EP3874562B1 - Clamping spring for a screwless connection terminal - Google Patents

Clamping spring for a screwless connection terminal Download PDF

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Publication number
EP3874562B1
EP3874562B1 EP19797254.0A EP19797254A EP3874562B1 EP 3874562 B1 EP3874562 B1 EP 3874562B1 EP 19797254 A EP19797254 A EP 19797254A EP 3874562 B1 EP3874562 B1 EP 3874562B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
clamping
limb
contact
extension
conductor
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Active
Application number
EP19797254.0A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP3874562A1 (en
Inventor
Andreas Ramm
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Bals Elektrotechnik GmbH and Co KG
Original Assignee
Bals Elektrotechnik GmbH and Co KG
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
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Application filed by Bals Elektrotechnik GmbH and Co KG filed Critical Bals Elektrotechnik GmbH and Co KG
Publication of EP3874562A1 publication Critical patent/EP3874562A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP3874562B1 publication Critical patent/EP3874562B1/en
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Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

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Classifications

    • HELECTRICITY
    • H01ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01RELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R13/00Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
    • H01R13/02Contact members
    • H01R13/04Pins or blades for co-operation with sockets
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H01ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01RELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R4/00Electrically-conductive connections between two or more conductive members in direct contact, i.e. touching one another; Means for effecting or maintaining such contact; Electrically-conductive connections having two or more spaced connecting locations for conductors and using contact members penetrating insulation
    • H01R4/28Clamped connections, spring connections
    • H01R4/48Clamped connections, spring connections utilising a spring, clip, or other resilient member
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H01ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01RELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R13/00Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
    • H01R13/02Contact members
    • H01R13/10Sockets for co-operation with pins or blades
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H01ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01RELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R4/00Electrically-conductive connections between two or more conductive members in direct contact, i.e. touching one another; Means for effecting or maintaining such contact; Electrically-conductive connections having two or more spaced connecting locations for conductors and using contact members penetrating insulation
    • H01R4/28Clamped connections, spring connections
    • H01R4/48Clamped connections, spring connections utilising a spring, clip, or other resilient member
    • H01R4/4809Clamped connections, spring connections utilising a spring, clip, or other resilient member using a leaf spring to bias the conductor toward the busbar
    • H01R4/4811Spring details
    • H01R4/4816Spring details the spring shape preventing insertion of the conductor end when the spring is unbiased
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H01ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01RELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R4/00Electrically-conductive connections between two or more conductive members in direct contact, i.e. touching one another; Means for effecting or maintaining such contact; Electrically-conductive connections having two or more spaced connecting locations for conductors and using contact members penetrating insulation
    • H01R4/28Clamped connections, spring connections
    • H01R4/48Clamped connections, spring connections utilising a spring, clip, or other resilient member
    • H01R4/4809Clamped connections, spring connections utilising a spring, clip, or other resilient member using a leaf spring to bias the conductor toward the busbar
    • H01R4/4846Busbar details

