Electrical terminal clamps

Abstract

The invention relates to an electrical terminal (10) having a clamping spring (200) for clamping an electrical conductor (20), having an actuating element (400), having a coupling element (510, 510', 520, 520', 530, 530', 540) for mechanically coupling the actuating element (400) and the clamping spring (200), wherein the clamping spring (200) has a clamping arm (210) with a main extension direction (EK), wherein the clamping arm has a clamping edge (240) for clamping the electrical conductor (20). , wherein the clamping arm (210) has a coupling area (600) spaced apart from the clamping edge (240), wherein the coupling area (600) has supporting edges (601, 601', 602, 603, 604, 605, 604', 605', 606, 607, 608, 609, 610, 611, 612, 613, 614) substantially perpendicular to the main extension direction (EK) of the clamping arm (210) for supporting the coupling element (510, 510', 520, 520', 530, 530', 540).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention application is a divisional application of the invention patent application with an international application date of May 19, 2020, a priority date of June 24, 2019, an international application number of PCT / EP2020 / 063923, a national application number of 202080004059.1, and an invention name of “Electrical terminal clamp”. Background Art

[0002] Document DE 10 2015 100 823 A1 discloses an electrical terminal having a terminal housing with a conductor inlet opening, a busbar arranged in the terminal housing, and a spring element rotatably mounted in the terminal housing. The spring element can be pivoted into an open position and a closed position, wherein in the closed position, a conductor inserted into the conductor inlet opening can be clamped relative to the busbar by means of the spring element. The terminal has an actuating element rotatably mounted in the terminal housing, by means of which the spring element can be driven to switch between the open and closed positions. The actuating element has a base body and an actuating arm, the base body having a tool inlet opening. Both the base body and the actuating arm are constructed in two parts, wherein the actuating arm is designed to be pivotally movable relative to the base body.

[0003] Document DE 10 2017 108 171 A1 discloses a spring-force terminal for connecting an electrical conductor. The terminal comprises a housing component, a conductive contact element disposed on the housing component, and a spring element. The contact element is configured to make electrical contact with the conductor connected to the spring-force terminal. The spring element has a clamping arm that is adjustable relative to the contact element and is configured to exert a spring force on the conductor connected to the spring-force terminal. The spring-force terminal includes an actuating element for adjusting the clamping arm. Additionally, a tension element is provided that is movably coupled to the actuating element and movably coupled to and configured to the clamping arm. When the actuating element is actuated, the tension element exerts a tensile force on the clamping arm to adjust the clamping arm relative to the contact element.

[0004] Document WO 2018 / 010893 A1 discloses a terminal clamp for connecting an electrical conductor to a housing. The terminal clamp comprises a busbar disposed in the housing, a clamping spring disposed in the housing, and a pivotally supported actuating lever. The clamping spring can be switched between an open position and a closed position when the actuating lever is pivoted. The clamping spring comprises a clamping arm for clamping a conductor introduced into the housing relative to the busbar in the closed position. An actuating tab is disposed on the clamping arm so that pressure is applied to the actuating tab as the clamping spring is switched from the closed position to the open position by the actuating lever.

[0005] The object of the present invention is to provide an electrical terminal that is as improved as possible. This object is achieved by the features of independent claim 1. Advantageous developments are the subject matter of the dependent claims. Summary of the Invention

[0006] An electrical terminal is therefore provided. The electrical terminal has a clamping spring for clamping an electrical conductor. The electrical terminal has an actuating element. The electrical terminal has a coupling element for mechanically coupling the actuating element and the clamping spring.

[0007] The clamping spring has a clamping arm with a main extension direction. The clamping arm has a clamping edge for clamping the electrical conductor. The clamping arm has a coupling region spaced apart from the clamping edge. The coupling region has a supporting edge substantially perpendicular to the main extension direction of the clamping arm for supporting the coupling element.

[0008] The coupling element has a supporting region, which bears against the supporting edge of the clamping arm for support and / or which at least partially surrounds the supporting edge of the clamping arm for support.

[0009] According to an advantageous refinement, one or more supporting edges are formed in the coupling region. For example, one, two or four supporting edges can be formed in the same coupling region. According to an advantageous refinement, one or more coupling regions are formed.

[0010] According to an advantageous refinement, the clamping edge is formed at the free end of the clamping arm. Advantageously, the clamping edge is arranged relative to the inserted conductor, preferably at an angle relative to the insertion direction of the conductor. Preferably, exactly one clamping edge is provided, which clamps exactly one corresponding conductor. Alternatively, further clamping edges can be formed on the clamping spring relative to this clamping edge, for example, to clamp different conductors.

[0011] According to an advantageous refinement, the clamping arm can be moved from a closed position to an open position and back from the open position to the closed position. Advantageously, the clamping arm can be pivoted at least for the movement from the closed position to the open position by means of an actuating element and a coupling element. Advantageously, the actuating force for the pivoting action acts substantially counter to the spring force.

[0012] According to an advantageous refinement, a coupling element is provided between the actuating element and the clamping arm for force transmission. Preferably, the coupling element is designed to mechanically couple the pivoting movement of the actuating element with the deflecting movement of the clamping arm. For example, the coupling element is designed in the form of an articulated lever. Advantageously, the coupling element is supported at its first end on the clamping arm and / or at its second end on the actuating element. Advantageously, the coupling element is made of plastic or metal.

