TERMINAL TERMINAL AND TERMINAL TERMINAL BLOCK

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a terminal block for connecting an electrical conductor. Furthermore, the invention relates to a terminal block with at least two terminal blocks arranged in series.

[0002] From DE 10 2012 110 895 B4, a terminal block is known which comprises a housing, a current bar arranged in the housing, and a clamping spring for clamping the conductor to be connected against the current bar. To move the clamping spring into a clamping position and an open position, the terminal block has an actuating element rotatably mounted in the housing, which can be rotated about an axis of rotation by means of a tool that can be inserted into the housing. The clamping spring has a spring arm extending from its clamping leg, which is engaged with a cam formed on the actuating element, so that when the actuating element is rotated, a force is applied via the spring arm to the clamping leg of the clamping spring to move the clamping spring into the clamping position and the open position.

[0003] A terminal block is known from CN 107 978 876 A, comprising a housing, a current bar arranged in the housing, and a clamping spring for clamping the conductor to be connected against the current bar. The terminal block has an actuating element rotatably mounted in the housing. The actuating element has a rotary element mounted about a first axis of rotation and a lever element mounted about a second axis of rotation, wherein the clamping spring follows a rotational movement of the rotary element at least partially, and wherein the rotary element engages with the lever element such that when the lever element rotates about the second axis of rotation, the rotary element is rotated about the first axis of rotation, which is spaced apart from the second axis of rotation, and the clamping spring can be moved into the open position and into the clamping position, the clamping spring being mounted on the rotary element.

[0004] The invention is based on the objective of providing a terminal block and a terminal block which are characterized by a simplified design and are easy for a user to operate.

[0005] The problem is solved according to the invention by the features of independent claim 1. Advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims.

[0006] The terminal block according to the invention comprises a housing, a current bar arranged in the housing, a clamping spring arranged in the housing for clamping the conductor to be connected against the current bar, and an actuating element for moving the clamping spring into a clamping position and into an open position, wherein the actuating element comprises a rotary element mounted about a first axis of rotation and a lever element mounted about a second axis of rotation, wherein the clamping spring is mounted on the rotary element and the clamping spring follows a rotational movement of the rotary element, and wherein the rotary element engages with the lever element in such a way that when the lever element rotates about the second axis of rotation, the rotary element is rotated about the first axis of rotation, which is spaced apart from the second axis of rotation, and the clamping spring can be moved into the open position and into the clamping position.

[0007] The terminal block according to the invention is characterized in that the actuating element for actuating the clamping spring is now designed in two parts, namely a lever element and a rotary element. The lever element and the rotary element are two separate components that interact with each other when actuating the clamping spring. The lever element and the rotary element each have a separate axis of rotation, so that the actuating element has two different axes of rotation that are spaced apart from each other. The actuating element can be actuated directly by a user via the lever element, so that no additional tool is required to actuate the actuating element.The clamping spring is mounted on the rotating element of the actuator, allowing it to follow the rotational movement of the actuator, at least partially. This means that at least part of the clamping spring can rotate along with the actuator. The clamping spring can thus be rotated around the first axis of rotation, at least partially, together with the actuator, to move it into the open and clamped positions. This allows for a very compact arrangement of the clamping spring and actuator. Furthermore, the movement of the actuator can be transferred to the clamping spring without frictional losses, enabling it to move into the open and clamped positions.

[0008] The clamping spring is mounted on the rotating element in such a way that it extends around the first axis of rotation. The clamping spring can therefore be positioned on the rotating element in such a way that it encompasses the axis of rotation. For example, the clamping spring can be shaped so that it surrounds the axis of rotation in a U-shape. This allows the clamping spring to be positioned particularly close to the axis of rotation of the rotating element, so that the rotational movement of the rotating element can be directly transmitted to the clamping spring.

