Wiring terminal

Abstract

The invention relates to a connection terminal (1) for connecting electrical conductors to one another, comprising an insulating material housing (2), which has: a first housing section (2a), which has a first spring-force clamping connection (3a) arranged in the first housing section (2a), and a second housing section (2b), which has a second spring-force clamping connection (3b) arranged in the first housing section (2a); and a second housing section (2b) having a second elastic clamping connection (3b) arranged in the second housing section (2b). The first housing section can be pivoted relative to the second housing section and the connection terminal (1) has a busbar structure (4) for electrically conductively connecting the first spring-force clamping connection to the second spring-force clamping connection, wherein the busbar structure (4) has a first connecting section (4a) associated with the first spring-force clamping connection, a second connecting section (4b) associated with the second spring-force clamping connection, and a hinge section (4c) connecting the first connecting section to the second connecting section.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a connecting terminal for connecting electrical conductors to one another, the connecting terminal having an insulating material housing, the insulating material housing having:

[0002] - a first housing section having a first spring force clamping connection arranged in the first housing section; and

[0003] A second housing section having a second spring force clamping connection arranged in the second housing section. Background Art

[0004] In wiring technology, connection terminals for connecting electrical lines to one another are known. The connection terminal can be designed, for example, as a through-type connector. The through-type connector can, for example, connect two electrical lines connected to the connection terminal to one another, and the lines can in particular have a flexible line extension.

[0005] In particular in confined installation environments, it may be desirable to provide compact connecting terminals with a small space requirement. Depending on the installation situation and the type of construction of the connecting terminal, it may happen that the available connection space for laying and connecting electrical conductors is severely restricted. As a result, the accessibility of the connection area of ​​the connecting terminal may be restricted. Furthermore, due to the limited space available, unfavorable laying conditions of the connected electrical conductors may occur, for example in connection with bending or kinking of the conductors. Summary of the invention

[0006] The object on which the present invention is based is to realize an improved connecting terminal and a busbar structure for such a connecting terminal. In particular, easy handling of the connecting terminal and improved connection conditions for the conductors to be connected should be achieved.

[0007] This object is achieved with the connecting terminal according to the invention. Advantageous embodiments are known from the invention.

[0008] propose,

[0009] the first housing section of the terminal block is pivotable relative to the second housing section, and

[0010] The connecting terminal has a busbar structure for electrically conductively connecting the first spring force clamping connection to the second spring force clamping connection, wherein the busbar structure has a first connecting section associated with the first spring force clamping connection, a second connecting section associated with the second spring force clamping connection, and a hinge section connecting the first connecting section to the second connecting section.

[0011] In other words, a connecting terminal having an articulated busbar structure is proposed, which enables or facilitates a pivoting of the housing parts of the connecting terminal relative to one another without damaging and / or interrupting the electrical connection between the spring-force clamping connections.

[0012] As a result, the connection space available for connecting the electrical conductor to the terminal can be better utilized, especially in confined installation situations. The orientation of the connection area of ​​the terminal can be individually adapted to the respective spatial conditions. Improved accessibility of the connection area of ​​the terminal is achieved, so that the terminal can be easily handled. In addition, the conductor to be connected can be laid in a protected and flexible manner, especially without bending or kinking, so that improved connection conditions are provided for the conductor to be connected. In addition, the overall length of the terminal can be advantageously reduced in the case of restricted spatial conditions by pivoting the housing segments relative to each other.

[0013] The connecting terminal can be designed in particular as a through-connector and can be configured, for example, for connecting two electrical conductors. The connection region of the connecting terminal can, for example, be a conductor lead-in opening of the connecting terminal, through which the conductor can be guided to a spring-loaded clamping connector of the connecting terminal. Alternatively or additionally, the connection region can be an actuating element of the connecting terminal, for example, an actuating lever, by means of which the spring-loaded clamping connector of the connecting terminal can be actuated. Thus, the connecting terminal can be designed, for example, as a rod terminal and have an actuating lever for actuating at least one spring-loaded clamping connector of the connecting terminal.

[0014] The spring force clamping connection can be a conductor connection with a clamping spring, by means of which the connected electrical conductor can be clamped to the busbar structure by means of a spring force. With the help of the spring force clamping connection, the electrical conductor can be connected and contacted securely in a simple manner and with little effort, and can be released again by correspondingly actuating the spring force clamping connection.

