EP2381536A2 - Contact clamp and connector with contact clamp - Google Patents

Abstract

The inserted end of the conductor is connected to an electrical contact (28). The support frame (20) includes a contact section (26) contacted by the end of the conductor. The clamping limb (72) swings in the support frame between open and closed positions. This limb holds the end of the conductor against the contact section (26) when the conductor end is inserted to reach the desired contact position. This completes electrical connection. The limb (72) swings away when open, leaving the contact region free. This assists insertion or removal of the conductor end. In the closed position, the clamping limb (72) is at an angle to the contact section (26). Its movement is resilient, such that the conductor end is under spring force in the closed position, once inserted. The pivot bearing is ahead of the clamping location in the direction of insertion; the limb runs at an angle from the bearing to the clamping location when closed. The clamping section is an integral component of the clamping spring (60), which also has an operating limb (74). The clamping spring is constructed as a tilting lever pivoting in the support frame. Flexural strength of the clamping spring is designed to allow insertion of the conductor, which pushes it back as it slides into the desired position. The clamping spring is stamped as a single piece from a spring metal sheet. It is formed as a V-shaped angled lever, the acutely-angled section lying between the clamping- and operating limbs. Further mechanical details of the spring and its mounting in the support frame are elaborated in the text and clarified by accompanying drawings. When closed, a catch section on the operating limb engages the support frame. The support frame includes a fixed connecting component (28) extending in the insertion direction (E). The support frame is stamped-out and formed from metal sheet; it is essentially U-shaped. It forms part of an insulated connector for the end of a conductor. The connector has an insulating housing (162) with a screw-on cover (166) providing cable sheath clamping. When the connector is assembled, the clamping spring is moved to the closed position, completing clamping of the cable end and making connection with it.

Description

Field of the invention

The invention relates to a contact terminal, which can be opened and closed by means of a movable to a mating contact clamping spring and a connector with the contact terminal, in particular for connecting photovoltaic modules.

Background of the invention

Single pole waterproof connectors, especially for applications in the photovoltaic industry, are typically provided with an electrical lead by crimping the lead to a contactor. Crimping requires a special tool to make the crimped connection. Furthermore, a crimped connection after it has been manufactured is no longer detachable.

From the DE 196 13 557 is a clamp with a bending spring known. The bending spring here is relatively complex shaped and it must be used in any case, a relatively high force to close the clamp. On the other hand, the load arm is relatively long and the clamp is relatively large and unwieldy. Another disadvantage is that the conductor end can be inserted only when the contact terminal is open. In addition, under tensile load, an acting in the opening direction of the force component on the load arm, which requires a high preload or can affect the contact safety. In addition, the terminal is prepared for mounting on a busbar and not suitable for a single contact.

From the DE 20 2005 007 607 U1 are known a contact element and a terminal box for electrical conductors, in which by insertion or insertion of the conductor, a first leg of a spring element performs a rotational movement. The nip is relieved by pressure on the first leg, for example by means of an associated with the surrounding insulating housing actuator. Disadvantageously, the discharge of the terminal point and thus a release of the conductor can be done unintentionally, for example, if accidentally pressed on the actuator. Furthermore, the force and tension conditions do not seem optimal and the clamping force is not particularly great. In general, the terminal appears structurally unsuitable for some applications, in particular with regard to contact safety.

General description of the invention

Therefore, it is an object of the invention to provide an openable contact terminal for the free end of a conductor, which is easy to handle and yet ensure a secure and permanent electrical connection, inter alia, against tensile forces on the conductor.

A further general object of the invention is to simplify the connection of electrical lines, for example to connectors, and to enable manual connection, in particular without special tools.

Depending on the application, in particular the type of conductor end, the contact terminal should allow the user to select among connection variants. The contact terminal and the connector should also be inexpensive to produce and possibly suitable for outdoor use.

The invention is solved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Advantageous developments are the subject of the dependent claims.

According to the invention an electrical contact terminal for connecting a conductor end of a conductor or conductor cable is provided with a fixed electrical contact. The conductor end is inserted from an insertion side into the contact terminal, whereby the insertion direction is defined.

The contact terminal comprises a holding frame or a holding frame with a contact portion, in particular a fixed contact plate with which the conductor end is contacted when the conductor end is inserted in the desired contact position in the contact terminal and the contact terminal is closed. The contact plate is therefore an integral part of the support frame and the clamping spring clamps the conductor end directly against the contact plate and thus directly against the support frame. The contact clamp further comprises a clamping leg which is pivotally mounted in the support frame about a pivot axis to be pivoted between an open pivot position and a closed pivot position back and forth. The pivot axis is transverse to the insertion direction.

The clamping leg, in the closed pivot position, electrically clamps the conductor end against the contact portion integrally formed with the support frame when the conductor end is inserted into the desired contact position in the contact terminal to establish electrical contact between the conductor end and the contact portion. In the open pivot position of the clamping leg, however, is pivoted away from the contact portion and releases the contact area in the contact terminal between the terminal point of the clamping leg and the contact portion, so that the conductor end in the open pivot position on the one hand freely in the contact area is inserted and on the other hand for removal from the Contact terminal is released. It is therefore an actively openable and closable contact terminal.

