Connection terminal for connecting electrical conductors
By indirectly adjusting the clamping legs through the manipulation elements and utilizing the elastic deformation of the support section and the connection section, the problems of space occupation and high cost of existing terminal blocks are solved, and convenient insertion and removal of wires are realized.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- PHOENIX CONTACT GMBH & CO KG
- Filing Date
- 2025-02-25
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-15
AI Technical Summary
Existing terminal blocks require space inside the housing for insertion when operating the clamping legs, making it inconvenient to insert and remove wires, and the design is complex and costly.
By manipulating the spring element to act on the contact leg rather than the clamping leg, the clamping leg can be indirectly adjusted to the release position. The elastic deformation of the support section and the connecting section is used to achieve effortless adjustment of the clamping leg.
It simplifies the operation process, saves space and cost, and improves the ease of inserting and removing wires.
Smart Images
Figure CN224248960U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to a terminal block for connecting electrical wires. Background Technology
[0002] This type of terminal block includes: a housing having a plug opening; a contact element disposed on the housing having a contact section for electrical contact with a wire inserted into the plug opening; and a spring element. The spring element has a clamping leg, a bent connecting section, and a contact leg connected to the clamping leg via the connecting section for supporting the spring element relative to the housing. The clamping leg is configured to act on the wire inserted into the plug opening in a clamped position to bring the wire into contact with the contact section of the contact element, and the clamping leg can be adjusted from the clamped position to a released position to release the inserted wire. An actuating element is movable relative to the housing to adjust the clamping leg from the clamped position toward the released position.
[0003] This type of terminal block is implemented as a spring connector by using a spring element, wherein the electrical wire is clamped to the contact section of the contact element by clamping legs in the wired state, and thereby electrically connected to the contact element, and is also mechanically locked to the terminal block.
[0004] The spring element is supported relative to the housing by the abutment leg, while the clamping leg can elastically deflect relative to the abutment leg to apply an elastic clamping force to the inserted wire in the clamped position, thereby clamping the wire to the contact section of the contact element. Upon transition to the release position, the spring element is elastically tensioned, with deformation occurring particularly in the area of the bent connection section.
[0005] A terminal block is known from EP 3 772 777 A1, which is implemented as a spring connector and for this purpose has a spring element having a clamping leg and a supporting leg supported on a housing. The clamping leg is connected to the supporting leg via a bent connecting section. The connecting section extends around a bolt-shaped housing section and provides a bending radius for the elastic deflection of the clamping leg relative to the supporting leg. An actuating element, consisting of a pressing element, is configured to act on the clamping leg to thereby adjust the clamping leg relative to the supporting leg and tension the spring element.
[0006] Other terminal block designs are known, for example, from DE 10 2010 025 930 B4 and DE 10 2015 104 625 B4, which have clamping legs that are adjustable by a control element.
[0007] In terminal blocks implemented as spring-loaded connectors, especially in the area where bending deformation occurs in the connection section between the clamping leg and the contact leg, the clamping leg can be elastically deflected relative to the contact leg. In so-called right-angle terminal blocks, the operation of the clamping leg by an actuating element is achieved in a direction substantially perpendicular to the insertion direction. This requires the actuating element to be embedded in the area of the clamping space within the housing to interact with the clamping leg. This sometimes limits the position provided within the housing for wire insertion. Utility Model Content
[0008] The objective of this invention is to provide a terminal block that, with a simple design, space-saving features, and low cost, enables adjustment of a spring element via a control element.
[0009] This task is solved by a subject matter having the features of this invention.
[0010] Accordingly, the actuating element is configured to act on the abutment leg in order to adjust the clamping leg to the release position.
[0011] The clamping legs are designed to clamp the conductor inserted into the socket opening of the housing in the clamped position, pressing or pulling the conductor against the contact section of the contact element. By adjusting from the clamped position to the released position, the receiving space inside the housing aligned with the socket opening is released, allowing the wire to be inserted into the socket opening substantially loosely for connection to the terminal block, or allowing the inserted wire to be removed from the socket opening substantially loosely.
