DE202010008485U1 - connection device - Google Patents

Abstract

Connection device (1) for electrical conductors (16), with - a body (2) with an interior (3) and an insertion opening (4) for introducing the electrical conductor (16) in an insertion direction (6) into the interior (3) ; - A spring unit (10) arranged in the interior (3) for clamping and contacting the electrical conductor (16); and - an actuating device (7) for releasing the spring unit (10) from a clamping position; characterized in that - the spring unit (10) has at least two spring sections, at least one of which is designed as a clamping spring (11).

Description

The invention relates to a connection device according to the preamble of claim 1.

Such a connection device is used for connection or contacting of an electrical conductor. In a clamping position, a stripped or bare electrical conductor is brought into a electrically conductive connection with a contact section. For this purpose, the conductor end to be connected is inserted into the connection device. The connecting device can be opened by an actuator for easy insertion of the conductor and also for pulling it out.

A continuously increasing demand for such connection devices, z. As in automation areas, results in the demand for improved connection devices in terms of small number of parts, small size and safe and easy handling.

The object of the present invention is therefore to provide an improved connection device.

The object is achieved by a connection device with the features of claim 1.

The connection device allows an increased contact force on an electrical conductor by a spring unit with at least two spring sections clamps the electrical conductor and at the same time increases the contact force by a compression spring.

A connection device according to the invention comprises:
a body having an inner space and an insertion opening for introducing the electrical conductor in an insertion direction into the inner space; a spring unit arranged in the interior for clamping and contacting the electrical conductor; and an actuating device for releasing the spring unit from a clamping position. The spring unit has at least two spring sections, of which at least one is designed as a clamping spring.

Another advantage is that the clamping spring has a self-locking function, which effectively prevents withdrawal of the conductor from the connection device. Furthermore, a so-called tumbling of the conductor is resolved or largely reduced.

The clamping spring may be V-shaped, wherein a holding portion allows a simple fixing in the body, an associated arc section is provided a spring action and a clamping section attached thereto with clamping edge for clamping. The clamping edge can also be adapted to a diameter of the conductor to be clamped or connected by appropriate rounding.

The contact force can also be increased if one of the at least two spring sections of the spring unit is a clamping spring with a clamping edge for clamping the electrical conductor and another of the at least two spring sections of the spring unit is a reinforcing spring for enhancing the action of the clamping spring. In this case, the reinforcing spring may at least partially have the shape of the clamping spring and be arranged directly on it. Thus, a spring unit with double V-shaped clamping spring is formed.

In one embodiment, the spring unit is integrally formed, wherein it has a sigma shape and thereby results in a space-saving design. For example, a clamping spring and a compression spring are connected via a common holding section, which fixes them to the body.

Alternatively, the at least two spring sections can also be provided individually. As a result, a large variation of different spring forces is possible.

In a preferred embodiment, a side plate is arranged in the interior and forms with edges a spring receptacle for the spring unit. In this case, one of the edges of the side plate can form a contact portion, against which the electrical conductor can be contacted in the clamping position. For a further space saving and small number of parts, an edge of the side plate can form a retaining wall for the spring unit. The spring unit can be loosely or firmly attached to the retaining wall. For this purpose, the holding sections can serve.

The actuating device may comprise a plunger with a pressure edge, which is arranged displaceably in the body. The plunger can interact with the spring portion of the spring unit designed as a clamping spring.

The actuating device and the insertion opening for the conductor to be connected are arranged on the same side of the connecting device, wherein an insertion direction is substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the plunger. Thus, a simple and easy operation is possible.

A baying terminal has at least one connection device described above.

By way of exemplary embodiments, the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Hereby show:

1 a schematic perspective side view of a first embodiment of a connecting device according to the invention;

2 the first embodiment according to 1 before introducing a leader;

3 the first embodiment according to 2 when introducing a leader;

4 and 5 the first embodiment according to 3 with a connected conductor in a side view and in a sectional view;

6 A second embodiment of the connecting device according to the invention in a sectional view with a connected conductor;

7 a schematic perspective side view of a third embodiment of the connecting device according to the invention;

8th the third embodiment according to 7 when introducing a leader; and

9 and 10 the third embodiment according to 8th with a connected conductor in a side view and in a sectional view.

