Connection terminal for connecting electrical conductors

Abstract

The invention relates to a connection terminal (1) comprising a housing (10) and a contact element (11) for electrically contacting an electrical line (2). The spring element (12) has a support leg (121) and a clamping leg (120), which is designed to act on the electrical conductor (2) in a clamping position in order to bring the electrical conductor (2) into contact with the contact section (110) of the contact element (11). The trigger element (123) can be adjusted relative to the housing (10), and wherein the clamping leg (120) can be released from the release position by the interaction of the trigger element (123) with the electrical conductor (2). A retaining element (13) which is connected to the actuating element (14) and which can be moved together with the actuating element (14) is designed to latch with the trigger element (123) in order to retain the clamping leg (120) in the release position, the actuating element (14) being at least partially made of a first material and the retaining element (13) being at least partially made of a second material different from the first material.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] This terminal block includes a housing with a insertion opening into which an electrical wire can be inserted in a insertion direction to connect to the terminal block. A contact element is arranged on the housing for electrical contact with the electrical wire. The contact element has a contact section. A spring element has a support leg supported relative to the housing and / or the contact element, and a clamping leg elastically adjustable relative to the support leg. The clamping leg is configured to act on the electrical wire in a clamped position to bring the electrical wire into contact with the contact section. The clamping leg can be adjusted relative to the housing from the clamped position to a released position to release the electrical wire. The clamping leg remains in the released position relative to the housing. An actuating element is movable relative to the housing to adjust the clamping leg to the released position. A triggering element is adjustable relative to the housing, wherein the clamping leg can be released from the released position by the combined action of the triggering element and the electrical wire.

[0003] This type of terminal block achieves a spring-loaded connection by using a spring element, wherein the electrical wire is clamped to the contact element by the elastic spring of the spring element in the wiring position, and is thus electrically connected to the contact element.

[0004] In the terminal blocks known from DE 10 2019 127 464 B3, a spring element in the form of a tension spring is provided. This tension spring, through its elastic spring action, pulls the connected electrical wire to abut against the provided contact element, thus establishing a clamping connection between the electrical wire and the contact element. For this purpose, the electrical wire moves through an opening in the clamping leg during attachment and is clamped between the clamping leg and the contact element in the wiring position.

[0005] The terminal block of DE 10 2019 127 464 B3 is equipped with a locking device that locks the clamping legs relative to the housing in the released position. When an electrical wire is inserted, the locking device is triggered, thus releasing the lock and allowing the clamping legs to move out of the released position, thereby clamping the electrical wire to the contact element. To move the clamping legs to the released position, especially to attach an electrical wire or to detach the connected electrical wire from the terminal block, a tool, such as a screwdriver, can be attached to the terminal block, thereby applying force to the clamping legs.

[0006] In DE 10 2019 127 464 B3, the clamping legs are adjusted directly by means of a tool. In the terminals known from DE 102019 135 203 A1 and DE 10 2020 104 140 A1, an operating element in the form of a so-called pusher is provided. This pusher can be pressed into the housing of the terminal so as to act on the clamping legs in this way and move the clamping legs to their released position.

[0007] CN 110391508 A discloses a terminal block in which a locking hook for engaging with a spring leg is formed on the actuating element. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The objective of this invention is to provide a terminal block that achieves advantageous electrical contact while being versatile in use, and which, while having a simple structure, reliably triggers the terminal block when connecting electrical wires.

[0009] This task is solved by a subject having the features of claim 1.

[0010] Accordingly, the terminal block has a retaining element connected to the actuating element and movable together with the actuating element, the retaining element being configured to lock with the triggering element to hold the clamping leg in the released position, wherein the actuating element is at least partially made of a first material and the retaining element is at least partially made of a second material different from the first material.

[0011] In the terminal block, the electrical wire makes electrical contact with the electrical contact element by means that when the electrical wire is inserted into the plug opening, clamping legs act on the electrical wire, spring-loaded elastically toward contact with the contact element. To facilitate the insertion of the electrical wire, or to allow the connected wire to be released, the clamping legs of the spring element can be elastically deflected to move the clamping legs to a release position, in which space inside the housing in the area of ​​the plug opening is released, and thus the electrical wire can be inserted into the plug opening substantially without resistance, or the connected electrical wire can be easily removed from the terminal block.

[0012] The spring element has a support leg by which it is supported relative to the housing and / or a contact element, and held in position relative to the housing. The support leg may, for example, be directly supported on the housing. Alternatively, it may be supported on a component, such as a contact element, that is fixed in position relative to the housing. The clamping leg is elastically deflectable relative to the support leg, wherein in the release position the clamping leg deflects in such a way that the spring element is elastically tensioned, and the clamping leg moves out of the release position due to the elastic tension after being released from the release position.

