conductor connection terminal

Abstract

conductor terminal (1) with - an insulating housing (2) which has a conductor entry opening (3) and an actuation opening (4), - a spring-loaded clamping connection (5) in the insulating housing (2), which has a busbar (6) and a clamping spring (7), which has a clamping leg (9) with a clamping edge (30) for clamping an electrical conductor () to a clamping point (31) of the busbar (6), a support leg (10) for mounting the clamping spring (7), and a spring arc (8) which connects the support leg (10) to the clamping leg (9), characterized in that the conductor connection terminal (1) has a movably mounted holding element (11) which is coupled to the clamping leg (9) and has a locking contour (14) which is designed to lock the holding element (11) in an open position in which the clamping edge (30) of the clamping leg (9) is displaced away from the clamping point (31) of the busbar (6) by latching it to the busbar (6), and that the conductor connection terminal (1) a separate from the holding element (11),a movably mounted release element (18) which has a release contour (25) and a release surface (23) arranged in the plane (F) of the conductor entry opening (3), wherein the release element (18) is designed to be moved into a release position by an electrical conductor (50) inserted into the conductor entry opening (3) and impacting the release surface (23), in which the release contour (25) of the release element (18) exerts a release force on the locking contour (14) of the hold-open element (11) which is locked to the busbar (6) in the hold-open position and releases the hold-open element (11) from the busbar (6).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a conductor terminal with an insulating housing having a conductor entry opening and an actuating opening, a spring-loaded clamping connection in the insulating housing, which has a busbar and a clamping spring, which has a clamping leg with a clamping edge for clamping an electrical conductor to a clamping point of the busbar, a support leg for bearing the clamping spring, and a spring arc that connects the support leg with the clamping leg.

[0002] Conductor terminals with spring-loaded clamps 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 electrical conductor, the conductor pushes the spring clamp 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 with a spring-loaded clamp that is self-locking in the open position. It is often desirable for the conductor connection terminals to be delivered from the factory with the spring-loaded clamp open.

[0004] EP 4 145 638 A1 discloses a connection arrangement for connecting an electrical conductor, comprising a current bar, a clamping spring having a retaining leg and a clamping leg, wherein the conductor to be connected is clamped against the current bar in a clamping position of the clamping spring by means of the clamping leg, and an actuating element by means of which the clamping spring can be moved from the clamping position to the open position. The actuating element is held in position by the current bar in the open position of the clamping spring in order to keep the clamping spring in the open position.

[0005] Based on this, the object of the present invention is to create an improved conductor terminal.

[0006] The problem is solved by the conductor terminal with the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments are described in the dependent claims.

[0007] It is proposed that the conductor terminal have a movable holding element which is coupled to the clamping leg and has a locking contour which is designed to lock the holding element in an open position in which the clamping edge of the clamping leg is displaced away from the clamping point of the busbar by interlocking with the busbar, and that the conductor terminal have a movable release element separate from the holding element which has a release contour and a release surface arranged in the plane of the conductor entry opening, wherein the release element is designed to be moved into an unlocked position when displaced by an electrical conductor inserted into the conductor entry opening and striking the release surface.in which the release contour of the release element exerts a release force on the locking contour of the actuating element, which is engaged with the busbar in the open position, and releases the open element from the busbar.

[0008] The two-part design of the hold-open and release mechanism allows for independent components for the hold-open and release functions. These components can be optimally matched to each other kinematically and in terms of contour, to the available installation space, and to their respective functions. This enables a compact design of the conductor terminal block, efficient force transmission from the hold-open element to the clamping arm, and low release forces.

[0009] The locking contour of the holding element can be designed as a retaining lug. The busbar can have a retaining opening and be designed such that, when the clamping arm is deflected, the retaining lug engages in the retaining opening of the busbar, and the clamping arm is held in the open position by the holding element thus secured. The busbar is therefore used to lock the holding element.

[0010] The release contour of the release element can be designed as a release lug, whereby the release lug is moved into the retaining opening of the busbar by the release movement of the release element in order to push the retaining lug out of the retaining opening. Unlocking the holding element can thus be achieved simply by pushing the retaining lug back out of the retaining opening with the release lug.

[0011] The release element can be pivotally mounted. This allows a lever mechanism to be implemented to convert the release force exerted on the release element by an inserted electrical conductor into a release force acting on the retaining lug. Due to the ratio of load arm to force arm, this allows for lower release forces compared to the higher effective release forces resulting from the leverage.

[0012] The release element can be pivotally mounted within the insulating housing or on the busbar. The insulating housing can serve as a counter bearing. However, mounting it on the busbar, which acts as the counter bearing, offers the advantage of a very stable mounting that remains reliable even if the insulating plastic material of the housing changes due to weathering or aging.

[0013] The release element can have a release arm, which includes the release lug to form the release contour, and a release arm, which includes the release surface. The release lug can extend towards the locking contour of the holding element. The longitudinal direction of the release surface is oriented in a different direction than the direction of extension of the release lug. This results in a force redirection, in a compact design, from the release force direction, which is usually oriented in the conductor insertion direction, to the release force direction, which is oriented towards the holding lug.

[0014] The release arm can have a swivel bearing and be pivotally mounted within the insulating housing. Alternatively, a sliding bearing, a combined sliding-swivel bearing, or similar configurations are also conceivable. The release arm can interact with a spring element or be made of a spring-elastic material to return it to a rest position.

[0015] A side wall can project from the trigger surface. This forms a conductor collection pocket to catch the stripped end of the inserted electrical conductor to be clamped. The side wall can, for example, form a one-sided boundary with a side wall section or an end wall section, a two-sided boundary with a side wall section and an end wall section, a three-sided boundary with two spaced-apart and opposing (preferably plane-parallel) side wall sections and an end wall section connecting the side wall sections, a four-sided boundary with two opposing (preferably plane-parallel) side wall sections and two spaced-apart end wall sections connecting the side wall sections, or a circular or oval border formed by at least one curved side wall section.

