conductor connection terminal

Abstract

A conductor terminal (1) with an insulating housing (2) having at least one conductor entry opening (20) for receiving an electrical conductor (9) in a conductor entry direction (L), wherein at least one spring-loaded clamping connection for connecting an electrical conductor (9) by means of spring force is arranged in the insulating housing (2), wherein the spring-loaded clamping connection has at least one busbar (3) and a clamping spring (4) having a clamping leg (43) with a clamping edge (46) for clamping the electrical conductor (9) at a clamping point (31) on a contact section (30) of the busbar (3), wherein the spring-loaded clamping connection has, as a further component formed separately from the clamping spring (4) and the busbar (3), a connecting body (7) by which the clamping spring (4) is fixed to the busbar (3), characterized in that the conductor terminal (1) has at least one retaining element (5) which is configured toto hold the clamping leg (43) in an open position, wherein the retaining element (5) is formed integrally with the connecting body (7) or integrally with the clamping spring (4), in particular with the contact leg (41) of the clamping spring (4).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a conductor terminal with an insulating housing which has at least one conductor entry opening for receiving an electrical conductor in a conductor entry direction, wherein at least one spring-clamp terminal for connecting an electrical conductor by means of spring force is arranged in the insulating housing, wherein the spring-clamp terminal has at least one busbar and a clamping spring which has a clamping leg with a clamping edge for clamping the electrical conductor at a clamping point on a contact section of the busbar, wherein the spring-clamp terminal has, as a further component which is formed separately from the clamping spring and the busbar, a connecting body by which the clamping spring is fixed to the busbar.

[0002] Such a conductor terminal block is known from EP 2 956 993 B1.

[0003] Based on this, the object of the present invention is to provide a further improved conductor terminal.

[0004] This problem is solved in a conductor terminal of the type mentioned above by providing the terminal with at least one retaining element designed to hold the clamping leg in an open position. This retaining element is integrally formed with the connecting body or with the clamping spring, particularly with the contact leg of the clamping spring. In this way, the conductor terminal can be enhanced with an automatic conductor connection function. This allows an electrical conductor to be connected to the spring-loaded terminal without first opening the clamping point, because the clamping leg can already be held by the retaining element. Furthermore, the electrical conductor can be disconnected without tools.Despite the aforementioned additional functions, the conductor terminal block can be implemented with relatively little installation space, in particular without any or at least without significant increase in size compared to conventional conductor terminal blocks. The one-piece design of the retaining element with the connecting body or clamping spring simplifies manufacturing and assembly, as only a relatively small number of individual components are required.

[0005] The clamping spring can have a support leg that serves to hold and support the clamping spring and braces it against the clamping force applied by the clamping leg. The support leg can be connected to the clamping leg via a spring arc.

[0006] The retaining element can be formed integrally with the connecting body or with the clamping spring. According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the retaining element is formed integrally with the contact leg. In this way, the retaining element can be formed, so to speak, as an extension of the contact leg and extend into an area behind the clamping point, viewed in the conductor insertion direction.

[0007] The connecting body allows the clamping spring to be held, particularly at one of its contact legs. The connecting body also allows the clamping spring to be held against the clamping force generated by the clamping leg on the busbar.

[0008] By adding a connecting body alongside the clamping spring and busbar, the geometries of the clamping spring and / or busbar can be simplified. While maintaining a relatively simple geometry for the clamping spring and / or busbar, additional functionalities can be integrated into the conductor terminal, such as the aforementioned automatic release function of the clamping arm held in the open position. A further advantage is the potential for material savings on the clamping spring and busbar. Specifically, the connecting body does not necessarily have to be made of the same material as the clamping spring and / or busbar; instead, a more cost-effective, easier-to-process, or other material, such as one with a lower weight, can be chosen.For example, the busbar can be designed without a mounting frame integrally formed with the busbar, which serves to hook the clamping spring's mounting leg. This function can be performed by the connecting body.

[0009] Another advantage is the improved suitability of the components for handling bulk materials, particularly the clamping spring, which in turn is beneficial for carrying out a tempering process. This allows for better spring properties of the clamping spring while simultaneously requiring less installation space. Furthermore, the feeding of the individual components of the conductor terminal during assembly can be simplified. The manufacturing process can thus be implemented more safely and easily.

