EP1744402A1 - Screwless connection frame clamp - Google Patents

Abstract

A screwless connection terminal comprises a contact part to which a conductor is electrically connected; a clamping spring (10); a metallic frame (20) surrounding the spring and to insert into insulating housing (31, 33); and an actuating element (40) for the clamping spring. A blocking device (42) in a blocking position holds the frame in a position in which the clamping spring is prestressed, and the actuating element is in the form of a release device (41), which is capable of releasing the blocking position for the frame to bring the part or clamping spring end (11) into action. A screwless connection terminal comprises a contact part (3) having a contact section and a connection section (4) to which a conductor is electrically connected; a clamping spring (10); a metallic frame (20) surrounding the clamping spring and designed to be inserted into insulating housing (31, 33) of an electrical apparatus, and also at least partially accommodating the connection section; and an actuating element (40) for the clamping spring, where the clamping spring has a part or clamping spring end (11) for the purpose of moving the frame in relation to and in a direction transverse to the connection section to clamp the conductor between the frame and the connection section, where a blocking device (42) in a blocking position holds the frame in a position in which the clamping spring is prestressed, and where the actuating element is in the form of a release device (41), which is capable of releasing the blocking position for the frame to bring the part or clamping spring end (11) into action. An independent claim is included for an electrical plugging apparatus comprising the screwless connection terminal.

Description

The invention relates to a screwless terminal with the features of the preamble of claim 1 or 9 and to electrical devices with such a terminal.

In a screwless terminal of this type, such as from the EP 05 000 570.1 is known, a cuboid metallic frame is provided which surrounds and holds the clamping spring, which has the shape of a clip or ring clip. Frame and clamping spring together form a frame clamp. The ends of the ring clamp are designed as latching and latching counterpart, ie they cooperate in the sense of a latching device and can be locked together, in which case the ring clamp is closed. By a trigger, the locking device can be unlocked, after which the clamping leg is effective and an optionally inserted into the interior of the frame conductor presses against the contact part. For this purpose, the contact part can extend into the interior of the frame from the side opposite to the introduction side of the conductor.

In another screwless terminal of this type ( DE 203 08 863 U1 ), a clasp-shaped contact spring is provided, the contact leg is normally applied to the terminal portion, but can be brought with a slide-like actuator in an open position to introduce a conductor between the clamping spring and terminal portion can. To Releasing the actuator springs back the clamping spring and clamps the electrical conductor.

In previously known screwless terminals, the clamping of the conductor to be connected thus takes place directly between a spring leg and the connection portion of the contact part.

This conventionally requires that for the actuation of the clamping spring an actuating device or a suitable tool must always act directly on the clamping spring and therefore an access from the outside into the interior of the frame in which the clamping spring is arranged, is necessary, further in particular for Wiederentfernen a clamped conductor must be intervened directly between the clamping leg and the conductor. This can lead to invisible signs of wear. In addition, the clamping spring leg usually only acts on the inserted conductor for clamping with an extremely small leg section.

An object of the invention is to provide a screwless terminal, which provides a safer clamping action for a conductor to be clamped, and avoids the engagement in the frame inside, within which the clamping spring is held, so that wear on the clamping spring and / or introduced Ladder, especially in frequent use, are largely excluded in the interior substantially not visible from the outside.

The object of the invention is achieved in each case by an article having the features of claim 1, 9 or 38.

Advantageous and / or preferred embodiments and further developments are the subject of the dependent claims.

Thus, according to the invention, in a screwless connection terminal, which is a contact part with connection section to which a conductor is to be connected electrically, a clamping spring, a metallic frame which surrounds the clamping spring and is designed for insertion into insulating housing means of an electrical device,
and an actuating element for the clamping spring, wherein the frame further at least partially receives the connecting portion, according to a solution provided that the clamping spring has a leg for moving the frame relative to and across the connecting portion to the conductor to be connected between the frame and
Clamp terminal portion that a locking device in a locking position holds the frame in a position in which the clamping spring is biased, and that the actuating element is designed as a triggering device, which is able to release the blocking position for the frame to the leg to the action bring.

Consequently, since the frame is displaceably inserted in a housing relative to the connecting section and thus forms a kind of slide which in a first position biases the clamping spring and clamps the conductor to be connected in a second position without the clamping spring coming into direct contact therewith , Consequently, the clamping of the clamping spring and the triggering of the clamping action is directly controllable via the position of the frame, which is thus feasible without an intervention in the frame interior.

For simplified assembly forms in a preferred embodiment of the metallic frame with the clamping spring a structural unit, which is designed for insertion into insulating housing means of an electrical device.

A particularly efficient arrangement of the locking device is provided when it is in the blocking position on a side wall of the frame, against which the clamping leg, rests from the opposite side and the actuator is able to cause the release of the locking device of the side wall.

To the frame in the position in which the clamping spring is biased to easily always set again, according to one embodiment, the locking device is suitably connected to a return device for resetting the locking device in connection, which is stretched by loosening the locking device.

In a preferred development, in particular also for reducing the necessary components, the invention provides for the locking device to be formed on the actuating element.

In order to achieve a uniform action of the spring force on the frame, the clamping leg of the clamping spring is substantially completely against a side wall of the metallic frame and is preferably attached to the side wall or formed integrally therewith.

According to a preferred embodiment, the clamping spring is V-shaped in longitudinal section and has except the clamping leg nor a plant leg for support on a support means arranged in the frame, wherein the legs preferably merge into one another via a clamping arc.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the invention provides to use the connection portion of the contact part as a support device.

