Connection terminal for connecting an electrical line

Abstract

A connection terminal (1) comprises a housing (10), a contact element (11) which is provided on the housing (10) and has a contact portion (110) for electrically contacting a line (2), and a spring element (12) which has a clamping limb (120) and a contact limb (121) for supporting the spring element (12) on a bearing portion (103) which is stationary relative to the housing (10), wherein the clamping limb (120) is designed, in a clamping position, to act on a line (2) in order to bring the line (2) into contact with the contact portion (110) of the contact element (11) and can be adjusted from the clamping position into a release position in order to release the plugged-in line (2). The contact portion (110) extends along a first plane (E1), which extends at an angle (α) relative to an axis (A) pointing along the plug-in direction (E) and is oriented such that the first plane (E1) and the axis (A) diverge from one another when viewed in the plug-in direction (E).

Description

[0001] Terminal for connecting an electrical cable

[0002] The invention relates to a connecting terminal for connecting an electrical line according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0003] Such a connection terminal comprises a housing which has a plug-in opening into which an electrical cable can be plugged in a plug-in direction in order to introduce the cable into a receiving space within the housing. A contact element arranged on the housing has a contact section for making electrical contact with a cable plugged into the plug-in opening. A spring element has a clamping leg and a contact leg for supporting the spring element on a bearing section which is arranged stationary relative to the housing. The clamping leg is designed, in a clamping position, to act on a cable plugged into the plug-in opening in order to bring the cable into contact with the contact section of the contact element. From the clamping position, the clamping leg can be adjusted into a release position in order to release the plugged-in cable.

[0004] Such a terminal realizes a spring force connection by using the spring element, in which the electrical line in the connected position is clamped to the contact section of the contact element via the clamping leg and is thus electrically connected to the contact element and is also mechanically locked to the terminal.

[0005] While the spring element is supported relative to the housing via the contact leg, the clamping leg is elastically deflectable relative to the contact leg to exert an elastic clamping force on an inserted electrical cable in the clamped position, thus clamping the electrical cable to the contact section of the contact element. When moved to the release position, the spring element is elastically tensioned.

[0006] EP 3 772 777 A1 discloses a terminal that implements a spring-loaded connection and, for this purpose, has a spring element with a clamping leg and a contact leg supported on a housing. The clamping leg is connected to the contact leg via a curved connecting section. The connecting section extends around a pin-shaped housing section and provides a bending radius for elastically deflecting the clamping leg relative to the contact leg. In a terminal that implements a spring-loaded connection, the clamping leg is elastically deflectable relative to the contact leg, with bending deformation, particularly in the region of a connecting section between the clamping leg and the contact leg.It should be noted that excessive deflection of the clamping leg, known as over-mating, may result in undesirable plastic deformation, particularly in the area of ​​the connecting section, which could reduce the clamping forces available on the clamping leg in the clamped position. This must be avoided.

[0007] In a terminal block known from EP 2 956990 B1, a spring element is supported on a housing via a contact leg. A current bar of a contact element is arranged in the housing in such a way that a receiving space within the housing tapers in a plug-in direction.

[0008] The object of the present invention is to provide a connection terminal which, with a simple and cost-effective design, enables reliable operation with improved plug-in security.

[0009] This object is achieved by an article having the features of claim 1.

[0010] Accordingly, the contact section defines the receiving space within the housing on one side and extends along a first plane. The first plane extends at an angle to an axis pointing along the plug-in direction and is oriented such that the first plane and the axis diverge when viewed in the plug-in direction.

[0011] To connect an electrical cable to the terminal, the electrical cable can be inserted into the housing's plug-in opening and thus introduced into a receiving space within the housing. The spring element is arranged within the receiving space; its clamping leg is designed to bring the electrical cable into operative connection with the contact section of the contact element.

[0012] The clamping leg is designed to clamp a conductor inserted into the plug-in opening of the housing in the clamping position, in order to push or pull the conductor into contact with the contact section of the contact element. By moving it from the clamping position toward the release position, the receiving space inside the housing aligned with the plug-in opening is released, so that an electrical cable can be inserted into the plug-in opening for connection to the terminal in a substantially forceless manner, or an inserted electrical cable can be removed from the plug-in opening in a substantially forceless manner.

[0013] Typically, the spring element is accommodated in the terminal housing in such a way that the clamping leg points with a free end in the plug-in direction, thus pointing away from the plug-in opening with a clamping edge formed at the free end. The spring element is supported flatly relative to the housing via the contact leg.

[0014] When the clamping leg is moved into the release position, the spring element is tensioned. In the release position, the clamping leg is removed from the contact section, so that when an electrical cable is inserted into the plug opening, it enters a gap between the contact section on the one hand and the clamping leg on the other.

