EP4062495A1

EP4062495A1 - Connection arrangement and electronic device

Info

Publication number: EP4062495A1
Application number: EP20804500.5A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Martin Gebhardt
Original assignee: Phoenix Contact GmbH and Co KG
Current assignee: Phoenix Contact GmbH and Co KG
Priority date: 2019-11-19
Filing date: 2020-11-10
Publication date: 2022-09-28
Also published as: DE102019131146B4; DE102019131146A1; CN114730998A; WO2021099174A1; JP7419527B2; JP2023503065A; US20220416448A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a connection arrangement (100) for connecting an electrical conductor (200), comprising a housing (132), a current bar (110), a clamping spring (111) which has a clamping leg (113) which can be moved into a clamping position and into a release position, a conductor connection space (124) formed between a section (114) of the current bar (110) and the clamping leg (113) of the clamping spring (111), a displaceably arranged guide element (115) which is operatively connected to the clamping leg (113) of the clamping spring (111), wherein the clamping leg (113) can be held in the release position by means of the guide element (115), a release element (125) which is engaged with the guide element (115) in the release position of the clamping leg (113) of the clamping spring (111), wherein, when the conductor to be connected is inserted into the conductor connection space (124), the release element (125) can be actuated by the conductor in such a way that the release element (125) is disengaged from the guide element (115) and the guide element (115) can be displaced by a spring force of the clamping leg (113) in such a way that, in order to clamp the conductor (200) against the current bar (110), the clamping leg (113) is moved into the clamping position and an actuating element (129), by means of which the guide element (115) can be displaced for transferring the clamping leg (113) of the clamping spring (111) from the clamping position into the release position, the actuating element (129) having an indicating element (134) for indicating a connection state of the electrical conductor (200).

Description

Terminal arrangement and electronic device

The invention relates to a connection arrangement for connecting an electrical conductor. The invention also relates to 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. If, in particular, flexible conductors are clamped, the clamping spring must be moved into a release position by means of an actuating element before the conductor is inserted and thus actuated in order to pivot the clamping spring or the clamping leg away from the current bar so that the conductor enters the space between the current bar and the clamping spring can be inserted. Only in the case of rigid and therefore stable conductors can the conductor apply enough force to the clamping spring or the clamping leg of the clamping spring to be able to pivot the clamping leg away from the current bar without the operator having to operate the actuating element. In the case of flexible conductors, the user must first pivot the clamping spring away from the current bar by actuating the actuating element so that the flexible conductor can be inserted. In order to clamp the inserted conductor, the operating element must be manually operated again by the user in order to transfer the clamping spring from the release position into the clamping position. The manual actuation of the actuating element makes the assembly or connection of the conductor more difficult for the user, since the handling is cumbersome and thus the expenditure of time increases.

The invention is therefore based on the object of providing a connection arrangement and an electronic device in which the connection of, in particular, flexible conductors can be simplified.

The object is achieved according to the invention with the features of the independent claims. Appropriate refinements and advantageous developments of the invention are specified in the subclaims.

The connection arrangement according to the invention has a housing, a current bar, a clamping spring which has a clamping leg which is in a clamping position and can be moved into a release position, a conductor connection space formed between a section of the current bar and the clamping leg of the clamping spring, a displaceably arranged guide element which is in operative connection with the clamping leg of the clamping spring, the clamping leg being retained in the release position by means of the guide element, and a Triggering element, which is in engagement with the guide element in the release position of the clamping spring. When the conductor to be connected is inserted into the conductor connection space, the trigger element can be actuated by the latter in such a way that the trigger element disengages from the guide element and the guide element can be displaced by a spring force of the clamping limb in such a way that the clamping limb is in the clamping position to clamp the conductor against the current bar is convicted. Furthermore, the connection arrangement has an actuating element by means of which the guide element for transferring the clamping leg of the clamping spring can be displaced from the clamping position into the release position, the actuating element having a display element for displaying a connection state of the electrical conductor.

