Wiring terminal

Abstract

The invention relates to a connection terminal having an insulating material housing which has at least one conductor insertion opening for receiving an electrical conductor in a conductor insertion direction, at least one spring force clamping connection being provided in the insulating material housing for connecting the electrical conductor by means of a spring force, wherein the spring-loaded clamping connection has at least one busbar and a clamping spring which has a clamping leg with a clamping edge for clamping an electrical conductor at a clamping point to a contact section of the busbar, and wherein the connection terminal has at least one actuating element by means of which the electrical conductor is clamped to the contact section of the busbar at the clamping point. The clamping leg can be moved into the open position when a manually accessible gripping section of the actuating element on the first housing outer side of the insulating material housing is manually actuated.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a terminal block having an insulating material housing with at least one wire inlet opening for receiving an electrical wire in the wire inlet direction. At least one spring-force clamping connector is provided within the insulating material housing for connecting the electrical wire by means of a spring force. The spring-force clamping connector has at least one busbar and a clamping spring, the clamping spring having clamping legs with clamping edges for clamping the electrical wire at a clamping location onto a contact section of the busbar. The terminal block has at least one actuating element, which, when manually operated at a gripping section accessible from the outside of the first housing of the insulating material housing, can move the clamping legs to an open position. Background Technology

[0002] Such a terminal block is known from DE 10 2020 119 372 A1. This relates to a terminal block that automatically connects to the conductor to be clamped when it is inserted into the terminal block. Upon insertion of the conductor, the clamping legs of the clamping spring, which are held in the open position, automatically release, thereby causing the conductor to be clamped. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Therefore, the purpose of this invention is to provide a further improved terminal block.

[0004] The objective is achieved by configuring the actuating element as an actuating slider, which is configured to switch the clamping leg to the open position by means of a moving motion extending substantially parallel to the outside of the first housing. This actuating slider allows for advantageous sliding operation of the clamping leg. Thus, the actuating element can be integrated into the terminal block with very little space. Furthermore, in particular, the existing and proven structures of terminal blocks constructed without an actuating element can be extended to terminal blocks with an actuating element and clamping leg with minimal cost and without a completely new structure.

[0005] As mentioned, the present invention enables the clamping leg to be operated by means of a sliding slider. Unlike button operation, in the case of a sliding slider, a manually accessible grip section on the outside of the first housing can be manually operated by the user at any time, without the need for additional tools. In particular, the grip section can be permanently accessible and / or visible on the outside of the first housing, i.e., in any operating position of the sliding slider. In this way, the sliding slider, by means of its grip section, can also simultaneously form an indicator element for indicating the operating position (clamped position or open position) of the clamping leg. Therefore, for the user, the position of the grip section makes it easy to see from the outside whether the clamping leg is in the open position or the clamped position.

[0006] The control slider may be movably supported within an insulating housing, for example. A manually accessible grip section may be movably supported on the outside of the first housing, for example, such that the manually accessible grip section slides along the outside of the first housing during operation. The control slider may have at least one spring-loaded actuation that, when the control slider is manually operated, can move the clamping leg to the open position.

[0007] According to an advantageous design of the invention, the clamping leg has at least one actuating section in the region of the clamping edge, at which the actuating force, such as tension and / or pressure, of at least one spring actuator can be transmitted to the clamping leg. In this manner, the actuating force to be applied manually can be minimized. The clamping leg may, for example, have one actuating section for each spring actuator. Such actuating section may, for example, extend laterally beyond the clamping edge. For example, such actuating section may be positioned at the height of the clamping edge, i.e., laterally positioned beside the clamping edge. Alternatively, at least one actuating section may also be positioned at another location on the clamping leg, i.e., not in the region of the clamping edge.

[0008] According to an advantageous design of the invention, the clamping leg can be pressed into an open position by at least one spring-driven member, wherein the pressure of the at least one spring-driven member can be transmitted to the clamping leg on the side of the clamping leg opposite to the outer side of the first housing. Correspondingly, at least one spring-driven member extends relatively far into the insulating housing, at least to the side of the clamping leg opposite to the outer side of the first housing, where a gripping section for operating the slider is provided. Advantageously, the clamping spring can be disposed in the insulating housing such that a support section of the clamping spring is disposed between the clamping leg and the outer side of the first housing, and the clamping spring is supported by the clamping force of the support section relative to the clamping leg.

