EP4084226A1 - Connecting assembly, terminal and electronic device - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a connection arrangement (100) for connecting an electrical conductor (300), with a current bar (110), a clamping spring (112) which can be moved into a clamping position and into an open position, with the clamping spring (112 ) the electrical conductor (300) to be connected is clamped against a clamping section (111) of the current bar (110), a first actuating element (119) which can be guided along a first actuating direction (B1) and by means of which the clamping spring (112) moves from the clamping position to the open position can be transferred, and a second actuating element (128) which can be guided along a second actuating direction (B2) and by means of which the clamping spring (112) can be released from the open position.

Description

The invention relates to a connection arrangement for connecting an electrical conductor, which has a current bar, a clamping spring which can be moved into a clamping position and into an open position, with the electrical conductor to be connected being clamped against a clamping section of the current bar in the clamping position of the clamping spring, and a along a first actuating element that can be guided in a first actuating direction and by means of which the clamping spring can be transferred from the clamping position into the open position. Furthermore, the invention relates to a connection terminal and an electronic device.

Such connection arrangements usually have a clamping spring designed as a leg spring, which has a holding leg and a clamping leg, wherein a conductor inserted into the connection arrangement can be clamped against the current bar by means of the clamping leg of the clamping spring. In order to be able to release the connected conductor from the clamped position, an actuating element is usually provided, which can transfer the clamping spring from the clamped position to the open position. The clamping spring can be held in its position in the open position, it being possible for the clamping spring to be released from this open position by inserting a conductor into the connection space of the connection arrangement solely by means of the conductor, so that the clamping spring can automatically be returned from the open position to the clamping position. However, this is only possible with conductors which have a sufficiently large conductor cross-section so that the conductors can apply sufficient force to be able to release the latching of the clamping spring in the open position.

The object of the invention is to provide a connection arrangement, a connection terminal and an electronic device which also allow flexible conductors to be connected in a simplified manner.

The object is achieved according to the invention with the features of the independent claims. Expedient configurations and advantageous developments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims.

The connection arrangement according to the invention is characterized by a second actuating element which can be guided along a second actuating direction and by means of which the clamping spring can be released from the open position.

According to the invention, the connection arrangement thus has not only one actuating element but two actuating elements. The two actuating elements are designed as two elements that are separate from one another. Furthermore, the two actuating elements have two different functions. The clamping spring can be transferred from the clamped position to the open position by means of the first actuating element, in particular if a connected conductor is to be released from the clamped position again. The second actuating element, on the other hand, enables the clamping spring to be released from the open position, so that the clamping spring can pivot or be moved back from the open position into the clamping position. In particular when connecting flexible conductors or a conductor with a small conductor cross-section or small conductor diameter, the actuation of the clamping spring in order to connect the conductor can be facilitated by means of the second actuating element. The clamping spring can thus be released from the open position via the second actuating element and does not have to be effected by a compressive force applied by the conductor to the clamping spring. Depending on the conductor to be connected, the second actuating element can be actuated by a user if necessary. Handling, in particular when connecting flexible conductors, can thus be made significantly easier for a user.

The first actuating element and the second actuating element are preferably arranged relative to one another in such a way that the first actuating direction of the first actuating element is aligned parallel to the second actuating direction of the second actuating element. The first actuating element and the second actuating element can thus be actuated by a user from the same side. The second actuating element can be guided parallel to the first actuating element. The second actuating element is preferably arranged directly adjacent to the first actuating element.

The clamping spring can have a holding leg and a clamping leg for clamping the conductor to be connected against the clamping section of the current bar in the clamping position of the clamping spring. Furthermore, the clamping spring can have a latching leg which preferably extends into a conductor connection space and which in the open position of the clamping spring can be held in a fixed position, wherein the clamping leg can be actuated by means of the first actuating element and the locking leg can be actuated by means of the second actuating element. The latching leg can be arranged on the holding leg at an end of the holding leg remote from the clamping leg. The holding leg can thus be arranged between the clamping leg and the latching leg. The latching leg can be formed in one piece with the retaining leg or connected to the latching leg as a separate part, in particular connected to the latching leg with a positive and/or non-positive fit. The latching leg is preferably connected to the holding leg in such a way that the latching leg is designed to be resilient or pivotable relative to the holding leg. In the open position of the clamping spring, the clamping spring can be held, in particular latched, on the first actuating element via the latching leg. In the open position of the clamping spring, the latching leg can apply a compressive force to the first actuating element, which can act on the first actuating element in opposition to a compressive force applied by the clamping leg to the actuating element in the open position of the clamping spring.

