conductor connection terminal

Abstract

conductor terminal (1) with - an insulating housing (3) which has a conductor entry channel (4) and an actuation channel (5), - a spring-loaded clamping connection (7) in the insulating housing (3) which has a busbar (8) and a clamping spring (9), wherein the clamping spring (9) has a clamping leg (13) with a clamping edge (14) for clamping an electrical conductor (2) to the busbar (8), a support leg (15) for supporting the clamping spring (9), and a spring arc (16) which connects the support leg (15) to the clamping leg (13), - an actuating element (6) which is slidably mounted in the actuating channel (5) in the direction of the busbar (8) and is coupled to the clamping spring (9) to move the clamping leg (13) against the spring force of the clamping spring (9) in the direction of the contact leg (15) into an open position, wherein the busbar (8) has a conductor entry opening (4) and the clamping spring (9) with the clamping leg (13) projects from the upper side of the busbar (8) facing the conductor entry channel (4) into the conductor entry opening (17), characterized by the fact that The conductor terminal (1) further comprises a coupling element (25) which is slidably mounted on the top of the busbar (8) and coupled to the clamping leg (13), wherein the coupling element (25) has a side web (26) extending laterally past the clamping leg (13) and contact leg (15) and a drive section (27) bent transversely from the side web (26), which extends away from the top of the busbar (8) and towards the actuating channel (5), wherein the contact leg (25) is arranged between the drive section (27) and the clamping leg (13), and wherein the actuating element (6) and the drive section (27) are coupled to each other by a force deflection contour which converts the actuating force of the actuating element (6) in the direction of the busbar (8) into an opening force component (O) on the coupling element (25) in the longitudinal direction of the busbar. (8) deflects against the spring force of the clamping spring (9).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a conductor terminal block comprising: - an insulating housing that has a conductor entry channel and an actuation channel, - a spring-loaded clamping connection in the insulating housing, which has a busbar and a clamping spring, wherein the clamping spring has a clamping leg with a clamping edge for clamping an electrical conductor to the busbar, a support leg for supporting the clamping spring, and a spring arc connecting the support leg to the clamping leg, - an actuating element which is slidably mounted in the actuating channel in the direction of the busbar and is coupled to the clamping spring for moving the clamping leg against the spring force of the clamping spring in the direction of the mounting leg into an open position, wherein the busbar has a conductor feedthrough opening and the clamping spring with the clamping leg projects from the top of the busbar facing the conductor feedthrough channel into the conductor feedthrough opening.

[0002] Such conductor terminals with spring-loaded clamp connections are known in a variety of forms.

[0003] DE 10 2019 131 144 A1 discloses such a conductor terminal for connecting an electrical conductor, comprising a current bar, a clamping spring which has a clamping leg which can be moved into a clamping position and into a release position, a conductor connection space formed between a section of the current bar and the clamping leg of the clamping spring, a slidably arranged guide element which is in operative connection with the clamping leg of the clamping spring, wherein the clamping leg can be held in the release position by means of the guide element, and a release element which is in engagement with the guide element in the release position of the clamping leg of the clamping spring.The release element can be actuated by the conductor to be connected when it is inserted into the conductor connection space, whereby the release element comes out of engagement with the guide element and the guide element can be moved by a spring force of the clamping leg in such a way that the clamping leg is moved into the clamping position to clamp the conductor against the current bar.

[0004] The object of the present invention is to create an improved conductor terminal block.

[0005] The problem is solved by the conductor terminal with the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments are described in the dependent claims.

[0006] It is proposed that the conductor terminal further comprises a coupling element which is slidably mounted on the top of the busbar and coupled to the clamping leg, wherein the coupling element has a side web extending laterally past the clamping leg and contact leg and a drive section bent transversely from the side web, which extends away from the top of the busbar and towards the actuating channel, wherein the contact leg is arranged between the drive section and the clamping leg, and that the actuating element and the drive section are coupled to each other by a force deflection contour which deflects the actuating force of the actuating element towards the busbar into an opening force component on the coupling element in the longitudinal direction of the busbar against the spring force of the clamping spring.

[0007] This allows the coupling element to be displaced along a curved path that deviates from the direction of actuation of the actuating element, which is mounted to be translationally slidable in the actuating channel. This results in a force redirection from the actuating direction directed towards the conductor rail into an opening force component that is essentially perpendicular to the actuating direction. By supporting the coupling element on the conductor rail, the force component acting in the actuating direction is absorbed, and the coupling element can slide along the plane of the conductor rail in the direction of the opening force component.

[0008] The conductor connection terminal can thus be designed very compactly. The coupling element is designed as a separate intermediate part to couple the different movements of the actuating element and the clamping leg. Optimal guidance of the actuating element on the coupling element, the coupling element on the busbar, and the clamping spring on the coupling element can be achieved by optimally designing the coupling interfaces for the respective connection.

[0009] The coupling element can have two spaced-apart side webs that extend laterally along the opposing edges of the clamping leg and contact leg and are connected by the drive section, which runs transversely to the side webs. This couples the clamping leg symmetrically to the coupling element and creates a stable structure for the coupling element in the area of ​​the drive section. The coupling element can also be supported on the busbar by spaced-apart bearing guides on the two side webs. This ensures that the coupling element is mounted on the busbar in a tilt-proof manner. The contact and clamping legs, which project into the interior of the coupling element and rest against the two side webs, further counteract any tilting of the coupling element.

[0010] The at least one side web can have a coupling recess, whereby the clamping leg immerses in the coupling recess and is coupled to the coupling element by positive locking. This positions the clamping leg on the coupling element in such a way that the clamping leg is moved along with the coupling element when it is in the open position, without becoming jammed against the coupling element.

[0011] The drive section can extend transversely from the plane of the busbar towards the actuating channel. The actuating element can act on the drive section with an actuating surface oriented obliquely to the plane of the drive section. The plane of the drive section can be essentially perpendicular to the busbar. As the actuating element moves in the actuating direction, it acts on the inner surface of the drive section facing the contact leg, thus generating an opening force on the coupling element that acts perpendicularly to the drive section. This opening force acts parallel to the plane of the busbar in a direction transverse to the contact and clamping legs, forming the opening force component.