In 1 is a schematic perspective side view of a first embodiment of a connecting device according to the invention 1 shown.

The connection device 1 includes a body here 2 , an actuating device 7 , a spring unit 10 and at least one contact section 13 , The connection device 1 is here in an unactuated position, which is also called clamping position shown, with no electrical conductor is connected. At an actuated position, a conductor may be in an insertion direction 6 introduced or removed. In an unactuated position and an inserted conductor, the conductor is connected to the connection device 1 connected in the clamping position, wherein an electrical connection between a contact portion of the connecting device 1 and the conductor is made. Rigid conductors can also be inserted directly without actuation.

The body 2 is a kind of flat cuboid with a height that is about twice as long as its width. The height runs in the 1 in the direction of introduction 6 from top to bottom, the width perpendicular to it from left to slightly oblique bottom right. A depth of the body 2 runs from bottom left to top right and has a length that can be about one fifth of the width.

The body 2 is made of an insulating material, eg. B. a suitable plastic, and is on one side 2a , in 1 the back, closed. At the front is about the upper half as an upper section 2g with one side 2 B closed, whereas the lower half is open and an interior 3 that releases from a base 2f , the upper section 2g and one end each 2c . 2d is fixed. The upper section 2g has a top 2e on. The pages 2a and 2 B lie parallel to each other and the front sides 2c . 2d are perpendicular to the sides 2a and 2 B , The right front side 2c is at the top 2e something about, with a section in the right end of the top 2e diagonally upwards to the higher edge of the right front side 2c runs. The lower edge of the right front side 2c is through an opening 9 over its entire width from the bottom 2f separated. Through this opening 9 in a shape as a slot z. B. a contact strip with contacts in the interior 3 be connected.

From the top 2e is on the in the 1 left side an insertion opening 4 perpendicular in the direction of insertion 6 in the upper section 2g formed. The introduction opening 4 is cylindrical and communicates on its underside with the interior 3 about an implementation 5 which is also cylindrical. The introduction opening 4 and the implementation 5 serve to accommodate a conductor 16 (see eg 4 ), which in the interior 3 through the spring unit 10 in the connection device 1 can be connected, which will be explained in more detail below.

In the right area of the upper section 2g of the body 2 is an actuator 7 provided, which in a recording 7a (please refer 5 ) receives a displaceable plunger, which at its upper end an actuating portion 8a and at its lower end, that in the interior 3 protrudes, a pressure edge 8b for interaction with the spring unit 10 having. The pestle 8th is in the direction of introduction 6 and opposite to this in the reception 7a slidably arranged. Its function will be described in detail below. The actuating device 7 is also in the direction of introduction 6 accessible and operable.

The one in the interior 3 of the body 2 located spring unit 10 exists in the in 1 illustrated first embodiment of two springs or spring portions, namely an upper spring portion, an overhead clamping spring 11 and a lower spring section, one below arranged compression spring 12 , This spring unit 10 is here made in one piece, wherein the two spring sections clamping spring 11 and compression spring 12 are interconnected or merge. The spring unit 10 is referred to herein as a "sigma feather" with a "sigma shape". A width of the spring unit 10 extends perpendicular to the surface of the page 2a , being slightly less than the depth of the interior 3 is. Both springs 11 and 12 are about their holding sections 11a and 12a connected. These holding sections 11a and 12a run in a certain section parallel to the right side 2c ,

The clamping spring 11 is V-shaped, with a leg of the holding portion 11a and another leg a clamping portion 11c which is both over an arc section 11b are connected. From the holding section 11a out of the semicircular arc section extends 11b to the left counterclockwise in the interior 3 , The bow section 11b then goes into the at an angle of about 45 ° to the bottom left directed straight clamping section 11c over, in a clamping edge 11d ends. The clamping edge 11d runs over the width of the spring unit 10 , The clamping edge 11d can also be arcuate.

The at the holding section 11a arranged and connected to this holding section 12a the compression spring goes down into an arc section 12b in a clockwise direction, about the same radius further upward in a clockwise direction in a sheet section 12c in the interior 3 runs and approximately below the middle of the clamping portion 11c the clamping spring ends.