[0015] The insulating material housing can be a housing made of an electrically insulating material, such as plastic. The insulating material housing can accommodate the spring force clamping connection and the busbar arrangement in the interior of the insulating material housing and protect them from environmental influences and touch. The insulating material housing can be designed in multiple parts in order to facilitate the installation of the connecting terminal and / or the pivoting of one housing section of the insulating material housing relative to another housing section.

[0016] The busbar structure can be an electromechanical component made of an electrically conductive material, to which an electrical conductor can be clamped by means of a clamping spring of an elastic clamping connector, so that an electrical connection with the busbar structure can be established. The busbar structure can be, for example, a metal strip, which can be bent in sections according to some embodiments, for example, in order to form an introduction or support section for the electrical conductor. According to an embodiment, the busbar structure can be configured as a multi-piece component or a one-piece component, as further described below. The busbar structure can be completely accommodated in an insulating material housing, so that the busbar structure does not come into contact with the ambient atmosphere even when the housing sections are pivoted relative to each other or does not have to be protected from the environment by an additional insulating structure. The busbar structure has a first connecting section, which is associated with a first elastic clamping connector. This can, for example, mean that the first connecting section forms a wire support surface, a wire introduction channel and / or a wire stop for a first wire to be clamped to the busbar structure by means of the first elastic clamping connector. The busbar structure has a second connecting section, which is associated with a second spring-force clamping connector. This can, for example, mean that the second connecting section forms a conductor support surface, a conductor insertion channel and / or a conductor stop for a second conductor to be clamped to the busbar structure by means of the second spring-force clamping connector.

[0017] Furthermore, the busbar structure has an articulated section which extends between the first and second connecting sections and electrically connects them to one another. The articulated section can be understood here as a hinge in a different sense from a movable connecting structure. The articulated section enables the relative movability of the first and second connecting sections relative to one another.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the articulated section of the busbar structure can have a sliding contact area. As a result, the relative movability of the first connecting section with respect to the second connecting section and vice versa can be realized in a simple manner. For example, the first connecting section and the second connecting section can be supported movably relative to each other, wherein the first connecting section and the second connecting section can slide on each other in the sliding contact area when moving relative to each other, so that a sliding contact can basically be generated between the first and second connecting sections. The busbar structure can be constructed in two parts, for example, so that the first connecting section forms the first busbar piece and the second connecting section forms the second busbar piece, wherein the first and second busbar pieces are supported movably relative to each other in the sliding contact area. In other words, the articulated section can form a sliding joint for the first and second connecting sections. The sliding contact area can realize a translational sliding movement or a rotational sliding movement or a combined translational and rotational sliding movement of the connecting sections on each other, depending on the embodiment.

[0019] A terminal block is conceivable in which the articulated section is extended in a variable length, for example telescopically, when the sliding contact area is designed for a translational sliding movement. The first and second housing sections can be connected to one another by means of a variable length rotary joint. A variable length embodiment of the first and / or second housing sections connected to one another via a rotary joint is also conceivable.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the articulated section of the busbar structure can have a lower bending stiffness than the connecting section of the busbar structure. As a result, a high and diverse relative mobility of the connecting sections relative to each other is achieved. In other words, the articulated section can form a flexible hinge between the relatively more rigid connecting sections. As an articulated section with lower bending stiffness, the articulated section realizes the formation of at least one bending or bending part of the busbar structure between the connecting sections, wherein such a bending or bending part can, for example, form a pivot axis for pivoting the second connecting section relative to the first connecting section or vice versa. An articulated section with lower bending stiffness can be achieved, for example, by providing a flexible metal strip, for example a copper strip, in the articulated section, a reduced cross-section of the busbar structure, for example a reduced sheet thickness, or a softer metal alloy than in the connecting section. A flexible metal strip can be accompanied by a very strongly reduced bending stiffness and form a compliant joint section which has no pronounced bends or kinks but is flexibly deformable overall. In contrast, a connecting section which has a higher bending stiffness than the joint section can ensure secure guidance and clamping of the electrical conductor in the connecting section.

[0021] According to a further development, the articulated section can be designed as an elastic articulated section, for example with an articulated spring, so that the articulated section is elastically preloaded from an initial position when the connecting sections move relative to one another and returns to the initial position, for example, when the mechanical lock is released. This makes it possible to avoid elastic deformation of the articulated section and to achieve a long service life of the busbar arrangement even in the case of frequent use.

