DE20303537U1 - Screwless wire terminal clip for e.g. electrical socket, includes carrier with tabs made by partial cutting-away, to form row of clamping locations - Google Patents

Abstract

The main body is an insulator. It carries metal sections forming a carrier (1) and contact body (2). From the carrier, a number of adjacent tabs (10) are partially cut-away, to act as spring clips. In conjunction with the contact body (2) these form adjacent clamping positions for the wires. An end section (11) of the carrier is covered over by an edge of the contact body, which electrically inter-connects the clamping positions.

Description

Electro-Terminal GmbH & Co KG
P27476DE

Screwless socket terminal

The present invention relates to a box terminal for connecting several conductors that can be inserted into the box terminal from the same side in order to electrically connect them to one another. The box terminal has an insulating body in which a metallic contact body is located for establishing an electrical connection between the inserted conductors.

Box terminals of this type are known from the state of the art.

For example, the German specification 23 17 040 discloses a plug-in terminal for connecting rigid electrical conductors, which has several identical clamping points next to each other for securing the conductors. A leaf spring-like clamping spring is provided for each of the clamping points. A metal plate serves as a contact bridge. The conductors are clamped between the clamping spring and the metal plate. The metal plate serves as a support element for the clamping springs, which are riveted to the metal plate. This means that the metal plate is designed to be comparatively large, which results in a correspondingly high material requirement for this component.

From the European patent application EP 1 133 004 A2, a screwless connection or connecting terminal for electrical conductors is known in which a clamping point is formed by a clamping spring and a contact body.

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The clamping spring and contact body are not firmly connected to each other, so that the insulating body that surrounds the clamping spring and the contact body must have positioning elements for the correct positional assignment of the clamping spring and contact body.

A connecting terminal for electrical conductors is known from the European patent application EP 0 84 9 82 6 A2, in which the contact bridge consists of a busbar rod and the leaf springs are punched out of a piece of spring steel sheet, the punched-out tongue ends of which are directed towards the busbar rod and form clamping points there. Punching out the tongue ends, however, involves waste. This terminal is used to hold electrical conductors in two levels. In view of the dimensions of the terminal, a certain minimum height is therefore required.

The invention is based on the object of specifying a screwless box terminal which can be manufactured particularly easily and inexpensively using little material and which is characterized by user-friendliness and environmental friendliness.

This object is achieved according to the invention by the features of the independent claim. The dependent claims develop the central idea of the invention in a particularly advantageous manner.

According to the invention, a particularly screwless box terminal is provided for connecting several conductors, wherein the conductors, in particular electrical conductors, are fed from the same side of the box terminal. For example, the box terminal can be provided for receiving three or five conductors. The box terminal has

It has an insulating body and a metal part, the metal part being accommodated in the insulating body. The metal part consists of a carrier element and a contact body, the carrier element having several clamping springs lying next to one another, which are cut out in the form of tongues.

These clamping springs, in conjunction with the contact body, form several adjacent clamping points for the conductor ends. The carrier element and the contact body are firmly connected to one another and the contact body electrically connects the clamping points to one another.

The terminal points can be dimensioned in such a way that they can accommodate conductors with very different cross-sectional sizes, for example in a range of approximately 0.5 to 2.5 mm ² . This corresponds to an AWG (American wire gauge) range of approximately AWG20 to AWG14.

The carrier element is advantageously bent parallel to the tips of the tongues so that an end leg is formed. This end leg serves as a support for the contact body. Among other things, this offers the possibility of manufacturing the carrier element with almost no waste and in a particularly simple manner.

The carrier element can also advantageously be designed to be S-shaped in its cross section, with one end leg of the S-shape serving as a support surface for the contact body and the tongues being cut free in the area of the middle section of the S-shape. This also enables the tongues cut free from the carrier element to be produced without waste or at least with little waste.

Another advantage is that the other end leg of the S-shape is positioned in the insulating body by means of a positive fit. This is advantageous in terms of a small-volume and thus material-saving design.

These features enable particularly cost-effective and environmentally friendly production of the socket terminal. In this context, it is particularly important to note that material-saving production also ultimately leads to material-saving disposal.

The insulating body can be designed to be at least partially transparent so that the terminal points can be seen and thus easily checked. Transparent plastic, for example, can be used as a material.

Furthermore, the insulating body can advantageously have funnels that run towards the terminal points and thus serve as insertion funnels for the conductor ends. For example, a funnel can be provided for each terminal point. The funnel shape makes it easier to insert the conductor ends.

According to one example, the underside of the insertion funnel can be extended in the direction of the contact body so that this underside is essentially flush with the top of the contact body and thus an inserted conductor is guided to the terminal point almost seamlessly.

The insulating body can advantageously consist of a base body and a cover. This enables a particularly simple manufacturing and assembly process.
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The insulating body advantageously has a conductor receiving space for the terminal point - for example, formed in the cover - which forms an extension of the funnel when viewed in the direction of insertion. For example, a conductor receiving space can be formed for each terminal point. The terminal points are laterally limited by the side walls of the conductor receiving space. The terminal point is limited at the rear by the rear wall of the conductor receiving space.

Another advantage is that the metal part is supported on the cover when a force is applied in the direction of insertion of a conductor, and on the base body when an opposite force is applied.

For example, when a force is applied in the insertion direction, the metal part can support itself on the side walls or on part of the side walls of the conductor receiving space. In this case, the metal part can support itself in particular with a web that is formed on the side of the spring tongue. This web can be a web between two spring tongues or an edge web.

Advantageously, a clamping point can be designed to be relieved and in particular to be released by pressing on a defined actuation area, for example in the form of a pusher on the insulating body. This allows the clamping point to be relieved or released manually.

and a flexible or fine-stranded conductor can also be inserted and fixed.

