DE102021100099A1 - Connection device for connecting an electrical line - Google Patents

Abstract

A connection device (1) for connecting an electrical line (2) comprises a housing (10) which has a plug-in opening (100) for inserting an electrical line (2), a contacting element (13) arranged on the housing (10) and a on the housing (10) arranged spring element (11) which has a clamping leg (110) which can be adjusted from an open position into a contacting position to the contacting element (13) in order to respond to an electrical plug-in opening (100) in the contacting position Acting line (2) for electrical contact with the contacting element (13). A lever element (12) is pivotably mounted on the housing (10) about a pivot axis (D2) and has a latching section (124) for holding the clamping leg (110) in the open position and by the action of an electrical line (2) when the electrical line (2) can be pivoted into the plug-in opening (100) to the housing (10) in order to release the clamping leg (110) for transferring from the open position into the contacting position.

Description

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

Such a connection device comprises a housing which has a plug-in opening for plugging in an electrical line, a contacting element arranged on the housing and a spring element arranged on the housing, which has a clamping leg which can be adjusted from an open position into a contacting position with respect to the housing in order to to act in the contacting position on an electrical line inserted into the plug-in opening for electrical contact with the contacting element.

Electrical connection devices of very different designs are known from the prior art. In the case of a screw connection, for example, an electrical line with a stripped conductor end is inserted into a plug-in opening and then fixed to the screw connection in a clamping manner by screwing. In the case of a spring-loaded terminal, on the other hand, an electrical line is inserted into a plug-in opening and comes into contact with the leg of a spring element, the spring element acting on the electrical line in such a way that the electrical line is mechanically locked and also electrically contacted, for example with a busbar.

In connection devices in the form of spring-loaded terminals, it is desirable to enable an electrical line to be connected in a simple manner. It can be advantageous here that the connection device closes automatically when an electrical line is plugged in, i.e. the spring element is automatically transferred from the open position to the contacting position in order to make safe and reliable contact with the electrical line inserted into the plug-in opening of the housing. Such an automatic triggering should not only be possible with a comparatively rigid electrical line, for example with a ferrule arranged on an electrical line, but also with an electrical line that is inserted into the plug-in opening of the housing with a comparatively low insertion force.

Here, however, it should be taken into account that provision can be made for the connection device to be delivered in its open position in order to enable an electrical line to be connected directly in the context of intended use. When such a connection device is transported, the spring element of the connection device should therefore, if possible, not easily trigger even in the event of shock or vibrations.

the DE 198 25 629 B4 discloses a spring-loaded terminal with a clamping body which is arranged in a connection space and which is held in a pretensioned position before an electrical conductor is inserted into the connection space and released after the conductor has been inserted into the connection space.

With one of the DE 10 2015 119 407 A1 Known connection terminal, an insulating housing has a conductor terminal device which has a spring element fixedly arranged in the insulating housing and a sliding part arranged movably in the insulating housing between a conductor insertion position and a clamping position by means of a guide means. When an electrical conductor is inserted, the sliding part is moved into the clamping position in order to contact the electrical conductor with the connection terminal.

With one of the DE 20 2016 007 200 U1 known connection device, a clamping leg of a leg spring forming a spring element is latched in an open position with a support leg of the leg spring. When plugged in, an electrical line interacts with the support leg and thus releases the latching of the clamping leg so that the connection device closes automatically when the electrical line is plugged in.

With one of the DE 20 2016 104 971 U1 known connection device has a clamping spring on a clamping leg which can be locked in an open position via a latching device.

With one of the DE 20 2013 100 740 U1 known direct plug-in terminal, a clamping leg of a spring element is latched in a latching state via a holding element, wherein the latching element can be pivoted in order to release the clamping leg from the latching state.

The object of the present invention is to provide a connection device for connecting an electrical line which enables an electrical line to be connected easily while the connection device closes automatically, even with comparatively low insertion forces.

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

Accordingly, the connection device has a pivotable about a pivot axis to the Housing-mounted lever element which has a latching section for holding the clamping leg in the open position and can be pivoted to the housing by the action of an electrical cable when the electrical cable is inserted into the plug-in opening in order to release the clamping leg for transferring from the open position into the contacting position.

The connection device is designed to close automatically when an electrical line is plugged into the plug-in opening of the housing. For this purpose, the connection device has a lever element which is designed to pivot when an electrical line is inserted into the plug-in opening of the housing and the electrical line takes effect as a result, and thus to release the clamping leg so that the clamping leg automatically moves from the open position into the contacting position emotional. When an electrical line is plugged in, the clamping leg is therefore initially in its open position, so that the electrical line can be plugged in essentially without force when the connection device is open. When plugged in, the electrical line acts on the lever element, whereby the clamping leg is released and moves into the contacting position, so that the clamping leg comes into clamping contact with the electrical line and loads it for electrical contact in the direction of the contacting element.

Because the clamping leg is locked in the open position, delivery of the connection device is possible in the open position. When an electrical line is plugged in, the connection device closes automatically, whereby the connection device can also be opened again by acting on the clamping leg in order to move the clamping leg into the open position and thus remove an inserted conductor from the connection device or enable a power-free insertion of a line .

Because the lever element is pivotably mounted on the housing about a pivot axis, the lever element can be easily adjusted so that the clamping leg can be released to move from the open position into the contacting position with little force and thus also through a soft conductor, for example a line without a ferrule arranged thereon.

