Terminal block consisting of several terminal blocks with a plurality of connection devices and connection device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a terminal block comprising several terminal blocks that can be connected in series and are clamped and / or snap-fit, each having a housing (1) and each having a plurality of two or more connection devices (2) inserted into the respective housing (1), which are designed as direct-plug compression spring terminals for connecting a respective conductor end (3), wherein the multiple connection devices (2) for connecting a conductor end each have at least the following: a busbar (21) which has at least one contact zone (210) for contacting the respective electrical conductor end, wherein the clamping spring (23) is designed as a compression spring, and wherein each connection device (2) has an actuating device (20) that is pivotable in the housing (1) about a rotational axis, wherein the actuating devices (20) are designed in the manner of a single-arm lever.which have an actuating section (201) and an engagement contour (202) acting on the clamping leg (233) when the clamping spring (23) is tensioned. The present invention relates to a connection device, in particular for a connection block according to the invention.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a terminal block comprising several terminal blocks, each comprising a plurality of connection devices in direct plug-in compression spring technology and a connection device.

[0002] Direct-connect spring-loaded terminal blocks (also called "push-in terminals" or "snap-in terminals") are known in a wide variety of designs. They differ primarily due to their application, for example, depending on the required current-carrying capacity of the busbar, the spring force of the clamping spring, and / or their installation conditions, especially their size. Easy assembly and cost-effective manufacturing are consistently required requirements for such terminal blocks.

[0003] WO 2014 / 173 717 A1 and EP 1 353 407 B1 each disclose generic direct-plug compression spring clamps.

[0004] The object of the present invention is to provide a terminal block consisting of terminal blocks with direct-insert spring-loaded connections, the terminal blocks of which are compact and robust and also well suited for connecting conductors with relatively large cross-sections. Furthermore, a connection device is to be provided that is particularly well suited for such a terminal block, but which can also be used in other ways, such as for connecting a conductor end in a connector or a device like a terminal block.

[0005] The problem is solved with respect to the connection block by the features of claim 1 and with respect to the connection device by the features of claim 17. Advantageous embodiments are described in the dependent claims.

[0006] According to claim 1, a terminal block is created comprising several terminal blocks which can be connected in series and are clamped and / or snapped together, and which each have a housing and each have a plurality of two or more connection devices inserted into the respective housing, which are designed as direct-plug compression spring terminals for connecting a respective conductor end, wherein the multiple connection devices for connecting a conductor end each have at least the following: a busbar which has at least one respective contact zone for contacting the respective electrical conductor, wherein the clamping spring is designed as a compression spring with which a conductor end inserted into the connection device can be pressed against the contact zone in order to contact the conductor, and wherein each connection device has an actuating device that can be pivoted in the housing about a rotational axis.with which a clamping leg of the clamping springs can be moved from a relaxed position to a tensioned detent position on a retaining and detent spring, wherein the actuating devices are designed in the manner of a single-armed lever, which have an actuating section and an attack contour acting on the clamping leg when the clamping spring is tensioned.

[0007] Furthermore, a connection device is provided for connecting a conductor end and for connecting the conductor end to a busbar, in particular for a terminal block according to one of the preceding claims or for a connector or other electrical device, comprising a housing and a direct-plug compression spring terminal inserted into the housing for connecting a respective conductor end, which for connecting a conductor end has at least the following: a busbar having a contact zone for contacting the electrical conductor, wherein the clamping spring is designed as a compression spring with which a conductor end inserted into the connection device can be pressed against the contact zone in order to contact the conductor, and wherein an actuating device pivotable in the housing about a rotational axis is provided.with which a clamping leg of the clamping spring can be moved from a relaxed position to a tensioned detent position on a retaining and detent spring, wherein furthermore the actuating device is designed in the manner of a single-armed lever, which has an actuating section and an attack contour acting on the clamping leg when the clamping spring is tensioned.

[0008] This results in a stable construction and ergonomic, easy operation requiring minimal effort. In particular, it also leads to a compact design with a small number of parts and simple geometry, making the terminal block and its actuators inexpensive to manufacture and easy to assemble.

[0009] In a preferred embodiment, the distance between an actuating end of the actuating section and a stationary axis of rotation can be greater than the distance between the axis of rotation and the engagement contour. This significantly optimizes the ergonomic and energy-saving actuation as well as the compact design.

