Spring-loaded conductor terminals

Abstract

To provide a spring-loaded terminal for a conductor, particularly a stranded conductor, in which wear on the clamping edges of a clamping spring is reduced.SOLUTION: A spring-loaded terminal includes a: a busbar 2, b: a clamp spring 3 acting as a compression spring, and c: a retaining spring 4 latching the clamp spring 3 in an open position. d: the clamp spring 3 includes a clamp leg 32 rotatable about a first rotation axis 8 and having a clamping edge 321. The retaining spring 4 has a rotating leg 41 rotatable about a second rotation axis 9. e: the rotating leg 41 has at least one retaining means 412 and corresponding latching means 322 cooperating with the at least one retaining means 412 in a latched state of the clamp leg 32. f: in the clamped state, the clamp leg 32 is unlatched and presses a conductor 6 against the busbar 2 by the clamping edge 321. g: the latching means 322 of the clamp leg 32 is spaced away from the clamping edge 321.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1a

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a spring loaded terminal having a busbar provided for contacting an electrical conductor, particularly a stranded conductor, and having a spring provided for securing the conductor to the spring loaded terminal. [Background technology]

[0002] Such spring loaded terminals in the form of direct plug-in terminals (push-in type) with compression springs pressing the conductors against the bus bars are known in various embodiments.

[0003] For example, it is known to latch a clamp spring—a compression spring—in an open position so that the conductor can be easily introduced into the contact area. According to known prior art, this latching of the clamp spring in the open position is achieved by an actuating means, such as a pusher, which can be latched to the terminal housing, and which holds the clamp legs in the open position. By releasing the actuating means after insertion of the conductor, the clamp legs can relax the conductor and press it against the busbar. A drawback is that the actuating means must be manually released to make contact with the conductor.

[0004] European Patent Publication No. 2 466 689 discloses a clamping spring with an integrated clamping spring. A drawback of this arrangement of latching clamp legs is the relatively high wear of the clamping edges of the clamp spring, which occurs when the spring-loaded terminal is switched on.

[0005] Also, from European Patent Publication No. 2 768 079, a multi-part clamping spring is Spring-loaded terminals are known which are latched to the free ends of the spring legs of a terminal. These spring-loaded terminals have proven themselves well in practice, but suffer from the disadvantage of relatively high wear on the clamping edges of the clamping spring which occurs when the spring-loaded terminal is switched on.

[0006] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a spring-loaded terminal for electrical conductors, particularly stranded conductors, in which wear on the clamping edges of the clamp spring is reduced. Furthermore, incorrect closing or premature release of the clamp spring should be substantially prevented. This object is solved with a spring-loaded terminal according to claim 1. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] According to the invention of claim 1, there is provided a spring-loaded terminal for connecting an electrical conductor, in particular a stranded conductor, the spring-loaded terminal comprising in particular a busbar for contacting the conductor, a clamping spring acting as a compression spring for securing the conductor to the spring-loaded terminal, and a retention spring for latching the clamping spring in an open position, the conductor being inserted in a sliding direction into the contact area.

[0008] In this case, the clamping spring has a clamping leg with a clamping edge that can be rotated in a rotational direction about a first rotation axis, and the holding spring has a rotating leg that can be rotated about a second rotation axis, the rotating leg having at least one holding means for holding the clamping leg in the open position. The clamping spring and the holding spring can be configured as one piece with each other, which is particularly advantageous in terms of cost, but they can also be manufactured separately and then connected to each other. In this case, the distance of the latch from the clamping edge has an advantageous effect in each case.

[0009] The rotating leg further comprises at least one retaining means as a first latching means, which cooperates with (corresponding to) the retaining means of the rotating leg in a latched state R of the clamping leg to hold the clamping leg in an open position, the clamping leg being adjustable from latched state R, in which the clamping leg is latched to the rotating leg by the retaining means of the rotating leg and held in the open position or conductor insertion position, and by displacing the conductor to clamped state K, the clamping leg is released and unlatched from the retaining means, causing the clamping edge of the clamping leg to press the conductor against the busbar so that the conductor comes into contact with the busbar.

[0010] Additionally, the corresponding latch means on the clamp legs are formed at a location spaced from the clamping edge of the clamp legs.

[0011] Thus, a spring-loaded terminal is produced which isolates the latching mechanism of the clamping spring in advantageous functional separation from the clamping edge for pressing the conductor against the busbar, which functional separation advantageously reduces wear on the clamping edge of the clamping spring.

[0012] It is therefore desirable that the retaining means of the rotating legs not latch directly to the clamping edges of the clamp legs.

[0013] In this way, the holding means cannot rub against the clamping edge when released from the clamping edge, which is thus protected in a simple manner against excessive wear caused by wiring operations.

[0014] It may also be advantageous to prevent incorrect insertion or premature release of the clamp spring since the latch mechanism is not located within the insertion area of ​​the conductor. In terms of configuration, this can be implemented, for example, in that the latch means of the clamp leg are formed on the clamp leg at a distance of more than 1 mm, in particular more than 3 mm, from the clamping edge of the clamp leg.

[0015] Advantageously, the spring-loaded terminal may also comprise a return means for rotating the clamp leg back, such that the clamp leg can be returned from the clamped state to the latched state R by displacing the return means in a direction opposite to the direction of rotation.

[0016] To advantageously achieve a simple construction of the clamp spring, the clamp spring may be integrally formed with the retaining spring, which results in a simple assembly process of the clamp spring and cost-effective manufacturing of the clamp spring.

