Patent Publication Number: US-2023146590-A1

Title: Electric Component, in Particular Terminal Block, Comprising a Socket for Receiving a Receiving Component

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present disclosure relates to an electrical device, for example a terminal block, in particular with at least one accommodated component for being mounted in the electrical device, and to an electrical device with a mounted accommodated component. 
     BACKGROUND AND GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Electrical components for plug-in assembly of components to be accommodated, such as in particular relays or optocouplers, are known. The accommodated components that are plugged into the electrical component are typically adapted so as to be removable, for example so that they can be removed for being replaced, such as in the case of a defect, or so as to provide the option to select an appropriate accommodated component for a standardized electrical component and to connect it thereto. 
     So-called ejectors are used on the electrical component in order to remove the accommodated component. Ejectors can be actuated either with or without tools. Such electrical components with an ejector are known from published documents EP 3 439 011 A1, DE 10 2017 122 446 B3, for example, and also from DE 20 2007 004 414 U1. 
     The present disclosure addresses the further development of known electrical components, with particular attention to structural improvements, in particular regarding the insertion or removal of the accommodated components, for example with regard to relays, optocouplers, solid state relays, electronic measuring amplifiers, or analog-to-digital converters which contain electrical or electronic components. These accommodated components are adapted to be employed in particular in electrical components that can be implemented with an even narrower design than hitherto. 
     Typically, electrical contact elements, or terminals, are provided in the electrical component for electrically connecting the accommodated component in the electrical component. Such terminals can possibly have a minimum spacing, with regard to minimum insulation distances to be observed. Typically, the electrical contacts or terminals are arranged in a row, for example to provide the appropriate minimum distances for electrically insulating the terminals from one another. 
     Such electrical components are typically mounted on mounting supports such as mounting rails, in particular top hat rails, also known as DIN rails. The installation width occupied by the electrical component on the mounting support is important here, since the mounting support is intended for a large number of electrical components to be arranged next to one another. Since the length of a mounting rail is typically limited, for example in the installation space of an assembly space, and since as many electrical components as possible are desired to be arranged next to each other per mounting rail, the overall width of the electrical components constitutes a key competitive factor. Advantageously, the electrical contacts of each electrical component are arranged in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the carrier, i.e. perpendicular to the main extension direction of the mounting or component support, in order to further reduce the installation width of the individual electrical components. The main extension direction of the mounting or component support extends parallel to the longitudinal axis thereof, i.e. along the rail in the typical case of a top hat rail. In this case, the electrical contacts are preferably arranged in a plane that intersects the mounting or component support at a right angle. For easy assembly it is advantageous to arrange the electrical contacts of the component next to one another in the horizontal direction and perpendicular to the main extension direction of the mounting or component support. Nowadays, typical installation widths of an electrical component range from 12 mm to 6 mm, for example. 
     Given the background of prior art designs of electrical components, the present invention has set itself the task of further enabling a replacement, i.e. insertion or removal of the accommodated component from or into a plug-in socket, and/or to simplify the replacement for the case of such and even narrower designs. The difficulty encountered here is how to reliably eject the accommodated components, which are becoming increasingly narrower as the installation width of the electrical devices becomes smaller, or even to reach the accommodated components when they are installed in the plug-in socket of the electrical device close to other electrical devices, in particular when a plurality of electrical components are mounted next to each other, for example on a top hat rail, as is often the case. 
     This object is achieved by the subject-matter of the independent patent claims. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are defined in the dependent claims. 
     According to the invention, an electrical component is presented, in particular a terminal block, which comprises a plug-in socket for receiving an accommodated component, such as a relay or an optocoupler, in the electrical component. The accommodated component has first electrical contact elements on its underside for being electrically connected to second electrical contact elements of the electrical component. In other words, the electrical component has an accommodation space or an accommodation opening into which the accommodated component, for example the relay or the optocoupler, can be inserted or plugged in and can also be electrically connected there in this accommodation space. Thus, the accommodated component is received in, i.e. plugged into the plug-in socket of the electrical component at least partially. The accommodated component is electrically connected to the electrical component via the plug-in socket, and the accommodated component can be easily removed and electrically separated, i.e. disconnected from the plug-in socket if this should be necessary or desired. The removal or electrical separation of the accommodated component from the plug-in socket is in particular non-destructive, i.e. it can preferably be removed by being pulled out or ejected, without having to carry out complex disassembly processes such as desoldering for example. 
     The electrical connection is typically established when the accommodated component is installed in the plug-in socket. For example, the accommodated component is retained in the plug-in socket by the fact that the first electrical contact elements of the accommodated component are plugged into the second electrical contact elements (e.g. female terminals) thereby generating a retaining force on the first electrical contact elements and hence on the accommodated component. 
     The accommodated component may be a known relay module or optocoupler module, which are adapted for use in such electrical components as in particular terminal blocks. This is particularly advantageous because existing components to be accommodated can be used in this case, for example, and new components to be accommodated do not have to be kept in stock. Different functionalities can be realized by simply exchanging the accommodated component. Therefore, preferably no changes are necessary to the casing of the known components to be accommodated in order to employ the present invention. In other words, the present invention is particularly compatible with previous designs of components to be accommodated. This permits to increase the acceptance of the novel electrical devices. Finally, the implementation according to the invention also allows the exchange of an accommodated component in the case of very small installation widths. 
     The accommodated component typically comprises a separate housing and may optionally also include other components in a shared housing, in addition to the relay mentioned by way of example. The accommodated component is typically adapted to interact with and/or be controlled by the electrical component to which it is assigned or into which it is introduced. 
     The plug-in socket of the electrical component is preferably structured so as to comprise first and second side walls of the plug-in socket. The plug-in socket is preferably open at its lateral side, i.e. it has no side walls along its longitudinal sides. Here, the longitudinal sides are the sides facing the adjacent electrical components when the electrical component is in its mounted state, i.e. the sides of the plug-in socket facing in the main extension direction of the mounting or component support. The narrow sides are respectively arranged between the longitudinal sides. Thus, the plug-in socket has the first and second side walls provided on its narrow sides, so that the plug-in socket has an overall U-shaped design when the electrical component is viewed from the side. In other words, the first and second side walls of the plug-in socket provide guiding sides for the accommodated component, between which the accommodated component can be arranged at least partially, or sections thereof, so that the accommodation space for the accommodated component is defined between the side walls. The omission of side walls on the longitudinal sides of the plug-in socket further reduces the overall installation width of the electrical device in the direction of the main extension direction of the mounting or component support. 
     The second electrical contact elements are provided in a bottom of the plug-in socket, spatially arranged between the first and/or second side walls. It should not be ruled out here to have one or more further electrical contact elements provided within the range of the first and/or second side walls of the plug-in socket; it has just proven to be advantageous to arrange the second electrical contact elements in the bottom of the plug-in socket. 
     The electrical component according to the invention comprises a manipulation means, which can be used to insert the accommodated component into the active position in the plug-in socket and/or to pull it out of the active position. The accommodated component has assumed its active position when an electrical connection is established between the accommodated component and the electrical contacts, or terminals, of the plug-in socket. 
     Particularly preferably, the manipulation means provides for a simplification in operation and/or handling. Moreover, the manipulation means allows to further reduce the force that has to be exerted by the user, because it provides a longer lever. Finally, the manipulation means can also bring about all the aforementioned advantages at the same time. 
     The manipulation means has a spacing portion, and a free end of the spacing portion protrudes beyond the electrical component and/or beyond the accommodated component that is installed in the plug-in socket in its active position. In other words, a major portion of the manipulation means is arranged above the electrical component and is higher than the electrical component in particular when viewed in a side view of the electrical component, so that the manipulation means can be easily grasped or easily reached from above the electrical component. In order to enhance this effect, the manipulation means may have a grip means on the free end of the spacing portion. The grip means is characterized by the fact that it further simplifies the gripping of the manipulation means. For example, the grip means can be haptically recognized or grasped particularly easily, when it is held clamped with two fingers, for example, it can improve the adhesive power or frictional engagement of the fingers on the spacing portion of the manipulation means. The grip means can also be designed so that the manipulation means can be gripped more easily with fingers or with a tool, for example by having a thickening, an enlargement, or a rubber coating on the grip means. The manipulation means can constitute an insertion aid and/or an extraction aid, by means of which the accommodated component can accordingly more easily be inserted and/or extracted from its active position. 
     The grip means may be in the form of a tab on the free end of the spacing portion, which can be grasped in particular manually. The grip means may be in the form of a T-bar or annular tab which can be gripped in particular using a suitable hand tool in order to pull the accommodated component out of the plug-in socket or to press it into its active position in the plug-in socket. The spacing portion may be in the form of a lever, in particular a flexible lever. Such a lever can be considered to be a rod-shaped elongated structure, for example with a length-to-thickness ratio of 10:1 or more, preferably 20:1 or more, more preferably even 40:1 or more. 
     The manipulation means is preferably non-detachably connected to the electrical component on a fixed end thereof opposite its free end. The manipulation means can thus be a protuberance that is provided on the upper side of the electrical component, or an apparatus connected to the upper side of the electrical component. The manipulation means may be glued or screwed to the electrical component or formed integrally therewith, in particular with the housing of the electrical component. 
     The electrical component furthermore comprises an ejection device adapted for releasing and/or at least partially ejecting the accommodated component from the active position. The fixed end of the manipulation means is connected to the ejection device of the electrical component and/or is integrally formed with the ejection device. In this embodiment, which is fully compatible and can be combined with all of the illustrated embodiments, the manipulation means is hence firmly connected to the ejection device, so that the ejection device is actuated when the manipulation means is actuated. If, for example, the manipulation means is pulled, a pulling force can thereby also be exerted on the ejection device, which at that moment will eject the accommodated component plugged into the plug-in socket. On the other hand, pressing on the manipulation means, for example, will at the same time exert a pressure on the ejection device in order to move an accommodated component into its active position in the plug-in socket. If a transmission is arranged between the manipulation means and the ejection device, the directions of movement can also be reversed such that, for example, a pulling force on the manipulation means will exert a pressure force on the ejection device and a pressure force on the manipulation means will cause a pulling force to be transmitted to the ejection device. The manipulation means is preferably formed integrally with the ejection device. In any case, in an integrally formed design, a portion of the ejection device will be integrally formed with the manipulation means. 
     The ejection device may comprise an actuation portion for actuating the ejection device, which can be actuated in particular by a hand tool. In this case, the manipulation means is connected to the actuation portion of the ejection device in a non-detachable manner. 
     The ejecting device may furthermore comprise an ejecting portion that is coupled to the actuation portion and adapted for ejecting an accommodated component from the plug-in socket when the actuation portion is actuated. The ejection portion is adapted and arranged so as to engage on the accommodated component in a common contact plane for ejecting the accommodated component from the active position in the plug-in socket. 