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a clamping spring for a screwless connection terminal for clamping a conductor, in particular for an electrical connector device.
  • Clamping springs for screwless connection terminals are known to have the advantage that a conductor to be electrically connected can be installed without the use of screwing means.
  • clamping springs have the function of clamping the wire ends of a conductor to be connected, which in principle can also be a single-core or multi-core power cable with a stranded wire, a solid wire or a conductor inserted in a ferrule, to a contact element.
  • there is an automatic adjustment to the respective cross-section of the conductor so that one and the same connection terminal can advantageously be used for flexible lines and cables of different dimensions and designs.
  • Connection terminals with clamping springs of the type described are used, among other things, in electrical connector systems designed for three-phase and/or alternating current, which consist of a plug part and a coupling part or a wall socket, for example appliance plugs, flange appliance plugs, surface-mounted appliance plugs, sockets and sockets, the requirements of which are also specified in the IEC standards 60309-1,-2 and EN 60309-1,-2 are used.
  • the applicant known screwless terminal has a contact element and a prestressed mounted on this, preferably designed as a cage clamp spring.
  • the contact element comprises a connection section with an electrical contact surface for making electrical contact with the conductor to be connected, and the clamping spring ensures that the conductor is clamped to the contact surface of the contact element and thus fixes the conductor.
  • the clamping spring has a contact leg, a clamping leg and a tensioning leg, which connects the contact leg to the clamping leg.
  • the clamp limb has a clamp opening through which the wire ends of the conductor are routed for clamping and the contact limb protrudes in a crossing manner.
  • the clamping leg has a conductor clamping extension which is aligned essentially parallel to the contact surface of the contact element and has a clamping surface.
  • the conductor to be connected should be clamped between a surface section of the clamping surface of the conductor clamping extension and the contact surface of the contact element.
  • the conductor clamping extension serves to improve the function of the cross-sectional area of a clamping leg in the clamping opening of conventional clamping springs.
  • this conductor clamping extension causes the conductor conductor profile to be pressed flat, thereby increasing the electrical contact surface and consequently reducing the ohmic resistance of the contact resistance.
  • a clamping spring according to the preamble of claim 1 is in DE 20 2011 103484 U1 disclosed. Another clamp spring is in DE 198 31 851 C1 disclosed.
  • the clamping spring according to the invention for a screwless connection terminal is initially designed according to the prior art mentioned at the outset in that the clamping spring has a clamping leg, a contact leg and a tensioning leg.
  • the tensioning leg is connected both to the clamping leg and to the contact leg, with the clamping leg and the contact leg crossing over one another. This crossing is designed in such a way that the clamping leg has a clamping opening through which the contact leg extends.
  • the contact leg is prestressed against an edge of the clamping opening remote from the tensioning leg, so that an exposed wire end of the conductor to be connected can be clamped to a contact surface of a contact element of a screwless connection terminal with the aid of the contact leg.
  • the clamping spring according to the invention comprises a clamping extension with a clamping surface, similar to the prior art mentioned at the outset.
  • the clamping extension according to the invention is designed completely differently and more advantageously than the prior art.
  • the clamping extension starts from the free end of the clamping leg that is remote from the clamping leg and initially extends away from the clamping leg, but then extends back in a substantially curved shape in the direction of the tensioning leg and is only then finally aligned in the direction of the contact leg.
  • Such a configuration of the clamping extension of the clamping spring has the advantage over the prior art mentioned above that the exposed wire end of an electrical conductor with the clamping spring according to the invention can be clamped more effectively, in particular significantly more stable and more efficient, lets get stuck.
  • the clamping spring according to the invention is equipped with two pressure areas. The first pressure area is located at the edge of the clamping opening of the clamping leg, in which the exposed wire end is clamped, ie the pressure exerted as a result of the clamping takes place on a small area.
  • the advantage here is that the small pressure-loaded surface can cut deeper into strands and, particularly in the case of a ferrule arranged on the exposed wire end of the conductor, into corresponding notches, so that the exposed wire end is clamped particularly firmly at this point, a very high tensile strength in the direction of insertion of the conductor or along the conductor and unintentional release from the clamped position is almost impossible.
  • the small pressure-loaded area is comparable to a knife blade due to its small cross-section and the resulting cutting effect, it is referred to below as a knife edge designated.
  • a further resulting advantage of the knife edge formed on the edge of the clamping opening is that the knife edge relieves the main strain on the pull-out forces of the clamping spring due to its strong clamping force and its correspondingly provided high tensile strength.
  • the second pressure area is located at the free end of the clamping extension, ie in the area of the clamping extension that adjoins the curved area of the clamping extension and is essentially aligned in the direction of the contact leg, and is referred to below as the clamping surface.
  • the exposed core ends of a conductor and in particular the stranded wires or fine wires are pressed flat onto a contact surface of a contact element by the clamping surface of the clamping extension.
  • the clamping spring according to the invention with a combination of the two pressure areas described above, ie the knife edge formed on the edge of the clamping opening and the clamping surface of the clamping extension, leads to a fast, safe and controlled electrical and also mechanical connection with a conductor.
  • the clamping spring according to the invention has been further developed as a result of the two pressure areas in particular in such a way that from the outset it is designed both for good transmission of the current and for a high tensile strength in the direction of insertion of the conductor or along the conductor.
  • the combination of the two pressure areas ensures that the exposed wire end does not bend during insertion into the clamping opening, as is possible in the case of only one pressure area, since the two pressure areas discussed above simultaneously ensure that the exposed wire end is clamped.
  • the design of the clamping extension of the clamping spring according to the invention is much easier and cheaper to produce than the prior art mentioned at the outset, in that the clamping extension extends directly from the free end of the clamping leg that is remote from the clamping leg, on the one hand, particularly in the case of a one-piece design of clamping leg and clamping extension, and on the other hand mechanically more stable.
  • the clamping extension is formed from a section of the clamping leg, namely from the clamping opening punched out of the clamping leg, either by bending a part that has been cut out in favor of the clamping opening, but still attached one side connected to the clamping leg portion of the clamping leg in a position parallel to the contact leg, or by completely punching out this section and then attaching it to the clamping leg.
  • a clamping extension produced in this way is according to the EP 2 442 403 A1 designed as a clamping plate or sheet metal flag.
  • the clamping extension of the clamping spring according to the invention is not formed from an initially inner section of the clamping leg, but can be regarded as an extension of the clamping leg, so to speak.
  • the clamping extension of the clamping spring according to the invention can thus be compared to the EP 2 442 403 A1 have a larger cross-sectional area that is comparable to the clamping leg and are therefore designed to be more massive and mechanically more stable.
  • the clamping extension starting from the free end of the first leg that is remote from the clamping leg, is initially essentially semicircular in shape with a bulge pointing away from the clamping leg, before it then transitions in an arc shape into an area in which the clamping extension in the Is aligned substantially parallel to the contact leg.
  • the clamping extension is integrally formed on the clamping leg.
  • a one-piece design of the clamping leg and the clamping extension is mechanically very stable.
  • further processing steps such as screwing, soldering or Join, so that such a clamping extension can also be produced more quickly and thus more cost-effectively.
  • the clamping extension is not formed in one piece on the clamping leg, but is attached to the clamping leg by means of joining. Joining also includes a cohesive joining process such as welding or soldering. Such a configuration is particularly advantageous when the clamping leg and the clamping extension are made of different materials. A metal or a material with a high electrical conductivity and a high thermal conductivity is preferably used for the production of the clamping extension.
  • a further embodiment of the present invention provides that the clamping extension has the same material as the clamping spring. This enables a one-piece design of the clamping leg and the clamping extension, which is very stable from a mechanical point of view. Furthermore, because they are made from the same material, the clamping leg and the clamping extension also have the same material properties, such as the same electrical conductivity, the same specific resistance and the same thermal conductivity.
  • the clamping surface of the clamping extension has at least partially a surface profile.
  • This surface profiling can have a surface structuring similar to that of a pliers profile, so that the conductor to be connected rests with improved frictional engagement.
  • the electrical Contact resistance and heat transfer resistance further reduced by pressing these surface structures into the wire ends of the conductor.
  • a particularly effective mechanical connection with high tensile strengths between the wire ends of the conductor and the clamping extension is also achieved in the second pressure range of the clamping spring.
  • the wire ends of the conductor are not only clamped in the first pressure area, designed as a knife edge, between the edge of the clamping opening that is remote from the clamping leg and the contact surface of a contact element with a high tensile strength, but also with the help of the surface profiling of the clamping extension pressed profiled clamping surface with a high tensile strength to the contact surface of a contact element.
  • the clamping spring and/or the clamping extension is designed as a whole as a single stamped and bent part.
  • the clamping spring according to the invention used to connect the conductor to a contact element is made from a suitable electrically conductive material, usually metal, in a stamping and bending process.
  • a suitable electrically conductive material usually metal
  • an additional method step is used during the manufacturing process of the clamping spring, in which preferably a stamping and bending method is also used.
  • the clamping extension is formed directly from an end section of the clamping leg of the clamping spring that is significantly longer than that of conventional clamping legs of clamping springs, in that this extended end section is bent and aligned such that the extended end portion of the clamping leg according to the present invention first extends away from the clamping leg, then extends back in the direction of the clamping leg in a substantially curved shape and finally extends in the direction of the contact leg or in the assembled state is aligned to a contact element essentially parallel to the contact surface of the contact element.
  • the present invention also includes a screwless connection terminal for connecting an electrical conductor with the clamping spring according to one of the embodiments described above.
  • the screwless connection terminal also has a contact element to which the conductor is to be electrically connected and which has a connection section and a contact surface. The conductor to be connected is clamped between a surface section of the clamping surface of the clamping extension of the clamping spring and the contact surface of the contact element.
  • the clamping surface of the clamping extension and/or the contact surface of the contact element has at least partially a surface profile.
  • this surface profiling can have a surface structuring similar to that of a Have a pincer profile with the result that the conductor to be connected rests with improved frictional engagement.
  • the contact surface of the contact element can also have a surface profiling and lead to the same advantages as have already been explained with regard to a surface profiling of the clamping surface of the clamping extension.
  • a surface profiling of the contact surface of the contact element in addition to a surface profiling of the clamping surface of the clamping extension ensures an even further improved frictional connection when the conductor lies on it, since the outer surface of the conductor, which is clamped with a surface-profiled clamping surface, is larger in this case. This creates a particularly effective mechanical connection with very high tensile strength between the wire ends of the conductor and the clamping extension and the contact element.
  • the present invention also includes an electrical plug connection, which has at least one screwless connection terminal according to the invention, as mentioned above, with a clamping spring according to the invention.
  • An electrical plug connection with a connection terminal according to the invention and in particular with a clamping spring according to the invention has the same advantages over the prior art as is the case for the clamping spring according to the invention.
  • the Figures 1A to 1D show an embodiment of a bent clamping spring 1 in a profile view ( Figure 1A ), in a view from below in the direction of arrow C on the clamping spring 1 ( Figure 1B ), in a view towards the arrow A on the clamping spring Figure 1A and in perspective ( Figure 1D ), wherein the clamping spring 1 is designed as a cage tension spring 1 in the preferred embodiment shown, is preferably made of metal and has a clamping leg 7, a contact leg 8 and a tensioning leg 9. The clamping leg 7 and the contact leg 8 are connected to one another via the clamping leg 9, as in Figure 1A and 1D shown.
  • a clamping opening 6 is cut out in the clamping leg 7 of the cage clamp spring 1 ( Figure 1D ), which allows the clamping leg 7 and the contact leg 8 to cross over.
  • the exposed wire ends 2a of a conductor 2 which is in Figures 1A to 1D however, is not shown in the in Figure 1A shown insertion direction E are introduced.
  • the exposed wire ends 2a of a conductor 2 inserted into the clamping opening 6 then lie on the edge of the clamping opening 6 that is remote from the clamping arm 9, which represents a first pressure area with a small cross-section and acts as a knife edge due to its cutting effect on the exposed wire ends 2a 12, at ( Figure 1D ).
  • the clamping leg 7 also has a clamping extension 10 with a clamping surface 11, the clamping surface 11 forming a second flat pressure area.
  • the clamping extension 10 is formed in one piece on the clamping leg 7 , has the same material as the clamping leg 7 and can be regarded as an extension of the clamping leg 7 .
  • the clamping extension 10 starts from the free end of the clamping leg 7 that is remote from the clamping leg 9 and initially extends away from the clamping leg 9 and then essentially bent shape back in the direction of the clamping leg 9 to extend back, and is finally aligned in the direction of the contact leg 8 extending.
  • the essentially curved shape of the clamping extension is semicircular.
  • the clamping surface 11 of the clamping extension 10 is always oriented essentially parallel to the surface of the contact leg 8 and thus extends in the insertion direction E of a conductor 2 to be electrically connected (not in Figures 1A to 1D shown).
  • Figures 2A to 2D provide, according to one embodiment of the invention, a clamping spring 1 attached to a screwless connection element, here as a cage clamp 1 according to FIG Figures 1A to 1D formed with clamping leg 7, contact leg 8 and clamping leg 9, each with a contact element 5 in the form of a contact pin 5 and a contact sleeve or socket 5, which are mechanically plugged into one another and electrically connected.
  • Both the contact pin 5 and the contact sleeve 5 each have a connection section 3 with a contact surface 4, which is electrically connected to a conductor 2 by means of its exposed wire ends 2a.
  • Figure 2B shows a longitudinal section of the in Figure 2A shown arrangement, Figure 2C a perspective view and Figure 2D a cross section.
  • the exposed wire ends 2a of the conductor 2 are pressed flat on the one hand by the clamping surface 11 of the clamping extension 10 onto the contact surfaces 4 of the respective contact elements 5, as shown in FIG Figure 2B shown. Due to the large clamping surface 11 of the clamping extension 10, the contact surface claimed by the exposed wire ends 2a covers almost the entire usable electrical Contact surface 4 of the respective contact element 5 for resting ( Figure 2D ). This leads to a very good transmission of the current between the exposed wire end 2a of the conductor 2 and the contact surface 4 of the respective contact element 5, since larger electrical contact surfaces with low electrical losses are created.
  • the exposed wire ends 2a of the conductor 2 are clamped by the clamping extension 10 between the edge of the clamping opening 6 of the clamping leg 7, which is designed as a knife edge 12 and is remote from the clamping leg 9, and the contact surface 4 of the respective contact element 5, by the clamping extension 10 on exerts pressure on the edge of the clamping opening 6 of the clamping leg 7, which is designed as a knife edge 12 and is remote from the clamping leg 9 ( Figure 2C ).
  • the small pressure-loaded area at the edge of the clamping opening 6, which is referred to as a knife edge 12 due to its small cross-section and the resulting cutting effect, can penetrate deeper into strands and in the case of a ferrule arranged on the exposed wire end 2a of the conductor 2 Cut into corresponding notches so that the exposed wire end 2a is clamped particularly firmly, there is a high tensile strength in the direction of insertion E of the conductor 2 and consequently an unintentional release from the clamped position in the direction of insertion E of the conductor 2 is not possible.
  • the knife edge 12 relieves the main strain on the pull-out forces of the clamping spring 1 due to its strong clamping force and its correspondingly provided high tensile strength.
  • the simultaneous clamping of the exposed core end 2a on two pressure-loaded surfaces has the advantage that with one and the same clamping spring 1 both good transmission of the current and high tensile strength in the insertion direction E of the conductor 2 with simultaneous main strain relief through the formed knife edge 12 is made possible, while a clamping extension 10 according to the prior art with only one trained pressure area can be pronounced either for good transmission of the current or for high tensile strength in the insertion direction E of the conductor 2.
  • Figures 3A to 3D as well as in the Figures 4A to 4D is in each case an embodiment of a clamping spring 1 which is attached to a screwless connection element and is used as a cage clamp spring 1 according to FIG Figures 1A to 1D formed with clamping leg 7, 8 investment leg and clamping leg 9, with a case of the Figures 3A to 3D as a contact sleeve 5 and in the case of the Figures 4A to 4D Contact element 5 designed as a contact pin 5 is shown.
  • Figures 3B and 4B each show a longitudinal section of the corresponding Figures 3A and 4A shown arrangement, Figures 3C and 4C a perspective view and Figures 3D and 4D a cross section.
  • the cage clamp 1 is mounted on the contact element 5 in a prestressed manner.
  • the protruding section of the connection element 3 of the contact sleeve 5 ( Figures 3A to 3C ) or contact pin 5 ( Figures 4A to 4C ) is inserted through the clamping opening 6 in such a way that the protruding section of the connecting element 3 rests at least partially against the contact leg 8 of the cage clamp 1 and the clamping extension 10 also rests with its clamping surface 11 on the protruding section of the connecting element 3, provided that no conductor has yet been inserted.
  • the clamping leg 7 of the clamping spring 1 is in contact with the end face of the contact element 1 . This creates a non-positive connection and fixation of the cage clamp 1 on the contact element 5.

