DE102020119129A1 - Connector module for connecting an electrical line - Google Patents

Abstract

A connector module (3) for connecting an electrical line (4) comprises a housing (30) which can be inserted into a receiving frame (2) to create a connector assembly (1), a plug-in section (300) arranged on the housing (300) for plugging connection with an associated mating connector (5) and on the plug-in section (300) arranged electrical contact element (31) for electrical contact with the mating connector (5). The electrical line (4) can be connected to a connection assembly (33) for electrical contact with the contact element (31), which has a spring element (36) with a clamping leg (360) for acting on the electrical line (4), a blocking device (364 ) for locking the clamping leg (360) in a release position and a triggering device (363), wherein the triggering device (363) is designed to interact with the electrical line (4) when it is connected to the connection assembly (33) in order to activate the blocking device (364 ) to release the clamping leg (360) from the release position.

Description

The invention relates to a connector module for connecting an electrical line, for example a protective line, according to the preamble of claim 1.

Such a connector module comprises a housing that can be inserted into a receiving frame to create a connector assembly, a plug-in section arranged on the housing for plugging connection with an associated mating connector, and an electrical contact element arranged on the plug-in section for making electrical contact with the mating connector.

Such a connector module can, for example, be combined with other connector modules on an associated receiving frame in order to create a connector assembly which can be used, for example, as a modular connector insert in a housing to form a connector. A modular combination of connector modules can be used to create a variably configurable connector face for connecting to an associated mating connector, for example to connect an electrical cable to an associated electrical assembly, for example on a control cabinet or an electrical machine, or to electrically connect two cables to one another.

A connector module can be used, for example, to connect a protective line, also referred to as a PE line. Such a protective line is used to place the connector module and above it the assembly created using the connector module to a protective potential, corresponding to a ground potential, referred to in English as Protective Earth, or PE for short. However, a connector module can also be used to connect a service line, for example for electrical supply or for the transmission of a data signal.

From the DE 10 2013 108 383 B4 discloses an electrical connector module for inclusion in a modular connector having an electrically insulating housing and an electrical contact received thereon. A protective contact means in the form of a spring is connected to the electrical contact and enables contact to be made with a mounting frame into which the connector module can be inserted.

From the DE 20 2015 009 753 U1 a connector module is known which has a housing which is formed from two housing parts. The housing can be clamped to the receiving frame for arrangement in a receiving frame.

From the DE 10 2017 118719A1 an assembly of a connector part is known in which a modular contact insert is received in a holding frame. The contact insert has a plurality of plug-in openings for plugging in electrical conductors.

In the case of connector modules of the type in question, which are used to connect an electrical line and can be combined modularly with other connector modules to create a connector assembly, for example for use on a connector part for mating connection with a mating connector part, there is a fundamental need for to be able to connect an electrical line in a simple, convenient manner and, if necessary, to be able to detach it from the connector module again.

The object of the present invention is to provide a plug connector module for connecting an electrical line, which can be combined with other plug connector modules in a variable manner and allows simple handling for connecting an electrical line.

This object is solved by an object with the features of claim 1.

Accordingly, the connector module has a connection assembly to which the electrical line can be connected for electrical contact with the contact element and which has a spring element with a clamping leg for acting on the electrical line, a locking device for locking the clamping leg in a release position and a triggering device. The triggering device is designed to interact with the electrical line when it is connected to the connection assembly, in order to trigger the blocking device for releasing the clamping leg from the release position.

The connector module has a connection assembly in the manner of a spring-loaded connection. For this purpose, the connection assembly comprises a spring element which acts with a clamping leg on an electrical line attached to the connector module in order to make electrical contact with the electrical line in the connected position and to lock it mechanically on the connector module. The clamping leg can be moved from a clamping position to a release position to a simple, essentially to allow powerless connection of an electrical line or to release a connected electrical line so that the electrical line can be removed from the connection assembly and thus detached from the connector module.

In the proposed connector module, the clamping leg can be locked in the release position by a locking device. If the clamping leg is transferred to the release position, the clamping leg comes into operative connection with the blocking device in such a way that the clamping leg is blocked in the release position by the blocking device and is thus held in the release position. In the release position, it is thus possible, in particular, to simply connect an electrical line by placing it on the connection assembly, in particular without the electrical line having to push the clamping leg aside.

If the electrical line has been attached to the connection module, the clamping leg should be transferred back into the clamping position, with this preferably being done automatically when the electrical line is connected. For this purpose, the triggering device is provided, which is designed to interact with the electrical line when the electrical line is attached to the connection assembly. The triggering device serves to trigger the blocking device in order to release the clamping leg and thus to enable the clamping leg to be reset from the release position in the direction of the clamping position.