[0012] Alternatively, the drive section can extend at an angle to the plane of the busbar towards the actuating channel, with the actuating element acting on the drive section, which is oriented obliquely to the plane of the busbar, via an actuating surface. This oblique positioning of the drive section relative to the plane of the busbar and relative to the perpendicular to the busbar achieves the desired force redirection from the actuating force of the actuating element, which is directed perpendicular to the plane of the busbar, into the opening force component.

[0013] The actuating element can be tapered towards its free end facing the busbar. This tapering creates an actuating surface on the actuating element that is angled to the direction of movement. This surface exerts an actuating force on the drive section with a force component that displaces the coupling element on the plane of the busbar and moves the clamping leg towards the contact leg against the spring force of the clamping spring.

[0014] The actuating surface of the actuating element can preferably be curved. This allows a force deflection contour to be achieved, whereby the actuating surface, when the actuating element is moved in the actuating direction, slides perpendicularly to the plane of the busbar on the drive section and, together with the opening force component, displaces the coupling element on the plane of the busbar.

[0015] The conductor terminal block can have a locking contour for securing the clamping arm in the open position. This allows the clamping arm to be locked in an open position where one clamping point of the spring-loaded terminal is open. The clamping point for connecting an electrical conductor is formed by a clamping edge of the clamping arm and a clamping section of the busbar. In the open position, an electrical conductor can be easily removed or inserted without the clamping arm obstructing or clamping an already inserted conductor. The conductor terminal block can be supplied in the open position, allowing electrical conductors to be inserted without tools and without prior actuation of the clamping arm.

[0016] The conductor terminal can have a locking element comprising a release section, which is acted upon by a release force exerted by an electrical conductor inserted into the conductor entry channel and a detent section with a detent contour. In the open position, the detent contour forms a locking stop for the clamping leg and / or the coupling element. The locking element is designed to displace the detent contour and release the clamping leg, which is locked in the open position, when the release force is exerted on the release section by the inserted electrical conductor. This allows the clamping point to be closed easily and without tools by the inserted electrical conductor, which impacts the release section and displaces the detent section with its detent contour to release the clamping leg.The locking mechanism can act directly on the clamping arm. However, an indirect locking effect on the clamping arm is also conceivable, whereby the coupling element connected to the clamping arm is locked in the open position by the locking contour.

[0017] The locking element can be spring-loaded. The detent section, with its detent contour, can be moved away from the spring preload by deflecting the release section, in order to release the stop for the clamping leg and / or coupling element locked in the open position. The spring elasticity ensures that the locking element automatically returns to the detent position, in which a clamping leg, displaced towards the contact leg, or the coupling element moved along with it and coupled to the clamping leg, can be engaged against the detent contour.

[0018] The locking element can be formed integrally with the clamping spring, with the locking element adjoining the mounting leg. The mounting leg can extend into the conductor through-hole and be supported against an end wall that defines the conductor through-hole. Alternatively, the mounting leg can taper and be supported on the busbar with the shoulder at the transition to the taper, and the tapered section can project into the conductor through-hole.

[0019] The locking section of the locking element can widen with a step, the step having an edge forming the locking contour.

[0020] The locking section can transition into a connecting section via a bend, and the release section can then be connected to the connecting section after a bend. The shoulder of the locking section can be positioned adjacent to the bend where the locking section transitions into the connecting section, with the edge forming the locking contour. This ensures that the locking contour is provided in an area of ​​the locking element that is stabilized by the bend.

[0021] The locking element can be a separate part from the clamping spring and the coupling element, pivotally mounted on the underside of the busbar. The underside of the busbar is diametrically opposed to the top side of the busbar and faces away from the conductor entry channel.

[0022] The locking element can have a side wall. This side wall can have a locking contour that projects from the underside of the busbar to the top side of the busbar and, in the locked position, extends beyond the plane of the busbar. Preferably, two side walls are arranged at a distance from each other. The locking contours can be in the form of locking tabs along both sides of the busbar, or can extend through the busbar on both sides, or through recesses at the edges. This allows the separate locking element to be guided through the busbar in a tilt-proof manner.

[0023] A locking tab can protrude from the clamping leg, which is designed to engage with the locking contour of the locking element in the open position.

[0024] The clamping leg can have two locking tabs arranged on either side of the clamping leg and spaced apart from each other.

[0025] The at least one locking tab can be oriented from a common root area with the clamping leg in a direction pointing towards the locking element. The section of the clamping leg extending from the root area to the free end can be oriented in a different direction, pointing towards a clamping section of the busbar when clamped.

[0026] The insulating housing can have a conductor collection pocket on the side facing away from the conductor entry channel. The conductor entry channel can exit through the conductor insertion opening of the busbar and into the conductor collection pocket. The release mechanism can be located in the conductor collection pocket, aligned with the conductor entry channel. This guides an electrical conductor inserted into the conductor entry channel to the release mechanism, disengaging the clamping arm. The clamping arm then moves away from the contact leg due to the spring force of the clamping spring, clamping the stripped end of the electrical conductor at the clamping point between a clamping edge of the clamping arm and a contact section of the busbar.

[0027] The insulating housing can have a guide element in the conductor collection pocket, the guide element being arranged between the line of the conductor entry channel and the connecting section of the locking element to guide an electrical conductor to the release section and keep it away from the detent and connecting sections. This prevents premature disengagement of the clamping arm, which is locked in the open position, that could be caused by contact with the detent or connecting section of the locking element before the stripped terminal end of the electrical conductor has been properly inserted up to the release section.

[0028] The busbar can have a clamping projection on an end face of the conductor feedthrough opening, which extends away from the plane of the busbar spanned by the conductor feedthrough opening and forms a clamping section for clamping the electrical conductor between a clamping edge of the clamping leg and the clamping projection.

[0029] The conductor entry opening of the busbar can have a collar that partially or completely surrounds the opening and extends from the plane of the busbar spanned by the conductor entry opening to the release surface of the release section of the release element. This type of material penetration creates a compact and stable busbar structure with good current transmission properties and large current-conducting cross-sections.