For example, a lever device can be provided to relieve the load, which rests on the insulating body. The lever support is formed in an area of the insulating body that extends along the upper edges of the inner funnel openings.

The first lever arm between the defined operating area and the support is advantageously shorter than the second lever arm, which is formed by the spring tongue. This results in a higher release force to relieve the load compared to the insertion force, which helps prevent the clamping point from being accidentally released.

For example, caulking can be used to connect the contact body to the carrier element. This technique is relatively simple to implement and the result is useful and reliable for the device described here.

According to a further aspect of the invention, a box terminal for connecting a plurality of conductors inserted from the same side comprises the following parts: an insulating body and a metal part received in the insulating body.

The metal part forms several adjacent terminal points and the insulating body forms receiving spaces for the conductors. One receiving space can be formed for each terminal point.

These receiving spaces are located behind the terminal points when viewed in the direction of conductor insertion. The receiving spaces are separated from each other by vertical walls.

The receiving spaces each delimit the space intended to accommodate a conductor or conductor end. In this way, the inserted conductor ends are mechanically separated from one another.

The receiving spaces can taper backwards for this purpose. The rear inner wall of the receiving space can serve as a rear boundary for a conductor end to be inserted.

In one embodiment, the insulating body can further be designed to be at least partially transparent so that the terminal points can be easily checked visually.

According to a further aspect of the invention, a box terminal for connecting several conductors which are inserted from the same side has the following parts: a one-part or multi-part insulating body and a metal part which is accommodated in the insulating body.

The metal part consists of a carrier element and a contact body, whereby the carrier element has several clamping springs lying next to each other, which are cut out in the form of tongues.

These clamping springs, in conjunction with the contact body, form several adjacent clamping points for the conductor ends.

A support is provided as a pivot bearing for the carrier element. This support is located between the

Deflection area from which the tongues are cut free and the clamping area.

In this way, three rotation areas are formed for the support element, along which the support element can deform when a conductor is inserted. Experience has shown that this is advantageous compared to the formation of only one rotation area.

The total deflection of the support element when a conductor is inserted is distributed across three areas. This distribution of force means that the stress on the material is lower than if only one area is used as a rotation area (the deflection area from which the tongues are cut free). This in turn makes it easier to reduce the amount of material used.

Advantageously, the support can be shaped or formed directly as part of the insulating body.

It is also advantageous for the carrier element to have incisions between the tongues, i.e. between the clamping springs, with which two adjacent clamping springs are separated at the height of their deflection areas. In this way, the clamping points are mechanically decoupled from one another and thus a potential negative mutual influence of the clamping points is prevented or at least reduced. These incisions can therefore extend in particular to the height of the support or even lower.

According to a further aspect of the invention, a box terminal for connecting several conductors inserted from the same side comprises the following parts:

A one- or multi-part insulating body and a metal part accommodated in the insulating body.

The metal part has several clamping springs lying next to each other, which are cut out in the form of tongues. These clamping springs form several clamping points lying next to each other for the conductor ends. A support is provided as a pivot bearing for the metal part. This support is located between the deflection area, from which the tongues are cut out, and the clamping area.

It is also advantageous for the box terminal to have a test opening which is provided in the insulating body and which extends from the outside to the metal part. It is shaped in such a way that a phase tester, test pin, voltage tester or the like can be inserted into the box terminal from the outside until it comes into contact with the metal part.

It is particularly advantageous if the test opening is designed separately from a conductor receiving space formed in the insulating body, i.e. if a separate channel is provided as a test opening. This can then, for example, lead to the metal part at a point that is opposite the clamping point. In this way, any impairment of the clamping connection when using the test opening is excluded.

In the following, further advantages and properties are explained using a detailed description of embodiments and with reference to the figures of the attached drawings. They show:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the

Carrier element and the contact body of a box terminal according to the invention;

Fig. la a perspective view of a

alternative embodiment of a metal part with carrier element and contact body of a box terminal according to the invention;

Fig. 2 a cross section through the carrier element

and the contact body;

Fig. 3 is a front view of the support element; Fig. 4 is a plan view of the support element;

Fig. 5 a cross section through a

inventive socket terminal according to a first embodiment; 20

Fig. 5a a cross-section through the same with inserted conductor;

Fig. 6 is a side view of the socket terminal according to the first embodiment;

Fig. 7 is a front view of the same;

Fig. 8 is a perspective view of the same; 30

Fig. 9 a cross section through a

inventive box terminal according to a

second embodiment;

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Fig. 10 is a side view of the box terminal according to the second embodiment;

Fig. 11 a front view of the same; 5

Fig. 12 is a plan view of the same;

Fig. 13 is a perspective view of the same;

Fig. 14 a cross section through a

Socket terminal according to the invention according to a third embodiment;

Fig. 15 a perspective view of the same; 15

Fig. 16 a semi-transparent perspective

Representation of the same from obliquely backwards above;

Fig. 17 a semi-transparent perspective

View of the same from the front above;

Fig. 18 is a perspective view of a cutaway box terminal according to a

fourth embodiment;

Fig. 19 is a side view of the same; Fig. 20 is a plan view of the same;

Fig. 21 to 23 further different views of the same;

Fig. 24 to 27 cross sections thereof; and

Fig. 28 and 29 two rear views of the same.

In Fig. 1, a metal part 100 with carrier element 1 and the contact body 2 of a box terminal according to the invention connected thereto is shown. For better clarity, the insulating body in which the metal part 100 is accommodated in the ready-to-use state of the box terminal according to the invention is not shown in Fig. 1.

