Connection arrangement and connection terminal

Abstract

The invention relates to a connection arrangement (100) for connecting an electrical conductor (L), comprising a housing (110) having a conductor insertion opening (111), a current bar (112) arranged in the housing (110), a clamping spring (113) arranged in the housing (110), which clamping spring has a holding leg (116) and a clamping leg (117), wherein the clamping leg (117) can be transferred into a clamped position and into an open position, an actuating element (139), by means of which the clamping leg (117) can be transferred from the clamped position into the open position by moving the actuating element (139) along an actuating direction (B), and a triggering element (119), which in the open position of the clamping leg (117) is engaged with the clamping leg (117) in such a way that the clamping leg (117) can be released by means of the triggering element (119) in the open position and which is pivotally mounted on the clamping spring (113) in such a way thatthat when the conductor (L) to be connected is inserted into the conductor insertion opening (111) in the insertion direction (E), the triggering element (119) can be actuated via a pressure surface (120) of the triggering element (119) in such a way that the clamping leg (117) is disengaged from the triggering element (119) and pivots from the open position into the clamping position, wherein the triggering element (119) has a triggering arm (137) which can be actuated by means of the actuating element (139) in such a way that the clamping leg (117) is disengaged from the triggering element (119) and pivots from the open position into the clamping position.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a connection arrangement for connecting an electrical conductor. Furthermore, the invention relates to a connection terminal, in particular a terminal block, with such a connection arrangement.

[0002] 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 the 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 an 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. Only with rigid and therefore stable conductors can the conductor apply sufficient force to the clamping spring or the clamping leg of the clamping spring to pivot the clamping leg away from the current bar without the user having to actuate 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 user must manually actuate the actuating element a second time to move the clamping spring from the open position to the clamped position. Manually actuating the actuating element makes installation or connecting the conductor more difficult for the user, as it is cumbersome and therefore time-consuming.

[0003] The invention is based on the object of providing a connection arrangement in which the connection of, in particular, flexible conductors can be simplified.

[0004] The object is achieved according to the invention with the features of the independent claims. Expedient embodiments and advantageous further developments of the invention are specified in the subclaims.

[0005] The connection arrangement according to the invention comprises a housing having a conductor insertion opening, a current bar arranged in the housing, a clamping spring arranged in the housing, which has a holding leg and a clamping leg, wherein the clamping leg can be transferred into a clamping position and into an open position, and an actuating element by means of which the clamping leg can be transferred from the clamping position into the open position by moving the actuating element along an actuating direction.In addition, the connection arrangement has a trigger element which, in the open position of the clamping leg, engages with the clamping leg in such a way that the clamping leg is held in the open position by means of the trigger element, and which is pivotally mounted on the clamping spring in such a way that when the conductor to be connected is inserted into the conductor insertion opening in the insertion direction, the trigger element can be actuated via a pressure surface of the trigger element in such a way that the clamping leg comes out of engagement with the trigger element and pivots from the open position into the clamping position, wherein the trigger element has a trigger arm which can be actuated by means of the actuating element in such a way that the clamping leg comes out of engagement with the trigger element and pivots from the open position into the clamping position.