[0013] Terminal blocks can also be supplied to customers by the manufacturer with the clamping legs in the released position.

[0014] The terminal block has a trigger element that interacts with the wire when it is inserted into the socket. By adjusting the trigger element relative to the housing when the wire is inserted, and thereby releasing the clamping legs, the terminal block automatically closes when the wire is inserted. This simplifies the wiring process by ensuring reliable contact between the wire and the contact element through the clamping action of the clamping legs.

[0015] The terminal block has a retaining element that is connected to and can move together with the actuating element. If the actuating element is adjusted relative to the housing to move the clamping leg to the release position and thus tension it relative to the support leg, the retaining element also moves with it. Here, the retaining element is designed to lock with the trigger element such that when the clamping leg is moved to the release position, the retaining element engages with the trigger element, thereby holding the clamping leg in the release position.

[0016] The actuating element acts directly or indirectly on the clamping legs during adjustment, thus causing the clamping legs to move. If the retaining element connected to the actuating element locks with the triggering element, then the actuating element is also held in position, wherein, due to the locking of the retaining element, the clamping legs are held in the released position relative to the housing.

[0017] The actuating element is at least partially made of a first material. In contrast, the retaining element is at least partially made of a second material different from the first material. Thus, at least a single section of the actuating element and the retaining element are made of different materials. Typically, the retaining element is configured to be a separate element relative to the actuating element, yet is fixedly connected to the actuating element such that the retaining element moves together with the actuating element relative to the housing, and is thus brought into locking engagement with the trigger element when the actuating element moves to adjust the clamping leg to the release position.

[0018] The retaining element is locked to the trigger element in the released position of the clamping leg. If the electrical wire is inserted into the insertion opening of the housing and the electrical wire works in conjunction with the trigger element, the trigger element is adjusted by the action of the electrical wire, and thus the lock with the retaining element is released, allowing the clamping leg to be released from the release position and adjusted in the direction of the clamping position.

[0019] The control element can be designed as a button and pressed into the housing by the user so as to act on the clamping leg and adjust the clamping leg toward the release position.

[0020] In one design, the actuating element is movably supported on the housing (preferably linearly). In another design, the actuating element may, for example, be pivotally arranged on the housing.

[0021] In one design, the retaining element has a head section and at least one leg extending from the head section. The head section may extend laterally to the operating direction of the actuating element, for example. Conversely, one or more legs may extend longitudinally from the head section along the operating direction.

[0022] In particular, the retaining element can be connected to the operating element via the head section. The connection between the head section and the operating element is preferably torque-resistant, such that the retaining element is connected to the operating element in a fixed position and orientation via the head section, and moves together with the operating element when the operating element moves.

[0023] In one design, the head section has a hook section through which the head section is connected to the actuating element. The hook section can, for example, be formed as a tab on the head section. Through the hook section, the retaining element can be attached to the actuating element in a form-fit or force-fit manner, thereby achieving a fixed connection, particularly a torque-resistant connection, between the retaining element and the actuating element, based on which the retaining element and the actuating element are connected in a fixed position and orientation.

[0024] In one design, the actuating element is, for example, capable of linear movement relative to the housing along the actuating direction. Here, at least one leg of the retaining element extends longitudinally from the head section along the actuating direction, for example. The head section extends transversely to the actuating direction, while one or more legs extend longitudinally from the head section along the actuating direction.

[0025] At least one leg may be designed to engage with a trigger element. In one design, at least one leg correspondingly has a locking section for engaging with the trigger element. This locking section may be formed, for example, at the end of each leg, away from the head section, wherein, when the actuating element moves to adjust the clamping leg to the release position, at least one leg approaches the trigger element with the locking section formed thereon to engage with the trigger element, thereby holding the clamping leg in the release position.

[0026] In one design, the retaining element has two legs extending from the head section, each leg having a locking section for engaging with the trigger element. These legs may be spaced apart from each other, for example, along a depth direction oriented transverse to the operating direction, such that they can engage with locking elements on the side edges of the trigger element that are spaced apart from each other along the depth direction, thereby establishing a lock between the retaining element and the trigger element.

[0027] The operating element is at least partially made of a first material. In contrast, the retaining element is at least partially made of a second material. The operating element, for example, can be molded entirely or partially from an electrically insulating plastic material, and thus serves as an electrical insulator. In particular, in the externally accessible operating section that can be manipulated by the user, the operating element can be molded from an electrically insulating material, thereby preventing the user from touching conductive parts from the outside.

[0028] In one design, the second material can be a material that is harder than the first material. The actuating element can be molded, for example, from an electrically insulating plastic material, while the retaining element can be molded, for example, from a metal material, such as steel, copper, or brass.

[0029] For example, retaining elements can be manufactured as sheet metal parts, particularly sheet metal parts formed by bending. For example, retaining elements can be made as stamped and bent parts made of sheet metal.

