DE102023125505A1 - Conductor connection terminal and actuating element - Google Patents

Abstract

A conductor connection terminal (1) with an insulating housing (23), a contact piece (2) and a clamping spring (3) for forming a spring clamp connection for an electrical conductor to be connected is shown. The clamping spring (3) has a spring arch (5), a contact leg (6) and a substantially straight clamping leg (7) with a clamping leg length (K) which corresponds to a length from a free end of the clamping leg (7) to a bend (33) of the clamping leg (7) in the direction of the spring arch (5), wherein the conductor connection terminal (1) has an actuating element (8) arranged adjacent to a conductor introduction channel (4) with an operating section (9), an actuating section (10) and a connecting section (11) connecting the operating section (9) to the actuating section (10). The actuating section (10) has two actuating projections (12) which project in a step-like manner into the conductor insertion channel (4), each with a projection edge (27) facing a conductor insertion opening (26) and forming a step relative to the connecting section (11), the projection edges (27) defining a dividing plane (T) between the connecting section (11) and the actuating section (10). An actuating surface (28) of the actuating section (10) facing the clamping leg (7) of the clamping spring (3) forms two actuating edges (15), the actuating length (B) of which corresponds to at least 50% of the clamping leg length (K).

Description

The invention relates to a conductor connection terminal with an insulating material housing, a contact piece and a clamping spring to form a spring clamp connection for an electrical conductor to be connected. The invention also relates to an actuating element for a conductor connection terminal. Conductor connection terminals are known from electrical connection technology. They serve as electromechanical connection components for connecting electrical conductors to create an electrical connection. The electrical conductor, for example a stripped conductor wire, is connected by means of a spring clamp connection in that it is clamped against an electrically conductive contact piece by means of the spring force of a clamping spring, the clamping spring fixing the electrical conductor to the contact piece and thereby securing and improving the electrical connection. In practice, the contact piece is also called a current or contact rail or current bar. The contact piece is a largely rigid electrical conductor and can be, for example, a metal strip, which can also be bent in sections, for example, in order to form a receptacle or an insertion section for electrical conductors or a contact section.

The insulating housing accommodates the contact piece and the clamping spring and electrically insulates them from the environment. At the same time, it protects the spring clamp connection from external environmental influences. An insulating housing is a housing made of an insulating, electrically non-conductive material, for example plastic.

The conductor connection terminal has an actuating element for actuating the spring terminal connection. Here, a clamping leg of the clamping spring is displaced away from the contact piece by means of the actuating element in order to be able to insert or remove an electrical conductor into the space between the clamping leg and the contact piece. With a return movement of the actuating element, the clamping leg is moved back towards the contact piece due to spring force and a conductor that may be present in the gap is clamped to the contact piece.

In practice, there is an effort to design conductor connection terminals in a very compact manner in order to be able to provide electrical connection options economically and in a material-saving manner as well as with little space requirements. At the same time, however, the electrical connection must be established safely and reliably and it must be possible to ensure a long service life for the conductor connection terminal. In addition, high customer expectations for simple and reliable operation of the conductor connection terminal must be met. These conflicting requirements mean that, despite constant further development, there is still potential for optimization with regard to compact conductor connection terminals with reliable conductor connection and easy handling.

For example, in practice it is common practice to apply an actuating force asymmetrically to clamping springs only on one side of the clamping leg surface in order to be able to make the actuating element as small as possible. In addition, there are already approaches to solutions with symmetrical introduction of force through an actuating element on the clamping leg surface. In both cases, however, in the design implementations according to the prior art, a relatively high actuation force is required, which must be applied to the actuating element in order to overcome the high spring force of the clamping spring on the clamping leg required for a secure electrical connection.

Against this background, the object of the invention is to provide a compact conductor connection terminal and an actuating element for a conductor connection terminal, which enable easier actuation of the spring clamp connection.

The object is achieved with a conductor connection terminal according to claim 1 and an actuating element for a conductor connection terminal according to claim 15. Advantageous embodiments are disclosed in the subclaims, the description and the figures.

The clamping spring of the proposed conductor connection clamp has a spring bow, a contact leg and a clamping leg that runs essentially in a straight line. The clamping spring is supported on the insulating material housing and/or the contact piece via the contact leg in order to be able to exert a clamping force on the clamped conductor with its spring force acting in the clamping leg. The contact legs and clamping legs are connected to each other via the spring arch.

The clamping leg has a defined clamping leg length, which corresponds to a length from a free end of the clamping leg to a bend of the clamping leg in the direction of the spring arch. The clamping leg length can correspond to the length of the clamping leg in the area of its straight course. The clamping leg length is determined based on the extension of the clamping leg in its longitudinal direction, which is greater than its extension Transverse extension direction and is greater than its extent in the depth extension direction. The clamping leg length can be determined from a clamping edge, which is formed by the free end of the clamping leg, to a bend of the clamping leg in the direction of the spring arch. If necessary, the clamping leg can merge directly into the spring arch, so that the clamping leg length can be defined from the clamping edge to the bend of the clamping leg into the spring arch.

The proposed conductor connection terminal generally has an actuating element with an operating section, an actuating section and a connecting section connecting the operating section to the actuating section. By means of the actuating element, the clamping leg of the clamping spring can be moved between a clamping position and a release position. At the operating section, a user can introduce an actuating force into the actuating element, for example by finger pressure or with a tool, for example a screwdriver. As a result, the actuating element is displaced in the direction of the clamping leg of the clamping spring and the initiated actuating force is transmitted via the actuating section into the clamping leg, so that a free end of the clamping leg, which forms the clamping edge of the clamping leg, is displaced away from the contact piece in the direction of the contact leg into a release position and an electrical conductor can be inserted into or removed from the space between the contact piece and the clamping edge. After the actuation force introduced into the operating section has ceased, the actuating element returns to its starting position due to the spring force of the clamping spring acting on the actuating section, so that the clamping leg is again in a clamping position in which it clamps a conductor which may be present in the gap onto the contact piece can. In the clamping position and/or in the starting position of the actuating element, the clamping edge can rest on the contact piece.

