DE102020119864A1 - conductor terminal - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a conductor connection terminal (1) with an insulating material housing (2), the insulating material housing (2) having a conductor entry opening (3) for inserting an electrical conductor in a conductor entry direction (L), with a conductor rail (4) and with a clamping spring ( 5), the clamping spring (5) having a clamping leg (5c) which, together with the busbar (4), forms a clamping point (6) for the electrical conductor, and having an actuating element (7), the actuating element (7) being displaceable in is mounted in the insulating material housing (2) and has an actuating section (7a), the actuating section (7a) being designed to open the clamping point (6), the actuating section (7a) interacting with the clamping leg (5c) in such a way that the Actuating section (5c) for opening the clamping point (6) rests against the clamping leg (5c). The actuating section (7a) is slidably mounted on a latching contour (8) of the insulating housing (2).

Description

The invention relates to a conductor connection terminal with an insulating material housing, the insulating material housing having a conductor insertion opening for inserting an electrical conductor in a conductor insertion direction, with a busbar and with a clamping spring, the clamping spring having a clamping leg which, together with the busbar, forms a clamping point for the electrical conductor , and with an actuating element, the actuating element being movably mounted in the insulating material housing and having an actuating section, the actuating section being designed to open the clamping point, the actuating section interacting with the clamping leg in such a way that the actuating section to open the clamping point on the clamping leg is applied.

DE 10 2017 117 459 A1 discloses a conductor terminal with an actuating element that is slidably mounted in an insulating housing. The actuating element has an actuating section, the actuating section being set up to open the clamping point by the actuating section being supported on a contact leg of the clamping spring.

Proceeding from this, it is the object of the present invention to create an improved conductor connection terminal.

The object is achieved with a conductor terminal with the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments are described in the dependent claims.

In the case of the conductor connection terminal of the generic type, it is proposed that the actuation section be slidably mounted on a latching contour of the insulating material housing.

In this way, an improved actuation mechanism for a conductor terminal can be provided. To open the clamping point, the actuating section bears against the clamping limb of the clamping spring, with the clamping limb being displaced in such a way that the clamping point is opened when the actuating element is fully actuated. A spring force of the clamping leg acts on the actuating section of the actuating element.

The latching contour is, for example, a material projection that is formed in one piece from the insulating material housing. However, it is also conceivable that the latching contour is formed from a separate component and is inserted into the insulating material housing. The actuating section rests on the latching contour, with the actuating section being guided along the latching contour during the displacement of the actuating element to open the clamping point. The latching contour thus extends in particular from an initial position of the actuating element, in which the clamping point is closed, to an actuating position of the actuating element, in which the clamping point is open, so that the actuating section can be guided on the latching contour to open the clamping point. The actuating section is thus supported on the latching contour in particular between the initial position and the actuating position.

The starting position is the position in which the actuating element is located when the clamping point is completely closed. The operating position is the position in which the operating element is when the clamping point is fully open.

It is conceivable that when the clamping point is open, the actuating section is clamped to the latching contour by the spring force, with the actuating element latching onto the latching contour when the clamping point is open. Such a latching can be released again, for example, by an actuating tool, in that the actuating element is guided out of the latching against the spring force of the clamping leg. It is possible here for the actuating element to be automatically shiftable back into the starting position by the spring force of the clamping leg as soon as the actuating element has been guided out of the latching position.

Displaceable means in particular that the actuating element is arranged in a linearly displaceable manner in the insulating material housing. The clamping point is thus opened by a linear displacement of the actuating element from the initial position into the actuating position and not by pivoting the actuating element about a rotation axis, as is the case, for example, with an actuating lever. Smaller tilting movements of the actuating element about a support or pivot point are nevertheless possible, so that the actuating element can be transferred, for example, into a latching position.

When the clamping point is in an open position, the actuating section can be arranged between the clamping leg and the latching contour.

In this way, when the actuating element is in the actuating position, the spring force of the clamping spring, in particular of the clamping leg of the clamping spring, can act on the actuating element, with the spring force of the clamping spring being able to press the actuating element against the latching contour. The actuating element can thus be fixed in a self-retaining manner in the actuating position.

The latching contour can be designed as an elongate guide rail, with the elongate guide rail being offset in height.

The actuating section can be guided along the elongated guide rail during the entire opening process of the clamping point on the guide rail, with the actuating section being guided to a different height level after reaching the operating position in which the clamping point is open, due to the height offset of the guide rail. An increased spring force can thus act on the actuating section, for example by the clamping spring, with the actuating section being held on the elongated guide rail.

However, it is also conceivable that the actuating section is guided by the height offset, for example, into a latching recess of the elongated guide rail, with the actuating element latching in the open position of the clamping point in the latching recess. In this way, an actuating mechanism can be provided which can be held in an open position of the clamping point without external influence.

Due to the height offset, the actuating element can be mounted around a pivot point, for example, so that the actuating section of the actuating element can be guided along the height offset on the elongated guide rail.

The height offset can be arranged on the guide rail in such a way that when the clamping point is open, the actuating section is held on the elongated guide rail by the spring force of the clamping leg and the height offset. The height offset is arranged in particular in the area of the clamping point on the elongated guide rail. Furthermore, the height offset can advantageously be arranged above the clamping point on the elongated guide rail or latching contour.

The height offset can be seen in particular from the linear direction in which the actuating element is slidably mounted in the insulating housing. The linear direction is therefore in particular the direction of actuation in which the actuation element can be displaced in order to open the terminal point. The elongate guide rail or latching contour can thus have a height offset when viewed from the direction of actuation. A height offset both downwards and upwards is conceivable. Down means in particular that the distance between the locking contour or the elongate guide rail and the clamping point becomes smaller, whereas a height offset upwards increases the distance between the locking contour or the elongate guide rail and the clamping point. The actuation direction is preferably aligned parallel to the conductor insertion direction.

