Wiring terminal

Abstract

The invention relates to a connection terminal, comprising: an insulating material housing, which has a wire introduction opening and an operation opening; the invention relates to a spring-loaded clamping connection in a housing made of insulating material, comprising a busbar and a clamping spring having a clamping leg with a clamping edge for clamping an electrical conductor to a clamping point of the busbar, a supporting leg for supporting the clamping spring, and a spring bow, the clamping leg having a clamping edge for clamping the electrical conductor to the clamping point of the busbar, the supporting leg having a clamping edge for clamping the electrical conductor to the clamping point of the busbar, and the spring bow having a clamping edge for clamping the electrical conductor to the clamping point of the busbar. And the supporting legs are connected with the clamping legs through the spring bows.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a terminal block comprising: an insulating material housing having a wire introduction opening and an operating opening; and a spring-loaded clamping connector within the insulating material housing, the spring-loaded clamping connector having a busbar and a clamping spring, the clamping spring having a clamping leg, a supporting leg, and a spring bow, the clamping leg having a clamping edge for clamping a wire to a clamping portion of the busbar, the supporting leg for supporting the clamping spring, and the spring bow connecting the supporting leg to the clamping leg. Background Technology

[0002] A terminal block with a spring-loaded clamping connector is used to clamp electrical wires to a clamping portion formed between the clamping legs of a clamping spring and a busbar. To clamp the electrical wire, the clamping spring is pushed away from the busbar against the force of the clamping spring during a direct plug-in connection. This is feasible for rigid wires, but not for multi-strand or stranded wires.

[0003] To clamp electrical wires, a spring-loaded clamping connector is required that remains in the open position. It is generally desirable that the terminals be delivered at the factory with the spring-loaded clamping connector in an open position.

[0004] EP 4 145 638 A1 discloses a connecting device for connecting electrical wires, comprising: a current bar; a clamping spring having a retaining leg and a clamping leg, wherein the wire to be connected is clamped toward the current bar in a clamped position by means of the clamping leg; and an operating element by means of which the clamping spring can be moved from the clamped position to an open position. In the open position of the clamping spring, the operating element is held in place by means of the current bar so as to hold the clamping spring in the open position. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Therefore, the purpose of this invention is to provide an improved terminal block.

[0006] The objective is achieved by a terminal block having the features of an embodiment of the invention. Advantageous embodiments will be described below.

[0007] The invention proposes a terminal block with a movably supported open retaining element coupled to a clamping leg and having a locking profile configured to lock the open retaining element in an open retaining position by locking with a busbar, in which the clamping edge of the clamping leg is displaced away from the clamping portion of the busbar. The terminal block also has a movably supported release element separate from the open retaining element, the release element having a release profile and a release surface disposed on the central axis of a wire inlet opening. The release element is configured to move to an unlocked position during displacement by a wire inserted into the wire inlet opening and colliding with the release surface. In the unlocked position, the release profile of the release element applies a release force to the locking profile of the operating element, which is locked with the busbar in the open retaining position, and unlocks the open retaining element from the busbar.

[0008] By employing a two-piece construction for the opening and closing mechanisms, separate components are provided for the opening and closing functions. These components are optimally coordinated with each other kinematically and in terms of profile, as well as with the available structural space and the corresponding functions. This achieves a compact terminal block configuration, good force transmission of operating force via the opening and closing element to the clamping leg, and a small opening force.

[0009] The locking profile of the open retaining element can form a retaining protrusion. The busbar can have a retaining opening and be configured such that the retaining protrusion sinks into the retaining opening of the busbar in the deflected state of the clamping leg, and the clamping leg is held in the retaining open position by the thus locked open retaining element. Therefore, the busbar is used to lock the open retaining element.

[0010] The release profile of the release element can be configured as a release protrusion, which moves into the retaining opening of the busbar by the release movement of the release element, so as to squeeze the retaining protrusion out of the retaining opening. Therefore, unlocking the retaining element can be performed in a simple way as follows: the retaining protrusion is squeezed out of the retaining opening again by releasing the protrusion.

[0011] The releasing element is pivotally supported. This enables lever kinematics for converting the releasing force applied to the releasing element by the inserted wire into a releasing force acting on the retaining protrusion. Due to the ratio of the load arm to the lever arm, this allows for a smaller releasing force compared to a higher, more efficient releasing force achieved through transmission.

[0012] The release element can be pivotally supported on an insulating housing or busbar. Here, the insulating housing can be used as a mating support. Conversely, the support on the busbar forming the mating support has the advantage of a very stable support, which reliably functions even if the insulating material of the insulating housing—plastic material—changes due to weather or aging.

[0013] The releasing element may have an unlocking arm and a releasing arm, the unlocking arm having a releasing protrusion to form a releasing profile, and the releasing arm having a releasing surface. The releasing protrusion is capable of extending toward the locking profile of the retaining element. The longitudinal extension direction of the releasing surface is oriented in a direction different from the extension direction of the releasing protrusion. Thus, in a compact construction, a force deflection occurs, causing the releasing force direction, which is normally oriented along the wire insertion direction, to the unlocking force direction, which is oriented toward the retaining protrusion.

[0014] The release arm may have a pivot support and may be pivotally supported together with the pivot support in an insulating housing. Alternatively, a sliding support, a combined sliding-pivot support, etc., may also be considered. The release arm may work in conjunction with a spring element or be formed of a spring-elastic material so that the release arm can be moved to a rest position.

[0015] The sidewall can extend from the release surface. This forms a wire receiving cavity for receiving the deinsulated end of an inserted, clamped wire. The sidewall can be, for example, a single-sided limiting portion formed by a sidewall section or an end sidewall section; a two-sided limiting portion formed by a sidewall section and an end sidewall section; a three-sided limiting portion formed by two spaced-apart and opposite (preferably planar parallel) sidewall sections and an end sidewall section connecting the sidewall sections; a four-sided limiting portion formed by two opposite (preferably planar parallel) sidewall sections and two spaced-apart end sidewall sections connecting the sidewall sections; or a circular or elliptical perimeter formed by at least one curved sidewall section.