[0016] The holding element can be slidably mounted within the insulating housing and / or on the busbar. Sliding mounting on the busbar has the advantage of enabling stable support on the busbar, optionally with lateral guidance, to align the holding element's locking contour with a complementary locking contour of the busbar, preferably a retaining opening in the busbar.

[0017] The holding element can be a holding arm bent from the clamping leg. Preferably, the holding arm can be integrally formed with the clamping leg of the clamping spring. This results in a kinematically reliable and compact design of the spring-clamp connection with reduced material and component usage.

[0018] The holding element can have a side rib that extends past an edge of the clamping leg (according to the first embodiment) and has a detent contour for locking the clamping leg in the holding position. This allows the clamping leg to be locked in the holding position with the detent contour on the holding element and the holding element with the locking contour on the busbar. Disengagement then occurs by displacing the locking contour, so that the holding element is moved by the force acting on the clamping leg via the detent contour, and the clamping leg is thus also disengaged, allowing an electrical conductor to be clamped to the busbar without obstruction in the clamping position.

[0019] The holding element can be designed as a cage with two spaced-apart side walls that encompass the clamping arm at its opposite edges. Each side wall can form a side rib and each has a locking contour for locking the clamping arm in the holding position. This allows for a stable design of the holding element with symmetrical locking of the clamping arm on both sides, while maintaining a compact construction. The forces applied to the holding element by the clamping arm are distributed via the locking contours of the side ribs and transferred to the side walls. The locking contours can be formed by locking ribs.

[0020] The side walls can be connected by an end wall, the end wall being arranged on the side opposite the mounting leg, so that the clamping leg is arranged between the end wall and the mounting leg.

[0021] The busbar can have a conductor through-hole, and the clamping spring can extend into this hole with its clamping leg. The busbar, in the plane defined by the conductor through-hole, has a retaining opening to accommodate the locking contour of the open-holding element. This results in a very compact design. In a further development, the clamping leg can also extend into the conductor through-hole and be supported on an end face bordering the conductor through-hole and / or on a clamping flap bent outwards from the conductor through-hole.

[0022] The conductor through-hole of the busbar may have a clamping section to form the clamping point.

[0023] The conductor feed-through opening of the busbar can have a collar that partially or completely surrounds the opening and extends from the plane of the busbar spanned by the feed-through opening to the tripping surface of the tripping element. Such a collar, also called a material pull-through, allows for a material-saving design that can ensure good current density distribution and low contact resistance.

[0024] The clamping section can be formed on the collar.

[0025] The busbar can have several conductor through-holes, each with a clamping spring attached to it.

[0026] The clamping spring can be a torsion spring.

[0027] The conductor terminal can have an actuating element that is movably mounted in the actuating opening of the insulating housing to apply force to the holding element and is designed to pivot the clamping leg against the spring force towards the mounting leg into a holding position by means of a force transmission via the holding element. Alternatively, an actuating tool can be used to apply an actuating force to the holding element. For example, a screwdriver can be inserted into the actuating opening to move the holding element and thus pivot the clamping leg into the holding position.

[0028] In general, in the context of this application, the words "ein / eine" (a / an) are not to be understood as a numeral unless explicitly defined otherwise, but rather as an indefinite article meaning "at least one / an". Features indicating "exactly one / an" may, however, explicitly refer to "ein / ein" as a numeral.

[0029] The invention is explained in more detail below by way of example embodiments. The figures shown are: Fig. 1 - Perspective view of a first embodiment of a conductor terminal block in the clamping position; Fig. 2 - Front view of the conductor connection terminal with section line AA; Fig. 3 - Side sectional view of the conductor connection terminal Fig. 1 in section AA in the clamping position; Fig. 4 - Perspective view of the spring force clamp connection with release element; Fig. 5 - Side sectional view of the conductor terminal block in section AA in the latched open position; Fig. 6 - Side sectional view of the conductor terminal block in section AA in the unlocked open position; Fig. 7 - Perspective view of the clamping spring of the spring force clamp connection; Fig. 8 - Side view of the clamping spring made of Fig. 7; Fig. 9 - Perspective view of the busbar of the spring-clamp connection; Fig. 10 - Perspective view of the release element for the conductor connection terminal; Fig. 11 - Perspective view of a second embodiment of a conductor terminal in the clamping position; Fig. 12 - Side sectional view of the conductor connection terminal Fig. 11 in section AA in the clamping position; Fig. 13 - Perspective view of the spring-loaded clamping connection with actuating element; Fig. 14 - Side section view of the conductor terminal block in section AA in the latched open position; Fig. 15 - Side sectional view of the conductor terminal block in section AA in the unlocked open position; Fig. 16 - Perspective view of the power rail with holding element and release element; Fig. 17 - Perspective section view of the busbar with holding element and release element; Fig. 18 - Perspective view of the spring clamp connection in the latched open position; Fig. 19 - Perspective section view of the busbar with holding element and release element in the latched holding position; Fig. 20 - Perspective view of the hold-open element with locking bars in the locked position and unlocked position; Fig. 21 - Perspective view of the top of the power rail; Fig. 22 - Top view of the power rail; Fig. 23 - perspective view of the trigger element; Fig. 24 - Side sectional view of a third embodiment of a conductor terminal block in section AA in the clamping position; Fig. 25 - Side section view of the conductor connection terminal Fig. 24 on average AA in the latched open position; Fig. 26 - Side section view of the conductor connection terminal Fig. 24 on average AA in the unlatched open position; Fig. 27 - Perspective view of the busbar with clamping spring, holding element, release element and actuating element; Fig. 28 - perspective view of the open element; Fig. 29 - Side view of the hold-open element made of Fig. 28; Fig. 30 - Front view of the holding element made of Fig. 28; Fig. 31 - Perspective view of the top of the power rail; Fig. 32 - Top view of the power rail; Fig. 33 - Perspective view of the trigger element; Fig. 34 - Perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a spring-loaded clamping connection with holding element, actuating element and release element; Fig. 35 - Side view of the spring-loaded clamping connection in the latched open position Fig. 34 with an inserted electrical conductor; Fig. 36 - Side sectional view of the spring force clamp connection made of Fig. 35 in the latched open position; Fig. 37 - Side section view of the spring force clamp connection made of Fig. 35 in the unlocked open position; Fig. 38 - Side section view of the spring force clamp connection made of Fig. 35 in the clamping position; Fig. 39 - perspective view of the open element; Fig. 40 - perspective view of the power rail; Fig. 41 - Perspective view of the trigger element.

