EP1750330A2 - Contacting by clamping and rotation for an electrical conductor - Google Patents

Abstract

A conductor clamping device has a retaining area (202) to hold electrical conductors, a clamping element (207) for pressing the electrical conductors against retaining area, a spring element (212), a rotary actuating element (204) and first and second retaining elements. The first and the second retaining elements hold the actuating element in a first position, in which the actuating element fixes the clamping element in position away from the retaining area. In the second position of the actuating element, the spring element pushes the clamping element in the direction of the retaining area to clamp the electrical conductor at the retaining area. The actuating element can be brought in the second position from the first position through the rotary movement.

Description

Background of the invention

The present invention relates to the clamping of an electrical conductor in a conductor clamping device, in particular a Drehklemmkontaktierung for an electrical conductor.

State of the art

For contacting a stranded conductor or a solid conductor screw terminals and cage tension springs are known.

In a screw-type contacting device, a conductor is inserted into a receiving area, and a clamping screw is screwed against the conductor, thereby establishing an electrical and mechanical connection. Examples of screw terminals can be found in DE 102 18 214 A1 . DE 297 09 111 U1 and DE 298 11 687 U1 , The clamping force is determined in screw terminals by the torque that a user applies to a clamping screw of the screw, whereby it is not readily possible to achieve a predetermined and / or reproducible clamping force. The screw terminal can not provide a vibration protection in all cases, since the clamping screw can be released during vibration. Further, once clamped by the clamping screw position, clamping can not adapt to changing conditions (eg, relaxation) such as caused by aging or thermal effects such as contraction or expansion.

In a contacting device of the cage tension spring type, a conductor having a spring member is clamped against a conductor receiving portion. Examples of cage tension springs can be found in DE 198 17 925 A1 and EP 0 806 811 A2 , Depending on the cage tension spring type, the cage tension spring must be opened prior to insertion of the ladder and manually held in its open position, resulting in less effective handling and making automation more difficult. Furthermore, many cage tension spring types have a small contact surface, resulting in a high contact resistance.

Object of the invention

It is an object of the invention to provide a ladder clamping device which can be provided in an open state, which can be brought into the closed state with a simple operating step and which generates a predetermined and reproducible clamping force in the closed state.

Inventive solution

This object is achieved by a conductor clamping device having a receiving area for receiving an electrical conductor, a clamping element for pressing the electrical conductor against the receiving area, a spring element and a rotatably arranged actuating element, wherein in a first position of the actuating element, the conductor clamping device for inserting an electrical conductor is kept open and is triggered by a rotational movement of the actuating element in a second position, a clamping of the conductor by the clamping element due to the spring tension of the spring element acting thereon.

Advantages, refinements and developments of the invention

A first conductor clamping device according to the invention for clamping an electrical conductor which uses the general teaching of this invention comprises a receiving area for receiving an electrical conductor, a clamping element for pressing the electrical conductor against the receiving area, a spring element, a rotatably arranged actuating element and a first retaining element and a second retaining element, wherein the first retaining element and the second retaining element hold the actuating element in a first position, in which the actuating element secures the clamping element in a position remote from the receiving area, in a second position of the actuating element the spring element urges the clamping element in the direction of the receiving area, to clamp an electrical conductor located on the receiving area, and to bring the actuating element out of the first position into the second position by a rotary movement.

In the first position of the actuating element, the conductor clamping device is kept open without external force, so that the electrical conductor can be inserted into the conductor clamping device. It is not necessary to keep the ladder clamping device open by a tool. In the second position of the actuating element is a Clamping triggered by the spring element, so that the electrical conductor is clamped against the receiving area with a predetermined and reproducible clamping force. The rotational movement of the actuating element does not perform clamping, but decouples the first and the second retaining element, so that the spring element can press the clamping element against the receiving area. Since the clamping of the electrical conductor is effected by the spring force of the spring element, the clamping is largely insensitive to vibration and can adapt to changing conditions due to aging or thermal effects. It is also possible to arrange the actuating element stationary, for example with respect to a control cabinet, and to rotate the receiving area with respect to the actuating element. This solution is considered equivalent by those skilled in the art.

In the first conductor clamping device according to the invention, the spring element may be in a state of higher spring tension in the first position of the actuating element and in a state of lower spring tension in the second position of the actuating element.

In the first conductor clamping device according to the invention, the clamping element may be formed integrally with the actuating element.

In the first conductor clamping device according to the invention, the first retaining element can be formed integrally with the receiving area and the second retaining element can be formed integrally with the actuating element, whereby the manufacturing outlay can be reduced.

In the case of the first conductor clamping device according to the invention, the receiving region can have a concave profile and the clamping element can have a convex profile, whereby a large-area contacting of the electrical conductor with a low contact resistance is achieved. This embodiment is particularly suitable for a solid conductor.

