EP3504755B2 - Spring clamp terminal - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a spring-loaded clamp connection according to the preamble of claim 1, in particular a spring-loaded clamp connection for connecting an electrical conductor with an insulating housing, a busbar and a clamping spring which has a contact leg, a spring arch, a clamping leg and an actuating section, wherein the clamping leg has a clamping edge and the clamping edge with the busbar forms a clamping point for clamping the electrical conductor between the clamping edge and the busbar, and with an actuating element which is movably mounted in the insulating housing and is designed to apply force to the actuating section.

Spring-clamp connections of the type mentioned above are known in many different forms.

EP 2 400 595 A1 shows a connection terminal with an insulating housing and with at least one spring clamp unit with a clamping spring and a busbar section in the insulating housing. An actuating lever is provided which is pivotably arranged in the insulating housing and which, when moved, exerts a tensile force on the clamping spring which acts counter to the spring force. In one embodiment, a movable tab is provided which is formed in one piece with the insulating housing and which delimits an actuating channel for an actuating tool and is suspended in an actuating section of a leg spring. By tilting the actuating tool resting on the insulating tab about an opposite pivot point on the insulating housing, the clamping point between the leg spring and a busbar can be opened.

EP 2 234 211 A1 discloses a spring clamp connection for an electrical conductor with a carriage accommodated in an insulating housing in a linearly movable manner, which can be moved longitudinally opposite the contact leg of the contact body to open it at the clamping point. For this purpose, the carriage has a deflection slope at its end facing the interior of the housing, which interacts with the clamping arm of the contact spring. The carriage, which is accessible from the outside, can be moved into the interior of the housing by pressing with a finger and has through-openings for receiving electrical conductors.

A similar design of a spring-loaded terminal with a pusher that can be moved linearly inside the insulating housing is shown in the EN 10 2006 018 129 B4 described. In order to optimize the relationship between the displacement path of the opener and the pivoting path of the clamping leg, an actuating leg is arranged on the side of the clamping leg, on which the area acted upon by the opener is located.

EN 10 2013 110 789 B3 shows an adapter for contacting busbars. A connecting structure is provided that presses on spring terminals and is displaced by means of a common lever switch.

From the EP 2 849 287 A1 is an electrical connection device with at least one conductor in a terminal, which belongs to an electrical device. From the EN 10 2004 045 026 B3 An electrical connection or connecting terminal is known. From the EN 20 2015 103 176 U1 A terminal block wiring device is known. From the US 2016/0020543 A1 An electrical connection device with a spring clamp contact and a compact actuator as well as a four-pin connector with a large number of spring clamp contacts is known. DE 20 2009 002 324 U1 A connection terminal for connecting conductor ends is known, which corresponds to the preamble of claim 1.

Based on this, the object of the present invention is to provide an improved spring-loaded terminal connection.

The object is achieved with the spring-loaded terminal connection with the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments are described in the subclaims.

According to an advantageous development of the invention, it is proposed that the actuating element is mounted in the insulating material housing so that it can be moved linearly and extends from the actuating section of the clamping spring beyond a plane spanned by the support surface of the contact leg on the busbar or the insulating material housing. The actuating element is designed to apply force to the actuating section of the clamping spring on the side of the actuating section which faces away from the support surface of the contact leg on the busbar.

In this way, a very compact spring-loaded terminal connection can be created that is optimized in terms of the effect of the actuating force. The clamping spring can be opened by reaching under or behind the actuating section in the pulling direction of the clamping spring, so that the linearly displaceable actuating element moves the clamping leg when the actuating lever is moved, e.g. by pivoting it in the direction of the contact leg. The linearly displaceable actuating element can be guided past the clamping spring, e.g. to the side or, if necessary, in front of or behind the clamping spring, and extends from the actuating section of the clamping spring to beyond a plane that is spanned by the contact leg's support surface on the busbar or by the insulating housing. This means that, for example, a pivoting actuating lever can act on the actuating element that is positioned on the side of the spring-loaded terminal connection diametrically opposite the actuating leg.

The actuating element can be guided in a linearly displaceable manner by guide contours in the insulating housing and/or the clamping spring. The guide can be limited by stops to prevent excessive deflection of the clamping leg.

The actuating element can have a bearing section for an actuating lever. The bearing section and the support surface are coordinated with one another in such a way that the actuating element can be moved linearly, for example by pivoting the actuating lever supported on the support surface of the insulating housing and supported against the bearing section of the actuating element. There can then be a free space between the bearing section and the insulating housing to accommodate the actuating lever, delimited by a support surface of the insulating housing.

The actuating lever can be a part that is pivotably connected to the actuating element or a separate actuating tool that can be inserted into the spring-loaded terminal connection if required.

The bearing that connects the actuating lever to the actuating element can be designed as a pivot bearing for the actuating lever. This provides the actuating lever as a functional component of the spring-loaded terminal connection. This actuating lever can, for example, be a pivot lever made of insulating material that is hinged to the actuating element with the pivot bearing. The position of this pivot bearing is then coordinated with the actuating lever and the actuating element so that when the actuating lever is pivoted, the actuating element is moved linearly. The insulating housing provides a support surface for the actuating lever that acts as a counter bearing.

Such an actuating lever can have a lever arm section and a pressure arm section which protrude in different directions from the pivot bearing.

In one embodiment, the lever arm section and the pressure arm section can protrude in opposite directions. The pressure arm section can then extend at an obtuse angle (greater than 90°) to the longitudinal axis of the lever arm section leading through the pivot bearing. This has the advantage that the pressure arm section that interacts with the support surface of the insulating housing is not simply opposite the free end of the lever arm section, but is guided out of the alignment of the lever arm section towards the support surface. This enables a very compact embodiment with optimized force transmission, in which actuation takes place by exerting a tensile force on the lever arm section.

In another embodiment, the lever arm section and the pressure arm section can be located on the same side of the pivot bearing, i.e. extend away from the pivot bearing on the same side of the actuating element. The pressure arm section is then at an acute angle (less than 90°) to the longitudinal axis of the lever arm section leading through the pivot bearing. This enables an even more compact embodiment with a force transmission in which actuation takes place by exerting a pressure force on the lever arm section.

