Connection terminal for connecting electrical conductors

Abstract

The invention relates to a connection terminal for connecting electrical conductors. The connection terminal (1) comprises a housing (10) and a contact element (11) for electrically contacting the electrical conductor (2). The spring element (12) has a support leg (121) and a clamping leg (120), which is designed to act on the electrical conductor (2) in a clamping position in order to bring the electrical conductor (2) into contact with the contact section (110) of the contact element (11). A trigger element (123) can be adjusted relative to the housing (10), wherein the clamping leg (120) can be released from a release position by the interaction of the trigger element (123) with the electrical conductor (2). The holding element (13) has a bearing section (130), a holding section (132) and a latching section (133), the bearing section (130) being adjustably mounted on the support leg (121) and the holding section (132) being operatively connected to the clamping leg (120), the latching section (133) being designed to latch with the trigger element (123) in order to hold the clamping leg (120) in the release position by means of the holding section (132).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a connection terminal for connecting electrical wires as described in the preamble of claim 1. Background Technology

[0002] This connection terminal includes a housing with a socket into which an electrical wire can be inserted in a plugging direction to connect to the connection terminal. A contact element is arranged on the housing for electrical contact with the electrical wire. The contact element has a contact section. A spring element has a support leg supported relative to the housing and / or the contact element and a clamping leg resiliently adjustable relative to the support leg. The clamping leg is configured to act on the electrical wire in a clamped position to bring the electrical wire into contact with the contact section. The clamping leg can be adjusted relative to the housing from the clamped position to a released position to release the electrical wire. The clamping leg remains in the released position relative to the housing. A trigger element is adjustable relative to the housing, wherein the clamping leg can be released from the released position by the combined action of the trigger element and the electrical wire.

[0003] This type of connection terminal achieves a spring force connection by using a spring element, wherein the electrical wire is clamped to the contact element in the connected position by the elastic spring action of the spring element and is thus electrically connected to the contact element.

[0004] The connection terminal disclosed in DE 10 2019 127 464 B3 includes a spring element in the form of a tension spring. The tension spring, through its elastic action, pulls the connected conductor to abut against the corresponding contact element, thus establishing a clamping connection between the conductor and the contact element. For this purpose, the conductor moves through an opening in the clamping leg during placement and is clamped between the clamping leg and the contact element in the connected position.

[0005] The connector terminal of DE 10 2019 127 464 B3 is equipped with a locking device, by which the clamping leg is locked relative to the housing in the released position. When an electrical wire is inserted, the locking device is triggered and thus released, causing the clamping leg to move from the released position and thereby clamping the electrical wire to the contact element. To move the clamping leg to the released position, especially to allow the electrical wire to be placed or released from the connector terminal, a tool, such as a screwdriver, can be placed on the connector terminal and thus apply force to the clamping leg.

[0006] In DE 10 2019 127 464 B3, the clamping leg is adjusted directly by a tool. In contrast, the connection terminals known from DE 102019 135 203 A1 and DE 10 2020 104 140 A1 each have an operating element in the form of a so-called pusher, which can be pressed into the housing of the connection terminal to act on the clamping leg and move the clamping leg to its released position.

[0007] In the connection terminal known from EP 3 772 777 B1, the housing has a socket for inserting an electrical wire. A spring element is housed within the housing. The spring element forms a clamping leg that, in the released position, is locked relative to the housing by a rocker element.

[0008] In the connection terminal known from DE 10 2019 132 316 A1, the clamping leg of the spring element is locked to the pivot leg in a locked state. The locking mechanism of the clamping leg is here constructed at a distance from the clamping edge of the clamping leg. Summary of the Invention

[0009] The object of the present invention is to provide a connection terminal that enables variable availability with advantageous electrical contact, while achieving a simple structure and reliable triggering of the connection terminal when connecting electrical wires.

[0010] This objective is achieved by a subject matter having the features of claim 1.

[0011] Therefore, the connecting terminal has a retaining element having a support section, a retaining section and a locking section, wherein the support section is adjustablely supported on the support leg and the retaining section is effectively connected to the clamping leg at least in the release position, wherein the locking section is configured to lock with the triggering element so as to retain the clamping leg in the release position via the retaining section.

[0012] In the connection terminal, the electrical wire makes electrical contact with the electrical contact element by means that, when the electrical wire is inserted into the socket, clamping legs act on the electrical wire and spring-load the wire elastically in the direction of contact with the contact element. To facilitate the insertion of the electrical wire, the clamping legs of the spring element can be elastically deflected so as to move the clamping legs to a release position, in which space inside the housing is released in the area of ​​the socket, and thus the electrical wire can be inserted into the socket in a substantially effortless manner or can be easily removed from the connection terminal.

[0013] The spring element has a support leg by which it is supported and held in a position relative to the housing and / or contact element. The support leg may, for example, be directly supported on the housing. Alternatively, it may be supported on a component fixed relative to the housing, such as a contact element. The clamping leg is elastically deflectable relative to the support leg, wherein in the release position the clamping leg deflects in such a way that the spring element is elastically tensioned and the clamping leg moves out of the release position due to elastic preload after being released from the release position.