In order in particular to be able to connect conductors with a small conductor cross section, in particular flexible conductors, without tools, the latching leg can have a pressure surface, in which case the pressure surface can be actuated by the conductor to be connected and by to transfer the clamping spring from the open position to the clamping position the actuation of the pressure surface of the latching legs can be disengaged from the actuating element. The latching limb can have a pressure surface which can be arranged flush with an insertion area of the conductor into the connection arrangement and thus in an extension of a conductor insertion opening of a housing of a connection terminal, so that the conductor can be pressed against the pressure surface of the latching limb when being inserted into the connection arrangement or into the conductor connection space can bump. By applying a compressive force by means of the conductor to the pressure surface, the latching leg can be set in a pivoting or tilting movement in the direction of the conductor insertion direction, so that the latching leg can be pivoted or tilted away from the first actuating element in the conductor insertion direction. The pivoting movement of the latching leg allows the latching leg to be disengaged from the actuating element and thus released from the actuating element, so that the actuating element and thus the clamping spring are transferred from the open position to the clamping position without manual assistance can be. With this special mechanism, a conductor can be connected particularly easily simply by the insertion movement of the conductor, in order to release the clamping spring and move it from the clamped position to the open position. If the conductor to be connected is very flexible or has a very small conductor cross-section, so that the conductor itself cannot exert enough force on the latching leg or on the pressure surface of the latching leg to move the latching leg away from the actuating element in the open position of the clamping spring loosen, the latching leg can be released from the latched position with the first actuating element by means of the second actuating element. The second actuating element can thus be used as a function of the conductor cross section of the conductor to be connected, in order to facilitate the connection of the conductor.

The second actuating element can thus be used to actuate a different area of the clamping spring than the first actuating element, since the first actuating element preferably interacts with the clamping leg and the second actuating element preferably interacts with the latching leg.

In order to hold the latching leg on the actuating element in the open position of the clamping spring, the first actuating element can have a holding contour. The holding contour enables the latching leg to be held securely and in a defined manner on the first actuating element when the clamping spring is in the open position. In the area of the retaining contour, the latching leg can apply the compressive force to the first actuating element when the clamping spring is in the open position. The holding contour is preferably designed in the form of a special surface shape on the first actuating element itself.

The first actuating element can have a U-shape in cross section. The first actuating element can have a first actuating arm and a second actuating arm arranged at a distance from the first actuating arm, in which case the retaining contour can then be formed on the first actuating arm and on the second actuating arm. The two actuating arms are preferably aligned parallel to one another. A free space is formed between the two actuating arms, into which the conductor to be connected can be inserted and through which the conductor to be connected can be guided in the direction of the latching leg. The conductor connection space formed between the current bar and the clamping spring can be delimited laterally by the first actuating arm and the second actuating arm, so that the two Actuating arms can guide the conductor to be connected and can prevent lateral deflection of the conductor. The retaining contour on the first actuating arm is preferably formed symmetrically to the retaining contour arranged on the second actuating arm. In the open position of the clamping spring, the latching leg can be held, in particular latched, on the two actuating arms or on the two retaining contours of the two actuating arms.

The latching leg can have a free end on which at least one holding arm can be formed, via which the latching leg can be held on the holding contour of the first actuating element when the clamping spring is in the open position, with the second actuating element being connected to the at least one holding arm during transfer from the Clamping position can interact in the open position. The at least one holding arm preferably extends transversely to the longitudinal extent of the latching leg. In the latched position, the latching leg can reach over the first actuating element with its at least one retaining arm in the region of the retaining contour, so that the at least one retaining arm can rest on the first actuating element in this latched position and thereby exert a compressive force on the first actuating element via its at least one retaining arm can raise.

Furthermore, it is also possible that the locking leg can have a T-shape at its free end, with which the locking leg can be held on the two actuating arms. Due to the T-shape, the latching leg can have a first laterally projecting retaining arm and a second laterally projecting retaining arm, with the first retaining arm being able to hold the latching leg on the retaining contour of the first actuating arm and the second retaining arm being able to hold the latching leg on the retaining contour of the second actuating arm can be held. The two holding arms are then preferably formed on the latching leg in such a way that they extend away from one another.

The second actuating element can have at least one actuating finger, which can interact with the at least one holding arm when the clamping spring is transferred from the open position into the clamping position. The clamping spring can thus be actuated by means of the second actuating element via the at least one retaining arm of the locking leg. The actuating finger preferably extends in the longitudinal direction of the second actuating element. To actuate the clamping spring and thus to release the clamping spring from the open position, the second Push the actuating element with its actuating finger against the at least one retaining arm in such a way that the second actuating element releases or pushes off the at least one retaining arm from the first actuating element via the actuating finger. The second actuating element can be guided with its at least one actuating finger along the at least one retaining arm of the locking leg and press against the at least one retaining arm in such a way that the at least one retaining arm can be pushed away or pushed off the first actuating element. A sliding surface can be formed on the second actuating element, in particular on the at least one actuating finger of the second actuating element, which sliding surface can slide along the latching leg or along the at least one holding arm of the latching leg in order to release the latching leg from the first actuating element. The sliding surface is preferably designed as an inclined surface.

