Connection terminal for connecting electrical conductors

Abstract

A terminal (1) comprises 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 relative to the support leg (121) into a clamping position and a release 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 clamping leg (120) is latched in the release position with a trigger element (13), which can be moved out of an initial position by a common action with the electrical conductor (2) when the electrical conductor is inserted into a plug-in opening (100) in order to release the clamping leg (120) from the release position. The trigger element (13) has at least one sliding section (134, 135), which is slidingly supported on the contact element (11) and which can be moved on the contact element (11) when the trigger element (13) is moved out of the 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 elastically 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 terminal block also has a trigger element that engages with the clamping leg in the released position, and the trigger element can move out of its initial position by acting in conjunction with the electrical 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] Other terminal block configurations are known from DE 10 2022 117 906 A1 and EP 4 060 816 B1.

[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 triggering element has at least one sliding section that is slidably supported on the contact element, and the sliding section is capable of moving on the contact element when the triggering element moves out of its initial 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 trigger element by which the clamping leg is held in the released position relative to the housing. In the released position, the clamping leg is engaged with the trigger element, such that the clamping leg is held in the released position, and thus the electrical wire can be easily and substantially plugged into the terminal block.

[0012] The trigger element is designed to work in conjunction with the electrical lead when it is inserted, causing the trigger element to adjust upon insertion and thereby releasing the latching leg. The trigger element is latched with the clamping leg in the released position. Upon insertion of the electrical lead, the latching leg is released, causing the trigger element to no longer hold the clamping leg in the released position. Therefore, the terminal block is automatically triggered, causing the electrical lead to contact the contact element through the clamping leg and thus electrically connect to the terminal block.

[0013] Because the trigger element is adjusted when the wire is inserted, and the clamping legs are thus released from the released position, the terminals automatically close when the wire is inserted. This results in a simple wiring process, while the clamping action of the clamping legs ensures reliable contact between the wire and the contact element.

[0014] 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.

[0015] Terminal blocks can be delivered to customers by the manufacturer with the clamping legs in the released position.

[0016] The trigger element has at least one sliding section that is slidably supported on the contact element and moves on the contact element when the trigger element moves out of its initial position. Because the trigger element is supported on the contact element, it is particularly possible to introduce the tension force of the clamping leg through the trigger element into the contact element and absorb it on the contact element.

[0017] In one design, at least one sliding section is slidably guided on the contact element along the insertion direction. The trigger element is movable on the contact element via this sliding section. If no electrical wire is connected to the terminal block, the trigger element occupies its initial position relative to the housing and the contact element. Upon insertion of the electrical wire, the wire interacts with the trigger element, causing the trigger element to move out of its initial position, wherein, during this movement, the trigger element is guided on the contact element via the at least one sliding section, and thus moves out of its initial position in a guided manner.

[0018] Through its interaction with the electrical conductor, the trigger element itself can elastically deform, allowing, for example, a portion of the trigger element to move while another portion remains in place. Alternatively, it can be considered that the trigger element as a whole undergoes a positional change and moves entirely relative to the contact element upon insertion of the electrical conductor.

[0019] At least one sliding section moves slidably on the contact element by interacting with the wire when the wire is inserted. The sliding section can move longitudinally along the insertion direction. Additionally, the sliding section can also be tilted relative to the contact element, for example, when the trigger leg of the trigger element tilts by interacting with the wire.

[0020] In one design, the contact element has at least one sliding edge, and at least one sliding segment is slidably supported on said sliding edge. One or more sliding edges are correspondingly formed on the contact element, extending longitudinally, for example, along the insertion direction, and thus providing sliding guidance along the insertion direction for one or more sliding segments of the trigger element.

[0021] In one design, in the released position of the clamping leg, at least one sliding section of the trigger element is loaded by the tension of a spring element in a direction abutting against at least one sliding edge. The clamping leg locks with the trigger element in the released position. Here, the clamping leg is elastically tensioned relative to the support leg, such that a tension force acts on the clamping leg and is absorbed by the trigger element. By supporting the trigger element on the contact element via at least one sliding section, the tension force of the clamping leg is introduced into and supported by the contact element. If the support leg is also supported on the contact element, for example, a force flow is generated from the spring element through the trigger element to the contact element, which is therefore independent of the housing, so that even when the spring element is tensioned, no significant resultant force is introduced into the housing and must be absorbed there. Even if the clamping leg remains in the released position for an extended period, no damage to the housing due to material fatigue will occur accordingly.

[0022] In one design, the trigger element has a locking section for engaging with the clamping leg in the release position. The locking section can be formed, for example, by a locking edge on the trigger element. The clamping leg engages with the locking section in the release position and is thus held in position by the trigger element.

