Connection terminal for connecting electrical conductors and plug connector having such connection terminal

Abstract

The utility model relates to a connection terminal (1) for connecting an electrical conductor (2), comprising a housing (30) which has a plug-in opening (100) into which the electrical conductor (2) can be inserted in a plug-in direction (E) for connection to the connection terminal (1). A contact element (11) for electrically contacting the electrical conductor (2) is arranged on the housing (30). The spring element (12) has a clamping leg (120) for acting on the electrical conductor (2). The trigger element (13) is latched with the clamping leg (120) in the release position of the clamping leg (120) and can be adjusted by interaction with the electrical conductor (2) in order to release the clamping leg (120) from the release position. The trigger element (13) is designed as a separate component from the spring element (12), the trigger element (13) being supported on the spring element (12) and having a trigger leg (130) which can be elastically deflected relative to the spring element (12) for interacting with the electrical conductor (2).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to a terminal block for connecting electrical wires. 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 to connect to the terminal block. A contact element for electrical contact with the electrical wire is arranged on the housing. A spring element with clamping legs is also arranged on the housing, configured to act on the electrical wire when it is inserted into the plug-in opening to bring the wire into contact with the contact element. The clamping legs are resiliently movable between a clamped position and a released position, and are configured to act on the electrical wire in the clamped position to bring the wire into contact with the contact element. A trigger element engages with the clamping legs in the released position to hold the clamping legs in the released position. When the electrical wire is inserted into the plug-in opening, the trigger element can be adjusted by acting in conjunction with the electrical wire to release the clamping legs from the released position.

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

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

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

[0006] In DE 10 2019 127 464 B3, the clamping legs are adjusted directly using tools. However, in the terminals known from DE 102019 135 203 A1 and DE 10 2020 104 140 A1, an operating element in the form of a pusher is provided. This pusher can be pressed into the housing of the terminal to act on the clamping legs in this way and move the clamping legs to their released position. The operating element is pre-tensioned relative to the housing of the terminal by a tension spring in the form of a pressure spring. In the terminals known from DE 10 2019 135 203 A1, an operating protrusion is arranged on the operating element, which hooks into the fixed section of the retaining element in the operating position of the operating element. Utility Model Content

[0007] The objective of this invention is to provide a terminal block that can be inserted into a plug connector in various ways and enables easy operation for connecting electrical wires.

[0008] This task is accomplished using the terminal blocks described below.

[0009] The terminal block has a trigger element. The trigger element is constructed as a separate part from the spring element, wherein the trigger element is supported on the spring element and has a trigger leg that is elastically deflectable relative to the spring element, which is used to act in conjunction with the wire when the wire is inserted into the plug opening.

[0010] In the terminal block, the wire makes electrical contact with the electrical contact element by means that, when the wire is inserted into the socket, the clamping legs act on the wire and spring-load it elastically toward contact with the contact element. To facilitate wire insertion, the clamping legs of the spring element can be elastically deflected to move the clamping legs to a release position, in which the space inside the housing in the area of ​​the socket is released, and thus the wire can be inserted into the socket with substantially no resistance, or the connected wire can be easily removed from the terminal block.

[0011] The terminal block has a trigger element by which the clamping leg is locked relative to the housing in the released position. In the released position, the clamping leg is locked to the trigger element, thus holding the clamping leg in the released position and enabling the simple and substantially effortless insertion of electrical wires to connect to the terminal block.

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

[0013] The trigger element has a trigger leg that is resiliently deflectable and configured to work in conjunction with the electrical wire during insertion, such that the trigger leg is adjusted upon insertion, thereby releasing the latch between the trigger element and the clamping leg. Therefore, upon insertion of the electrical wire, the terminal is automatically triggered, causing the electrical wire to contact the contact element via the clamping leg, thereby electrically connecting it to the terminal and further mechanically locking it to the terminal.

[0014] Because the trigger element is adjusted relative to the housing when the wire is inserted, thereby releasing the clamping legs from the released position, the terminal block automatically closes when the wire is inserted. A simple connection process is achieved by ensuring reliable contact between the wire and the contact element through the clamping action of the clamping legs.

[0015] The trigger element is constructed as a separate part from the spring element. This means that the trigger element and the spring element are manufactured as separate parts and are therefore not integrally connected together.

