Spring clamp connection and conductor connection terminal

Abstract

Spring-loaded clamping connection (3) with a busbar (4), a clamping spring (5) and a holding element (15), wherein the busbar (4) has a conductor through-hole (9) laterally bounded by edge webs (19) and a contact area (12), the clamping spring (5) has a contact leg (7), a clamping leg (6) and a spring arc (8) connecting the contact leg (7) to the clamping leg (6), the clamping spring (5) with the clamping leg (6) projects into the conductor through-hole (9) and has a clamping edge (24) on the clamping leg (6), wherein a clamping point for clamping an electrical conductor (28) is formed between the clamping edge (24) and the contact area (12) of the busbar (4), and wherein the holding element (15) for locking the clamping leg (6) in a holding position in which the clamping leg (6) opens away from the contact area (12) to open the clamping point and / or is displaced towards the attachment leg (7), is formed,characterized in that the holding element (15) has a locking tab (17) which is guided laterally next to an edge web (19) of the busbar (4) which limits the conductor through-hole (9) and which is designed to lock the clamping leg (6) in the holding position.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a spring-loaded clamping connection comprising a busbar, a clamping spring, and a holding element. The busbar has a conductor through-hole bounded laterally by ribs and a contact area. The clamping spring has a contact leg, a clamping leg, and a spring arc connecting the contact leg to the clamping leg. The clamping leg of the clamping spring projects into the conductor through-hole and has a clamping edge on the clamping leg, forming a clamping point for connecting an electrical conductor between the clamping edge and the contact area of ​​the busbar. The holding element is designed to lock the clamping leg in an open position, in which the clamping leg is displaced away from the contact area and towards the contact leg, thus opening the clamping point.

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

[0003] Spring-loaded clamp connections are used to connect an electrical conductor to a clamping point formed between the clamping arm of a spring clamp and a busbar. To connect the conductor directly, the clamping spring can be pushed away from the busbar against the force of the spring clamp. This is possible for solid conductors, but not for stranded or multi-stranded conductors.

[0004] There is a need for connecting electrical conductors to a spring-loaded terminal that is self-locking in an open position. Often, it is desirable for conductor terminals to be delivered from the factory with the spring-loaded terminal already open.

[0005] WO 2021 / 105280 A1 discloses a direct plug-in terminal for connecting an electrical conductor to 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, the object of the present invention is to create an improved spring clamp connection and a conductor terminal with such a spring clamp connection.

[0007] The problem is solved by the spring-clamp connection with the features of claim 1 and the conductor connection terminal with the features of claim 19. Advantageous embodiments are described in the dependent claims.

[0008] It is proposed that the holding element has a locking tab which is guided laterally alongside an edge rib of the busbar that limits the conductor through-hole and is designed to lock the clamping leg in the holding position.

[0009] This ensures a stable locking mechanism in the plane of the conductor through-hole, with the locking element guided by the edge rib of the busbar. The locking of the clamping leg to the locking element, which is designed separately from the clamping spring, is technically reliable. The separate design of the locking element from the clamping spring allows for design freedom and compact integration into a variety of clamping spring designs, as well as the retrofitting of spring-loaded clamp connections.

[0010] On both sides of the busbar, a locking tab can be positioned laterally alongside each edge rib of the busbar that defines the conductor insertion opening. This forms a pair of locking tabs. In an advantageous embodiment, the edge ribs can be arranged between the pair of locking tabs. This guides the holding element on both sides of the edge ribs arranged between the locking tabs and improves the reliability of the locking mechanism.

[0011] In an advantageous embodiment, the holding element can be guided within the conductor through-hole, so that the locking tabs are arranged between the edge webs.

[0012] The holding element can have a retaining tab that is fixed to the busbar and is designed to hold the holding element to the busbar and to return it spring-loaded to the latched open position. The retaining tab can be integrally formed with the latching tabs from a single sheet metal part. Alternatively, the holding element can be manufactured as an injection-molded plastic part. In this case, at least the retaining tab can be fiber-reinforced.

[0013] The holding element can have a base plate arranged in line with the conductor through-hole at a distance from the plane of the conductor through-hole. Two side walls can project from the base plate towards the plane of the conductor through-hole of the busbar at a distance from each other, with locking tabs formed on the side walls that pass by the edge webs. The base plate is aligned with the conductor through-hole of the busbar such that an electrical conductor inserted through the conductor through-hole, with its stripped end facing the base plate, exerts a release force on the holding element. This displaces the holding element and moves the at least one locking tab out of the locking contour of the clamping arm, thus releasing the clamping arm.The clamping arm can then move freely into the closed clamping position to clamp the electrical conductor at the clamping point between the clamping edge of the clamping arm and the contact area of ​​the busbar. The side walls can also provide lateral guidance for an inserted electrical conductor.

[0014] The retaining tab can be formed integrally with the base plate and project from the plane of the base plate towards the plane of the conductor through-hole. In this way, the retaining tab and the base plate form an L-shape. The side walls can be bent away from the retaining tab and thus formed integrally from the material of the retaining tab. It is conceivable that the side walls are connected to a respective edge of the retaining tab via a web.

[0015] The retaining tab can rest against an end wall of the busbar opposite the contact area, with the end wall limiting the conductor through-hole and the mounting leg projecting into the conductor through-hole and pressing the retaining tab against the end wall.

[0016] This allows the holding element to be held against the busbar by the mounting leg, with the retaining tab positioned between an end wall that defines the conductor insertion opening and the mounting leg. The clamping spring thus rests on the busbar with the mounting leg, thereby holding the holding element in place, at least by friction.

[0017] The busbar can have a fixing opening located next to the conductor through-hole. The retaining tab can protrude through the fixing opening and be connected to the mounting leg. This achieves a compact and reliable positive-locking connection between the holding element, the clamping spring, and the busbar in a simple design.

