Terminal block for connecting an electrical conductor

Abstract

A terminal block (1) for connecting an electrical conductor (2) comprises a housing (10) having a plug-in opening (100) into which the conductor (2) can be inserted along a plug-in direction (E), a contact element (11) arranged on the housing (10) having a connection section (111) to which the conductor (2) can be electrically connected, a spring element (12) having a support leg (121) and a clamping leg (120) that can be deflected elastically relative to the support leg (121), and an actuating element (13) having an actuating head (130) for actuation by a user and an action section (133) for acting on the clamping leg (120). The working section (133) is attached to the spring element (12) so that the actuating element (13), when moved relative to the housing (10), takes the clamping leg (120) out of the clamping position to adjust the clamping leg (120).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a terminal block for connecting an electrical conductor according to the preamble of claim 1, as well as a contact module, a contact insert and a connector part.

[0002] Such a terminal block comprises a housing with a plug-in opening into which the conductor can be inserted along a specific direction. A contact element is arranged on the housing, which has a terminal section to which the conductor can be electrically connected. A spring element has a support leg and a clamping leg that is elastically deflectable relative to the support leg. The clamping leg is designed to clamp the conductor in a clamping position, thereby clamping the conductor to the terminal section and making an electrical connection to it. An actuating element has an actuating head for operation by a user and an active section for acting on the clamping leg. The actuating element is movable relative to the housing to adjust the clamping leg from the clamping position.

[0003] Such a terminal block should enable a compact design, particularly to allow multiple terminal blocks to be combined, for example, on a contact module or contact insert to form a connector part. A small, compact design, especially in a plane perpendicular to the insertion direction, allows a large number of terminal blocks to be accommodated on a single contact module or contact insert, enabling the connection of numerous electrical conductors to such a module or insert.

[0004] From DE 11 2015 001 792 B4, a terminal block is known in which an actuating element is locked to a housing in an open position. To release the actuating element from the locking position, the actuating element can be pivoted slightly relative to the housing.

[0005] A terminal block known from EP 3 602 692 B1 has a U-shaped current bar which has side walls that form sliding edges for longitudinally displacing an actuating element.

[0006] The object of the present invention is to provide a terminal block as well as a contact module, a contact insert and a connector part that enable a compact design of the terminal block, with simple and cost-effective assembly of the terminal block.

[0007] This problem is solved by an object having the features of claim 1.

[0008] Accordingly, the working section is attached to the spring element, so that when the actuating element moves relative to the housing, it takes the clamping leg out of the clamping position to adjust the clamping leg.

[0009] In the terminal block, the actuating element is movable relative to the housing in order to act on the clamping leg of the spring element and move it out of the clamping position. This allows space to be created within the housing, enabling an electrical conductor to be inserted into the opening with minimal force to connect it to the terminal section of the contact element, or allowing a connected electrical conductor to be removed from the terminal block with minimal force.

[0010] To act on the clamping arm, a user can move the actuating element relative to the housing, thereby adjusting the clamping arm out of the clamping position.

[0011] Because the actuating element is attached to the spring element, a single unit consisting of the spring element and the actuating element is created, which can be mounted together in the housing. This results in simplified assembly, where the spring element, with the actuating element attached to it, can be inserted into the housing and thus mounted to the housing.

[0012] The functional section is attached to the spring element in such a way that the actuating element is securely held in place. The spring element and the actuating element can therefore be easily mounted together on the housing.

[0013] The actuating element is attached to the spring element via the working section in such a way that when the actuating element is actuated, the clamping leg is carried along and deflected out of the clamping position. When the actuating element is actuated and thereby moved relative to the housing, the clamping leg is also moved and deflected out of the clamping position, thus creating space within the housing. This allows an electrical conductor to be inserted into the plug openings and guided to the connection section in a virtually force-free manner, or an inserted electrical conductor to be removed from the connection section and the plug opening.

[0014] Because the actuating section is connected to the spring element and, in particular, attached to the clamping arm of the spring element, it is advantageous that the position of the actuating element relative to the housing depends on the position of the clamping arm. Based on the position of the actuating element relative to the housing, a user can thus determine from outside the terminal block the current position of the clamping arm inside the housing. The actuating element can therefore also be used as an indicator for the position of the clamping arm.

[0015] In one embodiment, the clamping arm extends through the functional section. The clamping arm is thus (movably or immovably) embedded in the functional section and thereby attached to it.

[0016] In one embodiment, the working section has a bearing opening in which the clamping leg is inserted. The clamping leg (movably or immovably) extends through the bearing opening, so that the working section is attached to the clamping leg by virtue of the clamping leg being inserted into the bearing opening.

[0017] In one embodiment, the clamping arm is rigidly connected to the functional section. In another embodiment, the clamping arm is movably connected to the functional section.

[0018] If the clamping arm is rigidly connected to the working section, the working section is fixed in position and orientation to the clamping arm. When the actuating element is actuated, the working section remains fixed in position and orientation relative to the clamping arm, whereby the clamping arm is carried along by the movement of the actuating element and deflected out of the clamping position.