[0015] Because the contact section is inclined along the first plane, a space within the housing expands. In particular, the first plane, along which the contact section extends, and the axis, along which the plug-in direction is directed and along which the plug-in opening of the housing is generally insertable, diverge in the plug-in direction. The first plane and the axis thus diverge in the plug-in direction. A space between the axis and the first plane expands accordingly in the plug-in direction.

[0016] Due to the inclination of the first plane along which the contact section extends, the receiving space within the housing expands on the side of the contact section. This allows the clamping leg to be moved out of the receiving space by an excessive amount to transfer it into the release position, thus preventing excessive deformation of the spring element and thus improving mating security.

[0017] In particular, the clamping leg does not need to be pivoted relative to the contact leg to transfer it into the release position to such an extent that the clamping leg is aligned parallel to the axis. For example, it is sufficient if the clamping leg is pivoted relative to the axis to transfer it into the release position to such an extent that the clamping leg is aligned substantially parallel to the first plane along which the contact section extends.

[0018] Because deformation of the spring element for transferring the clamping leg into the release position can be reduced, the risk of plastic deformation of the spring element can be reduced.

[0019] Due to the inclination of the contact section along the first plane, the receiving space within the housing can be adapted so that conductors with a comparatively large diameter, for example, larger than 2 mm or 2.5 mm, can be connected to the terminal. Due to the inclination of the contact section, the connection of larger conductors, i.e., cables with a larger cross-section, can be made possible, particularly compared to an arrangement in which the contact section is aligned parallel to a flat support of the contact leg.

[0020] In one embodiment, the housing has a housing side on which the plug-in opening is formed. The housing side is preferably oriented perpendicular to the axis. For connection to the terminal, an electrical cable can be inserted into the plug-in opening in the plug-in direction essentially perpendicular to the housing side and thus along the axis perpendicular to the housing side.

[0021] In one embodiment, the contact element has a surface section which adjoins the contact section at an end of the contact section facing the plug-in openings and is aligned parallel to the axis. The contact element can be formed, for example, as a stamped and bent part. While the surface section is aligned parallel to the axis, the contact section extends at an angle to the surface section such that the contact section, viewed along the plug-in direction, extends away from the axis. For connection to the connection terminal, an electrical cable is brought closer, for example, along the axis of the connection terminal and inserted (at least approximately) along the axis into the plug-in opening. For connection to the connection terminal, a guide for the cable can be provided on the surface section so that the cable can slide along the surface section into the plug-in opening.In one embodiment, the electrical cable can be inserted into the plug-in opening along the axis in a first plug-in phase and can be guided along the contact section in a second plug-in phase. The cable can generally be plugged into the connection terminal along the axis, with the cable being inserted into the plug-in opening along the axis in the first plug-in phase. In the second plug-in phase, the cable then slides, for example, along the contact section and thus diagonally to the axis in order to reach a plugged-in, connected position within the connection terminal, in which the cable rests flat against the contact section and is thus electrically contacted with the contact element.

[0022] In one embodiment, the electrical cable, in a connected position, is in flat contact with the contact section due to a load from the clamping leg in the clamped position. Once the electrical cable has been inserted into the plug-in opening to connect the cable to the terminal, the cable, in the connected position, is located with a (stripped) conductor end within the receiving space and is in flat contact with the contact section. At least the conductor end assumes an inclined position at an angle to the axis by being pressed into contact with the contact section via the clamping leg of the spring element.

[0023] In one embodiment, the contact element has, at an end of the contact section facing away from the plug-in opening, a receiving chamber adjoining the contact section, into which the electrical line can be inserted with a conductor end. The receiving chamber can, for example, be U-shaped in cross-section (relative to a cross-sectional plane spanned by the plug-in direction and a direction perpendicular to the first plane). The receiving chamber adjoins the contact section and is formed by sections of the contact element, which are formed, for example, as a stamped mirror part, that are bent over to form the contact section.

[0024] In one embodiment, the contact leg is supported flatly relative to the bearing section along a second plane. The contact leg is thus supported flatly relative to the bearing section along the second plane and is thus aligned along the axis. The second plane is aligned parallel to the axis, so that the first plane and the second plane diverge when viewed in the insertion direction.

[0025] In one embodiment, the first plane and the second plane are arranged at an angle to each other that is greater than 0° but less than 20°. In one embodiment, the first plane is oriented at an angle between 5° and 10° relative to the second plane. Viewed at this angle, the first plane and the second plane diverge in the insertion direction, so that a space between the planes widens in the insertion direction.