[0018] The mounting leg can project into the fixing opening. This has the advantage that the retaining tab and the mounting leg are both held securely in the fixing opening, thus providing a connection between the clamping spring and the holding element and the busbar. The retaining tab can also be connected to the mounting leg by means of a positive-locking connection on the upper side of the busbar, facing the spring arc, between the retaining tab and the mounting leg. For this purpose, it is conceivable that the retaining tab projects into a receiving opening of the mounting leg, or conversely, that a locking lug projects from the mounting leg and into a receiving opening of the retaining leg.

[0019] Beyond the embodiment mentioned above, the mounting leg can also have a receiving opening in other embodiments. The free end of the retaining tab can be bent and project into the receiving opening to form a positive connection between the retaining leg and the mounting leg.

[0020] The clamping leg can have a recess bounded by edge ribs and a transverse rib at the free end of the clamping leg, wherein the edge ribs of the clamping leg rest on the edge ribs of the busbar and the recess is aligned with the conductor insertion opening in at least one operating state of the spring-clamp connection, particularly in the open position. A clamping tab can project from the transverse rib into the conductor insertion opening of the busbar, which has the clamping edge for clamping an electrical conductor. This allows the locking or hooking of the at least one locking tab of the holding element to be achieved by an undercut on at least one edge rib of the clamping leg. The clamping leg can be supported on the adjacent edge rib of the busbar, thus ensuring stable guidance and locking of the clamping leg with the holding element.

[0021] The mounting leg can protrude into the recess of the clamping leg.

[0022] The clamping leg can have an actuating section curved away from the mounting leg on the side of the recess opposite the crossbar, which transitions into the spring arc.

[0023] The conductor through-hole can be enclosed by a collar, with the contact area being formed on a collar end wall.

[0024] A contact flap can protrude from the busbar, forming an end wall and contact area that limits the conductor through-hole.

[0025] The contact flap can be positioned adjacent to the probing leg.

[0026] The conductor terminal has an insulating housing and a spring-loaded clamping connection according to the invention within the insulating housing. The insulating housing can have a conductor entry channel opening towards the conductor insertion opening, wherein the release element with a release area is arranged in the plane of the conductor entry channel and is designed to release the clamping leg by displacing the release element when a release force is exerted on the release area by an electrical conductor inserted into the conductor entry channel and through the conductor insertion opening of the busbar.

[0027] The insulating housing may have an actuating opening that leads towards the clamping spring.

[0028] An actuating element may be movably mounted in the actuating opening, which is designed to move the clamping leg into the open position.

[0029] The insulating housing can have a conductor collection pocket, wherein the holding element is arranged in the conductor collection pocket and a guide pin of the insulating housing is arranged next to the retaining tab to guide an inserted electrical conductor on the guide pin to the release area of ​​the holding element and to keep it away from the retaining tab.

[0030] In general, in the context of this application, the words "a / an" are not to be understood as numerals, unless explicitly defined otherwise, but rather as indefinite articles meaning "at least one / an". In particular, the conductor terminal block may also have several clamping springs. Each clamping spring may interact with its own busbar or with a common busbar. Each clamping spring has an associated holding element, although not all clamping springs need to be equipped with a holding element.

[0031] The invention allows for various embodiments and is described in more detail below by way of example. The figures show: Fig. 1a - perspective view of a first embodiment of a conductor terminal block; Fig. 1b - Top view of the conductor connection terminal Fig. 1 with the intersection line AA; Fig. 2a - Side section view of the conductor connection terminal Fig. 1a in section AA in the unlocked and closed clamping position; Fig. 2b - Side section view of the conductor connection terminal Fig. 1a in section AA in the latched open position; Fig. 2c - Side section view of the conductor connection terminal Fig. 1a in section AA in the unlocked and closed clamping position with an attached electrical conductor; Fig. 3a - Side view of the conductor connection terminal Fig. 2a in the unlocked and closed clamping position; Fig. 3b - Side view of the conductor connection terminal Fig. 2b in the latched open position; Fig. 3c - Side view of the conductor connection terminal Fig. 2c in the unlocked and closed clamping position with an electrical conductor attached; Fig. 4a - Perspective view of the spring clamp connection of the conductor terminal block Fig. 2a in the unlocked and closed clamping position; Fig. 4b - Perspective view of the spring clamp connection of the conductor terminal block Fig. 2b in the latched open position; Fig. 4c - Perspective view of the spring clamp connection of the conductor terminal block Fig. 2c in the unlocked and closed clamping position with an electrical conductor attached; Fig. 5a - Perspective view of the spring clamp connection from Fig. 4a in the unlocked and closed clamping position; Fig. 5b - perspective view of the spring clamp connection from Fig. 4b in the latched open position; Fig. 5c - perspective view of the spring clamp connection from Fig. 4c in the unlocked and closed clamping position with an electrical conductor attached; Fig. 6 - Perspective view of a holding element for the spring force clamp connection; Fig. 7 - Top view of the holding element Fig. 6; Fig. 8 - Front view of the holding element made of Fig. 6; Fig. 9 - Side view of the hold-open element Fig. 6; Fig. 10 - View of the underside of the hold-open element from Fig. 6; Fig. 11 - Perspective view of a busbar for spring clamp connection; Fig. 12 - Perspective view of a clamping spring for the spring force clamp connection; Fig. 13 - Perspective view of a second embodiment of a conductor terminal block; Fig. 14 - Top view of the conductor connection terminal Fig. 13 with the intersection line CC; Fig. 15a - Side section view of the conductor connection terminal Fig. 13 in section CC in the unlatched and closed clamping position; Fig. 15b - Side section view of the conductor connection terminal Fig. 13 on average CC in the latched open position; Fig. 15c - Side section view of the conductor connection terminal Fig. 13 in section CC in the unlocked and closed clamping position with an attached electrical conductor; Fig. 16a - Side view of the conductor connection terminal Fig. 15a in section CC in the unlocked and closed clamping position; Fig. 16b - Side view of the conductor connection terminal Fig. 15b in cross-section CC in the latched open position; Fig. 16c - Side view of the conductor connection terminal Fig. 15c in section CC in the unlocked and closed clamping position with an attached electrical conductor; Fig. 17a - Perspective view of the spring clamp connection of the conductor terminal block Fig. 15a in the unlocked and closed clamping position; Fig. 17b - Perspective view of the spring clamp connection of the conductor terminal block Fig. 15b in the latched open position; Fig. 17c - Perspective view of the spring-loaded clamp connection of the conductor terminal block Fig. 15c in the unlocked and closed clamping position with an electrical conductor attached; Fig. 18a - perspective view of the spring clamp connection from Fig. 17a in the unlocked and closed clamping position; Fig. 18b - perspective view of the spring clamp connection from Fig. 17b in the latched open position; Fig. 18c - perspective view of the spring clamp connection from Fig. 17c in the unlocked and closed clamping position with an electrical conductor attached; Fig. 19 - Perspective view of an open-holding element for the second embodiment of the spring-loaded clamping connection; Fig. 20 - Top view of the holding element made of Fig. 19; Fig. 21 - Side view of the hold-open element Fig. 19; Fig. 22 - Front view of the holding element made of Fig. 19; Fig. 23 - Perspective view of a busbar for the second embodiment of the spring-clamp connection; Fig. 24 - Top view of the power rail Fig. 23; Fig. 25 - Perspective view of a clamping spring for the second embodiment of the spring clamp connection; Fig. 26 - Side view of the clamping spring made of Fig. 25; Fig. 27 - Rear view of the clamping spring made of Fig. 25; Fig. 28 - Top view of the clamping spring made of Fig. 25; Fig. 29 - Perspective view of an actuating element for the Conductor connection terminals; Fig. 30 - Side view of the actuating element Fig. 29; Fig. 31 - Perspective view of the insulating housing of the conductor terminal block made of Fig. 13; Fig. 32 - Top view of the insulating housing made of Fig. 31.

