EP1191634B1 - Terminal block with insulation displacing contacts and connection device - Google Patents

Abstract

A terminal block assembly for connecting an insulated electrical conductor with a stationary electrical contact, has; <??>(i) a hollow terminal block made of synthetic plastic insulating material and having chamber(s); <??>(ii) a bus bar mounted within the block; <??>(iii) a horizontal resilient electrical contact supported by the bar within the chamber; <??>(iv) a generally U-shaped resilient support spring; and <??>(v) an actuator mounted for movement within the chamber. <??>A terminal block assembly (2) for connecting an insulated electrical conductor with a stationary electrical contact (15), comprises: <??>(a) a hollow terminal block (4) formed of synthetic plastic insulating material and containing chamber(s); <??>(b) a bus bar (14) mounted within the terminal block; <??>(c) a horizontal resilient electrical contact supported by the bus bar within the chamber; <??>(d) a generally U-shaped resilient support spring (22) mounted within the terminal block; and <??>(e) an actuator (26) mounted for movement within the terminal block chamber between engaged and disengaged positions. <??>The contact has a bifurcated end portion provided with a pair of knife edges (16) separated by a slit that extends within a conductor contact portion of the stationary contact. The support spring includes a horizontal base portion that extends in spaced relation below and parallel with the stationary contact; and a pair of vertical leg portions (54) extending upwardly on opposite sides of, and in lateral supporting engagement with, the stationary contact conductor contact portion. The actuator contains a vertical bore for receiving an end portion of the insulated conductor when the actuator is in the disengaged position. The stationary contact is supported within the chamber that as the actuator is displaced toward the engaged position the conductor is laterally supported by the support spring leg portions as the conductor is progressively introduced within the stationary contact slit to cause the knife edges to penetrate the conductor insulation and to come into electrical contact with the stationary contact.

Description

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

A terminal with a conductor insulation penetrating terminal device is known from DE 196 27 209. The connection device shown in this document has contact cutting with cutting edges leading to contacting surfaces expand. The contact surfaces allow a larger area Contacting the conductor wire (s) of the connected electrical conductor as the actual contact cutting to sever the conductor, which is the conductor substantially touch "line-like".

For supporting external suspension of the connection devices, the solution DE 197 32 182 C1 proven. This document discloses, inter alia. an insulation displacement contact with a contact spring with two resilient contact legs having a contact slot limit, wherein a U-shaped force spring is provided, which plate-shaped Has spring leg. The U-shaped force or overspring is considered one of formed the actual contact or the contact spring separate component. The plate-shaped spring legs are substantially perpendicular to the insulation displacement or the contact areas of the contact legs aligned and embrace these along the contact slot over a predetermined width.

From EP 0 936 697 A1 and US-A-6027361, as the closest prior art is considered, a terminal not generic connection device is known. The contact springs are each formed at the two ends of a bus bar, which is aligned in the insulating material such that the insertion of the two Contact springs away from each other, that is, a conductor is relative to the mounting rail introduced from the outside into the contact springs. To the actual insertion of the ladder in To facilitate the contact springs, Kontaktbetätigungsstücke are provided, which are arranged at the top of the insulating material. The contact actuators are designed slider-like and are in the initial assembly from the outside in the insulating material used. They each have a Leitereinführöffnung and under a substantially U-shaped recess in the foot area lateral driving surfaces and a depth stop for the ladder.

In the upper opening portion of the insulating housing are dovetailed Guides formed on which the contact actuating piece with both sides corresponding Dovetail grooves slidably guided. The contact actuator is by means of a screwdriver between a Leitereinführstellung and a Kontaktierstellung displaced, these two positions by a Rest position are defined.

This terminal and its connection devices have proven themselves. For different purposes, it is desirable, the structural design further develop the connection device such that Terminal blocks with particularly small dimensions can be realized. Especially should the dimensions of the metal assembly of the connection device as possible be designed compact, wherein according to a variant preferably also in the Insulated housing of the terminal clamp introduced forces kept as low as possible should be. The solution to this problem is the object of the invention.

The invention solves this problem by the subject matters of claim 1.

Preferably, the force spring according to a variant takes at least one or at least in sections both longitudinal limbs of a U-shaped section, which the Busbar with the contact spring is formed.

