Spring force clamping connection piece and connection terminal

Abstract

The invention relates to a spring-loaded clamping connection (3) having a busbar (4), a clamping spring (5) and an opening retaining element (15). The busbar has a conductor insertion opening (9) and a contact region (12), which are laterally delimited by means of an edge tab (19). The clamping spring has a support leg (7), a clamping leg (6) and a spring bow (8) connecting the support leg (7) to the clamping leg (6). The clamping spring protrudes into the conductor insertion opening (9) by means of a clamping leg (6) and has a clamping edge (24) on the clamping leg (6), wherein a clamping point for clamping the electrical conductor (28) is formed between the clamping edge (24) and the contact region (12) of the busbar. The opening retaining element (15) is designed to lock the clamping leg (6) in an opening retaining position, in which the clamping leg (6) is displaced away from the contact region (12) and towards the bearing leg (7) in order to open the clamping point.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The invention relates to a spring force clamping connection with a busbar, a clamping spring and an opening holding element. The busbar has a conductor insertion opening laterally delimited by edge tabs and a contact area. The clamping spring has a bearing leg, a clamping leg and a spring bow connecting the bearing leg with the clamping leg. The clamping spring extends into the conductor insertion opening with the clamping leg and has a clamping edge at the clamping leg, wherein a clamping site for clamping an electrical conductor is formed between the clamping edge and the contact area of the busbar. The opening holding element constitutes a catch for the clamping leg in an opening holding position in which the clamping leg is displaced away from the contact area and towards the bearing leg in order to open the clamping site.

[0002] The invention also relates to a terminal with an insulating material housing and a spring force clamping connection in the insulating material housing. BACKGROUND

[0003] The spring force clamping connection is used to clamp an electrical conductor to a clamping site formed between the clamping leg of the clamping spring and the busbar. In order to clamp the electrical conductor, the clamping spring can be pressed away from the busbar by the electrical conductor against the force of the clamping spring in the direct connection. This applies to rigid conductors, but not to stranded or twisted conductors.

[0004] There is a need here for clamping electrical conductors in a self-holding manner in the opening holding position with the spring force clamping connection. It is generally desirable here to deliver the terminal with the spring force clamping connection open on the factory side.

[0005] WO 2021 / 105280 A1 discloses a direct plug-in terminal for connecting electrical conductors with a busbar and a clamping spring as a compression spring and a holding spring for latching the clamping spring in an open position. SUMMARY

[0006] On the basis thereof, it is an object of the invention to realize an improved spring force clamping connection and a terminal with such a spring force clamping connection.

[0007] The object is achieved with the spring force clamping connection and the terminal according to the invention. Advantageous embodiments are described in the invention.

[0008] It is proposed here that the opening holding element has a catch tab which is guided laterally alongside the edge tabs delimiting the conductor insertion opening of the busbar and constitutes a catch for the clamping leg in the opening holding position.

[0009] Thus, a stable latching takes place in the region of the plane of the wire insertion opening, wherein the opening holding element can be guided at the edge tab of the busbar. The latching of the clamping leg at the opening holding element, which is formed independently of the clamping spring, is technically reliable. The formation of the opening holding element independently of the clamping spring allows a degree of freedom in the construction and a versatile configuration integrated compactly into the clamping spring as well as a retrofitting of the spring force clamping connection.

[0010] On both sides of the busbar, one latching tab each can be guided laterally next to one edge tab of the busbar, which delimits the wire insertion opening. Thereby, a pair of latching tabs can be formed. In an advantageous design variant, the edge tab can be arranged between the pair of latching tabs. Thus, the opening holding element is guided on both sides of the edge tab arranged between the latching tabs and improves the reliability of the latching.

[0011] In an advantageous design variant, the opening holding element can be guided within the wire insertion opening such that the latching tabs are arranged between the edge tabs.

[0012] The opening holding element can have a holding tab, which is fixed at the busbar and forms a holding of the opening holding element at the busbar and a spring-elastic resetting of the opening holding element into the latching-open position. The holding tab can be formed in one piece from the metal sheet part with the latching tabs. However, it is also conceivable that the opening holding element is formed as a plastic injection-molded part. Here, at least the holding tab can be fiber-reinforced.

[0013] The opening holding element can have a base plate arranged in alignment with the wire insertion opening, spaced apart from the plane of the wire insertion opening. Two side walls can project from the base plate spaced apart from one another towards the plane of the wire insertion opening of the busbar, wherein the latching tabs guided next to the edge tabs are formed at the side walls. The base plate is aligned with the wire insertion opening of the busbar such that an electrical wire plugged through the wire insertion opening hits the base plate with its end, which is stripped of insulation on the end side, and exerts a triggering force on the opening holding element. Thus, the opening holding element is displaced and at least one latching tab is moved out of the latching contour of the clamping leg in order to unlock the clamping leg. The clamping leg can then be freely moved into the closed clamping position in order to clamp the electrical wire at the clamping site between the clamping edge of the clamping leg and the contact area of the busbar. The side walls can also form a lateral guide for the electrical wire to be inserted.

[0014] The holding tab can be formed in one piece with the base plate and projects from the plane of the base plate towards the plane of the wire insertion opening. Thus, the holding tab and the base plate form an L shape. The side walls can be bent from the holding tab so as to be formed in one piece from the material of the holding tab. It is conceivable that the side walls are connected via tabs with the respective edge edges of the holding tab.

[0015] The retaining tab can abut against an end wall of the busbar opposite the contact area, wherein the end wall delimits the conductor insertion opening and the support leg projects into the conductor insertion opening and presses the retaining tab against the end wall.

[0016] The opening retaining element is thus held at the busbar by means of the support leg in such a way that the retaining tab is positioned between the end wall delimiting the conductor insertion opening and the support leg. The clamping spring is in this way supported on the busbar by means of the support leg and retains the opening retaining element at least force-fittingly there.

[0017] The busbar can have a securing opening arranged next to the conductor insertion opening. The retaining tab can project through the securing opening and be connected with the support leg. The compact and reliable form-fitting connection of the opening retaining element with the clamping spring and the busbar is thus achieved in a simple structural manner.

