Contact device for an electrical installation device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a contact device (1) for an electrical installation device (2), in particular a socket insert, comprising a box-shaped conductor terminal (4) with a clamping device (6) arranged therein for receiving and clamping connection of at least one electrical conductor, and an insertion channel (8) extending along a channel axis (E) for clamping the receipt of a contact pin (10) with a permissible pin diameter according to DIN VDE 0620-1, which can be inserted in a plugging direction (S) parallel to the insertion channel (8). The insertion channel (8) is provided by means of two contact legs (12) electrically connected to the conductor terminal (4), each of which has two V-shaped, planar and parallel-to-the-channel-axis (E) sections (14).The contact legs (12) are spaced apart from each other at a distance adapted to the permissible pin diameter such that the contact legs (12) can be brought into an elastically expanded state of tension by means of the contact pin (10) and, in this state of tension, can be clamped against a contact surface (16) of the contact pin (10) by means of a restoring force acting radially towards the insertion channel (8). The two contact sections (14) of each contact leg (12) are connected to each other by means of a connecting section (18) of the contact leg (12) bent radially about the channel axis (E) such that, when the contact pin (10) is inserted, the contact legs (12) have a radial clearance (20) to the contact pin (10) along the entire connecting section (18). The invention also relates to a clamping block (34) for a contact device (1).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a contact device for an electrical installation device. The contact device has a box-shaped conductor connection with a clamping device arranged therein. The box-shaped conductor connection and the clamping device serve to receive and clamp at least one electrical conductor. Furthermore, the contact device has an insertion channel extending along a channel axis for clamping a contact pin with a permissible pin diameter according to DIN VDE 0620-1. The contact pin can be inserted into the insertion channel in a direction parallel to the channel. The insertion channel is provided by means of two contact legs electrically connected to the conductor connection. Each contact leg has two V-shaped contact sections oriented relative to each other, planar and parallel to the channel axis.Furthermore, the contact legs are spaced apart from each other, adapted to the permissible pin diameter, such that the contact legs can be brought into an elastically expanded state of tension by means of the contact pin. In this state of tension, the contact legs with their two contact sections can be clamped against a contact surface of the contact pin by means of a restoring force acting radially to the insertion channel.

[0002] Furthermore, the invention relates to a terminal block for a contact device of an electrical installation device. The invention also relates to an electrical installation device which has at least one such contact device and, in particular, such a terminal block.

[0003] The contact device is particularly suitable for an electrical installation device designed as a socket insert.

[0004] Contact devices with contact legs are known in which the contact legs have a curved contact section with a radius larger than the radius of the contact pin with a permissible diameter. The curved design of the contact section advantageously centers the contact pin in the insertion channel. Each contact device has two contact sections, one for each contact leg. However, it has been found that electrical contact of the contact pin with the contact legs via only one contact section per leg results in a disadvantageous contact resistance.

[0005] To increase the maximum current-carrying capacity of the contact device, it is further disclosed in DE 10 2022 108 438 B3 to provide contact legs with a curved contact section. DE 10 2022 108 438 B3 specifies that the contact legs have a radius in the contact section that is larger than the radius of the contact pin with a permissible diameter. The contact resistance is reduced by providing two radial projections on each of the curved contact sections of the contact legs, extending into the insertion channel of the contact section. It is intended that the contact section, in the area between the two projections, has radial clearance from the contact pin when the contact pin is inserted, thus ensuring that the two projections make contact with the contact surface of the contact pin.Each raised section provides a contact surface with the contact pin's base. By increasing the number of contact points to two per contact leg, the total contact area, or the sum of the areas of all contact surfaces, is increased, thus reducing contact resistance. A disadvantage is that the raised sections increase manufacturing costs.

[0006] The invention is based on the objective of providing a contact device or an electrical installation device which overcomes the disadvantages known from the prior art, in particular providing low contact resistance and reliable contactability.

[0007] The problem is solved according to the invention by the features of claim 1 in that the two contact sections of the respective contact leg are connected to each other by means of a connecting section of the contact leg that is bent radially about the channel axis. According to the invention, it is provided that, in an inserted state of the contact pin, the contact legs have radial play relative to the contact pin along the entire connecting section.

[0008] In particular, the connecting sections are bent radially around the channel axis in such a way that the centers of the radii of the connecting sections do not lie on the central axis of an inserted contact pin.

[0009] Advantageously, the connecting section bent around the channel axis increases the restoring force, ensuring that the planar contact sections rest more reliably on the contact pin's contact surface. This also increases the holding force, requiring a greater release force to remove the contact pin from the insertion channel against the insertion direction. A further advantage of the connection section bent around the channel axis is that the contact legs are more resistant to plastic deformation in the area of ​​the contact sections. In particular, this ensures reliable contact even with repeated insertion of the contact pin.

[0010] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the two V-shaped contact sections of each contact leg enclose a contact angle in the range of 60° to 113°, in particular in the range of 70° to 105°, preferably 80°. This dimension has proven particularly advantageous for accommodating contact pins having a pin diameter in the range of 3.8 mm to 5.11 mm, in particular contact pins according to DIN VDE 0620-1.

[0011] Another variant of the invention provides that the contact legs in the area of ​​the respective connection section have an inner radius of less than 2.555 mm, in particular less than 2.4 mm, preferably less than 1.9 mm.

[0012] Advantageously, the smallest permissible pin diameter of the contact pin is larger than twice the inner radius of the contact leg in the connection section. The smallest permissible pin diameter is expediently 5.11 mm, particularly 4.8 mm, and preferably 3.8 mm.

[0013] The permissible pin diameter describes, in particular, the suitability of the contact device for standardized pin diameters of the contact pins, especially according to DIN VDE 0620-1. A minimum permissible pin diameter and a maximum permissible pin diameter form a lower and an upper limit, respectively. A contact pin has a permissible pin diameter if its diameter lies within the range of the minimum permissible pin diameter (lower limit) and the maximum permissible pin diameter (upper limit).

