Connection terminal for connecting electrical conductors

Abstract

The utility model relates to a connection terminal (1) for connecting an electrical conductor (2), comprising a housing (10) and a contact element (11) for electrically contacting the electrical conductor (2). The spring element (12) has a clamping leg (120) which is designed to act on the electrical conductor (2) in the clamping position in order to bring the electrical conductor (2) into contact with the contact section (110) of the contact element (11). The trigger element (13) can be adjusted relative to the housing (10), and wherein the clamping leg (120) can be released from the release position by the interaction of the trigger element (13) with the electrical conductor (2). The housing (10) has a first housing wall (105A) and a second housing wall (105B) extending parallel to the first housing wall (105A), the electrical conductor can be introduced into the receiving space (101) between the first housing wall (105A) and the second housing wall (105B), and the clamping leg (120) can be moved in the receiving space (101) between the first housing wall (105A) and the second housing wall (105B).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The utility model relates to a kind of terminal for connecting electric wire. BACKGROUND

[0002] This terminal includes a housing having a plug-in opening into which an electric wire can be inserted along a plug-in direction to be connected to the terminal. A contact element is arranged on the housing for electrically contacting the electric wire. The contact element has a contact section. A spring element has a clamping leg configured to act on the electric wire in a clamping position to bring the electric wire into contact with the contact section. The clamping leg is adjustable relative to the housing from the clamping position into a release position to release the electric wire. The clamping leg is held in position relative to the housing in the release position of the clamping leg. A trigger element is adjustable relative to the housing, wherein the clamping leg is released from the release position by a joint action of the trigger element and the electric wire.

[0003] This terminal realizes a spring-loaded connection by applying a spring element, wherein in the connected position the electric wire is clamped against the contact element under the resilient spring action of the spring element and thus electrically connected to the contact element.

[0004] In the terminal known from DE 10 2019 127 464 B3 a spring element in the form of a tension spring is provided, which by resilient spring action pulls the connected electric wire into abutment against the corresponding contact element and thus establishes a clamping connection between the electric wire and the contact element. To this end, the electric wire is moved through an opening in the clamping leg upon attachment and is clamped between the clamping leg and the contact element in the connected position.

[0005] In the terminal of DE 10 2019 127 464 B3 a locking device is provided, by which the clamping leg is latched relative to the housing in the release position. The electric wire triggers the locking device upon insertion and thus cancels the latching, so that the clamping leg is adjusted out of the release position and thereby clamps the electric wire against the contact element. To transfer the clamping leg into the release position, in particular to be able to attach the electric wire or to loosen the connected electric wire from the terminal, a tool, for example a screwdriver, can be attached to the terminal and thereby exert a force on the clamping leg.

[0006] In DE 10 2019 127 464 B3 the adjustment of the clamping leg is carried out directly by means of a tool, whereas in the terminal known from DE 10 2019 135 203 A1 and DE 10 2020 104 140 A1 an operating element in the form of a so-called pusher is provided, which can be pressed into the housing of the terminal in order to act in this way on the clamping leg and to move the clamping leg into its release position.

[0007] In the terminal known from EP 3 772 777 B1 the housing has a plug-in opening for the insertion of an electrical conductor. A spring element is accommodated in the housing. The spring element is configured with a clamping leg which is latched in the release position with respect to the housing by means of a rocker element.

[0008] In the terminal known from DE 10 2019 132 316 A1 the clamping leg of the spring element is latched in the locking state with a swing leg. Here, the locking piece of the clamping leg is configured spaced apart from the clamping edge of the clamping leg. Utility model content

[0009] The task of the utility model is to provide a terminal which, under the condition of an advantageous electrical contact, enables a versatile usability, in particular also for connecting conductors having a large conductor cross section.

[0010] The task is solved by a terminal for connecting an electrical conductor.

[0011] According to this, the housing has a first housing wall and a second housing wall which extends parallel to the first housing wall, wherein the electrical conductor can be introduced into an accommodation space between the first housing wall and the second housing wall by being inserted into a plug-in opening in a plug-in direction, wherein the clamping leg can be moved in the accommodation space between the first housing wall and the second housing wall.

[0012] In the terminal, the electrical conductor is in electrical contact with the electrical contact element in such a way that, when the electrical conductor is inserted into the plug-in opening, the clamping leg acts on the electrical conductor and spring- elastically loads the electrical conductor in the direction of contact with the contact element. In order to make the plug-in of the electrical conductor easy, the clamping leg of the spring element can be elastically deflected in order to move the clamping leg in this way into a release position in which a space inside the housing in the region of the plug-in opening is released and thus the electrical conductor can be inserted into the plug-in opening in an essentially force-free manner or the connected electrical conductor can be removed from the terminal in a simple manner.

[0013] The terminal can for example also be supplied to the customer by the manufacturer in a state in which the clamping leg is in the release position.

[0014] The terminal has a triggering element for interacting with the electrical conductor when the latter is inserted into the plug-in opening. Since the triggering element is adjusted relative to the housing when the electrical conductor is inserted and thereby cancels the holding of the clamping leg, the terminal is automatically closed when the electrical conductor is inserted. A simple connection process is achieved while the electrical conductor is reliably brought into contact with the contact element by the clamping action of the clamping leg.

[0015] If a conductor with a relatively large conductor cross section is to be connected in the terminal, this requires the spring element to be designed in such a way that a relatively large spring force can be provided in the clamping position by the clamping leg in order to clamp the conductor against the contact section of the contact element. In order to achieve the introduction of the conductor into the accommodation space inside the housing and in order to ensure reliable electrical contact of the conductor with the contact section of the contact element, the housing has a first housing wall and a second housing wall which extends parallel to the first housing wall, between which the conductor can be introduced when inserted into the plug-in opening.

[0016] The housing walls define an accommodation space between them into which an electrical conductor can be inserted in order to be connected to the terminal. The clamping leg of the spring element can be moved between the housing walls in such a way that the clamping leg can be extended between the housing walls in order to clamp the inserted electrical conductor against the contact section of the contact element.

[0017] Since the electrical conductor is introduced into the region inside the housing in which the clamping leg of the spring element is arranged when inserted into the plug-in opening by the housing walls, the conductor can be reliably inserted into the interior of the housing and reliably clamped by the clamping leg of the spring element against the contact section of the contact element. This also enables, inter alia, the spring element to be designed to provide a large spring force for connecting an electrical conductor with a large conductor cross section.