[0014] When the clamping leg is in the released position, the connecting terminal may also be shipped to the customer by the manufacturer.

[0015] The connecting terminal has a trigger element that interacts with the electrical wire when it is inserted into the socket. By adjusting the trigger element relative to the housing during wire insertion and thereby releasing the clamping legs, the connecting terminal automatically closes upon wire insertion. A simple connection process is achieved by ensuring reliable contact between the wire and the contact element through the clamping action of the clamping legs.

[0016] The connecting terminal has a retaining element comprising a support section, a retaining section, and a locking section. The support section is adjustablely supported on a support leg. Conversely, the retaining section is operatively connected to the clamping leg, at least when the clamping leg is in the released position. By configuring the locking section to lock with the trigger element, the clamping leg is held in the released position by the retaining section of the retaining element and thus locked in the released position by the retaining element.

[0017] The retaining element is locked to the trigger element in the released position of the clamping leg via the locking section. If the electrical wire is inserted into the socket of the housing and the electrical wire works in conjunction with the trigger element, the trigger element is adjusted by the action of the electrical wire, and thus the locking section with the retaining element is also released, thereby releasing the clamping leg from the released position and allowing it to be adjusted in the direction of the clamping position.

[0018] In one design, a support section is slidably supported on a support leg. The support section may, for example, rest against the side of the support leg opposite to the clamping leg and may slide along the support leg. Additionally, it may be specified that the support section can tilt relative to the support leg. In the released position of the clamping leg, the support section occupies, for example, a first position on the support leg. If the latch between the retaining element and the triggering element is released and the clamping leg can be adjusted from the released position to the clamping position, then, for example, the support section can also move on the support leg such that, in the clamping position of the clamping leg, the support section occupies, for example, a second position on the support leg different from the first position, such as a sliding and / or tilted position relative to the first position.

[0019] In one design, the retaining section of the retaining element is constructed of at least one retaining arm that surrounds the clamping leg to establish an operational connection. Specifically, the retaining section can be engaged with the clamping leg such that the retaining section acts on the clamping leg on the side opposite to the support leg, thereby generating a retaining force on the clamping leg to hold the clamping leg in the released position. Thus, by supporting the retaining element on the support leg on one hand via the support section and on the clamping leg on the other hand via the retaining section, a retaining force relative to the support leg is generated on the clamping leg to hold the clamping leg in the released position.

[0020] In one design, the retaining element has at least one leg, and the supporting section and the retaining section are interconnected through the leg.

[0021] In one design, the retaining element may have, for example, exactly one leg, on which a support section is formed on one side and a retaining section on the other. In another design, the retaining element may have, for example, two legs, wherein support sections are formed, for example, between the legs and connect the legs to each other, and a retaining arm for implementing the retaining section is formed at each leg or on only one of the legs.

[0022] If two legs are provided, these two legs are preferably parallel to each other.

[0023] In one design, a locking section is formed on at least one leg. If the retaining element is configured with (exactly) one leg, the locking section of the leg can establish a lock with the triggering element in the release position of the clamping leg. If the retaining element has two legs, the locking section can be formed on one of the legs or on each of the legs to establish a lock with the triggering element in the release position of the clamping leg.

[0024] In one design, the support section and / or retaining section are bent relative to at least one leg. The retaining element may be integrally formed as a stamped and bent piece, for example, from a metallic material, such as sheet metal or spring steel. For example, the support section may be arranged at an angle of approximately 90° relative to at least one leg. Additionally or alternatively, the retaining section may be bent at least one end of the retaining arm at approximately 90° relative to at least one leg to surround the clamping leg.

[0025] In one design, a support leg is connected to a clamping leg at a first end via a bent connecting section. The support leg is then connected to a trigger element at a second end opposite to it. The connecting section may extend, for example, around a pin-shaped housing section and provide a bending radius at which the clamping leg can elastically pivot relative to the support leg. The trigger element, for example, bends relative to the support leg and extends from it such that it can lock with a retaining element in a released position.

[0026] In one design, the trigger element is integrally formed with the support leg and is capable of elastic movement relative to the support leg. Specifically, the spring element can be integrally and monolithically formed, for example, from sheet metal, such as a stamped and bent spring steel. Therefore, the trigger element is formed on the spring element and is thus an integrated component of the spring element.

[0027] In one design, the trigger element bends relative to the support leg and extends from the support leg into a region inside the housing aligned with the socket. Thus, the trigger element extends into a region within the housing into which the electrical wire is introduced when inserted into the socket. Consequently, the electrical wire, upon insertion into the socket, encounters the trigger element and interacts with it to thereby release the locking section between the trigger element and the retaining element, and thus disengage the clamping leg from the release position.

[0028] In one design, the trigger element has a locking element for locking with a locking section of the retaining element. The trigger element can be formed, for example, by a spring leg protruding from a support leg of a spring element, while the locking element can be formed, for example, as a tab protruding from the trigger element.

[0029] The triggering element may have one or more locking elements. If, for example, two locking sections are formed on the retaining element, such as on two different legs of the retaining element, then the triggering element may have two locking elements, with the locking sections of the retaining element locking with these two locking elements in the released position of the clamping legs. Alternatively, the triggering element may have a correspondingly wide locking element to work in conjunction with the two locking sections.

