Electrical device

Abstract

Electrical device (9) with a housing (1, 2) and at least one contacting element (3) to which an electrical conductor can be electrically connected, wherein the electrical device (9) has at least one manually actuated switching element (4) pivotably mounted in a bearing receptacle (8), by actuating which an electrical conductor can be connected to the contacting element (3) by means of a pivoting movement, characterized in that the at least one switching element (4) has at least three different locking function elements (31, 32, 33), each of which engages in a locking manner with corresponding counter-locking sections (30) of the bearing receptacle (8), wherein during a pivoting movement of the at least one switching element (4) the different locking function elements (31, 32, 33) successively engage in a locking manner with a counter-locking section (30) assigned to the respective locking function element (31, 32, 33).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an electrical device comprising a housing and at least one contacting element to which an electrical conductor can be electrically connected, wherein the electrical device has at least one manually actuated switching element pivotably mounted in a bearing receptacle, by actuating which an electrical conductor can be connected to the contacting element by means of a pivoting movement. The electrical device can be designed, for example, as a connector or branch connector or a combination thereof.

[0002] Branch connectors are a common tool in electrical installation technology. They enable the electrical connection of one cable, such as a flexible cable with an insulating sheath that protects the internal electrical conductors from contact and environmental influences, to another cable. For example, a branch connector can be used to electrically connect a secondary cable to a main cable.

[0003] To avoid interrupting and stripping a continuous cable at the intended connection point, it is common practice to connect the individual conductors using insulation displacement connectors (IDCs). In this process, a cutting edge of the IDC pierces the insulating sheath of the conductor. The IDC pier itself is made of an electrically conductive material, thus enabling electrical contact with the conductor. To establish the connection, the cutting edge of the IDC pier must be brought into contact with the conductor, which can be achieved, for example, by pivoting the IDC pier towards the conductor.

[0004] From EP 1 575 136 B1 a branch connector for electrically connecting a main cable to a secondary cable is known.

[0005] The invention is based on the objective of providing a further improved electrical device.

[0006] This problem is solved in an electrical device of the type mentioned above by providing the at least one switching element with at least three different detent elements, each of which engages with corresponding mating detent sections of the bearing receptacle. During a pivoting movement of the at least one switching element, the different detent elements successively engage with a mating detent section associated with the respective detent element. The invention has the advantage that several detent positions of the switching element can be easily achieved during the pivoting movement. The required actuating forces of the switching element can be kept low because the detent engagements occur sequentially during the pivoting movement.

[0007] A further advantage is that the production of the locking elements and the bearing housing is simplified with the described counter-locking sections. In particular, a simple tool design without slides is possible for injection molding. The various functional areas of the bearing housing can be precisely replicated in the tool, resulting in high reproducibility in high-volume production. There are hardly any variations in contour quality. Another advantage is the reduced complexity of the assembly process for the electrical device components, especially due to the minimal assembly effort required for the swiveling circuit element in the housing, where a linear feed is advantageously possible.

[0008] A detent action or engagement between a detent element and a corresponding counter-detent section is understood in particular as a temporary increase in the actuating force of the at least one switching element during the pivoting movement, whereby the actuating force reaches a maximum during the detent action or engagement and is then reduced again. In this respect, the detent action or engagement can also be seen as overcoming resistance during the pivoting movement of the at least one switching element.

[0009] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the at least one contact element is pivotable between an open position, in which the electrical conductor does not make electrical contact with the contact element, and a closed position, in which the electrical conductor is electrically connected to the contact element. The open position and the closed position constitute two defined positions of the contact element, which can, for example, also be end positions of the contact element on a predetermined path of movement. Between the open position and the closed position, the contact element can be pivoted continuously, apart from the detent engagements. By pivoting from the open position to the closed position, the electrical conductor, e.g., a cable core, can be positioned towards the contact element and ultimately connected to it.

[0010] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, a first detent function element of the at least three detent function elements is arranged on the axis of rotation of the at least one switching element or in the immediate vicinity of the axis of rotation. This allows the user to receive haptic feedback when a predetermined first pivot position is reached. Furthermore, the first detent function element can generate a counterforce to a detent function element arranged on the opposite side of the axis of rotation, which has the advantage that the switching element is always reliably held in the housing, even with a floating mounting of the axis of rotation. The axis of rotation can be a fixed axis that does not change during the pivoting movement of the switching element, or, as mentioned, a floating axis that changes its position, at least slightly, during the pivoting movement of the switching element.