[0018] In one design variant, the clamping leg extends at least in the clamping position into the accommodation space between the first housing wall and the second housing wall. The clamping leg can be moved between the first housing wall and the second housing wall. However, the clamping leg does not have to be arranged between the housing walls at all times, but can, for example, be moved out of the region between the housing walls in the release position. The clamping leg is also designed depending on the conductor cross section of the inserted conductor in such a way that the clamping leg can extend at least in the clamping position into the accommodation space between the housing walls in order to reliably clamp the inserted electrical conductor against the contact section of the contact element in such a way that the clamping leg loads the inserted electrical conductor in the direction of abutment against the contact section of the contact element.

[0019] In one design, the clamping leg is pivotable relative to the housing between a clamping position and a release position in a swivel plane which extends through the plug-in direction and the transverse direction. The clamping leg can be moved between the clamping position and the release position. Here, the movement of the clamping leg between its different positions takes place in a swivel plane which extends through the plug-in direction and the transverse direction.

[0020] Here, the first housing wall and the second housing wall are preferably spaced apart from one another along a depth direction which is perpendicular to the swivel plane. The first housing wall and the second housing wall each extend planarly and are opposite one another as viewed along the depth direction. The electrical line can be introduced between the housing walls in order to be clamped with the spring action of the clamping leg with the contact section.

[0021] In one design, the contact section is arranged next to the first housing wall and / or the second housing wall as viewed along the transverse direction. The contact section can in particular be arranged in a slit opening which extends along the plug-in direction, through which slit opening the respective housing wall of the housing is separated from the other housing section. The contact section is thus arranged relative to the housing wall as viewed along the transverse direction such that the electrical line can be introduced between the housing walls and is pushed by the action of the clamping leg in the direction of the transverse direction and thus towards the contact section into electrical contact with the contact element.

[0022] The contact section preferably extends next to the first and / or the second housing wall perpendicular to the transverse direction.

[0023] In one design, the plug-in opening of the housing has an entry region which has a clear width. The first housing wall and the second housing wall are arranged at a distance from one another which is smaller than the clear width. The entry region of the plug-in opening can for example be approximately circularly shaped in cross section transverse to the plug-in direction. The clear width of the entry region corresponds to the diameter of the entry region. In contrast, the distance between the housing walls is measured along a depth direction along which the housing walls are spaced apart from one another.

[0024] In one design, a funnel section of the housing which tapers along the plug-in direction is connected to the entry region as viewed along the plug-in direction, to which funnel section the first housing wall and the second housing wall are in turn connected. The first housing wall and the second housing wall extend from the funnel section along the plug-in direction and thus lengthen the plug-in opening along the plug-in direction. The funnel section establishes a transition between the entry region and the housing walls in such a way that the funnel section tapers along the plug-in direction and thus guides the electrical line when the electrical line is inserted from the entry region into the accommodation space between the housing walls.

[0025] In one design variant, the trigger element has a trigger leg which, in the initial position, extends transversely to the plug-in direction, at least approximately. In order to release the clamping leg from the release position, the trigger leg can be adjusted out of the initial position by interaction with the electrical line. The trigger element acts on a retaining element for retaining the clamping leg in the release position when the trigger leg is deflected out of the initial position and thereby cancels the retaining of the clamping leg in the release position, so that the clamping leg can be adjusted in the direction of the clamping position from the release position.

[0026] In one design variant, the first housing wall and / or the second housing wall has a stop element, against which the trigger leg is stopped in the initial position. The trigger leg is thus in the initial position in a defined position relative to the housing, which is defined by the stop element respectively assigned to the housing wall. The trigger leg can be moved out of the initial position and thereby away from the stop element in order to cancel the retaining of the clamping leg in the release position and in turn to transfer the clamping leg into the clamping position.

[0027] The (only) stop element can be formed on one of the housing walls. However, it is also conceivable and possible that both housing walls each have a stop element.

[0028] In one design variant, the stop element is constituted by an end edge of the first housing wall and / or the second housing wall which points in the plug-in direction. Viewed in the plug-in direction, the end edge points downward. The trigger leg is stopped against the end edge in the initial position and thus occupies a defined position relative to the housing.

[0029] The trigger leg can in the initial position rest against an end edge of one of the housing walls. However, it is also conceivable and possible that the trigger leg in the initial position rests against end edges of both housing walls.

[0030] In one design variant, the terminal has an operating element which is adjustable relative to the housing for adjusting the clamping leg into the release position. By operating the operating element, the clamping leg can be transferred into the release position. In this release position, the clamping leg is retained in position relative to the housing so that the electrical line can be connected to the terminal in a simple manner or the connected electrical line can be removed from the terminal.

[0031] The operating element can be configured, for example, in the form of a push button and is pressed into the housing by the user's operation in order to act in this way on the clamping leg and to adjust the clamping leg in the direction of the release position.

[0032] In one design variant, the operating element is linearly movably mounted on the housing and has an operating section for operation by the user and an action section for action on the clamping leg. The operating section is accessible from outside the housing in such a way that the user can act on the operating section by means of a tool, for example a screwdriver, or else manually, whereas the action section is in action connection with the clamping leg of the spring element. By adjusting the operating element, an adjustment force is thus exerted on the clamping leg via the action section, so that the clamping leg is brought along when the operating element is adjusted from the unoperated position into the operated position, in turn moving in the direction of the release position.

[0033] In one design variant, the spring element is configured as a tension spring. In this case, the clamping leg of the spring element is configured for the electrical conductor to be drawn into abutment with the contact section by means of the spring force. In this case, an opening can be formed in the clamping leg, for example, through which the electrical conductor can pass when it is inserted into the plug-in opening of the housing, so that the clamping leg, after being triggered from the release position, draws the electrical conductor into clamping contact with the contact element.

[0034] Alternatively, the spring element can be configured as a pressure spring. In this case, the clamping leg is configured for the electrical conductor to be pressed into abutment with the contact section by means of the spring force. The electrical conductor, when inserted into the plug-in opening, reaches into the space between the clamping leg and the contact section, wherein the clamping leg, after being triggered from the release position, acts on the electrical conductor and presses it into abutment with the contact section of the contact element.