[0009] The clamping spring is preferably designed as a torsion spring, which may have a clamping leg, a retaining leg, and an arc-shaped section for connecting the clamping leg to the retaining leg. The arc-shaped section allows the clamping spring to extend around the axis of rotation of the rotating element by encompassing the axis. The clamping leg and the retaining leg are preferably arranged relative to each other in a V-shape. The clamping leg allows the clamping spring to clamp the conductor to be connected against the current bar. The retaining leg allows the clamping spring to be supported against the housing of the terminal block or against a section of the current bar.The rotating element can have a driver which, during rotation of the rotating element, can press against the clamping leg of the clamping spring, allowing the clamping spring to follow the rotation of the rotating element. This is achieved by the driver rotating or pressing the clamping leg of the clamping spring towards the retaining leg of the clamping spring during the transition from the clamping position to the open position. This reduces the distance between the clamping leg and the retaining leg and tensions the clamping spring. The retaining leg preferably remains in its position when the clamping spring is moved into the open and clamping positions.

[0010] The rotating element can have an inner part and an outer part. The inner part can be arranged radially inside the rotating element, and the outer part can be arranged radially outside the rotating element, so that the outer part can radially enclose the inner part. The inner part can be fixedly attached to the first axis of rotation, whereas the outer part can be rotatable relative to the inner part, allowing the rotating element to be rotated about the first axis of rotation via the outer part of the rotating element. The clamping spring can be fixedly positioned on the inner part via its arc-shaped section. The actuator for actuating the clamping leg of the clamping spring can be formed on the outer part.

[0011] Preferably, the lever element and the rotary element interact in such a way that when the lever element rotates in one direction, the rotary element rotates in the opposite direction to the lever element. Thus, when the actuating element is actuated, the lever element and the rotary element are preferably rotated in opposite directions, resulting in a reversal of motion between the lever element and the rotary element.

[0012] The lever element can be positioned in the terminal block such that its second axis of rotation is slidably mounted within the housing. When moving between the clamped and open positions, the lever element can not only rotate around its second axis, but also simultaneously move translationally within the housing. This allows the second axis of rotation to be displaceable relative to the first axis of rotation. The housing itself can incorporate a guide contour within which the second axis of rotation can slide, thus ensuring controlled movement.

[0013] To enable interaction between the rotary element and the lever element, the rotary element can have a lug that engages with a lug on the lever element. The lug of the lever element can press against the lug of the rotary element, so that when the lever element rotates, the lug of the lever element exerts a force on the lug of the rotary element, causing the rotary element to also rotate. The two lugs can be designed such that, when transitioning to the open and clamped positions, the lug of the lever element can slide along the lug of the rotary element to transmit the rotary motion of the lever element to the rotary element.

[0014] As an alternative to the lugs, the rotary element and the lever element can each have multiple teeth, with the teeth of the rotary element meshing with those of the lever element. This creates a toothed connection between the lever and rotary elements, enabling the transmission of the rotary motion from the lever to the rotary element. This allows for a force / displacement transmission between the lever and rotary elements. Furthermore, the toothed connection can provide highly controlled guidance between the lever and rotary elements.

[0015] Preferably, the actuating element, and in particular the lever element, can be provided that in the open position it remains in its position automatically, without the need for a user to hold the actuating element in the open position. To achieve this, it is preferably provided that the lever element is rotatable through an angle α > 90°.

[0016] To facilitate operation of the actuator for the user, the lever element can have a grip area that protrudes from the housing. The lever element and the grip area are preferably designed such that, in the clamping position, the grip area extends parallel to the conductor entry opening in the housing.

[0017] The terminal block can, for example, be designed as a series terminal block that can be snapped onto a mounting rail. The terminal block can have a locking foot by means of which it can be snapped onto a mounting rail.

[0018] The problem according to the invention is further solved by means of a terminal block comprising at least two terminals arranged in series, which can be designed and further developed as described above. According to the invention, the terminals can thus be arranged in series to form a block. If the terminals are designed as series terminals, the terminal block can form a series terminal block.

[0019] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and preferred embodiments.

