Wiring terminal

Abstract

The invention relates to a connection terminal (1) having an insulating material housing (3) with a conductor introduction channel (2), a busbar (4), a clamping spring (5) and an actuating unit (6), the clamping spring (5) having a bearing leg (7), a spring bow (8) and a clamping leg (9), wherein the clamping leg (9) has a front side face (10) facing the conductor introduction channel (2), a rear side face (11) facing away from the conductor introduction channel (2), and a side face (12) connecting the front side face (10) to the rear side face (11), and wherein the clamping leg (9) forms a clamping point (13) with the busbar (4) for an electrical conductor (14) that can be introduced into the conductor introduction channel (2), wherein the clamping leg (9) can be displaced between an open position (O) and a closed position (S) in order to open and close the clamping point (13), and wherein the actuating unit (17) is designed to displace the clamping leg (9) into the open position (O).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a terminal block having an insulating housing with a wire introduction channel, a busbar, a clamping spring, and an operating unit. The clamping spring has a support leg, a spring bow, and a clamping leg. The clamping leg has a front side facing the wire introduction channel, a rear side facing away from the wire introduction channel, and a side connecting the front and rear sides. The clamping leg and the busbar form a clamping portion for a wire that can be introduced into the wire introduction channel. The clamping leg is movable between an open position and a closed position to open and close the clamping portion. The operating unit is configured to move the clamping leg to the open position. Background Technology

[0002] Such terminal blocks are known in practice. The actuating unit of the terminal block is used to return the clamping legs to the open position to open the clamping portion, for example, so that the clamped wire can be inserted and clamped or released and removed without or with minimal insertion force. In a particular embodiment, the terminal block is configured to automatically connect the wire to be clamped when it is introduced into the terminal block. Upon introduction of the wire, the clamping legs, which are held in the open position by the clamping spring, automatically release and cause the wire to clamp.

[0003] The desired outcome for the operating unit is to achieve efficient force transmission to the clamping legs with minimal force consumption to move the clamping legs to the open position, while requiring only a small structural space and not compromising the optional automatic connection mechanism. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In the aforementioned context, the object of the present invention is to provide an improved terminal block.

[0005] The objective is achieved by means of the terminal blocks according to the invention. Advantageous embodiments are disclosed in the specification and drawings.

[0006] According to the present invention, a terminal block is provided, the terminal block having an insulating material housing with a wire introduction channel, a busbar, a clamping spring, and an operating unit, wherein the clamping spring has a support leg, a spring bow, and a clamping leg, wherein the clamping leg has a front side facing the wire introduction channel, a rear side facing away from the wire introduction channel, and a side connecting the front side and the rear side, wherein the clamping leg and the busbar form a clamping portion for an electrical wire that can be introduced into the wire introduction channel, wherein the clamping leg can be displaced between an open position and a closed position to open and close the clamping portion, wherein the operating unit... The longitudinal unit is configured to move the clamping leg to the open position, wherein the actuating unit has an actuating element and a rotating element, the rotating element having an actuating section for actuating the rotating element by the actuating element, wherein the rotating element has a pivot arm extending parallel to the side of the clamping leg, the pivot arm having a receiving profile to receive a carrying profile extending from the side of the clamping leg toward the pivot arm, and wherein the rotating element is configured to pivot when actuated by the actuating element and to pivot the clamping leg of the clamping spring to the open position by means of the carrying profile of the clamping leg received in the receiving profile.

[0007] This provides a compact, easy-to-operate, and reliable operating mechanism.

[0008] In other words, a terminal block with an operating unit is proposed, the operating unit having an operating element and a rotating element, wherein the rotating element acts laterally on the clamping leg and can move the clamping leg to the open position by a defined pivoting movement. It is unnecessary for the operating unit to surround the clamping leg at the front side, so that no operating part is located between the clamping leg and the introduced electrical wire. Furthermore, a compact and reliable operating solution can be achieved. Due to the leverage effect achievable by the rotating element, the required deflection of the clamping leg can be achieved with a small operating force, ensuring comfortable operation of the terminal block. This is achieved by providing a relatively long lever arm by means of the rotating element, while simultaneously ensuring a small initial operating stroke of the clamping leg toward the support leg during the opening movement of the clamping leg. Furthermore, the rotating element can absorb at least a portion of the force generated during the pivoting movement of the clamping leg, thereby reducing the load on the insulating housing. The clamping leg can be reliably guided into its open position by the engagement of the carrying profile and the receiving profile.

[0009] The terminal block's insulating housing, for example made of plastic, houses the terminal block's busbar and clamping spring, and protects it from environmental influences and contact. The wire entry channel can form an insertion channel, for example at least partially cylindrical or funnel-shaped, leading to the clamping portion of the terminal block. In this insertion channel, the end portion of the electrical wire can be inserted into the insulating housing in a defined entry direction and removed from the insulating housing in the opposite direction of entry. The busbar, also known as a contact or busbar strip, can be a rigid electrical conductor, formed, for example, by a metal strip that can be partially bent and / or have openings to form the clamping portion according to an advantageous design, through which the clamping spring passes.

[0010] The clamping spring of the terminal block can be a predominantly faceted component, particularly made of a spring-elastic material. The clamping spring has a support leg for supporting the clamping spring on an adjacent structure, particularly on a busbar or, for example, on an insulating housing; a clamping leg for clamping the wire to the busbar; and a spring bow between the support leg and the clamping leg for deflecting the clamping spring, such that the support leg can extend at least partially opposite the clamping leg. The clamping leg can be displaced toward the support leg when moved to its open position. The clamping leg can form a clamping portion with the busbar for clamping the conductor to the busbar in such a way that the conductor is pressed against the busbar by the clamping leg and the spring force of the clamping spring, thus establishing reliable electrical contact. The clamping leg can be displaced between an open position and a closed position to open and close the clamping portion. In the open position of the clamping legs, the clamping legs are spaced apart from the busbar and, if necessary, the introduced electrical wires, such that the clamping portion can be released and the wires can be introduced into the terminals and positioned in or removed from the area of ​​the clamping portion. In the closed position of the clamping legs, the clamping legs are displaced toward the busbar and the introduced electrical wires, and a clamping force is applied toward the busbar and onto the electrical wires, such that there is electrical contact between the wires and the busbar.

