DE102009054373A1 - Terminal block and use of a terminal for electrical connection of conductors - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a connection terminal (10) for the electrical connection of conductors, with a housing (12), with at least one clamping device (25) arranged in the housing for clamping a conductor which is inserted into at least one conductor insertion opening (20) in the housing (12) is insertable or introduced, and with at least one actuating device (32) which interacts with the clamping device (25) for actuating the clamping device (25), the clamping device (25) having a contact area (26) which tapers in the insertion direction (62) of the conductor, wherein at least part of the boundary of the contact area (26) is formed by a contact element (42) which interacts at least indirectly with the actuating device (32).

Description

The invention relates to a terminal for the electrical connection of conductors, comprising a housing, with at least one clamping device arranged in the housing for clamping a conductor, which is insertable or inserted into at least one conductor insertion opening of the housing, and with at least one actuating device cooperating with the clamping device Actuation of the clamping device.

From the DE 10 2007 050 936 A1 a connection terminal is known in which the actuating device has a rotary lever mechanism which acts on a clamping point, so that it can be opened and closed. By opening the nip it is possible to insert a conductor into the clamping device. In the inserted state of the conductor, the clamping point is closed by appropriate actuation of the rotary lever mechanism again and clamped the head.

On this basis, the present invention seeks to improve a terminal of the type mentioned so that their handling is further simplified.

This object is achieved in a terminal of the aforementioned type according to the invention that the clamping device has a tapered in the insertion direction of the conductor contact area, wherein at least part of the boundary of the contact area is formed by a at least indirectly cooperating with the actuator contact element.

By the taper of the contact area is achieved that a conductor can be easily inserted into the contact area. In this case, a limitation of the contact region is formed by a contact element which cooperates at least indirectly with the actuating device of the connecting terminal and is movable by means of the actuating device. In this way, the geometry of the contact area can be changed by means of the actuating device.

The connecting terminal according to the invention makes it possible, at least in one position of the actuating device, to create a contact region in which a sufficiently stable conductor, in particular a solid wire, can be introduced without having to actuate the actuating device. This allows a particularly fast and comfortable connection of solid conductors to the terminal. The connection of easily deformable strands, however, can be done with the same terminal, by the actuator is brought into a position in which the contact area is sufficiently large, so that a strand-shaped conductor can be inserted into the clamping device. By subsequent actuation of the actuating device, the strand-shaped conductor can then be clamped in the contact region.

The terminal according to the invention is thus suitable for conductors of different types, wherein in the event that the conductor is sufficiently stable, can be dispensed with an actuation of the actuator.

A particularly good clamping of a conductor results when the contact element is resilient. This results in a reliable, in particular frictional engagement of the conductor at the boundary of the contact area.

It when the terminal for electrically connecting at least two conductors is formed and has at least two mutually separately operable clamping devices is particularly advantageous. For this purpose, the terminal preferably has a separate clamping device for each conductor, a separate conductor insertion opening and a separate contact region with its own contact element. The electrical contacting of the different contact areas can take place, for example, by providing guide elements which connect the different contact areas to one another and / or that different contact elements are formed integrally with a contact element holder.

According to one embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the actuating device can be inserted into a first position and into a second position, wherein an insertion cross section of the contact region in the first position is greater than in the second position. Accordingly, a conductor in the first position of the actuator is particularly easy to insert into a clamping device. The reduction of the Einführquerschnitts in the second position of the actuator supports a reliable clamping of the conductor in the contact area.

It is preferred if in the first position of the Einführquerschnitt the contact area is maximized. As a result, a particularly simple insertion of the conductor is made possible in the contact area. The first position of the actuating device preferably corresponds to a first end position of an actuating element of the actuating device.

Correspondingly, it is advantageous if, in the second position of the insertion cross-section of the contact region, the result is minimized, so that the reliable clamping of a conductor is supported.

It is particularly preferred if, in the first position, a conductor can be inserted substantially without force into the contact region. This allows a particularly easy insertion of easily deformable conductors, such as a stranded wire.

Finally, it is preferred if, in the second layer, a conductor can be introduced or introduced into the contact region by deformation of the contact element and can be clamped or clamped in the contact element by means of the deformed contact element. The second position of the actuating device is preferably a second end position of an actuating element of the actuating device. This actuator does not need to be operated in cases where the conductor is so stable that it can deform the contact element and in this way allows insertion and self-clamping of the conductor in the contact region.

The invention further relates to the use of a connection terminal described above for the electrical connection of a solid conductor with a conductor in the form of a stranded wire.

Here, as described above, only in the case of connecting the stranded conductor, it is necessary to operate the actuator to increase the insertion area of the contact area. When connecting the solid conductor, however, an actuation of the actuator can be omitted and the solid conductor inserted at minimized Einführquerschnitt the contact area in this, the contact element deformed and the conductor are clamped in the contact area.