[0030] The collar may have a clamping section for clamping the electrical conductor between a clamping edge of the clamping leg and the clamping projection.

[0031] A busbar can have several conductor through-holes, each with a clamping spring attached to it.

[0032] The clamping spring can preferably be a torsion spring.

[0033] For the purposes of the present invention, the indefinite term "a" is not to be understood as a numeral. Therefore, when, for example, a component is mentioned, this is to be interpreted as "at least one component". Where angles are specified in degrees, these refer to a circle of 360 degrees (360°).

[0034] The conductor terminal block can thus have multiple spring-clamp terminals, each with its own actuating element, within the insulating housing. Each spring-clamp terminal can have its own busbar. Alternatively, two or more clamping springs can interact with a common busbar, resulting in multiple spring-clamp terminals, each consisting of a clamping spring and a section of the busbar.

[0035] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to exemplary embodiments and the accompanying drawings. These show... Fig. 1 a)-c) - perspective view of a conductor terminal in closed position, latched open position and clamped position with attached electrical conductor; Fig. 2 - Top view of the conductor connection terminal Fig. 1 with intersection line AA; Fig. 3 a)-c) - Side section view of the conductor connection terminal Fig. 1 in section AA in closed position, latched open position and clamping position with attached electrical conductor; Fig. 4 a)+b) - perspective view of a spring clamp connection with actuating element in closed position and latched open position; Fig. 5 a)+b) - perspective view of the spring clamp connection from Fig. 4 to the other side with actuating element in closed position and latched open position; Fig. 6 - Perspective view of the spring clamp connection in the latched open position; Fig. 7 a)+b) - Side view of the clamping spring of the spring force clamping connection in the closed position and the latched open position; Fig. 8 a)+b) - perspective view of the clamping spring of the spring force clamping connection in the closed position and the latched open position; Fig. 9 a)+b) - Rear view of the clamping spring made of Fig. 8 in the closed position and the latched open position; Fig. 10 - Perspective view of the coupling element of the spring force clamp connection; Fig. 11 - Side view of the coupling element made of Fig. 10; Fig. 12 - Perspective view of an actuating element of the conductor terminal; Fig. 13 - Side view of the actuating element Fig. 12; Fig. 14 - Perspective view of a busbar of the spring-clamp connection; Fig. 15 - Perspective view of the underside of the power rail from Fig. 14; Fig. 16 - View of the front of the L-shaped curved busbar Fig. 14 and Fig. 15; Fig. 17 a)+b) - perspective view of a second embodiment of the spring force clamp connection with separate locking element in the closed position and the latched open position; Fig. 18 a)+b) - Side section view of the spring force clamp connection made of Fig. 17 in section AA with separate locking element in the closed position and the latched open position; Fig. 19 a)+b) - Side view of the spring clamp connection made of Fig. 17 with separate locking element in the closed position and the latched open position; Fig. 20 a)+b) - perspective view of the spring clamp connection from Fig. 17 from the other side with separate locking element in the closed position and the latched open position; Fig. 21 - Perspective view of the clamping spring of the second embodiment of the spring force clamping connection; Fig. 22 - Perspective rear view of the clamping spring made of Fig. 21; Fig. 23 - Perspective view of the locking element of the second embodiment of the spring force clamp connection; Fig. 24 - Perspective view of the busbar of the second embodiment of the spring-clamp connection; Fig. 25 - Perspective view of the underside of the power rail from Fig. 24; Fig. 26 - Perspective view of a third embodiment of a spring-loaded clamping connection; Fig. 27 a)+b) - Side section view of the spring force clamp connection made of Fig. 26 in the closed position and the locked open position with an electrical conductor inserted; Fig. 28 a)+b) - Side view of the spring clamp connection made of Fig. 27 in the closed position and the locked open position; Fig. 29 a)+b) - perspective view of the spring clamp connection from Fig. 27 in the closed position and the locked open position; Fig. 30 - Perspective view of a locking element of the third embodiment of the spring force clamp connection; Fig. 31 - Perspective view of the locking element from Fig. 30 from the other side.

[0036] Fig. Figures 1 a) to c) show a perspective view of a conductor terminal 1 in a closed position, a latched open position and a clamped position with an electrical conductor 2 attached.

[0037] The conductor terminal 1 has an insulating housing 3 with a conductor entry channel 4 and an actuating channel 5, which extend from the insertion side (top) of the insulating housing 3 into the interior of the insulating housing 3. An actuating element 6 is mounted in the actuating channel 5 so as to be translationally (linearly) displaceable. The actuating element 6 can therefore also be referred to as an actuating push button.

[0038] A spring-loaded terminal 7 is integrated into the insulating housing 3. This terminal has a busbar 8 and a clamping spring 9. The clamping spring 9, together with a clamping edge and a clamping section of the busbar 8, forms a clamping point for connecting an electrical conductor 2, which is inserted (i.e., plugged into) the conductor entry channel 4.

[0039] In the Fig. 1 a) The clamping leg of the clamping spring 9 is displaced by the spring force of the clamping spring 9 towards the clamping section of the busbar 8 and rests there. The spring-loaded clamping connection is thus in the closed position. An electrical conductor 2 can only be inserted if the insertion force displaces the clamping leg against the spring force towards the contact leg in order to open the clamping point. By moving the actuating element 6 in the actuating direction B, the clamping leg can be displaced towards the contact leg. The conductor connection terminal is thus in the Fig. 1 b) shown open position. In this open position, the clamping leg is held latched to a locking element 10.

[0040] In the Fig. 1 c) The electrical conductor is fully inserted into the conductor entry channel 4 in the conductor entry direction L up to the clamping point and reaches a release section 11 of the locking element 10 with its free end end. By means of a release force exerted on the release section 11, the locking element 10 is displaced and the clamping leg is released, so that the electrical conductor 2 is clamped between the clamping edge of the clamping leg and the clamping section of the busbar 8.

[0041] Fig. Figure 2 shows a top view of the conductor connection terminal 1. Fig. 1 with the intersection line AA.

