DE102017129407B4 - Electrical connection terminal - Google Patents

Abstract

An electrical connection terminal (100) for connecting a conductor, comprising a housing (10) having a conductor insertion opening (11) for insertion of the conductor, a current bar (12) arranged in the housing (10), one arranged in the housing (10) A clamping spring (13) for clamping the conductor inserted in the housing (10) against the current bar (12), andan actuating element (17) for actuating the clamping spring (13), the actuating element (17) being formed in a housing (10) Opening (18) is arranged movable such that the actuating element (17) for transferring the clamping spring (13) is guided in an open position and in a closed position by a purely translational movement in the opening (18) and the actuating element (17) in the open position of the clamping spring (13) by a purely rotational movement of the actuating element (17) on the housing (10) can be latched, and wherein the actuating element (17) a head region (24) over which the actuating element (17) can be actuated, characterized in that the head region (24) has on its outer circumferential surface (26) a straight surface region (27) which is formed during the translational movement of the actuating element (17 ) cooperates with a in the opening (18) of the housing (10) formed shoulder surface (28).

Description

The invention relates to an electrical connection terminal for connecting an electrical conductor to a housing having a conductor insertion opening for insertion of the conductor, with a current bar disposed in the housing, with a clamping spring arranged in the housing for clamping the inserted into the housing conductor against the current bar , And with an actuating element for actuating the clamping spring, wherein the actuating element is arranged movable in an opening formed in the housing in such a way that the actuating element for transferring the clamping spring in an open position and in a closed position by a purely translational movement in the opening is and the actuating element in the open position of the clamping spring can be latched by a purely rotational movement of the actuating element on the housing, and wherein the actuating element has a head portion over which the Betätigun gselement is operable.

Such terminals are known in various configurations. The terminals usually have a clamping spring, by means of which an electrical conductor can be electrically conductively clamped against a current bar. By means of an actuating element, a so-called pusher, the clamping spring in a closed position, in which the conductor is pressed by means of the clamping spring against the current bar to form an electrical contact, and in an open position, in which the clamping spring is positioned away from the current bar and the ladder is released, to be moved. For transferring the clamping spring in the open position and in the closed position, the actuating element is guided linearly within the housing. The actuation of the actuating element by means of a screwdriver, wherein in the open position, the user must hold the actuating element by means of the screwdriver to hold the clamping spring in the open position.

From the DE 10 2008 039 232 A1 An electrical connection terminal is known with a housing, with a clamping spring, with a metal part and with an actuating push-button, wherein the clamping spring has a clamping leg and a plant leg and the clamping leg with the metal part form a spring terminal connection for an electrical conductor to be connected and wherein in the housing Conductor insertion opening for insertion of the electrical conductor to be connected and an actuating opening are formed, in which the actuating pushbutton is arranged such that it is displaceable from a first position in which the Federkraftklemmanschluss is closed, in a second position in which the actuating handle with its the clamping leg facing the first end deflects the clamping leg against the spring force of the clamping spring, so that spring terminal connection is opened. In the housing, a shoulder and the actuating handle at least one projection are formed, wherein the actuating handle can be moved into a position in which the projection and the shoulder are locked together so that the actuating handle is held in its second position.

The DE 30 44 134 A1 discloses a screwless connection terminal for electrical conductors with a clamping spring arranged in a housing, which is actuated by means of a translationally and rotationally movable actuating element. Further, they are also out US Pat. No. 6,336,824 B1 and DE 44 08 985 A1 corresponding screwless terminals known.

The invention is therefore based on the object to provide an electrical terminal, in which the handling for a user can be improved.

The object is achieved with the features of the independent claim. Advantageous embodiments and advantageous developments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims.

The electrical terminal according to the invention is characterized in that the head portion has on its outer peripheral surface a straight surface area which cooperates in the translational movement of the actuating element with a shoulder formed in the opening of the housing shoulder surface.