When training as a U-shaped section is in a simple way the introduction of force reduced in the insulating housing of the terminal when switching and disconnecting. There is also a particularly compact design of the connection device realized along with busbar.

Preferably, one of the two longitudinal legs of the U-shaped portion of the Busbar in the region of the spring back of the power spring and the other longitudinal leg in the end region of the longitudinal limbs of the force spring facing away from the spring back arranged. Advantageously, the force spring in the region of the spring back is one-sided provided with a busbar bordering approach that absorbs additional forces.

Advantageously, guide means of the Kontaktbetätigungsstückes as lateral guide pins formed, which engage in guide grooves of the insulating material, wherein the guide pins and the guide grooves are matched to one another, that the guide pins are pivotable and displaceable in the guide grooves, so that the guide pin in the sense of a superimposed pan and / or pendulum and a linear movement in the guide grooves are displaced. By the combined Swivel and linear movement of the contact actuators can be the length of the Guide grooves in the insulating material against a pure displacement of the Shorten contact actuators. In addition, tilting becomes extra effectively avoided. Alternatively, the guide pins can also be performed linear. Preferably, the guide grooves are as straight or curved slots in the Formed walls of the insulating material.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the contact springs according to a variant, two connection devices in the terminal housing to each other and the contact actuators (in the de-energized state) are between the Contact springs arranged. Essentially, only compressive forces act during loading Disconnecting the contact actuators.

As in at least one or in the two substantially flat spring legs in the and / or laterally of the area (es) in which the conductor is contacted, at least formed a recess for receiving a portion of the conductor insulation projects the conductor insulation in the over- or force spring, so that the connecting device especially slim built or can be designed.

Further advantageous embodiments can be found in the remaining subclaims.

Fig. 1a-e

das Einführens eines Leiters in die Anschlußvorrichtung einer erfindungsgemäße Reihenklemme in fünf aufeinanderfolgenden Schritten; und

Fig. 2a-c

den Vorgang des Lösens des Leiters aus den Anschlußvorrichtungen der Reihenklemme aus Fig. 1 in drei Schritten;

Fig. 3a-c

ein Schiebe- oder Kontaktbetätigungsstück für die Reihenklemme aus Fig. 1 und 2;

Fig. 4a, 4b

eine weitere Seitenansicht und eine Sprengansicht einer erfindungsgemäßen Reihenklemme;

Fig. 5

eine Ansicht der Metallbaugruppe der Reihenklemme aus Fig. 1;

Fig. 6

eine perspektivische Darstellung einer Kraftfeder für die Kontaktfedern der Metallbaugruppe aus Fig. 5;

Fig. 7, 8

Seitenansichten verschiedener Kraftfedern;

Fig. 9

eine schematische Ansicht einer Metallbaugruppe mit drei Anschlüssen;

Fig. 10

eine Draufsicht auf die Stromschiene aus Fig. 9;

Fig. 11

Varianten von Metallbaugruppen mit vier Anschlüssen;

Fig. 12

weitere Kraftfedervarianten;

Fig. 13

eine Ansicht eines Teiles einer zweiten erfindungsgemäßen Reihenklemme mit Schneidanschlüssen;

Fig. 14

eine perspektivische Ansicht eines Schneidanschlusses der Reihenklemme aus Fig. 13 nebst Kontaktbetätigungsstück;

Fig. 15

einen Schnitt senkrecht zu Fig. 13 durch den oberen Bereich des Klemmengehäuses und das Kontaktbetätigungsstück;

Fig. 16

eine Ansicht einer dritten Reihenklemme mit Schneidanschlüssen;

Fig. 17

eine Kontaktfeder und eine Kontaktschneide einer weiteren Variante der Erfindung.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the drawings. It shows:

Fig. 1a-e

inserting a conductor into the terminal device of a terminal block according to the invention in five successive steps; and

Fig. 2a-c

the process of detaching the conductor from the terminal devices of the terminal block of Figure 1 in three steps.

Fig. 3a-c

a sliding or Kontaktbetätigungsstück for the terminal block of Figures 1 and 2;

Fig. 4a, 4b

a further side view and a sprinkler view of a terminal block according to the invention;

Fig. 5

a view of the metal assembly of the terminal block of Fig. 1;

Fig. 6

a perspective view of a force spring for the contact springs of the metal assembly of Fig. 5;

Fig. 7, 8

Side views of various power springs;

Fig. 9

a schematic view of a metal assembly with three terminals;

Fig. 10

a plan view of the busbar of FIG. 9;

Fig. 11

Variants of metal assemblies with four terminals;

Fig. 12

additional power spring variants;

Fig. 13

a view of a portion of a second terminal according to the invention with cutting terminals;

Fig. 14

a perspective view of a cutting terminal of the terminal block of Figure 13 together with Kontaktbetätigungsstück.

