EP3275049B2 - Clamping assembly, spring terminal and swithc device comprising such clamping assembly - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a terminal arrangement with at least two spring terminals, and an electrical switching device, in particular a circuit breaker, a motor protection switch, a contactor or a relay, with such a terminal arrangement.

Switching devices such as circuit breakers, motor protection switches, relays or contactors are used to protect against electrical loads and/or to switch on the loads, for example motors, lighting systems, production plants or the like, preferably when large electrical loads are to be switched. In industrial applications, such are often installed in distribution boards. There they are often lined up interchangeably on rails or attached to installation walls provided for this purpose, in particular screwed on.

Electrical conductors are connected after they have been arranged in the distribution board, usually using direct plug-in terminals (push-in) from the front, i.e. on the top of the device, or using screw terminals from above or below, i.e. on the wide or long side of the switching device. When using direct plug-in terminals, two or more electrical conductors are often connected together. However, this is often not possible with electrical conductors with a large cable cross-section.

In order to optimize the connection options for a switching device, the publication discloses DE 102 36 790 C1 a switching device with a plurality of connection contacts for connecting electrical conductors, in which at least one of the connection contacts has a connection for a second electrical conductor. The connection is designed as a central hole for receiving a plug contact.

The pamphlet DE 10 2014 113 086 A1 discloses a series connection device with at least two connection modules, which have a terminal cage and a common busbar, which are each made of a flat strip, so that the terminal cage is made of a highly conductive material, and the connection modules and the series connection device can still be produced inexpensively. The pamphlet DE 203 13 855 U1 discloses a connecting device with a busbar on which a plurality of spring legs for connecting electrical conductors are arranged. In these publications, the connection modules or the spring legs can be arranged at an angle to one another.

The publication WAGO Main Catalog Terminal Block Systems Volume 1 2012/2013 discloses a series connection device with a large number of push-in terminals arranged in rows at an angle to one another.

At the print DE 102 44 480 A1 two cage clamps are arranged one above the other and laterally offset from each other in a terminal block. Also at the DE 100 23 851 A1 the spring clamping means of a connection terminal are arranged one above the other but offset from one another.

The DE 296 06 759 U1 discloses a multi-part housing for low-voltage switching devices for accommodating screw terminals whose connectors are arranged in the area of stepped gradations.

WO 2009/141084 A1 relates to a terminal arrangement with two spring terminals that can be contained in an electrical switching device. Both spring clamps each have a clamping cage and a spring for clamping an electrical conductor to a clamping wall of the respective clamping cage. An operating element is provided in each case for releasing an electrical conductor inserted in one of the spring-loaded terminals. The electrical conductor can be inserted in a first direction of insertion into the first spring-loaded terminal and in a second direction of insertion into the second spring-loaded terminal, with the directions of insertion being arranged at an angle that is greater than 0°, for example at a right angle to one another.

WO2014/075967 discloses a spring clamp according to the preamble of claim 9.

EP2752944 discloses a clamp assembly according to the preamble of claim 1.

Disclosure of Invention

The object of the present invention is to create an electrical switching device which, with the same or reduced space requirement, is further improved in terms of its operability and connection options, and in particular enables connection options for at least two or more electrical conductors with a large cable cross section, is easy to handle, in particular with regard to the assembly in a cramped distribution board, and which is also inexpensive to produce.

The object is achieved with a clamping arrangement having the features of independent patent claim 1 and an electrical switching device having the features of dependent patent claim 7. Advantageous embodiments can be found in the dependent claims.

The task is solved with a clamp arrangement that has two spring clamps.

Both spring-loaded terminals each have a terminal cage and a spring, with an electrical conductor being able to be pushed into each of the two terminal cages in an insertion direction and clamped between it and the spring. One of the two spring clamps, its clamp cage and its spring are described below referred to as the first spring clamp, the first clamp cage and the first spring. The other of the two spring clamps, its clamp cage and its spring are referred to below as the second spring clamp, second clamp cage and second spring.

The first direction of insertion of the first spring-loaded terminal and the second direction of insertion of the second spring-loaded terminal are arranged at an angle to one another that is greater than 0°. This allows the operator to choose between two operating directions. The clamp arrangement is characterized in that the first insertion direction of the first spring-loaded clamp and the second insertion direction of the second spring-loaded clamp are arranged at right angles or opposite one another, for example opposite one another on an imaginary line of symmetry.