[0016] However, the trigger element is supported on the spring element, so that the support of the trigger element on the spring element provides retention of the trigger element in the housing of the terminal block.

[0017] In this way, terminal blocks with automatically triggered spring-loaded connectors can be applied to plug-in connectors, in which it is not possible or only difficult to assemble the components of the terminal block through a laterally open housing (e.g., in terminal blocks with plate-like housings, these housings can be arranged relative to each other along the arrangement direction). Assembly can be simplified and the applicability of such terminal blocks can be expanded by providing pre-assembled assemblies including contact elements, spring elements, and trigger elements.

[0018] In one design, a housing defines a receiving space into which an electrical wire can be introduced by insertion into a mating opening. A trigger element is arranged within the receiving space to interact with the electrical wire, and through this interaction, the trigger element can be adjusted relative to the housing from an initial position. Specifically, a trigger leg can extend into the area of ​​the receiving space aligned with the mating opening, so that upon insertion of the electrical wire, it abuts against the trigger leg, thereby adjusting the trigger element. Upon insertion of the electrical wire, the trigger element is thus adjusted from its initial position, resulting in the release of the clamping leg, which can then move from the released position toward the clamping position.

[0019] 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 in the clamping leg, through which the electrical wire can pass when inserted into the insertion opening of the housing, so that after the clamping leg is released from the release position, the electrical wire is pulled into clamping contact with the contact element.

[0020] Alternatively, the spring element can be configured as a compression spring. In this case, the clamping legs are configured to press the wire against the contact element by the spring force. When the wire is inserted into the insertion opening, the wire reaches the space between the clamping legs and the contact element, wherein, after the clamping legs are released from the release position, the clamping legs act on the wire and press the wire against the contact element.

[0021] In one design, the spring element has a support leg by which it is supported on the contact element and held in position relative to the housing. A clamping leg is elastically deflectable relative to the support leg, wherein, in the release position, the clamping leg deflects in such a way that the spring element is elastically tensioned, and after being released from the release position, the clamping leg moves out of the release position in an elastically preloaded manner.

[0022] In one design, the trigger element has a fixed section supported on a support leg. The trigger element is fixed to a spring element via this fixed section in such a way that the fixed section and the support leg form an operative connection. The trigger element is thus mounted on the support leg of the spring element. Additional support on the housing is not necessary, allowing for the provision of pre-assembled components within which the trigger element is pre-assembled on the spring element, and the spring element is pre-assembled on the contact element. These pre-assembled components can be assembled onto the housing as units to complete the wiring terminals.

[0023] For example, at least during the adjustment of the trigger element when the wire is inserted, the fixed section can be torque-resistantly supported on the support leg. Therefore, this torque-resistant connection between the fixed section and the support leg allows the trigger leg to be elastically deflected during wire insertion, while the fixed section is torque-resistantly held on the support leg. For this purpose, the fixed section of the trigger element can be fixed to the support leg in a form-fit, force-form fit, force fit, or material fit manner. For example, the fixed section can be connected to the support leg by welding and thus torque-resistantly held on the support leg. Therefore, the deflection of the trigger leg is achieved under conditions of elastic deformation on the trigger element. After deflection, when the wire is no longer acting on the trigger leg, the trigger leg automatically returns to its initial position due to pre-tension on the trigger element, in which a lock can be formed between the trigger element and the clamping leg, and in which the trigger leg extends into the receiving space inside the housing so that it can act in conjunction with the wire during wire insertion and automatically trigger.

[0024] In one design, the support leg has an opening into which a fixed section engages for support. By engaging the fixed section into the opening, a connection is established between the fixed section and the support leg, thus holding the fixed section onto the support leg.

[0025] In one design, the trigger element has a locking element that engages with a locking section of the clamping leg in the released position. In the released position, a (direct) locking connection exists between the trigger element and the clamping leg of the spring element. This locking connection holds the clamping leg in the released position. For this purpose, the locking element of the trigger element engages with the locking section of the clamping leg, thereby establishing a locked, form-fit, or force-fit connection between the trigger element and the clamping leg.

[0026] In one design, the locking section of the clamping leg can be formed by a locking opening on the clamping leg, and the locking element of the trigger element engages with the locking opening in the released position of the clamping leg.

