conductor connection terminal

Abstract

Conductor terminal block (1) for connecting electrical conductors to each other, with an insulating housing (2) - a first housing section (2a) with a first spring clamp connection (3a) arranged in the first housing section (2a) and - a second housing section (2b) with a second spring clamp connection (3b) arranged in the second housing section (2b), has, characterized by the fact that - the first housing section (2a) is pivotable relative to the second housing section (2b) and - the conductor terminal (1) has a busbar structure (4) for electrically connecting the first spring clamp terminal (3a) to the second spring clamp terminal (3b), wherein the busbar structure (4) has a first connection section (4a) associated with the first spring clamp terminal (3a), a second connection section (4b) associated with the second spring clamp terminal (3b) and a hinge section (4c) connecting the first connection section (4a) to the second connection section (4b).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a conductor connection terminal for connecting electrical conductors to one another, with an insulating housing (2) which - a first housing section (2a) with a first spring-loaded terminal connection (3a) arranged in the first housing section (2a) and - a second housing section (2b) with a second spring-loaded terminal connection (3b) arranged in the second housing section (2b).

[0002] In conductor connection technology, conductor terminals are known for connecting electrical conductors to one another. Conductor terminals can be designed, for example, as through connectors. Through connectors can, for example, connect two electrical conductors connected to the conductor terminal, which may, in particular, have a flexible cable run.

[0003] Particularly in confined installation environments, it may be desirable to provide compact, space-saving conductor terminals. Depending on the installation situation and the design of the conductor terminal, the available connection space for routing and connecting the electrical conductors may be severely limited. This can restrict accessibility to the connection area of ​​the conductor terminal. Furthermore, the limited space can result in an unfavorable routing situation for a connected electrical conductor, for example, resulting in the conductor bending or kinking.

[0004] The invention is based on the object of creating an improved conductor terminal and a busbar structure for such conductor terminals. In particular, the aim is to facilitate easier handling of the conductor terminal and improve the connection conditions for the conductors to be connected.

[0005] The object is achieved with a conductor connection terminal according to claim 1. Advantageous embodiments can be found in the subclaims, the description and the drawings.

[0006] It is proposed that - the first housing section of the conductor connection terminal is pivotable relative to the second housing section and - the conductor connection terminal has a busbar structure for the electrically conductive connection of the first spring-loaded terminal connection to the second spring-loaded terminal connection, wherein the busbar structure has a first connection section assigned to the first spring-loaded terminal connection, a second connection section assigned to the second spring-loaded terminal connection and a joint section connecting the first connection section to the second connection section.

[0007] In other words, a conductor connection terminal with an articulated busbar structure is proposed which enables or promotes pivoting of housing parts of the conductor connection terminal relative to one another without impairing and / or interrupting the electrical connection between the spring-loaded terminal connections.

[0008] This allows better use of the connection space available for connecting electrical conductors to the conductor connection terminal, particularly in confined installation situations. The orientation of the connection areas of the conductor connection terminal can be individually adapted to the respective spatial conditions. This improves accessibility to the connection areas of the conductor connection terminal, thus making handling of the conductor connection terminal easier. In addition, conductors to be connected can be laid gently and flexibly, in particular without bends or kinks, thus providing improved connection conditions for the conductors to be connected. Furthermore, in confined spaces, the overall length of the conductor connection terminal can be advantageously reduced by pivoting the housing sections relative to one another.

[0009] The conductor connection terminal can be designed, in particular, as a through-connector and, for example, configured to connect two electrical conductors. A connection area of ​​the conductor connection terminal can, for example, refer to a conductor insertion opening of the conductor connection terminal, through which the conductor can be guided to a spring-loaded terminal connection of the conductor connection terminal. Alternatively or additionally, the connection area can refer to an actuating element of the conductor connection terminal, for example, an actuating lever with which a spring-loaded terminal connection of the conductor connection terminal can be actuated. Accordingly, the conductor connection terminal can, for example, be designed as a lever terminal and have an actuating lever for actuating at least one spring-loaded terminal connection of the conductor connection terminal.

