DE102022117906A1 - Connection arrangement - Google Patents

Abstract

The subject of the invention is a connection arrangement (100) for connecting an electrical conductor (200), with - a housing (110), - a conductor connection space (111) formed in the housing (110), - a current bar (112), against which the A conductor (200) to be connected inserted into the conductor connection space (111) can be clamped, - a clamping spring (113) which has a clamping leg (115) which can be moved into a clamping position and into an open position, - a main body (118). Actuating element (116), by means of which the clamping leg (115) of the clamping spring (113) can be moved from the clamping position to the open position when the actuating element (116) is moved along an actuating direction (B), the actuating element (116) being in the open position of the clamping spring (113) is locked in a fixed position relative to the housing (110) by latching with the housing (110), and - a pressure element (123) arranged in the housing (110), which has a pressure surface (136), which to transfer the clamping spring (113) from the open position to the clamping position can be actuated by the conductor (200) to be connected and by actuating the pressure surface (136), the pressure element (123) can be actuated in such a way that the clamping leg (115) is released in order to from the open position to the clamping position.

Description

The invention relates to a connection arrangement for connecting an electrical conductor.

Such connection arrangements usually have a clamping spring designed as a leg spring, which has a holding leg and a clamping leg, wherein a conductor inserted into the connection arrangement can be clamped against a current bar by means of the clamping leg of the clamping spring. If, in particular, flexible conductors are clamped, the clamping spring must be moved into an open position by means of the actuating element before the conductor is inserted and thus actuated in order to pivot the clamping spring or the clamping leg away from the current bar so that the conductor can be inserted into the conductor connection space forming the conductor connection space Space between the current bar and the clamping spring can be inserted. Only in the case of rigid and therefore stable conductors can the conductor apply sufficient force to the clamping spring or the clamping leg of the clamping spring in order to be able to pivot the clamping leg away from the busbar without the actuating element having to be actuated by a user. With flexible conductors, the user must first pivot the clamping spring away from the current bar by actuating the actuating element so that the flexible conductor can be inserted. To clamp the inserted conductor, the actuating element must be manually operated again by the user in order to move the clamping spring from the open position to the clamping position. The actuation of the actuation element by the user makes assembly or connection of the conductor more difficult for the user, since handling is cumbersome and therefore the time required increases.

The invention is therefore based on the object of providing a connection arrangement in which the connection of, in particular, flexible conductors can be improved.

The object is achieved according to the invention with the features of the independent claim. Appropriate refinements and advantageous developments of the invention are specified in the subclaims.

The connection arrangement according to the invention has a housing, a conductor connection space formed in the housing, a current bar against which the conductor to be connected which is inserted into the conductor connection space can be clamped, a clamping spring which has a clamping leg which can be moved into a clamping position and into an open position , an actuating element having a main body, by means of which the clamping leg of the clamping spring can be moved from the clamping position into the open position when the actuating element is moved along an actuating direction, the actuating element being in the open position of the clamping spring by latching with the housing in a fixed position relative to the Housing is locked, and a pressure element arranged in the housing, which has a pressure surface which can be actuated to transfer the clamping spring from the open position into the clamping position by the conductor to be connected and by actuating the pressure surface, the pressure element can be actuated in such a way that the clamping leg is released to pivot from the open position into the clamping position.

By means of the connection arrangement according to the invention, a flexible conductor can now be easily and safely connected and clamped against the current bar. The clamping spring is preferably designed as a leg spring, which has a holding leg and a clamping leg which is designed to be pivotable relative to the holding leg. The holding leg is preferably arranged in a fixed position. By pivoting the clamping leg of the clamping spring, it can be moved into an open position, in which the clamping leg is arranged at a distance from the current bar and a conductor to be connected can be inserted into or led out of the conductor connection space in an intermediate space formed thereby between the current bar and the clamping leg, and in a clamping position in which the clamping leg can rest on the current bar or on the connected conductor in order to clamp the conductor against the current bar can be transferred. The transfer of the clamping leg, in particular from the clamping position to the open position, takes place by means of an actuating element. The actuating element is preferably guided in a substantially linear manner in the housing so that it can move. In order to be able to hold the clamping leg in the open position without the actuating element having to be held manually in this position, the actuating element is locked in the open position of the clamping spring on the housing in a fixed position relative to the housing. By locking the actuating element with the housing, the actuating element can be automatically held in its position and, by virtue of this downwardly pressed and locked position, preventing the clamping leg of the clamping spring from pivoting upwards in the direction of the current bar. The locking of the actuating element with the housing can be released via the pressure element arranged in the housing. The pressure element can be actuated using the conductor to be connected itself. For this purpose, the pressure element has a pressure surface against which the conductor to be connected when inserted into the conductor connection space, whereby the pressure element can be moved or displaced, for example, in a sliding direction which corresponds to the insertion direction of the conductor, whereby the pressure element can be actuated in such a way that the actuating element is released from its locking with the housing and thereby the clamping leg of the clamping spring is released by the actuating element so that it can pivot from the open position into the clamping position. In order to connect a conductor, there is no need to operate it using the actuating element or using an additional tool. The pressure surface is aligned in such a way that it limits the conductor connection space in the conductor insertion direction. By locking the actuating element in the open position of the clamping spring, the actuating element is immersed in its locked position so far into the housing that the actuating element neither protrudes from the housing nor is flush with an outer wall of the housing. Due to the fixed position of the actuating element, immersed in the housing, in the open position of the clamping spring, the actuating element can serve as a display element for a user to indicate the open position of the clamping spring.