[0014] Preferably, the contact device is designed such that the smallest permissible pin diameter is 3.8 mm and the largest permissible pin diameter is 5.11 mm.

[0015] A preferred design variant provides that the contact sections of the respective contact leg are configured such that, when the contact pin is inserted, they rest against the contact pin's contact surface with an angular offset of no more than 90°, particularly 80°, around the channel axis. This arrangement of the contact sections ensures optimized positional compensation between the contact section and the contact pin.

[0016] Furthermore, an advantageous variant of the contact device provides for the contact sections to transition tangentially into the respective connecting section. This makes the contact legs more robust. Moreover, the tangential transitions avoid edges that could damage the contact pin or impair the contact of the contact sections against the contact pin's contact surface.

[0017] In particular, in order to provide the largest possible contact area between the contact legs with their respective contact sections and the contact surface, a special variant of the invention provides that the contact sections are designed planar over the entire extent of the contact section parallel to the channel axis.

[0018] To improve the insertion of the contact pin and make it as intuitive as possible, a particular embodiment of the invention provides that the contact legs each have at least one centering collar in the area of ​​the insertion channel, pointing against the insertion direction. This centering collar progressively widens the insertion channel in the opposite direction. In particular, each contact leg has a one-piece centering collar that connects to both contact sections and the connecting section in the opposite direction.

[0019] In particular, it is provided that the box-shaped conductor connection has a top wall and a bottom wall formed parallel to the top wall. The top wall and the bottom wall are connected to each other by means of at least one side wall such that the top wall, the bottom wall, and the at least one side wall enclose a receiving space on at least three sides. Advantageously, the receiving space is designed to be open at least on one side, and in particular on both sides, in a longitudinal direction of the box-shaped conductor connection, to receive the at least one electrical conductor.

[0020] A rectangular profile has proven advantageous for the receiving space, which, in cross-section, encloses the box-shaped conductor connection perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, along with the roof wall, at least one side wall, and the bottom wall. In particular, the rectangular profile allows for a particularly advantageous division of the receiving space and / or a favorable arrangement of the clamping device. This design variant also advantageously enables particularly simple manufacturing as a stamped and bent part.

[0021] According to a preferred embodiment, the clamping device comprises at least one clamping element that can be screwed into the box-shaped conductor terminal. It is particularly preferred that the clamping element be screwed to the box-shaped conductor terminal in such a way that the at least one electrical conductor can be clamped between a clamping surface of the conductor terminal and a free end of the clamping element. Advantageously, one of the walls of the box-shaped conductor terminal has a thread extending through the wall, so that the clamping element can be screwed into the receiving space of the conductor terminal from outside the terminal with its free end, thus allowing the respective electrical conductor to be clamped against a wall of the conductor terminal opposite the thread, which provides the clamping surface.

[0022] The screw-on clamping element allows, in particular, the adjustment of the clamping force with which at least one electrical conductor is clamped against the clamping surface.

[0023] According to a further developed version of the conductor connection, the box-shaped conductor connection has at least one separating element. This separating element divides the receiving space of the box-shaped conductor connection into at least two receiving channels. Other embodiments may also provide more than one separating element, so that the receiving space has, for example, three or four receiving channels. The receiving channels are advantageously designed such that at least one electrical conductor can be inserted and clamped in each receiving channel.

[0024] Corresponding to the at least two advantageous receiving channels, a particular embodiment provides that the clamping element has at least two free ends, in particular a number of free ends corresponding to the number of receiving channels. The clamping element with its free ends is expediently designed such that the clamping element can engage with each receiving channel with one free end and clamp at least one electrical conductor per receiving channel between each clamping surface of the conductor connection and the respective free end of the clamping element.

[0025] Alternatively, it may be provided that a number of clamping elements corresponding to the number of receiving channels is provided, which can each separately clamp at least one electrical conductor per receiving channel with a free end against the respective clamping surface of the conductor connection, in accordance with the aforementioned specifications.

[0026] Another variant of the clamping device consists in the clamping device also having at least one clamping element that can be screwed into the box-shaped conductor connection. Advantageously, the clamping element is designed to be screwed to a clamping block arranged in the receiving space of the box-shaped conductor connection in such a way that the at least one electrical conductor can be clamped between a clamping surface of the conductor connection and a clamping surface of the clamping block.

[0027] Advantageously, one of the walls of the box-shaped conductor connection has a through-hole, allowing the clamping element to be inserted from outside the conductor connection into the receiving space of the conductor connection with a free end and screwed to the terminal block located in the receiving space. In particular, this design provides that the wall with the through-hole faces the receiving space and forms the clamping surface.

[0028] Preferably, it can also be provided that the box-shaped conductor connection and / or the terminal block has / has at least one pressing element projecting from the clamping surface or the clamping surface, which is preferably designed as a rib running perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the conductor connection.

[0029] The pressing element is advantageously designed such that at least one electrical conductor can be advantageously pressed or clamped into the receiving space between the clamping surface of the conductor connection and the clamping surface of the terminal block. It has proven advantageous if the terminal block has four pressing elements projecting towards the clamping surface on the clamping surface, arranged in a cross shape relative to each other. In particular, the pressing elements are arranged offset by 90° around a threaded bore for screwing them to the clamping member. This ensures that even if the terminal block is rotated by 90° relative to the threaded bore, at least two pressing elements are always formed in a web-like manner, perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the conductor connection.

[0030] Advantageously, the clamping element is designed such that it divides the receiving space of the box-shaped conductor connection into at least two receiving channels. Each receiving channel is suitably designed so that at least one electrical conductor can be inserted and clamped in each channel. In particular, the clamping element is designed as a screw and, by engaging the threaded bore of the clamping block, divides the receiving space between the clamping surface and the clamping surface into two receiving channels.

