Conductor connection terminal

Abstract

The present invention relates to a conductor connection terminal (1) comprising a spring clamp connection (2) with a clamp spring (3) and a power transmission rail (4), in which a conductor can be firmly clamped with a spring force on the conductor connection side of the power transmission rail (4) by means of a clamp leg (5) of the clamp spring (3). The conductor connection terminal (1) has a support element (6) with a support area (7) for abutting on the side of the power transmission rail (4) opposite the conductor connection side. In order to provide a compact and multi-sided conductor connection terminal (1) which is further improved in terms of its functionality and overall dimensions, it is proposed that the support element (6) has a spring tongue (9) by means of which an electrical contact element (15) can be firmly clamped with a spring force on the power transmission rail (4). This provides further connection possibilities without additional separate connection parts and without increasing the overall dimensions of the conductor connection terminal (1).

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The invention relates to a conductor connection terminal comprising a spring clamp connection with a clamp spring and a transmission rail, in which a conductor is configured to be clamped with a spring force by a clamp leg of the clamp spring against a conductor connection side of the transmission rail, and a support element having a support area for abutting against a side of the transmission rail opposite the conductor connection side. [Background technology]

[0002] Conductor connection terminals with spring clamp connections having a clamping spring for firmly clamping the conductor on the power transmission rail belong to the prior art. Conductor connection terminals are constantly being developed to reduce the overall dimensions and production costs. In order to improve the stability of conductor connection terminals with small overall dimensions, technical solutions were presented in the past in which a support element was attached to the power transmission rail or the power transmission rail abutted against a support element, thereby mechanically stabilizing the power transmission rail. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] Taking this prior art as a starting point, the problem on which the present invention is based is to further optimize the conductor connection terminal with regard to its functionality and outer dimensions and to provide a compact and versatile conductor connection terminal. [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] This problem is solved by a conductor connecting terminal according to claim 1. Advantageous embodiments are disclosed in the dependent claims, the description and the figures. In this conductor connection terminal based on a concept of the state of the art, it is proposed that the support element has a spring tongue, by means of which the electrical contact element can be firmly clamped with a spring force on the power transmission rail.

[0005] This provides further connection possibilities without increasing the overall dimensions of the conductor connection terminal. In addition, no additional separate components are required for the further connection possibilities and the required clearances and creepage distances are not reduced. The functional expansion of the conductor connection terminal is made possible by existing common components, in particular the support element. This allows the conductor connection terminal to be further optimized in terms of its functionality and overall dimensions and is particularly compact and versatile.

[0006] The support element may be disposed such that the support section is adjacent to the transmission rail. The support element may be in surface contact with the transmission rail at least in a section. It is conceivable that the transmission rail is supported on the support section of the support element so as to better absorb the spring force of the clamp spring acting on the transmission rail.

[0007] The spring tongue can, for example, protrude from the support element. The spring tongue can be connected to and protrude from the support area. In addition to the clamping point formed between the clamping spring and the power transmission rail, the spring tongue can form a further clamping point together with the power transmission rail. At the further clamping point, the electrical contact element can be firmly clamped by the spring tongue of the support element to the power transmission rail with a spring force.

[0008] The conductor connection side of the transmission rail may be, for example, a beam-shaped side of the transmission rail that faces the clamp spring and towards which the clamping leg of the clamp spring is directed. The side of the transmission rail opposite the conductor connection side may be the rear side (hereinafter also referred to as the underside) of the transmission rail opposite the conductor connection side, on which no clamping leg of the clamp spring is present. The support element may therefore adjoin the transmission rail on the side of the transmission rail opposite the clamp spring.

[0009] A spring tongue is a resiliently movable, flap-shaped spring element which may, for example, have one or more bends or corners and which may exert a spring force in the direction of the current transmission rail on a contact element which is inserted into the conductor connection terminal and contacted by the spring tongue. The spring tongue may, for example, be connected at one end to a support element and may have a free end with an end region.

[0010] The electrical contact elements can be, for example, contact pins, conductors with the insulation removed, or even plug tongues of a jumper. The spring tongue may have a spring arch portion (or in other words a resilient bending portion) from which a clamping arm projects for securely clamping an electrical contact element.

[0011] The spring arch can be, for example, a corner or bend of the spring tongue at an angle or radius, so that the spring tongue changes its main direction of extension, for example in its trajectory from the support element towards the free end of the spring tongue. In this regard, the section of the spring tongue between the spring arch and the free end of the spring tongue can form a clamping arm of the spring tongue, which clamping arm applies a spring force to the contact element to be clamped or clamped to the power transmission rail. The spring tongue can be adjusted by the spring arch such that the clamping arm of the spring tongue is directed towards the power transmission rail.

[0012] The clamping arm protruding from the spring arch portion of the spring tongue can increase the clamping force of the spring tongue on the contact element to be clamped or clamped, and the bending reduces the space required for the spring tongue, so that the available installation space can be better utilized.

