EP3465828A2

EP3465828A2 - Spring terminal for a conductor

Info

Publication number: EP3465828A2
Application number: EP17725955.3A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Michael Herrmann; Constantin Classen; Karlo Stjepanovic; Stephan Fehling; Walter Hanning; Jens Oesterhaus; Marco Waldhoff; Herbert Fricke
Original assignee: Weidmueller Interface GmbH and Co KG
Current assignee: Weidmueller Interface GmbH and Co KG
Priority date: 2016-05-30
Filing date: 2017-05-26
Publication date: 2019-04-10
Anticipated expiration: 2037-05-26
Also published as: WO2017207429A2; JP6864700B2; EP3465828B1; WO2017207429A3; US10658766B2; CN109314324A; CN109314324B; US20190319374A1; JP2019517716A

Abstract

Disclosed is a spring terminal (1), more particularly a direct clamp terminal, for connecting a conductor (10) that can be in the form of a flexible stranded conductor, the spring terminal having at least the following features: a. a housing (3, 30, 40) with a chamber (4) and an insertion passage (5) for inserting the conductor into the chamber (4), b. a bus bar (8) or a clamping cage (13), c. a clamping spring (7) which is located in the chamber (4) and which acts as a compression spring, for securing the electrical conductor (10) to the bus bar (8) or the clamping cage (13) in the region of a clamping point (K), d. wherein the clamping spring (7) has a clamping limb (7a) that can be pivoted about a pivoting axis and that can be shifted from a detent mode (R), in which it is locked in a detent position, into a clamping mode (K), in which it is released from the detent mode and presses the electrical conductor (10) against the bus bar (8) or the clamping cage (13), and wherein e. the clamping limb (7c) can be released from the detent mode (R) using two different shifting means.

Description

Spring terminal for conductor

The present invention relates to a spring-loaded terminal according to the preamble of claim 1.

Such spring terminals in one embodiment as a direct plug-in terminals (push-in) with a trained as a compression spring clamping spring which presses the conductor against the busbar, are known in various embodiments. They differ mainly due to their application, for example, depending on the required current carrying capacity of the busbar, the spring force of the clamping spring and / or their installation conditions, especially their size. Here are a simple installation and a cost-effective production permanently Asked for such a terminal. US 7,997,915 B2 discloses a wire end ferrule, at one end of a direct plug-in terminal for non-detachable connection of an electrical conductor is arranged. The direct plug-in terminal comprises a current-carrying clamping cage for electrically contacting the electrical conductor and a spring for fixing the electrical conductor. The spring has a pivotable clamping leg, which is positioned at not inserted into the direct plug-in electrical conductor on a retaining edge, so that a free space for the electrical conductor kept and this is inserted into the clamping cage. When inserted into the direct plug-in terminal, the holding means is displaced so that the clamping leg is released and pivoted. The pivoted clamping leg presses the electrical conductor to the clamping cage.

A further development of this direct plug-in terminal is known from EP 2 768 079 A1, in which the latching state can be restored by an actuating element, a pressing element, after a release of the latched clamping leg by the conductor.

It is the object of the present invention to provide a spring-loaded terminal, in particular an attachable spring-loaded terminal, in particular for stranded conductors, which improves this functionality and in particular can also be used for stranded conductors with a small cross-section. The object is achieved in each case with a spring-loaded terminal according to claim 1 and / or according to claim 2. Advantageous embodiments can be found in the dependent claims.

What is provided is a spring-loaded terminal, in particular a direct plug-in terminal, for connecting a conductor, which can be formed as a flexible stranded conductor, which has at least the following features: a housing with a chamber and with an insertion channel for the conductor into the chamber, a busbar, a arranged in the chamber, acting as a compression spring clamping spring for fixing the electrical conductor to the busbar in the region of a clamping point, wherein the clamping spring has a pivotable about a pivot axis in a pivoting clamping leg, which is locked by a latching state in which it is locked in a detent position, is adjustable in a clamping state in which it is unlocked from the latching state and presses the electrical conductor against the busbar, wherein the clamping leg with two different adjustment means from the latching state is releasable.

The release of the open position or the locking position of the clamping leg is possible in two different ways. This is advantageous because when the actuation of the adjusting means in an individual case does not lead to release the detent position of the clamping spring or the clamping leg, this still the other adjusting means can be used to release the clamping spring or its clamping legs from the detent position. From EP 2 768 079 A1 this is not known, because there is not solved with the pressing element of the locking state but only restored.

