Connection terminal for connecting electrical conductors

Abstract

A terminal (1) comprising a housing (10) and a contact element (11) for electrical contact with an electrical conductor (2). A spring element (12) has a support leg (121) and a clamping leg (120) connected to the support leg (121), wherein the clamping leg (120) can be elastically moved into a clamping position and a release position relative to the support leg (121) and is configured to act on the electrical conductor (2) in the clamping position to bring it into contact with the contact element (11). A locking element (15) and a trigger element (13) are integrally formed with the spring element (12) and are connected to the support leg (121) in such a way that the locking element (15) and the trigger element (13) can be elastically moved relative to the support leg (121), respectively. The locking element (15) and the trigger element (13) are coupled by a coupling arm (132) extending between the locking element (15) and the trigger element (13) in such a way that the locking element (15) is moved when the trigger element (13) is moved out of an initial position.

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 type of terminal block includes a housing with a plug-in opening into which an electrical wire can be inserted in a plug-in direction to connect to the terminal block. A contact element is arranged on the housing for electrical contact with the electrical wire. A spring element has a support leg supported on the contact element and / or the housing and a clamping leg connected to the support leg, the clamping leg acting on the electrical wire. The clamping leg is resiliently movable relative to the support leg to a clamped position and a released position, and is configured to act on the electrical wire in the clamped position to bring it into contact with the contact element. The clamping leg can engage with a locking element to lock in the released position. A trigger element can move out of the initial position by acting in conjunction with the wire when it is inserted into the plug-in opening, thereby releasing the clamping leg from the released position.

[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 in the connection position by the elastic spring action of the spring element, and is thus electrically connected to the contact element.

[0004] A terminal block with a spring element is known from DE 10 2019 132 316 A1, wherein a trigger element is formed on a support leg. In the released position of the clamping leg of the spring element, the clamping leg locks with the trigger element.

[0005] Another configuration of the terminal block is known from DE 20 2022 104 223 U1.

[0006] In a terminal block with a spring element for implementing a spring-loaded joint and a self-triggering design, the terminal block is reliably triggered when a wire is inserted, and the clamping legs of the spring element are reliably held in the released position. There is also a need, in principle, for a compact and simple configuration. It should be noted that the terminal block may need to remain in the released position for extended periods, for example, because the terminal block is delivered by the manufacturer in this condition. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The objective of this invention is to provide a terminal block that can be compactly and simply constructed, and that can be reliably triggered when a wire is inserted, and that can reliably hold the clamping leg in the released position.

[0008] This task is solved by a subject having the features of claim 1.

[0009] Accordingly, the locking element and the trigger element are integrally formed with the spring element, and the locking element and the trigger element are connected to the support leg in such a way that the locking element and the trigger element can move elastically relative to the support leg respectively. The locking element and the trigger element are forcibly coupled by a coupling arm extending between the locking element and the trigger element such that when the trigger element moves out of the initial position, the locking element moves to release the clamping leg from the release position.

[0010] In a terminal block, the conductor makes electrical contact with the electrical contact element by means that, when the conductor is inserted into the socket, clamping legs act on the conductor and spring-load it elastically toward contact with the contact element. To simplify conductor insertion, the clamping legs of the spring element can be elastically deflected to move the clamping legs to a release position, in which space within the housing and in the area of ​​the socket is released, allowing the conductor to be inserted into the socket substantially without resistance, or allowing the connected conductor to be easily removed from the terminal block.

[0011] The terminal block has a locking element integrally formed with the spring element, by which the clamping leg is locked relative to the housing in the released position. In the released position, the clamping leg and the locking element are in a locked connection, so that the clamping leg is held in the released position, and thus a simple and substantially powerless plugging of the wire to the terminal block is possible.

[0012] Terminal blocks can be delivered to customers by the manufacturer with the clamping legs in the released position.

[0013] Additionally, a trigger element integrally formed with the spring element is provided. This trigger element is resiliently deflectable relative to the support leg and is designed to work in conjunction with the electrical wire during insertion. This causes the trigger element to be adjusted upon wire insertion, thereby actuating the locking element to release the latch between the locking element and the clamping leg. Thus, upon wire insertion, the terminal block is automatically triggered, causing the wire to contact the contact element via the clamping leg and thereby electrically connect to the terminal block.

[0014] Because the trigger element is adjusted when the wire is inserted, and thereby drives the locking element, which in turn releases the clamping legs from the released position, the terminal block automatically closes when the wire is inserted. This ensures reliable contact between the wire and the contact element through the clamping action of the clamping legs, resulting in a simple wiring process.