By means of the connection arrangement according to the invention, a flexible conductor can now also be connected and clamped against the current bar without manual actuation of an actuating element, for example, or without the aid of a tool. The clamping spring is preferably designed as a leg spring which has a retaining leg and a clamping leg which is pivotable relative to the retaining leg. By pivoting the clamping leg, it can be moved into a release position in which the clamping leg is arranged at a distance from the current bar and a conductor to be connected can be introduced into or out of a conductor connection space thus formed between the current bar and the clamping leg, and into a clamping position in which the clamping leg can rest on the current bar or on the connected conductor in order to clamp the conductor against the current bar, can be transferred. The connection arrangement has a particularly horizontally displaceably mounted guide element, which is preferably in Wrk connection with the clamping spring both in the release position and in the clamping position of the clamping leg of the clamping spring, which means that the clamping leg through the operative connection with the guide element of the sliding movement and thus the Can follow position of the guide element. The guide element holds the Clamping leg against its spring force in the release position, in that the guide element presses against the clamping leg. In order to be able to hold the guide element in this position, the guide element is in engagement with the release element in the release position of the clamping leg of the clamping spring. If the release element is in engagement with the guide element, a displacement movement of the guide element is not possible or stopped. Via an operative connection or coupling of the trigger element with the guide element and the guide element with the clamping leg of the clamping spring in the release position of the clamping leg, the clamping leg can be held in this release position without additional manual actuation, so that in particular a flexible conductor is inserted into the conductor connection space between the current bar and the clamping spring can be inserted. The trigger element can have a pressure surface pointing in the direction of the conductor connection space, which is arranged in alignment with an insertion area of the conductor into the connection arrangement or in alignment with the conductor connection space, so that the conductor can hit the pressure surface of the release element when it is inserted into the connection arrangement, thereby creating a compressive force can be applied from the conductor to the trigger element. By applying a pressure force by means of the conductor to the pressure surface and thus to the triggering element, the triggering element can, for example, be set in a pivoting movement or tilting movement in the direction of the insertion direction of the conductor, so that the release element is pivoted or tilted away from the guide element in the insertion direction of the conductor can be. Due to the pivoting movement of the release element, the release element can be brought out of engagement with the guide element, so that the guide element is freely displaceable again and thus the guide element can be moved by the spring force of the clamping leg without manual help in such a way that the clamping leg from the release position to the clamping position can be transferred. With this special mechanism, a flexible conductor can be connected particularly easily just by the insertion movement of the conductor, without a user having to actuate additional elements, such as an actuating element, in order to release the clamping spring and transfer it from the release position to the clamping position. This facilitates the handling of the connection arrangement and saves time when connecting a conductor. The trigger element is preferably an element or component formed separately from the clamping spring, the current bar and the guide element. The trigger element preferably extends over the area between the section of the current bar, against which a conductor can be clamped, and the clamping spring, so that the trigger element can delimit the conductor connection space on one side. The guide element can be designed as a slide element.

According to the invention, the connection arrangement also has an actuating element, by means of which the guide element can be moved from the clamping position into the release position in order to transfer the clamping leg of the clamping spring. The actuating element can preferably be designed in such a way that it applies a pressure force to the guide element in order to move it against the spring force of the clamping leg of the clamping spring in such a way that the guide element can come into engagement with the triggering element when the clamping leg is in the release position. As a result of the displacement movement, the guide element can apply a tensile force to the clamping limb of the clamping spring in order to transfer the clamping limb from the clamping position into the release position. The actuating element is preferably movable in a direction which is oriented transversely to the direction of the sliding movement of the guide element. The actuating element can preferably be moved in a purely translatory manner. The direction of movement of the actuating element is preferably oriented parallel to the direction of insertion of the conductor into the conductor connection space. In order to be able to make the connection state of the electrical conductor on the connection arrangement visually visible to a user, the actuating element has a display element for displaying the connection state of the electrical conductor. The display element enables the user to visually recognize whether the electrical conductor inserted into the connection arrangement has already been clamped against the current bar by means of the clamping spring, or whether the conductor has already been inserted into the housing of the connection arrangement, but the release element has not yet been triggered and so that the clamping spring has not yet reached a clamping position. The display element formed on the actuating element enables constant visual feedback about the connection state of the conductor to be connected, regardless of the size of the diameter of the electrical conductor.

The connection arrangement can, for example, be part of a connection terminal, a series terminal or a plug connector. A plurality of connection points can also be provided in the housing of a connection arrangement, with each connection point has a corresponding current bar, a corresponding clamping spring, a corresponding actuating element, a corresponding guide element and a corresponding triggering element, so that the connection points arranged in a housing are preferably all of the same design.

The display element is preferably formed on an end portion of the actuating element, which can protrude from an opening of a housing when the conductor is connected, so that at least a partial area of the display element can protrude from the opening of the housing when the conductor is connected. This enables clear visual feedback for a user in order to be able to indicate to the user that the conductor is clamped between the clamping spring and the current bar and thus connected. If the conductor is not yet clamped and thus not connected, the end section of the actuating element and thus the display element is preferably still inside the housing and does not protrude from the opening of the housing, so that the display element is not yet visible to a user. The connection state of the electrical conductor can be visually displayed to a user in a simple manner simply by virtue of the position of the display element.

The display element can for example be designed in the form of a web-shaped extension on the end section of the actuating element. This web-shaped extension can protrude from the opening of the housing in a clearly visible manner when the conductor is connected. The web-shaped extension preferably has a smaller width and / or smaller thickness than the rest of the actuating element.

To actuate the actuation element, the actuation element can have a tool receiving area, the display element then preferably being arranged adjacent to the tool receiving area. The tool receiving area can be designed, for example, in the shape of a slot in order to be able to receive a tool, such as a screwdriver. By arranging the display element adjacent to the tool receiving area, the display element can at the same time form a type of guide aid for the tool when moving towards the tool receiving area. In addition, the display element can be a Form the contact edge for the tool introduced into the tool receiving area when the actuating element is actuated by means of the tool.