[0010] The connecting body can be specifically designed to transmit only tensile forces or tensile stresses in the connecting arms. Therefore, the connecting arms do not need to be particularly rigid.

[0011] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the connecting body is designed as a frame with at least two spaced-apart connecting arms, each extending from a contact leg of the clamping spring towards the busbar. In this way, the connecting body can be produced in a relatively delicate form with minimal material expenditure. This also results in a relatively small space requirement for the connecting body. A gap can be formed between the connecting arms. The connecting arms can, for example, be coupled to the busbar by a positive-locking connection. Alternatively, the connecting arms can be coupled to the contact leg by a positive-locking connection.

[0012] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, a conductor feed-through opening is formed between the connecting arms, through which the electrical conductor to be connected can be inserted. In this way, the connecting arms frame the conductor feed-through opening and the inserted electrical conductor. The connecting body can thus be arranged in a particularly space-saving manner within the insulating housing.

[0013] The connecting body can, for example, consist solely of the two spaced-apart connecting arms. These connecting arms are then each to be connected to the mounting leg and the busbar as separate components.

[0014] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the connecting body has at least one first transverse web by which the connecting arms are connected to each other at their region facing the mounting leg or at their region facing the busbar. This provides additional mechanical stabilization to the connecting body. Furthermore, the first transverse web can serve as a mounting point for the mounting leg or a part of the busbar, e.g., a contact section of the busbar passing through the conductor feed-through opening.

[0015] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the connecting body has a second crossbar, spaced apart from the first crossbar, which connects the connecting arms. This makes the connecting body even more robust. The mounting leg, for example, can then be attached to the first crossbar, and the contact section of the busbar to the second crossbar. The conductor feed-through opening can be formed between the first and second crossbars.

[0016] For example, the clamping leg can extend through the conductor opening of the connecting body.

[0017] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the connecting body is made of a material with a lower spring stiffness than the clamping spring. This allows for relatively inexpensive manufacturing of the connecting body from a cost-effective material. Furthermore, the individual components, such as the clamping spring and the connecting body, can be optimized separately with regard to their spring properties and with respect to an automatic release function by using different materials.

[0018] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the connecting body is formed from a sheet metal material that is thinner than the sheet metal from which the clamping spring is formed. This is particularly advantageous for a connecting body that is only subjected to tensile forces, since bending stiffness is then less critical. Using thinner sheet metal saves material and weight.

[0019] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the connecting body has a receiving contour for receiving and / or attaching the clamping leg, wherein the receiving contour has a centering feature for centering the clamping spring within the receiving contour. This simplifies the assembly of the conductor terminal components. Furthermore, it ensures that the clamping spring is always optimally positioned within the conductor terminal, even under vibration loads, even during subsequent operation.

[0020] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the conductor terminal has an actuating element for manually actuating the clamping arm into the open position. This has the advantage that the conductor terminal has its own actuating element and the user does not need to use another actuating element, such as a tool, to actuate the clamping arm. The actuating element can be designed, for example, as an actuating push button, an actuating slide, or a pivotable actuating lever.

[0021] The operating lever allows the clamping arm to be moved into the open position by manual operation, against the spring force of the clamping spring, so that the electrical conductor can be inserted at any time without requiring any special effort. The clamping arm, together with the contact section of the busbar, can form a clamping point for connecting an electrical conductor between the clamping arm and the contact section. In the open position, at least the clamping edge of the clamping arm is pivoted away from the contact section of the busbar. The clamping arm can be pivoted, for example, between an open position in which the electrical conductor is freely movable between the clamping arm and the contact section, and a clamped position in which the clamping arm clamps the electrical conductor to the contact section.

[0022] The actuating lever can have at least one spring driver through which, when the actuating lever is actuated, the actuating force for deflecting the clamping arm into the open position can be transmitted to the at least one actuating surface of the clamping arm. The at least one spring driver can, for example, be arranged laterally next to the clamping arm.