[0022] According to a further development, the busbar structure can be formed in one piece. In other words, the busbar structure can be a continuous, integral component, wherein the connecting section directly transitions into the articulated section. This can provide a stable, easily installable busbar structure with high electrical conductivity.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the busbar structure can have a first and a second fastening tab, wherein the clamping spring of the first resilient clamping connection is suspended on the busbar structure by means of the first fastening tab and the clamping spring of the second resilient clamping connection is suspended on the busbar structure by means of the second fastening tab. This allows a simple fastening of the clamping spring to the busbar structure. The fastening tabs can, for example, each have a fastening opening into which a support leg of the respective clamping spring can be inserted.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the first connection section and / or the second connection section can have a wire bearing surface and a wire receiving recess adjacent to the wire bearing surface. Thus, the safety and protection of the clamping of the electric wire can be ensured. The wire bearing surface can be a flat material tongue. The wire bearing surface can be used to guide and support the wire to be clamped or clamped. The wire receiving recess can be directly connected to the wire bearing surface. The wire bearing surface can transition into the wire receiving recess under an inclined condition, so that the wire guided on the wire bearing surface can extend into the wire receiving recess at a predefined angle. The wire receiving recess can form a receiving space for the end section of the clamped wire and surround the end section from multiple sides. For example, the busbar structure can form a round or angular, for example, quadrilateral channel with an open end side in the region of the wire receiving recess, and the channel can have a tapered cross section according to an improved scheme. If the busbar structure is manufactured as a flat plate blank, the busbar structure can be bent multiple times in the region of the wire receiving recess so that a hollow channel for the wire end can be provided.

[0025] According to a further development, the articulated section of the busbar structure can extend between the conductor receiving recesses of the first connecting section and the second connecting section. The articulated section can be molded directly onto the conductor receiving recess. The articulated section can, for example, extend from an upper wall of the conductor receiving recess, which is opposite to a lower wall adjacent to the conductor support surface. The conductor receiving recess can safely accommodate the conductor ends of the connected conductors and prevent the conductors from colliding with them, for example, during a pivoting process at the articulated section.

[0026] According to one embodiment, the first housing section and the second housing section can be connected to each other pivotably via a rotary joint. This makes it easy to implement a pivoting of the housing sections relative to each other. The rotary joint can be designed, for example, as a hinge joint. The first housing section and the second housing section can form two independent housing components, which are connected to each other via the rotary joint. This can assist in maintaining the stress strength of the insulating material housing that is optionally predefined as a standard.

[0027] According to a further development, the rotary joint can have a pivot arm that can be pivoted about a pivot axis, via which the first housing section and the second housing section are connected to one another. According to a further development, in order to increase stability, the rotary joint can also have two pivot arms that are arranged opposite one another and can be pivoted about a common pivot axis.

[0028] According to one refinement, the first housing section can have a pivot head and the second housing section can have a pivot bearing corresponding to the pivot head, or vice versa. The pivot bearing can, for example, have an outer contour that forms the negative of the outer contour of the pivot head. The pivot head can, for example, have a semi-cylindrical convex profile and the pivot bearing can have a corresponding concave profile with a semi-cylindrical negative profile. The pivot head can slide on the pivot bearing in a defined manner during the pivoting of the housing sections and facilitate the pivoting.

[0029] According to one refinement, the first housing segment and the second housing segment can be arranged overlapping each other in the region of the rotary joint. This ensures sufficient tightness of the insulating material housing and optionally standard predefined creepage distances and air gaps even when the housing segments are pivoted relative to each other. In the overlapping arrangement, at least one housing wall of one housing segment can overlap a housing wall of the other housing segment, so that the housing segments can be pivoted relative to each other without play.

[0030] According to one embodiment, a pivot angle between 0° and + / -90° can be set between the first housing section and the second housing section. This makes it possible to cover a wide range of pivot angles and provide a terminal with optimized space utilization. The maximum pivot angle can be limited, for example, by a stop at the housing section or at the pivot arm in order to avoid exceeding a preset pivot angle range and to ensure sufficient tightness of the insulating material housing in each pivot state. The pivot angle specified as + / -90° can relate to a pivot angle of 90° starting from a 0° starting position in two opposite pivot directions. The pivot angle can be developed, for example, between the center longitudinal axis of the first and second housing section, wherein the center longitudinal axis can be the center axis of the respective housing section, which is oriented substantially in the same direction as the conductor insertion direction of the spring force clamping connection.

