Connection terminal for connecting electrical conductors

Abstract

The invention relates to a connection terminal (1, 1 ', 1' ', 1 ''') for connecting electrical conductors (2), comprising a housing (10). A contact element (11) for electrically contacting the electrical conductor (2) and a spring element (12) are arranged on the housing (10), said spring element having a clamping leg (120) for acting on the electrical conductor (2) in order to contact the electrical conductor (2) with the contact element (11). The actuating element (14) can be adjusted in an actuating direction (B) from an unactuated position into an actuated position in order to adjust the clamping leg (120). According to the invention, the trigger element (13) has a trigger leg (130) which is designed to interact with the electrical conductor (2) in order to release the actuating element (14) from the actuated position by pivoting the trigger element (13). A trigger actuating element (15), which can be actuated by a user, can be adjusted relative to the housing (10) in order to act on the trigger element (13) in order to release the latching of the actuating element (14).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a connection terminal for connecting electrical wires as described in the preamble of claim 1. Background Technology

[0002] This connector includes a housing with a socket into which an electrical wire can be inserted in a mating direction to connect to the connector. A contact element is arranged on the housing for electrical contact with the electrical wire. A spring element with clamping legs is also arranged on the housing, configured to act on the electrical wire when it is inserted into the socket, thereby bringing the wire into contact with the contact element. An actuating element can be operated by a user to adjust the clamping legs. For this purpose, for example, the actuating element can be adjusted from an unoperated position to an operated position in the actuating direction using a tool. In the operated position, the actuating element is locked relative to the housing. The clamping legs can be elastically adjusted relative to the housing to a released position by actuation of the actuating element, and are held in the released position relative to the housing by the actuating element held in the operated position.

[0003] The trigger element is also capable of swinging relative to the housing. The trigger element has a trigger leg that is configured to work in conjunction with the wire when the wire is inserted into the socket, so as to release the operating element from the operating position by swinging the trigger element.

[0004] This type of connection terminal achieves a spring force connection by using a spring element, wherein the electrical wire is clamped to the contact element under the elastic spring action of the spring element in the connected position and is thus electrically connected to the contact element.

[0005] The connection terminal disclosed in DE 10 2019 127 464 B3 includes a spring element in the form of a tension spring. This tension spring, through its elastic action, pulls the connected conductor to abut against the corresponding contact element, thus establishing a clamping connection between the conductor and the contact element. For this purpose, the conductor moves through an opening in the clamping leg during placement and is clamped between the clamping leg and the contact element in the connected position.

[0006] The connector terminal of DE 10 2019 127 464 B3 is equipped with a locking device, by which the clamping leg is locked relative to the housing in the released position. When an electrical wire is inserted, the locking device is triggered and thus released, causing the clamping leg to move from the released position and thereby clamping the electrical wire to the contact element. To move the clamping leg to the released position, especially to allow the electrical wire to be placed or released from the connector terminal, a tool, such as a screwdriver, can be placed on the connector terminal and thus apply force to the clamping leg.

[0007] EP 4 033 610 A1 discloses an electrical connection assembly in which an actuating element locks with the housing of the connection assembly in an actuated position, thereby holding the clamping leg of a spring element in a released position. The lock between the housing and the actuating element can be released by releasing the actuating element. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The object of the present invention is to provide a connection terminal that reliably releases the clamping leg of a spring element from the release position so as to connect an electrical wire to the connection terminal.

[0009] This objective is achieved by a subject matter having the features of claim 1.

[0010] Therefore, the connection terminal has a trigger control element that can be operated by the user. This trigger control element is adjustable relative to the housing so as to act on the trigger element in order to release the locking of the control element in the operated position.

[0011] In the connector, the conductor makes electrical contact with the contact element by means that, when the conductor is inserted into the socket, the clamping leg acts on the conductor and springs it elastically in the direction of contact with the contact element. To facilitate conductor insertion, the clamping leg of the spring element can be elastically deflected by an actuating element, thereby moving the clamping leg to a release position. In this release position, the space inside the housing in the area of ​​the socket is released, and thus the conductor can be inserted into the socket substantially without force or easily removed from the connector. The actuating element can be designed, for example, as a button and pressed into the housing by the user to act on the clamping leg and adjust it toward the release position.

[0012] An adjustable actuating element disposed on the housing is held in a position relative to the housing in an actuated position, such that the actuating element is locked to the housing or a component fixed in position relative to the housing, thereby holding the clamping leg of the spring element in its released position, in which the electrical wire can be simply placed on the connection terminal or the connected electrical wire can be removed from the connection terminal in a substantially powerless manner.

[0013] A trigger element that can swing relative to the housing is used to trigger the operating element from the operating position so that the operating element is automatically released from the operating position when the electrical wire is inserted into the socket, and thus the clamping leg is moved to the clamping position, in which the electrical wire inserted into the socket makes electrical contact with the contact element of the connecting terminal.

[0014] After the lock is released, the actuating element can, in particular, automatically, preferably under spring preload, adjust back towards the unoperated position. For example, a spring element can cause spring preload on the actuating element, which elastically deflects in the operated position, and after the actuating element is released, the spring mechanically acts on the actuating element to move it from the operated position towards the unoperated position. However, preload can also be provided by an additional preload element, such as an additional spring.

[0015] By oscillating the trigger element relative to the housing when the electrical wire is inserted, thereby acting on the actuating element, the actuating element is released from its latch in the actuated position, and the connection terminal automatically closes when the electrical wire is inserted. A simple connection process is achieved by ensuring reliable contact between the electrical wire and the contact element through the clamping action of the clamping legs.

[0016] The connection terminal has a trigger control element that can be operated by the user. This trigger control element can be adjusted relative to the housing to act on the trigger element and thereby release the control element from the operated position.