[0030] Fig. Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of a conductor terminal 1 in the clamping position. The conductor terminal 1 has an insulating housing 2, which has a conductor entry opening 3 and an actuating opening 4. The conductor entry opening 3 and actuating opening 4 are arranged next to each other, open onto the same top surface of the insulating housing 2, and extend into the interior of the insulating housing 2 in a channel-like manner, bounded by boundary walls.

[0031] A spring-loaded terminal 5 is integrated into the insulating housing 2. This terminal has a busbar 6 and a clamping spring 7. The clamping spring 7 is designed as a torsion spring with a spring arc 8, from which a clamping leg 9 and a contact leg 10 project. After a bend, the clamping leg 9 transitions into a holding element 11, which is integrally formed with the clamping leg 9 and projects from it in the form of a holding arm. The holding element 11 has two spaced-apart side webs 12, which are connected at the free end, diametrically opposite the clamping leg 9, by a transverse web 13. A locking contour 14 is provided on the transverse web, which may be designed in the form of a retaining lug 14a. The retaining lug 14a forms a material flap. The retaining lug 14a is bent out of the plane spanned by the side webs 12 and the cross web 13 in the direction of the conductor rail 6.

[0032] The clamping spring 7 projects from the top of the busbar 6. The busbar 6 has a conductor through-hole 15 aligned with the conductor entry opening 3. The conductor through-hole 15 is bordered on the underside of the busbar 6, opposite the top side, by a collar 16. The collar extends into a conductor collection pocket 17 of the insulating housing 2.

[0033] A release element 18 is pivotally mounted in the conductor collection pocket 17. The insulating housing 2 has a bearing pin 19. The release element 18 is mounted on the bearing pin 19 via a bearing bore 20, the bearing pin 19 together with the bearing bore 20 forming a pivot bearing 21.

[0034] The release element 18 has a release arm 22 projecting from the pivot bearing 21 into the conductor collection pocket 17 and into the alignment of the conductor entry opening 3, with a release surface 23. A release arm 24 projects from the pivot bearing 21 in the opposite direction to the release arm 22, and has a release lug 25 at its free end. The release lug 25 is designed such that, in the release position of the release element 18, it engages in a retaining opening 16 of the busbar 6 in order to release the retaining lug 14a of the open-holding element 11, i.e., the locking contour 14, which is engaged against the boundary walls of the retaining opening 16.

[0035] The release arm 22 of the release element 18 has a side wall 26 projecting from the release surface 23 in the direction of the conductor rail 6. The side wall 26 can be designed as shown as a three-sided boundary by two spaced-apart and opposing (preferably plane-parallel) side wall sections and an end wall section connecting the side wall sections.

[0036] It is also conceivable that the side wall 26 is formed as a one-sided boundary by a side wall section or an end wall section, a two-sided boundary by a side wall section and an end wall section, a four-sided boundary with two opposing (preferably plane-parallel) side wall sections and two end wall sections spaced apart from each other and connecting the side wall sections, or by at least one curved side wall section as a circular or oval border.

[0037] The insulating housing 2 has a retaining contour 27. The clamping spring 7 encompasses the retaining contour 27 with the spring arc 8 and adjacent sections of the clamping leg 9 and contact leg 10, so that the clamping spring 7 is positively engaged between the boundary walls of the insulating housing 2 and the retaining contour 27.

[0038] Fig. Figure 2 shows a front view of the conductor connection terminal 1 with a section line AA.

[0039] Fig. Figure 3 shows a side sectional view of the conductor connection terminal 1. Fig. 1 in section AA in the clamping position.

[0040] It can be seen that the release surface 23 of the release element 18 is arranged in the alignment F of the conductor entry opening 3. An electrical conductor inserted into the conductor entry opening 3 and passed through the conductor through-hole 15 contacts the release surface 23 to pivot the release element 18 around the pivot bearing 21 into the unlocked position shown. In doing so, the release contour, designed as a release lug 25, engages in the retaining opening 28 of the busbar 6 to exert a release force on the crossbar 13 and unlock the retaining lug 14a from the busbar 6. The clamping leg 9 can then move into the clamping position shown.

[0041] The clamping spring 7 can be opened by inserting an actuating tool into the actuating opening 4, the free end of which plunges into the recess of the holding element 11 bounded by the crossbar 13 and the side webs 12. By pivoting the actuating tool, a force can be exerted on the crossbar 13, which displaces the clamping leg 9 against the spring force towards the contact leg 10. The contact leg 10 can then plunge into the conductor through-hole 15 as shown and rest against a collar end wall. The contact leg 10 can also rest against a wall section 29 of the insulating housing 2. The contact leg 10 can be positively locked between the wall section 29 and the retaining contour 27 of the insulating housing 2.

[0042] In the clamping position shown, the clamping leg 9 is displaced away from the mounting leg 10. Without an inserted electrical conductor, the free end of the clamping leg, which has a clamping edge 30, rests against a clamping point 31 of the busbar 6. The clamping point 31 can be formed, as shown, on an end face of the collar 16 projecting obliquely from the plane F.

[0043] Fig. Figures 4 a) and b) show perspective views of the spring force clamp connection 5 with the release element 18.

[0044] It can be seen that side walls 26 project from the trigger surface 23, forming a three-sided boundary with a side wall section 32 and two spaced-apart end wall sections 33 connected to the side wall section 32. This allows an electrical conductor inserted through the conductor through-hole 15 to be guided laterally through the side walls 26 and directed to the trigger surface 23.

