Terminal device for connecting electrical conductors

Abstract

The invention relates to a terminal device (1) for connecting electrical conductors (4), comprising a contact element (22), which has a contact section (220), and a connecting device (2), which has a spring element (21), which has a clamping leg (210), which can be adjusted between a clamping position and a release position, and which is designed to connect the electrical conductors (4) to the contact section (220). In the clamping position, the clamping force acts on the conductor (4) in a clamping manner, so that the conductor (4) is in electrical contact with the contact section (220) of the contact element (22). The connecting device (2) has a locking element (214) by means of which the clamping leg (210) is held in position relative to the housing (10) in the release position. The busbar connection device (3) has an attachment opening (30) for attaching the terminal device (1) to the busbar (5) in an attachment direction (A), and wherein the contact element (22) has a contact section (222) against which the busbar (5) rests in electrical contact in a state in which the terminal device (1) is attached to the busbar (5).

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] This type of terminal device comprises a housing, which is configured with a plug opening, into which an electrical conductor can be inserted along a plug direction to be connected to the terminal device. The contact element has a contact section. The connecting device has a spring element, which has a clamping leg, which can be adjusted between a clamping position and a release position, and is configured to act on the conductor inserted into the plug opening in a clamping manner in the clamping position so that the conductor is in electrical contact with the contact section of the contact element, wherein the clamping leg can be moved from the clamping position to the release position in order to insert the conductor into the plug opening or to pull the conductor out of the plug opening. In addition, the connecting device has a locking element, by which the clamping leg is held in a position relative to the housing in the release position, wherein the locking element can be adjusted when the electrical conductor is inserted so as to release the clamping leg from the release position.

[0003] The connection device of the terminal device is realized as a spring force connection by using a spring element, wherein the electrical conductor is clamped to the contact element in the connection position under the elastic spring action of the spring element and is thereby electrically connected to the contact element.

[0004] In the clamping position, the clamping legs are so close to the contact section that the conductor inserted into the plug opening is held clamped between the clamping legs and the contact section and thus makes electrical contact with the contact section and is also preferably mechanically locked to the terminal device, whereas in the release position into which the clamping legs can be moved, the clamping legs are away from the contact section and the inserted electrical conductor can thus be pulled out of the terminal device. Furthermore, in the release position, the conductor can be plugged onto the terminal device in a substantially forceless manner, wherein after the insertion, the clamping legs are moved from the release position into the clamping position and thus clamp the conductor to the contact section.

[0005] In order to easily insert the conductor, the clamping leg is held in a position relative to the housing in the release position by the locking element. For example, it can be provided that the terminal device can be supplied to the user by the manufacturer with the clamping leg in the release position, so that the user can connect the electrical conductor to the terminal device in a simple manner.

[0006] In the connection device known from DE 10 2019 127 464 B3, a spring element in the form of a tension spring is provided, which, by elastic spring action, pulls the connected electrical conductor into contact with the corresponding contact element and thus establishes a clamped connection between the electrical conductor and the contact element. To this end, the electrical conductor is moved through an opening in the clamping leg during attachment and, in the connected position, is clamped between the clamping leg and the contact element.

[0007] In the connection device of DE 10 2019 127 464 B3, a locking device is provided, by which the clamping leg is locked relative to the housing in the release position. When the electrical conductor is inserted, the locking device is triggered and the locking is thus canceled, so that the clamping leg is adjusted out of the release position and the electrical conductor is thereby clamped to the contact element. In order to transfer the clamping leg to the release position, in particular to enable the electrical conductor to be attached, or to release the connected electrical conductor from the connection device, a tool, such as a screwdriver, can be attached to the connection device and a force can thereby be applied to the clamping leg.

[0008] In DE 10 2019 127 464 B3, the adjustment of the clamping leg is carried out directly by means of a tool, whereas in the connection devices known from DE 10 2019 135 203 A1 and DE 10 2020 104 240 A1, an operating element in the form of a so-called pusher is provided, which can be pressed into the housing of the connection device in order to act on the clamping leg in this way and transfer the clamping leg to its release position. The operating element is preloaded relative to the housing of the connection device by a tensioning spring in the form of a compression spring. In the connection device known from DE 10 2019 135 203 A1, an operating projection is arranged on the operating element, which, in the operating position of the operating element, hooks into the fixing section of the retaining element.

[0009] DE 10 2021 117 396 A1 describes a connection device for connecting an electrical conductor, wherein a clamping spring can be adjusted between a clamping position and an open position. In the clamping position, the electrical conductor to be connected is clamped to a clamping section of a current bar. An operating element that can be guided along a first operating direction serves to transfer the clamping spring from the clamping position to the open position. A rotatably mounted lever element serves to actuate the operating element.

[0010] The connecting device of DE 10 2021 117 396 A1 can be used in particular in a junction box.

[0011] DE 10 2016 112 831 A1 discloses a terminal arrangement which can be attached to a busbar. Summary of the invention

[0012] The object of the present invention is to provide a terminal arrangement which allows a simple and largely tool-free connection to a busbar.

[0013] This object is achieved by the subject matter having the features of claim 1 .