The clamping leg is in particular a part of an angled or curved pivotable clamping spring, which also comprises an actuating leg and a knee section therebetween. In the closed pivot position of the clamping spring, the clamping leg is inclined - without a conductor end at an angle of preferably about 45 ° ± 30 ° - to the contact portion or obliquely towards the base of the support frame and is resiliently movable, such that the conductor end in the closed pivot position can be introduced from the insertion side to the clamping point under elastic springing of the clamping leg or the entire clamping spring in the desired contact position in the contact terminal without having to open the contact terminal or to have to transfer the clamping spring in the open pivot position.

That the angle of the clamping leg to the contact portion and the spring tension are chosen such that on the one hand the clamping leg can be pressed by inserting the conductor end, in particular by hand, and on the other hand, but the spring tension exerts sufficient clamping normal force on the conductor end to a safe and permanent connection to ensure when the conductor end is inserted in the nominal contact position and the spring contact terminal is closed.

Thus, the conductor end can be inserted both with the contact terminal open - here free - and with the contact terminal closed, which makes handling more flexible. When the conductor end is inserted with the contact terminal closed, ie with the clamping leg in the closed pivot position, the front tip of the conductor end first comes to the front of the inclined portion of the clamping leg to the plant and then typically slides on the slope of the clamping leg until the conductor end with bottom the contact section comes into contact. Now, when the user pushes the ladder further, the ladder end pushes the clamp leg upwardly away from the contact portion due to the slope and elasticity, and rubs continuously under application of force by the user into the contact area between the clamped end of the clamp leg and the driver Contact section to the nominal contact position. Thereafter, the head end is already finally clamped and contacted, so that the otherwise necessary further operation of closing the contact terminal can be omitted. The inclined in the insertion direction clamping leg therefore has a sufficient length to meet the sliding and Aufdrückfunktion. The clamping leg should therefore have at least one skew length corresponding to the thickness of the conductor end, but preferably the skew length should be a multiple of the thickness of the conductor end. For typical circular conductors, such an oblique length of at least 2 mm, in particular at least 5 mm, according to one exemplary embodiment, is approximately 7 mm ± 2 mm. About this skew length of the clamping leg is preferably substantially straight. In particular, the clamping leg should run at least in the middle of the insertion opening in the insertion direction obliquely in the direction of the contact plate or base of the support frame to ensure safe sliding of the conductor end during insertion. As a result, tensile forces acting on the conductor can be transmitted directly to the bearing point via the, essentially straight, clamping leg. This achieves a good conductor fit. It may, depending on the conductor, be useful to stiffen the stripped conductor end of a sheathed round conductor, for example, to provide with a crimp barrel. This may be useful especially when using a stranded wire. In particular, if a rigid single-core wire is used, but this may be waived if necessary. The rubbing can additionally clean the contact points.

If the contact terminal is closed without the conductor end and only then the conductor end is introduced, the closing force is reduced to the clamping spring against closing with already inserted conductor end, which facilitates handling, especially when closing with the fingers without tools. Preferably, the clamping leg is also without a conductor in the closed Pivoting already slightly biased against the contact portion to later achieve a sufficient clamping normal force. Furthermore, a clearly audible closing noise can be provided, which increases safety. Compared with an insoluble crimp or solder connection between the conductor and connecting element, for example in the form of a plug contact, such a contact terminal is flexible, since it can be opened again at any time and the conductor or terminal can be replaced individually. The necessary insertion force and the clamping normal force can be adjusted, inter alia, by means of the oblique angle of the clamping leg and the spring tension.

Preferably, the pivot bearing between the clamping spring and the support frame in the insertion direction in front of the nip of the clamping leg on the conductor end, i. Arranged in front of the contact area and the clamping leg extends in the closed pivot position of the pivot bearing towards the nip obliquely in the direction of insertion to the contact portion. That the conductor end is inserted from the direction of the pivot bearing of the clamping spring in the terminal contact. The clamping leg pivots in this configuration when pivoting from the closed to the open pivot position in the insertion direction.

This attracts, unlike that in the DE 195 13 557 shown terminal, a tensile force on the clamped conductor to the clamping spring, since the power dissipation is derived due to the direction of the slope in the direction of the normal clamping force. In other words, a tensile force on the conductor, ie counter to the insertion direction, a normal acting in the closing direction normal component, since the Clamping leg at the nip with the contact portion seen from the insertion of an angle of less than 90 ° includes.

The clamping spring or spiral spring is therefore designed in particular as a leaf spring-like rocker arm, which pivots between the open pivot position and the closed pivot position and whose flexural rigidity is adapted such that in the closed pivot position on the one hand press the clamping leg by the insertion of the conductor end elastically allows the conductor end without further actuation of the closed contact terminal in the desired contact position in the contact terminal between the contact portion and the clamping point of the clamping leg can be inserted rubbing on both sides. Conveniently simple, the rocker arm or the clamping spring is integrally stamped and formed from a metal spring plate. The contact terminal can also be referred to as a rocker arm clamp.