[0012] The direction of the clamping legs toward the release position is adjusted by an operating element that can be operated by the user and moved relative to the housing of the terminal block. However, the operating element does not act directly on the clamping legs during operation, but works in conjunction with the spring element's contact leg to adjust the clamping legs to the release position through the force applied to the contact leg.
[0013] Compared to terminals that (directly) move the clamping legs toward the release position via an actuating element, the proposed terminal achieves a different concept, where the actuating element does not act directly on the clamping legs, but rather on a contact leg connected to the clamping legs via a bent connecting section, thus indirectly adjusting the clamping legs. Therefore, by applying force to the contact leg, the spring element is tensioned, thereby shifting the clamping legs to the release position. Due to the force on the contact leg, the clamping legs are indirectly adjusted relative to the housing and thus shifted to the release position, without the actuating element acting directly on the clamping legs.
[0014] In one design, the housing has a support section on which the clamping legs are supported when adjusted to the release position. The support section is rigidly formed on the housing and provides a support for holding the clamping legs relative to the housing when force is applied to the abutment legs by an actuating element. The support section has, for example, a rounded, particularly (partially) cylindrical shape and provides an abutment portion for supporting the clamping legs.
[0015] In one design, the clamping leg is supported on the support section at a position between the connecting section and the free end of the clamping leg, which has clamping edges. The clamping leg extends from the connecting section with its free end having clamping edges. In the clamped position, the clamping leg acts on the inserted wire through the clamping edges. In the position between the connecting section and the clamping edges, the clamping leg rests against the support section and is thus supported relative to the housing, so that the clamping leg can be adjusted towards the release position when a force is applied to the resting leg by an actuating element.
[0016] In one design, the actuating element is configured to tilt the connecting section relative to the support section, thereby adjusting the clamping leg to the release position. The connecting section is curved and provides a radius of curvature between the abutment leg and the clamping leg. However, the connecting section is not fixedly supported relative to the housing, but rather tilted relative to the housing by the action of the actuating element on the abutment leg, thereby actuating the clamping leg and adjusting it towards the release position.
[0017] In particular, the spring element can be designed such that the central axis (around which the connecting section bends) is not held in a fixed position relative to the housing when the spring element is adjusted, but is adjusted relative to the housing by the force acting on the abutment leg.
[0018] In one design, the connecting section is elastically deformable when the clamping leg is adjusted to the release position. The force exerted by the actuating element on the abutment leg changes the position of the abutment leg relative to the clamping leg, causing the abutment leg and clamping leg to move closer together. Consequently, the spring element is tensioned, particularly in the region of the connecting section, due to elastic deformation. Specifically, the radius of curvature on the connecting section changes, causing the connecting section to contract due to elastic deformation as the clamping leg moves to the release position. Therefore, by acting on the abutment leg, the actuating element induces elastic deformation, particularly in the connecting section, which results in the spring element being tensioned when the clamping leg moves to the release position.
[0019] For example, the connecting section has a first radius of curvature in the clamping position of the clamping leg. In contrast, in the released position of the clamping leg, the connecting section has a second radius of curvature that is smaller than the first radius of curvature. Therefore, when adjusting towards the released position, the radius of curvature decreases, causing the connecting section (with respect to its internal width) to narrow and shrink.
[0020] The operating element can be operated by the user with a tool, such as a screwdriver, or without a tool, such as with a finger, so that it acts on the abutment leg and thereby adjusts the clamping leg from the clamping position toward the releasing position.
[0021] The actuating element can be adjusted relative to the housing in any way. For example, the actuating element can be configured as a pivotable lever or as a pressing element that can move relative to the housing.
[0022] In one design, the actuating element is capable of linear movement relative to the housing along the actuating direction. The actuating element is, for example, housed in an actuating opening in the housing and can be adjusted within the actuating opening, particularly pressed into the housing, so as to act on the abutment leg in such a way that the clamping leg is adjusted toward the release position.
[0023] The operating direction can, for example, be oriented the same as the insertion direction (along which the wire can be inserted into the insertion opening of the housing). In another design, the operating direction differs from the insertion direction in that it is oriented at an angle to or approximately perpendicular to the insertion direction.
