Self-locking spring-loaded clamping connection, and terminal equipped therewith

Abstract

The invention relates to a spring-loaded clamping connection (2) for a terminal (1), in particular a connection terminal, for electrically connecting at least one electric conductor (L), having a busbar (3) with a contact section (30) for electrically contacting an electric conductor (L), a clamping spring (4) with a clamping limb (5) that can be moved relative to the busbar (3) between a clamping position, in which a distal clamping edge (50) of the clamping limb (5) pushes against the contact section (30) in order to form a conductor clamping point (K), and a release position, which is pretensioned towards the clamping position and in which the clamping edge (50) is arranged at a distance from the contact section (30) in order to open the conductor clamping point (K), and a conductor insertion region (B) which extends in a conductor insertion direction (E) from the outside to the conductor clamping point (K) and beyond same. The clamping spring (4) additionally has a locking limb (6) which is integrally formed on the clamping limb (5). The locking limb (6) is designed such that by inserting an electric conductor (L) into the conductor insertion region (B) in the conductor insertion direction (E), the locking limb can be converted from a locking position, in which the locking limb (6) is locked to the busbar (3) and thus holds the clamping limb (5) pretensioned towards the clamping position in the release position, into an unlocking position, in which the locking limb (6) is unlocked from the busbar (3), such that, by virtue of the pretension of the clamping limb, the clamping limb (5) can be driven into the clamping position, in which the clamping edge (50) pushes the electric conductor (L) inserted into the conductor insertion region (B) against the contact section (30) at the conductor clamping point (K). The invention additionally relates to a terminal with an insulating material housing and the spring-loaded clamping connection (2).

Description

[0001] Self-locking spring clamp connection and terminal equipped with it

[0002] The present invention relates to a spring-loaded terminal connection for a terminal, in particular a connection or connecting terminal, for the electrical connection of at least one electrical conductor.

[0003] Such terminals are generally known from the prior art. They generally comprise a busbar for making electrical contact with an electrical conductor. In order to ensure secure contact between the electrical conductor and the busbar, corresponding terminals also comprise a clamping spring which, together with the busbar, forms a spring-loaded terminal connection. The clamping spring presses against the busbar in a conductor clamping point, thus ensuring that an electrical conductor inserted into the spring-loaded terminal connection is held in the conductor clamping point on the busbar. For this purpose, the clamping spring generally comprises a movable or pivoting clamping leg which is pre-tensioned towards the conductor clamping point. If the clamping leg is inclined in the direction of conductor insertion, it can also serve as a pull-out protection for the inserted electrical conductor.The spring-loaded terminal connection can be designed such that the clamping leg accommodates an electrical conductor in the conductor clamping point by inserting it. The clamping leg can be selectively moved away from the conductor clamping point and held in place using a separate or integrated tool to selectively expose the conductor clamping point for inserting or removing an electrical conductor.

[0004] Terminals are known in which the clamping leg locks in an open position to facilitate the insertion of an electrical conductor. For this purpose, the terminal can, for example, have a corresponding release element that moves the clamping leg into the open position and then locks it in place. This release element must then be manually released once an electrical conductor has been inserted in order to clamp it in the conductor terminal point using the clamping leg.

[0005] Furthermore, terminals are known in which the locking function of the clamping leg in the open position is provided by locking elements formed in the clamping spring itself. The clamping leg can be locked in the open position at an opposite end of the clamping spring, which also has a pivoting leg. The opposite leg extends into the conductor insertion area of ​​the electrical conductor. When the electrical conductor is inserted, it strikes the opposite leg and pivots it in such a way that the clamping leg is released from its locking position and is pushed into the closed position by its spring force in order to clamp the thus inserted electrical conductor in the conductor clamping point and to make electrical contact with the busbar. This design requires a comparatively large installation space within the terminal.

[0006] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a spring-loaded terminal connection and a terminal equipped therewith, which enables high and simple functionality with a compact design.

[0007] This object is achieved by the subject matter of the independent claims. The dependent claims develop the central idea of ​​the present invention in a particularly advantageous manner.

[0008] According to a first aspect, the present invention relates to a spring-loaded terminal connection for a terminal, in particular a connecting or connection terminal, for electrically connecting at least one electrical conductor. The spring-loaded terminal connection comprises, on the one hand, a busbar with a contact section for electrically contacting an electrical conductor. The busbar (also generally referred to as a contact part) can preferably be provided as a contact frame, for example in the form of a stamped and bent part. The spring-loaded terminal connection further comprises a clamping spring. This is preferably manufactured separately from the busbar and accommodated in a correspondingly supported manner within it.The clamping spring has a clamping leg which is movable (preferably pivotable) relative to the busbar between a clamping position in which the clamping leg presses against the contact section with a distal clamping edge to form a conductor clamping point, and a release position pretensioned towards the clamping position, in which the clamping edge is spaced from the contact section to open the conductor clamping point. The spring-loaded terminal connection further has a conductor insertion region extending in a conductor insertion direction from the outside to the conductor clamping point and beyond it. The conductor insertion region is preferably at least partially delimited by sections of the busbar and / or the clamping spring, which then form at least part of a conductor insertion channel to the conductor clamping point.

[0009] The clamping spring further comprises a locking leg which is formed integrally on the clamping leg (for example, by a stamping and bending process to form the clamping spring). The locking leg can preferably extend away from the clamping leg in a curved or bent manner. The locking leg is provided in such a way that, by inserting an electrical conductor in the conductor insertion direction into the conductor insertion area, it can be moved from a locking position in which the locking leg is locked to the busbar and thus holds the clamping leg pre-tensioned towards the clamping position in the release position, into a release position in which the locking leg is unlatched from the busbar, so that the clamping leg can be driven by its pre-tension into the clamping position in which the clamping edge presses the electrical conductor inserted into the conductor insertion area against the contact section in the conductor clamping point.

