EP4331058A1

EP4331058A1 - Actuation element, connecting assembly, terminal clamp, electronic device, and method for mounting a terminal clamp

Info

Publication number: EP4331058A1
Application number: EP22725470.3A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Martin Gebhardt; Karsten Nolte; Olaf Schyrocki
Original assignee: Phoenix Contact GmbH and Co KG
Current assignee: Phoenix Contact GmbH and Co KG
Priority date: 2021-04-29
Filing date: 2022-04-26
Publication date: 2024-03-06
Also published as: WO2022229139A1; CN117280547A; LU102794B1; JP2024519472A

Abstract

The invention relates to an actuation element (100) for actuating a clamping spring (211) of a connecting assembly (200), the actuation element (100) comprising a first piece (110) on which a gripping area (113) for actuating the actuation element (100) is formed, and a second piece (111) on which at least one actuation area (114a, 114b) for actuating the clamping spring (211) is formed, the first piece (110) being moved into a pre-locked position along with the second piece (111) before being mounted into the connecting assembly (200).

Description

Actuator, terminal arrangement, terminal, electronic device and method of assembling a terminal

The invention relates to an actuating element for actuating a clamping spring of a connection arrangement. The invention further relates to a connection arrangement with such an actuating element and a connection terminal. Furthermore, the invention relates to an electronic device and a method for mounting a connection terminal.

An actuating element serves to move a clamping spring of a connection arrangement into an open position and/or a clamping position, in that the actuating element interacts with a clamping leg of the clamping spring. The actuating element must fulfill several tasks. On the one hand, the actuating element must have a high level of strength in order to apply sufficient force to the clamping spring. On the other hand, the actuating element must have an insulating effect in order to enable the actuating element to be actuated by a user without risk. In addition, the actuating element must be arranged in the correct position and with a sufficiently high degree of stability in the housing of a connection terminal.

The object of the invention is to provide an actuating element, a connection arrangement, a connection terminal, an electronic device and a method for mounting a connection terminal, which are characterized by improved functionality.

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 actuating element according to the invention has a first body element, on which a gripping surface for actuating the actuating element is formed, and a second body element, on which at least one actuating surface for actuating the clamping spring is formed, the first body element having the second body element in front an assembly in the connection arrangement is converted into a pre-latching position. According to the invention, the actuating element is formed from at least two components which are formed separately from one another, the first body element and the second body element. These two body parts each have a different function. The actuating element is actuated by a user via the first body element, with the first body element having a grip surface for this purpose. The actuating element can be actuated manually or by means of a tool, such as a screwdriver, via the gripping surface. The second body member interacts directly with the clamp spring to actuate the clamp spring. For this purpose, the second body element has at least one actuating surface, which rests directly against the clamping spring when the clamping spring is actuated. The first body element, on the other hand, is at a distance from the clamping spring and is not in direct contact with the clamping spring. To form the actuator, the first body member is connected to the second body member. According to the invention, a first connection of the two body elements takes place before the actuation element is installed in the connection arrangement, in particular before the actuation element is installed in a housing of a connection terminal. This first connection occurs through the formation of a pre-latching position of the first body element with the second body element. The first body element is thus pre-latched to the second body element prior to further assembly of the actuating element. As a result of the pre-latching, the first body element forms a latching connection with the second body element, so that the first body element is fastened to the second body element via the latching connection. This latching connection can preferably be released again if required. The connection of the two body elements thus no longer takes place only when the actuating element and thus the two body elements are inserted into the connection arrangement or into the housing of the connection terminal. In contrast, the two body elements and thus the actuating element are arranged in the already connected state, the pre-latching position, in the connection arrangement or in the housing of the connection terminal. This facilitates the assembly and thus the handling of the actuating element and thus also the connection arrangement or the connection terminal.

The first body element is preferably made of a first material and the second body element is made of a second material that is different from the first material, with the second material preferably having a higher strength than the first material. Due to the two different materials of the two body elements, the properties of the two body elements can be tailored to the respective function of the two body parts can be adjusted. The first body element on which the gripping surface is formed can thus have a different material property than the second body element on which the actuating surface is formed. In particular, the two body elements can be formed from materials with different strengths. The second body element can then be made of a higher-strength material than the first body element in order to enable stable and defined actuation of the clamping spring via the actuation surface of the second body element.

For example, the first material of the first body element can have electrically insulating properties. The first material can thus be an insulating material in order to form the gripping surface for operating the operating element safely for a user. The first material can be a plastic material. In contrast, the second material of the second body element can be a metal material, which is characterized by particularly high strength and stability. The second material can then have a particularly high flexural rigidity in order to be able to ensure a defined actuation of the clamping spring via the actuation surface of the second body element of the actuation element. Since the second body element is not actuated directly by the user, it does not require any insulating properties.

The pre-latching position can be formed in that latching elements are formed on the first body element and/or the second body element, which latching elements can latch into corresponding openings on the first body element and/or the second body element. For example, at least one latching element can be formed on the first body element and at least one opening can be formed on the second body element, and vice versa. The at least one locking element can hook into the at least one corresponding opening in order to form a locking and thus the pre-locking position.

