Spring-cage terminal and conductor connection terminal

Abstract

Spring-loaded terminal connection for connecting an electrical conductor (9) by means of spring force, wherein the spring-loaded terminal connection has at least one busbar (3) and a clamping spring (4) which has a clamping leg (43) with a clamping edge (46) for clamping an electrical conductor (9) to a contact section (31) of the busbar (3), and with a holding element (5) which is designed to hold the clamping leg (43) in an open position, wherein the spring-loaded terminal connection has at least one first actuating element (7) for transferring the clamping leg (43) into the open position by manually actuating the first actuating element (7), characterized in that an actuating tab (6) projects from the clamping leg (43) in the direction of the first actuating element (7), wherein the actuating tab (6) is designed to transmit a manual actuating force exerted on the first actuating element (7) to the clamping leg (43).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a spring-loaded terminal connection for connecting an electrical conductor by means of spring force. The spring-loaded terminal connection has at least one busbar and a clamping spring, which has a clamping leg with a clamping edge for clamping an electrical conductor to a contact section of the busbar. The spring-loaded terminal connection has at least one first actuating element for transferring the clamping leg into the open position by manually actuating the first actuating element. Optionally, the spring-loaded terminal connection can have a holding element designed to hold the clamping leg in an open position. The invention also relates to a conductor connection terminal with such a spring-loaded terminal connection.

[0002] Such a conductor terminal with a retaining element is known from DE 10 2020 119 372 A1. It is a conductor terminal with automatic connection of the electrical conductor to be clamped when it is inserted into the conductor terminal. Inserting the electrical conductor automatically releases the clamping leg of the clamping spring, which is held in an open position, thereby clamping the electrical conductor.

[0003] Based on this, it is the object of the present invention to provide a further improved spring-loaded terminal connection and a conductor connection terminal.

[0004] This object is achieved by providing an actuating tab protruding from the clamping leg toward the first actuating element, wherein the actuating tab is configured to transmit a manual actuating force exerted on the first actuating element to the clamping leg. This allows for the realization of a spring-loaded terminal connection that is relatively short transversely to the conductor insertion direction and can be actuated effectively and ergonomically by such an actuating mechanism comprising the first actuating element and the actuating tab. In this way, a conductor connection terminal with automatic connection of the electrical conductor to be clamped can be improved in terms of size while maintaining good operability and reliability.

[0005] The spring-loaded clamp connection can have an actuating mechanism for transferring the clamping leg into the open position, which has at least two separate components in the form of the first actuating element and a second actuating element, e.g. the actuating tab, wherein the second actuating element is configured to transmit a manual actuating force exerted on the first actuating element to the clamping leg.

[0006] The actuating mechanism allows the clamping leg to be moved into the open position when manually actuated, counter to the spring force of the clamping spring. In this open position, the clamping leg can then be held by the retaining element, particularly without further manual actuation of the actuating mechanism, allowing the electrical conductor to be inserted at any time without any particular effort.

[0007] The clamping leg, together with the contact section of the busbar, can form a clamping point for clamping an electrical conductor between the clamping leg and the contact section. In the open position, at least the clamping edge of the clamping leg is pivoted away from the contact section of the busbar. The clamping leg can be pivoted, for example, between an open position, in which the electrical conductor is freely movable between the clamping leg and the contact section, and a clamping position, in which the clamping leg clamps the electrical conductor to the contact section.

[0008] The retaining element can, for example, act directly on the clamping leg to hold it in the open position. For example, a first locking element can be arranged on the clamping leg and a second locking element on the retaining element, with the first and second locking elements being able to be locked together in the open position. The first locking element can be designed as a locking projection or locking hook. The second locking element can be designed as a locking edge or locking opening.

[0009] The holding element can be present as a separate component, which is attached, for example, to an insulating housing of a conductor connection terminal, to the busbar or to another component.

[0010] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the retaining element is formed integrally from the material of the clamping spring. This has the advantage that the retaining element can be produced directly during the bending process of the clamping spring. Separate assembly of the retaining element is thus unnecessary.

