Wiring device and wiring terminal

Abstract

The invention relates to a connection device (100) for connecting electrical conductors (L), comprising: a housing (110) having a conductor introduction opening (111); a conductive beam (112) arranged in the housing (110); a clamping spring (113) arranged in the housing (110); an operating element (139), by means of which the clamping leg (117) can be transferred from the clamping position into the open position; and a trigger element (119) which, when the conductor (L) to be connected is introduced into the conductor introduction opening (111) in the introduction direction (E), enables the actuating element (139) to move counter to the actuating direction (B) and thereby releases the clamping leg (117) from the open position and pivots into the clamping position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a wiring device for connecting electrical conductors. Furthermore, the invention also relates to a terminal block, particularly a terminal strip, having such a wiring device. Background Technology

[0002] Such wiring devices typically have a clamping spring configured as a flap spring, which has a holding leg and a clamping leg. A conductor introduced into the wiring device can be clamped to a conductive beam by means of the clamping leg of the clamping spring. For clamping, especially of a flexible conductor, the clamping spring must be moved to the open position by means of an operating element before the conductor is introduced, and thus operated to pivot the clamping spring or clamping leg away from the conductive beam, thereby allowing the conductor to be introduced into the space between the conductive beam and the clamping spring. Only when the conductor is rigid and therefore stable can the conductor apply sufficient force to the clamping spring, or the clamping leg of the clamping spring, to pivot the clamping leg away from the conductive beam, without requiring user operation of the operating element. In the case of a flexible conductor, the user must first operate the operating element to pivot the clamping spring away from the conductive beam, thereby allowing the flexible conductor to be introduced. To clamp the introduced conductor, the operating element must again be manually operated by the user to move the clamping spring from the open position to the clamping position. The manual operation of the operating elements makes the assembly or wiring of conductors difficult for the user, as manual operation is cumbersome and therefore increases time consumption. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The objective of this invention is to provide a wiring device in which wiring, particularly for flexible conductors, can be simplified.

[0004] According to the invention, this task is accomplished using the features of the independent claim. Suitable designs and advantageous improvements of the invention are given in the dependent claims.

[0005] The wiring device according to the invention has a housing with a conductor inlet opening, a conductive beam arranged in the housing, and a clamping spring arranged in the housing, the clamping spring having a retaining leg and a clamping leg connected to the retaining leg via an arcuate section, wherein the clamping leg can be moved to a clamping position and an open position. Furthermore, the wiring device also has an operating element by means of which the clamping leg can be moved from the clamping position to the open position by guiding the operating element along the operating direction, wherein the operating element has a receiving space into which the clamping spring, at least in the open position, is recessed with its arcuate section, such that the operating element is held in the open position by the spring force of the clamping spring, and the clamping leg of the clamping spring is held in the open position by the operating element. In addition, a triggering element is provided, which is supported in the housing in a swingable manner, such that when the conductor to be connected is introduced into the conductor introduction opening along the introduction direction, the triggering element can be operated by the pressure surface of the triggering element in such a way that the triggering element applies force to the operating element, causing the operating element to move in the opposite direction of operation, and the clamping leg is thereby released from the open position and pivoted to the clamping position.