[0030] In one design, the trigger element has an end section configured to interact with a conductor when inserted into a socket. The end section may be formed, for example, on the end of the trigger element remote from the support leg. Here, a locking element may be arranged on the trigger element, particularly between the end section and the support leg. The end section extends planarly such that the conductor encounters the end section upon insertion into the socket and thus interacts with the trigger element to move the trigger element and thereby release the locking between the trigger element and the retaining element.

[0031] In one design, the housing has a first housing wall and a second housing wall extending parallel to the first housing wall. An electrical wire can be introduced into a receiving space between the first and second housing walls by being inserted into a socket in a mating direction. Clamping legs are movable within this receiving space between the first and second housing walls. To facilitate the introduction of the wire into the receiving space within the housing and to reliably achieve electrical contact between the wire and the contact segment of the contact element, the housing advantageously has a first housing wall and a second housing wall extending parallel to the first housing wall, between which the wire can be introduced when inserted into the socket. The housing walls define a receiving space between them into which the electrical wire can be inserted for connection to a terminal block. The clamping legs of the spring element are movable between the housing walls such that they act between the housing walls to clamp the inserted electrical wire to the contact segment of the contact element.

[0032] Because the wire is guided through the housing wall as it is inserted into the socket until it enters the area where the clamping legs of the spring element are located inside the housing, the wire is reliably introduced into the housing and the clamping legs of the spring element reliably clamp the wire to the contact section of the contact element. This also enables the design of the spring element to provide a large spring force for connecting wires with large wire cross-sections.

[0033] In one design, the clamping legs engage in the receiving space between the first and second housing walls, at least in the clamped position. The clamping legs are movable between the first and second housing walls. However, the clamping legs are not always positioned between the housing walls, but can, for example, move out of the area between the housing walls in the released position. However, depending on the cross-sectional area of ​​the inserted wire, the clamping legs are designed such that they engage in the receiving space between the housing walls, at least in the clamped position, to reliably clamp the inserted wire to the contact section of the contact element by loading the inserted wire in a direction abutting against the contact section of the contact element.

[0034] In one design, the clamping leg is pivotable relative to the supporting leg between a clamping position and a released position within a pivot plane defined by the insertion direction and the lateral direction. The clamping leg can move between the clamping and released positions. This movement of the clamping leg between its different positions occurs within the pivot plane defined by the insertion direction and the lateral direction.

[0035] Here, the first and second housing walls are preferably spaced apart from each other along a depth direction perpendicular to the pivot plane. The first and second housing walls extend planarly and are opposite each other when viewed along the depth direction. A wire can be introduced between the housing walls to clamp with the contact section under the action of the spring of the clamping leg.

[0036] In one design, viewed laterally, the contact section is arranged adjacent to the first and / or second housing wall. The contact section may particularly be arranged in a slot opening extending along the insertion direction, through which the corresponding housing wall is separated from another housing section. Thus, viewed laterally, the contact section is arranged relative to the housing wall in such a way that an electrical conductor can be introduced between the housing walls and pressed laterally and thus toward the contact section by the action of clamping legs to make electrical contact with the contact element.

[0037] The contact section preferably extends perpendicular to the lateral direction alongside the first and / or second housing wall.

[0038] In one design, the contact element has a support section angled relative to the contact section, on which a spring element, particularly a support leg of the spring element, is supported. The support section is arranged at, for example, 90° relative to the contact section and extends, for example, perpendicular to the insertion direction. For example, the support leg of the spring element is fixed to the support section, for example, by a force-fit, force-form-fit, form-fit, or material-fit connection. Additionally, the support leg may also be supported on a housing, for example, on one or more housing sections around which the spring element extends.

[0039] Viewed along the insertion direction, the support section is preferably located below the first housing wall and / or the second housing wall. For example, the trigger leg of the trigger element is movable between the end edge of the housing wall and the support section. For example, the support section extending perpendicular to the insertion direction is therefore spaced from the end edge of the housing wall, wherein the trigger leg of the trigger element can move in the intermediate space between the end edge of the housing wall and the support section.

[0040] In one design, the first housing wall and / or the second housing wall have stop elements on which the trigger leg abuts in the initial position. Therefore, in the initial position, the trigger leg is in a defined position relative to the housing, defined by the stop elements on the respective corresponding housing walls. The trigger leg can move out of the initial position and thereby remove itself from the stop elements to release the clamping leg from its holding position in the release position, and thus transfer the clamping leg to the clamping position.

[0041] A single stop element may be formed on one of the housing walls. However, it is also conceivable and feasible to have a stop element on each of the two housing walls or for a stop element to extend between the housing walls.

[0042] In one design, the connecting terminal has an adjustable actuating element relative to the housing for adjusting the clamping leg to a release position. Actuating the actuating element moves the clamping leg to the release position. In the release position, the clamping leg is held in place relative to the housing, allowing electrical wires to be easily connected to the connecting terminal or removed from the connecting terminal.

[0043] The actuating element may be designed as a button and pressed into the housing by the user so as to act on the clamping leg and move the clamping leg toward the release position.