[0010] A spring-loaded terminal connection can be a conductor connection with a clamping spring, through which a connected electrical conductor can be clamped to a busbar structure using spring force. Using a spring-loaded terminal connection, an electrical conductor can be connected and securely contacted easily and with minimal force. It can also be released again by actuating the spring-loaded terminal connection.

[0011] An insulating housing can be a housing made of electrically insulating material, such as plastic. The insulating housing can accommodate the spring-cage terminals and the busbar structure in an interior of the insulating housing and protects them from environmental influences and contact. The insulating housing can be constructed in several parts to facilitate assembly of the conductor terminal and / or pivoting of one housing section relative to the other housing section of the insulating housing.

[0012] A busbar structure can be an electromechanical component made of an electrically conductive material, to which an electrical conductor can be clamped by means of a clamping spring of the spring-loaded terminal connection, thereby establishing an electrical connection to the busbar structure. The busbar structure can be, for example, a metal strip, which, according to some embodiments, can be bent over in sections, for example, to form an insertion or support section for electrical conductors. Depending on the embodiment, the busbar structure can be designed as a multi-part component or as a single-part component, as explained below.The busbar structure can be completely accommodated in the insulating housing, so that the busbar structure does not come into contact with the ambient atmosphere even when the housing sections are pivoted relative to one another, nor does it need to be protected from the environment by an additional insulating structure. The busbar structure has a first connection section assigned to the first spring-loaded terminal connection. This can mean, for example, that the first connection section forms a conductor support surface, a conductor insertion channel, and / or a conductor stop for a first conductor to be clamped to the busbar structure by means of the first spring-loaded terminal connection. The busbar structure has a second connection section assigned to the second spring-loaded terminal connection.This may mean, for example, that the second connection section forms a conductor support surface, a conductor insertion channel and / or a conductor stop for a second conductor to be clamped to the busbar structure by means of the second spring-loaded terminal connection.

[0013] The busbar structure further includes a joint section that runs between the first and second connection sections and electrically connects them. A joint section can be understood in the broader sense as a movable connecting structure. The joint section can enable relative mobility of the first and second connection sections.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the joint section of the busbar structure can have a sliding contact region. This can easily enable relative mobility of the first connection section with respect to the second connection section and vice versa. For example, the first connection section and the second connection section can be mounted displaceably relative to one another, wherein they can slide off one another in the sliding contact region during a relative movement to one another, so that essentially a sliding contact can arise between the first and second connection sections. The busbar structure can, for example, be designed in two parts, so that the first connection section forms a first busbar part and the second connection section forms a second busbar part, wherein the first and second busbar parts are mounted displaceably relative to one another in the sliding contact region.In other words, the joint section can form a sliding joint for the first and second connecting sections. Depending on the embodiment, the sliding contact area can enable a translational or a rotational, or a combined translational and rotational sliding movement of the connecting sections relative to one another.

[0015] A conductor connection terminal is conceivable in which the joint section is adjustable in length, e.g., telescopically extendable, if the sliding contact area is designed for translational sliding movement. The first and second housing sections can be connected to each other by a length-adjustable swivel joint. A length-adjustable design of the first and / or second housing sections, which are connected to each other via a swivel joint, is also conceivable.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the joint section of the busbar structure can have a lower flexural rigidity than the connecting sections of the busbar structure. This can enable a high and versatile relative mobility of the connecting sections to one another. In other words, the joint section can form a flexible joint between the comparatively more rigid connecting sections. As a joint section with a lower flexural rigidity, the joint section can enable the formation of at least one bending point or kink in the busbar structure between the connecting sections, wherein such a bending or kink can, for example, form a pivot axis for pivoting the second connecting section relative to the first or vice versa.A joint section with lower flexural rigidity can be achieved, for example, by using a flexible metal strip, such as copper strip, in the joint section, a cross-sectional reduction of the busbar structure (e.g., a reduction in sheet thickness), or a softer metal alloy than that used in the connecting sections. A flexible metal strip can be associated with significantly reduced flexural rigidity and form a flexible joint section that does not have a pronounced bending or kinking point, but is flexibly deformable in its entirety. A connecting section with higher flexural rigidity than the joint section, on the other hand, can ensure secure guiding and clamping of the electrical conductor in the connecting section.