[0015] The spring element is supported on the housing and / or contact element by the support leg, and is thus held in position within the housing. The clamping leg can be elastically deflected relative to the support leg, wherein the clamping leg is deflected in the release position such that the spring element is elastically tensioned, and the clamping leg moves out of the release position in an elastically preloaded manner after being released from the release position.

[0016] Because the locking element and triggering element are integrally molded with the spring element, a simple configuration of the terminal block is obtained, which allows for easy assembly. In particular, the terminal block can be designed to have a small number of components that can be easily assembled with each other, for example, by fitting an assembly consisting of a contact element and a spring element into a housing.

[0017] Because the locking element and the spring element are integrally molded and connected to the support leg, a force flow is generated inside the spring element in the released position. In particular, the resultant force on the housing (made of electrically insulating plastic) is negligible, so that the tension of the spring element when the clamping leg is in the released position does not cause a continuous load on the housing.

[0018] In one design, the clamping leg is connected to the support leg via a bent section. A locking element and a trigger element are connected to the end of the support leg away from the bent section. Both the clamping leg and the locking element are formed on and extend from the support leg. Here, both the locking element and the trigger element are arranged on the end of the support leg away from the bent section. Therefore, the support leg functionally occupies an intermediate position between the clamping leg (on one hand) connected to the support leg via the bent section and the locking element and trigger element (on the other hand).

[0019] In one design, the coupling arm is integrally formed with the trigger element and the locking element. Therefore, the coupling arm is also part of the spring element and is integrally formed with it. The coupling arm couples the trigger element and the locking element so that the trigger element and the locking element can only move together, and thus the displacement movement of the trigger element accompanies the movement of the locking element in a forced coupling manner.

[0020] In one design, a housing defines a receiving space into which an electrical wire can be introduced by insertion into a plug-in opening. A trigger element is arranged within the receiving space to interact with the electrical wire and can be adjusted relative to the housing from an initial position through this interaction.

[0021] In one design, the trigger element has a trigger leg for cooperating with a wire and at least one connecting arm connecting the trigger leg to a support leg. Specifically, the trigger leg may extend approximately laterally to the insertion direction into an area of ​​the receiving space aligned with the insertion opening, such that when the wire is inserted, the wire collides with the trigger leg, thereby adjusting the trigger element. Thus, the trigger element adjusts out of its initial position upon wire insertion, thereby causing the clamping leg to be released and movable from the released position toward the clamping position.

[0022] The trigger leg is connected to the support leg via at least one connecting arm (different from the locking element and coupling arm). The connecting arm may, for example, be elastically deformable, such that the trigger leg can be elastically deflected relative to the support leg by deformation of the connecting arm.

[0023] In one design, at least one connecting arm is curved. Therefore, at least one connecting arm has a bent portion, for example, at an angle of approximately 90° or greater. Through the curved connecting arm, the trigger leg is bent relative to the support leg, such that the trigger leg is located outside the plane of the support leg.

[0024] In one design, a coupling arm (different from at least one connecting arm) is connected to the trigger leg at a first end. Conversely, at a second end, away from the first end, the coupling arm is connected to a locking element. Thus, the coupling arm extends between the trigger leg and the locking element, creating a forced coupling between them, and causing the locking element to move when the trigger leg moves.

[0025] In one design, the coupling arm is connected to the locking element at its second end via at least one elastically deformable connecting tab. The coupling arm can be elastically adjusted relative to the locking element via the at least one connecting tab. Preferably, additionally, the coupling arm is also elastically adjustable relative to the trigger leg at its first end, allowing the coupling arm to change position relative to the trigger leg and relative to the locking element during the movement of the trigger element, particularly the swinging movement of the trigger leg.

[0026] In one design, the clamping leg, trigger element, and locking element are each movable relative to the supporting leg along a swing plane. Specifically, the clamping leg, trigger element, and locking element are pivotable relative to the supporting leg along the swing plane. This swing plane extends from the insertion direction and a lateral direction perpendicular to the insertion direction.

