Terminal block for connecting an electrical line

Abstract

A terminal block (1) for connecting an electrical conductor (2) comprises a housing (10) having a plug-in opening (101) into which the electrical conductor (2) can be inserted along a plug-in direction (E) for connection to the terminal block (1). A contact element (11) with a contact section (111) for electrical contact with the electrical conductor (2) is arranged on the housing (10). A spring element (12) arranged on the housing (10) has a support leg (121) and a clamping leg (120). The clamping leg (120) can be released from a release position by the interaction of a release element (13) with the electrical conductor (2). The release element (13) is tiltably arranged on the contact element (11) and has a return element (135). An actuating element (14) is designed to exert a restoring force on the restoring element (135) when the clamping leg (120) is moved to adjust it into the release position.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a terminal block for connecting an electrical line according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] Such a terminal block comprises a housing with a plug-in opening into which the electrical conductor can be inserted along a plug-in direction for connection to the terminal block. A contact element with a contact section for electrical contact with the conductor is arranged on the housing. A spring element is also arranged on the housing, comprising a support leg supported relative to the housing and a clamping leg that is elastically deflectable relative to the support leg. The clamping leg is designed to act on the electrical conductor in a clamping position to bring the conductor into contact with the contact section. The clamping leg can be adjusted from the clamping position to a release position relative to the housing to release the electrical conductor. In the release position, the clamping leg is held in position relative to the housing.An actuating element is movable relative to the housing to adjust the clamping arm into the release position by user operation. A release element, in conjunction with the electrical line, is adjustable from a starting position to release the clamping arm from the release position.

[0003] Such a terminal block achieves a spring-force connection by using the spring element, in which the electrical conductor in the connected position is clamped to the contact element under the elastic spring action of the spring element and is thus electrically connected to the contact element.

[0004] In a terminal block known from DE 10 2019 127 464 B3, a spring element in the form of a tension spring is provided, which, by means of elastic spring action, pulls a connected electrical conductor into contact with an associated contact element, thus establishing a clamping connection between the electrical conductor and the contact element. For this purpose, the electrical conductor is pushed through an opening in the clamping arm when inserted and, in the connected position, clamped between the clamping arm and the contact element.

[0005] The terminal block of DE 10 2019 127 464 B3 is equipped with a locking device that secures the clamping arm in a release position relative to the housing. When an electrical conductor is inserted, the locking device is triggered, releasing the locking mechanism. This moves the clamping arm out of the release position, clamping the electrical conductor to the contact element. To move the clamping arm into the release position, particularly to allow the electrical conductor to be inserted or to disconnect a connected electrical conductor from the terminal block, a tool, such as a screwdriver, can be applied to the terminal block, thereby exerting force on the clamping arm.

[0006] While in DE 10 2019 127 464 B3 the clamping arm is adjusted directly by a tool, in the terminal blocks known from DE 10 2019 135 203 A1 and DE 10 2020 104 140 A1, an actuating element in the form of a so-called pusher is provided, which can be pressed into the housing of the terminal block in order to act on the clamping arm and move the clamping arm into its release position.

[0007] From DE 10 2020 119 372 A1, a terminal block with a spring element is known, which has a clamping leg that is locked in a release position with a release element. A contact element has a contact section in the form of a material through-hole into which an electrical conductor can be inserted for contact with the contact element.

[0008] The object of the present invention is to provide a terminal block which, with advantageous electrical contacting, enables easy handling for connecting an electrical conductor, with reliable holding of the clamping arm in the release position and also reliable release when an electrical conductor is inserted.

[0009] This problem is solved by an object having the features of claim 1.

[0010] Accordingly, the release element is tiltable on the contact element and has a reset element, wherein the actuating element is designed to exert a restoring force in the direction of the initial position on the reset element when moved to adjust the clamping leg into the release position.

[0011] In a terminal block, the electrical conductor is electrically connected to the electrical contact element by the clamping arm acting on the conductor when it is inserted into the socket. This spring action forces the conductor towards contact with the contact element. To facilitate insertion, the clamping arm of the spring element can be deflected elastically, thus moving it into a release position. In this position, a space inside the housing in the area of ​​the socket is opened, allowing the conductor to be inserted into the socket with minimal effort or (alternatively) a connected conductor to be easily removed from the terminal block.

[0012] With the clamping leg in the release position, the terminal block can, for example, also be delivered by a manufacturer to a customer.

[0013] The terminal block features a release element that interacts with an electrical conductor when it is inserted into the opening. As the conductor is inserted, the release element shifts relative to the housing, releasing the clamping arm and automatically closing the terminal block. This results in a simple connection process with reliable contact between the conductor and the contact element thanks to the clamping action of the clamping arm.

[0014] The spring element has a support leg by which the spring element is supported relative to the housing and held in position relative to the housing. The clamping leg is elastically deflectable relative to the support leg, whereby in the release position the clamping leg is deflected such that the spring element is elastically tensioned and, after release from the release position, the clamping leg moves out of the release position in an elastically pre-tensioned manner.

[0015] The terminal block features an adjustable actuator for moving the clamping arm into the release position. Actuating the actuator moves the clamping arm into the release position. Once in the release position, the clamping arm remains locked in this position, allowing for easy connection of an electrical conductor to the terminal block or removal of a connected electrical conductor from the terminal block.

