DE102020113882A1 - Connection device for an electrical conductor - Google Patents

Abstract

A connection device (1; 1 '; 1 ") for an electrical conductor (2) comprises a housing (10; 10'; 10") with a receptacle (100) for the electrical conductor (2), one on the housing (10 ; 10 '; 10 ") arranged clamping section (110), which is set up to act on the electrical conductor (2) received by the receptacle (100), and an actuating element arranged movably on the housing (10; 10'; 10") (12; 12 '; 12 "), through the actuation of which the clamping section (110) can be moved relative to the housing (10; 10'; 10"). It is provided that the actuating element (12; 12 '; 12 ") is designed to guide light to a visible surface (121).

Description

The invention relates to a connection device for an electrical conductor according to the preamble of claim 1.

Such a connection device comprises a housing with a receptacle for the electrical conductor, a movably arranged clamping section on the housing, which is set up to act on the electrical conductor received by the receptacle, and an actuating element arranged movably on the housing, by actuating the clamping section relatively is movable to the housing.

Such a connection device is used for the electrical connection of an electrical conductor, e.g. on a circuit board. For this purpose, the electrical conductor is typically pushed into the receptacle, after which the, for example, resiliently pretensioned clamping section makes electrical contact with the electrical conductor and / or presses it against a connection in an electrically contacting manner. By means of the actuating element, the connection device can be opened, for example, so that the electrical conductor can, for example, be removed from the receptacle again.

Often the question arises for the user about the current state of the connection device, for example whether the electrical conductor is inserted deep enough into the receptacle to be held securely in the receptacle by the clamping section in an electrically contacting manner.

the DE 10 2007 051 697 A1 proposes an actuating device with a lever for opening the clamping device described therein, which also serves as a display device for the state of the clamping connection, so that the clamped state can be inferred very well from the position of the lever.

Another connection terminal with an actuation and display element is in the DE 10 2015 119 407 A1 described.

In some application cases, it may be desirable to be able to identify the state of the connection device particularly easily while at the same time making the connection device as simple as possible.

The object of the present invention is to provide a connection device which enables the state to be identified particularly easily and which has the simplest possible structure.

The object is achieved by an object with the features of claim 1.

Accordingly, the actuating element is designed to guide light to a visible surface.

This is based on the knowledge that an external light source or a light source belonging to the connection device can emit light directly to the light-guiding actuating element. Since the actuation element is designed to guide light to the visible surface that is visible to a user, it is made possible that the actuation element can be seen particularly well. For this purpose, for example, the body of the actuating element can simply be made from a translucent plastic. No additional light guides are therefore necessary, which would also have to be accommodated in or on the housing in a complex manner. The actuating element thus has a double function and, in addition to mechanical actuation, serves as a light guide for a status display. This means that there is no need for a separate display. In comparison with a separate display, the association between the display and the actuating element is also clear, in particular if a large number of connection devices arranged adjacent to one another are provided. Additional allocation measures such as lettering or corresponding geometric configurations can thus be dispensed with.

The connection device is designed, for example, in such a way that a user can act on the visible surface of the actuating element in order to actuate the actuating element, namely in particular to move it, e.g. to shift it, relative to the housing. This enables a particularly intuitive use.

Optionally, the connection device comprises a signal source, in particular a light source. The light source can be designed and arranged to output light to the actuating element so that it is guided through the actuating element to the visible surface. The visible surface is, for example, a surface of the actuating element. This makes it possible to easily recognize the actuating element in poor lighting conditions.

In one embodiment, the light source can be activated as a function of electrical contacting of the electrical conductor, e.g. electrical contacting inside the housing of the connection device. As a result, the actuating element itself can serve as a status indicator of an electrical contacting status in the connection device.

The actuating element has a light entry surface and is designed so that light, for example from the light source, which enters via the light entry surface, is guided to the visible surface and exits there.

