EP3963673B1 - Spring terminal for conductor - Google Patents

Description

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

Such spring-loaded terminals in a design as direct plug-in terminals (push-in) with a clamping spring designed as a compression spring, which presses or presses the conductor against the busbar, are known in a wide variety of designs. They differ primarily based on 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, in particular their size. Simple assembly and cost-effective production are permanent requirements for such a terminal.

The EP 3 358 679 a1 discloses tension spring terminals for connecting conductor ends, in which a spring pulls a conductor, which passes through a window of the tension spring, against a busbar.

The US7,997,915 B2 discloses a wire end ferrule, at one end of which a direct plug-in terminal is arranged for permanently connecting an electrical conductor. 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 on a holding edge when the electrical conductor is not inserted into the direct plug-in terminal, so that a free space is kept for the electrical conductor and this can be inserted into the clamping cage. When inserted into the direct plug-in terminal, the holding means is moved so that the clamping leg is released and pivoted. The pivoted clamping leg presses the electrical conductor onto the clamping cage.

From the EP 2 768 079 A1 A further development of this direct plug-in terminal is known in which the locking state can be restored with an actuating element, a pressing element, after the conductor has released the locked clamping leg.

From the EN 20 2017 103 185 U1 It is also known that the clamping leg can be released from the latched state using two different adjustment means. The latched state is not created by latching an element onto a free clamping edge of the clamping leg, but the latched state can still be released by inserting the conductor into the housing in the conductor insertion direction. The first of the two adjustment means has a movable release element, which is acted upon by the end of the conductor to be contacted when the conductor is released, and with which the clamping leg of the clamping spring can be released directly or indirectly from the latched state. The second of the two adjustment means, on the other hand, is an actuating element for directly moving the clamping leg. The actuating element itself can be latched into the latched state together with the clamping leg of the clamping spring, and can itself be released directly from the latched state, whereby the clamping leg of the clamping spring can also be released from the latched state. The actuating element is a pusher for moving the clamping leg, which is displaceable in an actuating channel of the housing in the insertion direction and is movable to a limited extent perpendicular to the insertion direction and which can be locked in the locking state at a clamping edge of the housing.

The spring clamp of the EN 20 2017 103 185 U1 has proven itself to be very effective. Nevertheless, its construction should be further optimized. The solution to this problem is the aim of the invention.

The object is achieved with a spring-loaded terminal according to claim 1. Advantageous embodiments can be found in the subclaims.

The advantage is the simple indirect locking of the clamping leg by locking the pusher onto the busbar. This means that a locking edge on the housing is no longer necessary.

It can be advantageously provided that the latching edge of the pusher is designed as a hook-like section of the pusher on a free end of the pusher arranged in the housing and/or that the latching hook of the busbar is designed on a section of the busbar running below the free end of the pusher in the housing. In this way, a particularly long lever arm is realized, so that The locking mechanism can be released with a very small pivoting angle of the handle.

The release element can also be arranged in the chamber to the side of the pusher and designed in such a way that it acts on the pusher to release the pusher from its locking position perpendicular to the conductor insertion direction or essentially perpendicular - i.e. at an angle of less than 45°, preferably less than 30° - to the conductor insertion direction. This is because the pusher can be released from the locking position easily and safely with the particularly low forces that the conductor can only exert on the release element under certain circumstances, which also releases the clamping spring from the locking position.

The clamping leg can be released from the open position or the locked position in the two ways described in the prior art. However, the measure mentioned in claim 1 creates a spring-loaded clamp that can be released from the locked position particularly easily, and its structural design and operability have been further improved.

For this purpose, it is advantageous if the trigger element acts on at least one actuating contour of the pusher when the locking state is released. This can be located in the conductor insertion direction before the latching of the pusher on the busbar.

It can further be provided that the trigger element is designed as a rocker lever pivotably mounted in the housing with at least one lever arm and with a rotation axis and that the pusher has a rotation axis D11.

In an advantageous embodiment, which also solves the problem, an actuating contour is provided on the pusher, which interacts with an actuating counter-contour of the trigger element to clamp an electrical conductor in the spring-loaded terminal and/or to release the electrical conductor from the spring-loaded terminal. The trigger element preferably rotates from a basic position about a rotation axis into a pivot position. It is particularly preferred that the actuating counter-contour in the basic position is below the pivot pin of the trigger element. This means that the spring-loaded terminal can be manufactured in a particularly space-saving manner.

It can then advantageously be provided that the directions of rotation of the handle and the release element are the same when the handle is released from the locking position. This measure is advantageous, but not mandatory. It can be used to create a particularly compact design of the release element with two release paths by means of a release actuation by the conductor or by directly moving the handle with a tool from outside the terminal or by hand.

In addition, for a good and safe release, it can advantageously be provided that the axis of rotation of the handle lies in front of the locking edge and above the clamping leg of the clamping spring in the conductor insertion direction and/or that the axis of rotation of the release element lies in front of the one or more actuating contours of the handle in the conductor insertion direction.

It is further advantageous that the locking state is not produced by locking an element on a free clamping edge of the clamping leg and that the locking state can be released by introducing the conductor in the conductor insertion direction into the housing and acting with the conductor on the trigger element and by acting of the trigger element on the pusher perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the insertion direction.

