CN118117352A - Terminal for connecting electrical conductors - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a connecting terminal (1) for connecting electrical conductors (2), comprising a housing (10). A contact element (11) for electrical contact with the electrical conductor (2) and a spring element (12) having a clamping leg (120) for acting on the electrical conductor (2) in order to bring the electrical conductor (2) into contact with the contact element (11) are arranged on the housing (10). The actuating element (14) can be adjusted in the actuating direction (B) from an unactuated position into an actuated position in order to adjust the clamping leg (120). The contact element (11) has a surface section (110) for electrical contact with the electrical line (2) and a reinforcing section (114) bent relative to the surface section (110), wherein the reinforcing section (114) extends from the surface section (110) in the direction of the mating latching element (104) and bears against at least one housing section (105, 108, 109) in a supporting manner.

Description

Terminal blocks for connecting electrical conductors

Technical Field

The invention relates to a connection terminal for connecting an electrical conductor according to the preamble of claim 1 .

Background technique

This type of terminal comprises a housing having a plug opening into which an electrical conductor can be inserted along a plug direction to be connected to the terminal. A contact element is arranged on the housing for making electrical contact with the electrical conductor. In addition, a spring element is arranged on the housing, the spring element having a clamping leg, which is designed to act on the electrical conductor when the electrical conductor is inserted into the plug opening so as to make the electrical conductor contact with the contact element. The operating element can be operated by a user to adjust the clamping leg. For this purpose, the operating element can be adjusted from an unoperated position to an operated position along an operating direction using a tool, for example, so as to adjust the clamping leg in the operating position, for example, so as to make the electrical conductor easily inserted into the plug opening or so as to remove the electrical conductor from the plug opening. In the operating position, the operating element is locked relative to the housing. The operating element has a locking element, which is locked with a corresponding matching locking element fixed relative to the housing position in the operating position of the operating element.

Such a connecting terminal realizes a spring force connection by using a spring element, wherein the electrical conductor is clamped to the contact element under the elastic spring action of the spring element in the position connected to the contact element and is thus electrically connected to the contact element.

In the connection terminal disclosed by DE 10 2019 127 464 B3, a spring element in the form of a tension spring is provided, which pulls the connected electrical conductor into contact with the corresponding contact element by elastic spring action and thus establishes a clamping connection between the electrical conductor and the contact element. To this end, the electrical conductor is moved through an opening in the clamping leg during attachment and is clamped between the clamping leg and the contact element in the connected position.

In the terminal of DE 10 2019 127 464 B3, a latching device is provided, by which the clamping leg is locked relative to the housing in the release position. When the electrical conductor is inserted, the latching device is triggered and the latching is thus canceled, so that the clamping leg is displaced from the release position and the electrical conductor is thereby clamped to the contact element. In order to transfer the clamping leg to the release position, in particular to be able to attach an electrical conductor or to release a connected electrical conductor from the terminal, a tool, such as a screwdriver, can be attached to the terminal and a force can thereby be applied to the clamping leg.

In DE 10 2019 127 464 B3, the clamping leg is adjusted directly by a tool, while in the connecting terminals known from DE 10 2019 135 203 A1 and DE 10 2020 104 140 A1, an actuating element in the form of a so-called pusher is provided, which can be pressed into the housing of the connecting terminal so as to act on the clamping leg and transfer the clamping leg to its release position. The actuating element is preloaded relative to the housing spring of the connecting terminal via a tensioning spring in the form of a compression spring. In the connecting terminal disclosed by DE 10 2019 135 203 A1, an actuating projection is provided on the actuating element, which is hooked into the fixing section of the retaining element in the actuating position of the actuating element.

Summary of the invention

The object of the invention is to provide a connecting terminal which can easily hold a clamping leg of a spring element in a released position and transfer it into a clamping position when an electrical conductor is inserted.

This object is achieved by the subject matter having the features of claim 1 .

The contact element thus has a surface section for making electrical contact with an electrical line and a reinforcement section bent relative to the surface section, wherein the reinforcement section extends from the surface section in the direction of the counter-locking element and bears in a supporting manner against at least one housing section.

In the connection terminal, the electrical conductor is electrically contacted with the electrical contact element in such a way that, when the electrical conductor is inserted into the plug opening, the clamping leg acts on the electrical conductor and loads the electrical conductor in a spring-elastic manner in the direction of contact with the contact element. In order to facilitate the plugging of the electrical conductor, the clamping leg of the spring element can be elastically deflected by actuating the actuating element, so that the clamping leg is transferred to a release position in this way, in which the space inside the housing is released in the plug opening area and the electrical conductor can thus be inserted into the plug opening in a substantially forceless manner or the connected electrical conductor can be removed from the connection terminal in a simple manner. The actuating element can be designed, for example, in the form of a pusher and pressed into the housing by actuation by the user, so that in this way it acts on the clamping leg and displaces the clamping leg in the direction of the release position.

An actuating element adjustably arranged on the housing is held in a position relative to the housing in the actuating position by latching the actuating element with the housing or with a component fixed in position relative to the housing, so that preferably the clamping leg of the spring element is also held in its release position, in which the electrical conductor can be simply attached to the terminal or the connected conductor can be removed from the terminal in a substantially forceless manner.

By latching the actuating element relative to the housing in the actuated position and for this purpose engaging the latching element of the actuating element with a mating latching element fixed in position relative to the housing, the electrical conductor can be connected to the connecting terminal in a simple manner when the actuating element is actuated and the clamping legs are adjusted accordingly. The latching makes it possible to deliver the connecting terminal in the open state, with the actuating element in the actuated position, which results in the connecting terminal being in the open state for a longer period of time if necessary, and the latching position of the actuating element therefore remaining unchanged for a longer period of time.

In order to counteract material fatigue in the housing material, the contact element has a reinforcement section that is bent relative to the surface section, extends from the surface section in the direction of the mating latch element, and rests against at least one housing section in a supporting manner. The surface section has a planar design and is used to make electrical contact with the electrical conductor when the electrical conductor is inserted. Therefore, when the conductor is connected to the connecting terminal, the electrical conductor is pressed against the surface section via the clamping legs of the spring element. The reinforcement section extends from the surface section, wherein the reinforcement section extends from the surface section in the direction of the mating latch element that is arranged fixedly relative to the housing in such a way that the reinforcement section reinforces the housing in the region where the mating latch element is formed.

The contact element is in particular configured as a metal part, for example as a metal stamped and bent part. The reinforcement section is bent relative to the surface section. The reinforcement section can be formed, for example, by a tab of the contact element bent relative to the surface section or a planar wall section, which extends from the surface section in the direction of the mating latch element and forms the reinforcement section thereon.

The counter-locking element can be formed, for example, by a section of the housing, for example by a locking step on the housing.

In a further embodiment, the counter-locking element can be formed by a reinforcement section, so that in the actuated position the actuating element directly latches with the reinforcement section of the contact element.

The housing can be designed as a plastic part, for example, a plastic injection molded part. Accordingly, the housing material is made of plastic. The housing is reinforced in the area of the mating latch element by the reinforcement section of the contact element cooperating in a supporting manner with one or more housing sections, so that the latching with the actuating element can also be maintained for a longer period of time and resists material fatigue on the housing, especially in the area of the mating latch element.

