Spring clamp connection and conductor connection terminal

Abstract

Spring-loaded clamping connection for clamping electrical conductors (9) in a conductor insertion direction (L), with a clamping spring (4) formed from a sheet metal part, which has a root region (48), a clamping leg (43) projecting movably from the root region (48) with its free end section, and a contact leg (40, 41, 42) projecting from the root region (48) with edge ribs (40), wherein the free end of the clamping leg (43) opposite the root region (47) has a clamping edge (46), and the edge ribs (40) define a first recess (A1) for passing the electrical conductor (9) to be clamped and lead to a base section (41) of the contact leg (40, 41, 42), wherein the clamping edge (46) is aligned adjacent to the base section (41) in a closed position of the clamping leg (43) and in an open position of the clamping leg (43) is displaced from the base section (41), characterized in that - a retaining element (5) is formed integrally with the sheet metal part, - wherein the retaining element (5) is connected to the base section (41) of the mounting leg (40, 41, 42) by a retaining section (52) and has at least one locking web (51) which has a locking contour (50) on which the clamping leg (43) can be locked in the open position, - wherein the retaining element (5) has at least one release element (8) which extends from the retaining section (52) in the conductor insertion direction (L) and is connected to a release section (80) oriented transversely to the conductor insertion direction (L).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a spring-loaded clamping connection for clamping electrical conductors in a conductor insertion direction, comprising a clamping spring formed from a sheet metal part, which has a root region, a clamping leg movably projecting from the root region with its free end section, and a contact leg projecting from the root region with edge ribs, wherein the free end of the clamping leg opposite the root region has a clamping edge, and the edge ribs define a first recess for guiding the electrical conductor to be clamped and lead to a base section of the contact leg, wherein the clamping edge is aligned adjacent to the base section in a closed position of the clamping leg and is displaced away from the base section in an open position of the clamping leg. The invention also relates to a conductor connection terminal for clamping electrical conductors.

[0002] Spring-loaded clamp connections are used to connect an electrical conductor to a clamping point formed between the clamping arm of a spring clamp and a busbar. To connect the conductor directly, the clamping spring can be pushed away from the busbar against the force of the spring clamp. This is possible for solid conductors, but not for stranded or multi-stranded conductors.

[0003] There is a need for connecting electrical conductors to a spring-loaded terminal that is self-locking in an open position. Often, it is desirable for conductor terminals to be delivered from the factory with the spring-loaded terminal already open.

[0004] EP 3 507 866 B1 discloses a conductor terminal for clamping electrical conductors, comprising an insulating housing and a contact element. The contact element has a sheet metal part with at least one clamping spring arranged thereon. The insulating housing has at least one conductor entry channel leading to a respective clamping spring. The sheet metal part has an opening for receiving an electrical conductor inserted into an associated conductor entry channel. The insulating housing has channel side walls that define the conductor entry channel and extend into the opening.

[0005] Based on this, the object of the present invention is to create an improved spring clamp connection and a conductor terminal with such a spring clamp connection.

[0006] This problem is solved in a spring-loaded clamping connection of the type mentioned above by the fact that - a retaining element is formed integrally with the sheet metal part, - wherein the retaining element is connected to the base section of the clamping leg by a retaining section and has at least one locking tab which has a locking contour on which the clamping leg can be locked in the open position, - wherein the retaining element has at least one release element extending from the retaining section in the conductor insertion direction and connected to a release section oriented transversely to the conductor insertion direction.

[0007] Such a design allows for the easy integration of automatic release technology into spring-clamp terminals and conductor connection terminals of various designs. In particular, proven conductor connection terminals of known design can be easily upgraded to an automatic release functionality, i.e., with automatic connection of the electrical conductor to be clamped.

[0008] The invention allows for different shapes of the clamping spring, whereby in all shapes the retaining element and the release element are advantageously integrated into a single sheet metal part. This sheet metal part, or the clamping spring, can, for example, have an S-shape in side view. Advantageously, an inserted electrical conductor, clamped by means of the clamping spring, penetrates this S-shaped sheet metal part several times.

[0009] In an advantageous embodiment, the retaining section can have two spaced-apart locking tabs that define a second recess for the passage of the electrical conductor to be clamped. Advantageously, an inserted electrical conductor, clamped by means of the clamping spring, penetrates the S-shaped sheet metal part in the area of ​​the locking tabs and in the area of ​​the edge tabs. The electrical conductor thus extends through the first recess and through the second recess.