The actuating lever has a plain bearing support contour to form a plain bearing with the support surface of the insulating housing. This support contour can be, for example, a rounded/curved contour or an angular contour, which reduces the contact surface compared to a full-surface support. This ensures that the actuating lever, which is linked to the actuating element with the pivot bearing, slides along the support surface when pivoting in order to cause a linear displacement of the actuating element.

In another embodiment, the actuating lever can be a (separate) actuating tool that can be inserted into the free space. The actuating element then has a bearing surface opposite the support surface of the insulating housing. The support surface and the bearing surface are arranged offset from one another in the direction of extension of the actuating tool inserted into the free space. For such a separate actuating tool, such as a screwdriver, a bearing for linear displacement of the actuating element when the actuating tool is pivoted is provided on the one hand by the support surface of the insulating housing and on the other hand by a bearing surface on the actuating element opposite the support surfaces. The free space for receiving an actuating tool is then located between this pair of offset support surface and bearing surface.

The actuating element can have a guide wall arranged laterally next to the clamping spring and mounted on the insulating housing so that it can be moved linearly, and a finger protruding from the guide wall under the actuating section. The finger is arranged in such a way that it comes into contact with the actuating section on the side of the actuating section that faces away from the contact leg and moves the actuating section in the direction of the contact leg of the clamping spring by applying force.

The term "under" in this context is to be understood as on the side facing away from the investment leg.

The clamping spring can be a U-shaped bent leg spring. The actuating section of the clamping spring is then arranged at a distance from the clamping edge on the clamping leg or is connected to the clamping leg. The actuating section thus acts on the clamping leg in order to move the clamping leg by applying force to the actuating section so that the clamping point formed by the clamping edge and the busbar is opened for clamping an electrical conductor.

The actuating section of the clamping spring can be formed on a tab that protrudes laterally from the clamping leg. The actuating section thus forms a part that is integrally connected to the clamping leg and protrudes laterally from the clamping leg.

The actuating section of the clamping spring can also be designed as a frame element. The frame element can be formed from a side web and a cross web protruding from the side web. The frame element can also have two side webs connected to the clamping leg and spaced from one another and a cross web connecting the side webs. A clamping tongue provided with the clamping edge protrudes from the clamping leg between the side webs. The cross web is then positioned upstream and/or downstream of the clamping edge in the insertion direction. The frame element is thus formed from the clamping leg. The clamping tongue, which carries the clamping edge, is then aligned relative to the frame element in such a way that the clamping edge of the clamping tongue is not covered by the cross web, at least when a conductor is inserted and clamped, and can clamp the electrical conductor.

The crossbar can have a further clamping edge for clamping an electrical conductor or can form such a clamping edge. The crossbar and the clamping tongue are then aligned in relation to the plane of the busbar and an electrical conductor lying against it in such a way that the clamping edge of the clamping tongue and the clamping edge of the crossbar are arranged one behind the other in the conductor insertion direction. The crossbar can be positioned upstream or downstream of the clamping edge of the clamping tongue in the conductor insertion direction.

The design of a clamping spring with such a frame element on the clamping leg also has advantages regardless of the existence or embodiment as an actuating element. In this respect, a spring-loaded clamping connection for clamping an electrical conductor with an insulating housing, a busbar and a clamping spring, which has a contact leg, a spring arch, a clamping leg and an actuating section, offers further advantages. The clamping leg has a clamping edge which, with the busbar, forms a clamping point for clamping the electrical conductor between the clamping edge and the busbar. The actuating section of the clamping spring is then designed as a frame element which, for example, has two side webs connected to the clamping leg and spaced apart from one another and optionally a cross web connecting the side webs, wherein a clamping tongue provided with the clamping edge protrudes from the clamping leg between the at least one side web or at a distance therefrom and the cross web is positioned upstream or downstream of the clamping edge in the insertion direction.

In a further advantageous embodiment of such a spring-loaded terminal connection, the crossbar has a further clamping edge for clamping an electrical conductor.

The crossbar is optional for this actuating section of the clamping spring, which is designed as a frame element. The frame element can also be formed by just two side bars connected to the clamping leg and spaced apart from each other. This eliminates the need for another clamping edge. However, the advantage remains that the actuating section can be stabilized with the help of the side bars, particularly when the actuating element is acting on one side.

The clamping point can be opened by applying force to the actuating section in a structurally suitable manner. The actuating lever can be aligned in the direction of the electrical conductor to be clamped, for example.
This makes handling both the electrical conductor and the operating lever easier. However, an embodiment is also conceivable in which the operating arm of the operating lever is aligned away from the electrical conductor to be connected.

The insulating housing of the spring-loaded clamp connection in the previously described embodiments can have a recess, with the support surface for the actuating lever being arranged in the recess. The counter bearing for the actuating lever provided by the support surface is thus arranged at a smaller distance from the actuating section of the clamping spring than the bearing section of the actuating element. This enables an even more compact design of the spring-loaded clamp connection with good kinematics.

In order to hold the clamping spring in the open position in which the clamping point is open, the insulating housing can have a surface section which is aligned to hold the operating lever in an over-center position or rest position.

This surface section can, for example, be a stop surface adjacent to the support surface of the insulating housing for the pressure arm section of the actuating lever. This is arranged in the pivoting direction of the actuating lever towards the open position in such a way that the pressure arm section can be guided past the connecting line between the pivot bearing and the contact of the actuating element on the actuating section of the clamping spring and only hits the stop surface behind this connecting line in the pivoting direction in order to prevent further pivoting and to hold the actuating lever in this over-center position.

This surface section can also be a step that is opposite a bearing surface on the actuating element for guiding a separate actuating tool or a rest surface that adjoins the bearing surface. In the open position, the end of the actuating tool then rests on the step and is held on the step with a force that is transmitted to the actuating tool via the actuating element. in the direction of the step.

As mentioned, the object mentioned at the beginning is achieved by a spring-loaded clamp connection according to claim 1. This enables the previously explained advantages to be realized. In contrast to the prior art, the clamping leg of the clamping spring is opened by a tensile force exerted by the tension element, which enables a mechanically favorable force transmission with a compact design of the spring-loaded clamp connection. In addition, the operating lever can be designed to be particularly ergonomic.