[0013] The spring tongue may be bent in an S-shape at least in a portion thereof. For example, the spring arch discussed above may describe a portion of an S-curve. A further bend or curvature of the spring tongue may be directly connected to the connection region of the spring tongue and the support element, so that the spring tongue protrudes from the support element at an angle or radius. Alternatively or in addition, a further bend or curvature may be present in the clamping arm of the spring tongue, which provides an angle or radius at the clamping point of the spring tongue, thereby increasing the clamping force on the contact element to be connected. A bend or curvature may be present in the end region of the spring tongue, which roundness facilitates the insertion of the contact element. There may be multiple bends or curvatures in the spring tongue, which may have, for example, alternating convex and concave tracks. By the S-shaped curvature of at least some sections, and optionally by the further bend or curvature, the installation space utilization in the conductor connection terminal in the region of the spring tongue may be optimized.

[0014] The electrical contact element may be firmly clampable on the contact connection side to the power transmission rail. The contact connection side can be arranged, for example, on the side of the power transmission rail opposite the conductor connection side, in which case the power transmission rail is utilized from two different, mutually opposite sides and the available installation space is optimally utilized.

[0015] However, it is also conceivable that the contact connection side is arranged on another side of the power transmission rail, for example on the conductor connection side or even on another side, such as an end face of the power transmission rail, for which the spring tongue is correspondingly designed so that it can form a further clamping point for the contact element on the desired side of the power transmission rail in addition to the conductor connection clamping point.

[0016] A particular "side" of the transmission rail does not necessarily mean that each surface of the transmission rail is assigned to one side. It is conceivable that one particular surface of the transmission rail extends partly to one side of the transmission rail, e.g. the conductor connection side, and partly to another side of the transmission rail, e.g. the side opposite the conductor connection side. For example, the transmission rail can be curved or bent such that one surface of the transmission rail is redirected from one side of the transmission rail to another side. It is thus conceivable that the conductor clamped by the clamping spring and the electrical contact element clamped with the spring tongue can be clamped on different sides of the transmission rail but on the same clamping surface. The side of the transmission rail on which the electrical contact element can be clamped or is clamped is referred to as the contact connection side.

[0017] The spring tongue may extend from the support element substantially against the plug-in direction of the electrical contact element to be firmly clamped to the power transmission rail. In this respect, it is conceivable that the spring tongue extends substantially parallel to the plugged-in and firmly clamped electrical conductor. The spring tongue can extend from the support element initially in a section transverse to the plug-in direction of the electrical contact element and then, via a spring arch, transition to an extension in the opposite direction to the contact element to be plugged in. The spring tongue can also extend, at least in a section, substantially parallel to the power transmission rail or at an angle to the power transmission rail.

[0018] A plug-in plane of the electrical conductor clampable to the power transmission rail may extend substantially parallel to a plug-in plane of the contact element clampable to the power transmission rail. The contact elements and the conductors can thus be inserted into the conductor connection terminal in substantially parallel planes, which allows a simple and convenient connection of the conductors and the contact elements to the conductor connection terminal and makes efficient use of the available installation space. The insertion directions of the conductors to be plugged in and the contact elements to be plugged in can be the same.

[0019] The spring tongue can be formed integrally (in other words as one piece) with the support element, which provides an integrated configuration of the spring tongue and the support element with one another. Basically, it is also conceivable that the spring tongue is connected to the support element via a snap-in, pressure or material bond or via independent connecting means. The support element may have a rigid base or may have, for example, side regions bent out from the support area of ​​the support element, which stabilise the support element in a material-saving manner.

[0020] The support element may be a stamped and bent metal sheet with one or more stamped and bent spring tongues. Alternatively or additionally, the metal sheet forming the stamped and bent support element may have one or more stamped and bent side regions. The integral formation of the spring tongues and the support element facilitates the manufacture and assembly of the conductor connection terminal and at the same time allows high stability and a long service life of the components of the conductor connection terminal.

[0021] The spring tongue may have an abutment region for abutting the spring tongue against a side region of the support element. Alternatively or additionally, the spring tongue may have an abutment area for abutting the spring tongue against a base of the support element, whereby an improved stability of the conductor connection terminal and a higher spring force of the spring tongue may be achieved.

[0022] In this regard, the abutment area of ​​the spring tongue can be part of the spring arch of the spring tongue or can transition into the spring arch. It is also conceivable that the abutment area of ​​the spring tongue is a section of the spring tongue between the connection point with the support element and the spring arch of the spring tongue.

[0023] The spring tongue can rest, for example, against the edge of the side region of the support element or against the side of the base by means of the abutment region. Depending on the state of the conductor connection terminal, the abutment region may not be in continuous contact with the side region or the base. A permanent abutment is therefore not essential.

[0024] In some embodiments, the spring tongue may simply abut against the base of the support element when the electrical contact element is plugged in. The spring tongue may be supported at its abutment area against a side area or the base of the support element, resulting in better force absorption. In addition, for example by means of a spring arch adjacent to the abutment area, a suitable angle of the spring tongue to the power transmission rail may be achieved, resulting in a larger spring force.

[0025] In some exemplary embodiments, the regions of the support element may be arranged one after the other from the inside to the outside in the following order: starting from the support section of the support element, the spring tongue protrudes from the support section at a connection point, which is adjoined (possibly via a transition section) by an abutment section, in which the spring tongue may abut or be abutted against a side section of the support element arranged below the support section.

