EP3465828B1 - Spring terminal for a conductor - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a spring clamp according to the preamble of claim 1.

Such spring clamps are from DE 10 2004 001 202 A1 known.

Spring-loaded terminals designed as direct plug-in terminals (push-in) with a clamping spring designed as a compression spring, which presses the conductor against the busbar, are known in many different 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, in particular their size. In this case, simple assembly and cost-effective production are permanent requirements for such a clamp.

the U.S. 7,997,915 B2 discloses a ferrule, at one end of which is arranged a direct plug-in terminal for non-detachable connection of an electrical conductor. The direct plug-in terminal includes a current-carrying terminal 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 on a retaining edge when the electrical conductor is not inserted into the direct plug-in terminal, so that a free space is kept free for the electrical conductor and it can be inserted into the terminal cage. When inserted into the direct plug-in terminal, the holding means is displaced in such a way that the terminal leg is released and pivoted. The pivoted clamp leg presses the electrical conductor against the clamp cage.

From the EP 2 768 079 A1 a further development of this direct plug-in terminal is known, in which the latched state can be restored with an actuating element, a pressing element, after the latched terminal leg has been released by the conductor.

It is starting pn the DE 10 2004 001 202 A1 The object of the present invention is to create a spring-loaded terminal, in particular a stackable spring-loaded terminal, in particular for stranded conductors, which improves their functionality and can also be used in particular for stranded conductors with a small cross-section.

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

The release of the open position or the locking position of the clamping leg is possible in two different ways. This is advantageous because if the actuation of one adjustment means does not result in the locking position of the clamping spring or the clamping leg being released in an individual case, the other adjustment means can still be used to release the clamping spring or its clamping leg from the locking position.

From the EP 2 768 079 A1 this is not known, because there the detent state is not released with the pressing element but only restored.

The latched state is not created by latching an element on a free clamping edge of the clamping leg, and the latched state can be released by inserting the conductor into the housing in the conductor insertion direction.

According to this solution, which is to be regarded as a separate invention and also as a suitable development of claim 1, it is advantageous that the latching state is not generated by latching an element on a free clamping edge of the clamping leg and that the latching state is nevertheless easily achieved by inserting the conductor is detachable in the direction of conductor insertion into the housing. This is because relatively high forces are or would be required at the clamping edge of the clamping leg to release the latched position. In addition, wear can occur on the clamping edge due to the latching. This problem is thus avoided. In addition, there are more defined friction conditions outside the clamping edge, in the case of latching by pressure on the clamping leg and latching of a pusher on the housing. Accordingly, it is also preferred that the locking state is generated by pressure on the clamping leg in the direction of conductor insertion, for example with With the aid of an actuating element acting on the clamping leg, in particular a pusher, which can be latched on the housing in a latched position in which it keeps the latter latched in the open position by pressure on the clamping leg in the conductor insertion direction. In this way, only relatively small forces and, moreover, relatively precisely defined forces are required to release the clamping leg with the conductor from the latched position. The invention also makes use of this advantageous effect to release the latched position with the conductor itself, in that the pusher is coupled to a movable release element that interacts with the clamping leg and can be moved by pressure from the conductor in order to also release the pusher from its position to release the locking position.

The first of the two adjusting means has a movable release element, which is acted upon by the end of the conductor to be contacted when the conductor is released and with which the clamping leg of the clamping spring can be released from the latched state directly or indirectly - in the latter case via at least one element connected in between. In the first case—direct action—it is also conceivable, for example, for the triggering element to be designed in one piece with the pusher.

The second of the two adjusting means includes an actuating element for moving the clamping leg. Then it is expedient that the actuating element itself can be latched together with the clamping leg of the clamping spring in the latched state and itself can be released directly from the latched state, whereby the clamping leg of the clamping spring can also be released from the latched state.

The release of the open position or the locking position of the clamping leg is possible in two different ways. So the release of the locked position of the clamping leg can be done on the one hand with the help of the conductor and on the other hand with the help of the actuating element. This is advantageous because such even if the conductor is formed, for example, as a very thin multi-strand conductor, with only one very little force can be exerted on the trigger element, the pusher itself can be used directly to release the clamping spring or its clamping legs from the locked position.

According to a variant that is easy to implement in terms of design and that works reliably, it is provided that the actuating element is a pusher for moving the clamping leg, which is displaceable in an actuating channel of the housing in the direction of insertion and is movable to a limited extent perpendicular to the direction of insertion and which in the housing at a latching edge in the latched state can be locked.

This can easily be achieved, for example, by the push button having a lateral latching edge which can be latched into the latched state by moving perpendicularly to the insertion direction behind the latching edge of the housing and can be released from the latched state by moving in the opposite direction.

According to an advantageous and easy-to-handle variant, it can be provided that the push-button is moved into the locking position by the spring force of the clamping spring during manual movement in the insertion direction after sliding past the locking edge, and that the push-button is moved by moving it with a manually operable operating tool such as a screwdriver can be released from the locked state in the opposite direction.