[0042] It is evident that a test opening 12 is present between the actuating channel 5, in which the actuating element 6 is mounted so as to be linearly displaceable in the direction of view, and the conductor entry channel 4. This test opening can be designed as a partially circular bore open towards the actuating channel 5. The test opening 12 opens towards the clamping spring 9, preferably towards a spring arc of the clamping spring 9, and allows the voltage potential or signals to be tested using a test tool inserted into the test opening.

[0043] Fig. Figures 3 a) to c) show a side section view of conductor terminal 1. Fig. 1 in section AA in the closed position, the latched open position and the clamping position with attached electrical conductor 2.

[0044] It can be seen that the clamping spring 9 has a clamping leg 13 with a clamping edge 14 for clamping the electrical conductor 2 to the busbar 8, a support leg 15 for mounting the clamping spring 9 on the busbar 8, and a spring arc 16 that connects the support leg 15 to the clamping leg 13. Thus, the clamping spring 9 is designed as a torsion spring.

[0045] The mounting leg 15 can be inserted into a fixing opening in the busbar 8 in order to be positively locked in position.

[0046] It can be seen that a locking element 10 projects from the mounting leg 15. For this purpose, a locking leg is integrally bent out from the mounting leg 15 and guided through a conductor insertion opening 17 in the busbar 8 into a conductor collection pocket 18 of the insulating housing 3. The conductor collection pocket 18 lies in line with the conductor entry channel 4 and adjoins the underside of the busbar 8. The upper side of the busbar 8 faces the conductor entry channel 4, and the underside is the side facing away from the conductor entry channel 4. The busbar 8 thus spans a plane into which the conductor insertion opening 17 is integrated.

[0047] In the illustrated embodiment, the locking element 10 is exposed from the mounting leg 15 in such a way that two mounting tabs remain on both sides, with which the mounting leg 15 extends and each rests against an end edge of the busbar 8 that limits the conductor through-hole 17.

[0048] The locking element 10 has a detent section 19 with a detent contour 20. The detent section 19 transitions into a connecting section 21 via a bend. The release section 11 adjoins the connecting section 21 after a bend. The detent section 19 widens with a shoulder that has an edge forming the detent contour 20. This shoulder, or edge, is located adjacent to the bend where the detent section 19 transitions into the connecting section 21.

[0049] A locking tab 22 projects from the clamping leg 13 and is designed to engage with the corresponding locking contour 20. The edge of the clamping leg forms a stop for the locking tab 22, which is pressed against the edge by the spring force of the clamping spring 9.

[0050] From the Fig. 3 c) It can be seen that an electrical conductor 2, inserted into the conductor entry channel 4 and with its stripped end section into the conductor collection pocket 18 through the conductor insertion opening 17, strikes the release section 11 of the locking element 10 with its end face. This displaces the locking element 10. The release section 11, subjected to a release force in the conductor entry direction L, is pressed down and thereby displaces the connecting section 21 and the detent section 19. The detent contour 20 on the detent section 19 is displaced such that the stop for the detent tab 22 of the clamping leg 13 is released and the clamping leg 13 is disengaged. The clamping leg 13 moves with its free end towards the electrical conductor 2 by the spring force of the clamping spring 9 in order to clamp it between the clamping edge 14 and a clamping projection 23 or clamping section of the busbar 8.

[0051] The insulating housing 3 has a guide element 24 in the conductor collection pocket 18, which is arranged between the alignment of the conductor entry channel 4 and the connecting section 21 of the locking element 10, in order to guide the electrical conductor 2 to the release section 11 and to keep it away from the latching section 19 and connecting section 21.

[0052] The conductor connection terminal 1 further comprises a coupling element 25, which is slidably mounted on the top of the busbar 8 and coupled to the clamping leg 13. For this purpose, the coupling element 25 has side webs 26 extending laterally past the clamping leg 13 and the mounting leg 15, and a drive section 27 bent transversely from the side webs 26.

[0053] The side webs 26 each have a coupling recess 28, wherein the clamping leg 13 dips into the coupling recess 28 and is coupled to the coupling element 25 by positive locking.

[0054] The drive section 27 extends from the top of the busbar 8 towards the actuating channel 5. The contact leg 15 is arranged between the drive section 27 and the clamping leg 13. The actuating element 6 and the drive section 27 are coupled to each other by a force deflection contour, which deflects the actuating force of the actuating element 6, acting in the direction of actuation B, towards the busbar 8 into an opening force component O on the coupling element 25 in the longitudinal direction of the busbar 8 against the spring force of the clamping spring 9.

[0055] For this purpose, the drive section 27 can extend transversely from the plane of the busbar 8 towards the actuating channel 5, as shown. The actuating element 6 acts on the drive section 27 with an actuating surface 29 that is oriented obliquely to the plane of the drive section 27. The actuating element 6 is tapered towards its free end pointing towards the busbar 8, and the actuating surface 29 of the actuating element 6 is curved.

[0056] It is also evident that the actuating element 6 has a tool holding contour 30 on its end face diametrically opposite the tapered end.

[0057] Fig. Figures 4 a) and b) show a perspective view of a spring clamp connection 7 with actuating element 6 in the closed position and the latched open position.

[0058] The busbar 8 is designed as an L-shaped bent sheet metal part with a cover plate 31 and a side plate 32 projecting transversely from it. The conductor through-hole 17 is provided in the cover plate 31. The clamping spring 9 projects with its clamping leg 13 into the conductor through-hole 17 and is fixed with its contact leg 15 to the cover plate 31. The coupling element 25 is slidably mounted on the upper side of the busbar 4 or the cover plate 31. It is designed as a U-shaped bent sheet metal part with two spaced-apart parallel side webs 26 and the drive section 27 connecting the side webs 26. The side webs 26 are guided past the mounting leg 15 and clamping leg 13, whereby an edge edge in the transition of a widened section of the clamping leg 13 to a tapered section of the clamping leg 13 dips into the coupling recess 28 and is thus positively connected to the coupling element 25.