[0013] According to an advantageous refinement, a first coupling element and a second coupling element are provided, wherein the first coupling element and the second coupling element are configured for mechanically coupling the actuating element to the clamping spring. Preferably, the clamping arm has a first coupling region and a second coupling region. Preferably, the first coupling region has a first supporting edge, and the second coupling region has a second supporting edge. According to an advantageous refinement, the first coupling region and the second coupling region are spaced apart from each other at least transversely with respect to the main extension direction of the clamping arm.

[0014] According to an advantageous refinement, the operating element is configured as a lever. Alternatively, the operating element is configured as a push piece or the like. Advantageously, the operating element is configured at least for manual operation. Advantageously, the operating element has a gripping area. Alternatively, it is possible that the operating element is configured with an interface for an operating tool.

[0015] According to an advantageous refinement, the coupling region is spaced apart from the clamping edge along the main extension direction of the clamping arm. Additionally or alternatively, the coupling region is spaced apart from the clamping edge perpendicular to the main extension direction of the clamping arm. Advantageously, the coupling region is configured outside the conductor entry region, thereby reducing the probability of the conductor colliding with the coupling element during insertion.

[0016] According to an advantageous refinement, the coupling element and the clamping spring are not integrally formed. Preferably, the coupling element and the clamping spring are separate and preferably made of different materials, for example, different metals. According to an advantageous refinement, the coupling element and the operating element are composed of multiple parts. Alternatively, it is also possible for the coupling element and the operating element to be integrally formed. For example, the coupling element is mechanically coupled to the operating element by means of a film hinge.

[0017] According to an advantageous refinement, the coupling element and the clamping spring are designed to be movable relative to one another. Preferably, the coupling element and the clamping spring are designed to be at least rotatable relative to one another. Alternatively, or in combination with another refinement, the coupling element and the clamping spring are designed to be translationally displaceable relative to one another. According to an advantageous refinement, the coupling element and the clamping spring are designed for a removable or releasable mechanical coupling. Advantageously, the coupling element and the clamping spring are designed to engage and disengage.

[0018] According to advantageous improved design, coupling element is configured to transmit the pulling force of the clamping arm that is used to deflect the clamping spring. Here, pulling force acts in the direction basically opposite to the spring force.

[0019] According to alternative or in combination improved design, coupling element is configured to transmit the pressure force of the clamping arm that is used to deflect the clamping spring.At this, pressure acts along the direction opposite to the spring force basically.

[0020] According to an advantageous refinement, the support edge in the coupling region is formed by a step between a first region of the clamping arm and a second region that is narrower than the first region. Preferably, the second region is located closer to the clamping edge than the first region. Advantageously, the first region and the narrower second region are formed on both longitudinal sides of the clamping arm. Advantageously, the first and second regions are arranged symmetrically, in particular, in a mirror-symmetrical manner.

[0021] According to an advantageous refinement, the supporting edge in the coupling region is formed by an opening in the clamping arm. Advantageously, the opening is substantially completely surrounded by the material of the clamping arm. For example, the open coupling region has two supporting edges. For example, the two supporting edges are formed on precisely one connecting strip of the clamping arm that delimits the opening in the coupling region.

[0022] According to an advantageous improved design, the support edge protrudes from the plane of the clamping arm. Advantageously, the support edge is configured to point away from the clamping arm.

[0023] According to a further advantageous development, the support edge is formed in the plane of the clamping arm.

[0024] According to an advantageous refinement, the coupling element has a bearing opening. The coupling region projects into the bearing opening with a bearing edge. Advantageously, the coupling region is designed in the form of a freely protruding projection of the clamping arm. Advantageously, the projection projects into the bearing opening with two bearing edges.

[0025] According to an advantageous refinement, the support edge is formed by a bend, wherein the support edge is defined by the outer region of the bend. For example, the clamping arm is bent at an angle of between 90° and 180° in the coupling region to form the support edge. A larger radius and a burr-free outer region of the bend can achieve better support properties.

[0026] According to an advantageous further development, the coupling element has a bow-shaped section in which the coupling region is arranged with a supporting edge for support. For example, the bow-shaped section is designed in the form of a hook.

[0027] According to an advantageous refinement, the coupling element comprises a bracket. The bracket advantageously bears against the support edge for support. This prevents the bracket from shifting in the main extension direction when the actuating element is actuated and during the coupled movement of the clamping arm from the closed position to the open position.

[0028] According to an advantageous refinement, the electrical terminal has a housing. The clamping spring is arranged in the housing. Advantageously, the housing is made of an electrically insulating material, such as plastic. Advantageously, the electrically conductive components of the terminal are arranged inside the housing.

[0029] According to an advantageous refinement, the conductor entry region is defined by a conductor entry channel formed in the housing. In the conductor entry region, the conductor is guided to a clamping point formed in the region of the clamping edge. The clamping point is defined, for example, by the clamping edge and a busbar section of the busbar. In an alternative refinement, the clamping spring itself is designed for electrical conduction.

[0030] According to an advantageous refinement, the coupling region is configured to be offset outside the conductor entry region along the main extension direction of the clamping arm.According to an alternative or combinable refinement, the coupling region is configured to be offset outside the conductor entry region perpendicular to the main extension direction of the clamping arm.

