DE202016106294U1 - Connection device with a connection terminal for a conductor end - Google Patents

Abstract

Connection device with at least one connection terminal or several connection terminals for connecting a conductor end in the region of a clamping point (K), characterized by at least one or more conductor end sensor device (s) for sensing (15) a conductor end (7) in the connection terminal (s) ,

Description

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

Spring terminals are known in various configurations as direct plug-in terminals (push-in) with a clamping spring designed as a compression spring, which presses a conductor end to be contacted against a conductive busbar. They differ mainly due to their application, for example, depending on the required current carrying capacity of the busbar, the spring force of the clamping spring and / or their installation conditions, especially their size. Here are a simple installation and a cost-effective production permanently Asked for such a terminal.

Direct plug spring-loaded terminals are generally used in a housing made of an insulating plastic material and thus form a connection device. These housings may be formed, for example, as terminal block housing or terminal block housing, which consist either of several juxtaposed individual housings with a chamber for receiving the spring terminal or from a housing having a plurality of chambers, in each of which at least one of the direct plug spring terminals is inserted. On one side of the housing takes place in each case the insertion of the conductor ends. The busbar of the respective spring terminal can then be connected via a further connector or via a solder pin or a solder pad with an assembly, for example with an electronic circuit board.

The known connection devices have proven themselves. However, it is desirable to further develop them as to whether the conductor end is securely contacted when plugged in.

The solution to this problem is the object of the invention. The invention solves this problem by the subject matter of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of this invention can be found in the dependent claims.

According to claim 1, a connection device with at least one connection terminal or several connection terminals for connecting a conductor end in the region of a terminal point (K), with at least one or more conductor end sensor device (s) for sensing a respective conductor end in the or the respective terminal (s) ,

In this way, it can be sensed in a simple manner whether a conductor end has been guided sufficiently far and past the respective clamping point, so that good electrical contact should be provided in the region of a clamping point. It is advantageous according to a variant, when the one or more terminals is designed as spring-loaded terminals, in particular as direct plug-in terminals / are. You can according to another variant but also, for example. be designed as tension spring terminals. It is also conceivable that the one or more terminals is designed as a screw terminal (s) is / are. The nip is then e.g. a point where a screw or a bracket or the like. Presses the head against a (preferably good conductive) power rail (this is the terminal and contact point). Terminals in other further connection technology are also conceivable. In each case, a clamping means for pressing the conductor against a busbar or the like. Provided. This clamp is at a spring clamp the spring and screw at a screw the screw (directly or indirectly via a plate or the like.).

Preferably, the conductor end sensor device is designed to detect whether the conductor end has been guided in a conductor insertion device by a predetermined distance past the nip.

It is also advantageous and structurally simple if the respective conductor end sensor device has an actuating means, which is movable from the conductor end and with which the state of the conductor end sensor device is variable, so that with the sensor device by the change, a detectable signal is generated.

It is then expedient if the respective conductor end sensor device to an evaluation device - an evaluation electronics - is connected, which may be formed according to a further advantageous variant directly to a circuit board.

According to an advantageous variant, which is particularly easy to implement, the conductor end sensor device may have an electrical spring contact, which is preferably by the actuating means when it is moved by the conductor end in its insertion into the clamping and contact point K, or in a changed switching position is movable or will. But a leg of the screw or spring contact can also form the actuating means itself.

According to another advantageous variant, it can be provided that the conductor end sensor device is designed such that by removing the conductor end from the Terminal point, a sensor signal is generated because a switching position is changed / is.

According to a further advantageous variant it can be provided that the conductor end sensor device has an inductive or capacitive sensor or a light barrier, which are each designed to sense a movement of the actuating means.

Structurally, it is advantageous if the actuating means is designed as an actuating lever or actuating slide.

According to the invention, it is also particularly advantageous to provide a connecting device in one embodiment in the form of a pin or socket strip with a plurality of direct plug-in contacts arranged next to each other and a plurality of conductor end sensor devices formed thereon. But can also be created terminal blocks. However, the connection device is also advantageously usable with other housings.

Further advantageous embodiments can be found in the remaining subclaims.