[0017] However, it is also possible for a spring-loaded terminal to have, in addition to the clamping spring, a retention spring that is itself manufactured separately, but the clamping spring and retention spring are connected to one another by a connector.

[0018] According to a further preferred embodiment variant of the invention, the clamping spring can be provided with support legs that are supported on corresponding abutments. The adjacent portion may be an adjacent leg of a busbar, although the adjacent portion may also be a terminal housing.

[0019] The fact that the retaining spring can have a pressure surface that can be positioned transversely to the sliding direction or the conductor insertion direction provides a simple, effective and therefore advantageous means of releasing the clamping spring via the conductor end. It is also advantageous if the retaining means is formed integrally on the rotating leg. This results in a simple structural implementation of the retaining means on the rotating leg.

[0020] According to a further preferred embodiment variant of the invention, the rotating legs can have an angled configuration. It is also advantageous if the pressure surface adjoins a first leg of the rotating legs that is bent downwards relative to the conductor insertion direction and the upper bend of the clamping spring. This further simplifies the construction of the connection device. It is also advantageous if the clamping legs themselves form an angular shape, as this increases the geometrical design possibilities.

[0021] It is also advantageous if in one variant the holding means of the rotating leg, i.e. the first latching means, is formed by a latching edge arranged at the end of the second leg curved above the angled rotating leg, so that the holding means on the rotating leg can be implemented with a simple structure.

[0022] As a further variant, the holding means of the rotating leg can also be configured as at least one protruding tab of the rotating leg, which allows for a simple and therefore advantageous construction of the holding means on the rotating leg.

[0023] In a further preferred embodiment variant of the invention, the holding means of the rotating leg can be formed as at least one hook or at least one web and can be formed integrally with the rotating leg. The hook can again protrude from the rotating leg, preferably substantially opposite to the conductor insertion direction or "upwards". This also results in an advantageously simple construction of the holding means. It is also possible to provide several hooks, in particular two hooks.

[0024] A particularly advantageous variant, which is compact and can be implemented without large amounts of waste, is that each hook is cut out laterally or alternatively centrally from the material of the rotating leg, and is then cut out centrally and bent so as to engage behind a corresponding edge or tab or the like of the clamping leg, with each hook being located away from the clamping edge in a recess or hole in the clamping leg.

[0025] The stiffness of the rotating leg of the retaining spring is advantageously increased in a simple and constructive manner in that the first leg (portion) bent downward of the rotating leg and the second leg (portion) bent upward of the rotating leg can be integrally connected to each other by a bent portion.

[0026] In a further preferred embodiment variant of the invention, the rotating legs of the retaining spring have openings in the region of the second leg of the bent part bent upwards (i.e. facing away from the conductor insertion direction) and in the region bent downwards (i.e. in the conductor insertion direction), into which the clamping legs engage in their latched state R. This results in an advantageous space-saving configuration of the retaining spring and also advantageously increases the clamping force of the clamping spring.

[0027] According to a further development, it is also advantageous if the opening has a constriction in the region of the holding means and a bend in the pivoting leg of the holding spring, whereby the latching means for the clamping leg of the clamping spring can be constructed in an advantageously simple manner.

[0028] It is also advantageous if the clamping leg has a constriction that corresponds geometrically to the constriction, for example so that it passes freely through the opening in the rotation leg. This advantageously leads to a space-saving design of the retaining spring.

[0029] In a further preferred embodiment variant of the invention, the latching means of the clamp legs can be integrally formed on or with the clamp legs, which results in a simple constructional implementation of the latching means on the clamp legs. It is also advantageous if the latching means of the clamp leg projects from the clamp leg and is integrally connected to the clamp leg, and may take the form of, for example, a hole or recessed portion, a web or a hook.

[0030] Also, the latching means of the clamp legs can be configured as tabs formed by the constriction of the clamp legs and therefore can not protrude, which also results in a simple configuration of the latching means. It is also advantageous if the latching means of the clamp legs are configured as curved tabs which are integrally formed on the outside of the clamp legs.

[0031] In a further preferred embodiment variant of the invention, the support legs of the clamping spring can have openings, such as elongated holes, on both sides along the line of symmetry of the support legs, whereby the length and width of the elongated holes allow the stiffness of the support legs to be advantageously adjusted according to the respective requirements by structurally simple means.

[0032] According to one variant, it is also advantageous if the rotating leg has a notch, which is delimited by the holding means of the rotating leg. In a further preferred embodiment variant of the invention, the restoring means is arranged in the latched state between the clamping spring and the electrical conductor and can be displaced in both the sliding direction and in the opposite direction, which advantageously simplifies resetting the clamping spring from the latched state.

[0033] It is also advantageous, according to one variant, if the restoring means is clamped between the clamping leg and the terminal housing in the clamped state, which results in a self-reinforcing clamping effect of the restoring means by simple means in the clamped state of the spring-loaded terminal and is therefore advantageous.

[0034] It is also advantageous if, according to one variant of resetting the clamp legs, the restoring means are moved in the sliding direction, which results in an easy-to-handle and safe clamp leg resetting process.

[0035] According to a further advantageous variant, the stop element can be applied to the retaining spring on which the pressure surface is formed. Since the spring material only allows for a limited "molding" process, the stop element - optionally together with the bead - has the advantage that it can be formed more optimally in the desired geometrical manner by an injection molding process than if it were directly integrated into the pressure surface of the spring.

[0036] According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the pressure surface has bead-like depressions, which prevent strand bundling / strand bridging during splicing to minimize strand bridging. This allows for a simple method of achieving centering, and also increases the strength at the strand connection.

