DE102018129948A1 - Spring clamp for connecting conductors - Google Patents

Abstract

Spring-loaded terminal for connecting conductors, - with a clamping mechanism (4, 54), which is set up for resiliently pressing a conductor (44) against a current-conducting element (6), - with a housing (8), on which the clamping mechanism (4, 54) is fastened, characterized by - a locking device (14) which has a locking element (16), - the locking element (16) being movable into a first position in which the clamping mechanism (4, 54) is positively connected to the housing ( 8) is fixed, - the locking element (16) being movable into a second position in which the clamping mechanism (4, 54) is displaceable and / or pivotable relative to the housing (8) in order to provide a clamping area (17, 52) Introduce a conductor to enlarge.

Description

The invention relates to a spring-loaded terminal for connecting conductors, with a clamping mechanism which is set up for resiliently pressing a conductor against a current-conducting element and with a housing to which the clamping mechanism is fastened.

Spring clips are used to connect electrical conductors in a simple and reliable manner in an electrically conductive and detachable manner. Known spring-loaded terminals have the disadvantage that a respective insertion opening, into which a conductor to be connected has to be inserted in order to brace it in an assigned clamping area with the aid of the clamping mechanism, can only be opened to a limited extent. In the case of a clamping mechanism that is designed to accommodate different conductor cross sections, the maximum opening method corresponds to the maximum stroke of the respective movable clamping element assigned to a clamping area. Furthermore, the insertion of a conductor is limited to an essentially straight insertion movement into the clamping area.

Against this background, the present invention is based on the technical problem of specifying a spring-loaded terminal of the type mentioned at the outset, which does not have the disadvantages described above, or at least to a lesser extent, and in particular enables a simplified conductor assembly.

The technical problem described above is solved by a spring-loaded terminal according to claim 1. Further developments of the invention result from the dependent claims and the description below.

The invention relates to a spring-loaded terminal for connecting conductors, with a clamping mechanism that is set up for resiliently pressing a conductor against a current-conducting element, with a housing to which the clamping mechanism is attached. The spring-loaded terminal has a locking device which has a locking element, the locking element being movable into a first position in which the clamping mechanism is positively fixed to the housing, the locking element being movable into a second position in which the clamping mechanism is displaceable relative to the housing and / or is pivotable in order to enlarge a clamping area for inserting a conductor.

The clamping mechanism can therefore in particular be decoupled from the housing in order to enlarge an opening width of a clamping area. In addition to a linear or purely translatory insertion movement, a pivoting or insertion of a conductor into the clamping area can thus be made possible. In this way, deformation of a conductor end during insertion into the clamping area can be avoided. So far e.g. If a conductor core with a large number of strands is to be inserted into the clamping area in a purely translatory manner, a circumferential or end abutting of the conductor end on the housing can cause a deformation or fanning out of the individual strands of the conductor core, which can impair contacting of the conductor end within the spring-loaded terminal. The insertion or pivoting of the conductor core, which is made possible by the enlarged opening, can prevent the individual strands from being deformed or fanned out in the region of the conductor end.

For example, it can be provided that an opening width of an insertion opening is greater than or equal to 1.25 times the conductor cross section of a conductor cross section that can be clamped in the clamping area. In other words, this means that a maximum adjustable clamping height of the clamping area is smaller than the maximum opening width of the clamping area, the maximum opening width of the clamping area being adjustable, provided the locking device is in the second position.

It can further be provided that an opening width of an insertion opening is greater than or equal to 1.5 times the conductor cross-section of a conductor cross-section that can be clamped in the clamping area.

It can further be provided that an opening width of an insertion opening has greater than or equal to twice the conductor cross-section of a conductor cross-section that can be clamped at most in the clamping area.

According to a further embodiment it is provided that the clamping mechanism has an actuating element which is set up for transferring the locking element from the first to the second position. This can be an actuating element which can be locked on the housing and which can be moved in particular by hand and / or with the aid of a screwdriver, in which case the screwdriver is used as a lever and can be inserted into an opening in the actuating element.

The actuating element can be set up to clamp the clamping mechanism against a conductor to be fixed on the spring-loaded terminal and to be contacted.

According to a further embodiment of the invention it is provided that the Locking element is coupled to an unlocking slide which is set up for transferring the locking element from the first to the second position, the actuating element being pivotable about an axis in order to actuate the unlocking slide. A simple actuation of the locking element can thus be achieved, the unlocking slide serving to bridge a distance between the actuating element and the locking element.

