DE102022132368A1 - Insulation clamp, conductor connection unit and carrier plate - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to an insulation displacement terminal (1) for electrically connecting an electrical conductor comprising an insulating material (2) to a busbar of the insulation displacement terminal (1), wherein the insulation displacement terminal (1) has a conductor receptacle and an insulation displacement contact device with a cutting edge, wherein the insulation displacement contact device can be moved by means of an actuator (7) onto a conductor received in the conductor receptacle and is designed to electrically contact the conductor by means of the cutting edge (6) penetrating the insulating material (2), wherein the insulation displacement terminal (1) has an insulating housing with a first housing component (22a) and a second housing component (22b) which can be detachably connected to one another. In order to provide a compact insulation displacement terminal (1) which allows improved handling, it is proposed that the conductor receptacle is arranged on the first housing component (22a) and the actuator (7) is arranged on the second housing component (22b). The invention further relates to a conductor connection unit (32) with a carrier plate (27) and insulation displacement terminals (1) arranged on the carrier plate (27) for connecting a plurality of electrical conductors to busbars of the insulation displacement terminals (1). The invention also relates to a carrier plate (27) for an insulation displacement terminal (1).

Description

The invention relates to an insulation displacement terminal for electrically connecting an electrical conductor comprising an insulating material to a busbar of the insulation displacement terminal. The insulation displacement terminal has a conductor receptacle and an insulation displacement contact device with a cutting edge. The insulation displacement contact device can be moved by means of an actuator onto a conductor received in the conductor receptacle and is designed to electrically contact the conductor by means of the cutting edge penetrating the insulating material. The insulation displacement terminal has an insulating housing with a first housing component and a second housing component, which can be detachably connected to one another.

The invention further relates to a conductor connection unit with a carrier plate and insulation displacement terminals arranged on the carrier plate for connecting several electrical conductors to busbars of the insulation displacement terminals. The invention further relates to a carrier plate for an insulation displacement terminal.

Insulation displacement terminals are conductor connection terminals that are designed to electrically contact conductors with an insulating sheath. For example, in the case of through-wiring, a tap at any or defined conductor position may be required or desired without locally removing the insulating sheath from the through-wire. In contrast to conductors that have already been stripped, especially conductor ends, with insulation displacement terminals it is necessary that the insulating sheath is penetrated by the insulation displacement terminal in order to be able to contact the electrically conductive conductor wires of the conductor.

The design of insulation displacement terminals is associated with special requirements. The insulation displacement terminal must be designed to reliably penetrate the insulating material of the conductor, but must not damage the conductor wires directly adjacent to the insulating material. For reusable insulation displacement terminals, for replacement or for dismantling the wiring, it is also necessary to be able to release the insulation contact formed between the insulation displacement terminal and the conductor. At the same time, insulation displacement terminals, like most conductor connection terminals, should be designed to be as compact as possible in order to take up as little space in the electrical installation, but still be durable in order to be able to guarantee reliable contact over a long period of time. Finally, for economic reasons, cost-effective production and the associated use of inexpensive materials is desirable. In addition, the insulation displacement terminal should be designed in such a way that the insulation displacement terminal can be handled easily and intuitively.

This tension between partially conflicting requirements results in further development potential for existing insulation displacement terminals. For example, insulation displacement terminals are known in practice whose insulation contact devices can be positioned on the conductor using an actuator in the form of a lever arm. These require a lot of installation space and sometimes extensive guide structures for actuating the insulation contact device using the lever arm. The components arranged as compactly as possible in the insulation displacement terminal with actuator, insulation contact device, guides and other components can sometimes impair the accessibility of the conductor holder, so that positioning the conductor in the conductor holder can be difficult.

Against this background, the invention is based on the object of providing a compact insulation displacement terminal that allows improved handling. Furthermore, a compact conductor connection unit with insulation displacement terminals and a carrier plate are to be proposed that simplify the handling of insulation displacement terminals in installation environments.

The object is achieved with an insulation displacement terminal according to claim 1, a conductor connection unit according to claim 14 and a carrier plate according to claim 17. Advantageous embodiments are disclosed in the subclaims, the description and the figures.

In accordance with the generic principle, the cutting contact device of the insulation displacement terminal can be positioned by means of an actuator onto a conductor accommodated in the conductor holder and is designed to electrically contact the conductor by means of the cutting edge penetrating the insulation material. Alternatively, it is fundamentally conceivable and encompassed by the general inventive concept that the conductor can be positioned onto the cutting contact device. For the insulation displacement terminal to function, only a relative movement between the conductor and the cutting contact device is required. The conductor holder can form a support for the conductor to be connected and can, for example, have a flat support surface or a concave, for example trough-shaped or U-shaped profile. The conductor holder can, for example, have a base and side walls delimiting the base. A side wall can have a side wall opening for the cutting contact device that can be positioned onto the conductor. The positioning movement can, for example, be a translational displacement of the cutting contact device radially onto the conductor. The cutting displacement terminal has an insulating housing, which can be made of plastic, for example, and is not electrically conductive. The insulating housing is made up of at least two housing components that can be detachably connected to one another. Detachably connectable can mean that the housing components can be separated from one another without causing damage. Detachably connectable can also mean that the housing components can be repeatedly connected and separated. The detachable connection can be based on a positive or non-positive connection between the housing components, for example. The housing components can also be connected and separated from one another without tools, for example. The housing components can be locked together, or pushed into one another via guides, for example.

According to the invention, the conductor receptacle is arranged on the first housing component and the actuator is arranged on the second housing component. The detachability not only of the housing components from one another, but also of the actuator together with the second housing component, enables improved accessibility of the conductor receptacle located on the first housing component. The conductor can thus be placed in the conductor receptacle particularly easily, in particular by inserting any conductor section in the area of the conductor receptacle of the insulation displacement terminal when the second housing component with the actuator is removed from the first housing component, so that an access opening is formed on the first housing component by the second housing component detached from the first housing component. In addition, the assembly of the insulation displacement terminal is simplified because the actuator can be pre-assembled on the second housing component before the two housing components are joined. The term "arranged" can be understood to mean various positioning options, for example in the sense of "accommodated", "stored", "containing", "connected", "fastened", "positioned" or even "manufactured in one piece". The conductor receptacle can, for example, be manufactured integrally with the first housing component or subsequently connected to it. The actuator can, for example, be manufactured integrally with the second housing component or subsequently connected to it.

The insulation displacement terminal can also be referred to as a module. Several insulation displacement terminals can be assembled or arranged in series in a modular manner and can, for example, have connecting means or connections on their insulating housings for such a composition or arrangement. The same or different insulation displacement terminals can be combined with one another in a modular manner.

The actuator may, for example, be a lever actuator. However, it may be advantageous if the actuator is designed as a rotatable actuator with an eccentric actuating means in order to provide a very compact actuator.

The cutting contact device can be arranged on the second housing component. This further improves the accessibility of the conductor receptacle on the first housing component, since when the second housing component is loosened, the cutting contact device is also removed from the connection space. This makes it easier to insert the conductor into the conductor receptacle without the actuator and the cutting contact device interfering with or impairing the insertion. The actuator and the cutting contact device can also be connected to one another and form a functional unit.

In alternative embodiments, it is also conceivable that the cutting contact device is arranged on the first housing component.

The first housing component can have a conductor input opening and a conductor output opening. The conductor input opening and the conductor output opening can be fully enclosed conductor openings or partially enclosed conductor openings, which can interact, for example, with further partially enclosed conductor openings on the second housing component, so that the conductor opening is only fully enclosed when the housing components are assembled. This makes it possible to provide divisible conductor input and conductor output openings for easier insertion of the conductor. The conductor input opening and the conductor output opening can be arranged essentially opposite one another. The conductor can be guided through the insulation displacement terminal by means of the conductor input opening and the conductor output opening. This allows a through-wiring to be contacted by means of the insulation displacement terminal. The insulation displacement terminal is therefore not limited to contacting conductor ends.

The first housing component and/or the second housing component can have bearing bays for accommodating the actuator, the busbar and/or the cutting contact device. Bearing bays can be, for example, recesses, receptacles, gaps or other shaped contours within the housing component that enable the storage of the components mentioned. The bearing bays can correspond to a shape or dimension of the actuator, the Busbar and/or the insulation displacement contact device. Bearing bays in the housing components simplify the assembly of the insulation displacement terminal and the components are positioned securely and compactly in the insulation displacement terminal.