[0044] In one design, the actuating element is movably supported on the housing (preferably linearly). In other embodiments, the actuating element may be pivotally arranged on the housing, for example.

[0045] In one design, the actuating element has an actuating section for user operation and an actuating section for acting on clamping legs and / or retaining elements. The actuating section is accessible from outside the housing, for example, by the user via a tool, such as a screwdriver, or alternatively manually, while the actuating section is operatively connected to the clamping legs of the spring element. Thus, by adjusting the actuating element, an adjusting force is applied to the clamping legs via the actuating section, such that when the actuating element is adjusted from an unoperated position to an operated position, the clamping legs are actuated and move towards the release position.

[0046] In one design, the actuating element is configured to act on the clamping leg and / or retaining element in an actuating section to adjust the clamping leg to the release position. The actuating section can thus act on the clamping leg when the actuating element is adjusted, thereby causing the clamping leg to resiliently deflect toward the release position. Additionally or alternatively, the actuating element can act on the retaining element, such as a retaining section of the retaining element, to adjust the retaining element and place it in a position locked with the trigger element. In particular, it can be specified that the actuating element acts essentially only on the retaining element in an actuating section, such as a retaining section of the retaining element, wherein the clamping leg is actuated and thus moves to the release position when the retaining element is adjusted.

[0047] In one design, the spring element is constructed as a tension spring. In this case, the clamping leg of the spring element is configured to pull the conductor into contact with the contact section by the spring force. In this case, an opening may be formed on the clamping leg, through which the conductor can pass when inserted into the socket of the housing, so that the conductor is pulled into clamping contact with the contact element after the clamping leg is triggered from the release position.

[0048] Alternatively, the spring element can be constructed as a compression spring. In this case, the clamping legs are configured to press the conductor against the contact section by spring force. Upon insertion into the socket, the conductor reaches the space between the clamping legs and the contact section, wherein after the clamping legs are triggered from the release position, the clamping legs act on the conductor and press the conductor against the contact section of the contact element.

[0049] The type of connection terminal can be applied in various ways to completely different electrical and electronic devices, such as on circuit boards or on junction boxes or plug connectors. Attached Figure Description

[0050] The ideas based on the present invention are described in detail below with the aid of embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. Wherein:

[0051] Figure 1A A view of one embodiment of the connecting terminal is shown, wherein the clamping leg of the spring element is in the released position;

[0052] Figure 1B It shows crossing according to Figure 1A A sectional view of the arrangement;

[0053] Figure 2A It shows that according to Figure 1A A side view of the arrangement;

[0054] Figure 2B It shows that according to Figure 2A A sectional view of the arrangement;

[0055] Figure 3A A side view of the connection terminal into which the electrical wire is inserted is shown;

[0056] Figure 3B It shows that according to Figure 3A A sectional view of the arrangement;

[0057] Figure 4A A side view of the connecting terminal in the clamping position of the clamping leg of the spring element is shown;

[0058] Figure 4B It shows that according to Figure 4A A sectional view of the arrangement;

[0059] Figure 5 A view of the components of the connecting terminal is shown, including a contact element, a spring element, and a retaining element;

[0060] Figure 6 A perspective view of the components is shown;

[0061] Figure 7 Another perspective view of the component is shown;

[0062] Figure 8 A separate view of the retaining element is shown;

[0063] Figure 9 A separate view of the spring element is shown;

[0064] Figure 10 A view of the components along with the manipulating elements is shown;

[0065] Figure 11 A view of the components of a connection terminal according to a modified embodiment is shown, including a contact element, a spring element, and a retaining element;

[0066] Figure 12 It shows that according to Figure 11 The embodiments maintain separate views of the elements; and

[0067] Figure 13 A separate view of the retaining element according to another embodiment is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0068] Figure 1A , 1B Example 10 shows an embodiment of a connecting terminal 1, which is constructed with a housing 10 having a socket 100 formed therein for inserting an electrical wire 2 along the insertion direction E.

[0069] The housing 10 defines a receiving space 101 into which the conductor 2, with its uninsulated conductor end 20, is introduced when the conductor 2 is inserted into the socket 100 along the insertion direction E. In the connected position, the uninsulated conductor end 20 of the conductor 2 is located within the receiving space 101 and is electrically connected to the contact element 11 in the form of a current bar via the clamping leg 120 of the spring element 12, thereby electrically connecting the conductor 2 to the connection terminal 1.

[0070] The spring element 12 has a support leg 121, which in the illustrated embodiment is supported on the housing 10 and further on the contact element 11, thereby fixing the spring element 12 relative to the housing 10. The clamping leg 120 is resiliently deflectable relative to the support leg 121, and in particular, deflects in such a way that the clamping leg 120... Figure 4A , 4BIn the clamping position shown, the clamping action is applied to the electrical wire 2 connected to the connecting terminal 1, and under elastic preload, the electrical wire is pressed into contact with the contact section 110 of the contact element 11, and thus the wire 2 is electrically contacted with the contact element 11 through its conductor end 20.