[0011] To achieve automated wire connection and improve user comfort, terminal blocks are configured to automatically move the clamping legs to a closed position when an electrical wire is introduced into the terminal block. For this purpose, the terminal block particularly has a trigger mechanism that can be actuated by the introduced wire, and the clamping legs can be released from their open position via the trigger mechanism and can automatically move to the closed position by spring force. In their open position, the clamping legs can be held in a ready state, for example, by a suitable retaining structure, at a support leg of a busbar, rotating element, or clamping spring.

[0012] According to the proposed features, the operating unit has an operating element and a rotating element. The operating element and rotating element can be implemented as structurally separate components of the operating unit. The operating element is used to transmit the operating force applied to it by the user via the terminal block to the rotating element. The operating element can be operated manually and / or by a tool, for example. The operating element may have a tool receiving portion, such as a guide slit for a screwdriver. The rotating element can be configured to pivot about a rotation axis under the action of the operating force transmitted to the operating section and to transmit the pivoting motion to the clamping legs via a receiving profile and a carrying profile of the clamping legs. The pivoting motion can be structurally limited to a predetermined pivot angle. In other words, the rotating element cannot rotate completely around itself, but can pivot back and forth between a first position and a second position at a predetermined rotation angle of less than 180°, especially less than 90°.

[0013] According to one embodiment, the receiving profile can be configured as a pin receiving portion, and the carrying profile can be configured as a carrying pin that can be accommodated in the pin receiving portion. This allows for a simple pairing of the receiving profile and the carrying profile, which have high rotatability. The carrying pin can, for example, extend from the side of the clamping leg as a rod-shaped or pin-shaped protrusion. For example, the pin receiving portion can be a circular through-hole or blind hole opening in the pivot arm of the rotating element.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the receiving profile can be configured as an elongated hole with a defined elongated hole profile, and the carrying profile can be configured as a carrying pin movable along the elongated hole profile or a gleitkufe movable along the elongated hole profile. Thus, the carrying of the clamping legs can be simplified and implemented along a defined movement track. Compared to the carrying pin, which is configured as, for example, a rod-shaped or pin-shaped protrusion, the gleitkufe can have an elongated protrusion profile, for example, also curved along the elongated hole profile. The gleitkufe can, for example, extend from the clamping legs in the longitudinal direction of the clamping legs as an elongated material plate. Therefore, the gleitkufe can have a length approximately parallel to the sliding region of the elongated hole profile, along which it slides, the length corresponding to at least 10%, at least 20%, or at least 30% of the length of the sliding region of the elongated hole profile. Thus, it is feasible for the gleitkufe to surface-mount against the elongated hole profile, enabling reliable guidance of the carrying profile within the elongated hole profile. The elongated hole profile can be arcuate to facilitate gradual displacement of the carrying profile and the clamping legs.

[0015] According to an improved design, the elongated bore profile can be formed with a chute guide for controlling the pivoting movement of the clamping legs in the open position. The chute guide can achieve a complex motion trajectory of the carrying profile relative to the elongated bore profile, for example, a simple arcuate path. This makes it feasible, through appropriate geometry of the chute guide, for example, to allow slow displacement of the clamping legs within specific profile segments, or to facilitate temporary holding of the clamping legs at the support legs or at the rotating element in the open position of the clamping legs through targeted geometric guidance. The chute guide can, for example, combine curved sections with different radii, straight profile segments, and / or stepped sections along the elongated bore profile.

[0016] According to an improved embodiment, the elongated profile may have at least one retaining section to temporarily fix the carrying profile in the open and / or closed position of the clamping legs. This can assist in precisely defining the open and / or closed positions of the clamping legs and can prevent unintentional displacement or undefined intermediate positions of the clamping legs.

[0017] For example, according to an improvement, the retaining section can be offset in a stepped manner relative to the adjacent profile section of the elongated hole profile, and / or the retaining section can form a concave support surface for the convex section of the carrying profile. The concave support surface of the retaining section can in particular have a radius matching that of the convex section of the carrying profile. For example, the carrying profile, implemented as a skid, can have a bend matching the concave support surface. With the aid of the stepped offset, the carrying profile can be reliably held in the retaining section in the open position of the clamping leg until the trigger mechanism is actuated by the introduced wire. This holding of the clamping leg by means of the rotating element can be aided by an additional locking of the rotating element at the support leg of the clamping spring in the open position of the clamping leg.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the rotating element may have two pivot arms extending laterally opposite each other, parallel to the clamping legs, and a connecting tab connecting the pivot arms to each other. Here, each pivot arm may extend on either side of the clamping legs, such that these pivot arms are positioned on opposite sides of the clamping legs. This provides a stable yet compact rotating element. The two pivot arms may be uniformly configured, i.e., implemented in the same type in terms of shape and size. The connecting tab may extend laterally to the pivot arms.