[0026] The abutment area of ​​the spring tongue can transition into a spring arch from which a clamping arm projects towards the transmission rail, the clamping arm for example being capable of transitioning at the clamping point with the transmission rail into a curved tongue end for facilitating plugging in.

[0027] The abutment area may form a stop for limiting the insertion depth of the electrical contact element. In this case, the contact element hits, for example, at the contact element tip during insertion against the abutment area and cannot be inserted further in the direction of the side area or base of the support element. The spring tongue can form an accommodation space or accommodation pocket for the electrical contact element. This stop or accommodation space ensures a controlled and reliable insertion process of the electrical contact element.

[0028] The transmission rail may be bent in the end region in the direction of the spring tongue. In some embodiments, the transmission rail may have a bend between 90° and 270°, or between 120° and 240°, or between 150° and 210°, such that the transmission rail has a transmission rail arch (or bend) in the end section.

[0029] The transmission rail arch section together with the spring tongue may form a clamping point for the electrical contact element. In some embodiments, the clamping point of the spring tongue for the electrical contact element may be formed on the same clamping surface of the transmission rail as the clamping point of the clamping spring for the electrical conductor. The transmission rail arch section provides a structurally simple and material-saving solution for arranging the spring tongue and the transmission rail close to each other, such that the spring force of the spring tongue at the clamping point is greater than in the case of an unbent transmission rail.

[0030] The transmission rail may be substantially beam-shaped. The transmission rail may have a side plate, for example, bent away from the transmission rail. It is conceivable that the power transmission rail has in particular two mutually facing side plates, between which the mounting legs of the clamping springs may extend.

[0031] The power transmission rail may have a guide for partially receiving the abutment leg of the clamp spring, the guide being present in a bent side plate of the power transmission rail. The transmission rail may have a sloped area in the region of the clamping point provided for securely clamping the conductor with the clamping spring, which sloped area for example partially protrudes from the transmission rail or is reinforced (in other words thicker), which slope improves the insertion and contact of the conductor clamped by the clamping spring.

[0032] The transmission rail may be formed in one piece, for example a stamped and formed metal section with stamped and formed side plates and / or a transmission rail arch.

[0033] The mounting legs of the clamp spring may project with end segments into or through an opening in the transmission rail. The mounting legs can furthermore protrude into recesses (in other words holes) of the support element by means of end segments. In these embodiments, the mounting legs of the especially extended clamping springs, which protrude into the openings of the power transmission rail and possibly into the recesses of the support element, are used for centering, fixing and stabilizing the components of the conductor connection terminal. The recesses can be T-shaped cutouts in the support element. A locking of the mounting legs in the support element can thereby be achieved.

[0034] The conductor connection terminal may be configured as a two-pole or multi-pole terminal with at least two mutually facing conductor insertion openings as well as at least two clamping springs, at least one transmission rail and at least one support element.

[0035] The conductors can be inserted into the conductor connection terminal from two opposite sides of the conductor connection terminal in opposing plug-in directions through two mutually facing conductor insertion openings. The conductor connection terminal can be a connection terminal for connecting two conductors to each other. In this regard, at least two clamping springs can be arranged opposite each other. Respectively, one mounting leg of a clamping spring can abut against one mounting leg of a second clamping spring, so that the mounting legs support each other.

[0036] The two-pole or multi-pole terminal may have a mirror-symmetrical structure, the axis of symmetry of which extends between the opposing clamp springs, for example between the abutting mounting legs or end segments of the clamp springs.

[0037] A continuous common current transmission rail can be provided for these clamp springs, but it is also conceivable that a separate current transmission rail is provided for each clamp spring. A common support element can be provided with a common support area for one or more power transmission rails. Alternatively, it is also conceivable that several support elements are provided with separate support areas for one or more power transmission rails. In the case of a common support element, spring tongues can protrude on opposing sides of the support element, by means of which an electrical contact element can be firmly clamped with a spring force on the power transmission rail. The conductor connection terminals can have contact element insertion openings facing each other.

[0038] If the conductor connection terminal is configured as a two-pole or multi-pole terminal, components of the conductor connection terminal, such as current transmission rails or support elements, can be utilized for multiple connections of conductors and electrical contact elements, thereby improving the functionality and installation space utilization of the spring connection terminal.

[0039] The conductor connection terminal may be configured as a double-row or multi-row terminal with at least two adjacently arranged conductor insertion openings as well as at least one clamping spring, at least one transmission rail and at least one support element.

[0040] This provides for two or more adjacently arranged spring clamp connections, thus improving the space utilization and at the same time increasing the functionality of the conductor connection terminal. The side-by-side spring clamp connections can have one common clamp spring, one common current transmission rail and one common support element. However, it is also conceivable that a dedicated clamp spring, current transmission rail or support element is provided for each spring clamp connection. In the case of one common support element, two or more adjacently arranged spring tongues can protrude from this support element. The conductor connection terminal can have side-by-side contact element insertion openings.