Two electrical conductors can be inserted independently of one another into this clamping arrangement, namely the first electrical conductor in the first spring-loaded terminal and the second electrical conductor in the second spring-loaded terminal. In this case, the electrical conductor inserted into the first spring-loaded terminal and the electrical conductor inserted into the second spring-loaded terminal do not interfere with one another, since their position is arranged separately from one another. Furthermore, both electrical conductors with a small cable cross-section and those with a large cable cross-section can be used. In particular, electrical conductors with wire end sleeves with plastic collars can also be used.

Overall, the clamping arrangement enables spatial separation, which is advantageous for the clarity and ease of connection of the electrical conductors. In addition, the clamping arrangement allows only one of the two spring-loaded terminals to be used, with the insertion direction then being selectable according to the spatial conditions, and an electrical conductor then either in the first insertion direction into the first spring-loaded terminal, or in the second insertion direction into the second spring-loaded terminal and in the Angle to the first insertion direction is inserted. Therefore, either a larger number of electrical conductors can be connected to the clamping arrangement, namely at least two or, if two electrical conductors are crimped twice, even more, or if the two spring-loaded terminals are used for only one electrical conductor each, electrical conductors with a larger cable cross-section can be used, or If only one of the two spring clamps is used, the direction of insertion can be selected and the handling of the clamp arrangement is therefore simplified, particularly in cramped spatial conditions.

Both spring-loaded terminals that have tension springs and spring-loaded terminals with compression springs are preferred.

The clamping arrangement is further characterized in that the two spring-loaded terminals are arranged one behind the other in the first direction of insertion or in the second direction of insertion of the electrical conductor. This enables a nested, and thus space-saving, arrangement of the two spring-loaded terminals. It is particularly preferred that the spring clamps at least partially overlap or are even arranged one above the other.

The two spring clamps are arranged at right angles. These embodiments can be manufactured in a structurally simple manner and require little installation space.

The spring clamps are also preferably arranged on opposite sides of a busbar.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the clamping arrangement comprises a busbar which is electrically conductively connected to the two clamping cages. At least two electrical conductors can be connected to the same busbar. The busbar is therefore a common busbar. The first clamping cage of the first spring-loaded terminal and the second clamping cage of the second spring-loaded terminal are preferably arranged on opposite sides of the busbar. As a result, the overall width of the clamping arrangement is very small and the installation space is used optimally. Nevertheless, this embodiment enables the connection of electrical conductors with a relatively large line cross-section.

In a first preferred embodiment, the two clamping cages of the spring terminals are manufactured in one piece with the busbar. In this embodiment, the clamping cages and the busbar can be produced inexpensively as stamped and bent parts from a flat strip material. In a second preferred embodiment, the terminal cages of the spring-loaded terminals are integrally connected to the busbar. As a result, different materials can be used for the clamping cages, in particular a very highly conductive material such as copper for the busbar and a metal that is harder but cheaper than this for the clamping cages.

In the embodiment according to the invention, both spring clamps each have a control element for opening the spring. In this case, the operating elements can each be displaced in the direction of insertion associated with their spring-loaded terminal. According to the invention, at least one of the operating elements can also be actuated at the angle to the insertion direction associated with its spring-loaded terminal. The operating element of this spring-loaded terminal can therefore be actuated both in the first and in the second direction of insertion. This spring-loaded terminal therefore enables the operator to handle it very flexibly, even when releasing the electrical conductor inserted into this spring-loaded terminal.

The clamping arrangement also has a housing. To protect the operator from physical contact, the housing is preferably designed as an insulating material housing and is preferably made of a plastic. An insertion opening for inserting the electrical conductor and an actuating opening for actuating the operating element, in particular for inserting the tool, are provided in the housing for each of the two spring-loaded terminals. One clamping point of the spring clamps is accessible from the outside through the insertion openings. The operating element of the spring-loaded terminals is accessible from the outside through the actuating openings.

In the clamp arrangement according to the invention, in which the spring clamps are arranged at right angles to one another, the insertion opening and the actuating opening of the same spring clamp are arranged parallel to one another and at the right angle to the insertion opening and the actuating opening of the other spring clamp.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the spring clamps are arranged at right angles to one another on opposite sides of the busbar. As a result, spring-loaded terminals with essentially the same structure can be used. The spring-loaded terminals are very particularly preferably arranged on opposite sides of the common busbar, in particular one above the other, at right angles to one another.

In the embodiment according to the invention, in which the clamping arrangement has the at least one spring-loaded terminal with the operating element that can be operated from two directions, the housing for this spring-loaded terminal also has the second actuating opening, which extends at an angle to the insertion opening assigned to its spring-loaded terminal.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the same springs and/or operating elements can be used for both spring terminals. As a result, the variety of components is small and the costs for the clamping arrangement are lower compared to a clamping arrangement with a greater variety of components.