[0045] It can be seen that the release nose 25, in the detent position of the release element 18, dips into the retaining opening 28 and protrudes from the top of the busbar 6.

[0046] The holding element 11 has side webs 12 on both sides of the clamping leg 9 that are freestanding and bent, and which are integrally formed with the clamping spring 7. In the root region of the side webs, i.e., in the transition to the clamping leg 9, a clamping section of the clamping leg 9 remains, which extends further between the side webs 12 into the conductor through-hole 15. The clamping section has a clamping edge 30 at its free end for clamping an electrical conductor between the clamping edge 30 and the clamping point 31 of the busbar 6.

[0047] Fig. Figure 5 shows a side section view of the conductor terminal 1 in section AA in the latched open position.

[0048] It can be seen that the holding element 11 is latched to the conductor rail 6 by the retaining lug 14a engaging in the retaining opening 28 of the conductor rail 6 and bearing against an end wall that delimits the retaining opening 28. The retaining lug 14a is pulled against this end wall of the retaining opening 28 by the force of the clamping spring 7. The crossbar 13 is located directly above the retaining opening 28. The release lug 25, which also engages in the retaining opening in the rest position of the release element 18, is aligned with the crossbar 13 and can be located directly adjacent to it, as shown. Therefore, only a very small pivot angle of the release element 18 is required to move the release lug 25 further through the retaining opening 28 and to move the crossbar 13 away from the conductor rail 6. Thus, the holding element 11 is engaged as shown in Fig. 3 and Fig. 6 shown de-rasterized.

[0049] Fig. Figure 6 shows a side section view of the conductor terminal 1 in section AA in the unlocked open position.

[0050] It becomes clear that the release surface 23 is displaced away from the busbar 6 and the release element 18 (in the view, counterclockwise) is pivoted about the pivot axis of the pivot bearing 21. This pivoting movement can be caused by an electrical conductor inserted into the conductor entry opening 3 and through the conductor through-hole 15, the stripped free end of which contacts the release surface 23. For this purpose, the release surface 23 is arranged in the plane F, which is approximately perpendicular to the release surface.

[0051] In the released position, the clamping arm 9 moves away from the support arm 10 into the position in the clamping spring 7 due to the force of the clamping spring 7 stored in the spring arc 8. Fig. 3 shown clamping positions.

[0052] Fig. Figure 7 shows a perspective view of the clamping spring 7 of the spring-loaded clamping connection 5 and Fig. Figure 8 shows a side view of the clamping spring 7. Fig. 7.

[0053] The clamping spring 7 has a spring arc 8, which connects the clamping leg 9 to the contact leg 10. The clamping leg 9 has an integrally formed open-holding element 11, which projects from the plane of the clamping leg 9 in the manner of an open-holding arm. For this purpose, side webs 12 are exposed at the opposite edge regions of the clamping leg 9 in a root region. After bending at the edge edges of the contact leg 10, the side webs 12 extend away from the clamping leg and are connected to each other at their free ends by the transverse web 13. A retaining lug 14a, in the form of a material flap, is bent away from the plane of the transverse web 13 in the direction away from the spring arc 8 on the inner edge of the transverse web 13, which faces the contact leg 10. The retaining lug 14a, i.e., the material flap,The retaining flap extends in the direction in which the free end sections of the mounting leg 10 and clamping leg 9 also extend.

[0054] It becomes clear that the attachment leg 10 is guided through the opening of the holding element 11 with a tapered end section, which is limited by the side webs 12 and the cross web 13.

[0055] Fig. Figure 9 shows a perspective view of the busbar 6 of the spring clamp connection 5.

[0056] It can be seen that the busbar 6 has a conductor through-hole 15 integrated into the plane of the busbar 6 and a retaining opening 28 separated from it by an intermediate web. The conductor through-hole 15 is bounded by a collar 16, which is formed integrally from the material of the busbar 6 by forming. However, it is also conceivable that instead of the depicted circumferential collar 16, only a portion of the conductor through-hole 15 is bounded by collar walls. Alternatively, a flap of material may be bent out on the narrow side of the conductor through-hole 15 to form the clamping point 31. On the other narrow side of the conductor through-hole 15, opposite the clamping point 31, a flap of material may also be bent out to form a contact surface for the contact leg 10. In addition, a side wall may be bent out on at least one of the longitudinal sides of the conductor through-hole 15 to guide the electrical conductor.

[0057] The conductor through-hole 15 does not necessarily have to be completely separated from the retaining opening 28 as shown. A variant is also conceivable in which the retaining opening 28 forms a partial section of the conductor through-hole 15. In this case, mounting projections for the mounting leg 10 are useful in the transition to the retaining opening 28.

[0058] Fig. Figure 10 shows a perspective view of the release element 18 for the conductor terminal 1. It can be seen that the release element 18 is designed as a lever element with a release arm 22 and a release arm 24, the latter having a bearing bore 20 at the transition between the release arm 22 and the release arm 24. The release arm 22 has a release surface from which side walls 23 project. The side walls 23 comprise a side wall section 32 that merges into the side wall of the release arm. The opposite side of the release arm 22 can be open, as shown, or optionally closed with a side wall section. An end wall section 33 is present on the side of the release arm 22 facing away from the release arm 24. The wall surface adjacent to the bearing bore 20, which is spaced apart from the aforementioned end wall section 33, forms a further end wall section 33.

[0059] The release arm 24 has a narrower, for example rounded, projection to form the release lug 25. The release lug 25 can be narrower than the width of the release element 18. The release lug 25 projects in the direction in which the side walls 26 project from the release surface 23.

[0060] Fig. Figure 11 shows a perspective view of a second embodiment of a conductor terminal 1 in the clamping position.