[0027] In another design, the locking section of the clamping leg can be formed by a locking tab on the clamping leg, which protrudes from the clamping leg and engages with the locking element of the trigger element in the released position of the clamping leg. In this case, the locking element of the trigger element can be formed, for example, in the area of ​​a locking opening on the trigger element, with the locking tab of the clamping leg engaging the locking opening in the released position.

[0028] The triggering element is preferably shaped as a self-elastic component, which is made of, for example, spring steel.

[0029] The triggering element can be formed, for example, as a stamped and bent part.

[0030] In one design, the locking element of the trigger element is formed on a section bent relative to the trigger leg. For example, the clamping leg can (generally) deflect relative to the support leg about a swing axis oriented perpendicular to the insertion direction. The bent section is bent relative to the trigger leg about a bending axis, which can be oriented along or perpendicular to the swing axis. The bent section can be bent at an angle of 90° relative to the trigger leg, or at another angle, for example, greater than 90° (but less than 180°).

[0031] In one design, the fixed section is located at the end of the bent section furthest from the trigger leg. In this design, the fixed section is formed on the bent section, such that the bent section not only carries the locking element but also connects the trigger leg to the fixed section.

[0032] In one design, the fixing section and locking element are formed on a section folded relative to the bending section. This folded section may, for example, be folded 90° relative to the bending section. The fixing section and locking element are formed on the folded section, for example, at ends that are far apart from each other.

[0033] In one design, the contact element has a contact groove formed by a base and at least one wall segment bent relative to the base. For example, at least one wall segment is bent relative to the base about a bending axis oriented along the insertion direction.

[0034] In one design, the contact groove has two wall sections, each curved relative to the base and extending planarly along two parallel planes. Therefore, the contact groove can, for example, have a U-shaped configuration in a cross-section perpendicular to the insertion direction.

[0035] The contact element is particularly constructed of metal, such as a metal stamped or bent 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.

[0036] In one design, the clamping leg of the spring element is positioned within a space formed by a contact groove, and is thus movable within the contact groove. Therefore, the spring element is at least partially, i.e., at least by a section of the clamping leg, housed in the contact groove, allowing the clamping leg to move within the contact groove between a release position and a clamping position. In the release position, the clamping leg is spaced apart, for example, from a wall section of the contact groove, allowing a conductor to be introduced into the intermediate space between the clamping leg and the wall section. Conversely, in the clamping position, the clamping leg clamps against the introduced conductor, pressing the conductor against the wall section of the contact groove, thereby making electrical contact between the conductor and the contact groove.

[0037] In one design, the contact element has a support section, which is surrounded by a spring element with a curved section that provides a bending hinge point for the clamping leg. For example, the support section may be formed on the base of a contact groove of the contact element. Alternatively, the support section may protrude from the base of the contact groove as a tab. The spring element surrounds the support section with the curved section, such that the curved section is supported on the contact element. The curved section provides a bending hinge point at which the clamping leg can (at least approximately) elastically deflect relative to the support leg, allowing the clamping leg to be elastically adjusted between a release position and a clamping position.

[0038] 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 constructed as a contact pin, then the mating contacts are preferably formed as contact sockets. Conversely, if the contact section is formed as a contact socket, then the mating contacts are constructed as contact pins.

[0039] The contact section can protrude longitudinally from the contact groove along the insertion direction, so that the contact section can form a plug-in connection with the corresponding mating contact element along the insertion direction.

[0040] In one design, the terminal block has an adjustable operating element disposed on the housing, which can be adjusted along the operating direction to move the clamping leg to the release position. The operating element may be constructed, for example, as a button, 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.

[0041] The operating direction can be oriented, for example, along the plugging direction, with the wires inserted into the plugging opening of the housing along this plugging direction to connect to the terminal block.

[0042] In one design, in a pre-assembly position for constructing a pre-assembled assembly separate from the housing, a trigger element is arranged on a spring element, and the spring element is arranged on a contact element. The pre-assembled assembly can be inserted into the housing for assembling terminals and then assembled onto the housing. For example, the housing has two housing parts that can be attached to each other for assembly. For assembling terminals, the pre-assembled assembly, including the contact element and the trigger element, can be attached to one of the housing parts, so that the housing is subsequently completed by attaching the other housing part, and the pre-assembled assembly with the contact element and the trigger element is enclosed within the housing.

[0043] In one design, the plug-in connector includes at least one terminal block of the type described above. The plug-in connector can be grounded with a corresponding mating plug-in connector to establish an electrical connection between the contacts of the plug-in connector and the mating plug-in connector.