     The manipulation means is in particular adapted such that the ejection device is actuated when a pulling force is exerted on the manipulation means. The manipulation means may also be adapted such that the pulling force can be exerted on the manipulation means in a direction other than the pull-out direction of the accommodated component from the accommodation slot. In other words, the manipulation means can be pulled in a direction that does not correspond to the direction an accommodated component would have to be pulled in order to pull it out of the slot. Typically, the accommodated component would be pulled out of the electrical component in a direction vertically upwards; in this case the pulling force would need to be exerted in a direction vertically upwards if no manipulation means was provided. The use of a manipulation means on the electrical component makes it possible to pull in a horizontal direction, for example, away from the electrical component, and thereby push the accommodated component upwards, out of the plug-in socket. This can be advantageous if the installation space above the electrical component is limited to an extent where it is difficult to manipulate there manually or with tools and/or if there would be a risk of injuring the hand when exerting the pulling force directed vertically upwards away from the electrical component. It is often also more comfortable and convenient to pull in the horizontal direction, for example towards the body of a user who is standing in front of the control cabinet and desires to remove an accommodated component, than to pull upwards when the installation space is limited there. This can even open up the possibility to arrange the electrical components even closer to one another, by arranging the mounting rails closer to one another, i.e. usually top hat rails, since less installation space is required if no open space needs to be kept above the electrical components to allow for manual handling there. Rather, the manipulation means according to the invention makes it possible to get along with a narrow space above the electrical components, which is just large enough for the accommodated components to be maneuvered into the corresponding accommodation slot. 
     The force vector of the pulling force exerted on the manipulation means for actuating the ejection device can preferably lie in the contact plane. The pulling force on the manipulation means can also be exerted at an angle of &gt;30°, preferably &gt;60°, up to approximately perpendicular to the pull-out direction of the accommodated component. 
     The accommodated component can be transferred into the active position in the accommodation slot by exerting a pressure force on the manipulation means. This configuration also helps to make it possible to further reduce the installation space in the control cabinet, if the accommodated component only has to be approached to the accommodation slot and the accommodated component is pressed into the accommodation slot by actuating the manipulation means in particular in a direction that is not vertical to the electrical component. In this way, the accommodated component is transferred into its active position with the aid of the manipulation means. 
     The electrical component may comprise a retaining means for retaining the accommodated component in a passive position on the electrical component, and in this passive position the first electrical contacts of the accommodated component are electrically separated, i.e. disconnected, from the second electrical contacts of the electrical component. 
     The second electrical contact elements or part thereof can be arranged in a common contact plane in the plug-in socket. The contact plane extends through the first contact elements of the accommodated component when the accommodated component is plugged into the plug-in socket. 
     The retaining means can be arranged and adapted so that, when the ejection device is actuated, the accommodated component is automatically transferred into its passive position and is held there by the retaining means. The retaining means may also be automatically enabled or provided when the ejection device is actuated. In other words, when the ejection device is actuated, the accommodated component is released from the active position in the plug-in socket and is ejected or pushed out of the plug-in socket to an extent so that it assumes the passive position on the retaining means. The retaining means is adapted so as to reliably hold the accommodated component in the passive position so that it cannot be removed or moved out of the passive position without external intervention. For example, the retaining means is able to catch an accommodated component which is ejected with a rather great force and which would otherwise possibly be accelerated so as to jump out of the plug-in socket. Such an accommodated component jumping out of the plug-in socket might entail inconvenient consequences, such as possibly inflicting injury to the user&#39;s face, and the accommodated component might also get lost, for example in the control cabinet. Lastly, the accommodated component could also be damaged. The present invention is able to overcome these drawbacks by introducing the modified and hence improved electrical component. 
     In the active position, an electrical connection is established between the first electrical contacts of the accommodated component and the second electrical contacts of the electrical component. In the passive position, by contrast, the first electrical contacts of the accommodated component are electrically separated from the second electrical contacts of the electrical component. The retaining means ensures to achieve the electrical separation of the contacts in the passive position and at the same time to retain the accommodated component on the electrical component in the passive position. 
     The retaining means can be connected to the manipulation means or can be formed integrally with the manipulation means. Furthermore, the retaining means can be connected to the actuation portion and/or can be formed integrally with the actuation portion. 
     It has proven to be advantageous for the retaining means to be arranged at one end of the actuation portion of the ejection device, so that the retaining means can be moved directly together with the actuation portion. Thus, when the actuation portion is actuated, the plug-in socket and hence the accommodated component can be released directly. 
     The retaining means may comprise a catching tab on which the accommodated component engages upon ejection from the plug-in socket, so that the accommodated component will be retained by the retaining means. The retaining means is in particular arranged on an upper side of the electrical component, so that it partially covers the accommodated component in the installed state or active position thereof. 
     The ejection device can be adapted so as to be at least partially pivotable, and pivoting of the manipulation means may cause the accommodated component to be released or at least partially ejected from the plug-in socket. For example, the actuation portion of the ejection device can be pivoted aside, in a direction away from the plug-in socket, in order to cause the accommodated component to be released or ejected from its active position in the plug-in socket. 
     The ejection device may also be adapted so as to be displaceable, in particular along an axis parallel to the side walls of the accommodation slot, and so that a displacement of the ejection device causes the accommodated component to be released or at least partially ejected from the plug-in socket. 
     Interaction of the retaining means with the ejection device is particularly advantageous here, since it makes sense to retain the accommodated component in particular at the moment when the ejection device has been actuated. 
     Also, when the accommodated component is introduced into the plug-in socket, it can first be placed in the passive position and held there by the retaining means. For example, it is possible in this way to pre-equip electrical components with an accommodated component, for example to pre-equip them for a delivery state in which accommodated components are retained on the electrical components in the passive position, without establishing an electrical connection between the respective accommodated component and the respective electrical component. 
     When the accommodated component is held on the electrical component in its passive position by the retaining means, it may also be contemplated to transfer the accommodated component into its active position in the plug-in socket by enabling or moving the ejection device in the opposite direction. In other words, in the combined variant with the retaining means, the ejection device can also be adapted to insert the accommodated component into the plug-in socket into the active position thereof. 
     More particularly, the ejection device is operatively connected to the retaining means in such a way that an actuation of the ejection device causes the retaining means to be automatically provided for the accommodated component. The retaining means can be adapted to hold back the accommodated component when the accommodated component is ejected from the plug-in socket and to transfer it into the passive position. Furthermore, the retaining means may be adapted to receive the accommodated component when the accommodated component is inserted into the plug-in socket and to hold it in the passive position. The retaining means is in particular arranged on the ejection device or is formed integrally with the ejection device. 
     For example, actuation of the actuation portion will simultaneously also displace the retaining means on the electrical component, so that the plug-in socket is cleared by the retaining means and the accommodated component can be transferred into its passive position. 
     The retaining means can be mounted resiliently and/or can be designed to be compressible, the retaining means can comprise a buffering element and/or can be configured so as to be essentially U-shaped. The retaining means may also comprise a locking means, and the locking means is in particular arranged on the buffering element. 
     The ejection device may be adapted so as to extend around the second electrical contacts, i.e. terminals, or around part thereof, in the common contact plane. The ejection portion can be adapted and arranged so as to engage on the accommodated component in the common contact plane in order to eject the accommodated component from the plug-in socket. The ejection device can be arranged entirely in the common contact plane. If the ejection device comprises an actuation portion, the actuation portion can be arranged so as to be covered or countersunk in the housing of the electrical component. The actuation portion of the ejection device may have an actuation head which can be actuated using a hand tool. 
     The manipulation means may have an encoding such that the manipulation means of a particular electrical component differs from a manipulation means of a further electrical component, for example one that is arranged adjacent to this electrical component. If a plurality of electrical components are arranged next to one another and the manipulation means of each one or of at least some of the electrical components are encoded accordingly, i.e. are designed differently from one another, for example, it will be easier to identify a specific electrical component or the manipulation means of a specific electrical component and to grip it. For example, the encoding of the manipulation means can be achieved by attaching different shapes to the free end thereof, as a grip means. For example, one manipulation means may have a triangular shape as a grip means, another manipulation means may have a square grip means, etc. 
     The manipulation means may have a tool engagement area to support an actuating tool on the tool engagement area in order to apply a levering force to the actuation portion, and in this case the actuation portion is in particular actuated by a pressure force. 
     The actuation portion may be designed as a sliding portion which is slidably mounted in an actuation guide and is in particular adapted to perform a vertical movement in the common contact plane when the actuation portion is actuated. 
     Actuation of the ejection device may cause at least the ejection portion to pivot, in particular the ejection portion and the actuation portion. Alternatively or cumulatively, the ejection portion may form a toggle lever together with the actuation portion. 
     The actuation guide may have at least one engagement surface for absorbing rotational forces from the tool and/or from the sliding portion and for retaining the sliding portion in the actuation guide. The ejection device may comprise a slide bearing at one end of the ejection portion for slidably supporting the ejection device on the housing of the electrical component. 
     The ejection device may be formed, e.g. molded, in one piece, and the actuation portion and the ejection portion can be integrally connected to each other. 
     The actuation portion with the ejection portion can be adapted so as to move parallel to one another in the ejection direction of the accommodated component, when the ejection device is actuated, while the actuation portion and the ejection portion in particular remain arranged in the common contact plane. The ejection device may furthermore be configured so as to pivot around and not interfere with a contact area in which the second electrical contacts or part thereof are arranged in the common contact plane with the ejection device. 
     The second electrical contact elements of the plug-in socket or at least part thereof can be arranged in a common contact plane in the bottom of the plug-in socket. Accordingly, an imaginary plane or straight line can be spanned through the second electrical contact elements or part thereof. 
     For example, the contact plane extends along the lateral extension direction of the side walls. The contact plane thus extends at least from the first side wall to the second side wall, typically parallel to the lateral face of the housing of the electrical component. In a side view of the electrical component, the extension direction of the side walls is typically vertically upwards, so that the common contact plane is also a plane that more or less intersects the entire electrical component. In other words, the contact plane intersects the first side wall and the second side wall, for example, and extends at least from the first side wall to the second side wall. The contact plane thus also extends along the lateral extension direction of the side walls, for example, which are typically in the form of shoulders on both sides of the plug-in socket. Alternatively or cumulatively, the contact plane can extend through the accommodated component when it is plugged into the plug-in socket. 
     Particularly preferably, the common contact plane lies inside the electrical component, so that the common contact plane extends at least through the accommodated component, for example through the middle thereof. In other words, the common contact plane intersects the first and second narrow sides of the electrical component. If the accommodated component is installed, the common contact plane extends through the accommodated component. More preferably, the common contact plane intersects the left and right side walls of the plug-in socket in the middle thereof. The common contact plane extends preferably perpendicular to the main extension direction of the mounting rail when the electrical device is mounted on the mounting rail, and parallel to the opening width of the mounting means of the electrical component for being mounting on the mounting rail. 
