EP1181745B1 - Screwless terminal - Google Patents

Abstract

A screwless terminal, especially a modular terminal (1), with a conductor bar (3) situated in a terminal housing (2) and with an insulation displacement contact element (4) electroconductively connected to the conductor bar (3). An electrical conductor (11) that is introduced via a housing lead-through can be contacted between the cutting edges (7, 8) of the insulation displacement contact element (4) whereby the cutting edges (7,8) face each other. The insulation displacement contact element (4) is moveably arranged on the conductor bar (3). Insulation displacement contacting of the fixedly position conductor (11) is carried out by a translation movement of the insulation displacement contact element (4) along the conductor bar (3). An additional actuating element (40) that engages with an actuating tool (13) allows for careful handling during contacting of the conductor (11) by avoiding a direct contact between the actuating tool (13) and a contacting element (4a, 4b) comprising the insulation displacement contact element (4).

Description

The invention relates to a screwless terminal, in particular Terminal block, in and in a terminal box of a busbar electrically conductively connected insulation displacement contact, between which each other facing cutting edges, an electrical conductor can be contacted via a housing bushing can be inserted into the terminal housing.

Terminals for contacting and connecting electrical conductors are in diverse designs also known as so-called terminal blocks, which are on support or DIN rails can be snapped on. A distinction can be made between Screw terminals where the electrical conductors are fixed using clamping screws and screwless terminals in the form of spring terminals where the electrical conductors are clamped by means of a compression or tension spring. While with the screw terminals and spring terminals mentioned that to be contacted So-called insulation displacement clamps enable the conductor end to be stripped beforehand or insulation displacement contacts a stripping-free conductor contact. For stripping-free Conductor contacts are usually screwless terminals used.

EP 0 691 706 B1 is a screwless connection terminal using insulation displacement technology known, in which the conductor translationally by means of an auxiliary element is guided against an insulation displacement contact with knife-like cutting contacts, that penetrate the conductor insulation and contact the conductor wire. A disadvantage of this It is the clamp version that the insertion openings for the conductor on the one hand and for the auxiliary element on the other hand on different housing sides of the terminal housing are provided. In many applications, this complicates assembly and Contacting the conductor considerably.

This problem is with a screwless known from DE 195 41 137 A1 Terminal that is designed as an electrical front wiring terminal avoided that an insulation displacement contact stored in the terminal housing rotates against the conductor inserted into the terminal housing using an operating tool is pivoted over the same side of the housing as the conductor into the terminal housing is introduced. One disadvantage of this embodiment is that only unsatisfactory electrical connection between the insulation displacement contact and of the busbar connected to this, since this connection simultaneously the Represents swivel joint. Thus, only a practically punctiform connection is at the same time, inevitable weakening of the conductor rail cross-section can be realized. On the other hand, the releasability of the cutting contact is difficult.

The invention is therefore based on the object of a screwless connecting terminal of the type mentioned at the outset in such a way that avoiding the aforementioned Disadvantages of reliable insulation displacement contacting of a conductor at the same time easy solvability is enabled.

This object is achieved according to the invention by the features of claim 1 the insulation displacement contact is arranged displaceably on the busbar. The Insulation displacement contact is made by a when the conductor is immovably positioned translational sliding movement of the insulation displacement contact along the conductor rail. Cut through to form a guide and cutting slot mutually facing cutting edges of the insulation displacement contact the conductor insulation and contact its leader.

To form the cutting edges, the insulation displacement contact is U-shaped, the free ends of the U-legs to create the cutting and guiding slot are bent towards each other. The conductor inserted into the terminal box this facing front edge of the insulation displacement contact, d. H. the cutting slot, is sloping down and sharpened.

It is known from DE 298 02 674 U1 and from DE 197 49 622 C1, one IDC contacting by means of sliding carriages that can be moved in translation perform. However, the known terminals are made of insulating material existing sliding carriage as additional parts from the outside in the terminal housing to introduce or to move within this sliding. In addition, in disadvantageous way in both embodiments of the conductor together with the sliding carriage in the direction of a fixedly arranged in the terminal housing Insulation displacement contact moved to be inserted into its insulation slot.