In the case of the first conductor clamping device according to the invention, the receiving region can have a convex profile and the clamping element can have a concave profile, whereby a large-area contacting of the electrical conductor with a low contact resistance is achieved. This embodiment is particularly suitable for stranded conductors.

The receiving area and the clamping element may be substantially complementary, for. B. be formed geometrically complementary. As a result, a particularly stable clamping of the conductor can be achieved.

In the case of the first conductor clamping device according to the invention, the first retaining element can be formed integrally with at least one region of the receiving region projecting in the direction of the clamping element and the second retaining element can be formed integrally with the clamping element, whereby the manufacturing outlay can be reduced even further, since the receiving region simultaneously absorbs the electric current Conductor, guiding the electrical conductor and serves as a first retaining element, which cooperates with the clamping element formed as a second retaining element such that the actuating element is held in the first position.

To further reduce the manufacturing cost, the spring element may be integrally formed with the receiving area.

In the case of the first conductor clamping device according to the invention, the clamping element can be displaceable by the spring element along the rotational movement axis of the actuating element. The actuating element and / or the second retaining element can also be movable along the rotational movement axis.

In the first conductor clamping device according to the invention, the angle of the rotational movement with which the actuating element is to be brought from the first to the second position may be about 90 ° or less. Depending on the configuration of the first and the second retaining element, the rotational movement can be reduced to about 45 ° or less. Due to the relatively small rotational movement, a high efficiency of the conductor clamping device is ensured and the connection process can be automated with simple means.

In the first conductor clamping device according to the invention, the first retaining element can be formed integrally with the spring element and the second retaining element can be formed integrally with the actuating element.

In the first conductor clamping device according to the invention, the second retaining element may be formed eccentrically in the actuating element, wherein the second retaining element in the first position of the actuating element determines the clamping element away from the receiving area, whereby the spring element is brought by simple means from a state of higher spring tension in a state of lower spring tension can be.

In the case of the first conductor clamping device according to the invention, the first retaining element can be formed by a section of the spring element that is concave in the direction of the second retaining element, whereby the second retaining element is suitably guided with the first retaining element.

In the case of the first conductor clamping device according to the invention, the spring element can be substantially U-shaped, the spring element can be fastened to a first leg facing away from the receiving area and the first retaining element can be formed on a second leg of the spring element facing the receiving area. The U-shaped spring element allows a high spring force in low space requirements.

The first conductor clamping device according to the invention can be configured such that a dead center of the second retaining element is located between the first position and the second position of the actuating element, so that the spring tension of the spring element holds the actuating element in the first position or the second position. This is achieved with particularly simple means that the actuating element is held in the first position, thereby ensuring that the conductor clamping device is open for insertion of the electrical conductor.

In the first conductor clamping device according to the invention, the clamping element may be formed integrally with the actuating element.

In the first conductor clamping device according to the invention, the clamping element may be formed integrally with the second retaining element of the actuating element, which leads to a reduction of the manufacturing outlay.

In the first conductor clamping device according to the invention, the clamping element can be formed integrally with the spring element. Since the spring element is elastic, thereby a large-area contacting of the electrical conductor can be achieved.

In the case of the first conductor clamping device according to the invention, the clamping element can be formed integrally with a first spring element section directed towards the receiving region, which is located between a spring element fastening and the first retaining element.

The first spring element section may be designed to be convex in the direction of the receiving region, resulting in a large-area contacting. Because the first retaining element Farther away from the spring element fastening than the first spring element section, a lever effect arises, for example in the case of a leaf spring, which causes low forces or moments to occur on the actuating element at high clamping forces on the first spring element section.

In the case of the first conductor clamping device according to the invention, the clamping element can be formed integrally with a second spring element section directed towards the receiving region, wherein the first retaining element is located between the second spring element section and the spring element fastening.

The second spring element section may be designed to be convex in the direction of the receiving region, resulting in a large-area contacting. Since the second spring member portion is farther away from the spring member attachment than the actuation portion, such as a leaf spring, a leverage effect causes the clamping member to be set farther away to insert the electrical conductor.

The first conductor clamping device according to the invention can be configured such that the first retaining element and the second spring element section are formed on the spring element of the first spring element section, which is located between the spring element mounting and the first retaining element, wherein the first retaining element between the second spring element section and the spring element attachment and the clamping element is formed integrally with the first spring element section and with the second spring element section. Consequently, the electrical conductor may optionally be clamped on the first spring element section or on the second spring element section or on both spring element sections, resulting in a particularly flexible conductor clamping device. This embodiment can also be used to clamp a plurality of conductors.

In order to reduce the manufacturing cost of the first conductor clamping device according to the invention, the spring element may be formed integrally with the receiving area.

