DE102016116966A1 - Spring terminal connection and conductor terminal - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a spring terminal connection with at least one clamping spring for clamping an electrical conductor to the spring terminal connection, the spring terminal connection having an actuating element for opening a terminal at least partially formed by a clamping edge of the clamping spring clamping point for the electrical conductor, wherein the actuating element has a spring engagement region, the is designed for deflecting an actuating portion of the clamping spring at least when opening the nip, wherein the actuating element is supported relative to the force of the clamping spring acting on the spring engaging portion on a support portion of the clamping spring. The invention also relates to a conductor terminal with such a spring force clamping connection.

Description

The invention relates to a spring terminal connection with at least one clamping spring for clamping an electrical conductor to the spring terminal connection, the spring terminal connection having an actuating element for opening a terminal at least partially formed by a clamping edge of the clamping spring clamping point for the electrical conductor, wherein the actuating element has a spring engagement region, the is arranged for the deflection of an actuating portion of the clamping spring at least when opening the nip. The invention also relates to a conductor terminal with such a spring force clamping connection.

Such a spring force terminal connection is for example from the EP 2 956 993 A1 known.

The invention has for its object to provide a further improved spring terminal connection and a conductor terminal formed therewith.

This object is achieved in that the actuating element is supported against a force acting on the spring engaging portion of the force of the clamping spring on a support portion of the clamping spring. Accordingly, the clamping spring is preloaded at least as far or is pretensioned on actuation of the actuating element to such an extent that the actuating portion of the clamping spring exerts a force on the spring engagement region of the actuating element. Compared to this force, the clamping spring is supported on a support portion of the clamping spring. In other words, the actuating element is clamped between two sections of the clamping spring, namely between the actuating section and the supporting section.

In this case, the spring engagement region may be in direct or indirect contact with the actuation section. The support portion of the clamping spring may be in direct or indirect contact with a corresponding bearing surface of the actuating element, via which the actuating element is supported on the support portion. In contrast to known Federkraftklemmanschlüsse the actuator must therefore not or at least not completely on a busbar of the spring terminal connection or on an insulating housing, which surrounds the Federkraftklemmanschluss supported. By virtue of the invention, bearing forces for supporting the actuating element are thus kept away from a possibly existing busbar and from the insulating housing of the conductor connecting terminal. In this way, unwanted bending of the busbar is avoided.

In this way, moreover, the spring terminal connection and a conductor terminal formed therewith can be made simpler and more compact, in particular when the bus bar extends in a plane with the support section. For example, it is also possible to dispense with the busbar completely, so that one of already few components of a spring terminal connection can be saved. If the Federkraftklemmanschluss running busbar, the busbar can be made narrower, because they need to provide no support surfaces for the actuator. Accordingly, the copper material typically used in bus bars, which is relatively expensive, can be saved to a significant extent.

By means of the invention, the spring terminal connection and a conductor terminal formed therewith can be made smaller and more compact, because in particular the spring terminal connection can be realized with a lower overall height. This is possible because the actuator does not have to be supported on a busbar and therefore can be lowered.

When the actuator is supported directly on the support portion of the clamp spring, i. without an interposed other component, this has the further advantage that the relatively smooth, flat spring material of the clamping spring serves as a bearing surface, which makes it possible to realize the Federkraftklemmanschluss with lower actuation forces of the actuating element, since the material of the clamping spring with little effort with a less roughness can be formed as the busbar.

Another advantage of the invention is that the Federkraftklemmanschluss can be used advantageously in various types of conductor terminals and thus universally usable.

The actuating element may in particular be designed as a pivotable actuating lever. The actuating element may have a handle portion on which the actuating lever can be manually operated. The actuating element may in particular be arranged in an open position or in a closed position. In the open position, the clamping point is open, so that an electrical conductor can be performed without effort to the terminal point or can be removed from there. In the closed position of the actuator, the nip is closed, i. An electrical conductor is clamped there by means of the clamping spring.

