Spring force clamping connection piece and connection terminal

Abstract

The invention relates to a spring-force clamping connection for connecting electrical conductors by means of a spring force, said spring-force clamping connection having at least one busbar and a clamping spring, said clamping spring having a clamping leg with a clamping edge for clamping the electrical conductor to a contact section of the busbar, the spring force clamping connection has a retaining element which is configured to retain the clamping leg in the open position, and the clamping spring has a spring bow which is connected to the clamping leg. The invention further relates to a connection terminal having such a spring-loaded clamping connection.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a spring-force clamping connection for connecting an electrical conductor by means of spring force, wherein the spring-force clamping connection comprises at least one busbar and a clamping spring, wherein the clamping spring has a clamping leg with a clamping edge for clamping the electrical conductor to a contact section of the busbar, and wherein the spring-force clamping connection comprises a retaining element configured to hold the clamping leg in an open position, wherein the clamping spring comprises a spring bow connected to the clamping leg. The present invention also relates to a connecting terminal having such a spring-force clamping connection. Background Art

[0002] Such a terminal is known from DE 10 2020 119 372 A1. This terminal automatically connects the electrical conductor to be clamped when it is inserted into the terminal. Inserting the electrical conductor automatically releases the clamping legs of the clamping spring, which are held in the open position, thereby clamping the electrical conductor. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Based on this, the object of the present invention is to provide a further improved spring force clamping connection and a connecting terminal.

[0004] The object is achieved in that a deflection plate for transferring the clamping leg into the open position is mounted on the clamping spring, the deflection plate being pivotably supported on the clamping spring in the region of the spring bow. The deflection plate is thus pivotably supported on the spring bow at the bearing point.

[0005] This deflection plate allows for good transmission of the actuating force for actuating the clamping leg, even in the case of a particularly slender design of the spring-force clamping connection. The deflection plate can be loaded with force, for example, via a pressure element or an actuating lever, and can then transmit the actuating force to the clamping leg. The deflection plate can thus form a second actuating element of the actuating mechanism for transferring the clamping leg into the open position.

[0006] By means of such a deflection plate, a relatively short spring-force clamping connection transversely to the conductor insertion direction can be realized, which can be actuated efficiently and ergonomically via the actuating mechanism consisting of the actuating element and the deflection plate. In this way, a terminal block for automatically connecting an electrical conductor to be clamped can be improved in terms of both ease of use and reliability, with regard to overall size.

[0007] The bearing point on the spring bow can be designed, for example, in such a way that a projection is formed on the spring bow at opposite edge edges, said projection being overlapped by a bearing section of the deflector plate which is formed as a counterpart to the projection.

[0008] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the deflection plate extends along a major part of the spring bow and the clamping leg.

[0009] According to an advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the deflection plate is coupled to the clamping leg, in particular in a form-fitting manner with clearance. For example, the deflection plate can be coupled to the clamping leg with its end facing away from the spring bow. In this manner, the deflection plate is fastened to another location on the clamping spring, namely, to the coupling location on the clamping leg. The connection can be intentionally provided with a certain clearance so that the deflection plate is not tensioned between the support location on the spring bow and the coupling location on the clamping leg. To achieve this connection, projections are provided on each of the two side edges of the clamping leg, which projections extend into corresponding receiving openings in the deflection plate.

[0010] According to an advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the deflector plate has a U-shaped region, with which the deflector plate overlaps the clamping spring, for example in a fork-shaped manner. For example, the U-shaped region can overlap a section of the clamping leg. The deflector plate is then designed to be U-shaped when viewed along the longitudinal direction of the overlapping section of the clamping leg or when viewed from above. The U-shape allows the deflector plate to be designed to be stable while requiring only a small amount of additional space and is well suited for transmitting forces to the clamping leg. For example, the deflector plate can have a force-absorbing surface for absorbing the actuating forces of an actuating element of the terminal, such as a push piece.