[0032] Fig. Figure 1a shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of a conductor terminal 1, which has an insulating housing 2 with a spring-loaded clamping terminal 3 integrated therein. The spring-loaded clamping terminal 3 has a busbar 4 and a clamping spring 5. The clamping spring 5 is designed in the form of a torsion spring with a clamping leg 6, a contact leg 7, and a spring arc 8 connecting the clamping leg 6 to the contact leg 7. The busbar 4 has a conductor through-hole 9 into which the clamping leg 6 extends.

[0033] The insulating housing 2 contains a conductor entry channel 10, which opens towards the conductor insertion opening 9. In the illustrated embodiment, the conductor insertion opening 9 is surrounded by a collar 11 on the underside of the busbar 4, which faces away from the spring-loaded arch 8 and the conductor entry channel 10. The collar 11 has an inclined end wall which provides a contact area 12 for clamping an electrical conductor inserted into the conductor entry channel 10 between the clamping arm 6 and the contact area 12. However, other embodiments without a collar are also conceivable. It is conceivable that a clamping tab projects from the busbar 4 out of the plane of the conductor insertion opening 9 and away from the conductor entry channel 10 into the conductor collection pocket 13 provided on the opposite side of the busbar 4, forming the contact area 12.

[0034] In addition to the conductor entry channel 10, an actuating opening 14 is provided in the insulating housing 2, which opens towards the clamping leg 6. An actuating force can be exerted on the clamping leg 6 by means of an actuating tool inserted into the actuating opening 14 or an actuating element movably installed therein, in order to move it from the clamping position shown towards the mounting leg 7 into an open holding position.

[0035] In the conductor collection pocket 13, an open retaining element 15 is arranged, which has one side wall 16 or two side walls 16 arranged parallel to each other at a distance, with a locking tab 17 on the upper edge of the respective side wall 16 located next to the busbar 4. The locking tab 17 can engage in a recess 18 on the edge of a rib 19 of the busbar 4 and has a ramp 17a that tapers conically towards the free end.

[0036] The holding element 15 further comprises a base plate 20, which is aligned with the conductor entry channel 10 and provides a release surface. An electrical conductor, inserted into the conductor entry channel 10 and passed through the conductor through-hole 9, strikes this surface and exerts a release force on the holding element 15. The base plate 20 is connected to a retaining tab 21, which extends behind a guide pin 22 to the busbar 4. The guide pin 22 keeps the electrical conductor away from the retaining tab 21 to prevent premature displacement of the holding element 15 and disengagement of the clamping spring.

[0037] The insulating housing 2 can have a bearing pin 23 inside the spring bow 8 to support the clamping spring 5.

[0038] Fig. Figure 1b shows a top view of the conductor connection terminal 1. Fig. 1 with the section line AA. It can be seen that the conductor entry channel 10 is aligned with the base plate 20, which is positioned transversely in the plane of the conductor entry channel 10.

[0039] Fig. Figure 2a shows a side section view of conductor terminal 1. Fig. Section 1a shows the clamping arm in the unlocked and closed position. It is evident that the clamping leg 6 has a clamping edge 24 at its free end, which, together with the contact area 12 on the end wall of the collar 11, which is angled into the interior of the collar 11, forms a clamping point for clamping an electrical conductor.

[0040] Both the clamping leg 6 and the mounting leg 7 project into the conductor through-hole 9 of the busbar 4 and the interior space enclosed by the collar 11, respectively. The mounting leg 7 is supported on the end wall 25 of the collar 11 opposite the contact area 12. This end wall 25 is connected to the contact area 12 via spaced-apart side walls 26 of the collar 11.

[0041] The retaining tab 21 of the open-holding element 15 lies between the contact leg 7 and the end wall 25 and is held against the busbar 4 by the clamping force of the contact leg 7. Additionally, the free end of the contact leg 7 can engage with locking fingers in recesses of the retaining tab 21 to further secure the retaining tab 21 to the clamping spring 5 and, by means of the clamping spring 5's bearing on the busbar 4, also to the busbar 4.

[0042] Fig. Figure 2b shows a side section view of conductor terminal 1. Fig. 1a in the cut AA in the latched open position.