The actuating section can be held in a clamping position on the latching contour under the action of force from the clamping leg when the clamping point is open.

As a result, the actuating section can be held in the open position of the clamping point in a simple manner by the spring force of the clamping leg, in that the actuating section is held in the clamping position on the latching contour by the spring force of the clamping leg. An electrical conductor can thus be inserted into the conductor terminal without the actuating element having to be actively held in the actuating position.

The actuation section can be designed to be flexible in such a way that the actuation section can be guided into the clamping position and/or out of the clamping position.

A flexible design of the actuating section allows the actuating section to be guided in a simple manner along the height offset of the elongated guide rail. A flexible design of the operating section means in particular that the operating section is flexibly connected to the operating element. For example, it is conceivable that the actuating section is designed to be flexible in the transition to the body of the actuating element, with the actuating section being able to be guided into a clamping position and/or out of the clamping position. However, it is also conceivable for the actuating section to be arranged on the actuating element via a flexible intermediate element.

In this case, the entire actuating element does not have to be shifted around a pivot point. After the height offset has been passed, the flexible actuating section is elastically deflected, for example by the spring force of the clamping leg, so that the actuating section continues to bear against the elongated guide rail. A displacement of the entire actuating element is therefore not necessary.

If the actuating element is returned to the starting position in which the clamping point is closed, the actuating section returns to its original position.

The insulating housing can have a first housing part and a second housing part.

Due to the two-part design of the insulating material housing, the conductor connection terminal according to the invention can be installed in a simple manner by first inserting a contact insert into the first housing part and then the second housing part closes the insulating material housing.

The actuating element can be arranged essentially parallel to the conductor insertion direction.

Substantially parallel means in particular that the actuating element does not have to be arranged exactly parallel to the conductor insertion opening. It is conceivable, for example, that up to five degrees (in a 360° system) deviation from exact parallelism is possible.

Due to the parallel design, the actuating element can be guided parallel to the conductor entry, as a result of which the introduction of the electrical conductor cannot be blocked by the actuating element. The actuating element can be guided, for example, over a conductor insertion area on the latching contour or along the elongated guide rail without protruding into the conductor insertion area.

When the clamping point is closed, the actuating section can be accommodated in a recess of the insulating material housing.

It is conceivable that the contour of the actuating section can be adapted to the contour of the recess of the insulating housing. As a result, the actuating element can be stored in the starting position with the clamping point closed without any major play, so that slipping of the actuating element in the starting position is reduced.

The clamping spring can have a contact leg, with a spring bow being arranged between the contact leg and the clamping leg. The contact leg is designed in particular for contact with a part of the conductor connection terminal. The contact leg is preferably designed for contact with the conductor rail. As a result, a self-supporting clamping spring can be implemented, for example.

A first retaining element and a second retaining element can be arranged on the contact leg, the first retaining element being mounted on a first retaining edge of the conductor connection terminal and the second retaining element being mounted on a second retaining edge of the conductor connection terminal.

• Leiteranschlussklemme mit einem Isolierstoffgehäuse, wobei das Isolierstoffgehäuse eine Leitereinführungsöffnung zum Einführen eines elektrischen Leiters in einer Leitereinführungsrichtung hat, mit einer Stromschiene und mit einer Klemmfeder, wobei die Klemmfeder einen Klemmschenkel und einen Anlageschenkel zur Anlage an der Stromschiene hat, wobei zwischen dem Anlageschenkel und dem Klemmschenkel ein Federbogen angeordnet ist, wobei der Klemmschenkel mit der Stromschiene eine Klemmstelle für den elektrischen Leiter bildet, und mit einem Betätigungselement, wobei das Betätigungselement verschiebbar in dem Isolierstoffgehäuse gelagert ist und zum Öffnen und/oder Schließen der Klemmstelle eingerichtet ist, wobei an dem Anlageschenkel ein erstes Halteelement und ein zweites Halteelement angeordnet ist, wobei das erste Halteelement an einer ersten Haltekante der Leiteranschlussklemme und das zweite Halteelement an einer zweiten Haltekante der Leiteranschlussklemme gelagert ist.

The formation of the first holding element and the second holding element on the contact leg and a corresponding first holding edge and second holding edge is independent of the present invention and can be regarded as an independent invention. A conductor connection terminal with the following features is therefore also conceivable:

• Conductor connection terminal with an insulating material housing, wherein the insulating material housing has a conductor insertion opening for inserting an electrical conductor in a conductor insertion direction, with a busbar and with a clamping spring, the clamping spring having a clamping leg and a contact leg for contact with the busbar, with between the contact leg and the clamping leg a spring bow is arranged, with the clamping limb forming a clamping point for the electrical conductor with the busbar, and with an actuating element, with the actuating element being slidably mounted in the insulating housing and being set up to open and/or close the clamping point, with a first retaining element and a second retaining element is arranged, wherein the first retaining element is mounted on a first retaining edge of the conductor terminal and the second retaining element on a second retaining edge of the conductor terminal.

The two-part connection of the clamping spring makes it possible in particular to achieve a stable connection to the conductor connection terminal, with long and free elastic mobility of the clamping spring being ensured at the same time.

The first holding element and the second holding element can be projected out of the contact leg in a direction pointing away from the clamping leg of the clamping spring. Further advantageously, the first holding element and/or the second holding element can be arranged at the free end of the contact leg.

As a result, the connection of the clamping spring to the conductor connection terminal can be further improved, the mobility of the clamping spring being able to be improved by the arrangement of the holding elements at the free end of the contact leg.

The first holding edge and/or the second holding edge can be designed as the edge of a holding opening of the conductor connection terminal, with the first holding element and/or the second holding element reaching through the holding opening.

By designing the holding edges as the edge of a holding opening, the first holding element and/or the second holding element can be surrounded by the holding opening on the peripheral side, as a result of which an improved connection of the clamping spring can be achieved. It is also conceivable that only the first holding edge or the second holding edge is designed as the edge of a holding opening.

