Connection terminal for connecting an electrical line

Abstract

A terminal block (1, 1', 1", 1‴) for connecting an electrical conductor (2) comprises a housing (10). A contact element (11) for electrical contact with the electrical conductor (2) and a spring element (12) are arranged on the housing (10). The spring element has 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) is adjustable for moving the clamping leg (120) in an actuating direction (B) from an unactuated position to an actuated position. A release element (13) has a release leg (130) configured to interact with the electrical conductor (2) to release the actuating element (14) from the actuated position by pivoting the release element (13).A user-operated release actuating element (15) is adjustable relative to the housing (10) in order to act on the release element (13) to release the locking of the actuating element (14).

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 an electrical conductor can be inserted for connection to the terminal block along a specific plug-in direction. A contact element for electrical contact with the conductor is arranged on the housing. A spring element with a clamping arm is also arranged on the housing. This clamping arm is designed to act upon the conductor, bringing it into contact with the contact element when the conductor is inserted into the plug-in opening. An actuating element can be operated by a user to adjust the clamping arm. For example, the actuating element can be moved from an unactuated to an actuated position using a tool. In the actuated position, the actuating element is locked relative to the housing.The clamping arm can be elastically adjusted relative to the housing by actuating the actuating element into a release position and is held in the release position relative to the housing by the actuating element held in the actuated position.

[0003] In addition, a release element is pivotable relative to the housing, which has a release leg designed to cooperate with the electrical line when an electrical line is inserted into the plug-in opening, in order to release the actuating element from the actuated position by pivoting the release element.

[0004] 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.

[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, is 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 that is adjustable relative to the housing in order to act on the release element in the actuated position to release the locking mechanism of the actuating element.

[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 a space inside the housing in the area of ​​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.The actuating element can, for example, be designed in the form of a push button and pressed into the housing by user operation in order to act on the clamping leg and adjust the clamping leg in the direction of the release position.

[0012] The actuating element, which is adjustable on the housing, is held in position relative to the housing in the actuated position by being locked to the housing or to a component fixed to the housing, so that the clamping leg of the spring element is also held in its release position, in which it is possible to easily connect an electrical conductor to the terminal block or to remove a connected conductor from the terminal block in a substantially force-free manner.

[0013] The release element, which can pivot relative to the housing, serves to release the actuating element from the actuated position in order to automatically release the actuating element from the actuated position when the electrical conductor is inserted into the plug-in opening, thus bringing the clamping leg into a clamping position in which the electrical conductor inserted into the plug-in opening is electrically contacted with the contact element of the terminal block.

[0014] After the detent is released, the actuating element can return to its unactuated position, preferably automatically and under spring preload. This spring preload can be applied, for example, by a spring element that is elastically deflected in the actuated position and, after the actuating element is released, springs back onto the actuating element to move it from the actuated position to the unactuated position. Alternatively, preload can be provided by an additional preloading element, such as an additional spring.

[0015] Because the release element pivots towards the housing when the electrical cable is inserted, thereby acting on the actuating element to release it from its detent in the actuated position, the terminal closes automatically when the electrical cable is inserted. This results in a simple connection process with reliable contact between the electrical cable and the contact element thanks to the clamping action of the clamping arm.

[0016] The terminal block has a user-operated release element that can be adjusted relative to the housing to act on the release element and thereby release the actuating element from the actuated position.

[0017] Generally, when an electrical cable is inserted, it should contact the release element and thereby move the release element relative to the housing, releasing the latch of the actuating element and thus freeing the clamping arm. Due to spring tension on the spring element, it then moves automatically towards the clamping position. However, should the release element fail to trigger when an electrical cable is inserted, the release actuator can be manually operated by the user to activate the release element.If the actuator does not automatically release from the latch when an electrical cable is inserted, this can be achieved by the release actuator by a user manually or using a tool, thereby adjusting the release actuator relative to the housing and thus moving the release actuator to release the latch of the actuator.

[0018] This provides the option of an emergency release if needed. If the terminal block does not release automatically when an electrical cable is inserted into the socket, a user can trigger the release mechanism by pressing the release button.

[0019] 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 element is arranged in the receiving space to interact with the electrical cable and, by interacting with the electrical cable, can be pivoted relative to the housing from a starting position.

[0020] In one embodiment, the release element has a release arm that, in its initial position, extends transversely to the insertion direction within the receiving space. The release arm extends into a region of the receiving space that is aligned with the insertion opening, so that when an electrical cable is inserted, it contacts the release arm, thereby pivoting the release element relative to the housing. When an electrical cable is inserted, the release element is thus moved from its initial position and thereby acts on the actuating element to release the locking mechanism between the actuating element and the housing.