Landscapes

  • Connections By Means Of Piercing Elements, Nuts, Or Screws (AREA)
  • Cable Accessories (AREA)
  • Connections Arranged To Contact A Plurality Of Conductors (AREA)
  • Coupling Device And Connection With Printed Circuit (AREA)

Description

Die vorliegende Erfindung bezieht sich auf eine Klemmfeder für eine schraubenlose Anschlussklemme zum Anklemmen eines Leiters, insbesondere für eine elektrische Steckverbindervorrichtung.The present invention relates to a clamping spring for a screwless connection terminal for clamping a conductor, in particular for an electrical connector device.

Klemmfedern für schraubenlose Anschlussklemmen, häufig auch in Art von Käfigzugfedern, weisen bekanntermaßen den Vorteil auf, dass ein elektrisch anzuschließender Leiter ohne die Verwendung von Verschraubungsmitteln montiert werden kann. Klemmfedern haben, wie der Name schon sagt, die Funktion, die Aderenden eines anzuschließenden Leiters, welcher grundsätzlich auch ein ein- oder mehradriges Stromkabel mit einer Litzenleitung, einem Massivdraht oder einem in eine Aderendhülse eingebrachten Leiter sein kann, an ein Kontaktelement zu klemmen. Dabei erfolgt eine automatische Anpassung an den jeweiligen Querschnitt des Leiters, so dass ein und dieselbe Anschlussklemme vorteilhafterweise für flexible Leitungen und Kabel verschiedener Abmessungen und Ausführungen einsetzbar ist. Anschlussklemmen mit Klemmfedern der beschriebenen Art kommen u.a. in für Dreh- und/oder Wechselstrom ausgelegte elektrische Steckverbindersysteme, welche aus einem Steckerteil und einem Kupplungsteil oder einer Wandsteckdose bestehen, beispielsweise Gerätestecker, Flanschgerätestecker, Aufbaugerätestecker, Anbaudosen und Steckdosen, deren Anforderungen ferner in den Normen IEC 60309-1,-2 und EN 60309-1,-2 beschrieben sind, zum Einsatz.Clamping springs for screwless connection terminals, often also in the form of cage clamps, are known to have the advantage that a conductor to be electrically connected can be installed without the use of screwing means. As the name suggests, clamping springs have the function of clamping the wire ends of a conductor to be connected, which in principle can also be a single-core or multi-core power cable with a stranded wire, a solid wire or a conductor inserted in a ferrule, to a contact element. In this case, there is an automatic adjustment to the respective cross-section of the conductor, so that one and the same connection terminal can advantageously be used for flexible lines and cables of different dimensions and designs. Connection terminals with clamping springs of the type described are used, among other things, in electrical connector systems designed for three-phase and/or alternating current, which consist of a plug part and a coupling part or a wall socket, for example appliance plugs, flange appliance plugs, surface-mounted appliance plugs, sockets and sockets, the requirements of which are also specified in the IEC standards 60309-1,-2 and EN 60309-1,-2 are used.

Eine aus der EP 2 442 403 A1 der Anmelderin bekannte schraubenlose Anschlussklemme weist ein Kontaktelement und eine an diesem vorgespannt montierte, bevorzugt als Käfigzugfeder ausgebildete Klemmfeder auf. Das Kontaktelement umfasst einen Anschlussabschnitt mit einer elektrischen Kontaktfläche zum Herstellen eines elektrischen Kontakts mit dem anzuschließenden Leiter und die Klemmfeder sorgt für ein Klemmen des Leiters an die Kontaktfläche des Kontaktelements und somit für eine Fixierung des Leiters. In der bevorzugten Ausführung als Käfigzugfeder weist die Klemmfeder einen Anlageschenkel, einen Klemmschenkel und einen Spannschenkel auf, der den Anlageschenkel mit dem Klemmschenkel verbindet. Der Klemmschenkel verfügt über eine Klemmöffnung, durch welche die Aderenden des Leiters zur Klemmbefestigung geführt werden und der Anlageschenkel überkreuzend hindurchragt. Darüber hinaus verfügt der Klemmschenkel über einen im Wesentlichen parallel zur Kontaktfläche des Kontaktelements ausgerichteten Leiterklemmfortsatz mit einer Klemmfläche. Der anzuschließende Leiter soll zwischen einem Flächenabschnitt der Klemmfläche des Leiterklemmfortsatzes und der Kontaktfläche des Kontaktelements eingeklemmt werden. Der Leiterklemmfortsatz dient hierbei dazu, die Funktion der Querschnittsfläche eines Klemmschenkels in der Klemmöffnung von herkömmlichen Klemmfedern zu verbessern. Beispielsweise bewirkt dieser Leiterklemmfortsatz im Falle eines Leiters mit mehreren flexiblen Leiteradern, wie z.B. bei einer Litzenleitung, eine Flachpressung des Leiteradernprofils, wodurch die elektrische Kontaktoberfläche vergrößert wird und folglich u.a. eine Verringerung des ohmschen Widerstands des Kontaktwiderstands erreicht wird.One from the EP 2 442 403 A1 the applicant known screwless terminal has a contact element and a prestressed mounted on this, preferably designed as a cage clamp spring. The contact element comprises a connection section with an electrical contact surface for making electrical contact with the conductor to be connected, and the clamping spring ensures that the conductor is clamped to the contact surface of the contact element and thus fixes the conductor. In the preferred embodiment as a cage tension spring, the clamping spring has a contact leg, a clamping leg and a tensioning leg, which connects the contact leg to the clamping leg. The clamp limb has a clamp opening through which the wire ends of the conductor are routed for clamping and the contact limb protrudes in a crossing manner. In addition, the clamping leg has a conductor clamping extension which is aligned essentially parallel to the contact surface of the contact element and has a clamping surface. The conductor to be connected should be clamped between a surface section of the clamping surface of the conductor clamping extension and the contact surface of the contact element. In this case, the conductor clamping extension serves to improve the function of the cross-sectional area of a clamping leg in the clamping opening of conventional clamping springs. For example, in the case of a conductor with several flexible conductors, such as a stranded line, this conductor clamping extension causes the conductor conductor profile to be pressed flat, thereby increasing the electrical contact surface and consequently reducing the ohmic resistance of the contact resistance.

Eine Klemmfeder gemäß dem Oberbegriff des Anspruchs 1 ist in DE 20 2011 103484 U1 offenbart. Eine andere Klemmfeder ist in DE 198 31 851 C1 offenbart.A clamping spring according to the preamble of claim 1 is in DE 20 2011 103484 U1 disclosed. Another clamp spring is in DE 198 31 851 C1 disclosed.

Gegenüber dem vorgenannten Stand der Technik ist es eine Aufgabe der Erfindung, eine verbesserte Klemmfeder für eine schraubenlose Anschlussklemme herzustellen, welche sowohl die Übertragung des Stromes weiter verbessert und mechanisch stabiler ausgestaltet ist als auch einfach in der Herstellung ist.Compared to the aforementioned prior art, it is an object of the invention to provide an improved clamping spring for a produce screwless terminal, which further improves both the transmission of the current and is designed to be mechanically more stable and easy to manufacture.

Die Aufgabe der vorliegenden Erfindung wird durch die Merkmale des Anspruchs 1 gelöst und durch die Merkmale der abhängigen Ansprüche zweckmäßig ausgestaltet und weiterentwickelt.The object of the present invention is achieved by the features of claim 1 and expediently designed and further developed by the features of the dependent claims.

Die erfindungsgemäße Klemmfeder für eine schraubenlose Anschlussklemme ist zunächst gemäß dem eingangs genannten Stand der Technik dahingehend ausgebildet, dass die Klemmfeder einen Klemmschenkel, einen Anlageschenkel und einen Spannschenkel aufweist. Der Spannschenkel ist sowohl mit dem Klemmschenkel als auch mit dem Anlageschenkel verbunden, wobei sich der Klemmschenkel und der Anlageschenkel überkreuzen. Diese Überkreuzung ist derart ausgestaltet, dass der Klemmschenkel eine Klemmöffnung aufweist, durch welche der Anlageschenkel hindurchreicht. Dadurch liegt der Anlageschenkel vorgespannt an einem von dem Spannschenkel entfernten Rand der Klemmöffnung an, so dass ein frei gelegtes Aderende des anzuschließenden Leiters mit Hilfe des Anlageschenkels an eine Kontaktfläche eines Kontaktelements einer schraublosen Anschlussklemme festgeklemmt werden kann. Zwar umfasst die erfindungsgemäße Klemmfeder ähnlich wie in dem eingangs genannten Stand der Technik einen Klemmfortsatz mit einer Klemmfläche. Jedoch ist der erfindungsgemäße Klemmfortsatz gegenüber dem Stand der Technik gänzlich anders und vorteilhafter ausgebildet. Der Klemmfortsatz geht von dem in Bezug auf den Spannschenkel entfernten freien Ende des Klemmschenkels aus und erstreckt sich von dem Spannschenkel zunächst weg, erstreckt sich dann aber in im Wesentlichen gebogener Form in Richtung des Spannschenkels zurück und ist erst dann schließlich in Richtung des Anlageschenkels ausgerichtet.The clamping spring according to the invention for a screwless connection terminal is initially designed according to the prior art mentioned at the outset in that the clamping spring has a clamping leg, a contact leg and a tensioning leg. The tensioning leg is connected both to the clamping leg and to the contact leg, with the clamping leg and the contact leg crossing over one another. This crossing is designed in such a way that the clamping leg has a clamping opening through which the contact leg extends. As a result, the contact leg is prestressed against an edge of the clamping opening remote from the tensioning leg, so that an exposed wire end of the conductor to be connected can be clamped to a contact surface of a contact element of a screwless connection terminal with the aid of the contact leg. It is true that the clamping spring according to the invention comprises a clamping extension with a clamping surface, similar to the prior art mentioned at the outset. However, the clamping extension according to the invention is designed completely differently and more advantageously than the prior art. The clamping extension starts from the free end of the clamping leg that is remote from the clamping leg and initially extends away from the clamping leg, but then extends back in a substantially curved shape in the direction of the tensioning leg and is only then finally aligned in the direction of the contact leg.

