Connection arrangement and connection clamp
The connection arrangement simplifies the assembly of flexible conductors by using a separate release element to hold the clamping leg open and a detent mechanism for automatic disengagement, addressing the cumbersome nature of existing systems and enhancing efficiency and security in conductor connections.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- PHOENIX CONTACT GMBH & CO KG
- Filing Date
- 2025-11-03
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-15
AI Technical Summary
Existing connection arrangements for flexible conductors are cumbersome and time-consuming due to the need for manual actuation of a clamping spring to pivot away from a current bar before insertion and subsequent clamping, complicating the assembly process.
A connection arrangement featuring a housing with a clamping spring and a separate release element that holds the clamping leg in an open position, allowing easy insertion of conductors, and a detent mechanism that disengages the clamping leg upon conductor contact, facilitated by a spring-elastic release element with a receiving pocket for the clamping spring's retaining leg.
Enables secure and efficient connection of flexible conductors by simplifying the assembly process, reducing handling difficulties and time, and ensuring stable clamping without manual actuation of the clamping spring.
Smart Images
Figure EP2025081652_15052026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] Connection arrangement and terminal block
[0002] The invention relates to a connection arrangement for connecting an electrical conductor. Furthermore, the invention relates to a terminal block, in particular a terminal block, with such a connection arrangement.
[0003] Such connection arrangements typically feature a clamping spring designed as a torsion spring, which has a retaining leg and a clamping leg. A conductor inserted into the connection arrangement can be clamped against the current bar by means of the clamping leg of the clamping spring. When clamping flexible conductors, in particular, the clamping spring must be moved into an open position and thus actuated by an actuating element before the conductor is inserted. This action pivots the clamping spring or the clamping leg away from the current bar, allowing the conductor to be inserted into the space between the current bar and the clamping spring. Only with rigid and therefore stable conductors can the conductor exert sufficient force on the clamping spring or the clamping leg of the clamping spring to pivot the clamping leg away from the current bar without requiring the actuating element to be operated by a user.With flexible conductors, the user must first pivot the clamping spring away from the conductor bar by actuating the actuator, allowing the flexible conductor to be inserted. To clamp the inserted conductor, the user must manually actuate the actuator a second time to move the clamping spring from the open position to the clamped position. Manually operating the actuator makes the assembly or connection of the conductor more difficult for the user, as the handling is cumbersome and therefore time-consuming.
[0004] The invention is based on the objective of providing a connection arrangement and a terminal block which simplifies the connection of particularly flexible conductors.
[0005] The problem is solved according to the invention with the features of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims. The connection arrangement according to the invention comprises a housing having a conductor entry opening, a current bar arranged in the housing, a clamping spring arranged in the housing which has a retaining leg and a clamping leg, wherein the clamping leg can be moved into a clamping position and into an open position, and an actuating element by means of which the clamping leg can be moved from the clamping position to the open position.Furthermore, the connection arrangement has a release element which, in the open position of the clamping leg, engages with the clamping leg in such a way that the clamping leg is held in the open position by means of the release element, and which is pivotable in such a way that, when the conductor to be connected is inserted into the conductor entry opening in the insertion direction, the release element can be actuated in such a way that the clamping leg comes out of engagement with the release element and pivots from the open position to the clamping position, wherein the release element is designed as a component separate from the clamping spring and the release element forms a receiving pocket in which the retaining leg of the clamping spring is received and supported via a free end section of the retaining leg.
