Spring clamp connection and conductor connection terminal

Abstract

Spring clamp connection (3) with - a busbar (4) which has a clamping area (13), and - a cage spring (5) having a contact leg (6) for contact with a first side of the busbar (4), a spring arc (7) adjoining the contact leg (6), and a clamping leg (8) adjoining the spring arc (7), wherein the clamping leg (8) has an actuating section (9) adjoining the spring arc (7) and extending away from the busbar (4), and a clamping section (10) bent away from the actuating section (9) and extending back towards the busbar (4), wherein the clamping section (10) has a recess (11) which is bounded by a transverse web (12) at the free end of the clamping section (10), wherein the busbar (4) with its clamping area (13) extends through the recess (11), and the transverse web (12) together with the clamping area (13) of the busbar (4) forms a clamping point for clamping an electrical conductor, characterized in thatthat the clamping section (10) of the cage tension spring (5) has a retaining contour which, in the open position of the cage tension spring (5), in which the clamping point is opened by displacement of the actuating section (9) towards the contact leg (6) and by spacing the cross web (12) away from the clamping area (13) of the busbar (4), engages the busbar (4) or the contact leg (6) abutting the busbar (4), and that a pull bar (22) projects from the end region of the clamping section (10) of the cage tension spring (5), which adjoins the cross web (12) defining the recess (11), the pull bar (22) extending away in the conductor insertion direction (L) and having a release section (24) pointing towards the busbar (4), which is used to displace the clamping section (10) of the cage tension spring (5) towards the spring arc (7) and to The detent of the retaining contour is formed when a force is applied by an inserted,The electrical conductor to be connected is placed on the release section (24).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a spring-loaded terminal connection with a busbar having a clamping area and a cage clamp spring. The cage clamp spring has a contact leg for contacting a first side of the busbar, a spring arch adjoining the contact leg, and a clamping leg adjoining the spring arch. The clamping leg has an actuating section adjoining the spring arch and extending away from the busbar, and a clamping section bent away from the actuating section and extending back towards the busbar. The clamping section has a recess defined by a transverse web at the free end of the clamping section, wherein the busbar with its clamping section extends through the recess, and the transverse web, together with the clamping area of ​​the busbar, forms a clamping point for clamping an electrical conductor.

[0002] The invention further relates to a conductor connection terminal with an insulating housing and with a spring-loaded terminal connection in the insulating housing.

[0003] Spring-cage terminals are used to connect an electrical conductor to a terminal formed between the clamping leg of a spring clamp and a busbar. To connect the electrical conductor, the clamping spring can be pushed away from the busbar by the electrical conductor during direct connection, counteracting the force of the clamping spring. This is possible for rigid conductors, but not for stranded or multi-wire conductors.

[0004] There is a need for a self-retaining spring clamp connection in an open position for connecting electrical conductors. It is often desired that conductor terminals be delivered with the spring clamp connection open at the factory.

[0005] WO 2021 / 105280 A1 discloses a direct plug-in terminal for connecting an electrical conductor with a busbar and a clamping spring acting as a compression spring as well as a retaining spring for locking the clamping spring in an open position.

[0006] Based on this, it is the object of the present invention to provide an improved spring-loaded terminal connection and a conductor connection terminal with such a spring-loaded terminal connection.

[0007] The object is achieved with the spring-loaded terminal connection having the features of claim 1 and the conductor connection terminal having the features of claim 13. Advantageous embodiments are described in the subclaims.

[0008] It is proposed that the clamping section of the cage tension spring has a holding contour which, in the open position of the cage tension spring, in which the clamping point is opened by displacing the actuating section in the direction of the contact leg and by spacing the crossbar from the clamping area of ​​the busbar, latches onto the busbar or the contact leg resting on the busbar, and that a tensioning yoke projects from the end area of ​​the clamping section of the cage tension spring, which adjoins the crossbar delimiting the recess, wherein the tensioning yoke extends away in the conductor insertion direction and has a release section facing the busbar, which is designed to displace the clamping section of the cage tension spring in the direction of the spring arch and to release the holding contour when a force is exerted on the release section by an inserted electrical conductor to be clamped.

[0009] This creates a cage clamp spring whose clamping leg latches onto the busbar and can be released using the spring elasticity of the clamping leg. The clamping yoke itself does not form a stop for the clamping leg, but is merely intended for release.

[0010] The spring clamp connection provides a self-supporting interlock between the clamping section and the busbar. The clamping yoke serves as an aid for moving the clamping section for release. This is independent of how the cage clamp is actuated into the open position, for example, with a pivoting actuating lever, a movable actuating push-button, or an actuating tool. The clamping yoke can be easily integrated into existing spring connection terminals as a compact, separate component.

[0011] The retaining contour can, for example, be designed as a negative contour through a recess or as a positive contour through a protruding tab. The negative contour can be designed as an additional hole (opening) in the clamping section. It is also conceivable, however, that the existing recess in the clamping section, through which the busbar is guided and which serves to accommodate the conductor, is used as a negative contour, so that the crossbar forming the clamping edge acts as the stop. However, a further opening can also be introduced below the recess in the crossbar or above the recess in the direction of extension of the clamping section, as seen from the actuating section to the free end.

