Connection terminal for connecting electrical conductors

Abstract

The invention relates to a connection terminal (1) for connecting an electrical conductor (2), comprising a housing (10) which has a plug-in opening (101) into which the electrical conductor (2) can be inserted in a plug-in direction (E) for connection to the connection terminal (1). A contact element (11) for making electrical contact with the electrical conductor (2) is arranged on the housing (10), the contact element (11) having a contact section (111) with an introduction opening (115) into which the electrical conductor (2) can be introduced in order to make electrical contact with the contact element (11). A spring element (12) arranged on the housing (10) has a clamping leg (120). The clamping leg (120) can be released from the release position by the interaction of the release element (13) with the electrical conductor (2). The spring element (12) has a first locking section (122) arranged on the clamping leg (120), and the contact element (11) has a second locking section (113). In the release position, the first locking section (122) and the second locking section (113) are locked to each other.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a connection terminal for connecting an electrical conductor according to the preamble of claim 1 . Background Art

[0002] This type of terminal comprises a housing having a plug-in opening into which an electrical conductor can be inserted along a plug-in direction in order to be connected to the terminal. A contact element is arranged on the housing for making electrical contact with the electrical conductor. The contact element has a contact section with an introduction opening into which the electrical conductor can be introduced in order to make electrical contact with the contact element. In addition, a spring element is arranged on the housing, having a clamping leg, which is configured to act on the electrical conductor in a clamping position in order to bring the electrical conductor into contact with the contact section. The clamping leg can be adjusted relative to the housing from a clamping position to a release position in order to release the electrical conductor. The clamping leg is held in a position relative to the housing in the release position of the clamping leg. Release element The clamping legs are adjustably arranged on the housing, wherein the clamping legs can be released from a release position by the cooperation of a release element with an electrical line.

[0003] Such a connecting terminal realizes a spring-force connection by using a spring element, wherein the electrical conductor is clamped against the contact element in a connection position under the elastic spring action of the spring element and is thus electrically connected to the contact element.

[0004] In the connection terminal disclosed by DE 10 2019 127 464 B3, a spring element in the form of a tension spring is provided, which, by elastic spring action, pulls the connected electrical conductor into contact with the corresponding contact element and thus establishes a clamping connection between the electrical conductor and the contact element. To this end, the electrical conductor is moved through an opening in the clamping leg during placement and, in the connected position, is clamped between the clamping leg and the contact element.

[0005] In the terminal of DE 10 2019 127 464 B3, a locking device is provided, by which the clamping leg is locked relative to the housing in the release position. When the electrical conductor is inserted, the locking device is triggered and the locking is thus canceled, so that the clamping leg moves out of the release position and thus clamps the electrical conductor to the contact element. In order to transfer the clamping leg to the release position, in particular to be able to place the electrical conductor or release the connected electrical conductor from the terminal, a tool, such as a screwdriver, can be placed on the terminal and a force can be applied to the clamping leg.

[0006] In DE 10 2019 127 464 B3, the clamping leg is adjusted directly by means of a tool, whereas in the connecting terminals known from DE 102019 135 203 A1 and DE 10 2020 104 140 A1, an operating element in the form of a so-called pusher is provided, which can be pushed into the housing of the connecting terminal in order to act on the clamping leg in this way and transfer the clamping leg to its release position.

[0007] DE 10 2020 119 372 A1 discloses a terminal having a spring element with a clamping leg which is locked with a release element in a release position. The contact element has a contact section in the form of a material drawing into which an electrical conductor for contacting the contact element can be introduced. Summary of the invention

[0008] The object of the present invention is to provide a connecting terminal which allows simple handling for connecting an electrical conductor while providing advantageous electrical contact, while the clamping legs are securely held in the released position and are also reliably triggered when the electrical conductor is inserted.

[0009] This object is achieved by the subject matter having the features of claim 1 .

[0010] Accordingly, the spring element has a first locking section arranged on the clamping leg, and the contact element has a second locking section, wherein in the released position the first locking section and the second locking section lock each other so as to hold the clamping leg in a position relative to the housing in the released position of the clamping leg.

[0011] In the connection terminal, the electrical conductor is electrically contacted with the electrical contact element in that, when the electrical conductor is inserted into the plug opening, the clamping legs act on the electrical conductor and load the electrical conductor in a spring-elastic manner in the direction of contact with the contact element. In order to facilitate the plugging of the electrical conductor, the clamping legs of the spring element can be elastically deflected so that the clamping legs are transferred to a release position in this way, in which the space in the interior of the housing in the region of the plug opening is released and the electrical conductor can thus be inserted into the plug opening in a substantially forceless manner or (alternatively) the connected electrical conductor can be removed from the connection terminal in a simple manner.

[0012] The connecting terminal can also be provided to the customer by the manufacturer, for example, when the clamping legs are in the released position.

[0013] The connecting terminal has a release element which is adjustably arranged on the housing. When the electrical conductor is inserted into the plug opening, the release element is used to interact with the electrical conductor. By adjusting the release element relative to the housing when the electrical conductor is inserted and thereby canceling the holding of the clamping legs, the connecting terminal automatically closes when the electrical conductor is inserted. When the electrical conductor is reliably in contact with the contact element due to the clamping effect of the clamping legs, a simple connection process is obtained.