Spring tongues 10 are cut out of the carrier element 1, for example by shearing or punching. According to the embodiment of Fig. 1, the carrier element 1 has three spring tongues 10. In principle, however, the number of spring tongues and thus the clamping points is unlimited (the minimum number is known to be two).

In the embodiment shown here, the longitudinally symmetrical arrangement makes it particularly easy to form any number of sections with tongues and thus clamping points for contacting and mechanically holding inserted electrical conductors. For example, the box terminal can also be designed with five clamping points. This design is particularly advantageous in terms of manufacturing, as the metal part can be manufactured continuously and then separated depending on the desired number of clamping points.

Between each of the two spring tongues 10, webs 16 are formed. There is an edge web 17 on the outer edge.

According to the embodiment of the carrier element 1 according to Fig. 1, the edge webs 17 are approximately half as wide as the

Intermediate tongue webs 16, which in turn offers manufacturing advantages, since the carrier element 1 can be produced in continuous production and, during assembly, the desired section length can be cut off according to the desired number of clamping points or spring tongues 10. The separation takes place (in each case) in the middle of an intermediate tongue web 16, so that in this way an edge web 17 is created, or two edge webs 17 are created.

Viewed in cross section, the carrier element 1 according to this embodiment has essentially a "Z" shape with a first end leg 11, a middle section 12 and a second end leg 13. According to the present embodiment, the first end leg 11 has caulking holes 15 which, viewed in the longitudinal direction, are each provided approximately at the level of the intermediate tongue webs 16.

If the manufacturing process described above is used, this results in caulking holes divided in the middle at the level of the edge webs 17.

The first end leg 11 serves as a support for the electrically highly conductive contact body 2, wherein the contact body 2 is located on the side of the first end leg 11 that points towards the spring tongues 10.

The connection between the carrier element 1 and the contact body 2 is achieved in the present example by caulking the contact body 2 into the caulking holes 15 of the carrier element 1, but can also be

by soldering, welding, gluing, screwing or riveting.

The design according to the invention advantageously makes it possible to first produce the carrier element 1 and the contact body 2 in continuous production and then to connect these two parts by caulking. For subsequent assembly, the components of the desired length can then be cut off at the desired locations in the middle of the respective intermediate tongue webs 16.

Fig. 2 shows a cross section through the carrier element 1 and the contact body 2 according to the embodiment shown in Fig. 1, also in a firmly connected state. The "Z" shape of the carrier element 1 with the first end leg 11, the middle section 12 and the second end leg 13 can be clearly seen in Fig. 2. The cut-out spring tongues 10 can also be seen. As can be clearly seen from Fig. 2, it is possible to punch or cut out the spring tongues 10 from the carrier element 1 without waste. The resulting material savings represent a manufacturing and environmental advantage.

Furthermore, Fig. 2 shows the contact body 2, which is firmly connected to the carrier element 1 by caulking at the level of the caulking holes 15.

In general, a free end of a spring tongue 10 and the associated end leg of the carrier element 1 clamp the contact body 2 due to the pre-tension of the spring tongues 10 by frictional engagement. A further connection by means of caulking, welding, soldering or gluing

can optionally be added to this frictional connection.

Surprisingly, the frictional connection is already sufficient to hold the contact body 2 and the carrier element 1 securely together during assembly, while when mounted in the insulating body, the latter takes over the holding function and positional positioning.

As can be seen in particular from Fig. 2, but also from Fig. 1, in the state without an inserted conductor, the clamping edge 14 of a spring tongue 10 according to this embodiment rests slightly deflected and thus slightly pre-tensioned on the contact body 2. If an electrical conductor is inserted horizontally from the right to the left at the level of the spring tongue 10 in relation to the illustration in Fig. 2, the spring tongue 10 is bent upwards to the left and the electrical conductor is held mechanically by means of a pulling force between the clamping edge 14 of the spring tongue 10 and the support of the contact body 2 on the one hand by means of a locking hook effect and on the other hand electrically contacts the contact body 2, which in turn creates the electrical cross-connection to the other clamping points.

In accordance with its function, a material with good spring properties is provided for the carrier element 1, for example a chromium-nickel alloy. The contact body 2 consists of a material with good electrical conductivity, such as copper.

Fig. 3 shows a side view of the carrier element 1 of Fig. 1. In particular, the (in this case three) spring tongues 10 can be seen, the

Intermediate tongue webs 16 and the two edge webs 17. In the middle of each intermediate tongue web 16, a separation line 18 is marked, which can be used as a marking when assembling the component after continuous production in accordance with the method specified above.

Fig. 4 shows a top view of the support element 1 from Fig. 1. The three spring tongues 10 can again be seen. The clamping edges 14 formed by them are each located between the caulking holes 15.

Fig. 1a shows an alternative embodiment of the carrier element 1 and the contact body 2. The carrier element is only bent once, so that an end leg 11 is formed. This end leg serves as a support for the contact body 2. According to this embodiment, it is possible to shape the spring tongues 10 in such a way that a completely waste-free production is possible. In addition, the comparatively simple shape of the carrier element 1 (reduced number of bending points) is particularly advantageous with regard to simple production.

Furthermore, the carrier element shown in Fig. 1a has incisions 19 which separate the spring tongues 10 in the region of their origins. This makes the individual clamping points more independent of one another in mechanical terms and promotes or enables "autonomous" holding of the spring tongues of the individual clamping points.

Fig. 5 shows a cross section through a box terminal according to the invention according to a first embodiment. An insulating base body can be seen, hereinafter referred to as

Insulating base housing 3, the carrier element 1, the contact body 2 and a cover 4, which consists of insulating material such as plastic. The carrier element 1 and the contact body 2 are formed according to the embodiment shown in Figs. 1, 2, 3 and 4.