[0021] In one embodiment, the release actuation element is coupled to the release element via a coupling device, such that the release actuation element assumes a first position relative to the housing when the release element is in its initial position, and a second position relative to the housing when the release element is in a position pivoted relative to its initial position. The coupling of the release actuation element to the release element is thus such that the release actuation element assumes a defined first or second position relative to the housing when the release element is in its initial position or in a position pivoted relative to its initial position.

[0022] By coupling the release actuator with the release element in this way, the release actuator can be used to provide an indicator. In particular, the release actuator can be configured to indicate in the first position that the release element is in its initial position, and in the second position that the release element is in its pivoted position. From the position of the release actuator, a user outside the terminal block can determine 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 its initial position and the actuator has thus been released.

[0023] The coupling device can be implemented, for example, by a coupling element on the release element or the release actuating element, such as a coupling hook or a coupling pin. Through this coupling, when the release element pivots, the release actuating element is also moved, so that the release actuating element (always) assumes a defined position that depends on the position of the release element.

[0024] In one embodiment, the release actuating element has a head that is received in an actuating opening of the housing. A shaft section extends from the head, for example, to act on the release element. 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.

[0025] 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 mechanism. For example, in one embodiment, a colored marking on the actuation opening is only visible when the release mechanism is in the second position, thus indicating the current position of the release mechanism based on the visibility of the colored marking.

[0026] 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.

[0027] 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 along which an electrical conductor can be inserted into the housing's plug-in opening. This can improve user convenience because inserting an electrical conductor and, if necessary, actuating the release actuation element for an emergency release can occur simultaneously on a common side of the housing at the terminal block. However, the release actuation direction (determined by the guide of the release actuation element in the associated actuation opening of the housing) can also be angled relative to the insertion direction, which can efficiently utilize available installation space and / or facilitate coupling with the release element.

[0028] In one embodiment, the actuating element is linearly displaceable relative to the housing and comprises an actuating head for operation by a user and an actuating shaft extending from the actuating head for acting on the clamping arm. The actuating head can, for example, be received in an opening in the housing and be adjustable approximately linearly along the actuating direction within the opening. The actuating shaft extends from the actuating head, which may, for example, have a tool engagement for use with a tool, into the interior of the housing to interact with the clamping arm of the spring element inside the housing.

[0029] In one embodiment, the actuating element has a detent element. The housing, or a component fixed to the housing, has a counter-detent element. In the actuated position of the actuating element, the detent element engages with the counter-detent element to lock the actuating element in place.

[0030] The locking element can, for example, be arranged on the actuating shaft and be shaped, for example, on a side of the actuating shaft facing away from the clamping leg.

[0031] In one embodiment, the detent element is formed by a rigid detent edge or a detent projection on the actuating element. Additionally or alternatively, the counter-detent element on the housing side can be formed by a rigid detent edge or a detent projection. Elasticity for creating the detent between the actuating element and the housing or the component fixed to the housing can be provided, for example, by the spring element, which, in the actuated position of the actuating element, holds the detent element in engagement with the counter-detent element due to an elastic preload on the clamping leg.

[0032] The locking element creates a positive or force-fit connection between the actuating element and the housing or the component fixed to the housing in such a way that the actuating element is fixed along the actuating direction relative to the housing and therefore cannot be easily moved from the actuated position against the actuating direction, at least not without releasing the locking mechanism.

[0033] The direction of operation can, for example, be directed along the insertion direction, along which an electrical conductor is to be inserted into the plug opening of the housing for connection to the terminal block.

[0034] In one embodiment, the release element is configured to adjust the detent element relative to the counter-detent element in a transverse direction (approximately) perpendicular to the insertion direction, thereby releasing the actuating element from the actuated position. In the actuated position, the actuating element is engaged with the corresponding counter-detent element via the detent element and its engagement. The detent can be released by moving the detent element, triggered by an adjustment movement of the actuating element caused by the release element, in a transverse direction relative to the counter-detent element that is approximately perpendicular to the insertion direction, thus disengaging it from the counter-detent element.If the engagement between the locking element and the counter-locking element is released when an electrical conductor is inserted and the release element is thereby moved, the actuating element is released from the actuated position and can return to the unactuated position, whereby the return of the actuating element can occur automatically, for example by a spring preload caused by the clamping leg.