[0012] However, an opening in the clamping section is not absolutely necessary. A positive retaining contour, in which a material tab is bent out of the clamping section, is also conceivable. Such a retaining tab can, for example, be bent out of the recess above the busbar, i.e., on the upper side facing the cage clamp or the actuating leg.

[0013] "Above the busbar" or the "upper side of the busbar" refers to the contact side on which the cage clamp spring rests with its contact leg. This is therefore the side of the busbar facing the actuating section. The "underside of the busbar" is the clamping side opposite the top side, to which the electrical conductor is clamped.

[0014] The tripping section can extend perpendicular to the plane of the busbar. The term "perpendicular" does not necessarily mean exactly 90° or perpendicular. The tripping section only needs to be aligned with the plane into which an electrical conductor is inserted for connection to the busbar, so that the electrical conductor touches the tripping section. The tripping section is preferably positioned at a 90° angle to the plane of the busbar with a tolerance of ±20°. The relevant reference point for the busbar plane is the area closest to the tripping section or to which the tripping section extends.

[0015] The tension yoke may have a trigger portion and a lever arm portion. The lever arm portion may protrude from the trigger portion and extend toward the free end of the clamping portion of the clamping leg and be connected to this free end.

[0016] A “free end” is understood to be the freely movable end area where the clamping leg ends.

[0017] The term "connected" is to be understood as integrally formed or attached, meaning that it is a part that may be joined together from two pieces. The tension yoke can be formed integrally with the clamping spring and bent from the free end. However, the tension yoke can also be a separate part attached to the end area. The tension yoke is arranged so that it can be moved within certain limits (e.g., pivoted or shifted) relative to the clamping leg of the clamping spring.

[0018] The release section of the tension yoke can be pivoted around a pivot point located adjacent to the spring arch. This places the pivot point for the tension yoke at a position away from the clamping leg.

[0019] The tension bar can be pivoted around a pivot point located in the transition area between the trigger section and the lever arm section. The trigger section to the pivot point forms a force arm, and the lever arm section up to the pivot point forms a load arm of the tension bar.

[0020] The retaining contour of the clamping section of the cage clamp spring can be a retaining tongue. The busbar can have a recess designed to accommodate the retaining tongue in the open position, with a boundary wall of the recess forming a stop for the retaining tongue to latch the clamping leg to the busbar. This allows the cage clamp spring, pivoted into an open position, to be latched to the recess in the busbar with the retaining tongue.

[0021] The busbar may have a stop tongue. The clamping section of the cage clamp may have a recess designed to accommodate the stop tongue in the open position. A boundary wall of the recess may form a stop for the stop tongue to latch the clamping leg to the busbar.

[0022] The clamping area of ​​the busbar, which extends through the recess of the clamping section of the clamping leg, can have a widened stop area that is wider than the adjoining contact area of ​​the busbar extending in the direction of the spring arc. The recess can have a receiving groove designed to accommodate the widened stop area. In this way, the clamping leg can spring into the widened holding section with its receiving groove when displaced in the open position, and the holding section can form a stop for the clamping leg to lock the clamping leg to the busbar.

[0023] The clamping area of ​​the busbar, which extends through the recess of the clamping section of the clamping leg, can have a receiving groove. The recess of the clamping section of the clamping leg can have a retaining tongue designed to engage the receiving groove. This allows the clamping leg to spring into the receiving groove with its retaining tongue when moved into the open position. A boundary wall of the receiving groove forms a stop for the retaining tongue to lock the clamping leg to the busbar.

[0024] A retaining tongue can protrude from the contact leg toward the clamping leg, and the clamping leg can have a retaining contour. The retaining tongue can thus form a stop for the retaining contour of the clamping leg, locking the clamping leg to the contact leg when the clamping leg is moved into the open position.

[0025] The holding contour can, for example, be a recess in the clamping leg.

[0026] The clamping leg can be resilient and designed such that, when moved into the open position, the clamping leg springs into the latched position due to its spring force. The tension yoke connected to the clamping leg can be designed to release the clamping leg by moving the clamping leg against the spring force of the clamping leg when a compressive force is exerted by an inserted electrical conductor on the release section of the tension yoke.

[0027] The conductor connection terminal has an insulating housing and at least one previously described spring-loaded terminal in the insulating housing, wherein the insulating housing has a conductor insertion opening leading to the triggering section of the triggering element.

[0028] The tension yoke can be pivotably mounted in the insulating housing. The insulating housing thus forms a counterbearing for the pivot bearing. The bearing can, for example, be a pivot bearing around a fixed axis or a floating bearing along a movement path.

[0029] The insulating housing may have an actuating opening leading to the actuating section of the clamping leg.

[0030] The actuating opening can be designed to accommodate an actuating tool or an actuating element movably installed in the actuating opening. An actuating tool, such as a screwdriver, can be inserted into the actuating opening, or an actuating element can be movably installed.

[0031] The actuating tool or actuating element can be brought into contact with the actuating section of the cage clamp spring to pivot the clamping section into the open position and lock it into the locking section. For this purpose, the actuating section is displaced toward the contact leg.