[0014] The contact element has a contact section with an introduction opening, into which an electrical conductor can be introduced for electrical contact with the contact element. In order to connect the electrical conductor, the electrical conductor is inserted into the plug opening of the housing and thereby introduced into the introduction opening of the contact section. The release element is adjusted by cooperating with the electrical conductor, thereby canceling the retention of the clamping leg in the release position and releasing the clamping leg. As a result, the clamping leg moves from the release position in the direction of the clamping position and acts on the inserted electrical conductor in order to clamp the electrical conductor to the contact section of the contact element.

[0015] The retention of the clamping leg in the release position is established by the locking connection between the clamping leg and the contact element. For this purpose, the spring element has a first locking section arranged on the clamping leg, and the contact element has a second locking section. In the release position, the first locking section and the second locking section are locked with each other, so that in the release position of the clamping leg, the clamping leg is maintained in a position relative to the housing. Therefore, the locking of the clamping leg in the release position is realized by the contact element, for which the contact element has a locking section, which acts together with the corresponding locking section on the clamping leg, and thus establishes a locking connection between the clamping leg and the contact element in the release position. When the electrical conductor is inserted, and when the electrical conductor acts together with the release element, the locking connection is cancelled, so that the clamping leg can automatically move from the release position toward the direction of the clamping position, so that the inserted electrical conductor is clamped with the contact section in this way.

[0016] In one embodiment, the clamping leg engages in the introduction opening of the contact section and can be adjusted in the introduction opening. Here, the clamping leg is designed, for example, to act on the electrical conductor inside the introduction opening in the clamping position. In order to connect the electrical conductor, the electrical conductor is introduced into the introduction opening of the contact section, into which the clamping leg also engages. When the release element is triggered, the clamping leg is released from the release position and thus moves inside the introduction opening in the direction of the clamping position, so that the electrical conductor is clamped to the contact section inside the introduction opening of the contact section and thus electrically connected to the contact element and mechanically locked inside the terminal.

[0017] The release element is preferably arranged downstream of the contact section, viewed in the plug-in direction, so that the electrical line interacts with the release element after it has been introduced into the insertion opening.

[0018] The spring element can preferably be designed as a helical torsion spring that realizes a compression spring. The clamping leg is designed to push the electrical conductor against the contact section by the spring force. When the electrical conductor is inserted into the plug opening, it enters the space between the clamping leg and the contact section, wherein after the clamping leg is triggered from the release position, the clamping leg acts on the electrical conductor and pushes the electrical conductor against the contact section of the contact element.

[0019] In one embodiment, the clamping leg can be pivoted relative to the support leg in a plane extending perpendicularly through the plug-in direction and the transverse direction. The spring element is designed, for example, as a helical torsion spring, wherein the support leg is supported relative to the housing and the clamping leg can be elastically deflected relative to the support leg. The movement of the clamping leg takes place in a pivoting plane extending through the plug-in direction and the transverse direction and therefore about a pivoting axis oriented perpendicularly to the pivoting plane.

[0020] In one embodiment, the first locking section is formed by a tab bent relative to the clamping leg. The tab can be cut freely from the clamping leg, for example, and protrudes from the clamping leg so as to engage with a corresponding second locking section of the contact element when the clamping leg is transferred into the release position and thus lock the clamping leg relative to the contact element.

[0021] The first locking section can be formed, for example, in the region of a lateral edge of the clamping leg.

[0022] For example, the spring element can have two first locking sections which are formed on the lateral edges of the clamping leg facing away from each other and are each formed by a web which is bent relative to the clamping leg and projects from the clamping leg. In this case, two second locking sections can be formed on the contact element which lock with the first locking sections of the clamping leg in the release position.

[0023] In one embodiment, the second locking section is formed by a locking edge on the contact element. If the clamping leg can be pivoted relative to the support leg along a pivot plane extending through the plug-in direction and the transverse direction, the locking edge extends, for example, perpendicularly to the pivot plane, so that the first locking section of the clamping leg can be locked with the locking edge in the release position and thereby maintain the clamping leg relative to the contact element and thus relative to the housing in the release position.

[0024] In one embodiment, the contact element has a recess, which is formed as a depression, for example, on a lateral edge of the contact element. In the release position, the first locking section engages in the recess, in order to establish a lock between the clamping leg and the contact element in this way.

[0025] For example, the release element has an action section which engages in a recess of the contact element in order to act on the first locking section, and by adjusting the release element can be adjusted relative to the contact element in such a way that the locking between the clamping leg and the contact element can be cancelled by acting on the first locking section.

[0026] In one embodiment, a recess is formed on the contact element outside the insertion opening. In the release position, the first locking section of the clamping leg engages in the recess for locking with the second locking section of the contact element. The locking takes place outside the insertion opening of the contact element, into which the electrical line for the connection can be introduced and is thus spatially separated from the insertion opening.

