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 for connecting electrical conductors

Technical Field

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

Background

A terminal of this type comprises a housing with a plug opening into which an electrical conductor can be inserted in a plug direction for connection to the terminal. Contact elements are arranged on the housing for electrical contact with the electrical conductors. Furthermore, a spring element is arranged on the housing, which spring element has a clamping leg which is designed to act on the electrical conductor when the electrical conductor is inserted into the insertion opening, in order to bring the electrical conductor into contact with the contact element. The actuating element can be actuated by a user in order to adjust the clamping leg. For this purpose, the actuating element can be moved in the actuating direction from the unactuated position into the actuated position, for example, using a tool, in order to adjust the clamping leg in the actuated position, for example, in order to facilitate insertion of the electrical conductor into the insertion opening or in order to remove the electrical conductor from the insertion opening. In the actuating position, the actuating element is locked relative to the housing. The actuating element has a latching element which latches in an actuating position of the actuating element with a corresponding, cooperating latching element which is fixed in position relative to the housing.

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

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

In the connection terminal of DE 10 2019 127 464 B3, a locking device is provided, by means of which the clamping leg is locked in the release position relative to the housing. When the electrical line is inserted, the latching device is triggered and the latching is therefore released, so that the clamping leg is displaced from the release position and thereby clamps the electrical line with the contact element. In order to transfer the clamping leg into the release position, in particular in order to be able to attach or release the connected electrical conductor from the connection terminal, a tool, for example a screwdriver, can be attached to the connection terminal and a force can be applied to the clamping leg thereby.

In DE 10 2019 127 464 B3, the adjustment of the clamping legs takes place directly by means of a tool, whereas in the terminals known from DE 10 2019 135 203 A1 and DE 10 2020 104 140 A1, actuating elements in the form of so-called pushers (Pusher) are provided, respectively, which can be pressed into the housing of the terminal in order to act on the clamping legs in this way and to shift the clamping legs into their release positions. The actuating elements are each preloaded against the housing spring of the connection terminal via a tensioning spring in the form of a compression spring. In the connection terminal disclosed in DE 10 2019 135 203 A1, an actuating projection is provided on the actuating element, which actuating projection hooks onto a fastening section of the holding element in the actuating position of the actuating element.

Disclosure of Invention

The object of the invention is to provide a connection terminal which can be realized in a simple manner, in which the clamping leg of the spring element is held in the release position and is transferred into the clamping position when the electrical conductor is inserted.

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

The contact element thus has a surface section for electrical contact with the electrical conductor and a reinforcing section bent relative to the surface section, wherein the reinforcing section extends from the surface section in the direction of the mating latching element and bears against the at least one housing section.

In this connection, the electrical conductor is in electrical contact with the electrical contact element in that, when the electrical conductor is inserted into the insertion opening, the clamping leg acts on the electrical conductor and spring-loads the electrical conductor in the direction of contact with the contact element. In order to facilitate the insertion of the electrical conductors, the clamping leg of the spring element can be deflected elastically by actuating the actuating element in order to move the clamping leg in this way into a release position, in which the space inside the housing is released in the region of the insertion opening and thus the electrical conductors can be inserted into the insertion opening in a substantially weak manner or the connected electrical conductors can be removed from the connection terminal in a simple manner. The actuating element can be embodied, for example, in the form of a pusher and can be pressed into the housing by a user actuating it in order to act on the clamping leg in this way and displace the clamping leg in the direction of the release position.

The actuating element, which is arranged adjustably on the housing, is held in position relative to the housing in the actuating position in that it latches with the housing or with a component that is fixed in position relative to the housing, so that thereby 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 connection terminal or the connected conductor can be removed from the connection terminal in a substantially weak manner.

By virtue of the latching of the actuating element in the actuating position relative to the housing and the engagement of the latching element of the actuating element with the co-operating latching element fixed relative to the housing position, the electrical line can be connected to the connecting terminal in a simple manner when the actuating element is actuated and the clamping leg is correspondingly adjusted. The locking allows the terminal to be supplied in an open state, wherein the actuating element is in an actuating position, which results in the terminal being in an open state for a longer period of time if necessary, and thus the locking position of the actuating element remains unchanged for a longer period of time.

In order to counteract material fatigue on the housing material, the contact element has a reinforcing section which is bent relative to the surface section, extends from the surface section in the direction of the mating latching element, and butts against at least one housing section in a supporting manner. The surface section has a planar design and is used for electrically contacting the electrical line when the electrical line is inserted. When the conductor is connected to the connection terminal, the conductor is pressed against the surface section by the clamping leg of the spring element. The reinforcing section extends from the face section, wherein the reinforcing section extends from the face section in the direction of the mating latching element which is arranged fixedly relative to the housing in such a way that the reinforcing section reinforces the housing in the region in which the mating latching element is formed.

The contact element is in particular formed as a metal part, for example as a metal stamping curve. The reinforcing section is curved relative to the face section. The reinforcing section can be formed, for example, by a web or a planar wall section of the contact element, which is curved relative to the surface section, extends from the surface section in the direction of the mating latching element and on which the reinforcing section is formed.

The mating latching element can be formed, for example, by a section of the housing, for example, by a latching step on the housing.