[0017] According to a further development, the joint section can be designed as an elastic joint section, for example, having a joint spring, so that the joint section is elastically preloaded from an initial position upon relative movement of the connecting sections to one another and returns to the initial position, for example, upon release of a mechanical locking device. This prevents plastic deformation of the joint section and ensures a long service life of the busbar structure, even with frequent use.

[0018] According to a further development, the busbar structure can be formed as a single piece. In other words, the busbar structure can be a continuous, monolithic component in which the connecting sections merge directly into the joint section. This makes it possible to provide a stable, easy-to-install busbar structure with high electrical conductivity.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the busbar structure can have a first and a second fastening tab, wherein a clamping spring of the first spring-loaded terminal connection is suspended from the busbar structure by means of the first fastening tab, and a clamping spring of the second spring-loaded terminal connection is suspended from the busbar structure by means of the second fastening tab. This allows for easy attachment of the clamping springs to the busbar structure. The fastening tabs can, for example, each have a fastening opening into which a contact leg of the respective clamping spring can be inserted.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the first connection section and / or the second connection section can have a conductor support surface and a conductor receiving pocket adjacent to the conductor support surface. This can ensure secure and conductor-friendly clamping of an electrical conductor. The conductor support surface can be a flat material tongue. The conductor support surface can serve to guide and support a conductor to be clamped or already clamped. The conductor receiving pocket can be directly adjacent to the conductor support surface. The conductor support surface can transition into the conductor receiving pocket at an incline so that a conductor guided on the conductor support surface can protrude into the conductor receiving pocket at a predefined angle. The conductor receiving pocket can form a receiving space for the end section of a clamped conductor and surround it protectively from several sides.For example, the busbar structure in the area of ​​the conductor receiving pocket can form a round or angular, for example, square, channel with open ends, which, according to a further development, can have a tapered cross-section. If the busbar structure is manufactured as a flat sheet metal blank, it can be bent several times in the area of ​​the conductor receiving pocket to provide a hollow channel for the conductor end.

[0021] According to a further development, the hinge section of the busbar structure can extend between the conductor receiving pockets of the first and second connection sections. The hinge section can be formed directly onto the conductor receiving pockets. The hinge section can, for example, protrude from an upper wall of the conductor receiving pocket, which is opposite a lower wall adjacent to the conductor support surface. The conductor receiving pockets can securely accommodate the conductor end of a connected conductor and prevent the conductor from colliding with the hinge section, for example, during a pivoting operation.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the first housing section and the second housing section can be pivotally connected to one another via a pivot joint. This allows the housing sections to be pivoted relative to one another easily. The pivot joint can be designed, for example, as a hinge joint. The first housing section and the second housing section can form two separate housing components that are connected to one another by the pivot joint. This can support compliance with any standardized dielectric strengths of the insulating housing.

[0023] According to a further development, the swivel joint can have a swivel arm that can be pivoted about a pivot axis, via which the first housing section and the second housing section are connected to each other. According to a further development, for increased stability, the swivel joint can also have two oppositely arranged swivel arms that can be pivoted about a common pivot axis.

[0024] According to a further development, the first housing section can have a swivel head and the second housing section can have a swivel bearing corresponding to the swivel head, or vice versa. The swivel bearing can, for example, have an outer contour that forms a negative shape of the outer contour of the swivel head. The swivel head can, for example, have a convex, semi-cylindrical profile, and the swivel bearing can have a corresponding concave profile with a semi-cylindrical negative shape. When the housing sections are swiveled, the swivel head can slide in a defined manner on the swivel bearing, facilitating the swiveling.

[0025] According to a further development, the first housing section and the second housing section can be arranged overlapping one another in the region of the pivot joint. This ensures sufficient sealing of the insulating housing and compliance with any creepage and clearance distances specified by standards, even when the housing sections are pivoted relative to one another. In an overlapping arrangement, at least one housing wall of one housing section can overlap a housing wall of the other housing section such that the housing sections can be pivoted relative to one another without a gap.