[0023] The clamping leg can, for example, engage with the locking section of the trigger element via a clamping edge at its free end. In another design, the clamping leg can have an additional locking section, such as a locking hook, which engages with the locking section of the trigger element in the released position.

[0024] In one design, the trigger element has two sliding sections that are slidably supported on the contact element and arranged on both sides of a locking section. The locking sections can extend in particular along a depth direction perpendicular to the insertion direction. The sliding sections are arranged on either side of the locking section in the depth direction, such that support is provided on the contact element from both sides of the locking section, and thus the tension force of the clamping legs can be symmetrically introduced into the contact element from both sides of the locking section of the trigger element.

[0025] In one design, the trigger element has a trigger leg connected to a locking section for interaction with a wire. Specifically, in the initial position of the trigger element, the trigger leg extends approximately laterally to a receiving space within the housing, aligned with the insertion opening, such that upon insertion of the wire, the wire abuts against the trigger leg, thereby adjusting the trigger element. Upon wire insertion, the trigger element is adjusted out of its initial position, causing the clamping leg to be released and allowing it to move from the released position toward the clamping position.

[0026] In one design, the trigger element has at least one connecting arm and a support section. The support section is supported on the contact element, for example, by resting flat against a wall section of the contact element. The trigger leg is connected to the support section via at least one connecting arm. The at least one connecting arm is elastically deformable, for example, such that by deformation of the connecting arm, the trigger leg can be elastically deflected relative to the support section.

[0027] In one design, at least one connecting arm is curved. In the initial position of the trigger element, the support section and the trigger leg may extend approximately parallel to each other, for example. At least one connecting arm is shaped as an arc, through which the trigger leg connects to the support section, wherein the trigger leg can move elastically relative to the support section by elastic deformation on at least one connecting section.

[0028] The support section can extend along a plane perpendicular to the insertion direction and can be supported on the wall section of the contact element along the insertion direction. The support section can be supported on the wall section by simple abutment. However, additionally, the support section can also be fixed to the wall section, for example, by welding.

[0029] In one design, in addition to the support section being supported on the contact element, at least one connecting arm is supported on the housing section of the housing. If the support section is supported on the wall section of the contact element along the insertion direction, then at least one connecting arm can be supported on the housing section of the housing, for example, in a transverse direction extending beyond the insertion direction, such that the trigger element is supported along different spatial directions, on the one hand by the support section and on the other hand by the connecting arm.

[0030] Specifically, the trigger element is elastically supported on the housing in the lateral direction by at least one connecting arm, while the trigger element is supported on the contact element in the region of the locking section by at least one sliding section.

[0031] In one design, the contact element has a base and a guide section extending parallel to the base. The base and the guide section slidably support the sliding section of the trigger element. For example, sliding edges can be formed on the base and the guide section, and the sliding section of the trigger element abuts against the sliding edges, such that the trigger element is slidably guided on the base and the guide section, particularly in the region of the locking section.

[0032] In one design, the trigger element, specifically the trigger leg, engages between the base and the guide section. In particular, with the sliding section slidably guided on the base and guide section, the trigger leg of the trigger element can move between the base and the guide section.

[0033] In one design, the contact element has a first wall section connected to the base for electrical contact with the conductor.

[0034] In one design, the support leg is fixed to the second wall section of the contact element, which is connected to the base. Therefore, the support leg is fixed to the contact element, for example, by riveting or welding. In the released position, where the clamping leg is elastically tensioned relative to the support leg, a force flow is generated via the spring element, trigger element, and contact element. This force flow is independent of the housing, ensuring that no significant resultant force is absorbed and dissipated in the housing, and thus preventing deformation or damage to the housing, especially when the clamping leg remains in the released position for an extended period.

[0035] In one design, the first and second wall sections are bent relative to the base. The electrical conductor contacts the first wall section via the clamping action of the clamping legs in the clamped position. Support legs are fixed to the second wall section. Preferably, the first and second wall sections are bent relative to the base about bending axes pointing along the insertion direction, and thus extend in parallel planes.

[0036] In one design, the contact element is constructed with a contact groove formed by a base and first and second wall sections, which are respectively curved relative to the base and extend flatly along two mutually parallel planes. Therefore, the contact groove can have, for example, a U-shaped configuration in a cross-section perpendicular to the insertion direction.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] In one design, the support leg extends flatly along a plane extending through 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 is therefore fixed relative to the contact element.