[0059] The mounting leg 15 can optionally have slots at its edges, as shown in the example, to accommodate a side web 26 each. The side webs 26 are thus guided between an edge of the mounting leg 15 and a guide arm 33, with the edge and the guide arm 33 defining the slot. The coupling element 25 remains displaceable in the direction of the longitudinal extension of the busbar 8 on the plane of the cover plate 31 relative to the clamping spring 9, and in particular relative to the fixed mounting leg 15.

[0060] The displacement of the coupling element 25 from the closed position into Fig. 4 a) The locking open position is achieved by pressing the actuating element in the actuating direction B towards the busbar 8. The curved actuating surface 29, which faces away from the contact leg 15, slides along the upper edge of the driver section 27. The curvature causes a force redirection from the actuating direction into an opening force component O. The actuating force component B, directed towards the busbar 8, is absorbed by the sliding support of the coupling element 25 on the cover plate 31, so that only an opening force acts against the spring force in the longitudinal direction of the busbar 8 and parallel to the plane of the cover plate 31. This displaces the clamping leg 13, coupled to the coupling element 25, towards the contact leg 15 against the spring force of the clamping spring 9. In the Fig. 4 b) In the open position shown, the clamping leg 13 can lock into place in order to remain in the open position even without the application of an actuating force.

[0061] The actuating element 6 can have a widened actuating head 34, on the front face of which the tool holding contour 30 can be provided, for example, in the form of a slot, such as a cross slot, and / or a recess.

[0062] Fig. Figures 5 a) and b) show a perspective view of the spring-loaded clamping connection 7 with actuating element 6 made of Fig. 4 to the other side in the closed position and the latched open position.

[0063] It can be seen that the coupling element 25 has two opposing side webs 26, which are guided past the mounting leg 15 and clamping leg 13 on both sides. In the open position, the clamping point formed between the clamping edge 14 of the clamping leg 13 and the clamping projection 23 of the busbar 8 is opened, and the electrical conductor 2 can be inserted without force up to the release section 11 of the locking element 10.

[0064] Fig. Figure 6 shows a perspective view of the spring clamp connection 7 without busbar in the latched open position.

[0065] It can be seen that the detent section 19, bent out from the mounting leg 15, widens with a shoulder immediately before a bend at the transition to the connecting section 21, which projects from it at an obtuse angle. Edges of the shoulder form the detent contour 20, which acts as a stop for the detent tabs 22 of the clamping leg 13, which are displaced towards the mounting leg 15 in the open position. These detent tabs 22, located on both sides of the clamping leg 13, are pressed against the detent contours 20 by the force of the clamping spring 9, thus locking the clamping leg 13 onto the detent section 19 of the locking element 10.

[0066] It is further evident that coupling recesses 28 are provided in the front end region of the side webs 26 on the upper end face, into which the edge regions of the clamping leg 13 dip. The clamping leg 13 is held positively to the side web 26 by a front retaining tab 35.

[0067] Fig. Figures 7 a) and b) show a side view of the clamping spring 9 of the spring-loaded clamping connection 7 in the closed position and the latched open position.

[0068] The locking section 10 is integrally formed with the contact leg 15 and, viewed in the width direction of the contact leg 15, is centrally exposed from the contact leg 15 and bent away from the clamping leg 13 out of the plane of the contact leg 15. The detent section 19 of the locking element 10 extends, after an arc, under the end of the contact leg 15 approximately in the direction of the clamping edge 14 of the clamping leg 13. There is a bend at the transition of the detent section 19 to the connecting section 21, which lies approximately in the area between the alignment of the contact leg 15 and the alignment of the section of the clamping leg 13 adjoining the spring arc 16 in the closed position.

[0069] Out of Fig. 7 b) shows that the clamping leg 13 is shifted towards the contact leg 15, so that the locking tabs 22 engage behind the locking contours 20 and are locked onto the locking contours 20. The locking tabs 22 dip into the narrower area of ​​the locking section 19 and, in the locked open position, are positioned next to the lateral edge edges of the locking section 19.

[0070] A release force acting on the release section 11 displaces the detent section 19 away from the clamping leg 13 and spring arch 16 (downwards), so that the detent contour 20 slides along the detent tabs 22 and the detent of the detent tabs 22 is released.

[0071] Fig. Figures 8 a) and b) show a perspective view of the clamping spring 9 of the spring-loaded clamping connection 7 in the closed position and the latched open position.

[0072] It is evident that two locking tabs 22 are bent outwards from the clamping arm 13 on both sides. The locking tabs 22 are oriented towards the release section 11 of the locking element 10, while the clamping arm 13 extends from the common root area at an obtuse angle away from the section of the clamping arm 13 adjoining the spring arch 16 and from the contact leg 15. The clamping edge 14 is located at the free end of the widening end section of the clamping arm 13.

[0073] A central opening 36 can be provided in the bend between locking section 19 and connecting section 21. This allows the bending stiffness in the bend area to be reduced, thus improving the elastic deflection of the locking element 10. Alternatively, a groove can be embossed.

[0074] The mounting leg 15 has a slot 37 at its edges, which is bounded on one side by the guide arm 33 and on the other by a fixing arm 38. A side web 26 of the coupling element 25 is received in the slot 37 and guided slidably within it. A space is provided between the two fixing arms 38 into which the locking section 19 can engage.

[0075] Fig. 9 a) and b) show a rear view of the clamping spring 9 made of Fig. 8 in the closed position and the latched open position.

[0076] It is evident that the latching tabs 22 are in the latched open position in Fig. 9 b) engage the rest contours 20.

[0077] Fig. Figure 10 shows a perspective view of the coupling element 25 of the spring force clamp connection 7 and Fig. Figure 11 shows a side view of the coupling element made of Fig. 10.

[0078] It can be seen that the coupling element 25 is formed as a U-shaped bent part consisting of two spaced-apart and parallel side webs 26 and the drive section 27 connecting the side webs 26. The drive section 27 has a significantly greater height than the tapered end of the side webs 26, where the coupling recesses 28 are located at the upper edge. The coupling recesses 28 are bounded at the free end of the side webs 26 by the retaining tabs 35. The section extending from the coupling recesses 28 to the drive section 27 has a mean height that is adapted to the length of the slots 37 in order to guide the side webs 26 slidably within the slots 37.