An advantageous development of the invention relates to a spring-loaded clamp connection for clamping an electrical conductor, wherein the spring-loaded clamp connection has at least one clamping spring for clamping the electrical conductor to the spring-loaded clamp connection and at least one pivotable actuating lever for actuating the clamping spring, wherein the actuating lever can be moved back and forth between an open position in which a conductor clamping point formed with the clamping spring is open and a closed position in which the clamping point is closed, wherein the open position and the closed position form end positions of the pivoting movement of the actuating lever at which the actuating lever comes into contact with a mechanical stop, wherein the actuating lever can be pivoted beyond at least one of the end positions into an overpressure position without parts of the spring-loaded clamp connection being damaged or the actuating lever becoming detached from the spring-loaded clamp connection. In this way, the spring-loaded clamp connection and in particular the bearing of the actuating lever can be protected from damage even if excessive force is applied. The operating lever can therefore avoid excessive force to a certain extent because it has a certain amount of idle space or free travel.

According to an advantageous development of the invention, it is provided that the actuating element can be moved linearly by moving the actuating lever into the at least one over-pressing position. During this over-pressing movement of the actuating lever, the actuating element can thus at least partially continue its linear movement. Once the actuating lever has arrived in the over-pressing position, the actuating element can also be arranged in the same linear position as before in the end position close to the over-pressing position, i.e. the open position.

According to an advantageous development of the invention, it is provided that the actuating lever is rotatably mounted on the linearly displaceable actuating element, wherein the actuating lever follows the linear displacement of the actuating element when the actuating lever is moved into the at least one overpressure position. In this way, the actuating lever can avoid the excessively high actuating force without causing damage to the actuating lever or its bearing.

According to an advantageous development of the invention, it is provided that the spring-loaded terminal connection has an overpressure contour formed on the insulating housing or another part of the spring-loaded terminal connection, along which the support contour guides when the actuating lever is moved into the overpressure position. In this way, the actuating lever can be safely guided into the overpressure position.

According to an advantageous development of the invention, it is provided that the overpressure contour runs at least in sections obliquely to the linear movement direction of the actuating element. In this way, the overpressure contour can form a type of temporary stop in the end position of the actuating lever and at the same time bring about a suitable guidance of the actuating lever into the overpressure position.

According to an advantageous development of the invention, the actuating force of the actuating lever increases when the actuating lever is moved from the end position to the overpressure position. This has the advantage that the user receives haptic information that the end position has been reached.

As mentioned, the operating lever is pivotably mounted on the spring clamp connection via a pivot bearing. The operating lever can be attached to any holding part of the spring clamp connection, ie this holding part then contains bearing elements on the holding part side to form part of the pivot bearing. This holding part of the spring clamp connection can be, for example, an area of the insulating housing or the operating element. The operating lever has lever-side bearing elements of the pivot bearing. Here, one bearing element, ie either the lever-side bearing elements or the holding part-side bearing elements, can be designed as a pin and the counterpart of the bearing element as a bearing hole, e.g. as a through hole. or as a blind hole.

According to an advantageous development of the invention, it is provided that the actuating lever is attached to a holding part of the spring-loaded clamp connection, in particular to the actuating element, in such a way that the actuating lever cannot be detached from the holding part without causing damage. The spring-loaded clamp connection thus has a non-separable, prefabricated assembly which has at least the actuating lever and the holding part. In this way, assembly time can be saved when assembling the individual parts of the spring-loaded clamp connection.

According to an advantageous development of the invention, it is provided that the actuating lever is attached to a holding part of the spring-loaded clamp connection via a pivot bearing, wherein the actuating lever has lever-side bearing elements of the pivot bearing and the holding part has holding part-side bearing elements of the pivot bearing, wherein the holding part-side bearing elements are molded directly around the lever-side bearing elements or onto the lever-side bearing elements during manufacture. This can be done, for example, by overmolding the lever-side bearing elements with the holding part-side bearing elements in a plastic injection molding process.

According to an advantageous development of the invention, it is provided that the material of the lever-side bearing elements has a different melting temperature than the material of the holding part-side bearing elements. In particular, the melting temperature of the lever-side bearing elements can be higher than the melting temperature of the material of the holding part-side bearing elements. In this way, damage to the lever-side bearing elements is avoided during the molding process of the holding part-side bearing elements onto the lever-side bearing elements.

1. a) Herstellen des Betätigungshebels mit hebelseitigen Elementen des Schwenklagers,
2. b) Herstellen des Halteteils des Federkraftklemmanschlusses, an dem der Betätigungshebel gelagert ist, indem das Halteteil mit halteteilseitigen Lagerelementen des Schwenklagers um die hebelseitigen Lagerelemente des Schwenklagers herum geformt wird, sodass die hebelseitigen Lagerelemente des Schwenklagers während des Herstellprozesses des Halteteils von den halteteilseitigen Lagerelementen des Schwenklagers aufgenommen werden,
3. c) Fertigstellen des Federkraftklemmanschlusses mit der Baugruppe aus dem Betätigungshebel und dem Halteteil des Federkraftklemmanschlusses, an dem der Betätigungshebel befestigt ist, sowie den weiteren Elementen des Federkraftklemmanschlusses einschließlich der Klemmfeder.

The aforementioned advantages can also be achieved by a method for producing a spring-loaded terminal connection for clamping an electrical conductor, wherein the spring-loaded terminal connection has at least one clamping spring for clamping the electrical conductor to the spring-loaded terminal connection and at least one pivotable actuating lever for actuating the clamping spring, which is fastened to a holding part of the spring-loaded terminal connection via a pivot bearing, with the steps:

1. a) Manufacture of the operating lever with lever-side elements of the pivot bearing,
2. b) producing the holding part of the spring clamp connection on which the actuating lever is mounted by forming the holding part with holding part-side bearing elements of the pivot bearing around the lever-side bearing elements of the pivot bearing, so that the lever-side bearing elements of the pivot bearing are received by the holding part-side bearing elements of the pivot bearing during the manufacturing process of the holding part,
3. c) Completion of the spring clamp connection with the assembly consisting of the operating lever and the holding part of the spring clamp connection to which the operating lever is attached, as well as the other elements of the spring clamp connection including the clamping spring.