[0061] The spring-loaded clamping connection 5 is formed by a busbar 6 and a clamping spring 7 (not shown). A holding element 11 is slidably mounted on the busbar 6. Furthermore, a release element 18 with a bearing bolt 34 is pivotably mounted in a bearing contour of the insulating housing 2 about an axis of rotation defined by the longitudinal direction of the bearing bolt 34. A release lug 25 projects from the release element 18 and extends through a retaining opening 28 in the busbar 6.

[0062] In the exemplary embodiment, an actuating element 35 is slidably mounted in the actuating opening 4. The actuating element 35 can have a tool-holding contour 36 on its end face, which projects from the insulating housing 2 or is at least accessible from the outside. This tool-holding contour can be designed as a recess, slot, and / or cross recess.

[0063] Fig. Figure 12 shows a side sectional view of the conductor connection terminal 1. Fig. 11 in section AA in the clamping position.

[0064] It can be seen that a mounting tab 37 projects from the busbar 6. The mounting leg 10 rests with its free end against the mounting tab 37 and is thus supported on the busbar 6 without extending into the conductor insertion opening. Adjacent to the mounting tab 37 is the retaining opening 28, which forms a section of the conductor insertion opening 15. At the transition to the retaining opening, mounting projections 38 extend into the conductor insertion opening 15, which, in the open position, positively engage the locking lugs 43 of the open-holding element 11. The locking lugs 43 can, if necessary, also provide a travel limit for the release lug 25 and guide an electrical conductor inserted into the conductor entry opening 3 away from the release lug 25.

[0065] The release element 18 is designed as a lever element with a release arm 24 projecting at an angle from the release surface 23 and terminating in the release lug 25, wherein the bearing pin 34 is arranged in the transition between the release arm 24 and the release surface 23. Side walls 26 extend from the release surface, comprising an end wall section 33 on the release arm 24 extending away from the bearing pin 34 and an opposing end wall section 33.

[0066] The busbar 6 has a clamping point 31, which is formed by a clamping tab projecting towards the conductor entry opening 3.

[0067] The holding element 11 is slidably mounted on the busbar 6. It has an actuating plate 39 which interacts with an actuating surface 40 of the actuating element 35. The actuating plate 39 and the actuating surface 40 are at an angle to the direction of movement V of the holding element 11. The direction of movement V is perpendicular to the actuating direction B of the actuating element 35 and parallel to the longitudinal direction of the busbar 6.

[0068] The holding element 11 can be designed as a cage with side walls 41. Side webs 42 are projected from the side walls 41, extending towards the release lug 25 of the release element 18 and having a locking contour 43 in the form of locking tabs that engage in the conductor through-hole 15. In the holding position, the locking tabs 43 can engage behind the contact projections 38, so that the holding element 11 is locked to the contact projections 38 by the locking tabs 43.

[0069] Fig. Figure 13 shows a perspective view of the spring force clamp connection 5 with actuating element 35.

[0070] It becomes clear that the holding element 11 is designed as a cage with two spaced-apart side walls 41 and the actuating plate 39, which is integrally formed with at least one side wall 41 and extends to the opposite side wall 41. The side walls 41 have elongated holes 44 into which a guide lug 45, projecting from the edge of the clamping leg 9, engages. This connects the clamping leg 9 positively to the holding element 11 and, when the holding element 11 is moved in the direction of movement V towards the support leg 10, shifts it into the holding position. When the holding element 11 is released, it is moved by the clamping leg 9 into the rest position shown by the force of the clamping spring 7.

[0071] The actuation surface 40 is located on the free end region of the actuating element 35 on the wall side facing the clamping leg 9. This free end region is conically tapered and can optionally be narrower, as shown in the example.

[0072] Fig. Figure 14 shows a side section view of the conductor terminal 1 in section AA in the latched open position.

[0073] It can be seen that the locking tabs 43 are engaged with the elastic side tabs 42 on the respective mounting projection 38. This engages the holding element 11, which is under spring tension due to the positive-locking connection with the clamping leg 9, with the busbar 9. The locking tabs 43 engage in a recess of the release lug 25 of the release element 8 and are thus prevented from shifting laterally. This prevents unintentional disengagement.

[0074] The holding element 11 and clamping leg 9 are moved into the holding position by shifting the actuating element 35 in the actuating direction B in the actuating opening 4 towards the busbar 6. During this movement, the inclined actuating surface 40 of the tapered end of the actuating element 35 slides along the actuating plate 39, which is inclined to the plane of the busbar 6, and displaces the holding element 11 in the direction of movement V via the lateral sliding bearing of the actuating element 35 on the inner wall of the actuating opening 4. The narrower end of the actuating element 35 can then engage in a separate actuating element receiving opening 49 of the busbar 6.

[0075] Fig. Figure 15 shows a side section view of the conductor terminal 1 in section AA in the unlocked open position.

[0076] By inserting an electrical conductor (not shown) into the conductor entry opening 3, it comes into contact with the release surface 23 arranged in line F. This causes the release element 18 to pivot around the bearing bolt 34, so that the release lug 25 unlocks the locking tabs 43. For this purpose, the locking tabs 43 are forced past the contact projections 38 by the release lug 25.

[0077] Fig. Figure 16 shows a perspective view and Fig. Figure 17 shows a perspective section view of the busbar 6 with holding element 11 and release element 18.

[0078] It can be seen that elastic side webs 42 are formed on the side walls 41, each with a freed section, and these webs have detent lugs 43 projecting transversely from the longitudinal direction of the side webs 42. The elongated holes 44 are curved and follow the movement of the guide lugs 45 of the clamping arm 9 during movement between the clamping position and the open position.

[0079] The release nose 25 has recesses 46 with inclined inner wall surfaces 47 and a common intermediate web 48. The mounting projections 38 in the form of curved noses, which extend into the conductor through-hole 15, are recognizable.

[0080] The busbar 6 has a rectangular actuator receiving opening 49, which can be spatially separated from the conductor through-hole 15.