[0026] In one embodiment, the contact element has a support section. The contact element can, for example, be formed as a bent sheet metal element. While an inserted electrical cable is clamped into contact with the contact section via the clamping leg of the spring element, thus making electrical contact with the contact section, the contact leg is supported on the support section.

[0027] The support section preferably extends flatly along the axis. The support section of the contact element and the contact section of the contact element thus extend along different planes, with the planes diverging when viewed in the plug-in direction, and a space between the planes thus widening in the plug-in direction.

[0028] In the terminal block, the spring element is supported relative to the housing via a bearing section, for example, having a pin shape, which is arranged stationary relative to the housing. The bearing section can, for example, be formed integrally and in one piece with the housing. In another embodiment, the bearing section can also be formed on the contact element.

[0029] In one embodiment, the contact leg is connected to the clamping leg via a curved connecting section. The connecting section extends around the bearing section. The contact leg is displaceable relative to the bearing section when the clamping leg is adjusted from the clamping position to the release position. The connecting section of the spring element thus extends around the bearing section. The connecting section is curved and connects the clamping leg of the spring element to the contact leg. The spring element is supported relative to the housing via the contact leg, for example by contact with the housing or a component that is stationary relative to the housing, for example the contact element. The contact leg is preferably mounted so as to be displaceable relative to the housing.In particular, the contact leg is not fixed to the bearing section, but can be moved relative to the bearing section when the clamping leg of the spring element is adjusted. If the clamping leg is moved from the clamped position to the release position, thereby tensioning the spring element, the contact leg can move relative to the bearing section and thus perform a compensating movement relative to the bearing section.

[0030] When the clamping leg is adjusted between the clamping position and the release position, deformation occurs, particularly in the area of ​​the connecting section of the spring element. Because the contact leg can perform a sliding movement relative to the bearing section, a pivot axis defined by the connecting section, about which the clamping leg is pivoted during adjustment, can be achieved that remains approximately fixed in position. A pivot axis around which a main load radius acts on the connecting section thus remains at least approximately fixed in position when the clamping leg is adjusted.

[0031] Because the contact leg can perform a compensating movement relative to the bearing section, a larger, more flexible working range of the spring element is also possible. Over-mating security can be improved because the clamping leg can be elastically deflected over a greater distance relative to the contact leg without causing plastic deformation of the spring element and thus impairing the clamping force.

[0032] In one embodiment, the contact leg is displaceable along a linear direction relative to the bearing section. Upon an adjustment movement of the clamping leg, the contact leg moves linearly relative to the bearing section, wherein the contact leg preferably substantially maintains its orientation along the linear direction.

[0033] In one embodiment, the linear direction along which the contact leg is displaceable relative to the bearing section is directed along the axis.

[0034] In one embodiment, the contact leg has a stop element which, in the clamping position of the clamping leg, occupies a first position relative to the bearing section and, in the release position of the clamping leg, occupies a second position closer to the bearing section than the first position. The stop element can, in particular, be formed at an end of the contact leg remote from the connecting section. For example, the stop element can be formed by a bent edge at the end of the contact leg. While in the clamping position of the clamping leg the stop element is remote from the bearing section (viewed along the linear direction), in the release position of the clamping leg, i.e. when the spring element is tensioned, the stop element is closer to the bearing section.

[0035] In particular, the stop element can be in contact with the bearing section in the release position of the clamping leg. The stop element thus limits the displacement of the bearing leg by causing the stop element to come into contact with the bearing section when the clamping leg is moved into the release position, thus preventing further displacement of the bearing leg relative to the bearing section.

[0036] In one embodiment, the connecting portion is slidably supported on the bearing portion. The connecting portion extends around the bearing portion, wherein the connecting portion is arranged relative to the bearing portion such that the connecting portion can deform elastically upon adjustment of the clamping leg. Preferably, there is a sliding support between the connecting portion and the bearing portion. If the clamping leg is adjusted, for example, from the clamping position toward the release position, the connecting portion slides on the bearing portion, causing the contact leg to be displaced relative to the bearing portion to follow the deformation of the connecting portion.

[0037] In particular, when the clamping leg is adjusted, a radius of curvature at the connecting section can change. For example, when the clamping leg is in the clamped position, the connecting section has a first radius of curvature. When the clamping leg is in the release position, the connecting section has a second radius of curvature that is smaller than the first radius of curvature. When adjusted towards the release position, the radius of curvature thus decreases, so that the connecting section narrows relative to its clear width and contracts around the bearing section. The connecting section is slidably supported on the bearing section. Due to the displaceability of the contact leg relative to the bearing section, the contact leg can follow the deformation in the region of the connecting section and execute a compensating movement relative to the bearing section.