[0035] To move the detent element along the transverse direction relative to its corresponding counter-detent element, the actuating element can, for example, be tilted by a (small) angle relative to the housing. The release element is designed to tilt the actuating element relative to the housing to release it from its actuated position. When the release element is adjusted, it acts on the actuating element and tilts it within the housing, thus disengaging the detent element from its counter-detent element along the transverse direction.

[0036] In one embodiment, the clamping leg of the spring element is pivotable in a pivot plane relative to the housing. This pivot plane can be defined, for example, by the insertion direction and the transverse direction. The release element is designed to tilt the actuating element in the pivot plane relative to the housing to release it from the actuated position, for example, such that the tilting movement of the actuating element to release the locking mechanism occurs against the spring preload of the clamping leg on the actuating element.

[0037] In one embodiment, the actuating element has a first actuating section, while the release element has a second actuating section. The release element is designed to actuate the first actuating section with its second actuating section to release the actuating element from the actuated position. When an electrical cable is inserted into the plug opening of the housing, thereby moving the release element relative to the housing, the actuating section on the release element engages with the corresponding actuating section on the actuating element. This moves the actuating element, disengaging the corresponding locking element from the actuating element and thus releasing the actuating element from its detent in the actuated position.

[0038] The actuating sections on the release element and the actuator are designed to cause the actuator to move when an electrical conductor is inserted and the release element is triggered, thereby releasing the latching mechanism. Conversely, the first and second actuating sections can also interact when the actuator is moved from the unactuated to the actuated position, returning the release element to its initial position. This initial position is the position the release element assumes when the actuator is in the actuated position and an electrical conductor is to be connected to the terminal.Because the actuating sections also interact when the actuating element is moved from the unactuated position to the actuated position, a separate return element, for example a mechanical spring, to return the release element to its initial position may be unnecessary.

[0039] In one embodiment, the contact element comprises a flat section and two side flanges extending perpendicular to the flat section. The clamping arm is designed to bring the electrical conductor into electrical contact with the flat section. The side flanges are arranged on both sides of the clamping arm, allowing the clamping arm to be adjustable between them. The flat section with its formed, bent side flanges can, for example, form a U-shape within which the clamping arm is adjustable. When inserted, the electrical conductor is guided into this U-shape in the insertion direction, allowing the conductor to be clamped to the flat section via the clamping arm.

[0040] The contact element can, for example, be designed as a stamped and bent part made from a sheet of metal.

[0041] For example, the contact element, together with the surface section, the side walls, and a back wall connecting the side walls, can form a fully enclosed cage. For example, the spring element is supported on the back wall by a support leg, which is firmly connected to the back wall.

[0042] In one embodiment, the release element is pivotably mounted between the side walls. The release element can be mounted directly on the side walls. In another embodiment, the release element is mounted on a bearing axis that is integrally formed with a housing part and extends, for example, through openings in the side walls. At least one section of the release element lies between the side walls and is supported between them.

[0043] In one embodiment, the release arm of the release element, viewed along the insertion direction, is arranged below the side walls. Preferably, in the actuated position of the actuating element, the release arm is in contact with the side walls and can be moved away from them by pivoting the release element. In the initial position of the release element, the side walls provide a stop for the release arm, so that the release arm occupies a defined position within the housing. By pivoting the release element when an electrical cable is inserted or when the release actuating element is actuated, the release arm is moved away from the side walls, for example, downwards in the insertion direction.

[0044] 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. For this purpose, 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 the release position, the electrical conductor is pulled into clamping contact with the contact element.

[0045] 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 a surface section of 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.

[0046] The spring element can, for example, have a support leg by which the spring element is supported against the housing and / or the contact element and held in position relative to the housing. The clamping leg is elastically deflectable relative to the support leg, whereby 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.

[0047] A terminal assembly, for example a terminal block, can have one or more connection terminals of the type described above. Such a terminal assembly can, for example, have a locking mechanism for mounting the terminal assembly on a DIN rail. For example, several terminal assemblies, for example terminal blocks, can be connected in series on such a DIN rail to create an electrical assembly, for example in a control cabinet.

