WO2023131582A1

WO2023131582A1 - Electrical connection device

Info

Publication number: WO2023131582A1
Application number: PCT/EP2023/050007
Authority: WO
Inventors: Sebastian Schäfer; Dennis Geisler
Original assignee: Phoenix Contact Gmbh & Co. Kg
Priority date: 2022-01-05
Filing date: 2023-01-02
Publication date: 2023-07-13
Also published as: DE102022100165A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a connection device (1A-1C) for connecting an electrical conductor (2), comprising: a housing (10A-10C) with a conductor connection space (100); a clamping element (12) that can be moved from a release position releasing the conductor connection space (100) into a clamping position in which an electrical conductor (2) can be clamped in the conductor connection space (100) by means of the clamping element (12); and an actuation element (13) that is moveably mounted relative to the housing (10A-10C) and operatively connected to the clamping element (12). According to the invention, the clamping element (12) can be pushed into the clamping position by the actuation element (13).

Description

Electrical connection device

The invention relates to a connection device for connecting an electrical conductor according to the preamble of claim 1.

Electrical connection devices of different designs are known from practice. In the case of a screw connection, for example, an electrical line with a stripped conductor end is inserted into a plug-in opening and then fixed in a clamping manner on the screw connection by screwing. In the case of a spring-loaded terminal, on the other hand, an electrical conductor is inserted into a plug-in opening and comes into contact with the leg of a spring, the spring acting on the electrical conductor in such a way that the electrical conductor is mechanically locked and is also electrically contacted, for example with a current bar.

Such a connection device is described in DE 10 2019 121 442 A1. The clamping element is formed there by a leg spring which has a contact leg. The contact leg is biased into the clamped position and can be held in the release position, which enables good handling.

WO 2021/095676 A1 shows a further connecting device with a leg spring, which includes a clamping leg that is pretensioned in the clamping position. A release mechanism triggered by an inserted electrical conductor releases the clamping leg from the release position so that it snaps into the clamping position. A component of the triggering mechanism is connected to a display element which, depending on the position of the component, is visible from the outside and indicates the clamping status of the connecting device.

DE 11 2019 001 295 T5 describes a further mechanism for displaying a contact status of an inserted electrical conductor.

Although the connecting devices described in the two last-mentioned documents make it possible to indicate to a user the position of the clamping element, which is generally not visible or not easily visible from the outside, they have disadvantages. The display elements are easy to overlook and tend to jam due to the relatively complex structure.

The object of the present invention is to provide a further improved connection device for connecting an electrical conductor. This object is solved by an object with the features of claim 1.

Accordingly, a connection device for connecting an electrical conductor is specified, comprising a housing with a conductor connection space, a clamping element which can be moved from a release position releasing the conductor connection space into a clamping position in which an electrical conductor in the conductor connection space can be clamped by means of the clamping element, and a An actuating element that is mounted so that it can move relative to the housing and is operatively connected to the clamping element. It is provided that the clamping element can be pushed into the clamping position by the actuating element.

In contrast to previously known solutions, the clamping element therefore does not need to be pretensioned in the clamping position. This makes it possible to apply a force in another way, e.g. using a separate spring. Since the actuating element urges the clamping element into the clamping position, such a force can be exerted on the actuating element. This gives more freedom in dividing up the available installation space.

It can be provided that the clamping element is force-free in the release position. This enables the clamping element to be held securely in the release position. Furthermore, the clamping element can be held in the release position with simple means. As a result, a triggering mechanism for transferring the clamping element from the release position into the clamping position can be designed in a particularly simple manner.

The actuating element can have an actuating area that can be touched manually and/or by means of a tool at an opening in the housing. A user can thus (from the outside) adjust the actuating element in a simple manner.

For example, the actuating element can be locked in a holding position holding the clamping element in the release position. Thus, a robust locking is possible.

In the holding position, the actuating element can be locked, for example, with a locking element of the housing. This allows for a simple structure and a particularly robust locking mechanism.

The actuating element can have a hook which can be locked in the holding position with the locking element of the housing. this enables a secure and easily releasable locking mechanism. Optionally, the holding position of the actuating element can be unlocked by a triggering element that is mounted such that it can move relative to the housing, for example. This enables particularly simple and reliable unlocking.