Inside the interior 3 is on the inner surface of the left end 2d parallel to this a contact section 13 with a clamping area 13a and an underlying printing area 13b arranged. In the same way is opposite to the inner surface of the right front side 2c parallel to this a retaining wall 14 arranged. And at right angles to it lies a floor 15a on the inside surface of the bottom 2f parallel to this. The contact section 13 , Retaining wall 14 and soil 15a are integral with a side plate 15 formed, wherein they umgekantete edges of this side plate 15 are. The side plate 15 forms with these edges a kind of spring retainer for the spring unit 10 and lies against the inside surface of the page 2a inside the interior 3 , The side plate 15 surrounds with these edges the spring unit 10 on four sides. The retaining wall 14 can with the holding sections 11a and 12a (see also 5 ) be loose or firmly connected. The holding sections 11a and 12a lean over the retaining wall 14 at the front 2c of the body 2 from. At the bottom 15a the bow section is supported 12b the compression spring 12 from.

The print sheet section 12c indicates at its to the contact section 13 directed outer surface of a convex pressure section 12d on. This printing section 12d is here to the print area 13b of the contact section 13 spaced, but can also in this illustrated unactuated position of the connection device 1 at the printing area 13b of the contact section 13 issue.

The clamping edge 11d is in this illustrated unactuated position of the connection device 1 at a small distance to the clamping area 13a of the contact section 13 or is attached to this.

2 shows the first embodiment 1 before introducing a leader. A tool 17 , here a screwdriver, is about to enter the operating section 8a the pestle 8th to be used to this in the insertion direction 6 down to the top section 2 B of the body 2 insert. The operating section 8a may have a corresponding slot or the like for a corresponding tool.

3 then shows the first embodiment 2 when introducing a leader 16 , The leader 16 has an electrical conductor element 16a on which of an insulation 16b of the leader 16 is freed over a certain length. The conductor element 16a can be a rigid wire or a stranded wire. The tool 17 is in the direction of introduction 6 in the operation section 8a of the plunger 8th used and has by actuating the plunger 8th in the interior 3 of the body 2 pushed. The pressure edge acts here 8b the lower end of the plunger 8th with the surface of the arc section 11b the clamping spring 11 the spring unit 10 such that the clamping portion 11c down against a spring force of the arc section 11b is bent and at the same time on the surface of the sheet section 12c the compression spring 12 rests and this against the spring force of the sheet section 12c and the bow section 12b the compression spring 12 compresses. The distances of the clamping edge become 11d the clamping spring 11 and the printing section 12d the compression spring 12 to the contact section 13 so enlarged that an insertion of the conductor 16 with the stripped conductor element 16a through the insertion opening 4 and the implementation 5 in the interior 3 is possible.

An end position of the so in the connection device 1 introduced conductor 16 is in 4 in a side view and in 5 shown in a sectional view.

The leader 16 is with its stripped conductor element 16a in the interior 3 inserted, lies with a longitudinal side at the contact portion 13 and pushes his end against the ground 15a , The tool 17 is removed, with the pressed down arc section 11b the clamping spring 11 spring back and the pestle 8th pushes up again. At the same time in the clamping area 13a the conductor element 16a over the clamping edge 11d the clamping spring 11 by the spring force or the spring force of the arc section 11b against the contact section 13 pressed. The clamping section 11c the clamping spring 11 is at an angle to the direction of insertion 6 in which the longitudinal axis of the conductor element 16a runs. This angle depends on the thickness, z. B. the diameter of the conductor element 16a is here in the range of about 40 ... 45 ° Will now in this connected position of the conductor element 16a in the connection device 1 tried the ladder element 16a against the direction of introduction 6 from the connection device 1 To pull out, acts a function of self-locking of the clamping spring 11 a withdrawal and prevents this by the clamping edge 11d with the spring force of the clamping spring 11 on the conductor element 16a acts. At the same time also the bow section 11 with its convex outer area at the pressure edge 8b of the plunger 8th abut and be held, with the plunger 8th on an inner surface of the upper section 2 B of the body 2 with a ram protrusion 8d in attack and on a further upward movement against the direction of insertion 6 is hindered.