The first holding edge and/or the second holding edge can be arranged on the conductor rail.

It is conceivable that the first holding element engages behind the first holding edge on the busbar. In the direction of the spring arc, the second holding element is arranged at a distance from the first holding element and is supported on the second holding edge of the conductor rail or, for example, reaches through one of the holding openings described above. The first holding element can thus be arranged, for example, at the free end of the contact leg, the second holding element being arranged at a distance from the first holding element in the direction of the spring bow. It is conceivable that at least part of the busbar engages over the clamping spring or rests on it.

The conductor connection terminal can have a restoring spring, with a restoring force acting on the actuating element as a result of the restoring spring.

• Eine Leiteranschlussklemme mit einem Isolierstoffgehäuse, wobei das Isolierstoffgehäuse eine Leitereinführungsöffnung zum Einführen eines elektrischen Leiters in einer Leitereinführungsrichtung hat, mit einer Stromschiene und mit einer Klemmfeder, wobei die Klemmfeder einen Klemmschenkel hat, der mit der Stromschiene eine Klemmstelle für den elektrischen Leiter bildet, und mit einem Betätigungselement, wobei das Betätigungselement verschiebbar in dem Isolierstoffgehäuse gelagert ist und einen Betätigungsabschnitt hat, wobei der Betätigungsabschnitt zum Öffnen der Klemmstelle ausgebildet ist, wobei der Betätigungsabschnitt derart mit dem Klemmschenkel in Wechselwirkung steht, dass der Betätigungsabschnitt zum Öffnen der Klemmstelle an dem Klemmschenkel anliegt, wobei die Leiteranschlussklemme eine Rückstellfeder hat, wobei durch die Rückstellfeder eine Rückstellkraft auf das Betätigungselement wirkt.

The return spring is independent of the present invention and can be regarded as an independent invention. A conductor connection terminal with the following features is therefore also conceivable:

• A conductor connection terminal with an insulating material housing, the insulating material housing having a conductor insertion opening for inserting an electrical conductor in a conductor insertion direction, with a busbar and with a clamping spring, the clamping spring having a clamping leg which, together with the busbar, forms a clamping point for the electrical conductor, and with an actuating element, the actuating element being movably mounted in the insulating material housing and having an actuating section, the actuating section being designed to open the clamping point, the actuating section interacting with the clamping leg in such a way that the actuating section rests against the clamping leg to open the clamping point, wherein the conductor terminal has a restoring spring, with a restoring force acting on the actuating element by the restoring spring.

The restoring force of the return spring allows the actuating element to be returned automatically to the initial position, with the clamping point being closed in the initial position, if the actuating element is not, for example, due to the spring force of the clamping spring on the latching contour of the conductor connection terminal, due to another mechanism or by the user itself is held.

The restoring spring is a component that is different from the clamping leg. The conductor connection terminal thus has a restoring spring, which is present in addition to the clamping leg of the clamping spring, with the actuating element being able to be guided back into the initial position via the restoring spring.

The restoring spring can protrude from the side of the clamping leg of the clamping spring facing away from the clamping point. In particular, the return spring can have one or more S-shaped coils.

The free end of the restoring spring can, in particular, lie directly against the actuating element. In this way, a restoring mechanism of the actuating element into the initial position can be provided. In particular, the restoring spring protrudes from the contact leg of the clamping spring. The contact leg is designed in particular for contact with a part of the conductor connection terminal. However, it is also conceivable that the restoring spring is arranged, for example, on a connecting leg, with the connecting leg being arranged between the contact leg and the spring bow.

The return spring can be cut free from the contact leg.

Due to the free cut, the restoring spring can be made available from the material of the clamping spring in a material-saving manner. No additional material is required for the double spring connection, only the excess material of the clamping spring is used. The restoring spring can in particular be cut free laterally from the contact or connecting leg.

The actuating element can be embodied as a sliding actuation, the sliding actuation having a sliding section which is at least partially supported by a contact surface on the insulating material housing. In particular, the bearing surface can be supported on the outside of the housing of the insulating material housing, with the sliding section being set up for manual actuation of the actuating element.

Sliding actuation provides an alternative actuation option to push-button actuation, it being possible for the user to slide the actuating element using the sliding section. It is also conceivable that there is a combined slide-handle actuation, so that the user can choose between the slide actuation or the handle actuation, depending on the application.

In the case of a sliding actuation, the sliding section for sliding the actuating element from the outside rests on the insulating housing so that it is easily accessible to the user. This is moved on the insulating housing during actuation and is easily accessible even when the clamping point is open. When the handle is actuated, on the other hand, the actuating element is guided inside the insulating material housing, with the actuating element only being accessible to the user from the outside via a smaller pressure surface than the sliding section. Furthermore, when the clamping point is open, the actuating element of the handle actuation is mounted within the insulating housing, so that access for the user is difficult and an additional actuating tool may be required to release the actuating element.

In an advantageous embodiment, the actuating section is located between the clamping leg and the latching contour, at least when the clamping point is open. According to an advantageous embodiment, the guide contour is designed as an elongate guide rail with a height offset. The actuation section can be held in the locking position, i.e. with the clamping point open, by the force of the clamping spring.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the actuating section is connected to a main body of the actuating element via a flexible articulation point. This has the advantage that the actuating section can be deflected flexibly or elastically during the movement from the closed clamping point to the open clamping point and vice versa, without the main body of the actuating element having to participate in this deflection movement. For example, the main body can be continuously guided in a linearly displaceable manner without performing a tilting movement on its actuation path.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the mounting of the actuating element in the insulating material housing can have at least one defined tilting point at which the actuating element can be tilted about this tilting point, which forms a support point, into the latching position or out of the latching position.