The triggering element can have an unlocking ramp. Provision can be made for the unlocking ramp to be able to slide along the hook of the actuating element in order to release the hook from locking with the locking element of the housing. This enables the locking mechanism to be released without jamming, even with little force.

In one embodiment, the triggering element can be touched by an electrical conductor inserted into the conductor connection space and/or can be displaced relative to the housing. Unlocking can take place in a particularly simple manner by plugging the electrical conductor into the conductor connection space.

Optionally, the release element is supported on the housing via a spring. This makes it easier to reset the triggering element.

The connection device can comprise a spring element. The spring element can be arranged in such a way that it exerts a force on the actuating element. In particular, the spring element can be arranged in such a way that it prestresses the actuating element into a contact position which urges the clamping element into the clamping position. This enables intuitive operation, since the actuating element can exert forces on the clamping element in both directions and thus effects its position.

Optionally, the spring element is designed in the form of a spiral spring. This enables the use of a standard component. It is therefore not necessary to produce a spring element with a complex shape. Furthermore, the use of a spiral spring allows the setting of a spring force that is particularly precisely defined and easily adaptable to different applications.

According to one embodiment, the actuating element is slidably mounted on the housing. A trip in a straight line can be triggered.

Optionally, the actuating element is in engagement with the clamping element. For example, the actuating element has a rear grip which engages behind the clamping element. The actuating element thus has, for example, on two opposite sides of the Clamping elements each have a section of material. In this way, the actuating element can move the clamping element in opposite directions.

The clamping element can be pivoted, e.g. on an axis of the housing. Optionally, the clamping element is rigid. It can be provided that a pivoting movement of the clamping element about the axis is possible without deformation of a section of the clamping element. A particularly large clamping force can thus be exerted on the electrical conductor.

The electrical conductor can, for example, be clamped against a contact element in the conductor connection space by means of the clamping element, for example in the form of a current bar for connection to other electrical components in order to make electrical contact with the contact element. As an alternative or in addition to this, several individual electrical conductors can also be inserted into the connecting device and thereby electrically connected to one another.

The idea on which the invention is based is to be explained in more detail below with reference to the exemplary embodiments illustrated in the figures. Show it:

1A-5B views of a connecting device for connecting an electrical conductor with a housing and a contact element, and also a clamping element, an actuating element movably mounted on the housing, a triggering element and a spring element in different positions;

FIGS. 6A-6C views of the triggering element of the connecting device according to FIGS. 1A-5B;

Fig. 7B-7C Views of the actuating element of the connecting device according to Fig.

1A-5B;

8A-8C views of the clamping element of the connecting device according to FIGS. 1A-5B;

FIGS. 9A and 9B show views of the housing of the connection device according to FIGS. 1A-5B;

9C shows a view of a cover of the housing of the connection device according to FIGS. 1A-5B; 10A-10E views of a connecting device for connecting an electrical conductor with a housing and a contact element, and also a clamping element, an actuating element movably mounted on the housing, a release element spring-loaded onto the housing and a spring element in different positions;

11A and 11B views of the housing of the connecting device according to FIGS. 10A-10E;

12A-12C Views of the release element of the connecting device according to FIG.

10A-10E;

13A-13C views of a trigger element; and

Fig. 14A-14E views of a connection device for connecting an electrical

Conductor with a housing and a contact element, as well as a clamping element, an actuating element movably mounted on the housing, the release element spring-loaded onto the housing according to FIGS. 13A-13C and a spring element in different positions.

1A-5B show a connection device 1A, which enables the electrical connection of an electrical conductor 2 to a contact element 11. FIG.

The connecting device 1 comprises a housing 10A, the contact element 11, a clamping element 12, an actuating element 13, a triggering element 14A and a spring element 15, here in the form of a spiral spring (more precisely: in the form of a spiral compression spring).