[0038] For example, the contact leg can be slidably displaceable between the bearing section and the support section of the contact element. The contact leg is thus located between the bearing section and the support section. The contact leg is slidably supported on both the bearing section (which is stationary relative to the housing) and the support section (which is also stationary relative to the housing) and can thus be displaced relative to the bearing section and the support section.

[0039] In one embodiment, the terminal has an actuating element that is movable relative to the housing to move the clamping leg from the clamped position toward the release position. The actuating element can be actuated by a user using a tool, for example, a screwdriver, or tool-free, for example, with the user's fingers, to thereby act on the clamping leg via the actuating element and move the clamping leg from the clamped position toward the release position.

[0040] The actuating element can be adjusted relative to the housing in any way. For example, the actuating element can be designed as a pivotable lever or as a push-button element that can be moved relative to the housing.

[0041] In one embodiment, the actuating element is linearly displaceable relative to the housing along an actuating direction. The actuating element is accommodated, for example, in an actuating opening of the housing and can be adjusted within the actuating opening, in particular, pressed into the housing, in order to thereby act on the clamping leg and adjust the clamping leg toward the release position.

[0042] The actuation direction can, for example, be aligned with the plug-in direction in which a cable can be inserted into the plug-in opening of the housing. In another embodiment, the actuation direction differs from the plug-in direction in that the actuation direction is oriented at an angle or approximately perpendicular to the plug-in direction.

[0043] In one embodiment, the actuation direction is perpendicular to the axis. In one embodiment, the actuating element has a head section and at least one active section extending from the head section for acting on the clamping leg. If the actuating element is moved relative to the housing, the actuating element acts on the clamping leg via the active section and adjusts it toward the release position, for example, by the actuating element pressing on the clamping leg via the active section and thereby tensioning the spring element by deflecting the clamping leg.

[0044] The head portion may in particular be accessible from outside the housing so that a user can act on the head portion using a tool or without tools in order to move the actuating element relative to the housing.

[0045] In one embodiment, the head section is arranged on a first side of the contact section of the contact element. The clamping leg, in contrast, is arranged on a second side of the contact section facing away from the first side. The head section and the clamping leg are thus located on different sides of the contact section.

[0046] In order to act on the clamping leg via the active section, the active section reaches past the contact section starting from the head section (on the first side of the contact section) in order to interact with the clamping leg on the second side of the contact section.

[0047] For example, the actuating element can have two active sections extending from the head section as parallel limbs. The active sections accommodate the contact section of the contact element between them, and by moving the actuating element, the active sections can be adjusted relative to the contact section in order to act on the clamping limb on the second side of the contact section.

[0048] In one embodiment, the clamping leg has a sliding section. The active section is designed to interact slidingly with the sliding section for adjusting the clamping leg from the clamping position. The sliding section is formed, for example, on a lateral edge of the clamping leg, for example as a bent-over tab. If the actuating element has two active sections, two sliding sections are preferably formed on the clamping leg at opposite edges of the clamping leg. The sliding sections can, for example, each be formed as tabs bent over relative to a clamping edge of the clamping leg, against which the associated active section rests slidingly.

[0049] A terminal block of the type described can be used in a variety of ways, for example on a terminal block, a connector or to provide a connection on a printed circuit board.

[0050] The concept underlying the invention will be explained in more detail below using the exemplary embodiment shown in the figures. They show:

[0051] Fig. 1A is a perspective view of an embodiment of a connecting terminal, in a clamping position of a clamping leg of a spring element;

[0052] Fig.l B ​​is a side view of the arrangement according to Fig. 1 A;

[0053] Fig.2A is a perspective view of the terminal, in a

[0054] Release position of the clamping leg;

[0055] Fig. 2B is a side view of the arrangement according to Fig. 2A;

[0056] Fig. 3 is a longitudinal sectional view of the terminal with an inserted electrical cable;

[0057] Fig. 4 is a view of the terminal block with an electrical cable inserted but without an actuating element;

[0058] Fig. 5 the arrangement according to Fig. 4, without the actuating element and without a plugged-in cable;

[0059] Fig. 6A-6C separate views of the spring element;

[0060] Fig. 7A-7C show separate views of the actuating element; Fig. 8A-8C show separate views of a contact element of the terminal;

[0061] Fig. 9A-9C separate views of a housing part implementing a housing; and

[0062] Fig. 10A-10C separate views of a housing cover.

[0063] Fig. 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B, 3, 4 and 5 show an embodiment of a connection terminal 1 which has a housing 10, a contact element 11 fixedly arranged on the housing 10, a spring element 12 and an actuating element 14.