[0030] In one design, the actuating element has an actuation section for user operation and a lever section for acting on clamping legs and / or retaining elements. The actuation section is accessible from outside the housing, for example, by the user acting on it manually with a tool (e.g., a screwdriver), while the lever section is directly or indirectly connected to the clamping legs of the spring element. Thus, by adjusting the actuating element, an adjusting force is applied directly or indirectly to the clamping legs through the lever section, causing the clamping legs to move toward the release position when the actuating element is adjusted from the unoperated position to the operated position.

[0031] In one design, the lever section is connected to the retaining element. For example, the head section of the retaining element can be connected to the lever section, in particular by the hook section of the head section hooking onto the lever section, thus achieving a fixed, preferably torque-resistant connection between the retaining element and the actuating element.

[0032] In one design, the support leg is connected to the clamping leg at a first end via an arched connecting section. Conversely, the support leg is connected to a trigger element at a second end. The connecting section may extend, for example, around a bolt-shaped housing section and provide a bending radius at which the clamping leg can elastically pivot relative to the support leg. The trigger element, for example, bends relative to the support leg and extends from the support leg in such a way that the trigger element can lock with a retaining element.

[0033] In one design, the trigger element is integrally formed with the support leg and is capable of elastic movement relative to the support leg. Specifically, the spring element can be integrally formed, for example, from sheet material, such as a stamped and bent piece made of spring steel. Therefore, the trigger element is formed on the spring element and is thus an integral part of the integrated spring element.

[0034] In one design, the trigger element is bent relative to the support leg and extends from the support leg into a region inside the housing aligned with the insertion opening. Thus, the trigger element extends into a region inside the housing into which the electrical wire is introduced when inserted into the insertion opening. Consequently, the electrical wire, upon insertion into the insertion opening, collides with the trigger element and interacts with it to release the latching element from the retaining element, thereby releasing the clamping leg from the release position.

[0035] In one design, the trigger element has a locking element for engaging with a retaining element. The locking element can be formed, for example, as a tab protruding from the trigger element, or as a notch on the trigger element.

[0036] The triggering element can have one or more locking elements. If, for example, two legs with locking sections are formed on the retaining element, then the triggering element can have, for example, two locking elements (in the released position of the clamping legs, the locking sections of the retaining element engage with these locking elements), or a correspondingly wide locking element for working in conjunction with the two locking sections.

[0037] In one design, the trigger element has an end section configured to interact with the conductor when it is inserted into the socket. The end section may be formed, for example, on the end of the trigger element away from the support leg. Here, a locking element may be arranged on the trigger element between the end section and the support leg. The end section extends planarly such that the conductor collides with the end section when inserted into the socket, and thus interacts with the trigger element to move the trigger element, thereby releasing the latch between the trigger element and the retaining element.

[0038] In one design, the housing has a first housing wall and a second housing wall extending parallel to the first housing wall. An electrical wire can be introduced into a receiving space between the first and second housing walls by being inserted into a plug-in opening in the plug-in direction. Clamping legs are movable within this receiving space. To ensure reliable electrical contact between the wire and the contact section of the contact element, the wire can be introduced between the housing walls upon insertion into the plug-in opening. These housing walls define a receiving space between them into which the electrical wire can be inserted for connection to a terminal block. The clamping legs of the spring element are movable between the housing walls such that they can extend between the housing walls to clamp the inserted electrical wire to the contact section of the contact element.

[0039] Because the wire is guided through the housing wall to the area within the housing containing the clamping legs with spring elements when inserted into the socket opening, the wire can be reliably introduced into the housing and reliably clamped by the clamping legs of the spring elements to the contact section of the contact element. This also allows the spring elements to be designed to provide a large spring force for connecting wires with large conductor cross-sections.

[0040] In one design, the clamping legs, at least in the clamped position, extend into the receiving space between the first and second housing walls. The clamping legs are movable between the first and second housing walls. However, the clamping legs are not always arranged between the housing walls; they can also move out of the area between the housing walls, for example, in the released position. However, depending on the cross-sectional area of ​​the inserted wire, the clamping legs are designed such that, at least in the clamped position, they can extend into the receiving space between the housing walls to reliably clamp the inserted wire to the contact section of the contact element by the clamping legs applying pressure to the inserted wire in a direction abutting against the contact section of the contact element.

[0041] In one design, the clamping leg can pivot relative to the supporting leg between a clamping position and a released position in a swing plane that extends through the insertion direction and the lateral direction. The clamping leg can move between the clamping position and the released position. Here, the movement of the clamping leg between its different positions takes place in a swing plane that extends through the insertion direction and the lateral direction.