If the first actuating element has two actuating arms and the latching leg has two retaining arms, which interact with the two actuating arms, the second actuating element can preferably also have two actuating fingers, so that a first actuating finger can interact with the first retaining arm and a second actuating finger can interact with the second retaining arm can. The two actuating fingers are preferably designed symmetrically to one another. Simultaneous actuation of the two retaining arms of the latching leg can be made possible by means of the two actuating fingers. The two actuating fingers preferably extend parallel to one another in the longitudinal direction of the second actuating element.

The at least one actuating finger can be long enough, for example, that when the second actuating element is guided along the second actuating direction, the at least one actuating finger can be guided laterally past the clamping section of the current bar to actuate the latching leg. If the second actuating element has two actuating fingers, these two actuating fingers are preferably of the same length, so that both actuating fingers can be guided laterally past the clamping section of the current bar to actuate the latching leg. The second actuating element can thus engage around the clamping section of the current bar in a U-shape with its two actuating fingers, in particular when actuating the clamping spring or the latching leg of the clamping spring. The two actuating fingers are preferably spaced so far apart that, in particular when the clamping spring or the latching leg of the clamping spring is actuated, the two Actuating fingers can be guided past the clamping section of the current bar on two opposite side surfaces of the clamping section of the current bar.

At the same time, in order to be able to achieve a configuration that is as small as possible, at least one recess can be formed on the clamping section of the current bar, in which the at least one actuating finger can be guided when it is passed. The at least one actuating finger can thus penetrate directly through the clamping section of the current bar. If the second actuation element has two actuation fingers, the clamping section of the current bar can have two recesses, so that the two actuation fingers can each pass through one of the two recesses in order to actuate the clamping spring or the latching leg of the clamping spring. The width of the current bar is preferably reduced in the area of the one or the two cutouts.

Alternatively, it is possible for the at least one holding arm to be designed so long that the at least one holding arm can laterally overlap the clamping section of the current bar. In such a configuration, the at least one actuating finger of the second actuating element is preferably made so short that it is not guided laterally past the clamping section of the current bar. Instead, the at least one holding arm can then be made longer and laterally overlap the current bar. The at least one holding arm can then extend out of the conductor connection space. No recess is then necessary on the current bar, which means that the cross section of the current bar for the current-carrying capacity would not be reduced. The at least one laterally projecting holding arm can then have an extension along the second direction of actuation of the second actuation element. The at least one holding arm can then have an L-shape. In this configuration, too, two holding arms can be provided, which can be mirror-symmetrical to one another. Both holding arms can then be designed so long that both holding arms laterally overlap the clamping section of the current bar, in particular laterally overlap on two opposite side faces of the current bar.

The first actuating element can have a spring element, by means of which the first actuating element can be spring-biased when the clamping spring is in the open position.

The spring element can cause the first actuating element to be able to be returned to a defined, reproducible position, in particular the starting position, when the clamping spring is transferred from the open position into the clamping position. By means of the spring element, the first actuating element can be spring-loaded, for example against the current bar. The spring element can be designed in the form of a spiral spring.

The first actuation direction of the first actuation element and/or the second actuation direction of the second actuation element can be formed transversely to a conductor insertion direction of the conductor to be connected into a conductor connection space formed between the clamping section of the current bar and the clamping spring.

The object according to the invention is also achieved by means of a connection terminal, in particular a terminal block, which has a housing and at least one connection arrangement which is arranged in the housing and is designed and developed as described above. A conductor insertion opening can be formed on the housing, which is formed flush with the conductor connection space of the connection arrangement and via which the conductor to be connected can be inserted into the housing and into the connection arrangement. In particular in the case of an embodiment as a terminal block which can be snapped onto a mounting rail, two such connection arrangements can also be arranged in the housing.

Furthermore, the object according to the invention is achieved by means of an electronic device which has at least one connection arrangement designed and developed as described above and/or at least one connection terminal designed and developed as described above. The electronic device can be a switch cabinet, for example, in which one or more mounting rails or mounting plates can be arranged, onto which a number of connection terminals, in particular terminal blocks, which have corresponding connection arrangements, can be snapped.

The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the attached drawings using preferred embodiments.