Eine derartige Ausgestaltung des Klemmfortsatzes der Klemmfeder weist gegenüber dem eingangs genannten Stand der Technik u.a. den Vorteil auf, dass sich das frei gelegte Aderende eines elektrischen Leiters mit der erfindungsgemäßen Klemmfeder durch eine bessere Verteilung des Drucks auf das frei gelegte Aderende effektiver, insbesondere deutlich stabiler und effizienter, festklemmen lässt. Im Gegensatz zu dem Stand der Technik, bei dem ein einziger Druckbereich mit einer größeren Druck beaufschlagten Fläche d.h. der Klemmfläche des Klemmfortsatzes, ausgebildet ist, ist die erfindungsgemäße Klemmfeder mit zwei Druckbereichen ausgestattet. Der erste Druckbereich befindet sich an dem Rand der Klemmöffnung des Klemmschenkels, in welcher das frei gelegte Aderende eingeklemmt wird, d.h. die Drückausübung infolge der Klemmung erfolgt auf eine kleine Fläche. Vorteilhaft hierbei ist, dass sich die kleine Druck beaufschlagte Fläche tiefer in Litzen und insbesondere im Falle von einer an dem frei gelegten Aderende des Leiters angeordnete Aderendhülse in entsprechende Kerben einschneiden kann, so dass das frei gelegte Aderende an dieser Stelle besonders stark festgeklemmt wird, eine sehr hohe Zugfestigkeit in Einführrichtung des Leiters bzw. entlang des Leiters gegeben ist und ein unbeabsichtigtes Lösen aus der festgeklemmten Position nahezu unmöglich ist. Da die kleine Druck beaufschlagte Fläche aufgrund ihres geringen Querschnitts und ihrer daraus resultierenden einschneidenden Wirkung mit einer Messerklinge vergleichbar ausgebildet ist, wird sie im Folgenden als Messerkante bezeichnet. Ein weiterer sich ergebender Vorteil der an dem Rand der Klemmöffnung ausgebildeten Messerkante ist, dass die Messerkante aufgrund ihrer starken Klemmkraft und ihrer entsprechend bereitgestellten hohen Zugfestigkeit für die Auszugskräfte der Klemmfeder hauptzugentlastend ist. Der zweite Druckbereich befindet sich an dem freien Ende des Klemmfortsatzes, d.h. in dem Bereich des Klemmfortsatzes, der sich an den gebogenen Bereich des Klemmfortsatzes anschließt und im Wesentlichen in Richtung des Anlageschenkels ausgerichtet ist, und wird im Folgenden als Klemmfläche bezeichnet. Die frei gelegten Aderenden eines Leiters und insbesondere die Litzen bzw. Feindrähte werden durch die Klemmfläche des Klemmfortsatzes flächig auf eine Kontaktfläche eines Kontaktelements angepresst. Durch die große Klemmfläche des Klemmfortsatzes kommt die durch die frei gelegten Aderenden beanspruchte Kontaktoberfläche auf nahezu der gesamten nutzbaren elektrischen Kontaktfläche des Kontaktelements zum Aufliegen, sodass die Übertragung des Stroms zwischen frei gelegtem Aderende des Leiters und Kontaktfläche des Kontaktelements gegenüber einer kleineren Außenfläche deutlich verbessert ist, denn größere elektrische Kontaktflächen sind mit geringen elektrischen Verlusten geschaffen. Die erfindungsgemäße Klemmfeder mit einer Kombination aus den zuvor beschriebenen zwei Druckbereichen, d.h. der an dem Rand der Klemmöffnung ausgebildeten Messerkante und der Klemmfläche des Klemmfortsatzes, führt zu einer schnellen, sicheren sowie kontrollierten elektrischen und auch mechanischen Verbindung mit einem Leiter. Insbesondere ermöglicht sie gleichzeitig eine verbesserte Übertragung des Stroms über eine große Fläche bedingt durch den zweiten Druckbereich in Form der Klemmfläche des Klemmfortsatzes sowie eine stärkere Klemmwirkung mit hoher Zugfestigkeit in Einführrichtung des Leiters bzw. entlang des Leiters, insbesondere im Fall von einer an dem frei gelegten Aderende angebrachten Aderendhülse, und infolgedessen eine Hauptzugentlastung für die Auszugskräfte der Klemmfeder, bedingt durch den als Messerkante ausgebildeten ersten Druckbereich. Im Gegensatz zu einer Klemmfeder mit einem Klemmfortsatz gemäß dem Stand der Technik, an dem lediglich ein Druckbereich ausgebildet ist, ist die erfindungsgemäße Klemmfeder in Folge der zwei Druckbereiche somit insbesondere dahingehend weiterentwickelt, dass diese von vorneherein sowohl für eine gute Übertragung des Stromes und für eine hohe Zugfestigkeit in Einführrichtung des Leiters bzw. entlang des Leiters ausgeprägt ist. Zudem sorgt die Kombination der zwei Druckbereiche dafür, dass sich das frei gelegte Aderende beim Einführen in die Klemmöffnung nicht verbiegt, wie es im Fall von lediglich einem Druckbereich möglich ist, da die zwei vorstehend diskutierten Druckbereiche gleichzeitig für ein Festklemmen des frei gelegten Aderendes sorgen.Such a configuration of the clamping extension of the clamping spring has the advantage over the prior art mentioned above that the exposed wire end of an electrical conductor with the clamping spring according to the invention can be clamped more effectively, in particular significantly more stable and more efficient, lets get stuck. In contrast to the prior art, in which a single pressure area is formed with a larger pressure-loaded area, ie the clamping area of the clamping extension, the clamping spring according to the invention is equipped with two pressure areas. The first pressure area is located at the edge of the clamping opening of the clamping leg, in which the exposed wire end is clamped, ie the pressure exerted as a result of the clamping takes place on a small area. The advantage here is that the small pressure-loaded surface can cut deeper into strands and, particularly in the case of a ferrule arranged on the exposed wire end of the conductor, into corresponding notches, so that the exposed wire end is clamped particularly firmly at this point, a very high tensile strength in the direction of insertion of the conductor or along the conductor and unintentional release from the clamped position is almost impossible. Since the small pressure-loaded area is comparable to a knife blade due to its small cross-section and the resulting cutting effect, it is referred to below as a knife edge designated. A further resulting advantage of the knife edge formed on the edge of the clamping opening is that the knife edge relieves the main strain on the pull-out forces of the clamping spring due to its strong clamping force and its correspondingly provided high tensile strength. The second pressure area is located at the free end of the clamping extension, ie in the area of the clamping extension that adjoins the curved area of the clamping extension and is essentially aligned in the direction of the contact leg, and is referred to below as the clamping surface. The exposed core ends of a conductor and in particular the stranded wires or fine wires are pressed flat onto a contact surface of a contact element by the clamping surface of the clamping extension. Due to the large clamping surface of the clamping extension, the contact surface stressed by the exposed wire ends comes to rest on almost the entire usable electrical contact surface of the contact element, so that the transmission of the current between the exposed wire end of the conductor and the contact surface of the contact element is significantly improved compared to a smaller outer surface, because larger electrical contact surfaces are created with low electrical losses. The clamping spring according to the invention with a combination of the two pressure areas described above, ie the knife edge formed on the edge of the clamping opening and the clamping surface of the clamping extension, leads to a fast, safe and controlled electrical and also mechanical connection with a conductor. In particular, it simultaneously enables improved transmission of the current over a large area due to the second pressure area in the form of the clamping surface of the clamping extension and a stronger clamping effect with high tensile strength in Insertion direction of the conductor or along the conductor, in particular in the case of a ferrule attached to the exposed wire end, and consequently a main strain relief for the pull-out forces of the clamping spring, due to the first pressure area designed as a knife edge. In contrast to a clamping spring with a clamping extension according to the prior art, on which only one pressure area is formed, the clamping spring according to the invention has been further developed as a result of the two pressure areas in particular in such a way that from the outset it is designed both for good transmission of the current and for a high tensile strength in the direction of insertion of the conductor or along the conductor. In addition, the combination of the two pressure areas ensures that the exposed wire end does not bend during insertion into the clamping opening, as is possible in the case of only one pressure area, since the two pressure areas discussed above simultaneously ensure that the exposed wire end is clamped.