It is also useful because the push button can be kept relatively short in the direction of insertion if the push button has a recess for attaching an operating tool, which is dimensioned such that the operating tool can be used to move the push button in the direction of insertion and also perpendicular to the direction of insertion .

According to a variant that is also structurally compact and can be implemented cost-effectively, it is provided that the triggering element is designed as a rocker arm that is pivotably mounted in the housing. It is expedient if the rocker arm has two lever arms, one of which is designed to be pivoted with the conductor and the other lever arm of which is designed to act on the pusher to release it from the locked state.

The spring-cage terminal is not only suitable for solid conductors, but also particularly for stranded conductors. This is because the stranded conductor can be moved back and forth in the free space of the chamber in the housing without the strands fanning out in the latched state. A material can be selected for the conductor rail that has good electrical conductivity, for example copper or a copper alloy. Spring steel is advantageous as the manufacturing material for the clamping spring.

Fig. 1a

eine Seitenansicht auf eine Federkraftklemme mit einem Klemmschenkel, der zum Verklemmen eines in die Federkraftklemme einführbaren bzw. eingeführten elektrischen Leiters vorgesehen ist, in einem nicht verrasteten Zustand;

Fig. 1b

die Federkraftklemme aus Fig. 1a) mit dem Klemmschenkel in einem Rastzustand;

Fig. 2a

eine Seitenansicht der Federkraftklemme aus Fig. 1b) mit einem Leiter während eines Einführens des Leiters in die Federkraftklemme, wobei sich der Klemmschenkel noch in dem Rastzustand befindet;

Fig. 2b

die Federkraftklemme aus Fig. 2a) mit einem in die Federkraftklemme eingeführten elektrischen Leiter, wobei der Klemmschenkel aus dem Rastzustand entrastet ist;

Fig. 3a

eine Seitenansicht eines Betätigungselementes der Federkraftklemme aus Fig.1a und Fig. 2a);

Fig. 3b

eine Draufsicht auf das Betätigungselement aus Fig. 3a;

Fig. 4a

eine geschnittene Darstellung einer Federkraftklemme ähnlich zu Fig. 1a und 2a mit einem Leiter während eines Einführens des Leiters in die Federkraftklemme, wobei sich der Klemmschenkel noch in dem Rastzustand befindet;

Fig. 4b

eine Ausschnittsvergrößerung aus Fig. 4a;

Fig. 4c

die Federkraftklemme aus Fig. 4a) in perspektivischer und geschnittener Ansicht, hier mit einem in die Federkraftklemme eingeführten elektrischen Leiter mit dem Klemmschenkel in dem Rastzustand;

Fig. 5a, b

eine weitere Federkraftklemme einmal in einem unbeschalteten und einmal in einem beschalteten Zustand, wobei ein Teil des Gehäuses der Federkraftklemme ausgeblendet worden ist;

Fig. 6a

eine perspektivische Ansicht der Federkraftklemme aus Fig. 5;

Fig. 6b-c

perspektivische Ansichten von Bauelementen und/oder Baugruppen der Federkraftklemme aus Fig. 6a; und

Fig. 7a-c

perspektivische Ansichten von Varianten einzelner Bauelemente und/oder Baugruppen für die Federkraftklamme aus Fig. 6a.

Fig. 8a, b

eine weitere Federkraftklemme einmal in einem unbeschalteten und einmal in einem beschalteten Zustand, wobei ein Teil des Gehäuses der Federkraftklemme ausgeblendet worden ist;

Fig. 8c

eine perspektivische Ansicht der Federkraftklemme aus den Fig. 8a,b;

Fig. 9a-c

perspektivische Ansichten von Bauelementen und/oder Baugruppen der Federkraftklemme aus Fig. 8c;

Fig. 10a

eine perspektivische Schnittansicht einer weiteren Federkraftklemme mit einem Klemmschenkel, der zum Verklemmen eines in die Federkraftklemme einführbaren bzw. eingeführten elektrischen Leiters vorgesehen ist, in einem nicht verrasteten, nicht geöffneten Zustand einer Klemmfeder;

Fig. 10b

eine perspektivische Ansicht eines als Drücker ausgebildeten Betätigungselementes der Federkraftklemme aus Fig. 10a);

Fig. 11

eine Seiten-Schnittansicht der Federkraftklemme aus Fig. 10a) mit einem daran angesetzten Betätigungswerkzeug in einem Zustand, in dem sich der Klemmschenkel einer Klemmfeder in einen verrasteten Zustand versetzt wird und in dem dann ein Leiter in eine Klemmstelle einführbar ist;

Fig. 12

die Federkraftklemme aus Fig. 10a) im Rastzustand mit einem in die Klemmstelle eingeführten Leiter und mit einem Betätigungswerkzeug;

Fig. 13

die Federkraftklemme aus Fig. 10a) im Rastzustand aus Fig. 12) ohne einen in die Klemmstelle eingeführten Leiter und mit einem relativ zu Fig. 11 an anderer Stelle des Drückers angesetzten Betätigungswerkzeug, mit dem der Rastzustand gelöst werden soll; und

Fig. 14

eine Seiten-Schnittansicht einer weiteren Federkraftklemme in einem geöffneten Rastzustand und in b) als Drücker ausgebildeten Betätigungselementes der Federkraftklemme aus Fig. 10a.