[0024] In one design, the actuating element has a head section and an actuating section for acting on the abutment leg. If the actuating element moves relative to the housing, it acts on the abutment leg through the actuating section, thereby adjusting the clamping leg toward the release position, for example, by the actuating element pressing the abutment leg through the actuating section, thereby tensioning the spring element when the clamping leg deflects.
[0025] The head section is particularly accessible from the outside of the housing, allowing the user to operate on the head section with or without tools to move the control element relative to the housing.
[0026] In one design, the head section is positioned on the first side of the abutment leg. Conversely, the clamping leg is positioned on the second side of the abutment leg, opposite to the first side. Therefore, the head section and the clamping leg are located on different sides of the abutment leg.
[0027] In one design, when the clamping leg is adjusted to the release position, the actuating section slides against the abutting leg. The actuating section, for example, presses against the abutting leg. However, in this case, the actuating section is not fixed in position against the abutting leg, but can slide along the abutting leg, allowing the abutting leg, and therefore the spring element, to perform compensating movement within the housing.
[0028] In one design, the functional section is curved to fit flat against the abutment leg. The functional section may, for example, have a shape complementary to the shape of the abutment leg, allowing it to fit flat against the abutment leg. For instance, in a portion of the abutment surface facing the abutment leg, the functional section is formed as a convex shape. In another portion of the abutment surface, the functional section is, for example, formed as a concave shape.
[0029] In one design, when adjusting the clamping legs, the abutment legs can move relative to a section that is fixed in position relative to the housing. Specifically, the abutment legs are not fixed in position relative to the housing, but rather can move relative to this fixed section when the clamping legs of the spring element are adjusted. If the clamping legs move from the clamping position to the released position, and if the spring element is thus tensioned, then the abutment legs can move relative to the fixed section of the housing, and therefore compensating movement can be performed relative to this fixed section.
[0030] When the clamping leg is adjusted to the release position, deformation occurs, particularly in the area of the connecting section of the spring element. Because the abutment leg can move relative to the section whose position is fixed relative to the housing, the spring element can perform compensating movement within the housing to adjust the clamping leg relative to the abutment leg under elastic deformation at the connecting section, while conveniently and effortlessly introducing force into the spring element, especially to improve insertion and removal safety.
[0031] In one design, the abutment leg has a stop element that occupies a first position in the clamping position of the clamping leg, relative to a segment fixed in position relative to the opposing housing, and a second position in the released position of the clamping leg, the second position being closer to the segment fixed in position relative to the opposing housing compared to the first position. The stop element can be formed, in particular, on the end of the abutment leg away from the connecting segment. For example, the stop element can be formed by bending a ridge on the end of the abutment leg. In the clamping position of the clamping leg, the stop element is away from the segment fixed in position relative to the opposing housing, while in the released position of the clamping leg, i.e., when the spring element is tensioned, the stop element is closer to the segment fixed in position relative to the opposing housing.
[0032] In particular, the stop element can abut against the section fixed relative to the housing in the released position of the clamping leg. Therefore, the stop element restricts the movement path of the abutting leg in such a way that, when the clamping leg moves to the released position, the stop element abuts against the section fixed relative to the housing, thus preventing the abutting leg from having any further movement path relative to the section fixed relative to the housing.
[0033] In one design, the contact element has a support section. The contact element can be formed, for example, as a bent sheet metal element. The support section can, for example, extend (at least approximately) parallel to the contact section. An inserted electrical wire is clamped against the contact section by a clamping leg of a spring element, thereby making electrical contact with the contact section, while the clamping leg is supported on the support section.
[0034] The support section of the contact element is preferably constructed as a section whose position is fixed relative to the housing.
[0035] For example, the abutment leg can slide on the support section. The abutment leg thus abuts against the support section. The abutment leg is slidably supported on the support section (which is fixed in position relative to the housing) and is able to move relative to the support section.
