Connection terminal for connecting an electrical line

Abstract

A terminal block (1) comprises a housing (10) having a plug-in opening (100) into which the electrical conductor (2) can be inserted for connection to the terminal block (1). A contact element (11) for electrical contact with the electrical conductor (2) is arranged on the housing (10). An actuating element (14) is movable relative to the housing (10) for adjusting a clamping leg (120) of a spring element (12). A release element (13), adjustable relative to the housing (10), has a release section (130). The clamping leg (120) is latched to the release element (13) in the release position. When the release element (13) is latched to the clamping leg (120), the release section (130) assumes a detent position relative to the housing (10). The release element (13) has a return element (134).The actuating element (14) is designed to act on the return element (134) to bias the release element (13) in the direction of the detent position when the actuating element (14) is actuated to move the clamping leg (120) into the release position.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a terminal block for connecting an electrical line according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] Such a terminal block comprises a housing with a plug-in opening into which the electrical conductor can be inserted for connection to the terminal block. A contact element for electrical contact with the conductor is arranged on the housing. A spring element has a clamping arm designed to act on the conductor to bring it into contact with the contact element when the conductor is inserted into the plug-in opening. An actuating element is movable for adjusting the clamping arm relative to the housing.For this purpose, the actuating element can be adjusted, for example without tools or with the use of a tool, from an unactuated position to an actuated position in order to adjust the clamping leg, for example to facilitate the insertion of the electrical cable into the plug-in opening or to facilitate the removal of the electrical cable from the plug-in opening, into a release position relative to the housing.

[0003] Such a terminal block achieves a spring-force connection by using the spring element, in which the electrical conductor in the connected position is clamped to the contact element under the elastic spring action of the spring element and is thus electrically connected to the contact element.

[0004] The terminal block includes a release element that is adjustable relative to the housing and has a release section. The clamping arm is designed to engage with the release element in the release position, thus holding the clamping arm in this position. When the release element is engaged with the clamping arm, the release section assumes a detent position relative to the housing. When the electrical conductor is inserted into the terminal, the release section can be moved out of the detent position by the interaction of the electrical conductor, thereby releasing the clamping arm from the release position.

[0005] In a terminal block known from DE 10 2019 127 464 B3, a spring element in the form of a tension spring is provided, which, by means of elastic spring action, pulls a connected electrical conductor into contact with an associated contact element, thus establishing a clamping connection between the electrical conductor and the contact element. For this purpose, the electrical conductor is pushed through an opening in the clamping arm when inserted and, in the connected position, clamped between the clamping arm and the contact element.

[0006] The terminal block of DE 10 2019 127 464 B3 is equipped with a locking device that secures the clamping arm in a release position relative to the housing. When an electrical conductor is inserted, the locking device is triggered, releasing the locking mechanism. This moves the clamping arm out of the release position, clamping the electrical conductor to the contact element. To move the clamping arm into the release position, particularly to allow the electrical conductor to be inserted or to disconnect a connected electrical conductor from the terminal block, a tool, such as a screwdriver, can be applied to the terminal block, thereby exerting force on the clamping arm.

[0007] While in DE 10 2019 127 464 B3 the clamping arm is adjusted directly by a tool, in the terminal blocks known from DE 10 2019 135 203 A1 and DE 10 2020 104 140 A1, an actuating element in the form of a so-called pusher is provided. This pusher can be pressed into the terminal block housing to act on the clamping arm and move it into its release position. The actuating element is spring-loaded against the terminal block housing by a compression spring. In the terminal block known from DE 10 2019 135 203 A1, an actuating lug is arranged on the actuating element. When the actuating element is actuated, this lug engages a mounting section of a retaining element.

[0008] The object of the present invention is to provide a terminal block that reliably enables the clamping leg of the spring element to be locked to the release element in the release position, with a space-saving arrangement and convenient operation.

[0009] This problem is solved by an object having the features of claim 1.

[0010] Accordingly, the release element has a return element. The actuating element is designed to act on the return element in order to pre-tension the release element in the direction of the detent position when the actuating element is actuated to move the clamping arm into the release position.

[0011] In a terminal block, the electrical conductor is electrically connected to the electrical contact element. When the conductor is inserted into the socket, the clamping arm acts on the conductor, applying spring tension towards contact with the contact element. To facilitate insertion, the clamping arm of the spring element can be deflected elastically by actuating the actuator. This moves the clamping arm into a release position, opening up space around the socket. This allows the conductor to be inserted into the socket with minimal effort, or (alternatively) a connected conductor to be easily removed from the terminal block.

[0012] The clamping arm is designed to be held in position relative to the housing in the release position. This results in easy handling, allowing the clamping arm to be moved into the release position to connect an electrical conductor, thus enabling virtually effortless insertion of the conductor into the terminal block.