The lever element can be made of plastic, for example. Alternatively, the lever element can be formed as a stamped and bent part from sheet metal.

The lever element can in particular be designed as a separate part to the housing and the contacting element and is mounted pivotably relative to the housing about the pivot axis assigned to it.

In one embodiment, the lever element is pivotably mounted on a first axle element which is stationary with respect to the housing. The axle element can be formed on the housing or the contacting element, for example. The lever element is arranged on the axle element and thus mounted on the axle element and can be pivoted about the axle element to the housing.

In one embodiment, the connection device has an actuating element which is movable relative to the housing and which can be moved to the housing in order to adjust the clamping leg from the contacting position into the open position. The adjusting element is operatively connected to the clamping leg of the spring element, so that the clamping leg can be moved from the contacting position back into the open position by acting on the adjusting element. The connection device can thus be opened by actuating the actuating element, with the clamping leg being automatically latched to the lever element when the opening position is reached, so that the clamping leg is held in the open position in a latched manner.

In one embodiment, the adjusting element is mounted pivotably relative to the housing. In another embodiment, however, the actuating element can also be linearly displaceable on the housing in the manner of a so-called pusher, for example along an actuation direction that is essentially parallel to a plug-in direction along which an electrical line can be plugged into the plug-in opening.

In one embodiment, the actuating element is pivotably mounted on a second axle element which is stationary with respect to the housing. In this case, the actuating element is designed to be pivotable in the manner of a lever and can be pivoted about the axle element assigned to it, wherein the axle element can be formed on the housing or the contacting element and provides a bearing for the actuating element.

The spring element can be formed, for example, by a leg spring (acting on pressure) or a tension spring (acting on tension via a tension leg). The spring element can be adjusted and deflected elastically in order, in particular, to enable the connection device to close automatically when an electrical line is plugged in.

In one embodiment, the spring element is shaped as an integral, bent sheet metal part. The spring element can, for example, be made from a spring steel and designed, for example, as a stamped and bent part.

In one embodiment, the spring element has a support leg which is fixedly supported on the housing and to which the clamping leg can be deflected in a resilient manner. The support leg can be connected to the clamping leg, for example, via a curved connection section, the connection section being wrapped around the second axle element assigned to the actuating element, and the support leg providing support relative to the housing, the clamping leg being able to be deflected elastically towards the support leg, to adjust the spring element between the open position and the contacting position.

Because the curved connecting section of the spring element is placed around the axle element assigned to the adjusting element, the pivot axis of the adjusting element is concentric to a (virtual) pivot axis via which the clamping leg can be pivoted to the support leg of the spring element designed as a leg spring. The connecting section of the spring element usually forms a main load radius of the spring element. If the clamping leg is deflected, this takes place about a virtual pivot axis defined by the center of the connecting section. Because the axle element assigned to the actuating element is concentric with the connecting section, in that the connecting section extends around the axle element, the actuating element and the clamping leg can be pivoted about the same axis relative to the housing, which, when the actuating element is actuated, advantageously introduces force into the clamping leg enables.

In one embodiment, the clamping leg is elastically tensioned relative to the support leg in the open position of the spring element. In the open position, in which the clamping leg is latched by means of the lever element and is thus held in position, the clamping leg is thus spring-mechanically biased towards the support leg. If an electrical line acts on the lever element when it is inserted into the plug-in opening and thereby displaces the lever element, the clamping leg is released and, due to its resilient tension, automatically moves into the contacting position in order to make contact with the electrical line plugged into the plug-in opening.

In one embodiment, the pivot axis of the lever element is directed parallel to the pivot axis of the actuating element. The spring element and the adjusting element can thus be pivoted in a common pivot plane, whereby by pivoting the adjusting element and thereby acting on the clamping leg of the spring element, locking can be effected in the open position and by acting on the lever element when an electrical line is inserted into the plug-in opening of the housing, the latching can be released for transferring the clamping leg from the open position into the contacting position.

In one embodiment, the connection device has a tension spring which is operatively connected to the lever element and the adjusting element and elastically biases the lever element and the adjusting element against one another. The tension spring, which can be designed, for example, as a torsion spring that can withstand torsion, acts between the lever element and the actuating element. If the clamping leg is in the contacting position, the tension spring can, for example, be largely relaxed. If the adjusting element is actuated to move the clamping leg into the open position, the tension spring can be tensioned, for example, so that a tensioning force is exerted on the lever element, for example around the lever element in the direction of a latching position in which the clamping leg is held in the open position under the action of the latching section, to bias relative to the actuator. The tension spring can thus cause the lever element to be in such a position when the clamping leg is moved in the direction of the open position that it can be latched to the lever element in order to lock the clamping leg securely and reliably in the open position.

The tension spring, designed for example as a torsion spring, can fulfill two functions here. For example, the tension spring can cause a bias between the lever element and the actuating element, so that when the actuating element is actuated, the lever element moves into such a position that it can be locked with the lever element and thus the clamping leg can be safely and reliably locked in the open position . Secondly, the tension spring also causes a bias on the actuating element such that when the lever element is triggered, i.e. when the lever element is pivoted to release the clamping leg when an electrical line is plugged in, the actuating element is transferred to a non-actuated starting position. This makes it possible for a user to be able to directly recognize, on the basis of the position of the adjusting element, whether the connection device has triggered and thus an electrical line inserted into the plug-in opening is arrested and electrically contacted by means of the clamping leg.