[0079] Fig. Figure 12 shows a perspective view of an actuating element 6 of the conductor connection terminal 1 and Fig. Figure 13 shows a side view of the actuating element 6. Fig. 12.

[0080] It can be seen that the actuating element 6 has a widened actuating head 34 with a tool-holding contour 30 in the form of a slot with a central recess. A body, initially rectangular in cross-section, adjoins the actuating head 34 and tapers conically towards its free end with a curvature. This forms a curved actuating surface 29.

[0081] Fig. Figure 14 shows a perspective view of a busbar 8 of the spring-clamp terminal 7 and Fig. Figure 15 shows a perspective view of the underside of the power rail 8. Fig. 14. Fig. Figure 16 shows a view of the front of the L-shaped curved busbar. Fig. 14 and Fig. 15.

[0082] It is evident that the busbar 8 is formed from the cover plate 31 and the side plate 32 projecting transversely from it, thus having an L-shaped cross-section. The conductor through-hole 17 is provided in the cover plate 31, bounded on one longitudinal side by the side plate 32 and on the opposite side by a rib 39. A clamping section 23 in the form of a tab is bent out from the plane of the cover plate 31 at one end face of the conductor through-hole 17, extending out of the plane of the cover plate 31 next to the side plate 32. It can be seen that the conductor through-hole 17 transitions into a narrower receiving slot 40 opposite the clamping section 23, with end faces 41 remaining on both sides at the transition to the narrower receiving slot 40. The fixing arms 38 of the mounting leg 15 are supported on the end faces 41.

[0083] Fig. Figures 17 a) and b) show a perspective view of a second embodiment of the spring force clamp connection 7 with a separate locking element 10 in the closed position and the latched open position.

[0084] The coupling element 25 corresponds to the coupling element described above. The busbar 8 has a collar 42 on its underside that surrounds the conductor through-hole 17. The end face of the collar 42, to which the clamping leg 13 is attached, is... Fig. In the closed position shown in 17 a), a clamping section 23 is formed. The clamping section 23 can have a contact edge.

[0085] The separate locking element 10 is arranged on the underside of the busbar 8 and has two side walls 43 spaced apart from each other and aligned parallel to each other.

[0086] The release section 11 extends between the side walls 43 at a distance from the conductor rail 8. The release section 11 is designed as a sheet metal part that is positively connected to the side walls 43. Opposite the release section 11, locking contours 20 project in the form of locking tabs into lateral recesses 44 of the conductor rail 8, extending beyond the plane on the upper surface of the conductor rail 8. The locking contours 20 can, as shown, have a ramp 45 along which the clamping arm 13 can slide when moved into the open position.

[0087] Out of Fig. 17 b) it can be seen that the clamping leg 13 engages behind the associated locking contour 20 and is locked onto the locking contour 20.

[0088] Fig. Figures 18 a) and b) show a side section view of the spring clamp connection 7. Fig. 17 in section AA with the separate locking element 10 in the closed position and the latched open position.

[0089] It becomes clear that the busbar 8 has a fixing opening 46 into which a retaining section 47 of the locking element 10 is inserted in order to hold the locking element 10 spring-loaded and movable on the busbar 8. After a bend at an obtuse angle, the retaining section 47 transitions into the release section 11, which in turn has a further bend to extend essentially perpendicular to the orientation of the inserted electrical conductor 2.

[0090] It can be seen that the collar 42 protrudes from the underside of the power rail 8 towards the release section.

[0091] In the latticed disclosure, which in Fig. As shown in Figure 18 b), the locking contour 20 on the top of the busbar 8 projects beyond the plane of the busbar 8 and locks the clamping leg 13. When a release force in the conductor insertion direction L is exerted by the inserted electrical conductor 2, which strikes the release section 11, the locking element 10 mounted on the spring-elastic retaining section 47 pivots so that the locking contours 20 are moved towards the underside of the busbar 8 and the clamping leg 13 is thereby released.

[0092] Fig. Figures 19 a) and b) show a side view of the spring clamp connection 7. Fig. 17 in section AA with the separate locking element 10 in the closed position and the latched open position. In the Fig. 20 a) and b) this is further shown in perspective views of the spring clamp connection 7 from Fig. Figure 17 illustrates the view from the other side in the closed position and the latched open position.

[0093] It can be seen that the locking tabs (locking contours 20) projecting from the side walls 43 engage in recesses 44 on the opposite side edges of the conductor rail 8 and project beyond the plane of the conductor rail 8 towards the spring arch 16. This forms a stop for an edge on a shoulder of the clamping leg 13 directly next to the section of the clamping leg 13 that engages in the coupling recess 28.

[0094] Fig. Figure 21 shows a perspective view of the clamping spring 9 of the second embodiment of the spring force clamping connection 7 and Fig. Figure 22 shows a perspective rear view of this clamping spring 9.

[0095] The mounting leg 15 terminates in a central bearing arm 48. Slots 37 with guide arms 33 are formed laterally next to the bearing arm 48 at both edge regions, i.e., on both sides.

[0096] The clamping leg 13 tapers towards the free end section with a step. A locking edge 49 is formed on each of the steps on both sides, which locks onto the corresponding locking contour 20.

[0097] Fig. Figure 23 shows a perspective view of the locking element 10 of the second embodiment of the spring force clamp connection 7.

[0098] It is evident that the side walls 43 are bent away from the retaining section 47, with the retaining section 47 projecting beyond the upper edge of the side walls 43 at its free end, as do the locking contours 20. The free end of the retaining section 47 may be bent or angled to provide a positive-locking connection for the locking element 10 against the conductor rail 8.

[0099] Fig. Figure 24 shows a perspective view of the busbar 8 of the second embodiment of the spring-clamp connection 7. The fixing opening 46 is visible, which extends transversely to the longitudinal direction of the busbar 8 and is designed to receive the retaining section 47.

[0100] It is also evident that recesses in the form of troughs 44 are provided on the side edges of the conductor rail 8, which receive and guide the locking contours 20 of the locking element 10.