[0035] The spring element can have a support leg, for example, by means of which it is supported relative to the housing and held in position relative to the housing. The support leg can be supported directly on the housing, for example. It is also possible, however, for the support leg to be supported on a component that is fixed in position relative to the housing, for example the contact element. The clamping leg is elastically deflectable relative to the support leg, wherein, in the release position, the clamping leg is deflected in such a way that the spring element is elastically tensioned and the clamping leg, after being released from the release position, moves out of the release position as a result of the elastic pretensioning.

[0036] In one design variant, the clamping leg is pivotable relative to the support leg in a plane that extends perpendicularly through the plug-in direction and the transverse direction. The spring element is configured as a helical torsion spring, for example, wherein the support leg is supported relative to the housing and the clamping leg is elastically deflectable relative to the support leg. Here, the movement of the clamping leg takes place in a swivel plane that extends through the plug-in direction and the transverse direction and thus (at least approximately) about a swivel axis that points perpendicularly to the swivel plane.

[0037] In one design, the contact element has a support section which is arranged at an angle to the contact section, on which the support leg is supported. The support section is arranged, for example, at a 90° angle to the contact section and extends, for example, perpendicular to the plug-in direction. The support leg of the spring element is fixed, for example, by a force-fit, force-shape-fit, shape-fit or material-fit connection, on the support section. In addition, the support leg can also be supported here on the housing, for example on a housing section around which the spring element extends.

[0038] Viewed along the plug-in direction, the support section is preferably arranged below the first housing wall and / or the second housing wall. The trigger leg of the trigger element can move, for example, between an end edge of the housing wall and the support section. The support section which extends, for example, perpendicular to the plug-in direction thus has a spacing from the end edge of the housing wall, wherein the trigger leg of the trigger element can move in the intermediate space between the end edge of the housing wall and the support section.

[0039] In one design, the spring element has a locking leg which, in a release position, is latched with the clamping leg in order to hold the clamping leg in position relative to the housing. The clamping leg is thus latched in the release position and thereby held in position relative to the housing. The locking leg is formed on the spring element and is elastically deflectable in order to cancel the latching connection between the clamping leg and the locking leg in order to release the clamping leg from the release position.

[0040] In one design, the trigger element, upon insertion of the electrical line into the plug-in opening, can be adjusted relative to the housing by interaction with the electrical line in order to adjust the locking leg in order to cancel the latching. The trigger element is in operative connection with the locking leg, so that by the adjustment of the trigger element by the electrical line upon insertion, the locking leg is also moved and the latching connection between the locking leg and the clamping leg is cancelled.

[0041] In one design, the trigger element is connected in a form-fit with the locking leg or is configured integrally with the locking leg.

[0042] The trigger element can have a body, for example, in which a slit opening is formed into which the locking leg engages. The trigger element is arranged on the locking leg in such a way that, upon adjustment of the trigger element by the action of the electrical line, the locking leg is also moved and the latching of the clamping leg is thus cancelled. If the electrical line no longer acts on the trigger element, the trigger element is reset into its initial position as a result of the elastic reset of the locking leg, so that the trigger element can be deflected again upon reinsertion of the electrical line.

[0043] In another design variant, the triggering element can be formed integrally with the spring element and be connected to the locking leg. In this case, the triggering element constitutes a planar triggering leg, on which the electrical conductor can act in order to elastically adjust the locking leg. Thus, the triggering element, the locking leg, the support leg and the clamping leg are integrally and monolithically configured by the spring element.

[0044] In one design variant, the support leg is connected to the clamping leg at the first end by means of a curved connecting section. In contrast, the support leg is connected to the locking leg at the second end. The connecting section can extend, for example, around a peg-like housing section and provide a bending radius at which the clamping leg can be elastically pivoted relative to the support leg. The locking leg is curved, for example, relative to the support leg and thus extends from the support leg such that the locking leg can be latched with the clamping leg in the release position. To this end, the locking leg carries a locking element on the end facing away from the support leg, which is used to establish a locking connection with the clamping leg in the release position.

[0045] In one design variant, the clamping leg is configured on the end facing away from the support leg with a clamping edge for acting on the electrical conductor in the clamping position. The clamping leg acts on the inserted electrical conductor with the clamping edge in the clamping position and thus loads the electrical conductor in the direction of the contact section of the contact element. In contrast, the latching with the locking leg in the release position is preferably established on a location on the clamping leg which is set back from the clamping edge in the direction of the support leg and thus spaced apart from the clamping edge. Thus, the latching of the clamping leg in the release position is not achieved by means of the clamping edge, but rather at a location on the clamping leg which is spaced apart from the clamping edge.

[0046] It is thereby possible to reliably establish the latching between the locking leg and the clamping leg independently of, for example, wear on the clamping edge of the clamping leg. The latching of the clamping leg in the release position and the clamping action of the clamping leg on the inserted electrical conductor by means of the clamping edge are spatially and functionally separated from one another, such that, for example, wear on the clamping edge of the clamping leg has no influence on the reliability of the locking connection in the release position.

[0047] The connection terminal of the type described can be used in a multiplicity of ways in completely different electrical and electronic devices, for example on a circuit board or on a terminal block or a plug connector. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0048] The idea underlying the application is explained in detail below with the aid of embodiments which are shown in the drawings. These show:

[0049] Figure 1A A view of an embodiment of the connection terminal is shown, in which the clamping leg of the spring element is in the release position;

[0050] Figure 1B a sectional view of a device according to Figure 1A is shown;

[0051] Figure 2A a side view of a device according to Figure 1A is shown;

[0052] Figure 2B a sectional view of a device according to Figure 2A is shown;

[0053] Figure 3 a view of an assembly of a terminal comprising a contact element, a spring element and a trigger element is shown;

[0054] Figure 4 a separate view of a spring element is shown;

[0055] Figure 5A a view of a terminal when plugged with an electrical lead is shown;

[0056] Figure 5B a sectional view of a device according to Figure 5A is shown;

[0057] Figure 6A a side view of a device according to Figure 5A is shown;

[0058] Figure 6B a sectional view of a device according to Figure 6A is shown;

[0059] Figure 7A a sectional view according to Figure 5B is shown, wherein the clamping legs are in a clamping position;

[0060] Figure 7B a sectional view according to Figure 6B is shown, wherein the clamping legs are in a clamping position;

[0061] Figure 8 a view of an assembly of a terminal comprising a contact element, a spring element and a trigger element is shown;