In the actuated position, the actuating element can in particular be pressed into the housing and, in the actuated position, is latched, for example, with the lever element in order to lock the clamping leg in the open position. By releasing the clamping leg when an electrical line is plugged in, the adjusting element is also released and can thus automatically return to the non-actuated starting position under the action of the tension spring. When the connection device is triggered, the actuating element thus moves into the starting position, which can be recognized by a user, so that the user is immediately shown whether the connection device has triggered. By using such a tension spring, an indicator effect can thus also be achieved.

The tension spring can be formed, for example, by a torsion spring which is wound into turns around a winding axis and the spring ends of which can be deflected relative to one another around the winding axis. One spring end can be supported on the actuating element, while the other spring end is received on the lever element, so that when the actuating element is moved relative to the lever element, the tension spring is tensioned and an elastic tension force is thereby produced between the actuating element and the lever element.

The tension spring can be arranged, for example, on the axle element of the actuating element (if the actuating element is designed as a pivotable lever). Alternatively, however, the tension spring can also be arranged on the axle element of the lever element and thus be concentric to the pivot axis of the lever element.

It is also conceivable, as an alternative to the tension spring, to form a spring arm on the lever element which provides a preload between the lever element and the actuating element or, alternatively, a preload of the lever element relative to the housing. In the second case, the spring arm formed on the lever element can be supported, for example, on a housing section, in order in this way to elastically preload the lever element with respect to the housing. Such a spring arm can in particular bring about a bias on the lever element in the direction of such a position of the lever element in which the lever element can latch with the clamping leg in the open position.

Again, alternatively, such a spring arm can also be formed on the adjusting element in order to bring about a preload between the adjusting element and the lever element.

In one embodiment, the connection device has an actuating element which is operatively connected to the actuating element for joint adjustment and is received in an actuating opening in the housing. The actuating element can, for example, have an actuating head accessible from the outside, on which a tool engagement can be formed, via which a user can act on the actuating element using a tool, for example a screwdriver, in order to thereby pivot the actuating element for adjusting the clamping leg.

The actuating element can be guided displaceably in the receiving opening of the housing. The actuating element can, however, also be pivotable relative to the housing.

In one embodiment, the actuating element can, for example, be formed in one piece with the actuating element.

In another embodiment, the actuating element is connected to the actuating element in an articulated manner. In such a configuration, the actuating element can be moved, for example, in the receiving opening while tilting to compensate for the pivoting movement of the actuating element, thereby adjusting the actuating element and moving the clamping leg of the spring element from the contacting position into the open position.

For an articulated connection, the actuating element can, for example, have a hinge pin which engages in a hinge opening of the actuating element and thus creates an articulated connection. A hinge axis, around which the adjusting element and the actuating element are connected to one another in an articulated manner, can in this case be directed parallel to the pivot axis of the adjusting element.

The clamping leg of the spring element is locked in the open position in that a locking is established via the locking section of the lever element. The latching can be established directly or indirectly with the clamping leg, so that the clamping leg is held in its open position indirectly or directly via the lever element.

In one embodiment, the actuating element has a counter-latching section which is designed to latch with the latching section of the lever element. The adjusting element is operatively connected to the clamping leg of the spring element in such a way that when the adjusting element is adjusted, the clamping leg is moved together with the adjusting element and is held in the open position when the counter-locking section engages with the locking section of the lever element. The clamp leg of the spring element is thus locked in this embodiment via the adjusting element to the lever element and is thus indirectly held in its open position via the adjusting element.

In another embodiment, a counter-locking section can be formed, for example, on the clamping leg of the spring element. The counter-latching section is designed to latch with the latching section of the lever element when the clamping leg is in the open position.

The latching section on the lever element can be formed, for example, by a step-shaped shoulder on a lever section of the lever element. Correspondingly, the mating latching section is formed by a latching element for producing a form-fitting connection with the latching section of the lever element.

In one embodiment, the latching section of the lever element is arranged relative to the pivot axis of the lever element so that when the counter-latching section interacts with the latching section, the lever element is loaded in the direction of the latching position in which the clamping leg is held in the open position under the action of the latching section. The latching thus has a self-reinforcing effect in that, due to the interaction between the latching section and the counter-latching section, the lever element is tensioned in the direction of its latching position, so that the latching between the lever element and the adjusting element or the clamping leg cannot be released easily, at least not automatically.

This makes it possible, for example, to deliver the connection device in an open position, wherein vibrations or a shock load do not readily lead to the connection device being closed.

In one embodiment, the lever element has a lever section which protrudes into a connection chamber formed in the housing, within which an electrical line inserted into the plug-in opening makes electrical contact with the contacting element. The connection chamber is aligned with the plug-in opening, so that when an electrical line is inserted into the plug-in opening with a stripped conductor end, it enters the connection chamber and interacts with the lever section of the lever element. By the action of the line on the first lever section, the lever element is adjusted to the contacting element, so that the lever element is moved out of its latching position and releases the clamping leg so that it can move automatically from the open position into the contacting position.