In the following the invention with reference to an embodiment with reference to the drawings will be described in more detail. Show it:

1 in b) a side view of the terminal block from a), in c) a plan view of the terminal block from a), in d) a section perpendicular to the plane of 1c , which runs through the straight line BB, in e) a perspective view of a functional assembly with a spring terminal and with a conductor end sensor device of the connection device of a), in f) a side view of the functional assembly of a) to d), in g) a sectional view the terminal block from a) after insertion of a conductor end, in h) a perspective view of the functional assembly after insertion of the conductor, in i) the functional assembly in a side view; and in j) in i) the functional assembly in a side view after release of a pusher in the engaged state;

2 in a) and b) and c) and d) are each a perspective view and a side view of a first alternative configured functional assembly with a spring terminal and with a conductor end sensor device, in particular for a terminal block of the type 1 in a) and b) when inserting a conductor end and in c) and d) after inserting the conductor end;

3 in a) and b) and c) and d) are each a perspective view and a side view of another alternatively configured functional assembly with a spring terminal and with a conductor end sensor device, in particular for a terminal block of the type 1 , in a) and b) when inserting a conductor end and in c) and d) after inserting the conductor end.

The 1 and the 2 each show a (largely identical, ie in any case with regard to the functionalities described below) connecting device, which serves as a terminal block 1 is designed. The terminal block 1 has a housing 2 with several chambers 3 on. In the case 2 could only have a single chamber 3 be provided. The housing 2 can also be arranged in a row. In the chambers 3 is preferably used in each case a spring terminal, as a direct plug connection 4 is trained. It is formed in a preferred embodiment, a multi-pin terminal block.

The housing 3 each have a Einsteckseite 5 with insertion openings 6 on. From this side can each through the respective insertion 6 a stripped conductor end 7 in a direction of insertion X into the respective chamber 3 be plugged in order there by the respective direct plug connection 4 to be contacted.

The respective direct plug connection 4 has at least one clamping spring 8th on, which is designed as a compression spring and a busbar 9 , The busbar 9 is conductively connected to a connection means for connection to an external module. Here is this connection means in each case at least one solder pin 10 protruding from the housing, in particular on a mounting side 11 of the housing 2 ,

The busbar 9 here also forms an optional clamping cage with three legs 12 in the respective chamber 3 is inserted and the clamping spring 8th supported. But it is also conceivable, the busbar 9 not as Klemmkä 12 form and the clamping spring 8th each directly in the chamber 3 of the housing 2 support.

The respectively preferably approximately V-shaped clamping spring 8th has a mounting leg 8a , a bend 8b and a clamping leg 8c on. The leader 7 is with the end of the clamping leg 8c against the busbar 9 pressed to realize an electrical contact in the region of a clamping and contact point K (see 1j ).

Preferably next to each insertion opening 6 is an actuating channel 13 for an actuating means, here in each case a pusher 14 (Pusher) formed with the clamping leg 8a can be moved or actuated to the nip K between the clamping spring 8th and the busbar 9 to open (see eg 1d ). In this state, the conductor end 7 in the intended clamping point K can be inserted. Will the pusher 14 let go, the clamping leg can 8c relax and the leader 7 against the busbar 9 press ( 1j ).

The connection device, here the connection strip 1 , further comprises at least one conductor end sensor device 15 for sensing a conductor end inserted in at least one of the spring-loaded terminals 7 on or it has several such sensor devices 15 on. It can only one of the spring force connections 4 a conductor end sensor device 15 be assigned. But it can also be several or all spring terminals each a conductor end sensor device 15 be assigned. The conductor end sensor device 15 is formed as a position detecting device. That way you can be sensed, whether the leader 7 has been performed in conductor insertion sufficiently far at the nip K over.

The respective conductor end sensor device 15 has preferably arranged in Leiteinführrichtung X behind the nip K (by a predetermined distance) on an actuating means, which of the conductor end 7 is movable and with the sensible the state of the conductor end sensor device 15 is changeable to an evaluation device 22 connected ( 1i ).

The respective conductor end sensor device 15 According to a variant, it can be designed as an electrical spring contact, which is opened and closed by the actuating means when it is moved through the conductor end when it is inserted into the clamping and contact point K and preferably closed again when the conductor is removed from the clamping point or is opened. This generates an electrical signal sensible by the evaluation device.

