CN115764343A - Connection devices, connection terminals and electronic equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a connection device (100) for connecting electrical conductors (300), comprising: a current bar (110); a clamping spring (111) with a holding arm (112) and a clip Clamping arm (113), wherein the conductor (300) to be connected is clamped relative to the current bar (110) in the clamping position of the clamping spring (111) by means of the clamping arm (113); and an actuating element (115), by means of which the clamping spring (111) can be shifted from the clamping position into the open position, wherein the actuating element (115) is in the open position of the clamping spring (111) by means of The current bar (110) is held in position to hold the clamp spring (111) in the open position.

Description

Connection devices, connection terminals and electronic equipment

technical field

The invention relates to a connecting device for connecting electrical conductors, the connecting device having a current bar, a clamping spring with a holding arm and a clamping arm, wherein the conductor to be connected is held in the clamping position of the clamping spring by means of the clamping arm In the clamped position, the opposite current bar is clamped, and the connecting device has an actuating element by means of which the clamping spring can be shifted from the clamped position into the open position. The invention also relates to a connection terminal and an electronic device.

Background technique

Such a connecting device usually has a clamping spring configured as a clamping arm spring, which has a holding arm and a clamping arm, wherein a conductor introduced into the connecting device can be clamped by means of the clamping arm of the clamping spring. Clamps to current bar. If a particularly flexible conductor is to be clamped, the clamping spring must already be moved into the open position by means of the actuating element before the conductor is inserted and must therefore be actuated in order to pivot the clamping spring or the clamping arm away from the current bar, whereby the conductor can Inserted into the intermediate space between the current bar and the clamping spring, which is formed as a conductor connection chamber. Only in the case of a rigid and therefore stable conductor can the conductor exert sufficient force on the clamping spring or the clamping arm of the clamping spring to be able to pivot the clamping arm away from the current bar without having to The operating element is actuated by the user. In the case of flexible conductors, the user must first pivot the clamping spring away from the current bar by actuating the actuating element in order to be able to insert the flexible conductor. In this case, the actuating element usually presses against the clamping arm of the clamping spring in order to pivot the clamping arm away from the current bar and to release the conductor connection chamber. The actuating element is then generally held in this open position manually until the flexible conductor is introduced into the connection chamber and can be clamped relative to the current bar.

Contents of the invention

It is an object of the present invention to provide a connecting device as well as a connecting terminal and an electronic device in which handling for the user can be simplified when connecting conductors, in particular flexible conductors.

This object is solved according to the invention with the features of the independent claims. Advantageous refinements and advantageous developments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims.

The connecting device according to the invention is characterized in that the actuating element is held in place in the open position of the clamping spring by means of a current bar in order to hold the clamping spring in the open position.

According to the invention it is now provided that in the open position of the clamping spring the actuating element engages with the current bar, so that the actuating element remains in a fixed position relative to the current bar. Because the actuating element engages the current bar in the open position of the clamping spring, a relative movement between the actuating element and the current bar and a relative movement between the actuating element and the clamping spring in this open position can be prevented. By holding the actuating element in a fixed position, the clamping spring can be held securely in the open position, so that simple insertion of the conductor to be connected is possible. By holding the actuating element in a fixed and therefore stable position by means of the current strip, it is no longer necessary to manually hold the actuating element in said position. This enables a user to handle the connecting device more easily, in particular with one hand, in order to be able to connect conductors, in particular flexible conductors, easily and reliably. The holding of the actuating element on the current bar can be achieved by a positive and/or non-positive connection between the current bar and the actuating element when the clamping spring is in the open position.

In order to hold the actuating element in a fixed position relative to the current bar, the actuating element can be tensioned and/or locked on the current bar in the open position of the clamping spring.

This tensioning or locking can be provided, for example, by producing a locking connection between the actuating element and the current bar in the open position of the clamping spring. As soon as the actuating element has been moved such that the clamping spring has reached the open position, the actuating element can be latched onto the current bar so that the actuating element can be held in a fixed position against the pressure exerted by the clamping spring on the actuating element by means of the snap-in connection. and in a stable position.