In a preferred embodiment of the connection portion is received in the frame interior such that thereby the interior of the frame is subdivided substantially into two adjacent subspaces, a space for receiving the conductor to be connected and a space in which the clamping spring is arranged.

The insulating housing means in which the frame is inserted expediently have a conductor insertion opening, a housing clearance for engagement of the blocking device and a channel communicating with the housing clearance for engaging the actuating element.

In a preferred embodiment, the housing free space simultaneously provides an escape space in which the clamping leg is able to move the frame upon release of the locking position.

It is advantageous if the housing clearance provides an escape space with a greater width than the maximum movement possibility of the frame is relative and in the direction transverse to the connection portion.

In an embodiment according to the invention, for engaging a tool for moving out of the frame the housing clearance for clamping the clamping spring of the housing clearance on an opening from the housing.

In a further preferred embodiment, the aforementioned restoring device is arranged between the housing means and the locking device, and thus can be supported in the tensioned state on the housing means, and consequently effect the return of the locking device in the blocking position when moved out of the housing clearance frame.

A preferred embodiment further provides that the actuating element is elongated, from one end of a projection as locking means in the housing free space is sufficient, which is able to hold the frame against the spring force in a position in the blocking position, while the other end of the actuating element the housing out as a push button for releasing the locking position extends, and is able to tension when releasing the locking position a standing with the housing means spring means. A communicating with the housing clearance channel of the housing has a corresponding opening to the outside and is designed to guide such an actuating element.

In order to keep the clamping spring in a defined position under bias, the insulating housing means on an abutment shoulder on which the clamping arc of a clamping spring rests in the blocking position.

The contact part expediently has a contact section, which is at least partially inserted outside the frame in insulating housing means, so that the terminal according to the invention consequently especially advantageous for use in electrical plug devices.

In alternative embodiments, a clamping spring is provided whose spring ends do not necessarily form legs. For example, it is provided to use at least one helical spring which is essentially cylindrical in shape as a compression spring, of which one end turn acts as a clamping leg and the end turn of the opposite end of the clamping spring as a bearing spring limb.

As an alternative to a pressure-actuatable actuating element, the actuating element can be guided to carry out a rotary movement, by means of which the operability of the connecting terminal as a whole can be further simplified and improved. In particular, in this case a locking device is provided, which forms an eccentric surface with respect to the axis of rotation.

Such an actuator is also useful in a communicating with the housing clearance channel, which is formed parallel to the frame side wall, in turn, one end of the actuating element out of the housing as an actuator for rotating the actuating element to release the blocking position, in which a locking device for holding the frame extends into the housing free space extends.

Further advantages and features of the invention will be described with reference to preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Fig. 1

einen Längsschnitt durch Gehäuse und Rahmenklemme einer ersten Ausführungsform gemäß der Erfindung und in vorgespanntem Lieferzustand,

Fig. 2

anhand des Längsschnitts nach Fig. 1 die Wirkungsweise dieser Rahmenklemme zum Anschließen eines Leiters,

Fig. 3

anhand des Längsschnitts nach Fig. 1 die Wirkungsweise dieser Rahmenklemme bei angeschlossenem Leiter,

Fig. 4

anhand des Längsschnitts nach Fig. 1 die Wirkungsweise dieser Rahmenklemme zum Entfernen des Leiters,

Fig. 5.

eine aufgeschnittene Teilansicht einer zweiten Ausführungsform gemäß der Erfindung,

Fig. 6

eine aufgeschnittene Teilanschnitt der Ausführungsform nach Fig. 5 aus einer gegenüber Fig. 5 etwas verdrehten Blickrichtung,

Fig. 7

eine aufgeschnittene Teilansicht einer dritten Ausführungsform gemäß der Erfindung bei angeschlossenem Leiter, bei welcher gegenüber der Ausführungsform nach Fig. 5 Endwindungen von Druckfedern als Federschenkel fungieren, und

Fign. 8 und 9

zeigen ein äußeres Kupplungsgehäuse mit einem darin angeordneten, die erfindungsgemäße Rahmenklemme aufnehmenden Einsatzgehäuse einer elektrischen Steckvorrichtung bzw. ein(e) mit dem Kupplungsgehäuse verschraubbares äußeres Abdeckgehäuse oder Haube der elektrischen Steckvorrichtung.

In the drawing shows:

Fig. 1

a longitudinal section through the housing and the frame clamp of a first embodiment according to the invention and in pretensioned delivery condition,

Fig. 2

1, the operation of this frame clamp for connecting a conductor,

Fig. 3

1, the mode of operation of this frame clamp with a connected conductor,

Fig. 4

1, the operation of this frame clamp for removing the conductor,

Fig. 5.

a cutaway partial view of a second embodiment according to the invention,

Fig. 6

5 is a cut-away partial section of the embodiment according to FIG. 5 from a direction of rotation slightly twisted compared to FIG. 5,

Fig. 7

a cutaway partial view of a third embodiment according to the invention with a connected conductor, in which over the embodiment of Figure 5 Endwindungen of compression springs act as spring legs, and

FIGS. 8 and 9

show an outer clutch housing having disposed therein, the frame clamp according to the invention receiving insert housing an electrical plug-in device or (e) screwed to the clutch housing outer cover housing or hood of the electrical connector.