[0041] In one design, the clamping leg is connected to the supporting leg via a bent section. The bent section provides a flexural joint through which the clamping leg can move elastically relative to the supporting leg.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] The spring element is preferably formed as a component that elastically springs back, for example, made of spring steel.

[0045] Spring elements can be formed, for example, into stamped and bent parts.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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).

[0048] In another design, the control element can also pivot relative to the housing.

[0049] Instead of actuating elements, it can also be set that the clamping legs can be deflected by a separate tool, such as a screwdriver. Attached Figure Description

[0050] 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, a spring element, and a trigger 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 2 It shows according to Figure 1D A partial cross-sectional view of the device; Figure 3A A perspective view of the contact element, spring element, and trigger element is shown when the clamping leg is in the clamping position; Figure 3B A perspective view of the contact element, spring element, and trigger element is shown when the clamping leg is in the released position; Figure 4A A separate view of the contact element is shown; Figure 4B A side view of the contact element is shown; Figure 4C A front view of the contact element is shown; Figure 5A A separate view of the spring element is shown; Figure 5B A side view of the spring element is shown; Figure 5C A front view of the spring element is shown; Figure 6A A separate view of the trigger element is shown; Figure 6B A side view of the trigger element is shown; Figure 6C A front view of the trigger element is shown; Figure 7A A view of another embodiment of a terminal block is shown, which has a contact element, a spring element, and a trigger element; Figure 7B A view of a terminal block is shown, with the clamping leg of the spring element in the released position. Figure 7C A view of the terminals with an electrical wire inserted is shown; Figure 7DA view of the wiring terminals is shown when the clamping legs are in the clamped position; Figure 8A A perspective view of the contact element, spring element, and trigger element is shown when the clamping leg is in the clamping position; Figure 8B A perspective view of the contact element, spring element, and trigger element is shown when the clamping leg is in the released position; Figure 9A A separate view of the contact element is shown; Figure 9B A side view of the contact element is shown; Figure 9C A front view of the contact element is shown; Figure 10A A separate view of the spring element is shown; Figure 10B A side view of the spring element is shown; Figure 10C A front view of the spring element is shown; Figure 11A A separate view of the trigger element is shown; Figure 11B A side view of the trigger element is shown; and Figure 11C A front view of the trigger element is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0051] Figures 1A-1D to Figures 6A-6C 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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] exist Figures 4A-4C The contact element 11 of the terminal 1, shown in a separate view, has 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 that can be inserted into the mating section 103 of the housing 10 and is grounded with the mating contacts of the mating connector 4 along the mating direction E.

[0054] In the illustrated embodiment, the contact element 11 is integrally manufactured as a stamped and bent part.

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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 pointing parallel to each other, as shown in this example. Figures 4A-4C As can be seen in the text.

[0057] In the illustrated embodiment, the spring element 12 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.

[0058] In the illustrated embodiment, Figures 5A-5C The support leg 121 of the spring element 12, shown in a separate view, 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.

[0059] 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 thus into the contact groove 110, reaching a midpoint 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.

[0060] 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.

[0061] 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.

[0062] 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 Figure 3A , Figure 3B and according to Figure 2 As can be seen in the partial cross-sectional view. The trigger element 13 is elastically movable, 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.

[0063] In the illustrated embodiment, the trigger element 13 has two strip-shaped, arc-shaped connecting arms 131, through which the trigger leg 130 is connected to the support section 132. The trigger element 13 is supported by the support section 132 on the wall section 115 of the contact element 11, which is curved relative to the base 111 and extends perpendicular to the insertion direction E. The connecting arms 131 themselves are elastically deformable, such that when bending occurs in the connecting arms 131, the trigger leg 130 can move elastically relative to the wall section 115.

[0064] These wall sections 112, 113 protrude from the base 111 in the depth direction T, perpendicular to the insertion direction E. The trigger element 13 is arranged next to the base 111 with respect to the depth direction T.

[0065] The insertion direction E and the lateral direction Q perpendicular to the insertion direction E and the depth direction T unfold into a swing plane, which not only allows the clamping leg 120 to elastically deflect along the swing plane.

[0066] The trigger element 13 has a locking section 133 formed in the transition region between the connecting arm 131 and the trigger leg 130. This locking section 133 is configured with locking edges for engaging with the clamping leg 120 in the released position. On both sides of the locking section 133, about the depth direction T, sliding sections 134 and 135 are formed on the trigger element 13. These sliding sections 134 and 135 are slidably guided along the insertion direction E on the sliding edges 117 and 119 on the guide section 116 and base 111 of the contact element 11. The guide section 116 is connected to and curved relative to the wall section 115. The guide section 116 extends parallel to the base 111 (perpendicular to the depth direction T). Sliding edges 117 and 119 extend longitudinally along the insertion direction E, thereby causing the sliding sections 134 and 135 of the trigger element 13 to slide against the sliding edges 117 and 119 of the guide section 116 and the base 111, so that the locking section 133 is guided on the contact element 11 along the insertion direction E.