The insulating base housing 3 has a base surface 34, a front wall 33 and a rear wall 39. A funnel 30 extends from the front wall 33 to the left in the direction of the clamping point formed by the spring tongue 10 and the contact body 2. The funnel 30 has an upper funnel wall 31 and a lower funnel wall 32 and tapers in the direction of the clamping point. The funnel shape makes it easier to insert a conductor.

On its side opposite the front wall 33, the funnel 30 has an inner funnel opening 301 with a reduced cross-section. A (stripped) electrical conductor is introduced further into the box terminal through this.

The underside of the insertion funnels 30 is extended in the direction of the contact body 2, so that this underside is essentially flush with the top of the contact body 2 and thus an inserted conductor is guided to the terminal point almost seamlessly.

For the correct connection of the insulating base housing 3 to the carrier element 1, the insulating base housing 3 has in particular a U-shaped groove 35 and a front stop 36. According to this first embodiment, when assembling the box terminal, the carrier element 1 is inserted into the insulating base housing 3 from the left with reference to Fig. 5, so that the carrier element 1 with its second end leg 13 is pushed away from the

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Groove 3 5 is received and comes to rest on the front stop 36 in the transition between its middle section 12 and its first end leg. The insulating base housing 3 also has a base 3 7 which is shaped in such a way that in the assembled state it serves as a support for the first end leg 11 of the carrier element 1. Finally, the intermediate tongue webs 16 or the edge webs 17 in the middle section 12 of the carrier element 1 in the area of the inner funnel opening 301 are supported on the insulating base housing 3.

In this way, the inner funnel opening 301 continues into the opening formed in the carrier element 1 by the cut-out spring tongue 10.

A conductor receiving space 41 is formed in the cover 4, which is open to the right with reference to Fig. 5 and is delimited on the left by a rear wall 43. With its front wall 40, it rests on the carrier element 1 at the level of the inner funnel opening 3 01 in the assembled state of the box terminal.

In its lower area, the cover 4 has a recess 44 which, with its rear boundary, forms a rear stop for the carrier element 1 and the contact body 2 connected thereto in the assembled state of the box terminal.

The vertical position fixation of the cover 4 relative to the insulating base housing 3 is achieved on the one hand by an upper guide wall 302, which is formed in the insulating base housing 3 and on the other hand by the bottom 3 7 of the insulating base housing 3. The corresponding lateral position fixation (in the direction of the normal of the drawing plane

Fig. 5) is given by the width of the cover 4 and the side walls of the insulating base housing 3.

In order to ensure that the box terminal of the cover 4 is correctly fixed in the assembled state relative to the insulating base housing 3 in the transverse direction, at least one locking cam 3 00 on the insulating base housing 3 engages in an opening 42 provided for this purpose in the cover.

For further illustration, Fig. 5a shows the case where an electrical conductor 5, for example made of copper, is clamped in the clamping point shown. The electrical conductor 5 points with its insulation 50 out of the funnel 30. The stripped part of the electrical conductor 5 is clamped between the contact body 2 and the clamping edge 14 of the spring tongue 10. The stripped part is received in the conductor receiving space 41.

When the electrical conductor 5 is inserted, forces act on the carrier element 1, which are absorbed by the cover 4 with the front wall 40 or parts thereof and possibly also with the recess 44. In particular, it can be provided for this purpose that the intermediate tongue webs 16 are supported on correspondingly shaped parts of the front wall 40.

When the conductor 5 is pulled out, forces are generated which act from the carrier element 1 onto the insulating base housing 3 and are absorbed by the latter, for example by contact surfaces designed for this purpose in the area of the intermediate tongue webs 16, but possibly also by the front stop 36 and/or the groove 35.

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Furthermore, when an electrical conductor is inserted, forces arise due to the bending of the spring tongue 10, which are absorbed by the U-shaped groove 35 in the region of the second end leg 13 of the carrier element.

The design of the components involved allows a certain amount of play along the intended insertion direction of the conductors while ensuring the full functionality of the box terminal. This is advantageous from a manufacturing point of view.

The box terminal according to the first embodiment is suitable for rigid and multi-wire conductors. To make the connection, a conductor is guided through a funnel 30 into the terminal and the connection is made as shown in Fig. 5a. The spring tongue 10 is thus pushed upwards by the insertion movement.

To release the plugged-in conductor 5, simply pull it out. A simultaneous rotating movement of the conductor can assist the release process.

Fig. 6 shows a side view of the socket terminal according to the first embodiment. In particular, the insulating base housing 3 and the cover 4 can be seen, which are held in position by means of the locking cam 300. The front side 33 of the insulating base housing forms the front side of the socket terminal, the cover rear wall 43 forms the rear wall of the socket terminal. The upper limit 38 decreases from the front to the rear. Overall, this creates a very compact, handy shape.

Fig. 7 shows a front view of the box terminal from Fig. 5. The front wall 33 can be seen, three funnels 30 lying next to one another for receiving three electrical conductors, as well as the three corresponding inner funnel openings 301, which each lead to a conductor receiving space 41. The clamping areas are dimensioned so that they can accommodate conductors with cross sections of approximately 0.5 to 2.5 mm ² .

Finally, Fig. 8 shows a perspective view of the assembled box terminal from Fig. 5. The cover 4 is transparent, for example made of transparent plastic, so that the clamping points are clearly visible. This makes it particularly easy to check the clamp connections produced.