[0006] By means of 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 which is designed to be pivotable relative to the holding leg. By a pivoting movement of the clamping leg of the clamping spring, this can be moved into an open position, in which the clamping leg is arranged at a distance from the current bar, in particular at a distance from a clamping section of the current bar, and a conductor to be connected can be inserted into or removed from an intermediate space or conductor connection space formed thereby between the current bar or the clamping section of the current bar and the clamping leg, and into a clamping position, in which the clamping leg is attached to the current bar orthe clamping section of the current bar or on the connected conductor in order to clamp the conductor against the current bar or the clamping section of 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 so that it can move purely linearly. As soon as the clamping leg has reached the open position by actuation using the actuating element, the clamping leg engages with the release element so that the clamping leg can be held in the open position via the release element and thus an unintentional pivoting of the clamping leg back from the open position to the clamped position can be prevented. The release element and clamping spring can form a closed force system in the open position of the clamping leg.Once the open position of the clamping leg is reached, the actuating element can be moved away from the clamping leg of the clamping spring in the opposite direction to the actuating direction of the actuating element, without the clamping leg following the actuating element. In the open position itself, the actuating element can be positioned at a distance from the clamping leg of the clamping spring. If the clamping leg is held in the open position by the trigger element, the actuating element can move back in the opposite direction to the actuating direction, preferably into a central position, so that in the open position of the clamping leg there is no longer any operative connection between the actuating element and the clamping leg. By pivoting the trigger element, the clamping leg can be disengaged from the trigger element again in order to pivot back into the clamping position and clamp a conductor to be connected against the current bar.The pivoting movement of the release element can be triggered by the conductor to be connected itself. When the conductor to be connected is inserted through the conductor entry opening into the conductor connection compartment, the conductor strikes the release element in the area of ​​the pressure surface of the release element, thereby triggering a tilting or pivoting movement of the release element. The tilting or pivoting movement of the release element can then release the operative connection between the release element and the clamping leg of the clamping spring. The release element releases the clamping leg, allowing the clamping leg to pivot independently in the direction of the conductor to be connected due to its spring force.If triggering by the conductor to be connected is not possible, for example because the conductor to be connected has a cross-section that is too small and cannot apply sufficient force to the pressure surface of the triggering element, the invention also provides for triggering of the triggering element via the actuating element. For this purpose, the triggering element has a trigger arm. Using a tool, the actuating element can then be moved from the central position back in the actuation direction, whereby the actuating element can apply a force to the trigger arm in the actuation direction of the actuation element. By applying the force to the trigger arm in the actuation direction, the triggering element tilts or pivots in the insertion direction orin the actuation direction, whereby the operative connection between the triggering element and the clamping leg of the clamping spring can be released by the triggering element releasing the clamping leg, so that the clamping leg can pivot independently in the direction of the conductor to be connected due to its spring force. The triggering element can therefore be triggered both via the conductor to be connected and via the actuating element, so that the clamping leg can disengage from the triggering element and can thus pivot into the clamping position. The actuating element is therefore not moved back to its original position after the clamping leg has been actuated in order to move it from the clamped position to the open position, but first into a central position in which the actuating element is still immersed in the actuating shaft.Only after the release element has been triggered, either by the conductor to be connected or by the actuating element, is the actuating element returned to its original position, in which the actuating element's top surface is flush with the outer surface of the housing. The actuating element can be returned to its original position by the spring force of the clamping leg of the clamping spring. When the clamping leg moves from the open position, the clamping position of the clamping leg presses against the actuating element, thereby moving it back to its original position, opposite to its actuating direction.

[0007] Preferably, the trigger element can engage with the clamping leg via a latching connection in the open position of the clamping leg, so that the trigger element can be latched to the clamping leg in the open position. The latching connection enables the trigger element to be simply and easily engaged and disengaged from the clamping leg. When the clamping leg is transferred from the clamping position to the open position, the compressive force of the actuating element in the actuation direction can pivot the clamping leg so far toward the holding leg that the clamping leg can latch onto the trigger element.

[0008] To form the locking mechanism, at least one projection can be formed on the clamping leg, which projection is arranged on a longitudinal edge surface of the clamping leg and can lock onto an undercut of the triggering element when the clamping leg of the clamping spring is in the open position. When the clamping leg is pivoted from the clamping position to the open position, the clamping leg with its at least one projection can be moved so far in the direction of the holding leg until the clamping leg with its at least one projection can hook onto the at least one undercut formed on the triggering element or can lock therewith. The clamping leg preferably has a projection on each of its two oppositely formed longitudinal edge surfaces, and the triggering element preferably also has two oppositely arranged undercuts, so that the clamping leg can lock onto the triggering element via its two longitudinal edge surfaces.This enables tilt-proof mounting of the clamping leg on the release element in the open position of the clamping leg. The at least one projection is preferably formed on the clamping leg at a distance from the clamping edge of the clamping leg. For example, the at least one projection can be formed on the clamping leg approximately midway along the length of the clamping leg. The at least one projection can extend transversely to the longitudinal extent of the clamping leg from the longitudinal edge surface of the clamping leg.

[0009] The trigger element can preferably be pivotally mounted on the retaining leg of the clamping spring. The trigger element can thus be mounted against the metal of the clamping spring and does not have to be mounted on the plastic of the housing. The trigger element is preferably designed as a separate component from the clamping spring. The trigger element can be detachably attached to the retaining leg of the clamping spring, in particular detachably suspended and / or clipped onto the retaining leg. The trigger element can then be pivoted relative to the retaining leg of the clamping spring, which is fixedly positioned in the housing. During assembly of the connection arrangement, the trigger element can be pre-assembled to the clamping spring and positioned as a single unit in the connection arrangement. In the assembled state, the trigger element and the clamping spring can form a pre-tensioned unit. This can prevent pre-tensioning forces from acting on the housing of the connection arrangement.

[0010] In order to be able to pivotally mount the trigger element on the holding leg, a pin can be formed on at least one longitudinal edge surface of the holding leg, which pin can engage in an opening formed on the trigger element. This enables simple assembly of the trigger element on the clamping spring. The at least one pin can form a pivot axis about which the trigger element can be pivoted. The holding leg preferably has two oppositely arranged pins, so that a pin is formed on each of the two oppositely arranged longitudinal edge surfaces of the holding leg. The trigger element then also preferably has two oppositely arranged openings, into which one of the pins can then engage. This enables tilt-proof pivotal mounting of the trigger element on the holding leg of the clamping spring.The pins preferably extend transversely to the longitudinal extent of the holding leg away from the respective longitudinal edge surface of the holding leg.

