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. The invention relates to a spring-loaded clamping connection, comprising 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 on a contact section of the busbar, wherein the spring-loaded clamping connection has a connection body as a further component formed separately from the clamping spring and the busbar, by means of which the clamping spring is fastened to the busbar.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a terminal block with an insulating material housing having at least one wire inlet opening for receiving an electrical wire in the direction of wire introduction. 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 has clamping legs with clamping edges for clamping the electrical wire at a clamping point to a contact section of the busbar. The spring-force clamping connector has a connecting body as a separate component from the clamping spring and the busbar, the clamping spring being secured to the busbar via the connecting body. Background Technology

[0002] Such terminal blocks are known from EP 2 956 993 B1. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Based on this, the purpose of this invention is to propose a further improved terminal block.

[0004] The aforementioned objective is achieved in the type of terminal block mentioned at the beginning by having at least one retaining element configured to hold the clamping leg in the open position, wherein the retaining element is integrally formed with the connector or with the clamping spring, particularly with the support leg of the clamping spring. The terminal block can be extended in this way with automatic wiring functionality. Herein, it is feasible to connect the electrical wire to the spring-force clamping connector without first opening the clamping portion, since the clamping leg is already held at the retaining element. Furthermore, releasing the electrical wire is feasible without tools. Despite the aforementioned additional functionality, the terminal block can be achieved with a relatively small structural space, especially compared to known terminal blocks, without increasing or at least not significantly increasing in size. By forming the retaining element integrally with the connector or with the clamping spring, manufacturing and installation are simplified because only a relatively few individual components are involved.

[0005] The clamping spring may have support legs for holding and supporting the clamping spring and for supporting the clamping spring relative to the clamping force applied by the clamping legs. The support legs may be connected to the clamping legs via spring bows.

[0006] The retaining element can be formed integrally with the connecting body or with the clamping spring. According to an advantageous design of the invention, the retaining element is formed integrally with the support leg. In this way, the retaining element can be formed to some extent in the extension of the support leg and extend into the area behind the clamping portion when viewed along the direction of the guide wire introduction.

[0007] The clamping spring is held in place, particularly at the support leg, by means of the connector. The clamping spring is also held at the busbar relative to the clamping force generated by the clamping leg.

[0008] The geometry of the clamping spring and / or busbar can be simplified by using an additional component in the form of a connector, in addition to the clamping spring and busbar. With a further relatively simplified geometry of the clamping spring and / or busbar, additional functions can be integrated into the terminal block, such as the automatic release function of the clamping legs held in the open position. Another advantage is that material can be saved at the clamping spring and at the busbar. In particular, the connector does not necessarily have to be made of the same material as the clamping spring and / or busbar, but rather, for example, lower-cost, easier-to-manufacture, or other materials can be selected, such as materials with less weight. For example, the busbar can be designed without a retaining frame formed in one piece with the busbar for suspending the support legs of the clamping spring. This function can be achieved through the connector.

[0009] Another advantage is the improved bulk applicability for components, especially in clamping springs, which is beneficial for performing the annealing process. This allows for better spring characteristics of the clamping springs within a smaller structural space. Furthermore, the transportability of individual terminal blocks can be more easily designed during installation. This makes the manufacturing process safer and simpler.

[0010] The connector can be configured to transfer only tensile force or tensile stress to the connecting arm. Therefore, the connecting arm does not need to be specially constructed to resist bending.

[0011] According to an advantageous design of the invention, the connector is frame-likely constructed with at least two spaced-apart connecting arms, each extending from a support leg of the clamping spring toward the busbar. In this way, the connector can be provided relatively compactly with minimal material consumption. Consequently, the required space for the connector is also very small. Free space can be created between the connecting arms. The connecting arms can, for example, be coupled to the busbar via form-fit connections. On another side, the connecting arms can be coupled to the support legs via form-fit connections.

[0012] According to an advantageous design of the invention, a wire-passing opening is formed between the connecting arms, through which the electrical wire to be connected can pass. In this way, the connecting arms surround the wire-passing opening and the inserted electrical wire. The connector can thus be arranged in a particularly space-saving manner within an insulating housing.