The actuating section of the actuating element has an actuating surface which faces the clamping leg and via which the actuating force is transmitted into the clamping leg. The actuation surface facing the clamping leg can run essentially parallel to the clamping leg or to a clamping leg surface in a clamping position of the clamping leg and/or in a starting position of the actuating element.

The operation section, the connection section and the operation section may be formed integrally with each other. This creates a one-piece actuating element. There is then no material or mechanical separation between the individual sections. Only the operating section can be formed integrally with the connecting section or only the actuating section can be formed integrally with the connecting section.

The actuating element is arranged adjacent to a conductor insertion channel. The insulating housing has at least one conductor insertion channel through which an electrical conductor to be connected can be guided to the spring clamp connection. The insulating housing has a conductor insertion opening to which the conductor insertion channel is connected. While the conductor insertion opening is a two-dimensional opening at the beginning of the conductor insertion channel, the conductor insertion channel also has a depth extension and, for example, a cylindrical, funnel-shaped or conical shape. The insulating housing can have further openings and channels, for example a test opening and a test channel for checking the electrical potential on the contact piece. The insulating housing can have an actuating channel in which the actuating element is guided at least in sections. The conductor insertion channel can merge into the actuating channel at least in sections. The insulating housing can also have a conductor insertion channel which is also an actuating channel at the same time. In the context of the present application, an arrangement of the actuating element adjacent to the conductor insertion channel is understood to mean that the actuating element is arranged in the immediate vicinity of the conductor insertion channel or that the actuating element delimits the conductor insertion channel. At least in sections, a cross-section of the conductor insertion channel can be delimited by the actuating element, so that the conductor insertion channel and the actuating element can be arranged directly next to one another in this section.

In the proposed conductor connection terminal, the invention provides that the actuating section has two actuating projections projecting in a step-like manner into the conductor insertion channel, each with a projection edge facing a conductor insertion opening and forming a step relative to the connecting section, wherein the projection edges define a separating plane between the connecting section and the actuating section, and that an actuating surface of the actuating section facing the clamping leg of the clamping spring forms two actuating edges whose actuating length corresponds to at least 50% of the clamping leg length.

A step-shaped actuating projection is, for example, a shoulder that can be seen with the naked eye and protrudes from the actuating element. The step can protrude from the actuating element at an angle in a direction that runs transversely to the conductor insertion direction. For example, if the conductor insertion channel and the conductor insertion direction run essentially vertically, the step-shaped actuating projection with its projection edge runs essentially horizontally. The protrusion edge is a surface of the protrusion facing a conductor insertion hole. A conductor to be inserted into the conductor insertion channel is guided towards the projection edge during insertion. The protruding edge is not necessarily a linear surface boundary like an edge in the true sense, but can also be a two-dimensional surface. This two-dimensional surface can, for example, be narrower than the distance between the projection edges. The actuating projections can, for example, project axially symmetrically from the actuating element. Seen in a conductor insertion direction, the actuating element can have a U or C shape in the area of the actuating projections, the actuating projections forming the legs and the connecting section forming the base of the U or C shape.

If you mentally extend the extension of the projection edges further through the actuating element, their course defines a parting plane within the actuating element, with the connecting section running above the parting plane in the direction of the operating section and below the parting plane, on a side of the parting plane facing away from the operating section, the actuating section of the Actuating element runs. The connecting section and the actuating section can be designed integrally with one another, so that the parting plane only represents an imaginary parting plane. However, there can also be a material or mechanical separation between the two sections and these can be connected to one another, for example, by another material or a connecting means.

As already explained, the actuating section of the actuating element has an actuating surface that faces the clamping leg and via which the actuating force is transmitted to the clamping leg. The actuating surface facing the clamping leg can run essentially parallel to the clamping leg or to a clamping leg surface in a clamping position of the clamping leg or in an initial position of the actuating element. The actuating surface forms two actuating edges that are part of the actuating section and via which the actuating element can contact and displace the clamping leg of the clamping spring. The actuating force can be transmitted to the clamping leg via the actuating edges. Each actuating edge can be arranged opposite a projecting edge of the actuating section. An actuating edge is not necessarily a linear surface boundary like an edge in the true sense, but can also be a two-dimensional surface. This two-dimensional surface can, for example, be narrower than the distance between the actuating edges. The actuating edges can run approximately parallel to the clamping leg in a clamping position of the clamping leg or in a starting position of the actuating element. During an actuation of the actuating element to move the clamping leg, an actuation point or an actuation path over which the actuation force is introduced into the clamping leg can move along the actuating edges, since the clamping leg and the actuating section can move relative to one another during the displacement.

The actuating edges define an actuating length along their longitudinal extension, which is greater than their width extension and can point in the direction of an opposite wall of the conductor insertion channel. The actuating length is not only determined by the actuating projections, but by the actuating surface of the entire actuating section, via which the actuating force can be introduced into the clamping leg. The actuating length can correspond to the longest extension of the actuating surface facing the clamping leg.

According to the invention, the actuation length corresponds to at least 50% of the clamping leg length. This means that the clamping leg can be subjected to actuation force by the actuation element over a large distance. This makes it possible to operate the spring clamp connection with very low actuation forces. A compact conductor connection terminal can thus be provided, with which the spring terminal connection can be operated more easily. By introducing force using two actuating edges and a long actuating length, the actuating force is introduced into the clamping leg evenly and optimally distributed, so that the clamping spring experiences a uniform and gentle displacement of the clamping leg and can therefore achieve a longer service life due to lower mechanical stress.