The triggering device thus enables the connection assembly to be closed automatically when an electrical line is connected. If an electrical line is attached to the connection assembly, the electrical line hits the triggering device and triggers it, so that the blocking device is unlocked and the clamping leg is released. The clamping leg thus moves from the release position into the clamping position, so that the electrical line is automatically clamped on the connection assembly and is thus electrically contacted and mechanically locked on the connection assembly.

In particular, the triggering device can be designed in such a way that the triggering device can also trigger when a flexible electrical line is connected, for example an electrical line without a ferrule attached to a (stripped) end of the conductor.

In one embodiment, the housing has a plug-in opening for plugging in an electrical line. In the clamping position, the clamping leg is designed to act on the electrical line inserted into the plug-in opening in order to make electrical contact with the electrical line and to mechanically lock it in relation to the housing. For example, the clamping leg can be designed to press the electrical line with a stripped conductor end into contact with a contacting section, for example in the manner of a current bar, in order to produce electrical contact between the electrical line and the contacting section in this way. In the connected position, the clamping limb then preferably acts on the electrical line in such a way that the electrical line is also held mechanically on the connector module and thus cannot easily be moved out of the connected position, at least not without adjusting the clamping limb.

In one embodiment, the connection assembly has an actuating element that can be actuated by a user in order to move the clamping leg into the release position. The actuating element can be designed, for example, in the manner of a slide, which is slidably guided in a guide opening on the housing. In this case, the actuating element can be moved, for example, linearly or along a curved guideway on the housing. However, it is also conceivable and possible to configure the actuating element by a lever which is pivotably arranged on the housing.

The actuating element can be actuated in order to convert the clamping leg into the release position. If an electrical line is to be connected to the connection assembly, the actuating element is actuated in order to bring the clamping leg into the release position. Likewise, the actuating element can be actuated when a connected electrical line is to be released in order to detach the electrical line from the connector module. The actuating element can be actuated using a tool, for example a screwdriver. However, it is also conceivable for the actuating element to be designed in such a way that it can be actuated manually by a user.

In one embodiment, the actuating element is designed to act (directly) on the clamping leg or (indirectly) on a subassembly that is operatively connected to the clamping leg in order to adjust the clamping leg. For example, the actuating element can press on the clamping leg in order to move the clamping leg from the clamping position into the release position. Alternatively, the actuating element, for example, on a with the clamping leg connected lever arm or an assembly formed separately from the clamping leg, for example a sliding element or the like, which is operatively connected to the clamping leg.

In one embodiment, the blocking device is designed to act on the clamping leg or on a subassembly that is operatively connected to the clamping leg in order to lock the clamping leg in the release position. The blocking device can thus be designed to latch the clamping leg directly in order to block the clamping leg in the release position and thus to hold it in the release position. Alternatively, the blocking device can also be designed to act on an assembly which is operatively connected to the clamping leg and which (indirectly) holds the clamping leg in the release position. In this case, the clamping limb is latched indirectly via the subassembly that is operatively connected to the clamping limb, with the locking device being unlocked via the triggering device and the subassembly thus being released, so that the holding effect of the subassembly on the clamping limb is canceled and the clamping limb is released from the release position can be adjusted in the direction of the clamping position.

In one embodiment, the subassembly that is operatively connected to the clamping leg is formed by a sliding element that is displaceably arranged on the housing and is locked in the release position of the clamping leg by the locking device and holds the clamping leg in the release position. The sliding element can, for example, be slidably guided on the housing, for example along an adjustment direction that is directed transversely to a plug-in direction, along which the electrical line can be attached to the connection assembly in order to connect the electrical line to the connection assembly. The sliding element can be operatively connected to the actuating element in such a way that by actuating the actuating element the sliding element can be brought into a position in which the clamping leg is in the clamping position and is held in the clamping position by the sliding element. In this position, the sliding element latches with the blocking device, so that the sliding element is locked and the clamping leg is held in the release position.

In one embodiment, the subassembly that is operatively connected to the clamping leg, for example the sliding element, is elastically prestressed in relation to the housing in the direction of a position associated with the clamping position of the clamping leg. If the subassembly is adjusted into a position assigned to the release position of the clamping leg, this takes place counter to the pretension, for example counter to a spring-mechanical pretension of a spring-mechanical tensioning element. If the triggering device is actuated to unlock the locking device when an electrical line is connected, the assembly, for example in the form of a sliding element, is released so that it is adjusted - supported by the effect of the elastic pretension - and the clamping leg can move in the direction of its clamping position .

In one embodiment, the subassembly that is operatively connected to the clamping limb, for example the sliding element, has two limbs, between which the clamping limb is arranged and which are designed to hold the clamping limb in the release position. For example, the legs can be connected to one another via a base section, so that the assembly has a substantially U-shaped configuration. For example, the actuating element can act on the subassembly via the base section, in order thereby to adjust the subassembly into the position assigned to the release position of the clamping leg. Driving edges can be formed on the legs of the assemblies, which are designed to act on the clamping leg, so that a symmetrical introduction of force takes place to take the clamping leg in the direction of the release position and the clamping leg is thus reliably adjusted and held in the release position.