[0018] The support leg can project into the securing opening. This has the advantage that the retaining tab and the support leg are likewise form-fittingly retained in the securing opening and thus provide the connection of the clamping spring and the opening retaining element with the busbar. The retaining tab can additionally still be connected with the support leg in such a way that, for example, a form-fitting connection on the upper side of the busbar facing the spring bow exists between the retaining tab and the support leg. It is conceivable for this purpose that the retaining tab projects into a receiving opening of the support leg or vice versa that a latching lug projects from the support leg and projects into a receiving opening of the retaining leg.

[0019] In addition to the previously mentioned embodiments, the support leg can also have a receiving opening in other embodiments. The free end of the retaining tab can be bent and project into the receiving opening in order to form-fittingly connect the support leg at the support leg.

[0020] The clamping leg can have a recess delimited by an edge tab and a transverse tab at the free end of the clamping leg, wherein the edge tab of the clamping leg rests on an edge tab of the busbar and the recess is aligned with the conductor insertion opening at least in at least one operating state of the spring force clamping connection, in particular in the open position. A clamping tab can project from the transverse tab into the conductor insertion opening of the busbar, said clamping tab having a clamping edge for clamping an electrical conductor. The latching or hooking of the at least one latching tab of the opening retaining element can thus be carried out by an undercut at the at least one edge tab of the clamping leg. The clamping leg can be supported on an adjacent edge tab of the busbar, so that a stable guidance and latching of the clamping leg with the opening retaining element is ensured.

[0021] The support leg can project into the recess of the clamping leg.

[0022] The clamping leg can have on the side of the recess opposite the transverse web an operating section bent away from the support leg, which transitions into the spring bow.

[0023] The wire insertion opening can be bounded by a flange, wherein the contact area is formed at the flange end wall.

[0024] From the busbar a contact lug can project, which forms an end wall delimiting the wire insertion opening and the contact area.

[0025] The contact lug can be arranged adjacent to the support leg.

[0026] The terminal has an insulating material housing and in the insulating material housing a spring force clamping connection according to the invention. The insulating material housing can have a wire introduction channel leading to the wire insertion opening, wherein the opening holding element is arranged in alignment with the wire introduction channel by means of the triggering area and constitutes for the unlocking of the clamping leg by displacement of the opening holding element when a triggering force is exerted on the triggering area by an electrical wire plugged in the wire introduction channel and through the wire insertion opening of the busbar.

[0027] The insulating material housing can have an operating opening leading to the clamping spring.

[0028] An operating element can be movably supported in the operating opening, which constitutes for the displacement of the clamping leg into the open holding position.

[0029] The insulating material housing can have a wire receiving recess, wherein the opening holding element is arranged in the wire receiving recess and a guide pin of the insulating material housing is arranged next to the holding web in order to guide an inserted electrical wire at the guide pin to the triggering area of the opening holding element and away from the holding web.

[0030] In general, in connection with the present application, the word "a" should not be interpreted as the numerical article, but rather as the indefinite article, and it should be interpreted to mean "at least one" unless explicitly stated otherwise. In particular, the terminal can also have a plurality of clamping springs. The clamping springs can here each act together with its own busbar or a common busbar. There is then for each clamping spring an assigned opening holding element, wherein not all clamping springs must be equipped with an opening holding element. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0031] The invention allows various embodiments and is described in detail below by way of example according to an embodiment. The drawings show:

[0032] Figure 1a A perspective view showing a first embodiment of the terminal;

[0033] Figure 1b A perspective view showing a second embodiment of the terminal;Figure 1a top view of the terminal in the connection terminal in

[0034] Figure 2a the connection terminal in Figure 1a side view of the terminal in the connection terminal in

[0035] Figure 2b the connection terminal in Figure 1a side view of the terminal in the connection terminal in

[0036] Figure 2c the connection terminal in Figure 1a side view of the terminal in the connection terminal in

[0037] Figure 3a the connection terminal in Figure 2a side view of the terminal in the connection terminal in

[0038] Figure 3b the connection terminal in Figure 2b side view of the terminal in the connection terminal in

[0039] Figure 3c the connection terminal in Figure 2c side view of the terminal in the connection terminal in

[0040] Figure 4a the connection terminal in Figure 2a perspective view of the spring force clamping connection of the terminal in the connection terminal in

[0041] Figure 4b the connection terminal in Figure 2b perspective view of the spring force clamping connection of the terminal in the connection terminal in

[0042] Figure 4c the connection terminal in Figure 2c perspective view of the spring force clamping connection of the terminal in the connection terminal in

[0043] Figure 5a the connection terminal in Figure 4a perspective view of the spring force clamping connection of the terminal in the connection terminal in

[0044] Figure 5b the connection terminal in Figure 4b perspective view of the spring force clamping connection of the terminal in the connection terminal in

[0045] Figure 5c connector in an unlocked and closed clamping position with clamped electrical conductors Figure 4c perspective view of a spring force clamping connection in

[0046] Figure 6 perspective view of an opening retaining element for a spring force clamping connection

[0047] Figure 7 perspective view of an opening retaining element in Figure 6 top view of an opening retaining element in

[0048] Figure 8 front view of an opening retaining element in Figure 6

[0049] Figure 9 side view of an opening retaining element in Figure 6

[0050] bottom view of an opening retaining element in Figure 10 Figure 6 perspective view of a busbar for a spring force clamping connection

[0051] Figure 11 perspective view of a clamping spring for a spring force clamping connection

[0052] Figure 12 perspective view of a second embodiment of a terminal

[0053] Figure 13 top view of a terminal in

[0054] Figure 14 Figure 13 side view of a terminal in

[0055] Figure 15a side view of a terminal in Figure 13

[0056] side view of a terminal in Figure 15b Figure 13 side view of a terminal in

[0057] Figure 16b Figure 15c side view of a terminal in

[0058] Figure 13 side view of a terminal in​​​​​Figure 15a side view of the terminal in the cross section C-C in the

[0059] Figure 15b showing the terminal in the Figure 16a side view of the terminal in the cross section C-C in the