[0016] The open retaining element can be movably supported in an insulating housing and / or at a busbar. This movable support on the busbar has the advantage that a stable support on the busbar, possibly with optional lateral guidance at the busbar, becomes feasible to guide the locking profile of the open retaining element to a complementary locking profile of the busbar, such as a retaining opening in the preferred busbar.

[0017] The opening retaining element can be an opening retaining arm that bends from the clamping leg. The opening retaining arm is preferably integrally formed with the clamping leg of the clamping spring. This achieves a dynamically reliable and compact construction of the spring-force clamping connection while reducing material and component consumption.

[0018] The open retaining element may have a side tab extending beside the edge of the support leg (corresponding to the first embodiment) and having a locking profile for locking the clamping leg in the open retaining position. Thus, in the open retaining position, the clamping leg can be locked at the open retaining element using the locking profile, and the open retaining element can be locked at the bus using the locking profile. Unlocking is then performed by shifting the locking profile, causing the open retaining element to move by the force acting on the clamping leg via the locking profile, thereby unlocking the clamping leg so that the electrical wire can be clamped unobstructed at the bus in the clamping position.

[0019] The open retaining element can be configured as a cage-like member having two sidewalls spaced apart from each other and surrounding the clamping legs at their opposing edges. Each sidewall can be formed with a side tab and has a locking profile for locking the clamping legs in the open retaining position. Thus, a stable implementation of the open retaining element with bilaterally symmetrical locking of the clamping legs can be achieved in a compact structure. The force applied to the open retaining element by the clamping legs is distributed and directed to the sidewalls via the locking profiles of the side tabs. The locking profiles can be formed by the locking tabs.

[0020] The sidewalls can be connected via end sidewalls, wherein the end sidewalls are located on the side opposite to the support leg, such that the clamping leg is located between the end sidewall and the support leg.

[0021] The busbar can have a wire insertion opening, and a clamping spring can extend into the wire insertion opening via a clamping leg. The busbar has a retaining opening in the plane unfolded by the wire insertion opening for accommodating a locking profile of an opening retaining element. This achieves a very compact construction. In an improved form, a support leg can also extend into the wire insertion opening and be supported at the end of the wire insertion opening and / or at a support lug bent from the wire insertion opening.

[0022] The conductor insertion opening of the busbar may have a clamping section for forming a clamping part.

[0023] The busbar's wire insertion opening may have a flange that partially or completely defines the wire insertion opening and extends from the plane of the busbar that unfolds through the wire insertion opening toward the release surface of the release element. This flange, also known as a material flange, achieves a material-saving construction that ensures good current density distribution and low transition resistance.

[0024] The clamping section can be formed at the flange.

[0025] The busbar may have multiple wire insertion openings, each of which has a clamping spring disposed thereon.

[0026] The clamp spring can be a leg spring (Schenkelfeder).

[0027] The terminal block may have an operating element movably supported in an operating opening within an insulating housing to apply a force to open the retaining element, and is configured to pivot the clamping leg toward the support leg into the open retaining position by means of a force flow via the open retaining element overcoming the spring force. Alternatively, an operating tool may be used to apply an operating force to the open retaining element. For this purpose, for example, a screwdriver can be inserted into the operating opening to move the open retaining element, thereby pivoting the clamping leg into the open retaining position.

[0028] Generally speaking, in the context of this application, unless explicitly defined differently, the word "one / a" should not be understood as a numeral, but rather as an indefinite article having the meaning of "at least one / a". Conversely, the feature of expressing "exactly one / a" clearly refers to "one / a" as a numeral. Attached Figure Description

[0029] The invention will now be described in detail by way of exemplary embodiments. The accompanying drawings show:

[0030] Figure 1 A perspective view showing the wiring terminals in the clamped position of a first embodiment;

[0031] Figure 2 A front view of the terminal block with section line AA is shown;

[0032] Figure 3 Show Figure 1 A side sectional view of the terminal block in the clamped position along section AA;

[0033] Figure 4 A perspective view of a spring-force clamping connector with a release element is shown;

[0034] Figure 5 A side sectional view along section AA is shown of the wiring terminals in the locked open holding position;

[0035] Figure 6 A side sectional view along section AA is shown of the wiring terminals in the unlocked open-hold position;

[0036] Figure 7 A perspective view of the clamping spring of the spring-force clamping connector is shown;

[0037] Figure 8 Show Figure 7 Side view of the clamping spring in the middle;

[0038] Figure 9 A perspective view of the busbar of the spring-force clamping connector is shown;

[0039] Figure 10 A perspective view of the release element for the wiring terminal is shown;

[0040] Figure 11 A perspective view showing the second embodiment of the wiring terminals in the clamped position;

[0041] Figure 12 Show Figure 11 A side sectional view of the terminal block in the clamped position along section AA;

[0042] Figure 13 A perspective view of a spring-force clamping connector with operating elements is shown;

[0043] Figure 14 A side sectional view along section AA is shown of the wiring terminals in the locked open holding position;

[0044] Figure 15 A side sectional view along section AA is shown of the wiring terminals in the unlocked open-hold position;

[0045] Figure 16 A perspective view of a bus having an open holding element and a release element is shown;

[0046] Figure 17 A perspective sectional view of a bus having an open holding element and a release element is shown;

[0047] Figure 18 A perspective view showing the spring-force clamping connector in the locked open retaining position;

[0048] Figure 19 A perspective sectional view of a bus having an opening retaining element and a releasing element in a locked open retaining position;

[0049] Figure 20 A perspective view of an open retaining element having locking tabs in locked and unlocked positions is shown;

[0050] Figure 21 A three-dimensional view of the upper side of the busbar is shown;

[0051] Figure 22 Showing a top view of the busbar;

[0052] Figure 23 A perspective view of the released component is shown;

[0053] Figure 24A side sectional view along section AA is shown of a third embodiment of the wiring terminal in the clamped position;

[0054] Figure 25 Show Figure 24 A side sectional view along section AA of the wiring terminals in the locked open holding position;

[0055] Figure 26 Show Figure 24 A side sectional view along section AA of the wiring terminals in the unlocked open holding position;

[0056] Figure 27 A perspective view of a bus having a clamping spring, an opening retaining element, a releasing element, and an operating element is shown.