Fig. 15

a section perpendicular to Figure 13 through the upper portion of the terminal housing and the Kontaktbetätigungsstück.

Fig. 16

a view of a third terminal with cutting terminals;

Fig. 17

a contact spring and a contact blade of a further variant of the invention.

Fig. 1 shows a terminal 2 - here a through terminal - with a here one-piece insulating material housing 4 made of plastic, which in its lower in Fig. 1 Area locking feet 6, 8 for snapping the terminal on a - not shown here Support rail and in its upper region two connection devices 10, 12 for contacting electrical conductors. The connection devices 10, 12th are here directly connected via a bus bar 14 conductively connected to each other, the ends initially at right angles and then pointing at right angles to each other are bent over. The ends of the busbar thus point towards the middle of the terminal or to each other and each form a kind of laterally laid "U".

In alternative embodiments, it is also conceivable, the busbar 14 in several parts form and / or for the realization of further terminal variants electronic To switch components between the connection devices 10, 12.

The connection devices 10, 12 are each implemented in so-called IDC technology. They each include at the facing, slotted trained Ends of the busbar 14, a contact spring 15. These each have a muzzle-like widening, also slotted contact blade 16 and a relative to the contact blade 16 along the slot 18 of the busbar 14 offset contacting area 20, wherein the contact blade 16 and the contacting region 20 of the busbar 14 in one piece and / or from a single material or in pieces, e.g. made of two different materials, formed The different materials are specific to the functions Cutting (e.g., steel cutting) and contacting (e.g., copper).

When a conductor is inserted into the busbar 14 formed slotted at its ends, is first severed by the contact blades 16, the insulation of the conductor and widened slightly as the conductor is inserted further. Then the Contacting regions 20 of the contact spring against the conductor wires of the conductor 36th (see Fig. 1b) pressed.

The contact springs 15 are in the contacting region 20 of a cross-section enclosed in a substantially U-shaped force spring 22.

The force spring 22 has substantially flat spring legs 54, 56th on, wherein the substantially flat spring legs 54, 56 substantially perpendicular extend to the contact blade 16 and the contacting region 20 and embrace them along the contacting region 20.

The insertion of the conductor in the contact springs 15 is carried out in each case by means of an im Isolierstoffgehäuse slidably guided as well as oscillating mounted Kontaktbetätigungsstückes 26. The operation with a contact actuator 26 is indeed in itself known from EP 0 926 697. Unlike in this writing, it is in the Terminal block of Fig. 1 but by the measure, the ends of the busbar with aligning the contact blades towards each other towards the "middle of the clamp", possible, the Kontaktbetätigungsstücke 26 between the contact springs 15 - ie for Terminal center - to arrange.

The Kontaktbetätigungsstücke 26 are each in the initial assembly from above in Openings 28 of the preferably integrally formed insulating housing 4 are used and there guided displaceably substantially parallel to the contact springs 15.

The contact actuators 26 have in the side view of Fig. 1 and 3a a in the broadest sense, from "top" to "bottom", i. in the direction of the mounting rail broadening, e.g. "pear-like" shape and are of an insertion hole 34 for the conductor 36 passes through (see Fig. 1b). They are slightly out of the opening 28 above from the Isolierstoffgehäuse 4 before, so that their respective switching position in Isolierstoffgehäuse 4 is visible from the outside, which facilitates the insertion of the conductors 36. In their contact cutting edge 16 facing area they are also with a recess 38 provided. They also have a conductor contact surface 39 and a receptacle 40 for the contact blade 16 after cutting the conductor insulation on.

The function of this arrangement is with respect to the wiring of the terminal block from Fig 1a-e and with respect to the switching-off of the terminal 4 of Fig. 2a-c clear.