Furthermore, a contact force between the inserted and connected conductor element 16a by the pressure of the convex pressure section 12d of the printed sheet section 12c the compression spring 12 strengthened. The printing section 12d is due to the spring force of the sheet section 12c in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of insertion 6 against the conductor element 16a pressed and pressed this in addition to the clamping spring 11 against the pressure area 13b of the contact section 13 , where the pressure range 13b below the clamping area 13a lies. Depending on the design of the printing section 12d pushes this line or surface against the conductor element 16a ,

In 5 is the recording 7a the actuator 7 shown in the upper part of the body 2 wider than in the area below to the interior 3 out with a stop 7b is trained. The stop 7b makes a stop for a shoulder 8c in the recording 7a in the direction of introduction 6 slidably arranged plunger 8th to make a movement in the insertion direction 6 to limit. Furthermore, the plunger has near its lower end with the pressure edge 8d the ram protrusion 8d on which a movement of the plunger 8th contrary to the direction of introduction 6 limited by having a portion of the inner surface of the upper area 2d comes to a stop what is shown here. This section is here an edge of the interior 3 opening record 7a ,

Furthermore, from this 5 to recognize that the holding sections 11a and 12a the spring unit 10 a recess 19 in which a nose 14a the retaining wall 14 intervenes. This is the spring unit 10 established. recess 19 and nose 14a can form a positive connection. It is also possible that the spring unit 10 with the retaining wall 14 at one or more points, e.g. B. by riveting, is firmly connected.

6 represents a second embodiment of the connecting device according to the invention 1 in a sectional view with a connected conductor 16 represents.

In contrast to the first embodiment, which is explained in detail above, here is the spring unit 10 from two single springs, namely the clamping spring 11 and the compression spring 12 built up. The clamping spring 11 is with her holding section 11a over the holding section 12a the compression spring 12 arranged, being between the holding sections 11a and 12a a separation area 20 lies. The holding sections 11a and 12a are each on the retaining wall 14 attached as described above.

The bow section 11b the clamping spring 11 is in this second embodiment with its convex, overhead outer side of a correspondingly shaped contact portion 3a the inner surface of the upper section 2 B in the interior 3 arranged adjacent.

A third embodiment shows 7 in a schematic perspective side view of the connecting device according to the invention 1 ,

Here is the spring unit 10 from the V-shaped clamping spring 11 and a reinforcing spring 18 , which is also V-shaped, and below the clamping spring 11 is arranged directly adjacent to this. The holding section 11a the clamping spring 11 runs along the entire length of the retaining wall 14 in the direction of introduction 6 , wherein a holding section 18a the reinforcement spring 18 about two thirds of the length of the retaining wall 14 and on the holding section 11a the clamping spring 11 is arranged horizontally. The holding section 18a the reinforcement spring 18 lies further in the interior 3 as the holding section 11a the clamping spring 11 , An arch section 18b the reinforcement spring 18 nestles from the interior 3 down to the bow section 11b the clamping spring 11 on and continues to run on the underside of the clamping spring 11 lying with a printing section 18c in the last quarter of the clamping section 11c the clamping spring 11 ends. The reinforcement spring 18 has a particularly reinforcing effect with larger wire diameters of a conductor element 16a , to which the length of the printing section 18c the reinforcement spring 18 to different diameters of conductor elements 16a can be adjusted.

8th shows the third embodiment similar 3 at the introduction of the leader 16 in a schematic perspective view.

The bow section 11b the clamping spring 11 is as in the second embodiment of the contact section 3a of the upper section 2 B of the body 2 at. The actuating device 7 is also operated as already described above and thus acts on the spring unit 10 by means of the plunger 8th one that the ladder element 16a between the clamping edge 11d the clamping spring 11 and the clamping portion 13a of the contact section 13 through the insertion opening 4 and the implementation 5 in the interior 3 can be introduced.

After releasing the actuator 7 is the conductor element 16a in the connection device 1 connected, like 9 and 10 similar to 4 and 5 in a side view and in a sectional view. Except for the compression spring 12 the description applies to 4 and 5 also for 9 and 10 and should not be repeated here.

Also in this third embodiment, the holding portions 11a and 18a the spring unit 10 each with a recess 15 provided with a nose 14a the retaining wall 14 interacts.

The invention is not limited to the embodiments explained above. Within the scope of the appended claims, the invention is subject to modification.