[0014] Therefore, the terminal device has a busbar connecting device, which has an attachment opening for attaching the terminal device to the busbar along an attachment direction, wherein the contact element has an abutment section, and when the terminal device is attached to the busbar, the busbar abuts against the abutment section in electrical contact.

[0015] The electrical conductor can be connected to the terminal device by inserting the electrical conductor into the plug opening of the housing. When the electrical conductor is inserted, the clamping legs of the spring element of the connecting device are preferably in a released position, so that the electrical conductor can be inserted into the plug opening in a substantially forceless manner without being hindered by the clamping legs. If the conductor is inserted into the plug opening, the clamping legs are transferred from the released position to the clamping position, so that the electrical conductor is clamped to the contact section, thereby being electrically connected to the contact section of the contact element, and is also preferably mechanically locked to the connecting device of the terminal device.

[0016] The connecting device has a locking element for providing a locked hold of the clamping leg in the release position. The locking element can act on the clamping leg directly or indirectly (via an element functionally arranged between the locking element and the clamping leg) to thereby hold the clamping leg in position relative to the housing in the release position.

[0017] If an electrical conductor is inserted into the plug opening of the housing, the locking element is thereby triggered and the clamping legs are released from the release position in such a way that the clamping legs of the spring element move in the direction of the clamping position due to the spring preload on the spring element. The conductor clamping thus acts on the electrical conductor inserted into the plug opening so that the conductor makes electrical contact with the contact section of the contact element and is also mechanically locked to the connecting device of the terminal device.

[0018] Since the locking element is automatically triggered when the electrical conductor is inserted, and the conductor automatically comes into contact with the contact section of the contact element when inserted, the connection device can be operated without tools to connect the electrical conductor. In order to enable simple insertion of the conductor, the clamping leg can be transferred, for example, by an operating element into a release position, in which the clamping leg is indirectly or directly locked relative to the housing by the locking element and is thus held in position. If the electrical conductor is connected to the terminal device by inserting the conductor into the plug opening of the housing when the clamping leg is in the release position, the clamping leg is triggered and the conductor comes into contact with the contact section of the contact element.

[0019] In addition to the connection device for connecting the electrical conductor, the terminal device also has a busbar connection device, which has an attachment opening for attaching the terminal device to the busbar along the attachment direction. The contact element has a contact section, and when the terminal device is attached to the busbar, the busbar is in electrical contact with the contact section. Therefore, the conductor connected to the connection device contacts the busbar through the contact element, which is configured as a current bar, and is thus connected to the busbar.

[0020] The busbar is usually a rod-shaped element which extends longitudinally along a longitudinal axis and is designed as a solid, electrically conductive metal component. The busbar is at a reference potential, for example, a neutral potential, wherein a plurality of terminal devices of identical or different constructions are attached to the busbar and can thus be brought to a common potential corresponding to the busbar via the busbar.

[0021] The terminal device is attached to the busbar by engaging the attachment opening with the busbar. In the attached state, the busbar is accommodated in the attachment opening, wherein the abutment section of the contact element is in electrical contact with the busbar inside the attachment opening, and thus the contact element is electrically connected to the busbar.

[0022] The cross section of the busbar transversely to its longitudinal axis can be rectangular, for example. The attachment opening of the busbar connecting device is correspondingly designed to receive a busbar having a rectangular cross section.

[0023] In order to connect to the connecting device of the terminal device, the electrical conductor is inserted into the plug opening of the housing along the plug-in direction and thereby effectively connected to the spring element inside the housing by triggering the locking element and thus releasing the spring element from the release position. In contrast, the terminal device is attached to the busbar along the attachment direction. In one embodiment, the plug-in direction and the attachment direction are oriented identically, so that the connection of the electrical conductor to the connecting device of the terminal device and the attachment of the terminal device to the (static) busbar are carried out along a common direction.

[0024] In one embodiment, the connecting device has an active element that can be adjusted relative to the housing. In the release position of the clamping leg, the active element latches with the locking element and is thereby held in a position relative to the housing.

[0025] The active element can for example be used to act directly or indirectly on the clamping leg. By adjusting the active element, the clamping leg can for example be transferred from the clamping position to the release position, wherein, after being transferred to the release position, the active element is locked with the locking element and is therefore maintained in a position relative to the housing.

[0026] The active element can be moved in particular between an inactive position and an active position relative to the housing in order to transfer the clamping leg from the clamping position to a release position. In the active position, the clamping leg is in a release position, wherein the active element is locked relative to the housing by the locking element and is thus held in a position relative to the housing.

[0027] In one embodiment, the active element has a contact contour. In contrast, a contact section is formed on the clamping leg, which contacts the contact contour in the release position in order to hold the clamping leg in the release position. By adjusting the active element, the clamping leg can be transferred to the release position in particular. By contacting the active element, the clamping leg is held in the release position, wherein in the activation position corresponding to the release position, the active element is locked by the locking element and is thus held in a position relative to the housing.

[0028] The contact section is for example formed as a tab on the clamping leg.For example, the contact section can be formed as a tab that is freely cut out relative to the clamping end of the clamping leg, bent relative to the clamping end, at the edge of the clamping leg.