[0011] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the clamping spring has a spring arch adjoining the clamping leg, with the actuating tab extending beyond the spring arch in a direction away from the clamping edge. This also contributes to a slim design of the spring-loaded terminal connection. The actuating tab can, for example, extend from a coupling point where the actuating tab is coupled to the clamping leg, along the clamping leg to the spring arch and beyond.

[0012] The first actuating element can be designed, for example, as a movable push-button or pivoting lever. In the case of a push-button, this can be arranged in a receiving channel of an insulating housing so that it can be moved essentially linearly. The actuating tab can be realized in a variety of ways, and a wide range of possible materials can be used, in particular electrically conductive materials such as metal.

[0013] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the first actuating element and the actuating tab are positively coupled to the clamping spring. The actuating tab can in particular be positively coupled to the clamping leg. In this way, the actuating mechanism inevitably follows certain movements of the clamping spring or the clamping leg. Due to the positive coupling, the first actuating element and the actuating tab are each in different positions depending on whether the clamping leg is in the open position or in the clamped position. In particular, this makes it easy for the user to distinguish whether the clamping spring is in the clamped position or the open position, which can be recognized, for example, by different positions of the first actuating element relative to the insulating housing.For example, a first actuating element designed as an actuating push button can be arranged deeper in a receiving channel of the insulating housing in the open position than in the clamping position.

[0014] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the actuating tab is coupled to the clamping leg at a fixed coupling point. This allows, for example, the positive coupling of the actuating tab to the clamping spring to be realized.

[0015] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the actuating tab is formed integrally with the clamping leg. This eliminates the need for separate assembly of the actuating tab. The actuating tab can be made of the same material as the clamping spring, with material from the area of the spring arch being used predominantly.

[0016] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the clamping leg has a longitudinally extending stiffening bead that extends into the actuating tab. The stiffening bead increases the area moment of inertia at the clamping leg and the actuating tab, thus increasing their rigidity. A significant increase in rigidity is achieved, particularly at the transition from the clamping leg to the actuating tab. This has the advantage that no separate guide channel is required in the insulating housing for guiding the actuating tab. The stiffening bead can be embossed into the material of the clamping leg and the actuating tab. The stiffening bead can be longer than the actuating tab.

[0017] As already mentioned, the actuating mechanism of the spring-loaded terminal connection can have at least a second actuating element. According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the second actuating element is designed as a separate component from the clamping spring and has the actuating tab. In this way, the actuating tab can be designed in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, since material from the clamping spring does not need to be used for this purpose. In particular, this prevents any weakening of the clamping spring.

[0018] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the second actuating element has a longitudinally extending stiffening bead that extends from a fastening section of the second actuating element, which is designed to fasten the second actuating element to the clamping leg, into the actuating tab. The stiffening bead increases the area moment of inertia of the second actuating element and thus its rigidity. This has the advantage that no separate guide channel is required in the insulating housing for guiding the actuating tab. The stiffening bead can be embossed or molded into the material of the second actuating element.

[0019] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the second actuating element has at least one second positive locking element, with which the second actuating element can be positively coupled to at least one first positive locking element, which is formed on the clamping leg as a counterpart to the second positive locking element. By connecting the first positive locking element to the second positive locking element, a positive coupling of the second actuating element and thus of the actuating tab with the clamping leg can be realized at the fixed coupling point. For example, the first positive locking element can be designed as a projecting pin and the second positive locking element as a pin receptacle for receiving the pin. However, the assignment can also be reversed. The second actuating element can, for example,The second actuating element can be articulated to the clamping leg at the fixed coupling point, so that it can be pivoted relative to the clamping leg at least to a certain extent via this articulated coupling. The second actuating element can also be rigidly coupled to the clamping leg at the fixed coupling point.

[0020] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the first actuating element is formed from an insulating material, and the second actuating element is formed from a metal material. Thus, the first actuating element provides the insulation required for electrical components. The second actuating element can then be manufactured from a relatively thin metal material to save space.

