CONNECTION ARRANGEMENT AND ELECTRONIC DEVICE

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a connection arrangement for connecting an electrical conductor. The invention further relates to an electronic device.

[0002] A corresponding connection arrangement is known, for example, from DE 20 2019 101 246 U1.

[0003] Such connection arrangements typically feature a clamping spring designed as a torsion spring, which has a retaining leg and a clamping leg. A conductor inserted into the connection arrangement can be clamped against the current bar by means of the clamping leg of the clamping spring. When clamping flexible conductors, in particular, the clamping spring must be moved into a release position and thus actuated by an actuating element before the conductor is inserted. This action pivots the clamping spring or the clamping leg away from the current bar, allowing the conductor to be inserted into the space between the current bar and the clamping spring. Only with rigid and therefore stable conductors can the conductor exert sufficient force on the clamping spring or the clamping leg of the clamping spring to pivot the clamping leg away from the current bar without requiring the actuating element to be operated by a user.With flexible conductors, the user must first pivot the clamping spring away from the conductor bar by actuating the actuator so that the flexible conductor can be inserted. To clamp the inserted conductor, the user must manually actuate the actuator a second time to move the clamping spring from the release position to the clamping position. Manually actuating the actuator makes assembling or connecting the conductor more difficult for the user, as the handling is cumbersome and therefore time-consuming. The invention is therefore based on the objective of providing a connection arrangement and an electronic device that simplifies the connection of conductors, particularly flexible ones.

[0004] The problem is solved according to the invention by the features of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims.

[0005] The connection arrangement according to the invention comprises a housing, a current bar, a clamping spring which has a clamping leg that can be moved into a clamping position and into a release position, a conductor connection space formed between a section of the current bar and the clamping leg of the clamping spring, a slidably arranged guide element which is in operative connection with the clamping leg of the clamping spring, wherein the clamping leg can be held in the release position by means of the guide element, and a release element which is in engagement with the guide element in the release position of the clamping spring.When the conductor to be connected is inserted into the conductor connection compartment, the release element can be actuated by it in such a way that the release element disengages from the guide element and the guide element can be moved by a spring force of the clamping arm so that the clamping arm is moved into the clamping position to clamp the conductor against the current bar. Furthermore, the connection arrangement has an actuating element by means of which the guide element can be moved from the clamping position to the release position to move the clamping arm of the clamping spring, and the actuating element includes an indicator element to show the connection status of the electrical conductor.

[0006] Using the connection arrangement according to the invention, a flexible conductor can now be connected and clamped against the current bar without manual operation, for example of an actuating element, or without the aid of a tool. The clamping spring is preferably designed as a torsion spring, which has a retaining leg and a clamping leg that is pivotable relative to the retaining leg. By pivoting the clamping leg, it can be moved into a release position, in which the clamping leg is arranged at a distance from the current bar and a conductor to be connected can be inserted into or removed from a conductor connection space formed between the current bar and the clamping leg, and into a clamping position, in which the clamping leg can rest against the current bar or the connected conductor in order to clamp the conductor against the current bar.The connection arrangement features a guide element, which is mounted to be displaceable, particularly horizontally. This guide element is preferably operatively connected to the clamping spring in both the release and clamping positions. This means that the clamping spring can follow the displacement movement and thus the position of the guide element through this operative connection. The guide element holds the clamping spring against its spring force in the release position by pressing against the clamping spring. To hold the guide element in this position, it engages with the release element when the clamping spring is in the release position. When the release element is engaged with the guide element, displacement movement of the guide element is prevented or stopped. This is achieved via an operative connection.The coupling of the release element with the guide element and the guide element with the clamping leg of the clamping spring allows the clamping leg to be held in the release position without additional manual actuation. This enables, in particular, the insertion of a flexible conductor into the resulting free conductor connection space between the current bar and the clamping spring. The release element can have a pressure surface pointing towards the conductor connection space, which is aligned with the conductor insertion area into the connection assembly or with the conductor connection space itself. This allows the conductor to press against the pressure surface of the release element when inserted into the connection assembly, thereby applying a compressive force from the conductor to the release element.By applying a pressure force via the conductor to the pressure surface and thus to the release element, the release element can, for example, be set into a pivoting or tilting movement in the direction of the conductor's insertion, so that the release element can be pivoted or tilted away from the guide element in the direction of the conductor's insertion. This pivoting movement of the release element disengages it from the guide element, allowing the guide element to move freely again. Consequently, the guide element can then be moved solely by the spring force of the clamping arm, without manual assistance, in such a way that the clamping arm can be moved from the release position to the clamping position.This special mechanism allows for the particularly easy connection of a flexible conductor simply by inserting the conductor, without requiring the user to operate any additional elements, such as an actuator, to release the clamping spring and move it from the release position to the clamping position. This simplifies handling of the connection assembly and saves time when connecting a conductor. The release element is preferably a separate component from the clamping spring, the current bar, and the guide element. The release element preferably extends over the area between the section of the current bar against which a conductor can be clamped and the clamping spring, thus limiting the conductor connection space on one side. The guide element can be designed as a sliding element.