In order to form the snap-in connection, the actuating element can have a snap-in edge, by means of which the actuating element can be snapped onto the current bar, in particular a contact section of the current bar, in the open position of the clamping spring. superior. By means of the pressure exerted on the actuating element by the clamping spring, in particular by the clamping arm of the clamping spring, in the open position of the clamping spring, the actuating element can be positioned with its locking edge relative to the current bar, in particular relative to the current bar. The contact section of the current bar, to which the conductor to be connected is clamped in the clamping position of the clamping spring, is tensioned and thereby latched. The detent edge of the actuating element can, for example, detent or be clamped on the edge face of the contact section of the current bar.

The actuating element is preferably mounted displaceably. The actuating element can be designed in the form of a sliding element.

For transferring the clamping spring from the clamped position into the open position it is preferably provided that the actuating element can be guided in an axially directed first actuating direction and in a second actuating direction oriented transversely to the first actuating direction. The actuating element can thus be guided in two actuating directions for actuating the clamping spring. In order to transfer the clamping spring from the clamped or initial position into the open position, the actuating element can first be guided in a first actuating direction and then in a second actuating direction. If the clamping spring is to be transferred from the open position into the clamped position or into the initial position, the actuating element can be reversed in that the actuating element can be guided first in the second actuating direction and then in the first actuating direction. sports. An axial movement of the actuating element takes place not only when the actuating element is moved in the first actuating direction but also when moved in the second actuating direction. The first actuation direction preferably extends transversely to the insertion direction of the conductors to be connected. The second actuation direction preferably extends parallel to the insertion direction of the conductors to be connected. By moving the actuating element in the second actuating direction, preferably the actuating element is engaged/tensioned on the current bar or the actuating element is detented/tensioned on the current bar. When the actuating element is moved in the first actuating direction, the clamping spring or the clamping arm of the clamping spring is preferably actually actuated in order to transfer it into the open position or the clamped position.

The actuation of the actuation element can be effected manually by a user, for example. For manual actuation of the actuating element, the actuating element can have, for example, a grip surface. The grip surface is preferably formed on the outer surface of the actuating element.

Additionally or alternatively, the actuating element can have a tool engagement opening for actuating the actuating element with a tool, such as a screwdriver. Via the tool engagement opening, a tool inserted therein can guide the actuation element in a first actuation direction and in a second actuation direction.

Additionally or alternatively, a release element can be provided, by means of which the actuating element can be actuated. The release element is preferably part of the connecting device and can be displaceably guided relative to the actuating element in order to be able to release the actuating element, in particular from its holding position with the current bar. The release element can have an abutment surface with which the release element can be pressed against the actuating element and thus can exert pressure on the actuating element in order to be able to disengage the actuating element from the current bar. As soon as the actuating element is out of engagement with the current bar, the actuating element can be moved back by the pressure exerted on the actuating element by the clamping arm of the clamping spring, so that the clamping spring can be transferred from the open position into the clamped position. Viewed in the insertion direction of the conductor, the release element is preferably arranged above the actuating element, so that the release element can be pressed against the actuating element from above in order to be able to release the actuating element from engagement with the current bar. The actuation direction of the release element is preferably oriented at an angle to the insertion direction of the conductor or to both actuation directions of the actuation element, in particular at an angle between 20° and 70°. Through the angled positioning of the release element, the release element can be pressed obliquely against the actuation element. The release element can, for example, be designed in the form of a pin. The release element can be actuated manually or by means of a tool, for example.

In addition to the actual function of releasing the engagement between the current bar and the actuating element, the release element can also form a status display element which can indicate the clamped and open positions of the clamping spring. Depending on the position of the release element, the user can then recognize from the outside whether the clamping spring is in the clamped or open position. If the actuating element is engaged with the current bar and thus the clamping spring is in the open position, the release element can protrude from the connection device with an end section, whereby the clamping can be signaled by the user seeing the end section from the outside. Spring open position. If this end section is no longer visible from the outside, the clamping position of the clamping spring is signaled. The end section of the release element can be formed, for example, by a grip region of the release element.

The release element can be in operative connection with the spring element and thus be spring-loaded. When the actuating element is actuated to transfer the clamping spring from the clamped or initial position into the open position, the actuating element can press against the release element and move it away counter to the actuation direction of the release element. During this displacement movement of the release element against its actuation direction, the spring element can be tensioned so that the release element can be pretensioned in the open position of the clamping spring. If the clamping spring is to be shifted from the open position into the clamped position, the release element is actuated in the actuation direction of the release element, wherein the release element can act with increased pressure on the actuation element by the spring force of the spring element, so that The actuating element can be disengaged from the current bar. In this case, the spring element can be arranged such that the pressure of the spring element can act parallel to the actuation direction of the release element.