[0031] An equally advantageous embodiment of the clamping device provides that the clamping device has a manually expandable, in particular metallic, spring. The spring is expediently designed and arranged such that the at least one electrical conductor can be clamped between a clamping surface of the conductor connection and a free end of the spring by means of a restoring force of the spring.

[0032] It has proven advantageous to design the spring as an independent element separate from the conductor connection and to position it within the receiving space either during its manufacture or subsequently. The spring can be expediently arranged within the receiving space by means of tensioning, tilting, locking, welding, gluing, soldering, pressing, or positive locking.

[0033] Preferably, the clamping device includes an actuating device. The actuating device is expediently connected to the spring so that the spring can be expanded by means of the clamping device, at least for the purpose of disassembling the at least one electrical conductor. The actuating device is designed such that, when the actuating device is actuated, at least one free end of the spring, and in particular all free ends of the spring simultaneously, are lifted in a direction away from the clamping surface against the restoring force. This weakens or eliminates a particularly force-fit connection between the respective electrical conductor and the free end of the spring or the clamping surface, so that the electrical conductor can be easily removed from the receiving space or the respective receiving channel.

[0034] According to a particular embodiment, the actuating device is designed as a lever extending through a wall of the box-shaped conductor connection. Preferably, the lever is arranged opposite the free ends of the spring, so that its release surface rests against the free ends and can act on the respective free end of the spring to expand it.

[0035] In particular, it is foreseeable that the actuating device has a separating element. The separating element is advantageously designed such that it divides the receiving space of the box-shaped conductor connection into at least two receiving channels.

[0036] One practical variant of the recording channels provides that at least one electrical conductor can be inserted and clamped into each recording channel.

[0037] An advantageous variant of the adjusting device provides that a wedge-shaped separating element is arranged on the release surface, so that the adjusting device has a release function for widening the spring or the respective free ends and simultaneously, with the wedge-shaped separating element, a separating function for dividing the receiving space into at least two receiving channels.

[0038] According to a further developed version, the spring can optionally have at least two free ends. In particular, the spring has a number of free ends corresponding to the number of receiving channels. The spring is preferably designed such that each free end of the spring engages in a receiving channel and can clamp at least one electrical conductor per receiving channel between a clamping surface of the conductor connection and the respective free end of the spring. In particular, it can be provided that each free end has an elastic deformability independent of the other free end and / or its own restoring force component, so that, in particular, electrical conductors with different diameters can be arranged and fixed in the respective receiving channels.

[0039] It has proven advantageous for the adjusting device to be made of plastic in a preferred embodiment. In particular, this makes it easier to provide supplementary geometries, such as the release surface and / or the wedge-shaped separating element, especially using an injection molding process.

[0040] One embodiment of the invention consists in the wall of the box-shaped conductor connection, which provides the clamping surface, having a bearing groove extending longitudinally along the box-shaped conductor connection. In particular, the wall itself is curved in a groove-like geometry. A V-shaped or U-shaped design of the longitudinally extending groove has proven particularly advantageous. The bearing groove expediently improves the arrangement of the respective electrical conductor in the receiving space. In particular, it can be provided that the receiving space has a separate bearing groove for each electrical conductor to be received. Preferably, each receiving channel has its own bearing groove for supporting the at least one electrical conductor.

[0041] An advantageous variant of the box-shaped conductor terminal provides that at least one wall of the receiving space of the box-shaped conductor terminal has at least one guide collar at the longitudinally open end, in the area of ​​the clamping surface, for inserting the at least one electrical conductor. To improve the insertion of the respective electrical conductor and to make it as intuitive as possible, the guide collar is designed so that, in particular, the wall providing the clamping surface has the guide collar facing the direction in which the electrical conductor is inserted into the receiving space or channel. The guide collar is designed to widen in the direction of insertion such that a guide track is provided which opens into the receiving space or channel in the area of ​​the clamping surface. In particular, the guide track opens directly into the bearing groove.In particular, the corresponding wall of the box-shaped conductor connection has its own guide collar for each receiving channel provided by means of a separating element.

[0042] Preferably, the manufacturing process can be improved by forming at least the contact legs and the conductor connection monolithically as a single stamped and bent part.

[0043] Furthermore, the problem underlying the invention is solved by means of an electrical installation device which has at least one, and in particular two, contact device(s) of the aforementioned type. Advantageously, the electrical installation device can be designed as a socket insert, in particular for a household socket, preferably according to DIN VDE 0620-1 or IEC 60884-1.

[0044] Furthermore, the invention relates to a clamping block for a contact device of an electrical installation device, comprising a base body with a bottom surface on one side and a clamping surface on the opposite side, wherein a threaded bore penetrating the base body and extending from the clamping surface to the bottom is formed, wherein at least two, in particular at least four, pressing elements formed integrally with the base body are arranged on the clamping surface.

[0045] Further advantageous embodiments of the invention will become apparent from the following description of the figures and the dependent subclaims.

[0046] They show: Fig. 1 is a top view opposite to the insertion direction of a contact pin of a first embodiment of a contact device with the inserted contact pin, Fig. 2 is a schematic representation of a contact leg of an embodiment of the contact device with differently shaped contact pins, Fig. 3 is a partial sectional view of the contact device in the area of ​​the contact legs along a central longitudinal axis, Fig. 4 is a top view in the direction of view parallel to the insertion direction of the first embodiment of the contact device according to Fig. 1 without an inserted contact pin, Fig. 5 a perspective view of the design of the contact device according to Fig. 4 , Fig. 6 a perspective view of the design of a terminal block of a contact device according to Fig. 4Fig. 7 shows a top view in the direction of view parallel to the insertion direction of another embodiment of the contact device, Fig. 8 shows a perspective view of the embodiment of the contact device according to Fig. 7 and Fig. 9 a perspective view of an embodiment of an electrical installation device with inserted contact devices.