[0032] However, the locking mechanism is in principle independent of the type of actuation.

[0033] In general, in the context of this application, the words “a / an”, unless expressly defined otherwise, are not to be understood as a number, but as an indefinite article with the literal meaning of “at least one”.

[0034] The invention permits various embodiments and is described in more detail below using an exemplary embodiment. The figures show: Fig. 1 - Side sectional view of a first embodiment of a conductor terminal in the closed position; Fig. 2 - perspective view of the conductor terminal from Fig. 1; Fig. 3 - Side section view of the conductor terminal in the open position; Fig. 4 - perspective view of the opened conductor terminal from Fig. 3; Fig. 5 - perspective view of the cage clamp of the first embodiment of the conductor connection terminal; Fig. 6 - perspective view of the clamping yoke of the first embodiment of the conductor connection terminal; Fig. 7 - Side sectional view of a second embodiment of a conductor terminal in the closed position; Fig. 8 - perspective view of the conductor terminal from Fig. 7; Fig. 9 - Side sectional view of the second embodiment of the conductor terminal in the open position; Fig. 10 - Perspective view of the opened conductor terminal from Fig. 9; Fig. 11 - perspective view of the cage clamp of the second embodiment of the conductor connection terminal with integrated clamping yoke; Fig. 12 - Side sectional view of a third embodiment of a conductor terminal in the closed position; Fig. 13 - perspective view of the conductor terminal from Fig. 12; Fig. 14 - Side sectional view of the third embodiment of the conductor connection terminal in the open position; Fig. 15 - perspective view of the opened conductor terminal from Fig. 14; Fig. 16 - perspective view of the cage clamp of the third embodiment of the conductor connection terminal; Fig. 17 - perspective view of the clamping yoke of the third embodiment of the conductor connection terminal; Fig. 18 - perspective view of the busbar of the third embodiment of the conductor connection terminal; Fig. 19 - Side sectional view of a fourth embodiment of a conductor terminal in the closed position; Fig. 20 - perspective view of the conductor terminal from Fig. 19; Fig. 21 - Side sectional view of the fourth embodiment of the conductor connection terminal in the open position; Fig. 22 - perspective view of the opened conductor terminal from Fig. 21; Fig. 23 - perspective view of the cage clamp of the fourth embodiment of the conductor connection terminal; Fig. 24 - perspective view of the clamping yoke of the fourth embodiment of the conductor connection terminal; Fig. 25 - perspective view of the busbar of the fourth embodiment of the conductor connection terminal; Fig. 26 - Side sectional view of a fifth embodiment of a conductor terminal in the closed position; Fig. 27 - perspective view of the conductor terminal from Fig. 26; Fig. 28 - Side sectional view of the fifth embodiment of the conductor connection terminal in the open position; Fig. 29 - perspective view of the opened conductor terminal from Fig. 27; Fig. 30 - perspective view of the cage clamp of the fifth embodiment of the conductor connection terminal; Fig. 31 - perspective view of the clamping yoke of the fifth embodiment of the conductor connection terminal; Fig. 32 - Sketches in front view of a clamping leg and a busbar with locking contour in the locked and unlocked state.

[0035] Fig. Figure 1 shows a side sectional view of a first embodiment of a conductor terminal 1 in the closed position. The conductor terminal 1 has an insulating housing 2 into which a spring-loaded terminal 3 is installed.

[0036] The spring-loaded terminal connection 3 comprises a busbar 4 and a cage clamp 5. The cage clamp 5 has a contact leg 6 resting on the top side of the busbar 4. Adjoining the contact leg 6 is a spring arch 7, which transitions into a clamping leg 8. The clamping leg has an actuating section 9 extending away from the contact leg 6 and a clamping section 10 bent from the distal end of the actuating section 9, remote from the spring arch 7, and extending toward the contact leg 6 or the busbar 4. The clamping section 10 has a recess 11 defined by a transverse web 12, through which the busbar 4 extends.

[0037] The busbar 4 has a clamping area 13, which can be formed, for example, as a protrusion from the busbar plane, as shown. The clamping area 13, together with the crossbar 12, forms a clamping point for clamping an electrical conductor between the crossbar 12 and the clamping area 13 to the busbar 4 using the force of the cage clamp spring 5.

[0038] The protruding clamping area 13 of the busbar 4 merges into a free busbar end 14 that protrudes from the plane of the busbar 4, which is spanned by the busbar 4 in the area in front of the clamping area 13. The busbar end 14 has a receiving opening 15.

[0039] The clamping section 10 of the cage clamp 5 has a retaining tongue 16 to form a positive retaining contour. The retaining tongue 16 is bent from the plane of the clamping section 10 in the direction of the extension of the busbar end 14. The retaining tongue 16 is matched to the receiving opening 15 in the busbar end 14 such that the retaining tongue 16 engages the receiving opening 15 in the open position of the cage clamp 5, in which the clamping point is opened by displacing the actuating section 9 in the direction of the contact leg 6 and by spacing the crosspiece 12 from the clamping area 13 of the busbar 4. The clamping section 10 of the cage clamp 5 is thus locked to the busbar 4 in that the distal end edge of the busbar end 14, which delimits the receiving opening 15, forms a stop for the retaining tongue 16.