[0027] At least one connecting arm, coupling arm, and locking element preferably together form an articulated quadrilateral, wherein the motion of the trigger leg is converted into the motion of the locking element via the coupling arm. This articulated quadrilateral is understood as a coupling transmission device, functionally consisting of four links interconnected at their vertices to form a quadrilateral. Here, the coupling arm and the locking element (in the swing plane) each constitute one link of the articulated quadrilateral. Furthermore, two links of the articulated quadrilateral are formed by the legs of at least one connecting arm. These links of the articulated quadrilateral are interconnected at least approximately via bending joints at the transition between the trigger leg and the coupling arm, bending joints at the transition between the coupling arm and the locking element, bending joints at the transition between the locking element and the support arm, and via arcuate bends on at least one connecting arm. This results in a kinematic system in which the motion of the trigger leg is converted into the motion of the locking element via the articulated quadrilateral.

[0028] In one design, the coupling arm bends relative to the trigger leg in a first bending direction within the swing plane. Conversely, the locking element bends relative to the coupling arm in a second bending direction opposite to the first bending direction. Furthermore, preferably, at least one connecting arm is arc-shaped along its extension path from the trigger leg to the support leg in the first bending direction, and the support leg is bent relative to the locking element in the first bending direction. Therefore, the coupling arm and locking element are bent in opposite directions relative to each other compared to the arrangement of the trigger leg relative to the coupling arm and the arrangement of the locking element relative to the support leg. Here, the coupling arm and locking element are bridged by at least one arc-shaped connecting arm, resulting in an arrangement according to the type of hinged quadrilateral.

[0029] In one design, the trigger element has two connecting arms, which are preferably spaced apart from each other along a depth direction perpendicular to the swing plane. Here, in a projection onto a plane developed by the insertion direction and the depth direction, a locking element and a coupling arm are arranged between the connecting arms. The trigger leg is connected to a support leg via the connecting arms, wherein the connecting arms can, for example, be elastically deformable to allow elastic deflection of the trigger leg relative to the support leg. The coupling arm and the locking element are arranged between the connecting arms about the depth direction. This arrangement allows the spring element to be easily manufactured from a single workpiece, such as a stamped and bent piece made of spring steel, and the locking element and coupling arm can be formed on the spring element by freely cutting and bending them relative to the connecting arms.

[0030] In one design, the locking element has a locking arm that carries a locking section for engaging with the clamping leg. The locking arm is sized such that the locking element can move elastically relative to the supporting leg. The locking section on the locking arm can be formed, for example, by a curved end constructed according to the type of locking hook, or by a locking edge. In the released position, the clamping leg engages with the locking section and is thus held in position by the locking element.

[0031] In one design, the support leg extends flatly along a plane extending from the insertion direction and a depth direction perpendicular to the insertion direction. The spring element is supported by the support leg and thus held statically on the terminal. For example, the support leg is thus fixed to the wall section of the contact element and thereby fixed relative to the contact element.

[0032] In one design, the coupling arm extends at least approximately parallel to the support leg in its initial position.

[0033] In one design, the clamping leg has a locking section for engaging with a locking element in the released position. In another design, the locking section of the clamping leg can be formed via a locking opening on the clamping leg, into which the locking element engages in the released position. In yet another design, the locking section of the clamping leg can be formed via a locking tab protruding from the clamping leg, which engages with the locking element in the released position. In this case, the locking element can, for example, have a locking opening into which the locking tab of the clamping leg engages in the released position.

[0034] The spring element, together with the clamping leg, support leg, locking element and triggering element, is preferably formed as a self-elastic component, which is made of, for example, spring steel.

[0035] Spring elements can be formed, for example, into stamped and bent parts.

[0036] In one design, the contact element has a contact groove formed by a base and at least one wall segment bent relative to the base. For example, at least one wall segment is bent relative to the base about a bending axis pointing along the insertion direction.

[0037] In one design, the contact groove has two wall sections, each curved relative to the base and extending flatly along two parallel planes. Therefore, the contact groove can, for example, have a U-shaped configuration in a cross-section perpendicular to the insertion direction.

[0038] The contact element is particularly constructed of metal, for example, as a metal stamping and bending part. In particular, the contact element can be integrally and integrally formed, wherein the contact groove is integrally formed with other sections of the contact element.

[0039] In one design, the clamping leg of the spring element is positioned within a space formed by a contact groove, and is thus movable within the contact groove. Therefore, the spring element is at least partially, i.e., at least a section of the clamping leg, housed within the contact groove, allowing the clamping leg to move within the contact groove between a release position and a clamping position. In the release position, the clamping leg is spaced apart, for example, from a wall section of the contact groove, allowing a conductor to be introduced into the intermediate space between the clamping leg and the wall section. Conversely, in the clamping position, the clamping leg clamps against the introduced conductor, pressing the conductor against the wall section of the contact groove, and thus making electrical contact between the conductor and the contact groove.