[0031] According to an advantageous refinement, the housing has a guide in which the coupling element is positioned. The coupling element is guided in the guide in such a way that the position of the coupling element is defined for each deflection of the clamping arm.

[0032] The indefinite article "one" is not to be understood in this description as a specific quantity. Thus, an electrical conductor is understood to mean at least one electrical conductor, so that exactly one, two, or more electrical conductors can be connected to the spring-loaded terminal. According to an advantageous refinement, the terminal has a busbar to which the conductors can be electrically connected. A busbar is understood to mean exactly one, two, or more busbars. A busbar can also be referred to as a busbar bar. The busbar is optimized for electrical contact and electrical conductivity and comprises, for example, copper or a copper alloy.

[0033] A clamping spring is understood to mean exactly one, two, or more clamping springs. An actuating element is understood to mean exactly one, two, or more actuating elements. The clamping spring is suitable for clamping an electrical conductor. Advantageously, the clamping spring is formed and bent from spring steel. Advantageously, the clamping spring has exactly one clamping arm, which is used to clamp the corresponding electrical conductor, so that the same conductor is not clamped by two or more clamping arms of the clamping spring. According to an advantageous refinement, the clamping spring has a contact arm. The contact arm of the clamping spring is designed to contact a fixed area of ​​the terminal clamp to absorb the reactive spring force. For example, the contact arm contacts the busbar and / or the housing. Advantageously, the terminal is designed to be self-supporting via the clamping spring and the busbar. The contact arm is connected to the clamping arm directly or indirectly. For example, the contact arm is connected to the clamping arm via a spring bow. Advantageously, the contact arm, the spring bow, and the clamping arm are formed and bent as one piece, or alternatively, the contact arm and the clamping arm are fixed to one another.

[0034] The operating element is designed to be operable and can be operated, for example, manually or with the aid of an operating tool. The terminal clamp has a support member and a counter-support member for supporting the operating element for the pivoting movement. The counter-support member for the operating element is constructed, for example, in the housing and / or the busbar. The coupling element is used to convert the pivoting movement of the operating element into a deflection of the clamping arm. For example, the first / second coupling element has one or more joints and / or one or more rigid or at least partially flexible coupling rods and / or one or more support members, etc. Improvements and features in the claims and description, in particular the design solutions described in the drawings, can be integrated into the terminal clamp individually or in combination. The invention is not limited to the specific design solutions shown in the drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035] The design of the present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0036] Figure 1 An embodiment of a terminal clip is shown,

[0037] Figure 2 An embodiment of a terminal clip is shown,

[0038] Figure 3 An embodiment of a clamping spring is shown,

[0039] Figure 4 An embodiment of a terminal clip is shown,

[0040] Figure 5 An embodiment of a terminal clip is shown,

[0041] Figure 6 An embodiment of a clamping spring is shown,

[0042] Figure 7 shows an embodiment of a coupling region in a clamping arm,

[0043] Figure 8 shows an embodiment of a coupling region in a clamping arm,

[0044] Figure 9 shows an embodiment of a coupling region in a clamping arm,

[0045] Figure 10 shows an embodiment of a coupling region in a clamping arm,

[0046] Figure 11 shows an embodiment of a coupling region in a clamping arm,

[0047] Figure 12 shows an embodiment of a coupling region in a clamping arm,

[0048] Figure 13 shows an embodiment of a coupling region in a clamping arm,

[0049] Figure 14 shows an embodiment of a coupling region in a clamping arm,

[0050] Figure 15 An embodiment of a terminal clip is shown,

[0051] Figure 16 An embodiment of a terminal clip is shown,

[0052] Figure 17 An embodiment of a clamping spring is shown,

[0053] Figure 18 An embodiment of a terminal clip is shown,

[0054] Figure 19 An embodiment of a terminal clip is shown, and

[0055] Figure 20 An embodiment of a clamping spring is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0056] Figure 1 、 2 , 4, 5, 15, 16, 18 and 19 show different embodiments of the electrical terminal 10 in simplified partial views. The terminal 10 enables the conductor 20 (e.g. Figure 2 (as shown). The conductor 20 is, for example, a cable having one or more wires made of conductive metal, which form the cable core. The core is coated with an insulating material. To achieve the electrical connection, the conductor 20 is clamped by a clamping spring 200. The spring force of the clamping spring 200 acts in a clamping manner on the conductor 20. For example, the free end of the clamping spring 200 forms a clamping edge 240, which penetrates into the material of the conductor 20 and thereby significantly increases the pull-out force.

[0057] The terminal clamp 10 has a busbar 100 for making electrical contact with the conductor. Advantageously, the busbar 100 is made of a material having a better electrical conductivity than the clamping spring 200. Accordingly, the conductor 20 is electrically connected to the busbar 100. The busbar 100 also has further electrical terminals (not shown) for further electrical contact, such as fork contacts, blade contacts or soldered joints. Figure 1 、 Figure 2 、 Figure 4 、 Figure 5 、 Figure 15 、 Figure 16 、 Figure 18 and Figure 19 Alternatively to the illustrated embodiment, the busbar 100 and the clamping spring 200 can be formed integrally from one material, which simplifies production.

