Wiring terminal for connecting electrical conductors and wiring device thereof

Abstract

The utility model relates to a wiring terminal (1) used for connecting an electric lead (2). The wiring terminal (1) comprises a housing part (10); a contact element (11) arranged on the housing part (10) and having a contact section (110) for electrically contacting an electrical conductor (2); and a spring element (12). The trigger element (13) is designed to interact with the electrical conductor (2) when inserted into the connection terminal (1) in order to release a clamping leg (120) of the spring element (12) from a release position, the trigger element (13) having a trigger leg (130) and the housing part (10) of the connection terminal (1) defining a receiving space (101), the electrical conductor (2) can be introduced into the receiving space by being inserted into the connection terminal (1). The utility model also relates to a wiring device with the wiring terminal.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to a terminal block and wiring device for connecting electrical wires. Background Technology

[0002] This terminal block has a housing component. A contact element is arranged on the housing component, having a contact section for electrical contact with a conductor. A clamping leg of a spring element is configured to act on the conductor in a clamped position to contact the contact section. In a released position, the clamping leg disengages from the contact section compared to the clamped position, wherein the clamping leg is held in position relative to the housing component in the released position. A trigger element is configured to cooperate with the conductor when plugged into the terminal block to release the clamping leg from the released position. The trigger element has a trigger leg. The housing component of the terminal block defines a receiving cavity into which a conductor can be introduced by plugging into the terminal block, wherein the trigger leg extends within the receiving cavity for cooperating with the conductor.

[0003] The terminal block achieves a spring-loaded connection by using a spring element, wherein the electrical wire is clamped to the contact element under the elastic spring action of the spring element in the connected position and thereby electrically connected to the contact element.

[0004] In the terminal block disclosed by DE 10 2019 127 464 B3, a spring element in the form of a tension spring is provided, which pulls the connected wire against the corresponding contact element by the elastic spring action, thereby establishing a clamping connection between the wire and the contact element. For this purpose, the wire moves through the opening in the clamping leg during placement and is clamped between the clamping leg and the contact element in the connection 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 and thus released, causing the clamping legs to move from the released position and thereby clamping the electrical wire to the contact element. To move the clamping legs to the released position, especially to allow the connection or disconnection of an electrical wire from the terminal block, a tool, such as a screwdriver, can be placed on 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 a tool. In contrast, the terminals known from DE 102019 135 203 A1 and DE 10 2020 104 140 A1 each incorporate an actuating element in the form of a pusher. This pusher can be pressed into the terminal housing to act on the clamping legs and move them to their released position. The actuating elements are pre-tensioned relative to the terminal housing via tension springs in the form of pressure springs. In the terminal disclosed in DE 10 2019 135 203 A1, the actuating element has an actuating protrusion that hooks into the fixed section of the retaining element in the actuating position.

[0007] On such terminals that implement elastic joints and have a triggering element that automatically activates upon insertion of an electrical wire, it should also be possible to connect electrical wires with small cross-sections and low rigidity, such as stranded wires. Because thin wires are flexible and can only transmit pressure to a limited extent in certain situations, it is necessary to ensure that sufficient force is transmitted to the triggering element upon insertion of such wires, thus triggering the terminal. Utility Model Content

[0008] The purpose of this invention is to provide a terminal block that reliably triggers the triggering element even when connected to a thin wire, while enabling comfortable operation.

[0009] This objective is achieved through a terminal block for connecting electrical wires.

[0010] Accordingly, the trigger leg has a collision section, on which the wire is struck when it is plugged into the terminal block, and a guide device is formed on the collision section to guide the wire toward the point of action or the surface of action.

[0011] In a terminal block, the wire is made into electrical contact with the electrical contact element by means that when the wire is plugged into the terminal block, the clamping legs act on the wire and spring-loaded the wire elastically in the direction of contact with the contact element. To facilitate the insertion of the wire, the clamping legs of the spring element can be elastically deflected, for example, by means of a tool or by means of a manipulating element.

[0012] If the clamping legs have been moved to the release position, the clamping legs remain in the release position relative to the housing component. This can be achieved by direct locking of the clamping legs relative to the housing component or by indirect locking, such as by an actuating element.

[0013] The terminal block has a trigger element configured to cooperate with the electrical wire during insertion of the terminal block to release the clamping legs from the release position. The trigger element actuates the clamping legs from the release position so that they are automatically released from the release position and thus moved into the clamping position when the electrical wire is inserted into the terminal block, in which the electrical wire is electrically connected to the terminal block's contact element. By deflecting the trigger element when the electrical wire is inserted, the terminal block automatically closes upon insertion. This results in a simple connection process with reliable contact between the wire and the contact element.

[0014] Such terminal blocks can be provided by the manufacturer, for example, with the clamping legs in the released position. In the terminal block, the clamping legs of the spring element are held in position relative to the housing component in the released position and can be automatically triggered by a triggering element when an electrical wire is inserted.

[0015] The trigger leg of the trigger element is configured to interact with the electrical conductor when plugged into the terminal block. This interaction with the conductor triggers the trigger leg, thereby releasing the clamping leg from the release position. A housing component defines a receiving cavity into which the electrical conductor can be inserted by insertion into a socket. The trigger leg extends within the receiving cavity to interact with the electrical conductor. Specifically, the electrical conductor can be inserted into the socket along the plugging direction, wherein the trigger leg extends transversely to the plugging direction within the receiving cavity at least in a collision section (approximately) where the electrical conductor collides with the terminal block when plugged into it.