According to various embodiments, the actuation length may be at least 60% or at least 70% or at least 80% or at least at least 90% of the clamping leg length. This further enhances the inventive advantages of easy operation and even force distribution.

Basically, in the context of the present application it is provided that only one clamping spring is actuated with the actuating element. However, embodiments of the invention are also conceivable in which several, for example two, clamping springs are actuated simultaneously by means of the actuating element, for example by each actuating edge displacing one clamping leg of a clamping spring.

The actuating edges can have an actuating length with which they protrude up to a clamping edge of the clamping leg in a clamping position of the clamping leg or end a maximum of 40% of the clamping leg length away from the clamping edge. The clamping edge is a free end of the clamping leg facing away from the spring arch. The clamping edge undergoes the furthest deflection during the displacement and practically represents the lever end of the clamping leg. Due to the actuating edges that protrude close to the clamping edge, the actuating force is optimally directed towards the end of the lever and thus a large lever force is utilized. This further reduces the actuation forces required to relocate the clamping leg, making it easier to operate the conductor connection terminal.

According to various embodiments, the actuation length can end at a maximum of 30% or a maximum of 20% or a maximum of 10% or a maximum of 5% of the clamping leg length away from the clamping edge. This further increases the advantages of easy operation and even distribution of force.

An electrical conductor inserted into the conductor connection terminal can be guided between the actuating projections in the direction of the contact piece. For this purpose, the actuating projections can be spaced far enough apart and form a gap so that a conductor can be inserted between the actuating projections in the direction of the contact piece. The actuating element therefore serves not only to actuate the spring clamp connection, but also to guide the conductor.

The actuating element can form part of the conductor insertion channel of the conductor connection terminal, at least in sections. In particular, the actuating projections and/or the connecting section can form part of the conductor insertion channel. Because the actuating element is adjacent to the conductor insertion channel, it is possible to form part of the conductor insertion channel through the actuating element. The operating section can also form part of the conductor insertion channel, so that an inserted conductor can be guided along the actuating element to the spring clamp connection. The actuating element can have guide surfaces for the conductor to be inserted. The actuating element can form part of the conductor insertion channel regardless of an actuating position of the actuating element. A particularly compact conductor connection terminal can be provided with an actuating element that forms part of the conductor insertion channel of the conductor connection terminal, at least in sections. Due to the dimensioning of the actuating section with an actuating length that corresponds to at least 50% of the clamping leg length, the actuating section extends far into the conductor insertion channel and can, for example, further enclose a conductor guided between its actuating projections and thus lead it to the spring clamp connection in a more targeted and safer manner.

The connecting section of the actuating element can have an inclined surface that runs at an angle to a conductor insertion direction of an electrical conductor inserted into the conductor insertion channel. Such an inclined surface can, for example, contribute to a cross-section of the conductor insertion channel that tapers in the conductor insertion direction in order to guide an inserted conductor more precisely to the spring clamp connection. The surrounding or adjacent walls of the conductor insertion channel can also run at an angle to the conductor insertion direction, so that a conductor insertion channel that is funnel-shaped or conical at least in sections is formed. In the context of the present application, the conductor insertion direction corresponds to the spatial axis along which a conductor to be connected is guided into the conductor connection terminal to the spring clamp connection. The conductor insertion direction can, for example, run parallel to a section of the contact piece to which the conductor is to be clamped with the clamping leg of the clamping spring. With the proposed inclined surface, an electrical conductor can be more easily inserted into the conductor connection terminal and safely guided to the spring clamp connection.

The actuating projections and the operating section can protrude from the connecting section offset from one another in opposite spatial directions. The respective offset can be present in the conductor insertion direction. In a very simplified way, the actuating element can have an S-shaped course with an operating section which, for example, protrudes from the connection section facing away from an inserted conductor and with actuating projections that protrude from the connection section facing an inserted conductor, for example. The offset makes it possible to provide a larger conductor insertion cross-section with a deliberately reduced guide cross-section in the direction of the spring clamp connection and still obtain a compact conductor connection terminal.

The actuating element can be translationally movable essentially parallel to the conductor insertion direction of an electrical conductor. The operation by a user takes place at the operating section by introducing a pressure force as an actuation force, for example with a tool. For this purpose, the operating section can have a tool holder, for example a slot-shaped engagement groove for a slotted screwdriver. The direction of the actuating force can be directed parallel to the conductor insertion direction. During operation, the entire actuation element can be displaced in a straight line in the direction of the clamping spring. If the actuating element forms a part of the conductor insertion channel at least in sections, this part of the conductor insertion channel also moves in the conductor insertion direction, so that a conductor guide area formed by the actuating element is displaced in the direction of the spring clamp connection and an inserted conductor is guided even more specifically to the spring clamp connection. If the actuating force introduced into the operating section is omitted, the actuating element is reset to its starting position, since the spring force of the clamping spring is no longer overcome by the actuating force and has a restoring effect on the actuating element. The translational mobility of the actuating element essentially parallel to the conductor insertion direction enables easy operation of the actuating element and direct force transmission is implemented. By relocating the conductor guide area of the actuating element, splicing of individual wires or incorrect insertion of small conductors is also reliably prevented.

The connecting section and/or the operating section of the actuating element can have a spring receptacle. A spring receptacle can be a contouring of the connecting section and/or the operating section, through which a receptacle or pocket is formed for part of the clamping spring. For example, the contouring can at least partially correspond to an outer contour of the spring arch of the clamping spring. When the actuating element is displaced in the direction of the clamping spring, the clamping spring, for example the spring arch, can at least partially dip into the spring receptacle. This makes it possible to provide a significantly more compact clamp and to displace the actuating element far in the direction of the clamping spring.