[0020] They show: Fig. 1 a schematic representation of a terminal block according to the invention in a clamping position, Fig. 2 a schematic representation of the in Fig. 1 The terminal block shown is in an intermediate position, Fig. 3 is a schematic representation of the connection shown in Fig. 3. Fig. 1 The terminal block shown is in an open position, Fig. 4 is a schematic sectional view of the terminal block shown in Fig. 4. Fig. 1 The terminal shown in the clamping position, Fig. 5 a schematic sectional view of the Fig. 3 The terminal block shown is in the open position, Fig. 6 is a schematic cutaway detail view of the terminal block shown in Fig. 6. Fig. 1 The terminal shown in Fig. 7 is a schematic representation of another terminal according to the invention in a clamping position, and Fig. 8 is a schematic representation of the terminal shown in Fig. 7. Fig. 7 The terminal block shown in the intermediate position, Fig. 9, is a schematic representation of the connection shown in Fig. 9. Fig. 1Fig. 10 shows a terminal block with a side part closing the housing of the terminal block, and Fig. 10 shows a schematic representation of a terminal block according to the invention.

[0021] Fig. 1 Figure 1 shows a terminal block 100 for connecting an electrical conductor. The terminal block 100 has a housing 10, which may be made of an insulating material. The housing 10 has a conductor entry opening 11 for inserting a conductor to be connected.

[0022] A current bar 12 is arranged in the housing 10, against which the conductor to be connected can be clamped by means of a clamping spring 13. In the embodiment shown here, the current bar 12 is L-shaped.

[0023] To move the clamping spring 13 into a clamping position, as described in Fig. 1shown, in which a conductor can be clamped against the current bar 12 by means of the clamping spring 13, and into an open position, as shown in Fig. 3 As shown, in which the clamping spring 13 is spaced away from the current bar 12 and a conductor can be inserted into or removed from the area between the current bar 12 and the clamping spring 13, an actuating element 14 is provided which is designed in two parts.

[0024] The actuating element 14 comprises a rotary element 15 and a lever element 16. The rotary element 15 is rotatable about a first axis of rotation 17, and the lever element 16 is rotatable about a second axis of rotation 18. The first axis of rotation 17 is spaced apart from the second axis of rotation 18. Thus, the rotary element 15 and the lever element 16 are rotatable about axes of rotation 17 and 18 that are positioned differently from each other.

[0025] The clamping spring 13 is arranged on the rotating element 15, so that when the rotating element 15 is rotated, the clamping spring 13 is carried along at least partially during the rotation of the rotating element 15.

[0026] As particularly evident in the sectional views of the Fig. 4 and 5As can be seen, the clamping spring 13 is designed as a torsion spring. The clamping spring 13 has a clamping leg 19, a retaining leg 20, and an arc-shaped section 21 for connecting the clamping leg 19 to the retaining leg 20. The clamping spring 13 extends around the first axis of rotation 17 of the rotating element 15 with the arc-shaped section 21, which encompasses the first axis of rotation 17. The clamping leg 19 and the retaining leg 20 of the clamping spring 13 are arranged relative to each other in such a way that they form a V-shape. By means of the clamping leg 19, the clamping spring 13 can clamp the conductor to be connected against the current bar 12 in the clamping position. By means of the retaining leg 20, the clamping spring 13 can be attached to the housing 10 of the terminal block 100 or to a section 24 of the current bar 12, as for example in Fig. 5 It is shown, support.

[0027] As can be seen in the sectional view, the rotating element 15 can have an inner part 22 and an outer part 23. The inner part 22 is arranged radially inside the rotating element 15, and the outer part 23 is arranged radially outside, so that the outer part 23 radially surrounds the inner part 22. The inner part 22 can be fixedly attached to the first axis of rotation 17, whereas the outer part 23 is rotatable relative to the inner part 22, thus allowing the rotating element 15 to be rotated about the first axis of rotation 17 via the outer part 23 of the rotating element 15. The clamping spring 13 is fixedly positioned on the inner part 22 via its arc-shaped section 21.