In the first conductor clamping device according to the invention, the angle of rotational movement with which the actuating element is to be brought from the first position to the second position may be about 180 ° or less.

Depending on the configuration of the first and the second retaining element, the rotational movement can be reduced to about 90 ° or less. Due to the relatively small rotational movement a high efficiency of the conductor clamping device is ensured and the connection process can be automated with simple means.

A second conductor clamping device according to the invention for clamping an electrical conductor and operating with an actuating tool which utilizes the general teachings of this invention comprises a receiving area for receiving an electrical conductor, a clamping element for clamping the electrical conductor against the receiving area, a spring element comprising an actuating area which is adapted to cooperate with the actuating tool, wherein the clamping element is formed integrally with the spring element, and a support portion which is adapted to cooperate with the actuating tool, wherein the spring element is in a state of lower spring tension when the Clamping element is located close to the receiving area, and is in a state of higher spring tension, when the clamping element is located away from the receiving area, the clamping element in a first position by the operating tool away from In a second position of the actuating tool, the spring element urges the clamping element in the direction of the receiving area to clamp an electrical conductor located on the receiving area, and, when the spring element is in the state of lower spring tension, by turning the actuating tool, thereby is applied to the actuating portion and the support area, the actuating tool is to be brought from the second position to the first position, and thus the clamping element is set away from the receiving area.

In this embodiment, the actuating element is formed by an external actuating tool, for example a screwdriver. For tensioning the spring element and opening the ladder clamping device only a simple rotational movement is necessary, as is not provided in conventional terminals of Käfigzugfedertyp. Thus, this embodiment is suitable for automated operation. The spring element could also be brought from the state of lower spring tension in the state of higher spring tension by inserting a, for example, wedge-shaped actuating tool or by moving the actuating tool between the actuating portion and the support portion, whereby the clamping element is set away from the receiving area. These embodiments are considered equivalent by those skilled in the art.

In the second conductor clamping device according to the invention, the support region may be arranged obliquely to the actuation region, so that the actuation tool can be inserted between them.

The second conductor clamping device according to the invention may comprise a cross-sectionally V-shaped element, the tip of which is directed in the direction of the actuating region, wherein a support region is formed on the legs of the cross-sectionally V-shaped element. As a result, the second conductor clamping device according to the invention is more flexible, since an operating tool can be inserted from two sides.

In the case of the second conductor clamping device according to the invention, the clamping element can be formed integrally with a first spring element section directed towards the receiving region, which is located between a spring element fastening and the actuating region.

The first spring element section may be designed to be convex in the direction of the receiving region, resulting in a large-area contacting. Since the first retaining element of the spring element attachment is farther away than the first spring element portion, arises, for example in a leaf spring, a lever effect that causes the actuator low forces or moments at high clamping forces on the first spring element section occur.

In the case of the second conductor clamping device according to the invention, the clamping element can be formed integrally with a second spring element section directed in the direction of the receiving region, the actuating region being located between the spring element fastening and the second spring element section.

The second spring element section may be designed to be convex in the direction of the receiving region, resulting in a large-area contacting. Since the second spring member portion is farther away from the spring member attachment than the actuation portion, a lever action is created which causes the clamping member to be set further away for insertion of the electrical conductor.

In the second conductor clamping device according to the invention, the first spring element section, which is located between the spring element attachment and the actuation region, may be formed on the spring element, the actuation region and the second spring element section, wherein the actuation region between the spring element attachment and the second spring element portion is and the clamping element is formed integrally with the first spring element portion and with the second spring element portion.

Consequently, the electrical conductor may optionally be clamped on the first spring element section or on the second spring element section or on both spring element sections, resulting in a particularly flexible conductor clamping device. This embodiment can also be used to clamp a plurality of conductors.

Brief description of the drawings

• Figs. 1a bis 1d perspektivische, teilweise weggeschnittene Ansichten einer ersten Ausführungsform einer ersten erfindungsgemäßen Leiterklemmvorrichtung und Details davon;
• Figs. 2a bis 2d perspektivische, teilweise weggeschnittene Ansichten einer zweiten Ausführungsform der ersten erfindungsgemäßen Leiterklemmvorrichtung und Details davon;
• Figs. 3a bis 3d perspektivische, teilweise weggeschnittene Ansichten einer dritten Ausführungsform der ersten erfindungsgemäßen Leiterklemmvorrichtung und Details davon;
• Figs. 4a bis 4d perspektivische, teilweise weggeschnittene Ansichten einer vierten Ausführungsform der ersten erfindungsgemäßen Leiterklemmvorrichtung und Details davon; und
• Figs. 5a bis 5d perspektivische, teilweise weggeschnittene Ansichten einer zweiten erfindungsgemäßen Leiterklemmvorrichtung und Details davon.