Based on this known sliding technology, the invention is based on the consideration from that the number of times required for insulation displacement contacting of the conductor Components can be reduced in that the insulation displacement contact itself is translated along the conductor rail. Thereby the Effect achieved that the insulation displacement contact with dormant, ie. H. motionless positioned head can be done. This in turn enables a particularly reliable one and secure positioning and holding of the conductor while it contacts the cutting edge becomes.

The advantageously rigid and thus immovably positioned in the terminal housing The conductor is after it has been inserted into the terminal housing and before the actual one Insulation displacement contact held in a sleeve-shaped guide, the above the cutting edges through the housing opening and below the cutting edges by molded onto the insulation displacement contact and extending in the longitudinal direction of the rail Guide tabs is formed. These are before the insulation displacement contact at the conductor and take it between them.

The electrically conductive connection between the insulation displacement contact and the Track can be done in different ways. In one particularly preferred embodiment, the connection is made by means of a below a front edge of the insulation displacement contact on this molded flap, which is in Rail longitudinal direction extends. The sanding flap is bent against one Busbar section bent such that it is on the underside of the busbar section is applied. In an expedient development of this embodiment the bent conductor rail section points in the direction of the housing bushing erected free end on. This serves as the back, d. H. on the Insulation displacement contact side of the conductor for this as a landing stage.

According to an alternative embodiment, the electrically conductive connection is made between the insulation displacement contact and the busbar by means of a side Sliding contact. The insulation displacement contact preferably has two on the opposite Sanding tabs on the side edges of the conductor rail. at In this embodiment, the busbar is expediently in the sliding contact area waisted, so that the preferably inward towards the busbar curved grinding tabs do not or only insignificantly to the side of the busbar overtop.

In a further embodiment, the electrically conductive connection is made by means of one with respect to the conductor rail lower and / or upper sliding contact. there there is a grinding tab formed on the insulation displacement contact on the underside of the busbar, on the top of the conductor rail or on both sides of the conductor rail. For this purpose, the grinding tab formed on the insulation displacement contact is transverse to the longitudinal direction of the rail inflected. This is for top and bottom contacts Sanding tab starting from the underside of the busbar on its top bent over and lies around the busbar on the free-end side on the top of the busbar on.

Furthermore, the electrically conductive connection between the insulation displacement contact and the busbar by means of one provided in the central region of the busbar Slip contact take place. This is due to a contact tab molded onto the busbar a grinding tab against this, which in turn is attached to the Insulation displacement contact is formed. Are expedient in this embodiment to the insulation displacement contact two the contact tab of the busbar between shaped abrasive tabs formed in the direction of the center of the busbar are bent and on the contact tab of the power rail issue.

A widened busbar section can be formed on both ends to form the contact tab slotted transversely to the longitudinal direction of the busbar and then bent open become. Alternatively, to form the contact tab, one can bend it several times erected conductor rail section by subsequent twisting or twisting aligned parallel to the longitudinal direction of the busbar.

With such terminals in insulation displacement technology, contacting the conductor's insulation is cut. In order to apply the necessary force, is generally insertable from the outside into the housing of the connection terminal Operating tool, for example a screwdriver, provided with the Conductor and insulation displacement contact are moved relative to each other. Therefore, the Insulation displacement contact expediently one behind the other in the direction of movement an insertion opening or slot for the conductor and an engagement trough for an operating tool. With this, for example, dovetail-shaped trained engagement recess is aligned a funnel-shaped housing shaft in the Terminal housing, via which an operating tool from the outside into the terminal housing can be introduced. The funnel-shaped housing shaft tapers in the direction of insertion, to in the direction of insertion below the narrow point or constriction formed expand conically in the direction of the engagement trough.

In order to enable the most gentle handling possible, it is particularly useful Design for contacting the conductor via a contacting element actuates an actuating element interacting with the actuating tool, which is designed such that direct contact between the actuating tool and the contacting element is avoided. Doing so is safe Insulation displacement contact provided that the contacting element Insulation displacement contact for contacting that which is held stationary in the terminal housing Head includes. The contacting element and the insulation displacement contact thus form a single component.

This version with the additional actuating element has the advantage that Contacting element, for example, due to improper insertion from Operating tool cannot be injured. This ensures a gentle Actuation, so that the functionality of the insulation displacement contact even with repeated Conductor contact remains intact. The actuating element is preferred for this purpose with an inserted operating tool between this and the contacting element arranged.