[0101] Fig. Figure 25 shows a perspective view of the underside of the power rail 8. Fig. 24. It becomes clear that the conductor through-hole 17 on the underside of the busbar 8 is surrounded by collar walls of a circumferential collar 42,

[0102] Fig. Figure 26 shows a perspective view of a third embodiment of a spring-loaded clamping connection 7.

[0103] In this embodiment, the busbar 8, the clamping spring 9, and the coupling element 25 are designed similarly to the second embodiment described previously. However, the recesses 44 on the side edges of the busbar 8 are significantly narrower.

[0104] The locking element 10 is formed as an L-shaped bent sheet metal part. It has a detent section 19 with two spaced-apart detent tabs 50, which each engage in a recess 44 and, in the locked open position, project beyond the plane of the conductor rail 8 on the upper side to such an extent that they lock the clamping leg 13, which is shifted towards the contact leg 15. The free ends of the detent tabs 50 may be slightly bent. A release section 11 projects transversely to the detent section 19, from which spring-loaded legs 51 are bent at opposite ends.

[0105] Fig. Figures 27 a) and b) show a side section view of the spring clamp connection 7. Fig. 26 in the closed position and the locked open position with an inserted electrical conductor 2.

[0106] When the clamping leg 13 is moved into the open position towards the support leg 15 with the help of the coupling element 25 and an actuating element 6 Fig. 27 b) If the clamping arm 13 is displaced, the locking tabs 50 of the locking section 19 project beyond the plane of the busbar 8 and lock the clamping arm 13. An inserted electrical conductor 2 encounters the release section 11, which is aligned in the conductor insertion direction L, and displaces the release section 11 away from the busbar 8, moving it substantially parallel to the busbar 8. This moves the free ends of the locking tabs 50 towards the busbar 8 and releases the stop for the clamping arm 13, thus disengaging the clamping arm 13. The release force acting on the release section 11 deflects the spring legs 51, which are supported on the bottom of the conductor collection pocket 18 of the insulating housing 3. The spring struts 51 exert a restoring force on the locking element 10 to move it back into the detent position.

[0107] Fig. Figures 28 a) and b) show a side view of the spring clamp connection 7. Fig. 27 in the closed position and the locked open position. The corresponding figures show Fig. 29 a) and b) a perspective view of the spring clamp connection 7.

[0108] It becomes clear that the bent end of the locking tab 50 is in the locked open position in Fig. 28 b) rests against the clamping leg 13 and locks it in place. The reduced contact area resulting from the bending has the advantage that a lower release force is required to move the locking tab 50 downwards towards the busbar 8 and to release the clamping leg 13.

[0109] Fig. Figure 30 shows a perspective view of a locking element 10 of the third embodiment of the spring force clamp connection 7 and Fig. Figure 31 shows a perspective view of this locking element 10 from the other side.

[0110] The locking section 19 has two spaced-apart locking tabs 50, which project substantially transversely to the plane of the release section 11. The free ends of the locking tabs are bent at an obtuse angle. The locking section 19 transitions into a release section 11, which is oriented substantially transversely to it, and from which spring struts 51 are bent. In the bend between the locking section 19 and the release section 11, a spring strut 51 may be exposed centrally and bent out of the bend. This creates two transition ribs 52. The release section 11 may be bent upwards at its free end to form a collecting ramp 53 for catching and guiding the inserted electrical conductor 2 towards the central area of ​​the release section 11. Reference symbol list 1 conductor connection terminal 2 electrical conductors 3 Insulating housings 4 conductor entry channel 5 actuation channels 6 Actuating element 7 Spring-loaded clamp connection 8 busbar 9 clamping spring 10 locking element 11 Trigger section 12 Test opening 13 clamping legs 14 clamping edge 15 attachment legs 16 feather bows 17 Conductor through-hole 18 Ladder collection bag 19 Rest area 20 Rast contour 21 Connecting section 22 Rastlatsche 23 Clamping projection / clamping section 24 guide element 25 coupling element 26 side bar 27 Drive section 28 coupling trough 29 operating area 30 Tool holding contour 31 Cover plate 32 side panel 33 Guide arm 34 Actuating head 35 retaining tab 36 central opening 37 slots 38 Fixing arm 39 Edge 40 recording slots 41 Front edge 42 collars 43 Side wall 44 trough 45° slope 46 Fixing opening 47 Stop section 48 Bearing arm 49 locking edge 50 Rastlatsche 51 shock absorber 52 Transition bridge 53 Catching slope B Direction of action L conductor entry direction O Opening force component 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] DE 10 2019 131 144 A1

[0003]