[0043] It becomes clear that the clamping leg 6 is shifted towards the support leg 7. The locking tab 17 of the holding element 15 forms a stop for a locking edge 27 (compare, for example, [reference]). Fig. 4a) of the clamping leg 6. The clamping leg 6 presses against the locking tab 17 due to the spring force stored in the spring arc 8, so that the clamping leg 6 is locked onto the locking tab 17 and thus onto the holding element 15.

[0044] It can be seen that the free end of the clamping leg 6 is aligned with the conductor entry channel 10 in the conductor insertion direction L, in front of the retaining tab 21 and above the guide pin 22. The end region of the clamping leg 6, bent at an obtuse angle, together with the guide pin 22, prevents an inserted electrical conductor from touching the retaining tab 21. Instead, this, along with the side walls 16 of the open retaining element 15, guides the electrical conductor to the base plate 20.

[0045] Fig. Figure 2c shows a side section view of conductor terminal 1. Fig. 1a in section AA in the unlocked and closed clamping position with an attached electrical conductor 28. It becomes clear that the electrical conductor 28, which is inserted into the conductor entry channel 10 in the conductor insertion direction L, strikes the base plate 20 of the holding element 15 with the end face of its stripped end.

[0046] This exerts a release force on the holding element 15, which displaces it so that the locking tab 17 moves from the stop position for the clamping leg 6 towards the conductor collection pocket 13 and the clamping leg 6 is released. The clamping leg 6 can then move towards the contact area 12 by means of the spring force of the clamping spring 5 in order to clamp the stripped end of the electrical conductor 28 between the clamping edge 24 and the contact area 12.

[0047] Fig. Figure 3a shows a side view of conductor terminal 1. Fig. 2a in section AA in the unlocked and closed clamping position.

[0048] The holding element 15 is held in the detent position by the spring elasticity of the retaining tab 21, in which the detent tabs 17 dip into the respective recess 18 of the respective edge web 19 and project from the plane of the conductor through-hole 9 towards the spring arch 8.

[0049] Furthermore, it becomes clear that the side walls 16 of the opening element 15 are formed in one piece from the sheet metal material of the retaining tab 21 and the base plate 20. The side walls 16 are connected to the retaining tab 21 via webs 29. The base plate 20 is positively connected to the side walls 16 by means of retaining recesses 30 in the side walls 16, into which the base plate 20 fits.

[0050] Fig. Figure 3b shows a side view of conductor terminal 1. Fig. 2b in section AA in the latched open position.

[0051] It can be seen that the clamping leg 6, with its locking contour 27, is displaced past the ramp 17a and the locking tab 17 towards the contact leg 7. The locking contour 27 is located in the locked open position between the locking tab 17 and the contact leg 7. The locking tab 17 forms a stop for the clamping leg 6 and locks it in the open position.

[0052] Fig. Figure 3c shows a side view of conductor terminal 1. Fig. Section 2c AA shows the clamp in the unlocked and closed position with an electrical conductor 28 attached. The free, stripped end of the electrical conductor 28 contacts the base plate 20 and exerts a release force in the conductor insertion direction L on the holding element 15. This pivots so that the locking tab 17 releases the locking edge 27 of the clamping leg 6, thus unlocking the clamping leg 6. The clamping leg 6 can now move into the clamping position towards the contact area 12 by the spring force of the clamping spring 5.

[0053] Fig. Figure 4a shows a perspective view of the spring clamp connection 3 of the conductor connection terminal 1. Fig. 2a in the unlocked and closed clamping position.

[0054] It can be seen that the busbar 4 has a conductor through-hole 9 bounded by two spaced-apart edge webs 19 and a cross web 31. The edge webs 19 each have a recess 18 on their outer side facing away from the recess, into which a locking tab 17 of the holding element 15 is received. The cross web 31 has a retaining recess 32 into which a retaining lug of an insulating housing 2 can engage to hold the spring-clamp terminal 3 in a fixed position.

[0055] The clamping leg 6 is spring-loaded towards the contact area 12. The detent edges 27 of the clamping leg 6 are guided past the detent tabs 17.

[0056] Fig. Figure 4b shows a perspective view of the spring clamp connection 3 of the conductor connection terminal 1. Fig. 2b in the locked open position.

[0057] The locking tabs 17 form a stop for the locking edges 27 formed on the edge areas of the clamping leg 6 and hold the clamping spring 5 in the open position.

[0058] Fig. Figure 4c shows a perspective view of the spring clamp connection 3 of the conductor connection terminal 1. Fig. 2c in the unlocked and closed clamping position with an electrical conductor 28 attached.

[0059] The locking edges 27 formed on the edge regions of the clamping leg 6 are located above the respective locking tabs 17 in the straight section of the upper edge in front of the ramp 17a. The clamping leg 6 clamps the stripped end of the electrical conductor 28 to the contact area 12 of the collar 11.

[0060] The end face of the free end of the electrical conductor 28 abuts the base plate 20. The free end section of the electrical conductor 28, which passes through the collar 11, is guided laterally through the side walls 16 of the holding element 15 and directed to the base plate 20.

[0061] Fig. Figure 5a shows a perspective view of the spring clamp connection 3. Fig. 4a in the unlocked and closed clamping position.

[0062] It can be seen that the holding element 15 is mounted on the conductor rail 4 by the locking tabs arranged on both sides of the edge webs 19 and guided in a respective recess 18. This restricts the degrees of freedom of movement of the holding element 15.

[0063] Fig. Figure 5b shows a perspective view of the spring clamp connection 3. Fig. 4b in the latched open position. In this position, the latching edges 27 abut the leading edge of a respective latching tab 17. This latching force can be transferred to the busbar 4 via the opposite end wall of the recess 18 and the latching tab 17 when the latching tab 17 is in contact with the busbar 4.

[0064] Provided that the force of the contact leg 7 on the retaining tab 21 and the force of the clamping leg 6 on the locking tabs 17 are in equilibrium, the aforementioned force transfer to the busbar is not necessary. However, if the spring force allows the open-holding element 15 to deform elastically, the locking tab can also come into contact with the end wall of the recess 18 as described above, thus resulting in force transfer.