[0013] The connector can be formed, for example, by only two spaced-apart connecting arms. The connecting arms are then connected as separate components to the support leg and the busbar, respectively.

[0014] According to an advantageous design of the invention, the connector has at least one first lateral tab, through which the connecting arms are connected to each other in the region facing the support leg or in the region facing the busbar. This mechanically and additionally stabilizes the connector. Furthermore, the first lateral tab allows for suspension as a contact segment guided through a wire guide opening of the busbar, for example, a part of the support leg or busbar.

[0015] According to an advantageous design of the invention, the connector has a second lateral tab, which is spaced apart from the first lateral tab and connects the connecting arms to each other. This results in a more robust connector design. Thus, a support leg can be suspended at the first lateral tab, and a contact section of the busbar can be suspended at the second lateral tab. Here, a wire pass-through opening can be formed between the first and second lateral tabs.

[0016] For example, the clamping leg can extend through the wire threading opening of the connector.

[0017] According to an advantageous design of the invention, the connector is made of a material having a lower spring stiffness than the clamping spring. This allows the connector to be manufactured relatively inexpensively using low-cost materials. Furthermore, individual components such as the clamping spring and the connector can be individually optimized using materials that differ in their spring characteristics and automatic triggering function.

[0018] According to an advantageous design of the invention, the connecting body is formed of a sheet metal having a thinner thickness than the sheet metal forming the clamping spring. This is particularly advantageous in connecting bodies subjected only to tensile forces, as bending stiffness is less critical. Material and weight are saved by using a thin sheet metal.

[0019] According to an advantageous design of the invention, the connector has a receiving profile for accommodating and / or suspending the support leg, wherein the receiving profile has a centering portion for centering the clamping spring within the receiving profile. This simplifies the installation of the terminal components. Furthermore, it ensures that the clamping spring is always optimally positioned within the terminal during subsequent operation, even under vibration loads.

[0020] According to an advantageous design of the invention, the terminal block has an actuating element for manually manipulating the clamping leg to the open position. This has the advantage that the terminal block has its own actuating element and the user does not need to use other actuating elements, such as tools, to operate the clamping leg. The actuating element can be configured, for example, as an actuating press, an actuating slider, or a pivotable actuating lever.

[0021] By manipulating a lever, the clamping leg can overcome the spring force of the clamping spring and transfer to the open position during manual operation, making it feasible to introduce the electrical wire at any time without the need for special force. The clamping leg can form a clamping part together with the contact section of the busbar for clamping the electrical wire between the clamping leg and the contact section. In the open position, at least the clamping edge of the clamping leg pivots away from the contact section of the busbar. The clamping leg can pivot, for example, between the open position and the clamping position, in which the electrical wire can move freely between the clamping leg and the contact section, and in which the clamping position the clamping leg clamps the electrical wire at the contact section.

[0022] The control lever may have at least one spring-loaded actuator, which, when the control lever is operated, transmits an operating force to at least one operating surface of the clamping leg for deflecting the clamping leg into an open position. The at least one spring-loaded actuator may be, for example, laterally positioned beside the clamping leg.

[0023] According to an advantageous design of the invention, at least one actuating tab is formed at the clamping leg, at which the clamping leg can be loaded with an actuating force by means of an actuating element for deflection to an open position, wherein at least one actuating tab is disposed behind the connecting arm along the wire introduction direction. If the clamping leg extends through the wire guide opening, the clamping leg can be widened on both sides, for example, on the side of the connecting arm opposite to the spring bow, to form laterally extending actuating tabs, wherein the actuating tabs are adjacent to the connecting arm. Through the actuating tabs, the clamping leg can be reliably actuated by an actuating element that can transmit the actuating force to the actuating tab by means of its spring-driven element. This enables easy actuation of the clamping leg with a small amount of actuating force.

[0024] According to an advantageous design of the invention, the insulating material housing extends along the height direction from the upper side of the housing to the lower side of the housing. The actuating element can be an actuating lever pivotable about a rotation axis, wherein the actuating lever has an actuating section on the upper side of the housing that can be manually operated by the user.