[0019] In order to allow deflection of the clamping leg when the working section is fixedly connected to the clamping leg, the spring element is designed to be sufficiently elastically flexible so that deformation of the spring element is possible when the actuating element is moved to deflect the clamping leg.

[0020] If, on the other hand, the clamping arm is movably connected to the working section, the working section can move relative to the clamping arm when the actuating element is moved, for example, sliding along the clamping arm. In particular, the working section can be slidably guided on the clamping arm so that, during an actuating movement, the working section can slide relative to the clamping arm and along the longitudinal extent of the clamping arm.

[0021] Such mobility can simplify the introduction of force into the clamping leg when the actuating element is used to deflect the clamping leg out of the clamping position.

[0022] For example, the clamping leg for a movable bearing of the working section can reach through a bearing opening on the working section and be guided sliding in the bearing opening.

[0023] In one embodiment, the actuating element is formed by plastic injection molding, with the working section being formed on the clamping arm by injection molding. The working section is thus injection molded onto the clamping arm. The actuating element is manufactured in conjunction with the spring element, for example, by inserting the spring element as a component into an injection mold and then forming the actuating element within the injection mold by injection molding onto the spring element (made of metal, for example, spring steel).

[0024] For example, after manufacturing by injection molding, the clamping arm can be overmolded with the material of the working section. The clamping arm is thus embedded in the material of the working section.

[0025] By manufacturing the actuating element on the spring element using injection molding, a movable or fixed connection between the actuating element and the spring element can be created. For example, injection molding can create such a strong bond between the plastic actuating element and the metal spring element, which is inserted into the injection mold as a part, that the actuating element is fixed to the spring element. However, it is also conceivable that the actuating element does not form a bond with the spring element during injection molding, thus creating a movable connection, such as a sliding connection.

[0026] Instead of injection molding the actuating element onto the spring element, the actuating element can, for example, be connected to the spring element in a snap-fit ​​manner, for example, by being snapped onto the spring element.

[0027] In one embodiment, the working section has a locking element that is connected to the clamping arm and / or another locking element via a locking connection. If the locking element is connected to the clamping arm via a locking connection, a fixed locking connection between the working section and the clamping arm can be formed, for example. If the locking element is latchingly connected to another locking element, the clamping arm can be movably or immovably mounted between the locking elements.

[0028] The actuating element can, in principle, be moved in any way relative to the housing in order to adjust the clamping leg out of the clamping position.

[0029] In one embodiment, the actuating element is movable along the plugging direction relative to the housing in order to act on the clamping leg with the effective section to adjust the clamping leg from the clamping position.

[0030] In one embodiment, the actuating element, for example with its working section, is movably supported on the connecting section of the contact element. When the actuating element is moved to adjust the clamping leg from the clamping position, the actuating element can, for example, slide along the connecting section of the contact element, so that the connecting section of the contact element provides a defined guide for the actuating element on the contact element.

[0031] Because the actuating element is supported on the connection section of the contact element, adjustment of the actuating element can occur in a defined, close position relative to the connection section. The clamping arm can thus be deflected relative to the connection section in a defined manner. Since the actuating element is supported directly on the contact element, it can be positioned close to the contact element, allowing the terminal to have a small footprint.

[0032] In one embodiment, the connection section has a U-shaped cross-section perpendicular to the insertion direction. This U-shaped design allows the connection section to form a connection chamber into which a conductor is inserted when the housing is plugged into the opening, so that the conductor can be clamped within the connection chamber by the clamping action of the clamping leg against the contact element.

[0033] For example, the connection section forming the U-shape has a back wall and two side walls projecting from the back wall. The conductor can be inserted between the side walls for connection to the connection section. The side walls provide a guide for the conductor, so that, for example, even a flexible conductor can be reliably connected to the terminal and clamped to the contact element via the clamping arm.

[0034] In one embodiment, the clamping arm projects into a gap between the side walls, at least when clamped. The actuating element, viewed along a transverse direction perpendicular to the insertion direction, is located next to the U-shaped connection section of the contact element. The spring element extends through the active section and protrudes into the gap between the side walls. A conductor within this gap can thus be clamped to the connection section of the contact element via the clamping arm, thereby establishing electrical contact between the conductor and the connection section.

[0035] In particular, the clamping arm can be designed to clamp the conductor to the rear panel. The side panels project from the rear panel. The actuating element can be located, in particular, on one side of the side panels facing away from the rear panel. In the clamping position, the clamping arm exerts a load on an inserted electrical conductor, thereby biasing the conductor perpendicular to the insertion direction towards the rear panel, so that the conductor is clamped to the rear panel and thus electrically contacted with the rear panel and consequently with the connection section of the contact element.

[0036] In one embodiment, the actuating element is supported on at least one of the side walls of the connecting section. In particular, the support can be such that the actuating element can be displaced relative to the associated side wall. The support thus provides a displaceable mounting of the actuating element on one or both of the side walls.

[0037] In one embodiment, the actuating element is slidably displaceable along the insertion direction on at least one of the side walls. The actuating element is thus guided on one or both side walls and can be moved linearly along the insertion direction on one or both side walls.

