EP3849019A1 - Conductor connecting terminal - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a conductor connection terminal (1) for connecting electrical conductors (2) to a busbar (3), the conductor connection terminal having an insulating material housing (22), a busbar and a clamping spring (4), and the clamping spring having a clamping leg (5). and has a contact limb (6) mounted on the busbar, which are connected to one another by a spring bow (7), the contact limb, starting from the spring bow, behind the support (8) of the contact limb on the busbar, an elastic, deflectable spring section with a run-up bevel (10) ) has to guide the conductor to be connected.

Description

The invention relates to a conductor connection terminal for connecting electrical conductors to a busbar. The conductor connection terminal has an insulating material housing, a busbar and a clamping spring. The clamping spring has a clamping leg and a contact leg mounted on the busbar. The clamping leg and the contact leg are connected to one another by a spring bow.

Such conductor connection terminals are already known from the prior art. According to the DE 197 35 786 A1 In the case of electrical conductors made of aluminum and aluminum alloys, the contact force decreases due to creeping, so that a connection terminal with two contact legs is proposed, which jointly act on a conductor inserted into the connection terminal. Here, the contact surface of one contact leg on the conductor is arched, while the contact surface of the other contact leg strikes the conductor with a sharp edge. Overall, with the terminal according to the DE 197 35 786 A1 a more secure contact and an improved force distribution to avoid crushing of the conductor result.

The CN 102354831 A discloses a spring-loaded terminal connection for clamping an electrical conductor to a busbar, in which a loop-shaped clamping spring is provided with a clamping leg with a clamping edge directed towards the electrical conductor. A second clamping leg is bent back from the clamping leg counter to the conductor insertion direction in a loop shape. This forms another, curved contact point with the conductor. In addition, the free end of the second clamping leg acts in a spring force-supporting manner on the first clamping leg.

The DE 20 2011 110 604 U1 describes a spring pressure piece and an electrical connector with such a spring pressure piece. The spring pressure piece has two end areas which can form two contact areas with an adjacent contact pin, as well as a central area located between the end areas. The spring pressure piece is geometrically shaped in such a way that an acute angle is created between the one contact area and the central area and an obtuse angle is created between the other contact area and the central area. In this way, two contact points with a narrow design can be produced with a spring pressure piece.

According to the WO 2017/081001 A1 a small connecting terminal is to be specified, whereby the connecting terminal is a double terminal with two conductor entry openings and two spring-cage terminals. Here, an extended end section of the contact leg of a first and / or second clamping spring is hooked into a through opening in the busbar in order to use a particularly compact busbar for fastening the clamping springs.

Against this background, it is the object of the invention to provide a conductor connection terminal with a compact structure and improved contacting.

The object is achieved by a conductor connection terminal according to claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of the conductor connection terminal can be found in the subclaims.

It is proposed that the contact leg of the clamping spring, starting from the spring arch, behind the support of the contact leg on the busbar, has an elastic, deflectable spring section with a bevel for guiding the conductor to be connected.

This provides a conductor connection terminal with which the conductor to be connected is reliably contacted and clamped not only with the clamping leg, but also with a spring section of the contact leg. Due to the deflectability and elasticity of the spring section, electrical conductors can be different Diameter can be held securely and applied with sufficient spring force. Due to the deflectability of the spring section, conductors with a large conductor cross-section or diameter are subjected to sufficient spring force on the part of the clamping leg and the spring section without the conductor experiencing undesirable deformation, for example through squeezing, pressing, pressing, clamping or forcing or the like. However, even conductors with a small conductor cross-section or diameter are contacted and clamped particularly securely due to the spring section, which in this case experiences less deflection due to the inserted conductor, and the clamping leg. When the conductor runs up on the run-up slope, a different contact overlap arises depending on the conductor cross-section and conductor diameter.

In this application, the indefinite articles “a” are to be understood as such and not as numerals and have the literal meaning of “at least one”.

Due to the elasticity of the spring section, the run-up bevel is also optimally adapted to each conductor inserted into the conductor connection terminal, since the spring section is deflected according to the conductor diameter and the run-up bevel itself is optimally positioned as a result. The deflection of the spring section and the spring force are dependent on the cross section of the inserted conductor. Conductors with a smaller cross section cause less deflection and less pressing force of the spring section. Conductors with a larger cross section cause a greater deflection and a greater contact pressure of the spring section. In this context, the contact force is understood to mean a force which acts in the normal direction against another body and which results from the pressure multiplied by the area when the load is uniformly distributed. Thus, the function of the run-up slope is no longer dependent on the conductor insertion force, but on the spring force of the spring section, so that the insertion of an electrical conductor is made easier.

Despite the wide range of conductor cross-sections and diameters that can be connected to the conductor connection terminal according to the invention, a compact solution with simple clamping spring and busbar geometries is provided. The conductor connection terminal is therefore also suitable for applications with limited installation spaces and space. In addition, the conductor connection terminal can be produced simply and inexpensively, in particular due to the uncomplicated clamping spring and busbar construction, which can also be preassembled as a contact insert. The contact insert can be used against a demolding direction of an insulating material housing without difficulty, so that the assembly of the conductor connection terminal is also facilitated and accelerated.

The elastic, deflectable spring section of the contact leg is an area between the free end of the contact leg and the spring bow, more precisely between the free end of the contact leg and the support of the contact leg on the busbar. Thus, a part of the contact leg, namely the part designed as a spring section, can be displaced with respect to a starting position. This displacement takes place against the spring force of the spring section and thus generates a preload in the spring section, which acts as a spring force on an electrical conductor lying against the spring section. It cannot be ruled out that further parts of the contact leg, such as a section between the spring bow and the support of the contact leg on the busbar, also have a certain elasticity or deflectability. In principle, however, the other parts of the contact leg apart from the spring section can also have a higher rigidity than in the spring section in order to enable stable support of the clamping spring against the busbar and / or the insulating material housing.