[0028] The rotating element 15, or the outer part 23 of the rotating element 15, has a driver 25 which, during a rotational movement of the rotating element 15, can press against the clamping leg 19 of the clamping spring 13, so that the clamping spring 13 can follow the rotational movement of the rotating element 15, or the rotational movement of the outer part 23 of the rotating element 15. The driver 25 is designed in a finger-like form.

[0029] The rotational movement of the rotating element 15 and thus of the driver 25 allows for a transition from the clamping position, as described in Fig. 4 shown, into the disclosure as it is in Fig. 5 As shown, the clamping leg 19 is rotated or pressed towards the retaining leg 20 of the clamping spring 13, thus reducing the distance between the clamping leg 19 and the retaining leg 20. The retaining leg 20 remains in its position when the clamping spring 13 is moved into the open position and into the clamped position, as shown in Fig. 4 and 5can be seen.

[0030] The rotary element 15 and the lever element 16 are engaged with each other in such a way that when the lever element 16 rotates about the second axis of rotation 18, the rotary element 15 can be rotated about the first axis of rotation 17, which is spaced apart from the second axis of rotation 18, in order to move the clamping spring 13 into the open position and into the clamping position, as for example in the Figs. 1 to 3 shown.

[0031] As with the arrows in Fig. 2 As indicated, the lever element 16 and the rotary element 15 interact in such a way that when the lever element 16 rotates in a direction of rotation R1, the rotary element 15 rotates in a direction of rotation R2 opposite to the rotation of the lever element 16.

[0032] In order to enable the lever element 16 to interact with the rotary element 15, the following applies to the Figs. 1 to 5In the embodiment shown, the rotary element 15 has a lug 26 and the lever element 16 also has a lug 27. The lug 26 of the rotary element 15 is formed on the outer part 23 of the rotary element 15. The lug 27 of the lever element 16 can press against the lug 26 of the rotary element 15, so that when the lever element 16 rotates, the lug 27 of the lever element 16 exerts a force on the lug 26 of the rotary element 15, causing the rotary element 15 to also rotate. The two lugs 26, 27 are designed such that when transitioning to the open position and the clamped position, the lug 27 of the lever element 16 can slide along the lug 26 of the rotary element 15 to transmit the rotational movement of the lever element 16 to the rotary element 15, as shown in the Figs. 1 to 3 This can be seen. Nodes 26 and 27 each form actuation nodes.

[0033] At the in Figs. 1 to 6In the illustrated embodiment of the terminal block 100, the lever element 16 is floatingly mounted in the housing 10 by virtue of the second axis of rotation 18 of the lever element 16 being slidably mounted in the housing 10. When moving into the clamped position and into the open position, the lever element 16 can thus not only perform a rotational movement about the second axis of rotation 18, but can also simultaneously perform a translational movement within the housing 10. As shown in the detailed illustration of Fig. 6 As shown, a guide contour 28 can be formed on the housing 10, within which the second axis of rotation 18 is displaceable, so that the displacement movement of the second axis of rotation 18 can be controlled. The guide contour 28 is formed here in the form of an elongated recess on the housing 10.

[0034] The lever element 16 is, as in the Figs. 1 to 3It can be seen that it is rotatable by an angle α > 90°. This makes it possible to achieve that in the open position, as described in Fig. 3 As shown, the lever element 16 and thus the actuating element 14 remain in this position automatically, without a user having to manually hold the actuating element 14 in the open position.

[0035] The lever element 16 has a grip area 29, which a user can use to grasp and operate the lever element 16 and thus the actuating element 14. The grip area 29 protrudes from the housing 10 in every position of the actuating element 14 or the lever element 16. For example, in Fig. 1 As can be seen, the grip area 29 extends in the clamping position parallel to the conductor entry opening 11 in the housing 10.