According to the invention, it is now provided that the actuating element is designed and mounted in such a way in the housing of the terminal, that the actuating element can perform two separate movements to actuate the clamping spring. On the one hand, the actuating element is guided in such a way in the housing or in the opening of the housing that during actuation of the clamping spring, ie a transfer of the clamping spring in the open position and in the closed position, the actuating element and the opening in the housing so shaped are that the Actuator can perform only a translational movement, which means that the actuating element is moved axially along its longitudinal axis and the longitudinal axis of the opening. During this purely translational movement no rotational movement of the actuating element takes place. The clamping spring is in the open position and thus in the maximum deflected position of the clamping spring or the clamping leg of the clamping spring, the actuator can perform a purely rotational movement to lock on the housing, so that the actuator can remain independent in this position and so that the clamping spring can hold in the open position, without a user must continue to operate the actuator. In the purely rotational movement, only a rotational movement of the actuating element takes place about its longitudinal axis. As a result of the rotational movement of the actuating element, it can latch onto the housing like a bayonet closure. Due to the defined separation of the execution of the translatory and the rotational movement, a misuse by the user can be excluded. Depending on the possible movement of the actuating element, it is clearly recognizable to the user in which position the actuating element is located. By the possibility of Verrastens the actuating element on the housing in the open position of the clamping spring, the handling for the user can be significantly simplified, since the user can insert a conductor to be connected without effort in the housing and connect. In addition, a direct connection of rigid conductors and conductors with ferrules through a push-in technique is possible.

The actuating element preferably has a shank on which at least one latching element projecting from the peripheral surface of the shaft can be formed, which in a latching position of the actuating element in the open position of the clamping spring can abut against a stop surface formed in the housing. The actuating element thus preferably has an elongated shape, wherein along its length at least one latching element can be formed. The latching element is preferably designed such that it protrudes from an outer surface of the shaft. The shaft is preferably cylindrical. The latching element may extend radially away from the outer surface of the shaft. Preferably, the latching element extends along a portion of the length of the shaft, so that the latching element does not extend over the entire length of the shaft. By means of the latching element, the actuating element can be fixed in its position in the open position of the clamping spring. Due to the rotational movement of the actuating element in the open position of the clamping spring, the actuating element and thus the integrally formed on the shaft of the actuating element locking element can be moved or rotated so that the locking element can hook behind the stop surface formed on the housing. On the shaft, two or more than two locking elements may be formed.

In order to ensure a controlled guidance of the actuating element when the clamping spring is actuated, a groove-shaped recess can be formed in a wall delimiting the opening of the housing, in which the detent element can be guided when the clamping spring is actuated.

Due to the controlled guidance, a rotational movement of the actuating element during the transfer of the clamping spring into the open position and the closed position can be reliably prevented, so that a purely translational movement of the actuating element during transfer of the clamping spring into the open position and the closed position can be ensured.

Not only a latching element is preferably integrally formed on the shaft of the actuating element, but preferably two latching elements are integrally formed on the shaft, which latching elements can be positioned opposite to the shaft. The arrangement of two opposing locking elements on the shaft of the actuating element, a particularly uniform guidance of the actuating element can be ensured in the opening. Tilting or tilting of the actuator can be prevented.

An end portion of the operating member, which is in contact with the clamping spring upon actuation of the clamping spring, preferably has a dome-like shape. Due to the dome-like design, a defined, punctiform pressure force can be applied by the actuating element to the clamping spring when the clamping spring is actuated. Dome-like means preferably that the end region is formed rounded and the end region tapers towards the front-side outer surface of the actuating element.

Opposite the end region, the actuating element has a head region, via which the actuating element can be actuated. The head region preferably forms a further end face on the actuating element. The actuator may be positioned in the opening of the housing such that the head area is freely accessible and readily visible to a user of the terminal.

The head region has on its outer peripheral surface on a straight surface area, which cooperates in the translational movement of the actuating element with a shoulder formed in the opening of the housing shoulder surface. Due to the straight surface area of the head region of the actuating element, a rotational movement of the actuating element in this area can be prevented in cooperation with the shoulder surface of the housing. This can be ensured that in this region of the housing, a purely translational movement of the actuating element for actuating the clamping spring is possible. The heel area, like the area area, is preferably straight. The shoulder surface preferably extends over a portion of the length of the opening.

In order to facilitate actuation of the actuating element via the head region, a tool holder can be formed on an end face of the head region. For example, the tool holder may be formed in the form of a slot, in which a tool in the form of a screwdriver can engage. Other forms of tool holders are also possible. The tool holder can also serve to indicate to the user by their position, whether the clamping spring is in a closed position or in an open position.