The actuating element is preferably arranged in such a way that it does not just dip into the conductor connection space, so that an interaction of the actuating element with the connected conductor can be prevented. In contrast, the clamping spring, current bar and actuating element are preferably arranged such that the clamping spring is arranged between the section of the current bar against which a conductor to be connected is clamped and the actuating element. This can significantly simplify the handling of the connection arrangement for a user when connecting an electrical conductor, since the actuating element is positioned away from the conductor connection space and thus the insertion of a conductor is not hindered by actuating the actuating element.

In order to be able to form an operative connection between the guide element and the clamping leg of the clamping spring, it can be provided that the guide element has at least one spring contact edge against which the clamping leg can rest. The spring contact edge can be designed in such a way that the clamping limb or at least a part of the clamping limb can bear against the spring contact edge both in the release position and in the clamping position. The spring contact edge can be formed, for example, on a shoulder of the guide element.

In order to be able to achieve uniform guidance of the guide element and the clamping leg of the clamping spring, two such spring contact edges can be formed on the guide element so that the clamping leg can be guided over two such spring contact edges on the guide element. The two spring contact edges preferably extend parallel to one another on the guide element.

In such a configuration, it is possible that the clamping leg has two sliding sections each arranged laterally of a main section having a clamping edge and that the guide element has two spring contact edges arranged at a distance from one another, a first sliding section on one can rest against the first spring contact edge and a second sliding section can rest against a second spring contact edge. The two sliding sections preferably each have a shorter length than the main section of the clamping leg. The main section and the two sliding sections preferably extend parallel to one another. The two sliding sections are preferably each designed to be curved, so that they can each form a skid that can slide along a respective spring contact edge. The main section, on the other hand, is preferably straight.

The guide element is preferably displaceable in such a way that a displacement movement of the guide element can take place transversely to an insertion direction of the conductor to be connected into the conductor connection space. This enables a particularly compact design, as a result of which the connection arrangement can be distinguished by a reduced installation space.

In order to release the release element from the guide element by means of the conductor inserted into the conductor connection space and thus to be able to bring it out of engagement with the guide element, the release element can be mounted tiltably relative to the guide element. The trigger element can thus be designed like a rocker. If the conductor to be connected is pressed against the release element, the release element can tilt in the direction of insertion of the conductor in order to disengage from the guide element and thus release the guide element so that it can be freely displaced again.

In order to be able to form an engagement of the release element with the guide element in the release position of the clamping leg of the clamping spring, the release element can have at least one undercut which can be locked in the release position of the clamping leg of the clamping spring with at least one detent of the guide element. In this way, a latching connection can be formed between the guide element and the release element when the clamping leg of the clamping spring is in the release position. The trigger element preferably has two undercuts and the guide element preferably has two latching lugs, so that a double-acting latching can be formed between the guide element and the trigger element. If two undercuts are provided, these are preferably two parallel to one another extending side surfaces of the release element formed. The release element can then have a T-shape due to the two undercuts.

It can preferably further be provided that the guide element has two longitudinal side walls which are arranged parallel to one another and which can delimit the conductor connection space on a first side and on a second side opposite the first side. The guide element can thus also form a guide for the conductor to be connected when it is introduced into the conductor connection space. The two long side walls can prevent incorrect insertion of the conductor. The conductor connection space can thus be delimited on two of its sides by the guide element and on its other two sides by the current bar and by the clamping leg of the clamping spring.

The guide element can have a sliding surface along which the actuating element can be guided. The actuating element can lie flat against the guide element on the sliding surface. The actuating element can slide along the guide element via the sliding surface and thereby transmit a compressive force to the guide element.

The sliding surface can be arranged between the two longitudinal side walls of the guide element or on an end wall of the guide element. The sliding surface is preferably oriented in such a way that the sliding surface extends transversely to the two longitudinal side walls. By arranging the sliding surface between the two longitudinal side walls, the actuating element for actuating the guide element can be inserted into the free space delimited by the two longitudinal side walls and the sliding surface, the two longitudinal side walls being able to form a guide aid for the actuating element to prevent the actuating element from tilting when guiding to be able to prevent along the sliding surface of the guide element.

The sliding surface can form an inclined surface which can interact with an inclined surface formed on the actuating element. If the sliding surface is designed as an inclined surface, it preferably has an incline. The surface of the actuating element resting on the sliding surface is then preferably designed as an inclined surface which is opposite to the longitudinal extension of the actuating element, which extends in the direction of movement of the actuating element, is inclined. If both the sliding surface and the surface of the actuating element that slides along the sliding surface are designed as inclined surfaces, the vertical direction of movement of the actuating element can be converted into a horizontal displacement movement of the guide element when the actuating element slides along the sliding surface.

The actuating element preferably has a locking area, via which the actuating element can be held in a fixed position on the guide element in the release position of the clamping spring. By holding the actuating element in the fixed and thus locked position on the guide element, it is possible to prevent the actuating element from being pushed back inadvertently. The actuating element is preferably released from the fixed position with the guide element when a conductor to be connected actuates the release element and the clamping spring is thereby transferred from the release position to the clamping position. In the clamping position of the clamping spring, the locking area of the actuating element is preferably released from the guide element so that the actuating element can be moved away from the guide element in such a way that the display element of the actuating element can indicate the clamped state of the conductor. The locking area is preferably formed on an end section of the actuating element which is spaced apart from the end section on which the display element is formed.