[0016] The triggering element can be designed, for example, as an integrated element that is itself elastic.

[0017] Such terminals should, in principle, be designed to allow the connection of flexible conductors. These flexible conductors may have a small cross-section or be constructed as stranded conductors. Due to their flexibility, such conductors are only suitable for transmitting pressure to the triggering element when plugged into the terminal.

[0018] In order to reliably connect such a flexible wire while triggering the trigger element, the wire should collide with a collision zone formed on the trigger leg when plugged into the terminal block, thereby enabling efficient force transmission from the wire to the trigger element. For this reason, a guide device is formed on the collision zone of the trigger leg, which is configured to guide the wire toward the point of action or surface of action on the collision zone when plugged into the terminal block.

[0019] The collision section can extend, particularly laterally, within the receiving cavity of the terminal block, so that the conductor reliably collides with the collision section when it is introduced into the receiving cavity. Here, the guiding device is preferably designed such that it guides one end of the conductor on the collision section, guiding the conductor to the point of action or surface of action on the collision section.

[0020] Preferably, the point of action or the surface of action is formed centrally on the collision zone, such that the conductor is centered through the guiding device and acts on the collision zone in a centered manner under favorable force transmission.

[0021] In one embodiment, the impact section has a raised bend or recess on the side facing the conductor to form a guiding device. Due to the raised bend, when the conductor is inserted into the terminal and impacts the impact section, it is guided to a central point of action or a central surface of action on the impact section. In a recess, such as a funnel shape, formed on the impact section, the conductor can be captured upon impact and guided to a central point of action or a central surface of action within the recess. The conductor is guided at the impact section such that it is guided to a favorable point or surface at the impact section upon impact for transmitting force to the trigger leg.

[0022] In one embodiment, the housing component forms a socket into which an electrical conductor can be inserted in the insertion direction for connection to a terminal block. The guiding device has at least one guiding surface oriented at an angle to the insertion direction to guide the electrical conductor laterally toward the point of action or the surface of action. The angled guiding surface causes a change in the force used to laterally displace the electrical conductor upon impact with a collision zone. If the electrical conductor impacts the angled guiding surface, it slides down the guiding surface and is thereby guided toward the point of action or the surface of action on the collision zone.

[0023] For example, the guiding device has at least one pair of opposing guiding surfaces, with the point of action or the surface of action located between these guiding surfaces. The opposing guiding surfaces are placed at an angle and point towards each other, so that when the conductor collides with one of the guiding surfaces, it is guided to the center position between the guiding surfaces.

[0024] For example, the guiding device may have two pairs of opposing guiding surfaces, with the point of action or working surface located between these two pairs of guiding surfaces. The two pairs of guiding surfaces are oriented relative to each other such that they guide the wire toward the (central) point of action or working surface in different directions. For example, one pair of guiding surfaces may cause guidance along a first lateral direction (perpendicular to the insertion direction), while the other pair of guiding surfaces causes guidance along a second lateral direction (perpendicular to both the insertion direction and the first lateral direction), so that when the wire collides with the collision section, it slides down on at least one of the guiding surfaces and thereby deflects laterally and is guided toward the centrally located point of action or working surface between the guiding surfaces.

[0025] In one embodiment, the terminal block has an actuating element capable of moving from an unoperated position to an operated position to displace the clamping leg to a released position. The actuating element can be operated manually or by a user with a tool to displace the clamping leg to the released position by moving the actuating element to the operated position. The actuating element can be linearly movable or pivotally supported at a housing component or at a component fixed relative to the housing component, such as a contact element.

[0026] In one embodiment, the actuating element engages with the triggering element in the actuated position, thereby holding the clamping leg in the released position. Therefore, the engagement of the clamping leg in the released position is indirectly achieved through the actuating element, through the engagement between the actuating element and the triggering element.

[0027] In the released position, the wire can be simply attached to the terminal block, or the connected wire can be removed from the terminal block in a substantially effortless manner. After the latch is released, the actuating element can be moved back, particularly automatically and preferably under spring preload, towards the unoperated position. Here, for example, spring preload on the actuating element can be caused by the clamping legs, which elastically deflect in the operated position and, after releasing the actuating element, elastically act mechanically on the actuating element to transfer it from the operated position towards the unoperated position.

[0028] In one embodiment, the actuating element has a locking section for locking with the locking device of the triggering element of the terminal block in the actuating position. The locking section can be located, for example, on the side of the actuating element opposite to the actuating section, preferably approximately exactly opposite (with respect to the swing axis of the actuating element) away from the actuating section relative to the swing axis. Through the locking section, the actuating element locks with the corresponding locking device of the triggering element in the actuating position, thereby holding the actuating element in the actuating position, but can be easily and reliably released from the actuating position upon insertion of a wire by triggering the trigger leg.

[0029] The locking device of the trigger element can be formed, for example, through an opening, into which the locking section of the actuating element, for example, constituted by a protrusion, engages in the actuating position of the actuating element. Thus, the actuating element is held in its actuating position by the shape-fitting engagement of the locking section into the opening of the trigger element, wherein the engagement can be released by adjusting the trigger leg, and thus the actuating element can be released from the actuating position for moving the clamping leg to the release position.

[0030] In one embodiment, the actuating element is capable of oscillating about a swing axis relative to the housing component.