To actuate the operating element in the first insertion direction, it preferably has a first means, and to actuate it at right angles to the insertion direction, it has a second means. The means are preferably designed to be actuated with a tool. However, a means for manually actuating the operating element in at least one or both directions is also preferred.

The first means is preferably designed as a recess, in particular a notch, and is provided for engaging the tool. The second means is preferably designed as an integral part, in particular an edge or a web, and is provided for applying the tool. To actuate the operating element, the tool is either inserted into the notch and the operating element is then pushed in the direction of insertion with the tool. Alternatively, the tool is placed against the projection at the angle to the direction of insertion and the operating element is then displaced in the direction of insertion by a lever movement of the tool. A screwdriver is preferably used as a tool for this. Due to the lever movement, the effort required for this is very low.

The object is also achieved with a switching device, in particular a circuit breaker, a motor protection switch, a contactor or a relay, with at least one such terminal arrangement. In one embodiment, the switching device has two such terminal arrangements. In this case, it is preferred that the two clamping arrangements are arranged mirror-symmetrically to a mirror plane, which is arranged in particular in the middle of the switching device. The clamping arrangement or the clamping arrangements enable the connection of two electrical conductors, electrical conductors with a larger cable cross-section, and/or easy handling by choosing the spring-loaded terminal that is easier to access/operate.

The switching device preferably has an electrical assembly that is provided to protect an electrical load. An electrical network, for example an energy network, can be connected to the switching device. However, an electrical switching device is also preferred to which another network, for example a communication network, can be connected.

The electrical switching device has an incoming electrical connection and an outgoing electrical connection for at least one electrical network line of the network, preferably for all electrical network lines of the network. It is preferred that the electrical assembly is arranged between the incoming and the outgoing electrical connection. It is preferably designed as or includes a switch for opening or closing an electrical connection between the incoming and the outgoing connection.

It is preferred that the incoming connection and/or the outgoing connection are designed as such a clamping arrangement. Both the incoming connection and the outgoing connection are particularly preferably designed as such a clamping arrangement. The incoming connection and the outgoing connection of the same network line are very particularly preferably arranged mirror-symmetrically to the mirror plane.

It is preferred that the switching device comprises an upper housing part and a lower housing part, the terminal arrangement or the terminal arrangements being arranged in the upper housing part and the electrical assembly in the lower housing part. In addition to a clear separation of the connection technology from the electrical assembly, the terminal arrangements of this switching device are also easily accessible for the operator.

The electrical switching device is very easy to handle in the cramped interior of an installation distribution board, since it enables one or two electrical conductors to be connected in the first and/or in the second insertion direction. If only a single electrical conductor is to be connected to the incoming or outgoing connection, the operator has the choice of connecting it in the direction of insertion or at an angle to the direction of insertion, depending on which direction of insertion the operator finds easier to handle. Since the terminal arrangements for the incoming and/or outgoing connection each have two spring-loaded terminals, electrical conductors with a large cable cross-section can be connected to the electrical switching device. Despite this, the electrical switching device requires only a small overall width due to the arrangement of the spring-loaded terminals on opposite sides of the busbar. Furthermore, it is also easy to open the spring of the spring-loaded terminals and therefore to release the conductors jammed in them. This applies all the more to a spring-loaded terminal with an operating element that can be operated both through the first and through the second actuating opening.

Fig. 1

zeigt in (a) eine erfindungsgemäße Ausführungsform eines elektrischen Schaltgerätes in einer perspektivischen Ansicht, in (b) ein Schnittbild eines Ausschnitts aus dem elektrischen Schaltgerät aus (a), in (c) und (d) jeweils ein weiteres Schnittbild eines Ausschnitts aus dem elektrischen Schaltgerät, wobei diese Ausschnitte jeweils eine Klemmanordnung des Schaltgerätes umfassen, und in (e) - (g) jeweils die Klemmanordnung;

Fig. 2

zeigt in (a) und (b) eine weitere erfindungsgemäße Ausführungsform eines elektrischen Schaltgerätes, und zwar in (a) in einer perspektivischen Ansicht, und in (b) ein Schnittbild eines Ausschnitts aus (a); und

Fig. 3

zeigt eine weitere Ausführungsform einer Klemmanordnung, die nicht Teil der Erfindung ist, einer Klemmanordnung eines elektrischen Schaltgerätes in einem Schnittbild.

The invention is described below with reference to figures. The figures are merely exemplary and do not limit the general inventive idea.