It can be provided that a distance between the light entry surface of the actuating element and the light source can be changed by moving the actuating element relative to the housing. For example, the light source is attached to the housing or fixed relative to the housing. As a result of the variable distance, a portion of the light provided by the light source that can be changed as a function of the position of the actuating element relative to the housing can be coupled into the actuating element via the light entry surface. In this way, different brightness values can be achieved on the visible surface for different positions of the actuating element, which allows the user to infer the position of the actuating element in a simple manner.

In addition to the light source, an additional light source (e.g. offset from the light source) is optionally provided. In this case, a distance between the light entry surface of the actuating element and the further light source can be changed by moving the actuating element relative to the housing. The further light source is designed, for example, to emit light in a color that is different from the color of the light emitted by the light source. Depending on the position of the actuating element, (predominantly) the light from the light source or, for example, the light from both light sources can be introduced into the actuating element. As a result, a different color mixture and / or light intensity can be output depending on the position of the actuating element.

The light source is e.g. in the form of a light emitting diode (LED). This enables a particularly small space requirement and low heat generation.

The clamping section can be moved, for example, between a clamping position and a release position. In the clamping position, the clamping section exerts a clamping force on the electrical conductor received in the receptacle. In the release position, the clamping section releases the electrical conductor received by the receptacle. The clamping section represents, for example, part of a spring. The clamping section can be resiliently biased into the clamping position. For example, the clamping section is one of two spring legs which can be moved in a resilient manner relative to one another.

By actuating the actuating element, the actuating element transfers the clamping section e.g. from the clamping position to the release position. In doing so, the actuating element pushes the clamping section into the release position, e.g. against a spring force.

The connection device optionally includes an electrical connection. As an alternative or in addition, the connection device can also be attached to an external electrical connection. The electrical conductor is in electrical contact with the electrical connection when it is received in the receptacle and the clamping section is in the clamping position.

The actuating element comprises an actuating section cooperating with the clamping section (e.g. exerting a force thereon) and an optical waveguide section connected (fixedly) to the actuating section. The operating section and the light guide section are different from each other. The actuating element is optionally designed in one piece and, for example, made of a translucent material. The light guide section is optionally larger than the actuation section.

The actuating section can be arranged between the receptacle of the housing for the electrical conductor and the clamping section. This enables a particularly simple transfer to the release position.

At least part of the clamping section (and / or of a clamping element having the clamping section) can be arranged between the light guide section of the actuating element and the actuating section of the actuating element. This enables, for example, the light entry surface to be positioned at a location that is relatively far away from the electrical conductor.

Optionally, the light guide section of the actuating element protrudes from the actuating section of the actuating element. This enables a particularly flat design of the actuating element. In addition, the light guide section can give the actuating section additional stability, so that relatively little material is required.

In one embodiment, the housing can be mounted on a printed circuit board with one mounting side. Furthermore, the housing can be designed in such a way that light can be provided to the actuating element via the mounting side (in particular in the interior of the housing). This makes it possible to make the light guide section particularly short.

• 1 eine Querschnittsansicht einer Anschlusseinrichtung zum elektrischen Anschluss eines elektrischen Leiters an eine andere elektrische Komponente, wobei ein lichtleitendes Betätigungselement ein Klemmelement umgreift;
• 2 eine Querschnittsansicht einer Anschlusseinrichtung zum elektrischen Anschluss eines elektrischen Leiters an eine andere elektrische Komponente, wobei ein Lichtleiterabschnitt eines Betätigungselements von einem Betätigungsabschnitt des Betätigungselements absteht; und
• 3 eine Querschnittsansicht einer Anschlusseinrichtung zum elektrischen Anschluss eines elektrischen Leiters an eine andere elektrische Komponente, wobei ein lichtleitendes Betätigungselement zwischen einer Aufnahme für den elektrischen Leiter und einer Lichtquelle angeordnet ist.

The idea on which the invention is based will be explained in more detail below with reference to the exemplary embodiments shown in the figures. Show it:

• 1 a cross-sectional view of a connection device for electrically connecting an electrical conductor to another electrical component, wherein a light-conducting actuating element engages around a clamping element;
• 2 a cross-sectional view of a connection device for electrically connecting an electrical conductor to another electrical component, wherein a light guide section of an actuating element protrudes from an actuating section of the actuating element; and
• 3 a cross-sectional view of a connection device for electrically connecting an electrical conductor to another electrical component, wherein a light-conducting actuating element is arranged between a receptacle for the electrical conductor and a light source.