[0010] In a further preferred embodiment, it can be advantageously provided that the actuating element has a rotary bearing formed by at least one circumferentially closed or open ring track in the housing and by at least one circumferentially closed or open ring projection on the actuating section, which extends perpendicular to the actuating section, engages in the ring track and is pivotable in it about the axis of rotation over a pivoting angle. Furthermore, one of the circumferentially closed or open circular grooves and a respective circumferentially closed or open ring projection engaging therein can be provided in opposite sides of adjacent housings or of the housing and an intermediate or end plate.In this way, a very good bearing of the actuating element is created, which allows the required actuating forces to be safely introduced into the respective connection device.

[0011] In a further preferred embodiment, it can be advantageously provided that the ring extension encompasses the bend of the clamping spring and that it has a recess with a circumferential engagement contour. This contour can be applied to the clamping leg when the actuating element is pivoted, in order to move the clamping leg away from the contact zone and to engage the clamping spring with the retaining and detent spring. These optional additional features can further improve the actuation and the compact design.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment, the terminal blocks can be mounted one after the other on a mounting rail and are designed such that they can be actuated from a Z-direction perpendicular to the mounting rail, and that the two conductor ends can be inserted into the connection devices from opposite directions +Y and -Y perpendicular to the Z-direction from which they can be actuated. In this way, the terminal block is advantageously designed for so-called 90° actuation, in which the conductor ends can generally be inserted into the connection devices parallel to the rear panel of a control cabinet. This method of connecting and disconnecting the conductors is particularly simple and practical for the user.

[0013] Preferably, the busbar is also designed to support a respective clamping spring.

[0014] In a preferred optional embodiment, the busbar can provide a common conductive connection for several of the connection devices located on a common connection plane perpendicular to the direction of assembly. This results in very good, virtually lossless current conduction and a simple design. These properties are further optimized and improved by optionally providing a single, common busbar, particularly a one-piece and / or single-unit busbar, for all connection devices of any two adjacent connection planes, so that they are all conductively connected via this single busbar. This facilitates, in particular, the effective distribution of a common potential to the various connection devices of the respective connection plane or of any two adjacent connection planes.

[0015] A particularly advantageous feature is the one-piece design of the busbar for preferably all connection devices as a single stamped / bent part made of highly electrically conductive sheet metal, which results in a dimensionally stable structure with good spring support and excellent conductive connection between the various connection devices. However, multi-piece designs can also be used to advantage.

[0016] It is preferred, because it is structurally simple, compact and yet functionally reliable, if the respective clamping springs and the respective retaining and detent springs are formed in one piece in a preferred embodiment, wherein the clamping spring can be locked with the detent spring in an open position in which a respective conductor end can be inserted into a contact area of ​​the respective connection device, wherein the retaining and detent spring can each be released from the detent position with the conductor end when the conductor end is inserted, in order to press the conductor end against the respective contact zone.

[0017] It is particularly advantageous that, according to a further preferred embodiment, the housings of adjacent terminal blocks of the connection block are at least partially mechanically connected to each other in the direction of assembly by means of force-locking and / or form-locking, in particular by corresponding clamping and / or locking means of the adjacent housings, so that a connection block is created as a manageable unit in a simple manner.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment, it is advantageous and simple to provide that two of the housings, each having a connection level consisting of two or more connection devices, are joined together to form a double or multiple terminal block, which has one common busbar for the connection devices of both or the multiple connection levels.

[0019] However, according to another preferred embodiment, it can also be advantageously and simply provided that each housing has a connection level on both sides of a central wall consisting of two or more connection devices, so that it forms a double terminal block with two of the connection levels, and that an intermediate wall can be attached to each of these housings in order to connect two housings arranged in the direction of series in a force-fit and / or form-fit manner via the intermediate wall.

[0020] Further advantageous embodiments can be found in the remaining dependent claims.

[0021] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the drawings and exemplary embodiments, which also highlight further advantages of the invention. The drawings show: Fig. 1 a perspective view of several terminal blocks of the first type that can be joined together to form a first terminal block, together with an end plate; Fig. 2a, b in a) a perspective view of two terminal blocks that can be joined together to form a double terminal block and a connection block, together with an end plate, which according to the type of terminal blocks and the end plate are made of Fig. 1 are designed and in 2b) a sectional view of a connection block consisting of several arrangements according to the type of Fig. 2a; Fig. 3 an exploded view of the arrangement Fig. 2; Fig. 4a, b in a) a side view of a terminal block of the type of Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 with a power rail and in Fig. 4b an exploded view of the terminal block Fig. 4a); Fig. 5 a side view of a terminal block of the type of Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 without busbar with a released and relaxed clamping spring, in a state in which a conductor could be contacted; Fig. 6 the terminal block from Fig. 5 with a clamping spring locked in an open position; Fig. 7 a perspective view of several terminal blocks that can be joined together to form another terminal block, including end and intermediate washers; Fig. 8 a side view of one of the terminal blocks according to the type of Fig. 7 without a busbar with a released clamping spring; and Fig. 9 an exploded view of the terminal block Fig. 9 with a power rail.