[0017] Normally, when a wire is inserted, it should contact the trigger element, causing the trigger element to move relative to the housing, thereby releasing the locking mechanism of the operating element and releasing the clamping legs. The clamping legs then automatically move towards the clamping position due to the spring stress on the spring element. However, if, in special circumstances, the trigger element fails to activate upon wire insertion, the trigger operating element can be operated by the user to act on the trigger element in this way. If the operating element therefore does not automatically release from the lock upon wire insertion, this can be caused by the trigger operating element, either manually or using a tool, thereby adjusting the trigger operating element relative to the housing and thus moving it to release the locking mechanism of the operating element.

[0018] Therefore, the possibility of emergency triggering is provided when needed. If the connection terminal does not trigger automatically when the wire is inserted into the socket, it can be triggered by the user's operation of the trigger control element.

[0019] In one embodiment, the housing defines a receiving cavity into which an electrical wire can be introduced by insertion into a socket. A trigger element is arranged in the receiving cavity to interact with the electrical wire and, through interaction with the electrical wire, can emerge from an initial position and swing relative to the housing.

[0020] In one embodiment, the trigger element has a trigger leg that extends laterally into the receiving cavity in an initial position, perpendicular to the insertion direction. The trigger leg extends into a region of the receiving cavity aligned with the insertion hole, such that when an electrical wire is inserted, the wire contacts the trigger leg, thereby causing the trigger element to swing relative to the housing. Thus, when the electrical wire is inserted, the trigger element moves out of its initial position and thereby acts on an actuating element to release the locking between the actuating element and the housing.

[0021] In one embodiment, the trigger actuation element is coupled to the trigger element via a coupling device, such that when the trigger element is in its initial position, the trigger actuation element occupies a first position relative to the housing, and when the trigger element is in a position swinging relative to the initial position, the trigger actuation element occupies a second position relative to the housing. Therefore, the coupling between the trigger actuation element and the trigger element is such that when the trigger element is in its initial position or in a position swinging relative to its initial position, the trigger actuation element occupies a defined first or second position relative to the housing.

[0022] Through this coupling between the trigger control element and the trigger element, the trigger control element can be used to provide a display. Therefore, the trigger control element can be specifically configured to display the trigger element in its initial position in a first position and in its oscillating position in a second position. By observing the position of the trigger control element, the user can see from outside the connection terminal whether the connection terminal is triggered in the prescribed manner when the electrical wire is inserted. If the trigger control element is in the second position, this indicates that the trigger element has been adjusted from its initial position and the control element has therefore been unlocked.

[0023] The coupling device can be implemented, for example, by a coupling element on the trigger element or the trigger actuating element, such as in the form of a coupling hook or coupling pin. Through coupling, when the trigger element swings, the trigger actuating element is driven, thereby the trigger actuating element (always) occupies a defined position relative to the position of the trigger element.

[0024] In one embodiment, the trigger actuating element has a head that is received in an actuation opening of the housing. A rod section extends from the head for acting on the trigger element. During adjustment, the head of the trigger actuating element moves within the actuation opening of the housing, wherein the position of the trigger actuating element within the actuation opening indicates its exact location.

[0025] If necessary, colored markers can be placed on the head and / or in the area of ​​the control opening to indicate the position where the trigger control element is located. For example, in one embodiment, the colored markers are only visible on the control opening when the trigger control element is in the second position, thus indicating the current position of the trigger control element based on the identifiability of the colored markers.

[0026] The triggering element is adjustable relative to the housing, wherein the triggering element is, in principle, able to move relative to the housing in any manner, such as sliding, tilting, or oscillating.

[0027] In one embodiment, the trigger actuation element is movable relative to the housing along a trigger actuation direction. This trigger actuation direction is, for example, the same as the insertion direction, along which a wire can be inserted into a socket in the housing. This improves user comfort because the insertion of the wire and, if necessary, the actuation of the trigger actuation element for emergency triggering can be performed in the same direction on the common housing side of the connection terminals. However, the trigger actuation direction (predetermined by the guidance of the trigger actuation element in the corresponding actuation opening in the housing) can also be tilted relative to the insertion direction, thereby effectively utilizing available structural space and / or simplifying the establishment of coupling with the trigger element.

[0028] In one embodiment, the actuating element is linearly movable relative to the housing and has an actuating head for user actuation and an actuating lever extending from the actuating head for action on clamping legs. The actuating head may, for example, be received in an opening in the housing and can be adjusted approximately linearly within the opening along the actuation direction. The actuating lever extends from the actuating head into the interior of the housing to interact with the clamping legs of the spring element inside the housing. The actuating head may, for example, have a tool engagement portion for action when a tool is used.

[0029] In one embodiment, the actuating element has a locking element. The housing or a component fixed in position relative to the housing has a mating locking element. In the actuating position of the actuating element, the locking element engages with the mating locking element to lock the actuating element.

[0030] The locking element may be provided on the lever and formed, for example, on the side of the lever opposite to the clamping leg.

[0031] In one embodiment, the locking element is formed on the actuating element by a rigid locking edge or locking protrusion. Additionally or alternatively, the mating locking element may be formed on the side of the housing by a rigid locking edge or locking protrusion. The elasticity for establishing a lock between the actuating element and the housing or a component fixed in position relative to the housing can be provided, for example, by a spring element that, in the actuated position of the actuating element, holds the locking element locked into engagement with the mating locking element due to elastic preload on the clamping legs.

[0032] The locking element establishes a form fit or form force fit between the actuating element and the housing or a component fixed in position relative to the housing, such that the actuating element is fixed relative to the housing along the actuating direction and therefore cannot be easily, or at least cannot be, adjusted out of the actuating position in the opposite direction of actuation without disengaging the locking element.