[0013] To hold the clamping arm in the release position, the terminal block has a release element that forms a release section. The clamping arm is designed to engage with the release element in the release position, thus holding the clamping arm in this position. The release section is designed to interact with the electrical conductor when the clamping arm is inserted into the socket to release it from the release position.

[0014] The release element thus serves to lock the clamping arm in the release position. By actuating the release element, the clamping arm can be adjusted relative to the housing and moved into the release position, so that, in particular, an electrical cable can be easily inserted into the plug opening of the housing to connect the cable to the terminal block.

[0015] The release element also serves to release the clamping arm from the release position, so that when the electrical conductor is inserted into the socket, the clamping arm is automatically released from the release position and thus moved into a clamping position in which the electrical conductor inserted into the socket is electrically contacted with the contact element of the terminal. For this purpose, the release section can be triggered by the electrical conductor, so that the locking mechanism of the clamping arm with the release element is released and the clamping arm is thus freed from the release position.

[0016] Because the release mechanism's release section is deflected when the electrical conductor is inserted, the terminal closes automatically. This results in a simple connection process with reliable contact between the electrical conductor and the contact element thanks to the clamping action of the clamping arm.

[0017] The release element is preferably separate from the spring element and thus exists as a separate component in addition to the spring element. The release element is adjustable relative to the housing, for example, by tilting or sliding it, and can therefore be adjusted relative to the housing to release the clamping arm.

[0018] The trigger element can, for example, be made of metal, such as a stamped and bent part.

[0019] The spring element can, for example, be formed as a stamped and bent part from an elastically springy metal material, such as spring steel.

[0020] The release element has a return element designed to interact with the actuating element when the actuating element is moved relative to the housing. When the actuating element is moved relative to the housing to move the clamping arm into the release position, the actuating element acts on the return element of the release element, thereby returning the release element to the detent position. Through its interaction with the actuating element, the release element is thus moved into the detent position when the clamping arm is moved into the release position and held there, ensuring that the release element reliably engages with the clamping arm.

[0021] Due to the preload of the release element caused by the actuating element acting on the reset element, the locking of the clamping leg with the release element can be reliably achieved when moving into the release position, with convenient operation by a user.

[0022] In one embodiment, the return element can be elastically deformed at the release element by the action of the actuating element. The return element itself can be elastically deformable, for example, by being shaped as an elastically deformable tab. However, the return element can also be (essentially) rigid and elastically adjustable, for example, at a deformation section relative to another body of the release element.

[0023] In one embodiment, the release element can be tilted relative to the housing about a tilting axis from its detent position. When an electrical conductor is inserted into the socket, the release element is tilted relative to the housing, thus releasing the detent between the release element and the clamping arm.

[0024] In one embodiment, the reset element and the release section are positioned in different directions from the tilting axis.

[0025] The release element can, for example, be shaped as a flat section to interact with an electrical conductor when inserted into the socket, and can, for example, protrude from the tilting axis on one side. By interacting with the electrical conductor when inserted into the socket, the release element can thus be tilted around the tilting axis along a first tilting direction.

[0026] In contrast, the return element can protrude from the tilting axis on a second side facing away from the first. Through interaction with the actuating element when the actuating element is moved from the unactuated position to the actuated position, the release element is biased in a second tilting direction opposite to the first tilting direction and thus pre-tensioned in the second tilting direction, so that the clamping leg of the spring element can reliably engage with the release element.

[0027] In one embodiment, the return element is elastically deformable in a plane perpendicular to the tilting axis by the action of the actuating element. When the actuating element is applied, the return element does not remain rigidly in position against the release element, but is elastically deformed. This deformation occurs in the plane perpendicular to the tilting axis and thus along the second tilting direction in which the actuating element acts on the return element. Consequently, the release element is not rigidly moved by the action of the actuating element, but rather, due to the elastic deformation of the return element, is elastically pre-tensioned in the direction of the detent position, allowing the release element to reliably engage with the clamping arm in the release position.

[0028] The actuating element can, in principle, be movable relative to the housing in any way, for example, it can be slid or pivoted relative to the housing. For this purpose, the actuating element is movably mounted on the housing or on a component fixed to the housing, such as the contact element, and can thus be moved relative to the housing to bring the clamping arm into the release position.

[0029] In one embodiment, the actuating element for moving the clamping leg from an unactuated to an actuated position is pivotable relative to the housing. The actuating element is thus pivotably mounted and, for this purpose, pivotably supported, for example, on the housing or on a component fixed to the housing, such as the contact element.

[0030] In another embodiment, the actuating element can, for example, be displaceable linearly or along a curved path relative to the housing.