[0048] 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 view of an embodiment of a terminal arrangement in the form of a terminal block with connection terminals; Fig. 1B the terminal arrangement according to Fig. 1A , after inserting an electrical conductor; Fig. 2A a view of another embodiment of a terminal arrangement in the form of a terminal block; Fig. 2B the terminal arrangement according to Fig. 2A , after inserting an electrical conductor; Fig. 3A a view of an embodiment of a terminal block, in an actuated position of an actuating element, before connecting an electrical conductor; Fig. 3A view of the terminal block, after connecting an electrical conductor; Fig. 3C a view of the terminal block, when actuating a release actuating element; Fig. 4A a sectional view of the terminal block in the position according to Fig. 3A Fig. 4 Legs Sectional view of the terminal block in the position according to Fig. 3B Fig. 4C shows a sectional view of the terminal block in the position shown. Fig. 3C Fig. 5A A view of another embodiment of a terminal block in an actuated position of an actuating element; Fig. 5B A view of the terminal block after connecting an electrical conductor; Fig. 5C A view of the terminal block when a release actuating element is actuated; Fig. 6A A sectional view of the terminal block in the position shown Fig. 5A Fig. 6 Legs Sectional view of the terminal block in the position according to Fig. 5B ; Fig. 6C a sectional view of the terminal block in the position according to Fig. 5C ; Fig. 7 a view of the terminal arrangement according to Fig. 1A, 1B , when actuating a release actuator using a tool; Fig. 8 a view of the terminal arrangement according to Fig. 2A, 2B when actuating a release element using a tool; Fig. 9 a schematic top view of a contact element with a spring element mounted thereon; Fig. 10 a schematic view of an actuating element in conjunction with a release element; Fig. 11A a schematic view of a release actuating element coupled to a release element via a coupling device; and Fig. 11B the arrangement according to Fig. 11A , in a pivoted position of the release element.

[0049] Fig. 1A, 1B Figure 1 shows an embodiment of a terminal arrangement 3 in the form of a terminal block, which can be arranged together with other terminal arrangements on a mounting rail 5 in order to create an electrical circuit assembly, for example in a control cabinet or on an electrical system.

[0050] The terminal arrangement 3 according to Fig. 1A, 1B The device has a plurality of terminals 1, 1', 1", 1‴, each of which is associated with a plug-in opening 100 and to which an electrical conductor 2 can be connected. For connection, the electrical conductor 2 can be inserted into the respective plug-in opening 100 along a plug-in direction E in order to make electrical contact with a current bar 32 at the respective terminal 1, 1', 1", 1‴.

[0051] The terminal assembly 30 has a body that provides a housing for the components of the terminal blocks 1, 1', 1", 1‴ and on which the plug-in openings 100 of the terminal blocks 1, 1', 1", 1‴ are formed.

[0052] A locking device 31 is formed on the body 30, by means of which the terminal arrangement 3 can be arranged and fastened to a support rail 5 in a locking manner.

[0053] The current bar 32 electrically connects contact elements 11 of the terminal blocks.

[0054] Fig. 2A, 2B show another embodiment of a terminal arrangement 3. While in the embodiment according to Fig. 1A, 1B The terminal arrangement 3 has four connection terminals 1, 1', 1", 1', and 3', according to the terminal arrangement 3 Fig. 2A, 2B two terminal blocks 1, 1‴ open, so that the terminal arrangement 3 can be connected according to Fig. 2A, 2B Only two electrical lines 2 can be connected.

[0055] Fig. 3A-3C bis 4A-4C show an embodiment of a terminal block 1, which is an external terminal block 1, 1‴ of the terminal arrangement 3 according to Fig. 1A, 1B or a terminal 1, 1‴ of the terminal arrangement 3 according to Fig. 2A, 2B realized.

[0056] The terminal block 1 has a housing 10 formed by the body 30 of the respective terminal arrangement 3, with a plug-in opening 100 formed therein for inserting an electrical conductor 2 along a plug-in direction E.

[0057] 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 element 11, so that the electrical conductor 2 is electrically connected to the terminal 1, as shown in Fig. 3B and 4B is shown.

[0058] The spring element 12 has a support leg 121 which is connected to the clamping leg 120 via a curved intermediate section 122 and is supported together with the intermediate section 122 on a housing section 103 of the housing 10. The clamping leg 120 is elastically deflectable relative to the support leg 121, in particular such that the clamping leg 120 is in a Fig. 3B and 4B In the clamping position shown, the contact element acts on an electrical conductor 2 connected to the terminal 1 and presses it into contact with a surface 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.

[0059] In the illustrated embodiment, an actuating element 14 is adjustable along an actuation direction B on the housing 10. The actuating element 14 is received in an actuation opening 102 of the housing 10 and can be moved relative to the housing 10 along the actuation direction B in order to act on the clamping leg 120 of the spring element 12 and adjust it between the clamping position and a release position.

[0060] The actuating element 14 has an actuating head 140 which is accessible from outside the housing 10 via the actuating opening 102 and can therefore be actuated by a user, for example using a tool.

