WO2016193236A1

WO2016193236A1 - Spring terminal for an electric switching device

Info

Publication number: WO2016193236A1
Application number: PCT/EP2016/062208
Authority: WO
Inventors: Klaus Dauer; Julia OTTE
Original assignee: Eaton Electrical Ip Gmbh & Co. Kg
Priority date: 2015-06-01
Filing date: 2016-05-31
Publication date: 2016-12-08
Also published as: DE102015108630A1; DE112016002447A5

Abstract

The invention relates to a spring terminal comprising a clamping cage and a clamping spring. The clamping spring is arranged in the clamping cage and has a clamping limb with which an electric conductor plugged into the clamping cage can be clamped between the clamping cage and the clamping spring, and the clamping spring is made of a thermally excited shape-memory alloy. The invention further relates to a spring terminal, the clamping spring of which has a retaining limb that is latched and/or clamped in the clamping cage, to a terminal block comprising multiple such spring terminals, to a switching device comprising such a spring terminal, and to a method for assembling the spring terminal.

Description

description

Direct plug-in terminal for an electrical switchgear State of the art

The present invention relates to a direct plug-in terminal with a clamping cage and a clamping spring, wherein the clamping spring has a clamping leg, with which an inserted into the clamping cage electrical conductor in this

is clamped. The present invention further relates to an electrical switching device, in particular a circuit breaker, a motor protection switch, a contactor or a relay, with such a direct plug-in terminal. The present invention also relates to a method for mounting the direct plug-in terminal.

Direct plug-in terminals (push-in) have a clamping spring with which an electrical conductor leads to a busbar or in a current

Clamping cage is jammed. They are used for fast and safe connection of electrical conductors to electrical assemblies. The direct plug-in terminals are exposed to fluctuating external influences such as a large vibration load and / or fluctuating outside temperatures. Due to such influences, however, the clamping force acting on the electrical conductor may partially fluctuate. A significantly increasing outside temperature can lead, for example, to a decreasing clamping force, which is no longer sufficient under heavy vibration load.

In order to connect a plurality of electrical conductors to an electrical module, terminal blocks are frequently used, in which such direct plug-in terminals, in particular in a common insulating material, are arranged side by side. To ensure a cost-effective production, it is preferred that the direct plug-in terminals and / or the terminal blocks

tool-free and / or mechanically produced.

Disclosure of the invention

Object of the present invention is to provide a cost-effectively manufacturable and quick and easy, especially tool-free and / or mechanically, mountable direct plug-in terminal, which is also changing in itself

Outside temperature still ensures secure jamming of an inserted electrical conductor, a terminal with several such

Direct plug-in terminals, an electrical switching device, in particular a

Circuit breaker, a motor protection switch, a contactor or a relay, with such a direct plug-in terminal, and a method for particular tool-free and / or mechanical mounting of such a direct plug-in terminal.

The object is achieved with a direct plug-in terminal with the features of independent claims 1 and 3, a terminal block with the features of independent claim 13, an electrical switching device having the features of independent claim 14 and a method having the features of independent claim 15. Advantageous

Embodiments are disclosed in the dependent claims.

For this, the direct plug-in terminal a clamping cage and a clamping spring, wherein the clamping spring is provided for clamping an inserted into the clamping cage electrical conductor.

The direct plug-in terminal is characterized in that the clamping spring is at least partially formed from a thermally excited shape memory alloy or consists of a thermally excited shape memory alloy. A thermally excited shape memory alloy is also referred to as memory metal. In such a clamping spring, its clamping force changes in a deformed clamping spring due to a crystalline conversion of Shape memory alloy with the temperature. As a result of the transformation, the clamping force increases when it exceeds and / or falls short of one

Limit temperature sharply or decreases sharply. By choice of

Shape memory alloy is the behavior of the clamping spring, i. H. the rise or fall of the clamping force and the limit temperature or

Limit temperatures, adaptable to the required conditions. The clamping force of the clamping spring is therefore specifically adapted to a fluctuating outside temperature.

It is preferred that the clamping spring has a clamping force that reversibly increases or decreases with increasing or decreasing temperature. The

Shape memory alloy is then invariably converted to crystalline both with increasing temperature and with decreasing temperature. Thereby, the clamping force of the deformed clamping spring in dependence on the

Outdoor temperature repeatedly set when exceeded or undershot.