[0057] Figure 28 A perspective view showing the open retaining element;

[0058] Figure 29 Show Figure 28 A side view of the open retaining element;

[0059] Figure 30 Show Figure 28 The front view of the open retaining element;

[0060] Figure 31 A three-dimensional view of the upper side of the busbar is shown;

[0061] Figure 32 Showing a top view of the busbar;

[0062] Figure 33 A perspective view of the released component is shown;

[0063] Figure 34 A perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a spring-force clamping connector having an opening retaining element, an operating element, and a releasing element is shown.

[0064] Figure 35 Show Figure 34 A side view of a spring-force clamping connector with an inserted electrical wire in the locked open holding position;

[0065] Figure 36 Show Figure 35 A side sectional view of the spring-force clamping connector in the locked open holding position;

[0066] Figure 37 Show Figure 35 A side sectional view of the spring-force clamping connector in the unlocked open holding position;

[0067] Figure 38 Show Figure 35A side sectional view of the spring-force clamping connector in the clamping position;

[0068] Figure 39 A perspective view showing the open retaining element;

[0069] Figure 40 A three-dimensional view of the busbar is shown;

[0070] Figure 41 A perspective view of the released element is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0071] Figure 1 A perspective view of a first embodiment of the terminal block 1 in the clamped position is shown. The terminal block 1 has an insulating material housing 2, which has a wire introduction opening 3 and an operation opening 4. The wire introduction opening 3 and the operation opening 4 are arranged side by side, pass through the same upper side of the insulating material housing 2, and extend in a channel-like manner into the interior space of the insulating material housing 2 in a manner defined by a boundary wall.

[0072] A spring-force clamping connector 5 is installed in an insulating material housing 2. The spring-force clamping connector has a busbar 6 and a clamping spring 7. The clamping spring 7 is configured as a leg spring with a spring bow 8, from which a clamping leg 9 extends and a support leg 10 extends. The clamping leg 9, after bending, transitions into an open retaining element 11, which is integrally formed with the clamping leg 9 and extends from the clamping leg 9 as an open retaining arm. The open retaining element 11 has two spaced-apart side tabs 12, which are connected to each other at their diagonally opposite free ends to the clamping leg 9 via a transverse tab 13. A locking profile 14 is present at the transverse tab, which can be configured as a retaining protrusion 14a. The retaining protrusion 14a forms a material lug. The retaining protrusion 14a bends towards the busbar 6 from the plane unfolded by the side tabs 12 and the transverse tabs 13.

[0073] A clamping spring 7 extends from the upper side of the busbar 6. The busbar 6 has a wire insertion opening 15 in the central axis of the wire introduction opening 3. The wire insertion opening 15 is defined on the lower side of the busbar 6 by a flange 16, which is opposite to the upper side of the busbar 6. The flange extends into the wire receiving cavity 17 of the insulating material housing 2.

[0074] In the wire receiving cavity 17, the release element 18 is pivotally supported. The insulating material housing 2 has a support pin 19. The release element 18 is inserted into the support pin 19 via a support hole 20, wherein the support pin 19 and the support hole 20 together form a pivot support 21.

[0075] The releasing element 18 has a releasing arm 22 that extends from the pivot support 21 into the wire receiving cavity 17 and into the central axis of the wire introduction opening 3. An unlocking arm 24 extends from the pivot support 21 in the opposite direction to the releasing arm 22, and has a releasing protrusion 25 at its free end. The releasing protrusion 25 is configured such that it sinks into the retaining opening 16 of the busbar 6 in the unlocked position of the releasing element 18, thereby unlocking the retaining protrusion 14a, i.e., the locking profile 14, of the retaining element 11, which is locked at the boundary wall of the retaining opening 16.

[0076] The release arm 22 of the release element 18 has a sidewall 26 extending from the release surface 23 toward the busbar 6. The sidewall 26, as shown, can be configured as a three-sided limiting portion by two spaced apart and opposite (preferably parallel) sidewall segments and an end sidewall segment connecting the sidewall segments to each other.

[0077] However, it is also possible to consider that the sidewall 26 is configured as a single-sided boundary portion by sidewall segments or end sidewall segments, as a boundary portion on both sides by sidewall segments and end sidewall segments, as a four-sided boundary portion by two opposing (preferably parallel) sidewall segments and two spaced-apart end sidewall segments connecting the sidewall segments, or as a circular or elliptical perimeter portion by at least one curved sidewall segment.

[0078] The insulating material housing 2 has a retaining profile 27. The clamping spring 7 surrounds the retaining profile 27 by means of the spring bow 8 and the adjacent portions of the clamping legs 9 and 10, such that the clamping spring 7 is shape-fittedly accommodated between the boundary wall of the insulating material housing 2 and the retaining profile 27.

[0079] Figure 2 A front view of terminal 1 with section line AA is shown.

[0080] Figure 3 Show Figure 1 The side sectional view of terminal 1 in the clamped position along section AA.

[0081] As can be seen, the release surface 23 of the release element 18 is located in the central axis F of the wire introduction opening 3. An electrical wire inserted into the wire introduction opening 3 and passing through the wire insertion opening 15 impacts the release surface 23, causing the release element 18 to pivot about the pivot support 21 to the unlocked position shown. Here, the release profile configured as the release protrusion 25 sinks into the retaining opening 28 of the busbar 6, so that a release force is applied to the transverse tab 13 and the retaining protrusion 14a is unlocked from the busbar 6. Therefore, the clamping leg 9 can be moved to the clamping position shown.

[0082] The clamping spring 7 is opened by inserting an operating tool into the operating opening 4, the free end of which is recessed into the retaining element 11, defined by the transverse tab 13 and the side tab 12. By pivoting the operating tool, a force can be applied to the transverse tab 13, which overcomes the spring force and moves the clamping leg 9 toward the support leg 10. The support leg 10 can be recessed into the wire insertion opening 15 as shown and abut against the flange-end sidewall. The support leg 10 can also abut against the wall section 29 of the insulating housing 2. The support leg 10 can be held in a form-fitting manner between the wall section 29 and the retaining contour 27 of the insulating housing 2.

[0083] In the clamping position shown, the clamping leg 9 is displaced away from the support leg 10. Without an inserted wire, the free end of the clamping leg, having the clamping edge 30, rests against the clamping portion 31 of the busbar 6. The clamping portion 31 can be formed, as shown, at the end sidewall of the flange 16 extending obliquely to the central axis F.