[0031] In one embodiment, the actuating element comprises an axle element pivotably mounted on the housing, an actuating section operable by a user, a lever section connecting the axle element to the actuating section, and an active section arranged on the lever section for acting on the clamping leg. While the actuating section is accessible from outside the housing, for example by allowing a user to actuate it with a tool, such as a screwdriver, or alternatively manually, the active section is operatively connected to the clamping leg of the spring element.By adjusting the actuating element, an adjusting force is exerted on the clamping leg via the working section, so that, in particular when adjusting the actuating element from an unactuated position to an actuated position, the clamping leg is carried along and thus moved in the direction of the release position.

[0032] The actuating element is pivotably mounted on the housing via the axis element and is thus pivotable about the pivot axis relative to the housing. The axis element is connected to the actuating section via a lever section. The working section for acting on the clamping arm to adjust the clamping arm relative to the housing is located on the lever section.

[0033] In one embodiment, the clamping arm has a clamping section for acting on the electrical conductor and an actuating edge. Viewed along the pivot axis, the actuating edge is arranged axially adjacent to the clamping section on one side of the clamping arm. The actuating element is designed to act exclusively on the actuating edge on the side of the clamping arm via the actuating section to adjust the clamping arm. The actuating element is thus designed to act on the clamping arm from one side. In this embodiment, the actuating edge formed on the clamping arm is arranged axially adjacent to a clamping section on one side of the clamping arm. The actuating element acts exclusively on this actuating edge via the actuating section when it is moved to adjust the clamping arm.The actuating element thus acts exclusively on the first side of the clamping leg in order to introduce adjusting forces into the spring element to adjust the clamping leg.

[0034] Because the actuating section in this design only acts on the clamping arm on one side, the terminal block can be shaped to save space. For example, the lever section can connect the axle element to the actuating element on only one side. In this configuration, the lever section is arranged axially next to the clamping arm, viewed along the pivot axis, and faces the side of the clamping arm where the actuating edge is formed. On the other side of the clamping arm, opposite the first side, there is no (further) lever section. Therefore, the actuating element only engages around the spring element on one side to support the axle element within the housing and to allow access to the actuating element from outside the housing.

[0035] Preferably, the actuating element is mounted on one side of the housing via the axis element. For example, the axis element can be mounted axially (viewed along the pivot axis) next to the contact element on the housing, so that the axis element for pivoting the actuating element is arranged outside an area on the housing aligned with the plug-in opening into which the electrical conductor is inserted when connected to the terminal block.

[0036] In one embodiment, the working section is designed to slide against the adjusting edge. When the actuating element is moved to adjust the clamping leg, the working section slides against the adjusting edge, thereby introducing actuating forces into the clamping leg and adjusting the clamping leg relative to the housing.

[0037] In one embodiment, the housing defines a receiving space into which the electrical cable can be inserted by plugging it into the socket. The release section extends within the receiving space to interact with the electrical cable. In particular, the electrical cable can be inserted into the socket along a specific insertion direction, with the release section extending approximately transversely to this insertion direction within the receiving space.

[0038] In one embodiment, the release element has a detent section with which the clamping leg is locked in the release position in order to keep the clamping leg in the release position.

[0039] In one embodiment, the release element has at least one bearing leg projecting from the release section. The release element is adjustably mounted on the housing via this bearing leg. For example, the bearing leg can be bent towards the release section, for instance, by an angle of approximately 90°, so that the release section extends transversely to the insertion direction (along which an electrical conductor can be inserted into the socket) and along the pivot axis (about which the actuating element can pivot relative to the housing) within the receiving space inside the housing, while the bearing leg extends along a plane approximately perpendicular to the pivot axis. The release element is mounted relative to the housing, for example, on the contact element fixed in the housing, via the bearing leg, so that the release element can be adjusted relative to the housing, for example, tilted.

[0040] In one embodiment, the return element is formed on at least one bearing leg. The return element can, for example, be integrally formed as a tab on the bearing leg and project from it.

[0041] For example, the bearing leg can extend towards a first side from a tilting axis about which the bearing leg is tiltable, while the return element protrudes towards a second side from the tilting axis.

[0042] In one embodiment, the return element is elastically deformable relative to the bearing leg by the action of the actuating element. In particular, the return element can itself be elastically deformable and can thus be deformed by the action of the actuating element to exert an elastic clamping force on the release element, thereby pre-tensioning the release element in the direction of the detent position.

[0043] In one embodiment, a detent section is formed on at least one bearing leg, which is designed to engage with the clamping leg in the release position. The detent section can, for example, be formed as a projection or step on the at least one bearing leg, so that the clamping leg can engage with the detent section in the release position and is thus held in position relative to the housing by the release element in the release position.