[0033] The operating direction can be, for example, along the insertion direction, and the electrical wire is inserted into the socket of the housing along this insertion direction to connect to the connection terminal.

[0034] In one embodiment, the triggering element is configured to adjust the locking element relative to the mating locking element in a lateral direction (approximately) transverse to the insertion direction in order to release the actuating element from the actuated position. In the actuated position, the actuating element is locked by the locking element and its engagement with the corresponding mating locking element. Here, the locking can be released by being triggered by an adjustment movement caused by the triggering element on the actuating element, causing the locking element to move relative to the mating locking element in a lateral direction oriented approximately transversely to the insertion direction, and thus disengage from the mating locking element. If the engagement between the locking element and the mating locking element is released when an electrical wire is inserted and thus the triggering element is adjusted, the actuating element is released from the actuated position and can be adjusted back to the unactuated position, wherein the reset of the actuating element can be performed automatically, for example, by spring preload caused by a clamping leg.

[0035] To allow the locking element to move laterally relative to its mating locking element, the actuating element can, for example, tilt relative to the housing at a (small) angle. Here, the trigger element is configured to tilt the actuating element relative to the housing in order to release it from the actuated position. If the trigger element is adjusted, it acts on the actuating element and tilts it within the housing, causing the locking element to disengage laterally from its mating locking element.

[0036] In one embodiment, the clamping leg of the spring element is oscillating relative to the housing in a oscillating plane. The oscillating plane can be deployed, for example, in the insertion direction and the lateral direction. Here, the trigger element is configured to tilt the actuating element relative to the housing in the oscillating plane in order to release it from the actuated position, for example, to achieve the tilting movement of the actuating element to overcome the spring preload of the clamping leg at the actuating element to release the lock.

[0037] In one embodiment, the actuating element has a first adjustment section, and the triggering element has a second adjustment section. The triggering element is configured such that, in order to release the actuating element from its actuated position, the second adjustment section acts on the first adjustment section. If an electrical lead is inserted into a socket in the housing and the triggering element is adjusted relative to the housing, the adjustment section on the triggering element contacts the corresponding adjustment section on the actuating element, thereby adjusting the actuating element such that a locking element on the actuating element disengages from its corresponding mating locking element, thus releasing the actuating element from its locking position in the actuated position.

[0038] The adjustment sections are designed, on the one hand, of the trigger element and on the other hand, of the operating element to cause adjustment of the operating element when the electrical wire is inserted and when the trigger element is activated, thereby causing the latch to release. Conversely, the first and second adjustment sections can also work together when the operating element moves from an unoperated position to an operated position, so as to thereby adjust the trigger element back to the initial position, which the trigger element occupies when the operating element is in the operated position and the electrical wire is to be inserted into the connection terminal. By making the adjustment sections work together even when the operating element moves from an unoperated position to the operated position, a separate reset element, such as a mechanical spring, for resetting the trigger element to the initial position can be omitted if necessary.

[0039] In one embodiment, the contact element has a face segment and two sidewalls extending perpendicular to the face segment. Clamping legs are configured to electrically abut the wire against the face segment. The sidewalls are arranged on both sides of the clamping legs, making the clamping legs adjustable between the sidewalls. The face segment having curved sidewalls formed thereon can, for example, be configured as a U-shape, within which the clamping legs can be adjusted and the wire is guided into the U-shape when inserted in the mating direction, thereby clamping the wire against the face segment via the clamping legs.

[0040] Contact elements can be designed, for example, as stamped and bent parts made of sheet metal.

[0041] For example, a contact element with a face section, sidewalls, and a rear wall connecting the sidewalls can form a peripherally enclosed retainer. For example, a spring element is supported on the rear wall by a support leg, in such a way that the support leg is fixedly connected to the rear wall.

[0042] In one embodiment, the trigger element is pivotally supported between the sidewalls. Alternatively, the trigger element may be directly supported on the sidewalls. In another embodiment, the trigger element is supported on a support shaft integrally formed with a housing member and, for example, extending through an opening in the sidewall. At least one segment of the trigger element is located between and supported between the sidewalls.

[0043] In one embodiment, viewed along the insertion direction, the trigger leg of the trigger element is arranged below the sidewall. Here, the trigger leg is preferably abutted against the sidewall in the actuated position of the actuating element and can be moved away from the sidewall by swinging the trigger element, i.e., disengaging from the sidewall. In the initial position of the trigger element, the sidewall provides a stop for the trigger leg, causing the trigger leg to occupy a defined position within the housing. The trigger leg is moved away from the sidewall by swinging the trigger element, for example, downwards along the insertion direction, when inserting the electrical wire or actuating the trigger actuating element.

[0044] In one embodiment, the spring element is configured as a tension spring. In this case, the clamping leg of the spring element is configured to pull the electrical wire into contact with the contact element by the spring force. For this purpose, an opening may be formed on the clamping leg, through which the electrical wire can pass when inserted into the socket of the housing, so that the electrical wire is pulled into clamping contact with the contact element after the clamping leg is triggered from the release position.

[0045] Alternatively, the spring element can be configured as a compression spring. In this case, the clamping leg configuration is used to press the wire into contact with the contact element by spring force. Upon insertion into the socket, the wire reaches the space between the clamping leg and the face section of the contact element, wherein after the clamping leg is triggered from the release position, the clamping leg acts on the wire and presses the wire into contact with the contact element.

[0046] The spring element may, for example, have a support leg by which it is supported on the housing and / or contact element and held in a position relative to the housing. The clamping leg is resiliently deflected relative to the support leg, wherein, in the release position, the clamping leg is deflected such that the spring element is resiliently tensioned and the clamping leg moves out of the release position in a resiliently preloaded manner after being released from the release position.

