terminal block

Abstract

This invention relates to a terminal block having an insulating housing with at least one wire inlet opening for receiving an electrical wire in a wire introduction direction. The insulating housing contains at least one spring-force clamping connector for connecting the electrical wire by means of a spring force. The spring-force clamping connector has at least one busbar and a clamping spring, the clamping spring having clamping legs with clamping edges for clamping the electrical wire at a contact section of the busbar. The terminal block has a retaining element configured to hold the clamping legs in an open position. The spring-force clamping connector has a releasing element with a releasing section, the retaining element being deflected by manipulating the releasing section until the clamping legs held at the retaining element are released from the retaining element. The retaining element and the releasing element are implemented as a retain-release element structural unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a terminal block having an insulating material housing having at least one wire inlet opening for receiving an electrical wire in a wire inlet direction, wherein at least one spring-force clamping connector for connecting the electrical wire by means of a spring force is provided in the insulating material housing, wherein the spring-force clamping connector has at least one busbar and a clamping spring, the clamping spring having clamping legs having clamping edges for clamping the electrical wire at a contact section of the busbar, wherein the terminal block has a retaining element configured to hold the clamping legs in an open position, wherein the spring-force clamping connector has a releasing element with a releasing section, the retaining element being deflected by manipulating the releasing section to release the clamping legs held at the retaining element from the retaining element, wherein the retaining element and the releasing element are implemented as a structural unit in the form of a retain-release element. Background Technology

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

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

[0004] The objective is achieved by having a shape-stable section and an elastically deflectable section in the holding-releasing element. Here, compared to the elastically deflectable section, the shape-stable section can have significantly greater bending stiffness in terms of force loading on the releasing section of the holding-releasing element via an electrical conductor. That is, the elastically deflectable section is more easily bent under such force loads on the holding-releasing element, and correspondingly, it can be more easily elastically deflected. The elastically deflectable section can, for example, be configured as a spring contact. The spring contact can, for example, be used as a return spring for the holding-releasing element.

[0005] According to an advantageous design of the invention, the retain-release element is formed from a spring steel sheet and may have at least one spring tab. Thus, advantageously, the retain-release element is a spring steel sheet component, at least primarily composed of spring steel. For example, the retain-release element can be manufactured from a single spring steel sheet as a stamped-bent member. By using spring steel, the retain-release element advantageously possesses spring characteristics, such as similar to a clamping spring, allowing the retain-release element to deform reversibly to a certain extent. At least one spring tab can provide additional spring functionality to the retain-release element.

[0006] Therefore, the hold-release element is configured as a multifunctional component that not only provides a holding function for the clamping legs in the open position but also provides an automatic release function by applying force to the release section. Additionally, the hold-release element can also provide a spring function, as mentioned above. With the hold element, the clamping legs can be held in the open position for a longer period of time without manual operation or holding of the clamping legs, such as by means of tools or terminal blocks. This hold-release element allows for the very space-efficient placement of automatic wire connection functionality within the terminal block, and in particular, allows the proven construction of the terminal block to be retained, thereby expanding the automatic wire connection functionality.

[0007] In an advantageous manner, when the conductor to be clamped applies an operating force to the releasing section of the releasing element, the clamping leg, which is held at the retaining element in the open position, can automatically release from the retaining element. This can be done, for example, by inserting the conductor into the terminal block in the direction of conductor introduction.

[0008] The clamping legs, together with the contact section of the busbar, form a clamping portion for clamping the electrical conductor between the clamping legs and the contact section. The open clamping portion (open position) is characterized in that at least the clamping edge of the clamping leg pivots away from the contact section of the busbar, i.e., at a greater distance from the contact section than in the clamped position. The clamping legs can, for example, pivot between the open position, in which the electrical conductor can move freely between the clamping legs and the contact section, and in the clamped position, in which the clamping legs clamp the electrical conductor at the contact section.

[0009] The retain-release element can be mostly located behind the clamping part or behind the clamping edge in the direction of wire introduction.