The connecting device can also have a pivotably mounted triggering element which can engage with the actuating element in the open position of the clamping spring, wherein the triggering element can pass through the conductor to be connected. The actuation is such that the triggering element can actuate the actuating element such that the actuating element can be released from its holding position with the current bar. The holding position is the position in which the actuating element is held in position by means of the current bar in order to hold the clamping spring in the open position. Conductors with a small conductor cross-section, in particular flexible conductors, can be connected tool-free by means of the trigger element. The triggering element can have a pressing surface, wherein, in order to transfer the clamping spring from the open position into the clamping position, the pressing surface can be actuated by the conductor to be connected, and by actuating the pressing surface, the release element can be moved relative to the actuated The element is pivoted, whereby a movement of the actuating element in its second actuating direction can be brought about, whereby the actuating element can be disengaged from the current bar. The triggering element, and in particular the pressing surface of the triggering element, is preferably arranged in the insertion region of the conductor into the connection device and thus in the extension of the conductor insertion opening of the housing of the connection terminal, so that the conductor can touch the triggering element when inserted into the connection device extrusion surface. By applying pressure to the pressing surface by means of the conductor, the triggering element can be placed in a pivoting or tilting movement in the direction of insertion of the conductor, so that the triggering element can be moved in the direction of insertion of the conductor relative to the actuating element, in particular The trigger projection pivots or tilts relative to the actuating element. By pivoting the triggering element relative to the triggering projection of the actuating element, the actuating element can be set in motion so that the actuating element is disengaged from the current bar and thus released from the current bar, so that the actuating element and thus the clamping spring can be moved without manual operation. Transfer from the open position into the clamped position with assistance. With this special mechanism, conductors, especially conductors with small conductor cross-sections and/or flexible conductors, can be connected particularly simply by means of an insertion movement of the conductors, without the user having to manipulate other elements on the connecting device, For example, the element itself is actuated in order to release the clamping spring and transfer it from the clamped position into the open position. This facilitates handling of the connecting device and saves time when connecting conductors. Thus, in the open position of the clamping spring, the tensioning or locking of the actuating element to the current bar can be released or canceled by the conductor to be connected itself. The triggering element is preferably designed so wide that it completely covers the conductor connection space in the insertion direction, so that it can be ensured that conductors with very small conductor cross-sections also hit the pressing surface of the triggering element when inserted into the conductor connection space. , and enables pivotal movement of the trigger element.

The actuating element can have at least one actuating arm and at least one connection section arranged transversely to the actuating arm, wherein an actuating surface can be formed on the at least one actuating arm, which can cooperate with the clamping arm of the clamping spring , for actuating the clamping spring. The at least one actuating arm can be used for direct interaction with the clamping spring, in particular with the clamping arm of the clamping spring. All actuation surfaces or actuation elements for actuating the actuation element can be arranged on the connection section. For example, grip surfaces and/or tool engagement openings can be formed on the connection section. Furthermore, triggering projections can be formed on the connection section. The at least one actuating arm can laterally delimit the conductor connection chamber, so that incorrect insertion of the conductors to be connected can be prevented by means of the at least one actuating arm.

The actuating element can also have two actuating arms, which are connected to one another via a connecting section. The actuating element can then have a U-shape in cross section. The steering element may include a first steering arm and a second steering arm spaced apart from the first steering 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 triggering element. The conductor connection chamber formed between the current bar and the clamping spring can be delimited laterally by the first and second actuating arms, so that the two actuating arms can guide the conductors to be connected and prevent lateral deflection of the conductors . Two actuating arms can interact simultaneously with the clamping arm of the clamping spring in that the first actuating arm can have a first actuating surface and the second actuating arm can have a second actuating surface for actuating the clamp of the clamping spring. tight arms.