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

The housing can be designed, for example, as a plastic part, for example as a plastic injection-molded part. Accordingly, the housing material is made of plastic. The reinforcement section of the contact element cooperates supportingly with one or more housing sections, the housing being reinforced in the region of the mating latching element, so that latching with the actuating element can also be maintained for a longer period of time and material fatigue on the housing, in particular in the region of the mating latching element, is counteracted.

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. The reinforcement distance is thus surrounded by the housing at least in sections on the sides facing away from each other.

Additionally or alternatively, the third housing section may enclose an end of the reinforcing section remote from the face section.

When viewed in the plugging direction, the first housing section is arranged, for example, above the reinforcing section, and the second housing section is arranged below the reinforcing section (when the plugging direction is assumed to be vertical), while the third housing section can, for example, enclose the end of the reinforcing section on the end side facing away from the face section, so that the reinforcing section is enclosed, for example, on three sides by the housing and is thus accommodated between the housing sections.

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

In one embodiment, the reinforcement section extends perpendicularly or obliquely to the surface section. The clamping leg of the spring element can pivot relative to the housing, for example, in a pivot plane which is open by the plugging direction and in a transverse direction perpendicular to the plugging direction. The surface section of the contact element can extend in the plugging direction, for example, in a planar manner, so that the inserted electrical conductor can be pressed by the clamping leg into surface contact with the surface section in order to electrically contact the electrical conductor with the contact element in this way. The reinforcing section can extend from the face section perpendicularly to the insertion direction, in particular in the transverse direction. In a further embodiment, the reinforcement section can extend from the face section obliquely to the insertion direction and obliquely to the transverse direction, wherein the reinforcement section is preferably oriented such that a spring force exerted by the clamping leg on the actuating element (in the actuating position) acts in the force direction, which is oriented approximately in the longitudinal extension direction of the reinforcement section and can thus advantageously be supported by the reinforcement section.

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

In one embodiment, the reinforcement section has a beam element which protrudes from the wall section and is in supporting abutment with the at least one housing section. The beam element may for example extend perpendicularly to the wall section and protrude relative to the wall section. The beam element is formed in one piece with the wall section and is, for example, bent relative to the wall section, for example, such that the beam element extends from the wall section substantially parallel to the face section.

The wall section can in particular extend along a plane which is oriented parallel to the adjustment plane of the clamping leg of the spring element and which is unfolded by the insertion direction and a transverse direction perpendicular to the insertion direction. The reinforcement of the housing is thus provided by the wall sections forming the reinforcement sections, in particular in lateral regions of the interior space of the housing, within which regions the actuating element can be adjusted for adjusting the clamping legs, and within which regions the actuating element is locked with the housing in the actuating position. The beam element preferably protrudes from the wall section toward a region on the housing in which the locking with the actuating element takes place, by means of which additional reinforcement can be provided in the position in which the mating locking element is formed and thus in the actuating position of the actuating element in the position in which the locking engagement between the actuating element and the mating locking element of the housing is present.

In one embodiment, the beam element itself may form the mating latch element by, for example, forming a step on the beam element for creating the mating latch element.

In a further embodiment, the beam element supports a section of the housing which is designed to engage the latching element, for example in that the beam element engages in a section of the housing on which the latching element is formed, for example, by a step and thus reinforces the section.

In one embodiment, the contact element has a base section which is curved relative to the face section and is spaced apart from the reinforcing section. The base section can extend from the face section perpendicular to the insertion direction and can be bent relative to the face section. The base section can, for example, limit an interior space of the housing into which an electrical line can be inserted for connection to the connection terminals, so that the electrical line can be introduced into the housing up to the base section.

For example, the reinforcing section is curved relative to the face section about a first bending axis, while the base section is curved relative to the face section about a second bending axis different from the first bending axis. The first bending axis and the second bending axis may be oriented parallel to one another (however spatially separated from one another) or perpendicular to one another. The first bending axis may be oriented, for example, perpendicular to the plugging direction or parallel to the plugging direction. The second bending axis is oriented, for example, perpendicular to the plugging direction. Thus, the first bending axis and the second bending axis may be oriented parallel to each other. However, the first bending axis and the second bending axis may also be perpendicular to each other.

In one configuration, the reinforcing section and the base section extend parallel to each other. The reinforcement section and the base section are connected to one another by a surface section and extend, for example, each perpendicularly to the insertion direction.

In one embodiment, the contact element has an end section which is curved relative to the surface section and on which a fastening opening is formed, which is snapped into the housing for fastening the contact element. The end section can extend, for example, obliquely to the insertion direction and thus be directed obliquely away from the face section. A fastening opening is formed in the end section, which fastening opening engages with a corresponding mating element of the housing in a latching manner, so that the contact element is thereby fastened relative to the housing. If the housing is open laterally, the fixing of the contact element in the housing can be achieved in such a way that the contact element does not come off from the housing at the lateral opening.

The end section may be formed at the transition between the face section and the reinforcing section. In this way, forces can also be introduced into the housing via the end sections, so that additional support of the housing is provided for withstanding incorrect forces acting in particular via the clamping legs.

In one embodiment, the connection terminal has a trigger element that can be adjusted relative to the housing. The trigger element is arranged in the actuating position of the actuating element in an initial position relative to the housing and can be adjusted from the initial position by interaction with the electrical line when the electrical line is inserted into the insertion opening, in order to release the actuating element from the actuating position.