[0010] According to an advantageous design of the invention, the retain-release element is pivotally supported at a support location on at least one component of the terminal block. This pivotability ensures reliable retention of the clamping leg in the open position and easy release, especially with a relatively small release force. In this manner, the terminal block is also suitable for connecting electrical conductors with relatively low bending stiffness. The retain-release element can pivot only at a relatively small pivot angle, for example, less than 30 degrees or less than 20 degrees. The pivotable support can be configured such that, except for a resiliently deflectable section or at least one spring contact, the entire retain-release element can pivot about a fixed or variable pivot axis. The retain-release element can, for example, be pivotally supported at the support location at least on a busbar or insulating housing.

[0011] According to an advantageous design of the invention, the support portion is positioned at a certain distance from the elastically deflectable segment. This allows the elastically deflectable segment to function optimally. Specifically, the support portion is therefore not located at or formed through the elastically deflectable segment, but rather positioned away from it.

[0012] According to an advantageous design of the invention, the retaining-releasing element is pivotally supported about a fixed axis of rotation. This has the advantage that the retaining-releasing element is always in a defined position within the insulating housing and performs a fixed, predetermined pivoting movement. Alternatively, the retaining-releasing element can also be pivotally supported about a variable axis of rotation, for example, by means of a floating support for the retaining-releasing element.

[0013] The axis of rotation can, for example, be located at the aforementioned support portion. According to an advantageous design of the invention, the axis of rotation is spaced apart from the resiliently deflectable section. Correspondingly, the holding-releasing element does not rotate about the resiliently deflectable section. Due to the distance between the resiliently deflectable section and the axis of rotation, the resiliently deflectable section deflects more mechanically during pivoting, thereby allowing it to be better preloaded in its function as a return spring.

[0014] According to an advantageous design of the invention, the retaining-releasing element is pivotable from a retaining position to a releasing position by loading a force acting on the releasing section in the direction of wire introduction, in which the clamping leg is held at the retaining element, and in the releasing position, the clamping leg held at the retaining element is released from the retaining element.

[0015] According to an advantageous design of the invention, a resiliently deflectable segment or at least one spring contact constitutes a return spring, which is configured to return the hold-release element from the released position to the hold position. This ensures that the hold-release element automatically and correctly repositions itself after the release process so that the holding function for holding the clamping leg can be implemented when the clamping leg re-deflects to the open position. Advantageously, the terminal block does not need to have a separate component for spring return. More precisely, the spring contact, integrally formed with the hold-release element, can be used as the return spring. The hold-release element has an integrated return spring in this manner.

[0016] According to an advantageous design of the invention, the release segment is coupled to the retaining element via a bend-resistant connection, which remains substantially undeformable when the release segment is manipulated from the retaining position to the release position by a loading force acting in the direction of the lead wire introduction. This ensures that the clamping leg is reliably released from the retaining element, especially when the release segment deflects only slightly. Through the bend-resistant connection, the deflection movement of the release segment is directly transmitted to the retaining element without loss due to elastic deformation.

[0017] According to an advantageous design of the invention, the retain-release element has at least one side section extending parallel to the wire introduction direction in its planar extension and forming a guide wall for guiding the wire to be inserted. The side section can be configured as a substantially flat plate section of the retain-release element. The side section can be the largest portion of the retain-release element. The retain-release element, by virtue of its function as a guide wall, simultaneously supports the reliable introduction of the wire into the clamping portion, preventing lateral displacement of the wire. In this manner, the side section can guide the wire during insertion and, for example, also forms part of the wire introduction channel of the terminal block. Correspondingly, the remaining portion of the terminal block can be structurally simplified, particularly in terms of the insulating housing.

[0018] Advantageously, at least one side segment can simultaneously form the bending-resistant connection described above, which bending-resistantly couples the release segment to the retaining element. Due to its construction and position, at least one side segment has a high moment of inertia in its pivoting motion with respect to the retaining-release element from the retaining position to the release position.