Particularly preferred is a clamping spring is used, the clamping force reversibly increases with deformed clamping spring with increasing outside temperature.

As a result, the clamping force of the deformed clamping spring rises sharply when the limit temperature is exceeded, whereby it falls again when it falls below the limit temperature. Such a direct plug-in terminal is particularly suitable for

high-performance electrical appliances that generate a great deal of heat. Depending on the application but also clamping springs are preferred, the clamping force increases with deformed clamping spring with falling outside temperature. In addition, clamping springs are preferred whose clamping force at deformed clamping spring both with increasing outside temperature when exceeding a first temperature limit as well as falling outside temperature

Falling below a second limit temperature increases.

The clamping spring is preferably designed as a compression spring. Particularly preferably, it has a holding leg in addition to the clamping leg. Preferably, the clamping leg and the holding leg are arranged approximately v-shaped to each other. Most preferably, the clamping spring is V-shaped. The invention is also applicable to a direct plug-in terminal with a tension spring.

Particularly preferred is a clamping spring, which completely from the

Shape memory alloy exists. However, it is dependent on that

Use case possible that it comes in the interpretation of the clamping spring to over-bending of the clamping spring. By combining another metal with the shape memory alloy, the behavior of the clamping spring is adaptable. In such a case, it is preferred that the clamping spring is at least partially formed from the shape memory alloy and otherwise made of other metal, in particular of conventional spring steel. Most preferably, the shape memory alloy and the other metal are stacked together.

In a preferred embodiment, which also solves the problem, the clamping spring also has the holding leg, with which it is mounted in the clamping cage. In this embodiment, the clamping spring is preferably V-shaped. The direct plug-in terminal of this embodiment is characterized in that the holding leg is locked and / or clamped in the clamping cage. As a result, the installation of the direct plug-in terminal completely tool-free possible, namely by inserting the clamping spring in a sliding direction in the clamping cage. It is therefore easy to perform and can be done very quickly and mechanically.

Further preferably, the clamping cage has an interior, in which a partition wall is arranged. The partition prevents bending of the

Holding leg, when the clamping leg is bent against a clamping direction, for example, when inserting the electrical conductor in the clamping cage. Preferably, the partition wall separates a clamping region, in which the electrical conductor can be inserted, from a holding region in which the retaining limb is latched - O - and / or jammed. For a length of the holding portion is preferably about as long or only slightly longer than a thickness of the retaining leg.

For the clamping cage exterior walls, which limit the interior. Particularly preferably, the partition wall and the outer walls are integrally formed, in particular as a stamped and bent part. The clamping cage is then very

inexpensive to produce.

The holding leg preferably has positive locking means, which with

Counter-form-locking means of the clamping cage are latched. The interlocking means are preferably latching webs, which on opposite outer sides of the

Holding leg arranged. Most preferably, they are exposed to the outside. As a result, the locking webs have an acute angle to the

Outer sides on and are raised against these. The angle at which the latching webs each extend to the outside, on which they are arranged, is preferably an acute angle. As a result, the locking webs are arranged tapering in the sliding direction. In the assembled state of the direct plug-in terminal, they are positioned at the level of the counter-form-locking means.

In order to enable insertion of the retaining leg into the holding region of the clamping cage, a rectilinear groove is provided between the retaining leg and the locking webs. The groove allows the insertion of the retaining leg in the sliding direction in the holding area, a bending of the locking webs in the groove, so that they are bent in or against the transverse direction in the holding leg inside. As a result, the latching webs during insertion are not or not substantially raised against the outer sides of the retaining limb.

As Gegenformschlussmittel recesses are preferred. These can be produced quickly and inexpensively by punching. But there are also in the

Clamping cage provided indentations usable. The recesses or Indentations are preferably in the holding area at opposite

Exterior walls arranged.

It is preferred that the latching webs have a restoring force, against which they are pressed during insertion of the retaining leg in a sliding direction in the holding area inwards. At the level of the counter-form-locking means they are then bent back outwards with their restoring force, so that they engage in the counter-form-locking means. As a result, they engage behind the clamping cage. The clamping spring is then removed from the clamping cage no longer tool-free. For a width of the clamping cage in the holding area is preferably slightly larger than a width of the retaining leg.