[0084] Figure 4 a) and b) show perspective views of the spring-force clamping connector 5 with release element 18.

[0085] As can be seen, the sidewall 26 extends from the release surface 23, and the sidewall is configured as a three-sided limiting portion by the sidewall section 32 and two spaced-apart end sidewall sections 33 connected to the sidewall section 32. Thus, the electrical wire inserted through the wire insertion opening 15 is laterally guided through the sidewall 26 and directed to the release surface 23.

[0086] As can be seen, in the unlocked position of the release element 18, the release protrusion 25 sinks into the retaining opening 28 and extends from the upper side of the busbar 6.

[0087] The open retaining element 11 has punched and bent side tabs 12 on both sides of the clamping legs 9, which are integrally formed with the clamping spring 7. At the root region of the side tabs, i.e., in the transition to the clamping legs 9, a clamping section of the clamping legs 9 is retained, which continues between the side tabs 12 into the wire insertion opening 15. The clamping section has a clamping edge 30 at its free end to clamp the electrical wire between the clamping edge 30 and the clamping portion 31 of the busbar 6.

[0088] Figure 5 A side sectional view along section AA is shown of terminal 1 in the locked open holding position.

[0089] As can be seen, the opening retaining element 11 is locked onto the busbar 6 by the retaining protrusion 14a sinking into the retaining opening 28 of the busbar 6 and abutting against the end sidewall of the retaining opening 28. Here, the retaining protrusion 14a is pulled toward the end sidewall of the retaining opening 28 by the force of the clamping spring 7. The transverse tab 13 is directly located on the retaining opening 28. The release protrusion 25, which is also sinking into the retaining opening in the rest position of the release element 18, is also oriented toward the transverse tab 13 and can be close to it as shown. Thus, only a very small pivot angle of the release element 18 is needed to allow the release protrusion 25 to continue moving through the retaining opening 28 and to move the transverse tab 13 away from the busbar 6. Thus, the opening retaining element 11 is as shown in Figure 3 and Figure 6 It was unlocked as shown.

[0090] Figure 6 A side sectional view along section AA is shown of terminal 1 in the unlocked open-hold position.

[0091] It becomes clear that the release surface 23 is displaced away from the busbar 6, and the release element 18 (counterclockwise in the view) pivots about the pivot axis of the pivot support 21. This pivoting movement is caused by an electrical wire entering the wire inlet opening 3 and passing through the wire insertion opening 15, the wire colliding with the release surface 23 with its insulated free end. For this purpose, the release surface 23 is positioned in a central axis F approximately perpendicular to the release surface.

[0092] In the unlocked position, the clamping leg 9 moves away from the supporting leg 10 by the force stored in the spring bow 8 of the clamping spring 7. Figure 3 The clamping position is shown.

[0093] Figure 7 A perspective view of the clamping spring 7 of the spring-force clamping connector 5 is shown, while Figure 8 Show Figure 7 Side view of clamping spring 7.

[0094] The clamping spring 7 has a spring bow 8 connecting the clamping leg 9 to the support leg 10. The clamping leg 9 has an opening retaining element 11 formed therein in one piece, which extends from the plane of the clamping leg 9 in the form of an opening retaining arm. For this purpose, at the opposite edge region of the clamping leg 9, a side tab 12 is exposed in the root region of the clamping leg 9. The side tab 12 extends away from the clamping leg after bending, passing beside the edge of the support leg 10, and is connected to each other at its free end by a transverse tab 13. A retaining protrusion 14a bends out from the plane of the transverse tab 13 in the form of a material lug facing the support leg 10 at the inner edge of the transverse tab 13 in a direction opposite to the spring bow 8. The retaining protrusion 14a, i.e., the material lug or retaining lug, extends in a direction that is also the direction in which the free ends of the support leg 10 and the clamping leg 9 extend.

[0095] It becomes clear that the support leg 10 is guided through the opening of the opening retaining element 11 by a tapered end section, the opening being bounded by the side tab 12 and the lateral tab 13.

[0096] Figure 9 A perspective view of the busbar 6 of the spring-force clamping connector 5 is shown.

[0097] As can be seen, busbar 6 has a wire insertion opening 15 introduced into the plane of busbar 6 and a retaining opening 28 spaced apart therefrom by an intermediate connecting piece. The wire insertion opening 15 is defined by a flange 16, which is formed in one piece from the material of busbar 6 by a modified form. However, it is also conceivable that only a portion of the circumference of the wire insertion opening 15, rather than the circumferential flange 16 shown, is defined by a flange wall. However, it is also possible to bend material lugs at the narrow side of the wire insertion opening 15 to form a clamping portion 31. On the other narrow side of the wire insertion opening 15 opposite to the clamping portion 31, material lugs can also be bent as a support surface for supporting leg 10. Additionally, in order to guide the electrical wires, sidewalls can be bent at at least one of the longitudinal sides of the wire insertion opening 15.

[0098] The wire insertion opening 15 does not necessarily have to be completely separated from the retaining opening 28 as shown. A variation can also be considered in which the retaining opening 28 forms a sub-region of the wire insertion opening 15. Here, a support protrusion for the support leg 10 is meaningful in the transition to the retaining opening 28.

[0099] Figure 10A perspective view of the release element 18 for terminal 1 is shown. It can be seen that the release element 18, in the form of a lever element having a release arm 22 and an unlocking arm 24, has a support hole 20 formed in the transition portion from the release arm 22 to the unlocking arm 24. The release arm 22 has a release surface from which a side wall 23 extends. The side wall 23 includes a side wall section 32 that transitions into the side wall of the unlocking arm. The opposite side of the release arm 22 can be opened as shown, or optionally closed using the side wall section. An end side wall section 33 is present on the side of the release arm 22 opposite to the unlocking arm 24. Another end side wall section 33 is formed by a wall surface disposed adjacent to the support hole 20 and spaced apart from the aforementioned end side wall section 33.

[0100] The unlocking arm 24 has a narrow, for example, rounded protrusion to form a release protrusion 25. The release protrusion 25 can be narrower than the width of the release element 18. The release protrusion 25 extends in the direction in which the sidewall 26 extends from the release surface 23.