The invention also allows a better automation of the production of spring terminal connection and a conductor terminal formed therewith, since only a few components are required and the positioning of the clamping spring is simplified by the described construction.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the clamping spring has at least one abutment leg, via which the clamping spring is held, at least part of the abutment leg forms the support portion of the clamping spring. About the plant leg, the clamping spring can be held in particular in an insulating housing of a conductor terminal. Advantageously, at least a portion of the abutment leg form the support portion of the clamping spring, so that no additional effort is required for the provision of the support portion.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the spring terminal connection comprises at least one busbar and the clamping point is formed for the electrical conductor between the busbar and the clamping edge of the clamping spring. By such a bus, the Federkraftklemmanschluss can be optimized in particular for the transmission of high currents. If the spring terminal connection is made without a bus bar, the terminal point for the electrical conductor between the clamping edge of the clamping spring and another area of the clamping spring, e.g. a portion of the support portion or the abutment leg, be formed.

The busbar may in particular be designed so narrow that corresponding support areas of the actuating element can be guided past the left and right of the busbar to come directly to rest on the support portion of the clamping spring. Due to the comparatively narrow design of the busbar this is minimized in terms of weight and the necessary amount of material, whereby the entire spring terminal connection is further optimized. According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention it is provided that at least in the region of the support portion of the clamping spring, the busbar is narrower than the clamping spring.

According to an advantageous development of the invention, it is provided that the busbar extends between the support section of the clamping spring and the clamping edge. Accordingly, the busbar can be clamped in the closed clamping point between the clamping edge and the support portion of the clamping spring, or between the support portion and an acted upon by the clamping edge of the clamping spring electrical conductor when it is inserted into the spring force terminal.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention it is provided that the busbar rests against a surface of the abutment leg of the clamping spring, which faces the clamping edge. In this way, the busbar can be supported directly on the plant leg and in particular on the support portion of the clamping spring. The busbar can generally rest on a surface of the contact leg of the clamping spring, which faces a clamping leg of the clamping spring.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention it is provided that the busbar partially bears against a surface of the abutment leg of the clamping spring, which faces the clamping edge. In this way, the busbar can be partially supported directly on the plant leg and in particular on the support portion of the clamping spring. The busbar can rest in a recess of the abutment leg or of the support section of the clamping spring. The busbar may be T-shaped in cross-section in the region of interaction with the support section.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention it is provided that the busbar is positively coupled to the clamping spring, in particular to the support portion of the clamping spring and / or a connecting portion of the clamping spring, which connects a clamping edge of the clamping spring having clamping leg of the clamping spring with the support portion of the clamping spring. As a result, the fixation of the busbar is made robust and secure.

According to an advantageous development of the invention, it is provided that the actuating element has projecting side cheeks in the direction of the supporting region of the clamping spring and the actuating element is supported on the supporting region via these side cheeks. In this way, the actuator may be formed in the region of the side cheeks in approximately U-shaped and thus overlap part of the clamping spring and, if present, the busbar.

The space present between the side cheeks above the supporting portion of the clamping spring can in particular form a receiving space for the electrical conductor, i. in this area, the nip can be arranged. This benefits a compact design of the spring terminal connection.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the actuating element is mounted loose or floating, with an adjustment of the actuating element from the open to the closed position or vice versa, the actuating element, in particular its side cheeks, perform a sliding movement relative to the support region of the clamping spring. By this loose or floating mounting of the actuating element of the spring force terminal connection is easy to install. In addition, no special storage elements are required, but the support on the support portion of the clamping spring is sufficient.

According to an advantageous development of the invention, it is provided that the actuating element is movable at least in the direction of the spring force acting on the actuating element between the supporting section and the actuating section of the clamping spring. As a result, the storage of the actuating element is further simplified.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention it is provided that the clamping spring has a connecting portion which connects a clamping edge of the clamping spring having clamping leg of the clamping spring with the support portion of the clamping spring, wherein at least a part of the connecting portion extends through the actuating element. The part of the connecting portion may in particular extend between the side cheeks of the actuating element. This is also conducive to a small and compact design of the spring terminal connection. The clamping spring has in this way an elongated, multi-curved or angled shape.