[0047] Terminal assemblies, such as series terminals, may have one or more connection terminals of the type described above. Such terminal assemblies may, for example, have locking devices for mounting the terminal assembly on a support rail. For example, multiple terminal assemblies (e.g., series terminals) can be arranged on such a support rail to implement electrical components, for example, in a switch cabinet. Attached Figure Description

[0048] The ideas based on the present invention are described in detail below with the aid of embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. Wherein:

[0049] Figure 1A A view showing an embodiment of a terminal assembly in the form of a series terminal with connecting terminals is illustrated;

[0050] Figure 1B It shows the procedure after inserting the electrical wire according to... Figure 1A Terminal assembly;

[0051] Figure 2A A view showing another embodiment of a terminal assembly in the form of series terminals is illustrated;

[0052] Figure 2B It shows the procedure after inserting the electrical wire according to... Figure 2A Terminal assembly;

[0053] Figure 3AA view showing one embodiment of the connection terminals in the operating position of the operating element before the connection of the electrical wires;

[0054] Figure 3B A view of the connection terminals after the electrical wires have been connected is shown;

[0055] Figure 3C A view of the connection terminal when the control element is activated is shown;

[0056] Figure 4A It shows that it is based on Figure 3A A cross-sectional view of the connecting terminal in the location;

[0057] Figure 4B It shows that it is based on Figure 3B A cross-sectional view of the connecting terminal in the location;

[0058] Figure 4C It shows that it is based on Figure 3C A cross-sectional view of the connecting terminal in the location;

[0059] Figure 5A A view of another embodiment of the connecting terminal is shown, in which the actuating element is in the actuated position;

[0060] Figure 5B A view of the connection terminals after the electrical wires have been connected is shown;

[0061] Figure 5C A view of the connection terminal when the control element is activated is shown;

[0062] Figure 6A It shows that it is based on Figure 5A A cross-sectional view of the connecting terminal in the location;

[0063] Figure 6B It shows that it is based on Figure 5B A cross-sectional view of the connecting terminal in the location;

[0064] Figure 6C It shows that it is based on Figure 5C A cross-sectional view of the connecting terminal in the location;

[0065] Figure 7 It shows that according to Figure 1A , 1B A view of the terminal assembly when the trigger control element is manipulated using a tool;

[0066] Figure 8 This illustrates how to manipulate the trigger control element while using a tool, based on... Figure 2A , 2B A view of the terminal assembly;

[0067] Figure 9 A schematic top view of a contact element having a spring element housed thereon is shown;

[0068] Figure 10 A schematic diagram of the manipulation element that works in conjunction with the trigger element is shown;

[0069] Figure 11A A schematic diagram of a trigger-operated element coupled to a trigger element via a coupling device is shown; and

[0070] Figure 11B It shows that according to Figure 11A A component in which the trigger element is in a swinging position. Detailed Implementation

[0071] Figure 1A , 1B An embodiment of a terminal assembly 3 in the form of series terminals is shown. This terminal assembly can be arranged on a support rail 5 together with other terminal assemblies in order to realize circuit components, for example, in a switch cabinet or electrical equipment.

[0072] according to Figure 1A , 1B The terminal assembly 3 has multiple connection terminals 1, 1', 1”, 1”', each of which is equipped with a socket 100 and can be connected to an electrical wire 2. For connection, the electrical wire 2 can be inserted into the corresponding socket 100 along the insertion direction E so as to make electrical contact with the current bar 32 on the corresponding connection terminal 1, 1', 1”, 1”'.

[0073] The terminal assembly 30 has a body that provides housing for connecting elements to terminals 1, 1', 1”, 1”' and has sockets 100 formed on the body for connecting terminals 1, 1', 1”, 1”'.

[0074] A locking device 31 is formed on the main body 30, through which the terminal assembly 3 can be arranged and fixed on the support rail 5 in a locking manner.

[0075] The current bar 32 electrically connects the contact elements 11 of the connection terminals to each other.

[0076] Figure 2A , 2B Another embodiment of the terminal assembly 3 is shown. According to... Figure 1A , 1B In one embodiment, the terminal assembly 3 has four connecting terminals 1, 1', 1”, 1”', and according to Figure 2A , 2B The terminal assembly 3 has two connection terminals 1, 1”', allowing only two electrical wires 2 to be connected according to... Figure 2A ,2B On terminal assembly 3.

[0077] Figures 3A-3C Embodiments of connection terminal 1 are shown in 4A-4C, which implement according to Figure 1A , 1B The terminal assembly 3 has externally located connection terminals 1,1”', or implements according to Figure 2A , 2B The terminal assembly 3 is connected to terminals 1,1”'.

[0078] The connecting terminal 1 has a housing 10 realized by the body 30 of the corresponding terminal assembly 3, which has a socket 100 formed therein for inserting an electrical wire 2 along the insertion direction E.

[0079] The housing 10 defines a receiving cavity 101 into which the wire 2 is introduced with its stripped conductor end 20 when it is inserted into the socket 100 along the insertion direction E. In the connected position, the wire 2 with its stripped conductor end 20 is located within the receiving cavity 101 and is electrically contacted with the contact element 11 via the clamping leg 120 of the spring element 12, such that the wire 2 is electrically connected to the connection terminal 1, as in... Figure 3B and 4B As shown in the diagram.

[0080] The spring element 12 has a support leg 121, which is connected to the clamping leg 120 via a curved intermediate section 122, and is supported together with the intermediate section 122 on the housing section 103 of the housing 10. The clamping leg 120 can be elastically deflected relative to the support leg 121, and in particular, such deflection causes the clamping leg 120 to... Figure 3B and 4B In the clamping position shown, the clamping action is applied to the electrical wire 2 connected to the connecting terminal 1, and under elastic preload, the electrical wire is pressed into contact with the surface section 110 of the contact element 11, thereby causing the wire 2 to make electrical contact with the contact element 11 through its conductor end 20.

