DE102021125900A1 - Connection device for connecting an electrical conductor - Google Patents

Abstract

A connecting device (1) for connecting an electrical conductor (2) comprises a housing (10), a current bar (11), a clamping element (12) with a clamping section (120) which, from a clamping position in which an electrical conductor (2nd ) can be clamped against the current bar (11), can be transferred into a release position, and a slide (13) which is displaceably mounted on the housing (10) for transferring the clamping section (120) from the clamped position into the release position. A lever (14) pivoted about an axis of rotation (D) at a bearing point (106) fixed to the housing is provided, by means of which the slide (13) can be displaced relative to the housing (10).

Description

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.

In such connection devices, it is desirable to enable easy connection of an electrical conductor. It can be advantageous here that when an electrical conductor is plugged in, the connection device closes automatically, e.g. a clamping element is automatically transferred from a release position to a clamping position in order to make safe and reliable contact with the electrical conductor inserted into the plug-in opening of the housing. Contacting, in particular automatic triggering, should often not only be possible with a comparatively rigid electrical conductor, for example with a ferrule arranged on an electrical conductor or a wire, but also with an electrical conductor that can be inserted into the plug-in opening of the housing, e.g. in the form of a stranded conductor.

In the DE 10 2019 131 141 A1 a connection device of the type mentioned is described.

The object of the present invention is to provide a connection device for connecting an electrical conductor that is as easy as possible to handle.

This object is solved by an object with the features of claim 1.

Accordingly, a connecting device for connecting an electrical conductor is provided, comprising a housing, a current bar, a clamping element with a clamping section which can be transferred from a clamping position, in which an electrical conductor can be clamped against the current bar, into a release position, and a slide, which is slidably mounted on the housing for transferring the clamping section from the clamping position into the release position. A lever is provided at a bearing point fixed to the housing and is pivotable about an axis of rotation relative to the housing, by means of which the slide can be displaced relative to the housing.

This allows a clearly defined pivoting movement of the lever with a particularly low tendency of the components to jam, as a result of which the connection device is particularly easy to handle.

The housing can include a connecting link, by means of which the slide is mounted in a displaceable manner. This allows a particularly clearly defined movement of the slider. The slider touches z. B. the clamping section. The slide is arranged, for example, in such a way that a displacement of the slide relative to the housing forces the clamping section out of the clamping position into the release position. The clamping section is e.g. resiliently prestressed into the clamping position.

In a development, the backdrop is expanded at one point. For example, along its course, the connecting link comprises a first section and a second section, which is wider perpendicularly to the course than the first section. The wider second section is formed at one end of the link, for example. The wider second section allows the slider to move perpendicularly to a direction of displacement along the connecting link.

Optionally, the slider has a pin that engages with the backdrop, in particular is guided in the backdrop. In this way, the displacement path of the slider can be specified precisely.

Optionally, the housing includes a further connecting link, by means of which, for example, the slide is mounted so that it can be moved relative to the housing. It can be provided that the two links are shaped and/or aligned differently. This enables a combined translational and rotational movement. For example, one of the links is straight at least in sections and/or one of the links is curved at least in sections.

The slide can have a latching edge which can be latched, for example, with an edge of the housing. This latching can be released, for example, by displacing the pin of the slide in the broadened section of the link in a direction different from the main direction of extension of the link.

The slide optionally has a release surface that can be touched by an electrical conductor that is inserted through a plug-in opening in the housing is. Because the slide itself provides a triggering surface, it is possible to construct the connecting device with particularly few parts and therefore particularly easily.

In a further development, the slide can be displaced relative to the housing by pressure exerted on the triggering surface by the electrical conductor inserted into the plug-in opening, in particular in such a way that the latching edge of the slide is disengaged from the edge of the housing and released from the edge becomes. This enables intuitive operation with a simple structure.

For example, the lever has a lever arm with an operating area which cooperates with a surface of the slide, for example a concave surface. As a result of the pivoting movement of the lever about the bearing point fixed to the housing, this allows a simultaneous displacement of the slide relative to the housing and a sideways pressure on the rear area of the slide. This allows the slider to be easily and securely snapped into engagement with the edge of the housing.

The lever can also have a lever arm that can be actuated by a user, for example manually and/or by means of a tool. This enables simple and intuitive operation.

