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 latching element (15) is integrally formed with the spring element (12) and is arranged on the support leg (121) such that the latching element (15) is elastically movable relative to the support leg (121). In contrast thereto, a trigger element (13) is not integrally formed with the housing (10), the contact element (11) and the spring element (12). The trigger element (13) is configured to, when moved away from a starting position, entrain the latching element (15) in order to release the clamping leg (120) from the release position.

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 can elastically move 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. The clamping leg can engage with a locking element for locking in the released position. A trigger element, through its interaction 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-loaded 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] According to DE 10 2019 132 316 A1, a connecting terminal with a spring element is known, wherein a trigger element is formed on a support leg. In the released position of the clamping leg of the spring element, the clamping leg locks with the trigger element.

[0005] Another structural form of the connection terminal is known from DE 20 2022 104 223 U1.

[0006] In a spring element for implementing a spring-loaded connector and designed as a self-triggered connection terminal, there is a need for a compact and simple structural form that reliably triggers upon insertion of an electrical wire and reliably retains the clamping leg 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 an extended period, 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 can reliably trigger when a wire is inserted and reliably hold 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 locking element and the spring element are integrally formed and arranged on the support leg so that the locking element can move elastically relative to the support leg. In contrast, the trigger element is not integrally formed with the housing, contact element, and spring element. The trigger element is configured to actuate the locking element to release the clamping leg from the release position when moving away from the initial position.

[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 locking 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 locked in place with the locking element, thereby holding the clamping leg in the released position and thus enabling a simple, essentially powerless plug-in connection for connecting the electrical wire 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 designed to work in conjunction with the electrical wire when it is inserted, such that the trigger element is moved upon insertion, thereby actuating the locking element and releasing the lock between the locking element and the clamping legs. Upon insertion of the electrical wire, the connecting terminal is thus automatically released, allowing 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 housing, contact element, and spring element. Therefore, the trigger element is made as a separate component and is disposed on the contact element or housing for mounting connection terminals, so that the trigger element can move in the connection terminals to actuate the locking element when an electrical wire is inserted and thus release the locking of the clamping leg in the release position.

[0015] By adjusting the trigger element when the electrical wire is inserted, which in turn actuates the locking element and releases the clamping legs from the release position, the connection terminal automatically closes when the electrical wire is inserted. A simple connection process is achieved by ensuring reliable contact between the electrical 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 locking 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 fitting the assembly consisting of the contact element, the spring element, and the trigger element into the housing.

[0018] The locking element is capable of elastic movement relative to the supporting leg. In one design, when the clamping leg moves to the release position and engages with the locking element, the locking element can move independently of the triggering element. When the clamping leg moves to the release position, the clamping leg contacts the locking element with its locking segment, causing the locking element to deflect a distance until the clamping leg passes the corresponding locking segment of the locking element. The locking element then elastically returns to its relaxed initial position and locks with the clamping leg. The deflection of the locking element is independent of the triggering element; that is, it does not cause the triggering element to move with it.

[0019] Because the locking element can move independently of the trigger element when engaging the clamping legs, the locking between the clamping legs and the locking element can be established easily and comfortably when shifting to the release position. Therefore, the locking element can be sized such that a relatively small force is required to engage the clamping legs with it. Since the locking element for establishing the lock can move independently of the trigger element, the trigger element does not need to move with it and, in this respect, does not affect the force required to lock the clamping legs when shifting to the release position.

[0020] Because the locking element is integrally molded with the spring element and connected to the support leg, a force flow is generated inside the spring element in the released position. In particular, the force generated 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.

[0021] In one design, the clamping leg is connected to the support leg via a curved section. A locking element is located on the end of the support leg away from the curved section. Both the clamping leg and the locking element are formed on and extend from the support leg. Therefore, 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 locking element on the other hand.

[0022] 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.

[0023] 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.

[0024] 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 contact with the contact element after the clamping leg is triggered from the release position.

[0025] 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.