[0010] The term "transverse" does not refer solely to a strictly right-angled arrangement, but rather to an orientation that is essentially perpendicular to the reference plane, with an angle ranging from diagonal to perpendicular. This means that the direction of extension transverse to the reference plane is oriented at an angle ranging from 45° to 135°, or 90° ± 45°, and preferably 90° ± 20° to the reference plane. The reference plane can be defined by the conductor entry direction and the alignment direction of clamping legs. Alternatively, the reference plane can be defined by a busbar or the contact section.

[0011] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the retaining section has two spaced-apart locking lugs that define a second recess for the insertion of the electrical conductor to be clamped. The second recess is aligned with the first recess in the conductor insertion direction, and the release section is located behind the first and second recesses in the conductor insertion direction. The alignment of the first and second recesses in the conductor insertion direction allows for easy, unobstructed insertion of the electrical conductor and release of the clamping arm, which is locked in the open position.

[0012] The retaining element is designed to hold the clamping arm in the open position. This retaining element allows the clamping arm to remain open even when it is not being manually operated. With this retaining element, the electrical conductor can be inserted into the clamping point without requiring any force. Furthermore, the user does not need to manually open the clamping point beforehand if the clamping arm is already in the open position and held by the retaining element. For example, the conductor connection terminal can be offered for sale with the clamping arm already in the open position.

[0013] 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.

[0014] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the spring-loaded clamping connection has a release element, the actuation of which deflects the retaining element sufficiently to release the clamping leg held on the retaining element. The release element may have a release section. The clamping leg, held on the retaining element in the open position, can be released from the retaining element by the release element when an electrical conductor to be connected exerts an actuating force on the release section. 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 connection 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 detached from the retaining element by applying pressure to the release section in the direction of conductor entry of the electrical conductor to be connected. The release element can be integrally formed with the retaining element.

[0015] If the clamping spring is designed as an S-shaped sheet metal part, as mentioned, this S-shape advantageously promotes the deflection of the retaining element or its detent contour by enabling low release forces.

[0016] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the locking contour is formed by a recess on the at least one locking rib. This allows for easy provision of the locking contour by forming a recess on the respective locking rib.

[0017] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the spring-loaded clamp connection has a contact section to which the electrical conductor can be clamped by means of the clamping edge of the clamping leg. This enables secure clamping of the electrical conductor by means of spring force. A clamping point for the electrical conductor can thus be formed between the contact section and the clamping edge.

[0018] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the base section forms a transverse web connecting the edge webs, which can optionally form the contact section. In such an embodiment, the base section can thus directly form the contact section. In this case, no additional component such as a busbar needs to be provided. Accordingly, the spring-clamp connection can be provided simply and at low cost. This allows an electrical conductor to be clamped between the clamping edge of a clamping leg and the contact section formed on the transverse web from the sheet metal material of the spring-clamp connection.

[0019] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the spring-clamp connection has a busbar that is supported on the base section of the mounting leg and forms the contact section. Such an additional component as the busbar further improves the electrical conductivity of the spring-clamp connection. The busbar can, for example, be made of a copper alloy and the clamping spring of a chromium alloy. The base section serves to support the busbar, which in this case forms the contact section. In this embodiment, the base section can optionally be designed with or without the crossbar connecting the edge webs. The base section can, for example, be designed as a bearing section for the edge webs.

[0020] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the contact leg projects from the common root region in a first section formed by the edge webs at an angle to the plane of the root region and at an angle to the conductor insertion direction towards the base section, and extends with a second section in the conductor insertion direction, the base section being arranged on the second section. This enables an advantageous, particularly flat spring geometry. The angle can preferably be transverse to the conductor insertion direction, i.e., in the range of a 45° diagonal up to a right angle (i.e., in the range of 45° through 90° to 135° or 90° ±45°).

[0021] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the locking ribs of the holding section continue the edge ribs of the mounting leg.

[0022] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the holding element is bent in a U-shape, with the holding section and the release section projecting parallel to each other and at a distance from each other from a release arm.

[0023] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the retaining section of the retaining element has a retaining tab projecting laterally from the locking bar in the open position of the clamping leg towards the clamping leg.

[0024] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the root area has a first spring arc which is connected at one end to the clamping leg and at the opposite end to the contact leg.

[0025] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the first spring arc has at least one slot. This allows the spring characteristic of the clamping spring to be easily adjusted as desired.

[0026] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the contact leg projects from the first spring bow and transitions at a distance from the first spring bow into locking webs which project from the plane of the section of the contact leg adjoining the first spring bow in a direction transverse to the conductor insertion direction.

[0027] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the sheet metal part has several clamping points for multiple electrical conductors arranged side by side in a row, with several clamping legs arranged side by side and the base section extending along several or all clamping legs on the opposite side of the root area in the alignment direction of the clamping legs and the edge webs of the contact leg. In this way, several spring-clamp terminals or at least their clamping springs can be formed in one piece from a single sheet metal part. This allows for a particularly efficient provision of a multi-pole conductor terminal.