[0011] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, a second locking element of the at least three locking elements is formed by at least one rib projecting laterally from the at least one switching element. This allows for additional guidance of the switching element during the pivoting movement, particularly if such a projecting rib is formed on both opposite sides of the switching element. The laterally projecting rib can, for example, be arranged at a location on the switching element remote from the axis of rotation and have a curved profile concentric to the axis of rotation. The second locking element in the form of a projecting rib can, for example, be guided along the pivoting movement in a guide contour formed on the housing.

[0012] Through the interaction between the first and second locking function elements, the open position can be held securely without, for example, wobbling or rattling or similar issues.

[0013] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, a third locking element of the at least three locking elements is arranged at the end of the at least one switching element facing away from the axis of rotation. This third locking element is particularly suitable for securely locking the switching element in an end position of the pivoting movement, e.g., in the closed position. The third locking element enables, in particular, the irreversible fixing of the switching element in the closed position described below. The third locking element can be designed, for example, as a locking recess interacting with a flexible, elastically deformable tongue, or as such a tongue. This has the advantage that only a small actuating force is required to overcome the resistance of the third locking element.

[0014] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the pivot bearing of the at least one circuit element comprises a pivot bearing section designed as a convexly curved web and at least one pivot bearing receptacle designed as a concavely curved recess, which is configured to receive and guide the pivot bearing section during a pivoting movement of the circuit element. In this way, the circuit element can be reliably and precisely pivoted by the pivot bearing or the axis of rotation formed by the pivot bearing. During the pivoting movement, the pivot bearing section can slide within the pivot bearing receptacle. The concavely curved recess can, for example, be designed as a groove running parallel to the axis of rotation. Depending on the design of the pivot bearing, the pivot bearing section can be located on the circuit element and the pivot bearing receptacle on the housing, or vice versa.In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the at least one web projecting laterally from the at least one switching element can be located further from the axis of rotation than the rotary bearing section. For example, the at least one web projecting laterally from the at least one switching element can be arranged between the rotary bearing section and the third detent function element.

[0015] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the pivot bearing of the at least one circuit element, acting as a rotary bearing receptacle, comprises an arrangement of at least two adjacent, concavely curved recesses, wherein the rotary bearing section, designed as a convexly curved web, can be alternately received in the at least two recesses and moves from one recess to an adjacent recess during the pivoting movement of the at least one circuit element. In this way, the axis of rotation of the at least one circuit element can be displaced in a defined manner during the pivoting movement. For example, the rotary bearing section can jump from one recess to the adjacent recess in a specific pivot position of the at least one circuit element.

[0016] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, a projecting projection is formed between the at least two recesses, through which the first locking element of the at least three locking elements or the counter-locking section associated with the first locking element is formed. This allows for simple structural integration of the first locking element in the area of ​​the axis of rotation of the switching element.

[0017] In particular, it can be ensured that at least one switching element is securely held in the housing throughout the entire pivoting movement and especially when approaching the end position, and cannot slip out of the housing on the side of the axis of rotation.

[0018] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the number of detent sections is greater than the number of detent elements. In this way, the number of haptically perceptible detent positions can be increased with minimal effort; that is, intermediate detent positions can be easily implemented. The number of detent elements can be retained and, in particular, does not need to be increased.

[0019] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, at least one of the at least three detent function elements, in particular the second detent function element, engages with a counter-detent section associated with the detent function element in various pivot positions of the at least one switching element. This at least one of the three detent function elements is thus associated with several spaced-apart counter-detent sections, so that several detent positions can be realized with only one detent function element.

[0020] The aforementioned problem is further solved by an electrical device, in particular an electrical device of the type described above, comprising a housing and at least one contacting element to which an electrical conductor can be electrically connected, wherein the electrical device has at least one manually operable switching element pivotably mounted in a bearing receptacle, by actuating which an electrical conductor can be connected to the contacting element by means of a pivoting movement, wherein the at least one switching element has at least one locking function element to which a locking element fixed in position relative to the housing of the electrical device is assigned as a counterpart, wherein the at least one switching element is in a closed position in which an electrical conductor is connected to the contacting element by means of the at least one switching element,The locking element can be irreversibly fixed by engaging the locking element. This means the circuit element is irreversibly fixed in the closed position, as it cannot be pivoted back to another position without damage. This prevents, for example, the unintentional disconnection of electrical conductors connected to insulation displacement contacts (IDCs) as contact elements.

[0021] In a further embodiment of the invention, the electrical device described above can be modified such that the at least one circuit element can be reversibly fixed in the closed position by engaging the locking element with the detent element; that is, the fixation can also be released non-destructively. For example, an opening can be provided on the top of the circuit element or elsewhere, into which an actuating tool can be inserted to release the locking element from the detent, e.g., by deflecting the locking element and / or the detent element.