[0022] The terminal blocks R1, R2, ... of the accompanying figures - see first the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, as well as 7 and 8, each have a housing 1 and one or more connection devices 2 for conductor ends, which are designed as direct push-in compression spring connections.

[0023] The housings 1 are essentially disc-shaped and made of an insulating plastic material. They can be arranged in a series along a specific direction X.

[0024] In the direction X of the arrangement, the connection devices are arranged one behind the other in connection levels I or I, II. Several connection devices 2 can be provided perpendicular to the direction of the arrangement in each connection level I, II. Preferably, two connection devices are provided per connection level I, II. Alternatively, the connection devices can also be used individually. They are then individually inserted into a housing 1 (not shown here). Only a busbar, which will be described later, needs to be slightly modified for this purpose.

[0025] The housings 1 and 100 of the terminal blocks are each disc-shaped. They can each have a single connection level I ( Fig. 1 to 6, see for example Fig. 2) or two connection levels I, II ( Fig. 7 ff.) or more than two connection levels (not shown).

[0026] It is preferably provided that all (here four) connection devices 2 of each of two connection levels I, I or I, II are conductively connected by only a single busbar 21 (see in particular Fig. 2, Fig. 3 and Fig. 10) If only a single connection is provided or only a single connection device, this configuration of the busbar 22 is omitted.

[0027] It can be advantageously provided that a separate terminal block R1, R2, is provided for each connection level I. Two of the terminal blocks – R1 and R2, as well as R3 and R4, etc. – with separate housings 1, are then joined together and optionally connected by positive and / or non-positive locking, in particular by clamping and / or snap-fit, to form a type of double terminal block D1, D2, D3 with only a single busbar 22, which conductively connects the connection devices 2 of both connection levels I, II (see in particular Fig. 1 and Fig. 2) These double terminal blocks D1, D2, D3 can then be connected in series in the direction of the series connection (see in particular Fig. 1) An end wall 1' can optionally be provided at the end of each connection block, which closes off the respective connection block laterally.

[0028] The busbar 21 thus connects the connection devices 2 in one connection plane and the connection devices of each pair of adjacent connection planes in the X direction. This is particularly simple and results in an excellent conductive connection of all connection devices of the respective double terminal blocks D1, D2, D3.

[0029] It can therefore be surprisingly simple and advantageous to provide two adjacent terminal blocks R1, R2, ... which have two connection levels in the X direction, each with only a single busbar 21, which is then shared by the two adjacent terminal blocks R1, R2. It is of course also conceivable to use one busbar for more than two adjacent terminal blocks R1, R2, R3, ..., for example, three terminal blocks. In that case, for example, six of the connection devices 2 are connected together.

[0030] The housings 1 can be directly connected in a series direction X to form a terminal block with several of the double series terminals D1, D2, D3 ( Fig. 1 to 3).

[0031] The respective connection block can optionally be closed off by an end wall 1' which can be attached to an open side of the last housing in the direction of assembly ( Fig. 1, Fig. 3) In the design according to Fig. 7 ff the respective connection block can be closed on both sides in and against the direction of assembly by such an end wall 1' which can be attached to the respective housing 1.

[0032] The housings 1 of the terminal blocks of all embodiments are therefore each disc-shaped. They have a single connection level I ( Fig. 1 to 3) or two connection levels I, II ( Fig. 7 to 10) or more than two connection levels (not shown).

[0033] The housings feature a base wall, which serves as a rear wall 13 ( Fig. 1 to 3) or e.g. as a partition wall 14 ( Fig. 10) can be configured. In the configuration as a central wall 14, one or more, here two, connection devices 2 for conductors are provided on each of the two main sides (X-direction, -X-direction). Between two adjacent housings 1 of the Fig. 10 with a central wall 14, intermediate walls 1" can then be provided. These intermediate walls 1" can also have functional contours such as locking and / or clamping means for locking with the adjacent housings and can also be used for mounting the actuating element and, if necessary, for supporting the busbar 20 ( Fig. 7).