[0025] According to an advantageous design of the invention, the axis of rotation of the operating lever can be positioned behind the clamping portion along the direction of wire introduction, thus, when viewed along the direction of wire introduction, the axis of rotation of the operating lever is positioned relatively further back within the insulating housing. This minimizes the operating force required to operate the clamping spring. For example, the axis of rotation can be positioned adjacent to the rear wall of the insulating housing.

[0026] According to an advantageous design of the invention, the axis of rotation of the operating lever can be positioned below the clamping portion in the height direction, thus positioning the axis of rotation relatively lower within the insulating housing. This allows the operating lever to be integrated into the terminal block with significant space-saving efficiency. The operating lever can be supported, for example, on the insulating housing, such as on the underside of the housing.

[0027] According to an advantageous design of the invention, at least one retaining tab is formed at the retaining element, the retaining tab extending toward the free end of the clamping leg in the opposite direction to the direction of wire introduction, such that the clamping leg can be secured at the retaining tab in the open position. The retaining element can have a locking element spring-loaded by the clamping leg in the open position. This structure, particularly by means of a connector and clamping spring formed in one piece with the retaining element, allows for the integration of automatic wiring functionality into spring-force clamping connectors and terminals of very different structural types. In particular, known structural types of proven terminals can be improved to automatic wiring functionality, i.e., automatic wiring of the wires to be clamped, with minimal cost in this way. Advantageously, the automatic wiring function can be easily and space-savingly integrated into the existing structure of the terminal. No additional retaining element is required for the retaining function, which simplifies the installation of the terminal.

[0028] The retaining element can be movably configured, for example, slidable, pivotable, or otherwise deflectable, such that the retaining element can be easily deflected via an inserted wire to induce a desired release effect between the clamping leg and the retaining element. The retaining element can be slidably supported, for example, slidable in a straight or curved 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 be, for example, floatingly pivotally supported. The retaining element can also perform combined sliding and pivoting movements. The retaining element can also be movably supported in such a way that the retaining element can deflect sufficiently to release the clamping leg's latch at the retaining element.

[0029] By means of the operating lever, the clamping leg can be moved to the open position by overcoming the spring force of the clamping spring during manual operation. In the open position, the clamping leg can then be held by the retaining element, and in particular, no further manual operation of the operating lever is required, making it feasible to introduce electrical wires at any time without the need for special force expenditure. For example, the clamping leg can be locked at the retaining element in the open position.

[0030] According to an advantageous design of the invention, the clamping leg has a first locking element and at least one retaining tab has a second locking element, the second locking element being capable of engaging with the first locking element in the open position. This allows for simple and reliable mechanical coupling between the clamping leg and the retaining element in the open position, and this mechanical coupling can also be easily released. According to an embodiment, the first locking element can be formed using existing elements or sections of the clamping leg, so that it does not need to be modified. For example, the first locking element can be formed directly from the clamping edge.

[0031] According to an advantageous design of the invention, the terminal block has a release element with a release section, which, when manipulated, deflects a retaining element, causing the clamping legs held at the retaining element to release from the retaining element. For example, if the conductor to be clamped applies a manipulation force to the release section of the release element, the clamping legs held at the retaining element in the open position can be released from the retaining element. This allows the clamping legs to be automatically released from the retaining element by inserting a conductor. The release section can be used to cause the clamping legs to release from the retaining element by applying pressure with a separate tool, a component of the terminal block, such as an actuating element, or directly via the introduced conductor itself. By means of the release element, the clamping legs held at the retaining element in the open position can be released from the retaining element by applying pressure to the release section along the conductor introduction direction L of the conductor to be connected. Depending on the configuration of the terminal block, the release element can be configured 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. Thus, the structural and installation costs for the spring-force clamping connector can be kept low. In particular, therefore, to install the releasing element and the retaining element, it is not necessary to install two different components or assemblies, but only one component or assembly. For example, the releasing element can be formed in one piece with the retaining element. For example, viewed separately along the wire introduction direction, the releasing element can be disposed behind the retaining element in a further extension of the support leg.

[0033] According to an advantageous design of the invention, the retaining element is positioned behind the clamping portion or substantially behind the busbar in the direction of wire introduction into the spring-forced clamping connector. In this way, the retaining element does not obstruct the insertion of the wire. For example, the retaining element, in the open position (i.e., if the clamping legs are locked at the retaining element), is either not inserted into the wire receiving space relative to the clamping legs or only slightly inserted into the wire receiving space relative to the clamping legs when viewed in the direction of wire introduction.