[0047] In the various figures of the drawing, identical parts are always labelled with the same reference symbols.

[0048] The following description claims that the invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments and not to all or several features of the described combinations of features; rather, each individual partial feature of the exemplary embodiment(s) is also significant for the subject matter of the invention, independent of all other partial features described in connection therewith, both on its own and in combination with any features of another exemplary embodiment.

[0049] Especially in the Fig. 1 and 4 , 5 , 7 and 8 Examples of a contact device 1 for an electrical installation device 2 are shown. Preferably, the contact device 1 is integrated into an electrical installation device 2 designed as a socket insert, as exemplified in Fig. 9 shown, usable.

[0050] The contact device 1 has a box-shaped conductor connection 4, see in particular the Fig. 5 and 8 , with a clamping device 6 arranged therein for receiving and clamping connection of at least one electrical conductor. In the Fig. 1 and 4 , 5 , 7 and 8 A depiction of the respective electrical conductors was omitted. In particular, at least one or more electrical conductors can be solid, stranded, finely stranded, or extra-finely stranded.

[0051] As especially in the Fig. 1 , 4 and 5 As shown, the clamping device 6 has an insertion channel 8 extending along a channel axis E for clamping the receipt of a contact pin 10, which can be inserted in a plugging direction S parallel to the insertion channel 8. Fig. 1 A clamping device 6 with an inserted contact pin 10 is shown. The contact pin 10 to be inserted should, as shown in particular in Fig. 2illustrated, have a pin diameter permissible according to DIN VDE 0620-1.

[0052] The clamping device 6 is designed specifically for certain permissible pin diameters, particularly according to DIN VDE 0620-1. The permissible pin diameter describes, in particular, the suitability of the contact device 1 for specific pin diameters of the contact pins 10. A minimum permissible pin diameter D1 and a maximum permissible pin diameter D3 form a lower and an upper limit, respectively. The respective contact pin 10 has a permissible pin diameter, in particular, if the pin diameter of the contact pin 10 lies within the range of the minimum permissible pin diameter D1 (lower limit) and the maximum permissible pin diameter D3 (upper limit).

[0053] The insertion channel 8 is provided by means of two contact legs 12 electrically connected to the conductor connection 4. In particular in Fig. 3Figure 1 shows a detailed view of such a contact leg 12. The contact legs 12 each have two V-shaped, planar, and parallel-to-the-channel axis E contact sections 14, see the Fig. 2 and 3 .

[0054] It is planned that, as in Fig. 1 As shown, the contact legs 12 have a distance from each other adapted to the permissible pin diameter such that the contact legs 12 can be brought into an elastically expanded stress state by means of the contact pin 10. In the stress state, the contact legs 12 are, as can be seen in particular from the Figs. 1 and 2 as emerges, with the two installation sections 14 can be clamped against a contact surface 16 of the contact pin 10 by means of a restoring force acting radially to the insertion channel 8.

[0055] According to the invention, the two contact sections 14 of the respective contact leg 12 are connected to each other by means of a connecting section 18 of the contact leg 12 bent radially around the channel axis E, see Figs. 1 to 5 , 7 and 8 According to the invention, the contact legs 12 and the connecting section 18 are designed such that, in an inserted state of the contact pin 10, the contact legs 12 have a radial clearance 20 to the contact pin 10 along the entire connecting section 18. This is exemplified in Fig. 2 The embodiment according to the invention is illustrated using different contact pins 10 with different permissible pin diameters D1, D2, D3 in the permissible diameter range according to DIN standard DIN VDE 0620-1.

[0056] In particular, to provide the largest possible contact area between the contact legs with their respective contact sections 14 and the contact surface 16 of the contact pin 10, a special embodiment of the invention provides that the contact sections 14, as in Fig. 3 shown, which are planar over the entire extent of plant section 14 parallel to the canal axis E.

[0057] For advantageous retention and a secure fit of the contact pin 10, particularly in accordance with DIN VDE 0620-1, in the insertion channel 8, it has proven advantageous that the two V-shaped contact sections 14 of each contact leg 12 enclose a contact angle α in a range of 60° to 113°, particularly in a range of 70° to 105°. A particularly advantageous embodiment provides that, as shown in Fig. 2As illustrated, the two V-shaped contact sections 14 of each contact leg 12 enclose a contact angle α of 80°. Preferably, the smallest permissible pin diameter D1, particularly according to DIN VDE 0620-1, for a specific contact angle α is limited by the radius of the contact legs 12 in the respective connection section 18. In particular, it is provided that the contact legs 12 in the area of ​​the respective connection section 18 have an inner radius R which is smaller than half of a smallest permissible pin diameter of the contact pin 10. By way of example, in Fig. 2 An advantageous variant is shown in which the radius R of the contact leg 12 in the respective connection section 18 is less than 1.9 mm. In particular, as above, this variant has the following characteristics: Fig. 2 The illustrated contact device 1 has a minimum permissible pin diameter D1 of 3.8 mm.

[0058] An alternative embodiment provides an inner radius of the contact leg 12 in the respective connection section 18 that is less than 2.4 mm, so that the smallest permissible pin diameter, in particular according to DIN VDE 0620-1, is 4.8 mm. A further alternative embodiment provides an inner radius of the contact leg 12 in the respective connection section 18 that is less than 2.555 mm, so that the smallest permissible pin diameter, in particular according to DIN VDE 0620-1, is 5.11 mm.

[0059] It is expediently provided that, in the variant according to which the inner radius R of the contact leg 12 in the respective connection section 18 is less than 1.9 mm, the smallest permissible pin diameter D1 is 3.8 mm and the largest permissible pin diameter D3 is 5.11 mm. In the Fig. 2 The permissible pin diameters, particularly according to DIN VDE 0620-1, are shown as examples. Fig. 2For example, a first smallest permissible pin diameter D1 of 3.8 mm, a further permissible pin diameter D2 of 4.8 mm and a further largest permissible pin diameter D3 of 5.11 mm are shown schematically.