[0060] Figure 15a showing the terminal in the Figure 16b side view of the spring force clamping connection in the cross section C-C in the

[0061] Figure 15b showing the terminal in the Figure 16c perspective view of the spring force clamping connection in the cross section C-C in the

[0062] Figure 15c showing the terminal in the Figure 17a perspective view of the spring force clamping connection in the cross section C-C in the

[0063] Figure 15a showing the terminal in the Figure 17b perspective view of the spring force clamping connection in the cross section C-C in the

[0064] Figure 15b showing the terminal in the Figure 17c perspective view of the spring force clamping connection in the cross section C-C in the

[0065] Figure 15c showing the terminal in the Figure 18a perspective view of the spring force clamping connection in the cross section C-C in the

[0066] Figure 17a showing the terminal in the Figure 18b perspective view of the spring force clamping connection in the cross section C-C in the

[0067] Figure 17b showing the terminal in the

[0068] Figure 18c showing the Figure 17c top view of the opening retaining element in the cross section C-C in the

[0069] Figure 19 showing the Figure 20 side view of the opening retaining element in the cross section C-C in the

[0070] Figure 19 showing theFigure 21 front view in the opening holding element of

[0071] Figure 22 perspective view showing the busbar of a second embodiment for a spring force clamping connection;

[0072] Figure 7 to Figure 9 perspective view showing Figure 23 top view in the busbar of

[0073] Figure 24 perspective view showing the clamping spring of a second embodiment for a spring force clamping connection;

[0074] Figure 27 perspective view showing Figure 28 side view in the clamping spring of

[0075] Figure 25 perspective view showing Figure 25 rear side view in the clamping spring of

[0076] Figure 26 perspective view showing Figure 27 top view in the clamping spring of

[0077] Figure 25 perspective view showing the operating element for a terminal;

[0078] Figure 28 perspective view showing Figure 29 side view in the operating element of

[0079] Figure 30 perspective view showing Figure 31 perspective view in the insulating material housing of a terminal;

[0080] Figure 13 perspective view showing Figure 32 top view in the insulating material housing. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0081] Figure 31 perspective view showing a first embodiment of a terminal 1 having an insulating material housing 2 with a spring force clamping connection 3 inserted therein. The spring force clamping connection 3 has a busbar 4 and a clamping spring 5. The clamping spring 5 is formed in the form of a leg spring having a clamping leg 6, a support leg 7 and a spring bow 8 connecting the clamping leg 6 with the support leg 7. The busbar 4 has a wire insertion opening 9 into which the clamping leg 6 sinks.

[0082] In the insulating material housing 2 a conductor introduction channel 10 is introduced which opens into a conductor insertion opening 9. The conductor insertion opening 9 is surrounded in the embodiment shown by means of a flange 11 on the underside of the busbar 4 which faces away from the spring bow 8 and the conductor introduction channel 10. The flange 11 has an inclined end wall which has a contact area 12 for clamping an electrical conductor inserted into the conductor introduction channel 10 between the clamping leg 6 and the contact area 12. However, other embodiments without a flange are also conceivable. It is conceivable that the clamping tab projects from the plane of the conductor insertion opening 9 of the busbar 4 away from the conductor introduction channel 10 into a conductor receiving recess 13 introduced on the opposite other side of the busbar 4 and forms the contact area 12.

[0083] In the insulating material housing 2 there is present next to the conductor introduction channel 10 an operating opening 14 which opens into the clamping leg 6. By means of an operating tool introduced into the operating opening 14 or an operating element movably accommodated therein, an operating force can be applied to the clamping leg 6 in order to displace the clamping leg from the clamping position shown into an open, open holding position in the direction of the support leg 7.

[0084] In the conductor receiving recess 13 there is provided an open holding element 15 which has one side wall 16 or two side walls 16 which are arranged parallel to one another at a distance and which have a latching tab 17 at the upper edge of the respective side wall 16 next to the busbar 4. The latching tab 17 can sink into a recess 18 at the edge edge of an edge tab 19 of the busbar 4 and has a guide ramp 17a which narrows conically towards the free end.

[0085] The open holding element 15 also has a floor 20 which is arranged in alignment with the conductor introduction channel 10 and provides a triggering surface onto which an electrical conductor to be clamped and introduced into the conductor introduction channel 10 and guided through the conductor insertion opening 9 comes and exerts a triggering force on the open holding element 15. The floor 20 is connected with a holding tab 21 which leads behind a guide pin 22 towards the busbar 4. The guide pin 22 keeps the electrical conductor away from the holding tab 21 in order to prevent an undesired premature displacement of the open holding element 15 and the unlocking of the clamping spring.

[0086] The insulating material housing 2 can have a support pin 23 in the interior space of the spring bow 8 in order to support the clamping spring 5.

[0087] Figure 1a A top view of the terminal 1 in Figure 1 with the section line A-A is shown. It can be seen that the conductor introduction channel 10 is aligned with the floor 20 which is aligned transversely to the conductor introduction channel 10.

[0088] Figure 1b Showing the clamped position in both unlocked and closed positions. Figure 2a The terminal 1 is shown in a side sectional view in section AA. It is clear that the clamping leg 6 has a clamping edge 24 at its free end, which forms a clamping portion for clamping the electrical wire with the contact area 12 at the end wall of the flange 11 that is inclined into the interior space of the flange 11.

[0089] Clamping leg 6 and support leg 7 extend into the wire insertion opening 9 of busbar 4, or into the internal space surrounding flange 11. Support leg 7 is supported on end wall 25 of flange 11 opposite to contact area 12. End wall 25 is connected to contact area 12 via spaced-apart side walls 26 of flange 11.

[0090] The retaining tab 21 of the open retaining element 15 is located between the support leg 7 and the end wall 25 and is held at the busbar 4 by the clamping force of the support leg 7. Additionally, the free end of the support leg 7 can be engaged into the recess of the retaining tab 21 by means of a locking finger so that the retaining tab 21 is also additionally form-fitted at the clamping spring 5 and held at the busbar 4 by supporting the clamping spring 5 at the busbar 4.

[0091] Figure 1a Showing the latch in the open hold position Figure 2b The side sectional view of terminal 1 in section AA.