[0081] In the illustrated embodiment, the actuating element 14 on the housing 10 is adjustable along the actuating direction B. The actuating element 14 is housed in the actuating opening 102 of the housing 10 and is movable relative to the housing 10 along the actuating direction B so as to act on the clamping leg 120 of the spring element 12 and adjust the clamping leg between a clamping position and a released position.

[0082] The actuating element 14 has an actuating head 140 that can be accessed from outside the housing 10 via an actuating opening 102 and thus operated by a user, for example, when using a tool. An actuating lever 141 extends from the actuating head 140 and is used to act on the spring element 12 to adjust the clamping leg 120, and forms an actuating section 145. When the actuating element 14 is adjusted to the actuating position, it acts on the clamping leg 120 of the spring element 12 via this actuating section and moves the clamping leg to the release position.

[0083] In the operating position of the control element 14, such as in Figure 3A and 4A As shown, the lever 141 abuts against the clamping leg 120 and thereby holds the clamping leg 120 in the released position.

[0084] A locking element 142 is formed on the lever 141. This locking element has a stepped edge structure extending approximately perpendicular to the operating direction B and is used to lock the operating element 14 in the operating position. Therefore, in the operating position of the operating element 14, the locking element 142 on the operating element 14 is engaged with the corresponding mating locking element 104 on the housing wall inside the housing 10, and is thus fixed relative to the housing 10 in a form-fit or force-fit manner along the operating direction B oriented parallel to the insertion direction E. Therefore, in the operating position, the operating element 14 is locked to the housing 10.

[0085] By engaging with the housing 10, the actuating element 14 holds the clamping leg 120 of the spring element 12 in the released position and thereby maintains a distance from the face section 110 of the contact element 11, so that the electrical wire 2 is inserted into the socket 100 in a substantially unloaded manner along the insertion direction E and thereby can be connected to the connection terminal 1. In the released position, the clamping leg 120 is elastically deflected relative to the support leg 121, and thus provides an elastic tension force on the actuating element 14 in the direction in which the locking element 142 engages with the mating locking element 104, so that the actuating element 14 is held in the locked position with the clamping leg 120 tensioned.

[0086] A support leg 143 is formed on the side of the lever 141, extending beyond the actuation section 145 and forming an adjustment section 146. The actuation element 14 interacts with the trigger element 13 of the connection terminal 1 through the adjustment section. Therefore, the actuation element 14 engages with the opening 133 on the trigger leg 130 of the trigger element 13 via the adjustment section 146, and is functionally connected to the corresponding adjustment section 134 on the trigger element 13 via the adjustment section 146, as from... Figure 10 As can be seen in the text.

[0087] In the illustrated embodiment, the trigger element 13 is pivotally supported on the housing 10 by a support shaft 131 formed on the housing 10. The trigger leg 130 is in the initial position (see...). Figure 3A and 4A The wire extends at least approximately transversely to the insertion direction E and thus extends into the region aligned with the socket 100 in the inner cavity 101 of the housing 10, such that when the wire 2 is inserted, the wire touches the trigger leg 130 with the conductor end 20 and thus acts on the trigger element 13.

[0088] In the illustrated embodiment, a groove-shaped recess 132 is formed on the trigger leg 130, which is used to receive the wire end 20 of the wire 2 when inserted into the socket 100. By causing the wire 2 to come into contact with the trigger leg 130 in the area of ​​the recess 132, effective force transmission between the wire 2 and the trigger leg 130 can be achieved, which also enables the triggering of the trigger element 13 to be achieved by a soft conductor, such as a stranded conductor.

[0089] In the illustrated embodiment, contact element 11 is formed as a stamped and bent piece and makes electrical contact with the current strip 32 of terminal assembly 3 (see [reference]). Figure 1A , 1B Implementation examples and according to Figure 2A , 2B (Example). The contact element 11 forms a surface section 110, and the clamping leg 120 of the spring element 12 loads the electrical wire 2 in the direction of the surface section 110 when inserted into the socket 100, so that the electrical wire 2 makes electrical contact with the contact element 11 by abutting against the surface section 110, and is also mechanically locked to the contact element 11.

[0090] As this comes from Figures 3A-3C Combined with Figure 9 As shown in the schematic diagram, the contact element 11 has a sidewall 111 that extends perpendicularly to the surface segment 110 and together with the surface segment 110 forms a U-shape, into which the electrical wire 2 is introduced when inserted into the socket 100. Therefore, the wire 2 is received within the contact element 11 when inserted into the socket 100 and is pressed against the surface segment 110 forming the U-shaped base by the action of the clamping legs 120.

[0091] The trigger element 13 is supported between wall sections 112 of the sidewall 111. A support shaft 131, formed on the housing 10, extends through an opening in the wall section 112 and supports the trigger element 13, as shown from... Figures 4A-4C As can be seen, this allows the trigger element 13 to swing between the sidewalls 111.

[0092] The sidewalls 111 are connected to each other on one side of the opposite side section 110 via the rear wall 113. The support leg 121 of the spring element 12 is supported on and fixedly connected to the rear wall 113, such that the spring element 12 is fixed to the contact element 11.

[0093] At the initial position corresponding to the position of manipulation of the manipulation element 14, such as from Figure 3A and Figure 4A As can be seen in the insertion direction E, the trigger leg 130 rests against the lower edge of the side wall 111. Therefore, the side wall 111 forms a stop for the trigger leg 130 in the actuated position of the actuating element 14. If the trigger element 13 swings, the trigger leg 130 moves away from the side wall 111 along the insertion direction E, as if from... Figure 3A , 4A Towards Figure 3B , 4B This can be seen in the transition.