[0016] The actuating element can, for example, be designed in the form of a push button and pressed into the housing by user operation in order to act on the clamping leg and adjust the clamping leg in the direction of the release position.

[0017] In its initial position, the release element assumes a position in or on the housing such that, when an electrical conductor is inserted into the housing's plug opening, it interacts with the release element and deflects it from its initial position, thereby releasing the clamping arm of the spring element from the release position. For this purpose, the release element is tiltably mounted on the contact element and features a return element that interacts with the actuating element. When the actuating element is moved to the release position to adjust the clamping arm, it exerts a restoring force on the return element in the direction of the initial position, thus returning the release element to its initial position.

[0018] The release element can be triggered when an electrical conductor is inserted, releasing the clamping arm and thus automatically triggering the terminal. To ensure the release element returns to its initial position when the clamping arm is (again) moved into the release position, the actuating element acts on the release element's reset mechanism. When the actuating element is moved along the housing to move the clamping arm into the release position, a force is also exerted on the release element via the actuating element, causing it to return to its initial position. The terminal is thus brought into a state where the clamping arm is in the release position and the release element is in its initial position, ensuring that the release element can reliably trigger when an electrical conductor is (again) inserted into the terminal.

[0019] Because the release element is reset to its initial position by interaction between the actuating element and the release element, additional measures for resetting the release element, such as a return spring, are unnecessary. This results in a simple design with a reduced number of parts.

[0020] Because the actuating element also acts on the reset element of the release element when the clamping leg is moved into the release position, the release element is reliably reset to its initial position when the clamping leg is moved into the release position.

[0021] In one embodiment, the actuating element is linearly displaceable and mounted on the housing. It comprises an actuating section for user operation and an operative section for acting on the clamping arm. While the actuating section is accessible from outside the housing, for example, by a user applying force to it with a tool such as a screwdriver, or alternatively manually, the operative section is operatively connected to the clamping arm of the spring element. By adjusting the actuating element, an adjusting force is exerted on the clamping arm via the operative section. This ensures that, particularly when adjusting the actuating element from an unactuated to an actuated position, the clamping arm is engaged and thus moved towards the release position.

[0022] In one embodiment, the actuating element is displaceable along the housing in an actuation direction that is the same as the insertion direction. An electrical cable can be inserted into the socket of the housing along this direction. The actuating element can also be moved along the housing in the same actuation direction, in particular pressed into the housing, to act on the clamping arm and move it into the release position.

[0023] In one embodiment, the actuating element is movable on the housing from an unactuated position to an actuated position in order to move the clamping arm into the release position. The actuated position is associated with the release position. By moving the actuating element into the actuated position, the clamping arm is moved into the release position.

[0024] In one embodiment, the actuating element has a ramp designed to act on the return element of the release element when the actuating element is moved in the direction of the actuated position. The ramp is inclined to the direction of actuation, so that a force redirection occurs at the ramp to introduce a return force into the return element. In particular, the return force can act transversely to the direction of actuation on the return element to load the release element to return it to its initial position.

[0025] In one embodiment, the clamping arm is locked to the release element in the release position. The release element is adjustable by interaction with the electrical conductor to release the locking mechanism and free the clamping arm from the release position. The clamping arm is thus held in the release position by the release element, with which the clamping arm is locked in this position. The release element can, in particular, include a detent element with which the clamping arm engages in the release position, thereby establishing a detent connection between the clamping arm and the release element in the clamping arm's release position.

[0026] In one embodiment, the release element is made of an elastically resilient material. The release element is thus designed to be elastically resilient and can be elastically deformed. For example, the release element is made of spring steel, perhaps as a stamped and bent part.

[0027] In particular, the return element can be elastically deformable, so that when force is applied by the actuating element, the return element can be elastically deflected, thus exerting an elastic clamping force on the release element in the direction of the initial position.

[0028] In one embodiment, the release element has a release section for interaction with the electrical conductor. The release section is shaped such that when the electrical conductor is inserted into the socket for connection to the terminal block, it contacts the release section and thus triggers the release element.

[0029] In one embodiment, the release section is arranged on a first side of the contact section. The spring element has a curved connecting section that links the clamping leg to the support leg and is located on a second side of the contact section, opposite the first side. Viewed along the insertion direction, the release section is preferably positioned behind the contact section, so that when the electrical conductor is inserted into the terminal, it first passes through the contact section and then encounters the release section. In contrast, the connecting section of the spring element is positioned in front of the contact section when viewed along the insertion direction. Thus, the release section and the connecting section are located on opposite sides of the contact section.

[0030] In one embodiment, the reset element is arranged on the second side of the contact section. While the release section is located on the first side of the contact section, the reset element extends to the second side, opposite the first side. In particular, the actuating element on the second side of the contact section interacts with the reset element and exerts a restoring force on the reset element, tilting the release element back into its initial position.

[0031] In one embodiment, the return element is arranged axially adjacent to the connecting section with respect to an axis of curvature of the connecting section. The connecting section is curved about the axis of curvature. The return element engages past the connecting section by extending axially adjacent to the connecting section with respect to the axis of curvature.

[0032] Viewed against the direction of insertion, the reset element can extend from the contact section past the connection section in such a way that it protrudes above the connection section. Viewed along the direction of insertion, one end of the reset element can be positioned above the connection section, allowing the actuating element to act on the reset element above the connection section.