[0036] The type of terminal block described can be used in various ways, such as on terminal blocks, plug connectors, or as a wiring section on a circuit board. Attached Figure Description
[0037] The concept of this invention is explained in detail below with the aid of embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. These embodiments illustrate:
[0038] Figure 1 A perspective view of an embodiment of the terminal block is shown, wherein the clamping leg of the spring element is in the released position;
[0039] Figure 2A A side view of the terminal block is shown, in which the clamping legs are in the clamped position;
[0040] Figure 2B A side view of the terminal block is shown, with the clamping leg in the released position;
[0041] Figures 3A-3C A separate view of the spring element is shown;
[0042] Figures 4A-4C A separate view of the manipulator element is shown;
[0043] Figures 5A-5C A separate view of the contact elements of the terminal block is shown;
[0044] Figures 6A-6BA separate view of the housing components that realize the housing is shown; and
[0045] Figures 7A-7C A separate view of the housing cover is shown. Detailed Implementation
[0046] Figure 1 , 2A Figures 2B and 2B illustrate an embodiment of a terminal block 1 having a housing 10, a contact element 11 fixedly arranged on the housing 10, a spring element 12, and an operating element 14.
[0047] The housing 10 is configured with a plug-in opening 100 into which the electrical wire 2 can be inserted (with the insulation stripped) at the wire end 20 along the plug-in direction E. A spring element 12 is located in a receiving space 101 within the housing 10. This spring element extends into the receiving space 101 in a region aligned with the plug-in opening 100 such that the inserted electrical wire 2 can be clamped by the clamping leg 120 to the contact section 110 of the contact element 11, so as to make electrical contact between the electrical wire 2 and the contact section 110, and further mechanically locked onto the terminal 1.
[0048] exist Figures 3A-3C The spring element 12, shown in a separate view, has a contact leg 121 connected to the clamping leg 120 via a bent connecting section 122. The clamping leg 120 is resiliently deflectable relative to the contact leg 121 to deflect the clamping leg 120 from... Figure 2A The clamping position shown is towards Figure 1 and 2B The direction adjustment of the release position is shown.
[0049] exist Figures 4A-4C The actuating element 14, shown in a separate view, is located in the actuating opening 102 of the housing 10 and can move linearly relative to the housing 10 within the actuating opening 102 along an actuating direction B inclined to the insertion direction E. The actuating element 14 has a head section 140 that is accessible from the outside of the housing 10 and can be operated by a user with a tool, such as a screwdriver, or, if necessary, without a tool. An actuating section 141 is formed on the inwardly pointing side of the head section 140 into the housing 10.
[0050] exist Figures 5A-5CThe contact element 11, shown in a separate view, is constructed as a bent sheet metal element, particularly as a stamped and bent piece made of metal. The contact element 11 has a support section 111 that extends at least approximately parallel to the contact section 110. Not only the contact section 110 but also the support section 111 is bent at approximately 90° relative to the bottom 112 of the contact element 11. Furthermore, a wall 113 is bent relative to the bottom 112, defining the contact element 11 transversely to the insertion direction E on the side opposite to the insertion opening 100.
[0051] The housing components of the housing 10 are constructed in separate views. Figures 6A-6B As shown in the figure, and can be accessed through Figures 7A-7C The housing cover 104 shown in the figure is closed to complete the housing 10.
[0052] According to Figure 1 and 2B In the released position, the clamping leg 120 is deflected relative to the abutment leg 121 such that the area within the receiving space 101 aligned with the insertion opening 100 is released, and thus the electrical wire 2 can be inserted into the insertion opening 100 without obstruction by the clamping leg 120 in order to contact the contact element 11.
[0053] If the operating element 14 is released after the wire 2 is inserted, the clamping leg 120 automatically comes into contact with the wire 2 due to the elastic tension at the spring element 11, and clamps the wire 2 with the contact section 110, thereby making the wire 2 electrically contact the contact section 110, and further mechanically locking it at the terminal 1.
[0054] In the illustrated embodiment, the spring element 12 is floatingly housed and supported within the housing 10.
[0055] The spring element 12's abutment leg 121 is supported on the support section 111 of the contact element 11 and slides against the support section 111 for this purpose, while the clamping leg 120 is supported on the support section 103 rigidly formed in the housing 10. The connecting section 122 is freely placed within the housing 10.