[0009] According to an advantageous design of the invention, at least one spring-driven member has an operating surface that extends obliquely relative to the direction of movement of the operating slider, along which the operating section of the clamping leg slides during movement. The direction of movement of the operating slider can, for example, extend parallel to the direction of the lead wire introduction. During the movement of the operating slider, the clamping leg can be evenly and smoothly lifted and switched to the open position by means of the operating surface that extends obliquely relative to it. Through the sliding movement on the operating surface, the operating section of the clamping leg can act like a skid.

[0010] According to an advantageous design of the invention, the control surface is configured as a ramp. For example, the control surface can be configured as a ramp extending in a straight line or an arc. The control surface can also have different sections, which can be configured the same or different, for example, extending in a straight line and / or an arc, especially extending at different angles relative to the direction of movement.

[0011] According to an advantageous design of the invention, at least one spring-driven member is connected to the gripping section via at least one pull arm, wherein when the clamping leg is operated by the at least one spring-driven member, the at least one pull arm is subjected to tension. In this manner, the movement of the gripping section of the manipulating slider can be easily transmitted to the relatively distant spring-driven member. By applying tension to the pull arm, the pull arm can be constructed to be relatively slender and thin, and does not necessarily need to have particularly high bending stiffness. The at least one spring-driven member can be supported by the at least one pull arm, such that the spring-driven member can also be constructed to be relatively slender and thin.

[0012] The spring-loaded actuator, pull arm, and a portion of the grip section can form an approximately triangular recess in the side panel of the control element. The control section at the clamping leg can be recessed into the triangular recess.

[0013] According to an advantageous design of the invention, the gripping section and at least one spring-driven member are arranged at an angle to each other and surround the area of ​​the wire receiving space in two different lateral angles.

[0014] According to an advantageous design of the invention, at least two spaced-apart spring-loaded actuators extend from the gripping section. The clamping legs can be symmetrically operated from both sides by the two spring-loaded actuators, for example at the respective opposite side edges of the clamping legs, thus minimizing the tilting posture of the clamping legs. A free space can exist between the spring-loaded actuators, through which electrical wires can be guided. Therefore, the electrical wires can be accommodated between the two control wings. The spring-loaded actuators can be constructed of the same type and have one or more of the features mentioned above.

[0015] According to an advantageous design of the invention, at least one spring-loaded actuator is supported on an insulating housing and / or a busbar relative to the force exerted by the clamping legs. This achieves good force transmission of the operating force to the clamping legs, without the need for a particularly torsional connection between the at least one spring-loaded actuator and the grip section. The operating element can be configured relatively slim in this manner, resulting in minimal space requirements within the insulating housing. Furthermore, the grip section does not require particularly strenuous support.

[0016] At least one spring-driven member can slide along the insulating material housing and / or busbar within the support area during movement. For example, at least one spring-driven member can be supported on the outside of a second housing opposite to the outside of the first housing.

[0017] Alternatively, at least one spring-driven element can be disposed so as to be suspended within an insulating housing. The sliding block can then be supported, for example, via a gripping section on the outside of the first housing. In this case, all the operating force of the clamping spring can be transmitted, for example, via the gripping section to the outside of the first housing.

[0018] Also advantageously, as described above, at least one spring-driven member can be supported on the insulating housing and / or busbar relative to the force exerted by the clamping legs. Additionally, the gripping section can be supported on the outside of the first housing or at least slide along it, at least during certain phases of the movement. Here, the primary force transmission at the spring-driven member can be achieved relative to the support portion at the insulating housing and / or busbar. Then, only negligible force is transmitted from the gripping section to the outside of the first housing.

[0019] According to an advantageous design of the invention, the control slider can move back and forth between an uncontrolled position and an controlled position, wherein in the uncontrolled position the control slider can be fixed to the insulating housing and / or other components of the terminal block. In this manner, the terminal block can be protected against accidental misoperation of the control slider.

[0020] According to an advantageous design of the invention, the control slider is additionally pivotally supported, that is, it allows pivotal movement in addition to traversal movement. This achieves an additional advantageous degree of freedom of movement for the control slider.

[0021] According to an advantageous design of the invention, the control slider must first be moved by the user in a fixed, unoperated position by means of a pivoting motion, so that it can subsequently be moved to an operable position in the direction of movement. Correspondingly, in order to operate the control slider in the direction of movement, the user must first perform a movement different from the movement motion, i.e., a pivoting motion, in order to release the fixed control slider and initially convert it to a movable state.

[0022] In other words, the control slider can pivot from the locked position to the ready position before the movement begins. This avoids accidental misoperation and improves the operability of each control slider to be operated.