Further features and advantages of the invention are the subject of the following description and the drawings of preferred embodiments.

In the drawings show:

1 a perspective view of an embodiment of a terminal;

2 an exploded view of the terminal according to 1 ;

3 a side view of the terminal according to 1 along a in 1 III-III cutting plane, wherein an actuating device of the terminal occupies a first position;

4 one of the 3 corresponding side view, with an inserted into a contact region of the terminal conductor in the form of a stranded wire;

5 one of the 4 corresponding side view, wherein the actuating device occupies a second position and the strand is clamped in the contact region;

6 one of the 3 corresponding side view, wherein the actuating device of the terminal occupies the second position; and

7 one of the 6 corresponding side view, wherein in the contact region of the terminal, a conductor is inserted and clamped in the form of a solid wire.

An embodiment of a terminal is in 1 represented and in total by the reference numeral 10 designated. The terminal 10 includes a housing 12 , which is made in particular of an electrically insulating plastic material.

The housing 12 includes housing parts 14 and 16 , which by means of a latching connection 18 locked together. The housing 12 has a plurality of conductor insertion openings 20 . 22 and 24 on. In each of the conductor entry openings 20 to 24 At least one electrical conductor is insertable.

Each of the conductor insertion openings is one inside the housing 12 arranged clamping device 25 . 27 . 29 assigned. The clamping devices 25 . 27 . 29 each have an electrical contact area 26 . 28 . 30 on (compare 2 ). The geometry of the contact areas 26 to 30 is by means of an actuator 32 changeable, which at least one actuating element, for example, three actuating elements 34 . 36 and 38 includes, which respectively the geometry of one of the contact areas 26 . 28 respectively 30 change so that a Einführquerschnitt for inserting a conductor is increased or decreased.

The actuators 34 to 38 are about a pivot axis 40 relative to the housing 12 pivotable. The housing 12 defines a bearing axis 41 , which in the assembled state of the actuator 32 equal to the pivot axis 40 the actuator 32 is.

The conductor introduction opening 20 assigned contact area 26 is by a metallic, resilient contact element 42 with limited. Another limitation of the contact area 26 is through another contact element 44 formed, which is separate from the contact element 42 is provided. The contact areas 28 and 30 are corresponding manner by contact elements 46 and 48 respectively 50 and 52 limited.

The contact elements 42 . 46 and 50 different contact areas 26 . 28 and 30 are by means of a contact element holder 54 connected with each other. The contact element holder 54 and the contact elements 42 . 46 , and 50 are integrally formed with each other. In a corresponding manner, the other contact elements 44 . 48 and 52 by means of a contact element holder 56 electrically connected to each other, wherein the contact elements 44 . 48 and 52 integral with the contact element holder 56 are formed. Instead of the one-piece design of the contact elements and the contact element holder, it is also possible to provide separate electrical connection elements of the contact elements.

The contact element 42 forms a spring tongue with merging sections 42a . 42b and 42c (see 3 ). The section 42a forms part of the boundary of the contact area 26 ,

The section 42b closes in section 42a on, leaving the sections 42a and 42b aligned V-shaped to each other. The section 42b acts with a control surface of the actuator 34 together.

The section 42b goes into a holding section 42c above. The section 42c allows a movable arrangement of the section 42b and at the same time creates a mechanical connection to the contact element holder 54 which is in the housing 12 is set, for example in a groove 60 ,

For connecting an electrical conductor to the terminal 10 may be an electrical conductor in an insertion direction 62 be introduced. Seen in this direction, the contact area tapers 26 starting from the conductor insertion opening 20 towards a direction of insertion 62 following insertion cross section. The contact area 26 extends parallel to the insertion direction, for example over a distance of at least 3 mm, preferably of at least 5 mm. One in insertion direction 62 seen at the end of the section 42a adjoining insertion cross section 64 forms the smallest cross section of the contact area 26 , regardless of the position of the actuator 32 ,

In 3 is the actuator 32 shown in a first position, in which the actuating element 34 takes a first pivotal position. In this position of the actuator 34 exercises the control surface 58 no or only a slight pressure on the section 42b of the contact element 42 out. This is the Einführquerschnitt 64 maximized.

As in 4 shown, allows the maximized insertion cross section 64 the introduction of a stranded conductor 66 through the conductor entry opening 20 through into the contact area 26 into it. Here, the strand-shaped conductor 66 largely without force in the contact area 26 be introduced. In particular, here is the section 42a of the contact element 42 not deformed.