The clamping arm of the clamping spring can have a clamping tongue and at least one side tongue arranged laterally of the clamping tongue. At least one side tongue can cooperate with at least one actuating arm in order to actuate the clamping spring or the clamping arm of the clamping spring. Clamping edges can be formed on the free ends of the clamping tongues for clamping the conductor to be connected relative to the current bar in the clamping position. By means of the at least one side tongue, in the open position of the clamping spring, a pressure can be exerted by the clamping arm of the clamping spring on the actuating element, which pressure can hold the actuating element in engagement with the current bar. The at least one side tongue is preferably curved so that it can form a slider which can be actuated along the at least one actuating arm of the actuating element when the clamping spring is transferred into the open position and the clamped position. face slide.

If the actuating element has two actuating arms, the clamping arm preferably also has two side tongues, wherein the two side tongues can then be formed in each case on the sides of the clamping tongue of the clamping arm. For both side tongues, the clamping tongue is arranged between the two side tongues. The two side tongues are preferably in direct contact with the actuating element, so that the clamping spring can be actuated by means of the actuating element via the two side tongues of the clamping arm. Preferably, the clamping tongue is not in direct contact with the actuating element, but the clamping tongue is only used for clamping the conductor relative to the current bar in the clamping position.

In order to enable a particularly stable positioning of the clamping spring in the connecting device, the clamping spring can be fastened via its holding arm to the current bar. An undesired tilting of the clamping spring can be prevented by fastening the clamping spring to the current bar via the retaining arm of the clamping spring. The fastening of the holding arm to the current bar can take place, for example, by a snap connection or riveting.

The current bar can have a through-opening through which the conductor to be connected can be guided into the conductor connection chamber.

For example, the current bar can have a plurality of subsections, wherein the current bar can also have a contact section and a holding section.

The clamping section can be used to connect conductors in that the conductor to be connected can be clamped against the contact section of the current bar by means of the clamping arm of the clamping spring. The contact section can extend parallel to the insertion direction of the conductors to be connected. The actuating element can preferably engage the current bar in the region of the contact section in order to hold the clamping spring in the open position.

Since the retaining arm of the clamping spring can be fastened to the retaining section of the current bar, this retaining section can be used to secure the clamping spring to the current bar. Through-holes can also be formed on the fastening section of the current bar, through which the conductors to be connected can be introduced into the conductor connection chamber.

Furthermore, the object according to the invention is achieved by means of a connecting terminal, in particular a series terminal, which has a housing and at least one connecting device arranged in the housing, which is constructed and improved as described above.

A conductor insertion opening can be formed on the housing, which is designed in alignment with the conductor connection chamber of the connecting device, and through which a conductor to be connected can be inserted into the housing and into the connecting device. In particular when configured as a series terminal that can be snapped onto a support rail, two such connection devices can also be arranged in one housing.

Furthermore, the object according to the invention is solved by means of an electronic device having at least one connection device of the above-mentioned design and improvement and/or at least one connection terminal of the above-mentioned design and improvement . The electronic device can be, for example, a switch cabinet, in which one or more support rails or mounting plates can be arranged, on which a plurality of connection terminals, in particular series terminals, can be clamped with corresponding connection devices .

Description of drawings

The present invention will be explained in detail below based on preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings.

The accompanying drawings show

FIG. 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a connection terminal according to the invention in an initial or clamped position of a clamping spring,

FIG. 2 shows a further schematic view of the connection terminal shown in FIG. 1 in the initial or clamped position of the clamping spring,

Fig. 3 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the connecting terminal shown in Fig. 2,

FIG. 4 shows a schematic view of the connection terminal shown in FIG. 1 with the clamping spring in an open position,

FIG. 5 shows a schematic sectional view of the connecting terminal shown in FIG. 4 with the conductor inserted in the open position of the clamping spring,

FIG. 6 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the connecting terminal shown in FIGS. 1 to 5 with connected conductors,

Fig. 7 shows a schematic diagram of the connecting terminal shown in Fig. 1 rotated by 90°, and

FIG. 8 shows a schematic view of another rotation angle of the connecting terminal shown in FIG. 1 .

Detailed ways

1 to 8 each show a connecting terminal 200 with a housing 210 inside which a connecting device 100 for connecting a conductor 300 is arranged. The housing 210 can consist of an insulating material, in particular a plastic material. The connecting device 100 is arranged in the inner space of the housing 210 .

