Connection terminal for connecting electrical conductors

Abstract

The invention relates to a connection terminal (1) comprising a housing (10) and a contact element (11) for electrical contact with an electrical conductor (2). A spring element (12) has a support leg (121) and a clamping leg (120) connected to the support leg (121), wherein the clamping leg (120) is elastically movable relative to the support leg (121) into a clamping position and a release position and is configured to act on the electrical conductor (2) in the clamping position for contact with the contact element (11). A bearing element (15) is formed on the support leg (121). A triggering element (13) is movably supported on the bearing element (15). A latching section (151) is formed on the bearing element (15), with which the clamping leg (120) is latched in the release position, wherein the triggering element (13) is configured to release the latching between the clamping leg (120) and the latching section (151) by a movement out of an initial position upon insertion of the electrical conductor (2).

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 type of connector includes a housing with a socket into which an electrical conductor can be inserted in a mating direction to connect to the connector. A contact element for electrical contact with the electrical conductor is arranged on the housing. A spring element has a support leg supported on the contact element and / or the housing, and a clamping leg connected to the support leg for acting on the electrical conductor. The clamping leg is elastically movable relative to the support leg to a clamped position and a released position and is configured to act on the electrical conductor in the clamped position to contact the contact element. A trigger element, acting in conjunction with the electrical conductor, can move out of the initial position upon insertion into the socket to release the clamping leg from the released position.

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

[0004] A connection terminal is known from DE 10 2019 121 442 A1, wherein a swaying element is supported on a support section of a spring element. In the released position of the clamping leg of the spring element, the clamping leg is held on the swaying element, wherein the clamping leg can be released from the released position by tilting the swaying element.

[0005] Another structural form of the connection terminal is known from CN 220440021 U.

[0006] In a spring element used to implement a spring-force connector and designed as a self-triggering connection terminal, there is a need in principle for a compact and simple structural form that reliably triggers upon insertion of an electrical wire and, furthermore, reliably holds the clamping legs of the spring element in the released position. It should be noted that the connection terminal may need to remain in the released position for a considerable period of time, for example, because the connection terminal is delivered in such a state by the manufacturer. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The object of the present invention is to provide a connection terminal that can be compactly and simply constructed, and that enables reliable triggering when a wire is inserted and reliable holding of the clamping leg in the released position.

[0008] This objective is achieved by a subject matter having the features of claim 1.

[0009] Therefore, the connecting terminal has a support element formed on the support leg, and the trigger element is movably supported on the support element. A locking section is formed on the support element, through which the clamping leg is locked in a released position, wherein the trigger element is configured to release the lock between the clamping leg and the locking section by movement from the initial position when the electrical wire is inserted.

[0010] In the connection terminal, the electrical wire makes electrical contact with the electrical contact element in such a way that, when the electrical wire is inserted into the socket, the clamping legs act on the electrical wire, and the electrical wire is elastically loaded 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.

[0011] The connecting terminal has a support element integrally formed with the spring element, by which the clamping leg is locked relative to the housing in the released position. In the released position, the clamping leg is in a locking engagement with the locking section of the support element, thereby holding the clamping leg in the released position and thus enabling a simple, substantially powerless plug-in connection for the electrical wire to be connected to the connecting terminal.

[0012] The connecting terminals are especially available from the manufacturer to the customer when the clamping legs are in the released position.

[0013] Additionally, a trigger element is provided, which is movably, and particularly pivotally, supported on the support element. The trigger element is configured to work in conjunction with the electrical wire during insertion, such that the trigger element is adjusted during insertion and thereby releases the latching section of the support element and the clamping legs. Upon insertion of the electrical wire, the connecting terminal is thus automatically triggered, causing the electrical wire to contact the contact element via the clamping legs and thus become electrically connected to the connecting terminal.

[0014] The trigger element is not integrally formed with the spring element, but is movably, and in particular, pivotally supported on the spring element by a support element. Therefore, the trigger element is made as a separate component and is provided on the spring element for mounting the connecting terminal.

[0015] By adjusting the trigger element when the wire is inserted, thereby releasing the clamping legs from the release position, the connection terminals automatically close when the wire is inserted. 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 spring element is supported on the housing and / or contact element by the support leg and is thus held in a position within the housing. The clamping leg is resiliently deflected relative to the support leg, wherein, in the release position, the clamping leg is deflected in such a way that the spring element is resiliently tensioned and the clamping leg moves out of the release position in a resiliently preloaded manner after being released from the release position.