[0026] According to one embodiment, a pivot angle between 0° and + / -90° can be adjustable between the first housing section and the second housing section. This allows a wide pivot angle range to be covered and provides a conductor connection terminal with optimized space utilization. A maximum pivot angle can be limited, for example, by a stop on a housing section or on a pivot arm to prevent exceeding a specified pivot angle range and to ensure sufficient tightness of the insulating housing in every pivoted state. The pivot angle specified as + / -90° can refer to a pivot angle of 90° in two opposite pivot directions starting from a 0° starting position.The pivot angle can be spanned, for example, between the central longitudinal axes of the first and second housing sections, wherein the central longitudinal axis can be a central axis of the respective housing section, which is substantially aligned with a conductor insertion direction of the spring-loaded terminal connection.

[0027] According to one embodiment, a pivot angle that can be set between the first housing section and the second housing section can be fixed by means of a locking mechanism. This can reliably prevent unintentional pivoting of the housing sections, for example when connecting an electrical conductor or due to environmental influences. In addition, the adjustable pivot angle can be limited and predefined, fixable pivot angles can be specified. The locking mechanism can be implemented, for example, by a locking structure such as a locking lug on one housing section and by locking openings on the other housing section into which the locking lug can be inserted. The locking mechanism can be configured to release an established locking connection again as needed, for example by applying a minimum force or a release element.

[0028] According to a further development, the locking mechanism can be formed by a locking structure in a pivot arm and by one or more locking openings in the housing section through which the pivot axis of the pivot arm runs. This allows the locking mechanism to be implemented in a simple design and used intuitively. The locking structure in the pivot arm can, for example, be a locking lug that can be displaced between locking openings in the housing section by the application of force. If two pivot arms are provided on the conductor connection terminal, a locking structure can be arranged on just one or on both pivot arms, and one or more locking openings can be provided on the housing sides of the housing section facing the pivot arms.

[0029] The busbar structure for the electrically conductive connection of the first spring-loaded terminal connection to the second spring-loaded terminal connection has a first connection section, a second connection section, and a joint section connecting the first connection section to the second connection section. The proposed busbar structure makes it possible to securely and reliably electrically connect relatively movable spring-loaded terminal connections of a conductor terminal and achieve a high degree of design freedom in the individual orientation of the spring-loaded terminal connections of the conductor terminal.

[0030] According to embodiments of the busbar structure: - the joint section of the busbar structure has a sliding contact area; - the joint section of the busbar structure has a lower bending stiffness than the connecting sections of the busbar structure; - the joint section must be designed as an elastic joint section; - the busbar structure must be constructed in one piece; - the busbar structure has a first fastening tab for suspending a first clamping spring on the busbar structure and a second fastening tab for suspending a second clamping spring on the busbar structure; - the first connection section and / or the second connection section have a conductor support surface and a conductor receiving pocket adjacent to the conductor support surface; and / or - the joint section of the busbar structure extends between the conductor receiving pockets of the first and second connection section.

[0031] According to one embodiment, the busbar structure can be produced from a flat sheet metal blank. This enables simple and cost-effective production of the busbar structure. For example, the busbar structure can be obtained by punching a defined two-dimensional geometric contour from a semi-finished sheet metal product and by bending the sheet metal strip at predetermined positions in different spatial directions, so that the three-dimensional busbar structure can be produced from an essentially two-dimensional sheet metal blank. In this case, bent sections of the busbar structure can be connected to one another, for example, by a form-fitting tab structure, for example to form a conductor receiving pocket according to the features described above.

[0032] 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”.

[0033] The invention permits various embodiments and is explained in more detail below using exemplary embodiments and the accompanying drawings. They show schematically: Fig. 1a / 1b - a conductor connection terminal according to an embodiment in lateral sectional views in an initial state and with housing sections pivoted towards each other; Fig. 2a / 2b - the conductor connection terminal according to the Fig. 1a / 1b in plan views; Fig. 3a / 3b - the conductor connection terminal according to Fig. 1a / 1b in side views; Fig. 4a / 4b - the conductor connection terminal according to Fig. 1a / 1b in perspective side views; Fig. 5a / 5b - a busbar structure for a conductor connection terminal according to an embodiment in perspective side views in an initial state and with connection sections pivoted relative to one another.