[0067] The sliding edge 119 is formed on the base 111 inside the groove 118 that extends longitudinally along the insertion direction E.

[0068] The trigger element 13 is designed to hold the clamping leg 120 in the released position. Figure 1B and Figure 4B In the released position, the clamping leg 120 engages the locking section 133 of the trigger element 13 from the rear with its clamping edge away from the connecting section 122, thereby locking the clamping leg 120 with the trigger element 13. Thus, the clamping leg 120 is held in the released position by locking.

[0069] To move the clamping leg 120 to the released position, the actuating element 14 is actuated in the actuating direction B. The clamping leg 120 is pivoted via the actuating element 14 such that the clamping leg 120 engages with the locking section 133 of the trigger element 13, as is the case when moving from the release position. Figures 1A to 1B As can be seen in the transition.

[0070] In the released position, the clamping leg 120 rests on the locking section 133, and the sliding sections 134, 135 on both sides of the locking section 133 are loaded in a direction that abuts against the support edges 117, 119 on the guide section 116 and the base 111. Therefore, the tension force of the clamping leg 120 is introduced into the contact element 11 and discharged through the contact element 11.

[0071] The connecting arm 131 is curved and connects the trigger leg 130 to the support section 132. Here, the connecting arm 131 is supported at its upper apex on the housing section 104 of the housing 10, as shown in the figure below. Figures 1A-1DAs can be seen in the side view. Therefore, the trigger element 13 is supported on the wall section 115 of the contact element 11 by the support section 132 along the insertion direction E, and is further fixed on both sides of the space relative to the contact element 11 and the housing 10 in the lateral direction Q by the connecting arm 131 on the one hand and by the sliding sections 134, 135 on the other hand.

[0072] If the wire 2 is inserted into the insertion opening 100 of the terminal 1 ( Figure 1C If the conductor end 20 slides inside the receiving space 101 below the locking section 133, it will collide with the trigger leg 130. Therefore, with sliding guidance via sliding sections 134 and 135 at sliding edges 117 and 119, and simultaneously with a (slight) tilt at sliding edges 117 and 119, the conductor 2 adjusts the locking section 133, thereby releasing the latch between the trigger element 13 and the clamping leg 120, as if from... Figures 1C to 1D As can be seen during the transition. Therefore, the clamping leg 120 is released from the release position and achieves a clamping connection with the inserted electrical 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.

[0073] As this is based on Figure 2 As can be seen in the partial cross-sectional view, when the wire 2 is inserted into the plug opening 100, it is introduced into the space between the guide section 116 and the base 111, and there it collides with the trigger leg 130 of the trigger element 13, causing the locking section 133 to move together with the trigger leg 130, and releasing the clamping leg 120 from the trigger element 13.

[0074] 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 stress of the spring element 12, the clamping leg 120 moves towards 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.

[0075] 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.

[0076] Since the trigger element 13 is supported on the contact element 11 and the spring element 12 is fixed on the contact element 11, the assembly of the spring connector of the terminal 1 can be achieved in a simple manner while realizing a compact configuration of the terminal 1.

[0077] 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 via the trigger element 13, the contact element 11, and the spring element 12. Therefore, the tension force on the spring element 12 is absorbed, and no significant resultant force acts on the housing 10. Thus, even if the terminal 1 remains in the released position with the clamping leg 120 tensioned for an extended period, there will be no damage or even destruction to the housing 10 due to material fatigue.

[0078] According to Figures 1A-1D to Figures 6A-6C In one embodiment, when the clamping leg 120 is in the released position, the clamping leg 120 engages with the locking section 133 of the trigger element 13 via a clamping edge at its free end. Conversely, in Figures 7A-7D to Figures 11A-11C In another embodiment shown, an additional locking section 124 in the form of a locking hook is formed on the clamping leg 120, which engages with the locking section 133 of the trigger element 13 in the released position. Therefore, in this embodiment, the locking is not achieved by the clamping edge of the clamping leg 120, but by the additional locking hook 124 formed on the clamping leg 120 and protruding from the clamping leg 120 toward the support leg 121.

[0079] In addition, according to Figures 7A-7D to Figures 11A-11C The embodiments are functionally identical to the embodiments described above, and reference should also be made to the description of the foregoing embodiments.

