EP2768079A1 - Spring clamp for conductor - Google Patents

Abstract

The terminal (1) has a conductor rail (2) for contacting an electrical conductor (6), and a clamp spring (3) i.e. compression spring, for fixing the electrical conductor in the terminal. The spring includes clamping limbs pivotable around a pivot axis (8) in a pivot direction (81). The limbs are adjustable in a locking condition (R) in which the limbs are locked at a holding unit, by displacing the electrical conductor in a clamping condition. A reset unit (5) realigns the limbs by displacing the reset unit against the pivot direction from the clamping condition into the locking condition. The reset unit is protruded out from a clamp housing in the clamping condition. The clamp spring, a conductor rail and/or a holding spring are formed as blank-bending parts made of sheet metal.

Description

The present invention relates to a spring-loaded terminal with a bus bar, which is provided for contacting an electrical conductor, in particular a stranded conductor, and with a spring which is provided for fixing the electrical conductor in the spring-loaded terminal.

Such spring terminals in one embodiment as a direct plug-in terminals (push-in) with a compression spring which presses the conductor against the busbar, are known in various embodiments. They differ mainly due to their application, for example, depending on the required current carrying capacity of the busbar, the spring force of the clamping spring and / or their installation conditions, especially their size. In this case, a simple installation and a cost-effective production permanently Asked requirements for such a terminal.

The US Pat. No. 7,997,915 B2 discloses a wire end ferrule, at one end of a direct plug-in terminal for non-detachable connection of an electrical conductor is arranged. The direct plug-in terminal comprises a current-carrying clamping cage for electrically contacting the electrical conductor and a spring for fixing the electrical conductor. The spring has a pivotable clamping leg, which is positioned at not inserted into the direct plug-in electrical conductor on a retaining edge, so that a free space for the electrical conductor kept and this is inserted into the clamping cage. When inserted into the direct plug-in terminal, the holding means is displaced so that the clamping leg is released and pivoted. The pivoted clamping leg presses the electrical conductor to the clamping cage.

Object of the present invention is to provide a spring terminal, in particular an attachable spring terminal, in particular for stranded conductors, which improves this mechanism, so that the electrical conductor from the spring terminal is as possible without damage again solvable.

The object is achieved with a spring-loaded terminal according to claim 1. Advantageous embodiments can be found in the dependent claims.

For this purpose, a spring-loaded terminal is provided, which comprises a busbar for contacting an electrical conductor, and a clamping spring for fixing the electrical conductor in the spring-loaded terminal, wherein the clamping spring has a clamping arm pivotable about a pivot axis in a pivoting direction, from a latching state in which it is locked to a retaining means, by moving the inserted into the spring terminal electrical conductor is pivoted into a clamping state in which it is unlocked by the holding means and presses the electrical conductor against the busbar.

The holding means is preferably arranged on a retaining spring, which is pivotable about a second pivot axis in and against a second pivoting direction. By giving away the retaining spring, the holding means is therefore pivotable so that the clamping leg is unlocked.

In this case, the retaining spring preferably has a pressure surface, which further preferably extends transversely to the sliding direction. It is preferred that the retaining spring is pivotable by pressure on the pressure surface in the second pivoting direction.

When moving the inserted into the spring clamp electrical conductor in the sliding direction of this device comes into contact with the pressure surface. When pushing further in the sliding direction, it presses on the printing surface. As a result, the retaining spring is pivoted in the second pivoting direction, so that the clamping leg is unlocked by the holding means and pivoted in the pivoting direction.

In principle, a pressure surface at a different angle to the sliding direction is conceivable. The arrangement of the pressure surface transversely to the sliding direction is due to the large in this arrangement attack surface for the electrical conductor but advantageous.

In order to enable a free pivoting of the clamping leg in and against the pivoting direction, it is preferred that the pressure surface is arranged in the sliding direction below the holding means.

The spring clamp is characterized in that it comprises a return means, which is provided for pivoting back of the clamping leg. The clamping leg is zurückschwenkbar by moving the return means against the pivoting direction of the clamping state in the locking state. As a result, a previously clamped in the spring terminal clamp in the terminal state conductor of the spring terminal in the latching state can be removed again.

It is preferred that in the locking state between the clamping leg and the bus bar, a free space is formed, in which the electrical conductor is freely displaceable in and against the sliding direction. In this embodiment, the spring-loaded terminal is suitable not only for full conductors, but especially for stranded conductors.