[0027] If the spring element has two first locking sections, two recesses can be formed on the contact element at lateral edges facing away from each other, wherein each first locking section engages in a corresponding recess of the contact element in the release position of the clamping leg. In this case, the release element can have, for example, two action sections, which each engage in one of the recesses, so that when the release element is adjusted, they act on the respectively corresponding first locking section to cancel the locking.

[0028] In one embodiment, the contact section is formed by a collar surrounding the insertion opening. The collar can be formed on the contact element as a material drawing part, in particular by material deformation, in particular collar stretching, and thus can be produced integrally and in one piece with the contact element.

[0029] For example, the contact element may have a transverse section extending along a plane perpendicular to the plugging direction, on which a flange is formed. The flange preferably protrudes from the transverse section along the plugging direction and surrounds the introduction opening, so that an electrical conductor for connecting to the terminal can be introduced into the introduction opening inside the flange along the plugging direction and thereby connected to the terminal.

[0030] The contact element is preferably formed integrally and in one piece. The contact element is supported on the housing, for example, via a transverse section and, if appropriate, additionally via a support section that is bent relative to the transverse section, and is arranged in a fixed position relative to the housing.

[0031] The spring element can, for example, have a support leg, by which the spring element is supported relative to the housing and held in a position relative to the housing. The clamping leg can be deflected elastically relative to the support leg, wherein in the release position the clamping leg is deflected such that the spring element is elastically tensioned and the clamping leg moves out of the release position in an elastically prestressed manner after being released from the release position.

[0032] In one embodiment, the supporting leg engages in the insertion opening and is thereby supported on the contact element.

[0033] In one embodiment, the first locking section protrudes from the clamping leg in the direction of the supporting leg. The supporting leg is connected to the clamping leg, for example, via a bent connecting section, wherein the clamping leg can be elastically deflected relative to the supporting leg and the supporting leg is supported relative to the housing, for example, on the contact element. The first locking section can be formed on the clamping leg, for example, as a tab, and protrudes from the clamping leg in the direction of the supporting leg.

[0034] In one embodiment, the first locking section passes by the support leg and, in the release position, locks with the second locking section on the side of the support leg facing away from the clamping leg. The clamping leg is arranged on a first side of the support leg and can be elastically deflected relative to the support leg. Starting from the clamping leg, the first locking section passes by the support leg and, in the release position of the clamping leg, locks with the second locking section of the contact element on the second side of the support leg facing away from the clamping leg. The clamping leg is thus locked in the release position on the side of the support leg facing away from the clamping leg and, therefore, in the region of the space outside the receiving space inside the terminal into which the electrical conductor connected to the terminal is inserted.

[0035] In one design, two first locking sections are arranged on the clamping leg. The two first locking sections protrude from the clamping leg in the direction of the supporting leg. For example, the two first locking sections can each pass by the supporting leg in such a way that the supporting leg is accommodated between the two first locking sections. The two first locking sections can be formed on the clamping leg, for example, as freely cut, bent tabs, for example, on the lateral edges of the supporting leg that are away from each other. Here, the supporting leg is accommodated in the intermediate space between the first locking sections, so that the first locking sections pass by the supporting leg on different sides.

[0036] The first locking section can engage, for example, in a recess formed on a lateral edge of the supporting leg and thus pass past the supporting leg.

[0037] In one embodiment, in the release position, the two first locking sections are locked with the two second locking sections on the side of the support leg facing away from the clamping leg. Thus, the two first locking sections establish a lock with the contact element on the side of the support leg facing away from the clamping leg and are thus spatially separated from the receiving space into which the electrical conductor is introduced for connection to the terminal.

[0038] In one design, the contact element has two recesses, and each of the two first locking sections engages in the recess in the release position. The release element has two action sections, which engage in the recess of the contact element in order to act on the first locking section. In the area of ​​the recess, the second locking section is molded on the contact element. In the release position, the first locking section of the clamping leg is locked with the second locking section in the area of ​​the recess on the contact element, so that the clamping leg remains in the release position. By adjusting the release element, the action section can move in the recess so as to act on the first locking section and release the first locking section from the locked position.

[0039] In one embodiment, two recesses are formed on the contact element outside the insertion opening and are thus formed on the contact element spatially separated from the insertion opening. The first locking section and the second locking section are locked on the recesses, so that the recesses are spatially separated from the receiving space into which the electrical line is introduced for connection to the terminal.

[0040] In one embodiment, the release element is mounted in a pivotable manner relative to the housing. The release element can be pivoted relative to the housing by interacting with the electrical line, wherein the release element acts on the locking connection between the clamping leg and the contact element during adjustment in such a way that the clamping leg is released from the release position and can therefore be automatically adjusted in the direction of the clamping position due to the spring preload of the spring element.

[0041] In other embodiments, the release element may also be arranged on the housing in a linearly adjustable manner.

[0042] In one embodiment, the housing defines a receiving space into which the electrical conductor can be introduced by inserting it into the plug-in opening. The release element has a release leg, which extends in the receiving space and is used to cooperate with the electrical conductor. The release leg can extend in the receiving space transversely to the plug-in direction in the initial position. In order to release the clamping leg from the release position, the release leg can be moved out of the initial position by cooperating with the electrical conductor. When the release leg is deflected out of the initial position, the release element acts on the locking connection between the clamping leg and the contact element, and thereby cancels the retention of the clamping leg in the release position, so that the clamping leg can be adjusted from the release position in the direction of the clamping position.