[0021] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the first actuating element is secured to the actuating tab. In this way, the first actuating element is held by the actuating tab and cannot be lost. The first actuating element can be coupled to the actuating tab, for example, by a material connection, a force-fit connection, and / or a form-fit connection.

[0022] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the clamping spring has a support section connected to the clamping leg via a spring arc, wherein the support section is designed to support the clamping spring on the busbar or another component of a conductor terminal. The support section allows for secure support of the clamping spring and sufficient support against the spring force exerted by the clamping leg.

[0023] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the spring-loaded terminal connection has a release element with a release section, by means of which the clamping leg held on the holding element in the open position can be released from the holding element when an electrical conductor to be clamped exerts an actuating force on the release section. This allows automatic release of the clamping leg from the holding element by inserting the electrical conductor. The release section can be subjected to pressure by a separate tool, a component of the conductor connection terminal, such as an actuating element, or directly via the inserted electrical conductor itself, thereby causing the clamping leg to be released from the holding element. By means of the release element, the clamping leg held on the holding element in the open position can be released from the holding element by applying pressure to the release section in the conductor insertion direction (L) of the electrical conductor to be connected.Depending on the design of the spring-loaded terminal connection, the release element can be designed as part of the clamping spring, e.g. as a release element formed integrally with the clamping spring, or as a separate component.

[0024] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the retaining element is arranged on the support section, on the release element, or on a section of the clamping spring connecting the release section to the support section. The retaining element can, in particular, be formed integrally with the support section, the release element, or on a section of the clamping spring connecting the release section to the support section. This eliminates the need for an additional separate component. This reduces the manufacturing and assembly effort required for the spring-loaded clamp connection.

[0025] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the busbar has a slot-shaped opening through which the clamping spring or at least its clamping leg protrudes. This is conducive to secure clamping of an electrical conductor to the busbar. For example, the contact section can be designed as a contact tongue cut free from the material of the busbar and bent, e.g. a contact tongue bent away from the surface of the busbar. The electrical conductor to be clamped can then also be guided through the slot-shaped opening so that it is securely held therein. The slot-shaped opening can be completely or predominantly surrounded on its circumference by the material of the busbar.

[0026] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the clamping spring is supported by its support section on the busbar, in particular on an inner side of the slot-shaped opening. This allows for secure support of the clamping spring with support on both sides, thus keeping the forces of the clamping spring away from the insulating housing of a conductor terminal. For example, both the support section and the clamping leg can protrude through the slot-shaped opening.

[0027] The aforementioned object is also achieved by a conductor connection terminal with an insulating housing having at least one conductor insertion opening for receiving an electrical conductor in a conductor insertion direction (L), wherein at least one spring-loaded clamp connection of the type described above is arranged in the insulating housing. This also allows the previously described advantages to be realized. The electrical conductor can be inserted through the conductor insertion opening in the conductor insertion direction up to the clamping point between the clamping edge of the clamping leg and the contact section of the busbar, where it can be clamped.

[0028] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, a conductor guide channel for guiding the electrical conductor to be clamped to the contact section can be formed in the insulating material housing, wherein the release section of the release element is arranged in the conductor guide channel or at least projects into the conductor guide channel.

[0029] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the release section of the release element can be arranged behind the contact section or at least behind the clamping point in the conductor insertion direction (L).

[0030] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the insulating housing has a receiving channel for receiving and supporting the first actuating element, which tapers towards the clamping spring. In this way, the first actuating element can be reliably guided through the material of the insulating housing. Jamming and tilting during actuation are avoided.

[0031] The receiving channel can be arranged in the receiving channel, in the direction of displacement of the first actuating element, essentially aligned with the spring arc of the clamping spring. In this way, the first actuating element can be arranged above the spring arc, so to speak, and does not have to be arranged above the clamping leg, as in known conductor connection terminals. In this way, the conductor insertion channel can be arranged relatively close to the clamping leg.