For example, to form the pre-latching position, the first body element can have two opposite openings, into which two opposite latching elements formed on the second body element can be latched. By providing two openings and two latching elements, a particularly stable and tilt-proof latching or pre-latching position can be formed between the two body elements. But it is also possible that the two opposing openings on the second body element and the two locking elements on the first Body element are formed. Furthermore, the first body element can each have an opening and a latching element and the second body element can each have an opening and a latching element.

The second body element can be designed in such a way that the second body element has at least one actuating arm and a connecting web formed transversely to the actuating arm, wherein the at least one actuating surface can be formed on the at least one actuating arm and the second body element can be connected to the first body element via the connecting web the pre-latched position can be pre-latched. The second body element can thus have two functional areas that can be spatially separated from one another. The first functional area can be formed on the actuating arm in the form of the actuating surface and the second functional area can be formed on the connecting web in the form of a fastening surface for pre-latching the second body element with the first body element. The actuating arm preferably extends at a 90° angle to the connecting web. The second body element can also have two actuating arms, which can be connected to one another via the connecting web. The two actuating arms then preferably extend parallel to one another. The second body element then has a U-shape. An actuating surface for actuating the clamping spring is then preferably formed on each of the two actuating arms, so that the second body element then has two actuating surfaces which can actuate the clamping spring simultaneously.

In addition to actuating the clamping spring, the actuating element can also assume another function, namely holding the actuating element in a fixed position relative to the clamping spring in the open position of the clamping spring. For this purpose, a holding contour for holding a locking leg of a clamping spring of the connection arrangement in an open position of the clamping spring can be formed on the second body element of the actuating element. In addition to its clamping leg and holding leg, the clamping spring can have a latching leg which can be held on the holding contour of the second body element when the clamping spring is in the open position. In the open position of the clamping spring, a stable metal-to-metal connection can be formed between the holding contour of the second body element and the latching leg of the clamping spring if the second material of the second body element is made of a metal material. A connection between the first body element and the second body element can additionally or alternatively be formed in that the first body element has a fastening dome which, in the pre-latching position, can be immersed in an opening formed on the second body element. The attachment dome may be in the form of a pin protruding in the direction of the second body member. For example, the opening on the second body element can have an inner diameter that is smaller than an outer diameter of the fastening dome. The fastening dome can then be fastened in the opening with a press fit. If the second body element has a connecting web, the opening is preferably formed on the connecting web.

The fastening element can further have a spring element. The actuating element can be spring-biased via the spring element. The spring element can cause the actuating element 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 actuating element can be spring-biased against a stop surface of the connection arrangement or against a stop surface of a connection terminal in which the connection arrangement. The stop surface can be formed, for example, by the current bar of the connection arrangement. It is also possible, for example, for the stop surface to be formed by a housing surface of the housing of the connection terminal. The spring element is preferably attached to the first body element after the second body element has been pre-latched to the first body element. The spring element is thus preferably attached to the first body element before the actuating element is mounted in the connection arrangement or in the connection terminal. The spring element can be a spiral spring, for example.

In order to form the attachment between the first body element and the second body element even more securely, the first body element can be additionally connectable to the second body element after the transfer into the pre-locking position by means of a non-positive and/or material connection. The pre-locking can represent a first attachment and after the pre-locking, a second attachment can be made. For example, in addition to the pre-locking, the first body element can be connected to the second body element via a further locking connection, a Riveted connection, a welded connection, an adhesive connection and/or a screw connection can be connected.

In order to be able to reach a defined initial position of the actuating element when the actuating element is returned in the opposite direction to its actuating direction, the second body element can have at least one path-limiting element. The at least one path-limiting element can form or have a stop surface with which the second body element and thus the actuating element can abut against a counter-stop surface when the actuating element is returned in the opposite direction to its actuating direction. The counter-stop surface can be formed, for example, by a wall surface of the housing of the connection terminal. Furthermore, the counterstop surface can also be formed by the current bar of the connection arrangement. The at least one path-limiting element can be formed on one or both actuating arms of the second body element. If the second body element has two actuating arms, a path limiting element is preferably arranged on each of the two actuating arms. The at least one path-limiting element can be designed, for example, in the form of a tab or a latching lug, which can be bent out of a plane of the respective actuating arm.

The object according to the invention is also achieved by means of a connection arrangement for connecting an electrical conductor, which has a current bar, a clamping spring which has a holding leg and a clamping leg, the conductor to be connected being clamped against the current bar in a clamping position of the clamping spring by means of the clamping leg. and an actuating element that can be guided along an actuating direction, by means of which the clamping spring can be transferred from the clamping position to the open position, the actuating element being designed and developed as described above.

The actuating element, which is made up of at least two separate components, the first body element and the second body element, is pre-latched in the connection arrangement before assembly and is therefore pre-assembled, so that the actuating element, which is formed in several pieces, can be arranged and assembled in one piece in the connection arrangement. If the actuating element has a spring element in addition to the two body elements, then the actuating element is preferably supported with its spring element on the current bar. The actuating element can thus be spring-biased against the current bar.