[0034] According to an advantageous design of the invention, the operating lever is constructed in a U-shape when viewed along the direction of wire introduction, wherein the electrical wire can be inserted into the internal space of the U-shape. This allows for a particularly compact implementation of the terminal block, enabling the transmission of large forces by means of the operating lever, yet the operating lever has only insignificant additional positional requirements. This is achieved in particular by the fact that the internal space of the U-shape can be used to house the electrical wire to be clamped.

[0035] For example, the operating lever can have a manually operated section, for example, in the form of a lever handle. The operating lever extends from the lever handle via two side plates, for example, parallel extensions of the manually operated section, surrounding a device consisting of a clamping spring and / or a busbar. If the spring-force clamping connector is housed within an insulating material housing of the terminal block, the side plates can be located within the insulating material housing. A spring actuator can be provided at each side plate, for example, it can be molded in one piece at the corresponding side plate. By means of such spring actuators, the clamping spring can be operated directly at the clamping leg or at the corresponding operating section provided for the spring actuator and pivot accordingly to an open position, the operating section extending laterally beyond the clamping leg.

[0036] According to an advantageous design of the invention, a wire receiving space is formed in the insulating material housing for receiving an electrical wire to be fixedly clamped at the contact section, wherein the releasing section of the releasing element is disposed in or at least extends into the wire receiving space.

[0037] According to an advantageous design of the invention, the releasing section of the releasing element is disposed behind the contact section or at least behind the clamping section along the direction of wire introduction.

[0038] At the retaining element, an inspection contact can be formed in one piece, which is used for electrical inspection through an inspection opening on the rear side of the insulating material housing.

[0039] In the context of this invention, the indefinite article "a" should not be understood as a numeral. Therefore, if, for example, a component is discussed, its meaning should be interpreted as "at least one component." As long as the angle is described in degrees, it refers to a circumference of 360 degrees (360°).

[0040] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. Attached Figure Description

[0041] The attached diagram shows:

[0042] Figure 1 A perspective view of the wiring terminals is shown;

[0043] Figure 2 Showing according to Figure 1 A side sectional view of the terminals in the clamped position;

[0044] Figure 3 Showing the basis in the open position Figure 2 The wiring terminals;

[0045] Figure 4 The basis for showing the inserted electrical wires is shown. Figure 2 The wiring terminals;

[0046] Figure 5 A side view of the clamping spring is shown;

[0047] Figure 6 Showing according to Figure 5 A three-dimensional view of the clamping spring;

[0048] Figure 7 A side view of the connector is shown;

[0049] Figure 8 Showing according to Figure 7 A three-dimensional view of the connecting body;

[0050] Figure 9 A side view of the spring-force clamping connector is shown;

[0051] Figure 10 Showing according to Figure 9 A three-dimensional view of the spring-force clamping connector;

[0052] Figure 11 A three-dimensional view of the lever is shown;

[0053] Figure 12 A three-dimensional view of the busbar is shown;

[0054] Figure 13 A side view showing another embodiment of the clamping spring;

[0055] Figure 14 The diagram shows the latch in the open position according to... Figure 13 Clamping spring;

[0056] Figure 15 Showing according to Figure 13 A three-dimensional view of the clamping spring;

[0057] Figure 16 A side view showing another embodiment of the connector;

[0058] Figure 17 Showing according to Figure 16 A three-dimensional view of the connecting body;

[0059] Figure 18A perspective view of a spring-force clamping connector in another embodiment is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0060] Figure 1 A terminal block 1 with an insulating housing 2 is shown. In the illustrated embodiment, the terminal block 1 is configured as a multi-pole terminal block. Correspondingly, the terminal block 1 has multiple wire introduction openings 20 in the insulating housing 2, through which electrical wires to be clamped can be introduced respectively. Multiple spring-loaded clamping connectors are provided in the insulating housing 2, with one spring-loaded clamping connector for each wire introduction opening 20. The terminal block 1 has a pivotable operating lever 6 to operate the clamping spring of each spring-loaded clamping connector.