[0006] By means of the connection arrangement according to the invention, a flexible conductor can now also be easily and securely connected and clamped against the current bar. The clamping spring is preferably designed as a torsion spring, which has a retaining leg and a clamping leg that is pivotable relative to the retaining leg. By pivoting the clamping leg of the clamping spring, it can be moved into an open position, in which the clamping leg is spaced apart from the current bar, in particular from a clamping section of the current bar, and a conductor to be connected can be inserted into or removed from a space or conductor connection space formed thereby between the current bar or the clamping section of the current bar and the clamping leg, and into a clamping position, in which the clamping leg is held against the current bar or the clamping section of the current bar.The clamping arm can be moved from the clamping section of the current bar or from the connected conductor to the current bar or the wall of the current bar opening. The movement of the clamping arm, particularly from the clamping position to the open position, is achieved by means of an actuating element. The actuating element is preferably guided linearly within the housing. As soon as the clamping arm reaches the open position through actuation by the actuating element, it engages with the release element, thus holding the clamping arm in the open position and preventing it from unintentionally pivoting back from the open to the clamping position. In the open position of the clamping arm, the release element and clamping spring can form a closed force system.Once the clamping arm reaches the open position, the actuating element can be moved away from the clamping arm of the spring against the direction of its actuation, without the clamping arm following the actuating element. In the open position, the actuating element can be positioned at a distance from the clamping arm of the spring. If the clamping arm is held in the open position by the release element, the actuating element can move back to its initial position against the direction of its actuation, so that in the open position, there is no longer any operative connection between the actuating element and the clamping arm. By pivoting the release element, the clamping arm can disengage from the release element, pivot back into the clamping position, and clamp a conductor to be connected against the current conductor.The pivoting movement of the release element can be triggered by the conductor being connected itself. When the conductor is inserted through the conductor entry opening into the conductor connection compartment, it strikes the release element, causing a tilting or pivoting movement of at least part of the release element. This tilting or pivoting movement then releases the operative connection between the release element and the clamping leg of the clamping spring. The release element then releases the clamping leg, allowing it to pivot independently towards the conductor being connected under its own spring force. The release element and the clamping spring are designed as two separate components. The clamping spring is detachably mounted to the release element.For this purpose, the release element has a receiving pocket into which the clamping spring engages with its retaining leg, so that the retaining leg of the clamping spring is received and supported in the receiving pocket via a free end section of the retaining leg. Preferably, the retaining leg is supported in the receiving pocket with its free end section in such a way that it lies flat against the receiving pocket. The retaining leg can thus lie flat against an inner surface of the receiving pocket with a longitudinal surface pointing away from the clamping leg. By supporting the clamping spring with its retaining leg in the receiving pocket of the release element, it can be achieved that the clamping spring locks onto the release element itself and thus, in the open position of the clamping spring, the spring forces of the clamping spring are absorbed exclusively by the release element.
[0007] Preferably, the release element can engage with the clamping arm via a detent connection in the open position of the clamping arm, so that the release element can be locked to the clamping arm in the open position. The detent connection allows the release element to be easily engaged and disengaged from the clamping arm.
[0008] To form the locking mechanism, the release element can have at least one locking arm, which can be engaged on the clamping leg of the clamping spring in the open position. The at least one locking arm can extend away from the main plane of extension of the release element, in particular in the direction of the clamping leg of the clamping spring. At least one recess can be formed on the clamping leg, into which the at least one locking arm can engage in the open position of the clamping leg. The at least one locking arm can pass through the recess and engage behind it on an edge surface defining the recess. The at least one locking arm can have a locking lug or a locking hook at its free end, with which the locking arm can pass through the recess and engage behind it on the edge surface. Preferably, the release element has two locking arms, in which case the clamping leg also preferably has two recesses.The two clearances can then be formed opposite each other on the two opposing longitudinal edges of the clamping leg. In the area of the two clearances, the clamping leg can then have a narrower width than in the rest of the clamping leg. The clearances can each have a U-shape.
[0009] Preferably, the release element is designed to be spring-elastic, at least in some areas.
[0010] Due to its spring-like design, the release element can be relatively rigidly engaged with the retaining leg of the clamping spring in the area of its receiving pocket, thus ensuring secure mounting between the clamping spring and the release element. Nevertheless, the release element can pivot at a preferably opposite end when actuated by a conductor. For example, the release element can be stamped and bent from spring steel strip.
[0011] The receiving pocket preferably has a U-shape. This U-shape allows the receiving pocket to grip the free end section of the retaining leg of the clamping spring. By gripping the free end section of the retaining leg, the release element can be mounted downstream of the clamping spring in the connection assembly or in the housing of the connection assembly, thereby significantly reducing the assembly costs.