[0062] Figure 9A a sectional view according to Figure 7A is shown, wherein the operating element is operated in order to transfer the clamping legs into a release position;

[0063] Figure 9B a sectional view according to Figure 7B is shown, wherein the operating element is operated in order to transfer the clamping legs into a release position;

[0064] Figure 10Aa side view of a modified embodiment is shown;

[0065] Figure 10B a sectional view of a device according to Figure 10A is shown;

[0066] Figure 11 a spring element according to Figure 10A , 10B is shown;

[0067] Figure 12A a view of a further embodiment is shown;

[0068] Figure 12B a sectional view of a device according to Figure 12A is shown;

[0069] Figure 13 a device according to Figure 12A is shown, wherein there is no contact element;

[0070] Figure 14 a view of an assembly of a device according to Figure 12A , 12B is shown, which comprises a contact element and a spring element;

[0071] Figure 15 a view of an assembly of an embodiment of a terminal is shown, which comprises a contact element, a spring element and a trigger element;

[0072] Figure 16 a view of an embodiment of a spring element and a trigger element is shown;

[0073] Figure 17 a view of a terminal is shown, which shows a load state when the spring element is in a released position;

[0074] Figure 18 a view of an embodiment of a spring element is shown;

[0075] Figure 19 a view of a further embodiment of a spring element is shown;

[0076] Figure 20 a view of a further embodiment of a spring element is shown;

[0077] Figure 21 a view of a further embodiment of a spring element is shown;

[0078] Figure 22 a view of a further embodiment of a spring element is shown;

[0079] Figure 23 a view of an assembly of a contact element together with a spring element arranged thereon is shown; and

[0080] Figure 24 A view showing an embodiment of a spring element together with a trigger element integrally formed thereon. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0081] Figure 1A 1B Figure 9A 9B An embodiment of a terminal 1 is shown, which is configured with a housing 10 with a plug-in opening 100 formed therein for the insertion of an electrical conductor 2 along a plug-in direction E.

[0082] The housing 10 defines an accommodation space 101 into which the conductor end 20 stripped of insulation of the electrical conductor 2 is introduced when the electrical conductor is inserted into the plug-in opening 100 along the plug-in direction E. In the connected position, the conductor end 20 stripped of insulation of the electrical conductor 2 is located inside the accommodation space 101 and is in electrical contact with a contact element 11 in the form of a busbar by means of the clamping leg 120 of the spring element 12, so that the electrical conductor 2 is electrically connected to the terminal 1.

[0083] The spring element 12 has a support leg 121 which, in the embodiment shown, is supported on the housing 10 and also on the contact element 11, so that the spring element 12 is thereby fixed relative to the housing 10. The clamping leg 120 is elastically deflectable relative to the support leg 121, in particular such that the clamping leg 120 in the Figure 7A 7B and Figure 8 clamping position shown clamps onto the electrical conductor 2 connected to the terminal 1 and, under the condition of elastic pretension, pushes the electrical conductor into contact with the contact section 110 of the contact element 11, in turn bringing the conductor 2 into electrical contact with the contact element 11 by means of its conductor end 20.

[0084] In the embodiment shown, the contact element 11 is integrally and in one piece formed, for example as a stamped and bent part, and has a contact section 110 and a support section 111 bent by 90° relative to the contact section 110, on which the support leg 121 is supported by means of a support end 128. Formed on the support section 111 is a support tab 114, which is freely cut from the support section 111 and is bent relative to the support section 111. The support leg 121 is supported on the support tab 114, as can be seen, for example, from Figure 1B and Figure 2B , in which the support leg 121 can be additionally fixed on the support tab 114, for example by means of a welding connection. In addition or alternatively to the support on the support tab 114, the support end 128 of the support leg 121 can also engage into an opening at the support section 111 of the contact element 11.​​​​

[0085] The support leg 121 is connected with the clamping leg 120 by means of a curved connecting section 122. The connecting section 122 provides a bending radius at which the spring element 12 can be bent deformed in order to elastically deflect the clamping leg 120 relative to the support leg 121 and in turn relative to the housing 10 and to adjust the clamping leg 120 between a clamping position and a release position.

[0086] In the embodiment shown, the connecting section 122 extends around the peg-like housing section 103 and is thereby supported on the housing 10, as this can be seen, for example, from Figure 1B and Figure 2B .

[0087] At the end remote from the connecting section 122, the support leg 121 is connected with a locking leg 124 which is curved at an acute angle relative to the support leg 121. The transition region between the support leg 121 and the locking leg 124 extends around the peg-like housing section 104 of the housing 10. The locking leg 124 is elastically deflectable relative to the support leg 121 and, in the release position according to Figure 1A , 1B , 2A, 2B, 3 and 4, serves to establish a latching of the clamping leg 120.

[0088] In the embodiment shown, a fork-shaped locking element 126 is formed on the locking leg 124, which is configured with fork legs 126A, 126B having recesses 127 formed thereon which point inward, as this can be seen, in particular, from the individual view of the spring element 12 according to Figure 4 In the release position in which the clamping leg 120 is latched with the locking leg 124, the clamping leg 120 lies with its lateral edge in the recesses 127 on the fork legs 126A, 126B of the locking element 126 and is thereby latched with the locking leg 124, as this can be seen from Figure 4 .

[0089] The terminal 1 has a trigger element 13 which is configured with a trigger leg 130. The trigger element 13 is arranged on the locking leg 124 of the spring element 12 which is connected with the support leg 121 and is curved relative to the support leg 121 by means of a main body 131 in such a way that the locking leg 124 engages into a slit opening 132 of the main body 131, so that the trigger element 13 can be flipped together with the locking leg 124 in an elastic manner relative to the support leg 121 and in turn relative to the housing 10 and to the contact element 11 which is positionally fixed on the housing 10, as this can be seen from Figure 5A , 5B and Figure 6A , 6B .

[0090] By engaging into the slit opening 132 of the body 131 of the trigger element 13 with the locking leg 124, the trigger element 13 is connected form-fittingly with the locking leg 124, such that the locking leg 124 is entrained when adjusting the trigger element 13 and is elastically deflected relative to the support leg 121.

[0091] The engagement of the locking leg 124 into the slit opening 132, respectively relative to the swivel plane of the clamping leg 120, can be substantially gapless or also gap- wise. Providing a gap can provide a tolerance of the position of the trigger leg 130 relative to the locking leg 124.