[0065] Fig. Figure 5c shows a perspective view of the spring clamp connection 3. Fig. 4c in the unlocked and closed clamping position with an electrical conductor 28 attached.

[0066] It becomes clear that the stripped end of the electrical conductor 28 is clamped to the contact area 12, which is inserted obliquely into the collar 11. The electrical conductor 28 is inserted through the conductor through-hole and comes into contact with the base plate 20, which is aligned with the conductor through-hole 9 and the collar 11. This causes the holding element 15 to shift, so that the free ends of the locking tabs 17 are moved towards the plane of the busbar 4, thus releasing the clamping leg 6.

[0067] Fig. Figure 6 shows a perspective view of a retaining element 15 for the spring-clamp connection 3. The retaining element 15 is manufactured in one piece from sheet metal by bending side walls 16 from the retaining tab 21 at webs 29. The side walls 16 are spaced apart from each other and aligned parallel to each other, and are perpendicular to the plane of the retaining tab 21. The base plate 20 is bent in an L-shape from the retaining tab 21. The side walls 16 are interlocked with the base plate on the side opposite the locking tabs 17. For this purpose, the side walls 16 and the base plate 20 engage each other in retaining recesses 30 formed on the side walls 16.

[0068] Fig. Figure 7 shows a top view of the holding element 15. Fig. 6. It is clear that the base plate 20 is aligned perpendicular to the side walls 16 and the retaining tab 21 and provides a triggering area in the enclosed space.

[0069] Fig. Figure 8 shows a front view of the holding element 15. Fig. 6. The retaining tab 21 has retaining recesses 33 for receiving locking lugs at the free end of the mounting leg 7 in order to connect the retaining tab 21 to the mounting leg 7 in a form-fitting manner.

[0070] Fig. Figure 9 shows a side view of the hold-open element 15. Fig. 6. It becomes clear that on the upper edge of the side walls 16 opposite the base plate 20, locking tabs 17 protrude with a ramp 17a on the front, which faces away from the retaining tab 21.

[0071] Fig. Figure 10 shows a view of the underside of the hold-open element 15. Fig. 6. The locking of the base plate to the side walls 16 becomes clear, which are connected to the retaining tab 21 via webs 29.

[0072] Fig. Figure 11 shows a perspective view of a busbar 4 for the spring-clamp connection 3. The conductor through-hole 9 is bounded by edge webs 19 and the cross web 31. The edge webs 19 have recesses 18 on their outer side facing away from the conductor through-hole 9. The cross web 31 may have a retaining recess 32.

[0073] Also recognizable is the collar 11, which has the inclined contact area 12 (i.e. the front end wall) and the end wall 25 for the attachment of the retaining tab 21 and the attachment leg 7 as well as side walls 26 which connect the end walls 12, 25 to each other.

[0074] Fig. Figure 12 shows a perspective view of a clamping spring 5 for the spring-loaded clamping connection 3. The clamping spring 5 is designed as a torsion spring with a clamping leg 6, an opposing contact leg 7, and a spring arc 8. The contact leg 7 and the clamping leg 6 taper to a narrower point than the spring arc 8. Detent edges 27 are formed on both sides of the tapered section of the clamping leg 6. These can be in the form of detent lugs, which are exposed from the central region of the tapered section of the clamping leg 6.

[0075] Fig. Figure 13 shows a perspective view of a second embodiment of a conductor terminal 1. For the basic structure, reference can essentially be made to the first embodiment.

[0076] The insulating housing 2 has a conductor entry channel 10 and an actuating opening 14. An actuating element 34 (i.e., an actuating push button) is slidably installed in the actuating opening 14. This is aligned with the rear-curved clamping legs 6, which form an actuating section in the curve pointing away from the mounting leg 7.

[0077] The clamping leg 6 has a recess 36 bounded by edge webs 35. The edge webs 35 are slidably mounted on the plane of the conductor rail 4 adjacent to an underlying edge web 19 of the conductor rail 4. On the outside of the edge webs 35, a recess with a rim edge 27 is formed, which is designed to engage with the locking tab 17 of the holding element 15. The locking tab 17 is in turn formed on a side wall 16 of the holding element 15.

[0078] Fig. Figure 14 shows a top view of the conductor connection terminal 1. Fig. 13 with the section line CC. This makes it clear that the actuating element 34 does not occupy the entire space of the actuating opening. Rather, a test opening 37 remains free, into which a test tool for contacting the spring arc 8 can be inserted in order to measure the voltage potential or signals present at the spring force clamping connection 3.

[0079] A clamping tab 38 projects from the clamping leg 6, which in the closed clamping position Fig. 13 is visible through the conductor entry channel 10. The clamping tab 38 has a clamping edge 24 at its free end for clamping an electrical conductor 28.

[0080] Fig. Figure 15a shows a side section view of conductor terminal 1. Fig. 13 in section CC in the unlatched and closed clamping position.

[0081] The actuating element 34 has a widened head with a tool-holding contour 39 (e.g., a recess, groove, or cross slot) on its end face. The end opposite the head acts on the actuating section of the clamping leg 6, which adjoins the spring arch 8 and is convexly curved outwards from the contact leg 7. After a curve, the clamping leg 6 is guided parallel to and resting on the busbar 4. In this area, the recess 36 is present, which is aligned with the conductor through-hole 9 of the busbar 4. The recess 36 is bounded at the free end of the clamping leg 6 by a transverse web 40, which connects the edge webs 35 and from which the clamping tab 38 projects into the conductor collection pocket 13. Adjacent to the retaining tab 21 of the open retaining element 15, the contact area 12 is formed in the form of a flap of material bent from the conductor through-hole 9 into the conductor collection pocket 13.In the clamping position without an electrical conductor, the clamping edge 24 of the clamping tab 38 meets the contact area 12.