In one embodiment, the first housing section is arranged on a first side of the reinforcement section, and the second housing section is arranged on a second side of the reinforcement section facing away from the first side. Thus, the reinforcement distance is at least partially surrounded by the housing on the sides facing away from each other.

Additionally or alternatively, the third shell portion can surround the end of the reinforcement portion remote from the surface portion.

When viewed along the plug-in direction, the first shell section is arranged, for example, above the reinforcement section and the second shell section is arranged below the reinforcement section (when assuming the plug-in direction to be a vertical direction), while the third shell section can, for example, surround the end of the reinforcement section on the end side facing away from the surface section, so that the reinforcement section is surrounded by the shell, for example, on three sides and is therefore accommodated between the shell sections.

The contact element can be mounted as a separate component on a housing formed by plastic injection molding. However, the contact element can also be encapsulated by injection molding of the material of the housing, for example.

In one embodiment, the reinforcing section extends perpendicularly or obliquely to the surface section. The clamping legs of the spring element can, for example, be swung relative to the housing in a swivel plane that is developed by the plug-in direction and a transverse direction perpendicular to the plug-in direction. The surface section of the contact element can extend in a plane along the plug-in direction, for example, so that the inserted electrical conductor can be pressed by the clamping legs to abut against the surface section in a planar manner, so that the electrical conductor is electrically contacted with the contact element in this way. Here, the reinforcing section can extend perpendicularly to the plug-in direction, in particular along the transverse direction, from the surface section. In another embodiment, the reinforcing section can extend obliquely to the plug-in direction and obliquely to the transverse direction from the surface section, wherein the reinforcing section is preferably oriented so that the spring force applied to the operating element (in the operating position) by the clamping legs acts along a force direction that is approximately oriented along the longitudinal extension direction of the reinforcing section and can therefore be advantageously supported by the reinforcing section.

In one embodiment, the reinforcement section is formed on a wall section of the contact element that is bent relative to the surface section. In this case, the wall section forms the reinforcement section and extends from the surface section in the direction of the mating latch element in order to support and thus reinforce the housing in the region of the mating latch element. The reinforcement section can be formed by an edge section of the wall section and the reinforcement of the housing in the region of the mating latch element is achieved by the supporting contact.

In one embodiment, the reinforcement section has a beam element which protrudes from the wall section and bears against at least one housing section in a supporting manner. The beam element can, for example, extend perpendicularly to the wall section and protrude relative to the wall section. The beam element is formed integrally with the wall section and, for example, is bent relative to the wall section, for example, so that the beam element extends from the wall section substantially parallel to the surface section.

The wall section can extend in particular along a plane which is oriented parallel to the adjustment plane of the clamping legs of the spring element and which extends through the plug-in direction and a transverse direction perpendicular to the plug-in direction. Thus, a reinforcement of the housing is provided by the wall section which forms the reinforcement section, in particular in the lateral region of the interior of the housing, within which the actuating element can be adjusted for adjusting the clamping legs and within which the actuating element is locked with the housing in the actuating position. The beam element preferably protrudes from the wall section towards the region on the housing in which the latching with the actuating element takes place, by which additional reinforcement can be provided at the location where the mating latching element is formed and thus at the location where there is a latching engagement between the actuating element and the mating latching element of the housing in the actuating position of the actuating element.

In one embodiment, the beam element itself can form the cooperating latching element by, for example, forming a step for producing the cooperating latching element on the beam element.

In another embodiment, the beam element supports the section of the housing that forms the counter-locking element, for example by engaging with the section of the housing on which the counter-locking element is formed, for example, by a step, and thereby reinforcing the section.

In one embodiment, the contact element has a base section which is bent relative to the surface section and is spaced apart from the reinforcement section. The base section can, for example, extend perpendicularly to the plug-in direction from the surface section and be bent relative to the surface section. The base section can, for example, delimit an interior space of the housing into which an electrical conductor can be inserted for connection to a terminal, so that the electrical conductor can be introduced into the housing up to the base section.

For example, the reinforcement section is bent about a first bending axis relative to the surface section, while the base section is bent about a second bending axis different from the first bending axis relative to the surface section. The first bending axis and the second bending axis can be oriented parallel to each other (but spatially spaced apart from each other) or perpendicular to each other. The first bending axis can be oriented, for example, perpendicular to the plug-in direction or parallel to the plug-in direction. The second bending axis is oriented, for example, perpendicular to the plug-in direction. Thus, the first bending axis and the second bending axis can be oriented parallel to each other. However, the first bending axis and the second bending axis can also be perpendicular to each other.

In one embodiment, the reinforcement section and the base section extend parallel to one another. The reinforcement section and the base section are connected to one another via a surface section and extend, for example, each perpendicularly to the plug-in direction.

In one embodiment, the contact element has an end section that is bent relative to the surface section and on which a fixing opening is formed, which is latched with the housing for fixing the contact element. The end section can, for example, extend obliquely to the plug-in direction and thus point obliquely away from the surface section. A fixing opening is formed on the end section, which is in latching engagement with a corresponding mating element of the housing, thereby fixing the contact element relative to the housing. If the housing is open laterally, the contact element can be fixed in the housing in this way, so that the contact element cannot fall out of the housing at the lateral opening.

The end section can be formed at the transition between the surface section and the reinforcement section. In this way, power can also be introduced into the housing by the end section, thereby providing additional support of the housing for bearing the erroneous forces especially acting by the clamping legs.

In one embodiment, the connecting terminal has a trigger element that can be adjusted relative to the housing. In the actuating position of the actuating element, the trigger element is arranged in an initial position relative to the housing and can be adjusted out of the initial position by cooperating with the electrical conductor when the electrical conductor is inserted into the plug opening in order to release the actuating element from the actuating position.

The trigger element, which is arranged adjustably relative to the housing, is used to trigger the actuating element from the actuating position, so that when an electrical conductor is inserted into the plug opening, the actuating element is automatically released from the actuating position and thus the clamping legs are transferred to a clamping position in which the electrical conductor inserted into the plug opening makes electrical contact with the contact element of the terminal. When the actuating element is in the actuating position, the trigger element is in an initial position relative to the housing. By cooperating with the inserted electrical conductor, the trigger element can be moved out of the initial position, so that it acts on the actuating element and releases the actuating element from the locking in the actuating position.

After the latch is released, the actuating element can be moved back in the direction of the unactuated position, in particular automatically, preferably under spring preload. For example, the spring preload on the actuating element can be brought about by a spring element, which is elastically deflected in the actuated position and, after the actuating element is released, the spring mechanically acts on the actuating element to transfer the actuating element from the actuated position in the direction of the unactuated position. However, the preload can also be provided by an additional preload element, for example an additional spring.

When the electrical conductor is inserted, the trigger element is adjusted relative to the housing and thus acts on the actuating element to release the actuating element from the latching position in the actuating position, so that the connecting terminal automatically closes when the electrical conductor is inserted. A simple connection process is obtained when the electrical conductor is in secure contact with the contact element due to the clamping action of the clamping legs.