[0033] In one embodiment, the housing defines a receiving space into which the electrical conductor can be inserted by plugging it into the socket. The release section extends within this receiving space to interact with the electrical conductor. In particular, the release section can extend transversely to the insertion direction within the receiving space in an initial position. From this initial position, the release section can be adjusted to release the clamping arm from the release position by interacting with the electrical conductor.

[0034] In one embodiment, the release element has at least one bearing section connected to the release section, by means of which the release element is mounted on the contact element. The bearing section can, in particular, be integrally and integrally formed by a leg on the release element, which is mounted on the contact element and thus allows the release element to tilt relative to the contact element.

[0035] In one embodiment, the contact element has at least one bearing receptacle in which at least one bearing section for tilting the release element is received. The bearing receptacle can, for example, be formed as a recess on a lateral edge of the contact element. The bearing section rests in the bearing receptacle and is tiltably mounted on the contact element by means of it.

[0036] In one embodiment, the release element has at least one detent element formed on the at least one bearing section for locking with the clamping leg in the release position. The detent element can, for example, be shaped as a detent hook extending from the bearing section, which can engage with the clamping leg, for example with a detent edge formed on the clamping leg, in order to lock with the clamping leg in the release position.

[0037] In one embodiment, at least one locking element is arranged on a side of the contact section facing away from the release section and is designed to lock onto the clamping leg on this side. While the release section, viewed along the insertion direction, is preferably arranged below the contact section, so that an electrical conductor, when connected to the terminal block, first passes through the contact section and then comes into operative contact with the release section, the locking element can, for example, be located above the contact section, on a side of the contact section facing away from the release section.

[0038] In one embodiment, the release element has at least one cheek element bent relative to the release section. The cheek element can be shaped and arranged on the release section in such a way that it at least makes it more difficult for an electrical conductor to slide off when it comes into contact with the release section. The cheek element thus enables the electrical conductor to be captured and an efficient force to be transmitted from the conductor to the release section to trigger the release element.

[0039] In one embodiment, the release element is tiltable in a tilting plane defined by the insertion direction and a transverse direction. At least one cheek element is bent relative to the release section about a bending axis pointing along the transverse direction. The cheek element is thus formed laterally against the release section and bent relative to it, for example by approximately 90°, so that a lateral boundary is formed at the release section by the cheek element.

[0040] In one embodiment, the at least one bearing section is formed on the at least one cheek element. The cheek element is bent towards the release section and preferably forms a leg of the release element perpendicular to the release section. The bearing section can connect to the cheek element such that the bearing section extends in the plane of the cheek element.

[0041] In one embodiment, the release element has two cheek elements bent relative to the release section. These cheek elements are angled relative to each other along a depth direction perpendicular to both the insertion and transverse directions and are connected to each other via the release section. The electrical conductor can be inserted between the cheek elements to interact with the release element. A gap is created between the cheek elements into which the electrical conductor can be inserted. The electrical conductor can thus be trapped between the cheek elements to act upon the release section, enabling reliable activation and more efficient force transmission from the electrical conductor to the release section.

[0042] In one embodiment, the release element has two bearing sections by which it is mounted on the contact element. If, for example, the release element has two side elements bent relative to the release section and connected to each other via the release section, the bearing sections can be formed on the side elements, for example, by extending in the plane of the side elements. The release element is tiltably mounted on the contact element via the bearing sections.

[0043] In particular, the bearing sections can be mounted on opposite sides of the contact element, for example by each bearing section engaging in an associated bearing receptacle on an edge of the contact element.

[0044] In one embodiment, the bearing sections are elastically prestressed relative to each other by their mounting on the contact element. The bearing sections, for example those formed on the cheek elements, thus exhibit an elastic preload relative to each other when mounted on the contact element, as they are (slightly) spread apart along their depth. The release element is therefore mounted on the contact element without play or rattle, and due to the elastic preload, friction between the contact element and the release element can also be adjusted within the tilting bearing arrangement.

[0045] In one embodiment, the contact section has an insertion opening into which the electrical conductor can be inserted for electrical contact with the contact element. To connect an electrical conductor, it is inserted into the plug-in opening of the housing and is thereby inserted into the insertion opening of the contact section. Through interaction with the electrical conductor, the release element is moved, so that the clamping arm is released from its position and the clamping arm is freed. The clamping arm thus moves from the release position towards the clamping position and acts on the inserted electrical conductor to clamp it to the contact section of the contact element.

[0046] In one embodiment, the support leg of the spring element engages in the insertion opening. The support leg is thus supported within the insertion opening and therefore relative to the contact element.

[0047] In one embodiment, the clamping arm engages in the insertion opening of the contact section and is adjustable within this opening. The clamping arm is designed, for example, to act on the electrical conductor within the insertion opening when in the clamping position. To connect an electrical conductor, the conductor is inserted into the insertion opening of the contact section, into which the clamping arm also engages. When the release element is triggered, the clamping arm is released from the release position and thus moves within the insertion opening towards the clamping position, clamping the electrical conductor to the contact section within the insertion opening, thereby electrically connecting it to the contact element and mechanically locking it within the terminal block.

[0048] In one embodiment, the contact section is formed by a collar surrounding the insertion opening. The collar can be formed, in particular by material forming, especially by collar drawing, as a material pass-through on the contact element and is thus integrally and integrally manufactured with the contact element.