[0031] In one embodiment, the actuating element has a first sliding surface formed in a base section of the actuating element, and the housing component has a second sliding surface formed in a housing section, the second sliding surface being used to slidably support the first sliding surface when the actuating element oscillates about a swing axis. In an actuating element for adjusting clamping legs that is swingably supported on a housing component, the loading forces on the actuating element act not only in tension and compression (as is typically the case in actuating elements that are slidably supported on a housing), but also as bending loads, particularly about a bending axis perpendicular to the swing axis. To provide support for the actuating element for swingable support on the housing component, the actuating element has a first sliding surface formed in a base section, the first sliding surface being designed to cooperate with a complementary sliding surface in a housing section of the housing component to achieve support between the actuating element and the housing component when the actuating element oscillates.

[0032] The first and second sliding surfaces are radially spaced apart from the pivot axis. For example, the first sliding surface may be formed on a radially outward-pointing wall outside the actuating element so as to slidably cooperate with the sliding surface on the housing section of the housing component.

[0033] Here, the first sliding surface and the second sliding surface can be configured to slide against each other as the actuating element swings, thus creating a sliding support between the sliding surfaces.

[0034] In another embodiment, the first sliding surface may be configured to abut against the second sliding surface at the housing section of the housing component only when there is an (excessive) load at the actuating element, for example, when there is pressure applied in the actuating section in a direction perpendicular to the swing axis. Therefore, in this embodiment, the sliding surfaces are not always in contact with each other, but only slidably in contact with each other when there is an (excessive) load on the actuating element.

[0035] In one embodiment, the first sliding surface and / or the second sliding surface are curved about the swing axis. The first sliding surface and / or the second sliding surface may, for example, have a constant radius of curvature about the swing axis, so that the first sliding surface and / or the second sliding surface extend arcuately about the swing axis with a constant radius.

[0036] Preferably, both the first and second sliding surfaces are curved about the swing axis and have an arc shape with a constant radius of curvature relative to the swing axis. The sliding surfaces are here shaped complementaryly to each other in that the first sliding surface on the actuating element has a convex shape and the second sliding surface on the housing section has a complementary concave shape.

[0037] However, it is also possible to consider that only one of the sliding surfaces is curved and abuts against the corresponding other sliding surface at one or more support points.

[0038] In one embodiment, the actuating element has an actuating section for user operation and an actuating section for acting on the clamping legs. For example, the actuating section can be accessed from outside the housing component by the user acting on it via a tool (e.g., a screwdriver) or alternatively manually, while the actuating section is operatively connected to the clamping legs of the spring element. By adjusting the actuating element, an adjusting force is applied to the clamping legs via the actuating section, such that, particularly when adjusting the actuating element from an unoperated position to an operated position, the clamping legs are actuated and moved towards the release position.

[0039] In one embodiment, the base section of the actuating element (on which a first sliding surface is formed) constitutes an actuating section for acting on the clamping leg when the actuating element oscillates. Utilizing the base section, which integrally and one-piecely constitutes the (first) sliding surface on the actuating element, the actuating element acts on the clamping leg of the spring element when oscillating from an unoperated position to an operated position, and adjusts the clamping leg toward a release position. The sliding surface of the actuating element is formed on the base section, which is constituted by the actuating section, such that when the actuating element oscillates relative to the housing component about the oscillation axis, the actuating element is slidably supported on the housing section of the housing component via the surface of the actuating section.

[0040] Preferably, the first sliding surface abuts against the second sliding surface in the unoperated position and in the operated position of the control element, and when the control element swings about the swing axis between the unoperated and operated positions. Therefore, the first and second sliding surfaces are supportively abutting each other not only in the unoperated position, but also in the operated position, and further as they move between them. In particular, the support in the operated position allows the force on the control element to be received and supported when the clamping leg deflects, without causing (significant) deformation of the control element due to the force of the clamping leg.

[0041] In one embodiment, the actuating element has another second base section. A clamping leg is received, for example, in a receiving slot between the (first) base section and the second base section, forming a first sliding surface at the (first) base section. Thus, the clamping leg is supported on the actuating element in a defined position, wherein as the actuating element oscillates about its pivot axis, the clamping leg oscillates with the actuating element relative to the housing and thus shifts toward the release position.

[0042] For example, a first sliding surface is formed on the side of the base section that points radially outward from the pivot axis. The first sliding surface is thus formed on the outer surface of the actuating element and points radially outward so as to be slidably supported on the second sliding surface of the housing section of the housing component.

[0043] In one embodiment, a housing section of the housing component is configured with a socket for inserting an electrical wire. A second sliding surface is formed on the side of the housing section to provide sliding support for the actuating element when it swings relative to the housing component.

[0044] The actuating element is preferably pivotally supported on the housing via first and second sliding surfaces, in addition to a sliding support. For example, a shaft element can be formed on the actuating element or on the housing component, the shaft element being concentric with the pivot axis, and the actuating element being pivotally supported on the housing component via the shaft element. The shaft element is arranged radially within the first sliding surface.

[0045] For example, the control element is supported on only one side (about the swing axis) by a shaft element at the housing component.

[0046] In one embodiment, the spring element of the terminal is constructed as a tension spring. In this case, the clamping leg of the spring element is configured to pull the conductor into contact with the contact element by the spring force. In this case, an opening may be formed on the clamping leg, through which the conductor can be guided when plugged into the terminal so that after the clamping leg is triggered from the release position, the conductor is pulled into clamping contact with the contact element.