The actuating element having a receiving space for the actuating tool is hollow on the inside and forms a multi-sided guide for the operating tool. As a result, both when contacting and when loosening the Contact, i.e. with different directions of movement of the actuating tool, avoided direct contact between the actuating tool and the contacting element. The actuating element preferably engages in the contacting element loose one. The loose engagement on the one hand ensures safe guidance of the actuating tool allows, and secondly, because of the game is an easy one Handling guaranteed. The actuating element is preferably in the Terminal housing arranged captively, so that a loss of the actuator is avoided.

In an expedient development, the housing has a projection as an abutment for the actuating element, and the actuating element is snapped into this abutment. This enables the actuating element to be attached in a particularly simple manner into the terminal box by moving the actuator through one of the Projection certain pressure point is pressed into the terminal housing. there the projection can determine an axis of rotation for the actuating element. Since that Actuator at the same time leads the actuating tool, this is also around rotated this axis of rotation. The projection designed as an abutment thus forms one Point of application at which the operating tool is supported. The one from the operating tool exerted forces are thereby advantageously by the Terminal housing added.

Is the actuating element as a pivot lever with a particular wedge-like bulge designed as a counter bearing to the abutment, so it is easy to insert of the actuator in the terminal housing. For easy insertion To ensure over the projection, the actuator is preferred elastic. For a simple design in terms of production technology the actuating element is preferably in one piece.

In order to obtain a high level of user-friendliness of the connection terminal, the actuating element has expediently an indication of the direction of movement in the Open position or in the clamping position. This makes it easy to see which one from the outside Direction of the actuating tool for clamping contact or for releasing the Contact must be made. Also for a high level of user-friendliness and around To recognize whether the inserted conductor is contacted, the actuating element in a preferred embodiment, a marking for the position of the contacting element.

Fig. 1

in einer Seitenansicht eine schraubenlose Anschlussklemme mit translatorisch entlang einer Stromschiene verschiebbarem Schneidklemmkontakt,

Fig. 2 und 3

die Anschlussklemme gemäß Fig. 1 in einer Schnittdarstellung bzw. in einer Draufsicht,

Fig. 4 und 5

in einer Seitenansicht die Funktionsteile einer alternativen Ausführungsform der Anschlussklemme mit einer seitlichen Schleifkontaktierung zwischen Schneidklemmkontakt und Stromschiene in unkontaktierter bzw. kontaktierter Funktionsstellung,

Fig. 6

die Funktionsteile der Anschlussklemme gemäß den Figuren 4 und 5 in einer Explosionsdarstellung,

Fig. 7 und 8

den Schneidklemmkontakt gemäß Fig. 6 in einer Vorderansicht bzw. Draufsicht,

Fig. 9

eine weitere alternative Ausführungsform der Anschlussklemme mit einem mittleren Schleifkontakt zwischen Schneidklemmkontakt und Stromschiene,

Fig. 10 und 11

die Anschlussklemme gemäß Fig. 9 in Vorderansicht bzw. Draufsicht,

Fig. 12

ferner eine Ausführungsform der Anschlussklemme mit einem bezüglich der Stromschiene unteren und oberen Schleifkontakt,

Fig. 13 und 14

die Anschlussklemme gemäß Fig. 12 in Vorderansicht bzw. Draufsicht,

Fig. 15

in einer Seitenansicht eine Anschlussklemme mit dachförmig ausgebildeter Stromschiene,

Fig. 16

ein Betätigungselement mit einer Markierung für die Position eines Kontaktierungselements der Anschlussklemme nach Fig. 15, und

Fig. 17

ein Betätigungselement gemäß Fig. 16 mit einer Anzeige für die Bewegungsrichtung des Betätigungselements in eine Offenstellung bzw. in eine Klemmstellung.

Exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to a drawing. In it show:

Fig. 1

a side view of a screwless connection terminal with an insulation displacement contact that can be displaced translationally along a conductor rail,

2 and 3

1 in a sectional view or in a plan view,

4 and 5

a side view of the functional parts of an alternative embodiment of the connection terminal with a side sliding contact between insulation displacement contact and busbar in uncontacted or contacted functional position,

Fig. 6

the functional parts of the connection terminal according to Figures 4 and 5 in an exploded view,

7 and 8

6 in a front view or top view,

Fig. 9

another alternative embodiment of the connection terminal with a middle sliding contact between insulation displacement contact and busbar,

10 and 11

9 in front view or top view,

Fig. 12

further an embodiment of the connection terminal with a lower and upper sliding contact with respect to the busbar,

13 and 14

12 in front view or top view,

Fig. 15

a side view of a connection terminal with a roof-shaped busbar,

Fig. 16

an actuating element with a mark for the position of a contacting element of the connection terminal according to FIG. 15, and

Fig. 17

16 with an indicator for the direction of movement of the actuating element in an open position or in a clamping position.