In one design, the operating element has a first adjustment section and the trigger element has a second adjustment section. The operating element is configured to act on the second adjustment section through the first adjustment section when it is adjusted to the operating position, so as to reset the trigger element to the initial position. The first adjustment section and the second adjustment section act together when the operating element moves from the non-operated position to the operating position, so as to reset the trigger element to the initial position occupied by the trigger element when the operating element is in the operating position and the electrical conductor is to be plugged into the terminal. By making the adjustment sections also act together when the operating element is transferred from the non-operated position to the operating position, a separate reset element, such as a mechanical spring, for resetting the trigger element to the initial position can be omitted if necessary. When the operating element is adjusted to the operating position, the trigger element is reset to the initial position by the operating element.

The first adjustment section and/or the second adjustment section can extend, for example, obliquely to the plug-in direction. In another embodiment, the first adjustment section and/or the second adjustment section can be curved, for example, in a pivot plane in which the clamping leg can pivot.

In one embodiment, the trigger element is configured to act on the first adjustment section with the second adjustment section in order to release the operating element from the operating position. If the electrical conductor is inserted into the plug opening of the housing and the trigger element is adjusted relative to the housing, the adjustment section on the trigger element strikes against the corresponding adjustment section on the operating element and thus adjusts the operating element, so that the latching element on the operating element is disengaged from the corresponding mating latching element on the housing or on a component fixed relative to the housing, thereby releasing the operating element from its locking in the operating position.

The actuation direction can point, for example, along a plug-in direction, along which an electrical line is inserted into a plug-in opening of the housing in order to be connected to a connecting terminal.

In one embodiment, the trigger element is designed to adjust the actuating element relative to the housing in a transverse direction directed transversely to the plug-in direction in order to release the actuating element from the actuating position. In the actuating position, the actuating element is latched with the housing. The latching can be released in that the actuating element is moved relative to the housing in a transverse direction directed transversely to the plug-in direction by an adjustment movement caused by the trigger element on the actuating element, and thus disengages from the engagement with the latching device on the housing. If the latching is cancelled when the electrical conductor is inserted and the actuating element is adjusted thereby, the actuating element is released from the actuating position and can be adjusted back into the non-actuated position, wherein the actuating element can be reset automatically, for example, by a spring preload caused, for example, by the clamping legs.

In order to move the actuating element in the transverse direction relative to the housing, the actuating element can be tilted in the housing at a (small) tilt angle, for example. In this case, the triggering element is designed to tilt the actuating element relative to the housing in order to release it from the actuating position. If the electrical conductor acts on the triggering element during insertion and thus adjusts the triggering element, the triggering element acts on the actuating element and tilts the actuating element in the housing such that the actuating element is disengaged from the latching device on the housing in the transverse direction.

In one embodiment, the clamping leg of the spring element is pivotable relative to the housing in a pivot plane. The pivot plane can be extended, for example, in the plug-in direction and in the transverse direction. The triggering element is designed to tilt the actuating element relative to the housing in the pivot plane for release from the actuating position, for example, so that a tilting movement of the actuating element is achieved to cancel the locking against the spring prestressing of the clamping leg on the actuating element.

In one embodiment, the first adjustment section and/or the second adjustment section is formed to be inclined with respect to the plug-in direction and the transverse direction, or is bent in a plane spanned by the plug-in direction and the transverse direction.

In one embodiment, the trigger element has a third adjustment section. The housing or a component fixed relative to the housing, such as a contact element, has a fourth adjustment section. The trigger element is arranged on the housing in an adjustable manner so that when an adjustment is caused by inserting an electrical conductor, the trigger element slides with the third adjustment section on the fourth adjustment section and is thereby adjusted relative to the housing in the adjustment direction and also in the transverse direction. The trigger element is thus guided relative to the housing by the third adjustment section and the fourth adjustment section so that when adjusting from the initial position, the trigger element performs superimposed movements in the plug-in direction and in a transverse direction pointing transversely to the plug-in direction.

The third adjustment section and/or the fourth adjustment section can extend, for example, obliquely to the plug-in direction and the transverse direction, or can be curved in a plane extending through the plug-in direction and the transverse direction. This results in a movement path along which, during adjustment, the triggering element is adjusted with a movement vector component in the plug-in direction and with another movement vector component transverse to the plug-in direction.

In one embodiment, when the actuating element is adjusted to the actuating position, the triggering element is slidably guided on the fourth adjustment section via the third adjustment section, so that the triggering element is reset to the initial position opposite to the plug-in direction and opposite to the transverse direction. The third adjustment section and the fourth adjustment section guide the triggering element to move relative to the housing when moving out of the initial position. In addition, the third adjustment section and the fourth adjustment section also work together when the triggering element is reset in the direction of the initial position, so that when the actuating element is actuated to transfer the actuating element to the actuating position, the triggering element moves back to the initial position in a guided manner, without requiring a separate preload element on the triggering element for this purpose.

In one embodiment, the housing defines a receiving space into which the electrical conductor can be introduced by inserting it into the plug opening. The trigger element is arranged in the receiving space for cooperating with the electrical conductor and can be adjusted out of an initial position relative to the housing by cooperating with the electrical conductor. Here, the trigger element can slide or pivot relative to the housing.

The sliding path of the triggering element can extend in a straight line or also in a curved manner. Such a sliding path can extend in particular obliquely to the plugging direction, so that when the electrical conductor is inserted into the plug opening and acts on the triggering element, the triggering element does not perform a linear movement in the plugging direction, but rather moves the triggering element both in the plugging direction and in a transverse direction transverse to the plugging direction, in order to thereby act on the actuating element to release the locking.

In one embodiment, the trigger element is pivotably arranged on the housing and has a trigger leg which, in the initial position, extends in the receiving space transversely to the plug-in direction. The trigger leg extends into the region of the receiving space aligned with the plug-in opening so that when the electrical conductor is inserted, the conductor strikes the trigger leg and thereby pivots the trigger element relative to the housing. Thus, when the electrical conductor is inserted, the trigger element moves out of the initial position and thereby acts on the actuating element in order to release the locking of the actuating element with the housing.

In one embodiment, the spring element is designed as a tension spring. In this case, the clamping legs of the spring element are designed to pull the electrical conductor into contact with the contact element by means of spring force. For this purpose, for example, an opening can be formed on the clamping legs, through which the electrical conductor can be passed when inserted into the plug opening of the housing, so that the electrical conductor is pulled into clamping contact with the contact element after the clamping legs are triggered from the release position.

Alternatively, the spring element can be designed as a compression spring. In this case, the clamping leg is designed to push the electrical conductor against the contact element by the spring force. When inserted into the plug opening, the electrical conductor enters the space between the clamping leg and the contact element, wherein after the clamping leg is triggered from the release position, the clamping leg acts on the electrical conductor and presses the electrical conductor against the contact element.

In one embodiment, the clamping leg can be elastically adjusted to a release position relative to the housing by actuating the actuating element and is held relative to the housing in the release position by the actuating element. Thus, the clamping leg is locked relative to the housing in the release position, so that the clamping leg remains in the release position after the actuating element has been actuated.

The spring element can, for example, have a support leg, by which the spring element is supported on the housing and held in a position on the housing. The clamping leg can be deflected elastically relative to the support leg, wherein in the release position the clamping leg is deflected in such a way that the spring element is elastically tensioned and the clamping leg moves out of the release position in an elastically prestressed manner after being released from the release position.

