CONNECTION ARRANGEMENT, TERMINAL AND ELECTRONIC DEVICE

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a connection arrangement for connecting an electrical conductor. Furthermore, the invention relates to a terminal block and an electronic device.

[0002] 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. If flexible conductors are clamped, the clamping spring must be moved into an open position and thus actuated by an actuating element before the conductor is inserted, in order to pivot the clamping spring or clamping leg away from the current bar so that the conductor can be inserted into the space between the current bar and the clamping spring, which is designed as the conductor connection space. Only with rigid and therefore stable conductors can the conductor exert sufficient force on the clamping spring or clamping leg.The clamping leg of the clamping spring is applied so that the clamping leg can be pivoted away from the current bar without requiring the user to operate the actuator. With flexible conductors, the user must first pivot the clamping spring away from the current bar by operating the actuator so that the flexible conductor can be inserted. The actuator typically presses against the clamping leg of the clamping spring to pivot it away from the current bar and release the conductor connection compartment. The actuator is then usually held manually in this open position until the flexible conductor is inserted into the connection compartment and can be clamped against the current bar.

[0003] A connection arrangement according to WO 2021 / 099175 A1 comprises a current bar, a clamping spring having a retaining leg and a clamping leg, wherein the clamping leg can be moved into a clamping position and 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 operatively connected to the clamping leg of the clamping spring, wherein the clamping leg is held in the release position by means of the guide element, and a pivotably mounted actuating element by means of which the guide element can be moved to move the clamping leg of the clamping spring from the clamping position to the release position. The clamping spring is arranged between the section of the current bar and the actuating element.

[0004] The invention is based on the objective of providing a connection arrangement, a terminal block and an electronic device, which simplifies the handling for a user when connecting conductors, in particular flexible conductors.

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

[0006] The connection arrangement according to the invention comprises a current bar and a clamping spring. The clamping spring has a retaining leg and a clamping leg, wherein the conductor to be connected is clamped against a clamping section of the current bar by means of the clamping leg in a clamping position of the clamping spring. Furthermore, the connection arrangement comprises an actuating element that can be guided linearly along an actuation direction, by means of which the clamping spring can be moved from the clamping position to the open position, wherein the actuating element is biased against the clamping spring in the open position and holds the clamping spring in the open position. The connection arrangement also comprises a rotatably mounted lever element that acts on the actuating element to actuate the actuating element.

[0007] Due to the pre-tensioned arrangement of the actuating element with the clamping spring in the open position of the clamping spring, the actuating element can be held automatically in this position, thus keeping the clamping spring in the open position. The actuating element and the clamping spring mutually support each other in the open position. In this position, the actuating element and the clamping spring form a self-contained force system, so that the force of the clamping spring holds the actuating element in a fixed position relative to the clamping spring without the need for manual or tool-based holding. This allows for simpler, and in particular one-handed, operation of the connection assembly by a user to easily and safely connect a conductor, especially a flexible conductor.Due to the tensioned arrangement in the open position of the clamping spring, the clamping spring and the actuating element hold each other in the desired position and prevent relative movement between them.

[0008] The actuating element for operating the clamping spring interacts with the clamping leg of the clamping spring. The actuating element performs a linear movement to actuate the clamping spring. The actuating element forms a type of sliding element that interacts directly with the clamping spring. This actuating element is used, in particular, to move the clamping spring from a starting position or a clamped position to the open position by means of the lever element. A rotary movement of the lever element causes a linear movement of the actuating element to actuate the clamping spring. The lever element thus does not act directly on the clamping spring, but indirectly via the actuating element. The lever element is designed in the form of a rotary lever. The lever element may have a handle at a first end section, which a user can grasp to actuate and thus rotate the lever element.An actuating surface can be formed on a second end section of the lever element, opposite the first end section. This surface allows the lever element to bear against the actuating element when the latter is actuated and to roll during a rotational movement. The pivot point or axis of rotation of the lever element is preferably located between the first and second end sections. The lever element interacts with the actuating element in such a way that it can apply a compressive force to the actuating element, thereby displacing it linearly in the actuation direction and clamping it against the spring.

[0009] To create the tension, the clamping spring, in the open position, applies a first compressive force acting against the direction of actuation of the actuating element and a second compressive force acting in the direction of actuation of the actuating element.

[0010] These two opposing pressure forces applied by the clamping spring hold the actuating element in the open position solely by the force of the clamping spring.

[0011] Both the first and second compressive forces are applied to the actuating element by the clamping spring, so that these two opposing compressive forces clamp the actuating element in the open position between the clamping spring or between sections of the clamping spring and hold it in a fixed position.

[0012] According to the invention, the clamping spring is designed such that a locking arm is arranged on the retaining arm, by means of which the second pressure force can be applied to the actuating element in the open position. The second pressure force is then not applied to the actuating element by the clamping arm or the retaining arm of the clamping spring, but rather the clamping spring has a third arm, the locking arm, by means of which the second pressure force is applied to the actuating element.

[0013] The locking arm can be arranged on the retaining arm at an end remote from the clamping arm. The retaining arm can thus be positioned between the clamping arm and the locking arm. The locking arm can be formed integrally with the retaining arm or attached to the locking arm as a separate part, in particular by a positive and / or force-fit connection.

[0014] The locking arm is preferably elastically spring-loaded and connected to the retaining arm, or formed with the retaining arm, so that the locking arm can pivot relative to the retaining arm.

