DE10045764A1 - Screwless connector terminal has blade contact movably mounted on current rail; fixed conductor is contacted by translational movement of contact along rail - Google Patents

Abstract

The terminal (1) has a current rail (3) in a terminal housing (2) and a blade terminal contact (4) electrically connected to it, between whose opposing blade edges a conductor (11) can be electrically contacted after being fed in via a housing passage (10). The blade terminal contact is movably mounted on the current rail, whereby blade contacting of the fixed conductor is effected by translational movement of the contact along the current rail in its longitudinal direction. An Independent claim is also included for a connector arrangement.

Description

The invention relates to a connection terminal, in particular rows terminal, with a terminal housing in which a busbar and with this an insulation displacement contact for contacting a electrical conductor are arranged, and in which to exercise a Relativbe movement between the conductor and insulation displacement contact a contacting element is provided, which is insertable from the outside into the terminal housing Res actuating tool is movable with a in the terminal housing orderly actuating element cooperates.

Terminals for contacting and connecting electrical conductors are also known in various designs as so-called terminal blocks, which can be snapped onto mounting rails or top hat rails. A distinction is made here between screw terminals where the electrical conductors are clamped screws and screwless terminals. Latter are designed as spring clips or insulation displacement clips. With the spring clamp The electrical conductor is clamped by means of a compression or tension spring advantage. It is both with the spring terminals and with the screw terminals necessary that the conductor end to be contacted is stripped beforehand. Demge opposite is an abiso with the insulation displacement contacts or insulation displacement contacts Lierfree conductor contact possible. For stripping-free conductor contact who usually used screwless terminals.

With insulation displacement terminals, insulation is used to contact the conductor severed. To apply the force required for this is generally a Actuating mechanism that can be inserted from the outside into the housing of the connection terminal stuff, such as a screwdriver, provided with the conductor and Insulation displacement contact are moved relative to each other. Here either  the conductor is guided against the insulation displacement contact. According to this principle Built screwless terminals with insulation displacement contact are included known for example from DE 197 49 622 C1 and from DE 44 37 022 C1. According to these documents, the conductor is ge with the help of a guide element moved relative to the fixed insulation displacement contact.

Alternatively, the insulation displacement contact is opposite the stationary conductor moved. A connection terminal constructed according to this principle is from the DE 195 41 137 A1 known. A connection terminal based on this principle offers the advantage that it is mechanically simpler because the separate Guide element for the conductor is not required.

In the connection terminals known from DE 195 41 137 A1, the Insulation displacement contact carried by a curved bracket, which by a Axis of rotation is rotatably mounted in a busbar. For clamping contact attacks the operating tool directly on the bracket and rotates the bracket to the leader.

In the known from DE 197 49 622 C1 and DE 44 37 022 C1 the terminals is inserted into the guide element that runs along a busbar using the operating tool for insulation displacement con clock is pushed. According to DE 197 49 622 C1, the actuator mechanism passed through an actuation aid and acts directly on the guide element.

The known terminals are for repeated contacting Head trained. Due to the forces required for the insulation displacement contact, the individual elements are heavily loaded. Especially who which the movably mounted parts when actuated with the actuating mechanism tool and heavily stressed when it is inserted into the connection terminal.

The invention has for its object a terminal of the input Specify the type in which he is as careful as possible is possible.

The object is achieved according to the invention by a connection terminal the features of claim 1. Thereafter, for contacting a Head actuated a contacting element by an actuating tool, and an actuating element is provided which is connected to the actuating tool cooperates and is designed such that direct contact between rule operating tool and the contacting element is avoided.

This has the decisive advantage that the contacting element, for example as a result of improper insertion of the operating tool can be injured. This ensures gentle actuation, so that the Functionality of the insulation displacement contact even with repeated conductor contact clocking is retained. For this purpose, the actuating element is preferably turned on guided actuating tool between this and the contacting element arranged. The actuating element thus acts as a protective element against one mechanical damage to the insulation displacement contact by the actuator supply tool.

In a preferred embodiment, the actuating element has an for the actuating tool. So the actuator is hollow inside and forms a multi-sided guide for the actuation Tool. As a result, both when contacting and when loosening the Contact, so with different directions of movement of the actuator stuff, a direct contact between the actuating tool and the contact element avoided. The actuating element thus forms a guide element for the actuating tool and ensures a particular all-round and yourself re leadership.  