[0101] Figure 11 A perspective view of a second embodiment of the terminal block 1 in the clamped position is shown.

[0102] The spring-force clamping connector 5 is formed by the busbar 6 and a clamping spring 7 (not shown). An opening retaining element 11 is movably supported on the busbar 6. Furthermore, the releasing element 18 is pivotally supported in the support profile of the insulating material housing 2 by means of a support pin 34 about a predetermined axis of rotation extending longitudinally through the support pin 34. A releasing protrusion 25 extends from the releasing element 18, passing through a retaining opening 28 in the busbar 6.

[0103] In the embodiment described, the operating element 35 is movably supported in the operating opening 4. The operating element 35 may have a tool retaining profile 36 at its end protruding from or at least externally accessible from the insulating housing 2. This tool retaining profile may be designed as a groove, slot, and / or cross slot.

[0104] Figure 12 Show Figure 11 The side sectional view of terminal 1 in the clamped position along section AA.

[0105] As can be seen, the support plate extends from the busbar 6. The support leg 10 rests against the support plate 37 with its free end and is supported on the busbar 6 in this way without sinking into the wire insertion opening. A retaining opening 28 is provided adjacent to the support plate 37, which forms a section of the wire insertion opening 15. In the transition to the retaining opening, a support protrusion 38 extends into the wire insertion opening 15, which, in the open retaining position, form-fits the locking tab 43 of the open retaining element 11. The locking tab 43 can also provide a path limit for the release protrusion 25 in some cases and guide the wire inserted into the opening 3 away from the release protrusion 25.

[0106] The releasing element 18 is configured as a lever element having an unlocking arm 24 extending at an angle from the releasing surface 23, the unlocking arm terminating at a releasing protrusion 25, wherein a support pin 34 is disposed in the transition between the unlocking arm 24 and the releasing surface 23. A sidewall 26 extends from the releasing surface, the sidewall including an end sidewall section 33 extending from the unlocking arm 24 away from the support pin 34 and an opposing end sidewall section 33.

[0107] The busbar 6 has a clamping part 31, which is formed by a support plate extending toward the wire introduction opening 3.

[0108] The open holding element 11 is movably supported on the busbar 6. The open holding element has an operating plate 39, which interacts with the operating surface 40 of the operating element 35. The operating plate 39 and the operating surface 40 are angled to the movement direction V of the open holding element 11. The movement direction V is transverse to the operating direction B of the operating element 35 and parallel to the longitudinal extension direction of the busbar 6.

[0109] The open retaining element 11 can be configured as a cage-like member with sidewalls 41. A side tab 42 is punched into the sidewall 41, extending toward the release protrusion 25 of the release element 18, and has a locking profile 43 in the form of a locking tab recessed into the wire insertion opening 15. In the open retaining position, the locking tab 43 can engage the support protrusion 38 from the rear, such that the open retaining element 11 is locked at the support protrusion 38 by means of the locking tab 43.

[0110] Figure 13 A perspective view of a spring-force clamping connector 5 with an operating element 35 is shown.

[0111] It becomes apparent that the opening retaining element 11 is configured as a cage-like member having two spaced-apart sidewalls 41 and an operating plate 39, the operating plate being integrally formed with at least one sidewall 41 and extending toward the opposite sidewall 41. The sidewalls 41 have elongated holes 44, each containing a guide protrusion 45 extending from the edge of a clamping leg 9. Thus, the clamping leg 9 is form-fitted to the opening retaining element 11 and, as the opening retaining element 11 moves along the direction of movement V, is moved toward the support leg 10 into the opening retaining position. When the opening retaining element 11 is unlocked, it is moved to the illustrated rest position by the force of the clamping leg 9 using the clamping spring 7.

[0112] The operating surface 40 is located on the wall side facing the clamping leg 9 at the free end region of the operating element 35. This free end region tapers and can optionally be narrowed further as shown.

[0113] Figure 14 A side sectional view along section AA is shown of terminal 1 in the locked open holding position.

[0114] As can be seen, the locking tab 43 locks onto the corresponding support protrusion 38 at the elastic side tab 42. Thus, the open retaining element 11, under elastic stress due to its connection with the clamping leg 9, is locked onto the busbar 9. The locking tab 43 sinks into the groove of the release protrusion 25 of the release element 8, preventing lateral displacement. This prevents accidental unlocking.

[0115] The opening and retaining element 11 and clamping leg 9 are moved into the open and retaining position as follows: the operating element 35 moves toward the manifold 6 in the operating opening 4 along the operating direction B. Here, the inclined operating surface 40 of the gradually tapering end of the operating element 35 slides on the operating plate 39, which is inclined to the plane of the manifold 6, and the opening and retaining element 11 is pressed along the moving direction V by the lateral sliding support of the operating element 35 at the inner wall of the operating opening 4. Here, the narrower end of the operating element 35 can sink into the individual operating element receiving opening 49 of the manifold 6.

[0116] Figure 15 A side sectional view along section AA is shown of terminal 1 in the unlocked open-hold position.

[0117] By inserting an electrical wire (not shown) into the wire introduction opening 3, the electrical wire strikes the release surface 23 in the central axis F. Therefore, the release element 18 pivots about the support bolt 34, causing the release protrusion 25 to unlock the locking tab 43. For this purpose, the locking tab 43 is pressed past the support protrusion 38 by the release protrusion 25.

[0118] Figure 16 A stereoscopic view is shown, while Figure 17 A perspective sectional view of a busbar 6 with an open retaining element 11 and a release element 18 is shown.

[0119] As can be seen, elastic side tabs 42 are formed at the sidewalls 41 with separately punched sections, and the side tabs have locking tabs 43 extending transversely to the longitudinal extension direction of the side tabs 42. The elongated hole 44 is curved and follows the movement of the guide protrusion 45 of the clamping leg 9 when moving between the clamping position and the open holding position.

[0120] The release protrusion 25 has a groove 46, which has an inclined inner wall surface 47 and a common intermediate connecting piece 48. It can be seen that the support protrusion 38 extending into the wire insertion opening 15 is in the form of a curved protrusion.

[0121] Bus 6 has a rectangular operating element receiving opening 49, which is spatially separate from the wire insertion opening 15.