In order to make the release of the pusher from its locking position and thus the release of the clamping spring from its associated locking particularly reliable, further measures can be taken. For example, it can advantageously be provided that the corresponding locking edges of the pusher and the busbar or the other element of the housing are designed as steps and/or hook-like elements. These can preferably have rounded edges and/or corresponding locking edge surfaces which, in the locked state, are aligned at an angle between 0 and 30°, preferably 5 to 20°, to one another. In this way, the sliding of the pusher from the locking position is made easier without the locking state itself being able to trigger. Overall, in this respect A self-locking mechanism must be maintained in the area of the locking edge, which the specialist can check in a test.

The spring clamp is not only suitable for solid conductors, but also particularly for stranded conductors. This is because the stranded conductor can be moved back and forth in the free space of the chamber in the housing without the strands becoming spliced. A material that has good electrical conductivity can be selected for the busbar, for example copper or a copper alloy. Spring steel is an advantageous material for the clamping spring.

The invention also provides a terminal block with one or more of the spring-loaded terminals according to the invention.

Fig. 1a

eine schnittartige Ansicht einer Federkraftklemme mit einem Klemmschenkel, der zum Verklemmen eines in die Federkraftklemme einführbaren bzw. eingeführten elektrischen Leiters vorgesehen ist, in einem nicht verrasteten Zustand;

Fig. 1b

die Federkraftklemme aus Fig. 1a) nach Art der Ansicht der Fig. 1a) mit dem Klemmschenkel in einem Rastzustand;

Fig. 2a

eine Schnittansicht der Federkraftklemme aus Fig. 1b) mit einem Leiter während eines Einführens des Leiters in die Federkraftklemme, wobei sich der Klemmschenkel noch in dem Rastzustand befindet;

Fig. 2b

die Federkraftklemme aus Fig. 2a) mit einem in die Federkraftklemme eingeführten elektrischen Leiter, wobei der Klemmschenkel aus dem Rastzustand entrastet ist;

Fig. 3a

eine teilgeschnittene perspektivische Ansicht der Federklemme aus Fig. 1a und b und 2a und b in dem Zustand aus Fig. 1a;

Fig. 3b

die Federklemme aus Fig. 3a in der dort gewählten Ansichtsart, mit einem Leiter während eines Einführens des Leiters in die Federkraftklemme, wobei sich der Klemmschenkel noch in einem Rastzustand befindet;

Fig. 3c

die Federkraftklemme aus Fig. 3a) und 3b) in der dort gewählten Ansichtsart, mit einem in die Federkraftklemme eingeführten elektrischen Leiter, wobei der Klemmschenkel aus dem Rastzustand entrastet ist;

Fig. 4a-j

perspektivische Ansichten einiger Komponenten und Komponentenbaugruppen der Federklemmen aus Fig. 1 bis 3;

Fig. 5a

eine Schnittansicht einer Federkraftklemme nach Art der Fig.1 in einem zusammengesetzten Zustand und in einer Seitenansicht, aber ohne Gehäuseunterteil, wobei der Zustand dem eines Rastzustandes nach Art der Fig. 3b entspricht;

Fig. 5b

die Schnittansicht aus Fig. A, ergänzt um einige Kraftpfeile und um einige Drehachsen;

Fig. 6

eine Seitenansicht eines ausschnittvergrößert dargestellten Bereichs einer Rastkante zwischen Gehäuse und Drücker im Rastzustand;

Fig. 7

eine Reihenklemme mit zwei Federkraftklemmen in einer perspektivischen Ansicht;

Fig. 8

in (a) und (b) ein Auslöseelement für die Federkraftklemmen der Reihenklemme aus Fig. 7 in verschiedenen perspektivischen Ansichten;

Fig. 9

eine Reihenklemmanordnung mit einer Vielzahl in eine Anreihrichtung aneinander gereihter Reihenklemmen gemäß Fig. 7; und

Fig.10

in (a) - (d) jeweils einen Ausschnitt aus der Reihenklemme gemäß Fig. 7, der jeweils die Federkraftklemme in verschiedenen Zuständen zeigt;

Fig. 11

eine weitere Reihenklemme mit zwei erfindungsgemäßen Federkraftklemmen in (a) in einer Seitenansicht in einer ersten Betriebsstellung - Rastzustand - und in (b) in einer zweiten Betriebsstellung, jeweils ohne Leiter, und in (c) und (d) die Zustände aus (a) und (b) jeweils mit Leiter; und

Fig. 12

eine perspektivische Ansicht der Reihenklemme aus Fig. 11 (a) und (b) mit einer separat dargestellten Stromschiene.

The invention is described in more detail below using an embodiment with reference to the drawings. This embodiment is one - but not the only possible - variant for the constructive implementation of the invention, which can be varied in particular within the scope of the claims. They show:

Fig. 1a

a sectional view of a spring-loaded terminal with a clamping leg, which is intended for clamping an electrical conductor that can be inserted or has been inserted into the spring-loaded terminal, in a non-latched state;

Fig. 1b

the spring clamp Fig. 1a ) according to the type of opinion of the Fig. 1a ) with the clamping leg in a locking position;

Fig. 2a

a sectional view of the spring clamp from Fig. 1b ) with a conductor during insertion of the conductor into the spring clamp, with the clamping leg still in the locking position;

Fig. 2b

the spring clamp Fig. 2a ) with an electrical conductor inserted into the spring-loaded terminal, the clamping leg being released from the locking position;

Fig. 3a

a partially cutaway perspective view of the spring clip from Fig. 1a and b and 2a and b in the state of Fig. 1a ;

Fig. 3b

the spring clip Fig. 3a in the view mode selected there, with a conductor during insertion of the conductor into the spring-loaded terminal, with the clamping leg still in a locked position;

Fig. 3c

the spring clamp Fig. 3a) and 3b ) in the view mode selected there, with an electrical conductor inserted into the spring-loaded terminal, with the clamping leg released from the locking position;