[0042] Here, the first and second housing walls are preferably spaced apart from each other along a depth direction perpendicular to the swing plane. The first and second housing walls extend planarly and are opposite each other when viewed along the depth direction. A wire can be introduced between these housing walls so that it is clamped to the contact section under the elastic action of the clamping legs.

[0043] In one design, viewed laterally, the contact section is arranged adjacent to the first and / or second housing wall. The contact section may particularly be arranged in a slot opening extending along the insertion direction, through which the corresponding housing wall is separated from the other housing sections. Thus, viewed laterally, the contact section is arranged relative to these housing walls such that an electrical conductor can be introduced between these housing walls and, by the action of clamping legs, pushed laterally and therefore toward the contact section to make electrical contact with the contact element.

[0044] The contact section preferably extends perpendicular to the lateral direction next to the first and / or second housing wall.

[0045] In one design, the contact element has a support section arranged at an angle relative to the contact section, on which the spring element, particularly its support leg, rests. The support section is arranged, for example, at a 90° angle relative to the contact section and extends, for example, perpendicular to the insertion direction. For example, the spring element's support leg is fixed to the support section by a force-fit, force-form-fit, form-fit, or material-fit connection. Additionally, the support leg may also be supported on a housing, for example, on one or more housing sections around which the spring element extends.

[0046] Viewed along the insertion direction, the support section is preferably arranged below the first housing wall and / or the second housing wall. For example, the end section of the trigger element is movable between the end edge of the housing wall and the support section. For example, the support section extending perpendicular to the insertion direction is spaced from the end edge of the housing wall, wherein the end section of the trigger element can move within the gap between the end edge of the housing wall and the support section.

[0047] In one design, the first housing wall and / or the second housing wall have stop elements, on which the end section is stopped in an initial position (corresponding to the position of locking with the retaining element). Thus, in the initial position, the end section is positioned relative to the housing in a given location, defined by the stop elements respectively disposed on the housing walls. The end section can move out of the initial position and thereby away from the stop elements to release the clamping leg from the release position and thus transfer the clamping leg to the clamping position.

[0048] The (sole) stop element can be formed on one of the housing walls. However, it is also conceivable and feasible for each of the two housing walls to have a stop element, or for a stop element to extend between the housing walls.

[0049] In one design, the spring element is constructed as a tension spring. In this case, the clamping leg of the spring element is configured to pull the conductor to abutment against the contact section by the spring force. In this case, an opening may be formed on the clamping leg, through which the conductor can be guided when inserted into the insertion opening of the housing, so that the conductor is pulled to clamp into contact with the contact element after the clamping leg is triggered from the release position.

[0050] Alternatively, the spring element can be configured as a compression spring. In this case, the clamping legs are configured to press the conductor against the contact section by spring force. When the conductor is inserted into the insertion opening, it reaches the space between the clamping legs and the contact section, wherein, after the clamping legs are triggered from the release position, the clamping legs act on the conductor and press the conductor against the contact section of the contact element.

[0051] The terminal blocks of this type can be used in a variety of ways in completely different electrical and electronic instruments, such as printed circuit boards, terminal blocks, or plug connectors. Attached Figure Description

[0052] The ideas based on the present invention are explained in detail below with the aid of embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. These embodiments illustrate:

[0053] Figure 1A A view of an embodiment of the terminal block is shown, wherein the clamping leg of the spring element is in the released position;

[0054] Figure 1B The dissection is shown according to Figure 1A A cross-sectional view of the device;

[0055] Figure 2A It shows that according to Figure 1A A side view of the device;

[0056] Figure 2B It shows that according to Figure 2A A cross-sectional view of the device;

[0057] Figure 3A A side view of the terminal block is shown with a live wire inserted.

[0058] Figure 3B It shows that according to Figure 3A A cross-sectional view of the device;

[0059] Figure 4A A side view of the terminal block is shown, in which the clamping leg of the spring element is in the clamped position;

[0060] Figure 4B It shows that according to Figure 4A A cross-sectional view of the device;

[0061] Figure 5 A view of the spring element together with the retaining element is shown;

[0062] Figure 6 A view of a terminal block assembly is shown, including a contact element, a spring element, and a retaining element connected to an actuating element; and

[0063] Figure 7 A partial cross-sectional view of the retaining element connected to the manipulating element is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0064] Figure 1A , 1B to Figure 7An embodiment of a terminal block 1 is shown, which is constructed with a housing 10 having a plug opening 100 formed therein for inserting an electrical wire 2 along the plugging direction E.

[0065] The housing 10 defines a receiving space 101 into which the conductor 2 is introduced by the stripped conductor end 20 when it is inserted into the insertion opening 100 along the insertion direction E. Figure 3A , 3B As can be seen in the diagram. In the wiring position, the wire 2 is located within the receiving space 101 with the stripped conductor end 20, and is electrically connected to the contact element 11 in the form of a busbar via the clamping leg 120 of the spring element 12, so that the wire 2 is electrically connected to the terminal 1.