[0037] Therefore, according to one variant, it is advantageous if the pressure surface has a self-centering effect due to a bead-like recess in relation to the conductor or its core. In this way, the safe functioning of the pressure surface is advantageously ensured by a simple construction. As already mentioned, according to a particularly advantageous variant, the holding means can have at least one hook or several hooks, in particular two hooks.

[0038] Each hook is then preferably punched out of the retaining leg laterally at the edge of the retaining leg and bent into a hook shape. The hook further advantageously has a long leg and a short or hook leg. The hook leg is preferably arranged at an angle β of 90° to 100° to the long leg, on the one hand to facilitate latching, but on the other hand, the retaining surface is Even thin twisted strands can be easily released from the latch by pressure from the conductor end. The hook legs are preferably of a relatively short configuration so that they can be easily latched and firmly seated in the latched state, but can also be easily released from their latch by pressure from the conductor end when inserted into the clamping point. This hook-shaped configuration allows for particularly good adjustment of the release and latching characteristics of the conductor connection.

[0039] According to a further optional feature, the first latch means may be a holding means and / or a counter-acting means. It is provided that the corresponding further latch means have a chamfer on one or more, particularly corresponding, edge or edges to optimize latching and unlatching of the respective holding means on each corresponding latch means. Preferably, at least one chamfer is formed on the edge of the further latching means on the clamping legs, which are directed upwards or essentially opposite to the insertion direction of the conductor, so that at least on the edge side the holding means rests in the latched state. The release and latching properties of the conductor connection can also be further optimized in this way.

[0040] The invention also relates to a terminal block or plug-in connector having one or more spring-loaded terminals according to one or more related claims. Further advantageous embodiments of the invention can be found in the dependent claims. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0041] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the drawings. [Figure 1a] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional general view of a spring-loaded terminal according to the present invention with clamp legs in a latched position, the spring-loaded terminal being provided for clamping an electrical conductor inserted into the spring-loaded terminal. [Figure 1b] 1 shows a general view of the spring-loaded terminal according to the invention from FIG. 1a, without the conductors. [Figure 2a] 1 is a general view in cross section of a spring-loaded terminal according to the present invention with the clamping legs in a clamped state; [Figure 2b] 2a shows a general view of the spring-loaded terminal according to the invention from FIG. 2a, without the conductors. [Figure 3] 3 shows an exploded view of a terminal equipped with the spring of FIG. 1 or the spring of FIG. 2 according to the present invention. [Figure 4] 1 shows a terminal block having two spring-loaded terminals as connection devices according to the present invention; FIG. [Figure 5a] 5 is an overall view of the clamp spring of the spring-loaded terminal according to the invention from FIGS. 1 to 4 in a pre-assembled state; FIG. [Figure 5b] FIG. 1b is a view of the clamp spring from FIG. 1a in a front view. [Figure 5c]FIG. 1b is a view of the clamp spring from FIG. 1a in a latched or tensioned state. [Figure 5d] FIG. 1c is a view of the clamp spring from FIG. 1c in a front view. [Figure 6a] 5a-5d show a spatially enlarged view of the terminal block from FIG. 4 and a variation of the spring-loaded terminal block from FIGS. 1a-3 and 5a-5d; [Figure 6b] 5a-5d show a spatially enlarged view of the terminal block from FIG. 4 and a variation of the spring-loaded terminal block from FIGS. 1a-3 and 5a-5d; [Figure 6c] 5a-5d show spatially enlarged views of the terminal block from FIG. 4 and variations of the spring-loaded terminal blocks from FIGS. 1a-3 and 5a-5d; [Figure 6d] 5a-5d show a spatially enlarged view of the terminal block from FIG. 4 and a variation of the spring-loaded terminal block from FIGS. 1a-3 and 5a-5d; [Figure 6e] 5a-5d show a spatially enlarged view of the terminal block from FIG. 4 and a variation of the spring-loaded terminal block from FIGS. 1a-3 and 5a-5d; [Figure 6f] 5a-5d show spatially enlarged views of the terminal block from FIG. 4 and variations of the spring-loaded terminal blocks from FIGS. 1a-3 and 5a-5d; [Figure 6g] 6a to 6f show the spatial expansion of the clamp springs and bus bars of the spring-loaded terminal blocks. [Figure 7a] 10A and 10B are general views of modified clamp springs in an open state and a pre-assembled state. [Figure 7b] 10A and 10B are general views of modified clamp springs in an open state and a pre-assembled state. [Figure 7c] 10A and 10B are general views of modified clamp springs in an open state and a pre-assembled state. [Figure 7d] 10A and 10B are general views of modified clamp springs in an open state and a pre-assembled state. [Figure 7e] 10A and 10B are general views of modified clamp springs in an open state and a pre-assembled state. [Figure 7f] FIG. 7c shows the exemplary embodiment from FIG. 7e after attachment of a functional element. [Figure 8a] 10A-10C show perspective views of a further exemplary embodiment of a clamp spring in a relaxed position and in an open state. [Figure 8b] 10A-10C show side views of a further exemplary embodiment of a clamp spring in a relaxed position and an open state. [Figure 8c] 8b is a perspective view of the clamp spring from FIG. 8a in tensioned and closed positions. [Figure 8d] 8b in a tensioned and closed position. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0042] FIG. 1a shows a spring-loaded terminal 1 as a connection device for conductors. The conductors to be connected are configured in particular as bare conductor ends. These conductor ends can also be configured as thin stranded or twisted conductors. However, the spring-loaded terminals are also suitable for solid conductors. The spring-loaded terminals can be used, for example, for a terminal block 100 (see FIG. 4). or as a spring-loaded terminal 1 for a connector (not shown), etc. Other uses not shown here are also contemplated.