[0044] In one embodiment, at least one bearing leg has a bearing opening for adjustable mounting of the release element. For example, a bearing element can be formed on the housing or on the contact element fixed to the housing, which engages in the bearing opening of the bearing leg and thus creates a tilting bearing for the release element relative to the housing.

[0045] In one embodiment, the contact element has a contact section for electrical contact with the electrical conductor and a support section forming a bearing element. At least one bearing leg is mounted on the bearing element of the support section, for example, by the bearing element engaging in a bearing opening on the bearing leg, thus creating a pivot bearing for the release element relative to the contact element and therefore relative to the housing.

[0046] The contact element can, for example, have a U-shape, in which the contact section extends over a flat surface and is connected to the support section via a connecting section that is bent towards the contact section. The support section can extend approximately parallel to the contact section and, like the contact section, is bent towards the connecting section, so that the connecting section forms the base of the U-shape, and the contact section on one side and the support section on the other side form the legs of the U-shape.

[0047] In one embodiment, the release element has two bearing legs, each bent towards the release section and connected to each other via the release section. In this case, the release element can, for example, form a U-shape, with the bearing legs extending parallel to each other and providing legs of the U-shape, while the release section connects the bearing legs and thus creates a base of the U-shape.

[0048] The return element is preferably formed on one of the bearing legs, for example as a tab that can be deflected elastically relative to the associated bearing leg.

[0049] The trigger element can, for example, be designed as an integral sheet metal element, such as a stamped and bent part.

[0050] In one embodiment, when the clamping arm is in the release position, the actuating element is movable relative to the housing independently of the clamping arm. In particular, the actuating element can be pivoted from an unactuated position to an actuated position relative to the housing to move the clamping arm into the release position. Once the clamping arm has been moved into the release position, the actuating element can be pivoted back from the actuated position towards the unactuated position, with the clamping arm remaining in the release position because it is held in position relative to the housing by the release element and thus does not move along with it.

[0051] In one embodiment, the spring element is designed as a tension spring. In this case, the clamping leg of the spring element is designed to pull the electrical conductor into contact with the contact element by spring force. The clamping leg may, for example, have an opening through which the electrical conductor can be guided when inserted into the plug-in opening of the housing, so that after the clamping leg is released from its release position, the electrical conductor is pulled into clamping contact with the contact element.

[0052] Alternatively, the spring element can be designed as a compression spring. In this case, the clamping arm is designed to press the electrical conductor into contact with the contact element by spring force. When inserted into the socket, the electrical conductor enters a space between the clamping arm and the contact element. After the clamping arm is released from its release position, it acts on the electrical conductor and presses it into contact with the contact element.

[0053] The spring element can, for example, have a support leg by which the spring element is supported on the housing and / or the contact element and held in position on the housing and / or the contact element. The clamping leg is elastically deflectable relative to the support leg, wherein in the release position the clamping leg is deflected such that the spring element is elastically tensioned and, after release from the release position, the clamping leg is moved out of the release position in an elastically pre-tensioned manner.

[0054] The underlying concept of the invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the exemplary embodiments shown in the figures. The figures show: Fig. 1A a side view of an embodiment of a terminal block, in the unactuated position of an actuating element; Fig. 1B the side view of the terminal block, with the actuating element in an actuated position; Fig. 1C the side view of the terminal block, after returning the actuating element to the unactuated position; Figs. 2A-2C perspective views of the terminal block in the positions shown Fig. 1A bis 1C ; Fig. 3A-3 Other perspective views of the terminal block in the positions according to Fig. 1A bis 1C ; Fig. 4A-4C Views of a terminal block assembly in the positions according to Fig. 1A bis 1C ; Fig. 5A-5C Views of a rear housing part of the terminal block together with the assembly according to Fig. 4A bis 4C , in the positions according to Fig. 1A bis 1C Fig. 6A a side view of another embodiment of a terminal block, in a non-actuated position of an actuating element; Fig. 6B the side view of the terminal block, with the actuating element in an actuated position; Fig. 6C the side view of the terminal block, after returning the actuating element to the non-actuated position; Figs. 7A-7C perspective views of the terminal block in the positions shown Fig. 6A bis 6C ; and Figs. 8A-8C Views of a terminal block assembly in the positions according to Fig. 6A bis 6C .

[0055] Fig. 1A-1C bis 5A-5C show an embodiment of a terminal block 1 which forms a housing 10 with a plug-in opening 100 formed therein for inserting an electrical conductor 2 along a plug-in direction E.

[0056] The housing 10 defines a receiving space 101 into which the electrical conductor 2 with a stripped conductor end 20 is inserted when it is plugged into the plug-in opening 100 along the plug-in direction E. In a connected position, the conductor 2 with the stripped conductor end 20 is located within the receiving space 101 and is electrically contacted via a clamping leg 120 of a spring element 12 with a contact section 110 of an electrical contact element 11 in the form of a current bar, so that the electrical conductor 2 is electrically connected to the terminal 1.