Preferably, the rocker arm or the clamping spring is designed as an angle lever, so that between the actuating leg and the clamping leg, an angled knee section is arranged, wherein at inserted conductor end of at least the knee section is resiliently biased, i. causes at least a part of the clamping normal force. Preferably, however, also contribute to the clamping leg itself and possibly even the actuating leg by elastic bending to the clamping force.

The actuating leg, the knee section and the clamping leg of the rocker arm and the clamping spring close preferably an angle of greater than 90 °, or in particular form substantially a V-shape, so that the actuating limb away from the knee section also in the insertion direction. The actuating portion thus has generally (apart from the angle) in the same direction (namely, the insertion direction) as the clamping leg. Preferably, the bearing axis is disposed within the V-shape in the region of the knee section and the actuating portion extends with the contact terminal closed substantially parallel to the insertion direction. It has proven useful to select an angle of the V-shape of 135 ° ± 30 °, adapted to the size and the necessary pivot angle. The substantially V-shaped clamping spring points with the knee section arrowhead like against the insertion direction, especially in the open pivot position slightly downward (towards the conductor axis) and / or in the closed pivot position slightly upward (away from the conductor axis). It should initially not be ruled out that further legs are present to form a more complex spring shape, but the simplest form, which is essentially only a V-shape of two essentially straight main legs (clamping and actuating legs) at an angle of sharpener than 90 ° and the connecting knee section. Smaller sections, such as the slightly angled nip are to be regarded as part of the respective main leg. All in all, this type of design is user-friendly and space-saving.

As already stated, the clamping leg itself is preferably designed as an elastic spring clamping leg, such that upon pressing of the spring clamping leg in the closed pivot position by means of the conductor end, the spring-clamping leg from the contact point elastically bends. The bending moment of the spring-clamping leg in the desired contact position of the conductor end is thus selected such that thereby at least a part of the clamping normal force is effected on the conductor end. Preferably, however, the actuating leg is designed as a spring leg and contributes to the effect of the clamping normal force. An integrally stamped and shaped clamping spring, especially of uniform thickness, is easy to manufacture. Preferably, however, the bending stiffness of the actuating leg is set greater than the bending stiffness of the spring-clamping leg, for example by a greater width of the actuating arm. Further, the actuating leg is preferably longer than the clamping leg, so that advantageously a translation of the actuating force is achieved in a higher clamping force.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the clamping leg has a free terminal end with which the conductor end is clamped and a main section extending between the free terminal end and the knee section. Here, the main section extends in the closed pivot position in the insertion direction from the insertion side to the clamping point obliquely to the contact portion and has a dual function in which it causes the derivation of the conductor end during insertion and contributes to the bias of the clamping spring. Namely, during insertion, the conductor end preferably comes first to the main portion to the plant and is guided due to the oblique arrangement in the direction of the contact portion, in order then to press the clamping spring. The section with the free terminal end is considerably shorter than the main portion and is preferably bent slightly counter to the insertion direction relative to the main portion, so that in the closed pivot position with inserted conductor end the free terminal end forms a stoop angle with the contact portion of the support frame than the main portion or part the clamping leg, which causes the introduction of the conductor end. The clamping portion with the clamping end is therefore angled at an angle of less than 90 ° relative to the main portion, in particular by less than 45 °. In this way, despite a relatively acute angle of the main section, a better power dissipation can be achieved and the pull-out force can be increased. However, the free clamping section or the clamping end should still point in the insertion direction, ie, as viewed from the insertion direction, have an angle of less than 90 ° to the insertion direction or to the contact section essentially parallel thereto, so as not to hinder the insertion of the conductor. The clamping leg thus still runs substantially straight from the nip to the bearing axis.

Further preferably, the main portion of the spring-clamping leg on, in particular arcuate, constriction, which reduces the bending stiffness of the spring-clamping leg at the constriction. This ensures a better distribution of the bending moment and the clamping spring can be made slightly smaller on the whole. The narrowest point of the main section is narrower than the free terminal end and the knee section.

The actuating leg of the clamping spring preferably has a remote from the pivot bearing positioned Operating section on. The closing of the clamping spring, for example, by manual pressing by the user and can be done with a bare finger. When the user presses the operating portion, the pivotal movement is effected in the closed pivot position of the clamping spring on the actuating leg, which acts as a power lever. The pivoting angle is approximately 45 ° ± 30 ° and the actuating portion extends in the open pivot position obliquely away from the contact portion and possibly in the closed pivot position substantially parallel to the insertion direction, which allows good operability and compact design.