[0066] The spring element 12 has a support leg 121, which, in the illustrated embodiment, supports the housing 10 and also the contact element 11, thereby fixing the spring element 12 relative to the housing 10. The clamping leg 120 is resiliently deflectable relative to the support leg 121, and in particular, deflects in such a way that the clamping leg 120... Figure 4A , 4B In the clamping position shown, the clamping action is applied to the wire 2 connected to the terminal 1, and under the condition of elastic preload, the wire is pressed into contact with the contact section 110 of the contact element 11, and thus the wire 2 makes electrical contact with the contact element 11 through its conductor end 20.

[0067] In the illustrated embodiment, the contact element 11 is integrally and monolithically formed, for example, as a stamped and bent piece, and has a contact section 110 and a support section 111 bent at 90° relative to the contact section 110, with a support leg 121 supported on the support section. A support tab 112 is formed on the support section 111, which is freely cut from the support section 111 and bent relative to the support section 111. The support leg 121 is supported on the support tab 112, as shown above. Figure 1B and Figure 2B As can be seen, the support leg 121 can be additionally fixed to the support piece 112 by welding, for example.

[0068] The support leg 121 is connected to the clamping leg 120 via an arched connecting section 122. The connecting section 122 provides a bending radius at which the spring element 12 can be bent to allow the clamping leg 120 to be elastically deflected relative to the support leg 121, and consequently relative to the housing 10, and to allow the clamping leg 120 to be adjusted between a clamping position and a released position.

[0069] In the illustrated embodiment, the connecting section 122 extends around the bolt-shaped housing section 103 and is thereby supported on the housing 10, as exemplified by... Figure 1B and Figure 2B As can be seen.

[0070] At the end away from the connecting section 122, a trigger element 123 is connected to the support leg 121, and the trigger element 123 is bent relative to the support leg 121. The trigger element 123 can be elastically deflected relative to the support leg 121.

[0071] In the illustrated embodiment, Figure 5 The spring element 12, shown in a separate view, and the trigger element 123 connected to the support leg 121 are integrally and uniformly formed as a stamped and bent part, for example, made of spring steel.

[0072] On the trigger element 123, a locking element 124 is formed by a notch on the side edge of the trigger element 123. On the other side of the locking element 124, the trigger element 123 has an end section 125 formed at the end away from the support leg 121. This end section extends into the receiving space 101 of the housing 10 in a region aligned with the insertion opening 100, such that the electrical wire 2, when inserted into the insertion opening 100, abuts against the end section 125 and thus interacts with the trigger element 123, as this... Figure 3A , 3B As can be seen in the text.

[0073] In the illustrated embodiment, an actuating element 14 is movably arranged on the housing 10 along the actuating direction B. The actuating element 14 is movably accommodated in the actuating opening 102 of the housing 10 via an actuating section 140, and can be moved relative to the housing 10 in a (approximately) linearly guided manner along the actuating direction B so as to act on the clamping leg 120 of the spring element 12 at the end 142 of the rod section 141 (extending in a rod shape from the actuating section 140) and adjust the clamping leg to the release position.

[0074] In the illustrated embodiment, the actuating element 14 is a plastic molded part, molded from an electrically insulating plastic material.

[0075] A retaining element 13 is connected to the actuating element 14. In the illustrated embodiment, the retaining element has two legs 130, which are interconnected via a head section 131. The retaining element 13 is connected to the actuating element 14 via the head section 131 in such a way that a hook section 133 formed on the head section 131 is attached to the end 142 of the rod section 141, thereby achieving a torque-resistant connection between the actuating element 14 and the retaining element 13.

[0076] A locking section 132 is formed on each leg 130. The locking section is configured to work in conjunction with the locking element 124 of the trigger element 123 to establish a lock between the retaining element 13 and the trigger element 123.

[0077] In the illustrated embodiment, the retaining element 13 is integrally and monolithically formed, for example, from steel, such as spring steel, as a sheet metal part, for example, as a stamped and bent part. Here, the retaining element 13 is fixedly connected to the operating element 14, and moves together with the operating element 14 when the operating element 14 moves along the operating direction B.

[0078] The support leg 130 of the retaining element 13 extends longitudinally from the head section 131 along the operating direction B, while the head section 131 is oriented transversely to the operating direction B. Here, when the operating element 14 moves along the operating direction B, it acts on the clamping leg 120 through the head section 131, so that the force of the operating element 14 is transmitted to the clamping leg 120 through the head section 131, and thus the clamping leg 120 is adjusted relative to the support leg 121 towards the release position under tension.