[0049] For example, the contact element can have a beam-shaped transverse section extending along a plane perpendicular to the insertion direction, on which the collar is formed. The collar preferably projects from the transverse section along the insertion direction and surrounds the insertion opening, so that an electrical conductor can be inserted into the insertion opening within the collar along the insertion direction and thus connected to the terminal.

[0050] The contact element is preferably integrally formed in one piece. The contact element is, for example, supported by the transverse section on the housing and is fixed in position relative to the housing.

[0051] In one embodiment, the release element is supported on both sides of the transverse section. For this purpose, the release element can, in particular, have two bearing sections, each supported on one side of the transverse section and thus accommodating the transverse section between them.

[0052] In one embodiment, a bearing receptacle for supporting the release element, in particular a bearing section of the release element, is formed on each of the opposite outer lateral edges of the transverse section. Each bearing receptacle can be formed as a recess on the respective outer lateral edge. The corresponding bearing section of the release element rests in the bearing receptacle and thereby provides a tilting bearing for the release element relative to the contact element.

[0053] In one embodiment, at least one of the outer edges has a chamfer. The chamfer is shaped such that the transverse section tapers along the chamfer towards the bearing receptacle on at least one outer edge in the plane perpendicular to the insertion direction. The outer edges of the transverse section can, for example, extend parallel to each other along the transverse direction. A chamfer can also be formed on one or both of the lateral outer edges, angled to the transverse direction and shaped such that the transverse section (viewed in the plane perpendicular to the insertion direction, along which the transverse section extends) tapers along the chamfer towards the bearing receptacle.

[0054] For example, two chamfers can be formed on each lateral outer edge, arranged on both sides of the respective associated bearing receptacle, so that the transverse section tapers on both sides towards the respective bearing receptacle.

[0055] Such a chamfer can facilitate the mounting of the release element to the bearing mount of the transverse section.

[0056] The spring element is preferably designed as a torsion spring acting as a compression spring. The clamping leg is designed to press the electrical conductor into contact with the contact section by spring force. When inserted into the socket, the electrical conductor enters a space between the clamping leg and the contact section. After the clamping leg is released from its release position, it acts on the electrical conductor and presses it into contact with the contact section of the contact element.

[0057] The underlying concept of the invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the exemplary embodiments shown in the figures. The figures show: Fig. 1A a view of an embodiment of a terminal block, in a release position of a clamping leg of a spring element; Fig. 1B a side view of the arrangement according to Fig. 1A; Fig. 1C a sectional view through the arrangement according to Fig. 1B; Fig. 2A a view of the terminal block with the clamping arm released, without an electrical conductor; Fig. 2B a side view of the arrangement according to Fig. 2A; Fig. 2C a sectional view through the arrangement according to Fig. 2B; Fig. 3A a view of the terminal block with an electrical cable plugged in; Fig. 3B a side view of the arrangement according to Fig. 3A; Fig. 3C a sectional view through the arrangement according to Fig. 3B; Fig. 4A a view of an assembly of the spring element together with a contact element and a release element of the terminal block, in the release position of the terminal leg; Fig. 4B the assembly according to Fig. 4A, with the clamping arm released; Fig. 4C the assembly according to Fig. 4A, with the electrical cable plugged in; Fig. 5 the assembly in the position according to Fig. 4A, together with an actuating element; Fig. 6 a separate view of the spring element; Fig. 7 a separate view of the trigger element; Fig. 8 a separate view of the contact element; and Fig. 9 a separate view of the actuating element.

[0058] Fig. Figures 1A-1C to 3A-3C show an embodiment of a terminal block 1 which forms a housing 10 with a plug-in opening 100 formed therein for inserting an electrical conductor 2 along a plug-in direction E.

[0059] The housing 10 defines a receiving space 101 into which the electrical conductor 2 with a stripped conductor end 20 is inserted when it is plugged into the plug-in opening 100 along the plug-in direction E. In a connected position, the conductor 2 with the stripped conductor end 20 is located within the receiving space 101 and is electrically contacted via a clamping leg 120 of a spring element 12 with a contact element 11 in the form of a current bar, so that the electrical conductor 2 is electrically connected to the terminal 1.

[0060] The spring element 12 has a support leg 121 connected to the clamping leg 120 via a curved connecting section 122, which in the illustrated embodiment is supported on the contact element 11. The connecting section 122 of the Fig. The spring element 12, shown in a separate view 6, is curved in an arc about an axis of curvature K and extends around a housing section 103. The clamping leg 120 is elastically deflectable relative to the support leg 121, in particular such that the clamping leg 120 is in a Fig. In the clamping position shown in 3A-3C, the contact element clamps onto an electrical conductor 2 connected to the terminal 1 and presses it into contact with a contact section 111 of the contact element 11 under elastic preload, thus electrically contacting the conductor 2 with the contact element 11 via its conductor end 20.

[0061] In the illustrated embodiment, the contact element 11 is integrally and integrally formed, for example, as a stamped and bent part, and has a transverse section 110 on which a contact section 111 is formed in the form of a collar. The collar 111 is formed, for example, by material forming (in particular by collar drawing) on ​​the transverse section 110 and projects along the insertion direction E from the transverse section 110. The collar 111 surrounds an insertion opening 112 into which the electrical conductor 2 is inserted when plugged into the insertion opening 100 and into which the electrical conductor 2 engages with its stripped conductor end 20 in the connected position.