[0061] Figure 2 Showing according to Figure 1 The terminal block 1 is shown in a side sectional view in a cross-sectional plane that passes through the spring-force clamping connector at its center. The insulating material housing 2 extends along the height direction H from an upper housing side 22, which can be formed by the upper housing wall, to a lower housing side 23, which can be formed by the lower housing wall. At the wire entry side, the insulating material housing 2 has a wire entry opening 20 for introducing an electrical wire along the wire entry direction L. At the end opposite to the wire entry side, the insulating material housing 2 has a rear housing wall 21. In this embodiment, the rear housing wall 21 is implemented as part of a rear housing cover 25, which is capable of closing the opening of the main housing portion 24.

[0062] As can be seen, the 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 30. The contact section 30 is used for electrical contact with the connected wire. The clamping spring 4 has a support leg 41, which is fastened to the busbar 3 by means of a fastening section 40 of the support leg 41. The fastening section 40 can be configured as part of the support leg 41. The clamping spring 4 has a spring bow 42 connected to the support leg 41 and a clamping leg 43 connected to the spring bow 42, which is used to fix and clamp the wire at the contact section 30, more precisely at the clamping portion 30. The clamping leg 43 terminates at its free end with a clamping edge 46.

[0063] The terminal block 1 also has a connector 7 within the insulating housing 2, which secures the clamping spring 4 to the busbar 3. The connector 7 has a first transverse tab 71 for securing the support leg 41 or its fastening section 40. The support leg 41 can be suspended from the first transverse tab 71 by means of the fastening section 40. The connector 7 extends from the first transverse tab 71 toward the busbar 3 via two spaced-apart connecting arms 70. The connecting arms 70 are connected to each other in the region of the busbar 3 by a second transverse tab 72. The busbar 3 can be supported on or suspended from the second transverse tab 72 by means of its contact section 30. It is evident that the second transverse tab 72 is positioned on the side of the busbar 3 opposite to the clamping leg 43 in the installed state. The clamping spring 4 is clamped between the first transverse tab 71 and the busbar 3 held at the second transverse tab 72.

[0064] In order to manipulate the clamping spring 4, that is, in order to move the clamping leg 43 from... Figure 2 The clamping position shown is deflected to the open position, and an operating lever 6 is provided. Figure 11 Further details are shown below. The control lever 6 has a manually operated section 60 that extends from the insulating housing 2. At the manually operated section 60, the control lever 6 can be gripped and pivoted by a user. The control lever 6 extends into the insulating housing 2 via a side web 63.

[0065] Figure 11 As can be seen, the operating lever 6 extends from the manual operating section 60 via a corresponding side plate 63 toward the support area 61, where the operating lever 6 is pivotally supported on the lower side 23 of the housing. The operating lever 6 is rotatable about a rotation axis, meaning that the operating lever can... Figure 2 The closed terminal position shown in the figure and Figure 3 The device moves back and forth between the open terminal positions shown in the diagram. Figure 11 It can also be seen that the operating lever 6 has a spring-loaded member 62 at the corresponding side plate 63, which contacts the clamping leg 43 or the operating tab 47 formed at the clamping leg 43 and presses the clamping leg 43 into the open position when the operating lever 6 is pivoted to the open end position.

[0066] When the operating lever 6 is pivoted to the open end position, the clamping leg 43 pivots via the spring actuator 62 in a direction away from the contact section 30 and shifts to the open position, as shown. Figure 3 As can be seen in the image. This allows the clamping portion to be opened, enabling the removal of the clamped wire or the easy introduction of the wire to be clamped. In the open position, the clamping leg 43 can be locked at the retaining element 5. The retaining element 5 is used to hold the clamping leg 43 in the open position, even when the operating lever 6 is in the closed end position.

[0067] exist Figure 2 In the embodiment shown, the connector 7 and the retaining element 5 are formed as a single piece, for example, in such a way that the retaining element 5 is connected to the first transverse tab 71. Furthermore, the release element 8 is formed as a single piece with the retaining element 5, for example, such that the release element 8 is connected to the retaining element 5 on the side opposite to the first transverse tab 71. Accordingly, in the illustrated embodiment, the connector 7, the retaining element 5, and the release element 8 can be formed as a single piece from a metal sheet, as also... Figure 7 , Figure 8 As can be seen in the text.