In one embodiment, the triggering device is formed by a lever element that can be adjusted elastically relative to the housing and with which the electrical line comes into operative connection when it is connected to the connection assembly. The lever element can, for example, extend transversely to a plug-in direction in which the electrical line can be plugged into the connection assembly for connection, with the lever element extending in particular into the area of a plug-in opening of the housing into which the electrical lines can be plugged in for connection to the connection assembly is.

The lever element is preferably arranged behind the clamping leg, viewed in the plugging direction, so that the electrical line, after passing the clamping leg, comes into operative connection with the triggering device in the form of the lever element and thereby triggers the triggering device to unlock the blocking device. This ensures that when the triggering device is triggered, the electrical line can be securely and reliably electrically contacted and mechanically locked via the clamping leg.

The blocking device can in particular be designed in such a way that it is moved together with the triggering device when the triggering device is adjusted. The blocking device can in particular be formed in one piece with the triggering device, for example in the manner of latching lugs which are formed on a lever element forming the triggering device. In a blocking position, in which the blocking device blocks the clamping leg, the blocking device acts directly on the clamping leg or indirectly on an assembly operatively connected to the clamping leg, for example a sliding element, and thus blocks the clamping leg directly or indirectly.

In one embodiment, the spring element has a supporting leg connected to the clamping leg and supported relative to the housing, with respect to which the clamping leg can be elastically deflected. The spring element is firmly supported on the housing via the support leg and is thus held stationary relative to the housing, with the clamping leg being elastically adjustable relative to the support leg.

The spring element can, for example, be formed integrally as a sheet metal part, for example as a stamped and bent part. The spring element is thus preferably formed integrally with the support leg, wherein the support leg can be connected to the clamping leg, for example, via a curved connecting section and is mounted on the housing, for example, via the connecting section, for example by the connecting section being placed around a housing section, around a defined To create pivot point of the clamping leg relative to the support leg.

In one embodiment, the triggering device can be arranged on the support leg, for example by the triggering device being formed integrally and in one piece with the support leg in the manner of a lever element or by the triggering device being pivotably connected to the support leg as an adjustable lever element, for example.

The triggering device is preferably elastically prestressed in the direction of an initial position, which corresponds to a locked position of the locking device, so that when the clamping leg is moved into the release position, the locking device automatically locks and thus holds the clamping leg in the release position and the triggering device is also in a position in which the locking device can be triggered to release the clamping leg.

The connector module can be inserted into a receiving opening of a receiving frame in order to connect the connector module to the receiving frame. The connector module can be combined with other connector modules in the receiving frame, for example, to create an arrangement of connector modules that allow a modular, variable configuration of a connector face to create a connector for connection to a mating connector.

In one embodiment, the housing has two end faces facing away from one another, which face longitudinal sides of the mounting frame when the connector module is inserted into the associated mounting frame and via which the connector module is fastened to the mounting frame. To arrange it on the mounting frame, the connector module is inserted with its housing between the long sides of the mounting frame in such a way that the opposite end faces of the housing of the connector module point to the long sides of the mounting frame and come into contact with the long sides of the mounting frame.

In one embodiment, the end faces are spaced apart from one another along a transverse direction. In this case, the transverse direction extends, for example, transversely to a rowing direction along which connector modules can be rowed together in order to be accommodated together in the receiving frame. The longitudinal sides of the receiving frame are spaced apart from one another along the transverse direction and extend parallel to one another longitudinally along the rowing direction. An attachment direction, along which the connector module can be inserted into the receiving frame, is perpendicular to both the transverse direction and the rowing direction.

In one embodiment, the plug-in connector module has a fastening element arranged on one of the end faces of the housing for the form-fitting connection to the receiving frame. For example, a fastening element can be arranged on each of the end faces, so that the connector module is connected on both sides to the longitudinal sides when it is inserted into the receiving frame and is fixed in a form-fitting manner on the longitudinal sides.

The fastening element can be formed, for example, by a latching projection which protrudes from the housing along the transverse direction on the respectively associated end face. When the connector module is inserted into the mounting frame, the fastening element engages with an associated latching element on the side of the Mounting frame, for example in the form of a detent spring arranged on the associated long side, which positively latches the fastening element and the connector module with the mounting frame. The result is simple assembly, for which the connector module is inserted into the mounting frame in the plug-in direction and thereby automatically latches to the mounting frame.

In one embodiment, the housing has two housing parts which are attached to one another to form the housing. The housing parts can be designed as identical parts, for example. In this case, the housing parts can, for example, realize two housing halves, which are separated from one another along a parting plane spanned by the transverse direction and the plug-in direction.