[0092] The trigger leg 130 extends at least approximately transversely to the plug-in direction E in the initial position, corresponding to the position according to Figure 1A 、 1B , 2A, 2B, and thus so far into the region in the housing 10 which is aligned with the plug-in opening 100, that the electrical conductor 2, when being inserted, hits the trigger leg 130 with the conductor end 20 and thus acts on the trigger element 13.

[0093] The trigger element 13 serves for a joint action with the electrical conductor 2 which is inserted into the plug-in opening 100, in order to connect the electrical conductor 2 to the terminal 1 automatically, under the condition that the clamping leg 120 is triggered. As can be seen from Figure 5A 、 5B , 6A, 6B, if the electrical conductor 2 is inserted into the plug-in opening 100, the conductor 2 acts on the trigger leg 130 with the conductor end 20 and deflects this trigger leg from the initial position shown in Figure 1A 、 1B , 2A, 2B, as this can be seen from Figure 5A 、 5B , 6A, 6B and Figure 7A 、 7B and 8.

[0094] By adjusting the trigger leg 130, the locking leg 124 is also adjusted, such that the locking leg 124 is moved on the clamping leg 120 until the prong legs 126A, 126B of the locking element 126 reach the region of the recess 125 on the lateral edge of the clamping leg 120, as this can be seen from Figure 5A 、 5B and Figure 6A 、 6B . Thereby the latching of the clamping leg 120 is cancelled. By the prong legs 126A, 126B of the locking element 126 sliding into the recess 125 of the clamping leg 120, the clamping leg 120 can be adjusted relative to the locking leg 124 and thus reach the clamping position according to Figure 7A 、 7B and 8.

[0095] In the release position according to Figure 1A , 1B , 2A, 2B, 3 and 4, the locking leg 124 is approximately relaxed and holds the clamping leg 120 in a deflected, tensioned position corresponding to the release position, whereas in the clamping position of the clamping leg 120 the locking leg 124 is deflected in an elastic manner and is in turn tensioned. In connection with the design of the spring element 12, the locking leg 124 can increase the clamping force on the clamping leg 120 in the clamping position in such a way that the elastically deflected locking leg 124 intensifies the abutment of the clamping leg 120 on the inserted electrical conductor 2 due to force diversion and thus further increases the clamping force provided by the clamping leg 120.

[0096] On the clamping leg 120, a clamping edge 123 is formed which faces away from the support leg 121, by means of which the clamping leg 120 abuts on the inserted electrical conductor 2 in the clamping position, as this can be seen from Figure 7A , 7B and 8. The locking element 126 of the locking leg 124 establishes a catch for holding the clamping leg 120 in the release position in a caught position, which is set back from the clamping edge 123 in the direction of the connecting section 122, so that the clamping of the conductor 2 in the clamping position Figure 7A , 7B , 8 and the catch in the release position Figure 1A , 1B , 2A, 2B, 3 and 4 are established on different positions on the clamping leg 120. By this spatial and functional separation, for example wear on the clamping edge 123 does not affect the reliability of the catch in the release position.

[0097] In the shown embodiment, the operating element 14 is movably supported on the housing 10 in the operating direction B. The operating element 14 is movably accommodated in the operating opening 102 of the housing 10 with an operating section 140 and can be moved in a linearly guided manner relative to the housing 10 in the operating direction B in order to act with an end 142 of an action section 141, which extends rod-like from the operating section 140, onto the clamping leg 120 of the spring element 12 and to adjust this clamping leg into the release position.

[0098] The operating section 140 can be reached from the outside of the housing 10 through the operating opening 102 and can thus be operated by the user, for example under application of a tool.

[0099] In the Figure 7A , 7BIn the inactive position shown, the operating element 14 moves outward in the operating opening 102 against the operating direction B. In the inactive position, the stop element 143 formed on the operating element 14 abuts against the stepped stop element 109 disposed on the housing 10, thereby preventing the operating element 14 from possibly sliding out of the receiving opening 102 against the operating direction B.

[0100] When operated along the operating direction B, the operating element 14 and the clamping leg 120 of the spring element 12 are operatively connected, as shown in... Figure 9A , 9B As shown in the diagram. For this purpose, the operating element 14 acts on the clamping leg 120 at its end 142, which is away from the operating section 140, to adjust the clamping leg relative to the support leg 121 under elastic deflection. Consequently, the forked legs 126A, 126B of the locking element 126 slide within the recess 125 of the clamping leg 120 until the clamping leg 120 reaches the height of the recess 127 inside the forked legs 126A, 126B of the locking element 126, and the locking element 126 slides onto the lateral edge of the clamping leg 120 under the condition of elastic reset of the locking leg 124, as this... Figure 9A , 9B Combination Figure 4 As can be seen. Therefore, the clamping leg 120 is (re)locked, and thus locked in accordance with... Figure 9A , 9B The release position.

[0101] As the locking leg 124 is reset, the trigger element 13 is also adjusted back to its initial position.

[0102] exist Figure 9A , 9B The image shown corresponds to the data provided. Figure 1A , 1B In the operating positions of positions 2A and 2B, and the operating position of the operating element 14, the clamping leg 120 has moved to the release position, in which the area inside the housing 10 aligned with the insertion opening 100 is released, allowing the electrical wire 2 to be inserted into the housing 10 in a substantially effortless manner, as this... Figure 5A , 5B and Figure 6A , 6B As can be seen in the text.

[0103] In the illustrated embodiment, the housing 2 is constructed with housing walls 105A and 105B spaced apart from each other along the depth direction T, which define a receiving space 101 between them, into which the electrical wire 2 is introduced when inserted into the insertion opening 100.

[0104] The plug-in opening 100 has an (approximately cylindrical) entry region 107 with a clear width LI, which the electrical line 2 first reaches when being inserted into the plug-in opening 100. On the entry region 107 is connected a funnel section 106, which tapers the entry region 106 in the plug-in direction E. From the funnel section 106, housing walls 105A, 105B extend in the plug-in direction E and thus laterally delimit the housing 10 in such a way that the housing walls 105A, 105B are spaced apart from one another along the depth direction T and delimit a receiving space 101 therebetween.