Fig. 4a-j

perspective views of some components and component assemblies of the spring clamps from Fig. 1 to 3 ;

Fig. 5a

a sectional view of a spring clamp terminal according to the Fig.1 in an assembled state and in a side view, but without the lower housing part, the state being that of a locking state according to the type of Fig. 3b corresponds;

Fig. 5b

the sectional view from Fig. A, supplemented by some force arrows and some rotation axes;

Fig.6

a side view of an enlarged section of a locking edge between the housing and the pusher in the locking position;

Fig.7

a terminal block with two spring-loaded terminals in a perspective view;

Fig.8

in (a) and (b) a release element for the spring clamp terminals of the terminal block made of Fig.7 in different perspective views;

Fig.9

a terminal block arrangement with a plurality of terminal blocks arranged in a row in accordance with Fig.7 ; and

Fig.10

in (a) - (d) each show a section of the terminal block according to Fig.7 , each showing the spring-loaded terminal in different states;

Fig. 11

another terminal block with two spring-loaded terminals according to the invention in (a) in a side view in a first operating position - latching state - and in (b) in a second operating position, each without a conductor, and in (c) and (d) the states from (a) and (b) each with a conductor; and

Fig. 12

a perspective view of the terminal block Fig. 11 (a) and (b) with a separately shown busbar.

The Fig. 1a and b. Fig. 2a, b as well as Fig. 3a, 3b and 3c show a first spring-loaded terminal 1 in different views and "wiring states". The individual Components or assemblies of these components are additionally described in Fig. 4a-4h , Fig. 5a , b and Fig.6 consider.

The spring-loaded terminal 1 has a housing 3 in which a direct plug connection 2 (also called a "push-in connection") is formed. The housing 3 is preferably made of an insulating plastic. The housing 3 can be formed in one piece or in multiple pieces. In this respect, reference is made to the generic prior art in which various designs are described that can in principle also be combined with the present invention. The housing 3 can be designed to be open at the side and it can be designed to be arranged in series.

The housing 3 - see also Fig. 4a, 4c and 4d - consists here, for example, of a sleeve-like housing lower part 3a which is essentially rectangular in section and onto which a housing upper part 3b can be placed. Such a design is preferably implemented here. The housing upper part 3b can be held, for example locked, to the housing lower part 3a by force and/or form locking.

A chamber 4 is formed in the housing 3 to accommodate functional elements of the direct connections 2, in particular metal parts. Here, the chamber 4 is formed in the lower housing part 3a. The chamber 4 can be designed to be open at the top and possibly also at the bottom. The chamber 4 is closed at the top by the upper housing part 3b. It can be closed at the bottom or open to the extent that a connection for connecting to an external electrical assembly can be connected at the bottom. In this respect, reference is made to Fig.9 of the generic prior art. The housing lower part 3a can alternatively also have several chambers, several direct connections 2 and for this several housing upper parts or a correspondingly several chambers-spanning housing upper part (not shown here).

The chamber 4 is connected on the one hand by a conductor insertion channel 5 to one of the outer sides of the housing - called the "insertion side", here the top side - and on the other hand by an actuation channel 6. The actuation channel 6 runs essentially parallel to the conductor insertion channel 5. The actuation channel 6 can be cylindrical or stepped and/or conical. The conductor insertion channel 5 and/or the actuating channel 6 can advantageously be formed in the upper housing part 3b. The conductor insertion channel 5 serves to insert a conductor 10 in a conductor insertion direction X into the housing. It can have a type of insertion funnel. The conductor 10 has a stripped conductor end. This serves to insert into the direct plug connection 2 ( Fig. 2a, 2b ).

A clamping spring 7 and a busbar 8 are arranged in the chamber 4 to form the direct plug connection 2. Optionally, a metal clamping cage can be provided, which can serve to support the clamping spring 7 and/or the busbar 8. However, no clamping cage can also be provided. In this respect, reference is again made to the generic state of the art.

After Fig. 1a to 3c a metallic assembly is provided which has a (simply designed) clamping cage 13 (see in particular Fig. 1a and 2a ), into which the clamping spring 7 can be inserted. The clamping cage 13 is at least U-shaped in a side view and has three legs 13a, 13b, 13c. It is open at the side, but this is not a problem since the housing base 3a centers the conductor 10 here.

The clamping spring 7 is placed between these legs 13a, 13b, 13c. At least one of the legs 13a, b, c can be used for connection to an electrical assembly (not shown here), for example for connection to a plug (not shown here) or to a circuit board or the like... The busbar 8 is identical in construction to the clamping cage, in particular to its leg 13a.

The clamping cage 13 can be inserted into the housing base 3a from an open side with the clamping spring 7. In this way, these elements can be pre-assembled to one another, are easy to assemble further and are well protected in the housing base 3a.

In any case, one leg 13a of the clamping cage 13 is formed by the busbar 8, which initially runs parallel to the conductor insertion direction X in this section, then, following the actual contact section, runs below to a clamping point K in a transverse leg 13b transverse to the conductor insertion direction X and then in a leg 13c which again runs parallel to the conductor insertion opening against the conductor insertion direction X.

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 can be formed by a projection on a wall of the chamber 4. Here it is formed by the leg 13c of the busbar 8.

The clamping leg 7b is connected to the support leg 7a via an arched back 7c. The back 7c can overlap a support contour of the housing 3 that protrudes into the chamber 4, but this is not mandatory.