     The actuation portion of the ejection device may be adapted for being actuated using a hand tool. A typical example of such a hand tool would be a flat head screwdriver or a tool specially made for this purpose. 
     The actuation portion may also be adapted and arranged such that it can only be actuated using a compatible tool. This means that the actuation of the actuation portion with an inappropriate hand tool or manually is prevented or made more difficult, so that, for example, only operators trained or designated for this purpose will be able to actuate the actuation portion. For example, the tool that is also used to connect the cabling may in particular be appropriate or can be adapted for this purpose. 
     The ejection device furthermore preferably comprises an ejection portion connected to the actuation portion, i.e. an ejector for ejecting the accommodated component from the plug-in socket when the actuation portion is actuated. In other words, the ejection device serves to release and/or at least partially eject the accommodated component from the plug-in socket or from an active position of the accommodated component in the plug-in socket. In other words, the ejection device can be adapted so that in any case the accommodated component is separated from the electrical contacts of the electrical component when the ejection device is actuated. Accordingly, upon actuation, the ejection device will transfer the accommodated component from its active position to a passive position. Here, partial ejection of the accommodated component from an active position is understood to mean that the accommodated component will no longer be fully inserted in the plug-in socket, but will instead only be partly located between the two side walls of the plug-in socket and will partly protrude beyond. In any case, the released or at least partially ejected accommodated component will be electrically separated from the second electrical contacts of the electrical component. 
     In one embodiment, the ejection portion is adapted and arranged such that it engages on the accommodated component in the common contact plane in order to eject the accommodated component from the plug-in socket. In other words, the ejection portion is mounted so that it extends in the same plane as the second electrical contact elements, i.e. not in front of and not behind the second electrical contact elements when the electrical component is viewed from the side. The arrangement of the ejection portion in the common contact plane has the advantage that the plugged-in component can be ejected from the electrical component without tilting or jamming the accommodated component in the socket. Since tilting of the accommodated component in the plug-in socket is prevented or tilting is largely reduced, less force is required for inserting or removing the accommodated component. Handling of the accommodated component in the plug-in socket is therefore more convenient and simplified. The arrangement of the ejection portion in the common contact plane moreover has the advantage that the overall installation width of the entire electrical component can be further reduced. 
     The ejection device of the electrical component is in particular formed in one piece, which means that the entire ejection device is connected to one another. 
     The ejection device is preferably configured so as to extend around a part of or around all of the second electrical contact elements of the electrical component in the common contact plane. In other words, when viewed in a side view from the narrow side, the ejection device is arranged in a line of the contacts, i.e. terminals, in the contact plane. 
     Preferably, the ejection device is entirely arranged in the common contact plane, i.e. with all of its constituents such as in particular the actuation portion and the ejection portion. 
     In an exemplary embodiment, the ejection device is designed to comprise a rotary axis, pivot, pivot axis, or a semi-circular engagement surface. 
     The actuation portion of the ejection device is preferably arranged in a concealed or countersunk manner in the housing of the electrical component. Such a concealed or countersunk installation allows to prevent a possible incorrect actuation of the ejection device due to unintentional actuation while handling the electrical components. Rather, in the case of a concealed or countersunk ejection device, the actuation portion will only be actuated when this is intended. 
     The actuation portion of the ejection device may have an actuation head which can be actuated using a hand tool. Such an actuation head may, for example, have a notch or other tool recess which can be actuated particularly easily with the hand tool without the hand tool slipping off the actuation head during the actuation. 
     The electrical component preferably has a tool engagement area for supporting the actuation tool for exerting a levering force on the actuation portion. In other words, a portion close to the actuation portion is formed such that a hand tool can be supported there to apply leverage with the hand tool against the tool engagement area so as to make it easier to actuate the ejection device. 
     The actuation portion is therefore in particular actuated by applying a pressure force. Accordingly, a pressure is exerted on the actuation portion in order to cause the ejection of the accommodated component. It has been found that a more elegant and more effortless actuation of the ejection device can be effected with a pressure force or a combination of a pressing and levering effect, in particular in combination with the tool engagement area, in comparison to applying a pulling force. It has thus been found that when space is limited it is also easier and more effortless to exert a pressure force, optionally a combination of a pressing and levering force, on the actuation portion when installing or removing an accommodated component in or out of the electrical device. In other words, the actuation portion can be arranged such that it is impossible to actuate it with a pulling force. For example, the levering actuation of the actuation portion by means of the tool also provides for an almost or completely concealed installation of the actuation portion, which can then only be reached with the respective appropriate tool. In this way, safety is further increased, since the actuation portion can no longer be triggered unintentionally or unintentional actuation will be significantly more difficult. 
     The actuation portion may be configured as a sliding portion or slider which is slidably accommodated in an actuation guide. The sliding portion may further be adapted to perform a vertical movement in the common contact plane when the actuation portion is actuated. 
     In this embodiment, the sliding portion will therefore be arranged in the common contact plane together with the second electrical contacts. The actuation guide may furthermore have an engagement surface for absorbing rotational forces from the tool and/or the sliding portion. Furthermore, the engagement surface may be adapted to hold the sliding portion in the actuation guide. 
     The electrical component may have a separating means to improve the electrical insulation between a first part and a second part of the second electrical contact elements. In other words, an electrical separation or insulation may be installed inside the electrical component, which better insulates one part of the electrical terminals from a second part of the electrical terminals. In this way, the installation space required for the electrical terminals can be reduced further, since it is thus possible to further reduce the insulating distances between the first part and the second part of the electrical terminals. 
     The first part of the electrical contact elements may be adapted to transfer relay control. The second part of the electrical contact elements may transfer the output signals. 
     The ejection device of the electrical component may comprise a slide bearing at one end of the ejection portion for slidingly supporting the ejection device on the housing of the electrical component. In other words, the ejection portion may be slidably received in a sleeve, for example, or in another type of bearing, in order to enable a pushing or pulling movement of the ejection portion relative to the actuation portion and/or relative to the accommodated component. 
     The ejection device may furthermore have at least one living hinge for coupling the actuation portion to the ejection portion. Such a living hinge mechanically connects the actuation portion to the ejection portion, so that the ejection device having at least one living hinge is described as being formed in one piece, i.e. integrally. 
     The ejection device may also be formed, i.e. for example molded, integrally in one piece, with the actuation portion and the ejection portion integrally connected to one another. In this case, the ejection device is preferably made of an electrically poorly conductive material such as plastics material. 
     The actuation portion and the ejection portion are designed so as to move together, parallel to one another in the ejection direction of the accommodated component, when the ejection device is actuated. The actuation portion and the ejection portion remain located in the common contact plane during the ejection movement. 
     The ejection device may be shaped so as to pivot around and not interfere with a contact area. The contact area can be distinguished by including the second electrical contacts arranged in the common contact plane with the ejection device. In other words, a defined contact area can be kept clear of the ejection device during actuation thereof, that is to say the latter will preferably pivot therearound, so that the terminals arranged in the contact area are not touched by the ejection device even during movement thereof. 
     The invention furthermore encompasses an assembly comprising an electrical component, in particular as described above, and an accommodated component plugged into the plug-in socket of the electrical component. The assembly comprises a manipulation means, in particular as described above, by means of which the accommodated component can be inserted into the plug-in socket or pulled out of the plug-in socket. 
     One observation that was made within the context of the present description is that, for example, installers keep inserting components to be accommodated into the accommodation slot in an incorrect orientation, thereby causing electrical contacts to be bent or even destroyed. In this case, short circuits may be caused, or total failure of at least the accommodated component. In the field of large-scale industry it can happen that a replacement is not immediately followed by a check of each individual relay and that a defective relay is replaced by a relay that is again defective, thus introducing errors that might be difficult to detect. This often results in time-consuming troubleshooting, possibly leading to a failure of the technical system as a whole. Thus, the inventors have realized that a solution is being sought such that, if the component to be accommodated is mistakenly attempted to be mounted in the wrong orientation, no mechanical stress can occur on the electrical terminals of the accommodated component, so that deformation of the male electrical terminals can be avoided. 
     For preventing this, it has been realized that the accommodated component can be encoded for the correct orientation such that incorrect installation will be prevented from the very beginning. For this purpose, a component to be accommodated can be provided which is adapted for being mounted in a plug-in socket, in particular a terminal block. The component to be accommodated is in particular a relay. 
     The component to be accommodated can comprise a component housing for accommodating a functional device in the component to be accommodated. Such a functional device can comprise a circuit structure for a relay or an optocoupler, for example, or any other electrical or electromechanical structure for a component to be accommodated. The component housing furthermore comprises first and second narrow sides opposite to one another, and two opposite flat sides or faces. 
     Each of the pair of narrow sides and the pair of flat sides are in particular arranged opposite to one another, so that a flat side successively alternates with a narrow side, with the narrow sides extending perpendicular to the flat sides. In other words, when viewed from above, the component housing typically defines a substantially rectangular, quasi-rectangular, or close to rectangular outline. Electrical components, i.e. the “carrier elements” for the component to be accommodated, are lined up next to one another in the direction perpendicular to the flat sides. Accordingly, the accommodated components can also be lined up with their flat sides facing one another, for example when mounted on a mounting rail. 
     Electrical contacts may be provided on the underside of the housing for a mateable electrical connection to electrical contacts of the plug-in socket. A guide feature is provided on at least one of the two narrow sides. The guide feature is adapted for ensuring correct orientation of the accommodated component along the guide feature into the plug-in socket. In other words, the guide feature is adapted and/or shaped such that when the component to be accommodated is inserted into the plug-in socket, insertion will only be possible in the correct orientation, whereas the guide feature prohibits insertion when insertion is attempted with the wrong orientation. Thus, the guide feature is designed so as to block or prevent insertion of the component to be accommodated in an incorrect or unintended installation orientation. 
     For this purpose, the guide feature is only arranged on one of the two narrow sides, for example, or a guide feature is provided on at least one of the two narrow sides. In any case, the structure of the guide feature is adapted in such a way that the guide feature on the first narrow side of the component housing differs in its structure from the structure on the second narrow side of the component housing. This only allows insertion of the component to be accommodated into the plug-in socket in a predetermined orientation, and insertion in a different orientation is blocked by the guide feature. In other words, the component to be accommodated is mechanically encoded by the guide feature. 
     In other words, the guide feature may comprise guiding means provided on the accommodated component and optionally on the plug-in socket, which provide for a translational, preferably rectilinear directed guidance of the accommodated component. The guiding means are designed so as to simplify insertion of the component to be accommodated and to make incorrect installation more difficult. 
     In terms of the guide features, the accommodated component may, for example, have at least one rib that is adapted for engaging in a groove in the plug-in socket. Also, the guide features can be designed so as to comprise at least one groove into which a rib of the plug-in socket engages when the accommodated component is installed in or is being inserted into the plug-in socket in the correct orientation. Furthermore, the guide features may comprise at least one groove on the first narrow side of the accommodated component, and the guide features on the second narrow side may comprise at least one rib. 