The present invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. They show:

• Figs. 1a to 1d are perspective, partially cut away views of a first embodiment of a first conductor clamping device according to the invention and details thereof;
• Figs. 2a to 2d are perspective, partially cutaway views of a second embodiment of the first conductor clamping device according to the invention and details thereof;
• Figs. 3a through 3d are perspective, partially cutaway views of a third embodiment of the first conductor clamping device according to the invention and details thereof;
• Figs. 4a to 4d are perspective, partially cutaway views of a fourth embodiment of the first conductor clamping device according to the invention and details thereof; and
• Figs. 5a to 5d are perspective, partially cut away views of a second conductor clamping device according to the invention and details thereof.

Detailed description of embodiments according to the invention

In the following, spatial relationships, for example, top, bottom, inside, outside, etc., are used to describe the embodiments. The person skilled in the art understands that these spatial relationships are not to be understood as limiting.

In Figs. 1a to 1d is a first embodiment of the first conductor clamping device 1 according to the invention with a receiving region 2, an actuating element 4, a clamping element 6, a first retaining element 8, a second retaining element 10 and a spring element 12. The receiving region 2 is V-shaped concave and comprises at each of its in the direction of clamping element 6 projecting upper edges each an integrally formed first retaining element 8. The rotatably mounted actuator 4 is formed at one end of a screw head and includes at its other end a V-shaped The rotational movement axis of the actuating element 4 is arranged perpendicular to the receiving region 2, and the clamping element 6 moves to clamp the conductor along this rotational movement axis.

Fig. 1c shows the actuating element 4 in its first position, in which the conductor clamping device 1 is opened without external force, so that a (not shown) conductor can be inserted. The spring element 12 (not shown) urges the actuating element 4 against the upper edge of the receiving area 2, the first retaining element 8 and the second retaining element 10 preventing the receiving area 2 and the clamping element 10 from coming into a clamping relationship. Furthermore, the first retaining element 8 and the second retaining element 10 prevent the actuating element 4 from moving into its second position shown in FIG. 1b. Since the actuator 4 is held stably in its open, first position, the clamping element 6 is fixed away from the receiving area 2 and the conductor can be inserted by a user without further operation in the conductor clamping device 1.

Fig. 1b shows the actuating element 4 in its second position, in which a (not shown) conductor is clamped by the clamping element 6 against the receiving area 2 due to the spring tension of the spring element 12 (not shown). To bring the actuator 4 from the first position to the second position, the actuator 4, for example, with a screwdriver, only be rotated by about 90 °.

In Figs. 2a to 2d is a second embodiment of the first conductor clamping device 101 according to the invention, similar to that shown in FIGS. 1a to 1d, with a receiving area 102, an actuating element 104, a clamping element 106, a first retaining element 108, a second retaining element 110 and a spring element 112. The receiving region 102 is V-shaped convex and comprises at its in the direction of clamping element 106 projecting central region an integrally formed first retaining element 108. The rotatably mounted actuator 104 is formed at one end of a screw head and includes at its other end a V-shaped concave Clamping element 106 with integrally formed on the edge of second retaining elements 110. The axis of rotational movement of the actuating element 104 is disposed perpendicular to the receiving portion 102, and the clamping member 106 moves to clamp the conductor along this axis of rotational movement.

Fig. 2c shows the actuator 104 in its first position, in which the conductor clamping device 101 is opened without external force, so that a (not shown) conductor, such as wire, can be inserted. The spring member 112 (not shown) urges the operating member 104 against the receiving portion 102, with the first retaining member 108 and the second retaining member 110 preventing the receiving portion 102 and the clamping member 110 from coming into clamping relationship. Further, the first retaining member 108 and the second retaining member 110 prevent the actuator 104 from moving to its second position shown in FIG. 2b. Since the actuator 104 is held stably in its open, first position, the clamping member 106 is fixed away from the receiving portion 102 and the conductor can be inserted into the conductor clamping device 101 by a user without further action.

2b shows the actuating element 104 in its second position, in which a conductor (not shown) is clamped by the clamping element 106 against the receiving region 102 due to the spring tension of the spring element 112 (not shown). To bring the actuator 104 from the first position to the second position, the actuator 104, for example, with a screwdriver, only be rotated by about 90 °.

In the in Figs. 1a to 1d and 2a to 2d, a desired clamping force, for example by selecting an appropriate spring constant, for the spring element 12, 112 can be set. This clamping force is maintained reproducible and unlike a screw does not depend on a torque generated by a user with a screwdriver. Further, the actuator 4, 104 must be rotated only about 90 ° to bring it from the open, first position to the closed, second position, whereas in a screw clamp a clamping screw must be rotated by a much larger amount. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the angle of rotation required to bring the actuator from its first position to its second position may be readily varied by a different configuration of the actuator, first retainer, and second retainer.