Fig. 9 shows a cross section through a box terminal according to the invention in accordance with a second exemplary embodiment. Fig. 9 corresponds to the representation in Fig. 5. The essential difference from the first exemplary embodiment is that the box terminal according to the second exemplary embodiment has a pusher 60 which is designed as part of the insulating base housing 3 on the top of the box terminal. The movement of the pusher 60 with respect to the rest of the insulating base housing 3 is made possible by a longitudinally thin point in the form of the film hinge 6.

With reference to Fig. 9, the pusher 60 is pressed downwards, i.e. in the direction of the funnel, for actuation. This results in the section of the carrier element 1 that extends above the upper edge of the inner funnel opening 301 acting as a lever arm and being deflected downwards to the right. This lever arm

is supported on a longitudinal edge 303 which is formed approximately at the level of the upper edge of the inner funnel opening 301 in the interior of the insulating base housing.
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This lever movement causes the spring tongue 10, which acts as a second lever arm, to move upwards (to the left), which relieves the clamping point.

The first lever arm is smaller than the second lever arm, which extends through the spring tongue 10 to the clamping edge 14. Due to this length ratio of the lever arms, a comparatively high force is required to release the clamping point. This helps to avoid accidental release of the clamping point and is therefore advantageous in terms of a secure clamping point.

For the transmission of force between the pusher 60 and the first lever arm, a nose 61 is formed in the insulating base housing 3.

In this second embodiment, the cover 4' extends to the pusher 60.

A manually relievable clamping point means that in addition to rigid and multi-wire conductors, flexible conductors, for example made of aluminum, brass or other materials, can also be contacted and connected with the box terminal. After actuating the pusher 60, flexible conductors can be inserted sufficiently far into the conductor receiving space 41 so that they are then clamped by the spring tongue 10 with its clamping edge 14 and the contact body 2 after releasing the pusher 60. To release, the pusher 60 can

can also be operated. This allows the conductor to be pulled out without causing any damage.

According to the second embodiment, locking lugs 45 arranged on the side are provided in particular for connecting and mutually fixing the insulating base housing 3 with the cover 4. There are also many possibilities for vertical and horizontal fixing of the position, for example in the form of guide rails, which are obvious to the person skilled in the art and are not explained in more detail here. It is essential for the invention that a shape is chosen which allows the relevant components to be easily joined together with a view to simple assembly.

Fig. 10 shows a side view of the socket terminal according to the second embodiment. The corresponding locking lug 45 can be seen in particular.

Fig. 11 shows a corresponding front view. Again, three clamping points can be seen, each with an associated funnel 30. Each of the inner funnel openings 301 leads to a separate conductor receiving space. Fig. 12 shows a corresponding top view. It can be seen that the pusher 60 is formed in a middle section of the box terminal - viewed in the longitudinal direction.

Fig. 13 shows a perspective view of the box terminal according to the second embodiment.

Apart from that, the second embodiment does not differ fundamentally from the first.

Fig. 14 shows a cross section through a socket terminal according to a third embodiment. Fig. 15 shows this socket terminal in perspective.

In the third embodiment, the principle of shaping the carrier element 1 shown in Fig. 1a is used, that is, the carrier element 1 is simply bent and forms (only) one end leg 11. This serves as a support for the contact body 1. The position in the box terminal is shown in Fig. 14.

In contrast to the first two embodiments, the insulating base housing 3' according to the third embodiment is designed in such a way that it forms the rear end of the box terminal. On the front side, the insulating base housing 3' forms a frame 33' which accommodates the carrier element 1 (with the contact body 2) and - placed on top of it - a funnel part 7. The funnel part 7 is in turn fixed to the insulating base housing 3' by means of lateral locking lugs 307. (A "cover" in the sense of the first two embodiments can therefore be omitted here.)

The position of the carrier element 1 and the contact body 2 in the insertion direction is fixed on the one hand by an inner edge 3 04 formed at the top of the insulating base housing 3' and on the other hand by the recess 3 06. The position is fixed in the opposite direction by the plugged-on funnel part 7. In particular, the upper 71 and lower 72 funnel walls of the funnel part 7 can be provided for this purpose. The vertical position is fixed on the one hand by the inner edge 3 04 and on the other hand by the inner support surface 305 together with the recess 306 of the insulating base housing 3'.

According to the third embodiment, conductor receiving spaces 41 can also be formed. If necessary, these are formed, for example, by partition walls that are parts of the insulating base housing 3'.

The semi-transparent representations in Figures 16 and 17 show the case where the terminal has three clamping points and a conductor receiving space is provided for each of the clamping points. The position of these conductor receiving spaces is indicated in Figures 16 and 17.

For easier identification, the two side inner walls 411 and 412 of the middle conductor receiving space are shown hatched in Fig. 16. The rear wall 413 of the same is not hatched. An edge 414 formed by the side walls 411 and 412 can be seen, which points forward and downward. The edge 414 is also shown in the cross-sectional view in Fig. 14. Near the bottom, this edge 414 forms the recess 306, on which the metal part 100 can be supported, for example with the rear surfaces of the contact body 2 and the carrier element 1. (In Fig. 14, a small gap is drawn at this point so that the parts can be better distinguished.)

A partition wall is formed between each of the two conductor receiving spaces, which is designated with reference to Fig. 16 as a partition wall between the front and the middle conductor receiving space with the reference number 415. This partition wall 415 serves with its front side, which borders on the carrier element 1 in the upper area, as an additional support surface for the carrier element 1. The

The contact surface formed lies on the side of the carrier element in the area of the corresponding intermediate tongue web 16.

Alternatively, the front side of the partition wall 415 can also be shaped such that it serves as a support surface for the carrier element 1 up to the height of the contact body 2.

The forces which act on the insulating base housing 3' when a conductor is inserted from the metal part can therefore be absorbed in particular by the front side of the partition walls 415, on the one hand in the upper region and on the other hand in the lower region in which they form the recess 306.