The object is further achieved by a spring-loaded terminal, in particular direct plug-in terminal, for connecting a conductor, which can be designed as a flexible stranded conductor, which has at least the following features:

a) a housing with a chamber and with an insertion channel for the conductor into the chamber,

b) a busbar and / or a clamping cage, c) an arranged in the chamber, acting as a compression spring clamping spring for fixing the electrical conductor to the busbar and / or the clamping cage in the region of a nip,

d) wherein the clamping spring pivotable about a pivot axis

Clamping leg which is adjustable from a latching state in which it is locked in a detent position in a clamping state in which it is unlocked from the latching state and presses the electrical conductor against the busbar or the clamping cage,

or a spring-loaded terminal according to claim 1,

in which

e) the latching state is not generated by locking an element on a free clamping edge of the clamping leg and that the latching state is releasable by introducing the conductor in the conductor insertion into the housing. It is advantageous for this solution to be regarded as a separate invention as well as a solution suitable as a further development of claim 1 that the latching state is not generated by latching an element to a free clamping edge of the clamping leg, and yet in a simple manner the latching state by introducing the conductor in Leitereinführrichtung in the housing is solvable. Because at the clamping edge of the clamping leg or would be relatively high forces to release the latching position required. In addition, wear can occur at the clamping edge due to the locking. This problem is avoided in this way. In addition, more defined friction conditions exist outside the clamping edge, in particular during latching by pressure on the clamping leg and latching of a pusher on the housing. It is accordingly also preferred that the latching state is generated by pressure on the clamping leg in Leitereinführrichtung, for example by means of an acting on the clamping leg actuator, in particular pusher, which can be latched to the housing in a Verraststellung in which it by pressure on the clamping legs in Ladereinführrichtung keeps this latched in the open position. Such are only relatively small forces and beyond relatively well-defined forces for releasing the clamping leg with the head of the

Locking required. This advantageous effect also makes use of the invention for releasing the latching position with the conductor itself, in that the pusher is coupled to a movable triggering element that is connected to the clamping limb. cooperates and which is movable by pressure of the conductor, so as to release the pusher from its latched position.

Constructively, the subject matter of claim 1, 2 and / or 3 can be implemented in various ways, for example advantageously in the ways described below.

It is advantageous and simple if the single or the first of the two adjusting means has a movable trigger element, which acts on the end of the conductor to be contacted upon release of the conductor and with the clamping leg of the clamping spring directly or indirectly - in the latter case over at least one Intermediate element - is released from the latching state. In the first case - direct action - it is also conceivable, for example, that the triggering element is formed integrally with the pusher. It is also advantageous and simple if the second of the two adjusting means comprises an actuating element for moving the clamping leg. Then it is expedient if the actuating element itself can be latched together with the clamping limb of the clamping spring in the latching state and is itself detachable directly from the latching state, whereby the clamping limb of the clamping spring can also be released from the latching state.

The release of the open position or the locking position of the clamping leg is possible in two different ways. Thus, the release of the locking position of the clamping leg can be done on the one hand by means of the conductor and on the other hand by means of the actuating element. This is advantageous because even if the conductor is designed, for example, as a very thin multi-strand conductor with which only a very small force can be exerted on the trigger element, the pusher itself can be used directly to the clamping spring or their Release clamping leg from the locking position.

According to a structurally well implementable and safe working variant is provided that the actuating element is a pusher for moving the clamping leg, which is displaceable in the insertion direction in an actuating channel of the housing and limited perpendicular to the insertion direction is movable and can be latched in the housing at a locking edge in the latching state.

This can be realized, for example, in that the pusher has a lateral latching edge which can be latched by moving it perpendicularly to the insertion direction behind the latching edge of the housing in the latching state and can be released from the latching state by opposing movement.

According to an advantageous and easy to handle variant can be provided that the pusher is moved in the insertion direction after sliding past the locking edge by the spring force of the clamping spring in the locking position and that the pusher by moving with a manually operable operating tool such as a screwdriver in the opposite direction from the latching state is solvable.

It is also expedient, since the pusher can be kept relatively short in the insertion direction when the pusher has a recess for attaching an actuating tool which is dimensioned so that with the actuating tool moving the pusher in the insertion direction and also perpendicular to the insertion direction is feasible.

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

The spring-loaded terminal is not only suitable for full conductors, but also, in particular, for stranded conductors. Because the stranded conductor is displaced back and forth without splicing the strands in the locked state in the free space of the chamber in the housing. It is a material for the busbar selectable, which has good electrical conductivity, such as copper or a copper alloy. For spring a spring steel is advantageous as a manufacturing material. In the following the invention with reference to an embodiment with reference to the drawings will be described in more detail. Show it :

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

Fig. 1 b, the spring-loaded terminal of Fig. 1 a) with the clamping legs in one

Rest state;

Fig. 2a is a side view of the spring clamp of Figure 1 b) with a conductor during insertion of the conductor in the spring-loaded terminal, wherein the clamping leg is still in the latching state. FIG. 2b shows the spring-loaded terminal from FIG. 2a) with an electrical conductor inserted into the spring-loaded terminal, wherein the clamping limb is unlocked from the latching state;

Fig. 3a is a side view of an actuating element of the spring-loaded terminal of Figure 1a and Fig. 2a).