The invention is described in more detail below using an exemplary embodiment with reference to the drawings. Show it:

Fig. 1a

a side view of a spring-loaded terminal with a clamping leg, which is provided for clamping an insertable or inserted electrical conductor into the spring-loaded terminal, in a non-latched state;

Fig. 1b

the spring clamp Fig. 1a ) with the clamping leg in a detent state;

Figure 2a

a side view of the spring clamp Fig. 1b ) with a conductor during insertion of the conductor into the spring clamp with the clamp leg still in the latched state;

Figure 2b

the spring clamp Figure 2a ) with an electrical conductor inserted into the spring-loaded terminal, the terminal leg being disengaged from the latched state;

Figure 3a

a side view of an actuating element of the spring terminal Fig.1a and Figure 2a );

Figure 3b

a top view of the actuating element Figure 3a ;

Figure 4a

a sectional view of a spring clamp similar to Fig. 1a and 2a with a conductor during insertion of the conductor into the spring force clamp, with the clamp leg still being in the latching state;

Figure 4b

an enlargement of a section Figure 4a ;

Figure 4c

the spring clamp Figure 4a ) in a perspective and sectional view, here with an electrical conductor inserted into the spring-loaded terminal with the terminal leg in the latched state;

Fig. 5a, b

a further spring-loaded terminal once in an unconnected state and once in a connected state, part of the housing of the spring-loaded terminal having been hidden;

Figure 6a

a perspective view of the spring clamp figure 5 ;

Fig. 6b-c

perspective views of components and / or assemblies of the spring clamp Figure 6a ; and

Fig. 7a-c

perspective views of variants of individual components and / or assemblies for the spring clamp Figure 6a .

8a, b

a further spring-loaded terminal once in an unconnected state and once in a connected state, part of the housing of the spring-loaded terminal having been hidden;

Figure 8c

a perspective view of the spring clamp from the Figure 8a ,b;

Fig. 9a-c

perspective views of components and / or assemblies of the spring clamp Figure 8c ;

Figure 10a

a perspective sectional view of a further spring-loaded terminal with a clamping leg, which is provided for clamping an insertable or inserted into the spring-loaded electrical conductor, in a non-latched, non-open state of a clamping spring;

Figure 10b

a perspective view of an actuating element designed as a pusher of the spring-loaded terminal Figure 10a );

11

Figure 12 shows a side sectional view of the spring clamp Figure 10a ) with an actuating tool attached thereto in a state in which the clamping leg of a clamping spring is moved into a latched state and in which a conductor can then be inserted into a clamping point;

12

the spring clamp Figure 10a ) in the locked state with a conductor inserted into the terminal point and with an actuating tool;

13

the spring clamp Figure 10a ) in resting state 12 ) without a conductor inserted into the terminal point and with a relative to 11 operating tool set elsewhere on the pusher, with which the latched state is to be released; and

14

a side sectional view of a further spring-loaded terminal in an open locking state and in b) designed as a pusher actuating element of the spring-loaded terminal Figure 10a .

the Figures 1a and b such as Figure 2a , b show a first spring terminal 1. The Figure 4a to c show another spring-loaded terminal 1, the structure of which the spring-loaded terminal 1 of Fig.1a - c and Fig. 2a-b corresponds to a still to be explained support contour 9 of the housing 3 except for a slightly different geometry. The spring-loaded terminal 1 is shown in one embodiment as a stackable terminal.

The spring-loaded terminal 1 has a housing 3 in which a direct plug-in connection 2 is formed. The housing 3 is preferably made of an insulating plastic. A chamber 4 open to at least one side is formed in the housing 3 . The chamber 4 has a rear wall here. The chamber 4 is also connected on the one hand by a conductor insertion channel 5 to one of the outer sides of the housing - called "insertion side", here the upper side - and on the other hand by an actuating channel 6. The actuating channel 6 runs essentially parallel to the conductor insertion channel 5. The actuating channel 6 is here graded in itself (see Figure 4a and c ).

At least one clamping spring 7 and one busbar 8 are arranged in the chamber 4 to form the direct plug-in connection 2 . Optionally, a metal clamping cage can be provided, which is used to support the clamping spring 7 and the busbar 8 . No clamping cage is provided here. The walls of the chamber 4 of the housing 3 assume this function here.

The clamping spring 7 is U-shaped or V-shaped and has a support leg 7a and a clamping leg 7b. The support leg 7a is supported on an abutment. This abutment is formed by a projection 3b on a wall of the chamber 4 here. The clamping leg 7b is connected to the support leg 7a via an arcuate back 7c. The back 7c overlaps a support contour 9 of the housing 3, which protrudes into the chamber 4. This support contour 9 is cylindrical here, for example, and Figures 4a to 4c formed semi-cylindrical towards the back 7c. The support contour 9 also defines the pivot axis/axis of rotation lying in the central axis of the cylinder contour for a pivoting movement of the clamping leg 7b.