[0040] In one design, the contact element has a contact section for making electrical contact with a mating contact element. The contact section can be configured as a contact socket or a contact pin, and is used to establish a mating connection with the mating contact element. If the contact section is configured as a contact pin, the mating contact is preferably formed as a contact socket. Conversely, if the contact section is formed as a contact socket, the mating contact is configured as a contact pin.

[0041] The contact section can protrude longitudinally from the contact groove along the insertion direction, so that the contact section can be connected to the mating contact element along the insertion direction.

[0042] In one design, the terminal block has an adjustable actuating element disposed on the housing, which can be adjusted in the actuating direction to move the clamping leg to the release position. The actuating element may be designed as a button, for example, and is pressed into the housing by the user to act on the clamping leg in such a way that the clamping leg is adjusted toward the release position.

[0043] The direction of operation can be, for example, along the plugging direction (where the electrical wire is inserted into the plugging opening of the housing along the plugging direction to connect to the terminal block).

[0044] In another design, the control element can also pivot relative to the housing.

[0045] Instead of actuating elements, it can also be set that the clamping legs can be deflected by a separate tool, such as a screwdriver.

[0046] 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 electrical wire into contact with the contact element by the spring force. For this purpose, an opening may be formed in the clamping leg, through which the electrical wire can be guided when inserted into the insertion opening of the housing, so that after the clamping leg is triggered from the release position, the electrical wire is pulled into clamping contact with the contact element.

[0047] Alternatively, the spring element can be configured as a compression spring. In this case, the clamping leg is configured to press the wire against the contact element by the spring force. The wire reaches the space between the clamping leg and the contact element when inserted into the insertion opening, wherein, after the clamping leg is triggered from the release position, the clamping leg acts on the wire and presses the wire against the contact element. Attached Figure Description

[0048] 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: Figure 1A A view of one embodiment of a terminal block is shown, the terminal block having a contact element and a spring element arranged on the contact element; Figure 1B A view of a terminal block is shown, with the clamping leg of the spring element in the released position. Figure 1C A view of the terminals with an electrical wire inserted is shown; Figure 1D A view of the wiring terminals is shown when the clamping legs are in the clamped position; Figure 2A A perspective view of the spring element on the contact element is shown when the clamping leg is in the clamping position; Figure 2B A perspective view of the spring element on the contact element is shown when the clamping leg is in the released position; Figure 3A A separate view of the contact element is shown; Figure 3B A side view of the contact element is shown; Figure 3C A front view of the contact element is shown; Figure 4A A separate view of the spring element is shown; Figure 4B A side view of the spring element is shown; Figure 4C A front view of the spring element is shown; Figure 5 A view of the spring element is shown when the clamping leg is in the released position; Figure 6 A view of the stamped workpiece used to construct the spring element is shown before the bending process; and Figure 7 A schematic diagram of a spring element is shown to illustrate a hinged quadrilateral consisting of a trigger element and a locking element. Detailed Implementation

[0049] Figures 1A-1D to Figure 7 A view of one embodiment of a terminal block 1 is shown, which has a housing 10 having a plug opening 100 formed thereon for inserting an electrical wire 2.

[0050] Terminal 1 is designed as a spring connector. Housing 10 defines a receiving space 101 into which the wire 2 is introduced with its stripped conductor end 20 when inserted into the insertion opening 100 along the insertion direction E. In the connected position, the wire 2 with its stripped conductor end 20 is located inside the receiving space 101 and is electrically connected to the contact element 11 via the clamping leg 120 of the spring element 12, thus electrically connecting the wire 2 to terminal 1.

[0051] exist Figures 3A-3C The terminal block 1, shown in a separate view, has a contact element 11 having a contact groove 110 and a contact section 114 protruding from the contact groove 110. In the illustrated embodiment, the contact section 114 is formed by a contact socket into which a mating insertion section 103 of the housing 10 can be inserted (see [reference]). Figures 1A-1D In the process, and along the insertion direction E, it is connected to the mating contact of the mating connector.

[0052] In the illustrated embodiment, the contact element 11 is integrally manufactured as a stamped and bent part.

[0053] The contact groove 110 has a U-shaped configuration in a cross section transverse to the insertion direction E, and is composed of a base 111 and wall sections 112 and 113 connected thereto and curved relative to the base 111.