[0040] To move the cage clamp 5 into the open position, the insulating housing 2 can have an actuating opening 17. A guide wall 18 can be arranged in the actuating opening 17 to guide an actuating tool, such as a screwdriver, inserted into the actuating opening 17 to the actuating section 9 of the cage clamp 5. With the aid of the actuating tool, an actuating force can be exerted on the actuating section 9 in the direction of the contact leg 6 in order to move the actuating section 9 toward the contact section 6.

[0041] The spring-loaded terminal connection 3, thus locked in the open position, can now be used without further operation to insert an electrical conductor into a conductor entry opening 19 in the insulating housing 2 to the clamping area 13. The busbar end 14, which is bent away from the busbar plane out of alignment with the conductor entry opening 19, serves to guide the electrical conductor to the clamping point.

[0042] The busbar 4 can have a side wall 20 bent from the busbar plane and a base plate 21 protruding from the side wall 20 at a distance from the clamping area 13.

[0043] To unlock the spring-loaded terminal connection 3 when it is locked in the open position, there is a tension yoke 22 designed as a separate part, which is supported on the base plate 21 of the busbar 4 by a bearing section 23 at its free end facing away from the clamping section 10. The tension yoke 22 is positively connected to the free end region of the clamping section 10 and extends in the conductor insertion direction L from this free end region of the clamping section 10 approximately parallel to the busbar 4 to the base plate 21. The tension yoke 22 has a release section 24 pointing towards the busbar 4 at the transition to its bearing section 23, i.e. away from the clamping section 10 of the cage clamp spring 5.The triggering section 24 is perpendicular to the conductor insertion direction L, so that a triggering force can be exerted on the triggering section 24 by an inserted electrical conductor, with which a tensile stress can be exerted in the tensioning yoke 22 and a displacement of the clamping section 10 of the cage clamp 5, which is positively connected thereto, in the direction of the spring arch 7. This unlocks the holding contour formed by the retaining tongue 16 when a force is exerted on the triggering section 24 by an inserted electrical conductor to be clamped.

[0044] It can be seen that the tension yoke 22 has a lever arm section 25 adjoining the release section 24, which extends through a connection opening 26 at the free end of the clamping section 10 and is positively secured to the clamping section 10 with its widened connection end 27. The lever arm section 25 projects from the release section 24 in the direction of the clamping section 10 of the cage clamp spring 5 and extends to the free end of the clamping section 10, where it is connected to this free end. Thus, a release force exerted on the release section 24 in the conductor insertion direction leads to a tensile force on the clamping section 10, which pulls the clamping section 10 towards the spring arch 7 and thus moves the retaining tab 16 out of the receiving opening 15. This movement occurs transversely to the force of the stop there, so that only a comparatively low release force is required for unlocking.

[0045] The insulating housing 2 can have a centering pin 28, wherein the cage tension spring 5 surrounds the centering pin 28 and is mounted with its spring arch 7 on the centering pin 28. This restricts movement of the cage tension spring 5 in the insulating housing 2.

[0046] Fig. 2 shows a perspective view of the conductor connection terminal 1 from Fig. 1.

[0047] It can be seen that the retaining tongue 16 protrudes from the clamping section 10 in the direction of the alignment of the extension of the busbar end 14.

[0048] In the clamping position, the crosspiece 12 rests against the busbar 4 in the clamping area 13. In the area of ​​the crosspiece 12 extending toward the free end of the clamping section 10 of the clamping leg 8, a connecting opening 26 with a T-shaped contour is provided, into which the connecting end 27 of the lever arm section is hooked. The widened end of the connecting end 27 is inserted into the wider section of the connecting opening 26 and forms a positive connection when the connecting end 27 is moved into the narrower section of the T-shaped connecting opening 26.

[0049] Fig. 3 shows a side sectional view of the conductor connection terminal 1 in the open position.

[0050] It is clear that the actuating section 9 is displaced toward the contact leg 6, so that the crosspiece 12 is spaced apart from the busbar 4. The recess 11 is located in front of the clamping area 13 of the busbar 4, so that an electrical conductor can be inserted through the conductor insertion opening 19 and the recess 11 in order to rest with its stripped end against the clamping area 13.

[0051] In the locked open position, the retaining tongue 16 engages the receiving opening 15 of the busbar end 14. The cage clamp spring 5 is thus locked to the busbar 4 and cannot be automatically returned to the closed position by its spring force. Fig. 1 or swivel clamping position with clamped electrical conductor.

[0052] The release section 24 of the clamping yoke 22 is aligned F with the conductor insertion opening 19 and is positioned behind the recess 11 in the conductor insertion direction L. An inserted electrical conductor thus strikes the transversely aligned release section 24 in order to exert a release force on the clamping yoke 22 in the conductor insertion direction L.

[0053] It can be seen that the clamping yoke 22, with its connecting end 27 of the lever arm section 25, is positively connected to the free end of the clamping section 10. By a release force exerted on the clamping yoke 22, the clamping section 10 can be displaced in the conductor insertion direction L toward the spring arch in order to pull the retaining tongue 16 out of the receiving opening 15 of the busbar end 14 and to release the locking of the cage clamp spring 5 on the busbar 4.