[0017] Because the support element and the spring element are integrally molded, a simple structure for the connecting terminal can be obtained, which allows for easy assembly. In particular, the connecting terminal can be installed in a simple manner, for example, by assembling the assembly consisting of the contact element, the spring element, and the trigger element into the housing.

[0018] Because the support element is integrally formed with the spring element and connected to the support leg through its locking section, a force flow is generated within the spring element in the released position. The force generated, particularly on the housing (made of electrically insulating plastic), is negligible, so that the clamping of the spring element does not result in a continuous load on the housing when the clamping leg is in the released position.

[0019] In one design, the support element forms a support aperture, wherein the trigger element has a support section movably accommodated within the support aperture. Specifically, the support section of the trigger element can be oscillatingly accommodated within the support aperture.

[0020] The trigger element can be designed as a substantially rigid element, for example. However, in other designs, the trigger element can also be elastically deformable.

[0021] The support eye is formed on the support leg of the spring element and is therefore made of the same material as the spring element. The spring element can be made of spring steel, for example. Here, the support eye can be formed on the support leg such that the support eye can also deform therein, thereby changing position when the trigger element moves on the support element.

[0022] In one design, a locking section is formed at a support hole. The support hole receives the support section of the trigger element. The locking section being formed at the support hole allows for locking between the clamping leg and the support hole in a spatially close position relative to the support section of the trigger element in the released position of the clamping leg. The trigger element can thus act with a short lever arm on the clamping leg or on the locking element located at the clamping leg to release the lock.

[0023] In one design, the support eye is formed by a curved section on the support leg connected to a spring element. The clamping leg can swing relative to the support leg in a swing plane extending in both the insertion and lateral directions. In this swing plane, the trigger element can also move relative to the support element. For this purpose, the curved section forming the support eye can be curved in an arc shape, particularly in the swing plane, wherein the support eye preferably defines an angle greater than 180°, but is not necessarily closed circumferentially.

[0024] In one design, the locking section is formed by a protrusion at the end of the curved section remote from the support leg. The support element is connected to the support leg by extending the curved section from and bending it relative to the support leg. The locking section is formed at the free end of the curved section remote from the support leg, so that the clamping leg can lock with the support element at that free end in the released position via the locking section.

[0025] In one design, the clamping leg has a locking element that locks into a locking section in the released position. The locking element can be integrally formed with the clamping leg. However, in other designs, the locking element can be manufactured as a separate component but fixedly connected to the clamping leg. The clamping leg is locked in the released position by the locking element and thus held in the released position by the locking section of the support element. For example, a locking opening can be formed on the locking element, and the locking section of the support element engages with the locking opening in the released position of the clamping leg. In other designs, the locking element can be formed, for example, as a locking hook on the clamping leg, which acts on the locking section of the support element in the released position of the clamping leg and thereby locks the clamping leg.

[0026] In one design, the locking element protrudes from the clamping leg toward the support leg. When the clamping leg is moved to the release position, the locking element approaches the support element formed on the support leg and locks with the locking section of the support element.

[0027] In one design, the trigger element has an abutment section against which the locking element abuts in the released position. The abutment section may, for example, extend flat. The abutment section provides a surface against which the locking element of the clamping leg abuts and is thereby supported in the released position, and on which the trigger element acts through the surface to release the lock when the trigger element is adjusted by the force of the electrical wire.

[0028] In one design, by moving the trigger element on the support element, the abutment section can tilt relative to the locking section of the support element, thereby lifting the locking element from the locking section. When the electrical wire is inserted, the wire acts on the trigger element, causing it to move on the support element. This also causes a positional change in the abutment section of the trigger element. By abutting against the support section, the locking element is lifted from the locking section of the support element, thus releasing the lock between the clamping leg and the support element, and allowing the clamping leg to be adjusted from a released position to a clamped position.

[0029] In one design, the abutment section has an opening through which the locking section of the support element passes.

[0030] For example, the support element forms a support shoulder at its end away from the support leg, and the abutment section rests on this support shoulder and can be inclined relative to the support shoulder. The support shoulder is preferably formed at the transition between the curved section forming the support eye and the locking section. As the support section of the trigger element moves within the support eye of the support element, the abutment section tilts on the support shoulder, thereby pressing the locking element out of engagement with the locking section of the support element and releasing the lock between the clamping leg and the support element.

[0031] In one design, the clamping leg is connected to the support leg via a curved section. A support element is disposed on the end of the support leg away from the curved section. Both the clamping leg and the support element are formed on and extend from the support leg. Thus, the support leg functionally occupies an intermediate position between the clamping leg, which is connected to the support leg via the curved section on one hand, and the support element on the other.

