Connection assembly
Patent Information
- Application Number
- EP2023718288
- Authority / Receiving Office
- EP · EP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2022-04-14
- Filing Date
- 2023-04-13
- Publication Date
- 2025-02-19
AI Technical Summary
Existing connection arrangements for electrical conductors, particularly with flexible conductors, require manual actuation of the clamping spring to pivot it away from the current bar for insertion, making the assembly process cumbersome and time-consuming.
A connection arrangement featuring a housing with a conductor connection space, a clamping spring, an actuating element, and a slide arrangement with a holding element, where the slide element is displaced by the conductor to transfer the clamping leg from the clamping position to the open position, allowing for automatic actuation without user intervention.
Enables easy and secure connection of flexible conductors to the current bar, reducing the complexity and time required for assembly by eliminating the need for manual actuation of the clamping spring.
Smart Images
Figure 1.1
Abstract
Description
[0001] Connection arrangement
[0002] The invention relates to a connection arrangement for connecting an electrical conductor.
[0003] Such connection arrangements usually have a clamping spring designed as a leg spring, which has a holding leg and a clamping leg, wherein a conductor inserted into the connection arrangement can be clamped against a current bar by means of the clamping leg of the clamping spring. If flexible conductors in particular are clamped, the clamping spring must be moved into an open position by means of the actuating element before the conductor is inserted and thus actuated in order to pivot the clamping spring or the 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 forms the conductor connection space. Only with rigid and therefore stable conductors can the conductor exert sufficient force on the clamping spring orApply the clamping leg of the clamping spring in order to pivot the clamping leg away from the busbar without the user having to operate the actuating element. With flexible conductors, the user must first pivot the clamping spring away from the current bar by actuating the actuating element so that the flexible conductor can be inserted. To clamp the inserted conductor, the actuating element must be manually actuated by the user a second time in order to move the clamping spring from the open position to the clamped position. Having to actuate the actuating element makes assembly or connecting the conductor more difficult for the user, as it is cumbersome to handle and therefore also increases the time required.
[0004] The invention is therefore based on the object of providing a connection arrangement in which the connection of, in particular, flexible conductors can be improved.
[0005] The object is achieved according to the invention with the features of the independent claim. Expedient embodiments and advantageous further developments of the invention are specified in the subclaims.
[0006] The connection arrangement according to the invention comprises a housing, a conductor connection space formed in the housing, a current bar against which the conductor to be connected and inserted into the conductor connection space can be clamped, a clamping spring having a clamping leg that can be transferred into a clamping position and into an open position, an actuating element by means of which the clamping leg of the clamping spring can be transferred from the clamping position into the open position, and a slide arrangement on which a holding element for holding the clamping leg in the open position is formed, wherein the slide arrangement has a slide element arranged linearly displaceably in the housing, wherein the slide element has a pressure surface,which can be actuated by the conductor to be connected to transfer the clamping spring from the open position into the clamping position, and by actuating the pressure surface, the slide element can be linearly displaced in a sliding direction such that the clamping leg of the clamping spring can be brought out of engagement with the at least one holding element of the slide arrangement.
[0007] Using the connection arrangement according to the invention, a flexible conductor can now also be connected easily and securely and clamped against the current bar. The clamping spring is preferably designed as a leg spring, which has a holding leg and a clamping leg designed to be pivotable relative to the holding leg. The holding leg is preferably arranged in a fixed position. By pivoting the clamping leg of the clamping spring, it can be moved into an open position, in which the clamping leg is arranged at a distance from the current bar and a conductor to be connected can be inserted into or removed from the conductor connection space through a space formed thereby between the current bar and the clamping leg, and into a clamping position, in which the clamping leg can bear against the current bar or the connected conductor in order to clamp the conductor against the current bar.The transfer of the clamping leg, in particular from the clamped position to the open position, takes place by means of an actuating element. The actuating element is preferably guided in the housing for purely linear movement. The actuating element preferably has an actuating section on which an actuating surface is formed, with which the actuating element rests against the clamping leg when the clamping leg is actuated. In order to be able to hold the clamping leg in the open position without the actuating element having to be held in this position manually, a slide arrangement is arranged in the housing which has at least one holding element on which the clamping leg can latch in the open position in order to be able to be held in the open position. The slide arrangement has a slide element which is arranged displaceably in the housing.By sliding the slide element, the clamping leg can be disengaged from the at least one holding element in order to pivot from the open position back into the clamping position. The slide element can be actuated by means of the conductor to be connected itself. For this purpose, the slide element has a pressure surface against which the conductor to be connected can strike when inserted into the conductor connection space, whereby the slide element can be moved or shifted in a sliding direction that corresponds to the conductor insertion direction, whereby the clamping leg can be released from the rear latching with the holding element. To connect a conductor, therefore, neither actuation by means of the actuating element nor an additional tool is required. The pressure surface is aligned in such a way that it limits the conductor connection space in the conductor insertion direction.By means of the actuating element, the clamping leg can be pivoted from the clamping position in the direction of the holding leg until the clamping leg engages with the holding element of the slide arrangement.