[0047] Alternatively, the spring element of the terminal block can be configured as a compression spring. In this case, the clamping legs are configured to press the wire against the contact element by spring force. When plugged into the terminal block, the wire reaches the cavity between the clamping legs and the contact element, wherein, after the clamping legs are triggered from the release position, the clamping legs act on the wire and press it against the contact element.

[0048] The spring element of the terminal block may, for example, have a support leg by which the spring element is supported on and held in a position on the housing component. The clamping leg is resiliently deflected relative to the support leg, wherein, in the release position, the clamping leg is deflected such that the spring element is resiliently tensioned and the clamping leg moves out of the release position in a resiliently preloaded manner after being released from the release position.

[0049] The support leg can, for example, rest against and be supported on the support section of the housing component. Therefore, the spring element is fixed to the housing component independently of the contact element, and thus, when the housing component is made of an electrically insulating material, especially plastic, the spring element is not directly electrically connected to the contact element.

[0050] In one embodiment, the spring element has a curved connecting section disposed between the clamping leg and the support leg, which extends, for example, about the swing axis of the operating element when the operating element is swingably supported. Here, the support leg and the clamping leg preferably extend from the operating element and are positioned at an acute angle to each other, wherein the clamping leg can be elastically adjusted relative to the support leg. By extending the connecting section about the swing axis, a rotation point can be defined for the clamping leg, which is preferably concentric with the swing axis of the operating element, so that the clamping leg is fixedly supported on the operating element when the operating element swings, and swings together with the operating element about the swing axis corresponding to the operating element, and thereby deflects relative to the support leg.

[0051] In one embodiment, the trigger element has a supporting end, and the trigger leg is elastically adjustable relative to the supporting end by acting in conjunction with a wire plugged into a terminal block. The trigger element is supported on a housing component via the supporting end, for example, by fixing the supporting end to a corresponding connection device on the housing component of the terminal block. Thus, the trigger element is fixed to the housing component via the supporting end and the connection device of the housing component, and thereby held against torque.

[0052] The support end is preferably fixed to the connection device of the housing component of the terminal block in a torque-resistant manner. Here, the support end can extend flat, which has the advantage that a contour can be easily formed on the support end, for example by stamping, through which a reliable, form-fitting fixation to the connection device of the housing component can be achieved. While the support end is torque-resistantly supported relative to the housing component, the trigger leg can be elastically adjusted and extended within the receiving cavity, such that the wire inserted into the terminal block collides with the trigger leg upon entering the receiving cavity, thus deflecting the trigger leg.

[0053] In one embodiment, the support end of the trigger element of the terminal block is supported on the housing component corresponding to the terminal block and on the housing components of adjacent terminals along the arrangement direction. Therefore, the support end is supported on the housing component of the corresponding terminal block and, for this purpose, engages, for example, in an engagement opening on the wall of the housing component. Additionally, the support end is also supported on the housing components of adjacent terminals and, for this purpose, engages, for example, in an engagement opening on the wall of the adjacent housing component. Thus, the support ends are jointly supported on two housing components of adjacent terminals.

[0054] In one embodiment, the wiring device has a plurality of terminals designed according to the manner described above. The housing components of the terminals are arranged relative to each other along an arrangement direction. The wiring device has a housing into which the housing components of the terminals, arranged relative to each other along the arrangement direction, can be introduced in an assembly direction. The wiring device is realized by placing the housing components of the terminals adjacent to each other along the arrangement direction. In the arranged position, the housing components can be introduced into the housing of the wiring device such that, in the assembled position, the housing components are received within and surrounded by the housing.

[0055] The outer casing may, for example, be box-shaped, with one side open, allowing the shell components arranged relative to each other to be pushed into the box-shaped outer casing. In another embodiment, the outer casing may, for example, be shaped like a frame with open sides, into which the shell components arranged relative to each other can be pushed.

[0056] The advantages of providing a housing, a panel structure for the terminal blocks, and so-called integration are combined together.

[0057] Since the terminals are constructed from individual housing components that can be placed relative to each other along an arrangement direction to provide a wiring device, the housing components can be designed so that the terminal assemblies, such as spring elements and contact elements, can be easily assembled onto the respective housing components. Each terminal housing component is not, for example, closed outwards; rather, the terminal housing is completed by placing the terminal housing components against each other. This allows for flexible assembly of the individual terminals, enabling variable combinations with other terminals.

[0058] Furthermore, a mechanically stable arrangement is achieved by embedding the terminal blocks arranged one on top of each other into the housing in the assembly position, wherein the housing components of the terminal blocks are housed in the housing in a defined manner in the position of their arrangement and are fixed to the housing.