The connector module can be designed for connecting an electrical line in the form of a protective line (PE line) and in this case has an electrically conductive housing. For example, the housing, in particular the housing parts that form the housing, can be made of a metal material, for example a die-cast zinc material. When connecting the electrical line in the form of the protective line to the connection assembly, an electrical contact is made with the housing, with the protective potential of the protective line being able to be transmitted to the mounting frame via the electrically conductive housing and the electrically conductive housing of the connector module being electrically connected to the mounting frame contacted when the connector module is inserted into the mounting frame.

Alternatively, the connector module can also be used to connect a useful line, for example an electrical supply line or a data line or a signal line. In this case, the housing is made of an electrically insulating material, for example a plastic or ceramic material, and does not make electrical contact with the receiving frame when the connector module is inserted into the receiving frame. In this case, electrical contact is made via the connection assembly with the electrical contact element arranged on the plug-in section, but not with the housing.

According to a further aspect, a connector assembly has a connector module for connecting an electrical line of the type described above and a mounting frame for receiving the connector module. The receiving frame has two longitudinal sides lying opposite one another, between which a receiving opening for receiving the connector module is created. The long sides can be connected to one another, for example, via end faces of the mounting frame that are spaced apart from one another along the rowing direction, so that the mounting frame forms a rectangular frame with a rectangular mounting opening formed therein for receiving a combination of connector modules.

In one embodiment, the connector module can be combined with other connector modules on the mounting frame along the rowing direction. While a connector module creates a connection option for connecting a protective line, for example, other connector modules can be connected, for example, useful lines, for example in the form of electrical supply lines or data lines or the like. The housings of the connector modules of the utility lines are preferably not electrically conductive and therefore do not reach the potential of the protective line connected to the mounting frame via the connector module when inserted into the mounting frame.

The connector modules can have connection options for connecting electrical lines on one side. In contrast, on another, remote side, the connector modules can form plug-in sections with electrical contact elements arranged thereon, which together create a plug-in face that can be plugged into an associated mating connector.

In one configuration, the mounting frame has at least one latching element for latching the connector module in the mounting frame. In particular, the mounting frame can have an arrangement of a plurality of latching springs, which enable a plurality of connector modules to be mechanically fixed to the mounting frame. For example, the mounting frame can form a plurality of slots for accommodating connector modules, with each slot being assigned two latching springs arranged on the opposite longitudinal sides of the mounting frame, so that the connector modules can be latched to a respectively assigned slot via a pair of latching springs.

• 1 eine Ansicht eines Ausführungsbeispiels einer Steckverbinderbaugruppe, aufweisend ein Steckverbindermodul zum Anschließen einer Schutzleitung und einen Aufnahmerahmen;
• 2 eine andere Ansicht der Steckverbinderbaugruppe;
• 3 eine Draufsicht auf die Steckverbinderbaugruppe;
• 4 eine gesonderte Ansicht eines Ausführungsbeispiels eines Steckverbindermoduls;
• 5 eine Ansicht des Steckverbindermoduls von oben;
• 6 eine Seitenansicht des Steckverbindermoduls;
• 7 eine stirnseitige Ansicht des Steckverbindermoduls;
• 8 eine Explosionsansicht des Steckverbindermoduls;
• 9 eine gesonderte Ansicht einer Anschlussbaugruppe des Steckverbindermoduls;
• 10 eine Schnittansicht durch das Steckverbindermodul;
• 11A eine Ansicht der Anschlussbaugruppe, bei Betätigung eines Betätigungselements;
• 11 B eine Ansicht der Anschlussbaugruppe, bei Einstecken einer elektrischen Leitung;
• 11C eine Ansicht der Anschlussbaugruppe, bei angeschlossener elektrischer Leitung;
• 12A eine Schnittansicht der Anschlussbaugruppe, bei Betätigung des Betätigungselements;
• 12B eine Schnittansicht der Anschlussbaugruppe, bei Einstecken der elektrischen Leitung;
• 12C eine Schnittansicht der Anschlussbaugruppe, bei angeschlossener elektrischer Leitung;
• 13 eine gesonderte Ansicht eines anderen Ausführungsbeispiels einer Anschlussbaugruppe des Steckverbindermoduls;
• 14 eine Schnittansicht durch ein Steckverbindermodul mit der Anschlussbaugruppe nach 13;
• 15A eine Seitenansicht einer Steckverbinderbaugruppe;
• 15B eine Schnittansicht entlang der Linie B-B gemäß 15A; und
• 15C eine vergrößerte Ansicht eines Ausschnitts der Ansicht gemäß 15B.