[0071] In the illustrated embodiment, the contact element 11 is integrally and one-piece formed, for example as a stamped and bent piece, and has a contact section 110 and is bent relative to the contact section 110.

[0072] A 90° support section 111 is provided, and support leg 121 rests on this support section.

[0073] A support piece 112 is formed on section 111, which is cut out from and bent relative to section 111. Support legs 121 are supported on the support piece 112, for example, from... Figure 1B and 2B As can be seen, the support leg 121 may be additionally fixed to the support piece 112 by welding, for example.

[0074] The support leg 121 is connected to the clamping leg 120 via a curved connecting section 122. The connecting section 122 provides a bending radius at which the spring element 12 can be bent to allow the clamping leg 120 to be elastically deflected relative to the support leg 121 and thus relative to the housing 10, and to allow the clamping leg 120 to be adjusted between a clamping position and a released position.

[0075] In the illustrated embodiment, connecting segment 122 extends around and supports the pin-shaped housing segment 103 above the housing 10, such as by, for example, a... Figure 1B and 2B visible.

[0076] At the end away from the connecting section 122, the trigger element 123 is connected to the support leg 121, bending relative to the support leg 121 at an approximately right angle (slightly less than 90° in the illustrated embodiment). A transition region between the support leg 121 and the trigger element 123 extends around a pin-shaped housing section 104 of the housing 10, but is not directly supported on the housing section 104. The trigger element 123 is resiliently deflectable relative to the support leg 121 and is used to establish a clamping leg 120 according to the retaining element 13. Figure 1A , 1B The locks in the release positions of 2A and 2B.

[0077] exist Figure 9The spring element 12, shown in a separate view in the illustrated embodiment, is integral with the trigger element 123 connected to the support leg 121 and is a one-piece stamped and bent piece, for example, made of spring steel.

[0078] A locking element 124, in the form of a tab protruding toward the clamping leg 120, is formed on the trigger element 23. On the other side of the locking element 124, an end section 125 is formed on the end of the trigger element 123 away from the support leg 121. This end section extends into the receiving space 101 of the housing 10 in a region aligned with the socket 100, such that the electrical wire 2, when inserted into the socket 100, encounters the end section 125 and thus interacts with the trigger element 123, as this... Figure 3A , 3B As can be seen in the text.

[0079] The connecting terminal 1 has a retaining element 13, which is shown in a separate view. Figure 8 The diagram shows, and in the illustrated embodiment, two legs 131 are connected to each other via a support section 130. The retaining element 13 is supported on the support leg 121 via the support section 130, wherein, for this purpose, the support section 130 rests against the side of the support leg 121 opposite to the clamping leg 120 and is slidably adjustable relative to the support leg 121.

[0080] Each leg 131 has a locking section 133 formed thereon, the locking section being configured to work in conjunction with the locking element 124 of the corresponding trigger element 123 to establish a lock between the retaining element 13 and the trigger element 123.

[0081] In addition, each support leg 131 carries a retaining arm 132 for constructing a retaining section of the retaining element 13. The retaining arm 132 bends at an end away from the support leg 131 and surrounds the clamping leg 120, so that the retaining element 13 acts on the clamping leg 120 on the side opposite to the support leg 121, at least in the released position of the clamping leg 120.

[0082] In the illustrated embodiment, the retaining element 13 is integrally and one-piece formed as a sheet metal, for example as a stamped and bent piece, and is made of spring steel, for example. The retaining element 13 is shaped such that it surrounds the support leg 121 on one hand and the clamping leg 120 on the other hand, wherein the support section 130 rests against the side of the support leg 121 opposite to the clamping leg 120 on one hand, and the retaining arm 132 acts on the side of the clamping leg 120 opposite to the support leg 121 on the other hand.

[0083] The retaining element 13 is used to hold the clamping leg 120 in accordance with... Figure 1A , 1BIn the release position. For this purpose, the retaining element 13 engages with the locking element 124 of the triggering element 123 in the release position of the clamping leg 120 via the locking section 133 on the support leg 131, thereby keeping the retaining element 13 in the position relative to the triggering element 123 and thus keeping the clamping leg 120 in the release position as well.

[0084] At the initial position (corresponding to according to) Figure 1A , 1B In positions 2A and 2B, the trigger element 123 extends at least approximately transverse to the insertion direction E and thus protrudes into the housing 10 into a region aligned with the socket 100, such that when the wire 2 is inserted, the wire touches the end section 125 of the trigger element 123 with its conductor end 20 and thus acts on the trigger element 123.

[0085] The trigger element 123 is accordingly configured to cooperate with the electrical wire 2 inserted into the socket 100, for automatically connecting the electrical wire 2 to the connection terminal 1 upon triggering the clamping leg 120. If such a connection is made from... Figure 3A , 3B When the visible electrical wire 2 is inserted into the socket 100, the conductor end 20 of the wire 2 acts on the end section 125 of the trigger element 123, causing the trigger element 123 to move from the socket 100. Figure 1A , 1B The initial position deflection shown in 2A and 2B is as follows: Figure 3A , 3B As can be seen, by adjusting the trigger element 123, the locking element 124 is also adjusted, thereby releasing the lock between the trigger element 123 and the holding element 13, as can be seen from this. Figure 3A , 3B As seen in 4A and 4B. Therefore, the holding of retaining element 13 is released, allowing clamping leg 120 to now pivot from the release position to the clamping position and clampingly act on conductor 2 inserted into socket 100, as from... Figure 4A , 4B As can be seen in the text.