[0043] In one embodiment, the release element is designed to act on the first locking section in order to release the clamping leg from the release position. The contact element is arranged in a fixed position on the housing and is essentially rigid, but the first locking section, which is formed as a tab on the clamping leg, can be elastically deflected, so that the locking between the clamping leg and the contact element can be cancelled by acting on the first locking section. When the release element is deflected, the release element acts on the first locking section, for example with the action section, in order to move the first locking section out of its locking hold on the contact element in this way and thus release the clamping leg from the release position.

[0044] In one embodiment, the release leg has a receiving groove into which the electrical conductor sinks when it is inserted into the plug opening. The receiving groove is formed on the release leg as a depression. Due to the groove shape of the release leg, the electrical conductor can be caught when it strikes the release leg, thereby preventing it from slipping off the release leg. Therefore, the flexible conductor can also cause the release leg to be triggered in order to release the clamping leg from the release position.

[0045] The receiving groove on the release leg is preferably aligned with the insertion opening of the contact element in the plug-in direction.

[0046] In one embodiment, the terminal has an operating element that is adjustable relative to the housing and is used to adjust the clamping leg to a release position. By operating the operating element, the clamping leg can be transferred to the release position. In the release position, the clamping leg is locked relative to the contact element, so that the clamping leg remains in a position relative to the housing in the release position. Therefore, after being transferred to the release position, the clamping leg stays in the release position, so that an electrical conductor can be connected to the terminal in a simple manner, or a connected electrical conductor can be removed from the terminal.

[0047] The operating element can be designed, for example, in the form of a pusher and can be pushed into the housing by actuation by the user in order to act on the clamping leg in this way and to adjust the clamping leg in the direction of the release position.

[0048] In one embodiment, the operating element is mounted on the housing in a linearly movable manner and has an operating section for operation by a user and an action section for acting on the clamping leg. The operating section is accessible from outside the housing, and the user can act on the operating section, for example, with a tool, such as a screwdriver, or alternatively manually, and the action section is in an operative connection with the clamping leg of the spring element. By adjusting the operating element, an adjustment force is applied to the clamping leg via the action section, so that, in particular when the operating element is adjusted from the unoperated position to the operated position, the clamping leg is entrained and thus moves in the direction of the release position.

[0049] In one embodiment, the operating element has a first stop element which, for example, in the unactuated position abuts against a second stop element which is fixed in position relative to the housing and thus defines the position of the operating element relative to the housing in the unactuated position. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0050] The idea underlying the invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the exemplary embodiments shown in the drawings. It is shown that:

[0051] Figure 1A : A view of an embodiment of a terminal block with the clamping legs of the spring element in a released position;

[0052] Figure 1B :according to Figure 1A A side view of the device;

[0053] Figure 2A :Dissect according to Figure 1A A cross-sectional view of a device;

[0054] Figure 2B :Dissect according to Figure 1B A cross-sectional view of a device;

[0055] Figure 3A : A view of the terminal block when an electrical conductor is inserted;

[0056] Figure 3B :according to Figure 3A A side view of the device;

[0057] Figure 4A :Dissect according to Figure 3A A cross-sectional view of a device;

[0058] Figure 4B :Dissect according to Figure 3B A cross-sectional view of a device;

[0059] Figure 5A : A view of the terminal block after the electrical conductor has been inserted and when the clamping legs have been released;

[0060] Figure 5B :according to Figure 5A A side view of the device;

[0061] Fig. 6A :Dissect according to Figure 5A A cross-sectional view of a device;

[0062] Figure 6B :Dissect according to Figure 5B A cross-sectional view of a device;

[0063] Fig. 7A: A view of the assembly consisting of the spring element and the contact element of the terminal block in the released position of the clamping leg;

[0064] Figure 7B :according to Fig. 7A A side view of the device;

[0065] Fig. 8A :according to Fig. 7A A view of the device together with the release element;

[0066] Figure 8B :according to Fig. 8A A side view of the device;

[0067] Fig.9A :according to Fig. 8A A view of the device together with the housing;

[0068] Fig. 9B :according to Fig.9A A side view of the device;

[0069] Fig. 10A : A view of an assembly of a spring element with a contact element according to another embodiment;

[0070] Fig. 10B :according to Fig. 10A A side view of the device;

[0071] Fig.11A : A view of an assembly having a spring element and a contact element according to another embodiment; and

[0072] Fig. 11B :according to Fig.11A Side view of the device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0073] Figure 1A , 1B to Fig. 6A , 6B An exemplary embodiment of a connecting terminal 1 is shown, which is designed with a housing 10 having a plug opening 100 formed therein for inserting an electrical conductor 2 in a plug-in direction E.