Starting from the support on the busbar, the spring section can extend from the support point to the free end in order to enable the spring section to be as elastic and deflectable as possible. However, the spring section can also be spaced apart from the point of support and / or spaced apart from the free end in order to provide a more stable contact leg.

The clamping spring is arranged inside the conductor connection terminal in such a way that, viewed in the direction of conductor insertion, the free end of the contact leg is arranged behind the free end of the clamping leg. Thus the clamp leg is closer arranged on a conductor entry opening as the contact leg. In other words, the clamping leg is the leg of the clamping spring which faces a conductor insertion opening, while the contact leg is a leg of the clamping spring facing away from the conductor insertion opening.

In principle, several geometric designs are conceivable for the busbar. Thus, a first section of the busbar can extend essentially parallel to the conductor insertion direction, while a second section of the busbar protrudes from the first section at an angle, for example extends transversely to the latter. The first and second sections can have a geometry approximating a T-shape. The second section can also extend from the first section at acute or obtuse angles. The end of the second section facing away from the first section can merge into a third section of the busbar, which extends essentially parallel to the conductor insertion direction on a side of the insulating material housing opposite an inserted conductor.

The support leg can be supported on the busbar in a variety of ways, wherein the busbar can be designed both as a fixed bearing and as a loose bearing for the contact leg. To support the contact limb, the busbar, in particular the second section of the busbar, can have a recess through which the contact limb of the clamping spring is guided so that the contact limb is supported on the second section of the busbar. The busbar can have further recesses and, for example, also support the clamping leg of the clamping spring.

In addition to the support leg resting on the busbar, the clamping spring can have additional bearing points within the conductor connection terminal. For example, the contact leg and / or the spring bow can rest or rest on the inner surfaces of the insulating material housing.

The run-up slope of the spring section is used to guide the conductor to be connected. A run-up bevel is a support surface that is angled to the inserted conductor and enables the conductor to gradually run onto the contact leg with reduced insertion resistance and thus easier insertion of the conductor. The reduced insertion resistance is further improved by the elastic deflectability of the spring section, since the position and angle of the run-up slope adapt to the respective inserted conductor. In a non-deflected state, the run-up slope can, for example, enclose an angle between 30 and 60 degrees with an inserted conductor, while in a deflected state it encloses an angle between 10 and 40 degrees with the conductor.

The spring section of the contact leg and the clamping leg of the clamping spring can be used to produce a contact point between a connectable electrical conductor and the busbar that forms a clamping point. A terminal point is understood to mean an area of electrical contact between a connection element, for example a busbar, and an electrical conductor. As a result of the contact point formed by the spring section and the contact point formed by the clamping leg, there are always two contact points for an inserted conductor, so that the reliability of the contact and the overall surface pressure acting on the conductor are improved. Of course, the clamping force of the spring section and of the clamping leg can be distributed to further contact points by means of suitable leg shapes.

The spring section of the contact leg of the clamping spring can have an end stop for the electrical conductor. This ensures reliable chamber separation in the case of multiple connection terminals, such as double connection terminals. Furthermore, the length of the inserted conductor section is limited and the conductor end is protected from contact with other terminal components. The one-piece molding of the end stop with the contact leg of the clamping spring provides a particularly simple design of a conductor stop, since the end stop does not have to be provided by other components that are more complex to manufacture, such as the insulating housing.

This also has a positive effect on the demoulding options on tools and the possible assembly techniques. The end stop itself, like the rest of the spring section, can have elastic deflectability for optimal adaptation of the stop to an inserted conductor and a reduced insertion resistance. For a stable stop function, however, it makes sense to design the end stop in which the end stop is more rigid than the rest of the spring section.

Due to the elastic deflectability of the spring section, the run-up slope and the end stop cooperate in a favorable manner. The run-up slope shifts or gives way to an inserted conductor so that it is guided to the end stop with little insertion resistance. In conventional spring clip constructions with comparatively rigid run-up bevels, however, it can happen that conductors block on the bevels and, to the detriment of the contact overlap, cannot be guided up to a possibly existing stop or can only be guided with increased conductor insertion force. In the present case, however, the displaceability of the spring section ensures that the end stop is reached even with a low insertion force. In addition, the displacement of the spring section depending on the conductor diameter ensures that the conductor end hits the end stop and is not guided past it, as can occur, for example, with conductors with a small diameter and end stops formed in one piece with insulating material housings.

The busbar and / or the insulating material housing can have an indentation, a recess or an opening for receiving the end stop. As a result, the end stop can be made larger or longer than would be possible with a conductor connection terminal with a busbar and / or a closed insulating material housing in the area of the end stop. In the undeflected state, the end stop can thus dip into the busbar and / or the insulating material housing, at least in sections. Such a retractable end stop thus contributes to a more compact design. Even with inserted conductors with a small line diameter, in which the spring section is possibly only slightly deflected, the end stop can at least in sections from the Be included busbar and / or the insulating housing. As a result of the at least partial accommodation in the busbar and / or the insulating material housing, a further bearing point of the clamping spring is provided and thus the contact leg of the clamping spring is mechanically stabilized overall. Due to the indentation, recess or opening of the busbar and / or the insulating material housing, a higher bandwidth of conductor diameters suitable for the conductor connection terminal can be realized through the greater possible extension of the end stop. In this way, reliable chamber separation can be guaranteed even for larger conductor diameters with multiple connection terminals.