Provision can preferably be made for the actuating element to be braced with the clamping spring with its second body element in the open position of the clamping spring and to be able to hold the clamping spring in the open position. Due to the braced arrangement of the actuating element with the clamping spring in the open position of the clamping spring, the actuating element can be automatically held in this position in order to hold the clamping spring in the open position. Actuating element and clamping spring can then support each other in the open position. The actuating element and the clamping spring can thus form a self-contained force system when the clamping spring is in the open position, so that when the clamping spring is in the open position, the actuating element can be held in a fixed position relative to the clamping spring by the force of the clamping spring, without the actuating element having to be moved manually or must be held in this position by means of a tool. This enables a user to operate the connection arrangement more simply, in particular with one hand, in order to be able to connect a conductor, in particular a flexible conductor, simply and securely. Due to the braced arrangement in the open position of the clamping position, the clamping spring and the actuating element hold each other in the desired position and prevent relative movement between one another. The bracing of the actuating element with the clamping spring in the open position in the clamping spring preferably takes place in the area of the second body element of the actuating element, which preferably has a higher strength than the first body element of the actuating element.

To form the bracing, the clamping spring in the open position can apply a first compressive force acting counter to the actuating direction of the actuating element and a second compressive force acting in the actuating direction of the actuating element on the actuating element. Due to these two oppositely acting compressive forces applied by the clamping spring, the actuating element can be held in the open position solely by the force of the clamping spring. Both the first compressive force and the second compressive force are applied by the clamping spring to the actuating element, so that these two opposing compressive forces Actuating element braced in the open position between the clamping spring or between sections of the clamping spring and can be held in place.

According to the invention, the clamping spring can be designed in such a way that a latching leg can be arranged on the holding leg, by means of which the second compressive force can be applied to the actuating element in the open position. The second compressive force is then preferably not applied to the actuating element by the clamping limb or the holding limb of the clamping spring, but rather the clamping spring can have a third limb, the latching limb, by means of which the second compressive force can be applied to the 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 an elastically resilient manner or is formed with the holding leg, so that the latching leg can be pivotable relative to the holding leg.

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 abuts against the pressure surface of the latching limb when being inserted into the connection arrangement. 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 actuating element in the conductor insertion direction. through the Versewenkbewegung the locking limb, the locking limb can be disengaged from the actuating element and thus released from the actuating element, so that the actuating element and thus the clamping spring can be transferred from the open position to the clamping position without manual assistance. This special mechanism makes it particularly easy to connect a conductor, in particular a conductor with a small conductor cross-section and/or a flexible conductor, solely by the insertion movement of the conductor, without the user having to actuate other elements, such as the actuating element, on the connection arrangement must in order to release the clamping spring and to convert it from the clamped position to the open position. This facilitates the handling of the connection arrangement and saves time when connecting a conductor. The bracing of the actuating element with the clamping spring in the open position of the clamping spring can thus be released or eliminated by the conductor to be connected itself.

In order to hold the locking leg on the actuating element in the open position of the clamping spring, the 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 actuating element when the clamping spring is in the open position. In the area of the retaining contour, the latching leg can apply the second compressive force to the 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 actuating element itself.

The actuating element can have a U-shape in cross section. The actuating element can have a first actuating arm and a second actuating arm arranged at a distance from the first actuating arm, it being possible for the two actuating arms to be connected to one another via the connecting web. The holding 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 introduced 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 prevent the conductor from escaping to the side. The holding contour on the first actuating arm is preferably formed symmetrically to the holding 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 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.

In the open position, the first compressive force can be applied to the actuating element by means of the clamping leg of the clamping spring, wherein the clamping leg can have a clamping lug and at least one side lug arranged to the side of the clamping lug, with a clamping edge for clamping the conductor to be connected against the free end of the clamping lug Current bar can be formed in the clamped position and by means of the at least one side flap in the open position, the first compressive force can be applied to the actuating element. The clamping leg itself can thus apply the first compressive force to the actuating element, which can act counter to the direction of actuation of the actuating element. If the locking leg is released from the tension or latching with the actuating element, only the first compressive force applied by the clamping leg acts on the actuating element, so that this compressive force of the clamping leg then automatically moves the clamping spring or the clamping leg from the open position to the clamping position can pivot in that the clamping leg can press the actuating element upwards counter to the direction of actuation. The clamping leg is preferably divided into a clamping lug and at least one, preferably two side lugs, which can be formed on the side of the clamping lug. In the case of two side flaps, the clamping flap is arranged between the two side flaps. The two side straps are preferably in direct contact with the actuating element, so that the first compressive force can be applied to the actuating element via these two side straps. The clamping lug is preferably not in direct contact with the actuation element, but the clamping lug serves solely to clamp the conductor in the clamped position against the current bar. The at least one side flap is preferably curved, so that it can form a skid that runs along an edge surface of the actuating element forming the actuating surface can slide during the transfer into the open position and into the clamping position.

The connection arrangement is preferably designed in such a way that the actuation direction of the 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 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 one or more connection terminals, in particular terminal blocks, which have corresponding connection arrangements, can be snapped.

The solution to the problem of the invention can also be achieved by means of a method for installing a connection terminal, in which a first body element of an actuating element, on which a gripping surface for actuating the actuating element is formed, and a second body element of the actuating element, on which at least one actuating surface for actuating the clamping spring is formed, are transferred to each other in a pre-latching position prior to assembly in a housing of the connection terminal. The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the attached drawings using preferred embodiments.