[0007] According to the invention, the connection arrangement further comprises an actuating element by means of which the guide element can be moved from the clamping position to the release position to move the clamping leg of the clamping spring. The actuating element is preferably designed to apply a compressive force to the guide element in order to move it against the spring force of the clamping leg of the clamping spring such that, upon reaching the release position of the clamping leg, the guide element can engage with the release element. Through this displacement movement, the guide element can apply a tensile force to the clamping leg of the clamping spring to move the clamping leg from the clamping position to the release position. The actuating element is movable in a direction that is oriented transversely to the direction of the displacement movement of the guide element. The actuating element is preferably purely translationally movable.The direction of movement of the actuating element is preferably oriented parallel to the insertion direction of the conductor into the conductor connection compartment. To make the connection status of the electrical conductor at the connection assembly visually apparent to the user, the actuating element includes an indicator. The user can visually determine from the indicator whether the electrical conductor inserted into the connection assembly is already clamped against the current bar by the clamping spring, or whether the conductor has already been inserted into the housing of the connection assembly, but the release element has not yet been triggered and therefore the clamping spring has not yet reached a clamping position.The indicator element integrated into the actuating element provides consistent visual feedback on the connection status of the conductor to be connected, regardless of the diameter of the electrical conductor.

[0008] The connection arrangement can, for example, be part of a terminal block, a terminal block, or a connector. The housing of a connection arrangement can also provide several connection points, each connection point having a corresponding current bar, a corresponding clamping spring, a corresponding actuating element, a corresponding guide element, and a corresponding release element, so that the connection points arranged in a housing are preferably all identical.

[0009] The indicator element is preferably formed at an end section of the actuating element, which, when the conductor is connected, can protrude from an opening in the housing, so that at least a portion of the indicator element can protrude from the housing opening when the conductor is connected. This provides clear visual feedback to the user, indicating that the conductor is clamped and thus connected between the clamping spring and the current bar. When the conductor is not yet clamped and therefore not connected, the end section of the actuating element, and thus the indicator element, is preferably still within the housing and does not protrude from the housing opening, so that the indicator element is not yet visible to the user.The position of the display element alone allows the connection status of the electrical conductor to be easily and visually indicated to a user.

[0010] The indicator element can, for example, be designed as a web-shaped extension at the end section of the actuator. This web-shaped extension can protrude clearly from the housing opening when the conductor is connected. The web-shaped extension preferably has a narrower width and / or a thinner thickness than the rest of the actuator.

[0011] To actuate the actuator, the actuator can have a tool-holding area, with the indicator element preferably being arranged adjacent to this area. The tool-holding area can, for example, be slot-shaped to accommodate a tool such as a screwdriver. By arranging the indicator element adjacent to the tool-holding area, it can simultaneously act as a guide for the tool as it moves towards the area. Furthermore, the indicator element can provide a contact edge for the tool inserted into the tool-holding area when the actuator is actuated by the tool.

[0012] The actuating element is preferably arranged such that it does not extend into the conductor connection compartment, thus preventing any interaction between the actuating element and the connected conductor. Conversely, the clamping spring, current bar, and actuating element are preferably arranged such that the clamping spring is positioned between the section of the current bar against which a conductor to be connected is clamped and the actuating element. This significantly simplifies the handling of the connection arrangement for a user when connecting an electrical conductor, as the actuating element is positioned away from the conductor connection compartment and therefore does not obstruct the insertion of a conductor by its actuation.

[0013] To establish a functional connection between the guide element and the clamping leg of the clamping spring, the guide element may be provided with at least one spring contact edge against which the clamping leg can rest. The spring contact edge may be designed such that, in both the release position and the clamping position, the clamping leg, or at least a portion thereof, can rest against the spring contact edge. The spring contact edge may, for example, be formed on a shoulder of the guide element.

[0014] To ensure uniform guidance of the guide element and the clamping leg of the clamping spring, two such spring contact edges can be formed on the guide element, so that the clamping leg can be guided on the guide element via two such spring contact edges. The two spring contact edges preferably extend parallel to each other on the guide element.

[0015] In such a design, the clamping leg may have two sliding sections arranged laterally to a main section having a clamping edge, and the guide element may have two spring contact edges spaced apart from each other, wherein a first sliding section can bear against a first spring contact edge and a second sliding section can bear against a second spring contact edge. The two sliding sections preferably each have a shorter length than the main section of the clamping leg. The main section and the two sliding sections preferably extend parallel to each other. The two sliding sections are preferably each curved so that they can each form a sliding skid that can slide along a spring contact edge. The main section, on the other hand, is preferably straight.