     In other words, the narrow side of the accommodated component has a guide portion which, upon installation on the plug-in socket, interacts with a mating guide portion provided on the plug-in socket and formed complementarily thereto, at least in part, for translational guidance. Hence, the guide features in particular comprise not only the guiding means of the accommodated component, but also the interaction thereof with the plug-in socket and the complementary mating guide of the plug-in socket, which interacts with the guiding means of the accommodated component. 
     In order to ensure installation of the component to be accommodated in the plug-in socket with correct orientation, the guide features may comprise at least one stop. For example, in the case that the guide feature comprises ribs, these ribs may have different lengths. Only the correct orientation or alignment of the accommodated component in the plug-in socket will then allow the accommodated component to be completely introduced into the plug-in socket. With this arrangement, the shape of the guide features or of the guiding means may, for example, be the same on the two narrow sides, at least in portions thereof, and in particular their arrangement may differ. 
     Furthermore, such stops may also be provided in grooves in order to provide an “encoding” for the installation orientation of the accommodated component in the plug-in socket. 
     The rib of the guiding means may be in the form of one or more ribs, projections, or fins, for example. In principle, “mechanical encoding” is also possible using a knob design. For the purposes of the present application, such knobs are also regarded as ribs, since the narrow sides thereof will slide along the guiding portions when the accommodated component is introduced into the plug-in socket. 
     What is therefore explained here is that mechanical encoding of the accommodated component is achieved by appropriately designing the outer shape of the accommodated component such that such encoding is provided. In addition to the aforementioned examples, this can also be achieved with a trapezoidal shape having inclined sides with a different angle on the respective narrow sides of the accommodated component. In this case, mating with the plug-in socket would be prevented in case of misalignment. All these and technically similar configurations of the guide features or guiding means shall be encompassed here accordingly, as they have the same technical effect in order to achieve the goal of preventing incorrect installation of the accommodated component in the plug-in socket. 
     Preferably, the guide feature on the first narrow side of the component housing may comprise a structure with a different width or thickness compared to the structure on the second narrow side, for example by having a wider groove or a rib of greater width provided on the first narrow side in comparison on the second narrow side. 
     The electrical contacts or terminals provided on the underside of the component housing typically protrude downwards, out of the component housing. These downward protruding electrical terminals of the component housing can be plugged into female terminals of the plug-in socket if the accommodated component is inserted into the slot or plug-in socket in the correct orientation. 
     The electrical terminals arranged on the underside of the component housing can comprise at least a first, a second, and a last electrical terminal, which are arranged at a distance from one another. The first electrical terminal may be located at a first distance from the first narrow side. Furthermore, the last electrical terminal may be located at a second distance from the second narrow side. Preferably, the first distance is different from the second distance, and/or the distances between the electrical terminals are different. 
     If the distance between the electrical contacts is different or the first distance differs from the second distance, the relay can only be introduced into the female terminals of the plug-in socket in a single correct orientation. In the past, it could happen that if the accommodated component was attempted to be installed incorrectly, the male terminals were damaged or bent upon installation. On the other hand, it used to be an important feature in the past to provide the electrical terminals at different distances to one another, since this provides information about the correct installation of the accommodated component. When using the guide features presently proposed it is now even possible for the terminals to be arranged symmetrically and to even use more electrical terminals than was previously possible. The definition of alignment or orientation for the installation of the accommodated component in the plug-in socket is now no longer given or no longer mandatory through the arrangement of the electrical terminals, since it can now be provided through the guide features according to the invention. 
     In a further embodiment, the accommodated component may be adapted to be arranged in the plug-in socket of a terminal block. The terminal block with plug-in socket can now have an installation width of less than 6 mm. 
     A further aspect is to provide a predefined retaining position, for example during transport or for a controlled separation of an accommodated component from its plug-in socket. The accommodated component can then be held in a parking position of the guide features, in particular the plug-in socket and the guide features can be locked there, so that the electrical connection between the accommodated component and the plug-in socket is reliably interrupted. 
     The guide features of the accommodated component may comprise at least one latching lug or latching recess, which can be designed to be mateable with a latching recess or latching lug of the plug-in socket. The latching lug or latching recess of the guide feature can be arranged such that the accommodated component remains locked in the parking position when the latching lug or latching recess of the guide feature interacts with the latching recess or latching lug of the plug-in socket. 
     The invention will now be explained in more detail by way of exemplary embodiments and with reference to the figures, in which identical and similar elements are partially denoted by the same reference numerals, while the features of the various exemplary embodiments can be combined with one another. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
       In the figures: 
         FIG.  1    shows a first embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG.  2    shows the embodiment of  FIG.  1    with a partially disengaged accommodated component or with the accommodated component in a passive position; 
         FIG.  3    shows a detail of the manipulation means with indication of the direction of actuation; 
         FIG.  4    shows a further detailed view of a manipulation means while being actuated; 
         FIG.  5    shows a further embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG.  6    shows the embodiment of  FIG.  5    with the manipulation means actuated; 
         FIG.  7    shows yet another embodiment of the invention, suitable for particularly narrow structures; 
         FIG.  8    is a view of the embodiment of  FIG.  7    while being actuated; 
         FIG.  9    shows a detail of a manipulation means; 
         FIG.  10    shows a detail of the manipulation means of  FIG.  9    during actuation; 
         FIG.  11    is a further detailed view of the manipulation means; 
         FIG.  12    shows a further embodiment of the invention, particularly suitable for being actuated by a tool; 
         FIG.  13    shows the embodiment of  FIG.  12    after having been actuated; 
         FIG.  14    shows a further embodiment of the invention on an accommodated component; 
         FIGS.  15   a - d    show alternative embodiments of manipulation means; 
         FIG.  16    shows a further embodiment; 
         FIG.  17    is a plan view of an accommodated component in a plug-in socket; 
         FIG.  18    shows a further embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG.  18   a    shows the embodiment of  FIG.  18    pulled out of the plug-in socket; 
         FIG.  19    shows a further embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG.  19   a    shows the embodiment of  FIG.  19    pulled out of the plug-in socket; 
         FIG.  20    shows yet another embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG.  20   a    shows the embodiment of  FIG.  20    pulled out of the plug-in socket; 
         FIG.  21    shows an example of a guide feature with parking position; 
         FIG.  22    shows the embodiment of  FIG.  21    fully inserted into the plug-in socket; 
         FIG.  23    shows a further embodiment; 
         FIG.  23   a    shows the embodiment of  FIG.  23    during or at the end of actuation; 
         FIG.  24    shows yet another embodiment; 
         FIG.  24   a    shows the embodiment of  FIG.  24    during or at the end of actuation; 
         FIG.  25    shows yet another embodiment; 
         FIG.  25   a    shows the embodiment of  FIG.  25    during or at the end of actuation; 
         FIG.  26    shows the embodiment of the invention according to  FIG.  24    with the accommodated component inserted; 
         FIG.  26   a    shows the ejection of an accommodated component; 
         FIG.  27    is a partially sectional top plan view of the electrical component, cut along sectional plane A as indicated in  FIG.  24   a   , showing second electrical contacts, and with the common contact plane indicated; 
         FIG.  28    shows a further embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG.  28   a    shows the embodiment of  FIG.  28    during or at the end of actuation; 
         FIG.  29    shows a further embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG.  29   a    shows the embodiment of  FIG.  29    during or at the end of actuation. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
       FIG.  1    shows an embodiment of the invention with a manipulation means that is arranged on the upper side of the electrical component  100 . The electrical component  100  comprises an ejection device  110  with an actuation portion  28  and an ejection portion  112 . The manipulation means  120  is provided on or attached to one end of the actuation portion  28 . The manipulation means has an actuation portion  7  on its upper end, which provides a deformation portion. The manipulation means furthermore has an inner opening  6  for easily introducing the fingers order to grip and pull on the manipulation means  120 . The accommodated component  50  is placed in the accommodation slot  1 . It is retained in the accommodation slot  1  by a wall  35  that comprises a retaining lug  58  which protrudes over the accommodated component  50 . Retaining lug  58  can also be used to transfer a pressure force exerted from above by the ejection device  110  to the accommodated component  50 , for example when the manipulation means  120  is actuated from above on the deformation portion  7 . For this purpose, the retaining lug is flexibly coupled to the actuation portion  28 , to increase comfort. Thus, the manipulation means  120  can be used to press or insert the accommodated component  50  into the active position in the accommodation slot  1  as well as to press the accommodated component  50  out of the accommodation slot by exerting a pulling force on the manipulation means  120 . The manipulation means  120  is flexibly or pivotably coupled to the actuation portion  28  through a pivot  124 , so that the deformation portion  7  can be pulled in different directions and, nevertheless, a linear movement of the ejection device  110  will be ensured. 
     The accommodated component  50  is fully installed in the plug-in socket  1 , in its active position, such that the first electrical contacts  52  of the accommodated component are engaged in the second electrical contacts  57  of the electrical component. More particularly, the first electrical contacts  52  are pin terminals, and the second electrical contacts  57  are female terminals. This allows an additional holding force to be exerted on the accommodated component  50  in the plug-in socket  1  due to the electrical connection, i.e. the insertion of the pins into the female terminals, so that the accommodated component  50  is retained in the active position. This is promoted by the detent or retaining lug  58 . If, now, the manipulation means  120  is pulled, or, as an alternative in this embodiment, a tool  34  is used to perform a corresponding levering movement on the tool engagement area  4  of the ejection device  110 , an ejection force will be exerted on the accommodated component  50  by the ejection lever  112  from underneath the accommodated component  50 , so that the accommodated component  50  will leave the active position in the accommodation slot  1  in an upward direction in the plane of the drawing. Typically, this upward direction corresponds to a direction away from the mounting means  102  of the electrical component  100 , by which the electrical component is typically latched onto a mounting rail such as a top hat rail. 
     The retaining lug  58  which secures the accommodated component  50  on the upper side of the accommodated component  50  will move along in the ejection direction  104 , so that the accommodated component  50  remains engaged on the retaining lug  58  during the ejection process. 
     In a particularly preferred embodiment, a stop  58   a  is furthermore provided for the retaining lug  58 , against which the retaining lug comes to rest during the ejection process, so that the accommodated component is still retained by the retaining lug  58  in this position. This prevents the accommodated component from being ejected abruptly and allows the accommodating component to be parked in a parking position. This is particularly advantageous, since in this parked position the accommodated component  50  cannot suddenly jump out of the accommodation slot and, on the other hand, it can be stored in the parked position for subsequent use. The parking position for the accommodated component  50  is supported or ensured by the ejection portion  112  below the accommodated component  50  on the one hand, and by the retaining lug  58  on the upper side of the accommodated component  50 . 