1 shows a connection device in a schematic view 1 , by means of an electrical conductor 2 , for example in the form of a wire or a cable, electrically with another electrical component, here a circuit board 3 , can be connected non-destructively detachable. The connection device 1 according to 1 can also be referred to as a spring clamp or a push-in clamp.

The connection device 1 includes a housing 10 , a clamping element 11 , an actuator 12th , a light source 13th and an electrical connection 15th .

The case 10 forms a recording 100 for the electrical conductor 2 the end. This is done on one side of the housing 10 an opening is formed through which the electrical conductor 2 in one here as a terminal room 101 designated interior of the housing 10 is pluggable.

In the terminal room 101 of the housing 10 is the clamping element 11 arranged. The clamping element 11 is designed in the form of a spring and comprises a clamping portion 110 and a support portion 111 . The clamping section 110 and the support section 111 form two spring legs that are connected to one another via a bend. The clamping section 110 is in the direction of the recording 100 spring-elastic pretensioned. Becomes the electrical conductor 2 along a direction of insertion into the receptacle 100 pushed in, then the electrical conductor is displaced 2 the clamping section 110 against the spring force in the direction of the support section 111 . This becomes the electrical conductor 2 after a sufficiently deep insertion into the receptacle 100 automatically frictional in the holder 100 held. The clamping section 110 runs with the direction of insertion on the receptacle 100 (and on the one in the recording 100 recorded electrical conductor 2 ) to. This can cause one on the electrical conductor 2 adjacent end edge of the clamping section 110 (slightly) into the material of the electrical conductor 2 cut in what is the electrical conductor 2 additionally in the recording 100 secures. A pull on the electrical conductor 2 also increases the clamping effect.

The support section 111 of the clamping element 11 is on a first section 150 the electrical connection 15th supported (alternatively directly on the housing 10 ). The electrical conductor 2 lies on a second section along its length 151 the electrical connection 15th at. The first paragraph 150 and the second section 151 the electrical connection 15th run parallel to each other. The clamping force of the clamping element 11 presses the support section 111 against the first section 150 and the electrical conductor against the second section 151 . The second section 151 the electrical connection 15th is electrically conductive, so that the electrical conductor is above it 2 is electrically contacted. The first section is also here 150 and the clamping element 11 electrically conductive. The clamping element 11 is made from spring steel, for example. Electrical contacting of the electrical conductor is thus also established in this way 2 manufactured.

The first paragraph 150 and the second section 151 the electrical connection 15th are about a third section 152 electrically connected to one another. The third section 152 extends from the housing 10 out. The electrical connection 15th is electrical to the circuit board 3 connected. In the present case, the third section extends for this purpose 151 the electrical connection 15th through an opening in the circuit board 3 through and is, for example, soldered to it.

Is the electrical conductor 2 deep enough into the shot 100 inserted, then it also touches the third section 152 the electrical connection 15th . It should be noted, however, that electrical contact can also be made via the second section 151 may be sufficient and optional on the first section 150 and parts of the third section 152 can be dispensed with.

The actuator 12th can be moved on the housing 10 stored. In the present case, the housing forms 10 a guided tour 102 from which the actuating element 12th is slidably guided. In the example shown, there is a direction of displacement along which the actuating element 12th relative to the housing 10 is displaceable, parallel to the direction of insertion of the electrical conductor 2 aligned in the receptacle, as in 1 illustrated by arrows.

The actuator 12th includes an operating section 122 who according to 1 in Contact with the clamping portion 110 stands and is generally bringable. Furthermore, the actuating element 12th a visible surface from the outside 121 on. On the visible surface 121 can be a user of the connection device 1 act, in particular exert pressure, e.g. manually.