Preferably, the clamping spring of the terminal has a special shape in order to improve an actuation of the clamping spring by means of the actuating element can. Preferably, the clamping spring is designed as a leg spring with a holding leg and a clamping leg, wherein the clamping leg may have a clamping portion for clamping the conductor against the current bar and an adjacent to the clamping portion operating portion which can cooperate with the actuating element when operating the clamping spring, wherein the Clamping portion may be formed by the actuating portion preferably angled.

The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings with reference to preferred embodiments.

• 1 eine schematische Schnittdarstellung einer elektrischen Anschlussklemme gemäß der Erfindung mit einer Klemmfeder in einer geschlossenen Stellung,
• 2 eine schematische Schnittdarstellung der elektrischen Anschlussklemme gemäß der Erfindung mit der Klemmfeder in einer geöffneten Stellung,
• 3 eine schematische, perspektivische Darstellung eines Betätigungselements der in 1 und 2 gezeigten Anschlussklemme,
• 4 eine schematische Schnittdarstellung eines Gehäuses der in 1 und 2 gezeigten Anschlussklemme, und
• 5 eine schematische, perspektivische Darstellung der in 1 und 2 gezeigten Anschlussklemme.

Show it

• 1 1 is a schematic sectional view of an electrical terminal according to the invention with a clamping spring in a closed position,
• 2 a schematic sectional view of the electrical terminal according to the invention with the clamping spring in an open position,
• 3 a schematic, perspective view of an actuating element of in 1 and 2 shown terminal,
• 4 a schematic sectional view of a housing of in 1 and 2 shown terminal, and
• 5 a schematic, perspective view of the in 1 and 2 shown terminal.

1 shows an electrical connection terminal 100 according to the invention in a sectional view.

The terminal 100 has a housing 10 made of an insulating material. The housing 10 has a conductor insertion opening 11 for inserting a conductor to be connected.

In the case 10 are a current bar 12 and a clamping spring 13 for clamping or connecting in the housing 10 introduced conductor against the current bar 12 arranged. The free ends 14 of the current bar 12 stick out of the case 10 out, taking over the free ends 14 of the current bar 12 a contact can be made with a circuit board, not shown here.

The clamping spring 13 is designed as a leg spring and has a holding leg 15 and a clamping leg 16 on. The holding thigh 15 is in a fixed position in the housing 10 positioned. The clamping leg 16 over which a jamming one into the housing 10 introduced conductor against the current bar 12 can take place is relative to the retaining leg 15 movably arranged. By a movement of the clamping leg 16 can the clamping spring 13 in a closed position, as in 1 is shown, and in an open position, as in 2 shown is transferred. In the closed position, a clamping of an inserted conductor takes place against the current bar 12 , In an open position is the clamping leg 16 the clamping spring 13 from the current bar 12 wegverschwenkt, so that a conductor in the space between the clamping leg 16 and the current bar introduced or a clamped conductor can be released.

The clamping leg 16 the clamping spring 13 has a clamping portion 29 and one adjacent to the clamping portion 29 trained operating section 30 on, wherein the clamping portion 29 from the operating section 30 is formed angled. The clamping section 29 is at the free end of the clamping leg 16 designed and used to clamp the inserted conductor against the current bar 12 , The operating section 30 is between the clamping section 29 and a clamping leg 16 with the holding leg 15 connecting arcuate section 31 the clamping spring 13 educated. The operating section 30 acts directly with the actuator 17 when operating the clamping spring 13 together by the actuator 17 a pressing force directly on the operating portion 30 applies.

The transfer of the clamping spring 13 in the closed position and in the open position by means of an actuating element 17 , This actuator 17 is in one in the housing 10 trained opening 18 guided. The opening 18 runs parallel to the conductor insertion opening 11 , The opening 18 is above the conductor entry opening 11 educated.