Show it

Fig. 1 is a schematic exploded view of an actuating element GE according to the invention in a transverse side view,

FIG. 2 shows a schematic exploded view of the actuating element shown in FIG. 1 in a longitudinal side view,

3 shows a schematic representation of the actuating element in the pre-latching position in a transverse side view, FIG. 4 shows a schematic sectional representation of the actuating element shown in FIG. 3 in the pre-latching position in a longitudinal side view,

5 shows a schematic representation of a connection arrangement with an actuating element as shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 in a connection terminal with the clamping spring in the clamping position,

6 shows a schematic sectional view of the connection terminal shown in FIG. 5 with the clamping spring in the clamping position, FIG. 7 shows a schematic view of a connection terminal with the clamping spring in the open position,

FIG. 8 shows a schematic sectional view of the connection terminal shown in FIG. 7 with the clamping spring in the open position,

9 shows a schematic representation of the actuating element,

10 shows a schematic representation of the actuating element in a further embodiment, 11 shows a schematic sectional view of the connection terminal in the clamping position,

12 shows a schematic representation of a second body element according to a further embodiment, and

FIG. 13 is a schematic sectional view of a terminal having a second body member as shown in FIG. 12. FIG. Fig. 1 and 2 show an actuator 100 in an exploded view. In the embodiment shown here, the actuating element 100 has a first body element 110 , a second body element 111 and a spring element 112 . All three of these parts are individual components that are assembled and connected to one another. The first body element 110 has a gripping surface 113, via which the actuating element 100 can be actuated manually or by means of a tool. The grip surface 113 is formed on an outer surface of the first body member 110 . For example, the gripping surface 113 can have a tool receiving area 126, for example in the form of a slot, into which a tool, such as a screwdriver, can engage.

The second body element 111, on the other hand, interacts directly with the clamping spring 211 to be actuated. For this purpose, the second body element 111 has at least one actuating surface 114a, 114b for actuating the clamping spring 211. The operating surface 114a, 114b is formed on an edge surface of the second body member 111. FIG.

The two body elements 110, 111 thus have two separate functions. The actuation element 100 is actuated by a user via the first body element 110 . The first body element 110 is arranged at a distance from the clamping spring 211 so that no direct contact of the first body element 110 with the clamping spring 211 is formed. The clamping spring 211, on the other hand, is only in contact with the second body element.

The two body elements 110, 111 also differ from one another in their materials. The first body member 110 is formed from a first material which an insulating material, for example a plastic material, so that the first material of the first body element 110 is designed to be electrically insulating. In contrast, the second body element 111 is formed from a second material, which differs in its properties from the first material of the first body element 110 . The second material of the second body member 111 is a high strength material, such as a metal material.

As can be seen in particular in FIG. 1 , the second body element 111 has a U-shape in the embodiment shown here. The second body element 111 has two actuating arms 115a, 115b which extend parallel to one another and are connected to one another via a connecting web 116. The two actuating arms 115a, 115b each extend at a 90° angle to the connecting web 116. Each actuating arm 115a, 115b has an actuating surface 114a, 114b, so that the clamping spring 211 can be actuated symmetrically via the two actuating surfaces 114a, 114b is.

The second body element 111 has a path limiting element 127a, 127b on each of its two actuating arms 115a, 115b. The path limiting elements 127a, 127b limit the actuating element 100 in its movement or in its movement path counter to the actuating direction B when the clamping spring 211 is transferred from the open position to the clamping position.

The two path-limiting elements 127a, 127b each form a stop surface 128a, 128b, which can interact with a counterstop surface, which can be formed on the connection arrangement 200 or on the connection terminal 300. The stop surfaces 128a, 128b are each formed on a free end of the path limiting elements 127a, 127b. The stop surfaces 128a, 128b point in the direction of the first body element 110. The path limiting elements 127a, 127b are each in the form of a tab or latching lug bent out of the plane of the respective actuating arm 115a, 115b. The path limiting elements 127a, 127b are thus made from the same material as the actuating arms 115a, 115.

In the configurations shown in FIGS. 1 to 11, the path limiting elements 127a, 127b are directed away from one another, in that both path limiting elements 127a, 127b are oriented away from the path formed between the two actuating arms 115a, 115b Show free space 117 away. The two path limiting elements 127a, 127b are thus bent outwards. In this configuration, the counter-stop surface is formed by a housing surface 314 of the housing 310 of the connection terminal 300, as can be seen in FIG. 11 . The housing surface 314 is designed in this area in the form of an undercut, against which the two path-limiting elements 127a, 127b can strike with their stop surfaces 128a, 128b when the actuating element 100 reaches an initial position, as shown in FIG. In this starting position, the actuating element 100 is positioned flush with the gripping surface 113 formed on the first body element 111 with the outer surface 312 of the housing 310, so that a user can visually recognize this starting position and thus the clamping position of the clamping spring 211 from the outside.