[0029] In one embodiment, the locking element is designed to cooperate with the conductor when the conductor is inserted. As a result, the locking element can be adjusted relative to the active element when the conductor is inserted in order to release the latching between the active element and the locking element in the release position of the clamping leg. When the conductor is inserted, the connecting device is automatically triggered in that the electrical conductor acts on the locking element and thereby releases the latching between the active element and the locking element. As a result, the clamping leg is released and can be adjusted from the release position in the direction of the clamping position so that the conductor is automatically connected to the connecting device and, for this purpose, is electrically contacted with the contact section and is also preferably mechanically locked to the connecting device.

[0030] In one embodiment, the active element can be moved linearly (straightly) relative to the housing. However, in another embodiment, the active element can also move along a curved motion track, or move by pivoting relative to the housing.

[0031] In one design, the active element is, for example, operatively connected to an operating element, which can be moved relative to the housing by a user's operation to transfer the active element to an activated position. The active element can be formed, for example, as a stamped and bent part and accommodated in the housing so as to act on the clamping leg in the housing and cooperate with the locking element, while the operating element can be accessed, for example, from the outside and can therefore operate the active element. The operating element is operatively connected to the active element so that when the operating element is operated, the active element is driven and thus moves relative to the housing.

[0032] The operating element can preferably be operated by the user without tools. To move the operating element, the user can act on the operating element, for example with a finger, and thereby adjust the operating element relative to the housing to act on the active element. The user can thus operate simply and comfortably, in particular without having to be equipped with special tools in order to operate the operating element.

[0033] The operating element can be designed in particular as a lever and can be pivotably mounted on the housing.

[0034] The operating element can be pivotably mounted on the housing, for example. The operating element is thus designed as a lever element and can be pivoted relative to the housing in order to act on the active element in this way and thereby transfer the clamping leg of the spring element from the clamping position in the direction of the release position via the active element. Thus, by actuating the operating element, the clamping leg can be moved from the clamping position into the release position, wherein the clamping leg is indirectly held in position by the active element in the release position and thus in the release position.

[0035] In one embodiment, the operating element can be swung relative to the housing about a swivel axis perpendicular to the plug-in direction. The active element can be adjusted linearly on the housing, for example, in a direction perpendicular to the plug-in direction and perpendicular to the swivel axis of the operating element. The clamping leg of the spring element can be pivoted relative to the housing in a swivel plane perpendicular to the swivel axis of the operating element. The swivel axis can extend in such a way that it is oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis of the busbar, which is received in the attachment opening of the terminal device when the terminal device is attached to the busbar.

[0036] The operating element is preferably operatively connected to the active element, for example locked thereto. If the active element is locked relative to the housing by the locking element after the clamping leg is transferred to the release position, the operating element is thus also held in a position relative to the housing in the operated position. If the clamping leg is released from the release position and the clamping leg moves from the release position in the direction of the clamping position due to the spring tension on the spring element, the active element is entrained and the operating element is thereby moved from the operated position to the non-operated position.

[0037] This can also be used for a status display, by means of which the user can directly recognize whether the connecting device is triggered after the electrical line has been inserted.

[0038] In one embodiment, the housing has at least one bearing bolt for supporting the operating element. The at least one bearing bolt protrudes axially relative to a housing section of the housing, for example, along a pivot axis and has an edge section protruding radially relative to the pivot axis, with which the at least one bearing bolt overlaps the operating element. As a result, the operating element is not only pivotably supported on the housing by the bearing bolt, but is also axially fixed in its position relative to the housing, in particular in such a way that the operating element is not (excessively) deformed in the axial direction when a force is applied.

[0039] In one embodiment, the operating element is elastically preloaded relative to the housing by a preload element, for example in the form of a mechanical pressure spring. For example, the preload element can be tensioned when the operating element is moved from the non-operated position into the operated position so that the clamping leg of the spring element is transferred from the clamped position to the released position via an active element operatively connected to the operating element. Thus, the auxiliary operating element is reset from the operated position to the non-operated position by mechanical preloading of the preload element.

[0040] For example, in one embodiment, the locking element is integrally formed with the spring element. For example, the locking element can be formed by a spring leg of the spring element, which is elastically deflectable and can therefore be locked in particular with the active element, so that in the release position of the clamping leg, the active element is held in position relative to the housing.

[0041] In one embodiment, the spring element has a support leg supported on the housing and / or the contact element. The clamping leg can be elastically deflected relative to the support leg. A locking element is formed on the support leg, which, in the release position of the clamping leg, for example, latches with the active element and thus holds the active element and thus the clamping leg in the release position. The support leg is supported on the housing to fix the spring element. The clamping leg can, for example, be formed on a first end of the support leg, while the locking element is formed by a leg on a second end of the support leg facing away from the first end.

[0042] The clamping leg can be elastically deflected relative to the supporting leg and can thus be moved between a clamping position and a release position, wherein in the release position the clamping leg is elastically tensioned in such a way that a tensioning force acts in the direction of the clamping position. If the retention of the clamping leg in the release position is cancelled, the clamping leg automatically moves into the clamping position due to the elastic tensioning force on the spring element, so that the electrical conductor inserted into the plug opening of the housing is clamped to the contact section and thus electrically connected to the contact section, and is also preferably mechanically locked to the connecting device.