[0032] In one design, the housing defines a receiving cavity into which an electrical wire can be introduced by insertion into a socket. A trigger element is arranged within the receiving cavity to interact with the electrical wire and, through interaction with the electrical wire, can be adjusted from an initial position relative to the housing.

[0033] In one design, the trigger element has a trigger leg for interacting with an electrical wire. Specifically, the trigger leg extends approximately transversely to the insertion direction into a region of the receiving cavity aligned with the socket, such that when the electrical wire is inserted, the wire contacts the trigger leg and thereby adjusts the trigger element. Upon insertion of the electrical wire, the trigger element is thus removed from its initial position, causing the clamping leg to be released and movable from the released position toward the clamping position.

[0034] 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 electrical wire into contact with the contact element by the spring force. For this purpose, an opening may be formed on the clamping leg, through which the electrical wire can pass when inserted into the socket of the housing, so that the electrical wire is pulled into clamping contact with the contact element after the clamping leg is triggered from the release position.

[0035] Alternatively, the spring element can be configured as a compression spring. In this case, the clamping legs are configured to compress the electrical wire against the contact element by spring force. Upon insertion into the socket, the electrical wire reaches the space between the clamping legs and the contact element, wherein after the clamping legs are triggered from the release position, the clamping legs act on the electrical wire and compress it against the contact element.

[0036] In one design, the support leg extends flat along a plane extending through the insertion direction and a depth direction perpendicular to the insertion direction. The spring element is supported by the support leg and thus fixedly held to the connection terminal. For example, the support leg is fixed to a wall section of the contact element and thus fixed relative to the contact element. In other designs, for example, the support leg may be supported on a housing section of the housing.

[0037] In one design, the support element rests on a support section of the contact element that extends transversely to the insertion direction. For example, when the support leg of the spring element rests on the housing section and thus on the housing, additional support for the support element can be provided via the support section of the contact element. The support section extends transversely to the insertion direction and therefore can particularly receive and support forces acting in the insertion direction. Through this additional support section of the contact element, for example, the clamping force of the spring element can be supported and released in the released position of the clamping leg, which is introduced through the clamping leg into the locking section of the support element and thus into the support element.

[0038] The spring element, clamping leg, support leg, and support element are preferably formed as self-elastically springing components, for example, made of spring steel.

[0039] Spring elements can be formed, for example, into stamped and bent parts.

[0040] In one design, the contact element has a base and at least one wall section that is bent relative to the base. For example, at least one wall section is bent relative to the base about a bending axis pointing along the insertion direction.

[0041] In one design, the contact element forms a contact cavity, which is formed by a substrate and two wall segments. The wall segments are curved toward the substrate and extend flatly along two parallel planes. Therefore, the contact cavity can have, for example, a U-shaped configuration in a cross-section perpendicular to the insertion direction.

[0042] The contact element is particularly constructed of metal, for example, as a metal stamped and bent part. In particular, the contact element can be integrally and in one piece, wherein the contact cavity is integrally formed with other sections of the contact element.

[0043] In one design, the clamping leg of the spring element is situated within a space formed by the contact cavity and is thus movable within the contact cavity. Therefore, the spring element is at least partially, i.e., at least a section of the clamping leg, housed within the contact cavity, allowing the clamping leg to move within the contact cavity between a release position and a clamping position. In the release position, the clamping leg is spaced apart, for example, from a wall section of the contact cavity, allowing a conductor to be introduced into the intermediate space between the clamping leg and the wall section. In the clamping position, the clamping leg clamps against the inserted conductor, causing the conductor to press against the wall section of the contact cavity and thereby making electrical contact with the contact cavity.

[0044] In one design, the contact element has a contact section for making electrical contact with a corresponding mating contact element. The contact section can be configured as a contact socket or a contact pin and is used to establish a mating connection with the corresponding mating contact element. If the contact section is configured as a contact pin, then the mating contact is preferably formed as a contact socket. Conversely, if the contact section is formed as a contact socket, then the mating contact is configured as a contact pin.

[0045] The contact section can extend longitudinally from the contact cavity along the insertion direction, so that the contact section can be connected to the corresponding mating contact element in the insertion direction.

[0046] In one design, the connecting terminal has an adjustable actuating element disposed on the housing, which is adjustable in the actuating direction to adjust the clamping leg to the release position. The actuating element may be designed as a button and pressed into the housing by user operation, thereby acting on the clamping leg and moving the clamping leg toward the release position.