[0019] According to an improved design, the two pivot arms extending parallel to the sides of the clamping legs can each have a receiving profile for the carrying profile extending from the sides of the clamping legs toward the corresponding pivot arm. In other words, the clamping legs can be received on both sides at the receiving profile of the rotating element. This allows for the introduction of a uniform force into the clamping legs, and the clamping legs can reliably shift without tilting and with minimal force consumption. Furthermore, the pivotability of the clamping legs is precisely preset by the guides on both sides.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the connecting tab can extend between the operating element and the spring bow of the clamping spring. This advantageously utilizes the typically compact structural space within the terminal block. Depending on the position of the rotating element, the connecting tab can, for example, extend across the spring bow in a roof-like configuration.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the spacing between the pivot arms of the rotating element can substantially correspond to or slightly exceed the width of the clamping legs extending between the pivot arms. Therefore, the rotating element can tightly enclose the clamping legs after the carrying profile is received within the receiving profile, thereby achieving stable and precise pivoting movement of the clamping legs.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the rotational support portion of the rotating element can be formed by a rotating pin and a support opening of the rotating element. The rotating pin extends from the side of the clamping spring in the region of the spring bow or support leg of the clamping spring, and is recessed into the support opening. Therefore, the rotating element can be laterally connected to the clamping spring at two different locations to achieve both actuation of the clamping leg and rotational support at the clamping spring. This allows for a particularly compact operating mechanism. The support opening can be, for example, a circular through-hole or blind hole opening of the rotating element. The rotating pin can be, for example, a rod-shaped or pin-shaped protrusion. If two parallel pivot arms are provided at the rotating element, the rotating pins can extend from the sides, particularly at the opposing sides of the clamping spring, and are recessed into the associated support openings of the rotating element. This allows the rotating element to be uniformly and stably supported at the clamping spring.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the rotation support portion of the rotating element can be formed by a rotating pin extending from a busbar section of the busbar and a support opening of the rotating element, the rotating pin being recessed into the support opening. Therefore, alternatively or additionally, relative to a support at the clamping spring, the rotating element can be supported at the busbar, allowing the supporting force to be advantageously absorbed by the busbar. The support opening can be, for example, a circular through-hole or blind hole opening of the rotating element. The rotating pin can be, for example, implemented as a rod-shaped or pin-shaped protrusion. The busbar section can be bent substantially perpendicularly from the base surface of the busbar toward the operating element, such that the rotating support portion is positioned offset from the base surface of the busbar, and advantageous pivoting movement of the rotating element relative to the busbar and / or the clamping spring can be achieved.

[0024] According to an improved design, the bus section described above can form a contact element, on which the support leg of the clamping spring rests. Thus, the bus section has multiple functions, further enhancing the compactness of the terminal block through functional integration. Furthermore, the stability of the contact plug formed by the terminal block using the bus and clamping spring is improved.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the rotational support portion of the rotating element can be formed by a curved support protrusion of the rotating element, the support protrusion being configured to roll on the support surface of the busbar. This provides a simple and relatively stable support capability for the rotating element. For example, the support protrusion of the rotating element can extend from the rotating element on the side of the support leg opposite to the clamping leg, such that the support of the rotating element, viewed from the clamping portion, is realized on the back side of the clamping spring.

[0026] According to one embodiment, the actuation section of the rotating element for operation by an actuation element can be disposed between the actuation element and the spring bow of the clamping spring. This allows for reliable operation of the rotating element while utilizing advantageous structural space and without potentially damaging the clamping spring.

[0027] According to one embodiment, the actuating section of the rotating element can be at least partially formed by connecting tabs that connect the pivot arms of the rotating element to each other. The connecting tabs can therefore have or form actuating surfaces for mechanical contact via the actuating element. Thus, in addition to mechanical connection and stabilization functions, the connecting tabs are also suitable for additional actuating functions, further promoting the compact characteristics of the rotating element through functional integration. The actuating surfaces of the connecting tabs can face the actuating surfaces of the actuating element.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the actuating section of the rotating element may have a curved spring tongue. The spring tongue may be integrally formed with the rotating element. According to the embodiment, the spring tongue may bend away from or toward the actuating element. The spring tongue may extend from the aforementioned connecting tab, particularly from the actuating surface of the connecting tab. The spring tongue may form part of the actuating section and may be mechanically contacted by the actuating surface of the actuating element. The actuating surface of the actuating element may slide along the curved spring tongue when the actuating section is actuated, thereby facilitating smooth and gradual actuation of the rotating element and supporting comfortable operation of the actuating unit. Furthermore, the spring tongue can prevent the actuating element from laterally jamming at the connecting tab, because the actuating element can stop on the spring tongue and will not slide past the connecting tab.

[0029] According to one embodiment, the rotating element can be configured as a planar stamped and bent component. This allows for the cost-effective production and supply of lightweight and compact rotating elements. The rotating element can, for example, be configured as a thin-walled plate.

[0030] The terminal block can be advantageously configured to automatically move the clamping legs to the closed position when an electrical wire is introduced into the terminal block. This enables automatic wire connection, wherein the clamping legs are unlocked by means of a triggering force applied through the electrical wire to be clamped, and the clamping legs return to the open position.

[0031] According to one embodiment, the clamping leg can be configured to lock in the open position at the retaining profile of the retaining leg connected to the support leg of the clamping spring. Thus, the clamping leg can be temporarily fixed to the support leg in its open position until an electrical wire introduced into the terminal triggers automatic displacement of the clamping leg to the closed position. The retaining profile can be, for example, a retaining edge. The clamping leg can have a retaining plate by means of which the clamping leg can engage the retaining edge from the rear, such that the clamping leg can be fixed to the support leg by locking at the retaining edge. It is conceivable that two retaining edges are provided on opposite sides of the support leg, which can cooperate with two corresponding retaining plates of the clamping leg. This achieves improved fixation of the clamping leg at the support leg. However, the retaining profile can also be a locking plate extending laterally from the retaining leg. It is also conceivable, in principle, that the clamping leg is configured to lock in the retaining profile of the rotating element in the open position. This allows the clamping spring to be released from its retaining function for holding the clamping leg. Therefore, the clamping spring does not need to be reduced in width in sections, so that the retaining edge can protrude from the support leg, thereby providing a higher spring force. Furthermore, the retaining mechanism at the rotating element is relatively insensitive to humidity. Locking and / or releasing can be supported by additional elements, such as rocker arms. This allows for a simple structural implementation.