Furthermore, it is preferred that clamping means are arranged in the holding region of the clamping cage. The clamping means are also preferred to one

Restoring force reversibly deformable. Particularly preferably, two clamping means are provided on opposite outer walls of the clamping cage. Most preferably, they are identical in construction. This will be the

Holding leg when inserted in the sliding direction in the holding area clamped with about the same clamping force of the clamping means between them. As a result, an oblique positioning of the clamping spring in the holding area is avoided.

The clamping means are preferably designed as clamping webs. Also the

Clamping webs are integrally formed by punching out a cutout and bending the outer wall of the clamping cage, and thus cost-effectively.

To a required for the crystalline transformation deformation of the

To limit the clamping spring, it is further preferred that in the clamping area an attachment tongue for the clamping leg of the clamping spring is arranged. This is also preferably in one piece, in particular by punching and bending an outer wall of the clamping cage, formed with the clamping cage. By selecting the position of the tongue, the maximum deformation of the clamping spring can be limited. The interior of the clamping cage is preferably formed cuboid.

Preferably, the clamping cage for this purpose has a first and a second opposing narrow wall as an outer wall, and a first and a second opposite broad wall as the outer wall. It is preferable that the holding portion between the first narrow wall and the partition wall, and the clamping portion between the partition wall and the second narrow wall are arranged. In this embodiment, the latching means and / or the clamping means are preferably arranged in each case on the opposite wide walls.

The object is further achieved with a terminal block having at least two such direct plug-in terminals. The direct plug-in terminals are preferably arranged side by side in a common insulating material housing. The terminal is very fast and inexpensive by inserting the

Direct plug-in terminals in the insulating material without tools and / or mechanically produced. It is preferably provided for placement on an electrical printed circuit board.

The object is further achieved with a switching device, in particular a circuit breaker, a motor protection switch, a contactor or a relay, with at least one such direct plug-in terminal.

The switching device preferably has an electrical assembly which is provided to protect an electrical load. The direct plug-in terminal is preferably used for connecting an electrical conductor to the electrical assembly, in particular to an electrical printed circuit board of the electrical assembly. It is preferably a component of a terminal block with several such direct plug-in terminals. Even with strong warming of the

Switching device, the clamping force of the clamping spring of the direct plug-in terminal is sufficiently large to ensure safe jamming of the electrical conductor, even under industrial conditions and / or heavy vibration load safely. The object is further achieved by a method for mounting such a direct plug-in terminal. The procedure provides that

a) the holding leg and the clamping leg against the clamping direction

be squeezed, and that

b) the clamping spring is then moved in the sliding direction, wherein the

Retaining leg inserted into the holding area in the clamping cage, and the clamping legs are inserted in the clamping area in the clamping cage until the locking webs engage in the recesses of the clamping cage.

The clamping spring is then removed from the clamping cage no longer tool-free. In addition to the locking of the locking webs in the recesses it is held by the partition, which prevents unwanted bending of the retaining leg against the longitudinal direction.

It is preferred that the holding leg is also jammed between the clamping webs during insertion. As a result, it is additionally jammed laterally, in particular with approximately the same clamping force. An oblique positioning of the

Clamping spring in the clamping cage is thereby avoided.

With the method, the direct plug-in terminal is tool-free and / or machine mountable. It has only the integrally producible clamping cage and the clamping spring, and no further fastening means for securing the clamping spring in the clamping cage. Therefore, it is very inexpensive to produce. In addition, the clamping force of the clamping spring by selecting the shape memory alloy from which it is made, specifically adapted to a strongly changing outside temperature, so that the direct plug even at a very high or low outside temperature, especially at a very high outside temperature, and optionally an additional strong vibration load, still ensures a secure jamming of the electrical conductor inserted in it. In the following the invention will be described with reference to figures. The figures are merely exemplary and do not limit the general idea of the invention. Fig. 1 shows a clamping cage of a direct plug-in terminal in one

perspective view;

FIG. 2 shows in (a) a first wide wall of the clamping cage of FIG. 1, in (b) a second wide wall of the same clamping cage opposite the first wide wall, in (c) a first narrow wall thereof

Clamping cage, in (d) a section A-A of Fig. 2 (c), and in © a section B-B of Fig. 2 (c);

Fig. 3 shows in (a) a side view of a clamping spring of a

Direct plug-in terminal, and in (b) a plan view of the clamping spring of (a);

Fig. 4 shows in (a) a perspective view of a direct plug-in terminal with the clamping cage of Figs. 1 and 2, and the clamping spring of Fig. 3, and in (b) is a schematic sectional view through the

Direct plug-in terminal from (a); and

Fig. 5 shows the change of a clamping force of a clamping spring made of a thermally excited shape memory alloy with the temperature.

