Connection terminal for connecting electrical conductors
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202610529298.8
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2025-04-25
- Filing Date
- 2026-04-21
- Publication Date
- 2026-10-27
Smart Images
Figure CN122992348A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to a terminal block for connecting electrical wires as described in the preamble of claim 1. Background Technology
[0002] This terminal block includes a housing with a plug-in opening into which an electrical wire can be inserted in a plug-in direction for connection to the terminal block. A contact element for electrical contact with the electrical wire is arranged on the housing. A spring element has a support leg supported on the contact element and a clamping leg connected to the support leg for 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 contact the contact element. The clamping leg can engage with a snap-fit element to engage in the released position. A trigger element, by interacting with the electrical wire when inserted into the plug-in opening, is able to move out of the initial position, thereby releasing the clamping leg from the released position.
[0003] This type of terminal block achieves a spring force connection by using a spring element, wherein at the connection position, the wire is clamped to the contact element by the elastic spring of the spring element, thereby electrically connecting 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 engages with the trigger element.
[0005] Another type of terminal block is known from DE 20 2022 104 223 U1.
[0006] For a terminal block designed to automatically trigger and implement a spring element for achieving spring force connection, a compact and simple structure is generally required, which reliably triggers upon insertion of the electrical wire and, furthermore, reliably retains the clamping leg of the spring element in the released position. It should be noted that the terminal block may remain in the released position for an extended period, for example, because the terminal block is delivered in this condition by the manufacturer. Summary of the Invention
[0007] The object of the present invention is to provide a terminal block that can be compactly and simply constructed and is capable of reliable triggering when an electrical wire is inserted and reliable retention of the clamping leg in the released position.
[0008] This objective is achieved by a subject matter having the features of claim 1.
[0009] Therefore, the contact element has a base and a wall section bent toward the base, wherein a support leg is supported on the wall section, and, viewed in the insertion direction, a snap-fit element and a trigger element are connected to the support leg on the distal side of the wall section.
[0010] In this terminal block, the electrical wire makes electrical contact with the electrical contact element by clamping legs acting on the wire when it is inserted into the plug opening, and spring force pushing it toward contact with the contact element. To facilitate wire insertion, the clamping legs of the spring element can be elastically deflected to move them to a release position. In this release position, the space inside the housing in the plug opening area is released, allowing the wire to be introduced into the plug opening with minimal effort, or allowing the connected wire to be easily removed from the terminal block.
[0011] The terminal block has a snap-fit element integrally formed with the spring element, and the clamping leg engages with the housing via this snap-fit element in the released position. In the released position, the clamping leg is engaged with the snap-fit element, so that the clamping leg is held in the released position, thereby allowing electrical wires to be inserted into the terminal block in a simple, essentially powerless manner.
[0012] This terminal block can be delivered to the customer by the manufacturer, especially when the clamping leg is in the released position.
[0013] In addition, a trigger element is integrally formed with the spring element. This trigger element is elastically deflectable relative to the support leg and is configured to interact with the electrical wire when it is inserted. This causes the trigger element to shift during wire insertion, thereby actuating the latching element and releasing the engagement between the latching element and the clamping leg. Therefore, when the electrical wire is inserted, the terminal block is automatically triggered, causing the electrical wire to contact the contact element via the clamping leg, thus electrically connecting to the terminal block.
[0014] As the trigger element is displaced relative to the housing when the wire is inserted, it actuates the latching element and releases the clamping legs from the released position, causing the terminal block to close automatically upon wire insertion. This creates a simple connection process while ensuring reliable contact between the wire and the contact element through the clamping action of the clamping legs.
[0015] The spring element is supported on the contact element by a support leg, and thus holds its position within the housing. The clamping leg is resiliently deflected relative to the support leg, wherein in the release position, the clamping leg deflects to resiliently tension the spring element, and the clamping leg is resiliently removed from the release position after being released from the release position.
[0016] Because the snap-fit element, trigger element, and spring element are molded as a single piece, the terminal block has a simple structure and is easy to install. In particular, the terminal block can consist of a small number of parts that can be easily assembled together, for example, by inserting the assembly consisting of the contact element and the spring element into the housing.
[0017] The contact element has a base and a wall section bent toward the base. A support leg rests on the wall section, wherein, viewed in the insertion direction, a latching element and a triggering element are connected to the support leg at the distal end of the wall section. A spring element is supported on the contact element by the support leg, for example, by fixing the support leg to the wall section of the contact element. However, viewed in the insertion direction, the latching element and the triggering element are located at the distal end of the wall section. Therefore, the spring element extends beyond the wall section with the latching element and the triggering element disengaged from the wall section and thus able to move relative to the support leg without obstruction from the wall section.