[0032] According to one embodiment, the clamping spring can be configured to lock at the locking edge of the rotating element when the clamping leg is pivoted to the open position. A retaining leg, for example, can be attached to a support leg having a locking plate that engages the locking edge of the rotating element from the rear.

[0033] Through locking, for example, the release section can be mechanically coupled to the retaining leg and its retaining profile or to the rotating element, such that pressure loading at the release section causes displacement of the retaining leg, during which the locking edge of the rotating element disengages from the retaining leg. This can then trigger the return pivoting of the rotating element and the retaining leg, for example, due to the spring force of the clamping spring. Additionally, it is conceivable that, as previously described, the carrying profile of the clamping leg is held at the retaining section of the elongated profile of the rotating element until a triggering mechanism is actuated by an introduced wire, such that the clamping leg and the rotating element are combined and held in the open position of the clamping leg by a form fit in the locking position.

[0034] According to one embodiment, the clamping spring may have a release section for releasing or disengaging the clamping leg held in the open position when an electrical conductor encounters the release section. This provides a simple and reliable triggering mechanism that can be integrated into the clamping spring for efficient implementation. The release section may, for example, have an activation surface to which an electrical conductor introduced into a terminal block can be guided. Contact with the activation surface can cause displacement of the release section and, for example, a corresponding stretching or displacement of the retaining leg, from which the release section extends. This can, for example, cause the retaining plate of the clamping leg to release from the retaining edge or the retaining leg to release from the locking edge of the rotating element, such that the activated clamping leg automatically, by spring force, shifts to the closed position. In other words, the locking of the clamping leg at the retaining leg and / or the locking of the retaining leg at the rotating element can be released by applying pressure to the activation surface. A release section connected to the retaining leg, particularly the activation surface of this release section, may be present at the free end of the clamping spring, which forms a continuation of the support leg. The busbar may have a guide plate for targeted guidance of electrical wires to the release section.

[0035] According to one embodiment, a retaining leg is connected to the supporting leg, wherein the retaining leg has a retaining profile for locking the rotating element in the closed position and a release segment extending into the central axis (Flucht) of the wire introduction channel, and the retaining leg is configured to unlock the retaining profile when the release segment is displaced by inserting it into the wire introduction channel and contacting an electrical wire on the release segment.

[0036] According to one embodiment, the operating element can be configured as a pressing member. This allows for simple and comfortable operation of the operating unit. The pressing member may have a tool receiving portion, such as a guide slit for a screwdriver. The pressing member can be viewed as a translationally displaceable operating element, which is currently particularly capable of displacing forward toward the operating section of the rotating element. In principle, it is also conceivable that the operating element is implemented as a lever, such that the operating element is configured to pivot about a pivot axis.

[0037] According to one embodiment, the operating element may have an operating ramp to transmit force to the operating section of the rotating element. This allows for advantageous sliding movement of the operating element, particularly the operating surface of the operating element, at the operating section, enabling smooth pivoting movements via the rotating element. The operating ramp may, for example, be an inclined or spherical surface that extends at least partially at an angle or convexly curved between two opposing sides of the operating element.

[0038] According to one embodiment, the insulating material housing may have a spring carrier for suspending the clamping spring, wherein the spring carrier forms a stop for limiting the pivoting movement of the rotating element. This further improves the stability of the operating mechanism, avoids excessive force on the clamping spring, and achieves functionally limited mobility of the rotating element. The spring carrier may, for example, extend into the elongated profile of the rotating element and limit the pivoting movement of the rotating element such that when the rotating element pivots by a certain pivot angle, the edge of the elongated profile stops at the outer profile of the spring carrier.

[0039] According to one embodiment, the busbar may have a support section extending toward the spring bow between a support leg and a clamping leg of the clamping spring, the support section supporting the clamping spring. Thus, the clamping spring is reliably held at the busbar with a compact structure. The support section may be angled, particularly substantially perpendicularly, toward the spring bow from the base surface of the busbar, such that the support section is recessed into the intermediate space between the support leg and the clamping leg. The support leg of the clamping spring may have a recess through which the support section can extend.

[0040] Generally speaking, within the scope of this application, the word "one" should not be understood as a numeral unless explicitly otherwise specified, but rather as an indefinite article meaning "at least one". Attached Figure Description

[0041] This invention allows for different implementations and is described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. Apart from a separate view of the rotating element, the operating element and bus are shown schematically in sectional view, side view with a concealed insulating housing, and perspective front view with a concealed insulating housing, respectively:

[0042] Figures 1a to 1c A terminal block according to a first embodiment is shown, the terminal block having a clamping leg of a clamping spring shown in the closed position;

[0043] Figures 2a to 2c A terminal block according to a first embodiment is shown, the terminal block having clamping legs of a clamping spring shown in the open position;

[0044] Figure 3 A separate perspective front view of the rotating element of the terminal block according to the first embodiment is shown;

[0045] Figures 4a to 4c A terminal block according to a second embodiment is shown, the terminal block having a clamping leg of a clamping spring shown in the closed position;

[0046] Figures 5a to 5c A terminal block according to a second embodiment is shown, the terminal block having clamping legs of a clamping spring shown in the open position;

[0047] Figure 6 A separate perspective front view of the rotating element of the terminal block according to the second embodiment is shown;

[0048] Figures 7a to 7c A terminal block according to a third embodiment is shown, the terminal block having a clamping leg of a clamping spring shown in the closed position;