[0038] In one embodiment, at least one of the side walls forms a support edge that points away from the rear wall and against which the actuating element is supported. The side walls project from the rear wall in the direction of the actuating element. At an edge located away from the rear wall, one or both of the side walls (each) form a support edge against which the actuating element rests. This arrangement can, in particular, provide a sliding guide for moving the actuating element along the insertion direction relative to the connection section of the contact element.

[0039] In one embodiment, the actuating element has two legs that are spaced apart from each other and extend parallel to each other along a depth direction perpendicular to the insertion direction (and perpendicular to the transverse direction). Preferably, each leg is movably supported on the connecting section, for example, on the end faces of side walls of the connecting section. Each leg can extend flatly along a plane defined by the insertion direction and the transverse direction perpendicular to both the insertion and closing directions, with the legs being spaced apart from each other along the depth direction, thereby forming a gap into which the spring element engages.

[0040] In one embodiment, the effective section extends along the depth direction between the legs. In an advantageous embodiment, the effective section is formed by a web extending between the legs.

[0041] In one embodiment, the functional section forms a guide surface on a side facing the connection section to guide the conductor when it is inserted into the socket. The functional section faces the connection section with this guide surface. The functional section can also contribute to guiding the conductor by allowing the conductor to slide along the guide surface of the functional section and thus be guided over the functional section into the area of ​​the connection section, in particular into the connection chamber within the U-shaped connection section.

[0042] In one embodiment, the functional section is concavely curved at the guide surface. This concave curvature provides advantageous guidance for the conductor at the functional section, particularly by centering the conductor relative to the connecting section.

[0043] In one embodiment, the housing features an insertion funnel for guiding the conductor to the connection section. The insertion funnel is aligned with the plug opening on the housing, so that when the conductor is inserted into the plug opening, it slides into the insertion funnel. The insertion funnel preferably tapers towards the connection section, guiding the conductor through the funnel into the area of ​​the connection section. This results in a simple insertion process with reliable insertion of the conductor into the area of ​​the connection section.

[0044] In one embodiment, the functional section is aligned with the insertion funnel, at least in the unactuated position of the actuating element. In particular, the functional section can, through its guide surface, complete the insertion funnel and thus, together with the insertion funnel, provide a guide for the conductor when inserted into the socket.

[0045] For example, the operating section can form a step with which the actuating element, preferably in the unactuated position, rests against a complementary step on the insertion funnel, so that this arrangement supports the actuating element against the insertion funnel in the opposite direction of insertion and thus prevents it from being moved out of the housing in the opposite direction. For example, the actuating element can be biased against the insertion direction by the spring-elastic action of the spring element, in particular the clamping leg, in the direction of contact between the operating section and the step of the insertion funnel, and thus be held in position relative to the housing by spring elasticity.

[0046] The spring element is preferably designed as a torsion spring, in which the spring element is supported by the support leg on the housing and / or the contact element, and the clamping leg can move elastically relative to the support leg. The spring element is preferably made of a spring-elastic sheet material, in particular spring steel.

[0047] In one embodiment, the spring element has a curved connecting section that links the support leg to the clamping leg. Due to its curvature, the connecting section provides a bending radius at which, when the clamping leg deflects, the spring element predominantly undergoes spring-elastic deformation.

[0048] In one embodiment, the contact element has a base on which the connecting section is arranged. The connecting section, for example U-shaped, can extend from the base in the opposite direction to the insertion direction and thus be formed on one side of the base facing the insertion opening.

[0049] In one embodiment, the support leg is attached to the base. For example, the support leg is positively connected to the base, for instance by a plastically deformed connection similar to a riveted joint. In other embodiments, the support leg can be connected to the base by a material-bonded connection, in particular a welded joint.

[0050] In one embodiment, the contact element has a plug-in contact for connecting to a mating contact. The plug-in contact can be, for example, a contact pin or a contact socket. The contact element can be plugged into a corresponding mating contact via the plug-in contact. If the terminal block is, for example, part of a connector, the plug-in contact can engage with a corresponding mating contact of the mating connector when the connector is plugged into the mating connector.

[0051] The plug contact can, for example, extend from the base in the direction of insertion. The connection section is located on one side of the base, while the plug contact is located on the other side of the base, opposite the first side. Thus, the connection section and the plug contact are located on different sides of the base.

[0052] The contact element can be formed from a solid (metal) material, for example as a shaped part by turning and milling. In other designs, the contact element can also be formed as a sheet metal part, in particular as a stamped and bent part.

[0053] The contact element is electrically conductive and preferably made of a metal material.

[0054] In one embodiment, a contact module that can be inserted into a mounting frame has at least one terminal of the type described above. Such a contact module can, for example, be combined with other contact modules and inserted into a frame opening of a mounting frame to create a contact insert for use on a connector part. Several contact modules can be arranged in a row along a specific direction on the mounting frame and thus combined to create a modular arrangement of contact elements on the mounting frame and therefore on a contact insert.