The locking area can be designed, for example, in such a way that, in the release position of the clamping spring, it can at least partially encompass the sliding surface of the guide element. The locking area can have two guide arms for this purpose, which engage behind the sliding surface at least in some areas and can thus hook behind the sliding surface.

Furthermore, it can also be possible for the locking area to have one or two retaining pins which can each hook into a recess formed on the guide element. One of the recesses can then be formed in each case on the two longitudinal side walls of the guide element. In order to be able to support the sliding movement of the guide element, the guide element can be connected to a spring element. The spring element is preferably designed as a compression spring. The spring element is preferably stretched between the guide element and an inside of the housing. The spring element can apply a horizontally acting compressive force to the guide element in order to support the displacement movement of the guide element when the clamping spring moves from the release position into the clamping position. The spring element enables the guide element to be moved or pressed into its end position in the clamping position of the clamping spring regardless of the diameter of the conductor to be connected.

The object according to the invention can also be achieved by means of an electronic device which can have at least one connection arrangement which has been developed and developed as described above.

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

Show it

1 shows a schematic representation of a connection arrangement according to the invention with the clamping leg of the clamping spring in a release position,

FIG. 2 shows a schematic representation of the connection arrangement shown in FIG. 1 with the clamping leg of the clamping spring in a release position in another view,

3 shows a schematic sectional illustration of the connection arrangement shown in FIG. 2,

4 shows a schematic representation of the connection arrangement according to the invention shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 with the clamping leg of the clamping spring in a clamping position and with a connected conductor, FIG. 5 is a schematic representation of that shown in FIG

Connection arrangement in another view with the clamping leg of the clamping spring in a clamping position and with a connected conductor,

FIG. 6 shows a schematic sectional illustration of that shown in FIG. 5

Connection arrangement,

Fig. 7 is a schematic representation of that shown in Figs

Actuating element arranged on the guide element shown in FIGS. 1 to 6,

8 shows a further schematic representation of a connection arrangement according to the invention with the clamping leg of the clamping spring in a release position,

FIG. 9 is a schematic representation of that shown in FIG

Connection arrangement with the clamping leg of the clamping spring in a clamping position and with a connected conductor,

FIG. 10 shows a schematic illustration of the connection arrangement according to FIG

Invention with the arrangement of the locking lugs of the guide element at a first position,

11 shows a schematic illustration of the connection arrangement according to FIG

Invention with the arrangement of the locking lugs of the guide element in a second position,

12 shows a schematic sectional illustration of a connection arrangement according to the invention in the form of a connection terminal, and FIG

FIG. 13 shows a further schematic illustration of the connection arrangement shown in FIG. 12. 1 to 6 show a connection arrangement 100 with a housing 132, which can be formed from an insulating material, a conductor insertion opening 133 for inserting and connecting an electrical conductor 200 being formed in the housing 132.

The connection arrangement 100 has a current bar 110 and a clamping spring 111 designed as a leg spring, as can also be seen in particular in the sectional illustration in FIG. 3. The clamping spring 111 has a holding leg 112 and a clamping leg 113. The holding limb 112 is held in a fixed position, whereas the clamping limb 113 can be pivoted relative to the holding limb 112. By pivoting the clamping leg 113, it can be transferred into a clamping position, as shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, and into a release position, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3. In the clamping position, the clamping leg 113 presses against a section 114 of the current bar 110 or against a conductor 200 introduced into the connection arrangement 100 in order to clamp and connect this against the section 114 of the current bar 110. In the release position, the clamping limb 113 is positioned at a distance from the section 114 of the current bar 110, so that a conductor 200 can be inserted into the free space or conductor connection space 124 formed between the section 114 of the current bar 110 and the clamping limb 113.

The connection arrangement 100 also has a guide element 115. The guide element 115 is mounted displaceably in particular with respect to the current bar 110, so that the guide element 115 can execute a horizontal displacement movement V.

By means of the guide element 115, the clamping leg 113 of the clamping spring 111 can be transferred from the clamping position into the release position and held in the release position. For this purpose, the guide element 115 is in operative connection with the clamping leg 113 of the clamping spring 111.

To form the operative connection, in the embodiment shown here, the guide element 115 has two spring contact edges 116a, 116b which are arranged parallel to one another and against which the clamping leg 113 rests. The clamping leg 113 has a main section 117, at the free end of which a clamping edge 118 is formed. Two sliding sections 119a, 119b are formed to the side of the main section 117, so that the main section 117 is arranged between the two sliding sections 119a, 119b. The two sliding sections 119a, 119b rest on the two spring contact edges 116a, 116b of the guide element 115, the sliding section 119a contacting the spring contact edge 116a and the sliding section 119b contacting the spring contact edge 116b. The sliding sections 119a, 119b can rest against the spring contact edges 116a, 116b both in the release position and in the clamping position of the clamping leg 113 of the clamping spring 111.