[0010] Since the clamping leg is not locked to the clamping spring or the sections forming the clamping spring itself, as is known from the prior art, the area of ​​the spring-loaded terminal connection forming the conductor clamping point or the conductor insertion area can be designed comparatively compactly. Furthermore, since the clamping spring is locked relative to the busbar, a secure and stable locking position can be provided. Furthermore, this locking position remains independent of other components of a terminal to be equipped with the spring-loaded terminal connection. This allows for an overall compact, easy-to-use, and safe-to-use spring-loaded terminal connection.

[0011] The locking leg is preferably designed and provided in such a way that it can be transferred from the locking position to the release position by elastic deformation, so that in the release position it is pretensioned towards the locking position. The locking leg can thus be easily designed as a spring leg itself. By also pushing the locking leg towards the locking position in the release position of the clamping leg, it can be ensured that the spring-loaded terminal connection is securely locked to the busbar in a simple and reliable manner when the clamping leg is transferred to the release position.

[0012] The locking leg preferably has at least one locking section, which, in the locking position, interacts with a holding section of the busbars to lock the locking leg to the busbar, and is exposed relative to the holding section in the release position to release the locking leg from the busbar. In this way, a secure and effective locking can be achieved with a simple design of the clamping spring and the busbar.

[0013] The busbar can preferably have a ramp section which is provided such that, when the clamping leg moves from the release position to the clamping position, the locking section, due to the pretension of the locking leg, presses against the ramp section in order to drive the clamping leg towards the clamping position. By means of the interaction of the locking section on the one hand and the ramp section on the other, the transfer of the clamping leg from the release position to the clamping position can be supported. It is thus conceivable to design the region of the clamping spring on the side of the clamping spring in a simpler and more cost-effective manner overall, since parts of its function - in particular the urging towards the clamping position - can be supported via the locking leg. In addition, this can support the secure and effective clamping of an electrical conductor in the conductor clamping point.

[0014] The ramp section can preferably delimit the holding section on its side facing the release position or comprise the holding section. The busbar can thus be designed to be particularly compact. Furthermore, the ramp section can also be used to preload the locking leg toward the release position when the clamping leg is transferred from the clamping position to the release position, so that the locking section automatically and securely pushes into the locking position when the clamping leg reaches the release position. This simplifies and effectively ensures the functionality of the spring-loaded terminal connection.

[0015] The locking portion preferably protrudes transversely and, more preferably, laterally with respect to the conductor insertion direction, away from and / or toward the conductor insertion area. The locking portion can thus be easily provided as a projection of the locking leg. The locking portion can thus be easily provided, for example, using a stamping and bending process for producing the clamping spring.

[0016] The locking leg can preferably have a manipulation section which, in the release position of the clamping leg, is arranged downstream of the conductor clamping point in the conductor insertion area, as seen in the conductor insertion direction. The manipulation section is preferably provided such that, by inserting the electrical conductor in the conductor insertion direction into the conductor insertion area, the locking leg can be moved into the release position by the force acting on the manipulation section of the electrical conductor in the conductor insertion direction. The manipulation section provides an easily deployable section of the locking leg for triggering the unlocking. Since this section is provided in the conductor insertion area, it is reliably triggered when an electrical conductor is inserted.The clamping leg released in this way can then snap into the clamping position, which can preferably be heard or felt by an operator and can thus serve as feedback that the electrical conductor has been clamped into the spring-loaded terminal connection.

[0017] The locking leg can preferably have a connecting leg that extends between the clamping leg and the manipulation section. The connecting leg can extend therebetween in a correspondingly curved or U-shaped manner. The locking leg can thus be designed simply but compactly and thus also provides a secure lever arm for triggering the manipulation section. The connecting leg can preferably have two connecting leg sections that extend on both sides of the conductor insertion area with respect to the conductor insertion direction. The connecting leg sections thus run one to the left and one to the right of the conductor insertion area. The connecting leg is thus designed to be particularly stable. Since it runs on both sides of the conductor insertion area, it can also be designed to be particularly compact.The provision of the connecting leg sections on both sides also enables a uniform and therefore safely guided triggering movement.

[0018] The connecting leg can preferably have the locking section. If the spring-loaded terminal connection has the two connecting leg sections described above, at least one or each of the connecting leg sections can have one of the locking sections. Thus, the locking leg as a whole can be provided in a simple and compact manner while maintaining high and effective functionality.

[0019] The manipulation section can preferably be provided at a distal end of the locking leg or the connecting leg, if present, relative to the clamping leg. This allows for a clamping spring that is both compact and effective.

[0020] The locking leg (or alternatively, if present, the connecting leg between the locking section and the clamping leg) can preferably have a support section which, in the release position of the clamping leg and in the locking position of the locking leg, supports the clamping spring relative to the busbar on a support section of the busbar in a support position, counter to the pretension of the clamping leg. In this way, the locking between the clamping spring and the busbar can be relieved by the additional support, thus securely maintaining the locking. This also preferably makes it easier to transfer the locking leg from the locking position to the release position when inserting an electrical conductor.

[0021] The support section can preferably be provided in such a way that, when the locking leg is transferred from the locked position to the released position, it is moved from the support position into a released position in which the support section is exposed from the busbar in such a way that the clamping leg can be driven into the clamping position by its pretension. In this way, with a simple design and simple functionality, it can be ensured that in the released position the clamping leg can be safely transferred to the clamping position. Thus, the support of the locking via the support section, if this is no longer desired due to the unlocking of the locking leg, is simultaneously automatically and easily canceled and the clamping leg is thus released into the clamping position.