[0055] In one embodiment, a contact insert for insertion into a connector housing of a connector part has at least one terminal of the type described above. Such a contact insert can be accommodated in a connector housing to create a connector part. Such a connector part can be modularly equipped with a contact insert from a selection of different contact inserts, so that different connector parts can be created through the modular use of a single contact insert.

[0056] A connector part comprises a connector housing and a contact insert contained within the connector housing.

[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. 1 a view of an embodiment of a contact module with an arrangement of terminal blocks; Fig. 2 a view of another embodiment of a contact module with an arrangement of terminal blocks; Fig. 3 a view of an embodiment of a (fixed-pole) contact insert with an arrangement of terminals; Fig. 4 an exploded view of an exemplary embodiment of a terminal block; Fig. 5 a partially cut-out view of the terminal block; Fig. 6 a sectional view of the terminal block; Fig. 7 a top view of the terminal block; Fig. 8 a schematic example view of the combination of terminal blocks on a contact module or contact insert; Fig. 9 a schematic view of a contact module together with a holding frame to create a contact insert; Fig. 10 a schematic view of a connector part, comprising a contact insert received in a connector housing, together with a mating connector part; Fig. 11 a schematic view of a further embodiment of an actuating element of a terminal block together with a spring element; Fig. 12 a schematic cross-sectional view of the actuating element and the spring element according to Fig. 11; Fig. 13 a schematic view of an operating section on a clamping leg of a spring element according to a further embodiment; and Fig. 14 a schematic view of an operating section on a clamping leg of a spring element according to a further embodiment.

[0058] The underlying concept of the invention will now be explained using exemplary embodiments. In the figures below, components with the same function are provided with the same reference numerals, where this is expedient.

[0059] Fig. 1 and Fig. Figure 2 shows exemplary embodiments of contact modules 3, each having an arrangement of terminal blocks 1 for connecting one electrical conductor 2.

[0060] The in Fig. 1 and Fig. The contact modules 3 shown in the illustration enable, through modular combination with other contact modules of the same or different type, a contact insert for use on a connector part to be provided.

[0061] Fig. Figure 9 shows, in a schematic view, a contact module 3 together with a retaining frame 33, which forms a frame opening 330 into which an arrangement of one or more contact modules 3 can be inserted. For example, several contact modules 3 can be combined along a row direction and each inserted into a slot within the retaining frame 33 to create a contact insert 4 for a connector 5, as shown schematically in Figure 9. Fig. 10 shown.

[0062] Each of the in Fig. 1 and Fig. The 2 different contact modules 3 shown have a body 30 on which a plug-in section 300 is formed for plug-in connection with an associated, complementary plug-in section of a contact insert 4' of a mating connector part 6 (see Fig. 10). A cover 31 is attached to the body 30, which together with the body 30 forms a housing 10 for the terminal blocks 1 of the contact module 3.

[0063] Each terminal 1 is assigned a plug-in opening 100 into which an electrical conductor 2 with a stripped conductor end 20 can be inserted along a plug-in direction E.

[0064] While in Fig. 1 and Fig. Two exemplary embodiments of modular contact modules that can be combined with further contact modules are shown in 3. Fig. Figure 3 shows an embodiment of a so-called fixed-pole contact insert 4 for a connector 5, which has an arrangement of terminals 1. The contact insert 4 has a body 40 and a cover 41 attached to the body 40. The body 40 and cover 41 together form a housing 10 for the terminals 1. Each terminal 1 has a plug-in opening 100 for inserting an electrical conductor 2 along a plug-in direction E.

[0065] A plug-in section 400 is formed on the body 40, which can be plugged into a plug-in section of a contact insert 4' of a mating connector part 6.

[0066] The contact deployment 4 according to Fig. 3 as well as a contact insert 4 formed using a combination of contact modules 3 and a retaining frame 33 according to Fig. 9 have grounding sections 42 arranged on their end faces, which are formed, for example, by so-called metal grounding plates. At least one of the grounding sections 42 has a connection point 420 for connecting a protective conductor. Fastening elements 421 in the form of screws are also arranged on the grounding sections 42, by means of which the contact insert 4 can be fixed within a connector housing 50.

[0067] A by using contact modules 3 according to Fig. 1 or Fig. 2 created contact insert 4 or a fixed pole contact insert 4 according to Fig. 3 can, as schematically shown in Fig. 10 shown, are included in a connector housing 50 to form a connector part 5 together with the connector housing 50.

[0068] The terminals 1 of the contact modules 3 or the contact insert 4 can be used to connect conductors 2, for example of a cable 8 connected to the connector part 5.

[0069] The connector part 5 can be plugged into a corresponding mating connector part 6, which has a connector housing 60 containing a further contact insert 4'. When the connector part 5 is plugged into the mating connector part 6, the plug contacts of the terminals 1 are connected to corresponding mating contact elements of the contact insert 4' of the mating connector part 6, thus establishing electrical contact between the conductors 2 on the side of the connector part 5 and conductors on the side of the mating connector part 6.