[0094] The trigger element 13 works in conjunction with the electrical wire 2 inserted into the socket 100 to automatically connect the electrical wire 2 to the connection terminal 1 upon triggering the clamping leg 120. If the operating element 14 is in position according to... Figure 3A and 4A In the position of manipulation, the trigger element 13 occupies the position of... Figure 3A and 4A The initial position is visible in the image, in which the adjustment sections 134 and 146 of the trigger element 13 and the actuating element 14 are as shown in the image. Figure 10 As shown, they engage with each other such that the actuating element 14, which engages with the housing 10 via the locking element 142, holds the trigger element 13 in position.

[0095] As from Figure 10 As can be seen, the adjustment section 146 has a protrusion 144 on the support leg 143 of the operating element 14. In the operated position of the operating element 14, the adjustment section 134 on the trigger element 13 engages with this protrusion. If the electrical wire 2 is inserted into the socket 100 of the housing 10 in the insertion direction E, such as from... Figure 3B and 4B As can be seen, the wire 2 touches the trigger leg 130 of the trigger element 13 with its wire end 20, and causes the trigger element 13 to swing about the support shaft 131 in the swing direction S. As a result, the adjustment sections 134 and 146 slide against each other and disengage from each other, thereby causing the operating element 14 to tilt relative to the housing 10 at a (small) tilt angle along the tilt direction K.

[0096] Thus, the locking element 142 adjusts relative to the mating locking element 104 on the housing 10 in the lateral direction Q and disengages from the mating locking element 104, thereby releasing the locking of the operating element 14.

[0097] If the locking of the operating element 14 is released by the triggering of the triggering element 13, then the operating element 14 will shift relative to the housing 10 in the opposite direction of operation B due to the spring preload of the clamping leg 120, as this is in Figure 3B and 4B As shown in the diagram. Therefore, the actuating element 14 slides upward in the actuating opening 102, and the clamping leg 120 abuts against the wire end 20 and presses the wire end into contact with the surface segment 110 of the contact element 12, as indicated by... Figure 4B The sectional view is shown.

[0098] By abutting the actuating element 14 against the abutting edge 106 on the housing via the locking element 142, the actuating element 14 is prevented from sliding out of the actuating opening 102, such as from... Figure 4B As can be seen in the text.

[0099] Because the operating element 14 automatically moves out of the operating position after the holding is released due to the spring preload of the clamping leg 120, the user can safely and reliably identify that the connection terminal 1 has been triggered and the electrical wire 2 has therefore been connected to the connection terminal 1. This reduces the risk of misoperation.

[0100] If you want to remove wire 2 from... Figure 3B and 4B If the connection is released from the position shown in the diagram and then removed from the connection terminal 1, the operating element 14 can then be moved to the position shown in the diagram. Figure 3B and 4A In the operating position, the clamping leg 120 is disengaged from the wire 2. Thus, the wire 2 can be removed from the connecting terminal 1 in a substantially effortless manner.

[0101] When the control element 14 is operated in the control direction B, the adjustment section 146 on the support leg 143 of the control lever 141 engages with the opening 133 on the trigger leg 130 of the trigger element 13, causing the adjustment section 134 to engage with the protrusion 144. The adjustment section 134, inside the opening 133 of the trigger leg 130, slides into the protrusion 144, thereby automatically adjusting the trigger element 13 back to its original position through interaction with the control element 14. Figure 3A , 4A In its initial position and held there by adjusting section 146 engaging into opening 133, until electrical wire 2 (again) is inserted into socket 100 and thus connected to connection terminal 1.

[0102] No separate preload is required on the trigger element 13 for resetting to the initial position. When the actuating element 14 moves to the actuated position, the trigger element 13 returns to the initial position through interaction with the actuating element 14.

[0103] In the illustrated embodiment, the connection terminal 1 has a trigger actuation element 15 that is linearly movable on the housing 10 of the connection terminal 1 along a trigger actuation direction C that is inclined to the insertion direction E.

[0104] The triggering actuation element 15 includes a head 150 and a lever section 151 extending from the head 150 along the triggering actuation direction C. The triggering actuation element 15 can act on the triggering element 13 via the lever section 151 so as to swing the triggering element 13 relative to the housing 10 when needed, thereby triggering the actuation element 14 from the actuated position if the actuation element 14 does not trigger automatically when the electrical wire 2 is inserted.

[0105] As in Figure 11A , 11B As schematically illustrated, the trigger actuation element 15 can be coupled to the trigger element 13, for example, via a coupling device 152, which is, for example, in the form of a coupling hook on the rod section 151 of the trigger actuation element 15. Here, the coupling is such that when the trigger actuation element 15 is actuated, the trigger element 13 oscillates about the support shaft 131, and furthermore, as the trigger element 13 oscillates, the trigger actuation element 15 moves together, the oscillation of the trigger element being triggered independently of the actuation of the trigger actuation element 14.

[0106] Due to the coupling, the triggering element 15 always occupies a position defined relative to the housing 10 and associated with the position of the triggering element 13.

[0107] The trigger actuation element 15 is guided linearly along the trigger actuation direction C on the housing 10 of the connection terminal 1. The head 150 of the trigger actuation element 15 is inserted into the actuation opening 105 of the housing 10, as if from... Figures 4A to 4C As can be seen in the text.

[0108] The triggering element 15 is used to swing the triggering element 13 if, in special circumstances, the triggering element 14 is not automatically triggered when the electrical wire 2 is inserted. If the electrical wire 2 is inserted into the socket 100 of the housing 10 and the triggering element 14 is not automatically triggered, the user can manually or with the aid of a tool press the head 150 of the triggering element 15 in the triggering direction C and thus move the triggering element 15 relative to the housing 10, so as to swing the triggering element 13 and release the lock between the triggering element 14 and the housing 10.