An "edge wall" can be provided on the outer wall of a conductor receiving space located at the outer edge of the row of terminal points, which is shaped according to the separating walls and thus also forms the described support function for the carrier element 1 or the contact body 2.

The conductor receiving spaces 41 also serve to position the inserted conductor ends correctly. For example, they prevent adjacent conductor ends from crossing over. The conductor receiving spaces advantageously have an inner shape that tapers towards the rear. The inner rear wall 413 of the conductor receiving space secures the terminal point at the rear.

According to the third embodiment, the funnel part 7 has webs 73 formed in the upper area, which are indicated in Figures 16 and 17. These webs 73 form a front support for the carrier element 1. They support the carrier element 1 in the

• ·· · ···* «ff ff

• · ff ff ··· ·· ff

Essentially at those points on the front which are supported at the back by the partition walls 415 in the upper area. At these points, the funnel part 7 absorbs forces which act on the funnel part 7 when a conductor is pulled out. The formation of the webs 73 saves material on the one hand and is functional in terms of the described support of the carrier element 1 on the other.

Of course, corresponding edge webs 7 5 can be formed on the outer edge of the funnel part.

On the bottom side, the carrier element 1 is also supported by the funnel part 7, for example by the rear wall of the funnel part 1 in the area of the inner lower funnel openings. In the cross-sectional view from Fig. 14, this area is identified by the reference number 74.

In the third embodiment, the insulating base housing 3' is made of transparent plastic, for example. This allows good and convenient visual inspection of the terminal points.

For assembly, in the third embodiment, the carrier element 1 caulked to the contact body 2 is placed at the front in the insulating base housing 3' and positioned opposite the inner edge 3 04 and the recess 3 06. The funnel part is then plugged on. Thus, even according to the third embodiment, assembly is extremely simple.

In general, the box terminal according to the invention offers great advantages in terms of production. The insulating base housing 3 can be produced as an injection-molded part in a

so-called caterpillar (row). This leads to
This means that during assembly only one part of the track needs to be determined in order to bring all parts of the track into the desired position.
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The transparent cover 4 or 4', as well as the funnel part 7 can also be in caterpillar form
The carrier element 1 can be designed as a stamped part, so that sections with the desired number of clamping points can be made from a workpiece.

can be separated (continuous production). This process is
also with regard to saving raw materials, particularly
advantageous.

Figures 18 to 29 show a fourth

Example of the socket terminal shown. The
following description of this embodiment
focuses mainly on the differences
compared to the first three examples. In

For further information, please refer to the relevant descriptions above.

In Fig. 18 it can be seen that the socket terminal according to the fourth embodiment is a

Insulating base housing 3, a cover 4 and a metal part. The metal part has in particular a cut spring tongue 10 and a cut
Contact body 2 can be seen.

The metal part can be as shown in Fig. la
design and in particular

Have relief cuts or incisions 19 through which the clamping points are separated from each other between their deflection areas of the clamping springs 10.

• « ♦

Furthermore, the socket terminal has a test opening 46 which is formed in the cover 4. The test opening 46 extends from the rear wall of the cover 4 to the metal part. A direct connection can be provided between the test opening 46 and the contact body 2 and/or between the test opening 46 and the carrier element 1.

The test opening 4 6 is shaped and dimensioned such that a phase tester, test pin or voltage tester or the like can be inserted from the outside until it comes into contact with the metal part in order to detect its potential.

Furthermore, Fig. 18 shows an upper locking lug 308 which serves to connect the insulating base housing 3 and the cover 4.

According to the fourth embodiment, the cover 4 can also be designed to be transparent, so that a particularly good visibility of the clamping points is ensured.

Fig. 19 shows a side view of the box terminal according to the fourth embodiment. A lower locking lug 309 and a guide rail 416 can be seen, which is formed in the cover 4. Overall, the box terminal has such a guide rail 416 on each side. These two rails engage in corresponding recesses in the insulating base housing 3 and serve to improve the positional fixation of the cover 4 relative to the insulating base housing 3 and facilitate the assembly process.

Fig. 2 0 shows a corresponding top view. The position of two sections A-A and B-B is indicated; Figures 24 to 27 show the corresponding

Cross-sectional views. These will be discussed in more detail below.

Figures 21 to 23 show views from different positions. In Fig. 21, a centrally arranged cover area 47 can be seen, in which the test opening is formed. Furthermore, two lower locking lugs 3 09 can be seen, which serve to connect the insulating base housing 3 and the cover 4 and are arranged in the two side areas.

In Figures 21 to 23, the formation of three funnels 30 can also be seen. Inwardly drawn edges 310 are formed between two adjacent funnels. Of course, a different number of funnels or clamping points can also be provided.

Furthermore, in Figures 21 and 23, the lateral guide rails 416 can be seen on one side each, which is formed in the cover 4.

Fig. 24 shows a cross section along the section line B-B indicated in Fig. 24. Fig. 24 shows the metal part, consisting of the carrier element 1 and the contact body 2. It is held in position by the insulating base housing 3 and the cover 4. It can also be seen how the insulating base housing 3 and the cover 4 interlock and how this shape fixes their mutual position with respect to the vertical. The interlocking areas are located close to the clamping point, which is advantageous for easy assembly.

In particular, it can be seen that on the inside upper edge of the funnel 3 0 there is a support 311 for the metal part

When a conductor is inserted, the metal part can bend at this support, as indicated by the thick arrow in Fig. 24. The support 311 is accordingly rounded.