Figur 1 a) -

Skizze einer ersten Ausführungsform eines Federkraftklemmanschlusses in einer Offen-Position mit eingeführtem elektrischem Leiter und schwenkbarem Zugbetätigungshebel;

Figur 1 b) -

Skizze des Federkraftklemmanschlusses aus Figur 1 a) in der geschlossenen Position;

Figur 2 a) -

Skizze einer zweiten Ausführungsform eines Federkraftklemmanschlusses in einer Offen-Position mit eingeführtem elektrischem Leiter und schwenkbarem Druckbetätigungshebel;

Figur 2 b) -

Skizze des Federkraftklemmanschlusses aus Figur 2 a) in der geschlossenen Position;

Figur 3 a) -

Skizze einer Abwandlung der ersten Ausführungsform eines Federkraftklemmanschlusses in der Offen-Position mit in Leitereinsteckrichtung weisendem Zugbetätigungshebel;

Figur 3 b) -

Skizze einer Abwandlung der zweiten Ausführungsform eines Federkraftklemmanschlusses in der Offen-Position mit in Leitereinsteckrichtung weisendem Druckbetätigungshebel;

Figur 4 -

Perspektivische Ausschnittansicht einer an einer Stromschiene gelagerten Klemmfeder mit Rahmenelement;

Figur 5 a) -

Perspektivische Ansicht einer dritten Ausführungsform eines Federkraftklemmanschlusses mit separaten Betätigungswerkzeug als Betätigungshebel und Blick auf eine Steckkontaktöffnung;

Figur 5 b) -

Perspektivische Ansicht des Federkraftklemmanschlusses aus Figur 5 a) mit Blick auf den Leitereinführungskanal;

Figur 6 a) -

Seitenschnittansicht des Federkraftklemmanschlusses aus Figuren 5 a) und 5 b) mit eingeführtem Betätigungswerkzeug;

Figur 6 b) -

Perspektivische Schnittansicht des Federkraftklemmanschlusses aus Figuren 5 a) und 5 b) mit eingeführtem Betätigungswerkzeug;

Figur 7 a) -

Seitenschnittansicht des Federkraftklemmanschlusses aus Figuren 5 a) und 5 b) mit Betätigungswerkzeug in der Offenposition;

Figur 7 b) -

Perspektivische Schnittansicht des Federkraftklemmanschlusses aus Figuren 5 a) und 5 b) mit Betätigungswerkzeug in der Offenposition;

Figur 8 -

perspektivische Ansichten einer weiteren Ausführungsform eines Federkraftklemmanschlusses in unterschiedlichen Stellungen des Betätigungshebels;

Figur 9, 10-

der Federkraftklemmanschluss gemäß Figur 8 in seitlichen Schnittdarstellungen;

Figur 11 -

eine weitere Ausführungsform eines Federkraftklemmanschlusses in seitlicher Schnittdarstellung.

The invention is explained in more detail below using exemplary embodiments. They show:

Figure 1 a) -

Sketch of a first embodiment of a spring-loaded terminal connection in an open position with inserted electrical conductor and pivotable pull operating lever;

Figure 1 b) -

Sketch of the spring clamp connection from Figure 1 a) in the closed position;

Figure 2 a) -

Sketch of a second embodiment of a spring-loaded terminal connection in an open position with inserted electrical conductor and pivotable pressure actuation lever;

Figure 2 b) -

Sketch of the spring clamp connection from Figure 2 a) in the closed position;

Figure 3 a) -

Sketch of a modification of the first embodiment of a spring-loaded terminal connection in the open position with the pull-operating lever pointing in the conductor insertion direction;

Figure 3 b) -

Sketch of a modification of the second embodiment of a spring-loaded terminal connection in the open position with the pressure actuating lever pointing in the conductor insertion direction;

Figure 4 -

Perspective detail view of a clamping spring with frame element mounted on a busbar;

Figure 5 a) -

Perspective view of a third embodiment of a spring-loaded terminal connection with a separate actuating tool as an actuating lever and a view of a plug contact opening;

Figure 5 b) -

Perspective view of the spring clamp connection from Figure 5 a) with a view of the conductor entry channel;

Figure 6 a) -

Side section view of the spring clamp connection from Figures 5 a) and 5 b) with the operating tool inserted;

Figure 6 b) -

Perspective sectional view of the spring clamp connection from Figures 5 a) and 5 b) with operating tool inserted;

Figure 7 a) -

Side section view of the spring clamp connection from Figures 5 a) and 5 b) with operating tool in the open position;

Figure 7 b) -

Perspective sectional view of the spring clamp connection from Figures 5 a) and 5 b) with operating tool in the open position;

Figure 8 -

perspective views of another embodiment of a spring clamp connection in different positions of the operating lever;

Figure 9, 10-

the spring clamp connection according to Figure 8 in lateral sectional views;

Figure 11 -

another embodiment of a spring clamp connection in a side sectional view.

Figure 1 a) shows a sketch of a spring-loaded terminal connection 1, which has an insulating housing 2 and a clamping spring 3 accommodated in the insulating housing 2, as well as a busbar 4. The clamping spring 3 is mounted on the busbar 4 with a contact leg 5. For this purpose, for example, a holding frame 6 can extend away from a support section 7 of the busbar 4. The clamping spring 3 is thus arranged self-supporting on the busbar 4, without exerting a significant force on the insulating housing 2.

An electrical conductor 8 is inserted into a conductor insertion channel (not shown) in the insulating housing 2 in the conductor insertion direction L into the insulating housing 2. It can then be guided in the open position shown between a clamping leg 9 of the clamping spring 3 and the support section 7 of the busbar 4 (contact section), so that a clamping edge 10 at the free end of the clamping leg 9 together with the busbar 4 forms a clamping point for clamping the electrical conductor 8. It is clear that the stripped end 11 of the electrical conductor 8 is positioned between the support section 7 and the clamping edge 10 and is guided through a conductor feedthrough opening 12 in a bearing section designed as a holding frame 6. A protruding contact edge can be present on the support section 7 of the busbar 4, onto which the contact force of the clamping spring 3 is concentrated when an electrical conductor 8 is clamped.