[0049] Figures 8a to 8c A terminal block according to a third embodiment is shown, the terminal block having clamping legs of a clamping spring shown in the open position;

[0050] Figure 9 A separate perspective front view of the rotating element of the terminal block according to the third embodiment is shown;

[0051] Figures 10a to 10c A terminal block according to a fourth embodiment is shown, the terminal block having a clamping leg of a clamping spring shown in the closed position;

[0052] Figures 11a to 11c A terminal block according to a fourth embodiment is shown, the terminal block having clamping legs of a clamping spring shown in the open position; and

[0053] Figure 12A separate perspective front view of the rotating element of the terminal block according to the fourth embodiment is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0054] Figures 1a to 1c , Figures 2a to 2c and Figure 3 The diagram illustrates a terminal block 1 according to a first embodiment, as well as selected component groups and individual components of the terminal block 1. The terminal block 1 has an insulating material housing 3 with a wire introduction channel 2, for example in… Figure 2b The electrical wire 14 shown can be introduced into the terminal 1 through the wire introduction channel. Furthermore, the terminal 1 has a busbar 4, a clamping spring 5, and an operating unit 6. The clamping spring 5 of the terminal 1 has a support leg 7, a spring bow 8, and a clamping leg 9. (As shown...) Figure 1c As shown, the clamping leg 9 has a front side 10 facing the wire introduction channel 2, a rear side 11 facing away from the wire introduction channel 2, and a side 12 connecting the front side 10 and the rear side 11. Figure 1a As can be seen, the clamping leg 9 and the busbar 4 form a clamping part 13 for the electrical wire 14 that can be introduced into the wire introduction channel 2, in such a way that the wire 14 can be pressed against the busbar 4 by the clamping leg 9 with the help of spring force.

[0055] In addition, clamping your legs 9 can Figures 2a to 2c The opening position O shown is... Figures 1a to 1c The clamping portion 13 is shifted between the shown closed positions S to open and close the clamping portion 13, wherein the clamping leg 9 can be moved toward the support leg 7 when shifted to its open position O. In the open position O, the clamping portion 13 is released, allowing the wire 14 to be positioned in or removed from the area of ​​the clamping portion 13. In the closed position S, the clamping leg 9 is shifted toward the clamping portion 13 and can clamp the wire 14 relative to the busbar 4 (not shown in detail).

[0056] Terminal 1 is configured to automatically move clamping leg 9 to the closed position S when electrical wire 14 is introduced into terminal 1. Operating unit 6 is configured to move clamping leg 9 to the open position O. For example, in... Figure 1b As can be seen, the operating unit 6 has an operating element 15 implemented as a pressing member and a rotating element 16 implemented separately from the operating element. The rotating element 16 has an operating section 17 for operating the rotating element 16 by the operating element 15. The operating element 15 is used to transmit the operating force applied to the operating element 15 to the operating section 17 of the rotating element 16. Furthermore, for example, by… Figure 1c and Figure 3It is understood that the rotating element 16 has two concurrently implemented pivot arms 18 extending parallel to the side surfaces 12 of the clamping legs 9, each pivot arm having a receiving profile 19 for receiving a carrying profile 20, the carrying profile extending from the side surfaces 12 of the clamping legs 9 toward the pivot arm 18. The rotating element 16 is configured to pivot when operated by the operating element 15 and according to Figures 2a to 2c The clamping leg 9 of the clamping spring 5 is understandably pivoted to the open position O by means of the carrying profile 20 housed in the receiving profile 19 of the clamping leg 9. This achieves a very compact and reliable and efficient actuation solution, in which the clamping leg 9 can be reliably and comfortably moved to its open position O by means of the lateral guidance of the rotating element 16 and its lever action.

[0057] For example, by Figure 1b , Figure 1c and Figure 3 It can be seen that the rotating element 16 has a receiving profile 19 at each pivot arm 18, the receiving profile being configured as an elongated hole with a defined, arc-shaped elongated hole profile. The carrying profile 20 of the clamping leg 9 is configured as a carrying pin 20a that can move along the elongated hole profile. Thus, the clamping leg 9 can be easily carried along a defined movement track. The carrying pin 20a can be implemented as a rod-shaped protrusion as shown in the figure.

[0058] For example in Figure 1c As can be seen, the pivot arms 18 of the rotating element 16 are connected to each other via connecting tabs 22 extending laterally to the pivot arms 18, resulting in a stable and compact implementation of the rotating element 16. For example, from... Figure 1a It can be seen that the connecting tab 22 extends between the operating element 15 and the spring bow 8 of the clamping spring 5, thereby advantageously making full use of the structural space in the terminal block 1. A curved spring tongue 23 extends from the connecting tab 22, the spring tongue being as... Figure 1b The actuating section 17 forms the rotating element 16. The spring tongue 23 can be as follows: Figure 1b The bending direction is shown towards the operating element 15. This allows for smooth operation of the rotating element 16. The operating section 17 is also positioned between the operating element 15 and the spring bow 8 of the clamping spring 5. For example, in... Figure 1b As can be seen, the operating element 15, which is implemented as a pressing member, has an operating ramp 30 to transmit force to the operating section 17 of the rotating element 16, so that the operating element 15 can advantageously slide down the operating section 17 gradually.

[0059] like Figure 1cAs shown, the distance a between the pivot arms 18 of the rotating element 16 substantially corresponds to the width b of the clamping leg 9 extending between the pivot arms 18. Thus, the rotating element 16 can closely surround the clamping leg 9 and support stable and precise pivoting movement of the clamping leg 9.