An advantageous embodiment of the invention relates to a conductor terminal with a strain relief attachment that can be placed on the insulating housing of the conductor terminal and such a strain relief attachment that is matched to the conductor terminal. The strain relief attachment can, for example, be snapped onto the insulating housing of the conductor terminal using locking elements. The strain relief attachment has at least one strain relief arrangement, by means of which an electrical conductor connected to the conductor connection terminal can be relieved of strain. According to an advantageous embodiment, the strain relief attachment has at least one mechanical position query element, which automatically checks whether the actuating element of the conductor terminal is in the starting position when the strain relief attachment is placed on the insulating material housing. The at least one position query element automatically prevents the strain relief attachment from being fitted onto the insulating material housing without any problems if the actuating element is not in the initial position. For example, the latching of the strain relief attachment can then be blocked with the insulating housing of the conductor terminal. As mentioned, the clamping point is closed in the starting position of the actuating element.

The wire terminal compatible with such a strain relief attachment may be, for example, a wire terminal of the type previously discussed.

The indefinite term "a" is to be understood as such and not as a numeral. So it is also conceivable that the conductor terminal is designed as a multi-pole conductor terminal with multiple clamping points. For example, it is conceivable that the conductor terminal is a two-pole, three-pole or six-pole conductor terminal. Correspondingly, the conductor connection terminal has two, three or six clamping points.

• 1 - eine Leiteranschlussklemme in einer ersten Ausführungsform in einer seitlichen Schnittansicht bei geschlossener Klemmstelle;
• 2a - eine Leiteranschlussklemme nach 1 in einer seitlichen Schnittansicht bei geöffneter Klemmstelle;
• 2b - eine Leiteranschlussklemme nach 2a in einer von der 2a unterschiedlichen Schnittansicht;
• 3a - eine Leiteranschlussklemme nach 1 in einer seitlichen Schnittansicht bei geöffneter Klemmstelle;
• 3b - eine Leiteranschlussklemme nach 3a in einer von der 3a unterschiedlichen Schnittansicht;
• 4a - eine Leiteranschlussklemme in einer zweiten Ausführungsform in einer seitlichen Schnittansicht bei geschlossener Klemmstelle;
• 4b - eine Leiteranschlussklemme nach 4a in einer von der 4a unterschiedlichen Schnittansicht;
• 5 - eine Leiteranschlussklemme nach 4a in einer seitlichen Schnittansicht bei geöffneter Klemmstelle;
• 6 - einen Kontakteinsatz einer Leiteranschlussklemme;
• 7 - eine Leiteranschlussklemme in einer dritten Ausführungsform mit einem Kontakteinsatz gemäß 6 in einer seitlichen Schnittansicht bei geschlossener Klemmstelle;
• 8 - die Leiteranschlussklemme gemäß 7 bei teilweiser Betätigung;
• 9 - die Leiteranschlussklemme gemäß 7 bei geöffneter Klemmstelle;
• 10 - die Leiteranschlussklemme gemäß 7 beim Lösen der Verrastung in der geöffneten Stellung;
• 11 - eine seitliche Schnittansicht der Leiteranschlussklemme entsprechend 8 mit veränderter Schnittebene;
• 12 - eine Leiteranschlussklemme in einer vierten Ausführungsform in einer seitlichen Schnittansicht bei geschlossener Klemmstelle;
• 13 - eine Leiteranschlussklemme mit Zugentlastungsaufsatz in seitlicher Schnittansicht;
• 14 - die Anordnung gemäß 13 in einer Seitenansicht;
• 15 - die Anordnung gemäß 13 bei betätigtem Betätigungselement;
• 16 - die Anordnung gemäß 15 in einer Seitenansicht;
• 17 - eine Leiteranschlussklemme in einer fünften Ausführungsform in einer seitlichen Schnittansicht bei geöffneter Klemmstelle;
• 18 - ein Betätigungselement der Leiteranschlussklemme gemäß 17 in Seitenansichten und einer perspektivischen Ansicht;
• 19 - eine Leiteranschlussklemme in einer sechsten Ausführungsform in einer perspektivischen Ansicht bei geschlossener Klemmstelle;
• 20 - einen Kontakteinsatz einer Leiteranschlussklemme in seitlicher Schnittansicht;
• 21 - eine Leiteranschlussklemme in einer siebten Ausführungsform mit dem Kontakteinsatz gemäß 20 in einer seitlichen Schnittansicht bei geschlossener Klemmstelle;
• 22 - eine vergrößerte Ausschnittsdarstellung aus 21;
• 23 - eine weitere seitliche Schnittansicht der Leiteranschlussklemme gemäß 21 in einer veränderten Schnittebene;
• 24 - die Leiteranschlussklemme gemäß 21 in einer seitlichen Schnittansicht bei teilweiser Betätigung;
• 25 - eine weitere seitliche Schnittansicht der Leiteranschlussklemme gemäß 24 in einer veränderten Schnittebene;
• 26 - die Leiteranschlussklemme gemäß 21 in einer seitlichen Schnittansicht bei geöffneter Klemmstelle;
• 27 - eine weitere seitliche Schnittansicht der Leiteranschlussklemme gemäß 26 in einer veränderten Schnittebene;
• 28 - eine weitere Ausführungsform eines Betätigungselements in seitlicher Schnittansicht, Seitenansicht und perspektivischer Ansicht.