[0062] In its assembled position, this is in Fig. The contact element 11, shown in a separate view, is supported relative to the housing 10 by the beam-shaped transverse section 110 and is thereby fixed in position to the housing 10. The contact element 11 is additionally supported on the housing 10 by a support section 113 bent at approximately 90° relative to the transverse section 110.

[0063] In the illustrated embodiment, the clamping leg 120 of the spring element 12 engages in the insertion opening 112 of the contact section 111 and is adjustable within the insertion opening 112 to interact with the electrical line 2.

[0064] In addition, the support leg 121 also engages in the insertion opening 112 and is supported within the insertion opening 112 by a support end 124 and a support tab 125 formed thereon relative to the contact section 111, so that the clamping leg 120 can be deflected elastically relative to the support leg 121 and the support leg 121 is held in position relative to the contact element 11 by elastic deformation of the spring element 12 when the clamping leg 120 is deflected.

[0065] In the illustrated embodiment, a [feature] is attached to the housing 10 in Fig. Actuating element 14, shown in a separate view, is displaceable along an actuation direction B. The actuating element 14 is displaceably received in an actuation opening 102 of the housing 10 by means of an actuation section 140 and can be moved along the actuation direction B in a linearly guided manner relative to the housing 10 in order to act on the clamping leg 120 of the spring element 12 via an effective section 141 extending from the actuation section 140 in a shaft-like manner, and to move the spring element 12 into a release position.

[0066] The actuating section 140 is accessible from outside the housing 10 via the actuating opening 102 and can therefore be actuated by a user, for example using a tool.

[0067] The actuating element 14 is in a Fig. In the unactuated position shown in Figures 2A-2C, the actuator element 14 is displaced outwards in the actuating opening 102 in the opposite direction of actuation B. In the unactuated position, a stop element 142 formed on the actuator element 14 rests against an associated stop element 104 in the form of an inclined surface on the housing 10, thereby preventing the actuator element 14 from sliding out of the receiving opening 102 in the opposite direction of actuation B.

[0068] When actuated in the actuation direction B, the actuating element 14 comes into operative contact with the clamping leg 120 of the spring element 12. For this purpose, the actuating element 14 acts on the clamping leg 120 with its operative section 141, causing it to be moved with elastic deflection relative to the support leg 121 in the insertion opening 112 of the contact element 11.

[0069] In a Fig. In the actuated position of the actuating element 14 shown in Figures 1A-1C, the clamping leg 120 has been moved into the release position, in which a space within the housing 10 aligned with the plug-in opening 100 is released, so that an electrical line 2 can be plugged into the housing 10 in a substantially force-free manner.

[0070] The terminal block 1 has a release element 13 which is shaped as an elastic spring element and forms a release section 130 for interaction with an electrical conductor 2 when inserted into the plug opening 100.

[0071] As can be seen from the views showing the contact element 11, the spring element 12 and the release element 13 according to Fig. 4A-4C and Fig. 5 and the separate view of the trigger element 13 according to Fig. As can be seen in Figure 7, the release element 13 has two bearing sections 133, which are connected via lever sections 132 to cheek elements 131 formed on the release section 130. The release element 13 is tiltably mounted on the contact element 11 via the bearing sections 133. The bearing sections 133 are located in bearing receptacles 114 formed by recesses on lateral edges 116 on both sides of the contact element 11 and are tiltable relative to the contact element 11.

[0072] The cheek elements 131 are bent by approximately 90° relative to the release section 130 and protrude from the release section 130 in the opposite direction of insertion E.

[0073] The release element 13 can be tilted in a tilting plane spanned by the insertion direction E and a transverse direction Q, as is the case, for example, with Fig. As can be seen in Figure 3C. The cheek elements 131 are each bent relative to the release section 130 about a bending axis pointing approximately along the transverse direction Q. Along a depth direction T perpendicular to the insertion direction E and the transverse direction Q, the cheek elements 131 are separated from each other, creating a gap between them into which an electrical conductor 2 with a stripped conductor end 20 can be inserted when the conductor 2 is plugged into the plug-in opening 100 for connection to the terminal block 1.

[0074] The release section 130 is in a starting position (corresponding to the position according to Fig. 1A-1C) extends at least approximately transversely to the insertion direction E and projects into the housing 10 into an area in the receiving space 101 that is aligned with the insertion opening 100, such that when an electrical conductor 2 is inserted, its conductor end 20 contacts the release section 130 and thus acts on the release element 13. The conductor end 20 can be captured by the side elements 131, thus achieving efficient force transmission between the conductor 2 and the release element 13. This enables the terminal 1 to be triggered even when using a flexible conductor, for example, a stranded wire.

[0075] The cheek elements 131 are connected to each other via the release section 130. End sections 136 of the cheek elements 131 are bent towards each other by a bending edge pointing along the insertion direction E, so that a cage created by the cheek elements 131 at the release section 130 for capturing the electrical conductor 2 is closed on a side facing away from the bearing sections 133.

[0076] On the bearing sections 133, locking elements 134 are formed in the form of locking hooks, which are designed to lock with associated locking sections 123 in the form of locking edges on the clamping leg 120 when the clamping leg 120 is in the release position.