[0012] The receiving pocket is preferably formed on a free end section of the release element. This allows the receiving pocket to be positioned as far away as possible from the area of the release element through which the release element can be triggered by means of a connected conductor.
[0013] To ensure stable mounting of the release element in the connection assembly, the release element can be supported against the current beam in the area of its receiving pocket. This allows the release element to be mounted against metal. For example, a tab can be sheared out on a bearing section of the current beam, against which the receiving pocket is supported. The free end section of the retaining leg, which engages in the receiving pocket, can then press the receiving pocket, or a wall of the receiving pocket, against the tab of the current beam.
[0014] Furthermore, the release element in the area of the receiving pocket may have a sheared-off tab, which may be supported against the current beam. The tab sheared out of the receiving pocket may lie flat against the tab sheared out of the bearing section of the current beam.
[0015] Additionally or alternatively, the trigger mechanism can also be supported against the housing in the area of its mounting pocket. In particular, the housing can have a wall projecting into the interior of the housing, against which the mounting pocket and thus the trigger mechanism can be supported.
[0016] To further stabilize the mounting of the release element within the connection assembly, the receiving pocket can have an opening, particularly a window-like opening. This opening secures the release element behind the tab of the current beam's bearing section, preventing it from falling out of the housing. This eliminates the need to reposition the release element in a second assembly step after insertion, as the retaining leg of the clamping spring can then perform this function during the clamping spring's installation.
[0017] The release element can have a release arm with a pressure surface on which the release element can be actuated by the conductor. The pressure surface can point towards the conductor entry opening. The pressure surface can limit the conductor connection space downwards in the direction of insertion. When inserted into the conductor connection space, the conductor to be connected can strike the pressure surface, causing the release element to pivot in the insertion direction. This disengages the clamping arm, allowing the clamping arm to be released and pivot towards the conductor to be connected, clamping it against the current bar in the clamping position. The pressure surface is preferably spaced apart from the at least one locking arm and / or from the receiving pocket of the release element.
[0018] The problem according to the invention can also be solved by means of a terminal block, in particular a terminal block, which can have at least the connection arrangement described above, further developed and refined.
[0019] The connection arrangement described above, including its further development, can be part of a terminal block, which may be designed, for example, as a terminal block or a printed circuit board terminal block. The connection arrangement can also be used in a connector. Particularly when used in a terminal block that can be snapped onto a mounting rail, two or more of the connection arrangements described above, including their further development, can preferably be used.
[0020] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and preferred embodiments.
[0021] They show
[0022] Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of a connection arrangement according to the invention when the clamping leg of the clamping spring is moved into the open position,
[0023] Fig. 2 is a schematic sectional view of the structure shown in Fig. 1.
[0024] Connection arrangement when moving the clamping leg of the clamping spring into the open position,
[0025] Fig. 3 shows a schematic representation of current beam, clamping spring and
[0026] Release element of the connection arrangement shown in Fig. 1 with the clamping leg in the open position,
[0027] Fig. 4 shows another schematic representation of power beams,
[0028] Clamping spring and release element of the connection arrangement shown in Fig. 1 with the clamping leg in the open position,
[0029] Fig. 5 is a schematic sectional view of the components shown in Figs. 3 and 4.
[0030] Arrangement,
[0031] Fig. 6 shows a schematic sectional view of another
[0032] Connection arrangement according to the invention when moving the clamping leg of the clamping spring into the open position,
[0033] Fig. 7 shows a schematic representation of current beam, clamping spring and
[0034] Release element of the connection arrangement shown in Fig. 6 with the clamping leg in the open position, Fig. 8 a further schematic representation of current bars,
[0035] Clamping spring and release element of the connection arrangement shown in Fig. 6 with the clamping leg in the open position,
[0036] Fig. 9 shows a schematic representation of a narrow band for forming the clamping spring,
[0037] Fig. 10 shows a schematic representation of a narrow band for forming the trigger element shown in Fig. 11.