The rocker arm engages audibly on the support frame in the closed pivot position, so that a high contact reliability is ensured. For this purpose, the rocker arm or the clamping spring has a free latching portion which is located at the opposite end of the free clamping end of the rocker arm remote from the bearing axis. The latching portion is preferably angled relative to the actuating limb in the direction of the holding frame or the contact portion and the latching means are arranged on the latching portion. Thus, the locking means do not interfere with manual operation. The fact that the locking of the actuating leg is arranged away from the storage, the actuating leg can also contribute to the spring action and bias.

The holding frame is preferably formed in cross-section to the insertion direction substantially U-shaped and thus has two lateral cheeks and a lower base, the latter integrally forming the contact portion. Of the Rocker arm or the clamping spring also has two lateral cheeks and the rocker arm is pivotally mounted with his cheeks on the cheeks of the support frame, which ensures good lateral guidance.

Further preferably, the lateral cheeks of the rocker arm are formed substantially L-shaped and the bearing axis of the rocker arm is arranged in the insertion direction of the conductor end in front of the junction of the lateral cheeks on the actuating limb so that the pivot point relatively close to the knee section and the connection point slightly further the knee section away. As a result, on the one hand a good pivot point for the lever and a simple formability of the clamping spring is ensured, in particular, since the junction, which is angled laterally by 90 °, is connected to the substantially straight part of the actuating arm.

The connection element to which the conductor end is connected by means of the contact terminal is arranged on the insertion side of the conductor end opposite side and facing in the insertion direction, so that a substantially linear connection between the conductor and the connection element, for example, is provided for a linear connector. Preferably, the protruding connecting element is formed integrally with the holding frame. Suitably, the holding frame is punched and formed together with the connecting element, for example a plug-in contact, from a piece of sheet metal. The holding frame and the plug contact are in particular made of copper sheet, for example, about 0.8 mm to 2 mm thick, stamped and shaped and silvered or tinned and the clamping spring is made of a Spring steel sheet, for example about 0.3 mm to 0.5 mm, punched and shaped.

According to a preferred embodiment, the metallic holding frame has a stop against which a counter-stop of the clamping spring strikes in the closed state. The stop blocks movement of the clamping spring against the clamping standards and is e.g. formed in the form of lateral pins on the cheeks and arranged in particular in the storage area. As a result, an additional safeguard against unintentional cracking of the clamping spring is ensured, in the event that the storage of the clamping spring dissolves. For example, For this purpose, the holding frame for this purpose on both sides on its upper side near the storage side hook-like projections which extend transversely to the insertion direction and along the axis of rotation of the cheeks of the U-shaped support frame. Lateral projections on the clamping spring engage in the closing of the clamping spring in the hook-like projections, whereby not only a backup against the clamping standards, but also against unintentional bending of the cheeks of the clamping spring and the support frame against each other, which ensures against unintentional springing the storage. This is particularly advantageous when short bearing journals are used as a pivot bearing.

The invention further relates to a connector for connecting a conductor end to the connection element with a preferably watertight housing in which the contact terminal is housed. The connector is thus particularly suitable for use outdoors, in particular for the connection of photovoltaic modules, eg as Connector for connection to a junction box of a photovoltaic module. The dielectric housing is preferably formed at least in two parts, more preferably at least three parts, and comprises an inner holding part, to which the contact clamp is attached, for example, is latched to the holding part with latching hook. The housing further has a sleeve-shaped Umgehäuseteil, which at least partially surrounds the holding part in the assembled state. The sleeve-shaped Umgehäuseteil preferably has an inner securing portion, for example in the form of an inwardly directed rib, which rests in the mounted state on the actuating limb and thus secures the rocker arm, if necessary, in addition to the catch against accidental rupture. By this possibly even double backup a particularly high guarantee against unintentional opening of the contact terminal is achieved. The housing bottom is formed in continuation of the contact portion to ensure a hook-free insertion of the conductor end via the housing bottom and the contact portion.

Preferably, the housing further comprises a third sleeve-shaped cap part, which is in the assembled state with the sleeve-shaped Umgehäuseteil engaged and the contact terminal and the holding part together with the sleeve-shaped Umgehäuseteil, preferably substantially waterproof.

For mounting by the user, the contact terminal is fixed to the holding part of the housing and the capping part is temporarily fixed to the holding part. In particular, the union part is designed as a cap sleeve or union nut, which with a threaded end, not yet completely unscrewed on the holding part. In this state, the contact terminal may still be open. When the conductor end is inserted into the contact terminal in the open state through an end opposite the threaded end, this preferably takes place in the above-described partially screwed-on state of the housing. Subsequently, the clamping spring is closed and the sleeve-shaped Umgehäuseteil inserted from the other side to the holding part and firmly screwed to the union nut. If necessary, the screw connection with the holding part runs into the void. In the final assembled state then the union nut is screwed onto the sleeve-shaped Umgehäuseteil and the clamping rib of the sleeve-shaped Umgehäuseteils is applied to the clamping spring and secures them. The union nut has opposite the threaded end an insertion opening for the conductor and between the union nut and the holding part is an elastomeric ring seal used to seal the conductor to its sheath. The sleeve-shaped Umgehäuseteil has at its end opposite the insertion a contact projection in which the connection element is housed for contacting with a mating connector, and connecting means with the mating connector.