[0047] The operating direction can be, for example, along the insertion direction, and the electrical wire is inserted into the socket of the housing along this insertion direction to connect to the connection terminal.

[0048] In other design schemes, the control element can also swing relative to the housing.

[0049] Instead of actuating elements, it can be specified that the clamping legs can be deflected by a separate tool, such as a screwdriver. Attached Figure Description

[0050] The concept based on the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. Wherein: Figure 1A A view of one embodiment of a connecting terminal is shown, the connecting terminal having a contact element, a spring element, and a trigger element; Figure 1B A view showing the connecting terminal in such a position that one of the clamping legs of the spring element is in the released position; Figure 1C A view of the connection terminals when an electrical wire is inserted is shown; Figure 1D A view of the connecting terminals in the clamping position of the clamping leg is shown; Figure 2 It shows according to Figure 1D A perspective view of the device; Figure 3A A separate view of the contact element is shown; Figure 3B A side view of the contact element is shown; Figure 3C A front view of the contact element is shown; Figure 4A A separate view of the spring element is shown; Figure 4B A side view of the spring element is shown; Figure 4C A front view of the spring element is shown; Figure 5A A separate view of the trigger element is shown; Figure 5B A side view of the trigger element is shown; Figure 5C A front view of the trigger element is shown; Figure 6A A view of another embodiment of the connecting terminal is shown, which has a contact element, a spring element, and a trigger element; Figure 6B A view of the connection terminal in one position is shown, in which one clamping leg of the spring element is in the released position; Figure 6C A view of the connection terminals when an electrical wire is inserted is shown; Figure 6D A view of the connecting terminals in the clamping position of the clamping legs is shown; Figure 7 It shows according to Figure 6DA perspective view of the device; Figure 8A A perspective view of the contact element, spring element, and trigger element in the clamping position of the clamping leg is shown; Figure 8B Another perspective view is shown of the contact element, spring element, and trigger element in the clamping position of the clamping leg; Figure 9A A separate view of the contact element is shown; Figure 9B A side view of the contact element is shown; Figure 9C A front view of the contact element is shown; Figure 10A A separate view of the spring element is shown; Figure 10B A side view of the spring element is shown; Figure 10C A front view of the spring element is shown; Figure 11A A separate view of the spring element without the locking element is shown; Figure 11B A side view of the trigger element without the locking element is shown; Figure 11C A front view of the trigger element without the locking element is shown; Figure 12A A separate view of the locking element to be connected to the spring element is shown; Figure 12B A side view of the locking element is shown; and Figure 12C A front view of the locking element is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0051] Figure 1A-1D Views 5A-5C show an embodiment of a connecting terminal 1 having a housing 10 with a socket 100 formed thereon for inserting an electrical wire 2.

[0052] The connecting terminal 1 is designed as a spring-loaded connector. The housing 10 defines a receiving cavity 101 into which the wire 2, with its uninsulated end 20, is introduced when it is inserted into the socket 100 along the insertion direction E. In the connected position, the uninsulated end 20 of the wire 2 is located within the receiving cavity 101 and is electrically contacted with the contact element 11 via the clamping leg 120 of the spring element 12, thereby electrically connecting the wire 2 to the connecting terminal 1.

[0053] In a separate view Figures 3A-3CThe contact element 11 of the connection terminal 1 shown has a wall section 113 and a contact section 114 protruding from the wall section 113. In the illustrated embodiment, the contact section 114 is formed by a contact socket that can be inserted into the corresponding insertion section 103 of the housing 10 and connected to the corresponding mating contact of the mating insertion connector 4 along the insertion direction E.

[0054] In the illustrated embodiment, the contact element 11 is integrally manufactured as a stamped and bent part.

[0055] The wall section 113 extends planarly along a plane that is spread out by the insertion direction E and the depth direction T and is used for electrical contact with the uninsulated wire end 20 of the electrical wire 2.

[0056] In the illustrated embodiment, the spring element 12 is supported on the housing section 104 of the housing 10 by a support leg 121, as this... Figure 1A-1D and Figure 2 As can be seen, the clamping leg 120 is connected to the support leg 121 via a curved section 122 that provides a curved hinge. The curved section 122 provides a bending radius through which the clamping leg 120 can elastically swing relative to the support leg 121 about a swing axis approximately concentric with the curved section 122.