[0054] These wall segments 112 and 113 are respectively curved relative to the base 111 around a bending axis extending longitudinally along the insertion direction E, and extend in planes that point parallel to each other. In the illustrated embodiment, Figures 4A-4CThe spring element 12, shown in a separate view, is supported on the wall section 112 of the contact groove 110 by a support leg 121. The clamping leg 120 is connected to the support leg 121 by a bending section 122 that provides a bending joint. The bent section 122 provides a bending radius by which the clamping leg 120 can elastically pivot relative to the support leg 121 about a swing axis approximately concentric with the bending section 122.

[0055] In the illustrated embodiment, the support leg 121 extends flatly along a plane unfolded by the insertion direction E and the depth direction T. The support leg 121 is fixed to the wall section 112 of the contact element 11, for example by riveting, through the fixing opening 123.

[0056] In the illustrated embodiment, the spring element 12 is housed within the contact groove 110 such that the clamping leg 120 can move within the contact groove 110. For connection of the electrical wire 2, the electrical wire 2 can be introduced through the insertion opening 100 into the receiving space 101 inside the housing 10, and thereby into the contact groove 110, reaching the gap between the clamping leg 120 and the wall section 113 of the contact groove 110. Within the receiving space 101, the clamping leg 120 of the spring element 12 is pressed against the wall section 113 of the contact element 11, thereby making electrical contact with the contact element 11.

[0057] The clamping leg 120 can be elastically deflected relative to the support leg 121, and in particular, the clamping leg 120 clamps the wire 2 connected to the terminal 1 in the clamped position, and presses the wire 2 into contact with the wall section 113 of the contact element 11 under elastic preload.

[0058] As from Figures 1A-1D As can be seen, the terminal block 1 has an operating element 14, which is configured with a head 140 and a lever 141 extending from the head 140. The operating element 14 is housed in an operating opening 102 provided in the housing 10 and can be adjusted relative to the housing 10 along the operating direction B between an unoperated position and an operated position. Here, the operating element 14 acts on the clamping leg 120 via the lever 141 so that when adjusted in the direction of the operated position, the clamping leg is moved from the clamped position to the position. Figure 1B In the visible release position, the area inside the contact groove 110 that is aligned with the insertion opening 100 along the insertion direction E is released by the clamping leg 120, so that the wire 2 can be inserted into the insertion opening 100 in a substantially powerless manner and connected to the corresponding terminal 1.

[0059] In the illustrated embodiment, terminal 1 has a trigger element 13 configured with a trigger leg 130 that, in the unloaded initial position, extends substantially transversely to the insertion direction E and extends into the area inside the contact groove 110 aligned with the insertion opening 100 along the insertion direction E, such as by, for example, by Figures 1A-1D As can be seen.

[0060] The trigger element 13 is integrally constructed with the spring element 12 and is connected to the end of the support leg 121 away from the bending section 122. Here, the trigger element 13 can move elastically relative to the support leg 121, such that when the wire 2 is inserted into the corresponding terminal 1's provided insertion opening 100 along the insertion direction E, the trigger leg 130 can be deflected by acting in conjunction with the wire 2.

[0061] In the illustrated embodiment, the trigger element 13 has two connecting arms 131 through which the trigger leg 130 is connected to the support leg 121. These connecting arms 131 are constructed via connecting tabs and transition into the support leg 121. These connecting arms 131 are curved and elastically deformable, allowing the trigger element 13 to move elastically relative to the support leg 121 when bending occurs in the connecting arms 131.

[0062] These connecting arms 131 are spaced apart from each other along the depth direction T.

[0063] The insertion direction E and the lateral direction Q perpendicular to the insertion direction E and the depth direction T unfold a swing plane, which not only clamps the leg 120, but also allows the trigger element 13 to elastically deflect relative to the support leg 121 along the swing plane.

[0064] Regarding the depth direction T, a locking element 15 is arranged between the connecting arms 131 of the trigger element 13. The locking element has a locking arm 150 and a locking section 151 formed by the hook-shaped end of the locking arm 150. The locking element 15 opens in the swing plane relative to the connecting arm 131 and bends relative to the support leg 121 at its end 152.

[0065] The trigger element 13 is forcibly coupled to the locking element 15 via a coupling arm 132. The coupling arm 132 extends approximately along a plane parallel to the plane of the support leg 121 between the trigger element 13 and the locking element 15, and is connected to the trigger leg 130 at an end 133, and is connected to the locking element 15 at an end opposite to the end 133 via a connecting tab 134.