[0015] To enable tool-free connection of conductors with a small cross-section, especially flexible conductors, the locking arm can have a pressure surface. To move the clamping spring from the open to the clamped position, the pressure surface can be actuated by the conductor being connected. Actuating the pressure surface disengages the locking arm from the actuating element. The locking arm can have a pressure surface that is aligned with the conductor insertion area into the connection assembly and thus in line with a conductor insertion opening in the housing of a terminal block, so that the conductor, when inserted into the connection assembly, abuts the pressure surface of the locking arm. By applying a pressure force to the pressure surface with the conductor, the locking arm can be set into a pivoting motion.The locking arm is tilted in the direction of conductor insertion, allowing it to pivot or tilt away from the actuator in the direction of conductor insertion. This pivoting movement of the locking arm disengages it from the actuator, thus releasing it from the actuator. This allows the actuator, and consequently the clamping spring, to move from the open to the clamped position without manual assistance. This special mechanism makes connecting a conductor, especially one with a small cross-section and / or a flexible conductor, particularly easy, simply by inserting the conductor. No user needs to operate other elements, such as the actuator, on the connection assembly to release the clamping spring and move it from the open to the clamped position.This simplifies handling of the connection arrangement and saves time when connecting a conductor. The tension on the actuating element with the clamping spring in the open position can thus be released or lifted by the conductor being connected itself.

[0016] To hold the locking arm on the actuating element in the open position of the clamping spring, the actuating element can have a retaining contour. This retaining contour enables the locking arm to be held securely and precisely on the actuating element in the open position of the clamping spring. Within the area of ​​the retaining contour, the locking arm can apply the second compressive force to the actuating element in the open position of the clamping spring. The retaining contour is preferably formed as a special surface feature on the actuating element itself. The retaining contour can be shaped such that it forms a recess or undercut for the locking arm, against which the locking arm can engage in the open position of the clamping spring.

[0017] The actuating element can have at least one actuating arm extending in the direction of actuation, wherein the retaining contour can be formed on the at least one actuating arm. Preferably, the actuating element can have a first actuating arm extending in the direction of actuation and a second actuating arm extending in the direction of actuation, arranged at a distance from the first actuating arm, wherein the retaining contour can then be formed on both the first and the second actuating arm. The actuating element can then have a U-shape in cross-section. The two actuating arms are preferably aligned parallel to each other. A space is formed between the two actuating arms into which the conductor to be connected can be inserted and through which the conductor to be connected can be guided towards the locking arm.The clamping section of the current bar preferably projects into the space formed between the two actuating arms, so that the conductor can be clamped against the clamping section of the current bar within this space. The conductor connection space formed between the current bar and the clamping spring can be laterally bounded by the at least one actuating arm, preferably by the first and second actuating arms, so that the at least one actuating arm or the two actuating arms can guide the conductor to be connected and prevent it from moving laterally. The retaining contour on the first actuating arm is preferably symmetrical to the retaining contour on the second actuating arm. The locking leg can be held, in particular latched, on both actuating arms or on the two retaining contours of the two actuating arms when the clamping spring is in the open position.The locking arm can have a T-shape at its free end, which allows it to be held against the two actuating arms. This T-shape allows the locking arm to have a first laterally projecting retaining arm and a second laterally projecting retaining arm, whereby the first retaining arm can hold the locking arm against the retaining contour of the first actuating arm, and the second retaining arm can hold the locking arm against the retaining contour of the second actuating arm.

[0018] The first compressive force can be applied to the actuating element in the open position by means of the clamping leg of the clamping spring. The clamping leg can have a clamping tab and at least one side tab arranged laterally to the clamping tab. A clamping edge for clamping the conductor to be connected against the current bar in the clamped position can be formed at a free end of the clamping tab, and the first compressive force can be applied to the actuating element by means of the at least one side tab in the open position. The clamping leg itself can thus apply the first compressive force to the actuating element, which can act against the actuating direction of the actuating element. If the locking leg is released from the tension or the locking with the actuating element, only the first compressive force applied by the clamping leg acts on the actuating element, so that this compressive force of the clamping leg causes the clamping spring to...The clamping arm can then automatically pivot from the open position to the clamping position by pushing the actuating element upwards in the opposite direction of actuation. The clamping arm is preferably divided into a clamping tab and at least one, preferably two, side tabs, which may be formed laterally to the clamping tab. With two side tabs, the clamping tab is arranged between the two side tabs. The two side tabs are preferably in direct contact with the actuating element, so that the initial pressure force can be applied to the actuating element via these two side tabs. The clamping tab is preferably not in direct contact with the actuating element; rather, the clamping tab serves solely to clamp the conductor against the current conductor in the clamping position.The at least one side tab is preferably curved so that it can form a sliding skid which can slide along an edge surface of the actuating element when transitioning to the open and clamped positions. Preferably, the connection arrangement is designed such that the actuating direction of the actuating element can be transverse to the conductor insertion direction of the conductor to be connected into a conductor connection space formed between the current bar and the clamping spring.

[0019] The lever element can have a pivot axis about which the lever element, rotatably mounted according to the invention, can be rotatably mounted. The pivot axis is preferably arranged off-center along the length of the lever element. It is particularly preferred that the pivot axis is arranged closer to the second end section, where the actuating surface is formed, than to the first end section, where the handle section is formed. This allows for a particularly efficient transmission of the spring force of the clamping spring from the lever element to the actuating element. Consequently, the connection arrangement can be operated by a user with particular ease and without requiring significant force.