[0034] In practice, it is intended to mount a series of housings 1 and, if applicable, the partition walls 1' onto a mounting base such as a support rail. Therefore, in such a series (see e.g. Fig. 4) one or more of the housings 1 arranged in a row also have a mounting foot 15 (see e.g. Fig. 4a). They can be mounted on the mounting rail using this, in particular by snapping it into place (not shown here). The respective mounting foot 15 can be designed as a type of detachable snap foot. It can also be used only in some of the terminal blocks of a terminal block consisting of several terminal blocks - see the examples and those to be discussed later. Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 5 - Each of these mounting feet 15 must be provided. The number of mounting feet 15 on a terminal block consisting of several terminal blocks depends, for example, on the number of terminal blocks connected in series. The more terminal blocks are connected in series, the more mounting feet 15 can be provided.

[0035] Starting from the mounting base such as the support rail, the housings 1 extend upwards in the Z direction, as well as transversely to it in the Y direction and in the X direction of the arrangement.

[0036] The terminal blocks R1, R2, ... of all configurations are preferably designed to be actuated from the Z-direction and to allow the two conductor ends to be inserted into the connection devices 2 from opposite directions +Y and -Y. This is also referred to as 90° actuation (relative to a conductor insertion vertically from above in the -Z-direction). This typically results in a conductor insertion parallel to the rear wall of the control cabinet.

[0037] On the rear wall 13 or the central wall 14, various functional areas are formed in or in and against a direction of assembly by projections of the housing 1, which define the boundaries of functional chambers 16 and / or functional channels 17, 18 ( Fig. 5 and Fig. 9). Furthermore, a support for a clamping spring 23, which is yet to be discussed, is defined, in particular for a bend 232 of the clamping spring.

[0038] Preferably, two functional chambers 16 and four functional channels 17, 18 are provided for each connection level I, II. The two functional chambers 16 of each connection level I, II essentially serve to accommodate one of the two connection devices 2 for conductor ends. The two functional channels 17 serve to feed the conductor ends into the connection devices 2, and the two functional channels 18 serve to accommodate respective actuating sections 201 of respective actuating devices 20 of the connection devices 2.

[0039] In the housings 1, several, preferably two, conductively connected connection devices 2 are inserted for each connection level I or I and II, which are designed as direct plug-in compression spring terminals.

[0040] For this purpose, the housings 1 point to one side on the rear wall 13 or to both sides on the (possibly provided instead of the rear wall 13) middle wall 14 (i.e. in the X direction or in the X direction and -X direction - see Fig. 3 and Fig. 2 - two of the functional chambers 16 and two of the respective functional channels 17 and 18 each.

[0041] Each connection device 2 has one of the functional channels 17 provided as a conductor entry opening in the housing 1, through which the respective conductor end 3 can be inserted into the respective connection device 2. The connection devices 2 are designed and configured using direct-connection compression spring technology for connecting a respective conductor end (not shown). For this purpose, the conductor ends are inserted into the housing 1 in a direction Y or -Y.

[0042] The two functional channels 18 for receiving the respective actuating elements 20 are open in the direction Z, so that it is possible to actuate the actuating elements 20 from this direction, for example with a screwdriver.

[0043] Each connecting device has a spring. This spring is designed as a clamping spring 23. Each clamping spring 23 is also associated with an actuating element 20 for actuating the clamping spring 23, with which the clamping spring can be transferred from one operating state to another.

[0044] The actuating elements 20 of the connection devices 2 are each inserted into the functional channels 18 and into the functional chambers 16 with an actuating section 201 and held in these.

[0045] The clamping springs 23 of the connecting devices 2 are each inserted into and held in the functional chambers 16.

[0046] The clamping springs 23 serve to press a conductor end against a contact area 210 of a busbar 21 in order to establish and maintain an electrical contact between the conductor end and the busbar 21 in the area of ​​a contact zone 210 of the busbar 21 (see also Fig. 5, Fig. 6 and Fig. 9).

[0047] The clamping springs 23 have a support leg 231 and a clamping leg 233 connected to it via the bend 232. They can further have a retaining and locking spring 24, which is designed such that the clamping leg 233 can be locked in an open position against detent lugs 241 of the retaining and locking spring 24, in which a conductor end can be inserted into a space between the clamping leg 233 and the contact zone 210 of the busbar 21. The retaining and locking spring 24 can be designed such that, when the conductor end is inserted sufficiently far, it abuts a release leg 242, which moves the retaining and locking spring 24 and the clamping spring 23 relative to each other, releasing the locking position so that the clamping leg 233 can press the conductor end against the busbar 21 to make contact. Fig. 4, Fig. 5, Fig. 6 or 9 and Fig. 10).