[0026] In one design, the trigger element has a connecting arm through which the trigger leg is connected to a contact element or housing. The connecting arm may itself be elastically deformable, so that the trigger leg can be elastically deflected relative to the contact element or housing by deformation of the connecting arm.

[0027] In one design, the trigger element is supported on the contact element by a support end. The trigger element is made as a separate component, but is connected to the contact element by the support end in such a way that the trigger element can move relative to the contact element so that when it moves out of the initial position, it acts on the locking element and releases the clamping leg from the release position upon insertion of the electrical wire.

[0028] For example, the contact element has a support section on which the support end of the trigger element rests. The support section may be formed on the contact element, for example, as a tab, on a face section of the contact element, or on a substrate of the contact element. For example, the support end surrounds the support section, thereby establishing fixation of the trigger element on the contact element.

[0029] In one design, the supporting end of the trigger element rests on a wall section of the contact element, and the supporting leg of the spring element also rests on this wall section. For example, the supporting end occupies an intermediate position between the wall section and the supporting leg. In this case, the supporting end can be formed, for example, as a surface section located between the wall section and the supporting leg. For example, the supporting leg is fixed to the wall section by riveting, wherein, due to its intermediate position between the wall section and the supporting leg, the supporting end is also fixed relative to the wall section.

[0030] In one design, the trigger element is torque-resistantly supported on the contact element by a support end. Here, the trigger element is preferably, particularly, elastically deformable in the region of the connecting arm that connects the trigger leg to the support end. If the conductor acts on the trigger leg when inserted into the socket, deformation occurs on the trigger element, while the support end remains fixed in position relative to the contact element.

[0031] In one design, the trigger element is supported in a manner that allows it to swing relative to the housing. Therefore, the trigger element can swing out from its initial position and, upon moving out of the initial position, actuate the locking element, thereby releasing the clamping leg from its locked position.

[0032] For example, the triggering element has a shaft element that can be pivotally supported relative to the housing. For example, a support portion is constructed on the housing, and the shaft element is supported on the support portion. Such a support portion can be formed, for example, by a half-shell formed on the housing, which is completed by another half-shell on the contact element, so that the shaft element is supported between the housing and the contact element and can thus swing relative to the housing.

[0033] In one design, the trigger element has an actuating section for driving the locking element. If the trigger element moves when the wire is inserted, it drives the locking element through the actuating section and thus releases the locking of the clamping leg. The actuating section surrounds the locking element such that, during the deflection of the trigger element, force is transmitted through the actuating section to the locking element, thereby moving the locking element out of its locked position.

[0034] The actuating section, for example, has a hook section that surrounds the locking element. The actuating section extends from the trigger leg or connecting arm, for example, as a tab. The hook section is formed at the end of the actuating section away from the trigger leg or connecting arm and surrounds the locking element, such that when the trigger element deflects, the locking element is actuated to release the locking from the clamping leg.

[0035] In another design, the action section can be configured as a slot opening into which the locking element is inserted, so that the locking element is driven by the action section when the trigger element moves.

[0036] In one design, the locking element has a locking arm that forms a locking section for locking with the clamping leg. The locking arm is sized such that the locking element is elastically deformable on the locking arm and therefore elastically movable relative to the supporting leg. The locking section on the locking arm can be formed, for example, by a bent end in the form of a locking hook or by a locking edge. In the released position, the clamping leg locks with the locking section and is thus held in position by the locking element.

[0037] In one design, the support leg extends flat along a plane that extends 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 thus fixed to the wall section of the contact element and thereby fixed relative to the contact element.

[0038] In one design, the clamping leg has a locking section for locking with a locking element in the released position. In another design, the locking section of the clamping leg can be formed via a locking opening on the clamping leg, into which the locking element engages in the released position. In yet another design, the locking section of the clamping leg can be formed via a locking tab on the clamping leg, which protrudes from the clamping leg and engages with the locking element in the released position. In this case, the locking element can, for example, have a locking opening into which the locking tab of the clamping leg engages in the released position.