[0060] A preferred variant provides that the plant sections 14 of the respective contact leg 12 are designed such that, as in Fig. 1 As shown, the contact sections 14, when the contact pin 10 is inserted, bear against the contact surface 16 of the contact pin 10 with an angular offset β of a maximum of 90°, preferably 80°, relative to each other about the channel axis E. In particular, this variant provides optimized positional compensation between the contact sections 14 and the contact pin 10.

[0061] According to an advantageous embodiment, which is particularly evident in the Fig. 4 and 7As shown, the contact legs 12 are designed such that the contact sections 14 transition tangentially into the respective connecting section 18. The insertion behavior can also be improved by making the contact legs 12 mirror-symmetrical with respect to a central longitudinal axis X that intersects the channel axis E perpendicularly. In particular, this ensures that when the contact pin 10 is inserted into the insertion channel 8 in the insertion direction S, the contact legs 12 expand elastically as uniformly as possible radially to the channel axis E.

[0062] Preferably the contact legs 12 are as shown in the Fig. 1 , 4 and 7The contact legs 12 are designed such that, starting from the conductor connection, they extend axially with a first guide section 12a in a longitudinal direction L of the conductor connection 4 parallel to the central longitudinal axis X up to a turning section 12b. The contact legs 12 are advantageously U-shaped in each turning section, with both ends of the U-shape oriented towards the conductor connection 4. The first end of the U-shaped turning section 12b transitions into the first guide section 12a, and the second end of the U-shaped turning section 12b transitions into a second guide section 12c. The two second guide sections 12c of the contact legs 12 are preferably adjacent to each other and advantageously arranged between the two first guide sections 12a.Advantageously, the first system section 14, followed by the connecting section 18, and finally the second system section 14, adjoin the second guide sections 12c, each pointing towards the conductor connection 4. This advantageously forms the insertion channel 8 between the two first guide sections 12a of the contact legs 12 and between the respective turning sections 12b of the contact legs 12 and the conductor connection 4. In particular, the two contact legs 12 together form a contact in an unstressed state, as shown in the diagram. Fig. 4 and 7 depicted together as a W-shape.

[0063] According to the Fig. 5 and 8It can be provided that the contact legs 12, pointing against the insertion direction, each have at least one centering collar 22 in the area of ​​the insertion channel 8. The centering collar 22 widens the insertion channel 8 progressively against the insertion direction and expediently terminates in the system sections 14 or the connecting section 18. As shown in the Fig. 5 and 8 As shown, each contact leg 12 preferably has a one-piece centering collar 22 which adjoins both contact sections 14 and the connecting section 18 in the direction of insertion.

[0064] One embodiment of the contact device 1 provides that the box-shaped conductor connection 4 has a top wall 24 and a bottom wall 26 formed parallel to the top wall 24. The top wall 24 and the bottom wall 26 are, as shown in the Fig. 8 and 5The roof wall 24, the bottom wall 26, and the side wall 28 are advantageously connected to each other by at least one side wall 28. The roof wall 24, the bottom wall 26, and the side wall 28 advantageously surround a receiving space 30, which is open on one side, particularly opposite the side wall 28. Additionally, it can be provided that the receiving space 30 is open on at least one side, and particularly on both sides, in the longitudinal direction L of the box-shaped conductor connection 4 to receive the at least one electrical conductor. In particular, it is provided that the receiving space 30 of the box-shaped conductor connection 4 has a rectangular profile in cross-section transverse to the longitudinal direction L of the conductor connection 4, which is surrounded on at least three sides by the roof wall 24, the at least one side wall 28, and the bottom wall 26. Advantageously, this embodiment allows for particularly simple manufacturing as a stamped and bent part.

[0065] In the Fig. 4 and 5An advantageous embodiment of the clamping device 6 is shown, according to which the clamping device 6 has at least one clamping element 32 that can be screwed into the box-shaped conductor connection 4. Advantageously, the clamping element 32 is designed to be screwed to a clamping block 34 arranged in the receiving space 30 of the box-shaped conductor connection 4 in such a way that the at least one electrical conductor can be clamped between a clamping surface 36 of the conductor connection 4 and a clamping surface 38 of the clamping block 34.

[0066] Advantageously, one of the walls 24, 26, 28, in Fig. 4The side wall 28 of the box-shaped conductor connection 4 has an opening extending through the wall 24, 26, 28. The clamping element 32 is designed such that it can be inserted from outside the conductor connection 4 with a free end into the receiving space 30 of the conductor connection 4 and screwed to the terminal block 34 located in the receiving space 30. The terminal block 34 is in Fig. 6 As shown, the clamping element 32 extantly has a tool engagement 39 at an end projecting from the box-shaped conductor connection 4. In particular, this embodiment provides that the wall 24, 26, 28, which has the opening, faces the receiving space 30 and provides the clamping surface 36 of the conductor connection 4.

[0067] The clamping block 34 has in particular a base body with a bottom surface on one side and the opposite clamping surface 38, wherein a threaded bore 35 is formed in the base body, penetrating it and extending from the clamping surface 38 to the bottom.

[0068] Preferably, the terminal block 34 is as shown in the Fig. 6 The clamping element 32 is depicted as being designed as a nut, and the threaded bore 35 penetrates the clamping surface 38, particularly perpendicularly. The clamping element 32 is preferably designed as a screw passing through the respective side wall 24, 26, 28, so that a distance between the clamping surface 36 and the clamping surface 38 can be adjusted by screwing the clamping element 32, which is designed as a screw.