[0011] According to an advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the spring-force clamping connection has at least one actuating element for manually applying the actuating element to move the clamping leg into the open position, wherein the deflection plate is configured to transmit the manual actuating force applied to the actuating element to the clamping leg. This actuating mechanism, consisting of the actuating element and the deflection plate, allows for efficient and ergonomic actuation of the spring-force clamping connection. The actuating element can be designed, for example, as a pressure element.

[0012] According to an advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the deflector plate has a mechanical interface for coupling to the actuating element. This provides a defined connection point between the deflector plate and the actuating element. For example, the deflector plate can have one or more protruding projections as a mechanical interface, which can be arranged in a receiving space of the actuating element formed as a counterpart for this purpose.

[0013] During manual actuation, the actuating mechanism can be used to shift the clamping leg into the open position, overcoming the spring force of the clamping spring. In the open position, the clamping leg can then be held by the retaining element, in particular also without further manual actuation of the actuating mechanism, so that electrical lines can be inserted at any time without any particular expenditure of force.

[0014] The clamping legs, together with the contact section of the busbar, can form a clamping point for clamping an electrical conductor between the clamping legs and the contact section. In the open position, at least the clamping edge of the clamping legs is pivoted away from the contact section of the busbar. The clamping legs can, for example, be pivoted between an open position, in which the electrical conductor can freely move between the clamping legs and the contact section, and a clamped position, in which the clamping legs clamp the electrical conductor to the contact section.

[0015] The retaining element can, for example, act directly on the clamping leg to hold it in the open position. Thus, for example, a first latching element can be provided on the clamping leg and a second latching element can be provided on the retaining element, wherein the first latching element and the second latching element can lock together in the open position. The retaining element can be designed as a protruding latching arm. The first latching element can be designed as a latching protrusion or a latching hook. The second latching element can be designed as a latching edge or a latching opening.

[0016] The holding element can be present as a separate component which is fastened, for example, to an insulating material housing of the connecting terminal, to a busbar or to another component.

[0017] According to an advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the retaining element is formed integrally from the material of the clamping spring. This has the advantage that the retaining element can be produced directly during the bending process of the clamping spring, thereby eliminating the need for separate assembly of the retaining element.

[0018] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the deflection plate projects beyond the spring bow, viewed from the clamping edge. This is also advantageous for a slender design of the spring-force clamping connection. For example, the deflection plate can extend from the coupling point, where the deflection plate is coupled to the clamping leg, along the clamping leg to the spring bow and beyond.

[0019] The operating element can be configured as a movable push piece or a pivotable lever, for example. In the case of a push piece, the push piece can be arranged substantially linearly movable in the receiving channel of the insulating material housing.

[0020] According to an advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the clamping spring has a support section that is connected to the clamping leg via a spring bow, wherein the support section is configured to support the clamping spring on a busbar or other component of the terminal block. The support section ensures reliable support of the clamping spring and sufficient support against the spring force exerted by the clamping leg.

[0021] According to an advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the spring-force clamping connection comprises a release element with a release section, by which the clamping leg held on the retaining element in the open position can be released from the retaining element when the electrical conductor to be clamped exerts an actuating force on the release section. This allows the clamping leg to be automatically released from the retaining element by inserting the electrical conductor. The release section can be loaded with pressure by a separate tool, a component of the terminal, such as an actuating element, or directly via the inserted electrical conductor itself, thereby achieving release of the clamping leg from the retaining element. With the aid of the release element, the clamping leg held on the retaining element in the open position can be released from the retaining element by applying pressure to the release section in the conductor insertion direction (L) of the electrical conductor to be connected. Depending on the configuration of the spring-force clamping connection, the release element can be designed as part of the clamping spring, for example as a release element integrally formed with the clamping spring, or as a separate component.

[0022] According to an advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the retaining element is provided on the portion of the support section, the release element, or the clamping spring that connects the release section to the support section. In particular, the retaining element can be integrally formed with the support section, the release element, or the clamping spring that connects the release section to the support section. This eliminates the need for additional separate components. This reduces the manufacturing and assembly costs of the spring-force clamping connection.