[0008] The slide element is preferably arranged in the housing such that the sliding direction of the slide element extends parallel to an actuation direction of the actuation element. The slide element and the actuation element can thus be moved or displaced parallel to each other. The slide element and the actuation element can then have the same actuation direction. Both the actuation direction of the actuation element and the sliding direction of the slide element preferably correspond to the insertion direction of the conductor into the housing and into the conductor connection space.
[0009] The at least one holding element can have a holding surface for holding the clamping leg in the open position and a driving surface along which the clamping leg slides when transferred from the clamping position to the open position. If the clamping leg is actuated by means of the actuating element in order to be transferred from the clamping position to the open position, the clamping leg can slide along the driving surface of the holding element, whereby the clamping leg can exert a compressive force on the holding element and thus on the slide element, so that the slide element is displaced in the sliding direction until the clamping leg slides from the driving surface onto the holding surface and can thereby latch onto the holding element. When sliding along the driving surface, the slide element can be moved in the same direction as the actuating element, which presses on the clamping leg.The clamping leg can slide with its clamping edge along the driving surface and lock onto the holding surface.
[0010] The slide element can preferably have a first wall surface and a second wall surface arranged opposite the first wall surface, wherein the conductor connection space can extend between the first wall surface and the second wall surface and wherein the first wall surface and / or the second wall surface can form a conductor guide. The clamping of the conductor to be connected can then take place within the slide element, between the two wall surfaces of the slide element. The two wall surfaces are spaced apart from one another so far that the clamping leg of the clamping spring can be pivoted between the two wall surfaces in order to be able to move into the clamped position and into the open position. The first wall surface and / or the second wall surface can then simultaneously also form a lateral guide for the conductor within the conductor connection space, so that incorrect insertion or escape of the conductor to be connected can be prevented.The first wall surface and / or the second wall surface can be arranged such that they form an extension of the housing wall defining the conductor insertion opening. Thus, a conductor to be connected can be guided from the housing's conductor insertion opening along the immediately adjacent first and / or second wall surface of the slide element into the conductor connection space.
[0011] The slide element can have an opening through which the current bar can be passed. The slide element can then be arranged on the current bar, in particular plugged onto the current bar. The slide element can have a rear wall which can extend parallel to the section of the current bar which can be passed through the opening of the slide element. This section can form a clamping section of the current bar, against which the conductor to be connected is clamped in the clamping position of the clamping spring. During a sliding movement of the slide element, the slide element can be guided with its rear wall along the clamping section of the current bar, such that the rear wall can form a guide for the slide element. The opening can be formed in the region of the pressure surface of the slide element. The slide element can have a box shape.The slide element can then have a rectangular basic shape. This distinguishes the slide element from the bar-shaped actuating element.
[0012] The slide element can be spring-actuated. For this purpose, the slide arrangement can have a return spring which can interact with the slide element. If the clamping leg slides along the driving surface of the at least one holding element during its pivoting movement from the clamping position to the open position, the return spring can be tensioned by the sliding movement of the slide element. As soon as the clamping leg has been pivoted far enough that it moves from the driving surface to the holding surface of the at least one holding element, the spring force of the return spring can move the slide element back to its original position in the opposite direction of the sliding direction and the clamping leg can engage behind the at least one holding element. If a conductor to be connected strikes the pressure surface of the slide element during connection, the slide element is moved in the sliding direction and the return spring is tensioned.As soon as the clamping leg disengages from at least one retaining element, the spring force of the return spring can move the slide element back to its original position, counter to the sliding direction. The return spring ensures that the slide element is always moved back to its defined original position after being actuated by the clamping leg of the clamping spring or by the conductor to be connected.