The pivoting clamping leg 7b is used to apply spring force in the area of the clamping point K ( Fig. 2b ) with a clamping edge 7d at its end to act on the respective conductor 10 and to press this conductor 10 or its stripped conductor end against the busbar 8. In this way, an electrically conductive contact is established between the inserted conductor 10 and the busbar 8. This can be clearly seen from Fig. 1b .

The conductor 10 can be guided in the conductor insertion direction X through the conductor insertion channel 5 into the chamber 4 in the area of the terminal point K (see Fig. 2a , Fig. 4a ).

An actuating element is arranged in the actuating channel 6. In a preferred embodiment, the actuating element is designed as a push element - referred to as "pusher 11" for short - which is guided in a displaceable manner in the actuating channel 6.

Preferably, a free end 11a of the pusher 11 protrudes outwards beyond the outside of the housing 3 so that it is easily accessible. This is advantageous but not mandatory. Furthermore, an actuating contour - in particular a recess 11d - for attaching a tool, in particular a screwdriver, to the pusher 11 can advantageously be formed on this free end 11a. This recess 11d is preferably dimensioned such that a screwdriver can be inserted relatively firmly and far into the recess 11d ( Fig. 4b, Fig. 4c ). The upper actuating end of the pusher 11 can also be located within the actuating channel 6.

The other end 11c of the pusher 11, facing away from the actuating end, extends into the chamber 4. It is located in the lower half of this chamber. The pusher 11 also has a pressing contour 11b - here between its two ends 11a and 11c. This pressing contour 11b is used to be able to exert a force on the clamping leg 7b in the insertion direction with the pusher 11 in order to open the clamping leg 7b.

Below the first pressing contour 11b, the pusher 11 has a slot 11e in the form of a through-opening or a lower recess with lateral walls (see also Fig. 4b and 4c ).

When mounted, the clamping leg 7b passes through the slot 11e and can be pivoted to a limited extent within the slot 11e.

The push button 11 also has an actuating contour 11f for the action of a trigger element 12 to be described below.

At the side of the slot 11e, the pusher has one or two arms 11g (see also Fig.4 ), at the lower ends of which the actuating contour 11f for the trigger element 12 to be described below is formed.

The pusher 11 has the pressing contour 11b here between the arms 11g at the upper edge of the slot 11e, whereby the pressing contour 11b can be used to exert pressure on the clamping leg 7b in order to be able to exert pressure on the clamping leg 7b with the pressing contour 11h or here the pressing edge when the pusher 11 is pressed down in the actuating channel 6 in the conductor insertion direction X in order to pivot it and to space it from the busbar 8 so that a conductor 10 can be inserted into the opened clamping point K.

The arms 11g of the pusher 11 extend here to the side of the clamping spring 7. In this way, a safe release can be achieved on the two arms 11g of the pusher 11. This action in turn moves the pusher 11, which is supported on the housing 3 in a locking manner, so that it is released from the locking on the locking edge 31, whereby the pusher 11 is released and slides slightly upwards in the actuating channel 6 again against the plug-in direction X due to the spring force of the released clamping leg 7b.

Here, this at least one actuating contour 11f is provided close to the end 11c of the pusher 11 in the chamber 4. It is located below the clamping point K.

A movable trigger element 12 is arranged in the chamber 4 to the side of the end 11c of the pusher 11 or above the end of the pusher - here to the side of the actuating contour 11f (related to a locking state with the pusher 11 pushed in as far as possible, which will be explained later).

This trigger element 12 is designed here in an advantageous - but not mandatory - embodiment as a rocker arm which has two lever arms 12a, 12b which can be rotated about a rotation axis (see also Fig. 4e ), g), i), j)). The rocker arm 12 can be designed as an angle lever. It can be mounted in a bearing housing 14 or on a bearing block or the like that is inserted into the chamber 4, for example together with the busbar 8 and/or the clamping cage 13. For this purpose, the rocker arm 12 can have an axis 12c that is pivotally inserted into a bearing recess 14a of the bearing block 14. The lever arm 12a is used for actuation by the conductor by pressing down in the chamber 4 and the lever arm 12b for moving the pusher 11 to release it from the locking position.

The pusher 11 further comprises at least one lateral step in the form of an offset, on which a first locking edge 11h (see also Fig. 4b and 5 and 6 ). This locking edge 11h interacts with a corresponding locking edge 31 on/in the chamber 4 of the housing 3. In order to form this locking edge 31, the housing 3, here the upper housing part 3b, has a corresponding step.

The locking edge 11h is formed on the side of the pusher 11 facing the clamping leg 7b. This is advantageous but not mandatory.

By pressing the pusher 11 in the actuating channel 6 in the insertion direction X, pressure can be exerted on the clamping leg 7b via the pressing contour 11b.

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

Based on the position of the Fig.1a the function of the pusher 11 is initially different. As soon as the pusher 11 or its locking edge 11h has been pressed so deeply in the conductor insertion direction X that it passes the corresponding locking edge 31 of the housing 3 in the opposite direction - here in the transition area from the actuating channel 6 to the chamber 4 - the pusher 11 is pushed and/or pivoted slightly perpendicular to the insertion direction X for the conductor 10 by the force of the clamping spring 7 or the clamping leg 7b. The locking edge 11h of the pusher 11 locks behind the corresponding locking edge 31 of the housing 3 (see Fig. 5a and 5b ). Here, the locking edge 31 or step of the housing 3 is located in an exemplary embodiment on the upper housing part 3b ( Fig. 5b ).