[0048] The actuating element 20 is used here to move the clamping spring 23 or its clamping leg 233 away from the contact area or a conductor contacted there, so that the clamping leg 233 is tensioned and the clamping point is opened, so that any electrical contact that may be present is released and the conductor end that may be contacted can be removed from the connection device 2.

[0049] By further depressing the clamping arm 233 with the actuating element 20, it can even be moved so far that the detent engagement between the retaining and detent spring 24 and the clamping spring 23 is restored or, for example, established for the first time during manufacturing. (compare Fig. 5 and Fig. 6). The clamping spring 23 is then locked in the open position and a conductor end can again be inserted into the clamping and contact area.

[0050] The connection devices 2 further comprise an abutment in and on which the clamping springs 23 are supported. This can be provided in the area of ​​the bend 232 or on the support leg 231. Preferably, the design is such that the clamping spring is supported on a metal area of ​​the busbar 21.

[0051] The rotatable actuating elements 20 are essentially designed according to the type – i.e., the operating principle – of a single-arm lever. The actuation range 201 of the rotatable actuating elements 20 (see Fig. 3 and Fig. 10) can be designed as a lever arm.

[0052] This lever arm is rotatable in an inner end region about a fixed axis A1 ( Fig. 5, Fig. 6) mounted in housing 1. The actual rotary bearing itself does not have to be located exactly in the center of the axis of rotation A1. Rather, it is realized here by the fact that in housing 1, concentric to the axis of rotation A1, on at least one side of the lever arm or on both sides of the lever arm 201, there is a kind of annular track 19 (a kind of annular control cam or an annular groove or the like) in housing 1 and the attached housing ( Fig. 1 to 6) or a series of partition walls ( Fig. 7ff). An axial edge of a cylindrical or at least circular segment-shaped ring projection 203 engages in the respective ring track 19 in the manner of a ring motion path. This ring projection 203 – which can also be described as a cylindrical projection – encompasses the bend 232 of the clamping spring 23.

[0053] It has a non-circumferential contour on at least one side of the lever arm 201 (see in particular Fig. 4b). This creates a kind of recess in the ring base 203, on which a kind of attack contour 202 is formed in the circumferential direction, which can be applied to the clamping leg 233 in order to move it away from the contact zone 210 ( Fig. 6).

[0054] To make contact with a conductor end, it is inserted into the functional channel 217, which is a conductor insertion channel. When the conductor end presses against the release arm 242, the retaining and locking spring 24 is released from its detent, so that the clamping arm 233 of the clamping spring 23 can press the conductor end against the busbar 21 – in the area of ​​the contact zone 210. Fig. 5, Fig. 6).

[0055] Additionally, one or more projections 205 can be provided on the actuating section 201 of the actuating element 21 in the alignment direction X and / or against the alignment direction, which can engage in corresponding ring-segment-like guide contour(s) in the housing 1, which further improves the rotary bearing of the actuating element 21 ( Fig. 4b).

[0056] It is particularly advantageous that the actuating devices 20 are designed in the manner of a single-armed lever, which have an actuating section 201 and the attack contour 202 acting on the clamping leg when the clamping spring is tensioned, wherein the distance between a free actuating end of the actuating section 201 (in Fig. 4b “above” and the fixed axis of rotation A1 is greater than the distance between the axis of rotation A1 and the attack contour 202. This is readily apparent, for example, from Fig. 4b.

[0057] When the actuating element 20 is rotated or pivoted at its free end in one of the two directions of rotation, the attack contour 202 acts on the clamping spring or its clamping leg 233 to move it from an open state ( Fig. 5) or a clamping state (when a conductor end is contacted, not shown) to move back to a latching state R ( Fig. 6).

[0058] In this way, a direct plug-in terminal connection with retaining and locking spring for locking the clamping spring 23 in the open state for the trouble-free insertion of a conductor end into the clamping and contact area can also be excellently integrated as a 90° conductor feed variant with a conductor entry laterally and parallel to a control cabinet rear wall into a terminal block R1, R2, ... .

[0059] The clamping spring 23 can be formed as a single metal part together with the retaining and detent spring 26. This type of spring can be manufactured efficiently. It can also be referred to as a snap-in spring.