[0023] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, at least one actuating tab is formed on the clamping leg, at which the clamping leg can be actuated by the actuating element with an actuating force to deflect it into the open position, wherein the at least one actuating tab is arranged behind the connecting arms in the conductor insertion direction. If the clamping leg extends through the conductor insertion opening, the clamping leg can, for example, be widened on both sides of the connecting arms on the side facing away from the spring arch, forming laterally projecting actuating tabs, with the actuating tabs adjoining the connecting arms. The actuating element, with its spring driver, can reliably actuate the clamping leg via the actuating tab, transmitting the actuating force to the actuating tab.This allows for easy operation of the clamping arm with low operating force.

[0024] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the insulating housing extends vertically from the top of the housing to the bottom. The actuating element can be an actuating lever pivotable about an axis of rotation, wherein the actuating lever has an actuating section on the top of the housing that can be manually operated by the user.

[0025] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the axis of rotation of the actuating lever can be arranged behind the clamping point in the conductor insertion direction, thus placing the axis of rotation of the actuating lever relatively far back in the insulating housing, viewed in the conductor insertion direction. This minimizes the actuating forces required to actuate the clamping spring. For example, the axis of rotation can be arranged adjacent to a rear wall of the insulating housing.

[0026] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the axis of rotation of the actuating lever can be arranged vertically below the clamping point, thus placing the axis of rotation relatively far down in the insulating housing, e.g., on a lower wall of the insulating housing. This allows the actuating lever to be integrated into the conductor terminal in a particularly space-saving manner. The actuating lever can, for example, be supported on the insulating housing, e.g., on the underside of the housing.

[0027] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, at least one retaining tab is formed on the retaining element, extending towards its free end in the opposite direction to the conductor insertion direction and towards the free end of the clamping leg, so that the clamping leg can be secured to the retaining tab in the open position. The retaining element can have a locking element that is spring-loaded by the clamping leg in the open position. Such a design, particularly with a connecting body or clamping spring formed integrally with the retaining element, allows the integration of an automatic conductor connection function into spring-loaded clamping terminals and conductor connection terminals of various designs. In particular, proven conductor connection terminals of known design can thus be further developed with minimal effort to include an automatic conductor connection function, i.e., with automatic conductor connection of the electrical conductor to be clamped.Advantageously, an automatic conductor connection function can be easily and compactly integrated into existing conductor terminal designs. No additional holding element is required for the holding function, which simplifies the installation of the conductor terminal.

[0028] The retaining element can be movably arranged, e.g., sliding, pivoting, or otherwise deflectable, so that it can be easily deflected by the inserted conductor to achieve the desired release of the clamping arm from the retaining element. The retaining element can be slidably mounted, e.g., in a linear or arc-shaped direction. The retaining element can be pivotally mounted. In this case, the retaining element can pivot about a fixed or variable pivot axis. In the case of a variable pivot axis, the retaining element can, for example, be floatingly pivotable. The retaining element can also perform a combined sliding and pivoting movement. The retaining element can also be movably mounted in another way so that it can be deflected sufficiently to release the locking of the clamping arm from the retaining element.

[0029] The operating lever allows the clamping arm to be moved into the open position by manual operation, counteracting the spring force of the clamping spring. In this open position, the clamping arm can then be held by the retaining element, even without further manual operation of the operating lever, so that the electrical conductor can be inserted at any time without requiring any special effort. For example, the clamping arm can be locked onto the retaining element in the open position.

[0030] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the clamping leg has a first locking element, and the at least one retaining tab has a second locking element that can be engaged with the first locking element in the open position. This allows for a simple and reliable mechanical coupling of the clamping leg with the retaining element in the open position, which is also easily releasable. Depending on the embodiment, the first locking element can be formed by an existing element or a section of the clamping leg, so that the latter does not need to be modified. For example, the first locking element can be formed directly by the clamping edge.

[0031] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the conductor terminal has a release element with a release section, the actuation of which deflects the retaining element sufficiently to release the clamping leg held on the retaining element. For example, the clamping leg held on the retaining element in the open position can be released from the retaining element when an electrical conductor to be connected exerts an actuating force on the release section of the release element. This allows the clamping leg to be automatically released from the retaining element by inserting the electrical conductor. The release section can be actuated by a separate tool, a component of the conductor terminal such as an actuating element, or directly by the inserted electrical conductor itself, thereby causing the clamping leg to be released from the retaining element.The release element allows the clamping leg, which is held in the open position on the retaining element, to be released from the retaining element by applying pressure to the release section in the conductor entry direction (L) of the electrical conductor to be connected. Depending on the design of the conductor connection terminal, the release element can be designed as a separate component.