Because the stranded conductor is slidable without splicing the strands in the locked state in the free space back and forth. Only by pressure on the pressure surface, the retaining spring and with it the retaining means is pivoted, so that the clamping leg dissolves and presses the electrical conductor against the busbar. The electrical conductor is therefore mechanically stressed only flat when pressing on the pressure surface and by jamming with the clamping leg. As a result, damage to the electrical conductor is largely avoided even when using a stranded conductor.

In order to adjust the properties of the elements, for example, the material properties and strength / thickness, etc. of the elements according to their functions well interpret, preferably the clamping spring, the busbar and the retaining spring are advantageously made in several pieces. As a result, a material for the busbar is selected, which has good electrical conductivity, such as copper or a copper alloy. For the clamping spring and the retaining spring, the same or different spring steels are advantageous depending on the required spring force.

The return means is arranged in a preferred embodiment in the locking state between the clamping spring and the electrical conductor. It is preferably made of an electrically insulating material. Preferably, it is displaceable in and against the sliding direction. In principle, embodiments are also conceivable in which it is arranged at an angle to the sliding direction and / or in another position, for example on the side facing away from the clamping leg of the electrical conductor. However, the positioning in the latching state between the clamping spring and the electrical conductor is structurally very advantageous. Because it is preferred that the return means is arranged in the clamping state in the sliding direction above the clamping leg. The return means then acts directly on the clamping leg and the required displacement for pivoting back of the clamping leg is small. The positioning of the return means in the locking state between the clamping spring and the electrical conductor makes this possible.

Preferably, the return means protrudes in the clamping state of a terminal housing of the spring terminal. This makes it very easily accessible and very easy to push in the sliding direction. The handling of the spring terminal is therefore feasible for full conductors and stranded conductors in the same way and very simple.

It is also preferred that the return means is jammed in the clamping state between the clamping leg and the terminal housing in this, so that it does not come off the terminal housing.

The clamping spring, the busbar and / or the retaining spring are preferably made as stamped and bent parts made of sheet metal, preferably made of strip material, since this is inexpensive possible with conventional methods.

In this case, the busbar is preferably made of an electrically highly conductive material, in particular of a copper-containing metal. Clamping spring and retaining spring are preferably made of a material with good spring properties.

Fig. 1a

eine erfindungsgemäße Federkraftklemme mit einem Klemmschenkel im Rastzustand, der zum Verklemmen eines in die Federkraftklemme eingeführten elektrischen Leiters vorgesehen ist,

Fig. 1b

die Federkraftklemme beim Einführen des elektrischen Leiters in die Federkraftklemme aus Fig. 1a, wobei der Klemmschenkel entrastet,

Fig. 1c

den Klemmschenkel im Klemmzustand mit in die Federkraftklemme eingeführtem elektrischem Leiter,

Fig. 2

in (a) - (c) eine weitere Ausführungsform einer erfindungsgemäßen Federkraftklemme, und zwar in (a) mit einem Klemmschenkel im Klemmzustand, in (b) beim Verschwenken des Klemmschenkels vom Klemmzustand in den Rastzustand, und in (c) im Rastzustand, sowie in (d) und (e) jeweils die Haltefeder der Federkraftklemme aus (a) - (c), und

Fig. 3

eine Klemmfeder und eine Haltefeder einer weiteren Ausführungsform einer erfindungsgemäßen Federkraftklemme.

In the following the invention with reference to an embodiment with reference to the drawings will be described in more detail. Show it:

Fig. 1a

a spring terminal according to the invention with a clamping leg in the latching state, which is provided for clamping an inserted into the spring terminal electrical conductor,

Fig. 1b

the spring-loaded terminal when inserting the electrical conductor in the spring-loaded terminal Fig. 1a , wherein the clamping leg unlocked,

Fig. 1c

the clamping leg in the clamping state with inserted into the spring terminal electrical conductor,

Fig. 2

in (a) - (c) another embodiment of a spring clamp according to the invention, in (a) with a clamping leg in the clamping state, in (b) during pivoting of the clamping leg from the clamping state to the locking state, and in (c) in the latching state, and in (d) and (e) in each case the retaining spring of the spring-loaded terminal of (a) - (c), and

Fig. 3

a clamping spring and a retaining spring of another embodiment of a spring clamp according to the invention.