[0034] The Fig. 1a and Fig. 1b show a conductor connection terminal 1 according to an embodiment in lateral sectional views. In Fig. 1a shows the conductor terminal 1 in an initial state. In Fig. 1b shows the conductor connection terminal 1 with the housing sections 2a, 2b pivoted towards each other. Fig. 1a corresponds to a sectional view along the Fig. Section line BB shown in Figure 2a. Fig. 1b corresponds to a sectional view along the Fig. Section line AA shown in Figure 2b.

[0035] The conductor connection terminal 1 is used for the electrical connection of electrical conductors (not shown in detail), which can be connected to the conductor connection terminal 1 via spring-loaded terminal connections 3a, 3b. According to the exemplary embodiment shown, the conductor connection terminal 1 is designed as a through-connector. The conductor connection terminal 1 has an insulating housing 2 with a first housing section 2a and a second housing section 2b. The second housing section 2b is pivotable relative to the first housing section 2a. A first spring-loaded terminal connection 3a is arranged in the first housing section 2a. A second spring-loaded terminal connection 3b is arranged in the second housing section 2b.According to the embodiment shown, the conductor connection terminal 1 is designed as a lever terminal and has a first actuating lever 16a for actuating a clamping spring 6a of the first spring-loaded terminal connection 3a and a second actuating lever 16b for actuating a clamping spring 6b of the second spring-loaded terminal connection 3b.

[0036] The conductor connection terminal 1 has a busbar structure 4 for the electrically conductive connection of the first spring-loaded terminal connection 3a to the second spring-loaded terminal connection 3b. A first connection section 4a of the busbar structure 4 is assigned to the first spring-loaded terminal connection 3a. A second connection section 4b of the busbar structure 4 is assigned to the second spring-loaded terminal connection 3b. The first connection section 4a and the second connection section 4b of the busbar structure 4 are connected to one another by a joint section 4c. The joint section 4c enables relative mobility of the first connection section 4a and the second connection section 4b to one another and thereby permits pivoting of the housing sections 2a, 2b relative to one another without impairing and / or interrupting the electrical connection between the spring-loaded terminal connections 3a, 3b.Due to the pivotability of the housing sections 2a, 2b and the busbar structure 4 adapted thereto, the connection space available for connecting electrical conductors to the conductor connection terminal 1 can be better utilized, particularly in confined installation situations.

[0037] As in the Fig. 1a and Fig. As indicated in Figure 1b, the joint section 4c of the busbar structure 4 according to the illustrated embodiment is formed as a flexible, pliable strip made of an electrically conductive material and therefore has a lower flexural rigidity than the connecting sections 4a, 4b of the busbar structure 4. This allows a high degree of relative mobility of the connecting sections 4a, 4b to one another. According to the illustrated embodiment, the joint section 4c, the first connecting section 4a, and the second connecting section 4b are formed integrally with one another, so that the connecting sections 4a, 4b merge directly into the joint section 4c. The joint section 4c can be integrally connected to the connecting sections 4a and 4b. The joint section 4c can be formed together with the connecting sections 4a, 4b from a single piece of material or can be integrally formed onto the connecting sections 4a, 4b.This ensures high electrical conductivity. According to further embodiments not shown in detail, the busbar structure 4 can, for example, also be formed in two parts and have a sliding contact area for implementing a sliding contact between the first connection section 4a and the second connection section 4b.

[0038] As in Fig. 1a and Fig. 1b, the clamping spring 6a of the first spring-loaded terminal connection 3a can be suspended from the busbar structure 4 by means of a first fastening tab 5a, and the clamping spring 6b of the second spring-loaded terminal connection 3b can be suspended from the busbar structure 4 by means of a second fastening tab 5b, thereby enabling simple fastening of the busbar structure 4 in the conductor connection terminal 1. In addition, the first connection section 4a and the second connection section 4b each have a conductor support surface 7 in the form of a flat material tongue for guiding and supporting a conductor to be clamped, and a conductor receiving pocket 8 adjacent to the conductor support surface 7. The conductor support surface 7 merges into the conductor receiving pocket 8 at an incline, so that a conductor guided on the conductor support surface 7 can protrude into the conductor receiving pocket 8 at a predefined angle.As shown, the conductor receiving pocket 8 forms a receiving space with a square channel with open end faces for an end section of a clamped conductor.

