutually supported by the sliding support of the sliding surfaces 147 and 16 .

[0098] In the illustrated embodiment, the housing parts 10, 10A, 10B of the connecting terminals 1, 1A, 1B are connected to each other along the arrangement direction A. The housing part 10, 10A, 10B of one connecting terminal 1, 1A, 1B is completed by the housing part 10, 10A, 10B of the adjacent connecting terminal, so that the housing parts 10, 10A, 10B together constitute the housing of the connecting terminals 1, 1A, 1B.

[0099] like Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, for assembling the connection device 3 , the housing parts 10 , 10A, 10B are pushed into the housing 3 in an adjacent position in the assembly direction M, in such a way that the connecting terminals 1 , 1A, 1B are enclosed in the housing 30 .

[0100] On the wall 105 of the housing part 10, 10A, 10B, latching noses 170, 171 are formed at the upper edge and the lower edge, respectively, and protrude from the wall 105. In the assembled state, the latching noses 170, 171 engage with corresponding latching openings on the housing 30, such as Figure 1 As shown in the locking nose 170 in FIG.

[0101] A latching element 108' in the form of a spring tongue is formed on the back of the wall 105 of the housing parts 10, 10A, which engages with a corresponding latching opening 108 on the adjacent housing parts 10, 10A, 10B when the housing parts 10, 10A, 10B are connected, so that when the housing parts 10, 10A, 10B are connected along the arrangement direction A, they are preassembled and held together in a latching manner. After the preassembled device created in this way is inserted into the housing 30, the connecting device 3 is assembled and has mechanical stability due to the enclosure of the housing 30.

[0102] In the illustrated embodiment, each connecting terminal 1 , 1A, 1B is equipped with a plug connector section 15 which is formed on the housing 30 and in which the contact device 111 of the respectively associated contact element 11 is located.

[0103] The basic idea of ​​the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and can also be implemented in other ways.

[0104] Although in the above-mentioned embodiments, all the connecting terminals of the connection device are realized by spring force connection with the same function, this is not necessary. The connecting terminals of the connection device can also be different from each other in function and design.

[0105] Description of Reference Numerals

[0106] 1. 1A, 1B, 1B terminal blocks

[0107] 10, 10A, 10B housing parts

[0108] 100 Insert opening

[0109] 101 Accommodation Space

[0110] 102 Manipulation of openings

[0111] 103, 103' connection device

[0112] 104, 104' form-fitting element

[0113] 105 wall

[0114] 106 Wall Segments

[0115] 107 Engagement opening

[0116] 108, 108' locking element

[0117] 109 Support opening

[0118] 109 Shaft element

[0119] 11Contact element (current rod)

[0120] 110 Contact section

[0121] 111 Contact device

[0122] 12 Clamping spring

[0123] 120 Clamp your legs

[0124] 121 Support Leg

[0125] 122 Middle section

[0126] 13 Trigger element

[0127] 130 Trigger Leg

[0128] 131 Locking device (locking opening)

[0129] 132 Support end

[0130] 133 Touch Components

[0131] 134,135 Form-fitting element (notch)

[0132] 136 Middle section

[0133] 137 Outrigger Section

[0134] 138 end

[0135] 14 Control elements

[0136] 140 Shaft element

[0137] 141 Operation Section

[0138] 142 Opening

[0139] 143 Locking section

[0140] 144 Main section (action section)

[0141] 145 Main section (support section)

[0142] 146 Back Wall

[0143] 147 Sliding surface

[0144] 148 Gap

[0145] 149 Accommodating Slit

[0146] 15 Plug connector section

[0147] 16 Sliding surface

[0148] 160 Shell section

[0149] 170,171 locking element

[0150] 3 Connection device

[0151] 30 Shell

[0152] A Arrangement direction

[0153] B Control direction

[0154] E Insertion direction

[0155] M Assembly direction

[0156] R Radius

[0157] S Pivot

[0158] V Vertical direction

Claims

1. A terminal (1, 1A, 1B) for connecting an electrical conductor (2), comprising a housing part (10, 10A, 10B); a contact element (11) arranged on the housing part (10, 10A, 10B), the contact element having a contact section (110) for making electrical contact with the electrical conductor (2); a spring element (12), the spring element having a clamping leg (120) displaceable relative to the housing part (10, 10A, 10B), the clamping leg being configured to act on the electrical conductor (2) in a clamping position to make contact with the contact section (110); and an operating element (14) pivotably arranged on the housing part (10, 10A, 10B) about a pivot axis (S), the operating element (14) being pivotable from a non-operated position to an operated position to move the clamping leg (120) out of the clamping position, characterized in that The operating element (14) has a first sliding surface (147) formed on a main body section (144) of the operating element (14), and the housing component (10, 10A, 10b) has a second sliding surface (16) formed on a housing section (160) to slidingly support the first sliding surface (147) when the operating element (14) pivots around a pivot (S).