[0043] The spring-loaded terminal 1 has a busbar 2 for contacting the electrical conductor 6. The busbar 2 can be L-shaped, but can also be part of a multi-layer clamping cage. See Figure 1b. The clamping cage may be U-shaped in plan view so that the conductor ends can be inserted within the cross section of the U and have a lower lateral wall.

[0044] The metal clamping cage 20 is not visible or shown here due to the cross-sectional view of FIG. 1a (and FIG. 2a), but see FIG. 1b (or FIG. 2b). The spring-loaded terminal 1 then has a clamp spring 3 acting as a compression spring, which is provided to clamp the conductor 6 within the spring-loaded terminal 1 so that the conductor 6 is in permanent conductive contact with the busbar 2. The clamp spring 3 therefore: It functions to press the conductor 6 against the bus bar 2.

[0045] In addition to the clamp spring 3, a retaining spring 4 is provided. , which serves to latch the clamp legs 32 in the open position, so that the clamp spring 3 The conductor 6 can be inserted into the insertion opening 11 of the spring-loaded terminal 1 up to the contact area when opened and pulled.

[0046] The clamping spring 3 can be made in one piece with the retaining spring 4. However, the retaining spring 4 can also be manufactured separately from the clamping spring 3. The retaining spring 4 is then clamped. It can be connected to a spring 3.

[0047] Preferably, the "clamp spring arrangement" according to Figure 1a (and Figures 1b, 2a and 2b, 5a to 5d and 7a to 7g) creates a component that integrates the functions of the clamp spring 3 and the retaining spring 4 in one component, i.e. in one component. This functionally integrated arrangement of the clamp spring 3 with the integrally formed retaining spring 4 is advantageous but not essential.

[0048] The busbar 2 and the clamp spring 3 are arranged in a terminal housing 12, which is preferably made of an electrically insulating material, in particular plastic, and is provided with an insertion opening 11 for inserting the conductor 6 therein.

[0049] The illustrated conductor 6 has an electrically insulating sheath 62 stripped away above an open end 63 of the conductor 6, so that the core 61 of the conductor 6 is visible.

[0050] The clamp spring 3 has a clamp leg 32 which is rotatable about a rotation axis 8 in a rotation direction 81 and in a direction opposite to the rotation direction 81, and a support leg 31, and in particular when the clamp leg 32 is rotated, the support leg 31 is supported in a simple and reliable manner on a corresponding abutment. This abutment can be configured as a support leg 21. The support leg 21 can also be formed integrally on the busbar 2. However, in other embodiments (not shown here), the support legs 31 may be supported in other ways, such as directly within the terminal housing 12. It can be supported.

[0051] Here, the support leg 31 has a centrally located retention tab 311. The retention tab 311 may be bent out from the retention rim 31. The retention tab 311 may be bent out from the support ... The support is supported on a supporting means, here on the adjacent leg 21. Preferably, the support leg 31 and the clamp leg 32 of the clamp spring 3 are connected to each other via the bent portion 30. This bend 30 can be engaged by an advantageous support contour 14 of the terminal housing 12, which is here penetrated by the rotation axis 8 and which allows the clamp The clamp spring 3 can also function as a movement limiter for the clamp leg 32. It has a V-shape.

[0052] The two connection legs 312a, 312b now extend to the sides of the retaining tab 311 and serve as connection means to the retaining spring 4, which here is integrally connected to the clamping spring 3. The spring 4 can also be attached to the clamp spring, for example, by manufacturing the support leg 31 separately. It can be attached to the support leg 31 as a separate part.

[0053] The connecting legs 312a, 312b here form an angled shape, in particular are bent at approximately a right angle to the retaining spring 4. Next, the retaining spring 4 has a rotating leg 41. This rotating leg 41 is particularly The rotating leg 41 itself can be bent. In addition, the free end can have a pressure surface 42, and when the end of the conductor is inserted in the conductor insertion direction 7, the pressure surface 42 is aligned with the rotating leg 41. It can be moved.

[0054] In this respect, the pivoting leg 41 is pivoted relative to the clamp spring 3, and in particular relative to its support leg 31. The support leg 31 can be connected to / formed with two connecting legs 312a, 312b, or here formed integrally with them.

[0055] The retaining spring 4 or its rotation leg 41 is rotatable in a second rotation direction 91 about a second rotation axis 9 and is rotatable in a direction opposite to the second rotation direction 91. In order to be able to rotate the clamping leg 32 in the second rotation direction 91, the retaining spring 4 has a pressure surface 42, The force surface 42 rotates the rotating leg 41 .

[0056] The pressure surface 42 can be arranged transversely to the conductor insertion or sliding direction 7. The retaining spring 4 can be rotated in the second rotation direction 91 by applying pressure to the respective conductor ends of the conductors to be inserted on the pressure surfaces 42. Adjacent to the downwardly curved first leg 411 .

[0057] One or more holding means 412 are formed on the rotating leg 41, preferably one on the rotating leg 41. The holding means 412 is provided in a piece, in particular formed integrally. Two latch edges located approximately at the end of the second leg 413 of the rolling leg 41 that is bent upward. The downwardly bent first leg 411 and the upwardly bent second leg 413 are integrally connected to each other by a bent portion 414.