Depending on the rigidity of the conductor element 16a , z. B. as a single wire, this can also without actuation of the actuator 7 in the connection device 1 are introduced, wherein the conductor element 16a when inserted into the interior 3 the clamping spring 11 and the compression spring 12 compresses and further pretensions.

It is conceivable that the spring unit 10 from a clamping spring 11 , a compression spring 12 and a reinforcing spring 18 can exist.

Also one of the compression spring 12 adapted gain spring (not shown) is easy to imagine.

The connection devices 1 can be designed as Anreihklemmen.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

connection device

2

body

2a, 2b

page

2c, 2d

front

2e

top

2f

bottom

2g

Upper section

3

inner space

3a

contact section

4

insertion opening

5

execution

6

insertion direction

7

actuator

7a

admission

7b

attack

8th

tappet

8a

actuating section

8b

printing edge

8c

shoulder

8d

follower lug

9

opening

10

spring unit

11

clamping spring

11a

holding section

11b

arc section

11c

clamping section

11d

clamping edge

12

compression spring

12a

holding section

12b

bottom section

12c

Sheet section

12d

print section

13

Contact section

13a

clamping range

13b

pressure range

14

retaining wall

14a

nose

15

side plate

15a

ground

16

ladder

16a

conductor element

16b

insulation

17

Tool

18

reinforcing spring

18a

holding section

18b

arc section

18c

print section

19

recess

20

separating region

Claims (12)

Connection device ( 1 ) for electrical conductors ( 16 ), with - a body ( 2 ) with an interior ( 3 ) and an introduction opening ( 4 ) for the introduction of the electrical conductor ( 16 ) in an introductory direction ( 6 ) in the interior ( 3 ); - one in the interior ( 3 ) arranged spring unit ( 10 ) for clamping and contacting the electrical conductor ( 16 ); and an actuating device ( 7 ) for releasing the spring unit ( 10 ) from a clamping position; characterized in that - the spring unit ( 10 ) at least two spring sections, of which at least one as a clamping spring ( 11 ) is formed. Connection device ( 1 ) according to claim 1, characterized in that one of the at least two spring sections of the spring unit ( 10 ) a clamping spring ( 11 ) with a clamping edge ( 11d ) for clamping the conductor ( 16 ) and another of the at least two spring sections of the spring unit ( 10 ) a compression spring ( 12 ) with a printing section ( 12d ) for acting on the ladder ( 16 ). Connection device ( 1 ) according to claim 1, characterized in that one of the at least two spring sections of the spring unit ( 10 ) a clamping spring ( 11 ) with a clamping edge ( 11d ) for clamping the electrical conductor ( 16 ) and another of the at least two spring sections of the spring unit ( 10 ) a reinforcing spring ( 18 ) for enhancing the action of the clamping spring ( 11 ). Connection device ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the spring unit ( 10 ) is integrally formed. Connection device ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the spring unit ( 10 ) has a sigma shape. Connection device ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a side plate ( 15 ) in the interior ( 3 ) and with edges ( 13 . 14 . 15a ) a spring receptacle for the spring unit ( 10 ). Connection device ( 1 ) according to claim 6, characterized in that one of the edges ( 13 . 14 . 15a ) of the side plate ( 15 ) a contact section ( 13 ), against which the electrical conductor ( 16 ) is contactable in the clamping position. Connection device ( 1 ) according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the at least two spring sections of the spring unit ( 10 ) together or separately on a retaining wall ( 14 ), which is one of the edges ( 13 . 14 . 15a ) of the side plate ( 15 ) is attached. Connection device ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuating device ( 7 ) a pestle ( 8th ) with a pressure edge ( 8b ), which in the body ( 2 ) is arranged displaceably. Connection device ( 1 ) according to claim 9, characterized in that the plunger ( 8th ) of the actuating device ( 7 ) with the as a clamping spring ( 11 ) formed spring portion of the spring unit ( 10 ) cooperates. Connection device ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuating device ( 7 ) and the introduction opening ( 4 ) for the electrical conductor ( 16 ) on the same side of the connection device ( 1 ) are arranged, wherein the actuating device ( 7 ) in the direction of introduction ( 6 ) is operable. Terminal block with at least one connection device ( 1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims.

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