[0069] Preferably, it can also be provided that the box-shaped conductor connection 4 and / or the terminal block 34 has at least one pressing element 40 projecting from the clamping surface 36 or the clamping surface 38, which is preferably designed as a web extending perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L of the conductor connection 4.

[0070] The pressing element 40 is advantageously designed such that at least one electrical conductor can be advantageously pressed or clamped into the receiving space 30 between the clamping surface 36 of the conductor connection 4 and the clamping surface 38 of the terminal block 34.

[0071] Preferably at least two, and in particular at least four, pressing elements 40, formed integrally with the base body, are arranged on the clamping surface 38. Advantageously, the pressing elements 40 are web-like and conical in cross-section. The base body is preferably designed as a cuboid, preferably with four uniform side surfaces 41. The common side edges of the side surfaces 41 are in particular rounded.

[0072] It has proven advantageous that the terminal block 34, as in Fig. 6The clamping surface 38 has four pressing elements 40 projecting towards the clamping surface 36, arranged in a cross shape. In particular, the pressing elements are offset by 90° around the threaded bore 35. This ensures that even if the clamping block 34 is rotated by 90° relative to the threaded bore, at least two pressing elements 40 are always formed in a web-like manner perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L of the conductor connection 4.

[0073] Advantageously, the clamping element 32 is designed such that it divides the receiving space 30 of the box-shaped conductor connection 4 into at least two receiving channels 42. Each receiving channel 42 is expediently designed such that at least one electrical conductor can be inserted and clamped into each receiving channel 42. In particular, the clamping element 32 is designed as a screw and, by engaging the threaded bore of the clamping block 34, divides the receiving space 30 between the clamping surface 36 and the clamping surface 38 into two receiving channels 42.

[0074] An alternative, in the Figs. 7 and 8The illustrated embodiment of the clamping device 6 provides that the clamping device 6 has a manually expandable, in particular metallic, spring 44. The spring 44 is advantageously designed and arranged such that the at least one electrical conductor can be clamped between a clamping surface 36 of the conductor connection 4 and a free end of the spring 44 by means of a restoring force of the spring 44.

[0075] In particular, the spring 44 can be designed such that the clamping device 6 enables a self-locking arrangement of the at least one electrical conductor. This variant can advantageously be provided by the fact that, when the electrical conductor is inserted into the box-shaped conductor terminal 4 or into the associated receiving space 30, the spring 44 elastically deforms against its restoring force. As soon as one end of the electrical conductor has passed the free end of the spring 44, the spring 44 applies its restoring force to the electrical conductor and thereby fixes it in the conductor terminal 4 or in the receiving space 30.

[0076] It may be advantageous to provide that the spring 44, as in Fig. 8The spring 44 is indicated as a separate element and is fixedly arranged in the receiving space 30. Advantageously, the spring 44 can be positively locked in the receiving space 30. Alternatively or additionally, the spring 44 can be tilted, latched, welded, glued, soldered, or pressed into the receiving space 30.

[0077] Preferably the clamping device 6 has, as shown in the Figs. 7 and 8 shown is an actuating device 46.

[0078] In particular, the actuating device 46 is connected to the spring 44. It has proven advantageous that the spring 44 can be expanded by means of the clamping device 6, at least for the purpose of disassembling the at least one electrical conductor. The actuating device 46 is designed such that, when the actuating device 46 is actuated, at least one free end of the spring 44, and in particular all free ends of the spring 44 simultaneously, are lifted in a direction away from the clamping surface 36 against the restoring force. An actuating device 46 designed in this way is shown by way of example in Fig. 8 depicted.

[0079] According to the in Fig. 8In the advantageous variant of the actuating device 46 shown, when the actuating device 46 is actuated, a force-locking connection between the respective electrical conductor and the free end of the spring 44 or the clamping surface 36 is weakened or eliminated, so that the electrical conductor can be easily removed from the receiving space 30.

[0080] A further developed version of the actuating device 46 provides that the actuating device 46 is designed as a lever extending through a wall 24, 26, 28 of the box-shaped conductor connection 4. In particular in the Figs. 7 and 8 The actuating device 46, designed as a lever, is shown. Advantageously, the lever also has an actuating element 48 for manual operation at a free end projecting from the conductor connection 4.

[0081] Preferably the lever is as shown in Fig. 8shown, arranged opposite the free ends of the spring 44, so that the lever with a release surface 50 rests against the free ends and can act on the respective free end of the spring 44 to expand the spring 44.

[0082] An advantageous one, in Fig. 8The illustrated variant of the actuating device 46 provides that a wedge-shaped separating element 52 is arranged on the release surface 50, so that the actuating device 46 has a release function for expanding the spring 44 or the respective free ends and simultaneously, with the wedge-shaped separating element 52, a separating function for dividing the receiving space 30 into at least two receiving channels 42. An advantageous variant of the receiving channels 42 provides that at least one electrical conductor can be inserted into and clamped in each receiving channel 42. According to an embodiment not shown, the spring 44 or a wall 24, 26, 28 of the box-shaped conductor connection 4 has at least one separating element for dividing the receiving space 30 into at least two receiving channels 42.

[0083] According to the in Fig. 8 In the optional embodiment shown, the spring 44 has at least two free ends. In particular, the spring 44, as exemplified in Fig. 8 The spring 44 is shown with a number of free ends corresponding to the number of receiving channels 42. The spring 44 is preferably designed such that each free end of the spring 44 can engage in each receiving channel 42 and clamp at least one electrical conductor per receiving channel 42 between each clamping surface 36 of the conductor connection 4 and the respective free end of the spring 44.

[0084] One particular design variant provides that the free ends of the spring each have an elastic deformability independent of the respective other free end of the spring and / or their own restoring force component, so that in particular electrical conductors with different diameters can be arranged and fixed simultaneously in the respective receiving channels.