The actuating element preferably engages loosely in the contacting element. The loose engagement on the one hand ensures safe guidance of the actuation tool allows, and on the other hand, due to the game is a simple Handling guaranteed.

In order to avoid loss of the actuating element, this is preferably two se captively arranged in the terminal housing.

The housing preferably has a projection as an abutment for the actuator supply element, and the actuator is turned into this abutment snaps. This enables the actuation to be attached in a particularly simple manner elements in the terminal housing by the actuating element via a pressure point determined by the protrusion into the terminal housing is pressed.

In a preferred embodiment, the projection defines an axis of rotation for the Actuator. Because the actuator is also the actuator leads leads, this is also rotated about this axis of rotation. The one as an abutment trained projection thus forms a point of attack at which the actuation tool is supported. The forces exerted by the operating tool which is thereby advantageously taken up by the terminal housing.

In an expedient embodiment, the actuating element is a swivel lever with a particularly wedge-shaped bulge as a counter bearing to the counter camp trained. The wedge-like bulge makes it easy to insert the Actuator in the terminal housing allows.

To ensure easy insertion over the tab, this is Actuating element is preferably elastic.

In order to obtain a design that is simple in terms of production technology, the actuator is supply element preferably in one piece.  

The actuator shows that the connection terminal is extremely user-friendly appropriate element in an expedient version an indicator for the movement direction in the open position or in the clamping position. So that is from clearly visible from the outside in which direction the actuating tool to the clamping con tacting or to release the contact must be performed.

Also for a high level of user-friendliness and to recognize whether the inserted conductor is contacted, the actuator has a preferred Design a marker for the position of the contacting element.

For a secure insulation displacement contact is in a particularly preferred Embodiment provided that the contacting element the cutting Terminal contact for contacting the stationary one in the terminal housing Head includes. Form the contacting element and the insulation displacement contact a single component. This is preferably on a busbar slidably arranged.

The busbar preferably has two at an angle to one another arranged legs, with each of which an insulation displacement contact is connected. The connection terminal therefore has a double-sided insulation displacement contact. By the leg arranged at an angle is approximately the busbar roof-shaped, so that the width of the connection terminal is as possible is kept low.

According to a preferred embodiment, one with the insulation displacement contact is electrical Trically connected plug contact provided for the insertion of a pin. This makes a further connection option with an insulation displacement connector contact different contacting type provided. The plug contact is Particularly suitable for contacting a printed circuit board that has a Has pin.  

In order to enable a compact connection terminal, the plug contact form and the insulation displacement contact is a structural unit. Both are preferably made of egg formed a single stamped and bent part.

According to an expedient development, the plug contact is movable molded contacting element formed. This has the advantage that the Ver plug contact when actuating with the actuating tool pushed and for example on a fixed pin is pushed.

To enable a compact design of the connection terminal and the same sufficient space for contacting the different contacts in good time The insulation displacement contact and the plug contact are to be made available accessible for contacting from opposite sides. This is Particularly advantageous for contacting a circuit board. The connection terminal me is plugged with its underside onto the circuit board and over the insulation displacement contacts accessible from above are outgoing or incoming ming lines contacted with the circuit board.

According to an expedient embodiment, the plug contact is a so-called Contact tulip formed. The plug contact therefore has one on all sides in particular edged contact opening with side contact elements that are in contact exert a clamping pressure on the pin.

Alternatively, according to a preferred development, the plug contact is ga designed like a bell. This version allows the plug to be pushed on contact on a fixed pin. The plug contact is in the sem case preferably only formed by moving the contacting element.

The movement of the contacting element expediently elements simultaneously on the insulation displacement contact and on the plug contact  Established contact. This is a quick and multiple contact achieved.

In order to obtain as many connection options as possible for the connection terminal, this according to an advantageous further development as a floor clamp with several Ren levels arranged contacts formed.

The design variants with regard to the arrangement of the plug contact as well its training is also independent of the arrangement and special Implementation of the actuator.