The connecting device 100 has a current bar 110 and a clamping spring 111 , wherein a conductor 300 to be connected can be electrically conductively clamped relative to the current bar 110 by means of the clamping spring 111 , as shown for example in FIG. 6 .

The clamping spring 111 is designed as a clamping arm spring. The clamping spring 111 has a holding arm 112 and a clamping arm 113 . The holding arm 112 and the clamping arm 113 are connected to one another via an arcuate section 114 . The holding arm 112 is arranged in a fixed position in the housing 110 , this being achieved in the refinement shown here by the holding arm 112 being fastened to the current bar 110 . The clamping arm 113 can pivotally move relative to the holding arm 112, so that according to the position of the clamping arm 113, the clamping spring 111 can be shifted and positioned in an open position as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, and as shown in FIGS. In the initial or clamped position shown in Figures 2, 3 and 6.

In order to transfer the clamping spring 111 from the initial position or the clamping position into the open position, the connecting device 100 has an actuating element 115 . The actuating element 115 is displaceably arranged in the housing 210 of the connection terminal 200 .

In the embodiment shown here, the actuating element 115 has two actuating arms 116 a , 116 b and a connecting section 117 , wherein the two actuating arms 116 a , 116 b are connected to one another via the connecting section 117 . The two handling arms 116a, 116b extend parallel to each other. Between the two handling arms 116a, 116b a free space 118 is formed, into which the conductor 300 to be connected can be inserted, so that the two handling arms 116a, 116b can form a lateral delimitation for the conductor 300 to be connected . Due to the two actuating arms 116a, 116b and the connection section 117 connecting the two actuating arms 116a, 116b, the actuating element 115 has a U-shape.

The two actuating arms 116a, 116b each have an actuating surface 119a, 119b via which the clamping arm 113 of the clamping spring 111 can be actuated in order to transfer the clamping spring 111 into the open position. The two control surfaces 119a, 119b extend parallel to one another. Control surfaces 119a, 119b are respectively formed on an edge surface of one of the control arms 116a, 116b.

The clamping arm 113 of the clamping spring 111 has a clamping tongue 120 and two side tongues 121 a , 121 b arranged laterally on the clamping tongue 120 . The first side tongue 121a acts with the first operating arm 116a and the second side tongue 121b acts with the second operating arm 116b to transfer the clamping spring 111 to the open position and maintain it in the open position.

Preferably, the clamping tongue 120 is not in contact with the actuating element 115 , but the clamping tongue 120 serves to clamp the conductor 300 relative to the current bar 110 . For this purpose, the clamping tongue 120 has a clamping edge 122 at its free end, by means of which the clamping tongue 120 can clamp the conductor 300 to be connected relative to the current bar 110, as shown in FIG. 6 . The clamping tongue 120 has a greater length than the two side tongues 121 a , 121 b arranged laterally of the clamping tongue 120 , so that the clamping tongue 120 protrudes beyond the two side tongues 121 a , 121 b. The two side tongues 121 a , 121 b are each curved so that they can slide along the actuation surfaces 119 a , 119 b of the actuation arms 116 a , 116 b of the actuation element 115 during actuation by the actuation element 115 .

In order to be able to hold the clamping spring 111 in the open position without manual assistance, the actuating element 115 can be held in position by means of the current bar 110 in the open position of the clamping spring 111 . The actuating element 115 can be tensioned or locked with the current bar 110 in the open position of the clamping spring 111 . For this purpose, in the open position of the clamping spring 111 a snap-in connection 123 can be produced between the actuating element 115 and the current bar 110 .

To produce the latching connection 123, latching edges 124a, 124b can be formed on the actuating element 115, which can be latched or clamped with the current bar 110, as for example in FIGS. 1 , 2 and 4 as seen in the . Not only can the detent edge 124a be formed on the first actuating arm 116a, but also the detent edge 124b can be formed on the second actuating arm 116b, so that in the open position of the clamping spring 111 the actuating element 115 can be formed with its two The actuating arms 116a, 116b are latched or tensioned on the current bar. The latching edges 124 a , 124 b can preferably extend parallel to the insertion direction E of the conductor 300 , as can be seen in FIGS. 1 to 8 . The detent edges 124a, 124b can each be configured in an undercut manner.