The conductor end sensor device 15 but can also be configured as an inductive or capacitive sensor. For example, the actuating means may be a magnet which can be inserted into a conductive coil which directly or indirectly via an electronic circuit to the evaluation device 22 is connected (not shown).

Alternatively, the actuating means may be a plate which is insertable between plates of a capacitor which is connected directly or indirectly via an electronic circuit to the evaluation device (not shown).

Further alternatively, the actuating means can be configured and arranged relative to a light barrier, that the movement of the actuating means of the light barrier can be detected or sensed, which is connected to the evaluation device.

To 1 shows the case 2 a sensor side 16 on. The sensor side is here from the plug-in side 5 opposite side of the housing 2 , The at least one or more sensor devices 15 are each in one or several chambers here 17 a sensor housing 18 used. This sensor housing 18 is here as a kind of housing bar approach 19 formed, which is attached to the housing 2 attachable, for example, is latched. The chambers 17 then preferably aligned with the chambers 3 ,

The 1 and 3 realize by way of example and with advantageous mechanical and electrical means the already more generally explained concept of the spring contact as the conductor end sensor device.

After the 1 and 3 indicates the sensor directions 15 as the conductor end sensor device thus each spring contact 20 or 21 which can be opened by the actuating means when the conductor end 7 is introduced. The actuating means is after 1 an operating lever 24 and after 3 a contact spring 31 ,

The spring contact 20 or 21 of the 1 or 3 can through the leader 7 be opened at its insertion into the nip K, when the conductor end 7 has been introduced far enough. This opening is of the evaluation device shown here only schematically 22 be sensed. This can at the respective sensor device 15 be provided or it is provided here or elsewhere, a parent evaluation device. With the evaluation device 22 can directly or indirectly eg via a computer) an output signal, in particular a warning signal are generated when the head end has been sensed or if it has not been sensed.

After 2 has the sensor device 15 however, a light barrier unit 23 on, whose state during insertion of the conductor end 7 is changed so that by / a (again not shown) evaluation 22 in the inserted state of the conductor a signal is sensed.

The function of the arrangement of 1 is as follows. For inserting a finely stranded conductor end 7 becomes the pusher 14 actuated the respective spring terminal to open the terminal point K.

The sensor device 15 has a pivotable on the housing actuating lever 24 on. This operating lever 24 has an actuating surface at one of its ends 25 on, the angled, here is aligned at right angles to the conductor insertion direction X and which is oriented such that the conductor end 7 when it is inserted into the intended terminal point K, when the conductor end 7 far enough through the expected nip K ( 1j ) has been inserted through.

Will the leader end 7 introduced far enough ( 1d -i; in a position which it should occupy when wiring to ensure a safe wiring in the region of the clamping point K), the actuating lever pivots 24 by the pressure on the actuating surface 25 , This will cause the electrical spring contact 20 open. Here, this opening is done by the of the actuating surface 25 facing away lever arm 26 of the operating lever 24 , the one leg of a contact spring 29 moves, in the relaxed state, two conductors, here two more contact rails 27 . 28 (not conducting with the busbar here 8th the direct plug connection are connected), conductively connected together. By pivoting the operating lever 24 becomes one end of the contact spring 29 moves so that the electrical connection between the two contact rails 27 . 28 is interrupted. Are these to the evaluation device 22 connected, this opening can be sensed (eg by a current measurement). This sensing means that the conductor end has been correctly inserted far enough and that good electrical contact is likely to be ensured.

The contact rails 27 . 28 For example, there may be solder pins formed integrally thereon 30 be connected to a circuit board, to which also the solder pins 10 are soldered. The here exemplary U-shaped contact spring 29 is in the initial state, as described above, between the contact rails 27 . 28 and connects them. The two contact rails 27 . 28 with the contact spring in between 29 , preferably form their own circuit via the or another circuit board. Now the pusher 14 let go, so that the clamping leg 8c the conductor in the area of the stripped conductor end 7 with its conductive wire in the area of the terminal K against the busbar 9 presses (once exemplified in 1j ).

The spring clamp 4 , which is also electrically connected to the circuit board, here has no electrical connection to the underlying contact rails 27 . 28 and the contact spring.