The end stop can directly adjoin the run-up slope of the spring section of the contact leg. This provides a particularly short and compact design of the clamping spring. The run-up slope goes directly into the end stop and leads an inserted electrical conductor directly to the stop.

The end stop can protrude from the run-up slope at an angle. Taking into account the angle of inclination of the run-up slope with respect to an inserted conductor, it is advantageous if the end stop protrudes from the run-up slope at an obtuse angle. The angle between the end stop and the run-up slope can result in the end stop extending transversely, that is to say at a right angle, to the conductor insertion direction. As a result, the end of an inserted conductor hits the surface of the end stop evenly.

A shoulder can also be provided on the spring section of the contact leg between the end stop and the run-up slope, which is essentially at right angles to the end stop. Such a shoulder, which together with the end stop forms a right-angled receptacle for the conductor, is optimally adapted to the usual cylindrical or rectangular shape of a conductor end. An inserted ladder rests straighter and more securely on the ledge compared to the run-up slope. Even with larger deflections of the spring section due to larger conductor diameters, improved guidance of the conductor results.

The busbar can have an elevation directed towards the conductor at at least one contact point which forms a clamping point for a connectable electrical conductor. A survey is understood to mean an exposed material of the busbar. The elevation is present, for example, as a projection, nose, paragraph, bulge or elevation. The elevation can be accompanied by an increase in cross-section or a shift in the cross-section of the busbar. The elevation at a contact point improves the contact between the busbar and the conductor. There is a concentrated and focused current transfer at the more clearly defined contact points. The busbar can have elevations depending on the number of contact points. For example, with two contact points, which are each formed by the clamping leg and the spring section of the contact leg, two elevations can be present. However, it is also just as conceivable to provide fewer elevations than contact points in order, for example, to bring about a more concentrated current transfer only on the clamping leg or on the spring section. The elevations of the busbar are advantageously present in a first section of the busbar, which runs essentially parallel to the conductor insertion direction and on which an inserted conductor comes to rest and make contact.

The spring section of the contact leg can have a kink between the run-up bevel and the support on the busbar. Such a kink is understood to mean an angled course of the contact leg with a change in direction or change in extension in the area of the kink or a kink point characterizing the kink. In the present case, such a kink point forms a defined pivot point around which the spring section can be deflected. A transition from a stiffer section of the contact leg to an elastic, deflectable section of the contact leg can also take place at the kink point. Several kinks can also be provided so that the spring section has a course that is angled several times. In the case of confined spaces, the spring section is effectively lengthened by a multiple angled course and thus the possible achievable spring force or elasticity of the spring section is increased.

The clamping leg of the clamping spring can have an angle between its free end and the spring arch. Here, the free end of the clamping leg can run more steeply in the direction of the busbar than the section of the clamping leg extending in the direction of the spring arch. Due to the steeper approach, the clamping leg forms a clamping edge on an inserted conductor, through which the pressure is concentrated on a smaller area and thus an improved current transfer is made possible. In addition, the width of the clamping spring in the conductor insertion direction is reduced and thus a shorter design of the conductor connection terminal is made possible. The free end of the clamping leg can run more steeply in the direction of a first section of the busbar which runs essentially parallel to the conductor insertion direction and on which an inserted conductor comes to rest and make contact.

The length of the clamping leg starting from the apex of the spring arch to the free end of the clamping leg can correspond to the length of the contact leg starting from the apex of the spring arch to the start of the run-up slope. Since the clamping leg is elastically deflectable as a function of the conductor diameter of the inserted conductor, the run-up slope does not hinder the deflection and the displacement of the clamping leg according to the present embodiment. This supports the achievable wide range of conductor diameters that can be used with the conductor connection terminal.

The conductor connection terminal can be designed as a double connection with a preferably symmetrical structure in which a busbar and clamping spring are arranged in one half essentially mirrored to one another and are surrounded by a common insulating material housing. The installation space advantages achieved according to the invention are used particularly effectively here, since the compactness of the terminal construction comes into play on both sides of the double arrangement. In the case of symmetry, the assembly of the double connection is also facilitated, since there are no structural differences between the two connection sides and only the mirror image of both connection sides has to be taken into account during production.

In the case of the conductor connection terminal provided as a double connection, a conductor connection terminal with two opposite conductor entry openings is to be assumed, that is, the conductors are inserted into the connection terminal in opposite conductor entry directions from two sides towards one another.

According to this application, multiple conductor connection terminals are not restricted to double connections, but also include, for example, triple connections in which three electrical conductors are plugged into one another in a T-shape.

Figur 1

- einen Querschnitt der Leiteranschlussklemme in einer Ausführungsform;

Figur 2

- einen Querschnitt der Leiteranschlussklemme in einer weiteren Ausführungsform;

Figur 3

- einen Querschnitt einer als Doppelanschluss ausgeführten Leiteranschlussklemme mit einem eingesteckten Leiter;

Figur 4

- einen Querschnitt einer als Doppelanschluss ausgeführten Leiteranschlussklemme mit zwei eingesteckten Leitern;

Figur 5

- eine Seitenansicht der Leiteranschlussklemme in Leitereinsteckrichtung;

Figur 6

- einen Querschnitt der Leiteranschlussklemme in einer weiteren Ausführungsform.

The invention is explained in more detail below using exemplary embodiments with the accompanying drawings. They show in a schematic way:

Figure 1

- A cross section of the conductor connection terminal in one embodiment;

Figure 2

- A cross section of the conductor connection terminal in a further embodiment;

Figure 3

- A cross section of a conductor connection terminal designed as a double connection with an inserted conductor;

Figure 4

- A cross section of a conductor connection terminal designed as a double connection with two inserted conductors;

Figure 5

- A side view of the conductor connection terminal in the conductor insertion direction;

Figure 6

- A cross section of the conductor connection terminal in a further embodiment.