[0070] The connector part 5 can be connected to a cable 8 as a mobile connector. Alternatively, the connector part 5 can be stationary, as a so-called mounting frame, on a higher-level assembly, for example a control cabinet or an electrical system.

[0071] Analogous to the connector part 5, the mating connector part 6 can be connected with a cable or arranged as a mounting frame on a higher-level assembly 7, for example a control cabinet or an electrical system.

[0072] At each contact module 3 according to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 and at the contact deployment 4 according to Fig. 3 A plurality of terminal blocks 1 are provided, which enable the connection of a plurality of electrical conductors 2. In order to be able to connect a large number of electrical conductors 2 even to small contact modules 3 or a small contact insert 4, the terminal blocks 1 are compact and have a small size, especially in a plane perpendicular to the plug-in direction E.

[0073] The contact module 3 according to Fig. 1 is designed with six poles and accordingly has six terminals 1 with each of them having an associated plug-in opening 100 on a top side of the contact module 3 that points in the opposite direction to the plug-in direction E.

[0074] The contact module 3 according to Fig. In contrast, 2 is designed with twelve poles and accordingly has twelve terminals 1 with each of them having an associated plug-in opening 100 on a top side of the contact module 3 that points in the opposite direction to the plug-in direction E.

[0075] The contact deployment 4 according to Fig. 3 is designed with ten poles and accordingly has ten terminals 1 with each of them having an associated plug-in opening 100 on a top side of the contact insert 4 that points in the opposite direction to the plug-in direction E.

[0076] Fig. 4, Fig. 5, Fig. 6 to Fig. Figure 7 shows views of an exemplary embodiment of a terminal block 1.

[0077] In the illustrated embodiment, the terminal 1 has a contact element 11, a spring element 12, and an actuating element 13. A housing 10 is associated with the terminal 1, which can be, for example, a separate housing module or a housing of a contact module 3 or a contact insert 4, for example, the body 30 and the cover 31 of the contact module 3 as shown. Fig. 1 or Fig. 2 or the body 40 and the cover 41 of the contact insert 4 according to Fig. 3, is trained.

[0078] In the illustrated embodiment, the housing 10 has a body 101 to which a cover 102 is attached. A receiving space 105 is defined within the body 101, within which components of the terminal block 1 are received.

[0079] In the illustrated embodiment, the cover 102 forms the insertion opening 100 and an insertion funnel 104 adjoining the insertion opening 100. The cover 102 also defines an actuating opening 103 in which the actuating element 13 with an actuating head 130 is inserted.

[0080] The contact element 11 has a plug-in contact 110 in the form of a contact pin, which can be plugged into a corresponding mating contact of a mating connector part. The plug-in contact 110 extends along the plug-in direction E from a base 112 of the contact element 11.

[0081] Contrary to the insertion direction E, a connection section 111 extends from the base 112, having a U-shape in cross-section transverse to the insertion direction E. This U-shape is formed by a rear wall 113 and side walls 114 projecting from the rear wall 113 and arranged at least approximately perpendicular to the rear wall 113. The connection section 111 thus defines a connection chamber into which a conductor 2 is inserted when inserted into the plug opening 100 in order to make contact with the contact element 11.

[0082] The side walls 114 form support edges 115 at end faces extending from the rear wall 113 along the insertion direction E, on which the actuating element 13 is supported.

[0083] The spring element 12 has a clamping leg 120, a support leg 121 and a curved connecting section 122.

[0084] The support leg 121 is attached to a fastening device 116 of the base 112 via a fastening section 123 and is connected to the base 112 via the fastening device 116, for example by positive locking through plastic deformation at the fastening device 116 in the manner of a rivet connection or by a material-locking connection, for example a weld connection.

[0085] The clamping leg 120 is connected to the support leg 121 via the curved connecting section 122. The curved connecting section 122 has a bending radius at which, when the clamping leg 120 deflects elastically relative to the support leg 121, predominantly elastic deformation occurs at the spring element 12.

[0086] The clamping arm 120 serves to clamp a conductor 2, which is inserted into the plug-in opening 100 and into the U-shaped connection section 111, to the connection section 111 and to make electrical contact with the connection section 111. For this purpose, the clamping arm 120 engages, as shown in the diagram. Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 can be seen, between the side walls 114 of the connection section 111 and loads, in a clamping position, an inserted conductor 2 in the direction of the rear wall 113, in order to press the conductor 2 against the rear wall 113 and in this way clamp it to the connection section 111 and electrically contact it with the connection section 111.

[0087] The actuating element 13 serves to deflect the clamping leg 120 out of the clamping position and thus remove it from the rear wall 113 of the connection section 111. By actuating the actuating element 13, a space within the connection section 111 is thus released, allowing a conductor 2 to be inserted into the plug-in opening 100 and into the area of ​​the connection section 111 in a substantially force-free manner, or allowing an inserted electrical conductor to be pulled out of the connection section 111 in a substantially force-free manner and thus removed from the terminal 1.

[0088] The actuating element 13 has an actuating head 130 which is located in the actuating opening 103, as can be seen from Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 is evident. An actuating shaft 136 extends from the actuating head 130, on which an operating section 133 is formed at an end located away from the actuating head 130.