In the area of the spring receptacle, a guide web can protrude from the connecting section and/or the operating section, which is designed to be immersed in a spring recess in the clamping spring. In this embodiment, the clamping spring has, for example, an opening in the area of the spring arch into which the guide web can immerse. The spring recess can, for example, be a slot-shaped opening with a slot width that corresponds at least to the width of the guide web. By means of a guide bar that dips into a spring recess, more stable guidance and stiffening of the actuating element can be achieved, so that the actuating element can be actuated reliably and achieves a long service life.

The connecting section of the actuating element can have a material tongue protruding from the connecting section between the actuating section and the operating section. The material tongue can be integrally connected to the connecting section and, for example, run centrally on the connecting section. The material tongue can root between the actuation projections and protrude increasingly further out of the connecting section in the direction of the operating section. The material tongue can form an inclined surface for the conductor guide or an inclined surface of the conductor insertion channel. The areas of the connecting section on both sides of the material tongue can rest against the insulating material housing in a clamping state of the conductor connection terminal, in which the clamping leg is in a clamping position. The actuating element is thus stably supported. The material tongue also causes local material reinforcement on the actuating element for improved rigidity. If the material tongue forms an inclined surface as a guide surface for an inserted conductor, the conductor guidance in the conductor connection terminal is further improved by means of the actuating element.

The material tongue can have a shoulder adjacent or adjacent to the operating section, which is overlapped by a crossbar of an insulating material housing of the conductor connection terminal. Horizontal can mean, for example, transversely to a conductor insertion direction. The shoulder protrudes, for example, in steps from the connecting section. In a clamping state of the conductor connection terminal or in a starting position of the actuating element, in which the clamping leg is in a clamping position, the shoulder rests on the crossbar. When relocating of the actuating element through an actuation, the shoulder is displaced away from the crossbar. The paragraph creates a more stable conductor connection terminal. The shoulder also forms a stop to limit the restoring movement of the actuating element.

The actuating section and/or the actuating projections can have a square basic shape. A basic shape can be determined by the largest surface dimension in a plane. The basic shape of the actuating section and/or the actuating projections can be a regular quadrilateral, for example with some sides of equal length or parallel or some with angles of equal size. The basic shape of the actuating section and/or the actuating projections can also be an irregular quadrilateral. The basic shape can be a trapezoid, for example. At least one side of the square basic shape can run parallel to the conductor insertion direction. At least one side of the square basic shape can run transversely to the conductor insertion direction. A square basic shape provides a stable basic shape that can easily combine safe conductor guidance and easy actuation by means of the actuating section.

The actuating projections can have at least one insertion bevel. According to one embodiment, two actuating projections each have an insertion bevel. The insertion bevels can be arranged on the sides of the actuating projections facing each other. The insertion bevel can be provided on an upper area of the actuating projection facing the conductor insertion opening. The insertion bevel can be adjacent to a projection edge. An insertion bevel makes it easier to insert conductors with a reduced risk of individual wires splicing.

The operating section can have a test opening. The test opening can be provided on a side of the actuating element facing away from an inserted conductor. The test opening can, for example, enable a potential test on the contact piece using a test tool. The test opening can itself form a closed channel or can also be a partial opening that is supplemented with a partial opening in the insulating housing to form a closed channel. With a test opening on the operating section, a compact conductor connection terminal with a test option can be provided.

The task is also achieved with an actuating element according to one of the features described above. This also achieves the advantages according to the invention of making it easier to operate a spring-clamp connection.

The actuating element has an operating section, an actuating section and a connecting section connecting the operating section to the actuating section. The actuating section has two step-shaped protruding actuating projections, each with a protruding edge forming a step relative to the connecting section, wherein the protruding edges define a dividing plane between the connecting section and the actuating section. The actuating section has an actuating surface with two actuating edges that have an actuating length. The actuating edges are arranged on a side of the actuating projections opposite the protruding edges. The actuating edges define an actuating length along their longitudinal extent that is greater than their width. The actuating length is not only determined by the actuating projections, but by the actuating surface of the entire actuating section, via which an actuating force can be introduced into a clamping leg. The actuating length can correspond to the longest extent of the actuating surface.

The projection edges projecting in steps from the connecting section can have a step length along their longitudinal extent that is greater than their width extent. The actuation length can at least correspond to the step length. An imaginary extension of the projection edges through the connecting section, which defines the parting plane, together with the step length, can define a parting plane length in the actuating element. The actuation length can correspond to at least 50% of the parting line length.

The actuating projections and the operating section of the actuating element can protrude from the connecting section in opposite spatial directions, offset from one another.

The connecting section and/or the operating section of the actuating element can have a spring arch holder. In the area of the spring holder, a guide web can protrude from the connecting section and/or the operating section.

The connecting portion of the actuating element can have a material tongue protruding from the connecting portion between the actuating portion and the operating portion. The material tongue can have a shoulder adjacent or adjacent to the operating portion.

The actuation section and/or the actuation projections can have a square basic shape.

The actuating projections may have at least one insertion bevel.

The operating section may have an inspection opening.

In general, in the context of this application, the words "a/an", unless expressly defined otherwise, are not to be understood as numerals, but as indefinite articles with the meaning of "at least one", so that, for example, two or more actuating sections could be provided on an actuating element. If numerals are specified in the context of this application, they are to be understood in the sense of "at least" and not in the sense of "exactly", unless expressly defined otherwise. For example, if two actuating projections are specified, the invention also includes embodiments with more than two actuating projections.