[0064] The housing 10 forms a plug-in opening 100 into which an electrical line 2 with a (stripped) line end 20 can be plugged along a plug-in direction E. The spring element 12 is located in a receiving space 101 within the housing 10 and projects with a clamping leg 120 into an area within the receiving space 101 that is aligned with the plug-in opening 100 such that an inserted electrical line 2 can be clamped via the clamping leg 120 to a contact section 110 of the contact element 11 in order to electrically contact the electrical line 2 with the contact section 110 and also to mechanically lock it to the connection terminal 1.

[0065] The spring element 12, shown in separate views in Figs. 6A-6C, has a contact leg 121 connected to the clamping leg 120 via a curved connecting section 122. The clamping leg 120 is elastically deflectable relative to the contact leg 121 in order to adjust the clamping leg 120 from a clamping position shown in Figs. 1A, 1B toward a release position shown in Figs. 2A, 2B.

[0066] The actuating element 14, shown in separate views in Fig. 7A-7C, lies in an actuating opening 102 of the housing 10 and is linearly displaceable relative to the housing 10 in the actuating opening 102 along an actuating direction B. The actuating element 14 has a head section 140, which is accessible from outside the housing 10 and can be actuated by a user using a tool, for example a screwdriver, or optionally also without tools. Two leg-shaped active sections 141 extend parallel to one another from the head section 140 such that the contact section 110 of the contact element 11 can be received between the active sections 141. The contact element 11, shown in separate views in Fig. 8A-8C, is designed as a bent sheet metal element, in particular as a stamped and bent part made of metal.The contact element 11 has a receiving chamber 113 adjoining the contact section 110 and a support section 111, from which a connection section in the form of a connection leg 112 extends for electrically contacting an associated electrical assembly, for example, a circuit board. An electrical cable 2 can be brought close to the U-shaped receiving chamber 113 when inserted into the plug-in opening 100, as can be seen from Figs. 3 to 5, so that the cable end 20 can be received in the receiving chamber 113.

[0067] A housing part forming the housing 10 is shown in separate views in Fig. 9A-9C and can be closed by a housing cover 104 shown in Fig. 10A-10C to complete the housing 10.

[0068] As can be seen from Fig. 1A, 1B and 2A, 2B, the active sections 141 of the actuating element 14 engage past the contact section 110 of the contact element 11 and act in a sliding manner on sliding sections 123 in the form of bent tabs on lateral edges of the clamping leg 120 in order to thereby transfer the clamping leg 120 from the clamping position shown in Fig. 1A, 1B into the release position shown in Fig. 2A, 2B when the actuating element 14 is actuated in the actuating direction B.

[0069] In the release position according to Fig. 2A, 2B, the clamping leg 120 is deflected relative to the contact leg 121 such that an area aligned with the plug-in opening 100 within the receiving space 101 is released and an electrical line 2 can thus be inserted unhindered by the clamping leg 120 into the plug-in opening 100 in order to make contact with the contact element 11.

[0070] In the connection terminal 1, the contact section 110 extends along a first plane E1, which is inclined by an angle α to a second plane E2, along which the support section 111 of the contact element 11 extends, as can be seen from Fig. 5. The planes E1, E2 are aligned relative to one another in such a way that the planes E1, E2, viewed in the plug-in direction E, diverge and a space between the planes E1, E2 thus increases in the plug-in direction E. The second plane E2 is directed parallel to an axis A aligned along the plug-in direction E. The first plane E1 is thus arranged at an angle α to the axis A. An electrical line 2 can be brought closer to the connection terminal 1 along the axis A and inserted into the plug-in opening 100 in order to connect the electrical line 2 to the connection terminal 1.

[0071] Due to the inclination of the plane E1 and the corresponding orientation of the contact section 110 relative to the axis A, the receiving space 101 within the housing 10 increases in size, viewed in the plug-in direction E, as illustrated in Figs. 3 to 5. The contact section 110, which delimits the receiving space 101 on the side facing the actuating opening 102, thus has a slope such that the contact section 110, viewed in the plug-in direction E, tends outwards (upwards in Fig. 5).

[0072] In the illustrated embodiment, the contact section 110 is directed obliquely to the actuation direction B and also obliquely to the axis A pointing along the plug-in direction E. The axis A is directed perpendicular to a housing side 105 on which the plug-in opening 100 is formed.

[0073] The angle a by which the contact section 110 is inclined is greater than 0°, but preferably less than 20°. For example, the angle a has a value between 5° and 10°, for example 6°.

