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), it assumes a detent position relative to the housing (10).A user-operated release actuating element (15) is operatively connected to the release element (13) and is adjustable relative to the housing (10) in order to release the release element (13) from the detent 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 elastically adjust the clamping leg to a release position relative to the housing, 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.

[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, it assumes a detent position relative to the housing. When the electrical conductor is inserted into the terminal, the release element can be moved out of this detent position by the interaction of the release section with 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] From EP 4 033 610 A1, an electrical connection arrangement is known in which an actuating element is locked to the housing of the connection arrangement in an actuated position in order to hold a clamping leg of a spring element in a release position. The locking mechanism between the housing and the actuating element can be released by means of a release 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 released from the release position in order to connect an electrical line to the terminal block.

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

[0010] Accordingly, the terminal block has a user-operated release actuating element which is operatively connected to the release element and is adjustable relative to the housing in order to release the release element from the detent position.

[0011] In a terminal block, the electrical conductor is electrically connected to the electrical contact element by the clamping arm acting on the conductor when it is inserted into the socket. This spring action forces the conductor 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 deflects the clamping arm into a release position, opening the space around the socket. This allows the conductor to be inserted into the socket with minimal effort, or a connected conductor to be easily removed from the terminal block.

[0012] In the release position, the clamping arm is held in position relative to the housing. This results in easy handling, where the clamping arm can be moved into the release position to connect an electrical conductor, allowing for virtually effortless insertion of the conductor into the terminal.

[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 lock into the release element in the release position. Conversely, 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. The release element also serves to release the clamping arm from the release position, so that when an electrical conductor is inserted into the socket, the clamping arm is automatically released from the release position, thus moving the clamping arm into a clamping position in which the inserted electrical conductor is electrically contacted with the contact element of the terminal block. 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.

[0015] 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.

[0016] 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.

[0017] The trigger element can, for example, be made of metal, such as a stamped and bent part.

[0018] The spring element can, for example, be formed as a stamped and bent part from an elastically springy metal material, such as spring steel.

[0019] The terminal block features a user-operated release element, which is operatively connected to the release element. The release element can be adjusted relative to the housing to release the release element from its detent position.

[0020] Generally, when an electrical cable is inserted, it should contact the release section, thereby moving the release element relative to the housing. This moves the release section out of its detent position, releasing the locking mechanism between the release element and the clamping arm. A spring tension on the spring element then automatically moves the clamping arm towards the clamping position, thus clamping the inserted electrical cable to the contact element. However, should the release element fail to trigger when an electrical cable is inserted, the user can manually activate the release mechanism to release it from its detent position.If, when an electrical cable is inserted, the clamping arm of the spring element does not automatically release from the detent, this can be achieved by the release actuation element by a user actuating the release actuation element, thereby adjusting the release actuation element relative to the housing and thus moving the release element out of the detent position.

[0021] This provides the option of an emergency release mechanism for the release element if needed. If the terminal block does not release automatically when an electrical cable is inserted into the socket, the user can trigger the release by manually operating the release element.

[0022] In one embodiment, the release element has a first coupling element and the release actuating element has a second coupling element. The first coupling element and the second coupling element are coupled to each other, so that when the release actuating element is moved relative to the housing, the release element is also moved along with it and thus also moved relative to the housing.

[0023] One of the coupling elements can be, for example, a coupling pin and the other a coupling opening. For coupling, the coupling pin and the coupling opening engage with each other, so that an actuating movement of the release actuating element is converted into a movement of the release element.

[0024] In one embodiment, the release actuator assumes a first position relative to the housing when the release actuator is in the latched position. Conversely, the release actuator assumes, for example, a second position relative to the housing when the release actuator is in a disengaged position. The coupling of the release actuator with the release element is thus such that the release actuator assumes a defined first or second position relative to the housing when the release actuator is in the latched position or in a disengaged position relative to the latched position.