[0018] Specifically, measured along the insertion direction, the wall section can have a length substantially corresponding to the length of the support leg. Therefore, the wall section can be designed to be relatively short. Accordingly, the wall section does not cover the snap-fit element and the trigger element. This particularly enables the manufacture of the spring element by fixing a punched but not yet bent workpiece to the contact element to form the spring element, and then bending it while the workpiece is already fixed to the contact element. This allows for the integrated manufacture of the spring element on the contact element.
[0019] Because the snap-fit element and the spring element are molded as a single piece and attached to the support leg, a force flow is generated inside the spring element in the released position. Here, the resultant force generated, especially on the housing (made of electrically insulating plastic), can be so small as to be negligible, so that the tension of the spring element does not cause the housing to be subjected to continuous load when the clamping leg is in the released position.
[0020] 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 on the wall section of the contact element and thus fixedly held on the terminal.
[0021] Here, the support leg preferably rests against the wall section in a planar manner. For this purpose, the support leg and the wall section are respectively formed to be flat and abutting each other, wherein the support leg and the wall section may have substantially the same length when measured along the insertion direction.
[0022] In one design, the support leg is fixed to the wall section of the contact element, for example, by welding or riveting.
[0023] In one design, the latching element can move independently of the trigger element when engaged with the clamping leg. In contrast, the trigger element is configured to actuate the latching element upon removal from the initial position, thereby releasing the clamping leg from the release position. Both the latching element and the trigger element are resiliently movable relative to the support leg. When the clamping leg is moved to the release position and engages with the latching element, the latching element is here able to move independently of the trigger element relative to the support leg. When the clamping leg is moved to the release position, the clamping leg travels across the latching element via a latching segment, deflecting the latching element a certain distance until the clamping leg passes the corresponding latching segment of the latching element, after which the latching element elastically springs back to its relaxed initial position and thus engages with the clamping leg. The deflection of the latching element is independent of the trigger element; that is, the trigger element is not actuated during this process. In contrast, the trigger element is configured to actuate the latching element upon removal from the initial position, thereby releasing the clamping leg from the release position. If a wire is inserted into the terminal block, the wire contacts the trigger element and causes the trigger element to move out of its initial position. This process actuates the latching element, thereby releasing it from engagement with the clamping legs.
[0024] Because the latching element can move independently of the trigger element when engaging the clamping legs, engagement between the clamping legs and the latching element can be established easily and comfortably when transitioning to the release position. Therefore, the size of the latching element can be designed so that the force required for engagement between the clamping legs and the latching element is relatively small. Since the latching element can move independently of the trigger element to establish engagement, the trigger element does not need to be actuated, and thus does not affect the force required to engage the clamping legs when transitioning to the release position.
[0025] In one design, the clamping leg is connected to the support leg via a curved section. A latching element and a triggering element are connected to the end of the support leg away from the curved section. The clamping leg, latching element, and triggering element are all formed on and extend from the support leg. Here, the latching element and triggering element are both arranged at the end of the support leg away from the curved section. Therefore, the support leg functionally occupies an intermediate position between the clamping leg, which is connected to the support leg via the curved section, and the latching element and triggering element.
[0026] In one design, viewed along the insertion direction, the curved section is positioned before the wall section. Therefore, the curved section is not covered by the wall section on which the support leg is supported, but is located before the wall section. Viewed along the insertion direction, the snap-fit element and the trigger element are connected to the support leg behind the wall section.
[0027] In one design, a housing defines a receiving space into which an electrical wire can be introduced via an insertion opening. A trigger element is arranged within the receiving space to interact with the electrical wire and can be removed from its initial position relative to the housing through interaction with the electrical wire.
[0028] In one design, the trigger element has a trigger leg for interacting with an electrical wire. Specifically, the trigger leg extends approximately transversely to the insertion direction into a receiving space aligned with the insertion opening, such that when an electrical wire is inserted, the wire contacts the trigger leg, thereby displacing the trigger element. Therefore, when the electrical wire is inserted, the trigger element is removed from its initial position, thereby releasing the clamping leg and enabling it to move from the released position towards the clamping position.
[0029] In one design, the spring element is configured 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 on the clamping leg, through which the electrical wire can pass when inserted into the insertion opening of the housing, so that the electrical wire is pulled into clamping contact with the contact element after the clamping leg is triggered from the release position.
[0030] Alternatively, the spring element can be configured as a compression spring. In this case, the clamping legs are configured to press the electrical wire against the contact element by spring force. When the insertion opening is reached, the electrical wire enters the space between the clamping legs and the contact element, where the clamping legs act on the electrical wire after being triggered from the release position and press it against the contact element.
[0031] In one design, the trigger element has at least one connecting arm through which the trigger leg is connected to the support leg. The connecting arm may, for example, be elastically deformable, such that deformation of the connecting arm can cause the trigger leg to elastically deflect relative to the support leg.
[0032] In one design, the at least one connecting arm is connected to a support leg on the distal side of the wall section. Therefore, the at least one connecting arm is not covered by the wall section on which the support leg is supported.