Darüber hinaus ist die erfindungsgemäße Ausgestaltung des Klemmfortsatzes der Klemmfeder gegenüber dem eingangs genannten Stand der Technik dadurch, dass der Klemmfortsatz direkt von dem in Bezug auf den Spannschenkel entfernten freien Ende des Klemmschenkels ausgeht, einerseits viel einfacher und kostengünstiger herzustellen, insbesondere im Falle einer einstückigen Ausgestaltung von Klemmschenkel und Klemmfortsatz, und andererseits mechanisch stabiler. Bei dem eingangs genannten Stand der Technik wird der Klemmfortsatz aus einem Teilabschnitt des Klemmschenkels, nämlich aus der aus dem Klemmschenkel ausgestanzten Klemmöffnung, geformt, und zwar entweder durch Biegen eines zugunsten der Klemmöffnung herausgetrennten, jedoch noch an einer Seite mit dem Klemmschenkel verbundenen Teilabschnitts des Klemmschenkels in eine Position parallel zum Anlageschenkel, oder aber durch vollständiges Herausstanzens dieses Teilabschnitts und anschließendes Anbringen an den Klemmschenkel. Ein derart hergestellter Klemmfortsatz ist gemäß der EP 2 442 403 A1 als Klemmplatte oder Blechfahne ausgebildet. Im Gegensatz dazu ist der Klemmfortsatz der erfindungsgemäßen Klemmfeder nicht aus einem zunächst inneren Teilabschnitt des Klemmschenkels geformt, sondern kann gewissermaßen als Verlängerung des Klemmschenkels betrachtet werden. Der Klemmfortsatz der erfindungsgemäßen Klemmfeder kann somit eine gegenüber der EP 2 442 403 A1 größere, mit dem Klemmschenkel vergleichbare Querschnittsfläche aufweisen und dadurch massiver und mechanisch stabiler ausgestaltet sein.In addition, the design of the clamping extension of the clamping spring according to the invention is much easier and cheaper to produce than the prior art mentioned at the outset, in that the clamping extension extends directly from the free end of the clamping leg that is remote from the clamping leg, on the one hand, particularly in the case of a one-piece design of clamping leg and clamping extension, and on the other hand mechanically more stable. In the prior art mentioned at the outset, the clamping extension is formed from a section of the clamping leg, namely from the clamping opening punched out of the clamping leg, either by bending a part that has been cut out in favor of the clamping opening, but still attached one side connected to the clamping leg portion of the clamping leg in a position parallel to the contact leg, or by completely punching out this section and then attaching it to the clamping leg. A clamping extension produced in this way is according to the EP 2 442 403 A1 designed as a clamping plate or sheet metal flag. In contrast to this, the clamping extension of the clamping spring according to the invention is not formed from an initially inner section of the clamping leg, but can be regarded as an extension of the clamping leg, so to speak. The clamping extension of the clamping spring according to the invention can thus be compared to the EP 2 442 403 A1 have a larger cross-sectional area that is comparable to the clamping leg and are therefore designed to be more massive and mechanically more stable.

In einer Ausführungsform der vorliegenden Erfindung ist der Klemmfortsatz ausgehend von dem in Bezug auf den Spannschenkel entfernten freien Ende des ersten Schenkels zunächst im Wesentlichen halbkreisförmig mit einer von dem Spannschenkel wegzeigenden Wölbung ausgebildet, bevor er dann bogenförmig übergeht in einen Bereich, in dem der Klemmfortsatz im Wesentlichen parallel zu dem Anlageschenkel ausgerichtet ist.In one embodiment of the present invention, the clamping extension, starting from the free end of the first leg that is remote from the clamping leg, is initially essentially semicircular in shape with a bulge pointing away from the clamping leg, before it then transitions in an arc shape into an area in which the clamping extension in the Is aligned substantially parallel to the contact leg.

In einer weiteren Ausführungsform der vorliegenden Erfindung ist der Klemmfortsatz einstückig an dem Klemmschenkel angeformt. Eine einstückige Ausbildung von Klemmschenkel und Klemmfortsatz ist mechanisch sehr stabil. Zudem entfallen durch die einstückige Ausbildung von Klemmschenkel und Klemmfortsatz weitere Bearbeitungsschritte wie ein Verschrauben, Löten oder Fügen, sodass ein solcher Klemmfortsatz auch schneller und damit kostengünstiger hergestellt werde kann.In a further embodiment of the present invention, the clamping extension is integrally formed on the clamping leg. A one-piece design of the clamping leg and the clamping extension is mechanically very stable. In addition, due to the one-piece design of the clamping leg and the clamping extension, further processing steps such as screwing, soldering or Join, so that such a clamping extension can also be produced more quickly and thus more cost-effectively.

In einer weiteren Ausführungsform der vorliegenden Erfindung ist der Klemmfortsatz nicht einstückig an dem Klemmschenkel angeformt, sondern mittels eines Fügens an den Klemmschenkel angebracht. Das Fügen umfasst dabei auch einen stoffschlüssigen Anfügevorgang wie Anschweißen oder Anlöten. Eine solche Ausgestaltung ist insbesondere dann vorteilhaft, wenn der Klemmschenkel und der Klemmfortsatz aus verschiedenen Materialien geschaffen sind. Vorzugsweise wird für die Herstellung des Klemmfortsatzes ein Metall oder ein Material mit einer hohen elektrischen Leitfähigkeit und einer hohen Wärmeleitfähigkeit verwendet.In a further embodiment of the present invention, the clamping extension is not formed in one piece on the clamping leg, but is attached to the clamping leg by means of joining. Joining also includes a cohesive joining process such as welding or soldering. Such a configuration is particularly advantageous when the clamping leg and the clamping extension are made of different materials. A metal or a material with a high electrical conductivity and a high thermal conductivity is preferably used for the production of the clamping extension.

Eine weitere Ausführungsform der vorliegenden Erfindung sieht vor, dass der Klemmfortsatz dasselbe Material wie die Klemmfeder aufweist. Dies ermöglicht eine einstückige Ausbildung von Klemmschenkel und Klemmfortsatz, welche mechanisch betrachtet sehr stabil ist. Darüber hinaus haben Klemmschenkel und Klemmfortsatz durch eine Herstellung aus demselben Material auch die gleichen Materialeigenschaften wie beispielsweise eine gleiche elektrische Leitfähigkeit, ein gleicher spezifischer Widerstand und eine gleiche Wärmeleitfähigkeit.A further embodiment of the present invention provides that the clamping extension has the same material as the clamping spring. This enables a one-piece design of the clamping leg and the clamping extension, which is very stable from a mechanical point of view. Furthermore, because they are made from the same material, the clamping leg and the clamping extension also have the same material properties, such as the same electrical conductivity, the same specific resistance and the same thermal conductivity.

Gemäß einer weiteren Ausführungsform der vorliegenden Erfindung weist die Klemmfläche des Klemmfortsatzes zumindest teilweise eine Oberflächenprofilierung auf. Diese Oberflächenprofilierung kann eine Oberflächenstrukturierung ähnlich wie bei einem Zangenprofil aufweisen, so dass der anzuschließende Leiter mit verbesserter Reibschlüssigkeit aufliegt. Dadurch ist einerseits der elektrische Kontaktwiderstand und der Wärmeübergangswiderstand durch ein Eindrücken dieser Oberflächenstrukturen in die Aderenden des Leiters weiter verringert. Andererseits wird eine besonders wirksame mechanische Verbindung mit hohen Zugfestigkeiten zwischen den Aderenden des Leiters und dem Klemmfortsatz auch in dem zweiten Druckbereich der Klemmfeder erreicht. Somit werden die Aderenden des Leiters nicht nur in dem als Messerkante ausgebildeten ersten Druckbereich zwischen dem in Bezug auf den Spannschenkel entfernten Rand der Klemmöffnung und der Kontaktfläche eines Kontaktelements mit einer hohen Zugfestigkeit festgeklemmt werden, sondern zusätzlich durch die Oberflächenprofilierung des Klemmfortsatzes auch mit Hilfe von dessen profilierter Klemmfläche mit einer hohen Zugfestigkeit an die Kontaktfläche eines Kontaktelements gedrückt.According to a further embodiment of the present invention, the clamping surface of the clamping extension has at least partially a surface profile. This surface profiling can have a surface structuring similar to that of a pliers profile, so that the conductor to be connected rests with improved frictional engagement. As a result, on the one hand, the electrical Contact resistance and heat transfer resistance further reduced by pressing these surface structures into the wire ends of the conductor. On the other hand, a particularly effective mechanical connection with high tensile strengths between the wire ends of the conductor and the clamping extension is also achieved in the second pressure range of the clamping spring. Thus, the wire ends of the conductor are not only clamped in the first pressure area, designed as a knife edge, between the edge of the clamping opening that is remote from the clamping leg and the contact surface of a contact element with a high tensile strength, but also with the help of the surface profiling of the clamping extension pressed profiled clamping surface with a high tensile strength to the contact surface of a contact element.

In einer weiteren Ausführungsform der vorliegenden Erfindung ist die Klemmfeder und/ oder der Klemmfortsatz als Ganzes als ein einziges Stanz-Biege-Teil ausgebildet. Die zum Anschluss des Leiters an ein Kontaktelement verwendete erfindungsgemäße Klemmfeder wird dabei aus einem geeigneten elektrisch leitfähigen Material, üblicherweise aus Metall, in einem Stanz-Biege-Verfahren hergestellt. Um eine erfindungsgemäße Klemmfeder mit entsprechender Formgebung zu erhalten, wird während des Herstellungsprozesses der Klemmfeder ein zusätzlicher Verfahrensschritt angewendet, bei dem vorzugsweise ebenfalls ein Stanz-Biege- Verfahren zur Anwendung kommt. Dabei wird der Klemmfortsatz unmittelbar aus einem im Vergleich zu herkömmlichen Klemmschenkeln von Klemmfedern deutlich verlängerten Endabschnitt des Klemmschenkels der Klemmfeder geformt, indem dieser verlängerte Endabschnitt derart gebogen und ausgerichtet wird, dass sich der verlängerte Endabschnitt des Klemmschenkels gemäß der vorliegenden Erfindung zunächst von dem Spannschenkel weg erstreckt, sich dann in im Wesentlichen gebogener Form in Richtung des Spannschenkels zurück erstreckt und sich schließlich in Richtung des Anlageschenkels erstreckt bzw. im montierten Zustand an ein Kontaktelement im Wesentlichen parallel zur Kontaktfläche des Kontaktelements ausgerichtet ist.In a further embodiment of the present invention, the clamping spring and/or the clamping extension is designed as a whole as a single stamped and bent part. The clamping spring according to the invention used to connect the conductor to a contact element is made from a suitable electrically conductive material, usually metal, in a stamping and bending process. In order to obtain a clamping spring according to the invention with a corresponding shape, an additional method step is used during the manufacturing process of the clamping spring, in which preferably a stamping and bending method is also used. The clamping extension is formed directly from an end section of the clamping leg of the clamping spring that is significantly longer than that of conventional clamping legs of clamping springs, in that this extended end section is bent and aligned such that the extended end portion of the clamping leg according to the present invention first extends away from the clamping leg, then extends back in the direction of the clamping leg in a substantially curved shape and finally extends in the direction of the contact leg or in the assembled state is aligned to a contact element essentially parallel to the contact surface of the contact element.