[0019] According to an advantageous design of the invention, the retain-release element has a support section by means of which it is pivotally supported at at least one member of the terminal block, wherein the support section is configured to extend at an angle from at least one side section. Thus, the retain-release element is advantageously engaged in a terminal block structure having a busbar and a clamping spring, wherein the retain-release element can be reliably supported and thus secured within an insulating housing, at least until essentially only the pivotal feasibility of the retain-release element exists.

[0020] According to an advantageous design of the invention, the resiliently deflectable segment is configured as a protrusion extending from the support segment. Here, the resiliently deflectable segment can, for example, extend from the support segment in a straight line.

[0021] Generally, the resiliently deflectable section can be configured as a straight extension of the holding-releasing element. Therefore, the resiliently deflectable section requires only a small amount of space within the insulating housing. When functioning as a return spring, the resiliently deflectable section can, for example, be supported on the inner wall of the insulating housing.

[0022] According to an advantageous design of the invention, the release section is configured as a section extending at an angle from at least one side section. In this manner, the release section can extend into the wire receiving space of the terminal block in a particularly advantageous way, such that the release section can be reliably operated by the inserted wire. The release section can be arranged substantially orthogonally to the side section.

[0023] According to an advantageous design of the invention, a first locking element is formed at at least one side section, and the clamping leg can be locked in the open position at the first locking element by means of a second locking element. This allows the clamping leg to be reliably held in the open position by locking. The at least one side section having the first locking element can thus form a retaining element. The first locking element at the side section can be configured, for example, as a locking edge, a locking recess, or other recess or protrusion. The second locking element can be directly provided at the clamping leg, wherein in a variation, the clamping edge of the clamping leg can be used as the second locking element. It is also possible to form the second locking element at other locations on the clamping leg, for example, by forming at least one locking tab at the clamping leg, which is not provided at the clamping edge and forms the second locking element.

[0024] According to an advantageous design of the invention, the clamping spring has a supporting leg and the busbar has a spring retaining section, the clamping spring being supported by its supporting leg at the spring retaining section. In this manner, the spring force clamping connector is advantageously configured as a self-supporting contact assembly, in which the force of the clamping spring is at least substantially not transmitted to the insulating housing. The release section can be arranged substantially orthogonally to the spring retaining section.

[0025] According to an advantageous design of the invention, the busbar has a connecting section through which a contact section is connected to a spring-retaining section, wherein the connecting section forms a guide wall for guiding an inserted conductor. The connecting section, by functioning as a guide wall, simultaneously supports the reliable introduction of the conductor into the clamping portion, preventing lateral displacement of the conductor. For example, the contact section may be arranged substantially parallel to the spring-retaining section. The connecting section may extend orthogonally to both the contact section and the spring-retaining section. In this manner, the busbar may, for example, have a C-shaped profile. The busbar may also have two spaced-apart connecting sections that connect the contact section to the spring-retaining section on opposite sides. The connecting section may be arranged parallel to the side sections of the retaining-releasing element.

[0026] According to an advantageous design of the invention, the conductor can be accommodated between at least one side section of the retaining-releasing element and the connecting section of the bus. The at least one side section of the retaining-releasing element and the connecting section thereby surround, at least on two opposing sides, the area for accommodating the conductor. Thus, the bus, together with its contact section, connecting section, and spring-retaining section and the side section of the retaining-releasing element, forms a accommodating chamber that is at least substantially closed on the circumferential side for accommodating the conductor.

[0027] According to an advantageous design of the invention, the support portion and the corresponding axis of rotation of the retaining-releasing element are located outside the area of ​​the busbar surrounded by the contact section and the spring retaining section. For example, the support portion and / or the axis of rotation may be located on the side of the busbar away from the clamping spring, such as on the side of the contact section or the spring retaining section away from the clamping spring.