[0061] An actuating shaft 141 extends from the actuating head 140, which serves to act on the spring element 12 for adjusting the clamping leg 120 and forms an operating section 145, with which the actuating element 14 acts on the clamping leg 120 of the spring element 12 when it is adjusted into an actuated position and moves it into the release position.

[0062] In the actuated position of the actuating element 14, as shown in Fig. 3A and 4A , the actuating shaft 141 is in contact with the clamping leg 120 and holds the clamping leg 120 in the release position.

[0063] A detent element 142 is formed on the actuating shaft 141. This detent element has a stepped edge extending approximately perpendicular to the actuating direction B and serves to detent the actuating element 14 in the actuated position. In the actuated position of the actuating element 14, the detent element 142 engages with a corresponding counter-detent element 104 on an inner housing wall of the housing 10. It is thus positively locked or force-locked to the housing 10 along the actuating direction B, which is oriented parallel to the insertion direction E. In the actuated position, the actuating element 14 is therefore locked to the housing 10.

[0064] By engaging with the housing 10, the actuating element 14 holds the clamping leg 120 of the spring element 12 in the release position and thus at a distance from the surface section 110 of the contact element 11, so that an electrical conductor 2 can be inserted into the plug-in opening 100 along the plug-in direction E in a substantially force-free manner and thereby connected to the terminal 1. In the release position, the clamping leg 120 is elastically deflected relative to the support leg 121 and thus provides an elastic clamping force on the actuating element 14 in the direction of engagement of the locking element 142 with the counter-locking element 104, so that the actuating element 14 is held in the locked position under tension of the clamping leg 120.

[0065] A leg 143 is formed laterally on the actuating shaft 141, projecting beyond the working section 145 and forming an actuating section 146, via which the actuating element 14 interacts with a release element 13 of the terminal 1. Thus, the actuating element 14, with its actuating section 146, engages in an opening 133 on a release leg 130 of the release element 13 and is operatively connected via the actuating section 146 to an associated actuating section 134 on the release element 13, as shown in the figure. Fig. 10 as is evident.

[0066] In the illustrated embodiment, the release element 13 is pivotably mounted on the housing 10 via a bearing axis 131 formed on the housing 10. The release arm 130 is in a starting position (see Fig. 3A and 4A) extends at least approximately perpendicular to the insertion direction E and projects into the interior 101 of the housing 10 into an area aligned with the insertion opening 100, such that when an electrical conductor 2 is inserted, it touches the release leg 130 with a conductor end 20 and thus acts on the release element 13.

[0067] In the illustrated embodiment, the release arm 130 has a trough-shaped recess 132, which serves to capture the conductor end 20 of the electrical conductor 2 when it is inserted into the socket 100. Because the electrical conductor 2 meets the release arm 130 in the area of ​​the recess 132, efficient force transmission between the electrical conductor 2 and the release arm 130 is enabled, which allows the release element 13 to be triggered even by soft conductors, for example, stranded conductors.

[0068] In the illustrated embodiment, the contact element 11 is formed as a stamped and bent part and is electrically contacted with the current bar 32 of the terminal arrangement 3 (compare the embodiment according to Fig. 1A, 1B and the embodiment according to Fig. 2A, 2B The contact element 11 forms a surface section 110, in the direction of which the clamping leg 120 of the spring element 12 loads the electrical conductor 2 when inserted into the plug opening 100, in order to electrically contact the electrical conductor 2 with the contact element 11 by contacting the surface section 110 and also to mechanically lock it on the contact element 11.

[0069] As this is shown Fig. 3A-3C in conjunction with the schematic view according to Fig. 9 As can be seen, the contact element 11 has side walls 111 that extend perpendicular to the surface section 110 and together with the surface section 110 form a U-shape into which the electrical conductor 2 is inserted when plugged into the socket opening 100. The conductor 2 is thus trapped within the contact element 11 when inserted into the socket opening 100 and pressed into contact with the surface section 110, which forms the base of the U-shape, by the action of the clamping leg 120.

[0070] The release element 13 is mounted between cheek sections 112 of the side cheeks 111. The bearing axis 131 formed on the housing 10 extends through openings in the cheek sections 112 and supports the release element 13, as shown in the figure. Fig. 4A-4C visible, so that the release element 13 can be pivoted between the side walls 111.

[0071] The side walls 111 are connected to each other via a back wall 113 on a side facing away from the surface section 110. The support leg 121 of the spring element 12 is supported on the back wall 113 and firmly connected to the back wall 113, so that the spring element 12 is fixed to the contact element 11.