The path limiting elements 217a, 217b prevent the actuating element 100 from slipping out and thus protruding from the outer surface 312 of the housing 310. The path limiting elements 217a, 217b thus enable the starting position to represent a defined and reproducible position of the actuating element 100.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the two path-limiting elements 127a, 127b are directed toward one another. The two path limiting elements 127a, 127b protrude into the free space 117 between the two actuating arms 115a, 115b.

As can be seen in the sectional view of FIG. 13 , the counter-stop surface is formed here by the current bar 210 of the connection arrangement 200 . In the initial position, as shown in FIG. 13, the travel limiting elements 127a, 127b abut against the current bar 210 with their stop surfaces 128a, 128b in order to limit the movement of the actuating element 100 counter to the actuating direction B.

In both configurations, the path limiting elements 127a, 127b are formed at one and the same height on the actuating arms 115a, 115b of the second body element 111.

A free space 117 is formed between the two actuating arms 115a, 115b, through which the current bar 210 is passed in the connection arrangement 200 and into which the conductor 400 to be connected is inserted. The conductor 400 to be connected is thus clamped against the current bar 210 in the area of the free space 117. The two actuating arms 115a, 115b can thus form a lateral guide for the conductor 400 to be connected.

In a mounted state in the connection arrangement 200, the actuating element 100 rests with the connecting web 116 on the current bar 210 and the two actuating arms 115a, 115b overlap the current bar 210 laterally.

Before the actuating element 100 is installed in the connection arrangement, the first body element 110 is pre-latched to the second body element 111 . In this pre-latching position, the two body elements 110, 111 are connected to one another via a latching connection. In the pre-latched position, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, the first body member 110 is latched to the second body member 111 via the connecting web 116 of the second body member 111. In the pre-locked position, the two body elements 110, 111 are arranged in a fixed position relative to one another.

The first body member 110 has two opposing transverse side surfaces 118a, 118b. The two transverse side surfaces 118a, 118b each extend at a 90° angle to the gripping surface 113 of the first body element 110. The first body element 110 is pre-latched to the second body element 111 via the two transverse side surfaces 118a, 118b 118a, 118b each have an opening 119a, 119b. The two openings 119a, 119b face each other.

Two opposing latching elements 120a, 120b are formed on the second body element 111, which are hooked or latched in the pre-latching position in the two openings 119a, 119b, as can be seen in the sectional view of FIG. The two latching elements 120a, 120b are formed on the connecting web 116. The two latching elements 120a, 120b are each designed in the form of a latching lug extending away from the connecting web 116. The two locking elements 120a, 120b extend in the plane of the connecting web 116, so that the two locking elements 120a, 120b each form a lateral extension of the connecting web 116. To form the pre-latching position, the first body element 111 is pushed with its two transverse side surfaces 118a, 118b onto the connecting web 116 and thus onto the first body element 110 until the latching elements 120a, 120b on the connecting web 116 fit into the openings 119a formed on the transverse side surfaces 118a, 118b , 119b can immerse. In the pre-latching position as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the transverse side surfaces 118a, 118b of the first body element 110 thus overlap the connecting web 116 of the second body element 111.

The first body element 110 is also fastened to the second body element 111 via a fastening dome 121 which is formed on the first body element 110 and can dip into an opening 122 formed on the second body element 111 .

The attachment dome 121 is centered here on the first body element 111 . The fastening dome 121 is arranged centrally between the two transverse side surfaces 118a, 118b.

The opening 122 is formed on the connecting web 116 of the second body element 111 . The opening 122 is also formed centrally on the connecting web 116 . In the pre-locking position, the fastening dome 121 is guided through the opening 122, as can be seen in FIG.

The fastening dome 121 can be arranged in the opening 122 with a press fit.

The spring element 112 can be fastened to the fastening dome 121, as can be seen in FIG. Fig. 4 shows a sectional view without the spring element 112.

The spring element 112 is designed here in the form of a spiral spring, which is pushed or plugged onto the outer peripheral surface of the fastening dome.

If the actuating element 100 is mounted in a connection arrangement 200, as shown in FIGS. 5 to 8, the actuating element 100 is supported on the current bar 210 via the spring element 112. The actuating element 100 can be spring-biased via the spring element 112 in the state mounted in the connection arrangement 200 be. Before the actuating element 100 is installed in the connection arrangement 200 , the spring element 112 is fastened to the first body element 110 via the fastening dome 121 . The spring element 112 is designed as a compression spring.

The spring element 112 is fastened to the fastening dome 121 and thus to the first body element 110 with a first end 123 . The spring element 112 bears against the current bar 210 with a second end 124 opposite the first end 123 and is supported against the current bar 210 .

FIG. 9 shows an actuating element 100 which essentially corresponds to the configuration shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, but the actuating element 100 shown in FIG. 9 does not have a spring element 112 .

In the case of the actuating element 100 shown in FIG. 10, no spring element 112 is provided either, and the second body element 111 also has only one actuating arm 115a and thus also only one actuating surface 114a. Otherwise, the actuating element 100 shown in Fig. 10 also corresponds to the actuating element 100 shown in Figs. 1 to 4.

5 to 8 show a connection terminal 300 with a housing 310, within which a connection arrangement 200 for connecting a conductor 400 is arranged. The housing 310 is made of an insulating material, in particular a plastic material. The connection arrangement 200 is arranged in an interior of the housing 310 .