An insertion opening 104 is formed on the housing 10A, into which the electrical conductor 2 can be inserted along an insertion direction E (see, for example, FIGS. 1A and 3A). The housing 10A delimits an inner space, which is referred to here as the conductor connection space 100 and is designed in the form of a chamber. The electrical conductor 2 can be inserted into the conductor connection space 100 with one (stripped) end 20 by being inserted into the plug-in opening 104 in order to make electrical contact within the conductor connection space 100 with the contact element 11 arranged in the housing 10A. The conductor connection space 100 is thus accessible from the outside through the plug-in opening 104 . The housing 10A is made of an insulating material such as a plastic. The housing 10A has a main body. The base body is designed in one piece. In the assembled state (optional), the base body is closed by a cover 108 shown in FIG. 90 and described in more detail further below. Alternatively, for example, several such connection devices 1A can be mounted side by side.

The contact element 11 is designed in the form of a current bar. The contact element 11 extends along a wall of the housing 10A, in this case on the underside. The contact element 11 serves as a current-carrying component. The contact element 11 optionally includes a connecting section, which is led out of the housing 10A and is used to establish an electrical connection with another component (e.g. a connecting device of analog design). The electrical conductor 2 inserted into the conductor connection space 100 can be electrically connected to the other component via the contact element 11 . As an alternative to this, the contact element 11 is arranged completely inside the housing 10A and is used, for example, to electrically connect two or more electrical conductors 2 that are jointly inserted into the conductor connection space 100 with one another. The contact element 11 extends parallel to the insertion direction E. The contact element 11 is flat. The contact element 11 is formed in one piece.

The housing 10A also has an axis 101 for the clamping element 12 and a guide 102 for the actuating element 13.

In order to securely make electrical contact between the inserted electrical conductor 2 and the contact element 11, the connecting device 1A comprises the clamping element 12, which can be moved from a clamping position in which the electrical conductor 2 in the conductor connection space 100 can be clamped against the contact element 11 by means of the clamping element 12, into a Release position is movable, in which the conductor connection space 100 and arranged in the conductor connection space 100 electrical conductor 2 are released and the electrical conductor 2 can thus be removed. The release position also allows the electrical conductor 2 to be inserted into the conductor connection space 100 without the electrical conductor 2 having to displace a component.

The clamping element 12 is shown separately in Figs. 8A to 8C. The clamping element 12 is made of an electrically conductive material, for example a metal or a metal alloy, although this is not absolutely necessary. In the present case, the clamping element 12 is designed in one piece, for example produced by stamping and bending a piece of flat material. The clamping element 12 comprises a flat section, at the free end of which is an edge serves as a clamping edge 120. In the clamping position of the clamping element 12 , the clamping edge 120 is clamped against the contact element 11 or an electrical conductor 2 arranged in the conductor connection space 100 . If the electrical conductor 2 is or is inserted into the plug-in opening 104, the clamping edge 120 of the clamping element 12 acts on the electrical conductor 2 in the clamped position in such a way that the electrical conductor 2 is mechanically locked and is also electrically contacted with the contact element 11.

The clamping element 12 is rigid. It is not or only insignificantly bent by the forces acting in the connecting device 1A.

The clamping element 12 has a suspension 121 . In the present case, the suspension 121 is formed by a ring-shaped curved section of the clamping element 12 . The suspension 121 adjoins the flat section, in this case at the end opposite the clamping edge 120 . The suspension 121 embraces the axis 101 of the housing 10A. The suspension 121 and the axis 101 together form a pivot bearing. The clamping element 12 can be pivoted about a pivot axis S relative to the housing 10A (see FIG. 1A).

Furthermore, the clamping element 12 has a notch 122 (see FIGS. 8A to 8C). In the present case, the notch 122 is in the form of a lateral indentation. The clamping element 12 is in engagement with the actuating element 13 . For this purpose, the actuating element 13 has a rear grip 133 which encompasses the clamping element 12 . In the present case, rear grip 133 grips clamping element 12 at notch 122.