[0038] Fig. 11 shows a schematic representation of the triggering element,
[0039] Fig. 12 is a schematic representation of the one shown in Fig. 1.
[0040] Connection arrangement when triggering the release element by means of a conductor to be connected,
[0041] Fig. 13 is a schematic representation of the one shown in Fig. 1.
[0042] Connection arrangement with the clamping leg of the clamping spring in the clamping position,
[0043] Fig. 14 is a schematic sectional view of the structure shown in Fig. 13.
[0044] Connection arrangement with the clamping leg of the clamping spring in the clamping position,
[0045] Fig. 15 shows a schematic sectional view of another
[0046] Connection arrangement according to the invention when moving the clamping leg of the clamping spring into the open position, and
[0047] Fig. 16 shows a schematic representation of a terminal block in the form of a series terminal block with two connection arrangements as shown in Fig. 1.
[0048] Figures 1 to 15 each show a connection arrangement 100 according to the invention.
[0049] Each connection assembly 100 has a housing 110. The housing 110 can be made of an insulating material, such as a plastic material. The housing 110 has a conductor entry opening 111 through which a conductor L to be connected can be inserted into the housing 110 in the insertion direction E, as shown in Fig. 12, in order to be connected to the connection assembly 100.
[0050] The housing 110 contains a current bar 112 and a clamping spring 113. A conductor L inserted into the housing 110 can be clamped against the current bar 110 by means of the clamping spring 113 and thus connected. The current bar 110 has a clamping section 114 against which the conductor L to be connected can be clamped by means of the clamping spring 113 and thus connected. Furthermore, the current bar 112 has a bearing section 115, which extends at a 90° angle to the clamping section 114.
[0051] The clamping spring 113 is designed as a torsion spring. The clamping spring 113 has a retaining leg 116 and a clamping leg 117. The clamping leg 117 is pivotable relative to the retaining leg 116 in order to move the clamping leg 117 into a clamping position and into an open position. The clamping leg 117 has a clamping edge 118 at its free end section, which clamps the conductor L to be connected against the clamping section 114 of the current conductor 112 when the clamping leg 117 is in the clamping position.
[0052] Viewed in the insertion direction E of the conductor L, a conductor connection space 150 formed between the clamping section 114 of the current bar 112 and the clamping leg 117 of the clamping spring 113 is bounded downwards by a release element 119. The release element 119 is detachably connected to the clamping spring 113. The release element 119 is thus a separate component from the clamping spring 113, whereby in the assembled state of the connection arrangement 100, the release element 119 and the clamping spring 113 are mounted together.
[0053] The release element 119 has a pressure surface 120 pointing towards the conductor entry opening 111, against which a conductor L can come into contact when being inserted into the conductor connection chamber 150. If the conductor L comes into contact with the pressure surface 120, a pivoting or tilting movement V of the pressure surface 120 occurs in the insertion direction E, as shown in Fig. 12. The pressure surface 120 of the release element 119 is formed on a release leg 121 of the release element 120.
[0054] In the open position, the release element 119 engages with the clamping leg 117 of the clamping spring 113 to hold the clamping leg 117 in the open position. This is achieved by a detent between the release element 119 and the clamping leg 117. As can be seen, for example, in Figures 3 and 4, the release element 119 has a first detent arm 122A and a second detent arm 122B spaced apart from the first detent arm 122A. On the clamping leg 117 of the clamping spring 113, a recess 123A, 123B is formed for each of the two detent arms 122A, 122B, into which the detent arms 122A, 122B can engage and engage behind an edge surface 124A, 124B that defines the recess 123A, 123B. The locking arms 122A, 122B each have a locking lug at their free end.a locking hook 125A, 125B with which the locking arms 122A, 122B can pass through the respective clearance 123A, 123B and lock onto the edge surfaces 124A, 124B.
[0055] The two clearances 123A, 123B on the clamping leg 117 of the clamping spring 113 are opposite each other and are formed on the two opposing longitudinal side edges 126A, 126B of the clamping leg 117. In the area of the two clearances 123A, 123B, the clamping leg 117 has a reduction in width or constriction. The clearances 123A, 123B each have a U-shape. The clearances 123A, 123B are spaced apart from the clamping edge 118 of the clamping leg 117.