[0054] Fig. 4 shows a perspective view of the opened conductor terminal 1 from Fig. 3.

[0055] The locking of the clamping leg 8 is visible through the retaining tongue 16 extending into the receiving opening 15. It is also clear that the recess 11 in the opening of the conductor insertion opening 19 is arranged such that the edge web delimiting the recess 11 is positioned above the side wall 20. This guides an electrical conductor along the side wall 20 into the conductor receiving space located next to the side wall 20, in which the clamping yoke 22 is also arranged.

[0056] Fig. 5 shows a perspective view of the cage clamp 5 of the first embodiment of the conductor connection terminal 1. The cage clamp 5 has, as is typical, a contact leg 6, a spring arch 7, and a clamping leg 8, wherein the clamping leg 8 is formed from an actuating section 9 and a clamping section 10. The clamping section 10 has a recess 11, which is delimited by edge webs 29 and a transverse web 12 on the narrow side facing away from the actuating section 9.

[0057] This generic cage tension spring 5 is further developed by a retaining tongue 16 bent out of the clamping leg 8 and a connecting opening 26 provided in the crosspiece 12 at the free end of the clamping section 10. The connecting opening 26 is, for example, T-shaped with a horizontal slot facing the recess 11 and a vertical slot extending from it toward the free end. "Horizontal" refers to the direction of the width of the clamping leg 8 or contact leg 6. "Vertical" refers to the longitudinal direction of the clamping section 10.

[0058] Fig. 6 shows a perspective view of the release element, designed as a tension yoke 22, of the first embodiment of the conductor connection terminal 1. The tension yoke 22 is designed as an L-shaped bent sheet metal element. It has a bearing section 23 at its first free end. The bearing section 23 has a U-shaped bulge from the plane of the adjoining release section 24. The release section 24 merges into a lever arm section 25 extending at an angle away from the plane of the release section 24. The free end of the lever arm section 25, with a T-shaped contour, forms the connecting end, which is designed for a positive connection with the likewise T-shaped connecting opening 26 of the cage clamp 5. The upper horizontal web of the T-shaped connecting end 27 can be inserted into the horizontal slot of the connecting opening 26.By shifting the connecting end 27 into the vertical slot of the T-shaped connecting opening 26, the edge regions of the transverse web 12, which delimit the T-shaped connecting opening 26, form a stop for the upper horizontal web of the connecting end 27. The tension yoke 22 is thus positively connected to the clamping section 10 of the cage tension spring 5.

[0059] Fig. Figure 7 shows a side sectional view of a second embodiment of a conductor terminal 1 in the closed position. This is essentially comparable to the first embodiment, so reference is made to the previous description.

[0060] In contrast to the first embodiment, the tension yoke 22 is formed integrally with the cage clamp spring 5. The lever arm section 25 adjoins the clamping section 10 and is bent from the clamping section 10 toward the base plate 21. The lever arm section 25 extends approximately parallel to the contact leg 6 and merges into a release section 24 bent toward the busbar 4 and the spring arch 7.

[0061] In the illustrated closed position, the trigger section 24 can cross the busbar 4 and end next to the spring arch 7.

[0062] Fig. 8 shows a perspective view of the conductor connection terminal 1 from Fig. 7. It can be seen that the lever arm section 25 adjoins the crossbar 12. It is bent from the crossbar 12 and extends past the side wall 20 into the conductor receiving space. The release section 24 bent from it projects below the vertical section of the busbar 4, which has the clamping area 13 and merges into the busbar end 14 bent from the plane, toward the spring arch 7.

[0063] Fig. Figure 9 shows a side sectional view of the second embodiment of the conductor terminal 1 in the open position. It can be seen that the retaining tongue 16 extends into the receiving opening 15 at the busbar end 14, thereby locking the clamping section 10 to the busbar 4.

[0064] The lever arm section 25 is bent away from the crosspiece 12, which defines the recess 11, and extends toward the base plate 21. At its end, it merges into the release section 24, which is bent toward the spring arch 7 and is aligned F with the conductor insertion opening 19, transverse to the conductor insertion direction L. An electrical conductor inserted into the conductor insertion opening 19 and guided through the recess 11 thus strikes the release section 24 and exerts a release force in the conductor insertion direction L. This displaces the clamping section 10 toward the spring arch 7, the retaining tongue 16 is pulled out of its latching position in the receiving opening 15, and the cage clamp spring 5 is released.

[0065] Fig. 10 shows a perspective view of the opened conductor terminal 1 from Fig. 9.

[0066] It can be seen that the tension yoke 22 is integrally formed with the clamping section 10. It is bent from the crosspiece and extends with its lever arm section 25 along the side wall 20 and ends next to the base plate 21 with the release section 24 projecting toward the spring arch.

[0067] Fig. 11 shows a perspective view of the cage clamp 5 of the second embodiment of the conductor connection terminal 1 with an integrated tension yoke 22, which forms a release element. The lever arm section 25 adjoins the crosspiece 12 at the end of the clamping section 10. This lever arm section extends away from the crosspiece 12, virtually parallel (i.e., not necessarily plane-parallel) to the contact leg 6, and merges into a release section 24 projecting toward the spring arch 7. The tension yoke 22, formed in this way as one piece with the cage clamp 5, requires no mounting on the clamping leg 8 and the busbar 4, in contrast to the separate tension yoke 22 of the first embodiment.