[0025] By coupling the release actuator with the release element in this way, the release actuator can be used to provide an indication. In particular, the release actuator can be configured to indicate in the first position that the release element is in the latched position, and in the second position that the release element is in the unlocked position. From the position of the release actuator, a user can thus determine from outside the terminal block whether the terminal block has been triggered correctly when an electrical conductor is inserted. If the release actuator is in the second position, this indicates that the release element has been moved out of the latched position and is therefore unlocked.

[0026] In one embodiment, the release actuating element has a head that is received in an actuating opening of the housing. A shaft section, operatively connected to the release element, extends from the head. During an adjustment movement, the head of the release actuating element is moved within the actuating opening of the housing, and the position of the head in the actuating opening indicates the current position of the release actuating element.

[0027] Optionally, a colored marking may be provided on the head and / or in the area of ​​the actuation opening to indicate the current position of the release element. For example, in one embodiment, a colored marking on the actuation opening is only visible when the release element is in the second position, thus indicating the current position of the release element based on the visibility of the colored marking.

[0028] The release actuation element is adjustable relative to the housing, and the release actuation element can, in principle, be movable in any way relative to the housing, for example, sliding, tilting or pivoting.

[0029] In one embodiment, the release actuation element is displaceable relative to the housing along a release actuation direction. This release actuation direction is, for example, aligned with the insertion direction of an electrical cable into the housing's plug-in opening. This can improve user convenience because inserting an electrical cable and, if necessary, actuating the release actuation element for an emergency release can both occur simultaneously on a common side of the housing at the terminal block.

[0030] In one embodiment, the release actuator has a stop element for limiting the travel of the release actuator relative to the housing. The stop element can, for example, be located in an opening of the housing and be adjustable within that opening. The stop element can provide a stop between the release actuator and the housing in one direction of movement or in two opposite directions. For example, the stop element can be in contact with the housing only in the first position, thus providing a stop in that position. Alternatively, the stop element can be in contact with the housing only in the second position of the release actuator, thus providing a stop in that position.Alternatively, the stop element can be in contact with the housing in both the first and second positions, thus limiting the adjustment range of the release actuating element in both adjustment devices (towards the second position and towards the first position).

[0031] The release element is, in principle, movable in any way relative to the housing. For example, the release element can be slid, tilted, or pivoted relative to the housing.

[0032] In one embodiment, the release element is tiltable relative to the housing. For this purpose, the release element can be mounted on the housing or the contact element and tilted about a tilting axis relative to the housing in order to move the release element between the latched position and the unlocked position relative to the housing.

[0033] 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 release section can extend approximately transversely to the insertion direction along which an electrical cable can be inserted into the socket.

[0034] 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.

[0035] In one embodiment, the contact element has a contact section for electrical contact with the electrical conductor. The contact section can, for example, be beam-shaped and extend linearly along the insertion direction, along which an electrical conductor is to be inserted into the plug opening of the housing. When an electrical conductor is connected, a stripped conductor end is pressed flat against the contact section, thus electrically contacting it and also mechanically locking it in place.

[0036] In one embodiment, the clamping arm is arranged on a first side of the contact section, while the release actuation element is arranged on a second side of the contact section, opposite the first side. The clamping arm and the release actuation element are thus located on opposite sides of the contact section. The clamping arm is adjustable in the region of the first side of the contact section and applies a load to a connected electrical conductor in the direction of the first side of the contact section. In contrast, the release actuation element is adjustable in the region of the second side, opposite the first side, relative to both the housing and the contact section.

[0037] In one embodiment, the release section of the release element is arranged on the first side of the contact section. The release element engages past the contact section to couple with the release actuating element on the second side of the contact section. For example, the release element can have a coupling pin that engages past the contact section to establish a coupling with the release actuating element on the second side of the contact section.

[0038] 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 or the contact element via this bearing leg. For example, the bearing leg can be bent towards the release section, for instance at 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) within the receiving space inside the housing. 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] In one embodiment, the contact element has a support section. At least one bearing leg is mounted on the support section, for example by a bearing element formed on the support section 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.

[0041] The support section can, for example, extend approximately parallel to the contact section.