The lever can be designed in such a way that the axis of rotation is arranged between the two lever arms. For example, both lever arms emanate from the axis of rotation. The lever arms can be arranged on opposite sides of the axis of rotation. This allows for a compact exterior shape and good ergonomics.

The slide is arranged, for example, between the lever and the clamping element, at least the major part of the slide. This enables efficient power transmission. When it is actuated, the lever exerts pressure on the slide, for example, and/or the slide exerts pressure on the clamping section.

The bearing point can be in the form of a (physical) axis. The lever has, for example, a seat in which the axle is seated. This enables easy assembly and robust storage of the lever.

Optionally, the clamping element is designed in the form of a spring, in particular in the form of a leg spring with two legs that can be deflected resiliently relative to one another. The clamping section can be resiliently prestressed into the clamping position. Provision can be made here for the clamping section to be formed by one of the legs and/or for a holding section supported in a stationary manner relative to the housing to be formed by one (the other) of the legs. This enables the clamping portion to be automatically urged to a predetermined position, e.g., the clamping position.

In the release position, the clamping section can be resiliently tensioned relative to the holding section. This makes it possible for the clamping section to press resiliently into the clamping position.

• 1 eine Ansicht einer Anschlussvorrichtung zum Anschließen eines elektrischen Leiters mit einem Gehäuse, einem Strombalken, einem Klemmelement, einem Schieber und einem Hebel;
• 2A-2C Schnittansichten der Anschlussvorrichtung, wobei das Klemmelement, der Schieber und der Hebel in unterschiedlichen Stellungen gezeigt sind;
• 3 eine Ansicht des Schiebers;
• 4 eine Ansicht des Hebels;
• 5 eine Ansicht des Gehäuses; und
• 6 eine Ansicht der Anschlussvorrichtung mit eingestecktem elektrischem Leiter.

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

• 1 a view of a connection device for connecting an electrical conductor with a housing, a current bar, a clamping element, a slide and a lever;
• 2A-2C Sectional views of the connecting device, showing the clamping element, the slide and the lever in different positions;
• 3 a view of the slider;
• 4 a view of the lever;
• 5 a view of the housing; and
• 6 a view of the connection device with an inserted electrical conductor.

1-6 show a connection device 1, which enables the connection of an electrical conductor 2.

The connection device 1 comprises a housing 10 on which an insertion opening 104 is formed, into which the electrical conductor 2 can be inserted along an insertion direction E. The housing 10 delimits an interior 100 (in the form of a chamber) into which the electrical conductor 2 can be inserted with one (stripped) conductor end by plugging it into the plug-in opening 104 in order to be electrically connected within the interior 100 to a current bar 11 arranged in the housing 10 to contact. Optionally, the housing 10 is closed by a cover, not shown in the figures. The housing 10 is made of an insulating material such as a plastic.

The current bar 11 has a bar section 110, which extends in sections along a wall of the housing 10, in the present case in the interior 100. In the example shown, the current bar 11 comprises a section of the housing 10 guided connection section, which is used to establish an electrical connection with another component. The electrical conductor 2 inserted into the interior 100 can be electrically connected to the other component via the current bar 11 . A stop 111, here in the form of a protruding edge, is also formed on the current bar 11. The stopper 111 is formed on a part of the bar portion 110 which extends parallel to the insertion direction E. Furthermore, the current bar 11 has a contact section 112 which protrudes from the bar section 110 in the present case. The contact section 112 is arranged on one side of the interior 100, the stop 111 on an opposite side thereto.

In order to reliably make electrical contact between the inserted electrical conductor 2 and the current bar 11, the connecting device 1 comprises a clamping element 12 with a clamping section 120, which can be moved from a clamping position in which the electrical conductor 2 can be clamped against the current bar 11 by means of the clamping section 120 to a release position can be transferred. The clamping position is in the 1 , 2A and 6 shown the release position in the 2 B and 2C .

The clamping element 12 is designed in the form of a bent spring element, here in the form of a torsion spring. In the present case, the clamping element 12 is formed in one piece, e.g. by stamping and bending a piece of spring steel. The clamping section 120 is formed by a leg of the leg spring. A holding portion 122 of the clamping element 12 is formed by the other leg. The holding section 122 and the clamping section 120 are connected to one another via a bend 121 . The holding section 122 rests against a contact section 112 of the current bar 11 in the housing 10 .