[0060] Each of the multiple connection devices 2 for connecting a respective conductor end, in particular a stranded conductor end, thus each has at least the following features: - a contact zone 210 of the busbar 21 for contacting the respective electrical conductor end 3; - the respective clamping spring 23 designed as a compression spring, with which an electrical conductor end inserted into the connection devices 2 can be pressed against the contact zone 210 in order to contact the conductor end; - the retaining and locking spring 24, and - the rotatable actuating element 20 in the form of a single-armed lever rotatably mounted at one end; with which the clamping spring 23 can be actuated.

[0061] It may be provided that the intermediate walls 1" and / or the end walls 1' or the base walls also have a ring-shaped guide track. In this case, the actuating elements 20 are supported on the housing 1 and one of these walls, possibly pivoting in two directions, which optimizes the guidance of the actuating element 20. The respective ring-shaped guide track need not be closed in the circumferential direction. It is sufficient if the actuating element 20 can be pivoted in such a way that it is possible to retension the clamping spring 23 and lock it in the open position.

[0062] The actuating elements 20 can be arranged completely within the housing 1 or an imaginary outer contour of the housing 1. They can have an actuating contour 204 to allow, for example, the application of a tool such as a screwdriver to pivot them ( Fig. 4b).

[0063] The actuating elements 20 may optionally each have at least one test point provided, so the actuating contours 204 can also form these test points if they are designed as through holes.

[0064] Preferably, the pivot position of the actuating elements 20 in the housings 1 is visible from the outside, specifically in the functional channels 19. This provides an advantageous status indication through the visually recognizable position of the pivotable actuating element 20.

[0065] The axis of rotation A1 lies parallel to the alignment direction X. The direction of rotation of the actuating element is circumferential around this axis of rotation A1.

[0066] The direction of actuation (vertically from above and then pivoting circumferentially around axis A1) and the direction of conductor insertion can preferably be substantially perpendicular to each other, although they may deviate by, for example, 90° ± 25° during actuation. Actuation from above in the Z-direction and conductor insertion perpendicular to this in the Y-direction is particularly simple, as this is easiest for the operator to accomplish. Furthermore, the conductors also lie in or parallel to the plane of the control cabinet's rear wall, so bending the conductors in the Z-direction is unnecessary.

[0067] This results in an advantageously ergonomic operation requiring minimal effort. Furthermore, it results in a compact design with a small number of parts and simple geometry, meaning the components are inexpensive to manufacture and assemble.

[0068] The two connection devices 2 of each connection level I, II are preferably arranged one behind the other in the Y direction. In the direction of assembly, the two connection devices 2 of the multiple connection levels R1, R2 and of the possibly multiple terminal blocks are aligned. They lie on a straight line connecting them.

[0069] It is particularly advantageous if the clamping cages 21 of the multiple connection devices 2 of the respective terminal block and a busbar 21 connecting them are manufactured in one piece from a single sheet metal blank using stamping / bending technology, so that they are easily electrically connected to one another. This illustrates particularly well the Fig. 2. Although the busbar 21 can also be composed of several individual sections, the one-piece design is particularly easy to manufacture. Thus, the busbar 21 can preferably be designed as a stamped / bent metal part.

[0070] It is also intended to connect all of the connection devices of a respective connection level I or II to this one busbar 21 in a conductive manner.

[0071] The busbar 21 can preferably be configured such that it not only conductively connects the two connection devices 2 of a respective connection level I of a terminal block with only one connection level I or several connection levels I, II, but also the connection devices 2 of two connection levels I, II of a terminal block with two connection levels I, II, or the connection devices of two adjacent terminal blocks, each with only a single connection level I (i.e., if the terminal blocks each have only a single connection level). Furthermore, the busbar 21 can also form or have the contact areas 210 in which conductor ends to be inserted are contacted, and it can also serve as a support or abutment for the clamping springs 23 of the connection devices 2. Fig. 7 and Fig. 1).

[0072] The respective busbars 21 can have a base plate area 211 which can extend essentially in the directions Y and Z, wherein several webs 212 extend from this base plate area 211 at approximately a 90° angle, wherein these webs 212 can form the contact areas 210 of the several connection devices 2 of one or two connection planes (I, I; I, II) and / or abutment webs for a metallic support of the clamping springs 23.

[0073] The webs 212 preferably pass through corresponding slots in the housings 1 or are guided past them at the edge. The webs 212 are preferably long in the alignment direction X such that they extend over two connection levels I, II or over two terminal blocks, each with one connection level, and thus also conductively connect the connection devices 2 of the different connection levels or different terminal blocks to each other. The webs 212 can also be configured to extend over further single or double terminal blocks arranged in series.