[0068] Fig. Figure 12 shows a side sectional view of a third embodiment of a conductor terminal 1 in the closed position. The design of the trigger element with the separate tension yoke 22 is comparable to the first embodiment. Therefore, the relevant explanations regarding the Fig. 1 to 6.

[0069] It can be seen that the clamping section 10 has a retaining recess 30 for forming a negative retaining contour in the area between the actuating section 9 and the recess 11 defined by the edge webs 29. The busbar end 14 is bent toward the clamping section 10 and forms a stop tongue 31.

[0070] Fig. 13 shows a perspective view of the conductor connection terminal 1 from Fig. 12.

[0071] It is clear that the stop tongue 31 protrudes toward the clamping section 10 of the clamping leg 8. The clamping section 10 of the clamping leg 8 has, for example, a square opening between the bend toward the actuating section 9 and the recess 11, i.e., the holding recess 30 for receiving the stop tongue 31.

[0072] Fig. 14 shows a side sectional view of the third embodiment of the conductor terminal 1 in the open position and Fig. 15 shows a perspective view of the opened conductor terminal from Fig. 14.

[0073] It is clear that the stop tongue 31 of the busbar end 14 protrudes into the retaining recess 30 of the clamping section 10 and forms a stop for the clamping leg 8. This locks the cage clamp spring 5 in the open position.

[0074] The release section 24 of the clamping yoke 22 is positioned in the open position in alignment F with the conductor entry opening 19. An electrical conductor inserted into the conductor entry opening 19 and pushed through the recess 11 strikes the release section 24 in order to displace the clamping section 10 towards the spring arch 7 with the release force. For this purpose, the clamping yoke 22 is supported by its bearing section 23 at its free end, which is opposite the connecting end 27, on the base plate 21. This pulls the retaining recess 30 downward out of the stop of the stop tongue 31 and unlatches the cage clamp spring 5.

[0075] Fig. Figure 16 shows a perspective view of the cage clamp 5 of the third embodiment of the conductor terminal 1. It can be seen that the retaining contour is formed by the, for example, square retaining recess 30 between the bend towards the actuating section 9 and the clamping section 10. Other contours, such as round, triangular, rectangular, or polygonal openings, are equally conceivable. They are preferably matched to the contour of the stop tongue 31.

[0076] Fig. Figure 17 shows a perspective view of the trigger element in the form of a tension yoke 22 of the third embodiment of the conductor connection terminal 1. The tension yoke is comparable to the embodiment of the first embodiment. It is L-shaped and consists of the trigger section 24 and the lever arm section 25, which is bent from it and terminates with the T-shaped connecting end 27.

[0077] Fig. Figure 18 shows a perspective view of the busbar 4 of the third embodiment of the conductor connection terminal 1. It can be seen that the busbar end 14 is bent obliquely from the plane ending with the clamping area 13. The stop tongue 31 is exposed from the busbar end 14. The stop tongue 31 extends from the plane of the busbar end 14 toward the base plate 21.

[0078] Fig. Figure 19 shows a side sectional view of a fourth embodiment of a conductor terminal 1 in the closed position and Fig. 20 a perspective view.

[0079] A locking edge 32 is provided on a shoulder at the upper edge of the side wall 20 of the busbars 4 facing the clamping section 10. The clamping section 10 has a retaining tongue 33 at its edge region, which projects toward the contact leg 6.

[0080] In this exemplary embodiment, the tension yoke 22 is pivotally mounted about a pivot point located in the transition region between the trigger section 24 and the lever arm section 25. A triggering force acting on the trigger section 24 in the conductor insertion direction L leads to a movement of the connecting end 27 toward the clamping section 10 in order to push it upwards away from the spring arch 7.

[0081] The insulating housing 2 can have a stop 34 in the space between the clamping yoke 22 and the section of the busbar 4 that has the clamping area 13. This stop 34 can, for example, taper from the base plate 21 to the clamping section 10. It can, for example, have a triangular contour or be oval or egg-shaped, tapering upwards. This allows the clamping yoke 22 to rest against the stop 34 in the closed position, preventing the connecting end 27 from slipping out of the connecting opening 26.

[0082] Fig. 21 shows a side sectional view of the fourth embodiment of the conductor terminal 1 in the open position and Fig. 22 shows a perspective view of this opened conductor connection terminal 1.

[0083] It can be seen that the locking edge 32 forms a stop for the retaining tongue 33, so that the cage clamp spring 5 is locked to the busbar 4.

[0084] In the open position, stop 34 is inoperative.

[0085] Fig. 23 shows a perspective view of the cage clamp 5 of the fourth embodiment of the conductor connection terminal 1.

[0086] It can be seen that in the transverse web 12, which has the connecting opening 26, a retaining tongue 33 is formed at an edge region, which protrudes towards the contact leg 6 and forms a projection protruding from the plane of the clamping section 10.