To form the snap-in connection 123 , the actuating element 115 is guided in a first axially directed actuating direction B1 and in a second axially directed actuating direction B2 . The second actuation direction B2 extends transversely, ie at an angle of 90°, to the first actuation direction B1. The second actuation direction B2 extends parallel to the insertion direction E of the conductor 300 . The first actuation direction B1 extends transversely to the insertion direction E of the conductor 300 .

In order to transfer the clamping spring 111 from the initial position or the clamping position to the open position, the actuating element 115 is first moved in the actuating direction B1, whereby the actuating element 115 moves the clamping arms of the clamping spring 111 via its actuating arms 116a, 116b. 113 is pivoted away from the current bar 110 in order to release the conductor connection chamber 125 formed between the clamping arm 113 and the current bar 110 . In order to fix the actuating element 115 and thus the clamping spring 111 in the open position, and thus autonomously hold the actuating element 115 in the second actuating direction B2, a displacement movement of the actuating element 115 is then carried out, wherein the actuating element 115 is here opposite to the The insertion direction E moves until the actuating element 115 engages or is tensioned with its locking edges 124 a , 124 b on the current bar 110 . In this tensioned or locked position, the clamping arm 113 exerts a pressure DS with its side tongues 120a, 120b on the actuating element 115 or on the actuating arms 116a, 116b of the actuating element 115, so that the actuating element 115 is locked with its Edges 124 a , 124 b are stretched relative to current bar 110 . The pressure DS of the side tongues 120 a , 120 b acts transversely to the insertion direction E on the actuating element 115 .

In order to release the latching connection 123 in order to transfer the clamping spring 111 from the open position into the clamping position or initial position, the actuating element 115 is first moved in the second actuating direction B2, whereby the latching connection 123 is released. And the actuating element 115 is no longer held on the current bar 110 . Subsequently, the actuating element 115 can be moved back in the first actuating direction B1 by the pressure DS acting on the actuating element 115, whereby the clamping arm 113 can be pivoted in the direction of the current bar 110 and can be connected, for example, to the conductor connection. The conductor 300 in the chamber 125 is clamped relative to the current bar 110 .

The actuation of the actuation element 115 can take place in various ways. All possibilities are shown in connection terminal 200 shown here in FIGS. 1 to 8 , wherein connection terminal 200 or connection device 100 does not necessarily have to include all of these possibilities.

For example, the actuating element 115 can have a grip surface 126 via which the actuating element 115 can be manually actuated by a user in order to guide the actuating element 115 in the first actuating direction B1 and in the second actuating direction B2 . The grip surface 126 is formed on the outer surface of the actuating element 115 . The grip surface 126 is formed on the connection section 117 of the actuating element 115 .

Furthermore, the actuating element 115 shown here has a tool engagement opening 127 into which a tool 400 , as shown in FIG. 4 , can be inserted in order to actuate the actuating element 115 . The tool engagement opening 127 is formed on the connection section 117 of the actuating element 115 .

Additionally, the connection device 100 may include a release element 128, as shown in FIGS. 1-8. The release element 128 is displaceable in the actuation direction BL relative to the actuation element 115 in order to actuate the actuation element 115 and in particular release it from the holding position with the current bar 110 .

Release element 128 includes at one end an abutment surface 129 via which release element 128 can exert pressure on actuation element 115 in actuation direction BL in order to release actuation element 115 from the holding position with current bar 110 . The actuation direction BL is formed at an angle between 20° and 70° relative to the two actuation directions B1, B2 of the actuation element 115, so that the release element 128 strikes the actuation element 115 obliquely with its abutment surface 129, so that The actuating element 115 is actuated.

The release element 128 is guided in a guide channel 212 formed on the housing 210 of the connection terminal 200 .

The release element 128 can have a pin shape, at least in cross section.

The release element 128 can be actuated manually or by means of a tool. For actuating the release element 128 , the release element 128 can comprise a gripping region 130 at the end section opposite the abutment surface 129 .