1 shows a clamping cage 1 of a direct plug-in terminal 3 according to the invention (see FIG. 4). The clamping cage 1 is cuboid. He has outer walls 14- 17, which are arranged rectangular in cross section and a

limit rectangular interior 10. The opposite ones

Outer walls 14-17 therefore each have the same dimensions, with two of the two outer walls 14, 16 being narrower than the two other outer walls 15, 17 are. The two narrower outer walls 14, 16 are referred to below as the first and second narrow wall, the two wider outer walls 15, 17 as the first and second wide walls.

The clamping cage 1 is provided for clamping an electrical conductor 6 (see Fig. 4b). The electrical conductor 6 is for a terminal side 51 of the

Clamping cage 1 from a top 53 in a sliding direction 41 in the interior 10 can be inserted. For clamping the electrical conductor 6, a clamping spring 2 (see Fig. 3) is provided. The clamping spring 2 is at one of

Clamping side 51 opposite holding side 52 to which the clamping spring 2 is fixed in the clamping cage 1, from the top 53 in the sliding direction 41 in the clamping cage 1 can be inserted.

The clamping cage 1 is described below with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the clamping spring 2 with reference to FIG. 3. FIG. 4 describes the direct plug-in terminal 3 with inserted into the clamping cage 1 clamping spring 2. Fig. 5 describes an example of the change in the clamping force F. a clamping spring 2, which is made of a thermally excited shape memory alloy.

The clamping cage 1 is in one piece as a stamped and bent part, in particular from a

Flat strip material, manufactured. Preferably, it is made of a good electrically conductive metal, for example, a copper alloy or copper. It is for connecting the electrical conductor 6 to an electrical assembly (not shown), in particular an electrical switching device (not shown),

intended. Therefore, it is a live component.

In the interior 10 of the clamping cage 1, a partition wall 13 is arranged, which separates a clamping region 11 of a holding portion 12. The clamping area 11 is arranged on the clamping side 51. In the clamping area 11 of the electrical conductor 6 can be inserted and clamped in it. The holding area 12 is arranged on the holding side 52. In the holding area 12 is provided for fixing the clamping spring 2. - -

The holding area 12 extends between the first narrow wall 16 and the partition wall 13. The clamping area 11 extends between the partition wall 13 and the second narrow wall 14.

For fastening the clamping spring 2, the clamping cage 1

Counter-form closure means 161, here recesses, on. In the following, the terms counter-form-fitting means 161 and recesses are used synonymously. Positive locking means 211 (see Fig. 3) of the clamping spring 2 can be latched into the recesses 161. The recesses are each provided in the opposite broad sides 15, 17. They extend here into the two broad sides 15, 17 adjacent first narrow side 16 into it.

In addition, the clamping cage 1 clamping means 18 for clamping the clamping spring 2. The clamping means 18 are formed here as clamping webs. In the following, the terms clamping means 18 and clamping bars are used interchangeably. The clamping webs 18 have a restoring force, against which they are deformed during insertion of the clamping spring 2. They are formed by punching out a cutout 162 out of the clamping cage 1 and bending the clamping web 18 and extend in each case from the broad sides 15, 17 in a longitudinal direction 43 to the first narrow side 16 adjacent to the two broad sides 15, 17.

At the top 53 of the clamping cage 1 is a retaining tongue 153 for the

Clamping spring 2 arranged. The retaining tongue 153 extends from the first broad side 15 in a transverse direction 42, which is arranged transversely to the sliding direction 41 and transversely to the longitudinal direction 43.

In addition, an attachment tongue 151 is arranged in the first wide wall 15. The attachment tongue 151 also extends in the transverse direction 42. It is provided as a stop for the clamping spring 2 in order to limit a maximum deformation of the clamping spring 2. For this purpose, it has an acute angle (not shown) of approximately 45 ° -65 °, preferably 55 °, to the second narrow side 14. The tongue 151 is by punching out a U-shaped first cut 150 from the first

Broadside 15 and bending the tongue 151 formed by 90 ° in the interior 10 inside.

