DE102010034882B4 - Electric spring force connection element and electrical connector - Google Patents

Abstract

An electrical connection element (30) having a current bar (32) and a clamping spring element (41), which form a spring-force connection terminal (40) for detachably connecting a stripped conductor end (9) to a first free end (32a) of the current bar (32),
wherein the clamping spring element (41) has a base leg (422), a clamping leg (424), a spring bow (426) pivotally connecting the clamping leg to the base leg and an actuating portion (428) for opening the spring force terminal (40) against the bias of the spring bow ( 426),
wherein the clamping leg (424) has an opening (452) through which a contact strip (33) of the current bar (32) extends, wherein an inner edge of the opening (452) has a clamping edge (432) extending transversely to the current bar (32). forms, by means of which the stripped conductor end (9) against a first side (33 a) of the contact strip (33) is clamped, so that the first side (33 a) of the contact strip (33) of the clamping edge (432) opposite clamping and contact surface for the conductor end (9) forms and
wherein the clamping spring element (41) is formed as a separate part from the current bar (32), characterized in that
the clamping spring element (41) comprises lateral fastening straps (434, 436) and
the base leg (422) of the clamping spring element (41) is rigidly connected to the current bar (32) by means of the lateral fastening straps (434, 436),
wherein the lateral fastening tabs (434, 436) of the clamping spring element (41) are angled away from the base leg (422) from the side edges (422a, 422b) of the base leg (422) parallel to the direction of insertion (E) of the conductor end (9) extending the contact strip (33) and on the clamping edge (432) opposite second side (33b) of the contact strip (33) engage around the contact strip to form a ring body (430), which the contact strip (33) and the clamping leg ( 424) surrounds annularly and by means of which the clamping spring element (41) is fixed to the current bar (32).

Description

Field of the invention

The invention relates to an electrical connection element with a spring-force connection terminal for connecting a stripped conductor and a particular water-protected electrical connector for outdoor applications with the connection element.

Background of the invention

Electrical connectors for connecting stripped conductor ends are used in many ways. These connectors typically have an electrical connector to which the stripped conductor end is mechanically and electrically connected. Simple connection elements have for this purpose e.g. Solder or crimp on. If a detachable connection is desired, in particular spring terminal connection come into consideration. In the case of a spring force connection terminal, the stripped conductor end is clamped by means of a clamping spring against a conductive section, the so-called current bar of the connection element. Depending on the field of application, different requirements in particular to the design of the clamping spring, the current bar and their interaction. In particular, the present invention is intended to provide a connector for an outdoor connector, e.g. ready for solar systems. For this purpose, known terminals and connectors are sometimes poor or not at all suitable, but often at least to be improved.

For example, Terminals are sometimes complicated and cumbersome to use or are in need of improvement in terms of operating force and clamping force and contact reliability. Many terminals are also of the size or shape not or only badly suitable for connectors.

For example, this describes DE 20 2007 001 701 U1 a universal contact with a spring, the lower end is loosely inserted into a frame. The spring is apparently supported by an unspecified base of the frame down to form a reference to the longitudinal section of the spring punctiform counter bearing. This can cause an uneven distribution of stress in the spring. Furthermore, by this construction play arise and there is even the danger that the spring unintentionally jumps out of the frame. In addition, the contact is not designed for a wall bushing or a connector and the size ratios of the construction would also be at least unfavorable.

The DE 20 2009 001 488 U1 describes a connection terminal for connecting conductor ends with a clamping cage which can be inserted into a housing. However, the clamping cage is complex in terms of production, occupies the most space and is not designed for a wall duct or a plug connector.

The JP 2009-170207 A shows a terminal for a wire with a fixing spring.

The DE 101 52 519 A1 describes a clamping connection, which comprises a clamping element and a contact element. The clamping element is substantially U-shaped and latched to the contact element. Most disadvantageous here is that the terminal connection can not be opened by simple operation and thus unsuitable for many applications, but at least highly uncomfortable to use. Furthermore, the Kontruktion of the clamping element is primitive, since only a clamping body is bent out in the form of a tab. As a result, there are unfavorable leverage and it is to be expected a very uneven stress distribution at the kink of the tab. This can result in rapid material fatigue and low contact safety. For example, if the tab bends only slightly at the kink or even just relieves the tension, the entire terminal connection becomes unusable.

The DE 101 52 520 shows a one-piece clamp connection. The utility model DE 299 06 587 describes a feed-through terminal with a terminal housing. From the DE 10 2007 006 645 is an electrical connector with a spring element held in a holding frame known.