The clamping spring 3 is designed as a U-shaped leg spring with the contact leg 5, an adjoining spring arch 13 and the adjoining clamping leg 9.

In order to open the clamping point for removing the electrical conductor 8, an actuating element 14 is provided, which is installed in the insulating housing 2 so that it can be moved linearly. The actuating element 14 engages under an actuating section 15 arranged on the clamping leg 9 in order to displace the clamping leg 9 in the direction of the contact leg 5 by linearly displacing the actuating element 14. The actuating element 14 thus acts on the actuating section 15 of the clamping spring 3 on the side of the actuating section 15 facing away from the contact leg. This exerts a compressive force on the actuating section 15 in order to open the clamping point.

It is clear that the actuating element 14 has a guide wall 16 which runs laterally past the clamping spring 3 and has a finger 17 arranged on the guide wall 16, which rests on the actuating section 15 in the open position shown.

To move the actuating element 14, an actuating lever 18 is pivotably mounted on the actuating element 14. For this purpose, a pivot bearing 19 is provided on the actuating lever 18 and the actuating element 14. The pivot bearing 19 can be designed, for example, as a pin bearing in which a pin dips into a bearing opening. The pin can be provided on the actuating lever 18 or the actuating element 14 and the corresponding bearing opening can then be provided on another element, i.e. the actuating element 14 or the actuating lever 18.

Figure 1 b) shows the spring clamp connection 1 from Figure 1 a) in the closed position. It is clear that the actuating lever 18 has now been pivoted downwards with its lever arm section 20 in the direction of the conductor insertion opening or in the direction of the clamping spring 3. It can also be seen that the actuating lever 18 has a pressure arm section 21 opposite the lever arm section 20. This pressure arm section 21 interacts with a support surface 22 of the insulating housing 2 and rests on this support surface 22 of the insulating housing 2 at least when pivoting into the open position. When pivoted, the pressure arm section 21 then slides with its rounded support contour 23 along the surface of the support surface 22, so that a sliding bearing is formed. The counter bearing is formed by the pivot bearing 19, as a result of which the actuating element 14 is then displaced linearly in the actuation direction B.

If the operating lever 18 is now turned anti-clockwise into the open position according to Figure 1 is pivoted, the finger 17 of the actuating element 14 moves upwards in the actuating direction B in order to move the clamping leg 9 in the direction of the system leg 5 against the spring force of the clamping spring 3. The actuating element 14 is guided on the insulating housing 2 in a linearly displaceable manner.

In this embodiment of the spring-loaded clamp connection 1, not only one actuating element 14 can be present on one side of the clamping spring 3. An embodiment is also conceivable in which two actuating elements 14 are arranged opposite one another, forming a free space for receiving the clamping spring 3 on both sides next to the clamping spring 3. The narrow edges of the contact leg 5 and the clamping leg 9 then each border on a Actuating element 14.

However, it is also conceivable that the actuating element 14 is not arranged laterally next to the clamping spring 3. It can also be arranged in another way adjacent to the clamping spring 3, for example upstream or downstream of the clamping spring 3 in the conductor insertion direction L.

In any case, it is then structurally designed in such a way that the clamping leg 9 can be moved by linear displacement of the actuating element 14. The linear displacement of the actuating element 14 is brought about by the actuating lever 18 which is pivotably connected to the actuating element 14.

It can also be seen in this embodiment that the support surface 22 merges into a surface section in the form of a stop surface 24 that protrudes from the support surface 22. This stop surface 24 is arranged in the pivoting direction of the actuating lever 18 towards the open position in such a way that the pressure arm section 21 can be guided past at least the connecting line between the pivot bearing 19 and the contact of the actuating element 14 on the actuating section 15 of the clamping spring 3 and only hits the stop surface 24 behind this connecting line in the pivoting direction in order to prevent further pivoting and to hold the actuating lever 18 in this over-center position. In the embodiment shown, an over-center position is ensured in any case when the pressure arm section 21 has passed the connecting line leading through the pivot bearing 19 and aligned in the actuation direction B and the stop surface 24 is arranged behind this connecting line in the pivoting direction towards the open position. This connecting line is aligned parallel to the linear movement direction of the actuating element 14 and thus parallel to guide bearings (not shown) for the actuating element 14. The stop surface 24 prevents further pivoting of the actuating lever 18 and the actuating lever 18 is held in an over-center position when the clamping point is open, with a force of the clamping spring 3 acting on the actuating element 14.

In the first embodiment shown, the pressure arm section 21 and the lever arm section 20 protrude from the common pivot bearing 19 in opposite directions. The pressure arm section 21 and the lever arm section 20 are aligned with their main extension directions (e.g. central axes) at an obtuse angle (greater than 90°) to one another. The interior angle between the pressure arm section 21 and the lever arm section 20 can, for example, be limited to a range of 180° to 120°.

Figure 2 a) shows a sketch of a second embodiment of the spring-loaded clamp connection 1. Reference can essentially be made to the above statements. The difference to the first embodiment lies in the design of the actuating lever 18. The pressure arm section 21 is located on the same side of the pivot bearing 19 as the lever arm section 20. The pressure arm section 21 and the lever arm section 20 are aligned with their main extension directions (e.g. central axes) at an acute angle (less than 90°) to one another. The internal angle between the pressure arm section 21 and the lever arm section 20 can, for example, be limited to a range of 10° to 90°.

In the Figure 2 a) In the open position shown, the pressure arm section 21 is then aligned from the pivot bearing 19 to the support surface 22 and rests on the support surface 22. The pressure arm section 21 is then positioned laterally adjacent to the actuating element 14. This corresponds to the alignment in the first embodiment and leads to the opening of the clamping spring 3.

Figure 2 b) shows a sketch of the second embodiment of the spring-loaded terminal connection 1 in the closed position. By pivoting the actuating lever 18, the pressure arm section 21 is aligned opposite to the conductor insertion direction L, pointing towards the electrical conductor 8 to be inserted. The lever arm section 20 protrudes upwards away from the insulating housing 2, as is the case in the first embodiment in the open position ( Figure 1 a) .

A stop surface 24 (not shown) can optionally be provided as in the first embodiment, which then only projects spatially offset from the support surface 22 on the opposite side of the pivot bearing 19, approximately in the space above the finger 17.