[0006] Thus, by means of the wiring device according to the invention, flexible conductors can be easily and reliably wired and clamped onto the conductive beam. The clamping spring is preferably constructed as a leaf spring, having a retaining leg and a clamping leg configured to pivot relative to the retaining leg. Through the pivoting movement of the clamping leg of the clamping spring, the clamping leg can be moved to an open position and a clamped position. In the open position, the clamping leg is spaced apart from the conductive beam, particularly from the clamping section of the conductive beam, and the conductor to be connected can be introduced into, or drawn out from, the intermediate space or conductor connection space thus constructed between the conductive beam or the clamping section of the conductive beam and the clamping leg. In the clamped position, the clamping leg can abut against the conductive beam or the clamping section of the conductive beam, or against the conductor to be connected, in order to clamp the conductor onto the conductive beam or the clamping section of the conductive beam. The transfer of the clamping leg, particularly from the clamped position to the open position, is achieved by means of an operating element. The operating element is preferably guided linearly within the housing in a manner that allows movement along the operating direction. Once the clamping leg reaches the open position by means of the operating element, it is held in this position by the operating element, thus preventing undesirable swinging back to the clamping position. In the open position, the operating element and the clamping spring form a closed force system. This is achieved by ensuring that the force exerted by the clamping spring on the operating element is equal to the force exerted by the operating element on the clamping spring, resulting in a force balance between the clamping spring and the operating element in the open position. Therefore, the clamping spring and the operating element are held in the open position without the need for other components or attachments. This is achieved by operating the clamping leg by the operating element to such an extent that a greater force is introduced in the x-direction, preventing the operating element from being pushed upwards. The operating element is not locked in the open position and therefore does not form a shape fit with other components, but is held in position, or in the open position, solely by force engagement with the clamping spring. Based on this principle, clamping springs can be designed very simply by constructing them as bent and curved. Therefore, no additional manufacturing steps are required when producing the clamping spring. The operating element has a receiving space into which the clamping spring, at least with its arcuate section, fits, such that the operating element surrounds or encloses it at least along the arcuate section. By the oscillating movement of the trigger element, the clamping leg can disengage from the operating element to pivot back into the clamping position, clamping the conductor to be connected onto the conductive beam. The oscillating movement of the trigger element can be triggered by the conductor itself, by the conductor colliding with the trigger element in the pressure area of ​​the trigger element when it is introduced into the conductor connection space through the conductor inlet opening, thereby triggering the tilting or pivoting movement of the trigger element.Through the tilting or pivoting motion of the trigger element, the trigger element can act on the operating element such that it applies force to the operating element, causing the operating element to move in the opposite direction of operation, and the clamping legs are thus released from the open position. The clamping legs can then automatically pivot towards the conductor to be connected due to the spring force of the clamping legs. The spring force of the clamping legs also acts on the operating element, causing it to move back or be pushed back to its initial position in the opposite direction of operation. Preferably, the operating element is spaced apart from the trigger element in the initial position, so that no effective connection is formed between the trigger element and the operating element in the initial position. Preferably, an effective connection exists between the trigger element and the operating element only in the open position.

[0007] In order to enable operation of the operating element via a trigger element, the trigger element may have a curved outer contour, which rolls on the arcuate sliding contour of the operating element when force is applied to it. Therefore, the pivoting motion of the trigger element can trigger a purely linear motion of the operating element. Preferably, the curved outer contour of the trigger element matches the arcuate sliding contour of the operating element in such a way that the curved outer contour and the arcuate sliding contour can engage with each other, thereby enabling reliable rolling motion between the trigger element and the operating element.

[0008] The curved outer contour of the trigger element can preferably have a convex nose shape. The curved outer contour can also be constructed in the form of a cam. The arc-shaped sliding contour can, for example, have a wave shape.

[0009] The receiving space for the operating element can be defined by a first sidewall that interacts with the clamping leg of the clamping spring, a second sidewall that interacts with the retaining leg of the clamping spring, a third sidewall that connects the first and second sidewalls to each other, and a fourth sidewall that is arranged opposite to the third sidewall and also connects the first and second sidewalls to each other. The receiving space can be defined on all sides by these four sidewalls. The first and second sidewalls preferably extend parallel to each other, and the third and fourth sidewalls preferably extend parallel to each other. The third and fourth sidewalls preferably extend at right angles to the first and second sidewalls, respectively. Thus, the clamping spring can be completely surrounded or enclosed by the operating element in the receiving space. Preferably, the four sidewalls can be constructed to be substantially equal in length.

[0010] An arc-shaped sliding profile can be constructed on the free ends of the third and / or fourth sidewalls of the operating element. To enable uniform operation of the operating element via the trigger element, it is preferable to construct arc-shaped sliding profiles on the third and fourth sidewalls, which then interact with the curved outer profile of the trigger element. Therefore, the free ends of the third and fourth sidewalls can be constructed symmetrically with each other. The free ends of the third and fourth sidewalls preferably point towards the direction of the conductive beam.