[0013] The return spring is preferably supported on the current bar. This allows the return spring to be supported against a metal element. The return spring is preferably supported against a section of the current bar that extends at an angle, in particular at a 90° angle, to the clamping section.
[0014] To securely mount the return spring on the slide element, the slide element can have a receiving pocket into which the return spring is inserted. This allows a positive connection to be formed between the slide element and the return spring.
[0015] The return spring can be designed as a spiral spring or as a leaf spring, for example. If the return spring is designed as a leaf spring, it can be mounted on the slide element in such a way that the return spring designed as a leaf spring engages around a bottom wall of the slide element in a U-shape. The return spring designed as a leaf spring can then have a first leg and a second leg, wherein the two legs can be connected to one another via an arcuate section. The return spring can be supported on the current bar with the first leg. The return spring can be mounted on the slide element with the second leg. For example, a receiving pocket can be formed on the inner surface of the first wall surface and on the inner surface of the second wall surface of the slide element, into which receiving pocket the return spring is inserted with its second leg.
[0016] The return spring can be formed as a separate component from the slide element. The slide element can be made of a plastic material, for example. The return spring can be made of a metal material, for example.
[0017] Furthermore, it is possible for the slide element and the return spring to be made of the same material. For example, the slide element and the return spring can both be made of a metal material. It is also possible for the slide element and the return spring to both be made of a plastic material.
[0018] Furthermore, it is possible for the return spring to be formed integrally with the slide element. In such a configuration, the return spring is preferably designed as a leaf spring. The return spring designed as a leaf spring can then, for example, form a type of tongue shape. A first end of the return spring can be supported against the current bar. A second end opposite the first end can be integrally connected to the slide element. Furthermore, the return spring designed as a leaf spring can also be bent into a U-shape. The return spring can be supported on the current bar with a first leg of the U-shape. The return spring can be integrally connected to the slide element with a second leg of the U-shape.
[0019] The at least one holding element can, for example, be formed on the slide element. A first holding element can then preferably be arranged on an inner surface of the first wall surface of the slide element facing in the direction of the conductor connection space, and a second holding element can then be arranged on an inner surface of the second wall surface of the slide element facing in the direction of the conductor connection space. The two holding elements are then preferably arranged opposite one another. Both the first holding element and the second holding element can protrude into the conductor connection space starting from the inner surface of the respective wall surface. The first holding element and the second holding element can each be designed in the form of a holding lug. Both holding elements can then each form a driving surface and a holding surface.In the clamping position, the clamping leg can engage with the first end of its clamping edge on the first holding element and with the second end of its clamping edge on the second holding element.
[0020] Furthermore, it is possible for the at least one retaining element to be formed on the return spring. This can be particularly preferably provided if the return spring is designed as a leaf spring and surrounds a bottom wall of the slide element in a U-shape. The at least one retaining element can then be formed on the second leg of the return spring, which is mounted on the slide element. The return spring can then be shaped in the region of its second leg such that the at least one retaining element is formed there, forming a driving surface and a retaining surface.
[0021] The connection arrangement designed and further developed as described above can be formed, for example, in a connection terminal, such as a series terminal or a printed circuit board connection terminal.
[0022] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the attached drawings using preferred embodiments.
[0023] They show:
[0024] Fig. 1A is a schematic representation of a connection arrangement according to the invention in a clamping position of the clamping leg of the clamping spring, Fig. 1B is a schematic representation of the connection arrangement shown in Fig. 1 with the clamping leg of the clamping spring in an open position,
[0025] Fig. 2A and 2B a schematic representation of a slide element of the connection arrangement shown in Fig. 1A and 1B,
[0026] Fig. 3 is a schematic representation of an arrangement of current bars,
[0027] Slide element and clamping spring of the connection arrangement shown in Fig. 1A and 1B,
[0028] Fig. 4 is a schematic detailed view of a section of Fig. 3,
[0029] Fig. 5 is a further schematic representation of the arrangement shown in Fig. 3,
[0030] Fig. 6A is a schematic sectional view of the connection arrangement shown in Fig. 1A and 1B when inserting a conductor to be connected into the conductor connection space,
[0031] Fig. 6B is a schematic sectional view of the connection arrangement shown in Fig. 1A and 1B when releasing the clamping leg from the rear locking with the slide element,
[0032] Fig. 6C is a schematic sectional view of the connection arrangement shown in Fig. 1A and 1B with the clamping leg in the clamping position,
[0033] Fig. 7A is a schematic sectional view of a further embodiment of a connection arrangement with the clamping leg of the clamping spring in the clamping position,
[0034] Fig. 7B is a schematic sectional view of the connection arrangement shown in Fig. 7A with the clamping leg in the open position, Fig. 8 is a schematic view of the return spring of the connection arrangement shown in Fig. 7A and
[0035] 7B shown connection arrangement,
[0036] Fig. 9 is a schematic representation of the slide element together with the return spring shown in Fig. 8,
[0037] Fig. 10 is a schematic representation of a further embodiment of a
[0038] Slide element with a return spring,
[0039] Fig. 11 is a schematic representation of the arrangement shown in Fig. 10 with a current bar and a clamping spring,
[0040] Fig. 12A is a schematic sectional view of a further embodiment of a connection arrangement with a return spring with a slide element as shown in Fig. 10 with the clamping leg of the clamping spring in the open position, and
[0041] Fig. 12B is a schematic sectional view of the connection arrangement shown in Fig. 12A with the clamping leg of the clamping spring in the clamping position.