2. The connecting terminal (1, 1A, 1B) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first sliding surface (147) and / or the second sliding surface (16) are bent around the pivot axis (S).

3. The connecting terminal (1, 1A, 1B) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The first sliding surface (147) and / or the second sliding surface (16) has a constant radius of curvature (R) around the pivot axis (S).

4. The connecting terminal (1, 1A, 1B) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The main body section (144) of the operating element (14) forms an action section for acting on the clamping leg (120) when the operating element (14) is pivoted.

5. The connecting terminal (1, 1A, 1B) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The first sliding surface (147) abuts against the second sliding surface (16) when the operating element (14) is in a non-operating position and an operating position and when the operating element (14) is pivoted about a pivot axis (S) between the non-operating position and the operating position.

6. The connecting terminal (1, 1A, 1B) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The actuating element (14) has a further second body section (145), wherein the clamping leg (120) is received in a receiving slot (149) between the body section (144) and the further second body section (145).

7. The connecting terminal (1, 1A, 1B) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The first sliding surface (147) is formed on the outer side of the main body section (144) radially outward relative to the pivot axis (S).

8. The connecting terminal (1, 1A, 1B) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The first sliding surface (147) is arranged on a side of the clamping leg (120) remote from the pivot axis (S).

9. The connecting terminal (1, 1A, 1B) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that A housing section (160) of a housing part (10, 10A, 10B) forms an insertion opening (100) for inserting an electrical conductor (2).

10. The connecting terminal (1, 1A, 1B) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The clamping legs (120) are configured to press or pull the electrical conductor (2) into contact with the contact element (11) by means of spring force.

11. The connecting terminal (1, 1A, 1B) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The spring element (12) has a supporting leg (121), via which the spring element (12) is supported on the housing part (10, 10A, 10B).

12. The connecting terminal (1, 1A, 1B) according to claim 11, characterized in that: The spring element (12) has a bent connecting section (122) arranged between a clamping leg (120) and a supporting leg (121), which extends about a pivot axis (S).

13. The connecting terminal (1, 1A, 1B) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that Compared to the clamping position, the clamping leg (120) is moved away from the contact section (110) in the release position, wherein the clamping leg (120) remains in its position relative to the housing part (10, 10A, 10B) in the release position.

14. The connecting terminal (1, 1A, 1B) according to claim 13, characterized in that: The connecting terminal (1, 1A, 1B) has a trigger element (13) which is configured to interact with the connecting terminal (1, 1A, 1B) when the electrical conductor (2) is inserted into the connecting terminal (1, 1A, 1B) so as to release the clamping leg (120) from the release position.

15. The connecting terminal (1, 1A, 1B) according to claim 14, characterized in that: The trigger element (13) has a trigger leg (130), wherein the housing part (10, 10A, 10B) of the terminal (1, 1A, 1B) defines a receiving space (101), into which the electrical wire (2) can be introduced by inserting the electrical wire into the terminal (1, 1A, 1B), wherein the trigger leg (130) extends in the receiving space (101) so as to cooperate with the electrical wire (2).

16. The connecting terminal (1, 1A, 1B) according to claim 15, characterized in that: The trigger element (13) has a supporting end (132) supported on a housing component (10, 10A, 10B), wherein the trigger leg (130) can be elastically displaced relative to the supporting end (132) by cooperating with an electrical wire (2) inserted into a terminal (1, 1A, 1B).

17. A connecting device (3) comprising a plurality of connecting terminals (1, 1A, 1B) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the housing parts (10, 10A, 10B) of the connecting terminals (1, 1A, 1B) are arranged in a row with one another in an arrangement direction (A), characterized in that A housing (30) is provided, housing parts (10, 10A, 10B) of connecting terminals (1, 1A, 1B) arranged in a row along an arrangement direction (A) can be introduced into the housing in an installation direction (M), and housing parts (10, 10A, 10B) of connecting terminals (1, 1A, 1B) arranged in a row along an arrangement direction (A) are accommodated in the housing in an assembled state.

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