The rotational movement of the actuating lever 24 is limited in a preferred embodiment by a stop. This gives the user noticeable that the end of the ladder has reached its end position and the operated handle 14 the direct plug-in terminal 4 can be let go. By releasing the pusher 14 the clamping spring moves 8th the PCB terminal after insertion of the conductor end 7 back to its original position and clamps the inserted conductor firmly contacting against the busbar 9 , As the leader 7 between the clamping spring 8th and the busbar 9 the spring-loaded terminal 4 or the PCB terminal is held, the conductor end remains 7 in the contact position.

As a result, the spring contact 20 (made here by the elements 27 . 28 and 29 ) permanently over the operating lever 24 is held in position and the spring contact 20 is interrupted.

Will the leader end 7 however, from the contact point of the spring clamp 4 removed (after a further pressure on the pusher 14 to open the nip K), is here on the spring force of the contact spring 29 of the spring contact 20 the operating lever 24 moved back to its original position. This is the spring contact 20 closed again. This signal can again eg by a controller or evaluation device 22 used to evaluate the removal of the conductor.

The described function is also conceivable vice versa, so that then during insertion of the conductor of the spring contact 20 would be closed (not shown).

The arrangement of the contact rails 27 , 28 of the spring contact 20 and the operating lever 24 Can be as shown in a separate case 18 or alternatively within the housing 2 , The operating lever 24 may consist wholly or partly of electrically non-conductive material.

To 2 the switching signal is different than in 1 generated. Here is the photocell 23 , For example, a (miniature) reflected light barrier, used as an electronic component for generating the switching signal.

The structure corresponds largely to the structure of the embodiment of 1 , The following deviations are given.

The operating lever 24 takes over here in an exemplary but advantageous simple way triggering the light barrier 23 , here for example by approximation of the lever arm 26 to the photocell 23 , The lever arm 26 has for this purpose a shape, which is a sensing of this lever arm 26 when moving the same relative to the light barrier through the light barrier 23 allowed. For example, an approach or removal of the lever arm 26 ' to the photocell 23 or from the photocell 23 be sensed away.

Moving the lever arm 26 ' when inserting the conductor end results in the output of a sensor or switching signal through the light barrier 23 that of the connected evaluation device 22 is sensible. Upon removal of the conductor becomes the operating lever 24 preferably returned to the original position via a spring element (spring element not shown here).

To 1 and 2 the actuating means is in each case as a pivotable actuating lever 24 educated. The actuating means may also be designed as a sliding element.

To 3 in turn, changing a contact position on an electrical spring contact 21 sensed. An operating lever is not required here. The actuator is rather in a simple and compact way directly an arm of a contact spring 31 of the spring contact 21 , The spring contact 21 has the contact spring 31 on, attached to a contact rail 27 ' and / or a soldering pin is attached or molded. This contact spring 31 points here (for example, in its initial state before inserting the conductor end 7 ) an electrical contact to the busbar 8th the spring-loaded terminal 4 on, here eg in the area of a soldering pin 10 or a transition region to such a solder pin 10 ,

This is where the leader ends 7 then, if it has been inserted far enough into the spring-loaded terminal, directly against a preferably electrically insulating designed actuating surface 32 the contact spring 31 to the switching state / contact state of the spring contact 7 to change.

To 3 becomes the electrical contact between the contact spring 31 and the busbar 9 during insertion of the conductor end 7 opened, which in turn by an evaluation device 22 is sensible to the power rail 9 and / or to the contact rail 27 connected. But it is also conceivable that such the electrical contact between the contact spring 31 and the busbar 9 is closed, which in turn at the evaluation device 22 is sensible. The isolated part (actuating surface 32 ) of the contact spring 31 prevents it from touching the conductor end 7 a current flow from the conductor to the contact spring 31 , takes place.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

 terminal block

2

 casing

 3

 chambers

 4

 Direct plug-in connection

 5

 insertion side

 6

 insertion

 7

 conductor end

 8th

 clamping spring

8a

 fastening leg

 8b

 bend

 8c

 clamping leg

9

 conductor rail

10

 solder pin

 11

 mounting side

12

 clamping cage

 13

 actuating channel

 14

 handle

 15

 Lead end sensor device

 16

 sensor side

 17

 chamber

 18

 sensor housing

19

 housing extension

 20 or 21

 spring contact

22

 evaluation device

 23

 Photocells unit

24

 actuating lever

25

 actuating surface

26, 26 '

 lever arm

 29

 contact spring

 27, 28

 contact bars

 30

 PC pins

 31

 contact spring

 32

 contact bar

 K

 nip

 X

 Conductor insertion direction

Claims (24)