       FIG.  2    shows the electrical component  100  with the accommodated component  50  in a parking position, with the electrical contacts  52  of the accommodated component reliable and sustainably disconnected from the second electrical contacts  57  of the electrical component  100 . In other words, the first electrical contacts  52  are held spaced apart from the second electrical contacts  57 , so that there is no electrical connection, and the accommodated component  50  is held in this position by the ejection portion  112  and the retaining lug  58  such that a shift in position or a change in position without external impact is prevented. If it is desired to completely remove the accommodated component  50 , the retaining lug  58  can be pushed aside, for example, for instance by a tool, and the accommodated component  50  can then be removed from accommodation slot  1  upwards, in the ejection direction  104 . 
     The manipulation means  120  can also be used to reinserted the accommodated component  50  into the active position in the accommodation slot  1 . For this purpose, pressure can be exerted onto the resilient portion  7  on the upper side of the manipulation means, whereby the ejection device  110  will be pushed inwards. 
       FIGS.  3  and  4    show a detail of the manipulation means  120 , illustrating the actuation by a user  26 . Referring to  FIG.  3   , the manipulation means  120  is shown in its non-deformed state, and the user  26  starts to exert a force in the direction of the insertion direction  105 , by pressing onto the pressure point  13  of the deformable portion  7 , so that the inner opening  6  of the manipulation means  120  begins to deform or becomes smaller. Through crossbar  10 , the force is further transferred to a push and pull rod  8 . Referring to  FIG.  4   , the user  26  presses on the deformable portion  7  of the manipulation means  120  which is pressed inwards towards the inner opening  6 . A resilient portion  11  can also be provided laterally around the inner opening  6  in order to ensure flexibility of the manipulation means and thus comfortable actuation thereof. Ideally, the user  26  presses the pressure point down, towards the electrical component  100 , so that the force is transferred along push and pull rod  8 . The resilient portion  7  will deform from initial position D to the depressed position F. 
     Referring to  FIG.  5   , a further embodiment of the invention with a manipulation means  120  is shown. This embodiment is particularly suitable in the case where it is easier to reach the electrical components  100  from a lateral side, so that less space is required above the installation space for the electrical components  100  to access the upper side of the electrical components  100  for installing or extracting accommodated components  50 . The electrical component  100  comprises an ejection device  110  which is adapted for being pivoted sideways. An actuation portion  28  is formed integrally with the ejection portion  112 . In this case, manipulation means  120  is provided flexibly at the free end of actuation portion  28 . Spacing portion  124  can be rigid. Spacing portion  124  can be in the form of a lever, or rod-shaped, or can define an integrally formed cantilever arm. At the free end of spacing portion  124 , a grip means  122  is provided, which can be gripped particularly well and easily by the user  26 . 
     The spacing portion  124  can be designed differently from one electrical component  100  to the adjacent electrical component  100 ′, in particular in an alternating manner between the electrical components  100  relative to one another, for example with different angles relative to one another, or the like. This also corresponds to a type of encoding and provides improved gripability, or improved recognizability as to which spacing portion  124  has to be gripped in order to actuate the intended accommodated component  50 . 
     The grip means  122  may also be adapted for being gripped using a tool that is specifically designed for this purpose. In the example of  FIG.  5   , the accommodated component  50  is installed in the active position in the plug-in socket  1  of the electrical component  100 . It is held in its active position by a tab  36  and by retaining lug  58  of the ejection device  110 . A neighboring pull rod  19  is shown in phantom to illustrated that the spacing portion  124  of the manipulation means  120  can be selected by sliding one&#39;s finger over the plurality of adjacent coupling rods  19 ,  124 , . . . thereby pushing away or deflecting the adjacent coupling rods to clear the manipulation means  120  to be gripped, so that it can be easily selected and gripped. If, now, the user  26  pulls on the manipulation means  120 , in particular on grip means  122 , the ejection device  110  will be actuated so that the accommodated component  50  is at least partially ejected from the accommodation slot  1 . For example, the accommodated component  50  is transferred from its active position into a passive position, if the accommodated component  50  can be held in the electrical component  100  accordingly. 
     Referring to  FIG.  6   , the accommodated component is shown in its passive position on the electrical component  100 , and this passive position is provided by the ejection portion  112  of ejection means  110  on one side and by retaining tab  58  on the other side. In other words, the accommodated component  50  is clamped between the end portion  20  of ejection portion  112  and the retaining lug  58  and is thus retained in the passive position. 
     Referring to  FIG.  7    which shows a further embodiment of the invention, comprising a manipulation means  120  which, in this case, is particularly suitable for very narrow electrical components  100 , for example with a width of 3 mm. The ejection device  110  provides a pivoting range around the second electrical contacts  21 ,  22 ,  23 , such that the second electrical contacts  21 ,  22 ,  23  are kept clear of the ejection device  110 . This has the advantage that the ejection device  110  can be arranged in a common contact plane  150  together with the second electrical contacts  21 ,  22 ,  23 . In this way, installation width can be reduced, since the ejection device  110  is now not arranged laterally of the second electrical contacts  21 ,  22 ,  23 , but below them. The ejection device  110  pivots about a pivot  24 . A tab  36  is provided on the upper end of the ejection device  110 , which protrudes beyond the rest of the electrical component  100 , and this tab  36  is capable of providing a parking position for the accommodated component  50  during an ejection process or during an insertion process of an accommodated component  50  into the accommodation slot  1 . 
     Referring to  FIG.  8   , which illustrates how the manipulation means  120  is gripped and actuated by a user  26 . The user  26  grips the grip means  122  with two fingers on the free end of spacing portion  124 . The accommodated component  50  is held in the parking position by the ejection device  110 , with the retaining lug  58  at the upper side ensuring counter-support for the accommodated component. The electrical contacts  39 ,  40 ,  41  of the accommodated component  50  are electrically disconnected from the electrical component  100  in this passive position. 
     In order to provide the pivoting area for the ejection device  110 , which does not interfere with the second electrical contacts  21 ,  22 ,  23 , the ejection portion  112  has a first deflection  30  and a second deflection  31 . The accommodated component  50  is ejected at the pressure point  29  of ejection portion  112 . Thereby, a free space  27  is created below the electrical component  50 , for electrically and mechanically separating the accommodated component  50  from the electrical component  100 . 
     Referring to  FIGS.  9  to  11   , which illustrate how the user  26  can select a manipulation means  120  in order to then actuate it. First, the user  26  presses the spacing portion  8  aside, in the direction of deflection arrow  126 , at pressure point  15 . For example, if the user  26  ultimately wants to grasp grip means  16 , he or she pushes aside the neighboring manipulation means  17 , . . . , as shown in  FIG.  10   . Once the neighboring manipulation means  17 ,  18  have been pushed aside at pressure point  15 , the manipulation means  120  remains clear and straight, so that it can now be easily grasped, as illustrated in  FIG.  11   . According to  FIG.  11   , the pull rod  8  can now be grasped and, depending on the embodiment, displaced in the pull-out direction  104  of the accommodated component or in the deflection direction  126 , if this is easier. 
     Referring to  FIG.  12    which shows an alternative embodiment that is optimized for being actuated using a hand tool  34 . In this case, the manipulation means  120  has a pocket  38  into which the hand tool  34  can be introduced in order to manipulate the actuation portion  28 . Pocket  38  prevents the tool  34  from slipping out, thereby reducing the risk of being scratched or injured by the blade of the hand tool  34 . This embodiment also has a groove  37  for receiving an inscription label on the electrical component  100 . 
       FIG.  13    shows the actuated manipulation means  120  for this case, with the accommodated component  50  transferred into and assuming the passive position on the electrical component  100  as a result of this actuation. The accommodated component  50  is held in this passive position by holding lug  58  and pressure point  29 . The electrical contacts of the accommodated component are reliably separated, i.e. disengaged, electrically and mechanically, from the electrical contacts of the electrical component  100 . 
     Referring to  FIG.  14    which shows yet another embodiment of the invention, with the manipulation device  120  provided on an upper side of the receiving component  50  for insertion into a slot  1 . A user  26  depresses the resilient tab  7  so that the inner opening area  6  is reduced and a flexible, elastic pressure force is exerted onto the accommodated component  50 , through which the accommodated component can be pressed into the plug-in socket. On the other hand, the user  26  can also grasp the accommodated component  50  on the protruding manipulation means  120  in order to pull it out of the plug-in socket  1 . 
       FIGS.  15   a ,  15   b ,  15   c , and  15   d    show different design variants of tab  7  of the manipulation means  120  on the upper side of the accommodated component  50 . For example,  FIG.  15   a    shows the embodiment of an annular tab, which in particular is a resilient annular tab.  FIG.  15   b    shows an embodiment with a spacing portion  124 , which allows the manipulation means  120  as a whole to protrude further or higher beyond the accommodated component  50 .  FIG.  15   c    shows the manipulation means in the form of a T-bar, so that a tool can be placed below the grip means  122  or the user  26  can grasp the grip means  122  with the fingers. Finally,  FIG.  15   d    shows the manipulation means  120  in the form of a hollow or depression into which the fingertip or a tool can be introduced, for example, in order to press the accommodated component  50  into a plug-in socket  1 . 
       FIG.  16    shows an electrical device  2100  comprising a plug-in socket  206  into which a component  201  to be accommodated can be inserted. The accommodated component  201  has a rib  202  and recesses  203 ,  204  on its first narrow side  230 . On its underside or lower face, the accommodated component  201  has male terminals  205  for being mated with female terminals  209  of plug-in socket  206 . Plug-in socket  206  has tabs  207  on its side walls, which can engage with the recesses  203  and  204  of the accommodated component  201 . 
     The electrical device  2100  is also adapted to establish further electrical connections to the outside. For this purpose it comprises, for example, the relay control terminal point  210 , denoted by X 2  in the figure, and the relay control terminal point  212 , denoted by X 1  in the figure. Furthermore, the electrical device  2100  has relay contact terminal points  213 ,  214 ,  215 , denoted by numerals  11 ,  12 , and  14  in  FIG.  16   . 
     The accommodated component  201  also has guide features  219  on its second narrow side  230   a , which are mateable with plug-in socket  206 . 
     On its lower face or underside, the electrical device  2100  has a recess  221  for being latched onto a mounting rail (not shown). 
     As can be seen from  FIG.  16   , the two narrow sides  230 ,  230   a  of the accommodated component  201  and the two flat faces are each arranged opposite to one another. Viewed circumferentially, flat faces alternate with narrow sides in succession. When viewed from above, in a top plan view, the component housing  2120  substantially has a rectangular shape. 
       FIG.  17    shows a top plan view of an accommodated component  201  which is inserted in plug-in socket  206 . At its two narrow sides, the guide features  202 ,  219  are provided, with the rib  202  of guide features  2110  having a greater width than the rib  219 . Therefore, it will be impossible to install the accommodated component  201  the wrong way round, i.e. with incorrect orientation, in the plug-in socket  206  of the electrical device  2100 . This effectively prevents the electrical contacts  205  on the underside of the accommodated component  201  from being deformed or destroyed. 