[0016] The guide element is preferably displaceable such that a displacement movement of the guide element can occur transversely to the insertion direction of the conductor to be connected into the conductor connection space. This allows for a particularly compact design, enabling the connection arrangement to be characterized by a reduced installation space.

[0017] To release the release element from the guide element by means of the conductor inserted into the conductor connection compartment, and thus disengage it from the guide element, the release element can be mounted so that it can tilt relative to the guide element. The release element can therefore be designed in a rocker-like manner. When the conductor to be connected is pressed against the release element, the release element can tilt in the direction of conductor insertion to disengage from the guide element and thus release the guide element, allowing it to slide freely again.

[0018] To enable the release element to engage with the guide element in the release position of the clamping leg of the clamping spring, the release element can have at least one undercut which, in the release position of the clamping leg of the clamping spring, can engage with at least one locking lug of the guide element. This allows a locking connection to be formed between the guide element and the release element when the clamping leg of the clamping spring is in the release position. Preferably, the release element has two undercuts and the guide element preferably has two locking lugs, so that a double-acting locking connection can be formed between the guide element and the release element. If two undercuts are provided, they are preferably formed on two parallel side surfaces of the release element. The two undercuts then allow the release element to have a T-shape.

[0019] Preferably, the guide element may further be provided with two parallel longitudinal side walls, which can delimit the conductor connection space on a first side and a second side opposite the first. The guide element can thus also act as a guide for the conductor to be connected when it is inserted into the conductor connection space. The two longitudinal side walls can prevent incorrect insertion of the conductor. The conductor connection space can therefore be delimited on two of its sides by the guide element and on its other two sides by the current bar and the clamping leg of the clamping spring.

[0020] The guide element can have a sliding surface along which the actuating element can be guided. The actuating element can rest flat against the guide element at the sliding surface. The actuating element can slide along the guide element over the sliding surface and thereby transmit a pressure force to the guide element.

[0021] The sliding surface can be arranged between the two longitudinal side walls of the guide element or on an end wall of the guide element. The sliding surface is preferably oriented such that it extends transversely to the two longitudinal side walls. By arranging the sliding surface between the two longitudinal side walls, the actuating element for actuating the guide element can be inserted into the space bounded by the two longitudinal side walls and the sliding surface. The two longitudinal side walls can form a guide for the actuating element to prevent it from tilting as it moves along the sliding surface of the guide element.

[0022] The sliding surface can form an inclined surface which can interact with an inclined surface formed on the actuating element. If the sliding surface is designed as an inclined surface, it preferably has an inclination. The surface of the actuating element that rests against the sliding surface is also preferably designed as an inclined surface, which is inclined relative to the longitudinal extent of the actuating element, which extends in the direction of movement of the actuating element. If both the sliding surface and the surface of the actuating element that slides along the sliding surface are designed as inclined surfaces, then, as the actuating element slides along the sliding surface, the vertical direction of movement of the actuating element can be converted into a horizontal displacement movement of the guide element.

[0023] The actuating element preferably has a locking area by which the actuating element is held in a fixed position on the guide element when the clamping spring is in the release position. Holding the actuating element in the fixed, and therefore locked, position on the guide element prevents unintentional movement of the actuating element back. Preferably, the actuating element is released from the fixed position on the guide element when a conductor to be connected actuates the release element, thereby moving the clamping spring from the release position to the clamping position. In the clamping position of the clamping spring, the locking area of ​​the actuating element is preferably released from the guide element, so that the actuating element can be moved away from the guide element in such a way that the indicator element of the actuating element can show the clamped state of the conductor.The locking area is preferably formed on an end section of the actuating element, which is spaced apart from the end section on which the indicator element is formed.

[0024] The locking area can, for example, be designed such that, in the release position of the clamping spring, it can at least partially engage the sliding surface of the guide element. For this purpose, the locking area can have two guide arms that engage behind the sliding surface, at least partially, and thus hook onto it.

[0025] Furthermore, it is also possible that the locking area has one or two retaining pins, each of which can engage in a recess formed on the guide element. One of these recesses can then be formed on each of the two longitudinal side walls of the guide element.

[0026] To assist the sliding movement of the guide element, the guide element can be connected to a spring element. The spring element is preferably designed as a compression spring. The spring element is preferably tensioned between the guide element and an inner surface of the housing. The spring element can apply a horizontally acting compressive force to the guide element to assist its sliding movement when the clamping spring moves from the release position to the clamping position. The spring element ensures that, regardless of the diameter of the conductor to be connected, the guide element can always be moved or pressed into its end position when the clamping spring is in the clamping position.

[0027] The problem according to the invention can also be solved by means of an electronic device which can have at least one connection arrangement as described above, further developed and refined.

[0028] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and preferred embodiments.