[0028] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, several clamping legs project side by side from a common root area, which extends along several or all of the clamping legs in the direction of their arrangement. This allows for a further simplified design of the clamping spring, which can be made particularly flat and requires relatively little sheet metal material.

[0029] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the contact section is formed on a busbar, wherein the busbar extends with a contact section into the space between a pair of edge webs of the mounting leg in the transition to the holding section of the holding element, and wherein the contact section together with a clamping edge of the clamping leg forms a clamping point for clamping an electrical conductor.

[0030] The aforementioned task is also solved by a conductor terminal block for clamping electrical conductors with an insulating housing that has a conductor entry channel extending in a conductor insertion direction and a spring-loaded clamp connection of the type described above within the insulating housing. This also allows the previously described advantages to be realized.

[0031] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the insulating housing has a rib that projects into the second recess between each pair of locking ribs. This rib of the insulating housing can serve as a fixing point for the spring-clamp terminals. The spring-clamp terminals can be easily inserted into the insulating housing and are then secured in at least one spatial direction by the rib projecting into the second recess.

[0032] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the insulating housing comprises a cover part with conductor entry channels arranged side by side and a main housing part with a receiving opening for the spring-clamp connection and with conductor collection pockets, wherein the release sections are arranged in the conductor collection pockets. Such a design of the insulating housing consisting of at least two parts allows for easy assembly of the conductor terminal components.

[0033] The aforementioned problem is also solved by a conductor terminal for clamping electrical conductors by means of spring force, in particular a conductor terminal of the type described above, with an insulating housing having a conductor entry channel extending in a conductor entry direction and a spring-loaded clamping connection arranged in the insulating housing, wherein the spring-loaded clamping connection has a clamping spring with a clamping leg and a busbar, and with a manual actuating element with which, when manually actuated, the clamping leg can be deflected from a clamping position to an open position, wherein the manual actuating element is designed as a pull-actuating element slidably mounted in a displacement direction in the insulating housing, which has a handle section to be actuated by the user with a tensile force and a spring actuating section connected to the handle section.wherein the clamping arm can be deflected into the open position by applying a pulling force to the handle section. In this embodiment, the conductor connection terminal advantageously has a pull actuation element that is slidably mounted, e.g., slidable in a linear direction. The pull actuation element can be designed as a pull slide.

[0034] Such a pull-operate element differs from other types of conductor terminal actuation, such as pivoting operating levers, in that it is essentially linearly displaceable within the housing, without any significant pivoting capability. If, for example, a slight pivoting of the pull-operate element is possible due to material tolerances, this does not actuate the clamping arm and is negligible compared to the sliding movement. Unlike a push-button actuation, the pull-operate element is actuated by the user applying a pulling force. This force is exerted on the handle section by the user pulling on it. Such a pull-operate element can be particularly advantageously integrated into the design of a conductor terminal, whereby the pull-operate element can be arranged completely or at least predominantly within the insulating housing.

[0035] The pull-operate element can have a force transmission section through which the handle section is connected to the spring-operated section. The force transmission section is designed to transfer the tensile force applied by the user to the handle section to the spring-operated section. Thus, only tensile forces or tensile stresses in the material are transmitted via the force transmission section. Accordingly, the force transmission section does not need to have particularly high bending stiffness, as it is not subjected to significant forces in the push-operate direction.

[0036] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is provided that during manual pull operation of the handle section, the handle section can be moved out of the insulating housing or at least further away from the outer surface of the insulating housing. After the pull operation of the pull actuation element has ended, it can then be moved back to its initial position, i.e., back into the insulating housing.

[0037] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the pull actuation element has a receiving chamber located in the pull direction upstream of the handle section, which is designed to receive an actuating aid when the pull actuation force is applied. This allows for efficient transmission of the necessary actuating force to the handle section. The actuating aid can be, for example, a screwdriver or other tool.

[0038] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the handle section is arranged on the housing side facing away from the conductor connection side of the conductor terminal. This allows for advantageous rear actuation of the spring-loaded clamping connections of the conductor terminal. The conductor connection side of the conductor terminal is the side on which the conductor entry opening(s) are located.