Corresponding parts are given the same reference numerals in all figures Mistake.

Figures 1 to 3 show a preferred embodiment of the screwless terminal 1 in side view, front view and top view. The excerpt Terminal 1 shown is preferably designed as a so-called terminal block and for this purpose comprises a terminal housing 2, only one of which has inner contours provided so-called half-shell is shown. Terminal 1 further comprises a fixedly arranged within the terminal housing 2 Busbar 3 and an insulation displacement contact arranged displaceably on or on this 4. This is U-shaped (Fig. 2) and has on its free end bent clamping legs 5, 6 knife-like cutting edges 7 and 8 on, between which a cutting and guide slot 9 for insulation displacement contacting one via a housing bushing 10 (FIG. 1) into the terminal housing 2 inserted conductor 11 is formed.

In the longitudinal direction of the busbar L, which is simultaneously the direction of displacement or movement of the insulation displacement contact 4 along the busbar 3 is before Through opening 10 a further through opening 12 in the terminal housing 2 provided, via which an actuating tool 13, for example a screwdriver, can be inserted into the terminal housing 2. The passage opening 12 is funnel-shaped Running housing shaft, which becomes a constriction 14 of the funnel-shaped Housing shaft 12 tapers conically, in order to conical again from there expand towards the insulation displacement contact 4. With this funnel-shaped Housing shaft 12 is aligned in the insulation displacement contact 4 in the area thereof Cutting edges 7,8 introduced dovetail engagement recess 15 in the the actuating tool 13 for moving the insulation displacement contact 4 relatively to the fixed busbar 3 from the position shown in the dash-dotted lines Intervening position. The actuating tool 13 is supported in a lever-like manner at the constriction or constriction 14.

The conductor 11 inserted into the terminal housing 2 is in the position shown fixed in position and immovable. On the one hand, the wall of the housing bushing serves this purpose 11 and on the other hand a support of the conductor 11 in one area between the busbar 3 and the cutting edges 7, 8 of the insulation displacement contact 4. For this purpose, these extend in the direction of the housing bushing 10 Shaped guide tabs 16, of which only one is visible. These tabs 16 flank the conductor end of the conductor 11 and thus form the lateral support for the latter. An additional rear support within the terminal box 2 in Rail longitudinal direction L behind the housing bushing 10 forms a parallel to Direction of insertion 17 of the conductor 11 free end 18 of an inwardly bent Busbar section 19.

Below the underside 20 of the busbar section 19 is a sliding contact space 21 formed. In this sliding contact space 21 one arrives at the Cutting edges 7 and 8 opposite bottom side of the insulation displacement contact 4 molded onto this and set up in the direction of the through opening 10 Sanding flap 22. This is - as shown by the dash-dotted lines - due to a translational displacement of the insulation displacement contact 4 from the shown uncontacted functional position in the contacting shown in broken lines Functional position on the underside of the bent track section 19 on. This is the electrically conductive connection between the insulation displacement contact 4 and the busbar 3 made.

In this contacting functional position, in which the cutting edges 7 and 8 are the Penetrate conductor insulation of the conductor 11 and contact its conductor wire is the Insulation displacement contact 4 locked. For this purpose, there is one on the or each clamping tab 16 Locking groove 23 is provided, in which a resilient to the inner contour of the terminal housing 2 molded snap hook 24 snaps. A latching in the open position shown, Another snap connection is also on the opposite of the guide tabs 16 Back of the insulation displacement contact 4 is provided. This is in the area the top of which, in turn, has a locking groove 25 formed in it, in turn one resilient locking hook 26 snaps.