It is preferably provided that in the open position of the clamping spring, the actuating element rests on the clamping leg of the clamping spring with an actuating surface formed on the main body. By resting the actuating element with its actuating surface in the open position of the clamping spring, it can be held in this position, so that an unwanted pivoting back of the clamping leg of the clamping spring from the open position into the clamping position can be prevented. The actuating element can therefore rest with its actuating surface on the clamping leg of the clamping spring not only when the clamping spring itself is actuated, but also while the clamping spring is held in the open position.

The locking of the actuating element on the housing can be released by means of the pressure element. For example, the pressure element can have a sliding surface which cooperates with the actuation element to release the locking between the actuation element and the housing. With the sliding surface, the pressure element can slide along a surface or outer surface of the main body of the actuator and thereby displace the actuator such that the locking between the actuator and the housing is released. The pressure element can push or lever the actuating element out of the locking position with the housing. The actuating element can carry out a tilting movement transversely to the actuation direction within the actuation shaft.

The sliding surface of the pressure element preferably extends obliquely to the direction of actuation of the actuation element. Due to the oblique course of the sliding surface, the sliding surface can move the actuating element laterally or push it away laterally when sliding along the actuating element in order to release the locking between the actuating element and the housing. Due to the oblique course of the sliding surface, the sliding surface preferably extends at an angle between 3° ≤ α ≤ 30° to the actuation direction of the actuation element or to the sliding direction of the pressure element.

The pressure element is preferably arranged in the housing so that it can be moved linearly. The pressure element is then preferably arranged in the housing in such a way that the sliding direction of the pressure element extends parallel to the actuation direction of the actuation element. The pressure element and the actuating element can thus be moved or displaced parallel to one another. The pressure element and the actuation element can then have the same actuation direction. Both the actuation direction of the actuation element and the sliding direction of the pressure element preferably correspond to the insertion direction of the conductor into the housing and into the conductor connection space.

Alternatively, it is also possible for the pressure element to be pivotably mounted in the housing. The pressure element can then be designed as a pivoting element, which is mounted in the housing so that it can pivot about a pivot axis.

To form the latching between the housing and the actuating element, the actuating element can have a latching contour, which can cooperate with an undercut formed on the housing. Via the locking contour, the actuating element can lock or hook behind the undercut formed on the housing in the open position of the clamping spring. The undercut can be in the form of a recess or clearance formed on an inner wall of the housing. The undercut allows a locking edge to be formed on an inner wall of the housing. The latching contour is preferably provided outside the actuation surface formed on the actuation element.

The latching contour formed on the actuating element can be designed, for example, in the form of a projection projecting from the main body of the actuating element. With this projection, the actuating element can lock behind the undercut of the housing. The one before jump can be designed, for example, in the form of a locking lug or locking pin or locking bar. The projection can extend over a large part or over the entire width of the actuating element.

Furthermore, it is also possible for the locking contour to be formed by an inclined surface formed on the main body of the actuating element. The inclined surface can then cooperate with an undercut formed on an inner wall of the housing. The inclined surface can be formed on an edge surface of the actuating element. For example, the inclined surface can be formed adjacent to a top side of the actuating element. The top is the side of the actuating element on which a tool engagement surface for actuating the actuating element is formed.

It is preferably provided that the actuating element is not only held in a fixed position relative to the housing in the open position of the clamping spring, but that the actuating element can also be held in a fixed position relative to the housing in the clamping position of the clamping spring. In order to achieve this, the actuating element can have a holding contour that cooperates with the housing for holding the actuating element in the clamping position of the clamping spring in a fixed position relative to the housing. Particularly in the case of conductors with a small cross section, it can be ensured that the actuating element does not move uncontrollably within the housing when the conductor is connected. This means that the actuating element can also be arranged in a defined position within the housing when the clamping spring is in the clamping position. The housing can have a second undercut or a groove surface, which can interact with the holding contour of the actuating element.