[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. 1-3 a spring-loaded clamping connection in side view in various actuation states, Fig. 4 a spring-loaded clamping connection with several clamping springs and a busbar, Fig. 5 a conductor terminal block in lateral sectional view, Fig. 6 Another embodiment of a clamping spring for a spring-loaded clamping connection in side view, Fig. 7 a spring clamp connection in perspective view, Fig. 8 Another embodiment of a spring-loaded clamping connection in perspective view, Fig. 9 Another embodiment of a spring-loaded clamping connection in perspective view, Fig. 10 a train actuation element in perspective view, Fig. 11 a ladder guide element in perspective view, Fig. 12 a conductor terminal block in a first perspective view, Fig. 13 a conductor terminal block in a second perspective view, Fig. 14-16 a conductor connection terminal in lateral sectional view in various operating states, Fig. 17-20 another embodiment of a conductor terminal block in lateral sectional view in various actuation states.

[0042] The one in the Fig. 1, Fig. 2 to Fig. The spring-clamp connection shown in Figure 3 consists of a clamping spring 4, which is formed in one piece from a sheet metal component. The clamping spring 4 has a root section 48, which has a first spring arc 47. From the first spring arc 47, a first root leg 44 branches off on one side and a second root leg 45 on the other side. The first root leg 44 transitions into a contact leg 40, 41, 42 of the clamping spring 4. The contact leg 40, 41, 42 transitions by means of a second spring arc 42 into angled edge webs 40, which extend at least approximately orthogonally to a conductor entry direction L in which an electrical conductor can be inserted into the spring-clamp connection. The edge webs 40 transition into a base section 41 of the contact leg 40, 41, 42.

[0043] A retaining element 5 is integrally formed with the sheet metal part. The retaining element 5 has a retaining section 52, which is connected to the base section 41. The retaining section 52 extends essentially orthogonally to the conductor entry direction L. The arrangement of the edge web 40, the base section 41, and the retaining section 52 forms a U-shape. The retaining element 5, or the retaining section 52, has at least one locking web 51 on which a locking contour 50 is formed. The locking contour 50 is located at the end of the retaining section 52 facing away from the base section 41.

[0044] The retaining element 5 is connected to a release element 8, which is also integrally formed with the sheet metal part. The release element 8 has a release arm 81, which is connected to the retaining section 52. The release arm 81 transitions into a release section 80 of the release element 8, which in turn extends essentially orthogonally to the conductor entry direction L. The arrangement consisting of the edge web 40, the base section 41, the retaining section 52, the connecting section 81, and the release section 80 forms an S-shape.

[0045] A clamping leg 43 is attached to the second root leg 45, which has a clamping edge 46 at its free end. The clamping leg 43 serves to clamp an electrical conductor to a contact section 30.

[0046] The Fig. Figure 1 shows the clamping spring 4 in its relaxed state. In the Fig. Figure 2 shows the clamping spring 4 in a slightly pre-tensioned state with a busbar 3 having a contact section 30. In this state, the clamping leg 43 with its clamping edge 46 is located near or in contact with the contact section 30. In this closed position of the clamping leg 43, the clamping leg 43 is adjacent to the base section 41. The busbar 3 can be supported by the contact section 30 on the base section 41. However, the busbar 3 is an optional component that can also be omitted. In this case, the contact section 30 can be formed on the base section 41.

[0047] The Fig. Figure 2 shows the spring-loaded clamping connection in the closed position of the clamping arm 43. If an electrical conductor is to be clamped at the clamping point between the clamping edge 46 and the contact section 30, the clamping arm 43 can be deflected into an open position, as shown in Figure 2. Fig. Figure 3 shows that the clamping arm 43, with its clamping edge 46, is now located within the area of ​​the detent contour 50, where the clamping arm 43 is engaged either directly with its clamping edge 46 or with a separate detent element of the clamping arm 43 on the detent contour 50. This detent holds the clamping arm 43 in the open position, even when no further actuating force is applied to move the clamping arm.

[0048] To release the locking mechanism of the clamping leg in the open position, the release element 8 or the release section 80 can be subjected to an actuating force in the conductor insertion direction L. This displaces the release element 8 together with at least the locking contour 50 to such an extent that the clamping leg 43 can detach from the locking contour 50 and either into the Fig. 2 can spring back to the position shown or springs back until it reaches an inserted electrical conductor, which is then clamped against the contact section 30 by the clamping leg 43.

[0049] In the illustrated embodiment of the clamping spring 4, the root section 48 can, for example, be designed such that in the closed position and / or in the open position of the clamping leg 43, the first and second root legs 44, 45 are aligned at an acute angle to each other of less than 20 degrees, or are parallel to each other, or, as shown, Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 show that they even point towards each other, whereby the first and second root legs 44, 45 can also touch. This enables a high clamping force of the clamping spring 4 while maintaining a low-profile design.

[0050] It is also evident that the first feather arch 47 has at least one slot 49 (compare Fig. 4). This allows the spring characteristic of the clamping spring 4 to be easily adjusted as desired.