[0031] According to one embodiment, the adjustable pivot angle between the first housing section and the second housing section can be fixed by means of a latching mechanism. In this way, an unintentional pivoting of the housing sections, for example when connecting electrical conductors or due to environmental influences, can be reliably prevented. In addition, the adjustable pivot angle can be limited thereby and a predefined, fixable pivot angle can be preset. The latching mechanism can be realized, for example, by a latching structure, such as a latching projection on one housing section, and by a latching opening on the other housing section, into which the latching projection can be sunk. The latching mechanism can be configured to release the established latching connection again as required, for example by acting on a minimum force or a release element.

[0032] According to one development, the latching mechanism can be formed by a latching structure in a pivot arm, through which the pivot axis of the pivot arm extends, and by one or more latching openings in the housing section. As a result, the latching mechanism can be designed in a simple manner and can be used intuitively. The latching structure in the pivot arm can be, for example, a latching projection, which can be displaced between the latching openings in the housing section by the action of a force. If two pivot arms are provided at the connecting terminal, the latching structure can be provided at only one pivot arm or at both pivot arms respectively, and one or more latching openings can be provided at the housing side of the housing section facing the pivot arm.

[0033] The busbar structure for electrically conductively connecting a first spring force clamping connector to a second spring force clamping connector comprises a first connecting section, a second connecting section and a hinge section connecting the first connecting section to the second connecting section. With the proposed busbar structure, it is possible to safely and reliably electrically connect spring force clamping connectors of a connecting terminal that are movable relative to each other, and to achieve a high degree of design freedom when individually orienting the spring force clamping connectors of the connecting terminal.

[0034] According to the implementation of the busbar structure:

[0035] - the articulated section of the busbar structure can have a sliding contact area;

[0036] The articulated section of the busbar structure can have a lower bending stiffness than the connecting section of the busbar structure;

[0037] The articulated section can be designed as an elastic articulated section;

[0038] - The busbar structure can be implemented in one piece;

[0039] The busbar structure can have a first fastening web for suspending the first clamping spring on the busbar structure and a second fastening web for suspending the second clamping spring on the busbar structure;

[0040] The first connecting section and / or the second connecting section can have a conductor support surface and a conductor receiving recess adjoining the conductor support surface; and / or

[0041] The articulated section of the busbar structure can extend between the conductor receiving recesses of the first connecting section and of the second connecting section.

[0042] According to one embodiment, the busbar structure can be produced from a flat sheet metal blank. This allows for simple and cost-effective production of the busbar structure. For example, the busbar structure can be obtained by punching out a defined two-dimensional geometric contour from a semi-finished sheet metal and by bending the sheet metal strip at predetermined locations in different spatial directions, so that a three-dimensional busbar structure can be produced from an essentially two-dimensional sheet metal blank. In this case, the bent sections of the busbar structure can be connected to one another, for example, by a form-fitting web structure, for example in order to form a conductor receiving recess according to the above-mentioned features.

[0043] Quite generally, in the context of the present application, unless explicitly defined otherwise, the terms "a / an" are not to be understood as a numeral but as an indefinite article having the meaning "at least one". BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0044] The present invention allows for various embodiments and is explained in detail below based on an exemplary embodiment with the aid of the accompanying drawings. The accompanying drawings schematically show:

[0045] Figure 1a / Figure 1b shows a side sectional view of a connection terminal in an initial state and with housing sections pivoted relative to each other according to one embodiment;

[0046] Figure 2a / Figure 2b Show according to Figure 1a / Figure 1b A top view of the terminal block;

[0047] Figure 3a / Figure 3b Show according to Figure 1a / Figure 1b A side view of the terminal block;

[0048] Figure 4a / Figure 4b Show according to Figure 1a / Figure 1b A three-dimensional side view of a terminal block;

[0049] Figure 5a / Figure 5b A perspective side view of a busbar arrangement for a connecting terminal according to one exemplary embodiment is shown in an initial state and with connecting sections pivoted relative to one another. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0050] Figure 1a and Figure 1b FIG. 2 shows a side cross-sectional view of a terminal block 1 according to an embodiment. Figure 1a FIG. 1 shows the connection terminal 1 in the initial state. Figure 1b 2 shows a connecting terminal 1 having housing sections 2 a , 2 b which are pivoted relative to one another. Figure 1a Corresponding to along Figure 2a A cross-sectional view along section line BB is shown in FIG. Figure 1b Corresponding to along Figure 2b A cross-sectional view along section line AA is shown in FIG.