[0092] Clearly, the clamping leg 6 is displaced toward the supporting leg 7. Here, the locking tab 17 of the opening retaining element 15 forms a locking edge 27 for clamping the leg 6 (see, for example, [link to relevant documentation]). Figure 1a The clamping leg 6 is stopped by the spring force stored in the spring bow 8. The clamping leg 6 is pressed against the locking plate 17 by the spring force stored in the spring bow 8, so that the clamping leg 6 is locked at the locking plate 17 and thus locked at the open retaining element 15.

[0093] As can be seen, the free end of the clamping leg 6 is aligned with the wire introduction channel 10 and positioned in the wire insertion direction L, preceding the retaining tab 21 and above the guide pin 22. The obtuse-angled end region of the clamping leg 6, together with the guide pin 22, prevents the inserted wire from contacting the retaining tab 21. Instead, the wire is guided toward the base plate 20 by this and by opening the sidewall 16 of the retaining element 15.

[0094] Figure 4a The clamped wire 28 is shown in the unlocked and closed clamped position. Figure 2cA side view in section A-A of the terminal 1 in Fig. 1. It is clear that the electrical conductor 28 introduced into the conductor introduction channel 10 in the conductor insertion direction L hits with its end side of the stripped end of the electrical conductor 28 onto the base plate 20 of the opening holding element 15. As a result, a triggering force is applied to the opening holding element 15 which displaces the opening holding element such that the latching tab 17 moves from the stop position for the clamping leg 6 towards the conductor accommodation recess 13 and unlocks the clamping leg 6. The clamping leg 6 can thus be moved by the spring force of the clamping spring 5 towards the contact area 12 in order to clamp the stripped end of the electrical conductor 28 between the clamping edge 24 and the contact area 12.

[0095] Figure 1a A side view in section A-A of the terminal 1 in Fig. 1. Figure 3a A side view in section A-A of the terminal 1 in Fig. 1.

[0096] The opening holding element 15 is spring- elastically held in the latching position by the holding tab 21 in which the latching tab 17 sinks into the respective recess 18 of the respective edge tab 19 and projects from the plane of the conductor insertion opening 9 towards the spring bow 8.

[0097] It is also clear that the side wall 16 of the opening holding element 15 is formed in one piece from the metal sheet of the holding tab 21 and the base plate 20. The side wall 16 is connected to the holding tab 21 via the tab 29. The base plate 20 is connected to the side wall 16 form-fittingly by the holding recess 30 of the side wall 16 into which the base plate 20 sinks.

[0098] Figure 2a A side view in section A-A of the terminal 1 in Fig. 1. Figure 3b A side view in section A-A of the terminal 1 in Fig. 1.

[0099] It can be seen that the clamping leg 6 passes with its latching contour 27 next to the guide ramp 17a and the latching tab 17 and is displaced towards the support leg 7. The latching contour 27 is located between the latching tab 17 and the support leg 7 in the latched opening holding position. The latching tab 17 forms a stop for the clamping leg 6 and latches the clamping leg in the opening holding position.

[0100] Figure 2b A side view in section A-A of the terminal 1 in Fig. 1. Figure 3cFigure 6: Side view of the terminal 1 in Figure 1 in A-A. The exposed stripped end of the electrical conductor 28 hits against the base plate 20 and applies a triggering force to the opening holding element 15 in the lead introduction direction L. The opening holding element pivots so that the latching tab 17 releases the latching edge 27 of the clamping leg 6, thereby unlocking the clamping leg 6. The clamping leg 6 can now be moved by the spring force of the clamping spring 5 into the clamping position towards the contact area 12.

[0101] Figure 2c Figure 7: Terminal 1 in Figure 1 in the unlocked and closed clamping position. Figure 4a Figure 8: Perspective view of the spring force clamping connection 3 of the terminal 1 in Figure 1.

[0102] It can be seen that the busbar 4 has a conductor threading opening 9 delimited by two mutually spaced edge tabs 19 and a transverse tab 31. The edge tabs 19 have a recess 18 each at the outer side thereof facing away from the notch, into which a respective latching tab 17 of the opening holding element 15 is accommodated. The transverse tab 31 has a holding recess 32 into which a holding protrusion of the insulating material housing 2 can sink in order to hold the spring force clamping connection 3 positionally fixed.

[0103] The clamping leg 6 springs out towards the contact area 12. The latching edge 27 of the clamping leg 6 is guided past the latching tab 17.

[0104] Figure 2a Figure 9: Terminal 1 in Figure 1 in the latched open holding position. Figure 4b Figure 8: Perspective view of the spring force clamping connection 3 of the terminal 1 in Figure 1.

[0105] The latching tab 17 forms a stop for the latching edge 27 formed at the edge region of the clamping leg 6 and holds the clamping spring 5 in the open holding position.

[0106] Figure 2b Figure 10: Terminal 1 in Figure 1 in the unlocked and closed clamping position with clamped electrical conductor 28. Figure 4c Figure 8: Perspective view of the spring force clamping connection 3 of the terminal 1 in Figure 1.

[0107] The latching edge 27 formed at the edge region of the clamping leg 6 is located in a straight section of the upper edge before the guide ramp 17a via the respective latching tab 17. The clamping leg 6 clamps the stripped end of the electrical conductor 28 at the contact area 12 of the flange 11.

[0108] The end side of the free end of the electrical conductor 28 hits against the base plate 20. The free end section of the electrical conductor 28 guided through the flange 11 is guided laterally through the side wall 16 of the opening holding element 15 and to the base plate 20.

[0109] Figure 2c Spring force clamping connection 3 in the unlocked and closed clamping position Figure 5a Spring force clamping connection 3 in the unlocked and closed clamping position

[0110] It can be seen that the opening holding element 15 is supported at the busbar 4 by means of the latching tabs which are arranged at the edge tabs 19 on both sides and are guided in the respective recesses 18. The freedom of movement of the opening holding element 15 is thus limited.