[0042] 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. The release element can, for example, form a U-shape, with the bearing legs extending parallel to each other and forming the legs of the U-shape, while the release section connects the bearing legs and thus creates the base of the U-shape.

[0043] In one embodiment, the release element includes a return element. The actuating element is designed to act on the return element to bias the release element towards the detent position when the actuating element is pressed to move the clamping arm into the release position. The return element is 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 brought into the detent position and held there when the clamping arm is moved into the release position, ensuring that the release element can reliably engage with the clamping arm.

[0044] Due to the stress on 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.

[0045] In one embodiment, the return element can be elastically deformed at the release element by the action of the actuating element. The return element can itself 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.

[0046] The release section can, for example, be shaped as a flat section to interact with an electrical conductor when inserted into the socket. By interacting with the electrical conductor when inserted into the socket, the release element can be tilted along a first tilting direction about a tilting axis. The return element, on the other hand, can protrude from the tilting axis on a side facing away from the release section. By interacting 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, 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.

[0047] 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.

[0048] In one embodiment, the return element is formed on at least one bearing leg of the release element. The return element can, for example, be integrally formed as a tab on the bearing leg and project from it. For instance, the bearing leg can extend towards a first side from a tilting axis about which the bearing leg is tiltably mounted, while the return element projects towards a second side from the tilting axis.

[0049] 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.

[0050] In one embodiment, the actuating element for moving the clamping leg from an unactuated position to an actuated position is pivotable relative to the housing about a pivot axis. The actuating element is thus pivotally mounted and, for this purpose, pivotally supported, for example, on the housing or on a component fixed to the housing, such as the contact element.

[0051] In another embodiment, the actuating element can, for example, be displaceable linearly or along a curved path relative to the housing.

[0052] In one embodiment, the lever section, viewed along the pivot axis, is arranged axially next to the clamping leg.

[0053] In one embodiment, the actuating element comprises a bearing section pivotably supported on the housing, an actuating section that can be operated by a user, a lever section connecting the bearing section to the actuating section, and an active section arranged on the lever section for acting on the clamping arm. 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 in operative connection with the clamping arm 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.

[0054] 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 located 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 its actuating section. The actuating element is thus designed to act on the clamping arm from one side only. In this embodiment, the actuating edge formed on the clamping arm is located on one side of the clamping arm. The actuating element acts exclusively on this actuating edge via its actuating section when it is moved to adjust the clamping arm. The actuating element therefore acts exclusively on the first side of the clamping arm to introduce the actuating forces for adjusting the clamping arm into the spring element.

[0055] Because the actuating section in this design only acts on the clamping arm on one side, the terminal block can be shaped to minimize installation space. For example, the lever section can connect the bearing section to the actuating element only on one side. In this configuration, the lever section is positioned 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 side of the clamping arm opposite the actuating edge, there is no (further) lever section. Therefore, the actuating element only engages the spring element on one side to support the bearing section within the housing and to allow access to the actuating element from outside the housing.

[0056] 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.

[0057] Preferably, the actuating element is supported on one side of the housing via the bearing section. For example, the bearing section can be mounted axially (viewed along the pivot axis) next to the contact element on the housing, so that the bearing section 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.

[0058] 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.

[0059] 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.

[0060] 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.

[0061] 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.

[0062] In one embodiment, the spring element has a curved connecting section that links the clamping leg to the support leg. This connecting section allows the spring element to extend, for example, around a housing section of the housing, thus providing support for the spring element relative to the housing.

[0063] For example, the clamping leg has a first contact section and the support leg has a second contact section. The first contact section and the second contact section are in contact with each other, at least in the release position of the clamping leg. Thus, the clamping leg and the support leg are in contact with each other (blocked) at least in the release position of the clamping leg, where the clamping leg is elastically deflected relative to the support leg. It is also possible that contact between the clamping leg and the support leg exists even in the clamping position of the clamping leg, so that the clamping leg and the support leg are always in contact with each other, and an elastic deflection of the clamping leg relative to the support leg occurs, particularly about a contact point where contact exists.The connecting section extends between the first contact section of the clamping leg and the second contact section of the support leg. The clamping leg projects beyond the first contact section at one free end and is elastically deflectable relative to the support leg.