[0074] The housing 10 defines a receiving space 101, into which the electrical conductor 2 with the conductor end 20 stripped of insulation is introduced when the electrical conductor 2 is inserted into the plug opening 100 along the plugging direction E. In the connection position, the conductor 2 with the conductor end 20 stripped of insulation is located inside the receiving space 101 and is electrically contacted with the contact element 11 in the form of a busbar via the clamping legs 120 of the spring element 12, so that the electrical conductor 2 is electrically connected to the terminal 1.

[0075] The spring element 12 has a support leg 121, which in the exemplary embodiment shown is supported on the contact element 11, so that the spring element 12 is thereby fixed relative to the housing 10. The clamping leg 120 can be elastically deflected relative to the support leg 121, in particular so deflected that the clamping leg 120 is Figure 5A , 5B and Fig. 6A , 6B In the clamping position shown in , the clamping acts on the electrical conductor 2 connected to the terminal 1 and, under elastic preload, pushes the electrical conductor 2 into contact with the contact section 110 of the contact element 11, thereby making the conductor 2 electrically contact with the contact element 11 via its conductor end 20.

[0076] In the exemplary embodiment shown, the contact element 11 is integrally and integrally formed, for example as a stamped and bent part, and has a transverse section 110 on which a contact section 111 in the form of a flange is formed. The flange 111 is formed as a material draw at the transverse section 110, for example by material deformation, in particular by flange stretching, and protrudes from the transverse section 110 in the plug-in direction E. The flange 111 surrounds an introduction opening 115 into which the electrical conductor 2 is introduced when it is inserted into the plug opening 100 and into which the electrical conductor 2 engages with its stripped conductor end 20 in the connection position.

[0077] In the exemplary embodiment shown, the clamping legs 120 of the spring element 12 engage in the insertion opening 115 of the contact section 111 and can be adjusted within the insertion opening 115 in order to interact with the electrical line 2 .

[0078] In addition, the support leg 121 is also engaged in the introduction opening 115 and is supported on the contact section 111 inside the introduction opening 115, so that the clamping leg 120 can be elastically deflected relative to the support leg 121, and when the clamping leg 120 is deflected, the support leg 121 is maintained in a position relative to the contact element 11 by support under the condition of elastic deformation of the spring element 12.

[0079] In the illustrated embodiment, the operating element 14 is supported on the housing 10 so as to be movable along the operating direction B. The operating element 14 is movably accommodated in the operating opening 102 of the housing 10 with an operating section 140 and can be moved relative to the housing 10 in a linearly guided manner along the operating direction B, so as to act on the clamping leg 120 of the spring element 12 via an acting section 141 extending in a rod-like manner from the operating section 140 and adjust the clamping leg to a release position.

[0080] The operating section 140 is accessible from outside the housing 10 through the operating opening 102 and can therefore be operated by a user, for example using a tool.

[0081] The operating element 14 is Figure 5A , 5B , 6A, 6B, in the operating opening 102, it is moved outwardly in the opposite direction of the operating direction B. In the non-operated position, the stop element 142 formed on the operating element 14 abuts on the inner side against a corresponding stop element 103 in the form of a step on the housing 10, thereby preventing the operating element 14 from being able to slide out of the receiving opening 102 in the opposite direction of the operating direction B.

[0082] When actuated in the actuating direction B, the actuating element 14 is operatively connected to the clamping leg 120 of the spring element 12. To this end, the actuating element 14 acts on the clamping leg 120 with the action section 141 in order to adjust the clamping leg in the introduction opening 115 of the contact element 11 while being elastically deflected relative to the support leg 121. By moving the actuating element 14 in the actuating direction B, the clamping leg 120 is transferred into the release position, such as from Figure 1A , 1B and Figure 2A , 2B As can be seen in .

[0083] In the case of the operating element 14, Figure 1A , 1B and Figure 2A , 2B In the operating position shown in FIG. 1 , the clamping leg 120 moves into a release position in which the space in the interior of the housing 10 aligned with the plug opening 100 is released so that the electrical conductor 2 can be inserted into the housing 10 in a substantially forceless manner, as shown in FIG. Figure 3A , 3B and Figure 4A , 4B In the release position, the clamping leg 120 is locked relative to the housing 10 .

[0084] In the exemplary embodiment shown, two locking sections 122 are formed on the clamping leg 120 of the spring element 12, which are cut freely as a web relative to the clamping leg 120 and are bent relative to the clamping leg 120, such as from the Fig. 7A , 7B The locking section 122 protrudes from the clamping leg 120 in a direction pointing away from the receiving space 101 and can therefore be Fig. 7A , 7B In the release position shown in FIG. 1 , in the region of the recess 114 of the contact element 11, the contact element 11 is locked with a corresponding locking section 113 in the form of a locking edge, such as from Fig. 7A , 7B Combination Figure 1A ,1B and Figure 2A , 2B It is knowable.

[0085] In the exemplary embodiment shown, two locking sections 122 are formed on the clamping leg 120 on lateral edges that are facing away from each other. Correspondingly, the contact element 11 has two recesses 114 on the lateral edges that are facing away from each other, on which a locking edge 113 is formed in each case, which serves to cooperate with the corresponding locking section 122 of the spring element 12. These recesses 114 are formed as depressions in the contact element 11 laterally at the transition between the transverse section 110 and the support section 112 that is bent relative to the transverse section 110, and narrow the contact element 11 in the region of the transition between the transverse section 110 and the support section 112.