[0058] The clamping leg 32 of the clamping spring 3 has at least one or more latching means 322. The one or more - here two - latching means are spaced apart from the clamping edge 321. The clamp leg 32 is formed at a location where the clamp leg 32 is located, in this case, at a midpoint along the length of the clamp leg 32. One or more latching means are configured to lock onto the retaining means 412 of the rotating legs 41 of the retaining spring 4, thereby allowing the clamp legs 32 to be latched in the open position (latching). The latch means 322 is held at a distance of more than 1 mm from the clamp edge 321, particularly Preferably, the latch means 322 is formed at a distance of more than 2 mm from the clamping edge 321 so that the terminal cannot be damaged when connected to and disconnected from a conductor. The latch means 322 is not in operative relationship with the clamping edge 321, i.e., the latch means 322 cannot latch onto the clamping edge 321, so that in use the latch means 322 does not clamp. Rather, the latching means 322 operates in conjunction with the retaining means 412 so that the clamping edge is not latched.

[0059] The latching means 322 may be formed integrally with the clamp leg 32. The latching means 322 may protrude from the clamp leg 32 or may be formed therein as a recess or step. In the latched state of the clamp leg 32, the latching means 322 may be formed integrally with the clamp leg 32. A latching connection is formed. In this way, the clamp spring 3 is locked in the open position and the conductive Once the body is inserted, it is released from the lock.

[0060] Here, the rotating leg 41 has an upwardly bent second leg 413, i.e. an extension of the connecting legs 31a, 31b, a bent section 414 and an opening 415 in the area of ​​the first downwardly bent leg 411, and the clamping leg In the latched state R of the clamp leg 32, the clamp leg 32 can enter the opening 415. The opening 415 has a constriction 416 in the area of ​​the holding means 412 and the bend 414. In this way, a compact design is ensured.

[0061] The clamp leg 32 therefore has a geometrically corresponding constriction 323, which here corresponds to the latch hand. directly adjacent to step / latch edge 322 (see also Figures 2a, 3, 5a and 5c), thereby Pump leg 32 is free to move through opening 415 .

[0062] When the holding spring 4 rotates around the second rotation axis 9, the holding spring 4 is subjected to the restoring force of the rotating leg 41. The holding means 412 is rotated against the force of the clamp spring 3, thereby changing the position of the holding means 412 until the clamp leg 32 of the clamp spring 3 is released.

[0063] A gap 13 is formed between the clamp spring 3 and the bus bar 2, and in this gap, when the clamp legs 32 are in the latched state R, the conductor 6 is moved in the sliding direction 7 and in the opposite direction. It can be inserted in a freely displaceable manner in the opposite direction.

[0064] When a conductor 6 inserted into the spring-loaded terminal 1 is moved in the sliding direction 7, the free or open end 63 of the conductor 6 contacts the pressure surface 42. This condition is shown in Figures 1a and 1b.

[0065] When the conductor 6 is further pushed in the sliding direction 7, the conductor 6 presses against the pressure surface 42 and rotates. The leg 41 is rotated in a second rotational direction 91 . In the process, the clamp legs 32 are removed from the holding means 412 as shown in Figures 2a and 2b. The pressure surface 42 is rotated in the rotation direction 81 to be in the clamped state K. It is arranged below the holding means 412 and allows free rotation of the clamp leg 32 in and against the direction of rotation 81 in a simple and safe manner.

[0066] The spring-loaded terminal 1 also has a restoring means 5 which is displaceable in a sliding direction 7 and against the sliding direction 7. The restoring means 5 is adapted to restrain the clamping legs 32 of the clamping spring 3. against the direction of rotation 81. In this case, the restoring means 5 is displaced against the direction of rotation 81, so that the clamping legs 32 can be returned from the clamped state K to the latched state R, so the clamp of the clamp spring 3 The latching means 322 of the leg 32 latches again with the retaining means 412 of the rotating leg 41 of the retaining spring 4. Thus, the conductor 6 previously stuck in the spring-loaded terminal 1 in the clamped state K can be removed from the spring-loaded terminal 1 in the latched state R.

[0067] In the embodiment shown, the clamp leg 32 is provided with a latch means 322 formed integrally therewith. In the latched state R (see FIGS. 1a and 1b) and the clamped state K (see FIGS. 2a and 2b), the recovery means 5 is arranged. Therefore, when the clamp leg 32 is in the clamped state K, Since the recovery means 5 acts directly on the clamp leg 32 when displaced in the sliding direction 7, the required displacement path for rotating the clamp leg 32 back is small. Qualitatively, a contact is formed between the clamp spring 3 and the conductor 6 .

[0068] To activate the recovery means 5, the conductors are designed to be easily operable using a tool such as a screwdriver. Furthermore, the recovery means 5 is clamped between the clamp legs 32 and the terminal housing 12 in the clamped state K, so that the recovery means 5 cannot be removed from the terminal housing 12.

[0069] 1a and 1b show the clamp spring 3 in the latched position R of the clamp leg 32. The spring 3 and the retaining spring 4 are shown. The clamping leg 32 is latched via its latching means 322 to the retaining means 412 of the rotating leg 41 of the retaining spring 4, which is the longitudinal extension of the clamping leg 32. It can be seen that the pores are formed along almost half of the area. is the gap 13 between the busbar 2 and the clamp leg 32. 2a shows a conductor 6 clamped to a spring-loaded terminal 1. The clamping legs 32 of the clamping spring 3 are rotated in a rotation direction 81 about the rotation axis 8, with their clamping edges 321 pressing the core 61 of the conductor 6 against the busbar 2. It can also be seen that when the clamping legs 32 are rotated in the rotation direction 81, they press the restoring means 5 against the sliding direction 7, which causes the restoring means 5 to move against the sliding direction 7.