Neben der erfindungsgemäßen Klemmfeder an sich umfasst die vorliegende Erfindung auch eine schraubenlose Anschlussklemme zum Anschluss eines elektrischen Leiters mit der erfindungsgemäßen Klemmfeder gemäß einer der zuvor beschriebenen Ausführungsformen. Die schraubenlose Anschlussklemme weist neben der erfindungsgemäßen Klemmfeder zudem ein Kontaktelement auf, an dem der Leiter elektrisch anzuschließen ist und welches einen Anschlussabschnitt und eine Kontaktfläche besitzt. Der anzuschließende Leiter wird zwischen einem Flächenabschnitt der Klemmfläche des Klemmfortsatzes der Klemmfeder und der Kontaktfläche des Kontaktelements eingeklemmt. Eine solche schraubenlose Anschlussklemme weist dieselben Vorteile gegenüber dem Stand der Technik auf, wie dies für die erfindungsgemäße Klemmfeder der Fall ist.In addition to the clamping spring according to the invention per se, the present invention also includes a screwless connection terminal for connecting an electrical conductor with the clamping spring according to one of the embodiments described above. In addition to the clamping spring according to the invention, the screwless connection terminal also has a contact element to which the conductor is to be electrically connected and which has a connection section and a contact surface. The conductor to be connected is clamped between a surface section of the clamping surface of the clamping extension of the clamping spring and the contact surface of the contact element. Such a screwless connection terminal has the same advantages over the prior art as is the case for the clamping spring according to the invention.

In einer Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemäßen schraubenlosen Anschlussklemme weist die Klemmfläche des Klemmfortsatzes und/ oder die Kontaktfläche des Kontaktelements zumindest teilweise eine Oberflächenprofilierung auf. Wie bereits geschildert, kann diese Oberflächenprofilierung eine Oberflächenstrukturierung ähnlich wie bei einem Zangenprofil aufweisen mit der Folge, dass der anzuschließende Leiter mit verbesserter Reibschlüssigkeit aufliegt. Anstatt einer Oberflächenprofilierung der Klemmfläche des Klemmfortsatzes kann auch die Kontaktfläche des Kontaktelements eine Oberflächenprofilierung aufweisen und zu den gleichen Vorteilen führen, wie sie bereits hinsichtlich einer Oberflächenprofilierung der Klemmfläche des Klemmfortsatzes erläutert wurden. Eine Oberflächenprofilierung der Kontaktfläche des Kontaktelements zusätzlich zu einer Oberflächenprofilierung der Klemmfläche des Klemmfortsatzes sorgt für eine noch weiter verbesserte Reibschlüssigkeit bei dem Aufliegen des Leiters, da die Außenfläche des Leiters, die mit einer oberflächenprofilierten Klemmfläche festgeklemmt wird, in diesem Fall größer ist. Es entsteht somit eine besonders wirksame mechanische Verbindung mit sehr hohen Zugfestigkeiten zwischen den Aderenden des Leiters und dem Klemmfortsatz sowie dem Kontaktelement.In one embodiment of the screwless connection terminal according to the invention, the clamping surface of the clamping extension and/or the contact surface of the contact element has at least partially a surface profile. As already described, this surface profiling can have a surface structuring similar to that of a Have a pincer profile with the result that the conductor to be connected rests with improved frictional engagement. Instead of a surface profiling of the clamping surface of the clamping extension, the contact surface of the contact element can also have a surface profiling and lead to the same advantages as have already been explained with regard to a surface profiling of the clamping surface of the clamping extension. A surface profiling of the contact surface of the contact element in addition to a surface profiling of the clamping surface of the clamping extension ensures an even further improved frictional connection when the conductor lies on it, since the outer surface of the conductor, which is clamped with a surface-profiled clamping surface, is larger in this case. This creates a particularly effective mechanical connection with very high tensile strength between the wire ends of the conductor and the clamping extension and the contact element.

Darüber hinaus umfasst die vorliegende Erfindung ferner auch eine elektrische Steckverbindung, welche zumindest eine wie zuvor genannte, erfindungsgemäße schraubenlose Anschlussklemme mit einer erfindungsgemäßen Klemmfeder aufweist. Eine elektrische Steckverbindung mit einer erfindungsgemäßen Anschlussklemme und insbesondere mit einer erfindungsgemäßen Klemmfeder weist dieselben Vorteile gegenüber dem Stand der Technik auf, wie dies für die erfindungsgemäße Klemmfeder der Fall ist.In addition, the present invention also includes an electrical plug connection, which has at least one screwless connection terminal according to the invention, as mentioned above, with a clamping spring according to the invention. An electrical plug connection with a connection terminal according to the invention and in particular with a clamping spring according to the invention has the same advantages over the prior art as is the case for the clamping spring according to the invention.

Weitere Vorteile, Merkmale und Anwendungsmöglichkeiten der vorliegenden Erfindung werden anhand der folgenden Beschreibung von Ausführungsformen davon sowie der dazugehörigen Figuren deutlich.

Fig. 1A bis 1D:
zeigen eine Ausführungsform einer Klemmfeder in der Profilansicht (Fig. 1A), in einer Ansicht von unten in Richtung des Pfeils C auf die Klemmfeder (Fig.1B), in einer seitlichen Ansicht in Richtung des Pfeils A auf die Klemmfeder gemäß Fig. 1A und in der Perspektive (Fig. 1D),
Fig. 2A bis 2C:
zeigen ein als Kontakthülse und ein als Kontaktstift ausgebildetes Kontaktelement mit jeweils einer Klemmfeder gemäß Figuren 1A bis 1D, die mechanisch ineinander eingesteckt und elektrisch verbunden sind, in der Profilansicht, Seitenansicht, Draufsicht und in der Perspektive,
Fig. 3A bis 3D:
zeigen eine Kontakthülse als Kontaktelement mit einer Klemmfeder gemäß Figuren 1A bis 1D in der Profilansicht, Seitenansicht, Draufsicht und in der Perspektive,
Fig. 4A bis 4D:
zeigen einen Kontaktstift als Kontaktelement mit einer Klemmfeder gemäß Figuren 1A bis 1D in der Profilansicht, Seitenansicht, Draufsicht und in der Perspektive.
Further advantages, features and application possibilities of the present invention become clear from the following description of embodiments thereof and the associated figures.
Figures 1A to 1D:
show an embodiment of a clamping spring in profile view ( Figure 1A ), in a view from below in the direction of arrow C on the clamping spring ( Figure 1B ), in a lateral view in the direction of arrow A according to the clamping spring Figure 1A and in perspective ( Figure 1D ),
Figures 2A to 2C:
show a contact element designed as a contact sleeve and a contact pin, each with a clamping spring according to FIG Figures 1A to 1D , which are mechanically plugged into each other and electrically connected, in profile view, side view, top view and in perspective,
Figures 3A to 3D:
show a contact sleeve as a contact element with a clamping spring according to FIG Figures 1A to 1D in profile view, side view, top view and in perspective,
Figures 4A to 4D:
show a contact pin as a contact element with a clamping spring according to FIG Figures 1A to 1D in profile view, side view, top view and in perspective.

Die Figuren 1A bis 1D zeigen eine Ausführungsform einer gebogenen Klemmfeder 1 in einer Profilansicht (Figur 1A), in einer Ansicht von unten in Richtung des Pfeils C auf die Klemmfeder 1 (Fig.1B), in einer Ansicht in Richtung des Pfeils A auf die Klemmfeder gemäß Fig. 1A und in der Perspektive (Figur 1D), wobei die Klemmfeder 1 bei der dargestellten bevorzugten Ausführung als Käfigzugfeder 1 ausgebildet ist, vorzugsweise aus Metall hergestellt ist und einen Klemmschenkel 7, einen Anlageschenkel 8 und einen Spannschenkel 9 aufweist. Der Klemmschenkel 7 und der Anlageschenkel 8 sind über den Spannschenkel 9 miteinander verbunden, wie in Figur 1A und 1D dargestellt. In dem Klemmschenkel 7 der Käfigzugfeder 1 ist eine Klemmöffnung 6 ausgespart (Figur 1D), welche eine Überkreuzung des Klemmschenkels 7 und des Anlageschenkels 8 ermöglicht. Durch die Klemmöffnung 6 der Käfigzugfeder 1 können die frei gelegten Aderenden 2a eines Leiters 2, der in Figuren 1A bis 1D jedoch nicht gezeigt ist, in der in Figur 1A dargestellten Einführrichtung E eingeführt werden. Die frei gelegten Aderenden 2a eines in die Klemmöffnung 6 eingeführten Leiters 2 liegen dann an dem in Bezug auf den Spannschenkel 9 entfernten Rand der Klemmöffnung 6, der einen ersten Druckbereich mit geringem Querschnitt darstellt und aufgrund seiner einschneidenden Wirkung in die frei gelegten Aderenden 2a als Messerkante 12 bezeichnet ist, an (Figur 1D). Der Klemmschenkel 7 weist ferner einen Klemmfortsatz 10 mit einer Klemmfläche 11 auf, wobei die Klemmfläche 11 einen zweiten flächigen Druckbereich ausbildet. Der Klemmfortsatz 10 ist in der dargestellten Ausführungsform einstückig an dem Klemmschenkel 7 angeformt, weist dasselbe Material wie der Klemmschenkel 7 auf und kann als Verlängerung des Klemmschenkels 7 betrachtet werden. Wie in den Figuren 1A und 1D dargestellt, geht der Klemmfortsatz 10 von dem in Bezug auf den Spannschenkel 9 entfernten freien Ende des Klemmschenkels 7 aus und erstreckt sich zunächst von dem Spannschenkel 9 weg, um sich dann in im Wesentlichen gebogener Form wieder in Richtung des Spannschenkels 9 zurückzuerstrecken, und ist schließlich sich in Richtung des Anlageschenkels 8 erstreckend ausgerichtet. In einer weiteren Ausführungsform ist die im Wesentlichen gebogene Form des Klemmfortsatzes halbkreisförmig ausgestaltet. Die Klemmfläche 11 des Klemmfortsatzes 10 ist dabei stets im Wesentlichen parallel zu der Oberfläche des Anlageschenkels 8 orientiert und erstreckt sich somit in Einführrichtung E eines elektrisch anzuschließenden Leiters 2 (nicht in Figuren 1A bis 1D gezeigt).the Figures 1A to 1D show an embodiment of a bent clamping spring 1 in a profile view ( Figure 1A ), in a view from below in the direction of arrow C on the clamping spring 1 ( Figure 1B ), in a view towards the arrow A on the clamping spring Figure 1A and in perspective ( Figure 1D ), wherein the clamping spring 1 is designed as a cage tension spring 1 in the preferred embodiment shown, is preferably made of metal and has a clamping leg 7, a contact leg 8 and a tensioning leg 9. The clamping leg 7 and the contact leg 8 are connected to one another via the clamping leg 9, as in Figure 1A and 1D shown. A clamping opening 6 is cut out in the clamping leg 7 of the cage clamp spring 1 ( Figure 1D ), which allows the clamping leg 7 and the contact leg 8 to cross over. Through the clamping opening 6 of the cage clamp 1, the exposed wire ends 2a of a conductor 2, which is in Figures 1A to 1D however, is not shown in the in Figure 1A shown insertion direction E are introduced. The exposed wire ends 2a of a conductor 2 inserted into the clamping opening 6 then lie on the edge of the clamping opening 6 that is remote from the clamping arm 9, which represents a first pressure area with a small cross-section and acts as a knife edge due to its cutting effect on the exposed wire ends 2a 12, at ( Figure 1D ). The clamping leg 7 also has a clamping extension 10 with a clamping surface 11, the clamping surface 11 forming a second flat pressure area. In the illustrated embodiment, the clamping extension 10 is formed in one piece on the clamping leg 7 , has the same material as the clamping leg 7 and can be regarded as an extension of the clamping leg 7 . As in the Figures 1A and 1D shown, the clamping extension 10 starts from the free end of the clamping leg 7 that is remote from the clamping leg 9 and initially extends away from the clamping leg 9 and then essentially bent shape back in the direction of the clamping leg 9 to extend back, and is finally aligned in the direction of the contact leg 8 extending. In a further embodiment, the essentially curved shape of the clamping extension is semicircular. The clamping surface 11 of the clamping extension 10 is always oriented essentially parallel to the surface of the contact leg 8 and thus extends in the insertion direction E of a conductor 2 to be electrically connected (not in Figures 1A to 1D shown).