[0056] In order to remove the clamping leg 120 of the spring element 12 from the spring element 12 according to Figure 2A The clamping position is transferred to according to Figure 1 and 2BIn the released position, the user can press the head section 140 of the actuating element 14 with a tool, thereby pressing the actuating element 14 into the housing 10 along the actuating direction B, which is inclined to the insertion direction E. The actuating element 14 then acts on the abutment leg 121 with the abutment surface 142 formed on the actuating section 141, thereby tensioning the spring element 12 in the housing 10. As a result of the tension of the spring element 12 and the accompanying change in the position of the spring element 12 in the housing 10, the clamping leg 120 moves from the clamping position to the released position.
[0057] According to Figure 1 and 2B In the released position, the clamping edge 123 formed on the free end of the clamping leg 120 is away from the contact section 110 of the contact element 11, as this is from Figure 1 and 2B As can be seen in the diagram, the wire 2 can be introduced into the intermediate space between the clamping leg 120 and the contact section 110 with the wire end 20 having its insulation stripped, so that after the operation of the operating element 14 is canceled, the wire 2 can be clamped by the clamping leg 120 and the contact section 110.
[0058] When operated by the user, the operating element 14 presses against the abutment leg 121 to adjust the spring element 12. This causes the connecting section 122 to tilt (approximately) around the support section 103 within the housing 10. This alters the position of the central planes E1 and E2 pointing through the central axis Z, by adjusting the connecting section 122 according to… Figure 2A The center plane E1 in the clamping position tilts along the tilt direction K according to Figure 2B The center plane E2 in the release position. Accordingly, the position of the central axis Z of the connecting section 122 (around which the connecting section 122 bends) also changes.
[0059] In order to pivot the clamping leg 120 according to Figure 2B When the spring element 12 is adjusted to the release position, under elastic deformation, the abutment leg 121 and clamping leg 120 move closer to each other, especially in the area of the connecting section 122, as this occurs when... Figures 2A to 2B As can be seen in the transition. The connecting section 122 is correspondingly shortened, and due to the increased curvature, the radius of curvature of the connecting section 122 (measured relative to the central axis Z) becomes smaller.
[0060] Due to the tilting motion of the connecting section 122 and the tension of the spring element 12, the clamping leg 122 pivots about the rigid support section 103 and is thus adjusted to the release position, as if from this Figure 2B As can be seen in the text.
[0061] The abutment leg 121 abuts against the support section 111 of the contact element 11 and is movable relative to the housing 10 at the support section 111 and thereby. A stop element 124 is formed at the end of the abutment leg 121 away from the connection section 122. The stop element 124 is constructed from the bent edge of the abutment leg 121 and limits the movement distance of the abutment leg 121 relative to the support section 111.
[0062] Since the connecting section 122 is slidably supported on the support section 111, when the spring element 12 deforms in an elastic bending manner, the stop element 124 formed on the abutment leg 121 moves relative to the support section 111 in the direction X such that the stop element 124 at the end of the abutment leg 121 approaches the support section 111, and according to Figure 1 and 2B The release position is close to the support section 111, especially from this. Figure 2B As can be seen.
[0063] If the wire 2 is to be connected to the terminal 1, the clamping leg 120 is moved according to the operation of the operating element 14. Figure 1 and 2B In the released position. After the operating element 14 is released, the clamping leg 120 clamps the wire 2 to the contact section 110 of the contact element 11, and thus connects the wire 2 to the terminal 1.
[0064] If the wire 2 is to be removed from the terminal 1, the operating element 14 can be operated in the operating direction B to release the clamping leg 120 from the wire 2 and thus release it to remove the wire 2 from the plug opening 100.
[0065] In the unoperated position of the operating element 14 ( Figure 2A In the control element 14, the stop element 143 of the control element 14 abuts against the housing 10, so that the control element 14 cannot slide out of the control opening 102 in the opposite direction of the control direction B, and is thus held on the housing 10 to prevent loss.
[0066] In contrast, according to Figure 2B In the operating position (corresponding to the release position of the clamping leg 120), the operating element 14 is pressed into the housing 10.
[0067] In the illustrated embodiment, the actuating element 14 is constructed as a pressing element that is movable on the housing 10. In another design, the actuating element 14 may be a lever that is pivotally arranged relative to the housing.
[0068] The ideas underlying this invention are not limited to the aforementioned embodiments, but can also be implemented in other ways.