A particular advantage of the invention, however, in addition to the connection method described above, that the connector with closed and secured contact terminal without ladder can be almost completely assembled and only subsequently the conductor with the stripped conductor end in the connector with closed contact terminal can be inserted. It is only expedient to leave the screw still slightly loose before inserting the conductor, and only after insertion of the Conductor and manufacture of the terminal contact to tighten the screw, the seal is made. As a result, the connector can be prefabricated very far and is particularly easy for the user to handle. The conductor end is therefore in both states, namely both in the open state and in the closed state with the contact terminal or with the connector, in particular manually, connectable or connectable.

In the following the invention will be explained in more detail by means of an embodiment and with reference to the figures.

Brief description of the figures

Fig. 1

Eine dreidimensionale Darstellung der geöffneten Kontaktklemme von schräg oben,

Fig. 2

Wie Fig. 1, aber mit geschlossener Klemmfeder,

Fig. 3

Eine Seitenansicht der geöffneten Kontaktklemme,

Fig. 4

Wie Fig. 3, aber mit geschlossener Klemmfeder,

Fig. 5

Eine dreidimensionale Darstellung des U-förmigen Haltegestells von schräg oben,

Fig. 6

Eine dreidimensionale Darstellung der Klemmfeder von schräg unten von der Einführseite,

Fig. 7

Eine dreidimensionale Darstellung der Klemmfeder von schräg oben,

Fig. 8

Eine Seitenansicht der Klemmfeder,

Fig. 9-11

Einen Längsschnitt entsprechend dem Schnitt A-A in Fig. 13 durch die Kontaktklemme mit Steckkontakt beim Einscheiben des Leiterendes in die geschlossene Kontaktklemme,

Fig. 12

Eine Seitenansicht der Einzelteile des Steckverbinders mit eingebauter Kontaktklemme

Fig. 13

Wie Fig. 12, aber in der Aufsicht von oben,

Fig. 14

Ein Längsschnitt entlang der Linie A-A in Fig. 13,

Fig. 15

Eine Aufsicht von oben auf den vollständig zusammengebauten Verbinder ohne Leiter,

Fig. 16

Ein Längsschnitt durch den vollständig zusammengebauten Verbinder entlang der Linie B-B in Fig. 15,

Fig. 17

Eine dreidimensionale Darstellung des vollständig zusammengebauten Verbinders von schräg vorne,

Fig. 18

Eine dreidimensionale Darstellung auf den vollständig zusammengebauten Verbinder von schräg hinten, von wo der Leiter einzuführen ist.

Show it:

Fig. 1

A three-dimensional representation of the open contact terminal from obliquely above,

Fig. 2

As Fig. 1 but with closed clamping spring,

Fig. 3

A side view of the open contact terminal,

Fig. 4

As Fig. 3 but with closed clamping spring,

Fig. 5

A three-dimensional representation of the U-shaped support frame obliquely from above,

Fig. 6

A three-dimensional representation of the clamping spring obliquely from the bottom of the insertion,

Fig. 7

A three-dimensional representation of the clamping spring obliquely from above,

Fig. 8

A side view of the clamping spring,

Fig. 9-11

A longitudinal section corresponding to the section AA in Fig. 13 through the contact terminal with plug contact when inserting the conductor end into the closed contact terminal,

Fig. 12

A side view of the parts of the connector with built-in contact terminal

Fig. 13

As Fig. 12 but in the top-down view,

Fig. 14

A longitudinal section along the line AA in Fig. 13 .

Fig. 15

A top view of the fully assembled connector without ladder,

Fig. 16

A longitudinal section through the fully assembled connector along the line BB in Fig. 15 .

Fig. 17

A three-dimensional representation of the fully assembled connector obliquely from the front,

Fig. 18

A three-dimensional view of the fully assembled connector from behind, from where the conductor is to be inserted.

Fig. 1 shows the contact terminal 10 according to the invention with a U-shaped cross-section in the contact area of sheet metal bent support frame 20 and the pivotally mounted on the support frame 20 clamping spring 60. The support frame 20 has on lateral cheeks 22a, 22b on the insertion side 12 each outwardly shaped bearing pin 24a , 24b. The clamping spring 60 has at its lateral cheeks 62a, 62b respectively round openings 64a, 64b, in which the bearing pins 24a, 24b engage from the inside out to form the pivot bearing 14 for the clamping spring 60. The arrow E visualizes the insertion direction for the in Fig. 1 not shown ladder. The pivot axis 14 of the clamping spring 60 is perpendicular to the insertion direction E and perpendicular to the base 26 of the support frame 20, which integrally connects the two lateral cheeks 22a, 22b and forms the contact portion as a mating contact for the clamping spring and the electric busbar. The clamping contact 10 also has a connection element 28, in this example in the form of a three-part socket. The three-part socket 28 is stiffened with an over-spring 30 and with a connecting portion 32 which extends parallel to the contact plate 26, integrally stamped and formed with the holding frame 20.