First, a conductor (not shown in Fig. 1a) is inserted into the opening 34 of the contact actuator 26 introduced. According to Fig. 1a, it is possible on the of the contacting region 16 opposite side of the contact actuators 26 in the openings 28 of the insulating material 4 between the insulating 4 and the Contact actuator 26, an operating tool 42 as the tip of a screwdriver to introduce into the insulating material. The actuating tool hits, Here purely by way of example the screwdriver 42, on a guide slope 44 in Isolierstoffgehäuse and urges the Kontaktbetätigungsstück 26 (see Fig. 1b) with the Inserted therein conductor in the direction of the contact blade 16, wherein the Kontaktbetätigungsstück - See Fig. 1b - initially slightly oscillating at its guide pin 30 is pivoted and then performing a combined rotary and linear motion further shifted in the guide groove 32.

If the screwdriver 42 further inserted into the opening 28, he comes here by way of example finally in abutment with the busbar 14 (see Fig. 1c). thereupon it is placed on the busbar 14 in the direction of the connection device 10th or 12 pivoted (see Fig. 1d and 1e).

During the movement of the screwdriver 42 of the contact blades is the conductor insulation severed and upon further insertion of the conductor 36 in the slot 18th expanded until the contact actuator 26 with the conductor inserted therein according to Fig. 1e with the receptacle 40, the contact blades 16 overlaps, wherein the Lead wire (s) of the conductor 36, the contacting areas 20 of the terminal devices 10, 12 contact.

FIGS. 2a-c show the disconnection of the terminal block of FIG. 1.

When switching off the screwdriver 42 is at the relative to the mounting rail or Terminal center (level K) outer side of the Kontaktbetätigungsstückes 26 in the opening 28 of the insulating housing 4 inserted (Fig. 2a), until it on a the Metal parts of the contact spring 15 protective stop 46 of Kontaktbetätigungsstükkes 26 comes to the plant.

Then, the contact operation piece 26 with the screwdriver 42 for Terminal center or moved in the direction of the mounting rail (Fig. 2b).

In this case, the contact actuating piece 26 pulls the conductor 36 out of the contacting region 20 from the contact spring 15 until he finally past the contact blade 16 from the contact spring in the position of Fig. 2c slides, in which the conductor 36 after can be pulled out of the contact actuator 26 above.

From the above explanations of the loading and Ausschaltungss of the terminal result Immediately further advantages of the invention.

The leadership of Kontaktbetätigungsstückes 26 in the manner of a superimposed rotary or Pendulum and a linear movement with the guide pin 30 in the guide grooves 32 prevents particularly safe tilting of the contact actuators 26 during Switching on and off the terminal block. In addition, it is possible, the guide grooves 32nd shorter form, as in a pure linear movement of the contact actuators 26 in the guide grooves 32 would be conceivable. Especially with a training the guide grooves 32 as slots (possibly also bent), but it is advantageous that compared with a training of Kontaktbetätigungsstücke than alone slidable elements can be shortened, as this is the stability of the insulating material in this area opposite a receiving groove with a length like that at a pure linear guide is necessary increased.

A taper 47 in the guide groove 32 divides this into locking positions for the Guide pins 30, which are formed on both sides of the taper and in which the guide pin noticeably engages during actuation.

Fig. 3 shows particularly clearly a further advantage of the invention.

Thereafter, it is provided that the actuating piece 26 in its lower, in the insulating material engaging portion 26 'at least one, preferably two - here on both sides - lateral, facing the inner walls of the insulating housing, slit-like openings 154a, b, so that the conductor to be wired in can extend substantially to the inner wall of the insulating material. The Insulation of the conductor can pass through these slot-like openings 154a, b. Only in Upper portion 26 o, which does not engage in the insulating material, the conductor completely enclosed. Although bridge 30 bridges the slot-like openings. There However, the webs 30 completely engage in the guide grooves 32, can also in the area the webs 30 of the conductors have at least one diameter, which is the Width of the opening 28 and the distance between the two webs 30 corresponds to each other.

Corresponding openings are also provided in the metallic over or force spring 22 (see Fig. 6).

As a result of this measure, a narrower design can be realized in a decisive manner, i.e. with a relatively narrow terminal block can also be relatively wide conductor be connected. On the other hand, the operating piece encloses the conductor all around, width is lost for the walls of the operating piece.

Subsequently, with reference to FIGS. 5 to 12, the structure of the metal assembly of the terminal block be considered in more detail.

FIG. 5 is an illustration of the metal assembly of FIG. 1. FIG.