The clamping portion 120 can be displaced relative to the holding portion 122, in particular the bend 121 elastically bends (changes its curvature). The bend 121 extends in the housing 10 around a bracket 101 of the housing 10 . The holding section 122 rests against the contact section 112 of the current bar 11, in this case with a free end of the holding section 122. This can prevent the holding section 122 from being moved out of its holding position when the clamping section 120 is displaced relative to the housing 10.

In the clamping position, the clamping section 120 bears against the current bar 11 or against the electrical conductor 2 arranged between the current bar 11 and the clamping section 120 . In concrete terms, the clamping section 120 has a clamping edge 123 which, in the clamping position, strikes the stop 111 when the interior space 100 is free, and which presses against the electrical conductor 2 when the electrical conductor 2 is arranged in the interior space 100 . The stop 111 limits the adjustment range of the clamping section 120.

If the electrical conductor 2 is inserted into the plug-in opening 104 , the leg of the clamping element 12 serving as the clamping section 120 acts on the electrical conductor 2 in such a way that the electrical conductor 2 is mechanically locked and is also in electrical contact with the current bar 11 .

In the release position, the clamping section 120 is arranged closer to the holding section 122 in comparison to the clamping position. In the release position, the electrical conductor 2 arranged in the interior 100 can be removed.

The clamping section 120 is biased into the clamping position. In order to move the clamping section 120 from the clamping position to the release position, the connection device 1 comprises a slide 13 and a lever 14.

The slide 13 is slidably mounted within the housing 10 . For this purpose, the housing 10 comprises at least one connecting link 102, 103, by means of which the slide 13 is slidably mounted. Specifically, two links 102, 103 for guiding the slide 13 are formed in the housing 10, see in particular 5 . The slider 13 has pins 132, 133 (see e.g 1 and 5 ), which are included in the wings 102, 103.

In general, the slide 13 can have at least one pin 132, 133 which engages with the at least one link 102, 103.

How in particular based on 5 to recognize, the scenes 102, 103 each form an elongated guideway. The links 102, 103 are offset in the direction of displacement of the slide 13 to each other. Furthermore, the scenes 102, 103 are shaped differently. While one backdrop 103 defines a straight guideway, the other backdrop 102 defines a curved guideway. The straight slide 103 extends perpendicularly to the insertion direction E. Furthermore, the slides 102, 103 are inclined to one another. As a result, the slide 13 performs both a translation and a rotation when it is displaced along the links 102, 103.

The slider 13 can be displaced along the links 102, 103 between a holding position, in which the slider 13 holds the clamping section 120 in the release position, and a connection position, in which the electrical conductor 2 can be clamped to the current bar 11 by means of the clamping element 12.

The links 102, 103 are, for example, in the form of indentations in the housing 10 (and correspondingly in the cover) or introduced. One of the scenes 102, 103, here the straight link 103, has a widened section. This link 103 is thus expanded at one point. The widened section allows movement of the pin 132 accommodated in the connecting link 103 in a direction which is at an angle to the course of the guideway of the connecting link.

3 shows the slider 13 in detail. The slide 13 has a release surface 135 which can be touched by the electrical conductor 2 inserted through the plug-in opening 104 of the housing 10 .

In the example shown, the slide 13 comprises two side walls 136 spaced apart from one another, on each of which two pins 132, 133 are formed. The side walls 136 with the pins 132, 133 are mirror images of each other. The side walls 136 are connected to one another via a section of material which forms the trigger surface 135 . A protruding foot 137 adjoins the triggering surface 135 . Furthermore, the side walls 136 are connected to one another by a rear wall on which a latching edge 131 is formed. In the present case, the latching edge 131 protrudes in relation to the side walls 136 .

In the assembled state, the bar section 110 of the current bar 11 extends between the side walls 136 of the slide 13 and between the material section forming the triggering surface 135 and the rear wall.

Furthermore, the side walls 136 each form an actuating area 130 which interacts with the clamping section 120 of the clamping element 12 . The actuation areas 130 are each formed on an end face of the respective side wall 136 . In the present case, the clamping element 12 comprises two actuating sections 124 , between which a piece of the clamping section 120 forming the clamping edge 123 protrudes at an angle to the actuating sections 124 . The actuating sections 124 are flat in the example shown. The actuating areas 130 of the slider are each convex in shape. If the slide 13 is displaced in the housing 10, the actuation areas 130 of the slide 13 slide on the actuation sections 124 of the clamping element 12, so that the clamping section 120 is adjusted between the clamping position and the release position.