Connection device with at least one connection terminal or several connection terminals for connecting a conductor end in the region of a clamping point (K), characterized by at least one or more conductor end sensor device (s) for sensing ( 15 ) of a conductor end ( 7 ) in the terminal (s). Connecting device according to Claim 1, characterized in that the one or more connection terminals are in the form of a spring-loaded terminal (s) ( 1 ) is / are formed. Connecting device according to claim 1, characterized in that the one or more terminals as a screw terminal (s) ( 1 ) is / are formed. Connecting device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized that the conductor end sensor device (s) ( 15 ) is designed to detect if the conductor end ( 7 ) has been guided in a conductor insertion device (X) by a predetermined distance at the nip K) over. Connecting device according to claim 3, characterized in that the one or more spring-loaded terminals is designed as a direct plug-in terminals / are. Connecting device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises: a. a housing ( 2 ) with one or more chambers ( 3 ) and with one or more plug-in channels ( 5 ) for the leader in the chamber ( 4 b. each a busbar ( 8th ) in the respective chamber, c. one in each chamber ( 4 ) arranged clamping means for fixing the conductor end ( 7 ) on the busbar ( 9 ) in the region of the clamping point (K). Connecting device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises: a. a housing ( 2 ) with one or more chambers ( 3 ) and with one or more plug-in channels ( 5 ) for the leader in the chamber ( 4 b. each a busbar ( 8th ) in the respective chamber, c. one in each chamber ( 4 ), acting as a compression spring clamping spring ( 8th ) for fixing the conductor end ( 7 ) on the busbar ( 9 ) in the region of the clamping point (K). Connecting device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the respective conductor end sensor device ( 15 ) has an actuating means, which from the conductor end ( 7 ) is movable and with the sensible the state of the conductor end sensor device ( 15 ) is changeable. Connecting device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the respective conductor end sensor device ( 15 ) an evaluation device ( 22 ) connected. Connecting device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the conductor end sensor device ( 15 ) an electrical spring contact ( 20 . 21 ) of the actuating means, as it passes through the conductor end ( 7 ) is moved in its insertion into the contact point (K) is moved to a changed switching position. Connecting device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the conductor end sensor device ( 15 ) is configured such that by removing the conductor end ( 7 ) from the terminal point (K) the switching position is changed. Connecting device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the conductor end sensor device comprises an inductive or capacitive sensor, which is designed in each case for sensing a movement of the actuating means. Connecting device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the conductor end sensor device is a light barrier ( 23 ) having. Connecting device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuating means as an actuating lever ( 24 ) is configured. Connecting device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuating means is designed as an actuating slide. Connecting device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuating means as a contact spring ( 31 ) is configured. Connecting device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuating means is configured and arranged relative to a light barrier, that the movement of the actuating means of the light barrier can be detected or sensed, which to the evaluation device ( 22 ) connected. Connecting device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuating lever ( 24 ) a confirmation area ( 25 ) which is aligned at an angle to the insertion direction (X). Connecting device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuating lever ( 24 ) a lever arm ( 26 ), which is used to open or close the spring contact ( 20 or 21 ) when plugging in the conductor end ( 7 ) is designed. Connecting device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the spring contact ( 20 ) Is part of an electric circuit that is not conducting directly to the busbar ( 8th ) of the respective direct plug-in contact ( 4 ), but to the evaluation device ( 22 ) connected. Connecting device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the spring contact ( 21 ) Is part of an electric circuit to which the bus bar of the respective direct plug-in device ( 4 ) connected. Connecting device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the respective sensor device ( 15 ) directly in the insertion direction behind the respective direct plug-in terminal ( 4 ) in the housing ( 2 ) or in a housing part attached thereto. Connecting device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the one or more direct plug-in terminals ( 4 ) each one pusher ( 14 ) for opening the respective clamping point (K). Connecting device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a configuration as a pin or female connector, characterized by several in the housing ( 2 ) juxtaposed direct plug-in terminals, each having one of the conductor end sensor device.

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