[0086] Figures 5 to 7 A view showing the clamping leg 120 in the released position. Figures 5 to 7 The illustrations specifically illustrate the retaining function of the retaining element 13 in securing the clamping leg 120 in the release position, wherein the retaining element 13 is engaged with the locking element 124 of the triggering element 13 via the locking section 133.

[0087] In the illustrated embodiment, an actuating element 14 is movably supported on the housing 10 along the actuating direction B. The actuating element 14 is movably accommodated in the actuating opening 102 of the housing 10 via an actuating section 140 and is movable relative to the housing 10 in a (approximately) linearly guided manner along the actuating direction B so as to act on the clamping leg 120 of the spring element 12 via the end 142 of the actuating section 141 extending in a rod shape from the actuating section 140 and adjust it to the release position.

[0088] The control section 140 can be accessed from the outside of the housing 10 via the control opening 102, and can therefore be operated by a user, for example, using a tool.

[0089] Control element 14 in Figure 4A , 4B In the unoperated position shown, the actuating element 14 moves outward in the actuating opening 102 opposite to the actuating direction B. In the unoperated position, the stop element 143 formed on the actuating element 14 abuts against the corresponding stop element 108 in a stepped form on the housing 10, thereby preventing the actuating element 14 from sliding out of the receiving opening 102 against the actuating direction B, as this... Figure 4B As can be seen from the text.

[0090] When operated in the operating direction B, the operating element 14 is operatively connected to the clamping leg 120 of the spring element 12 and, in addition, to the retaining section 132 of the retaining element 13, as this... Figure 10 As shown in the diagram. For this purpose, the actuating element 14 acts on the clamping leg 120 and the retaining section 132 of the retaining element 13 at the end 142 of the actuating section 141 remote from the actuating section 140, so as to adjust the clamping leg 120 relative to the supporting leg 121 in the event of elastic deflection and to lock the retaining element 13 with the trigger element 123. Thus, the clamping leg 120 (re)locks and is thereby locked according to... Figure 1A , 1B And in the release positions of 2A and 2B.

[0091] In the control element 14 Figure 10 The one shown in the middle corresponds to the one based on Figure 1A , 1B In positions 2A and 2B, the clamping leg 120 has moved to the release position, in which it is released within the housing 10 in the area aligned with the socket 100, thereby allowing the electrical wire 2 to be inserted into the housing 10 in a substantially powerless manner, as this... Figure 3A , 3B As can be seen in the text.

[0092] In the illustrated embodiment, the housing 2 is constructed with housing walls 106, 107 spaced apart from each other along the depth direction T, the housing walls 106, 107 defining a receiving space 101 between them, into which the electrical wire 2 is introduced when inserted into the socket 100.

[0093] The socket 100 has an entrance region (approximately cylindrical) with a clear width, into which the electrical wire 2 first enters when inserted into the socket 100. A funnel section is connected to the entrance region, which tapers the entrance region in the insertion direction E. The housing walls 106, 107 extend downward from the funnel section in the insertion direction E, and thus laterally define the housing 10 by being spaced apart from each other in the depth direction T and defining a receiving space 101 between them.

[0094] The housing walls 106 and 107 are spaced a certain distance from each other (measured between the inner sides of the facing housing walls 106 and 107), and this distance is less than the net width of the inlet area 107 of the socket 100.

[0095] Housing walls 106 and 107 extend planarly perpendicular to the depth direction T. The clamping leg 120 of the spring element 12 is movable between housing walls 106 and 107 and acts between housing walls 106 and 107, at least in the clamped position, to clamp the inserted electrical wire to the contact section 110 of the contact element 11, as this... Figure 4A and 4B As can be seen in the text.

[0096] A reliable insertion process is achieved by using housing walls 106, 107 that provide guidance for the wire 2 when it is inserted into the socket 100, ensuring that the wire 2 is reliably clamped to the contact section 110 in the connected position.

[0097] Housing walls 106 and 107 form a stop element 105 between them, and the trigger element 123 rests against this stop element in its initial position (with the connection terminal 1 open), as if from this Figure 1A , 1B As can be seen in 2A and 2B. The trigger leg 130 occupies a defined position inside the housing 10 in the initial position by means of the stop on the stop element 105.

[0098] A contact section 110 extending perpendicularly to the lateral direction Q (viewed along the lateral direction Q) is arranged beside the housing walls 106, 107 and is therefore placed in the gap between the outer walls of the housing walls 106 and the end sides of the housing 10, as shown in this... Figure 1A This can be seen from the text.

[0099] The support section 111 of the contact element 11 is arranged at a right angle to the contact section 110. Viewed along the insertion direction E, the support section 111 is located below the housing walls 106, 107.

[0100] In the illustrated embodiment, the housing 10 and housing walls 106, 107 are integrally and one-piece formed.