The invention is explained in more detail below using exemplary embodiments with the accompanying drawings. Show it:

• 1 - A conductor terminal in a first embodiment in a lateral sectional view with the terminal point closed;
• 2a - a conductor connection terminal 1 in a lateral sectional view with the terminal point open;
• 2 B - a conductor connection terminal 2a in one of the 2a different sectional view;
• 3a - a conductor connection terminal 1 in a lateral sectional view with the terminal point open;
• 3b - a conductor connection terminal 3a in one of the 3a different sectional view;
• 4a - A conductor terminal in a second embodiment in a lateral sectional view with the terminal point closed;
• 4b - a conductor connection terminal 4a in one of the 4a different sectional view;
• 5 - a conductor connection terminal 4a in a lateral sectional view with the terminal point open;
• 6 - A contact insert of a conductor terminal;
• 7 - According to a conductor terminal in a third embodiment with a contact insert 6 in a lateral sectional view with the terminal point closed;
• 8th - the conductor terminal according to 7 with partial actuation;
• 9 - the conductor terminal according to 7 with open clamping point;
• 10 - the conductor terminal according to 7 when releasing the latch in the open position;
• 11 - a side sectional view of the conductor terminal accordingly 8th with modified cutting plane;
• 12 - A conductor terminal in a fourth embodiment in a lateral sectional view with the terminal point closed;
• 13 - A conductor terminal with strain relief attachment in a side sectional view;
• 14 - according to the arrangement 13 in a side view;
• 15 - according to the arrangement 13 when the actuating element is actuated;
• 16 - according to the arrangement 15 in a side view;
• 17 - A conductor terminal in a fifth embodiment in a lateral sectional view with the terminal point open;
• 18 - An actuator of the conductor terminal according to 17 in side views and a perspective view;
• 19 - A conductor terminal in a sixth embodiment in a perspective view with the terminal point closed;
• 20 - A contact insert of a conductor terminal in a side sectional view;
• 21 - According to a conductor terminal in a seventh embodiment with the contact insert 20 in a lateral sectional view with the terminal point closed;
• 22 - an enlarged detail view 21 ;
• 23 - Another side sectional view of the conductor terminal according to 21 in a modified cutting plane;
• 24 - the conductor terminal according to 21 in a side sectional view with partial actuation;
• 25 - Another side sectional view of the conductor terminal according to 24 in a modified cutting plane;
• 26 - the conductor terminal according to 21 in a lateral sectional view with the terminal point open;
• 27 - Another side sectional view of the conductor terminal according to 26 in a modified cutting plane;
• 28 - Another embodiment of an actuating element in lateral sectional view, side view and perspective view.

1 shows a conductor terminal 1 in a first embodiment in a lateral sectional view. The conductor connection terminal 1 has an insulating material housing 2 with a conductor insertion opening 3, it being possible for an electrical conductor to be inserted into the conductor connection terminal 1 in a conductor insertion direction L. A busbar 4 and a clamping spring 5 are arranged in the insulating material housing 2 . The clamping spring 5 has a contact leg 5a, which merges into a spring arc 5b and then extends into a clamping leg 5c. The clamping leg 5c and the conductor rail 4 form a clamping point 6 for the electrical conductor to be clamped.

It can be seen that the conductor terminal 1 has an actuating element 7 , the actuating element 7 being mounted in the insulating material housing 2 in a displaceable manner. The actuating element 7 has an actuating section 7a, the actuating section 7a interacting with the clamping leg 5c in such a way that the actuating section 7a rests against the clamping leg 5c in order to open the clamping point 6. The actuating element 7 is essentially parallel to the conductor entry direction L mounted in the insulating material housing 2, wherein the actuating element 7 is set up for actuation in an actuating direction B, parallel to the conductor insertion direction L, for opening the terminal point 6.

It is clear that the actuating section 7a of the actuating element 7 is slidably mounted on a latching contour 8 of the insulating material housing 2 designed as an elongate guide rail. The actuation section 7a is guided on the latching contour 8 during the displacement of the actuation element 7 in the actuation direction B. The parallel configuration of the conductor insertion direction L and the actuation direction B can prevent the actuation section 7a from getting into the area of the clamping point 6 and/or into the area into which the electrical conductor is inserted and thus blocking or blocking the insertion of the electrical conductor damaged an inserted electrical conductor.

A recess 10 is arranged on a projection 9 of the insulating material housing 2, wherein the actuating section 7a can be accommodated in the recess 10 when the clamping point is closed. In this case, the contour of the actuating section 7a is adapted to the contour of the recess 10 .

2a and 2 B each show a conductor terminal 1 1 with open terminal point 6, wherein the conductor terminal 1 of 2a and 2 B each shown in a different sectional view.

It is clear that the actuating section 7a during the actuation process, i.e. during the displacement of the actuating element from a starting position in the actuating direction B to an actuating position in which the clamping point 6 is open, rests on the latching contour 8 and shifts the clamping leg 5c in such a way that the clamping point 6 is opened. The actuating section 7a is arranged between the clamping leg 5c of the clamping spring 5 and the latching contour 8 .

Out 2 B it becomes clear that a restoring spring 11 is cut free from the contact leg 5a of the clamping spring 5 . The return spring 11 interacts with the actuating element 7 in such a way that the return spring 11 exerts a restoring force on the actuating element 7, so that the actuating element 7 is pushed back into the starting position counter to the direction of actuation B as soon as no actuating force opposing the restoring force acts on the Actuating element 7 acts. The restoring spring 11 is cut free from the clamping spring on the side of the contact leg 5a of the clamping spring 5 that faces away in the conductor insertion direction L.

3a and 3b each show a conductor terminal 1 1 with open terminal point 6, wherein the conductor terminal 1 of 3a and 3b each shown in a different sectional view. In contrast to the 2a and 2 B the actuating section 7a is in a latching position between the clamping leg 5c of the clamping spring and the latching contour 8, with the actuating section 7a being pressed by the spring force of the clamping leg 5c against the latching contour 8 and thus being held on the latching contour 8.

It becomes clear that the latching contour 8 has a height offset 12 . Seen from the direction of actuation B, this is arranged above the clamping point 6 . If the actuating section 7a is guided over this height offset 12, the actuating section 7a is pressed further against the latching contour 8 by the spring force of the clamping leg 5c, with the actuating section 7a reaching a latching position in which the actuating section 7a moves under the force of the clamping leg 5c when the clamping point 6 is held on the locking contour 8 in a clamping position.