[0068] The retaining element 5 has at least one locking arm 54, such as Figure 7 , Figure 8 As can be seen, the locking arm can protrude laterally from the material of the retaining element 5, for example, by means of a stamping bending process. In the region of the free end, the locking arm 54 has a second locking element 50. The first locking element is formed at the clamping leg 43 by the clamping edge 46 or by additional elements.

[0069] Figure 3 In the middle, the operating lever 6 pivots to the open end position. Via the spring actuator 62, the clamping leg 43 now moves to the open position, in which the clamping edge 46 engages with the second locking element 50. If the operating lever 6 now moves back to the closed end position, the clamping leg 43 remains in the open position because it is held by the retaining element 5.

[0070] The retaining element 5 extends along the wire introduction direction L to the releasing element 8, which transitions into 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 electrical wire 9, such as... Figure 4 As shown, when the wire is introduced into the insulating housing 2 through the wire introduction opening 20 along the wire introduction direction L, the end of the wire 9 presses against the release section 80, causing the entire structural unit consisting of the release element 8 and the retaining element 5 to deflect. Consequently, the release section 80, together with the retaining element 5 or at least the second locking element 50, shifts slightly rearward along the wire introduction direction L, allowing the clamping leg 43 to release from the second locking element 50. Correspondingly, the clamping leg 43 springs open and presses the wire 9 toward the contact section 30. Therefore, the clamping leg 43 moves into the clamping position due to the spring preload of the clamping spring 4.

[0071] Figure 5 and Figure 6An advantageous embodiment of the clamping spring 4 is shown, having the elements already described: a fastening section 40, a support leg 41, a spring bow 42, and a clamping leg 43 with a clamping edge 46. Particularly noticeable is that the clamping leg 43 can have laterally extending actuating tabs 47 in the region of its free end, the actuating tabs extending from the clamping leg 43 on both sides, wherein the clamping edge 46 extends between the actuating tabs 47. It is also conceivable that the clamping edge 46 can also extend in the region of the actuating tabs 47.

[0072] Figure 7 and Figure 8 The illustration depicts an advantageous design of the connector 7. The terminal block 1 can be configured, for example, as a multi-pole terminal block, wherein multiple spring-forced clamping elements or multiple clamping springs are arranged laterally side-by-side. Correspondingly, the connector 7 can have pairs of adjacent connecting arms 70 arranged opposite each other for each clamping spring 4, the connecting arms being connected to each other at their end regions by a first lateral tab 71 and a second lateral tab 72. A wire-passing opening 73 for passing an electrical conductor is formed between these elements 70, 71, and 72. Figure 8 As illustrated, the second transverse tab 72 can be configured as a continuous one-piece metal segment, so that the one-piece connected body 7 provides the possibility of accommodating multiple clamping springs, i.e., three clamping springs 4 in this case.

[0073] As shown in the figure, the support tab 74 extends from the second transverse tab 72 into the wire pass-through opening 73. The support tab 74 serves as a support and backing for the busbar 3.

[0074] It is also evident that the wire guide opening 73 is significantly widened in the area facing the second transverse tab 72 and has a width B. This is advantageous for the clamping spring 4 for installation purposes, whereby the clamping leg 73, together with the operating tab 47 disposed thereon, can be easily inserted through the wire guide opening 73. The width B can, for example, be slightly larger than the width of the clamping leg 43 in the area of ​​the operating tab 47.

[0075] exist Figure 9 The aforementioned type of busbar 3 and according to Figure 7 and Figure 8 Connector 7 and according to Figure 5 and Figure 6 The clamping spring 4 is assembled, such as Figure 9 As shown, the clamping spring 4 is suspended in the wire pass-through opening 73 by means of its support leg 41 and, in particular, its fastening section 40 at the first transverse tab 71. The busbar is suspended in the wire pass-through opening 73 by means of its contact section 30 at the second transverse tab 72. If the clamping leg 43 moves to the open position, as... Figure 9As shown, the clamping leg 43 is locked at the second locking element 50 of the retaining element 5 by means of its clamping edge 46 or a separate locking element. The clamping leg 43 is thus held in the open position.