[0032] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the release element is integrated into the component or assembly of the spring-clamp connection that includes the retaining element. This minimizes the design and assembly effort for the spring-clamp connection. In particular, only one component or assembly is required for mounting the release element and the retaining element, rather than two separate components or assemblies. For example, the release element can be integrally formed with the retaining element. Alternatively, the release element can be positioned further along the mounting leg behind the retaining element, in each case viewed in the conductor insertion direction.

[0033] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the retaining element is arranged behind the clamping point or behind the majority of the busbar in the direction of conductor insertion into the spring-loaded clamping connection. In this way, the retaining element does not obstruct the insertion of the electrical conductor. For example, in the open position, i.e., when the clamping leg is locked onto the retaining element, the retaining element, when viewed in the direction of conductor insertion, may not protrude into a conductor receiving space, or may only protrude slightly, relative to the clamping leg.

[0034] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the actuating lever is U-shaped when viewed in the conductor insertion direction, with an electrical conductor being insertable into an interior space of the U-shape. This allows for a particularly compact design of the conductor terminal block, such that the actuating lever can transmit large forces while requiring only a negligible amount of additional space. This is achieved in particular because the interior space of the U-shape can be used to position the electrical conductor to be clamped.

[0035] For example, the actuating lever can have a manual actuation section, e.g., in the form of a lever handle, from which the actuating lever extends around the assembly of clamping spring and / or busbar via two side plates projecting parallel to the manual actuation section. If the spring-clamp connection is located in an insulating housing of a conductor terminal, the side plates can be situated within the insulating housing. A spring driver can be arranged on each of the side plates, which can, for example, be integrally formed with the respective side plate. By means of such a spring driver, the clamping spring can be actuated either directly at the clamping leg or at respective actuation sections associated with the spring drivers, which project laterally beyond the clamping leg, and thus pivoted into the open position.

[0036] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, a conductor receiving space can be formed in the insulating material housing for receiving the electrical conductor to be clamped to the contact section, wherein the release section of the release element is arranged in the conductor receiving space or at least projects into the conductor receiving space.

[0037] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the release section of the release element can be arranged behind the contact section or at least behind the clamping point in the conductor insertion direction.

[0038] The retaining element can have a test contact formed in one piece, which serves for electrical testing through a rear test opening in the insulating housing.

[0039] 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°).

[0040] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to exemplary embodiments and drawings.

[0041] They show Fig. 1. A conductor terminal block in perspective view Fig. 2 the conductor connection terminal according to Fig. 1 in side sectional view in the clamping position, Fig. 3 the conductor connection terminal according to Fig. 2 in the open position, Fig. 4 the conductor connection terminal according to Fig. 2 with electrical conductor plugged in, Fig. 5 a clamping spring in side view, Fig. 6 the clamping spring according to Fig. 5 in perspective view, Fig. 7 a connecting body in side view, Fig. 8 the connecting body according to Fig. 7 in perspective view, Fig. 9 a spring clamp connection in side view, Fig. 10 the spring clamp connection according to Fig. 9 in perspective view, Fig. 11 an operating lever in perspective view, Fig. 12 a power rail in perspective view, Fig. 13 another embodiment of a clamping spring in side view, Fig. 14 the clamping spring according to Fig. 13 in the latched open position, Fig. 15 the clamping spring according to Fig. 13 in perspective view, Fig. 16 another embodiment of a connecting body in side view, Fig. 17 the connecting body according to Fig. 16 in perspective view, Fig. 18 a spring force clamp connection in a further embodiment in perspective view.

[0042] The Fig. Figure 1 shows a conductor terminal 1 with an insulating housing 2. In the illustrated embodiment, the conductor terminal 1 is designed as a multi-pole conductor terminal. Accordingly, the conductor terminal 1 has several conductor entry openings 20 in the insulating housing 2, through each of which an electrical conductor to be connected can be inserted. Several spring-clamp terminals are arranged in the insulating housing 2, with each spring-clamp terminal being assigned to one conductor entry opening 20. The conductor terminal 1 has a pivotable actuating lever 6 for actuating the clamping spring of each spring-clamp terminal.

