conductor terminal block

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a conductor terminal with an insulating housing, wherein the insulating housing has a conductor entry opening for inserting an electrical conductor in a conductor entry direction, with a busbar and with a clamping spring, wherein the clamping spring has a clamping leg which forms a clamping point for the electrical conductor with the busbar, and with an actuating element, wherein the actuating element is slidably mounted in an actuating channel in the insulating housing and has an actuating section, wherein the actuating section interacts with the clamping leg in such a way that when the actuating element is displaced in the direction of the clamping leg, the clamping leg is designed to be displaceable to open the clamping point. wherein the actuating element can be moved from a starting position to an actuating position and wherein the clamping point is open in the actuating position and wherein the actuating element is pivotably mounted in the actuating position to a detent position and wherein the actuating element can be detented in the detent position.

[0002] DE 10 2017 127 001 B3 discloses a conductor terminal block with an actuating element, wherein the actuating element is arranged in an actuating channel. In an actuating position, the actuating element can lock behind a detent when the clamping point is open. The pivoting into the detent is actively performed by the user.

[0003] From CN 192 969 562 B and US 9 466 911 B1, conductor terminal blocks with an actuating element mounted linearly displaceable in an actuating channel are known.

[0004] Based on this, the object of the present invention is to create an improved conductor terminal.

[0005] The problem is solved by a conductor terminal block having the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments are described in the dependent claims.

[0006] In the generic conductor terminal, it is proposed that an elastically deflectable spring tab is arranged on the conductor terminal, wherein at least in one position of the actuating element between the initial position and the actuating position a spring force of the spring tab acts on the actuating element.

[0007] Thus, a simple actuation mechanism can be provided that allows the actuating element, when the clamping point is open, to be moved into a detent position independently of the clamping spring's spring force. The spring tab is therefore a separate element or component independent of the clamping spring. As soon as the actuating head is moved into the detent position, the spring force of the spring tab pivots the actuating element into the detent position, locking it in place and thus opening the clamping point.

[0008] The elastically deflectable spring tab can be arranged, for example, in the area of ​​the actuating channel or directly within the actuating channel, with the spring force pressing the actuating element into the detent position as soon as the actuating element is moved from the initial position to the actuated position. The elastically deflectable spring tab can thus be, in particular, a component of the insulating housing or be formed integrally from the insulating housing. However, it is also conceivable that the elastically deflectable spring tab is arranged as a separate part in the area of ​​the actuating channel or directly within the actuating channel.

[0009] It is conceivable that in the actuating position, when the actuating element is pivoted into the detent position, the spring force of the spring tab tends towards zero in order to relieve the spring tab when the clamping point is open and thus reduce wear.

[0010] In at least one position of the actuating element between the initial position and the actuated position, a spring force acts on the spring tab. In this position, the spring tab can be elastically deflected against its spring force.

[0011] The actuating element can pivot into the detent position independently of the spring force of the clamping arm. In this case, the actuating element is moved into the detent position solely by the spring force of the spring tab. However, it is also conceivable that the spring force of the clamping arm assists the pivoting of the actuating element into the detent position in addition to the spring force of the spring tab.

[0012] A spring tab is specifically not a tool slot where the actuating element can be moved into a detent position by engaging a tool in the tool slot. The spring tab is elastically designed, meaning in particular that the spring tab can return to its original shape after being subjected to a force.

[0013] The starting position is the position in which the actuating element is located when the clamping point is fully closed. In this state, the spring tab can be completely relaxed, meaning it undergoes no elastic deformation. The actuating position is the position in which the actuating element is located when the clamping point is fully open. In According to the invention, in the actuating position, the actuating element can be pivoted into the detent position by the spring force of the spring tab.

[0014] The actuating element can be pivotally mounted in a detent recess of the insulating housing in the actuated position. In this way, the actuating element can be moved into the detent position by the spring force of the spring tab in a simple design manner.

[0015] However, it is also conceivable that the detent recess is arranged on the actuating element, wherein the actuating element in the actuating position can be pivoted by the spring force of the spring tab in such a way that the detent recess on the actuating element engages with the insulating housing and the actuating element is held in the detent position.

[0016] The elastically deflectable spring tab can be arranged on an actuating head diametrically opposite the actuating section, wherein at least in one position of the actuating element between the initial position and the actuating position a spring force of the spring tab acts on the actuating element.