Fig. 1 shows a cutaway view through a housing which is constructed essentially of two interconnectable insulating housing parts 31 and 33, wherein in the illustrated view, the lower Housing part 31 and the upper housing part 33 are shown to illustrate the invention in a somewhat exploded state. Within the housing, a frame 20 is arranged, in its interior, in turn, a clamping spring 10 is held. The clamping spring 10 is substantially completely surrounded by the metallic frame 20 and partially protected by the housing.

The frame 20 is formed from a stamped sheet metal part into a kind of sleeve and determines a frame inside, in which the clamping spring 10 is arranged and at least partially a contact part 3 and a to be connected to the contact part 3 conductor can be accommodated.

The contact part 3 preferably comprises a connection section 4 for the conductor to be connected and a connection section 4 opposite, not shown contact section for contacting with a mating contact, which may be formed either pin-shaped in the case of a socket-shaped mating contact or socket-shaped in the case of a pin-shaped mating contact. It should be noted, however, that differently shaped contact parts can be used, which have a contact portion within the frame.

In the illustrated embodiment, the frame 20 has the shape of a cuboid box whose upper and lower sides are open as shown in FIG. The connection section 4 of the contact part 3 and a conductor to be connected to the contact part 3 can thus extend into the interior of the frame from opposite sides.

The lower housing part 31 substantially closes the frame 20 to the lower open side thereof and the upper housing part 33 to the upper open side thereof.

The connection section 4 of the contact part 3 is introduced via the lower side into the frame interior, wherein the lower housing part 31 has a correspondingly adapted passage opening 32 for fixing the contact part 3. Preferably, the contact part 3 is anchored in the lower housing part 31 within the passage opening 32, and the upper housing part 31 may conveniently together with the frame clamp, d. H. the clamping spring 10 and the frame 20 are placed on the lower housing part 31.

According to FIG. 1, the connection section 4 is arranged in the mounted state within the frame 20 at a distance from two opposite frame side walls 21 and 22. Between the connection portion 4 and the one frame side wall 22, the clamping spring 10 is arranged and between the connection portion 4 and the other opposite frame side wall 21, a receiving space for a to be connected to the contact part 3 conductor is defined. The interior of the frame is thus divided into two separate subspaces, a clamping spring space and a conductor receiving space by means of the contact part 3 and the connection portion 4.

The frame 20 is slidably held transversely to the connecting portion 4 between the upper housing part 33 and the lower housing part 31, wherein in the position shown in FIG. 1, the clamping spring 10 is biased and the frame 20 upon deployment of the clamping action, starting from the receiving space for the conductor to be connected with defining frame side wall 21 in the direction of the connecting portion 4, that is, as shown in FIG. 1 is moved to the right, as described in detail below.

At the upper side of the housing 20 terminating the upper housing side, the housing upper part 33 has a passage opening 34 for insertion of conductor wires of a conductor to be connected and expediently a positioning lug 36 which is substantially flush with the wall of the passage opening 34 and at which the connection portion 4 with its free end 6 is present.

In the position of the frame 20 shown in Fig. 1, the conductor insertion opening 34 of the housing top 33 is substantially on an axis with the receiving space between the terminal portion 4 and the frame side wall 21, wherein the width of the receiving space and the conductor insertion opening 34 expediently substantially correspond ,

The arranged in the clamping spring chamber clamping spring 10 has in the present embodiment, two interconnected via a clamping arc 13 and substantially V-shaped to each other legs 11 and 12. The spring leg 12 is supported on the connecting portion 4 of the contact part 3 and thus acts essentially as a plant leg. The second, acting as a clamping leg leg 11 is applied to the frame side wall 22 and is preferably attached to this. In an alternative preferred embodiment, the clamping leg 11 is formed integrally with the frame side wall 22. In the prestressed state shown in FIG. 1, the tensioning bow 13 for defined retention of the prestressed clamping spring is preferably located on a contact shoulder 35 of the housing part 33, which is of the upper open side of the frame 20th protruding housing upper side into the frame interior.

In the illustrated embodiment, it can be seen that the clamping spring 10 may be constructed to increase the spring force of a plurality of layered spring layers.

Since the contact part 3 is fixed in its position, when the spring is released from the bias, the stored spring force thus acts essentially on the frame side wall 22 and causes a displacement of the frame 20 within the housing, which holds a corresponding escape space for this purpose.

In the illustrated embodiment, a housing free space 37 is provided for this purpose in the upper housing part 33, which extends at least over the entire length of the frame side wall 22 away and can be locked or released as alternative space. Adjacent to the housing clearance 37 and in this transiently the housing upper part comprises a channel or a groove 38, in which an actuating element 40 is held and guided, with which the housing clearance 37 can be locked or released as escape space.

The illustrated actuator 40 is guided in a direction parallel to the frame side wall 22 extending channel 38. In the state shown in Fig. 1, in which the clamping spring 10 is held under bias, protrudes an end 41 of the elongated actuating member 40 upwardly from the upper housing part 33 through a corresponding opening and serves as a push button. At the end 41 serving as the push-button end, a locking projection 42 is formed which projects into the housing clearance 37. Between the locking projection 42 and the Housing lower part 31 is provided a restoring device 43 in the form of a formed on the locking projection 42 or adjacent spring means. In the state shown in Fig. 1, the locking projection 42 is located on the clamping leg 11 opposite side of the frame side wall 22 and thus blocks the escape space for the frame 20. Consequently, it is ensured that the clamping spring 10 held under bias and the frame 20 is not made the position shown in Fig. 1 is shifted.