[0032] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the receiving channel has a first wall section that runs essentially parallel to the conductor insertion direction, and a second wall section that adjoins the first wall section and runs obliquely to the conductor insertion direction. The second wall section can be oriented, in particular, toward the contact section of the busbar. The tapering of the receiving channel can be realized by the second wall section. The first wall section can begin on the outside of the insulating housing or at least be arranged closer to the outside of the insulating housing than the second wall section.

[0033] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the first actuating element is designed as an actuating element that can be displaced within the receiving channel, wherein the first actuating element is guided through the first wall section essentially parallel to the conductor insertion direction and, upon further displacement, is guided through the second wall section at an angle to the conductor insertion direction, in particular toward the contact section of the busbar. As a result, the actuation of the clamping leg can be advantageously assisted by a tilting movement of the first actuating element occurring during the actuating movement of the first actuating element. The actuation of the clamping leg can thus be carried out more easily and with less actuating force.

[0034] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the first actuating element is designed as a pivotable lever having a pivot bearing element that is rotatably mounted in the transition area from the first wall section to the second wall section. In this way, the tapered receiving channel at the transition point between the first and second wall sections can also be used as a pivot bearing for the actuating lever.

[0035] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the first actuating element has a cavity open toward the actuating tab, into which the actuating tab extends with a free end. This allows the actuating tab to be securely guided and partially received during the actuation process.

[0036] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the cavity is defined by a guide wall designed to support and guide the free end of the actuating tab, with the guide wall extending obliquely to the conductor insertion direction. This also facilitates actuation of the clamping leg with low actuation force.

[0037] For the purposes of the present invention, the indefinite term "a" is not to be understood as a numerical term. Therefore, if, for example, a component is mentioned, this is to be interpreted as "at least one component." Angles expressed in degrees refer to a circle of 360 degrees (360°).

[0038] The invention is explained in more detail below using exemplary embodiments and drawings.

[0039] It shows Fig. 1 a clamping spring and an insert spring each in the relaxed state in perspective view, Fig. 2 the clamping spring without insert spring according to Fig. 1 in the open position, Fig. 3 a spring-loaded terminal connection in a first perspective view, Fig. 4 the spring clamp connection according to Fig. 3 in a second perspective view with an electrical conductor, Fig. 5 a conductor connection terminal in a lateral sectional view in the clamping position, Fig. 6 the conductor connection terminal according to Fig. 5 in the open position, Fig. 7 shows a further embodiment of a conductor connection terminal in a lateral sectional view in the clamping position, Fig. 8 the conductor connection terminal according to Fig. 7 in the open position, Fig. 9 shows a further embodiment of a clamping spring in perspective view, Fig. 10 a second actuating element designed as a separate component in various perspective views, Fig. 11 the clamping spring according to Fig. 9 with a second actuating element mounted thereon according to Fig. 10, Fig. 12 shows a further embodiment of a second actuating element in perspective view, Fig. 13 another embodiment of a clamping spring in perspective view, Fig. 14 the clamping spring according to Fig. 13 with a second actuating element mounted thereon according to Fig. 12.

[0040] The Fig. 1 and Fig. The clamping spring 4, which can be seen in Figure 2, has a clamping leg 43, a spring arch 42 adjoining the clamping leg 43, and a support section 41 adjoining the spring arch 42. Furthermore, a holding element 5 is provided, which is formed integrally with the clamping spring 4, in particular with a region 40 of the support section 41, which has a reduced width than the region of the support section 41 adjoining the spring arch 42. The holding element 5 serves to hold the clamping leg 43 in the open position, as shown in Fig. 2 is recognizable.

[0041] Furthermore, a release element 8 is provided, which is also formed integrally with the clamping spring 4, e.g., as a material section that adjoins the holding element 5. The release element 8 has a release section 80 at its free end, through which the clamping leg 43, held in the open position on the holding element 5, can be released from the holding element 5 when an electrical conductor to be clamped exerts an actuating force on the release section 80.