[0042] Figs. 1A and 1B show a connection arrangement 100 according to a possible embodiment. This connection arrangement 100 can, for example, be integrated into a connection terminal, such as a terminal block.
[0043] The connection arrangement 100 comprises a housing 110 made of an insulating material. A conductor connection chamber 111 is formed in an interior of the housing 110, within which the conductor 200 to be connected is connected. The conductor 200 to be connected can be inserted into the conductor connection chamber 111 via a conductor insertion opening 121 formed in the housing 110. A current bar 112 with its clamping section 122 projects into the conductor connection chamber 111, against which the conductor 200 to be connected can be clamped and connected by means of a clamping spring 113. The clamping spring 113 is designed as a leg spring having a holding leg 114 and a clamping leg 115. The clamping leg 115 clamps the conductor 200 to be connected against the current bar 112 or against the clamping section 122 of the current bar 112.
[0044] An actuating element 116 is provided to transfer the clamping leg 115 from a clamped position, as shown in Fig. 1A, into an open position, as shown in Fig. 1B. The actuating element 116 is guided essentially linearly in a housing shaft 117 of the housing 110. The actuating element 116 has an actuating section 118 at its lower end in the actuating direction B of the actuating element 116, as can be seen, for example, in the sectional view of Fig. 6A. An actuating surface 119 is formed on an outer peripheral surface of the actuating section 118, which actuating surface is in operative connection with the clamping leg 115, in particular when the clamping leg 115 is actuated.At an upper end, the actuating element 116 has a tool engagement surface 120 into which a tool, such as a screwdriver, can engage in order to actuate the actuating element 116 by guiding the actuating element 116 in the actuation direction B.
[0045] The connection assembly 100 further comprises a slide assembly 150 arranged in the housing 110. The slide assembly 150 can be used to hold the clamping leg 115 of the clamping spring 113 in the open position. The slide assembly 150 can be designed in various ways, with each slide assembly 150 comprising a slide element 123 and a return spring 135.
[0046] In Fig. 2A and 2B, the slide element 123 shown in Fig. 1A and 1B is shown again on its own.
[0047] The slide element 123 has a first retaining element 124A and a second retaining element 124B, which interact with the clamping leg 115, in particular with the clamping edge 125 of the clamping leg 115, to hold the clamping leg 115 in the open position. The two retaining elements 124A, 124B are arranged opposite one another.
[0048] The two holding elements 124A, 124B each have a driving surface 126A, 126B and a holding surface 127A, 127B. If the clamping leg 115 is actuated by means of the actuating element 116 in order to be transferred from the clamped position into the open position, the clamping leg 115 can slide along the driving surface 126A, 126B of the holding element 124A, 124B, whereby the clamping leg 115 exerts a compressive force on the holding element 124A, 124B and thus on the slide element 123, so that the slide element 123 is displaced in the sliding direction S until the clamping leg 115 slides with its clamping edge 125 from the driving surface 126A, 126B onto the holding surface 127A, 127B and can thereby engage behind the holding element 124A, 124B. When sliding along the driving surface 126A, 126B, the slide element 123 can be moved in the same direction as the actuating element 116, which presses on the clamping leg 115.The clamping leg 115 can slide with its clamping edge 125 along the driving surface 126A, 126B and engage the retaining surface 127A, 127B. The driving surface 126A, 126B extends at an angle, in particular at an angle between 60° and 100°, to the retaining surface 127A, 127B. Viewed in the sliding direction S, the retaining surface 127A, 127B extends below the driving surface 126A, 126B.