[0043] The Fig. Figure 2 shows a side sectional view of the conductor connection terminal 1 according to Fig. 1 in a cross-sectional plane that passes centrally through a spring-clamp terminal. The insulating housing 2 extends in a vertical direction H from a housing top 22, which may be formed by an upper housing wall, to a housing bottom 23, which may be formed by a lower housing wall. At a conductor entry side, the insulating housing 2 has the conductor entry opening 20, which serves for inserting an electrical conductor in a conductor entry direction L. At the end opposite the conductor entry side, the insulating housing 2 has a rear housing wall 21. In this embodiment, the rear housing wall 21 is designed as part of a rear housing cover 25, which can close an opening of a main housing part 24.

[0044] It can be seen that the spring-loaded terminal arranged in the insulating housing 2 has a clamping spring 4 and a busbar 3. The busbar 3 has a contact section 30. The contact section 30 serves for the electrical contact of a connected electrical conductor. The clamping spring 4 has a contact leg 41, which is attached to the busbar 3 by means of a fastening section 40 of the contact leg 41. The fastening section 40 can be formed as part of the contact leg 41. The clamping spring 4 has a spring arc 42 adjoining the contact leg 41 and a clamping leg 43 adjoining the spring arc 42, which serves to clamp an electrical conductor to the contact section 30 at a clamping point 30. The clamping leg 43 terminates at its free end with a clamping edge 46.

[0045] The conductor terminal 1, housed in the insulating material housing 2, also has a connecting body 7 that secures the clamping spring 4 to the busbar 3. The connecting body 7 has a first crossbar 71 for attaching the mounting leg 41 or its mounting section 40. The mounting leg 41 can be hooked onto this first crossbar 71 by means of the mounting section 40. The connecting body 7 extends from the first crossbar 71 to the busbar 3 via two spaced-apart connecting arms 70. The connecting arms 70 are connected to each other in the area of ​​the busbar 3 by a second crossbar 72. The busbar 3 can be supported or hooked onto this second crossbar 72 with its contact section 30. As can be seen, in this assembled state, the second crossbar 72 is located on the side of the busbar 3 facing away from the clamping leg 43.The clamping spring 4 is clamped between the first crossbar 71 and the conductor rail 3 held on the second crossbar 72.

[0046] To actuate the clamping spring 4, i.e., to deflect the clamping leg 43 from the position in Fig. In the clamping position shown in section 2, the actuating lever 6 is provided, which is located in the Fig. Figure 11 shows further details. The actuating lever 6 has a manual actuating section 60 that protrudes from the insulating housing 2. The user can grasp and pivot the actuating lever 6 at the manual actuating section 60. The actuating lever 6 extends into the insulating housing 2 via side walls 63.

[0047] One can recognize in the Fig. 11, that the actuating lever 6 extends from the manual actuating section 60 over the respective side wall 63 to a support area 61, on which the actuating lever 6 is pivotably supported on the underside 23 of the housing. The actuating lever 6 is rotatable about an axis of rotation, i.e., it is movable between a closed end position, which is in the Fig. 2 is shown, and an open end position, which is in Fig. As shown in figure 3, it can be moved back and forth. This is evident in the Fig. 11 also that the actuating lever 6 has a spring driver 62 on a respective side wall 63, which is in contact with the clamping arm 43 or an actuating tab 47 formed on the clamping arm 43 and, when the actuating lever 6 is pivoted into the open end position, pushes the clamping arm 43 into the open position.

[0048] When the actuating lever 6 is pivoted into the open end position, the clamping arm 43 is pivoted in a direction away from the contact section 30 via the spring driver 62 and moved into the open position, as can be seen in Fig. 3 detects. In this way, the clamping point can be opened so that a clamped electrical conductor can be removed or an electrical conductor to be clamped can be easily inserted. In this open position, the clamping arm 43 can be locked onto a retaining element 5. The retaining element 5 serves to hold the clamping arm 43 in the open position, even when the actuating lever 6 is again in the closed end position.