[0023] According to an advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the busbar has a slit-shaped opening through which the clamping spring, or at least its clamping legs, protrude. This is beneficial for reliably clamping the electrical conductor to the busbar. For example, the contact section can be designed as a contact tongue cut out of the busbar material and bent away, for example, bent away from the busbar surface, at which the support section rests on the busbar. The electrical conductor to be clamped can then also be guided through the slit-shaped opening so that it is securely held therein. The slit-shaped opening can be completely or predominantly surrounded circumferentially by the busbar material.

[0024] According to an advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the clamping spring is supported with its support section on the inner side of the busbar, in particular a slit-shaped opening. This allows the clamping spring to be securely supported on both sides, so that the force of the clamping spring is directed away from the insulating material housing of the terminal. For example, both the support section and the clamping legs can extend through the slit-shaped opening.

[0025] Furthermore, the aforementioned object is achieved by a terminal block having an insulating material housing with at least one wire insertion opening for accommodating an electrical wire in a wire insertion direction (L), wherein at least one spring-force clamping connection of the type described above is arranged in the insulating material housing. The advantages described above are also achieved as a result. The electrical wire can be introduced through the wire insertion opening in the wire insertion direction as far as a clamping point between a clamping edge of a clamping leg and a contact section of a busbar and clamped there.

[0026] According to an advantageous embodiment of the present invention, a wire guide channel for guiding an electrical wire to be clamped at the contact section can be formed in the insulating material housing, wherein the release section of the release element is arranged in the wire guide channel or at least protrudes into the wire guide channel.

[0027] According to an advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the release section of the release element can be arranged behind the contact section or at least behind the clamping point in the conductor insertion direction (L).

[0028] According to an advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the insulating housing has a receiving channel for receiving and supporting the actuating element. In this way, the actuating element can be reliably guided through the material of the insulating housing, thereby preventing jamming and tilting during actuation.

[0029] The receiving channel can be arranged substantially aligned with the spring bow of the clamping spring in the direction of movement of the actuating element in the receiving channel. In this way, the actuating element can be arranged, as it were, on the spring bow and not necessarily on the clamping leg as in known terminal blocks. In this way, the conductor insertion channel can be arranged relatively close to the clamping leg.

[0030] In the context of the present invention, the indefinite term "one" is not to be understood as a numeral. Thus, when referring to a component, for example, this should be interpreted as meaning "at least one component." Whenever an angle is specified in degrees, it relates to the dimension of a circle of 360 degrees (360°). BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] The present invention will be described in detail below based on embodiments using the accompanying drawings.

[0032] The accompanying drawings show:

[0033] Figure 1 The clamping spring with the deflection plate is shown in a side view.

[0034] Figure 2 Shown in a stereoscopic view according to Figure 1 Spring-force clamping connection with clamping spring and deflection plate,

[0035] Figure 3 The connecting terminal is shown in the open position in a side view.

[0036] Figure 4 Shown in the clamped position according to Figure 3 The terminal blocks,

[0037] Figure 5 Another embodiment of a clamping spring with a deflection plate is shown in a side view.

[0038] Figure 6 Shown in a stereoscopic view with Figure 5 The spring force of the clamping spring clamps the connection piece,

[0039] Figure 7 Another embodiment of a terminal block is shown in the open position,

[0040] Figure 8 Shown in the clamped position according to Figure 7 The terminal blocks. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] As in Figure 1 As can be seen in FIG, the clamping spring 4 has a clamping leg 43, a spring bow 42 connected to the clamping leg 43, and a support section 41 connected to the spring bow 42. In addition, there is a holding element 5, which is integrally formed with the clamping spring 4, in particular integrally formed with a region 40 of the support section 41, which has a reduced width than the region of the support section 41 connected to the spring bow 42. The holding element 5 serves to hold the clamping leg 43 in the open position, as in FIG. Figure 1 As can be seen in .