[0022] According to an advantageous embodiment, the locking element and / or the detent is elastically deflectable during the locking process, particularly in the form of a flexible, elastically deformable tongue. In the closed position, the corresponding elastically deflectable element can then engage behind the other element and lock it. For example, the locking element and / or the detent can be designed in the form of such a flexible, elastically deformable tongue. The locking element can also be designed as a detent recess on the circuit element, into which the detent can then snap in the closed position.

[0023] According to an advantageous embodiment, the locking function element is designed as the third detent function element of at least three detent function elements. In this way, the locking function element can additionally perform another function, namely that of the third detent function element, so that no additional, separate components are required for this purpose.

[0024] According to an advantageous embodiment, the electrical device is designed as a connector and / or branch connector for electrically connecting a first cable to a second cable.

[0025] In one embodiment, the electrical device can be designed as a branch connector for electrically connecting a first cable to a second cable, wherein the first and the second cable each have one or more individually insulated cable cores in the form of electrical conductors.

[0026] In one embodiment, the branch connector can have a housing with a first and a second main housing part, wherein several contact elements are arranged in the first main housing part, each configured for connecting one or more conductors of the first cable running undivided in a longitudinal direction through the first main housing part, and connection points are provided on the second main housing part, each configured for the indirect or direct connection of a conductor of the second cable, each connection point being electrically connected to an associated contact element, wherein the branch connector has at least one manually actuated switching element with which one or more conductors of the first cable can be connected to the respective contact element by manually actuating the switching element, e.g.In the case of insulation displacement contacts, they can be pressed into the respective insulation displacement contact. At least one switching element can be attached to the second main housing part.

[0027] For each contacting element, the branch connector can have a separate wiring element assigned to the contacting element, in particular a pivotably mounted wiring element with which a cable core of the first cable can be pressed into the insulation displacement contact when the wiring element is manually actuated.

[0028] According to an advantageous embodiment, the at least one contacting element is designed as an insulation displacement contact (IDC), through which the electrical conductor can be electrically connected without prior stripping. Such an IDC contact serves to directly connect an insulated electrical conductor, e.g., a core of a aforementioned cable, without the need to first cut the insulation or interrupt the cable. The electrical conductor can be directly inserted by pressing it between opposing cutting edges of the IDC contact, thereby cutting or shearing the insulation, and then clamped securely. The IDC contacts can, for example, be designed as IDC contacts.

[0029] The branch connector according to the invention allows for a simple, convenient, and reliable electrical connection between the conductors of the first cable and the conductors of the second cable. The user requires no additional tools. The electrical contact at the insulation displacement contacts can be established by manually actuating the switching element(s). The conductors of the first cable only need to be prepared to the extent that they are inserted individually, i.e., separately from one another, and brought into contact with the respective insulation displacement contacts. No further work is required, in particular no cutting, splitting, or prior stripping of the conductors.

[0030] The branch connector according to the invention allows for improved electrical connection reliability while maintaining a compact design, particularly by increasing the clearance and creepage distances at the individual insulation displacement contacts. This is facilitated by the offset arrangement of the insulation displacement contacts. Furthermore, the wiring elements and connection points for the second cable can be located on the same side of the housing, especially on the second main housing part, resulting in improved handling and intuitive operation. Providing a separate wiring element for each individual insulation displacement contact is also advantageous. This reduces the operating forces required by the user and allows connections to be made in the sequence desired by the user.

[0031] The housing can consist of at least the first and second main housing parts, and may also include other parts. Alternatively, the housing can consist entirely of just the first and second main housing parts. If the housing parts, particularly the first and second main housing parts, are connected, a substantially enclosed housing is provided, thus protecting the electrical contact elements located within the housing from environmental influences. Furthermore, it provides protection against accidental contact for the user.

[0032] Electrical contact between the cable conductor and the insulation displacement contact (IDC) is established by manually actuating the respective switching element, in particular by pivoting the switching element. This pivoting motion positions the cable conductor towards the IDC contact and moves the conductor between the contact's cutting edges. The switching element can pivot about an axis of rotation. This axis can be fixed or floating. During pivoting, the switching element can, for example, follow a rotary path or a combined rotary and translational path. The rotary path can, for instance, be circular arcs. A cam track is also conceivable for the switching element to execute predefined paths for establishing the IDC connection.In the insulation displacement contact position reached in this process, the contact penetrates the insulation of the cable core.

[0033] The first and second cables, when connected to the branch connector, can run essentially parallel to each other or, for example, at an acute angle of less than 90°. For branch connectors intended to allow a T-shaped connection, the angle between the first and second cables can also be approximately 90°.