[0089] In the illustrated embodiment, the working section 133 is attached to the clamping leg 120 of the spring element 12. In this embodiment, the actuating element 13 is formed on the spring element 12 by injection molding, so that the clamping leg 120 is overmolded with the material of the working section 133, thus creating a material-bonded connection between the working section 133 and the clamping leg 120.

[0090] In the illustrated embodiment, the connection between the working section 133 and the clamping leg 120 is immovable. The working section 133 is fixed to the clamping leg 120, so that the working section 133 remains stationary and in a fixed position on the clamping leg 120 when the actuating element 13 is moved.

[0091] By forming the actuating element 13 directly on the spring element 12 by injection molding, whereby the spring element 12 is inserted as an insert (made of metal, for example spring steel) into an injection molding tool and the actuating element 13 made of plastic is injection molded onto the spring element 12 in the injection molding tool, a unit consisting of the spring element 12 and the actuating element 13 is created, which can be mounted together and uniformly on the housing 10 and for this purpose can be inserted into the receiving space 105 within the housing part 101.

[0092] In particular, in the illustrated embodiment, the assembly of the spring element 12 and the actuating element 13 is attached to the contact element 11 by fixing the support leg 121 to the base 112 of the contact element 11, in order to then insert the contact element 11, the spring element 12 and the actuating element 13 together into the housing 10, namely into the receiving space 105 within the housing part 101. This results in simplified assembly.

[0093] The actuating element 13 takes place in a Fig. 5 and Fig. In the unactuated position shown in Figure 6, the functional section 133 assumes a defined position within the housing 10. In this position, the functional section 133, with the step formed on it, is in contact with the insertion funnel 104 and thus supported relative to the housing 10 in the opposite direction to the insertion direction E. The functional section 133 is thereby biased by the spring-elastic action of the clamping leg 120 in the direction of contact with the insertion funnel 104.

[0094] In the illustrated embodiment, the actuating element 13 is displaceable along an actuating direction B parallel to the plugging direction E relative to the housing 10, wherein, during a displacement, the actuating element 13 is guided by the contact of the support ends 134 with the support sections 135 against the support edges 115 of the side walls 114.

[0095] If the actuating element 13 is moved in the actuating direction B relative to the housing 10, the clamping leg 120 is carried along and deflected out of the clamping position.

[0096] In order to enable movement of the actuating element 13 together with the clamping leg 120 attached to it, the location of the connection of the working section 133 with the clamping leg 120 must be selected so that a sufficient lever force can act on the clamping leg 120 and deformation can occur, particularly in the area of ​​the connecting section 122, on the spring element 12.

[0097] The connecting section 122 and also the clamping leg 120 are preferably adapted in their dimensions, in particular in the leg width and the material thickness, to provide a sufficient clamping force in the clamping position of the clamping leg 120 and also to provide sufficient deformability during movement of the actuating element 13.

[0098] And to improve mobility, the working section 133, compared to the illustrated embodiment, can, for example, be connected to the clamping leg 120 at a location further towards the free end of the clamping leg 120.

[0099] Because the clamping arm 120 is fixed in position and orientation to the working section 133 in the illustrated embodiment, the actuating element 13 may not move purely linearly in the actuating opening 103 of the housing 10 during an actuating movement. In particular, the actuating element 13 may, for example, be tiltable by a certain tilting angle (about the depth direction T) within the housing 10 in order to follow a deflection movement of the clamping arm 120 out of the clamping position.

[0100] Such a tilting movement may cause the working section 133 to move away from the connecting section 111 in the opposite direction Q.

[0101] The insertion funnel 104 connects to the plug-in opening 100 and guides the conductor 2 to the connection chamber within the connection section 111. The insertion funnel 104 tapers in the plug-in direction E and thus enables reliable insertion of, for example, soft conductors 2.

[0102] The functional section 133 forms a guide surface on a side facing the connecting section 111 by means of a concave curvature. In the unactuated position of the actuating element 13, as can be seen from Fig. 5 and Fig. 6, the functional section 133 completes the insertion funnel 104 and provides a guide for a conductor 2 to the connecting section 111.

[0103] As can be seen from the top view according to Fig. As can be seen in Figure 7, the actuating head 130 is positioned in the actuating opening 103 of the housing 10 in such a way that the working section 133 faces the connection section 111 and can slide on the connection section 111.

[0104] Fig. Figure 8 shows an exemplary, schematic arrangement of terminal blocks 1 on a contact module 3 or on a contact insert 4. Due to the small spatial dimensions, especially when considered along a plane perpendicular to the plugging direction E, a large number of compact terminal blocks 1 can be provided on a contact module 3 or on a contact insert 4, while maintaining the same external dimensions of the contact module 3 or the contact insert 4.

[0105] At the in Fig. In the illustrated embodiment 8, terminal blocks 1 are arranged side by side in two rows 32A, 32B. Each row has a plurality of terminal blocks 1, in the illustrated embodiment six terminal blocks 1.