[0020] The actuating element can have a connecting web extending transversely to the direction of actuation, allowing the lever element to roll along the connecting web during a rotational movement. The connecting web is preferably attached to at least one actuating arm of the actuating element. If the actuating element has two actuating arms, the connecting web can extend between them, thus connecting the two actuating arms. The connecting web preferably extends parallel to the clamping section of the current conductor. Viewed in the direction of actuation, the connecting web is positioned above the clamping section, so that it is located outside the conductor connection space. Actuation of the actuating element by means of the lever element therefore takes place outside the conductor connection space.When the actuator is engaged, the lever element rolls along the connecting bridge with its actuating surface, allowing the lever element to move along the connecting bridge during a rotational movement. The lever element can move or roll along the connecting bridge in a direction perpendicular to the direction of actuation of the actuator.

[0021] To ensure that the lever element can be rotated back in a controlled manner after the clamping spring, and thus the actuating element, has been moved from a clamped or starting position to the open position, a return spring interacting with the lever element can be provided. In the clamped or starting position, the return spring is preferably untensioned. When the lever element is rotated to move the actuating element in the direction of actuation and thus move the clamping spring from the clamped position to the open position, the return spring is tensioned. If the clamping spring is in the open position and the actuating element is tensioned with the clamping spring to hold the clamping spring in the open position, the return spring can cause a controlled return rotation of the lever element without the need for a user to actuate the lever element.This can improve usability for a user and, in particular, reduce the risk of injury to a user, as an uncontrolled kickback of the lever element can be avoided.

[0022] The return spring can preferably be designed in the form of a torsion spring, which can have a first leg and a second leg connected to the first leg via an arcuate section, wherein the torsion spring can engage with its first leg in a form-fitting manner in a receiving contour formed on the lever element. The torsion spring or return spring can, for example, be made of bent wire. However, the torsion spring or return spring can also be stamped and bent from a metal strip. If the return spring engages in a form-fitting manner in a receiving contour of the lever element, a defined position of the return spring relative to the lever element can be ensured. In particular, lateral slippage of the return spring relative to the lever element can be prevented. Within the receiving contour, the lever element can roll on the first leg of the return spring to tension or release the return spring.to release the tension. The lever element can thus be moved, and in particular rotated, relative to the return spring. The receiving contour can be formed, in particular, partially in the area of ​​the actuating surface. Because the return spring can immerse itself in the receiving contour, it does not impede the rolling movement of the lever element on the actuating element. The second leg preferably serves as a retaining leg, so that the second leg is preferably fixed in position. The first leg, on the other hand, is preferably movable relative to the second leg in order to be able to interact with the lever element. The lever element preferably has direct contact only with the second leg. The lever element is preferably spaced apart from the first leg. The receiving contour is preferably formed in the form of an elongated slot or in the form of an elongated groove on the lever element.

[0023] To ensure the clamping spring is held securely in position, the current bar can have a retaining section spaced apart from the clamping section, and the clamping spring can be held against this retaining section. When held against the current bar, the clamping spring can be supported against the metal of the current bar, which can result in high stability of the clamping spring's position. Holding the clamping spring against the current bar prevents unintentional tilting of the clamping spring relative to the current bar. The retaining section preferably extends substantially parallel to the clamping section. The clamping spring can be suspended from the retaining section of the current bar.

[0024] To hold the clamping spring to the retaining section of the current bar, the clamping spring can, for example, have an opening into which the retaining section of the current bar can engage. The current bar can, for example, hook its retaining section into the opening to suspend the clamping spring from the retaining section. The opening on the clamping spring can, for example, be located at the transition between the locking arm and the retaining arm.

[0025] Furthermore, to prevent the actuating element from tilting relative to the current bar and thus also relative to the clamping spring, the current bar can have a guide section extending in the direction of actuation, along which the actuating element can be guided. The guide section preferably extends transversely to the clamping section and the holding section of the current bar. Viewed in the direction of actuation, the guide section is preferably arranged above the clamping section. The guidance of the actuating element on the guide section of the current bar can therefore be provided and designed outside the conductor connection space. The guidance can be formed by a positive-locking connection between the guide section and the actuating element. Preferably, the actuating element can interact with the guide section via its connecting web to guide the actuating element along the guide section.The connecting bridge can engage with the guide section in a form-fitting manner.

[0026] The guide section can be designed such that it has a first guide web and a second guide web extending parallel to the first guide web, wherein the actuating element can be guided between the first and second guide webs. The two guide webs can form a guide for the actuating element that limits movement on two sides. Preferably, the actuating element, with its connecting web, can be arranged and guided in a free space formed between the two guide webs.

[0027] The problem according to the invention is further solved by means of a terminal block, in particular a terminal block, which has a housing and at least one connection arrangement, as described above, arranged in the housing. A conductor entry opening can be formed in the housing, which is aligned with the conductor connection compartment of the connection arrangement and through which the conductor to be connected can be inserted into the housing and thus into the connection arrangement. Particularly in the case of a terminal block that can be snapped onto a mounting rail, two such connection arrangements can also be arranged in the housing.

[0028] The lever element can, for example, be rotatably mounted on the housing with its axis of rotation. The lever element can thus be suspended from the housing.