The holding contour can be designed in the form of a nose protruding from the main body of the actuating element. Such a nose can, for example, cooperate with a groove surface formed on an inner wall of the housing, in that the nose can be guided in this groove surface at least in some areas. The nose can have a flat inclined surface in the unlocking direction of the actuating element and a locking edge in the actuating direction of the actuating element. The nose can be formed approximately in the middle of the length of the actuating element on the main body of the actuating element.

Alternatively, it is possible for the holding contour to be formed by an undercut formed on the main body of the actuating element. Such an undercut can be formed between the actuation surface and the top of the actuation element. Such an undercut can cooperate with an undercut formed on an inner wall of the housing, in particular a second undercut.

In order to stop the actuating element from moving against the actuating direction when the clamping leg pivots from the open position into the clamping position, the housing can have a stop surface for limiting the travel of the actuating element against the actuating direction of the actuating element. The stop surface can be formed on an inner wall of the housing. The stop surface can also prevent the actuating element from slipping out of the housing.

It is also possible for the pressure element to have a holding element with which the clamping leg can be engaged in the open position of the clamping spring. For example, the clamping leg can be clamped with its clamping edge against the holding element in the open position of the clamping spring. The holding element can be formed on the pressure element in such a way that the holding surface projects into the conductor connection space. The holding element can have a holding surface for holding the clamping leg in the open position and a driving surface along which the clamping leg slides during the transfer from the clamping position to the open position. If the clamping leg is actuated by means of the actuating element in order to be transferred from the clamping position to the open position, the clamping leg can slide along the driving surface of the holding element, whereby the clamping leg can exert a pressure force on the holding element and thus on the pressure element, so that the pressure element is moved in the sliding direction until the clamping leg slides from the driving surface onto the holding surface and can thereby lock behind the holding element. When sliding along the driving surface, the pressure element can be moved in the same direction as the actuating element, which presses on the clamping leg. The clamping leg can slide with its clamping edge along the driving surface and lock behind the holding surface.

The pressure element can preferably have a first side wall and a second side wall arranged opposite the first side wall, the conductor connection space being able to extend between the first side wall and the second side wall and the first side wall and/or the second side wall being able to form a conductor guide. The conductor to be connected can then be clamped within the pressure element, between the two side walls of the printing element. The two side walls are spaced so far apart that the clamping leg of the clamping spring can be pivoted between the two side walls in order to be able to be moved into the clamping position and into the open position. The first side wall and/or the second side wall can then simultaneously form a lateral guide for the conductor within the conductor connection space, so that incorrect insertion or evasion of the conductor to be connected can be prevented. The first side wall and/or the second side wall can be arranged such that they form an extension of the wall of the housing delimiting the conductor insertion opening. This means that a conductor to be connected can be guided further into the conductor connection space starting from the conductor insertion opening of the housing along the immediately adjacent first and/or second side wall of the pressure element.

The pressure element can be spring-operated. For this purpose, the connection arrangement can have a return spring, which can interact with the pressure element. If a conductor to be connected hits the pressure surface of the pressure element during connection, the pressure element is moved in the sliding direction and the return spring is tensioned. As soon as the clamping leg is no longer held in the open position by the actuating element or by the pressure element, the pressure element can be moved back into its starting position against the sliding direction by the spring force of the return spring. The return spring can ensure that the pressure element is always moved back into its defined starting position after it has been actuated by the clamping leg of the clamping spring or by the conductor to be connected.

The return spring is preferably supported on the current bar. As a result, the return spring can be supported against a metal element. The return spring is preferably supported against a section of the current bar which extends at an angle, in particular at a 90° angle, to the clamping section.

The return spring can be designed, for example, as a leaf spring. The return spring can then be U-shaped. The leaf spring can be connected to the pressure element with a leg of the U-shape.

For example, the return spring can be formed in one piece with the pressure element. Pressure element and return spring can then be made of the same material. For example, the pressure element and the return spring can both be made of a metal material. It is also possible that the pressure element and the return spring are both made of a plastic material.

Furthermore, it is also possible for the return spring to be designed as a separate component from the pressure element. The pressure element can be made of a plastic material, for example. The return spring can be made of a metal material, for example.

In order to facilitate assembly of the connection arrangement, the pressure element can have a clearance on a side wall for lateral assembly of the clamping spring into the housing. Via the clearance, the clamping spring with its clamping leg can be pushed laterally past one of the two side walls of the pressure element until the clamping spring with its clamping leg is arranged in the pressure element, in particular between the two side walls of the pressure element.

The connection arrangement, developed and further developed as described above, can be formed, for example, in a connection terminal, such as a terminal block or a circuit board connection terminal.