Fig. 3b is a plan view of the actuator of Fig. 3a;

Fig. 4a is a sectional view of a spring clamp similar to Figure 1 a and 2a with a conductor during insertion of the conductor in the spring-loaded terminal, wherein the clamping leg is still in the latching state.

Fig. 4b is an enlarged detail of Fig. 4a;

Fig. 4c, the spring terminal of Fig. 4a) in perspective and cut

View, here with an inserted into the spring terminal electrical conductor with the clamping leg in the locking state;

Fig. 5a, b, a further spring terminal once in an unconnected and once in a wired state, wherein a part of the housing of the spring-loaded terminal has been hidden;

Fig. 6a is a perspective view of the spring-loaded terminal of Fig. 5;

Fig. 6b-c perspective views of components and / or assemblies of

Spring terminal of Fig. 6a; and

Fig. 7a-c perspective views of variants of individual components

and / or assemblies for the spring clamps of Fig. 6a. a further spring terminal once in an unconnected and once in a wired state, wherein a part of the housing of the spring-loaded terminal has been hidden;

a perspective view of the spring-loaded terminal of Figures 8a, b. perspective views of components and / or assemblies of the spring-loaded terminal of Fig. 8c;

a sectional perspective view of another spring terminal with a clamping leg, which is provided for clamping an inserted or inserted into the spring terminal electrical conductor, in a non-latched, not open state of a clamping spring;

a perspective view of a formed as a pusher actuator of the spring terminal of Fig. 10a);

a side sectional view of the spring clamp of Figure 10a) with an attached actuating tool in a state in which the clamping leg of a clamping spring is placed in a locked state and in which then a conductor is inserted into a nip. the spring-loaded terminal of FIG. 10a) in the latching state with a conductor inserted into the clamping point and with an actuating tool; the spring-loaded terminal of Fig. 10a) in the latching state of Figure 12) without an inserted into the terminal point conductor and with a relative to Fig. 1 1 at another point of the pusher attached actuating tool, with the latching state to be solved. and

in a) is a side sectional view of another spring terminal in an open latching state and in b) designed as a pusher actuator of the spring terminal of FIG. 10a.

1 a and b and Fig. 2a, b show a first spring terminal 1. 4a to c show a further spring terminal 1, the structure of which corresponds to the spring terminal 1 of Figure 1 - c and Fig. 2a-b except for a slightly different geometry of a yet to be explained support contour 9 of the housing 3. The spring-loaded terminal 1 is shown in one embodiment as an attachable terminal. The spring-loaded terminal 1 has a housing 3, in which a direct plug-in connection 2 is formed. The housing 3 is preferably made of an insulating plastic. In the housing 3, a chamber 4 which is open towards at least one side is formed. The chamber 4 here has a rear wall. The chamber 4 is on the one hand by a Leiterereinsteckkanal 5 with one of the outer sides of the housing - called "Einsteckseite", here the top - connected and on the other hand by an actuating channel 6. The actuating channel 6 is substantially parallel to the Leiterereinsteckkanal 5. The actuating channel. 6 is here formed in a stepped manner (see Fig. 4a and c).

In the chamber 4, at least one clamping spring 7 and a bus bar 8 are arranged to form the direct plug connection 2. Optionally, a clamping cage made of metal can be provided, which serves to support the clamping spring 7 and the busbar 8. Here no clamping cage is provided. This function take here walls of the chamber 4 of the Gehäuse3.

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

The pivotable clamping leg 7b serves to act with spring force 10 in the region of a terminal point K on a conductor 10 and to press this conductor 10 against the busbar 8. Thus, an electrically conductive contact between the inserted conductor 10 and the bus bar 8 is made. This is clearly evident from FIG. 2b. The conductor 10 can be guided in a conductor insertion direction X through the conductor insertion channel 5 in the chamber 4 in the region of the clamping point K (see Fig. 2a, Fig. 4a). In the actuating channel 6, an actuating element is arranged. The actuating element is here in a preferred embodiment as a pressing element - called "pusher 1 1", formed, which is guided displaceably in the actuating channel 6. Preferably, a free end 1 1 a of the pusher 1 1 on the outside of the housing 3 to the outside This is advantageous, but not compulsory Furthermore, advantageously at this free end 11a, an actuating contour-in particular a depression 11b-can be formed on the pusher 11 for attaching a tool, in particular a screwdriver. This recess 1 1 b is preferably dimensioned such that a screwdriver relatively firmly and far into the recess 1 1 b is inserted (Fig. 4a, Fig. 4c).

The other end 1 1 c of the pusher 1 1 extends into the chamber 4. The pusher 1 1 also has a pressure contour 1 1 d - here between its two ends 1 1 a and 1 1 c - on. This pressure contour 1 1 d serves to be able to exert a force on the clamping leg 7b in the insertion direction with the pusher 1 1 in order to open the clamping leg 7b.