[0034] The insulation displacement contact can have two opposing insulation displacement tabs, freestanding from a single contact piece. These tabs can have opposing cutting edges that run at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the cable conductor in the first main housing part, deviating from the vertical. The vertical can be defined by a vertical direction in space, which, for example, might coincide with the plumb line if the first main housing part is horizontally oriented, or be perpendicular to a floor plane of the first main housing part. The conductor insertion direction of the second cable conductors can, for example, define a horizontal direction in space.The spatial directions can be specified with reference to a user orientation of the branch connector, in which, for example, the branch connector is arranged in a straight, flat orientation on a support and the first cable extends essentially horizontally through the branch connector. The cutting edges can be formed by sharp contour edges of the insulation displacement contacts, which are suitable for penetrating the insulating sheath of the cable conductor. The cutting edges, which run obliquely towards the conductor to be contacted, simplify the cutting of the insulating sheath when the termination element is pivoted into place.

[0035] In another embodiment, it is also conceivable that only one insulation displacement terminal protrudes from the contact piece. In this case, a side wall opposite the insulation displacement terminal can serve as a counter-bearing when contacting the cable conductor.

[0036] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the connecting elements are pivotable between an open position, in which the insulation displacement contact does not electrically contact the cable conductor, and a closed position, in which the insulation displacement contact does electrically contact the cable conductor. By pivoting from the open position to the closed position, the cable conductor can be brought into contact with the insulation displacement contact. Depending on the position of the connecting element, a cutting edge of the insulation displacement contact or cutting edges on the clamping tabs of the insulation displacement contact may or may not penetrate the insulating sheath of the cable conductor. The insulation displacement state of the branch connector can be visually determined from the position of the connecting element.

[0037] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the wiring elements are latched in the open and / or closed position on the first or second main housing part, thereby preventing them from shifting into another position. This has the advantage that the wiring elements can be secured easily. This results in safer and simpler handling of the branch connector. The locking mechanism can then be activated automatically by manual actuation, with the respective wiring element locking automatically at the end of the actuation stroke.

[0038] In the open position, the wiring elements may protrude slightly from the second main housing part. In the closed position, the wiring elements may either protrude less from the second main housing part or be essentially flush with the surface of the second main housing part.

[0039] For the purposes of the present invention, the indefinite term "a" is not to be understood as a numeral. Therefore, when, for example, a component is mentioned, this is to be interpreted as "at least one component". Where angles are specified in degrees, these refer to a circle of 360 degrees (360°).

[0040] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to exemplary embodiments and drawings.

[0041] They show Fig. 1. A first main housing part with insulation displacement contacts in perspective view, Fig. 2 a second main housing part with connection points and circuit elements in perspective view, Fig. 3. One from the elements according to the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 compound branch connectors in perspective view, Fig. 4 a circuit element in perspective view, Fig. 5 the second main housing part in perspective sectional view showing a bearing mount of the circuitry element, Fig. 6, Fig. 7 the circuit element in the open position, Fig. 8, Fig. 9 the switching element in a pivot position pivoted by a first angle from the open position, Fig. 10, Fig. 11 the switching element in a pivot position further rotated by a second angle, Fig. 12, Fig. 13 the switching element in a pivot position pivoted by a third angle further shortly before reaching the closed position, Fig. 14, Fig. 15 the switching element in the closed position.

[0042] The following show Fig. 6, Fig. 8, Fig. 10, Fig. 12 and Fig. 14 the circuit element in each case in a substantially central section plane, which Fig. 7, Fig. 9, Fig. 11, Fig. 13 and Fig. Figure 15 shows the circuit element in a section plane offset laterally to the central section plane.

[0043] The Fig. Figure 1 shows a first main housing part 1 of the housing of an electrical device, e.g., a branch connector. The first main housing part 1 can, for example, be designed as a housing half-shell, e.g., made of an insulating material. For instance, the first main housing part 1 can be manufactured using a plastic injection molding process. Receptacles, e.g., receiving recesses 10, are formed in an inner area surrounded by side walls of the first main housing part 1. These recesses serve to positively engage a single insulation displacement contact 3. The insulation displacement contacts 3 are thus inserted into the receiving recesses 10 and are thereby already fixed in such a way that they can essentially not move relative to a base plate of the first main housing part 1. When the first main housing part 1 is assembled with the second main housing part, which will be explained below, the insulation displacement contacts 3 are then also fixed in all spatial directions.In an alternative embodiment, the receiving recesses 10 can also be shaped to fully secure the respective insulation displacement contact 3, i.e., the individual first main housing part 1 with the insulation displacement contacts 3 inserted therein can then be held in any spatial position without the insulation displacement contacts 3 falling out again.