[0074] In the illustrated embodiment, a surface section 114, which is aligned parallel to the axis A, adjoins the contact section 110 towards the plug-in opening 100. Because the surface section 114 is aligned with the plug-in opening 100 (namely an upper region delimiting the plug-in opening 100), an electrical line 2 can slide along the surface section 114 when plugged in along the axis A into the plug-in opening 100 and is thus guided into the receiving space 101 inside the connection terminal 1.

[0075] While the attachment of an electrical cable 2 in a first plug-in phase can take place (at least approximately) along the axis A, preferably with the conductor end 20 slidingly guided on the surface section 114, in a second plug-in phase the conductor end 20 slides along the inclined contact section 110 of the contact element 11 and engages with the receiving chamber 113 formed at an end of the contact section 110 facing away from the plug-in opening 100, as can be seen from Figs. 3 and 4. At least in a final plug-in phase, the conductor end 20 thus nestles against the contact section 110 and is pressed into contact with the contact section 110 by the clamping leg 120 of the spring element 12, so that the conductor end 20 is inserted into the receiving chamber 113 and, in a connected position, is in surface contact with the contact section 110.

[0076] Because the contact section 110 is aligned along the inclined plane E1, it is sufficient to deflect the clamping leg 120 relative to the contact leg 121 for transferring it into the release position only to the extent that the clamping leg 120 is positioned substantially parallel to the plane E1 of the contact section 110, as shown in dashed lines in Fig. 5. Deformation of the spring element 12 for transferring the clamping leg 120 into the release position can thus be reduced if necessary, which can improve the security of the plug-in connection.

[0077] The receiving chamber 113 is formed by an embossing on the contact element 11 and has an approximately U-shape in the cross-section of the contact element 11 along a cross-sectional plane spanned by the actuation direction B and the plug-in direction E. The receiving chamber 113 adjoins the contact section 110 at an end facing away from the plug-in opening 100. An electrical cable 2 with a cable end 20 can be inserted into the receiving chamber 113 in order to connect the cable 2 to the connection terminal 1.

[0078] As can be seen from Figs. 3 and 4, the cable 2 assumes an inclined position relative to the housing 10 in the connected position. In this position, the cable end 20 is inserted into the receiving chamber 113 at the end of the contact section 110. The cable 2 is pressed into this position with the cable end 20 by the clamping action of the clamping leg 120. The clamping leg 120 loads the cable end 20 in the direction of the contact section 110 and thus presses the cable end 20 into contact with the contact section 110 such that the cable end 20 is aligned along the plane E1.

[0079] Due to the inclined extension of the contact section 110, a maximum cable diameter D1 of the cable end 20 can be larger compared to a cable diameter D2 with a non-inclined contact section 110, as illustrated in Fig. 5. If the actuating element 14 is released after an electrical cable 2 has been inserted, the clamping leg 120 automatically comes into contact with the electrical cable 2 due to an elastic tension force on the spring element 11 and clamps the electrical cable 2 to the contact section 110, so that the electrical cable 2 is electrically contacted with the contact section 110 and is also mechanically locked to the connection terminal 1.

[0080] The connecting portion 122 of the spring element 12 extends around a bearing portion 103 protruding from a bottom of the housing 10, as can be seen, for example, from the side views according to Figs. 1B and 2B. The connecting portion 122 is slidably supported on the bearing portion 103. When the clamping leg 120 is adjusted between the clamping position (Figs. 1A, 1B) and the release position (Figs. 2A, 2B), the connecting portion 122 can slide accordingly on the bearing portion 103.

[0081] The contact leg 121 lies between the bearing section 103 and the support section 111 of the contact element 11 and is linearly displaceable along a direction X that is substantially collinear with the plugging direction E between the bearing section 103 and the support section 111 and thus relative to the housing 10. At an end remote from the connecting section 122, a stop element 124 is formed on the contact leg 121, which is formed by a bent edge of the contact leg

[0082] 121 is formed and limits a displacement path of the contact leg 121 relative to the bearing section 103.

[0083] In the position of the spring element 12 according to Fig. 1 A, 1 B, the connecting section

[0084] 122 has a radius of curvature R1, as shown in Fig. 1B. The connecting section 122 extends with a comparatively large clear width around the bearing section 103. The stop element 124 at the end of the contact leg 121 is spaced from the bearing section 103, as can be seen from Fig. 1B.

[0085] If the clamping leg 120 is pivoted towards the release position and the spring element 12 is thereby tensioned, the radius of curvature R2 of the connecting section 122 decreases, as shown in Fig. 2B. The clear width of the connecting section 122 decreases accordingly. The connecting section 122 contracts around the bearing section 103. Due to the sliding support of the connecting section 122 on the bearing section 103, the flexurally elastic deformation of the connecting section 122 causes the contact leg 121 to move along the direction X relative to the bearing section 103 such that the stop element 124 at the end of the contact leg 121 is brought closer to the bearing section 103 and, in the release position according to Fig. 2A, 2B, comes into contact with the bearing section 103, as can be seen in particular from Fig. 2B.