[0081] Fig. Figure 18 shows a perspective view of the spring clamp connection 5 in the latched open position. Fig. Figure 19 shows a perspective section view of the conductor rail 6 with holding element 11 and release element 18 in the latched holding position.

[0082] It can be seen that the actuating element 35 is inserted into the actuating element receiving opening 49. The holding element 11 is engaged with the side walls 41 or the side webs 42 on the busbar 6, which are guided laterally past the clamping leg 9.

[0083] The clamping point 31, which is formed by the tab bent from the plane of the busbar 6, serves as an end stop for the actuating plate 39 and the associated holding element 11. A protruding clamping edge may be formed at the clamping point 30 or tab.

[0084] Fig. Figures 20 a) and b) show a perspective view of the holding element 11 with the locking bars 43 projecting from the side bars 42 in the locked position and in the unlocked position.

[0085] In the locked position, the side ribs 42 are bent away from each other. In the unlocked position, the side ribs 42 and the locking ribs 43 located at the free ends are bent towards each other, so that the distance between the locking ribs 43 is smaller in the unlocked position than in the locked position. The side ribs 42 preferably move elastically into the locked position shown in figure a).

[0086] Fig. 21 shows a perspective view of the top of the power rail and Fig. Figure 22 shows a top view of the power rail.

[0087] It can be seen that the clamping point 31, in the form of a tab, and the mounting tab 37, bent out of the plane of the busbar 6 at a distance from it, are formed. Between the clamping point 31 and the mounting tab 37, the conductor through-hole 15 is provided, which transitions into the retaining opening 28 bounded by two opposing mounting projections 38. The mounting projections 38 form a stop for locking the locking lugs 43. Furthermore, an actuating element receiving opening 49 is provided in the busbar 6, which is separated from the conductor through-hole 15 by the root area of ​​the intermediate clamping point 31.

[0088] The mounting projections 38 are tapered towards the clamping point, i.e., inclined, and have a significantly larger slope towards the mounting tab 37 in order to provide a locking stop surface there.

[0089] Fig. Figure 23 shows a perspective view of the trigger element 18.

[0090] The bearing bolt 34 can, as shown, protrude laterally from the contour of the release element 18 and be inserted into a bearing recess of the insulating housing 2. However, this is only a preferred optional embodiment and is not strictly necessary for the embodiment shown.

[0091] The release nose 25 is divided into two recesses 46, which are separated from each other by a partition wall 48. On the side opposite the partition wall 48, the recesses are bounded by inner wall surfaces 47 inclined obliquely to the plane of the partition wall 48.

[0092] Fig. Figure 24 shows a side sectional view of a third embodiment of a conductor terminal 1 in section AA in the clamping position. Reference can essentially be made to the descriptions of the previous embodiment.

[0093] Again, a holding element 11 is slidably mounted on the busbar 6. The holding element 11 has an actuating plate 39, against which an actuating surface 40 of the actuating element 35, which is slidably mounted in the actuating opening 4, acts.

[0094] The clamping leg 9 is mounted with guide lugs 45 in elongated holes 44 of side walls 41 of the holding element 11.

[0095] In contrast to the second embodiment, the locking tabs 43 are essentially rigidly formed on the side walls 41. They extend into the conductor through-hole 15 and are designed to lock onto contact projections 38 in the transition between the conductor through-hole 15 and the retaining opening 28.

[0096] Fig. Figure 25 shows a side sectional view of conductor terminal 1. Fig. 24 on average AA in the latched open position.

[0097] It can be seen that the holding element 11 is displaced in the direction of movement V by means of the actuating element 35, which is moved into the actuating opening 4. The locking lugs 43 engage behind the respective mounting projection 38, so that the holding element 11 is locked onto the busbar 6. In the rest position of the release element 18, the release lug 25 enters the holding opening 28 and is positioned directly adjacent to the free end of the locking lugs 43.

[0098] Fig. Figure 26 shows a side sectional view of conductor terminal 1. Fig. 24 on average AA in the unlatched open position.

[0099] By pivoting the release element 18, the detent lugs 43 with the release nose 25 are pushed out of the retaining opening 28. This releases the positive locking between the detent lugs 43 and the contact projection 38. Since the open-holding element 11 is under spring preload due to the positive locking connection with the clamping leg 9 via the elongated holes 44, the clamping leg 9 is displaced from the contact leg 10 into the space provided by the now released open-holding element 11. Fig. 24 shown clamping position.

[0100] The unlocking is thus achieved by tilting the holding element 11 by exerting a pressure force through the release lug 25 onto the locking tabs 43.

[0101] Fig. Figure 27 shows a perspective view of the spring force clamp connection 5 with holding element 11, release element 18 and actuating element 35.

[0102] The clamping leg 9 is positively connected to the holding element 11 by means of guide lugs 45 that engage in the elongated holes 44 and are slidably guided therein. In the latched open position shown, the locking lugs 43 engage in the holding opening 28 and are locked against the end face that defines the holding opening 28.

[0103] Fig. Figure 28 shows a perspective view of the open element 11. Fig. 29 shows a side view and Fig. Figure 30 shows a front view of the hold-open element made of Fig. 28.

[0104] It can be seen that the holding element 11 is designed as a cage with two parallel and spaced-apart side walls 41, an actuating plate 39 connecting the side walls 41, and locking lugs 43 projecting transversely from the side walls 41. A locking lug 43 projects from each side wall 41 by means of two opposing root sections bent out of the plane of the side walls 41, from which finger sections project transversely and parallel to each other. The elongated holes 44 are provided in the side walls 41 adjacent to the locking lugs 43.

[0105] Fig. Figure 31 shows a perspective view of the top of the power rail 6 and Fig. Figure 32 shows a top view of the power rail.

[0106] In principle comparable to the variant from Fig. 21 and Fig. 22 are a clamping tab for forming the clamping point 31 and a mounting tab 37, which are made in one piece from the material of the busbar 6 and bent out of the plane of the busbar 6.