In the first position of the actuating element 4, 104, the spring element 12, 112 has a higher spring tension, and in the second position of the actuating element 4, 104, the spring element 12, 112 has a lower spring tension. The receiving region 2, 102 and the clamping element 6, 106 are formed substantially complementary. The clamping element 6, 106 is displaced for clamping by the spring force of the spring 12, 112 in the direction of the axis of rotational movement of the actuating element 4, 104. If the actuating element 4, 104 is rotated from its second position to its first position, the oblique surfaces of the receiving area 2, 102 and the clamping element 6, 106 cooperate in such a way that they the actuating element 4, 104 and thus the clamping element against the spring tension of the spring element 12, 112 push back, whereby the receiving area 2, 102 is released again.

In Figs. 3a to 3d, a third embodiment of the first conductor clamping device 201 according to the invention is shown with a receiving region 202, an actuating element 204, a clamping element 206, a first retaining element 208, a second retaining element 210 and a curved leaf spring-like spring element 212. The receiving area 202 is formed flat to provide a large contact area, wherein the receiving area 202 could also be convex or concave. The actuating element 204 is formed on at least one of its axial ends of a screw head and comprises in the axial direction of a cylindrical, eccentrically formed second retaining element 210 on which the clamping element 206 is integrally formed. The substantially U-shaped spring element 212 is fastened on its first leg 214 to a frame 216 integrally formed with the receiving region 202 and comprises on its second leg the convex first spring element section 218 in the form of a bulge and further in the direction of the receiving region 202 the concave first retaining element 208 in the form of a recess. The first retaining element 208 is closer to an open end of the substantially U-shaped spring element 210 and the first spring element section 218 is closer to its closed end.

Fig. 3b shows the actuator 204 in its open, first position, in which the conductor clamping device 201 is opened, so that a (not shown) conductor can be inserted. The spring member 212 urges the actuator 204 clockwise against a stop (not shown), with the first retaining member 208 and the second retaining member 210 preventing the receiving portion 202 and the clamping member 206 from coming into clamping relationship. Furthermore, the first retaining element 208 and the second retaining element 210 prevent the actuating element 204 from reaching its position shown in FIG. 3 c, because the actuator would have to move counterclockwise, which is not possible due to a counterclockwise dead center of the integrally formed with the actuator 204 eccentric second retaining member 210. Since the actuator 204 is held stably in its first, open position without external force, the clamping member 206 is fixed away from the receiving portion 202 and the conductor can be inserted into the conductor clamping device 201 by a user without further work. Instead of the dead center and latching means can be provided which hold the actuator 204 in the first position.

FIG. 3 c shows the actuating element 204 in its closed, second position, in which a conductor (not shown) is clamped by the clamping element 206 against the receiving region 202 due to the spring tension of the spring element 212. To bring the actuator 204 from the first position to the second position, the actuator 204, for example, with a screwdriver, only be rotated by about 180 °.

However, the electrical conductor (not shown) could also be clamped by the spring member 212 if the clamping member 207 is integrally formed with the spring member 212, for example, integral with the convex first spring member portion 218. It is also possible to have the conductor on both the first retaining member 208 as well as on the first spring element portion 218 to clamp. Due to the lever action of the leg, the force on the first retaining element 208 is lower than on the clamping element 207, consequently only relatively small forces or moments are required to actuate the actuating element 204. If the clamping element 206 is formed on the second retaining element 210, the clamping element 206 is in the open, first position of the conductor clamping device 201 from the receiving area 202 farther away than the first spring element section 218. It can also be clamped several conductors.

The in Figs. 4a to 4d shown fourth embodiment of the first guide clamping device 301 according to the invention with a receiving area 302, an actuator 304, a clamping member 306, a first retaining member 308, a second retaining member 310 and a bent leaf spring-like spring element 312 substantially corresponds to the third embodiment of the first conductor clamping device 201 according to the invention The receiving area 302 is formed flat to provide a large contact area, wherein the receiving area 302 could also be convex or concave. The actuator 304 includes a rectangular, eccentric in the longitudinal direction formed second retaining element 310, on which a clamping element 306 is formed. The substantially U-shaped spring element 312 is fastened on its first limb 314 to a frame 316 integrally formed with the receiving region 302 and comprises on its second limb the first spring element section 318 in the form of a bulge and convex toward the receiving region concave first retaining member 308. The first retaining member 308 is closer to an open end of the substantially U-shaped spring member 312 and the spring member portion 318 is closer to the closed end thereof.