According to an advantageous development of the invention, the part of the connecting section extending through the actuating element can form a stop for the actuating element in the open position. If the actuating element is moved into the open position, a transverse section of the actuating element connecting the side cheeks of the actuating element can thus come into contact with the connecting section, as a result of which further movement of the actuating element after reaching the open position is prevented.

According to an advantageous development of the invention, it is provided that the connecting section has a section which runs concavely with respect to a manual actuating region of the actuating element. This benefits a compact design of the spring terminal connection and a conductor terminal formed therewith. In particular, in this way the actuating element can be made physically small, in particular relatively flat.

According to an advantageous development of the invention it is provided that at least a part of the actuating element between the actuating portion and the support portion of the clamping spring is arranged and that the actuating element is in contact with the actuating portion and the support portion. By the term "contact" is meant in this case a direct mechanical contact. The actuating element is formed in an advantageous embodiment of the invention of an insulating material, e.g. made of a similar material as the insulating housing of the conductor terminal.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is provided that a bewirkter by the actuator distance x between the actuating portion and the support portion of the clamping spring is dependent on an operating position of the actuating element. Thus, in particular in the open position of the actuating element, the distance x may be greater than in the closed position of the actuating element.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention it is provided that the actuating portion and the support portion of the clamping spring are integrally formed of a resilient material. The clamping spring may also include further sections in its one-piece configuration, in particular the clamping leg with the clamping edge and / or the connecting section.

The above object is also achieved by a conductor terminal with at least one insulating material and at least one arranged at least predominantly in the insulating housing spring terminal connection of the type described above. Hereby, the advantages explained above can be realized. The insulating material housing may have a conductor insertion opening, through which an electrical conductor can be guided from the outside to the clamping point arranged in the interior of the insulating housing.

The invention will be explained in more detail by means of embodiments using drawings.

Show it:

1 - A clamping spring in side view and

2 - The clamping spring according to 1 in combination with a busbar in side view and

3 - An actuator in side view and

4 - The arrangement according to 2 in combination with the actuator according to 3 in side view and

5 - The arrangement according to 4 in a front view according to the in 4 marked viewing direction A and

6 - The arrangement according to 4 with a moving in the open position actuator and

7 - Another embodiment of a clamping spring in side view and

8th - a conductor connection terminal with the clamping spring according to 7 in side view and

9 - Another embodiment of a Federkraftklemmanschlusses in side view and

10 - The arrangement according to 9 in a partial sectional view.

In the figures, like reference numerals are used for corresponding elements.

In the 1 illustrated clamping spring 1 has a clamping leg 13 and a plant leg 21 . 22 . 23 on. The clamping leg 13 is with the plant leg 21 . 23 over a feather bow 14 and a substantially horizontally extending connecting portion 15 . 16 . 17 . 18 . 19 connected. The said sections thus form an integrally formed clamping spring. The clamping leg branches to its free end on the one hand in an operating section 12 which serves to actuate the clamping spring for opening a nip, and a downwardly bent clamping portion 11 that in a clamping edge 10 ends.

The plant thigh 21 . 22 . 23 has a substantially vertical portion 21 and a substantially horizontally extending portion, which at the same time the support portion 23 the clamping spring 1 makes up. The subsection 21 is with the support section 23 over a substantially rectangular arc section 22 connected. The support section 23 has one to the clamping edge 10 pointing support surface 24 on.

The connecting section 15 . 16 . 17 . 18 . 19 starts, starting from the spring bow 14 , with a substantially horizontally extending portion 15 slanting in a direction towards the support section 23 bent section 16 passes. This is followed by a convex arc area 17 which is slanted from the support section 23 continuing section 18 passes. From the section 18 the connecting section goes over a curved area 19 in the vertically extending section 21 of the plant leg 21 . 22 . 23 above.