As can be seen, 14 connects the busbar the two contact springs 15 with each other, their slots 18 face each other.

In development of DE 197 32 182 of the force springs 22 of the U-shaped end portion the busbar 14 not only in the region of the contact spring 15, which the forms a longitudinal leg of the "U" but also in the region of the lower longitudinal leg the power rail 14 bordered. The longitudinal legs of the U-shaped force spring 22 thus enclosing in sections both longitudinal limbs of the lying "U-shaped" Sections, which forms the bus bar 14 in each case in their end regions. Only in their outer, extending substantially perpendicular to the support rail Sections is the busbar from the force spring 22 before. This training offers the particular advantage of a reduction in the wiring in the Isolierstoffgehäuse 4 or the terminal support introduced forces.

This effect is further optimized by the fact that the force spring 22 in its lower, from the contact spring 15 remote from each area on one side - in the installed position to the terminal center (level K) out - with a busbar 14 from below encompassing approach 48 is provided. This approach 48 is in the area of Federrükkens 49 formed, which receives the busbar 14. He extends something beyond the edges of the bus bar 14 into the region of the two substantially flat longitudinal legs 54, 56 into it. This measure also contributes to the to reduce forces transmitted to the Isolierstoffgehäuse 4 when loading and unloading.

The approach 48 increases the power and uses here the available space. additional Space, especially in the region of the contact spring 15 is not required.

Two mutually spaced, the shape of the U of the force spring 22 following characteristics 50 on the two substantially flat spring legs 54, 56 ensure an additional stiffening of the force spring 22nd

In its upper region, the force spring 22 also has lateral cuts 52, which for receiving the sides of the recesses 64 (see Fig. 10) of the contact spring 15 are formed. The recesses 52 of Fig. 6 are thus substantially in the plane of the contact spring 15th

Above and below the plane of the contact spring 15 are in the two substantially substantially flat spring legs 54, 56 in the area in which the conductor is contacted, in the embodiment of FIG. 6 further recesses 58, 60 formed in the force spring 22, by a web 61 from each other are separated, which comes to rest in the region of the contact spring 15. When contacting of the conductor, the conductor insulation may protrude slightly into these recesses 58, 60. In this way, the power spring can be designed to be particularly narrow (in substantially perpendicular to the plane of the substantially flat spring legs 54, 56). This is particularly advantageous with a small pitch as it becomes possible also ladder with a relatively large diameter in terminal blocks with a relative introduce narrow pitch.

Unlike the solution of EP 0 936 697 A1, it is through the clever space-saving to each other or inwardly to the mounting rail facing arrangement of the ends the busbar 14 also possible, the ladder relative to the mounting rail of "inside outward "into the contact blades 14 and the contacting regions 20.

Fig. 7a and b illustrate that the force spring 22 with planes substantially flat longitudinal legs 54, 56 (see Fig. 7a) in which the contact spring 15 encompassing Position (FIG. 7b: connected) in the region of the essentially flat longitudinal limbs bending inwards.

According to Fig. 15c, the force spring 22, however, with a convex protrusion after provided on the outside, so that they in the contact spring 15 encompassing state - ie in the tensioned state - two substantially mutually parallel, parallel aligned Longitudinal legs 54, 56 forms, which helps to clear the gap between the longitudinal legs 54, 56 to use optimally.

The protrusion can be varied depending on the intended use or manufacturing process (see Fig. 7e, f). After 7a a very strong, almost barrel-like protrusion is realized so that a preliminary force or an additional force when wiring on the ladder 36 works. With the bulge it is also possible to easily measure the width of the To minimize force spring, since the legs after installation almost parallel to each other stand. Due to the protrusion can thus also a slight inclination of the Contact spring leg can be realized or it can be ensured that this lie substantially parallel to each other in a plane.

In the embodiment of FIG. 8, the protrusion is realized simply by that the spring legs approximately in their middle (shown on the right spring leg 56) provided with a parallel to the spring back 49 extending buckling edge 62 become.

Figs. 9 and 10 illustrate the structure of the bus bar assembly with the thereto molded contact springs 15.

Lateral recesses 64 serve to receive the longitudinal legs 54, 56 of the force spring 22. As already described, further the cutting edges 16 and the Einführmündungen the slots 18 in the contact springs 15 facing each other. In which adjoining the contact springs 15 region, the busbar 14 extends first in Isolierstoffgehäuse 4 substantially vertically down and then parallel towards the contact springs 22 inwards.