The actuator 13 is shown separately in Figures 7A to 7C. The actuating element 13 is designed in one piece. The actuating element 13 has a step 131 which is slidably mounted in the aforementioned guide 102 of the housing 10A, in the present case rectilinear. As can be seen, for example, with reference to FIG. 1A, the actuating element 13 is slidably mounted on the housing 10A in a direction parallel to the insertion direction E. For this purpose, in the example shown, the carriage 131 has groove-shaped projections on opposite sides, which slide along in the guide 102 . The guide 102 is limited in one direction by stops. The groove-shaped projections abut against the stops. The stops are formed by elongate ribs, which form a receptacle for the spring element 15, which will be explained in more detail below. The actuating element 13 also has an actuating area 132 . The actuating portion 132 is formed by the end of a block extending from the carriage 131 . In at least one position of the actuating element 13 relative to the housing 10A, the actuating region 132 extends out of the housing 10A, in the present case through an opening 107 in an outer wall of the housing 10A. The actuation area 132 can be actuated manually by a user, in the present case it can be pressed. The actuation area 132 also has a slot into which a tool, in particular a screwdriver, can be inserted to actuate the actuation element 13 . Since the actuating element 13 can be pressed via the actuating area 132, it can also be referred to as a pusher.

The actuating element 13 has a pin 136 on the side of the carriage 131 opposite the actuating section 132 . In the assembled state, the spring element 15 is attached to the pin 136 . The end of the spring element 15 is held securely on the pin 136 .

The spring element 15 is designed in the form of a spiral spring. The spring element 15 is supported with one of the two opposite ends on the actuating element 13, with the other of the two ends on a wall 103 of the housing 10A (see e.g. Fig. 1A). The spring element 15 exerts pressure on the actuating element 13 . In doing so, the spring element 15 pushes the operating area 132 out through the opening 107 of the housing 10A. Actuation of the actuating element 13 by pressing against the actuating area 132 acts against the force of the spring element 15.

Furthermore, the actuating element 13 has a hook 130 . The hook 130 serves as a latching hook. The hook 130 is formed at the end of an arm 135 of the operating member 13 . The arm 135 extends parallel to the axis along which the operating member 13 is slidably supported on the housing 10A. The arm 135 extends parallel to the insertion direction E. The arm 135 is connected to the carriage 131 via a connecting section, specifically at its end remote from the hook 130 in the present case. The already mentioned rear handle 133 extends from the connecting section in the opposite direction. The arm 135 and the rear handle 133 are arranged below the carriage 131 . The rear handle 133 has two areas aligned perpendicular to one another. The actuation element 13 has an edge 134 adjacent to the rear grip 133 . Depending on the position of the actuating element 13 , the rear grip 133 and/or the edge 134 is/are in contact with the clamping element 12 . The hook 130 has an insertion bevel. The housing 10A generally includes at least one locking member 105 . In the present case, the housing 10A has a locking element 105 on the base body (see FIGS. 9A and 9B) and on the cover 108 (see FIG. 90). Each of the locking elements 105 has an insertion bevel and can be gripped behind by a hook 130 . In the assembled state, the two locking elements 105 rest against one another and together form a continuous locking element, which allows increased stability. However, it would also be conceivable to provide only one locking element 105 on the base body or on the cover 108 .

The actuating element 13 can be locked with the locking elements 105 by means of the hook 130, as will be explained in more detail further below.

To release a locking of the hook 130 with the locking elements 105, the connection device 1A has a release element 14A.

6A to 6C show the trigger element 14A separately. The triggering element 14A has a cuboid body on which two ramps running towards one another are formed, each in the form of an inclined plane. A ramp that is steeper and shorter than the other is referred to herein as a lock ramp 140 . The other ramp is referred to below as unlocking ramp 141 . Both ramps interact with the hook 130 of the actuating element 13 .

Furthermore, the triggering element 14A has guides 142, here on opposite sides, in the example shown in the form of elongate depressions. When assembled, pins 106 on the body of the housing 10A and on the lid 108 engage the guides 142 . The triggering element 14A is slidably mounted in the housing 10A, in the present case slidably in a straight line. The length of the guides 142 limits the displacement path of the triggering element 14A relative to the housing 10A. Thus, the displacement path of the triggering element 14A is shorter than the triggering element 14A in this direction.

The triggering element 14A is movable (more precisely: displaceable) between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the trigger element 14A is arranged closer to the insertion opening 104 than in the second position. The function of the connection device 1A will now be explained below with reference to FIGS. 1A to 5B. The cover 108 has been removed to provide a view of the interior of the connection device 1A. 1A-5A each show the connecting device 1A in a plan view, and FIGS. 1B-5B in a slightly perspective view.