[0039] Like the Fig. 1a and Fig. As can be seen in Figure 1b, the joint section 4c of the busbar structure 4 extends between the conductor receiving pockets 8 of the connection sections 4a, 4b. The joint section 4c is formed directly onto the conductor receiving pockets 8 and protrudes from an upper wall 17 of the conductor receiving pocket 8, which is opposite a lower wall 18 adjacent to the conductor support surface 7. The conductor receiving pockets 8 can accommodate the conductor end of a clamped conductor and prevent it from colliding with the joint section 4c during a pivoting operation.

[0040] As in the Fig. 1a and Fig. 1b, the first housing section 2a and the second housing section 2b are pivotally connected to one another via a pivot joint 9. The first housing section 2a and the second housing section 2b form separate housing components that are connected to one another via the pivot joint 9. The first housing section 2a has a pivot head 11 with a convex semi-cylindrical profile, and the second housing section has a pivot bearing 12 corresponding to the pivot head 11, with a concave profile having a semi-cylindrical negative shape. The pivot head 11 can slide in a defined manner on the pivot bearing 12 when the housing sections 2a, 2b are pivoted, thus facilitating the pivoting. As can be seen particularly in the sectional views according to Fig. 1a and Fig. 1b, the first housing section 2a and the second housing section 2b are arranged overlapping one another in the region of the pivot joint 9. The housing wall of the second housing section 2b overlaps the opposite housing wall of the first housing section 2a in the initial position according to Fig. 1a and in the pivoted position according to Fig. 1b, allowing the housing sections 2a, 2b to pivot relative to each other without a gap. This ensures sufficient sealing, creepage distances, and clearances.

[0041] The Fig. 2a and Fig. 2b show the previously described conductor connection terminal 1 in plan views. In Fig. 2a shows the conductor terminal 1 in an initial state. In Fig. 2b shows the conductor terminal 1 with the housing sections 2a, 2b pivoted relative to each other. These views include, among other things, the actuating levers 16a, 16b of the spring-loaded terminals 3a, 3b in a top view. As shown and also visible in the following figures, the swivel joint 9 also has two swivel arms 10 pivotable about a common pivot axis S, via which the housing sections 2a, 2b are connected to each other. Fig. 2a and Fig. 2b that by pivoting the housing sections 2a, 2b relative to each other, the total length of the conductor connection terminal 1 along the section lines AA and BB can be advantageously reduced, for example in confined installation situations.

[0042] The Fig. 3a and Fig. 3b show the previously described conductor terminal 1 in side views. In Fig. 3a shows the conductor terminal 1 in an initial state. In Fig. 3b shows the conductor terminal 1 with the housing sections 2a, 2b pivoted relative to each other. In these views, one of the two pivot arms 10 can be seen in a side view. Furthermore, it can be seen in these illustrations that between a central longitudinal axis M1 of the first housing section 2a and between a central longitudinal axis M2 of the second housing section 2b in the Fig. 3a shown representation no swivel angle α or a swivel angle α of 0° is spanned and in the Fig. 3b, a pivot angle α of approximately 45° is spanned by way of example. The central longitudinal axes M1 and M2 can be central axes of the respective housing sections 2a, 2b, which are essentially aligned with a respective conductor insertion direction 19 into the conductor connection terminal 1.

[0043] As in the Fig. 3a and Fig. 3b, the pivot angle α, which can be adjusted between the first housing section 2a and the second housing section 2b, can be fixed by means of a locking mechanism 13. The locking mechanism 13 is formed by a locking structure 14, indicated in the illustrations, for example a locking lug, on the pivot arm 10 and locking openings 15 into which the locking structure 14 can be inserted. According to the exemplary embodiment shown, the locking openings 15 are arranged on the first housing section 2a, through which the pivot axis S of the pivot arms 10 runs. Optionally and not shown in detail, the locking mechanism 13 is provided on both sides of the conductor connection terminal 1 on which the pivot arms 10 are arranged.