[0051] The connecting terminal 1 is used for the electrical connection of an electrical conductor not shown in detail, which can be connected to the connecting terminal 1 via spring force clamping connectors 3a, 3b. According to the illustrated embodiment, the connecting terminal 1 is configured as a through-type connector. The connecting terminal 1 has an insulating material housing 2, which has a first housing section 2a and a second housing section 2b. The second housing section 2b can be pivoted relative to the first housing section 2a. A first spring force clamping connector 3a is provided in the first housing section 2a. A second spring force clamping connector 3b is provided in the second housing section 2b. According to the illustrated embodiment, the connecting terminal 1 is configured as a rod-type terminal and has a first operating lever 16a for operating a clamping spring 6a of the first spring force clamping connector 3a and a second operating lever 16b for operating a clamping spring 6b of the second spring force clamping connector 3b.

[0052] The connecting terminal 1 has a busbar structure 4 for electrically conductively connecting a first elastic clamping connector 3a to a second elastic clamping connector 3b. A first connecting section 4a of the busbar structure 4 is associated with the first elastic clamping connector 3a. A second connecting section 4b of the busbar structure 4 is associated with the second elastic clamping connector 3b. The first connecting section 4a and the second connecting section 4b of the busbar structure 4 are connected to each other by a hinge section 4c. The hinge section 4c realizes the relative movability of the first connecting section 4a and the second connecting section 4b relative to each other and thereby allows the housing sections 2a, 2b to pivot relative to each other without damaging and / or interrupting the electrical connection between the elastic clamping connectors 3a, 3b. Through the pivotability of the housing sections 2a, 2b and the busbar structure 4 matched thereto, the connection space available for connecting the electrical conductor to the connecting terminal 1 can be better utilized, especially in a narrow installation situation.

[0053] As in Figure 1a and Figure 1bAs shown in the figure, the articulated section 4c of the busbar structure 4 is formed as a flexible, compliant band made of an electrically conductive material according to the embodiment shown and therefore has a lower bending stiffness than the connecting sections 4a, 4b of the busbar structure 4. As a result, a high relative mobility of the connecting sections 4a, 4b relative to each other can be achieved. The articulated section 4c, the first connecting section 4a and the second connecting section 4b are formed in one piece with each other according to the embodiment shown, so that the connecting sections 4a, 4b directly transition into the articulated section 4c. Here, the articulated section 4c can be connected to the connecting sections 4a and 4b by material fit. The articulated section 4c can be formed from a blank or molded to the connecting sections 4a, 4b by material fit together with the connecting sections 4a, 4b. As a result, a high electrical conductivity can be ensured. According to further embodiments, not shown in greater detail, the busbar structure 4 can also be designed in two parts, for example, and have a sliding contact region for achieving a sliding contact between the first connecting section 4 a and the second connecting section 4 b .

[0054] As in Figure 1a and Figure 1b As shown in the figure, the clamping spring 6a of the first elastic clamping connection 3a can be suspended on the busbar structure 4 by means of the first fastening tab 5a, and the clamping spring 6b of the second elastic clamping connection 3b can be suspended on the busbar structure 4 by means of the second fastening tab 5b, thereby enabling a simple fastening of the busbar structure 4 in the connecting terminal 1. In addition, the first connecting section 4a and the second connecting section 4b each have a wire support surface 7 in the form of a flat material tongue for guiding and supporting the wire to be clamped and a wire receiving recess 8 adjacent to the wire support surface 7. The wire support surface 7 transitions into the wire receiving recess 8 in an inclined manner, so that the wire guided on the wire support surface 7 can extend into the wire receiving recess 8 at a predefined angle. According to the figure, the wire receiving recess 8 forms a receiving space, which has a quadrilateral channel with an open end side for the end section of the clamped wire.