[0041] The spring tongue may form a jumper connection with the power transmission rail. This allows further types of connections to be integrated into the conductor connection terminal and the range of applications of the conductor connection terminal to be expanded, for example a jumper with two or more plug-in tongues can be plugged into two or more aligned conductor connection terminals with contact element insertion openings.

[0042] The conductor connection terminal may have a multi-part insulator housing, the cover part of which has a receiving portion for the support element. In addition, the lid part of the insulator housing can have a receiving portion for the spring tongue of the support element. The insulator housing can have, for example, a base housing and a lid part, an opening of which can be closed by the lid part. The receiving portion for the support element and the spring tongue is formed, for example, by a suitable material recess, receiving space or pocket, in this regard, a recess with a negative contour corresponding to the contour of the support element and the spring tongue can be formed in the lid part.

[0043] The multi-part construction of the insulator housing can simplify the assembly of the conductor connection terminal, for example by first inserting the inner components of the conductor connection terminal, such as the clamp spring, the current transmission rail and the support element, into one part of the insulator housing and then closing the insulator housing with a lid part, At the same time, the integrated receptacles for the support element and the spring tongue save material in the insulator housing.

[0044] The insulator housing may have a conductor insertion opening adjacent to which a conductor insertion channel for inserting an electrical conductor to be securely clamped to the power transmission rail is adjacent. Furthermore, the insulator housing may have a contact element insertion opening adjacent to which a contact element insertion channel for inserting an electrical contact element to be securely clamped to the power transmission rail is adjacent. The conductor insertion opening and the contact element insertion opening are arranged, for example, one above the other (i.e. one above the other). With respect to a normal use orientation of the conductor connection terminal, e.g. an orientation in which a lower side of the power transmission rail facing the support element is below an upper side of the power transmission rail facing the clamping spring, the contact element insertion opening may be arranged below the conductor insertion opening.

[0045] The conductor insertion passage and the contact element insertion passage can be arranged one on top of the other (i.e. one above the other). For a normal use orientation of the conductor connection terminal, e.g. with a lower side of the power transmission rail facing the support element below an upper side of the power transmission rail facing the clamping spring, the contact element insertion passage can be arranged below the conductor insertion passage.

[0046] Generally speaking, in the context of this application, the word "ein / eine" is to be understood as an indefinite article having the meaning "at least one" and not as a numeral, unless expressly defined otherwise.

[0047] The invention is explained in more detail below on the basis of exemplary embodiments using the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0048] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of a conductor connection terminal according to the present invention; [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of a conductor connection terminal. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of a support element of a conductor connection terminal; [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a schematic side perspective view of a conductor connection terminal with contact elements connected on one side without an insulator housing; [Figure 5a] FIG. 5a is a schematic, side perspective view, viewed from the opposite side to FIG. 4, of the conductor connection terminal with contact elements connected on one side without the insulator housing from FIG. [Figure 5b] FIG. 5b is a schematic top perspective view of the conductor connection terminal from FIG. 5a. [Figure 6a] FIG. 6a is a schematic side view of a conductor connection terminal without an insulator housing, together with a contact element to be inserted into the conductor connection terminal. [Figure 6b] FIG. 6b is a schematic side view of the conductor connection terminal from FIG. 6a with a contact element inserted in the conductor connection terminal. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of another embodiment of a conductor connection terminal. [Figure 8a] FIG. 8a is a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of the support element of the conductor connection terminal from FIG. [Figure 8b] FIG. 8b is a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of the transmission rail of the conductor connection terminal from FIG. [Figure 8c] FIG. 8c is a schematic perspective view of a connection element made up of the support element from FIG. 8a and the power transmission rail from FIG. 8b. [Figure 9a] FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective view of a further embodiment of a support element; [Figure 9b] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of a further embodiment of a power transmission rail; [Figure 9c] FIG. 9B is a schematic perspective view of a connection element made up of a support element from FIG. 9a and a power transmission rail from FIG. 9b. [Figure 9d] FIG. 9c is a schematic cross-sectional side view of the connecting element from FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0049] 1 shows a conductor connection terminal 1 according to the invention with two spring clamp connections 2 arranged opposite each other. These spring clamp connections 2 each have a clamp spring 3 and a common transmission rail 4. By means of a clamping leg 5 of the clamping spring 3, a conductor (not shown) can be firmly clamped in each spring clamp connection 2 to the transmission rail 4 by the spring force of the clamping leg 5. The conductor connection terminal 1 has a support element 6 with a support section 7, which is arranged adjacent to the transmission rail 4. The transmission rail 4 can abut against the support section 7 of the support element 6 on a side S (see FIG. 6a) opposite to the conductor connection side L (see FIG. 6a) of the transmission rail 4.

[0050] In the present application, the side of the power transmission rail 4 assigned to the spring clamp connection 2 can also be referred to as the upper side of the power transmission rail 4, and the side of the power transmission rail 4 assigned to the support element 6 can also be referred to as the lower side of the power transmission rail 4.