[0023] According to an advantageous design of the invention, the terminal block has a retaining element configured to hold the clamping legs in the open position. The retaining element holds the clamping legs in the open position even without manual actuation force applied to the actuating element. This configuration allows for the integration of automated connection technology into spring-forced clamping connectors and terminal blocks of various structural types. In particular, proven terminal blocks of known structural types can be modified in this manner to automate connection functions with minimal cost, i.e., in the automated wiring of electrical wires to be clamped.

[0024] The retaining element can be movably configured, for example, movably, pivotally, or otherwise deflectably configured, such that the retaining element can be slightly deflected by an inserted wire to induce a desired release effect between the clamping leg and the retaining element. The retaining element can be movably supported, for example, movably supported in a linear or arcuate direction. The retaining element can be pivotally supported. In this case, the retaining element can pivot about a fixed or variable pivot axis. In the case of a variable pivot axis, the retaining element can, for example, be floatingly pivotally supported. The retaining element can also perform a combination of lateral and pivotal movements. The retaining element can also be otherwise movably supported such that the retaining element can be deflected sufficiently far to release the clamping leg's latch at the retaining element.

[0025] The clamping legs can be manually switched to the open position by means of an actuating element, overcoming the spring force of the clamping spring. In the open position, the clamping legs can then be held in place by a retaining element, eliminating the need for additional manual operation of the actuating element and allowing for easy introduction of electrical leads without requiring special force. For example, the clamping legs can be locked in place by the retaining element in the open position.

[0026] In the open position, the slider can be returned to the starting position (closed position), with the clamping leg remaining in the open position. This is also achieved, in particular, by the triangular recess in the side cheek plate of the actuating element.

[0027] The clamping legs can form a clamping portion together with the contact section of the busbar to clamp the conductor between the clamping legs and the contact section. In the open position, at least the clamping edge of the clamping legs pivots away from the contact section of the busbar. The clamping legs can, for example, pivot between an open position and a clamped position, in which the conductor can move freely between the clamping legs and the contact section, and in which the clamping position the clamping legs clamp the conductor at the contact section.

[0028] The retaining element can act directly on the clamping leg, for example, to hold the clamping leg in the open position. Therefore, for example, a first locking element can be provided at the clamping leg and a second locking element at the retaining element, wherein the first and second locking elements can lock into each other in the open position. The first locking element can be configured as a locking protrusion or a locking hook. The second locking element can be configured as a locking edge or a locking opening.

[0029] The retaining element can exist as a separate component, such as being fastened to the insulating housing of the terminal block, the busbar, or other components. Alternatively, the retaining element can be integrally formed with a clamping spring.

[0030] According to an advantageous design of the invention, the retaining element is positioned behind the clamping portion or substantially behind the busbar in the wire introduction direction from the wire to the spring-forced clamping connector. In this manner, insertion of the wire is not obstructed by the retaining element. For example, in the open position, that is, when the clamping legs are locked at the retaining element, the retaining element does not extend, or only slightly extends, into the wire receiving space relative to the clamping legs in the wire introduction direction.

[0031] According to an advantageous design of the invention, the spring-loaded clamping connector has a release element, by which actuation of the release element can release the clamping leg held at the retaining element from the retaining element, particularly such that by actuation of the release element, the retaining element can be deflected until the clamping leg held at the retaining element is released from the retaining element. The release element may have a release section. When the conductor to be clamped applies an actuating force to the release section, the clamping leg held at the retaining element in the open position can be released from the retaining element by the release element. This allows the clamping leg to be automatically released from the retaining element by inserting the conductor. The release section can be pressured by a separate tool, a terminal component, such as an actuating element, or directly via the introduced conductor itself, thereby releasing the clamping leg from the retaining element. By means of the release element, the clamping leg held at the retaining element in the open position can be released from the retaining element by applying pressure to the release section in the direction of the conductor introduction of the conductor to be connected. Depending on the configuration of the spring-force clamping connector, the releasing element can be configured as part of the clamping spring, for example, as a releasing element formed in one piece with the clamping spring, or as a separate component.

[0032] According to an advantageous design of the invention, the releasing element is a component or assembly of the spring-force clamping connector, the component or assembly having a retaining element. This keeps the structural and assembly costs for the spring-force clamping connector low. Therefore, in particular, it is not necessary to assemble two different components or assemblies for assembling the releasing element and the retaining element, but only one component or assembly is assembled. For example, the releasing element can be molded in one piece with the retaining element. The component or assembly can be made of, for example, plastic or metal or a combination of these materials.