By pressing the pushbutton 41 of the actuating element 40, the locking projection 42 is moved from this blocking position into a release position, in the present example into a position below the frame side wall 22, thus releasing the housing clearance 37 as an escape space for the frame 20. As a result, the clamping spring 10 is relieved of the bias, the frame 20 is displaced by the spring force released from the position shown in Fig. 1 in the direction of escape space 37 and subsequently moves the frame side wall 21 in the direction of the terminal portion 4, so that the inserted conductor wires pinched become. In a preferred embodiment, the width of the housing free space 37 is dimensioned to be larger than the maximum possible displacement of the frame into this space due to the connection section 4. Furthermore, the housing clearance 37 expediently has an opening 39, which allows access from the outside into the housing clearance 37.

The operation and mode of operation of this frame clamp according to the invention will be described in more detail below with reference to FIGS. 2 to 4.

The state shown in Fig. 2 corresponds to that shown in Fig. 1, which for example also corresponds to the delivery state, and shows the position of the frame 20 in which the spring 10 is held under pretension. The locking projection 42 abuts against the clamping leg 11 opposite side of the frame side wall 22 and thus blocks the escape space. The conductor receiving space defined between the frame side wall 21 and the connection section 4 has a maximum width and the clamping spring space formed between the connection section 4 and the frame side wall 22 has a minimal width.

In the direction of the arrow marked "A", the stripped end 2 of a conductor 1 is inserted through the opening 34 of the housing part 33 into the interior of the frame 20 between the frame side wall 21 and the connection section 4. In order to ensure maximum contact, the connection section 4 of the contact part 3 is formed with a contact surface 7 facing in the direction of the frame side wall 21, which expediently extends somewhat within the circumferential region predetermined by the conductor insertion opening 34. In order to ensure the largest possible clamping range, the conductor wires or the stripped conductor end are expediently guided to an abutment portion 5 of the contact part 3.

Upon introduction of the conductor 1 to be connected, pressure is exerted on the pushbutton 41 in the direction of the arrow labeled "B" in FIG. 2, whereby the locking projection 42 moves below the frame and the spring acting as the return device 43 is compressed, as in FIG. 3 shown.

As can be seen in Fig. 3, thereby at the same time the housing clearance 37 as an alternative space for the frame released and the bias for the clamping spring 10 is released to bring the clamping leg 11 to action. As a result, the frame is moved in the direction of the arrow marked "C" in FIG.

In the state shown in FIG. 3, in which the locking projection 42 has assumed the release position, the clamping spring 10 thus exerts its effect and presses the frame side wall 22 into the released housing clearance 37 by means of the clamping leg 11, the leg 11 engaging the connection section 4 supported. As a result, the frame side wall 21 opposite to the frame side wall 22 is moved toward the terminal portion 4 in the same direction and thus presses the inserted conductor end 2 against the contact surface 7 of the terminal portion 4. In this position of the frame 20, the conductor receiving space defined between the frame side wall 21 and the terminal portion 4 increases thus, a minimum width and the clamping spring space formed between connection section 4 and frame side wall 22 a maximum width.

If the width of the housing free space 37 is dimensioned larger than the maximum possible displacement of the frame due to the connection section 4, a maximum clamping force is consequently ensured even with very small conductor diameters.

In order to ensure a uniform contact pressure during the displacement of the frame 20 and the clamping of the conductor end 2, the clamping leg 11 is preferably connected to the frame side wall 22 substantially over its entire length or lies against the frame side wall 22 over its entire length.

To remove the conductor 1 and / or to produce the prestressed state, the clamping spring 10 must be brought back into its biased position. Serves, as seen in Fig. 4, the opening 39 through which a suitable tool, such as a screwdriver, guided into the housing clearance 37 and can be brought to rest against the outside of the frame wall 22 to the frame side wall 22 and thus the Frame 20 to move back out of the escape space in total. If the width of the housing free space 37 is greater than the maximum possible displacement of the frame due to the connection section 4, the corresponding insertion of a tool is ensured in the simplest and most convenient manner.

If the housing free space 37 is completely released by the frame side wall 22, the actuating element 40, as indicated in FIG. 4 by the arrow marked "E", automatically returns to its blocking position and the locking projection 42 due to the restoring device 43 acting on the locking projection 42 moved in contact with the outside of the frame side wall 22. Then the conductor 1 can be deducted. Further, the clamping spring 10 is again biased and the actuator 40 again activated by pressing the push button 41 to re-release the locked position.

Already the above-described frame clamp according to the invention can be used in many ways, ie can be used as a prefabricated element in a number of electrical devices in order to function there as a screwless connection terminal. The frame clamp is consumer friendly, as it is deliverable in the pre - stressed condition and the consumer after the introduction of the Only press the button to complete the connection of the conductor. Furthermore, the introduction of tools for clamping or for releasing the clamping spring is avoided within the frame, so that in particular the clamping spring is substantially completely protected against unwanted damage.

In particular, with reference to FIGS. 5 to 7 further embodiments according to the invention are described with respect to FIGS. 1 to 4 alternative actuating element, but which also has a preferably substantially parallel to the conductor insertion axis of the conductor receiving space extending actuating axis to, as already removed the embodiments described above, to ensure an extremely simple visual inspection of the state or the position of an inserted conductor before and / or upon actuation of the actuating element for triggering the clamping action and to allow use of the terminal according to the invention in a number of electrical devices, in particular electrical plug devices in which after Inserting the terminal a free, open access is given essentially only from the conductor insertion side.