[0080] The ideas upon which this invention is based are not limited to the foregoing embodiments, but can also be implemented in other ways.

[0081] 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, for example, a separate tool, such as a screwdriver.

[0082] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0083] 1 terminal block

[0084] 10 housing

[0085] 100mm plug opening

[0086] 101 Accommodation Space

[0087] 102 Operating opening

[0088] 103 plug-in section

[0089] 104 Shell Section

[0090] 11 Contact Elements

[0091] 110 contact groove

[0092] 111 base

[0093] Sections 112 and 113

[0094] 114 contact section

[0095] 115 section

[0096] 116 Guide Section

[0097] 117 Sliding Edge

[0098] 118 Slide

[0099] 119 Sliding Edge

[0100] 12 clamping springs

[0101] 120 Clamping Legs

[0102] 121 Supporting Legs

[0103] 122-bend section

[0104] 123 Fixed opening

[0105] 124 Locked Section

[0106] 13 trigger elements

[0107] 130 trigger legs

[0108] 131 connecting arm

[0109] 132 support section

[0110] 133 Locked Section (Locked Edge)

[0111] Sliding sections 134 and 135 (sliding plates)

[0112] 14 control elements

[0113] 140 heads

[0114] 141 pole section

[0115] 2 wires

[0116] 20 conductor ends

[0117] B controls the direction.

[0118] E insertion direction

[0119] Q horizontal direction

[0120] T-depth direction

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 trigger element (13) engages with the clamping leg (120) in the release position, and the trigger element can move out of its initial position by acting in conjunction with the wire (2) when it is inserted into the insertion opening (100), so as to release the clamping leg (120) from the release position. The trigger element (13) is characterized in that it has at least one sliding section (134, 135) which is slidably supported on the contact element (11) and is capable of moving on the contact element (11) when the trigger element (13) moves out of its initial position.

2. The terminal block (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, At least one sliding section (134, 135) is slidably guided on the contact element (11) along the insertion direction (E).

3. The terminal block (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The contact element (11) has at least one sliding edge (117, 119) and at least one sliding section (134, 135) is slidably supported on the at least one sliding edge.

4. The terminal block (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that, In the released position of the clamping leg (120), at least one sliding section (134, 135) is loaded by the tension of the spring element (12) in the direction of abutting against at least one sliding edge (117, 119).

5. The terminal block (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The trigger element (13) has a locking section (133) for locking with the clamping leg (120) in the release position.

6. The terminal block (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that, The trigger element (13) has two sliding sections (134, 135) which are slidably supported on the contact element (11) and arranged on both sides of the locking section (133).

7. The terminal block (1) according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that, The trigger element (13) has a trigger leg (130) connected to the locking section (133) for use in conjunction with the electrical conductor (2).

8. The terminal block (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that, In the initial position of the trigger element (13), the trigger leg (130) extends laterally in the insertion direction (E) and can move by working in conjunction with the electrical wire (2) to release the latching leg (120) from the locking section (133).

9. The terminal block (1) according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that, The trigger element (13) has at least one connecting arm (131) and a support section (132), wherein the support section (132) is supported on the contact element (11), and the trigger leg (130) is connected to the support section (132) via at least one connecting arm (131).

10. The terminal block (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that, At least one connecting arm (131) is elastically deformable.

11. The terminal block (1) according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that, At least one connecting arm (131) is bent in an arc.

12. The terminal block (1) according to any one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that, At least one connecting arm (131) is supported on the housing section (104) of the housing (10).

13. The terminal block (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The contact element (11) has a base (111) and a guide section (116) extending parallel to the base (111), wherein the base (111) and the guide section (116) slidably support the sliding sections (134, 135) of the trigger element (13), respectively.

14. The terminal block (1) according to claim 13, characterized in that, The trigger element (13) is engaged between the base (111) and the guide section (116).

15. The terminal block (1) according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that, The contact element (11) has a first wall section (113) connected to the base (111) for electrical contact with the conductor (2).

16. The terminal block (1) according to claim 15, characterized in that, The support leg (121) is fixed to the second wall section (112) of the contact element (11) that is connected to the base (111).

17. The terminal block (1) according to claim 16, characterized in that, The first wall section (113) and the second wall section (112) are bent relative to the base (111).

18. The terminal block (1) according to claim 17, characterized in that, The first wall section (113) and the second wall section (112) are respectively bent relative to the base (111) around the bending axis pointing along the insertion direction (E).

19. 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.

20. 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).

21. The terminal block (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The clamping leg (120) is connected to the supporting leg (121) through a bent section (122).

22. 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.

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