[0033] According to an advantageous design of the invention, the terminal block has a wire receiving space for accommodating an electrical wire to be clamped, wherein a clamping spring is disposed between the electrical wire received in the wire receiving space and the outer side of the first housing. Therefore, the gripping section is located on the outer side of the insulating housing, which, viewed from the wire receiving space, is positioned behind the clamping spring. In this manner, the operating slider can be arranged in a space-saving manner and can also be easily operated.

[0034] At least one spring-loaded actuator may be laterally disposed next to the wire receiving space and extend between the busbar and the clamping legs. Here, the at least one spring-loaded actuator may have a relatively small width so that the wire receiving space is not significantly affected by the spring-loaded actuator. If the terminal block is configured as a multi-pole terminal block, the spring-loaded actuator may also be formed in the insulating housing as at least a portion of or replace the partition wall between adjacent spring-forced clamping connectors. At least one spring-loaded actuator may, for example, be disposed extending perpendicular to the plane of the gripping section.

[0035] According to an advantageous design of the invention, exactly one clamping spring can be operated by at least one actuating element, or multiple clamping springs, particularly two adjacent clamping springs, can be operated by at least one actuating element. This also allows for various implementation possibilities of the terminal block. If the actuating element is configured to operate multiple clamping springs, so many actuating elements are not required in the terminal block, further reducing the space required. In this case, the insulating housing may have, for example, a partition wall between adjacent wire entry openings, and no actuating element is provided between the adjacent wire entry openings.

[0036] According to an advantageous design of the invention, the clamping spring has a support section connected to the clamping leg via a spring bow, wherein the support section is configured to support the clamping spring at the busbar, particularly at the frame member of the busbar. The support section here allows for reliable support of the clamping spring and sufficient support relative to the spring force applied by the clamping leg.

[0037] According to an advantageous design of the invention, the busbar has a frame member in which a clamping spring is hooked or tensioned, wherein the frame member has a through opening through which a conductor to be connected can be inserted. For example, the clamping spring may hook its support section onto an edge section of the frame member surrounding the through opening. The clamping spring may be hooked or tensioned in the frame member such that the support section is secured to the frame member and the clamping legs are oriented toward a contact section of the busbar, that is, in a clamped position without an inserted conductor, the clamping legs rest against the contact section, or when a conductor is inserted, the clamping legs press the conductor against the contact section.

[0038] The frame component can be formed in one piece from the busbar material, for example, as a region bent and stamped from the contact section. The frame component can have a frame surrounding the circumferential side, completely enclosing the through opening. For example, the through opening can have a substantially rectangular cross-section. The frame component can then have a first side leg extending from the contact section on one side and a second side leg extending on the opposite side, wherein the first and second side legs can extend parallel to each other. The frame component can also have lateral legs connecting the free ends of the first and second side legs to each other. A clamping spring can then be hooked onto the lateral legs at a support section.

[0039] According to an advantageous design of the invention, a wire guiding channel for guiding the electrical wire to be clamped at the contact section can be formed in the insulating material housing, wherein the releasing section of the releasing element is disposed in the wire guiding channel or at least extends into the wire guiding channel or at least extends into the extension of the wire introduction channel.

[0040] According to an advantageous design of the invention, the releasing section of the releasing element may be disposed behind the contact section or at least behind the clamping section in the direction of wire introduction.

[0041] In the context of this invention, the indefinite article "a" should not be understood as a numeral. Therefore, if, for example, a component is referred to, it should be interpreted in the sense of "at least one component." As long as the angle is described in degrees, the angle description refers to a circumference of 360 degrees (360°). Attached Figure Description

[0042] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0043] The attached diagram shows:

[0044] Figure 1 The wiring terminals are shown in a three-dimensional view.

[0045] Figures 2 to 5 The wiring terminals are shown in a side sectional view under different operating conditions.

[0046] Figure 6 The slider is shown in a side view.

[0047] Figure 7 The slider is shown in a stereoscopic view.

[0048] Figure 8 Shown in partially altered cross-section according to Figure 4 The wiring terminals in the operating state,

[0049] Figure 9 Shown in side view according to Figure 3 The spring force clamping connection of the operating slider with wiring terminals in the operating state.

[0050] Figure 10 Showing according to Figure 4 According to the operating state Figure 9 The settings,

[0051] Figure 11 The spring force clamping connector of the terminal block is shown in a side view.