[0066] As this is based on Figure 7As can be seen in the schematic diagram, the coupling arm 132 is bent at its end 133, in a first bending direction B1 around the depth direction T, relative to the trigger leg 130. Conversely, at the connecting tab 134, the locking element 15 is bent relative to the coupling arm 132 in the opposite bending direction B2 around the depth direction T. The support leg 121 is also bent at its end 152 relative to the locking element 15 in the first bending direction B1. Furthermore, the connecting arm 131 is arcuately bent in the first bending direction B1 along its extension path between the trigger leg 130 and the support leg 121. Figure 7 As schematically shown, a hinged quadrilateral V is functionally obtained, which is composed of the legs of the connecting arm 131, the coupling arm 132 and the locking element 15, and the hinged quadrilateral is a four-bar linkage coupling transmission mechanism for forcibly coupling the triggering element 13 and the locking element 15.

[0067] Specifically, at least approximate hinge axes G1 to G4 are obtained, on which connecting rods of a hinged quadrilateral V, formed in the swing plane by connecting arm 131, coupling arm 132, and locking arm 150 of locking element 15, are hingedly connected to each other. Here, the two connecting rods are constructed by the legs of connecting arm 131 and are connected to each other in a hinged bending manner around hinge axis G1. Coupling arm 132 is connected to trigger leg 130 in a hinged bending manner around hinge axis G2. Furthermore, coupling arm 132 is connected to locking arm 150 of locking element 15 via connecting piece 134 in a hinged bending manner around hinge axis G3. And, locking element 15 is connected to support leg 121 at end 152 in a hinged bending manner around hinge axis G4.

[0068] Since the trigger leg 130 is coupled to the locking element 15 through the coupling arm 132, the locking element 15 moves together with the trigger leg 130 in a forced coupling manner when the trigger leg 130 moves.

[0069] To move the clamping leg 120 to the release position, the user operates the operating element 14 in the operating direction B, which in turn acts on the clamping leg 120 via the lever 141. This causes the clamping leg 120 to move toward the locking section 151 of the locking element 15, in the form of a locking hook, which engages with the locking opening 154 of the clamping leg 120, thereby locking the clamping leg 120 in the release position, as is done when moving from... Figures 1A to 1B As can be seen in the transition.

[0070] Clamping your legs together (120) Figure 1B In the released position shown, the clamping leg 120 is locked with the locking element 15 and is thus held in position relative to the support leg 121.

[0071] If the wire 2 is inserted into the insertion opening 100 of the terminal 1 ( Figure 1C If the conductor end 20 of the lead wire 2 collides with the trigger leg 130 inside the receiving space 101, and the trigger element 13 is adjusted inside the housing 10, the locking element 15 is driven by the coupling through the coupling arm 132, thereby releasing the lock between the locking element 15 and the clamping leg 120. Therefore, the clamping leg 120 is released from the released position and achieves a clamping connection with the inserted lead wire 2. Figure 1D This causes the wire 2 to be clamped to the wall section 113 of the contact groove 110 of the contact element 11, and thereby electrically connected to the contact element 11.

[0072] Therefore, the locking mechanism of the clamping leg 120 automatically releases when the electrical wire 2 is inserted, so that the clamping leg 120 is no longer held in the released position. Due to the spring preload of the spring element 12, the clamping leg 120 moves toward the clamping position and clamps the inserted electrical wire 2 inside the contact groove 110 with the wall section 113 of the contact element 11, so that the electrical wire 2 is electrically connected to the contact element 11 and is also mechanically locked to the terminal 1.

[0073] If the connected wire 2 is to be released from the terminal 1 again, the operating element 14 can be pressed into the housing 10 in the operating direction B so that the clamping leg 120 is moved to the release position and thus the wire 2 is released.

[0074] Because the trigger element 13 and the locking element 15 are integrally formed with the spring element 12, a compact configuration is possible while simplifying assembly. In particular, for assembly, the spring element 12 can be fixed to the contact element 11 and assembled together with the contact element 11 into the housing 10.

[0075] In the released position of the clamping leg 120, the clamping leg 120 is tensioned relative to the support leg 121. Here, there is a force flow within the spring element 12 itself via the locking element 15. Therefore, the tension force on the spring element 12 is absorbed within the spring element 12, and no significant resultant force acts on the housing 10. Therefore, even if the terminal 1 remains in the released position with the clamping leg 120 tensioned for an extended period of time, there will be no damage or even destruction to the housing 10 due to material fatigue.