[0111] Figure 4a Spring force clamping connection 3 in the unlocked and closed clamping position Figure 5b Spring force clamping connection 3 in the unlocked and closed clamping position

[0112] The force discharge to the busbar mentioned above is not necessary as long as the force of the support leg 7 onto the holding tab 21 and the force of the clamping leg 6 onto the latching tab 17 are in force equilibrium. However, if the opening holding element 15 can be elastically deformed under the influence of the spring force, the abutment of the latching tab onto the end wall of the recess 18 and thus the force discharge can also be caused.

[0113] Figure 4b Spring force clamping connection 3 in the unlocked and closed clamping position Figure 5c Spring force clamping connection 3 in the unlocked and closed clamping position

[0114] It is clear that the stripped end of the electrical conductor 28 is clamped at the contact area 12 which is obliquely placed into the flange 11. The electrical conductor 28 is plugged through the conductor insertion opening and comes onto the base plate 20 which is aligned with the conductor insertion opening 9 or the flange 11. Here, the opening holding element 15 is displaced so that the free end of the latching tab 17 is moved towards the plane of the busbar 4 so that the clamping leg 6 is unlocked.

[0115] Figure 4c Spring force clamping connection 3 in the unlocked and closed clamping position

[0116] Figure 6 Spring force clamping connection 3 in the unlocked and closed clamping positionFigure 7 The top view of the open retaining element 15 is shown. It is clear here that the base plate 20 is oriented transversely to the side wall 16 and the retaining tab 21 and provides a trigger surface in the space surrounding the edge.

[0117] Figure 6 Show Figure 8 The front view of the open retaining element 15. The retaining tab 21 has a retaining recess 33 for receiving a locking protrusion at the free end of the support leg 7 so as to formally connect the retaining tab 21 to the support leg 7.

[0118] Figure 6 Show Figure 9 The side view of the opening retaining element 15 is shown. It is clear here that a locking tab 17 extends from the upper edge of the side wall 16 opposite to the base plate 20, and the locking tab has a guide slope 17a on the front side away from the retaining tab 21.

[0119] Figure 6 Show Figure 10 The bottom view of the opening retaining element 15 is shown. It is clear here that the base plate is locked at the side wall 16, which is connected to the retaining tab 21 via tab 29.

[0120] Figure 6 A perspective view of the busbar 4 for spring-force clamping connector 3 is shown. The wire insertion opening 9 is defined by an edge tab 19 and a lateral tab 31. The edge tab 19 has a recess 18 on its outer side opposite to the wire insertion opening 9. The lateral tab 31 may have a retaining recess 32.

[0121] Also visible is flange 11, which has an inclined contact area 12 (i.e., the front end wall), an end wall 25 for abutting and holding tab 21 and support leg 7, and a side wall 26 connecting the end walls 12 and 25 to each other.

[0122] Figure 11 A perspective view of the clamping spring 5 for spring-force clamping connector 3 is shown. The clamping spring 5 is formed as a leg spring having a clamping leg 6, an opposing support leg 7, and a spring bow 8. The support leg 7 and the clamping leg 6 taper to a narrower point than the spring bow 8. Locking edges 27 are formed on both sides at the tapered portion of the clamping leg 6. These locking edges can protrude from the central region of the tapered section of the clamping leg 6 in the form of locking protrusions.

[0123] Figure 12 A perspective view of a second embodiment of the terminal block 1 is shown. The basic construction can be substantially referenced to the first embodiment.

[0124] The housing 2 of the insulating material has a conductor lead-in channel 10 and an operating opening 14. An operating element 34 is movably accommodated in the operating opening 14 (i.e. an operating presser). The operating presser is aligned with the back-bent clamping leg 6, which forms an operating section in the bend oriented away from the support leg 7.

[0125] The clamping leg 6 has a recess 36, which is delimited by edge tabs 35. The edge tabs 35 are each movably supported on the plane of the busbar 4, adjacent to the underlying edge tabs 19 of the busbar 4. At the outer side of the edge tabs 35, recesses with edge edges 27 are formed, which are formed for latching at the latching tabs 17 of the opening holding element 15. The latching tabs 17 are in turn shaped at the end wall 16 of the opening holding element 15.

[0126] Figure 13 A top view of the terminal 1 in Figure 14 with the section line C-C is shown. It is clear here that the operating element 34 does not occupy the entire space of the operating opening. Rather, an inspection opening 37 remains exposed, into which an inspection tool can be inserted to contact the spring bow 8 in order to measure the electrical potential or signal applied at the spring force clamping connection 3.

[0127] From the clamping leg 6, a clamping tab 38 projects, which is visible in the closed clamping position of the terminal 1 in Figure 13 . The clamping tab 38 has a clamping edge 24 at its free end for clamping the electrical conductor 28.

[0128] Figure 13 A side view in the section C-C of the terminal 1 in Figure 15a in the unlocked and closed clamping position is shown.

[0129] The operating element 34 has a widened head with a tool holding profile 39 (e.g. recess, slot or cross-shaped slot) at its end side. The end opposite the head loads the operating section of the clamping leg 6, which is connected to the spring bow 8, outwardly convexly curved away from the support leg 7. After the bend, the clamping leg 6 is guided parallel to and on the busbar 4. In this region, the recess 36 is present, which is aligned with the conductor threading opening 9 of the busbar 4. The recess 36 is delimited at the free end of the clamping leg 6 by a transverse tab 40, which connects the edge tabs 35 to one another and from which the clamping tab 38 projects into the conductor receiving recess 13. Adjacent to the holding tab 21 of the opening holding element 15, the contact area 12 is formed in the form of a material lug bent from the conductor threading opening 9 into the conductor receiving recess 13. In the clamping position without electrical conductor, the clamping edge 24 of the clamping tab 38 touches on the contact area 12.

[0130] The busbar 4 has a fixed opening 41 through which the support leg 7 is inserted from the upper side of the busbar 4 and the holding tab 21 of the opening holding element 15 is inserted in the opposite direction from the conductor accommodation recess 13 at the lower side of the busbar 4. Thus, the clamping spring 5 and the opening holding element 15 are connected to the busbar 4 in a form-fit.

[0131] The support leg 7 has a receiving opening 42 into which the bent free end of the holding tab 21 sinks in order to connect the holding tab 21 to the support leg 7 in a form-fit.