Figuren 2A bis 2D stellen gemäß einer Ausführungsform der Erfindung eine an einem schraubenlosen Anschlusselement angebrachte Klemmfeder 1, hier als Käfigzugfeder 1 gemäß den Figuren 1A bis 1D mit Klemmschenkel 7, Anlageschenkel 8 und Spannschenkel 9 ausgebildet, mit jeweils einem Kontaktelement 5 in Gestalt eines Kontaktstifts 5 und einer Kontakthülse bzw. -buchse 5 dar, welche mechanisch ineinander eingesteckt und elektrisch verbunden sind. Sowohl der Kontaktstift 5 als auch die Kontakthülse 5 weisen jeweils einen Anschlussabschnitt 3 mit einer Kontaktfläche 4 auf, welche mit einem Leiter 2 mittels dessen frei gelegten Aderenden 2a elektrisch verbunden sind. Figur 2B zeigt einen Längsschnitt der in Figur 2A gezeigten Anordnung, Figur 2C eine perspektivische Ansicht und Figur 2D einen Querschnitt. Die frei gelegten Aderenden 2a des Leiters 2 werden durch die Klemmfläche 11 des Klemmfortsatzes 10 einerseits flächig auf die Kontaktflächen 4 der jeweiligen Kontaktelemente 5 angepresst, wie in Figur 2B dargestellt. Durch die große Klemmfläche 11 des Klemmfortsatzes 10 kommt die durch die frei gelegten Aderenden 2a beanspruchte Kontaktoberfläche auf nahezu der gesamten nutzbaren elektrischen Kontaktfläche 4 des jeweiligen Kontaktelements 5 zum Aufliegen (Figur 2D). Dies führt zu einer sehr guten Übertragung des Stroms zwischen frei gelegtem Aderende 2a des Leiters 2 und Kontaktfläche 4 des jeweiligen Kontaktelements 5, da größere elektrische Kontaktflächen mit geringen elektrischen Verlusten geschaffen sind. Andererseits werden die frei gelegten Aderenden 2a des Leiters 2 durch den Klemmfortsatz 10 zwischen dem in Bezug auf den Spannschenkel 9 entfernten, als Messerkante 12 ausgebildeten Rand der Klemmöffnung 6 des Klemmschenkels 7 und der Kontaktfläche 4 des jeweiligen Kontaktelements 5 festgeklemmt, indem der Klemmfortsatz 10 auf den in Bezug auf den Spannschenkel 9 entfernten, als Messerkante 12 ausgebildeten Rand der Klemmöffnung 6 des Klemmschenkels 7 Druck ausübt (Figur 2C). Dabei kann sich die kleine Druck beaufschlagte Fläche am Rand der Klemmöffnung 6, die aufgrund ihres geringen Querschnitts und ihrer daraus resultierenden einschneidenden Wirkung als Messerkante 12 bezeichnet ist, tiefer in Litzen und im Falle von einer an dem frei gelegten Aderende 2a des Leiters 2 angeordnete Aderendhülse in entsprechende Kerben einschneiden, so dass das frei gelegte Aderende 2a besonders stark festgeklemmt wird, eine große Zugfestigkeit in Einführrichtung E des Leiters 2 gegeben ist und folglich ein unbeabsichtigtes Lösen aus der festgeklemmten Position in Einführrichtung E des Leiters 2 nicht möglich ist. Zudem ist die Messerkante 12 aufgrund ihrer starken Klemmkraft und ihrer entsprechend bereitgestellten hohen Zugfestigkeit für die Auszugskräfte der Klemmfeder 1 hauptzugentlastend. Durch das Vorhandensein von zwei Druck beaufschlagten Flächen, nämlich der Klemmfläche 11 des Klemmfortsatzes 10 und der Messerkante 12 am Rand der Klemmöffnung 6, mit denen der elektrische Kontakt zwischen den frei gelegten Aderenden 2a eines Leiters 2 und der Kontaktfläche 4 des jeweiligen Kontaktelements 5 sichergestellt wird, ist neben den bereits genannten Vorteilen gewährleistet, dass sich das frei gelegte Aderende 2a des Leiters 2 beim Einführen in die Klemmöffnung 6 nicht verbiegt, da die zwei oben diskutierten Druck beaufschlagten Flächen gleichzeitig für ein Festklemmen des frei gelegten Aderendes 2a sorgen. Weiterhin hat das gleichzeitige Festklemmen des frei gelegten Aderendes 2a an zwei Druck beaufschlagten Flächen den Vorteil, dass mit ein und derselben Klemmfeder 1 sowohl eine gute Übertragung des Stromes als auch eine hohe Zugfestigkeit in Einführrichtung E des Leiters 2 bei gleichzeitiger Hauptzugentlastung durch die ausgebildete Messerkante 12 ermöglicht wird, während ein Klemmfortsatz 10 gemäß dem Stand der Technik mit lediglich einem ausgebildeten Druckbereich entweder für eine gute Übertragung des Stromes oder für eine hohe Zugfestigkeit in Einführrichtung E des Leiters 2 ausgeprägt sein kann. Figures 2A to 2D provide, according to one embodiment of the invention, a clamping spring 1 attached to a screwless connection element, here as a cage clamp 1 according to FIG Figures 1A to 1D formed with clamping leg 7, contact leg 8 and clamping leg 9, each with a contact element 5 in the form of a contact pin 5 and a contact sleeve or socket 5, which are mechanically plugged into one another and electrically connected. Both the contact pin 5 and the contact sleeve 5 each have a connection section 3 with a contact surface 4, which is electrically connected to a conductor 2 by means of its exposed wire ends 2a. Figure 2B shows a longitudinal section of the in Figure 2A shown arrangement, Figure 2C a perspective view and Figure 2D a cross section. The exposed wire ends 2a of the conductor 2 are pressed flat on the one hand by the clamping surface 11 of the clamping extension 10 onto the contact surfaces 4 of the respective contact elements 5, as shown in FIG Figure 2B shown. Due to the large clamping surface 11 of the clamping extension 10, the contact surface claimed by the exposed wire ends 2a covers almost the entire usable electrical Contact surface 4 of the respective contact element 5 for resting ( Figure 2D ). This leads to a very good transmission of the current between the exposed wire end 2a of the conductor 2 and the contact surface 4 of the respective contact element 5, since larger electrical contact surfaces with low electrical losses are created. On the other hand, the exposed wire ends 2a of the conductor 2 are clamped by the clamping extension 10 between the edge of the clamping opening 6 of the clamping leg 7, which is designed as a knife edge 12 and is remote from the clamping leg 9, and the contact surface 4 of the respective contact element 5, by the clamping extension 10 on exerts pressure on the edge of the clamping opening 6 of the clamping leg 7, which is designed as a knife edge 12 and is remote from the clamping leg 9 ( Figure 2C ). The small pressure-loaded area at the edge of the clamping opening 6, which is referred to as a knife edge 12 due to its small cross-section and the resulting cutting effect, can penetrate deeper into strands and in the case of a ferrule arranged on the exposed wire end 2a of the conductor 2 Cut into corresponding notches so that the exposed wire end 2a is clamped particularly firmly, there is a high tensile strength in the direction of insertion E of the conductor 2 and consequently an unintentional release from the clamped position in the direction of insertion E of the conductor 2 is not possible. In addition, the knife edge 12 relieves the main strain on the pull-out forces of the clamping spring 1 due to its strong clamping force and its correspondingly provided high tensile strength. Due to the presence of two pressure-loaded surfaces, namely the clamping surface 11 of the clamping extension 10 and the knife edge 12 at the edge of the clamping opening 6, with which the electrical contact between the exposed wire ends 2a of a conductor 2 and the contact surface 4 of the respective contact element 5 is ensured, in addition to the advantages already mentioned, it is ensured that the exposed wire end 2a of the conductor 2 does not bend when it is inserted into the clamping opening 6, since the two surfaces discussed above that are pressurized simultaneously ensure that the exposed wire end 2a is clamped. Furthermore, the simultaneous clamping of the exposed core end 2a on two pressure-loaded surfaces has the advantage that with one and the same clamping spring 1 both good transmission of the current and high tensile strength in the insertion direction E of the conductor 2 with simultaneous main strain relief through the formed knife edge 12 is made possible, while a clamping extension 10 according to the prior art with only one trained pressure area can be pronounced either for good transmission of the current or for high tensile strength in the insertion direction E of the conductor 2.