[0064] 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; Fig. 1D the side view of the terminal block, after connecting an electrical conductor; Figs. 2A-2D perspective views of the terminal block in the positions shown Fig. 1A bis 1D ; Fig. 3A-3D Sectional views of the terminal block in the positions according to Fig. 1A bis 1D ; Fig. 4A-4D Views of the terminal block in the positions according to Fig. 1A bis 1D , with the housing closed; Figs. 5A-5C Views of a terminal block assembly in the positions shown below Fig. 1A, 1B and 1D ; Fig. 6A-6C Views of a rear housing part of the terminal block together with the assembly according to Fig. 5A bis 5C , but without the actuating element; Fig. 7 a separate view of a spring element; Fig. 8 a separate view of a contact element; Fig. 9 a separate view of a release element; Fig. 10 a separate view of a release actuating element; Fig. 11 a view of the contact element with the release element mounted thereon; and Fig. 12 the arrangement according to Fig. 11 , together with the spring element.

[0065] Fig. 1A-1D bis 6A-6C 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.

[0066] The housing 10 defines a receiving space 101 into which an 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.

[0067] This is shown in a separate view in Fig. 8 The illustrated 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.

[0068] This is shown in a separate view in Fig. 7 The spring element 12 shown has a support leg 121 which is supported on the support section 111, for example by welding or riveting the support leg 121 to the support section 111, so that the spring element 12 is fixed to the housing 10 above it.

[0069] 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. 6A-6C as is evident.

[0070] The housing part 103 according to Fig. 6A-6C is with a in Fig. 1A-1D bis 3A-3D shown housing part 106 for completing the in Fig. 4A-4D The housing 10, fully illustrated, is connected. The plug opening 100 is formed on the housing part 106.

[0071] 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 (compare Fig. 1B and 1C) 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 (compare Fig. 1D ).

[0072] In the illustrated embodiment, an actuating element 14 is pivotably mounted on the housing 10 via a bearing section 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.

[0073] The actuating element 14 is designed as a lever which is pivotably supported on the housing 10 via the bearing section 140, so that the actuating element 14 can be moved about the pivot axis D relative to the housing 10. The bearing section 140 is formed on a lever section 142, which connects the bearing section 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.

[0074] The lever section 142 is formed on one side of the actuating element 14. The actuating section 141 projects along the pivot axis D from the lever section 142.

[0075] The pivotable mounting of the actuating element 14 via the bearing section 140 on the housing 10 is axially offset (with reference to the pivot axis D) to the contact element 11. In particular, the bearing section 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 line 2 is inserted for connection to the terminal block 1 along the plug-in direction E.

[0076] 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-2D as is evident.

[0077] 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 from Fig. 1A towards Fig. 1B 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.

[0078] The terminal block 1 has a release element 13 that forms a release section 130 extending into a region of the receiving space 101 aligned with the plug opening 100. 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, which are connected to each other via the release section 130 forming 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, as shown in . Fig. 11 as is evident.

[0079] This is shown in a separate view in Fig. 9 The release element 13 shown 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 engaged with 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.

[0080] 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.

[0081] 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 is evident (in Fig. 1A-1D bis 4A-4D Figures marked "A" show the actuating element 14 in an unactuated position, with the clamping arm 120 in a clamping position; figures marked "B" show the actuating element 14 in an actuated position, after the clamping arm 120 has been moved into the release position; 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; figures marked "D" show the terminal block 1 with an electrical conductor 2 connected; if subsequently Fig. 1A-1D Reference is made to the views expressed above. Fig. 2A-2D , 3A-3D and 4A-4D ). 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.

[0082] 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.

[0083] 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.

[0084] When moved into the release position, the clamping arm 120, with steps in the area of ​​a clamping section 124 formed at the end of the clamping arm 120, 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 on 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.

[0085] 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.

[0086] 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.

[0087] 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.

[0088] 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.

[0089] 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.

[0090] 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.

[0091] 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.