In addition to actuating the actuating element 115 , the release element 128 can form a status display element which can indicate to the user the clamped and open position of the clamping spring 111 outside the connection terminal 200 . If the actuating element 115 is engaged with the current bar 110 and thus the clamping spring 111 is in the open position, the release element 128 can protrude with its grip region 130 from the connection device 100 and from the housing 210 of the connection terminal 200 , as shown in FIG. 4 . As shown in , wherein the gripping region 130 is visible from the outside by the user, the open position of the clamping spring 111 can be signaled. If this gripping region 130 is no longer visible from the outside, as shown for example in FIG. 6 , the clamping position of the clamping spring 111 is signaled.

The release element 128 is in operative connection with a spring element 131 arranged in the housing 210 and is spring-loaded by the spring element 131 . When the actuating element 115 is actuated to transfer the clamping spring 111 from the clamped or initial position into the open position, the actuating element 115 can press against the release element 128 and move it against the actuation direction BL of the release element 128 . During this displacement movement of the release element 128 against its actuation direction BL, the spring element 131 can be tensioned so that in the open position of the clamping spring 111 the release element 128 can be pretensioned. If the clamping spring 111 is to be transferred from the open position to the clamped position, the release element 128 is actuated in the actuation direction BL, wherein the release element 128 can act with increased force on the actuation element 115 by the pressure DF of the spring element 131 , so that the operating element 115 can be disengaged from the current bar 110 . The spring element 131 is arranged such that the pressure DF of the spring element 131 acts parallel to the actuation direction BL of the release element 128 .

The connecting device 100 here also has an activation element 132 . The trigger element 132 is mounted pivotably about an axis of rotation 133 .

The triggering element 132 has a pressing surface 134 which points in the direction of the conductor connection chamber 125 . The conductor connection chamber 125 is delimited by the pressing surface 134 in the insertion direction E of the conductor 300 . In order to switch the clamping spring 111 from the open position into the clamped position, the pressing surface 134 can be actuated by the conductor 300 to be connected, whereby the triggering element 132 can be pivotally moved in the insertion direction E. FIG. During a pivoting movement in the insertion direction E, the triggering element 132 strikes the actuating element 115 , in particular the triggering projection 135 of the actuating element 115 , as can be seen in FIG. 5 . The triggering projection 135 has a bevel 140 along which the triggering element 132 is guided during the pivoting, and thus the triggering element 132 can press the triggering projection 135 downwards in the direction of insertion E. FIG. As a result, the entire actuating element 115 is moved in the insertion direction E and thus in its second actuating direction B2 , whereby the actuating element 115 can be disengaged from the current bar 110 .

The triggering element 132 and in particular the pressing surface 134 of the triggering element 132 is arranged in the extension of the conductor insertion opening 211 of the housing 210 of the connecting terminal 200 , so that the conductor 300 when inserted into the connecting terminal 200 and thus into the connecting device 100 Hit against the pressing surface 134 of the trigger element 132 . By applying pressure to the pressing surface 134 in the insertion direction E by means of the conductor 300, the trigger element 132 can be set in a pivoting or tilting movement in the direction of the insertion direction E of the conductor 300, so that the release The element 132 strikes the actuating element 115 in the insertion direction E of the conductor 300 , so that, as just described, the actuating element 115 can be set into motion so that the actuating element 115 can be disengaged from the current bar 110 and can be activated by This can be released from the current bar 110 so that the actuating element 115 and thus the clamping spring 111 can be transferred from the open position into the clamped position without manual assistance.

FIG. 6 shows a correspondingly connected or clamped conductor 300 relative to the current bar 110 .

The current bar 110 has a plurality of sections, wherein the conductor 300 to be connected can be clamped in an electrically conductive manner relative to the contact section 136 of the current bar 110 . The contact section 136 extends parallel to the insertion direction E of the conductor 300 .

Contact section 136 is connected to holding section 137 of current bar 110 . The clamping spring 111 is fixed on the holding section 137 . In the configuration shown here in FIGS. 1 to 8 , the clamping spring 111 is fastened with its holding arm 112 to the holding section 137 of the current bar 110 via a riveted connection 138 .

Furthermore, a through-hole 139 is formed in the holding section 137 of the current bar 110 , through which the conductor 300 to be connected is guided in order to enter the conductor connection chamber 125 , as for example in FIGS. 5 and 6 . As can be seen. The conductor 300 to be connected is thus inserted through the current bar 110 .

The holding section 137 is arranged in a position above the contact section 136 as viewed in the insertion direction E. As shown in FIG.