[0122] Figure 18 A perspective view showing the spring-force clamping connector 5 in the locked open holding position. Figure 19 A perspective sectional view of a bus 6 having an open holding element 11 and a release element 18 in the locked open holding position is shown.

[0123] As can be seen, the operating element 35 is recessed into the operating element receiving opening 49. The opening retaining element 11 is locked onto the busbar 6 by means of the side wall 41 or side tab 42 that extends laterally beside the clamping leg 9.

[0124] The clamping portion 31, formed by the plate bending out from the plane of the busbar 6, serves as an end stop for the operating plate 39 and the opening retaining element 11 connected thereto. A protruding clamping edge can be formed at the clamping portion 30 or the plate.

[0125] Figure 20 a) and b) show perspective views of an open retaining element 11 having a locking tab 43 extending from a side tab 42 in the locked and unlocked positions.

[0126] In the locked position, the side tabs 42 are bent away from each other. In the unlocked position, the side tabs 42 and the locking tab 43 at the free end are bent toward each other, such that the distance between the locking tabs 43 is smaller in the unlocked position compared to the locked position. The side tabs 42 are preferably spring-loaded into the locked position shown in Figure a).

[0127] Figure 21 A perspective view of the upper side of the busbar is shown, while Figure 22A top view of the busbar is shown.

[0128] As can be seen, the clamping portion 31 bends out in the form of a ramp, and the supporting ramp 37 bends out from the plane of the busbar 6 at a distance from it. A wire insertion opening 15 is introduced between the clamping portion 31 and the supporting ramp 37, which transitions into the retaining opening 28 by being limited by two mutually pointing support protrusions 38. The support protrusions 38 form stops for locking the locking tab 43. Furthermore, an operating element receiving opening 49 is introduced into the busbar 6, which is separated from the wire insertion opening 15 by the root region of the clamping portion 31 located in the middle.

[0129] The support protrusion 38 gradually tapers toward the clamping part, that is, it is inclined and formed toward the support plate 37 with a significantly greater slope, so as to provide a stop surface that acts as a lock.

[0130] Figure 23 A perspective view of the release element 18 is shown.

[0131] The support bolt 34 can extend laterally from the profile of the release element 18 and into the support groove of the insulating housing 2, as shown. However, this is only a preferred alternative embodiment and is not necessarily necessary for the embodiment shown.

[0132] The loosened protrusion 25 is divided into two grooves 46, which are separated from each other by an intermediate wall 48. On the side opposite to the intermediate wall 48, the grooves are limited by an inner wall surface 47 that is inclined to the plane of the intermediate wall 48.

[0133] Figure 24 A side sectional view of the third embodiment of the wiring terminal 1 along section AA in the clamped position is shown. Here, the description of the previous embodiment can be basically referred to.

[0134] The open retaining element 11 is again movably supported on the busbar 6. The open retaining element 11 has an operating plate 39, and the operating surface 40 of the operating element 35, which is movably supported in the operating opening 4, acts on the operating plate.

[0135] The clamping leg 9 is supported by the guide protrusion 45 in the elongated hole 44 of the side wall 41 of the open retaining element 11.

[0136] Unlike the second embodiment, the locking tab 43 is essentially rigidly formed on the sidewall 41. The locking tab is recessed into the wire insertion opening 15 and forms a support protrusion 38 for locking in the transition between the wire insertion opening 15 and the retaining opening 28.

[0137] Figure 25Show Figure 24 The terminal 1 in the locked open holding position is shown in a side sectional view along section AA.

[0138] As can be seen, the opening retaining element 11 is moved upward along the movement direction V by means of the operating element 35, which moves into the operating opening 4. Here, the locking tab 43 engages the corresponding support protrusion 38 from the rear, so that the opening retaining element 11 is locked at the busbar 6. The release protrusion 25 sinks into the retaining opening 28 in the rest position of the release element 18 and is positioned adjacent to the free end of the locking tab 43.

[0139] Figure 26 Show Figure 24 The terminal 1 in the unlocked open holding position is shown in a side sectional view along section AA.

[0140] By pivoting the release element 18, the locking tab 43 is pressed out of the retaining opening 28 by means of the release protrusion 25. This disengages the form-fit between the locking tab 43 and the support protrusion 38. Because the opening retaining element 11 is in a state of elastic preload due to its form-fit connection with the clamping leg 9 via the elongated hole 44, the clamping leg 9 is moved away from the support leg 10 by the now unlocked opening retaining element 11. Figure 24 The clamping position is shown.

[0141] Therefore, unlocking is performed by tilting the opening retaining element 11 by means of the pressure applied by the release protrusion 25 to the locking tab 43.

[0142] Figure 27 A perspective view of a spring-force clamping connector 5 having an opening retaining element 11, a releasing element 18, and an operating element 35 is shown.

[0143] The clamping leg 9 is shaped-fitted to the open retaining element 11 such that the guide protrusion 45 is recessed into the elongated hole 44 and movably guided therein. In the locked open retaining position shown, the locking tab 43 is recessed into the retaining opening 28 and locked at the end edge that limits the retaining opening 28.

[0144] Figure 28 A perspective view of the open retaining element 11 is shown. Figure 29 Showing a side view, while Figure 30 Show Figure 28 The front view of the open retaining element.

[0145] As can be seen, the opening retaining element 11 is configured as a cage-like member, which has two parallel and spaced-apart sidewalls 41, an operating plate 39 connecting the sidewalls 41, and locking tabs 43 extending laterally from the sidewalls 41. The locking tabs 43 extend from each sidewall 41 in such a way that two root segments to be pointed at each other bend out from the plane of the sidewall 41, and finger segments extend laterally from the root segments and parallel to each other. An elongated hole 44 is recessed into the sidewall 41 adjacent to the locking tab 43.

[0146] Figure 31 A perspective view of the upper side of busbar 6 is shown, while Figure 32 A top view of the busbar is shown.

[0147] In principle with Figure 21 and 22 Similar to the variant in the example, the clamping plate and the supporting plate 37 used to form the clamping part 31 are punched out of the material of the busbar 6 in one piece and bent out from the plane of the busbar 6.