Fig. 1

eine schematische Darstellung einer Anschlussklemme gemäß der Erfindung mit der Klemmfeder in einer Offenstellung,

Fig. 2

eine schematische Schnittdarstellung der in Fig. 1 gezeigten Anschlussklemme mit der Klemmfeder in der Offenstellung,

Fig. 3

eine weitere schematische Schnittdarstellung der in Fig. 1 gezeigten Anschlussklemme mit der Klemmfeder in der Offenstellung,

Fig. 4

eine schematische Schnittdarstellung der in Fig. 1 gezeigten Anschlussklemme mit der Klemmfeder in der Klemmstellung,

Fig. 5

eine weitere schematische Schnittdarstellung der in Fig. 1 gezeigten Anschlussklemme mit der Klemmfeder in der Klemmstellung,

Fig. 6

eine schematische Darstellung einer Anschlussanordnung gemäß der Erfindung mit der Klemmfeder und dem zweiten Betätigungselement gemäß einer ersten Ausgestaltung,

Fig. 7

eine Darstellung einer Anschlussanordnung gemäß der Erfindung mit der Klemmfeder und dem zweiten Betätigungselement gemäß einer weiteren Ausgestaltung,

Fig. 8

eine schematische Schnittdarstellung einer Anschlussklemme gemäß einer weiteren Ausgestaltung der Erfindung mit der Klemmfeder in der Offenstellung,

Fig. 9

eine weitere schematische Schnittdarstellung der in Fig 8 gezeigten Anschlussklemme mit der Klemmfeder in der Offenstellung, und

Fig. 10

eine schematische Schnittdarstellung der in Fig. 8 gezeigten Anschlussklemme mit der Klemmfeder in der Klemmstellung.

Show it

1

a schematic representation of a terminal according to the invention with the clamping spring in an open position,

2

a schematic sectional view of in 1 shown connection terminal with the clamping spring in the open position,

3

another schematic sectional view of in 1 shown connection terminal with the clamping spring in the open position,

4

a schematic sectional view of in 1 shown connection terminal with the clamping spring in the clamping position,

figure 5

another schematic sectional view of in 1 shown connection terminal with the clamping spring in the clamping position,

6

a schematic representation of a connection arrangement according to the invention with the clamping spring and the second actuating element according to a first embodiment,

7

a representation of a connection arrangement according to the invention with the clamping spring and the second actuating element according to a further embodiment,

8

a schematic sectional view of a connection terminal according to a further embodiment of the invention with the clamping spring in the open position,

9

another schematic sectional view of in figure 8 shown connection terminal with the clamping spring in the open position, and

10

a schematic sectional view of in 8 shown connection terminal with the clamping spring in the clamping position.

1 shows a connection terminal 200 or part of a connection terminal 200 with a housing 210 in which a connection arrangement 100 is arranged. The housing 210 is made of an insulating material, in particular a plastic material. The connection arrangement 100 is arranged in an interior of the housing 210 .

The connection arrangement 100 has a current bar 110 which, as for example in 2 as can be seen, has a clamping section 111 against which a conductor 300 to be connected can be clamped and thus connected.

The connection arrangement 100 also has a clamping spring 112, in which case the conductor 300 to be connected can be clamped in an electrically conductive manner by means of the clamping spring 112 against the current bar 110 or against the clamping section 111 of the current bar 110, as for example in 4 is shown.

The clamping spring 112 is designed as a torsion spring. The clamping spring 112 has a holding leg 113 and a clamping leg 114 . The holding leg 113 and the clamping leg 114 are connected to one another via an arcuate section 115 . The holding leg 113 is arranged in a fixed position in the housing 210 . The clamping leg 114 can be pivoted relative to the holding leg 113 so that, depending on the position of the clamping leg 114, the clamping spring 112 can move into an open position, as shown, for example, in Figures 1 and 2 is shown, and in a clamping position, as for example in Figures 3 and 4 shown, may be transferred and positioned.

The clamping spring 112 also has a locking leg 116, so that the clamping spring 112 has three legs 113, 114, 116. The locking leg 116 is connected to the holding leg 113 so that the holding leg 113 is arranged between the clamping leg 114 and the locking leg 116 . In the embodiment shown here, the locking leg 116 extends away from the holding leg 113 essentially at a right angle. The latching limb 116 is configured so long that, starting from the holding limb 113 , it protrudes beyond the clamping limb 114 at least when the clamping spring 112 is in the open position. The detent leg 116 serves to help hold the clamping spring 112 in the open position.