The Fign. FIGS. 5 to 7 show cutaway views from slightly different viewing angles through a housing, which in turn is essentially constructed from two insulating housing parts 31 and 33 which can be connected to one another. Also in these views, the lower housing part 31 and the upper housing part 33 are shown in somewhat exploded state to illustrate the invention. Within the housing, a frame 20 is arranged, in its interior, in turn, a clamping spring 10 is held. The clamping spring 10 according to FIGS. 5 and 6 owns one of the above-described clamping spring form corresponding shape and the clamping spring 10 of FIG. 7 has an alternative form. Each of the clamping springs 10 is in turn disposed inside the frame 20 and thus is substantially completely surrounded by the frame 20 and partially protected by the housing.

Also in the Fign. 5 to 7 shown frame 20 is preferably a metallic frame 20, which is suitably formed from a stamped sheet metal part into a kind of sleeve and thereby determines a frame inside, in which the clamping spring 10 is arranged and at least partially a contact part 3 with a connection portion 4 and an the connecting portion 4 of the contact part 3 to be connected conductor 1 with the exposed conductor wires 2 are receivable.

In the embodiments shown, the housing constructed from the housing parts 31 and 33 with the frame 20, the clamping spring 10 and the contact part 3 is designed as an insert housing in the interior of an outer housing 30a, 30b of an electrical plug-in device. Such a preferred electrical plug-in device is shown for further illustration, for example, Figs. 8 and 9. FIGS. 8 and 9 show an electrical plug-in device with an outer base housing or coupling housing 30a and an outer cover housing or hood 30b. The cable is pushed through an opening of the hood, as shown in FIG. 9 from above through the hood 30 b, and the line ends connected to associated contact parts in the insert housing, which sits in the coupling housing 30 a. As in particular of Fig. 8 but also already the Fign. 1 to 7 can be clearly removed, thus constructed from the housing parts 31 and 33 housing also for the simultaneous recording of several Be formed frame clamps. Subsequently, the hood is screwed to the coupling housing and usually fixed by releasable latching means on this in the end position of the screw. Such contact parts have for this purpose a connection portion and are on the opposite side with a pin-like contact portion 8 of the connector, as in particular in Fig. 6 even clearer, in the case of a socket-shaped mating contact of a complementary plug-in device or with a socket-shaped contact portion in the case of a pin-shaped mating contact a complementary plug-in device is formed. It should be noted, however, that in principle again contact parts can be used, for example, have a contact portion within the frame 20. Similar to that previously shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the frame 20 according to FIGS. 5 to 7 also has the shape of a parallelepiped box whose upper and lower sides are open in the figures, so that the connection section 4 of the contact part 3 and the conductor end 2 to be connected to the contact part 3 from opposite sides into the interior of the frame. In addition, the housing upper side of the housing upper part 33 that substantially closes the upper open side of the frame 20 again has a passage opening 34 for inserting and fixing the conductor end 2 to be connected, and the appropriate positioning lug 36 on which the connection section inserted into the frame interior via the lower side of the frame 4 rests with its free end. The contact part 3 is thus in turn, at least after mounting the upper housing part 33 with the lower housing part 31, which may alternatively be made, for example, together with an outer clutch housing, defined in the through hole 32 of the housing base 31.

Also in the embodiments of FIGS. 5-7, the terminal portion 4 is thus arranged in the mounted state within the frame 20 spaced from two opposite frame side walls 21 and 22 to divide the interior of the frame into two separate subspaces, the clamping spring space for receiving the clamping spring between terminal portion 4 and the frame side wall 21 and the conductor receiving space for the conductor to be connected between the terminal portion 4 and the opposite side wall 22.

The frame side wall 21 has to further increase the clamping action a rib-like surface facing in the direction of the inserted conductor, provided by bends 23 edges to keep clamped even at higher tensile forces on the conductor this can.

The frame 20 is slidably held between the upper housing part 33 and the lower housing part 31 transversely to the connection portion 4, and from the in Fign. 5 and 6 shown biased position of the clamping spring 10 when unfolding the clamping action in the direction of the arrow "C" in a clamping position shown in FIG. 7 movable.

In the case of Fign. 5 and 6, the conductor insertion opening 34 of the housing top 33 is substantially on an axis with the receiving space between the terminal portion 4 and the frame side wall 21, wherein the width of the receiving space and the conductor insertion opening 34 for easy insertion or removal of the conductor wires 2 expediently again substantially correspond.

The construction and mounting of the according to FIGS. 5 and 6 arranged in the clamping spring chamber clamping spring 10 are in relation on the Fign. 1 to 4 described embodiment substantially corresponding.

The arranged in the embodiment of FIG. 7 in the clamping spring chamber clamping spring 10 is constructed in a modification of a plurality of mutually parallel compression springs in the form of substantially cylindrical coil springs, wherein the respective opposite end turns act as legs 11 and 12. The majority of the coil springs serve to increase the spring force of the clamping spring. The end coils, which act as spring legs, are supported on the connection section 4 of the contact part 3 and thus essentially act as a support leg. The second, almost acting as clamping legs 11 Endwindungen abut the frame side wall 22 and are preferably attached thereto. For defined support of the cylindrical coil springs and, in order to counteract any buckling of the coil springs during preloading, extending on the frame side wall 22 integrally formed centering pins 24 in the interior of the cylindrical coil springs.