[0107] The retaining opening 28 transitions into the conductor through-hole 15 without complete separation and thus forms a section of the conductor through-hole 15. In the transition to the retaining opening 28, mounting projections 38 extend on both sides from the edge edges limiting the conductor through-hole 15; these projections are spaced apart from each other and are oriented towards each other.

[0108] The busbar 6 has an actuator receiving opening 49 to accommodate the free end of the actuating element 35.

[0109] Fig. Figure 33 shows a perspective view of the release element 18. This can be designed as shown with four sides, with two parallel and spaced-apart side wall sections 32 and two spaced-apart end wall sections 33.

[0110] The release lug 25 projects from the end wall section 33, which extends from the bearing bolt 34, in the opposite direction to the bearing bolt 34. The release lug 25 can be designed in the form of a cuboid projecting obliquely to the plane of the end wall section 33, with a length shorter than the width of the holding element 11.

[0111] Fig. Figure 34 shows a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a spring force clamp connection 5 with a holding element 18, an actuating element 35 and a release element 18.

[0112] In this embodiment, the busbar 6 has a collar 16, and the contact leg 10 extends into the conductor through-hole 15 and rests against a collar end wall. However, a variant of the busbar 6 and the mounting of the clamping spring 7 with a projecting contact extension, similar to the following, is also conceivable. Fig. 21, Fig. 22, Fig. 31 and Fig. 32.

[0113] The holding element 11 is clamped between the actuating element 35 and the clamping leg 9. The release element 18 has a release lug 25 projecting towards the busbar 6 in the form of two spaced-apart projecting fingers. The fingers may be tapered conically.

[0114] It can be seen that locking fingers 53 protrude from the holding element 11, which rest on the plane of the busbar 6 in the unlatched state and dip into the retaining openings 28 of the busbar 6 in the latched state to positively lock the holding element 11.

[0115] Fig. Figure 35 shows a side view of the spring-loaded clamping connection 5 in the latched open position. Fig. 34 with an inserted electrical conductor 50.

[0116] The electrical conductor 50 is inserted into a through-hole in the holding element 11 and through the conductor through-hole 15 and the collar 16 into the receiving pocket of the release element 18. The free, stripped end of the electrical conductor 50 contacts the release surface 23 of the release element 18. This exerts a release force on the release element 18, causing it to pivot around the bearing pin 34. During this pivoting, the fingers of the release nose 25 extend through the holding opening 28 and push the locking fingers 53, i.e., the locking contour 43, which are engaged on the busbar 6, out of the holding openings 28.

[0117] The holding element 11 rests with an actuating surface 51, which is oriented obliquely to the plane of the busbar 6, against the curved actuating surface 40 of the actuating element 35. On the diametrically opposite side, the holding element 11 tapers conically and rests with an actuating end 52 against a curve of the clamping leg 9.

[0118] Fig. Figure 36 shows a side sectional view of the spring force clamp connection 5. Fig. 35 in the locked open position.

[0119] It can be seen that the detent contour 43, formed by the detent fingers 53, engages in the retaining openings 28 of the busbar 6 to lock the holding element 11 onto the busbar 6. This holds the clamping leg 9, which is shifted towards the contact leg 10, in the holding position.

[0120] In the rest position of the release element 18, the release nose 25 already dips into the retaining openings 28 and borders on the locking fingers 53.

[0121] Fig. Figure 37 shows a side sectional view of the spring force clamp connection 5. Fig. 35 in the unlocked open position.

[0122] The release element 18 is, compared to the rest position, made of Fig. The actuator 36 pivots around the bearing pin 34 by a small angle. This causes the release lug 25 to engage further in the retaining openings 28, and the locking fingers 53 are pushed out of the retaining opening 28. The holding element 11 is thus released and can move in the negative direction V under the force of the clamping spring, which is exerted on the holding element 11 via the clamping leg 9. This movement moves the actuating element 35 away from the busbar 6 in the negative actuating direction B.

[0123] Fig. Figure 38 shows a side sectional view of the spring force clamp connection 5. Fig. 35 in the clamping position.

[0124] The clamping leg 9 is fully extended and its clamping edge 30 at its free end rests against the clamping point 31, which is formed by the projecting end face of the collar 16. With an electrical conductor 50 inserted, the clamping edge 30 would rest against the electrical conductor 50 and press it against the clamping point 31. This clamps the electrical conductor 50 between the clamping leg 9 and the clamping point 31.

[0125] Fig. Figure 39 shows a perspective view of the open element 11.

[0126] The holding element 11 has a through-opening 54 formed by parallel and spaced-apart side walls 41, the actuating end 52 designed as a transverse web, and a connecting web 55. The end walls of the side walls 41, which are located on the side opposite the actuating end 52, form the actuating surface 51 at an angle.

[0127] Fig. Figure 40 shows a perspective view of the power rail 8.

[0128] It becomes clear that the actuating opening 28 is designed by two openings spaced apart from each other in an alignment perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the conductor rail 6.

[0129] The rectangular conductor through-hole 15, located adjacent to the actuation openings 28, is bounded by a collar 16, which is formed in one piece from the material of the busbar 6 and extends downwards from the plane of the busbar 6. The collar end wall closest to the actuation openings 28 is angled into the interior of the collar to form a clamping point 31 for connecting an electrical conductor 50.

[0130] Fig. Figure 41 shows a perspective view of the release element 18. The exemplary, optional design of the release lug 25, consisting of two spaced-apart fingers tapering conically towards the free end, is clearly visible. However, a different design of the release lug 25 is also conceivable, for example, in the manner of the previously described embodiments, whereby the retaining opening 28 and the detent contour 43 on the open-holding element 11 would then have to be modified accordingly.