[0105] The housing walls 105A, 105B are arranged at a distance L2 from one another (measured between the inner sides of the housing walls 105A, 105B facing one another), which distance is smaller than the clear width LI of the entry region 107 of the plug-in opening 100 (cf. Fig. 2A, 2B). Figure 1B ).

[0106] The housing walls 105A, 105B extend perpendicularly to the depth direction T respectively planarly. The clamping leg 120 of the spring element 12 can move between the housing walls 105A, 105B and at least in the clamping position projects between the housing walls 105A, 105B in order to clamp the inserted electrical line against the contact section 110 of the contact element 11, as this can be seen from Figure 7A and 7B .

[0107] By the housing walls 105A, 105B a guide for the electrical line 2 is provided upon insertion into the plug-in opening 100, by which a reliable plug-in process is achieved by the housing walls 105A, 105B while the line 2 is reliably clamped with the contact section 110 in the connection position.

[0108] The housing walls 105A, 105B are configured on the end edges with stop elements 108A, 108B, against which the trigger leg 130 of the trigger element 13 rests in the initial position (when the terminal 1 is open), as this can be seen from Figure 1A , 1B , 2A, 2B. By being stopped on the housing walls 105A, 105B, the trigger leg 130 occupies a defined position inside the housing 10 in the initial position.

[0109] The contact section 110, which extends perpendicularly to the lateral direction Q (viewed along the lateral direction Q), is arranged next to the housing walls 105A, 105B and for this purpose is placed in a gap between the housing wall 105A and the end-side outer wall of the housing 10, as this can be seen from Figure 1A .

[0110] The support section 111 of the contact element 11 is arranged at right angles to the contact section 110. Viewed in the plug-in direction E, the support section 111 is located here below the end edges 108A, 108B of the housing walls 105A, 105B.

[0111] The housing 1 is formed integrally and monolithically with the housing walls 105A, 105B.

[0112] The following operating principle is derived:

[0113] If the operating element 14 is operated along the operating direction B and thereby moved into the housing 10, the operating element 14 entrains the clamping leg 120 of the spring element 12 by means of the action section 141 and thereby adjusts the clamping leg 120 into the release position shown in Figures 2A, 2B, 3 and 4. By pushing in along the operating direction B into the housing 10, the operating element 14 acts onto the clamping leg 120 such that the clamping leg 120 is latched with the locking element 126 of the locking leg 124 and thereby held in position in the tensioned position relative to the housing 10. Figure 1A 、 1B , 2A, 2B, 3 and 4. By pushing in along the operating direction B into the housing 10, the operating element 14 acts onto the clamping leg 120 such that the clamping leg 120 is latched with the locking element 126 of the locking leg 124 and thereby held in position in the tensioned position relative to the housing 10.

[0114] In the release position, the clamping leg 120 releases the region inside the accommodation space 101 between the housing walls 105A, 105B which is aligned with the plug-in opening 100 along the plug-in direction E, such that the electrical conductor 2 can be inserted into the plug-in opening 100 without hindrance by the clamping leg 120 and introduced between the housing walls 105A, 105B and thus connected to the terminal 1 in an essentially force-free manner.

[0115] The terminal 1 can also be supplied by the manufacturer in a state in which it is in the tensioned operating position according to Figure 1A 、 1B , 2A, 2B.

[0116] If the electrical conductor 2 is inserted into the plug-in opening 100 with the conductor end 20 stripped of insulation and thereby introduced into the accommodation space 101 along the plug-in direction E with the clamping leg 120 in the release position, the conductor 2 comes into abutment with the trigger leg 130 of the trigger element 13, which in turn pivots. The locking leg 124 and the locking element 126 arranged on the free end of the locking leg 124 are thereby entrained such that the locking element 126 is moved into the region of the recess 125 on the lateral edge of the clamping leg 120 and thus uncoupled. The clamping leg 120 is thereby released from the release position and can be adjusted out of the release position due to its spring pretension.

[0117] After the release of the latching, the clamping leg 120 comes into clamping abutment with the electrical conductor 2 and thereby pushes the conductor end 20 into contact abutment with the contact section 110 of the contact element 11, so that the conductor 2 is electrically connected with the terminal 1 and is furthermore mechanically latched.

[0118] If the electrical conductor 2 is to be released from the connected position shown in Figure 7A , 7B and Figure 8 and is to be removed again from the terminal 1, the operating element 14 can be turned into the operating position again, as can be seen from Figure 9A , 9B so that the clamping leg 120 comes out of abutment with the conductor 2 and is latched again in the release position. Thereby, the conductor 2 can be removed from the terminal 1 in a substantially force-free manner.

[0119] In the modified embodiments shown in Figure 10A , 10B and Figure 11 , the prongs 126A, 126B of the locking element 126 of the locking leg 124 are curved. This makes it possible for the clamping leg 120 to slide completely out of the prongs 126A, 126B in the clamping position according to Figure 10A , 10B and Figure 11 and to slide onto the prongs 126A, 126B again when the clamping leg 120 is turned into the release position by operating the operating element 14.

[0120] The embodiments according to Figure 10A , 10B and 11 are identical to the embodiments described previously with reference to Figure 1A , 1B to Figure 9A , 9B except for the implementation of the locking element 126 on the locking leg 124 of the spring element 12.

[0121] In a further embodiment shown in Figure 12A , 12B to Figure 14 , the contact element 11 is configured with a side wall 112 which extends perpendicular to the depth direction T and replaces the front housing wall 105A of the embodiments according to Figure 1A , 1B to Figure 9A , 9B . The contact section 110 as well as the support section 111 are curved with respect to the side wall 112.

[0122] In the embodiment shown, a joining section 113 is formed on the edge of the side wall 112 facing away from the contact section 110, which engages with clearance into a joining opening 133 on the main body 131 of the trigger element 13 and thereby limits the pivoting path of the trigger element 13 relative to the housing 10.

[0123] In the embodiment according to Figure 12A , 12B to Figure 14 , the locking element 126 of the locking leg 124 is formed by a locking hook, which engages in the release position of the clamping leg 120 into a locking opening provided on the clamping leg 120, as can be seen from Figure 13 . The trigger element 13 is arranged on the locking leg 124 and deflects the locking leg 124 upon insertion of the electrical conductor 2, so that the locking hook 126 disengages from the locking opening provided on the clamping leg 120 and thus releases the latching of the clamping leg 120 in the release position.