[0049] In the Fig. In the illustrated embodiment 2, the connecting body 7 is formed integrally with the retaining element 5, e.g., by the retaining element 5 adjoining the first transverse web 71. Furthermore, a release element 8 is formed integrally with the retaining element 5, e.g., such that the release element 8 adjoins the retaining element 5 on the side facing away from the first transverse web 71. Accordingly, in the illustrated embodiment, the connecting body 7, the retaining element 5, and the release element 8 can be formed integrally from a single sheet metal part, as also shown in the Fig. 7, Fig. 8 is recognizable.

[0050] The retaining element 5 has at least one locking arm 54, as can be seen in the Fig. 7, Fig. 8 recognizes, which can be projected laterally from the retaining element 5 made of the same material as the retaining element 5, for example by means of a punching and bending process. In the area of ​​the free end, the locking arm 54 has a second locking element 50. A first locking element is formed on the clamping leg 43 by the clamping edge 46 or by an additional element.

[0051] In the Fig. 3. The actuating lever 6 is pivoted into the open end position. Via the spring driver 62, the clamping arm 43 is now moved into the open position, in which the clamping edge 46 engages with the second locking element 50. If the actuating lever 6 is now moved back to the closed end position, the clamping arm 43 remains in the open position, as it is held by the retaining element 5.

[0052] The retaining element 5 extends in the conductor insertion direction L to the release element 8, which transitions into a section angled relative to the retaining element 5 and extending transversely to the conductor insertion direction L, forming the release section 80 of the release element 8. If an electrical conductor 9, such as the Fig. As shown in Figure 4, when the conductor 9 is inserted into the insulating housing 2 through the conductor entry opening 20 in the conductor entry direction L, pressing the end of the electrical conductor 9 against the release section 80 causes the entire assembly, consisting of the release element 8 and the retaining element 5, to deflect. This shifts the release section 80, together with the retaining element 5 or at least the second locking element 50, slightly backward in the conductor entry direction L, allowing the clamping leg 43 to detach from the second locking element 50. Consequently, the clamping leg 43 can spring back and press the electrical conductor 9 against the contact section 30. Due to the spring preload of the clamping spring 4, the clamping leg 43 thus moves into the clamping position.

[0053] The Fig. 5 and Fig. Figure 6 shows an advantageous embodiment of a clamping spring 4 with the elements already described: mounting section 40, contact leg 41, spring arc 42, and clamping leg 43 with the clamping edge 46. It is particularly evident that the clamping leg 43 can have laterally projecting actuating tabs 47 in the region of its free end, which project from both sides of the clamping leg 43, with the clamping edge 46 extending between the actuating tabs 47. It is also conceivable that the clamping edge 46 can extend into the region of the actuating tabs 47.

[0054] The Fig. 7 and Fig. Figure 8 illustrates an advantageous embodiment of the connecting body 7. The conductor terminal 1 can, for example, be designed as a multi-pole conductor terminal in which several spring-clamp terminals or several clamping springs are arranged laterally next to each other. Accordingly, the connecting body 7 can have adjacent connecting arms 70 arranged in pairs for each clamping spring 4, which are connected to each other at their end regions by the first crossbar 71 and the second crossbar 72. A conductor feed-through opening 73 for the passage of the electrical conductor is formed between these elements 70, 71, 72. As the Fig. As illustrated in Figure 8, the second crossbars 72 can be formed as a continuous, one-piece metal section, so that a one-piece formed connecting body 7 provides receiving options for several, i.e. in this case three, clamping springs 4.

[0055] As shown in the figures, support tabs 74 extend from the second crossbars 72 into the conductor feed-through opening 73. The support tabs 74 serve as a bearing and support for the conductor rail 3.

[0056] It is also evident that the conductor feedthrough opening 73 is significantly widened in the area facing the second crossbar 72 and has a width B. This is advantageous for mounting the clamping spring 4, so that the clamping leg 73 with the actuating tabs 47 arranged on it can be easily inserted through the conductor feedthrough opening 73. The width B can, for example, be slightly larger than the width of the clamping leg 43 in the area of ​​the actuating tabs 47.