Furthermore, the first broad side 15 on a support bar 152. Also, the support bar 152 extends in the transverse direction 42. It is arranged on an underside 54 of the clamping cage 1 and in an analogous manner as the attachment tongue 151 by punching out an here L-shaped second recess 154 from the first

Broad side 15 and bending of the support bar 152 formed by 90 ° in the interior 10 inside.

On the second narrow wall 14 also has a stop 141 for a

Clamping leg 22 (see Fig. 3) of the clamping spring 2 is provided. The stop 141 is formed in the second narrow wall 14, in particular embossed.

After a punching out and bending of the clamping cage 1, this is attached to a connecting seam 19 (see Fig. 2 (b)), here at the second broad side 17th

is arranged, for example by welding, closed.

The clamping spring 2 (see Fig. 3) is V-shaped. It is made in one piece, preferably as a stamped and bent part of a flat strip material. It has a holding leg 21 and the clamping leg 22. The holding leg 21 and the clamping leg 22 are connected by a connecting sheet 23 with each other. In this case, the holding leg 21 and the clamping leg 22 at an acute angle (not designated) of about 40 ° - 80 °, in particular of about 60 ° to each other. The clamping spring 2 has on the retaining leg 21, a first open end 210, and the clamping leg 22, a second open end 220.

On the holding leg 21 are on opposite outer sides 201, 202nd

Positive locking means 211 arranged, which are designed here as latching webs. In the following, the terms interlocking means 211 and locking webs are used interchangeably. The latching webs 211 are opposite to the outer sides 201, 202 after on the outside. They are intended to lock with the recesses 161 of the clamping cage 1. In the assembled state of the direct plug-in terminal 10, they are therefore positioned at the level of the recesses 161.

The locking webs 211 have an acute angle 20 of about 10 ° - 30 °, here about 20 °, to the outer sides 201, 202, so that they in the sliding direction 41st

arranged to converge. They are raised above the outer sides 201, 202. The transverse in the transverse direction 42 locking ridge 211 is against the

Transverse direction 42 bent outward. The rear in the transverse direction 42 latching web 211 is bent in the transverse direction 42 to the outside.

In order to insert the retaining leg 21 in the holding portion 12 of

To allow clamping cage 1, the locking webs 211 on a restoring force, against which they are bendable in the retaining leg 21 in. In the holding leg 21 grooves 212 are provided which allow the bending. During the

Insertion of the retaining leg 21 in the sliding direction 41 in the holding portion 12 of the clamping cage 1, the locking webs 211 are therefore not or not significantly raised against the outer sides 201, 202 of the retaining leg 21. A width b (see Fig. 2 (e)) of the holding portion 12 is only slightly larger than a width B of the holding leg 21 for this purpose.

At the level of the recesses 161, the latching webs 211 are bent back outwardly during insertion with their restoring force, so that they engage in the recesses 161. The clamping spring 2 is the clamping cage 1 then removed without tools.

The insertion of the retaining leg 21 in the holding portion 12 is through

Rejuvenated 213 simplified, which are provided at the first open end 210. By the tapers 213, the width B of the retaining leg 21 is reduced and therefore easier between the clamping webs 18 of the clamping cage. 1

insertable. FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of the direct plug-in terminal 3, and FIG. 4 (b) shows a schematic section through the direct plug-in terminal 3.

In Fig. 4 (a), the locking of the locking webs 211 in the recesses 161 is visible. The latching webs 211 engage in the recesses 161, and

engage behind the clamping cage 1. They are each with an open end 214 on a recess 161 limiting edge 164 at. As a result, the mounted in the clamping cage 1 clamping spring 2 is secured by means of the locking ribs 211 against displacement against the sliding direction 41 and the clamping cage 1 is no longer tool-free removable.

Fig. 4 (b) shows the clamping spring 2 at unverschwenktem clamping leg 22 schematically in dashed lines. The undamped clamping leg 22 is held by the stop 141 of the clamping cage 1.