Exemplary embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to the drawing explained in more detail. In it show:

Fig. 1 is a terminal in a side view;

Fig. 2 shows an actuating element with a marking for the position of a contacting element, and

Figure 3 is an actuator position. With a display for the direction of movement of the actuating element into an open position or in a clamp,

Fig. 4 is a multi-row connector terminal with insulation displacement contacts and plug contacts in a perspective view;

Fig. 5, the terminal shown in FIG. 4 in a side view;

Figure 6 is a contact-development. With an insulation displacement contact and having a fork-shaped plug-in contact, in a perspective depicting,

Fig. 7 is a fragmentary plan view of the contact element according to Fig. 6,

Fig. 8 is a partial frontal view of the contacting element according to FIG. 6, and

Fig. 9 is a partial side view of a terminal designed ausgebil as a floor terminal.

Parts having the same effect are verse in the figures with the same reference numerals hen.

According to Fig. 1 2 includes a terminal, a terminal housing 4, a disposed therein and roof-shaped in approximately conductor rail 6, and two contacting elements 8, the rail on the two limbs 10 of the stream 6 are disposed displaceably. The contacting element 8 is electrically conductive, comprises an insulation displacement contact 11 and forms a structural unit with this. The connection terminal 2 is therefore provided with a double-sided insulation displacement contact 11 . The legs 10 arranged at an angle to one another enable the connecting terminal 2 to be as narrow as possible. It also improves accessibility from the outside. The terminal housing 4 has on both sides a conductor channel 12 for an electrical conductor 14 and an opening 16 for the engagement of an actuating tool 18 . The conductor channel 12 and the opening 16 are shown in dashed lines. The actuating tool 18 is preferably a conventional screwdriver. In the opening 16 , an actuating element 20 is inserted, which weles the actuating tool 18 . The terminal housing 4 has a projection 17 on each side of the opening 16 . The actuating element 20 is pressed into the terminal housing 4 via a pressure point defined by the projection 17 and held there captively. When installed, it is accessible from the outside and is an integral part of connection terminal 2 .

In addition to the two insulation displacement contacts 11 , the connecting terminal 2 also has two sockets 22 for plug-in contacting. For example, they are designed to accommodate contact plugs. Terminal 2 thus offers a total of four connections. It is designed in particular as a terminal block for Anord voltage on a mounting rail or top hat rail. For this purpose, it has a guide recess 24 on its underside. In the embodiment, the contacting element 8 shown on the left half of the image is in the open posi tion and the contacting element 8 shown on the right half of the picture after the contacting of the conductor 14 in the clamping position. The clamping position is therefore the outer end position of the contacting element 8 on the angle 10 .

The contacting element 8 is preferably U-shaped and has at its upper end to form the insulation displacement contact 11 two to each other bent insulation displacement legs, by means of which the conductor insulation is cut and between which the conductor 14 is clamped. To Kontaktie tion of the conductor 14 , this is inserted through the conductor channel 12 into a recess 26 of the busbar 6 .

After insertion of the conductor 14 into the recess 26 , the contacting element 8 is moved in the direction of the conductor 14 , that is, from the center of the terminal 2 to the outside. The insulation displacement contact 11 cuts the conductor insulation and contacts the conductor 14 . The contacting element 8 is electrically conductively connected to the busbar 6 . For this purpose, the contact element 8 has a contact tab 28 which is pressed against the power rail 6 by spring force.

To move the contacting element 8 along the busbar 6 , the actuating tool 18 is inserted into the actuating element 20 . The latter engages loosely in a recess 30 in the contacting element 8 . The actuation supply element 20 is rotated with the actuating tool 18 about an imaginary axis of rotation 32 , and the contacting element 8 is moved, for example, into the clamping position. The protrusion 17 formed by the terminal housing 4 acts as an abutment. The actuating element 20 is thus designed as a pivoting lever which can be pivoted about the axis of rotation 32 . It has a wedge-shaped bulge 36 on the outside in its lower region. This acts as a counter bearing to the abutment formed by the projection 17 .

The actuating element 20 receives the actuating tool 18 and guides it in the terminal housing 4 . For this purpose, it has a receiving space 34 which is designed in the manner of a pocket. The actuating tool 18 can therefore not come into direct contact with the actuating element 8 . This protects the contacting element 8 from damage.