[0028] According to an advantageous design of the invention, the retaining-releasing element is fixed between the busbar and the insulating housing. This allows for easy fixing of the retaining-releasing element in the terminal block and simple installation of the components.

[0029] According to an advantageous design of the invention, the retain-release element is supported at the busbar relative to the spring force acting on the retain-release element by the clamping legs in the open position. This has the advantage that the spring-force clamping connection is also self-supporting in the open position with the clamping legs held at the retaining element, and correspondingly, the force is not substantially transmitted to the insulating housing in said position. For example, the retain-release element can be supported at the contact section of the busbar or at the spring-retaining section. Alternatively, the retain-release element can also be supported in the open position on a portion of the insulating housing.

[0030] According to an advantageous design of the invention, the terminal block has a manually operable actuating element for manipulating the clamping spring to the open position. This has the advantage that the terminal block has its own actuating element, which can be structurally well coordinated with the operation of the clamping legs. The manual actuating element is always available to the user, eliminating the need for external tools to operate the clamping legs. Alternatively, the manual actuating element can be designed for tool operation, meaning the user can then operate the manual actuating element using a tool, such as a screwdriver. Alternatively, the terminal block can also be configured without a manual actuating element. In this case, the clamping legs can be operated using the aforementioned tool.

[0031] The manual operating element can be configured as a pivotable joystick or a movably supported operating element, such as an operating press or an operating slider. According to an advantageous design of the invention, the operating element is U-shaped when viewed in the direction of wire introduction, wherein an electrical wire can be inserted through the internal space of the U-shape. The operating element may have at least one spring-loaded actuator, which is laterally disposed at the clamping spring and configured to deflect the clamping leg.

[0032] Furthermore, the aforementioned objective is achieved through a terminal block having an insulating housing with at least one wire inlet opening for receiving an electrical wire in the wire introduction direction. The housing contains at least one spring-force clamping connector for connecting the electrical wire by means of a spring force. The spring-force clamping connector has at least one busbar and a clamping spring, the clamping spring having clamping legs with clamping edges for clamping the electrical wire at the contact section of the busbar. The terminal block has a retaining element configured to hold the clamping legs in an open position. The fastener has a release element with a release section. When the conductor applies an actuating force to the release section, the retaining element can be deflected by manipulating the release section, causing the clamping leg held at the retaining element to release from the retaining element. The retaining element and the release element are implemented as a structural unit in the form of a retain-release element, particularly in terminals of the type described above. The retain-release element is integrally formed with the clamping spring, and especially with the support leg of the clamping spring. A flexible section is formed in the transition from the clamping spring to the retain-release element, which can deform to accommodate the deflection of the retain-release element when the release section is loaded by the conductor. The flexible section is particularly formed in the transition from the support leg to the retain-release element. By integrally forming the retain-release element and the clamping spring, the terminal can be implemented with fewer individual components, thereby allowing for more advantageous design in manufacturing and installation. The flexible section allows the entire remaining retaining-releasing element to be easily deflected by applying force to the releasing section via an electrical conductor, thereby releasing the clamping leg held in the open position. In particular, reliable operation of the releasing element is also possible using an electrical conductor with relatively low bending stiffness. The flexible section can be achieved, for example, by tapering the material in the transition region from the support leg to the retaining-releasing element.

[0033] Alternatively, the hold-release element can also be configured as a separate component, which is not formed in one piece with the clamping spring.

[0034] In the context of this invention, the indefinite article "a" is not understood as a numeral. Therefore, if, for example, a component is referred to, it should be interpreted in the sense of "at least one component." As long as the angle is described in degrees, the angle description refers to a circle of 360 degrees (360º). Attached Figure Description

[0035] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0036] The attached diagram shows:

[0037] Figure 1The wiring terminals in the clamped position are shown in the side view.

[0038] Figure 2 The sectional view shows the data based on... Figure 1 The wiring terminals,

[0039] Figure 3 A clamping spring with a hold-release element is shown in the perspective view.