The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings using preferred embodiments.

• 1 eine schematische Darstellung einer Anschlussanordnung gemäß der Erfindung in einer Offenstellung des Klemmschenkels der Klemmfeder,
• 2 eine schematische Darstellung der in 1 gezeigten Anschlussanordnung in einer perspektivischen Ansicht,
• 3 eine schematische Schnittdarstellung der in 1 gezeigten Anschlussanordnung,
• 4 eine schematische Darstellung der in 1 gezeigten Anschlussanordnung bei der Überführung der Klemmfeder von der Offenstellung in die Klemmstellung,
• 5 eine schematische Schnittdarstellung der in 1 gezeigten Anschlussanordnung beim Anschließen eines Leiters,
• 6 eine schematische Schnittdarstellung der in 1 gezeigten Anschlussanordnung mit der Klemmfeder in der Klemmstellung,
• 7 eine schematische Darstellung der in 1 gezeigten Anschlussanordnung bei einer Bewegung des Betätigungselements entgegen der Betätigungsrichtung,
• 8 eine schematische Darstellung der in 1 gezeigten Anschlussanordnung mit der Klemmfeder in der Klemmstellung und dem Betätigungselement in einem gehaltenen Zustand,
• 9 eine schematische Schnittdarstellung der in 8 gezeigten Anschlussanordnung;
• 10 eine schematische perspektivische Schnittdarstellung der in 8 gezeigten Anschlussanordnung,
• 11 eine schematische Detailschnittdarstellung im Bereich der Haltekontur des Betätigungselements und dem Gehäuse,
• 12 eine schematische Darstellung des Betätigungselements,
• 13 eine schematische Darstellung des Kraftverlaufs beim Betätigen des Betätigungselements,
• 14 eine schematische Darstellung des Druckelements zusammen mit der Rückstellfeder,
• 15A und 15B eine schematische Darstellung eines Montageprozesses der Anschlussanordnung,
• 16 eine schematische Darstellung eines weiteren Betätigungselements,
• 17 eine schematische Schnittdarstellung des in 16 gezeigten Betätigungselements in einem mit dem Gehäuse verrasteten Zustand, wenn sich die Klemmfeder in der Offenstellung befindet,
• 18 eine schematische Darstellung einer weiteren Anschlussanordnung mit dem in 16 gezeigten Betätigungselement und der Klemmfeder in der Offenstellung,
• 19 eine schematische Schnittdarstellung des in 16 gezeigten Betätigungselements in einem mit dem Gehäuse gehaltenen Zustand, wenn sich die Klemmfeder in der Klemmstellung befindet und
• 20 eine schematische Darstellung der in 18 gezeigten Anschlussanordnung mit dem in 16 gezeigten Betätigungselement und der Klemmfeder in der Klemmstellung.

Show it:

• 1 a schematic representation of a connection arrangement according to the invention in an open position of the clamping leg of the clamping spring,
• 2 a schematic representation of the in 1 connection arrangement shown in a perspective view,
• 3 a schematic sectional view of the in 1 connection arrangement shown,
• 4 a schematic representation of the in 1 connection arrangement shown when transferring the clamping spring from the open position to the clamped position,
• 5 a schematic sectional view of the in 1 connection arrangement shown when connecting a conductor,
• 6 a schematic sectional view of the in 1 connection arrangement shown with the clamping spring in the clamping position,
• 7 a schematic representation of the in 1 connection arrangement shown at one Movement of the actuating element counter to the actuating direction,
• 8th a schematic representation of the in 1 connection arrangement shown with the clamping spring in the clamping position and the actuating element in a held state,
• 9 a schematic sectional view of the in 8th connection arrangement shown;
• 10 a schematic perspective sectional view of the in 8th connection arrangement shown,
• 11 a schematic detailed sectional view in the area of the holding contour of the actuating element and the housing,
• 12 a schematic representation of the actuating element,
• 13 a schematic representation of the force curve when actuating the actuating element,
• 14 a schematic representation of the pressure element together with the return spring,
• 15A and 15B a schematic representation of an assembly process of the connection arrangement,
• 16 a schematic representation of another actuating element,
• 17 a schematic sectional view of the in 16 shown actuating element in a locked state with the housing when the clamping spring is in the open position,
• 18 a schematic representation of another connection arrangement with the in 16 shown actuating element and the clamping spring in the open position,
• 19 a schematic sectional view of the in 16 shown actuating element in a state held with the housing when the clamping spring is in the clamping position and
• 20 a schematic representation of the in 18 connection arrangement shown with the in 16 shown actuating element and the clamping spring in the clamping position.