The actuation of the clamping spring 3 by pivoting the actuating lever 18 takes place in the first embodiment by exerting a tensile force on the lever arm section 20 and in the second embodiment by exerting a compressive force on the lever arm section 20.

Figure 3 a) shows a modification of the Figures 1 a) and 1 b) illustrated first embodiment of the spring-loaded terminal connection 1. It is clear that the actuating lever 18 is arranged in a mirrored manner, so that the lever arm section in the closed position is aligned in the conductor insertion direction L. Here too, actuation takes place by exerting a pulling force on the actuating lever 18. A stop surface 24 (not shown) can optionally be provided as in the first embodiment, which then protrudes from the support surface 22 on the opposite side approximately in the space above the finger 17.

Figure 3 b) shows a modification of the Figures 2 a) and 2 b) shown second embodiment of the spring clamp connection 1. It is clear that the actuating lever 18 is arranged in a mirrored manner, so that the lever arm section in the open position is aligned in the conductor insertion direction L. Here too, actuation takes place by exerting a pulling force on the actuating lever 18. A not shown Stop surface 24 can be provided optionally as in the first embodiment.

Figure 4 shows a perspective view of a clamping spring 3 suitable for the previously described spring clamp connection 1, which is suspended with its contact leg 5 in the busbar 4. For this purpose, a holding frame 6 with a holding opening 25 protrudes from the support section 7 of the busbar 4. The free end of the contact leg 5 dips into this holding opening 25 in order to fix the clamping spring 3 in its position on the busbar 4.

The contact leg 5 is followed by a spring arch 13 which merges into the clamping leg 9. The clamping leg 9 has a clamping tongue 26 which has the clamping edge 10 at its free end. A frame element 27 is also connected to the clamping leg 9. This frame element 27 has two side webs 28a, 28b which protrude from the clamping leg 9 and are integral with it and which can optionally be connected to one another at their end by a cross web 29. The frame element 27 provides an actuating section onto which an actuating element 14 can exert an actuating force. The cross web 29 can be omitted if the side webs 28a, 28b are suitably dimensioned. It is clear that the cross web 29 is located downstream of the clamping edge 10 in the conductor insertion direction L. In the rest position shown, the crossbar 29 can rest on the busbar 4 just like the clamping edge 10 of the clamping tongue 26.

It can also be seen that a contact edge 30 is formed on the busbar 4. The clamping edge 10 of the clamping tongue 26 is aligned such that, together with this contact edge 30, it forms a clamping point for clamping an electrical conductor 8, so that the clamping force of the clamping spring 3 is concentrated on the contact edge 30.

In the illustrated embodiment, a plug contact socket 32 is formed on the busbar 4 by two fork tongues 31a, 31b.

Figure 5 a) shows a third embodiment of a spring-cage terminal connection 1 with an insulating housing 2.

In this embodiment, a separate actuating tool such as a screwdriver is provided as the actuating lever 33, which can be inserted into a free space 34 in the insertion direction E. By pivoting the actuating lever 33 designed as an actuating tool, as indicated by the actuating lever 33 sketched in two positions and the arrow, the actuating element 35 can then be moved linearly in the insulating housing 2 in order to open the clamping point.

The conductor insertion channel 36 can be seen in the insulating housing 2, through which an electrical conductor 8 can be introduced into the interior of the insulating housing 2 in the conductor insertion direction L. This is still relatively large, but can have a reduced cross-section by snapping in a cover part (not shown) with a conductor guide opening made therein.

Figure 5 b) shows a perspective rear view of the spring clamp connection 1 from Figure 5 a) A rear plug opening 37 for receiving a plug connector can now be seen, which leads to the plug contact socket 32.

The structure of the spring clamp connection 1 is shown in the sectional views with the Figure 6a ) in side view and the Figure 6 b) in the perspective view. It can be seen that the actuating element 35 has a bearing surface 38 which lies opposite a support surface 39 of the insulating housing 2 in the free space 34. The support surface 39 forms a pivot point D indicated by the arrow for the actuating tool (ie the actuating lever 33), which rests there on the insulating housing 2. The opposite bearing surface 38 of the actuating element 35 forms a counter bearing along which the actuating tool slides when pivoted in the direction of the insulating housing 2. The actuating element 35 is thereby displaced linearly upwards in the actuation direction B in order to move the clamping leg 9 of the clamping spring 3 (not shown) and to open the clamping point for clamping an electrical conductor 8 or for removing a clamped electrical conductor 8.

It can be seen that the actuating element 35 projects into the interior of the insulating housing 2 and has a finger 40 at its end. This finger engages under an actuating section of a clamping spring (not shown).

This actuating section can, for example, be a tab protruding laterally from the clamping shank 9.

It is also clear that the bearing surface 38 of the actuating element 35 has a curved path shape pointing in the direction of the opposite support surface 39. It is also clear that the effective bearing surface 38 is arranged offset in the extension direction of the actuating tool (i.e. the actuating lever 33) or its insertion direction E to the support surface 39 of the insulating housing 2.

Figure 7 a) omits spring clamp connection 1 Figures 5 a), 5b), 6a) and 6 b) in the open position in the side cut view and Figure 7 b) in the perspective sectional view. It is clear that the actuating tool (actuating lever 33) is now pivoted downwards in the direction of the insulating housing 2. The actuating element 35 is now guided linearly out of the insulating housing 2 so far that the actuating tool rests on a rest surface 41 following the bearing surface 38.

It is also clear that the actuating tool (actuating lever 33) is inserted into the free space limited by the support surface 39 and the bearing surface 38 34 is introduced. The free space 34 increases in the vertical direction (ie in the actuation direction B), the further the actuation lever 33 is inserted between the actuation element 35 and the insulating housing 2. It is also clear that the actuation element 35 has two guide walls 42 spaced apart to accommodate the actuation lever 33, which are mounted in the insulating housing 2 so as to be linearly displaceable. At least one of the guide walls 42 has a finger 39 at its free end, which guides the actuation section 15 of the clamping leg 9 (not shown, but comparable to Figure 1 a) ). This actuating section 15 can also be formed by the side webs 28 a, 28 b of the embodiment of Figure 4 or by the clamping tongue 26.