[0040] Figure 4 Showing according to Figure 3 The retaining-releasing element, as well as the clamping springs of the bus and operating elements,

[0041] Figure 5 The cross-sectional view shows the basis in the open position. Figure 2 The wiring terminals,

[0042] Figure 6 The basis shown in the open position Figure 4 Components,

[0043] Figure 7 Another embodiment of the terminal block is shown in the side view.

[0044] Figure 8 The sectional view shows the data based on... Figure 7 The wiring terminals,

[0045] Figure 9 The stereoscopic view shows the basis Figure 7 The clamping springs and retaining-releasing elements of the wiring terminals.

[0046] Figure 10 Showing according to Figure 9 The retaining-releasing element, as well as the clamping springs of the bus and operating elements,

[0047] Figure 11 The cross-sectional view shows the basis in the open position. Figure 8 The wiring terminals,

[0048] Figure 12 The basis shown in the open position Figure 10 Components,

[0049] Figure 13 The perspective view shows a clamping spring and a retain-release element in another embodiment.

[0050] Figure 14 Another perspective view shows the [data / structure] based on Figure 13 The clamping spring of the retaining-releasing element. Detailed Implementation

[0051] exist Figure 1 and Figure 2 As can be seen, the terminal block 1 has an insulating housing 2, and a spring-loaded clamping connector is provided in the insulating housing. The spring-loaded clamping connector has a busbar 3 and a clamping spring 4. The busbar 3 has a contact section 30 for clamping the conductor. In addition, the busbar 3 has a spring-retaining section 31 and a connecting section 32, the connecting section connecting the spring-retaining section 31 to the contact section 30.

[0052] The clamping spring 4 has a support leg 41, a spring bow 42 connected to the support leg 41, and a clamping leg 43 connected to the spring bow 42. The clamping leg 43 has a clamping edge 46 at its free end. The clamping leg 43 is used to clamp the conductor at the contact section 30 by means of its clamping edge 46. The support leg 41 is used to support the clamping spring 4 at the busbar 3, such that the clamping spring 4 is supported at the spring holding section 31 via the support leg 41, thereby supporting the spring force relative to the clamping leg 43.

[0053] The insulating material housing 2 has a wire introduction opening 20. The wire can be introduced into the insulating material housing 2 through the wire introduction opening along the wire introduction direction L and can be fixedly clamped at the clamping part between the clamping leg 43 and the contact section 30.

[0054] Furthermore, the terminal block 1 has a manually operated element 6, such as an operating press, which is movably supported in the operating channel 21 of the insulating material housing 2. The operating element 6 has a manually operated section 60 at which an operating force can be manually applied. The operating element 6 extends from the operating section 60 through at least one spring-driven member 61 or two spring-driven members 61 arranged side-by-side into the insulating material housing 2 to the clamping leg 43. When a force is applied to the operating element 6 at the operating section 60 via the corresponding spring-driven member 61, the clamping leg 43 can be released from the... Figure 1 and Figure 2 The clamping position shown is moved to the open position, as it is in Figure 5 and Figure 6 This can be seen from the text.

[0055] Such an external Figure 1 and Figure 2 As described, the terminal block has a combined retaining-releasing element 7, which includes not only a retaining element 5 for holding the clamping leg 43 in the open position, but also a releasing element 8 for releasing the clamping leg 43 from the open position held at the retaining element 5. The retaining-releasing element 7 is configured as a repeatedly bent sheet metal piece formed from spring steel sheet. The retaining-releasing element 7 has a side section 70 that extends substantially parallel to the connecting section 32 of the busbar 3, as shown in... Figure 4As can be seen, the releasing section 80 of the releasing element 8 extends from the side section 70 at an angle, for example, at a right angle.