Referring to FIG. 2, the actuator 20 is formed as a wedge-shaped pivoting lever, the receiving space 34 is formed by an also wedge-shaped slot 38. The operating member 20 thus essentially comprises two protection sheets, which are arranged during the displacement of the contacting element 8 by means of the operation tool 18 between it and the contacting element 8, and which transmit the force exerted by the actuating tool 18 at the contacting force. 8

The slotted embodiment enables a very simple insertion of Be tätigungselements 20 in the opening 16 of the clamping housing 4, since the two side walls of the operating member 20 are thereby bent towards each other. As soon as the actuating element is guided with its bulge 36 over the pressure point formed by the pre-jump 17 , the bulge 36 snaps behind the projection 17 . The actuating element 20 is designed especially for this purpose ela. Plastic is preferably used as the material, which is particularly advantageous with regard to the desired protective function.

The actuating element 20 has a head 40 at the end , which defines an insertion opening 42 for the actuating tool 18 . The insertion opening 42 is completely surrounded by side webs 44 of the head 40 .

The head 40 carries on two of its side webs 44 a marking 46 , in the exemplary embodiment from a "0" and an "I". This marking 46 indicates whether the contact element 8 is in the clamped position "I" or in the open position "0". Since the head 40 of the actuating element 20 protrudes from the connecting terminal 2 , the position of the contacting element 8 can be seen clearly from the outside.

In an alternative embodiment, the actuating element 20 according to FIG. 3 has a display 48 for the direction of movement of the actuating element 20, for example in the clamping position. The display 48 is formed according to FIG. 3 by a tactile elevation 50 of the head 40 . In addition, an arrow 52 is provided on this elevation 50 . The display 48 and the marking 46 can be combined with one another.

The main advantage of the connecting terminal 2 with the actuating element 20 can be seen in the fact that the latter prevents damage to the contacting element 8 by the actuating tool 18 . The functionality of terminal 2 is retained even after repeated contact and release of the contact. The actuating element 20 thus has a protective function. In addition, it provides a guide for the operating tool 18 so that it can be inserted easily and safely. In particular, there is avoided by violating the elements provided in the interior of the terminal 2 due to the insertion of the actuating tool 18 . As a third function, the actuating element 20 also acts as a lever for the actuating tool 18 . This is achieved by the shape of the terminal housing 4 with the projection 17 and the bulge 36 on the actuating element 20 . This configuration also prevents the actuating element 20 from falling out of the terminal 2 . A fourth function of the actuating element 20 can be seen in the display for the position of the contacting element 8 or in the display for the direction of movement in the open position or clamping position.

The connection terminal 2 according to FIGS. 4 and 5 is constructed in several rows, that is to say it has a plurality of contacting elements 8 arranged next to one another, each of which is arranged electrically separate from one another in individual chambers 54 of the terminal 4 housing 4 . The main difference to the connecting terminal 2 according to FIG. 1 is that in addition to the cutting terminal 11, a plug contact 58 is formed on the contacting element 8 . The contacting element 8 with the insulation displacement contact 11 thus forms a unit 60 with the plug contact 58 . This is slidably mounted in the chamber 54 . In contrast to the embodiment according to FIG. 1, the contacting element 8 is not mounted on a busbar 6 , but directly in the chamber 54 . The displacement of the respective unit 60 is carried out by the actuation tool 18 , which moves the contacting element 8 against the respective fixed conductor 14 . The conductors 14 have a conductor 56 surrounded by an insulation 55 . They are introduced via the respective conductor channel 12 into the terminal housing 4 on an upper side 62 of the housing. The conductors 14 introduced from above are contacted by the insulation displacement contacts 11 .