[0124] In the embodiment according to Figure 12A , 12B to Figure 14 , the support leg 121 of the spring element 12 is not oriented perpendicularly to the plug-in direction E, but is set inclined with respect to the plug-in direction E, in order to better intercept and guide forces acting on the spring element 12, in particular when the clamping leg 120 is in the release position, in this way.

[0125] The embodiments according to Figure 12A , 12B to Figure 14 are identical in other respects, in particular with regard to the working principle of the terminal 1, to the embodiments according to Figure 1A , 1B to Figure 9A , 9B , so that reference is also made to the explanations regarding the embodiments according to Figure 1A , 1B to Figure 9A , 9B .

[0126] For assembly, the clamping leg 120 of the spring element 12 is preferably brought into the release position and thus latched with the locking leg 124. The trigger element 13 is arranged on the locking leg 124 in such a way that the locking leg 124 engages into the slit opening 132 on the main body 131 of the trigger element 13. As can be seen from Figure 15 , the trigger element 13 can additionally be latched with the spring element 12 by engaging the locking element 135 in the form of a protrusion into the recess 129 provided on the support leg 121, so that the trigger element 13 is prevented from being lost on the locking leg 124, in particular during assembly.

[0127] As this is shown in Figure 15 , the spring element 12, together with the trigger element 13 arranged thereon, is attached to the contact element 11 and, if necessary, is fixed to the support section 111, for example by soldering.

[0128] The thus completed assembly can then be placed into the housing 10 in such a way that the contact element 11, together with the spring element 12 and the trigger element 13 arranged thereon, is pushed laterally into the housing 10 and the contact element 11 comes into supporting engagement with the housing 10.

[0129] In the embodiment shown in Figure 16 , the trigger element 13 is latched by means of a locking element 136 onto the locking leg 124. The locking element 136 extends into the slit opening 132 and, in the assembled position, engages the locking leg 124 from behind, as can be seen from Figure 16 .

[0130] The terminal 1 can in particular be provided to the user by the manufacturer in a state in which the clamping leg 120 of the terminal 1 is in the release position, as is shown for the embodiment in Figure 17 , corresponding to the embodiment according to Figure 1A , 1B to Figure 7A , 7B . When the electrical conductor 2 is connected for the first time, the terminal 1 is then triggered automatically and clamps the electrical conductor 2 with the contact element 11 inside the housing 10.

[0131] In the release position, the clamping leg 120 is tensioned relative to the support leg 121. Since the terminal 1 remains in this state, if necessary, for a longer period of time, the tension on the clamping leg 120 acts as a permanent load on the terminal 1, which results in a load also on the support leg 121, which must accordingly be received and conducted away by the housing 10 and the housing sections 103, 104 formed thereon. This can be seen in Figure 17 by the bending deformation on the spring element 12, in particular in the region of the support leg 121.

[0132] It is therefore desirable to configure the spring element 12 in such a way that the permanent load on the spring element 12 due to the clamping leg 120 being in the release position can be effectively received. For this reason, reinforcement means can be provided on the spring element 12 in order to reinforce in particular the support leg 121 in order to improve the force absorption.

[0133] In the embodiment shown in Figure 18In the embodiment of the spring element 12 shown, the support leg 121 is widened compared to the clamping leg 120 and the connecting section 122 to accommodate the reinforcement device 15A, and accordingly has a width D2 measured along the depth direction T, which is greater than the width D1 of the connecting section 122 and the clamping leg 120. Therefore, the rigidity in the region of the support leg 121 is increased.

[0134] exist Figure 19 In the embodiment of the spring element 12 shown, the support leg 121 is bent on its lateral edge to accommodate the reinforcement device 15B. The bent lateral edge increases the area moment on the support leg 121 in the swing plane of the clamping leg 120, and thereby increases the stiffness of the support leg 121 against deformation in the swing plane.

[0135] exist Figure 20 In the embodiment shown, the support leg 121 is pre-shaped such that camber due to continuous load is anticipated and further deformation of the support leg 121 is resisted. In this embodiment, the reinforcement device 15C is achieved by the convex camber of the support leg 121 (on the side opposite to the clamping leg 120).

[0136] exist Figure 21 In the embodiment shown, in contrast, the support leg 121 has a reinforcement device 15D, which is formed by a concave arch (on the side of the support leg 121 away from the clamping leg 120).

[0137] exist Figure 22 In the embodiment shown, the reinforcement device 15E is formed by a central reinforcing rib extending along the insertion direction E on the support leg 121, which reinforces the support leg 121 by extending longitudinally along the support leg.

[0138] exist Figure 23 In the embodiment shown, the support tab 114 formed on the support section 111 is extended such that the support leg 121 is reinforced by being supported by the support tab 114 as it extends longitudinally.

[0139] Figure 24 An embodiment of the spring element 12 is shown, wherein the trigger element 13 is integrally and integrally formed with the spring element 12. The trigger element 13 is connected to the locking leg 124 and forms a trigger leg 130 in the form of a surface segment extending transversely to the insertion direction E. Through the opening 134, the electrical wire 2 can be introduced when inserted into the insertion opening 100 so as to interact with the trigger segment 130, and the trigger element 13 thereby triggers the locking leg 124 to release the lock from the clamping leg 120.

[0140] The underlying idea of the utility model is not limited to the foregoing embodiments, but can also be implemented in other ways.

[0141] The operating element can be pre-tensioned in the direction of the unoperated position by the action of the clamping leg of the spring element. However, it is also conceivable to provide an additional pre-tensioning element which pre-tensions the operating element relative to the housing in the direction of the unoperated position against the operating direction. Such a pre-tensioning element can be configured, for example, by a pressure spring or another mechanical spring.

[0142] The wiring terminal of the type described can be used in a variety of ways, for example on a terminal block which is applied, for example, on a carrier rail or on other electrical or electronic devices. However, the wiring terminal of the type described can also be used, for example, on a plug connector.