[0033] In one design, the at least one connecting arm is connected to a support leg at one end of the connecting arm and a snap-fit element at the other end of the snap-fit element. Viewed in the insertion direction, the ends of the connecting arm and the snap-fit element are located distal to the wall section. The snap-fit element and the trigger element extend from the support leg, respectively. Where the snap-fit element and the trigger element leave the support leg, i.e., at the ends of the snap-fit element and the connecting arm, the spring element is no longer supported on the wall section; instead, the ends of the snap-fit element and the connecting arm are located distal to the wall section and are therefore not covered by the wall section.
[0034] In one design, the clamping leg, trigger element, and latching element are each movable relative to the supporting leg along a pivot plane. Specifically, the clamping leg, trigger element, and latching element can pivot relative to the supporting leg along the pivot plane. The pivot plane extends from the insertion direction and a lateral direction perpendicular to the insertion direction.
[0035] In one design, the at least one connecting arm has at least one bend, at which the at least one connecting arm is bent about a depth direction perpendicular to the pivot plane. For example, the at least one connecting arm may be bent at the at least one bend about an angle greater than 90° about the depth direction. If the connecting arm has, for example, two bends, the connecting arm may be bent about the depth direction at these bends, for example, in opposite directions of rotation. This makes the at least one connecting arm S-shaped or zigzag-shaped.
[0036] In one design, viewed along the insertion direction, the at least one bend is located on the far side of the wall section. Therefore, the bend is not covered by the wall section.
[0037] In one design, viewed along the depth direction, the latching element is arranged on the support leg next to the connecting arm. The latching element and the triggering element extend from the support leg, with the connecting arm of the triggering element and the latching element arranged side by side on the support leg.
[0038] In one design, the trigger element has two connecting arms, preferably spaced apart along the depth direction. Here, a snap-fit element is arranged between these two connecting arms when viewed along the depth direction. The trigger leg is connected to a support leg via the connecting arms, wherein the connecting arms can be, for example, elastically deformable to allow elastic deflection of the trigger leg relative to the support leg. A snap-fit element is arranged between the connecting arms, extending from the support leg, and is movable independently of the trigger element to establish engagement.
[0039] In one design, the trigger element has an actuating section connected to the at least one connecting arm for actuating the latching element. If the trigger element is moved during the insertion of the electrical wire, the actuating section actuates the latching element, thereby releasing the clamping leg from engagement. The actuating section, for example, surrounds the latching element such that during the deflection movement of the trigger element, force is transmitted through the actuating section to the latching element, thereby moving the latching element out of the engaged position.
[0040] If the trigger element has two connecting arms, the action section can extend between the connecting arms, for example, in the form of a bracket.
[0041] In one design, the latching element has a coupling section that connects to a trigger element such that when the trigger element moves out of its initial position during wire insertion, the latching element is actuated; however, it is not actuated when the trigger element moves during engagement. The latching element is operatively connected to the trigger element via the coupling section. If the clamping leg moves to the release position and the clamping leg travels onto the latching element via the locking section, the latching element can be moved independently of the trigger element as the coupling section moves relative to the trigger element. Conversely, if the trigger element moves during wire insertion, the latching element is actuated via the coupling section.
[0042] In one design, the latching element has a support arm that carries a latching section for engaging with a clamping leg. The support arm can be sized such that the latching element is elastically deformable on the support arm and thus elastically movable relative to the support leg. The latching section on the support arm can be formed, for example, by a bent end in the form of a latch hook or by a latching edge. In the released position, the clamping leg engages with the latching section and is thus held in position by the latching element.
[0043] In one design, the clamping leg has a snap-fit section for engaging with a snap-fit element in the release position. In one design, the snap-fit section of the clamping leg may be specifically formed by a snap-fit opening on the clamping leg, into which the snap-fit element engages in the release position. In another design, the snap-fit section of the clamping leg may be formed by a snap-fit tab on the clamping leg, which protrudes from the clamping leg and engages with the snap-fit element when the clamping leg is in the release position. In this case, the snap-fit element may, for example, have a snap-fit opening into which the snap-fit tab of the clamping leg engages in the release position.
[0044] The spring element, including the clamping leg, support leg, snap-fit element, and trigger element, is preferably shaped as a component with its own elastic force, for example, made of spring steel.
[0045] Spring elements can be formed, for example, into stamped and bent parts.
[0046] In one design, the wall section supported by the support legs bends toward the base around a bending axis pointing in the direction of insertion.
[0047] In one design, the contact element has another wall section bent relative to the base for electrical contact with the conductor. A support leg rests on the first wall section. In contrast, the conductor contacts a second wall section by being pressed against it by the clamping leg in the clamped position, thereby making electrical contact with the second wall section.