[0079] The retaining element 13 is configured to hold the clamping leg 120 in accordance with... Figure 1A , 1B In the released position. For this purpose, in the released position of the clamping leg 120, the retaining element 13 is locked with the locking element 124 of the triggering element 123 by the locking section 132 on the support leg 131, so that the retaining element 13 is held in position relative to the triggering element 123, and thereby the clamping leg 120 is also held in the released position.

[0080] At the initial position (corresponding to according to) Figure 1A , 1B In positions 2A and 2B, the trigger element 123 extends at least approximately transversely to the insertion direction E, and extends in the housing 10 to a region aligned with the insertion opening 100, such that when the wire 2 is inserted, the wire 20 collides with the end section 125 of the trigger element 123, and thus acts on the trigger element 123.

[0081] Accordingly, the trigger element 123 is configured to work in conjunction with the electrical wire 2 inserted into the plug opening 100, so that the electrical wire 2 is automatically connected to the terminal 1 when the clamping leg 120 is triggered. For example, from... Figure 3A , 3B As can be seen, if the wire 2 is inserted into the insertion opening 100, then the wire 2 acts on the end section 125 of the trigger element 123 with its conductor end 20, and causes the trigger element 123 to... Figure 1A , 1BDeflected from the initial position shown in 2A and 2B, as this is from Figure 3A , 3B As can be seen in the image. By adjusting the trigger element 123, the latch between the trigger element 123 and the retaining element 13 is released, as this is seen from... Figure 3A , 3B and Figure 4A , 4B As can be seen in the image. Therefore, the holding element 13 is released, allowing the clamping leg 120 to pivot from the release position toward the clamping position, and clampingly acting on the conductor 2 inserted into the insertion opening 100, as if from... Figure 4A , 4B As can be seen in the text.

[0082] The operating section 140 of the operating element 14 can be accessed from the outside of the housing 10 through the operating opening 102, and can therefore be operated by a user, for example, when using a tool.

[0083] exist Figure 4A , 4B In the unoperated position shown, the operating element 14 moves outward in the operating opening 102 against the operating direction B. In the unoperated position, a stop element 143 formed on the operating element 14 abuts against a stepped, disposed stop element 108 on the housing 10, thereby preventing the operating element 14 from sliding out of the receiving opening 102 against the operating direction B. Figure 4B As can be seen from the text.

[0084] In the illustrated embodiment, the housing 2 is constructed with housing walls 106, 107 spaced apart from each other along the depth direction T, which define a receiving space 101 between them, into which the electrical wire 2 is introduced when inserted into the insertion opening 100.

[0085] The insertion opening 100 has an (approximately cylindrical) entrance region with a certain clear width, which the conductor 2 first reaches when inserted into the insertion opening 100. The entrance region is connected to a funnel section that narrows the entrance region along the insertion direction E. Housing walls 106 and 107 extend downwards from the funnel section along the insertion direction E, and thus laterally define the housing 10 in such a way that the housing walls 106 and 107 are spaced apart from each other along the depth direction T, defining a receiving space 101 between them.

[0086] The housing walls 106 and 107 are arranged at a certain interval (measured between the inner sides of the housing walls 106 and 107 facing each other) which is less than the net width of the entrance area 107 of the insertion opening 100.

[0087] These housing walls 106 and 107 extend planarly perpendicular to the depth direction T. The clamping leg 120 of the spring element 12 is movable between the housing walls 106 and 107, and extends between them, at least in the clamped position, to clamp the inserted electrical wire to the contact section 110 of the contact element 11, as if from this... Figure 4A and Figure 4B As can be seen in the text.

[0088] A reliable insertion process is achieved by means of these housing walls 106, 107 (which provide a guide for the wire 2 when it is inserted into the insertion opening 100), while the wire 2 is reliably clamped to the contact section 110 in the wiring position.

[0089] These housing walls 106, 107 have stop elements 105 constructed between them, and the trigger element 123 rests against the stop element in the initial position (the position where terminal 1 is open), as if from this Figure 1A , 1B As can be seen in 2A and 2B. By being stopped on the stop element 105, the trigger element 123 occupies a given position inside the housing 10 in the initial position.

[0090] Viewed along the lateral direction Q, the contact section 110 extending perpendicularly to the lateral direction Q is arranged beside the housing walls 106 and 107, and is therefore located in the gap between the housing wall 106 and the end outer wall of the housing 10, as shown in this... Figure 1A As can be seen in the text.

[0091] The support section 111 of the contact element 11 is arranged at right angles to the contact section 110. When viewed along the insertion direction E, the support section 111 is located below the housing walls 106 and 107.

[0092] In the illustrated embodiment, the housing 10 and housing walls 106, 107 are integrally and integrally formed.