[0043] The locking element formed by the spring leg can also be elastically deflected relative to the supporting leg, so that when the active element is transferred to the activated position corresponding to the release position of the clamping leg, the locking element can be locked with the active element and thus hold the active element in a position relative to the housing in the locked position.

[0044] In one design, the contact element has a tensioning section. For example, in a state where the terminal device is attached to the busbar, the abutment section of the contact element is arranged on a first side of the busbar, while the tensioning section is located on a second side of the busbar that is away from the first side. The abutment section and the tensioning section thus abut on different sides of the busbar. For example, the contact element can realize a C-shaped receiving portion by the abutment section and the tensioning section, and when the terminal device is attached to the busbar and the busbar is received in the attachment opening of the terminal device, the busbar is received inside the C-shaped receiving portion.

[0045] For example, the tensioning section can be elastically deflected relative to the abutment section in order to prestress the busbar relative to the abutment section. The tensioning section is formed integrally with the contact element and thus with the abutment section. In this case, a (certain) elasticity is provided on the tensioning section, by means of which the contact force between the busbar and the contact element can be set. By means of the elastic deflection of the tensioning section and thus by means of the clamping of the busbar between the abutment section and the tensioning section, the contact force between the busbar and the abutment section can be set, so that a favorable, low-resistance electrical transition is established between the busbar and the abutment section.

[0046] In one design, the busbar connection device has a locking element for locking the terminal device on the busbar, and the locking element can be elastically adjusted relative to the housing. When the terminal device is attached to the busbar, the locking element fixes the terminal device on the busbar so that the terminal device cannot be easily removed from the busbar unless the locking of the locking element is canceled.

[0047] In particular, the connection of the terminal device to the busbar can be fixed in a form-fitting manner by means of the locking element, so that the terminal device is held on the busbar in a form-fitting manner when the locking element is in the locking position.

[0048] The locking element can be elastically adjusted relative to the housing. When the terminal device is attached to the busbar, the locking element can be moved away so as to spring back to the initial position when the busbar is accommodated in the attachment opening of the terminal device, thereby locking the terminal device on the busbar.

[0049] In one embodiment, the housing has an insertion opening into which a tool can be introduced to act on the locking element. The tool, for example a screwdriver, can be brought into effective connection with the locking element via the insertion opening in order to act on the locking element and release the locking element from the locked position, so that the terminal device can be removed from the busbar.

[0050] The tool can preferably be introduced into the introduction opening along an introduction direction that is different from the attachment direction. The introduction direction is oriented, for example, perpendicularly to the attachment direction and also perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the busbar accommodated in the attachment opening. Thus, the tool can be passed through the housing through the introduction opening in the housing and guided toward the locking element of the busbar connection device in order to cancel the locking of the terminal device on the busbar. The introduction opening makes it possible in particular to introduce the tool from a direction from which, for example, the terminal device can be easily accessed in a switch cabinet and which in particular does not conflict with the inserted conductor.

[0051] By introducing the tool into the housing through the insertion opening, the terminal device can be designed with a relatively small installation space without requiring a significant additional installation space for actuating the locking element with a tool.

[0052] In one embodiment, the locking element is integrally formed with a housing section of the housing or with the contact element. For example, the housing can be integrally formed entirely from one part. In this case, the locking element can be integrally formed with the housing. In another embodiment, the locking element can be formed on the contact element, for example, on an end spaced apart from the tensioning section of the contact element, by means of which a locked, form-fitting connection can be established between the busbar and the terminal device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0053] The idea underlying the invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the exemplary embodiments shown in the drawings. It shows:

[0054] Figure 1 A view of a terminal device having a connection device for connecting an electrical conductor and a busbar connection device for attaching to a busbar is shown, wherein an operating element is in an operating position;

[0055] Figure 2 Another view of the terminal arrangement is shown;

[0056] Figure 3 shows a side view of the terminal arrangement;

[0057] Figure 4 A view showing the terminal arrangement without the housing cover;

[0058] Figure 5 Shown according to Figure 4A side view of an assembly of

[0059] Fig. 6A shows a top view of the terminal device;

[0060] Figure 6B Shown along the basis Fig. 6A A cross-sectional view of line AA;

[0061] Figure 7 A partial cross-sectional view of the terminal device after the electrical conductor is inserted is shown;

[0062] Figure 8 shows a side view of the terminal device before the operating element is operated;

[0063] Fig.9A Shown in accordance with Figure 8 A top view of the terminal device in the position;

[0064] Fig. 9B Shown along the basis Fig.9A A cross-sectional view along line DD;

[0065] Fig. 10A Shown in accordance with Figure 8 A side view of the terminal device in the position of

[0066] Fig. 10B Shown along the basis Fig. 10A A cross-sectional view along line BB;

[0067] Fig. 10C Shown along the basis Fig. 10A A cross-sectional view of line CC in FIG.