The pivotable clamping leg 7b serves to act on a conductor 10 with spring force 10 in the area of a clamping point K and to press this conductor 10 against the busbar 8 . In this way, an electrically conductive contact is established between the inserted conductor 10 and the busbar 8 . This turns out well Figure 2b .

The conductor 10 can be guided in a conductor insertion direction X through the conductor insertion channel 5 into the chamber 4 in the area of the clamping point K (see Fig Figure 2a , Figure 4a ).

An actuating element is arranged in the actuating channel 6 . The actuating element is here in a preferred embodiment as a pressing element - called "push button 11" for short - formed, which is movably guided in the actuating channel 6 . Preferably, a free end 11a of the pusher 11 projects outwards beyond the outside of the housing 3 so that it is easily accessible. This is advantageous but not mandatory. Furthermore, an actuating contour—in particular a depression 11b—can advantageously be formed on this free end 11a for attaching a tool, in particular a screwdriver, to the pusher 11 . This depression 11b is preferably dimensioned in such a way that a screwdriver can be inserted relatively firmly and far into the depression 11b ( Figure 4a , Figure 4c ).

The other end 11c of the pusher 11 protrudes into the chamber 4. The pusher 11 also has a pressing contour 11d—here between its two ends 11a and 11c. This pressure contour 11d serves to be able to exert a force on the clamping leg 7b in the insertion direction with the pusher 11 in order to open the clamping leg 7b.

Below the first pressing contour 11d, the presser 11 has a slot 11e in the manner of a through opening with lateral walls. The clamping leg 7b passes through this slot 11e. The clamping leg 7b can be pivoted to a limited extent in the slot 11e.

The pusher 11 also has an actuating contour 11f. Here this actuating contour 11f is provided below the slot 11e at the end 11c.

A movable release element 12 is arranged in the chamber 4 below the end 11c of the pusher 11--here below the actuating contour 11f. This release element 12 is here in an advantageous—but not mandatory—configuration designed as a rocker arm, which has two lever arms 12a, 12b rotatable about an axis of rotation.

The pusher 11 also has at least one lateral depression 11g, on which a first undercut 11h (see also Figure 4b ) is trained. This undercut 11h is a locking edge that interacts with a corresponding locking edge 3a on/in the chamber 4 of the housing 3 . This undercut 11h is formed on the side of the pusher 11 facing away from the clamping leg 7b.

By pressing the pusher 11 in the actuating opening 6 in the insertion direction X, pressure can be exerted on the clamping leg 7b.

On the one hand, this serves to open the terminal point K when the conductor is inserted, in order to be able to remove the conductor 10 .

Based on the position of Fig.1a the function of the pusher 11 is initially different. As soon as the pusher 11 or its undercut 11h has been pressed so deeply that it passes the latching edge 3a here in the transition area from the actuating channel 6 to the chamber 4, the pusher 11 is slightly loosened - for example by the force of the clamping spring 7 or the clamping leg 7b pushed to the side perpendicular to the direction of insertion X for the conductor 10 . The undercut 11h latches behind the latching edge 3a. For this purpose, it is necessary for the pusher 11 to be somewhat displaceable and pivotable transversely to the direction of insertion in the housing 3 or in the actuating channel. This pivotability is preferably dimensioned at least in such a way that the undercut 11h can be pivoted into the above-described latching position (see in particular Figure 4a and c ).

In this way, the clamping spring 7 or its clamping leg 7b can be latched or latched in an open position in the housing 3 (see Fig.1 b and 2a ). This locking takes place by pressure on the clamping leg in the direction of conductor insertion with the pusher 11, which is latched on the housing in a latched position from which it can be moved out. In itself, this principle is known, so from the DE 10 2008 039 232 A1 or the WO 2015180950 A1 .

In this position, the conductor 10 can be pushed into the area of the clamping point K in a simple manner.

The release of the open position or the locked position of the clamping leg 7b is possible in two different ways.

Since the locking state is not achieved by locking an element on the free clamping edge 7d, ie the end of the locking leg 7b on which the conductor is to be clamped, only a very small force is required to release the clamping leg from the locking position. The invention makes use of this in that it does not produce the latched position or the latched state at the clamping edge of the clamping leg, but by applying pressure to the clamping leg in the conductor insertion direction. In this way or in this way, even if the conductor 10 is designed, for example, as a very thin multi-stranded conductor with which only a very small force can be exerted on the triggering element 12, the pusher 11 itself can be used directly to press the clamping spring 7 or to release their clamping legs 7b from the locked position.

Structurally, this can be implemented in various ways, expediently in the manner described below. Then, to release the latched position, the pusher 11 is moved slightly in the housing 3 - here laterally perpendicular to the direction of insertion X - displaced or pivoted that the undercut 11h from the latched position is moved out at the latching edge 3a and the latching of the pusher 11 on the housing 3 is released. This also releases the latching position of the latching leg 7b. In this way, the clamping leg 7b of the clamping spring 7 can relax and press the conductor 10 in the clamping point K against the busbar 8 . This is conceivable here manually or with a tool.