The second housing component can have an actuation opening. The actuation opening can enable access to the actuator of the insulation displacement terminal. The actuation opening improves accessibility to the actuator. The actuator can be actuated from the outside through the actuation opening, so that the insulation displacement terminal does not have to be opened for actuation. An operating element of the actuator can protrude into the actuation opening, for example a rotatable operating head, a lever or a tool holder for actuation using a tool. The tool holder can be, for example, a groove or recess in the actuator for a screwdriver tip. The actuation opening in the second housing component enables simple yet safe actuation.

The second housing component can have a marking to indicate a clamping state. The marking can be used, for example, to indicate a permissible angle of rotation range or target positions of the actuator. The marking can, for example, work together with an additional marking on the actuator and can be visually comparable, for example, in order to determine a position or position of the actuator. The marking makes it possible to simplify operation and inspection of the insulation displacement terminal.

The insulation displacement terminal can be arranged on a carrier plate. For example, the first housing component of the insulation displacement terminal can be arranged on a carrier plate. The carrier plate can be a flat component, for example, which is made of an insulating material such as plastic. The first housing component can be detachably connected to the carrier plate, for example by means of a snap-in connection. The carrier plate can have a receptacle for the first housing component, for example an indentation or a snap-in means. Several insulation displacement terminals can be arranged on the carrier plate. The carrier plate can have several receptacles for first housing components of insulation displacement terminals. The carrier plate can be part of a connection unit or a larger installation unit. By arranging it on a carrier plate, the insulation displacement terminal can be pre-assembled on a higher-level unit. In addition, the carrier plate provides stable storage and additional insulation for the insulation displacement terminal. This also offers the option of combining the insulation displacement terminal with other insulation displacement terminals in the immediate vicinity.

The insulation displacement clamp can be mounted floating on the carrier plate. The carrier plate can have a floating bearing for the insulation displacement clamp.

This further simplifies handling and inserting a conductor into the insulation displacement terminal, as the insulation displacement terminal has additional freedom of movement to align the insulation displacement terminal and conductor with each other. Depending on the diameter, for example, some conductors can be relatively stiff and immobile, so that limited mobility of the insulation displacement terminal can be beneficial when bringing the conductor and insulation displacement terminal together. In addition, vibrations can be absorbed or dampened by the floating bearing, so that contact remains unaffected even under normal environmental influences and over a longer period of time. The floating bearing can be implemented, for example, using a slot-pin combination or another bearing contour with play.

The carrier plate can be closed with a cover part so that the insulation displacement contact is held between the carrier plate and the cover part. This enables improved contact protection and protection against environmental influences. The cover part can, for example, be placed on the carrier plate following commissioning, i.e. following the establishment of contact between the conductor and the insulation displacement contact device, and cover the carrier plate during the operating period of the wiring. The cover part can, for example, have a flat cover and a cover collar adjacent to the cover in order to close off the carrier plate on its open sides and ensure a three-dimensional enclosure of the insulation displacement contact. The cover part can have an inspection and operating opening for visual inspection or access to the actuator of the insulation displacement contact. The cover part can, for example, be made of an insulating material such as plastic.

The carrier plate can have a plug contact for a connector on a side facing away from the insulation displacement terminal. An electrical connection between the insulation displacement terminal and the plug contact can be established via a contact structure inside the carrier plate. This makes it possible to tap the insulation displacement terminal from an outside of the carrier plate. If a cover part is provided on the carrier plate, the cover part is arranged on a side of the carrier plate facing away from the plug contact, so that the plug contact can also is still accessible when the cover is in place. The plug contact is designed to create an electrical connection between the insulation displacement terminal and a connectable connector.

The carrier plate and/or the insulation displacement terminal can have a conductor holder. The conductor holder can be, for example, a clip or a similar fixing means to improve the guidance of the conductor on the carrier plate or on the insulation displacement terminal and to secure the relative position of the conductor to the carrier plate or the insulation displacement terminal. The conductor holder can also have a holding structure, for example knobs, ribs, mandrels, hooks or a comparable surface structure for holding the conductor.

The insulating housing can be essentially cube-shaped. The edge lengths of the insulating housing can therefore essentially match. This makes it possible to provide very compact insulation displacement terminals that are easy to install and can be mounted in any mounting orientation, for example on a carrier plate. The insulation displacement terminals are also suitable for a common part system that can, for example, provide identically dimensioned outer contours of insulating housings of insulation displacement terminals with a type-dependent internal structure for different conductor diameters. In other embodiments, other basic shapes of the insulating housing are of course also conceivable, for example a cuboid or rounded basic shape.

The insulation displacement terminal can be designed as a box terminal or a circuit board terminal. It is therefore conceivable to produce the proposed insulation displacement terminal in a miniaturized form due to its compact design and to make it accessible to special areas of application. The compact, modular design of the insulation displacement terminal enables scalability in both macro and micro areas. The proposed insulation displacement terminal has a wide range of possible applications.

The invention is also achieved with a conductor connection unit with a carrier plate and insulation displacement terminals arranged on the carrier plate for connecting several electrical conductors to busbars of the insulation displacement terminals, wherein the insulation displacement terminal is designed according to one of the features described above. With the conductor connection unit, a wide variety of connection options can be implemented in a compact unit. With the conductor connection unit, various configurations for terminal systems can be implemented, for example, two- or five-pole connection units with a corresponding number of insulation displacement terminals can be realized. The conductor connection unit can be equipped and operated in individual configurations. In addition to insulation displacement terminals, the conductor connection unit can also include other types of connection, for example conductor connection terminals with spring clamp connection, screw terminals or plug connector connections. The proposed conductor connection unit has a wide range of possible uses. The conductor connection unit is very compact and simplifies the handling of insulation displacement terminals in installation environments, for example for a planned multiple connection of several conductors of a conductor bundle to several insulation displacement terminals.

The insulation displacement terminals can be arranged in a row next to each other on the carrier plate. The insulation displacement terminals can touch each other or be spaced apart from each other. In principle, it is also conceivable to provide common housing parts for several insulation displacement terminals, for example a common insulating housing, common first housing components or common second housing components. The term "in a row" is not restricted to a precisely aligned row. For example, a row can also exist if an imaginary straight line can be drawn through several or all of the insulation displacement terminals. The row arrangement results in a slim design of the conductor connection unit that requires little space. A narrow carrier plate can be sufficient for such a row arrangement of insulation displacement terminals. A conductor bundle that is to be separated for the insulation displacement terminals does not have to be divided far apart for connection to the insulation displacement terminals.

In alternative embodiments, it is also conceivable to arrange several insulation displacement terminals one above the other, i.e. to position the underside of an insulation displacement terminal on the top side of an insulation displacement terminal. Such an arrangement of insulation displacement terminals could, for example, also enable the actuation of several insulation displacement terminals by means of one or more common actuators.

The carrier plate of the conductor connection unit can have a plug contact for a connector on a side facing away from the insulation displacement terminals. The plug contact is designed to create an electrical connection between the insulation displacement terminal and a connectable connector. The insulation displacement terminals can define a main power level in the conductor connection unit, while the plug contact forms a tap on the conductor connection unit.

The invention is also achieved with a carrier plate for an insulation displacement terminal according to one of the previously described features. For example, the carrier plate can have a holder for insulation displacement terminals, a cover, a plug contact or a conductor holder. The carrier plate simplifies the handling of insulation displacement terminals for a user, for example for a planned multiple connection of several conductors of a conductor bundle to several insulation displacement terminals.

The actuator of the insulation displacement terminal can be rotatable about a rotation axis and have an eccentric actuating means. This makes it possible to provide a very compact actuating solution with a defined actuation by the actuating means. The actuator can in particular be rotated about itself, for example about its own longitudinal or central axis. Known lever actuations, on the other hand, can usually be pivoted about pivot axes that run transversely to the lever and do not coincide with a longitudinal or central axis of the lever. The actuating means can be detachably or permanently connected to the actuator, for example it can also be designed as a single piece with it. In an eccentric actuating means, a center point or a central axis of the actuating means does not coincide with the axis of rotation of the actuator. The insulation displacement contact device can have an actuating surface on which the actuating means can act. This allows an actuating force to be transferred from the actuating means to the insulation displacement contact device, so that it can be moved from a first position that does not contact the conductor to a second position that contacts the conductor by means of the cutting edge. The cutting contact device can perform a translational movement so that the rotary movement of the actuator is converted into a translational movement by means of the eccentric actuating means. The actuating surface can be, for example, a rear wall of the cutting contact device facing away from the conductor and towards the actuator. The cutting contact device can be radially adjustable to the conductor, i.e. can be moved towards its circumference.