The lever section forms, for example, an active surface for interacting with an electrical line when the electrical line is inserted into the plug-in opening. When plugged in, the electrical line comes into contact with the active surface, thereby acting on the lever element and adjusting it so that the clamping leg is released. When viewed radially to the pivot axis of the lever element, the active surface is preferably at a greater distance from the pivot axis than the latching section. The active surface thus forms a larger lever arm to the pivot axis than the latching section.

The lever element thus provides leverage via the lever section. Because the lever arm of the active surface (via which an electrical line acts on the lever element when it is inserted) is long compared to a lever arm of the latching section (via which the lever element is latched), the lever element can be adjusted with comparatively little force, whereby Due to the leverage, which is determined by the ratio of the lengths of the lever arms to one another, a sufficient release force can be exerted to release the clamping leg of the spring element. As a result of the leverage of the lever element, the connection device can thus also trigger a soft conductor when it is plugged in and thus close automatically.

In one embodiment, the lever element has an engagement section which engages in an opening of the contacting element in such a way that a pivoting path of the lever element to the housing is limited by the engagement in the opening. The engagement section can be formed, for example, at an end of the lever section which is remote from the pivot axis of the lever element and on which the active surface is also formed. The opening of the contacting element can be arranged, for example, on a bar section of the contacting element with which an electrical line is in contact in the contacting position of the clamping leg for electrical contacting. By engaging the opening of the contacting element, the lever element can only be moved by a certain pivoting path to the contacting element, so that the pivoting path of the lever element is limited by the interaction of the lever element with the contacting element.

By engaging in the opening, the pivoting path can be limited in one (single) pivoting direction or in both directions of movement of the lever element. In an end position, for example the latching position, the lever element can strike, for example, against an edge of the opening, so that a movement of the Lever element is prevented beyond the respective position.

• 1A eine Ansicht eines Ausführungsbeispiels einer Anschlusseinrichtung zum Anschließen einer elektrischen Leitung, in einer Kontaktierstellung eines Klemmschenkels eines Federelements;
• 1 B eine Ansicht der Anschlusseinrichtung, in einer Öffnungsstellung des Klemmschenkels;
• 2A eine Seitenansicht der Anschlusseinrichtung, in der Kontaktierstellung des Klemmschenkels;
• 2B eine Seitenansicht der Anschlusseinrichtung, in der Öffnungsstellung des Klemmschenkels;
• 3A eine gesonderte Ansicht einer Klemmkörperbaugruppe der Anschlusseinrichtung, in der Kontaktierstellung des Klemmschenkels;
• 3B eine stirnseitige Ansicht der Anschlusseinrichtung, in der Kontaktierstellung des Klemmschenkels;
• 3C eine Schnittansicht entlang der Linie A-A gemäß 3B,
• 4A eine gesonderte Ansicht einer Klemmkörperbaugruppe der Anschlusseinrichtung, in der Öffnungsstellung des Klemmschenkels;
• 4B eine stirnseitige Ansicht der Anschlusseinrichtung, in der Öffnungsstellung des Klemmschenkels;
• 4C eine Schnittansicht entlang der Linie B-B gemäß 4B,
• 5 eine gesonderte Ansicht des Federelements;
• 6A, 6B gesonderte Ansichten eines Hebelelements der Anschlusseinrichtung;
• 7 eine gesonderte Ansicht einer Spannfeder der Anschlusseinrichtung;
• 8A, 8B gesonderte Ansichten eines Stellelements der Anschlusseinrichtung;
• 9 eine gesonderte Ansicht eines Kontaktierelements der Anschlusseinrichtung;
• 10 eine gesonderte Ansicht eines Betätigungselements der Anschlusseinrichtung;
• 11 eine gesonderte Ansicht eines Gehäuses der Anschlusseinrichtung;
• 12 eine Ansicht eines anderen Ausführungsbeispiels einer Anschlusseinrichtung zum Anschließen einer elektrischen Leitung;
• 13 eine Ansicht eines wiederum anderen Ausführungsbeispiels einer Anschlusseinrichtung zum Anschließen einer elektrischen Leitung;
• 14 eine Ansicht eines wiederum anderen Ausführungsbeispiels einer Anschlusseinrichtung zum Anschließen einer elektrischen Leitung; und
• 15 eine Ansicht eines weiteren Ausführungsbeispiels einer Anschlusseinrichtung zum Anschließen einer elektrischen Leitung.

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:

• 1A a view of an embodiment of a connection device for connecting an electrical line, in a contacting position of a clamping leg of a spring element;
• 1 B. a view of the connection device, in an open position of the clamping leg;
• 2A a side view of the connection device, in the contacting position of the clamping leg;
• 2 B a side view of the connection device, in the open position of the clamping leg;
• 3A a separate view of a clamping body assembly of the connection device, in the contacting position of the clamping leg;
• 3B an end view of the connection device, in the contacting position of the clamping leg;
• 3C a sectional view along the line AA according to 3B ,
• 4A a separate view of a clamping body assembly of the connection device, in the open position of the clamping leg;
• 4B an end view of the connection device, in the open position of the clamping leg;
• 4C a sectional view along the line BB according to 4B ,
• 5 a separate view of the spring element;
• 6A , 6B separate views of a lever element of the connection device;
• 7th a separate view of a tension spring of the connection device;
• 8A , 8B separate views of an actuating element of the connection device;
• 9 a separate view of a contacting element of the connection device;
• 10 a separate view of an actuating element of the connection device;
• 11 a separate view of a housing of the connection device;
• 12th a view of another embodiment of a connection device for connecting an electrical line;
• 13th a view of yet another embodiment of a connection device for connecting an electrical line;
• 14th a view of yet another embodiment of a connection device for connecting an electrical line; and
• 15th a view of a further embodiment of a connection device for connecting an electrical line.