Alternatively, a force can be exerted on the triggering element 12 with the conductor end of the conductor 10 in the conductor insertion direction X, in order to move the latch 11 out of the open position and thus to be released from the locked position. The conductor 10 presses on one of the two lever arms, namely the lever arm 12a. As a result, the triggering element rotates about its axis of rotation 12c and the other lever arm 12b acts on the actuating contour 11f of the pusher 11 . This action in turn moves the pusher 11, which is supported on the housing 3, so that it is released from the latching on the locking edge 6a, whereby the pusher 11 is released and in the actuating channel 6 again against the insertion direction X by the force of the released clamping leg 7b slides slightly upwards.

This release of the locking position is the usual way to connect the spring-loaded terminal 1. The previously described movement of the push button 11 is an alternative solution if, for example, the conductor 10 is so flexible that it does not generate sufficient force to actuate the trigger element 12 in an individual case can.

It is advantageous if the recess 11b on the end 11a of the pusher 11 protruding from the housing 4 is dimensioned so deep that the inserted screwdriver or other tool can be used to exert a force on the pusher 11 in order to move it out of its locked position solve. This is evident from the interaction of the Figures 3a, 3b and 4a and 4c.

The latch 11 also has a gradation 11i here, which corresponds to a gradation 6a of the actuation channel and implements an insertion limit for the latch 11 in the conductor insertion direction X ( Figure 4a ).

the Figure 6a and 5a, b show another spring terminal. This variant is shown in Figure 5a in an unconnected and in Figure 5b in a wired state with a conductor 10, wherein in Figures 5a and 5b part of the but in 6 shown housing 30 of the spring clamp has been hidden.

This case 30 is somewhat different from the previous ones Figures 1 to 4 designed. There, the housing 3 is shown open on one side, so that the clamping spring 7 and other components can be mounted in the housing 3 from the open side. The clamping spring 7 is supported in plastic.

To figure 5 and 6 On the other hand, a multi-part housing 30 is provided that has a lower housing part 31 and an upper housing part 32 that can be placed thereon.

The lower housing part 31 is designed in the manner of a sleeve that is closed around the circumference here in cross-section and is rectangular here, which is open on one or two opposite end faces (up and down in the figures).

To Figures 5 to 7 a metallic assembly is also provided which has a (simple) clamping cage 13 (see in particular Figures 7a and c ), in which the clamping spring 7 can be inserted. Thus, a direct support of the clamping spring 7 on the support leg 7a in the housing 30 is not provided here. The clamping cage 13 is at least U-shaped in a side view and has three legs 13a, 13b, 13c. It is open on the side, but this is not a problem since the lower housing part 31 centers the conductor 10 here.

The clamping spring 7 is placed between these legs 13a, 13b, 13c. At least one of the legs 13a, b, c can be used to connect to an electrical assembly (not shown here), for example to connect to a plug (not shown here) or to a printed circuit board or the like. The same applies to the busbar 8 of FIG Figures 1 to 4 .

In contrast, the busbar 8 is in the Fig.1 in the side view, for example, L-shaped. This L is supplemented here by a further leg 13a, so that a support leg 13a is formed. The support leg 13a serves to support the (e.g. attached to it) support leg 7a of the clamping spring 7, the clamping leg 7b of which has a conductor 10 in the connected state Figure 5b for contacting presses against the leg 13c, which also has a current-conducting function or busbar function or takes over the function of the busbar.

The clamping cage 13 with the clamping spring 7 can be inserted into the lower housing part 31 from an open side. In this way, these elements can be preassembled on one another so that they can be easily assembled further and are well protected in the lower housing part 31.

Preferably, the upper housing part 32 and the lower housing part 31 can be locked together at corresponding locking means 14 after the clamping cage 13 and the clamping spring 7 have been assembled together, as is the case Figure 7a shows well.

The conductor insertion channel 5 and the actuation channel 6 for the handle 11 are formed in the housing upper part 32 . This in turn can be latched in the housing 30 such that an open position is formed in which the terminal point K is opened and a conductor 10 can be inserted into this terminal point K. In that regard, the description of Figures 1 to 4 referred.

A release element 12 is in turn provided on the one hand to release this locking position. To figure 5 this release element 12 is formed from a subassembly to the assembly of the elements 13 and 7. This sub-assembly can be made of all metal, all plastic, or a mixture of metal and plastic elements. Here it has the triggering element 12 and a bearing block 15 on which the triggering element 12 is pivotably mounted. This subassembly can also be preassembled on the clamping cage 13 and can be inserted into the housing 30 together with this and the conductor rail 7 .

To Figures 5a and 5b For this purpose, two short metallic legs 13d, 13e are bent upwards out of the leg 13b of the clamping cage against the conductor insertion direction x, which form the bearing block 15 for the triggering element 12 in the manner of a rocker, which can be made of plastic or metal and on the bearing block 15 corresponding shots is pivoted.