[0042] Furthermore, there is a release element 8, which is also formed integrally with the clamping spring 4, for example, as a material section which is connected to the holding element 5. The release element 8 has a release section 80 at its free end, via which the clamping leg 43, which is held on the holding element 5 in the open position, can be released from the holding element 5 when an actuating force is exerted on the release section 80 by the electrical conductor to be clamped.

[0043] At the clamping leg 43, the clamping tongue 45 is bent toward the free end. At its free end, the clamping tongue 45 ends with a clamping edge 46, which serves to clamp the electrical conductor. The clamping tongue 45 can extend from the material of the clamping leg 43 and bend in a direction away from the support section 41. Due to the extended clamping tongue 45, a first latching element 47, for example a first latching element in the form of a protruding latching arm, remains on both sides of the clamping tongue 45 at the clamping leg 43. The first latching element 47 is configured for latching coupling with the second latching element 50 of the retaining element 5. Figure 3 As can be seen in FIG, locking takes place in the open position.

[0044] As an alternative to the aforementioned first latching elements 47 provided on both sides of the clamping tongue 45, there can also be only one first latching element 47. This single first latching element 47 extends centrally from the clamping tongue 45 toward the retaining element 5. An opening is then formed on the retaining element 5 as a second latching element 50.

[0045] A deflector plate 6 is mounted on the clamping spring 4. The deflector plate 6 overlaps the clamping spring 4 on both sides. On each side, the deflector plate 6 has a support element 60, for example, in the form of a recess, by means of which the deflector plate 6 is supported on the spring bow 42. To this end, first form-fitting elements 44, for example, laterally projecting projections, are formed on both sides of the spring bow 42, which engage in the support element 60. In addition, the deflector plate 6 is coupled to the clamping leg 43 toward the clamping tongue 45, as viewed from the spring bow 42. To this end, a coupling element 61 is formed on each side of the deflector plate 6. The clamping spring 4 has, in the region of the clamping leg 43, a laterally projecting projection 48 as a counterpart to the coupling element 61, which engages in the corresponding coupling element 61. The connection of the deflector plate 6 at the projection 48 by means of coupling elements 61 is purposely designed with a large play so that the deflector plate 6 can perform a certain relative movement relative to the clamping leg 43 at this location. The coupling elements 61 are each designed as an opening in a lateral section / leg of the deflector plate 6.

[0046] also, Figure 2 The busbar 3 and the electrical conductor 9 are shown. The busbar 3 can have a bent shape with a main section 30, in which a slit-shaped opening 32 is formed. The contact section 31 of the busbar 3 can extend from the main section 30 and bend, for example, toward the release section 80. The clamping spring 4, with its support section 41, is supported on the surface of the main section 30 facing away from the contact section 31 and, in addition, is supported with the back side of the region 40 on the inside of the slit-shaped opening 32. As can be seen, both the narrower region 40 of the support section 41 and the clamping legs 43 protrude through the slit-shaped opening 32.

[0047] Figure 3 and Figure 4 The drawing shows a terminal block 1 having an insulating material housing 2 in which a terminal block according to Figure 3 The spring force clamping connection has a busbar 3 and a clamping spring 4 of the type already described.

[0048] The insulating material housing 2 has a conductor insertion opening 20 , into which an electrical conductor is introduced in a conductor insertion direction L and can be clamped at a clamping point formed between a clamping leg 43 or a clamping edge 46 and the contact section 31 .

[0049] It can also be seen that the operating element 7, in the form of a push piece, is connected to the deflector plate 6, at least when the operating element 7 is manually actuated. During manual actuation, the operating element 7 rests on the mechanical interface 62 of the deflector plate 6 and transmits the manual actuation force to the deflector plate 6 in the manner described. The operating element 7 has an actuation surface 70, on which the user can apply the manual actuation force.