[0022] The clamping spring can preferably further comprise a bearing section for supporting the clamping spring relative to the busbar. The clamping spring can thus be easily mounted on the busbar. The bearing section is preferably provided at an end of the clamping leg opposite the clamping edge. Thus, the clamping spring can be provided in a particularly simple but effective manner. Furthermore, the clamping leg can be pivotably mounted in a simple manner via the bearing section.

[0023] The bearing section preferably has a spring arch adjoining the clamping leg and a contact leg adjoining the spring arch at an end of the spring arch facing away from the clamping leg for supporting the clamping spring on the busbar. This allows for a simple design of the clamping spring. The contact leg serves as a simple but effective mounting of the clamping spring on the busbar. The spring arch provides a structurally simple but effective means of pivoting the clamping leg securely and precisely between the clamping position and the release position.

[0024] The bearing section or, if present, the contact leg can preferably have a recess into which a recess in the busbar engages to fix the position of the clamping spring relative to the busbar. This provides a simple but effective mounting of the clamping spring on the busbar.

[0025] The clamping leg can preferably have at least one return section to cooperate with a release element for transferring the clamping leg into the release position. Thus, the clamping leg can be easily transferred into the release position, and there, the locking leg can then preferably be transferred into the locking position. The release element can be a separate tool or a release element provided integrally with the clamp, as described below.

[0026] The clamping leg can preferably have one of the return sections on each side of the conductor insertion direction. This provides a uniform load on the clamping leg for transferring it to the release position, enabling safe and effective movement of the clamping leg.

[0027] According to a further aspect, the present invention further relates to a terminal, in particular a connection or connecting terminal, for the electrical connection of at least one conductor. The terminal comprises, on the one hand, an insulating housing and, on the other hand, a spring-loaded clamp connection according to the present invention, which is at least partially accommodated by the insulating housing. The insulating housing can preferably have one or part of a conductor insertion channel towards the conductor clamping point, which then extends into the conductor insertion region of the spring-loaded clamp connection in order to thus facilitate the insertion of an electrical conductor. As already described, the conductor insertion channel can alternatively or additionally be (co-)formed by regions of the spring-loaded clamp connection.

[0028] The clamp can preferably further comprise a movably mounted release element which, upon movement into an actuating position, interacts with the clamping leg or, if present, with the return section to move the clamping leg into the release position and thus preferably the locking leg into the locking position. By providing the clamp with a corresponding release element, an additional tool can be dispensed with. Since the release element can also be provided with the clamp, a defined movement is ensured, thus preventing incorrect operation. The release element can be, for example, a release lever or a release slide (e.g., a push button).

[0029] The release element is preferably mounted so that it can move between a rest position, in which the clamping leg is movable between the release position and the clamping position, and the actuating position. The release lever is preferably mounted so that it can pivot (and thus can move in rotation), while a release slide is preferably mounted so that it can move in translation. The rest position enables the functionality of the clamping spring to be utilized accordingly. For example, with the clamping leg in the clamping position, a conductor (e.g., a rigid conductor) can be inserted into the conductor insertion area and the clamping leg can be slightly pushed open to insert the electrical conductor, thus positioning it in the conductor clamping point.In the rest position, it is also possible to unlock the clamping leg, which is locked in the release position via the locking leg as described above, by inserting an electrical conductor, so that the clamping leg moves freely from the release position into the clamping position. The rest position thus easily enables the full functionality of the clamp, while the actuated position allows the clamping leg to be moved into the release position and, preferably, the locking leg into the locking position.

[0030] The release element is preferably movably mounted in the insulating housing and / or in the spring-loaded clamp connection. This allows for defined guidance of the release element and thus safe and effective operation. According to a further aspect, the present invention relates to a terminal, in particular a connection or connecting terminal, for electrically connecting at least one conductor. The terminal has an insulating housing and a spring-loaded clamp connection at least partially accommodated by the insulating housing. The spring-loaded clamp connection, in turn, has a busbar with a contact section for electrically contacting an electrical conductor.The spring-loaded terminal connection further comprises a clamping spring with a clamping leg, which is movable relative to the busbar between a clamping position in which the clamping leg presses against the contact section with a distal clamping edge to form a conductor clamping point, and a release position pretensioned towards the clamping position, in which the clamping edge is spaced from the contact section to open the conductor clamping point. Furthermore, the spring-loaded terminal connection has a conductor insertion region extending in a conductor insertion direction from the outside toward and beyond the conductor clamping point. The clamping spring further comprises a locking leg, which is integrally formed on the clamping leg. The locking leg can preferably extend away from the clamping leg in a curved or bent manner.The locking leg is provided in such a way that, by inserting an electrical conductor in the conductor insertion direction into the conductor insertion area, it can be moved from a locking position in which the locking leg is locked and thus holds the clamping leg pre-tensioned towards the clamping position in the release position, into a release position in which the locking leg is unlocked, so that the clamping leg can be driven by its pre-tension into the clamping position in which the clamping edge presses the electrical conductor inserted into the conductor insertion area against the contact section in the conductor clamping point. The clamp further comprises a release lever mounted for rotation about a rotation axis, which, when rotated about the rotation axis in an actuating position, interacts with the clamping leg in such a way as to move the clamping spring into the release position and thus the locking leg into the locking position.The locking leg is preferably designed and provided in such a way that it can be transferred from the locking position into the release position by elastic deformation in order to be prestressed towards the locking position in the release position.

[0031] The spring-loaded clamp connection can preferably be formed by the spring-loaded clamp connection already described above. In this regard, particular reference is made to the preceding discussion, which applies equally to the clamp according to the aspect described here. The clamp described here makes it easy to move the clamping leg into the release position and hold it there securely and effectively, while also making it easy to unlock it. Thus, an overall compact and highly functional clamp can be provided. The release lever is preferably rotatably mounted between a rest position, in which the clamping leg is movable between the release position and the clamping position, and the actuating position.Thus, as already described above for the rest position, the functionality of the clamp can be used effectively in the rest position, while at the same time a simple transfer of the clamping leg into the release position is provided.