[0039] The spring element, clamping leg, support leg, and locking element are preferably formed as self-elastically springing components, for example, made of spring steel.

[0040] Spring elements can be formed, for example, into stamped and bent parts.

[0041] In one design, the contact element has a base and at least one wall segment that is bent relative to the base. For example, the at least one wall segment is bent relative to the base about a bending axis pointing along the insertion direction.

[0042] In one design, the contact element is configured as 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] In one design, the clamping leg of the spring element is situated within the 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.

[0045] 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 formed by a contact pin, then the mating contact is preferably formed by a contact socket. Conversely, if the contact section is formed by a contact socket, then the mating contact is configured as a contact pin.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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 the user, thereby acting on the clamping leg and moving the clamping leg toward the release position.

[0048] 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.

[0049] In other design schemes, the control element can also pivot relative to the housing.

[0050] Instead of actuating elements, the clamping legs can be configured to be deflected using a separate tool, such as a screwdriver. Attached Figure Description

[0051] 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 1BA 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 2A A perspective view of the contact element, spring element, and trigger element in the clamping position of the clamping leg is shown; Figure 2B A perspective view of the contact element, spring element, and trigger element in the released position of the clamping leg is shown; Figure 3A Another perspective view is shown of the contact element, spring element, and trigger element in the clamping position of the clamping leg; Figure 3B Another perspective view is shown of the contact element, spring element, and trigger element in the released position of the clamping leg; Figure 4A A separate view of the contact element is shown; Figure 4B A side view of the contact element is shown; Figure 4C A front view of the contact 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 separate view of the spring element is shown; Figure 6B A side view of the spring element is shown; Figure 6C A front view of the spring element is shown; Figure 7A A view of another embodiment of a connecting terminal is shown, which has a contact element, a spring element, and a trigger element; Figure 7B A view of the connection terminal is shown in such a position that one of the clamping legs of the spring element is in the released position; Figure 7C A view of the connection terminals when an electrical wire is inserted is shown; Figure 7D A view of the connecting terminals in the clamping position of the clamping legs is shown; Figure 8AA perspective view of the contact element, spring element, and trigger element in the clamping position of the clamping leg is shown; Figure 8B A perspective view of the contact element, spring element, and trigger element in the released position of the clamping leg is shown; Figure 9A Another perspective view is shown of the contact element, spring element, and trigger element in the clamping position of the clamping leg; Figure 9B Another perspective view is shown of the contact element, spring element, and trigger element in the released position of the clamping leg; Figure 10A A separate view of the contact element is shown; Figure 10B A side view of the contact element is shown; Figure 10C A front view of the contact element is shown; Figure 11A A separate view of the trigger element is shown; Figure 11B A side view of the trigger element is shown; Figure 11C A front view of the trigger element is shown; Figure 12A A view of another embodiment of the connecting terminal is shown, which has a contact element, a spring element, and a trigger element; Figure 12 shows a view of the connection terminal in such a position that one of the clamping legs of the spring element is in the released position; Figure 12C A view of the connection terminals when an electrical wire is inserted is shown; Figure 12D A view of the connecting terminals in the clamping position of the clamping legs is shown; Figure 13 It shows according to Figure 12D A partial cross-sectional view of the device; Figure 14A A perspective view of the connecting terminals in the clamping position of the clamping legs is shown; Figure 14B A perspective view of the connecting terminals in the released position of the clamping leg is shown; Figure 15A Another perspective view of the connecting terminals in the clamping position of the clamping leg is shown; Figure 15B Another perspective view of the connecting terminals is shown in the released position of the clamping leg; Figure 16A A separate view of the housing component for the connecting terminals is shown; Figure 16B A side view of the housing component is shown; Figure 17A A separate view of the contact element is shown; Figure 17B A side view of the contact element is shown; Figure 17C A front view of the contact element is shown; Figure 18A A separate view of the trigger element is shown; Figure 18B A side view of the trigger element is shown; Figure 18C A side view showing the rotation of the trigger element is shown; and Figure 18D A front view of the trigger element is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0052] Figure 1A-1D Views 6A-6C show an embodiment of a connecting terminal 1 having a housing 10 with a socket 100 formed thereon for inserting an electrical wire 2.