In its lower, the two contact springs 15 connecting area is the busbar 14 with at least one or more stages 66, 68 (see FIGS. 9 and 10) provided, which are designed such that in this area busbar extension pieces 70 can be attached to the busbar 14 or molded to offset to the terminals 10, 12 further connections 72, 74 on the type of contact springs 15 in the terminal block 2 form.

Further busbar variants with four connection devices 10, 12, 72, 74 shows Fig. 11.

According to FIG 11a, the "extension pieces" 70 are integral with the side of the busbar 14 formed so that the entire busbar element in one piece from a Sheet metal strip can be punched. By folding or bending in the area the bend line 76 then creates the busbar geometry of the side view of FIG. 11a with the four connecting devices 10, 12, 72, 74.

According to FIG. 11b, two separate, differently long busbars 14, 78 are provided, which are each provided at their ends with two contact springs 15 and the stapled in their middle area.

Fig. 11c shows a planar busbar piece 80, at its ends axially offset in each case two busbar pieces 82, 84 with the connection devices 10, 12, 72, 74th are stapled with the contact springs 15. In the lower part of this figure is also indicated that in the case in which not four but only two connection devices 10, 12 are needed, a shorter middle busbar piece 80 used becomes. For the realization of the four connections, this only needs against the longer Busbar 80 to be replaced in the middle part of Fig. 11c, which space for the attachment of the four connection devices 10, 12, 72, 74 offers.

Fig. 12 illustrates other power spring variants. After Fig. 12a, the power spring towards the spring back 49 towards wider, around the busbar 14 in the region of Federükken take over a longer way. It also has at its upper to Contact feather pointing edge in its middle area one over the edge of the Contact spring 15 projecting recess 86 in their longitudinal legs for receiving the conductor insulation on. According to Fig. 12b, the force spring 22 in the side view rectangular, i. it does not broaden down and also has no approach 48 on. According to Fig. 12c, however, in the beginning already in a particularly advantageous manner described approach 48 realized.

In the embodiment of Fig. 13, the contact operation piece 26 becomes substantially guided linearly in the guide grooves 32. As can be seen in Fig. 15, resort the Kontaktbetätigungsstück 26 and the insulating 4 in the upper area by means a dovetail joint 88 into each other, i. the upper edges of the Webs 30 of the Kontaktbetätigungsstücke 26 and the lower edges of the upper portion 26o of the Kontaktbetätigungsstückes and the associated sections of Isolierstoffgehäuses 2 are with mutually corresponding guide slopes 90a, b, 92 a, b provided. This ensures a secure linear guidance of Führungsbzw. Contact actuator also when attacking a torque by moving of the operating tool 42 (e.g., a screwdriver).

Another difference of the embodiment in Fig. 13 to that of Fig. 1 is located in spring geometry and their arrangement. Unlike in Fig. 1, the busbar runs not U-shaped in the interior of the force spring 22 but it first passes through the Power spring 22 in the contacting region 20, then runs outside of the force spring 22nd in the direction of the mounting rail 94 vertically downwards and finally turns from the force spring 22 from perpendicular, so that the busbar in the view of FIG. 14 in Area of the force spring has a substantially z-like geometry. With the lower leg of the Z busbar 14 is placed on a further busbar 96, which the various connection devices 10, 12 and their busbar pieces 14 connects with each other.

As can be seen in Fig. 16, can be unproblematic on the extended busbar 96 also more than two (here three, but also conceivable four or more) connecting devices 10a, b; Attach 12, although the insulating housing 4 accordingly is widened.

According to FIG. 13, the force spring 22 is pointing towards the contact cutting edge 16 Side in the region of relative to the mounting rail bottom corner with a projection 98 on Approach 48 provided, which engages under an abutment 100 in the insulating housing. Since the busbar 14 and the busbar 96 together another abutment 101 engage under the insulating material and there also further sides of the power spring 22 abut walls of the insulating material, is a simple way defined seat of the force spring 22 in the insulating 2 ensured.