The bearing block 15 can also be designed as an element made of metal or plastic that is separate from the clamping cage 13 and can be fastened to the clamping cage 13 ( Figures 7a-c ) and in turn has receptacles for the triggering element 12 . This is the difference 7 to the figure 5 and 6 .

The release element 12 in turn has two lever arms 12a, 12b. A force can therefore be exerted on the triggering element 12 with the conductor end of the conductor 10 in the conductor insertion direction X in order to release the pusher 11 from the open position and thus from the latched position. The conductor 10 presses on one of the two Lever arms, namely the lever arm 12a. As a result, the triggering element 12 rotates about its axis of rotation 12c and the other lever arm 12b acts as a triggering contour on one or two corresponding actuating contour(s) 11f of the pusher 11 . These are designed here as arms that extend to the side of the clamping cage. In this way, reliable triggering on two arms of the handle 11 can be implemented. This effect in turn moves the pusher 11, which is supported in a latching manner on the housing 3, so that it is released from the latching on the locking edge 6a, whereby the pusher 11 is released and in the actuating channel 6 again counter to the plug-in direction X by the force of the released Clamp leg 7b slides slightly upwards.

The clamping leg 7b then presses the conductor end of the conductor 10 against the leg 13a.

Alternatively, the pusher 11 can be released directly from the locked position, as described above.

In the Figures 8a to 9c another variant of a spring clamp is shown. This embodiment variant essentially corresponds to the spring-loaded terminal, as shown on the basis of Figures 5a to 7c was described.

As in the Figures 8a to 8c is shown, this spring-loaded terminal also has a multi-part housing 40, with a lower housing part 41 and an upper housing part 32 that can be placed thereon. The upper housing part 32 corresponds to that based on FIG Figures 5a to 7c described housing upper part 32.

The lower housing part 41 is longer than the lower housing part 31 described above and has at its lower end a receptacle 42 for receiving an electrical contact, for example a so-called blade contact, as is provided in particular on printed circuit boards.

A terminal 16 is accommodated in the cavity of the extended housing base 41 .

Connection 16 is included, as in 9c shown, connected to the clamping cage 13 and thus serves, as described above, as a connection to an electrical assembly (not shown here).

The connection 16 has an intermediate piece 17 which is connected to the leg 13b of the clamping cage 13 via a leg 17a.

At one end of the intermediate piece 17 facing away from the clamping cage 13, two clamping legs 18a, 18b extend, which are bent away from the side edges of the intermediate piece 17 in an approximately V-shape running towards one another until they touch one another, the free ends forming a receptacle 19 from one another are bent running away, so that, for example, a knife contact can be inserted through the receptacle 42 of the lower housing part 41 and the receptacle 19 between the clamping legs 18a, 18b, and electrical contact is thus provided between the knife contact (not shown) and the clamping cage 13.

It is also conceivable to geometrically adapt the receptacle 42 of the lower housing part 41 and the connection 16, which is electrically connected to the clamping cage 13, to a wire conductor or another design of a plug contact.

the 10a to 13 show another possible—and advantageous—embodiment of a spring clamp designed according to the invention. They show another spring-loaded terminal 1, the structure and function of which the spring-loaded terminal 1 of Fig.1a - c and Fig. 2a-b and 3 largely corresponds. In this respect, the description of these figures also applies in full to these figures.

To 10a to 13 the variant already mentioned above is realized in that the free end 11a of the pusher 11 does not protrude beyond the outside of the housing 3 to the outside. Rather, it lies within the actuating channel 6. This applies in particular to the detent state R or the tensioned, locked state of the clamping spring 7. This can also apply to both states, the tensioned, locked detent state or the non-tensioned, non-locked state. Then no additional space is required for the pusher 11, since it does not protrude from the actuating opening 6. In addition, he is well protected in this.

Furthermore, at least one actuating contour—in particular a recess 11b—can advantageously be formed on this free end 11a for attaching a tool, in particular a screwdriver, to the pusher 11 . This indentation 11b or one of the indentations is preferably in turn dimensioned in such a way that a screwdriver can be inserted into the indentation 11b ( Figure 4a , Figure 4c ). This recess 11b is formed here by a lateral projection on the pusher 11. The term indentation refers to the end 11a and a view of this end in the direction of insertion X.

Here, too, the latch 11 has a lateral latching edge 11h, which can be latched in the latching state R behind the latching edge 3a by moving perpendicularly to the insertion direction X and can be released from the latched state R by moving in the opposite direction transversely or perpendicularly to the insertion direction X.

It is provided here that, when moving in the direction of insertion X, the spring force of the clamping spring 7 moves the pusher 11 transversely to the direction of insertion into the latching position, and that the pusher 11 is moved in the opposite direction out of the Locking state R can be released (see Fig.13 ). This is done by turning the pusher 11. For this purpose, the pusher 11 in turn has at least one depression 11b for attaching an actuating tool, which is dimensioned such that the actuating tool - here the screwdriver - can be used to move the pusher in the insertion direction X and also pivoting vertically to the insertion direction X can be realized.