The housing 10 has an edge 105 with which the latching edge 131 of the slide 13 can latch. When slide 13 is in the holding position, latching edge 131 engages with edge 105 and thus fixes slide 13 in this position on housing 10.

The foot 137 of the slide 13 is used for easier release of a plugged-in electrical conductor 2. The foot 137 allows the slide 13 to dive under the electrical conductor 2 more easily. If the electrical conductor 2 is now inserted into the interior space 100 , its end will strike the release surface 135 . The slide 13 can be displaced relative to the housing 10 by pressure exerted by the electrical conductor 2 on the triggering surface 135 so that the locking edge 131 of the slide 13 is disengaged from the edge 105 of the housing 10 . Specifically, the slide 13 on the housing 10 is rotated in this case. Pin 133 specifies a pivot point. The widened section of link 103 allows for this rotation. As a result of the rotation of the slide 13, the latching edge 131 disengages from the edge 105 of the housing 10 and the slide 13 is guided by the spring force of the clamping element 12 through the slides 102, 103 into the connection position, see for example 1 , 2A and 6 .

The lever 14 can be actuated in order to shift the slide 13 from the connection position into the holding position. The lever 14 is mounted on the housing 10 so that it can pivot about an axis of rotation D at a bearing point 106 which is fixed relative to the housing 10 . Bearing 106 is generally formed or attached to housing 10 . The lever 14 is between an in 1 , 2A , 2C and 6 starting position shown and one in 2 B shown operating position relative to the housing 10 pivotable. The slide 13 can be displaced relative to the housing 10 by means of the lever 14 . In the present case, the bearing point 106 is formed by a housing pin, generally by an axis formed on the housing 10 (here specifically in the form of a screw dome), see for example FIG 5 . Alternatively, for example, a bearing mount or a component mounted on the housing are conceivable.

the inside 4 The lever 14 shown separately has a receptacle 140 which is slipped onto the axis of the housing 10 forming the bearing point 106 . The lever 14 has a lever arm 142 , 143 on both sides of the receptacle 140 . Lever arms 142, 143 extend in opposite directions from receptacle 140 (and correspondingly from bearing point 106). The axis of rotation D is arranged between the two lever arms 142,143.

One of the lever arms 142 has actuating areas 144 on both sides, via which the lever arm 142 interacts with the slide 13 . The other lever arm 143 can be actuated by a user, for example manually or with a tool. The Lever arm 142 with the actuating areas 144 is shorter than the other lever arm 143.

If the lever 14 is actuated on the operable lever arm 143 and is pivoted relative to the housing 10 about the axis of rotation D from the initial position into the operating position, then the operating areas 144 slide along surfaces 134 of the slide 13 . These surfaces 134 of the slide 13 are concave in shape. Since the lever 14 is pivoted about the axis of rotation D, the actuating areas 144 press the slide 13 along the slides 102, 103 and urge the locking edge 131 into engagement with the edge 105 of the housing 10. This locks the clamping section 120 in the clamping position. The lever 14 can then be returned to the starting position. The connecting device 1 is open and clamped. The housing 10 each has a stop against which the lever 14 strikes in the initial position and in the operating position.

If the electrical conductor 2 is inserted, the connection device 1 is automatically released and contacts the electrical conductor 2 with the current bar 11 in a clamping manner. To unlock the electrical conductor 2 again, the lever 14 is actuated again so that the slide 13 tensions the clamping element 12 and the interior serving as a connection chamber 100 opens. Rigid electrical conductors can also be connected regardless of the state of the connection device 1 using the push-in principle (ie by simply plugging it in) when the clamping section 120 is arranged in the clamping position, ie is not tensioned in the release position.

The slide 13 is arranged between the lever 14 and the clamping element 12 . When actuated, the lever 14 exerts a force in one direction on the slide 13, which thereby exerts a force on the clamping element 12, more precisely on the clamping section 120, in the same direction. The clamping section 120 is arranged between the slide 13 and the holding section 122 (in particular in every position of the slide 13 ).