[0044] The first main housing part 1 has its greatest spatial extent in a longitudinal direction L. The cable conductors to be connected to the insulation displacement contacts 3 are to be routed through the first main housing part 1 in this longitudinal direction L. For this purpose, a first cable with its individual cable conductors stripped of their outer sheathing is inserted into the first main housing part 1. Conductor routing tracks 14 are arranged on the bottom of the first main housing part 1 to help the user to insert the cable conductors into the first main housing part 1 in a simple and intuitive manner. Furthermore, the conductor routing tracks 14 can be marked with labels, e.g., L, N, etc.

[0045] It can also be seen that the insulation displacement contacts 3 are arranged offset from each other in the longitudinal direction L. The insulation displacement contacts 3 are offset in such a way that a first group of insulation displacement contacts 3, here three pieces, are arranged side by side at a first longitudinal position, and a second group of insulation displacement contacts 3, here two pieces, are arranged side by side at a second longitudinal position, offset from the first longitudinal position in the longitudinal direction L. Other design options are also conceivable, e.g., a staggered arrangement of all insulation displacement contacts 3, so that all insulation displacement contacts 3 are arranged at different longitudinal positions. This allows for a space-saving arrangement, taking into account the clearance and creepage distances.

[0046] In addition to the insulation displacement contacts 3, the main housing part 1 has separating webs 16 protruding from its base, which at least partially bridge the gap between two groups of insulation displacement contacts 3. These separating webs 16 serve to separate the conductors of the first cable laid in the first main housing part 1 and can also increase the air and creepage distances.

[0047] In the respective end regions 12 of the first main housing part 1, where the first cable with its still existing outer sheathing enters or exits the first main housing part 1, at least one strain relief device 13 is provided, e.g. strain relief devices 13 formed in one piece with the material of the first main housing part 1, with which the first cable can be fixed to the first main housing part 1 and is thus strain relieved.

[0048] Furthermore, the first main housing part 1 has locking elements 11 for locking it to the second main housing part. The first main housing part 1 also has fixing elements 15 for fixing the branch connector to an external object, e.g., a mounting plate.

[0049] The Fig. Figure 2 shows a second main housing part 2, which may be made of the same or a similar material as the first main housing part 1. The methods for manufacturing the second main housing part 2 may also be the same or similar as those for the first main housing part 1. The second main housing part 2 has a base section 20 designed for attachment to the first main housing part 1, the outer contour of which is essentially the same as that of the first main housing part 1. The second main housing part 2 also has a plinth-shaped shoulder 21, which projects from the base section 20 in a direction extending away from the first main housing part 1. At least one wall extending in the longitudinal direction L is formed on the plinth-shaped shoulder 21, on which connection points may be provided, each designed for the direct or indirect connection of a conductor of the second cable. The connection points are located in the Fig. 2 is not recognizable. Instead, a connector 5 is shown there, which is not part of the branch connector, but may be connected to the cable conductors of the second cable.

[0050] The connector 5 has several connection areas 50 for connecting one conductor of a second cable. The connection areas 50 can have, for example, a conductor clamp connection, such as a screw terminal, or, even more advantageously, a spring-loaded clamp connection. The connection areas 50 can also have electrical plug contacts for connecting the respective conductor, so that the connector 5 can then be designed as a multi-pole electrical connector. In this way, the conductors of the second cable can be directly connected to a connector 5 attached to the second cable by plugging it into terminals on the branch connector.

[0051] Alternatively, spring-loaded clamp connections can be provided directly at the branch connector as connection points in order to connect the wires of the second cable directly.

[0052] On the second main housing part 2, connection elements 4 are also arranged, in particular pivotably mounted connection elements 4, which can be attached to the second main housing part 2. The connection elements 4 can be designed like pivot levers, which can be pivotably mounted on one side. By means of the connection elements 4, a cable conductor of the first cable can be pressed into a respective insulation displacement contact 3 associated with the connection element 4 when the connection element 4 is manually actuated.

[0053] As can be seen, the branch connector has the special feature that for each insulation displacement contact 3 arranged in the first main housing part 1, there is also a separate, associated wiring element 4. In this case, a five-pole branch connector is described as an example, i.e., there are five insulation displacement contacts 3. Accordingly, there are also five wiring elements 4. Versions of the branch connector with more or fewer insulation displacement contacts 3 are also conceivable, e.g., with three insulation displacement contacts 3. In this case, there are also only three wiring elements 4. Alternatively, a common wiring element 4 can be provided for a group of insulation displacement contacts 3. The branch connector has a number of connection points adapted to the number of insulation displacement contacts 3.