[0132] Figure 13 A side view in the sectional plane C-C of the terminal 1 in the locked opening holding position in Figure 15b A side view in the sectional plane C-C of the terminal 1 in the locked opening holding position in

[0133] The locking at the opening holding element 15 of the clamping leg 6 is also effected here by the locking tab 17, which rests against the locking edge 27 of the clamping leg 6 (see also Figure 13 ). Since the clamping tabs 38 sink into the through openings 9, the clamping tabs 38 are significantly narrower than the spacing of the side walls 16 from one another, so that the clamping edge 24 can lie between the side walls 16 in the opening position.

[0134] It is conceivable in an alternative embodiment that the clamping leg 6 additionally locks at the opening holding element 15 in such a way that the clamping edge 24 of the clamping tab 38 strikes against the end edge of the front of the side wall 16 of the opening holding element 15.

[0135] It is also clear that the guide pin 22 adjoins the holding tab 21 and the base plate 22 in the angled transition, i.e. the interior angle, between the holding tab 21 and the base plate 22.

[0136] Figure 16b A side view in the sectional plane C-C of the terminal 1 in the unlocked and closed clamping position in Figure 15c A side view in the sectional plane C-C of the terminal 1 in the unlocked and closed clamping position in

[0137] It is clear that the stripped end of the electrical conductor 28 is clamped between the clamping edge 24 of the clamping tab 38 at the clamping leg 6 and the contact area 12, the clamping leg 6 being unlocked here from the opening holding element 15 in such a way that the electrical conductor 28 strikes against the base plate 20 and pivots the opening holding element. The holding tab 21 is here in the unlocked position with the base plate 20 and the clamping leg 6. Figure 13 and Figure 15a The opening holding position in the terminal 1 in is bent. By the spring-elastic material of the holding tab 21, the opening holding element 15 is unloaded from the base plate 20 and springs back again into the opening holding position when the operating element 34 is operated.

[0138] It is also seen that the guide pin 22 is positioned between the electrical conductor 28 and the retaining tab 21 in order to thus prevent the retaining tab 21 from touching the electrical conductor 28 and thus causing an early triggering.

[0139] Figure 15b a side view of the terminal 1 in the unlocked and closed clamping position. Figure 16a a side view of the terminal 1 in the unlocked and closed clamping position.

[0140] The edge tab 19 of the busbar 4 has recesses 18 into which the latching tabs 17 of the opening retaining element 15 sink on both sides of the busbar 4, respectively. The latching tabs 17 are located directly below the edge tab 35. The latching edges 27 of the edge tab 35 of the clamping leg 6 are unlatched from the latching tabs 17.

[0141] From the support leg 7, a support 43 projects, which provides a guide for the edge tab 35 of the clamping leg 6, which is guided between the support 43 and the busbar 4.

[0142] Figure 15a a side view of the terminal 1 in the unlocked and closed clamping position. Figure 16b a side view of the terminal 1 in the unlocked and closed clamping position.

[0143] The latching tabs 17 project from the plane of the busbar 4 or from the plane of the conductor insertion opening 9 at the upper side of the busbar 4 and are positioned next to the edge tab 35 of the clamping leg 6. The latching tabs 17 form a stop for the latching edges 27 of the clamping leg 6 in order to latch the clamping leg 6 in the open retaining position.

[0144] Figure 15b a side view of the terminal 1 in the unlocked and closed clamping position. Figure 16c a side view of the terminal 1 in the unlocked and closed clamping position.

[0145] It is seen that the opening retaining element 15 is displaced by the inserted electrical conductor 28, so that the end edge of the upper part of the front of the side wall 16 moves away from the clamping edge 24 of the clamping tab 38 and the latching tabs 17 are displaced below the latching edges 27 to the latching tabs 35.

[0146] Figure 15c a side view of the terminal 1 in the unlocked and closed clamping position. Figure 17a a side view of the terminal 1 in the unlocked and closed clamping position.

[0147] It is clear that the latching tabs 17 are located below the edge tab 35 of the clamping leg 6 and that the clamping leg 6 is unlatched. The retaining tab 21 is bent at its free end towards the support leg 7 and inserted into the receiving opening 42 for a form-fit connection.

[0148] Figure 15aSpring force clamping connection 3 in the unlocked and closed clamping position Figure 17b Perspective view of the spring force clamping connection 3 in the terminal 1 in the locked open holding position.

[0149] The latching tab 17 sinks into the recess of the edge tab 35 of the clamping leg 6 and latches at the latching edge 27 delimiting the recess. The recess can be configured as a retraction, for example.

[0150] Figure 15b Spring force clamping connection 3 in the unlocked and closed clamping position Figure 17c Perspective view of the spring force clamping connection 3 in the terminal 1 in the locked open holding position.

[0151] The stripped end of the electrical conductor 28 strikes against the base plate 20 and displaces the open holding element 15 by the trigger force applied there, so that the latching tab 17 moves past the latching edge 27. The clamping leg 6 is thus unlocked. The contact area 12 is formed by a material lug bent from the conductor insertion opening 9 into the open holding element 15. The electrical conductor 28 is clamped at the contact area 12 by means of the clamping tab 38.

[0152] Figure 15c Spring force clamping connection 3 in the unlocked and closed clamping position Figure 18a Perspective view of the spring force clamping connection 3 in the terminal 1 in the locked open holding position.

[0153] It can be seen that the edge tab 35 of the clamping leg 6 is movably supported on the edge tab 19 of the busbar 4.

[0154] Figure 17a Spring force clamping connection 3 in the unlocked and closed clamping position Figure 18b Perspective view of the spring force clamping connection 3 in the terminal 1 in the locked open holding position.

[0155] It is clear that the latching tab 17 of the edge tab 35 latches at the latching edge 27.

[0156] Figure 17b Spring force clamping connection 3 in the unlocked and closed clamping position Figure 18c Perspective view of the spring force clamping connection 3 in the terminal 1 in the locked open holding position.