[0029] They show Fig. 1 a schematic representation of a connection arrangement according to the invention with the clamping leg of the clamping spring in a release position, Fig. 2 a schematic representation of the in Fig. 1 The connection arrangement shown with the clamping leg of the clamping spring in a release position is shown in another view, Fig. 3 is a schematic sectional view of the connection arrangement shown in Fig. 3. Fig. 2 The connection arrangement shown in Fig. 4 is a schematic representation of the connection arrangement shown in Fig. 4. Fig. 1 and 2 The connection arrangement shown according to the invention, with the clamping leg of the clamping spring in a clamping position and with a connected conductor, Fig. 5 a schematic representation of the Fig. 4The connection arrangement shown in another view with the clamping leg of the clamping spring in a clamping position and with a connected conductor, Fig. 6 a schematic sectional view of the in Fig. 5 The connection arrangement shown in Fig. 7 is a schematic representation of the connection shown in the Figs. 1 to 6 the actuating element shown is arranged on the in Figs. 1 to 6 The guide element shown, Fig. 8 a further schematic representation of a connection arrangement according to the invention with the clamping leg of the clamping spring in a release position, Fig. 9 a schematic representation of the in Fig. 8The connection arrangement shown in Fig. 10 shows the clamping leg of the clamping spring in a clamping position and with a connected conductor. Fig. 11 shows a schematic representation of the connection arrangement according to the invention with the locking lugs of the guide element in a first position. Fig. 12 shows a schematic sectional view of a connection arrangement according to the invention in the form of a terminal block. Fig. 13 shows a further schematic representation of the connection arrangement shown in Fig. 14. Fig. 12 connection arrangement shown.

[0030] Figs. 1 to 6 Figure 1 shows a connection arrangement 100 with a housing 132, which may be made of an insulating material, wherein a conductor entry opening 133 for inserting and connecting an electrical conductor 200 is formed in the housing 132.

[0031] The connection arrangement 100 has a current bar 110 and a clamping spring 111 designed as a torsion spring, as can be seen in particular in the sectional view in Fig. 3 The clamping spring 111 has a retaining leg 112 and a clamping leg 113. The retaining leg 112 is held in a fixed position, whereas the clamping leg 113 is pivotable relative to the retaining leg 112. By pivoting the clamping leg 113, it can be moved into a clamping position, as described in Figs. 4 to 6 is shown, and into a release position, as shown in Figs. 1 to 3As shown, the clamping arm 113 is transferred. In the clamping position, the clamping arm 113 presses against a section 114 of the current bar 110 or against a conductor 200 inserted into the connection arrangement 100 in order to clamp and connect it to the section 114 of the current bar 110. In the release position, the clamping arm 113 is positioned at a distance from the section 114 of the current bar 110, so that a conductor 200 can be inserted into the resulting free space or conductor connection space 124 between the section 114 of the current bar 110 and the clamping arm 113.

[0032] Furthermore, the connection arrangement 100 has a guide element 115. The guide element 115 is mounted in such a way as to be displaceable relative to the current beam 110, so that the guide element 115 can perform a horizontal displacement movement V.

[0033] The guide element 115 allows the clamping leg 113 of the clamping spring 111 to be moved from the clamping position to the release position and held in the release position. The guide element 115 is operatively connected to the clamping leg 113 of the clamping spring 111 for this purpose.

[0034] In the embodiment shown here, the guide element 115 has two parallel spring contact edges 116a, 116b to form the functional connection, against which the clamping leg 113 rests.

[0035] The clamping leg 113 has a main section 117, at the free end of which a clamping edge 118 is formed. Two sliding sections 119a, 119b are formed laterally to the main section 117, so that the main section 117 is arranged between the two sliding sections 119a, 119b. The two sliding sections 119a, 119b bear against the two spring contact edges 116a, 116b of the guide element 115, with sliding section 119a bearing against spring contact edge 116a and sliding section 119b bearing against spring contact edge 116b. The sliding sections 119a, 119b can bear against the spring contact edges 116a, 116b in both the release position and the clamping position of the clamping leg 113 of the clamping spring 111.

[0036] The sliding sections 119a, 119b are shorter than the main section 117 of the clamping leg 113 of the clamping spring 111. The sliding sections 119a, 119b are curved so that they form a skid shape, by means of which the sliding sections 119a, 119b can slide along the spring contact edges 116a, 116b when the clamping leg 113 is moved into the release position and into the clamping position.

[0037] The two spring contact edges 116a, 116b are formed on opposing longitudinal side walls 120a, 120b of the guide element 115. The two longitudinal side walls 120a, 120b are arranged parallel to each other. Each of the two longitudinal side walls 120a, 120b has an upper edge 121a, 121b and an opposing lower edge 122a, 122b. The spring contact edges 116a, 116b extend perpendicularly to the upper edge 121a, 121b. Starting from the horizontally extending upper edge 121a, 121b, the spring contact edges 116a, 116b extend downwards towards the horizontally extending lower edge 122a, 122b of the guide element 115.

[0038] The current beam 110 and the clamping spring 111 are arranged between the two longitudinal side walls 120a, 120b of the guide element 115. The current beam 110 and the clamping spring 111 are enclosed by the guide element 115.