The connection arrangement 200 has a current bar 210 and a clamping spring 211, wherein the conductor 400 to be connected can be clamped in an electrically conductive manner against the current bar 210 by means of the clamping spring 211, as shown in FIGS.

The clamping spring 211 is designed as a torsion spring. The clamping spring 211 has a holding leg 212 and a clamping leg 213 . The holding leg 212 and the clamping leg 213 are connected to one another via an arcuate section 214 . The retaining leg 212 is arranged in a fixed position in the housing 310 . The clamping leg 213 is pivotable relative to the holding leg 212, so that depending on the position of the clamping leg 213, the clamping spring 211 in a Open division, as shown in Fig. 7 and 8, and in a clamping position, as shown in Fig. 5 and 6, transferred and positioned.

The clamping spring 211 also has a locking leg 215, so that the clamping spring

211 has three legs. The locking leg 215 is connected to the holding leg 212 so that the holding leg 212 is arranged between the clamping leg 213 and the locking leg 215 . In the embodiment shown here, the locking leg 215 extends essentially at a right angle from the holding leg

212 away. The latching limb 215 is configured so long that, starting from the holding limb 212, it protrudes beyond the clamping limb 213 at least when the clamping spring 211 is in the open position. The detent leg 215 serves to help hold the clamping spring 211 in the open position.

The latching leg 215 extends, starting from the holding leg 212, in the direction of the conductor connection space 216, which is formed between the current bar 110 and the clamping spring 111, with the conductor 400 to be connected being inserted into this conductor connection space 216 in order to connect the conductor 400 and against the current bar 210 to clamp. The latching limb 215 is configured so long that it delimits the conductor connection space 216 in the direction E of the conductor insertion. If a conductor 400 is inserted into the conductor connection space 216 via a conductor insertion opening 311 formed on the housing 310, the conductor 400 abuts the latching limb 215, as a result of which the latching limb 215 can be deflected or pivoted in the conductor insertion direction E.

The latching leg 215 has a pressure surface 217 pointing in the direction of the conductor connection space 216 and against which the conductor 400 can collide when it is inserted into the conductor connection space 216 . So that the latching leg 215 can be deflected, the latching leg 215 is connected to the retaining leg 212 in a resilient manner.

In order to transfer the clamping spring 211 from the clamping position to the open position, the connection arrangement 200 has the actuating element 100 . The actuating element 100 is guided in the housing 310 in a purely linear manner. When the clamping spring 211 is actuated in order to transfer it from the clamping position to the open position, the actuating element 100 is moved in the actuating direction B, in which the actuating element 100 is moved in the direction of the clamping spring 211 . The actuating element 100 interacts with the clamping leg 213 of the clamping spring 211 in that the Actuating element 100 applies a force in actuating direction B to clamping leg 213 via actuating surfaces 114a, 114b of second body element 111 of actuating element 100, so that clamping leg 213 is pivoted in the direction of holding leg 212 in order to release conductor connection space 216.

When the actuating element 100 moves in the actuating direction B and thus when the clamping spring 211 is transferred from the clamping position to the open position, the spring element 112 of the actuating element 100 is compressed and thus tensioned, as can be seen in FIG. 8 . When the clamping spring 211 is transferred back from the open position to the clamping position, the spring force of the spring element 112 acts on the actuating element 100 in such a way that the actuating element 100 is moved back against the actuating direction B independently of the position of the clamping leg 213 of the clamping spring 211 by the spring element 112 , so that a defined position of the actuating element 100 in a starting position of the actuating element 100, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, and thus in the clamping position of the clamping spring 211, is always achieved by means of the spring element 112. This enables a user to have a clear visual indication that a conductor 400 is connected in the connection arrangement 200 or in the connection terminal 300 . In this starting position, the actuating element 100 in the embodiment shown here is arranged with its gripping surface 113 flush with an outer surface 312 of the housing 310 of the connection terminal 300, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6.

To mount spring element 112 so that it cannot tilt, an opening 313 is formed in the interior of housing 310 of connection terminal 300, into which opening 313 the second end 124 of spring element 112 is inserted, as can be seen in Fig. 6, so that spring element 112 is ensured with its second end 124 on the power beacon 210. The spring element 112 rests against a side surface 227 of the current bar 210, which is arranged opposite the surface 228 of the current bar 210 against which the conductor 400 to be connected is clamped.

The two actuating arms 115a, 115b of the second body element 111 of the actuating element 100 are of such a length that they delimit the conductor connection space 216 laterally and can thus form a lateral guide for the conductor 400 to be connected. The actuating element 100 rests with its two actuating surfaces 114a, 114b on the clamping leg 213 of the clamping spring 211 when this is transferred from the clamping position into the open position.

The clamping leg 213 has a clamping lug 221 and two side lugs 222a, 222b arranged to the side of the clamping lug 221. The clamping lug 221 has a clamping edge 223 at its free end, by means of which the conductor 400 to be connected is clamped against the current bar 210, as shown in FIG.