[0049] The slide element 123 has a first wall surface 128A and a second wall surface 128B arranged opposite the first wall surface 128A. The two wall surfaces 128A, 128B are arranged at a distance from one another, with the conductor connection space 111 extending into the free space between the two wall surfaces 128A, 128B. The clamping leg 115 of the clamping spring 113 is pivotably positioned in the free space between the two wall surfaces 128A, 128B. The clamping of the conductor 200 to be connected takes place between the first wall surface 128A and the second wall surface 128B.
[0050] The first wall surface 128A is designed to be so long that it forms an extension of the wall 129 of the housing 110 that delimits the conductor insertion opening 121, as can be seen in particular in Figs. 1A and 1B. The conductor 200 inserted into the conductor insertion opening 111 is thereby guided further along the wall surface 128A, 128B of the slide element 123 following the wall 129, so that the first wall surface 128A and / or the second wall surface 128B form a conductor guide in the region of the conductor connection space 111.
[0051] The two retaining elements 124A, 124B are formed on the two wall surfaces 128A, 128B. The first retaining element 124A is arranged on the inner surface 130A of the first wall surface 128A facing toward the conductor connection space 111, and the second retaining element 124B is arranged on the inner surface 130B of the second wall surface 128B facing toward the conductor connection space 111. The two retaining elements 124A, 124 protrude from the inner surface of the respective wall surface 128A, 128B, in particular toward the conductor connection space 111. The retaining elements 124A, 124B each have a nose shape.
[0052] The two wall surfaces 128A, 128B are connected to each other via a rear wall 131 and a bottom wall 132 of the slide element 123. The rear wall 131 extends perpendicular to the bottom wall 132.
[0053] The bottom wall 132 has a pressure surface 133 pointing toward the conductor connection space 111. A conductor 200 to be connected can abut against the pressure surface 133 to displace the slide element 123 in the sliding direction S.
[0054] The rear wall 131 of the slide element 123 extends parallel to the clamping section 122 of the current bar 112. During a sliding movement of the slide element 123 along the sliding direction S, the slide element 123 can be guided with its rear wall 131 along the clamping section 122 of the current bar 112, so that the rear wall 131 can form a guide for the slide element 123.
[0055] The slide element 123 has an opening 134 through which the current bar 112 is guided with its clamping section 122. The opening 134 extends along the bottom wall 132 and the rear wall 131 of the slide element 123. The slide element 123 can be pushed or plugged onto the current bar 112 through the opening 134. In the assembled state, as can be seen, for example, in Fig. 3, the clamping section 122 of the current bar 112 is arranged between the rear wall 131 of the slide element 123 and the clamping spring 113.
[0056] The slider element 123, as shown in Figs. 2A and 2B, has a rectangular box shape.
[0057] Fig. 3 shows an arrangement of current bar 112, clamping spring 113, and slide element 123. Here, the clamping spring 113 is in the open position with its clamping leg 113 in that the clamping leg 113 is latched with its clamping edge 125 onto the retaining surfaces 127A, 127B of the two retaining elements 124A, 124B, as can be seen, for example, in the detailed illustration of Fig. 4. As can be seen particularly in Fig. 5, the slide element 123 interacts with a return spring 135. Slide element 123 and return spring 135 together form the slide arrangement 150. If the clamping leg 115 slides during its pivoting movement from the clamping position into the open position along the driving surface 126A, 126B of the respective holding element 124A, 124B, the return spring 135 can be tensioned by the sliding movement of the slide element 123.As soon as the clamping leg 115 has been pivoted so far that it moves from the driving surface 126A, 126B to the holding surface 127A, 127B of the respective holding element 124A, 124B, the spring force of the return spring 135 can move the slide element 123 back to its starting position against the sliding direction S and the clamping leg 115 can engage behind the at least one holding element 124A, 124B. If a conductor 200 to be connected strikes the pressure surface 133 of the slide element 123 during connection, the slide element 123 is moved in the sliding direction S and the return spring 135 is tensioned. As soon as the clamping leg 115 has disengaged from the two holding elements 124A, 124B, the spring force of the return spring 135 can move the slide element 123 back into its starting position against the sliding direction S.