An alternative embodiment of the screwless terminal 1 show the Figures 4 and 5 in uncontacted or contacted functional position. Is shown only that in turn formed from the busbar 3 and the insulation displacement contact 4 Functional element of connection terminal 1 for insulation displacement contact of the conductor 11. Also in this embodiment, the terminal 1 is in analog Way of the insulation displacement contact 4 in the longitudinal direction L and thus in the direction of the stationary within the terminal housing 2 and stationary held conductor 11 moved translationally, again the insulation displacement contact as a result of cutting the conductor insulation 11a by means of the Cutting edges 7 and 8 of the insulation displacement contact 4 until they are contacted the conductor wire 11b takes place.

In contrast to the embodiment according to FIGS. 1 to 3, this is done electrically conductive connection between the insulation displacement contact 4 and the busbar 3 by means of a side sliding contact. This is through to the insulation displacement contact 4 molded abrasive tabs 27 realized on opposite side edges 28 of the busbar 3 abut. This is comparatively clear from that in FIG. 6 shown exploded view of this functional element. The inward To this end, curved grinding tabs 27 of the busbar 4 close a waisted design Busbar area 29 between them through the recesses on both sides 30 of the busbar 3 is formed. The recesses 30 thus form simultaneously Stop edges 31 and 32 in the contacting or non-contacting functional position of the insulation displacement contact which can be moved in translation on the busbar 3 4th

FIGS. 7 and 8 show the insulation displacement contact 4 in a front view and in FIG a top view. In particular, in the view according to FIG. 8, that between the Cutting edges 7 and 8 at the free ends of the clamping legs bent towards one another 5 and 6 formed insertion and cutting slot 9 comparatively clearly visible. The position of the dovetail engagement recess 15 is also arched with respect to that executed grinding tabs 27 on the one hand and a sharpened contour of a Insertion slot 33 can be seen on the other hand. Furthermore, Fig. 8 shows the before Cutting slot 9 extending sleeve-shaped guide 34 for the conductor 11.

Another embodiment of the screwless terminal 1 is shown in the figures 9 to 11 again in a side view, a front view and a top view. The otherwise equally constructed and in terms of functionality Similar to terminal block 1, contacting terminal 1 differs only in type and manner of the electrically conductive connection between the insulation displacement contact 4 and the busbar 3 from the embodiments according to FIGS. 1 to 3 and 4 to 8 from. Here the connection is provided by means of one in the middle area of the busbar 3 Sliding contact realized. This can be seen from FIG. 10, in particular - A busbar section 35 bent approximately in the middle of the busbar on the free end set up in the direction of the housing bushing 10. This erected Busbar section runs between the two clamping legs 5 and 6 of the Insulation displacement contact 4 and forms a contact tab in this embodiment 35. On this lie on the insulation displacement contact 4 molded on the one hand in Direction on the feed-through opening 10 and on the other hand against the Contact tab 35 bent grinding tabs 36, thereby in the contacted functional position the sliding contact is established. The grinding tabs 36 are on the Insertion slot 33 facing away from the back of the insulation displacement contact 4 is formed thereon. To form the contact tab 35 can in a manner not shown and Way a widened busbar section on both sides transverse to the longitudinal direction of the busbar slotted and then bent open. Alternatively, the Contact tab by twisting or twisting one as a result of corresponding bends fold-like conductor rail area, which is then parallel to the longitudinal direction of the conductor rail bent and thus set up like a screw.

Furthermore, FIGS. 12 to 14 show a comparison with the embodiment according to FIGS FIGS. 9 and 11 modified or alternative embodiment of the electrically conductive connection, why on the opposite of the bent busbar section 19 Conductor rail side to the insulation displacement contact 4 a sliding contact tab 37 is formed. As can be seen comparatively clearly from FIG. 13, this causes is - an upper and lower sliding contact with respect to the busbar 3. To is the grinding flap 37 extending transversely to the longitudinal direction L of the busbar led around on one side of the busbar bottom 38 around the busbar 3 and brought up to the top of the conductor rail 39. This is the free end Sanding tab 37 to achieve sufficient spring force in the direction of Busbar top 39 bent out approximately S-shaped. The grinding tab 37 of the Insulation displacement contact 4 is thus both on the busbar underside 38 and also on the top of the busbar 39, so that a reliable electrically conductive Connection between the insulation displacement contact 4 and the busbar 3 made is.