[0032] In a preferred embodiment, the release lever is mounted in such a way that it automatically remains in the actuated position. This allows for particularly easy operation of the clamp.

[0033] The release lever can preferably be rotatably mounted in the insulating housing and / or in the spring-loaded terminal connection. This provides a secure and effective mounting of the release lever.

[0034] The rotation axis preferably extends outside the conductor insertion area and preferably perpendicular to the conductor insertion direction. This allows for a structurally simple release lever while still maintaining a compact terminal.

[0035] Further embodiments and advantages of the present invention are described below with reference to the figures of the accompanying drawings. They show:

[0036] Fig. i is a perspective rear plan view of a spring-loaded terminal connection according to a first embodiment of the present invention with locking leg in the locking position,

[0037] Fig. 2 is a perspective rear bottom view of the spring clamp connection according to Fig. 1,

[0038] Fig. 3 is a perspective front view of the spring clamp connection according to Fig. 1,

[0039] Fig. 4 is a side view of the spring clamp connection according to Fig. i,

[0040] Fig. 5 is a front view of the spring clamp connection according to Fig. i,

[0041] Fig. 6 is a plan view of the spring clamp connection according to Fig. i,

[0042] Fig. 7 is a side sectional view of the spring clamp connection according to Fig. i, Fig. 8 is a perspective rear plan view of the spring clamp connection according to Fig. 1 with inserted electrical conductor and clamping leg in the clamping position,

[0043] Fig. 9 is a side view of the spring clamp connection according to Fig. 8,

[0044] Fig. io a side sectional view of the spring clamp connection according to Fig. 9 with the clamping leg in the release position and the locking leg in the locking position,

[0045] Fig. 11 is a side sectional view of the spring clamp connection according to Fig. 10 with the clamping leg in the clamping position,

[0046] Fig. 12 is a perspective front view of the spring-loaded terminal connection according to Fig. 3 with a release lever of a terminal equipped therewith and an electrical conductor not yet inserted,

[0047] Fig. 13 a side sectional view of the spring-loaded terminal connection including the release lever according to Fig. 12 with the clamping leg in the release position and the locking leg in the locking position,

[0048] Fig. 14 a side sectional view of the spring-loaded terminal connection including the release lever according to Fig. 13 with the electrical conductor not yet inserted and the locking leg in the locking position,

[0049] Fig. 15 is a side sectional view of the spring clamp connection including the release lever according to Fig. 14 with the conductor inserted and the clamping leg in the clamping position, and

[0050] Fig. 16 a side sectional view of the spring clamp connection including release lever (here in the actuating position) with the clamping leg moved back into the release position and the locking leg moved into the locking position as well as the electrical conductor led out of the spring clamp connection.

[0051] The figures show an exemplary embodiment of a spring-loaded terminal connection 2 according to the invention; partially with further components of a terminal 1, in particular a connecting or connecting terminal, for electrically connecting at least one electrical conductor L. The spring-loaded terminal connection 2 has a busbar 3 with a contact section 30 for electrically contacting the electrical conductor L. The busbar 3, which can also be referred to as a contact element 3, is preferably made of an electrically conductive material. For example, as shown, the busbar 3 can be provided as a contact frame, which is preferably manufactured as an integral stamped and bent part.

[0052] The spring-loaded terminal connection 2 further comprises a clamping spring 4 with a clamping leg 5. As can be seen in particular from the combination of Figures 10 and 11 and the combination of Figures 14 and 15, the clamping leg 5 is movable relative to the busbar 3 between a clamping position (cf., for example, Figures 11 and 15), in which the clamping leg 5 presses with a distal clamping edge 50 against the contact section 30 to form a conductor clamping point K, and a release position pretensioned towards the clamping position (cf., for example, Figures 10 and 14), in which the clamping edge 50 is spaced from the contact section 30 to open the conductor clamping point K.

[0053] As can be seen in particular from the sectional views of Figures 7, 10, 11 and 13 to 16, the clamping spring 4 can have a bearing section 40 for supporting the clamping spring 4 relative to the busbar 3. As can be seen from the aforementioned figures, the bearing section 40 can preferably be provided at an end of the clamping leg 5 opposite the clamping edge 50.

[0054] The bearing section 40 can, as can also be seen from Figures 7, 10, 11 and 13 to 16, have a spring arch 41 adjoining the clamping leg 5 and a contact leg 42 adjoining the spring arch 41 at an end of the spring arch 41 facing away from the clamping leg 5 for mounting the clamping spring 4 on the busbar 3. The bearing section 40 or here the contact leg 42 can have a recess 43 into which an embossing 33 in the busbar 3 engages to fix the position of the clamping spring 4 relative to the busbar 3.

[0055] The spring-loaded terminal connection 2 further comprises a conductor insertion region B extending in a conductor insertion direction E from the outside to the conductor clamping point K and beyond it. This conductor insertion region B can, as shown by way of example in the figures, be laterally delimited by one or part of a conductor insertion channel. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated here, the conductor insertion region B is delimited, for example, in the area of ​​and towards the conductor clamping point K, at the top by the contact section 30 of the busbar 3, at the bottom by the clamping leg 5 of the clamping spring 4 towards the clamping edge 50, and laterally on the right and left by side wall sections 31 of the busbar 3.The side wall sections 31 have guide sections 32 which are directed obliquely in the conductor insertion direction E by punching and bending inwards into the conductor insertion area B and which support a defined guidance of an electrical conductor L to be inserted towards the conductor terminal point K.