[0048] The wall sections, namely the first wall section supporting the support leg and another second wall section for electrical contact with the conductor, can extend specifically in a parallel plane. These wall sections can form a contact cavity with the base, into which the conductor can be introduced for electrical connection to the terminal block.
[0049] The contact element is specifically constructed as a metal part, such as a metal stamped and bent part. The contact element can be integral and one-piece molded, wherein the contact cavity is formed as a single piece with other sections of the contact element.
[0050] In one design, the clamping leg of the spring element is located in the space created by the contact cavity and is therefore movable within the contact cavity. Thus, the spring element is at least partially, i.e., at least a section of the clamping leg, housed within the contact cavity, allowing the clamping leg to move between a release position and a clamping position within the contact cavity. In the release position, the clamping leg is spaced apart from a second wall section of the contact cavity, allowing a conductor to be introduced into the intermediate space between the clamping leg and the second wall section. In contrast, in the clamping position, the clamping leg clamps the introduced conductor, pressing it against the second wall section of the contact cavity, thereby establishing electrical contact between the conductor and the contact cavity.
[0051] In one design, the contact element has a contact section for plug-in electrical contact with a corresponding mating contact element. The contact section can be configured as a contact socket or a contact pin, and is used to establish a plug-in connection with the corresponding mating contact element. If the contact section is formed by a contact pin, the mating contact is preferably formed by a contact socket. Conversely, if the contact section is formed by a contact socket, the mating contact is configured as a contact pin.
[0052] The contact section can protrude longitudinally from the contact cavity along the insertion direction, so that the contact section can be plugged into the corresponding mating contact element along the insertion direction.
[0053] In one design, the terminal block has an operating element displaceable on the housing, which can be moved in the operating direction to move the clamping leg to the release position. The operating element can be designed, for example, in the form of a button, and can be pressed into the housing by user operation to act on the clamping leg and move it toward the release position.
[0054] The operating direction can be, for example, along the plugging direction. In order to connect to the terminal block, the wire needs to be inserted into the plugging opening of the housing along this plugging direction.
[0055] In other design schemes, the operating element can also pivot relative to the housing.
[0056] As an alternative to the operating element, it can also be configured such that the clamping legs are deflected by a special tool, such as a screwdriver. Attached Figure Description
[0057] The concept upon which this invention is based will be explained in more detail below with reference to the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. In the drawings: Figure 1A A view of one embodiment of a terminal block is shown, the terminal block having a contact element and a spring element disposed on the contact element; Figure 1B The diagram shows a view of the terminal block in one position, in which the clamping leg of the spring element is in the released position; Figure 1C A view of the wiring terminals is shown when the electrical wire is inserted; Figure 1D A terminal view is shown when the trigger element is triggered by an electrical wire; Figure 1E A view of the terminal block is shown, with the clamping legs in the clamped position. Figure 2 A separate view of the contact element is shown; Figure 3 A separate view of the spring element is shown; Figure 4 A perspective view of the spring element on the contact element is shown; Figure 5 Another perspective view of the spring element on the contact element is shown; Figure 6A A view of another embodiment of a terminal block is shown, which has a contact element and a spring element disposed on the contact element; Figure 6B The diagram shows a view of the terminal block in one position, in which the clamping leg of the spring element is in the released position; Figure 6C A view of the wiring terminals is shown when the electrical wire is inserted; Figure 6D A terminal view is shown when the trigger element is triggered by an electrical wire; Figure 6E A view of the terminal block is shown, with the clamping legs in the clamped position. Figure 7 A separate view of the contact element is shown; Figure 8 A separate view of the spring element is shown; Figure 9 A perspective view of the spring element on the contact element is shown; and Figure 10 Another perspective view of the spring element on the contact element is shown.
[0058] Detailed design scheme
[0059] Figure 1A-1E Views 1 to 5 show an embodiment of a terminal block 1 having a housing 10 having a plug opening 100 formed thereon for inserting an electrical wire 2.
[0060] Terminal 1 is configured for spring-loaded connection. Housing 10 defines a receiving space 101 into which the wire 2, with its insulation stripped end 20, is introduced when inserted into the insertion opening 100 along the insertion direction E. In the connected state, the wire 2, with its insulation stripped end 20, is located within 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.
[0061] exist Figure 2 The contact element 11 of the terminal 1 shown in the separate view has a contact cavity 110 and a contact section 114 protruding from the contact cavity 110. In the illustrated embodiment, the contact section 114 is formed by a contact socket located in the corresponding insertion section 103 of the housing 10 (see...). Figure 1A In the process, it can be plugged into the corresponding mating contact of the mating plug-in connector 4 along the plugging direction E.
[0062] In the illustrated embodiment, the contact element 11 is integrally produced as a stamped and bent part.
[0063] In a cross-section transverse to the insertion direction E, the contact cavity 110 has a U-shaped shape and is formed by a base 111 and wall sections 112 and 113 connected thereto and bent toward the base 111.