It is therefore necessary that the pusher 11 can be moved and/or pivoted somewhat in the housing 3 or in the actuating channel 6 transversely to the insertion direction. This moveability and/or pivotability is preferably at least dimensioned such that the locking edge 11h can be moved into the locking position described above when the pusher 11 is pressed in (see in particular Fig.5 and the pivot axis D11). The pivot axis D11 is the axis around which the pusher rotates during the superimposed pivoting and linear movement when released from the locking position when the trigger element acts on it (referred to as D11). This pivot axis D11 is located here within the actuating channel 6. For this purpose, the actuating channel 6 does not have a cylindrical course, but rather a course that initially tapers slightly conically in the conductor insertion direction X and then widens again, whereby the rotation axis D11 can be formed by the pusher 11 being placed on the transition area between the tapering and then widening again area of the actuating channel 6 in the housing 3.

In this way, the clamping spring 7 or its clamping leg 7b can also be locked or locked in an open position in the housing 3 indirectly via a locking of the pusher (see Fig.1b and 2a ).

This locking is carried out by pressing on the clamping leg in the conductor insertion direction with the pusher 11, which is locked on the housing in a locking position, from which it can also be moved out again in order to release the locking of the pusher 11 and thus also that of the clamping spring 7.

In the locking position, the conductor 10 can be easily pushed into the area of the clamping point K. As the pusher 11 itself is locked, the clamping spring 7 or its clamping leg is also held in an open position. This allows a conductor end to be inserted. In order to contact this, the locking position must be released. The open position or the locking position of the clamping leg 7b can be released in two different ways.

Since the locking state is not achieved by locking an element on the free clamping edge 7d, i.e. the end of the locking leg 7b to which the conductor is to be clamped, only a very small force is required to release the clamping leg from the locking position. The invention takes advantage of this by not establishing the locking position or the locking state on the free clamping edge 7d of the clamping leg 7b, but rather by pressure from the pusher 11 on the clamping leg 7b in the conductor insertion direction, spaced from the clamping edge, rather in the middle part of the clamping leg 7. In this way, even if the conductor 10 is designed as a very thin multi-strand conductor, for example, with which only a very small force can be exerted on the release element 12, the pusher 11 itself can be used directly to release the clamping spring 7 or its clamping leg 7b from the locking position. The clamping spring 7 holds the pusher 11 in the locking position with its clamping leg 7b.

This can be implemented in various ways, for example in the manner described below. When this is done, the pusher 11 is moved slightly in the housing 3 to release the locking position at its upper end - here sideways perpendicular to the insertion direction X - or pivoted so that the locking edge 11h is moved out of the locking position on the locking edge 31 and the locking of the pusher 11 on the housing 3 is released. This also releases the locking position of the locking leg 7b. In this way, the clamping leg 7b of the Release the clamping spring 7 and press the conductor 10 in the clamping point K against the busbar 8. This can be done manually or with a tool.

More precisely, this area is in Fig.6 to be recognized. It is advantageous to have radii on the corner areas or edge areas in the area of the corresponding locking edge surfaces of the steps or locking edges 31 and 11h that are not too small so that the pusher 11 can be easily detached from the housing. The radii can preferably be in a range between 0.1 mm and 0.2 mm. In addition, the locking edge surfaces, which actually define the "locking edges", do not have to be aligned exactly parallel to one another - which is also possible - but can preferably be aligned somewhat diagonally at an angle of greater than 1° up to 45° to one another, so that a self-locking lock is achieved, but possibly also a self-locking lock that is easier to release than one with parallel surfaces and/or very small edge radii in the area of the locking edge surfaces.

Alternatively, a force F10 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 11 from the open position and thus from the locking position. The conductor 10 presses on one of the two lever arms, namely the lever arm 12a. This causes the trigger element to rotate about its axis of rotation 12c and the other lever arm 12b acts with a force F12 on the actuating contour 11f of the pusher 11. This action in turn moves the pusher 11, which is supported on the housing 3, so that it is released from the locking on the locking edge 31, whereby the pusher 11 is released and slides slightly upwards in the actuating channel 6 again against the plug-in direction X due to the force of the released clamping leg 7b.

This release of the locking position with the conductor end is the usual way to connect the spring-loaded terminal 1. The previously described movement of the push button 11 is an alternative solution if, for example, the conductor 10 is so flexible that in an individual case it cannot generate sufficient force to actuate the trigger element 12.

It is advantageous if the recess 11d at the end 11a of the pusher 11 protruding from the housing 4 is dimensioned so deep that by hand or preferably With an inserted screwdriver or other tool, a force can be exerted on the pusher 11 in order to release it from its locking position.

The push button 11 can also have a step which corresponds to a step of the actuating channel 6 and provides an insertion limitation for the push button 11 in the conductor insertion direction X (not visible here).

After Fig.4 the trigger element 12 is formed from a supplementary subassembly to the assembly of elements 13 and 7. This subassembly can consist purely of metal, purely of plastic or a mixture of metal and plastic elements. Here it has the trigger element 12 and the bearing block or a bearing housing 14 on which the trigger element 12 is pivotally mounted. This subassembly can be pre-assembled on the clamping cage 13 and inserted into the housing 3 together with the latter and the busbar 7.

The bearing block 14 can be designed as a separate element made of metal or plastic from the clamping cage 13, which can be fastened to the clamping cage 13 ( Fig. 4e, g, i, j ) and in turn has receptacles for the trigger element 12. Alternatively, it can also be formed by projections on the busbar.

The trigger element 12 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 11 from the open position and thus from the locking position. The conductor 10 presses on one of the two lever arms, namely the lever arm 12a. This causes the trigger element 12 to rotate about its axis of rotation 12c and the other lever arm 12b acts as a trigger contour on one or two corresponding actuation contours 11f of the pusher 11.