The latching leg 116 extends, starting from the retaining leg 113, in the direction of the conductor connection space 117 or into the conductor connection space 117, which is formed between the current bar 110 or the clamping section 111 of the current bar 110 and the clamping spring 112, with the conductor 300 to be connected in this Conductor connection space 117 is introduced to connect the conductor 300 and clamp it against the clamping portion 111 of the current bar 110 . The latching limb 116 is configured so long that it delimits the conductor connection space 117 in the direction E of the conductor insertion. If a conductor 300 is inserted into the conductor connection space 117 via a conductor insertion opening 211 formed on the housing 210, the conductor 300 strikes the latching leg 116, as a result of which the latching leg 116 can be deflected or pivoted in the direction E of the conductor insertion. The latching leg 116 has a pressure surface 118 pointing in the direction of the conductor connection space 117 and against which the conductor 300 can strike when it is inserted into the conductor connection space 117 . So that the latching leg 116 can be deflected, the latching leg 116 is connected to the retaining leg 113 in a resilient manner.

In order to transfer the clamping spring 112 from the clamping position to the open position, the connection arrangement 100 also has a first actuating element 119 . The first actuating element 119 is guided in the housing 210 in a purely linear manner. When the clamping spring 112 is actuated in order to transfer it from the clamping position to the open position, the first actuating element 119 is moved in the first actuating direction B1, in which the first actuating element 119 is moved in the direction of the clamping spring 112. The first actuating element 119 interacts with the clamping leg 114 of the clamping spring 112 in that the first actuating element 119 applies a force to the clamping leg 114 in the first actuating direction B1, so that the latter is pivoted in the direction of the holding leg 113 in order to release the conductor connection space 117.

In the embodiment shown here, the first actuating element 119 has a U-shaped cross section. The first actuating element 119 has two actuating arms 120a, 120b which extend parallel to one another. A free space is formed between the two actuating arms 120a, 120b, through which the conductor 300 to be connected can be guided in order to be clamped against the clamping section 111 of the current bar 110. The two actuating arms 120a, 120b are of such a length that they delimit the conductor connection space 117 laterally and can thus form a lateral guide for the conductor 300 to be connected.

On the edge surfaces of the actuating arms 120a, 120b pointing in the direction of the clamping spring 114, an actuating surface 121a, 121b is formed in each case, which interacts with the clamping spring 112 in order to actuate the clamping spring 112. The first actuating element 119 rests with its two actuating surfaces 121a, 121b on the clamping leg 114 of the clamping spring 112 when this is transferred from the clamping position into the open position.

The clamping leg 114 has a clamping lug 122 and two side lugs 123a, 123b arranged to the side of the clamping lug 122. The clamping lug 122 has a clamping edge 124 at its free end, by means of which the conductor 300 to be connected is clamped against the current bar 110 or against the clamping section 111 of the current bar 110 .

The clamping lug 122 is arranged between the two side lugs 123a, 123b. The clamping lug 122 is longer than the two side lugs 123a, 123b, so that the clamping lug 122 extends beyond the two side lugs 123a, 123b. The two side flaps 123a, 123b each have an arcuate shape. The two side brackets 123a, 123b can thus each form a skid which, when interacting with the first actuating element 119, can slide along the actuating surfaces 121a, 121b. The first actuating element 119 is thus in direct contact with the two side tabs 123a, 123b of the clamping spring 112 for actuating the clamping spring 112, whereas the clamping tab 122 has no direct contact with the first actuating element 119. The clamping lug 122 is arranged in the free space formed between the two actuating arms 120a, 120b.

Figures 1 and 2 show the clamping spring 112 in the open position, in which the conductor connection space 117 is released, so that a conductor 300 to be connected can be inserted into it and also led out again. In this open position, the clamping spring 112 and the first actuating element 119 are clamped together, so that the clamping spring 112 and the first actuating element 119 form a closed force system in which the first actuating element 119 is held in position by the clamping spring 112 without additional aids and the clamping spring 112 is in turn held in position by the first actuating element 119 .

The first actuating element 119 is braced against the clamping spring 112 in that, in the open position, the clamping spring 112 applies two opposing compressive forces D1, D2 to the first actuating element 119. These two pressure forces D1, D2 acting in opposite directions can hold the first actuating element 119 and thus also the clamping spring 112 in a stable, fixed position when the clamping spring 112 is in the open position.

The first compressive force D1 acts on the first actuating element 119 in the opposite direction to the first actuating direction B1. The side tabs 123a, 123b press on the actuating surfaces 121a, 121b of the first actuating element 119 with the first compressive force D1 applied by the spring action of the clamping leg 114.

The second compressive force D2 acts on the first actuating element 119 in the first actuating direction B1. The locking leg 116 is held with its free end 125 on the first actuating element 119, in particular on the two actuating arms 120a, 120b of the first actuating element 119, in particular latched on the first actuating element 119. The free end 125 of the latching leg 116 has a T-shape, in that the free end 125 has two retaining arms 126a, 126b that project laterally outwards. In the open position, the locking leg 116 is held on the first actuating arm 120a with its first holding arm 126a and on the second actuating arm 120b with its second holding arm 126b.