[0052] Figure 12 The clamping spring of the spring-force clamping connector is shown in a perspective view.

[0053] Figure 13 The busbar of the spring-force clamping connector is shown in a three-dimensional view.

[0054] Figure 14 The retain-release element of the assembly is shown in a perspective view.

[0055] Figure 15 A perspective view shows a spring-force clamping connector with a retaining-releasing element mounted thereon.

[0056] Figure 16 Another embodiment of a spring-force clamping connector without retaining-releasing elements is shown in a perspective view. Detailed Implementation

[0057] Figure 1 A perspective view of the terminal block 1 is shown. The terminal block 1 can be configured as a multi-pole terminal block, wherein multiple spring-loaded clamping connectors are arranged side by side. The terminal block 1 has an insulating material housing 2, which has a wire introduction opening 20 for each spring-loaded clamping connector. Through the wire introduction opening, the wire to be clamped can be introduced into the insulating material housing 2 in the wire introduction direction L. The wire introduction opening 20 is located on the wire introduction side 22 of the insulating material housing 2.

[0058] As an operating element for manipulating the clamping spring of the corresponding spring-force clamping connector, each terminal 1 has an operating slider 6 disposed for the spring-force clamping connector. Each operating slider 6 has a gripping section 60 for manual operation. The gripping section 60 is provided on the outer side 23 of the first housing of the insulating material housing 2.

[0059] like Figure 2 As shown, the corresponding spring-force clamping connector disposed in the insulating material housing 2 has a clamping spring 4 and a busbar 3. The busbar 3 has a contact section 31 and curved frame members 32 and 33 bending from the contact section 31. The frame members, together with the side legs 32, extend in a frame-like manner away from the contact section 31 and terminate at the transverse legs 33 that are connected to the side legs 32. The contact section 31 is used for electrical contact with the connected electrical wires.

[0060] The clamping spring 4 has a support section 41, which is fastened to the frame members 32 and 33. The support section 41 can be hooked, in particular, at a lateral leg 33 located away from the contact section 31. The clamping spring 4 has a spring bow 42 connected to the support section 41 and a clamping leg 43 connected to the spring bow 42, the clamping leg for clamping the electrical wire at the contact section 31. The clamping leg 43 terminates at its free end with a clamping edge 46. The electrical wire 9 clamped between the clamping leg 43 and the contact section 31 is then received in the wire receiving space 24 of the insulating material housing 2.

[0061] In order to manipulate the clamping spring 4, that is, in order to move the clamping leg 43 from... Figure 2The clamping position shown deflects into the open position, where a manual operating element in the form of an operating slider 6 is present. The operating slider 6 has a grip section 60 constituting manual operation, which is located on the outer side 23 of the first housing of the insulating material housing 2 and is manually accessible therefrom. The user can apply an operating force to the operating slider 6 at the grip section 60, thereby moving the operating slider 6 rearward in the wire introduction direction L, that is, towards the rear housing wall 21 of the insulating material housing 2. Figures 6 to 8 As shown, the control slider 6 has at least one spring actuator 62 that extends at an angle from the gripping section 60 and into the insulating material housing 2 until it reaches the clamping leg 43.

[0062] Figure 2 The terminal 1 is shown in the unoperated state, that is, in the unoperated position, of the operating slider 6. It can be seen that the operating slider 6 has a blocking element 61, which works in conjunction with a blocking section 25 provided on the insulating material housing 2. Through the blocking element 61 and the blocking section 25, the operating slider 6 is secured to the insulating material housing 2 in the unoperated position and cannot be operated by simple movement. The blocking element 61 can, for example, be configured as a protrusion extending toward the insulating material housing 2 at the gripping section 60. The blocking section 25 can be configured as a housing edge of the insulating material housing 2.

[0063] like Figure 3 As shown, in order to manipulate the control slider 6 in the direction of movement, a slight pivoting movement of the slider 6 is first required. This causes the blocking element 61 to disengage from the blocking section 25. Figure 4 As shown, the slider 6 can now be moved along the outer side 23 of the first housing in the direction of movement V. Similarly, as... Figure 4 As shown, this causes the clamping leg 43 to deflect into the open position. (As in...) Figure 5 As can be seen, now if the wire 9 is introduced into the wire receiving space 24, the wire 9 can be clamped relative to the contact section 31 by clamping legs 43 and, in particular, clamping edges 46. Figure 5 As shown, the slider 6 then returns to its unmanaged position, as... Figure 2 As shown.