The clamping lug 221 is arranged between the two side lugs 222a, 222b. The clamping lug 221 is longer than the two side lugs 222a, 222b, so that the clamping lug 221 extends beyond the two side lugs 222a, 122b. The two side flaps 222a, 222b each have an arcuate shape. The two side brackets 222a, 222b can thus each form a skid which, when interacting with the actuating element 100, can slide along the actuating surfaces 114a, 114b. The actuating element 100 is thus in direct contact with the two side tabs 222a, 222b of the clamping spring 211 via its second body element 111 in order to actuate the clamping spring 211, whereas the clamping tab 221 has no direct contact with the actuating element 100. The clamping lug 221 is arranged or movable in the free space 117 formed between the two actuating arms 115a, 115b.

7 and 8 show the clamping spring 211 in the open position, in which the conductor connection space 216 is released, so that a conductor 400 to be connected can be inserted into it and also led out again. In this open position, the clamping spring 211 and the actuating element 100 are clamped together so that the clamping spring 211 and the actuating element 100 form a closed force system in which the actuating element 100 is held in position by the clamping spring 211 without additional aids and the clamping spring 211 in turn is held in place by the actuator 100 is held in position.

The bracing of the actuating element 100 with the clamping spring 211 takes place in that, in the open position, the clamping spring 211 exerts two pressure forces D1, D2 acting in opposite directions on the actuating element 100, in particular on the second Body member 111 of the actuator 100 applies. The actuating element 100 and thus also the clamping spring 211 can be held in a stable, stationary position by these two pressure forces D1, D2 acting in opposite directions.

The first compressive force D1 acts against the direction of actuation B on the actuating element 100. The first compressive force D1 is applied by the clamping leg 213, in particular by the side tabs 222a, 222b of the clamping leg 213, to the second body element 111 of the actuating element 100. The side tabs 222a, 222b press on the actuating surfaces 114a, 114b of the second body element 111 of the actuating element 100 with the first compressive force D1 applied by the spring action of the clamping leg 213.

The second compressive force D2 acts on the actuating element 100 in the actuating direction B. The second compressive force D2 is applied to the actuating element 100 by the latching leg 215 of the clamping spring 211 . The locking leg 215 is held with its free end 224 on the actuating element 100, in particular on the two actuating arms 115a, 115b of the actuating element 100, in particular latched on the actuating element 100. The free end 224 has a T-shape in that the free end 224 has two retaining arms 225 projecting laterally outwards. In the open position, the locking leg 215 is held on the first actuating arm 115a with one of the holding arms 225 and on the second actuating arm 115b with another holding arm 225 .

In order to be able to ensure a positionally secure and thus defined holding of the latching leg 215 on the actuating element 100 in the open position, a holding contour 125 is formed on each of the two actuating arms 115a, 115b. The holding contour 125 is formed on the actuating element 100 at a distance from the actuating surfaces 114a, 1114b. In the open position, the two holding arms 225 of the latching leg 215 rest against the holding contour 125 of the actuating arms 115a, 115b in order to hold the latching leg 215 in a stationary position.

If, in the open position of the clamping spring 211, a conductor 400 to be connected is inserted via the conductor insertion opening 311 of the housing 310 in the conductor insertion direction E into the conductor connection space 216, the conductor 400 abuts against the pressure surface 217 of the locking leg 215 of the clamping spring, which is aligned with the conductor insertion opening 311 211. By pushing the conductor 400 against the pressure surface 217, the latching leg 215 is pivoted in the conductor insertion direction E, so that the latching leg 215 disengages from the holding contour 125 of the actuating element 100.

As soon as the latching leg 215 is released from the actuating element 100 , the tension of the clamping spring 211 on the actuating element 100 is released, since the latching leg 115 no longer exerts a second compressive force D2 on the actuating element 100 . Only the first compressive force D1 applied to actuating element 100 by clamping leg 213 then acts on actuating element 100, as a result of which the spring force of clamping leg 213 allows clamping leg 213 to move actuating element 100 upwards counter to actuating direction B, as a result of which the clamping leg also moves 213 moves in the direction of the conductor 400 introduced into the conductor connection space 216 in order to press it against the current bar 210 via the clamping lug 221 of the clamping leg 213 and thus clamp the conductor 400 against the current bar 210 and connect it. This clamping position of the clamping spring 211 is shown in FIGS.

It is thus possible to connect and clamp a conductor 400, in particular a conductor 400 with a small conductor cross section, without additional assistance.

The conductor 400 is inserted here transversely to the actuation direction B of the actuation element 100 into the conductor connection space 216 and thus into the connection arrangement 200 or into the connection terminal 300 .

reference list

100 actuator

110 First body element

111 Second body element

112 spring element

113 grip surface

114a, 114b actuating surface 115a, 115b actuating arm 116 connecting web 117 free space

118a, 118b transverse side surface 119a, 119b opening 120a, 120b locking element 121 fastening dome 122 opening

123 First end

124 Second end

125 holding contour

126 tool holding area

127a, 127b path limiting element 128a, 128b stop surface

200 connection arrangement

210 power bar

211 clamp spring

212 retaining legs

213 clamp legs

214 Arched Section

215 locking leg

216 conductor connection space 217 pressure surface 221 clamping lug

222a, 222b side flap 223 clamping edge 224 free end

225 holding arm

227 side face

228 area

300 terminal block

310 case

311 conductor insertion opening

312 outer surface 313 opening

314 case face

400 Conductor D1 First push force

D2 Second pressing force

B Actuating direction

E Conductor insertion direction

Claims

Expectations

1. Actuating element (100) for actuating a clamping spring (211) of a connection arrangement (200), with a first body element (110) on which a gripping surface (113) for actuating the actuating element (100) is formed, and a second body element (111 ), on which at least one actuating surface (114a, 114b) for actuating the clamping spring (211) is formed, the first body element (110) being in a pre-latching position with the second body element (111) before assembly in the connection arrangement (200). is transferred.