[0076] The spring element 12 can be made as an integral stamped and bent piece, particularly with the trigger element 13 and the locking element 15. As such... Figure 6As can be seen, the workpiece for constructing the spring element 12 is shown prior to the bending process. By introducing a slit during the stamping process, the connecting arm 131, coupling arm 132, and locking element 15 can be freely cut relative to each other, such that the connecting arm 131 is formed on the outside of the spring element 12, and the coupling arm 132 and locking element 15 are formed between the connecting arms 131 about the depth direction T. Through the subsequent bending process, the clamping leg 120 bends relative to the supporting leg 121, and furthermore, the coupling arm 132 and locking element 15 are opened, and the connecting arm 131 is curved, thereby obtaining the spring element 12 according to the bending process. Figures 3A-3C The shape of the spring element 12.

[0077] Since the trigger element 13 is forcibly coupled to the locking element 15 via the coupling arm 132 integrally formed with the spring element 12, a terminal 1 is obtained in which the clamping leg 120 is stably locked with the locking element 15 in the released position, and furthermore, the locking element 15 can be reliably moved by manipulating the trigger element 13 in order to release the lock between the clamping leg 120 and the locking element 15.

[0078] The ideas upon which this invention is based are not limited to the foregoing embodiments, but can also be implemented in other ways.

[0079] The actuating element can be linearly movable or pivotable and can be manipulated to move the clamping legs to the release position. However, a design without an actuating element and with terminals can also be used, in which the clamping legs can be acted upon by a separate tool, such as a screwdriver.

[0080] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0081] 1 terminal block

[0082] 10 housing

[0083] 100mm plug opening

[0084] 101 Accommodation Space

[0085] 102 Operating opening

[0086] 103 plug-in section

[0087] 11 Contact Elements

[0088] 110 contact groove

[0089] 111 base

[0090] Sections 112 and 113

[0091] 114 contact section

[0092] 12 clamping springs

[0093] 120 Clamping Legs

[0094] 121 Supporting Legs

[0095] 122-bend section

[0096] 123 Fixed opening

[0097] 124 Locking Opening

[0098] 13 trigger elements

[0099] 130 trigger legs

[0100] 131 connecting arm

[0101] 132 coupling arms

[0102] 133 end

[0103] 134 connector

[0104] 14 control elements

[0105] 140 heads

[0106] 141 pole section

[0107] 15 locking elements

[0108] 150 locking arm

[0109] 151 Locked Section

[0110] 152 end

[0111] 2 wires

[0112] 20 conductor ends

[0113] B controls the direction.

[0114] E insertion direction

[0115] G1-G4 hinge axis

[0116] Q horizontal direction

[0117] T-depth direction

[0118] V-shaped hinged quadrilateral

Claims

1. A terminal block (1) for connecting an electrical conductor (2), having The housing (10) has a plug-in opening (100) into which an electrical wire (2) can be inserted along 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). A spring element (12) having a support leg (121) supported on a contact element (11) and / or a housing (10) and a clamping leg (120) connected to the support leg (121), the clamping leg being used to act on an electrical conductor (2), wherein, The clamping leg (120) is elastically movable relative to the supporting leg (121) to a clamping position and a released position, and the clamping leg is configured to act on the electrical conductor (2) in the clamping position to bring it into contact with the contact element (11). The locking element (15) and the clamping leg (120) are capable of engaging the locking element (15) to lock in the release position, and Trigger element (13), which can move out of its initial position by acting in conjunction with the wire (2) when it is inserted into the plug opening (100), so as to release the clamping leg (120) from the release position. The characteristic feature is that the locking element (15) and the triggering element (13) are integrally formed with the spring element (12), and the locking element and the triggering element are connected to the support leg (121) in such a way that the locking element (15) and the triggering element (13) can move elastically relative to the support leg (121), respectively. The locking element (15) and the trigger element (13) are forcibly coupled by a coupling arm (132) extending between the locking element (15) and the trigger element (13) such that when the trigger element (13) moves out of the initial position, the locking element (15) moves to release the clamping leg (120) from the release position.

2. The terminal block (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The clamping leg (120) is connected to the support leg (121) via a bent section (122), wherein a locking element (15) and a triggering element (13) are connected to the end of the support leg (121) away from the bent section (122).