[0042] Towards the free end, a clamping tongue 45 is bent on the clamping leg 43. The clamping tongue 45 terminates at its free end with a clamping edge 46, which serves to clamp the electrical conductor. The clamping tongue 45 can be flared out from the material of the clamping leg 43 and bent in a direction away from the support section 41. By extending the clamping tongue 45, first locking elements 47, e.g. in the form of projecting locking arms, remain on the clamping leg 43 on both sides of the clamping tongue 45. The first locking elements 47 are designed for locking coupling with second locking elements 50 of the holding element 5. The locking takes place in the open position, as in Fig. 2 is recognizable.

[0043] It can also be seen that the spring arch 42 is not continuous in the width direction, but has a window-like opening which is bordered on both sides by respective arc-shaped partial sections of the spring arch 42. An actuating tab 60 is formed in one piece from this region of the material of the clamping spring 4. The actuating tab 60 is connected to the clamping leg 43 and extends from the clamping leg 43 in a direction away from the clamping leg 43 beyond the spring arch 42. The actuating tab 6 can extend diametrically from the clamping leg 43, i.e. form a straight line with the clamping leg 43, or can be positioned slightly obliquely to the clamping leg 43 via a curved region. The actuating tab 6 is thus cut out of the material of the clamping spring and bent upwards.The actuating tab 6 ends at the free end with a coupling section 60 which is designed to couple the actuating tab 6 to a first actuating element.

[0044] By forming the actuating tab 6 using material from the spring arch 42, the spring arch 42 is weakened, so that the clamping spring 4 has a reduced spring force compared to a clamping spring with a continuous spring arch 42. To provide the spring force required for the function of the spring-force clamp connection, an additional insert spring 10 can be used, which is arranged in the space surrounded by the spring arch 42, the clamping leg 43, and the support section 41, as shown below with reference to the additional figures. The insert spring 10 then presses from the inside against the support section 41 and the clamping leg 43, at least when the clamping spring 4 is in a compressed and thus tensioned state.

[0045] Furthermore, as the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, a stiffening bead 61 may be formed into a portion of the clamping leg 43 and into the actuating tab 6. This increases the stiffness of the actuating tab 6 and its transition to the clamping leg 43.

[0046] The Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 show the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 shows the arrangement of the clamping spring 4 and the insert spring 10 after mounting on a busbar 3.

[0047] The busbar 3 can have an angled shape with a main section 30 in which a slot-shaped opening 32 is formed. A contact section 31 of the busbar 3 can be flared and bent from the main section 30, e.g., bent in the direction of the release section 80. The clamping spring 4 is supported with its support section 41 on the one hand on the surface of the main section 30 facing away from the contact section 31 and is additionally supported with a rear side of the region 40 on the inside of the slot-shaped opening 32. As can be seen, both the narrower region 40 of the support section 41 and the clamping leg 43 protrude through the slot-shaped opening 32.

[0048] A rear support element 33 can be provided on the busbar, e.g. by integrally forming the support element 33 from the material of the busbar 3. By means of the support element 33, the clamping spring 4 is supported at its support section 41 on the side facing away from the clamping tongue 45 and can therefore not carry out any undesired tilting movement as a result of the spring force of the clamping leg 43.

[0049] It can also be seen that a first actuating element 7 is coupled to the actuating tab 6, with the actuating tab 6 bearing against the actuating element 7 with its coupling portion 60. The first actuating element 7 has an actuating surface 70 to which the manual actuating force can be applied by the user.

[0050] The Fig. Figure 4 also shows that, after the clamping spring has been moved into the open position, an electrical conductor 9 can be placed at the clamping point between the contact section 31 and the clamping tongue 45. The electrical conductor 9 can apply a force to the release section 80, resulting in the release of the clamping leg 43 held in the open position.

[0051] The Fig. 5 shows a conductor connection terminal 1 with an insulating housing 2 in which a spring clamp connection according to Fig. 3, Fig. 4 is arranged. The insulating housing 2 has a conductor insertion opening 20 into which an electrical conductor can be inserted in a conductor insertion direction L and clamped at a clamping point formed between the clamping leg 43 or the clamping edge 46 and the contact section 31.

[0052] The insulating housing 2 further has a receiving channel 21 in which the first actuating element 7 is guided in a displacement direction during manual actuation.