1 shows the connection device 1 in a clamped state in which the electrical conductor 2 with the electrical connection 15th is electrically connected. To the electrical conductor 2 to release from this position, the user can use the actuating element 12th operate by applying pressure so that the actuator 12th relative to the housing 10 (along the direction of insertion) is moved. The actuating section slides 122 (which has a rounding for this purpose) along the clamping section 110 and thus pushes it away from the electrical conductor 2 . Thus, the clamping portion 110 from the electrical conductor 2 picked up. Then the electrical conductor is 2 from the recording 100 of the housing 10 removable.

Becomes the electrical conductor 2 removed and the actuator 12th released, then the spring force of the clamping element urges 11 the clamping section 110 in the recording 100 , with part of the actuator 12th (opposite to the direction of insertion) out of the housing 10 is pushed out. Then there is the connection device 1 in a disconnected state. Becomes an electrical conductor 2 not deep enough into the intake 100 plugged in, then it is possible that he is not connected to the electrical connection 15th is electrically connected.

To the state of the connection device 1 To be able to recognize as well as possible is the actuating element 12th designed as a light guide. For example, the actuator includes 12th a light-conducting material, for example a plastic, or consists of it. The actuator 12th further comprises a light guide section 123 . The light guide section 123 is fixed to the operating section 122 tied together. The actuator 12th is formed in one piece. The light guide section 123 extends from a front of the housing 10 at which the electrical conductor 2 in the recording 100 can be inserted to an opposite rear side of the housing 10 . In the present case, the light guide section 123 a longitudinal extent that is essentially the size of the housing 10 corresponds from the front to the back. The light guide section 123 has a light entry surface 120 on. Here is the light entry surface 120 on the visible side 121 remote end of the actuating element 12th educated.

Adjacent to the light inlet area 120 is the light source 13th arranged. The light source 13th , which is designed here in the form of an LED, is set up to deliver light to the light inlet surface 123 of the actuating element 12th to spend. This light passes through the light inlet surface 120 into the light guide section 123 and becomes a visible surface through this 121 at which the light emerges again.

In the present case, the visible surface borders 121 closer to the operating section 122 than to the light guide section 123 . As a result, a force can be exerted on the clamping section 110 can be exercised without wedging. However, this is the visible surface 121 (the one parallel to the light inlet surface 120 aligned) to the light inlet surface 120 staggered. For efficient guidance of the light, the actuating element has 12th several slopes (here two parallel slopes).

In the visible area 121 is a notch 124 educated. The notch 124 in the visible area 121 allows some of the light from the light source 13th to sprinkle so that that over the visible surface 121 emitted light is clearly visible from many angles. In addition, this notch 124 a tool, e.g. a slotted screwdriver, must be applied.

Based 1 it can be seen that the light guide section 123 on the clamping element 11 is passed. Together with the operating section 122 encompasses the light guide section 123 part of the clamping element 11 . The case 10 has a mounting side 104 on which the housing 10 on the circuit board 3 (generally on another electrical component) can be mounted. The recording 100 (and also the electrical conductor arranged in it 2 ) is between the mounting side 104 and the actuator 12th arranged.

The light source 13th is here on the circuit board 3 connected. The light source is optionally available with an electrical connection to the electrical conductor 2 connectable. The electrical conductor makes contact 2 the electrical connection electrical, then the light source emits 13th Light. In this way there is a clearly visible and unambiguous display of the status of the connection device 1 possible. As a result, the visible surface that can be actuated by the user 121 lights up, it can also be clearly seen which of an optional arrangement with several connection devices 1 connected correctly. The actuator 12th provides a status indicator which, in the example shown, outputs light signals that indicate the current status of the connection device 1 Show.

Alternatively, it can also be provided that the light source 13th always lights up, provided there is no electrical conductor 2 electrically conductive with the electrical connection 15th connected and that the Light source 13th stops glowing as soon as a correct connection is made. This means that faulty connections can be identified in the shortest possible time. A control unit is optional for this purpose 16 intended.

2 shows a connection device 1' similar to the connection device 1 according to 1 . In contrast to this is the actuating element 12 ' between recording 100 (and the electrical conductor inserted in it 2 ) and the assembly side 104 arranged.