[0093] The working method is as follows:

[0094] If the actuating element 14 is actuated along the actuating direction B and thereby moves into the housing 10, then the actuating element 14 drives the clamping leg 120 of the spring element 12 through the head section 131 of the retaining element 13, which is connected to the lever section 141, and thereby adjusts the clamping leg 120 to the position of the spring element 12. Figure 1A , 1B In the release position shown in 2A and 2B, the retaining element 13 engages with the locking element 124 of the triggering element 123 via the locking section 132 formed on the leg 130, thereby holding the clamping leg 120 in the release position.

[0095] In the released position, the clamping leg 120 is released into the area within the receiving space 101 (between the housing walls 106 and 107) that is aligned with the insertion opening 100 along the insertion direction E, so that the electrical wire 2 can be inserted into the insertion opening 100 without obstruction by the clamping leg 120, and can be introduced between the housing walls 106 and 107, and thus can be connected to the terminal 1 in a substantially unsupported manner.

[0096] Terminal 1 can also be (according to) Figure 1A , 1B (2A, 2B) are in the tensioned operating position, supplied by the manufacturer.

[0097] If, with the clamping leg 120 in the released position, the wire 2, with its stripped conductor end 20, is inserted into the insertion opening 100 and then introduced into the receiving space 101 along the insertion direction E, then the wire 2 comes into contact with the end section 125 of the trigger element 123, thereby pivoting the trigger element 123. As a result, the locking element 124 of the trigger element 123 and the locking section 132 on the support leg 130 of the retaining element 13 are released. Therefore, the clamping leg 120 is released from the released position and can be adjusted out of the released position due to its tension relative to the support leg 121.

[0098] Here, the operating element 14 is also driven together with the holding element 13, and is adjusted in the operating opening 102 in the opposite direction of the operating direction B, such as from Figure 4A , 4B As can be seen in the text.

[0099] After the latch is released, the clamping leg 120 clamps against the wire 2, thereby pushing the conductor end 20 into contact with the contact section 110 of the contact element 11, so that the wire 2 is electrically connected to the terminal 1 and is also mechanically locked.

[0100] If you want to move wire 2 from Figure 4A , 4B If the wiring position shown is loosened and removed from terminal 1 again, the operating element 14 can be operated again, causing the clamping leg 120 to disengage from the wire 2 and re-lock in the released position by the retaining element 13. Thus, the wire 2 can be removed from terminal 1 in a substantially effortless manner.

[0101] Since the retaining element 13 engages with the clamping leg 120 at its head 131, in the released position of the clamping leg 120, the force generated by the tension of the clamping leg 120 relative to the supporting leg 121 acts primarily on the retaining element 13, which engages with the trigger element 123. Therefore, the operating element 14 is deloaded, and in the released position of the clamping leg 120, it does not need to bear or release the tension force of the spring element 12.

[0102] Correspondingly, there are no particularly high strength requirements for the connection between the operating element 14 and the holding element 13.

[0103] The ideas upon which this invention is based are not limited to the foregoing embodiments, but can also be implemented in other ways.

[0104] Terminal blocks of this type can be used in various ways, such as on terminal blocks or other electrical or electronic instruments, for example, on carrier rails. However, terminal blocks of this type can also be used, for example, on plug connectors or printed circuit boards.

[0105] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0106] 1 terminal block

[0107] 10 housing

[0108] 100mm plug opening

[0109] 101 Accommodation Space

[0110] 102 Operating opening

[0111] 103 Shell Section

[0112] 105 stop element

[0113] 106 shell wall

[0114] 107 Shell Wall

[0115] 108 stop element

[0116] 11. Contact elements (busbars)

[0117] 110 contact section

[0118] 111 support section

[0119] 112 support joint

[0120] 12 clamping springs

[0121] 120 Clamping Legs

[0122] 121 Supporting Legs

[0123] 122 connecting section

[0124] 123 trigger element

[0125] 124 locking elements

[0126] 125 end section

[0127] 13 Holding elements

[0128] 130 legs

[0129] Section 131

[0130] 132 Locked Section

[0131] 133 hook section

[0132] 14 control elements

[0133] 140 Maneuvering Section (Head)

[0134] Section 141

[0135] 142 end

[0136] 143 Stop Component

[0137] 2 wires

[0138] 20 conductor ends

[0139] B controls the direction.