[0053] The receiving channel 21 has a first wall section 22 and a second wall section 23 which adjoins the first wall section 22 deeper in the receiving channel 21. The first wall section 22 can, for example, run parallel to the conductor insertion direction L. The second wall section 23 is arranged at an angle thereto, for example an angle in the range between 5° and 45°. In this way, the first actuating element 7 is initially, i.e. in the upper region of the receiving channel 21, guided essentially parallel to the conductor insertion direction L along the first wall section 22, which is also ensured by the actuating tab 6 acting with a (counter) force on the first actuating element 7. Upon further actuation, the first actuating element 7 is then guided obliquely to the conductor insertion direction L along the second wall section 23, as the Fig. 6. As a result, the first actuating element 7 performs an additional tilting movement during the sliding movement, which is favorable for the transmission of the actuating force to the actuating tab 6 and thus for the deflection of the clamping leg 43.

[0054] It can also be seen that the first actuating element 7 has a cavity 71 for receiving the coupling section 60 of the actuating tab 6. During the actuation of the first actuating element 7, the arcuate coupling section 60 slides along an inner wall delimiting the cavity 71. This inner wall can form a wedge shape relative to an outer wall of the first actuating element 7 facing the first wall section 22, so that the actuating tab 6 is deflected sideways, i.e., toward the conductor insertion opening 20, due to this wedge shape. This ensures and promotes the transmission of the actuating force to the actuating tab 6.

[0055] In the Fig. 5, the clamping leg 43 is in its clamping position. If no electrical conductor is inserted, the clamping leg 43 can, for example, rest against the contact section 31 or at least be in close proximity.

[0056] The Fig. Figure 6 shows the conductor terminal 1 in the actuated state, in which the clamping leg 43 is moved into the open position by manual actuation of the first actuating element 7. To this end, the user can exert a manual actuating force on an actuating surface 70 of the first actuating element 7, causing the first actuating element 7 to be displaced downward in the first guide channel 21. This pivots the actuating tab 6 to the right.

[0057] In the open position, the first locking elements 47 engage with the second locking elements 50, so that the clamping leg 43 is held in the open position by the holding element 5, even if no further actuating force is exerted on the first actuating element 7. The first actuating element 7 now visually indicates to the user, through its position further down in the first guide channel 21, that the conductor connection terminal 1 is in the open position. In the open position, an electrical conductor 9 can be positioned at the clamping point without any effort.

[0058] If the electrical conductor 9 is now to be clamped in the spring-loaded terminal connection by spring force, the electrical conductor 9 simply needs to be pressed against the release section 80. This deflects the release section 80 slightly downward, releasing the locking between the first locking elements 47 and the second locking elements 50, and the clamping leg 43 is thus released from the holding element 5. Due to its spring force, the clamping leg 43 then springs with the clamping edge 46 against the electrical conductor 9 and clamps it firmly to the contact section 31.

[0059] Based on the Fig. 5 and Fig. 6, a conductor terminal with the spring-loaded terminal connection according to the invention and a push-button actuation was described. The first actuating element 7 is accordingly designed as an actuating push-button. The same spring-loaded terminal connection can also be used in a conductor terminal with lever actuation, as can be seen from FIG. Fig. 7 and Fig. 8 is explained. It can be seen that the first actuating element 7 is now a pivotable actuating lever which is arranged in the receiving channel 21 of the insulating housing 2. The first actuating element 7 has a lever arm protruding from the insulating housing 2 as a manual actuating surface 70. The first actuating element 7 is mounted in the insulating housing 2 and, more precisely, in the receiving channel 21, wherein the curved transition between the first wall section 22 and the second wall section 23 provides a pivot bearing for the first actuating element 7. Additionally or alternatively, the pivotable actuating element 7 can also have bearing pins which engage in corresponding bearing receptacles. The first actuating element 7 is in turn coupled to the coupling section 60 of the actuating tab 6, wherein the actuating tab 6 orthe coupling portion 60 extends into a cavity 71 of the first actuating element 7.