Schematically also an electrical conductor 6 when inserted into

Sliding direction 41 shown. The electrical conductor 6 has a core 61 which is surrounded by an electrically insulating sheath 62. He is with a stripped open end 63 in the terminal space 11 of the clamping cage. 1

inserted. He gets into contact with the clamping leg 22. Beim

Insertion of an electrical conductor 6 in the sliding direction 41 in the clamping cage 1, the clamping leg 22 of the clamping spring 2 is pivoted about a fictitious axis 7 against a clamping force of the clamping spring 2 in a pivoting direction 44. The clamping force F is shown schematically by an arrow. In this case, the second open end 220 of the clamping spring 2 comes into abutment against the stripped end 63 of the electrical conductor. 6

4 (b) also shows the pivoting in the pivoting direction 44 clamping spring 2. The clamping leg 22 is so far pivoted in the pivoting direction 44 that it rests against the abutment web 151. The contact bar 151 therefore limits the pivoting - 1 o - of the clamping leg 22 in the pivoting direction 44. Therefore, he limits the

Conductor cross section of the electrical conductor. 6

Since the clamping spring 2 is pivoted against its clamping force F during insertion, it presses the electrical conductor 6 with its clamping force F against the second narrow side 14th

To prevent accidental bending of the retaining leg 21 in or against the

To prevent longitudinal direction 43 during pivoting of the clamping leg 22 in or against the pivoting direction 44, the retaining leg 21 by the

Partition 13 is held. A length d (see Fig. 2 (e)) of the holding portion 12, d. H. a distance between the first narrow side 16 and the partition wall 13, is therefore approximately equal to or only slightly larger than a thickness D (see Fig. 3) of the

Retaining leg 21. In addition, the retaining tongue 153 prevents excessive bending of the retaining leg 21 and / or the connecting bow 23rd

By way of example, FIG. 5 shows the clamping force F of a clamping spring 2 made of a thermally excited shape memory alloy

Clamping spring 2 considerably increases the clamping force F of the deformed clamping spring 2 due to a crystalline transformation from a first limit temperature value TG1. In the case of the clamping spring 2 shown here, the characteristic curve has a hysteresis. As a result, the clamping force F falls again with decreasing temperature T from a second limit temperature value TG2. The shape memory alloy is reconverted. The conversion is thus reversible.

There are also known shape memory alloys in which the clamping force F increases significantly with decreasing temperature T. Furthermore are

Shape memory alloys are known in which the clamping force F increases with increasing temperature T and with decreasing temperature T. The invention also relates to such clamping springs 2. In addition, the hysteresis is customizable. In the direct plug-in terminal 3 according to the invention this behavior is used to the amount ZI of the clamping force F of the deformed clamping spring 2 from a selectively set first limit temperature TG1 to a by selecting the

Shape memory alloy targeted to adjust other amount Z2.

At a strongly changing temperature T, for example, due to a strong heating of the electrical assembly, in which the direct plug-in terminal 3 is installed, or at a strong rising for other reasons

Outside temperature, the clamping force F of the clamping spring 2 shown here increases significantly from the first limit temperature TG1 to the second amount Z2. As a result, the clamping spring 2 also ensures secure clamping of the electrical conductor 6 in the clamping cage 1.

Since the transformation of the shape memory alloy is reversible, the

Clamping force F with decreasing temperature from the second limit temperature TG2 very quickly back to their original first amount ZI. This process is repeated with changing temperature T.

For a direct plug-in terminal 3, for use in an electrical

Switching device is provided, for example, a clamping spring 2 with a

Shape memory alloy preferred, which is optimally mountable at a temperature T of about 20 °. The clamping spring 2 should also have a maximum clamping force F in a temperature range of 70 ° C - 110 ° C, in particular about 90 ° C. The clamping force F of the clamping spring 2 should therefore at about 20 ° C, the first amount ZI, and at about 70 ° C - 110 ° C, the second amount Z2.

The direct plug-in terminal 3 according to the invention also ensures a secure clamping of the inserted electrical conductor 6 even when the temperature T changes greatly. It is tool-free and / or mechanically, and moreover can be produced very cost-effectively from stamped and bent components. LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1 clamping cage