[0057] As the Fig. Figure 9 shows a busbar 3 of the type described above connected to a connecting body 7 according to the Fig. 7 and Fig. 8 and a clamping spring 4 according to the Fig. 5 and Fig. When the assembly is complete, the clamping spring 4, with its contact leg 41 and in particular its fastening section 40, can be hooked onto the first crossbar 71 in the conductor entry opening 73. The busbar is hooked onto the second crossbar 72 in the conductor entry opening 73 with its contact section 30. When the clamping leg 43 is moved into the open position, as shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 9, the clamping leg 43 engages with its clamping edge 46 or a separate locking element on the second locking element 50 of the holding element 5. This holds the clamping leg 43 in the open position.

[0058] The Fig. 10 shows the one based on the Fig. 9 explained spring-loaded clamping connection with the previously described, three adjacent clamping springs 4, which are in the Fig. Figure 10 shows each component in the clamped position. It can be seen that the busbar 3 can also be designed as a continuous component in the direction of the clamping springs 4, from which a contact section 30 associated with a clamping spring 4 projects, as also shown in the Fig. 12 can be seen.

[0059] The Fig. Figure 11 shows an actuating lever 6 with further details. It can be seen that the actuating lever 6 has side flanges 63 projecting substantially at right angles from opposite sides of the manual actuating section 60. The side flanges 35 extend from the manual actuating section 60, forming a U-shape. In this area, the side flanges 63 are not connected to each other, i.e., there is a gap between them. A bearing area 61 and a spring driver 62 are integrally formed on each side flange 63. The spring drivers 62 are preferably arranged on the inner surfaces of the two side flanges 63 facing each other.

[0060] The Fig. Figure 12 shows a busbar 3, which in this embodiment is designed as a continuous busbar extending over several spring-clamp terminals. The busbar 3 has a corresponding contact section 31 for each spring-clamp terminal. It would also be possible not to design the busbar 3 as a continuous busbar.

[0061] The Fig. 13, Fig. 14 to Fig. Figure 15 shows a further embodiment of a clamping spring 4, in which the previously described retaining element 5 and the release element 8 are integrally formed with this clamping spring 4. A retaining tab 54 can be provided on each side, to the left and right of the retaining element 5, each with a second locking element 50. The retaining tabs 54 extend in the opposite direction to the conductor insertion direction L. Similarly, a locking tab can be formed on the left and right of the clamping leg 43, each with a first locking element designed to engage with a respective retaining tab 54. In the illustrated embodiment, however, the locking of the retaining tabs 54 occurs directly with the clamping leg 43 in the area of ​​the clamping edge 46. In this way, the clamping leg 43 can be locked symmetrically to the retaining element 5 on both sides.As can be seen, the retaining element 5 connects to the fastening section 40 of the mounting leg 41. The release element 8 is in turn formed integrally with the retaining element 5 and connects to this retaining element 5 on the side facing away from the fastening section 40.

[0062] The retaining element 5 has a transversely oriented widening of the web connecting the fastening section 40 to the release element 8. This widening serves as a test contact 51 for a rear test opening in the insulating housing 2.

[0063] The Fig. 13 and Fig. Figure 15 shows the clamping spring in the clamped position or in the relaxed state, which Fig. Figure 14 shows the clamping spring in the open position locked to the locking element 50.

[0064] The Fig. 16 and Fig. Figure 17 shows a further embodiment of a connecting body 7, which, compared to the connecting body described above, is simpler in design and does not have the integrally molded retaining element 5 and release element 8. Accordingly, the structure is comparatively simple, in which the connecting body 7 has, for each clamping spring, only the two spaced-apart connecting arms 70 and the first and second crossbars 71, 72 arranged at opposite ends of the connecting arms 70, connecting the connecting arms 70 to each other, with the conductor feed-through opening 73 again arranged between the connecting arms 70 and the crossbars 71, 72. In this embodiment as well, the second crossbars 72 can be designed as a continuous metal part.