Claims

[1] Terminal block (1) with - an insulating housing (3) which has a conductor entry channel (4) and an actuation channel (5), - a spring-loaded clamping connection (7) in the insulating housing (3) which has a busbar (8) and a clamping spring (9), wherein the clamping spring (9) has a clamping leg (13) with a clamping edge (14) for clamping an electrical conductor (2) to the busbar (8), a support leg (15) for supporting the clamping spring (9), and a spring arc (16) which connects the support leg (15) to the clamping leg (13), - an actuating element (6) which is slidably mounted in the actuating channel (5) in the direction of the busbar (8) and is coupled to the clamping spring (9) to move the clamping leg (13) against the spring force of the clamping spring (9) in the direction of the contact leg (15) into an open position, wherein the busbar (8) has a conductor entry opening (4) and the clamping spring (9) with the clamping leg (13) projects from the upper side of the busbar (8) facing the conductor entry channel (4) into the conductor entry opening (17), characterized by , that The conductor terminal (1) further comprises a coupling element (25) which is slidably mounted on the top of the busbar (8) and coupled to the clamping leg (13), wherein the coupling element (25) has a side web (26) extending laterally past the clamping leg (13) and contact leg (15) and a drive section (27) bent transversely from the side web (26), which extends away from the top of the busbar (8) and towards the actuating channel (5), wherein the contact leg (25) is arranged between the drive section (27) and the clamping leg (13), and wherein the actuating element (6) and the drive section (27) are coupled to each other by a force deflection contour which converts the actuating force of the actuating element (6) in the direction of the busbar (8) into an opening force component (O) on the coupling element (25) in the longitudinal direction of the busbar. (8) deflects against the spring force of the clamping spring (9). [2] Conductor terminal (1) according to claim 1, characterized by , that the coupling element (25) has two spaced-apart side webs (26) which pass laterally along the opposite side edges of the clamping leg (13) and contact leg (15) and are connected by the driver section (27) extending transversely to the side webs (26). [3] Conductor terminal (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that the at least one side web (26) has a coupling recess (28), wherein the clamping leg (13) dips into the coupling recess (28) and is coupled to the coupling element (25) by positive locking. [4] Conductor terminal (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by, that the driver section (27) extends transversely away from the plane of the busbar (8) towards the actuating channel (5), and that the actuating element (6) acts on the driver section (27) with an actuating surface (29) oriented obliquely to the plane of the driver section (27). [5] Conductor terminal (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by , that the driver section (27) extends at an angle to the plane of the busbar (8) towards the actuating channel (5), and that the actuating element (6) acts with an actuating surface (29) on the driver section (27) which is oriented obliquely to the plane of the busbar (8). [6] Conductor terminal (1) according to claim 4 or 5, characterized by , that the actuating element (6) is tapered towards its free end pointing towards the busbar (8). [7] Conductor terminal (1) according to one of claims 4 to 6, characterized by, that the actuation surface (29) of the actuating element (6) is curved. [8] Terminal block (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the conductor terminal (1) has a detent contour (20) for detenting the terminal arm (13) in the open position. [9] Conductor terminal (1) according to claim 8, characterized by, that the conductor terminal (1) has a locking element (10) which has a release section (11) that can be acted upon by an electrical conductor (2) to be clamped, which is inserted into the conductor entry channel (4) and a detent section (19) with the detent contour (20), wherein the detent contour (20) in the open position forms a detent stop for the clamping leg (13) and / or the coupling element (25) and the locking element (10) is designed to displace the detent contour (20) and to release the clamping leg (13) which is locked into the open position when the release force is exerted on the release section (11) by the electrical conductor (2) inserted and impacting the release section (11). [10] Conductor terminal (1) according to claim 9, characterized by, that the locking element (10) is spring-loaded, wherein the detent section (19) with its detent contour (20) can be moved away by a deflection of the release section (11) against the spring preload in order to release the stop for the clamping leg (13) and / or coupling element (25) locked in the open position. [11] Conductor terminal (1) according to claim 9 or 10, characterized by , that the locking element (10) is formed integrally with the clamping spring (9), wherein the locking element (10) connects to the mounting leg (15). [12] Conductor terminal (1) according to claim 11, characterized by , that the locking section (19) of the locking element (10) widens with a step, wherein the step has an edge forming the locking contour (20). [13] Conductor terminal (1) according to claim 12, characterized by, that the locking section (19) transitions into a connecting section (21) by means of a bend and the release section (11) is connected to the connecting section (21) after a bend, wherein the step of the locking section (19) with the edge forming the locking contour (20) is arranged adjacent to the bend of the locking section (19) into the connecting section (21). [14] Conductor terminal (1) according to claim 9 or 10, characterized by , that the locking element (10) is a part separate from the clamping spring (9) and the coupling element (25), which is pivotably mounted on the underside of the busbar (8), the underside of the busbar (8) being opposite the top of the busbar (8) and facing away from the conductor entry channel (4). [15] Conductor terminal (1) according to claim 12, characterized by, that the locking element (10) has a side wall (43) with a locking contour (20) projecting from the underside of the busbar (8) to the top of the busbar (8) and projecting beyond the plane of the busbar (8) in the locking position. [16] Conductor terminal (1) according to one of claims 9 to 15, characterized by , that a locking tab (22) projects from the clamping leg (13), which is designed to engage with the locking contour (20) of the locking element (10) in the open position. [17] Conductor terminal (1) according to claim 16, characterized by , that the clamping leg (13) has two locking tabs (22) arranged on both sides of the clamping leg (13) and spaced apart from each other. [18] Conductor terminal (1) according to claim 16 or 17, characterized by, that the at least one locking tab (22) is aligned from a common root area with the clamping leg (13) in a direction pointing towards the locking element (10) and the section of the clamping leg (13) extending towards the free end from the root area is aligned in another direction, pointing towards a clamping section (23) of the busbar (8) in the clamping position. [19] Conductor terminal (1) according to one of claims 9 to 18, characterized by , that the insulating housing (3) has a conductor collection pocket (18) on the side facing away from the conductor entry channel (4), wherein the path of the conductor entry channel (4) through the conductor insertion opening (17) of the busbar (8) opens into the conductor collection pocket (18) and the release section (11) is arranged in the conductor collection pocket (18) in the plane of the conductor entry channel (4). [20] Conductor terminal (1) according to claim 19, characterized by, that the insulating housing (3) in the conductor collection pocket (18) has a guide element (24), wherein the guide element (24) is arranged between the alignment of the conductor entry channel (4) and the connecting section (21) of the locking element (10) to guide an electrical conductor (2) to the release section (11) and to keep it away from the latching section (19) and connecting section (21). [21] Conductor terminal (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the busbar (8) has a clamping projection (23) on an end face of the conductor feedthrough opening (17), which extends away from the plane of the busbar (8) spanned by the conductor feedthrough opening (17) and forms a clamping section for clamping the electrical conductor (2) between a clamping edge (14) of the clamping leg (13) and the clamping projection (23). [22] Conductor terminal (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the conductor feedthrough opening (17) of the busbar (8) has a collar (42) which partially or completely surrounds the conductor feedthrough opening (17) and extends from the plane of the busbar (8) spanned by the conductor feedthrough opening (17) to the release surface of the release section (11) of the locking element (10). [23] Conductor terminal (1) according to claim 22, characterized by , that a clamping section (23) for clamping the electrical conductor (2) is formed on the collar (42) between a clamping edge (14) of the clamping leg (13) and the clamping projection (23). [24] Conductor terminal (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that a busbar (8) has several conductor through-holes (17) each with a clamping spring (9) arranged thereon. [25] Conductor terminal (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the clamping spring (9) is a torsion spring.

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