[0057] The contact element 11 has a support section 111, which is connected to the contact section 110 via a connecting section 112. The support section 111 and the contact section 110 extend approximately parallel to each other, while the connecting section 112 is shaped as a web and connects the contact section 110 to the support section 111.

[0058] The spring element 12 has a support leg 121 which is supported on the support section 111, for example by welding the support leg 121 to the support section 111, so that the spring element 12 is fixed to the housing 10 above it.

[0059] The support leg 121 is connected to the clamping leg 120 via a curved connecting section 122. The connecting section 122 extends around a pin-shaped housing section 105 on a rear housing part 103 of the housing 10, as can be seen from Fig. 5A-5C This is evident. Under bending at the connecting section 122, the clamping leg 120 can be elastically deflected relative to the support leg 121.

[0060] The housing part 103 according to Fig. 5A-5C is with a in Fig. 1A-1C bis 3A-3C The housing part 106 shown is to be connected to complete the housing 10. The plug-in opening 100 is formed on the housing part 106.

[0061] The clamping leg 120 is elastically deflectable relative to the support leg 121, in particular such that the clamping leg 120 is in a release position ( Fig. 1B , 2B , 3B , 4B , 5B) from the contact section 110. From the release position, the clamping leg 120 can be moved into a clamping position in which the clamping leg 120 clamps an electrical conductor 2 connected to the terminal 1 and presses it into contact with the contact section 110 of the contact element 11 under elastic preload, thus electrically contacting the conductor 2 with the contact element 11 via its conductor end 20.

[0062] In the illustrated embodiment, an actuating element 14 is pivotably mounted on the housing 10 via an axis element 140 about a pivot axis D. The actuating element 14 can be pivoted about the pivot axis D relative to the housing 10, whereby an actuating section 141 is accessible from outside the housing 10 and can thus be actuated by a user, for example manually or using a tool.

[0063] The actuating element 14 is designed as a lever which is pivotably mounted at one end on the housing 10 via the axle element 140, so that the actuating element 14 can be moved about the pivot axis D relative to the housing 10. The axle element 140 is formed on a lever section 142, which connects the axle element 140 to the actuating section 141, so that the actuating section 141 is located in an actuating opening 102 and can be operated from outside the housing 10 without tools.

[0064] The lever section 142 is formed on one side of the actuating element 14. The actuating section 141 projects from the lever section 142 along the pivot axis D. The axle element 140 is formed on the lever section 142 such that the axle element 140 projects from the lever section 142 on a side facing away from the actuating section 141.

[0065] The pivotable mounting of the actuating element 14 via the axis element 140 on the housing 10 is axially offset (with reference to the pivot axis D) to the contact element 11. In particular, the axis element 140 is arranged axially next to the contact element 11 and thus outside an area of ​​the receiving space 101 which is aligned with the plug-in opening 100, into which an electrical conductor 2 is inserted for connection to the terminal block 1 along the plug-in direction E.

[0066] A guide section 143 in the form of a step is formed on the lever section 142, which provides a curved guide path with which the lever section 142 is guided slidably on an associated curved guide edge 104 on the housing 10, as is the case, for example, with Fig. 2A-2C as is evident.

[0067] On the lever section 142, an effective section 144 is formed in the form of a projection extending axially along the pivot axis D from the lever section 142, which serves to interact with the clamping arm 120 of the spring element 12, in particular to move the clamping arm 120 towards a release position by actuating the actuating element 14 in an actuating direction B, as is the case in the transition of Fig. 1A , 2A , 3A , 4A , 5A towards Fig. 1B , 2B , 3B , 4B , 5B The working section 144 is arranged eccentrically to the pivot axis D and, when the actuating element 14 is actuated, slides along one side of the clamping leg 120 at an actuating edge 123 in order to introduce an actuating force into the clamping leg 120 and to move the clamping leg 120 into the release position according to Fig. 1B , 2B , 3B , 4B , 5Bto transfer.

[0068] The terminal block 1 has a release element 13 that forms a release section 130 extending into the receiving space 101. In the illustrated embodiment, the release element 13 is formed as an integral sheet metal element separate from the spring element 12. The release element 13 has two parallel bearing legs 131 that are connected to each other via the release section 130, which forms a base, resulting in a U-shaped shape for the release element 13.The release element 13 is mounted on the support section 111 of the contact element 11 via the bearing legs 131, by means of bearing elements 113 in the form of projecting elements axially to the support section 111 engaging in associated bearing openings 133 on the bearing legs 131 of the release element 13 and thus creating a tilting bearing for the release element 13 relative to the contact element 11 which is stationary relative to the housing 10 and thus relative to the housing 10.