[0044] The plug-in connector has a plug-in connector housing. Here, the housing of at least one terminal of the plug-in connector is preferably formed by the plug-in connector housing of the plug-in connector, and in particular by at least one housing member of the plug-in connector.

[0045] For example, the housing can be constructed from two housing parts that can be attached to each other along the assembly direction for assembly. For instance, the first housing part can be configured with a receiving cavity into which a pre-assembled assembly consisting of a contact element, a spring element, and a trigger element can be inserted along the assembly direction for assembly. Therefore, to assemble the plug-in connector, (firstly) a pre-assembled assembly consisting of a contact element, a spring element, and a trigger element attached to each other is provided for each terminal; (then) this pre-assembled assembly is attached to the first housing part by inserting it into the receiving cavity of the first housing part, and then the second housing part is attached to the first housing part. Here, the pre-assembled assembly is inserted into the receiving cavity along the assembly direction. The housing parts are also attached to each other along the assembly direction to complete the plug-in connector. This achieves simple assembly of the plug-in connector, on which one or more terminals can be provided, and these terminals are assembled along a common assembly direction. Attached Figure Description

[0046] The concept of this invention will now be explained in detail with the aid of embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. Wherein are shown:

[0047] Figure 1 : A view of an embodiment of the plug-in connector;

[0048] Figure 2 Top view of the plug-in connector;

[0049] Figure 3A Rear view of the plug-in connector;

[0050] Figure 3B : along according to Figure 3A A sectional view of line AA;

[0051] Figure 3C : along according to Figure 3A A sectional view of line BB;

[0052] Figure 4 Exploded view of the plug-in connector;

[0053] Figure 5 : A magnified view of the components in the exploded view;

[0054] Figure 6 : A view of a typical spring element for a terminal block;

[0055] Figure 7 : A modified view of the spring element;

[0056] Figure 8 : A view of the trigger element and its corresponding spring element;

[0057] Figure 9A :according to Figure 8 The trigger element and the spring element are in a mutually attached position;

[0058] Figure 9B :according to Figure 9A A view of the components, where the spring element is in the released position;

[0059] Figure 10A :according to Figure 9A A view of the components along with their corresponding contact elements;

[0060] Figure 10B :according to Figure 9B A view of the components along with their corresponding contact elements;

[0061] Figure 11 : A view of the trigger element and the spring element according to another embodiment;

[0062] Figure 12A :according to Figure 11 The trigger element and the spring element are in a mutually attached position;

[0063] Figure 12B :according to Figure 12A The component, wherein the spring element is in the released position;

[0064] Figure 13 : A view of the trigger element and the spring element according to another embodiment;

[0065] Figure 14A :according to Figure 13 The trigger element and the spring element are in a mutually attached position; and

[0066] Figure 14B :according to Figure 14A The components, wherein the spring element is in the released position. Detailed Implementation

[0067] Figure 1A view of an embodiment of a plug connector consisting of two plug-in connectors 3 and 4 is shown. These plug-in connectors can be plugged into each other to establish an electrical connection between electrical components, such as between two cables or between a switch cabinet and a cable.

[0068] As in Figures 1 to 5 As can be seen, the plug connector 3 has a plug connector housing 30, on which a plug section 31 is formed.

[0069] These plug sections 31 can be plugged into the corresponding plug sections 41 formed on the plug connector housing 40 of the plug connector 4. Therefore, a plug connection can be established between the plug connectors 3 and 4 through the plug sections 31 and 41.

[0070] By inserting the wire 2 into the terminal 1 of the connector 3, the wire 2 can be connected to the connector 3. Here, the connector 3 has a plurality of terminals 1 arranged relative to each other in the lateral direction Q, which enable the connection of multiple wires 2 to the connector 3.

[0071] As will be further described below, these terminals 1 are each constructed as spring-loaded connectors. Each terminal 1 is provided with a plug opening 100 formed in the housing 30 of the plug connector 3 for inserting the electrical wire 2. In addition, each terminal 1 is provided with an operating element 14 that can move in the operating opening 102.