[0085] It has proven advantageous for the adjusting device 46 to be made of plastic according to a preferred embodiment. In particular, this makes it easier to provide supplementary geometries, such as the release surface 50 and / or the wedge-shaped separating element 52, especially using an injection molding process.

[0086] One in the Figs. 7 and 8 The illustrated embodiment of the invention consists in the wall 24, 26, 28 of the box-shaped conductor connection 4, which provides the clamping surface 36, having a bearing groove 54 extending in the longitudinal direction L of the box-shaped conductor connection 4. Fig. 8It is advantageously shown that the respective wall 24, 26, 28 is itself expediently formed in a groove-shaped geometry. A V-shaped or U-shaped design of the bearing groove 54 extending in the longitudinal direction L has proven particularly advantageous. The respective bearing groove 54 results in an improved arrangement of the respective electrical conductor in the receiving space 30. In particular, it can be provided that the receiving space 30 has a separate bearing groove 54 for each electrical conductor to be received. In the exemplary embodiment in Fig. 8 Two bearing grooves are provided for receiving one electrical conductor each. It has proven particularly advantageous in this respect that preferably each receiving channel 42 has its own bearing groove 54 for supporting the at least one electrical conductor, so that the arrangement is secured by the bearing groove 54 and by the separating element 52.

[0087] An alternative or supplementary variant of the box-shaped conductor connection 4 provides that at least one wall 24, 26, 28 of the receiving space 30 of the box-shaped conductor connection 4 has at least one, preferably funnel-shaped, guide collar 56 at the end open in the longitudinal direction L. The conductor connection 4 with an optional guide collar 56 is in Fig. 8 The respective guide collar 56 facilitates the insertion of at least one electrical conductor into the recording chamber 30 or the respective recording channel 42.

[0088] Advantageously, at least one guide collar 56 is formed in the area of ​​the clamping surface 36. To improve the insertion of the respective electrical conductor and to make it as intuitive as possible, the respective guide collar 56 is designed such that, in particular, the wall 24, 26, 28, which provides the clamping surface 36, is funnel-shaped towards the insertion direction P of the electrical conductors into the receiving space 30 or the receiving channel 42. The guide collar 56 is preferably designed such that it widens towards the insertion direction P, thereby providing a guide track that opens into the receiving space 30 or the respective receiving channel 42 in the area of ​​the clamping surface 36. In particular, the guide track opens, as shown in Fig. 8shown, directly in the bearing groove 54, preferably in the receiving channel 42 having the bearing groove 54. In particular, the corresponding wall 24, 26, 28 of the box-shaped conductor connection 4 has its own guide collar 56 for each receiving channel 42 provided by means of a separating element, see Fig. 8 .

[0089] From the Fig. 5 and 8 A particular embodiment of the invention emerges in which at least the contact legs 12 and the conductor connection 4 are monolithically formed in one piece as a stamped and bent part.

[0090] In Fig. 9 Figure 2 shows a variant of an electrical installation device 2 according to the invention, advantageously designed as a socket insert. According to the invention, the electrical installation device 2 has at least one contact device 1 of one of the aforementioned types.

[0091] According to an advantageous embodiment of the electrical installation device 2, it is provided that the electrical installation device 2 has more than one, in particular two or more, contact devices 1 according to one of the aforementioned embodiments. Fig. 9 A preferred embodiment of the electrical installation device 2, designed as a socket insert, is shown, which in particular has two such contact devices 1.

[0092] The in Fig. 9 The socket insert shown is designed according to a special design as a household socket, preferably according to DIN VDE 0620-1 or IEC 60884-1.

[0093] The invention is not limited to the embodiments illustrated and described, but also encompasses all embodiments that have the same effect within the meaning of the invention. It is expressly emphasized that the embodiments are not limited to all features in combination; rather, each individual feature can also have inventive significance independently of all other features. Furthermore, the invention is not yet limited to the combination of features defined in claim 1, but can also be defined by any other combination of specific features from all disclosed individual features. This means that, in principle, virtually any individual feature of claim 1 can be omitted or replaced by at least one individual feature disclosed elsewhere in the application. Reference symbol list

[0094] 1 Contact device 2 Electrical installation device 4 Conductor connection 6 Terminal device 8 Insertion channel 10 Contact pin 12 Contact leg 12a First guide section 12b Reversing section 12c Second guide section 14 Mounting section 16 Mounting surface 18 Connection section 20 Radial play 22 Centering collar 24 Top wall 26 Bottom wall 28 Side wall 30 Receiving space 32 Clamping element 34 Terminal block 35 Threaded bore 36 Clamping surface 38 Clamping surface 39 Tool engagement 40 Pressing element 41 Side surfaces 42 Receiving channel 43 Side edges 44 Spring 46 Actuating device 48 Actuating element 50 Release surface 52 Separating element 54 Bearing groove 56 Guide collar αAnchor angle βAngle offset RInner radius D1Smallest permissible pin diameter D2Permissible pin diameter D3Largest permissible pin diameter X Central longitudinal axis E Channel axis SS Insertion direction P Insertion direction L Longitudinal direction

Claims

1. Contact device (1) for an electrical installation device (2), in particular a socket insert, comprising a box-shaped conductor terminal (4) with a clamping device (6) arranged therein for receiving and clamping connection of at least one electrical conductor, and an insertion channel (8) extending along a channel axis (E) for clamping the receipt of a contact pin (10) with a permissible pin diameter according to DIN VDE 0620-1, which can be inserted in a plugging direction (S) parallel to the insertion channel (8), wherein the insertion channel (8) is provided by means of two contact legs (12) electrically connected to the conductor terminal (4), each of which has two V-shaped, planar and parallel-to-the-channel axis (E) sections (14), wherein the contact legs (12) have a distance from each other adapted to the permissible pin diameter.that the contact legs (12) can be brought into an elastically expanded stress state by means of the contact pin (10) and, in the stress state, can be clamped with the two contact sections (14) against a contact surface (16) of the contact pin (10) by means of a restoring force acting radially to the insertion channel (8). characterized by the fact that the two contact sections (14) of the respective contact leg (12) are connected to each other by means of a connecting section (18) of the contact leg (12) bent radially around the channel axis (E) such that, in an inserted state of the contact pin (10), the contact legs (12) have a radial clearance (20) to the contact pin (10) in the entire connecting section (18).