[0055] If available from Figure 1a and Figure 1b It is known from FIG. 4 that the articulated section 4c of the busbar structure 4 extends between the conductor receiving recesses 8 of the connecting sections 4a, 4b. The articulated section 4c is molded directly onto the conductor receiving recesses 8 and projects from an upper wall 17 of the conductor receiving recesses 8, which is opposite to a lower wall 18 adjoining the conductor support surface 7. The conductor receiving recesses 8 can receive the conductor ends of the clamped conductors and protect them from collision with the articulated section 4c during the pivoting process.

[0056] As in Figure 1a and Figure 1bAs shown in , the first housing section 2a and the second housing section 2b are pivotably connected to each other via a rotary joint 9. The first housing section 2a and the second housing section 2b form separate housing components, which are connected to each other via a rotary joint 9. The first housing section 2a has a pivot head 11 with a semi-cylindrical convex profile and the second housing section has a pivot support 12 corresponding to the pivot head 11, which has a concave profile with a semi-cylindrical negative shape. The pivot head 11 can slide on the pivot support 12 in a defined manner when the housing sections 2a, 2b are pivoted and facilitates the pivoting. As in particular according to Figure 1a and Figure 1b It can be seen from the sectional view of that the first housing section 2a and the second housing section 2b are arranged overlapping each other in the region of the rotary joint 9. Figure 1a The initial position and in accordance with Figure 1b In the pivoted position, the housing wall of the second housing section 2b overlaps the opposite housing wall of the first housing section 2a, so that the housing sections 2a, 2b can be pivoted relative to each other without gaps. Therefore, sufficient tightness, creepage distances and air gaps can be ensured.

[0057] Figure 2a and Figure 2b FIG. 2 shows a top view of the above-mentioned terminal block 1. Figure 2a FIG. 1 shows the connection terminal 1 in the initial state. Figure 2b , a connecting terminal 1 with housing sections 2a, 2b pivotable relative to one another is shown. In this view, a top view of the actuating levers 16a, 16b of the spring-force clamping connections 3a, 3b can also be seen. As shown and can also be seen in the following figures, the rotary joint 9 also has two pivot arms 10 pivotable about a common pivot axis S, via which the housing sections 2a, 2b are connected to one another. In addition, it can be seen from Figure 2a and Figure 2b It has been found that by pivoting the housing sections 2 a , 2 b relative to one another, the overall length of the connecting terminal 1 along the section line AA or BB can be advantageously reduced, for example for confined installation situations.

[0058] Figure 3a and Figure 3b FIG. 2 shows a side view of the above-mentioned terminal block 1. Figure 3a FIG. 1 shows the connection terminal 1 in the initial state. Figure 3b 1 shows a terminal block 1 with housing sections 2a, 2b that are pivoted relative to one another. In this view, a side view of one of the two pivot arms 10 can be seen. Furthermore, in this illustration, it can be seen that between the center longitudinal axis M1 of the first housing section 2a and between the center longitudinal axis M2 of the second housing section 2b Figure 3aIn the illustration shown in FIG. 1 , the pivot angle α is not expanded or the pivot angle α is 0°, and Figure 3b The illustration shown in exemplarily shows a pivot angle α of approximately 45°. The central longitudinal axes M1 and M2 can be the central axes of the respective housing segments 2a, 2b, which point essentially in the same direction as the respective conductor insertion direction 19 into the connecting terminal 1.

[0059] As in Figure 3a and Figure 3b 2a and 2b, the pivot angle α that can be set between the first housing section 2a and the second housing section 2b can be fixed by means of a latching mechanism 13. The latching mechanism 13 is formed by a latching structure 14, for example a latching projection, indicated in the figure on the pivot arm 10, and a latching opening 15, into which the latching structure 14 can be inserted. The latching opening 15 is arranged on the first housing section 2a, through which the pivot axis S of the pivot arm 10 extends, according to the illustrated embodiment. Optionally and not shown in detail, the latching mechanism 13 is arranged on both sides of the connecting terminal 1, on which the pivot arm 10 is arranged.