[0077] The locking elements 134 are arranged on a side of the contact section 111 of the contact element 11 facing away from the release section 130 and thus, in the release position of the clamping leg 120, create a locking of the clamping leg 120 on a side of the contact section 111 facing away from the release section 130.

[0078] By tilting the release element 13 in a tilting direction S by interaction with an electrical line 2, the locking elements 134 are adjusted relative to the clamping leg 120 in order to release the locking of the clamping leg 120 and thus to release the clamping leg 120 from the release position.

[0079] As this is shown Fig. As can be seen in 4C, the locking elements 134 lie against the transverse section 110 of the contact element 11 in the tilted position of the release element 13 and thus limit the tilting path of the release element 13 in the tilting direction S.

[0080] As can be seen from the separate views of the trigger element 13 according to Fig. 7 in conjunction with the views according to Fig. As can be seen in 4A-4C and 5, a return element 135 is connected to one of the bearing sections 133, which is designed to cooperate with the actuating element 14 when the actuating element 14 is moved in the actuating direction B to adjust the clamping leg 120 into the release position.

[0081] The return element 135 is shaped as a tab on the bearing section 133 and extends approximately opposite to the insertion direction E away from the contact element 11. The return element 135 engages past the connecting section 122 of the spring element 12 and is arranged axially next to the connecting section 122 with reference to the axis of curvature K of the connecting section 122.

[0082] With its free end, the return element 135 extends beyond the connecting section 122 and is thus positioned above the connecting section 122 with its free end in order to interact with the actuating element 14 via the free end.

[0083] In the illustrated embodiment, the release element 113 is integrally and integrally manufactured from an elastic material, in particular spring steel. The release element 13 can, in particular, be formed as a stamped and bent part.

[0084] As this is shown Fig. 5 in conjunction with the separate view of the actuating element 14 according to Fig. As can be seen in Figure 9, a ramp 143 is formed on the actuating element 14 in the area of ​​a transition between the head 140 and the shaft 141. This ramp is designed to act on the return element 135 of the release element 13 when the actuating element 14 is moved in the actuation direction B. When the actuating element 14 is moved, the ramp 143 redirects the force to exert a restoring force on the return element 135. If the actuating element 14 is moved in the actuation direction B towards the actuated position on the housing 10, and the clamping arm 120 is thus moved into the release position, a restoring force transverse to the actuation direction B acts on the return element 135 due to the force redirection at the ramp 143, attempting to return the release element 13 to its initial position.

[0085] The reset element 135 is preferably elastically deformable in a plane defined by the insertion direction E and the transverse direction Q. When the actuating element 14 is adjusted, the reset element 135 can thus be elastically tensioned if the release element 13 cannot yet tilt back to its initial position, for example, because the electrical conductor 2 is still located within the terminal block 1. If the electrical conductor 2 is removed from the terminal block 1, the release element 13 is then returned to its initial position due to the tension force on the reset element 135.

[0086] In the illustrated embodiment, the bearing sections 133 are elastically preloaded relative to each other, for example, in a position mounted on the contact element 11, by (slight) spreading along the depth direction T. In the mounted position, a preload force thus exists on the bearing sections 133, so that the release element 13 is preloaded on the contact element 11. This ensures a reliable hold of the release element 13 on the contact element 11, whereby friction between the release element 13 and the contact element 11 can also be adjusted via the preload force.

[0087] The bearing sections 133 are received on the bearing receptacles 114 on the lateral outer edges 116 of the transverse section 110 of the contact element 11. The bearing receptacles 114 are formed as recesses on the lateral outer edges 116. Contact edges in the area of ​​the recesses can, for example, be rounded, as can be seen from the separate view of the contact element 11 according to [reference]. Fig. 8 is evident.

[0088] Each bearing section 133 has a recess 137 into which an associated bearing projection 117 engages on the respective bearing receptacle 114. A further bearing projection 118 lies against the back of the recess 137 on the bearing section 133. The bearing projections 117 and 118 allow the bearing sections 133, and thus the release element 13, to be tilted about a defined tilting axis A relative to the contact element 11.

[0089] The transverse section 110 of the contact element 11 extends along a plane perpendicular to the insertion direction E. In the area of ​​the bearing receptacles 114, chamfers 115 can be formed on the lateral outer edges 116 of the transverse section 110, tapering the transverse section 110 towards the bearing receptacles 114. Each chamfer 115 can be inclined to the transverse direction Q (for example, at an angle between 2° and 15°, e.g., 5°), so that the bearing receptacles 114 are formed in a tapered area on the lateral outer edges 116 of the transverse section 110. Such chamfers 115 can facilitate the insertion of the bearing sections 133 for assembly.

[0090] The following functionality results: When the actuating element 14 is actuated in the actuating direction B and thereby moved into the housing 10, the actuating element 14 takes the clamping leg 120 of the spring element 12 with it via the working section 141 and thereby adjusts the clamping leg 120 into the position shown in the text. Fig. Release position shown in 1A-1C. By being inserted into the housing 10 in the actuation direction B, the actuating element 14 acts on the clamping leg 120, so that the clamping leg 120 engages with the locking elements 134 on the bearing sections 133 of the release element 13.