Below the first pressing contour 1 1 d, the pusher 1 1 a slot 1 1 e on the type of a through hole with lateral walls. The clamping leg 7b passes through this slot 1 1 e. The clamping leg 7b is in the slot 1 1 e limited pivoting.

The pusher 1 1 also has an actuating contour 1 1 f. Here this actuating contour 1 1 f below the slot 1 1 e at the end 1 1 c is provided.

Below the end 1 1 c of the pusher 1 1 - here below the actuating contour 1 1 f - a movable trigger element 12 is disposed in the chamber 4. This triggering element 12 is here in an advantageous - but not compelling - embodiment designed as a rocker arm, which has two rotatable about an axis of rotation lever arms 12a, 12b. The pusher 1 1 also has at least one lateral recess 1 1 g, on which a first undercut 1 1 h (see also Fig. 4b) is formed. These

Undercut 1 1 h is a locking edge, which cooperates with a corresponding locking edge 3a on / in the chamber 4 of the housing 3. It is this

Undercut 1 1 h at the side facing away from the clamping leg 7b side of the pusher 1 1 is formed.

By pressing the pusher 1 1 in the operating opening 6 in the insertion direction X pressure can be exerted on the clamping leg 7b.

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

Starting from the position of FIG. 1a, the function of the pusher 11 is initially different. As soon as the pusher 1 1 or its undercut 1 h 1 has been pressed so deep that it passes the locking edge 3a here in the transition region from the actuating channel 6 to the chamber 4, the pusher 1 1 - for example, by the force of the clamping spring 7 or of the clamping leg 7b is pushed slightly perpendicular to the insertion direction X for the conductor 10 to the side. It locks the

Undercut 1 1 h behind the locking edge 3a. For this purpose, it is necessary that the pusher 1 1 is slightly displaceable and pivotable in the housing 3 or limited in the actuating channel transversely to the insertion direction. This pivotability is preferably at least dimensioned such that the undercut 1 1 h in the above-described (n) Verraststellung is pivotally (see in particular Fig. 4a and c).

In this way, the clamping spring 7 or its clamping leg 7b can be latched or latched in an open position in the housing 3 (see FIGS. 1 b and 2 a). This latching takes place by pressure on the clamping legs in the conductor insertion direction with the pusher 1 1, which is latched to the housing in a latching position, can be moved out of the. In itself, this principle is known, for example from DE 10 2008 039 232 A1 or WO 2015180950 A1. In this position, the conductor 10 can be pushed into the region of the clamping point K in a simple manner.

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

Because the latching state is not achieved by latching an element to the free

Clamping edge 7d, so that the end of the locking leg 7b takes place at which the conductor is to terminals, is required to release the clamping leg from the latching position only a very small force. This makes use of the invention by not making the locking position or the latching state at the clamping edge of the clamping leg but by pressure on the clamping legs in the conductor insertion. In this case, even if the conductor 10 is designed, for example, as a very thin multi-strand conductor with which only a very small force can be exerted on the tripping element 12, the pusher 11 itself can be used directly for the clamping spring 7 and their clamping leg 7b to be released from the detent position.

This is implemented in various ways, so expediently in the manner described below. Thereafter, the pusher 1 1 to release the Verraststellung something in the housing 3 is moved - here laterally perpendicular to the insertion X - moved or pivoted that the undercut 1 1 h is moved out of the latching position on the locking edge 3a and the locking of the pusher 1 1 is released on the housing 3. This also the detent position of the locking leg 7b is released. In this way, the clamping leg 7b of the clamping spring 7 can relax and press the conductor 10 in the nip K against the busbar 8. This is conceivable here manually or with a tool.

Alternatively, a force can be exerted on the trigger element 12 with the conductor end of the conductor 10 in the conductor insertion direction X in order to release the pusher 1 1 from the open position and thus from the locked position. The conductor 10 presses on the one of the two lever arms, namely the lever arm 12a. As a result, the triggering element rotates about its axis of rotation 12 c and the other lever arm 12 b acts on the actuating contour 1 1 f of the pusher 1 1 a. This action in turn moves the pusher 1 1, which is supported on the housing 3, so that it is from the latching the locking edge 6a triggers, whereby the pusher 1 1 is released and in the actuating channel 6 again against the insertion direction X by the force of the released clamping leg 7b slides slightly upwards. This release of the latching position is the usual way to Beschälten the spring terminal 1. The above-described movement of the pusher 1 1 is an alternative solution, for example, if the conductor 1 0 is so flexible that with him in a particular case, no sufficient force for actuating the trigger element 1 2 can be generated.

It is advantageous if the recess 1 1 b at the out of the housing 4 projecting end 1 1 a of the pusher 1 1 is dimensioned so deep that a force can be exerted on the pusher 1 1 with the inserted screwdriver or other tools, to solve this from his detention. This is well understood from the interaction of FIGS. 3a, 3b and 4a and 4c.