[0056] The two locking arms 122A, 122B are located approximately in the middle of the release element 119 when viewed along its length.
[0057] The clamping spring 113 is mounted on the release element 119 via its retaining leg 116. The release element 119 has a receiving pocket 126 in which the free end section 127 of the retaining leg 116 is received and supported. To form the receiving pocket 126, the release element 119 is bent into a U-shape in this area, so that the receiving pocket 126 has a U-shape. The free end section 127 of the retaining leg 116 engages in this U-shape, as can be seen, for example, in Figures 3 and 4. The retaining leg 116 is supported in the receiving pocket 126 with its free end section 127 in such a way that the retaining leg 116 rests flat against the receiving pocket 126 or against a wall of the receiving pocket 126. The retaining leg 116 lies flat against an inner surface 129 of the wall of the receiving pocket 126 with a longitudinal surface 128 pointing away from the clamping leg 116.The retaining leg 116 thus rests with its longitudinal surface 128 on the inner surface 129 of the receiving pocket 126, so that a force-fit connection is formed between the clamping spring 113 and the release element 119.
[0058] In Fig. 11, the release element 119 is shown on its own. Fig. 10 shows a narrow strip from which the release element 119 shown in Fig. 11 is formed. The release element 119 is at least partially spring-elastic. For example, the release element 119 can be made of spring steel.
[0059] As can be seen particularly in Fig. 11, the release element 119 has a window-like opening 130 in the area of the receiving pocket 119. This opening 130 allows for improved support of the release element 119 on the current beam 112, in particular on the bearing section 115 of the current beam 112, as can be seen in the embodiment shown in Fig. 15.
[0060] The receiving pocket 126 is formed on a first free end section 131 of the release element 119. On a second free end section 132 of the release element 119, opposite the first free end section 131, the release arm 121 with the pressure surface 120 is formed. The release arm 121 is essentially straight. The two locking arms 122A, 122B are arranged between the release arm 121 and the receiving pocket 126. Furthermore, the release element 119 has a curved section 133 between the receiving pocket 126 and the release arm 121. The two locking arms 122A, 122B extend to the right and left of the curved section 133. The two locking arms 122A, 122B project beyond the curved section 133. The curved section 133 has a narrower width than the release arm 121 and the recording pocket 126.This tapering in the area of the curved section 133 allows this curved section 133 to develop a particularly good spring action, so that the release arm 121 can pivot about this curved section 133. As can be seen in Fig. 10, the two locking arms 122A, 122B are punched out laterally of the curved section 133 and bent out of the plane.
[0061] As can be seen particularly in Figures 3 and 4, the receiving pocket 126 is supported on the bearing section 115 of the current beam 112. The bearing section 115 has a tab 134 bent out of the plane of the bearing section 115. The receiving pocket 126 is supported on the tab 134 by an outer surface 135 opposite the inner surface 129, such that the receiving pocket 126 rests flat against the tab 134 with its outer surface 135. Because the retaining leg 116 rests flat against the inner surface 129 of the receiving pocket 126 with its longitudinal surface 128, the receiving pocket 126 is pressed or pressed against the tab 134 of the current beam 112 by the spring force of the clamping spring 113 via its retaining leg 126. The receiving pocket 126 is clamped between the retaining leg 116 of the clamping spring 113 and the tab 134 of the current beam 112.In the open position, when the clamping leg 117 of the clamping spring 113 is locked with the locking arms 122A, 122B of the release element 119, the spring force of the clamping spring 113 is absorbed between the locking arms 122A, 122B and the receiving pocket 126.
[0062] Figures 1 to 5 and 12 to 14 show a possible embodiment of a connection arrangement 100 with a correspondingly designed release element 119, in which the retaining leg 116 of the clamping spring 113 is received and supported in the receiving pocket 126, and the receiving pocket 126 is supported on the current bar 112. Figures 1 and 2 show the entire connection arrangement 100 during the movement of the clamping leg 117 of the clamping spring 113 into the open position by means of an actuating element 139.