[0069] The release element 13 can be tilted relative to the support section 111 and thus relative to the housing 10. The deflection path of the release element 13 is dimensioned such that the release element 13 can be deflected from a detent position, in which the clamping leg 120 is locked to the release element 13 in the release position, to such an extent that the clamping leg 12 is released from its detent on the release element 13.

[0070] The release element 13 has a return element 134 which is formed as a spring tab on one of the bearing legs 131 and which is designed to interact with the actuating element 14 when the actuating element 14 is actuated to adjust the clamping leg 120 into the release position.

[0071] To move the clamping leg 120 into the release position, the actuating element 14 can be pivoted in the actuation direction B relative to the housing 10, thus pivoting the clamping leg 120 relative to the support leg 121, as is the case, for example, in the transition from Fig. 1A towards Fig. 1B As can be seen (the figures marked "A" show the actuating element 14 in an unactuated position, with the clamping arm 120 in a clamping position; the figures marked "B" show the actuating element 14 in an actuated position, after the clamping arm 120 has been moved into the release position; the figures marked "C" show the actuating element 14 after it has been returned to the unactuated position, with the clamping arm 120 remaining in the release position; if subsequently Fig. 1A, 1B, 1C Reference is made to the views expressed above. Fig. 2A-2C , 3A-3C , 4A-4C and 5A-5C ). In the release position according to Fig. 1B The clamping leg 120 releases an area within the receiving space 101 that is aligned with the plug-in opening 100 along the plug-in direction E, so that an electrical line 2 can be inserted unhindered from the clamping leg 120 into the plug-in opening 100 and thus connected to the terminal 1 in an essentially force-free manner.

[0072] The bearing legs 131 of the release element 13 have detent sections 132 formed in the form of steps, which, in the release position, engage with the clamping leg 120. In the release position, the clamping leg 120 is thus engaged with the bearing legs 131 and is therefore held in position relative to the housing 10 by the release element 13, as shown in the figure. Fig. 1B as is evident.

[0073] To create a locking connection between the clamping arm 120 and the release element 13, the actuating element 14 acts when it moves from the unactuated position ( Fig. 1A ) into the activated position ( Fig. 1B ) is transferred, at the end of the actuation path with a clamping section 145 projecting axially along the pivot axis D from the lever section 142 and formed by a projection onto the return element 134 in the form of the tab on the release element 13, thereby pressing on the return element 134 and elastically deforming the return element 134, as can be seen from Fig. 1B This is evident. This provides a preload force in the direction of the detent position at the release element 13, so that the clamping leg 120 can reliably lock with the release element 13.

[0074] When moved into the release position, the clamping arm 120, with a clamping section 124 formed at its end, slides onto the detent sections 132 on the bearing arms 131 of the release element 13, thereby deflecting the release element 13 slightly from its detent position. Due to the preload applied by the return element 134, the release element 13, after passing the detent sections 132 through the clamping section 124, returns to its detent position, thus engaging the release element 13 with the clamping arm 120.

[0075] The release section 130 of the release element 13 serves to interact with an electrical conductor 2 inserted into the plug opening 100, in particular to automatically connect the electrical conductor 2 to the terminal 1 by releasing the clamping arm 120. When an electrical conductor 2 is inserted into the plug opening 100 along the plugging direction E, the electrical conductor 2, with its inserted conductor end 20, acts on the release section 130 within the receiving space 101 of the housing 10 and adjusts the release element 13. This moves the release element 13 relative to the clamping arm 120, so that the clamping arm 120 disengages from the detent sections 132 and moves to the bearing arm 131 of the release element 13, thus releasing the clamping arm 120 from the release position.Due to the elastic spring preload on the clamping leg 120, the clamping leg 120 snaps into contact with the inserted electrical conductor 2 and clamps it with the contact element 11, so that the electrical conductor 2 with the (insulated) conductor end 20 is pressed against the contact element 11 and thus electrically contacted with the contact element 11.

[0076] The bearing elements 113 on the support section 111 of the contact element 11 define a tilting axis for tilting the release element 13 relative to the housing 10. The bearing legs 131 and the release section 130 connecting the bearing legs 131 project from the tilting axis on a first side (downwards in the illustrations). The return element 134, on the other hand, projects from the tilting axis on a second side (upwards in the illustrations), so that the release section 130 and the return element 134 extend in opposite directions from the tilting axis.

[0077] If an electrical line 2 acts on the release section 130, the release element 13 is tilted in a first tilting direction on the support section 111 to release the latch. If, on the other hand, the actuating element 14 exerts a biasing force on the return element 134, the biasing force acts in a second tilting direction opposite to the first tilting direction and thus in the direction of the latching position to engage the release element 13 with the clamping leg 120.