[0017] It has been shown that the detent mechanism according to the invention can be provided in a simple manner by arranging the elastically deflectable spring tab on the actuating head of the actuating element. The spring tab can, for example, be formed integrally from the actuating element.

[0018] The actuating element can be arranged essentially parallel to the conductor insertion direction, wherein the actuating element is slidably mounted in the insulating housing parallel to the conductor insertion direction in the actuating channel.

[0019] In this way, a conductor connection terminal can be provided, whereby the actuating element interacts with the clamping leg in such a way that the actuating element does not protrude into the conductor insertion area and thus does not unintentionally come into contact with an inserted electrical conductor.

[0020] Essentially, this means that the actuating element does not have to be positioned exactly parallel to the conductor entry opening. In particular, it means that small deviations from exact parallelism are possible. For example, it is conceivable that the arrangement of the actuating element deviates from exact parallelism by 5° or 10° (in a 360° system).

[0021] The spring tab can project from the actuating head on the side facing the conductor entry opening. Furthermore, it is advantageous for the spring tab to project from the actuating head in the direction of the conductor entry opening.

[0022] During the actuation process, i.e., the movement of the actuating element from the starting position to the actuating position, the spring tab is deflected against its spring force, whereby the actuating element is pivoted into the detent recess by the spring force as soon as it enters the area of ​​the detent recess.

[0023] The locking recess can be located on the side of the actuating channel facing away from the conductor entry opening.

[0024] By arranging the locking recess on the side of the actuating channel facing away from the conductor entry opening, the structural features of the insulating housing can be used to provide a compact conductor connection terminal.

[0025] An opening may be arranged in the insulating housing, the opening extending from an outer surface of the insulating housing to the actuating channel. In particular, the opening may extend substantially perpendicular to the actuating channel from the outer surface of the insulating housing to the actuating channel.

[0026] The opening allows the actuating element to be easily moved from the actuating position back to the starting position, for example by using an actuating tool to guide the actuating element out of the detent recess, whereby the spring force of the clamping arm can guide the actuating element back to the starting position.

[0027] The opening is thus designed in particular as a release or reset channel for the actuating element, whereby the actuating element can be transferred from the detent recess into the actuating channel.

[0028] It is also conceivable that a release element is arranged in the opening, wherein the release element is designed to release the actuating element from the detent position in the detent recess, i.e. to pivot it back into the actuating channel.

[0029] The opening can extend into the area of ​​the rest recess.

[0030] In this way, the possibility of releasing the actuating element in the actuating position is further improved, since, for example, the actuating element can be pivoted directly from the detent recess into the actuating channel using a tool or a release element.

[0031] For example, it is conceivable that the opening extends adjacent to the detent recess. Thus, the opening can be arranged between the area of ​​the opening and a pivot point of the actuating element, where the pivot point is the point about which the actuating element can be pivoted into the detent recess and back.

[0032] The spring tab can protrude at an angle from the actuating head.

[0033] The angled design of the spring tab can be independent of the conductor entry opening. In its initial position, the angled spring tab is, for example, completely relaxed, so that no spring force from the spring tab acts on the actuating element. The spring tab advantageously rests against a slope of the insulating housing, which runs at an angle to the direction of the actuating channel. When the actuating element is moved into the actuated position, the spring tab is elastically deformed against its spring force. This spring force then acts on the actuating element, pivoting it into the detent recess in the actuated position.

[0034] The indefinite term "a" should be understood as such and not as a numeral. Thus, it is also conceivable that the conductor terminal has a multitude of spring tabs, for example, two, three, or four. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the conductor terminal is designed as a multi-pole terminal, for example, as a two-, three-, or six-pole terminal, with each pole assigned at least one clamping point, each consisting of a busbar and a clamping spring.

[0035] The invention is explained in more detail below using exemplary embodiments and the accompanying drawings. These show: Figure 1 - A conductor terminal in a first embodiment with an actuating element in a starting position; Figure 2 - A conductor terminal according to Figure 1 with an actuating element between a starting position and an actuated position; Figure 3 - A conductor connection terminal according to Figure 1with an actuating element in an actuating position; Figure 4 - A conductor terminal in a second embodiment with an actuating element in a starting position. Figure 5 - A conductor terminal in a third embodiment with an actuating element in a starting position; Figure 6 - A conductor terminal according to Figure 5 with an actuating element in an actuating position.