[0063] Figures 3 to 5 show only the clamping spring 113, the current bar 112 and the release element 119 of the connection arrangement 100 shown in Figures 1 and 2.
[0064] Figures 6 to 8 show a connection arrangement 100, which essentially corresponds to the connection arrangement 100 shown in Figures 1 to 5, except that the shape of the release element 119 is slightly different. The curved section 133 is less pointed and more U-shaped. Furthermore, the curved section 133, or a transition between the curved section 133 and the receiving pocket 126, is supported on a wall 136 of the housing 110. As can be seen in Figure 6, this wall 136 extends in cross-section essentially parallel to the tab 134 of the current bar 112. The receiving pocket 126 of the release element 119 is thus located and positioned between the wall 136 of the housing 110 and the tab 134 of the current bar 112. The recording pocket 126 is located here both on the wall 136 of the housing 110 and on the tab 134 of the power bar 112.The release element 119 is thus supported here by the housing 110 and the current bar 112.
[0065] Furthermore, in the embodiment shown in Figures 6 to 8, a sheared-out tab 137 is provided in the area of the receiving pocket 126, which bears over its surface against the tab 134 of the current bar 112. In the area of the receiving pocket 126, the release element 119 is thus supported on the tab 134 of the current bar 112 via the tab 137 and the outer surface 135.
[0066] Figures 9 and 10 show another possible embodiment of a connection arrangement 100, in which the receiving pocket 126 is supported on the housing 110, in particular on a wall 136 of the housing 110. In the wall 136, a receiving contour adapted to the curve of the receiving pocket 126 is formed in the form of a recess 138, in which the receiving pocket 126 is held securely against slippage. Additionally, the current bar 112 also has a tab 134 against which the receiving pocket 126 is supported.
[0067] Fig. 9 shows the clamping spring 113 as a narrow strip before it is bent into its final shape. The clamping spring 113 has two clearances 123A, 123B not only on the clamping leg 117, but also on the retaining leg 116, where two opposing clearances 147A, 147B are formed. The clamping spring 113 bent from the narrow strip is therefore symmetrical.
[0068] Fig. 15 shows an embodiment of a connection arrangement 100 in which the retaining leg 116 is additionally supported on the current bar 112 or on the tab 134 of the current bar 112. Furthermore, the receiving pocket 126 is clamped between the retaining leg 116 and a wall 136 of the housing 110. Figs. 1, 2, 6, 9 and 15 show the clamping leg 117 of the clamping spring 113 in the open position, in which the clamping leg 117 is engaged with the release element 119 and thereby releases the conductor connection space 150, so that a conductor L to be connected can be inserted into the conductor connection space 150 via the conductor entry opening 111.
[0069] As can be seen in Fig. 12, when a conductor L to be connected is inserted into the conductor connection space 150 in the insertion direction E, the conductor L to be connected abuts the pressure surface 120 of the release element 119. This causes a tilting or pivoting movement V of the release arm 121 of the release element 119 in the insertion direction E, which allows the locking arms 122A, 122B of the release element 119 to disengage from the clearances 123A, 123B of the clamping arm 116. This causes the clamping leg 117 to disengage from the release element 119, so that the clamping leg 117 can automatically pivot away from the release element 119 or the retaining leg 116 by means of its restoring force or spring force in the direction of the conductor L inserted into the conductor connection space 150, in order to clamp the conductor L against the clamping section 114 of the current bar 112, as shown in Figs. 13 and 14.