[0131] The release element 18 provides a receiving space enclosed on all four sides by the side walls 26 for receiving and guiding the stripped end of the inserted electrical conductor 50. Reference symbol list 1 conductor connection terminal 2 insulating housings 3 conductor entry openings 4 Actuating opening 5 Spring clamp connection 6 busbar 7 clamping spring 8 feather bows 9 clamping legs 10 attachment legs 11. Hold-open element 12 side panels 13 Crossbar 14 Locking contour 14a Retaining lug 15 Conductor through-hole 16 collars 17 Ladder collection bag 18 Trigger element 19 bearing journals 20 bearing bore 21 swivel bearings 22 Release arm 23 Trigger area 24 Release arm 25 Trigger nose 26 side wall 27 Holding contour 28 Holding opening 29 Wall section 30 clamping edge 31 Clamping point 32 Side wall section 33 End wall section 34 bearing bolts 35 Actuating element 36 Tool holding contour 37 Attachment tab 38 Investment advantage 39 Actuator plate 40 operating area 41 Side wall 42 side bar 43 Rastkontour / Rastweb 44 slotted holes 45 Lead nose 46 trough 47 Interior wall area 48 Intermediate walkway 49 Actuator element receiving opening 50 electrical conductors 51 operating area 52 End of operation 53 Rastfinger 54 Through-hole 55 Connecting bridge B Direction of action F Escape V 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 4 145 638 A1

[0004]

Claims

[1] Terminal block (1) with - an insulating housing (2) which has a conductor entry opening (3) and an actuation opening (4), - a spring-loaded clamping connection (5) in the insulating housing (2), which has a busbar (6) and a clamping spring (7), which has a clamping leg (9) with a clamping edge (30) for clamping an electrical conductor () to a clamping point (31) of the busbar (6), a support leg (10) for supporting the clamping spring (7), and a spring arc (8) which connects the support leg (10) to the clamping leg (9), characterized bythat the conductor terminal (1) has a movable holding element (11) which is coupled to the clamping leg (9) and has a locking contour (14) which is formed to lock the holding element (11) in an open position in which the clamping edge (30) of the clamping leg (9) is displaced away from the clamping point (31) of the busbar (6) by interlocking with the busbar (6), and that the conductor terminal (1) has a movable release element (18) separate from the holding element (11), which has a release contour (25) and a release surface (23) arranged in the plane (F) of the conductor entry opening (3), wherein the release element (18) is designed to be displaced by an electrical conductor inserted into the conductor entry opening (3) and impacting the release surface (23). (50) to be moved into a detent position,in which the release contour (25) of the release element (18) exerts a release force on the locking contour (14) of the hold-open element (11) which is locked to the busbar (6) in the open position and releases the hold-open element (11) from the busbar (6). [2] Conductor terminal (1) according to claim 1, characterized by , that the locking contour (14) of the holding element (11) is designed as a retaining lug (14a) and the busbar (6) has a retaining opening (28) and is designed such that the retaining lug (14a) in the deflected state of the clamping leg (9) dips into the retaining opening (28) of the busbar (6) and the clamping leg (9) is held in the open position by the holding element (11) thus locked. [3] Conductor terminal (1) according to claim 2, characterized by, that the release contour (25) of the release element (18) is designed as a release lug, wherein the release lug is moved into the retaining opening (28) of the busbar (6) by the release movement of the release element (18) in order to push the retaining lug (14a) out of the retaining opening (28). [4] Conductor terminal (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by , that the release element (18) is pivotably mounted. [5] Conductor terminal (1) according to claim 4, characterized by , that the release element (18) is pivotably mounted in the insulating housing (2) or on the busbar (6). [6] Conductor terminal (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by, that the release element (18) has a release arm (24) with a release lug (25) forming the release contour and a release arm (22) with the release surface (23), wherein the release lug (25) extends towards the locking contour (14) of the hold-open element (11) and the release surface (23) extends in a different direction than the release lug (25). [7] Conductor terminal (1) according to claim 6, characterized by , that the release arm (22) is pivotably mounted in the insulating housing (2) by means of a pivot bearing (21). [8] Conductor terminal (1) according to claim 6 or 7, characterized by , that a side wall (26) projects from the trigger surface (23). [9] Conductor terminal (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the holding element (11) is slidably mounted in the insulating housing (2) and / or on the busbar (6). [10] Conductor terminal (1) according to claim 9, characterized by, that the holding element (11) is a holding arm bent from the clamping leg (9). [11] Conductor terminal (1) according to claim 9, characterized by , that the holding element (11) has a side web (12) which is guided past an edge of the mounting leg (10) and has a detent contour (14) for detenting the clamping leg (9) in the holding position. [12] Conductor terminal (1) according to claim 11, characterized by , that the holding element (11) is designed as a cage with two spaced-apart side walls (41) encompassing the clamping leg (9) at the opposite edge edges of the clamping leg (9), wherein the side walls (26) each form a side web and each have a locking contour (43) for locking the clamping leg (9) in the holding position. [13] Terminal block (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the busbar (6) has a conductor through-hole (15) and the clamping spring (7) projects into the conductor through-hole (15) with the clamping leg (9), wherein the busbar (6) has a retaining opening (28) in the plane spanned by the conductor through-hole (15) for receiving the locking contour (14) of the holding element (11). [14] Conductor terminal (1) according to claim 13, characterized by , that the conductor through-hole (15) of the busbar (6) has a clamping section (31) to form the clamping point. [15] Conductor terminal (1) according to claim 14, characterized by , that the conductor through-hole (15) of the busbar (6) has a collar (16) which partially or completely surrounds the conductor through-hole (15) and extends from the plane of the busbar (6) spanned by the conductor through-hole (15) to the release surface (23) of the release element (18). [16] Conductor terminal (1) according to claim 15, characterized by , that the clamping section is formed on the collar (16). [17] Conductor terminal (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the busbar (6) has several conductor through-holes (15) each with a clamping spring (7) arranged thereon. [18] Conductor terminal (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the clamping spring (7) is a torsion spring. [19] Conductor terminal (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by an actuating element (35) which is movably mounted in the actuating opening (4) for applying force to the holding element (11) and is designed to pivot the clamping leg (9) against the spring force in the direction of the support leg (10) into a holding position by means of a force flow via the holding element (11),

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