Figure 1 shows a conductor connection terminal 1 in a cross-sectional view. An electrical conductor 2 can be inserted into the conductor connection terminal 1, as indicated schematically, in a conductor insertion direction R _L. A conductor 2 that is still being inserted can be seen, which has not yet reached its end position in the conductor connection terminal 1. The electrical conductor 2 can be a single-core or multi-core electrical line. The conductor end of the conductor 2 is advantageously stripped to ensure sufficient electrical contact in the conductor connection terminal 1 to ensure. The conductor connection terminal 1 has a busbar 3 as an electrically conductive component, which is to be electrically connected to an inserted conductor 2. The busbar 3 can have several sections 3a, 3b, 3c. A first section 3a runs essentially parallel to the conductor insertion direction R _L. The first section 3a is the section of the busbar 3 on which an inserted conductor 2 rests and which the conductor 2 makes electrical contact with. In addition, a clamping spring 4 presses the conductor 2 against the first section 3a of the busbar 3. The second section 3b of the busbar 3 protrudes at an angle from the first section 3a, for example it can protrude at right angles so that the second section 3b is essentially transverse extends to the first section 3a. The second section 3b can run transversely to the conductor insertion direction R _L. As will be explained below, a contact leg 6 of the clamping spring 4 is mounted on the second section 3b. The second section 3b can merge into a third section 3c of the busbar 3. The transition can take place via an angle or a bend. The third section 3c can run parallel to the first section 3a or to the conductor insertion direction R _L. The third section 3c is located on a side of the conductor connection terminal 1 opposite the first section 3a. The legs of the clamping spring 4 are arranged between the first section 3a and the third section 3c of the busbar 3. The busbar 3 has a simple geometry and can easily be manufactured as a mass component.

The conductor connection terminal 1 has an insulating material housing 22 which protects the components of the conductor connection terminal 1 from external physical and chemical influences and consists of an electrically insulating material such as plastic. The insulating material housing 22 almost completely surrounds the conductor connection terminal 1, but contains at least one conductor insertion opening 23 for inserting an electrical conductor 2 into the conductor connection terminal 1.

The conductor connection terminal 1 has a clamping spring 4. The clamping spring 4 has a clamping leg 5 and an abutment leg 6. The clamping leg 5 and the abutment leg 6 are connected to one another via a spring bow 7, so that at least at the base of the clamping spring 4 results in a U-shape. Seen in the conductor insertion direction R _L , that is, starting from the conductor insertion opening 23, the free end 20 of the contact leg 6 is arranged behind the free end 19 of the clamping leg 5. In the present case, the clamping spring 4 is supported with its spring bow 7 against the insulating material housing 22, while the clamping leg 5 and the contact leg 6 protrude into the interior space enclosed by the insulating material housing 22, also called the conductor connection space. The contact limb 6 is additionally supported on the busbar 3, for example on the second section 3b of the busbar 3, so that the contact limb 6 is also supported against the busbar 3. For this purpose, the busbar 3 has a recess in its second section 3b through which the contact leg 6 is guided so that the contact leg 6 is supported on the second section 3b of the busbar 3. The point where the contact limb 6 passes through the busbar 3, at which the contact limb 6 rests on the busbar 3, is referred to as the support 8. Starting from the support 8 in the direction of the free end 20 of the contact leg 6, an elastic, deflectable spring section 9 extends with a ramp 10 for guiding the conductor 2.

The contact leg 6 thus extends from the spring bow 7 in the direction of the conductor 2 and forms with its spring section 9 in addition to the clamping leg 5 a further spring support for clamping the conductor 2 against the busbar 3. Due to the elasticity of the spring section 9, this is when a Conductor 2 is shifted depending on the conductor diameter and thus adapts to different conductor cross-sections. In the case of larger conductor diameters, the spring section 9 is pressed further downward by the conductor 2, in the direction of the third section 3c of the busbar 3. With smaller conductor diameters, the spring section 9 is deflected less. In both cases, the spring force of the spring section 9 acts on the conductor 2, so that the conductor 2 is pressed strongly against the busbar 3, in the present case against the first section 3a of the busbar 3, in accordance with its diameter. The spring forces of the spring section 9 and the clamping leg 5 form contact points between the conductor 2 and the busbar 3. Thus, through the spring section 9 of the contact leg 6 and through the clamping leg 5 of the clamping spring 4, respectively a contact point forming a clamping point between the conductor 2 and the busbar 3 in front. A concentrated current transfer takes place at these contact points, which can be further improved by an elevation 16 on the busbar 3 at at least one contact point. The busbar 3 can thus have an elevation 16 directed towards the conductor 2 at at least one contact point which forms a clamping point for a connectable electrical conductor 2.

By means of the elastic spring section 9, different conductors 2 with different diameters can be held reliably without being subject to crushing.

Together with the spring section 9, the run-up bevel 10 is also elastic and deflectable, so that it is displaced when the conductor 2 is inserted and thus only offers a slight resistance to the inserted conductor 2. The function of the run-up slope 10 therefore no longer depends on the conductor insertion force, but on the spring force of the spring section 9. The run-up bevel 10 serves to limit the conductor insertion movement and to guide the conductor 2 again in the direction of the conductor rail 3 or first section 3a of the conductor rail 3, even if the conductor is plugged in at an angle, in order to correct the conductor insertion direction. The run-up slope 10 runs, as in Figure 1 can be seen, at an angle to the conductor 2 or to the conductor insertion direction R _L , in order to enable the conductor 2 to run up gradually. In a non-deflected state, the run-up slope 10 can, for example, enclose an angle between 30 and 60 degrees with an inserted conductor.