1A , 1B until 11 show views of an exemplary embodiment of a connection device 1 connecting an electrical line 2 enables. The connection device 1 can for example be part of a connector, with several connection devices 1 can be combined with each other to enable the connection of several electrical lines.

The connection device 1 shows how for example 1A , 1B can be seen, a housing 10 on, in which a plug-in opening 100 is shaped into which an electrical line 2 along a mating direction E. can be plugged in. The case 10 delimits a connection chamber 101 into which the electrical line 2 with one (stripped) conductor end 20th by inserting it into the plug-in opening 100 Can be introduced to inside the connection chamber 101 with one on the case 10 arranged contacting element 13th to contact electrically.

The connection device 1 has - in the illustrated embodiment - a spring element 11 in the form of a leg spring that has a clamping leg 110 and one via a curved connecting portion 111 with the clamp leg 110 connected support legs 112 having. The spring element 11 is with the connecting section 111 around one on the housing 10 shaped axillary element 150 routed around and over the support leg 112 to the housing 10 supported by the support leg 112 on a support section 103 of the housing 10 is added so that the spring element 11 to the housing 10 is fixed.

The clamp leg 110 is elastic to the support leg 112 deflectable and between a contact position ( 1A , 2A and 3A-3C ) and an open position ( 1B , 2 B and 4A-4C ) by one through the connecting section 111 predefined swivel axis adjustable.

The clamping leg is in the open position 110 from a beam section 130 of the contacting element 13th removed so that the clamping leg 110 not (or at least not significantly) in the area of the plug-in opening 100 protrudes and thus an electrical line 2 along the mating direction E. essentially unhindered into the plug-in opening 100 plugged in and into the connection chamber 101 can be introduced.

The clamping leg is in the contacting position 110 in contrast to the bar section 130 approximated so that one goes into the plug-in opening 100 inserted electrical line 2 by means of the clamping leg 110 in electrical contacting system with the beam section 130 pressed and thus electrically with the contacting element 13th is contacted.

The in 1A , 1B until 11 The illustrated embodiment has the connection device 1 a lever element 12th on that about a pivot axis D2 pivotable on an axle element 120 is stored. The axillary element 120 is on the housing 10 shaped and engages in a bearing opening 123 of the lever element 12th a so that the lever element 12th around the axilla 120 to the housing 10 is movable.

The lever element 12th forms a lever section 121 on which an effective surface 127 is shaped, which is located in the connection chamber 101 extends and along the mating direction E. aligned with the plug-in opening 100 is arranged.

The lever element 12th also forms a latching section 124 the one for locking the clamp leg 110 of the spring element 11 is used in the open position.

The spring element 11 extends with its connecting portion 111 around the axilla 150 around, on which an actuator 15th around a pivot axis D1 is pivotably mounted. The axillary element 150 is how out 11 visible on the housing 10 shaped and engages in a bearing opening 153 of the actuator 15th a, so that the actuator 15th around the pivot axis D1 on the axilla 150 to the housing 10 can be pivoted.

The actuator 15th stands with the clamp leg 110 of the spring element 11 in operative connection such that by adjusting the adjusting element 15th the clamp leg 110 from his contacting position ( 1A , 2A and 3A-3C ) to the open position ( 1B , 2 B and 4A-4C can be pivoted. Because the adjusting element 15th around the axilla 150 is pivotable and the axle element 150 concentric to one through the connecting portion 111 defined (virtual) pivot axis of the clamping leg 110 is, can when adjusting the actuator 15th an actuating force in a favorable manner in the clamping leg 110 be initiated.

As from the separate views of the control element 15th according to 8A and 8B can be seen, forms the adjusting element 15th a counter-locking section 152 in the form of a lever section 151 protruding latch from which to interact with the latching portion 124 on the lever section 121 of the lever element 12th serves. The actuator 15th also forms a lever section opposite the flat lever section 151 protruding, raised portion 157 and an operating section 154 from that to act on the clamping leg 110 for transferring the clamping leg 110 serve from the contacting position to the open position.

The actuator 15th is, in the illustrated embodiment, via a tension spring 16 in the form of a torsion spring opposite the lever element 12th spring loaded. The tension spring 16 shows how this according to the separate view 7th can be seen turns 160 on, of which spring ends 161 , 162 protrude. The spring ends 161 , 162 are around a winding axis around which the turns 160 are wound, deflectable to each other, with elastic tensioning of the windings 160 .

Like this 3A-3C and 4A-4C can be seen are the spring ends 161 , 162 the tension spring 16 on the one hand at a recess 156 on the raised section 157 of the actuator 15th and on the other hand at a recess 126 on a lever section 122 of the lever element 12th supported so that the spring ends 161 , 162 with the lever element 12th and the actuator 15th are connected and a relative movement between the actuating element 15th and the lever element 12th to tension on the tension spring 16 leads.