[0054] The second main housing part 2 also has the aforementioned second locking elements 22, which are designed to lock together with the first locking elements 11 of the first main housing part 1. The second locking elements 22 can, for example, be located in the bottom section 20.

[0055] The connector 5 can be passed through the corresponding wall in the base-shaped recess 21 and connected to the respective insulation displacement contacts 3 by means of electrical connecting elements. The circuit elements 4 can be attached to the inside of the second main housing part 2 and pivotably mounted, e.g. by means of shaft stubs molded onto the circuit elements 4, which are snapped into corresponding shaft receptacles on the second main housing part 2.

[0056] The Fig. Figure 3 shows a complete branch connector 9, which is formed by connecting the first main housing part 1 with the in Fig. 1. Elements shown with the second main housing part 2 with the elements shown in the Fig. 2, Fig. The three elements shown are composed of the following components; that is, the first main housing part 1 is locked to the second locking elements 22 of the second main housing part 2 via its first locking elements 11. Additionally, the aforementioned electrical connecting elements are used, which will be described separately below.

[0057] The circuit elements 4 can each be pivoted between an open position, in which the insulation displacement contact 3 does not yet make electrical contact with the respective cable conductor, and a closed position, in which the insulation displacement contact 3 makes electrical contact with the cable conductor. Fig. Figure 3 shows the branch connector with circuit elements 4, all of which are still in the open position. It can also be seen that the circuit elements 4 are arranged offset from each other, analogous to the insulation displacement contacts 3 which are offset from each other in the longitudinal direction L.

[0058] The Fig. Figure 4 shows a circuit element 4 in a perspective view. Fig. Figure 5 shows a section view of part of the second main housing part 2, illustrating the construction of a bearing receptacle 8 for receiving and pivoting the circuit element 4.

[0059] As can be seen, the manually actuated switching element 4 has an actuating surface 40 located outside the main housing parts 1, 2 and easily accessible by hand. The user can apply force to the switching element 4 with a finger, thereby pivoting it. Alternatively, the user can apply force to the switching element 4 with an actuating tool, such as a screwdriver. In this case, the switching element 4 can advantageously have a tool holder. On the side diametrically opposite the manual actuating surface 40, the switching element 4 has a pressing surface 41. During manual actuation, a pressing force is exerted on a cable conductor to press it into the insulation displacement contact 3.

[0060] To achieve the rotary bearing of the switching element 4, the switching element 4 has a rotary bearing section 45, e.g., in the form of a convexly curved web at one end of the switching element 4. The rotary bearing section 45 forms a first detent function element 31. The switching element 4 has a deflection section 44 on the side facing away from the rotary bearing section 45, which interacts with a first bearing wall 24 during the pivoting process. Furthermore, the switching element 4 has a gap cover 46, which can, for example, be designed as an extension of the actuating surface 40, which is arranged on the side of the switching element 4 where the rotary bearing section 45 is located. In the closed position of the switching element 4, the gap cover 46 covers a gap up to the wall 26. On the side of the circuit element 4 where the deflection section 44 is located, the circuit element 4 can have a collar 54, which e.g.The actuating element 4 can be designed as an extension of the actuating surface 40 on the other side. The switching element 4 has a locking function element 42 designed as a detent recess, which is arranged between the collar 54 or the actuating surface 40 and the deflection section 44. The locking function element 42 forms a third detent function element 33.

[0061] As can be seen, the switching element 4 has at least one second detent function element 32 on one or both opposite sides, which is designed as an elongated, laterally projecting rib curved along the desired rotational movement of the switching element 4. The second detent function element 32 has a rib thickening 53 at an end facing away from the actuating surface 40, which is thicker than an adjacent material section of the second detent function element 32. In other words, the width of the second detent function element 32 decreases from the rib thickening 53 towards the actuating surface 40.

[0062] For further development of the rotary bearing, a first bearing wall 24 and a second bearing wall 25 are formed on the second main housing part 2. Furthermore, the second main housing part 2 has a detent receptacle 27 for receiving the second detent function element 32, which can be designed as an elongated curved slot-like groove. A first resistance 28 and a second resistance 29 are arranged along the longitudinal direction of the detent receptacle 27. The first and / or second resistance 28, 29 can be designed as a reduction in the width of the groove, e.g., by forming a protrusion on one side of the groove. The first and / or second resistance 28, 29 each form counter-detent sections 30 of the bearing receptacle 8, corresponding to the second detent function element 32.

[0063] The second bearing wall 25 has a pivot bearing receptacle 23, 48, 49, in which the pivot bearing section 45 can be received. The pivot bearing receptacle has an arrangement of two adjacent, concavely curved recesses 48, 49, between which a projecting projection 23 is formed, forming a counter-detent section 30 of the bearing receptacle 8, corresponding to the first detent function element 31. During the pivoting movement, the pivot bearing section 45 can jump from the first recess 48 to the second recess 49 by overcoming the projection 23.