2. Actuating element (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that the first body element (110) is formed from a first material and the second body element (111) is formed from a second material different from the first material, the second material having a higher strength has than the first material.

3. Actuator (100) according to claim 2, characterized in that the first material is a plastic material and the second material is a metal material.

4. Actuating element (100) according to one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that to form the pre-latching position, the first body element (110) has two opposite openings (119a, 119b), into which two openings formed on the second body element (111). , opposing latching elements (120a, 120b) can be latched.

5. Actuating element (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the second body element (111) has at least one actuating arm

(115a, 115b) and a connecting web (116) formed transversely to the actuating arm (115a, 115b), the at least one actuating surface (114a, 14b) being formed on the at least one actuating arm (115a, 115b) and being connected via the connecting web ( 116) the second body element (111) is pre-latched to the first body element (110) in the pre-latched position.

6. Actuating element (100) according to one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that on the second body element (111) there is a holding contour (125) for holding a locking leg (215) of a clamping spring (211) of the connection arrangement (200) in an open position the clamping spring (211) is formed.

7. Actuating element (100) according to one of Claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the first body element (110) has a fastening dome (121) which, in the pre-latching position, is immersed in an opening (122) formed on the second body element (111). is.

8. Actuating element (100) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized by a spring element (112) which is arranged on the fastening dome (121) of the first body element (110), wherein in a mounted state of the fastening element (100) the spring element (112) against a stop surface of

Connection arrangement (200) or against a stop surface of a connection terminal (300), in which the connection arrangement (200) is arranged, is supported.

9. Actuating element (100) according to one of Claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the first body element (110) can also be connected to the second body element (111) by means of a non-positive and/or material connection after the transfer into the pre-latching position.

10. Actuating element (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the second body element (111) has at least one path limiting element (127a, 127b).

11. Connection arrangement (200) for connecting an electrical conductor (400), with a current bar (210), a clamping spring (211), which has a holding leg (212) and a clamping leg (213), wherein by means of the clamping leg (213) the conductor (400) to be connected is clamped in a clamping position of the clamping spring (211) against the current bar (210), and an actuating element (100) which can be guided along an actuating direction (B) and by means of which the clamping spring (211) can be transferred from the clamping position to the open position, characterized in that the actuating element (100) is designed according to one of Claims 1 to 10.

12. Connection arrangement (200) according to claim 11, characterized in that the actuating element (100) is supported with its spring element (112) on the current bar (210).

13. Connection arrangement (200) according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that the actuating element (100) in the open position of the clamping spring (211) is braced with its second body element (111) with the clamping spring (211) and the clamping spring (211) holds in the open position.

14. Connection arrangement (200) according to Claim 13, characterized in that, in order to form the tension, the clamping spring (211) in the open position has a first compressive force (D1) acting counter to the direction of actuation (B) of the actuation element (100) and a pressure force (D1) acting in the direction of actuation (B ) of the actuating element (100) applies second compressive force (D2) acting on the second body element (111) of the actuating element (100).

15. Connection arrangement (200) according to claim 14, characterized in that a latching leg (215) is arranged on the retaining leg (212), by means of which the second compressive force (D2) is applied to the actuating element (100) in the open position.

16. Connection arrangement (200) according to claim 15, characterized in that the latching leg (215) has a pressure surface (217), wherein the pressure surface (217) to transfer the clamping spring (211) from the open position to the clamping position by the conductor to be connected ( 400) can be actuated and can be disengaged from the actuating element (100) by actuating the pressure surface (217) of the latching leg (215).

17. Connection arrangement (200) according to one of claims 11 to 16, characterized in that the actuation direction (B) of the actuation element (100) transversely to a conductor insertion direction (E) of the conductor (400) to be connected into a conductor between the current bar (210) and the conductor connection space (216) formed in the clamping spring (211).

18. Connection terminal (300), in particular a terminal block, with a housing (310) and with at least one connection arrangement (200) arranged in the housing (310) according to one of claims 11 to 17.

19. Electronic device with at least one connection arrangement (200) according to one of claims 11 to 17 and/or with at least one connection terminal (300) according to claim 18.

20. A method of assembling a terminal (300), in which a first

Body element (110) of an actuating element (100), on which a gripping surface (113) for actuating the actuating element (100) is formed, and a second body element (111) of the actuating element (100), on which at least one actuating surface (114a, 114b) is designed to actuate the clamping spring (211), before mounting in a housing (310) of the terminal (300) in a

Vorverrastposition are transferred to each other.