7 and 8 show other possible positions of the connection terminal 200 shown in FIGS. It is inserted into the connection terminal 200 at any angle along the insertion direction E and connected.

Explanation of reference signs

100 connecting device

110 current bar

111 Clamping spring

112 Holding arm

113 Clamping arm

114 arc section

115 Operating elements

116a, 116b Manipulator arms

117 Connection section

118 free space

119a, 119b control surfaces

120 Clamping tongue

121a, 121b side tongues

122 Clamping edge

123 snap-on connection

124a, 124b locking edge

125 conductor connection compartment

126 grip surface

127 Tool scarf opening

128 release element

129 abutment surface

130 grip area

131 spring element

132 trigger element

133 Axis of rotation

134 extrusion surface

135 trigger bump

136 contact section

137 Hold section

138 riveted connection

139 through holes

140 bevel

200 connection terminals

210 housing

211 Conductor insertion opening

212 guide channel

300 conductors

400 tools

B1 First steering direction

B2 Second steering direction

BL Actuation direction of release element

E Insertion direction

DF Pressure of the spring element

DS side tongue pressure

Claims (15)

1. A connecting device (100) for connecting an electrical conductor (300), having - current bar (110), - a clamping spring (111), which has a holding arm (112) and a clamping arm (113), wherein the conductor to be connected is held in the clamping position of the clamping spring (111) by means of the clamping arm (113) (300) clamped relative to the current bar (110), and - an actuating element (115), by means of which the clamping spring (111) can be transferred from the clamped position into the open position, It is characterized in that the actuating element (115) is held in position in the open position of the clamping spring (111) by means of the current bar (110) in order to hold the clamping spring (111) in in the open position. 2. The connecting device (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that, in the open position of the clamping spring (111), between the actuating element (115) and the current bar (110) A snap-lock connection (123) is established between them. 3. The connecting device (100) according to claim 2, characterized in that, for producing the snap-in connection (123), the actuating element (115) has snap-in edges (124a, 124b), by means of which The locking edge, the actuating element (115) is locked on the current bar (110) in the open position of the clamping spring (111), especially on the side of the current bar (110). on the contact section (136). 4. The connecting device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that in order to transfer the clamping spring (111) from the clamping position into the open position, the The actuation element (115) is guided in a first actuation direction (B1) directed axially and in a second actuation direction (B2) oriented transversely to the first actuation direction (B1). 5. The connecting device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the actuating element (115) has a grip surface (126) for manually actuating the actuating element (115) ). 6. The connection device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the actuating element (115) has a tool engagement opening (127) for actuating the actuated device by means of a tool (400). the control element (115). 7. The connecting device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that there is a release element (128) which is movably guided relative to the actuating element (115) so that the actuating The element (115) is released from the holding position with the current bar (110). 8. The connecting device (100) according to claim 7, characterized in that the release element (128) constitutes a status indicating element which indicates the clamping position and the opening of the clamping spring (111) Location. 9. The connection device (100) according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the release element (128) is spring-loaded. 10. The connection device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the connection device has a pivotably supported trigger element (132), the trigger element In the open position of the tension spring (111) is engaged with the operating element (115), wherein the triggering element (132) can be manipulated by the conductor (300) to be connected, so that the triggering element (132) manipulates the The actuating element (115) is actuated such that the actuating element (115) is released from the holding position with the current bar (110). 11. The connecting device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the actuating element (115) has at least one actuating arm (116a, 116b) and at least one The connecting section (117) provided by the arms (116a, 116b), wherein an actuating surface (119a, 119b) is formed on the at least one actuating arm (116a, 116b) for actuating the clamping The spring (111) cooperates with the clamping arm (113) of said clamping spring (111). 12 . The connecting device ( 100 ) according to claim 1 , characterized in that the clamping spring ( 111 ) is fastened with its retaining arm ( 112 ) to the current bar ( 110 ). 13 . 13. The connecting device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the current bar (110) has a through hole (139), through which the conductor (300) to be connected can pass. The holes are led into the conductor connection chamber (125). 14. A connecting terminal (200), in particular a series terminal, having a housing (210) and having at least one terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 13 arranged in the housing (210). The connecting device (100). 15. An electronic device having at least one connection device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 13 and/or having at least one connection terminal (200) according to claim 14.

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