In order to enable a simple fixing of the clamping mechanism (first position of the locking element) to the housing and also a simple decoupling of the clamping mechanism (second position of the locking element), the locking element can have a detent according to a further embodiment of the spring-loaded terminal, which in the first position of the Locking element bears against an associated stop of the housing. In the second position, the latch is objected to the stop.

The locking element can be rotatable about an axis of rotation from the first position to the second position in order to bring about a reliable and rapid unlocking.

In order to enable a defined, guided relative movement of the clamping mechanism relative to the housing, according to a further embodiment of the invention, a link guide is formed between the clamping mechanism and the housing, the clamping mechanism being displaceable and / or pivotable along at least one groove.

The groove can have straight and curved sections. A pin of the clamping mechanism can be guided in the groove.

A section of the groove assigned to the clamping region can be extended essentially in a straight line in order to enable a straight-line lifting off from a conductor end or a straight-line placement on a conductor end.

A section of the groove facing away from the clamping region can be curved at least in sections in order to enable the clamping mechanism to be tilted or pivoted relative to the housing.

An at least sectionally straight holding area of the groove can be connected to the section of the groove facing away from the clamping area, which allows the clamping mechanism to be automatically held in a decoupled open position.

The link guide can have a second groove, which in particular runs at least in sections parallel to the first groove.

The clamping mechanism can be designed as a slide or module with side walls, the side walls of the clamping mechanism being designed for fastening movable elements of the clamping mechanism and for delimiting the movable elements from the housing.

A mandrel can be arranged on a respective side wall of the clamping mechanism, which is received in an associated groove of the link guide formed on the housing in order to specify a movement of the slide or of the module along the groove.

According to a further embodiment of the spring-loaded terminal, the clamping mechanism has a movable clamping element which is set up for resiliently pressing a conductor against a current-conducting element.

Such a current-conducting element is used in particular for the electrically conductive connection of a conductor accommodated in the clamping region to a further conductor accommodated in a further clamping region.

It can be provided that the clamping element is part of a toggle lever mechanism of the clamping mechanism. The toggle lever mechanism allows a variable clamping height to be provided to accommodate different conductor cross-sections with a compact design.

For example, it can be provided that pivoting of the actuating element already described above is converted into movement and / or tensioning of the clamping element. Accordingly, the actuating element can be configured to unlock the locking element in a first position and to clamp the clamping element in a second position against a conductor to be clamped and contacted, in which the conductor in question is pressed or pressed onto a current-conducting element.

The clamping element can be moved along the linear mechanism in an essentially at least sectionally linear stroke movement along the clamping mechanism. The linear guide is particularly part of the toggle mechanism.

• 1A eine erfindungsgemäße Federkraftklemme in einer perspektivischen Ansicht von oben mit einem Schraubendreher;
• 1B eine Einzelheit der Federkraftklemme aus 1A in einer Seitenansicht ohne den Schraubendreher;
• 2A die Federkraftklemme aus 1A in einer perspektivischen Ansicht von oben mit verschwenktem Betätigungselement;
• 2B eine Einzelheit der Federkraftklemme aus 2A mit verschwenktem Betätigungselement ohne den Schraubendreher;
• 3A die Federkraftklemme aus 1A in einer perspektivischen Ansicht von oben mit vom Gehäuse entkoppelter und aus dem Gehäuse ausgerückter Klemmmechanik;
• 3B die Federkraftklemme aus 3A unter Ausblendung einzelner Gehäuseteile;
• 4A die Federkraftklemme aus 1A mit der vom Gehäuse entkoppelten Klemmmechanik in einer aus dem Gehäuse ausgerückten und zu dem Gehäuse geschwenkten Position;
• 4B die Federkraftklemmen aus 4A unter Ausblendung einzelner Gehäuseteile;
• 5 ein Einschwenken bzw. Einlegen eines anzuklemmenden Leiters in die Federkraftklemmen gemäß 4A.

Alternatively or in addition, the clamping element is coupled to a tension spring and is set up to set a clamping height limited between a current-conducting element and the clamping element. So the spring clamp can Recording different conductor cross sections can be adjusted. The invention is described in more detail below with the aid of a drawing showing exemplary embodiments. Each shows schematically:

• 1A an inventive spring clip in a perspective view from above with a screwdriver;
• 1B a detail of the spring clamp 1A in a side view without the screwdriver;
• 2A the spring clamp 1A in a perspective view from above with pivoted actuator;
• 2 B a detail of the spring clamp 2A with pivoted actuator without the screwdriver;
• 3A the spring clamp 1A in a perspective view from above with the clamping mechanism decoupled from the housing and disengaged from the housing;
• 3B the spring clamp 3A hiding individual housing parts;
• 4A the spring clamp 1A with the clamping mechanism decoupled from the housing in a position disengaged from the housing and pivoted toward the housing;
• 4B the spring clips 4A hiding individual housing parts;
• 5 a pivoting or inserting a conductor to be clamped into the spring-loaded terminals according to 4A .