The actuating element is arranged adjustably with respect to the housing for actuating the actuating element from the actuating position in order to automatically release the actuating element from the actuating position when the electrical conductor is inserted into the insertion opening and thus to transfer the clamping leg into the clamping position in which the electrical conductor inserted into the insertion opening is in electrical contact with the contact element of the connecting terminal. When the actuating element is in the actuating position, the triggering element is in an initial position relative to the housing. The trigger element can be moved out of the initial position by interaction with the inserted electrical line in order to thereby act on the actuating element and release the actuating element from the latch in the actuating position.

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

By adjusting the triggering element relative to the housing during insertion of the electrical conductor and thereby acting on the actuating element in order to release the latter from the locking in the actuating position, the connection terminal automatically closes during insertion of the electrical conductor. A simple connection process is achieved in the case of a reliable contact of the electrical conductors with the contact elements by the clamping action of the clamping legs.

In one embodiment, the actuating element has a first actuating section and the triggering element has a second actuating section. The actuating element is configured to act on the second actuating section via the first actuating section when the actuating element is moved into the actuating position, in order to return the triggering element into the initial position. The first adjusting section and the second adjusting section cooperate when the actuating element is moved from the unactuated position to the actuated position, in order to thereby reset the triggering element to the initial position which the triggering element occupies when the actuating element is in the actuated position and the electrical line is to be inserted onto the connecting terminal. By the adjustment section also co-acting when the actuating element is moved from the unactuated position into the actuated position, a separate resetting element, for example a mechanical spring, for resetting the triggering element into the initial position can be dispensed with if necessary. When the actuating element is set into the actuating position, a resetting of the triggering element into the initial position is effected by the actuating element.

The first adjusting section and/or the second adjusting section may extend, for example, obliquely to the insertion direction. In a further embodiment, the first adjusting section and/or the second adjusting section can be curved, for example, in a swivel plane in which the clamping leg can swivel.

In one embodiment, the triggering element is configured to act on the first actuating section with the second actuating section in order to release the actuating element from the actuating position. If the electrical line is inserted into the insertion opening of the housing and the actuating element is thus adjusted relative to the housing, the adjusting section on the actuating element impacts on the corresponding adjusting section on the actuating element and thus adjusts the actuating element, so that the latching element on the actuating element is disengaged from the corresponding counter latching element on the housing or on the component fixed in position relative to the housing and thus releases the actuating element from its latching in the actuating position.

The actuating direction can be directed, for example, along a plugging direction along which the electrical conductors are inserted into the plugging openings of the housing for connection to the connection terminals.

In one embodiment, the triggering element is designed to be used to adjust the actuating element relative to the housing in a transverse direction, which is oriented transversely to the insertion direction, in order to release the actuating element from the actuating position. In the actuating position, the actuating element is locked to the housing. The locking can be released by the actuating element being moved relative to the housing in a transverse direction oriented transversely to the insertion direction by an actuating movement caused by the triggering element on the actuating element, and thus being disengaged from the locking device on the housing. If the latch is released during insertion of the electrical line and thus adjustment of the triggering element, the actuating element is released from the actuating position and can be adjusted back into the unactuated position, wherein the resetting of the actuating element can be effected automatically, for example, by a spring pretension caused by the clamping leg.

In order to move the actuating element in a transverse direction relative to the housing, the actuating element may be tilted in the housing by a (small) tilt angle, for example. The triggering element is designed to tilt the actuating element relative to the housing for release from the actuating position. If the electrical line is applied to 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 a 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, by the insertion direction and the transverse direction. The triggering element is designed to tilt the actuating element in the pivot plane relative to the housing for release from the actuating position, for example, in such a way that a tilting movement of the actuating element is achieved in order to release the latch against a spring pretension of the clamping leg on the actuating element.

In one embodiment, the first adjustment section and/or the second adjustment section are formed inclined with respect to the plugging direction and the transverse direction or curved in a plane which is unfolded by the plugging direction and the transverse direction.

In one embodiment, the triggering element has a third actuating section. The housing or a component fixed in position relative to the housing, for example a contact element, has a fourth adjusting section. The triggering element is arranged on the housing in an adjustable manner such that, when an adjustment is effected by inserting an electrical line, the triggering element slides with the third adjustment section on the fourth adjustment section and is thereby adjusted in the adjustment direction and in addition in the transverse direction relative to the housing. The third and fourth actuating sections thus guide the triggering element relative to the housing, so that, when the adjustment is carried out from the initial position, the triggering element performs a superimposed movement in the insertion direction and in a transverse direction directed transversely to the insertion direction.

The third adjusting section and/or the fourth adjusting section can extend, for example, obliquely to the insertion direction and the transverse direction, respectively, or can be bent in a plane which is developed through the insertion direction and the transverse direction. This produces a movement path along which the triggering element is adjusted with a movement vector component along the plugging direction and with a further movement vector component transverse to the plugging direction in the case of an adjustment.

In one embodiment, when the actuating element is moved into the actuating position, the trigger element is guided in a sliding manner via the third actuating section on the fourth actuating section, so that the trigger element is returned into the initial position counter to the insertion direction and counter to the transverse direction. The third and fourth adjustment sections guide movement of the trigger element relative to the housing when moved out of the initial position. The third adjusting section and the fourth adjusting section also cooperate when the triggering element is reset in the direction of the initial position, so that when the actuating element is actuated in order to shift the actuating element into the actuating position, the triggering element is moved back into the initial position in a guided manner, without a separate pre-tensioning element on the triggering element being required for this purpose.