[0057] exist Figures 4A-4C The support leg 121 of the spring element 12, shown in a separate view, extends flatly along a plane spread out by the insertion direction E and the depth direction T in the illustrated embodiment. The support leg 121 is planarly supported on the housing section 104 of the housing 10.

[0058] In the illustrated embodiment, the spring element 12 is housed within the receiving cavity 101 of the housing 10 such that the clamping leg 120 can move within the receiving cavity 101. For connection of the electrical wire 2, the electrical wire 2 can be introduced into the receiving cavity 101 inside the housing 10 through the insertion hole 100, thereby reaching a midpoint between the clamping leg 120 and the wall section 113, and being pressed against the wall section 113 of the contact element 11 by the clamping leg 120 of the spring element 12 within the receiving cavity 101, thereby making electrical contact with the contact element 11.

[0059] The clamping leg 120 can be elastically deflected relative to the supporting leg 121, in particular, deflected so that the clamping leg 120 clamps the wire 2 connected to the connecting terminal 1 in the clamping position and squeezes the wire 2 under elastic preload so that it contacts the wall section 113 of the contact element 11.

[0060] The connecting terminal 1 has an operating element 14 forming a head 140 and a rod 141 extending from the head 140. The operating element 14 is housed in a corresponding operating opening 102 of the housing 10 and is adjustable relative to the housing 10 between an unoperated position and an operated position along the operating direction B. Here, the operating element 14 acts on the clamping leg 120 via the rod 141 so as to move the clamping leg from the clamping position to the operating position when adjusted along the direction of the operating position. Figure 1B In the visible release position, the area within the receiving cavity 101 aligned with the socket 100 along the insertion direction E is released by the clamping leg 120, allowing the electrical wire 2 to be inserted into the socket 100 in a substantially powerless manner and connected to the corresponding connection terminal 1.

[0061] The connecting terminal 1 further has a trigger element 13, which forms a trigger leg 130. This trigger leg, in its initial position corresponding to the release position of the clamping leg 120 of the spring element 12, extends substantially transversely to the insertion direction E and here extends into the area inside the receiving cavity 101 aligned with the socket 100 along the insertion direction E, such as by, for example, […]. Figure 1A , 1B visible.

[0062] The trigger element 13 is made as a separate element from the spring element 12, and in the illustrated embodiment, it is supported by a support section 131 on a support element 15 formed on a support leg 121.

[0063] The insertion direction E and the lateral direction Q, which is perpendicular to the insertion direction E and the depth direction T, open up a swing plane. The clamping leg 120 can be elastically deflected relative to the support leg 121 along the swing plane, and the trigger element 13 can move on the support element 15.

[0064] The support element 15 forms a support eyelet 150, which is formed by a curved section of the spring element 12 connected to the support leg 121. The support eyelet 150 is curved in the swing plane of the clamping leg 120 and extends at an angle greater than 180°, thereby forming a support opening inside the support eyelet 150, in which the trigger element 13 is supported by the support section 131.

[0065] Specifically, the trigger element 13 is capable of swinging about a swing axis on the support element 15 that is perpendicular to the swing plane and points along the depth direction T.

[0066] In the illustrated embodiment, a bolt-shaped locking section 151 is formed on the support eyelet 150, designed to lock with a locking element 123 disposed on the clamping leg 120. The trigger element 13 forms a planar extending abutment section 133, in which an opening 132 is formed, through which the locking section 151 engages.

[0067] exist Figure 1B In the released position of the clamping leg 120 shown, the clamping leg 120 engages with the support element 15 and thereby holds in position relative to the support leg 121. The locking element 123 protrudes from the clamping leg 120 toward the support leg 121 and forms a locking opening 124 between the laterally defining tabs 126 for locking with the locking section 151 of the support element 15. In the released position, the locking section 151 of the support element 15 engages with the locking opening 124 on the locking element 123 of the clamping leg 120 and thereby holds the clamping leg 120 in the released position, as shown from... Figure 1B As can be seen from the text.

[0068] To move the clamping leg 120 to the release position, the user can move the actuating element 14 in the actuating direction B and thereby press it into the housing 10. The actuating element 14 then acts on the clamping leg 120 via the rod 141, clamping the clamping leg relative to the support leg 121. This causes the locking element 123 to approach the locking section 151 formed on the support element 15, so that the locking element 123, with its curved end 125, contacts the abutment section 133 of the trigger element 13 and slides on the locking section 151 until the locking section 151 engages with the locking opening 124 of the locking element 123. Thus, the clamping leg 120 engages with the locking section 151 of the support element 15, as this is achieved when... Figure 1A Towards Figure 1B The transition is combined with Figures 4A-4C The spring element 12 and according to Figures 5A-5C A separate view of the trigger element 13 is visible.