[0070] Starting from this clamped state K, the recovery means 5 is moved in a sliding direction until the latching means 322 of the clamping leg 32 of the clamping spring 3 is again latched with the holding means 412 of the rotating leg 41 of the holding spring 4. By displacing it in direction 7, the conductor 6 can be released.

[0071] 4 shows a terminal block 100 mounted on a mounting rail 101. The mounting rail 101 is designed to accommodate several terminal blocks 100 arranged side by side on the mounting rail 101. Typically, the mounting rail 101 with the aligned terminal blocks 100 is housed in a terminal box or control cabinet.

[0072] Each terminal block 100 may have one or more spring-loaded terminals 1 , and each spring-loaded terminal may be connected by a continuous bus bar 102 . 5b and 5d show variant embodiments of the clamping spring 3 according to FIGS. 1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, 3 and 5a and 5c, in each case before the clamping spring 3 is attached. 5b, in which the retaining spring 4 is integrally connected to the terminal housing 12 (FIG. 5b) as in the latched state R (FIG. 5d).

[0073] 6a to 6f show the present invention in detail, in each case in an enlarged view of the terminal block 100. 6g shows a further variant embodiment of the spring-loaded terminal 1 according to the invention, in particular a further embodiment of the clamping spring 3. In FIG. 6g the spring-loaded terminal is shown without the terminal housing 12. To avoid repetition, essentially only deviations, additions or modifications of the spring-loaded terminal 1 and the clamping spring 3 and the retaining spring 4 in the variants of the embodiment according to Figures 6a to 6g are mentioned. The following description relates to spring-loaded terminals 1 and clamp springs 3 according to Figures 1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, 3 and 5a to 5d. Other elements and features may be configured as in Figure 1 with reference to Figure 1.

[0074] Embodiments of the clamping spring 3 according to FIGS. 1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, 3 and 5a to 5d Deviating from the embodiment variant, the clamping spring 3 according to the embodiment variant of FIGS. 6a to 6g has It is not integral with the retaining spring 4 or is connected to the retaining spring 4 but is In this respect, the clamp spring 3 is configured separately from the holding spring 4.

[0075] The clamp spring 3, in turn, has a clamp leg 32 rotatable in a rotation direction 81 about a rotation axis 8, and a support leg 31 that can be simply and securely supported on the corresponding adjacent leg 21, particularly when the clamp leg 32 is rotated. Here, the support leg 31 has a central retention tab 311 that bends outward from the support leg 31. The retention tab 311 is supported on a corresponding support means, which in this case is the adjacent leg 21. However, in other embodiments (not shown here), the support leg 31 may be supported in other ways, such as being supported directly within the terminal housing 12.

[0076] Preferably, the support leg 31 and the clamping leg 32 are connected to one another via a bend 30. The advantageous support contour 14 of the terminal housing 12 engages in this bend 30, which here is pierced by the rotation axis 8 and also serves as a travel limiter.

[0077] The spring-loaded terminal 1 here has a separately manufactured retention spring 4, which Here, the retaining spring 4 is rotatably mounted in the terminal housing 12. By applying pressure to the pressure surface 42, the retaining spring 4 is rotated in the second rotation direction 91. The holding spring 4 further constitutes a rotating leg 41. A retaining means 412 formed in a shape similar to that shown in FIG. 1 is disposed on the rotating leg 41. Here, the retaining means 412 is a latch hook disposed approximately in the center of the rotating leg 41.

[0078] The clamping leg 32 of the clamping spring 3 is latched geometrically to the retaining means 412 at a distance from the clamping edge 321, here approximately halfway along the length of the clamping leg 32. The latch means 322 is configured to latch the clamp legs 32 in the latched state R of the clamp legs 32 with the retaining spring 4 The latch means 322 is configured here as a recess or step formed in the clamp leg 32 on the line of symmetry of the clamp leg 32, thus forming a latching connection with the retaining means 412 in the latched state R of the clamp leg 32.

[0079] The spring-loaded terminal 1 further comprises a leaf spring 43 which can further support the retaining spring 4 . 7a to 7h and 8a to 8d show clamp bars formed integrally with the holding spring 4, respectively. 1 shows a further advantageous embodiment variant of FIG. Thus, FIG. 7a shows a further first embodiment of a clamping spring 3 formed integrally with a retaining spring 4. Show the form.

[0080] In a variant embodiment, the retaining means 412 of the pivoting leg 41 of the retaining spring 4 is formed here as a single hook, preferably by a bent tab formed integrally with the pivoting leg 41. Each hook may be cut out of the pivoting leg 41 and bent out of the pivoting leg 41 during manufacture. The shape is exemplary. They may also have slightly different shapes, such as differently shaped hook ends.

[0081] The rotating leg 41 has a recess 418 on one edge as a result of the holding means being punched out accordingly. The downwardly curved first leg 411 of the pivot leg 41 is therefore narrow, in particular compared to the configuration of the retaining spring 4 according to Figures 1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, 3 and 5a to 5d. This configuration is characterized by a very simple construction and a very compact design. A recess 323' is provided on one side of the clamp leg 32 for inserting a tab as the retaining means 412. The retaining means 412 of the pivoting leg 41 of the retaining spring 4 is advantageously arranged at a relatively large distance from the clamp edge, the edge of the recess 323' of this edge, in this case a narrow edge, serving as a corresponding latching means for the latching means "hook".

[0082] Embodiments of the clamping spring 3 according to FIGS. 1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, 3 and 5a to 5d By way of departure from this variant, the support legs 31 of the clamping spring 3 can—see FIG. 7b—here have elongated, for example slot-like, openings, which can be arranged on both sides along the line of symmetry of the support legs 31.