Figure 1 shows the clamping leg 5 of the clamping spring 4 with a bend 18 between its free end 19 and the spring bow 7, through which the free end 19 of the clamping leg 5 extends more steeply in the direction of the busbar 3, here in the direction of the first section 3a of the busbar 3 than the section of the clamping leg 5 that extends in the direction of the spring bow 7. As a result of this adjustment, the clamping leg 5 forms a clamping edge in the area of its free end 19 and thus in the area of the contact point with the busbar 3. Such a steep one The clamping edge forms a sharp-edged force application and thus an improved contact point compared to flatter force application angles, so that an improved current transfer and more reliable contact can be determined. In particular, this has a positive effect on the conductor holding force and conductor contact force.

According to Figure 1 the contact leg 6 has a kink 17 between the support 8 and the run-up bevel 10. The run-up bevel 10 therefore does not merge directly or straight into the section of the contact arm 6 resting on the support 8, but first undergoes a change in direction, in particular around the run-up bevel 10 in the To position connection to the spring bow 7 and the contact leg 6 in a more favorable height for their function. A defined pivot point about which the spring section 9 can be pivoted and thus displaced results from the kink point. In Figure 1 a further change in direction of the contact leg 6 is shown between the bend 17 and the support 8. Due to the multiple angled course of the contact leg 6, the spring section 9 is effectively lengthened and thus the deflectability of the spring section 9 is increased.

The spring section 9 of the contact leg 6 of the clamping spring 4 has an end stop 12 for the electrical conductor 2. This limits the insertion length of the conductor 2. The conductor end of the conductor 2 is received by the end stop 12 and protected from contact with other terminal components. In particular, a chamber separation is thus also ensured, as is desired in the case of multiple connections such as double connections. Furthermore, a constant contact overlap is achieved even with different conductor cross-sections.

According to Figure 1 the end stop 12 is designed in one piece with the contact leg 6 of the clamping spring 4, so that a conductor stop that is particularly easy to manufacture is provided. The end stop 12 can protrude beyond the conductor end of the conductor 2 through an opening 13 in the busbar 3 without being blocked by the busbar 3. This allows the end stop 12 to be a little longer executed and thus fulfills its function reliably even with larger conductor diameters. The end stop 12 can also be designed to be elastic or else stiffer than the spring section 9 and, for example, have a material reinforcement in order to ensure a more stable stop.

By the elastic spring section 9, the end stop 12 is automatically guided to the correct position for receiving the conductor end when the spring section 9 is displaced by an inserted conductor 2. Due to the also displaced run-up slope 10, the conductor 2 reliably reaches the desired position in the area of the end stop 12. It is prevented that the conductor 2 is guided past the end stop 12, as is the case, for example, with ladders with a small diameter and end stops formed in one piece with insulating material housings can occur.

To operate the conductor connection terminal 1, it has a push button 24. With the help of the manually operated trigger 24, for example, the clamping leg 5 can be shifted manually in the direction of the contact leg 6 in order to be able to more easily insert or loosen a conductor 2, and in particular also multi-wire conductors 2, and to be able to position it between the clamping leg 6 and the busbar 3.

At the in Fig. 1 The embodiment shown corresponds to the length L _{1 of} the clamping leg 5 starting from the apex 21 of the spring arch 7 to the free end 19 of the clamping leg 5 of the length L ₂ of the contact leg 6 starting from the apex 21 of the spring arch 7 to the start of the run-up bevel 10 of the clamping leg 5, for example due to an actuation of the pusher 24, the run-up slope 10 does not hinder the deflection of the clamping leg 5 in the present embodiment. Even conductors 2 with larger diameters can be clamped by the clamping leg 5 without the clamping leg 5 being blocked by parts of the contact leg 6 is hindered in its deflection.

The busbar 3 and the clamping spring 4 can be preassembled as a contact insert and counter to a demolding direction R _{E of} the insulating material housing 22 in one Installation direction R _{M are used} in the insulating housing 22. This ensures a particularly simple and inexpensive manufacture and assembly of the conductor connection terminal 1. This is made possible, among other things, by the simple geometry of the busbar 3 and the clamping spring 4, since, for example, the end stop 12 and the run-on bevel 10 can already be parts of the clamping spring 4 and thus of the contact insert and therefore do not have to be formed by corresponding shapes of the insulating housing 22, which in turn could complicate the assembly of the contact insert.

Figure 2 shows an embodiment of the conductor connection terminal 1, which differs only slightly from that in FIG Figure 1 embodiment shown differs. To avoid repetition, refer to the explanations Figure 1 and only refer to the differences below Figure 1 received.

In Figure 2 the conductor connection terminal 1 is shown without the conductor inserted. The clamping spring 4 is thus in a rest or starting position in which the clamping leg 5 and the contact leg 6 are not deflected.

In Figure 2 If the insulating material housing 22 has an indentation 14 for receiving the end stop 12. This indentation 14 is in Figure 2 designed as a pocket-shaped recess in the insulating housing 22, into which the free end 20 of the end stop 12 can dip when the spring section 9 is not deflected or is only slightly deflected. In this way, additional mechanical protection and stabilization of the end stop 12 is made possible for small conductor diameters. In addition, the end stop 12 can be compared to the in Figure 1 embodiment shown have a greater length, so that the conductor connection terminal 1 also covers applications for conductors with larger diameters. A longer end stop 12 also improves any chamber separation of the conductor connection terminal 1 that may be desired.