1 until 15B show a connection arrangement 100 according to a possible embodiment. This connection arrangement 100 can be integrated, for example, in a connection terminal, such as a terminal block or a circuit board connection terminal.

The connection arrangement 100 has a housing 110 made of an insulating material. A conductor connection space 111 is formed in an interior of the housing 110, within which the conductor 200 to be connected is connected. The conductor 200 to be connected can be inserted into the conductor connection space 111 via a conductor insertion opening 121 formed in the housing 110. A current bar 112 with its clamping section 122 projects into the conductor connection space 111, against which the conductor 200 to be connected can be clamped and connected by means of a clamping spring 113. The clamping spring 113 is designed as a leg spring, which has a holding leg 114 and a clamping leg 115. By means of the clamping leg 115, the conductor 200 to be connected is clamped against the current bar 112 or against the clamping section 122 of the current bar 112.

To transfer the clamping leg 115 from a clamping position, such as in 9 is shown in an open position, such as in 1 is shown, an actuating element 116 is provided. The actuating element 116 is guided essentially linearly along the actuation direction B in a housing shaft 117 of the housing 110.

The actuator 116 has a main body 118. At its lower end in the actuation direction B of the actuating element 116, the main body 118 has an actuating surface 119, which is in operative connection with the clamping leg 115 of the clamping spring 113, in particular when the clamping leg 115 is actuated. On a top side 140, the actuating element 116 has a tool engagement surface 120 into which a tool, such as a screwdriver, can engage in order to actuate the actuating element 116 in order to guide the actuating element 116 in the actuating direction B.

The connection arrangement 100 also has a pressure element 123. The pressure element 123 has a first side wall 124A and a second side wall 124B arranged opposite the first side wall 124A. The two side walls 124A, 124b are arranged at a distance from one another, with the conductor connection space 111 extending into the free space between the two side walls 124A, 124B. The clamping leg 115 of the clamping spring 113 is positioned pivotably in the free space between the two side walls 124A, 124B. The conductor 200 to be connected is clamped between the first side wall 124A and the second side wall 124B.

The first side wall 124A is designed so long that it forms an extension of the wall 125 of the housing 110 delimiting the conductor insertion opening 121, as in particular in 1 can be recognized. The conductor 200 inserted into the conductor insertion opening 111 is thereby guided further along the side walls 124A, 124B of the pressure element 123 following the wall 125, so that the first side wall 124A and/or the second side wall 124B form a conductor guide in the area of the conductor connection space 111.

The clamping spring 113 is in the clamping position by means of the actuating element 116, as shown in 1 and 2 is shown, held. The actuating element 116 rests with its actuating surface 119 on the clamping leg 115 of the clamping spring 113. So that the actuating element 116 can remain automatically in this position, the actuating element 116 is locked in a fixed position relative to the housing 110 in the open position of the clamping spring 113 by latching with the housing 110, as in 1 and 2 can be recognized.

To form the latching, the actuating element 116 has a latching contour 127, which interacts with an undercut 126 formed on the housing 110.

The undercut 126 is formed on the wall 125 of the housing 110. The undercut 126 is in the 1 until 15B shown embodiment in the form of a step or a projection on the housing 110 or on the wall 125 of the housing 110, as in particular in 2 can be recognized. The undercut 126 can extend over the entire width of the housing 110 or the connection arrangement 100.

The locking contour 127 is in the 1 until 15B shown embodiment in the form of a projection projecting from the main body 118 of the actuating element 116. The latching contour 127 or the projection extends from the main body 118 of the actuating element 116 in the direction of the clamping section 122 of the current bar 112. The latching contour 127 or the projection can extend over the entire width of the actuating element 116. The locking contour 127 is formed at a distance from the actuation surface 119 on the main body 118 of the actuation element 116. The locking contour 127 is formed on the actuating element 116 above the actuating surface 119, viewed in the actuating direction B.

The locking of the actuating element 116 on the housing 110 can be released by means of the pressure element 123. The pressure element 123 is mounted in the housing 110 so as to be linearly displaceable along a sliding direction S. The pressure element 123 and the actuating element 116 are arranged relative to one another in the housing 110 such that the sliding direction S extends parallel to the actuating direction B of the actuating element B.

The pressure element 123 has a sliding surface 128, which cooperates with the actuation element 116 to release the locking between the actuation element 116 and the housing 110. During a sliding movement of the pressure element 123 against the sliding direction S, the pressure element 123 can slide along with its sliding surface 128 on the main body 118 of the actuation element 116 in such a way that the actuation element 116 is pressed to the side, in particular in a direction transverse to the actuation direction B, and thereby the actuating element 116 can be unhooked from the locking position with the housing 110. The sliding surface 128 extends, for example in 1 is shown, obliquely to the actuation direction B of the actuating element 116 or obliquely to the sliding direction S of the pressure element 123. Due to the oblique course of the sliding surface 128, the sliding surface 128 preferably extends at an angle of approximately 25 ° to the actuating direction B of the actuating element 116 or to the sliding direction S of the pressure element 123. The sliding surface 128 slides along a surface 129 of the actuation element 116 or the main body 118 of the actuation element 116, which extends essentially opposite to the actuation surface 119.