[0092] In the illustrated embodiment, the terminal 1 has a release actuation element 15 which is linearly displaceable along a release actuation direction C, which is in the same direction as the plugging direction E, on the housing 10 of the terminal 1.

[0093] This is shown in a separate view in Fig. 10 The illustrated trigger actuation element 15 shows, as can be seen from the views according to Fig. 5A-5C and 6A-6C As can be seen, a head 150 and a shaft section 151 extending from the head 150 along the release actuation direction C are included. The release actuation element 15 is coupled to the release element 13 via the shaft section 151 by means of coupling elements 135 formed on the bearing legs 131 in the form of coupling pins engaging coupling elements 152 in the form of coupling openings on both sides of the shaft section 151, as can be seen from Fig. 5A-5C until Fig. 6A-6C as is evident.

[0094] The coupling elements 135 of the bearing legs 131 of the release element 13 engage past the contact section 110 of the contact element 11 and are located in recesses 114 on the lateral edges of the beam-shaped contact section 110. The coupling elements 135 are movable in the recesses 114 for adjusting the release element 13.

[0095] The release actuation element 15 is guided linearly along the release actuation direction C on the housing 10 of the terminal block 1. The head 150 of the release actuation element 15 is located in an actuation opening 107 of the housing 10, as can be seen, for example, from Fig. 2A-2D as is evident.

[0096] The release actuator 15 serves to release the release element 13 from its detent position should, in exceptional cases, the release element 13 not release automatically when the electrical cable 2 is inserted. If an electrical cable 2 is inserted into the plug opening 100 of the housing 10 and the release element 13 does not release automatically, a user can manually or with the aid of a tool press on the head 150 of the release actuator 15 in the release direction C and thus move the release actuator 15 relative to the housing 10, thereby tilting the release element 13 out of its detent position and releasing the locking mechanism between the clamping arm 120 and the release element 13.

[0097] The coupling between the release actuating element 15 and the release element 13 is such that the release actuating element 15 assumes different, defined positions relative to the housing 10 depending on the respective position of the release element 13.

[0098] As this is shown Fig. 2B As can be seen, the head 150 assumes a position in the actuating opening 107 of the housing 10 in which the head 150 is approximately flush with an outer surface of the housing 10 when the release element 13 is in the detent position. This corresponds to a first position of the release actuating element 15.

[0099] If, however, the release element 13 is deflected from the detent position, as shown in the diagram... Fig. 2D As can be seen, the head 150 assumes a position shifted into the housing 10 in the actuating opening 107, corresponding to a second position of the release actuating element 15, regardless of whether the tilting of the release element 13 was caused by the action of the electrical line 2 or by actuation of the release actuating element 15.

[0100] The release actuator 15 thus also serves as an indicator to signal to a user whether the terminal 1 has been triggered as intended. With the electrical cable 2 plugged in, the head 150 is in the actuating opening 107 of the housing 10 in the position shown. Fig. 2D , the user is shown that terminal 1 has been triggered and that the electrical conductor 2 is therefore connected to terminal 1 as intended. If, on the other hand, the triggering element 15 is in the position according to Fig. 2B , so the user is shown that terminal 1 has not been triggered and that the release element 13 is (still) in the latching position.

[0101] For example, a colored marking may be applied in the area of ​​the actuating opening 107, for example on inner walls of the actuating opening 107, which is only visible in the position of the release actuating element 15 according to Fig. 2D are visible, so that a display dependent on the position of the trigger actuation element 15 is further improved.

[0102] The release actuating element 15 has stop elements 153 on both sides of the shaft section 151. These stop elements are located in openings 108 on both sides of the housing 10 and limit the adjustment travel of the release actuating element 15 along the release actuation direction C relative to the housing 10. The openings 108 on both sides of the housing 10 are shaped as elongated slots. The stop elements 153 move within the openings 108 when the release actuating element 15 is adjusted between the first position and the second position.