The sliding sections 119a, 119b have a shorter length than the main section 117 of the clamping leg 113 of the clamping spring 111. The sliding sections 119a, 119b are curved so that they form a runner shape, by means of which the sliding sections 119a, 119b when the clamping leg 113 is transferred can slide along the spring contact edges 116a, 116b into the release position and into the clamping position.

The two spring contact edges 116a, 116b are formed on opposite longitudinal side walls 120a, 120b of the guide element 115. The two longitudinal side walls 120a, 120b are arranged parallel to one another. The two longitudinal side walls 120a, 120b each have an upper edge 121a, 121b and an opposite lower edge 122a, 122b. The spring contact edges 116a, 116b each extend perpendicular to the upper edge 121a, 121b. Starting from the horizontally extending upper edge 121a, 121b, the spring contact edges 116a, 116b extend downward in the direction of the horizontally extending lower edge 122a, 122b of the guide element 115.

The current bar 110 and the clamping spring 111 are arranged between the two longitudinal side walls 120a, 120b of the guide element 115. The current bar 110 and the clamping spring 111 are enclosed by the guide element 115. The guide element 115 also has two end walls 123a, 123b, which are aligned parallel to one another. The two end walls 123a, 123b are arranged transversely to the two longitudinal side walls 120a, 120b of the guide element 115.

The conductor connection space 124, into which a conductor to be connected can be inserted, is formed between the section 114 of the current bar 110 and the clamping leg 113 of the clamping spring 111. At the side, the conductor connection space 124 is covered or limited by the two longitudinal side walls 120a, 120b of the guide element 115, so that the guide element 115 also forms a guide for the conductor 200 to be connected.

The conductor connection space 124 is formed in alignment with the conductor insertion opening 133 formed in the housing 132, via which the conductor 200 to be connected can be inserted into the housing 132 of the connection arrangement 100.

The connection arrangement 100 furthermore has a trigger element 125. The trigger element 125 is arranged in alignment with the conductor insertion opening 133 and the conductor connection space 124. The trigger element 125 delimits the conductor connection space 124 at the bottom.

In the release position of the clamping leg 113 of the clamping spring 111, the release element 125 is in engagement with the guide element 115, as can be seen in FIGS. 1 to 3, whereby the guide element 115 is held in its position and thereby also the clamping leg 113 via the spring contact edges 116a , 116b and the sliding sections 119a, 119b is held in its position, so that inadvertent pivoting back of the clamping leg 113 from the release position into the clamping position can be prevented.

The trigger element 125 has two laterally arranged undercuts 126 which, in the release position of the clamping leg 113 of the clamping spring 111, are in engagement with a latching lug 127a, 127b of the guide element 115 in order to form a latch between the guide element 115 and the trigger element 125. The latching lug 127a is formed on the lower edge 122a of the longitudinal side wall 120a and the latching lug 127b is formed on the lower edge 122b of the longitudinal side wall 120b. In the clamping position, the release element 125 is out of engagement with the guide element 115, as can be seen in FIGS. 4 to 6, so that the guide element 115 is freely displaceable.

The trigger element 125 is mounted so that it can be tilted relative to the guide element 115.

When a conductor 200 to be connected is inserted along the insertion direction E via the conductor insertion opening 133 into the conductor connection space 124, the conductor 200 strikes the release element 125, whereby the release element 125 tilts relative to the guide element 115 and thereby disengages from the guide element 115, so that the Guide element 115 is freely displaceable again and thus the guide element 115 can be displaced solely by the spring force of the clamping leg 113 without manual help in such a way that the clamping leg 113 can be transferred from the release position to the clamping position. The trigger element 125 has a pressure surface 128 pointing in the direction of the conductor connection space 124, as can be seen in FIG. 6, which is arranged in alignment with the conductor insertion opening 133 or in alignment with the conductor connection space 124, so that the conductor 200 when inserted into the connection arrangement 100 abuts against the pressure surface 128 of the release element 125, as a result of which a pressure force is applied by the conductor 200 to the release element 125. By applying a pressure force by means of the conductor 200 to the pressure surface 128 and thus to the release element 125, the release element 125 can be set in a pivoting movement or tilting movement in the direction of the insertion direction E of the conductor 200, so that the release element 125 in the insertion direction E of the conductor 200 can be pivoted or tilted away from the guide element 115.

The displacement movement V of the guide element 115, when it is out of engagement with the release element 125, takes place in a direction which is oriented transversely to the insertion direction E of the conductor 200 to be connected into the conductor connection space 124.

In order to transfer the clamping leg 113 back from the clamping position into the release position against its spring force by means of the guide element 115, the connection arrangement 100 has an actuating element 129. The actuating element 129 is mounted displaceably in the housing 132 along an actuating direction B, wherein the actuation direction B is oriented parallel to the insertion direction E of the conductor 200. The actuation direction B extends transversely to the displacement movement V of the guide element 115.