The sliding surface 128 can be formed on one of the two side walls 124A, 124B or on both side walls 124A, 124B of the pressure element 123.

The actuating element 116 further has a holding contour 130 which interacts with the housing 110 for holding the actuating element 116 in the clamping position of the clamping spring 113 in a fixed position relative to the housing 110. In this way, the actuating element can be held in a fixed position even in the clamping position of the clamping spring 113 when a conductor 200 is connected, so that unwanted movement of the actuating element 116 can be reliably prevented.

At the in the 1 until 15B In the embodiment shown, the holding contour 130 is designed in the form of a nose protruding from the main body 118 of the actuating element 116. The nose forming the holding contour 130 has a flat inclined surface 131 in the unlocking direction of the actuating element 116 and a locking edge 132 in Actuation direction B of the actuation element 116. The nose is formed approximately in the middle of the length of the actuating element 116 on the main body 118 of the actuating element 116, as shown in particular in 12 can be recognized.

At the in 1 until 15B In the embodiment shown, the holding contour 130 designed as a nose interacts with a groove surface 133 formed on an inner wall of the housing 110, in that the holding contour 130 designed as a nose is guided at least in some areas in this groove surface 133, as in the sectional view of the 11 can be recognized.

In order to also prevent the actuating element 116 from being pulled out of the housing 110, the housing 110 has a stop surface 134 for limiting the travel of the actuating element 116 against the actuating direction B, as for example in the sectional view of 9 can be recognized. The stop surface 134 is in the form of a projection or a step on an inner wall of the housing 110. The stop surface 134 is positioned such that when the actuating element 116 comes to rest on the stop surface 134, the actuating element 116 is arranged flush with the outside of the housing 110 with its upper side 140, on which the tool engagement surface 120 is formed.

The pressure element 123 interacts with a return spring 135. If a conductor 200 to be connected hits the pressure surface 136 of the pressure element 123 when connecting, the pressure element 123 is moved in the sliding direction S and the return spring 135 is tensioned. As soon as the clamping leg 115 has come out of engagement with the actuating element 116, the pressure element 123 can be moved back into its starting position against the sliding direction S by the spring force of the return spring 135.

The return spring 135 is supported against a section 137 of the current bar 112, which extends perpendicular to the clamping section 122 of the current bar 112.

The return spring 135 is here formed in one piece with the pressure element 123. The return spring 135 has a U-shape. Return spring 135 and pressure element 123 can be made of a plastic material, for example.

1 until 3 show the connection arrangement 100 with the clamping spring 113 in the open position. The actuating element 116 is here locked with its locking contour 127 on the housing 110, so that the actuating element 116 rests with its actuating surface 119 in a fixed position on the clamping leg 115 in order to hold the clamping spring 113 in the open position.

To connect a conductor 200, the conductor 200 is inserted into the housing 110 in the insertion direction E via the conductor insertion opening 121, as shown in 4 and 5 can be recognized. The clamping leg 115 of the clamping spring 113 is in the open position in that the clamping leg 115 is held in position by the actuating element 116. If the conductor 200 is inserted into the conductor connection space 111, the conductor 200 abuts against the pressure surface 136 of the pressure element 123 which delimits the conductor connection space 111 in the insertion direction E. As a result, the pressure element 123 is pushed downwards in the sliding direction S. As a result of this movement of the pressure element 123 in the sliding direction S, the pressure element 123 slides with its sliding surface 128 along the actuation element 116, whereby it is pushed away laterally and the locking between the actuation element 116 and the housing 110 is thereby released. The clamping leg 115 of the clamping spring 113 is thereby initially pivoted further in the direction of the holding leg 114 by the actuating element 116 and is thereby slightly overpressed. By overpressing the clamping leg 115 of the clamping spring 113, it can be achieved that even when connecting conductors 200 with a large conductor cross section, the clamping leg 115 of the clamping spring 113 is initially spaced from the conductor 200, as in 5 can be seen, so that an acceleration of the clamping leg 115 can be achieved when pivoting in the direction of the conductor 200 for connecting the conductor 200. This enables secure and good clamping of the conductor 200 to be connected, regardless of its conductor cross section.

6 shows the clamping spring 113 in the clamping position, in which the clamping leg 114 clamps the conductor 200 against the clamping section 122 of the current bar 112.