[0056] In the exemplary embodiment shown here, the side wall sections 31 connect a bottom section 34 of the busbar 3, which has the embossing 33, to its upper contact section 30, in order to form a contact frame as the busbar 3, which is essentially closed on the circumference.

[0057] The clamping leg 5 can, as can be seen in particular from Fig. 3, have at least one return section 51 in order to cooperate with a release element 10 shown by way of example in Figs. 13 to 16 for transferring the clamping leg 5 into the release position, as can be seen, for example, from Fig. 16. In this case, the clamping leg 5, as can also be seen from Fig. 3, can preferably have one of the return sections 51 on each side of the conductor insertion direction E. In the illustrated embodiment, the return sections 51 are provided simply by a partial widening of the clamping leg 5.

[0058] The clamping spring 4 further comprises a locking leg 6, which is formed integrally (here, for example, by manufacturing the clamping spring 4 as an integral, one-piece stamped and bent part) on the clamping leg 5. As can be seen in particular from the sectional views of Figures 7, 10, 11, and 13 to 16, the locking leg 6 can preferably extend away from the clamping leg 5, for example, in a curved or bent manner.

[0059] The locking leg 6 is provided in such a way that, by inserting the electrical conductor L in the conductor insertion direction E into the conductor insertion area B, it can be moved from a locking position (cf. for example Figures 1 to 7, 10 and 12 to 14), in which the locking leg 6 is locked to the busbar 3 and thus holds the clamping leg 5 pre-tensioned towards the clamping position in the release position, into a release position in which the locking leg 6 is unlatched from the busbar 3, so that the clamping leg 5 can be driven by its pre-tension into the clamping position, in which the clamping edge 50 presses the electrical conductor L introduced into the conductor insertion area B against the contact section 30 in the conductor clamping point K, and in this way reliably establishes electrical contact with the electrical conductor L.

[0060] As can be seen in particular from the combination of Figures 10 and 11 and Figures 14 to 16, the locking leg 6 can preferably be designed and provided in such a way that it can be transferred from the locking position to the release position by elastic deformation, in order to be prestressed towards the locking position in the release position. Thus, at least without an inserted electrical conductor L, it can be ensured that in the release position of the clamping leg 5, the locking leg 6 remains in the locking position. By inserting the electrical conductor L into the conductor insertion area B, the electrical conductor L then counteracts this prestress of the locking leg 6 in order to transfer it from the locking position to the release position and thus enable the clamping leg 5 to drive into the clamping position, as can be seen from the combination of Figures 10 and 11 and the combination of Figures 14 and 15.

[0061] The locking leg 6 can have at least one, and in the illustrated embodiment, two, locking sections 65. The locking section(s) 65 cooperate with a holding section 35 of the busbar 3 in the locking position to lock the locking leg 6 to the busbar 3. Furthermore, the locking section(s) 65 are exposed relative to the holding section 35 in the release position of the locking leg 6 in order to release the locking leg 6 from the busbar 3 accordingly, thus allowing the clamping leg 5 to drive into the clamping position.

[0062] The busbar 3 can further comprise a ramp section 36, which is provided such that, when the clamping leg 5 moves from the release position into the clamping position (cf. the transition from Fig. 10 to Fig. 11 and the transition from Fig. 14 to Fig. 15), the latching section 65, due to the pretension of the latching leg 6, presses against the ramp section 36 such that the clamping leg 5 is driven toward the clamping position. In this way, the pretension of the clamping leg 5 toward the clamping position is further supported to enable a safe, effective, and rapid transfer of the clamping leg 5 into the clamping position as soon as the latching leg 6 is released.

[0063] As can be seen in particular from Figures 8 and 9, the ramp section 36 can delimit or have the holding section 35 on its side facing the release position (here, below). In this way, the ramp section 36 can additionally be used to securely guide the locking section 65 to the holding section 35 and to allow it to snap securely into the holding section 35 when the clamping leg is transferred from the clamping position to the release position.

[0064] As can be seen in particular from Figures 1, 2 and 8, the locking section(s) 65 can protrude transversely and preferably laterally with respect to the conductor insertion direction E away from the conductor insertion region B. Alternatively or additionally, it is also conceivable for the locking section(s) 65 to protrude transversely and laterally with respect to the conductor insertion direction towards the conductor insertion region B. As can be seen from all figures, the locking leg 6 can preferably have a manipulation section 60 which, in the release position of the clamping leg 5, is arranged downstream of the conductor clamping point K in the conductor insertion region B, as seen in the conductor insertion direction E. This can be seen in particular from the lateral sectional views in Figures 7, 10, 13, 14 and 16.

[0065] The manipulation section 60 is preferably provided such that, by inserting the electrical conductor L in the conductor insertion direction E into the conductor insertion region B, the locking leg 6 can be moved into the release position by the force exerted by the electrical conductor L on the manipulation section 60 in the conductor insertion direction E. Thus, when the electrical conductor L is inserted into the conductor insertion region, it presses on the manipulation section 60. As a result, the manipulation section 60 is moved to the right in the sectional views shown in Figures 10 and 14 in order to unlock the locking leg 6 from the busbar 3. In the illustrated embodiment, this occurs in that the locking sections 65 are moved together with the manipulation section 60 over the locking leg 6 by the pressure of the electrical conductor L on the manipulation section 60 and are thus exposed from the corresponding holding section 35.In the embodiment shown here, due to the pressure on the manipulation section 60 by the inserted electrical conductor L, the locking leg 6 is pivoted around its connection area with the clamping leg 5 (here by means of elastic deformation).

[0066] The locking leg 6 preferably has a connecting leg 61, which extends between the clamping leg 5 and the manipulation section 60; this is preferably curved or U-shaped therebetween, as can be seen from the figures.