[0148] The retaining opening 28 transitions into the wire insertion opening 15 without complete separation, thus forming a section of the wire insertion opening 15. In the transition section to the retaining opening 28, support protrusions 38 extend from both sides of the edge that limits the wire insertion opening 15, the support protrusions being spaced apart from each other and oriented toward each other.

[0149] In order to accommodate the free end of the operating element 35, the busbar 6 has an operating element receiving opening 49.

[0150] Figure 33 A perspective view of the release element 18 is shown. As shown, the release element can be configured with two parallel and spaced-apart sidewall segments 32 and two spaced-apart end sidewall segments 33 on all four sides.

[0151] The end sidewall section 33 extends from the support bolt 34, and the release protrusion 25 extends from the end sidewall section in the opposite direction to the support bolt 34. The release protrusion 25 can be configured as a square extending inclined to the plane of the end sidewall section 33, the square having a length smaller than the width of the opening retaining element 11.

[0152] Figure 34 A perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a spring-force clamping connector 5 having an opening retaining element 18, an operating element 35, and a releasing element 18 is shown.

[0153] In this example, bus 6 has a flange 16, and support leg 10 is recessed into wire insertion opening 15 and rests against the flange end wall. However, variations of bus 6 and clamping spring 7 via extended support protrusions are also contemplated. Figure 21 , 22 Supports similar to 31 and 32.

[0154] The opening retaining element 11 is clamped between the operating element 35 and the clamping leg 9. The releasing element 18 has a releasing protrusion 25 extending toward the busbar 6 in the form of two spaced-apart fingers. The fingers can gradually taper into a conical shape.

[0155] As can be seen, the locking finger 53 extends from the open retaining element 11. In the unlocked state, the locking finger is supported on the plane of the busbar 6 and in the locked state, it is recessed into the retaining opening 28 of the busbar 6 so as to fix the open retaining element 11 in a form fit.

[0156] Figure 35 Shown in Figure 34 A side view of the spring-force clamping connector 5 with the inserted electrical wire 50 in the locked open holding position.

[0157] The wire 50 is inserted into the insertion opening in the retaining element 11 and introduced into the receiving cavity of the releasing element 18 through the wire insertion opening 15 and the flange 16. The free, uninsulated end of the wire 50 abuts against the releasing surface 23 of the releasing element 18. This applies a releasing force to the releasing element 18, causing it to pivot about the support pin 34. Here, the finger of the releasing protrusion 25 enters through the retaining opening 28 and presses out the locking finger 53, i.e., the locking profile 43, locked on the busbar 6, from the retaining opening 28.

[0158] The opening retaining element 11 rests against the curved operating surface 40 of the operating element 35 using the operating surface 51, which is inclined to the plane of the busbar 6. On the opposite side of the diagonal, the opening retaining element 11 tapers and ends, and rests against the curved portion of the clamping leg 9 using the operating end 52.

[0159] Figure 36 Show Figure 35 A side sectional view of the spring-force clamping connector 5 in the locked open holding position.

[0160] As can be seen, the locking profile 43 formed by the locking finger 53 sinks into the retaining opening 28 of the busbar 6 to lock the open retaining element 11 at the busbar 6. Thus, the clamping leg 9, which is displaced toward the support leg 10, is held in the open retaining position.

[0161] In the resting position of the releasing element 18, the releasing protrusion 25 has sunk into the retaining opening 28 and is adjacent to the locking finger 53.

[0162] Figure 37 Show Figure 35 A side sectional view of the spring-force clamping connector 5 in the unlocked open holding position.

[0163] and Figure 36 Compared to its resting position, the releasing element 18 pivots a small angle around the support bolt 34. As a result, the releasing protrusion 25 continues to sink into the retaining opening 28, and the locking finger 53 is pressed out of the retaining opening 28. Thus, the opening retaining element 11 is unlocked and can move in the negative direction of movement V due to the force exerted on it by the clamping spring via the clamping leg 9. Here, the operating element 35 moves away from the busbar 6 in the negative operating direction B.

[0164] Figure 38 Show Figure 35 A side sectional view of the spring-force clamping connector 5 in the clamping position.

[0165] The clamping leg 9 is fully deflected and its clamping edge 30 at its free end abuts against the clamping portion 31, which is formed by the end sidewall of the flange 16. When the wire 50 is inserted, the clamping edge 30 abuts against the wire 50 and presses the wire against the clamping portion 31. Thus, the wire 50 is clamped between the clamping leg 9 and the clamping portion 31.

[0166] Figure 39 A perspective view of the open retaining element 11 is shown.

[0167] The open retaining element 11 has an insertion port 54, which is formed by sidewalls 41 arranged parallel to each other and spaced apart from each other, an operating end 52 configured as a transverse tab, and a connecting tab 55. The end wall of the sidewall 41 forms an operating surface 51 at a certain angle, and the end wall is located on the opposite side away from the operating end 52.

[0168] Figure 40 A three-dimensional view of busbar 8 is shown.

[0169] It becomes clear that the opening 28 is formed by two openings spaced apart from each other and oriented in the longitudinal direction of the busbar 6.

[0170] A rectangular wire insertion opening 15, located adjacent to the retaining opening 28, is defined by a flange 16 formed from the material of the busbar 6 and extending downward from the plane of the busbar 6. The flange end wall near the retaining opening 28 slopes into the flange interior space to form a clamping portion 31 for clamping the wire 50.

[0171] Figure 41 A perspective view of the release element 18 is shown. Here, it is clear that the release protrusion 25 is optionally formed by two spaced-apart fingers that taper towards the free end. However, another design of the release protrusion 25, such as that of the above embodiment, is also conceivable, in which the retaining opening 28 and the locking profile 43 at the opening retaining element 11 must then be modified accordingly.

[0172] The release element 18 provides a receiving space defined by the four sides of the sidewall 26 for receiving and guiding the deinsulated end of the inserted wire 50.