[0060] Figure 4a and Figure 4b FIG. 2 shows a three-dimensional side view of the above-mentioned terminal block 1. Figure 4a FIG. 1 shows the connection terminal 1 in the initial state. Figure 4b 1 shows a connecting terminal 1 with housing sections 2a, 2b that are pivoted relative to one another. The illustration also shows the design of the rotary joint 9, which has a semi-cylindrical pivot head 11 and a corresponding concave profile with a semi-cylindrical negative pivot bearing 12. It can also be seen that the housing sections 2a, 2b have a wire insertion opening 20, through which the electrical wire to be clamped can be guided to the corresponding spring force clamping connection 3a, 3b of the housing sections 2a, 2b.

[0061] Figure 5a and Figure 5b FIG. 4 is a perspective side view of a busbar structure 4 used for the above-mentioned terminal block 1 according to an embodiment. Figure 5a FIG. 4 shows the busbar structure 4 in the initial state. Figure 5b 2 shows a busbar structure 4 having connecting sections 4a, 4b which are pivoted relative to one another. Figure 5a and Figure 5b Can be seen as Figure 1a and Figure 1b 2 is an isolated illustration of a busbar structure 4 shown in FIG.

[0062] The busbar structure 4 is configured for electrically conductively connecting the spring force clamping connectors 3a, 3b and the wires connected thereto and comprises a first connecting section 4a, a second connecting section 4b and a hinge section 4c connecting the first connecting section 4a with the second connecting section 4b. The connecting sections 4a, 4b can be moved relative to each other by the hinge section 4c, so that the spring force clamping connectors 3a, 3b that can be moved relative to each other can be safely and reliably connected to each other. The hinge section 4c is configured as a flexible, compliant band composed of an electrically conductive material according to the embodiment shown, so that it has a lower bending stiffness than the connecting sections 4a, 4b of the busbar structure 4. The hinge section 4c, the first connecting section 4a and the second connecting section 4b are configured as one piece with each other according to the embodiment shown, so that the connecting sections 4a, 4b directly transition into the hinge section 4c.

[0063] As in Figure 5a and Figure 5b As shown in , the busbar structure 4 can have a first fastening tab 5a for suspending a first clamping spring 6a at the busbar structure 4 and a second fastening tab 5b for suspending a second clamping spring 6b at the busbar structure 4. The fastening tabs 5a, 5b can, for example, each have a fastening opening 21, into which the supporting legs of the corresponding clamping springs 6a, 6b can be sunk. In addition, the first connecting section 4a and the second connecting section 4b each have a wire support surface 7 in the form of a flat material tongue for guiding and supporting the wire to be clamped and a wire receiving recess 8 adjacent to the wire support surface 7. The wire support surface 7 transitions into the wire receiving recess 8 in an inclined state, so that the wire guided on the wire support surface 7 can extend into the wire receiving recess 8 at a predefined angle. According to the figure, the wire receiving recess 8 forms a receiving space, which has a quadrilateral channel, and the channel has an open end side for the end section of the clamped wire.

[0064] As from Figure 5a and Figure 5b It can be seen that the articulated section 4c of the busbar structure 4 extends between the conductor receiving recesses 8 of the connecting sections 4a, 4b. The articulated section 4c is molded directly onto the conductor receiving recesses 8 and projects from an upper wall 17 of the conductor receiving recesses 8, which is opposite to a lower wall 18 adjoining the conductor support surface 7. The conductor receiving recesses 8 can receive the conductor ends of the clamped conductors and protect them from collision with the articulated section 4c during the pivoting process.

[0065] In addition, in observing Figure 5a , 5bIt can be seen that the busbar structure 4 can be produced from a flat sheet metal blank. For example, the busbar structure 4 can be obtained by punching out a defined two-dimensional geometric contour from a semi-finished sheet metal and by bending the sheet metal strip at predetermined positions in different spatial directions, so that a three-dimensional busbar structure 4 can be produced from a substantially two-dimensional sheet metal blank. In this case, the bent sections of the busbar structure 4 can be connected to one another, for example, by a form-fitting web structure 22, for example, in order to form a conductor receiving recess 8 according to the above-mentioned features.

[0066] The connecting terminal 1 and the busbar structure 4 described above provide for easy handling of the connecting terminal 1 and improved connection conditions for the conductors to be connected.