[0067] The connecting leg 61 preferably has, as shown here, two connecting leg sections 62 extending on both sides of the conductor insertion area B with respect to the conductor insertion direction E. These can be seen in particular in Figures 1, 2, and 8. These connecting leg sections 62 preferably extend, as shown, as an extension of the previously described return sections 51.

[0068] As can also be seen from Figures 1, 2, and 8, the connecting leg 61 can have the locking portion 65. In the exemplary embodiment shown here, each of the connecting leg portions 62 has one of the locking portions 65.

[0069] As can also be seen from all figures, the manipulation section 60 can be provided at an end of the locking leg 6 or the connecting leg 61, if present, that is distal from the clamping leg 5. Thus, a correspondingly defined lever arm can be generated to selectively adjust or provide a compressive force applied to the manipulation section 60 by the electrical conductor L to be inserted to transfer the locking leg 6 into the release position.

[0070] As can be seen in particular from Fig. 2, the locking leg 6 or, if present, its connecting leg 61 can have a support section 67 between the locking section 65 and the clamping leg 5, which, in the release position of the clamping leg 5 and in the locking position of the locking leg 6 in a support position (cf. Fig. 2), supports the clamping spring 4 relative to the busbar 3 on a support section 37 of the busbar 3, counter to the pretension of the clamping leg 5. This supports the holding of the clamping leg 5 in the locked release position and further relieves the locking of the locking leg 6, here, for example, via the locking sections 65 relative to the holding sections 35.

[0071] The support section 67 can preferably be provided such that, when the locking leg 6 is transferred from the locking position to the release position, it is moved from the support position into a released position in which the support section 67 is exposed from the busbar 3 or its support section 37 in such a way that the clamping leg 5 can be driven into the clamping position by its pretension. In other words, when the locking leg 6 is transferred from the locking position to the release position, not only is the locking leg 6 or its locking section(s) 65 unlocked, but at the same time the support function by means of the support section 67 with respect to the busbar 3 or its support section 37 is also relinquished, and the clamping leg 5 is thus released for easy transfer to the clamping position.

[0072] The spring-loaded terminal connection 2 described in this way is used in particular in a terminal 1, such as in particular a connection or connecting terminal, for the electrical connection of at least one electrical conductor L. Such a terminal 1 has, in addition to the spring-loaded terminal connection 2, an insulating housing (not shown in detail here), in which the spring-loaded terminal connection 2 is at least partially accommodated.

[0073] As is indicated by way of example in Figures 12 to 16, the clamp 1 can further comprise a movably mounted release element 10 which, when moved into an actuating position (cf., for example, Figure 16), interacts with the clamping leg 5 and, here, preferably with the return section 51, in such a way as to move the clamping leg 5 into the release position and, preferably, furthermore, the locking leg 6 into the locking position, as is particularly evident from the combination of Figures 15 and 16. The release element 10 can, as shown here, be, for example, a release lever or a release slide or the like. The release lever 10 is preferably provided so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis X in order to be moved into the described actuating position by rotation about the rotation axis X.

[0074] The release element io can preferably be mounted so as to be movable between a rest position (cf. for example Figures 12 to 15), in which the clamping leg 5 is movable between the release position (cf. for example Figures 12 to 14) and the clamping position (cf. for example Fig. 15), and the actuating position (in the case of the release lever 10 shown here, thus rotatable).

[0075] In the embodiment shown here, the release element 10 can preferably be movably mounted in the spring-loaded terminal connection 2. Alternatively or additionally, the release element 10 can also be movably mounted in the insulating housing.

[0076] In the embodiment shown here, the release lever 10 has a rotary axis section 11, which is rotatably mounted in an axis receptacle 38 behind the contact section 30. The side facing the contact section 30 in the area of ​​the axis receptacle 38 represents a projection 39, which, as part of the contact section 30, serves to ensure secure electrical contact with the electrical conductor L clamped in the conductor clamping point K by means of the clamping leg 5.

[0077] As can be seen particularly in lateral sectional views of Figures 13 to 16, the rotation axis X of the release element 10 shown here can preferably extend outside the conductor insertion area B and more preferably transversely to the conductor insertion direction E.

[0078] The release lever 10 shown here further comprises a handle portion 12 extending away from the rotation axis X, via which an operator can actuate the release lever 10 in order to rotate or pivot it about the rotation axis X, and thus preferably to move it between the rest position and the actuated position.

[0079] The release lever 10 shown here further comprises a trigger section 13 extending away from the rotation axis X, which, when the release lever 10 is rotated into the actuating position, comes into contact with the clamping leg 5 and preferably its return section 51, and presses or transfers the clamping leg 5 toward and into the release position. The trigger section 13 protrudes here on an opposite side of the handle section 12 with respect to the rotation axis X. In the exemplary embodiment shown here, the release lever 10 has two trigger sections 13, one to the left and one to the right of the conductor insertion area B, wherein one of the trigger sections 13 interacts with one of the two return sections 51.Notwithstanding the specific design of the locking of the clamping leg 5 in the release position described here, the present invention is further directed to a correspondingly equipped clamp i, which is equipped with a release lever 10 as described above in order to ultimately transfer the clamping leg 5 into its release position and to lock it there accordingly.