[0069] The type of terminal block described can be applied, for example, to plug-in connectors, terminal blocks or other arbitrary electrical components, such as circuit boards.
[0070] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures
[0071] 1 terminal block
[0072] 10 housing
[0073] 100mm plug opening
[0074] 101 Accommodation Space
[0075] 102 Operating opening
[0076] 103 support section
[0077] 104 housing cover
[0078] 11 Contact Elements
[0079] 110 contact section
[0080] 111 support section
[0081] 112 bottom
[0082] 113 wall
[0083] 12 spring elements
[0084] 120 Clamping Legs
[0085] 121 leg rests
[0086] 122 connecting section
[0087] 123 Clamp the edges
[0088] 124 stop element
[0089] 14 control elements
[0090] 140 head section
[0091] 141 Functional Section
[0092] 142 backing
[0093] 143 Stop Component
[0094] 2 wires
[0095] 20 conductor end
[0096] B controls the direction.
[0097] E insertion direction
[0098] E1, E2 central plane
[0099] K tilt direction
[0100] X direction
[0101] Z-axis
Claims
1. A terminal block (1) for connecting an electrical conductor (2), comprising: Housing (10) having a plug-in opening (100). A contact element (11) is arranged on the housing (10), the contact element having a contact section (110) for electrical contact with a wire (2) inserted into a plug opening (100). A spring element (12) having a clamping leg (120), a bent connecting section (122), and a support leg (121) connected to the clamping leg (120) via the connecting section (122), the support leg being used to support the spring element (12) relative to the housing (10), wherein, The clamping leg (120) is configured to act on the wire (2) inserted into the insertion opening (100) in the clamping position, so that the wire (2) contacts the contact section (110) of the contact element (11), and the clamping leg is adjustable from the clamping position to the release position to release the inserted wire (2), and A control element (14) is movable relative to the housing (10) to adjust the clamping leg (120) from the clamping position toward the release position. The characteristic feature is that the actuating element (14) is configured to act on the abutment leg (121) to adjust the clamping leg (120) to the release position.
2. The terminal block (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The housing (10) has a support section (103) on which the clamping leg (120) is supported when the clamping leg (120) is adjusted to the release position.
3. The terminal block (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The clamping leg (120) is supported on the support section (103) at a position between the connecting section (122) and the free end of the clamping leg (120) with the clamping edge (123).
4. The terminal block (1) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, The actuating element (14) is configured to tilt the connecting section (122) relative to the support section (103) and thereby adjust the clamping leg (120) to the release position.
5. The terminal block (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the clamping leg (120) is adjusted to the release position, the connecting section (122) can elastically deform.
6. The terminal block (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control element (14) can move linearly relative to the housing (10) along the control direction (B).
7. The terminal block (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that, The manipulation direction (B) is different from the insertion direction (E) of the wire (2) that allows it to be inserted into the insertion opening (100).
8. The terminal block (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control element (14) has a head section (140) and an action section (141) for acting on the abutment leg (121).
9. The terminal block (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that, The action section (141) is constructed to press against the abutment leg (121) in order to adjust the clamping leg (120) to the release position.
10. The terminal block (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that, When the clamping leg (120) is adjusted to the release position, the action section (141) slides against the abutment leg (121).
11. The terminal block (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that, The action section (141) is curved in order to fit against the abutment leg (121) in a planar manner.
12. The terminal block (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, When adjusting the clamping leg (120), the abutment leg (121) can move relative to a section that is fixed in position relative to the housing (10).
13. The terminal block (1) according to claim 12, characterized in that, The abutment leg (121) has a stop element (124) which occupies a first position in the clamping position of the clamping leg (120) relative to the segment fixed in position relative to the relative housing (10) and occupies a second position in the released position of the clamping leg (120) closer to the segment fixed in position relative to the relative housing (10) than the first position.
14. The terminal block (1) according to claim 13, characterized in that, In the released position of the clamping leg (120), the stop element (124) abuts against the section of the opposite housing (10) that is fixed in position.
15. The terminal block (1) according to claim 12, characterized in that, The contact element (11) has a support section (111) that forms a section that is fixed in position relative to the housing (10), wherein the abutment leg (121) is supported on the support section (111) in a slidable manner.