[0011] The trigger element can be designed such that it can have a U-shaped base body with a first side wall and a second side wall arranged opposite. The two side walls can laterally delimit the conductor connection space. The two side walls can form a guide surface for the conductor to be connected when inserted into the conductor connection space. The two side walls can be designed to be so long, viewed in the insertion direction, that they extend from a wall delimiting the conductor insertion opening of the housing and thus form a continuation of the housing wall. Incorrect insertion of the conductor to be connected can thus be prevented by the two side walls of the trigger element.

[0012] The base body can have a connecting wall extending transversely to the insertion direction for connecting the first side wall to the second side wall, wherein the pressure surface can be formed on the connecting wall. The connecting wall preferably extends transversely to the insertion direction. The connecting wall can delimit the conductor connection space downwards in the insertion direction. When the conductor is inserted into the conductor connection space, the conductor can thus strike the pressure surface in a targeted manner to pivot the release element and thus release the clamping leg, so that it can pivot automatically from the open position into the clamping position under its spring force.

[0013] At least one holding arm extending substantially transversely to the insertion direction can be formed on the base body, via which the trigger element can be pivotally mounted on the clamping spring. The pivotable mounting of the trigger element can thus be designed at a distance from the base body or the side walls of the base body. The at least one holding arm can extend from one of the side walls of the base body in the direction of the holding leg of the clamping spring. The opening into which the at least one pin of the holding leg of the clamping spring can be hooked or suspended can be formed on the at least one holding arm. The trigger element preferably has two holding arms extending substantially parallel to one another.A first retaining arm can then extend from the first side wall toward the retaining leg, and a second retaining arm can extend from the second side wall toward the retaining leg. An opening can then be formed on each of the two retaining arms, into which a pin of the retaining leg can engage in order to pivotally mount the release element on the retaining leg of the clamping spring via both retaining arms.

[0014] The actuating element can preferably have a ramp contour that can interact with the trigger arm of the trigger element. The ramp contour can be designed such that when the clamping leg is transferred from the clamping position to the open position, the actuating element can be guided past the trigger arm with its ramp contour. For this purpose, the ramp contour can have a guide bevel along which the trigger arm can slide. The ramp contour can be formed on a longitudinal side surface of the actuating element.

[0015] The ramp contour can have a shoulder against which the release arm of the release element can rest after the clamping leg has been moved from the clamped position to the open position by means of the actuating element and the actuating element has subsequently been moved back against the actuation direction into the center position of the actuating element. If the release element is triggered by the actuating element, the actuating element can exert a compressive force on the release arm in the actuation direction by moving it in the actuation direction with its shoulder of the ramp contour, whereby the entire release element tilts or pivots and the clamping leg can thereby disengage from the release element. The shoulder can be formed on the guide bevel, in particular on the edge that delimits the guide bevel at the bottom, as seen in the actuation direction.If the actuating element is moved from the actuating position to the middle position, the trigger arm can slide along the guide bevel of the actuating element and come to rest against the shoulder at the end of the guide bevel.

[0016] In order to reliably move the actuating element from the actuating position opposite to the actuating direction to the center position or the starting position, the clamping spring can have an actuating leg via which the actuating element can be moved into the center position after the clamping leg has been transferred from the clamped position to the open position. The actuating leg can protrude from the clamping leg. The actuating element can have an undercut against which the actuating leg can rest. The undercut can be formed on a longitudinal side surface of the actuating element, which is preferably opposite the longitudinal side surface of the actuating element on which the ramp contour is formed. The ramp contour and the undercut are thus preferably formed on different longitudinal side surfaces of the actuating element.

[0017] It is also possible for the clamping spring to have a spring leg which can interact with the triggering element in such a way that the triggering element is pre-tensioned when the clamping leg of the clamping spring is in the clamping position. The spring leg is preferably arranged and designed such that its spring force presses against the insertion direction on the triggering element. As seen in the insertion direction, the spring leg interacts with the triggering element below the pressure surface. For this purpose, the spring leg can exert a compressive force on the triggering element against the connecting wall below the conductor connection space. When a conductor is connected, the spring leg is deflected in the insertion direction and thus tensioned by applying a compressive force to the pressure surface via the conductor, whereby the triggering element is pre-tensioned in the clamping position by means of the spring leg.If the conductor is released from the clamped position and thus from the connection arrangement, the spring leg can pivot the release element back to its original position, counter to the insertion direction, so that the release element can engage with the clamping leg and hold it in the open position. The spring leg can thus act as a reset element for the release element. Furthermore, the spring leg can be used to tension the release element against the clamping spring in the open position, allowing the release element and clamping spring to form a preloaded unit so that they can be mounted together in the connection arrangement and, in particular, on the current bar.