10 interior

11 clamping area

12 holding area

13 partition

131 divider

14 Second narrow wall, busbar

141 stop

15 First widescreen

150 First cut

151 tongue

152 supporting bridge

153 retaining tongue

154 Second cut

16 First narrow wall

161 counter-form-locking means, recess

162 section

163 edge of the recess

17 Second wide screen

18 clamping bar

19 seam

2 clamping spring

20 angle of the locking webs to the outsides

201, 202 opposite outer sides of the clamping spring

21 holding thighs

210 First open end of the retaining leg

211 positive locking means, locking webs

212 groove 213 rejuvenation

214 Open end of the locking bar

22 clamping legs

220 Second open end of the clamping leg

23 connecting bow

3 direct plug-in terminal

41 insertion direction

42 transverse direction

43 longitudinal direction

44 pivoting direction

51 clamping side

52 holding side

53 top

54 bottom

6 Electric conductor

61 core

62 insulation

63 Stripped end

7 Fictitious axis

F force

T temperature

TG1, TG2 First, second limit temperature

ZI, Z2 Amount of clamping force

B Width of the retaining leg

b Width of the holding area

D Thickness of the retaining leg

d length of the holding area

Claims

claims

1. Direct plug-in terminal (3) with a clamping cage (1) and a clamping spring (2), wherein the clamping spring (2) has a clamping leg (22) with which in the clamping cage (1) inserted electrical conductor (6) clamped in this is

characterized in that

the clamping spring (2) at least partially made of a thermally excited

Shape memory alloy is formed or consists of a thermally excited shape memory alloy.

2. Direct plug-in terminal (3) according to claim 1, characterized in that the

Clamping spring (2) has a spring force (F), which increases reversibly with increasing temperature (T).

3. direct plug-in terminal (3) according to the preamble of patent claim 1 or one of the preceding claims, wherein the clamping spring (2) also has a holding leg (21), with which it is fixed in the clamping cage (1),

characterized in that

the retaining leg (21) in the clamping cage (1) is locked and / or jammed.

4. direct plug-in terminal (3) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized

in that the clamping cage (1) has an inner space (10) in which a dividing wall (13) is arranged, comprising a clamping area (11), into which the electrical conductor (6) can be inserted, from a holding area (12), in which the retaining leg (21) is locked and / or jammed, separates.

5. direct plug-in terminal (3) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized

in that the inner space (10) is bounded by outer walls (14-17) is, wherein the partition wall (13) is formed integrally with the outer walls (14 - 17), in particular as a stamped and bent part.

6. direct plug-in terminal (3) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized

characterized in that the holding limb (21) has positive locking means (211) which are provided with counter - form - locking means (161) of the clamping cage (1), which in the

Holding region (12) on opposite outer walls (15, 17) are arranged, are latched.

7. direct plug-in terminal (3) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized

characterized in that the interlocking means (211) are latching webs, wherein the counter-form-locking means (161) are recesses, and wherein the latching webs engage in the recesses.

8. direct plug-in terminal (3) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized

characterized in that in the holding region (21) of the clamping cage (1) clamping means (18), in particular clamping webs are provided, between which the

Holding leg (21) is clamped against a restoring force.

9. direct plug-in terminal (3) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized

characterized in that in the clamping region (11) an attachment tongue (151) for the clamping leg (22) of the clamping spring (2) is arranged, which limits a deformation of the clamping spring (2) against a clamping direction (44).

10. Direct plug-in terminal (3) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized

characterized in that the clamping spring (2) is V-shaped.

11. Direct plug-in terminal (3) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized

characterized in that the outer walls (14-17) have a first and a second opposing narrow wall (14, 16) and a first and a second opposing wide wall (15, 17), so that the inner space (10) is formed substantially cuboid.

12. Direct plug-in terminal (3) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized

characterized in that the holding area (12) is arranged between the first narrow wall (16) and the dividing wall (13), and the clamping area (11) is arranged between the dividing wall (13) and the second narrow wall (14).

13. Terminal block with at least two direct plug-in terminals (3) according to one of

previous claims, wherein the direct plug-in terminals (3) are arranged in a common insulating material lined up together.

14. Switching device, in particular circuit breaker, motor protection switch, contactor or relay, with at least one direct plug-in terminal (3) according to one of the preceding claims.

15. Method for mounting a direct plug-in terminal (3) according to one of

Claims 1 - 12, wherein

a) the holding leg (21) and the clamping leg (22) against the clamping direction (44) are compressed, and

b) the clamping spring (2) is then displaced in the sliding direction (41), wherein the retaining limb (21) in the holding area (12) in the clamping cage (1), and the clamping leg (22) in the clamping area (11) in the clamping cage (1 )

are inserted until the locking webs (211) engage in the recesses (161) of the clamping cage (1).