15, the connection terminal 1 comprises an im Terminal housing 2 arranged approximately roof-shaped busbar 3 and two contacting elements 4a and 4b, which are on the two legs 3a and 3b the busbar 3 are arranged displaceably. The respective contacting element 4a, 4b comprises the insulation displacement contact 4 and forms a structural unit with it. The connection terminal 1 is therefore with a double-sided insulation displacement contact 4 provided. The legs 3a, 3b arranged at an angle to one another the busbar 3 enable the connection terminal to be as narrow as possible 1. This also improves accessibility from the outside. The terminal housing 2 has a lead-through opening or a conductor channel 10a, 10b on both sides for each an electrical conductor 11 and an opening 12a, 12b as a housing shaft for the engagement of the operating tool 13.

The actuating tool 13 is preferably a conventional screwdriver. In the opening 12a, 12b each has an actuating element 40 inserted, which is the actuating tool 13 records. The terminal housing has on the side of the opening 12a, 12b 2 each have a projection 41. The actuator 40 is a pressure point defined by the projection 41 is pressed into the terminal housing 2 and kept there captive. When assembled, it is accessible from the outside.

In addition to the two insulation displacement contacts 4, the connection terminal 1 also has two sockets 42 for plug contacting. For example, they are for inclusion trained by contact plugs. Terminal 1 thus offers a total of four Connections. It is particularly suitable as a terminal block for arrangement on a support or Hat rail trained. For this purpose, it has a guide recess on its underside 43. In the exemplary embodiment, this is on the left half of the picture shown contacting element 4a in the open position and that on the right Half of the contacting element 4b shown after contacting the conductor 11 in the clamping position. The clamping position is therefore the outer end position of the Insulation displacement contact 4 on the respective leg 3a, 3b of the busbar 3.

Each contacting element 4a, 4b is in turn preferably U-shaped and has two at its upper end to form the insulation displacement contact 4 insulation displacement legs bent towards one another, by means of which the conductor insulation 11a cut and between which the conductor 11 is clamped. For contacting of the conductor 11, this is through the respective conductor channel 10a, 10b in the corresponding Recess or guide 34 of the busbar 3 introduced.

After inserting the conductor 11 into the recess 34, the insulation displacement contact 4, d. H. the corresponding contacting element 4a, 4b moves in the direction of the conductor 11, that is, from the center of terminal 1 to the outside. The cuts Insulation displacement contact 4 connects the conductor insulation 11 a and contacts the conductor 11.

To move the insulation displacement contact 4 along the busbar 3, the Operating tool 13 inserted into the operating element 40. The latter is loose into the recessed recess 15 of the corresponding contacting element 4a, 4b. The actuating element 40 is with the actuating tool 13 rotated about an imaginary axis of rotation 44, and the insulation displacement contact 4 is moved to the clamping position, for example. This works from the terminal housing 2 formed projection 41 as an abutment. The actuator 40 is thus designed as a pivotable lever about the axis of rotation 44. It points in an outer wedge-shaped bulge 45 on its lower region. This works as a counter bearing to the abutment formed by the projection 41.

The actuating element 40 receives the actuating tool 13 and guides it in the Terminal housing 2. For this purpose, it has a receiving space 46 (FIGS. 16 and 17) which is designed like a bag. The actuating tool 13 can accordingly not with the actuating or contacting element 4a, 4b and thus with the Insulation displacement contact 4 come into direct contact, so that this against damage is protected.

16, the actuating element 40 is designed as a wedge-shaped pivot lever, whose receiving space 46 is formed by a likewise wedge-shaped slot 47 is. The actuating element 40 thus essentially comprises two protective sides, that when moving the contacting element 4a, 4b with the respective insulation displacement contact 4 by means of the actuating tool 13 between the latter and the contacting element 4a, 4b are arranged, and that of the operating tool 13th applied force transferred to the contacting element 4a, 4b.

The slotted embodiment enables the actuating element to be inserted very easily 40 in the opening 12a, 12b of the terminal housing 2, since the two Side walls of the actuator 40 are bent towards each other. As soon as the actuating element with its bulge 45 over that of the projection 41 formed pressure point is guided, the bulge 45 snaps behind the projection 41 a. For this purpose, the actuating element 40 is in particular designed to be elastic. Plastic is preferably used as the material, particularly with regard to to the desired protective function is advantageous.

The actuating element 40 has a head 48 at the end, which has an insertion opening 49 for defines the operating tool 13. The insertion opening 49 is from side webs 50 of the head 48 completely bordered.