The clamping spring 60 is substantially V-shaped and comprises a clamping leg 72, an actuating leg 74, a knee section 76 connecting the clamping leg and the actuating leg.

Referring to Fig. 2 the clamping spring is closed after pivoting down by manual operation of the user. At the approximately vertically angled down Locking portion 78 are each integrally formed laterally locking projections 80a, 80b, which engage audibly behind locking lugs 34a, 34b. The actuating leg 74 further includes a slightly widened actuating portion 82 at the opposite end of the bearing 14 on which the user presses to close the contact terminal 10. At the central main portion 84 of the actuating leg 74, which is slightly narrower than the actuating portion 82, the lateral cheeks 62a, 62b are bent downwards vertically and embrace the lateral cheeks 22a, 22b of the holding frame 20. The lateral cheeks 62a, 62b are transverse to the pivot axis 14 substantially L-shaped with a downwardly extending arcuate connecting portion 86a, 86b and a substantially straight and vertically downwardly extending guide portion 88a, 88b. The openings 64a, 64b are respectively arranged at the rear, the insertion side facing the end of the guide portion 88a, 88b.

Referring to Fig. 1 and 3 The guide portions 88a, 88b at its rear end on a projecting stop pin 90a, 90b, which engage with closed contact terminal in substantially L-shaped and transversely of the cheeks 22a, 22b projecting hooks 36a, 36b on the support frame 20 and to this attacks. The L-shaped hooks 36a, 36b on the one hand form a securing stop upward and a lateral securing against bending for the two cheeks 62a, 62b by lateral guidance, so that a popping of the bearing in the closed pivoting position (FIG. Fig. 2, 4 ) is securely prevented, even if a large force acts on the clamping spring 60.

The details of the support frame 20 and the clamping spring 60 are also in the individual representations of Fig. 5 respectively. Fig. 6-8 easy to recognize.

Referring to Fig. 6 For example, the clamping leg 72 has lateral constrictions 73a, 73b, which run asymmetrically arcuately and provide for a reduction in the bending stiffness.
The clamping leg 72 has at its lower end a again in full width designed clamping portion 92, with the lower edge 94, the conductor end is clamped and thus defines the nip 95.

Referring to Fig. 8 is the general V-shape of the clamping spring 60, formed by the clamping leg 72, the actuating leg 74 and the knee section 76, clearly visible. The clamping leg 72 and the actuating leg 74 are substantially straight and the knee section 76 is bent around with an adapted radius and defines the opening angle α between the clamping leg 72 and the actuating leg 74 in this example about α = 45 ° in a relaxed state. The clamping portion 92 is angled approximately at an angle β = 20 ° counter to the insertion direction (E) of the clamping leg 72, but still directed in the insertion direction E.

The relaxed clamping leg 72 forms with respect to the insertion a relatively shallow angle of about γ = 45 ° and extends at this angle, seen from the knee section 76 to the clamping portion 92, in the insertion direction E.

Look at the Fig. 1 and 14 It can be seen that the conductor end 16 can be freely inserted into the contact terminal 10 when the clamping spring 60 is open.

Referring to the Fig. 9-11 Now a special feature of the invention is shown, namely the insertion of the conductor end in the closed contact terminal 10. The conductor end 16 is inserted transversely to the axis of rotation 14 of the insertion side 12 in the insertion direction E in the contact terminal 10 linear. As in Fig. 9 shown, the conductor end 16 first abuts with its upper edge approximately in the middle against the clamping leg 72 and, if not already down on the bottom 158 of the housing 160, led down. The housing bottom 158, which in the Fig. 9-11 is only partially shown, leads the contact portion on the insertion side surface and should be formed at its top approximately flush with the base or contact plate 26 of the support frame 20 to allow a hook-free insertion of the conductor end 16. Now referring to Fig. 10 the conductor end 16 inserted with further application of force in the insertion direction E in the contact terminal 10, the clamping leg 72 springs upwards and releases the contact region 18 of the contact terminal 10 piece by piece.

Fig. 11 shows the fully inserted in the insertion direction E in the contact terminal conductor end 16 in the end position or nominal contact position. The clamping leg 72 clamped with the clamping edge 94 of the clamping portion 92, the conductor end 16 against the contact plate 26 to make the electrical contact. Due to the slight bending of the clamping portion 92 against the insertion direction E with respect to the main portion 75 of the Klemmschenkels 72 is the clamping angle of the clamping leg 72 at the nip 94 despite oblique contact leg 72, whose angle was reduced to the insertion direction by the springs still to about 20 °, yet acceptable. Advantageously, a tensile force K _Z counter to the insertion direction E on the conductor end 16 acts in the closing direction of the clamping spring 92 acting normal component K _N. This increases the pull-out force and thus ensures a permanent connection. In other words, the tensile force K _Z causes a tightening of the clamping connection.