[0059] The arrangement direction and the assembly direction are preferably perpendicular to each other. The (disc-shaped) terminals are placed adjacent to each other along the arrangement direction, such that the housing components are arranged adjacent to each other along the arrangement direction. In one of the arranged positions, the housing components are pushed into the housing along the assembly direction perpendicular to the arrangement direction, so that the housing components are surrounded by the housing in the assembly position. Attached Figure Description

[0060] The concept of this utility model is described in detail below with the aid of embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. Wherein:

[0061] Figure 1 A view of a wiring device having multiple terminals housed within a housing is shown;

[0062] Figure 2 A side view of the wiring device is shown;

[0063] Figure 3 An end view of the wiring device is shown;

[0064] Figure 4A It shows along according to Figure 3 A longitudinal cross-sectional view of the first embodiment of the wiring terminal of line AA;

[0065] Figure 4B It shows according to Figure 4A A perspective view of the layout;

[0066] Figure 5A It shows along according to Figure 3 A longitudinal cross-sectional view of the second embodiment of the wiring terminal of line BB;

[0067] Figure 5B It shows according to Figure 5A A perspective view of the layout;

[0068] Figure 6A It shows along according to Figure 3 A longitudinal cross-sectional view of the third embodiment of the wiring terminal of line CC;

[0069] Figure 6B It shows according to Figure 6A A perspective view of the layout;

[0070] Figure 7A , 7B A separate view of the trigger element of the terminal block according to the first embodiment is shown;

[0071] Figure 8A , 8B A separate view of the trigger element of the terminal block according to the second embodiment is shown;

[0072] Figure 9A , 9B A separate view of the trigger element of the terminal block according to the third embodiment is shown; and

[0073] Figure 10A-10D A separate view of the operating element of the terminal block is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0074] Figures 1 to 3 An embodiment of a wiring device 3 is shown, which has a plurality of terminals 1, which are collectively enclosed in a housing 30. These terminals 1 are arranged in rows along an arrangement direction A and are housed together in the housing 30. Each terminal 1 has a corresponding socket 100 on its respective housing component 10, into which a conductor 2 can be inserted with a (uninsulated) conductor end 20 along a insertion direction E to connect the conductor 2 to the terminal 1.

[0075] Figure 4A , 4B A cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the wiring device 3 having terminal block 1 is shown. Apart from the design of the guide device 17 on the trigger leg 130 of the trigger element 13, according to... Figure 5A , 5B The embodiments and claims of 6A and 6B are as follows Figure 4A , 4B The embodiments are the same, as will be described below. Unless otherwise specified below, Figure 4A , 4B The terminal blocks 1 shown in 5A, 5B and 6A, 6B are the same in their basic operating principle.

[0076] Each terminal 1 of the wiring device 3 has a housing component 10, which has a socket 100 formed on the housing section 108 for inserting an electrical wire 2 along the insertion direction E.

[0077] Each terminal 1's housing component 10 defines a receiving cavity 101 into which the uninsulated conductor end 20 of the conductor 2 is guided when the conductor 2 is inserted into the socket 100 along the insertion direction E. In the connected position, the uninsulated conductor end 20 of the conductor 2 is located within the receiving cavity 101 and is electrically connected to the terminal 1 via the clamping leg 120 of the spring element 12, which is in the form of a current bar contact element 11.

[0078] The spring element 12 has a support leg 121 that rests in a support opening 104 on a protruding wall section 106 of the housing 10. The clamping leg 120 is resiliently deflectable relative to the support leg 121, and in particular, deflected in such a way that the clamping leg 120 clamps the wire 2 connected to the terminal 1 in the clamped position, and presses the wire into contact with the contact element 11 under resilient preload, thereby making the wire 2 electrically contact the contact element 11 through its conductor end 20.

[0079] The contact element 11 has a contact section 110 that extends flatly within the housing component 10, and when the electrical wire 2 is connected to the terminal 1, the electrical wire 2 is pre-pressed against the contact section by a spring of the clamping leg 120 through the conductor end 20. A contact device arranged in the plug connector section 15 is connected to the contact section 110, through which the terminal 1 can be plugged into and connected to the corresponding electrically mating plug connector.

[0080] In the illustrated embodiment, Figure 10A-10D The actuating element 14, shown in a separate view, is pivotally supported on the housing component 10 of the terminal block 1 about the pivot axis S. The actuating element 14 is pivotable relative to the housing component 10 about the pivot axis S, wherein the actuating section 141 is accessible from outside the housing component 10 through the actuating opening 102, and can be operated by a user, for example, with a tool.

[0081] According to Figure 10A-10D As shown in a separate view, the actuating element 14 has a base section 144 that constitutes an actuating section for acting on the clamping leg 120. The base section 144, together with the base section 145, forms a receiving slot 149 into which the clamping leg 120 is inserted such that the spring element 12 extends about the swing axis S in a curved intermediate section arranged between the clamping leg 120 and the support leg 121, such that the point of rotation for deflection of the clamping leg 120 is concentric with the swing axis S.

[0082] Base sections 144 and 145 protrude relative to the rear wall 146 of the actuating element 14. Support legs 121 extend from the actuating element 14 in the region of opening 142 and are supported on the housing component 10. By receiving the clamping leg 120 in the receiving slot 149, actuating force is introduced into the clamping leg 120 through the actuating section 144 when the actuating element 14 swings, causing the clamping leg 120 to elastically deflect relative to the support leg 121 about a point of rotation concentric with the swing axis S and move towards the release position.

[0083] The actuating element 14 has a shaft element 140 formed on the base section 145, which engages in a bearing opening on the wall 105 of the housing member 10. The actuating element 14 is supported relative to the housing member 10 in a manner that allows it to swing about the swing axis S via the shaft element 140.

[0084] In the illustrated embodiment of the actuating element 14, a recess 148 is formed on the rear side of the rear wall 146, and the shaft element of the adjacent housing component is supportedly engaged in the recess.

[0085] A first sliding surface 147 is formed on the outer side of the base segment 144 constituting the functional area. This first sliding surface is curved about the swing axis S and has a constant radius of curvature R relative to the swing axis S, as shown by... Figure 10D As can be seen, the sliding surface 147 faces the corresponding second sliding surface 107 on the housing section 108 of the housing component 10. The second sliding surface is complementary in shape to the first sliding surface 147 and has a constant radius of curvature R relative to the swing axis S.