2. Contact device (1) according to claim 1, characterized by the fact thatthe two V-shaped contact sections (14) of each contact leg (12) enclose a contact angle α in a range of 60° to 113°, in particular in a range of 70° to 105°, preferably 80°.

3. Contact device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by the fact that The contact legs (12) in the area of ​​the respective connection section (18) have an inner radius (R) which is smaller than half of a smallest permissible pin diameter (D1) of the contact pin (10), wherein the smallest permissible pin diameter is 5.11 mm, in particular 4.8 mm, preferably 3.8 mm.

4. Contact device (1) according to claim 3, characterized by the fact that the contact device (1) is designed such that the smallest permissible pin diameter (D1) is 3.8 mm and the largest permissible pin diameter (D3) is 5.11 mm.

5. Contact device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact thatthe contact sections (14) of the respective contact leg (12) are designed such that, in the inserted state of the contact pin (10), they lie against the contact surface (16) of the contact pin (10) with an angular offset of a maximum of 90°, in particular 80°, to each other about the channel axis (E).

6. Contact device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the plant sections (14) transition tangentially into the respective connecting section (18).

7. Contact facility (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the contact legs (12) are mirror-symmetrical to a central longitudinal axis (X) that intersects the channel axis (E) perpendicularly.

8. Contact facility (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact thatthe box-shaped conductor connection (4) has a roof wall (24) and a bottom wall (26) formed parallel to the roof wall (24), which are connected to each other with at least one side wall (28) in such a way that the roof wall (24), the bottom wall (26) and the side wall (28) surround a receiving space (30) on at least three sides, wherein the receiving space (30) is opened at least on one side, in particular on both sides, in a longitudinal direction (L) of the box-shaped conductor connection (4) to receive the at least one electrical conductor.

9. Contact device (1) according to claim 8, characterized by the fact that The receiving space (30) of the box-shaped conductor connection (4) has a rectangular profile in section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (L) of the conductor connection (4), which is surrounded on three sides by the roof wall (24), the at least one side wall (28) and the bottom wall (26).

10. Contact device (1) according to claim 8 or 9, characterized by the fact thatthe clamping device (6) has at least one clamping element (32) that can be screwed into the box-shaped conductor connection (4), wherein the clamping element (32) is designed to be screwed to the box-shaped conductor connection (4) or to a clamping block (34) arranged in the receiving space (30) of the box-shaped conductor connection (4) in such a way that the at least one electrical conductor can be clamped between a clamping surface (36) of the conductor connection (4) and a free end of the clamping element (32) or a clamping surface (38) of the clamping block (34).

11. Contact device (1) according to claim 8 or 9, characterized by the fact that the clamping device (6) has a manually expandable, in particular metallic, spring (44) which is designed such that the at least one electrical conductor can be clamped between a clamping surface (36) of the conductor connection (4) and a free end of the spring (44) by means of a restoring force of the spring (44).

12. Contact device (1) according to claim 11, characterized by the fact that the spring (44) has a separating element (52) which divides the receiving space (30) of the box-shaped conductor connection (4) into at least two receiving channels (42), wherein the receiving channels (42) are designed such that at least one electrical conductor can be inserted and clamped into each receiving channel (42).

13. Contact device (1) according to claim 12, characterized by the fact that the spring (44) has at least two free ends and is designed such that the spring (44) can engage with each free end in each receiving channel (42) and can clamp at least one electrical conductor per receiving channel (42) between each clamping surface (36) of the conductor connection (4) and the respective free end of the spring (44).

14. Contact device (1) according to one of claims 11 to 13, characterized by the fact thatthe clamping device (6) has an adjusting device (46), in particular made of plastic, by means of which the spring (44) can be expanded, in particular simultaneously with both free ends, at least for the purpose of dismantling the at least one electrical conductor.

15. Contact facility (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that at least the contact legs (12) and the conductor connection (4) are formed monolithically in one piece as a stamped and bent part.

16. Terminal block (34) for a contact device (1) of an electrical installation device (2), comprising a base body with a bottom surface on one side and a clamping surface (38) on the opposite side, wherein a threaded bore (35) extending from the clamping surface (38) to the bottom is formed in the base body, wherein at least two, in particular at least four, pressing elements (40) formed integrally with the base body are arranged on the clamping surface (38).

17. Terminal block (34) according to claim 16, characterized by the fact that the pressing elements (40) extend from the threaded bore (35) to an edge of the base body on the clamping surface (38), wherein at least two pressing elements (40) are arranged opposite each other and symmetrically to each other with respect to the threaded bore (35).

18. Terminal block (34) according to claim 17, characterized by the fact that at least four pressing elements (40) in the form of a cross with the threaded bore (35) at the intersection point on the clamping surface (38) are formed.

19. Terminal block (34) according to claim 17, characterized by the fact that that the pressing elements (40) are web-like and conical in cross-section.

20. Electrical installation device (2) with at least one contact device (1) characterized by the fact that the contact device (1) has at least the features according to one of claims 1 to 15.

21. Electrical installation device (2) according to claim 20, characterized by the fact thatthe electrical installation device (2) is designed as a socket insert, in particular for a household socket, preferably according to DIN VDE 0620-1 or IEC 60884-1.

22. Electrical installation device (2) according to claim 20 or 21 characterized by the fact that the contact device (1) comprises a terminal block (34) according to one of claims 16 to 19.

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