• 1 - eine Leiteranschlussklemme gemäß einer ersten Ausführungsform in einem Klemmzustand in einer geschnittenen Seitenansicht;
• 2 - die Leiteranschlussklemme gemäß 1 in einem Freigabezustand;
• 3 - ein Betätigungselement für die Leiteranschlussklemme gemäß der ersten Ausführungsform in einer Seitenansicht;
• 4 - das Betätigungselement gemäß 3 in einer perspektivischen Vorderansicht;
• 5 - das Betätigungselement gemäß 3 und 4 in einer perspektivischen Rückansicht;
• 6 - das Betätigungselement gemäß den 3 bis 5 und eine Klemmfeder für die Leiteranschlussklemme gemäß der ersten Ausführungsform in einer perspektivischen Seitenansicht;
• 7 - die Klemmfeder gemäß 6 in einer Seitenansicht;
• 8 - die Klemmfeder gemäß den 6 und 7 in einer perspektivischen Vorderansicht;
• 9 - die Leiteranschlussklemme gemäß der ersten Ausführungsform in einer ersten perspektivischen Seitenschnittansicht;
• 10 - die Leiteranschlussklemme gemäß der ersten Ausführungsform in einer zweiten perspektivischen Seitenschnittansicht;
• 11 - die Leiteranschlussklemme gemäß der ersten Ausführungsform in einer perspektivischen geschnittenen Draufsicht;
• 12 - ein Kontaktstück für die Leiteranschlussklemme in einer perspektivischen Vorderansicht;
• 13 - eine Klemmfeder für eine Leiteranschlussklemme gemäß einer zweiten Ausführungsform in einer perspektivischen Rückansicht;
• 14 - ein Betätigungselement für eine Leiteranschlussklemme gemäß einer zweiten Ausführungsform in einer perspektivischen Rückansicht;
• 15 - die Klemmfeder gemäß 13 und das Betätigungselement gemäß 14 in einer perspektivischen Seitenansicht;
• 16 - eine Leiteranschlussklemme gemäß der zweiten Ausführungsform in einem Klemmzustand in einer geschnittenen Seitenansicht;
• 17 - die Leiteranschlussklemme gemäß 16 in einem Freigabezustand.

The invention allows for various embodiments and is explained in more detail below using an exemplary embodiment with the accompanying drawings. It shows in a schematic way:

• 1 - a conductor connection terminal according to a first embodiment in a clamping state in a sectional side view;
• 2 - the conductor connection terminal according to 1 in a release state;
• 3 - an actuating element for the conductor connection terminal according to the first embodiment in a side view;
• 4 - the actuating element according to 3 in a perspective front view;
• 5 - the actuating element according to 3 and 4 in a perspective rear view;
• 6 - the actuating element according to 3 to 5 and a clamping spring for the conductor connection terminal according to the first embodiment in a perspective side view;
• 7 - the clamping spring according to 6 in a side view;
• 8th - the clamping spring according to 6 and 7 in a perspective front view;
• 9 - The conductor connection terminal according to the first embodiment in a first perspective side sectional view;
• 10 - The conductor connection terminal according to the first embodiment in a second perspective side sectional view;
• 11 - The conductor connection terminal according to the first embodiment in a perspective sectional top view;
• 12 - A contact piece for the conductor connection terminal in a perspective front view;
• 13 - a clamping spring for a conductor connection terminal according to a second embodiment in a perspective rear view;
• 14 - an actuating element for a conductor connection terminal according to a second embodiment in a perspective rear view;
• 15 - the clamping spring according to 13 and the actuating element according to 14 in a perspective side view;
• 16 - a conductor connection terminal according to the second embodiment in a clamping state in a sectional side view;
• 17 - the conductor connection terminal according to 16 in a release state.

The 1 and 2 show a conductor connection terminal 1 according to a first embodiment of the invention. The conductor connection terminal 1 has an insulating housing 23 in which a contact piece 2 and a clamping spring 3 are arranged to form a spring clamp connection for an electrical conductor (not shown). The contact piece 2 is an electrically conductive metal strip which is bent several times and is supported on the insulating housing 23. The clamping spring 3 is a narrow sheet metal strip which is bent several times and is suspended in the contact piece 2 in a spring receiving area 29 of the contact piece 2.

The clamping spring 3 has a contact leg 6, which supports the clamping spring 3 against a contact area 31 of the contact piece 2. The clamping spring 3 has a clamping leg 7, which can clamp an electrical conductor in a clamping area 30 of the contact piece 2 against the contact piece 2 by means of spring force. Between the clamping area 30 and the contact area 31, the contact piece 2 forms a receiving pocket 32 for an inserted electrical conductor in order to limit its insertion movement. The contact leg 6 and the clamping leg 7 of the clamping spring 3 are connected to one another via a spring arch 5. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the spring arch 5 is a C-shaped bend of the clamping spring 3. The clamping leg 7 runs essentially in a straight line up to a bend 33 of the clamping leg 7 in the direction of Spring arch 5. At its free end facing away from the spring arch 5, the clamping leg 7 forms a clamping edge 14 for clamping the electrical conductor. The essentially straight line between the clamping edge 14 and the bend 33 in the direction of the spring arch 5 is referred to as the clamping leg length K.

The insulating housing 23 has a conductor insertion opening 26 through which an electrical conductor can be inserted into a conductor insertion channel 4 of the insulating housing 23 in a conductor insertion direction R and guided in a translational manner in the direction of the spring clamp connection, which is formed by the clamping leg 7 and the contact piece 2 in the clamping region 30 of the contact piece 2. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the conductor insertion channel 4 is designed in sections to be funnel-shaped with a cross-section that tapers from the conductor insertion opening 26 in the direction of the spring clamp connection.