[0143] Explanation of reference signs

[0144] 1 wiring terminal

[0145] 10 housing

[0146] 100 plug opening

[0147] 101 accommodation space

[0148] 102 operating opening

[0149] 103 housing section

[0150] 104 housing section

[0151] 105A, 105B guide wall

[0152] 106 funnel section

[0153] 107 entry region

[0154] 108A, 108B stop element

[0155] 109 stop element

[0156] 11 contact element (busbar)

[0157] 110 contact section

[0158] 111 support section

[0159] 112 side wall

[0160] 113 engagement section

[0161] 114 support tab

[0162] 12 clamping spring

[0163] 120 clamping leg

[0164] 121 support leg

[0165] 122 connecting section

[0166] 123 clamping edge

[0167] 124 locking leg

[0168] 125 recess

[0169] 126 locking section

[0170] 126A, 126B forked leg

[0171] 127 recess

[0172] 128 support end

[0173] 129 recess

[0174] 13 trigger element

[0175] 130 trigger leg

[0176] 131 body

[0177] 132 slit opening

[0178] 133 engagement opening

[0179] 134 opening

[0180] 135 locking element

[0181] 136 locking element

[0182] 14 operating element

[0183] 140 operating section (head)

[0184] 141 acting section (shank)

[0185] 142 end

[0186] 143 stop element

[0187] 15A-15E reinforcement

[0188] 2 conductor wire

[0189] 20 conductor end

[0190] B operating direction

[0191] D1, D2 width

[0192] E insertion direction

[0193] L1 clear width

[0194] L2 spacing

[0195] Q transverse direction

[0196] T depth direction

Claims

1. Connection terminal (1) for electrically connecting a conductor (2), having a housing (10) with a plug-in opening (100) into which an electrically conductor (2) can be inserted in a plug-in direction (E) in order to be connected to the connection terminal (1), a contact element (11) with a contact section (110), a spring element (12) with a clamping leg (120) which is configured to act on the electrically conductor (2) in a clamping position in order to bring the electrically conductor (2) into contact with the contact section (110), wherein the clamping leg (120) can be adjusted relative to the housing (10) from the clamping position into a release position in order to release the electrically conductor (2), wherein the clamping leg (120) is held in position relative to the housing (10) in the release position, and a trigger element (13) which is adjustable relative to the housing (10), wherein the clamping leg (120) can be released from the release position by the joint action of the trigger element (13) and the electrically conductor (2), characterized in that the housing (10) has a first housing wall (105A) and a second housing wall (105B) which extends parallel to the first housing wall (105A), wherein the electrically conductor can be introduced into an accommodation space (101) between the first housing wall (105A) and the second housing wall (105B) by being inserted into the plug-in opening (100) in the plug-in direction (E), wherein the clamping leg (120) can move in the accommodation space (101) between the first housing wall (105A) and the second housing wall (105B). The clamping leg (120) extends at least in the clamping position into the accommodation space (101) between the first housing wall (105A) and the second housing wall (105B). A contact element (11) is arranged on the housing (10) for electrical contact with an electrical conductor (2), wherein The clamping leg (120) can be pivoted relative to the housing (10) between the clamping position and the release position in a swivel plane which is spread out by the plug-in direction (E) and a transverse direction (Q), wherein the first housing wall (105A) and the second housing wall (105B) are spaced apart from one another along a depth direction (T) which is perpendicular to the swivel plane. The contact section (110) is arranged next to the first housing wall (105A) and / or the second housing wall (105B) as viewed along the transverse direction (Q). The plug-in opening (100) has an entry region (107) which has a clear width (LI), and the first housing wall (105A) and the second housing wall (105B) are arranged at a distance (L2) from one another which is smaller than the clear width (LI). A funnel section (106) which tapers in the plug-in direction (E) is connected to the entry region (107) as viewed along the plug-in direction (E), to which the first housing wall (105A) and the second housing wall (105B) are in turn connected.

2. The terminal (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that The trigger element (13) has a trigger leg (130) which extends transversely to the plug-in direction (E) in a home position, wherein the trigger leg (130) can be adjusted out of the home position by the joint action with the electrically conductor (2) in order to release the clamping leg (120) from the release position.

3. The terminal (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that ​ 4. The terminal (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that ​ 5. The terminal (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that ​ 6. The terminal (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that ​ 7. The wiring terminal (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that ​ 8. The terminal (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that The first housing wall (105A) and / or the second housing wall (105B) has a stop element (108A, 108B) against which the trigger leg (130) is stopped in the initial position.

9. The terminal (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that The stop element (108A, 108B) is formed by an end edge of the first housing wall (105A) and / or the second housing wall (105B) which points in the plug-in direction (E).

10. The wiring terminal (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that An operating element (14) is provided which can be adjusted relative to the housing (10) for adjusting the clamping leg (120) into the release position.

11. The terminal (1) according to claim 10, characterized in that The operating element (14) can be moved linearly relative to the housing (10) and has an operating section (140) for operation by a user and an action section (141) which extends from the operating section (140) for acting on the clamping leg (120).

12. The wiring terminal (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that The clamping leg (120) is configured for pressing or pulling the electrical line (2) against the contact section (110) by a spring force.

13. The wiring terminal (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that The spring element (12) has a support leg (121) which is supported relative to the housing (10) and against which the clamping leg (120) can be elastically deflected.

14. The terminal (1) according to claim 13, characterized in that The contact element (11) has a support section (111) which is arranged angularly relative to the contact section (110), on which the support leg (121) is supported, wherein the support section (111) is arranged below the first housing wall (105A) and / or the second housing wall (105B) viewed in the plug-in direction (E).

15. The terminal (1) according to claim 13, characterized in that The spring element (12) has a locking leg (124) which, in the release position, is latched with the clamping leg (120) in order to hold the clamping leg (120) in position relative to the housing (10).

16. The connection terminal (1) according to claim 15, characterized in that The trigger element (13) can be adjusted relative to the housing (10) by a common action with the electrical line (2) when the electrical line is inserted into the plug-in opening (100) in order to adjust the locking leg (124) for uncoupling.

17. The wiring terminal (1) according to claim 15, characterized in that The trigger element (13) is connected form-fittingly with the locking leg (124) or is configured in one piece with the locking leg (124).

18. The wiring terminal (1) according to claim 13, characterized in that The support leg (121) is connected on a first end with the clamping leg (120) by means of a curved connection section (122) and on a second end with the locking leg (124).

19. The wiring terminal (1) according to claim 13, characterized in that The clamping leg (120) is configured on an end facing away from the support leg (121) with a clamping edge (123) for acting on the electrical line (2) in the clamping position, wherein the locking leg (124) is configured to be latched with the clamping leg (120) at a position which is set back in the direction from the clamping edge (123) towards the support leg (121).

Images