The Figures 3 and 4th show a further embodiment of the invention in which the conductor connection terminal 1 is designed as a double connection. The double connection has in the Figures 3 and 4th a symmetrical structure in which a busbar 3 and clamping spring 4 are arranged in a clamp half K ₁ , K ₂ mirrored to one another and are surrounded by a common insulating material housing 22. In Figure 3 a conductor 2 is completely inserted into the conductor connection terminal 1 in the terminal half K _{2 of} the double connection, while there is no conductor _{in the terminal half K 1.} In Figure 4 In the terminal half K _{2 of} the double connection, a conductor 2 is completely inserted into the conductor connection terminal 1, while in the terminal half K ₁ a conductor 2 is shown which is still in the insertion and has not yet fully reached its end position in the conductor connection terminal 1.

The busbar 3 can be divided into three sections 3a, 3b, 3c _{in each clamp half K 1} , K _2. A first section 3a runs essentially parallel to the respective conductor insertion direction R _L. The first section 3a is the section of the busbar 3 on which the inserted conductor 2 rests and which the conductor 2 makes electrical contact with. In addition, a clamping spring 4 presses the conductor 2 against the first section 3a of the busbar 3. The second section 3b of the busbar 3 protrudes at an angle from the first section 3a, for example it can protrude at right angles so that the second section 3b is essentially transverse extends to the first section 3a. The second section 3b can run transversely to the conductor insertion direction R _L. A contact leg 6 of the clamping spring 4 is mounted on the second section 3b. The second section 3b can merge into a third section 3c of the busbar 3. The transition can take place via an angle or a bend. The third section 3c can in turn run parallel to the first section 3a or to the conductor insertion direction R _L. The third section 3c is located on a side of the conductor connection terminal 1 opposite the first section 3a. The legs of the clamping spring 4 are arranged between the first section 3a and the third section 3c of the busbar 3. The busbar 3 has a simple geometry and can easily be manufactured as a mass component.

There can be a separate busbar 3 in each clamp half K ₁ , K ₂ , so that the busbars 3 are not connected to one another. However, it is favorable if a common busbar 3 for both clamp halves K ₁ , K ₂ is provided and the busbar 3 of the clamp half K ₁ thus merges into the busbar 3 of the clamp half K _{2, for example in the third section 3c.}

The conductor connection terminal 1 has a common insulating material housing 22 for both terminal halves K ₁ , K ₂ , which protects the components of the conductor connection terminal 1 from external physical and chemical influences and consists of an electrically insulating material such as plastic. The insulating material housing 22 almost completely surrounds the conductor connection terminal 1, but contains two conductor insertion openings 23 for inserting electrical conductors 2 into the conductor connection terminal 1.

The conductor _{connection terminal 1} has a clamping spring 4 in each clamp half K 1, K _2. Each of the two clamping springs 4 has a clamping leg 5 and an abutment leg 6. The clamping leg 5 and the abutment leg 6 are connected to one another via a spring bow 7, so that at least the Base of the clamping springs 4 results in a U-shape. Viewed in the conductor insertion direction R _L , that is, starting from the respective conductor insertion opening 23, the free end 20 of the contact leg 6 is arranged behind the free end 19 of the clamping leg 5. In the present case, the clamping spring 4 is supported with its spring arch 6 against the insulating material housing 22, while the clamping leg 5 and the contact leg 6 protrude into the interior space enclosed by the insulating material housing 22, also called the conductor connection space. The contact limb 6 is additionally supported on the busbar 3, in the present case on the respective second section 3b of the busbar 3, so that the contact limb 6 is also supported against the busbar 3. For this purpose, the busbar 3 has a recess in its respective second section 3b, through which the contact leg 6 is guided, so that the contact leg 6 is supported on the second section 3b of the busbar 3. The point where the contact limb 6 passes through the busbar 3, at which the contact limb 6 rests on the busbar 3, is referred to as the support 8. Starting from the support 8 in the direction of the free end 20 of the contact leg 6, an elastic, deflectable spring section 9 extends with a ramp 10 for guiding the conductor 2.

The contact leg 6 of each clamping spring 4 thus extends from the spring bow 7 in the direction of the conductor 2 and, with its spring section 9, forms, in addition to the clamping leg 5, a further spring support for clamping the respective conductor 2 against the busbar 3. Due to the elasticity of the spring section 9 this shifts when a conductor 2 is inserted depending on the conductor diameter and thus adapts to different conductor cross-sections. In the case of larger conductor diameters, the spring section 9 is pressed further downwards by the respective conductor 2, in the direction of the third section 3c of the busbar 3. With smaller conductor diameters, the spring section 9 is deflected less. In both cases, the spring force of the spring section 9 acts on the conductor 2, so that the conductor 2 is pressed against the busbar 3, in the present case against the first section 3a of the busbar 3, regardless of its diameter. The spring forces of the spring section 9 and the clamping leg 5 form, as in the Figures 3 and 4th shown, two contact points 11 between the respective conductor 2 and the busbar 3 from. Thus, through the spring section 9 of the contact leg 6 and through the clamping leg 5 of the clamping spring 4 in each clamp half K ₁ , K _{2 there} is a contact point 11 between the conductor 2 and the busbar 3 that forms a clamping point. A concentrated current transfer takes place at these contact points 11, which can be improved even further by means of elevations 16 on the busbar 3 at the contact points 11. The busbar 3 can thus have an elevation 16 directed towards the conductor 2 at at least one contact point 11, which forms a clamping point for a connectable electrical conductor 2.

By means of the elastic spring section 9, different conductors 2 with different diameters can be held reliably without being subject to crushing.