The pusher 1 1 here still has a gradation 1 1 i, which corresponds to a gradation 6a of the actuating channel and a insertion limit for the pusher 1 1 realized in Leiterereinsteckrichtung X (Fig. 4a).

FIGS. 6a and 5a, b show a further spring-loaded terminal. This variant is shown in Fig. 5a in an unconnected and in Fig. 5b in a connected to a conductor 1 0 state, wherein in Fig. 5a and 5b, a part of the housing 30 but shown in Fig. 6 of the spring clamp has been hidden.

This housing 30 is designed somewhat differently than in the preceding Figures 1 to 4. There, the housing 3 has been shown open on one side, so that in such a way the clamping spring 7 and other components from the open side in the housing 3 can be mounted. The clamping spring 7 is supported in plastic.

By contrast, according to FIGS. 5 and 6, a multi-part housing 30 is provided, which has a housing lower part 31 and an upper housing part 32 which can be placed thereon.

The lower housing part 31 is designed in the manner of a cross-sectionally closed here in cross-section and here rectangular sleeve which is open at one or two opposite end faces (in the figures. Up and down). According to Fig. 5 to 7, a metallic assembly is further provided, which has a (simple design) clamping cage 13 (see in particular Fig. 7a and c), in which the clamping spring 7 is inserted. For a direct support of the clamping spring 7 on the support leg 7a in the housing 30 is not provided here. The clamping cage 13 is at least U-shaped in a side view and has three legs 13a, 13b, 13c. Laterally it is open, but this is not a problem, since here the lower housing part 31, the conductor 10 centered.

Between these legs 13a, 13b, 13c, the clamping spring 7 is set. At least one of the legs 13a, b, c can be used for connection to an electrical subassembly (not shown here), for example for connection to a plug, not shown here, or to a printed circuit board or the like. The same applies to the busbar 8 of FIG. 1 to 4. In contrast, the busbar 8 in Figure 1 in the side view, for example, L-shaped. This L is supplemented here by a further leg 13a, so that a support leg 13a is formed. The support leg 13a is used to support the (for example attached to him) support leg 7a of the clamping spring 7, the clamping leg 7b a conductor 10 in the connected state of Fig. 5b presses against contacting the leg 13c, here also electrically conductive function or

Busbar function has or takes over the function of the busbar with.

The clamping cage 13 is with the clamping spring 7 is inserted from an open side into the lower housing part 31. Such are these elements together

preassembled, so easy to mount and well protected in the

Housing base 31.

Preferably, the upper housing part 32 and the lower housing part 31 are latched to each other at corresponding locking means 14 after the clamping cage 13 and the clamping spring 7 have been mounted together, as shown in FIG. 7a well.

In the upper housing part 32 of the conductor inserting channel 5 and the actuating channel 6 are formed for the pusher 1 1. This in turn is locked in the housing 30 so that an open position is formed, in which the nip K open and a Head 10 can be inserted into this terminal point K. In that regard, reference is made to the description of FIGS. 1 to 4.

To release this locking position, in turn, a triggering element 12 is provided on the one hand. According to Fig. 5, this trigger element 12 is formed from a subassembly to the assembly of the elements 13 and 7. This sub-assembly may be made purely of metal, purely of plastic or mixed of elements of metal and plastic. It has here the trigger element 12 and a bearing block 15, on which the trigger element 12 is pivotally mounted. This subassembly can be used on the clamping cage 13 with pre-assembled and together with this and the busbar 7 in the housing 30.

According to Fig. 5a and 5b are two short metallic legs 13d, 13e bent against the Leiterereinsteckrichtung x from the leg 13b of the clamping cage upwards, which form the bearing block 15 for the trigger element 12 in the manner of a rocker, which may consist of plastic or metal and is pivotally mounted on the bearing block 15 at corresponding receptacles.

The bearing block 15 may also be designed as a separate element of metal or plastic from the clamping cage 1 3, which can be fastened to the clamping cage 13 (FIGS. 7 a - c) and in turn has receptacles for the triggering element 12. This is the difference of Fig. 7 to Figs. 5 and 6.

The triggering element 12 in turn has two lever arms 12a, 12b. Therefore, a force can be exerted on the trigger element 12 with the conductor end of the conductor 10 in the conductor insertion direction X, in order to release the pusher 1 1 from the open position and thus from the latched position. The conductor 10 presses on the one of the two lever arms, namely the lever arm 12a. As a result, the trigger element 12 rotates about its axis of rotation 12 c and the other lever arm 12 b acts as a triggering contour on one or two corresponding actuating contour (s) 1 1 f of the pusher 1 1 a. These are designed here as arms which extend laterally of the clamping cage. Such a safe release on two arms of the pusher 1 1 can be realized. This action in turn moves the pusher 1 1, which is supported latching on the housing 3, so that it releases from the latching on the latching edge 6a, whereby the pusher 1 1 is released and in the actuating channel 6 again against the insertion direction X by the force of the released clamping leg 7b slides slightly upwards.