By means of the actuating element 129, the guide element 115 can be displaced in such a way that the clamping leg 113 of the clamping spring 111 resting on the guide element 115 can be transferred from the clamping position to the release position. When actuating the actuating element 129 in actuating direction B, the actuating element 129 can be displaced in such a way that it applies a pressure force to the guide element 115 in order to move the guide element 115 against the spring force of the clamping leg 113 of the clamping spring 115 in such a way that when the release position of the Clamping leg 113, the guide element 115 can come into engagement with the release element 125. This displacement movement V of the guide element 115 causes the clamping leg 113 to pivot from the clamping position into the release position.

The guide element 115 has a sliding surface 130 in the form of an inclined surface, as can be seen, for example, in FIG. 3, along which the actuating element 129 can be guided. In the embodiment shown here, the sliding surface 130 is integrally formed on the end wall 123b of the guide element 115. The sliding surface 130 extends from the end wall 123b in the direction of the actuating element 129. The sliding surface 130 is inclined due to the design as an inclined surface, so that the sliding surface 130 here is at an angle between 130 ° and 160 ° to the end wall 123b of the guide element 115 extends.

Alternatively, it would also be possible for the sliding surface 130 to be arranged at a distance from the end wall 123b between the two longitudinal side walls 120a, 120b, so that the sliding surface 130 is connected directly to the longitudinal side walls 120a, 120b.

The actuating element 129 also has an inclined surface 131 designed in accordance with the inclination of the sliding surface 130. The inclined surface 131 of the actuating element 129 lies flat on the sliding surface 130, so that when the actuating element 129 is actuated in the actuating direction B, the inclined surface 131 can slide downward along the sliding surface 130 in order to move the guide element 115. The actuating element 129 is arranged adjacent to the retaining leg 112 of the clamping spring 111. The actuating element 129 is thus arranged behind the clamping spring 111. The clamping spring 111 is arranged between the section 114 of the current bar 110 and the actuating element 129.

At an end section of the actuating element 129 opposite the inclined surface 131, a display element 134 for displaying a connection state of the electrical conductor 200 to be connected is formed on the actuating element 129. The display element 134 is thus formed on a free end of the actuation element 129. The display element 134 is oriented in such a way that it points away from the guide element 115.

As can be seen in FIGS. 3 to 6, in the release position of the clamping spring 111, the actuating element 129 is immersed so far into the housing 132 that the display element 134 is located inside the housing 132 and is therefore not visible from the outside to a user.

When the clamping spring 111 is transferred from the release position to the clamping position, the actuating element 129 is displaced upwards, with the actuating element 129 being displaced so far upwards when the clamping position is reached that the display element 134 protrudes from an opening 135 of the housing 132 and thus for a user is visible, as can be seen in particular in FIGS. 1 to 3. The user can recognize by the protrusion of the display element 134 from the opening 135 that the conductor 200 is connected. The opening 135 is arranged on the same side of the housing 132 as the conductor insertion opening 133.

In the embodiment shown here, the display element 134 is designed in the form of a web-shaped extension 136 on the end section of the actuating element 129. In the clamped position of the clamping spring 111, the display element 134 protrudes with at least a portion of the bar-shaped extension 136 out of the opening 135 of the housing 132, so that this part of the bar-shaped extension 136 or the display element 134 projects beyond the housing 132. The web-shaped extension 136 has a smaller width and / or a smaller depth or thickness than the rest of the actuating element 129. At the end section on which the display element 134 is also formed, the actuating element 129 has a tool receiving area 137 into which a tool, such as a screwdriver, can be inserted in order to actuate the actuating element 129. The tool receiving area 137 is designed in the form of a groove or a slot. The display element 134 is arranged directly adjacent to the tool receiving area 137. The display element 134 can thereby form an insertion aid for inserting a tool into the tool receiving area 137 and also serve as a support aid for the inserted tool when the actuating element 129 is actuated.

In order to be able to hold the actuating element 129 in the release position of the clamping spring 111 in a fixed position on the guide element 115, so that in particular the display element 134 also remains immersed within the housing 132 and does not protrude from the opening 135, the actuating element 129 has a locking area 138 as can be seen in particular in FIG. 7. The locking area 138 enables the actuating element 129 to be latched or hooked behind the guide element 115 in order to be able to hold the actuating element 129 in a fixed position relative to the guide element 115.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, the locking area 138 is designed in such a way that, in the release position of the clamping spring 111, it engages around the sliding surface 130 of the guide element 115 at least in some areas. For this purpose, the locking area 138 has two guide arms 140a, 140b which encompass two opposing edge surfaces 139a, 139b of the sliding surface 130 at least in regions in the release position of the clamping spring 111. The guide arms 140a, 140b are arranged opposite the inclined surface 131 of the actuating element 129, so that a free space is formed between the inclined surface 131 and the guide arms 140a, 140b in which the sliding surface 130 of the guide element 115 is immersed in the release position of the clamping spring 111.