[0072] As this is based on Figure 3B and Figure 3C As can be seen in the cross-sectional view, the housing 30 defines a receiving space 101 for each terminal 1. When the wire 2 is inserted into the insertion opening 100 along the insertion direction E, the wire 2 is introduced into the receiving space with its conductor end 20 stripped of insulation. In the connected position, the wire 2 with its conductor end 20 stripped of insulation is located inside the receiving space 101 and is electrically contacted with the contact element 11 by the clamping leg 120 of the spring element 12, so that the wire 2 is electrically connected to the terminal 1.

[0073] Each terminal 1 has a contact element 11 having a contact groove 110 and a contact section 116 protruding from the contact groove 110. In the illustrated embodiment, the contact section 116 is formed by a contact socket that is inserted into a corresponding insertion section 31 of the housing 30 and can be grounded with a corresponding mating contact of the mating insertion connector 4 along the insertion direction E.

[0074] In the illustrated embodiment, the contact element 11 is integrally manufactured as a stamped and bent part.

[0075] 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 to the base and curved relative to the base 111.

[0076] Wall sections 112 and 113 are respectively curved relative to the base 111 about a bending axis (extending longitudinally along the insertion direction E) and extend in planes oriented parallel to each other, as particularly from the perspective of... Figure 4 and Figure 5 As can be seen in the view.

[0077] In the illustrated embodiment, the spring element 12 of each terminal 1 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 curved section 122 providing a bending hinge point, wherein the curved section 122 extends around a support section 114 formed by a tab on the base 111. The support section 114 defines a swing point for the clamping leg 120 such that the clamping leg 120 can be elastically deflected relative to the support leg 121, and is adjusted (at least approximately) relative to the support leg 120 about a swing axis defined by the support section 114.

[0078] In the illustrated embodiment, the spring element 12 of each terminal 1 is accommodated within the contact groove 110 such that the clamping leg 120 can move within the contact groove 110. For connecting the electrical wire 2, the electrical wire 2 can be introduced through the insertion opening 100 into the receiving space 101 inside the housing 30, and thereby into the contact groove 110, whereby the electrical wire reaches an intermediate position 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 presses against the wall section 113 of the contact element 11, thereby making electrical contact with the contact element 11 and being mechanically locked onto the terminal 1.

[0079] The clamping leg 120 is able to be elastically deflected relative to the support leg 121. In particular, such deflection causes the clamping leg 120 to clamp the wire 2 connected to the terminal 1 in the clamped position, and under elastic preload, pushes the wire into contact with the wall section 113 of the contact element 11, thereby making the wire 2 electrically contact the contact element 11 through its conductor end 20.

[0080] Each terminal 1 of the plug-in connector 3 has an operating element 14, which is configured with a head 140 and a rod 141 extending from the head 140. The operating element 14 disposed at each terminal 1 is housed in a corresponding operating opening 102 of the housing 30 and can be adjusted relative to the housing between an inactive position and an operating position along the operating direction B. Here, the operating element 14 acts on the clamping leg 120 via the rod 141 so that when adjusted in the direction of the operating position, the clamping leg is moved from the clamping position to the release position, in which the clamping leg 120 is released in the area inside the contact groove 110 aligned with the plug-in opening 100 along the plugging direction E, so that the wire 2 can be inserted into the plug-in opening 100 in a substantially unloaded manner and connected to the corresponding terminal 1.

[0081] In the illustrated embodiment, each terminal 1 has a trigger element 13 configured with a trigger leg 130 that extends substantially perpendicular to the insertion direction E in the unloaded initial position and extends into the area inside the contact groove 110 aligned with the insertion opening 100 along the insertion direction E, as is particularly evident from the embodiment according to Figure 3B , 3C As can be seen in the sectional view.

[0082] The trigger element 13 is constructed as a separate part relative to the spring element 12, in such a way that the trigger element 13 and the spring element 12 are manufactured separately and each is constructed as a stamped and bent part. Here, the trigger element 13 can elastically deform so 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 its interaction with the wire 2 to connect the wire 2 to the terminal 1.

[0083] The trigger element 13 is supported on the support leg 121 of the spring element 12 by a fixing section 131, in that the fixing section 131 engages with a fixing opening 123 on the support leg 121, as is particularly evident from the following... Figures 8 to 10A As can be seen in the view of trigger element 13 and spring element 12 of 10B.