The actuator 310 must be rotated or tilted about its longitudinal axis in this embodiment in order to move from the first position shown in Fig. 4b to the second position shown in Fig. 4c. Otherwise, the operation of this embodiment substantially corresponds to the previously described with reference to Figs. 3a to 3d described embodiment, so that reference is made to the functional description. However, in this embodiment, since there is no dead center between the first position and the second of the actuator 304 holding the actuator 304 in its first position, the actuator for inserting the conductor must be manually held in the first position or additional (not shown) locking means which hold the actuator in its first position.

However, the electrical conductor (not shown) could also be clamped by the spring member 312 if the clamping member 307 is integrally formed with the spring member 312, for example, integral with the convex first spring member portion 318. Further, a clamping member 321 may be formed on a second spring member portion 320 be, which is at the open end of the U-shaped spring element 312, ie the end facing away from a Federelementbefestigung. The conductor clamping device 301 may include a plurality of clamping elements 306, 307, 321, wherein any combinations of clamping elements 306, 307, 321 described above are possible. Due to the lever action of the leg, the force on the first retaining element 308 is lower than on the clamping element 307, consequently only relatively small forces or moments are required to actuate the actuating element 308. If the clamping element 306 is formed on the second retaining element 310, the clamping element 306 is further away from the receiving region 302 than the first spring element section 318 in the open, first position of the conductor clamping device 301.

The in Figs. 3a to 3d and 4a to 4d shown second conductor clamping device 301,401 creates due to the first spring element portion 218, 318 convex clamping member 307, 407 a large contact area, resulting in a low contact resistance.

The actuator, in its first position, keeps the ladder clamping device open, i.e., the clamping element 206, 306, 207, 307, 321 is set away from the receiving area 202, 302 so that a user can insert a ladder without further operation. In order to bring the actuating element in its closed, second position, it only needs in the embodiment of Figs. 3a to FIG. 3d rotated by about 180 ° or in the embodiment of FIGS. 4a to 4d are tilted by about 120 °. The skilled person realizes that these angles can be easily changed by a different design of the actuating element, the first retaining element and the second retaining element. In the first position of the actuating element 204, 304, the spring element 212, 312 has a higher spring tension, and in the second position of the actuating element 204, 304, the spring element 212, 312 has a lower spring tension.

In Figs. 5a to 5c show a second conductor clamping device 401 according to the invention having a receiving region 402, an actuating region 408, a support region 422 and a spring element 412, the spring element having a first spring element section 418 convexly directed towards the receiving region 402 and a receiving element 402 directed towards the receiving region 402 second spring element section 420 includes, the first spring element portion 418 is arranged closer than the actuating portion 408 on a spring element mounting and the actuating portion 408 is arranged closer than the second spring element portion 420 to a spring element attachment. The receiving region 402 is formed flat, wherein it could also be convex or concave. The bent spring element 412 is fastened on its first limb 414 to a frame 416 integrally formed with the receiving region 402 and comprises on its second limb the first spring element section 418 in the form of a bulge, the concave actuation region 408 in the form of a recess and the second spring element section 420 ,

A clamping element 406 could be formed on the second spring element section 420 and / or a clamping element 407 could be formed on the first spring element section 418. The actuating portion 408 is closer to an open end of the spring member 410 and the clamping member 407 is closer to its closed end, at which there is an arc of the spring element 410, which generates the spring tension. Due to the leverage of the leg, the force on the actuating portion 408 is lower than on the clamping member 407, consequently only relatively small forces or moments are required to actuate the actuating portion 408. If the clamping element 406 is formed on the second spring element section 420, the clamping element 406 is located further away from the receiving region 402 in an open position of the conductor clamping device 401 due to the lever action of the leg.

The support portion 422 is formed in the frame 416 opposite to the operation portion 408. In the embodiment shown, the frame 416 comprises on the inside a cross-sectionally substantially V-shaped element, on the legs of each of which a support region 422 is formed, and whose tip 424 is directed in the direction of the actuation region 408. Furthermore, the frame comprises on its outer surface in the region of the actuating region 408 and the support region 422 at least one opening 420 into which an actuating tool (not shown), for example a screwdriver, can be introduced. The actuating tool coacts with the actuating portion 408 and the support portion 422 such that by a rotation of the actuating tool in the first position, the actuating portion 408 is pushed away from the support portion 422. Thereby, the spring member 412 reaches a state of higher spring tension, the clamp member 406, 407 is set away from the receiving portion 402, and a conductor (not shown) can be inserted into the clamp. When the actuating tool returns to its initial position, the so-called second position, the actuating region 408 moves in the direction of the support region 422, whereby the clamping element 406, 407 is pressed against the conductor and this is clamped against the receiving region 402.