As in 7 and 8th can be seen, the actuating element 116 moves, when it is released from its locking position with the housing 110, against the actuating direction B. The actuating element 116 dips with its holding contour 130 into the groove surface 133 of the housing 110, as in 8th , 10 and 11 can be recognized. The actuating element 116 is moved upwards against the actuating direction B until the actuating element 116 abuts the stop surface 134 of the housing 110 and thus the actuating element 116 with its top 140 is flush with the outer surface or outside of the housing 110, as in 9 can be recognized. The actuating element 116 then has its actuation supply surface 119 the greatest possible distance from the clamping leg 115 of the clamping spring 113.

13 shows a force curve of the actuating element 116. The dashed line shows a force curve in a conventionally designed connection arrangement. The required force F to be applied to the actuating element 116 increases continuously as the clamping spring 113 is transferred from the clamping position to the open position. The non-dashed line shows the force curve of the actuating element 116 in a connection arrangement 100 according to the invention. The necessary force F to be applied to the actuating element 116 does not increase continuously, but the force curve is wave-shaped. A slightly larger force F is required at the beginning. This results in a jerky movement of the actuating element 116 and the locking can be achieved safely. The amount of force required to be applied then decreases.

14 shows again the pressure element 123 with the return spring 135 formed on the pressure element 123. As can be seen here in particular, the pressure element 123 has a clearance 138 on the side wall 124A for lateral mounting of the clamping spring 113 in the housing 110. The clearance 138 is formed below the sliding surface 128 when viewed in the sliding direction S of the pressure element 123. Via the clearance 138, the clamping spring 113 with its clamping leg 115 can be pushed laterally past the side wall 124A until the clamping spring 113 with its clamping leg 115 is arranged in the pressure element 123, in particular between the two side walls 124A, 124B of the pressure element 123.

15A and 15B show such a montage. When assembling the connection arrangement 100, the pressure element 123 is first attached to the current bar 112 with the return spring 135. This arrangement of pressure element 123, return spring 135 and current bar 112 is then pushed laterally into the housing 110, as shown by the arrow in 15A is indicated. The clamping spring 113 is then mounted by pushing the clamping spring 113 laterally into the housing 110, as shown in 15B is shown. For this purpose, the clamping leg 115 is pivoted slightly in the direction of the holding leg 114, so that the clamping leg 115 can be inserted via the clearance 138 on the side wall 124A of the housing 110 into the area between the two side walls 124A, 124B.

In the 16 until 20 a further embodiment of a connection arrangement 100 is shown. The operating principle of the 16 until 20 Connection arrangement 100 shown essentially corresponds to that in the 1 until 15B Connection arrangement 100 shown. The in the 16 until 20 The embodiment shown differs in the shape of the locking contour 127 and the holding contour 130 on the actuating element 116.

The locking contour 127 is formed here by an inclined surface formed on the main body 118 of the actuating element 116. The locking contour 127 formed by an inclined surface can cooperate here with the undercut 126 formed on an inner wall of the housing 110, as in 17 is shown. The locking contour 127 designed as an inclined surface is formed on an edge surface 139 of the actuating element 116, this edge surface 139 being formed adjacent to an upper side 140 of the actuating element 116. The top 140 is the side of the actuating element 116 on which the tool engagement surface 120 is formed for actuating the actuating element 116.

Next is at the in 16 until 20 shown embodiment, the holding contour 130 is formed by an undercut formed on the main body 118 of the actuating element 116. The undercut forming the holding contour 130 is formed between the actuation surface 119 and the top 140 of the actuation element 116. The undercut forming the holding contour 130 is here in the form of an incision or a clearance on a side wall 141 of the actuating element 116 which extends at a 90 ° angle to the top 140. The holding contour designed as an undercut can cooperate with an undercut 142 formed on an inner wall of the housing 110, in particular a second undercut 142, as in 19 is shown.

18 shows the clamping spring 113 in the open position. The clamping leg 115 is held in the open position here by the contact of the actuating element 116 with its actuating surface 119 on the clamping leg 115. In addition, the clamping leg 115 is locked to the pressure leg 123. For this purpose, a holding element 143 pointing in the direction of the conductor connection space 111 is formed on one or on both side walls 124A, 124B of the pressure element 123, on which the clamping leg 115 can lock behind, as in 18 is shown. The holding element 143 is designed here in the form of a holding tab. The actuating element 116 is here in the in 17 Position shown arranged in that the actuating element 116 is locked via the locking contour 127 on the undercut 126 of the housing 110.