In contrast, the plug contacts 58 are provided for contacting plug pins 66 on the underside 64 of the housing. For this purpose, the respective plug pin 66 is carried out through a feed-through opening 67 ( FIG. 5) and inserted into the plug contact 58 . This is designed in the manner of a contact tulip 68 with two half-shell jaws 69 , between which the pin 66 is clamped ge. The two clamping jaws 69 are arranged on a longitudinally protected web 70 , which is formed on the end face of the contacting element 8 on its underside. The longitudinal force of the web 70 creates the clamping force on the pins 66 . Due to the lead-through opening 67 , contacting via the plug contact 58 is only possible if the contact element 8 is in its contact position, that is to say if in particular a conductor 14 has been contacted. Because only in this case is the bushing opening 72 aligned with the opening of the plug contact 58 . In an alternative embodiment, the through opening 72 is formed as an elongated hole with an expansion direction in the displacement direction of the contacting element 8 , so that the plug pin 66 can already be inserted before the conductor 14 is contacted.

The plug contact 58 is preferably used to contact a circuit board, not shown, on which a plurality of plug pins 66 are arranged. The connection terminal according to FIGS . 4 and 5 is therefore preferably suitable for connecting the conductor 14 to a circuit board. For this purpose, the connection terminal 2 is plugged onto the printed circuit board and contacted with it via the plug contacts 58 . At the connection of the conductor 14 to the circuit board can now be done easily and quickly by a simple insulation displacement contact.

Each chamber 54 of the terminal housing 4 is assigned an actuating element 20 , which also serves as a guide element and as a protective element for the actuating tool 18 . When assembling the terminal block 2, the respective actuating element 20 is introduced from top of the housing 62 through the opening 16 ent speaking and then dropping off un locked in the terminal housing. 4 For this purpose, the bulge 36 engages behind the projection 17 on the actuating element ( FIG. 5).

. A total of five possibilities for a wire connection - - 4 of FIG 2, two conductors 14 are in the terminal contacts. The actuators 20 associated with the conductors 14 contacted are in a contact position, while the further actuators 20 are located in an exemption. The exemption indicates that no conductor 14 has been contacted. The contact position and the exemption as an indication of a conductor contact are visually easy to distinguish from one another. In Fig. 5 the exemption of the actuation supply element 20 is shown in dashed lines with the associated position of the contacting element 8 .

Referring to FIGS. 6 to 8, the plug contact 58 has a contact fork 74 having a fork opening 76. This makes it possible to simultaneously contact the conductor 14 with the insulation displacement contact 11 and the plug pin 66 with the plug contact 58 by moving the contact processing element 8 . Depending on the configuration, the procedure can also be such that the contact fork 74 is dimensioned such that, regardless of the position of the contacting element 8 , plug-in contacting with the plug pin 66 is always possible.

According to the perspective representation of the contacting element 8 according to FIG. 6, the insulation displacement contact 11 has an insulation displacement slot 78 between two insulation displacement legs 80 . This is followed by the recess 30 in the form of a bulge for the engagement of the actuating element 20 . The assembly 60 shown in FIG. 6, comprising the contacting element 8 , the insulation displacement contact 11 and the plug contact 58 , is preferably produced from a piece of sheet metal by a stamping and bending process.

As can be seen in particular from FIG. 7, the fork contact 74 is similar to the contact tulip 68 of FIG. 4 arranged on a longitudinally slotted rib 70 which is formed on the contacting element. 8 According to FIG. 8, the con tact fork 74 as well as the contact tulip 68 jaws 69 which are slightly bent upwards, thus forming a guide for the connector pin 66.

According to a third variant of the connection terminal 2 according to FIG. 9, it is designed as a floor terminal 82 with two contact levels I, II. Each of the contact planes I, II defines a floor on which two contacting elements 8 opposite each other are arranged in mirror image. The individual Kontaktbe NEN I, II are mutually stepped. In the middle of the floors terminal 82 , in the upper contact level II, a number of plug-in contacts 84 are provided, for example in the form of sockets. These are particularly suitable for mounting an electrical component 86 , such as a relay or another component with a number of integrated electrical functions. The individual plug-in contacts 84 are each electrically connected to one of the insulation displacement contacts 11 via busbars 6 , so that the electrical component 86 can be connected via the insulation displacement contacts 11 .