The cutting edge of the cutting contact device can, for example, have a straight cutting edge that cuts the insulation material of the conductor in a substantially linear manner. In conceivable embodiments, circular-arc or spiral-shaped cutting contours can also be provided on the cutting edge of the cutting contact device, which can, for example, also be directly coupled to a rotating actuator movement and can make a circular-arc or spiral-shaped cut in the insulation material of the conductor. This also makes it possible to achieve compact actuation and cutting solutions with an insulation displacement terminal.

The actuating means can be mounted eccentrically. This enables a very simple implementation of an eccentric actuating means. The actuating means can, for example, be arranged offset to a rotation axis of the actuator or be molded onto the actuator. For example, the actuator can be or have a rotatable disk or a rotatable column on which the actuating means is arranged offset to the rotation axis. The eccentrically mounted actuating means can, for example, be a pin or a column protruding from the actuator or have another basic geometric shape that is suitable as a driver for the cutting contact device.

The actuating means can have an eccentric shape. For example, one or more projections can protrude from a central axis of an actuating means with a circular cross-section, or a cross-sectional shape of the actuating means that deviates from a circular shape at least in sections can be provided. The actuating means can be able to rotate together with the actuator and can transmit an actuating force to the cutting contact device due to its eccentric shape. An actuating means with an eccentric shape provides a stable actuating means with a favorable force transmission.

The actuating means can have an eccentric shape, for example a cam shape. A cam has a round, in particular circular basic shape with a rounded projection that extends this basic shape radially, which is also referred to as a cam elevation. The actuating means can, for example, have a cylindrical basic shape and one or more individual cams, the cam projections of which protrude radially from the cylindrical basic shape. A cam shape can also be formed with an essentially semicircular cross-section. The actuating means can also have a cam-shaped cross-section over a large part of its length or over its entire length. With a cam shape of the actuating means, a gradually increasing actuating force can be exerted on the cutting contact device, for example an actuating surface of the cutting contact device, with a rotational movement, so that a gentle actuation of the cutting contact device and thus a controlled cutting process take place.

The actuator and the actuating means can be made of an insulating material, such as plastic. This enables safe actuation and a cost-effective design of the insulation displacement connector.

The axis of rotation of the actuator can run essentially perpendicular to a feed direction of the cutting contact device. This makes it possible to obtain a compact insulation displacement terminal. The feed direction corresponds to the direction in which the cutting contact device is moved towards the conductor to be connected. Essentially perpendicular can mean, for example, an angle of 90° +/- 5°.

The rotation introduced into the actuator about a rotation axis is converted via the actuating means into a translation of the cutting contact device transverse to the rotation axis.

Alternatively, structural implementations are also conceivable in which the axis of rotation runs parallel to or coincides with the feed direction. This can be made possible, for example, by an actuator designed as a column that rotates around itself and has an obliquely cut front surface at one end facing the cutting contact device as the actuating means.

The actuating means can have an actuating edge that runs essentially parallel to the axis of rotation of the actuator. The actuating edge can be part of an actuating surface of the actuating means or form this and transfer the actuating force introduced into the actuator into the cutting contact device. The actuating edge can be a narrow, almost linear actuating surface. With an actuating edge, the actuating force to be transferred can be concentrated and applied specifically to the cutting contact device.

The actuator can have an operating head for rotating the actuator. This can enable simple and intuitive handling of the actuator. The operating head can be a part of the actuator that is accessible on an outer contour of the insulation displacement terminal and into which a torque can be introduced to rotate the actuator. The operating head can be arranged in such an accessible manner that the insulation displacement terminal or an insulating housing of the insulation displacement terminal does not have to be opened for access. The operating head can have or form a tool engagement area or a tool holder, for example a recessed slot for a screwdriver. In principle, it is also conceivable for the actuator to be operated by hand. The operating head can have a larger diameter or cross-section than the actuating means in order to enable simple operation of the actuator.

The operating head can have a marking to indicate an actuation state and/or an actuation direction of the insulation displacement terminal. This can simplify handling and inspection of the insulation displacement terminal. For example, the marking can indicate a position of the actuating means and/or the insulation displacement contact device. The marking can be an optical marking to visualize the degree of an absolute or relative angle of rotation of the actuator or the actuating means. The marking can, for example, be comparable to another additional marking that serves to display target positions and is arranged, for example, on an insulating housing of the insulation displacement terminal. If different conductor diameters can be contacted with the insulation displacement terminal, a currently connected conductor diameter can be read off using a corresponding marking on the operating head. In addition, a target direction of rotation for the actuator can be visualized.

The operating head can be arranged on the actuating means. This provides a particularly compact actuating solution. The operating head can, for example, merge directly into the actuating means or the operating head and the actuating means can be arranged directly next to one another. The operating head and the actuating means can be connected to one another detachably or permanently, for example, they can also be designed as one piece. For example, a cam-shaped cross section of the actuating means can be formed adjacent to the operating head. An actuating pin arranged eccentrically on an underside of the operating head facing away from an actuating side can also be provided as the actuating means.

The insulation displacement terminal can have a conductor holder. The conductor holder can form a support for the conductor to be connected and can have, for example, a flat support surface or a concave, e.g. trough-shaped or U-shaped profile. The conductor holder can, for example, have a base and side walls that delimit the base. A side wall can have a side wall opening for the insulation displacement contact device that can be placed on the conductor.

The cutting contact device can have a busbar contact that is designed to electrically connect the cutting contact device to the busbar of the insulation displacement terminal. The busbar contact can be used to establish contact between the cutting edge contacting the conductor and the busbar. The busbar contact can be positioned on the conductor together with the cutting contact device. The busbar contact can be designed, for example, as a web-like structure or a shape that spans the conductor to bridge the distance between the cutting contact device and the busbar. The busbar can, for example, be arranged adjacent to a conductor receptacle of the insulation displacement terminal, for example adjacent to a side wall of the conductor receptacle. With a busbar contact arranged on the insulation displacement contact device, contact can be made between the conductor and the busbar by positioning the insulation displacement contact device on the conductor.

The busbar contact can be a fork contact. This provides a simple, self-aligning contacting solution. The fork contact can have two opposing fork tines, which can be guided along the busbar below and above it and which grip the busbar in a contacting position. The fork tines can be elastically deflected. The fork contact can have a locking lug for hooking onto the busbar. It is also structurally conceivable for the busbar to have a fork contact, between the fork tines of which a flat busbar contact can be inserted. Several busbar contacts can also be provided, which are arranged adjacent to one another or at a distance from one another.

The busbar contact can be arranged at a distance from the cutting edge on the cutting contact device. This means that the busbar contact and the cutting edge do not affect each other. A distance bridging between the cutting contact device and the busbar by means of the busbar contact takes place at a distance from the sensitive cutting area. The busbar contact can, for example, be arranged opposite the cutting edge on the cutting contact device. In one embodiment, the conductor can run in a space formed between the cutting edge and the busbar contact.

The insulation displacement terminal can have a stop to limit the rotational movement of the actuator. The stop can, for example, be a projection of an insulating housing of the insulation displacement terminal, which blocks further rotational movement of the actuator or further feed movement of the insulation displacement contact device beyond a defined position of the actuating means or the insulation displacement contact device. This can ensure that the cutting process does not lead to damage to the conductor wires.

The rotational movement for a feed movement of the cutting contact device can take place at a relative angle of rotation of approximately 60° to 120°. The relative angle of rotation can also be, for example, 80° to 100° or even around 90°. A partial rotation of the actuator can therefore be sufficient to establish contact without the actuator having to rotate completely through 360°. This improves the handling of the insulation displacement contact. The actuator can be rotatable within a circular segment defined by the relative angle of rotation. With such a limited relative angle of rotation, an actuation solution can be provided that saves energy and time. The actuator can be operated with a single hand or tool attack without having to put it down.

The insulation displacement terminal can have a base plate with a bearing for the actuator. The base plate can be arranged opposite an operating head of the actuator, for example. The actuating means of the actuator can be mounted on or in the base plate. The base plate can be part of an insulating housing of the insulation displacement terminal.

The base plate can have a guide contour in which the actuating means can be guided along a predefined movement path. The guide contour can enable defined guidance and a limitation of the rotational movement of the actuator or the actuating means. The guide contour can enable improved movement control of the actuating means, so that the quality of the cutting process is improved.