[0083] FIG. 7b shows a further embodiment variant of the clamping spring 3 formed integrally with the retaining spring 4. The holding means 412 of the rotating leg 41 is again attached from the rotating leg 41 (in this case from its center) It is formed as a single hook cut out in one piece and is installed by bending it upward relative to the conductor insertion direction, and an elongated hole is formed in the rotating leg 41.

[0084] According to FIG. 7b, the latching means 322 of the clamping leg 32 are formed by holes, in particular by elongated holes 324 in the clamping leg 32, which are spaced apart from the clamping edge 321 and which are connected to the pivoting leg 41. The hook dips into the hole 324 and latches in the open position (not shown here) engaging behind the edge of this hole. This variant is also simple to manufacture and therefore cheap and safe. The clamping edge 321 is again advantageously protected, as it contributes to the locking of the clamping spring in the open position. Because they don't.

[0085] Two or more hooks / tabs formed in the manner of Figure 7a or a similar manner may also be provided as retention means 412 (see Figures 7b and 8a-8d, each capable of engaging a rear edge on the waist 323 of the clamp leg 32 in the latched or open position) (Figures 8b, 8d). Both hooks are partially cut and bent from the edge pivot leg 41 during manufacture of the clamp leg 32.

[0086] 7a-7d and 8a-8d, both the clamping spring 3 and the retaining spring 4 can be formed from a single rectangular blank or strip having a constant width, and only tabs, webs or hooks are shown punched from the blank, bent to shape and / or having recesses or holes formed therein.

[0087] The variants of the embodiment of the clamping spring 3 formed integrally with the retaining spring 4 according to FIGS. 7a to 7d and 8a to 8d show advantageously low-cost embodiments of the clamping spring 3, which In a variant of these embodiments, the flat blank already has the finished width of the clamp spring 3. Therefore, only cutting or notching has to be done in the edge area of ​​the flat blank to create the desired geometric shape in its edge area for forming the clamping spring 3 or the retaining spring 4. As a result, there is very little waste or off-cuts.

[0088] According to Figures 7a to 7d, the pressure surface 42 of the retaining spring 4 prevents the conductor end from lowering during connection. The bead-shaped depression 44 can be formed. The beaded recesses 44 facilitate bundling / centering of the strands during splicing to minimize strand bonding. They also increase the force with which the strands are bonded. can be done.

[0089] According to a further advantageous variant (see FIGS. 7e, 7f), the stop element 45 is applied to the retaining spring 4. The stop element 45 can be pressed onto the retaining spring 4. The stop element 45 can then be pressed onto the retaining spring 4. The element 45 can be configured, for example, as a kind of plastic block element, which is pressed against the area of ​​the retaining spring 4 that acts as a pressure surface without the stop element 45 (FIG. 7e, 7f). However, the stop element 45 can also be applied to the area of ​​the retaining spring 4 that serves as a pressure surface without the stop element 45 by an injection molding process (not shown).

[0090] However, in the example of Figs. 8a to 8d, the pressure surface 42 of the retaining spring 4 is e.g. beaded. 1. The clamp spring 40 has no recess 44 or stop element 45, but is of a flat configuration. In this way, the pressure surface 42 still functions well to enable the clamp spring to be released from the latched state.

[0091] The pivoting leg 41 of the exemplary embodiment according to Figures 7a to 7f can accordingly have an edge recess 418 on one side as a result of punching or have such an edge recess 418 on both sides at its edge (see also in particular Figures 8a to 8d). In this way, the downwardly folded first leg 411 of the pivoting leg 41 can be narrowed, in particular as shown in Figures 1a, 1b, 2a, 2b. , can be narrower compared to the configuration of the retaining spring 4 according to FIGS. 3 and 5a to 5d.

[0092] These embodiments of Figures 7c, 7d and 8a are particularly simple in construction and very compact. It is characterized by its compact structure. Two respective edge recesses 323' are provided on the clamp to immerse two hooks as holding means 412. The retaining means 412 of the rotating leg 41 of the retaining spring 4 can advantageously be arranged at a relatively large distance from the clamping edge.

[0093] The pivoting legs 41 of Figures 7c and 7d as well as 7e and 7f and 8a to 8d therefore have two edge recesses 418 on the edge side as a result of punching. These embodiments are also very It is characterized by a very simple construction and a very compact design. In the latched state, the hooks 412 can engage with edges as latch means 322 and engage with respective edges on the constriction 323 of the clamp leg 32 (FIGS. 7c and 7d).

[0094] The hook 412 preferably has a long leg 412a and a short or hook leg 412b. The locking legs 412b are preferably aligned at an angle β of 90° to 100° relative to the long legs 412a so that they are easily latchable on the one hand, but easily removable from the latch by pressure of the evenly thin stranded conductor ends on the retention surface 42.

[0095] According to a further advantageous development, one or more latch means 322 - here latch edges Each chamfer 322' may be configured as a chamfer. The chamfer may be configured such that the latch means 322 in the open state has one or more By rearwardly engaging the latch hook 412, the latch leg latches can contribute

[0096] The short or hook leg 412b can be relatively short, for example 0.3 mm to 0.5 mm. Above a bending radius of 1 mm, the length can be, for example, 0.4 mm to 0.6 mm, in particular 0.5 mm, so as to be able to latch securely and yet be easily released. The hook legs 412b have an overall length of 1.5 mm or less, in particular 1 mm or less. This length is particularly advantageous when the cross section of the conductor is 2.5 mm. The hook legs 412b can therefore be adapted to other conductor cross sections.