[0036] Figs. 7 and 8 show a further embodiment of a terminal block 100, wherein the terminal block 100 is located in the Figs. 7 and 8essentially only by the way the lever element 16 engages with the rotary element 15 from the into the Figs. 1 to 5 the design shown differs. In the Figs. 7 and 8 In the embodiment shown, the rotary element 15 has several teeth 30 and the lever element 16 also has several teeth 31, wherein the teeth 30 of the rotary element 15 engage in the teeth 31 of the lever element 16, so that the teeth 30, 31 form a toothing, via which a transmission of the rotary movement of the lever element 16 to the rotary element 15 takes place.

[0037] In the Figs. 1 to 8 In the illustrated embodiments, the housing 10 of the terminal block 100 is open on one side. Fig. 9 Figure 1 shows an embodiment in which a side panel 32 is placed on the housing 10 to close the housing 10. The side panel 32 is plate-shaped.

[0038] In Fig. 10A terminal block 200 is shown, in which several terminals 100, as they are in the Figs. 1 to 9 They are shown, arranged in a row. Reference symbol list

[0039] 100 Terminal block 10 Housing 11 Conductor entry opening 12 Current bar 13 Clamping spring 14 Actuating element 15 Rotary element 16 Lever element 17 First axis of rotation 18 Second axis of rotation 19 Clamping leg 20 Retaining leg 21 Arc-shaped section 22 Inner part 23 Outer part 24 Section 25 Driver 26 Nose 27 Nose 28 Guide contour 29 Grip area 30 Teeth 31 Teeth 32 Side part 200 terminal block R1 Direction of rotation R2 Direction of rotation

Claims

1. Connection terminal (100) for connection of an electrical conductor, having a housing (10), a current bar (12) arranged in the housing (10), a clamping spring (13), which is arranged in the housing (10) and is used to clamp the conductor to be connected against the current bar (12), and an actuating element (14) for transferring the clamping spring (13) into a clamping position and into an open position, wherein the actuating element (14) has a rotary element (15) mounted around a first rotary shaft (17) and a lever element (16) mounted around a second rotary shaft (18), wherein the clamping spring (13) follows, at least in certain regions, a rotational movement of the rotary element (15) and wherein the rotary element (15) is engaged with the lever element (16) in such a manner that when the lever element (16) rotates about the second rotary shaft (18), the rotary element (15) is rotated about the first rotary shaft (17), which is spaced apart from the second rotary shaft (18), and the clamping spring (13) can be transferred into the open position and into the clamping position, wherein the clamping spring (13) is mounted on the rotary element (15), characterized in that the clamping spring (13) is mounted on the rotary element (15) in such a manner that the clamping spring (13) extends around the first rotary shaft (17).

2. Connection terminal (100) according to Claim 1, characterized in that the clamping spring (13) is in the form of a leg spring.

3. Connection terminal (100) according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the lever element (16) and the rotary element (15) interact in such a manner that when the lever element (16) rotates in a rotational direction (R1), the rotary element (15) rotates in a rotational direction (R2) counter to the rotational movement of the lever element (16).

4. Connection terminal (100) according to one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the second rotary shaft (18) of the lever element (16) is displaceably mounted in the housing (10).

5. Connection terminal (100) according to one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the rotary element (15) has a nose (26), which is engaged with a nose (27) of the lever element (16).

6. Connection terminal (100) according to one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the rotary element (15) has a plurality of teeth (30) and in that the lever element (16) has a plurality of teeth (31), wherein the teeth (30) of the rotary element (15) are engaged with the teeth (31) of the lever element (16).

7. Connection terminal (100) according to one of Claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the lever element (16) can be rotated by an angle α > 90°.

8. Connection terminal (100) according to one of Claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the lever element (16) has a grip region (29), which protrudes from the housing (10).

9. Connection terminal (100) according to one of Claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the connection terminal (100) is designed as a terminal block that can be latched onto a support rail.

10. Connection terminal block (200), having at least two connection terminals (100) that are arranged in a row and are designed according to one of Claims 1 to 9.