The guide contour can be sickle-shaped. With a sickle shape, the actuating means guided in the guide contour has more freedom of movement in a wider area of the sickle shape, which enables a floating bearing of the actuating means at least in sections. In a narrower area of the sickle shape, however, the freedom of movement for the actuating means is reduced. In combination, this leads to an improved alignment of the actuating means to the cutting contact device and thus to an improved delivery of the cutting contact device in the direction of the conductor with optimal power transmission. The actuation initially takes place with a higher tolerance margin, the cutting contact device is moved increasingly precisely towards the conductor by guiding the actuating means in the sickle shape. The improved alignment prevents undesirable displacement or evasion of conductor wires and an unfavorable cutting position on the conductor.

The cutting contact device can be mounted in a floating manner. For example, the cutting contact device can be mounted in a floating manner on the cutting terminal. This enables improved alignment of the cutting contact device and the conductor to one another, and the cutting contact device is practically self-centering. The improved alignment prevents undesired displacement or deflection of conductor wires and an unfavorable cutting position on the conductor.

The insulation displacement terminal can have a reset device. The reset device can be used to move the insulation displacement contact device back from the conductor so that the contact can be removed. The insulation displacement contact device is moved back in a direction that is opposite to the feed direction of the insulation displacement contact device. A reset device enables the insulation displacement contact to be released and thus enables the insulation displacement terminal to be dismantled or used multiple times.

The resetting means can be a driver. The driver can be, for example, a pin, a projection or an edge that protrudes from the actuator, for example from an operating head of the actuator, and when the actuator rotates in a counter-rotational direction that is opposite to the direction of rotation corresponding to a feed movement of the cutting contact device, takes with it a contour of the cutting contact device that engages behind the driver. A driver can provide a simple structural solution for reversing the movement to release the cutting contact device from the conductor.

The resetting means can alternatively be a spring element. This can enable a spring-force-supported reversal of movement. The spring element can be pre-tensioned in a holding state and mechanically blocked. For resetting, the blockage is released so that the spring element relaxes and the released spring force drives the cutting contact device back. The spring element can be designed as a compression or tension spring, for example.

The insulation displacement terminal can have a take-off contact. The take-off contact can be an additional contact or branch contact on the busbar and provide another take-off point. The take-off contact can, for example, be arranged adjacent to or next to a conductor receptacle in the insulation displacement terminal. The take-off contact can be arranged in such an accessible manner that the insulation displacement terminal or an insulating housing of the insulation displacement terminal does not have to be opened for access. The take-off contact can, for example, be designed as a fork contact.

The insulation displacement terminal can have a U-shaped busbar. This provides a compact busbar arrangement. A U-base can, for example, be located opposite a busbar contact of the insulation displacement terminal. The U-legs can run parallel to the axis of rotation of the actuator and be angled outwards. One of the angles can, for example, transition into a pickup contact of the insulation displacement terminal.

The insulation displacement terminal can be designed to contact several electrical conductors and several insulation displacement contact devices can be positioned on one conductor each by means of the actuator. This enables a particularly compact multiple connection. The conductors can be inserted into the insulation displacement terminal at a distance from one another, for example in the case of two conductors in such a way that the actuator with its actuating means is positioned between the conductors. A rotational movement of the actuator can lead to a simultaneous or offset positioning movement of one insulation displacement contact device on the conductor by means of a suitable actuating means or several actuating means.

The insulation displacement terminal can have a spacer. With a spacer, the insulation displacement terminal can be adapted to different conductor diameters. The spacer can be detachably arranged on the insulation displacement terminal, for example to be exchanged for a differently shaped or differently dimensioned spacer. The spacer can be a wedge or plate, for example. The spacer can be arranged on the insulation displacement contact device, for example, and face the actuating means. With the exchangeable spacer, different feed distances of the insulation displacement contact device to the conductor to be connected can be implemented.

The cutting contact device can be arranged detachably on the cutting terminal. This means that the cutting contact device can be exchanged for other cutting contact devices, for example to enable the cutting terminal to be adapted to different conductor diameters or to enable maintenance-related replacement. The cutting contact device can, for example, be latched into the cutting terminal or inserted into it along a guide on the cutting terminal.

The insulation displacement terminal can have a securing means that fixes the insulation displacement contact device in the contacting position. Fixing the insulation displacement contact device in the contacting position can be understood as, for example, that the cutting contact device is held in the contacting position by means of the securing means with an additional holding force, wherein the holding force can be, for example, a tensile or compressive force that is exerted on the cutting contact device by means of the securing means. The securing means can thereby, for example, block an undesired displacement of the cutting contact device, for example away from the conductor. The securing means is an additional component to the cutting contact device and is not to be equated with it within the scope of the present application. With a securing means that fixes the cutting contact device in the contacting position, the contacting of the conductor with the cutting contact device can be improved and a sufficient contact force can be maintained even over longer periods of time.

The securing means can be designed to exert a compressive force or a tensile force on the cutting contact device. Different directions of force of the securing means in relation to the cutting contact device are conceivable for fixing and various possible designs of the securing means for exerting a compressive or tensile force on the cutting contact device are possible. For example, the securing means can be a predominantly rigid securing means such as a locking screw for exerting a compressive force or a flexible securing means such as a pulling means for exerting a tensile force. By exerting a compressive or tensile force on the cutting contact device, it can be secured in its contact position in a very simple manner.

The securing means can be elastic at least in sections. With elastic or, for example, springy areas of the securing means or with elastic or springy securing means, larger manufacturing tolerances and easier positioning of the securing means can be made possible. In addition, excessive jamming or excessive contact forces in the direction of the conductor, which could lead to damage to the conductor, are avoided by an elastic part of the securing means. A securing means that is elastic at least in sections is therefore associated with particularly simple and gentle application.

The securing means can be a spring element. A spring element is a component that is elastic, springy, at least in sections, and whose spring force can be used to exert the tensile or compressive force on the cutting contact device. A spring element is a simple, inexpensive, reliable securing means that can be designed in a variety of ways in terms of its shape and properties.

The spring element can have an S-shape or a C-shape, for example. The spring element has bends or angles that extend in opposite directions in an S-shape or in the same direction in a C-shape starting from a connecting section between the bends or angles. The S-shape can be point-symmetrical. The C-shape can be axially symmetrical. In principle, other symmetrical or asymmetrical shapes are also conceivable. An S-shape, a C-shape or other, particularly symmetrical shapes can enable even loading and support of the securing means on the cutting contact device and a counter bearing. A counter bearing can be formed, for example, by an insulating housing, an actuator or another cutting contact device of the insulation displacement terminal.

The securing means can have several spring elements or be formed by several spring elements. The spring elements can be designed the same or differently. The spring elements can, for example, have the same or different shapes, spring constants, lengths, widths or strengths. Tension and compression springs can also be combined. The spring elements can be arranged interlocked, for example point-symmetrically, such as in a cross shape. The spring elements can also be arranged at a distance from one another, for example one above the other, or one spring element can be arranged near the actuator and another spring element near the conductor. For example, one spring element can be arranged in a busbar contact area and one spring element in a cutting area. With several spring elements, several securing positions or different securing strengths with different forces acting on the cutting contact device can be implemented. With several spring elements, a multiple connection on the cutting edge can also be implemented, so that with several spring elements, several cutting contact devices can also be secured to assigned conductors.

The spring element can be a ring with spring arms. The spring arms can be designed the same or differently and protrude radially from the ring. The ring can be used to provide a fastening option for the spring element to a component of the insulation displacement terminal, for example it can be placed around a cylindrical rotary actuator. The ring is not limited to circular ring shapes, there are also For example, elliptical or square ring shapes are conceivable as a spring base for the spring arms arranged on the ring. If the spring element is designed as a ring with spring arms, a stable fastening option and a spring element are provided with which several securing positions, different securing strengths or even a secured multiple connection can be implemented.

The securing means can be a cam disk. A cam disk can, for example, be a disk that is circular in its basic form with one or more projections or cams on the circumference that are suitable for exerting a compressive force on one or more cutting contact devices. The cam disk can be designed to be elastic in its entirety, at least in sections, or only in the area of the projections or cams in order to be able to exert a springy force on the cutting contact device. A cam disk provides a stable, long-lasting securing element that can also be used to implement several securing positions or strengths or a secured multiple connection.

The securing means can be arranged on an actuator of the insulation displacement terminal. This creates a compact design. In addition, the securing means can help to keep the actuator in a defined actuation position, so that an undesirable resetting of the insulation displacement contact device is avoided. The securing means can be attached to or mounted on the actuator; one-piece versions of actuator and securing means are also conceivable in principle. The securing means can be mounted floatingly on the actuator. For example, the securing means can be mounted on the actuator with axial play, so that the securing means can align itself with respect to the insulation displacement contact device to be secured or to a counter bearing and can adjust to a suitable securing force. By arranging the securing means on the actuator, an actuation process can also be linked to a securing process. If the actuator is rotated, which brings the insulation displacement contact device into the contacting position, the securing means can rotate with it and thus be brought into a securing position in which the securing means engages the insulation displacement contact device and fixes it in the contacting position.