To start from the in 4 state shown a clamping of the stranded conductor 66 to allow the actuator becomes 34 the actuator 32 in a pan direction 68 around the pivot axis 40 pivoted, leaving the control surface 58 of the actuating element 34 the section 42b of the contact element 42 towards the stranded conductor 66 deformed. This will be the section 42a of the contact element 42 in clamping engagement with the stranded conductor 66 brought ( 5 ). In this second position of the actuator 32 stand the sections 42a and 42b relative to each other under tension, so that the section 42a a clamping force on the strand-shaped conductor 66 exercises. In this way, the strand-shaped conductor 66 safely in the contact area 26 held.

In 6 is the actuator 32 shown in its second position, in which the sections 42a and 42b of the contact element 42 towards the contact area 26 are offset. The sections 42a and 42b are mutually tension-free and arranged V-shaped to each other. The contact element 42 and the contact element 44 limit a smallest insertion cross section 70 which is smaller in particular than the cross section of one in the conductor insertion opening 20 to be introduced solid wire 72 (see 7 ).

At the introduction of a free end 74 of the solid wire 72 in the conductor entry opening 20 and in the contact area 26 into (compare 7 ) gets the free end 74 in contact with the section 42a of the contact element 42 , During the further insertion of the solid wire 72 in the contact area 26 The solid wire deforms into it 72 the section 42a of the contact element 42 so the section 42a towards the (fixed) section 42b moved and put under tension. This voltage creates a clamping force with which the solid wire 72 in the contact area 26 is fixed.

When using the terminal 10 For example, it is possible, before a mounting operation, the actuators in the second position (see 6 ), in which the Einführquerschnitt 70 is minimized. On this basis, the connection of a solid wire 72 in which this in the contact area 26 introduced and by deformation of the contact element 42 is clamped. An actuation of the actuator 32 is possible for the connection of the solid wire, but not required.

The connection of a stranded conductor 66 can be done in which the actuator 32 in its first position (cf. 3 ) is transferred, then the strand-shaped conductor 66 in the contact area 26 introduced and clamped there, in which the actuator 32 is transferred to its second position.

The terminal 10 allows the connection of different conductors, so in particular the connection of a stranded conductor 66 with a solid wire 72 , Here are the different conductors 66 and 72 in different insertion openings 20 to 24 introduced and thus in different contact areas 26 . 28 . 30 brought in. This type of connection is particularly advantageous for the installation of devices, in particular lights. For example, conductors provided on site are often made of solid wire, while the devices or lamps to be installed have strand-shaped conductors.

In the embodiment shown in the drawing, three different conductors can be connected together. In further embodiments, two contact areas or five contact areas for connecting two or five electrical conductors are provided with each other.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 102007050936 A1 [0002]

Claims (9)

Terminal ( 10 ) for the electrical connection of conductors, with a housing ( 12 ), with at least one in the housing ( 12 ) arranged clamping device ( 25 ) for clamping a conductor, which in at least one conductor insertion opening ( 20 ) of the housing ( 12 ) is inserted or inserted, and at least one with the clamping device ( 25 ) cooperating actuator ( 32 ) for actuating the clamping device ( 25 ), characterized in that the clamping device ( 25 ) in the insertion direction ( 62 ) of the conductor tapered contact area ( 26 ), wherein at least part of the boundary of the contact area ( 26 ) from one to the actuator ( 32 ) at least indirectly interacting contact element ( 42 ) is formed. Terminal ( 10 ) according to claim 1, characterized in that the contact element ( 42 ) is elastic. Terminal ( 10 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connection terminal ( 10 ) for electrically connecting at least two conductors is formed and at least two mutually separately operable clamping devices ( 25 . 27 . 29 ) having. Terminal ( 10 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuating device ( 32 ) in a first position and in a second position, wherein an insertion cross-section ( 64 . 70 ) of the contact area ( 26 ) is larger in the first layer than in the second layer. Terminal ( 10 ) according to claim 4, characterized in that in the first position of the Einführquerschnitt ( 64 ) of the contact area ( 26 ) is maximized. Terminal ( 10 ) according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that in the second position of the Einführquerschnitt ( 70 ) of the contact area ( 26 ) is minimized. Terminal ( 10 ) according to any one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that in the first layer, a conductor at least substantially force-free in the contact area ( 26 ) is insertable or imported. Terminal ( 10 ) according to one of claims 4 to 7, characterized in that in the second layer, a conductor under deformation of the contact element ( 42 ) in the contact area ( 26 ) is introduced or inserted and by means of the deformed contact element ( 42 ) in the contact area ( 26 ) is clamped or clamped. Using a terminal ( 10 ) according to one of the preceding claims for the electrical connection of a solid conductor ( 72 ) with a conductor in the form of a stranded wire ( 66 ).

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