[0068] Fig.11 showing a view of the terminal device in the process of being attached to a busbar;

[0069] Fig.12 A view showing the terminal device in a state of being attached to a busbar;

[0070] Fig.13 shows a view of the terminal device when a tool is used to release the terminal device from the busbar;

[0071] Fig.14A Shown according to Fig.13 A top view of a component;

[0072] Fig. 14B Shown along the basis Fig.14A A cross-sectional view of line BB; and

[0073] Fig.15 A side view of another embodiment of a terminal device is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0074] exist Figures 1 to 14A , 14B, a terminal device 1 shown in one exemplary embodiment has a connecting device 2 which has a spring element 21 and is implemented as a spring-force connection for connecting an electrical conductor 4 .

[0075] Furthermore, the terminal device 1 has a busbar connecting device 3 , by means of which the terminal device 1 can be attached along an attachment direction A to a busbar 5 .

[0076] The connecting device 2 is provided with a plug-in opening 20 formed in the housing 10 of the terminal device 1, into which the electrical conductor 4 can be inserted with the conductor end 40 (with the insulation stripped) along the plug-in direction E, so that the conductor 4 is electrically contacted with the contact element 22 inside the terminal device 1 in this way and is thus connected to the terminal device 1.

[0077] As from Figure 4 and Figure 5 Combined with Figure 6B As can be seen from the sectional view of , the connecting device 2 has an active element 23 which is operatively connected to an operating element 24 and can be adjusted on the housing 10 via the operating element 24 .

[0078] The operating element 24 is supported on the housing 10 so as to be pivotable about the pivot axis S. For this purpose, a bearing bolt 102 is formed on the housing 10, which protrudes axially on both sides of the housing 10 along the pivot axis S and is respectively configured with a flange-shaped edge section 205 protruding radially from the pivot axis S, which partially overlaps the operating element 24, so that the operating element 24 is supported on the housing 10 so as to be pivotable about the pivot axis S via the bearing bolt 102, and is further axially fixed to the housing 10 via the edge section 105 of the bearing bolt 102.

[0079] The operating element 24 is configured with an operating section 240, by which a user can push on the operating element 24, so as to pivot the operating element 24 relative to the housing 10 along an operating direction B about a swing axis S. The swing axis S is oriented perpendicularly to the plug-in direction E and also perpendicularly to the attachment direction A which is oriented in the same direction as the plug-in direction E. When the terminal device 1 is attached to the busbar 5 along the attachment direction A, the swing axis S is oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis L of the busbar 5.

[0080] On both sides of the housing 10, the guide elements 104 are formed in the form of outwardly protruding bolt elements. The guide elements 104 engage in guide sections 244 in the form of arc-shaped guideways on the operating element 24, so that the operating element 24 is guided relative to the housing 10 and can be moved between defined positions, i.e., according to the Figures 1 to 6A , 6B operating position and basis Figures 7 to 10A , and pivots relative to the housing 10 between an inoperative position of 10B.

[0081] The operating element 24 is operatively connected to the base 233 of the active element 23 via a holding element 241 in the form of a hook element, such as for example by Figure 6B As can be seen in the cross-sectional view of FIG. In addition, a push section 243 is formed on the operating element 24, which cooperates with the base 233 of the active element 23. If the operating element 24 is transferred from the non-operated position to the operated position and pivoted relative to the housing 10 along the operating direction B for this purpose, the operating element 24 is pressed on the base 233 of the active element 23 by the push section 243, and thus drives the active element 23. In the operated position, the operating element 24 is held in a position relative to the housing 10 by the retaining element 241 due to the locking of the active element 23.

[0082] A preload element 25 in the form of a mechanical pressure spring acts between the operating element 24 and the housing section 103 of the housing 10. When the operating element 24 is transferred into the actuated position, the preload element 25 is elastically tensioned, so that the preload of the preload element 25 assists the operating element 24 in returning from the actuated position to the non-actuated position.

[0083] The spring element 21 is designed with a clamping leg 210, which has two contact sections 212 formed on the side of the clamping leg by bending the webs and interacts with the contact contour 230 on the leg 232 of the active element 23 via the contact section 212 and can thus be adjusted relative to the housing 10 by adjusting the active element 23, such as by Figure 4 As visible.

[0084] The clamping leg 210 is formed with a clamping end 215 which is designed to cooperate with a conductor 4 inserted into the plug opening 20 in order to clamp the conductor 4 to the contact section 220 of the contact element 22 and thus electrically connect it to the connecting device 2 and mechanically lock it.

[0085] The spring element 21 has a support leg 211, by which the spring element 21 is supported on the housing 10 in the exemplary embodiment shown, and relative to which the clamping leg 210 can be elastically deflected. The respective support leg 211 engages with an end 216 in an opening on the current bar 22 and is thereby supported on the current bar 22.

[0086] In a further exemplary embodiment, the supporting leg 211 can also be supported on a contact element 22 which is designed as a current bar, for example (alternatively or in addition to being supported on the housing 10 ).

[0087] On the spring element 21 of the connecting device 2, the locking element 214 is formed by a spring leg extending from the supporting leg 211. The locking element 214 is configured with a locking section 213, such as Figure 4 As can be seen in FIG. 1 , these locking sections are designed to latch with the counter-locking sections 231 of the active element 23 in order to hold the active element 23 in a position relative to the housing 10 in the activated position of the active element 23 .