[0018] The spring leg is preferably designed such that it can extend from the holding leg of the clamping spring substantially transversely to the insertion direction.

[0019] The clamping spring can be suspended from the current bar. The clamping spring can thus be suspended from the current bar as a preassembled unit, together with the trigger element pivotably mounted on the clamping spring. Support of the clamping spring and / or the trigger element on the housing can thus be reduced as much as possible. The clamping spring can be suspended from the current bar via its retaining leg, with a through-opening formed on the retaining leg, into which the current bar can be inserted with its clamping section, so that the clamping section of the current bar can protrude through the through-opening on the retaining leg of the clamping spring.

[0020] The object according to the invention can further be achieved by means of a connection terminal, in particular a series terminal, which can have at least the connection arrangement designed and developed as described above.

[0021] The connection arrangement designed and further developed as described above can be part of a connection terminal, which can be designed, for example, as a series terminal or printed circuit board terminal. The connection arrangement can also be used in a connector.

[0022] In particular, when used in a terminal block which can be snapped onto a mounting rail, two or more of the connection arrangements designed and further developed as described above can preferably be used.

[0023] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings using a preferred embodiment.

[0024] It shows Fig. 1A to 1C a schematic representation or sectional representation of a connection arrangement according to the invention when transferring the clamping leg of the clamping spring from the clamping position into the open position, Fig. 2A to 2D a schematic representation or sectional representation of the in Fig. 1A bis 1C shown connection arrangement with the actuating element in the middle position and the clamping leg of the clamping spring in the open position, Fig. 3A and 3B a schematic representation and sectional view of the in Fig. 1A bis 1C shown connection arrangement when connecting a conductor, and Fig. 4A and 4B a schematic representation and sectional view of the in Fig. 1A bis 1C shown connection arrangement with the clamping leg of the clamping spring in the clamping position and the conductor connected.

[0025] In Fig. 1A bis 4B A connection arrangement 100 according to the invention is shown. The connection arrangement 100 has a housing 110. The housing 110 can be made of an insulating material, such as a plastic material. The housing 110 has a conductor insertion opening 111, through which a conductor L to be connected can be inserted in the insertion direction E into the housing 110 in order to be connected to the connection arrangement 100.

[0026] A current bar 112 and a clamping spring 113 are positioned in the housing 110. By means of the clamping spring 113, a conductor L inserted into the housing 110 can be clamped against the current bar 110 and thus connected. The current bar 110 has a clamping section 114 against which the conductor L to be connected can be clamped and thus connected by means of the clamping spring 113. Furthermore, the current bar 112 has a bearing section 115, which extends at a 90° angle to the clamping section 114.

[0027] The clamping spring 113 is designed as a leg spring. The clamping spring 113 has a holding leg 116 and a clamping leg 117. The clamping leg 117 is pivotable relative to the holding leg 116 in order to transfer the clamping leg 117 into a clamped position and an open position. The clamping leg 117 has a clamping edge 118 at its free end section, which can be seen in the sectional views and which clamps the conductor L to be connected against the clamping section 114 of the current bar 112 when the clamping leg 117 is in the clamped position.

[0028] Viewed in the insertion direction E of the conductor L, a conductor connection space 150 formed between the clamping section 114 of the current bar 112 and the clamping leg 117 of the clamping spring 113 is delimited downwards by a pressure surface 120 of a trigger element 119. The trigger element 119 is detachably connected to the clamping spring 113, in particular pivotally mounted on the clamping spring 113.

[0029] The trigger element 119 has the pressure surface 120 pointing in the direction of the conductor insertion opening 111, against which a conductor L can strike when inserted into the conductor connection compartment 150. If the conductor L strikes the pressure surface 120, a pivoting or tilting movement V of the trigger element 119 in the insertion direction E occurs, as shown in Fig. 3A , 3B is marked.

[0030] The trigger element 119 has a U-shaped base body 121, which has two side walls 122A, 122B extending parallel to one another and a connecting wall 123 connecting the two side walls 122A, 122B. The two side walls 122A, 122B extend in the insertion direction E. The connecting wall 123 extends transversely to the insertion direction E. The pressure surface 120 pointing in the direction of the conductor insertion opening 111 is formed on the connecting wall 123. The connecting wall 123 delimits the conductor connection space 150 downwards in the insertion direction E. The two side walls 122A, 122B delimit the conductor connection space 150 laterally, so that incorrect insertion of the conductor L to be connected can be prevented. The two side walls 122A, 122B form a lateral guide for the conductor L to be connected in the direction of the pressure surface 120.The side walls 122A, 122B adjoin a wall 124 of the housing 110 that delimits the conductor insertion opening 111 and extend from the wall 124 to the connecting wall 123 that delimits the conductor connection space 150 at the bottom.