Fig. 1 shows a spring terminal 1, here an attachable terminal, with a bus bar 2 for contacting an electrical conductor, acting as a compression spring clamping spring 3, which is provided for clamping the electrical conductor 6 in the spring terminal 1, and with a retaining spring 4th

On the retaining spring 4, a holding means 41 is arranged, on which the clamping spring 3 is locked in a latching state R.

The busbar 2, the clamping spring 3 and the retaining spring 4 are arranged in a terminal housing 12, which is preferably made of an electrically insulating material, is made in particular from a plastic. In the terminal housing 12, an insertion opening 11 for insertion of the electrical conductor 6 is provided.

The illustrated electrical conductor 6 has an electrically insulating sheath 62, which is stripped off above an open end 63 of the electrical conductor 6, so that a core 61 of the electrical conductor 6 is visible.

The clamping spring 3 has a pivotable about a pivot axis 8 in a pivoting direction 81 clamping leg 32, and a holding leg 31, with which it is supported in particular during pivoting of the clamping leg 32 in a simple and secure manner on the terminal housing 12 (in particular made of plastic). A metallic clamping cage is not provided here, but is optional conceivable. Preferably, the holding leg 31 and the clamping leg 32 are connected to each other via a bend 30. In this bend 30 engages an advantageous support contour 14 of the terminal housing 12, which is traversed here by the axis of rotation 8 and which also serves as a movement limit.

The clamping leg 32 has an open end 33. In the latching state R, it is locked with its open end 33 against its restoring force with the holding means 41.

The retaining spring 4 is pivotable about a second pivot axis 9 in and against a second pivoting direction 91. When giving the retaining spring 4, the holding means 41 is pivoted with it against the restoring force of the retaining spring 4. As a result, the position of the holding means 41 shifts about the second pivot axis 9, so that the open end 33 of the clamping leg 32 is unlatched.

In order to pivot the retaining spring 4 in the second pivot direction 91, it has a pressure surface 42. The pressure surface 42 is provided transversely to the sliding direction 7. By pressure on the pressure surface 42, the retaining spring 4 in the second pivoting direction 91 is pivotable. For this, the retaining spring 4 has a bearing leg 40, which is fixed in a groove 15 of the terminal housing 12. The bearing leg 40 is here approximately L-shaped. At the bearing leg 40, a pivot leg 43 connects, which is U-shaped, and to which the pressure surface 42 connects. At the pivot leg 43, the holding means 41 is arranged in the sliding direction 7 in front of the pressure surface 42. The holding means 41 is here an approximately centrally disposed of the pivot leg 43 locking edge.

Between the clamping spring 3 and the busbar 2, a free space 13 is formed, in which the electrical conductor 6 in the latching state R of the clamping leg 32 in and against the sliding direction 7 is freely displaceable.

When moving the inserted into the spring terminal 1 electrical conductor 6 in the sliding direction 7, the open end 63 of the electrical conductor 6 in contact with the pressure surface 42. When pushed further in the sliding direction 7, he presses on the pressure surface 42. Thus, the retaining spring 4 in the second pivoting direction 91 is pivoted. In this case, the clamping leg 32 is unlocked by the holding means 41 and pivoted in the pivoting direction 81. The pressure surface 42 is arranged in the sliding direction 7 below the holding means 41, so that a free pivoting of the clamping leg 32 in and against the pivoting direction 81 is possible.

The spring force terminal 1 also comprises a return means 5. The return means 5 is displaceable in and against the sliding direction 7. It is provided for pivoting back the clamping leg 32 against the pivoting direction 81. In this case, the clamping leg 32 is zurückschwenkbar by moving the return means 5 against the pivoting direction 7 from the clamping state K in the locking state R, so that its open end 33 with the retaining means 41 locked again. Then, in the spring terminal 1 previously clamped in the terminal state K electrical conductor 6 of the spring terminal 1 in the latching state R can be removed again.

In the embodiment shown here, the return means 5 is arranged in the latching state R between the clamping spring 3 and the electrical conductor 6. In the clamping state K, it is arranged in the sliding direction 7 above the clamping leg 32. Therefore, the return means 5 acts in clamping state K befindlichem clamping leg 32 when moving in the sliding direction 7 directly on the clamping leg 32, so that the required displacement for pivoting back of the clamping leg 32 is small.