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

• 1 a view of an embodiment of a connector assembly, comprising a Connector module for connecting a protective line and a mounting frame;
• 2 another view of the connector assembly;
• 3 a plan view of the connector assembly;
• 4 a separate view of an embodiment of a connector module;
• 5 a view of the connector module from above;
• 6 a side view of the connector module;
• 7 an end view of the connector module;
• 8th an exploded view of the connector module;
• 9 a separate view of a connection assembly of the connector module;
• 10 a sectional view through the connector module;
• 11A a view of the connection assembly upon actuation of an actuating element;
• 11b a view of the connection assembly when plugging in an electrical line;
• 11C a view of the connection assembly with the electrical line connected;
• 12A a sectional view of the connection assembly upon actuation of the actuating element;
• 12B a sectional view of the connection assembly when plugging in the electrical line;
• 12C a sectional view of the connection assembly with the electrical line connected;
• 13 a separate view of another embodiment of a terminal assembly of the connector module;
• 14 a sectional view through a connector module with the connection assembly 13 ;
• 15A a side view of a connector assembly;
• 15B a sectional view along the line BB according to FIG 15A ; and
• 15C an enlarged view of a section according to the view 15B .

1 until 3 show an exemplary embodiment of a plug-in connector assembly 1, which has a mounting frame 2 and a plug-in connector module 3 that can be inserted into the mounting frame 2 along a plug-in direction E that corresponds to an attachment direction.

In the exemplary embodiment shown, the connector module 3 has a modular design and can be combined with other connector modules along a row direction A in order to create an arrangement of modules on the receiving frame 2, which together form a connector face for a connector for electrical connection with an associated mating connector 5 .

The receiving frame 2 has a rectangular basic shape, with opposite longitudinal sides 20, 21, which are connected to one another via end sides 22, 23 extending along a transverse direction Q. The mounting frame 2 is made of an electrically conductive metal material and has contacting devices 220, 230 on its end faces 22, 23 for plugging in the connection with associated contacting devices of a mating connector 5, in particular for connecting the mounting frame 2 to a common protective potential (earth potential) when the mating connector is plugged in with the mating connector 5 ) with the mating connector 5, for example a receiving frame of the mating connector 5 to bring.

The connector module 3 accommodated in the mounting frame 2 enables the connection of an electrical line 4, for example a protective line or a useful line such as an electrical supply line, a data line or a signal line, as is shown schematically in FIG 2 is drawn. The connector module 3 has a housing 30 that forms a plug-in opening 301 for plugging in and connecting the line 4 .

If the connector module 3 is designed as a so-called PE module for connecting a protective line 4 , then the connector module 3 is brought to the electrical protective potential of the connected protective line 4 . In this case, the housing 30 is made of an electrically conductive material, for example a die-cast zinc material, and makes electrical contact with the mounting frame 2 when the connector module 3 is inserted into the mounting frame 2.

Latching elements in the form of latching springs 24 are arranged on the opposite longitudinal sides 20, 21 of the mounting frame 2, which are used for the latching connection of the plugged-in connector module 3 to the mounting frame 2. In the plugged-in position, the plug-in connector module 3 is in a form-fitting manner with the receiving frame Men 2 connected and locked on the mounting frame 2 via the locking springs 24, wherein further connector modules can be arranged along the row direction A next to the connector module 3 and are also connected to the mounting frame 2 in an assigned slot via assigned locking springs 24.

4 until 8th show an exemplary embodiment of a connector module 3, in which the housing 30 of the connector module 3 is formed by two housing parts 302, 303, which are separated from one another along a parting plane spanned by the insertion direction E and the transverse direction Q and are attached to one another to create the housing 30.

If the connector module 3 is designed as a PE module, the housing parts 302, 303 are each electrically conductive and are made from a die-cast zinc material.

If, on the other hand, the connector module 3 is used to connect an electrical line in the form of a service line, the housing parts 302, 303 are made of an electrically insulating material, for example a plastic material, and thus have an electrically insulating effect in order to electrically isolate the electrical line 4 from the mounting frame 2 separate.

The housing 30 forms end faces 305, 306 spaced apart from one another along the transverse direction Q. With these end faces 305, 306, the housing 30 faces the longitudinal sides 20, 21 when the connector module 3 is inserted into the receiving frame 2 in such a way that the connector module 3 is in contact with the longitudinal sides 20, 21 via the end faces 305, 306 and is locked on the end faces 305, 306 in the receiving frame 2.

For locking purposes, a fastening element 304 in the form of a latching projection is formed on each of the end faces 305, 306, which protrudes along the transverse direction Q from the respectively associated end face 305, 306 and for latching connection with the respectively associated latching element in the form of the latching spring 24 on the associated Long side 20, 21 is used. When the connector module 3 is inserted in the plug-in direction E in the receiving frame 2, each fastening element 304 comes into locking engagement with latching sections 240 of the respectively associated latching spring 24, so that there is a positive connection of the connector module 3 on both end faces 305, 306 of the housing 30 with the longitudinal sides 20, 21 of the receiving frame 2 is produced.