[0067] Reference numerals list

[0068] 1 Terminal block

[0069] 2 Insulating material housing

[0070] 2a First housing section

[0071] 2b Second housing section

[0072] 3a First elastic clamping connector

[0073] 3b Second elastic clamping connector

[0074] 4 Bus structure

[0075] 4a First connecting section

[0076] 4b Second connecting section

[0077] 4c articulated section

[0078] 5a First fastening tab

[0079] 5b Second fastening tab

[0080] 6a Clamping spring of the first elastic clamping connector

[0081] 6b Clamping spring of the second elastic clamping connector

[0082] 7 Wire support surface

[0083] 8 Wire receiving recess

[0084] 9 Rotating joint

[0085] 10 Pivoting Arm

[0086] 11 Pivoting head

[0087] 12 Pivot support portion

[0088] 13 Locking mechanism

[0089] 14 card lock structure

[0090] 15 card lock opening

[0091] 16a First joystick

[0092] 16b Second joystick

[0093] 17 on the wall

[0094] 18 lower wall

[0095] 19 Wire insertion direction

[0096] 20 wires inserted into the opening

[0097] 21 Fastening opening

[0098] 22 joint structure

[0099] M1 first intermediate longitudinal axis

[0100] M2 Second intermediate longitudinal axis

[0101] S Pivot axis

[0102] α Pivot angle

Claims

1. A connection terminal (1) for connecting electrical conductors to one another, the connection terminal having an insulating material housing (2), the insulating material housing having: - a first housing section (2a), in which a first spring-force clamping connection (3a) is arranged; and a second housing section (2b), in which a second spring-force clamping connection (3b) is arranged, It is characterized in that - the first housing section (2a) is pivotable relative to the second housing section (2b), and - The connecting terminal (1) has a busbar structure (4) for electrically conductively connecting the first elastic clamping connection (3a) to the second elastic clamping connection (3b), wherein the busbar structure (4) has a first connecting section (4a) associated with the first elastic clamping connection (3a), a second connecting section (4b) associated with the second elastic clamping connection (3b), and a hinge section (4c) connecting the first connecting section (4a) to the second connecting section (4b).

2. The connecting terminal (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The busbar structure (4) is designed in one piece.

3. The connecting terminal (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The articulated section (4c) of the busbar structure (4) has a sliding contact area.

4. The connecting terminal (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The articulated section (4c) of the busbar structure (4) has a lower bending stiffness than the connecting sections (4a, 4b) of the busbar structure (4).

5. The connecting terminal (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that: The joint section (4c) is designed as an elastic joint section (4c).

6. The connecting terminal (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The busbar structure (4) has a first fastening tab (5a), on which a clamping spring (6a) of the first elastic clamping connection (3a) is suspended, and the busbar structure (4) has a second fastening tab (5b), on which a clamping spring (6b) of the second elastic clamping connection (3b) is suspended.

7. The connecting terminal (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The first connecting section (4a) and / or the second connecting section (4b) has a wire support surface (7) and a wire receiving recess (8) adjacent to the wire support surface (7).

8. The connecting terminal (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that: The articulated section (4c) of the busbar structure (4) extends between the conductor receiving recesses (8) of the first connecting section (4a) and of the second connecting section (4b).

9. The connecting terminal (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The first housing section (2a) and the second housing section (2b) are pivotably connected to each other via a swivel joint (9).

10. The connecting terminal (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that: The swivel joint (9) has at least one pivot arm (10) which is pivotable about a pivot axis (S) and via which the first housing section (2a) and the second housing section (2b) are connected to one another.

11. The connecting terminal (1) according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that: The first housing section (2a) has a pivot head (11) and the second housing section (2b) has a pivot support portion (12) corresponding to the pivot head (11), or the second housing section (2b) has a pivot head (11) and the first housing section (2a) has a pivot support portion (12) corresponding to the pivot head (11).

12. The connecting terminal (1) according to any one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that: The first housing section (2a) and the second housing section (2b) are arranged overlapping each other in the region of the rotary joint (9).

13. The connecting terminal (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that A pivot angle (α) between 0° and + / −90° can be set between the first housing section ( 2a ) and the second housing section ( 2b ).

14. The connecting terminal (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that A settable pivot angle (α) between the first housing section (2a) and the second housing section (2b) can be fixed by means of a latching mechanism (13).

15. The connecting terminal (1) according to claim 14, characterized in that The latching mechanism (13) is formed by a latching structure (14) in a pivot arm (10) and by one or more latching openings (15) in the first and / or second housing section, the pivot axis (S) of the pivot arm (10) extending through the first and / or second housing section.

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