Preferably, the one or more actuating contours of the trigger element 12 act at right angles or substantially at right angles (= 90° plus/minus 30°) on the push button 11.

This makes it possible to release the pusher 11 and the clamping spring with particularly low forces. This in turn increases the triggering reliability with regard to triggering by inserting a conductor into the clamping point in a simple manner.

Alternatively, the pusher 11 can be released directly from the locking position by operating its upper end, as described above.

Preferably, the directions of rotation of the pusher 11 and the release element 12 are the same when the pusher 11 is released from the locking position. This can be clearly seen in Fig.5 . Because in Fig.5 the (imaginary) rotation axes D11 and D12 of the pusher 11 and the release element 12 are shown.

The rotation axis D11 of the pusher 11 is located in the conductor insertion direction X in front of the locking edge of the pusher 11. It is also located above the clamping leg 7b of the clamping spring 7 ("above" = in the insertion direction X in front of the clamping spring 7).

The one or more actuating contours 11f, on the other hand, are preferably located at the level of or better below the axis of rotation of the trigger element 12 ("below" = in the insertion direction X behind the axis of rotation D12).

This makes it possible to achieve a compact structure and it is also possible to constructively implement the above-explained advantageous alignment of the force action of the trigger element 12 perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the lever arm of the trigger element.

It is also conceivable to optionally provide an additional element, in particular a sliding element for redirecting the conductor insertion force in the direction of the release force (not shown here).

Fig.7 shows a terminal block 15 with two spring-loaded terminals 1 according to the invention in a perspective view. The terminal block 15 has an electrically insulating housing 3 which is preferably open on one side in the direction of the row and which houses the spring-loaded terminals 1 and mounted on a DIN rail 160 (see Fig.9 ) can be snapped on. The housing has three snap-on means 16 for snapping onto the top hat rail 160.

The spring-loaded terminals 1 are arranged in a transverse direction 93 transverse to the insertion direction 91 and transverse to a series direction 92 on opposite sides I, II of the terminal block 15.

The spring force terminals 1 each have the chamber in which the clamping spring is arranged. The back 7c of the clamping spring 7 wraps around a part of the web 70, which forms the pivot axis for the clamping leg 7b of the clamping spring 7. The support leg 7a of the clamping spring 7 is supported on a support contour 32 of the housing 3 when the clamping leg 7b pivots about the pivot axis.

Each of the spring-loaded terminals 1 has the pusher 11. This is arranged in the actuation channel 6. The clamping leg 7b passes through the slot 11e of the pusher. It can be pivoted within the slot 11e, at least to a limited extent. To actuate the clamping leg 7b, the pusher 11 has the pressing contour 11b (see Fig. 10 (a) ) with which it can exert pressure on the clamping leg 7b.

The pusher 11 also has the actuating contour 11f for acting on the trigger element 12 (see Fig. 10 (c) ).

The trigger element 12 is arranged so as to be rotatable about a pivot pin 12c, which forms the axis of rotation. It is used as part of the Fig.8 described in more detail. The release element 12 of the spring-loaded terminal 1 arranged on the second side of the series terminal 15 on the left in the image plane is shown in an exploded configuration and can be pushed onto its pivot pin 12c by moving it in the direction of alignment 92.

In addition, the spring-loaded terminals 1 of the series terminal 15 each have a clamping cage 13 with two legs 13a, 13b arranged transversely to one another. The clamping cages 13 of the series terminal 15 are connected to one another by a busbar 8. The clamping cages 13 and the busbar 8 connecting them to one another are also shown here in an exploded view and can be inserted into the series terminal 15 by sliding them in the direction of alignment 92.

An electrical conductor 10 can be inserted into each of the spring-loaded terminals 1 through the conductor insertion channel 5 in the insertion direction 91. The spring-loaded terminals 1 with inserted conductor 10 are shown Fig.9 .

In the spring-loaded terminal 1 arranged on the first side I in the image plane, the pusher 11 with its locking edge 11h (see Fig. 10 (a) ) is locked on the locking edge 31 of the housing 3 in the locking position DR. The clamping spring 7 is thus in the locking position R, in which the clamping leg 7b releases the chamber 4 and this is therefore open for the insertion of the electrical conductor 10. This state is also shown by Fig. 10 (a) .

In the spring-loaded terminal 1 arranged on the second side II on the left in the image plane, the pusher 11 is in a released, unlatched position L. In this position, the pusher 11 is displaced upwards in relation to the latching position DR against the insertion direction 91. The clamping leg 7b is in the closed position K, in which it penetrates the chamber 4. This state is also shown in Fig. 10 (d) .

Fig.8 shows in (a) and (b) the trigger element 12 for the spring-loaded terminals 1 of this series terminal 15 in two perspective views. The trigger element has a hollow cylindrical body 12f, which has a wheel-shaped widening 12g at opposite ends. The hollow cylindrical body 12f can be pushed onto the pivot pin 12c forming the axis of rotation. A lever arm 12a is arranged on the trigger element 12, which can be actuated with the electrical conductor 10 inserted into the spring-loaded terminal 1. Between the widenings 12g, a gap 12e is formed, into which the end 11c of the pusher 11 can be inserted. Starting from an open actuating end (not designated) in the direction of the hollow cylindrical body 12f, the lever arm 12a widens. Approximately below the rotation axis 12c it has an actuating counter contour 12d (see Fig. 10 (a) ) which is intended to interact with an actuating contour 11f of the pusher 11. Fig.9 shows a terminal block arrangement 150 with a plurality of terminal blocks 15 arranged in a row direction 92 according to Fig.7 . The terminal block arrangement 150 is snapped onto a top hat rail 160. An electrical conductor 10 is inserted into each of the spring-loaded terminals 1.