The connector module 3 has on a front side a plug-in section 300 with an electrical contact element 31 arranged thereon, for example in the form of a socket contact. When the connector assembly 1 is used as intended, the connector module 3 is turned with the plug-in section 300 towards an associated mating connector 5 such that the mating connector 5 can be plugged into the connector module 3 of the connector assembly 1 .

At the in 4 until 8th In the illustrated embodiment of the connector module 3, a connection assembly 33 is enclosed between the housing parts 302, 303 of the housing 30, which is shown in a separate illustration in FIG 9 and also in a sectional view of the connector module 3 in 10 and in different functional states in 11A until 11C and 12A until 12C is shown.

The connection assembly 33 has a spring element 36 which forms a clamping leg 360 and a support leg 362 connected to the clamping leg 360 via a connecting section 361 . The clamping leg 360 can be elastically deflected relative to the support leg 362 , the spring element 36 being supported on the housing 30 via the support leg 362 and thus being fixed to the housing 30 .

The connection assembly 33 has an actuating element 34 which, in the exemplary embodiment shown, is designed as a slide which is guided in a sliding manner in a guide opening 307 in the housing 30 and has a head 340 which points outwards in such a way that the actuating element 34 can be actuated by a user using a tool 6 ( please refer 11A and 12A) can be actuated in order to convert the clamping leg 360 of the spring element 36 into a release position. In the release position, an area within the housing 30 adjoining the plug-in opening 301 is released by the clamping leg 360, so that an electrical line 4 can be inserted into the plug-in opening 301 and connected to the connection assembly 33, or a connected electrical line 4 can be removed from the connection assembly 33 can be.

In the exemplary embodiment shown, the actuating element 34 is operatively connected to a sliding element 35 via an actuating section 341 in such a way that by actuating the actuating element 34 in an actuating direction B, the sliding element 35 can be adjusted in an adjustment direction V relative to the housing 30, as shown in FIG 11A and 12A is evident. The sliding element 35 here has a U-shape on, with a base portion 352 on which legs 351 are formed, which extend parallel to each other and receive the spring element 36 between them.

The sliding element 35 is elastically pretensioned in relation to the housing 30 by means of a tensioning spring 350 . The bias of the tension spring 350 acts here in the direction of a position of the sliding element 35 which is assigned to a clamping position of the clamping leg 360 . An adjustment of the sliding element 35 by actuating the actuating element 34 in the adjustment direction V thus takes place against the spring preload of the tension spring 350.

The sliding element 35 forms driver edges 355 on the lateral legs 351, which are designed to act on driver sections 365 laterally on the clamping leg 360 when the sliding element 35 is adjusted in the adjustment direction V, as shown in FIG 9 in synopsis with 11A is evident. When the sliding element 35 is adjusted, the clamping leg 360 is thus moved in the direction of its release position and is thus stretched elastically in relation to the support leg 362 . In the release position, a clamping space adjoining the plug-in opening 301 within the housing 30 is released, so that an electrical line 4 can be plugged into the plug-in opening 301 in a substantially forceless manner in order to connect the electrical line 4 to the connection assembly 33 .

The connector assembly 33 includes a release mechanism 363 in the form of a lever member formed integrally and in one piece on the support leg 362, as shown in FIG 10 in synopsis with 12A until 12C is evident. The triggering device 363 in the form of the lever element extends transversely to the plug-in direction E, in which the electrical cable 4 can be inserted into the plug-in opening 301, and protrudes into the terminal space in such a way that the electrical cable 4 is connected to the triggering device when plugged into the plug-in opening 301 363 comes into operative connection.

In the exemplary embodiment shown, latching lugs are formed on the side of the triggering device 363, which form a locking device 364 and which serve to snap into engagement with latching edges 353 on the legs 351 of the sliding element 35 when the sliding element 35 is adjusted in the adjustment direction V. that the sliding element 35 is locked in its release position of the clamping leg 360 associated position, as shown 11A and 12A is evident.

If an electrical line 4 is inserted into the plug-in opening 301 and the electrical line 4 comes into operative connection with one end of the conductor with the triggering device 363 in the form of the lever element, as can be seen from the sequence of FIG 11B , 12B towards 11C , 12C As can be seen, the triggering device 363 in the form of the lever element is pressed down in the insertion direction E and thus triggered. As a result, the locking lugs realizing the locking device 364 are disengaged from the associated locking edges 353 on the legs 351 of the sliding element 35, so that the sliding element 35 is released and, due to the prestressing of the tension spring 350 and also by the elastic force of the clamping leg 360, in the opposite direction of adjustment V' is reset and in the position according to 11C , 12C reached. The locking lugs realizing the blocking device 364 run into connecting link openings 354 on the legs 351, as does this 11C , 12C is evident.

The triggering device 363 in the form of the lever element is arranged behind the clamping leg 360, viewed in the plug-in direction E, so that when the electrical cable is connected to the connection assembly 33, it is moved past the clamping leg 360 in the release position until the electrical cable 4 is connected to the Triggering device 363 interacts and the triggering device 363 triggers.