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

Alternatively, the pusher 1 1 can be released directly from the latched position, as described above. In FIGS. 8a to 9c, a further embodiment of a spring-loaded terminal is shown. This embodiment corresponds essentially to the spring-loaded terminal, as described with reference to FIGS. 5a to 7c.

As shown in FIGS. 8a to 8c, this spring-loaded terminal also has a multi-part housing 40, with a housing lower part 41 and a housing upper part 32 which can be placed thereon. The upper housing part 32 corresponds to the housing upper part described with reference to FIGS. 5a to 7c 32nd

The lower housing part 41 is opposite to that described above

Housing base 31 is formed extended and has at its lower end a receptacle 42 for receiving an electrical contact, for example, a so-called blade contact, as provided in particular on boards.

In the cavity of the extended housing lower part 41, a terminal 1 6 is taken.

The connection 1 6 is, as shown in Fig. 9c, connected to the clamping cage 13 and thus serves, as described above, as a connection to a (not shown here) electrical assembly.

In this case, the connection 16 has an intermediate piece 17, which is connected to the leg 13b of the clamping cage 13 via a leg 17a. At an end facing away from the clamping cage 13 of the intermediate piece 17, two clamping legs 18a, 18b, which are bent away from side edges of the intermediate piece 17 approximately V-shaped toward each other until they touch each other, wherein the free ends to form a receptacle 19 from each other weg are bent, so that, for example, a blade contact by the receptacle 42 of the housing base 41 and the receptacle 19 between the clamping legs 18a, 18b can be inserted and so an electrical contact between the (not shown) blade contact and the clamping cage 13 is given. It is also conceivable, the receptacle 42 of the housing base 41 and the terminal 16, which is electrically connected to the clamping cage 13, geometrically adapted to a wire conductor or other design of a plug-in contact.

FIGS. 10a to 13 show a further possible - and advantageous - embodiment of a spring-loaded terminal designed according to the invention. They show a further spring-loaded terminal 1, the structure and function of which largely corresponds to that of the spring-loaded terminal 1 of FIG. 1 a - c and FIGS. 2 a - b and 3. In this respect, the description of these figures is fully applicable to these figures. According to Fig. 10a to 13, the above-mentioned variant is realized that the free end 1 1 a of the pusher 1 1 does not project beyond the outside of the housing 3 to the outside. It applies, in particular, to the latching state R or the tensioned, locked state of the clamping spring 7. This can also apply to both states, the tensioned, locked latching state or the non-tensioned, unlocked state. Then, no additional space is required for the pusher 1 1, since it does not protrude from the actuating opening 6. He is also well protected in this.

Furthermore, advantageously at this free end 11a, at least one actuating contour-in particular a recess 11b-can be formed for attaching a tool, in particular a screwdriver, to the pusher 11. This recess 1 1 b or one of the recesses is preferably in turn dimensioned such that a screwdriver in the recess 1 1 b is inserted (Fig. 4a, Fig. 4c). This recess 11 b is hereby made by a lateral approach on the pusher 1 1 educated. The term recess refers to the end 1 1 a and a consideration of this end in the insertion direction X.

Again, the pusher 1 1 has a lateral locking edge 1 1 h, which is locked by moving perpendicular to the insertion X behind the locking edge 3a in the latching state R and by oppositely moving transversely or perpendicular to the insertion direction X from the latching state R.

It is provided here that the pusher 1 1 is moved when moving in the insertion direction X by the spring force of the clamping spring 7 transversely to the insertion in the locking position and that the pusher 1 1 by moving with a manually operable operating tool such as a screwdriver S in the opposite direction from the latching state R is releasable (see Fig.13). This is done by turning the pusher 1 1. For this purpose, the pusher 1 1 turn at least one recess 1 1 b for attaching an actuating tool, which is dimensioned so that with the operating tool - here the screwdriver - moving the pusher in the insertion direction X and also pivoting perpendicular to the insertion direction X can be realized , This recess 1 1 b is here advantageous (but not mandatory) formed laterally on the pusher 1 1 at the end of 1 1 a. The screwdriver S can then engage with its end in this recess 1 1 b and abut an edge K at the end of the actuating opening 6 on the housing 3, so that a defined pivoting is possible (Fig.13, there to the left, so that the Screwdriver turns around edge K as a rotary axis). The pusher 1 1 is released from the latching and it is a total of the latching state solved, s Fig. 1 1 and 13 show.