[0056] The side section 70 extends to the side of the contact section 30 opposite to the clamping spring 4. In this region, the side section 70 transitions via a bend into the support section 71, which is located on the side of the contact section 30 opposite to the clamping spring 4. The retaining-releasing element 7 is supported at the support portion 10 of the contact section 30 via the support section 71. For example, a bent protrusion 72 may be formed on the support section 71, and the retaining-releasing element 7 is supported at the support portion 10 of the contact section 30 on the side of the contact section 30 opposite to the clamping spring 4 via the bent protrusion. At the support portion 10 of the support section 71, a pivotally supported axis of rotation for the retaining-releasing element 7 is simultaneously formed at the contact section 30. A resiliently deflectable section 73, shaped like a spring tab, extends from the support section 71. This resiliently deflectable section serves as a return spring, causing the holding-releasing element 7 to return from the released position to its original position. Figure 1 It can be seen from the position that it is maintaining.

[0057] Sections 70, 71, and 80 are implemented with significantly greater bending resistance and correspondingly greater shape stability relative to the elastically deflectable section 73, such that the sections constitute common shape-stable sections 70, 71, and 80, which are substantially undeformed when the holding-releasing element 7 is deflected by an electrical conductor.

[0058] Figure 3 A clamping spring 4 with a hold-release element 7 is shown separately. Figure 4 A clamping spring 4 with a hold-release element 7, a busbar 3, and a manual operating element 6 is shown. As can be seen, the holding element 5 integrated into the hold-release element 7 has a first locking element 50, which may be configured, for example, at the edge of the side section 70 facing the support leg 41. The first locking element 50 is provided with a second locking element 44 at the clamping leg 43. If the clamping leg 43 is moved to the open position, the first locking element 50 and the second locking element 44 lock together, such that the clamping leg is locked in the open position and correspondingly cannot move toward the clamping position again, at least until the lock is released.

[0059] Figure 5 and Figure 6The components of terminal 1 are shown after the clamping leg 43 has moved to the open position of the latch. As can be seen, the actuating element 6 further shifts into the actuating channel 21. The clamping leg 43, along with its clamping edge 46, moves away from the contact section 30. The first latching element 50 latches with the second latching element 44. If an actuating force is now applied to the release section 80 by means of an electrical wire inserted in the wire introduction direction L, the holding-releasing element 7 thereby pivots slightly as a whole about its axis of rotation at the support section 10, more precisely against the restoring force of the resiliently deflectable section 73, which is slightly pre-tightened during the pivoting process. During the pivoting movement, the resiliently deflectable section 73 can, for example, be supported at the free end of the resiliently deflectable section 73 against the housing wall 22 of the insulating material housing 2. Due to the pivoting movement of the holding-releasing element 7, the elastically deflectable section 73 slightly bends and arches into the free space 23, which is formed within the insulating material housing 2. The pivoting process releases the latch between the first locking element 50 and the second locking element 44. Consequently, the clamping leg 43 pops out and securely clamps the electrical wire at the contact section 30. Through the pre-tightened elastically deflectable section 73, the holding-releasing element 7 moves back to its original holding position.

[0060] according to Figures 7 to 12 Another embodiment of terminal block 1 is described, which has the same characteristics as... Figures 1 to 6 The implementation method is basically similar in structure. And... Figures 1 to 6 The implementation method is different in that, Figures 7 to 12 In this embodiment, the retaining-releasing element 7 is shaped differently, specifically such that the side section 70 does not extend upward to the rear of the contact section 30, but instead extends downward in the opposite direction to the rear of the spring retaining section 31, that is, until the side of the spring retaining section 31 opposite to the clamping spring 4. In this manner, the support section 71 is provided on the side of the spring retaining section 31 opposite to the clamping spring 4, and is supported there at the support portion 10.

[0061] The resiliently deflectable segment 73 extends again from the support segment 71, which is supported on the housing wall 22 of the insulating material housing 2 when the holding-releasing element 7 is pivoted to the released position. Therefore, the axis of rotation of the holding-releasing element 7 is formed through the end of the support segment 71 opposite to the resiliently deflectable segment 73, which is supported at the support portion 10 by the spring-retaining segment 31. Figures 7 to 12 The operation of terminal 1 when the clamping leg is moved to the open position and when the clamping leg 43 is released from the open position corresponds to the following: Figures 1 to 6 The implementation method.