1

shows in (a) an embodiment of an electrical switching device according to the invention in a perspective view, in (b) a sectional view of a section of the electrical switching device from (a), in (c) and (d) each a further sectional view of a section of the electrical Switchgear, said cutouts each comprising a terminal arrangement of the switchgear, and in (e) - (g) the terminal arrangement, respectively;

2

shows in (a) and (b) a further embodiment of an electrical switching device according to the invention, namely in (a) in a perspective view, and in (b) a sectional view of a detail from (a); and

3

shows a further embodiment of a clamping arrangement, which is not part of the invention, a clamping arrangement of an electrical switching device in a sectional view.

The electrical switching devices 1 of 1 and 2 each have a housing 11 with a housing upper part 18, in which the connection technology for connecting electrical conductors 3 to the switching devices 1 are arranged, and a housing lower part 19, in each of which an electrical assembly (not shown) is arranged. The switching devices 1 can be arranged in a row on a busbar (not shown) in a rowing direction 23 by means of joining means 161, or can be arranged on an installation wall (not shown) by means of fastening means (not shown). Examples are in 1(a) shown for through holes 162 for screwing the electrical switching device 1.

In the following, the invention is first based on the electrical switching device 1 of 1 described. Subsequently, the differences of the embodiment of the 2 to 1 received.

To the electrical switching device 1 of 1 electrical network lines 33 of an energy network can be connected. For this purpose, the switching device 1 has an incoming connection 8 _I and an outgoing connection 8 _II for a plurality of network lines 33 , here for three network lines. The incoming and outgoing connections 8 _I , 8 _II are arranged mirror-symmetrically to a fictitious mirror plane S running in the middle of the switching device 1 . The mirror plane S separates the electrical switching device 1 into a first device part I with the incoming connections 8 _I and a second device part II with the outgoing connections 8 _II . The incoming connections 8 _I and the outgoing connections 8 _II are each arranged in modular connection housings 12 which can be snapped into the housing 11 of the electrical switching device 1 . For this purpose, locking means 121 (see Fig. Fig.1(b) ) provided, which in counter-locking means 111 (s. Fig.1(b) ) of the housing 11 engage.

The incoming and outgoing connections 8 _I , 8 _II each comprise a clamping arrangement 8 (see Fig. Fig. 1(e) ) with two spring terminals 81, 82 (see Fig. 1 (e) ), In each of which an electrical conductor 3 can be inserted. For each network line 33, two spring-loaded terminals 81, 82 are therefore available, via which the network line 33 can be connected to the electrical switching device 1.

For this purpose, the terminal arrangements 8 have a connection housing 12 in which an insertion opening 131 , 132 for inserting the electrical conductors 3 is provided for each spring-loaded terminal 81 , 82 . In addition, the clamping arrangements 8 have an actuating opening 141, 142 for each spring force clamp 81, 82, which is arranged parallel to the insertion opening 131, 132. Furthermore, the clamping arrangements 8 each have a second actuating opening 143 for one of the spring-loaded terminals 81, 82, namely here for the second spring-loaded terminal 82.

Fig.1(b) shows a section through the housing upper part 18. Visible is the mirror-symmetrical arrangement of the incoming and outgoing connections 8 ₁ , 8 _II . The connection housings 12 of the terminal arrangements 8 are here latched with their latching means 121 on counter-latching means 111 of the housing 11 .

example shows Fig.1(b) electrical conductors 3, which have an electrically conductive core 30, which are surrounded by an insulating sheath 31. A stripped end 32 of the electrical conductors 3 is clamped in each of the clamping points K1, K2.

1(c) shows a section through a single terminal arrangement 8 of the electrical switching device 1 arranged in the connection housing 12 in a perspective view, 1(d) in a side view.

In Fig. 1(e)-(g) the terminal arrangement 8 is shown without the connection housing 12 . show it Fig. 1(e) and (f) each a perspective view, and Fig. 1 (g) a side view.

The clamp assembly 8 is in the following based on the Fig. 1 (c) - (g) described. It has the two spring-loaded terminals 81, 82, which are referred to below as the first spring-loaded terminal 81 and as the second spring-loaded terminal 82. Both spring terminals 81, 82 each have a clamping cage 511, 512 and a spring 611, 612, which are each arranged in the clamping cage 511, 512.

The clamping cage of the first spring clamp 81 is referred to below as the first clamping cage 511 . The spring of the first spring force clamp 81 is referred to below as the first spring 611 . An electrical conductor 3 can be pushed into the first clamping cage 511 in an insertion direction, hereinafter the first insertion direction 21 . It is pushed against the force of the first spring 611 into a first clamping point K1 between the first clamping cage 511 and the first spring 611, and clamped with the force of the first spring 611 in the first clamping point K1.