[0080] In other words, the present invention is further directed to a terminal 1, in particular a connection or connecting terminal, for the electrical connection of at least one conductor L, which terminal has an insulating housing and a spring-loaded clamp connection 2 at least partially accommodated in the insulating housing. The spring-loaded clamp connection 2 can preferably be the spring-loaded clamp connection 2 described above. Likewise, the terminal 1 can be the terminal 1 already described above. In any case, with regard to the terminal 1 described here, the spring-loaded clamp connection 2 has at least one busbar 3 (for example the busbar 3 described above) with a contact section 30 (for example the contact section 30 described above) for electrical contact with an electrical conductor L.Furthermore, the spring-loaded terminal connection 2 has a clamping spring 4 (for example, the previously described clamping spring 4) with a clamping leg 5 (for example, the previously described clamping leg 5). The clamping leg 5 is movable relative to the busbar 3 between a clamping position (for example, the previously described clamping position), in which the clamping leg 5 presses with a distal clamping edge 50 (for example, the previously described clamping edge 50) against the contact section 30 to form a conductor clamping point K (for example, the previously described conductor clamping point K), and a release position pretensioned towards the clamping position (for example, the previously described release position), in which the clamping edge 50 is spaced from the contact section 30 to open the conductor clamping point K.

[0081] The spring-loaded terminal connection 2 further comprises a conductor insertion region B (for example the previously described conductor insertion region B) extending in a conductor insertion direction E (for example the previously described conductor insertion direction E) from the outside to the conductor clamping point K and beyond it.

[0082] Furthermore, the clamping spring 4 further comprises a locking leg 6 (for example, the previously described locking leg 6), which is formed integrally on the clamping leg 5; and preferably extends away from the clamping leg 5, for example, in a curved or bent manner. The locking leg 6 is provided such that, by inserting an electrical conductor L in the conductor insertion direction E into the conductor insertion area B, it can be moved from a locking position (for example, the previously described locking position) in which the locking leg 6 is locked (for example, with the busbar 3, as previously described, or a corresponding locking section of the clamping spring 4 itself or another section of the spring-loaded terminal connection 2 or the terminal 1;for example also with the insulating material housing) and thus holds the clamping leg 5 pre-tensioned towards the clamping position in the release position, can be transferred into a release position (for example the previously described release position) in which the locking leg 6 is unlocked, so that the clamping leg 5 can be driven by its pre-tension into the clamping position in which the clamping edge 50 presses the electrical conductor L introduced into the conductor insertion area B in the conductor clamping point K against the contact section 30.;

[0083] The clamp 1 thus formed further comprises a release lever 10 (for example the release lever 10 described above) which is mounted so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis X (for example the rotation axis X described above) and which, when rotated about the rotation axis X into an actuating position (for example the actuating position described above), cooperates with the clamping leg 5 in such a way as to transfer the clamping leg 5 into the release position and preferably thus the locking leg into the locking position.

[0084] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, as long as it is encompassed by the subject matter of the following claims.

Claims

Claims 1. Spring-loaded terminal connection (2) for a terminal (1), in particular a connection or connecting terminal, for the electrical connection of at least one electrical conductor (L), comprising: • a busbar (3) with a contact section (30) for electrical contact with an electrical conductor (L), • a clamping spring (4) with a clamping leg (5) which is movable relative to the busbar (3) between a clamping position in which the clamping leg (5) presses with a distal clamping edge (50) against the contact section (30) to form a conductor clamping point (K), and a release position pre-tensioned towards the clamping position in which the clamping edge (50) is spaced from the contact section (30) to open the conductor clamping point (K), and • a conductor insertion region (B) extending in a conductor insertion direction (E) from the outside to the conductor clamping point (K) and beyond this, characterized in that the clamping spring (4) further comprises a locking leg (6) which is formed integrally on the clamping leg (5), wherein the locking leg (6) is provided such that, by inserting an electrical conductor (L) in the conductor insertion direction (E) into the conductor insertion region (B), it can be transferred from a locking position, in which the locking leg (6) is locked to the busbar (3) and thus holds the clamping leg (5) prestressed towards the clamping position in the release position, into a release position, in which the locking leg (6) is unlatched from the busbar (3), so that the clamping leg (5) can be driven into the clamping position by its prestress,in which the clamping edge (50) presses the electrical conductor (L) inserted into the conductor insertion area (B) against the contact section (30) in the conductor clamping point (K).

2. Spring-loaded terminal connection (2) according to claim 1, wherein the locking leg (6) is designed and provided in such a way that it can be transferred from the locking position into the release position by elastic deformation in order to be prestressed towards the locking position in the release position.

3. Spring-loaded terminal connection (2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the locking leg (6) has at least one locking section (65) which • in the locking position, cooperates with a holding section (35) of the busbar (3) to lock the locking leg (6) to the busbar (3), and • in the release position is exposed relative to the holding section (35) in order to release the locking leg (6) from the busbar (3).

4. Spring-loaded terminal connection (2) according to claim 2 and 3, wherein the busbar (3) has a ramp section (36) which is provided such that when the clamping leg (5) moves from the release position into the clamping position, the locking section (65) presses against the ramp section (36) due to the pretension of the locking leg (6) in such a way as to drive the clamping leg (5) towards the clamping position.

5. Spring-loaded terminal connection (2) according to claim 4, wherein the ramp section (36) delimits or has the holding section (35) on its side directed towards the release position.

6. Spring-loaded terminal connection (2) according to one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the latching section (65) projects transversely and preferably laterally with respect to the conductor insertion direction (E) away from the conductor insertion region (B) and / or extending towards it.

7. Spring-loaded terminal connection (2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the locking leg (6) has a manipulation section (60) which, in the release position of the clamping leg (5), as seen in the conductor insertion direction (E), is arranged downstream of the conductor clamping point (K) in the conductor insertion area (B), wherein the manipulation section (60) is provided such that by inserting the electrical conductor (L) in the conductor insertion direction (E) into the conductor insertion area (B), the locking leg (6) can be transferred into the release position by means of the force acting on the manipulation section (60) of the electrical conductor (L) in the conductor insertion direction (E).