The actuator 15th is, in the illustrated embodiment, articulated with an actuating element 14th connected that in an actuation opening 104 on the housing 10 is received and in the actuation opening 104 for adjusting the control element 15th can be adjusted. The actuator 14th forms a head 140 which faces outward and on which a tool engagement is formed, with which a tool, for example a screwdriver, can be brought into engagement, around the actuating element 14th in one direction of actuation B. in the housing 10 to press in and thereby the adjusting element 15th to adjust.

On one of the head 140 the opposite end has the actuating element 14th a pivot pin 141 on that in a joint opening 155 on the lever portion 151 of the actuator 15th intervenes like this out 10 and 1A , 1 B. in sync with 3A-3C and 4A-4C can be seen. The actuator 14th is thus articulated with the actuator 15th connected so that the actuator 15th upon actuation of the actuating element 14th together with the actuating element 14th is adjusted, the actuating element for actuation 14th in the actuation opening 104 moved and at the same time - to compensate for the pivoting movement of the adjusting element 15th - in the actuation opening 104 is tilted like this in the transition from 2A towards 2B can be seen.

The actuator 15th serves to the clamping leg 110 from contacting ( 1A , 2A , 3A-3C ) to the open position ( 1B , 2 B , 4A-4C ) to adjust. When the adjusting element is pivoted 15th in a pivoting direction S1 (please refer 2 B) the actuator acts 15th with the operating section 154 as well as the one floor 102 of the housing 10 facing, raised section 157 on the clamp leg 110 one and pivoted it in such a way that the clamping leg 110 from the beam section 130 of the contacting element 13th is removed, for example in the transition from 2A towards 2 B can be seen.

When adjusting the adjusting element 15th in the pan direction S1 the counter-locking section runs 152 in the form of the lever section 151 protruding latch on one on the lever portion 123 of the lever element 12th shaped ramp 128 so that the lever element 12th (slightly) in one swivel direction S2 is deflected until the counter-locking section 152 in engagement with the latching sections 124 on the lever portion 121 snaps like this in transition from 2A towards 2B can be seen.

When the adjusting element is pivoted 15th in the pan direction S1 becomes like this in the transition from 3A-3C towards 4A-4C can be seen, the tension spring 16 tensioned so that - by acting on the lever section 122 - the lever element 12th opposite to the swivel direction S2 is spring loaded. When the locking element runs up 152 on the ramp 128 and when the lever element is deflected as a result 12th becomes the lever element 12th thus when the mating locking portion 152 the latching section 124 happened against the pivoting direction S2 reset so that the latching section 124 with the counter-locking section 152 snaps into engagement and the actuator 15th thus to the lever element 12th like this is locked out 1 B. and 2 B can be seen.

By locking the adjusting element 15th with the lever element 12th is the clamp leg 110 thus locked in the open position. Used when the clamp leg is in the open position 110 an electrical line 2 like this in 2 B is shown in the plug-in opening 100 of the housing 10 plugged in and the line arrives 2 with one (stripped) conductor end 20th inside the connection chamber 101 in interaction with the active surface 127 on the lever portion 121 of the lever element 12th , it thereby becomes the lever element 12th in the pan direction S2 around the axilla 120 pivoted. The lever element 12th thus gives the counter-locking section 152 and thus the control element 15th free so that the actuator 15th together with the clamp leg 110 due to the spring action of the spring element 11 can pivot back and the clamping leg 110 into contacting ( 1A , 2A) got.

The clamp leg 110 becomes when an electrical cable is inserted 2 into the plug-in opening 100 thus released and pivoted automatically (due to the spring preload on the spring element caused when moving from the contacting position to the open position 11 ) into the contacting position, so that the electrical line 2 with the stripped conductor end 20th in electrical contacting system with the beam section 130 of the contacting element 13th pressed and also over the clamping leg 110 mechanically within the connection chamber 101 is locked.

Should be an electrical line 2 again from the connection device 1 can be removed, a user can click the actuating element again 14th act to thereby the actuator 15th in the pan direction S2 to pivot and the clamping leg 110 to transfer from the contacting position to the open position, so that the electrical line 2 is released and essentially powerless from the connection device 1 can be removed.

The effective area 127 on the lever portion 121 is radially further from the pivot axis D2 of the lever element 12th away than the locking portion 124 and thus forms a longer lever arm to the pivot axis D2 out than the latching section 124 . The lever element 12th thus provides a leverage which enables the lever element to be adjusted relatively easily 12th to release the clamping leg 110 allows so that the connection device 1 even when plugging in soft electrical cables 2 , for example lines 2 without ferrules arranged on it, can close automatically.

Like this, for example 2 B can be seen, acts when the clamping leg is locked 110 the counter-locking section 152 of the actuator 15th on the latching section 124 of the lever element 12th such that due to the interaction of the Mating locking section 152 with the latching section 124 the lever element 12th opposite to the swivel direction S2 is burdened. The latching thus has a self-reinforcing effect, so that the latching abutment of the counter-latching section 152 with the latching section 124 cannot solve without further ado, at least not automatically.

As shown in the separate view of the spring element 11 according to 5 can be seen is on the clamping leg 110 an adjustment section 113 shaped, the side of the clamping leg 110 protrudes and to interact with the operating portion 154 of the actuator 15th serves like this out 15th in sync with 1A can be seen.