In one embodiment, the reinforcing section points from the surface section in the direction of the clamping leg. The spring element can be shaped, for example, so that the clamping leg is connected to the support leg via the connecting section, wherein the clamping leg can be swung relative to the support leg in a swing plane developed by the plug-in direction and the transverse direction and can therefore be elastically deflected. The connecting section, for example, surrounds the housing section and, for example, defines a swing point for the clamping leg. When viewed along the plug-in direction, the connecting section is, for example, arranged above the clamping leg and the support leg (if the plug-in direction is assumed to be a vertical direction), so that the clamping leg and the support leg extend downward from the connecting section. Here, the reinforcing section is preferably arranged above the clamping leg (and the support leg), in such a way that, for example, the plug-in opening is located on one side of the reinforcing section and one end of the clamping leg is located on the other side of the reinforcing section facing away from this side. For example, the reinforcing section can be arranged approximately at the height of the swing point of the clamping leg.

In one embodiment, the reinforcement section has an opening through which the electrical conductor can be inserted when inserted into the plug opening and thus when plugged onto the connecting terminal. The opening can be formed, for example, between webs extending parallel to one another, forming the reinforcement section and bent relative to the surface section, wherein in this case, for example, the opening is not closed in the circumferential direction. In another embodiment, the opening is formed on the reinforcement section so as to be closed in the circumferential direction.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The idea underlying the invention is explained in more detail below with reference to an exemplary embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings. The accompanying drawings show:

1A shows a sectional view of a first exemplary embodiment of a connecting terminal, wherein the actuating element is in an actuating position;

FIG. 1B shows a front view of the terminal block;

FIG. 1C shows a perspective view of the cutaway connecting terminal according to FIG. 1A in order to illustrate the cross section;

FIG1D shows a perspective view of the terminal block;

FIG2A shows a cross-sectional view of the terminal block when an electrical conductor is inserted;

FIG2B shows a front view of the terminal block;

FIG. 2C shows a perspective view of the cutaway connecting terminal according to FIG. 2A in order to illustrate the cross section;

FIG2D shows a perspective view of the terminal block;

FIG3A shows a cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of a terminal block when an electrical conductor is plugged in;

FIG3B shows a front view of the terminal block;

FIG3C shows a perspective view of the cutaway connecting terminal according to FIG3A in order to illustrate the cross section;

FIG3D shows a perspective view of the terminal block;

FIG. 4 shows an isolated view of a contact element of a terminal block;

FIG. 5A shows a view of the terminal block according to FIG. 1B ;

FIG5B shows a cross-sectional view along line I-I of FIG5A ;

FIG6A shows a front view of another embodiment of a terminal block;

FIG6B shows a perspective view of the terminal block;

FIG. 7 shows a separate view of the contact element of the terminal block according to FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B ;

FIG8A shows a front view of another embodiment of a terminal block;

FIG8B shows a perspective view of the terminal block;

FIG9 shows a separate view of the contact element of the terminal block according to FIG8A and FIG8B;

FIG10A shows a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a terminal block;

FIG10B shows a perspective view of the terminal block;

FIG. 11 shows a separate view of the contact element of the connecting terminal according to FIG. 10A and FIG. 10B ;

FIG12A shows a front view of another embodiment of a terminal block;

FIG12B shows a perspective view of the terminal block;

FIG13 shows a separate view of the contact element of the terminal block according to FIG12A and FIG12B;

14A shows a view of a connecting terminal in an unactuated position of an actuating element according to another embodiment, without a housing;

FIG. 14B shows a view of the connecting terminal in the actuating position of the actuating element without the housing;

15A shows a side view of the connecting terminal in the unactuated position according to FIG. 14A with an enclosing housing;

15B shows a side view of the connecting terminal in the actuation position according to FIG. 14B with the surrounding housing;

FIG. 16A shows a cross-sectional view of the terminal in the unoperated position according to FIG. 14A ;

16B shows a cross-sectional view of the terminal in the operating position according to FIG. 14B ;

17A shows a view of a connecting terminal according to another embodiment, wherein the actuating element is in an unactuated position without a housing;

FIG. 17B shows a view of the connecting terminal in the actuating position of the actuating element without the housing;

FIG. 18A shows a side view of the connecting terminal in the unactuated position according to FIG. 17A , with an enclosing housing;

FIG. 18 shows a side view of the connecting terminal in the actuation position according to FIG. 17B , with the surrounding housing;

FIG. 19A shows a cross-sectional view of the terminal in the unoperated position according to FIG. 17A ;

FIG19B shows a cross-sectional view of the terminal in the operating position according to FIG17B;

20A shows a view of a connecting terminal in an unactuated position of an actuating element according to another embodiment, without a housing;

FIG. 20B shows a view of the connecting terminal in the actuating position of the actuating element without the housing;

FIG. 21A shows a side view of the connecting terminal in the unactuated position according to FIG. 20A with an enclosing housing;

FIG. 21B shows a side view of the connecting terminal in the actuation position according to FIG. 20B with the surrounding housing;

FIG. 22A shows a cross-sectional view of the terminal block in the unmanipulated position shown in FIG. 20A ; and

FIG. 22B shows a sectional view of the connecting terminal in the actuated position according to FIG. 20B .

Detailed ways

1A-1D to 5A and 5B show an embodiment of a connection terminal 1 , which is configured with a housing 10 having a plug opening 100 formed therein for inserting an electrical conductor 2 along a plug direction E.

The housing 10 defines a receiving space 101, into which the electrical conductor 2 with the deinsulated conductor end 20 is introduced when the electrical conductor 2 is inserted into the plug opening 100 along the plug-in direction E. In the connection position, the conductor 2 with the deinsulated conductor end 20 is located within the receiving space 101 and is electrically contacted with the contact element 11 in the form of a current bar via the clamping legs 120 of the spring element 12, so that the electrical conductor 2 is electrically connected to the terminal 1, as shown in FIGS. 3A-3D .

The spring element 12 has a support leg 121, which is connected to the clamping leg 120 via a bent middle section 122 and is supported together with the middle section 122 on the housing section 103 of the housing 10, so that the spring element 12 is fixed to the housing 10 and is fixed relative to the housing 10. The clamping leg 120 can be elastically deflected relative to the support leg 121, in particular, so that the clamping leg 120 acts in a clamping manner on the electrical conductor 2 connected to the connecting terminal 1 in the clamping position shown in FIGS. 3A-3D and pushes the electrical conductor into contact with the surface section 110 of the contact element 11 under elastic pretension, thereby making the conductor 2 electrically contact the contact element 11 via its conductor end 20.

In the exemplary embodiment shown, the actuating element 14 is adjustable on the housing 10 along an actuating direction B. The actuating element 14 is received in an actuating opening 102 of the housing 10 and can be moved relative to the housing 10 along the actuating direction B in order to thereby act on the clamping leg 120 of the spring element 12 and adjust it between a clamping position and a release position.

The actuating element 14 has a head 140 which is accessible from outside the housing 10 via the actuating opening 102 and can be actuated by a user, for example, using a tool. A rod 141 extends from the head 140 and is used to act on the spring element 12 to adjust the clamping leg 120. For this purpose, in the exemplary embodiment shown, an action section 147 is formed on the rod 141, with which the actuating element 14 acts on the clamping leg 120 of the spring element 12 during adjustment to the actuating position and transfers the clamping leg into the release position.