Together with the spring section 9, the run-up bevel 10 is also elastic and deflectable, so that it is displaced when a conductor 2 is inserted and thus offers only a slight resistance to the inserted conductor 2. The function of the run-up slope 10 therefore no longer depends on the conductor insertion force, but on the spring force of the spring section 9. The run-up slope 10 is used to limit the conductor insertion movement and to guide the conductor 2 again in the direction of the conductor rail 3 or first section 3a of the conductor rail 3, even if the conductor is plugged in at an angle, in order to correct the conductor insertion direction. The run-up slope 10 runs, as in Figures 3 and 4th can be seen, at an angle to the conductor 2 or to the conductor insertion direction R _L , in order to enable the conductor 2 to run up gradually. In a non-deflected state, the run-up slope 10 can, for example, enclose an angle between 30 and 60 degrees with an inserted conductor.

In the Figures 3 and 4th the spring section 9 of the contact leg 6 of each clamping spring 4 has an end stop 12 for the respective electrical conductor 2. This limits the insertion length of the conductor 2. The conductor end 2 is received by the end stop 12 and protected from contact with other terminal components. In particular, a chamber separation of the present double connection is thus ensured, so that a chamber for one conductor connection is formed _{in each terminal half K 1} , K _2.

The end stop 12 is advantageously as shown in FIGS Figures 3 and 4th shown, made in one piece with the contact leg 6 of each clamping spring 4, so that a particularly easy-to-manufacture conductor stop is provided. The end stop 12 directly adjoins the run-up bevel 10 of the spring section 9 of the contact leg 6. In Figure 3 it can be seen that the end stop 12 protrudes from the run-up slope at an angle α. This angle α is preferably an obtuse angle in order to enable the conductor 2 to be inserted as far as possible while at the same time ensuring that the end of the conductor is received by the end stop 12.

By the elastic spring section 9, the end stop 12 is automatically guided to the correct position for receiving the conductor end when the spring section 9 is displaced by an inserted conductor 2. Due to the also displaced run-up slope 10, the conductor 2 reliably reaches the desired position in the area of the end stop 12. The conductor 2 is prevented from hitting the end stop 12 is passed, as can occur, for example, in the case of conductors with a small diameter and end stops formed in one piece with insulating material housings.

The function of the run-up slope 10 and of the end stop 12 is particularly easy to understand in FIG. In the clamp half K ₁ , a conductor 2 in the lead-in is just striking the run-up slope 10 and thereby begins the deflection of the spring section 9. Consequently, the spring section 9 yields to the conductor 2 and the run-up bevel 10 is also shifted downwards, so that at the same time the angle between the ramp 10 and the conductor 2 is reduced. As a result of this displacement and reduction of the angle, the insertion resistance when inserting the conductor 2 is reduced. When the insertion process is continued, the conductor 2 is pushed further in _{the conductor insertion direction R L} until the end of the conductor hits the end stop 12, as can be seen _{in the terminal half K 2.} In this end position, the spring section 9 is not displaced any further, but rather the spring section 9 pretensions the conductor 2 through its spring force and thus presses it against the first section 3a of the busbar 3.

To operate the conductor connection terminal 1, it has a push button 24 _{in each terminal half K 1} , K _2. With the aid of the manually operated trigger 24, the clamping leg 5 can be shifted manually in the direction of the contact leg 6 in order to be able to more easily insert a conductor 2 and position it between the clamping leg 6 and the busbar 3.

In the Figures 3 and 4th two conductors 2 with approximately the same diameter are shown. However, it is just as conceivable to introduce conductors 2 with different diameters into one terminal half K ₁ , K ₂ each. Due to the advantages achieved according to the invention, a wide range of conductor diameters can be used with the conductor connection terminal 1.

Figure 5 shows a side view of the conductor connection terminal 1 in the conductor insertion direction R _L. From this view, the conductor 2 inserted into the conductor insertion opening 23 can be seen in cross section. The conductor 2 is held by the clamping spring 4 pressed against the busbar 3, in the present case against the first section 3a of the busbar 3. The conductor connection terminal 1 is surrounded by an insulating material housing 22. A pusher 24, with which the clamping spring 4 can be actuated, in particular displaced, protrudes from the insulating material housing 22 in order to be able to insert the conductor 2 into the conductor connection terminal 1 more easily.

Figure 6 shows a further embodiment of the invention, in which the conductor connection terminal 1 is in the form of a double connection. In the conductor connection terminal 1 shown, two electrical conductors can be inserted into the conductor entry openings 23, which are opposite one another, for example, so that they are plugged towards one another. There is preferably a suitable chamber separation so that the conductors do not touch one another. In the following, the description concentrates on the conductor connection in the right half of the figure. To connect further conductors, further terminal components such as additional clamping springs can be provided.

The conductor connection terminal 1 in Figure 6 has an insulating material housing 22, which protects the components of the conductor connection terminal 1 from external physical and chemical influences and consists of an electrically insulating material such as plastic. The insulating material housing 22 surrounds the conductor connection terminal 1, but contains openings such as the conductor insertion openings 23 for inserting electrical conductors into the conductor connection terminal 1.

The conductor connection terminal 1 has a busbar 3 which can be divided into four sections 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d. A first section 3a runs essentially parallel to the conductor insertion direction R _L. The first section 3a is the section of the busbar 3 against which an inserted conductor rests and which the conductor makes electrical contact with. In addition, a clamping spring 4 presses the conductor against the first section 3a of the busbar 3. The second section 3b of the busbar 3 protrudes at an angle from the first section 3a, for example it can protrude at right angles so that the second section 3b is essentially transverse to it the first section 3a extends. The second section 3b can run transversely to the conductor insertion direction R _L. A contact leg 6 of the clamping spring 4 is mounted on the second section 3b. The first section 3a can merge into a third section 3c, in particular via an angle or a bend. The third section 3c preferably runs approximately parallel to the second section 3b. The third section 3c merges at its end opposite the transition to the first section 3a into a fourth section 3d, in particular via an angle or a bend.