[0058] The terminal 10 also has a housing 300, which is shown in FIG. Figure 2 The housing 300 contains the clamping spring 200. The housing 300 contains the busbar 100. Advantageously, the housing 300 is made of an insulating material, such as plastic or ceramic. In low-voltage applications, the housing is not mandatory. Figure 2 The housing 300 is shown only partially and in section. The housing 300 has a conductor guide channel 310 for guiding the conductor 20 to the clamping position K. Figure 1 、 Figure 2 、 Figure 4 、 Figure 5 、 Figure 15 、 Figure 16 、 Figure 18 and Figure 19 , a terminal 10 is shown with exactly one busbar 100 and exactly one clamping spring 200. For multi-pole connection solutions, the terminal 10 has a corresponding number of busbars 100 and clamping springs 200, which can be insulated from one another, for example, by a housing 300 and / or can be electronically bridged by separate or integrated jumpers.

[0059] The clamping spring 200 has a clamping arm 210 and a contact arm 220 connected to the clamping arm 210. The clamping arm 210 and the contact arm 220 can be connected to each other by form fit, for example, by cold rolling. Advantageously, the clamping arm 210 and the contact arm 220 of the clamping spring 200 are formed and bent in one piece from a material such as spring steel. For example, the clamping arm 210 and the contact arm 220 are connected to each other by a 180° fold. Figures 1 to 6 and Figures 15 to 20 In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2 , the clamping spring 200 comprises a clamping arm 210, a contact arm 220, and a spring bow 230 connecting the clamping arm 210 and the contact arm 220. The clamping spring 200 extends from the contact arm 220 via the spring bow 230 to the clamping arm 210. From the spring bow 230, the main extension direction EK of the clamping arm 210 extends to the clamping edge 240.

[0060] The clamping spring 200 is supported by the contact arms 220 against the spring force introduced by the clamping arms 210. This support is advantageously achieved by the contact of the contact arms 220 against the busbar 100. The figure shows that the busbar 100 has a base section 120 and a busbar wall 130 configured at an angle to the base section 120, as well as a support region 140 adjoining the busbar wall for supporting the contact arms 200. A section of the contact arms 220 extends along the support region 140. The base section 120 of the busbar 100 forms a surface for contacting the conductor 20. For example, a projection 110 may be provided from the surface of the base section 120 to define the contact region for the conductor 20. Of course, the busbar 100 may be shaped differently and, for example, have an opening into which the contact arms 220 are hooked (not shown).

[0061] Figure 1 、 Figure 2 、 Figure 4 、 Figure 5 、 Figure 15 、 Figure 16 、 Figure 18 and Figure 19 In FIG, the terminal clamp 10 has a pivotably mounted actuating lever 400 as an actuating element. The actuating lever 400 has a gripping region 410 for manually actuating the actuating lever 400. The actuating lever 400 is designed to pivot the clamping arm 210 from the closed position into the open position. Figure 1 、 Figure 2 、 Figure 4 、 Figure 5 、 Figure 15 、 Figure 16 、 Figure 18 and Figure 19 The clamping arm 210 is shown in the closed position. In the open position, the clamping point K defined by the clamping arm 210 and the busbar 100 is open for the electrical conductor 20. In the closed position, by contrast, the clamping point K is not open. The clamping spring 200 is designed to press the previously introduced electrical conductor 20 against the busbar 100 in the closed position by means of the clamping arm 210. For example, the clamping edge 240 at the free end of the clamping arm 210 presses the conductor 20, which in turn presses the busbar 100 and forms an electrical contact with the busbar 100.

[0062] In an exemplary embodiment, the actuating rod 400 is arranged outside the conductor entry region 320 so that the conductor 20 does not collide with the coupling elements 510, 510', 520, 520', 530, 530', 540 and / or parts of the actuating rod 400 during insertion. The width of the conductor guide channel 310 can thus be optimized for the largest possible conductor 20.

[0063] By manually actuating the actuating lever 400, the clamping position K can be opened and closed by pivoting the clamping arm 210. If the actuating lever 400 is in the closed position, the clamping position K is also closed. If the actuating lever 400 is in the open position, the clamping arm 210 is pivoted and the clamping position K is opened. In the open position, the conductor 20 can be effortlessly introduced into the terminal clamp 10 up to the clamping position K or removed from the terminal clamp 10 because, by actuating the actuating lever 400, the clamping edge 240 is moved away from its contact position on the busbar 100 or its contact point on the electrical conductor 20 by pivoting the clamping arm 210.

[0064] Furthermore, in the illustrated embodiment, a single-wire solid conductor 20 can be plugged in directly, so that in the closed position the conductor 20 is guided through the conductor guide channel 310 and the clamping arms 210 of the clamping spring 200 are deflected by an additional advancing force so that the conductor 20 can be moved in until the stop.

[0065] The following explains in more detail Figures 1 to 20 Individual features and differences of the exemplary embodiments. Different features of the exemplary embodiments can be combined with one another.