4a and 4b show a conductor terminal 1 in a second embodiment in a lateral sectional view with the terminal point 6 closed, the conductor terminal 1 of 4a and 4b each shown in a different sectional view. 5 shows the conductor connection terminal 4a in a lateral sectional view with open clamping point 6.

It is clear that the actuating element 7 and the locking contour 8 are different from the first embodiment according to FIG 1 until 3b are trained. The latching contour 8 is also designed as an elongate guide rail, with the actuation section 7a of the actuating element resting on the latching contour 8 during the actuation process.

In contrast to the first embodiment, the latching contour 8 or the elongate guide rail runs upwards as seen from the actuation direction B, with a height offset occurring. It is clear that a locking recess 13 is arranged on the locking contour 8, with a corresponding locking lug 14 being arranged on the actuating section 7a. If the actuating element 7 from the initial position to the operating position according to the 5 shifted, the locking lug 14 enters the locking recess 13 of the locking contour 8, the actuating element 7 being held in the actuating position. In this case, the actuating element 7 is in the locking position without the action of the spring force of the clamping leg 5c held. However, it is also conceivable that the latching is designed to be supported by the spring force of the clamping leg 5c.

Furthermore, it is clear that both embodiments according to the 1 until 5 are designed as a combined slide-handle actuation. The actuating element 7 has a sliding section 7b, the sliding section 7b being supported on the outside of the insulating material housing 2 and being set up for manual actuation of the actuating element 7. Alternatively, the actuating element 7 can also be actuated via a compressive force on a compressive section 7c.

the 6 shows a contact insert that has a busbar 4 and a clamping spring 5 as separate components. The clamping spring 5 is positively coupled to the busbar 4, so that a self-supporting contact insert is realized. The busbar 4 has a contact section 4c on which the terminal point 6 is formed. The busbar 4 extends from the contact section 4c via a connecting wall 4a to a fixing projection 4b. The connecting wall 4a can, for example, be arranged essentially at right angles to the contact section 4c and/or to the fixing projection 4b. The fixing projection 4b has a hook shape towards the free end, with which it is hooked into a recess 5d of the clamping spring 5. The clamping spring 5 has a contact leg 5a which is bent, for example, in a double S-shape. The recess 5d is located within this double S-shaped bending area. In the further course, the contact leg 5a merges into the spring bow 5b, with the spring bow 5b being followed by the clamping leg 5c.

the 7 shows a conductor terminal with the contact insert according to 6 with the clamping point closed. As can be seen, the actuating section 7a is now at least partially in the area of the recess 10 of the projection 9.

Will now like that 8th shows, the actuating element 7 is actuated, for example, in the actuating direction B by means of a tool 15, the actuating section 7a moves on the latching contour 8. The 8th shows an intermediate state in which the actuating section 7a has not yet latched into the latching contour 8.

the 9 shows the fully actuated state, in which the actuating section 7a is latched in the latching contour 8. As can be seen, the operating section 7a is located between the clamping leg 5c and the latching contour 8. The operating section 7a is pressed against the latching contour 8 by the clamping leg 5c and is thus fixed in this open position. You can also see that compared to the 8th the actuating element is tilted by a certain angle. In the transition area from the sliding section 7b to the pressure section 7c, the actuating element 7 has a small gap to the surface of the insulating housing 2.

If the latching of the actuating section 7a in the latching contour 8 is to be released, a force is applied in an unlocking direction R to the actuating element 7, for example to the sliding section 7b, such as that 10 indicates. As a result, the actuating element 7 tilts back into its original position, as a result of which the actuating section 7a is lifted out of the locking contour 8 and is thus unlocked. The actuating element 7 can now be moved back into its non-actuated position by a return spring or the force of the clamping leg 5c. Alternatively, this reset movement can also be carried out by the user.

the 11 shows once again the conductor connection terminal according to the 7 until 10 in the partially actuated intermediate position.

the 12 shows a conductor terminal which, like the conductor terminal according to FIG 7 is formed, but in contrast thereto has a restoring spring 11 . The return spring 11 is designed to return the actuating element 7 to the initial position. For example, the return spring 11 can be arranged in a recess in the insulating material housing 2 and can extend over a pin of the actuating element 7 . The return spring 11 can be designed as a spiral spring, for example. The return spring 11 is supported on one side on the bottom of the recess and on the other side in the peripheral area of the pin on the actuating element 7. The return spring 11 then acts directly on the pressure section 7b of the actuating element.

the 13 and 14 show a conductor terminal 1 with a strain relief attachment 16 attached to its insulating housing 2. The strain relief attachment 16 is snapped onto the insulating housing 2 at a first fixing position 17 and a second fixing position 18 via positive fixing elements. This latching of the strain relief attachment 16 onto the insulating material housing 2 is only possible if the actuating element 7 of the conductor connection terminal 1 is in the starting position, ie is not actuated. Only then can the form-fitting fixing elements in the first fixing position 17 and the second fixing position 18 correctly engage in one another.

the 15 and 16 show the arrangement according to the 13 and 14 , where that Actuating element 7 of the conductor terminal 1 is now moved into the operating position. As can be seen, a fixing element 19 of the actuating element 7 is no longer aligned with the first fixing position 17 defined by the strain relief attachment 16. The same applies to the second fixing position 18, where the desired form fit cannot be produced either, so that the strain relief attachment 16 cannot move can be attached to the insulating housing 2.

the 17 1 shows a conductor terminal 1 in which the actuating element 7 has an actuating section 7a connected to a main body of the actuating element 7 via a flexible joint 7d. According to 17 the actuating element 7 is in the actuating position, ie the terminal point is open. The actuating section 7a is thus already deflected into the lower-lying section of the latching contour 8 and latched there. In this case, however, the main body of the actuating element 7 did not perform a tilting movement, as in the previously explained exemplary embodiments, but remained in its original position parallel to the surface of the insulating material housing 2 . The changed spatial position of the actuating section 7a in relation to the main body of the actuating element 7 is thus compensated for via the articulation point 7d.

the 18 shows the actuating element 7 of the conductor terminal 1 according to 17 in different representations. In figure a) the actuating element 7 is shown in a side view, which applies to the closed clamping point. In figure b) the actuating element 7 is shown in a side view, which applies to the open clamping point. the ) shows the actuating element 7 in a perspective view. The operating element 7 can have, for example, two side sections 7e which form the main body of the operating element 7 . Between the side sections 7e, which can be configured as side walls arranged in parallel, there can be a free space in which, for example, part of the clamping spring 5 can be accommodated, for example the spring bow 5b. It can be seen that the actuating section 7a is connected to the side sections 7e via the articulation point 7d.