The clamping leg 360 is thus transferred into its clamping position, in which the electrical line 4 is electrically contacted and also mechanically locked on the connection assembly 33 .

In the exemplary embodiment shown, the connection assembly 33 is electrically connected to the contact element 31 via a current bar 37, as can be seen in particular from the exploded view according to FIG 8th is evident. The current bar 37 has a bar section 371 which is fixed to the contact element 31 . A bar section 370, on the other hand, is assigned to the connection assembly 33 and protrudes with a contacting section 372 into the connection assembly 33 in such a way that the electrical line 4, after being connected to the connection assembly 33, is pressed against the contacting section 372 by the force of the clamping leg 360 and is thus electrically connected to the contacting section 372 contacted like this out 12C is evident.

A stop section 373 is also formed on the bar section 370 and serves as a stop and travel limit for the sliding element 35 . In the position of the sliding element 35 associated with the clamping position, the sliding element 35 is in contact with the stop section 373, so that the sliding element 35 is in a defined position and via the prestressing force of the clamping element 350 is held in this position when an electrical line 4 is connected to the connector module 3 .

If the electrical line 4 is to be detached from the connector module 3, a user can in turn act on the actuating element 34 with a tool 6, analogous to that in 11A , 12A is shown. As a result, the sliding element 35 is again adjusted in the adjustment direction V, with the latching lugs 364 sliding in the connecting link openings 354 of the legs 351 and, when the sliding element 35 reaches the position associated with the release position, automatically snap into latching engagement with the latching edges 353 on the legs 351. The sliding element 35 is thus locked again and locks the clamping leg 360 carried along via the driver edges 355 in its release position, so that the connected electrical line 4 can be removed from the connector module 3 and, if necessary, another electrical line 4 can be connected to the connector module 3.

At another, in 13 and 14 The illustrated exemplary embodiment of a connection assembly 33 has a spring element 36 with a clamping leg 360, which is connected via a connecting section 361 to a support leg 362 and via the support leg 362 to the housing 30 of the (apart from the connection assembly 33 functionally the same as the connector module 3 according to 4 until 8th trained) connector module 3 is fixed.

In this exemplary embodiment, a lever arm 366 is formed on the clamping leg 360, via which an actuating element 34 can act on the clamping leg 360 in order to convert the clamping leg 360 from a clamping position into a release position. The actuating element 34 is slidably guided on the housing 30 and can be adjusted by a user using a tool, for example.

In the exemplary embodiment shown, a triggering device 363 in the form of a lever element is arranged on bearing sections 369 of the support leg 362 so that it can swivel about a pivot axis 368 and is supported by a prestressing spring 367 in a bent section of the support leg 362 .

Triggering device 363 forms a blocking device 364 in the form of a section that is bent over to the lever element of triggering device 363 and extends essentially perpendicularly, with which the clamping leg 360 latches when it is adjusted by the actuating element 34, so that the clamping leg 360 is arrested in the release position by the blocking device 364 is.

If an electrical line 4 is inserted into the insertion opening 301 of the housing 30 , the electrical line 4 is moved past the clamping leg 360 when the clamping leg 360 is in the release position and interacts with the triggering device 363 . As a result, the blocking device 364 is pivoted (slightly), so that the clamping leg 360 is released and interacts with the electrical line 4 in order to make electrical contact with the electrical line 4 and mechanically lock it on the connection assembly 33 .

The electrical line 4 can be released by actuating the actuating element 34 again, so that the electrical line 4 can be removed from the plug-in opening 301 .

The connector module 3 can be designed as a so-called PE module for connecting a protective line. Alternatively, the plug-in connector module 3 can also be designed to connect a useful line, for example a supply line or a data line or signal line.

If the connector module 3 is designed as a PE module for connecting a protective line 4, then the housing 30 is electrically conductive. Correspondingly, a protective line 4 also makes electrical contact with the housing 30 when it is connected to the connection assembly 33 and with the receiving frame 2 when it is inserted into the mounting frame 2 .

If, on the other hand, the connector module 3 is designed for connecting a service line 4, then the housing 30 is not electrically conductive. The electrical line 4 can be electrically connected to the contact element 31 via the connection assembly 33 . The housing 30 has an electrically insulating effect, so that the electrical line 4 is electrically isolated from the housing 30 and the mounting frame 2 .

How out 15A until 15C As can be seen, clamping devices 32 are arranged on the connector module 3, which - especially when the connector module 3 is designed as a PE module - can be used for clamping locking and electrical contacting with the receiving frame 2, but which can also be omitted if necessary. The clamping devices 32 each have a clamping block 320 and a clamping element 321 in the form of a screw, via which a clamping connection is made between the housing 30 and the peripheral wall sections 200, 210 the long sides 20, 21 of the receiving frame 2 can be created.