[0066] exist Figure 1 In the embodiment of the invention, the operating element is designed as a lever. The lever 400 can be manually gripped in the gripping area 410 and adjusted by a pivoting movement. The lever 400 has a pivot bearing 420 for support. A matching bearing of the lever 400 is not shown. For example, the lever can be supported in a housing or in a part of a busbar. It is also possible to support the lever 400 on the clamping spring 200. The two coupling elements 510, 510' are mechanically coupled to the lever 400 via bearings 431, 511. The coupling elements 510, 510' are designed in the form of an articulated rod. For example, the coupling elements 510, 510' are made of plastic or metal. For support, the operating element 400 has bearing elements 431 on both sides. Figure 1 In the embodiment of the present invention, the support element 431 is configured as a journal. Alternatively, the support element 431 can be configured as an eyelet, an elongated hole, etc. (not shown). The coupling elements 510, 510' have a corresponding mating support portion 511, such as an elongated hole. The coupling elements 510, 510' are rotatably and slidably supported relative to the operating element 400.

[0067] exist Figure 1 In the embodiment of the present invention, the clamping spring 200 has a clamping arm 210. The clamping arm 210 has a coupling region 600 with a supporting edge 601. The coupling element 510 is supported at the supporting edge 601. The further coupling element 510' is also supported at the further supporting edge 601', as shown in FIG. Figure 3 The other supporting edge 601 'is Figure 1 It is not visible in the figure because it is covered by the clamping arm 210. Figure 1 , it is shown that the clamping arms 210 in the region of the clamping edges 240 have a width which corresponds almost to the width of the base 120 of the busbar 100. In contrast, the coupling region 600 projects laterally beyond this width.

[0068] exist Figure 2In the exemplary embodiment of FIG, a terminal clamp 10 is shown having a housing 300. The housing 300 is shown in a greatly simplified cross-section. The housing 300 has a conductor guide channel 310 that guides the conductor 20 into the clamping position K during insertion in the conductor insertion direction LE. The conductor guide channel 310, a section of the base region 120 of the busbar 100, the clamping arms 210, and optionally further walls (not shown) of the housing 300 define a conductor insertion region 320.

[0069] The coupling element 510 has a support region 590. The support region 590 of the coupling element 510 surrounds the support edge 601. Figure 2 In the embodiment of the coupling element 510, the supporting area 590 has a bow 591. Figure 2 In the embodiment of the present invention, the bow portion 591 is constructed in the form of a hook 591. Figure 2 In the embodiment of FIG, the lever 400 is pivoted for actuation, the coupling element 510 is displaced and exerts a tensile force on the clamping arm 210, since the coupling element 510 is located in the deflection direction of the clamping arm 210. The spring force acts counter to the tensile force.

[0070] If pressure is to be applied to the clamping arm 210, the coupling element 510 is arranged on the opposite side of the clamping arm 210 (not shown). The lever 400 is also supported at different positions and presses the coupling element toward the clamping arm 210 (not shown).

[0071] exist Figure 3 The clamping spring 200 is shown in the embodiment of FIG. The clamping spring 200 comprises a contact arm 220, a spring bow 230 connected to the contact arm 220, and a clamping arm 210 connected to the spring bow 230. The clamping arm 210 extends in its largest dimension in the main extension direction EK. The clamping arm 210 extends from the spring bow 230 to a clamping edge 240 at the free end of the clamping arm 210. The clamping arm 210 can be formed flat, for example. Figure 3 In the embodiment of the present invention, the clamping arm 210 further has a curved portion, so that the clamping edge 240 is steeper or more inclined relative to the conductor 20. Figure 3 Alternatively, the clamping spring 200 can have another shape with multiple bows and / or width changes and / or bends. However, it is important that the clamping spring 200 has a clamping arm 210 with a clamping edge 240. The clamping edge 240 is, for example, straight, V-shaped, or arched.

[0072] The clamping arm 210 has a coupling region 600 remote from the clamping edge 240. The coupling region 600 has a supporting edge 601. The supporting edge 601 is designed substantially perpendicular to the main extension direction EK of the clamping arm 210. The supporting edge 601 is designed to support the coupling element 510. Figure 3In the embodiment of FIG. 6 , the support edge 601 is configured to be substantially parallel to the clamping edge 240 .

[0073] exist Figure 3 In the exemplary embodiment, the two supporting edges 601, 601' are formed on the longitudinal sides of the clamping arm 210. The two supporting edges 601, 601' are designed to be mirror-symmetrical to each other. If the two coupling elements 510, 510' act evenly on the supporting edges 601, 601', the clamping arm 210 does not twist or twists only slightly during deflection.

[0074] Figure 4 、 Figure 5 and Figure 6 The embodiment of shows the difference from the previous embodiment. Figure 4 and Figure 5 In each coupling element 520, 520', each coupling element 520, 520' is constructed in a different manner. Figures 4 to 6 In FIG. 6 , the coupling region 600 of the clamping arm is designed differently.

[0075] Figure 4 The exemplary embodiment of FIG. 4 again shows two coupling elements 520 , 520 ′. The coupling elements 520 , 520 ′ are mounted on the actuating element 400 only so that they can rotate.

[0076] exist Figure 5 In the embodiment of the present invention, the coupling region 600 indicates a support edge 603 which is formed by free cutting and bending 90° from the plane PK of the clamping arm 210. The second support edge is formed at Figure 6 It is not visible behind the clamping arm 210. By bending, a recess 215, 215' is produced in each case in the clamping arm 210. Figure 6 In the embodiment of FIG. 6 , the support edge 603 is remote from the clamping arm 210. The support edge 603 and the recess 215, 215' are arranged remote from the conductor entry region in the main extension direction EK.