[0088] The active element 23 is formed as a stamped bent part and has two legs 232 bent relative to the base 233, on which a matching locking section 231 is formed. The locking section 213 is formed on both sides of the active element 23. Figures 1 to 6A , 6B, these locking sections engage with the counter-locking sections 231 on the legs 232 of the active element 23 and thereby lock the active element 23 relative to the housing 10 in the activated position.

[0089] The locking element 214 in the form of a spring leg can be elastically deflected relative to the support leg 211 so that when the active element 23 is transferred from the inactive position to the active position, Figures 1 to 6A 6B, the locking element 214 is locked with the mating locking section 231 of the active element 23 via the locking section 213, and the active element 23 is thus held in a position relative to the housing 10.

[0090] If the active element 23 is in the activated position and the active element 23 is locked relative to the housing 10 by the locking element 214, the clamping leg 210 of the spring element 21 is held in the released position by the abutment contour 230 on the leg 232 of the active element 23 acting on the abutment section 212 of the clamping leg 210. As a result, the clamping leg 210 with the clamping end 215 is away from the contact section 220 of the contact element 22, so that the space between the clamping leg 210 and the contact section 220 is released and the conductor 4 can be inserted into the plug opening 20 in a substantially forceless manner.

[0091] If the conductor 4 is introduced into the plug opening 20 of the corresponding connection device 2, the conductor 4 comes into contact with the locking element 214 with the conductor end 40 and thereby acts on the locking element 214 in order to release the latching of the locking section 213 with the mating locking section 231 on the active element 23. Thus, when the electrical conductor 4 is inserted, the latching is automatically cancelled, the active element 23 is released, and the holding of the clamping leg 210 in the release position is released, so that the clamping leg 210 can come into contact with the conductor 4 due to the elastic tensioning force on the spring element 21. As a result, the conductor 4 is clamped to the contact section 220 and thereby electrically connected to the contact section 220 via the conductor end 40 and is also mechanically locked.

[0092] Figure 7 The terminal device 1 is shown when a conductor 4 is connected to the connection device 2 .

[0093] If the connected conductor 4 is to be pulled out of the connecting device 2 again, the user can act on the operating element 24 of the connecting device 2 and move the active element 23 from the inactive position to the active position by pivoting the operating element 24 along the operating direction B. Here, the clamping leg 210 of the spring element 21 is entrained and transferred to the release position, in which the clamping leg 210 is held in a position relative to the housing 10 by the latching of the active element 23 with the locking section 213 of the locking element 214.

[0094] In the illustrated embodiment, the active element 23 of the connecting device 2 is linearly movable within the housing 10 in a direction perpendicular to the pivot axis S and the plug-in direction E. Via the operating element 24, the user can act on the active element 23 from the outside in order to thereby transfer the active element 23 from the inactive position to the active position and thus move the clamping leg 210 from the clamping position to the release position.

[0095] When transferring from the inactive position to the active position, the active element 23 automatically latches with the locking element 214 in the form of a spring leg of the spring element 21. Since the operating element 24 is effectively connected to the active element 23 via the retaining element 241 and since the active element 23 is latched relative to the housing 10, the operating element 24 is also held in a position relative to the housing 10 in the operating position, as shown in FIG. Figures 1 to 6A , 6B. If the locking is canceled when the conductor 4 is inserted, the operating element 24 is reset to the non-operated position due to the spring preload of the preload element 25, as shown in FIG. Figure 7 As can be seen in .

[0096] The operating element 24 engages with the push section 243 in the opening 234 in the base 233 of the active element 23. The preload element 25 is supported on the housing section 103 of the housing 10 on the one hand and on the base 233 of the active element 23 on the other hand, and thus preloads the active element 23 and also (indirectly) the operating element 24 relative to the housing 10.

[0097] In another exemplary embodiment, the preload element 25 may be supported on the contact element 22 instead of being supported on the housing portion 103 .

[0098] The terminal device 1 can be attached to the corresponding busbar 5 along the attachment direction A through the busbar connection device 3. Here, the busbar 5 can be statically mounted on the electrical device, for example, in a switch cabinet. By attaching the terminal device 1 to the busbar 5, a connection possibility for connecting the electrical conductor 4 is provided on the busbar 5, so that the electrical conductor 4 can be connected to the reference potential of the busbar 5.

[0099] As from Figures 11 to 14A As can be seen in FIG. 14B, the busbar 5 is constructed of a rod-shaped, solid, metal element. The busbar 5 is usually mounted statically on a corresponding electrical device, such as a switch cabinet.

[0100] The busbar connection device 3 of the terminal device 1 is configured with an attachment opening 30 formed on the housing 10, and the busbar 5 can be engaged with the attachment opening 30. The attachment opening 30 is configured to accommodate the busbar 5 having a rectangular cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L, wherein the contact element 22 is formed so that it extends into the area of ​​the attachment opening 30 so as to contact the busbar 5 inside the attachment opening 30.

[0101] The contact element 22 forms a C-shaped receptacle in the region of the attachment opening 30, which is formed by a contact section 222 and a clamping section 223 which, when the terminal device 1 is attached to the busbar 5, are located on the sides of the busbar 5 facing away from each other, such as, for example, from the Fig.12 The contact section 222 extends straight in the region where the contact with the busbar 5 is to be established, while the tensioning section 223 can be elastically deflected relative to the contact section 222, so that the contact force between the busbar 5 and the contact section 222 can be adjusted by the tensioning section 223. In the attached position, the busbar 5 is clamped between the contact section 222 and the tensioning section 223, so that a low-resistance electrical transition is established between the contact element 22 and the busbar 5.