[0064] The first bearing wall 24 is designed as a flexible, elastically deformable tongue which, in the end position of the pivoting process of the circuit element 4, can engage in the locking function element 42 of the circuit element 4, which is designed as a detent recess, in order to block it against a pivoting movement back. The first bearing wall 24 thus simultaneously forms a locking element 43 and a counter-detent section 30 of the bearing receptacle 8, which is assigned as a counterpart to the third detent function element 33.

[0065] Note: Based on the Fig. Sections 6 to 15 describe the sequence of movements of the pivoting motion of the switching element 4 from the open position to the closed position in various angular increments. Fig. 6, Fig. Figure 7 shows the initial open position, in which the actuating surface 40 can, for example, assume an angle of 30 degrees to the surface of the second main housing part 2. Fig. 8, Fig. Figure 9 shows the circuit element 4 after a pivoting of 10 degrees, which Fig. 10, Fig. Figure 11 shows the circuit element 4 after a pivoting of 21 degrees, which Fig. 12, Fig. Figure 13 shows the circuit element 4 after a pivoting of 29 degrees, and the Fig. 14, Fig. Figure 15 shows the switching element 4 after a pivoting of 30 degrees, i.e. after reaching the closed position.

[0066] In the starting position according to the Fig. 6, Fig. In section 7, the rotary bearing section 45 is located in the first recess 48. The web thickening 53 of the second detent function element 32 is arranged in the rotary bearing receptacle 27 in front of the first resistance 28. If a force is now exerted on the actuating surface 40, the web thickening 53 is pressed through the constriction at the first resistance 28. This activates the first detent engagement of a detent function element with an associated counter-detent section in the movement sequence. Additionally, the rotary bearing section 45 is detented or held in the first recess 48 in front of the projection 23.

[0067] In the further course of movement, as in the Fig. 8, Fig. As can be seen in Figure 9, the thickened section 53 has overcome the first resistance 28, allowing the second detent element 32 to slide further through the detent receptacle 27. Less force is required for this movement. Furthermore, the pivot bearing section 45 now moves from the first recess 48 over the projection 23 and is in the Fig. 8, Fig. 9 not yet behind the lead of 23. After further shifting, as the Fig. 10, Fig. Figure 11 shows that the rotary bearing section 45 has overcome the projection 23, meaning that the user felt a second resistance or a second detent. This activates the second detent engagement of a detent function element with an associated counter-detent section in the movement sequence.

[0068] How to get into the Fig. 10, Fig. 11. Furthermore, the deflection section 44 now slides along the first bearing wall 24 and deflects it elastically. Additionally, the web thickening 53 has reached the second resistance 29. The second resistance 29 can be designed to have a slightly smaller resistance force than the first resistance 28, so that the web thickening 53 can be pressed past the second resistance 29 with less force. The second resistance 29 signals to the user an impending third detent engagement of a detent function element with an associated counter-detent section in the movement sequence.

[0069] By further pivoting the circuit element 4, as the Fig. 12, Fig. As shown in Figure 13, the pivot bearing section 45 now reaches a position fully within the second recess 49 and continues to be guided there. The web thickening 53 has overcome the second resistance 29. Further pivoting of the circuit element 4 causes the first bearing wall 24 to be elastically deflected further by the deflection section 44, which again requires the user to overcome a certain resistance.

[0070] The free end of the first bearing wall 24 is located shortly before reaching the locking element 42. If the connecting element 4 is now moved into its closed end position, as described below... Fig. 14, Fig.As shown in Figure 15, the first bearing wall 24, which has been elastically deflected, snaps into the locking element 42 and thereby locks the circuit element 4 in the closed end position. This results in a third detent engagement of a detent element with an associated counter-detent section in the movement sequence.

[0071] This allows the switching element 4 to be irreversibly fixed in the closed position. It is also possible that, for example, an opening is provided on the top of the switching element 4, e.g., in the area of ​​the actuating surface 40, or elsewhere, into which an actuating tool can be inserted to deflect the bearing wall 24 and release the locking mechanism.