[0051] The support element 6 has on both sides spring tongues 9 protruding from the support area 7, by means of which the electrical contact element 15, which in the figure is exemplarily configured as a tongue-shaped plug-in part of a jumper 33, can be firmly clamped by spring force onto the power transmission rail 4. The spring tongues 9 can thus form a jumper connection according to the exemplary embodiment shown in the figure.

[0052] In FIG. 3 the support element 6 is shown in a perspective view. The support section 7 of the support element 6 and the spring tongues 9 of the support element 6 protruding from the support section 7 are visible. The spring tongues 9 are resiliently movable, flap-like spring elements. In this regard, each spring tongue 9 protrudes from the support section 7 in a curved manner and merges into an abutment section 12 by means of which the spring tongues 9 can abut or be supported against an abutment surface 13 of a side section 8 bent away from the support section 7. In this regard, the support element 7 can also have two mutually opposing side sections 8 bent away from the support section 7 in order to enable symmetrical abutment of the spring tongues 9. The abutment sections 12 form a stop for a plugged-in contact element 15, as can be seen, for example, from FIG. 1. The abutment area 12 of the spring tongue 9 merges into a spring arch 10 of the spring tongue 9, which causes the spring tongue 9 to change its main direction of extension and thus to be inclined towards the power rail 4 and to change the insertion direction ER of the contact element 15 shown in FIG. K 1. On the side of the spring arch section 10 facing away from the abutment section 12, the spring arch section 10 merges into a clamping arm 11 by means of which the contact element 15 can be pressed towards the power transmission rail 4 by its spring force. In the end region 32 of the clamping arm 11, the spring tongue 9 is bent again away from the power transmission rail 4 in order to facilitate the insertion of the contact element 15 into the conductor connection terminal 1. Starting from the connection point with the support section 7 of the support element 6, the spring tongue 9 is bent first convexly, then concavely and finally convexly again. The spring tongue 9 thus has two successive S-shaped curvatures, with each S-curve being formed by a spring arch section 10.

[0053] As can be seen in Fig. 3, the support element 6 is formed in one piece and has a side section 8 bent from the support section 7 and a spring tongue 9. In addition to this, the support element 6 has a recess 22 in the support section 7, in which an end segment 20 of the abutment leg 19 of the clamping spring 3 can be accommodated. The recess 22 can have a T-shape so as to provide a locking of the end segment 20 of the abutment leg 19 of the clamping spring. For example, the end segment 20 can first reach the wider rung area of ​​the T-shape through an opening 21 in the power transmission rail 4 and through the recess 22 in the support element 6. When the support element 6 is in the conductor plug-in direction EE L 2, the end segment 20 can be guided into the narrower longitudinal or stem region of the T-shape, whereby the end segment 20 is defined (in other words fixed) within the T-shape of the recess 22. In this regard, a corresponding taper of the end segment 20 can be provided at the height of the recess 22 for easier guidance.

[0054] As can be seen inter alia in Fig. 1, the transmission rail 4 is one-piece, is of beam-like construction and has, in its end sections 14, a transmission rail arch 16, by which the transmission rail 4 is bent by approximately 180°, so that in the shown exemplary embodiment the contact element 15 is clamped to the transmission rail 4 on its side S opposite to the conductor connection side L, but on the same clamping surface 31 of the transmission rail 4 as the conductor to be clamped to the transmission rail 4. In addition to this, the transmission rail arch 16 reduces the distance between the spring tongue 9 and the transmission rail 4.

[0055] The transmission rail 4 furthermore has an inclined section, referred to hereinafter as the transmission rail ramp 17, in the region of the clamping point with the clamping leg 5 of the clamping spring 3. On one side the transmission rail ramp 17 merges into the transmission rail arch 16 and on the side opposite the transmission rail arch 16 the transmission rail ramp 17 partially projects or is reinforced beyond the plane of the transmission rail 4. By means of this projecting edge a clamping point for the conductor is formed in the transmission rail 4. The transmission rail 4 has an opening 21, into which the abutment leg 19 of the clamping spring 3 projects by means of an end segment 20 and penetrates into a recess 22 in the support element 6. The abutment leg 19 of the clamping spring 3 can thereby be used for centering, fixing and stabilizing the components of the conductor connection terminal 1.

[0056] The conductor connection terminal 1 shown in Fig. 1 has an insulator housing 23, by which the spring clamp connection 2 and the connection for securely clamping the contact element 15 are protected from environmental influences and contact. The insulator housing 23 is made up of several parts and has a lid part 24 by means of which the insulator housing 23 can be closed after the assembly and arrangement of the clamp spring 3, the power transmission rail 4 and the support element 6 in the insulator housing 23. The lid part 24 has a receiving part 25 for the support element 6.

[0057] The insulator housing 23 has a conductor insertion opening 26, which transitions into a conductor insertion path 27. The conductor is inserted in a conductor insertion direction ER L 3 and guided into the spring clamp connection portion 2 , whereby the clamp leg portion 5 of the clamp spring 3 is firmly clamped to the power transmission rail 4 .

[0058] The insulator housing 23 further has a contact element insertion opening 28, which merges into a contact element insertion channel 29. The electrical contact elements 15 are arranged in a contact element insertion direction ER K4 and can be guided into the spring tongue 9 of the support element 6 , whereby the spring tongue 9 is firmly clamped to the power transmission rail 4 .