5a shows the second conductor clamping device 401 according to the invention in its closed, second state. A screwdriver (not shown) is inserted as an actuation tool through the opening 420 so that a blade of the screwdriver is located between the actuation area 408 and the support area 422. When the screwdriver is rotated, that is, the operating tool reaches its first position, one end of the blade is supported by the support portion 422 and the other end of the blade pushes the operating portion 408 away from the support portion 422. As a result, the spring tension of the spring element 412 is increased, and the second guide clamping device 401 according to the invention reaches its open state shown in FIG. 5 b, in which the clamping element 406, 407 is fixed away from the receiving region 402. An electrical conductor may be inserted into the receiving area 402 by a user. If the screwdriver is returned to its initial position, ie in the second position of the actuating tool, 5a, the operating portion 408 again assumes its home position shown in FIG. 5a, and the clamping member 406, 407 clamps the electrical conductor (not shown) against the receiving portion 402.

As previously mentioned, to tension the spring element and open the conductor clamping device only a simple rotational movement is necessary, as is not provided in conventional terminals of Käfigzugfedertyp. Thus, this embodiment is suitable for automated operation. The spring element could also be brought from the state of lower spring tension in the state of higher spring tension by inserting a, for example, wedge-shaped actuating tool or by moving the actuating tool between the actuating portion and the support portion, whereby the clamping element is set away from the receiving area.

The skilled person understands that the U-shaped spring element can also be replaced by a substantially loop-shaped spring element or a substantially angular spring element. The spring element can also be fastened in several places. The concave or convex portions of the spring elements have been shown arcuately in the description and the figures. It is of course possible to make these areas angular.

Claims (28)