[0084] In the illustrated embodiment, a bent section 133, approximately bent at 90°, is arranged on the trigger leg 130. A folded section 134 is formed at the end of the bent section 133, away from the trigger leg 130. This folded section is folded approximately 90° relative to the bent section 133 and carries the fixing section 131 and additionally the locking element 132. Here, the fixing section 131 and the locking element 132 are respectively formed as tabs on the folded section 134.

[0085] The fixing section 131 engages in the fixing opening 123 of the support leg 121, and thus supports the trigger element 13 on the spring element 12. For support, the fixing section 131 engages through the fixing opening 123 on the support leg 121, so that the trigger element 13 is mounted on the support leg 121 of the spring element 12 through the fixing section 131 away from the trigger leg 130.

[0086] Here, the fixed section 131 is preferably fixed to the support leg 121 in a torque-resistant manner, for example, by welding the fixed section 131 to the support leg 121 by spot welding.

[0087] Locking element 132 is used to establish a lock with clamping leg 120 of spring element 12. If the operating element 14 is operated along the operating direction B, the clamping leg 120 is moved from the clamping position (…). Figure 3B ) Move to the release position ( Figure 3C In the case of the release position, the locking element 132 engages with the corresponding locking section 124 in the form of a locking opening on the clamping leg 120, thereby locking the clamping leg 120 with the trigger element 13 in the release position and holding it in the position within the housing 30.

[0088] If the wire 2 is inserted into the insertion opening 100 of the terminal block 1, the wire 2, with its conductor end 20, collides with the trigger leg 130 inside the receiving space 101, and adjusts the trigger element 13 inside the housing 30, thereby releasing the lock between the locking element 132 and the clamping leg 120. Therefore, the clamping leg 120 is released from the released position and achieves a clamping connection with the inserted wire 2, thereby clamping the wire 2 to the wall section 113 of the contact groove 110 of the contact element 11, and thus electrically connecting the wire to the contact element 11.

[0089] Therefore, the locking mechanism of the clamping leg 120 is automatically released when the electrical wire 2 is inserted, so that the clamping leg 120 is no longer held in the released position. Due to the spring preload of the spring element 12, the clamping leg 120 moves towards the clamping position and clamps the inserted electrical wire 2 to the wall section 113 of the contact element 11 inside the contact groove 110, so that the electrical wire 2 is electrically connected to the contact element 11 and is also mechanically locked to the terminal 1.

[0090] If the connected wire 2 is to be released from the terminal 1 again, the operating element 14 can be pressed into the housing 30 along the operating direction B so that the clamping leg 120 is moved to the release position and thus the wire 2 is released.

[0091] Since the trigger element 13 is supported on the support leg 121 of the spring element 12, the spring connector of the terminal 1 can be easily assembled in the plug connector 3.

[0092] In the illustrated embodiment, the housing 30 of the plug connector 3 is composed of two housing parts 300 and 301. To assemble the plug connector 3, the pre-assembly assemblies 15 of each terminal block 1 can be completed first. For this purpose, the spring element 12 and the trigger element 13 are respectively inserted into the contact groove 110 of the contact element 11, as shown by... Figure 4 and Figure 5 As can be seen. The pre-assembled assembly 15, thus completed, can then be inserted along the assembly direction M into the corresponding receiving cavity 10 on the (first) housing member 301, so that another (second) housing member 300 can be attached along the assembly direction M to the housing member 301, thereby enclosing the components of the terminal block 1 within the housing 30. In the final step, the operating element 14 can be inserted into the corresponding operating opening 102 on the housing member 300 of the housing 30.

[0093] By providing a pre-assembled assembly 15 for each terminal 1 by a contact element 11 together with a trigger element 13 and a spring element 12, the assembly, for example, for use with the plug connector 3, can be simplified, or the assembly can be made so that it can only be performed by first providing the pre-assembled assembly 15 and then accommodating it between the housing parts 300, 301 to be attached to each other.

[0094] Because the trigger element 13 is constructed as a separate element relative to the spring element 12, the spring element 12 can be constructed essentially as in a conventional terminal block 1. Figure 6 A conventional spring element 12' without a triggering element is shown as an example. In contrast, Figure 7 It shows that according to Figures 1 to 5 The spring element 12 in the embodiment is modified from the conventional spring element 12' in that it has a fixing opening 123 on the support leg 121 and a locking opening 124 on the clamping leg 120.