It is clear that the free space 34 is designed as a channel pointing obliquely into the insulating housing 2 and adapted to the width of an actuating lever 33 designed as an actuating tool. This channel now expands when the actuating element 35 is moved linearly. The free space 34 has a step 43 on its bottom, which is opposite the rest surface 41. In the open position according to Figure 7 a) and 7 b) the actuating tool can then be inserted into the free space 34 as shown so far that the free end of the actuating tool rests on the step 43 and the rest surface 41 acts on the actuating tool on the opposite side. In this case, the clamping spring 3 (not shown) exerts a spring force on the actuating element 35 via the support of the actuating section 15 of the clamping spring 3 on the finger 40, with which the actuating tool (ie the actuating lever 33) is clamped in the position shown.

The Figures 5 a) until 7 b) In the third embodiment shown, a modification is also conceivable in that the actuating lever 33 shown is not a separate part, but is designed as a lever arm pivotably mounted on the insulating housing.

In the embodiments described above, the lever arm section 20 or the actuating lever 33 designed as an actuating tool can point towards or away from the conductor 8 to be clamped. Both variants can be implemented equally well, since the linear guide of the actuating element 14, 35 is independent of this.

The Figure 8 The spring-loaded terminal connection 1 shown has an insulating housing 2 in which the other elements, including the busbar 4 and the clamping spring 3, are arranged and therefore in the illustrations of the Figure 8 are not visible. The spring-loaded terminal connection 1 has an actuating lever 18, which is mounted on an actuating element 14 via a pivot bearing 19. The actuating element 14 can in particular be shaped similarly to the Figures 5 a), 5 b) described actuating element 35. The actuating lever 18 in turn has the lever arm section 20, via which it can be manually actuated. The insulating housing 2 has a conductor insertion channel 36, into which an electrical conductor can be inserted.

The Figure 8 shows the spring clamp connection with the actuating lever 18 in the closed position (Figure a), which forms one end position of the pivoting movement of the actuating lever 18. In Figure b, the actuating lever is pivoted to the open position, which forms the other end position of the pivoting movement of the actuating lever 18. In Figure c, it is shown that the actuating lever 18 is pivoted to an overpressure position by pivoting the actuating lever further beyond the end position corresponding to the closed position.

The Figure 9 shows the spring clamp connection according to Figure 8 in a side sectional view, with the actuating lever 18 in the open position. In particular, the clamping spring 3 arranged in the insulating housing 2 with the clamping leg 9, the spring arch 13 and the contact leg 5 can be seen. The contact leg 5 is attached to a holding frame 6 of the busbar 4. Since the actuating lever 18 is in the open position, the clamping leg 9 is deflected upwards via the support surface 39 of the actuating element 14, so that the clamping edge of the clamping leg 9 does not rest on the support section 7 of the busbar 4.

The actuating lever 18 has a support surface that extends over a first section 44 to a second section 45 that runs at an angle thereto. If the actuating lever 18 is in the closed position, the first section 44 of the support surface rests on the insulating housing 2. As can be seen, in the open position the lever 18 is supported on the insulating housing 2 via the second section 45 of the support surface and is loaded by the force of the clamping spring 3 against the insulating housing 2.

In the Figure 9 It can also be seen that an obliquely extending overpressure contour 46 is connected to the area in which the actuating lever 18 rests on the insulating housing 2 in the open position. If the actuating lever 18 is in the open position ( Figure 9 ), the overpressure contour 46 forms a mechanical stop through which a user can feel that the actuating lever is in its end position. However, with the embodiment of the spring clamp connection shown here, overpressure is possible.

The Figure 10 shows the spring-loaded terminal connection with the actuating lever 18 in the overpressure position. As can be seen, the second section 45 of the support surface of the actuating lever 18 has also overcome the overpressure section 46 and is located at a location behind it on the insulating housing 2 From this overpressure position, the actuating lever 18 can easily be moved back into the open position or the closed position without causing damage or loosening of the actuating lever 18.

The Figure 11 shows a further embodiment of the spring-loaded clamp connection, which corresponds to the previously explained embodiment in terms of the actuating lever 18 and its overpressure option. For a better overview, the clamping spring 3 and most of the busbar 4 are not shown in this illustration, so that the position of the support surface 39 of the actuating element 14 in particular becomes clear, which forms a driver for the clamping section 9 or an actuating section of the clamping spring 3 formed thereon, corresponding to the actuating section 15.

It can also be seen that the spring-loaded terminal connection can be designed with a plug contact socket 32 protruding from the insulating housing 2 with forked tongues 31a, 31b, which can be formed on the holding frame 6 of the busbar 4. A contact pin 47 can be inserted into this plug contact socket 32. List of reference symbols Spring clamp connection 1 Insulated housing 2 Clamping spring 3 Busbar 4 Investment leg 5 Holding frame 6 Support section 7 electrical conductor 8th Clamping leg 9 Clamping edge 10 stripped end 11 Conductor feedthrough opening 12 Spring bow 13 Actuator 14 Operating section 15 Guide wall 16 finger 17 Operating lever 18, 33 Swivel bearing 19 Lever arm section 20 Pressure arm section 21 Support surface 22 Support contour 23 Stop surface 24 Holding opening 25 Clamping tongue 26 Frame element 27 Side bars 28a, 28b Crossbar 29 Contact edge 30 Fork tongues 31a, 31b Plug contact socket 32 free space 34 Actuator 35 Conductor entry channel 36 Plug opening 37 storage area 38 Support surface 39 finger 40 Rest area 41 Guide walls 42 Level 43 first section 44 second part 45 Overpressure contour 46 Contact pin 47 Actuation direction B pivot point D Insertion direction E Conductor insertion direction L

Claims (13)