[0086] The locking section 122 passes by the support leg 121 and, for this purpose, engages in a recess at the lateral edge of the support leg 121. The clamping leg 120 is arranged on a first side of the support leg 121. When the clamping leg 120 is in the release position, the locking section 122 passes by the support leg 121 starting from the clamping leg 120 so that, on a second side of the support leg 121 facing away from the first side, the locking section 122 locks with a locking section 113 in the form of a locking edge on the recess 114 of the contact element 11.

[0087] In the mounted position, the contact element 11 is supported relative to the housing 10 by the transverse section 110 and the supporting section 112 and is thus fixed in a positionally fixed manner relative to the housing 10 .

[0088] The connecting terminal 1 has a release element 13, which is formed as a rigid element and is configured with a release leg 130. The release element 13 is supported on the housing 10 in a pivotable manner via an axis element 131, so that the release element 13 can be pivoted relative to the housing 10 and the contact element 11 fixed in position relative to the housing 10, such as from Figure 3A , 3B to Fig. 6A , 6B Visible in.

[0089] The release leg 130 is in the initial position (corresponding to Figure 1A , 1B , 2A, 2B), extends at least approximately transversely to the plug-in direction E and extends into the housing 10 into the area of ​​the accommodating space 101 aligned with the plug-in opening 100 so that when the electrical conductor 2 is inserted, the conductor end 20 of the electrical conductor touches the release leg 130 and thus acts on the release element 13.

[0090] In this case, viewed in the plug-in direction E, the release leg 130 is arranged behind the contact section 111 of the contact element 11 , so that the electrical line 2 is firstly passed through the contact section 111 and then strikes the release leg 130 .

[0091] The release element 13 is used to cooperate with the electrical conductor 2 inserted into the plug opening 100 so that when the clamping leg 120 is triggered, the electrical conductor 2 is automatically connected to the terminal 1. Figure 3A , 3B 4A, 4B as shown in the insertion opening 100, then the conductor 2 acts on the release leg 130 with the conductor end 20 and the release leg is removed from Figure 1A , 1B , 2A, 2B, the initial position shown in the deflection, such as this from Figure 3A , 3B , 4A, and 4B.

[0092] A receiving groove 133 is formed at the release leg 130, into which the electric wire sinks when being inserted into the connection terminal 1. Due to the groove-shaped structure of the release leg 130, the electric wire 2 can be caught when it touches the release leg 130, thereby at least preventing the electric wire 2 from slipping off the release leg 130, and thus the soft electric wire 2 can also cause the release leg 130 to be triggered.

[0093] The release element 13 has an effective section 132, which engages in the recess 114 on the contact element 11 and is used to cooperate with the locking section 122 of the spring element 12. If the release element 13 is pivoted about the axis element 131 when the electrical conductor is inserted, the effective section 132 is pressed onto the locking section 122 and moves the locking section 122 out of engagement with the recess 114 and thus out of its effective connection with the locking edge 113, so that the clamping leg 120 is released and can be moved in accordance with the elastic spring preload of the spring element 12. Figure 5A , 5B and Fig. 6A , 6B The direction of the clamping position is adjusted.

[0094] The following working method is obtained:

[0095] If the operating element 14 is operated in the operating direction B and thus moved into the housing 10, the operating element 14 drives the clamping leg 120 of the spring element 12 via the action section 141 and thus adjusts the clamping leg 120 to the position in which the spring element 12 is located. Figure 1A , 1B, 2A, 2B. The operating element 14 is pushed into the housing 10 along the operating direction B, acting on the clamping leg 120, so that the clamping leg 120 engages with the recess 114 with the locking section 122 and engages with the locking edge 113 of the contact element 11.

[0096] In the released position, the clamping legs 120 release a region within the receiving space 101 that is aligned with the plug opening 100 in the plugging direction E, so that the electrical conductor 2 can be inserted into the plug opening 100 without being hindered by the clamping legs 120 and can thus be connected to the connecting terminal 1 in a substantially forceless manner.

[0097] In accordance with Figure 1A , 1B The connecting terminal 1 can also be provided by the manufacturer in the tensioned operating position of 2A, 2B.

[0098] If the electrical conductor 2 with the conductor end 20 stripped of insulation is inserted into the plug opening 100 and thus introduced into the receiving space 101 in the plugging direction E, while the clamping leg 120 is in the released position, the conductor 2 is introduced into the introduction opening 115 of the contact section 111, comes into contact with the release leg 130 of the release element 13, and thus pivots the release leg 130 relative to the contact element 11. As a result, the engagement section 132 acts on the locking section 122 of the clamping leg 120 and presses the locking section 122 out of engagement with the recess 114 of the contact element 11, so that the locking section 122 is released from the locking engagement and thus the locking of the clamping leg 120 is cancelled.

[0099] After the locking is released, the clamping legs 120 clamp against the electrical conductor 2 and thereby push the conductor end 20 into contact with the contact element 11 , so that the conductor 2 is electrically connected to the connecting terminal 1 and is also mechanically secured.