In Figuren 3A bis 3D sowie in den Figuren 4A bis 4D ist jeweils eine Ausführungsform einer an einem schraubenlosen Anschlusselement angebrachten Klemmfeder 1, die als Käfigzugfeder 1 gemäß den Figuren 1A bis 1D mit Klemmschenkel 7, Anlageschenkel 8 und Spannschenkel 9 ausgebildet, mit einem im Fall von den Figuren 3A bis 3D als Kontakthülse 5 und im Fall von den Figuren 4A bis 4D als Kontaktstift 5 ausgebildetes Kontaktelement 5 dargestellt. Figuren 3B und 4B zeigen jeweils einen Längsschnitt der in den entsprechenden Figuren 3A und 4A dargestellten Anordnung, Figuren 3C und 4C eine perspektivische Ansicht und Figuren 3D und 4D einen Querschnitt. Die Käfigzugfeder 1 ist jeweils an dem Kontaktelement 5 vorgespannt montiert. Bei der Montage der Käfigzugfeder 1 wird der hervorstehende Teilabschnitt des Anschlusselements 3 der Kontakthülse 5 (Figuren 3A bis 3C) bzw. des Kontaktstifts 5 (Figuren 4A bis 4C) derart durch die Klemmöffnung 6 hineingeführt, dass der hervorstehende Teilabschnitt des Anschlusselements 3 zumindest teilweise an dem Anlageschenkel 8 der Käfigzugfeder 1 anliegt und der Klemmfortsatz 10 ebenfalls mit dessen Klemmfläche 11 an dem hervorstehenden Teilabschnitt des Anschlusselements 3 anliegt, sofern noch kein Leiter eingeführt ist. Zudem liegt der Klemmschenkel 7 der Klemmfeder 1 an der Stirnseite des Kontaktelementes 1 an. Somit entsteht eine kraftschlüssige Verbindung sowie eine Fixierung der Käfigzugfeder 1 an dem Kontaktelement 5.In Figures 3A to 3D as well as in the Figures 4A to 4D is in each case an embodiment of a clamping spring 1 which is attached to a screwless connection element and is used as a cage clamp spring 1 according to FIG Figures 1A to 1D formed with clamping leg 7, 8 investment leg and clamping leg 9, with a case of the Figures 3A to 3D as a contact sleeve 5 and in the case of the Figures 4A to 4D Contact element 5 designed as a contact pin 5 is shown. Figures 3B and 4B each show a longitudinal section of the corresponding Figures 3A and 4A shown arrangement, Figures 3C and 4C a perspective view and Figures 3D and 4D a cross section. The cage clamp 1 is mounted on the contact element 5 in a prestressed manner. When assembling the Cage clamp 1 is the protruding section of the connection element 3 of the contact sleeve 5 ( Figures 3A to 3C ) or contact pin 5 ( Figures 4A to 4C ) is inserted through the clamping opening 6 in such a way that the protruding section of the connecting element 3 rests at least partially against the contact leg 8 of the cage clamp 1 and the clamping extension 10 also rests with its clamping surface 11 on the protruding section of the connecting element 3, provided that no conductor has yet been inserted. In addition, the clamping leg 7 of the clamping spring 1 is in contact with the end face of the contact element 1 . This creates a non-positive connection and fixation of the cage clamp 1 on the contact element 5.

Der durch die Patentansprüche definierte Schutzbereich der vorliegenden Erfindung wird nicht durch die in der Beschreibung und den Zeichnungen im Detail dargestellten und lediglich als Beispiel dienenden Ausführungsformen der Erfindung beschränkt. Abwandlungen der offenbarten Ausführungsformen sind für den Fachmann aus den Zeichnungen, der Beschreibung und den beigefügten Ansprüchen offensichtlich.The scope of protection of the present invention, which is defined by the claims, is not limited by the specific embodiments of the invention shown in the description and the drawings and given by way of example only. Modifications to the disclosed embodiments are apparent to those skilled in the art drawings, the description and the appended claims.

BezugszeichenlisteReference List

11
Klemmfederclamping spring
22
elektrischer Leiterelectrical conductor
2a2a
frei gelegtes Aderende eines elektrischen Leitersexposed wire end of an electrical conductor
33
Anschlussabschnittconnector section
44
Kontaktflächecontact surface
55
Kontaktelementcontact element
66
Klemmöffnungclamp opening
77
Klemmschenkelclamp legs
88th
Anlageschenkelcontact leg
99
Spannschenkelclamping leg
1010
Klemmfortsatzclamp extension
1111
Klemmflächeclamping surface
1212
Messerkanteknife edge
EE
Einführrichtunginsertion direction

Claims (11)

  1. , Clamping spring (1) for a screwless connection terminal for connecting a conductor (2),
    wherein the clamping spring (1) has a clamping limb (7), a contact limb (8), and a tensioning limb (9), the tensioning limb (9) being connected to the clamping limb (7) and the contact limb, and the clamping limb (7) and the contact limb (8) being designed as intersecting limbs, wherein the clamping limb (7) has a clamping opening (6) through which the contact limb (8) extends, such that the contact limb (8) is in contact with an edge of the clamping opening (6) remote from the tensioning limb (9) in a pretensioned manner and an exposed wire end of a conductor (2) can be clamped with the contact limb (8) onto a contact surface (4) of a contact element (5) of a screwless connection terminal,
    wherein the clamping limb (7) has a clamping extension (10) having a clamping surface (11),
    characterized in that
    said clamping extension (10), starting from the free end of the clamping limb (7) remote from the tensioning limb (9), initially being formed so as to extend away from the tensioning limb (9), being then formed so as to extend back in the direction of the tensioning limb (9) in a substantially curved form, and finally being oriented in the direction of the contact limb (8).
  2. . Clamping spring (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the clamping extension (10), starting from the free end of the clamping limb (7) remote from the tensioning limb (9), is initially formed substantially semicircular having a curvature pointing away from the tensioning limb (9) and is then aligned in an arcuate transition substantially parallel to the contact limb (8).
  3. . Clamping spring (1) according to either claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that the clamping extension (10) is integrally formed on the clamping limb (7).
  4. . Clamping spring (1) according to either claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that the clamping extension (10) is attached to the clamping limb (7) by means of a joining process, wherein the joining can also be an integral joining process such as welding or soldering.
  5. . Clamping spring (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the clamping extension (10) has the same material as the clamping spring (5).
  6. . Clamping spring (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the clamping surface (11) of the clamping extension (10) at least partially has a surface profiling.
  7. . Clamping spring (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the clamping spring (5) and/or the clamping extension (10) is designed as a whole as a single stamped and bent part.
  8. . Clamping spring (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the clamping surface 11 forms a flat pressure region and/or in that the exposed wire end of the conductor (2) can be pressed by means of the clamping surface (11) of the clamping extension (10) flat onto the contact surface of the contact element.
  9. . Screwless connection terminal for connecting an electrical conductor with a clamping spring (1) according to any of claims 1-8, wherein the connection terminal has a contact element (5) to which the conductor (2) is to be electrically connected and which has a connection portion (3) and a contact surface (4), wherein the conductor (2) to be connected is to be clamped between a surface portion of the clamping surface (11) of the clamping extension (10) and the contact surface (4) of the contact element (5).
  10. . Screwless connection terminal according to claim 9, characterized in that the clamping surface (11) of the clamping extension (10) and/or the contact surface (4) of the contact element (5) at least partially has a surface profiling.
  11. . Electrical plug connection, characterized in that it comprises at least one screwless connection terminal according to either claim 9 or claim 10.
EP19797254.0A 2018-10-31 2019-10-30 Clamping spring for a screwless connection terminal Active EP3874562B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE102018127284.7A DE102018127284A1 (en) 2018-10-31 2018-10-31 Clamp spring for a screwless terminal
PCT/EP2019/079609 WO2020089277A1 (en) 2018-10-31 2019-10-30 Clamping spring for a screwless connection terminal

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP3874562A1 EP3874562A1 (en) 2021-09-08
EP3874562B1 true EP3874562B1 (en) 2022-10-12

Family

ID=68424895

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP19797254.0A Active EP3874562B1 (en) 2018-10-31 2019-10-30 Clamping spring for a screwless connection terminal

Country Status (8)

Country Link
US (1) US11336035B2 (en)
EP (1) EP3874562B1 (en)
CN (1) CN112997363A (en)
BR (1) BR112021008317A2 (en)
DE (1) DE102018127284A1 (en)
ES (1) ES2932608T3 (en)
PL (1) PL3874562T3 (en)
WO (1) WO2020089277A1 (en)

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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
BR112021008317A2 (en) 2021-08-03
PL3874562T3 (en) 2023-01-30
DE102018127284A1 (en) 2020-04-30
US20210376497A1 (en) 2021-12-02
EP3874562A1 (en) 2021-09-08
US11336035B2 (en) 2022-05-17
CN112997363A (en) 2021-06-18
ES2932608T3 (en) 2023-01-23
WO2020089277A1 (en) 2020-05-07

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