The securing means can be arranged in a recess in the actuator. This creates a particularly compact embodiment. The actuator can, for example, have a hole or a slot-shaped recess, for example a longitudinal slot, in which the securing means is mounted or fixed. The recess can, for example, be present in the actuating means of the actuator. For example, the securing means designed as a spring element can be placed in the recess in such a way that it extends predominantly perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the actuator and at least partially protrudes radially from the actuator or its actuating means. The securing means can also be placed against the circumference of the actuator or actuating means with a contour, for example an angle or bend of a securing means designed as a spring element, for example, and can thus be held securely by the actuator.

The securing means can be activated and deactivated. Activation or deactivation can be associated with a change in the position of the securing means, which can be changed in terms of its position or orientation, for example for activation or deactivation. The securing means can be displaced, for example, between a passive position and an active position. In an active position, the securing means rests on the cutting contact device and exerts a holding force on it. In a passive position, the securing means does not rest on the cutting contact device and does not exert a holding force on it. For example, a securing means designed as a spring element can have an unloaded spring arm that projects freely into the space in a passive position, which is pivoted in the direction of the cutting contact device for activation and is supported on the cutting contact device in an active position in order to exert a holding force on it. For example, a securing device designed as a spring element can have two unloaded spring arms in a passive position that protrude freely into the room, which are pivoted in the direction of the cutting contact device and a counter bearing for activation and are supported on the cutting contact device and the counter bearing in an active position in order to exert a holding force on the cutting contact device. With a securing device that can be activated and deactivated, the securing effect of the securing device can be brought about in a targeted manner, for example to only exert a holding force on the cutting contact device when it is in the defined contact position. In addition, a securing device that can be deactivated does not make the assembly or operation of the insulation displacement terminal more difficult.

The securing device can be activated or deactivated, for example, by rotating around a rotation axis. This enables the securing device to be handled easily. The rotation axis can, for example, run through the securing device so that the securing device can rotate around itself. The securing device can, for example, rotate in a direction of rotation The safety device can be rotated in one direction into its active position and in an opposite direction into its passive position. The rotation of the safety device can be coupled, for example, with the rotation of a rotary actuator. The safety device can also be rotated by an additional operating device.

The insulation displacement terminal can be designed to connect several electrical conductors and the securing means can be designed to fix the contact position of each associated insulation displacement contact device. This provides a compact securing solution for a multiple connection. The securing means can, for example, be supported on several insulation displacement contact devices at the same time and thereby secure the insulation displacement contact devices. For example, the securing means can be designed as an S-spring and can be supported by a spring arm on opposing insulation displacement contact devices in order to exert a holding force on the insulation displacement contact devices.

The insulation displacement terminal can have a conductor enclosure that encloses the conductor at least 50% of its circumference. The conductor enclosure can form a frame for the conductor to be connected and can enclose it. Enclosing is understood to mean, for example, a touching enclosure, a direct mechanical contact between the conductor enclosure and the conductor at its circumference. The conductor enclosure can also enclose the conductor at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 80% or at least 90%. Complete enclosure around the entire circumference of the conductor is also conceivable. The enclosure can be arranged in the contact area or adjacent to it, for example. As part of the enclosure, it fixes the conductor cross-section so that the escape of insulation material or conductor wires during the cutting process is limited or completely prevented. The conductor cross-section remains largely undeformed, so that a defined and controlled cutting process and contacting is possible. This enables reliable and conductor-friendly cutting contact. Good results can be achieved with an enclosure level of just 50%. The higher the degree of enclosure, the better the conductor cross-section is fixed by the enclosure.

The conductor enclosure can be arranged on the insulation displacement contact device and/or on a conductor holder of the insulation displacement terminal. This enables a compact arrangement of the conductor enclosure close to the conductor. The conductor holder can form a support for the conductor to be connected and can have, for example, a flat support surface or a concave profile, such as a trough-shaped or U-shaped profile. The conductor holder can, for example, have a base and side walls that border the base. A side wall can have a side wall opening for the insulation displacement contact device that can be placed on the conductor. Depending on the intended degree of enclosure or design of the conductor enclosure as a one-piece or split conductor enclosure, the conductor can be inserted into the conductor holder or pushed into it.

The conductor enclosure can be split. A first enclosure part of the conductor enclosure can be formed by the insulation displacement contact device and a second enclosure part of the conductor enclosure can be formed by the conductor receptacle. Both enclosure parts are designed in such a way that they each enclose a circumferential area of the conductor in proportion. For example, one enclosure part can enclose 50% of the conductor circumference, or one enclosure part can enclose about 70% and the other 30%; the degree of enclosure does not necessarily have to be 100% in total, but at least 50% in total. At least one enclosure part can be detachable or movable. For example, an enclosure part arranged on the insulation displacement contact device can be positioned on the conductor together with the insulation displacement contact device. A split conductor enclosure can make it easier to insert the conductor into the insulation displacement terminal or into its conductor receptacle.

The first enclosure part of the cutting contact device and the second enclosure part of the conductor holder can be aligned axially offset from one another. This creates a small offset between the enclosure parts, which leads to an improved hold of the conductor in the conductor enclosure. If one of the enclosure parts is designed to be movable, the enclosure parts can be guided past one another in sections. By arranging the enclosure parts next to one another or adjacent to one another, the stability of the conductor enclosure is also increased, since the enclosure parts can support one another. In other embodiments, however, an arrangement of the enclosure parts in alignment with one another is also conceivable.

The conductor enclosure can be activated and deactivated. Activation or deactivation can be associated with a change in the position of the conductor enclosure, which can be changed in terms of its position or orientation for activation or deactivation, for example. The conductor enclosure can be displaced, for example, between a passive position and an active position. In an active position, the conductor enclosure encloses the conductor at least in sections and fixes its conductor cross-section. In a passive position, the conductor enclosure and the conductor are spaced apart from each other. With an activatable and deactivatable conductor enclosure, the enclosing effect of the conductor enclosure can be brought about in a targeted manner. Inserting the conductor into the insulation displacement terminal or conductor holder can be made easier if the conductor enclosure is in the passive position.

The conductor enclosure can be activated by moving the cutting contact device onto the conductor to be connected. For this purpose, the moving movement of the cutting contact device can be coupled with a moving movement of the conductor enclosure onto the conductor. For example, the conductor enclosure or at least a part of the enclosure of the conductor enclosure can be connected to the cutting contact device or can be designed as one piece with it. The moving movement of the cutting contact device activates not only the cutting edge but also the conductor enclosure. In particular, the conductor enclosure can become active before the cutting edge engages the insulation material of the conductor, for example by the conductor enclosure protruding slightly further in the direction of the conductor from the cutting contact device than the cutting edge. After the moving movement of the cutting contact device has been completed, the conductor enclosure surrounds the conductor and the cutting edge contacts the conductor wires of the conductor. The coupled moving movement means that the enclosing and cutting take place simultaneously or with a short offset. In addition, inserting the conductor into the insulation clamp is made easier.

The conductor enclosure can be positioned radially towards the conductor to be connected. The conductor enclosure can thus be moved towards the circumference of the conductor transversely to the longitudinal extension direction of the conductor, which corresponds to the direction of its longest extension. This provides a compact embodiment.

The conductor surround can have a circular, partially circular or polygonal holding contour. This can achieve a reliable enclosing effect. The holding contour is defined by the surface of the conductor surround, which rests on the conductor when it is enclosed by the conductor surround. The holding contour can be adapted in shape and dimension to the outer contour of the conductor to be connected. The holding contour can have open concave shapes such as U or C shapes or closed shapes such as a circular holding contour. A polygonal holding contour can have corners. The sections of the polygonal holding contour running between the corners can, for example, lie tangentially against a conductor with a round conductor cross-section. This can sometimes achieve an improved enclosing effect, as a targeted displacement effect on the insulation material is achieved in the direction of the corners. The corners can also be rounded. In principle, angular contours are also conceivable for the holding contour, for example an L-shaped holding contour.