[0059] As shown in FIG. 1, the plugging plane EE of the conductor to be clamped firmly to the power rail 4 L EE of the plug-in plane of the contact element 15 to be firmly clamped to the power transmission rail 4. K EE. Thus, the contact elements 15 and the conductors are aligned in a substantially parallel plane EE. L , E.E. K The conductor to be inserted can be inserted into the conductor connection terminal 1 in the direction ER L and the plugging direction ER of the contact element 15 to be plugged in K has the same orientation with respect to the spring clamp connection 2 and the spring tongue 9 arranged below the spring clamp connection 2 .

[0060] Furthermore, two actuating levers 30 are arranged within the insulator housing 23, each of which is assigned to a spring clamp connection 2 and which facilitate the actuation of the spring clamp connection 2.

[0061] The conductor connection terminal 1 shown in Fig. 1 is configured as a two-pole terminal having two mutually facing conductor insertion openings 26 and two mutually facing contact element insertion openings 28. This allows the conductor to be inserted into the conductor connection terminal 1 in a mutually facing plug-in direction ER from two opposite sides. L and in the plugging direction ER, in which the electrical contact elements 15 face each other from two opposite sides. K The conductor connection terminal 1 according to the representation in FIG. 1 is constructed substantially symmetrically, with an assigned axis of symmetry running between the end segments 20 of the abutment legs 19 of the clamping spring 3.

[0062] In FIG. 2, the conductor connection terminal 1 with the insulating housing 23 is shown in a perspective view. It can be seen that the conductor connection terminal 1 is designed as a two-pole terminal, as can be led out from two opposite actuating levers 30 of the conductor connection terminal 1. In addition to this, two identically designed conductor connection terminals 1 are arranged next to each other in a row. On the side of the conductor connection terminals 1 visible in FIG. 2, they each have a conductor insertion opening 26 and a contact element insertion opening 28, into which a plug tongue of a jumper 33, not visible in FIG. 2, is inserted. According to the representation in FIG. 2, the contact element insertion opening 28 is arranged below the conductor insertion opening 26.

[0063] In figures 4, 5a and 5b the conductor connection terminal 1 is shown without an insulator housing. In these figures it can be seen that the power rail 4 has bent side plates 18 between which the abutment legs 19 of the clamping springs 3 are respectively guided, which increases the stability of the conductor connection terminal 1. Furthermore it can be seen how the contact elements 15 formed as plug-in tongues of the jumper 33 are clamped towards the power rail 4 by the spring force of the spring tongues 9.

[0064] 6a and 6b show the electrical contact element 15 before and after insertion into the conductor connection terminal 1. According to the representation in fig. 6a, the side of the power transmission rail 4 facing the clamping spring 3 for connecting the conductor is referred to as the conductor connection side L. On the side S of the power transmission rail 4 opposite the conductor connection side L, a support element 6 is arranged. According to the representation in fig. 6b, the contact element 15 is clamped firmly on the contact connection side K of the power transmission rail 4, which in the exemplary embodiment shown in these figures coincides with the side S of the power transmission rail 4 opposite the conductor connection side L. Basically, depending on the configuration of the spring tongue 9, embodiments are also conceivable in which the contact connection side K lies on another side of the power transmission rail 4, for example on the conductor connection side L or on an end side of the power transmission rail 4. Depending on the normal orientation of the conductor connection terminal 1 in use, the conductor connection side L can also be referred to as the upper side of the power transmission rail 4, whereas the side S of the power transmission rail opposite the conductor connection side L can also be referred to as the lower side of the power transmission rail 4.

[0065] The conductor connection terminal 1 according to the invention provides a conductor connection terminal which is particularly versatile, compact and improved in terms of the functionality of the conductor connection terminal 1. The conductor connection terminal 1 has additional connection possibilities for electrical contact elements 15 without the need for separate connection parts or without the installation space of the conductor connection terminal 1 being enlarged.

[0066] Figure 7 shows a further embodiment of the conductor connection terminal 1 from Figure 1. Here too, two oppositely arranged spring clamp connections 2 are present, each with a clamping spring 3 and a common current transmission rail 4. By means of the clamping legs 5 of the clamping springs 3, a conductor (not shown in the figure) can be firmly clamped at each spring clamp connection 2 to the current transmission rail 4 by the spring force of the clamping legs 5. For the structure of the conductor connection terminal 1, in particular the insulator housing 23 with the actuating lever 30, please refer to the description of Figure 1.

[0067] This conductor connection terminal 1 has a support element 6 with a support section 7 which is modified compared to the first embodiment and which is arranged next to a likewise modified power transmission rail 4. The support element 6 together with the power transmission rail 4 forms a connection element.

[0068] The support element 6 rests at its support section 7 against the underside of the transmission rail 4. To receive the end segment 20 of the abutment leg 19 of the clamp spring 3, there is a recess 22 in the support section 7 and an aligned opening 21 in the transmission rail 4.