[0053] The connecting terminal 1 is designed as a spring 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.

[0054] In a separate view Figures 4A-4C The contact element 11 of the connection terminal 1 shown has a contact cavity 110 and a contact section 114 extending from the contact cavity 110. 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.

[0055] In the illustrated embodiment, the contact element 11 is integrally manufactured as a stamped and bent part.

[0056] The contact cavity 110 has a U-shaped configuration in a cross section transverse to the insertion direction E, and is formed by a base 111 and wall sections 112 and 113 connected thereto and bent toward the base 111.

[0057] Wall segments 112 and 113 bend toward base 111 about a longitudinally extending bending axis along the insertion direction E and extend in planes that point parallel to each other, as shown in this example. Figures 4A to 4C As can be seen in the text.

[0058] 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. The clamping leg 120 is connected to the support leg 121 via a curved section 122 that provides a bending hinge. The curved section 122 provides a bending radius by 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.

[0059] 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 insertion hole 100 into the receiving cavity 101 inside the housing 10 and thus into the contact cavity 110, thereby reaching a midpoint between the clamping leg 120 and the wall section 113 of the contact cavity 110. Within the receiving cavity 101, the clamping leg 120 of the spring element 12 is pressed against the wall section 113 of the contact element 11 and thus makes electrical contact with the contact element 11.

[0060] 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 to contact the wall section 113 of the contact element 11.

[0061] 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 contact cavity 110 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.

[0062] In the illustrated embodiment, the connection terminal 1 has a trigger element 13 that forms a trigger leg 130. This trigger leg extends substantially transversely to the insertion direction E in the unloaded initial position and extends into the area inside the contact cavity 110 aligned with the socket 100 along the insertion direction E, such as by, for example, […]. Figure 1A , 1B visible.

[0063] The trigger element 13 is made as a separate component and, in the illustrated embodiment, is supported on a support section 115 by a support end 133, which is formed as a protruding tab on the base 111 of the contact element 11. The trigger element 13 is positioned after a wall section 112 based on the insertion direction E, on which a support leg 121 is supported. Here, the trigger element 13 is elastically movable relative to the contact element 11, so that when the electrical wire 2 is inserted into the corresponding socket 100 of the corresponding connection terminal 1 along the insertion direction E, the trigger leg 130 can be deflected by its interaction with the electrical wire 2.

[0064] In the illustrated embodiment, the trigger element 13 has a strip-shaped connecting arm 131 through which the trigger leg 130 is connected to a support end 133 and to the base 111 of the contact element 11 via the support end 133. The support end 133 is bent such that it surrounds a support section 115 on the base 111 of the contact element 11. The support end 133 is thus torsionally supported on the support section 115. The connecting arm 131 is elastically deformable such that the trigger element 13 can move elastically relative to the contact element 11 when bent in the connecting arm 131.

[0065] The wall section 11 extends from the base 111 in the depth direction T, which is perpendicular to the insertion direction E. The trigger element 13 is arranged next to the base 111 relative to the depth direction T.

[0066] The insertion direction E and the lateral direction Q perpendicular to both the insertion direction E and the depth direction T create a swing plane, which not only clamps the leg 120 but also allows the trigger element 13 to deflect elastically along the swing plane.

[0067] A locking element 15 is arranged on the support leg 121 of the spring element 12. The locking element has a locking arm 150 and a locking section 151 formed through the hook-shaped end of the locking arm 150. The locking element 15 extends from the support leg 121 as a tab.

[0068] exist Figures 5A-5C The trigger element 13 shown in a separate view has an action section 132 formed as a tab on the trigger leg 130, which surrounds the locking element 15 at the end opposite to the trigger leg 130 with a hook section 134.