In the spring clamp 1 arranged on the first right side I of the image plane, the electrical conductor 10 is not yet clamped. This state is also shown by Fig. 10 (b) .

The electrical conductor 10 is clamped in the spring-loaded terminal 1 located on the second left side II of the image plane. It actuates the release element 12. This state is also shown in Fig. 10 (c) .

Fig.10 shows in (a) - (d) a section of the terminal block 15 according to Fig.7 , whereby the section shows the spring-loaded terminal 1 in different states.

In Fig. 10 (a) the pusher is in the locking position DR. As a result, the clamping spring 7 is also in the locking position R and the clamping leg 7b is adjusted against its restoring force. As a result, the chamber 4 is opened and an electrical conductor 10 can be inserted into the spring-loaded terminal 1. The trigger element 12 is in the basic position G, in which the lever arm 12a of the trigger element 12, which is intended to interact with the electrical conductor 10, extends in the transverse direction 93 transversely to the insertion direction 91. In this basic position G, the actuation counter contour 12d is arranged below the pivot pin 12c forming the axis of rotation of the trigger element 12. As a result, the pusher 11 is positioned in the space 12e between the widenings 12g of the hollow cylindrical body 12f of the trigger element 12. This arrangement is very space-saving and the spring-loaded terminal 1 can therefore be made very small/narrow.

Fig. 10 (b) shows the spring clamp 1 when the electrical conductor 10 is inserted into the chamber 4. The electrical conductor 10 is not yet clamped.

In Fig. 10 (c) the electrical conductor 10 is inserted as far as possible into the chamber 4 so that it actuates the lever arm 12a of the trigger element 12 and this is rotated in the direction of rotation 95. The trigger element 12 is therefore in a pivoted Pivoting position S. The pusher 11 is in the released position L. It is displaced against the insertion direction 91 by means of the clamping leg 7b with the restoring force of the clamping spring 7. The clamping leg 7b presses the electrical conductor 10 against the clamping cage 13 so that it is clamped in the spring-loaded terminal 1.

By pivoting the trigger element 12, the actuating counter contour 12d is pivoted by the angle of rotation (not designated). As a result, it is exposed compared to its position below the pivot pin 12c. As a result, the actuating counter contour 12d is easily accessible and operable for the actuating contour 11f of the pusher.

Starting from this state, the pusher 11 can be moved slightly in the insertion direction 91 and slightly against the transverse direction 93 (perpendicular to the insertion direction) so that the actuating contour 11f of the pusher 11 interacts with the actuating counter-contour 12d of the trigger element 12 and the trigger element 12 is rotated back against the direction of rotation 95. The clamping leg 7b is pivoted against the restoring force of the clamping spring 7 in the pivoting direction 97 so that it releases the electrical conductor 10. The conductor 10 can then be pulled out of the chamber 4 against the insertion direction 91.

In order to insert another electrical conductor 10 into the chamber 4, the pusher 11 can now be locked again with its locking edge 11h on the locking edge 31 of the housing 3. The clamping spring 7 is then back in the state of Fig. 10 (a) .

After Fig. 11 (a) and (b) and (c) and (d) and Fig. 12 it is again provided that the second of the two adjustment means is the pusher 11 for moving the clamping leg 7b, wherein the pusher 11 is also again displaceable in an actuating channel 6 of the housing 3 in the insertion direction X and is limitedly movable perpendicular to the insertion direction and has a locking edge 11h, on which it is attached inside the housing 3 to a locking hook 81 of the busbar 8 in the locking state R ( Fig. 11a ) can be locked. In this way, the pusher 11 indirectly holds the clamping spring 7 locked in the open position, whereby the locking edge 11h can also be moved in the opposite direction from the resting state R of the Fig. 11a is soluble. The dissolved state is in Fig. 11b The function corresponds to the previous figures, but the locking is made at the end of the pusher 11 towards the busbar and is released when a conductor is inserted. Reference is made to the description of the previous figures, the other features of which - except for the type of locking of the pusher 11 on the busbar 8 instead of on the housing 3 - also according to the embodiment of the Fig. 11 (a) and 11 (b) and if necessary Fig. 12 may be provided.