The conductor connection terminal 1 has an actuating element 8 for actuating the spring terminal connection. The actuating element 8 is arranged adjacent to the conductor insertion channel 4 and forms part of the spatial boundary of the conductor insertion channel 4. The actuating element 8 is between a starting position which corresponds to a clamping state of the conductor connection terminal 1, in which an inserted electrical conductor can be clamped against the contact piece 2, and an actuation position in which an electrical conductor can be inserted into or removed from a space between the contact piece 2 and the clamping leg 7 of the clamping spring 3, translationally and essentially parallel to a conductor insertion direction R. During the translatory movement of the actuating element 8 during an actuation, the actuating projections 12 designed to guide an inserted electrical conductor also move in the direction of the spring clamp connection, so that the conductor is guided even more specifically to the clamping area 30 of the contact piece 2. This also reliably prevents individual wires from being spliced or small conductors from being incorrectly plugged in. 1 shows the actuating element 8 in its starting position and the conductor connection terminal 1 in a clamping state, 2 shows the actuating element 8 in its actuating position and the conductor terminal 1 in a release state. By means of the actuating element 8, the clamping leg 7 can be moved between a clamping position and a release position. 1 shows the clamping leg 7 in a clamping position and 2 shows the clamping leg 7 in a release position.

The actuating element 8 has an operating section 9 into which an actuating force F for actuating and displacing the actuating element 8 can be introduced, for example by means of a tool. The actuating element 8 has an actuating section 10 via which the actuating force F can be transferred to the clamping leg 7 so that the clamping leg 7 can be displaced from its clamping position to its release position. The operating section 9 and the actuating section 10 are connected to one another via a connecting section 11. After an actuation and the insertion or removal of an electrical conductor, the introduction of the actuating force F is terminated. The spring force of the clamping spring 3, which acts on the actuating element 8 via the clamping leg 7 and is directed opposite to the actuating force F, causes the actuating element 8 to return to its starting position and the clamping leg 7 is displaced back to its clamping position in which it can clamp an electrical conductor against the contact piece 2. Without the presence of an electrical conductor, the clamping leg 7 rests directly on the contact piece 2 in its clamping area 30, as in 1 shown.

The actuating section 10, the operating section 9 and the connecting section 11 are integrally connected to one another in the embodiment shown, so they merge into one another without any material or mechanical separation. The actuating section 10 has two step-shaped actuating projections 12 projecting into the conductor insertion channel 4, each with a projection edge 27 facing the conductor insertion opening 26 and forming a step relative to the connecting section 11. A conductor inserted into the conductor insertion channel 4 is thus initially guided towards the projection edges 27. Like for example in the 4 and 5 As can be seen, the actuating projections 12 are spaced apart from one another and form a gap. An inserted conductor can thus be guided between the actuation projections 12 in the direction of the spring terminal connection. In addition to actuating the clamping leg 7, the actuating element 8 also serves to guide a conductor. The projection edges 27 define a parting plane T between the connecting section 11 and the actuating section 10 in an imaginary extension of their surfaces through the actuating element 8. In this exemplary embodiment, this parting plane T is only intended to illustrate the different areas of the functional elements connecting section 11 and actuating section 10 that are integrally connected to one another.

The actuating section 10 has an actuating surface 28 which faces the clamping leg 7 of the clamping spring 3 and via which the actuating force F can be transmitted to the clamping leg 7. The actuating surface 28 can be in a clamping position of the clamping leg 7 or in a starting position of the actuating element 8 essentially parallel to the clamping leg 7. In the area of the actuating projections 12, the actuating surface 28 forms two actuating edges 15. The actuating edges 15 are each arranged opposite a projecting edge 27 of the actuating section 10. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the projecting edges 27 and the actuating edges 15 are not linear surface boundaries like an edge in the true sense, but two-dimensional surfaces of the actuating projections 12. The actuating edges 15 define an actuating length B along their longitudinal extent, which points in the direction of an opposite wall of the conductor insertion channel 4 and is greater than the width of the actuating edges 15. The actuation length B is not only determined by the actuation projections 12, but by the actuation surface 28 of the entire actuation section 10, via which the actuation force F can be introduced into the clamping leg 7. During an actuation of the actuation element 8 to displace the clamping leg 7, an actuation point or an actuation distance, via which the actuation force F is introduced into the clamping leg 7, can move along the actuation edges 15, since the clamping leg 7 and the actuation section 10 can move relative to each other during the displacement. In the 1 and 2 it can be seen that the actuating force F is initially introduced into the clamping leg 7 over a greater actuating distance at the start of an actuation than at the end of an actuation, during which the clamping leg 7 is displaced away from the contact piece 2 and the actuating section 10 only contacts the clamping leg 7 via a region of the actuating section 10 facing away from the actuating projections 12.

According to the invention, the actuation length B corresponds to at least 50% of the clamping leg length K. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the actuation length corresponds to at least 90% of the clamping leg length K. The actuation section 10 can thus control the actuation force F over a large distance and with increasing leverage in the direction of the clamping edge 14 of the clamping leg 7 transferred into the clamping leg 7. As a result, the required actuation force F on the operating section 9 is lower than with other actuation solutions and this is transmitted to the clamping leg 7 in a more evenly distributed manner. This makes it easier to operate the spring clamp connection and the clamping leg 7 is subjected to less mechanical stress due to the greater distribution of force.

At the in 1 In the exemplary embodiment shown, the actuating edges 15 have an actuating length B, with which they end in a clamping position of the clamping leg 7 a maximum of 40% of the clamping leg length K away from the clamping edge 14. Due to the actuating edges 15 protruding close to the clamping edge 14, the lever force increasing towards the free end of the clamping leg 7 is better utilized in the power transmission. Lower actuation forces F are therefore required when operating the actuation element 8.