[0173] List of reference numerals

[0174] 1 terminal block

[0175] 2. Insulating material housing

[0176] 3. Wire introduction opening

[0177] 4 operating openings

[0178] 5. Spring-force clamping connector

[0179] 6 bus

[0180] 7 clamping springs

[0181] 8 Spring Bow

[0182] 9. Clasp your legs together

[0183] 10 supporting legs

[0184] 11 Open the retaining element

[0185] 12 side connectors

[0186] 13 Horizontal splicing

[0187] 14 Locking Profile

[0188] 14A Maintain Protrusion

[0189] 15. Wire insertion opening

[0190] 16 flanges

[0191] 17. Wire storage cavity

[0192] 18 Release Components

[0193] 19 support pins

[0194] 20 support holes

[0195] 21 Pivot Support

[0196] 22. Release the arm

[0197] 23. Loosen the dough

[0198] 24. Release the arm

[0199] 25. Loosen the protrusion.

[0200] 26 sidewalls

[0201] 27. Maintain the outline

[0202] 28 Keep open

[0203] 29 wall segments

[0204] 30 Clamping edge

[0205] 31 Clamping Part

[0206] 32 side wall sections

[0207] 33 end sidewall section

[0208] 34 support bolt

[0209] 35 operating elements

[0210] 36. Workpiece maintains contour

[0211] 37 Support Plate

[0212] 38 support protrusions

[0213] 39 Operation Panel

[0214] 40 operating surfaces

[0215] 41 sidewalls

[0216] 42 side connectors

[0217] 43 Lock Outline / Lock Patch

[0218] 44 long holes

[0219] 45. Guiding Prominence

[0220] 46 grooves

[0221] 47 inner wall

[0222] 48 intermediate films

[0223] 49 Operating element receiving opening

[0224] 50 electrical wire

[0225] 51 Operating Surface

[0226] 52 operating terminals

[0227] 53 Locking Points

[0228] 54 Interlacing Openings

[0229] 55 connecting piece

[0230] B Operation Direction

[0231] F Central Axis

[0232] V-direction of movement

Claims

1. A terminal block (1) comprising: - Insulating material housing (2), the insulating material housing having a wire introduction opening (3) and an operation opening (4). - A spring-force clamping connector (5) in the insulating material housing (2) has a busbar (6) and a clamping spring (7). The clamping spring has a clamping leg (9), a supporting leg (10) and a spring bow (8). The clamping leg has a clamping edge (30) for clamping the conductor to the clamping portion (31) of the busbar (6). The supporting leg is used to support the clamping spring (7). The spring bow connects the supporting leg (10) to the clamping leg (9). Its features are, The terminal block (1) has a movablely supported open retaining element (11), which is coupled to the clamping leg (9) and has a locking profile (14) configured to lock the open retaining element (11) in an open retaining position by locking it with the busbar (6), in which the clamping edge (30) is displaced away from the clamping portion (31), and The terminal block (1) has a movably supported release element (18) separate from the open holding element (11), the release element having a release profile (25) and a release surface (23) disposed in the central axis (F) of the wire inlet opening (3), wherein the release element (18) is configured to move to an unlock position when a wire is displaced by being inserted into the wire inlet opening (3) and colliding with the release surface (23), in which the release profile (25) applies a release force to the locking profile (14) locked with the busbar (6) in the open holding position and unlocks the open holding element (11) from the busbar (6).

2. The terminal block (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The locking profile (14) is configured as a retaining protrusion (14a), and the busbar (6) has a retaining opening (28) configured such that the retaining protrusion (14a) sinks into the retaining opening (28) in the deflected state of the clamping leg (9), and the clamping leg (9) is held in the open retaining position by the open retaining element (11) locked in this way.

3. The terminal block (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The release profile (25) forms a release protrusion, wherein the release protrusion moves into the retaining opening (28) by the release movement of the release element (18) so that the retaining protrusion (14a) is pressed out of the retaining opening (28).

4. The terminal block (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The release element (18) is pivotally supported.

5. The terminal block (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that, The release element (18) is pivotally supported in the insulating housing (2) or at the busbar (6).

6. The terminal block (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The releasing element (18) has an unlocking arm (24) and a releasing arm (22), the unlocking arm having a releasing protrusion forming the releasing profile (25), the releasing arm having the releasing surface (23), wherein the releasing protrusion extends toward the locking profile (14) of the opening retaining element (11), and the releasing surface (23) extends in a direction different from the releasing protrusion.

7. The terminal block (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that, The release arm (22) is pivotally supported in the insulating material housing (2) by means of a pivot support (21).

8. The terminal block (1) according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that, The sidewall (26) extends from the loosened surface (23).

9. The terminal block (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The opening retaining element (11) is movably supported in the insulating material housing (2) and / or at the busbar (6).

10. The terminal block (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that, The opening retaining element (11) is an opening retaining arm that bends out from the clamping leg (9).

11. The terminal block (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that, The open retaining element (11) has a side tab (12) that extends past the edge of the support leg (10) and has a locking profile (43) for locking the clamping leg (9) in the open retaining position.

12. The terminal block (1) according to claim 11, characterized in that, The open holding element (11) is configured as a cage-like member having two spaced apart sidewalls (41) surrounding the clamping leg (9) at opposite edges of the clamping leg (9), wherein the sidewalls form side tabs and have locking profiles (43) that lock the clamping leg (9) in the open holding position.

13. The terminal block (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The busbar (6) has a wire insertion opening (15), and the clamping spring (7) extends into the wire insertion opening (15) by means of the clamping leg (9), wherein the busbar (6) has the retaining opening (28) in the plane unfolded by the wire insertion opening (15) for receiving the locking profile (14) of the opening retaining element (11).

14. The terminal block (1) according to claim 13, characterized in that, The wire insertion opening (15) has a clamping section for forming the clamping part (31).

15. The terminal block (1) according to claim 14, characterized in that, The wire insertion opening (15) has a flange (16) that partially or completely defines the wire insertion opening (15) and extends from the plane of the busbar (6) unfolded through the wire insertion opening (15) toward the release surface (23).

16. The terminal block (1) according to claim 15, characterized in that, The clamping section is formed at the flange (16).

17. The terminal block (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The busbar (6) has multiple wire insertion openings (15) and clamping springs (7) respectively disposed thereon.

18. The terminal block (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The clamping spring (7) is a leg spring.

19. The terminal block (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, An operating element (35) is provided, which is movably supported in the operating opening (4) to apply force to the opening retaining element (11) and is able to pivot the clamping leg (9) toward the supporting leg (10) in the opening retaining position by means of the force flow via the opening retaining element (11) overcoming the spring force.

Images