[0078] When adjusting the actuating element 14 from the unactuated position ( Fig. 1A ) into the activated position ( Fig. 1B ) the working section 144 acts on the actuating edge 123 and slides along the actuating edge 123, so that the clamping leg 120 is moved into the release position, as is the case in the transition from Fig. 1A towards Fig. 1B As can be seen, in the illustrated embodiment, the actuating element 14 acts exclusively on the actuating edge 123 and thus on the clamping leg 120 on one side only, by virtue of the operative section 144 being in operative contact with the actuating edge 123. Due to the one-sided arrangement and design of the actuating element 14, the actuating element 14 with the lever section 142 is located outside the area of ​​the receiving space 101 into which the electrical conductor 2 is inserted for connection to the terminal block 1. This results in a space-saving arrangement.

[0079] The clamping section 124 forms a clamping edge with which the clamping leg 120 clamps onto the conductor end 20 when an electrical line 2 is connected.

[0080] The actuating element 14 is used to move the clamping leg 120 into the release position from the unactuated position ( Fig. 1A ) into the activated position ( Fig. 1B The clamping arm 120 is moved into the release position, in which it is locked to the release element 13. After the clamping arm 120 has been moved into the release position, the actuating element 14 can be moved back into the unactuated position, in which the actuating section 141 is close to the housing and, for example, lies flat in a corresponding receiving opening on the housing 10, as shown in the figure. Fig. 1C as is evident.

[0081] If a connected electrical line 2 is to be disconnected from the terminal 2, the actuating element 14 can be pivoted in the actuating direction B, so that the clamping leg 120 returns to the release position according to Fig. 1B The electrical conductor 2 can thus be removed from terminal 1 with virtually no force. In the release position, the clamping arm 120 is again locked to the release section 130, so that when an electrical conductor 2 is inserted, it again acts on the release section 130, thereby releasing the locking mechanism of the clamping arm 120. The electrical conductor 2 is thus automatically connected to terminal 1 again, with the clamping arm 120 releasing automatically.

[0082] Fig. 6A-6C bis 8A-8C show a further embodiment of a terminal block 1, which is functionally largely the same as the embodiment according to Fig. 1A-1C bis 5A-5C is the same.

[0083] In contrast to the embodiment according to Fig. 1A-1C bis 5A-5C is in the embodiment according to Fig. 6A-6C The release element 13 is mounted on the support section 111 of the contact element 11 in such a way that the ends 135 of the bearing legs 131 of the release element 13 engage in associated bearing openings 114 in the form of recesses on the support section 111, as is the case, for example, with Fig. 6A As can be seen (again, the figures marked "A" show the actuating element 14 in an unactuated position, with the clamping arm 120 in a clamping position; the figures marked "B", on the other hand, show the actuating element 14 in an actuated position, after the clamping arm 120 has been moved into the release position; the figures marked "C" show the actuating element 14 after it has been returned to the unactuated position, with the clamping arm 120 remaining in the release position; if subsequently Fig. 6A, 6B, 6C Reference is made to the views expressed above. Fig. 7A-7C and 8A-8C ). Analogous to the embodiment shown in the Fig. 1A-1C Up to 5A-5C, the release element 13 can be tilted relative to the support section 111 and therefore relative to the housing 10.

[0084] A return element 134 is formed on one of the bearing legs 131. The return element 134 is formed by a tab and is designed to move the actuating element 14 from the unactuated position ( Fig. 6A ) into the activated position ( Fig. 6B ) to interact with the actuating element 14 by pressing the actuating element 14 with a clamping section 145 onto the restoring element 134, thereby elastically deforming it and thus pre-tensioning the release element 13 in the direction of its detent position.

[0085] In contrast to the embodiment according to Fig. 1A-1C bis 5A-5C The clamping section 145 is formed as a projection on a front edge of the lever section 142 and is formed in the pivot plane of the actuating element 14 on the lever section 142, but does not project axially along the pivot axis D of the lever section 142.

[0086] Otherwise, the exemplary embodiment is according to Fig. 6A-6C bis 8A-8C functionally according to the exemplary embodiment Fig. 1A-1C bis 5A-5C identical, so reference should be made to the preceding explanations, which apply to the exemplary embodiment according to Fig. 6A-6C bis 8A-8C the same applies.

[0087] The underlying idea of ​​the invention is not limited to the embodiment described above, but can also be realized in other ways.

[0088] In the illustrated embodiment, the actuating element is designed to act on the clamping leg of the spring element from one side. However, this is not mandatory. The actuating element can also act on the clamping leg of the spring element from both sides at opposing actuating edges.