A cutting edge of the cutting contact device can be arranged on the conductor frame. Alternatively, the conductor frame can form a cutting edge of the cutting contact device, i.e. be designed integrally with it. This provides a compact embodiment. The cutting edge and the conductor frame are directly connected to one another and can, for example, be fed onto the conductor at the same time. For example, the entire holding contour of the conductor frame or of a frame part arranged on the cutting contact device can be designed as a cutting edge. For example, part of the holding contour can be designed as a cutting edge, for example up to 10% or up to 50% of the holding contour, or at least 10% or at least 50% of the holding contour. The cutting edge can also be connected to the conductor frame as a separate component. A cutting edge is a sharp-edged contour part that is suitable for cutting through the insulation of a conductor.

The cutting edge of the cutting contact device can be arranged on the cutting contact device in such a way that when contacting the conductor it is positioned adjacent to or adjacent to a base of the conductor holder. This allows the conductor to be cut close to the base and contacted on its support surface, which results in stable cutting edge guidance, an increased contact surface with the conductor and a reduced load on the cutting contact device. Alternatively, it is also conceivable, for example, to cut the conductor on a conductor surface facing away from a base of the conductor holder.

A busbar contact of the insulation displacement contact device can be arranged on the conductor frame. Alternatively, the conductor frame can form a busbar contact of the insulation displacement contact device, i.e. be formed integrally with it. This provides a compact embodiment. The busbar contact can also be connected to the conductor frame as a separate component. The busbar contact is designed to establish an electrical connection between the insulation displacement contact device and the busbar of the insulation displacement terminal. The busbar can be arranged, for example, adjacent to a conductor receptacle of the insulation displacement terminal, for example adjacent to a side wall of the conductor receptacle. The coupling allows the busbar contact and the conductor enclosure to be positioned on the conductor and the busbar at the same time.

In one embodiment, the cutting edge and the busbar contact can be formed integrally with the conductor enclosure. This results in a particularly compact cutting contact solution with very good contact properties. The cutting edge and the busbar contact can be spaced apart from one another, for example in such a way that the conductor can run in a gap between the cutting edge and the busbar contact.

The conductor frame of the cutting contact device can be made of an electrically conductive material, for example of a metal. This enables the conductor frame to directly establish the electrical connection between the cutting edge and the busbar of the insulation displacement terminal. In addition to its mechanical function, the conductor frame also has an electrical function. For this function, it is advantageous to manufacture the conductor frame, the cutting edge and a busbar contact as one piece. In a split design of the conductor frame, it is also conceivable that the frame parts are made of the same material or of different materials. For example, a frame part of the cutting contact device can be made of an electrically conductive material and a frame part of the conductor holder can be made of a non-conductive material, for example a plastic. This provides a cost-effective embodiment.

The insulation displacement terminal can have at least two conductor enclosures arranged parallel to one another. At least one cutting edge, and optionally at least one busbar contact, can be provided on each conductor enclosure. The conductor enclosures can be of the same design. The conductor enclosures can be arranged symmetrically to one another. In the case of split conductor enclosures, the enclosure parts of the insulation displacement contact device can be opposite the enclosure parts of the conductor holder or can be offset from them. At least two conductor enclosures arranged parallel to one another achieve an improved enclosure effect towards a firm clamping of the conductor. In addition, there is improved contact and force distribution across the conductor. In addition, an undesirable torque or tilting moment effect on an individual conductor enclosure can be prevented.

The cutting contact device can be mounted in a floating manner. This gives the cutting contact device a limited range of movement, so that an improved alignment of the cutting contact device and the conductor to each other is possible. Improved alignment helps to further reduce undesirable deflection of insulation material or conductor wires of the conductor. For example, the cutting contact device can be attached to a base or an insulating housing of the insulation displacement terminal using a slot-pin combination. For example, the cutting contact device can be mounted in a defined guide contour, for example a sickle-shaped guide contour.

The conductor enclosure can have a holding structure. A holding structure can be formed, for example, by knobs, ribs, mandrels, hooks or similar surface structures. With a holding structure, the escape of insulation material during the cutting process is further reduced and the conductor enclosure is further improved.

The conductor enclosure can have a spacer holder. A spacer can complement the shape of the conductor enclosure and, for example, bridge a distance to the cutting contact device or the conductor. A spacer can be a plate or wedge, for example. A corresponding spacer holder can be formed, for example, by a groove or a support structure. With a spacer holder, the conductor enclosure can be adapted to different conductor diameters.

The conductor surround can be arranged detachably on the insulation displacement contact device and/or on the conductor receptacle of the insulation displacement terminal. This allows the conductor surround or surround parts to be replaced, for example for maintenance purposes or to adapt to different conductor diameters or cross-sections. For example, the conductor surround can be latched onto the insulation displacement contact device and/or on the conductor receptacle or can be inserted into an associated guide. With a split conductor surround, it is conceivable that only one surround part or both surround parts are arranged detachably on the insulation displacement contact device and/or on the conductor receptacle.

The conductor enclosure can have a clamping device. A clamping device can be a securing device that secures the conductor enclosure to the conductor. For example, it can be advantageous for a split conductor enclosure to secure the enclosure parts in their state in contact with the conductor and to clamp them towards each other. The clamping device can grip the conductor enclosure from the outside. The clamping device can be, for example, a spring element or a traction device. A clamping device can improved enclosing and contacting of the conductor can be achieved.

• 1 - eine Schneidklemme gemäß einer Ausführungsform in einer Seitenansicht;
• 2 - die Schneidklemme in einer Draufsicht;
• 3 - die Schneidklemme in einer Seitenansicht in einer geschnittenen Darstellung gemäß der in 2 gezeigten Schnittlinie D-D;
• 4 - die Schneidklemme in einer Seitenansicht in einer geschnittenen Darstellung gemäß der in 2 gezeigten Schnittlinie C-C;
• 5 - die Schneidklemme in einer Draufsicht in einer geschnittenen Darstellung gemäß der in 1 gezeigten Schnittlinie E-E;
• 6 - eine erste Gehäusekomponente der Schneidklemme in einer perspektivischen Draufsicht;
• 7 - einen Betätiger und eine Schneidkontakteinrichtung der Schneidklemme in einer perspektivischen Seitenansicht;
• 8 - die in den 6 und 7 gezeigten Bauteile der Schneidklemme in einem zusammengesetzten Zustand in einer perspektivischen Draufsicht;
• 9 - die in den 6 und 7 gezeigten Bauteile der Schneidklemme in einem zusammengesetzten Zustand in einer perspektivischen Rückansicht;
• 10 - die Schneidklemme in einer Draufsicht in einer geschnittenen Darstellung gemäß der in 1 gezeigten Schnittlinie A-A;
• 11 - die Schneidklemme in einer Draufsicht in einer geschnittenen Darstellung gemäß der in 1 gezeigten Schnittlinie B-B;
• 12 - die Schneidklemme gemäß 1 in einer perspektivischen Ansicht;
• 13 - eine Leiteranschlusseinheit mit Schneidklemmen ohne Deckelteil in einer perspektivischen Ansicht;
• 14 - die Leiteranschlusseinheit mit Schneidklemmen mit Deckelteil in einer Draufsicht;
• 15 - die Leiteranschlusseinheit mit Schneidklemmen mit Deckelteil in einer Seitenansicht.

The invention allows for various embodiments and is explained in more detail below using an exemplary embodiment with the accompanying drawings. They show schematically:

• 1 - an insulation displacement terminal according to an embodiment in a side view;
• 2 - the insulation displacement terminal in a top view;
• 3 - the insulation displacement terminal in a side view in a sectional view according to the 2 shown section line DD;
• 4 - the insulation displacement terminal in a side view in a sectional view according to the 2 shown section line CC;
• 5 - the insulation displacement terminal in a plan view in a sectional view according to the 1 shown section line EE;
• 6 - a first housing component of the insulation displacement connector in a perspective top view;
• 7 - an actuator and a cutting contact device of the insulation displacement terminal in a perspective side view;
• 8th - which in the 6 and 7 shown components of the insulation displacement terminal in an assembled state in a perspective top view;
• 9 - which in the 6 and 7 shown components of the insulation displacement terminal in an assembled state in a perspective rear view;
• 10 - the insulation displacement terminal in a plan view in a sectional view according to the 1 shown section line AA;
• 11 - the insulation displacement terminal in a plan view in a sectional view according to the 1 shown section line BB;
• 12 - the insulation displacement terminal according to 1 in a perspective view;
• 13 - a conductor connection unit with insulation displacement terminals without cover part in a perspective view;
• 14 - the conductor connection unit with insulation displacement terminals with cover part in a plan view;
• 15 - the conductor connection unit with insulation displacement terminals with cover part in a side view.

The 1 to 12 show an embodiment of an insulation displacement terminal 1 in different views.