The light guide section 123 ' stands from the operating section 122 away. In the present case, the actuating section extends 122 longitudinally along a line parallel to the insertion direction and the light guide section 123 ' continues along this line. The clamping element 11 has a recess or opening; eg is the clamping element 11 fork-shaped. The light guide section 123 ' extends through the recess or opening of the clamping element 11 through. This enables a particularly compact design of the connection device 1' .

In the example shown, the light guide section extends 123 ' through the back of the case 10 ' through and protrudes from it (at least in the clamping position). Here is the light source 13th between the circuit board 3 and the light guide section 123 ' arranged. The light source 13th is perpendicular to the direction of longitudinal extension of the light guide section 123 ' aligned. In other words, the light source 13th radiates the light guide section 123 ' on one long side (in this case from below). The opposite end of the light guide section 123 ' has a slope in order to pass on the light radiated from the light source 132 as efficiently as possible.

In this arrangement in particular, there is an electrical control of the light source 13th possible but not necessary. For example, is the light source 13th permanently activated (optionally permanently activated in a test mode). In the in 2 The position shown enters the light from the light source 13th via the (from the housing 10 ' protruding) light entry surface 120 into the light guide section 123 ' in and over the visible surface 121 out again. There is no electrical conductor 2 in the recording 100 , then the actuator 12 ' so arranged (opposite to the insertion direction relative to the housing 10 ' compared to the in 2 position shown) that the light entry surface 120 in the housing 10 ' has moved in. Thus, no light emerges from the light source 13th over the light entry surface 120 a. The result is the visible surface 121 not enlightened. There will be a variation of the light emission on the visible surface 121 depending on the actuation of the actuating element 12 ' enables. The light emission on the visible surface 121 depends on the position of the actuating element 12 ' relative to the housing 10 ' .

2 also shows an optional additional light source 14th that, for example, emits light with a different color than the light source 13th . Will the actuator 12 ' so operated and on the front of the housing 10 ' in the housing 10 ' inserted that the light entry surface 120 is pushed over the other light source, then the changes on the visible surface 121 output color. This allows a user to recognize that he has reached the release position and the electrical conductor 2 from the recording 100 can be found.

3 shows a connection device 1" similar to the connection device 1' according to 2 . In contrast to this, the actuating element extends 12 " according to 3 only on one side of the clamping element 11 . The light guide section 123 " does not extend to the rear of the case 10 " , but is arranged on the front side.

The light source 13th is on the mounting side 104 of the housing 10 " arranged, in the present case adjacent to the front of the housing 10 " . In the example shown is the light source 13th on the circuit board 3 mounted, here on one of the housing 10 " remote side of the circuit board 3 . The circuit board 3 shows a breakthrough here 30th on, by the light of the light source 13th to the light inlet area 120 of the light guide section 123 " can shine. In the present case, the housing 10 " an opening 103 on that with the breakthrough 30th the circuit board 3 is arranged in alignment. The light guide section 123 " extends next to the clamping element 11 . The recording 100 lies over the clamping element 11 , the assembly side 104 underneath. The light guide section 123 " extends towards the light source 13th , alternatively also a corresponding expression on the housing 10 " can be provided.

The connection device can in principle also be designed differently than described here. For example, the housing can have a different shape. Furthermore, the light source 13th also inside the case 10 ; 10 ' ; 10 " be arranged.

List of reference symbols

1; 1'; 1"

Connection device

10; 10 '; 10 "

casing

100

recording

101

Terminal space

102

guide

103

opening

104

Mounting side

11

Clamping element

110

Clamping section

111

Support section

12; 12 '; 12 "

Actuator

120

Light entry surface

121

Visible surface

122

Operating section

123; 123 '; 123 "

Light guide section

124

score

13th

Light source

14th

Light source

15th

electrical connection

150-152

section

16

Control unit

2

electrical conductor

3

Circuit board

30th

breakthrough

QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant was 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.