[0051] The Fig. Figure 4 shows a spring-loaded clamping connection with several clamping springs 4 arranged side by side and a busbar 3 extending in the direction of the clamping springs 4, each busbar having a contact section 30 assigned to a clamping spring 4. The clamping springs 4 can be, for example, arranged according to the Fig. 1, Fig. 2 to Fig. 3 be formed. The clamping springs 4 can optionally be separate base sections 41 or, as the Fig. Figure 4 shows that the clamping springs have a continuous, one-piece base section 41 in the direction of assembly. In this case, the clamping springs 4 are made from a single sheet metal part.

[0052] One can recognize in the Fig. 4, that the mounting leg 40, 41, 42 has two spaced-apart edge webs 40, between which a first recess A1 for the insertion of the electrical conductor to be clamped is provided. Furthermore, in the holding section 52, two spaced-apart locking webs 51 are provided, between which a second recess A2 for the insertion of the electrical conductor to be clamped is formed. The first recess A1 and the second recess A2 are arranged one behind the other in alignment in the conductor insertion direction L. In addition, the release section 80 is also arranged in alignment in the conductor insertion direction L behind the first and the second recesses A1, A2. The busbar 3 can extend through the first recess A1 with its respective contact section 30. It is also possible for the respective contact section 30 to extend into or through the second recess A2.

[0053] The Fig. Figure 5 shows a conductor terminal 1 with an insulating housing 2, which is formed in at least two parts and has a main housing part 22 and a cover part 23. The cover part 23 closes an opening in the main housing part 22 facing the conductor entry side 21. The cover part 23 has a conductor entry channel 20, which serves to guide the electrical conductor to the clamping point. A spring-loaded clamp connection is located in one of the insulating housing parts 2. Fig. 4 arranged. In the main housing part 22, a conductor collection pocket 24 is formed behind the clamping point, e.g. behind the busbar 3, in which the respective release section 80 is arranged. Fig. Figure 5 shows the spring clamp connection with the clamping leg 43 in the open position, in which the clamping leg 43 is locked onto the detent contour 50.

[0054] The Fig. Figure 6 shows in a comparable side view how the Fig. 1, Fig. 2 to Fig. 3 Another embodiment of a spring-loaded clamping connection in the form of a clamping spring 4, which is formed from a sheet metal part. The clamping spring 4 again has a root region 48, from which a contact leg 40, 41, 42 extends in a similar manner to the embodiment described first. A clamping leg 43 also branches off from the root region 48, which in turn has a clamping edge 46 at its free end. In contrast to the embodiment of Fig. 1, Fig. 2 to Fig. In this case, the root section 48 has no first spring arc 47 and no adjoining root legs 44, 45, but instead transitions directly into the clamping leg 43 and the contact leg 40, 41, 42 via a relatively short root section 48. The contact leg 40, 41, 42 transitions from the root section 48 by means of a second spring arc 42 into angled edge webs 40, which extend at least approximately orthogonally to a conductor insertion direction L. The edge webs 40 transition into a base section 41 of the contact leg 40, 41, 42.

[0055] A retaining element 5 is integrally formed with the sheet metal part. The retaining element 5 has a retaining section 52, which is connected to the base section 41. The retaining section 52 extends essentially orthogonally to the conductor entry direction L. The arrangement of the edge web 40, the base section 41, and the retaining section 52 forms a U-shape. The retaining element 5, or the retaining section 52, has at least one locking web 51 on which a locking contour 50 is formed. The locking contour 50 is located at the end of the retaining section 52 facing away from the base section 41.

[0056] The retaining element 5 is connected to a release element 8, which is also integrally formed with the sheet metal part. The release element 8 has a release arm 81, which is connected to the retaining section 52. The release arm 81 transitions into a release section 80 of the release element 8, which in turn extends essentially orthogonally to the conductor entry direction L. The arrangement consisting of the edge web 40, the base section 41, the retaining section 52, the connecting section 81, and the release section 80 forms an S-shape.

[0057] The Fig. 7 shows, similar to the Fig. 4, a spring-loaded clamping connection with three clamping springs 4, which are arranged side by side in a series direction and are formed in one piece from a sheet metal part. The clamping springs 4 are according to Fig. 6 designed. In contrast to the embodiment of Fig. Here, the root area 48 is formed as a continuous strip of material in the direction of assembly. The base sections 41 of the clamping springs 4 can be formed separately from one another or also as a continuous strip of material in the direction of assembly.