In order to be able to ensure that the locking leg 116 is held in a secure position and thus in a defined manner on the first actuating element 118 in the open position, a holding contour 127 is formed on each of the two actuating arms 120a, 120b. The retaining contour 127 is formed on the first actuating element 119 at a distance from the actuating surfaces 121a, 121b. In the open position, the two holding arms 126a, 126b of the locking leg 116 rest against the holding contour 127 of the actuating arms 120a, 120b in order to hold the locking leg 116 in a stationary position.

If, when clamping spring 112 is in the open position, a conductor 300 to be connected is inserted via conductor insertion opening 211 of housing 210 in conductor insertion direction E into conductor connection space 117, conductor 300 strikes the pressure surface 118 of latching leg 116 of clamping spring 112, which is aligned with conductor insertion opening 211, such as in 2 can be seen. By pushing the conductor 300 against the pressure surface 118, the latching leg 116 can be pivoted in the conductor insertion direction E, so that the latching leg 116 can disengage from the holding contour 127 of the first actuating element 119.

As soon as the latching leg 116 is released from the first actuating element 119, the tension of the clamping spring 112 on the first actuating element 119 is released, since the latching leg 116 no longer exerts a second compressive force D2 on the first actuating element 119. Only the first compressive force D1 applied to the first actuating element 119 by the clamping limb 114 then acts on the first actuating element 119, as a result of which the spring force of the clamping limb 114 allows the clamping limb 114 to move the first actuating element 119 upwards counter to the first actuating direction B1, as a result clamping limb 114 also moves in the direction of conductor 300 inserted into conductor connection space 117 in order to press it via clamping lug 122 of clamping limb 114 against clamping section 111 of current bar 110 and thus clamp conductor 300 against current bar 110 and connect it. This clamping position of the clamping spring 112 is in Figures 3 and 4 shown.

In the case of very thin or very flexible conductors 300, it may be that when they are inserted into the conductor connection space 117, they cannot apply sufficient force via the pressure surface 118 to the locking leg 116 in order to release it from the locking with the holding contour 127. In order nevertheless to enable such conductors 300 with a very small conductor cross section to be connected, the connection arrangement 100 has a second actuating element 128 . This second actuating element 128 enables the clamping spring 112 to be released from its open position in order to be transferred into the clamping position. For this purpose, the second actuating element 128 interacts with the latching leg 116 , in particular with the holding arms 126a, 126b of the latching leg 116 . The second actuating element 128 therefore does not interact with the clamping leg 114 of the clamping spring 112 . The first actuating element 119 and the second actuating element 128 thus interact with the clamping spring 112 in different areas of the clamping spring 112 .

The second actuating element 128 can be actuated independently of the first actuating element 119 . The second actuating element 128 can be guided along a second actuating direction B2 in order to release the clamping spring 112 from the open position. The second actuation direction B2 extends parallel to the first actuation direction B1, so that the second actuation element 128 is guided in a direction parallel to the first actuation element 119. The second actuating element 128 is thus linearly guided in the same way as the first actuating element 119 .

The second actuating element 128 is arranged directly adjacent to the first actuating element 119 . In the embodiment shown here, the housing 210 has a guide shaft 212, with the first actuating element 119 and the second actuating element 128 being arranged and guided in this guide shaft 212. In the embodiment shown here, the first actuating element 119 has a groove 129 on its outer circumferential surface, into which a web 130 formed on the second actuating element 128 engages. The two actuating elements 119, 128 engage in one another in a form-fitting manner via the groove 129 and the web 130. The form-fitting interlocking and the form-fitting guiding of the two actuating elements 119, 128 can prevent the actuating elements 119, 128 from tipping or canting in relation to one another. It is also possible for the groove 129 to be formed on the second actuating element 128 and the web 130 to be formed on the first actuating element 119 . The provision of two or more grooves 129 and two or more webs 130 is also possible.

In the configurations shown here, the second actuating element 128 has a first actuating finger 131a and a second actuating finger 132b, as also in particular in FIG 6 can be seen. 6 shows the in Figures 1 to 5 Connection arrangement 100 shown only with the current bar 110, the clamping spring 112, and the second actuating element 128. The two actuating fingers 131a, 131b interact with the two retaining arms 126 of the latching leg 126 of the clamping spring 112 in order to release the clamping spring 112 from its open position. The two actuating fingers 131a, 131b extend parallel to one another. The two actuating fingers 131a, 131b are formed on a base body 132 of the second actuating element 128. The two actuating fingers 131a, 131b can preferably be formed in one piece with the base body 132. The entire actuator 128 can then consist of a Insulating material, in particular a plastic material, be formed. The base body 132 has an actuating surface 133 via which the second actuating element 128 can be actuated by a user.