[0076] Figure 10 Showing according to Figure 9 The described spring-force clamping connector has three clamping springs 4 arranged side by side, as previously described. Figure 10 The clamping positions are shown separately. It can be seen that the busbar 3 can also be configured as a continuous component along the arrangement direction of the clamping springs 4, from which contact sections 30 disposed at the clamping springs 4 extend, as shown in... Figure 12 As can be seen in the text.

[0077] Figure 11 The operating lever 6 is shown in further detail. It is evident that the operating lever 6 has side plates 63 extending substantially at right angles from the opposite sides of the manual operating section 60. The side plates 63 extend away from the manual operating section 60, forming a U-shape. In this region, the side plates 63 are not connected to each other, i.e., there is free space between them. Support areas 61 and spring-loaded actuators 62 are molded onto the side plates 63 respectively. The spring-loaded actuators 62 are preferably located on the opposing inner sides of the two side plates 63.

[0078] Figure 12 Busbar 3 is shown, which in this embodiment is configured as a continuous busbar extending over the range of a plurality of spring-forced clamping connectors. Busbar 3 has a corresponding contact segment 31 for each spring-forced clamping connector. Alternatively, busbar 3 may not be configured as a continuous busbar.

[0079] Figures 13 to 15 Another embodiment of the clamping spring 4 is shown, wherein the previously described retaining element 5 and releasing element 8 are formed integrally with the clamping spring 4. Here, retaining tabs 54 are provided on each side of the retaining element 5, on the left and right sides respectively, and second locking elements 50 are provided at each retaining tab. The retaining tabs 54 extend in the opposite direction to the wire introduction direction L. Similarly, locking tabs are formed on the left and right sides of the clamping leg 43, and first locking elements are provided at each locking tab, which are configured to lock with the corresponding retaining tab 54. In the illustrated embodiment, the locking of the retaining tab 54 is directly with the clamping leg 43 in the area of ​​the clamping edge 46. In this way, the clamping leg 43 can lock symmetrically with the retaining element 5 on both sides. As can be seen, the retaining element 5 is connected to the fastening section 40 of the support leg 41. The releasing element 8 is also formed integrally with the retaining element 5 and is connected to the retaining element 5 on the side opposite to the fastening section 40.

[0080] At the retaining element 5, there is a laterally oriented widened portion for the tab connecting the fastening section 40 and the loosening element 8. The widened portion serves as an inspection contact 51 for the rear inspection opening in the insulating material housing 2.

[0081] Figure 13 and Figure 15 The clamping spring is shown in either the clamped or relaxed position. Figure 14 The clamping spring is shown in the open position of the latch at the latching element 50.

[0082] Figure 16 and Figure 17 Another embodiment of the connector 7 is shown, which is simpler in construction than the connectors described previously and does not have the one-piece molded retaining element 5 and releasing element 8. Correspondingly, a relatively simple construction is achieved, wherein the connector 7 has only two spaced-apart connecting arms 70 for each clamping spring and first and second transverse tabs 71, 72 provided at opposite ends of the connecting arms 70 to connect the connecting arms 70 to each other, wherein a wire pass-through opening 73 is provided between the connecting arms 70 and the transverse tabs 71, 72. In this embodiment, the second transverse tab 72 can also be configured as a continuous metal piece.

[0083] Figure 18 The spring force clamping connector is shown, wherein according to Figures 13 to 15 The described type of multiple clamping springs 4 are via according to Figure 16 , Figure 17 The described type of connector 7 is connected to bus 3. Bus 3 can, for example, be connected according to... Figure 12 Design. Here, each contact segment 30 of the busbar 3 extends through the wire pass-through opening 73, which is provided with a corresponding clamping spring 4, which is suspended in the wire pass-through opening 73.