It can be provided a further preferably central recess 1 1 b ', which also allows a pressing of the pusher 1 1 parallel to or in the insertion direction 1 1. Then, the pusher 1 1 two of the wells 1 1 b, 1 1 b 'have. This is advantageous, structurally simple and easy to handle. Otherwise, the function and handling of this embodiment correspond to those of FIGS. 1 a, b and 2 a, b. The pusher 1 1 thus has two recesses 1 1 b, 1 1 b 'for attaching the actuating tool, which is so dimensioned / that a total of these two recesses 1 1 b, 1 1 b' with the actuating tool moving the pusher in the insertion direction X and perpendicular to the insertion direction X can be realized.

It should also be mentioned that one or two stop means are provided on the rocker-like release element 12. For this purpose, the rocker or the rocker arm as the triggering element is designed so that one or both of its lever arms 12a, 12b respectively in a rotation on an abutment, e.g. a portion of the busbar 8 or on a housing edge or the like. Can strike. One or two geometric end stops 12d, 12e can be realized in such a simple manner as to realize one or both of the following functions as the one or more stop means: a protection against too wide rotation of the triggering element 12 or here of the tilting lever during clamping or production of the Latching state and against too wide rotation of the trigger element 12 when triggered by the conductor 10th

FIGS. 14 a) and b) show a further possible - and advantageous - embodiment of a spring-loaded terminal designed according to the invention. They show a further spring-loaded terminal 1, the structure and function of which largely corresponds to that of the spring-loaded terminal 1 of FIG. 1 a - c and FIGS. 2 a - b and 3. In this respect, the description of these figures is fully applicable to these figures.

Also, according to Fig. 14 a) and b), a variant is realized in which the free end 1 1 a of the pusher 1 1 does not project beyond the outside of the housing 3 to the outside. It applies, in particular, to the latching state R or the tensioned, locked state of the clamping spring 7. This can also apply to both states, the tensioned, locked latching state or the non-tensioned, unlocked state. Then, no additional space is required for the pusher 1 1, since it does not protrude from the actuating opening 6. In addition, he is well protected in this.

The pusher 1 1, in turn, can be pressed into the actuating channel 6 by pressing in, pressing on the clamping leg 7 b in the conductor insertion direction X, and locking on the actuating element 6. housing 3 are set in the latching state, in which the clamping leg is pivoted so that in the intended location a conductor is inserted.

Unlike the Fig. 10 to 1 1, the pusher 1 1 but so that with him indeed made the locking state, but can not be solved by tilting a screwdriver again. The pusher as adjusting so eliminated.

The latching state is generated by pressure on the clamping leg 7b in Leitereinführrichtung. The latching state R is also not generated by locking an element on the free clamping edge 7d of the clamping leg and can be solved by introducing the conductor in the conductor insertion X into the housing 3.

It is therefore only an adjustment provided. This is the first and here then the only adjustment. It in turn has a movable trigger element 12, to which the end of the conductor to be contacted 1 1 acts upon release of the conductor 1 1 and with the clamping leg 7b of the clamping spring 7 directly or here indirectly by acting on the pusher 1 1 from the latching state solvable is.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

Spring terminal 1

Direct plug connection 2

Housing 3

Locking edge 3a

Projection 3b

Chamber 4

Conductor insertion channel 5

Actuation channel 6

Grading 6a

Clamping spring 7

Support leg 7a

Clamping leg 7b

Back 7c

Clamping edge 7d

Busbar 8

Supporting contour 9

Ladder 10

Pusher 11

free end 11a

Recess 11b, 11b '

Late 11c

first pressing contour 11d

Slot 11e

Actuating contour 11f

lateral depression 11g

Undercut 11h

Gradation 11i

Triggering element 12

Lever arms 12a, 12b

Rotation axis 12c

End stops 12d, e Clamp cage 13 legs 13a, 13b, 13c leg 13d, 13e locking means 14th

Bearing 15

Connection 1 6

Intermediate piece 17

Clamping leg 18a

Clamping leg 18b

Recording 19

Housing 30

Housing base 31

Upper housing part 32

Housing 40

Housing base 41

Picture 42

screwdriver

Claims

claims

Spring terminal (1), in particular direct plug-in terminal, for connecting a conductor (10), which may be formed as a flexible stranded conductor, having at least the following features:

a. a housing (3, 30, 40) with a chamber (4) and with an insertion channel (5) for the conductor into the chamber (4),

b. a busbar (8) and / or a clamping cage (13),

c. an in the chamber (4) arranged acting as a compression spring clamping spring (7) for fixing the electrical conductor (10) on the busbar (8) and / or the clamping cage (13) in the region of a clamping point (K), d. wherein the clamping spring (7) one around a pivot axis

pivotable clamping leg (7b) which is adjustable from a latching state (R) in which it is locked in a locking position, in a clamping state (K) in which it is unlocked from the latching state and the electrical conductor (10) against the Busbar (8) or the clamping cage (13) presses,

characterized in that

e. the clamping leg (7b) with two different adjusting means of the locking state (R) is releasable.

b. a busbar (8) and / or a clamping cage (13),

pivotable clamping leg (7b), of a latching state (R), in which it is locked in a detent position, in a clamping state (K) is adjustable, in which it is unlocked from the latching state and presses the electrical conductor (10) against the busbar (8) or the clamping cage (13),

or spring terminal (1) according to claim 1,

characterized in that

e. the latching state (R) is not generated by latching an element on a free clamping edge (7d) of the clamping leg (7b) and that the latching state is releasable by introducing the conductor in the conductor insertion into the housing.