[0087] Fig. 24 shows a perspective view of the trigger element in the form of the L-shaped tension yoke 22 of the fourth embodiment of the conductor connection terminal 1.

[0088] It can be seen that the bearing section 23 of the tension yoke 22 is formed as a protrusion in the transition area between the trigger section 24 and the lever arm section 25. This allows the L-shaped tension yoke 22 to be pivotally mounted about a pivot point located in the transition area.

[0089] The spring connection terminals 3 equipped with such a separate clamping yoke 22 can optionally also be designed with a clamping yoke 22 formed integrally with the clamping leg 8.

[0090] Fig. 25 shows a perspective view of the busbar 4 of the fourth embodiment of the conductor connection terminal 1.

[0091] It can be seen that a locking edge 32 is arranged on the upper edge of the side wall 20, which faces the busbar end 14. This locking edge is formed by a shoulder oriented toward the vertical side edge of the side wall 20, which faces away from the clamping area 13.

[0092] Fig. Figure 26 shows a side sectional view of a fifth embodiment of a conductor terminal 1 in the closed position, which is substantially comparable to the first and fourth embodiments. Fig. 27 shows a perspective view of this conductor terminal.

[0093] In this embodiment, the holding contour is formed by a holding tongue 35 protruding from the contact leg 6, which is arranged below the clamping section 10 in the closed position.

[0094] Fig. 28 shows a side section view and Fig. 29 shows a perspective view of the fifth embodiment of the conductor connection terminal 1 in the open position.

[0095] It can be seen that the retaining tongue 35 protruding from the contact leg 6, in the open position, engages a retaining recess 30 of the clamping section 10 and latches there. The retaining tongue 35 protrudes away from the spring arch 7. Therefore, the clamping yoke 22 is mounted such that the connecting end 27 acts counter to the conductor insertion direction L for unlocking, in order to displace the clamping section 10 away from the spring arch 7 and to move the retaining recess 30 upward out of the retaining tongue 35.

[0096] Fig. 30 shows a perspective view of the cage clamp 5 of the fifth embodiment of the conductor connection terminal 1.

[0097] It can be seen that at the free end of the contact leg 6, which is opposite the spring arch 7, a retaining tongue 35 is bent from the plane of the contact leg 6 toward the actuating section 9. The retaining tongue 35 extends toward the clamping section 10. In the closed position shown, it is positioned below the recess 11, which is delimited by the transverse web 12 and the edge webs 29.

[0098] Fig. 31 shows a perspective view of the trigger element in the form of the tension yoke 22 of the fifth embodiment of the conductor connection terminal.

[0099] It can be seen that the bearing section 23 of the tension yoke 22 is formed as a protrusion in the transition area between the trigger section 24 and the lever arm section 25. This allows the L-shaped tension yoke 22 to be pivotally mounted about a pivot point located in the transition area.

[0100] Fig.32 shows sketches in front view of a clamping leg 8 and a busbar 4 with locking contour in the locked and unlocked state.

[0101] In this exemplary embodiment, the clamping area 13 of the busbar 4, which extends through the recess 11 of the clamping section 10 of the clamping leg 8, has a widened stop area 36. This stop area 36 is wider than the adjoining contact area of ​​the busbar 4 extending in the direction of the spring arch 7. The recess 11 has a receiving groove 37 designed to receive the widened stop area 36. When displaced in the open position, the clamping leg 8 springs with its receiving groove 37 into the widened stop area 36. The widened stop area 36 forms a stop for the clamping leg 8 for locking the clamping leg 8 to the busbar 4. List of reference symbols 1 conductor connection terminal 2 insulating housings 3 spring-loaded terminal connection 4 busbar 5 cage clamp spring 6 investment legs 7 spring bow 8 clamping legs 9 Operating section 10 clamping section 11 Recess 12 crossbar 13 Clamping area 14 Busbar end 15 Receiving opening 16 retaining tongue 17 Operating opening 18 Guide wall 19 Conductor entry opening 20 side wall 21 Base plate 22 tension yokes 23 storage section 24 trigger section 25 lever arm section 26 Connection opening 27 End of connection 28 centering pins 29 Edge bridge 30 Holding recess 31 Stop tongue 32 locking edge 33 Retaining tongue 34 stop 35 retaining tongue 36 widened stop area 37 mounting groove L Conductor insertion direction QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] WO 2021 / 105280 A1

[0005]