[0086] When the actuating element 14 swings, the sliding surfaces 107 and 147 slide against each other. The sliding surface 107 is located in the housing section 108 of the housing component 10, on which a socket 100 is also formed. The sliding surface 107 is formed above the socket 100 on the side of the housing section 108 facing the actuating element 14.

[0087] Because the sliding surface 147 is formed on the outer side of the base section 144, which forms the action section acting on the clamping leg 120, the sliding support via the sliding surfaces 107, 147 is performed with a relatively large radius R relative to the swing axis S, and therefore at a position radially away from the swing axis S. The bending load when pressing the operating section 141 to operate the operating element 14 can thus be borne by the sliding support of the sliding surfaces 107, 147, thereby avoiding excessive stress on the operating element 14, especially on the shaft element 140.

[0088] Terminal 1 has a trigger element 13, which is fixed to housing component 10 by a support end 132 and thus supported relative to housing component 10 against torque. A trigger leg 130 extends from the support end 132, extending substantially transversely to the insertion direction E into receiving cavity 101 and thereby extending in the area aligned with socket 100.

[0089] The support end 132 of the trigger element 13 is received in the support opening 103 of the housing component in a form-fit manner. The form fit between the support end 132 and the housing component 10 is such that the support end 132 cannot slide out of the support opening 103, and the support end 132 is supported on the housing component 10 in such a way that when the trigger leg 130 is elastically deflected, the torque on the support end 132 can be absorbed and discharged into the housing component 10, and the support end 132 is held in position relative to the housing component 10.

[0090] A support opening 107 is formed on a wall section 106 of the corresponding housing component 10, which protrudes from the flat sidewall 105 of the housing component 10.

[0091] The trigger leg 130 is used in conjunction with the electrical wire 2 inserted into the socket 100, and in particular for automatically connecting the electrical wire 2 to the terminal 1 when the clamping leg 120 is triggered.

[0092] The trigger element 13 has an opening 131, and when the actuating element 14 is moved to the actuating position along the actuating direction B, the actuating element 14 engages with the opening via a locking section 143 in the form of a protrusion. In the actuating position, the actuating element 14 engages with the opening 131 via the locking section 143 and is locked onto the trigger leg 130 therein, such that the actuating element 14 is locked in the actuating position.

[0093] In the illustrated embodiment, the trigger leg 130 itself is curved. An intermediate section 136 extends between the impact section 138 and the leg section 137 of the trigger leg 130 aligned with the support end 132. The impact section is formed on the free end of the trigger leg 130 away from the support end 132, and an opening 131 is formed in the leg section 137. The intermediate section extends laterally between the impact section 138 of the trigger leg 130 and the leg section 137 of the trigger leg 130 bearing the opening 131. Through a suitable shape, the trigger element 13 can be matched to the structural space conditions inside the receiving cavity 101 of the housing 10.

[0094] If the actuating element 14 is actuated in the actuating direction B and thereby swings about the swing axis 140 relative to the housing component 10 to the actuated position, then the actuating element 14 drives the clamping leg 120 of the spring element 12 through the actuating section 144 and thereby adjusts the clamping leg 120 to the release position. In the release position, the clamping leg 120, with its free end away from the contact section 110 of the contact element 11, and thus releases the area within the receiving cavity 101 aligned with the socket 100 along the insertion direction E, so that the electrical wire 2 can be inserted into the socket 100 without obstruction by the clamping leg 120 and thus can be connected to the terminal 1 in a substantially unobstructed manner.

[0095] If the conductor 2, with its uninsulated conductor end 20, is inserted into the socket 100 and then introduced into the receiving cavity 101 along the insertion direction E, and the operating element 14 is in the operating position and the clamping leg 120 is in the released position, then the conductor 2 collides with the impact section 138 of the trigger leg 130 of the trigger element 13, causing the trigger leg to elastically deflect relative to the support end 132 and then relative to the housing component 10. As a result, the trigger leg 130 moves along the insertion direction E relative to the locking section 143 of the operating element 14, causing the locking section 143 to disengage from the opening 131 and thus releasing the operating element 14 from the operating position.

[0096] On the side of the collision section 138 facing the trigger leg 130 of the opening 131, a touch element 133 is constructed from a curved section of the trigger element 13 formed as a sheet element. A locking section 143 in the locking position abuts against the touch element and slides on the touch element when released from the locking.

[0097] Because the conductor 2 acts on the trigger leg 130 with a larger lever arm than the lever arm acting on the locking section 143, the trigger leg 130 can be deflected with a smaller force applied through the conductor 2, thereby easily and reliably releasing the lock when the conductor 2 is inserted.

[0098] A guide device 17 is formed on the collision section 138 of the trigger leg 130. The guide device 17 is used to guide the conductor 2 in the direction of the center of the collision section 138 when it collides with the collision section 138, so that the conductor 2 acts at a point or a surface on the collision section 138, at which effective force transmission to the trigger leg 130 can be achieved.

[0099] according to Figure 4A , 4B The only difference between the embodiments 5A, 5B and 6A, 6B is the construction of the guide device 17 on the collision section 138 of the trigger leg 130. Figure 7A , 7B Showing according to Figure 4A ,4B The trigger element 13 in the embodiment. In contrast, Figure 8A , 8B Showing according to Figure 5A , 5B The trigger element 13 of the embodiment, and Figure 9A , 9B Showing according to Figure 6A , 6B The trigger element 13 in the embodiment.