[0029] To facilitate the installation of the terminal block, the housing can be designed in two parts. A first housing part can serve as a receiving part for the terminal assembly. Once the terminal assembly is mounted in the first housing part (which serves as the receiving part), a second housing part, which can form a housing cover, can be mounted and attached to the first housing part.

[0030] Furthermore, the problem according to the invention is solved by means of an electronic device which has at least one connection arrangement as described above, further developed and / or at least one terminal block as described above, further developed and / or as described above. The electronic device can, for example, be a control cabinet in which one or more mounting rails or mounting plates can be arranged, on which several terminal blocks, in particular terminal blocks which can have corresponding connection arrangements, can be snapped on.

[0031] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and preferred embodiments.

[0032] They show Fig. 1 a schematic representation of a terminal block according to the invention in a clamping position of the clamping spring, Fig. 2 a schematic representation of the in Fig. 1The terminal block shown with the clamping spring in the open position, Fig. 3 a schematic representation of the Fig. 2 The terminal block shown, with the clamping spring in the open position and the lever element turned back, Fig. 4, is a schematic perspective view of the terminal block shown in Fig. 4, with the clamping spring in the open position and the lever element turned back. Fig. 1 The terminal block shown in Fig. 5 is a schematic perspective view of the connection shown in Fig. 5. Fig. 2 The terminal block shown in Fig. 6 is a schematic perspective view of the connection shown in Fig. 6. Fig. 3 The terminal block shown, Fig. 7, is a schematic representation of the current bar together with the clamping spring and the actuating element according to the diagram in Figs. 1 to 6The embodiment of the terminal block shown, Fig. 8 a schematic representation of the terminal block according to the invention with closed housing and with closed lever element, Fig. 9 a schematic representation of the terminal block according to the invention with closed housing and with open lever element, Fig. 10 a schematic representation of another terminal block according to the invention in a clamping position of the clamping spring, Fig. 11 a schematic representation of the in Fig. 10 The terminal block shown with the clamping spring in the open position, Fig. 12, is a schematic perspective view of the connection shown in Fig. 12. Fig. 11 The terminal block shown in Fig. 13 is a schematic representation of the current bar together with the clamping spring and the actuating element according to the diagram in Fig. 13. Figs. 10 to 12 The embodiment of the terminal block shown in Fig. 14 is a further schematic representation of the current bar together with the clamping spring and the actuating element according to the illustration in Figs. 10 to 12the embodiment of the terminal block shown, and Fig. 15 an exploded view of the Figs. 10 to 14 shown terminal block.

[0033] Figs. 1 to 15 Figure 1 shows a terminal block 200 with a housing 210, inside which a connection arrangement 100 for connecting a conductor (not shown) is arranged. The housing 210 is made of an insulating material, in particular a plastic material. The interior of the housing 210 contains the

[0034] Connection arrangement 100. A conductor to be connected can be inserted into the interior of the housing 210 via a conductor insertion opening 211 formed on the housing 210 in order to connect the conductor to the connection arrangement 100.

[0035] The housing 210 is used in the configurations shown here, particularly in Fig. 8 and 9As can be seen, the housing 210 is formed from a first housing part 212 and a second housing part 213, so that the housing 210 is a two-part structure. The two housing parts 212 and 213 are connected to each other in the closed state via a snap-fit ​​connection 214. The first housing part 212 forms a receiving part in which the connection assembly 100 is arranged and mounted, as shown in particular in Figs. 1 to 6 and 10 to 12 The second housing part 213 forms a housing cover, which, after the connection arrangement 100 has been mounted on or in the first housing part 212, is placed on the first housing part 212 and connected to it in order to close the housing 210 and, in particular, the interior of the housing 210.

[0036] In the Figs. 1 to 6 and 10 to 12 The first housing part 212 with the connection arrangement 100 included therein is shown.

[0037] The connection arrangement 100 has a current bar 110 and a clamping spring 111, wherein the conductor to be connected can be electrically clamped against a clamping section 127 of the current bar 110 by means of the clamping spring 111 and thus connected.

[0038] The clamping spring 111 is designed as a torsion spring. The clamping spring 111 has a retaining leg 112 and a clamping leg 113. The retaining leg 112 and the clamping leg 113 are connected to each other via an arcuate section 114. The retaining leg 112 is arranged in a fixed position in the housing 210. The clamping leg 113 is pivotally movable relative to the retaining leg 112, so that, depending on the position of the clamping leg 113, the clamping spring 111 can be moved into an open position, as is the case, for example, in Fig. 2 and 3 as shown, and into a clamping position, as shown for example in Fig. 1 It is shown, transferred and positioned.

[0039] The clamping spring 111 further comprises a locking arm 115, so that the clamping spring 111 has three arms. The locking arm 115 is connected to the retaining arm 112, so that the retaining arm 112 is arranged between the clamping arm 113 and the locking arm 115. In the embodiment shown here, the locking arm 115 extends substantially at a right angle from the retaining arm 112. The locking arm 115 is designed to be long enough that, at least in the open position of the clamping spring 111, it projects beyond the clamping arm 113 from the retaining arm 112. The locking arm 115 serves to help hold the clamping spring 111 in the open position.

[0040] The locking leg 115 extends from the retaining leg 112 towards the conductor connection space 116, which is formed between the clamping section 127 of the current bar 110 and the clamping spring 111, wherein the conductor to be connected can be inserted into this conductor connection space 116 via the conductor insertion opening 211 of the housing 210 in order to connect the conductor and clamp it against the clamping section 127 of the current bar 110.