In the Fig. 9-11 it appears that only the knee section 76 would bend, but in this example also a slight bending of the clamping leg 72 and even of the free end latched actuating section 74 contribute to the generation of the bias on the conductor end 16.

Referring to Fig. 12-14 the housing of the contact terminal 10 is shown. The housing 160 of the connector 110 is formed in this example in three parts with a sleeve-shaped housing 162, a holding part 164 and a union nut 166. The contact terminal 10 is latched with upwardly extending locking tabs 172a, 172b in the holding part 164. The holding part 164 is substantially U-shaped in cross section, so that the contact terminal 10 can be inserted from above. In the open state, the operating portion 74 of the clamping spring 60 projects upwards out of the holding part 164, so that the contact clamp can be comfortably closed with the finger. Referring to Fig. 14 extends the clamping leg 72 of the clamping spring 60 in the open state approximately parallel to the insertion direction E, so that in In this example, the clamping spring 60 sweeps over a pivot angle of about 45 °.

Connecting the conductor end with the contact terminal open

For assembly with open contact terminal 10, the union nut 166 is screwed with its thread 174 on the thread 176 of the holding part 164, wherein an elastomeric sealing sleeve 178 is inserted into a crimping crown 180 at the insertion end of the holding part 164. In this preassembled state, the user need only hold the rear contact assembly 182 from the parts 10, 164, 166, 178 and the front sleeve-shaped surrounding housing 162 and can freely insert the conductor end through the insertion opening 184 in the union nut 166 into the open contact terminal 10. In this state, a visual inspection of the correct position of the conductor end 16 is possible and the actuating leg 74 is easily accessible with the finger, so that the user can then close the contact terminal 10. Now, the sleeve-shaped surrounding housing 162 is pushed from the front onto the plug contact 28, via the holding part 164 and into the union nut 166. Then, the union nut 166 is screwed on further, the thread 174 engaging with the external thread 186 of the sleeve-shaped surrounding housing 162 and being screwed tightly. Since the thread 174 ends approximately in the middle of the union nut 166, the screw with the thread 176 of the holding part 164 is released again, so that an optimal screw connection with the sleeve-shaped surrounding housing 162 can be achieved. Here, however, alternative forms of connection are conceivable. When screwing the crimping crown 180 is compressed and seals with the elastomeric sealing ring 178 against the sheath (not shown) of the conductor. Another ring seal 188 seals the holding part 164 against the sleeve-shaped surrounding housing 162.

Connecting the conductor end with the contact terminal closed

Referring to the Fig. 9-11 and Fig. 16 the possibility of connecting the conductor end 16 in the closed contact terminal or the closed and even almost completely assembled connector is shown.

Referring to Fig. 16 For example, the closed contact terminal 10 can be completely installed in the housing 160 and the housing 160 can be closed by screwing. It is only necessary to ensure that the elastomeric sealing sleeve 178 is not completely crushed. Now, as in Fig. 9-11 shown, the conductor end 16 is inserted into the assembled, but not yet screwed connector in the insertion direction E through the insertion opening 184 in the connector housing 160 and the contact, as shown in the Fig. 9-11 is shown prepared. Subsequently, only the housing 160 is screwed tightly to seal with the elastomeric sealing sleeve 178, the sheath (not shown) of the conductor.

Further referring to Fig. 16 It is shown that the projecting plug contact 28 in the housing 160, more precisely in the sleeve-shaped housing 162, which is designed as a front plug-in part, is housed. For this purpose, the front housing plug 162 has a tubular projection 190 to define the front plug housing. Connecting means 192 in the form of latching hook in Plug-in direction, which is equal to the insertion direction E, projecting from the housing, allow the connection with a complementary mating connector, not shown. In the in Fig. 16 illustrated assembled state of the connector 11) or connector housing 160 secures a clamping rib 194 inside the sleeve-shaped housing 162, the clamping spring 60 by abutment against its operating portion 74 against unintentional opening, which further increases the contact reliability.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the above-described embodiments are to be understood by way of example, and that the invention is not limited to them, but that they can be varied in many ways without departing from the invention. Further, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the features, whether as disclosed in the specification, claims, figures, or otherwise, may individually define essential components of the invention and may be individually addressed to limit the scope of protection, even when combined are described together with other features.