[0031] After leaving the conductor insertion opening 111, the conductor L to be connected is guided laterally over the entire length of the conductor connection space 150 up to the pressure surface 120 directly through the side walls 122A, 122B of the trigger element 119.

[0032] Furthermore, the trigger element 119 has two holding arms 125A, 125B extending substantially parallel to one another. The first holding arm 125A extends from the first side wall 122A to the holding leg 116 of the clamping spring 113, and the second holding arm 125B extends from the second side wall 122B to the holding leg 116 of the clamping spring 113. The two holding arms 125A, 125B extend from the two side walls 122A, 122B substantially transversely to the insertion direction E.

[0033] In addition, the trigger element 119 has a trigger arm 137. The trigger arm 137 interacts with an actuating element 139 of the connection arrangement 100. The trigger arm 137 is connected to the first holding arm 125A. The trigger arm 137 is thus provided here only on one side of the trigger element 119. The trigger arm 137 extends from the holding arm 125A toward the actuating element 139. The trigger arm 137 is curved. In the embodiment shown here, the trigger arm 137 is essentially curved in an S-shape.

[0034] In particular Fig. 2A bis 2D show the clamping leg 117 of the clamping spring 113 in the open position. In the open position, the release element 119 engages with the clamping leg 117 of the clamping spring 113 to hold the clamping leg 117 in the open position. This is achieved via a locking mechanism between the release element 119 and the clamping leg 117. To form the locking mechanism, in the embodiment shown here, the clamping leg 117 of the clamping spring 113 has a projection 127A, 127B on each of its two longitudinal edge surfaces 126 (only one of the two longitudinal edge surfaces 126 is visible here). The projection 127A, 127B extends at a right angle away from the respective longitudinal edge surface 126. The trigger element 119 also has two opposing undercuts 128A, 128B, into which the two projections 127A, 127B of the clamping leg 117 can each be hooked or latched in the open position of the clamping leg 117.The two undercuts 128A, 128B each have the shape of a recess. The two undercuts 128A, 128B are formed on the two holding arms 125A, 125B of the trigger element 119, such that a first undercut 128A is formed on the first holding arm 125A and a second undercut 128B is formed on the second holding arm 125B. The two projections 127A, 127B are spaced apart from the clamping edge 118, such that the clamping leg 117 is just not locked or held in position via its clamping edge 118 in the open position.

[0035] The trigger element 119 is designed as a separate component from the clamping spring 113, wherein the trigger element 119 is detachably attached to the clamping spring 113. The trigger element 119 is pivotally mounted on the retaining leg 116 of the clamping spring 113 via its two retaining arms 125A, 125B. The trigger element 119 can be pivoted relative to the stationary retaining leg 116.

[0036] To form the pivotable mounting, in the embodiment shown here, the holding leg 116 has a pin 130A, 130B on each of its two oppositely arranged longitudinal edge surfaces 129 (only one longitudinal edge surface is visible here). An opening 131A, 131B is formed on each of the two holding arms 125A, 125B of the trigger element 119, into which one of the two pins 130A, 130B engages. The two pins 130A, 130B form the pivot axis of the trigger element 119, about which the trigger element 119 can pivot. The pins 130A, 130B each extend transversely to the longitudinal extent of the holding leg 116 away from the respective longitudinal edge surface 129 of the holding leg 116.

[0037] In order to transfer the clamping leg 117 of the clamping spring 113 from a clamping position to an open position, the actuating element 139 is displaced by means of a tool W within an actuating shaft 140 of the housing 110 in the actuating direction B, as shown in Fig. 1A bis 1C is shown. Due to the sliding movement of the actuating element 139, the actuating element 139, with its actuating section 141, presses the clamping leg 117 away from the conductor L or from the clamping section 114 of the current bar 112, so that the clamping leg 117 is pivoted in the direction of the holding leg 116. The actuating element 139 applies a compressive force to the clamping leg 117 in the actuating direction B until the clamping leg 117 is moved far enough in the direction of the holding leg 116 until the clamping leg 117 engages the trigger element 119 and is thus in the open position and held there. The actuating element 139 is mounted so as to be linearly displaceable in the actuating shaft 140 of the housing 110.