[0157] The electrical conductor 28 strikes against the base plate 20 with its stripped end and displaces the open holding element 15. The support 43 is bent from the support leg 7 in the direction of the transverse tabs 31, 40. The edge tab 35 is movably supported between the support 43 and the busbar 4.

[0158] Figure 17c Perspective view of the open holding element 15 for the second embodiment of the spring force clamping connection 3.

[0159] The retaining element 15 is formed in one piece from a metal sheet. The sidewalls 16 are bent from the edge of the retaining tab 21 by means of tabs 29. A base plate 20 is attached to the retaining tab 21 at approximately a 90° angle, the base plate widening towards the free end. The base plate 20 is form-fitted to the sidewalls 16 by means of a retaining recess 30.

[0160] On the upper side of the sidewall 16 opposite to the base plate 20, a locking tab 17 extends. The locking tab may have a guide ramp 27 that is inclined toward retaining the tab 21 and the base plate 20 in a downward direction.

[0161] Figure 19 Show Figure 20 Top view of the open retaining element 15 in the middle. Figure 19 A side view of the open retaining element 15 is shown. Figure 21 A front view of the open retaining element 15 is shown. Here, reference can be made substantially to the open retaining element 15 of the first embodiment. Figure 22 The description.

[0162] The free end of the tab 21 is kept bent so that it can be inserted into the receiving opening 42 of the support leg 7.

[0163] Figure 7 to Figure 9 A perspective view of the busbar 4 for the second embodiment of the spring-force clamping connector 3 is shown. Figure 23 A top view of the busbar is shown. Figure 24 A rear view of the clamping spring 5 is shown. Figure 27 Show Figure 28 Top view of clamping spring 5.

[0164] Clearly, a retaining opening 41 is introduced into the busbar 4 next to the wire insertion opening 9 and the contact area 12 (material lug) located therebetween. The retaining opening 41 is oriented centrally along the width direction of the busbar 4 and along the longitudinal extension direction of the busbar 4, corresponding centrally to the wire insertion opening 9, which is also oriented centrally along the longitudinal axis of the busbar 4. The protrusions 45 facing each other can extend into the retaining opening 41 to accommodate the support leg 7 and the retaining tab 21 by means of an interference fit.

[0165] At the edge of the boundary wire insertion opening 9, there is a recess 21 (rectangular recess) on the outer side for accommodating the locking tab 17.

[0166] Figure 25 A perspective view of the clamping spring 5 for the second embodiment of the spring force clamping connector 3 is shown. Figure 25 A side view of the clamping spring 5 is shown. Figure 26 Show Figure 27rear side view of the clamping spring in Figure 25 A top view of the clamping spring is shown. It is clear that from the spring bow 8 a support leg 7 projects on one side, from which the support portion 43 is bent on both sides. In the support leg 7 an accommodation opening 42 is introduced. The accommodation opening can be rectangular and optionally have rounded corners. The accommodation opening 42 can have an elongated shape, for example such that the accommodation opening 42 extends with its longitudinal direction transverse to the longitudinal direction of the support leg 7, i.e. in the width direction of the support leg 7.

[0167] On the side of the spring bow 8 opposite the support leg 7, the clamping leg first projects with a convexly curved portion, which is oriented away from the support leg 7. An operating section is thus formed. By loading the operating section with a force with a force component directed towards the support leg 7, the clamping leg 6 is moved into the open position.

[0168] The clamping leg 6 has a recess 36, which is delimited by an edge tab 35 and a transverse tab 40 at the free end of the clamping leg 6. The edge tab, in the shown view in the clamping position, widens in the area of the support portion 43 to form a latching edge 27, respectively. From the transverse tab 40 a clamping tab 38 projects. The clamping tab can be reinforced by a turn-up, for example by a hump 44. The free end of the clamping tab 38 forms a clamping edge 24.

[0169] Figure 28 A perspective view of the operating element 34 for the terminal 1 is shown and Figure 29 A side view is shown.

[0170] A widened head 46 is visible, which has a tool holding profile 39 at the end side and a push rod 47 connected thereon.

[0171] Figure 30 A perspective view of the terminal 1 in Figure 31 A perspective view of the insulating material housing 2 of the terminal 1 in Figure 13 Figure 32 A top view is shown.

[0172] The operating opening 14 transitions into the inspection opening 37, wherein both openings transition in a free space for accommodating the clamping spring 5, in particular the spring bow 8. In the free space, a support pin 23 projects. The support pin has an upper thickening, which sinks into the interior space of the spring bow 8, and a lower thickening, which sinks into the humped operating section of the clamping leg 6.

[0173] In alignment with the conductor introduction channel 10, there is a conductor receiving recess 13, in which a guide pin 22 is arranged. The guide pin has a profile that tapers towards the conductor introduction channel 10.