[0086] Due to the displaceable mounting of the contact leg 121 between the bearing section 103 and the support section 111, the spring element 12 is mounted in a floating manner relative to the housing 10 in the illustrated embodiment. Because the contact leg 121 can perform a compensating movement when the clamping leg 120 is adjusted, a pivot axis about which the clamping leg 120 is pivoted when adjusted toward the release position can remain at least approximately fixed in position relative to the housing 10.

[0087] The pivot axis of the clamping leg 120 corresponds (at least approximately) to the central axis of the connecting section 122, around which the connecting section 122 is curved and relative to which the radius of curvature R1, R2 results. Due to the compensating movement of the contact leg 121, this axis remains at least approximately stationary while the clamping leg 120 is adjusted.

[0088] Due to the floating mounting of the spring element 12, an enlarged, elastic working range for deflecting the clamping leg 120 can be enabled, with improved mating security, thus reducing the risk of excessive deformation of the clamping leg 120 and the associated plastic deformation of the spring element 12.

[0089] If an electrical cable 2 is to be connected to the terminal 1, the clamping leg 120 is moved into the release position shown in Fig. 2A, 2B by actuating the actuating element 14. After releasing the actuating element 14, the clamping leg 120 clamps the cable 2 to the contact section 110 of the contact element 11 and thus connects the cable 2 to the terminal 1.

[0090] If the cable 2 is to be removed from the connection terminal 1, the actuating element 14 can again be actuated in the actuating direction B in order to release the clamping contact of the clamping leg 120 on the cable 2 and thus release the cable 2 for removal from the plug-in opening 100.

[0091] In the illustrated embodiment, the contact leg 121 is displaceable along the direction X approximately collinear with the insertion direction E relative to the housing 10. However, such a floating support can also be provided along a direction oblique or perpendicular to the insertion direction E.

[0092] In the illustrated embodiment, the actuating element 14 is adjustable relative to the housing 10 along an actuating direction B that is approximately perpendicular to the plug-in direction E. Other embodiments are also conceivable in which the actuating element 14 is movable relative to the housing 10 along an actuating direction B that is oblique to or parallel to the plug-in direction E.

[0093] In the illustrated embodiment, the actuating element 14 is formed by a push-button element that can be moved (approximately) linearly relative to the housing 10. In another embodiment, the actuating element 14 can be a lever that is pivotally mounted relative to the housing. In yet other embodiments, an actuating element can be omitted in order to adjust the clamping leg 120 of the spring element 12 directly using a tool, for example, a screwdriver.

[0094] The idea underlying the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but can also be implemented in other ways.

[0095] A terminal block of the type described can be used, for example, on a connector, a terminal block or any other electrical assembly, for example on a printed circuit board.

[0096] List of reference symbols

[0097] 1 connection terminal

[0098] 10 housings

[0099] 100 plug-in opening

[0100] 101 Recording Room

[0101] 102 Operating opening

[0102] 103 storage section

[0103] 104 Housing cover

[0104] 105 Housing side

[0105] 11 Contact element

[0106] 110 Contact section

[0107] 111 support section

[0108] 112 connecting section

[0109] 113 Recording section

[0110] 114 Area section

[0111] 12 spring element

[0112] 120 clamping legs

[0113] 121 investment legs

[0114] 122 connecting section

[0115] 123 sliding section

[0116] 124 stop element

[0117] 14 Actuating element

[0118] 140 head section

[0119] 141 Effective section

[0120] 2 lines

[0121] 20 Cable end a angle

[0122] A axis

[0123] B Actuating direction

[0124] D1 , D2 diameter

[0125] E Plug-in direction

[0126] E1, E2 level

[0127] R1, R2 radius of curvature

[0128] X direction

Claims

Patent claims 1 . A connecting terminal (1) for connecting an electrical line (2), comprising a housing (10) having a plug-in opening (100) into which an electrical line (2) can be plugged in a plug-in direction (E) in order to introduce the line (2) into a receiving space (101) within the housing (10), a contact element (11) arranged on the housing (10) and having a contact section (110) for electrically contacting a line (2) plugged into the plug-in opening (100), and a spring element (12) having a clamping leg (120) and a contact leg (121) for supporting the spring element (12) on a bearing section (103) arranged stationary relative to the housing (10), wherein the clamping leg (120) is designed, in a clamping position, to engage a line (2) plugged into the plug-in opening (100) in order to contact the line (2) with the contact section (110) of the contact element (11 ),and is adjustable from the clamping position into a release position in order to release the plugged-in cable (2), characterized in that the contact section (110) delimits the receiving space (101) within the housing (10) on one side and extends along a first plane (E1) which extends at an angle (a) to an axis (A) pointing along the plug-in direction (E) and is aligned such that the first plane (E1) and the axis (A) diverge from one another when viewed in the plug-in direction (E).