The cutouts with which the spring tongues 10 are cut free from the carrier element 1 extend to a height significantly above the support 311. On the one hand, an upper deflection region is formed which runs at the level of the origins of the cutouts, from which the tongues are cut free, and a further deflection region at the level of the support 311. This will be discussed in more detail below with reference to Figures 2 6 and 2 7.

The cross-sectional view in Fig. 24 shows the middle conductor receiving space 41. The front boundary 410 of the corresponding partition walls that laterally delimit the conductor receiving space 41 (perpendicular to the plane of the drawing) can be seen. This edge 410 is drawn back in the lower area. In the middle area it touches the carrier element 1 and can be provided there as a support for the same when a conductor is inserted.

Furthermore, Fig. 24 shows the test opening 46, which extends from the rear wall of the box terminal or the cover 4 to the metal part. The cover area 47 is shaped to form the test opening 46. The test opening 46 is separated from the conductor receiving space 41 by the base 48 of the conductor receiving space 41.

While an inserted conductor touches the contact body 2 from above, the test opening is brought to the metal part from below. Impairment of the

In this way, a clamp connection caused by an inserted phase tester or the like is excluded.

Fig. 25 shows a cross-sectional view along the section indicated in Fig. 20 with A-A, i.e. along a section through an external clamping point. Among other things, the upper 308 and lower locking lug 309 can be seen.

With reference to Figures 26 and 27, we will now look in more detail at the deformation movements of the metal part when a conductor is inserted. These two figures correspond to the illustration in Fig. 24 (section along B-B). In Fig. 26, the areas in which deformations of the metal part occur and corresponding clearances are provided are shown hatched. In particular, it should be noted that a cavity is formed in the insulating base housing 3 above the support 311 for this purpose.

Fig. 27 shows the three main (torsion) moments Ml, M2, M2 which act on the metal part when a conductor is inserted. Ml denotes the main moment which arises in the deflection area from which the spring tongue 10 is cut free. M2 denotes a first relief moment which arises at the level of the bending support 311 of the insulating base housing 3 formed for this purpose. The cutouts with which the tongues are cut free end significantly above the bending support 311 and the cuts 19 (see Fig. la) end at or below the height of the bending support 311. Thus, Ml and M2 cover two different areas.

«•••a ·· ·· ·· a«

Finally, a further unloading moment M3 is created in the transition area of the support element 1 to the support of the contact body 2.

Finally, Figures 28 and 29 show two rear views of the socket terminal according to the fourth embodiment. Among other things, the upper and lower locking lugs (308, 309), the test opening 46, which is formed by the cover area 47, and in Fig. 29 a lateral guide rail 416 can be seen.

According to the described embodiments, the box terminal can be assembled using the locking cam or locking nose construction by simply plugging it together, in particular without screwing and without the aid of a tool.

As already mentioned above, for assembly, the carrier element 1 caulked with the clamping body 2 can first be placed in the insulating base housing 3 and correctly positioned there. The cover 4 or the funnel part 7 is then placed on top and snapped into place, thus holding it in position. This offers the possibility of a very simple assembly process.

A clamp according to the invention can be manufactured, for example, according to the following method:

- Continuous production of metal parts

- Separation of metal parts depending on the desired number of poles

- Provision of beads of several coherently sprayed insulating bodies

- Inserting the metal parts into the insulating bodies, and

- Separation of plastic parts immediately after production or directly at the place of use.

&PSgr; · »mm

« « * » •••ft····

34

The advantages of the invention can be summarized as follows.

· The socket terminal is particularly material-saving in production.

• The box clamp allows easy installation.

· A transparent insulating housing makes visual inspection of the terminal points easy and straightforward.

List of reference symbols

1 support element

2 contact bodies

3 Insulating base housing

3' Insulating base housing according to the third embodiment

4 Lid according to the first embodiment 4 ' Lid according to the second embodiment

5 electrical conductor

6 Film hinge

7 Funnel part 10 Spring tongue

11 first end leg of the Z-shape

12 Middle section of the Z-shape

13 second end leg of the Z-shape

14 Clamping edge

15 caulking hole

16 Intermediate rails

17 Edge bar

18 Separation line

19 incisions

30 insertion funnels

31 upper funnel wall

32 lower funnel wall

33 Front wall

3 3' frame as front wall according to the third

Example

34 Base area

3 5 Groove

36 front stop

3 7 Floor

3 8 upper limit

V" VY

3 9 Insulating base housing rear wall

4 0 Cover front wall 41 Conductor compartment

42 Opening

43 Lid rear wall

44 Recess

45 side locking lugs 4 6 test opening

47 Cover area for inspection opening

48 Floor of the conductor receiving compartment

50 Insulation

55 deformation areas of the metal part

60 pushers

61 Nose

71 upper funnel wall

72 lower funnel wall

73 funnel part webs

74 Part of the rear wall of the funnel part close to the ground 75 Edge webs of the funnel part

3 00 locking cam

3 01 inner funnel opening

3 02 upper guide wall

3 03 Lever support edge

3 04 Inner edge as support for the carrier element in the third embodiment

3 05 Bottom of the insulating base housing in the third embodiment

3 06 Recess in the insulating base housing at the third

Example

307 lateral locking lugs in the third embodiment

3 08 upper locking lugs according to the fourth embodiment

309 lower locking lugs according to the fourth

Example

310 inward drawn funnel edges

311 Support as pivot bearing for the metal part

410 front boundary of the partition wall

411 first lateral inner wall of the middle conductor receiving space

412 second lateral inner wall of the middle conductor receiving space

413 rear inner wall of the middle conductor receiving space 414 edge between the side inner wall of the conductor receiving space and the front of the partition wall

415 Front of the partition wall

416 side guide rails

·

·

Claims (20)