[0058] The return spring 135 is supported against a portion 136 of the current bar 112, which extends perpendicular to the clamping portion 122 of the current bar 112.
[0059] In the embodiment shown in Figs. 1A to 6C, the return spring 135 is designed as a spiral spring. The return spring 135 is a component formed separately from the slide element 123.
[0060] As can be seen in the sectional views of Figs. 6A to 6C, the slide element 123 has a receiving pocket 137 on its bottom wall 132, into which the return spring 135 engages.
[0061] In Figs. 6A to 6C, a process of connecting a conductor 200 is shown.
[0062] As can be seen in Fig. 6A, the conductor 200 is inserted through the conductor insertion opening 121 into the housing 110 in the insertion direction E. The clamping leg 115 of the clamping spring 113 is in the open position, in that the clamping leg 115 is in engagement with the two holding elements 124A, 124B of the slide element 123. When the conductor E is inserted into the conductor connection space 111, the conductor 200 abuts the pressure surface 133 of the slide element 123, which delimits the conductor connection space 111 in the insertion direction E. As a result, as can be seen in Fig. 6B, the slide element 123 is pushed downward in the sliding direction S, whereby the return spring 135 is tensioned and the clamping leg 115 is disengaged from the holding elements 124A, 124B of the slide element 123. The clamping leg 115 can now pivot in the direction of the conductor 200 to be connected in order to clamp the conductor 200 against the clamping section 122 of the current bar 112, as can be seen in Fig. 6C.
[0063] Figs. 7A to 9 show a further embodiment of a connection arrangement 100. This connection arrangement 100 differs from the connection arrangement shown in Figs. 1A to 6C only with regard to the design of the slider arrangement 150. The two retaining elements 124A, 124B are not formed on the slider element 123 here, but rather are formed on the return spring 135.
[0064] As can be seen particularly in Fig. 8, the return spring 135 is designed here in the form of a leaf spring. The return spring 135 has a first leg 138 and a second leg 139. The first leg 138 is connected to the second leg 139 via an arcuate section 140. The return spring 135 thus has a substantially U-shape. The return spring 135 can be formed from a spring sheet.
[0065] The first leg 138 has a first leg arm 141A and a second leg arm 141B extending parallel to the first leg arm 141A. The return spring 135 is supported on the section 136 of the current bar 112 by the first leg 138 or by the two leg arms 141A, 141B of the first leg 138, as can be seen in the sectional views of Figs. 7A and 7B.
[0066] The second leg 139 also has a first leg arm 142A and a second leg arm 142B extending parallel to the first leg arm 142A. The return spring 135 is held on the slide element 123 by the second leg 139. For this purpose, a receiving pocket 137 is formed on the first wall surface 128A and on the second wall surface 128B of the slide element 123, wherein the first leg arm 142A engages in the receiving pocket 137 on the first wall surface 128A and the second leg arm 142B engages in the receiving pocket 137 on the second wall surface 128B.
[0067] In this embodiment, the two retaining elements 124A, 124B are formed on the return spring 135. The two retaining elements 124A, 124B are formed on the two leg arms 142A, 142B of the second leg 139. The two leg arms 142A, 142B are bent in such a way that they each form a retaining element 124A, 124B, which has a driving surface 126A, 126B and a holding surface 127A, 127B. In the area of the retaining elements 124A, 124B, the two leg arms 142A, 142B each have an S-shaped bend, through which the driving surface 126A, 126B and the holding surface 127A, 127B are formed.
[0068] In this embodiment, the clamping leg 115 with its clamping edge 125 engages in the open position on the return spring 135 made of a metal material, so that metal can be clamped against metal.
[0069] The functionality of the connection arrangement 100 shown in Figs. 7A and 7B is the same as that of the connection arrangement 100 shown in Figs. 1A to 6C.
[0070] To connect a conductor 200, it can be inserted into the housing 110 in the insertion direction E via the conductor insertion opening 121. The clamping leg 115 of the clamping spring 113 is in the open position in that the clamping leg 115 is in engagement with the two holding elements 124A, 124B of the slide arrangement 150 formed on the return spring 135, as can be seen in Fig. 7B. If the conductor E is inserted into the conductor connection space 111, the conductor 200 abuts against the pressure surface 133 of the slide element 123 which delimits the conductor connection space 111 in the insertion direction E. As a result, the slide element 123 is pushed downwards in the sliding direction S, whereby the return spring 135 is tensioned by the first leg 38 of the return spring 135 being moved in the sliding direction S, and the clamping leg 115 comes out of engagement with the holding elements 124A, 124B of the slide arrangement 150.The clamping leg 115 can now pivot toward the conductor 200 to be connected in order to clamp the conductor 200 against the clamping section 122 of the current bar 112, as can be seen in the clamping position shown in Fig. 7A. Figs. 10 to 12B show a further embodiment of a connection arrangement 100. This connection arrangement 100 also differs from the connection arrangement shown in Figs. 1A to 6C only with regard to the design of the slider arrangement 150.