The width of the clamping spring 1 varies over the course along the individual sections. This reduces the width of the clamping spring in the section 15 or at the latest in the subsection 16 to a degree with which the connecting section 15 . 16 . 17 . 18 . 19 can be passed through an actuator with U-shaped recess. From the end of the subsection 18 or in the transition to the bow area 19 can the material width of the clamping spring 1 increase again. In the embodiment described here is a sudden width increase at one edge 20 intended. Below the edge 20 the clamping spring is again much wider than above the edge 20 , As will be described below, this can be used to fix a busbar.

The 2 shows the previously described clamping spring 1 in conjunction with a busbar 3 , which in a drawing in the left-facing electrical plug connection 34 opens, for example, a fork contact into which a blade contact can be inserted to form an electrical connector.

The busbar 3 begins on the right side with an obliquely downwardly angled insertion section 30 by which the insertion of an electrical conductor to a terminal point is to be simplified. From the introductory section 30 over a sickle-like bent area 31 the busbar sits down 3 with a substantially planar and horizontally extending contact portion 32 continued. Through the contact section 32 becomes at the sickle-bent area 31 together with the clamping edge 10 the clamping spring 1 formed a nip. The busbar 3 sits down to the left in a substantially vertical attachment section 33 away, in the electrical plug contact 34 empties. The busbar 3 is in the area of the attachment section 33 in which this the clamping spring 1 crossed, fork-shaped, with a central recessed area of the busbar 3 passing the narrow part of the vertically extending section 21 allows, ie the area above the edge 20 , This is the busbar 3 opposite the clamping spring 1 fixed against sideways movements.

It can also be seen that the busbar 3 with her contact section 32 on the support section 23 or on its support surface 24 rests.

This in 3 illustrated actuator 4 , eg an actuating lever, has a manual grip portion 40 for manual operation, via a lever arm section 41 connected to an area where the actuator 4 in two sidewalls 42 divides, between which a gap is formed. The side cheeks 42 serve to support the actuating element 4 on the support section 23 in the open and the closed position of the actuating element. One on the side cheeks 42 formed first support surface 43 serves to support in the open position, one on the side cheeks 42 formed second support surface 44 for supporting in the closed position. On the side cheeks 42 are also spring attack areas 45 arranged for the deflection of the actuating portion 12 the clamping spring 1 serve. This mode of operation is based on the 4 and 6 explained.

The 4 shows a Federkraftklemmanschluss, formed from the clamping spring 1 according to 1 with the in 2 described busbar 3 and the actuator 4 according to 3 , The actuator 4 is located in the 4 in the closed position. Since no electrical conductor is inserted at the nip, lies as in 2 also shown, the clamping edge 10 at the bead-like bent area 31 the busbar 3 at. The operating section 12 the clamping spring 1 lies at the spring attack area 45 on, leaving the spring attack area 45 with a still existing in the closed state of the spring terminal connection spring force of the clamping spring 1 is charged. In the closed position, the actuator is supported 4 over the side cheeks 42 and the second support surface 44 on the support surface 24 of the support area 23 the clamping spring 1 from.

In the 4 is a front view A of Federkraftklemmanschlusses marked with an arrow. The 5 shows this front view, also in the closed position of the actuator 4 , Visible are the two side cheeks 42 at the power rail 3 Run over and on the support surface 24 the support section 23 rest.

In the illustration according to 6 is the spring force clamp connection according to 4 now open, ie the actuator 4 is pivoted to the open position. Recognizable is based on a comparison with the 2 in that a distance x between the operating portion 12 and the supporting portion 23 now larger than in the closed position of the actuator 4 , The actuator 4 now supports the first support surface 43 on the support section 23 from. It can also be seen that the actuating element 4 , at least in the area of the side cheeks 42 , opposite to the illustration in 4 is shifted slightly to the right, ie it has a sliding movement on the support surface 24 the support section 23 executed. When moving the actuator 4 in the closed position, an opposite sliding movement is performed.

In the open position is accordingly also the clamping edge 10 from the power rail 3 moved, so that a corresponding space for the insertion or removal of an electrical conductor is present. The electrical conductor can then with its area to be clamped between the side walls 42 to be ordered.