In one embodiment, the housing defines a receiving space into which the electrical line can be introduced by insertion into the insertion opening. The triggering element is arranged in the receiving space for interaction with the electrical line and can be adjusted from an initial position relative to the housing by interaction with the electrical line. The triggering element can slide or pivot relative to the housing.

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

In one embodiment, the triggering element is arranged pivotably on the housing and has a triggering leg which, in the initial position, extends transversely to the insertion direction in the receiving space. The trigger leg extends into the region of the receiving space aligned with the insertion opening, so that, when the electrical line is inserted, the line contacts the trigger leg and thereby swings the trigger element relative to the housing. Thus, when the electrical line is inserted, the triggering element is moved out of the initial position and thereby acts on the actuating element in order to unlock the actuating element from the housing.

In one embodiment, the spring element is configured as a tension spring. In this case, the clamping leg of the spring element is designed to pull the electrical conductor against the contact element by means of a spring force. For this purpose, for example, openings can be formed in the clamping legs, through which the electrical conductors can be passed when they are inserted into the insertion openings of the housing, in order to pull the electrical conductors into clamping contact with the contact elements after the clamping legs are triggered from the release position.

Alternatively, the spring element may be configured as a compression spring. In this case, the clamping leg is designed to push the piezoelectric wire against the contact element by means of a spring force. When inserted into the insertion opening, the electrical conductor reaches into 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 relative to the housing into a release position by actuation of the actuating element and is held relative to the housing in the release position by the actuating element. The clamping leg is thus locked in the release position relative to the housing, 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 means of which the spring element is supported on the housing and held in position on the housing. The clamping leg can be elastically deflected 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 is moved out of the release position in an elastically pretensioned manner after being released from the release position.

In one embodiment, the reinforcement section points from the surface section in the direction of the clamping leg. The spring element can be shaped, for example, such that the clamping leg is connected to the support leg by a connecting section, wherein the clamping leg can pivot relative to the support leg in a pivot plane which is developed by the insertion direction and the transverse direction and can thus be deflected elastically. The connecting section encloses the housing section, for example, and defines a pivot point for the clamping leg, for example. The connection section is arranged, for example, above the clamping leg and the support leg, viewed in the plugging direction (if the plugging direction is assumed to be vertical), so that the clamping leg and the support leg extend downwards from the connection section. The reinforcement section is preferably arranged above the clamping leg (and the support leg) in such a way that, for example, the insertion opening is located on one side of the reinforcement section and one end of the clamping leg is located on the other side of the reinforcement section facing away from this side. For example, the reinforcement section may be arranged approximately at the level of the pivot point of the clamping leg.

In one embodiment, the reinforcement section has an opening through which the electrical line can be inserted when inserted into the insertion opening and thus when inserted onto the connection terminal. The openings can be formed, for example, between webs extending parallel to one another, which form the reinforcing section and are curved relative to the surface section, wherein in this case the openings are not closed, for example, in the circumferential direction. In a further embodiment, the openings are formed in the reinforcing section in a circumferentially closed manner.

Drawings

The idea underlying the invention is explained in detail below with the aid of an embodiment shown in the drawings. The drawings show:

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

fig. 1B shows a front view of the connection terminal;

FIG. 1C shows a perspective view of the terminal according to FIG. 1A cut away to illustrate the section;

fig. 1D shows a perspective view of a connection terminal;

FIG. 2A shows a cross-sectional view of the terminal during insertion of an electrical lead;

fig. 2B shows a front view of the connection terminal;

fig. 2C shows a perspective view of the connection terminal according to fig. 2A cut away in order to illustrate the section;

fig. 2D shows a perspective view of the connection terminal;

Fig. 3A shows a sectional view of a first exemplary embodiment of a connection terminal when an electrical line is plugged in;

fig. 3B shows a front view of the connection terminal;

FIG. 3C shows a perspective view of the terminal according to FIG. 3A cut away to illustrate the section;

fig. 3D shows a perspective view of the connection terminal;

Fig. 4 shows an individual view of the contact element of the connection terminal;

Fig. 5A shows a view of the connection terminal according to fig. 1B;

FIG. 5B shows a cross-sectional view along line I-I of FIG. 5A;

FIG. 6A shows a front view of another embodiment of a wire connection terminal;

fig. 6B shows a perspective view of the connection terminal;

fig. 7 shows an individual view of the contact element of the connection terminal according to fig. 6A, 6B;

fig. 8A shows a front view of yet another embodiment of a wire connection terminal;

Fig. 8B shows a perspective view of the connection terminal;

fig. 9 shows an individual view of the contact element of the connection terminal according to fig. 8A, 8B;

FIG. 10A shows a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a wire connection terminal;

Fig. 10B shows a perspective view of the connection terminal;

Fig. 11 shows an individual view of the contact element of the connection terminal according to fig. 10A, 10B;

Fig. 12A shows a front view of still another embodiment of the connection terminal;