[0011] The first and second sidewalls of the operating element are preferably configured to be such that they at least partially overlap with the clamping and retaining legs in the open position. This allows for a self-stabilizing system to be constructed, particularly in the open position, between the clamping spring and the operating element. Preferably, the first and second sidewalls overlap the clamping and retaining legs by more than one-third of their length.

[0012] To prevent the clamping spring from tipping over when operated by the actuating element, it can be supported on the conductive beam by its retaining leg. The clamping spring can thus be supported on metal.

[0013] The clamping spring's support on the conductive beam can be constructed such that a receiving space is created on the conductive beam, into which the retaining leg of the clamping spring can engage, allowing the retaining leg to be supported on the conductive beam in both the x and y directions. Through support in the y direction, the clamping spring can remain in position during operation of the actuating element. Simultaneously, the clamping spring can be supported on the conductive beam in the x direction to absorb the clamping force between the conductive beam, the conductor, the clamping spring, and again, the conductive beam.

[0014] Furthermore, the solution to the task according to the invention can also be achieved by means of a terminal block, in particular a terminal block, which can have at least one wiring device as described above and improved.

[0015] The wiring device described above, in its construction and improvement, can be part of a terminal block, which may be configured, for example, as a terminal block or circuit board terminal block. This wiring device can also be used in plug connectors.

[0016] In particular, when applied to terminal blocks that can be connected to the carrier rail, it is preferable to use two or more wiring devices with the aforementioned construction and improvement. Attached Figure Description

[0017] The present invention will now be explained in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and preferred embodiments.

[0018] It shows:

[0019] Figure 1A schematic diagram of the wiring device according to the present invention is shown, wherein the clamping leg of the clamping spring is in the open position.

[0020] Figure 2 It shows in Figure 1 The schematic cross-sectional view of the wiring device shown in the figure indicates that the clamping leg of the clamping spring is in the open position.

[0021] Figure 3 It shows in Figure 1 Another schematic cross-sectional view of the wiring device shown in the figure shows the clamping leg of the clamping spring in the open position.

[0022] Figure 4 It shows in Figure 1 The diagram shown illustrates the wiring device used to operate the trigger element via the conductor to be connected.

[0023] Figure 5 It shows in Figure 4 The schematic cross-sectional view shown in the figure illustrates the wiring device operating the trigger element by means of the conductor to be connected, and

[0024] Figure 6 It shows in Figure 1 The schematic cross-sectional view of the wiring device shown in the figure shows the clamping leg in the clamping position. Detailed Implementation

[0025] exist Figures 1 to 6 The diagram shows a wiring device 100 according to the present invention. The wiring device 100 has a housing 110. The housing 110 may be constructed of an insulating material (e.g., a plastic material). The housing 110 has a conductor inlet opening 111 through which a conductor L to be connected can be introduced into the housing 110 along the inlet direction E so that it can be connected to the wiring device 100.

[0026] A conductive beam 112 and a clamping spring 113 are positioned within the housing 110. A conductor L introduced into the housing 110 can be clamped onto the conductive beam 110 by means of the clamping spring 113, and thus connected. The conductive beam 110 has a clamping section 114, onto which the conductor L to be connected can be clamped by means of the clamping spring 113, and thus connected. Furthermore, the conductive beam 112 has a support section 115 that extends at a 90° angle to the clamping section 114.

[0027] The clamping spring 113 is constructed as a leaf spring. The clamping spring 113 has a retaining leg 116 and a clamping leg 117. The clamping leg 117 is pivotable relative to the retaining leg 116 to move the clamping leg 117 to a clamped position and an open position. The clamping leg 117 has a clamping edge 118 on its free end section, which clamps the conductor L to be connected to the clamping section 114 of the conductive beam 112 in the clamped position. The retaining leg 116 is connected to the clamping leg 117 via an arcuate section 121.