1A and 1B show the connection device 1A in an initial state, for example a delivery state. In this state, no electrical conductor 2 is connected. The hook 130 is unlocked from the locking element 105 . The actuating element 13 is urged by the force of the spring element 15 into a contact position which urges the clamping element 12 into the clamping position. The clamping element 12 touches the contact element 11 with the clamping edge 120. The release element 14A is arranged in the second position. The operating portion 132 of the operating member 13 protrudes from the housing 10A. As a result, a user can clearly see that the clamping element 12 is arranged in the clamping position.

In order to connect an electrical conductor 2, the actuating area 132 is actuated. The grip 133 of the actuating element 13 takes the clamping element 12 with it and pivots it about the pivot axis S. Furthermore, the hook 130 slides over the locking ramp 140 of the triggering element 14A, with the arm 135 being elastically bent. The hook 130 then engages behind the locking element 105 of the housing 10A. The unlocking ramp 141 slides along the hook 130, the trigger element 14A being moved into the first position. The hook 130 snaps behind the locking element 105. The actuating element 13 is thus locked on the housing 10A, specifically in a holding position. In the holding position, the actuating element 13 holds the clamping element 12 in its release position. In comparison to the position according to FIGS. 1A and 1B, the actuation area 132 is shifted deeper into the housing 10A, in the present case arranged completely in the housing 10A.

This position is shown in Figures 2A and 2B. This position can also be referred to as the cocked position. The user can clearly see here that the clamping element 12 is arranged in the release position and the electrical conductor 2 can be connected. In the release position, the clamping element 12 is force-free. No force is exerted on the clamping element 12 by any of the other components of the connecting device 1A.

3A and 3B show the beginning of the connection of the electrical conductor 2. Here, the electrical conductor 2 was inserted through the plug-in opening 104 into the conductor connection space 100 plugged in. The end 20 of the electrical conductor 2 touches the trigger element 14A. If the electrical conductor 2 is inserted further, then it forces the triggering element 14A from the first position shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B into the second position.

As can be seen in FIGS. 4A and 4B, where the triggering element 14A has already been pushed further towards the second position, the unlocking ramp 141 of the triggering element 14A slides along the hook 130 of the actuating element 13 and displaces it (upward in FIG. 4A). . At this time, the arm 135 is elastically bent. This lifts the hook 130 out of locking engagement with the locking member 105 .

As soon as the locking engagement of the hook 130 with the locking element 105 is released, the actuating element 13 is urged into the contact position by the force of the spring element 15 . The edge 134 of the actuating element 13 presses the clamping element 12 against the electrical conductor 2 into the clamping position. In this case, the electrical conductor 2 is clamped against the contact element 11 . During the movement of the actuating element 13, the triggering element 14A is also carried along to some extent. The clamping element 12 can thus be pushed into the clamping position by the actuating element 13, which is mounted so that it can move relative to the housing 10A and is operatively connected to the clamping element 12. Again, the user can clearly see that the clamping element 12 is arranged in the clamping position. By using the spring element 15 in the form of a spiral spring, relatively high clamping forces are possible.

10A to 10E show a connecting device 1B which is constructed and functions largely identically to the connecting device according to FIGS. 1A-5B.

A spring 143, here in the form of a spiral spring, is provided, which urges the triggering element 14B into the first position. Thus, the spring 143 facilitates movement of the trigger 14B from the second position to the first position.

The triggering element 14B is provided with a pin 145, as can be seen in particular from FIGS. 12A to 12C. The spring 143 surrounds the spigot 145 at one end when assembled. The other end of the spring 143 surrounds a spigot 109 of the housing 10B. The spigot 109 of the housing 10B can be seen particularly in Figures 11A and 11B. The spring 143 is significantly smaller than the spring element 15. 13A to 13C show another trigger element 14C. This triggering element 14C has a spring 144 which is integrally connected to the triggering element 14C. In this case, the spring is formed by a bent, resilient section of the triggering element 14C. This spring 144 bears against a widened section B of the wall 103 of the housing 100 (see, for example, FIG. 14A).