[0060] exist Figure 1b In and implicitly in Figure 1a As can be seen, the rotation support portion 33 of the rotating element 16 is formed by a rotating pin 34 extending from the side 12 of the clamping spring 5 in the region of the support leg 7 of the clamping spring 5 and a support opening 35 of the rotating element 16, thus providing a compactly constructed operating mechanism, with the rotating pin 34 recessed into the support opening. The support opening 35 can be configured as a circular through opening as shown. The rotating pin 34 can be configured as a rod-shaped protrusion according to the figure.

[0061] As in Figure 1c As can be seen, the clamping leg 9 is configured to lock in the open position O at the retaining profile 24 of the retaining leg 40 of the clamping spring 5, the retaining leg being connected to the support leg 7. According to the figure, the retaining leg 40 may have a retaining profile 24 configured as a retaining edge, and the clamping leg 9 may engage the retaining profile rearward by means of a retaining plate 25, so that the clamping leg 9 can lock at the retaining profile 24. Thus, the clamping leg 9 is reliably fixed at the retaining leg 40 in its open position O until the triggering mechanism described later is activated.

[0062] exist Figure 1a As can be seen, the busbar 4 has a support section 32 extending towards the spring bow 8 between the support leg 7 and the clamping leg 9 of the clamping spring 5, for supporting the clamping spring 5, so that the clamping spring 5 can be held at the busbar 4 in a compact structure. The clamping spring 5 can therefore be held in the support leg 7 and / or in the retaining leg 40, such as... Figure 1c The diagram shows a recessed portion 39 through which a support section 32 can extend.

[0063] As in Figures 1a to 1c As shown and further according to Figure 2bAs illustrated by the inserted electrical wire 14, the clamping spring 5 here has a release section 28 at its free end, which serves as a continuation of the support leg 7, and a retaining leg 40 for releasing the clamping leg 9 held in the open position O when the electrical wire 14 touches the release section 28. The retaining leg 40 has a horizontal locking section 41 connected to the support leg 7 and a vertical connecting section 42 bent from the locking section, from which the release section 28 extends substantially horizontally. Thus, a triggering mechanism for automatically resetting the clamping leg 9 to the closed position S is integrated into the clamping spring 5 and can be implemented in an efficient manner. To specifically guide the electrical wire 14 to the activation surface of the release section 28, a guide plate 29 can be formed at the busbar 4.

[0064] according to Figure 3 As can be seen, the rotating element 16 can be formed from a thin-walled plate and thus can be manufactured as a planar stamped bending part.

[0065] Figures 4a to 4c , Figures 5a to 5c and Figure 6 The terminal block 1 according to the second embodiment, as well as selected component groups and individual components of the terminal block 1, are shown. In terms of principle structure and basic operation, the terminal block 1 according to the second embodiment is similar to the terminal block 1 according to the first embodiment, so the differences between the second embodiment and the first embodiment will be discussed in the following discussion.

[0066] For example in Figure 4b As can be seen, the rotating element 16 according to the second embodiment of the terminal block 1 has a receiving profile 19 at each pivot arm 18, the receiving profile being configured as a pin receiving portion, and the carrying profile 20 of the clamping leg 9 being configured as a carrying pin 20a that can be received in the pin receiving portion. This provides a carrying device with a simple structure. According to the figure, the carrying pin 20a can be configured as a rod-shaped protrusion and the pin receiving portion can be implemented as a circular through opening.

[0067] exist Figure 4b In and implicitly in Figure 4a As can be seen, the rotation support portion 33 of the rotating element 16 is formed by a rotating pin 34 extending from the side 12 of the clamping spring 5 in the region of the spring bow 8 of the clamping spring 5 and a support opening 35 of the rotating element 16, with the rotating pin 34 recessed into the support opening. Therefore, the rotation support portion 33 is formed in the region of the spring bow 8, rather than in the region of the support leg 7 as in the first embodiment. This also provides a compact operating mechanism. The support opening 35 can be configured as a circular through opening as shown. The rotating pin 34 can be configured as a rod-shaped protrusion according to the figure. Furthermore, in Figure 4bAs can be seen, the spring tongue 23 can also bend away from the operating element 15.

[0068] Figures 7a to 7c , Figures 8a to 8c and Figure 9 The terminal block 1 according to the third embodiment, as well as the selected component groups and individual components of the terminal block 1, are shown. In terms of principle structure and basic operation, the terminal block 1 according to the third embodiment is similar to the terminal block 1 according to the first embodiment; therefore, the differences between the third embodiment and the first embodiment will be mainly discussed below.

[0069] For example, by Figure 7b , Figure 7c and Figure 9 It is understood that the rotating element 16 has a receiving profile 19 at each pivot arm 18, the receiving profile being configured as an elongated hole with a defined elongated hole profile. The carrying profile 20 of the clamping leg 9 is configured as an elongated skid 20b that can move along the elongated hole profile. The elongated hole profile is geometrically complex and can be configured to form a groove guide for targeted control of the pivoting movement of the clamping leg 9 to the open position O.

[0070] In addition, such as in Figure 9 As shown, the elongated profile has multiple retaining sections 21 for temporarily fixing the carrying profile 20 in the open position O and closed position S of the clamping leg 9, as shown in the figure. Figure 7b and Figure 8b As can be seen, the retaining sections 21 are stepped off each other and, as shown, form concave support surfaces for the convex sections of the respective carrying contours 20, at least for the closed position S of the clamping leg 9. Thus, it is possible to secure the clamping leg 9 in the open position O and the closed position S, preventing, for example, the clamping leg 9 from remaining in the intermediate position when using the terminal block 1.

[0071] In the open position O, the clamping leg 9 is locked by the retaining section 21 and the fixed support rotating element 16 of the carrying contour 20 via the locking contour 26. In the case where there is no locking via the locking contour 26, additional components are required to release the clamping leg 9 held by the retaining section 21 and the carrying contour 20.