[0064] Figure 6 and Figure 7The control slider 6 is shown in different views. It can be seen that at least one spring-loaded actuator 62 extends substantially at a right angle from the gripping section 60. In an advantageous design, for symmetry reasons—that is, for symmetrical manipulation of the clamping leg 43—two spring-loaded actuators 62 can be arranged side-by-side at a distance. The spring-loaded actuators 62 branch off from the corresponding side cheek plate 64 of the control slider 6 and extend to the support region 66, by which the corresponding spring-loaded actuator 62 is supported at the lower housing wall 26 of the insulating material housing 2. The corresponding spring-loaded actuator 62 has an operating surface 63 extending obliquely to the direction of movement V, which can be configured as an operating ramp. During movement, the operating section below the clamping leg 43, which will be described further, can slide along the operating surface 63.

[0065] Figure 6 and Figure 7 It is also shown that the corresponding spring-driven member 62 can be directly connected to the grip section 60 or the cheek plate 64 on one side. The corresponding spring-driven member 62 can be additionally connected to the grip section 60 or the cheek plate 64 via a pull arm 65 at the end facing the support surface 66. The pull arm 65, which is not necessarily necessary, can provide additional stability and reinforcement to the spring-driven member 62. The spring-driven member 62, the pull arm 65, and the cheek plate 64 define the boundaries of a free space (e.g., in the form of a triangular recess) that is completely surrounded circumferentially, and the clamping leg 43 can extend into this free space with its operating section.

[0066] Figure 8 The terminal 1 is shown in the unoperated state of the slider 6, as shown in... Figure 4 As already shown in the diagram. With Figure 4 The difference lies in the altered cross-section, which reproduces the portion of terminal 1 facing the rear housing wall 21, extending through the spring actuator 62. As can be seen, the actuating slider 6 moves towards the rear housing wall 21. Consequently, via at least one spring actuator 62, the clamping leg 43 is pressurized and pivots upward, i.e., moves away from the contact section 31 to the open position. In this manner, the clamping portion can be opened, allowing the clamped wire 9 to be removed or easily introduced.

[0067] Terminal 1 also has a retaining element 5, by which the clamping leg 43 can be held in the open position. The retaining element 5 has a second locking element 50, which can be locked in the open position by means of a first locking element 45 configured as a mating member at the clamping leg 43. The clamping leg 43 can then not be easily moved back to the clamping position. The first locking element 45 configured at the clamping leg 43 can be formed, for example, by a clamping edge 46. However, at least one separate first locking element 45 can also be configured at the clamping leg 43, for example, in the form of a protruding locking tab, which can then lock with the second locking element 50. For example, a laterally protruding operating section 44 can be formed on the left and right sides of the clamping leg 43, and the first locking element 45 is also configured in the operating section.

[0068] The retaining element 5 transitions further rearward into the releasing element 8 in the wire introduction direction L. The releasing element has a section that bends relative to the retaining element 5 and extends transversely to the wire introduction direction L, forming the releasing section 80 of the releasing element 8. If the wire is introduced into the insulating material housing 2 through the wire introduction opening 20 in the wire introduction direction L, pressing the end of the wire against the releasing section 80 causes the entire structural unit consisting of the releasing element 8 and the retaining element 5 to shift slightly rearward in the wire introduction direction L. As a result, the second locking element 50 shifts and is released from the first locking element 45. Correspondingly, the clamping leg 43 can spring open and press the wire 9 against the busbar 3. Therefore, due to the spring preload of the clamping spring 4, the clamping leg 43 moves into the clamping position.

[0069] exist Figure 5 As can be seen, the conductor 9 is introduced into the insulating material housing 2 and positioned in the conductor receiving space 24 by means of a section with the insulation stripped off. The free end of the conductor 9 can here press against the release section 80, thereby moving the entire release element 8, for example, by pivoting, causing the second locking element 50 connected to the release element 8 to move accordingly and thus move away from the first locking element 45, thereby releasing the lock between these elements. As described above, for example by the force of the clamping spring 4, the operating slider 6 now moves back to its initial position, as in... Figure 4 As shown in the diagram. Thus, the clamping spring 4 can be partially relaxed, for example, the clamping leg 43 moves toward the conductor 9 and clamps the conductor relative to the contact section 31.