The actuating element 8 forms in sections a part of the conductor insertion channel 4 of the conductor connection terminal 1. As in the 1 and 2 As can be seen, the actuating element 8 limits the cross section of the conductor insertion channel 4 at least in the area of the actuating projections. An inserted conductor is guided securely to the spring terminal connection on the one hand through the surrounding wall of the conductor insertion channel 4 and on the other hand through a part of the connecting section 11 and the actuating projections 12. The conductor is guided between the actuation projections 12. On its surface facing the conductor insertion channel 4, the actuating element 8 forms guide surfaces for the conductor. The connecting section 11 has an inclined surface 16 running at an angle to the conductor insertion direction R, which contributes to a cross section that tapers in the conductor insertion direction R and thus supports the targeted guidance of the conductor. Due to the actuation projections 12, which protrude relatively far into the conductor insertion channel 4 due to their actuation length B, a conductor guided between the actuation projections 12 is securely enclosed on several sides and guided in a defined manner to the spring clamp connection.

As in the 1 and 2 As can be seen, in the embodiment shown, the actuating projections 12 and the operating section 10 protrude from the connecting section 11 in opposite spatial directions, offset from one another, as seen in the conductor insertion direction R. The actuating element 8, in a very simplified manner, approaches an S-shape. This makes it possible to obtain a compact conductor connection terminal 1 with a nevertheless large conductor insertion cross-section.

The operating section 9 forms together with the connecting section 11 a spring holder 17 into which the spring arch 5 is inserted as in 2 shown when the actuating element 8 is actuated. This allows the conductor connection terminal 1 to be constructed even more compactly and the actuating element 8 to be displaced far in the direction of the clamping spring 3, so that the actuation and the conductor guidance are improved.

In the exemplary embodiment shown, the actuating section 10 has a square basic shape. The basic shape is an irregular square. In the exemplary embodiment, a right angle is provided between the square side, which defines the step and the parting plane T of the actuating section 10, and the square side adjacent thereto, which faces the clamping area 30 of the contact piece 2. The actuation projections 12 themselves also have an irregular square shape as a basic shape with a right angle between the square side that defines the step of the actuation section 10 and the adjacent square side that faces the clamping area 30 of the contact piece 2. The square side, which faces the clamping area 30 of the contact piece 2, runs essentially parallel to the conductor insertion direction R. With the selected basic shape of the actuating section 10 and the actuating projections 12, a stable force transmission into the clamping leg 7 is possible while at the same time secure conductor guidance.

In the 3 to 5 the actuating element 8 according to the first embodiment is shown in isolation in different views. The shape and geometric design of the first embodiment of the actuating element 8 is shown in the 3 to 5 clearly visible. For example, the space between the spaced-apart actuating projections 12, in which a conductor can be guided to the spring clamp connection, is clearly visible.

It can also be seen that the connecting section 11 of the actuating element 8 has a material tongue 20 which protrudes from the connecting section 11 between the actuating section 10 and the operating section 9 and which, in this exemplary embodiment, forms the above-described inclined surface 16 for guiding the conductor. The material tongue 20 is integrally connected to the connecting section 11 and runs approximately in the middle of it, with a root between the actuating projections 12. In the direction of the operating section 9, the material tongue 20 protrudes further from the connecting section 11 and, depending on the embodiment, forms a horizontal, step-shaped paragraph 21 ( 3 ) or a slanted paragraph 21 ( 4 ) out of. For example in the 1 , 2 , 9 , 11 and 12 It can be seen that the paragraph 21 is overlapped by a crossbar 22 of the insulating material housing 23. The crossbar 22 forms a stop for the shoulder 21 and thereby limits the restoring movement of the actuating element 8. In addition, as in 9 shown further parts of the insulating material housing 23 overlap the actuating element 8, for example in the area of the projection edges 27 and thus limit its translational mobility. Furthermore, in 9 It can be seen that the areas of the connecting section 11 on both sides of the material tongue 20 rest on the insulating material housing 23 when the actuating element 8 is in a starting position or the conductor connection terminal 1 is in a clamping state. The actuating element 8 can therefore be supported stably and its mobility is reliably limited.

As in 4 shown, the actuating projections 12 each have an insertion bevel 24 on the mutually facing sides of the actuating projections 12. The insertion bevels 24 adjoin the projection edges 27 and facilitate conductor insertion with a reduced risk of splicing off individual wires of the conductor. In the 4 and 5 It can also be seen that the operating section 9 delimits a test opening 25, which together with the insulating material housing 23 forms a closed test channel, for example for testing potential.

In 6 the actuating element 8 of the first embodiment is shown together with a clamping spring 3. The clamping spring 3 has a contact leg 6, a spring bow 5 and a clamping leg 7 with a clamping edge 14. In 6 the actuating element 8 is in an actuated state and the clamping leg 7 is in a release position corresponding to 2 shown. The clamping leg 7 is shifted onto the contact leg 6. The spring arch 5 dips into the spring receptacle 17 of the actuating section 10.

In the 7 and 8th the clamping spring 3 according to the first embodiment is shown isolated. The essentially straight course of the clamping leg 7 between its free end 14 and the bend 33 in the direction of the spring arch 5 is clear. The length of the clamping leg 7 in this area is referred to as the clamping leg length K and forms the basis for determining the actuation length B of the actuation section 10 of the actuating element 8.

In the 9 to 11 the conductor connection terminal 1 is additionally shown in additional perspective views and in a top view. The insulating housing 23 with its conductor insertion opening 26 can be seen, which merges into a conductor insertion channel 4, into which an electrical conductor can be inserted in the conductor insertion direction R and can be guided to the spring clamp connection of the contact piece 2 and the clamping spring 3. With the actuating element 8 adjacent to the conductor insertion channel 4, which can be displaced translationally and essentially parallel to the conductor insertion direction R by introducing an actuating force F into the operating section 9, the clamping leg 7 of the clamping spring 3 can be moved from a clamping position to a free position by the actuating projections 12. The conductor connection terminal 1 is very compact and can ensure reliable, easy operation as well as safe and targeted conductor routing.