[0082] The busbar 4 has a fixing opening 41 through which the mounting leg 7 is inserted from the top of the busbar 4 and, in the opposite direction, the retaining tab 21 of the holding element 15 is inserted from the conductor collection pocket 13 on the underside of the busbar 4. This creates a positive connection between the clamping spring 5 and the holding element 15 with the busbar 4.

[0083] The mounting leg 7 has a receiving opening 42 into which the free, bent end of the retaining tab 21 dips in order to connect the retaining leg 21 to the mounting leg 7 in a form-fitting manner.

[0084] Fig. Figure 15b shows a side section view of conductor terminal 1. Fig. 13 on average CC in the latched open position.

[0085] The locking of the clamping leg 6 to the holding element 15 is also achieved here by the locking tabs 17, which bear against locking edges 27 of the clamping leg 6 (see also Fig. 16b). Since the clamping tab 38 dips into the passage opening 9, the clamping tab 38 is significantly narrower than the distance between the side walls 16, so that the clamping edge 24 can be located in the open position between the side walls 16.

[0086] In an alternative embodiment, it is conceivable that the clamping leg 6 additionally latches onto the holding element 15 by the clamping edge 24 of the clamping tab 38 abutting the front end edge of the side walls 16 of the holding element 15.

[0087] It is also evident that the guide pin 22 adjoins the retaining tab 21 and the base plate 22 in the angled transition (i.e. the internal angle) between the retaining tab 21 and the base plate 20.

[0088] Fig. Figure 15c shows a side section view of conductor terminal 1. Fig. 13 in section CC in the unlocked and closed clamping position with an attached electrical conductor 28.

[0089] It becomes clear that the stripped end of the electrical conductor 28 is clamped between the clamping edge 24 on the clamping tab 38 of the clamping leg 6 and the contact area 12. The clamping leg 6 is thereby released from the holding element 15 by the electrical conductor 28 pressing against the base plate 20 and pivoting the holding element. The holding tab 21 is in this position compared to the holding positions in Fig. 15a and Fig. 15b bent. Due to a spring-elastic material of the retaining tab 21, the holding element 15 springs back into the holding position when the base plate 20 is relieved and the actuating element 34 is actuated.

[0090] It is also evident that the guide pin 22 is positioned between the electrical conductor 28 and the retaining tab 21 in order to prevent the electrical conductor 28 from touching the retaining tab 21 and thus prevent premature triggering.

[0091] Fig. Figure 16a shows a side view of conductor terminal 1. Fig. 15a in the unlocked and closed clamping position.

[0092] The edge webs 19 of the conductor rail 4 have recesses 18 into which locking tabs 17 of the holding element 15 engage on both sides of the conductor rail 4. The locking tabs 17 are located directly below the edge webs 35. The locking edge 27 of the edge web 35 of the clamping leg 6 is disengaged from the locking tab 17.

[0093] Supports 43 project from the mounting leg 7, providing a guide for the edge webs 35 of the clamping leg 6 which are guided between the support 43 and the busbar 4.

[0094] Fig. Figure 16b shows a side view of conductor terminal 1. Fig. 15b in the latched open position.

[0095] The locking tabs 17 project beyond the plane of the busbar 4 or the conductor through-hole 9 on the top of the busbar 4 and are positioned next to the edge webs 35 of the clamping leg 6. The locking tabs 17 form a stop for the locking edge 27 of the clamping leg 6 in order to lock the clamping leg 6 in the open position.

[0096] Fig. Figure 16c shows a side view of conductor terminal 1. Fig. 15c in the unlocked and closed clamping position with an electrical conductor 28 clamped on it.

[0097] It can be seen that the holding element 15 is displaced by the inserted electrical conductor 28 in such a way that the front upper end face of the side walls 16 is moved away from the clamping edge 24 of the clamping tab 38 and the locking tabs 17 are moved away from the locking edges 27 under the locking ribs 35.

[0098] Fig. Figure 17a shows a perspective view of the spring clamp connection 3 of the conductor connection terminal 1. Fig. 15a in the unlocked and closed clamping position.

[0099] It is evident that the locking tabs 17 lie beneath the edge rib 35 of the clamping leg 6 and that the clamping leg 6 is disengaged. The retaining tab 21 is bent at its free end towards the contact leg 7 and inserted into a receiving opening 42 for a positive-locking connection.

[0100] Fig. Figure 17b shows a perspective view of the spring clamp connection 3 of the conductor connection terminal 1. Fig. 15b in the latched open position.

[0101] The locking tabs 17 dip into the recess of the edge ribs 35 of the clamping leg 6 and lock onto the locking edge 27 of the clamping leg 6 that defines the recess. The recess can be designed, for example, as a recess.

[0102] Fig. Figure 17c shows a perspective view of the spring-clamp connection 3 of the conductor terminal 1. Fig. 15c in the unlocked and closed clamping position with an electrical conductor 28 clamped on it.

[0103] The stripped end of the electrical conductor 28 abuts the base plate 20, and the resulting release force displaces the holding element 15 so that the locking tabs 17 are moved past the locking edge 27. This releases the clamping leg 6. The contact area 12 is formed by a material flap bent out from the conductor through-hole 9 into the holding element 15. The electrical conductor 28 is clamped to this contact area 12 by the clamping tab 38.

[0104] Fig. Figure 18a shows a perspective view of the spring clamp connection 3. Fig. 17a in the unlocked and closed clamping position.

[0105] It can be seen that the edge webs 35 of the clamping leg 6 are slidably mounted on the edge webs 19 of the busbar 4.

[0106] Fig. Figure 18b shows a perspective view of the spring clamp connection 3. Fig. 17b in the latched open position.

[0107] It becomes clear that the locking tabs 17 lock the edge webs 35 onto the locking edges 27.

[0108] Fig. Figure 18c shows a perspective view of the spring clamp connection 3. Fig. 17c in the unlocked and closed clamping position with an electrical conductor 28 attached.