       FIG.  18    shows a further embodiment, with a detail of the accommodated component  201  and part of the plug-in socket  206  shown in a view from above. The accommodated component  201  is fully inserted in the plug-in socket  206 . The accommodated component  201  has a guide feature  219  on its first narrow side, which is designed in the form of a T-connection or dovetail connection. On the corresponding side wall  232 , the plug-in socket  206  of the electrical device  2100  has a recess  234  which is mateable with the dovetail rib  219  and into which the guide feature  2110  can be slidingly introduced. 
       FIG.  18   a    shows the embodiment of  FIG.  18   , with the accommodated component  201  pulled out of the accommodation slot  206 . The guide feature  2110 , here in the form of a dovetail rib  219 , can be clearly seen. Dovetail rib  219  can be slidingly introduced into the corresponding recess  234  in the first side wall  232  of the plug-in socket  206 . The electrical terminals  205 ,  205   a  provided at the underside of the accommodated component  201  can be introduced into the female terminals  209 ,  209   a  of the electrical device  2100 . 
       FIG.  19    shows a further embodiment, here with the guide feature  2110  implemented in the form of a comb structure  219   a.  The comb structure comprises three ribs  219   a,    219   b,  and  219   c,  which can be introduced into corresponding recesses  234   a,    234   b,  and  234   c  in the side wall  232  of the electrical device  2100 . 
       FIG.  19   a    shows the embodiment of  FIG.  19   , with the accommodated component  201  completely pulled out of the plug-in socket  206  of the electrical device  2100 . The male terminals  205 ,  205   a  that are visible underneath the accommodated component  201  can be introduced into the female terminals  209 ,  209   a.  The guide feature  2110  comprises the three ribs  219   a,    219   b,  and  219   c , which can be slidingly introduced into the corresponding recesses  234   a,    234   b,  and  234   c  of the electrical device  2100 . The guide feature  2110  at least makes it possible to prevent the accommodated component  201  from being inserted into the plug-in socket  206  in a tilted or reversed manner, which might cause defects on the accommodated component  201  or on the electrical device  2100 . Rather, the accommodated component  201  has to be introduced straight from above, i.e. in extension of an imaginary axis through the electrical device  2100  and the plug-in socket  206  in extension downwards. 
       FIG.  20    shows a further embodiment, with an accommodated component  201  inserted in the plug-in socket  206  of the electrical device  2100 . On its first narrow side, the accommodated component  201  has the comb structure  202   a,    202   b,    202   c  for being introduced in a mateable manner into receiving grooves  236   a,    236   b,    236   c  of the plug-in socket  206 . On the second narrow side opposite to the first narrow side, the accommodated component  201  has a second part of guide features  2110  in the form of a dovetail connection  219   d.  The guide feature  2110  on the first narrow side differs from the guide feature on the second narrow side. The comb structure arrangement  202   a,    202   b,    202   c  on the first narrow side of the accommodated component  201  cannot be mated with the recess  234   a  which is adapted for a dovetail structure. However, the dovetail-like guide feature  219   d  fits into the recess  234   a.  In this way, misaligned introduction of the accommodated component  201  into the plug-in socket  206 , i.e. with reversed orientation, is effectively prevented. The guide features  2110  with differing sides  202   a  and  219   d  therefore not only provide for a straight and in particular vertical insertion of the accommodated component  201  into the plug-in socket  206 , but also with correct orientation of the lateral sides of the accommodated component  201  into the plug-in socket  206 . 
       FIG.  20   a    shows the embodiment of  FIG.  20   , with the accommodated component  201  pulled out of the plug-in socket  206 . Electrical terminals  205 ,  205   a,    205   b,  and  205   c  can be introduced into female terminals  209 ,  209   a,    209   b  and  209   c.  In this illustrated example, the female terminals are arranged symmetrically to one another. Such an arrangement would not be possible without the embodiment described here, since otherwise, without guide features  2110 , the accommodated component  201  could be introduced into the plug-in socket  206  with its lateral sides reversed. With the guide features  2110  this is effectively prevented, so that the accommodated component  201  provided with the guide features  2110  can only be introduced into the plug-in socket  206  of the electrical device  2100  with correct orientation of its lateral sides. 
       FIG.  21    shows a further aspect, with an accommodated component  201  partially inserted in the accommodation slot  206  of an electrical device  2100 . Electrical terminals  205 ,  205   a,    205   b,    205   c ,  205   d  are located so as to face the corresponding female terminals  209 ,  209   a,    209   b,    209   c,    209   d  so that they could be plugged into the corresponding female terminals if the accommodated component  201  were inserted further into the accommodation slot  206 . The accommodated component  201  has locking recesses on both of its narrow sides, which are interengageable with locking lugs  207  of the electrical device. The lower locking recess  204  provides a parking position for the accommodated component  201  in the accommodation slot  206 . This means that when the accommodated component  201  is partially introduced into the accommodation slot  206 , the indentation  204  will engage around locking lug  207  and the accommodated component  201  will be held there in a locked manner. By applying pressure from above on the accommodated component  201 , the latter can be pushed further into the accommodation slot  206 , but to this end, a certain holding force has to be overcome, which is caused by the form-fitting or positive connection between the lower locking recess  204  and the retaining lug  207 . When the accommodated component  201  is fully installed in the accommodation slot  206 , the locking lug  207  engages in the respective upper locking recess  203  which is provided on the respective narrow side of the accommodated component  201 . The shape of upper locking recess  203  corresponds to that of locking lug  207 , and it will be arranged at the same level as the locking lug  207  when the accommodated component  201  is fully inserted into the accommodation slot  206 . This provides for a further increase in the retaining force of the accommodated component  201  in the slot  206 , thereby ensuring reliable retention and/or stable locking of the accommodated component  201  in the slot  206 . 
     It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that besides all of the embodiments of different guide features  2110  illustrated herein, that can be provided on the respective sides of the accommodated component  201 , such as the comb structure, dovetail structure, T-connection, and different grooves, it is also possible to use other forms for the guide features  2110  in order to encode for insertion with the correct orientation of the accommodated component  201  in the accommodation slot  206 . For example, the dovetail structure can have different slopes on the opposite sides of an accommodated component  201 , or the slopes can extend inversely to one another, i.e. so as to intersect. The comb structure may have different numbers or different widths of combs, for example. The guide features  2110  may comprise semicircles with different diameters which interengage, for example, to encode for insertion with the correct orientation of the accommodated component  201 . Lastly, triangular tips with different slopes may also be provided. Other forms are possible as well and can be chosen depending on the application purpose. 
     This also makes it possible to keep the accommodated component  201  compatible only for particular plug-in sockets  206 . In this way it is possible, for example, to provide specific guide features  2110  on the accommodated components  201 , which only fit into selected plug-in sockets  206 , for example if the application differs in terms of the electrical voltage that is employed. Thus, in addition to ensuring installation of the accommodated component  201  in the plug-in socket  206  in the correct orientation, the accommodated component  201  can only be used in a plug-in socket  206  it is intended for. This is of particular interest when a plurality of plug-in sockets  206  are arranged next to one another or in a narrow space and it may be difficult to identify the correct plug-in socket  206  due to the narrow space. In this case, the guide feature  2110  may provide additional assistance in selecting the correct plug-in socket  206 . 
       FIG.  22    shows the exemplary embodiment of  FIG.  21   , with the accommodated component  201  fully inserted in slot  206 , and with the locking lug  207  engaged in the locking recess  203  of the receiving component  201 . In this position, the accommodated component  201  is held in the accommodation slot  206  in a locked manner. 
     In summary, the present invention permits to solve a variety of problems that may arise in the daily use and operation of accommodated components  201 . With the special configurations of guide features  2110 , the process of fitting the accommodated component  201  in the plug-in socket  206  is considerably simplified, while at the same time ensuring correct alignment and orientation of the accommodated component  201  in the plug-in socket  206 . This can essentially be achieved by an asymmetrical arrangement of the guide features  2110  on the accommodated component  201 . The guide features  2110  also implies a precise guidance of the accommodated component  201  if they are implemented as guide rails, as presented here. As illustrated, the guide features  2110  can be structured according to various alternatives, such as the dovetail connection shown, which may also be combined such that the widths of the ribs are the same on both sides of the accommodated component  201 , but the slopes of the recess or groove are different or even inverse to each other. 
     The asymmetry of the guide features  2110  can also be implemented by the comb structure as illustrated, and in this case also with a different number of combs or with different widths of the ribs. 
     Hence, the idea of the present aspect of the description is aimed at providing the asymmetry of the guide features  2110 , and further exemplary embodiments will readily suggest themselves to a person skilled in the art based on the illustrated exemplary embodiments and also come within the scope of the description presented here, alone by providing the asymmetry of the guide feature on the first narrow side of the accommodated component  201  compared to that on the second narrow side of the accommodated component  201 . 
     It has been found that a particularly simple basic principle is to provide different tongue-and-groove connections on the accommodated component  201  and the accommodation slot  206  of the electrical component  2100 , respectively. It is conceivable in this case to provide the tongue or tongues on the accommodated component  201  and the groove or grooves in the accommodation slot  206 , or inversely, to provide the tongue or tongues in accommodation slot  206  and the groove or grooves on the accommodated component  201 . 
     The present aspect of the description also relates to the partial aspect of reliably retaining the accommodated component  201  in the accommodation slot  206  without having an electrical connection established between the accommodated component  201  and the electrical device  2100 . For this, the present specification provides a parking position which implements a firm seat of the accommodated component  201  in the accommodation slot  206  and at the same time reliably places the electrical terminals at a distance apart from one another. This means that the electrical connection will remain interrupted even in the event of vibration, i.e. in a shock or impact protected manner. 
     The locking for the parking position has been illustrated here by having a tab provided in the socket  206 , which can engage in a resilient recess on the accommodated component  201 . The interaction of recess and tab leads to a firm seat of the accommodated component  201  in the socket  206 . An inverse configuration with this solution principle is likewise conceivable here again. 
     Referring to  FIG.  23    which illustrates another embodiment comprising an ejection mechanism that is located in the contact plane  3150 . The ejection device  3110  comprises a movable lever with a bearing point  304  that is guided in a slide rail  303 ,  306 . The actuator  320  is actuated with a hand tool  328 , in this example a screwdriver, as shown. 