In the actuated position of the actuating element 14 , as shown in FIGS. 1A-1D , the engagement section 147 abuts against the clamping leg 120 , as can be seen, for example, in FIGS. 1A , 1B , and thereby holds the clamping leg 120 in the released position.

A latching element 143 is formed on the rod 141, which is formed by a stepped edge extending approximately perpendicularly to the actuation direction B and serves to latch the actuating element 14 in the actuation position. Thus, in the actuation position of the actuating element 14 (shown in FIGS. 1A-1D ), the latching element 143 on the actuating element 14 is in engagement with a corresponding mating latching element 104 on the inner housing wall of the housing 10 and is thereby fixed relative to the housing 10 in a form-fitting or force-fitting manner along the actuation direction B oriented parallel to the plug-in direction E. Thus, in the actuation position, the actuating element 14 is latched to the housing 10.

By locking with the housing, the actuating element 14 holds the clamping leg 120 of the spring element 12 in the released position and thereby keeps it at a distance from the surface section 110 of the contact element 11, so that the electrical conductor 2 can be inserted into the plug opening 100 in a substantially forceless manner along the plug-in direction E and thereby connected to the connecting terminal 1. In the released position, the clamping leg 120 is elastically deflected relative to the support leg 121 and thus provides an elastic tensioning force on the actuating element 14 in the direction of the engagement of the latching element 143 with the mating latching element 104, so that the actuating element 14 is held in the locked position under the pretensioning of the clamping leg 120.

An end 142 is formed on the rod 141, which forms an adjustment section 145, via which the actuating element 14 interacts with the triggering element 13 of the connecting terminal 1. Between the end 142 and the action section 147, the rod forms an opening 146, through which the clamping leg 120 of the spring element 12 passes.

The actuating element 14 is operatively connected via the adjusting section 145 to the corresponding adjusting section 133 on the triggering element 13 .

In the exemplary embodiment shown, the triggering element 13 is adjustable in a guided manner relative to the housing 10 . For this purpose, the triggering element 13 has an adjustment section 134 in the form of an oblique edge, which cooperates with a corresponding adjustment section 107 in the form of an oblique edge on the housing 10 .

The triggering element 13 is used to cooperate with the electrical conductor 2 inserted into the plug opening 100 in order to automatically connect the electrical conductor 2 to the connecting terminal 1 when the clamping leg 120 is triggered. If the actuating element 14 is in the actuating position according to FIGS. 1A-1D , the triggering element 13 assumes the initial position shown in FIGS. 1A-1D , in which the adjusting sections 133 , 145 of the triggering element 13 and the actuating element 14 are in contact with each other. The adjusting sections 133 , 145 are each inclined obliquely (in a plane spanned by the actuating direction B and the transverse direction Q, corresponding to the section according to FIG. 1A ) and engage with each other in the initial position, so that the actuating element 14 latched relative to the housing 10 by the latching element 143 holds the triggering element 13 in position.

If, with the operating element 14 in the operating position, an electrical conductor is connected to the terminal 1 by inserting the conductor into the plug-in opening 100 and striking the box-shaped trigger element 13 along the plug-in direction E, the trigger element 13 is adjusted relative to the housing 10 in the plug-in direction E and also laterally in the transverse direction Q by the adjustment section 134 of the trigger element 13 striking the corresponding adjustment section 107 on the housing 10 and being adjusted in the housing 10 due to the inclined extension of the adjustment sections 107, 134, as can be seen from Figures 2A-2D.

When adjusting the trigger element 13, the adjustment section 133 of the trigger element 13 formed on the edge facing away from the adjustment section 134 slides along the corresponding adjustment section 145 on the rod 141 of the operating element 14, which extends obliquely to the operating direction B, and thereby adjusts the operating element 14 along the transverse direction Q by tilting, so that the locking element 143 is disengaged from the corresponding mating locking element 104 on the housing 10, and thus the locking of the operating element 14 with the housing 10 is cancelled.

If the latching of the actuating element 14 is released by triggering the triggering element 13, the actuating element 14 is displaced relative to the housing 10 counter to the actuation direction B due to the spring preload of the clamping leg 120, as shown in Figures 3A-3D. As a result, the actuating element 14 slides upward in the actuation opening 102, and the clamping leg 120 comes into contact with the conductor end 20 and pushes it into contact with the surface section 110 of the contact element 12, as can be seen from the sectional views according to Figures 3A and 3C.

The actuating element 14 is prevented from slipping out of the actuating opening 102 by the actuating element 14 coming into contact with, for example, a contact edge 106 on the housing via the latching element 143 , as can be seen in FIGS. 3A and 3C .

Since the actuating element 14 automatically moves out of the actuating position after the release of the hold due to the spring prestressing of the clamping legs 120 , the user can safely and reliably detect that the connecting terminal 1 has been triggered and the electrical line 2 is therefore connected to the connecting terminal 1 . The risk of incorrect actuation is thus reduced.

If the connected electrical conductor is to be released again, the actuating element 14 is transferred back to the actuating position according to FIGS. 1A-1D , whereby the adjusting section 145 of the actuating element 14 acts on the adjusting section 133 of the triggering element 13 and transfers the triggering element 13 back to the initial position according to FIGS. 1A-1D . Due to the guidance of the triggering element 13 via the adjusting section 134 on the corresponding adjusting section 107 of the housing 10 , the triggering element 13 slides relative to the housing 10 in this case counter to the transverse direction Q and counter to the plug-in direction E and therefore assumes the initial position according to FIGS. 1A-1D again when the actuating element 14 is actuated.

The reset of the tripping element 13 therefore takes place automatically when the actuating element 14 is actuated, without any prestressing being required on the tripping element 13 , for example by a restoring spring.

In the illustrated embodiment, as can be seen from the individual view of the contact element 11 according to FIG. 4 , the contact element 11 has a surface section 110 against which the electrical conductor 2 is pushed after being connected to the connecting terminal 1 into contact with the surface section, so that the conductor 2 is electrically connected to the connecting terminal 1. A base section 111 is bent relative to the surface section 110, which forms the base of the connecting terminal 1 and delimits the interior 101 in the housing 10 along the plug-in direction E. A tab-shaped fixing element 115 extends from the base section 111, which provides fixing in the housing 10 via the base section 111.

In the exemplary embodiment shown, a reinforcement section 114 is bent relative to the surface section 110 and serves to reinforce the housing 10, in particular in the region of the mating latching element 104. The reinforcement section 114 thus extends from the surface section 110 transversely to the plug-in direction E in a transverse direction Q in the direction of the mating latching element 104 and is embedded between the housing sections 105, 108 of the housing 10, in such a way that the first housing section 105 is arranged above the reinforcement section 114 (viewed in the plug-in direction E) and the second housing section 108 is arranged below the reinforcement section 114, as can be seen, for example, from the front view according to FIG. 1B. The housing sections 105, 108 are thus arranged on both sides of the reinforcement section 114 and receive the reinforcement section 114 between them, so that the housing 10 is locally reinforced in the region of the mating latching element 104 by the reinforcement section 114.

The contact element 11 is integrally formed and formed in one piece, for example as a metal part, for example as a stamped and bent part. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the reinforcement section 114 is cut out of the surface section 110 and is bent by approximately 90° relative to the surface section 110 .