[0038] The actuating element 139 has a ramp contour 147 above its actuating section 141, as seen in the actuating direction B. The ramp contour 147 is formed on a first longitudinal side surface 148A of the actuating element 139. As shown in particular in Fig. 1C As can be seen, the ramp contour 147 has a guide bevel 149 along which the trigger arm 137 of the trigger element 119 can slide. As in Fig. 1A bis 1C As shown, when the clamping leg 117 is transferred from the clamping position to the open position, the actuating element 139 with its ramp contour 147 is guided past the trigger arm 137, whereby the trigger arm 137 can be bent away laterally. Fig. 1A bis 1C shows the actuating element 139 in an actuating position.

[0039] As soon as the clamping leg 117 has reached the open position and is in engagement with the trigger element 119, the actuating element 139 can be moved against the actuating direction B into a central position, as shown in Fig. 2A bis 2D is shown. In the central position, the actuating element 139 is spaced from the clamping leg 117 of the clamping spring 113, so that the actuating section 141 of the actuating element 139 is not in operative connection with the clamping leg 117. In the open position, the conductor connection space 150 is released, so that a conductor L to be connected can be inserted into the conductor connection space 150 via the conductor insertion opening 111.

[0040] In this central position, the trigger arm 137 rests against a shoulder 151 of the ramp contour 147 of the actuating element 139. When the actuating element 139 moves from the actuating position, as shown in Fig. 1A bis 1C shown, towards the middle position as shown in Fig. 2A bis 2D As shown, the trigger arm 137 slides along the guide bevel 147 until it comes to rest on the shoulder 151 below the guide bevel 147, as shown in Fig. 2D can be seen.

[0041] In order to facilitate the return of the actuating element 139 to the central position, an actuating leg 138 is formed on the clamping spring 113, as shown in the sectional view of the Fig. 2C can be seen. The actuating leg 138 protrudes from the clamping leg 117. The actuating leg 138 is punched out of the material of the clamping leg 117 and bent out of the plane of the clamping leg 117. The actuating leg 138 is bent away from the clamping leg 117 in the direction of the actuating element 139.

[0042] The actuating element 139 has an undercut 152 against which the actuating leg 138 rests in the actuating position and the center position of the actuating element 139. The undercut 152 is formed on a second longitudinal side surface 148B of the actuating element 139, which is opposite the first longitudinal side surface 148A of the actuating element 139, on which the ramp contour 147 is formed. The ramp contour 147 and the undercut 152 are thus formed on different longitudinal side surfaces 148A, 148B of the actuating element 139. The undercut 152 is formed above the actuating section 141, as seen in the actuating direction B. The undercut 152 forms a step on the actuating element 139.

[0043] If the clamping leg 117 is in the open position and the actuating element 139 is in the center position, the conductor L to be connected can be inserted into the conductor connection compartment 150. The position of the actuating element 139 in the center position indicates to a user that the clamping leg 117 is open. In the center position, the actuating element 139 is immersed in the actuating shaft 140, so that the upper side 145 of the actuating element 139 is just not flush with the outer surface 146 of the housing 110, as shown in Fig. 2A bis 2D can be seen.

[0044] In Fig. 3A , 3BThe connection of a conductor L is shown. When inserting a conductor L to be connected into the conductor connection space in the insertion direction E, the conductor L to be connected strikes the pressure surface 120 of the trigger element 119. This causes a tilting movement or pivoting movement V of the trigger element 119 in the insertion direction E, whereby the two projections 127 of the clamping leg 117 can unhook from the two undercuts 128A, 128B of the trigger element 119. As a result, the clamping leg 117 is disengaged from the trigger element 119, so that the clamping leg 117, due to its restoring force or spring force, can automatically pivot away from the trigger element 119 or the holding leg 116 in the direction of the conductor L inserted into the conductor connection space 150 in order to clamp the conductor L against the clamping section 114 of the current bar 112, as shown in Fig. 4A , 4B is shown.

[0045] If, for example, the conductor cross-section of the conductor L to be connected is too small, so that the conductor L cannot exert sufficient force on the pressure surface 120, the trigger element 119 can also be triggered by means of the actuating element 139. For this purpose, the actuating element 139 is, as in Fig. 3A and 3Bcan be seen, is moved by means of a tool W from the central position in the actuation direction B. As a result, the shoulder 151 of the ramp contour 147 presses against the trigger arm 137, whereby the trigger arm 137 is moved in the actuation direction B. This movement of the trigger arm 137 results in the pivoting movement or tilting movement V of the trigger element 119 in the insertion direction E, whereby the two projections 127 of the clamping leg 117 can unhook from the two undercuts 128A, 128B of the trigger element 119. As a result, the clamping leg 117 is disengaged from the triggering element 119, so that the clamping leg 117 can pivot automatically, due to its restoring force or spring force, away from the triggering element 119 or the holding leg 116 in the direction of the conductor L inserted into the conductor connection space 150, in order to clamp the conductor L against the clamping section 114 of the current bar 112, as shown in Fig. 4A , 4B is shown.