[0039] The guide element 115 further comprises two end walls 123a, 123b, which are aligned parallel to each other. The two end walls 123a, 123b are arranged transversely to the two longitudinal side walls 120a, 120b of the guide element 115.

[0040] Between section 114 of the current beam 110 and the clamping leg 113 of the clamping spring 111, the conductor connection compartment 124 is formed, into which a conductor to be connected can be inserted. The conductor connection compartment 124 is covered or bounded laterally by the two longitudinal side walls 120a, 120b of the guide element 115, so that the guide element 115 also forms a guide for the conductor 200 to be connected.

[0041] The conductor connection space 124 is aligned with the conductor entry opening 133 formed in the housing 132, through which the conductor 200 to be connected can be inserted into the housing 132 of the connection arrangement 100.

[0042] The connection arrangement 100 further comprises a release element 125. The release element 125 is aligned with the conductor entry opening 133 and the conductor connection compartment 124. The release element 125 limits the conductor connection compartment 124 downwards.

[0043] In the release position of the clamping leg 113 of the clamping spring 111, the release element 125 is engaged with the guide element 115, as shown in Figs. 1 to 3 It can be seen that the guide element 115 is held in its position and that the clamping leg 113 is also held in its position via the spring contact edges 116a, 116b and the sliding sections 119a, 119b, so that an unintentional pivoting back of the clamping leg 113 from the release position to the clamping position can be prevented.

[0044] The release element 125 has two laterally arranged undercuts 126 which, in the release position of the clamping leg 113 of the clamping spring 111, engage with a locking lug 127a, 127b of the guide element 115 to form a locking connection between the guide element 115 and the release element 125. The locking lug 127a is formed on the lower edge 122a of the longitudinal side wall 120a and the locking lug 127b is formed on the lower edge 122b of the longitudinal side wall 120b.

[0045] In the clamping position, the release element 125 is disengaged from the guide element 115, as shown in Figs. 4 to 6 It can be seen that the guide element 115 is freely movable.

[0046] The release element 125 is mounted so that it can be tilted relative to the guide element 115.

[0047] When a conductor 200 to be connected is inserted along the insertion direction E through the conductor entry opening 133 into the conductor connection chamber 124, the conductor 200 collides with the release element 125. This causes the release element 125 to tilt relative to the guide element 115 and thus disengage from it. As a result, the guide element 115 is free to move again, and the spring force of the clamping arm 113 alone allows the guide element 115 to be moved without manual assistance, so that the clamping arm 113 can be transferred from the release position to the clamping position. The release element 125 has a pressure surface 128 pointing towards the conductor connection chamber 124, as shown in Fig. 6It can be seen that the conductor 200 is aligned with the conductor entry opening 133 or with the conductor connection chamber 124, so that when the conductor 200 is inserted into the connection arrangement 100, it abuts the pressure surface 128 of the release element 125, thereby applying a pressure force from the conductor 200 to the release element 125. By applying a pressure force via the conductor 200 to the pressure surface 128 and thus to the release element 125, the release element 125 can be set into a pivoting or tilting movement in the direction of the insertion direction E of the conductor 200, so that the release element 125 can be pivoted or tilted away from the guide element 115 in the insertion direction E of the conductor 200.

[0048] The displacement movement V of the guide element 115, when it is out of engagement with the release element 125, takes place in a direction which is oriented transversely to the insertion direction E of the conductor 200 to be connected into the conductor connection space 124.

[0049] To return the clamping arm 113 from the clamping position to the release position against its spring force by means of the guide element 115, the connection arrangement 100 has an actuating element 129. The actuating element 129 is slidably mounted in the housing 132 along an actuating direction B, the actuating direction B being oriented parallel to the insertion direction E of the conductor 200. The actuating direction B extends transversely to the displacement movement V of the guide element 115.

[0050] By means of the actuating element 129, the guide element 115 can be moved such that the clamping leg 113 of the clamping spring 111, which rests against the guide element 115, can be moved from the clamping position to the release position. When the actuating element 129 is actuated in the actuation direction B, it can be moved such that it exerts a compressive force on the guide element 115 in order to move the guide element 115 against the spring force of the clamping leg 113 of the clamping spring 115, such that when the release position of the clamping leg 113 is reached, the guide element 115 can engage with the release element 125. This displacement movement V of the guide element 115 causes the clamping leg 113 to pivot from the clamping position to the release position.

[0051] The guide element 115 has a sliding surface 130 designed in the form of an inclined surface, as for example in Fig. 3 It can be seen along which the actuating element 129 can be guided. In the embodiment shown here, the sliding surface 130 is integrally formed on the end wall 123b of the guide element 115. The sliding surface 130 extends from the end wall 123b towards the actuating element 129. Due to its design as an inclined surface, the sliding surface 130 is arranged at an angle between 130° and 160° to the end wall 123b of the guide element 115.