[0028] Figure 1 , 2 and Figure 3 The diagram shows the clamping leg 117 in the open position. To move the clamping leg 117 to the open position, an operating element 139 is provided. The operating element 139 is moved linearly along the operating direction B within the operating passage 140 of the housing 110 by means of a tool. By moving the operating element 139, the operating element 139 pushes the clamping leg 117 away from the conductor L, or rather from the clamping section 114 of the conductive beam 112, causing the clamping leg 117 to pivot towards the holding leg 116 until the clamping leg 117 reaches the position shown in the diagram. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The opening position is shown in the diagram.

[0029] The operating element 139 has a receiving space 141 into which the clamping spring 113 is recessed at least partially, particularly with its arcuate section 121. In the design shown here, the clamping spring 113 is also recessed into the receiving space 141 by portions of the clamping leg 117 and the retaining leg 116, respectively. Thus, the operating element 139 at least partially surrounds or encloses the clamping spring 113.

[0030] The receiving space 141 of the operating element 139 has a first sidewall 142A, a second sidewall 142B, a third sidewall 142C, and a fourth sidewall 142D. The first sidewall 142A interacts with the clamping leg 117 of the clamping spring 113 in such a way that the clamping leg 117 abuts against the surface of the first sidewall 142A pointing toward the receiving space 141, so that when the clamping leg 117 is operated by the operating element 139, the first sidewall 142A slides along the clamping leg 117, thereby pivoting the clamping leg 117 toward the holding leg 116. The second sidewall 142B interacts with the holding leg 116 in such a way that the holding leg 116 abuts against the surface of the second sidewall 142B pointing toward the receiving space 141, so that when the operating element 139 moves, the second sidewall 142B slides along the holding leg 116.

[0031] The first sidewall 142A and the second sidewall 142B preferably extend parallel to each other, and the third sidewall 142C and the fourth sidewall 142D extend parallel to each other. The third sidewall 142C and the fourth sidewall 142D extend at right angles to the first sidewall 142A and the second sidewall 142B, respectively.

[0032] A trigger element 119 is also arranged in a pivotable manner within the housing 110 of the wiring device 100. Viewed along the introduction direction E of the conductor L, the conductor connection space 150 constructed between the clamping section 114 of the conductive beam 112 and the clamping leg 117 of the clamping spring 113 is limited downwards by the pressure surface 120 of the trigger element 119. The conductor L can impact this pressure surface when introduced into the conductor connection space 150. If the conductor L impacts the pressure surface 120, it causes the trigger element 119 to pivot or tilt along the introduction direction E, as if... Figure 4 and Figure 5 As depicted in the painting.

[0033] The trigger element 119 and the operating element 139 work together to release the operating element from the open position. If the trigger element 119 pivots by means of the conductor L to be connected, the trigger element 119 strikes the operating element 139, thereby causing the operating element 139 to move in the opposite direction of operation B.

[0034] The combined action of the operating element 139 and the trigger element 119 is achieved through their outer contours. For this purpose, the trigger element 119 has a curved outer contour 122, and the operating element 139 has an arcuate sliding contour 143. The curved outer contour 122 fits into the arcuate sliding contour 143, thereby allowing the trigger element 119 to roll along the arcuate sliding contour 143 of the operating element 139 with its curved outer contour 122 during pivoting motion V, as particularly in… Figure 4 As can be seen, and thus the trigger element 119 can apply force, especially pressure, to the operating element 139 along the y direction and in the opposite direction of operation B.

[0035] In the design shown here, the curved outer contour 122 has a nose shape or a cam shape.

[0036] The curved sliding profile 143 has a wavy shape. In the design shown here, the curved sliding profile 143 is constructed on the free ends of the third sidewall 142C and the fourth sidewall 142D of the operating element 139.

[0037] In order to keep the clamping spring 113 in a stable, especially anti-tipping, position when operated by the operating element 139, the clamping spring 113 is supported on the conductive beam 112. Here, the retaining leg 116 of the clamping spring 113 is supported on the support section 115 of the conductive beam 112.