[0102] The abutment section 222 is connected to the contact section 220 of the contact element 22 via the connecting section 221. The support leg 211 of the spring element 21 is supported on the abutment section 222. The support end 216 of the support leg 211 engages in the opening on the connecting section 221 to additionally support the spring element 21 relative to the contact element 22. The abutment section 222 and the contact section 220 extend parallel to each other along the plug-in direction E, and the spring element 21 is accommodated therebetween. The active element 23 surrounds the contact section 220 with the legs 232 and can thus move relative to the contact section 220.

[0103] The contact element 22 is designed as a bent metal part and is enclosed in the housing 10 of the terminal device 1 .

[0104] The busbar connecting device 5 has a locking element 31, which extends into the area of ​​the attachment opening 30 with a locking protrusion 310 and is elastically connected to the housing 10 via a connecting section 311 so that the locking element 31 can be elastically deflected relative to the housing 10 in a direction perpendicular to the attachment direction A. When the terminal device 1 is attached to the busbar 5, the busbar 5 collides with the locking element 31 and pushes the locking element 31 to one side transversely to the attachment direction A. If the busbar 5 passes the locking protrusion 310 of the locking element 31, the locking element 31 rebounds to a relaxed initial position in which the locking protrusion 310 is located in front of the busbar 5 relative to the attachment direction A, and the busbar 5 is therefore locked in the attachment opening 30, as shown in FIG. Fig.12 As can be seen in .

[0105] In order to release the terminal device 1 from the busbar 5, a tool 6, for example in the form of a screwdriver, can be introduced into the introduction opening 101 of the housing 10, such as from Fig.13 and Fig.14A , 14B The insertion opening 101 extends through the housing 10 along an insertion direction X perpendicular to the attachment direction A and the pivot axis S and enables the tool 10 to be introduced into the housing 10 along the insertion direction X so that the tool 10 can be effectively connected to the locking element 31, as shown in FIG. Fig. 14B As can be seen in the cross-sectional view of .

[0106] The recess 242 of the operating element 24 is aligned with the insertion opening 101 , so that the operating element 24 does not hinder the process of introducing the tool 6 into the insertion opening 101 .

[0107] By means of the tool 6 being introduced along the introduction direction X and by pushing on the locking element 31, the locking element 31 can be deflected inside the attachment opening 30 so as to move the locking protrusion 310 out of its closed, locked position and thereby release the busbar 5 so that the terminal device 1 can be removed from the busbar 5 in the opposite direction of the attachment direction A.

[0108] Since the insertion opening 101 extends through the housing 10 perpendicularly to the attachment direction A, the tool 6 can be operatively connected to the locking element 31 in a simple manner in order to remove the terminal device 1 from the busbar 5 . No complex release mechanisms are required which would additionally increase the installation space required for the terminal device 1 .

[0109] Fig.15 Another embodiment of the terminal device 1 is shown, which is similar to the above embodiment. Figures 1 to 14A 14B is different from the embodiment described in ... Fig.15In the embodiment of the present invention, the locking element 31 is integrally formed with the contact element 22 in that the locking element 31 is formed on the end of the contact element 22 protruding from the tensioning section 223 and a locking protrusion 310 in the form of a protruding web acts on the busbar 5 in a locking manner in the locked position.

[0110] Furthermore, in particular when considering the design of the connection device 2, the terminal device 1 is functionally similar to the terminal device 1 described above with reference to FIG. Figures 1 to 14A , and 14B are the same as the embodiments described, so reference should also be made to the above explanations.

[0111] The idea underlying the present invention is not limited to the above-described exemplary embodiments but can also be realized in other ways.

[0112] The terminal device may have one or more connection devices for connecting one or more conductors.

[0113] Description of Reference Numerals

[0114] 1 tap terminal

[0115] 10 Shell

[0116] 100 Shell Sections

[0117] 101 Introduction Opening

[0118] 102 support bolt

[0119] 103 Shell section

[0120] 104 Guiding element

[0121] 105 Edge Segment

[0122] 2Connection device

[0123] 20 plug openings

[0124] 21 Spring element

[0125] 210 Clamp your legs

[0126] 211 Support Leg

[0127] 212 Attachment Section

[0128] 213 Locked Segment

[0129] 214 locking element

[0130] 215 clamping end

[0131] 216 Support end

[0132] 22 contact element (current rod)

[0133] 220 contact section

[0134] Section 221

[0135] 222 stick section

[0136] 223 tension section

[0137] 23 Action elements

[0138] 230 Snap to the contour

[0139] 231 Pairing lock section

[0140] 232 Legs

[0141] 233 base

[0142] 234 Opening

[0143] 24 operating elements

[0144] 240 Operation Section

[0145] 241 holding element

[0146] 242 Opening

[0147] 243 Pushing section

[0148] 244 guide section (guide chute)

[0149] 25 Preload element (spring)