[0101] The following working methods are generated:

[0102] If the control element 14 is operated in the operation direction B and thereby moves the control element into the housing 10, then the control element 14 grasps the clamping leg 120 of the spring element 12 via the actuating section 141 and thereby adjusts the clamping leg 120 to the position of the spring element 12. Figure 1A , 1B In the release position shown in 2A and 2B. By inserting into the housing 10 along the operating direction B, the operating element 14 also acts on the retaining element 13, causing the retaining element 13 to move together with the clamping leg 120 and to engage with the locking element 124 of the triggering element 123, so that the clamping leg 120 is held in the release position.

[0103] In the released position, the clamping leg 120 is released within the receiving space 101 in the area between the housing walls 106 and 107 aligned with the socket 100 along the insertion direction E, so that the electrical wire 2 can be inserted into the socket 100 without obstruction by the clamping leg 120 and can be guided between the housing walls 106 and 107 and thus can be connected to the connection terminal 1 in a substantially unobstructed manner.

[0104] Connection terminal 1 can also be made by the manufacturer according to... Figure 1A , 1B Shipped in the controlled, tensioned position of 2A and 2B.

[0105] If the conductor 2, with its uninsulated conductor end 20, is inserted into the socket 100 and then into the receiving space 101 in the insertion direction E, and the clamping leg 120 is in the released position, then the conductor 2 abuts against the end section 125 of the trigger element 123, causing the trigger element 123 to pivot. The locking element 124 is thus actuated, thereby releasing the latch between the trigger element 123 and the retaining element 13. The clamping leg 120 is therefore released from the released position and can be moved out of the released position due to its spring preload.

[0106] Here, the control element 14 is also driven and adjusted in the control opening 102 in the opposite direction of the control direction B, such as from Figure 4A , 4B As can be seen in the text.

[0107] After the latch is released, the clamping leg 120 and the electrical wire 2 enter the clamping contact, thereby pressing the conductor end 20 into the contact contact section 110 of the contact element 11, so that the wire 2 is electrically connected to the connection terminal 1 and is also mechanically locked.

[0108] If wire 2 is to be from Figure 4A , 4B If the connection position shown is released and removed from the connection terminal 1, the operating element 14 can be operated again, causing the clamping leg 120 to disengage from the wire 2 and relock in the released position. Thus, the wire 2 can be removed from the connection terminal 1 in a substantially effortless manner.

[0109] exist Figure 1A , 1B to Figure 10 In the illustrated embodiment, the retaining element 13 has two locking sections 133 at the end of the leg 131, the locking sections being configured to lock with two locking elements 124 of the triggering element 123. In another embodiment... Figure 11 and 12 In the embodiment shown, a locking section 133 is formed only on one leg 131 of the retaining element 13. The locking section is bent relative to the corresponding leg 131 and thus arranged approximately centrally (approximately at the mid-plane of the retaining element 13 about the depth direction T) so as to cooperate with the locking element 124 at the center (about the depth direction T) on the triggering element 123.

[0110] According to Figure 13 In another embodiment of the retaining element 13, a locking section 133 is formed on each leg 131, wherein the corresponding locking section 133 is bent relative to the corresponding leg 131 and thus offset inward relative to the corresponding leg 131 so as to cooperate with a central locking element 124, for example, a triggering element 123.

[0111] Connection terminal 1 is used according to Figure 11 , 12 or Figure 13 In the case of the retaining element 13 in one of the embodiments, there is no functional difference, and therefore reference should be made to the preceding embodiments and descriptions.

[0112] The ideas upon which this invention is based are not limited to the foregoing embodiments, but can also be implemented in other ways.

[0113] The actuating element can be preloaded towards the unoperated position by the clamping leg of the spring element. However, it is also possible to provide an additional preload element that preloads the actuating element relative to the housing in the unoperated position, opposite to the actuating direction. Such a preload element can be configured, for example, by a compression spring or other mechanical spring.

[0114] The type of connection terminal can be used in various ways, such as on junction boxes or on other electrical or electronic devices, for example, on support rails. However, the type of connection terminal can also be used, for example, on plug connectors or printed circuit boards.

[0115] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0116] 1 connection terminal

[0117] 10 housing

[0118] 100 sockets

[0119] 101 Accommodation Space

[0120] 102 Operating opening

[0121] 103 Shell Section

[0122] 104 Shell Section

[0123] 105 stop element

[0124] 106 shell wall

[0125] 107 Shell Wall

[0126] 108 stop element

[0127] 11. Contact element (current bar)

[0128] 110 contact section

[0129] 111 support section

[0130] 112 support joint

[0131] 12 clamping springs

[0132] 120 Clamping Legs

[0133] 121 Supporting Legs

[0134] 122 connecting section

[0135] 123 trigger element

[0136] 124 locking components

[0137] 125 end section

[0138] 13 Holding elements

[0139] 130 support section

[0140] 131 legs

[0141] 132 Maintaining Section

[0142] 133 Card Lock Section

[0143] 14 control elements

[0144] 140 Control Section (Head)

[0145] 141. Section of action (pole)

[0146] 142 end

[0147] 143 Stop Component

[0148] 2 wires

[0149] 20 conductor ends

[0150] B controls the direction.