It can also be seen that the actuating element 4 is so dimensioned that it is not undesirably in contact with the attachment section 33 the busbar 3 comes.

The 7 shows a further embodiment of a clamping spring 1 that is different from the one based on 1 explained embodiment differs in that the support portion 23 towards the free end is slightly extended and there are two bent webs 25 between which there is a gap between them. Through this gap is the busbar 3 guided, ie the webs 25 run left and right at the insertion section 30 the busbar 3 past. In this way, the power rail 3 also at the other end, namely in the area of the bridges 25 , Are fixed in a form-fitting manner and thereby a lateral slipping relative to the clamping spring 1 be avoided. The fixation between the busbar 3 and the clamping spring 1 will be further improved.

The 8th shows a spring force clamping connection, as in 4 illustrated, however, with the embodiment of the clamping spring 1 according to 7 , The spring terminal connection is additionally in an insulating material housing 5 arranged so that a complete conductor terminal is formed. So that the parts of the spring terminal connection can be seen in the drawing, is of the insulating material 5 only one half shown (the rear half), the insulating housing is largely closed for practical use of the conductor terminal by a front half. It can be seen that at least the handle portion 40 from the insulating material housing 5 protrudes. The insulating material housing 5 also has a conductor insertion opening 50 for introducing an electrical conductor to the nip between the clamping edge 10 and the busbar 3 on. Furthermore, a Plug insertion hole 51 present on the opposite side, which allows a corresponding plug connection in the connector 34 introduce.

The 9 and 10 show a further embodiment of a Federkraftklemmanschlusses, each in the closed position of the actuating element 4 , The 9 This corresponds essentially to the presentation of the 4 , In contrast to 4 is the busbar 3 with her contact section 32 arranged somewhat lower lying, which is possible by the fact that the support section 23 the clamping spring 1 has a recess along the longitudinal extension of the support portion 23 runs. In this recess, the contact portion 32 the busbar 3 completely or at least partially sunk. In this way, the height of the spring terminal connection can be further reduced, namely at most by the thickness of the material of the clamping spring in the region of the support section 23 , Accordingly, the recess of the support portion 23 completely pass through the material of the support portion or pass only partially, so that a bottom portion remains.

The 10 shows a sectional view of the lower part of the Federkraftklemmanschlusses along in 9 dashed line BB. It can be seen that the busbar 3 in a recess of the support section 23 is arranged and, accordingly, the support portion 23 in this area fork-shaped is divided into two halves. So that the busbar 3 continue on the support section 23 rest and can be stored on it, it is T-shaped in cross section, so that right and left protruding edge areas 35 on the support surface 24 rest.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

 clamping spring

3

 conductor rail

4

 jig

5

 Insulated

10

 Clamping edge of the clamping spring

11

 clamping section

12

 Operating section of the clamping spring

13

 Clamping leg of the clamping spring

14

 spring bow

15, 16, 17, 18, 19

 Connection section of the clamping spring

20

 edge

21

 part Of

22

 arc section

23

 support section

21, 22, 23

 contact leg

24

 bearing surface

25

 Stege

30

 insertion

31

 sickle-like bent area

32

 Contact section

33

 attachment section

34

 plug-in connection

40

 Handle portion of the actuating element

41

 lever arm

42

 Sidewall

43

 first support surface

44

 second support surface

45

 Spring engagement area

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• EP 2956993 A1 [0002]

Claims (16)