The head 48 bears a marking 51 on two of its side webs 50, in the exemplary embodiment a "0" and an "I". This mark 51 indicates whether the contacting element 4a, 4b is in the clamped position "I" or in the open position "0". Since the head 48 of the actuating element 40 protrudes from the connection terminal 1, is the position of the contacting element 4a, 4b and thus the insulation displacement contact 4 clearly visible from the outside.

In an alternative embodiment, the actuating element 40 according to FIG. 17 a display 52 for the direction of movement of the actuating element 40, for example in the clamping position. The display 52 is tactile as shown in FIG Elevation 53 of the head 48 is formed. In addition, there is an arrow 54 on this elevation 53 intended. The display 52 and the marking 51 can be combined with one another.

The main advantage of the connection terminal 1 with the actuating element 40 is to be seen in that the latter damage the contacting element 4a, 4b and thus the insulation displacement contact 4 by the actuating tool 14 is excluded. Terminal 1 remains functional obtained with repeated contact and release of the contact. The actuator 40 therefore has a protective function. It also offers a guide for the operating tool 13 so that it can be inserted easily and safely. In particular is a violation of the inside of the terminal 1 provided Elements avoided due to the insertion of the operating tool 13. As Third function, the actuating element 40 also acts as a lever for the actuating tool 13. This is achieved by shaping the terminal housing 2 with the projection 41 and the bulge 45 on the actuating element 40. This configuration also prevents the actuator 40 from the terminal 1 can fall out. A fourth function of the actuator 40 is on the display for the position of the contacting element 4a, 4b or in the display for the To see direction of movement in the open position or clamping position.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

terminal

2

terminal housing

3

conductor rail

3a, b

leg

4

IDC

4a, b

contact element

5.6

clamping leg

7.8

cutting edge

9

Guide / cutting slot

10

Through opening

10a, b

conductor channel

11

electrical conductor

11a

conductor insulation

11b

conductor Core

12

housing shaft

12a, b

opening

13

operating tool

14

bottleneck

15

engagement trough

16

guide tab

17

insertion

18

free end

19

Busbar section

20

bottom

21

Wiper room

22

Schlei bottle

23

locking groove

24

latch hook

25

locking groove

26

latch hook

27

Schlei bottle

28

side edge

29

Busbar range

30

recess

31.32

stop edge

33

insertion

34

guide

35

Contact tab

36.37

Schlei bottle

38

Busbar bottom

39

Busbar top

40

actuator

41

head Start

42

sockets

43

Guide recess

44

axis of rotation

45

bulge

46

accommodation space

47

slot

48

head

49

insertion

50

side web

51

mark

52

display

53

survey

54

arrow

L

Longitudinal / displacement direction

Claims (27)