3. The terminal block (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The coupling arm (132) is integrally formed with the trigger element (13) and the locking element (15).

4. The terminal block (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The housing (10) defines a receiving space (101) into which an electrical wire (2) can be introduced by being inserted into a plug opening (100), wherein a trigger element (13) is arranged in the receiving space (101) to work in conjunction with the electrical wire (2).

5. The terminal block (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The trigger element (13) has a trigger leg (130) for working in conjunction with the electrical wire (2) and at least one connecting arm (131), the trigger leg (130) being connected to the support leg (121) via the connecting arm.

6. The terminal block (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that, At least one connecting arm (131) is elastically deformable to allow the trigger leg (130) to adjust relative to the support leg (121).

7. The terminal block (1) according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that, At least one connecting arm (131) is bent in an arc.

8. The terminal block (1) according to any one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that, The coupling arm (132) is connected to the trigger leg (130) at the first end (133) and to the locking element (15) at the second end away from the first end (133).

9. The terminal block (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that, The coupling arm (132) is connected to the locking element (15) at its second end via at least one elastically deformable connecting piece (134).

10. The terminal block (1) according to any one of claims 5 to 9, characterized in that, The clamping leg (120), the triggering element (13), and the locking element (15) are respectively movable relative to the supporting leg (121) along the swing plane, which is extended by the insertion direction (E) and the transverse direction (Q) perpendicular to the insertion direction (E).

11. The terminal block (1) according to claim 10, characterized in that, At least one connecting arm (131), coupling arm (132) and locking element (15) together form an articulated quadrilateral (V), wherein the movement of the trigger leg (130) is converted into the movement of the locking element (15) through the coupling arm (132).

12. The terminal block (1) according to claim 11, characterized in that, The coupling arm (132) bends relative to the trigger leg (130) in a first bending direction (B1) in the swing plane, and the locking element (15) bends relative to the coupling arm (132) in a second bending direction (B2) opposite to the first bending direction (B1).

13. The terminal block (1) according to claim 12, characterized in that, At least one connecting arm (131) is curved in a first bending direction (B1) along its extension path from the trigger leg (130) to the support leg (121).

14. The terminal block (1) according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that, The support leg (121) bends relative to the locking element (15) in the first bending direction (B1).

15. The terminal block (1) according to any one of claims 10 to 14, characterized in that, The trigger element (13) has two connecting arms (131), wherein, in the projection on the projection plane unfolded by the insertion direction (E) and the depth direction (T) perpendicular to the swing plane, the coupling arm (132) and the locking element (15) are arranged between the connecting arms (131).

16. The terminal block (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The locking element (15) has a locking arm (150) extending from the support leg (121), the locking arm carrying a locking section (151) for locking with the clamping leg (120), and the locking arm is connected to the coupling arm (132).

17. The terminal block (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The support leg (121) extends flatly along a plane unfolded by the insertion direction (E) and the depth direction (T) perpendicular to the insertion direction (E).

18. The terminal block (1) according to claim 17, characterized in that, The coupling arm (132) extends parallel to the support leg (121) in the initial position.

19. The terminal block (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The support leg (121) is fixed to the wall section (112) of the contact element (11).

20. The terminal block (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The clamping leg (120) has a locking section for engaging with the locking element (15) in the release position.

21. The terminal block (1) according to claim 20, characterized in that, The locking section is formed by a locking opening (124) on the clamping leg (120), and in the released position of the clamping leg (120), the locking element (15) engages in the locking opening.

22. The terminal block (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The contact element (11) has a contact groove (110) formed by a base (111) and at least one wall section (112, 113) bent relative to the base (111).

23. The terminal block (1) according to claim 22, characterized in that, At least one wall section (112, 113) is bent relative to the base (111) about a bending axis pointing along the insertion direction (E).

24. The terminal block (1) according to claim 22 or 23, characterized in that, The contact groove (110) is formed by a base (111) and two wall segments (112, 113) that are curved relative to the base (110) respectively, and these wall segments extend flatly along two planes that extend parallel to each other.

25. The terminal block (1) according to any one of claims 22 to 24, characterized in that, The clamping leg (120) is able to move in the contact groove (110).

26. The terminal block (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The contact element (11) has a contact section (114) for making electrical contact with the mating contact provided.

27. The terminal block (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, An actuating element (14) is provided on the housing (10) and is adjustable to be moved from an unoperated position to an operated position along the actuating direction (B) in order to adjust the clamping leg (120) to a released position.

Images