[0100] Using according to Figure 7A , 7B According to the trigger element 13 Figure 4A , 4B In this embodiment, the guiding device 17 is formed on the collision section 138 by two pairs of guiding surfaces 170, 171, which are respectively inclined to the insertion direction E and arranged in pairs such that the guiding surfaces define a central point of action 173 between them, to which the wire 2 is guided when it collides with the collision section 138. If the wire 2 collides with the collision section 138 when it is inserted into the socket 100 of the corresponding terminal 1, then the wire 2 slides down one of the guiding surfaces 170, 171 and thereby shifts laterally toward the central point of action 173.

[0101] According to Figure 7A , 7B In one embodiment, guide surfaces 170, 171 are arranged relative to each other on collision section 138 to form a pyramid-shaped recess.

[0102] Using according to Figure 8A , 8B According to the trigger element 13 Figure 5A , 5B In this embodiment, the guide device 17 is instead formed as a groove-shaped recess in the collision section 138. Guide surfaces 170 and 171 are paired opposite each other and define an action surface 172 between them, with the wire 2 colliding with the action surface when inserted into the socket 100. Upon colliding with the collision section 38, the wire 2 is said to be captured by the guide device 17 and guided to the central action surface 172, thereby acting on the trigger leg 13.

[0103] Using according to Figure 9A , 9B According to the trigger element 13 Figure 6A , 6B In one embodiment, the guiding device 17 is formed by a pair of inclined guiding surfaces 170 that are bent relative to the central action surface 172. When the conductor 2 collides with the collision section 138, a lateral displacement toward the central action surface 172 is achieved.

[0104] Since the guide device 17 is formed on the impact section 138, which extends in the receiving cavity 101 substantially perpendicular to the insertion direction E in its initial position, the trigger element 13 can also be reliably released via a thin, flexible wire 2 (e.g., a stranded wire). Guided by the guide device 17, the wire 2 is reliably guided to a point of action 173 or surface 172 on the impact section 138 upon impact, through which force can be advantageously introduced into the trigger leg 130 to deflect the trigger element 13 and thus release the latch of the actuating element 14.

[0105] After the latch is released, when the wire 2 is inserted, the operating element 14 is disengaged from the operating position due to the elastic preload on the clamping leg 120 and resets in the opposite direction of operation B. Here, the clamping leg 120 clamps the wire 2, thereby pressing the conductor end 20 into contact with the contact element 11, thus electrically connecting the wire 2 to the terminal 1 and further locking it mechanically.

[0106] Since the operating element 14 is moved out of the operating position after the latch is released, the user can safely and reliably identify that the terminal 1 has been triggered and the wire 2 is therefore connected to the terminal 1. This reduces the risk of misoperation.

[0107] If the wire 2 is to be released from its connected position and removed from the terminal 1, the operating element 14 can be moved back to the operating position, thereby disengaging the clamping leg 120 from the wire 2. Thus, the wire 2 can be removed from the terminal 1 in a substantially effortless manner.

[0108] For example, the wiring device 3 of the terminal 1 can be provided with the operating element 14 (respectively) operated. In the operating position, the operating element 14 is locked with the trigger element 13 of the terminal 1, wherein the operating element 14 is held under stress due to the stress on the spring element 12. Here, the bending load is borne and supported by the sliding surfaces 107, 147, thereby avoiding excessive bending load in the area of ​​the shaft element 140.

[0109] Furthermore, when force is introduced into the operating section 141, for example, manually or by means of a tool used to manipulate the operating element 14, the bending load is supported by the mutual sliding support of the sliding surfaces 107, 147.

[0110] In the illustrated embodiment, the housing components 10 of the terminal block 1 are placed abutting each other along an arrangement direction A perpendicular to the insertion direction E and the vertical direction V. Here, the housing components 10 of the terminal block 1 are completed by the housing components 10 of adjacent terminals, so that the housing components 10 together form a housing for the terminal block 1.

[0111] In order to assemble the wiring device 3, the housing parts 10 are pushed into the housing 3 in the assembly direction (with the same orientation as the insertion direction E) in a row-to-row arrangement so as to insert the wiring terminal 1 into the housing 30.

[0112] In the illustrated embodiment, each terminal 1 has a corresponding plug connector section 15 formed on the housing 30, and a contact device is inserted into the plug connector section, which is in the form of a quincunx contact or a contact bushing of a corresponding contact element 11.

[0113] The ideas underlying this invention are not limited to the aforementioned embodiments, but can also be implemented in other ways.

[0114] The trigger element can be made of metal or plastic.

[0115] The actuating element can be pivotally supported on the housing component of the terminal block or on a component that is fixed in position relative to the housing component. In other embodiments, the actuating element can also move linearly.

[0116] Spring elements can be supported directly or indirectly on housing components, for example, on components that are fixed in position relative to the housing components, such as on contact elements.