[0072] The release lever 130 is in the initial position corresponding to the actuated position of the actuating element 14, as can be seen from Fig. 3A and 4A , viewed in the insertion direction E at the lower edges of the side walls 111. The side walls 111 thus form a stop for the release arm 130 in the actuated position of the actuating element 14. If the release element 13 is pivoted, the release arm 130 is moved away from the side walls 111 in the insertion direction E, as can be seen from the transition of Fig. 3A , 4A towards Fig. 3B , 4B as is evident.

[0073] The release element 13 serves to interact with an electrical conductor 2 inserted into the plug opening 100 in order to automatically connect the electrical conductor 2 to the terminal block 1 by releasing the clamping arm 120. If the actuating element 14 is in the actuated position according to Fig. 3A and 4A , so the trigger element 13 takes the in Fig. 3A and 4A The apparent starting position is as follows: the actuating sections 134, 146 of the release element 13 and the actuating element 14 are as shown in Fig. 10 shown are in engagement with each other, so that the actuating element 14, which is locked to the housing 10 via the detent element 142, holds the release element 13 in position.

[0074] As this is shown Fig. 10 As can be seen, the actuating section 146 has a protrusion 144 on the leg 143 of the actuating element 14, into which the actuating section 134 on the release element 13 engages in the actuated position of the actuating element 14. If an electrical conductor 2 is inserted in the plug-in direction E into the plug-in opening 100 of the housing 10, as is evident from Fig. 3B and 4B As can be seen, the line 2 with its line end 20 meets the release leg 130 of the release element 13 and pivots the release element 13 about the bearing axis 131 in a pivoting direction S. As a result, the actuating sections 134, 146 slide onto each other and out of engagement with each other, causing the actuating element 14 to be tilted in a tilting direction K by a (small) tilting angle to the housing 10.

[0075] This causes the locking element 142 to be adjusted in the transverse direction Q relative to the counter-locking element 104 on the housing 10 and to be disengaged from the counter-locking element 104, so that the locking of the actuating element 14 is released.

[0076] If the release element 13 disengages the actuating element 14, the actuating element 14 is adjusted relative to the housing 10 in the opposite direction of actuation B due to the spring preload of the clamping arm 120, as shown in Fig. 3B and 4B The actuating element 14 thus slides upwards in the actuating opening 102, and the clamping leg 120 comes into contact with the conductor end 20 and presses it into contact with the surface section 110 of the contact element 12, as shown in the sectional view according to Fig. 4B visible.

[0077] The actuating element 14 is prevented from sliding out of the actuating opening 102 by coming into contact with a contact edge 106 on the housing via the detent element 142, as shown by Fig. 4B as is evident.

[0078] Because the actuating element 14 automatically moves out of the actuated position after the hold is released due to the spring preload of the clamping arm 120, a user can reliably and safely determine that the terminal 1 has been triggered and that the electrical conductor 2 is therefore connected to the terminal 1. The risk of incorrect operation is thus reduced.

[0079] Should the electrical line 2 be routed from the in Fig. 3B and 4B Once the connected position shown has been released and removed from terminal 1, the actuating element 14 can be returned to the actuated position as shown. Fig. 3B and 4AThe clamping leg 120 is moved out of alignment with line 2. Line 2 can then be removed from terminal 1 with virtually no force required.

[0080] When the actuating element 14 is actuated in the actuating direction B, the adjusting section 146 on the leg 143 of the actuating shaft 141 engages with the opening 133 on the release leg 130 of the release element 13, so that the adjusting section 134 engages with the protrusion 144. The adjusting section 134, located inside the opening 133 of the release leg 130, slides into the protrusion 144, so that the release element 13, through interaction with the actuating element 14, automatically returns to its initial position. Fig. 3A , 4Ais adjusted and held there by the engagement of the adjusting section 146 in the opening 133 until an electrical line 2 is (again) inserted into the plug-in opening 100 and thereby connected to the terminal 1.

[0081] No separate preload is required on the release element 13 to reset it to its initial position. The release element 13 is reset to its initial position by interaction with the actuating element 14 when the actuating element 14 is moved into the actuated position.

[0082] 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 directed obliquely to the plugging direction E, on the housing 10 of the terminal 1.

[0083] The release actuating element 15 has a head 150 and a shaft section 151 extending from the head 150 along the release actuating direction C. The release actuating element 15 can act on the release element 13 via the shaft section 151, thereby pivoting the release element 13 relative to the housing 10 if necessary, and thus causing the actuating element 14 to be released from its actuated position, should the actuating element 14 not have been automatically released when an electrical cable 2 was inserted.