In 12 a contact piece 2 for the conductor connection terminal 1 is shown. The contact piece 2 is a one-piece sheet metal strip bent several times. The contact piece 2 has a spring receiving area 29 with, for example, a through-opening for hanging the clamping spring 3, a contact area 31, a clamping area 30 and a receiving pocket 32 for an electrical conductor.

In the 13 to 17 is a further embodiment of the conductor connection terminal 1 based on a modified clamping spring 3, a correspondingly adapted actuating element 8 and on the basis of the 1 and 2 comparable views of the conductor connection terminal 1 with the structural modification. As in the 13 and 15 shown, the clamping spring 3 in this embodiment has a centrally arranged, slot-shaped spring recess 19 in the area of the spring arch 5. As in 14 As can be seen, the actuating element 8 has a guide web 18 in the area of the spring holder 17, which protrudes from the connecting section 11 and merges into the operating section 9. In 15 It is shown that the guide web 18 is dimensioned and arranged in such a way that it can enter the spring recess 19 when the spring arch 5 enters the spring receptacle 17. This achieves stable guidance and stiffening of the actuating element 8. In the 16 and 17 The functional principle of the second embodiment is analogous to the 1 and 2 illustrated and the protrusion of the guide bar 18 through the spring recess 19 in 17 shown. According to the invention, the actuating length B in this embodiment also corresponds to at least 50% of the clamping leg length K.

Reference number list

1

Conductor connection terminal

2

Contact piece

3

Clamping spring

4

Conductor entry channel

5

Spring bow

6

investment leg

7

Clamping leg

8th

Actuator

9

Operating section

10

Operating section

11

connection section

12

Actuation projection

13

Wall

14

Clamping edge

15

Operating edge

16

Inclined surface

17

Spring mount

18

Guide bridge

19

Spring recess

20

Material tongue

21

Paragraph

22

cross bar

23

Insulated housing

24

Insertion bevel

25

Inspection opening

26

Conductor entry opening

27

Projecting edge

28

Operating surface

29

Spring receiving area

30

Clamping range

31

Investment area

32

Recording pocket

33

Turn

B

Actuation length

F

Actuating force

K

Clamp leg length

R

Conductor insertion direction

T

Separation plane

Claims (15)

Conductor connection terminal (1) with an insulating housing (23), a contact piece (2) and a clamping spring (3) for forming a spring clamp connection for an electrical conductor to be connected, wherein the clamping spring (3) has a spring arch (5), a contact leg (6) and a substantially straight clamping leg (7) with a clamping leg length (K) which corresponds to a length from a free end of the clamping leg (7) to a bend (33) of the clamping leg (7) in the direction of the spring arch (5), wherein the conductor connection terminal (1) has an actuating element (8) arranged adjacent to a conductor introduction channel (4) with an operating section (9), an actuating section (10) and a connecting section (10), characterized in that the actuating section (10) has two actuating projections (12) projecting in a step-like manner into the conductor insertion channel (4), each with a projection edge (27) facing a conductor insertion opening (26) and forming a step relative to the connecting section (11), the projection edges (27) defining a parting plane (T) between the connecting section (11) and the actuating section (10), and that an actuating surface (28) of the actuating section (10) facing the clamping leg (7) of the clamping spring (3) forms two actuating edges (15) whose actuating length (B) corresponds to at least 50% of the clamping leg length (K). Conductor connection terminal (1) according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the actuating edges (15) have an actuating length (B) with which they protrude as far as a clamping edge (14) of the clamping leg (7) in a clamping position of the clamping leg (7) or end at a maximum of 40% of the clamping leg length (K) away from the clamping edge (14). Conductor connection terminal (1). Claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that an electrical conductor inserted into the conductor connection terminal (1) can be guided between the actuating projections (12) in the direction of the contact piece (2). Conductor connection terminal (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuating element (8) forms, at least in sections, a part of the conductor insertion channel (4) of the conductor connection terminal (1). Conductor connection terminal (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connecting section (11) of the actuating element (8) has an inclined surface (16) which runs at an angle to a conductor insertion direction (R) of an electrical conductor inserted into the conductor insertion channel (4). Conductor connection terminal (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuating projections (12) and the operating section (9) protrude from the connecting section (11) offset from one another in opposite spatial directions. Conductor connection terminal (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuating element (8) is translationally movable essentially parallel to the conductor insertion direction (R) of an electrical conductor. Conductor connection terminal (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connecting section (11) and/or the operating section (9) of the actuating element (8) has a spring receptacle (17). Conductor connection terminal (1). Claim 8 , characterized in that in the area of the spring receptacle (17) a guide web (18) projects from the connecting section (11) and/or the operating section (9), which is set up to be immersed in a spring recess (19) of the clamping spring (3). Conductor connection terminal (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connecting section (11) of the actuating element (8) has a material tongue (20) protruding from the connecting section (11) between the actuating section (10) and the operating section (9). Conductor connection terminal (1). Claim 10 , characterized in that the material tongue (20) has a shoulder (21) adjacent or adjacent to the operating section (9), which is overlapped by a crossbar (22) of an insulating material housing (23) of the conductor connection terminal (1). Conductor connection terminal (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuating section (10) and/or the actuating projections (12) have a square basic shape. Conductor connection terminal (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuating projections (12) have at least one insertion bevel (24). Conductor connection terminal (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the operating section (9) has a test opening (25). Actuating element (8) for a conductor connection terminal (1) according to one of the preceding claims.