[0065] The Fig. Figure 18 shows a spring-loaded clamping connection in which several clamping springs 4 are selected based on the Fig. 13, Fig. 14 to Fig. 15 explained type via a connecting body 7 which is based on the Fig. 16, Fig. 17. The components described above are connected to a busbar 3. The busbar 3 can, for example, be connected according to... Fig. 12. In each case, a contact section 30 of the busbar 3 extends through a conductor feed-through opening 73, which is assigned to a respective clamping spring 4 that is hooked into this conductor feed-through opening 73. Reference symbol list 1 conductor connection terminal 2 insulating housings 3 Power rail 4 clamping springs 5 retaining element 6 operating levers 7 Connecting bodies 8 Solvent element 9 electrical conductors 20 conductor entry openings 21 rear case wall 22 Top of case 23 Underside of housing 24 Main housing part 25 Housing covers 30 Contact section 31 Clamping point 40 fastening section 41 Attachment legs 42 feather bows 43 clamping legs 46 clamping edge 47 Actuating tab 50 second locking element 51 Test contact 54 Raster arm 60 manual actuation section 61 Support area 62 spring drivers 63 Side cheek 70 connecting arm 71 first crossbeam 72 second crossbeam 73 Ladder feedthrough opening 74 Support surface 80 Solution section B Passage width H Altitude L conductor entry 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] EP 2 956 993 B1

[0002]

Claims

[1] A conductor terminal (1) with an insulating housing (2) having at least one conductor entry opening (20) for receiving an electrical conductor (9) in a conductor entry direction (L), wherein at least one spring-loaded clamping connection for connecting an electrical conductor (9) by means of spring force is arranged in the insulating housing (2), wherein the spring-loaded clamping connection has at least one busbar (3) and a clamping spring (4) having a clamping leg (43) with a clamping edge (46) for clamping the electrical conductor (9) at a clamping point (31) on a contact section (30) of the busbar (3), wherein the spring-loaded clamping connection has, as a further component formed separately from the clamping spring (4) and the busbar (3), a connecting body (7) by which the clamping spring (4) is fixed to the busbar (3), characterized by, that the conductor terminal (1) has at least one retaining element (5) which is designed to hold the clamping leg (43) in an open position, wherein the retaining element (5) is formed integrally with the connecting body (7) or integrally with the clamping spring (4), in particular with the contact leg (41) of the clamping spring (4). [2] Conductor terminal according to claim 1, characterized by , that the connecting body (7) is designed in a frame-like manner with at least two spaced-apart connecting arms (70) which each extend from a contact leg (41) of the clamping spring (4) to the busbar (3). [3] Conductor terminal according to claim 2, characterized by , that a conductor feed-through opening (73) is formed between the connecting arms (70), through which the electrical conductor (9) to be connected can be inserted. [4] Conductor terminal according to claim 2 or 3, characterized by, that the connecting body (7) has at least one first transverse web (71) by which the connecting arms (70) are connected to each other at their area facing the mounting leg (41) or at their area facing the conductor rail (3). [5] Conductor terminal according to claim 4, characterized by , that the connecting body (7) has a second crossbar (72) which is spaced apart from the first crossbar (71) and connects the connecting arms (70) together. [6] Conductor terminal according to claim 5, characterized by , that the ladder opening (73) is formed between the first and the second crossbar (71, 72). [7] Conductor terminal according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the connecting body (7) is made of a material with a lower spring stiffness than the clamping spring (4). [8] Conductor terminal according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the connecting body (7) is formed from a sheet material that has a lesser thickness than the sheet from which the clamping spring (4) is formed. [9] Conductor terminal according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the connecting body (7) has a receiving contour (74) for receiving and / or suspending the support leg (41), wherein the receiving contour (74) has a centering feature for centering the clamping spring (4) in the receiving contour (74). [10] Conductor terminal according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the conductor terminal (1) has an actuating element (6) for the manual actuation of the terminal leg (43) into the open position. [11] Conductor terminal according to claim 10, characterized by, that at least one actuating tab (47) is formed on the clamping leg (43), on which the clamping leg (43) can be actuated by means of the actuating element (6) with an actuating force to deflect into the open position, wherein the at least one actuating tab (47) is arranged behind the connecting arms (70) in the conductor insertion direction (L). [12] Conductor terminal according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the conductor terminal (1) has a release element (8) with a release section (80) by actuating the retaining element (5) to such an extent that the clamping leg (43) held on the retaining element (5) is released from the retaining element (5). [13] Conductor terminal according to claim 12, characterized by, that the clamping leg (43) held in the open position on the holding element (5) can be released from the holding element (5) when an electrical conductor (9) to be clamped exerts an actuating force on the release section (80) of the release element (8). [14] Conductor terminal according to one of claims 12 to 13, characterized by , that the release element (8) is formed integrally with the retaining element (5).

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