[0089] The actuating element can, in principle, be mounted at any location and in any way, pivotable or otherwise movable, on the housing or on a component fixed to the housing. Bezugszeichenliste

[0090] 1 Terminal block 10 Housing 100 Plug-in opening 101 Receiving space 102 Opening 103 Housing part 104 Guide edge 105 Housing section 106 Housing part 11 Contact element (current bar) 110 Contact section 111 Support section 112 Connecting section 113 Bearing element 114 Opening 12 Clamping spring 120 Clamping leg 121 Support leg 122 Connecting section 123 Actuating edge 124 Clamping section 13 Release element 130 Release section 131 Bearing leg 132 Detent section 133 Bearing opening 134 Reset element 135 Ends 14 Actuating element 140 Axis element 141 Actuating section 142 Lever section 143 Guide section 144 Working section 145 Tension section 2 line 20 Line end B Actuation direction D Swivel axis E Plug direction

Claims

1. Terminal block (1) for connecting an electrical conductor (2), comprising a housing (10) having a plug-in opening (100) into which the electrical conductor (2) can be inserted for connection to the terminal block (1), a contact element (11) arranged on the housing (10) for electrical contact with the electrical conductor (2), a spring element (12) having a clamping leg (120) for acting on the electrical conductor (2) to bring the electrical conductor (2) into contact with the contact element (11), an actuating element (14) that is movable for adjusting the clamping leg (120) relative to the housing (10), wherein the clamping leg (120) is elastically adjustable relative to the housing (10) into a release position by actuating the actuating element (14), and a release element (13) adjustable relative to the housing (10) and having a release section (130), wherein the clamping leg (120) is designed is,to lock in the release position with the release element (13), wherein the release section (130), when the release element (13) is locked with the clamping leg (120), assumes a detent position relative to the housing (10) and, by interaction with the electrical conductor (2) when the electrical conductor (2) is inserted into the plug-in opening (100), can be moved out of the detent position in order to release the clamping leg (120) from the release position, , characterized by the fact that the release element (13) has a reset element (134), wherein the actuating element (14) is designed to act on the reset element (134) in order to bias the release element (13) in the direction of the detent position when the actuating element (14) is actuated to move the clamping leg (120) into the release position.

2. Terminal block (1) according to claim 1, characterized by the fact thatthe return element (134) can be elastically deformed on the release element (13) by the action of the actuating element (14).

3. Terminal block (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by the fact that the release element (13) can be tilted about a tilting axis from the detent position relative to the housing (10).

4. Terminal block (1) according to claim 3, characterized by the fact that the reset element (134) and the release section (130) protrude in different directions from the tilting axis.

5. Terminal block (1) according to claim 3 or 4, characterized by the fact that the return element (134) is elastically deformable in a plane perpendicular to the tilting axis by the action of the actuating element (14).

6. Terminal block (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the actuating element (14) for moving the clamping leg (120) into the release position from an unactuated position to an actuated position is pivotable relative to the housing (10).

7. Terminal block (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the actuating element (14) comprises an axle element (140) pivotably mounted on the housing (10), an actuating section (141) that can be actuated by a user, a lever section (142) connecting the axle element (140) with the actuating section (141) and an active section (144) arranged on the lever section (142) for acting on the clamping leg (120).

8. Terminal block (1) according to claim 7, characterized by the fact that the lever section (142), viewed along the pivot axis (D), is arranged axially next to the clamping leg (120).

9. Terminal block (1) according to claim 7 or 8, characterized by the fact thatthe clamping leg (120) has a clamping section (124) for acting on the electrical conductor and an actuating edge (123), wherein the actuating edge (123), viewed along the pivot axis (D), is arranged axially next to the clamping section (124) on one side of the clamping leg (120) and the actuating element (14) is designed to adjust the clamping leg (120) via the actuating section (144) exclusively on the actuating edge (123) on the side of the clamping leg (120).

10. Terminal block (1) according to claim 9, characterized by the fact that the working section (144) slides against the positioning edge (123).

11. Terminal block (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact thatthe housing (10) defines a receiving space (101) into which the electrical conductor (2) can be inserted by plugging it into a plug opening (100), wherein the release section (130) extends into the receiving space (101) to interact with the electrical conductor (2).

12. Terminal block (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the release element (13) has a detent section (132), wherein the clamping leg (120) is locked with the detent section (132) in the release position.

13. Terminal block (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the release element (13) has at least one bearing leg (131) projecting from the release section (130), wherein the release element (13) is adjustable to the housing (10) via the at least one bearing leg (131).

14. Terminal block (1) according to claim 13, characterized by the fact thatthe return element (134) on which at least one bearing leg (131) is formed.

15. Terminal block (1) according to claim 14, characterized by the fact that the return element (134) is shaped as a tab and at least one bearing leg (131) protrudes from it.

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