Fig. 12B shows a perspective view of the connection terminal;

fig. 13 shows an individual view of the contact element of the connection terminal according to fig. 12A, 12B;

fig. 14A shows a view of the connection terminal in the non-actuated position of the actuating element according to a further embodiment, without the housing;

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

fig. 15A shows a side view of the connection terminal in the non-actuated position according to fig. 14A, with the housing enclosed;

fig. 15B shows a side view of the connection terminal in the actuating position according to fig. 14B with the housing enclosed;

Fig. 16A shows a sectional view of the connection terminal in the non-actuated position according to fig. 14A;

fig. 16B shows a sectional view of the connection terminal in the actuating position according to fig. 14B;

fig. 17A shows a view of a connection terminal according to another embodiment, wherein the actuating element is in the non-actuated position without the housing;

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

Fig. 18A shows a side view of the connection terminal in the non-actuated position according to fig. 17A, with the housing enclosed;

fig. 18 shows a side view of the connection terminal in the actuating position according to fig. 17B with the housing enclosed;

fig. 19A shows a sectional view of the connection terminal in the non-actuated position according to fig. 17A;

Fig. 19B shows a sectional view of the connection terminal in the actuating position according to fig. 17B;

Fig. 20A shows a view of the connection terminal in the non-actuated position of the actuating element according to a further embodiment, without the housing;

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

Fig. 21A shows a side view of the connection terminal in the non-actuated position according to fig. 20A, with the housing enclosed;

Fig. 21B shows a side view of the connection terminal in the actuating position according to fig. 20B, with the housing enclosed;

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

Fig. 22B shows a sectional view of the connection terminal in the actuating position according to fig. 20B.

Detailed Description

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

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

The spring element 12 has a support leg 121 which is connected to the clamping leg 120 by a curved intermediate section 122 and is supported jointly with the intermediate section 122 on the housing section 103 of the housing 10, so that the spring element 12 is fastened to the housing 10 by means of it and is fastened relative to the housing 10. The clamping leg 120 can be deflected elastically relative to the support leg 121, in particular in such a way that the clamping leg 120, in the clamping position shown in fig. 3A to 3D, acts clampingly on the electrical conductor 2 connected to the connection terminal 1 and presses the electrical conductor into contact with the face section 110 of the contact element 11 under elastic pretension and thus brings the electrical conductor 2 into electrical contact with the contact element 11 via its conductor end 20.

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

The actuating element 14 has a head 140 which can be accessed from outside the housing 10 via the actuating opening 102 and can thus be actuated by a user, for example, using a tool. Extending from the head 140 is a rod 141 for acting on the spring element 12 to adjust the clamping leg 120. For this purpose, in the exemplary embodiment shown, an actuating section 147 is formed on the lever 141, with which the actuating element 14 acts on the clamping leg 120 of the spring element 12 when being adjusted to the actuating position and moves it into the release position.

In the actuating position of the actuating element 14, as shown in fig. 1A to 1D, the actuating section 147 abuts the clamping leg 120, as can be seen, for example, from fig. 1A, 1B, and thereby holds the clamping leg 120 in the release position.

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

By latching with the housing, the actuating element 14 holds the clamping leg 120 of the spring element 12 in the release position and thus at a distance from the surface section 110 of the contact element 11, so that the electrical conductor 2 can be inserted in a substantially weak manner into the plug-in opening 100 in the plug-in direction E and thus connected to the connection terminal 1. In the release 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 remains in the latching position under the pretension of the clamping leg 120.

An end 142 is formed on the lever 141, which end forms an actuating section 145 by means of which the actuating element 14 interacts with the triggering element 13 of the connection terminal 1. Between the end 142 and the active section 147, the lever forms an opening 146 through which the clamping leg 120 of the spring element 12 passes.

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

In the 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 actuating section 134 in the form of a beveled edge, which cooperates with a corresponding actuating section 107 in the form of a beveled edge on the housing 10.

The triggering element 13 serves to interact with the electrical conductor 2 inserted into the insertion opening 100 in order to automatically connect the electrical conductor 2 to the connection terminal 1 when the clamping leg 120 is triggered. If the actuating element 14 is in the actuating position according to fig. 1A to 1D, the triggering element 13 assumes the initial position which is visible in fig. 1A to 1D and in which the actuating sections 133, 145 of the triggering element 13 and of the actuating element 14 rest against one another. The actuating sections 133, 145 are each inclined obliquely (in the plane which opens out by the actuating direction B and the transverse direction Q, corresponding to the section according to fig. 1A) and engage one another in the initial position, so that the actuating element 14 which is locked relative to the housing 10 by the locking element 143 holds the triggering element 13 in position.

If, with the actuating element 14 in the actuating position, the electrical conductors are connected to the connection terminal 1 by inserting the conductors into the insertion opening 100 and striking the box-shaped actuating element 13 in the insertion direction E, the actuating element 13 is adjusted in the insertion direction E and, furthermore, transversely in the transverse direction Q relative to the housing 10 by the actuating section 134 of the actuating element 13 striking the corresponding actuating section 107 on the housing 10 and being adjusted in the housing 10 by the oblique extension of the actuating sections 107, 134, as can be seen from fig. 2A to 2D.