This depression 11b is here advantageously (but not necessarily) formed laterally on the pusher 11 at the end 11a. The end of the screwdriver S can then engage in this recess 11b and rest against an edge K at the end of the actuation opening 6 on the housing 3, so that defined pivoting is possible ( Fig.13 , there to the left so that the screwdriver turns around the edge K as the axis of rotation). The pusher 11 is thus released from the latch and the latched state is released overall, en 11 and 13 demonstrate.

A further, preferably central depression 11b′ can be provided, which also enables the push-button 11 to be pressed parallel to or in the direction of insertion 11 . Then the pusher 11 can have two of the indentations 11b, 11b'. This is advantageous, structurally simple and facilitates handling. Otherwise, the function and handling of this embodiment correspond to that of Fig. 1a, b and 2a , b .

The push button 11 thus has two indentations 11b, 11b' for attaching the actuating tool, which is/are dimensioned such that, overall, these two indentations 11b, 11b' can be used with the operating tool to move the push button in the insertion direction X and also perpendicular to the insertion direction X is realizable.

It should also be mentioned that one or here two stop means is/are provided on the rocker-like triggering element 12 . For this purpose, the rocker or the rocker arm is designed as the triggering element in such a way that one or both of its lever arms 12a, 12b can strike an abutment, e.g. a section of the conductor rail 8 or an edge of the housing or the like, when rotated. In this way, one or two geometric end stops 12d, 12e can easily be realized, which as the stop means or means realize one or both of the following functions: protection against excessive rotation of the triggering element 12 or here the rocker arm when tensioning or producing the locking state and against excessive twisting of the triggering element 12 when triggered by means of the conductor 10.

the 14a ) and b) show another possible—and advantageous—embodiment of a spring-loaded terminal designed according to the invention. They show another spring-loaded terminal 1, the structure and function of which the spring-loaded terminal 1 of Fig.1a - c and Fig. 2a-b and 3 largely corresponds. In this respect, the description of these figures also applies in full to these figures.

Also after Fig. 14 a) and b ) a variant is realized in which the free end 11a of the pusher 11 does not protrude beyond the outside of the housing 3 to the outside. Rather, it lies within the actuating channel 6. This applies in particular to the detent state R or the tensioned, locked state of the clamping spring 7. This can also apply to both states, the tensioned, locked detent state or the non-tensioned, non-locked state. Then for the pusher 11 no additional Space required because it does not protrude from the actuating opening 6. In addition, he is well protected in this.

The pusher 11 can in turn be put into the latching state by pressing into the actuating channel 6, pressing on the clamping leg 7b in the direction of conductor insertion X and latching on the housing 3, in which the clamping leg is pivoted in such a way that a conductor can be inserted into the intended location.

Unlike after Figures 10 to 11 However, the pusher 11 is positioned in such a way that the locking state can be established with it, but cannot be released again by tilting it with a screwdriver. The pusher as an adjusting means is thus eliminated.

The locking state is generated by pressure on the clamping leg 7b in the conductor insertion direction. Furthermore, the locking state R is not generated by locking an element on the free clamping edge 7d of the clamping leg and can be released by inserting the conductor into the housing 3 in the conductor insertion direction X.

Therefore, only one adjusting means is provided. This is the first and here then also the only means of adjustment. It in turn has a movable release element 12, on which the end of the conductor 11 to be contacted acts when the conductor 11 is released and with which the clamping leg 7b of the clamping spring 7 can be released from the latched state directly or here indirectly by acting on the pusher 11. <b>Reference List</b> spring clamp 1 direct plug connection 2 Housing 3 locking edge 3a head Start 3b chamber 4 conductor insertion channel 5 actuation channel 6 gradation 6a clamping spring 7 support legs 7a clamp legs 7b the back 7c clamping edge 7d power rail 8th support contour 9 director 10 pusher 11 free end 11a deepening 11b, 11b' End 11c first pressing contour 11d slot 11e actuating contour 11f lateral deepening 11g undercut 11 a.m gradation 11i release element 12 lever arms 12a, 12b axis of rotation 12c end stops 12d, e clamping cage 13 leg 13a, 13b, 13c leg 13d,13e locking means 14 bearing block 15 connection 16 spacer 17 clamp legs 18a clamp legs 18b recording 19 Housing 30 housing base 31 housing top 32 Housing 40 housing base 41 recording 42 screwdriver S

Claims (15)

1. A spring terminal (1), in particular a direct clamp terminal, for connecting a conductor (10) which can be constructed as a flexible stranded conductor, which spring terminal (1) comprises at least the following features:

   a) a housing (3, 30, 40) having a chamber (4) and having an insertion conduit (5) for the conductor into the chamber (4),

   b) a bus bar (8) and/or a clamping cage (13),

   c) a clamping spring (7) arranged in the chamber (4) and acting as a pressure spring for fixing the electrical conductor (10) on the bus bar (8) and/or on the clamping cage (13) in the area of a clamping position (K),

   d) wherein the clamping spring (7) comprises a clamping limb (7b) which is pivotable about a pivot axis, which clamping limb (7b) can be moved from a detent mode (R) in which it is locked in a locked position into a clamping state (K) in which it is released from the detent mode and presses the electrical conductor (10) against the bus bar (8) or the clamping cage (13),

   e) wherein the clamping limb (7b) can be released from the detent mode (R) by two different adjusting means.