[0095] Since the spring element 12 can remain essentially unchanged compared to conventional (non-triggering) terminals, and only the trigger element 13 is additionally provided, the trigger element 13 can be added to existing terminal block schemes in a simple manner with only minor modifications to the spring element 12.

[0096] Figure 11 and Figure 12A , 12BAnother embodiment of the spring element 12 and the trigger element 13 is shown. The trigger element 13 is again supported on the support leg 121 of the spring element 12 by a fixing section 131, in that the fixing section 131 is engaged in a fixing opening 123 on the support leg 121, and is additionally welded to the support leg 121, for example.

[0097] According to Figure 8 and Figure 9A , 9B In one embodiment, the bending section 133 bends relative to the trigger leg 130 about a bending axis perpendicular to the swing axis of the clamping leg 120; however, according to... Figure 11 and Figure 12A , 12B In this embodiment, the bending axis between the trigger leg 130 and the bending section 133 is oriented in the same direction as the swing axis of the clamping leg 120. Section 134 bends relative to section 133 about a parallel second bending axis and carries the fixing section 131. Here, a locking opening 135 is formed in section 134 in the locking position of the clamping leg 120 (see...). Figure 12B The locking tab 124 of the clamping leg 120 engages with the locking opening to lock with the locking element 132 of the trigger element 13.

[0098] exist Figure 13 and Figure 14A , 14B In another embodiment shown, the fixing segment 131 of the trigger element 13 engages in a corresponding fixing opening 123 on the support leg 121 of the spring element 12. The face segment 136 of the trigger element 13 rests planarly against the support leg 121 and occupies an intermediate position between the support leg 121 and the wall segment 112 of the contact element 11 in the assembled position. The trigger leg 130 is bent at approximately 90° relative to the face segment 136, wherein a locking piece 137 is formed on the trigger leg 130, by which the trigger element 13 engages with the support leg 121. The segment 133 is bent relative to the trigger leg 130 about a bending axis perpendicular to the swing axis of the clamping leg 120 and carries a locking element 132 for engaging with a locking opening 24 on the clamping leg 120.

[0099] Using according to Figure 11 and Figure 12A , 12B According to the embodiments, or based on Figure 13 and Figure 14A , 14B In the case of the trigger element 13 and spring element 12 in the embodiment, the terminal 1 is functionally the same as described above.

[0100] The ideas underlying this invention are not limited to the foregoing embodiments, but can also be implemented in other ways.

[0101] The operating element can be preloaded towards the non-operated position by the clamping legs of the spring element. However, it is also possible to consider providing an additional preload element that preloads the operating element relative to the housing in the opposite direction of operation, towards the non-operated position. Such a preload element can be constructed, for example, by a compression spring or other mechanical spring.

[0102] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0103] 1 terminal block

[0104] 10 accommodating cavities

[0105] 100mm plug opening

[0106] 101 Accommodation Space

[0107] 102 Operating opening

[0108] 11 Contact Elements

[0109] 110 contact groove

[0110] 111 base

[0111] Sections 112 and 113

[0112] 114 support section

[0113] 116 contact section

[0114] 12 clamping springs

[0115] 120 Clamping Legs

[0116] 121 Supporting Legs

[0117] 122-curved section

[0118] 123 Fixed opening

[0119] 124 Locked Section

[0120] 13 trigger elements

[0121] 130 trigger legs

[0122] 131 Fixed Section

[0123] 132 locking element

[0124] 133 bend section

[0125] 134 folding section

[0126] 135 locking opening

[0127] 136 sections

[0128] 137 Locked Film

[0129] 14 operating elements

[0130] 140 heads

[0131] 141 pole section

[0132] 15 pre-assembled components

[0133] 2 wires

[0134] 20 conductor ends

[0135] 3 plug-in connectors

[0136] 30 housing

[0137] 300, 301 housing components

[0138] 31 Plug-in Section

[0139] 4 mating plug connectors

[0140] 40 housing

[0141] 41 Plug-in opening

[0142] B Operation Direction

[0143] E insertion direction

[0144] M assembly direction

[0145] Q horizontal direction

Claims

1. A terminal block (1) for connecting an electrical conductor (2), comprising: The housing (30) 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 (30) is used for electrical contact with the conductor (2). Spring element (12), said spring element having clamping legs (120) for acting on electrical conductor (2), wherein, The clamping leg (120) is elastically movable between a clamping position and a released position, and is configured to act on the electrical conductor (2) in the clamping position so that it contacts the contact element (11), and A trigger element (13) engages with the clamping leg (120) in the released position to hold the clamping leg (120) in the released position, and when the electrical wire (2) is inserted into the insertion opening (100), the trigger element can be adjusted by acting in conjunction with the electrical wire (2) to release the clamping leg (120) from the released position. The trigger element (13) is characterized as a separate part from the spring element (12), wherein the trigger element (13) is supported on the spring element (12) and has a trigger leg (130) that is elastically deflectable relative to the spring element (12), the trigger leg being used to work with the wire (2) when the wire (2) is inserted into the plug opening (100).