[0062] The holding-releasing elements 7 are configured as separate components in the previously described embodiments, while Figure 13 and Figure 14 A possible embodiment of the clamping spring 4 is shown, the clamping spring having a retaining-releasing element 7 integrally formed thereon. For example, the clamping spring 4 and the retaining-releasing element 7 can be similar to those in… Figure 9 The retaining-releasing element 7 is configured as described in the embodiment. Here, the retaining-releasing element 7 is connected to the supporting leg 41 via a flexible section 11 formed from the material of the clamping spring 4, and is integrally formed therewith. The flexible section 11 may be configured to taper in the width direction and / or thickness direction of the supporting leg 41, resulting in deformability at said location. Through this deformability, the retaining-releasing element 7 can be deflected and correspondingly pivoted in the same manner by loading the releasing section 80 via electrical wires, as described above according to other embodiments.

[0063] List of reference numerals

[0064] 1 terminal block

[0065] 2. Insulating material housing

[0066] 3 bus

[0067] 4 clamping springs

[0068] 5 retaining elements

[0069] 6 manual control elements

[0070] 7. Hold-Release Components

[0071] 8 Release components

[0072] 10 Support parts

[0073] 11. Easily bendable sections

[0074] 20 wires introduced into the opening

[0075] 21 control channels

[0076] 22 Shell Wall

[0077] 23 Free Space

[0078] 30 contact sections

[0079] 31 Spring retaining section

[0080] 32 connecting section

[0081] 41 Support Legs

[0082] 42 Spring Bow

[0083] 43. Clasp your legs together

[0084] 44 Second locking element

[0085] 46 Clamping edge

[0086] 50 First locking element

[0087] 60 manual control section

[0088] 61 Spring Carrier

[0089] 70 side section

[0090] 71 Support Section

[0091] 72 bends and protrusions

[0092] 73 Flexible deflectable section

[0093] 80 loosening section

[0094] L-direction of wire introduction

Claims

1. A terminal block (1) having an insulating material housing (2) having at least one wire inlet opening (20) for receiving an electrical wire in a wire inlet direction (L), wherein at least one spring-force clamping connector for connecting an electrical wire by means of a spring force is provided in the insulating material housing (2), the spring-force clamping connector having at least one busbar (3) and a clamping spring (4), the clamping spring having clamping legs (43) and clamping edges (46) for clamping the electrical wire at the contact section (30) of the busbar (3), The terminal block (1) has a retaining element (5) configured to hold the clamping leg (43) in an open position. The spring-loaded clamping connector has a releasing element (8) with a releasing section (80). By manipulating the releasing section, the retaining element (5) can be deflected such that the clamping leg (43) held at the retaining element (5) is released from the retaining element (5). The retaining element (5) and the releasing element (8) are implemented as structural units in the form of a retaining-releasing element (7), characterized in that, The hold-release element (7) has shape-stable sections (70, 71, 80) and elastically deflectable sections (73).

2. The terminal block according to claim 1, characterized in that, The retain-release element (7) is formed from spring steel sheet.

3. The terminal block according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The retain-release element (7) is pivotally supported at the support portion (10) at at least one component of the terminal (1).

4. The terminal block according to claim 2, characterized in that, The support portion (10) is positioned at a certain distance from the elastically deflectable section (73).

5. The terminal block according to any one of claims 3 or 4, characterized in that, The retain-release element (7) is pivotally supported about a fixed axis of rotation.

6. The terminal block according to any one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that, The holding-releasing element (7) can pivot from the holding position to the releasing position by applying a force to the releasing section (80) in the direction of wire introduction (L), in which the clamping leg (43) is held at the holding element (5), and in the releasing position, the clamping leg (43) held at the holding element (5) is released from the holding element (5).