[0069] In the released position, the locking element 123 abuts against the contact section 133 of the trigger element 13 and is therefore supported on the trigger element 13, as shown below. Figure 1B As shown in the image.

[0070] When the wire 2 is inserted into the socket 100 of the connection terminal 1 (Fig. 1C), the wire 2, with its end 20 within the receiving cavity 101, contacts the trigger leg 130, causing the trigger element 13 to shift on the support element 15. This causes the locking element 123 to lift from the locking section 151 of the support element 15 via the abutment section 133, thereby releasing the lock between the support element 15 and the clamping leg 120. Therefore, the clamping leg 120 is released from the release position and forms a clamping connection with the inserted wire 2 (Fig. 1D), thereby clamping the wire 2 to the wall section 113 of the contact element 11 and thus electrically connecting it to the contact element 11.

[0071] A support shoulder 152 is formed on the transition between the curved section of the support eyelet 150 and the locking section 151 of the spring element 12. The support shoulder 122 is formed on the support element 15 such that the locking section 151 has a reduced width compared to the width of the curved section forming the support eyelet 15, measured along the depth direction T. The trigger element 13 is supported on the support shoulder 152 by an abutment section 133, such that when the trigger element 13 swings, the abutment section 133 tilts on the support shoulder 152, thereby pressing the locking element 123 out of engagement with the locking section 151. This is as follows: Figures 1C to 1D As can be seen during the transition, the support axis 131 undergoes a slight, lateral positional change within the support eyelet 150.

[0072] Therefore, the locking of the clamping leg 120 automatically releases when the electrical wire 2 is inserted, so that the clamping leg 120 is no longer held in the released position. Due to the spring preload of the spring element 12, the clamping leg 120 moves toward the clamping position and clamps the inserted electrical wire 2 with the wall section 113 of the contact element 11, so that the electrical wire 2 is electrically connected to the contact element 11 and further mechanically locked to the connection terminal 1.

[0073] If the connected wire 2 should be detached from the connection terminal 1 again, the operating element 14 can be pressed into the housing 10 in the operating direction B so that the clamping leg 120 moves to the release position and thus releases the wire 2.

[0074] Since the trigger element 13 is supported on the support element 15 and thus on the spring element 12, the installation of the spring force connector of the connecting terminal 1 can be achieved in a simple manner.

[0075] In the released position, the clamping leg 120 is clamped relative to the supporting leg 121. Here, there is a force flow through the supporting element 15 within the spring element 12 itself. Therefore, the tension force on the spring element 12 is absorbed within the spring element 12, and no significant resultant force acts on the housing 10. Even if the connecting terminal 1 is thus held in a state for a relatively long period of time, in which the clamping leg 120 is clamped in the released position, this will not cause damage or even destruction to the housing 10 due to material fatigue.

[0076] In the illustrated embodiment, the support element 15 is additionally supported in the insertion direction E on a support section 115 of the contact element 15 extending transversely to the insertion direction E. Therefore, the spring element 12 in the released position of the clamping leg 120 ( Figure 1B The clamping force acting on the body is also introduced into the contact element 11 through the support element 15 and is received there, thereby clamping the leg 120 onto the locking section 151 and the force acting on the support element 15 through the locking section 151 results only in a small, caused load on the housing 10.

[0077] Another one in Figures 6A-6D The embodiments shown in 12A-12C differ from the embodiments described above, particularly in the structural form of the contact element 11 and the locking element 123 arranged on the clamping leg 120.

[0078] exist Figures 6A-6D In the embodiments shown in 12A-12C, viewed in separate views Figures 9A-9C The contact element 11 of the connection terminal 1 shown has a contact cavity 110 and a contact section 114 protruding from the contact cavity 110. The contact section 114 is formed by a contact socket as in the above embodiment, which can be inserted into the corresponding insertion section 103 of the housing 10 and connected to the corresponding mating contact of the mating insertion connector along the insertion direction E.

[0079] The contact cavity 110 has a U-shaped configuration in a cross-section transverse to the insertion direction E, formed by a base 111 and wall segments 112 and 113 connected thereto and curved toward the base 111. The wall segments 112 and 113 are respectively curved toward the base 111 about a bending axis extending longitudinally along the insertion direction E and extend in mutually parallel planes, as shown in this... Figures 9A to 9C As can be seen in the text.