[0069] exist Figure 1B In the released position of the clamping leg 120 shown, the clamping leg 120 is locked with the locking element 15 and thus holds its position relative to the support leg 121. In the released position, the locking element 15 engages with the locking opening 124 on the clamping leg 120 in a hook-shaped locking section 151 and thus holds the clamping leg 120 in the released position, as shown from... Figure 2B and3B As can be seen from the text.

[0070] Figures 6A-6C The support leg 121 of the spring element 12, shown in a separate view, extends flatly along a plane that opens through the insertion direction E and the depth direction T in the illustrated embodiment. The support leg 121 is fixed to the wall section 112 of the contact element 11, for example by riveting, through a fixing hole 123.

[0071] If the wire 2 is inserted into the socket 100 of the connection terminal 1 (Fig. 1C), the wire 2, with its end 20 located within the receiving cavity 101, contacts the trigger leg 130 and adjusts the trigger element 13, thereby actuating the locking element 15 and releasing the lock between the locking element 15 and the clamping leg 120. Therefore, the clamping leg 120 is released from the released 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 cavity 110 of the contact element 11 and thus electrically connecting it to the contact element 11.

[0072] Therefore, the locking of the clamping leg 120 automatically releases when the 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 wire 2 in the contact cavity 110 with the wall section 113 of the contact element 11, so that the 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 is to be released 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 fixed on the contact element 12 and the locking element 15 is integrally formed on the support leg 121 of the spring element 12, the assembly of the components of the spring connector of the connecting terminal 1 is achieved in a simple manner.

[0075] The locking element 15 can, in principle, deflect independently of the trigger element 13. Specifically, when the clamping leg 120 moves to the release position, the clamping leg 120 can collide with the locking section 151 of the locking element 15, thereby causing the locking element 15 to (slightly) move out of its relaxed initial position without causing the trigger element 13 to move along with it. Therefore, when locking is established, the locking element 15 can move independently of the trigger element 13.

[0076] If the trigger element 13 is adjusted by the action of the electrical wire 2, the locking element 15 is driven by the coupling through the action section 132. This releases the locking element 15 from the clamping leg 120 and thus releases the clamping leg 120 from the release position.

[0077] In the released position of the clamping leg 120, the clamping leg 120 is clamped relative to the support leg 121. Here, there is a force flow through the locking 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 the released position with the clamping leg 120 clamped for a relatively long period of time, it will not cause damage or even destruction to the housing 10 due to material fatigue.

[0078] exist Figures 7A-7D In another embodiment shown in 11A-11C, the trigger element 13 is supported on a wall section 112 of the contact element 11 by a support end 133 formed by a planar segment, on which a support leg 121 of the spring element 12 is also fixed. This is according to... Figures 7A-7D Side view and according to Figure 8A , 8B As can be seen in perspective views 9A and 9B, the support end 133 occupies a midpoint between the support leg 121 and the wall section 112, thereby holding the support end 133 torsionally.

[0079] Similar to what has been described above, the trigger leg 130 of the trigger element 13 is connected to the support end 133 via a connecting arm 131. The trigger element 13 is coupled to the locking element 15 formed on the support leg 121 via the actuating section 132 and the hook section 134 formed thereon, such that when the trigger element 13 deflects, it actuates the locking element 15 and thereby releases the locking of the clamping leg 120 in the release position.

[0080] In addition to supporting the trigger element 13 on the wall section 112 via the support end 133, this embodiment of the connecting terminal 1 is functionally similar to that according to Figure 1A-1D The embodiments up to 6A-6C are the same, and therefore reference should also be made to the description of the embodiments described above.

[0081] According to Figures 7A-7D In embodiments 11A-11C, the spring element 12 and according to Figure 1A-1D The spring element 12 in embodiments 6A-6C has the same structure.