The clamping cage of the second spring clamp 82 is referred to below as the second clamping cage 512 . The spring of the second spring force clamp 82 is referred to below as the second spring 612 . An electrical conductor 3 can be pushed into the second clamping cage 512 in a second insertion direction 22 , which is arranged at an angle 9 to the first insertion direction 21 . It is pushed against the force of the second spring 612 into a second clamping point K2 between the second clamping cage 512 and the second spring 612, and clamped with the force of the second spring 612 in the second clamping point K2. It is visible that the angle 9 is approximately a right angle here.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first and the second spring force clamp 81, 82 are arranged one behind the other in the first insertion direction 21. For this purpose, the clamping arrangement 8 has a busbar 50 which is electrically connected to the two clamping cages 511, 512. The first clamping cage 511 of the first spring-loaded terminal 81 and the second clamping cage 512 of the second spring-loaded terminal 82 are arranged on opposite sides of the busbar 50 . As a result, the two spring clamps 81, 82 are arranged one above the other in the first insertion direction 21. As a result, the clamping arrangement 8 is very narrow.

The clamping cages 511, 512 each have a retaining wall 51 (see Fig. Fig. 1 (f) ) and a clamping wall 52 (s. Fig. 1 (f) ) on. Furthermore, the springs 611, 612 each have a holding leg 61 (see Fig. Figure 1(c) ) and a clamping leg 62 (see Figure 1(c) ) on. They are approximately V-shaped. In addition, they are each mounted around a pin-shaped bearing 171, 172 (see Fig. Fig.1(b) , (c) ) stored. The springs 611, 612 are supported on the retaining wall 51 of their clamping cage 511, 512 when an electrical conductor 3 is clamped in one of the clamping points K1, K2.

In a basic state G of one of the spring-loaded terminals 81, 82, in which no electrical conductor 3 is inserted into it (see Fig. Fig.1(b) ), an open end 620 of the clamping leg 62 of the spring 611, 612 of the spring clamp 81, 82 is preferably in contact with the clamping wall 52 of the clamping cage 511, 512 of the spring clamp 81, 82. In a clamping state K, in which the electrical conductor 3 is pushed into one of the spring-loaded terminals 81, 82, it is held between the clamping wall 52 of the clamping cage 511, 512 of this spring-loaded terminal 81, 82 and the open end 620 (see Fig. 1(d) ) of the clamping leg 62 of the spring 611, 612 of this spring clamp 81, 82 is clamped. Fig.1(b) shows the spring terminals in the first housing part I 81, 82 each with an electrical conductor 3 inserted therein. The electrical conductors 3 are shown there in the clamped state K. The spring clamps 81, 82 are shown here, but each time the electrical conductors 3 are released.

To release an electrical conductor 3 inserted into one of the spring-loaded terminals 81, 82, the two spring-loaded terminals 81, 82 each have an operating element 711, 712 (see Fig. Fig. 1 (d) ) on. With the operating element 711, 712, the spring 611, 612 of the spring clamp 81, 82 is opened. The operating element 711 of the first spring clamp 81 is also referred to below as the first operating element. The operating element 712 of the second spring-loaded terminal 82 is also referred to below as the second operating element.

The operating elements 711, 712 can each be actuated in the insertion direction 21, 22 assigned to their spring force clamp 81, 82. For this purpose, the operating elements 711, 712 are each accessible through their actuating openings 141, 142. You are then in the insertion direction 21, 22 of their spring clamp 81, 82 slidably. When operating elements 711, 712 are moved in the direction of insertion 21, 22 of their spring-loaded terminal 81, 82, the clamping leg 62 of their spring 611, 612 is pressed in this direction of insertion 21, 22, so that the clamping point K1, K2 of their spring-loaded terminal 81, 82 opens. In doing so, it is pivoted about its bearing 171 , 172 . An electrical conductor 3 inserted into one of the spring-loaded terminals 81, 82 can then be removed from this spring-loaded terminal 81, 82 by pulling it back against the insertion direction 21, 22 associated with the spring-loaded terminal 81, 82.

In order to actuate the operating elements 711, 712, they each have a first means 70 which is designed to be actuated with a tool 4, here a screwdriver. The first means 70 is designed here as a notch and is provided for engaging the tool 4 . It is located at an operating end 74 located opposite the operating end 72 . The tool 4 is pushed into the notch 70 in the insertion direction 21, 22 of the spring clamp 81, 82 and the operating element 711, 712 is actuated by moving the tool 4 in this insertion direction 21, 22. Fig. 1 (d) shows this for the first spring clamp 81.

In addition, the operating elements 711, 712 have a second means 71 here. The second means 71 is designed as an integral part, here as a web. The web 71 is provided for applying the tool 4 and for moving the operating element 711, 712 in the direction of insertion of its spring clamp 81, 82.