[0077] exist Figure 5 In the embodiment of the present invention, the coupling element 510 has an arcuate section 592. The coupling region 600 is arranged in the arcuate section 592 with a supporting edge 603 for supporting. The coupling element 520 has a hook-shaped bow 592 which at least partially surrounds the supporting edge 603. Figure 5 The closed position is shown in FIG, wherein the support edge 603 and the support area 590 of the coupling element 520 engage. Figure 5In the embodiment shown, when a conductor is inserted without first actuating the lever 400, the forward movement causes the conductor to abut against the clamping arm 210 and deflect the clamping arm, disengaging the support region 590 of the coupling element 520 and the support edge 603 of the clamping arm 210. Advantageously, the coupling element 520 is guided in a housing (not shown) such that, upon actuation of the lever 400, the support region 590 of the coupling element 520 and the support edge 603 of the clamping arm 210 reengage after the idle travel. Thus, the clamping position K can be opened manually.

[0078] Figures 7 to 14 The different embodiments of FIG. 1 each show a detail of a clamping arm 210 with a coupling region 600. Figures 7 to 14 The coupling region 600 is configured in different ways in these embodiments. Figures 7 to 14 The embodiments can be combined with one another depending on the geometry of the terminal. Figures 7 to 14 In the exemplary embodiment of FIG, the coupling region 600 is formed only on one longitudinal side of the clamping arm 210. However, the coupling region can alternatively be designed symmetrically or asymmetrically on both longitudinal sides of the clamping arm 210.

[0079] exist Figure 7 In the embodiment of , the coupling region 600 is formed by material removal in such a way that a step is produced between a first region having a larger width B1 and a second region having a narrower width B2. Figure 7 In the embodiment of , this step just constitutes the support edge 601. Here, the support edge 601 is in the plane PK of the clamping arm 210.

[0080] exist Figure 8 In the exemplary embodiment, the coupling region 600 is formed by a 180° bend. Here, the tongue 620 of the clamping arm 210 is cut and bent 180°. The outer radius of the bend forms the support edge 602. Here, the support edge 602 has a large radius and is free of burrs, thereby providing better support for the coupling element.

[0081] exist Figure 9 In the exemplary embodiment, the coupling region 600 is formed by a 90° bend. Here, the tongue 621 of the clamping arm 210 protrudes freely and is bent 90°. The supporting edge 603 at the end of the tongue 621 protrudes from the plane PK of the clamping arm 210. Consequently, the clamping edge 603 points away from the clamping arm 210 and enables particularly reliable support of the coupling element.

[0082] exist Figures 7 to 9 In the embodiment of the invention, the supporting edges 601, 602, 603 are at least spaced apart from the clamping edge 240 of the clamping arm 210 along the main extension direction EK of the clamping arm 210. Figure 10In the embodiment of , the supporting edge 614 is spaced apart from the clamping edge 240 at a distance d2 perpendicular to the main extension direction EK. Figure 10 In the embodiment of the present invention, the support edge 614 and the clamping edge 240 are flush. As shown, the support edge 614 and the clamping edge 240 are separated from each other by a small recess in the clamping arm 210. However, this recess can also be omitted. Advantageously, the support edge 614 and the clamping edge 240 are spaced apart from each other both along the main extension direction EK and perpendicularly to the main extension direction EK ( Figure 10 not shown).

[0083] exist Figure 11 In the embodiment of FIG, a coupling region 600 is schematically shown with two supporting edges 604, 605. The coupling element can be supported on one or both supporting edges 604, 605. Figure 11 In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 5 , the coupling region 600 is designed as a tongue 620 protruding perpendicularly to the main extension direction on a longitudinal side of the clamping arm 210 .

[0084] exist Figure 12 In the embodiment of the present invention, the coupling region 600 has four supporting edges 606, 607, 608 and 609. The coupling element (e.g. 510, Figure 12 The coupling element 590 (not shown) can be supported on one or more supporting edges 606, 607, 608, and 609. For example, the supporting region 590 of the coupling element is S-shaped and has two arcuate sections, into which the tongues of the coupling region 600 protrude to form the support. Each supporting edge 606, 607, 608, and 609 is formed in the coupling region 600 by a step between a first region of the clamping arm 210 and a second region that is narrower than the first region.

[0085] Figure 13 In the exemplary embodiment, the coupling region 600 is formed by a recess in the clamping arm 210. The recess is bounded by edges forming supporting edges 610, 611. The supporting edges 610, 611 are formed in the plane PK of the clamping arm 210. The clamping arm 210 has a width B2 in the region of the recess that is narrower than the width B1 outside the coupling region 600.

[0086] Figure 14 In the exemplary embodiment, the supporting edge 612 is formed in the coupling region 600 by an opening 622 in the clamping arm 210 . Figure 14 In the embodiment of the present invention, the opening is rectangular so that two supporting edges 612, 613 can be used to support the coupling element. The supporting edge 612 is spaced apart from the clamping edge 240 of the clamping arm 210 by a distance d1 only along the main extension direction EK.