In the transition region between the surface section 110 and the reinforcement section 114, an end section 112 is formed, which is arranged obliquely to the plug-in direction E and obliquely to the transverse direction Q and forms a fastening opening 113. A corresponding mating element of the housing 10 engages in the fastening opening 113, so that the contact element 11 is thereby locked to the housing 10 and, in the case of a lateral opening of the housing 10, as in the illustrated embodiment, the contact element 11 cannot fall out of the housing 10 laterally (in a depth direction perpendicular to the plug-in direction E and the transverse direction Q), as can be seen from the views according to FIGS. 5A and 5B.

The end section 112 is also received in the housing 10 in such a way that the end section 112 is inserted between the housing walls. Additional support and force introduction can be provided between the housing 10 and the contact element 11 by the end section 112 .

Forces are absorbed and supported by the reinforcement section 114, in particular in the region of the mating latch element 104 on the housing 10. If the actuating element 14 is in the actuating position according to FIGS. 1A-1D , the deflected clamping leg 120 acts on the actuating element 14 in a pre-tensioning manner and presses the actuating element 14 into engagement with the mating latch element 104. In order to suppress material fatigue on the housing 10, in particular in the region of the mating latch element 104, the reinforcement section 114 extends from the surface section 110 in the direction of the mating latch element 104 and provides support in the region of the mating latch element 104, so that load forces can be absorbed and dissipated on the reinforcement section 14.

As shown in Fig. 4, in the illustrated embodiment, the reinforcement section 114 is bent about a first bending axis B1 relative to the surface section 110, wherein the end section 112 is also bent about the first bending axis B1 relative to the surface section 110. The reinforcement section 114 extends as a web relative to the surface section 110 and extends parallel to the base section 111, wherein the base section 111 is bent relative to the surface section 110 about a second bending axis B2, which extends in the plug-in direction E at a distance from the first bending axis B1 but parallel to the first bending axis B1.

In the exemplary embodiments of FIGS. 1A-1D to 5A and 5B, the reinforcement section 114 extends toward the counter-locking element 104 and is exposed at its end-side end.

On the contrary, in another embodiment shown in Figures 6A, 6B and 7, the reinforcement section 114 is surrounded at its end away from the surface section 110 by another third shell section 109, which surrounds the distant end and thereby surrounds the distant end in a plane extended by the plug-in direction E and the transverse direction Q.

Apart from this, the exemplary embodiment according to FIGS. 6A , 6B and 7 is identical to the exemplary embodiment according to FIGS. 1A-1D to 5A and 5B, so that reference is made to the above explanations in this regard.

8A, 8B and 9, the reinforcement section 114 is formed on a wall section 116 that is bent about a bending axis B1 relative to the surface section 110. The bending axis B1 is oriented along the plug-in direction E and perpendicular to the bending axis B2 about which the base section 111 is bent relative to the surface section 110.

In the exemplary embodiment shown, the reinforcement section 114 is formed by an upper edge section of the wall section 116. The first housing section 105 is arranged (with respect to the plug-in direction E, which is assumed to be the vertical direction) above the reinforcement section 114. The second housing section 108 engages in a recess 117 on the wall section 116, so that the reinforcement section 114 is thus embedded in the housing 10 and forces can be absorbed and dissipated at the reinforcement section 114.

Otherwise, the exemplary embodiment according to FIGS. 8A , 8B and 9 is again functionally identical to the exemplary embodiment according to FIGS. 1A-1D to 5A, 5B, so that reference is made to the above explanations in this regard.

In yet another further embodiment shown in FIGS. 10A , 10B and 11 , the reinforcement section 114 of the contact element 11 is bent relative to the surface section 110 about a bending axis B1, which is oriented parallel to the bending axis B2, about which the base section 111 is bent relative to the surface section 110. An opening 118 is formed on the reinforcement section 114, through which an electrical conductor is passed when inserted into the plug opening 100 of the housing, in order to guide the conductor end of the conductor into the region of the clamping leg 120 of the spring element 12 and thus connect the conductor to the connecting terminal 1. The reinforcement section 114 in turn serves to support the housing 10, in particular in the region of the mating latch element 104, so that load forces can be absorbed and dissipated, in particular in the region of the mating latch element 104.

Otherwise, the exemplary embodiment according to FIGS. 10A , 10B and 11 is functionally identical to the exemplary embodiment according to FIGS. 1A-1D to 5A , 5B , so that reference is made to the above description in this regard.

In yet another embodiment shown in Figures 12A, 12B and 13, the reinforcement section 114 is formed by two webs extending parallel to each other, which are inclined to the surface section 110 and are bent about a bending axis B1 relative to the surface section 110. The bending axis B1 is oriented parallel to the bending axis B2, about which the base section 111 is bent relative to the surface section 110.

An opening 118 that is open when viewed in the transverse direction Q is formed between the tabs forming the reinforcement section 114 . When an electrical conductor is connected to the connection terminal 1 , the electrical conductor can be inserted into the opening 118 and thus between the tabs of the reinforcement section 114 .

By placing the webs forming the reinforcement section 114 obliquely with respect to the plug-in direction E and the transverse direction Q and pointing toward the clamping leg 120, the spring force of the clamping leg 120 can be advantageously absorbed and dissipated at the ends of the webs of the reinforcement section 114 facing away from the surface section 110. By the oblique placement, the webs of the reinforcement section 114 are particularly oriented relative to the actuating element 14 and the clamping leg 120 such that the load forces act approximately along the longitudinal extension direction of the webs of the reinforcement section 114. The reinforcement section 114 is therefore loaded substantially along the (oblique) longitudinal extension direction and not transversely thereto, so that the bending loads on the bending axis B1 are small.

Functionally, the exemplary embodiment according to FIGS. 12A , 12B and 13 is otherwise identical to the exemplary embodiment according to FIGS. 1A-1D to 5A , 5B, so that reference should be made to the above explanations in this regard.

In another embodiment shown in FIGS. 14A , 14B to 16A, 16B, the connecting terminal 1 has a housing 10 which forms a plug opening 100 for inserting an electrical conductor 2 along a plug direction E and has a contact element 11 and a spring element 12 .

As in the above-described embodiment, the contact element 11 forms a surface section 110 for electrically contacting the inserted electrical conductor 2. The spring element 12 has a support leg 121 supported on the housing 10 and a clamping leg 120 elastically adjustable relative to the support leg 121. In order to connect the electrical conductor 2, the electrical conductor 2 can be introduced into the receiving space 101 inside the housing 10 through the plug opening 100, and in the receiving space 101, the clamping leg 120 of the spring element 12 is pressed against the surface section 110 of the contact element 11, thereby making electrical contact with the contact element 11 and mechanically locked on the terminal 1.

The connecting terminal 1 comprises an actuating element 14 which forms a head 140 and a rod 141 extending from the head 140. An opening 146 is formed on the rod 141, through which the clamping leg 120 of the spring element 12 passes. The actuating element 14 can be adjusted relative to the housing between an unactuated position (FIG. 14A, FIG. 15A and FIG. 16A) and an actuated position (FIG. 14B, FIG. 15B and FIG. 16B) along an actuating direction B and acts on the clamping leg 120 via an action section 147 above the opening 146 of the rod 141, so that when adjusted in the direction toward the actuated position, the clamping leg is transferred from the clamping position to a release position, in which a region within the receiving space 101 which is aligned with the plug opening 100 along the plugging direction E is released by the clamping leg 120, so that the electrical conductor 2 can be inserted into the plug opening 100 in a substantially forceless manner and connected to the connecting terminal 1.