[0091] When the actuating element 14 is moved into the actuated position, its ramp 143 presses against the return element 135, which is formed by a tab on one of the bearing sections 133. This exerts a return force on the return element 135 in the direction of the initial position of the release element 13, allowing the release element 13 to engage with the clamping arm 120 via the detent elements 134. The return force resets the release element 13 to its initial position and holds it there, thus ensuring reliable engagement with the clamping arm 120.

[0092] In the release position, the clamping leg 120 releases an area within the receiving space 101 aligned with the plug-in opening 100 along the plug-in direction E, so that an electrical conductor 2 can be inserted unhindered from the clamping leg 120 into the plug-in opening 100 and thus connected to the terminal 1 in an essentially force-free manner.

[0093] In the actuated, tensioned position according to Fig. For 1A-1C, terminal block 1 can also be supplied by a manufacturer.

[0094] If an electrical conductor 2 with a stripped conductor end 20 is inserted into the plug-in opening 100 and thereby introduced into the receiving space 101 in the plug-in direction E, while the clamping leg 120 is in the release position, the conductor 2 is inserted into the insertion opening 112 of the contact section 111, comes into contact with the release section 130 of the release element 13 and thereby tilts the release element 13 relative to the contact element 11 in the tilting direction S, as shown in the diagram. Fig. 3A-3C in conjunction with Fig. 4C is visible. This causes the locking elements 134 on the bearing sections 133 to be adjusted relative to the clamping leg 120, so that the clamping leg 120 is released from the locking engagement and the locking of the clamping leg 120 is thus lifted.

[0095] After the locking mechanism is released, the clamping leg 120 comes into clamping contact with the electrical conductor 2 and thereby presses the conductor end 20 into contact with the contact element 11, so that the conductor 2 is electrically connected to the terminal 1 and also mechanically locked.

[0096] Should the electrical line 2 be routed from the in Fig. Once the connected position shown in 3A-3C has been released and removed from terminal 1, the actuating element 14 can be returned to the actuated position according to Fig. 1A-1C are transferred so that the terminal arm 120 is disengaged from line 2. Line 2 can then be removed from terminal 1 in a virtually force-free manner.

[0097] The underlying idea of ​​the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but can also be realized in other ways.

[0098] The actuating element can be pre-tensioned in the direction of the unactuated position by the action of the clamping arm of the spring element. However, it is also conceivable to provide an additional pre-tensioning element that pre-tensions the actuating element relative to the housing in the opposite direction of actuation, towards the unactuated position. Such a pre-tensioning element could, for example, be a compression spring or another mechanical spring. Reference symbol list 1 terminal block 10 cases 100 plug opening 101 Recording Room 102 Actuating opening 103 Housing section 104 Stop element 11 Contact element (current bar) 110 Cross section 111 Contact section (draft) 112 Insertion opening 113 Support section 114 Bearing receptacle (recess) 115 phase 116 outer edge 117, 118 Warehouse advantage 12 clamping springs 120 clamping legs 121 Supporting legs 122 Connecting section 123 Rest area 124 supporting ends 125 Support bracket 13 Trigger element 130 Trigger section 131 Wangen 132 Lever section 133 Storage section 134 Latching element 135 Reset element 136 end sections 137 indentation 14 Actuating element 140 Actuating section (head) 141 Working section (shaft) 142 Stop element 143 Ramp 2 lines 20 ladder ends A tilting axle B Direction of action E Plug direction K Curvature axis Q transverse direction S tilting direction T Depth direction QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 10 2019 127 464 B3 [0004, 0005, 0006] DE 10 2019 135 203 A1

[0006] DE 10 2020 104 140 A1

[0006] DE 10 2020 119 372 A1

[0007]