[0052] Alternatively, it would also be possible for the sliding surface 130 to be arranged at a distance from the end wall 123b between the two longitudinal side walls 120a, 120b, so that the sliding surface 130 is directly connected to the longitudinal side walls 120a, 120b.

[0053] The actuating element 129 also has an inclined surface 131 shaped according to the inclination of the sliding surface 130. The inclined surface 131 of the actuating element 129 lies flat against the sliding surface 130, so that when the actuating element 129 is actuated in actuation direction B, the inclined surface 131 can slide downwards along the sliding surface 130 to move the guide element 115.

[0054] The actuating element 129 is arranged adjacent to the retaining leg 112 of the clamping spring 111. The actuating element 129 is thus located behind the clamping spring 111. The clamping spring 111 is arranged between the section 114 of the current bar 110 and the actuating element 129.

[0055] At one end section of the actuating element 129 opposite the inclined surface 131, an indicator element 134 is formed on the actuating element 129 for indicating the connection status of the electrical conductor 200 to be connected. The indicator element 134 is thus formed at a free end of the actuating element 129. The indicator element 134 is oriented such that it points away from the guide element 115.

[0056] As in Figs. 3 to 6 As can be seen, in the release position of the clamping spring 111, the actuating element 129 is immersed so far into the housing 132 that the indicator element 134 is located inside the housing 132 and is therefore not visible from the outside to a user.

[0057] When the clamping spring 111 is moved from the release position to the clamping position, the actuating element 129 is moved upwards, whereby when the clamping position is reached the actuating element 129 is moved upwards to such an extent that the indicator element 134 protrudes from an opening 135 in the housing 132 and is thus visible to a user, as is shown in particular in Figs. 1 to 3 The user can see that the conductor 200 is connected by the protrusion of the indicator element 134 from the opening 135. The opening 135 is located on the same side of the housing 132 as the conductor entry opening 133.

[0058] In the embodiment shown here, the indicator element 134 is formed as a web-shaped extension 136 on the end section of the actuating element 129. When the clamping spring 111 is in the clamping position, the indicator element 134, with at least a portion of the web-shaped extension 136, projects out of the opening 135 of the housing 132, so that this part of the web-shaped extension 136, or of the indicator element 134, protrudes beyond the housing 132. The web-shaped extension 136 has a smaller width and / or a smaller depth or thickness than the rest of the actuating element 129.

[0059] The actuating element 129 has a tool-holding area 137 at its end section, where the indicator element 134 is also formed. A tool, such as a screwdriver, can be inserted into this area to actuate the actuating element 129. The tool-holding area 137 is designed in the form of a groove or slot. The indicator element 134 is located directly adjacent to the tool-holding area 137. The indicator element 134 can thus act as an insertion aid for inserting a tool into the tool-holding area 137 and also serve as a support for the inserted tool when the actuating element 129 is actuated.

[0060] In order to hold the actuating element 129 in a fixed position on the guide element 115 in the release position of the clamping spring 111, so that in particular the indicator element 134 remains immersed within the housing 132 and does not protrude from the opening 135, the actuating element 129 has a locking area 138, as shown in particular in Fig. 7 The locking area 138 enables the actuating element 129 to latch or hook onto the guide element 115, in order to hold the actuating element 129 in a fixed position relative to the guide element 115.

[0061] At the in Fig. 7In the embodiment shown, the locking area 138 is designed such that, in the release position of the clamping spring 111, it at least partially engages the sliding surface 130 of the guide element 115. For this purpose, the locking area 138 has two guide arms 140a, 140b, which, in the release position of the clamping spring 111, at least partially engage two opposing edge surfaces 139a, 139b of the sliding surface 130. The guide arms 140a, 140b are arranged opposite the inclined surface 131 of the actuating element 129, so that a clearance is formed between the inclined surface 131 and the guide arms 140a, 140b, into which the sliding surface 130 of the guide element 115 is immersed.

[0062] When the release element 125 is actuated by the insertion of a conductor 200 and the latch between the release element 125 and the guide element 115 is released, the latch between the locking area 138 and the guide element 115 is also released by moving the guide element 115 away from the actuating element 129 along the direction of the displacement movement V. In the clamping position of the clamping spring 111, the locking area 138 is disengaged from the guide element 115.

[0063] Fig. 8 and 9 Figure 1 shows an embodiment in which the locking area 138 is formed in the form of two opposing retaining pins 141, each of which can engage with the guide element 115. The retaining pins 141 are each arranged on an edge surface 142 of the inclined surface 131, so that the retaining pins 141 protrude laterally from the inclined surface 131 or from one of the two edge surfaces 142 of the inclined surface 131.