When adjusting the triggering element 13, the adjusting section 133 of the triggering element 13 formed on the edge facing away from the adjusting section 134 slides along a corresponding adjusting section 145 on the lever 141 of the actuating element 14, which extends obliquely to the actuating direction B, and thus adjusts the actuating element 14 in the transverse direction Q by tilting, so that the latching element 143 is disengaged from the corresponding counter latching element 104 on the housing 10, and thus the latching of the actuating element 14 to the housing 10 is canceled.

If the locking of the actuating element 14 is released by the triggering of the triggering element 13, the actuating element 14 is displaced relative to the housing 10 against the actuating direction B due to the spring pretensioning of the clamping leg 120, as is shown in fig. 3A to 3D. The actuating element 14 thus slides upwards in the actuating opening 102 and the clamping leg 120 abuts against the conductor end 20 and presses it into contact with the face section 110 of the contact element 12, as can be seen from the sectional views according to fig. 3A and 3C.

By the actuating element 14 abutting, for example, against the abutment edge 106 on the housing via the latching element 143, the actuating element 14 is prevented from sliding out of the actuating opening 102, as can be seen from fig. 3A and 3C.

Since the actuating element 14 is automatically moved out of the actuating position after the release of the holding, as a result of the spring pretensioning of the clamping leg 120, the user can safely and reliably recognize that the connection terminal 1 has been triggered and that the electrical conductor 2 is thus connected to the connection terminal 1. Thus reducing the risk of incorrect maneuvers.

If the connected electrical conductor is to be released again, the actuating element 14 is transferred back into the actuating position according to fig. 1A to 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 into the initial position according to fig. 1A to 1D. As a result of 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 against the transverse direction Q and against the insertion direction E, and thus assumes the initial position according to fig. 1A to 1D again when the actuating element 14 is actuated.

The resetting of the triggering element 13 is thus automatically carried out when the actuating element 14 is actuated, without a pretension on the triggering element 13 being required for this purpose, for example by means of a return spring.

In the exemplary embodiment shown, the contact element 11 has a surface section 110, as can be seen from the individual illustration of the contact element 11 according to fig. 4, against which the electrical conductor 2 is pressed after connection to the connection terminal 1, so that the conductor 2 is electrically connected to the connection terminal 1. The base section 111 is bent relative to the surface section 110, the base section 111 forming the base of the connection terminal 1 and defining the interior 101 in the housing 10 along the insertion direction E. Extending from the base section 111 is a tab-like fastening element 115 which provides fastening in the housing 10 by the base section 111.

In the exemplary embodiment shown, the reinforcement section 114 is bent relative to the surface section 110, which serves to reinforce the housing 10, in particular in the region of the mating latching element 104. In this way, the reinforcement section 114 extends from the face section 110 transversely to the insertion direction E in the transverse direction Q toward the mating latching element 104 and is inserted between the housing sections 105, 108 of the housing 10 in that the first housing section 105 is arranged above the reinforcement section 114 (as viewed in the insertion 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 reinforcing section 114 and accommodate the reinforcing section 114 between them, so that the housing 10 is locally reinforced by the reinforcing section 114 in the region of the mating latching element 104.

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

In the transition region between the face section 110 and the reinforcement section 114, an end section 112 is formed, which is disposed obliquely to the insertion direction E and obliquely to the transverse direction Q and forms a fastening opening 113. The corresponding mating element of the housing 10 engages into the fixing opening 113, so that the contact element 11 is thereby snapped into the housing 10 and, in the case of a lateral opening of the housing 10, as in the illustrated embodiment, the contact element 11 does not come off laterally (in a depth direction perpendicular to the plugging direction E and the transverse direction Q) from the housing 10, as can be seen from the views according to fig. 5A, 5B.

The end sections 112 are also accommodated in the housing 10 such that the end sections 112 are inserted between the housing walls. Additional support and force introduction between the housing 10 and the contact element 11 can be provided by the end section 112.

The force is absorbed and supported by the reinforcing section 114, in particular in the region of the housing 10 which engages the latching element 104. If the actuating element 14 is in the actuating position according to fig. 1A to 1D, the deflected clamping leg 120 acts pretensioned on the actuating element 14 and presses the actuating element 14 into engagement with the mating latching element 104. In order to suppress material fatigue on the housing 10, in particular in the region of the mating latching element 104, the reinforcement section 114 extends from the face section 110 in the direction of the mating latching element 104 and provides support in the region of the mating latching 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 curved relative to the face section 110 about a first bending axis B1, wherein the end section 112 is also curved relative to the face section 110 about the first bending axis B1. The reinforcement section 114 extends as a web relative to the face section 110 and parallel to the base section 111, wherein the base section 111 is bent relative to the face section 110 about a second bending axis B2, which second bending axis B2 extends in the plugging direction E spaced apart from the first bending axis B1 but parallel to the first bending axis B1.

In the exemplary embodiment of fig. 1A to fig. 5A, 5B, the reinforcement section 114 extends toward the mating latching element 104 and is exposed at its end face end.

In contrast, in the further exemplary embodiments shown in fig. 6A, 6B and 7, the reinforcement section 114 is surrounded at its end facing away from the face section 110 by a further third housing section 109, which surrounds the facing away end and thus in the plane which is developed by the plugging direction E and the transverse direction Q.

Otherwise, the embodiments according to fig. 6A, 6B and 7 are identical to the embodiments according to fig. 1A to 1D to 5A, 5B, so that reference should be made to the previous description for this.