In the initial state (see FIG. 10A or 14A), the spring 143 urges; 144, the trigger element 14B; 140 against the hook 130 of the actuating element 13. As soon as the hook 130 is locked in the tensioned state by actuating the actuating element 13, the spring 143; 144, the trigger element 14B; 140 to the first position (see Fig. 10B or 14B).

We introduced the electrical conductor 2 (see Fig. 100 or 140) and urges the trigger element 14B; 140 back to the second position (see Fig. 10D or 14D), so that the hook 130 unlocks, then the spring 143 supports; 144 the return movement of the trigger element 14B; 140 to the first position (see Fig. 10E or 14E).

Reference List

1A-1C connection device

10A-10C housing

100 conductor connection room

101 axis

102 leadership

103 wall

104 plug opening

105 locking element

106 pen

107 opening

108 lid

109 cones

11 contact element

12 clamping element

120 clamping edge

121 suspension

122 notch

13 actuator

130 hooks

131 sleds

132 operating range

133 back grip

134 edge

135 arms

136 cones

14A-14C trigger element

140 locking ramp

141 unlocking ramp

142 leadership

143 feather

144 feather

145 cones

15 spring element

2 electrical conductors

20 end B broadened section

E insertion direction

S pivot axis

Claims

patent claims

1. Connection device (1A-1C) for connecting an electrical conductor (2), comprising: a housing (10A-10C) with a conductor connection space (100), a clamping element (12), which opens from a release position releasing the conductor connection space (100) into a clamping position in which an electrical conductor (2) can be clamped in the conductor connection space (100) by means of the clamping element (12), is movable, and one that is movably mounted relative to the housing (10A-10C) and is operatively connected to the clamping element (12). Actuating element (13), characterized in that the clamping element (12) can be pushed into the clamping position by the actuating element (13).

2. Connection device (1A-1C) according to claim 1, characterized in that the clamping element (12) is force-free in the release position.

3. Connection device (1A-1C) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the actuating element (13) has an actuating region (132) that can be touched manually and/or by means of a tool at an opening (107) of the housing (10).

4. Connection device (1A-1C) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuating element (13) can be locked in a holding position holding the clamping element (12) in the release position.

5. Connection device (1A-1C) according to claim 4, characterized in that the actuating element (13) can be locked in the holding position with a locking element (105) of the housing (10).

6. Connection device (1A-1C) according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the actuating element (13) has a hook (130) which can be locked in the holding position with the locking element (105) of the housing (10).

7. Connection device (1A-1C) according to one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that the holding position of the actuating element (13) can be unlocked by a release element (14A-14C) which is movably mounted relative to the housing (10A-10C).

8. Connection device (1A-1C) according to claim 5 and according to claim 7, characterized in that the trigger element (14A-14C) has an unlocking ramp (141) which can slide along the hook (130) of the actuating element (13) in order to to release the hook (130) from locking with the locking element (105) of the housing (10).

9. Connection device (1A-1C) according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the triggering element (14A-14C) can be touched by the electrical conductor (2) introduced into the conductor connection space (100) and can be displaced relative to the housing (10A-10C). is.

10. Connecting device (1B; 1C) according to any one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that the release element (14B; 14C) via a spring (143; 144) on the housing (10B; 10C) is supported.

11. Connection device (1A-1C) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a spring element (15) is provided, which exerts a force on the actuating element (13) and the actuating element (13) in a clamping element (12) in the clamping position pressing contact position biases.

12. Connection device (1A-1C) according to claim 11, characterized in that the spring element (15) is designed in the form of a spiral spring.

13. Connection device (1A-1C) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuating element (13) is slidably mounted on the housing (10A-10C).

14. Connection device (1A-1C) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuating element (13) is in engagement with the clamping element (12). 17

15. Connection device (1A-1C) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the clamping element (12) is pivotably mounted on an axis (101) of the housing (10).

16. Connection device (1A-1C) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the electrical conductor (2) in the conductor connection space (100) can be clamped against a contact element (11) by means of the clamping element (12) in order to to contact electrically.