1A shows a spring clip 2nd for connecting conductors. The spring clamp 2nd has a clamping mechanism 4th , for resiliently pressing or pressing a conductor against a current-conducting element 6 is set up.

The spring clips 2nd has a housing 8th on which the clamping mechanism 4th is attached.

The detail 1B out 1A is in 1B shown. This is a side view of the with the dashed line in each 1A limited area 1B , half shells 10th , 12 of the housing 8th to improve clarity as well as a screwdriver 11 are hidden.

The spring clamp 2nd has a locking device 14 who have a locking element 16 having. The locking element 16 is in 1B shown in a first position, in which the clamping mechanism 4th form-fitting on the housing 8th is set.

The locking element 16 is from the in 1 shown first position in the in 2 B shown second position movable, in which the clamping mechanism 4th relative to the housing 8th is slidable and pivotable to a clamping area 17th enlarge for inserting a conductor.

The clamping mechanism 4th has an actuator 18th on that for transferring the locking element 16 from the first to the second position.

The locking element 16 is available with an unlocking slide 20th actuated, for transferring the locking element 16 is set up from the first to the second position, wherein the actuating element 18th around an axis 22 is pivotable to the unlocking slide 20th towards the locking element 16 to move.

The locking element 16 has a latch 24th in the first position of the locking element 16 at an associated stop 26 of the housing 8th is present.

The locking element is about an axis of rotation 28 rotatable from the first position to the second position.

How 3B can be seen between the clamping mechanism 4th and the housing 8th a guided tour 30th educated. Here is the clamping mechanism 4th along a groove 32 and a groove 34 the housing can be moved and swiveled.

The clamping mechanism 4th has a movable clamping element 36 on ( 4B) that for resiliently pressing a conductor against the current-conducting element 6 is set up. The clamping element 36 is part of a toggle mechanism 38 the clamping mechanism 4th . The clamping element 36 is on a sleeve 40 held, being between the sleeve 40 a helical compression spring is added to the clamping element, around the clamping element 36 to brace against a conductor and to contact.

Around a conductor in the clamping area 17th the screwdriver 11 in the actuator 18th introduced ( 1A) . The screwdriver 11 in this case serves as a lever to the actuator 18th from the in 1A shown position about its pivot axis 22 in the in 2A and 2 B to pivot shown position.

By pivoting the actuator 18th becomes the slider 20th from the actuator 18th towards the locking element 16 pushed, the slider 20th the Locking element 16 from the in 1B shown first position, in which the clamping mechanism 4th on the housing 8th is set in the in 2 B shown, second position rotates in the clamping mechanism 4th from the housing 8th is decoupled and movable relative to this.

As soon as the clamping mechanism 4th from the housing 8th is unlocked, the clamping mechanism 4th , as in 3A and 3B shown in a straight line movement along the straight groove sections of the link guide 30th from the current conducting element 6 moved away and out of the case 8th be disengaged. The straight-line groove sections of the link guide thus enable the clamping mechanism to be lifted off, oriented essentially perpendicular to a conductor to be clamped 4th from the conductor or, in the case of clamping, a placement of the clamping mechanism oriented perpendicularly to a lateral surface of a conductor 4th on the ladder.

Starting from the in the 3A and 3B position shown can be the clamping mechanism 4th along the backdrop tour 30th continued and opposite the housing 8th be tilted or pivoted to in the clamping area 17th the largest possible insertion opening 42 to release a conductor.

According to the illustration shown here is an opening width H1 the insertion opening 42 of the clamping area 17th greater than twice the maximum conductor cross-section in the clamping area 17th jammed conductor cross-section.

The maximum clampable conductor cross section corresponds to that in 1A shown clamping height H2 that with a fixed clamping mechanism 4th and latched actuator 18th is present. Accordingly, the released area for inserting a conductor can be doubled compared to previously known solutions.
After the clamping mechanism 4th a conductor can be in the disengaged and pivoted state 44 in the in 5 indicated pivoting movement in the clamping area 17th be inserted.