[0050] The insulating material housing 2 furthermore has a receiving channel 21 , in which the actuating element 7 is guided in the displacement direction during manual actuation.

[0051] also, Figure 3 It is shown that after the clamping spring 4 has been transferred into the open position, an electrical conductor 9 can be placed at the clamping point between the contact section 31 and the clamping tongue 45. The electrical conductor 9 can act on the release section 80 with a force, which causes the clamping legs 43 held in the open position to release.

[0052] exist Figure 4 In the embodiment of the present invention, the clamping legs 43 are in their clamping position. If no electrical conductor is inserted, the clamping legs 43 can, for example, rest against the contact section 31 or be in close proximity thereto.

[0053] Figure 3 The connecting terminal 1 is shown in an actuated state, in which the clamping legs 43 are moved into the open position by manual actuation of the actuating element 7. To this end, the user can exert a manual actuating force on the actuating surface 70 of the actuating element 7, thereby moving the actuating element 7 downward in the first guide channel 21. As a result, the deflection plate 6 is pivoted clockwise, as viewed from the perspective of the drawing, about the projection, i.e., the first form-fit element 44, which engages in the support element 60.

[0054] Figure 3 and Figure 7 The connecting terminal 1 is shown not only in the actuated state, but also in the delivery state with the prestressed clamping spring 4 or after the clamping spring 4 has been actuated.

[0055] In the open position, the first latching element 47 latches with the second latching element 50, so that the clamping leg 43 is held in the open position by the retaining element 5 even without applying any further actuating force to the actuating element 7. The actuating element 7 now visually indicates to the user that the connecting terminal 1 is in the open position due to its lower position in the first guide channel 21. In the open position, the electrical conductor 9 can be positioned at the clamping point without exerting any force.

[0056] If the electrical conductor 9 is now to be clamped in the spring-force clamping connection by means of spring force, the electrical conductor 9 is simply pressed against the release section 80. As a result, the release section 80 is slightly deflected downward, thereby canceling the latching between the first latching element 47 and the second latching element 50, and thus releasing the clamping leg 43 from the retaining element 5. Due to its spring force, the clamping leg 43 then springs back with the clamping edge 46 toward the electrical conductor 9 and clamps it at the contact section 31.

[0057] according to Figures 1 to 4 The connection terminal with the spring force clamping connection and the push-piece actuation device according to the invention has been described. The actuating element 7 is correspondingly designed as an actuating push-piece. The same spring force clamping connection can also be used in a connection terminal with a lever actuation device, such as according to Figures 5 to 8 As stated.

[0058] As can be seen, a pivotable operating lever is now provided as the operating element 7, which is arranged in the receiving channel 21 of the insulating material housing 2. The operating element 7 now has a lever arm extending from the insulating material housing 2 as a manual operating surface 70. The operating element 7 is in turn coupled to the mechanical interface 62 of the deflector plate 6. In this case, the mechanical interface 62 of the deflector plate 6 is designed in the form of a protruding projection that extends into the receiving chamber of the operating element 7. In this manner, the operating element 7 is fixedly connected to the deflector plate 6.

[0059] Figure 8 The connecting terminal 1 is shown in the unactuated state, ie, the clamping legs 43 are in the clamping position. Figure 7 The connecting terminal 1 is shown in the actuated state, in which the clamping legs 43 are transferred into the open position by manually actuating the actuating element 7. In the open position, the clamping legs 43 are again held by the holding element 5, as described above according to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The release of the clamping legs 43 held in the open position by the release element 8 can also be achieved by means of the electrical line 9 as described above.