[0038] In the design shown here, the clamping spring 113 is supported on the conductive beam 112 in such a way that, as in Figure 2 , 3 5 and Figure 6 As can be seen in the cross-sectional view, a receiving space 123 is constructed on the conductive beam 112, or specifically on the support section 115 of the conductive beam 112. The retaining leg 116 of the clamping spring 113 is fitted into this receiving space, such that the retaining leg 116 is supported on the conductive beam 112 in both the x and y directions. Through the support in the y direction, the clamping spring 113 can be held in position when the operating element 139 is operated. Simultaneously, the clamping spring 113 can also be supported on the conductive beam 112 in the x direction to absorb the clamping force between the conductive beam 112, the conductor L, the clamping spring 113, and again the conductive beam 112. The support section 115 has a leg 124 that curves upward toward the operating element 139, on which the receiving space 123 is constructed. The receiving space 123 is here constructed in the form of a cutout or recess in the leg 124.

[0039] Figure 1 , 2 and Figure 3 The clamping leg 117 of the clamping spring 113 is shown in the open position. For this purpose, the operating element 139 moves linearly along the operating direction B, causing the clamping leg 117 to pivot via the first sidewall 142A toward the retaining leg 116.

[0040] The operating element 139 is held in the open position by the spring force of the clamping spring 113, and the clamping leg 117 of the clamping spring 113 is also held in the open position by the operating element 139. Once the clamping leg 117 reaches the open position by operation of the operating element 139, it is held in the open position by the operating element 139, thereby preventing the clamping leg 117 from undesirably swinging back to the clamping position. The operating element 139 and the clamping spring 113 can form a closed force system in the open position of the clamping leg 117. This is achieved by the fact that the force exerted by the clamping spring 113 (in the xy direction) on the operating element 139 is as great as the force exerted by the operating element 139 on the clamping spring 113 in both the x and y directions, thus creating a force balance between the clamping spring 113 and the operating element 139 in the open position. Therefore, the clamping spring 113 and the operating element 139 are held in the open position without the need for other components or additions. Therefore, in the open position, the operating element 139 remains in its position and will not move back in the opposite direction of operation B.

[0041] The first sidewall 142A and the second sidewall 142B of the operating element 139 are configured to be such that they at least partially overlap with the clamping leg 117 and the retaining leg 116 in the open position. Thus, a stable force system can be constructed between the clamping spring 113 and the operating element 139 in the open position.

[0042] If the conductor L to be connected is now introduced into the conductor connection space 150 through the conductor introduction opening 111, as in Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, when conductor L collides with the pressure surface 120 of trigger element 119, trigger element 119 tilts or pivots (pivoting motion V). Through this pivoting motion V, trigger element 119 rolls along the arcuate sliding profile 143 of operating element 139 with its curved outer contour 122, thereby converting the rotational motion of trigger element 119 into the translational motion of operating element 139. Here, the force exerted by trigger element 119 on operating element 139 in the y-direction causes operating element 139 to move against the operating direction B, thereby pushing operating element 139 out of the open position and thus canceling the force balance between clamping leg 117 and operating element 139. Therefore, the force exerted by clamping leg 117 in the xy-direction is greater than the force exerted by operating element 139 in both the x and y directions, and thus the force exerted by clamping leg 117 in the xy-direction also pushes operating element 139 against the operating direction B, causing operating element 139 to move back to its initial position, as in... Figure 6As can be seen, the clamping leg 117 pivots toward the conductor L to be connected, clamping the conductor onto the clamping section 114 of the conductive beam 112, and thus connecting it. In the clamped position, the operating element 139 is spaced apart from the trigger element 119, so that no effective connection is formed between the curved outer contour 122 of the trigger element 119 and the sliding contour 143 of the operating element 139.

[0043] In this initial position, the operating element 139 is arranged with its upper side 145 flush with the outer surface 146 of the housing 110, as in Figure 6 As can be seen in the image. In contrast, in the open position, the operating element 139 is submerged in the operating passage 140. Not only in the open position but also in the initial position, the clamping spring 113 is submerged, at least with its arcuate section 121, in the receiving space 141 of the operating element 139.