[0058] It can be seen again that the spring-loaded clamping connection of each clamping spring 4 has, in the conductor insertion direction L, the first recess A1 between the edge webs 40 and behind it the second recess A2 between the locking webs 51, aligned one after the other. Behind this, also aligned in the conductor insertion direction, is the release section 80.

[0059] The Fig. Figure 8 shows a spring clamp connection, which is the spring clamp connection according to Fig. 7, wherein an additional busbar 3 is provided, which is arranged in a manner comparable to the embodiment of the Fig. 4 is supported on the base sections 41 of the clamping springs 4 and extends through the second recess A2 with a respective contact section 30.

[0060] The spring clamp connection according to Fig. 8 has an additional manual actuating element 6 in the form of a pull actuating element for actuating a respective clamping spring 4. This element can be deflected in a displacement direction Z by means of a pull actuating force in order to actuate the clamping leg 43 and move it into the open position. Fig. Figure 8 shows the two left actuating elements 6 in the unactuated state and the right actuating element 6 in the state actuated in the displacement direction Z.

[0061] The actuating element 6 has a handle section 60, which the user applies a pulling force to cause the actuating element 6 to move in the direction of displacement Z. In the area of ​​the handle section 60, particularly in the pulling direction Z in front of the handle section 60, the actuating element 6 has a receiving chamber 61, which serves to receive an actuating aid for applying the pulling force. The handle section 60 is connected via a force transmission section 62 of the actuating element 6 to spring actuating sections 64, which are located in the Fig. 10 are even more recognizable. Like the Fig. As shown in Figure 10, the actuating element 6 in the force transmission section 62 can be designed in a fork-like shape with two fork arms 63, between which a space is formed in which, for example, a part of the release element 8, e.g., the release section 80, can be arranged. At the end facing away from the handle section 60, a spring actuating section 64 is arranged on each fork arm 63, with which an actuating force can be transmitted to the clamping leg 43.

[0062] The Fig. Figure 9 shows an embodiment of a spring-loaded clamping connection, which, with respect to the clamping springs 4 and the busbar 3, is like the embodiment according to Fig. The spring-loaded clamping connection can be configured with actuators 6, but without the actuating elements 6. Optionally, the spring-loaded clamping connection can also be configured with actuating elements 6.

[0063] In contrast to the previously described embodiments, the spring force clamp connection according to Fig. 9 a conductor guide element 7, which has several conductor guide walls 71 assigned to the respective clamping springs 4. A pair of conductor guide walls 71 is arranged at a distance from each other around the clamping leg 43, i.e., the clamping leg 43 is located between the conductor guide walls 71 of the pair of conductor guide walls. The conductor guide walls 71 can be joined to form a single unit for all clamping springs 4, e.g., by being connected to each other via a cross-connection section 70. The conductor guide element 7 can, for example, be manufactured as a plastic injection-molded component.

[0064] The Fig. Figure 11 shows the conductor guide element 7 as a single component and allows the design of the conductor guide walls 71 to be seen even better.

[0065] The Fig. Figure 12 shows a conductor terminal 1 in perspective view, which has an insulating housing 2, e.g. as shown by the Fig. 5 already described. It can be seen that the conductor connection terminal 1 is designed as a multi-pole conductor connection terminal, which has several conductor entry channels 20 opening towards the conductor entry side 21 in one direction of series.

[0066] The Fig. Figure 13 shows a conductor terminal 1 viewed from the rear side, away from the conductor entry side 21. It can be seen that the conductor terminal 1 has several openings in the insulating housing 2 on this rear side, through which the handle sections 60 of the actuating elements 6 are accessible for operation. Similar to in Fig. In 8, the two left actuating elements 6 are unactuated, the right actuating element 6 has been actuated by a pulling force in the displacement direction Z.

[0067] The Fig. Figure 14 shows a conductor connection terminal 1 in a housing with the Fig. 5. Comparable lateral sectional view in an unactuated state of the spring-clamp connection, i.e., the clamping spring 4 is in the closed position of the clamping arm 43. The conductor terminal 1 can, for example, be a spring-clamp connection according to Fig. 9 in the insulating housing 2. If the clamping leg 43 is now deflected into the open position, as the Fig. As shown in Figure 15, the clamping leg 43 locks into the locking contour 50 in this open position and is thus held in the open position. An electrical conductor can now be inserted into the conductor connection terminal 1 in the conductor insertion direction L, as shown in Figure 15. Fig. Figure 16 shows that the electrical conductor 9 is first guided through the conductor guide channel 20 to the clamping point and, in this area, further guided by the conductor guide walls 71 into the conductor collection pocket 24 up to the release section 80. If a compressive force is exerted on the release section 80 by the electrical conductor 9, this displaces the release section 80 and thus also the locking contour 50 to such an extent that the clamping leg 43 releases from the locking contour 50 and springs back, so that the clamping leg 43 with the clamping edge 46 rests against the electrical conductor 9 and presses it against the busbar 3 or the contact section 30.