[0080] In the illustrated embodiment, the spring element 12 is supported on the wall section 112 of the contact cavity 110 by a support leg 121 and is fixed, for example, by welding. The clamping leg 120 is elastically oscillating relative to the support leg 121 about an axis of oscillation approximately concentric with the bending section 122 by providing a bending hinge.

[0081] In the illustrated embodiment, the spring element 12 is housed within the contact cavity 110 such that the clamping leg 120 can move within the contact cavity 110. For connection of the electrical wire 2, the electrical wire 2 can be introduced through the socket 100 into the receiving cavity 101 inside the housing 10 and thus into the contact cavity 110, thereby reaching an intermediate position between the clamping leg 120 and the wall section 113 of the contact cavity 110, and being pressed against the wall section 113 of the contact element 11 by the clamping leg 120 of the spring element 12 within the receiving cavity 101, thereby making electrical contact with the contact element 11.

[0082] The trigger element 13 is formed as described in the previously described embodiments and in this respect corresponds to the... Figures 5A-5C The trigger element 13 is shown in the figure. The trigger element 13 is supported on the support element 15 formed on the support leg 121, and for this purpose, the support section 131 is inserted into the support hole 150 of the support element 15. A locking section 151 is formed on the support element 15, which is locked on the clamping leg 120 in the released position (FIG. 6B) by the locking element 123 and thereby holds the clamping leg 120 in the released position.

[0083] Unlike the embodiments described above, the locking element 123 acts as a... Figures 12A-12C The individual components shown are manufactured and fixed to the clamping leg 120. The locking element 123 forms a base 127, which is fixed to the clamping leg 120, for example by welding, so that the locking element 123 is fixed to the clamping leg 120. Figures 10A-10C A spring element 12 with a locking element 123 fixed to the clamping leg 120 is shown. In contrast, Figure 11A-11C A spring element 12 without a locking element 123 is shown.

[0084] Furthermore, especially considering the functions of the trigger element 13 and the support element 15 supporting the trigger element 13, according to Figures 6A-6D Examples of 12A-12C and according to Figure 1A-1D The embodiments for 5A-5C are the same, and therefore the previous description should also be referred to.

[0085] The concept upon which this invention is based is not limited to the foregoing embodiments, but can also be implemented in other ways.

[0086] The actuating element can be linearly movable or oscillating and can be manipulated to move the clamping leg to the release position. However, a construction without an actuating element and connecting terminals can also be used, where the clamping leg can be acted upon, for example, by a single tool, such as a screwdriver.

[0087] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0088] 1 connection terminal

[0089] 10 housing

[0090] 100 sockets

[0091] 101 Reception Chamber

[0092] 102 Operating opening

[0093] 103 plug-in section

[0094] 104 Shell Section

[0095] 11 Contact Elements

[0096] 110 contact cavity

[0097] 111 substrate

[0098] Sections 112 and 113

[0099] 114 contact section

[0100] 115 support section

[0101] 12 clamping springs

[0102] 120 Clamping Legs

[0103] 121 Supporting Legs

[0104] 122-bend section

[0105] 123 Locking Components

[0106] 124-card lock opening

[0107] 125 end

[0108] 126 limited piece

[0109] 127 base

[0110] 13 trigger elements

[0111] 130 trigger legs

[0112] 131 Support Section

[0113] 132 opening

[0114] 133 Adjacent Section

[0115] 14 control elements

[0116] 140 heads

[0117] 141 strokes

[0118] 15 Support elements

[0119] 150 support hole

[0120] 151 Card Lock Section

[0121] 152 Support for Convex Shoulders

[0122] 2 wires

[0123] 20 conductor end

[0124] B controls the direction.

[0125] E insertion direction

[0126] Q horizontal direction

[0127] T-direction (depth direction).

Claims

1. A connecting terminal (1) for connecting an electrical conductor (2), having The housing (10) has a socket (100) into which an electrical wire (2) can be inserted along the insertion direction (E) to connect to a connecting terminal (1). A contact element (11) arranged on the housing (10) is used for electrical contact with the electrical conductor (2). A spring element (12) having a support leg (121) supported on the contact element (11) and / or the housing (10) and a clamping leg (120) connected to the support leg (121) for acting on the electrical conductor (2), wherein the clamping leg (120) is elastically movable relative to the support leg (121) to a clamping position and a releasing position, and is configured to act on the electrical conductor (2) in the clamping position to contact the contact element (11), and A trigger element (13), which, through its interaction with the electrical wire (2), is able to move out of its initial position when inserted into the socket (100) so as to release the clamping leg (120) from its release position. Its features are, The device has a support element (15) formed on the support leg (121), and the trigger element (13) is movably supported on the support element. Wherein, a locking section (151) is formed on the support element (15), the clamping leg (120) is locked with the locking section in the release position, wherein the triggering element (13) is configured to release the locking between the clamping leg (120) and the locking section (151) by moving away from the initial position when the electrical wire (2) is inserted.