[0082] exist Figure 12A-12DIn another embodiment shown in 18A-18D, the trigger element 13 is manufactured as a separate component and is pivotally supported relative to the housing 10 via a shaft element 135. In the illustrated embodiment, the trigger element 13 is designed as a swingable rod having a trigger leg 130 and a connecting arm 133 connecting the trigger leg 130 to the shaft element 135.

[0083] Here, the shaft element 135 is supported at a support portion, which is formed by half-shells 104 and 116 in the housing component constituting the housing 10. Figure 16A , 16B ) and contact element 11 (see Figures 17A-17C It is located at ) and thus pivotally supported relative to the housing 10.

[0084] Compared to the embodiments described above, in this embodiment, the trigger element 13 itself cannot be elastically deformable, but is designed as a rigid, substantially non-deformable component. The trigger element 13 can easily move relative to the housing 10 due to its pivotable support.

[0085] The spring element 12, with the locking element 15 formed thereon, is designed in the same manner as in the embodiments described above. The actuating element 14 is also in the same manner as in the previously described embodiments.

[0086] By operating the actuating element 14, the clamping leg 120 of the spring element 12 can be moved to the released position when the electrical wire 2 is inserted to connect to the connecting terminal 1, as is the case when... Figures 12A to 12B As can be seen in the transition. In the released position, the clamping leg 120 engages with the locking opening 124 on the clamping leg 120 via the locking section 151 and is locked with the locking element 15 and thus holds its position relative to the housing 10.

[0087] When the wire 2 is inserted, it contacts the trigger leg 130 of the trigger element 13, thereby causing the trigger element 13 to swing about the swing axis defined by the shaft element 135. Here, the locking element 15 is actuated via the actuating section 132, causing the locking section 151 to disengage from the locking opening 124 on the clamping leg 120, and the clamping leg 120 is thus released from the release position, as is the case when... Figures 12C to 12D As can be seen in the transition.

[0088] According to Figure 13 Partial sectional view and from according to Figures 18A-18D As can be seen in a separate view of the trigger element 13, a slit opening 136 is formed in the actuating section 132, in which a locking element 15 with a locking arm 150 is accommodated. Thus, when the trigger element 13 pivots, the locking element 15 on the support leg 121 deflects and releases the lock from the clamping leg 120.

[0089] Apart from the design of the trigger element 13, the described embodiment is substantially the same as the previously described embodiment in other aspects of function, and therefore should also be referred to in conjunction with the description thereon.

[0090] The concept upon which this invention is based is not limited to the foregoing embodiments, but can also be implemented in other ways.

[0091] The actuating element can be linearly movable or oscillating and can be manipulated to move the clamping leg to the release position. However, a design without an actuating element can also be used, where the clamping leg can be acted upon, for example, by a separate tool such as a screwdriver.

[0092] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0093] 1 connection terminal

[0094] 10 housing

[0095] 100 sockets

[0096] 101 Reception Chamber

[0097] 102 Operating opening

[0098] 103 plug-in section

[0099] 104 Support Part

[0100] 11 Contact Elements

[0101] 110 contact cavity

[0102] 111 substrate

[0103] Sections 112 and 113

[0104] 114 contact section

[0105] 115 support section

[0106] 116 Supporting parts

[0107] 12 clamping springs

[0108] 120 Clamping Legs

[0109] 121 Supporting Legs

[0110] 122-bend section

[0111] 123 Fixing Holes

[0112] 124-card lock opening

[0113] 13 trigger elements

[0114] 130 trigger legs

[0115] 131 connecting arm

[0116] 132 Action Section

[0117] 133 support end

[0118] 134 hook section

[0119] 135° swing axis (shaft element)

[0120] 136 gap opening

[0121] 14 control elements

[0122] 140 heads

[0123] 141 strokes

[0124] 15 locking components

[0125] 150-card locking arm

[0126] 151 Card Lock Section

[0127] 2 wires

[0128] 20 conductor end

[0129] B controls the direction.