A comparison of figures a) and b) shows the flexible deflectability of the operating section 7a via the articulation point 7d in relation to the side sections 7e.

the 19 shows an embodiment of a conductor terminal 1, in which a restoring spring 11 for restoring the actuating element 7 is formed directly in one piece on the contact leg 5a of the clamping spring 5. For example, a lateral section of the contact section 5a can be cut out and formed into an at least partially meandering compression spring shape in order to form the return spring 11 .

The conductor terminal according to 19 also has a different type of spring suspension of the clamping spring 5 on the busbar 4, which is based on the 20 is explained in more detail.

the 20 shows the contact insert of the conductor terminal 1 according to 19 in side sectional view. As can be seen, the conductor rail 4 again has a contact section 4c, a connecting wall 4a projecting therefrom and a fixing projection 4b projecting from the connecting wall 4a.

It can be seen that at the free end of the contact leg 5a a first holding element 5e and a second holding element 5f are protruding from the contact leg 5a in a direction pointing away from the clamping leg 5c of the clamping spring 5, e.g . The first holding element 5e is mounted on a first holding edge 4e and the second holding element 5f on a second holding edge 4f. The holding edges 4e, 4f are arranged on the conductor rail 4.

It becomes clear that the first holding element 5e encompasses the first holding edge 4e. The second holding element 5f, which is spaced apart from the first holding element 5e, is arranged in the direction of the spring bow 5b, with the second holding element 5f reaching through the second holding edge 4f, which is designed as the edge of a holding opening 4d. The first holding element 5e is arranged at the free end of the contact leg 5a, the second holding element 5f being arranged at a distance from the first holding element 5e in the direction of the spring bow 5b. In this way, a stable connection of the clamping spring 5 to the busbar 4 and at the same time a high degree of mobility of the clamping spring 5 can be ensured.

the 21 shows a conductor terminal 1 with the terminal point closed. The contact insert of the conductor terminal 1 can, for example, according to 20 be trained. In the 21 an area around the operation portion 7a is marked by a circle. This area marked with the circle is in the 22 shown enlarged. the 22 makes it clear that the clamping leg 5c can be bent several times. In particular, a section 5g that is convex as seen from the actuating section 7a can be present on the clamping leg 5c. The convex portion 5g protrudes slightly toward the operating portion 7a. The operating portion 7a can be in this area be formed, so to speak, as a negative contour of the convex section 5g, for example by the actuation section 7a having a concave section 7f. In this way, the clamping spring 5 is adapted to the shape of the actuating section 7a in the region of the clamping leg 5c.

the 23 shows using the compared to the 21 Modified sectional plane further details of the conductor connection terminal in the non-actuated state of the actuating element 7.

the 24 and 25 show the conductor terminal 1 with a partially actuated actuating element 7, ie in an intermediate position. A latching lug 14 on the actuating section 7a has not yet reached the latched state in the latching recess 13 of the latching contour 8 in this actuating position. It can be seen that the actuating element 7 has not yet tilted at this point about a tilting point 20 formed on a housing part of the insulating material housing 2 .

the 26 and 27 show the conductor connection terminal with the actuating element fully actuated, ie with the terminal point open. The actuating element 7 is now tilted by a certain angle about the tilting point 20 . As a result, the actuation section 7 is pivoted slightly downwards, so that the latching lug 14 on the actuation section 7a is now arranged in the latching recess 13 . In this state, the actuating element 7 is locked in the actuating position. To release the latch, in turn, a force in the unlocking direction R, as shown in the 10 clarifies, are applied to the actuating element 7.

the 28 shows in figure a) an actuating element 7 in a lateral sectional view, in figure b) in a side view and in ) in perspective view. The actuating element 7 according to 28 can be used for example in the conductor terminal according to one of the previous embodiments. It can be seen in particular that the actuating element 7 has the latching lug 14 on the actuating section 7a.

The actuating element 7 can have a first elongated hole 7g on the sliding section 7b, e.g. such that the first elongated hole 7g is arranged at the free end of the sliding section 7b and is open towards the free end. The sliding section 7b can also be guided in the direction of longitudinal movement through the first elongated hole 7g, e.g. by a pin which protrudes from the insulating material housing 2 and which engages in the first elongated hole 7g.

The actuating element 7 has a second elongated hole 7h on one or both side sections 7e. A guide extension of the insulating material housing 2 can be guided in the second elongated hole 7h. In this way, the actuating element 7 has additional guidance during its sliding movement. In addition, the actuating element 7 is prevented from being able to become detached from the insulating material housing 2 . The second elongated hole 7h can in particular be designed with side walls that are not parallel in the longitudinal direction, e.g. in such a way that the width of the second elongated hole 7h decreases as the distance from the pressure section 7c increases. In other words, the area of the second elongated hole 7h facing the pressing portion 7c is wider than the areas farther away. In this way, the actuating element 7 has sufficient freedom of movement during the tilting process.