[0046] Fig. 4A , 4B show the clamping position of the clamping leg 117 with the connected conductor L. The actuating element 139 is moved so far against the actuating direction B that the release arm 137 is no longer in engagement with the ramp contour 147. By means of the actuating leg 138 of the clamping spring 113 and / or the clamping leg 117 of the clamping spring 113, such a large compressive force can be applied when returning the clamping leg 117 from the open position to the clamping position that the actuating element 139 moves into the Fig. 4A , 4B can automatically return to the starting position shown.

[0047] The actuating element 139 has a locking lug 142. This locking lug 142 is arranged above the actuating section 141 on the actuating element 139, as viewed in the actuating direction B. The locking lug 142 is arranged on the first longitudinal side surface 148A of the actuating element 139, on which the ramp contour 147 is also formed. In the central position of the actuating element 139 and thus in the open position of the clamping leg 117, the locking lug 142 is locked or hooked onto a lower edge surface 143 of the actuating shaft 140 of the housing 110, so that the actuating element 139 remains immersed in its central position in the actuating shaft 140 in the open position, whereby the open position can be indicated to a user via the position of the actuating element 139.If the clamping leg 117 is released from the locking connection with the trigger element 119 when the trigger element 119 is actuated by means of the conductor L or the actuating element 139, the clamping leg 117 of the clamping spring 113 presses against the actuating element 139 by its spring force, so that the actuating element 139 moves upwards against the actuating direction B until the actuating element 139 is positioned with its upper side 145 having a tool engagement 144 flush with an outer surface 146 of the housing 110, as in . Fig. 4A , 4Bcan be seen. In the clamping position of the clamping leg 117, the actuating element 139 is thus flush with its upper side 145 against the outer surface 146 of the housing 110. In this position, the locking lug 142 of the actuating element 139 can be engaged in a recess formed on the actuating shaft 140 of the housing 110 (not visible here) in order to hold and lock the actuating element 139 in this position.

[0048] In order to return the release element 119 to its initial position when the conductor L is released, as shown in Fig. 1A bis 1C shown, the clamping spring 113 has a spring leg 136 acting as a return element. The spring leg 136 is formed on the holding leg 116. The spring leg 136 interacts with the trigger element 119 below the pressure surface 120 as seen in the insertion direction E. The spring leg 136 exerts a compressive force on the trigger element 119 against the connecting wall 123 below the conductor connection space 150. When connecting a conductor L, the spring leg 136 is deflected in the insertion direction E by applying a compressive force to the pressure surface 120 by means of the conductor L and is thereby tensioned, whereby the trigger element 119 is pretensioned in the clamping position by means of the spring leg 136, as shown in Fig. 4A , 4Bis shown. If the conductor L is released from the clamped position and thus from the connection arrangement 100, the spring leg 136 can pivot the release element 119 back into its original position counter to the insertion direction E, so that the release element 119 can engage with the clamping leg 117 via its two undercuts 128A, 128B in order to hold the latter in the open position. Even in the open position, the spring leg 136 and the engagement of the projections 127 of the clamping leg 117 in the undercuts 128A, 128B of the release element 119 can be used to brace the release element 119 with the clamping spring 113, whereby the release element 119 and the clamping spring 113 can form a prestressed unit in order to be able to be mounted together in the connection arrangement 100 and in particular on the current bar 112.

[0049] In the embodiment shown here, the holding leg 116 has a first section 132, a second section 133, and a third section 134. The sections 132, 133, 134 are each angled to one another. The pins 130 are formed on the first section 132 in order to pivotally hold the trigger element 119 on the holding leg 116. The first section 132 extends approximately at an angle of between 20° and 70° to the insertion direction E. The second section 133 adjoins the first section 132. The second section 133 extends essentially transversely to the insertion direction E. The clamping spring 113 rests on the bearing section 115 of the current bar 112 with the second section 133. The spring leg 136 is punched out of the second section 133 so that the spring leg 136 can spring relative to the second section 133.Furthermore, a through-opening 135 is formed on the second section 133, through which the current bar 112 is guided with its clamping section 114. This allows the clamping spring 113 to be suspended from the current bar 112. With the third section 134, which adjoins the second section 133 and extends in the insertion direction E, the retaining leg 116 rests flat against the clamping section 114 of the current bar 112. Bezugszeichenliste