Spring terminal (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the latching state is generated by pressure on the clamping leg (1 1) in the conductor insertion direction.

Spring terminal (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the first and only one or the first of the two adjusting means comprises a movable trigger element (12) on which the end of the conductor to be contacted (1 1) upon release of the conductor (1 1 ) acts and with the clamping leg (7b) of the clamping spring (7) directly or indirectly from the locking state is releasable.

Spring terminal (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second of the two adjusting means comprises an actuating element for moving the clamping leg (7b).

Spring terminal (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that the

Actuator itself together with the clamping leg (7b) of the clamping spring (7) in the latching state (R) can be latched and even directly from the latching state (R) is releasable, whereby the clamping leg (7b) of the clamping spring (7) with from the latching state (R) is solvable.

Spring terminal (1) according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the actuating element is a pusher (1 1) for moving the clamping leg (7b) in an actuating channel (6) of the housing (3, 30, 40) in the insertion direction (X) is displaceable and limited perpendicular to the insertion direction is movable and in the housing (3, 30, 40) on a clamping edge (3a) of the housing (3, 30, 40) in the latching state (R) can be latched.

Spring terminal (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that the

Pusher (1 1) has a lateral latching edge (1 1 h), by moving perpendicular to the insertion direction (X) behind the latching edge (3a) in the latching state (R) can be latched and by opposing movement from the latching state (R) is releasable.

Spring terminal (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuating channel (6) for the pusher (1 1) extends substantially parallel to the conductor insertion channel (5).

Spring terminal (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pusher (1 1) projects with a free end (1 1 a) from the actuating channel (6) in any case in the latching state (R).

Spring terminal (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pusher (1 1) with a free end (1 1 a) at least in the latching state (R) within the housing (3).

Spring terminal (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pusher (1 1) is moved in the insertion direction (X) by the spring force of the clamping spring (7) transversely to the insertion direction (X) in the locking position.

Spring terminal (1) according to claim 10, characterized in that the

Pusher (1 1) by moving with a manually operable actuating tool such as a screwdriver (S), in particular in the opposite direction transverse to the insertion, from the latching state (R) is releasable.

14. Spring terminal (1) according to claim 10, characterized in that the

Pusher (1 1) by pressure of the conductor on the trigger element (12) in Leiterereinsteckrichtung from the latching state (R) is releasable. 15. Spring terminal (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pusher (1 1) has at least one recess (1 1 b) or two recesses (1 1 b, 1 1 b ') for attaching the actuating tool, the individually or in interaction is / are dimensioned such that with the actuating tool moving of the pusher (1 1) in the insertion direction (X) and also perpendicular to the insertion (X) can be realized.

1 6. spring terminal (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the trigger element (12) is designed as a in the housing (3) pivotally mounted rocker arm.

17. Spring terminal (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the trigger element (12) for releasing the pusher (1 1) is designed from the Verraststellung. 18. Spring terminal (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the triggering element (12) is formed integrally with the pusher.

19. spring terminal (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, character- ized in that the rocker arm has two lever arms (12a, 12b), of which is adapted to be pivoted with the conductor (10) and of which the other is designed to act on the pusher (1 1) to release it from the locking state (X). 20. Spring terminal (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing (30, 40) has a housing lower part (31, 41) and an upper housing part (32) attachable thereto. 21 spring terminal (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing lower part (31, 41) is designed in the manner of a circumferentially closed and one-sided or two-sided open sleeve. 22. Spring terminal (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the upper housing part (32) of the conductor insertion channel (5) and the actuating channel (6) are formed.

23 spring terminal (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, character- ized in that a clamping cage (13) is provided, in which the

Clamping spring (7) can be inserted and that these clamping cage (13) and the clamping spring (7) from an open end side into the sleeve-like housing lower part (31, 41) are used. 24, spring clamp (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a bearing block (15) on the clamping cage (13) is formed or arranged, on which the trigger element (12) is pivotally mounted.

25. spring terminal (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, character- ized in that the clamping cage (13), the clamping spring (7), the bearing block

(15) and the trigger element (12) form a preassemblable unit, which is insertable as a whole in the housing lower part (31, 41).

26 spring terminal (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, character- ized in that on the trigger element (12) at least one or more stop means is / are provided to provide protection against over-tightening during clamping or producing the latching state and against to realize too much twisting when triggered by means of the conductor (10).