[0064] Wall sections 112 and 113 bend toward base 111 about a bending axis extending longitudinally along the insertion direction E, and extend in mutually parallel planes, as particularly from Figure 2 , 4 It is visible in view 5.
[0065] In the illustrated embodiment, the spring element 12 is supported on the wall section 112 of the contact cavity 110 by a support leg 121. The clamping leg 120 is connected to the support leg 121 by a curved section 122 providing a bending hinge. The curved section 122 provides a bending radius through which the clamping leg 120 can elastically pivot relative to the support leg 121 about a pivot axis approximately concentric with the curved section 122.
[0066] In the illustrated embodiment, the spring element 12 is housed within the contact cavity 110, allowing the clamping leg 120 to move within the contact cavity 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 cavity 110, reaching a midpoint between the clamping leg 120 and the wall section 113 of the contact cavity 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 achieving electrical contact with the contact element 11.
[0067] The clamping leg 120 can be elastically deflected toward the support leg 121, in particular in such a way that the clamping leg 120 clamps the wire 2 connected to the terminal 1 in the clamping position and presses it into contact with the wall section 113 of the contact element 11 under the action of the elastic preload.
[0068] like Figure 1A As schematically shown, terminal 1, for example, has an operating element 14, which forms a head 140 and a lever 141 extending from the head 140. The operating element 14 is received in a corresponding operating opening 102 of the housing 10 and is movable relative to the housing 10 along the operating direction B between a non-operating position and an operating position. Here, the operating element 14 acts on the clamping leg 120 via the lever 141 so that when moved in the direction of the operating position, it is transferred from the clamping position to the position from the operating position. Figure 1B The visible release position is in which the area inside the contact cavity 110 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.
[0069] In the illustrated embodiment, terminal 1 has a trigger element 13 forming a trigger leg 130 that extends substantially transversely to the insertion direction E in an initial, unloaded position, thereby extending into the area inside contact cavity 110 aligned with insertion opening 100 along the insertion direction E, as particularly from Figure 1A , 1B As can be seen in the text.
[0070] The trigger element 13 and the spring element 12 are integrally formed and connected to the end of the support leg 121 away from the bending section 122. The trigger element 13 is here elastically movable relative to the support leg 121, such that when the wire 2 is inserted into the corresponding insertion opening 100 of the corresponding terminal 1 along the insertion direction E, the trigger leg 130 can be deflected by interacting with the wire 2.
[0071] 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. The connecting arms 131 are formed in a strip shape and transition to the support leg 121 at the end 133 of the connecting arm. The connecting arms 131 themselves are elastically deformable, so that when the connecting arms 131 are bent, the trigger element 13 can elastically move relative to the support leg 121.
[0072] The connecting arms 131 are spaced apart from each other along the depth direction T. Here, the connecting arms 131 are bent at angles greater than 90° at the two bends 134 and 135, respectively, such that the connecting arms 131... Figures 1A to 1E In the side view, it appears S-shaped or zigzag-shaped.
[0073] The pivot plane is jointly unfolded by the insertion direction E and the lateral direction Q perpendicular to the insertion direction E and the depth direction T. The clamping leg 120 and the trigger element 13 can both be elastically deflected relative to the support leg 121 along this pivot plane.
[0074] A latching element 15 is arranged between the connecting arms 131 of the triggering element 13, which has a latching arm 150 and a latching section 151 formed by the hook-shaped end of the latching arm 150. The latching element 15 extends from the support leg 121 as a tab and transitions to the support leg 121 at the latching element end 152.
[0075] A bracket-shaped action section 132 extends between the connecting arms 131 of the trigger element 13, and the action section surrounds the snap-fit element 15.
[0076] exist Figure 1B The clamping leg 120 is shown in the released position, where it engages with the latching element 15 and is thus held in position relative to the support leg 121. In the released position, the latching element 15 engages with the latching opening 124 on the clamping leg 120 via a hook-shaped latching section 151, thereby holding the clamping leg 120 in the released position.
[0077] In the illustrated embodiment, the support leg 121 extends flatly along a plane extending from the insertion direction E and the depth direction T. The support leg 121 is secured to the wall section 112 of the contact element 11 via a fixing opening 123, for example, by riveting.
[0078] Here, measured along the insertion direction E, the support leg 121 has a length substantially corresponding to the length of the wall section 112 on which the support leg 121 is supported and fixed. Specifically, the wall section 112 does not cover the trigger element 13 and the snap-fit element 15 where they extend from the support leg 121. Accordingly, the wall section 112 terminates before the connecting arm end 133 and the snap-fit element end 152.
[0079] Therefore, viewed along the insertion direction E, the trigger element 13 and the latching element 15 are connected to the support leg 121 behind the wall section 112. Based on the insertion direction E, the connecting arm end 133 and the latching element end 152 are located behind the wall section 112, allowing the connecting arm 131 of the trigger element 13 and the latching element 15 to disengage from the wall section 112 and move on the support leg 121.