   f) wherein the first of the two adjusting means comprises a movable release element (12) on which the end of the conductor (11) to be contacted acts during the insertion of the conductor (11) and with which the clamping limb (7b) of the clamping spring (7) can be directly or indirectly released from the detent mode,

   g) wherein the second of the two adjusting means comprises an actuating element, wherein the detent mode (R) can be released by the introduction of the conductor in the conductor insertion direction into the housing, wherein the detent mode (R) is produced by pressure on the clamping limb (1, 1) in the conductor insertion direction,
   characterized in that

   h) the detent mode (R) is not produced by locking an element on a free locking edge (7d) of the clamping limb (7b),

   i) wherein the second of the two adjusting means, the actuating means for moving the clamping limb (7b), can itself be locked jointly with the clamping limb (7b) of the clamping spring (7) in the detent mode (R) and can itself be released directly from the detent mode (R), as a result of which the clamping limb (7b) of the clamping spring (7) can also be released from the detent mode (R).
2. The spring terminal (1) according to Claim 1, characterized in that the actuating element is a latch (11) for moving the clamping limb (7b) which can be shifted in an actuating conduit (6) of the housing (3, 30, 40) in the direction of insertion (X) and can move in a limited fashion vertically to the direction of insertion and which can be locked in the housing (3, 30, 40) on a locking edge (3a) of the housing (3, 30, 40) in the detent mode (R).
3. The spring terminal (1) according to Claim 2, characterized in that the latch (11) comprises a lateral locking edge (11h) which can be locked in the detent mode (R) by moving vertically to the insertion direction (X) behind the locking edge (3a) and can be released by an opposite movement out of the detent mode (R).
4. The spring terminal (1) according to one of the previous claims, characterized in that the actuating conduit (6) for the latch (11) extends substantially parallel to the conductor insertion conduit (5).
5. The spring terminal (1) according to one of the previous claims, characterized in that the latch (11) projects with a free end (11a) out of the actuating conduit (6) in any case in the detent mode (R).
6. The spring terminal (1) according to one of the previous claims, characterized in that the latch (11) lies with a free end (11a) in any case in the detent mode (R) inside the housing (3).
7. The spring terminal (1) according to one of the previous claims, characterized in that the latch (11) is moved into the locked position during the movement in the insertion direction (X) by the spring force of the clamping spring (7) transversely to the insertion direction (X).
8. The spring terminal (1) according to Claim 7, characterized in that the latch (11) can be released out of the detent mode (R) by moving with a manually actuatable actuating tool such as a screwdriver (S), especially in the opposite direction transversely to the insertion direction.
9. The spring terminal (1) according to one of the previous claims 4 to 7, characterized in that the latch (11) can be released from the detent mode (R) by pressure of the conductor on the release element (12) in the direction of the insertion of the conductor.
10. The spring terminal (1) according to one of the previous claims, characterized in that the latch (11) comprises a recess (11b) or two recesses (11b, 11b') for placing the actuating tool which is/are dimensioned individually or together in such a manner that a movement of the latch (11) in the insertion direction (X) and also vertically to the insertion direction (X) can be realized with the actuating tool.
11. The spring terminal (1) according to one of the previous claims, characterized in that the release element (12) is constructed as a tilting lever which is pivotably supported in the housing (3).
12. The spring terminal (1) according to one of the previous claims, characterized in that the release element (12) is designed for releasing the latch (11) out of the locking position.
13. The spring terminal (1) according to one of the previous claims, characterized in that the tilting lever comprises two lever arms (12a, 12b) of which the one is designed to be pivoted with the conductor (10) and of which the other one is designed to act on the latch (11) in order to release it from the detent mode (X).
14. The spring terminal (1) according to one of the previous claims, characterized in that the housing (30, 40) comprises a bottom housing part (31, 41) and an upper housing part (32) which can be fastened to the latter, wherein preferably the bottom housing part (31, 41) is designed in the manner of a casing which is circumferentially closed and is open on one side or on two sides, and wherein preferably the conductor insertion conduit (5) and the actuating conduit (6) are constructed in the upper housing part (32).
15. The spring terminal (1) according to one of the previous claims, characterized in that

    a. a clamping cage (13) is provided into which the clamping spring (7) can be inserted, and that this clamping cage (13) and the clamping spring (7) can be inserted from an open front side into the casing-like bottom housing part (31, 41),

    b. and wherein preferably a bearing block (15) is formed or arranged on the clamping cage (13) on which the release element (12) is pivotably supported,

    c. and wherein preferably the clamping cage (13), the clamping spring (7), the bearing block (15) and the release element (12) form a unit which can be preassembled and inserted as a whole into the bottom housing part (31, 41), and/or

    d. at least one or more stop means is/are provided on the release element (12) in order to realize a protection against too far a rotation during the tensioning or establishing of the detent mode and against too far a rotation during the release by the conductor (10).

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