The actuator 17 is in the opening 18 movably arranged such that the actuating element 18 when transferring the clamping spring 13 in the open position and in the closed position by a purely translational movement in the opening 18 is guided and the actuator 17 in the open position of the clamping spring 13 by a purely rotational movement of the actuating element 17 on the housing 10 is latched. To transfer the clamping spring 13 or the clamping leg 16 the clamping spring 13 from the closed position to the open position or vice versa so that only an axial movement of the actuating element takes place 17 along its longitudinal axis or along the longitudinal axis of the opening 18 , Is the clamping spring located? 13 or the clamping leg 16 the clamping spring 13 in the open position, the actuating element 17 by a rotational movement on the housing 10 be latched to the clamping spring 13 to hold in the open position without a user, the actuator 17 must hold or press.

In 3 is the actuator 17 shown alone. The actuator 17 is elongated. The actuator 17 has a shaft 19 on, which is cylindrical and thus has a circular cross-sectional area. On the shaft 19 are two oppositely arranged locking elements 20 formed. The locking elements 20 Can be integral with the shaft 19 be educated. The locking elements 20 are on a peripheral surface or an outer peripheral surface of the shaft 19 molded, so that the locking elements 20 from the peripheral surface of the shaft 19 protrude. The locking elements 20 are each formed bar-shaped. The locking elements 20 extend over a portion of the length of the shaft 19 , The locking elements 20 are wing-like on the shaft 19 formed. By means of the locking elements 20 can be a locking of the actuator 17 on the housing 10 in the open position of the clamping spring 13 respectively.

On the case 10 is how in 1 . 2 and 4 it can be seen, a stop surface 21 formed on which at least one of the two latching elements 20 in the open position of the clamping spring 13 can hook you to lock. The stop surface 21 is on one towards the interior of the housing 10 pointing end of the opening 18 educated. In the area of the stop surface 21 has the opening 18 a larger diameter than in the remaining area of the opening 18 , The stop surface 21 extends at a right angle to the longitudinal direction of the opening 18 , Once the actuator 17 so far in the opening 18 in the direction of the interior of the housing 10 is inserted, that the locking elements 20 in the area of the stop surface 21 can be due to the larger diameter of the opening formed here 18 a rotary movement or a rotational movement of the actuating element 17 done, whereby the locking elements 20 in abutment with the stop surface 21 can be brought. For example, this can be achieved by a rotary movement of the actuating element 17 about an angle of about 90 ° about its longitudinal axis.

Too early rotational movement of the actuator 17 To prevent, are in the wall of the housing 10 two opposing groove-shaped recesses 22 formed, in which in each case one of the two latching elements 20 when operating the clamping spring 13 is guided. The groove-shaped recesses 22 are in an area of the opening 18 formed, which towards the interior of the housing 10 looking in front of the stop surface 21 is trained. The groove-shaped recesses 22 are adjacent to the stop surface 21 trained as in 4 can be seen. The groove-shaped recesses 22 each extend at a right angle to the stop surface 21 , As long as the locking elements 20 in the groove-shaped recesses 22 are guided, there is a purely translational movement of the actuating element 17 , Once the locking elements 20 out of engagement with the groove-shaped recesses 22 are and are in the area of the stop surface, a rotational movement of the actuating element 17 done to the locking elements 20 in abutment with the stop surface 21 bring to.

The actuator 17 points to his in the direction of the clamping spring 13 pointing end area 23 a dome-like shape. Due to this dome-like shape is this end 23 of the actuating element 17 which is in direct contact with the clamping spring 13 comes to operate this, rounded, with the end portion 23 in the direction of the clamping spring 13 rejuvenated. The locking elements 20 are immediately adjacent to this dome-like end region 23 on the shaft 19 educated.

At the end area 23 opposite end of the actuator 17 has the actuating element 17 a head area 24 on. This head area 24 has a larger diameter than the shaft 19 and the end area 23 , About the head area 24 may be an actuation of the actuating element 17 respectively. This is on an end face 25 of the head area 24 , as in 5 it can be seen, a tool holder 26 educated. This tool holder 26 is formed in the form of a slot-shaped recess into which a tool, such as a screwdriver, can engage to the actuator 17 to operate and thus move both translationally and rotationally.