[0041] The locking arm 115 is designed to be long enough to limit the conductor connection space 116 in the conductor insertion direction E. When a conductor is inserted into the conductor connection space 116 via the conductor insertion opening 211 of the housing 210, the conductor abuts the locking arm 115, causing it to deflect or pivot in the conductor insertion direction E. The locking arm 115 has a pressure surface 117 pointing towards the conductor connection space 116, against which the conductor can abut when inserted into the conductor connection space 116. To allow the locking arm 115 to deflect, it is spring-loaded and connected to the retaining arm 112.

[0042] The clamping spring 111 is supported on the current beam 110. The current beam 110 has a retaining section 136 to which the clamping spring 111 can be attached. The clamping spring 111 may have an opening 137 into which the retaining section 136 of the current beam 110 can project when the clamping spring 111 is mounted on the current beam 110. The clamping spring 111 can then be suspended from the retaining section 136 and thus from the current beam 110. The retaining section 136 extends parallel to the clamping section 127 of the current beam 110. The retaining section 136 is shorter than the clamping section 127.

[0043] The opening 137 is formed at the transition between the retaining leg 112 and the locking leg 115 of the clamping spring 111.

[0044] To move the clamping spring 111 from the clamped position to the open position, the connection arrangement 100 further comprises an actuating element 118. The actuating element 118 is guided purely linearly in the housing 210. The actuating element 118 forms a type of sliding element. When the clamping spring 111 is actuated to move it from the clamped position to the open position, the actuating element 118 is moved in the actuation direction B, in which the actuating element 118 is moved in the direction of the clamping spring 111. The actuating element 118 interacts with the clamping leg 113 of the clamping spring 111 by applying a force to the clamping leg 113 in actuation direction B, causing it to pivot towards the retaining leg 112 to release the conductor connection space 116.

[0045] In the embodiment shown here, the actuating element 118 has a U-shaped cross-section, as shown in particular in Fig. 7 The actuating element 118 has two actuating arms 119a, 119b extending parallel to each other, as can be seen in particular in Figs. 5 to 7 As can be seen, a clearance 128 is formed between the two actuating arms 119a, 119b, through which the clamping section 127 of the current bar 110 and the conductor to be connected can be guided, so that the conductor connection compartment 116 is formed in the clearance 128 and the conductor to be connected can be clamped against the clamping section 127 of the current bar 110 within the clearance 128. The two actuating arms 119a, 119b are designed to be long enough to laterally delimit the conductor connection compartment 116 and thus provide lateral guidance for the conductor to be connected.

[0046] On the edge surfaces of the actuating arms 119a, 119b pointing towards the clamping spring 111, an actuating surface 120a, 120b is formed, which interact with the clamping spring 111 to actuate it. With its two actuating surfaces 120a, 120b, the actuating element 118 rests on the clamping leg 113 of the clamping spring 111 when the latter is moved from the clamping position to the open position.

[0047] The clamping arm 113 shows, as particularly in the exploded view of the Fig. 15 The clamping tab 121 and two side tabs 122a, 122b arranged laterally to the clamping tab 121 are visible. The clamping tab 121 has a clamping edge 123 at its free end, by means of which the conductor to be connected is clamped against the clamping section 127 of the current bar 110.

[0048] The clamping tab 121 is arranged between the two side tabs 122a, 122b. The clamping tab 121 is longer than the two side tabs 122a, 122b, so that the clamping tab 121 extends beyond the two side tabs 122a, 122b. The two side tabs 122a, 122b each have an arc-shaped form. The two side tabs 122a, 122b can thus each form a sliding skid which, when interacting with the actuating element 118, can slide along the actuating surfaces 120a, 120b. The actuating element 118 is thus in direct contact with the two side tabs 122a, 122b of the clamping spring 111 for actuating the clamping spring 111, whereas the clamping tab 121 has no direct contact with the actuating element 118. The clamping tab 121 is arranged in the free space 128 formed between the two actuating arms 119a, 119b.

[0049] In particular Fig. 2 , 3 , 5 and 6The figures show the clamping spring 111 in the open position, in which the conductor connection compartment 116 is released, allowing a conductor to be inserted into and removed from it. In this open position, the clamping spring 111 and the actuating element 118 are tensioned against each other, forming a closed force system in which the actuating element 118 is held in position by the clamping spring 111 without any additional aid, and the clamping spring 111 is in turn held in position by the actuating element 118.

[0050] The actuating element 118 is clamped to the clamping spring 111 by the fact that, in the open position, the clamping spring 111 exerts two opposing compressive forces D1 and D2 on the actuating element 118. These two opposing compressive forces D1 and D2 hold the actuating element 118, and thus also the clamping spring 111, in a stable, fixed position.

[0051] The first compressive force D1 acts on the actuating element 118 in the opposite direction to the actuation direction B. The first compressive force D1 is applied to the actuating element 118 by the clamping leg 113, in particular by the side tabs 122a, 122b of the clamping leg 113. The side tabs 122a, 122b press against the actuating surfaces 120a, 120b of the actuating element 118 with the first compressive force D1 applied by the spring action of the clamping leg 113.