[0109] The electrical conductor 28, with its stripped end, abuts the base plate 20 and displaces the holding element 15. Supports 43 are bent from the mounting leg 7 towards the crossbars 31, 40. The edge webs 35 are slidably mounted between the supports 43 and the busbar 4.

[0110] Fig. Figure 19 shows a perspective view of an open-holding element 15 for the second embodiment of the spring-loaded clamping connection 3.

[0111] The opening element 15 is again formed in one piece from a sheet metal part. The side walls 16 are each bent from the edge edges of the retaining tab 21 by means of a web 29. The base plate 20 adjoins the retaining tab 21 at an angle of approximately 90° and widens towards the free end. The base plate 20 is positively connected to the retaining recesses 30 of the side walls 16.

[0112] On the upper side of the side walls 16, which are opposite the base plate 20, the locking tabs 17 project. These can have a ramp 27 which slopes downwards towards the retaining tab 21 and base plate 20.

[0113] Fig. Figure 20 shows a top view of the holding element 15, Fig. Figure 21 shows a side view of the hold-open element 15 and Fig. Figure 22 shows a front view of the holding element 15. Fig. 19. This essentially refers to the description of the Fig. Reference is made to 7 to 9 of the holding element 15 for the first embodiment.

[0114] The free end of the retaining tab 21 is bent to be inserted into the receiving opening 42 of the mounting leg 7.

[0115] Fig. Figure 23 shows a perspective view of a power rail 4 and Fig. Figure 24 shows a top view of the busbar for the second embodiment of the spring-clamp connection 3. Fig. Figure 27 shows a rear view of the clamping spring 5 and Fig. Figure 28 shows a top view of the clamping spring 5. Fig. 25.

[0116] It is evident that, in addition to the conductor through-hole 9 with the intermediate contact area 12 (material flap), the fixing opening 41 is incorporated into the busbar 4. The fixing opening 41 can be aligned with its longer side parallel to the width direction of the busbar 4 and centrally in the longitudinal direction of the busbar 4, corresponding to the conductor through-hole 9, which is also centrally aligned along the longitudinal axis of the busbar 4. Counter-directional protrusions 45 can project into the fixing opening 41 to receive the mounting leg 7 and the retaining tab 21 with an interference fit.

[0117] On the outer side of the edge webs 19 that define the conductor through-hole 9 there are recesses 21 (rectangular depressions) which serve to accommodate the locking webs 17.

[0118] Fig. Figure 25 shows a perspective view of a clamping spring 5 for the second embodiment of the spring-loaded clamping connection 3. Fig. Figure 26 shows the clamping spring 5 in side view. Fig. 27 in rear view and the Fig. 28 in top view of the clamping spring made of Fig. 25. It is evident that the support leg 7 projects from the spring arch 8, from which the supports 43 are bent on both sides. A receiving opening 42 is provided in the support leg 7. This opening can be rectangular and may optionally have rounded corners. The receiving opening 42 can have an elongated shape, for example, such that its longitudinal direction extends transversely to the longitudinal direction of the support leg 7, i.e., in the width direction of the support leg 7.

[0119] On the side of the spring arch 8 opposite the contact leg 7, the clamping leg initially projects with a convex bend that points away from the contact leg 7. This forms the actuating section. By applying a force component towards the contact leg 7 to the actuating section, the clamping leg 6 is moved into the open position.

[0120] The clamping leg 6 has a recess 36 bounded by edge webs 35 and the transverse web 40 at the free end of the clamping leg 6. The edge webs widen (in the clamping position shown) in the area of ​​the supports 43, forming a locking edge 27. The clamping tab 38 projects from the transverse web 40. This tab can be stiffened by folds, e.g., by a bulge 44. The free end of the clamping tab 38 forms a clamping edge 24.

[0121] Fig. Figure 29 shows a perspective view and Fig. Figure 30 shows a side view of an actuating element 34 for the conductor connection terminals 1.

[0122] The widened head 46 with a tool holding contour 39 on the front face and the adjoining plunger 47 are recognizable.

[0123] Fig. Figure 31 shows a perspective view of the insulating housing 2 and Fig. Figure 32 shows a top view of the insulating housing 2 of the conductor connection terminal 1. Fig. 13.

[0124] The actuating opening 14 transitions into the test opening 37, with both openings merging into a free space for receiving the clamping spring 5, in particular the spring arc 8. The bearing pin 23 protrudes from this free space. It has an upper thickening that extends into the interior of the spring arc 8 and a lower thickening that extends into the convex actuating section of the clamping arm 6.

[0125] The conductor receiving pocket 13, in which the guide pin 22 is arranged, is located in line with the conductor entry channel 10. This pin has a contour that tapers conically towards the conductor entry channel 10. Reference symbol list 1 conductor connection terminal 2 insulating housings 3 Spring-loaded clamp connection 4 busbar 5 clamping spring 6 clamping legs 7 attachment legs 8 feather bows 9 Conductor through-hole 10 conductor entry channel 11 collars 12 Contact area 13 Ladder collection bag 14 Actuating opening 15 Keep-open element 16 Side wall of the holding element 17 Rastlatsche 17a Ramp 18 In-depth study 19 Edge 20 Base plate 21 Retaining tab 22 guide pins 23 bearing journals 24 clamping edge 25 Front wall of the collar 26 side walls of the collar 27 Locking edge 28 electrical conductors 29 Bridge 30 retaining recess 31 Crossbar 32 Retaining recess 33 Retaining recess 34 Actuating element 35 Edge 36 Exclusion 37 Test opening 38 clamping tab 39 Tool holding contour 40 crossbar 41 Fixing opening 42 Intake opening 43 supports 44 Bulge 45 Survey 46 heads 47 pestles L conductor insertion direction QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

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

[0000] WO 2021 / 105280 A1

[0005]