20 shows the connection arrangement 100 with the clamping spring 113 in the clamping position. The clamping leg 115 is released from the locking position with the holding element 143 of the pressure element 123 and the actuating element 116 has been moved upwards against the actuation direction B, so that the actuating element 116 is now held with its holding contour 130 on the undercut 142 of the housing 110, so that the actuating element 116 is arranged with its top 140 flush with an outside of the housing 110, as in 19 is shown.

A user can see from the position of the actuating element 116 whether the clamping spring 113 is in the open position or in the clamping position.

Reference symbol list

100

Connection arrangement

110

Housing

111

Conductor connection compartment

112

Current bar

113

Clamping spring

114

holding leg

115

clamping leg

116

Actuator

117

Housing bay

118

main body

119

Operating surface

120

Tool engagement surface

121

Conductor entry opening

122

clamping section

123

Printing element

124A, 124B

Side wall

125

wall

126

Undercut

127

Snap contour

128

sliding surface

129

Area

130

holding contour

131

inclined surface

132

locking edge

133

groove surface

134

stop surface

135

return spring

136

printing area

137

Section

138

Clearance

139

Edge surface

140

Top

141

Side wall

142

Undercut

143

Holding element

200

Director

b

Direction of operation

E

Insertion direction

S

Sliding direction

α

angle

Claims (16)

Connection arrangement (100) for connecting an electrical conductor (200), with - a housing (110), - a conductor connection space (111) formed in the housing (110), - a current bar (112), against which the conductor (200) to be connected inserted into the conductor connection space (111) can be clamped, - a clamping spring (113), which has a clamping leg (115) which can be moved into a clamping position and into an open position, - an actuating element (116) having a main body (118), by means of which the clamping leg (115) of the clamping spring (113) can be moved from the clamping position to the open position when the actuating element (116) is moved along an actuating direction (B), the actuating element (116) in the open position of the clamping spring (113) is locked in a fixed position relative to the housing (110) by latching with the housing (110), and - a pressure element (123) arranged in the housing (110), which has a pressure surface (136), which can be actuated to transfer the clamping spring (113) from the open position to the clamping position by the conductor (200) to be connected and by actuating the pressure surface (136) the pressure element (123) can be actuated in such a way that the clamping leg (115) is released in order to pivot from the open position into the clamping position. Connection arrangement (100). Claim 1 , characterized in that in the open position of the clamping spring (113), the actuating element (116) rests on the clamping leg (115) of the clamping spring (113) with an actuating surface (119) formed on the main body (118). Connection arrangement (100). Claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that the pressure element (123) has a sliding surface (128) which cooperates with the actuating element (116) to release the locking between the actuating element (116) and the housing (110). Connection arrangement (100). Claim 3 , characterized in that the sliding surface (128) of the pressure element (123) extends obliquely to the actuation direction (B) of the actuation element (116). Connection arrangement (100) according to one of the Claims 1 until 4 , characterized in that the pressure element (123) is arranged in a linearly displaceable manner in the housing (110). Connection arrangement (100) according to one of the Claims 1 until 5 , characterized in that to form the latching, the actuating element (116) has a latching contour (127) which interacts with an undercut (126) formed on the housing (110). Connection arrangement (100). Claim 6 , characterized in that the locking contour (127) is designed in the form of a projection projecting from the main body (118) of the actuating element (116). Connection arrangement (100). Claim 6 , characterized in that the locking contour (127) is formed by an inclined surface formed on the main body (118) of the actuating element (116). Connection arrangement (100) according to one of the Claims 1 until 8th , characterized in that the actuating element (116) has a holding contour (130) which interacts with the housing (110) for holding the actuating element (116) in the clamping position of the clamping spring (113) in a fixed position relative to the housing (110). Connection arrangement (100). Claim 9 , characterized in that the holding contour (130) is designed in the form of a nose protruding from the main body (118) of the actuating element (116). Connection arrangement (100). Claim 9 , characterized in that the holding contour (130) is formed by an undercut formed on the main body (118) of the actuating element (116). Connection arrangement (100) according to one of the Claims 1 until 11 , characterized in that the housing (110) has a stop surface (134) for limiting the travel of the actuating element (116) against the actuating direction (B) of the actuating element (116). Connection arrangement (100) according to one of the Claims 1 until 12 , characterized in that the pressure element (123) has a holding element (143) with which the clamping leg (115) is engaged in the open position of the clamping spring (113). Connection arrangement (100) according to one of the Claims 1 until 13 , characterized by a return spring (135) which interacts with the pressure element (123). Connection arrangement (100). Claim 14 , characterized in that the return spring (135) is formed in one piece with the pressure element (123). Connection arrangement (100) according to one of the Claims 1 until 15 , characterized in that the pressure element (123) has a clearance (138) on a side wall (124A, 124b) for lateral mounting of the clamping spring (113) in the housing (110).

Images