[0068] The Fig. Figure 17 shows a conductor connection terminal 1 again in a comparable lateral sectional view as the Fig. 14, wherein in the conductor terminal 1 in the insulating housing 2 a spring-loaded clamping connection according to Fig. 8 is arranged, i.e. with the actuating elements 6. The Fig. Figure 17 again shows the clamping arm 43 in the unactuated state, i.e., in the closed position. If the actuating element 6 is now actuated in the displacement direction Z, as shown in the Fig. As shown in Figure 18, the clamping arms 43 are thereby moved into the open position via the spring-actuated sections 64 and lock onto the detent contour 50. The actuating element 6 can be moved back to its initial position, i.e., with the handle section 60 into the insulating housing 2, as shown in the Fig. Figure 19 shows that, due to the locking mechanism on the locking contour 50, the clamping leg 43 remains in the open position. If an electrical conductor 9 is now inserted into the conductor connection terminal 1, as shown in the figure 19, the clamping leg 43 remains in the open position. Fig.As shown in Figure 20, the electrical conductor 9 can, by applying a pressure force to the release section 80, again release the locking of the clamping leg 43 from the locking contour 50 in the manner described above, thereby clamping the electrical conductor 9 to the contact section 30. Reference symbol list 1 conductor connection terminal 2 insulating housings 3 Power rail 4 clamping springs 5 retaining element 6 Actuating element 7. Ladder guide element 8 Solvent element 9 electrical conductors 20 conductor entry channel 21 Ladder entry side 22 Main housing part 23 Lid part 24 ladder collection bags 30 Contact section 40 Edge 41 Basic section 42 second bow 43 clamping legs 44 first root leg 45 second root leg 46 clamping edge 47 first feather bow 48 Root area 49 slots 50 Rast contour 51 Rest area 52 Stop section 60 Handle section 61 Admissions Chamber 62 Power transmission section 63 Fork arm 64 Spring actuation section 70 Cross-connection section 71 Ladder guide wall 80 Solution section 81 Release arm A1 first exit A2 second recess L conductor entry direction Z direction of movement 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 3 507 866 B1

[0004]