[0072] In this end position, an end stop 54 of the wiring element 4 rests against the housing 2, so that the wiring element 4 can no longer be moved further. Reference symbol list 1 first main housing part 2 second main housing part 3 Insulation displacement contact 4 Circuit element 5 connectors 7 first plug contact 8 Bearing 9 branch connectors 10 Receiving recess 11 first locking element 12 End range 13 Strain relief device 14 Ladder laying track 15 fixing element 16 dividing bridge 20 floor section 21 plinth-shaped step 22 second locking element 23 lead 24 first storage wall 25 second storage wall 26 Wall 27 Rastaufnahme 28 first resistance 29 second resistance 30 Rest section 31 first locking function element 32 second locking function element 33 third locking function element 40 operating area 41 Pressing surface 42 Locking function element 43 Locking element 44 Deflection section 45 Rotary bearing section 46 Gap cover 48 first hollow 49 second hollow 50 connection points 53 Bridge thickening 54 End stop L Longitudinal 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] EP 1 575 136 B1

[0004]

Claims

[1] Electrical device (9) with a housing (1, 2) and at least one contacting element (3) to which an electrical conductor can be electrically connected, wherein the electrical device (9) has at least one manually operable switching element (4) pivotably mounted in a bearing receptacle (8), by actuation of which an electrical conductor can be connected to the contacting element (3) by means of a pivoting movement, characterized by , that the at least one switching element (4) has at least three different locking function elements (31, 32, 33) which each engage in a locking manner with corresponding counter-lock sections (30) of the bearing receptacle (8), wherein during a pivoting movement of the at least one switching element (4) the different locking function elements (31, 32, 33) successively engage in a locking manner with a counter-lock section (30) assigned to the respective locking function element (31, 32, 33). [2] Electrical device according to claim 1, characterized by , that a first detent function element (31) of the at least three detent function elements (31, 32, 33) is arranged on the axis of rotation of the at least one switching element (4) or in the immediate vicinity of the axis of rotation. [3] Electrical device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that a second locking function element (32) of the at least three locking function elements (31, 32, 33) is formed by at least one web projecting laterally from the at least one switching element (4). [4] Electrical device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that a third locking function element (33) of the at least three locking function elements (31, 32, 33) is arranged at the end of the at least one switching element (4) facing away from the axis of rotation. [5] Electrical device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the pivot bearing of the at least one circuit element (4) has a pivot bearing section (45) designed as a convex curved web and at least one pivot bearing receptacle (23, 48, 49) designed as a concave curved recess, which is designed to receive and guide the pivot bearing section (45) during a pivoting movement of the circuit element (4). [6] Electrical device according to claim 5, characterized by , that the pivot bearing of the at least one circuit element (4) as a rotary bearing receptacle (23, 48, 49) has an arrangement of at least two adjacent concavely curved recesses (48, 49), wherein the rotary bearing section (45) designed as a convexly curved web is alternately receptacleable in the at least two recesses (48, 49) and moves from one recess to an adjacent recess during the pivoting movement. [7] Electrical device according to claim 6, characterized by, that between the at least two recesses (48, 49) a projecting projection (23) is formed, through which the first detent function element (31) of the at least three detent function elements (31, 32, 33) or the counter-detent section (30) associated with the first detent function element (31) is formed. [8] Electrical device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the number of counter-rest sections (30) is greater than the number of rest function elements (31, 32, 33). [9] Electrical device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that at least one of the at least three locking function elements (31, 32, 33), in particular the second locking function element (32), engages in different pivot positions of the at least one circuit element (4) in a locking manner with a counter-locking section (30) assigned to the locking function element (31, 32, 33). [10] Electrical device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the electrical device (9) is designed as a connector and / or branch connector for electrically connecting a first cable to a second cable. [11] Electrical device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the at least one contacting element (3) is designed as an insulation displacement contact, through which the electrical conductor can be electrically contacted without prior stripping by means of an insulation displacement process. [12] Electrical device (9) with a housing (1, 2) and at least one contacting element (3) to which an electrical conductor can be electrically connected, wherein the electrical device (9) has at least one manually actuated switching element (4) pivotably mounted in a bearing receptacle (8), by actuating which an electrical conductor can be connected to the contacting element (3) by means of a pivoting movement, in particular electrical device (9) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the at least one circuit element (4) has at least one locking function element (42) to which a locking element (43) fixedly attached relative to the housing (1, 2) of the electrical device (9) is assigned as a counterpart, wherein the at least one circuit element (4) can be irreversibly fixed in a closed position in which an electrical conductor is connected to the contacting element (3) by means of the at least one circuit element (4) by locking the locking function element (42) to the locking element (43). [13] Electrical device according to claim 12, characterized by , that the locking functional element (42) and / or the locking element (43) is elastically deflectable during the locking process, in particular in the form of a flexible, elastically deformable tongue. [14] Electrical device according to one of claims 12 to 13, characterized by, that the locking function element (42) is designed as the third latching function element (33) of the at least three latching function elements (31, 32, 33).

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