[0084] As shown schematically in Fig. 11A, 11B As shown, the release actuating element 15 can be coupled to the release element 13, for example, via a coupling device 152, such as a coupling hook on the shaft section 151 of the release actuating element 15. The coupling is such that when the release actuating element 15 is actuated, the release element 13 pivots about the bearing axis 131, and, in addition, when the release element 13 pivots independently of any actuation of the release actuating element 14, the release actuating element 15 also moves.

[0085] Due to the coupling, the release actuating element 15 always assumes a defined position relative to the housing 10, which depends on the position of the release element 13.

[0086] 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 105 of the housing 10, as shown from Fig. 4A-4C as is evident.

[0087] The release actuator 15 serves to pivot the release element 13 should, in exceptional cases, the release element 14 not trigger 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 14 does not trigger 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 in order to pivot the release element 13 and release the locking mechanism between the release element 14 and the housing 10.

[0088] The release actuation element 15 is preferably coupled to the release element 13 in such a way that the release actuation element 15 assumes different, defined positions relative to the housing 10 depending on the respective position of the release element 13.

[0089] As this is shown Fig. 4A As can be seen, the head 150 assumes an upwardly (outwardly) displaced position in the actuating opening 105 of the housing 10 when the release element 13 is in the initial position and the actuating element 14 is in the actuated position. This corresponds to a first position of the release actuating element 15.

[0090] If, however, the trigger element 13 is deflected from its initial position, as shown from Fig. 4B As can be seen, the head 150 assumes a position shifted into the housing 10 in the actuating opening 105, 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.

[0091] 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 105 of the housing 10 in the position shown. Fig. 4B , 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. 4A , so the user is shown that terminal 1 has not been triggered and that the triggering element 13 is (still) in the initial position.

[0092] For example, a colored marking may be applied in the area of ​​the actuating opening 105, for example on inner walls of the actuating opening 105, which is only visible in the position of the release actuating element 15 according to Fig. 4B are visible, so that a display dependent on the position of the trigger actuation element 15 is further improved.

[0093] Fig. 5A-5C and 6A-6C show an embodiment of a terminal block 1' which is an internal terminal block 1', 1" of the terminal arrangement 3 according to Fig. 1A, 1B realized.

[0094] The terminal 1' according to Fig. 5A-5C and 6A-6C With regard to its function for connecting an electrical line, it is similar to terminal 1 according to Fig. 3A-3C and 4A-4C , so reference should be made to the preceding explanations.

[0095] While the actuating opening 105 in the embodiment according to Fig. 3A-3C and 4A-4C is formed on an end face of the body 30 of the terminal arrangement 3 which constitutes the housing 10 of the terminal 1, in the embodiment according to Fig. 5A-5C and 6A-6C the actuating opening 105 is formed on a top side of the body 30 realizing the housing 10 of the respective terminal 1', on which the plug-in opening 100 and the opening 102, in which the actuating element 14 is received, are also formed.

[0096] The shaft section 151 of the release actuating element 15 is extended accordingly, as shown from Fig. 6A-6C evident, in order to interact with the triggering element 13 inside the housing 10.

[0097] Otherwise, full reference is made to the explanations of the exemplary embodiment according to Fig. 3A-3C and 4A-4C referred.

[0098] Fig. 7 shows the terminal arrangement 3 according to Fig. 1A, 1B , when the release actuation elements 15 of the terminals 1', 1" are actuated by tools 4 in the form of screwdrivers.

[0099] Fig. 8 shows the terminal arrangement 3 according to Fig. 2A, 2B , when actuating the release actuation elements 15 of the connection terminals 1, 1‴ using tools 4 in the form of screwdrivers.

[0100] The underlying idea of ​​the invention is not limited to the embodiment described above, but can also be realized in other ways.

[0101] The trigger element can be pivotally mounted on the housing or on a component stationary relative to the housing via a bearing axis.

[0102] The actuating element can be pre-tensioned in the direction of the unactuated position by the action of the clamping arm of the spring element. However, it is also conceivable to provide an additional pre-tensioning element that pre-tensions the actuating element relative to the housing in the opposite direction of actuation, towards the unactuated position. Such a pre-tensioning element could, for example, be a compression spring or another mechanical spring.