[0080] This makes it particularly important, as from Figure 1D and 1E As can be seen, the connecting arm 131 can be bent out of the plane of the support leg 121 and the wall section 112 when the wire 2 is inserted.
[0081] In contrast, based on the insertion direction E, the curved section 122 is arranged before the wall section 112.
[0082] The wall section 112 and the support leg 121 extend flatly along planes unfolded by the insertion direction E and the depth direction T, respectively, and are in contact with each other in a planar manner, wherein the surface of the wall section 112 substantially overlaps with the surface of the support leg 121.
[0083] This creates the possibility of integrating the spring element 12 into the contact element 11. Therefore, the stamped workpiece used to form the spring element 12 can be fixed to the wall section 112 of the contact element 11 prior to the bending process, so that the spring element 12 can subsequently be formed into the contact element 11 by bending during integrated manufacturing. This simplifies the manufacturing process and, where appropriate, enables automated manufacturing of the contact element 11 together with the spring element 12.
[0084] If the wire 2 is inserted into the insertion opening 100 of the terminal 1 ( Figure 1C Then the conductor 2, with its end 20 touching the trigger leg 130 within the receiving space 101, will... Figure 1D The trigger element 13 is displaced within the housing 10, causing the latching element 15 to actuate, thereby releasing the latching element 15 from the clamping leg 120. The clamping leg 120 is thus released from the released position and engages in clamping action with the inserted electrical wire 2. Figure 1E This causes the wire 2 to be clamped to the wall section 113 of the contact cavity 110 of the contact element 11, and thereby electrically connected to the contact element 11.
[0085] When the wire 2 is inserted, the clamping leg 120 automatically releases its engagement, 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 wire 2 to the wall section 113 of the contact element 11 inside the contact cavity 110, so that the wire 2 is electrically connected to the contact element 11 and mechanically locked to the terminal 1.
[0086] If the connected wire 2 needs 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 as to move the clamping leg 120 to the release position and thereby release the wire 2.
[0087] Since the trigger element 13 and the snap-fit element 15 are molded in one piece on the support leg 121 of the spring element 12, the assembly of the spring force connection assembly of the terminal 1 can be achieved in a simple manner.
[0088] Since the latching element 15 and the triggering element 13 are respectively (directly) molded onto the support leg 121, the latching element 15 can deflect relative to the support leg 121 substantially independently of the triggering element 13. Specifically, when the clamping leg 120 is moved to the release position, the clamping leg 120 can move onto the latching section 151 of the latching element 15, thereby slightly removing the latching element 15 from its relaxed initial position without actuating the triggering element 13. Therefore, the latching element 15 can move independently of the triggering element 13 during engagement.
[0089] Conversely, if the trigger element 13 is displaced due to the action of the wire 2, the latching element 15 will be actuated due to the coupling through the action section 132. As a result, the engagement between the latching element 15 and the clamping leg 120 is released, and the clamping leg 120 is thus released from the release position.
[0090] Because the trigger element 13 and the snap-fit element 15 are molded as a single piece with the spring element 12, a compact structure and easy installation are possible. 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.
[0091] When the clamping leg 120 is in the released position, the clamping leg 120 is tensioned relative to the support leg 121. Here, a force flow exists inside the spring element 12 via the snap-fit element 15. Therefore, the tension force on the spring element 12 is captured by the spring element 12, and no significant resultant force acts on the housing 10. Even if the terminal 1 remains in the state where the clamping leg 120 is tensioned in the released position for a long time, there will be no damage or even destruction to the housing 10 due to material fatigue.
[0092] exist Figures 6A-6E In the embodiments shown up to 10, the design and basis of the contact element 11 are as follows: Figure 1A-1E The embodiments described above are the same as those described above. The difference between this embodiment and the previously described embodiments lies particularly in the structural form of the spring element 12.
[0093] Trigger element 13 and according to Figure 1A-1ESimilar to embodiments up to 5, the spring element 12 is formed in one piece, in that the trigger leg 130 is connected to the support leg 121 via a connecting arm 131 that bends multiple times, and is able to elastically deflect relative to the support leg 121.
[0094] The latching element 15 is also integrally formed with the spring element 12 and is arranged between the connecting arms 131 of the trigger element 13 based on the depth direction T. The latching element 15 here has a carrier arm 153, which carries a coupling section 154 and a latching section 155. The latching element 15 is operatively connected to the trigger element 13 via the coupling section 154. The latching element 15 can engage with the hook-shaped latching section 125 of the clamping leg 120 via the latching section 155, thereby holding the clamping leg 120 in the released position.