[0084] List of reference numerals

[0085] 1. Terminal block

[0086] 2. Insulating material housing

[0087] 3 busbars

[0088] 4. Clamping spring

[0089] 5. Holding element

[0090] 6. Manipulating the lever

[0091] 7 Connector

[0092] 8. Loosen the components

[0093] 9. Electrical wires

[0094] 20. Wire introduction opening

[0095] 21. Rear shell wall

[0096] 22 Upper side of the shell

[0097] 23. Lower side of the casing

[0098] 24 Main Casing Section

[0099] 25. Housing cover

[0100] 30 contact section

[0101] 31 Clamping part

[0102] 40 Fastening section

[0103] 41 Supporting Legs

[0104] 42 Spring Bow

[0105] 43. Clasp your legs together.

[0106] 46. ​​Clamp the edges

[0107] 47 Manipulating the splice

[0108] 50 Second locking element

[0109] 51. Inspect the contact area.

[0110] 54 locking arms

[0111] 60 Manual control section

[0112] 61 Support area

[0113] 62 Spring-driven component

[0114] 63 Lateral webs

[0115] 70 connecting arm

[0116] 71 First lateral splice

[0117] 72 Second lateral splice

[0118] 73. Wire threading opening

[0119] 74 Support Surface

[0120] 80. Loosen section

[0121] B Through width

[0122] H (height direction)

[0123] L-direction of wire introduction

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) with a clamping edge (46) for clamping the electrical wire at a clamping portion (31) at a contact portion (30) of the busbar (3), wherein the spring-force clamping connector has a connecting body (7) as a separate component from the clamping spring (4) and the busbar (3), the clamping spring (4) being fixed to the busbar (3) by the connecting body. Its features are, The terminal block (1) has at least one retaining element (5) configured to hold the clamping leg (43) in the open position, wherein the retaining element (5) is formed in one piece with the connector (7) or with the clamping spring (4), especially with the support leg (41) of the clamping spring (4).

2. The terminal block according to claim 1, Its features are, The connector (7) has at least two connecting arms (70) spaced apart from each other, the connecting arms extending from the support leg (41) of the clamping spring (4) toward the busbar (3).

3. The terminal block according to claim 2, Its features are, A wire pass-through opening (73) is formed between two spaced-apart connecting arms (70) so that the electrical wires to be connected can pass through the wire pass-through opening.

4. The terminal block according to claim 2 or 3, Its features are, The connector (7) has at least one first lateral tab (71) through which the connecting arms (70) are connected to each other in the region facing the support leg (41) or in the region facing the busbar (3).

5. The terminal block according to claim 4, Its features are, The connector (7) has a second transverse tab (72) spaced apart from the first transverse tab (71) and connecting the connecting arms (70) to each other.

6. The terminal block according to claim 5, Its features are, The wire threading opening (73) is formed between the first and second transverse tabs (71, 72).

7. The terminal block according to any one of the preceding claims, Its features are, The connector (7) is made of a material having a smaller spring stiffness than the clamping spring (4).

8. The terminal block according to any one of the preceding claims, Its features are, The connector (7) is formed of a metal sheet having a smaller thickness than the metal sheet forming the clamping spring (4).

9. The terminal block according to any one of the preceding claims, Its features are, The connector (7) has a receiving profile (74) for receiving and / or suspending the support leg (41), wherein the receiving profile (74) has a centering portion for centering the clamping spring (4) in the receiving profile (74).

10. The terminal block according to any one of the preceding claims, Its features are, The terminal block (1) has an operating element (6) capable of manipulating the clamping leg (43) into the open position.

11. The terminal block according to claim 10, Its features are, At least one actuating tab (47) is formed at the clamping leg (43), the clamping leg (43) being able to be deflected to the open position by means of the actuating element (6) by means of the actuating element (6), wherein the at least one actuating tab (47) is disposed behind the connecting arm (70) along the wire introduction direction (L).

12. The terminal block according to any one of the preceding claims, Its features are, The terminal block (1) has a release element (8) with a release section (80), and the retaining element (5) can be deflected by manipulating the release section, so that the clamping leg (43) held at the retaining element (5) is released from the retaining element (5).

13. The terminal block according to claim 12, Its features are, By applying a manipulating force to the release section (80) through the wire to be clamped, the clamping leg (43) held at the retaining element (5) in the open position can be released from the retaining element (5).

14. The terminal block according to any one of claims 12 to 13, Its features are, The releasing element (8) and the retaining element (5) are formed in one piece.

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