In yet another embodiment shown in fig. 8A, 8B and 9, the reinforcing section 114 is formed on a wall section 116 that is curved about a curved axis B1 relative to the face section 110. The bending axis B1 is oriented in the insertion direction E and perpendicular to the bending axis B2, about which bending axis B2 the base section 111 is bent relative to the face section 110.

In the illustrated embodiment, the reinforcing section 114 is formed by an upper edge section of the wall section 116. The first housing section 105 (with respect to the insertion direction E, which is assumed to be the vertical direction) is arranged 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 thereby embedded on the housing 10 and forces can be absorbed and dissipated on the reinforcement section 114.

Furthermore, the embodiment according to fig. 8A, 8B and 9 is functionally identical again to the embodiment according to fig. 1A to 1D to 5A, 5B, so that reference should be made to the above description for this.

In a still further embodiment shown in fig. 10A, 10B and 11, the reinforcing section 114 of the contact element 11 is bent relative to the face section 110 about a bending axis B1, which bending axis B1 is oriented parallel to the bending axis B2, and the base section 111 is bent relative to the face section 110 about this bending axis B2. An opening 118 is formed in the reinforcement section 114, through which the electrical line passes when inserted into the insertion opening 100 of the housing, in order to guide the conductor end of the line into the region of the clamping leg 120 of the spring element 12 and thus connect the line to the connection terminal 1. The reinforcement section 114 in turn serves to support the housing 10, in particular in the region of the mating latching element 104, so that load forces can be absorbed and dissipated, in particular in the region of the mating latching element 104.

The embodiment according to fig. 10A, 10B and 11 is otherwise functionally identical to the embodiment according to fig. 1A to 1D to 5A, 5B, so that reference should be made to the above description for this.

In a further embodiment shown in fig. 12A, 12B and 13, the reinforcing section 114 is formed by two webs extending parallel to one another, which are inclined to the face section 110 and are bent relative to the face section 110 about a bending axis B1. The bending axis B1 is oriented parallel to the bending axis B2, about which bending axis B2 the base section 111 is bent relative to the face section 110.

An opening 118 is formed between the tabs constituting the reinforcing section 114, which opening is open as seen in the transverse direction Q. When the electrical conductor is connected to the connection terminal 1, the electrical conductor can be inserted into the opening 118 and thus between the webs of the reinforcing section 114.

By placing the webs forming the reinforcement section 114 obliquely to the insertion direction E and obliquely to the transverse direction Q and pointing toward the clamping leg 120 in this case, the spring force of the clamping leg 120 can advantageously be absorbed and dissipated at the end of the webs of the reinforcement section 114 remote from the surface section 110. By being placed obliquely, the webs of the reinforcement section 114 are in particular oriented relative to the actuating element 14 and the clamping leg 120 in such a way that the loading forces act approximately in the longitudinal extension direction of the webs of the reinforcement section 114. The reinforcement section 114 is thus substantially loaded in the (oblique) longitudinal extension direction, but not transversely thereto, so that the bending load on the bending axis B1 is small.

The examples according to fig. 12A, 12B and 13 are functionally identical to the examples according to fig. 1A to 1D to 5A, 5B, so that reference should be made to the above-described embodiments for this purpose.

In a further exemplary embodiment shown in fig. 14A, 14B to 16A, 16B, the connection terminal 1 has a housing 10, which housing 10 forms a plug opening 100 for inserting the electrical conductor 2 in the 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 making electrical contact with the inserted electrical conductor 2. The spring element 12 has a support leg 121 supported on the housing 10 and a clamping leg 120 which is elastically adjustable relative to the support leg 121. For connecting the electrical conductors 2, the electrical conductors 2 can be introduced into the receiving space 101 inside the housing 10 via the insertion opening 100 and pressed in the receiving space 101 by the clamping legs 120 of the spring element 12 against the surface sections 110 of the contact element 11 and thereby come into electrical contact with the contact element 11 and are mechanically locked to the connection terminal 1.

The terminal 1 comprises a handling element 14 forming a head 140 and a stem 141 extending from the head 140. An opening 146 is formed in 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 along the actuating direction B between an unactuated position (fig. 14A, 15A and 16A) and an actuated position (fig. 14B, 15B and 16B) and acts on the clamping leg 120 here via an actuating section 147 above the opening 146 of the lever 141 in order to displace the clamping leg from the clamping position into a release position when adjusted in the direction of the actuating position, in which the region within the receiving space 101 aligned with the insertion opening 100 along the insertion direction E is released by the clamping leg 120, so that the electrical conductor 2 can be inserted into the insertion opening 100 and connected to the connection terminal 1 in a substantially force-free manner.

On the lever 141, latching elements 143, 144 are formed, which are designed to latch with the cooperating latching elements 104, which are fixed in position relative to the housing 10. In the unactuated position, actuating element 14 engages mating latching element 104 via latching element 144, as can be seen in fig. 14A, 15A, 16A. In contrast, in the actuating position, the latching element 143 engages in latching fashion with the counter latching element 104, as can be seen from fig. 14B, 15B and 16B, so that the actuating element 14 is thereby latched in the actuating position relative to the housing 10.