In the present exemplary embodiment, however, the web 71 can only be used with the second spring-loaded terminal 82 (see Fig. Fig. 1 (d) ). This has the second actuating opening 143 . The second actuating opening 143 of the second spring-loaded terminal 82 is arranged at right angles 9 to the first actuating opening 142 of the second spring-loaded terminal 82 , which extends parallel to the second insertion direction 22 . The second actuating opening 143 therefore extends in the first insertion direction 21. It is wide enough so that the tool 4 can be placed against the web 71 at the angle 9 to the second insertion direction 22, and therefore in the first insertion direction 21. The second operating element 712 can therefore be actuated through its first operating opening 142 at the angle 9 to the first insertion direction 21 . It can thus be actuated in the second insertion direction 22 through its first actuating opening 142 . In addition, it can be actuated through the second actuation opening 143 in the first insertion direction 21 .

After the tool 4 has been placed on the web 71, the operating element 712 can be displaced in the second insertion direction 22 by a lever movement. For this purpose, the tool 4 is rotated in a direction of rotation 24 about an axis of rotation 25 which extends transversely to the first and to the second insertion direction 21, 22 in an extension direction 23. The axis of rotation 25 is arranged at a contact point P of the tool 4 on the connection housing 12, namely at one end 144 of the second actuating opening 143.

The second spring clamp 82 is therefore both in the second direction of insertion 22, and in the right angle 9 to the second direction of insertion 22, d. H. in the first insertion direction 21, operable.

In order to prevent the operating elements 711, 712 from being pushed out of their spring clamp 81, 82 by the spring 611, 612, in particular by the clamping leg 62 of the spring 611, 612, the operating elements 711, 712 each have an edge 73 which is a stop 15 of the connection housing 12 interacts. In the basic state G, the edge 73 of the operating elements 711, 712 is pressed against the stop 15 with the spring 611, 612 of their spring clamp 81, 82, so that they cannot slide out of their actuating opening 141, 142.

In the electrical switching device 1 of 1 the connection housing 12 of the two device parts I, II are each grouped so that each of the connection housing 12 includes all incoming or outgoing connections 8 _I , 8 _II . In contrast, the electrical switching device 1 of 2 although a total of five incoming and five outgoing connections 8 _I , 8 _II . The connection housing 12 of the electrical switching device 1 of 2 however, are not grouped and each have only a single incoming or outgoing port 8 _I , 8 _II .

In addition, the electrical switching devices differ 1 and 2 in the clamp assembly 8. The first clamp cage 511 and the second clamp cage 512 of the clamp assembly 8 of 1 are made in one piece with the busbar 50 . In contrast, the first clamp cage 511 and the second clamp cage 512 of the clamp assembly 8 of 2 materially connected, in particular by welding, to the conductor rail 50. In addition, the clamping cages 51, 52 of this clamping arrangement 8 are manufactured identically and are only rotated by the angle 9 to one another on the opposite side Lying sides of the busbar 50 attached.

In addition, the controls 711, 712 of the terminal assemblies 8 of 2 in each case no additional second means 71 in order to actuate them through the second actuating opening 143 . Instead, in this embodiment of the operating elements 711, 712, the tool 4 is placed on the operating end 74 for this purpose. The operating end 74 also has an edge that can be used to move the operating elements 711, 712.

In this embodiment of the clamp arrangement 8, too, the second spring-loaded clamp 82 has two actuating openings 142, 143 for actuating its operating element 712 (see Fig. Figure 2(b) ). The second actuating opening 143 of the second spring-loaded terminal 82 widens for actuation. As a result, the tool 4 can be inserted through the second actuating opening 143 behind the operating element 712 of the second spring-loaded terminal 82 . The operating element 712 of the incoming connections 8 _I in or of the outgoing connections 8 _II can be displaced counter to the second insertion direction 22 as a result of the lever movement. Here, too, the clamping leg 62 of the spring 612 is pressed in or against the second insertion direction 22, so that the second clamping point K2 opens.

After the electrical switching devices 1 according to the invention have been attached to an installation wall, electrical conductors 3 can be connected to the clamping arrangements 8 from above and below as well as from the front. The operator can therefore choose between the connection technology from above or below that is usually possible with screw connections, and the connection technology from the front that is usually used with spring-loaded terminals 8 . As a result, the wishes of the operator with regard to the connection technology are met in the best possible way.