[0103] A terminal block can be combined with other terminal blocks in a terminal arrangement, for example a terminal block, but can also be used independently of such a terminal arrangement. Bezugszeichenliste

[0104] 1, 1', 1", 1‴Terminal terminal 10Housing 100Plug-in opening 101Receiving space 102Actuating opening 103Housing section 104Detent element 105Actuating opening 106Mounting edge 11Contact element (current bar) 110Face section 111Side cheeks 112Cheek section 113Back panel 12Clamping spring 120Clamping leg 121Support leg 122Intermediate section 13Release element 130Release leg 131Bearing axis 132Recess 133Opening 134Adjusting section 14Actuating element 140Actuating head 141Actuating shaft 142Detent element 143Leg 144Protrusion 145Effective section 146Adjusting section 15Trigger actuation element 150Head 151Shaft section 152Coupling device 2Conductor 20Conductor end 3Terminal arrangement (terminal block) 30Body 31Locking device 32Current bar 4Tool 5Support rail BActing direction CTrigger actuation direction EPlug-in direction KTilt direction QTransverse direction SSwivel direction

Claims

1. Terminal block (1, 1', 1", 1‴) for connecting an electrical conductor (2), comprising a housing (10) having a plug-in opening (100) into which an electrical conductor (2) can be inserted for connection to the terminal block (1, 1', 1", 1‴) along a plug-in direction (E), a contact element (11) arranged on the housing (10) for electrical contact with the electrical conductor (2), a spring element (12) arranged on the housing (10) having a clamping leg (120) for acting on the electrical conductor (2) in order to bring the electrical conductor (2) into contact with the contact element (11), an actuating element (14) adjustable on the housing (10) which is adjustable for adjusting the clamping leg (120) in an actuating direction (B) from an unactuated position to an actuated position and in the actuated position relative to the housing (10) is locked upwherein the clamping leg (120) is elastically adjustable relative to the housing (10) into a release position by actuating the actuating element (14) and is held in the release position relative to the housing (10) by the actuating element (14) which is latched in the actuated position, and a release element (13) which is pivotable relative to the housing (10) and which has a release leg (130) configured to interact with the electrical line (2) when an electrical line (2) is inserted into the plug-in opening (100) in order to release the actuating element (14) from the actuated position by pivoting the release element (13), characterized by a user-operated release actuating element (15) which is adjustable relative to the housing (10) in order to act on the release element (13) to release the detent of the actuating element (14) in the actuated position.

2. Terminal block (1, 1', 1", 1‴) according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the housing (10) defines a receiving space (101) into which the electrical line (2) can be inserted by plugging it into the plug opening (100), wherein the release element (13) is arranged in the receiving space (101) to interact with the electrical line (2) and can be pivoted from a starting position relative to the housing (10) by interacting with the electrical line (2).

3. Terminal block (1, 1', 1", 1‴) according to claim 2, characterized by the fact that The release arm (130) extends in the starting position transversely to the insertion direction (E) in the receiving space (101).

4. Terminal block (1) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized by the fact thatthe release actuating element (15) is coupled to the release element (13) via a coupling device (152), such that the release actuating element (15) assumes a first position relative to the housing (10) when the release element (13) is in the initial position, and a second position relative to the housing (10) when the release element (13) is in a pivoted position relative to the initial 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 starting position, and in the second position that the release element (13) is in the pivoted 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 (105) of the housing (10).

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) for acting on 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 release direction (C) is aligned with or oblique to the insertion direction (E).

10. Terminal block (1, 1', 1", 1‴) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the actuating element (14) is linearly displaceable relative to the housing (10) and has an actuating head (140) for actuation by a user and an actuating shaft (141) extended from the actuating head (140) for acting on the clamping leg (120).

11. Terminal block (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the actuating element (14) has a detent element (142) and the housing (10) or a component fixed to the housing (10) has a counter-detent element (104), wherein in the actuated position of the actuating element (14) the detent element (14) engages with the counter-detent element (104) to lock the actuating element (14).

12. Terminal block (1, 1', 1", 1‴) according to claim 11, characterized by the fact that the detent element (142) is formed by a rigid detent edge on the actuating element (14).

13. Terminal block (1, 1', 1", 1‴) according to claim 11 or 12, characterized by the fact that the release element (13) is designed to adjust the locking element (142) to release the actuating element (14) from the actuated position along a transverse direction (Q) perpendicular to the insertion direction (E) relative to the counter-locking element (104).

14. Terminal block (1, 1', 1", 1‴) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the release element (13) is designed to tilt the actuating element (14) relative to the housing (10) to release it from the actuated position.

15. Terminal arrangement, in particular terminal block, with at least one connection terminal (1, 1', 1", 1‴) according to one of the preceding claims.

Images