Latching elements 143 and 144 are formed on the rod 141, and these latching elements are designed to latch with the matching latching element 104 that is fixed relative to the housing 10. In the non-actuated position, the operating element 14 is engaged with the matching latching element 104 via the latching element 144, as can be seen from Figures 14A, 15A, and 16A. In contrast, in the operating position, the latching element 143 is engaged with the matching latching element 104 in a latching manner, as can be seen from Figures 14B, 15B, and 16B, so that the operating element 14 is thus latched relative to the housing 10 in the operating position.

Since the actuating element 14 acts on the clamping leg 120 via the action section 147 in the actuating position, the clamping leg 120 of the spring element 12 is also held in the release position via the actuating element 14 when the actuating element 14 is in the actuating position.

In the illustrated embodiment, the terminal 1 has a trigger element 13 which is pivotably supported on the housing 10 via a support axis 131, which forms a trigger leg 130 which extends essentially perpendicularly to the plug-in direction E and extends into a region aligned with the plug-in opening 100 along the plug-in direction E, as can be seen in particular from the sectional views according to FIGS. 16A and 16B.

14A and 14B , the triggering element 13 has an opening 132 in the region of the triggering leg 130, into which the rod 141 of the actuating element 14 engages with the end 142 when the actuating element 14 is in the actuating position. In this case, the adjustment section 145 at the end 142 of the rod 141 is located in the region of the adjustment section 133 of the triggering element 13.

During insertion, the electrical conductor 2 acts on the triggering leg 130 of the triggering element 13 and thereby pivots the triggering element 13 about the bearing axis 131. As a result, the triggering element 13 acts with the adjusting section 133 on the adjusting section 145 at the end 142 of the rod 141 of the actuating element 14 and tilts the actuating element 14 in the housing 10, so that the rod 141 moves substantially in the transverse direction Q relative to the housing 10 and thereby disengages the latching element 143 from the mating latching element 104 of the housing 10. As a result, the locking of the actuating element 14 is automatically released during insertion of the electrical conductor 2, so that the actuating element 14 is released from the actuating position and thus the clamping leg 120 is no longer held in the released position. As a result, the clamping leg 120 moves in the direction of the clamping position due to the spring preload of the spring element 12 and clamps the inserted electrical conductor 2 in the receiving space 101 with the surface section 110 of the contact element 11, so that the electrical conductor 2 is electrically connected to the contact element 11 and is also mechanically locked to the connecting terminal 1.

If the connected electrical conductor 2 is to be released from the terminal 1 again, the operating element 14 can be pressed into the housing 10 along the operating direction B and thus moved from the non-operated position (Figure 16A) to the operated position (Figure 16B) in order to transfer the clamping leg 120 to the released position and thus release the electrical conductor 2.

In the exemplary embodiment shown, the contact element 11 has a wall section 116 bent relative to the surface section 110 , on which a reinforcement section 114 is formed. The reinforcement section 114 is formed by an upper edge section of the wall section 116 and is therefore bent together with the wall section 116 relative to the surface section 110 .

In the exemplary embodiment shown, the reinforcement section 114 has a beam element 114A, which extends perpendicularly to the wall section 116 and protrudes from the wall section 116 into the region of the receiving space 101 in the housing 10. The beam element 114A forms the mating latch element 104 and bears against the housing sections 105, 105A in a supporting manner (see FIGS. 16A and 16B), so that the housing 10 is supported and reinforced via the beam element 114A in a position in which a latching connection with the actuating element 14 is established both in the actuated position (FIG. 16B) and in the non-actuated position (FIG. 16A).

By supporting the housing 10 via the reinforcement section 114 and the beam element 114A formed thereon, the housing 10 is reinforced in a targeted manner in the region of the latching with the actuating element 14. In this case, the counter-latching element 104 is formed by an edge on the beam element 114A, wherein the beam element 114A bears against the wall sections 105, 105A of the housing 10 in a supporting manner and thus brings about a reinforcement of the housing 10. Thus, material fatigue of the housing 10 is counteracted, in particular at the location where the latching with the actuating element 14 is established.

In the exemplary embodiment shown, the wall section 116 with the reinforcement section 114 formed thereon extends laterally to the housing 10 and is bent about a bending axis B1 relative to the surface section 110. The wall section 116 with the reinforcement section 114 formed thereon is perpendicular to the surface section 110, with which an inserted electrical conductor 2 can be electrically contacted via the clamping legs 120, wherein the beam elements 114A of the reinforcement section 114 extend from the wall section 116 into the housing 10 and are oriented parallel to the surface section 110.

In the exemplary embodiment shown, the base section 111 of the contact element 11 is bent about a bending axis B4 relative to the wall section 116 .

In another embodiment shown in FIGS. 17A, 17B to 19A, 19B, the reinforcement section 114 of the contact element 11 formed on the wall section 116 has a beam element 114A, which bears against the housing section 105 of the housing 10 in a supporting manner, wherein the mating latch element 104 is formed on the housing section 105, i.e., on a step on the housing section 105. The beam element 114A of the reinforcement section 114 reinforces the housing 10 in the region of the housing section 105.

Otherwise, the exemplary embodiment according to FIGS. 17A , 17B to 19A , 19B is functionally identical to the exemplary embodiment according to FIGS. 14A , 14B to 16A , 16B, so that reference should also be made to the above explanations.

In yet another further embodiment shown in FIGS. 20A, 20B to 22A, 22B, the reinforcement section 114 of the contact element 11 formed on the wall section 116 has a beam element 114A, which bears against the housing sections 105, 105A in a supporting manner and forms the mating latching element 104. In the unactuated position, the actuating element 14 engages with the mating latching element 104 formed by the beam element 114A via the latching element 144, as can be seen from FIG. 22A. In contrast, in the actuated position, the latching element 143 engages with the mating latching element 104 of the beam element 114A in a latching manner, so that the actuating element 14 is thereby latched relative to the housing 10 in the actuated position. The beam element 114A provides a supporting reinforcement on the housing 10 by its bearing against and embedding into the housing sections 105, 105A.

Furthermore, the exemplary embodiment according to FIGS. 20A , 20B to 22A , 22B is also functionally identical to the exemplary embodiment according to FIGS. 14A , 14B to 16A , 16B, so that reference is made to the explanations thereto.

The idea underlying the present invention is not limited to the above-described exemplary embodiments but can also be realized in other ways.

The triggering element can be pivotably mounted on the housing or on a component that is stationary relative to the housing via a bearing axis.

The actuating element can be preloaded in the direction of the non-actuated position by the action of the clamping legs of the spring element. However, it is also conceivable to provide an additional preload element which preloads the actuating element relative to the housing in the direction of the non-actuated position, counter to the actuation direction. Such a preload element can be configured, for example, by a compression spring or another mechanical spring.