[0052] The second compressive force D2 acts on the actuating element 118 in the actuation direction B. The second compressive force D2 is applied to the actuating element 118 by the locking arm 115 of the clamping spring 111. The locking arm 115 is held at its free end 124 on the actuating element 118, in particular on the two actuating arms 119a, 119b of the actuating element 118, and is specifically locked onto the actuating element 118. As shown in the exploded view of the Fig. 15 As can be seen, the free end 124 has a T-shape, in that the free end 124 has two laterally projecting retaining arms 125a, 125b. In the open position, the locking leg 115 is held by its first retaining arm 125a on the first actuating arm 119a and by its second retaining arm 125b on the second actuating arm 119b.

[0053] To ensure that the locking arm 115 is held securely and thus in a defined position against the actuating element 118 in the open position, a retaining contour 126a, 126b is formed on each of the actuating arms 119a, 119b. The retaining contour 126a, 126b is spaced apart from the actuating surfaces 120a, 120b on the actuating element 118. In the open position, the two retaining arms 125a, 125b of the locking arm 115 rest against the retaining contour 126a, 126b of the actuating arms 119a, 119b to hold the locking arm 115 in a fixed position.

[0054] The connection arrangement 100 further comprises a rotatably mounted lever element 129. The lever element 129 has a pivot axis 130, via which the lever element 129 is rotatably mounted on the housing 210.

[0055] The lever element 129 has an elongated shape with a first end section 131 and an opposing second end section 132. A grip section 133 is formed on the first end section 131, allowing a user to grasp and rotate the lever element 129. An actuating surface 134 is formed on the second end section 132, through which the lever element 129 can interact with the actuating element 118 to actuate the actuating element 118. During a rotational movement of the lever element 129, its actuating surface 134 can roll on a connecting web 135 of the actuating element 118, which extends transversely to the direction of actuation B. The connecting web 135 extends transversely to the two actuating arms 119a, 119b of the actuating element 118 and connects them.

[0056] Fig. 1 and 4The figures show the terminal block 200 with the lever element 129 in a closed position. The clamping spring 111 is in a clamping position in which the actuating element 118 is just not clamped to the clamping spring 111.

[0057] To transfer the clamping spring 111 from this clamping position to the open position, as described in Fig. 2 , 3 , 5 and 6 As shown, the lever element 129 is rotated about its axis of rotation 130 and thereby turned or pivoted into an open position, as shown in Fig. 2 and 5As shown in the figure, during the rotational movement, the actuating surface 134 of the lever element 129 contacts the actuating element 118 and rolls with its actuating surface 134 on the connecting web 135 of the actuating element 118. This rotational movement of the lever element 129 causes the actuating element 118 to be moved linearly along the actuating direction B. The actuating element 118 is moved so far in the actuating direction B, and thus in the direction of the clamping spring 111, until the detent leg 115 of the clamping spring 111, with its retaining arms 125a, 125b, engages or engages behind the retaining contour 126a, 126 of the actuating element 118, as shown in the figure. Fig. 2 shown.

[0058] The retaining contour 126a, 126b is formed here in the form of a recess or notch on each of the two actuating arms 119a, 119b, so that the retaining contour 126a, 126b each form a locking undercut for the retaining arms 125a, 125b of the locking leg 115.

[0059] At the same time, to transfer the clamping spring 111 into the open position of the clamping legs 113, the clamping spring 111 is pivoted towards the retaining leg 112 by means of the actuating surfaces 120a, 120b in order to release the conductor connection space 116 between the clamping section 127 of the current beam 110 and the clamping leg 113.

[0060] Fig. 2 , 3 , 5 and 6 The actuating element 118 and the clamping spring 111 are shown in the pre-tensioned arrangement to hold the clamping spring 111 in the open position. Once the clamping spring 111 is in the open position and the actuating element 118 and the clamping spring 111 are pre-tensioned together, the lever element 129 can be released from the open position as shown in Fig. 2 and 5 shown, can be turned back into the closed position, as shown in Fig. 3 and 6The clamping spring 111 remains in the open position due to the pre-tensioned arrangement with the actuating element 118.

[0061] The conductor to be connected can now be inserted and connected via the conductor insertion opening 211 into the conductor connection space 116 in conductor insertion direction E.

[0062] When a conductor to be connected is inserted into the conductor connection chamber 116 via the conductor insertion opening 211 of the housing 210 in the conductor insertion direction E, the conductor abuts the pressure surface 117 of the locking arm 115 of the clamping spring 111, which is aligned with the conductor insertion opening 211. The impact of the conductor against the pressure surface 117 pivots the locking arm 115 in the conductor insertion direction E, so that the locking arm 115 disengages from the retaining contour 126a, 126b of the actuating element 118.

[0063] As soon as the locking arm 115 is released from the actuating element 118, the tension of the clamping spring 111 with the actuating element 118 is released, since the locking arm 115 no longer exerts a second compressive force D2 on the actuating element 118. Thus, only the first compressive force D1 applied to the actuating element 118 by the clamping arm 113 acts on the actuating element 118. This causes the spring force of the clamping arm 113 to move the clamping arm 113 upwards against the actuating direction B. As a result, the clamping arm 113 also moves towards the conductor inserted into the conductor connection chamber 116, pressing it against the current bar 110 via the clamping tab 121 of the clamping arm 113, thereby clamping and connecting the conductor to the current bar 110.

[0064] This makes it possible to connect and clamp a conductor, especially a conductor with a small cross-section, without additional help.

[0065] The conductor is inserted transversely to the direction of actuation B of the actuating element 118 into the conductor connection space 116 and thus into the connection arrangement 100 or into the terminal block 200.