[0103] In the illustrated embodiment, the clamping leg 120 is in contact with a support section 126 and an associated support section 125 of the support leg 121. The contact consists of both the clamping position (compare Fig. 1D and 12 ) as well as in the release position (compare Fig. 1B The spring element 12 is thus operated in a block configuration, whereby the support leg 121 and the clamping leg 120 are in contact with each other at the contact sections 125, 126 when the clamping leg 120 deflects elastically relative to the support leg 121.

[0104] The connecting section 122 is curved in such a way that a closed loop is formed. The clamping leg 120 therefore deflects elastically primarily around a bending line formed in the area of ​​the installation sections 125 and 126.

[0105] The underlying idea of ​​the invention is not limited to the embodiment described above, but can also be realized in other ways.

[0106] 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.

[0107] 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

[0108] 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 107 Actuating opening 108 Opening 11 Contact element (current bar) 110 Contact section 111 Support section 112 Connecting section 113 Bearing element 114 Recesses 12 Clamping spring 120 Clamping leg 121 Support leg 122 Connecting section 123 Positioning edge 124 Clamping section 125, 126 Mounting section 13 Release element 130 Release section 131 Bearing leg 132 Detent section 133 Bearing opening 134 Reset element 135 Coupling element 14 Actuating element 140 Bearing section 141 Actuating section 142 Lever section 143 Guide section 144 Working section 145 Tensioning section 15 Release actuating element 150 Head 151 Shaft section 152 Coupling element (coupling opening) 153 Stop element 2 Line 20 Line end B Actuating direction C Release actuating direction D Swivel axis E Plug-in 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 into a release position relative to the housing (10) 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 element (13), when locked with the clamping leg (120), assumes a detent position relative to the housing (10) and, by interaction of the release section (130) 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 a user-operated release actuating element (15) which is operatively connected to the release element (13) and is adjustable relative to the housing (10) in order to release the release element (13) from the detent position.

2. Terminal block (1) according to claim 1, characterized by the fact thatthe release element (13) has a first coupling element (135) and the release actuation element (15) has a second coupling element (153), wherein the first coupling element (135) and the second coupling element (153) are coupled together.

3. Terminal block (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by the fact that the release actuation element (15) assumes a first position relative to the housing (10) when the release element (13) is in the detent position.

4. Terminal block (1) according to claim 3, characterized by the fact that the release actuation element (15) assumes a second position relative to the housing (10) when the release element (13) is in a disengaged position.

5. Terminal block (1) according to claim 4, characterized by the fact that the release actuation element (15) is designed to indicate in the first position that the release element (13) is in the latched position, and in the second position to indicate that the release element (13) is in the unlocked position.

6. Terminal block (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the trigger actuating element (15) has a head (150) which is received in an actuating opening (107) of the housing (109).

7. Terminal block (1) according to claim 6, characterized by the fact that the release actuation element (15) has a shaft section (151) extending from the head (150) and operatively connected to the release element (13).

8. Terminal block (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the release actuation element (15) is displaceable along a release actuation direction (C) relative to the housing (10).

9. Terminal block (1) according to claim 8, characterized by the fact that the electrical conductor (2) can be inserted into the plug opening (100) along a plugging direction (E), wherein the triggering direction (C) is in the same direction as the plugging direction (E).

10. Terminal block (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact thatthe release actuating element (15) has a stop element (153) for limiting an adjustment travel of the release actuating element (15) relative to the housing (10).

11. Terminal block (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the release element (13) can be tilted relative to the housing (10).

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 thatthe contact element (11) has a contact section (110) for electrical contact with the electrical line (2), wherein the clamping leg (120) is arranged on a first side of the contact section (110) and the release actuation element (15) is arranged on a second side of the contact section (110) facing away from the first side.

14. Terminal block (1) according to one of claims 13, characterized by the fact that the release section (130) of the release element (13) is arranged on the first side of the contact section (110), wherein the release element (13) extends past the contact section (110) to couple with the release actuating element (15) on the second side of the contact section (110).

15. Terminal block (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact thatthe release element (13) has at least one bearing leg (131) projecting from the release section (130), wherein the release element (13) is mounted on the housing (10) or the contact element (11) via the at least one bearing leg (131).

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