Claims

[1] Spring-loaded clamping connection (3) with a busbar (4), a clamping spring (5) and a holding element (15), wherein the busbar (4) has a conductor through-hole (9) laterally bounded by edge webs (19) and a contact area (12), the clamping spring (5) has a support leg (7), a clamping leg (6) and a spring arc (8) connecting the support leg (7) to the clamping leg (6), the clamping spring (5) with the clamping leg (6) projects into the conductor through-hole (9) and has a clamping edge (24) on the clamping leg (6), wherein a clamping point for clamping an electrical conductor (28) is formed between the clamping edge (24) and the contact area (12) of the busbar (4), and wherein the holding element (15) is for locking the clamping leg (6) in a holding position in which the clamping leg (6) opens from the contact area to open the clamping point (12) is displaced away and / or towards the attachment leg (7), is formed, characterized by, that the holding element (15) has a locking tab (17) which passes laterally next to an edge web (19) of the busbar (4) which limits the conductor through-hole (9) and which is designed to lock the clamping leg (6) in the holding position. [2] Spring clamp connection (3) according to claim 1, characterized by , that on both sides of the busbar (4) a locking tab (17) is passed laterally next to each edge web (19) of the busbar (4) which limits the conductor through-hole (9). [3] Spring clamp connection (3) according to claim 2, characterized by , that the edge ribs (19) are arranged between the pair of locking tabs (17). [4] Spring clamp connection (3) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by, that the holding element (15) has a retaining tab (21) which is fixed to the conductor rail (4) and is designed to hold the holding element (15) on the conductor rail (4) and to return the holding element (15) to the latched holding position in a spring-elastic manner. [5] Spring clamp connection (3) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by , that the holding element (15) has a base plate (20) arranged in the plane of the conductor through-hole (9) at a distance from the plane of the conductor through-hole (9) and two side walls (16) project from the base plate (20) to the plane of the conductor through-hole (9) of the busbar (4) at a distance from each other, wherein the locking tabs (17) which pass by the edge webs (19) are formed on the side walls (16). [6] Spring clamp connection (3), according to claims 4 and 5, characterized by, that the retaining tab is formed integrally with the base plate and projects from the plane of the base plate towards the plane of the conductor through-hole (9). [7] Spring clamp connection (3) according to one of claims 4 to 6, characterized by , that the retaining tab (21) rests against an end wall (25) of the busbar (4) opposite the contact area (12), wherein the end wall (25) limits the conductor through-hole (9) and the contact leg (7) projects into the conductor through-hole (9) and presses the retaining tab (21) against the end wall (25). [8] Spring clamp connection (3) according to one of claims 4 to 6, characterized by , that the busbar (4) has a fixing opening (41) arranged next to the conductor through-hole (9) and the retaining tab (21) extends through the fixing opening (41) and is connected to the mounting leg (7). [9] Spring clamp connection (3) according to claim 8, characterized by, that the attachment leg (7) protrudes into the fixing opening (41). [10] Spring clamp connection (3) according to claim 8 or 9, characterized by , that the mounting leg (7) has a receiving opening (42) and the free end of the retaining tab (21) is bent and extends into the receiving opening (42) to form a positive connection of the retaining tab (21) to the mounting leg (7). [11] Spring clamp connection (3) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the clamping leg (6) has a recess (36) bounded by edge webs (35) and a transverse web (40) at the free end of the clamping leg (6), wherein the edge webs (35) of the clamping leg (6) rest on the edge webs (19) of the busbar (4) and the recess (36) is aligned with the conductor through-hole (9) at least in at least one operating state of the spring-clamp connection (3), in particular in the open position. [12] Spring clamp connection (3) according to claim 11, characterized by, that a clamping tab (38) projects from the crossbar (40) into the conductor through-hole (9) of the busbar (4), which has the clamping edge (24) for clamping an electrical conductor (28). [13] Spring clamp connection (3) according to claim 11 or 12, characterized by , that the attachment leg (7) projects into the recess (36). [14] Spring clamp connection (3) according to one of claims 11 to 13, characterized by , that the clamping leg (6) on the side of the recess (36) opposite the crossbar (40) has an actuating section curved away from the mounting leg (7), which transitions into the spring bow (8). [15] Spring clamp connection (3) according to one of claims 11 to 14, characterized by, that at least one of the edge webs (35) defining the recess of the clamping leg (6) has a locking edge (27) on the outside opposite the recess (36) which is designed to lock with an adjacent locking tab (17) of the open retaining element (15). [16] Spring clamp connection (3) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the conductor through-hole (9) is enclosed by a collar (11), wherein the contact area (12) is formed on a collar end wall. [17] Spring clamp connection (3) according to one of claims 1 to 15, characterized by , that a contact flap protrudes from the busbar (4), forming an end wall (25) limiting the conductor through-hole (9) and the contact area (12). [18] Spring clamp connection (3) according to claim 17, characterized by , that the contact flap is arranged adjacent to the attachment leg (7). [19] Terminal block (1) with an insulating housing (2), characterized by , that a spring-loaded clamping connection (3) according to one of the preceding claims is arranged in the insulating housing (2) and the insulating housing (2) has a conductor entry channel (10) opening towards the conductor insertion opening (9), wherein the holding element (15) with a release area (20) is arranged in the plane of the conductor entry channel (10) and is designed to release the clamping leg (6) by displacing the holding element (15) when a release force is exerted on the release area (20) by an electrical conductor (28) inserted into the conductor entry channel (10) and through the conductor insertion opening (9) of the busbar (4). [20] Conductor terminal (1) according to claim 19, characterized by , that the insulating housing (2) has an actuating opening (14) opening towards the clamping spring (5). [21] Conductor terminal (1) according to claim 20, characterized by an actuating element (34) movably mounted in the actuating opening (14), which is designed to move the clamping leg (6) into the open position. [22] Conductor terminal (1) according to one of claims 19 to 21, characterized by , that the insulating housing (2) has a conductor collection pocket (13), wherein the holding element (15) is arranged in the conductor collection pocket (13) and a guide pin (22) of the insulating housing (2) is arranged next to the retaining tab (21) to guide an inserted electrical conductor (28) on the guide pin (22) to the release area (20) of the holding element (15) and to keep it away from the retaining tab (21).

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