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

2

terminal

4

terminal housing

6

conductor rail

8th

contacting

10

leg

11

IDC

12

conductor channel

14

ladder

16

opening

17

head Start

18

operating tool

20

actuator

22

sockets

24

Guide recess

26

recess

28

Contact tab

30

recess

32

axis of rotation

34

accommodation space

36

bulge

38

slot

40

head

42

insertion

44

sidebars

46

mark

48

display

50

survey

52

arrow

54

chamber

55

conductor insulation

56

conductor core

58

plug contact

60

unit

62

Housing top

64

Housing bottom

66

male Pins

67

Through opening

68

Contact tulip

69

jaws

70

web

72

Through opening

74

Contact fork

76

fork opening

78

IDC slot

80

IDC leg

82

tier terminal

84

Plug clip contact

86

component
I, II contact levels

Claims (21)

1. Terminal ( 2 ), in particular terminal block, with a terminal quantity housing ( 4 ) in which an insulation displacement contact ( 11 ) for contacting an electrical conductor ( 14 ) is arranged, and in which to carry out a relative movement between the conductor ( 14 ) and the insulation displacement contact is provided (11) a contacting element (8), which is a from outside into the terminal housing (4) insertable actuation tool (18) movable, the restriction member having a movably arranged in the terminal housing (4) Actuate the cooperating (20) characterized in that the actuating element ( 20 ) is designed in such a way that direct contact between the actuating tool ( 18 ) and the contacting element ( 8 ) is avoided. 2. Terminal ( 2 ) according to claim 1, characterized in that the actuating element ( 20 ) has a receiving space ( 34 ) for the actuating tool ( 18 ). 3. Terminal ( 2 ) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the actuating element ( 20 ) in the contacting element ( 8 ) loosely engages. 4. Terminal ( 2 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuating element ( 20 ) is captively arranged in the terminal housing ( 4 ). 5. Terminal ( 2 ) according to claim 4, characterized in that the terminal housing ( 4 ) has a projection ( 17 ) as an abutment for the actuating element ( 20 ), and that the actuating element is snapped into this abutment. 6. Terminal ( 2 ) according to claim 5, characterized in that the projection ( 17 ) determines an axis of rotation ( 32 ) for the actuating element ( 20 ). 7. Terminal ( 2 ) according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the actuating element ( 20 ) is designed as a pivot lever with a wedge-like bulge ( 36 ) as a counter bearing to the abutment. 8. Terminal ( 2 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuating element ( 20 ) is elastic. 9. Terminal ( 2 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuating element ( 20 ) is integrally formed. 10. Terminal ( 2 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuating element ( 20 ) has a display ( 48 ) for the direction of movement device in the open position or in the clamping position. 11. Terminal ( 2 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuating element ( 20 ) has a marking ( 46 ) for the position of the contacting element ( 8 ). 12. Terminal ( 2 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the contacting element ( 8 ) comprises the insulation displacement contact ( 11 ). 13. Terminal ( 2 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the insulation displacement contact ( 11 ) is electrically conductively connected to a busbar ( 16 ) and that the busbar ( 6 ) has two legs ( 10 ) arranged at an angle to one another, with which an insulation displacement contact ( 11 ) is connected. 14. Connection terminal ( 2 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a plug contact ( 58 ) which is electrically connected to the insulation displacement contact ( 11 ) is provided for receiving a plug pin ( 66 ). 15. Terminal ( 2 ) according to claim 14, characterized in that the plug contact ( 58 ) and the insulation displacement contact ( 11 ) form a construction unit ( 60 ). 16. Terminal ( 2 ) according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that the plug contact ( 58 ) on the movably mounted Kontaktierungsele element ( 8 ) is integrally formed. 17. Terminal ( 2 ) according to one of claims 14 to 16, characterized in that the insulation displacement contact ( 11 ) and the plug contact ( 58 ) from one at the opposite sides (62, 64) are accessible for contacting. 18. Terminal ( 2 ) according to one of claims 14 to 17, characterized in that the plug contact ( 58 ) is designed as a contact tulip (). 19. Terminal ( 2 ) according to one of claims 14 to 17, characterized in that the plug contact ( 58 ) is fork-shaped. 20. Terminal ( 2 ) according to claim 19, characterized in that by moving the contacting element ( 8 ) at the same time on the insulation displacement contact ( 11 ) and on the plug contact ( 58 ) a contact can be brought about. 21. Connection terminal ( 2 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is designed as a floor terminal ( 82 ) with on several contact levels (I, II) on ordered contacts ( 11 , 84 ).