It is visible that the return means 5 protrudes in the clamping state K from a terminal housing 12 of the spring terminal 1. This makes it very easily accessible and very easily pressed in the sliding direction 7. To actuate the return means, this has an actuating groove, which simplifies an actuation with a tool such as a screwdriver. In addition, the return means 5 is clamped in the clamping state K between the clamping leg 32 and the terminal housing 12 in this, so that it does not come off the terminal housing 12.

The Fig. 1 (a) shows the clamping spring 3 in the latching state R of the clamping leg 32. The electrical conductor 6 is still disposed outside of the spring terminal 1. It is visible that the open end of the clamping leg on the holding means, which is designed here as an edge, is locked. Clearly visible is also the free space 13 between busbar 2 and clamping leg 32nd

In Fig. 1 (b) the electrical conductor 6 is inserted into the spring-loaded terminal 1 and presses on the pressure surface 42 of the retaining spring 4. Visible is the displacement of the holding means 41, by which the open end 33 of the clamping leg 32 from the holding means 41 is unlocked.

The Fig. 1 (c) shows the jammed in the spring terminal 1 electrical conductor 6. The clamping leg 32 is pivoted in the pivoting direction 81 about the pivot axis 8 and its open end 33 pushes the wire 61 of the electrical conductor 6 against the busbar 2. It is also apparent that the clamping leg 32 the Return means 5 when pivoting in the pivoting direction 81 presses against the sliding direction 7. As a result, the return means 5 moves against the sliding direction 7, so that it protrudes from the terminal housing 12 and is easily accessible.

The clamping leg 32 also has an angle 321 to the sliding direction 7. It is conceivable to choose this so that the return means 5 is pressed in the clamping state K against the terminal housing 12 and is clamped self-locking.

A release of the electrical conductor 6 is possible by the return means 5 is moved starting from this clamping state K in the sliding direction 7 until the open end 33 of the clamping leg 32 again locked to the holding means 41 in the latching state R.

Fig. 2 shows a further embodiment of a spring clamp according to the invention 1. From the terminal housing 12 is shown here for clarity, only one main body 16.

Shown is in (a) the clamping state K of the spring terminal 1 without the inserted conductor 6. It is visible that the open end 33 of the clamping leg 3 rests in this embodiment of the spring terminal 1 without the inserted conductor 6 to a locking lug 21 of the busbar 2. The busbar 2 of this embodiment is part of a terminal housing 20th

When not inserted into the spring terminal 1 conductor 6, the return means 5 is moved in the clamping state K far by means of the clamping leg 32 against the sliding direction 7, so that it is very easily accessible from the outside.

The spring clamp 1 of Fig. 2 differs from the spring clamp 1 of Fig. 1 also by the formation of the retaining spring. 4

The retaining spring 4 of this embodiment also has a bearing leg 40. However, this bearing leg 40 extends transversely to the sliding direction 7. It is fixed to the base body 16. At the bearing leg 40, the pivot leg 43 connects here as well. However, the bearing leg 40 and the pivot leg 43 here in contrast to the embodiment of Fig. 1 connected by a bow 401 and the pivot leg is approximately L-shaped. Thus, the bearing leg 40 and the pivot leg 43 at an acute angle 92 to each other and form a (in side view) U-shaped unit.

At the pivot leg 43, the pressure surface 42 connects also in this embodiment. In addition, the holding means 41 is also arranged on the pivot leg 43, so that it is positioned in the sliding direction 7 in front of the pressure surface 42.

However, the holding means 41 is formed by a latching edge, which is arranged on a side of the pivot leg 43 integrally formed retaining wing 410. Or on both sides of the pivot leg 43 each such a holding wing 410 is arranged.

The Fig. 2 (b) shows the spring clamp terminal 1 during pivoting of the clamping leg 32 from the clamping state K against the first pivoting direction 81 in the latching state R. It is visible that the open end 33 of the clamping means 32 comes into contact with the holding means 41 and the retaining spring 4 while in the sliding direction. 7 suppressed. As a result, the pivot leg 43 and the pressure surface 42 are pivoted about the second pivot axis 9 in the second pivot direction 91. As a result, the retaining spring 4 deviates into the second pivoting direction 91 and the clamping leg 32 is displaceable behind the latching edge 41.