[0087] exist Figure 15An embodiment of a terminal 10 is shown in FIG. The coupling element 530 has a bearing opening 532 into which the coupling region 600 projects with bearing edges 604, 605. The coupling region 600 is formed, for example, according to Figure 11 In the embodiment of Figure 15 As shown in FIG, the two coupling elements 530, 530' are arranged symmetrically. Accordingly, the coupling region 600 can also be constructed symmetrically. Figure 17 In the embodiment of FIG. 5 , the coupling region 600 has mirror-symmetrical supporting edges 604 , 605 , 604 ′, 605 ′.

[0088] exist Figure 16 The embodiment of FIG. 5 shows that the coupling element 530 has, in addition to the bearing opening 532 , a further bearing opening 531 for the bearing element 431 of the actuating element 400 . Figure 16 In the embodiment of the present invention, the operating element 400 has a support element 431 for mechanically coupling with the coupling element 530. The support element 431 is configured as a support journal 431, for example. Alternatively, it is also possible that the operating element 400 has a support opening and the coupling element 530 has a support journal (not shown). Figure 16 In the embodiment of the coupling element 530 rigidly couples the pivoting movement of the operating element 400 and the deflecting movement of the clamping arm 210. In order to allow the clamping arm 210 to deflect even when the lever 400 is not actuated, one of the bearing openings 531, 532 can be configured as an elongated hole, for example.

[0089] exist Figure 18 In the embodiment of the present invention, the coupling element 540 is designed as a bracket 540. The bracket 540 surrounds the clamping arm 210. The bracket is rotatably supported on both sides of the lever 400. The bracket 540 extends from one side of the lever 400 around the clamping arm 210 to the opposite side of the lever 400. The bracket 540 rests on the supporting edge 601 for support. Figure 19 The embodiment of FIG. 5 shows that the bracket 540 cannot move in the direction of the spring bow 230 in the support area 590. Accordingly, the bracket 540 is fixed in position by supporting on the support edge 601 of the clamping arm 210 in the main extension direction EK of the clamping arm 210. Figure 20 In the embodiment of FIG. 5 , the coupling region 600 of the clamping arm 210 has two supporting edges 601 , 601 ′. Figure 19 The bow 540 in the embodiment of the present invention is supported on the supporting edge. If the lever 400 is operated, the tension F in the bow 540 P Causes the clamping arm 210 to resist the spring force F SIf a solid conductor is inserted without operating the lever 400, the clamping arm 210 is deflected by the thrust force and the conductor is clamped in the clamping position K. If, on the other hand, a stranded wire is to be clamped as a conductor, the lever 400 is operated before insertion and the clamping arm 210 is moved into the open position and the stranded wire is then introduced into the terminal clamp 10. The coupling region 600 is offset along the main extension direction EK of the clamping arm 210 outside the conductor entry region. In addition, the coupling region 600 is offset perpendicular to the main extension direction EK of the clamping arm 210 outside the conductor entry region 320. In both cases, the risk of the introduced stranded wire colliding with the supporting edge 601 can be advantageously reduced, making it less likely that the individual strands of the stranded wire will become entangled or hooked.

[0090] After the stranded or solid conductor has been inserted, the lever 400 is closed and the conductor is clamped. To release the conductor, the lever 400 is actuated again and the clamping position K is opened. During the pivoting movement of the lever 400, the bracket 540 contacts the supporting edge 601 again and deflects the clamping arm 210. The conductor is now free and can be removed from the terminal clamp 10.

[0091] List of reference numerals:

[0092] 10 Terminal clamp

[0093] 20 conductors

[0094] 100 bus

[0095] 110 protrusion

[0096] 120 bottom area

[0097] 130 busbar wall

[0098] 140 Support Area

[0099] 200 Clamping spring

[0100] 210 Clamping Arm

[0101] 215, 215' recess

[0102] 220 Support Arm

[0103] 230 Spring bow, spring root

[0104] 240 Clamping edge

[0105] 300 shell

[0106] 310 conductor guide channel

[0107] 320 Conductor entry area

[0108] 400 Control elements

[0109] 410 gripping area

[0110] 420 pivot support portion

[0111] 431 Supporting elements, supporting journals

[0112] 510, 510', 520, 520', 530, 530', 540 coupling elements

[0113] 511, 521, 531, 541, 542 matching support parts

[0114] 532 Rotating support

[0115] 590 support area

[0116] 591, 592 Bow, Hook

[0117] 600 coupling area

[0118] 601, 601', 602, 603, 604, 605, 606, supporting edge 607, 608, 609, 610, 611, 612, 613, 614

[0121] 620, 621 tongue

[0122] 622 Window Department

[0123] EK main extension direction

[0124] F P pull

[0125] F S Spring force

[0126] K Clamping position

[0127] LE conductor introduction direction

[0128] PK plane

Claims

1. An electrical terminal clamp (10), - having a clamping spring (200) for clamping the electrical conductor, - having an operating element (400), - a coupling element for mechanically coupling the actuating element (400) and the clamping spring (200), - in, The clamping spring (200) has a clamping arm (210) with a main extension direction (EK), wherein the clamping arm has a clamping edge (240) for clamping an electrical conductor. - wherein the clamping arm (210) has a coupling region (600) which is spaced apart from the clamping edge (240), - wherein the coupling region (600) has a supporting edge which is perpendicular to a main extension direction (EK) of the clamping arm (210), - wherein the coupling element has a supporting area (590), which is in contact with the supporting edge of the clamping arm (210) for support, wherein the coupling element acts evenly on two supporting edges that are mirror-symmetrical to each other to transmit pressure for deflecting the clamping arm (210).