[0036] Figure 1 Figure 1 shows a conductor connection terminal 1 according to the invention in a first embodiment with an insulating housing 2. A conductor entry opening 3 for inserting an electrical conductor in a conductor entry direction L is arranged in the insulating housing 2. A busbar 4 and a clamping spring 5 are arranged in the insulating housing 2, the clamping spring 5 having a clamping leg 5a which forms a clamping point 6 with the busbar 4 for the electrical conductor to be clamped.

[0037] It can also be seen that the clamping leg 5a of the clamping spring 5 transitions into a spring arc 5b and then extends into a contact leg 5c. The contact leg 5c is designed to contact the busbar 4. In the exemplary embodiment of the Figure 1 The mounting leg 5c rests opposite the clamping point 6 on the busbar 4. The free end of the mounting leg 5c, which in this embodiment is angled, engages in a recess 7 on the busbar 4, thus securing the clamping spring 5 in its position. The spring arc 5b is supported by a projection 8 extending from the insulating housing 2.

[0038] It is evident that the conductor terminal 1 has an actuating element 9, which is slidably mounted in an actuating channel 10 of the insulating housing 2. The actuating element 9 has an actuating section 9a at one free end, and this actuating section 9a interacts with the clamping leg 5a in such a way that when the actuating element 9 is moved towards the clamping leg 5a, the clamping leg 5a is displaceable to open the clamping point 6. The actuating section 9a thus moves the clamping leg 5a from a closed position of the clamping point 6 to an open position of the clamping point 6, whereby an electrical conductor can be inserted into the conductor terminal 1 through the conductor entry opening 3 when the clamping point 6 is open.

[0039] Figure 1Figure 1 shows a conductor terminal 1 with an actuating element 9 in a starting position. The starting position is the position of the actuating element 9 when the clamping point 6 is fully closed.

[0040] The Figures 2 and 3 The conductor connection terminal 1 points to Figure 1 in a position different from the starting position. Figure 3 Figure 1 shows the actuating element 9 in an actuating position, wherein the actuating position is the position of the actuating element 9 when the clamping point 6 is open. Figure 2 The actuating element 9 is shown in a position between the starting position and the actuating position, with the clamping point 6 not yet fully open.

[0041] From the Figures 1 to 3It can be seen that an actuating head 9b is arranged at an end diametrically opposite the actuating section 9a, wherein an elastically deflectable spring tab 11 projects from the actuating element 9 of the actuating head 9b. In from the starting position Fig. 1 and in the operating position after Fig. 3 It becomes clear that the spring tab 11 protrudes at an angle from the actuating head 9b.

[0042] It is evident that the spring tab 11 projects towards the conductor entry opening 3 in the initial position of the actuating element 9, with the spring tab 11 projecting from the actuating head 9b on the side facing the conductor entry opening 3. The spring tab 11 advantageously rests against a slope 2a of the insulating housing 2, the slope 2a running at an angle from the actuating channel 10 towards the conductor entry opening 3. The slope 2a of the insulating housing 2 is, in particular, a gradient that differs from the gradient of the actuating channel 10.

[0043] It is further evident that the actuating channel 10 preferably runs predominantly parallel to the conductor insertion direction L, and a detent recess 12 is arranged on the actuating channel 10. The detent recess 12 is located on the side of the actuating channel 10 facing away from the conductor insertion opening. When the actuating element 9 is moved from the initial position to the actuating position, the spring tab 11 is elastically deflected against its spring force in at least one position of the actuating element 9 between the initial position and the actuating position. A spring force thus acts on the actuating element 9 from the spring tab 11. When the actuating element 9 is moved into the actuating position, the spring force of the spring tab 11 pivots the actuating element 9 into a detent position in the detent recess 12, where the actuating element 9 detent in the detent recess 12.The clamping arm 5a is thus held in the actuating position by the actuating section 9a of the actuating element 9 such that the clamping point 6 is open. The spring tab 11 allows the actuating element 9 to be moved into the detent position without any further aids such as a tool or the spring force of the clamping spring.