3 shows a further embodiment of a clamping arrangement 8 for an electrical switching device 1. This clamping arrangement 8 also has two spring terminals 81, 82. However, these are arranged at an angle 9 of 180° to one another. In the embodiment shown, they are also arranged in alignment one above the other. The spring clamps can therefore be actuated in opposite directions here. In addition, electrical conductors can be inserted into the spring-loaded terminals in opposite insertion directions 21, 22. The insertion directions 21, 22 are arranged opposite to one another.

The spring clamps 81, 82 each have a spring 611, 612 and a clamping cage 511, 512. The retaining wall 51 and the clamping wall 52 of the clamping cages 511, 512 are visible here.

The clamping arrangement 8 has a busbar 50 . The busbar 50 and the terminal cages 511, 512 of the spring clamps 81, 82 are made in one piece here. As a result, the spring-loaded terminals 81, 82 are arranged mirror-symmetrically to the common busbar 50.

In 3 are plugged into the spring-cage terminals 81, 82 each electrical conductor 3. The electrical conductors 3 are each pressed against the clamping wall 52 of their clamping cage 511, 512 with the clamping legs 62 or 62' of the clamping springs 611, 612. However, actuating tools 4 are shown for both spring-loaded terminals 81, 82, which are intended to press the operating element 711, 712 of the spring-loaded terminals 81, 82 in the operating directions 21, 22.

The first spring clamp 81 has the first insertion opening 131 . The electrical conductor 3 can be inserted into the first spring-loaded terminal 81 through the first insertion opening 131 in the first insertion direction 21 . In addition, the first spring force clamp 81 has the first actuation opening 141 . The actuating tool 4 can be inserted into the first spring-loaded terminal 81 through the first actuating opening 141 in the first actuating direction, which extends parallel to the first insertion direction 21 .

The first spring-loaded terminal 81 has the first operating element 711 which is provided for releasing the electrical conductor 3 inserted into the first spring-loaded terminal 81 . The first operating element 711 is accessible through the first operating opening 141 . For this purpose, it can be displaced, in particular with the actuating tool 4, in the first actuating direction, that is to say parallel to the first insertion direction 21. When the first operating element 711 is displaced, the clamping leg 61 of the first spring 611 is pressed with the first operating element 711 in the first insertion direction 21 . In the process, the clamping leg 61 of the first spring 611 is pivoted about the first bearing 171 . This opens the first clamping point K1. An electrical conductor 3 inserted into the first spring-loaded terminal 81 can then be removed by pulling it back against the first insertion direction 21 .

The second spring force clamp 82 has the second insertion opening 132 . The electrical conductor 3 ′ can be inserted into the second spring-loaded terminal 82 in the second insertion direction 22 , which here extends counter to the first insertion opening 21 . In addition, the second spring force clamp 82 has the second actuating opening 142 . The actuating tool 4 ′ can be inserted into the second spring-loaded terminal 82 through the second actuating opening 142 in the second actuating direction, ie counter to the first insertion direction 21 .

The second spring-loaded terminal 82 has a second operating element 712 which is provided for releasing an electrical conductor 3 ′ inserted into the second spring-loaded terminal 82 . The second operating element 712 is accessible through the second actuation opening 142 . For this purpose, it can be displaced, in particular with the actuating tool 4 ′, in the second actuating direction, ie parallel to the second insertion direction 22 and counter to the first insertion direction 21 . When the second operating element 712 is displaced, the clamping leg 61 ′ of the second spring 612 is pressed with the second operating element 712 in the second insertion direction 22 . Here, the clamping leg 61 'of the second spring 612 to the second bearing 172 pivots. This opens the second clamping point K2. An electrical conductor 3 inserted into the second spring-loaded terminal 82 can then be removed by pulling it back against the second insertion direction 22 .

Due to the arrangement at the angle 9 of 180° and aligned one above the other, the insertion and actuation directions 21, 22 of the two spring clamps 81, 82 each extend in opposite directions. The connection and disconnection of the electrical conductors 3 and 3' can therefore take place in opposite directions.

Reference List

1

Electrical device, electrical switching device

11

Housing

111

counter-locking means

12

junction box

121

locking means

131, 132

First / second insertion opening

141, 142, 143

First / second / third operating opening

144

End of the second actuation opening

15

attack

161

joining agent

162

fasteners, through hole

171, 172

First / second bearing, pin

18

housing top

19

housing base

21

First insertion direction, first extension direction

22

Second direction of insertion, second direction of extension

23

Third extension direction

24

direction of rotation

25

axis of rotation

3, 3'

Electrical conductor

30

Electrically conductive wire

31

sheathing

32

Stripped end

33

network line

4, 4'