Description of Reference Numerals

1 Terminal block

10 Housing

100 Plug opening

101 Accommodation Space

102 Manipulation opening

103 Shell section

104 Locking element

105, 105A Shell section

106 Attach to edge

107 Adjustment section

108 Shell section

109 Shell section

11 Contact element (current bar)

110 face segment

111 Basic Section

112 End section

113 Fixed opening

114 Reinforced section (joint)

114A Beam Element

115 Fixing element

116 Wall Segments

117 Concave

118 Opening

12 Clamping spring

120 Clamp your legs

121 Support Leg

122 Middle section

13 Trigger element

130 Trigger Leg

131 Support shaft

132 Opening

133 Adjustment section

134 Adjustment section

14 Control elements

140 Head

141 bars

142 End

143 Locking element

144 Locking element

145 Adjustment section

146 Opening

147 Action section

2 Wires

20 Conductor end

B Control direction

B1-B4 bending axis

E Plug direction

Q Horizontal direction

Claims (27)

1. A connection terminal (1) for connecting electrical conductors (2) has: -a housing (10) having a plug opening (100) into which an electrical line (2) can be inserted in a plug direction (E) for connection to a connection terminal (1); a contact element (11) arranged on the housing (10) for electrical contact with the electrical line (2); a spring element (12) arranged on the housing (10) and having a clamping leg (120) for acting on the electrical conductor (2) in order to bring the electrical conductor (2) into contact with the contact element (11); and an actuating element (14) which is arranged on the housing (10) in an adjustable manner and which can be adjusted in an actuating direction (B) from an unactuated position into an actuated position in order to adjust the clamping leg (120) and which can be snapped in the actuated position relative to the housing (10), wherein the actuating element (14) has a snap-in element (143) which snaps in the actuated position of the actuating element (14) with a corresponding, cooperating snap-in element (104) which is fixed in position relative to the housing (10), characterized in that the contact element (11) has a face section (110) for electrical contact with the electrical conductor (2) and a stiffening section (114) which is curved relative to the face section (110), wherein the stiffening section (114) extends from the face section (110) in the direction of the cooperating snap-in element (104) and bears against at least one housing section (105, 108, 109).

2. Terminal (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the mating latching element (104) is formed by a section of the housing (10).

3. Terminal (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the mating latching element (104) is formed by the reinforcing section (114).

4. A connection terminal (1) according to any of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the first housing section (105) is arranged on a first side of the reinforcement section (114) and the second housing section (108) is arranged on a second side of the reinforcement section (114) facing away from the first side.

5. The connection terminal (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the third housing section (109) encloses an end of the reinforcing section (114) facing away from the face section (110).

6. The connection terminal (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the reinforcement section (114) extends perpendicularly or obliquely to the face section (110).

7. Terminal (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the reinforcement section (114) is formed on a wall section (116) of the contact element (11) which is curved relative to the face section (110).

8. The connection terminal (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that the reinforcement section (114) has a beam element (114A), which beam element (114A) protrudes from the wall section (116) and butts against at least one housing section (105, 108, 109) in a supporting manner.

9. The connection terminal (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that the beam element (114A) extends parallel to the face section (110).

10. Terminal (1) according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the beam element (114A) constitutes the mating latching element (104) or supports a section of the housing (10) constituting the mating latching element (104).

11. The connection terminal (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the contact element (110) has a base section (111) bent relative to the face section (110) spaced apart relative to the reinforcing section (114).

12. The connection terminal (1) according to claim 11, characterized in that the reinforcement section (114) is bent with respect to the face section (110) about a first bending axis (B1), and the base section (111) is bent with respect to the face section (110) about a second bending axis (B2) different from the first bending axis (B1).

13. The connection terminal (1) according to claim 12, characterized in that the first bending axis (B1) and the second bending axis (B2) are oriented parallel or perpendicular to each other.

14. The connection terminal (1) according to any one of claims 11 to 13, characterized in that the reinforcing section (114) and the base section (111) extend parallel to each other.

15. Terminal (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the contact element (110) has an end section (112) bent relative to the face section (110), on which end section a fastening opening (113) is formed, which is snapped into the housing (10) for fastening the contact element (11).

16. Terminal (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that a trigger element (13) is provided which is arranged in an adjustable manner relative to the housing (10), which trigger element is arranged in an initial position relative to the housing (10) in the actuating position of the actuating element (14), and which can be adjusted out of the initial position by co-action with the electrical conductor (2) when the electrical conductor (2) is inserted into the insertion opening (100), in order to release the actuating element (14) from the actuating position.

17. The connection terminal (1) according to claim 16, characterized in that the actuating element (14) has a first actuating section (145) and the triggering element (13) has a second actuating section (133), wherein the actuating element (14) is designed to act on the second actuating section (133) via the first actuating section (145) when being actuated into the actuating position in order to reset the triggering element (13) into the initial position.

18. The connection terminal (1) according to claim 17, characterized in that the triggering element (13) is configured to act on the first adjusting section (145) with the second adjusting section (133) to release the actuating element (14) from the actuating position.

19. The connection terminal (1) according to claim 17 or 18, characterized in that the triggering element (13) is configured for adjusting the actuating element (14) relative to the housing (10) along a transverse direction (Q) pointing transversely to the plugging direction (E) for release from the actuating position, wherein the first adjusting section (145) and/or the second adjusting section (133) are inclined to the plugging direction (E) and the transverse direction (Q) or are bent in a plane which is unfolded by the plugging direction (E) and the transverse direction (Q).

20. The connection terminal (1) according to any one of claims 17 to 19, characterized in that the triggering element (13) has a third adjustment section (134) and the housing (10) or a component fixed in position relative to the housing (10) has a fourth adjustment section (107), wherein the triggering element (13) is adjustably arranged on the housing (10) in such a way that the triggering element (13) slides on the fourth adjustment section (107) with the third adjustment section (134) when an adjustment out of the initial position is brought about by inserting an electrical conductor (2) and is thereby adjusted in the plugging direction (E) and also in the transverse direction (Q) relative to the housing (10).

21. Terminal (1) according to claim 20, characterized in that, upon adjustment of the actuating element (14) into the actuating position, the triggering element (13) is slidingly guided on the fourth adjustment section by the third adjustment section (134) such that the triggering element (13) is reset against the plugging direction (E) and against the transverse direction (Q) into the initial position.

22. Terminal (1) according to claim 20 or 21, characterized in that the third adjustment section (134) and/or the fourth adjustment section (107) are bent obliquely to the plugging direction (E) and the transverse direction (Q) or in a plane which is unfolded by the plugging direction (E) and the transverse direction (Q).

23. The connection terminal (1) according to any one of claims 17 to 20, characterized in that the triggering element (13) is mounted pivotably relative to the housing (10) and has a triggering leg (130) for interaction with the electrical line (2).

24. Terminal (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the spring element (12) has a support leg (121) which is supported on the housing (10) and with respect to which the clamping leg (120) can be deflected elastically.

25. The connection terminal (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the reinforcement section (114) points from the face section (110) in the direction of the clamping leg (120).

26. The connection terminal (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that, seen in the plugging direction (E), the plugging opening (100) is arranged on one side of the reinforcing section (114) and the end of the clamping leg (120) is arranged on the other side of the reinforcing section (114) facing away from the one side.

27. The connection terminal (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the reinforcement section (114) has an opening (118) through which an electrical conductor (2) can be guided when inserted into the insertion opening (100).