[0174] List of reference signs

[0175] 1 terminal

[0176] 2 housing of insulating material

[0177] 3 spring force clamping connection

[0178] 4 busbar

[0179] 5 clamping spring

[0180] 6 clamping leg

[0181] 7 support leg

[0182] 8 spring bow

[0183] 9 wire insertion opening

[0184] 10 wire introduction channel

[0185] 11 flange

[0186] 12 contact area

[0187] 13 wire accommodation recess

[0188] 14 operating opening

[0189] 15 opening holding element

[0190] 16 side wall of the opening holding element

[0191] 17 latching tab

[0192] 17a guide bevel

[0193] 18 recess

[0194] 19 edge tab

[0195] 20 base plate

[0196] 21 holding tab

[0197] 22 guide pin

[0198] 23 support pin

[0199] 24 clamping edge

[0200] 25 end wall of the flange

[0201] 26 side wall of the flange

[0202] 27 latching edge

[0203] 28 electrical wire

[0204] 29 tab

[0205] 30 holding recess

[0206] 31 transverse web

[0207] 32 holding recess

[0208] 33 holding recess

[0209] 34 operating element

[0210] 35 edge web

[0211] 36 recess

[0212] 37 inspection opening

[0213] 38 clamping tab

[0214] 39 tool holding contour

[0215] 40 transverse web

[0216] 41 fixing opening

[0217] 42 accommodating opening

[0218] 43 bearing portion

[0219] 44 arch

[0220] 45 elevation

[0221] 46 head

[0222] 47 push rod

[0223] L lead insertion direction

Claims

1. Spring force clamping connection (3) having a busbar (4), a clamping spring (5) and an opening holding element (15), wherein the busbar (4) has a contact area (12) and a conductor insertion opening (9) laterally delimited by an edge tab (19), the clamping spring (5) has a support leg (7), a clamping leg (6) and a spring bow (8) connecting the support leg (7) with the clamping leg (6), the clamping spring (5) extends into the conductor insertion opening (9) by means of the clamping leg (6) and has a clamping edge (24) at the clamping leg (6), wherein a clamping site for clamping an electrical conductor is formed between the clamping edge (24) and the contact area (12) of the busbar (4), and wherein the opening holding element (15) constitutes a catch for latching the clamping leg (6) in an open holding position, in which the clamping leg (6) is displaced away from the contact area (12) and / or towards the support leg (7) in order to open the clamping site, characterized in that the opening holding element (15) has a catch tab (17) which laterally leads past next to the edge tab (19), the catch tab constituting a catch for latching the clamping leg (6) in the open holding position.

2. Spring force clamping connection (3) according to claim 1, characterized in that on both sides of the busbar (4), one catch tab (17) each laterally leads past next to one edge tab (19) of the busbar (4) delimiting the conductor insertion opening (9) respectively.

3. Spring force clamping connection (3) according to claim 2, characterized in that the edge tab (19) is arranged between the pair of catch tabs (17).

4. Spring force clamping connection (3) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the opening holding element (15) has a holding tab (21) which is fixed at the busbar (4) and constitutes a holding for holding the opening holding element (15) at the busbar (4) and for elastically resetting the opening holding element (15) into the latched open holding position.

5. Spring force clamping connection (3) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the opening holding element (15) has a base plate (20) arranged in alignment with the conductor insertion opening (9) spaced apart from the plane of the conductor insertion opening (9), and two side walls (16) spaced apart from one another project from the base plate (20) towards the plane of the conductor insertion opening (9), wherein the catch tabs (17) are constituted at the side walls (16).

6. Spring force clamping connection (3) according to claims 4 and 5, characterized in that the holding tab (21) is constituted in one piece with the base plate (20) and projects from the plane of the base plate towards the plane of the conductor insertion opening (9).

7. Spring force clamping connection (3) according to one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that The holding tab (21) lies against an end wall (25) of the busbar (4) opposite the contact area (12), wherein the end wall (25) delimits the wire insertion opening (9), and the support leg (7) projects into the wire insertion opening (9) and presses the holding tab (21) against the end wall (25).

8. Spring force clamping connection (3) according to any one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that The busbar (4) has a fixing opening (41) arranged next to the wire insertion opening (9), and the holding tab (21) projects through the fixing opening (41) and is connected with the support leg (7).

9. Spring force clamping connection (3) according to claim 8, characterized in that The support leg (7) projects into the fixing opening (41).

10. Spring force clamping connection (3) according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that The support leg (7) has a receiving opening (42), and the free end of the holding tab (21) is bent and projects into the receiving opening (42) to form a form-fit connection of the holding tab (21) at the support leg (7).

11. Spring force clamping connection (3) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The clamping leg (6) has a recess (36) delimited by an edge tab (35) and a transverse tab (40) at the free end of the clamping leg (6), wherein the edge tab (35) of the clamping leg (6) rests on the edge tab (19) of the busbar (4) and the recess (36) is aligned with the wire insertion opening (9) at least in at least one operating state of the spring force clamping connection (3), in particular in the open position.

12. Spring force clamping connection (3) according to claim 11, characterized in that A clamping tab (38) projects from the transverse tab (40) into the wire insertion opening (9), the clamping tab having a clamping edge (24) for clamping an electrical conductor.

13. Spring force clamping connection (3) according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that The support leg (7) projects into the recess (36).

14. Spring force clamping connection (3) according to any one of claims 11 to 13, characterized in that The clamping leg (6) has, on the side of the recess (36) opposite the transverse tab (40), an operating section curved away from the support leg (7), which transitions into the spring bow (8).

15. Spring force clamping connection (3) according to any one of claims 11 to 14, characterized in that At least one of the edge tabs (35) has a latching edge (27) at the outer side opposite the recess (36), which constitutes a latching catch for the latching tab (17).

16. Spring force clamping connection (3) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The wire insertion opening (9) is edged by a flange (11), wherein the contact area (12) is constituted at a flange end wall.

17. Spring force clamping connection (3) according to one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that Contact lugs project from the busbar (4), which form an end wall (25) delimiting the conductor insertion opening (9) and the contact area (12).

18. Spring force clamping connection (3) according to claim 17, characterized in that The contact lugs are arranged adjacent to the support leg (7).

19. Terminal (1) with an insulating material housing (2), characterized in that The spring force clamping connection (3) according to one of the preceding claims is arranged in the insulating material housing (2) and the insulating material housing (2) has a conductor introduction channel (10) leading to the conductor insertion opening (9), wherein the opening holding element (15) is arranged in alignment with the conductor introduction channel (10) by means of its trigger area (20) and constitutes a locking of the clamping leg (6) by displacement of the opening holding element (15) when a trigger force is exerted onto the trigger area (20) by a plug-in electrical conductor introduced into the conductor introduction channel (10) and passing through the conductor insertion opening (9).

20. Terminal (1) according to claim 19, characterized in that The insulating material housing (2) has an operating opening (14) leading to the clamping spring (5).

21. Terminal (1) according to claim 20, characterized in that An operating element (34) is provided, which is movably supported in the operating opening (14) and constitutes a displacement of the clamping leg (6) into the opening holding position.

22. Terminal (1) according to one of claims 19 to 21, characterized in that The insulating material housing (2) has a conductor receiving recess (13), wherein the opening holding element (15) is arranged in the conductor receiving recess (13) and a guide pin (22) of the insulating material housing (2) is arranged next to the holding tab (21) in order to guide an inserted electrical conductor at the guide pin (22) towards the trigger area (20) and away from the holding tab (21).

Images