With the connection device 1 a particularly intuitive and comfortable operation is made possible. Furthermore, the mechanism has a particularly low tendency to tilt, and the connection device 1 can also be realized with particularly few parts. The connecting device 1 allows the clamping element 12 to be released automatically and it is not necessary, for example, to manually adjust a component of the connecting device in addition to inserting the electrical conductor 2 . As described, this is achieved in that a spring, the clamping element 12) is actuated by a latching element (the slide 13) guided by a link and the two-armed lever. The rotary movement of the lever 14 about the axis of rotation D sets the latching element in motion. The latching element tensions the spring and latches with the housing 10.

It should be pointed out that the slider 13 was described with two side walls 136 formed in mirror image with pins 132 , 133 . However, it is also conceivable for the slide to be formed with only one side wall 136 and/or only with pins 132, 133 on one side wall 136. Correspondingly, links 102, 103 can only be formed on one side of the slide 13 and it can be provided that the clamping section 120 has only one actuating section 124. The same applies to the surfaces 134 and the actuation areas 144. The components of the connecting device 1 can be mounted in a single-shell or in a double-shell housing.

Reference List

1

connection device

10

Housing

100

inner space

101

bracket

102

backdrop

103

backdrop

104

plug opening

105

edge

106

storage place

11

power bar

110

bar section

111

attack

112

investment section

12

clamping element

120

clamping section

121

bend

122

holding section

123

clamping edge

124

operating section

13

slider

130

operating range

131

locking edge

132

Pin code

133

Pin code

134

Surface

135

release surface

136

Side wall

137

Foot

14

lever

140

Recording

142

lever arm

143

lever arm

144

operating range

2

electrical conductor

D

axis of rotation

E

insertion direction

QUOTES INCLUDED IN DESCRIPTION

This list of documents cited by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Patent Literature Cited

• DE 102019131141 A1 [0004]

Claims (15)

Connecting device (1) for connecting an electrical conductor (2), comprising: - a housing (10), - a current bar (11), - a clamping element (12) with a clamping portion (120) from a clamping position in which a electrical conductor (2) can be clamped against the current bar (11), can be transferred into a release position, and - a slide (13) which is displaceably mounted on the housing (10) for transferring the clamping section (120) from the clamped position into the release position , characterized by a housing-fixed bearing (106) pivotally mounted about an axis of rotation (D) lever (14) by means of which the slide (13) relative to the housing (10) is displaceable. Connection device (1) after claim 1 , characterized in that the housing (10) comprises a connecting link (103) by means of which the slide (13) is displaceably mounted. Connection device (1) after claim 2 , characterized in that the backdrop (103) is expanded at one point. Connection device (1) after claim 2 or 3 , characterized in that the slide (13) has a pin (132) which is in engagement with the link (103). Connecting device (1) according to one of claims 2 until 4 , characterized in that the housing (10) comprises a further slide (102) by means of which the slide (13) is slidably mounted, the two slides (102, 103) being shaped differently. Connection device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the slide (13) has a latching edge (131) which can be latched with an edge (105) of the housing (10). Connection device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the slide (13) has a release surface (135) which can be touched by an electrical conductor (2) inserted through a plug-in opening (104) in the housing (10). Connection device (1) after claim 6 and after claim 7 , characterized in that the slide (13) can be displaced relative to the housing (10) by pressure exerted by the electrical conductor (2) on the triggering surface (135), so that the latching edge (131) of the slide (13) disengages from the edge (105) of the housing (10) is brought. Connection device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lever (14) has a lever arm (142) with an actuating area (144) which cooperates with a concave surface (134) of the slide (13). Connection device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lever (14) has a lever arm (143) which can be actuated by a user. Connection device (1) after claim 9 and after claim 10 , characterized in that the axis of rotation (D) is arranged between the two lever arms (142, 143). Connection device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the slide (13) is arranged between the lever (14) and the clamping element (12). Connection device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the bearing point (106) is designed in the form of an axle, the lever (14) having a receptacle (140) in which the axle is accommodated. Connection device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the clamping element (12) is designed in the form of a leg spring with two legs which can be deflected in a spring-elastic manner relative to one another, the clamping section (120) being formed by one of the legs and a stationary part to the housing ( 10) supported retaining portion (122) formed by the other of the legs. Connection device (1) after Claim 14 , characterized in that the clamping section (120) in the release position is resiliently clamped to the holding section (122).

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