The two actuating fingers 131a, 131b each have a sliding surface 134a, 134b, over which the actuating fingers 131a, 131b can slide along the retaining arms 126a, 126b in order to disengage the retaining arms 126a, 126b and thus the latching leg 116 from the latching with the first actuating element 119 to be able to push out and thus solve, so that the latching leg 116 can be pivoted via the second actuating element 128 in the conductor insertion direction E. The two sliding surfaces 134a, 134b are each designed in the form of inclined surfaces. The actuating fingers 131a, 131b taper towards their free end due to the sliding surfaces 134a, 134b designed as inclined surfaces. The two actuating fingers 131a, 131b are designed symmetrically to one another, so that the two actuating fingers 131a, 131b can be used to actuate the two holding arms 126a, 126b of the locking leg 116 at the same time.

At the in 6 In the embodiment shown, the two holder arms 126a, 126b of the latching leg 116 are of such a length that they overlap the current bar 110 or the clamping section 111 of the current bar 110 laterally. The clamping section 111 is surrounded in a U-shape by the locking leg 116, in particular by the free end 125 of the locking leg 116 with the two holding arms 126a, 126b in a U-shape. The two holding arms 126a, 126b each have an L-shape here, so that the two holding arms 126a, 126b extend in the direction of the second actuating element 128. The two holding arms 126a, 126b are guided out of the area of the conductor connection space 117 in the direction of the second actuating element 128. The interaction of the second actuating element 128 with the two holding arms 126a, 126b and thus with the latching leg 116 takes place outside of the conductor connection space 117 here.

The clamping section 111 of the current bar 110 has a clamping surface 135 which points in the direction of the conductor connection space 117 and against which the clamping of the conductor 300 to be connected takes place. The two holding arms 126a, 126b extend beyond this clamping surface 135 to above a top surface 136 of the clamping section 111, which is opposite the clamping surface 135. The holding arms 126a, 126b and thus the latching leg 116 are actuated by means of the second actuating element 128 above the top surface 136.

7 shows another possible embodiment, in which case the two actuating fingers 131a, 132a are longer than in FIG 6 shown configuration. At the in 7 In the configuration shown, when locking leg 116 is actuated by means of second actuating element 128, the two actuating fingers 131a, 132 of second actuating element 128 can be guided laterally past clamping section 111 of current bar 110 in order to interact with retaining arms 126a, 126b of locking leg 116. The two holding arms 126a, 126b of the locking leg 116 are, in contrast to 6 embodiment shown formed much shorter.

The two actuating fingers 131a, 131b are of the same length, so that both actuating fingers 131a, 131b are guided laterally past the clamping section 111 of the current bar 110 in order to actuate the latching leg 116 . The second actuating element 128 here encompasses the clamping section 111 of the current bar 110 in a U-shape. The two actuating fingers 131a, 131b are spaced so far apart that, in particular when clamping spring 112 or locking leg 116 of clamping spring 112 is actuated, the two actuating fingers 131a, 131b on two opposite side surfaces of clamping section 111 of current bar 110 on clamping section 111 of the current bar 110 to be passed. The holding arms 126a, 126b and thus the latching leg 116 are actuated here in the area of the conductor connection space 117. Below the clamping surface 135 of the clamping section 111, the two actuating fingers 131a, 131b can act on the holding arms 126a, 126b in order to disengage them from the latching with the first Actuator 119 to solve.

Two opposing recesses 137a, 137b are formed here on the clamping section 111 of the current bar 110, in each of which one of the two actuating fingers 131a, 131b is guided when moving past the clamping section 111 of the current bar 110. The actuating fingers 131a, 131b can thus penetrate directly through the clamping section 111 of the current bar 110, as in 7 is shown.

Figures 8 to 10 show a connection terminal 200 with a connection arrangement 100 as shown in FIG 7 is shown. The clamping spring 112 and the first actuating element 119 correspond to Figures 1 to 6 shown configuration. 8 and 9 show the clamping spring 112 in the open position and 10 show the clamping spring 112 in the clamping position with the conductor 300 connected.

The head 300 is in both of the configurations shown here Figures 1 to 10 introduced transversely to the direction of actuation B1 and B2 of the two actuating elements 119, 128 in the conductor connection space 117 and thus in the connection arrangement 100 or in the terminal block 200.

Furthermore, in both of the configurations shown here, the first actuating element 119 is spring-biased by means of a spring element 138 in the open position of the clamping spring 112 . The spring element 138 can cause the first actuating element 119 to be returned to a defined, reproducible position, in particular the starting position, when the clamping spring 112 is transferred from the open position into the clamping position. By means of the spring element 138, the first actuating element 119 can be spring-loaded, for example against the current bar 110 or against the clamping section 111 of the current bar 110, as shown in the figures. The spring element 138 is designed here in the form of a spiral spring.