[0150] 3 Bus connection device

[0151] 30 Attachment openings

[0152] 31 Locking element

[0153] 310 locking protrusion

[0154] 311 connection section

[0155] 4 conductors

[0156] 40 Conductor end

[0157] 5 Bus

[0158] 6 Tools

[0159] AAttachment Direction

[0160] B Operation direction

[0161] E Plug direction

[0162] L longitudinal axis

[0163] S Swing axis

[0164] X-direction

Claims

1. A terminal device (1) for connecting an electrical conductor (4), comprising: A housing (10) is provided with a plug opening (20) into which an electrical conductor (4) can be inserted along a plug-in direction (E) in order to be connected to the terminal device (1), a contact element (22) having a contact section (220), and A connecting device (2) having a spring element (21) with a clamping leg (210) which can be adjusted between a clamping position and a release position and is designed to act in a clamping manner on a conductor (4) inserted into a plug opening (20) in the clamping position so that the conductor (4) is electrically contacted with a contact section (220) of a contact element (22), wherein: In order to insert a conductor (4) into the plug opening (20) or to remove a conductor (4) from the plug opening (20), the clamping leg (210) can be moved from a clamping position into a release position. The connecting device (2) has a locking element (214) by means of which the clamping leg (210) is held in a position relative to the housing (10) in a released position, wherein the locking element (214) can be adjusted when an electrical conductor (4) is inserted in order to release the clamping leg (210) from the released position. It is characterized in that it also has a busbar connecting device (3), which has an attachment opening (30), which is used to attach the terminal device (1) to the busbar (5) along the attachment direction (A), wherein the contact element (22) has an abutment section (222), and when the terminal device (1) is attached to the busbar (5), the busbar (5) is in electrical contact with the abutment section.

2. The terminal device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The plug-in direction (E) and the attachment direction (A) are oriented identically.

3. The terminal device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The connecting device (2) has an active element (23) which can be adjusted relative to the housing (10) and is used to act on the clamping leg (210), wherein the active element (23) is locked with a locking element (214) in the release position of the clamping leg (210) and is thereby held in a position relative to the housing (10).

4. The terminal device (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that: The active element (23) has a contact contour (230), wherein a contact section (212) is formed on the clamping leg (210) and contacts the contact contour (230) in the release position in order to hold the clamping leg (210) in the release position.

5. The terminal device (1) according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that: The locking element (214) is designed to cooperate with the conductor (4) when the conductor (4) is inserted, and the locking element (214) can thus be adjusted relative to the active element (23) in order to release the locking between the active element (23) and the locking element (214) in the release position of the clamping leg (210).

6. The terminal device (1) according to any one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that: The active element (23) is linearly movable relative to the housing (10).

7. The terminal device (1) according to any one of claims 3 to 6, characterized in that: The connecting device (2) has an operating element (24) operable by a user, wherein the active element (23) can be moved relative to the housing (10) by the user operating the operating element (24) to act on the clamping leg (210).

8. The terminal device (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that The operating element (24) is pivotably mounted on the housing (10).

9. The terminal device (1) according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that: The operating element (24) can be pivoted relative to the housing (10) about a pivot axis (S) perpendicular to the plug-in direction (E).

10. The terminal device (1) according to any one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that: The housing (10) has at least one bearing bolt (102) for supporting an operating element (24), wherein the at least one bearing bolt (102) has a radially protruding edge section (105) with which the at least one bearing bolt (102) overlaps the operating element (24).

11. The terminal device (1) according to any one of claims 7 to 10, characterized in that: The operating element (24) is elastically preloaded relative to the housing (10) by a preload element (25).

12. The terminal device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The locking element (214) is formed integrally with the spring element (21).

13. The terminal device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The spring element (21) has a supporting leg (211) which is supported on the housing (10) and / or the contact element (22), the clamping leg (210) being elastically deflectable relative to the supporting leg and on which the locking element (214) is formed.

14. The terminal device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The contact element (22) has a tensioning section (223), wherein, when the terminal device (1) is attached to the busbar (5), the abutment section (222) is arranged on a first side of the busbar (5), and the tensioning section (223) is arranged on a second side of the busbar (5) facing away from the first side.

15. The terminal device (1) according to claim 14, characterized in that The tensioning section (223) is elastically deflectable relative to the contact section (222) in order to pretension the busbar (5) relative to the contact section (222).

16. Terminal device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The busbar connecting device (3) has a locking element (31) for locking the terminal device (1) on the busbar (5), wherein the locking element can be elastically adjusted relative to the housing (10).

17. The terminal device (1) according to claim 16, characterized in that The housing (10) has an insertion opening (101) into which a tool (6) can be introduced in order to act on the locking element (31).

18. The terminal device (1) according to claim 17, characterized in that The tool (6) can be introduced into the introduction opening (101) along an introduction direction (X) that is different from the attachment direction (A).

19. The terminal device (1) according to claim 18, characterized in that The introduction direction (X) is oriented perpendicularly to the attachment direction (A) and perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis (L) of the busbar ( 5 ).

20. The terminal device (1) according to any one of claims 16 to 19, characterized in that: The locking element (31) is formed integrally with a housing section of the housing (10) or is formed integrally with the contact element (22).

Images