[0050] 100Connection arrangement 110Housing 111Conductor entry opening 112Current bar 113Clamping spring 114Clamping section 115Bearing section 116Holding leg 117Clamping leg 118Clamping edge 119Triggering element 120Pressure surface 121Base body 122A, 122BSide wall 123Connecting wall 124Wall 125A, 125BHolding arm 126Longitudinal edge surface 127A, 127BProtrusion 128A, 128BUndercut 129Longitudinal edge surface 130A, 130BPin 131A, 131BOaring 132First section 133Second section 134Third section 135Through opening 136 Spring leg 137 Release arm 138 Actuating leg 139 Actuating element 140 Actuating shaft 141 Actuating section 142 Latching lug 143 Lower edge surface 144 Tool engagement 145 Top side 146 Outer surface 147 Ramp contour 148A 148B Longitudinal side surface 149 Guide bevel 150 Conductor connection space 151 Shoulder 152 Undercut EInsertion direction BDactuation direction VPivoting movement LLader WTool

Claims

1. Connection arrangement (100) for connecting an electrical conductor (L), comprising a housing (110) having a conductor insertion opening (111), a current bar (112) arranged in the housing (110), a clamping spring (113) arranged in the housing (110), which clamping spring has a holding leg (116) and a clamping leg (117), wherein the clamping leg (117) can be transferred into a clamped position and into an open position, an actuating element (139) by means of which the clamping leg (117) can be transferred from the clamped position into the open position by moving the actuating element (139) along an actuating direction (B), and a triggering element (119) which, in the open position of the clamping leg (117), is engaged with the clamping leg (117) in such a way that the clamping leg (117) is released in the open position by means of the triggering element (119). and which is pivotally mounted on the clamping spring (113) in such a way thatthat when the conductor (L) to be connected is inserted into the conductor insertion opening (111) in the insertion direction (E), the triggering element (119) can be actuated via a pressure surface (120) of the triggering element (119) in such a way that the clamping leg (117) is disengaged from the triggering element (119) and pivots from the open position into the clamping position, wherein the triggering element (119) has a triggering arm (137) which can be actuated by means of the actuating element (139) in such a way that the clamping leg (117) is disengaged from the triggering element (119) and pivots from the open position into the clamping position., 2. Connection arrangement (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that the release element (119) is locked in the open position with the clamping leg (117).

3. Connection arrangement (100) according to claim 2, characterized in thatat least one projection (127A, 127B) is formed on the clamping leg (117) and is arranged on a longitudinal edge surface (126) of the clamping leg (117), which projection is locked in the open position to an undercut (128A, 128B) of the trigger element (119).

4. Connection arrangement (100) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the trigger element (119) is pivotally mounted on the retaining leg (116) of the clamping spring (113).

5. Connection arrangement (100) according to claim 4, characterized in that on at least one longitudinal edge surface (129) of the holding leg (116) a pin (130) is formed, which engages in an opening (131A, 131B) formed on the trigger element (119).

6. Connection arrangement (100) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the trigger element (119) has a U-shaped base body (121) with a first side wall (122A) and an oppositely arranged second side wall (122B).

7. Connection arrangement (100) according to claim 6, characterized in that the base body (121) has a connecting wall (123) extending transversely to the insertion direction (E) for connecting the first side wall (122A) to the second side wall (122B), wherein the pressure surface (120) is formed on the connecting wall (123).

8. Connection arrangement (100) according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that at least one holding arm (125A, 125B) extending substantially transversely to the insertion direction (E) is formed on the base body (121), via which the trigger element (119) is pivotally mounted on the clamping spring (113).

9. Connection arrangement (100) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the actuating element (139) has a ramp contour (147) which cooperates with the trigger arm (138) of the trigger element (119).

10. Connection arrangement (100) according to claim 9, ​the ramp contour (147) has a shoulder (151) against which the release arm (138) of the release element (119) rests after the clamping leg (117) has been transferred from the clamping position into the open position by means of the actuating element (139) and a subsequent return movement of the actuating element (139) against the actuating direction (B) into a central position of the actuating element (139).

11. Connection arrangement according to claim 10, ​ the clamping spring (113) has an actuating leg (138) via which the actuating element (139) is moved into the central position after the clamping leg (117) has been moved from the clamping position to the open position.

12. Connection arrangement (100) according to one of claims 1 to 11, ​ the clamping spring (113) has a spring leg (136) which interacts with the trigger element (119) in such a way that the trigger element (119) is pretensioned in the clamping position.

13. Connection arrangement (100) according to claim 12, ​ the spring leg (136) extends from the holding leg (116) transversely to the insertion direction (E).

14. Connection arrangement (100) according to one of claims 1 to 13, ​ the clamping spring (113) is suspended from the current bar (112).

15. Connection terminal, in particular a series terminal, with at least one connection arrangement (100) which is designed according to one of claims 1 to 14.

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