[0066] Fig. 8 and 9 The terminal block 200 with the housing 210 closed is shown, i.e., the two housing parts 212, 213 are connected to each other, with the lever element 129 being easily accessible for a user to operate it when the housing 210 is closed. Fig. 8 shows the lever element 129 in the closed position, whereas Fig. 9 The lever element 129 is shown in the open position.

[0067] In the Figs. 10 to 15 Another embodiment of a terminal block 200 is shown, wherein the connection arrangement 100 of the in Figs. 10 to 15 the design shown compared to the one in the Figs. 1 to 9 The embodiment shown differs only in that the current bar 110 has a guide section 138 in addition to the clamping section 127 and the holding section 136, and that the connection arrangement 100 also has a return spring 141. Otherwise, it corresponds to the embodiment shown in the Figs. 10 to 15 The illustrated embodiment of a connection arrangement 100 or connection terminal 200 of the in Figs. 1 to 9 shown embodiment of a connection arrangement 100 or connection terminal 200.

[0068] The guide section 138 of the current bar 110 interacts with the actuating element 118 to guide the actuating element 118 during movement in and against the actuation direction B. The guide section 138 extends in the actuation direction B. It thus extends transversely to the clamping section 127 and the holding section 126. Viewed in the actuation direction B, the guide section 138 is located above the clamping section 127. The guidance of the actuating element 118 on the guide section 138 of the current bar 110 is therefore provided and designed outside the conductor connection space 116.

[0069] As particularly in Figs. 12 to 15As can be seen, the guide section 138 has a first guide web 139a and a second guide web 139b. The two guide webs 139a, 139b extend parallel to each other. The actuating element 118 is guided, at least partially, between the two guide webs 139a, 139b. The guidance can be formed by a positive-locking connection between the guide section 138 and the actuating element 118. Here, the actuating element 118 interacts with the guide section 138 via its connecting web 135 to guide the actuating element 118 along the guide section 138. The connecting web 135 engages positively with the guide section 138 by being arranged and guided in the area of ​​the guide section 138 between the two guide webs 139a, 139b, so that lateral deflection or tilting of the actuating element 118 can be prevented.At the same time, the guide webs 139a, 139b can each form a guide surface 140a, 140b, against which the actuating element 118 with its two actuating arms 119a, 119b can rest and be guided, as for example in . Fig. 13 The actuating element 118 can be guided above the holding contour 126a, 126b with its actuating arms 119a, 119b on the guide surface 140a, 140b.

[0070] Furthermore, the in Figs. 10 to 15The illustrated embodiment features a return spring 141 which interacts with the lever element 129. When the lever element 129 moves from the closed position to the open position, the return spring 141 can be tensioned via the lever element 129. Due to the tensioned state of the return spring 141 in the open position of the lever element 129, the lever element 129 is guided back from the open position to the closed position in a controlled manner by the spring tension of the return spring 141.

[0071] The return spring 141 is designed in the form of a torsion spring. The return spring 141 has a first leg 142 and a second leg 143 connected to the first leg 142 via an arcuate section 144. For example, as in Fig. 12 and 15As can be seen, the return spring 141 engages with its first leg 142 in a form-fitting manner in a receiving contour 145 formed on the lever element 129, so that the return spring 141 is guided and held with its first leg 142 in the receiving contour 145. The receiving contour 145 is formed in the form of an elongated slot or groove within which the first leg 142 of the return spring 141 lies. The receiving contour 145 extends in the longitudinal direction of the lever element 129. The receiving contour 145 extends at least partially along the actuating surface 134 of the lever element 129.

[0072] Within the receiving contour 145, the lever element 129 can roll on the first leg 142 of the return spring 141 to tension or release the return spring 141. The lever element 129 can thus be moved, in particular rotated, relative to the return spring 141.

[0073] As in Fig. 15As can be seen, the first leg 142 has a bend 146 along its length, such that a free end 147 of the first leg 142 is bent upwards away from the second leg 143. This improves the guidance of the first leg 142 in the receiving contour 145 of the lever element 129.

[0074] The second leg 143 of the return spring 141 serves as a retaining leg, as the second leg 143 is fixed in position. As in Fig. 12 As can be seen, the return spring 141 is supported by both its second leg 143 and its arc-shaped section 144 against an inner contour 215 of the housing 210. This inner contour 215 can be designed in the form of a receiving pocket.

[0075] The first leg 142 of the return spring 141, however, is movable relative to the second leg 143 in order to interact with the lever element 129 and to tension the lever element 129 in the open position. During a rotational movement of the lever element 129 from the closed position, as occurs in Fig. 10 shown, into the disclosure as it is in Figs. 11 and 12 As shown, the rotational movement of the lever element 129 causes the first arm 142 to be carried along by the lever element 129 and deflected towards the second arm 143, so that a spring tension is created within the first arm 142, which tensions the lever element 129. When the lever element 129 moves back into the closed position, the first arm 142, due to its spring tension, presses against the lever element 129, causing it to rotate automatically back into the closed position.

[0076] The second leg 143 of the return spring 141 has a significantly shorter length than the first leg 142 of the return spring 141.

[0077] Figs. 13 and 14 show the current beam 110, the clamping spring 111 and the actuating element 118 again on their own.