[0060] The Fig. 7 shows the conductor terminal 1 in the unactuated state, ie the clamping leg 43 is in the clamping position. Fig. Figure 8 shows the conductor terminal 1 in the actuated state, in which the clamping leg 43 is moved into the open position by manual actuation of the first actuating element 7. In the open position, the clamping leg 43 is again held by the holding element 5, as previously shown in Figure 8. Fig. 5 and Fig. 6. The release of the clamping leg 43 held in the open position by the release element 8 can also be carried out by the electrical conductor 9 as previously described.

[0061] Based on the Fig. 9 to 14, embodiments of a spring-loaded clamp connection are described in which the actuating tab 6 is not formed integrally with the clamping leg 43, but a second actuating element 11 is provided, which is designed as a separate component from the clamping spring 4 and has the actuating tab 6. In order to attach such a separate second actuating element 11 to the clamping spring 4, the latter can be designed somewhat differently than the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 described clamping spring 4, e.g. as in the embodiments of Fig. 9 and Fig. 13 shown.

[0062] First form-locking elements 44 can be formed on the clamping leg 43, e.g. in the form of laterally projecting projections, lateral incisions and / or other recesses. The first form-locking elements 44 serve to attach second form-locking elements 63 of the second actuating element 11, which are designed as counterparts. The second actuating element 11 can have the actuating tab 6 with the coupling section 60, which is designed to couple the second actuating element 11 to a first actuating element 7. Furthermore, the second actuating element 11 can have a connecting section 62, which connects the actuating tab 6 to the second form-locking elements 63. Due to the form-locking coupling of the second actuating element 11 at a fixed point on the clamping leg 43, the second actuating element 11 is positively coupled to the clamping spring 4 and thus also executes its movements.

[0063] In the embodiment of the Fig. 10, the second actuating element 11 may have a connecting section 62, from which the second form-locking elements 63 protrude at an angle on opposite sides and have recesses that serve to receive the first form-locking elements 44. The stiffening bead 61 may also be present, as previously described with reference to the embodiment of the Fig. 1, Fig. 2, wherein the stiffening bead 61 in this case extends from the connecting section 62 into the actuating tab 6. As can be seen in the Fig. 11, the second actuating element 11 can be attached to the clamping leg 43 such that the connecting section 62 is arranged parallel to the surface of the clamping leg 43 or rests against it. The actuating tab 6 then extends from the clamping leg 43 beyond the spring arch 42.

[0064] The second actuating element 11 can also be shaped differently, such as the Fig. 12, for example, with a relatively short actuating tab 6, which due to its short length can also be designed without a stiffening bead 61. In this case, second form-locking elements 63 protrude from the connecting section 62, which, compared to the embodiment of the Fig. 10 are considerably longer and when mounted on the clamping spring 4, as the Fig. 14, can extend laterally along at least a portion of the spring arch 42 and the clamping leg 43. In this embodiment, the connecting portion 62 is located above the spring arch 42, as seen from the clamping leg 43, and is not arranged parallel to the surface of the clamping leg 43. List of reference symbols 1 conductor connection terminal 2 insulating housings 3 busbar 4 clamping spring 5 Holding element 6 operating tab 7 first actuating element 8 Release element 9 electrical conductor 10 insert springs 11 second actuating element 20 conductor entry opening 21 recording channels 22 first wall section 23 second wall section 30 Main section 31 Contact section 32 slit-shaped opening 33 Support element 40 Area of the support section 41 support section 42 spring bows 43 clamping legs 44 first form-locking element 45 clamping tongue 46 clamping edge 47 first locking element 50 second locking element 60 coupling section 61 stiffening bead 62 connecting section 63 second form-locking element 70 operating area 71 cavity 80 release section 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] DE 10 2020 119 372 A1

[0002]