[0140] E insertion direction

[0141] Q horizontal direction

[0142] T-depth direction

Claims

1. A terminal block (1) for connecting an electrical conductor (2), comprising: The housing (10) has a plug-in opening (100) into which an electrical wire (2) can be inserted in the plug-in direction (E) to connect to a terminal block (1). A contact element (11) arranged on the housing (10) is used for electrical contact with the electrical conductor (2), wherein, The contact element (11) has a contact section (110). A spring element (12) having a support leg (121) supported relative to a housing (10) and / or a contact element (11) and a clamping leg (120) elastically adjustable relative to the support leg (121), wherein the clamping leg (120) is configured to act on the electrical wire (2) in a clamped position to bring the electrical wire (2) into contact with the contact section (110), wherein the clamping leg (120) can be adjusted relative to the housing (10) from the clamped position to a release position to release the electrical wire (2), wherein the clamping leg (120) is held in the release position relative to the housing (10). An actuating element (14) movable relative to the housing (10) is used to adjust the clamping leg (120) to the release position, and A trigger element (123) adjustable relative to the housing (10), wherein the clamping leg (120) can be released from the release position by the combined action of the trigger element (123) and the electrical wire (2). The invention is characterized by having a retaining element (13) connected to the actuating element (14) and movable together with the actuating element (14), the retaining element (13) being configured to engage with the triggering element (123) to hold the clamping leg (120) in the released position, wherein the actuating element (14) is at least partially made of a first material and the retaining element (13) is at least partially made of a second material different from the first material.

2. The terminal block (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control element (14) is capable of sliding relative to the housing (10).

3. The terminal block (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The retaining element (13) has a head section (131) and at least one leg (130) extending from the head section (131).

4. The terminal block (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The head section (131) is configured to act on the clamping leg (120) when the actuating element (14) is adjusted to adjust the clamping leg (120) to the release position.

5. The terminal block (1) according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that, The holding element (13) is connected to the operating element (14) via the head section (131).

6. The terminal block (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that, The head section (131) is connected to the control element (14) in a torque-resistant manner.

7. The terminal block (1) according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that, The head section (131) has a hook section (133) through which the head section (131) is connected to the actuating element (14).

8. The terminal block (1) according to any one of claims 3 to 7, characterized in that, The control element (14) is movable relative to the housing (10) along the control direction (B), wherein at least one leg (130) extends longitudinally from the head section (131) along the control direction (B).

9. The terminal block (1) according to any one of claims 3 to 8, characterized in that, At least one leg (130) has a locking section (132) for engaging with a trigger element (123).

10. The terminal block (1) according to any one of claims 3 to 9, characterized in that, The retaining element (13) has two legs (130) extending from the head section (131), each leg having a locking section (132) for engaging with the triggering element (123).

11. The terminal block (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The first material is an electrically insulating plastic material.

12. The terminal block (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The second material is a material that is harder than the first material.

13. The terminal block (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The second material is a metallic material.

14. The terminal block (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The control element (14) has a control section (140) for operation by a user and a lever section (141) extending from the control section (140) for acting on the clamping leg (120) and / or the retaining element (13).

15. The terminal block (1) according to claim 14, characterized in that, The rod section (141) is connected to the retaining element (13).

16. The terminal block (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The support leg (121) is connected to the clamping leg (120) at the first end via an arched connecting section (122), and to the trigger element (123) at the second end.

17. The terminal block (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The trigger element (123) is integrally formed with the support leg (121) and is able to move elastically relative to the support leg (121).

18. The terminal block (1) according to claim 17, characterized in that, The trigger element (123) bends relative to the support leg (121) and extends from the support leg (121) into the area inside the housing (10) aligned with the insertion opening (100).

19. The terminal block (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The trigger element (123) has a locking element (124) for engaging with the retaining element (13).

20. The terminal block (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The trigger element (123) has an end section (125) configured to work together with the electrical wire (2) when it is inserted into the plug opening (100).

21. The terminal block (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The housing (10) has a first housing wall (106) and a second housing wall (107) extending parallel to the first housing wall (106), wherein an electrical wire (2) can be introduced into a receiving space (101) between the first housing wall (106) and the second housing wall (107) by being inserted into a plug-in opening (100) along the plug-in direction (E), wherein a clamping leg (120) can move in the receiving space (101) between the first housing wall (106) and the second housing wall (107).

22. The terminal block (1) according to claim 21, characterized in that, The clamping leg (120) extends into the receiving space (101) between the first housing wall (106) and the second housing wall (107) at least in the clamping position.

23. The terminal block (1) according to claim 21 or 22, characterized in that, The clamping leg (120) is pivotable relative to the support leg (121) in a swing plane that extends through the insertion direction (E) and the lateral direction (Q) between a clamping position and a release position, wherein the first housing wall (106) and the second housing wall (107) are spaced apart from each other along a depth direction (T) perpendicular to the swing plane.

24. The terminal block (1) according to claim 23, characterized in that, Viewed along the lateral direction (Q), the contact section (110) is located next to the first shell wall (106) and / or the second shell wall (107).

25. The terminal block (1) according to any one of claims 21 to 24, characterized in that, The contact element (11) has a support section (111) arranged at an angle relative to the contact section (110), and a support leg (121) is supported on the support section, wherein, viewed along the insertion direction (E), the support section (111) is arranged below the first housing wall (106) and / or the second housing wall (107).

26. The terminal block (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The clamping leg (120) is configured to push or pull the electrical conductor (2) against the contact section (110) by spring force.

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