[0070] Figure 9 and Figure 10The combined action of the clamping leg 43, the retaining element 5, and the operating slider 6 is shown again. When the operating slider 6 is operated in the direction of movement V in the form of a moving motion, the corresponding operating section 44 slides along the operating surface 63 of the spring-driven member 62. Here, the clamping leg 43 deflects upward, that is, moves away from the contact section 31, so that the clamping leg can finally be locked in the open position by its first locking element 45 at the second locking element 50 of the retaining element 5, as in Figure 10 As can be seen from the text.

[0071] Figure 11 With Figure 10 A similar manner is shown again of the latch of the clamping leg 43 in the open position at the retaining element 5, but for the sake of illustration, the operating slider 6 is not shown.

[0072] Figure 12 An advantageous design of the clamping spring 4 is described below. The clamping spring 4 has a support section 41, which can be hooked onto the transverse leg 33 of the busbar 3 by means of a fastening section 40. The clamping spring 4 extends from the support section 41 via a spring bow 42 to the clamping leg 43. The clamping leg 43 terminates by means of a clamping edge 46 for clamping the electrical wire. At the height of the clamping edge 46, operating sections 44 are respectively formed on its left and right sides, and at the operating sections, first locking elements 45 are respectively formed as areas extending beyond the clamping edge 46.

[0073] Figure 13 A busbar 3 is shown, comprising a plurality of side-by-side contact segments 31 for corresponding spring-force clamping connectors. Each contact segment 31 is provided with frame members 32, 33 for hooking the clamping spring 4. The corresponding frame members 32, 33 have side legs 32 spaced apart from each other, which extend at an angle away from the contact segments 31 and are connected to each other at their free ends via transverse legs 33.

[0074] Figure 14 The arrangement of retaining-releasing elements 5 and 8 is shown, each having a retaining element 5 and a releasing element 8. These elements are connected to each other via material segments 52 that are continuous in the lateral direction. Support arms 51 of the retaining element 5 extend in pairs from the material segments 52, the support arms supporting the corresponding second locking element 50 relative to the spring force of the clamping leg 43. The support arms 51 transition into connecting arms 81 of the releasing element 8 that are angled to the support arms. Then, corresponding releasing segments 80 are provided at an angle to the connecting arms at the corresponding pair of connecting arms 81.

[0075] Figure 15 Shown in Figure 13 Busbar 3, which can be seen in the image, has a configuration thereof. Figure 14 The retaining-releasing elements 5, 8 and such Figure 12 The corresponding clamping spring 4 is shown. Here, the structural unit consisting of the holding-releasing elements 5 and 8 is provided below the contact section 31 by means of a continuous material section 52, that is, on the side of the contact section 31 opposite to the clamping spring 4.

[0076] The terminal block 1 described so far can also be configured as a conventional terminal block without automatic connection technology, that is, without the retaining element 5 and the releasing element 8. In this regard, Figure 16 This diagram shows a variation of the spring-force clamping connector for this type of terminal block, the variation thus having only the following characteristics: Figure 13 Busbar 3 and multiple fasteners on the busbar according to Figure 12 The clamping spring 4, that is to say, has no structural basis. Figure 14 The retaining-releasing elements 5 and 8. This contact plug can also be applied as part of the described terminal block 1, and is thus operated in a conventional manner via the operating slider 6 to open or close the clamping part as needed.

[0077] List of reference numerals

[0078] 1. Terminal block

[0079] 2. Insulating material housing

[0080] 3 busbars

[0081] 4. Clamping spring

[0082] 5. Holding element

[0083] 6. Manipulate the slider

[0084] 8. Loosen the components

[0085] 9. Electrical wires

[0086] 20. Wire introduction opening

[0087] 21 Rear shell wall

[0088] 22. Wire entry side

[0089] 23. The outer side of the first shell

[0090] 24. Conductor storage space

[0091] 25. Blocking section

[0092] 26 Lower shell wall

[0093] 31 contact section

[0094] 32 Side Leg

[0095] 33. Horizontal Legs

[0096] 40 Fastening section

[0097] 41 Support section

[0098] 42 Spring Bow

[0099] 43. Clasp your legs together.