Claims

[1] Spring-loaded clamping connection for clamping electrical conductors (9) in a conductor insertion direction (L), comprising a clamping spring (4) formed from a sheet metal part, which has a root region (48), a clamping leg (43) projecting movably from the root region (48) with its free end section, and a contact leg (40, 41, 42) projecting from the root region (48) with edge ribs (40), wherein the free end of the clamping leg (43) opposite the root region (47) has a clamping edge (46), and the edge ribs (40) define a first recess (A1) for passing the electrical conductor (9) to be clamped and lead to a base section (41) of the contact leg (40, 41, 42), wherein the clamping edge (46) is aligned adjacent to the base section (41) in a closed position of the clamping leg (43) and in an open position of the clamping leg (43) is displaced from the base section (41), characterized by , that - a retaining element (5) is formed integrally with the sheet metal part, - wherein the retaining element (5) is connected to the base section (41) of the mounting leg (40, 41, 42) by a retaining section (52) and has at least one locking web (51) which has a locking contour (50) on which the clamping leg (43) can be locked in the open position, - wherein the retaining element (5) has at least one release element (8) which extends from the retaining section (52) in the conductor insertion direction (L) and is connected to a release section (80) oriented transversely to the conductor insertion direction (L). [2] Spring clamp connection according to claim 1, characterized by, that the holding section (52) has two spaced-apart locking ribs (51) which define a second recess (A2) for passing through the electrical conductor (9) to be clamped, wherein the second recess (A2) is arranged in line in the conductor insertion direction (L) with the first recess (A1) for passing through the electrical conductor (9) to be clamped and the release section (80) is arranged in line in the conductor insertion direction (L) behind the first and second recesses (A1, A2). [3] Spring clamp connection according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that the locking contour (50) is formed by an indentation on the at least one locking rib (51). [4] Spring clamp connection according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the spring clamp connection has a contact section (30) on which the electrical conductor (9) can be clamped by means of the clamping edge (46) of the clamping leg (43). [5] Spring clamp connection according to claim 4, characterized by , that the base section (41) forms a crossbar connecting the edge webs (40). [6] Spring clamp connection according to claim 4, characterized by , that the spring clamp connection has a busbar (3) which is supported on the base section (41) of the mounting leg (40, 41, 42) and forms the contact section (30). [7] Spring clamp connection according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the mounting leg (40, 41, 42) projects from the common root area (48) in a first section formed by the edge webs (40) at an angle to the plane of the root area (48) and at an angle to the conductor insertion direction (L) towards the base section (41) and extends with a second section in the conductor insertion direction (L), wherein the base section (41) is arranged on the second section. [8] Spring clamp connection according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the resting bridges (51) of the stopping section (52) continue the edge bridges (40) of the platform leg (40, 41, 42). [9] Spring clamp connection according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the retaining element (5) is bent in a U-shape, with the retaining section (52) and the release section (80) projecting parallel to each other and at a distance from each other from a release arm (81). [10] Spring clamp connection according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the retaining section (52) of the retaining element (5) has a retaining tab projecting laterally from the locking bar (51) in the open position of the clamping leg (43) towards the clamping leg (43). [11] Spring clamp connection according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the root area (48) has a first spring bow (47) which is connected at one end to the clamping leg (43) and at the opposite end to the contact leg (40, 41, 42). [12] Spring clamp connection according to claim 11, characterized by , that the first feather arch (47) has at least one slit (49). [13] Spring clamp connection according to claim 11 or 12, characterized by , that the support leg (40, 41, 42) projects from the first spring arch (47) and transitions at a distance from the first spring arch (47) into locking ribs (51) which project from the plane of the section of the support leg (40, 41, 42) adjoining the first spring arch (47) in a direction transverse to the conductor insertion direction (L). [14] Spring clamp connection according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the sheet metal part has several clamping points arranged side by side in a row for several electrical conductors (9), wherein several clamping legs (43) are arranged side by side and the base section (41) extends on the opposite side of the root area (47) in the direction of the clamping legs (43) and the edge webs (40) of the contact leg (40, 41, 42) over several or all clamping legs (43). [15] Spring clamp connection according to claim 14, characterized by , that several clamping arms (43) project side by side from a common root area (47) which extends along several or all of the clamping arms (43) in the direction of the arrangement of the clamping arms (43). [16] Spring clamp connection according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the contact section (30) is formed on a busbar (3), wherein the busbar (3) extends with a contact section (30) into the space between a pair of edge webs (40) of the mounting leg (40, 41, 42) in the transition to the holding section (52) of the holding element (5), and wherein the contact section (30) together with a clamping edge (46) of the clamping leg (43) forms a clamping point for clamping an electrical conductor (9). [17] Conductor terminal (1) for connecting electrical conductors (9) with an insulating housing (2) which has a conductor entry channel (20) extending in a conductor entry direction (L) and with a spring clamp connection according to one of the preceding claims in the insulating housing (2). [18] Conductor terminal according to claim 17, characterized by, that the insulating housing (2) has a rib which projects into the second recess (A2) between each pair of locking ribs (51). [19] Conductor terminal according to claim 17 or 18, characterized by , that the insulating housing (2) has a cover part (23) with conductor entry channels (20) arranged side by side and a main housing part (22) with a receiving opening for the spring clamp connection and with conductor collection pockets (24), wherein the release sections (80) are arranged in the conductor collection pockets (24). [20] Conductor terminal (1) for clamping electrical conductors (9) by means of spring force, in particular conductor terminal (1) according to one of claims 17 to 19, with an insulating housing (2) which has a conductor entry channel (20) extending in a conductor entry direction (L) and a spring-loaded clamping connection arranged in the insulating housing (2), wherein the spring-loaded clamping connection has a clamping spring (4) with a clamping leg (43) and a busbar (3), and with a manual actuating element (6) with which, when manually actuated, the clamping leg (43) can be deflected from a clamping position to an open position, characterized by, that the manual actuating element (6) is designed as a pull actuating element which is slidably mounted in a displacement direction (Z) in the insulating housing (2), which has a handle section (60) which is to be actuated by the user with a tensile force and a spring actuating section (64) connected to the handle section (60), wherein the clamping leg (43) can be deflected into the open position by applying a tensile force to the handle section (60). [21] Conductor terminal according to claim 20, characterized by , that during the manual pull operation of the handle section (60) the handle section (60) can be moved out of the insulating housing (2) or at least can be moved further away from the outer surface of the insulating housing (2). [22] Conductor terminal according to claim 20 or 21, characterized by, that the pull actuation element (6) has a receiving chamber (61) located in the pull actuation direction (Z) in front of the handle section (60), which is designed to receive an actuating aid when applying the pull actuation force. [23] Conductor terminal according to one of claims 20 to 22, characterized by , that the handle section (60) is arranged on the housing side facing away from the conductor connection side (21) of the conductor connection terminal (1).

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