[0095] The latching element 15 is coupled to the triggering element 13 via a coupling section 154, such that when the clamping leg 120 moves to the release position, the latching element 15 can move independently of the triggering element 13. When the clamping leg 120 moves to the corresponding latching section 155 of the latching element 15 via the hook-shaped latching section 125, thereby causing the latching element 15 to deflect (slightly) from the relaxed initial position, the triggering element 13 is not actuated during this process.
[0096] In contrast, if the trigger element 13 elastically moves when the wire 2 is inserted, such as Figures 6C to 6E As shown, the latching element 15 is driven by the coupling section 154, thereby releasing the clamping leg 120 from the engagement position, allowing the clamping leg 120 to move from the release position into the position according to... Figure 6D The clamping position.
[0097] In addition to the structural form of spring element 12, according to Figures 6A-6E The embodiments up to 10 are otherwise identical to the previously described embodiments, and therefore reference is also made to the foregoing related explanations.
[0098] Like according to Figure 1A-1E Similar to embodiments up to 5, the trigger element 13 and the latching element 15 (viewed along the insertion direction E) are connected distally to the wall section 112 of the support leg 121 on which the spring element 12 is supported. In this respect, the preceding... Figure 1A-1C The descriptions made in embodiments up to 5 also apply to embodiments based on... Figures 6A-6E Examples up to 10.
[0099] The concept upon which this invention is based is not limited to the above-described embodiments, but can also be implemented in other ways.
[0100] The actuating element can be linearly sliding or pivotable and can be operated to move the clamping legs to the release position. Other terminal block designs are also possible, in which, for example, the clamping legs can be actuated using a tool such as a screwdriver instead of an actuating element.
[0101] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures
[0102] 1. Terminal block
[0103] 10. Shell
[0104] 100mm plug-in opening
[0105] 101 Capacity
[0106] 102 Operating opening
[0107] 103 Plug-in Section
[0108] 11 Contact elements
[0109] 110 Contact cavity
[0110] 111 Base
[0111] Sections 112 and 113
[0112] 114 Contact Section
[0113] 12 Clamping Springs
[0114] 120. Clasp your legs together.
[0115] 121 Supporting Leg
[0116] 122 Curved Section
[0117] 123 Fixed opening
[0118] 124 Buckle Opening
[0119] 125 snap-fit connector
[0120] 13 Triggering element
[0121] 130 Trigger Leg
[0122] 131 Connecting Arm
[0123] 132 Functional Section
[0124] 133 Connecting arm end
[0125] 134, 135 Bends
[0126] 14 Operating elements
[0127] 140 heads
[0128] 141. Bar section
[0129] 15. Clip-on components
[0130] 150 load-bearing boom
[0131] 151 Clip Section
[0132] 152. End of snap-fit element
[0133] 153 Load-bearing arm
[0134] 154 Coupling Section
[0135] 155 Clip Section
[0136] 2. Wire
[0137] 20. Wire end
[0138] B Operation Direction
[0139] E Connection direction
[0140] Q. Horizontal direction
[0141] T represents the depth direction.
Claims
1. A terminal block (1) for connecting electrical wires (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 (1). Contact elements (11) arranged on the housing (10) are used for electrical contact with the electrical conductor (2). A spring element (12) has a support leg (121) supported on a contact element (11) and a clamping leg (120) connected to the support leg (121) for acting on an electrical conductor (2), wherein the clamping leg (120) is elastically movable relative to the support leg (121) to a clamping position and a released position, and is configured to act on the electrical conductor (2) in the clamping position to contact the contact element (11). The latching element (15) and the clamping leg (120) are capable of engaging with the latching element to lock in the release position, and A trigger element (13), which interacts with the electrical wire (2) when inserted into the insertion opening (100), is capable of being moved out of its initial position to release the clamping leg (120) from its release position. Its features are, The latching element (15) and the triggering element (13) are integrally formed with the spring element (12) and connected to the support leg (121), so that the latching element (15) and the triggering element (13) can elastically move relative to the support leg (121). The contact element (11) has a base (111) and a wall section (112) bent toward the base (111), wherein a support leg (121) is supported on the wall section (112), and in the insertion direction (E), a snap-fit element (15) and a trigger element (13) are connected to the support leg (121) on the far side of the wall section (112).
2. The terminal block (1) according to claim 1, 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).
3. The terminal block (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The supporting leg (121) rests against the wall section (112) in a planar manner.
4. The terminal block (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The support leg (121) is fixed to the wall section (112) of the contact element (11).
5. The terminal block (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The latching element (15) is able to move independently of the triggering element (13) when engaged with the clamping leg (120), wherein the triggering element (13) is configured to actuate the latching element (15) to release the clamping leg (120) from the release position when it moves out of the initial position.
6. The terminal block (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The clamping leg (120) is connected to the support leg (121) via a curved section (122), wherein a snap-fit element (15) and a trigger element (13) are connected to the end of the support leg (121) away from the curved section (122).