2. The electrical terminal (10) according to claim 1, - wherein the coupling region (600) is spaced apart from the clamping edge (240) along the main extension direction (EK) of the clamping arm (210), and / or - in, The coupling region (600) is spaced apart from the clamping edge (240) perpendicularly to the main extension direction (EK) of the clamping arm (210).

3. The electrical terminal (10) according to claim 2, - in, The coupling element and the clamping spring (200) are not designed in one piece.

4. The electrical terminal (10) according to claim 3, - in, The coupling element and the clamping spring (200) are movable relative to each other.

5. The electrical terminal (10) according to claim 4, - in, The coupling element and the clamping spring (200) are designed to be rotatable relative to one another and / or translatably relative to one another.

6. The electrical terminal (10) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 5, - in, Each supporting edge in the coupling region (600) is formed by a step between a first region of the clamping arm (210) and a second region narrower than the first region.

7. The electrical terminal (10) according to claim 6, - wherein the second region is closer to the clamping edge (240) than the first region.

8. The electrical terminal (10) according to claim 6, - in, The first region and the second region are formed on two longitudinal sides of the clamping arm (210), and the first region and the second region are arranged symmetrically.

9. The electrical terminal (10) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 5, - in, The supporting edge is formed by an opening (622) in the clamping arm (210).

10. The electrical terminal (10) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 5, - in, The supporting edge projects from a plane (PK) of the clamping arm (210).

11. The electrical terminal (10) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 5, - in, The supporting edge is formed in a plane (PK) of the clamping arm (210).

12. The electrical terminal (10) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 5, - in, The coupling element has a bearing opening (531, 532) into which the coupling region (600) projects with the bearing edge.

13. The electrical terminal (10) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 5, - in, The coupling element has a bow section (591) in which the coupling region (600) is arranged with the supporting edge for support.

14. The electrical terminal (10) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 5, - wherein the coupling element has a bracket (540), wherein The bow frame (540) rests against the supporting edge for support.

15. The electrical terminal (10) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 5, - having a housing (300) in which the clamping spring (200) is accommodated, - in, The conductor entry region (320) is defined by a conductor entry channel (310) formed in the housing, which guides the electrical conductor to a clamping point (K) formed in the region of the clamping edge (240).

16. The electrical terminal (10) according to claim 15, - wherein the coupling region (600) is located offset along the main extension direction (EK) of the clamping arm (210) outside the conductor entry region (320), and / or - in, The coupling region (600) is located outside the conductor entry region (320) in an offset manner perpendicular to the main extension direction (EK) of the clamping arm (210).

17. The electrical terminal (10) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 5, - wherein the clamping edge (240) is formed at the free end of the clamping arm (210) for clamping an electrical conductor.

18. The electrical terminal (10) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 5, - in, The coupling element is designed for force transmission between the actuating element (400) and the clamping arm (210).

19. The electrical terminal (10) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 5, - in, The coupling element is configured to mechanically couple the pivoting movement of the operating element (400) to the deflecting movement of the clamping arm (210).

20. The electrical terminal (10) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 5, - in, The coupling element consists of plastic or metal.

21. The electrical terminal (10) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 5, - in, The clamping arm (210) has a first coupling region and a second coupling region, - wherein the first coupling region has a first supporting edge and the second coupling region has a second supporting edge, - wherein the first coupling region and the second coupling region are spaced apart from one another at least transversely to the main extension direction (EK) of the clamping arm (210).

22. The electrical terminal (10) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 5, - in, The actuating element (400) is designed as a lever or a push piece.

23. The electrical terminal (10) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 5, - wherein the operating element (400) has a gripping area for manual operation or an interface for an operating tool.

24. The electrical terminal (10) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 5, - having a housing (300) in which the clamping spring (200) is accommodated, - in, The actuating element (400) designed as a lever is rotatably mounted in the housing (300).

25. The electrical terminal (10) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 5, - in, The pressure acts in a direction opposite to the spring force.

26. Electrical terminal (10) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 5, - A busbar (100) is provided, the clamping spring (200) pressing an electrical conductor against the busbar (100) to form an electrical contact.

27. The electrical terminal (10) according to claim 26, - wherein the busbar (100) also has further electrical terminals for further electrical contacting.

28. The electrical terminal (10) according to claim 26, - having a housing (300) in which the clamping spring (200) is accommodated, - in, The clamping spring (200) is supported by a contact arm (220) against a spring force introduced by the clamping arm (210), the support being effected by the contact arm (220) being in contact with the busbar (100) or the housing (300).

29. The electrical terminal (10) according to claim 26, The busbar (100) comprises a base region (120), a busbar wall (130) which is formed at an angle to the base region (120), and a busbar support region (140) which adjoins the busbar wall (130) and is used to support a contact arm (220) of the clamping spring (200).

30. The electrical terminal (10) according to claim 26, - wherein the busbar (100) and the clamping spring (200) are integrally formed from one material.

31. The electrical terminal (10) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 5, - in, The supporting edge is parallel to the clamping edge (240).

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