Claims

[1] Terminal block (1) for connecting an electrical line (2), with a housing (10) which has a plug-in opening (101) into which the electrical conductor (2) can be plugged for connection to the terminal block (1) along a plug-in direction (E), a contact element (11) arranged on the housing (10), which has a contact section (111) for electrical contact with the electrical line (2), a spring element (12) arranged on the housing (10), which has a support leg (121) supported relative to the housing (10) and a clamping leg (120) elastically deflectable relative to the support leg (121), which is configured to act on the electrical conductor (2) in a clamping position in order to bring the electrical conductor (2) into contact with the contact section (111), wherein the clamping leg (120) is adjustable from the clamping position to a release position relative to the housing (10) in order to release the electrical conductor (2), wherein the clamping leg (120) is held in position relative to the housing (10) in the release position of the clamping leg (120), an actuating element (14) which is movable relative to the housing (10) for adjusting the clamping leg (120) into the release position and a release element (13) which, by interaction with the electrical line (2), can be adjusted from a starting position in order to release the clamping leg (120) from the release position, characterized by , that the release element (13) is tiltable on the contact element (11) and has a reset element (135), wherein the actuating element (14) is designed to exert a restoring force in the direction of the initial position on the reset element (135) when moved to adjust the clamping leg (120) into the release position. [2] Terminal block (1) according to claim 1, characterized by , that the actuating element (14) is linearly displaceable relative to the housing (10) and has an actuating section (140) for actuation by a user and an effective section (141) extended from the actuating section (140) for acting on the clamping leg (120). [3] Terminal block (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by, that the actuating element (14) is displaceable along an actuating direction (B) in the same direction as the plugging direction (E) on the housing (10). [4] Terminal block (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by , that the actuating element (14) can be moved from an unactuated position to an actuated position on the housing (10) in order to move the clamping leg (120) into the release position. [5] Terminal block (1) according to claim 4, characterized by , that the actuating element (14) has a ramp (143) which is designed to act on the return element (135) of the release element (13) when the actuating element (14) is moved in the direction of the actuated position. [6] Terminal block (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the clamping leg (120) is locked in the release position with the release element (13), wherein the release element (13) is adjustable by interaction with the electrical line (2) in order to release the locking and to release the clamping leg (120) from the release position. [7] Terminal block (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the release element (13) is made of an elastically springy material. [8] Terminal block (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the release element (13) has a release section (130) for interaction with the electrical line (2). [9] Terminal block (1) according to claim 8, characterized by, that the release section (130) is arranged on a first side of the contact section (111), wherein the spring element (12) has a curved connecting section (122) that connects the clamping leg (120) to the support leg (121) and is arranged on a second side of the contact section (111) opposite the first side. [10] Terminal block (1) according to claim 9, characterized by , that the reset element (135) is arranged on the second side of the contact section (111). [11] Terminal block (1) according to claim 9 or 10, characterized by , that the restoring element (135) is arranged axially next to the connecting section (122) with reference to a curvature axis (K) of the connecting section (122). [12] Terminal block (1) according to one of claims 8 to 11, characterized by, that the housing (10) defines a receiving space (101) into which the electrical line (2) can be inserted by plugging it into the plug opening (100), wherein the release section (130) extends in the receiving space (101) transversely to the plugging direction (E) in the initial position. [13] Terminal block (1) according to one of claims 8 to 12, characterized by , that the release element (13) has at least one bearing section (133) connected to the release section (130), via which the release element (13) is supported on the contact element (11). [14] Terminal block (1) according to claim 13 characterized by , that the contact element (11) has at least one bearing receptacle (114) in which the at least one bearing section (133) for tilting the release element (13) is received. [15] Terminal block (1) according to claim 13 or 14, characterized by, that the release element (13) has at least one detent element (134) formed on the at least one bearing section (133) for locking with the clamping leg (120) in the release position. [16] Terminal block (1) according to claim 15, characterized by , that at least one locking element (134) is arranged on a side of the contact section (111) facing away from the release section (130) and is designed to lock onto the clamping leg (120) on the side facing away from the release section (111). [17] Terminal block (1) according to one of claims 13 to 16, characterized by , that the release element (13) has at least one cheek element (131) bent relative to the release section (130). [18] Terminal block (1) according to claim 17, characterized by, that the release element (130) is tiltable in a tilting plane spanned by the insertion direction (E) and a transverse direction (Q), wherein the at least one cheek element (131) is bent about a bending axis pointing along the transverse direction (Q) relative to the release section (130). [19] Terminal block (1) according to claim 17 or 18, characterized by , that at least one bearing section (133) is formed on at least one cheek element (131). [20] Terminal block (1) according to claim 19, characterized by , that the release element (13) has two cheek elements (131) bent relative to the release section (130), which are spaced apart from each other along a depth direction (T) perpendicular to the insertion direction (E) and the transverse direction (Q), wherein the electrical conductor (2) can be inserted between the cheek elements (131) to interact with the release element (13). [21] Terminal block (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the release element (13) has two bearing sections (133) via which the release element (13) is mounted on the contact element (11). [22] Terminal block (1) according to claim 21, characterized by , that the bearing sections (133) are mounted on opposite sides of the contact element (11). [23] Terminal block (1) according to claim 21 or 22, characterized by , that the bearing sections (133) are elastically tensioned relative to each other by the bearing on the contact element (11). [24] Terminal block (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the contact section (111) has an insertion opening (112) into which the electrical conductor (2) can be inserted for electrical contact with the contact element (11), [25] Terminal block (1) according to claim 24, characterized by , that the support leg (121) engages in the insertion opening (112). [26] Terminal block (1) according to claim 24 or 25, characterized by, that the clamping leg (120) engages in the insertion opening (112) and is adjustable within the insertion opening (112). [27] Terminal block (1) according to one of claims 24 to 26, characterized by , that the clamping leg (120) is designed to act on the electrical conductor (2) in the clamping position within the insertion opening (112). [28] Terminal block (1) according to one of claims 24 to 27, characterized by , that the contact section (111) is formed by a collar surrounding the insertion opening (112). [29] Terminal block (1) according to claim 28, characterized by , that the contact element (11) has a transverse section (110) extending along a plane perpendicular to the insertion direction (E), on which the collar is formed. [30] Terminal block (1) according to claim 29, characterized by , that the collar protrudes along the insertion direction (E) from the transverse section (110). [31] Terminal block (1) according to claim 29 or 30, characterized by , that the release element (13) is supported on both sides of the transverse section (110). [32] Terminal block (1) according to claims 29 to 31, characterized by , that on each of the opposite lateral outer edges (116) of the transverse section (110) a bearing receptacle (114) is formed for the storage of the release element (13). [33] Terminal block (1) according to claim 32, characterized by , that at least one of the outer edges (116) has a chamfer (115) formed such that the transverse section (110) tapers along the chamfer (115) towards the bearing receptacle (114) at the at least one outer edge (116) in the plane perpendicular to the insertion direction (E). [34] Terminal block (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the clamping leg (120) is designed to press the electrical conductor (2) into contact with the contact section (111) by spring force.

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