[0064] Each of the two longitudinal side walls 120a, 120b of the guide element 115 has a recess 143 into which one of the two retaining pins 141 can engage, hook, or snap into place in the release position, thus locking the actuating element 129 to the guide element 115 and holding the actuating element 129 in a fixed position relative to the guide element 115. One of the two retaining pins 141 is then engaged in the recess 143 of the longitudinal side wall 120a, and the other of the two retaining pins is simultaneously engaged in the recess 143 of the longitudinal side wall 120b, as shown in Fig. 8 shown. Fig. 9 shows the clamping position of the clamping spring 111, in which the retaining pins 141 are led out of the recess 143 and thus no longer has a locking mechanism between the guide element 115 and the actuating element 129.

[0065] In both cases, in the Figs. 1 to 9In the illustrated embodiments, a spring element 144 is provided to support the displacement movement V of the guide element 115. The spring element 144 is held under tension between the guide element 115 and the housing 132.

[0066] The spring element 144 is designed as a compression spring. The spring element 144 has the form of a coil spring. In the release position of the clamping spring 111, the spring element 144 is tensioned. When the guide element 115 is released from the detent with the release element 125, the spring element 144 presses against the guide element 115, the force of the spring element 144 acting in the direction of the displacement movement V of the spring element 144, so that the compressive force of the spring element 144 moves the guide element 115 in the clamping position of the clamping spring 111 to its end position and thus to the Figs. 1 to 9In the illustrated configurations, the spring element 144 is pressed or pushed as far to the left as possible. The spring element 144 rests against the end wall 123b of the guide element 115. For example, the spring element 144 can be connected to the guide element 115 via a rivet connection.

[0067] In Fig. 10 and 11 It is shown that by changing the position of the locking lugs 127a, 127b on the guide element 115, a position ratio of the clamping spring 111 to the guide element 115 can be set. For precise positioning of the conductor 200 towards the release element 125, an optimized ratio a / b can be set, where dimension a defines the distance between the clamping edge 118 of the clamping leg 113 and the section 114 of the current bar 110, and dimension b defines the distance between the spring contact edge 116a, 116b of the guide element 115 and the locking lug 127a, 127b of the guide element 115. Fig. 11A maximum ratio a / b = 1.5 mm / 1.9 mm is shown. Fig. 10 A minimum ratio a / b = 3.0 mm / 3.0 mm is shown.

[0068] This precisely adjustable position ratio via the a / b ratio allows the release forces required by the conductor 200 to actuate the release element 125 to be reduced, since, depending on the thickness of the conductor 200, the clamping edge 118 of the clamping spring 111 can be positioned in the release position such that the clamping edge 118 can guide the conductor 200 precisely towards the release element 125. This is particularly advantageous for flexible conductors 200.

[0069] The locking lugs 127a, 127b can be positioned via the specifically chosen ratio a / b such that they cause the clamping leg 113 of the clamping spring 111 to advance into a specific, angled position in order to direct flexible conductors 200, in particular, towards the free end 145 of the release element 125, thereby directing the resulting leverage forces as far away as possible from the axis of rotation of the release element 125. Individual strands of flexible conductors 200 with a larger diameter can be compressed by the clamping leg 113, which is angled in this way, and guided towards the section 114 of the current beam 110.

[0070] When using rigid conductor 200, the angled clamping leg 113 can be pressed towards the holding leg 112 against the spring force of the clamping leg 113, corresponding to a direct insertion.

[0071] Figs. 12 and 13Figure 1 shows an embodiment in which the connection arrangement 100 is designed in the form of a terminal block, in particular a terminal block, wherein the connection arrangement 100 is designed such that several conductors 200 can be connected simultaneously in a housing 132 by providing several connection points in the housing 132, which correspond to the Figs. 1 to 9 The designs shown can each be developed in their own way.

[0072] Fig. 12 shows how a conductor 200 is being inserted into the housing 132, but the conductor 200 has not yet actuated the release element 125 and thus the clamping spring is still in a release position, so that the indicator element 134 of the actuating element 129 is still located inside the housing 132 and is not yet visible to a user from the outside.

[0073] Fig. 13shows an arrangement in which the indicator elements 134 of the individual actuating elements 129 protrude from the openings 135 of the housing 132, so that the user is shown that the clamping springs 111 are in a clamping position. Reference symbol list

[0074] 100 Connection arrangement 110 Current bar 111 Clamping spring 112 Retaining leg 113 Clamping leg 114 Current bar section 115 Guide element 116a, 116b Spring contact edge 117 Main section 118 Clamping edge 119a, 119b Sliding section 120a, 120b Longitudinal side wall 121a, 121b Top edge 122a, 122b Bottom edge 123a, 123b End wall 124 Conductor connection compartment 125 Release element 126 Undercut 127a, 127b Detent lug 128 Pressure surface 129 Actuating element 130 Sliding surface 131 Inclined surface 132 Housing 133 Conductor entry opening 134 Indicator element 135 Opening 136 Web-shaped extension 137 Tool holding area 138 Locking area 139a, 139b Edge surface 140a, 140b Guide arm 141 Retaining pin 142 Edge surface 143 Recess 144 Spring element 145 Free end 200 ladders VDisplacement movement EIntroduction direction BActuation direction