[0074] This results in a dimensionally stable structure and allows an electric current to flow with minimal loss and without impairment across two or more connection levels, depending on the realized cross-section, as can otherwise occur at connection points between joined conductive elements and components.

[0075] Preferably, the busbar 21 is manufactured in one piece from a sheet of a highly conductive copper alloy using a stamping / bending process.

[0076] Alternatively, it is also conceivable that busbar 21 itself consists of several individual parts that are electrically connected to each other, for example, using a thermal or mechanical joining technique. This is advantageous if one wants to use busbars with the most compact design possible.

[0077] Alternatively, casting or metal 3D printing could also be considered as manufacturing methods for busbar 21. Casting and metal 3D printing have the advantage of enabling particularly complex structures.

[0078] The rear sides 13 of the housings 1 can be completely or substantially closed. In the direction of assembly, a last terminal block can have an end wall 1' as a cover plate on the housing and may have ( Fig. 1, Fig. 7).

[0079] The connection devices 2 can be used for a wide variety of cross-sections, such as cross-sections of 2.5mm. 2 up to 25 mm 2 The system is designed with a preference for two or more connection devices 2 per terminal block. This allows the current to be distributed from the connection devices 2 to different loads as needed.

[0080] The terminal blocks can be arranged in the direction X to form a connection block consisting of several terminal blocks, preferably of the same construction (but possibly with different colors) (not shown).

[0081] This terminal block can then be used to connect multiple potentials to its input side, e.g., one of five potentials to each of five double terminal blocks. Each of these potentials is then distributed to the respective connection devices 2 in the respective terminal block, so that it can be tapped once or multiple times, depending on the number of connection devices 2.

[0082] The respective connection device(s) 2 can also be provided in a connector or in another electrical device. In that case, only the busbar 20 is adapted accordingly. It does not necessarily have to connect several of the connection devices 2 together. Reference sign 1 case 1' End wall 1'' partition walls 11, 12 clamping devices 13 Back panel 14 Middle wall 15 Mounting foot 16 functional chambers 17, 18 functional channels 19 Ring groove 191 leadership contours 2 connection terminals 20 Actuating elements 201 Actuation section 202 Attack contour 203 Ring attachment 204 Actuation contour 21 busbar 210 Contact zone 211 Base plate area 212 Bridge 23 clamping spring 231 Support legs 232 Bend 233 clamping legs 24 Retaining and locking spring 241 rest areas 242 Release legs X, Y, Z directions 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] WO 2014 / 173 717 A1

[0003] EP 1 353 407 B1

[0003]