[0072] exist Figure 8b And implicitly in Figure 8a As can be seen, the rotation support portion 33 of the rotating element 16 is formed by the curved support protrusion 37 of the rotating element 16, which can roll on the support surface 38 of the busbar 4. This provides a simple and stable support structure for the rotating element 16.

[0073] As from Figure 7c It is understood that the retaining leg 40 is configured to lock at the locking edge 26 of the rotating element 16 when the clamping leg 9 is pivoted to the open position O. For this purpose, the retaining leg 40 may have a locking plate 27 that engages with the locking edge 26 of the rotating element 16. If the electrical wire 14 comes into contact with the release section 28 connected to the retaining leg 40, the locking plate 27 disengages from its engagement with the locking edge 26, and the rotating element 16 is released together with the clamping leg 9. Figure 7c As can be seen, the carrying profile 20 can be held at the holding section 21 of the elongated hole profile of the rotating element 16, so that in the open position O, the rotating element 16 locks the clamping leg 9 at the support leg 7 and simultaneously achieves an additional locking between the clamping leg 9 and the holding leg 40 or the rotating element 16.

[0074] Figures 10a to 10c , Figures 11a to 11c and Figure 12 The diagram shows the terminal block 1 according to the fourth embodiment, as well as the selected component group and individual components of the terminal block 1. In terms of principle structure and basic operation, the terminal block 1 according to the fourth embodiment is similar to the terminal block 1 according to the third embodiment; therefore, the differences between the fourth embodiment and the third embodiment will be discussed in the following discussion.

[0075] exist Figure 10b In and implicitly in Figure 10a As can be seen, the rotation support portion 33 of the rotating element 16 is formed by a rotating pin 34 extending from the busbar section 36 of the busbar 4 and a support opening 35 of the rotating element 16, with the rotating pin 34 recessed into the support opening. Thus, the busbar 4 can advantageously help absorb forces during the pivoting movement of the rotating element 16 and the clamping leg 9. Furthermore, for example from... Figure 1a As can be seen, the busbar section 36 forms a contact element, and the support leg 7 of the clamping spring 5 is supported at the contact element, thereby further optimizing the force distribution and stability of the device.

[0076] exist Figure 10b and Figure 11b As can be seen, the operating section 17 of the rotating element 16 is formed in combination with the connecting piece 22 itself by means of a spring tongue 23 bent from the connecting piece 22. This provides an operating solution with improved stability in the operating section 17.

[0077] exist Figure 10a and Figure 11aAs can be seen, the insulating material housing 3 has a spring support 31 for suspending the clamping spring 5, and the spring support 31 forms a stop for limiting the pivoting movement of the rotating element 16. This avoids excessive force acting on the clamping spring 5 and achieves limited mobility of the rotating element 16. According to the illustrated embodiment, the pivoting movement of the rotating element 16 is limited such that when the rotating element 16 pivots at a defined pivot angle, the edge of the elongated hole profile stops at the outer contour of the spring support 31.

[0078] By means of the terminal block 1 described according to the above embodiments, an automatic wiring terminal block 1 can be provided, which has a compact yet reliably functioning operating mechanism for resetting the clamping leg 9 to its open position O.

[0079] The clamping leg 9 is not fixed in the open position O between the carrying profile 20 and the holding profile 21. Because the axis of the rotating support 33 and the contact between the holding profile 21 and the carrying profile 20 are on an almost horizontal line (extending parallel to the busbar), otherwise self-locking would occur between the rotating element 16 and the clamping leg 9 and it would not be able to be reset by spring force.

[0080] List of reference numerals

[0081] 1. Terminal block

[0082] 2. Wire introduction channel

[0083] 3. Insulating material housing

[0084] 4 busbars

[0085] 5. Clamping spring

[0086] 6. Control Unit

[0087] 7 Support legs

[0088] 8. Spring bow

[0089] 9. Clasp your legs together

[0090] 10. Front side

[0091] 11 Rear side

[0092] 12 Side View

[0093] 13 Clamping parts

[0094] 14 Electrical wires

[0095] 15 Operating elements

[0096] 16 Rotating elements

[0097] 17. Control Section

[0098] 18 Pivot Arm

[0099] 19. Contains outline

[0100] 20 Carrying Outline

[0101] 20a Carry-on Sales

[0102] 20b Skid

[0103] 21. Maintain section

[0104] 22 Connecting Piece

[0105] 23. Spring tongue

[0106] 24. Maintain the outline

[0107] 25. Keep the connection board intact.

[0108] 26 Locking Edges

[0109] 27. Locking plate

[0110] 28. Loosen the section

[0111] 29 Guide Board

[0112] 30. Manipulating the ramp

[0113] 31 Spring bearing component

[0114] 32 Support Section

[0115] 33 Rotating support section

[0116] 34 Rotating pin

[0117] 35 Support opening

[0118] 36. Busbar section

[0119] 37 Supporting protrusion

[0120] 38 Support surface

[0121] 39. Empty space

[0122] 40 Keep your legs

[0123] 41 Horizontal locking section

[0124] 42. Vertical connecting section

[0125] a Spacing

[0126] b width

[0127] O Open location

[0128] S Closed position

Claims

1. A terminal block (1) having an insulating housing (3), a busbar (4), a clamping spring (5), and an operating unit (6), wherein -The insulating material housing (3) has a wire introduction channel (2), -The clamping spring (5) has a supporting leg (7), a spring bow (8), and a clamping leg (9). - The clamping leg (9) has a front side (10) facing the wire introduction channel (2), a rear side (11) facing away from the wire introduction channel (2), and a side (12) connecting the front side (10) and the rear side (11). - The clamping leg (9) and the busbar (4) form a clamping portion (13) for the electrical wire that can be introduced into the wire introduction channel (2). The clamping leg (9) is movable between an open position (O) and a closed position (S) to open and close the clamping part (13), and - The operating unit (6) is configured to move the clamping leg (9) into the open position (O). Its features are, The operating unit (6) has an operating element (15) and a rotating element (16) with an operating section (17) for operating the rotating element (16) via the operating element (15). The rotating element (16) has a pivot arm (18) extending parallel to the side (12) of the clamping leg (9). The pivot arm has a receiving profile (19) for receiving a carrying profile (20) extending from the side (12) of the clamping leg (9) toward the pivot arm (18). The rotating element (16) is configured to pivot when operated by the operating element (15) and to pivot the clamping leg (9) to the open position (O) by means of the carrying profile (20).