Also in the embodiments of FIGS. 13 and 16 is a conductor (not shown) inserted into the opening 34 of the contact actuator 26. It is again possible, on the side remote from the contacting region 16 side of the contact actuators 26 in the openings 28 of the insulating housing 4 between the Isolierstoffgehäuse 4 and the contact actuating piece 26 an actuating tool 42 to introduce into the insulating material. In this case, the operating tool 42 hits a guide slope 44 in the insulating housing and urges the Kontaktbetätigungsstück 26 with the conductor inserted therein in the direction of the contact blade 16, wherein the contact actuating piece continues to perform a linear movement in the guide groove 32 is moved.

If the operating tool 42 further inserted into the opening 28, it comes finally in abutment e.g. with the busbar 14. Then it will be on the Power rail 14 or a housing stop placing in the direction of the terminal device 10 or 12 pivoted.

When switching off the actuating tool 42 is at the relative to the mounting rail or terminal center (level K) outer side of the Kontaktbetätigungsstückes 26 inserted into the opening 28 of the insulating housing 4 until it on one of the metal parts the contact spring 15 protective stop 102 of the insulating material for Plant comes on the contact actuator 26 "rail-like" with the operating tool 42 moved to the terminal center or in the direction of the mounting rail becomes. It should be emphasized that the switch-off is also possible if the Screwdriver not as shown in the left part of Fig. 13 to the left but pivoted to the right placed on the stop 102 and then pivoted to the left becomes.

17, the two legs 15a, 15b of the contact spring 15 are slightly inclined, so that the contacting of a conductor in the contacting region 20 substantially through the relatively sharp edge regions 20a, 20b, which is the contact improved. Moreover, the contact spring 15 builds narrower again.

The contact blade 16 has on the two sides of the legs in each case a first Cutting area 16a (edge thickness, for example, 0.2 mm) on which the insulation already to cut through. If this cutting was not completely successful, it will happen another cutting through the farther in the mouth of the contact blade in the conductor insertion direction to the rear cutting area 16b, the second Cutting area 16b in the conductor insertion direction further in the mouth region of Contact edge is and a smaller compared to the first cutting portion 16a Cutting edge thickness (edge thickness, for example, 0.1 mm), so that here at the latest Bursting the already trimmed insulation of the conductor is ensured.

reference numeral

terminal

2

Insulated

4

Rest feet

6, 8

connecting devices

10, 12

conductor rail

14

contact spring

15

spring leg

15a, b

Contact cutting

16

cutting areas

16a, b

slot

18

contacting

20

edge areas

20a, b

force spring

22

Contact actuator member

26

openings

28

spigot

30

guide

32

insertion hole

34

ladder

36

recess

38

Head contact surface

39

admission

40

operating tool

42

guide slope

44

attack

46

rejuvenation

47

approach

48

spring back

49

manifestations

50

cuts

52

spring leg

54, 56

recesses

58, 60

web

61

bend edge

62

recesses

64

gradations

66, 68

Busbar extension pieces

70

connections

72, 74

fold line

76

conductor rail

78

Busbar piece

80

Busbar sections

82, 84

recess

86

dovetail joint

88

guide slopes

90

rail

94

conductor rail

96

head Start

98

abutment

100

abutment

101

attack

102

openings

154a, b

midplane

K

abutment

W

Claims (26)