[0100] During the movement from the release position in the direction of the clamping position, the locking section 122 can slide along frictionally on the surface of the transverse section 110. As a result, the movement of the clamping leg 120 in the direction of clamping contact with the inserted electrical conductor 2 can be damped, so that the clamping leg 120 stops on the conductor 2 with relatively low forces and thus, for example, in the case of a configuration with flexible conductors, such as litz wires, damage to the conductor 2 is avoided.

[0101] Therefore, according to Figure 5A , 5B , 6A, 6B, the clamping force of the clamping legs 120 determined by the internal stress of the spring element 12 is not affected.

[0102] If you want to connect the electrical conductor 2 from Figure 5A , 5B, 6A, 6B shown in the connection position, and again removed from the terminal 1, the operating element 14 can then be transferred again according to Figure 1A , 1B , 2A, 2B operating positions, so that the clamping legs 120 and the conductor 2 are out of contact. As a result, the conductor 2 can be removed from the connecting terminal 1 in a substantially forceless manner.

[0103] To assemble the connecting terminal 1, for example, Fig. 7A , 7B As shown, the spring element 12 is placed on the contact element 11 so that the clamping leg 120 and the supporting leg 121 engage in the insertion opening 115 in the contact section 111. In this case, the clamping leg 120 of the spring element 12 is brought into the release position and is thereby locked with the contact element 11.

[0104] Then, if Fig. 8A , 8B As shown, the release element 13 can be positioned in such a way that the release element 13 engages with the engagement section 132 in the recess 114 on the contact element 11 .

[0105] Then, if Fig.9A , 9B As shown, the assembly thus completed can be inserted into the housing 10 by pushing the contact element 11 together with the spring element 12 and the release element 13 arranged thereon laterally into the housing 10 and the contact element 11 engaging with the housing 10 in a supporting manner via the transverse section 110 and the supporting section 112 .

[0106] Fig. 10A , 10B and Fig.11A , 11B Further embodiments of spring elements 12 are shown which differ from the preceding exemplary embodiments by the shape of the locking sections 122 on the clamping legs 120 .

[0107] In particular, according to Fig. 10A , 10B In the embodiment of FIG. 1 , the locking section 122 is set to be steeper than the transverse section 111 .

[0108] In accordance with Fig.11A , 11B In the exemplary embodiment, the locking section 122 is bent in an S-shape so that when the clamping leg 120 is locked with the contact element 11 in the released position, the locking section 122 rests with a rectilinear longitudinal section on the transverse section 110 of the contact element 11 .

[0109] By means of a suitable shaping of the locking section 122 , the locking force in the released position of the clamping leg 120 can be adjusted and predetermined.

[0110] The idea based on the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments, but can also be implemented in other ways.

[0111] The operating element can be preloaded in the direction of the non-actuated position by the action of the clamping legs of the spring element. However, it is also conceivable to provide an additional preload element which preloads the operating element relative to the housing in the direction of the non-actuated position, opposite to the actuation direction. Such a preload element can be designed, for example, as a compression spring or other mechanical spring.

[0112] The spring element can have one, two or more locking sections.

[0113] Description of Reference Numerals

[0114] 1 Terminal block

[0115] 10 Housing

[0116] 100 Plug opening

[0117] 101 Accommodation Space

[0118] 102 Operation opening

[0119] 103 Stop element

[0120] 11Contact element (busbar)

[0121] 110 horizontal section

[0122] 111 Contact section (drawing section)

[0123] 112 Support section

[0124] 113 Locking element

[0125] 114 Notch

[0126] 115 Import opening

[0127] 12 Clamping spring

[0128] 120 Clamp your legs

[0129] 121 Support Leg

[0130] 122 Locking section

[0131] 13 Loose components

[0132] 130 Loose Legs

[0133] 131 Shaft element

[0134] 132 Action Section

[0135] 133 Receiving slot

[0136] 14 Operating elements

[0137] 140 Operation section (head)

[0138] 141 Action section (rod)

[0139] 142 Stop element

[0140] 2 Wires

[0141] 20 Conductor end

[0142] B Operation direction

[0143] E Plug direction

[0144] Q Horizontal direction

Claims

1. A terminal (1) for connecting an electrical conductor (2), comprising A housing (10) having a plug opening (101) into which an electrical conductor (2) can be inserted along a plug direction (E) for connection to a terminal (1), A contact element (11) arranged on a housing (10) for making electrical contact with an electrical conductor (2), wherein the contact element (11) has a contact section (111) with an introduction opening (115), into which the electrical conductor (2) can be introduced in order to make electrical contact with the contact element (11), A spring element (12) arranged on the housing (10), the spring element having a clamping leg (120) which is configured to act on the electrical conductor (2) in a clamping position in order to bring the electrical conductor (2) into contact with the contact section (111), wherein the clamping leg (120) can be adjusted relative to the housing (10) from the clamping position to a release position in order to release the electrical conductor (2), wherein the clamping leg (120) is held in a position relative to the housing (10) in the release position of the clamping leg (120), and A release element (13) is adjustably arranged on the housing (10), wherein the clamping leg (120) can be released from a release position by the cooperation of the release element (13) and the electrical conductor (2), It is characterized in that The spring element (12) has a first locking section (122) arranged on the clamping leg (120), and the contact element (11) has a second locking section (113), wherein, in the released position, the first locking section (122) and the second locking section (113) are locked with each other so as to maintain the clamping leg (120) in a position relative to the housing (10) in the released position of the clamping leg (120).