Claims

[1] Terminal block comprising several terminal blocks which can be connected in series and are clamped and / or snapped together and which each have a housing (1) and each have a plurality of two or more connection devices (2) inserted into the respective housing (1), which are designed as direct-plug compression spring terminals for connecting a respective conductor end (3), wherein the multiple connection devices (2) for connecting a conductor end each have at least the following: a busbar (21) which has at least one respective contact zone (210) for contacting the respective electrical conductor end, wherein the clamping spring (23) is designed as a compression spring with which a conductor end (3) inserted into the connection device can be pressed against the contact zone (210) in order to contact the conductor, and wherein each connection device (2) has an actuating device (20) which is pivotable in the housing (1) about a rotational axis,with which a clamping leg (21) of the clamping springs (23) can be moved from a relaxed position to a tensioned detent position on a retaining and detent spring (24), characterized by , that the actuating devices (20) are designed in the manner of a single-arm lever, which have an actuating section (201) and an attack contour (202) acting on the clamping leg (233) when the clamping spring (23) is tensioned. [2] Terminal block according to claim 1, characterized by , that the distance between an actuating end of the actuating section (201) and a stationary axis of rotation (A1) is greater than the distance between the axis of rotation (A1) and the attack contour (202). [3] Connection block according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the actuating element (20) has a rotary bearing which is formed from at least one circumferentially closed or non-circumferentially closed ring track (19) in the housing (1) and from at least one respective circumferentially closed or non-circumferentially closed ring projection (203) on the actuating section (201), which extends perpendicular to the actuating section, engages in the respective ring track (19) and is pivotable in this about the axis of rotation A1 via a pivoting angle. [4] Connection block according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that in opposite sides of adjacent housings (1) or of the housing (1) and an intermediate or end plate (1', 1'') one of the circumferentially closed or non-circularly closed circular grooves is provided and a respective circumferentially closed or non-circularly closed ring projection engaging therein. [5] Terminal block according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the ring extension (203) encompasses the bend (232) of the clamping spring (23) and that it has a recess (203) on which an attack contour (202) is formed in the circumferential direction, which can be applied to the clamping leg (233) when the actuating element (201) is pivoted, in order to move it away from the contact zone (210) and to latch the clamping spring (23) on the retaining and detent spring (24). [6] Terminal block according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the terminal blocks can be mounted one after the other on a mounting rail and that they are designed in such a way that they can be actuated from a Z-direction perpendicular to the mounting rail and that the two conductor ends can be inserted into the housing (1) and the two connection devices (2) arranged therein from opposite directions +Y and -Y perpendicular to the direction Z from which they can be actuated. [7] Connection block according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the busbar (21) is also designed to support a respective clamping spring (23). [8] Terminal block according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the busbar connects several of the connection devices (2) which are located on a common connection plane (I or II) perpendicular to the direction of assembly (X) in a conductive manner. [9] Connection block according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that for each of all connection devices (2) of two or more adjacent connection levels (I, I or I, II, etc.) the single common, in particular one-piece and / or one-part busbar (21) is provided, so that they are jointly conductively connected via this one busbar (21). [10] Terminal block according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the respective clamping springs (23) and the respective retaining and locking springs (24) are formed in one piece, and that the clamping spring (23) can be locked with the locking spring in an open position in which a respective conductor end can be inserted into a contact area of ​​the respective connection device (2), wherein the retaining and locking spring (24) can be released from the locking position with the conductor end when the conductor end is inserted, in order to press the conductor end against the respective contact zone (210). [11] Terminal block according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the housings (1) of each adjacent terminal block are mechanically connected to each other in the direction of assembly by force and / or form locking, in particular by corresponding clamping and / or locking means of the respective adjacent housings (1). [12] Terminal block according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that each of the housings (1), each having a connection level (I) consisting of two or more connection devices (2), are joined together to form a double terminal block, which has a common busbar (21) for the connection devices (2) of both connection levels (I, I). [13] Terminal block according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that each housing has on both sides of a central wall (14) a connection level consisting of two or more connection devices (2), so that it forms a double terminal block with two of the connection levels (I; II) and that an intermediate wall can be attached to each of these housings (1) in order to connect two housings (1) arranged in the direction of series to each other by force and / or positive locking via the intermediate wall. [14] Terminal block according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the respective busbars (21) have a base plate area (211) which can extend substantially in the directions Y and Z, wherein several webs (212) extend from this base plate area (211) at approximately a 90° angle, wherein these webs (212) can form the contact areas (210) of the several connection devices (2) of one or more connection levels (I, I; I, II, etc.) and / or can form abutment webs for a metallic support of the clamping springs (23). [15] Terminal block according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the webs (212) are preferably long in the alignment direction X such that they extend over at least two connection levels (I, II) of a terminal block or over two or more terminal blocks, each with one connection level (I, I), and thus also conductively connect the connection devices (2) of the different connection levels or different terminal blocks to each other. [16] Terminal block according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that one or more of the housings (1) of the terminal blocks of the terminal block can be snapped onto a mounting rail by means of a one- or multi-part locking device (15) in the manner of a locking foot. [17] Connection device for connecting a conductor end and for connecting the conductor end to a busbar, in particular for a terminal block according to one of the preceding claims or for a connector or other electrical device, comprising a housing (1) and a direct-plug compression spring terminal inserted into the housing (1) for connecting a respective conductor end (3), which for connecting a conductor end comprises at least the following: a busbar having at least one contact zone (210) for contacting the electrical conductor end, wherein the clamping spring (23) is designed as a compression spring with which a conductor end (3) inserted into the connection device can be pressed against the contact zone (210) to contact the conductor, and wherein an actuating device (20) pivotable about an axis of rotation is provided in the housing (1),with which a clamping leg (21) of the clamping springs (23) can be moved from a relaxed position to a tensioned detent position on a retaining and detent spring, characterized by , that the actuating device (20) is designed in the manner of a single-arm lever, which has an actuating section (210) and an attack contour (202) acting on the clamping leg (233) when the clamping spring (23) is tensioned. [18] Connection device according to the preceding claim, characterized by , that the distance between an actuating end of the actuating section (201) and a stationary axis of rotation (A1) is greater than the distance between the axis of rotation (A1) and the attack contour (202). [19] Connection device according to claim 15 or 16, characterized by one or more of the features relating to the connection device in claims 3 to 14.

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