Claims

1. Connection arrangement (100) for connecting an electrical conductor (200), having - a housing (132); - a current bar (110); - a clamping spring (111) which has a clamping leg (113) that is able to be transferred to a clamping position and to a releasing position; - a conductor connection space (124) which is formed between a portion (114) of the current bar (110) and of the clamping leg (113) of the clamping spring (111); - a guide element (115) which is disposed in a displaceable manner and is operatively connected to the clamping leg (113) of the clamping spring (111), wherein the clamping leg (113) is able to be held in the releasing position by means of the guide element (115); - a tripping element (125) which in the releasing position of the clamping leg (113) of the clamping spring (111) engages with the guide element (115), wherein the tripping element (125) during insertion of the conductor to be connected into the conductor connection space (124) is activatable by said conductor in such a manner that the tripping element (125) disengages from the guide element (115) and the guide element (115) by way of a spring force of the clamping leg (113) is displaceable in such a manner that, for clamping the conductor (200) in relation to the current bar (110), the clamping leg (113) is transferred to the clamping position; and - an activation element (129) by means of which the guide element (115) for transferring the clamping leg (113) of the clamping spring (111) is displaceable from the clamping position to the releasing position, wherein the activation element (129) is movable in a direction (B) which is oriented transversely to the direction of the displacement movement (V) of the guide element (115), and wherein the activation element (129) has an indicator element (134) for indicating a connection state of the electrical conductor (200) .

2. Connection arrangement (100) according to Claim 1, characterized in that the indicator element (134) is formed on an end portion of the activation element (129) that in a connected state of the conductor (200) protrudes from an opening (135) of the housing (132).

3. Connection arrangement (100) according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the indicator element (134) is designed in the form of a web-shaped extension (136) on the end portion of the activation element (129).

4. Connection arrangement (100) according to one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the activation element (129) has a tool receptacle region (137), wherein the indicator element (134) is disposed so as to be adjacent to the tool receptacle region (137) .

5. Connection arrangement (100) according to one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the clamping spring (111) is disposed between the portion (114) of the current bar (110) and the activation element (129) .

6. Connection arrangement (100) according to one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the guide element (115) has at least one spring bearing edge (116a, 116b) on which the clamping leg (113) bears.

7. Connection arrangement (100) according to Claim 6, characterized in that the clamping leg (113) has two sliding portions (119a, 119b) which are in each case disposed laterally to a main portion (117) that has a clamping edge (118), and in that the guide element (115) has two spring bearing edges (116a, 116b) which are disposed so as to be mutually spaced apart, wherein a first sliding portion (119a, 119b) bears on a first spring bearing edge (116a, 116b), and a second sliding portion (119a, 119b) bears on a second spring bearing edge (116a, 116b).

8. Connection arrangement (100) according to one of Claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the guide element (115) is displaceable in such a manner that a displacement movement (B) of the guide element (115) takes place transversely to an insertion direction (E) of the conductor (200) to be connected into the conductor connection space (124).

9. Connection arrangement (100) according to one of Claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the tripping element (125) is mounted so as to be tiltable relative to the guide element (115).

10. Connection arrangement (100) according to one of Claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the tripping element (125) has at least one undercut (126) which in the releasing position of the clamping leg (113) of the clamping spring (111) latches on at least one latching cam (127a, 127b) of the guide elements (115) .

11. Connection arrangement (100) according to one of Claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the guide element (115) has two longitudinal lateral walls (120a, 120b) which are disposed so as to be mutually parallel and delimit the conductor connection space (124) on a first side and on a second side opposite the first side.

12. Connection arrangement (100) according to one of Claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the guide element (115) has a sliding face (130) along which the activation element (129) is able to be guided.

13. Connection arrangement (100) according to Claim 12, characterized in that the sliding face (130) is disposed between the two longitudinal lateral faces (120a, 120b) of the guide element (115), or on an end wall (123a, 123b) of the guide element (115).

14. Connection arrangement (100) according to Claim 12 or 13, characterized in that the sliding face (130) forms an oblique face which interacts with an oblique face (131) formed on the activation element (129) .

15. Connection arrangement (100) according to one of Claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the activation element (129) has a locking region (138) by way of which the activation element (129) in the releasing position of the clamping spring (111) is able to be held in a fixed position on the guide element (115).

16. Connection arrangement (100) according to Claim 16, characterized in that the locking region (138) is designed in such a manner that the latter in the releasing position of the clamping spring (111) encompasses at least regions of the sliding face (130) of the guide element (115).

17. Connection arrangement (100) according to one of Claims 1 to 16, characterized in that for facilitating a displacement movement of the guide element (115), the guide element (115) is connected to a spring element (144).

18. Electronic device having at least one connection arrangement (100) designed according to one of Claims 1 to 17.