[0044] The Fig. 4a and Fig. 4b show the conductor connection terminal 1 described above in perspective side views. In Fig. 4a shows the conductor terminal 1 in an initial state. In Fig. Figure 4b shows the conductor connection terminal 1 with the housing sections 2a, 2b pivoted relative to each other. These views further illustrate the design of the swivel joint 9 with the semi-cylindrical swivel head 11 and the corresponding concave profile of the swivel bearing 12 with a semi-cylindrical negative shape. It can also be seen that the housing sections 2a, 2b have a conductor insertion opening 20 through which an electrical conductor to be clamped can be guided to the respective spring-loaded terminal connection 3a, 3b of the housing section 2a, 2b.

[0045] The Fig. 5a and Fig. 5b show a busbar structure 4 for the above-described conductor connection terminal 1 according to an embodiment in perspective side views. In Fig. 5a shows the busbar structure 4 in an initial state. In Fig. 5b shows the busbar structure 4 with connecting sections 4a, 4b pivoted relative to each other. Fig. 5a and Fig. 5b can be considered as isolated representations of the Fig. 1a and Fig. 1b shown busbar structure 4 can be considered.

[0046] The busbar structure 4 is designed for the electrically conductive connection of spring-loaded terminal connections 3a, 3b and the conductors connected thereto and has a first connection section 4a, a second connection section 4b, and a joint section 4c connecting the first connection section 4a to the second connection section 4b. The joint section 4c allows the connection sections 4a, 4b to be movable relative to one another and can thus securely and reliably connect spring-loaded terminal connections 3a, 3b that are movable relative to one another. According to the exemplary embodiment shown, the joint section 4c is designed as a flexible, pliable strip made of an electrically conductive material and therefore has a lower flexural rigidity than the connection sections 4a, 4b of the busbar structure 4.According to the embodiment shown, the joint section 4c, the first connecting section 4a and the second connecting section 4b are formed integrally with one another, so that the connecting sections 4a, 4b merge directly into the joint section 4c.

[0047] As in Fig. 5a and Fig. 5b, the busbar structure 4 can have a first fastening tab 5a for suspending the first clamping spring 6a on the busbar structure 4 and a second fastening tab 5b for suspending the second clamping spring 6b on the busbar structure 4. The fastening tabs 5a, 5b can, for example, each have a fastening opening 21 into which a contact leg of the respective clamping spring 6a, 6b can be inserted. In addition, the first connection section 4a and the second connection section 4b each have a conductor support surface 7 in the form of a flat material tongue for guiding and supporting a conductor to be clamped and a conductor receiving pocket 8 adjacent to the conductor support surface 7. The conductor support surface 7 merges into the conductor receiving pocket 8 at an incline, so that a conductor guided on the conductor support surface 7 can protrude into the conductor receiving pocket 8 at a predefined angle.As shown, the conductor receiving pocket 8 forms a receiving space with a square channel with open end faces for an end section of a clamped conductor.

[0048] Like the Fig. 5a and Fig. As can be seen in Figure 5b, the joint section 4c of the busbar structure 4 extends between the conductor receiving pockets 8 of the connection sections 4a, 4b. The joint section 4c is formed directly onto the conductor receiving pockets 8 and protrudes from an upper wall 17 of the conductor receiving pocket 8, which is opposite a lower wall 18 adjacent to the conductor support surface 7. The conductor receiving pockets 8 can accommodate the conductor end of a clamped conductor and prevent it from colliding with the joint section 4c during a pivoting operation.

[0049] Furthermore, when considering the Fig. 5a, Fig.5b shows that the busbar structure 4 can be produced from a flat sheet metal blank. For example, the busbar structure 4 can be obtained by punching a defined two-dimensional geometric contour from a semi-finished sheet metal product and by bending the sheet metal strip at predetermined positions in different spatial directions, so that the three-dimensional busbar structure 4 can be produced from a substantially two-dimensional sheet metal blank. In this case, bent sections of the busbar structure 4 can be connected to one another, for example, by a form-fitting tab structure 22, for example to form a conductor receiving pocket 8 according to the features described above.