2. Connection terminal (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the housing (10) has a housing side (105) on which the plug-in opening (100) is formed, the housing side (105) being aligned perpendicular to the axis (A).

3. Connection terminal (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the contact element (11) has a surface section (115) which adjoins the contact section (110) at an end of the contact section (110) facing the plug-in opening (100) and is aligned parallel to the axis (A).

4. Connection terminal (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the electrical line (2) can be inserted into the plug-in opening (100) along the axis (A) in a first plug-in phase and can be guided along the contact section (110) in a second plug-in phase.

5. Connection terminal (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the electrical line (2) in a connected position is in flat contact with the contact section (110) due to a load by the clamping leg (120) in the clamping position.

6. Connection terminal (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the contact element (11) has a receiving chamber (113) which adjoins the contact section (110) at an end of the contact section (110) facing away from the plug-in opening (100), into which the electrical line (2) can be inserted with a conductor end (20).

7. Connection terminal (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the contact leg (121) is supported flatly relative to the bearing section (103) along a second plane (E2), the second plane (E2) being aligned parallel to the axis (A), so that the first plane (E1) and the second plane (E2) diverge from each other when viewed in the plug-in direction (E).

8. Connection terminal (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first plane (E1) is aligned at an angle (a) relative to the second plane (E2) which is greater than 0° but less than 20°.

9. Connection terminal (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that the first plane (E1) is aligned at an angle (a) between 5° and 10° relative to the second plane (E2).

10. Connection terminal (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the contact element (11) has a support section (111) on which the contact leg (121) is supported, wherein the support section (111) extends flatly along the axis (A).

11. Connection terminal (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the contact leg (121) is connected to the clamping leg (120) via a curved connecting section (122) and the connecting section (122) extends around the bearing section (103), wherein the contact leg (121) can be moved out of the clamping position into the release position relative to the bearing section (103).

12. Connection terminal (1) according to claim 11, characterized in that the contact leg (121) is displaceable along a linear direction (X) relative to the bearing section (103).

13. Connection terminal (1) according to claim 12, characterized in that the linear direction (X) points along the second plane (E2).

14. Connection terminal (1) according to one of claims 11 to 13, characterized in that the contact leg (121) has a stop element (124) which, in the clamping position of the clamping leg (120), assumes a first position relative to the bearing section (103) and, in the release position of the clamping leg (120), assumes a second position which is closer to the bearing section (103) than the first position.

15. Connection terminal (1) according to claim 14, characterized in that the stop element (124) is in contact with the bearing section (103) in the release position of the clamping leg (120).

16. Connection terminal (1) according to one of claims 11 to 15, characterized in that the connecting section (122) is slidably supported on the bearing section (103).

17. Connection terminal (1) according to one of claims 11 to 16, characterized in that the connecting section (122) in the clamping position (120) of the clamping leg (120) has a first radius of curvature (R1) and in the release position of the clamping leg (120) has a second radius of curvature (R2) which is smaller than the first radius of curvature (R1).

18. Connection terminal (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by an actuating element (14) which is movable relative to the housing (10) in order to adjust the clamping leg (120) from the clamping position towards the release position.

19. Connection terminal (1) according to claim 18, characterized in that the actuating element (14) is linearly displaceable along an actuating direction (B) relative to the housing (10).

20. Connection terminal (1) according to claim 19, characterized in that the actuating direction (B) is directed perpendicular to the axis (A).

21. Connection terminal (1) according to one of claims 18 to 20, characterized in that the actuating element (14) has a head section (140) and at least one active section (141) extending from the head section (140) for acting on the clamping leg (120).

22. Connection terminal (1) according to claim 21, characterized in that the head section (140) is arranged on a first side of the contact section (110) and the clamping leg (120) is arranged on a second side of the contact section (110) facing away from the first side.

23. Connection terminal (1) according to claim 22, characterized in that the active section (141) extends from the head section (140) past the contact section (110) in order to cooperate with the clamping leg (120) on the second side of the contact section (110).

24. Connection terminal (1) according to one of claims 21 to 23, characterized in that the clamping leg (120) has a sliding section (123), wherein the active section (141) is designed to interact in a sliding manner with the sliding section (123) for adjusting the clamping leg (120) from the clamping position.

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