Claims

[1] Spring clamp connection (3) with - a busbar (4) having a clamping area (13), and - a cage tension spring (5) having a contact leg (6) for contacting a first side of the busbar (4), a spring arch (7) adjoining the contact leg (6), and a clamping leg (8) adjoining the spring arch (7), wherein the clamping leg (8) has an actuating section (9) adjoining the spring arch (7) and extending away from the busbar (4), and a clamping section (10) bent away from the actuating section (9) and extending back in the direction of the busbar (4), wherein the clamping section (10) has a recess (11) delimited by a transverse web (12) at the free end of the clamping section (10), wherein the busbar (4) extends with its clamping region (13) through the recess (11), and the transverse web (12) together with the clamping region (13) of the busbar (4) forms a clamping point for clamping an electrical conductor, characterized bythat the clamping section (10) of the cage tension spring (5) has a holding contour which, in the open position of the cage tension spring (5), in which the clamping point is opened by displacing the actuating section (9) in the direction of the contact leg (6) and by spacing the crossbar (12) from the clamping area (13) of the busbar (4), latches onto the busbar (4) or the contact leg (6) resting on the busbar (4), and that a tensioning yoke (22) protrudes from the end region of the clamping section (10) of the cage tension spring (5), which adjoins the crossbar (12) delimiting the recess (11), wherein the tensioning yoke (22) extends away in the conductor insertion direction (L) and has a release section (24) pointing towards the busbar (4), which is used to displace the clamping section (10) of the cage tension spring (5) in the direction of the spring arch (7) and is designed to release the holding contour when a force is applied by an inserted,electrical conductor to be connected to the trigger section (24). [2] Spring-loaded terminal connection (3) according to claim 1, characterized by that the triggering section (24) extends transversely to the plane of the busbar (4). [3] Spring-loaded terminal connection (3) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that the tension yoke (22) has a trigger section (24) and a lever arm section (25), wherein the lever arm section (25) protrudes from the trigger section (24) and extends towards the free end of the clamping section (10) of the clamping leg (8) and is connected to this free end. [4] Spring-loaded terminal connection (3) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by that the trigger section (24) of the tension bracket (22) is pivotally mounted about a pivot point adjacent to the spring arch (7). [5] Spring-loaded terminal connection (3) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized bythat the tension bow (22) is pivotally mounted about a pivot point located in the transition area of ​​the trigger section (24) to the lever arm section (25). [6] Spring-loaded terminal connection (3) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by that the holding contour of the clamping section (10) is a holding tongue (16) and the busbar (4) has a receiving opening (15) designed to receive the holding tongue (16) in the open position, wherein a boundary wall of the receiving opening (15) forms a stop for the holding tongue (16) for locking the clamping leg (8) on the busbar (4). [7] Spring-loaded terminal connection (3) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized bythat the busbar (4) has a stop tongue (31) and the clamping section (10) of the cage tension spring (5) has a holding recess (11, 31) designed to receive the stop tongue (31) in the open position, wherein a boundary wall of the holding recess (11, 31) forms a stop for the stop tongue (31) for locking the clamping leg (8) on the busbar (4). [8] Spring-loaded terminal connection (3) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized byin that the clamping region (13) of the busbar (4), which extends through the recess (11) of the clamping section (10) of the clamping leg (8), has a widened stop region (36) which is wider than the adjoining contact region of the busbar (4) extending in the direction of the spring arch (7), and in that the recess (11) has a receiving groove (37) which is designed to receive the widened stop region (34), wherein the clamping leg (8) springs into the widened stop region (36) with its receiving groove (37) during displacement in the open position and the widened stop region (36) forms a stop for the clamping leg (8) for locking the clamping leg (8) to the busbar (4). [9] Spring-loaded terminal connection (3) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized byin that the clamping region (13) of the busbar (4), which extends through the recess (11) of the clamping section (10) of the clamping leg (8), has a receiving groove (15) and in that the recess (11) of the clamping section (10) of the clamping leg (8) has a retaining tongue (16) which is designed to engage in the receiving groove (15), wherein the clamping leg (8) springs into the receiving groove (15) with its retaining tongue (16) when displaced in the open position and a boundary wall of the receiving groove (15) forms a stop for the retaining tongue (16) for locking the clamping leg (8) to the busbar (4). [10] Spring-loaded terminal connection (3) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized bythat a retaining tongue (35) projects from the contact leg (6) in the direction of the clamping leg (8) and the clamping leg (8) has a retaining contour, wherein the retaining tongue (35) forms a stop for the retaining contour of the clamping leg (8) for locking the clamping leg (8) on the contact leg (6) when the clamping leg (8) is displaced in the open position. [11] Spring-loaded terminal connection (3) according to claim 10, characterized by that the holding contour is a recess (30) in the clamping leg (8). [12] Spring-loaded terminal connection (3) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the clamping leg (8) is spring-elastic and is designed to spring into the latching position when moved into the open position due to its spring force, and that the tension yoke (22) connected to the clamping leg (8) is designed to unlock the clamping leg (8) by moving the clamping leg (8) against the spring force of the clamping leg (8) when a compressive force is exerted by an inserted electrical conductor on the triggering section (24) of the tension yoke (22). [13] Conductor connection terminal (1) with an insulating housing (2) and with a spring-loaded terminal connection (3) according to one of the preceding claims in the insulating housing (2), wherein the insulating housing (2) has a conductor insertion opening (19) leading to the triggering section (24) of the triggering element (22). [14] Conductor connection terminal (1) according to claim 13, characterized by that the tension yoke (22) is pivotally mounted in the insulating housing (2). [15] Conductor connection terminal (1) according to claim 13 or 14, characterized by that the insulating housing (2) has an actuating opening (17) which leads to the actuating section (9) of the clamping leg (8). [16] Conductor connection terminal (1) according to claim 15, characterized by that the actuating opening (17) is designed to receive an actuating tool or an actuating element movably installed in the actuating opening (17).

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