2. The terminal block (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pivot arm (18) extends parallel to the side (12) of the clamping leg (9) with the plane unfolded by the pivot arm (18), and the receiving profile (19) is introduced into the plane of the pivot arm (18), wherein the carrying profile (20) extends laterally to the plane of the pivot arm (18) and into the receiving profile (19).

3. The terminal block (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The receiving profile (19) is configured as a pin receiving portion, and the carrying profile (20) is configured as a carrying pin (20a) that can be received in the pin receiving portion.

4. The terminal block (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The receiving profile (19) is configured as an elongated hole with a defined elongated hole profile, and the carrying profile (20) is configured as a carrying pin (20a) that can move along the elongated hole profile or as a skid (20b) that can move along the elongated hole profile.

5. The terminal block (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that, The elongated hole profile forms a groove guide for controlling the pivotal movement of the clamping leg (9) to the open position (O).

6. The terminal block (1) according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that, The elongated profile has at least one retaining section (21) to temporarily fix the carrying profile (20) in the open position (O) and / or the closed position (S) of the clamping leg (9).

7. The terminal block (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that, The retaining section (21) is offset in a stepped manner relative to the adjacent profile section of the elongated hole profile, and / or the retaining section (21) forms a concave support surface for the convex section of the carrying profile (20).

8. The wire connector (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The rotating element (16) has two pivot arms (18) extending parallel to the opposing sides (12) of the clamping leg (9) and a connecting piece (22) connecting the pivot arms (18) to each other.

9. The terminal block (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that, The pivot arms (18) each have a receiving profile (19) for extending a carrying profile (20) from the side (12) of the clamping leg (9) toward the corresponding pivot arm (18).

10. The terminal block (1) according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that, The connecting piece (22) extends between the operating element (15) and the spring bow (8).

11. The terminal block (1) according to any one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that, The spacing (a) between the pivot arms (18) substantially corresponds to the width (b) of the clamping legs (9) extending between the pivot arms (18).

12. The terminal block (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The rotation support portion (33) of the rotating element (16) is formed by a rotating pin (34) extending from the side (12) of the clamping spring (5) in the region of the spring bow (8) or the support leg (7) and a support opening (35) of the rotating element (16), wherein the rotating pin (34) is recessed into the support opening.

13. The terminal block (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The rotating support portion (33) of the rotating element (16) is formed by a rotating pin (34) extending from the busbar section (36) of the busbar (4) and a support opening (35) of the rotating element (16), wherein the rotating pin (34) is recessed into the support opening.

14. The terminal block (1) according to claim 13, characterized in that, The busbar section (36) forms a contact element, and the support leg (7) is supported on the contact element.

15. The terminal block (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The rotation support portion (33) of the rotating element (16) is formed by a curved support protrusion (37) of the rotating element (16), which is configured to roll on the support surface (38) of the busbar (4).

16. The terminal block (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The operating section (17) is disposed between the operating element (15) and the spring bow (8).

17. The terminal block (1) according to any one of claims 8 to 16, characterized in that, The operating section (17) is at least partially formed by the connecting piece (22) that connects the pivot arms (18) to each other.

18. The terminal block (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The operating section (17) has a curved spring tongue (23).

19. The terminal block (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The rotating element (16) is configured as a planar stamped bending component.

20. The terminal block (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The clamping leg (9) is configured to lock in the open position (O) at the retaining profile (24) of the support leg (7).

21. The terminal block (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 19, characterized in that, The support leg (7) is configured to lock at the locking edge (26) of the rotating element (16) when the clamping leg (9) is pivoted to the open position (O).

22. The terminal block (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The terminal block (1) is configured to automatically move the clamping leg (9) into the closed position (S) when an electrical wire is introduced into the terminal block (1).

23. The terminal block (1) according to claim 22, characterized in that, The clamping spring (5) has a release section (28) for releasing the clamping leg (9) held in the open position (O) when the electrical wire comes into contact with the release section (28).

24. The terminal block (1) according to claim 23, characterized in that, A retaining leg (40) is connected to the supporting leg (7), wherein the retaining leg (40) has a retaining profile (24, 27) for locking the rotating element (16) in the closed position (S) and a release section (28) extending into the central axis of the wire introduction channel (2), and the retaining leg is configured to unlock the retaining profile (24, 27) when the release section (28) is displaced by an electrical wire inserted into the wire introduction channel (2) and touching the release section (28).

25. The terminal block (1) according to claim 24, characterized in that, The retaining profile (24) is a locking edge or a locking plate (27) extending laterally from the retaining leg (40).

26. The terminal block (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The operating element (15) is configured as a pressing element.

27. The terminal block (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The operating element (15) has an operating ramp (30) to transmit force to the operating section (17).

28. The terminal block (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The insulating material housing (3) has a spring support (31) for suspending the clamping spring (5), wherein the spring support (31) forms a stop for limiting the pivoting movement of the rotating element (16).

29. The terminal block (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The busbar (4) has a support section (32) extending toward the spring bow (8) between the support leg (7) and the clamping leg (9), the support section being used to support the clamping spring (5).

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