2. The connecting terminal (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The support element (15) forms a support eyelet (150), wherein the trigger element (13) has a support section (131) that can be movably accommodated in the support eyelet (150).

3. The connecting terminal (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The support section (131) is able to swing within the support eyelet (150).

4. The connecting terminal (1) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, The support eyelet (150) is capable of elastic deformation.

5. The connecting terminal (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that, The locking section (151) is formed on the support hole (150).

6. The connecting terminal (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that, The support eyelet (150) is formed by the connection of the spring element (12) to the curved section on the support leg (121).

7. The connecting terminal (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that, The locking section (151) is formed by a protrusion on the end of the curved section opposite to the support leg (121).

8. The connecting terminal (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The clamping leg (120) has a locking element (123) that engages with the locking section (151) in the released position.

9. The connecting terminal (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that, The locking element (123) is integrally formed with the clamping leg (120) or made as a separate component, but is fixedly connected to the clamping leg (120).

10. The connecting terminal (1) according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that, The locking element (123) protrudes from the clamping leg (120) toward the supporting leg (121).

11. The connecting terminal (1) according to any one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that, The triggering element (13) has an abutting section (133) in which the locking element (123) abuts against the abutting section in the released position.

12. The connecting terminal (1) according to claim 11, characterized in that, By moving the trigger element (13) on the support element (15), the abutment section (133) can tilt relative to the locking section (151) of the support element (15) so as to lift the locking element (123) from the locking section (151).

13. The connecting terminal (1) according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that, The abutment section (133) has an opening (132) through which the locking section (151) of the support element (15) is inserted.

14. The connecting terminal (1) according to any one of claims 11 to 13, characterized in that, The support element (15) has a support shoulder (152) at the end away from the support leg (121), and the abutment section (133) is supported on the support shoulder and can tilt relative to the abutment section (133).

15. The connecting terminal (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The clamping leg (120) is connected to the support leg (121) via a curved section (122), wherein the support element (15) is arranged on the end of the support leg (121) opposite to the curved section (122).

16. The connecting terminal (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The housing (10) defines a receiving cavity (101) into which an electrical wire (2) can be inserted by inserting it into the socket (100), wherein the triggering element (13) is arranged in the receiving cavity (101) to work in conjunction with the electrical wire (2).

17. The connecting terminal (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The trigger element (13) has a trigger leg (130) for working in conjunction with the electrical wire (2).

18. The connecting terminal (1) according to claim 17, characterized in that, The trigger leg (130) extends laterally to the insertion direction (E) in the initial position of the trigger element (13) so as to work together with the electrical wire (2) during insertion.

19. The connecting terminal (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The support leg (121) extends flatly along a plane that is spread out by the insertion direction (E) and a depth direction (T) perpendicular to the insertion direction (E).

20. The connecting terminal (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The support leg (121) is supported on the wall section (112) of the contact element (11) or on the housing section (104) of the housing (10).

21. The connecting terminal (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The support element (15) is supported on the support section (115) of the contact element (11) which extends laterally to the insertion direction (E).

22. The connecting terminal (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The contact element (11) has a base (111) and at least one wall segment (112, 113) that is bent relative to the base (111).

23. The connecting terminal (1) according to claim 22, characterized in that, At least one of the wall segments (112, 113) bends toward the base (111) about a bending axis pointing along the insertion direction (E).

24. The connecting terminal (1) according to claim 22 or 23, characterized in that, The contact element (11) forms a contact cavity (110) formed by the substrate (111) and two wall segments (112, 113) that are curved relative to the substrate (110) and extend flatly along two mutually parallel planes.

25. The connecting terminal (1) according to claim 24, characterized in that, The clamping leg (120) is movable within the contact cavity (110).

26. The connecting terminal (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The contact element (11) has a contact section (114) for making electrical contact with the corresponding mating contact.

27. The connecting terminal (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, It has an actuating element (14) that is adjustablely disposed on the housing (10), the actuating element being able to be adjusted from an unoperated position to an operated position in order to adjust the clamping leg (120) to the released position in the actuating direction (B).

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