If the trigger element 125 is actuated by inserting a conductor 200 and the latching between the triggering element 125 and the guide element 115 is released, the latching between the locking area 138 and the guide element 115 is also released by pulling the guide element 115 along the direction of the Displacement movement V is moved away from the actuating element 129. In the clamping position of the clamping spring 111, the locking area 138 is out of engagement with the guide element 115.

8 and 9 show an embodiment in which the locking area 138 is designed in the form of two opposing retaining pins 141 which can each latch on the guide element 115. The holding pins 141 are each arranged on an edge surface 142 of the inclined surface 131, so that the holding pins 141 each protrude laterally from the inclined surface 131 or from one of the two edge surfaces 142 of the inclined surface 131.

A recess 143 is formed on each of the two longitudinal side walls 120a, 120b of the guide element 115, into which one of the two retaining pins 141 can dip or hook or lock in the release position in order to lock the actuating element 129 with the guide element 115 and the actuating element 129 so that it can be held in a fixed position relative to the guide element 115. One of the two retaining pins 141 is then immersed in the recess 143 in the longitudinal side wall 120a and the other of the two retaining pins is simultaneously immersed in the recess 143 in the longitudinal side wall 120b, as shown in FIG. 8. FIG. 9 shows the clamping position of the clamping spring 111, in which the holding pins 141 are led out of the recess 143 and there is therefore no longer any latching between the guide element 115 and the actuating element 129.

In both of the configurations shown in FIGS. 1 to 9, a spring element 144 is provided to support the displacement movement V of the guide element 115. The spring element 144 is held tensioned between the guide element 115 and the housing 132.

The spring element 144 is designed as a compression spring. The spring element 144 has the shape of a spiral spring. In the release position of the clamping spring 111, the spring element 144 is tensioned. If the guide element 115 is released from the latching with the release element 125, the spring element 144 presses against the guide element 115, the force of the spring element 144 acting in the direction of the displacement movement V of the spring element 144, so that the compressive force of the Spring element 144 the guide element 115 is pushed or pushed as far to the left as possible in the clamping position of the clamping spring 111 into its end position and thus in the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1 to 9. The spring element 144 rests against the end wall 123b of the guide element 115. For example, the spring element 144 can be connected to the guide element 115 via a rivet connection.

In FIGS. 10 and 11 it is made clear that by changing the position of the latching lugs 127a, 127b on the guide element 115, a positional relationship between the clamping spring 111 and the guide element 115 can be set. For a positionally accurate feed of the conductor 200 in the direction of the trigger element 125, an optimized ratio a / b can be set, the dimension a defining the distance between the clamping edge 118 of the clamping leg 113 and the section 114 of the current bar 110 and the dimension b the distance between the spring contact edge 116a, 116b of the guide element 115 to the latching lug 127a, 127b of the guide element 115 is defined. In Fig. 11, a maximum ratio a / b = 1.5 mm /

1, 9 mm shown. In Fig. 10, a minimum ratio a / b = 3.0 mm / 3.0 mm is shown.

This specifically adjustable position ratio via the ratio a / b can reduce the release forces required by the conductor 200 to actuate the release element 125, since, depending on the thickness of the conductor 200, the clamping edge 118 of the clamping spring 111 can be positioned in the release position in such a way that the clamping edge 118 can guide the conductor 200 in a targeted manner in the direction of the trigger element 125. This is particularly advantageous in the case of flexible conductors 200.

The latching lugs 127a, 127b can be positioned via the specifically selected ratio a / b in such a way that they lead the clamping leg 113 of the clamping spring 111 into a specific, angled position in order to direct flexible conductors 200 in particular onto the free end 145 of the trigger element 125 , whereby lever forces that arise can be directed onto the trigger element 125 as far away as possible from the axis of rotation of the trigger element 125. Individual strands of flexible conductors 200 with a larger diameter can be compressed by the clamping leg 113 angled in this way and guided in the direction of the section 114 of the current bar 110. When using rigid conductors 200, the angled clamping limb 113 can be pressed against the spring force of the clamping limb 113 in the direction of the holding limb 112, corresponding to a direct plugging. 12 and 13 show an embodiment in which the connection arrangement 100 is designed in the form of a connection terminal, in particular a series terminal, the connection arrangement 100 being designed in such a way that several conductors 200 can be connected simultaneously in a housing 132 by using the Housing 132 a plurality of connection points are provided, which can each be designed in accordance with the configurations shown in FIGS. 1 to 9.

Fig. 12 shows how a conductor 200 is just being inserted into the housing 132, but the conductor 200 has not yet actuated the release element 125 and thus the clamping spring is still in a release position, so that the display element 134 of the actuation element 129 is still within the Housing 132 is arranged and is not yet visible to a user from the outside.

13 shows an arrangement in which the display elements 134 of the individual actuation elements 129 protrude from the openings 135 of the housing 132, so that it is indicated to the user that the clamping springs 111 are in a clamping position.