[0109] The trigger control element 15 is preferably coupled to the trigger element 13 in such a way that the trigger control element 15 occupies a different defined position relative to the housing 10 depending on the corresponding position of the trigger element 13.

[0110] like Figure 4A As shown, when the trigger element 13 is in the initial position and the operating element 14 is in the operating position, the head 150 occupies an upward (outward) position in the operating opening 105 of the housing 10. This corresponds to the first position of triggering the operating element 15.

[0111] If the trigger element 13 deflects in the opposite direction from its initial position, such as from... Figure 4B As can be seen, the head 150 occupies the second position in the housing 10, which is equivalent to the second position of the triggering element 15, in the operating opening 105, regardless of whether the tilting of the triggering element 13 is caused by the action of the wire 2 or by manipulating the triggering element 15.

[0112] Therefore, the triggering element 15 also serves as a display to signal the user whether the connection terminal 1 has been triggered in a compliant manner. If the electrical wire 2 is inserted, the head 150 is positioned within the operating opening 105 of the housing 10 according to... Figure 4B In this position, it is displayed to the user that connection terminal 1 has been triggered and the electrical wire 2 is therefore connected to connection terminal 1 in a compliant manner. If the triggering element 15 is in a position relative to this, according to... Figure 4A If the position is such that the connection terminal 1 is not triggered and the trigger element 13 is (still) in the initial position, then it is shown to the user that the connection terminal 1 is not triggered and the trigger element 13 is (still) in the initial position.

[0113] In the area of ​​the operating opening 105, for example, colored markings can be set on, for example, the inner wall of the operating opening 105, said inner wall only according to... Figure 4B The position of the trigger control element 15 is visible, which also improves the display related to the position of the trigger control element 15.

[0114] Figures 5A-5C and Figures 6A-6C An embodiment of the connection terminal 1' is shown, which implements according to Figure 1A , 1B The internal connection terminal 1',1 of the terminal assembly 3.

[0115] according to Figures 5A-5C and Figures 6A-6C The connecting terminal 1' is similar in function to the connecting wire according to Figures 3A-3C and Figures 4A-4C The connection terminal 1 is the same, so please refer to the previous instructions.

[0116] According to Figures 3A-3C and Figures 4A-4C In one embodiment, the manipulation opening 105 is formed on the end side of the body 30 of the housing 10 of the terminal assembly 3 that implements the connection of the terminal 1, while according to Figures 5A-5C and Figures 6A-6C In one embodiment, the operating opening 105 is formed on the upper side of the body 30 of the housing 10 that realizes the corresponding connection terminal 1', and the socket 100 and the opening 102 for accommodating the operating element 14 are also formed on this upper side.

[0117] As from Figures 6A to 6C As can be seen, the lever section 151 of the triggering element 15 is correspondingly extended so as to work in conjunction with the triggering element 13 inside the housing 10.

[0118] Other aspects are entirely based on the... Figures 3A-3C Description of embodiments of 4A-4C.

[0119] Figure 7 It shows that according to Figure 1A , 1B The terminal assembly 3, wherein the trigger actuation element 15 of the connection terminal 1', 1" is manipulated by a tool 4 in the form of a screwdriver.

[0120] Figure 8 This illustrates the operation of the trigger actuating element 15 at the connecting terminal 1,1”' using a tool 4 in the form of a screwdriver. Figure 2A , 2B Terminal assembly 3.

[0121] The ideas upon which this invention is based are not limited to the foregoing embodiments, but can also be implemented in other ways.

[0122] The triggering element can be pivotally supported on the housing or on a component that is stationary relative to the housing via a support shaft.

[0123] The actuating element can be preloaded towards the unoperated position by the clamping leg of the spring element. However, it is also possible to consider providing an additional preload element that preloads the actuating element relative to the housing in the unoperated position, opposite to the actuating direction. Such a preload element can be constructed, for example, by a compression spring or other mechanical spring.

[0124] Connection terminals can be combined with other connection terminals at a terminal assembly (e.g., a series terminal), but can also be used independently of such a terminal assembly.

[0125] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0126] 1,1',1”,1”' connection terminal

[0127] 10 housing

[0128] 100 sockets

[0129] 101 Reception Chamber

[0130] 102 Operating opening

[0131] 103 Shell Section

[0132] 104 locking element

[0133] 105 control opening

[0134] 106 is attached to the edge.

[0135] 11. Contact element (current bar)

[0136] 110 section

[0137] 111 sidewall

[0138] 112 Wall Section

[0139] 113 Rear Wall

[0140] 12 clamping springs

[0141] 120 Clamping Legs

[0142] 121 Supporting Legs

[0143] 122 Intermediate Section

[0144] 13 trigger elements

[0145] 130 trigger legs

[0146] 131 support shaft

[0147] 132 Depression

[0148] 133 opening

[0149] 134 Adjustment Section

[0150] 14 control elements

[0151] 140 control head

[0152] 141 joystick

[0153] 142 locking element

[0154] 143 legs

[0155] 144 bulges

[0156] 145 functional section

[0157] 146 regulating section

[0158] 15 trigger control elements

[0159] 150 heads

[0160] Section 151

[0161] 152 Coupling Device

[0162] 2 wires

[0163] 20 conductor ends

[0164] 3-terminal assembly (series terminal)

[0165] 30 body

[0166] 31. Locking device

[0167] 32 Current Bars

[0168] 4 tools

[0169] 5 support rails

[0170] B controls the direction.

[0171] C triggers the direction control.