The clamping spring 4 is supported on the one hand against the insulating material housing 22, on the other hand with its contact leg 6 against the second section 3b of the busbar 3. In addition to the contact arm 6, the clamping spring 4 has a clamping arm 5 which is connected to the contact arm 6 via a spring bow 7. Between the free end of the contact leg 6 and the support 8 of the contact leg 6 on the busbar 3, the contact leg 6 has an elastic, deflectable spring section 9 with a ramp 10 for guiding a conductor to be connected.

By means of the elastic spring section 9, different conductors 2 with different diameters can be held reliably without being subject to crushing.

Together with the spring section 9, the run-up slope 10 is also elastic and deflectable, so that it is displaced when a conductor is inserted and thus only offers a slight resistance to the inserted conductor. The function of the run-up slope 10 therefore no longer depends on the conductor insertion force, but on the spring force of the spring section 9. The run-up slope 10 serves to limit the conductor insertion movement and to guide the conductor again in the direction of the conductor rail 3 or first section 3a of the conductor rail 3, even if the conductor is inserted at an angle, in order to correct the conductor insertion direction.

In Figure 6 the spring section 9 of the contact leg 6 of the clamping spring 4 has an end stop 12 for an inserted conductor. This limits the lead-in length of the conductor. The head end of the conductor is received by the end stop 12 and protected from contact with other terminal components. In particular, a chamber separation is thus guaranteed. According to Figure 6 the end stop 12 is designed in one piece with the contact leg 6 of the clamping spring 4, so that a conductor stop that is particularly easy to manufacture is provided.

List of reference symbols

1

Conductor connection terminal

2

ladder

3

Busbar

3a

first section busbar

3b

second section busbar

3c

third section busbar

3d

fourth section busbar

4th

Clamp spring

5

Clamp leg

6th

Contact leg

7th

Spring bow

8th

Support

9

Spring section

10

Approach slope

11

Contact point

12th

End stop

13th

opening

14th

indentation

16

Elevation

17th

Kink

18th

Angulation

19th

free end of clamping leg

20th

free end of contact leg

21st

Vertex

22nd

Insulated housing

23

Conductor entry opening

24

Pusher

α

Angle of end stop / approach slope

L1

Length of clamp leg

L2

Length of the contact leg to the run-up slope

RL

Conductor entry direction

RE

Discharge direction

RM

Mounting direction

K1

Terminal half 1

K2

Terminal half 2

Claims (14)

Conductor connection terminal (1) for connecting electrical conductors (2) to a busbar (3), the conductor connection terminal (1) having an insulating material housing (22), a busbar (3) and a clamping spring (4), and the clamping spring (4) has a clamping limb (5) and a contact limb (6) mounted on the busbar (3), which are connected to one another by a spring bow (7), characterized in that the contact limb (6) starting from the spring bow (7) behind the support ( 8) of the contact leg (6) on the busbar (3) has an elastic, deflectable spring section (9) with a ramp (10) for guiding the conductor (2) to be connected. Conductor connection terminal (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that through the spring section (9) of the contact leg (6) and through the clamping leg (5) of the clamping spring (4) each have a contact point (11) forming a clamping point between a connectable electrical conductor ( 2) and the busbar (3) can be produced. Conductor connection terminal (1) according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the spring section (9) of the contact leg (6) of the clamping spring (4) has an end stop (12) for the electrical conductor (2). Conductor connection terminal (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that the busbar (3) and / or the insulating material housing (22) have an indentation (14), a recess or an opening (13) for receiving the end stop (12). Conductor connection terminal (1) according to Claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the end stop (12) directly adjoins the run-up slope (10) of the spring section (9) of the contact leg (6). Conductor connection terminal (1) according to one of Claims 3 to 5, characterized in that the end stop (12) protrudes from the run-up slope (10) at an angle (a). Conductor connection terminal (1) according to one of claims 3 to 6, characterized in that a shoulder (15) is provided on the spring section (9) of the contact leg (6) between the end stop (12) and the run-up bevel (10) which essentially runs at right angles to the end stop (12). Conductor connection terminal (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the busbar (3) at at least one contact point (11) which forms a clamping point for a connectable electrical conductor (2) has an elevation (2) directed towards the conductor (2). 16) has. Conductor connection terminal (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the spring section (9) of the contact leg (6) has a kink (17) between the run-up bevel (10) and the support (8) on the conductor rail (3). Conductor connection terminal (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the clamping leg (5) has an angled portion (18) between its free end (19) and the spring bow (7). Conductor connection terminal (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that , viewed in the conductor insertion direction (R _L ), the free end (20) of the contact leg (6) is arranged behind the free end (19) of the clamping leg (5). Conductor connection terminal (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a first section (3a) of the conductor rail (3) extends essentially parallel to the conductor insertion direction (R _L ) and a second section (3b) of the busbar (3) protrudes at an angle from the first section (3a) of the busbar (3). Conductor connection terminal (1) according to claim 12, characterized in that the second section (3b) of the busbar (3) has a recess through which the contact leg (6) of the clamping spring (4) is guided so that the contact leg (6) on the second section (3b) of the busbar (3) is mounted. Conductor connection terminal (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the conductor connection terminal (1) is designed as a double connection with a preferably symmetrical structure in which a conductor rail (3) and clamping spring (4) in each case in a terminal half (K ₁ , K ₂ ) are arranged essentially mirrored to one another and are surrounded by a common insulating material housing (22).

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