[0106] In a Fig. 11 and Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 12, an actuating element 13 for forming an actuating shaft 136 has two legs 131. The legs 131 extend parallel to each other in the insertion direction E along an actuating head 130 and are spaced apart from each other along a depth direction T perpendicular to the insertion direction E and a transverse direction Q.

[0107] The actuating element 13 has an active section 133, which extends as a web between the legs 131 and in whose area a step is formed on the actuating element 13. The active section 133 is attached to the clamping leg 120, for example, by forming the actuating element 13 on the spring element 12 by injection molding and by overmolding the clamping leg 120 with the material of the active section 133 by injection molding, so that a material-bonded connection exists between the clamping leg 120 and the active section 133.

[0108] The connection between the functional section 133 and the clamping leg 120 can be such that the functional section 133 is immovably, i.e. fixed in position and location, connected to the clamping leg 120.

[0109] The working section 133 is designed to act on the clamping leg 120 when the actuating element 13 is actuated, in order to adjust the clamping leg 120 out of the clamping position and thus to transmit an adjusting force to the clamping leg 120.

[0110] Beyond the effective section 133, the legs 131 form support ends 134, which are attached to the support edges 115 on the front face of the side walls 114 of the connecting section 111 of a (in Fig. 11 and Fig. 12 not shown, according to the contact element 11 Fig. 4, Fig. 5, Fig. 6 to Fig. 7 corresponding) contact element 11 are supported. The support ends 134, which extend flatly along the plane of the respective associated leg 131, form contact sections 135 at their end faces, which face the support edges 115 of the side walls 114, over which the support ends 134 are guided slidingly on the side walls 114 of the connection section 111.

[0111] Above the working section 133, the actuating element 13 is open between the legs 131 through an opening 132.

[0112] The actuating element 13 shares a common spatial area with the spring element 12, in particular the support leg 121 and the curved connecting section 122, also with reference to a projection plane spanned by the transverse direction Q and the depth direction T. In particular, the connecting section 122, viewed in the insertion direction E, is arranged completely or at least almost completely below the actuating head 130 and is accommodated between the legs 131. This enables a compact design of the terminal block 1, especially with regard to this projection plane.

[0113] Otherwise, a terminal 1 is provided, which connects the actuating element 13 and the spring element 12 according to Fig. 11 and Fig. 12 used, functionally identical to the preceding one based on Fig. 4, Fig. 5, Fig. 6 to Fig. 7 described embodiment. In particular, the terminal block 1 can comprise a contact element 11 and a housing 10, as previously described with reference to Fig. 4, Fig. 5, Fig. 6 to Fig. As described in section 7, they exhibit these characteristics. Reference should therefore also be made to the above statements.

[0114] In a Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 13, the working section 133 of an actuating element 13 is attached to the clamping leg 120 of the spring element 12 such that the clamping leg 120 extends through a bearing opening 137 of the working section 133. The working section 133 can thus, for example, be movably arranged on the clamping leg 120 and be guided slidably on the clamping leg 120 when the actuating element 13 is moved.

[0115] The actuating element 13 can, for example, be designed as shown by Fig. 11 and Fig. 12 or based on Fig. 4, Fig. 5, Fig. 6 to Fig. 7 has been described.

[0116] Otherwise, a terminal block 1, which connects an actuating element 13 and the spring element 12 according to Fig. 13 used, functionally identical to the preceding one based on Fig. The embodiments described in sections 4 to 7 and 11, 12. In particular, the terminal block 1 can comprise a contact element 11 and a housing 10, as previously described by reference to Fig. 4, Fig. 5, Fig. 6 to Fig. As described in section 7, they exhibit these characteristics. Reference should therefore also be made to the above statements.

[0117] At a Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 14, the functional section 133 has locking elements 138, 139 which are snapped onto one another. The locking elements 138, 139 receive the clamping leg 120 between them, so that the functional section 133 is movably or immovably connected to the clamping leg 120.

[0118] The actuating element 13 can, for example, be designed as shown by Fig. 11 and Fig. 12 or based on Fig. 4, Fig. 5, Fig. 6 to Fig. 7 has been described.

[0119] Otherwise, a terminal block 1, which connects an actuating element 13 and the spring element 12 according to Fig. 14 used, functionally identical to the preceding one based on Fig. The embodiments described in sections 4 to 7 and 11, 12. In particular, the terminal block 1 can comprise a contact element 11 and a housing 10, as previously described by reference to Fig. 4, Fig. 5, Fig. 6 to Fig.As described in section 7, they exhibit these characteristics. Reference should therefore also be made to the above statements.

[0120] The underlying idea of ​​the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but can also be realized in other ways.

[0121] A terminal block of the described type can be used on any electrical assembly, for example a contact module, a contact insert, a connector part or another electrical or electronic device, such as a terminal block, a printed circuit board connector or the like.