[0044] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0045] 100 wiring device

[0046] 110 casing

[0047] 111 Conductor Introduction Opening

[0048] 112 conductive beam

[0049] 113 Clamping Spring

[0050] 114 clamping section

[0051] 115 Support Section

[0052] 116 Keep your legs

[0053] 117 Clamp your legs together

[0054] 118 clamping edge

[0055] 119 trigger element

[0056] 120 pressure surface

[0057] 121 Arc Section

[0058] 122 Curved outer contour

[0059] 123 storage space

[0060] 124 legs

[0061] 139 Operating element

[0062] 140 Operating shaft

[0063] 141 storage space

[0064] 142A First Side Wall

[0065] 142B Second Side Wall

[0066] 142C Third Side Wall

[0067] 142D Fourth Side Wall

[0068] 143 Sliding Profile

[0069] 144 tool fitting part

[0070] 145 upper side

[0071] 146 outer surface

[0072] 150 conductor connection space

[0073] E Introduction Direction

[0074] B Operation Direction

[0075] V pivoting motion

[0076] L conductor

Claims

1. A terminal device (100) for connecting an electrical conductor (L), having: a housing (110) with a conductor introduction opening (111), an electrically conductive beam (112) arranged in the housing (110), a clamping leg (117) which can be moved into a clamping position and an open position, an operating element (139) by means of which the clamping leg (117) can be moved from the clamping position into the open position by guiding the operating element (139) in an operating direction (B), wherein the operating element (139) has an accommodation space (141) in which at least in the open position an arc-shaped section (121) of a clamping spring (113) sinks such that the operating element (139) is held in the open position by a spring force of the clamping spring (113) and the clamping leg (117) of the clamping spring (113) is held in the open position by the operating element (139), and a trigger element (119) which is supported in the housing (110) in a pivotable manner such that when a conductor (L) to be connected is introduced into the conductor introduction opening (111) in an introduction direction (E), the trigger element (119) can be operated by a pressure surface (120) of the trigger element (119) such that the trigger element (119) exerts a force onto the operating element (139) such that the operating element (139) is moved against the operating direction (B) and the clamping leg (117) is thereby released from the open position and pivoted into the clamping position. The trigger element (119) has a curved outer contour (122) which rolls over an arc-shaped sliding contour (143) of the operating element (139) when the force is exerted onto the operating element (139). The curved outer contour (122) has a convex nose shape. A clamping spring (113) is arranged in the housing (110), which clamping spring has a holding leg (116) and a clamping leg (117) connected to the holding leg (116) by an arc-shaped section (121), wherein The accommodation space (141) of the operating element (139) is delimited by a first side wall (142A) which cooperates with the clamping leg (117) of the clamping spring (113), by a second side wall (142B) which cooperates with a holding leg (116) of the clamping spring (117), by a third side wall (142C) which connects the first side wall (142A) and the second side wall (142B) to one another, and by a fourth side wall (142D) which is arranged opposite the third side wall (143C) and likewise connects the first side wall (142A) and the second side wall (142C) to one another. The arc-shaped sliding contour (143) is configured on a free end of the third side wall (142C) and / or on a free end of the fourth side wall (142D) of the operating element (139). The first side wall (142A) and the second side wall (142B) of the operating element (139) are configured to be so long that they at least partially overlap the clamping leg (117) and the holding leg (116) in the open position.

2. The wiring device (100) of claim 1, wherein, The clamping spring (113) is supported on the electrically conductive beam (112) with its holding leg (116).

3. The wiring device (100) of claim 2, wherein, ​ 4. The wiring device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that ​ 5. The wiring device (100) of claim 4, wherein, ​ 6. The connection line arrangement (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that ​ 7. The wiring device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that ​ 8. The wiring device (100) of claim 7, wherein, On the electrically conductive beam (112) an accommodation space (123) is constructed into which the holding leg (116) of the clamping spring (113) is fitted in such a way that the holding leg (116) is supported on the electrically conductive beam (112) in both the x direction and the y direction.

9. A terminal block, in particular a terminal strip, having at least one terminal connection (100) constructed according to one of claims 1 to 8.

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