1. Box terminal for connecting several conductors ( 5 ) which are inserted into the box terminal from the same side, comprising: - an insulating body ( 3 , 4 ), and - a metal part ( 1 , 2 ) accommodated in the insulating body ( 3 , 4 ), which consists of a carrier element ( 1 ) and a contact body ( 2 ), - wherein the carrier element ( 1 ) has a plurality of clamping springs ( 10 ) lying next to one another in the form of tongues ( 10 ) cut out of the carrier element ( 1 ), which together with the contact body ( 2 ) form a plurality of clamping points lying next to one another, and - wherein an end leg ( 11 ) of the carrier element ( 1 ) and a free tongue end each grip the contact body ( 2 ) like a pair of pliers and the contact body ( 2 ) electrically connects the clamping points to one another. 2. Box terminal according to claim 1, characterized in that the insulating body ( 3 , 4 ) has a conductor receiving space ( 41 ) which laterally delimits the clamping points with its side walls and/or delimits the clamping point on the side opposite the feed side with its rear wall ( 43 ). 3. Box terminal according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the metal part ( 1 , 2 ) is supported on the cover ( 4 ) when a force is applied in the insertion direction of a conductor ( 5 ) and on the base body ( 3 ) when a force is applied in the withdrawal direction of a conductor ( 5 ). 4. Box terminal according to one of claims 2 or 3, characterized in that the side walls of the conductor receiving space ( 41 ) support the metal part ( 1 , 2 ) in the insertion direction in that webs ( 16 , 17 ) formed by the metal part ( 1 ) laterally of the tongue ( 10 ) abut against the side walls of the conductor receiving space ( 41 ) when a conductor is inserted. 5. Box terminal according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the carrier element ( 1 ) has a section ( 11 ) which extends substantially parallel to the insertion direction of the conductors and carries the contact body ( 2 ). 6. Can terminal according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the carrier element ( 1 ) is substantially "L"-shaped in side view. 7. Box terminal according to claim 6, characterized in that the end leg ( 13 ) of the carrier element ( 1 ) facing away from the section ( 11 ) carrying the contact body ( 2 ) is positionally defined by positive locking in the insulating body ( 3 , 4 ). 8. Box terminal according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the insulating body ( 3 , 4 ) is at least partially transparent, so that the clamping point can be seen. 9. Can terminal according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the insulating body ( 3 , 4 ) has an insertion funnel ( 30 ) which tapers in the direction of the clamping point. 10. Box terminal according to claim 9, characterized in that the underside of the insertion funnel is extended in the direction of the contact body so that it is substantially flush with the top side of the contact body. 11. Box terminal according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the insulating body ( 3 , 4 ) consists of at least a base body ( 3 ) and a cover ( 4 ). 12. Can terminal according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the clamping point can be relieved by pressure on a defined actuating region ( 60 ) of the insulating body ( 3 , 4 ). 13. Can terminal according to claim 12, characterized in that the clamping point can be relieved by lever action, wherein the length of a first lever arm between the actuating region ( 60 ) and a support on the insulating body ( 3 ) is shorter than the length of a second lever arm which is provided by the spring tongue ( 10 ). 14. Box terminal according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the contact body ( 2 ) is caulked, riveted, welded or soldered to the carrier element ( 1 ) or is connected to it only by friction. 15. Box terminal for connecting several conductors ( 5 ) which are inserted into the box terminal from the same side, comprising: - an insulating body ( 3 , 4 ), and - a metal part ( 1 , 2 ) accommodated in the insulating body ( 3 , 4 ) which forms adjacent clamping points for inserted conductors, wherein the insulating body forms receiving spaces for the conductors in a region of the box terminal which lies behind the clamping points as seen in the insertion direction of the conductors, which receiving spaces are each separated from one another by vertical walls of the insulating body. 16. Box terminal for connecting several conductors ( 5 ) which are inserted into the box terminal from the same side, comprising: - an insulating body ( 3 , 4 ), and - a metal part ( 1 , 2 ) accommodated in the insulating body ( 3 , 4 ), which consists of a carrier element ( 1 ) and a contact body ( 2 ), - wherein the carrier element ( 1 ) has a plurality of clamping springs ( 10 ) lying next to one another in the form of tongues ( 10 ) cut out of the carrier element ( 1 ), which together with the contact body ( 2 ) form a plurality of clamping points lying next to one another, and - wherein the insulating body is provided between the deflection region, from which the tongues ( 10 ) are cut free, and the clamping region with a bending support ( 311 ) which serves as a pivot bearing for the carrier element ( 1 ). 17. Can terminal according to claim 16, characterized in that the carrier element ( 100 ) has incisions ( 19) between the tongues (10 ) which separate the deflection regions of the tongues ( 10 ). 18. Box terminal for connecting several conductors ( 5 ) which are inserted into the box terminal from the same side, comprising: 1. an insulating body ( 3 , 4 ), and - a metal part ( 100 ) accommodated in the insulating body ( 3 , 4 ) - wherein the metal part ( 100 ) has a plurality of clamping springs ( 10 ) lying next to one another in the form of cut-out tongues ( 10 ) which form a plurality of clamping points lying next to one another, and - wherein between the deflection region, from which the tongues ( 10 ) are cut free, and the clamping region, a support is provided which serves as a pivot bearing for the metal part ( 100 ). 19. Box terminal according to one of claims 16 to 18, characterized in that a test opening ( 46 ) is provided in the insulating body ( 3 , 4 ), which extends from the outside to the metal part ( 100 ). 20. Box terminal according to claim 19, characterized in that the insulating body ( 3 , 4 ) has a conductor receiving space ( 41 ) and the test opening ( 46 ) is formed separately from the conductor receiving space ( 41 ).