On the clamp leg 110 is also a recess 114 shaped through which the spring end 161 the tension spring 16 attacks like this from 3A and 4A can be seen.

The lever element 12th engages with an engaging portion 125 that is on one of the pivot axis D2 distant end of the lever section 121 is shaped into an opening 131 on the beam section 130 of the contacting element 13th one like this out 1A , 1B in sync with 9 can be seen. About the engagement of the engaging portion 125 into the opening 131 is the pivoting path of the lever element 12th to the contacting element 13th and thus to the housing 10 limited. In particular, the engagement section 125 in the direction of a detent position does not have a stop edge 132 , in the direction of a release position, however, not via a stop edge 133 be moved out.

With an in 12th The illustrated embodiment forms the adjusting element 15th an actuating element integrally and in one piece 14th from that via an actuation opening 104 of the housing 10 is accessible and can therefore be adjusted using a tool. A separate, articulated with the actuator 15th connected actuator, as in the embodiment according to 1A , 1B until 11 , is therefore not available.

Otherwise, the exemplary embodiment is in accordance with 12th functionally identical to the embodiment according to 1A , 1B until 11 so that reference should be made in full to the preceding explanations.

With an in 13th illustrated embodiment is the lever element 12th Shaped as a stamped and bent part and has a latching section 124 on, the one for locking with one on the clamping leg 110 shaped counter-locking section 152 serves. The counter-locking section is in a locked position 152 with the latching section 124 in engagement, so that above the clamping leg 110 is held in position, the lever element when an electrical line is plugged in 12th adjusted and thereby the latching for releasing the clamping leg 110 is resolved.

In the embodiment according to 13th an actuator is used 15th for adjusting the clamp leg 110 . The actuator 15th is about an axillary element 150 to the housing 10 pivotable and has an actuating portion 154 to act on the clamping leg 110 on. The actuator 15th is via an actuation opening 104 on the housing 10 accessible from the outside and integrally and in one piece forms an actuating element 14th from which the actuator 15th around the axilla 150 can be pivoted.

As in the embodiment according to 1A , 1B until 11 is the lever element 12th via a tension spring 16 in the form of a torsion spring opposite the adjusting element 15th spring loaded. The tension spring 16 here engages in a recess 126 on a lever section 122 of the lever element 12th and is also on the actuator 15th supported.

Otherwise, the exemplary embodiment is in accordance with 13th functionally identical to the embodiment according to 1A , 1B until 11 so that reference should be made in full to the preceding explanations.

With an in 14th illustrated embodiment is the tension spring 16 , in comparison to the embodiment according to 1A , 1B until 11 , not on the actuator 15th assigned axis element 150 arranged, but with the spring coils 160 around the axilla 120 placed on which the lever element 12th is pivotably arranged. The tension spring 16 is thus concentric to the axis of rotation D2 of the lever element 12th . With a spring end 161 is the tension spring 16 here on the adjusting element 15th supported, with another spring end 162 on the lever element 12th so that the tension spring 16 again a bias between the adjusting element 15th and the lever element 16 causes.

Otherwise, the exemplary embodiment is in accordance with 14th functionally identical to the embodiment according to 1A , 1B until 11 so that reference should be made to the previous explanations.

In the embodiments described above, the tension spring is used 16 a preload between the actuating element 15th and the lever element 12th causes. This bias is on the one hand such that the lever element 12th in a position is biased in which the adjusting element 15th via the counter-locking section 152 with the latching section 124 of the lever element 12th can lock when the actuator 15th via the actuator 14th for transferring the clamping leg 110 is operated in the open position.

On the other hand, the preload also has an indicator function. This is how after the lever element is triggered 12th when inserting an electrical line and after releasing the control element 15th the actuator 15th due to the tensioning effect of the tension spring 16 up to the starting position according to 1A reset, even if the clamping leg 110 for example on one in the plug-in opening 100 inserted electrical line acts and thus not in the empty position according to 1A pivots. This has the consequence that a user triggers the connection device 1 can be recognized directly from the outside, because when the connection device is triggered 1 the actuator 14th not in the housing 10 is pressed in and is thus visible from the outside, for example by the actuating element 14th to the outside of the housing 10 protrudes.

For example, a colored marking on the actuating element 14th be attached so that the triggering is immediately and intuitively recognizable by a user.

With an in 15th illustrated embodiment, there is no tension spring that the lever element 12th compared to (according to the type of embodiment according to 12th trained) adjusting element 15th elastically pretensioned. Instead it is on the lever element 12th a spring arm 129 molded on a housing section 105 of the housing 10 is supported and thus a bias of the lever element 12th opposite the housing 10 opposite to the swivel direction S2 causes. About the spring arm 129 is thus a preload on the lever element 12th causes in the direction of a position in which the lever element 12th with the counter-locking section 152 of the actuator 15th when the control element is actuated 15th can lock into place.

Additionally or alternatively, a spring arm can also be attached to the adjusting element 15th be shaped to provide a preload between the actuating element 15th and the lever element 12th to effect.

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

A connection device of the type described here can be used in different ways, for example on a switch cabinet or on another electrical installation for connecting one or more electrical lines. Several connection devices can be used in combination with one another, so that a connection arrangement can be created to which a plurality of electrical lines can be connected.