[0044] The spring tab 11, through its spring-elastic deflection, presses the actuating element 9 into the detent recess 12 as soon as the actuating head 9b enters the area of ​​the detent recess 12 during the sliding movement. The actuating element 9 can be held or secured in the detent recess 12 by the spring tab 11, whereby in the actuated position the holding or securing force of the spring tab 11 can, in principle, tend towards zero. The spring tab 11 can thus be completely relaxed again in the actuated position of the actuating element 9, i.e., that the spring force of the spring tab 11 tends towards zero.

[0045] It can also be seen that an opening 13 is arranged in the insulating housing 2, the opening 13 being designed as a release or reset channel. The opening 13 extends essentially perpendicularly from an outer surface of the insulating housing 2 to the actuating channel 10, extending into the area of ​​the detent recess 12. The opening 13 tapers conically, meaning that its cross-section narrows from the outer surface of the insulating housing 2 towards the actuating channel 10.

[0046] The actuating element 9 can be easily released from its detent in the detent recess 12 via an opening 13 designed as a release and return channel. This can be done, for example, using an actuating tool or a separate release element that is slidably arranged in the opening 13, the release element being configured to pivot the actuating element 9 from the detent recess 12 into the actuating channel 10. Thus, the actuating element 9 can be returned to its initial position by the restoring force of the clamping spring 5.

[0047] However, it is also conceivable that the actuating element 9 can be pivoted out of the detent recess 12 via a tool slot 14 on the actuating head 9b. An actuating tool can be placed in the tool slot 14 to pivot the actuating element 9 out of the detent recess 12.

[0048] It becomes clear that the opening 13 is arranged between the area of ​​the detent recess 12 and a pivot point 15 of the actuating element 9, the pivot point 15 being the point about which the actuating element 9 can be pivoted into the detent recess 12 and back. If a release element or an actuating tool is placed on the detented actuating element 9, the actuating element 9 can be easily pivoted out of the detent recess 12 about the pivot point 15 by a sufficiently high force applied to the actuating element 9 by the release element or the actuating tool.

[0049] To form the pivot point 15, the actuating channel 10 is designed such that inclined planes 16 are formed at the end of the actuating channel 10 facing the clamping spring 5. When the actuating element 9 is moved from the initial position to the actuating position, the actuating element 9 is pivoted about the pivot point 15 by the spring force of the spring tab 11, so that in the detent position it also rests against the inclined planes 16 in the area of ​​the actuating section 9a in the detent recess 12.

[0050] Figure 4Figure 1 shows a conductor terminal 1 in a second embodiment with an actuating element 9 in a starting position. It is clearly shown that the detent recess 12 is arranged on the actuating element 9, wherein the actuating element 9, in the actuating position (i.e., with the clamping point 6 open), can be pivoted by the spring force of the spring tab 11 such that the detent recess 12 on the actuating element 9 engages with the insulating housing 2 and the actuating element 9 is held in the detent position.

[0051] The second embodiment of the Figure 4 differs from the first embodiment only with regard to the locking recess 12. Figures 1 to 3 The descriptions of the first embodiment are also applicable to the second embodiment in this respect.

[0052] Based on the Figures 5 and 6An embodiment of a conductor terminal 1 is described in which a release element 19 is provided in the area of ​​the opening 13 for releasing the locking mechanism of the actuating element 9. The release element 19 can be designed as an additional component of the conductor terminal 1 or as a separate release element. If the release element 19 is designed as a component of the conductor terminal 1, it is permanently arranged there so that it is always available to the user.

[0053] The release element 19 has a handle element 17, which serves for manual operation by the user and may, for example, protrude from the insulating housing 2 or at least be exposed to such an extent that it can be easily operated by the user, even if it is located within the space enclosed by the insulating housing 2. The handle element 17 is connected to the actuating element 9 via a connecting section 18. The connecting section 18 extends through the opening 13.

[0054] The Figures 5 and 6 The figures show an embodiment in which the handle element 17, the connecting section 18, and the actuating element 9 are designed as a single component. However, the handle element 17 and / or the connecting section 18 can also be designed as separate components, which are coupled to the respective other component, for example, via a positive-locking and / or force-locking connection, e.g., by means of a snap-fit ​​connection.