The locking hook 81 on the busbar is designed as a hook-like section attached to or bent out of the busbar 8. For this purpose, it can be expediently provided that the locking edge 11h is also formed on a type of hook section of the pusher 11. The locking edge 11h can be provided for this purpose on the lower free end of the pusher 11 ( Fig. 11 (a) to (d) ) and the corresponding locking hook 81 of the busbar on a busbar section 82 located below the pusher 11 and the clamping point (i.e. further into the housing in relation to the conductor insertion direction). This can be a busbar section 82 that serves to conductively connect two connections of the busbar. This is particularly good in Fig. 12 The locking edge 11h is located in the conductor insertion direction behind the actuating contour 11f of the pusher 11. The pusher 11 only has to be pivoted by a small angle to release it from the locking position, since the lever arm from the pivot bearing of the pusher 11 to the locking position on the busbar 8 is relatively long. Fig. 11 (d) shows the wired state after releasing the locking position and after inserting a conductor 10. This conductor 10 may have released the locking directly, but release may also have occurred by moving the push button 11. <b>List of reference symbols</b> Spring clamp 1 Direct plug connection 2 Housing 3 Housing base 3a Housing top 3b Locking edge 31 Support contour 32 chamber 4 Conductor insertion channel 5 Actuation channel 6 Clamping spring 7 Bridge, swivel axis 70 Support leg 7a Clamping leg 7b Back 7c Clamping edge 7d Rest position, open position R Clamped state, closed position K Busbar 8th Latching hook 81 Busbar section 82 Director 10 Pusher 11 free end 11a deepening 11d End 11c first pressing contour 11b, 11b' slot 11e Actuating contour 11f poor 11g Locking edge 11am Locked DR Solved L Trigger element 12 Lever arms 12a, 12b Pivot pin, rotation axis 12c Actuating counter contour 12d Space 12e Hollow cylindrical body 12f Wheel-shaped widening 12g initial position G Swivel position S Clamping cage 13 leg 13a, 13a, 13c Bearing block 14 Bearing recess 14a Terminal block 15 Terminal block arrangement 150 Locking device 16 DIN rail 160 Insertion / insertion direction 91 Alignment direction 92 Transverse direction 93 Direction of extension 94, 96 Rotation / swivel direction 95, 97 First part, right in image plane I Second part, left in image plane II

Claims (11)

1. A spring terminal (1), which is designed as a direct plug-in terminal, for connecting a conductor (10) which can be designed as a flexible stranded conductor, which terminal has at least the following features:

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

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

   c. a clamping spring (7) arranged in the chamber (4), acting as a pressure spring, for securing the electric conductor (10) on the busbar (8) and/or on the clamping cage (13) in the region of a clamping site (K),

   d. wherein the clamping spring (7) comprises a clamping limb (7b) which can be pivoted about a pivot axis and which can be adjusted from a latching state (R), in which it is latched in a latching position, into a clamping state (K), in which it is unlatched out of the latching state and pushes the electrical conductor (10) against the busbar (8) or against the clamping cage (13), wherein the latching state is generated by pressure onto the clamping limb (11) in the conductor insertion direction by a pusher (11),

   e. wherein the clamping limb (7b) can be released out of the latching state (R) by two different actuatable adjustment means,

   f. wherein the first of the two adjustment means is a movable release element (12), on which the end of the conductor (10) to be contacted acts when the conductor (10) is released,

   g. wherein the second of the two adjustment means is the pusher (11) for moving the clamping limb (7b), wherein the pusher (11) can be shifted in an actuation channel (6) of the housing (3) in the insertion direction (X) and can be moved to a limited extent perpendicularly to the Insertion direction,

   h. wherein the second release element (12) is designed for the release of the pusher (11) out of the latching position and thereby also for the release of the clamping limb (7b) out of the latching state (R),

   i. wherein the pusher (11) comprises a latching edge (11h),

   characterized in that
   this latching edge (11h) in the interior of the housing (3), on a latching hook (81) of the busbar (8) in the latching state (R), wherein the pusher (11) holds the clamping spring (7) in a latched manner in an open position, wherein the latching edge (11h) of the pusher (11) can be released out of the latching state (R) by an opposite movement and the latching hook (81) of the busbar (8) is formed on a hook-shaped section of the busbar (8), which is formed from, in particular bent out of, the busbar.
2. The spring terminal (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the latching edge (11h) of the pusher (11) is designed as a hook-shaped section of the pusher.
3. The spring terminal (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, on the pusher, an actuation contour (11f) is provided, which, for clamping an electrical conductor (10) in the spring terminal (1) and/or for releasing the electrical conductor out of the spring terminal (1), cooperates with an actuation/counter-contour (12d) of the release element (12) so that the release element (12) rotates from a base position (G) about a rotation axis (12c) into a pivoting position (S), wherein the actuation/counter-contour (12d) is arranged in the base position (G) under a rotation pin (12c) of the release element (12) and wherein it lies before the latching edge (11h) of the pusher in the conductor introduction direction.
4. The spring terminal (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the release element (12) is arranged laterally with respect to the pusher (11) in the chamber (4) and is designed so that, for the release of the pusher out of the latching position, it acts on the pusher perpendicularly to the conductor introduction direction (X) or substantially perpendicularly to the conductor introduction direction (X).
5. The spring terminal (1) according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that, when the latched state is released, the release element (12) acts on the actuation contour (11f) of the pusher (11).
6. The spring terminal (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that the release element (12) is arranged laterally with respect to the pusher (11) in the chamber (4) and designed so that, for the release of the pusher out of the latching position, it acts on the pusher substantially perpendicularly - i.e., at an angle of less than 45°, preferably less than 30° - to the conductor introduction direction (X).
7. The spring terminal (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the release element (12) is designed as a rocker lever mounted pivotably in the housing (3), which has lever arms (12a, 12b) and is formed with a rotation axis (D12) and in that the pusher (11) has a rotation axis (D11).
8. The spring terminal (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that one rotation axis (D11) of the pusher (11) lies, in the conductor introduction direction (X), before the latching edge (11h) of the pusher and before the corresponding latching edge (31) of the housing (3).
9. The spring terminal (1) according to any one of the preceding claims 7 or 8, characterized in that the rotation axis (D11) of the pusher (11) lies before the clamping limb (7b) of the clamping spring (7) in the conductor introduction direction (X).
10. The spring terminal (1) according to any one of the preceding claims 7 to 9, characterized in that the rotation axis (D12) of the release element lies, before the one or more actuation contours (11f) of the pusher (11) in the conductor introduction direction (X).
11. A terminal block with one or more spring terminals according to any one of the preceding claims.

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