List of reference symbols

100 connection arrangement

110 current bar

111 spring clip

112 retaining leg

113 clamp legs

114 Section of the current bar

115 guide element

116a, 116b spring contact edge

117 main section

118 clamping edge

119a, 119b sliding section 120a, 120b longitudinal side wall 121a, 121b upper edge 122a, 122b lower edge 123a, 123b end wall

124 conductor connection area

125 release element

126 undercut

127a, 127b locking lug 128 pressure surface

129 actuator

130 sliding surface

131 bevel

132 housing

133 Conductor insertion opening

134 Display element

135 opening

136 Bar-shaped extension

137 Tool receiving area

138 Lock Area

139a, 139b edge surface 140a, 140b guide arm 141 retaining pin 142 edge surface

143 recess

144 spring element

145 Free end

200 conductors

V shift movement

E direction of insertion B direction of actuation

Claims

Expectations

1. Connection arrangement (100) for connecting an electrical conductor (200), with

- a housing (132),

- a current bar (110),

- A clamping spring (111) which has a clamping leg (113) which can be transferred into a clamping position and into a release position,

- A conductor connection space (124) formed between a section (114) of the current bar (110) and the clamping leg (113) of the clamping spring (111),

- a displaceably arranged guide element (115) which is in operative connection with the clamping leg (113) of the clamping spring (111), the clamping leg (113) being retained in the release position by means of the guide element (115),

- A trigger element (125), which in the release position of the clamping leg (113) of the clamping spring (111) is in engagement with the guide element (115), the trigger element (125) when the conductor to be connected is inserted into the conductor connection space (124) of the latter can be actuated in such a way that the trigger element (125) disengages from the guide element (115) and the guide element (115) can be displaced by a spring force of the clamping leg (113) in such a way that for clamping the conductor (200) against the current bar (110 ) the clamping leg (113) is transferred into the clamping position, and

- An actuating element (129) by means of which the guide element (115) for transferring the clamping leg (113) of the clamping spring (111) can be displaced from the clamping position into the release position, the actuating element (129) having a display element (134) for displaying a connection state of the electrical conductor (200).

2. Connection arrangement (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that the display element (134) is formed on an end section of the actuating element (129) which, in a connected state of the conductor (200), emerges from an opening (135) of the housing (132 ) protrudes.

3. Connection arrangement (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the display element (134) is designed in the form of a web-shaped extension (136) on the end portion of the actuating element (129).

4. Connection arrangement (100) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the actuating element (129) has a tool receiving area (137), wherein the display element (134) is arranged adjacent to the tool receiving area (137).

5. Connection arrangement (100) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the clamping spring (111) is arranged between the section (114) of the current bar (110) and the actuating element (129).

6. Connection arrangement (100) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the guide element (115) has at least one spring contact edge (116a, 116b) on which the clamping leg (113) rests.

7. Connection arrangement (100) according to claim 6, characterized in that the clamping leg (113) has two sliding sections (119a, 119b) arranged laterally of a main section (117) each having a clamping edge (118) and that the guide element (115) is two spaced apart having mutually arranged spring contact edges (116a, 116b), a first sliding section (119a, 119b) bearing against a first spring bearing edge (116a, 116b) and a second sliding section (119a, 119b) bearing against a second spring bearing edge (116a, 116b).

8. Connection arrangement (100) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the guide element (115) is displaceable in such a way that a displacement movement (B) of the guide element (115) transversely to an insertion direction (E) of the conductor (200) to be connected ) into the conductor connection area (124).

9. Connection arrangement (100) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the trigger element (125) is mounted tiltably relative to the guide element (115).

10. Connection arrangement (100) according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the release element (125) has at least one undercut (126), which in the release position of the clamping leg (113) of the clamping spring (111) with at least one locking lug ( 127a, 127b) of the guide element (115) is locked.

11. Connection arrangement (100) according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the guide element (115) has two parallel side walls (120a, 120b) which are arranged parallel to one another and which have the conductor connection space (124) on a first side and one to the first Side opposite second side limit.

12. Connection arrangement (100) according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the guide element (115) has a sliding surface (130) along which the actuating element (129) can be guided.

13. Connection arrangement (100) according to claim 12, characterized in that the sliding surface (130) is arranged between the two longitudinal side walls (120a, 120b) of the guide element (115) or on an end wall (123a, 123b) of the guide element (115).

14. Connection arrangement (100) according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that the sliding surface (130) forms an inclined surface which cooperates with an inclined surface (131) formed on the actuating element (129).

15. Connection arrangement (100) according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the actuating element (129) has a locking area (138) via which the actuating element (129) in the release position of the clamping spring (111) in a fixed position the guide element (115) is durable.

16. Connection arrangement (100) according to claim 15, characterized in that the locking area (138) is designed such that it engages around the sliding surface (130) of the guide element (115) at least partially in the release position of the clamping spring (111).

17. Connection arrangement (100) according to one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that the guide element (115) is connected to a spring element (144) to support a sliding movement of the guide element (115).

18. Electronic device with at least one connection arrangement (100) designed according to one of claims 1 to 17.