The idea on which the invention is based is not limited to the exemplary embodiments described above, but can also be implemented in a different way.

Using a connection assembly of the type described results in reliable electrical contact when connecting an electrical line, with also firm mechanical locking and easy handling both for connecting the electrical line and for detaching the electrical line from the connector module.

The connection module can also allow direct plugging, ie connecting an electrical line without actuating the actuating element.

Reference List

1

connector assembly

2

recording frame

20, 21

long side

200, 210

wall sections

22, 23

face

220, 230

contacting device

24

detent spring

240

latch hook

3

Connector module (PE module)

30

casing

300

mating section

301

plug opening

302, 303

housing part

304

Fastening element (locking projection)

305,306

face

307

guide hole

31

Contact element (socket contact)

32

clamping device

320

terminal block

321

clamping element (screw)

33

connection assembly

34

actuator

340

head

341

operating section

35

sliding element

350

tension spring

351

leg

352

base section

353

locking edge

354

scenery opening

355

flight edge

36

spring element

360

clamp legs

361

connection section

362

support legs

363

release device

364

locking device

365

flight section

366

lever arm

367

bias spring

368

pivot axis

369

storage sections

37

power bar

370, 371

bar section

372

contacting section

373

stop section

4

Electrical line (protective line)

5

mating connector

6

tool

A

baying direction

B

operating direction

E

mating direction

Q

transverse direction

V, V'

adjustment direction

QUOTES INCLUDED IN DESCRIPTION

This list of documents cited 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 102013108383 B4 [0005]
• DE 202015009753 U1 [0006]
• DE 102017118719 A1 [0007]

Claims (15)

Connector module (3) for connecting an electrical line (4), with a housing (30) which can be inserted into a receiving frame (2) to create a connector assembly (1), a plug-in section (300) arranged on the housing (300) for plugging connection with an associated mating connector (5) and an electrical contact element (31) arranged on the plug-in section (300) for making electrical contact with the mating connector (5), characterized by a connection assembly (33) to which the electrical line (4) for electrical contact can be connected to the contact element (31) and which has a spring element (36) with a clamping leg (360) for acting on the electrical line (4), a locking device (364) for locking the clamping leg (360) in a release position and a Triggering device (363), wherein the triggering device (363) is designed with the electrical line (4) when connected to the connection assembly ppe (33) interact to trigger the locking device (364) to release the clamping leg (360) from the release position. Connector module (3) according to claim 1 , characterized in that the connection assembly (33) has an actuating element (34) which can be actuated by a user in order to adjust the clamping leg (360) into the release position. Connector module (3) according to claim 2 , characterized in that the actuating element (34) is designed to act on the clamping leg (360) or on an assembly operatively connected to the clamping leg (360) in order to adjust the clamping leg (360). Connector module (3) according to one of Claims 1 until 3 , characterized in that the blocking device (364) is designed to act on the clamping limb (360) or on an assembly operatively connected to the clamping limb (360) in order to lock the clamping limb (360) in the release position. Connector module (3) according to claim 4 , characterized in that the with the clamping leg (360) operatively connected assembly is formed by a displaceable on the housing (30) arranged sliding element (35) which is locked in the release position of the clamping leg (360) by the locking device (364) and the Clamping leg (360) holds in the release position. Connector module (3) according to claim 4 or 5 , characterized in that the with the clamping leg (360) operatively connected assembly is elastically biased relative to the housing (30) in the direction of a clamping position of the clamping leg (360) associated position. Connector module (3) according to one of Claims 4 until 6 , characterized in that the with the clamping leg (360) operatively connected assembly has two legs (351), between which the clamping leg (360) is arranged and which are designed to hold the clamping leg (360) in the release position. Connector module (3) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the triggering device (363) is formed by a lever element which can be adjusted elastically relative to the housing (30) and with which the electrical line (4) can be moved when it is connected to the connection assembly (33). comes into effective connection. Connector module (3) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the locking device (364) is formed in one piece with the release device (363). Connector module (3) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the spring element (36) has a supporting leg (362) connected to the clamping leg (360) and supported relative to the housing (30), to which the clamping leg (360) is elastic is deflectable. Connector module (3) according to claim 10 , characterized in that the triggering device (363) is arranged on the support leg (362). Connector module (3) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a fastening element (304) arranged on an end face (305, 306) of the housing (30) for positive connection to the receiving frame (2). Connector assembly (1), with a connector module (3) according to any one of the preceding claims and a receiving frame (2) for receiving the connector module (3). connector assembly (1). Claim 13 , characterized in that the connector module (3) along a row direction (A) with other connector modules on the receiving frame (2) can be combined. connector assembly (1). Claim 13 or 14 , characterized in that the mounting frame (2) has at least one latching element (24) for latching the connector module (3) in the mounting frame (2).

Images