List of reference symbols

1

Connection device

10

casing

100

Plug-in opening

101

Connection chamber

102

floor

103

Support section

104

Actuation opening

105

Housing section

11

Spring element

110

Clamp leg

111

Connection section

112

Support leg

113

Control section

114

Recess

12th

Lever element

120

Axillary element

121, 122

Lever section

123

Warehouse opening

124

Latching section

125

Engaging portion

126

Recess

127

Effective area

128

Approach slope

129

Spring arm

13th

Contacting element

130

Bar section

131

opening

132, 133

Stop edge

14th

Actuator

140

head

141

Pivot pin

142

Bearing arm

143

Bearing axis

15th

Control element

150

Axillary element

151

Lever section

152

Counter-locking section

153

Joint opening

154

Operating section

155

Joint opening

156

Recess

157

Raised section

16

Tension spring (torsion spring)

160

Spring coils

161, 162

Spring end

2

ladder

20th

End of ladder

B.

Actuation direction

D1, D2

Swivel axis

E.

Mating direction

S1, S2

Swivel direction

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 19825629 B4 [0006]
• DE 102015119407 A1 [0007]
• DE 202016007200 U1 [0008]
• DE 202016104971 U1 [0009]
• DE 202013100740 U1 [0010]

Claims (16)

Connection device (1) for connecting an electrical line (2), with a housing (10) which has a plug-in opening (100) for inserting an electrical line (2), a contacting element (13) arranged on the housing (10) and a on the housing (10) arranged spring element (11) which has a clamping leg (110) which can be adjusted from an open position into a contacting position to the contacting element (13) in order to respond to an electrical plugged into the plug-in opening (100) in the contacting position Line (2) for making electrical contact with the contacting element (13), characterized by a lever element (12) which is pivotable about a pivot axis (D2) relative to the housing (10) and which has a latching section (124) for holding the clamping leg (110) in the open position and can be pivoted to the housing (10) by the action of an electrical line (2) when the electrical line (2) is inserted into the plug-in opening (100), in order to d Release the clamping leg (110) for transferring from the open position into the contacting position. Connection device (1) Claim 1 , characterized in that the lever element (12) is pivotably mounted on a first axle element (120) which is fixed to the housing (10). Connection device (1) Claim 1 or 2 , characterized by an adjusting element (15) which is movable relative to the housing (10) and which can be moved to adjust the clamping leg (110) from the contacting position into the open position relative to the housing (10). Connection device (1) Claim 3 , characterized in that the adjusting element (15) is pivotably mounted on a second axle element (150) which is fixed to the housing (10). Connection device (1) Claim 4 , characterized in that the spring element (11) has a support leg (112) fixedly supported on the housing (10) and a curved connecting section (11) connecting the support leg (112) to the clamping leg (110), the clamping leg (110 ) is resiliently deflectable towards the support leg (112) and the connecting section (111) extends around the second axle element (150). Connection device (1) Claim 4 or 5 , characterized in that the pivot axis (D2) of the lever element (12) extends parallel to a pivot axis (D1) of the actuating element (15). Connection device (1) according to one of the Claims 3 until 6th , characterized by a tension spring (16) which is operatively connected to the lever element (12) and the adjusting element (15) and elastically biases the lever element (12) and the adjusting element (15) against each other. Connection device (1) Claim 7 , characterized in that the tension spring (16) is designed, the lever element (12) in the direction of a latching position, in which the clamping leg (110) is held in the open position under the action of the latching section (124), relative to the adjusting element (15) to pretension. Connection device (1) according to one of the Claims 3 until 8th , characterized by an actuating element (14) which is operatively connected to the actuating element (15) for joint adjustment and is received in an actuating opening (104) of the housing (10). Connection device (1) Claim 9 , characterized in that the actuating element (14) is articulated to the adjusting element (15). Connection device (1) according to one of the Claims 3 until 10 , characterized in that the adjusting element (15) has a counter-locking section (152) for locking with the locking section (124) of the lever element (12), the adjusting element (15) being operatively connected to the clamping leg (110) in such a way that the clamping leg ( 110) is held in the open position when the mating latching section (152) is latched to the latching section (124). Connection device (1) according to one of the Claims 1 until 10 , characterized in that a counter-latching section (152) is formed on the clamping limb (110) for latching with the latching section (124) of the lever element (12) in the open position of the clamping limb (110). Connection device (1) Claim 11 or 12th , characterized in that the counter-latching section (152) is designed to interact with the latching section (124) of the lever element (12) in such a way that the lever element (12) in the direction of a latching position in which the clamping leg (110) acts under the action of the latching section ( 124) is held in the open position, is loaded. Connection device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lever element (12) has a lever section (121) which protrudes into a connection chamber (101) formed in the housing (10), within which a connection chamber (101) into the plug-in opening (100 ) inserted electrical line (2) electrically contacted with the contacting element (13). Connection device (1) Claim 14 , characterized in that the lever section (121) forms an active surface (127) for interacting with an electrical line (2) when the electrical line (2) is inserted into the plug-in opening (100), the active surface (127) having a greater radial distance to the pivot axis (D2) of the lever element (12) as the latching section (124). Connecting device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lever element (12) has an engagement section (125) which engages in an opening (131) of the contacting element (13) in such a way that a pivoting path of the lever element (12) closes the housing (10) is limited by engagement in the opening (131).

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