[0069] At its end, the transmission rail 4 has an end wall 34 that is bent away from the support plane for the support section 7 and away from the clamping spring 3. The bending can also be realized by a chamfer (in other words an angled section). The support element 6 has S-shaped bent spring tongues 9 facing each other and abutting with their end regions 32 respectively against the lower edge of the end wall 34 of the transmission rail 4. In this case, the contact element 15 inserted into the contact element insertion passage 29 is clamped by the spring-resilient end region 32 of the spring tongue 9 of the support element 6 between the end region 32 and the inner surface of the recess 35 in the end wall 34.

[0070] FIG. 8a shows a perspective view of the support element 6 of the conductor connection terminal 1 from FIG. 7. It can be seen that the support element 6 has, for example, a recess 22 in the center of the support section 7. Abutment sections 12 protrude in diametrically opposite directions from the support section 7. These abutment sections 12 can be formed in the form of material tongues that are bent out of the plane of the support section 7 towards the adjacent end region 32. By means of these abutment sections 12 the support element 6 can be clamped in the receiving space of the power transmission rail 4, which is defined by an end wall 34. For this purpose the abutment sections 12 adjoin the opposite inner faces of the end wall 34. Due to the spring resilience of the abutment sections 12 clamping forces are exerted which act on the opposite end walls 34 on both sides, pressing the support element 6 against the power transmission rail 4.

[0071] In the root region, where the abutment area 12 is respectively free from the support area 7, a spring tongue 9 with two spaced apart bars is bent over. The abutment area 12 is positioned between the bars of the spring tongue 9. The spring tongue has an S-shaped spring arch section 10 which terminates in an end region 32 of the support element 6.

[0072] 8b shows an embodiment of the power transmission rail 4 in a perspective view. It can be seen that in the upper plane, the power transmission rail 4 has on both sides power transmission rail ramps 17 facing away from each other. These power transmission rail ramps 17 serve to guide the conductors to the clamping points. In the area of ​​the partially freed power transmission rail ramps 17, end walls 34 respectively protrude, which at their lower ends have a recess 35 bounded by two spaced apart struts 36. Between the recess 35 and the power transmission rail ramps 17, a cross member 37 may be present, connecting the struts 36. Between the power transmission rail ramps 17 and the cross member 37, a recess is formed, into which the abutment area 12 of the support element 6 may be hung instead of the clamping.

[0073] 8c shows a connection element formed from the support element 6 and the transmission rail 4. It can be seen that the lower end face of the cross member 37 forms a clamping surface 31 of the transmission rail 4 for clamping the contact element 15 (not shown). The end region 32 of the spring tongue 9 serves for clamping the contact element 15 between the end region 32 and the clamping surface 31. In addition, the end region 32 is supported by its edge region at its lower end face on a strut 36 or edge bar which defines a recess 35 in the end wall 34.

[0074] 9a shows another variant of the support element 6, which again has a support section 7. Material tongues 38 protrude in opposite directions from the support section 7 on both sides and rest under the transmission rail inclined section 17. Next to each material tongue 38, a spring tongue 9 with two spaced edge bars is bent over. The material tongues 38 are positioned between the edge bars of the spring tongues 9. The spring tongues 9 and the material tongues 38 are connected to the support section 7 in a common root region.

[0075] The spring tongue 9 is bent in a U-shape out of the plane of the support section 7 by a spring arch 10. The end region 32 forms the abutment section 12. This abutment section 12 may be tapered. 9b shows a variant of the transmission rail 4 with end walls 34 bent out of plane with the transmission rail ramp 17. The end walls 34 each have a recess 35 for inserting a contact element 15. The recess 35 is bounded by an upper cross member 37 and a lower cross member 39. The upper end face of the upper cross member 37 facing the transmission rail ramp 17 forms the abutment surface 13 for the abutment area 12 in the end region 32 of the support element 6. The upper end face of the lower cross member 39 forms the clamping surface 31 of the transmission rail 4 and clamps the clamping element 15 (not shown) between this clamping surface and the underside of the spring arch 10.

[0076] FIG. 9c shows a connection element formed from a support element 6 and a power transmission rail 4 in a perspective view and FIG. 9d in a side cross-sectional view. It can be seen that the support element 6 is clamped in the power transmission rail 4 by means of the spring-resilient material tongue 38 and the abutment area 12 of the spring tongue 9. The abutment area 12 can again be hooked into a recess formed between the power transmission rail ramp 17 and the upper crosspiece 37. [Explanation of symbols]

[0077] 1 Conductor connection terminal 2 Spring clamp connection 3 Clamp spring 4. Power Rails 5 Clamp Leg 6 Supporting elements 7 Support area 8 Side Area 9 Spring tongue 10 Spring arch part 11 Clamp arm 12 Contact area 13 Contact surface 14 End area 15 Contact Elements 16 Power transmission rail arch section 17 Power transmission rail inclination section 18 Side Panel 19 Contact leg 20 End Segments 21 Opening 22 Recess 23 Insulator housing 24 Lid part 25 Storage unit 26 Conductor insertion port 27 Conductor insertion path 28 Contact element insertion port 29 Contact element insertion path 30 Operating lever 31 Clamping surface of power rail 32 End area 33 Jumper 34 End Wall 35 Recess 36 Posts 37 Upper cross member 38 Material tongue 39 Lower cross member L Conductor connection side Opposite side of SL K Contact Connection Side ER L Conductor insertion direction ER K Contact element insertion direction E.E. L Conductor insertion surface E.E. K Contact element plugging surface