[0070] To release conductor L from the clamping position, the actuating element 139 is moved within an actuating shaft 140 of the housing 110 in the actuating direction B. During this movement, the actuating element 139, with its actuating section 141, pushes the clamping arm 117 away from conductor L, pivoting it towards the retaining arm 116. The actuating element 139 applies a compressive force to the clamping arm 117 in the actuating direction B until the clamping arm 117 is moved sufficiently towards the retaining arm 116 to re-engage with the release element 119, thus entering and remaining in the open position. The actuating element 139 is mounted for linear displacement within the actuating shaft 140 of the housing 110. This operating principle of the connection arrangement applies to all the configurations shown. Fig.Figure 16 shows a terminal block 200 in the form of a terminal block that can be snapped onto a mounting rail and which has two of the connection arrangements 100 shown in Figures 1 to 15.
[0071] Reference symbol list
[0072] 100 connection arrangement
[0073] 110 Housing 111 Conductor entry opening
[0074] 112 power bars
[0075] 113 Clamping spring
[0076] 114 Clamping section
[0077] 115 Bearing section 116 Retaining leg
[0078] 117 clamping legs
[0079] 118 clamping edge
[0080] 119 Trigger element
[0081] 120 Printing area 121 Release arm
[0082] 122A, 122B Raster arm
[0083] 123A, 123B Freehand
[0084] 124A, 124B Edge surface
[0085] 125A, 125B Locking hook 126 Mounting pocket
[0086] 127 Free end section
[0087] 128 Longitudinal area
[0088] 129 interior surface area
[0089] 130 Opening 131 First free end section
[0090] 132 Second free end section
[0091] 133 curved section
[0092] 134 tab
[0093] 135 Exterior area 136 Wall
[0094] 137 tab
[0095] 138 In-depth study
[0096] 139 Actuating element
[0097] 140 Actuating shaft 141 Actuating section 147A, 147B Clearance
[0098] 150 conductor connection space
[0099] 200 terminal block
[0100] E Insertion direction
[0101] B Direction of action
[0102] V swivel movement
[0103] L ladder
Claims
Claims 1. Connection arrangement (100) for connecting an electrical conductor (L), comprising a housing (110) having a conductor entry opening (111), a current bar (112) arranged in the housing (110), a clamping spring (113) arranged in the housing (110) which has a retaining leg (116) and a clamping leg (117), wherein the clamping leg (116) can be moved into a clamping position and into an open position, an actuating element (139) by means of which the clamping leg (117) can be moved from the clamping position to the open position, and a release element (119) which, in the open position of the clamping leg (117), engages with the clamping leg (117) such that the clamping leg (117) is held in the open position by means of the release element (119), and which is pivotable such that when the conductor (L) to be connected is inserted into the conductor entry opening (111) in the insertion direction (E) the release element (119) can be actuated in such a way thatthat the clamping leg (117) disengages from the release element (119) and pivots from the open position to the clamping position, wherein the release element (119) is designed as a component separate from the clamping spring (113) and the release element (119) forms a receiving pocket (126) in which the retaining leg (116) of the clamping spring (113) is received and supported via a free end section (127) of the retaining leg (116).
2. Connection arrangement (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that the release element (119) is locked in the open position with the clamping leg (117).
3. Connection arrangement (100) according to claim 2, characterized in that the release element (119) has at least one locking arm (122A, 122B) which is locked in the open position on the clamping leg (117).
4. Connection arrangement (100) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the release element (119) is at least partially spring-elastic.
5. Connection arrangement (100) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the receiving pocket (126) has a U-shape.
6. Connection arrangement (100) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the receiving pocket (126) is formed on a free end section (131) of the release element (119).
7. Connection arrangement (100) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the release element (119) is supported on the current bar (112) in the area of its receiving pocket (126).
8. Connection arrangement (100) according to claim 7, characterized in that the release element (119) has a sheared tab (137) in the area of the receiving pocket (126), which is supported against the current bar (112).
9. Connection arrangement (100) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the release element (119) is supported on the housing (110) in the area of its receiving pocket (126).
10. Connection arrangement (100) according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that an opening (130) is formed in the area of the receiving pocket (126).
11. Connection arrangement (100) according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the release element (119) has a release leg (121) on which a pressure surface (120) is formed, via which the release element (119) can be actuated with the conductor (L).
12. Terminal block (200), in particular terminal block, with at least one connection arrangement (100) which is designed according to one of claims 1 to 11.