Also in the embodiments according to FIGS. 5 to 7 thus the contact part 3 is fixed in its position and thus the stored spring force causes when relieving the clamping spring from the bias displacement of the frame 20 within the housing in the direction of a housing provided in the escape space, wherein also in the in Figs. 5 to 7 illustrated embodiments for this purpose in the upper housing part 33, a housing free space 37 is formed, which extends at least over the entire length of the frame side wall 22 of time and can be at least partially blocked or released as an alternative space. Adjacent to the releasable housing free space 37 and in this transition is again a kind of channel or groove 38 ' for holding and guiding an actuating element 40 'is formed, with which the housing free space 37 can be locked or released as an alternative space.

Instead of an embodiment and guidance of the actuating element for providing an actuating axis defining a "pressure axis", as in the embodiments according to FIGS. 1 to 4, this is in the embodiments according to FIGS. 5 to 7 illustrated actuator 40 'rotatably guided in a parallel to the frame side wall 22 extending channel 38' and thus has an actuating axis, which in the same direction as the actuating shaft according to FIGS. 1 to 4, but defines an axis of rotation 46. One end 41 'of the elongate actuating element 40' protrudes upward from the upper housing part 33 through a corresponding opening and serves as a rotary member, which preferably has an insertion slot for the insertion of a screwdriver. At the, serving as a rotary member end 41 'opposite end, as shown in FIGS. 5 to 8, a nose 44 may be formed, which engages under the channel 38 'in the inserted state of the actuating element 40 in the housing and thus secures the actuating element against falling out. Once again, at the portion of the actuating member 40 'which extends away from the end 41 serving as the rotary member, a locking projection 42' is formed transversely from the actuating axis, which in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, in which the clamping spring 10 is held under pretension, projects into the releasable housing clearance 37. In the embodiments according to FIGS. 5 to 7, the locking projection 42 'is provided by an eccentric surface arranged or formed on the actuating element 40'. In the case of Figs. 5 and 6 illustrated state is the cam surface 42 'at the clamping leg eleventh opposite side of the frame side wall 22 and thus blocks the escape space for the frame 20. Consequently, it is ensured that the clamping spring 10 is held under bias and the frame 20 is not from the in Fign. 5 and 6 shown position is shifted.

By turning the operating member 41 'of the operating member 40' in the direction of the arrow "B '", the locking projection 42' is moved from this locking position about the axis of rotation to a release position in which the locking projection 42 'detaches from the frame side wall and thus the housing clearance 37 as escape space for the frame 20 releases. As a result, the clamping spring 10 is relieved of the bias, the frame 20 by the spring force released from the in Figs. 5 and 6 shown displaced position in the direction of the released escape space 37 and subsequently moves the frame side wall 21 in the direction of the connection portion 4, so that the inserted conductor wires are clamped, as seen in Fig. 7. Again, in a preferred embodiment, the width of the releasable as Ausweichraum housing clearance 37 sized larger than the maximum possible due to the connection portion 4 displacement of the frame in this room. The working and mode of action of a frame clamp according to the invention according to FIGS. 5 to 7 will be briefly summarized below.

The in the Fign. For example, FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 corresponds to the state of delivery and shows the position of the frame 20 in which the spring 10 is biased. The locking projection 42 'is located with the actuating element 40' formed on the eccentric surface substantially flat on the clamping leg 11 opposite side of the frame side wall 22 and thus blocks the alternative space. The conductor receiving space defined between the frame side wall 21 and the connection section 4 has a maximum width and the clamping spring space formed between the connection section 4 and the frame side wall 22 has a minimal width.

In the direction of the arrow marked "A", the stripped end 2 of a conductor 1 is inserted through the opening 34 of the housing part 33 into the interior of the frame 20 between the frame side wall 21 and the connection section 4. In order to ensure maximum contact, the connection section 4 of the contact part 3 is formed with a contact surface 7 facing in the direction of the frame side wall 21, which expediently extends somewhat within the circumferential region predetermined by the conductor insertion opening 34. In order to ensure the largest possible clamping range, the conductor wires or the stripped conductor end are expediently guided to an abutment portion 5 of the contact part 3.

After the introduction of the conductor 1 to be connected, the rotary member 41 'is rotated in the direction of the arrow marked "B" in FIGS. 5 and 6, whereby the locking projection 42' is moved around the axis of rotation and away from the frame.

As a result, at the same time the housing free space 37 is released as an alternative space for the frame and the bias for the clamping spring 10 is released to bring the clamping leg 11 to effect. As a result, the frame is moved in the direction of the arrow marked "C" in FIGS. 5 and 6.

In the state shown in FIG. 7, in which the locking projection 42 'has assumed the release position, the clamping spring 10 has thus unfolded its effect and by means of clamping leg 11, the frame side wall 22 is pressed into the released housing free space 37, wherein the leg 11 is supported on the connection portion 4. Consequently, the frame side wall 22 opposite the frame side wall 21 has been moved in the same direction to the terminal portion 4 and thus presses the inserted conductor end 2 to the contact surface 7 of the terminal portion 4. In this position of the frame 20 which defines between the frame side wall 21 and the terminal portion 4 Conductor receiving space thus a minimum width and the clamping spring space formed between the connecting portion 4 and frame side wall 22 a maximum width.

If the releasable width of the housing free space 37 is greater than the maximum possible displacement of the frame due to the connection section 4, consequently a maximum clamping force is ensured even with very small conductor diameters.