Claims

1. A conductor connection terminal (1) comprising: a spring clamp connection (2) having a clamp spring (3) and a power transmission rail (4), wherein a conductor is configured to be clamped by a clamp leg (5) of the clamp spring (3) to a conductor connection side (L) of the power transmission rail (4) with a spring force; and a support element (6) having a support area (7) for abutting against a side (S) of the power transmission rail (4) opposite to the conductor connection side (L), The conductor connection terminal (1) has two spring clamp connections (2) arranged opposite each other, each having a clamp spring (3), a common power transmission rail (4) and a common support element (6), the support section (7) being in surface contact with the power transmission rail (4) over at least a portion of its length; the support element (6) has a spring tongue (9) configured to clamp the electrical contact element (15) to the power transmission rail (4) with a spring force; The conductor connection terminal (1) is characterized in that the spring tongues (9) are formed integrally with the support element (6), are adjacent to the support section (7), and protrude from the support section (7) on opposite sides of the support element (6).

2. 2. The conductor connection terminal (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the spring tongue (9) has a spring arch portion (10) from which a clamping arm (11) for clamping the contact element (15) projects.

3. 2. The conductor connection terminal (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the spring tongue (9) is bent in an S-shape in at least a portion of its length.

4. A conductor connection terminal (1) comprising a spring clamp connection part (2) having a clamp spring (3) and a power transmission rail (4), wherein a conductor is configured to be clamped by a spring force to a conductor connection side (L) of the power transmission rail (4) by a clamp leg part (5) of the clamp spring (3), and a support element (6) having a support area (7) for abutting against a side (S) of the power transmission rail (4) opposite to the conductor connection side (L), the support element (6) has a spring tongue (9) configured to clamp the electrical contact element (15) to the power transmission rail (4) with a spring force; the spring tongue (9) is integrally formed with the support element (6), adjoins the support section (7), is S-bent in at least a section and terminates in an end region (32) of the support element (6); the transmission rail (4) is bent in the direction of the spring tongue (9) in an end region (14) of the transmission rail (4) and has an end wall (34) bent in a direction away from the clamp spring (3); A conductor connection terminal (1), characterized in that the spring tongue (9) abuts with its end region (32) against the lower edge of the end wall (34) of the bent end section of the power transmission rail (4).

5. 2. The conductor connection terminal (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the electrical contact element (15) is configured to be clamped to the power transmission rail (4) on a contact connection side (K) opposite to the conductor connection side (L).

6. The spring tongue (9) is adapted to move from the support element (6) in the insertion direction (ER) of the electrical contact element (15) to be clamped to the power transmission rail (4). Ｋ 2. The conductor connection terminal (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the terminal extends in a direction substantially opposite to the terminals (1) and (2).

7. A conductor insertion plane (EE) configured to be clamped to the power transmission rail (4) Ｌ ) is located on the plug-in surface (EE) of the contact element (15) which is adapted to be clamped on the power transmission rail (4). Ｋ 2. A conductor connection terminal (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that it extends substantially parallel to the

8. A conductor connection terminal (1) as described in claim 1, characterized in that a spring-elastic abutment area (12) protrudes from the support area (7) in the opposite direction, the abutment area (12) being formed in the form of a material tongue and pressing the support element (6) against the power transmission rail (4).

9. 2. The conductor connection terminal (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the spring tongue (9) has an abutment area (12) for abutting the spring tongue (9) against a side area (8) of the support element (6).

10. 10. A conductor connection terminal (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that the abutment area (12) forms a stop for limiting the insertion depth of the electrical contact element (15).

11. 2. A conductor connection terminal (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the power transmission rail (4) is bent in the direction of the spring tongue (9) in an end section (14) of the power transmission rail (4).

12. 2. The conductor connection terminal (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the abutment leg (19) of the clamping spring (3) projects by means of an end segment (20) into or through an opening (21) in the power transmission rail (4).

13. 2. The conductor connection terminal (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the conductor connection terminal (1) is formed as a two-pole or multi-pole terminal with at least two conductor insertion openings (26) facing each other, as well as at least two clamping springs (3), at least one power transmission rail (4), and at least one support element (6).

14. 2. The conductor connection terminal (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the conductor connection terminal (1) is formed as a double-row or multi-row terminal with at least two conductor insertion openings (26) arranged next to each other, as well as at least one clamping spring (3), at least one power transmission rail (4), and at least one support element (6).

15. 2. A conductor connection terminal (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the spring tongue (9) forms a jumper connection together with the power transmission rail (4).

16. 2. The conductor connection terminal (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the conductor connection terminal (1) has a multi-part insulator housing (23), the cover part (24) of the multi-part insulator housing (23) having a receiving portion (25) for the support element (6).

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