Conductor clamping device (1, 101, 201, 301) for clamping an electrical conductor - a receiving area (2; 102; 202; 302) for receiving an electrical conductor; - a clamping element (6; 106; 206,207; 306,307,321) for pressing the electrical conductor against the receiving area (2; 102; 202; 302); a spring element (12; 112; 212; 312); a rotatably arranged actuating element (4; 104; 204; 304); and - a first retaining element (8; 108; 208; 308) and a second retaining element (10; 110; 210; 310); in which the first retaining element (8; 108; 208; 308) and the second retaining element (10; 110; 210; 310) hold the actuating element (4; 104; 204; 304) in a first position in which the actuating element (4; 104, 204, 304) defines the clamping element (6; 106; 206, 207; 306, 307, 320) in a position remote from the receiving area (2; 102; 202; 302), in a second position of the actuating element (4; 104; 204; 304), the spring element (12; 112; 212; 312) guides the clamping element (6; 106; 206,207; 306,307,321) in the direction of the receiving area (2 ; 102, 202; 302) urges to pinch an electrical conductor located at the receiving area (2; 102; 202; 302), and - The actuator (4, 104, 204, 304) is to bring by a rotational movement from the first to the second position. Ladder clamping device according to claim 1, characterized in that the spring element (12; 112; 212; 312) in the first position of the actuating element (4; 104; 204; 304) in a state of higher spring tension and in the second position of the actuating element (4 104, 204, 304) is in a lower spring tension condition. Ladder clamping device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the clamping element (6; 106) is formed integrally with the actuating element (4; 104). A ladder clamping device according to claim 3, characterized in that the first retaining element (8; 108) is integral with the receiving area (2; 102) and the second retaining element (10; 110) is integral with the actuating element (4; 104). Conductor clamping device according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the receiving region (2; 102) has a concave profile and the clamping element (6; 106) has a convex profile or the receiving region (2; 102) has a convex profile and the clamping element (6; 106) has a concave profile. Ladder clamping device according to one of Claims 4 to 5, characterized in that the first retaining element (8; 108) is integral with at least one region of the receiving region (2; 102) projecting in the direction of the clamping element (6; 106) and the second retaining element (8). 10; 110) is formed integrally with the clamping element (6; 106). Ladder clamping device according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the spring element (12; 112) is formed integrally with the receiving region (2; 102). Ladder clamping device according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the clamping element (6; 106) by the spring element (12; 112) along the rotation axis of the actuating element (4; 104) is displaceable. Ladder clamping device according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the angle of the rotational movement with which the actuating element (4, 104) is to be brought from the first to the second position, about 90 ° or less. A ladder clamping device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the first retaining member (208; 308) is integrally formed with the spring member (212; 312) and the second retaining member (210; 310) is integrally formed with the actuating member (204; 304) , A ladder clamping device according to claim 10, characterized in that the second retaining element (210; 310) is eccentrically formed in the actuating element (204; 304), wherein the second retaining element (210; 310) in the first position of the actuating element (204; 304) comprises the clamping element (206, 207; 306, 307, 320) of the Pickup area (202; 302) determines fixed. Ladder clamping device according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the first retaining element (208; 308) is formed by a section of the spring element (212; 312) concave toward the second retaining element (210; 310). Ladder clamping device according to one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that the spring element (212; 312) is substantially U-shaped, the spring element (212; 312) on a the receiving portion (202; 302) facing away from the first leg (214; 314) and on a receiving region (202; 302) facing the second leg of the spring element (212; 312), the first retaining element (208; 308) is formed. Ladder clamping device according to one of claims 10 to 13, characterized in that the conductor clamping device is designed such that between the first position and the second position of the actuating element (204; 304) is a dead center of the second retaining element (210; 310), so that the Spring tension of the spring element (212, 312) holds the actuating element (204, 304) in the first position or the second position. Ladder clamping device according to one of claims 10 to 14, characterized in that the clamping element (206; 306) is formed integrally with the actuating element (204; 304). A ladder clamping device according to claim 15, characterized in that the clamping element (206; 306) is integrally formed with the second retaining element (210; 310) of the actuating element (204; 304). Ladder clamping device according to one of claims 10 to 14, characterized in that the clamping element (207; 307, 321) is formed integrally with the spring element (212; 312). Ladder clamping device according to claim 17, characterized in that the clamping element (207; 307) is formed integrally with a first spring element section (218; 318) directed in the direction of the receiving region (202; Spring element mounting and the first retaining element (208; 308) is located. A ladder clamping device according to claim 17, characterized in that the clamping element (306) is integrally formed with a second spring element section (320) directed towards the receiving region (302), wherein the first retaining element (208; 308) is interposed between the second spring element section (320) and the spring element attachment is located. A ladder clamping device according to claim 17, characterized in that on the spring element (212; 312) the first spring element section (218; 318) located between the spring element attachment and the first retaining element (208; 308) comprises the first retaining element (208; 308). and the second spring member portion (320) are formed, wherein the first retaining member (208; 308) is located between the second spring member portion (320) and the spring member attachment, and the clamping member (206; 306,307) is integrally formed with the first spring member portion (218; 318 ) and with the second spring element section (320) is formed. Ladder clamping device according to one of claims 10 to 20, characterized in that the spring element (212; 312) is formed integrally with the receiving region (202; 302). A ladder clamping device according to any one of claims 10 to 21, characterized in that the angle of rotational movement with which the actuating element (204; 304) is to be brought from the first position to the second position is about 180 ° or less. Conductor clamping device (401) for clamping an electrical conductor and for actuating with an actuating tool with - A receiving area (402) for receiving an electrical conductor; - A clamping element (406, 407) for clamping the electrical conductor against the receiving area (402); - A spring element (412) comprising an actuating portion (408) adapted to cooperate with the actuating tool, wherein the clamping element (406, 407) is formed integrally with the spring element (412); and - A support portion (422) adapted to cooperate with the actuating tool; in which the spring element (412) is in a state of lower spring tension, when the clamping member (406, 407) is close to the receiving area (402) and in a higher spring tension condition when the clamping member (406) is away from the receiving area (402), - The clamping element (406, 407) in a first position by the operating tool away from the receiving area (402) is set, in a second position of the actuating tool, the spring element (412) urges the clamping element (406, 407) in the direction of the receiving region (402) in order to clamp an electrical conductor located on the receiving region (402), and when the spring element (412) is in the state of lower spring tension, by turning the operating tool, which bears against the actuating area (408) and the supporting area (422), to bring the actuating tool from the second position to the first position, and thus fixing the clamping member (406, 407) away from the receiving area (402). A ladder clamping device according to claim 23, characterized in that the support portion (422) is disposed obliquely to the actuating portion (408) so that the operating tool can be inserted between them. Conductor clamping device according to claim 24, characterized in that the conductor clamping device (401) comprises a cross-sectionally V-shaped element (422) whose tip (424) is directed in the direction of the actuating region (408), wherein on the legs of the cross-sectionally V- shaped element (422) each have a support region (422) is formed. Ladder clamping device according to one of claims 23 to 25, characterized in that the clamping element (407) is formed integrally with a first spring element section (218; 318) directed towards the receiving region (402), which is located between a spring element fastening and the actuating region (408) , Ladder clamping device according to one of claims 23 to 25, characterized in that the clamping element (406) is integrally formed with a directed in the direction of receiving area (402) second spring element portion (420), wherein the actuating portion (408) between the spring element attachment and the second Spring element section (420) is located. A conductor clamping device according to any one of claims 23 to 25, characterized in that on the spring element (412) the first spring element section (418) located between the spring element attachment and the actuation region (408), the actuation region (408) and the second spring element section (406 ), wherein the operating portion (408) is between the spring member attachment and the second spring member portion (420), and the clamping member (406, 407) is formed integrally with the first spring member portion (418) and the second spring member portion (420).

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