Reference List

1

conductor terminal

2

insulating housing

3

conductor entry hole

4

power rail

4a

connecting wall

4b

fixing projection

4c

contact section

4d

recess

4e

First retaining edge

4f

Second holding edge

5

clamping spring

5a

contact leg

5b

spring bow

5c

clamp legs

5d

recess

5e

Fixing extension First holding element

5f

Second holding element

5g

convex section

6

clamping point

7

actuator

7a

operating section

7b

sliding section

7c

print section

7d

articulation point

7e

side section

7f

concave section

7g

first slot

7h

second slot

8th

locking contour

9

head Start

10

recess

11

return spring

12

height offset

13

recess

14

detent

15

tool

16

strain relief attachment

17

first fixation position

18

second fixation position

19

fixing element

20

tipping point

L

conductor entry direction

B

operating direction

R

unlocking direction

QUOTES INCLUDED IN DESCRIPTION

This list of documents cited by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Patent Literature Cited

• DE 102017117459 A1 [0002]

Claims (21)

Conductor connection terminal (1) with an insulating material housing (2), the insulating material housing (2) having a conductor insertion opening (3) for inserting an electrical conductor in a conductor insertion direction (L), with a busbar (4) and with a clamping spring (5), wherein the clamping spring (5) has a clamping leg (5c) which, together with the busbar (4), forms a clamping point (6) for the electrical conductor, and with an actuating element (7), the actuating element (7) being displaceable in the insulating housing (2 ) and has an actuating section (7a), the actuating section (7a) being designed to open the clamping point (6), the actuating section (7a) interacting with the clamping leg (5c) in such a way that the actuating section (5c) to open the clamping point (6) against the clamping limb (5c), characterized in that the actuating section (7a) is displaceably mounted on a latching contour (8) of the insulating housing (2). Conductor connection terminal (1) according to claim 1 , characterized in that the actuating section (7a) is arranged in an open position of the clamping point (6) between the clamping leg (5c) and the latching contour (8). Conductor connection terminal (1) according to claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that the locking contour (8) is designed as an elongate guide rail, the elongate guide rail having a height offset (12). Conductor connection terminal (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuating section (7a) can be held in a clamping position under the force of the clamping leg (5c) when the clamping point (6) is open on the latching contour (8). Conductor connection terminal (1) according to claim 3 or 4 , characterized in that the actuating section (7a) is flexible in such a way that the actuating section can be guided into the clamping position and/or out of the clamping position. Conductor connection terminal (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the insulating material housing (2) has a first housing part and a second housing part. Conductor connection terminal (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuating element (7) is arranged essentially parallel to the conductor insertion direction (L). Conductor connection terminal (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuating section (7a) is accommodated in a recess (10) of the insulating material housing (2) when the clamping point (6) is closed. Conductor connection terminal (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the clamping spring (6) has a contact leg (5a), a spring bow (5b) being arranged between the contact leg (5a) and the clamping leg (5c). Conductor connection terminal (1) according to claim 9 , characterized in that a first holding element (5e) and a second holding element (5f) are arranged on the contact leg (5a), the first holding element (5e) on a first holding edge (4e) of the conductor connection terminal (1) and the second holding element (5f) is mounted on a second retaining edge (4f) of the conductor connection terminal (1). Conductor connection terminal (1) according to claim 10 , characterized in that the first holding element (5e) and the second holding element (5f) are placed out of the contact leg (5a) in a direction pointing away from the clamping leg (5c) of the clamping spring (5). Conductor terminal (1) according to one of Claims 10 or 11 , characterized in that the first holding edge (4e) and/or the second holding edge (4f) is designed as a holding opening (4d) of the conductor connection terminal (1), the first holding element (5e) and/or the second holding element (5f) being the Retaining opening (4d) penetrates. Conductor terminal (1) according to one of Claims 10 until 12 , characterized in that the first holding element (5e) and/or the second holding element (5) are arranged at the free end of the contact leg (5a). Conductor terminal (1) according to one of Claims 10 until 13 , characterized in that the first holding edge (4e) and/or the second holding edge (4f) are arranged on the conductor rail (4). Conductor terminal (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the conductor terminal (1) has a restoring spring (11), the restoring spring (11) exerting a restoring force on the actuating element (7). Conductor connection terminal (1) according to claim 15 , characterized in that the restoring spring (11) of the clamping point (6) facing away Side of the contact leg (5a) of the clamping spring (5) protrudes. Conductor terminal (1) according to one of Claims 15 or 16 , characterized in that the return spring (11) has one or more S-shaped coils. Conductor terminal (1) according to one of Claims 15 until 17 , characterized in that the restoring spring (11) is cut free from the contact leg (5a). Conductor connection terminal (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuating element (7) is designed as a sliding actuation, the sliding actuation having a sliding section (7b) which is at least partially supported with a bearing surface on the insulating housing (2). Conductor connection terminal (1) according to claim 19 , characterized in that the bearing surface is supported on the outside of the housing of the insulating material housing (2), the sliding section (7b) being set up for manual actuation of the actuating element (7). Strain relief attachment (16) for a conductor terminal (1), the conductor terminal (1) having an insulating material housing (2), the insulating material housing (2) having a conductor insertion opening (3) for inserting an electrical conductor in a conductor insertion direction (L), the Conductor connection terminal (1) has a busbar (4) and a clamping spring (5), the clamping spring (5) having a clamping leg (5c) which, together with the busbar (4), forms a clamping point (6) for the electrical conductor, the Conductor connection terminal (1) has an actuating element (7) which is designed to open the clamping point (6), the strain relief attachment (16) being able to be placed on the insulating material housing (2) of the conductor connection terminal (1), the strain relief attachment (16) having at least has a strain relief arrangement, through which an electrical conductor connected to the conductor terminal (1) can be relieved of strain, characterized in that the strain relief attachment (16) has at least one mechanical position sensing element, which automatically checks whether the actuating element (7) of the conductor connection terminal (1) is in an initial position in which the terminal point is closed when the strain relief attachment (16) is placed on the insulating housing (2 ) is set up.

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