Spring terminal connection with at least one clamping spring ( 1 ) for clamping an electrical conductor to the spring force terminal, wherein the spring terminal connection an actuator ( 4 ) for opening by means of a clamping edge ( 10 ) of the clamping spring ( 1 ) comprises at least partially formed clamping point for the electrical conductor, wherein the actuating element ( 4 ) a spring attack area ( 45 ), which is for the deflection of an actuating portion ( 12 ) of the clamping spring ( 1 ) is arranged at least when opening the nip, characterized in that the actuating element ( 4 ) with respect to the spring attack area ( 45 ) acting force of the clamping spring ( 1 ) on a support section ( 23 ) of the clamping spring ( 1 ) is supported. Spring terminal connection according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the clamping spring ( 1 ) at least one plant leg ( 21 . 22 . 23 ), over which the clamping spring ( 1 ), wherein at least a part of the plant leg ( 21 . 22 . 23 ) the supporting section ( 23 ) of the clamping spring ( 1 ). Spring terminal connection according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the spring terminal connection at least one busbar ( 3 ) and the terminal point for the electrical conductor between the busbar ( 3 ) and the clamping edge ( 10 ) of the clamping spring ( 1 ) is formed. Spring terminal connection according to the preceding claim, characterized in that at least in the region of the support section ( 23 ) of the clamping spring the busbar ( 3 ) is narrower than the clamping spring ( 1 ). Spring terminal connection according to one of claims 3 to 4, characterized in that the busbar ( 3 ) between the support section ( 23 ) of the clamping spring ( 1 ) and the clamping edge ( 10 ) extends therethrough. Spring terminal connection according to one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that the busbar ( 3 ) on a surface ( 24 ) of the plant leg ( 21 . 22 . 23 ) of the clamping spring ( 1 ) is applied, the clamping edge ( 10 ) is facing. Spring terminal connection according to one of claims 3 to 6, characterized in that the busbar ( 3 ) positively with the clamping spring ( 1 ) is coupled, in particular with the support section ( 23 ) of the clamping spring ( 1 ) and / or a connecting section ( 15 . 16 . 17 . 18 . 19 ) of the clamping spring ( 1 ), one the clamping edge ( 10 ) of the clamping spring ( 1 ) having clamping legs ( 13 ) of the clamping spring ( 1 ) with the support section ( 23 ) of the clamping spring ( 1 ) connects. Spring terminal connection according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuating element ( 4 ) in the direction of the support section ( 23 ) of the clamping spring ( 1 ) projecting side cheeks ( 42 ) and the actuating element ( 4 ) over these side cheeks ( 42 ) on the support section (FIG. 23 ) is supported. Spring terminal connection according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuating element ( 4 ) is mounted loose or floating, wherein during an adjustment of the actuating element ( 4 ) from the open to the closed position or vice versa the actuator ( 4 ) a sliding movement relative to the support portion ( 23 ) of the clamping spring ( 1 ). Spring terminal connection according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuating element ( 4 ) at least in the direction of the on the actuating element ( 4 ) acting spring force between the support section ( 23 ) and the operating section ( 12 ) of the clamping spring ( 1 ) is movable. Spring terminal connection according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the clamping spring ( 1 ) a connecting section ( 15 . 16 . 17 . 18 . 19 ), one of the clamping edge ( 10 ) of the clamping spring ( 1 ) having clamping legs ( 13 ) of the clamping spring ( 1 ) with the support section ( 23 ) of the clamping spring ( 1 ), wherein at least a part of the connection section ( 15 . 16 . 17 . 18 . 19 ) by the actuating element ( 4 ) passes through. Spring terminal connection according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the connecting section ( 15 . 16 . 17 . 18 . 19 ) with respect to a manually operable handle portion ( 40 ) of the actuating element ( 4 ) concave portion ( 17 ) having. Spring terminal connection according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least a part of the actuating element ( 4 ) between the actuating section ( 12 ) and the support section ( 23 ) of the clamping spring ( 1 ) is arranged and that the actuating element ( 4 ) is in contact with the operating section ( 12 ) and the support section ( 23 ). Spring terminal connection according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a through the actuating element ( 4 ) the distance (x) between the actuating section ( 12 ) and the support section ( 23 ) of the clamping spring ( 1 ) is dependent on an actuating position of the actuating element ( 4 ). Spring terminal connection according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuating portion ( 12 ) and the supporting section ( 23 ) of the clamping spring ( 1 ) are integrally formed of a resilient material. Conductor terminal with at least one insulating housing ( 5 ) and at least one at least predominantly in the insulating housing ( 5 ) arranged spring terminal connection according to one of the preceding claims.

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