1 shows a side external view of the insulation displacement terminal 1. The insulation displacement terminal 1 has an insulating housing 22 with a first housing component 22a and a second housing component 22b. The first housing component 22a and the second housing component 22b can be detachably connected to one another, for example, locked together. The second housing component 22b can be detached from the first housing component 22a in order to be able to insert a conductor 3 having an insulating material 2 into the first housing component 22a.

The insulation displacement terminal 1 is used for the electrical connection of a conductor 3 which has an insulating material 2. The conductor 3 is not stripped for the electrical connection. The insulation displacement terminal 1 has, for example in 3 visible, a cutting contact device 5 with a cutting edge 6, which can be positioned on the conductor 3 to be connected. By positioning the cutting edge 6 can penetrate into the insulation material 2 of the conductor 3 and contact the electrically conductive conductor wires of the conductor 3 accommodated in the conductor 3. The cutting contact device 5 with the cutting edge 6 can be connected by means of a 3 , 4 or 7 and 8th visible actuator 7 onto the conductor 3 in a feed direction Z. The actuator 7 is designed as a rotary actuator, which can be rotated by a 4 The actuator 7 is rotatable about itself, in this case about its own central longitudinal axis. The rotation about the axis of rotation D is to be distinguished from a pivoting movement about a pivot axis, as is the case with lever actuators, for example. As shown in the 5 , 8th , 10 and 11 As can be seen, the actuator 7 has an eccentric actuating means 8, which is designed as a column-shaped actuating means 8 with a cam-shaped cross-sectional shape. The actuating means 8 is connected to the actuator 7 or is designed in one piece, so that it rotates when the actuator 7 rotates. When the actuator 7 rotates, the actuating means 8 rotates offset to the axis of rotation D of the actuator 7. In the course of the rotational movement, the actuating means 8 initially strikes the cutting contact device 5 with its cam shape and displaces it translationally in the direction of the conductor 3 as the rotational movement continues. The rotational movement of the actuator 7 and the actuating means 8 is terminated or mechanically blocked, for example with a stop, when the cutting contact device 5 is advanced so far towards the conductor 3 that the cutting edge 6 of the cutting contact device 5 penetrates the insulation material 2 of the conductor 3 and an electrical contact is made. With the rotatable actuator 7 and the eccentric actuating means 8, the cutting contact device 5 can be actuated in the smallest of spaces while at the same time making handling of the actuator 7 very easy.

In 10 a passive starting position of the actuating means 8 is visible. The cam-shaped actuating means 8 rests with an actuating edge 33 on the cutting contact device 5, but this is in a position spaced from the conductor 3 and does not establish any electrical contact with it. In 11 the actuating means 8 can be seen in an active actuation state after a rotational movement has been initiated in the actuator 7. The actuating means 8 has been moved relative to the position in 10 rotated by approximately 90° and has displaced the cutting contact device 5 in the direction of the conductor 3 by means of the actuating edge 33 during the rotation. 10 and 11 The positions of the actuating means 8 shown in 5 visible in a superimposed representation.

In 4 it can be seen that the axis of rotation D of the actuator 7 runs essentially perpendicular to a feed direction Z of the cutting contact device 5. The rotational movement of the actuator 7 about the axis of rotation D is thus converted into a translatory movement of the cutting contact device 5 in the feed direction Z. The actuating edge 33 of the actuating means 8 runs essentially parallel to the axis of rotation D of the actuator 7.

For example, in the 8th and 9 it can be seen that the actuator 7 has an operating head 9 for rotating the actuator 7, which is adjacent to the actuating means 8. A torque for rotating the actuator 7 can be introduced into the operating head 9. For this purpose, the operating head 9 has a slot-shaped tool holder 34 into which, for example, a screwdriver tip can be inserted to facilitate actuation. The operating head 9 has a larger diameter than the actuating means 8 in order to simplify the operation of the actuator 7.

As for example in 2 As can be seen, the operating head 9 has markings 10 to indicate an actuation state and an actuation direction of the insulation displacement terminal 1. The marking 10, designed as a triangle, can be compared with corresponding markings 10 on an insulating housing 22 in order to determine whether the actuator 7 is in a starting position or in an actuation position. The marking 10, designed as a direction arrow, indicates a designated target direction of rotation for the rotation of the actuator 7. The triangular marking on the insulating housing 22 also shows that a maximum angle of rotation of approximately 90° is provided for the rotation actuation of the actuator 7. Within this angle of rotation, the, for example, in 5 shown positions of the actuating means 8 are achieved and a sufficient delivery of the cutting contact device 5 towards the conductor 3 can be effected.

For example, in the 3 , 7 and 8th it can be seen that the cutting contact device 5 has a busbar contact 11. The busbar contact 11 is designed as a fork contact 11, the fork prongs of which have a 3 shown busbar 4 when the cutting contact device 5 is positioned on the conductor 3. The busbar contact 11 establishes the electrical connection between the cutting edge 6 of the cutting contact device 5 and the busbar 4 of the insulation displacement terminal 1. In particular, the cutting contact device 5 can be made of an electrically conductive material so that the electrical contact can be made directly via the cutting contact device 5 without additional components. As in 7 As can be seen, the busbar contact 11 is arranged at a distance from the cutting edge 6, such that the conductor 3 can run between the busbar contact 11 and the cutting edge 6. It can also be seen that two busbar contacts 11 aligned parallel to one another and two cutting edges 6 aligned parallel to one another are arranged on the cutting contact device 5.

For example, in 6 it can be seen that the insulation displacement terminal 1, here a first housing component 22a of the insulating material housing 22 of the insulation displacement terminal 1, has a base plate 12 with a bearing for the actuator 7. A circular bearing bay 25 is let into the base plate 12 as a bearing. The actuator 7 can be rotated safely and in a defined manner in the bearing. The base plate 12 also has a sickle-shaped guide contour 13 in which the actuating means 8 can be guided in a defined manner. In a wider area of the sickle-shaped guide contour 13, the actuating means 8 has a slightly greater freedom of movement and can align itself optimally with the insulation displacement contact device 5, which is positioned ever more precisely on the conductor 3 as the guide contour 13 for the actuating means 8 becomes increasingly narrower.

For example, in 4 a return means 14 designed as a driver, here as a pin-shaped driver, can be seen. To release the cutting contact device 5, the actuator 7 can be rotated about the axis of rotation D in a counter-rotational direction, which is opposite to the direction of rotation corresponding to a feed movement of the cutting contact device 5. In this case, the Actuating edge 33 of the actuating means 8 is withdrawn from the cutting contact device 5. In order to be able to move the cutting contact device 5 away from the conductor, the return means 14 engages behind the cutting contact device 5, for example between two parallel busbar contacts 11 of the cutting contact device 5. The return means 14 takes the cutting contact device 5 with it and releases the cutting edge 6 of the cutting contact device 5 from engagement with the insulation material 2 of the conductor 3.

For example, in the 1 , 2 , 4 and 6 it is evident that the insulation displacement terminal 1 has tapping contacts 15, which are shown, for example, as a rail section and as a fork contact. This allows a tap to be made on the busbar 4 of the insulation displacement terminal 1.

For example, in 9 It can be seen from the U-shaped bearing bay 25 in the insulating housing 22, here in the first housing component 22a, that the busbar 4 of the insulation displacement terminal 1 can be U-shaped with bends at the ends of the U-legs.

In the 5 , 10 and 11 it can be seen that the insulation displacement terminal 1 has a securing means 16 designed as a spring element, which fixes the insulation displacement contact device 5 in the contacting position. The insulation displacement contact device 5 is held in the contacting position by means of the securing means 16 with an additional holding force. In addition, an unintentional resetting of the actuator 7 is prevented. The securing means 16 is supported as in 11 shown on the one hand on the cutting contact device 5 and the actuating means 8, and on the other hand on a counter bearing 35 opposite the cutting contact device 5. The securing means 16 exerts a compressive force on the cutting contact device 5. The securing means 16 can be used to improve the contact between the conductor 3 and the cutting contact device 5 and to enable a sufficient contact force to be maintained even over longer periods of time. The securing means 16, which in the exemplary embodiment is designed as an S-shaped spring element, is elastic and exerts a spring force on the cutting contact device 5.