8. Spring-loaded clamp connection (2) according to claim 7, wherein the locking leg (6) has a connecting leg (61) which extends between the clamping leg (5) and the manipulation section (60), preferably in an arcuate or U-shaped manner therebetween. 9- Spring-loaded terminal connection (2) according to claim 8, wherein the connecting leg (61) has two connecting leg sections (62) extending on both sides of the conductor insertion region (B) with respect to the conductor insertion direction (E).

10. Spring-loaded terminal connection (2) according to claim 3 in conjunction with one of claims 8 or 9, wherein the connecting leg (61) has the latching section (65), wherein preferably, if present, each of the connecting leg sections (62) has one of the latching sections (65).

11. Spring-loaded clamp connection (2) according to one of claims 7 to 10, wherein the manipulation section (60) is provided at an end of the locking leg (6) or the connecting leg (61), if present, which is distal to the clamping leg (5).

12. Spring-loaded terminal connection (2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the latching leg (6) or, if present, the connecting leg (61) between the latching section (65) and the clamping leg (5) has a support section (67) which, in the release position of the clamping leg (5) and in the latching position of the latching leg (6), supports the clamping spring (4) relative to the busbar (3) on a support section (37) of the busbar (3) in a support position against the prestress of the clamping leg (5), and wherein the support section (67) is provided such that, when the latching leg (6) is transferred from the latching position to the release position, it is moved from the support position into a released position in which the support section (67) is exposed from the busbar (3) in such a way that the clamping leg (5) can be driven into the clamping position by its prestress.

13. Spring-loaded terminal connection (2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the clamping spring (4) further comprises a bearing section (40) for mounting the clamping spring (4) relative to the busbar (3), wherein the bearing section (40) is preferably provided at an end of the clamping leg (5) opposite the clamping edge (50).

14. Spring-loaded clamp connection (2) according to claim 13, wherein the bearing section (40) comprises a spring arch (41) adjoining the clamping leg (5) and a spring arch (41) which is connected to the spring bo- gen (41) adjoining contact legs (42) for supporting the clamping spring (4) on the busbar (3).

15. Spring-loaded clamp connection (2) according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the bearing section (40) or, if present, the contact leg (42) has a recess (43) into which an embossing (33) in the busbar (3) engages for fixing the position of the clamping spring (4) relative to the busbar (3).

16. Spring-loaded clamp connection (2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the clamping leg (5) has at least one return section (51) to cooperate with a release element (10) for transferring the clamping leg (5) into the release position.

17. Spring-loaded terminal connection (2) according to claim 16, wherein the clamping leg (5) has one of the return sections (51) on each side of the conductor insertion direction (E).

18. Terminal (1), in particular connection or connecting terminal, for the electrical connection of at least one conductor (L), comprising: • an insulating housing and • a spring-loaded terminal connection (2) at least partially received by the insulating housing according to one of the preceding claims.

19. Clamp (1) according to claim 18, further comprising a movably mounted release element (10), such as a release lever or a release slide, which, when moved into an actuating position, cooperates with the clamping leg (5) or, if present, with the return section (51) in such a way as to transfer the clamping leg (5) into the release position and preferably thus the locking leg (6) into the locking position.

20. Clamp (1) according to claim 19, wherein the release element (10) is movably mounted between a rest position, in which the clamping leg (5) is movable between the release position and the clamping position, and the actuating position.

21. Terminal (i) according to claim 19 or 20, wherein the release element (10) is movably mounted in the insulating housing and / or in the spring-loaded terminal connection (2).

22. Terminal (1), in particular a connection or connecting terminal, for the electrical connection of at least one conductor (L), comprising: • an insulating housing and • a spring-loaded terminal connection (2) at least partially accommodated by the insulating housing, the spring-loaded terminal connection (2) comprising: • a busbar (3) with a contact section (30) for electrical contact with an electrical conductor (L), • a clamping spring (4) with a clamping leg (5) which is movable relative to the busbar (3) between a clamping position in which the clamping leg (5) presses with a distal clamping edge (50) against the contact section (30) to form a conductor clamping point (K), and a release position pre-tensioned towards the clamping position in which the clamping edge (50) is spaced from the contact section (30) to open the conductor clamping point (K), and • a conductor insertion region (B) extending in a conductor insertion direction (E) from the outside to the conductor clamping point (K) and beyond this, characterized in that the clamping spring (4) further comprises a locking leg (6) which is formed integrally on the clamping leg (5), wherein the locking leg (6) is provided such that, by inserting an electrical conductor (L) in the conductor insertion direction (E) into the conductor insertion region (B), it can be transferred from a locking position, in which the locking leg (6) is locked and thus holds the clamping leg (5) prestressed towards the clamping position in the release position, into a release position in which the locking leg (6) is unlocked, so that the clamping leg (5) can be driven by its prestress into the clamping position, in which the clamping edge (50) presses the electrical conductor (L) introduced into the conductor insertion region (B) in the conductor clamping point (K) against the contact section (30) urges,wherein the clamp (1) further comprises a release lever (10) which is mounted so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis (X) and which, when rotated about the rotation axis (X) into an actuating position, cooperates with the clamping leg (5) in such a way as to transfer the clamping spring (4) into the release position and thus the locking leg (6) into the locking position. 23- Clamp (i) according to claim 22, wherein the release lever (10) is rotatably mounted between a rest position, in which the clamping leg (5) is movable between the release position and the clamping position, and the actuating position.

24. Terminal (1) according to claim 22 or 23, wherein the release lever (10) is rotatably mounted in the insulating material housing and / or in the spring-loaded terminal connection (2).

25. Terminal (1) according to one of claims 22 to 24, wherein the axis of rotation (X) extends outside the conductor insertion area (B) and preferably transversely to the conductor insertion direction (E).

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