7. The terminal block (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that, Viewed along the insertion direction (E), the curved section (122) is arranged before the wall section (112).
8. The terminal block (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The housing (10) defines a receiving space (101) into which an electrical wire (2) can be introduced by means of an insertion plug opening (100), wherein a triggering element (13) is arranged in the receiving space (101) to interact with the electrical wire (2).
9. The terminal block (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that, The trigger element (13) has a trigger leg (130) for interacting with the electrical wire (2).
10. The terminal block (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that, The trigger leg (130) extends transversely to the insertion direction (E) in the receiving space (10) at the initial position of the trigger element (13) so as to interact with the electrical wire (2) upon insertion.
11. The terminal block (1) according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that, The trigger element (13) has at least one connecting arm (131), and the trigger leg (130) is connected to the support leg (121) through the connecting arm.
12. The terminal block (1) according to claim 11, characterized in that, The at least one connecting arm (131) is connected to the support leg (121) on the distal side of the wall section (112).
13. The terminal block (1) according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that, The at least one connecting arm (131) is connected to the support leg (121) at one connecting arm end (133) and the snap-fit element (15) at one snap-fit element end (152), wherein, viewed along the insertion direction (E), the connecting arm end (133) and the snap-fit element end (152) are arranged on the far side of the wall section (112).
14. The terminal block (1) according to any one of claims 11 to 13, characterized in that, The clamping leg (120), trigger element (13), and latching element (15) are respectively movable relative to the support leg (121) along a pivot plane unfolded by the insertion direction (E) and a lateral direction (Q) perpendicular to the insertion direction (E), wherein at least one connecting arm (131) has at least one bend (134, 135) at the bend, wherein the at least one connecting arm (131) bends about a depth direction (T) perpendicular to the pivot plane.
15. The terminal block (1) according to claim 14, characterized in that, Viewed along the depth direction (T) perpendicular to the pivot plane, the snap-fit element (15) is arranged on the support leg (121) next to the at least one connecting arm (131).
16. The terminal block (1) according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that, Viewed along the insertion direction (E), the at least one bend is located on the far side of the wall section (112).
17. The terminal block (1) according to any one of claims 14 to 16, characterized in that, The at least one connecting arm (131) is bent at an angle greater than 90° around the depth direction (T) at the at least one bent portion (134, 135).
18. The terminal block (1) according to any one of claims 14 to 17, characterized in that, The at least one connecting arm (131) has two bends (134, 135) at which the at least one connecting arm (131) bends about the depth direction (T) in opposite directions of rotation.
19. The terminal block (1) according to any one of claims 14 to 18, characterized in that, The trigger element (13) has two connecting arms (131), wherein, viewed along the depth direction (T), the snap-fit element (15) is arranged between the connecting arms (131).
20. The terminal block (1) according to any one of claims 11 to 19, characterized in that, The trigger element (13) has an action section (132) connected to the at least one connecting arm (131) for driving the latching element (15).
21. The terminal block (1) according to claim 20, characterized in that, The functional section (132) surrounds the snap-fit element (15).
22. The terminal block (1) according to claim 20 or 21, characterized in that, The functional section (132) extends between the two connecting arms (131).
23. The terminal block (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The latching element (15) has a coupling section (154) which is operatively connected to the triggering element (13) so that the latching element (15) is driven when the triggering element (13) moves out of its initial position when the electrical wire (2) is inserted, but is not driven when the triggering element (13) moves when the latching element (15) is engaged.
24. The terminal block (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The snap-fit element (15) has a support arm (150, 153) that carries a snap-fit section (151, 155) for engaging with the clamping leg (120).
25. The terminal block (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The clamping leg (120) has a snap-fit section for engaging with the snap-fit element (15) in the release position.
26. The terminal block (1) according to claim 25, characterized in that, The latching section is formed by a latching opening (124) on the clamping leg (120), and when the clamping leg (120) is in the released position, the latching element (15) engages in the latching opening.
27. The terminal block (1) according to claim 26, characterized in that, The latching section is formed by a latching tab (125) on the clamping leg (120), which is engaged with the latching element (15) when the clamping leg (120) is in the released position.
28. The terminal block (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The wall section (112) bends toward the base (111) around the bending axis pointing along the insertion direction (E).
29. The terminal block (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The contact element (11) has another wall section (113) bent relative to the base (111) for electrical contact with the conductor (2).
30. The terminal block (1) according to claim 29, characterized in that, The wall sections (112, 113) extend in parallel planes.
31. 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 plug-in electrical contact with a corresponding mating contact.
32. The terminal block (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, It has an operating element (14) that can be displaced on the housing (10), the operating element being adjustable along the operating direction (B) from the unoperated position to the operating position to move the clamping leg (120) to the release position.
Citation Information
Patent Citations
Spring clamp for conductors
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Terminal block for connecting an electrical line
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