[0130] E insertion direction

[0131] Q horizontal direction

[0132] 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 in the insertion direction (E) to connect to the connection 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). The locking element (15) and the clamping leg (120) are capable of engaging the locking element (15) to lock in the release position, and A trigger element (13), which, through its interaction with the electrical wire (2), is capable of being removed from its initial position when inserted into the socket (100) in order to release the clamping leg (120) from its release position. Its features are, The locking element (15) is integrally formed with the spring element (12) and arranged on the support leg (121) such that the locking element (15) can move elastically relative to the support leg (121). The trigger element (13) is not integrally formed with the housing (10), the contact element (11) and the spring element (12), wherein the trigger element (13) is configured to actuate the locking element (15) to release the clamping leg (120) from the release position when removed from the initial position.

2. The connecting terminal (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The locking element (15) can move independently of the trigger element (13) when it engages with the clamping leg (120).

3. The connecting terminal (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The clamping leg (120) is connected to the support leg (121) via a curved section (122), wherein the locking element (15) is arranged on the end of the support leg (121) away from the curved section (122).

4. The connecting terminal (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The housing (10) defines a receiving cavity (101) into which the electrical wire (2) can be introduced by insertion into the socket (100), wherein the trigger element (13) is disposed in the receiving cavity (101) to work in conjunction with the electrical wire (2).

5. The connecting terminal (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that, The trigger element (13) has a trigger leg (130) for working in conjunction with the electrical wire (2).

6. The connecting terminal (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that, The trigger leg (130) extends transversely to the insertion direction (E) in the receiving cavity (10) in the initial position of the trigger element (13) so as to work together with the electrical wire (2) upon insertion.

7. The connecting terminal (1) according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that, The trigger element (13) has a connecting arm (131), and the trigger leg (130) is connected to the contact element (11) or the housing (10) via the connecting arm.

8. The connecting terminal (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The trigger element (13) is supported on the contact element (11) by a support end (133).

9. The connecting terminal (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that, The contact element (11) has a support section (115), and the support end (133) of the trigger element (13) is supported on the support section.

10. The connecting terminal (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that, The supporting end (133) of the triggering element (13) is supported on the wall section (112) of the contact element (11), and the supporting leg (121) of the spring element (12) is also supported on the wall section.

11. The connecting terminal (1) according to claim 10, characterized in that, The support end (133) occupies the middle position between the wall section (112) and the support leg (121).

12. The connecting terminal (1) according to any one of claims 8 to 11, characterized in that, The trigger element (11) is supported against torque on the contact element (11) by the support end (133).

13. The connecting terminal (1) according to claim 12, characterized in that, The trigger element (13) itself is elastically deformable.

14. The connecting terminal (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The trigger element (13) is oscillatingly supported relative to the housing (10).

15. The connecting terminal (1) according to claim 14, characterized in that, The trigger element (13) has a shaft element (135) that is oscillatingly supported relative to the housing (10).

16. The connecting terminal (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The triggering element (13) has an operating section (132) for driving the locking element (15).

17. The connecting terminal (1) according to claim 16, characterized in that, The functional section (132) has a hook section (134) that surrounds the locking element (15).

18. The connecting terminal (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The locking element (15) has a locking arm (150) that forms a locking section (151) for locking with the clamping leg (120).

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 fixed to the wall section (112) of the contact element (11).

21. The connecting terminal (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The clamping leg (120) has a locking section for locking with the locking element (15) in the released position.

22. The connecting terminal (1) according to claim 21, characterized in that, The locking section is formed by a locking opening (124) on the clamping leg (120), and in the released position of the clamping leg (120), the locking element (15) is embedded in the locking opening.

23. 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).

24. The connecting terminal (1) according to claim 23, 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).

25. The connecting terminal (1) according to claim 23 or 24, 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 respectively curved relative to the substrate (110), the wall segments extending planarly along two planes that extend parallel to each other.

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

27. 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.

28. The connecting terminal (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, It has an actuating element (14) that is adjustable on the housing (10), which can 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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