Claims

[1] Spring-loaded terminal connection for connecting an electrical conductor (9) by means of spring force, wherein the spring-loaded terminal connection has at least one busbar (3) and a clamping spring (4) which has a clamping leg (43) with a clamping edge (46) for clamping an electrical conductor (9) to a contact section (31) of the busbar (3), and with a holding element (5) which is designed to hold the clamping leg (43) in an open position, wherein the spring-loaded terminal connection has at least one first actuating element (7) for transferring the clamping leg (43) into the open position by manually actuating the first actuating element (7), characterized by that an actuating tab (6) projects from the clamping leg (43) in the direction of the first actuating element (7), wherein the actuating tab (6) is designed to transmit a manual actuating force exerted on the first actuating element (7) to the clamping leg (43). [2] Spring clamp connection according to claim 1, characterized by that the clamping spring (4) has a spring arch (42) adjoining the clamping leg (43), wherein the actuating tab (6) projects beyond the spring arch (42) in a direction away from the clamping edge (46). [3] Spring clamp connection according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the actuating tab (6) is formed in one piece with the clamping leg (43). [4] Spring clamp connection according to claim 3, characterized by that the clamping leg (43) has a longitudinally extending stiffening bead (61) which extends into the actuating tab (6). [5] Spring clamp connection according to one of claims 1 to 2, characterized by that the actuating mechanism of the spring-loaded clamp connection has at least one second actuating element (11) which is designed as a component separate from the clamping spring (4) and has the actuating tab (6). [6] Spring clamp connection according to claim 5, characterized by in that the second actuating element (11) has a stiffening bead (61) running in the longitudinal direction, which extends from a fastening section (62) of the second actuating element (11), which is designed to fasten the second actuating element (11) to the clamping leg (43), into the actuating tab (6). [7] Spring clamp connection according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the first actuating element (7) is formed from an insulating material and the actuating tab (6) is formed from a metal material. [8] Spring clamp connection according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the first actuating element (7) has a cavity (71) open towards the actuating tab (6), into which the actuating tab (6) dips with a free end. [9] Spring clamp connection according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the clamping spring (4) has a support section (41) which is connected to the clamping leg (43) via the spring arch (42), wherein the support section (41) is designed to support the clamping spring (4) on the busbar (3) or another component of a conductor connection terminal (1). [10] Spring clamp connection according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the spring-loaded terminal connection has a release element (8) with a release section (80) by means of which the clamping leg (43) held in the open position on the holding element (5) can be released from the holding element (5) when an electrical conductor (9) to be clamped exerts an actuating force on the release section (80). [11] Spring clamp connection according to one of claims 9 to 10, characterized bythat the holding element (5) is arranged on the support section (41), on the release element (8) or on a section of the clamping spring (4) connecting the release section (80) to the support section (41). [12] Spring clamp connection according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the busbar (3) has a slot-shaped opening (32) through which the clamping spring (4) or at least its clamping leg (43) projects. [13] Spring clamp connection according to claim 12, characterized by that the clamping spring (4) is supported with its support section (41) on the busbar (3), in particular on an inner side of the slot-shaped opening (32). [14] Spring-loaded terminal connection for connecting an electrical conductor (9) by means of spring force, wherein the spring-loaded terminal connection has at least one busbar (3) and a clamping spring (4) which has a clamping leg (43) with a clamping edge (46) for clamping an electrical conductor (9) to a contact section (31) of the busbar (3), wherein the spring-loaded terminal connection has at least one first actuating element (7) for transferring the clamping leg (43) into the open position by manually actuating the first actuating element (7), characterized by that an actuating tab (6) projects from the clamping leg (43) in the direction of the first actuating element (7), wherein the actuating tab (6) is designed to transmit a manual actuating force exerted on the first actuating element (7) to the clamping leg (43). [15] Conductor connection terminal (1) with an insulating housing (2) which has at least one conductor insertion opening (20) for receiving an electrical conductor (9) in a conductor insertion direction (L), characterized by that at least one spring-loaded terminal connection according to one of the preceding claims is arranged in the insulating housing (2). [16] Conductor connection terminal according to claim 15, characterized by that the insulating housing (2) has a receiving channel (21) for receiving and supporting the first actuating element (7), which tapers towards the clamping spring (4).

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