[0117] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0118] 1 terminal block

[0119] 10 housing components

[0120] 100 socket

[0121] 101 Reception Chamber

[0122] 102 Operating opening

[0123] 103 Connecting Device

[0124] 104 support opening

[0125] 105 wall

[0126] 106 section

[0127] 107 sliding surfaces

[0128] 108 shell section

[0129] 11. Contact element (current bar)

[0130] 110 contact section

[0131] 12 clamping springs

[0132] 120 Clamping Legs

[0133] 121 Supporting Legs

[0134] 13 trigger elements

[0135] 130 trigger legs

[0136] 131 Locking Device (Lock Opening)

[0137] 132 support end

[0138] 133 touch element

[0139] 134 Shape-fitting components (with open space)

[0140] 136 intermediate section

[0141] 137 leg section

[0142] 138 Collision Section

[0143] 14 control elements

[0144] 140-axis element

[0145] 141 control section

[0146] 142 opening

[0147] 143 Lock Section

[0148] 144 Matrix Section (Action Section)

[0149] 145 Base Section (Support Section)

[0150] 146 posterior wall

[0151] 147 sliding surfaces

[0152] 148 Empty Section

[0153] 149 accommodates seams

[0154] 15-section connector

[0155] 17 Guiding Device

[0156] 170 guide surface

[0157] 171 guide surface

[0158] 172 Action Surface

[0159] 173 Point of Action

[0160] 2 electrical wires

[0161] 20 conductor end

[0162] 3 Wiring device

[0163] 30 outer shell

[0164] A. Arrangement Direction

[0165] B controls the direction.

[0166] E insertion direction

[0167] R radius

[0168] S-axis swing

[0169] V Vertical direction

Claims

1. A terminal block (1) for connecting an electrical conductor (2), having Housing component (10), A contact element (11) is arranged on the housing component (10), the contact element having a contact section (110) for electrical contact with the electrical conductor (2). A spring element (12) having clamping legs (120) adjustable relative to the housing component (10), the clamping legs being configured to act in the clamped position on an electrical conductor (2) for contacting the contact section (110), wherein, The clamping leg (120) moves away from the contact section (110) in the release position compared to the clamping position, wherein the clamping leg (120) was held in position relative to the housing member (10) in the release position, and A trigger element (13) configured to interact with the electrical wire (2) when plugged into the terminal block (1) to release the clamping leg (120) from the release position, wherein the trigger element (13) has a trigger leg (130), and a housing part (10) of the terminal block (1) defines a receiving cavity (101) into which the electrical wire (2) can be introduced by plugging into the terminal block (1), wherein the trigger leg (130) extends in the receiving cavity (101) to interact with the electrical wire (2). The trigger leg (130) is characterized in that it has a collision section (138) on which the electrical wire (2) collides when it is plugged into the terminal (1), and a guide device (17) is formed on the collision section to guide the electrical wire (2) toward the point of action (173) or the surface of action (172) on the collision section (138).

2. The terminal block (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The point of action (173) or the surface of action (172) is centered on the collision section (138).

3. The terminal block (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The collision section (138) is bent or recessed on the side facing the electrical conductor (2) to form the guide device (17).

4. The terminal block (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The housing component (10) is configured with a socket (100) into which the electrical wire (2) can be inserted in the insertion direction (E) to connect to the terminal block (1), wherein the guiding device (17) has at least one guiding surface (170, 171) that is oriented obliquely relative to the insertion direction (E) so as to guide the electrical wire (2) in a direction transverse to the insertion direction (E) toward the point of action (173) or the surface of action (172).

5. The terminal block (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The guiding device (17) has at least one pair of opposing guiding surfaces (170, 171), and the point of action (173) or the surface of action (172) is located between these guiding surfaces.

6. The terminal block (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The guiding device (17) has two pairs of opposing guiding surfaces (170, 171), and the point of action (173) or the surface of action (172) is located between these two pairs of guiding surfaces.

7. The terminal block (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that... A control element (14) is movable from a non-control position to a control position in order to adjust the clamping leg (120) to the release position.

8. The terminal block (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that, The actuating element (14) engages with the triggering element (13) in the actuating position, thereby holding the clamping leg (120) in the released position.

9. The terminal block (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that, The actuating element (14) has a locking section (143) for locking with the locking device (131) of the triggering element (13) in the actuating position.

10. The terminal block (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that, The actuating element (14) is capable of swinging about the swing axis (S) relative to the housing component (10).

11. The terminal block (1) according to claim 10, characterized in that, The actuating element (14) has a first sliding surface (147) formed on the base section (144) of the actuating element (14), and the housing component (10) has a second sliding surface (107) formed on the housing section (108) to slidably support the first sliding surface (147) when the actuating element (14) swings about the swing axis (S).

12. The terminal block (1) according to claim 11, characterized in that, The base section (144) of the control element (14) forms an action section for acting on the clamping leg (120) when the control element (14) swings.

13. The terminal block (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The clamping leg (120) is configured to press or pull the electrical wire (2) against the contact element (11) by spring force.

14. The terminal block (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The spring element (12) has a support leg (121) which supports the housing component (10).

15. The terminal block (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The trigger element (13) has a support end (132) supported on the housing component (10), wherein the trigger leg (130) is elastically adjustable relative to the support end (132) by means of the interaction with the electrical wire (2) plugged into the terminal block (1).

16. A wiring device (3) having a plurality of terminals (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The housing components (10) of these terminals (1) are arranged relative to each other along the arrangement direction (A), characterized in that the housing body (30) into which the housing components (10) of these terminals (1) arranged relative to each other along the arrangement direction (A) are insertable, and the housing components (10) of these terminals (1) arranged relative to each other along the arrangement direction (A) are accommodated in the housing body in the assembled position.

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