[0100] 44. Control Section

[0101] 45 First locking element

[0102] 46. ​​Clamp the edges

[0103] 50 Second locking element

[0104] 51 Support arm

[0105] 52. Materials Section

[0106] 60. Holding section

[0107] 61. Blocking element

[0108] 62 Spring-driven component

[0109] 63 Control surfaces

[0110] 64. Cheek plates

[0111] 65 pull arm

[0112] 66 Support Area

[0113] 80. Loosen section

[0114] 81 Connecting Arm

[0115] L-direction of wire introduction

[0116] V direction of movement

Claims

1. A terminal block (1) having an insulating material housing (2) having at least one wire inlet opening (20) for receiving an electrical wire in a wire inlet direction (L), wherein at least one spring-force clamping connector is provided in the insulating material housing (2) for connecting the electrical wire by means of a spring force, wherein the spring-force clamping connector has at least one busbar (3) and a clamping spring (4), the clamping spring having a clamping leg (43) having a clamping edge (46) for clamping the electrical wire at a clamping position onto a contact segment (31) of the busbar (3), wherein the terminal block (1) has at least one actuating element, wherein the clamping leg (43) can be moved to an open position by actuating the at least one actuating element at a gripping segment (60) accessible at a first housing outer side (23) of the insulating material housing (2). Its features are, The actuating element is configured as an actuating slider (6) for switching the clamping leg (43) to the open position by means of a moving motion that extends substantially parallel to the outer side (23) of the first housing.

2. The terminal block according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control slider (6) has at least one spring actuator (62) which enables the clamping leg (43) to move to the open position when the control slider (6) is manipulated.

3. The terminal block according to claim 2, characterized in that, The clamping leg (43) has at least one operating section (44) in the area of ​​the clamping edge (46), at which the operating force of the at least one spring actuator (62) can be transmitted to the clamping leg (43).

4. The terminal block according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, The clamping leg (43) can be pressed into the open position by pressure by the at least one spring actuator (62), wherein the pressure of the at least one spring actuator (62) can be transmitted to the clamping leg (43) on the side of the clamping leg (43) away from the outer side (23) of the first housing.

5. The terminal block according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that, The at least one spring-driven member (62) has an operating surface (63) that extends obliquely relative to the direction of movement (V) of the operating slider (6), and during the movement, the operating section (44) of the clamping leg (43) slides along the operating surface.

6. The terminal block according to claim 5, characterized in that, The control surface (63) is configured as a ramp.

7. The terminal block according to any one of claims 2 to 6, characterized in that, The at least one spring-driven member (62) is connected to the gripping section (60) via at least one pull arm (65), wherein the at least one pull arm (65) is subjected to tension when the clamping leg (43) is manipulated by the at least one spring-driven member (62).

8. The terminal block according to any one of claims 2 to 7, characterized in that, At least two spring-loaded actuating elements (62) spaced apart from each other extend from the gripping section (60).

9. The terminal block according to any one of claims 2 to 8, characterized in that, The gripping section (60) and the at least one spring actuator (62) are arranged at an angle to each other and angularly surround the area of ​​the wire receiving space (24) on two different sides.

10. The terminal block according to any one of claims 2 to 9, characterized in that, The at least one spring-loaded member (62) is supported on the insulating housing (2) and / or the busbar (3) relative to the force exerted by the clamping leg (43).

11. The terminal block according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The control slider (6) is capable of moving back and forth between an uncontrolled position and a controlled position, wherein the control slider (6) is capable of being fixed in the uncontrolled position to the insulating housing (2) and / or other components of the terminal block (1).

12. The terminal block according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The control slider (6) is also pivotally supported.

13. The terminal block according to claim 12, characterized in that, The manipulating slider (6) must first be able to pivot in a fixed, unmanipulated position so that it can subsequently move in the direction of movement (V).

14. The terminal block according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The terminal block (1) has a retaining element (5) configured to hold the clamping leg (43) in the open position.

15. The terminal block according to claim 14, characterized in that, The retaining element (5) is disposed behind the clamping part or behind most of the busbar (3) in the direction of wire introduction (L).

16. The terminal block according to any one of claims 14 to 15, characterized in that, The spring-force clamping connector has a release element (8) that allows the clamping leg (43) held at the retaining element (5) to be released from the retaining element (5) by manipulating the release element.

17. The terminal block according to claim 16, characterized in that, When the wire to be clamped applies a manipulating force to the release section (80), the clamping leg (43) held in the holding element (5) in the open position can be released from the holding element (5).

18. The terminal block according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The terminal block (1) has a wire receiving space (24) for receiving an electrical wire to be clamped, wherein the clamping spring (4) is disposed between the electrical wire received in the wire receiving space (24) and the outer side (23) of the first housing.

19. The spring-force clamping connector according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The clamping spring (4) has a support section (41) connected to the clamping leg (43) via a spring bow (42), wherein the support section (41) is configured to support the clamping spring (4) at the busbar (3), particularly at the frame members (32, 33) of the busbar.

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