[0151] E insertion direction

[0152] Q horizontal direction

[0153] T-depth direction

[0154] V-pivot direction

Claims

1. A connecting terminal (1) for connecting an electrical conductor (2), having The housing (10) has a socket (100) into which the electrical wire (2) can be inserted in the insertion direction (E) to connect to the connection terminal (1). A contact element (11) arranged on the housing (10) for electrical contact with the electrical conductor (2), wherein the contact element (11) has a contact section (110), A spring element (12) having a support leg (121) supported relative to the housing (10) and / or the contact element (11) and a clamping leg (120) elastically adjustable relative to the support leg (121), wherein, The clamping leg (120) is configured to act on the electrical conductor (2) in a clamping position so as to bring the electrical conductor (2) into contact with the contact section (110), wherein the clamping leg (120) is adjustable relative to the housing (10) from the clamping position to a release position to release the electrical conductor (2), wherein the clamping leg (120) is held in the release position relative to the housing (10), and A trigger element (123) adjustable relative to the housing (10), wherein the clamping leg (120) can be released from the release position by the combined action of the trigger element (123) and the electrical wire (2). The feature is that the retaining element (13) has a support section (130), a retaining section (132) and a locking section (133), wherein the support section (130) is adjustablely supported on the support leg (121), and the retaining section (132) is operatively connected to the clamping leg (120) at least in the released position, wherein the locking section (133) is configured to lock with the triggering element (123) so as to retain the clamping leg (120) in the released position via the retaining section (132).

2. The connecting terminal (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The support section (130) is slidably supported on the support leg (121).

3. The connecting terminal (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The retaining section (132) is constructed by at least one retaining arm that surrounds the clamping leg (120) to establish an active connection.

4. The connecting terminal (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The retaining element (13) has at least one leg (131), and the supporting section (130) and the retaining section (132) are interconnected via the leg.

5. The connecting terminal (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that, The locking section (133) is formed on the at least one leg (131).

6. The connecting terminal (1) according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that, The support section (130) and / or the retaining section (132) bend relative to the at least one leg (131).

7. The connecting terminal (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The support leg (121) is connected to the clamping leg (120) at the first end via a curved connecting section (122) and to the trigger element (123) at the second end.

8. The connecting terminal (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The trigger element (123) is integrally formed with the support leg (121) and is elastically movable relative to the support leg (121).

9. The connecting terminal (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that, The trigger element (123) bends relative to the support leg (121) and extends from the support leg (121) into a region within the housing (10) aligned with the socket (100).

10. The connecting terminal (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The triggering element (123) has a locking element (124) for locking with the locking section (133) of the retaining element (13).

11. The connecting terminal (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The trigger element (123) has an end section (125) configured to work in conjunction with the electrical wire (2) when inserted into the socket (100).

12. The connecting terminal (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The housing (10) has a first housing wall (106) and a second housing wall (107) extending parallel to the first housing wall (106), wherein the electrical wire (2) is capable of being introduced into a receiving space (101) between the first housing wall (106) and the second housing wall (107) by being inserted into the socket (100) along the insertion direction (E), wherein the clamping leg (120) is capable of moving between the first housing wall (106) and the second housing wall (107) in the receiving space (101).

13. The connecting terminal (1) according to claim 12, characterized in that, The clamping leg (120) engages, at least in the clamped position, in the receiving space (101) between the first housing wall (106) and the second housing wall (107).

14. The connecting terminal (1) according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that, The clamping leg (120) is pivotable relative to the support leg (121) between the clamping position and the release position in a pivot plane enclosed by the insertion direction (E) and the lateral direction (Q), wherein the first housing wall (106) and the second housing wall (107) are spaced apart from each other along a depth direction (T) perpendicular to the pivot plane.

15. The connecting terminal (1) according to claim 14, characterized in that, The contact section (110) is arranged in the lateral direction (Q) next to the first housing wall (106) and / or the second housing wall (107).

16. The connecting terminal (1) according to any one of claims 12 to 15, characterized in that, The contact element (11) has a support section (111) arranged at an angle relative to the contact section (110), and the support leg (121) is supported on the support section, wherein, viewed along the insertion direction (E), the support section (111) is arranged below the first housing wall (106) and / or the second housing wall (107).

17. The connecting terminal (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that... An adjustable actuation element (14) relative to the housing (10) is used to adjust the clamping leg (120) to the release position.

18. The connecting terminal (1) according to claim 17, characterized in that, The manipulation element (14) is movable relative to the housing (10).

19. The connecting terminal (1) according to claim 17 or 18, characterized in that, The actuating element (14) has an actuating section (140) for user actuation and an actuating section (141) extending from the actuating section (140) for acting on the clamping leg (120) and / or the retaining element (13).

20. The connecting terminal (1) according to claim 19, characterized in that, The actuating element (14) is configured to act on the clamping leg (120) and / or the retaining element (13) using the actuating section (141) to adjust the clamping leg (120) to the release position.

21. The connecting terminal (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The clamping leg (120) is configured to press or pull the electrical wire (2) against the contact section (110) by spring force.

Images