[0078] Fig. 15 Figure 2 shows an exploded view of terminal 200, where terminal 200 has the return spring 141 and the guide section 138 on the current bar 110. However, it is also possible that terminal 200 has only one of these two additional features to the one shown in Figure 200. Figs. 1 to 9 shown connection terminal 200. Reference symbol list

[0079] 100 Connection arrangement 110 Current bar 111 Clamping spring 112 Retaining leg 113 Clamping leg 114 Arc-shaped section 115 Locking leg 116 Conductor connection space 117 Pressure surface 118 Actuating element 119a, 119b Actuating arm 120a, 120b Actuating surface 121 Clamping tab 122a, 122b Side tab 123 Clamping edge 124 Free end 125a, 125b Retaining arm 126a, 126b Retaining contour 127 Clamping section 128 Clearance 129 Lever element 130 Pivot axis 131 First end section 132 Second end section 133 Handle section 134 Actuating surface 135 Connecting web 136 Holding section 137 Opening 138 Guide section 139a, 139b Guide web 140a, 140b Guide surface 141 Return spring 142 First leg 143 Second leg 144 Arc-shaped section 145 Receiving contour 146 Bend 147 Free end 200 Terminal block 210 Housing 211 Conductor entry opening 212 First housing part 213 Second housing part 214 Snap-in connection 215 Inner contour D1 First pressure force D2 Second pressure force B Actuation direction E Conductor insertion direction

Claims

1. Connection arrangement (100) for connection of an electrical conductor, having - a current bar (110), - a clamping spring (111) which has a holding limb (112) and a clamping limb (113), wherein the conductor to be connected is clamped against a clamping section (127) of the current bar (110) by means of the clamping limb (113) in a clamping position of the clamping spring (111), - an actuating element (118) which can be guided linearly along an actuating direction (B) and by means of which the clamping spring (111) can be moved from the clamping position to the open position, wherein the actuating element (118) is braced with the clamping spring (111) in the open position and holds the clamping spring (111) in the open position, wherein, in order to form the bracing, the clamping spring (111) applies a first pressure force (D1) acting counter to the actuating direction (B) of the actuating element (118) and a second pressure force (D2) acting in the actuating direction (B) of the actuating element (118) to the actuating element (118) in the open position, wherein a latching limb (115) is arranged on the holding limb (112) of the clamping spring (111), by means of which latching limb the second pressure force (D2) is applied to the actuating element (118) in the open position, and - a rotatably mounted lever element (129) which acts on the actuating element (118) in order to actuate the actuating element (118), characterized in that the lever element (129) interacts with the actuating element (118) in such a way that the lever element (129) applies a pressure force to the actuating element (118) for actuating the actuating element (118) in order to displace the actuating element (118) linearly in the actuating direction (B) and thereby to brace the actuating element (118) with the clamping spring (111).

2. Connection arrangement (100) according to Claim 1, characterized in that the latching limb (115) has a pressure surface (117), wherein, in order to move the clamping spring (111) from the open position to the clamping position, the pressure surface (117) can be actuated by the conductor to be connected and, by actuating the pressure surface (117), the latching limb (115) can be disengaged from the actuating element (118).

3. Connection arrangement (100) according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the actuating element (118) has at least one actuating arm (119a, 119b) extending in the actuating direction (B), wherein a holding contour (126a, 126b) for holding the latching limb (115) on the actuating element (118) is formed on the at least one actuating arm (119a) in the open position of the clamping spring (111).

4. Connection arrangement (100) according to any of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the first pressure force (D1) is applied to the actuating element (118) by means of the clamping limb (113) of the clamping spring (111) in the open position, wherein the clamping limb (113) has a clamping tab (121) and at least one side tab (122a, 122b) arranged to the side of the clamping tab (121), wherein a clamping edge (123) for clamping the conductor (300) to be connected against the current bar (110) in the clamping position is formed at a free end of the clamping tab (121), and the first pressure force (D1) is applied to the actuating element (118) by means of the at least one side tab (122a, 122b) in the open position.

5. Connection arrangement (100) according to any of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the actuating direction (B) of the actuating element (118) is formed transversely to a conductor insertion direction (E) of the conductor to be connected into a conductor connection space (116) formed between the current bar (110) and the clamping spring (111).

6. Connection arrangement (100) according to any of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the lever element (129) has a rotation axis (130) which is arranged eccentrically with respect to a length of the lever element (129).

7. Connection arrangement (100) according to any of Claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the actuating element (118) has a connecting web (135) extending transversely with respect to the actuating direction (B), wherein the lever element (129) rolls on the connecting web (135) during a rotational movement of the lever element (129).

8. Connection arrangement (100) according to any of Claims 1 to 7, characterized by a return spring (141) which interacts with the lever element (129).

9. Connection arrangement (100) according to any of Claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the current bar (110) has a holding portion (136) formed at a distance from the clamping portion (127), wherein the clamping spring (111) is held on the holding portion (136).

10. Connection arrangement (100) according to any of Claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the current bar (110) has a guide portion (138) which extends in the actuating direction (B) and on which the actuating element (118) is guided.

11. Connection arrangement (100) according to Claim 10, characterized in that the guide portion (138) has a first guide web (139a) and a second guide web (139b) extending parallel to the first guide web (139a), wherein the actuating element (118) is guided at least in regions between the first guide web (139a) and the second guide web (139b).

12. Connection terminal (200), in particular terminal block, comprising a housing (210) and comprising at least one connection arrangement (100) according to any of Claims 1 to 11 arranged in the housing (210).

13. Electronic device, comprising at least one connection arrangement (100) according to any of Claims 1 to 11 and / or comprising at least one connection terminal (200) according to Claim 12.