[0071] The slide element 123 and the return spring 135 are formed integrally with each other. Both the slide element 123 and the return spring 135 can be made of a metal material.
[0072] The return spring 135 is designed as a leaf spring. The return spring 135 is elongated and has a first end 143 and a second end 144 arranged opposite the first end 143. The first end 143 of the return spring 135 is supported on the section 136 of the current bar 112, as can be seen in Fig. 11. The second end 144 of the return spring 135 is integrally connected to the slide element 123. The return spring 135 has a tongue shape here. The return spring 135 is connected to the slide element 123 between the two wall surfaces 128A, 128B of the slide element 123. The return spring 135 is integrally formed with the bottom wall 132 of the slide element 123.
[0073] The return spring 135, together with the slide element 123, is a stamped and bent part.
[0074] The two retaining elements 124A, 124B are formed on the two wall surfaces 128A, 128B of the slide element 123. In the area of the retaining elements 124A, 124B, the wall surfaces 128A, 128B are inclined toward the conductor connection space 111, so that in the area of the two retaining elements 124A, 124B, the two wall surfaces 128A, 128B are spaced closer together than in the remaining area of the two wall surfaces 128A, 128B. The engaging surface 126A, 126B of the two retaining elements 124A, 124B extends essentially transversely to the sliding direction S of the slide element 123. The engaging surface 127A, 127B of the two retaining elements 124A, 124B extends in the sliding direction S and thus perpendicular to the engaging surface 126A, 126B. The first retaining element 124A is formed here on a tab 145 punched out of the first wall surface 128A. The slide element 123 has no rear wall here, as can be seen in Figs. 10 and 11.The two wall surfaces 128A, 128B are only connected to each other via the bottom wall 132.
[0075] The two wall surfaces 128A, 128B of the slide element 123 are designed to be so long that they form an extension of the wall 129 of the housing 110 that delimits the conductor insertion opening 121. The conductor 200 inserted into the conductor insertion opening 111 is thereby guided further along the wall surface 128A, 128B of the slide element 123 following the wall 129, so that the first wall surface 128A and / or the second wall surface 128B form a conductor guide in the region of the conductor connection space 111.
[0076] The functionality of the connection arrangement 100 shown in Figs. 12A and 12B is the same as that of the connection arrangement 100 shown in Figs. 1A to 6C.
[0077] To connect a conductor 200, it can be inserted into the housing 110 in the insertion direction E via the conductor insertion opening 121. The clamping leg 115 of the clamping spring 113 is in the open position in that the clamping leg 115 is in engagement with the two holding elements 124A, 124B of the slider arrangement 150 formed on the slider element 123, as can be seen in Fig. 12A. If the conductor 200 is inserted into the conductor connection space 111 in the conductor insertion direction E, the conductor 200 strikes the pressure surface 133 of the slide element 123 which delimits the conductor connection space 111 in the insertion direction E. As a result, the slide element 123 is pushed downwards in the sliding direction S, whereby the return spring 135 is tensioned by the second end 144 of the return spring 135 being moved together with the slide element 123 in the sliding direction S, and the clamping leg 115 comes out of engagement with the holding elements 124A, 124B of the slide arrangement 150.The clamping leg 115 can now pivot toward the conductor 200 to be connected in order to clamp the conductor 200 against the clamping section 122 of the current bar 112, as can be seen in the clamping position shown in Fig. 12B. List of reference symbols.