As in the 5 , 10 and 11 shown, the securing means 16 is embedded in a recess 17 of the actuator 7 and protrudes radially from it. In addition, it is bent against the circumference of the actuating means 8 and is thereby held securely. The securing means 16 can be arranged movably with axial play in the recess 17 in order to be able to align itself optimally. The securing means 16 can be activated and deactivated in the embodiment shown. In 10 the securing means 16 is shown in a deactivated state, that is, it does not exert any pressure on the cutting contact device 5. By rotating the actuator 7, the securing means 16 inserted into the actuating means 8 is rotated around a rotation axis and is brought into an activated state as in 11 by the securing means 16 exerting a pressure force on the cutting contact device 5. In 5 Both states of the securing means 16 are shown in superimposed representation.

For example, in 3 it is shown that the insulation displacement terminal 1 has a conductor enclosure 18 which can be radially positioned on the conductor 3 and encloses the conductor 3 on its circumference. The conductor enclosure 18 is divided so that a first enclosure part 18a is arranged on the insulation contact device 5 and a second enclosure part 18b is arranged on a conductor receptacle 19. The first enclosure part 18a can be positioned on the conductor 3 together with the insulation contact device 5 and its cutting edge 6 so that the conductor 3 is enclosed and the conductor 3 is cut either simultaneously or with a short time offset. In this exemplary embodiment, however, the second enclosure part 18b is immovably connected to the conductor receptacle 19. As part of the conductor enclosure 18, this fixes the conductor cross-section so that the escape of insulation material 2 or conductor wires during the cutting process is limited or completely prevented. The conductor cross-section remains largely undeformed, so that a defined and controlled cutting process and contacting is possible. As in 7 As can be seen, the first edging part 18a essentially has a polygonal holding contour with rounded corners. It can also be seen that the cutting edge 6 is designed integrally with the conductor edging 18, i.e. the conductor edging 18 has a narrow blade-like contour in sections, which is suitable for penetrating the insulation material 2 of the conductor 3. The cutting area of the conductor edging 18 with the cutting edge 6 is also arranged on the cutting contact device 5 in such a way that the cutting edge 6 penetrates the insulation material 2 of the conductor 3 close to a base 20 of the conductor receptacle 19 when the conductor 3 is contacted. The conductor edging 18 is made of an electrically conductive material and can establish a direct electrical connection between the cutting edge 6 and a busbar contact 11 adjacent to the conductor edging 18. As in 7 As can be seen, in the exemplary embodiment two first edging parts 18a aligned parallel to one another are provided on the cutting contact device 5.

The conductor holder 19 forms a support for the conductor 3 to be connected and, in the embodiment shown, has a U-shaped profile with a base 20 and side walls 21 delimiting the base. The side wall 21 facing the cutting contact device 5 has a side wall opening for the cutting contact device 5 that can be placed on the conductor 3, as for example in 6 visible.

In 12 It can be seen that the insulation displacement terminal 1 has an approximately cube-shaped insulating housing 22, with which a very compact and versatile housing solution is connected.

For example, the 1 , 3 and 4 show that the conductor receptacle 19 of the insulation displacement terminal 1 is arranged on the first housing component 22a and that the actuator 7 is arranged on the second housing component 22b. Due to the detachability not only of the housing components 22a, 22b from each other, but also of the actuator 7 together with the second housing component 22b, improved accessibility of the conductor receptacle 19 located on the first housing component 22a can be made possible. The first housing component 22a has, as for example in the 10 and 11 visible, a conductor input opening 23 and a conductor output opening 24, so that a through-wiring can be guided through the insulation displacement terminal 1. For example, in the 1 and 12 it can be seen that the second housing component 22b has an actuation opening 26 through which access to an operating head 9 of the actuator 7 of the insulation displacement terminal 1 is possible. In addition to the actuation opening 26, triangular markings 10 are arranged to indicate an actuation state of the insulation displacement terminal 1, which are comparable to markings 10 on the rotatable operating head 9 of the actuator 7.

In 13 it can be seen that several insulation displacement terminals 1 are arranged in a row on a carrier plate 27, which together form a conductor connection unit 32. In the embodiment shown, the conductor connection unit 32 is intended to separate conductors 3 of a conductor bundle and to connect them in a defined manner using the insulation displacement terminals 1. The row arrangement of the insulation displacement terminals 1, which are also mounted floating on the carrier plate 27 via a slot-pin connection, makes laying and connecting the separated conductors 3 much easier. The carrier plate 27 can be equipped with a 14 shown cover part 28 so that the insulation displacement terminals 1 are accommodated between the carrier plate 27 and the cover part 28. The cover part 28 has inspection and operating openings 29 through which access to the operating heads 9 of the actuators 7 of the insulation displacement terminals 1 is possible so that the actuation states can be checked and, if necessary, the insulation displacement connections can be readjusted.

In 15 the carrier plate 27 with the cover part 28 arranged thereon can be seen. On the side of the carrier plate 27 facing away from the cover part 28, a plug contact 30 for a connector 31 can be seen, so that a tap can be made at the conductor connection unit 32.

List of reference symbols

1

Insulation clamp

2

Insulation material

3

Director

4

Busbar

5

Cutting contact device

6

Cutting

7

Actuator

8th

Actuators

9

Control head

10

mark

11

Busbar contact

12

Base plate

13

Guide contour

14

Provisions

15

Acceptance contact

16

Securing equipment

17

Recess

18

Ladder edging

18a

first edging part

18b

second edging part

19

Ladder holder

20

Reason

21

Side wall

22

Insulated housing

22a

first housing component

22b

second housing component

23

Ladder entry opening

24

Conductor exit opening

25

Storage bay

26

Operating opening

27

Carrier plate

28

Cover part

29

Inspection and operating opening

30

Plug contact

31

Connectors

32

Conductor connection unit

33

Operating edge

34

Tool holder

35

Counter bearing

D

Rotation axis

Z

Delivery direction

Claims (17)

Insulation clamp (1) for electrically connecting an electrical conductor (3) comprising an insulating material (2) to a busbar (4) of the insulation clamp (1), wherein the insulation clamp (1) has a conductor receptacle (19) and an insulation contact device (5) with a cutting edge (6), wherein the insulation contact device (5) can be advanced by means of an actuator (7) onto a conductor (3) received in the conductor receptacle (19) and is designed to electrically contact the conductor (3) by means of the cutting edge (6) penetrating the insulating material (2), wherein the insulation clamp (1) has an insulating housing (22) with a first housing component (22a) and a second housing component (22b) which can be detachably connected to one another, characterized in that the conductor receptacle (19) is arranged on the first housing component (22a) and the actuator (7) is arranged on the second housing component (22b). Insulation clamp (1) according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the cutting contact device (5) is arranged on the second housing component (22b). Insulation clamp (1) according to Claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that the first housing component (22a) has a conductor input opening (23) and a conductor output opening (24). Insulation clamp (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first housing component (22a) and/or the second housing component (22b) have bearing bays (25) for receiving the actuator (7), the busbar (4) and/or the insulation displacement contact device (5). Insulation clamp (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second housing component (22b) has an actuating opening (26). Insulation clamp (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second housing component (22b) has a marking (10) for indicating an actuation state. Insulation clamp (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the insulation clamp (1) is arranged on a carrier plate (27). Insulation clamp (1) according to Claim 7 , characterized in that the insulation displacement terminal (1) is floatingly mounted on the carrier plate (27). Insulation clamp (1) according to Claim 7 or 8th , characterized in that the carrier plate (27) can be closed with a cover part (28), so that the insulation displacement terminal (1) is received between the carrier plate (27) and the cover part (28). Insulation clamp (1) according to one of the preceding Claims 7 until 9 , characterized in that the carrier plate (27) has a plug contact (30) for a connector (31) on a side facing away from the insulation displacement terminal (1). Insulation clamp (1) according to one of the preceding Claims 7 until 10 , characterized in that the carrier plate (27) and/or the insulation displacement terminal (1) has a conductor holder. Insulation clamp (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the insulating housing (22) is substantially cube-shaped. Insulation clamp (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the insulation clamp (1) is designed as a box terminal or circuit board terminal. Conductor connection unit (32) with a carrier plate (27) and insulation displacement terminals (1) arranged on the carrier plate (27) for connecting several electrical conductors (3) to busbars (4) of the insulation displacement terminals (1), characterized in that at least one insulation displacement terminal (1) is designed according to one of the Claims 1 until 13 is trained. Conductor connection unit (32) according to Claim 14 , characterized in that the insulation displacement terminals (1) are arranged in a row next to one another on the carrier plate (27). Conductor connection unit (32) according to Claim 14 or 15 , characterized in that the carrier plate (27) is attached to a cutting terminal (1) opposite side has a plug contact (30) for a connector (31). Support plate (27) for an insulation displacement terminal (1) according to one of the preceding claims.

Images