1. Screwless terminal (1), in particular a series terminal, with, in a terminal housing (2), a conductor rail (3) and connected to it in an electrically conducting manner an insulation displacement contact (4), between the mutually facing cutting edges (7, 8) of which an electrical conductor (11) which can be inserted into the terminal housing (2) via a housing lead-through (10) can be contacted, characterized in that the insulation displacement contact (4) is arranged displaceably on the conductor rail (3), whereby insulation displacement contacting of the immovably positioned conductor (11) results from a translational movement of the displacement contact (4) along the conductor rail (3) in the longitudinal direction (L) of the rail.
2. Terminal according to Claim 1, characterized in that the conductor (11) is positioned in the terminal housing (2) in a sleeve-shaped guide (34), which is formed above the cutting edges (7, 8) by the housing lead-through (10) and below the cutting edges (7, 8) by guide bars (16) which are formed onto the insulation displacement contact (4), extend in the longitudinal direction (L) of the rail and receive the conductor (11) between them.
3. Terminal according to Claim 2, characterized in that the or each guide bar (16) has at its free end a lock-in groove (23), into which a flexible detent (24) formed onto the inside of the terminal housing (2) engages during insulation displacement contacting of the conductor (11).
4. Terminal according to one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the electrically conducting connection between the insulation displacement contact (4) and the conductor rail (3) occurs by means of a lateral sliding contact, whereby the insulation displacement contact (4) has a sliding coupling (27) bearing against one side edge (28) of the conductor rail (3).
5. Terminal according to Claim 4, characterized in that the conductor rail (3) is formed in a constricted manner in the sliding contact region.
6. Terminal according to one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the electrically conducting connection between the conductor rail (3) and the insulation displacement contact (4) occurs by means of a sliding coupling (22) formed onto the said contact and extending in the longitudinal direction (L) of the rail, which coupling is bent outwards towards a bent-in conductor rail section (19) and bears against the underside (20) of the latter.
7. Terminal according to Claim 6, characterized in that the bent-in conductor rail section (19) has a free end (18) which is bent upwards in the direction of the housing lead-through (10) as a conductor contact web.
8. Terminal according to one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the electrically conducting connection between the insulation displacement contact (4) and the conductor rail (3) occurs by means of a lower and/or upper sliding contact, in relation to the conductor rail (3), whereby a sliding coupling (37) which is formed onto the insulation displacement contact (4) and bent inwards, transversely to the longitudinal direction (L) of the rail, bears against the underside (38) of the conductor rail and/or against the upper side (39) of the conductor rail.
9. Terminal according to one of the Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the electrically conducting connection between the insulation displacement contact (4) and the conductor rail (3) occurs by means of a sliding contact provided in the centre region of the conductor rail (3), whereby a contact coupling (35) which is formed onto the conductor rail (3) and is bent upwards in the direction of the cutting edges (7, 8) makes contact with at least one sliding coupling (36) which is formed onto the insulation displacement contact (4) and placed against the contact coupling (35).
10. Terminal according to Claim 9, characterized in that the or each sliding coupling (36) is formed onto the rear side of the insulation displacement contact (4), facing away from the insertion slot (33).
11. Terminal according to Claim 9 or 10, characterized in that a widened conductor rail section provided with a slot on both sides transversely to the longitudinal direction (L) of the conductor rail is bent upwards to form the contact coupling (35).
12. Terminal according to Claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the contact coupling (35) is formed by a conductor rail section bent upwards in the manner of a screw.
13. Terminal according to one of Claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the insulation displacement contact (4) has a preferably dovetailed engagement recess (15) for an actuation tool (13).
14. Terminal according to Claim 13, characterized by a funnel-shaped housing well (12) for inserting the actuation tool (13) which, in the insertion direction, is initially conically tapered and, starting from the constriction (14), is conically widened in the direction of the engagement recess (15).
15. Terminal (2) according to one of Claims 1 to 14, characterized in that a contacting element (4a, 4b) is provided for carrying out a relative movement between the conductor (11) and the insulation displacement contact (4), which element can be moved with the aid of an actuation tool (13) which can be inserted into the terminal housing (2) from the outside, cooperates with an actuation element (40) arranged in the terminal housing (2) and is designed in such a way that direct contact between the actuation tool (13) and the contacting element (4a, 4b) is avoided.
16. Terminal according to Claim 15, characterized in that the actuation element (40) has a receiving space (46) for the actuation tool (13).
17. Terminal according to Claim 15 or 16, characterized in that the actuation element (40) loosely engages in the contacting element (4a, 4b).
18. Terminal according to one of Claims 15 to 17, characterized in that the actuation element (40) is captively arranged in the terminal housing (2).
19. Terminal according to Claim 18, characterized in that the terminal housing (2) has a projection (41) as an abutment for the actuation element (40), and in that the actuation element (40) snaps into this abutment.
20. Terminal according to Claim 19, characterized in that the projection (41) defines a rotational axis (44) for the actuation element (40).
21. Terminal according to Claim 19 or 20, characterized in that the actuation element (40) is designed as a pivoting lever with a wedge-shaped convexity (45) as a counterbearing for the abutment.
22. Terminal according to one of Claims 15 to 21, characterized in that the actuation element (40) has a flexible design.
23. Terminal according to one of Claims 15 to 22, characterized in that the actuation element (40) has a one-piece design.
24. Terminal according to one of Claims 15 to 23, characterized in that the actuation element (40) has a display (52) for the direction of movement into the open position or into the clamping position.
25. Terminal according to one of Claims 15 to 24, characterized in that the actuation element (40) has a marking (51) for the position of the contacting element (4a, 4b).
26. Terminal according to one of Claims 15 to 25, characterized in that the contacting element (4a, 4b) comprises the insulation displacement contact (4).
27. Connecting device with two clamping locations designed as terminals according to one of Claims 15 to 26, characterized by a conductor rail (3) with two legs (3a, 3b) which are arranged at an angle to each other and to which an insulation displacement contact (4) is respectively connected.

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