1. Spring-loaded clamping terminal (1) for clamping an electrical conductor (8), the spring-loaded clamping terminal (1) having at least one clamping spring (3) for clamping the electrical conductor (8) to the spring-loaded clamping terminal (1) and at least one pivotable actuating lever (18) for actuating the clamping spring (3), the actuating lever (18) being movable between an open position, in which a conductor clamping point formed with the clamping spring (3) is open, and a closed position, in which the clamping point is closed, the spring-loaded clamping terminal (1) having an actuating element (14, 35) which can be actuated by the pivotable actuating lever (18), characterized in that the actuating element (14, 35) is designed as a substantially linearly displaceable tension element, by means of which, when the actuating lever (18) is pivoted into the open position, the clamping point can be opened by means of a tensile force acting on the clamping spring (3), the actuating lever (18) having a bearing contour (23) for forming a sliding bearing with the bearing surface (22) of the insulating material housing (2).
2. Spring-loaded clamping terminal (1) according to claim 1, for clamping an electrical conductor (8), comprising an insulating material housing (2), a bus bar (4) and a clamping spring (3) having a contact leg (5), a spring bend (13), a clamping leg (9) and an actuating portion (15), wherein the clamping leg (9) has a clamping edge (10) and the clamping edge (10) forms with the bus bar (4) a clamping point for clamping the electrical conductor (8) between the clamping edge (10) and the bus bar (4), and with an actuating element (14, 35) which is movably mounted in the insulating material housing (2) and is designed to apply force to the actuating section (15), characterized in that the actuating element (14, 35) is mounted linearly displaceably in the insulating material housing (2) and extends from the actuating section (15) of the clamping spring (3) beyond a plane spanned by the bearing surface of the contact leg (5) on the bus bar (4) or the insulating material housing (2), wherein the actuating element (14, 35) is designed to apply force to the actuating section (15) of the clamping spring (3) on the side of the actuating section (15) facing away from the bearing surface of the contact leg (5) on the conductor rail (4).
3. Spring-loaded clamping terminal (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that an actuating lever (18), which is pivotably mounted on the spring-loaded clamping terminal, is mounted on a bearing section of the actuating element (14), and the insulating material housing (2) has a bearing surface (22) for the actuating lever (18), the bearing section and the bearing surface (22) being matched to one another in such a way that the actuating element (14) can be displaced linearly by pivoting the actuating lever (18), which is supported on the bearing surface (22) of the insulating material housing (2) and is counter-supported on the bearing section of the actuating element (14).
4. Spring-loaded clamping terminal (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that the actuating lever (18) is arranged with a pivot bearing (19) on the actuating element (14).
5. Spring-loaded clamping terminal (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the insulating material housing (2) has a bearing surface (39) for an actuating lever (33) and the actuating element (35) has a bearing surface (38) opposite the bearing surface (39) of the insulating material housing (2), in that a free space for receiving a section of the actuating lever (33) is present between the bearing surface (39) of the insulating material housing (2) and the bearing surface (38) of the actuating element (35), and in that the actuating lever (33) is an actuating tool which can be introduced into the free space (34), the bearing surface (39) and the bearing surface (38) being offset with respect to one another in the direction of extension (E) of the actuating tool introduced into the free space (34).
6. Spring-loaded clamping terminal (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the actuating lever (18, 33) is aligned facing the electrical conductor (8) to be clamped.
7. Spring-loaded clamping terminal (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuating element (14, 35) has a guide wall (16, 42) extending laterally adjacent the clamping spring (3) and linearly displaceably mounted on the insulating material housing (2) and a finger (17, 40) extending from the guide wall (16, 42) below the actuating portion (15).
8. Spring-loaded clamping terminal (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuating portion (15) of the clamping spring (3) is formed as a frame member (27) having a side web (28a) provided with the clamping leg (9) and a transverse web (29) provided on the side web, wherein a clamping tongue (26) provided with the clamping edge (10) projects from the clamping leg (9) next to the side web (28a) and the transverse web (29) is positioned upstream or downstream of the clamping edge (10) in the insertion direction (E).
9. Spring-loaded clamping terminal according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the spring-loaded clamping terminal (1) has an overpressure contour (46) formed on the insulating material housing (2) or another part of the spring-loaded clamping terminal (1), along which the bearing contour (44, 45) of the actuating lever (18) slides when the actuating lever (18) is moved into the overpressure position.
10. Spring-loaded clamping terminal according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuating lever (18) is fixed to a retaining part of the spring-loaded clamping terminal and cannot be detached therefrom in a non-destructive manner.
11. Spring-loaded clamping terminal according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the actuating lever (18) is fastened to a holding part of the spring-loaded clamping terminal (1) via a pivot bearing (19), the actuating lever (18) having bearing elements of the pivot bearing (19) on the lever side and the holding part having bearing elements of the pivot bearing (19) on the holding part side, the bearing elements on the holding part side being integrally formed directly around the bearing elements on the lever side or on the bearing elements on the lever side during manufacture.
12. Spring-loaded clamping terminal according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the open position and the closed position form end positions of the pivoting movement of the actuating lever (18), at which the actuating lever (18) comes to rest against a mechanical stop, the actuating lever (18) being pivotable beyond at least one of the end positions into an overpressure position without parts of the spring force clamping connection (1) being damaged in the process or the actuating lever (3) becoming detached from the spring-loaded clamping terminal (1).
13. Method for producing a spring-loaded clamping terminal (1) according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 12, wherein the spring-loaded clamping terminal (1) has at least one clamping spring (3) for clamping the electrical conductor (8) to the spring-loaded clamping terminal (1) and at least one pivotable actuating lever (18) for actuating the clamping spring (3), which lever is fastened to a holding part of the spring-loaded clamping terminal (1) via a pivot bearing (19), having the steps:

    a) Manufacture of the actuating lever (18) with bearing elements of the pivot bearing (19) on the lever side,

    b) Manufacturing the retaining part of the spring-loaded clamping terminal (1), on which the actuating lever (18) is mounted, by forming the retaining part with retaining part-side bearing elements of the pivot bearing (19) around the lever-side bearing elements of the pivot bearing (19), so that the lever-side bearing elements of the pivot bearing (19) are received by the retaining part-side bearing elements of the pivot bearing (19) during the manufacturing process of the retaining part,

    c) Completing the spring-loaded clamping terminal (1) with the assembly consisting of the actuating lever (18) and the retaining part of the spring-loaded clamping terminal (1), to which the actuating lever (18) is attached, as well as the other elements of the spring-loaded clamping terminal (1) including the clamping spring (3).

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