[0078] 100 connection arrangement
[0079] 110 housings
[0080] 111 Conductor connection compartment
[0081] 112 current bars
[0082] 113 clamping spring
[0083] 114 holding legs
[0084] 115 clamping legs
[0085] 116 Actuating element
[0086] 117 Housing bay
[0087] 118 Operating section
[0088] 119 Actuating surface
[0089] 120 tool engagement surface
[0090] 121 Conductor insertion opening
[0091] 122 clamping section
[0092] 123 Slide element
[0093] 124A, 124B retaining element
[0094] 125 clamping edge
[0095] 126A, 126B Driving surface
[0096] 127A, 127B holding surface
[0097] 128A, 128B wall surface
[0098] 129 wall
[0099] 130A, 130B inner surface
[0100] 131 Rear wall
[0101] 132 floor wall
[0102] 133 print area
[0103] 134 Opening
[0104] 135 Return spring
[0105] Section 136
[0106] 137 Recording pocket
[0107] 138 First thighs
[0108] 139 Second leg
[0109] 140 Arched section
[0110] 141A, 141B Thigh arm 142A, 142B Thigh arm
[0111] 143 First End
[0112] 144 Second Ending
[0113] 145 Tab 150 Slider arrangement
[0114] 200 ladders
[0115] B Actuating direction E Insertion direction
[0116] S sliding direction
Claims
Claims 1. Connection arrangement (100) for connecting an electrical conductor (200), with - a case (110), - a conductor connection space formed in the housing (111), - a current bar (112) against which the conductor (200) to be connected, which is inserted into the conductor connection space (111), can be clamped, - a clamping spring (113) which has a clamping leg (115) which can be moved into a clamping position and into an open position, - an actuating element (116) by means of which the clamping leg (115) of the clamping spring (113) can be moved from the clamping position to the open position, and - a slide arrangement (150) on which a retaining element (124A, 124B) is formed for holding the clamping leg (115) in the open position, - wherein the slider arrangement (150) has a slider element (123) arranged to be linearly displaceable in the housing (110), - wherein the sliding element (123) has a pressure surface (133) which can be actuated by the conductor (200) to be connected in order to transfer the clamping spring (113) from the open position to the clamping position and by actuating the pressure surface (133) the sliding element (123) can be linearly displaced in a sliding direction (S) such that the clamping leg (115) can be disengaged from the at least one retaining element (124A, 124B) of the sliding arrangement (150).
2. Connection arrangement (100) according to claim 1 , characterized in that the sliding direction (S) of the sliding element (123) extends parallel to an actuating direction (B) of the actuating element (116).
3. Connection arrangement (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the at least one retaining element (124A, 124B) has a retaining surface (127A, 127B) for holding the clamping leg (115) in the open position and a drive surface (126A, 126B) along which the clamping leg (115) slides when transitioning from the clamping position to the open position.
4. Connection arrangement (100) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the sliding element (123) has a first wall surface (128A) and a a second wall surface (128B) arranged opposite the first wall surface (128A), wherein the conductor connection space (111) extends between the first wall surface (128A) and the second wall surface (128B) and wherein the first wall surface (128A) and / or the second wall surface (128B) form a conductor guide.
5. Connection arrangement (100) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the sliding element (123) has an opening (134) through which the current bar (112) is passed.
6. Connection arrangement (100) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the sliding element (123) has a box shape.
7. Connection arrangement (100) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the slider arrangement (150) has a return spring (135) which interacts with the slider element (123).
8. Connection arrangement (100) according to claim 7, characterized in that the return spring (135) is supported on the current bar (112).
9. Connection arrangement (100) according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the sliding element (123) has a receiving pocket (137) into which the return spring (135) is inserted.
10. Connection arrangement (100) according to one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that the return spring (135) is designed as a coil spring or as a leaf spring.
11. Connection arrangement (100) according to claim 10, characterized in that the return spring (135) designed as a leaf spring surrounds a bottom wall (132) of the sliding element (123) in a U-shape.
12. Connection arrangement (100) according to one of claims 7 to 11, characterized in that the sliding element (123) and the return spring (135) are made of the same material.
13. Connection arrangement (100) according to one of claims 7 to 12, characterized in that the return spring (135) is formed integrally with the slide element (123).
14. Connection arrangement (100) according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the at least one retaining element (124A, 124B) is formed on the sliding element (123).
15. Connection arrangement (100) according to claim 14, characterized in that a first retaining element (124A) is formed on an inner surface (130A) of the first wall surface (128A) of the sliding element (123) pointing towards the conductor connection space (111) and a second retaining element (124B) of the sliding element (123) is formed on an inner surface (130B) of the second wall surface (128B) pointing towards the conductor connection space (111).
16. Connection arrangement (100) according to one of claims 7 to 13, characterized in that the at least one retaining element (125A, 125B) is formed on the return spring (135).