[0060] Reference Signs List

[0061] 1 Terminal block

[0062] 2 Insulating material housing

[0063] 3 Bus

[0064] 4 Clamping spring

[0065] 5. Retaining elements

[0066] 6 Deflector

[0067] 7 First operating element

[0068] 8 Loosen the components

[0069] 9 Electrical wires

[0070] 20 Wire entry opening

[0071] 21 Accommodation Channel

[0072] 30 main section

[0073] 31 contact section

[0074] 32 Slit-like opening

[0075] 40 Area of ​​the support section

[0076] 41 Support section

[0077] 42 Springbow

[0078] 43 Clamping Legs

[0079] 44 first form-fitting element

[0080] 45 clamping tongue

[0081] 46 Clamping edge

[0082] 47 First locking element

[0083] 48 protrusion

[0084] 50 Second locking element

[0085] 60 Support element

[0086] 61 Coupling elements

[0087] 62 Mechanical Interface

[0088] 70 Control Surfaces

[0089] 71 Cavity

[0090] 80 Loose section

[0091] L Wire introduction direction

Claims

1. A spring-force clamping connection for connecting an electrical conductor (9) by means of spring force, wherein the spring-force clamping connection comprises at least one busbar (3) and a clamping spring (4), the clamping spring having a clamping leg (43) with a clamping edge (46) for clamping the electrical conductor (9) to a contact section (31) of the busbar (3), and the spring-force clamping connection comprises a retaining element (5) configured to hold the clamping leg (43) in an open position, the clamping spring (4) having a spring bow (42) connected to the clamping leg (43), characterized in that A deflection plate (6) is attached to the clamping spring (4) and serves to transfer the clamping leg (43) into the open position, wherein the deflection plate (6) is pivotably supported on the clamping spring (4) in the region of the spring bow (42).

2. The spring force clamping connection according to claim 1, characterized in that The deflector plate (6) extends along a major portion of the spring bow (42) and the clamping leg (43).

3. The spring force clamping connection according to claim 1, characterized in that The deflector plate (6) is coupled to the clamping leg (43), in particular coupled to the clamping leg (43) in a form-fitting manner with play.

4. The spring force clamping connection according to claim 3, characterized in that The deflector plate (6) is coupled to the clamping leg (43) with its end facing away from the spring bow (42).

5. The spring force clamping connection according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The deflector plate (6) has a U-shaped region, with which the deflector plate overlaps the clamping spring (4).

6. The spring force clamping connection according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The spring-force clamping connection has at least one operating element (7) for transferring the clamping leg (43) into the open position by manually loading the operating element (7), wherein the deflection plate (6) is configured to transmit the manual operating force applied to the operating element (7) to the clamping leg (43).

7. The spring force clamping connection according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The deflector plate (6) projects beyond the spring bow (42) in a direction facing away from the clamping edge (46).

8. The spring force clamping connection according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The deflector plate (6) has a mechanical interface (62) for coupling to the actuating element (7).

9. The spring force clamping connection according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The clamping spring (4) has a supporting section (41) which is connected to the clamping leg (43) via the spring bow (42), wherein the supporting section (41) is configured to support the clamping spring (4) on the busbar (3) or another component of the connecting terminal (1).

10. The spring force clamping connection according to claim 1, characterized in that The spring-force clamping connection has a release element (8) with a release section (80), by which the clamping leg (43) held on the retaining element (5) in the open position can be released from the retaining element (5) when an electrical conductor (9) to be clamped exerts an actuating force on the release section (80).

11. The spring force clamping connection according to any one of claims 9 to 10, characterized in that The retaining element (5) is arranged on the bearing section (41), on the release element (8), or on a section of the clamping spring (4) that connects the release section (80) to the bearing section (41).

12. The spring force clamping connection according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The busbar (3) has a slit-shaped opening (32) through which the clamping spring (4) or at least its clamping legs (43) protrude.

13. The spring force clamping connection according to claim 12, characterized in that The clamping spring (4) is supported with its bearing section (41) on the busbar (3), in particular on the inner side of the slit-shaped opening (32).

14. A terminal (1) having an insulating material housing (2) with at least one wire insertion opening (20) for receiving an electrical wire (9) in a wire insertion direction (L), characterized in that At least one spring-force clamping connection according to any of the preceding claims is arranged in the insulating material housing (2).

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