1. Connection device for electric leads, comprising a contact spring (15) with a contact edge (16) to cut through the insulation of the electric lead (36) and a contacting zone (20) for contacting the at least one lead wire, such that an essentially U-shaped force spring (22) holding the contact springs (15) is associated with each connection device (10, 12, 72, 74), the U having essentially flat spring arms (54, 56) such that the said essentially flat spring arms (54, 56) extend substantially perpendicularly to the contact spring (15) and enclose it along the contacting zone (20), characterised in that in at least one or in both the essentially flat spring arms (54, 56), in and/or alongside the zone in which the lead is contacted, at least one cut-out (58, 60, 86) is formed to receive a part of the lead insulation.
2. Connection device according to Claim 1, characterised in that the force spring (22) encloses at least one or at least a section of both longitudinal arms of a U- or Z-shaped section, which forms the current rail (14, 78) with the contact spring (15).
3. Connection device according to Claims 1 or 2, characterised in that above and below the plane of the contact spring (15), in the essentially flat spring arms (54, 56) of the force spring (22), in each case at least one of the cut-outs (58, 60) is formed, with a web (61) present between the cut-outs (58, 60).
4. Connecting device according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the force spring (22) has projections (50) to make it more rigid.
5. Connecting device according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that in its area away from the contact spring (15) the force spring (22) is provided on one of its sides with an extension (48) that preferably encloses the current rail (14), which is formed in the area of the back (49) of the spring.
6. Connecting device according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that in a current rail design with more than two, preferably four connection devices (10, 12, 72, 74) extensions (70) are formed integrally on the side of the current rail ( 14), so that the entire current rail element can be stamped integrally out of a strip of sheet and shaped by bending round in the area of a bend line (76).
7. Connecting device according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that in a current rail design with more than two, preferably four connection devices (10, 12, 72, 74), two or more separate current rails (14, 78) of different lengths are provided, each of which is provided at its ends with contact springs (15) and which are attached together in their middle areas.
8. Connecting device according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that in a current rail design with more than two, preferably four connection devices (10, 12, 72, 74), onto a flat middle current rail piece (80) are attached further current rail pieces with the connection devices (10, 12, 72, 74) with the contact springs (15).
9. Connecting device according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that on its side facing towards the contact edge (16) and in the area of the lower comer relatively to the support rail, the force spring (22) is provided with a projection (98) which fits underneath an abutment (100) in the insulating material housing (2).
10. Connecting device according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the two arms (15a, 15b) of the contact spring (15) are directed at an angle relative to one another, so that the contacting of a lead in the contacting zone (20) takes place essentially along edge areas (20a, 20b).
11. Connecting device according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the contact edge (16) on the two contacting arms has in each case a first and a second edge zone (16a, 16b), such that the second edge zone (16b) is located in the lead insertion direction farther in the opening area of the contact edge and has a smaller edge thickness compared with the first edge zone (16a).
12. Connecting device according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the connection device is a line-up terminal.
13. Connecting device according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the contact springs (15) face one another at the two ends of the current rail (14, 78).
14. Connecting device according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the longitudinal arms (54, 56) of the force spring (22) are provided with a convex outward curvature so that in the condition when they are gripping the contact spring (15) - i.e. in the stressed condition - the longitudinal arms (54, 56) are essentially flat and directed parallel to one another.
15. Connecting device according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the said convex curvature is geometrically barrel-shaped.
16. Connecting device according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the spring arms of the force spring (22) are provided with a bend edge (62) that extends parallel to the back (49) of the spring.
17. Connecting device according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the contact spring (15) is provided with cut-outs (64) to receive the longitudinal arms (54, 56) of the force spring (22).
18. Connecting device according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the current rail (14,78) is provided with at last one or several steps (66, 68) formed in such manner that in this area current rail extension pieces (70) are attached to or formed on the current rail (14, 78).
19. Connecting device according to Claim 18, characterised in that the extension pieces (70) are joined integrally to the current rail (14).
20. Connecting device according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that separate current rails ( 14, 78) of different lengths are provided, each having the contact springs (15) at their ends.
21. Connecting device according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that it comprises at least one contact actuation element (26) that can move in a guided way in the insulating material housing (4), which has lateral guiding means (30) that cooperate with corresponding lateral guiding means (32) in the insulating housing.
22. Connecting device according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the guiding means of the contact actuation element are formed as lateral guide pins (30) which engage in guide grooves(32) of the insulating housing (4), the guide pins (30) and the guide grooves (32) being matched to one another in such manner that the guide pins (30) can tilt and move within the guide grooves (32) so that the guide pins (30) can be displaced in the guide grooves (32) in the sense of a superimposed swivelling and/or swinging and a linear movement.
23. Connecting device according to Claim 22, characterised in that the guide grooves (32) are formed as straight or curved elongated slots in the walls of the insulating housing (4).
24. Connecting device according to Claim 22, characterised in that the contact springs (15) of the two connection devices (10, 12, 72, 74) face one another in the terminal housing (4) and the contact actuation elements (26) are arranged between the contact springs (15).
25. Connecting device according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the actuation element (26) has in its area that engages in the insulating housing at least one and preferably two lateral openings (154) facing towards the inner wall of the insulating housing, so that the lead to be connected can extend essentially as far as the inner wall of the insulating housing.
26. Connecting device according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the insulating housing (4) has an abutment (102) which protects the metallic parts of the contact spring (15), on which the contact actuation element (26) with the actuation device (42) can be moved to the middle of the terminal or in the direction of the support rail.

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