Patent literature cited

• DE 102007051697 A1 [0005]
• DE 102015119407 A1 [0006]

Claims (16)

Connection device (1; 1 '; 1 ") for an electrical conductor (2), with - a housing (10; 10';10") with a receptacle (100) for the electrical conductor (2), - one movable on the housing (10; 10 '; 10 ") arranged clamping section (110), which is set up to act on the electrical conductor (2) received by the receptacle (100), and - one movable on the housing (10; 10';10" ) arranged actuating element (12; 12 '; 12 "), through the actuation of which the clamping portion (110) can be moved relative to the housing (10; 10';10"), characterized in that the actuating element (12; 12 '; 12 " ) is designed to guide light to a visible surface (121). Connection device (1; 1 '; 1 ") according to Claim 1 , characterized in that a user can act on the visible surface (121) of the actuating element (12; 12 '; 12 ") in order to actuate the actuating element (12; 12';12"). Connection device (1; 1 '; 1 ") according to Claim 1 or 2 , characterized by a light source (13) which is designed and arranged to output light to the actuating element (12; 12 '; 12 "). Connection device (1; 1 '; 1 ") according to Claim 3 , characterized in that the light source (13) can be activated as a function of electrical contacting of the electrical conductor (2). Connection device (1; 1 '; 1 ") according to Claim 3 or 4th , characterized in that the actuating element (12; 12 '; 12 ") has a light entry surface (120) and is designed so that light from the light source (13), which enters via the light entry surface (120), to the visible surface (121) is directed and exits there. Connection device (1; 1 '; 1 ") according to Claim 5 , characterized in that a distance between the light entry surface (120) of the actuating element (12; 12 '; 12 ") and the light source (13) is caused by a movement of the actuating element (12; 12';12") relative to the housing (10; 10 '; 10 ") is changeable. Connection device (1; 1 '; 1 ") according to Claim 5 or 6th , characterized by a further light source (14) arranged offset to the light source (13), a distance between the light entry surface (120) of the actuating element (12; 12 '; 12 ") and the further light source (14) being caused by a movement of the actuating element ( 12; 12 '; 12 ") relative to the housing (10; 10';10") can be changed. Connection device (1; 1 '; 1 ") according to one of the Claims 3 until 7th , characterized in that the light source (13) is designed in the form of a light emitting diode. Connection device (1; 1 '; 1 ") according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the clamping section (110) is between a clamping position in which the clamping section (110) exerts a clamping force on the electrical conductor (100) received by the receptacle (100). 2) and a release position, in which the clamping section (110) releases the electrical conductor (2) received by the receptacle (100), can be moved. Connection device (1; 1 '; 1 ") according to Claim 9 , characterized in that by actuating the actuating element (12; 12 '; 12 ") the actuating element (12; 12';12") transfers the clamping section (110) from the clamping position to the release position. Connection device (1; 1 '; 1 ") according to Claim 9 or 10 , characterized by an electrical connection (15) with which the electrical conductor (2) received by the receptacle (100) is electrically contacted when the clamping section (110) is in the clamping position. Connecting device (1; 1 '; 1 ") according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuating element (12; 12';12") has an actuating section (122) cooperating with the clamping section (110) and one with the actuating section (122 ) connected light guide section (123; 123 '; 123 "). Connection device (1; 1 '; 1 ") according to Claim 12 , characterized in that the actuating section (122) is arranged between the receptacle (100) for the electrical conductor (2) and the clamping section (110). Connection device (1) Claim 12 or 13th , characterized in that at least a part of the clamping section (110) is arranged between the light guide section (123) of the actuating element (12) and the actuating section (122) of the actuating element (12). Connection device (1 ') according to Claim 12 or 13th , characterized in that the light guide section (123 ') of the actuating element (12') protrudes from the actuating section (122) of the actuating element (12 '). Connection device (1 ") according to one of the Claims 1 until 13th , characterized in that the housing (10 ") can be mounted with a mounting side (104) on a printed circuit board (3) and so is designed that within the housing (10) light can be provided on the assembly side of the actuating element (12 ").

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