Reference List

100

connection arrangement

110

power bar

111

clamping section

112

clamping spring

113

holding leg

114

clamp legs

115

Arched section

116

locking leg

117

conductor connection room

118

printing surface

119

First actuator

120a, 120b

operating arm

121a, 121b

operating surface

122

clamp strap

123a, 123b

side tab

124

clamping edge

125

free end

126a, 126b

holding arm

127

holding contour

128

Second actuator

129

groove

130

web

131a, 131b

actuating fingers

132

body

133

operating surface

134a, 134b

sliding surface

135

clamping surface

136

top surface

137a, 137b

recess

138

spring element

200

terminal block

210

Housing

211

conductor entry hole

212

guide shaft

300

director

B1

First actuation direction

B2

Second direction of actuation

D1

First push force

D2

Second pressure force

E

conductor insertion direction

Claims (14)

Connection arrangement (100) for connecting an electrical conductor (300), with a current bar (110), a clamping spring (112) which can be moved into a clamping position and into an open position, with the electrical conductor (300) to be connected being clamped against a clamping section (111) of the current bar (110) in the clamping position of the clamping spring (112), and a first actuating element (119) which can be guided along a first actuating direction (B1) and by means of which the clamping spring (112) can be transferred from the clamping position to the open position, characterized by a second actuating element (128) which can be guided along a second actuating direction (B2) and by means of which the clamping spring (112) can be released from the open position. Connection arrangement (100) according to Claim 1, characterized in that the first actuating element (119) and the second actuating element (128) are arranged in relation to one another in such a way that the first actuating direction (B1) of the first actuating element (119) is parallel to the second actuating direction (B2 ) of the second actuating element (128) is aligned. Connection arrangement (100) according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the clamping spring (112) has a holding leg (113) and a clamping leg (114) for clamping the conductor (300) to be connected against the clamping section (111) of the current bar (110) in the clamping position of the clamping spring (112) and a latching leg (116) which is held in a fixed position in the open position of the clamping spring (112), the clamping leg (112) being actuatable by means of the first actuating element (119) and the latching leg ( 116) can be actuated by means of the second actuating element (128). Connection arrangement (100) according to Claim 3, characterized in that the first actuating element (119) has a holding contour (127) on which the latching leg (116) is held in the open position of the clamping spring (112). Connection arrangement (100) according to Claim 4, characterized in that the first actuating element (128) has a first actuating arm (120a) and a second actuating arm (120b) arranged at a distance from the first actuating arm (120a), the retaining contour (126) on the first actuating arm (120a) and on the second actuating arm (120b). Connection arrangement (100) according to Claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the locking leg (116) has a free end (125) on which at least one holding arm (126a, 126b) is formed, over which the locking leg (116) in the open position the clamping spring (112) is held on the holding contour (127) of the first actuating element (119), the second actuating element (128) interacting with the at least one holding arm (126a, 126b) during the transfer from the clamping position to the open position. Connection arrangement (100) according to Claim 6, characterized in that the second actuating element (128) has at least one actuating finger (131a, 131b) which, when the clamping spring (112) is transferred from the open position to the clamping position, with the at least one holding arm (126a , 126b) interacts. Connection arrangement (100) according to Claim 7, characterized in that the at least one actuating finger (131a, 131b) is of such a length that when the second actuating element (128) is guided along the second actuating direction (B2), the at least one actuating finger (131a, 131b) is guided past the side of the clamping section (111) of the current bar (110) in order to actuate the latching leg (116). Connection arrangement (100) according to Claim 8, characterized in that at least one recess (137a, 137b) is formed on the clamping section (111) of the current bar (110), in which the at least one actuating finger (131a, 131b) is guided when it is passed laterally . Connection arrangement (100) according to claim 7, characterized in that the at least one holding arm (126a, 126b) is formed so long that the at least one holding arm (126a, 126b) laterally overlaps the clamping section (111) of the current bar (110). Connection arrangement (100) according to one of Claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the first actuating element (119) has a spring element (138) by means of which the first actuating element (119) is spring-biased in the open position. Connection arrangement (100) according to one of Claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the first actuating direction (B1) of the first actuating element (119) and/or the second actuating direction (B2) of the second actuating element (128) is transverse to a conductor insertion direction (E) of the conductor (300) to be connected is formed in a conductor connection space (117) formed between the clamping section (111) of the current bar (100) and the clamping spring (112). Connection terminal (200), in particular a series terminal, with a housing (210) and with at least one connection arrangement (100) arranged in the housing (210) according to one of Claims 1 to 12. Electronic device with at least one connection arrangement (100) according to one of Claims 1 to 12 and/or with at least one connection terminal (200) according to Claim 13.

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