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 exemplary embodiment shown, the connection terminal 1 has a trigger element 13 which is mounted on the housing 10 by means of a bearing shaft 131 in a pivotable manner and forms a trigger leg 130 which extends essentially perpendicularly to the plug-in direction E and in the process protrudes 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 fig. 16A, 16B.

As can be seen from fig. 14A and 14B, the triggering element 13 has an opening 132 in the region of the triggering leg 130, into which a lever 141 of the operating element 14 engages with an end 142 when the operating element 14 is in the operating position. In this case, the adjustment section 145 at the end 142 of the lever 141 is located in the region of the adjustment section 133 of the triggering element 13.

During insertion, the electrical line 2 acts on the trigger leg 130 of the trigger element 13 and thus swings the trigger element 13 about the bearing shaft 131. The triggering element 13 thus acts with the adjusting section 133 on the adjusting section 145 on the end 142 of the lever 141 of the actuating element 14 and tilts the actuating element 14 in the housing 10, so that the lever 141 is moved essentially in the transverse direction Q relative to the housing 10 and the latching element 143 is thereby disengaged from the mating latching element 104 of the housing 10. The locking of the actuating element 14 is thus automatically released when the electrical conductor 2 is inserted, so that the actuating element 14 is released from the actuating position and, as a result, the clamping leg 120 is no longer held in the release position. As a result, the clamping leg 120 is moved 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 connection terminal 1.

If the connected electrical conductor 2 should be released again from the connection terminal 1, the actuating element 14 can be pressed into the housing 10 in the actuating direction B and moved from the unactuated position (fig. 16A) into the actuated position (fig. 16B) in order to transfer the clamping leg 120 into the release position and thus release the electrical conductor 2.

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

In the illustrated embodiment, 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 latching element 104 and butts against the housing sections 105, 105A in a supporting manner (see fig. 16A and 16B), so that the housing 10 is supported and reinforced via the beam element 114A in a position in which latching with the actuating element 14 is established in both the actuated position (fig. 16B) and the non-actuated position (fig. 16A).

By the housing 10 being supported 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 mating latching element 104 is formed by an edge on the beam element 114A, wherein the beam element 114A butts against the wall sections 105, 105A of the housing 10 in a supporting manner and thus reinforces the housing 10. Thus, material fatigue of the housing 10 is counteracted, in particular at the point where the locking with the actuating element 14 is established.

In the illustrated embodiment, the wall section 116 with the reinforcing section 114 formed thereon extends laterally of the housing 10 and is bent relative to the face section 110 about a bending axis B1. The wall section 116 with the reinforcement section 114 formed thereon is perpendicular to the surface section 110, to which the inserted electrical line 2 can be electrically contacted by the clamping leg 120, wherein the beam element 114A of the reinforcement section 114 extends from the wall section 116 into the housing 10 and is oriented parallel to the surface section 110.

The base section 111 of the contact element 11 is bent in the illustrated embodiment about a bending axis B4 relative to the wall section 116.

In a further exemplary embodiment shown in fig. 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 rests supportingly against the housing section 105 of the housing 10, wherein the mating latching 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.

Furthermore, the embodiments according to fig. 17A, 17B to 19A, 19B are functionally identical to the embodiments according to fig. 14A, 14B to 16A, 16B, so that reference should also be made to the previous explanations.

In the further exemplary embodiment shown in fig. 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 adjoins 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 the mating latching element 104 formed by the beam element 114A via the latching element 144, as can be seen in fig. 22A. In contrast, in the actuating position, the latching element 143 engages latching element 104 of the beam element 114A in a latching manner, so that the actuating element 14 is thereby latched in the actuating position relative to the housing 10. The beam element 114A here provides a supporting reinforcement on the housing 10 by its abutment and insertion onto the housing sections 105, 105A.

In addition, the embodiments according to fig. 20A, 20B to 22A, 22B are functionally identical to the embodiments according to fig. 14A, 14B to 16A, 16B, so that reference should be made to the description thereof.

The idea on which the invention is based is not limited to the embodiments described above but can also be implemented in other ways.

The triggering element can be mounted on the housing or on a component that is stationary relative to the housing via a bearing shaft in a pivotable manner.

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 pretensioning element which pretensions the actuating element against the actuating direction in the direction of the unactuated position relative to the housing. Such a pretensioning element may be configured, for example, by a compression spring or other mechanical spring.

Description of the reference numerals

1. Connecting terminal

10. Shell body

100. Plug-in opening

101. Accommodation space

102. Manipulation opening

103. Housing section

104. Latch element

105. 105A housing section

106. Contact edge

107. Adjustment section

108. Housing section

109. Housing section

11. Contact element (Current strip)

110. Face section

111. Base section

112. End section

113. Fixed opening

114. Reinforcing section (tab)

114A beam element

115. Fixing element

116. Wall section

117. Concave part

118. An opening

12. Clamping spring

120. Clamping leg

121. Supporting leg

122. Intermediate section

13. Trigger element

130. Trigger leg

131. Supporting axle

132. An opening

133. Adjustment section

134. Adjustment section

14. Actuating element

140. Head part

141. Rod

142. End portion

143. Latch element

144. Latch element

145. Adjustment section

146. An opening

147. Action section

2. Conducting wire

20. Conductor end

B steering direction

Axis of bending of B1-B4

E direction of insertion

Q transverse 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).