2. The terminal block (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The housing (30) defines a receiving space (101) into which an electrical wire (2) can be introduced by being inserted into a plug opening (100), wherein a trigger element (13) is arranged in the receiving space (101) to work in conjunction with the electrical wire (2).

3. The terminal block (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The trigger leg (130) extends laterally to the insertion direction (E) in the initial position within the receiving space (101) so as to work together with the electrical wire (2) when it is inserted.

4. The terminal block (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The spring element (12) has a support leg (121), a clamping leg (120) that can be elastically deflected relative to the support leg, and the support leg is supported on the contact element (11).

5. The terminal block (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that, The trigger element (13) has a fixed section (131) supported on a support leg (121).

6. The terminal block (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that, The support leg (121) has an opening (123), and a fixed section (131) is engaged into the opening for support.

7. The terminal block (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The trigger element (13) has a locking element (132) that engages with the locking section (124) of the clamping leg (120) in the released position of the clamping leg (120).

8. The terminal block (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that, The locking section (124) is formed by a locking opening on the clamping leg (120), and the locking element (132) engages in the locking opening in the released position of the clamping leg (120).

9. The terminal block (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that, The locking section (124) is formed by a locking piece on the clamping leg (120), which engages with the locking element (132) in the released position of the clamping leg (120).

10. The terminal block (1) according to any one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that, The locking element (132) of the trigger element (13) is formed on the section (133) that is bent relative to the trigger leg (130).

11. The terminal block (1) according to claim 10, characterized in that, The fixed section (131) is arranged on the end of the bent section (133) away from the trigger leg (130).

12. The terminal block (1) according to claim 11, characterized in that, The fixed section (131) and the locking element (132) are formed on the section (134) that is folded over relative to the bent section (133).

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

14. The terminal block (1) according to claim 13, characterized in that, At least one wall section (112, 113) is bent relative to the base (111) about a bending axis oriented along the insertion direction (E).

15. The terminal block (1) according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that, The contact groove (110) is formed by a base (111) and two wall sections (112, 113) that are curved relative to the base (111), the two wall sections extending planarly along two planes that are parallel to each other.

16. The terminal block (1) according to any one of claims 13 to 15, characterized in that, The clamping leg (120) is able to move in the contact groove (110).

17. The terminal block (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The contact element (11) has a support section (114), and the spring element (12) surrounds the support section with a curved section (122) that provides a curved hinge point for the clamping leg (120).

18. The terminal block (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The contact element (11) has a contact section (116) for making electrical contact with a corresponding mating contact.

19. The terminal block (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, An operating element (14) is provided on the housing (30) and is adjustable to the operating position along the operating direction (B) in order to adjust the clamping leg (120) to the operating position from the non-operating position.

20. The terminal block (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, In the pre-assembly position for constructing a pre-assembly assembly (15) separate from the housing (30), a trigger element (13) is arranged on a spring element (12), and the spring element (12) is arranged on a contact element (11), and the pre-assembly assembly (15) can be inserted into the housing (30) for mounting the terminal block (1).

21. A plug-in connector (3) capable of being plugged into a mating plug-in connector (4) and having at least one terminal block (1) according to any one of the preceding claims.

22. The plug-in connector (3) according to claim 21, characterized in that, The housing (30) of the terminal block (1) is formed by at least one housing part (300, 301) of the plug-in connector (3).

23. The plug-in connector (3) according to claim 21 or 22, characterized in that, The housing (30) is constructed by two housing parts (300, 301) which can be attached to each other along the assembly direction (M) for assembly. The first housing part (300, 301) has a pre-assembled assembly (15) consisting of a contact element (11), a spring element (12) and a trigger element (13) which can be inserted into the housing part along the assembly direction (M) for assembly.

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