     The actuator  320  can be levered forwards or upwards by a user using the hand tool  328  and by exerting manual pressure on the hand tool  328  so as to pushed the inserted component  351  out of the slot  327 . The point  309  of pressure applied to the inserted component  351  from below lies in the common contact plane  3150  with terminals  308 ,  311 ,  312 ,  314 , and  307 . During actuation, the pressure point  309  is shifted from right to left along the contact line  350  (cf.  FIG.  27   ) in the contact plane  3150 . The contact line connects the illustrated electrical terminals  307 ,  308 ,  311 ,  312 , and  314  and the pressure point  309  of the ejection mechanism  3110 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the electrical component  3100  has lateral clamp terminals, here clamp terminals  12 ,  14 ,  11 , X 1 , and X 2 , denoted by reference numerals  301 ,  302 ,  305 ,  319 , and  323 . These clamp terminals can be used to electrically connect the electrical component  3100  externally. The second electrical terminals  307 ,  308 ,  311 ,  312 , and  314  are all in the form of female terminals. Terminals  307  and  308  are responsible for controlling the relay, terminal  311  is the root terminal, terminal  312  is the normally closed contact, also known as break contact, and terminal  314  is the normally open contact, also known as make contact. The installation slot  327  for the installation component  351  comprises the left slot wall  346  and the right slot wall  348 . 
     The actuation assembly  3114  of the ejection device  3110  is arranged in an actuator slot  315 . Actuator slot  315  has an engagement surface  313  for the actuator  3114  and an engagement surface  318 . The actuator  3114  has an actuation head  316  for engagement of the hand tool  328 . The actuation head  316  can be mechanically or chemically reinforced, i.e. toughened, to be able to accommodate a greater force. The hand tool  328  engages on the tool engagement area  352  and is directed to below the actuation head  316 . With a pressing movement of the hand tool  328  on the actuator  3114  and subsequent rotation of the hand tool  328  in the downward direction, the ejection device  3110  is actuated by displacing the actuator  3114  in the upward direction. The actuator  3114  bears against the engagement surface  313  and is supported thereby against the pressure force, so that the actuator  3114  is not laterally displaced or pivoted by the pressure exerted by the hand tool  328 . 
     A living hinge is provided between the actuator  3114  and the ejection lever  3112  to connect the two portions  3112 ,  3114  to one another. The electrical component  3100  comprises a housing shell  324 . 
       FIG.  23   a    shows the embodiment of  FIG.  23   , with the ejection device  3110  being actuated. The hand tool  328  has been pivoted in a downward direction of rotation, so that the actuation portion  3114  has been displaced upwards. The ejection portion  3112  connected thereto by living hinge  321  now protrudes into the insertion slot  327 . A component  351  arranged in the slot  327  would now be pushed out of the slot (cf.  FIGS.  26  and  26     a ). As can also be seen from  FIG.  23   a    in conjunction with  FIG.  23   , even when the ejection device  3110  is actuated, the terminal area  3120  is kept clear and the ejection device does not touch or interfere with the terminals  307 ,  308 ,  311 ,  312 , and  314 . The entire ejection device  3110  is arranged in the common contact plane  3150 . 
     Referring to  FIG.  24    which illustrates another embodiment in which the ejection device  3110  is made in one piece such that the actuating lever  3114  is integrally formed with the ejector  3112 . A strut  3110   a  is integrated for strengthening or stiffening the ejection device. It will be obvious to a viewer that the lower part of the ejection device  3110  may also be implemented from solid material or with different recesses without departing from the scope of the present specification. In this example, the ejection device  3110  is designed as a type of slider or pusher  330  which is operable to cause the ejection of the accommodated component  351  (cf.  FIGS.  26  and  26     a ) simply by a vertical displacement, without complicated pivoting. To support the slider  330 , the electrical component  3100  has engagement points  331 ,  332 , and  334  adapted and arranged for this purpose, so that the ejection device  3110  will not perform any rotational movement or only a smallest possible rotational movement, even when being actuated using the hand tool  328 , but will rather only perform a translational movement upwards to eject the accommodated component  351  from slot  327 . 
     The embodiment of  FIG.  24    comprises a partitioning wall  335  which improves the electrical insulation between terminals  311 ,  312 , and  314  on one side and terminals  307  and  308  on the other side. In this embodiment, the ejection device  3110  can be arranged entirely on one side of the partitioning wall  335 . 
     The embodiment as shown in  FIG.  24    comprises a large number of similar components as shown in  FIG.  23   . These components are not described again in conjunction with  FIG.  24    in order to not unnecessarily lengthen the description. It will be obvious for the viewer that the reference numerals and description of components from  FIG.  23    can also be applied accordingly to  FIG.  24    as well as to the further figures, without being specified in detail in each case. For that matter, the same reference numerals also indicate the same components in different figures. 
       FIG.  24   a    shows the embodiment as illustrated in  FIG.  24   , with the ejection device  3110  being actuated using the hand tool  328  on actuator  3114 . By exerting a pressure force on the actuation portion  3114  together with a downward rotary or rotational movement of the hand tool  328 , the actuation portion  3114  is displaced upwards in a translational movement, and at the same time the ejection portion  3112  which is formed integrally therewith is displaced in an upward direction in order to eject a component  351  that is possibly accommodated in the slot  327 . In conjunction with  FIG.  24    it will be apparent that this embodiment, again, does not interfere with the second electrical terminals of the electrical component  3100 , rather the contact area  3120  can be kept completely undisturbed. The entire ejection device  3110  is arranged in the common contact plane  3150  with the electrical terminals  307 ,  308 ,  311 ,  312  and  314  of the electrical component  3100 . 
       FIG.  25    shows yet another embodiment in which, likewise, the components of electrical component  3100 , which have already been described in conjunction with  FIG.  23   , are not denoted and described again.  FIG.  25    shows the ejection device  3110  with an actuator  339  that can be operated using the hand tool  328 . Actuator  339  is connected to the auxiliary lever  337  by a living hinge  336 , and the auxiliary lever  337  in turn is connected to the ejection lever  343  by living hinge  338 . Ejection lever  343  has a pivot  344  that is mounted on the housing  325  of the electrical component  3100 . Ejection lever  343 , in turn, has the pressure point  342  which can exert a pressure force on an inserted component  351  for the purpose of ejecting it from the slot  327 . 
     The actuation portion  339  is mounted such that a rotational movement is largely prevented and only a translational movement in the upward direction is freely possible. For this purpose, engagement points  340  and  341  are provided in the housing  325  of the electrical component  3100 . 
     Furthermore, the electrical component  3100  again has a partitioning wall  345  which provides for better electrical insulation of a first part of the electrical terminals  307 ,  308  from a second part of the electrical terminals  311 ,  312 , and  314 . 
     Referring to  FIG.  25   a    which shows  FIG.  25    in the actuated position. The hand tool  328  reaches below the actuation head  316  and moves the actuation portion  3114  upwards in a translational movement. The auxiliary lever  337  of the ejection mechanism  3110  is caused to pivot by the translational movement of the actuation portion  3114 , while the actuation portion is now being urged against engagement point  340 . When the ejection mechanism  3110  is further translated upwards using the hand tool  328 , a pressure force will then be exerted on the ejection lever  343  and cause it to pivot upwards. The ejection lever  343  will therefore raise through the bottom of slot  327  and be able to push an inserted component  351  out of the slot  327 . Again, the entire ejection device  3110  is arranged in the common contact plane  3150 . The electrical terminals  307 ,  308 ,  311 ,  312 , and  314  are again arranged in the undisturbed contact area  3120 , which is kept clear of the ejection device  3110 , since the individual components  3112 ,  3114  of the ejection device  3110  pivot around the contact area  3120 . 
       FIG.  26    shows an embodiment with the accommodated component  351  installed in slot  327 . The ejection device  3110  is arranged below the accommodated component  351  and is in its rest position. No force or only a small force is exerted on the accommodated component  351  by the ejection device  3110 . A hand tool  328  is engaged on tool engagement area  352  and is levered below the actuation head  316 .  FIG.  26   a    illustrates the further movement of the ejection device  3110  for pushing the inserted component  351  out of slot  327 . The hand tool  328  is pivoted in the downward direction, so that the actuation portion  320  is translated upwards by a levering force applied via tool engagement area  352 . When the ejection device  3110  is actuated further, the ejection portion  3112  which is integrally formed with the actuation portion will press against the inserted component  351  from below, so that the latter is then pushed out of the slot  327 . In the position shown in  FIG.  26   a   , the electrical terminals of the inserted component  351  are already completely separated from the second electrical terminals  307 ,  308 ,  311 ,  312 , and  314  of the electrical component  3100 , so that the inserted component  351  already protrudes clearly from the slot of the electrical component  3100  and can now be grasped manually with one hand, for example, without great effort. 
     Referring to  FIG.  27    which shows a top plan view of the second electrical terminals  307 ,  308 ,  311 ,  312 , and  314  of the accommodation slot  327 , and which shows the pushing model  309  of the ejection lever  3112 . It can be seen that the electrical terminals  307 ,  308 ,  311 ,  312 , and  314  as well as the visible parts of the ejection device  3110 , i.e. the ejection lever  3112  and the actuation portion  3114 , are arranged in the common contact plane  3150  along contact line  350 . As can be seen from this view, it is particularly preferred for a force on the pressure point  309  to be exactly in the center of the forces. The prevention of the relay or accommodated component  351  from becoming tilted when being ejected can be further improved in this way. Furthermore, it becomes obvious from  FIG.  27    that the arrangement of the terminals in a common contact plane  3150  with the ejection device  3110  allows to further reduce the installation width of the entire electrical component  3100 . In contrast to the prior art designs of the ejection device  3110 , all of which are arranged laterally offset next to the electrical terminals of the insertion component, it is possible to minimize the overall installation width of the entire electrical component  3100  to the width of the terminals or to the width of the ejection device  3110 . 
     Referring to  FIG.  28    which shows an exemplary embodiment comprising an electrical component  4100  with an accommodated component  405  installed in the active position in plug-in socket  4102 . The electrical component  4100  has an ejection device  4110 . The ejection device  4110  comprises a lever  417  which is the actuating portion of the ejection device  4110 . Lever  417  is pivotable. For pivoting the lever  417 , it can be moved away from the accommodated component  405  and thus pivoted against the engagement surface  427 . In the embodiment shown, the accommodated component  405  has been completely inserted into the slot  423  of the electrical component  4100 . The tab  414  of retaining means  4118  rests on the accommodated component  405  so that the accommodated component  405  is additionally held in the slot  423  by tab  414 . The accommodated component is thus installed in accommodation slot  423  with its upper side flush with line  438  which illustrates the active position. By pivoting the ejection device  4110  along line  416  which represents the corresponding pivoting range, the accommodated component  405  can be pushed out by the ejection portion from underneath. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the electrical component has lateral clamp terminals, here clamp terminals  301 ,  302 ,  305 ,  323  and  319  ( 12 ,  14 ,  11 , X 1 , and X 2 ). The electrical component  4100  can establish external connections at these clamp terminals. The second electrical terminals  4104  of the electrical component  4100  are in the form of female terminals. The installation slot  423  has a left slot wall  446  and a right slot wall  448 . Ejection device  4110  has an actuation head  4116  where a force can be applied to actuate the ejection device  4110 . For example, a hand tool can be engaged here, or it can be actuated manually. 