Claims (15)

Contact terminal (10) for connecting a stripped conductor end (16) which can be inserted from an insertion side (12) into the contact terminal (10) a holding frame (20) having a contact section (26) with which the conductor end (16) can be contacted, a clamping spring (60) which comprises a clamping leg (72) and an actuating leg (74) and is designed as a rocker arm, which is pivotally mounted in the holding frame (20) and between an open pivot position (Fig. 1) and a closed pivot position (Fig 2) is pivotable back and forth, wherein the clamping leg (72) in the closed pivot position clamps the conductor end (16) against the contact portion (26) when the conductor end (16) is inserted into the desired contact position (Figure 11) in the contact terminal (10) for electrical contact between the conductor end (16) and the contact portion (26), wherein the clamping leg (72) is pivoted away in the open pivot position of the contact portion (26) and the contact area (18) in the contact terminal (10) releases, so that the conductor end (16) in the open pivot position on the one hand in the contact terminal (10). is inserted and on the other hand is released for removal from the contact terminal (10), wherein locking means (80a, 80b, 34a, 34b) between the clamping spring (60) and the holding frame (20) are included and the clamping spring (60) in the closed pivot position on the holding frame (20). is locked, and wherein the clamping leg (72) in the closed latched pivoting position obliquely (y) to the contact portion (26) and is resiliently movable, such that the conductor end (16) in the closed latched pivot position under elastic springing of the clamping leg (72) in the Sollkontaktposition in the contact terminal (10) can be inserted. Contact terminal (10) according to claim 1,
wherein the pivot bearing (14) in the insertion direction E in front of the nip (94) of the clamping leg (72) on the conductor end (16) is arranged and the clamping leg (72) in the closed pivot position of the pivot bearing (14) to the clamping point (94) at an angle in the insertion direction to the contact portion (26) extends and the clamping leg (72) swings when pivoting from the closed to the open pivot position in the insertion direction E. Contact terminal (10) according to claim 1 or 2,
wherein the clamping spring (60) is integrally stamped and formed from a metal spring plate. Contact terminal (10) according to one of the preceding claims,
wherein the clamping spring (60) is designed as an angle lever and between the actuating leg (74) and the clamping leg (72) an angled knee section (76) is arranged. Contact terminal (10) according to claim 4,
wherein the actuating leg (74), the knee section (76) and the clamping leg (72) form a substantially V-shape. Contact terminal (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the clamping leg (72) as an elastic spring-clamping leg (72) is formed such that upon pressing the spring-clamping leg (72) in the closed pivot position by means of the conductor end (16) of Spring clamping leg (72) of the contact portion (26) away elastically bent and causes the bending moment of the spring clamping leg (72) in the desired contact position of the conductor end (16) at least a portion of the clamping normal force on the conductor end (16). A contact clamp (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the clamping leg (72) has a free terminal end (94) clamping the conductor end (16) and having a main portion, the main portion being in the closed pivotal position in the insertion direction (E) of FIG the insertion side (12) to the nip (94) extends obliquely towards the contact portion (26) and the free terminal end (94) is bent against the insertion direction (E), so that in the closed pivot position with inserted conductor end (16), the free terminal end (94) includes a stoop angle with the contact portion (26) of the support frame (20) as the main portion. Contact terminal (10) according to claim 7,
wherein the main portion of the spring-clamping leg (72) a constriction (73a, 73b), which reduces the bending stiffness of the spring-clamping leg (72) at the constriction. Contact terminal (10) according to one of the preceding claims,
wherein, in the closed pivot position, the actuating limb (74) has an actuating portion (82) positioned away from the pivot bearing (14), such that by pressing the actuating portion (82) by the user, the clamping spring (60) pivots to cause the contact clamp (10 ) is closed and the actuating leg (74) from the pivot bearing (14) to the actuating portion (82) in the closed pivot position in the insertion direction (E). Contact terminal (10) according to one of the preceding claims,
wherein the clamping spring (60) has a latching section (78) which is located at the end of the clamping spring (60) opposite the free clamping end (94), the latching section (78) being opposite the actuating leg (74) in the direction of the holding frame (20 ) is angled and wherein the locking means are arranged on the latching portion (26). Contact terminal (10) according to one of the preceding claims,
wherein the holding frame (20) is substantially U-shaped and has two lateral cheeks (22a, 22b) to which the clamping spring (60) is pivotally mounted and has a base which the two Cheeks (22a, 22b) connects to each other and wherein the base forms the contact portion (26). Contact clamp (10) according to claim 11, wherein the clamping spring (60) has two laterally angled cheeks (62a, 62b), and the bearing (14) of the clamping spring (60) on the lateral cheeks (62a, 62b) of the clamping spring (60) and the lateral cheeks (22a, 22b) of the U-shaped support frame (20) is provided. Contact clamp (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the holding frame (20) and the clamping spring (60) complementary stop means (90a, 90b, 36a, 36b) which in the closed pivot position, a mechanical safeguard against unintentional release of the storage (14) form. Contact terminal (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the holding frame (20) has a fixed in the insertion direction (E) directed electrical connection element (28) on the insertion side (12) of the conductor end opposite side and the contact terminal (10) has an electrical contact between the conductor end (16) and the connection element (28) produces. A connector (110) for connecting a conductor end, comprising the contact terminal (10) according to any one of the preceding claims a dielectric housing (160) in which the contact terminal (10) is housed, wherein the housing (160) is formed at least in two parts and a holding part (164) on which the contact terminal (10) is fixed and a sleeve-shaped Umgehäuseteil (162), wherein the Umgehäuseteil (162) in the assembled state, the holding part (164) at least partially encloses.

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