The head area 24 has a substantially circular outer circumferential surface 26 but with a portion of the outer peripheral surface 26 a straight trained surface area 27 having. This just trained surface area 27 acts during translatorsichen movement of the actuating element 17 with one in the opening 18 trained sales area 28 together by the area area 27 along the heel area 28 to be led. The sales area 28 forms a projection in the opening 18 into it, so that in the area of the sales area 28 the diameter of the opening 18 is reduced. The sales area 28 is just like the surface area 27 just trained.

As in 1 and 4 can be seen, the opening widens 18 , in the direction of the interior of the housing 10 looked behind the sales area 28 again, leaving behind the heel area 28 a rotational movement of the actuating element 17 and thus the head area 26 of the actuating element 17 is possible.

During the purely translational movement of the actuating element 17 this is so both in the area of his head 24 by attachment to the sales area 28 as well as in the area of the locking elements 20 by guiding the locking elements 20 in the groove-shaped recesses 22 defined axially guided, at the same time a rotational movement of the actuating element 17 through the sales area 28 and the groove-shaped recesses 22 is prevented. The sales area 28 and the groove-shaped recesses 22 are positioned to each other such that as soon as the locking elements 20 no longer in engagement with the groove-shaped recesses 22 are, even the head area 24 with its just trained surface area 27 no longer in contact with the sales area 28 is, allowing a purely rotational movement of the actuator 17 is possible, as in 2 to recognize the actuator 17 on the housing 10 to lock.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

terminal 100 casing 10 Conductor insertion opening 11 current bar 12 Klem mfeder 13 Free end 14 holding leg 15 clamping leg 16 actuator 17 opening 18 shaft 19 locking element 20 Anlag lagsfläche 21 Grooved recess 22 end 23 head area 24 Tool holder e 25 Outer circumferential surface 26 area 27 shoulder surface 28 clamping section 29 actuating section 30 Arched section 31

Claims (7)

An electrical connection terminal (100) for connecting a conductor, comprising a housing (10) having a conductor insertion opening (11) for insertion of the conductor, a current bar (12) arranged in the housing (10), one arranged in the housing (10) A clamping spring (13) for clamping the conductor inserted in the housing (10) against the current bar (12), and an actuating element (17) for actuating the clamping spring (13), wherein the actuating element (17) is housed in a housing (10). formed opening (18) is arranged so movable that the actuating element (17) for transferring the clamping spring (13) is guided in an open position and in a closed position by a purely translational movement in the opening (18) and the actuating element (17 ) in the open position of the clamping spring (13) by a purely rotational movement of the actuating element (17) on the housing (10) can be latched, and wherein the actuating element (1 7) has a head region (24), via which the actuating element (17) can be actuated, characterized in that the head region (24) has on its outer circumferential surface (26) a straight surface (27), which during the translational movement of the actuating element (17) with a in the opening (18) of the housing (10) formed shoulder surface (28) cooperates. Electrical connection terminal (100) after Claim 1 , characterized in that the actuating element (17) has a shaft (19) on which at least one of the peripheral surface of the shaft (19) projecting latching element (20) is formed, which in a latching position of the actuating element (17) in the open position the clamping spring (13) bears against a stop surface (21) formed in the housing (10). Electrical connection terminal (100) after Claim 2 , characterized in that in a the opening (18) delimiting wall of the housing (10) has a groove-shaped recess (22) is formed, in which the latching element (20) during operation of the clamping spring (13) is guided. Electrical connection terminal (100) after Claim 2 or 3 , characterized in that on the shaft (19) of the actuating element (17) has two latching elements (20) are formed, which are positioned opposite to the shaft (19). Electrical connection terminal (100) according to one of Claims 1 to 4 characterized in that an end portion (23) of the operating member (17) which is in a dome-like shape upon actuation of the clamping spring (13) in contact with the clamping spring (13). Electrical connection terminal (100) according to one of Claims 1 to 5 , characterized in that a tool holder (25) is formed on an end face of the head region (24). Electrical connection terminal (100) according to one of Claims 1 to 6 , characterized in that the clamping spring (13) as a leg spring with a holding leg (15) and a clamping leg (16) is formed, wherein the clamping leg (16) has a clamping portion (29) for clamping the conductor against the current bar (12) and a to the clamping portion (29) adjacent the actuating portion (30), which with the actuating element (17) when operating the clamping spring (13) cooperates, wherein the clamping portion (29) of the actuating portion (30) is angled formed.

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