       FIG.  28   a    shows the embodiment of  FIG.  28    with the accommodated component  405  moved to the passive position on the retaining means. The accommodated component  405  is held by buffering element  413  with the detent hook  411  thereof, outside the electrical component  4100 . Furthermore, the accommodated component  405  is supported from below by the ejection portion  4112 . Thus, the accommodated component  405  is supported on all of its sides, on the left and right sides by the left and right slot walls  446  and  448 , from below by the ejection portion  4112 , and on top by the locking means  411  of the retaining means. The accommodated component  405  has reached the position  437 . Here, the accommodated component  405  was transferred from the active position  438  to the passive position  437  by a pressure force which is exerted on the actuation portion  4112  of the ejection device  4110 . In the passive position  437 , the accommodated component  405  is electrically separated from the electrical component  4100 . More particularly, the first electrical terminals of the accommodated component  405  are spaced apart from the second electrical terminals  4104  of the electrical component  4100  in this case. 
     Referring to  FIG.  29    which shows a further embodiment in which the ejection device  4110  is made in one piece, so that the actuating lever  417  is formed integrally with the ejection portion  4112 . A strut  4110   a  serves to strengthen or stiffen the ejection device  4110 . This portion of the ejection device  4110  could also be made from solid material or with different recesses without departing from the scope of the present specification. In this example, the ejection device  4110  is designed as a type of slider that does not need to be pivoted. The ejection of the accommodated component  405  from the slot  423  can be effected by a vertical displacement. Engagement points  461 ,  462  and  464  are provided for supporting the actuating lever  417  such that the ejection device  4110  does not perform any rotational movement, or only a smallest possible rotational movement, even when being actuated, but rather an essentially translational movement in the upward direction to eject the accommodated component  405  from slot  423 . 
     The embodiment of  FIG.  29    comprises a partitioning wall  4122  which improves the electrical insulation between terminals  4104  and terminals  4104   a.  The ejection device  4110  can be arranged entirely on only one side of the partitioning wall  4122  in this embodiment. The same reference numerals and descriptions of components from  FIG.  28    are applied accordingly for  FIG.  29   , without this being specified in detail. 
       FIG.  29   a    shows the embodiment of  FIG.  29    with the accommodated component  405  transferred into the passive position  437 . By exerting a pressure force on the actuation portion  4114  together with a downward rotary or rotational movement of the hand tool  443 , the actuation portion  4114  is translated upwards, and simultaneously the ejection portion  4112  which is formed integrally therewith is displaced in an upward direction to eject the component  405  accommodated in slot  423 . It will be appreciated here, that in the embodiment of  FIGS.  29 ,  29     a  the ejection device  4110  does not interfere with the second electrical terminals  4104   a  of the electrical component  4100 . This makes it possible to arrange the ejection device  4110  in a common plane with the electrical terminals  4104 ,  4104   a  of the electrical component  4100 . The accommodated component  405  is held in the passive position  437  on all of its sides, i.e. from below by the ejection portion  4112 , on either side by the slot walls  446 ,  448 , and on top by locking means  431 . 
     Referring further to  FIG.  28    which shows an electrical component  4100  with an accommodated component  405  inserted therein, with the accommodated component  405  being inserted in the electrical component  4100  in its active position  438 . Retaining means  414  partially covers the upper side of the accommodated component  405 . Referring further to  FIG.  28   a    which shows the accommodated component transferred into the passive position  437 . The accommodated component  405  is retained by locking means  411  of the retaining means. The resiliency of buffering element  414  can be adjusted such that the accommodated component  405  cannot come out of the passive position  437  on its own, but such that the accommodated component can be removed manually by removing the I means  411  from the upper side of the accommodated component  405 . 
     It will be apparent to a person skilled in the art that the embodiments as described above are meant to be exemplary and that the invention is not limited thereto but can rather be varied in many ways without departing from the scope of the claims. Furthermore, it will be apparent that irrespective of whether disclosed in the description, the claims, the figures, or otherwise, the features also individually define essential components of the invention, even if they have been described together with other features. Throughout the figures, the same reference numerals designate the same pieces of subject-matter, so that a description of pieces of subject-matter that are possibly only mentioned in one or at least not in conjunction with all figures can also be transferred to such figures with regard to which the piece of subject-matter has not explicitly been described in the specification. 
     LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS 
     
         
           1  Plug-in socket or accommodation slot 
           2  Ejector, slider 
           3  Engagement surface 
           4  Engagement point 
           5  Actuator 
           6  Inner opening of actuator 
           7  Deformation portion at top, or tab 
           8  Pull rod (of ejector to be actuated) 
           9  Predetermined breaking point 
           10  Crossbar of actuator 
           11  Lateral resilient portion 
           12  Limit position of deformable portion 
           13  Pressure point, deformable portion of neighbor 
           14  Pull tab of actuator 
           15  Pressure point 
           16  Grip portion (of ejector to be actuated) 
           17  Grip portion of neighbor behind 
           18  Pull rod of neighbor behind 
           19  Pull rod of neighbor in front 
           20  Grip portion of neighbor in front 
           21  Female terminal of socket for changeover 
           22  Female terminal of socket for changeover 
           23  Female terminal of socket for changeover 
           24  Pivot 
           25  Lever 
           26  User 
           27  Free space for electrical and mechanical separation 
           28  Actuation portion 
           29  Pressure point 
           30  Deflection 1 
           31  Deflection 2 
           32  Lever 
           33  Pocket for tool 
           34  Tool 
           35  Wall of pocket to neighbor 
           36  Tab for parking position 
           37  Groove for label 
           39  Pin terminal of relay, changeover 
           40  Pin terminal of relay, changeover 
           41  Pin terminal of relay, changeover 
           45  Partitioning wall 
           50  Accommodated component, component to be accommodated 
           52  Electrical contacts of accommodated component 
           57  Electrical contacts of electrical component 
           58  Retaining lug 
           58   a  Stop for retaining lug 
           100  Electrical component 
           102  Mounting means, e.g. for snapping onto top hat rail 
           104  Ejection direction 
           105  Insertion direction 
           110  Ejection device 
           110   a  Strut 
           112  Ejection portion 
           120  Manipulation means 
           122  Grip means/T-piece 
           124  Spacing portion 
           126  Deflection 
           150  Contact plane 
           201  Relay 
           202  Rib of guide features input on relay 
           202   a - 202   c  Guiding rib 
           203  Recess for final position 
           204  Recess for parking position 
           205  Pin terminals of relay 
           205   a - 205   d  Electrical terminals 
           206  Slot for relay 
           207  Lug on the right 
           208  Groove in socket on the right 
           209  Female terminal in socket 
           209   a - 209   d  Female terminals 
           210  Terminal point for relay control 
           211  Relay socket 
           212  Terminal point for relay control 
           213  Terminal point for relay connection 
           214  Terminal point for relay connection 
           215  Terminal point for relay connection 
           216  Groove in plug-in socket on the left 
           217  Tab on the left 
           218  Relay plug-in socket output side 
           219  Rib at relay output 
           219   d  Dovetail connection 
           220  Relay socket input side 
           221  Latching feature for mounting rail 
           230 ,  230   a  Narrow side 
           232  Lateral wall 
           234 - 234   c  Recesses 
           236   a - 236   c  Receiving grooves 
           2100  Electrical device 
           2110  Guide features 
           2120  Component housing 
           301  Clamp terminal  12   
           302  Clamp terminal  14   
           303  Lower slide rail 
           304  Bearing point 
           305  Clamp terminal  11   
           306  Upper slide rail 
           307  Female terminal for relay control 
           308  Female terminal for relay control 
           309  Pressure point 
           310  Slot 
           311  Root contact 
           312  Normally closed contact 
           313  Engagement surface 
           314  Normally open contact 
           315  Slot for actuator 
           316  Actuation head 
           317  Lever 
           318  Engagement surface 
           319  Clamp terminal X 2   
           320  Actuator 
           321  Living hinge 
           322  Lever 
           323  Clamp terminal X 1   
           324  Wall, housing shell 
           325  Relay socket 
           326  Mounting rail engagement portion 
           327  Relay slot 
           328  Hand tool 
           329  Pressure point 
           330  Slider 
           331  Engagement point 
           332  Engagement point 
           333  Actuator 
           334  Engagement point 
           335  Partitioning wall 
           336  Living hinge 
           337  Auxiliary lever 
           338  Living hinge 
           339  Actuator 
           340  Engagement point 
           341  Engagement point 
           342  Pressure point 
           343  Lever 
           344  Pivot 
           345  Partitioning wall 
           346  Left wall of relay slot 
           348  Right wall of relay slot 
           350  Contact line 
           351  Relay 
           352  Tool engagement area 
           3100  Electrical component 
           3110  Ejection device 
           3110   a  Strut 
           3112  Ejection portion 
           3114  Actuation portion 
           3120  Contact area 
           3150  Contact plane 
           401 ,  402  Female terminals coil (second electrical contact elements) 
           403 ,  404  Pin terminals coil (first electrical contact elements) 
           405  Relay 
           406  Pressure point of lever 
           407  Pin terminal for normally open contact (first electrical contact element) 
           408  Pin terminal for root contact (first electrical contact element) 
           409  Pin terminal for normally closed contact (first electrical contact element) 
           410  Pivot range “parking lock” for passive position 
           411  Locking means/detent hook 
           412  Bevel for insertion of relay 
           413  Resilient portion of tab 
           414  Tab 
           415  Labeling option for label 
           416  Pivot range “operation lock” for active position 
           417  Lever 
           418  Pivot 
           419  Engagement point 
           420  Female terminal for normally closed contact (second electrical contact elements) 
           421  Female terminal for root contact (second electrical contact elements) 
           422  Female terminal for normally open contact (second electrical contact elements) 
           423  Plug-in socket/slot 
           424  Locking means/detent hook for parking 
           425  Locking means/detent hook for operation 
           426  Mounting rail 
           427  Engagement surface 
           428  Edge of relay 
           429  Terminal block 
           430  Detent hook on slider for operation and parking 
           431  Bevel for insertion of relay 
           432  Tab 
           433  Locking head 
           434  Slider 
           435  Resilient portion of tab 
           436  Vertical line 
           437  Passive position/parking position line 
           438  Active position/operation position line 
           439  Pressure point line in parking position 
           440  Pressure point line in operation position 
           441  Pressure point 
           442  Side wall of housing 
           443  Tool 
           446  Left side wall 
           448  Right side wall 
           450  Common contact plane 
           4100  Electrical component 
           4104  Second electrical contact elements 
           4110  Ejection device 
           4110   a  Strut 
           4112  Ejection portion 
           4114  Actuation portion 
           4116  Actuation head 
           4118  Retaining means