In order to ensure a uniform contact pressure during the displacement of the frame 20 and the clamping of the conductor end 2, the frame side wall 22 is preferably acted upon over its substantially entire length by the one or more clamping legs 11 with spring force.

To remove the conductor 1 and / or to produce the prestressed state, the clamping spring 10 must be brought back into its biased position. For this purpose, as seen in Fig. 7 in a further modification to the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 4, the rotary member is rotated in the opposite direction in the direction of arrow "V", so that the locking projection 42 'in this opposite direction pivoted about the axis of rotation and again completely to rest on the Outside of the frame wall 22 can be brought to move the frame side wall 22 and thus the frame 20 in total again from the escape space. Preferably, the actuating element 40 'engages in the end position with fully open frame clamp in a correspondingly shaped wall portion of the housing part 33 a.

Then the conductor 1 can be deducted. Further, the clamping spring 10 is again biased and the actuator 40 'again by actuation of the rotary member 41' for releasing the locking position activated again.

In the embodiments according to FIGS. 5-7 is therefore neither an additional restoring device nor the introduction of a suitable tool in the released housing clearance to move the frame 20 in total out of the escape space, required. Compared to the embodiments according to FIGS. 1 to 4, the operability is thus further improved.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

ladder

2

conductor cores

3

contact part

4

connecting section

5

Contact section of the contact part

6

free end of the connection section

7

contact area

8th

Contact section

10

clamping spring

11

clamping leg

12

contact leg

13

tensioning bow

20

frame

21

Frame side wall

22

Frame side wall

23

deflection

24

centering

30

outer housing of an electrical plug-in device

30a

clutch housing

30b

Hood

31

Housing bottom

32

Through opening in the lower housing part

33

Housing top

34

Through opening in the upper housing part

35

Contact shoulder of the upper housing part

36

Positioning nose of the upper housing part

37

Housing clearance for frame movement

38, 38 '

Channel for actuator

39

Opening to the housing clearance

40, 40 '

actuator

41

pushbutton

41 '

rotary member

42, 42 '

locking projection

43

Reset device

44

nose

46

axis of rotation

Claims (40)