When swinging back the pivot leg 43 of the clamping leg 32 is latched behind the locking edge 41. The spring clamp terminal 1 is then in the latching state R. This shows the Fig. 2 (c) , The pivoting of the retaining spring 4 is in the Fig. 2 (d) shown.

The geometry of this embodiment of the retaining spring 4 has a self-locking effect, so that the clamping spring 3 is held securely by the retaining means 41 of the retaining spring 4 even under strong vibration influences.

Fig. 3 shows a further embodiment of the retaining spring 4 with a likewise self-locking geometry. This retaining spring 4 also has an approximately L-shaped pivoting leg 43 with laterally formed retaining wings 410. The bearing leg 40 extends here but transversely to the pressure surface 42 and against the sliding direction 7. The bearing leg 40 is fixed to the retaining leg 31 of the clamping spring 3, for example by means of a screw or rivet 34th

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

Spring clamps me

11

insertion

12

terminal housing

13

free space

14

support contour

15

groove

16

body

2

conductor rail

20

terminal housing

21

locking lug

3

clamping spring

30

bend

31

holding leg

32

clamping leg

321

Angle of the clamping leg to the sliding direction in the clamping state

33

Open end of the clamping leg / clamping spring

4

retaining spring

40

bearing legs

41

Holding means, locking edge

42

print area

43

pivot legs

44

connecting leg

5

Return means

51

operating groove

6

Electrical conductor

61

jacket

62

Vein

7

sliding direction

8th

swivel axis

81

pan direction

9

Second pivot axis

91

Second swing direction

92

Angle between the holding leg and the pivot leg

K

clamping state

R

Rest state

Claims (15)

Formed as a direct plug-in terminal spring clamp (1), in particular for connecting a stranded conductor, a. which has a busbar (2) for contacting an electrical conductor (6) and b. acting as a compression spring clamping spring (3) for fixing the electrical conductor (6) in the spring-loaded terminal (1), c. wherein the clamping spring (3) has a clamping leg (32) pivotable about a pivot axis (8) in a pivoting direction (81), d. from a latching state (R) in which it is latched to a holding means (41), by moving the electrical conductor (6) in a clamping state (K) is adjustable, in which it is unlocked by the holding means (41) and the electrical Head (6) presses against the busbar (2), characterized in that e. the spring force terminal (1) also comprises a return means (5) for pivoting back the clamping leg (32) with which the clamping leg (32) by shifting the return means (5) against the pivoting direction (81) from the clamping state (K) in the locking state (R ) is zurückschwenkbar. Spring terminal (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the restoring means (5) in the latching state (R) between the clamping spring (3) and the electrical conductor (6) and in and against the sliding direction (7) is displaceable. Spring terminal (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the return means (5) in the clamping state (K) between the clamping leg (32) and a terminal housing (12) is clamped in this. Spring terminal (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the return means (5) for returning the clamping leg (32) in the sliding direction (7) is displaceable. Spring terminal (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the holding means (41) on a retaining spring (4) is arranged, which is pivotable about a second pivot axis (9) in and against a second pivoting direction (91). Spring terminal (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the retaining spring (4) has a pressure surface (42) extending transversely to the sliding direction (7), wherein the holding spring (4) by pressure of the electrical conductor (6) on the pressure surface (42) in the second pivoting direction (91) is pivotable. Spring terminal (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pressure surface (42) in the sliding direction (7) below the holding means (41) is arranged. Spring terminal (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the clamping leg (32) during pivoting in the pivoting direction (81) the return means (5) against the sliding direction (7) shifts. Spring terminal (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the return means (5) in the clamping state (K) protrudes from the terminal housing (12). Spring terminal (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the clamping spring (3) further comprises a holding leg (31), with which it is supported on the terminal housing (12). Spring terminal (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the retaining spring (4) has a bearing leg (40), with which it is supported on the terminal housing (12). Spring terminal (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that between the bearing leg (40) and the pressure surface (42) has a pivot leg (43) is arranged. Spring terminal (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the holding means (41) on the pivot leg (43) is arranged. Spring terminal (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pivot leg (43) is L-shaped and / or that the pivot leg (43) and the bearing leg (40) form a U-shaped unit. Spring-loaded terminal (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the bearing leg (40) on the holding leg (31) of the clamping spring (3) is fixed, preferably by means of a screw or rivet connection (34).

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