It goes without saying that, depending on the conductor cross section, a partial opening of the clamping area is sufficient to insert a conductor into the clamping area. For example, only partially disengaging the clamping mechanism without swiveling may be sufficient to insert a conductor. Even an in 2A shown lifting the toggle lever mechanism by pivoting the actuating element 18th sufficient to be able to insert a conductor without having to disengage and pivot the clamping mechanism as a whole.

The leader 44 then by swiveling the clamping mechanism back 4th towards the housing 8th and then lowering the clamping mechanism 4th to a ladder end 46 causes, in a last step the actuating element 18th in the direction of the current conducting element 6 is pivoted around the clamping element 36 as part of the toggle mechanism 38 to the end of the ladder 46 lower and brace against it.

The clamping mechanism 4th is therefore considered to be relative to the housing 8th sliding carriage 4th or as a module 4th formed, the toggle mechanism 38 through side walls 48 , 50 of the sled 4th towards the housing 8th delimited and bordered.

A second clamping area 52 the spring clamp 2nd analogously to this has a clamping mechanism 54 on, in the manner described above, analogous to the clamping mechanism 4th is unlockable, slidable and pivotable to another conductor on the spring terminal 2nd set, and the connected conductors in the terminal areas 17th , 52 are clamped and contacted via the current-conducting element 6 to be connected in an electrically conductive manner. For this is the clamping mechanism 54 a corresponding separate locking device and a separate link guide assigned.

Reference symbol list

2nd

Spring clamp

4th

Clamping mechanism

6

Conductor element

8th

casing

10th

Half shell

12

Half shell

11

screwdriver

14

Locking device

16

Locking element

17th

Clamping area

18th

Actuator

20th

Unlocking slide

22

axis

24th

Latch

26

attack

28

Axis of rotation

30th

Scenery tour

32

Groove

34

Groove

36

Clamping element

38

Toggle mechanism

40

Sleeve

42

Insertion opening

44

ladder

46

Head end

48

Side wall

50

Side wall

52

Clamping area

54

Clamping mechanism

H1

Opening width

H2

Clamp height

Claims (10)

Spring-loaded terminal for connecting conductors, - with a clamping mechanism (4, 54), which is set up for resiliently pressing a conductor (44) against a current-conducting element (6), - with a housing (8), on which the clamping mechanism (4, 54) is fastened, characterized by - a locking device (14) having a locking element (16), - the locking element (16) being movable into a first position in which the clamping mechanism (4, 54) is positively attached to the housing ( 8) is fixed, - the locking element (16) being movable into a second position in which the clamping mechanism (4, 54) is displaceable and / or pivotable relative to the housing (8) in order to provide a clamping area (17, 52) Introduce a conductor to enlarge. Spring clamp after Claim 1 , characterized in that - an opening width (H1) of an insertion opening (42) of the clamping region (17, 52) is greater than or equal to 1.25 times the conductor cross-section (H2) of a conductor cross-section (H2) that can be clamped in the clamping region. Spring clamp after Claim 1 or Claim 2 , characterized in that - the clamping mechanism (4, 54) has an actuating element (18) which is set up for transferring the locking element (16) from the first to the second position. Spring clamp after Claim 3 , characterized in that - the locking element (16) can be actuated with an unlocking slide (20) which is set up for transferring the locking element (16) from the first into the second position, - the actuating element (18) about an axis (22 ) is pivotable to actuate the unlocking slide (20). Spring clamp according to one of the Claims 1 to 4th , characterized in that - the locking element (16) has a latching lug (24) which, in the first position of the locking element (16), bears against an associated stop (26) of the housing (8). Spring clamp according to one of the Claims 1 to 5 , characterized in that - the locking element (16) is rotatable about an axis of rotation (28) from the first position to the second position. Spring clamp, according to one of the Claims 1 to 6 , characterized in that - a link guide (30) is formed between the clamping mechanism (4, 54) and the housing (8), - the clamping mechanism (4, 54) being displaceable and / or along at least one groove (32, 34) is pivotable. Spring clamp according to one of the Claims 1 to 7 , characterized in that - the clamping mechanism (4, 54) has a movable clamping element (36) which is set up for resiliently pressing a conductor (44) onto the current-conducting element (6). Spring clamp after Claim 8 , characterized in that - the clamping element (36) is part of a toggle mechanism (38) of the clamping mechanism (4). Spring clamp after Claim 8 or Claim 9 , characterized in that - the clamping element (36) along the clamping mechanism (4, 54) is movable in a substantially linear stroke movement along a linear guide and / or - the clamping element (36) coupled to a tension spring and for adjusting between the current conducting element (6) and the clamping element (36) limited clamping height is set up.

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