[0050] The conductor connection terminal 1 and busbar structure 4 described above enable easier handling of the conductor connection terminal 1 and improved connection conditions for conductors to be connected. List of reference symbols 1 conductor connection terminal 2 insulating housings 2a first housing section 2b second housing section 3a first spring-loaded terminal connection 3b second spring-loaded terminal connection 4 Busbar structure 4a first connection section 4b second connection section 4c Joint section 5a first fastening tab 5b second fastening tab 6a Clamping spring first spring clamp connection 6b Clamping spring second spring clamp connection 7 Ladder support surface 8 ladder pocket 9 Swivel joint 10 swivel arm 11 Swivel head 12 swivel bearings 13 locking mechanism 14 locking structure 15 locking opening 16a first operating lever 16b second operating lever 17 upper wall 18 lower wall 19 Conductor insertion direction 20 conductor insertion opening 21 Mounting hole 22 Tab structure M1 first central longitudinal axis M2 second central longitudinal axis S swivel axis α swivel angle

Claims

[1] Conductor connection terminal (1) for connecting electrical conductors to one another, with an insulating housing (2) which - a first housing section (2a) with a first spring-loaded terminal connection (3a) arranged in the first housing section (2a) and - a second housing section (2b) with a second spring-loaded terminal connection (3b) arranged in the second housing section (2b), characterized by , that - the first housing section (2a) is pivotable relative to the second housing section (2b) and - the conductor connection terminal (1) has a busbar structure (4) for the electrically conductive connection of the first spring-force clamping connection (3a) to the second spring-force clamping connection (3b), wherein the busbar structure (4) has a first connection section (4a) assigned to the first spring-force clamping connection (3a), a second connection section (4b) assigned to the second spring-force clamping connection (3b), and a joint section (4c) connecting the first connection section (4a) to the second connection section (4b). [2] Conductor connection terminal (1) according to claim 1, characterized by that the busbar structure (4) is constructed in one piece. [3] Conductor connection terminal (1) according to claim 1, characterized by that the joint portion (4c) of the busbar structure (4) has a sliding contact area. [4] Conductor connection terminal (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized bythat the joint section (4c) of the busbar structure (4) has a lower bending stiffness than the connecting sections (4a, 4b) of the busbar structure (4). [5] Conductor connection terminal (1) according to claim 4, characterized by that the joint section (4c) is designed as an elastic joint section (4c). [6] Conductor connection terminal (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the busbar structure (4) has a first fastening tab (5a) on which a clamping spring (6a) of the first spring-force clamping connection (3a) is suspended, and that the busbar structure (4) has a second fastening tab (5b) on which a clamping spring (6b) of the second spring-force clamping connection (3b) is suspended. [7] Conductor connection terminal (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the first connection section (4a) and / or the second connection section (4b) have a conductor support surface (7) and a conductor receiving pocket (8) adjacent to the conductor support surface (7). [8] Conductor connection terminal (1) according to claim 7, characterized by that the joint section (4c) of the busbar structure (4) extends between the conductor receiving pockets (8) of the first connection section (4a) and the second connection section (4b). [9] Conductor connection terminal (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the first housing section (2a) and the second housing section (2b) are pivotally connected to one another via a rotary joint (9). [10] Conductor connection terminal (1) according to claim 9, characterized by that the swivel joint (9) has at least one swivel arm (10) which can be pivoted about a swivel axis (S) and via which the first housing section (2a) and the second housing section (2b) are connected to one another. [11] Conductor connection terminal (1) according to claim 9 or 10, characterized by that the first housing section (2a) has a pivot head (11) and the second housing section (2b) has a pivot bearing (12) corresponding to the pivot head (11) or vice versa. [12] Conductor connection terminal (1) according to one of claims 9 to 11, characterized by that the first housing section (2a) and the second housing section (2b) are arranged overlapping one another in the region of the rotary joint (9). [13] Conductor connection terminal (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that a pivot angle (α) between 0° and + / -90° can be set between the first housing section (2a) and the second housing section (2b). [14] Conductor connection terminal (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the pivot angle (α) adjustable between the first housing section (2a) and the second housing section (2b) can be fixed by means of a locking mechanism (13). [15] Conductor connection terminal (1) according to claim 14, characterized by that the locking mechanism (13) is formed by a locking structure (14) in a pivot arm (10) and by one or more locking openings (15) in the housing section (2a) through which the pivot axis (S) of the pivot arm (10) runs.

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