[0122] Any number of terminal blocks can be used on an electrical assembly and combined with each other. Reference symbol list 1 terminal block 10 cases 100 plug opening 101 bodies 102 lids 103 Actuating opening 104 Introductory Judges 105 Recording Room 11 Contact element 110 Plug contact 111 Connection section 112 Base 113 Back panel 114 Side wall 115 Support edge 116 Fastening device 12 spring element 120 clamping legs 121 Supporting legs 122 Curved connecting section 123 Fastening section 13 Actuating element 130 Actuating head 131 thighs 132 Opening 133 Working section 134 supporting ends 135 Plant section 136 business 137 Warehouse opening 138, 139 Latching parts 2 conductors 20 ladder ends 3 Contact module 30 bodies 300 plug-in section 31 lids 32A, 32B series 33 mounting frames 330 frame opening 4, 4' Contact insert 40 bodies 400 plug-in section 41 lids 42 Earthing section 420 Connection point for protective conductor 421 Fastening element 5 connector part 50 connector housings 6 mating connector part 60 mating connector housings 7 Assembly 8 cables B Direction of action E Plug direction Q transverse 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 11 2015 001 792 B4

[0004] EP 3 602 692 B1

[0005]

Claims

Terminal block (1) for connecting an electrical conductor (2), comprising a housing (10) having a plug-in opening (100) into which the conductor (2) can be inserted along a plug-in direction (E), a contact element (11) arranged on the housing (10) having a connection section (111) to which the conductor (2) can be electrically connected, a spring element (12) having a support leg (121) and a clamping leg (120) that is elastically deflectable relative to the support leg (121), wherein the clamping leg (120) is configured to clamp the conductor (2) in a clamping position in order to clamp the conductor (2) to the connection section (111) and thereby electrically connect it to the connection section (111), and an actuating element (13) having an actuating head (130) for actuation by a user and an actuating section (133) for acting on the clamping leg (120) shows,wherein the actuating element (13) for adjusting the clamping leg (120) is movable from the clamping position relative to the housing (10), characterized in that the operative section (133) is attached to the spring element (12) so that the actuating element (13), when moved relative to the housing (10), moves the clamping leg (120) from the clamping position. Terminal block (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the clamping leg (120) extends through the functional section (133). Terminal block (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the working section (133) has a bearing opening (137) in which the clamping leg (120) is inserted. Terminal block (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the clamping leg (120) is immovably connected to the functional section (133) or that the clamping leg (120) is movably connected to the functional section (133). Terminal block (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuating element (13) is formed by plastic injection molding, wherein the working section (133) is formed by injection molding on the clamping leg (120). Terminal block (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that the clamping leg (120) is overmolded with material of the working section (13). Terminal block (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the functional section (133) has a locking element (138) which is connected to the clamping leg (120) and / or a further locking element (139) via a locking connection. Terminal block (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuating element (13) for adjusting the clamping leg (120) from the clamping position is displaceable along the plugging direction (E) relative to the housing (10). Terminal block (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuating element (13) is movably supported on the connection section (111) of the contact element (11). Terminal block (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connection section (111) is U-shaped in cross-section transverse to the plugging direction (E). Terminal block (1) according to claim 10, characterized in that the terminal section (111) has a rear wall (113) and two side walls (114) projecting from the rear wall (113) to form the U-shape, wherein the conductor (2) can be inserted between the side walls (114) for connection to the terminal section (111). Terminal block (1) according to claim 11, characterized in that the terminal leg (120) projects into a space between the side walls (114) at least in the clamping position. Terminal block (1) according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that the clamping leg (120) is designed to clamp the conductor (2) to the rear wall (113). Terminal block (1) according to one of claims 11 to 13, characterized in that the actuating element (14) is supported on at least one of the side walls (114). Terminal block (1) according to claim 14, characterized in that the actuating element (14) is slidable along the plugging direction (E) on at least one of the side walls (114). Terminal block (1) according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that at least one of the side walls (114) forms a support edge (115) which points away from the rear wall (113) and on which the actuating element (14) is supported. Terminal block (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the functional section (133) forms a guide surface on a side facing the connection section (111) for guiding the conductor (2) when inserted into the plug-in opening (100). Terminal block (1) according to claim 17, characterized in that the functional section (133) is concavely curved at the guide surface. Terminal block (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing (10) has an insertion funnel (104) for guiding the conductor (2) towards the connection section (111). Terminal block (1) according to claim 19, characterized in that the functional section (133) is in contact with the insertion funnel (104) at least in a non-actuated position of the actuating element (13). Terminal block (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the spring element (12) has a curved connecting section (122) which connects the support leg (121) to the clamping leg (120). Terminal block (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the contact element (11) has a base (112) on which the connection section (111) is arranged. Terminal block (1) according to claim 22, characterized in that the base (112) extends transversely to the plugging direction (E). Terminal block (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the contact element (11) has a plug-in contact (110) for plug-in connection with a mating contact. Contact module (3) which can be inserted into a holding frame (33) with at least one terminal block (1) according to one of the preceding claims. Contact insert (4) for insertion into a connector housing (50) of a connector part (5), wherein the contact insert (4) has at least one terminal block (1) according to one of claims 1 to 24. Connector part (5) with a connector housing (50) and a contact insert (4) received in the connector housing (50) according to claim 26 .

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