Operating tool, screwdriver

5

contact component

50

Busbar, first / second busbar

511, 512

First / second clamping cage

51, 51'

retaining wall

52, 52'

clamp wall

53

connecting wall

611, 612

First / second spring

61, 61'

holding leg

610

holding end

62, 62'

clamp legs

620

clamping end

711, 712

First / second control element

70

First means, recess, notch

71

Second means, molding, web

72

actuation end

73

stop, edge

74

serving

8th

clamp arrangement

81, 82

First / second spring clamp

9

angle

G

ground state

K

clamping condition

K1

First clamping point

K2

Second clamping point

S

mirror plane

I

First piece of equipment

II

Second piece of equipment

P

attachment point

Claims (10)

1. Clamping arrangement (8) comprising two spring-loaded terminals (81, 82), the two spring-loaded terminals (81, 82) each comprising a clamping cage (511, 512) and a spring (611, 612), and it being possible for an electrical conductor (3) to be inserted into each of the two clamping cages (511, 512) in an insertion direction (21, 22), and to be clamped between the cage and the spring (611, 612), the first insertion direction (21) of the first of the two spring-loaded terminals (81) and the second insertion direction (22) of the second of the two spring-loaded terminals (82) being arranged at an angle (9) greater than 0° with respect to one another, the two spring-loaded terminals (81, 82) being arranged one behind the other in one of the insertion directions (21, 22) of the electrical conductors (3), and the first insertion direction (21) of the first of the two spring-loaded terminals (81) and the second insertion direction (22) of the second of the two spring-loaded terminals (82) being arranged at a right angle (9) or counter to one another,

   the two spring-loaded terminals (81, 82) comprising an operating element (711, 712) for opening the spring (611, 612), the operating elements (711, 712) each being actuatable in the insertion direction (21, 22) associated with its spring-loaded terminal (81, 82),

   and the clamping arrangement (8) comprising a connection housing (12) in which an insertion opening (131, 132) for inserting an electrical conductor (3) and an actuation opening (141, 142) for actuating the operating element (711, 712) are in each case provided for each of the two spring-loaded terminals (81, 82),

   characterized in that

   the insertion opening (131, 132) and the actuation opening (141, 142) of the same spring-loaded terminal (81, 82) are in each case arranged in parallel with one another and at a right angle (9) to the insertion opening (131, 132) and the actuation opening (141, 142) of the other spring-loaded terminal (81, 82),

   the connection housing (12) has, for at least one of the two spring-loaded terminals (82), a second actuation opening (143) which extends at a right angle (9) to the insertion opening (22) associated with its spring-loaded terminal (82) and at a right angle to the actuation opening (142) associated with its spring-loaded terminal,

   at least one of the operating elements (712), for opening the spring (611, 612), being actuatable in the insertion direction associated with its spring-loaded terminal (81, 82) and also at a right angle (9) to the insertion direction (22) associated with its spring-loaded terminal (82) via the second actuation opening (143), as a result of which the one of the operating elements (712) is moved in the insertion direction in order to open the spring (611, 612).
2. Clamping arrangement (8) according to claim 1, characterized in that the two spring-loaded terminals (81, 82) are arranged so as to at least partially overlap or one above the other in the one insertion direction (21, 22).
3. Clamping arrangement (8) according to either of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first clamping cage (511) of the first spring-loaded terminal (81) and the second clamping cage (512) of the second spring-loaded terminal (82) are arranged on opposite sides of the busbar (50) .
4. Clamping arrangement (8) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the spring-loaded terminals (81, 82) are arranged on opposite sides of the busbar (50).
5. Clamping arrangement (8) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the spring-loaded terminals (81, 82) are arranged at a right angle (9) or rotated by 180° with respect to one another.
6. Clamping arrangement (8) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first clamping cage (511) and the second clamping cage (512) are electrically connected to the busbar (50), in particular in an integrally bonded manner, or are produced in one piece therewith.
7. Switchgear (1), comprising at least one clamping arrangement (8) according to any of claims 1 to 6.
8. Switchgear (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that it comprises two clamping arrangements (8) which are arranged mirror-symmetrically with respect to a mirror plane (S) .
9. Switchgear (1) according to any of claims 7-8, characterized in that it comprises an electrical assembly which is provided for protecting an electrical load, an electrical network being connectable to the switchgear (1), the one clamping arrangement (8) being an incoming electrical connection (8_I) for at least one electrical network line (3) of the network, and the other clamping arrangement (8) being an outgoing electrical connection (8_II) for the network line (3) of the network.
10. Switchgear (1) according to any of claims 7-9, characterized in that it comprises an upper housing part (18) and a lower housing part (19), the clamping arrangement (8) or the clamping arrangements (8) being arranged in the upper housing part (18) and the electrical assembly being arranged in the lower housing part (19).

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