[0172] E insertion direction

[0173] K tilt direction

[0174] Q horizontal direction

[0175] S swing direction

Claims

1. A connecting terminal (1, 1', 1”, 1”') for connecting an electrical conductor (2), said connecting terminal having A housing (10) having a socket (100) into which an electrical wire (2) can be inserted along the insertion direction (E) to connect to the connection terminal (1,1',1”,1”'). A contact element (11) arranged on the housing (10) is used for electrical contact with the electrical conductor (2). A spring element (12) is arranged on the housing (10), the spring element having clamping legs (120) for acting on the electrical wire (2) so as to bring the electrical wire (2) into contact with the contact element (11). An actuating element (14) is adjustablely disposed on the housing (10). This actuating element is adjustable in the actuating direction (B) from an unoperated position to an operated position for adjusting the clamping leg (120) and is locked relative to the housing (10) in the operated position. The clamping leg (120) is elastically adjustable relative to the housing (10) to a released position by the actuation of the actuating element (14), and is held relative to the housing (10) in the released position by the actuating element (14) locked in the operated position. A trigger element (13) capable of swinging relative to the housing (10), the trigger element having a trigger leg (130) configured to cooperate with the electrical wire (2) when the electrical wire (2) is inserted into the socket (100) so as to release the operating element (14) from the operating position by the swinging of the trigger element (13). Its features are, A user-operable trigger control element (15) is adjustable relative to the housing (10) to act on the trigger element (13) in order to release the locking of the control element (14) in the operated position.

2. The connecting terminal (1, 1', 1”, 1”') according to claim 1, characterized in that, The housing (10) defines a receiving cavity (101) into which the electrical wire (2) can be introduced by insertion into the socket (100), wherein the triggering element (13) is arranged in the receiving cavity (101) to work with the electrical wire (2) and is able to swing relative to the housing (10) from an initial position by working with the electrical wire (2).

3. The connecting terminal (1, 1', 1”, 1”') according to claim 2, characterized in that, The trigger leg (130) extends laterally in the insertion direction (E) within the receiving cavity (101) in the initial position.

4. The connecting terminal (1) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, The trigger control element (15) is coupled to the trigger element (13) via a coupling device (152) such that when the trigger element (13) is in the initial position, the trigger control element (15) occupies a first position relative to the housing (10), and when the trigger element (13) is in a swinging position relative to the initial position, the trigger control element (15) occupies a second position relative to the housing (10).

5. The connecting terminal (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that, The trigger control element (15) is configured to display the trigger element (13) in an initial position in a first position and to display the trigger element (13) in a swinging position in a second position.

6. The connecting terminal (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The triggering actuation element (15) has a head (150) which is received in an actuation opening (105) of the housing (10).

7. The connecting terminal (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that, The triggering actuation element (15) has a rod section (151) extending from the head (150) to act on the triggering element (13).

8. The connecting terminal (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The triggering and actuating element (15) is movable relative to the housing (10) along the triggering and actuating direction (C).

9. The connecting terminal (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that, The triggering direction (C) is oriented in the same direction as the insertion direction (E) or tilted to the insertion direction (E).

10. The connecting terminal (1, 1', 1”, 1”') according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The control element (14) is linearly movable relative to the housing (10) and has a control head (140) for operation by a user and a control lever (141) extending from the control head (140) for acting on the clamping leg (120).

11. The connecting terminal (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The actuating element (14) has a locking element (142), and the housing (10) or a component fixed in position relative to the housing (10) has a mating locking element (104), wherein in the actuated position of the actuating element (14), the locking element (14) and the mating locking element (104) are engaged to lock the actuating element (14).

12. The connecting terminal (1, 1', 1”, 1”') according to claim 11, characterized in that, The locking element (142) is formed by a rigid locking edge on the actuating element (14).

13. The connecting terminal (1, 1', 1”, 1”') according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that, The trigger element (13) is configured to adjust the locking element (142) relative to the mating locking element (104) in a lateral direction (Q) that is laterally opposite to the insertion direction (E) in order to release the operating element (14) from the operating position.

14. The connecting terminal (1, 1', 1”, 1”') according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The trigger element (13) is configured to tilt the actuating element (14) relative to the housing (10) so as to release it from the actuated position.

15. The connecting terminal (1, 1', 1”, 1”') according to claim 14, characterized in that, The clamping leg (120) is capable of elastically deflecting relative to the housing (10) in the swing plane, and the triggering element (13) is configured to tilt the actuating element (14) relative to the housing (10) in the swing plane in order to release it from the actuated position.

16. The connecting terminal (1, 1', 1”, 1”') according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The contact element (11) has a surface section (110) and two sidewalls (111) extending perpendicularly to the surface section (110), wherein the clamping legs (120) are configured to electrically contact the electrical conductor (2) with the surface section (110), wherein the sidewalls (111) are arranged on both sides of the clamping legs (120) and the clamping legs (120) are adjustable between the sidewalls (111).

17. The connecting terminal (1,1',1”,1”') according to claim 16, characterized in that, The trigger element (13) is oscillatingly supported between the sidewalls (111).

18. The connecting terminal (1, 1', 1”, 1”') according to claim 16 or 17, characterized in that, Viewed along the insertion direction (E), the trigger leg (130) of the trigger element (13) is arranged below the side wall (111), wherein the trigger leg (130) is abutting the side wall (111) in the position operated by the operating element (14), and can be removed from the side wall (111) by the swing of the trigger element (13).

19. The connecting terminal (1, 1', 1”, 1”') according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The clamping leg (120) is configured to press or pull the electrical wire (2) against the contact element (11) by spring force.

20. The connecting terminal (1, 1', 1”, 1”') according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The spring element (12) has a support leg (121) supported on the housing (10) and / or the contact element (11), and the clamping leg (120) is resiliently deflected relative to the support leg.

21. A terminal assembly, particularly a series terminal, having at least one connection terminal (1,1',1”,1”') according to any one of the preceding claims.

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