Screwless connection terminal, with the following features: a contact part (3) with connection section (4) to which a conductor (1, 2) is to be electrically connected, a clamping spring (10), a metallic frame (20) surrounding the clamping spring (10) and adapted for insertion into insulating housing means (31, 33) of an electrical device, the frame (20) further at least partially receiving the terminal portion (4), an actuator for the clamping spring (10), characterized, in that the clamping spring (10) has a limb (11) for moving the frame (20) relative and in a direction transverse to the connection section (4) in order to connect the conductor (1, 2) between frame (20) and connection section (4) to clamp that a locking device (42) in a blocking position, the frame (20) in a position in which the clamping spring (10) is biased, and that the actuating element as a triggering device (40, 41) is formed, which the blocking position for the frame is able to bring the leg (11) to act. Screwless terminal according to claim 1, characterized in that the locking device (42) in locking position on a side wall (22) of the frame, on which the clamping leg (11) abuts, rests from the opposite side, and that the actuating element releasing the locking position by releasing the locking device (42) from the side wall causes. Screwless terminal according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the clamping leg (11) of the clamping spring (10) substantially completely against a side wall (22) of the metallic frame (20). Screwless terminal according to claim 3, characterized in that the clamping leg (11) of the clamping spring (10) on the side wall (22) is fixed or formed integrally therewith. Screwless terminal according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the clamping spring (10) in a longitudinal section V-shaped and has in addition to the clamping leg (11) nor a plant leg (12) for support on a supporting means arranged in the frame. Screwless connection terminal according to claim 5, characterized in that the support means is the connection portion (4). Screwless terminal according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the insulating housing means (31, 33) have a housing clearance (37) which provides an escape space in which the clamping leg (11) to move the frame (20) upon release of the locking position can. Screwless terminal according to claim 7, characterized in that the housing free space (37) provides an escape space with a larger width than the maximum possibility of movement of the frame relative and in the direction transverse to the connection portion (4). Screwless terminal, comprising: a contact part (3) having a contact section and having a connection section (4) to which a conductor (1, 2) is to be electrically connected, a clamping spring (10), a metallic frame (20) which substantially completely surrounds the clamping spring (10) and is designed for insertion into insulating housing means (31, 33) of an electrical device, in particular an electrical plug-in device, wherein the frame (20) further comprises the connection section (4 ) at least partially absorbs, an actuating element for the clamping spring (10), characterized, in that the clamping spring (10) has a clamping spring end (11) for moving the frame (20) relative and in a direction transverse to the connection section (4) in order to connect the conductor (1, 2) between frame (20) and connection section ( 4) to clamp that a locking device (42, 42 ') in a blocking position, the frame (20) in a position in which the clamping spring (10) is biased, and that the actuating element as a triggering device (40, 41) is, which is able to solve the blocking position for the frame to bring the clamping spring end (11) to act. Screwless terminal according to claim 9, characterized in that the locking device (42, 42 ') in locking position on a side wall (22) of the frame against which the clamping spring end (11) rests from the opposite side, and that Actuator causes the release of the locking position by releasing the locking device (42) from the side wall. Screwless connection terminal according to claim 10, characterized in that the clamping spring end (11) of the clamping spring (10) substantially completely against the side wall (22) of the metallic frame (20). Screwless terminal according to claim 11, characterized in that the clamping spring end (11) of the clamping spring (10) on the side wall (22) is fixed or formed integrally therewith. Screwless terminal according to one of claims 9 to 12, characterized in that the insulating housing means (31, 33) have a housing clearance (37) which provides an escape space in which the clamping spring end (11) the frame (20) upon release the blocking position is able to move. Screwless terminal according to claim 13, characterized in that the housing free space (37) provides an escape space with a larger width than the maximum movement possibility of the frame relative and in the direction transverse to the connection portion (4). Screwless connection terminal according to one of claims 9 to 14, characterized in that the clamping spring (10) in a V-shaped longitudinal section with two legs arranged thereon, so that the clamping spring except the clamping spring end (11) nor a contact spring end (12 ) for supporting on a supporting device arranged in the frame. Screwless terminal according to one of claims 9 to 14, characterized in that the clamping spring (10) comprises at least one compression spring substantially cylindrically shaped coil spring, of which an end turn as a clamping leg (11) acts and the end turn of the opposite end of the clamping spring as a bearing spring -Chip (12) for support on a support arranged in the frame. Screwless connection terminal according to one of the two preceding claims, characterized in that the support means is the connection portion (4). Screwless terminal according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 17, characterized in that the insulating housing means (33) have a contact shoulder (35) on which a clamping arc of a clamping spring (10) in the locked position can be applied. Screwless terminal according to one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the metallic frame (20) with the clamping spring (10) forms a structural unit, which is designed for insertion into insulating housing means (31, 33) of an electrical device. Screwless terminal according to one of claims 1 to 19, characterized in that the actuating element (40, 41 ') is held and guided parallel to the side wall (22) of the frame, against which the clamping spring rests. Screwless connection terminal according to one of claims 1 to 20, characterized in that the locking device (42, 42 ') on the actuating element (40, 40') is formed. Screwless terminal according to one of claims 1 to 21, characterized in that the frame (20) in insulating housing means (31, 33) is inserted, which has a conductor insertion opening (34), a housing free space (37) for engaging the locking device and one with the Housing free space communicating channel (38) for engagement of the actuating element (40, 40 '). Screwless terminal according to the preceding claim, wherein the actuating element (40, 40 ') has an actuating axis extending substantially parallel to the conductor insertion axis of the conductor insertion opening. Screwless terminal according to one of claims 1 to 22, characterized in that the locking projection (42, 42 ') extends in a direction transverse to the actuating axis of the actuating element (40, 41). Screwless terminal according to one of claims 1 to 24, characterized in that the connection portion (4) the interior of the frame (20) substantially in two adjacent subspaces, a space for receiving the conductor to be connected (1, 2) and a space in which the clamping spring (10) is arranged, subdivided. Screwless connection terminal according to one of claims 1 to 25, characterized in that the actuating element (40) defines a pressure axis as the actuating axis. Screwless terminal according to one of claims 1 to 26, characterized in that the locking device (42) with a return device (43) for returning the locking device is in the blocking position in connection, and that the actuating element by loosening the locking device (42) clamping the Resetting effected. Screwless terminal according to claim 27, characterized in that the housing free space (37) has a tensioner opening (39) for engaging a tool for moving out the frame (20) from the housing clearance for clamping the clamping spring (10). Screwless connection terminal according to claim 28, characterized in that the restoring device between the housing means (31, 33) and the locking device (42) is arranged and causes the return of the locking device in the blocking position with moved out of the housing free space frame (20). Screwless terminal according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the communicating with the housing free space (37) channel (38) has an opening to the outside and is designed to guide an elongate actuating element, at one end a projection (42) as a locking device in the housing free space (37) extends, which is able to hold the frame (20) in a position (20) in the blocking position, wherein the other end of the Actuator out of the housing as a pushbutton (41) for releasing the locking position extends, and which is able to tension upon release of the locking position with the housing means (31, 33) in conjunction spring device. Screwless terminal according to one of claims 1 to 25, characterized in that the actuating element (40 ') defines an axis of rotation as an actuating axis. Screwless terminal according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the locking device (42 ') forms an eccentric surface with respect to the axis of rotation. Screwless connection terminal according to one of claims 31 to 32, characterized in that the channel (38) communicating with the housing free space (37) is formed parallel to the frame side wall (22), has an opening to the outside and is designed to guide an elongate actuating element, wherein an end of the actuator protrudes out of the housing as an actuator (41) for rotating the actuator to release the locked position, in which a protrusion defining an eccentric surface extends as a means for locking the frame (20) into the housing free space (37). Screwless terminal according to one of claims 1 to 33, characterized in that the contact part (3) has a contact portion which is outside the frame (20) at least partially inserted in insulating housing means (31). Screwless terminal according to one of claims 1 to 34, wherein the contact part (3) has a contact portion which is formed like a pin or a bush. Screwless terminal according to one of claims 1 to 35, wherein the insulating housing means (31, 33) for receiving a plurality of contact parts (3) and clamping springs (10) and this receiving frame (20) is formed. Screwless terminal according to one of claims 1 to 36, wherein the insulating housing means (31, 33) as an insert housing within a housing (30a, 30b) of an electrical device, in particular electrical plug-in device is formed. Electrical plug device comprising a screwless terminal according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 37. Electrical plug device according to the preceding claim, which has an outer housing of two parts, wherein a housing part is designed as a coupling housing and the other housing part as a cover housing or hood. Electrical plug-in device according to the preceding claim, wherein the insulating housing means are arranged as an insert housing in the coupling housing.

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