[0097] In this way, the release force of the system can be very clearly defined. To optimize the rotation of the contact legs 32 into their latched position, the free ends of the respective retaining means 412, in particular the latch hooks, Each of the short legs 412b may be chamfered, particularly a chamfer of about 0.1 mm.

[0098] Finally, according to one variant, the legs 413 are angled at an angle of 50° to 70° relative to the support legs 31. The angle γ may be, in particular, 60°, to reduce the contact angle in interaction with the legs 413 for latch overlap. Optimize the rotational insertion of the tentacles 32. [Explanation of symbols]

[0099] List of symbols Spring-loaded terminals 11 Insertion opening 12 Terminal housing 13 Gap 14 Support Contour 2 busbars 20 Terminal housing 21 Adjacent leg 3 Clamp spring 30 Bending section 31 Support legs 311 Retention Tab 312a, 312b connecting legs 32 Clamp leg 321 Clamp edge 322 Latching means 323 Waist 323' recess 324 slotted hole 4 Retaining spring 41 Rotating legs 411 Legs 412 retention 412a long leg 412b Short leg / hook leg 413 Legs 414 Bending section 415 Opening 416 Configuration 418 Recess 42 Pressure Surface 43 Leaf spring 44 Recess 45 Stopping Elements 5 Recovery methods 51 Operating groove 6 Conductors 61 cores 62 Sheath 7 Slide direction 8 Rotation Axis 81 Rotation direction 9 Rotation Axis 91 Rotation direction 100 terminal blocks 101 Mounting Rail 102 Busbar K Clamped state R Latched state

Claims

1. A spring-loaded terminal (1) configured as a direct plug-in terminal for connecting an electrical conductor, a. a busbar (2) for contacting the electrical conductor (6); b. A clamp spring (3) acting as a compression spring to secure the conductor (6) within the spring-loaded terminal (1); c. a retaining spring (4) integrally formed with the clamp spring (3) for latching the clamp spring (3) in an open position so that the conductor (6) can be inserted into the contact area in a sliding direction (7); d. the clamp spring (3) is rotatable in a first rotation direction (81) about a first rotation axis (8) and has a clamp leg (32) having a clamp edge (321), and the retaining spring (4) has a rotation leg (41) rotatable in a second rotation direction (91) about a second rotation axis (9); e. said rotating leg (41) has at least one retaining means (412) as a first latching means, and said clamping leg (32) has a corresponding latching means (322) which cooperates with the retaining means (412) of said rotating leg (41) in the latched state R of said clamping leg (32); f. the clamp legs (32) are adjustable from a latched state R, in which the clamp legs (32) are latched in an open position by the retaining means (412) of the rotating legs (41); and displacing the conductor (6) to a clamped state K causes the clamp legs (32) to unlatch from the retaining means (412) and is spring loaded to press the conductor (6) against the busbar (2) using the clamping edges (321) of the clamp legs (32); g. The clamp spring (3) has support legs (31) supported by corresponding adjacent legs; h. The spring-loaded terminal (1), wherein the retention spring (4) has a pressure surface (42), and the retention spring (4) can be rotated in a second rotational direction by inserting the conductor end of the conductor into the pressure surface (42) and applying pressure thereto; i. the latching means (322) of the clamping leg (32) is spaced apart from the clamping edge (321) of the clamping leg (32), and the holding means (412) of the rotating leg (41) does not latch directly onto the clamping edge (321) of the clamping leg (32); j. said retaining means (412) being integrally formed with the pivoting leg (41) as a projecting tab, as a web, and / or as one or two latch hooks; k. The rotating leg (41) has an opening (415) into which the clamp leg (32) engages when the clamp leg (32) is in the latched state R, or one or two latch hooks engage with the rear edge of the neck (323) of the clamp leg (32), respectively; l. said retaining means (412) having at least one chamfer on a free end thereof; m. The spring-loaded terminal (1) further comprising a restoring means (5) for rotating the clamp leg (32) rearward, whereby by displacing the restoring means (5) in a direction opposite to the direction of rotation (81), the clamp leg (32) is rotated back from the clamped state (K) to the latched state (R).

2. 2. The spring-loaded terminal (1) of claim 1, wherein the latch means (322) of the clamp leg (32) is formed on the clamp leg (32) at a distance of more than 1 mm from the clamp edge.

3. 3. The spring loaded terminal (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first latching means and / or the corresponding latching means have one or more corresponding chamfers.

4. 4. The spring-loaded terminal (1) of claim 1, wherein the pivoting leg (41) is configured to bend itself.

5. 5. The spring-loaded terminal (1) of claim 1, wherein the pressure surface (42) is adjacent to a first leg (411) of the rotating leg (41), the first leg (411) being located at a free end of the rotating leg (41).

6. 6. The spring-loaded terminal (1) of claim 5, wherein the retaining means (412) is configured as a latch edge disposed on a second leg (413) of the pivoting leg (41), the second leg (413) being located closer to the center of rotation of the pivoting leg (41) than the first leg (411).

7. 7. The spring-loaded terminal (1) of claim 6, wherein the second leg (413) has an angle γ of 50° to 70° with respect to the support leg (31).

8. 8. The spring-loaded terminal (1) of claim 6 or 7, wherein the downwardly bent first leg (411) and the upwardly bent second leg (413) are integrally connected to each other by a bent portion (414).

9. 9. The spring-loaded terminal (1) of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the opening (415) has a constriction (416).

10. 10. The spring-loaded terminal (1) of claim 9, wherein the clamp leg (32) has a constriction (323) that corresponds geometrically to the constriction (416) such that the clamp leg (32) can move freely through the opening (415).

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