7. The terminal block according to claim 6, characterized in that, The elastically deflectable section (73) is configured as a return spring, which is used to return the holding-releasing element (7) from the released position to the holding position.

8. The terminal block according to any one of claims 6 to 7, characterized in that, The release section (80) is coupled to the retaining element (5) via a bending-resistant connection, and the bending-resistant connection is substantially non-deformable when the release section (80) is manipulated from the retaining position to the release position by a force applied in the direction of wire introduction (L).

9. The terminal block according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The retain-release element (7) has at least one side section (70) that extends substantially parallel to the wire introduction direction (L) in its planar extension and forms a guide wall for guiding the electrical wire to be inserted.

10. The terminal block according to claim 9, characterized in that, The retain-release element (7) has a support section (71) which is pivotally supported at at least one member of the terminal (1) by means of the support section (71), wherein the support section (71) is configured to extend at an angle from at least one of the side sections (70).

11. The terminal block according to claim 10, characterized in that, The elastically deflectable section (73) is configured as a protrusion extending from the support section (71).

12. The terminal block according to any one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that, The release section (80) is configured as a section extending at an angle from at least one of the side sections (70).

13. The terminal block according to any one of claims 9 to 12, characterized in that, A first locking element (50) is formed at at least one of the side sections (70), and the clamping leg (43) can be locked at the first locking element in the open position by means of a second locking element (44).

14. The terminal block according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The clamping spring (4) has a support leg (41), and the busbar (3) has a spring retaining section (31), the clamping spring (4) being supported by the support leg (41) at the spring retaining section.

15. The terminal block according to claim 14, characterized in that, The busbar (3) has a connecting section (32), and the contact section (30) is connected to the spring retaining section (31) via the connecting section, wherein the connecting section (32) forms a guide wall for guiding the wire to be inserted.

16. The terminal block according to claim 15, characterized in that, An electrical conductor can be accommodated between at least one side section (70) of the retain-release element (7) and the connecting section (32).

17. The terminal block according to any one of claims 14 to 16, characterized in that, The support portion (10) is located outside the area of ​​the busbar (3) surrounded by the contact section (30) and the spring retaining section (31).

18. The terminal block according to any one of claims 14 to 17, characterized in that, The side section (70) extends in its planar extension mostly orthogonal to the planar extension of the support leg (41).

19. The terminal block according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The retain-release element (7) is fixed between the busbar (3) and the insulating material housing (2).

20. The terminal block according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The hold-release element (7) is supported on the busbar (3) relative to the spring force exerted on the hold-release element (7) by the clamping leg (43) in the open position.

21. The terminal block according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The terminal block (1) has an actuating element (6) to actuate the clamping spring (4) to the open position.

22. A terminal block (1) having an insulating material housing (2) having at least one wire inlet opening (20) for receiving an electrical wire in a wire inlet direction (L), wherein at least one spring-force clamping connector for connecting an electrical wire by means of a spring force is provided in the insulating material housing (2), the spring-force clamping connector having at least one busbar (3) and a clamping spring (4), the clamping spring having clamping legs (43) and clamping edges (46) for clamping the electrical wire at the contact section (30) of the busbar (3), The terminal block (1) has a retaining element (5) configured to hold the clamping leg (43) in an open position. The spring-loaded clamping connector has a releasing element (8) with a releasing section (80). When the conductor applies an actuating force to the releasing section (80), the retaining element (5) can be deflected by actuating the releasing section, causing the clamping leg (43) held at the retaining element (5) to release from the retaining element (5). The retaining element (5) and the releasing element (8) are implemented as structural units in the form of a retaining-releasing element (7), and in particular, the terminal block (1) according to any one of the preceding claims is characterized in that, The retain-release element (7) is integrally formed with the clamping spring (4), and especially with the support leg (41) of the clamping spring (4). A flexible section is formed in the transition from the clamping spring (4) to the retain-release element (7). The flexible section can be deformed to deflect the retain-release element (7) when the release section (80) is loaded by an electrical wire.

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