2. The connecting terminal (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The clamping leg (120) engages in the insertion opening (115) and is adjustable within the insertion opening (115).

3. The connecting terminal (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The clamping leg (120) is designed to act on the electrical line (2) within the insertion opening (115) in the clamped position.

4. The connecting terminal (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The clamping leg (120) is designed to push the electrical conductor (2) into contact with the contact section (111) by means of a spring force.

5. The connecting terminal (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The first locking section (122) is formed by a web which is bent relative to the clamping leg (120).

6. The connecting terminal (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The second locking section (113) is formed by a locking edge on the contact element (11).

7. The connecting terminal (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The contact element (11) has a recess (114) in which a first locking section (122) engages in a released position, wherein the release element (13) has an action section (132) which engages in the recess (114) of the contact element (11) in order to act on the first locking section (122).

8. The connecting terminal (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that: The recess (114) is formed on the contact element (11) outside the introduction opening (115).

9. The connecting terminal (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The contact section (111) is formed by a collar surrounding the introduction opening (115).

10. The connecting terminal (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that: The contact element (11) has a transverse section (110) extending along a plane perpendicular to the plug-in direction (E) and on which the collar is formed.

11. The connecting terminal (1) according to claim 10, characterized in that: The flange protrudes from the transverse section (110) along the plug-in direction (E).

12. The connecting terminal (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The spring element (12) has a supporting leg (121) which is supported relative to the housing (10) and relative to which the clamping leg (120) can be elastically deflected.

13. The connecting terminal (1) according to claim 12, characterized in that: The supporting leg (121) engages in the insertion opening (115) and is thereby supported on the contact element (11).

14. The connecting terminal (1) according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that: The first locking section (122) protrudes from the clamping leg (120) in the direction of the supporting leg (121).

15. The connecting terminal (1) according to claim 14, characterized in that The first locking section (122) passes by the supporting leg (121) and, in the released position, is locked with the second locking section (113) on the side of the supporting leg (121) facing away from the clamping leg (120).

16. The connecting terminal (1) according to any one of claims 12 to 15, characterized in that Two first locking sections (122) are arranged on the clamping leg (120), wherein the two first locking sections (122) protrude from the clamping leg (120) in the direction of the supporting leg (121).

17. The connecting terminal (1) according to claim 16, characterized in that Two first locking sections (122) pass by the supporting leg (121) and accommodate the supporting leg (121) between the two first locking sections.

18. The connecting terminal (1) according to claim 17, characterized in that In the release position, the two first locking sections (122) are locked with the two second locking sections (113) on the side of the support leg (121) facing away from the clamping leg (120).

19. The connecting terminal (1) according to any one of claims 16 to 18, characterized in that The contact element (11) has two recesses (114), into which each of the two first locking sections (122) engages in the release position, wherein the release element (13) has two action sections (132) which engage in the recesses (114) of the contact element (11) in order to act on the first locking sections (122).

20. The connecting terminal (1) according to claim 19, characterized in that The recess (114) is formed on the contact element (11) outside the introduction opening (115).

21. The connecting terminal (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The release element (13) is mounted so that it can pivot relative to the housing (10).

22. The connecting terminal (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The housing (10) defines a receiving space (101) into which an electrical conductor (2) can be introduced by being inserted into a plug-in opening (100), wherein the release element (13) has a release leg (130) which extends in the receiving space (101) to cooperate with the electrical conductor (2).

23. The connecting terminal (1) according to claim 22, characterized in that The release leg (130) extends in the receiving space (101) transversely to the plug-in direction (E) in an initial position, wherein the release leg (130) can be moved out of the initial position by cooperating with the electrical conductor (2) in order to release the clamping leg (120) from the release position.

24. The connecting terminal (1) according to claim 22 or 23, characterized in that: The release element (13) is designed to act on a first locking section (122) in order to release the clamping leg (120) from a release position.

25. The connecting terminal (1) according to any one of claims 22 to 24, characterized in that The release leg (130) has a receiving groove (133) into which the electrical conductor (2) sinks when it is inserted into the plug opening (100).

26. The connecting terminal (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that An operating element (14) is provided which is adjustable relative to the housing (10) for adjusting the clamping leg (120) into a release position.

27. The connecting terminal (1) according to claim 26, characterized in that The operating element (14) is linearly movable relative to the housing (10) and has an operating section (140) for operation by a user and an acting section (141) extending from the operating section (140) for acting on a clamping leg (120).

28. The connecting terminal (1) according to claim 26 or 27, characterized in that The operating element (14) has a first stop element (142) for stopping on a second stop element (103) which is fixed in position relative to the housing (10).

Images