[0055] The Figure 5 The conductor connection terminal 1 is shown in the initial position, i.e., without actuation of the actuating element 9. Apart from the additional release element 19, this corresponds to the embodiment of the Figure 1 . The Figure 6 The conductor connection terminal shows the Figure 5in the actuating position. The actuating element 9 is locked in the actuating position. The lock can be released by manually actuating the handle element 17. For example, if a pressure force is applied to the handle element 17, this force is transmitted via the connecting section 18 to the actuating element 9, causing it to pivot downwards again and return to its initial position due to the restoring force of the clamping spring 5. Reference symbol list

[0056] 1 Conductor terminal block 2 Insulating housing 2a Slope 3 Conductor entry opening 4 Busbar 5 Clamping spring 5a Clamping leg 5b Spring arc 5c Mounting leg 6 Clamping point 7 Recess 8 Projection 9 Actuating element 9a Actuating section 9b Actuating head 10 Actuating channel 11 Spring tab 12 Detent recess 13 Opening 14 Tool slot 15 Pivot point 16 Incline 17 Handle element 18 Connection section 19 Release element L Conductor entry direction

Claims

1. Conductor connection terminal (1) with an insulating material housing (2), wherein the insulating material housing (2) has a conductor insertion opening (3) for inserting an electrical conductor in a conductor insertion direction (L), with a busbar (4) and with a clamping spring (5), wherein the clamping spring (5) has a clamping leg (5a) which forms a clamping point (6) for the electrical conductor with the busbar (4), and with an actuating element (9), wherein the actuating element (9) is displaceably mounted in an actuating channel (10) in the insulating material housing (2) and has an actuating section (9a) and, at an end diametrically opposite the actuating section (9a), an actuating head (9b), wherein the actuating section (9a) interacts with the clamping leg (5a) in such a way that when the actuating element (9) is displaced in the direction of the clamping leg (5a), the clamping leg (5a) is designed to be displaceable for opening of the clamping point (6), - wherein the actuating element (9) can be transferred from an initial position to an actuating position and - wherein the clamping point (6) is open in the actuating position and wherein the actuating element (9) is pivotably mounted in the actuating position into a latching position and wherein the actuating element (9) can be latched in the latching position, wherein an elastically deflectable spring clip (11) is arranged on the conductor connection terminal (1), wherein a spring force of the spring clip (11) acts on the actuating element (9) at least in one position of the actuating element (9) between the initial position and the actuating position, characterized in that as soon as the actuating head (9b) is displaced into the region of the latching position, the actuating element having the actuating head (9b) and the actuating portion (9a) is pivoted into the latching position by the spring force of the spring clip (11), the actuating element (9) latching in the latching position and the clamping point (6) thus being opened.

2. Conductor connection terminal (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the actuating element (9) is pivotably mounted in a latching recess (12) of the insulating material housing (2) in the actuating position.

3. Conductor connection terminal (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the elastically deflectable spring clip (11) is arranged on an actuating head (9b) diametrically opposite the actuating section (9a), a spring force of the spring clip (11) acting on the actuating element (9) at least in one position of the actuating element (9) between the initial position and the actuating position.

4. Conductor connection terminal (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuating element (9) is arranged essentially parallel to the conductor insertion direction (L), the actuating element (9) being displaceably mounted in the insulating material housing (2) parallel to the conductor insertion direction (L) in the actuating channel (10).

5. Conductor connection terminal (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that the spring clip (11) projects from the actuating head (9b) on the side facing the conductor insertion opening (3).

6. Conductor connection terminal (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that the spring clip (11) projects from the actuating head (9b) in the direction of the conductor insertion opening (3).

7. Conductor connection terminal (1) according to one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that the latching recess (12) is arranged on the side of the actuating channel (10) facing away from the conductor insertion opening (3).

8. Conductor connection terminal (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an opening (13) is arranged in the insulating material housing (2), the opening (13) extending from an outer side of the insulating material housing (3) to the actuating channel (10).

9. Conductor connection terminal (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that the opening (13) extends essentially perpendicularly from the outside of the insulating material housing (3) to the actuating channel (10).

10. Conductor connection terminal (1) according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the opening (13) extends into the region of the latching recess (12).

11. Conductor connection terminal (1) according to one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that the conductor connection terminal (1) has a release element (19) by means of which the latching of the actuating element (9) can be released in the actuating position.

12. Conductor connection terminal (1) according to claim 11, characterized in that at least a part of the release element (19) extends through the opening (13).

13. Conductor connection terminal (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the spring clip (11) projects at an angle from the actuating head (9b).