The DE 198 01 260 C2 and the DE 10 2008 024 366 A1 each reveal lead-through terminals for wall mounting.

General description of the invention

It is an object of the invention to provide an electrical connection element with a spring-cage terminal, which is comfortable to use, safe to contact and easy to manufacture and has a compact design for certain applications and is well suited for placement in a connector housing.

Referring to claims 14 to 16, it is an object of the invention to provide a connector, in particular in the form of a wall bushing or a connector, which offers a high level of operating comfort.

The object of the invention is achieved by an electrical connection element having the features of patent claim 1 and an electrical connector having the features of claims 14 to 16.

The electrical connection element for an electrical connector comprises a current bar and a clamping spring element, which together form a spring force connection terminal for detachably connecting a stripped conductor end to a first free end of the current bar.

The clamping spring element has a rigidly connected to the current bar base leg, a clamping leg, a spring leg pivotally connecting the clamping leg to the base leg and an actuating portion for opening the spring force terminal against the bias of the spring bow. The clamping spring element is expediently punched and formed in one piece from spring metal sheet. The clamping leg has a breakthrough through the spring metal sheet and a portion of the current bar, referred to as a contact strip, extends through the aperture. An inner edge of the opening forms a transverse to the current bar clamping edge, with which the stripped conductor end is clamped by means of bias of the spring bow against the underside of the contact strip. Thus, the contact strip on its underside facing the spring bow forms the terminal edge opposite clamping and contact surface for the conductor end. The terms "bottom", "top", "side", etc. are to be understood as referring to the normal orientation of the assembly.

In the normal state without application of force, the clamping edge is accordingly biased from below or from the side facing the spring bow against the contact strip. The actuating portion is further arranged at the upper end of the clamping leg, so that is deflected by pressurizing the actuating portion against the bias of the spring bow, the clamping leg down in the direction of the spring bow, wherein the clamping edge of the underside of the contact strip and thus removes the nip between the Contact strip and the clamping edge opens.

In this spring force connection terminal, the current bar or its contact strip therefore extends coaxially through the opening in the spring metal plate of the clamping spring element or its clamping leg. Here, therefore, the current bar or the contact strip runs parallel to the plane of the spring movement, so that it is spoken of a longitudinal spring arrangement. Furthermore, the clamped conductor runs parallel to the current bar, so that the orientation of the entire spring force connection terminal is referred to as longitudinal.

The clamping spring element and the current bar are basically two separate metal stampings and a peculiarity of the spring force connection element lies in the attachment of the clamping spring to the current bar and the design of the clamping spring as an integral part of a complex clamping spring element. The clamping spring element has as attachment means in particular at least laterally of the clamping spring angled mounting tabs and is attached to these lateral attachment tabs on the current bar, in particular latched.

This has the advantage that the current bar and the clamping spring element can be made of different sheet metal and still form a rigidly connected unit in the mounted state. Furthermore, the metal stampings are inexpensive to manufacture and the spring-cage terminal is easy to install.

The lateral fastening straps of the clamping spring element are angled away from the side edges of the base leg running parallel to the insertion direction of the conductor end and extend from the base leg in the direction of the contact strip. On the opposite side of the clamping edge of the contact strip, the fastening tabs engage around the contact strip and thus form a closed metallic ring body, which is stamped and formed in one piece with the clamping spring. The annular body accordingly surrounds the contact strip and the clamping leg in an annular manner and forms the fastening element of the clamping spring element, with which the clamping spring element is latched to the current bar. The ring body thus runs in a plane transverse to the current bar and to the operating plane. The annular body gives the clamping spring element a stable structure and allows a rigid and stable attachment to the current bar.

The current bar is preferably U-shaped in the region of the clamping spring and has on both sides of the contact strip on lateral retaining tabs, which are angled on both sides of the contact strip in the direction of the base leg. For attachment of the clamping spring element, the lateral fastening tabs rest on the retaining tabs and are preferably latched there, which ensures a particularly stable connection between the clamping spring element and the current bar.

In particular, the ring body is slipped over the first free end of the current bar and locked there to secure the clamping spring element to the current bar, which simplifies the mounting of the clamping spring element on the current bar. In particular, the annular body has latching tabs which are latched to the laterally angled retaining tabs of the current bar in order to fix the clamping spring element to the current bar.

Preferably, the locking tabs are punched out of the lateral attachment tabs and engage in corresponding cutouts in the retaining tabs. As a result, a secure support is ensured when exercising the operating force.

In particular, the opening in the clamping limb on both sides of the contact strip is bounded by lateral webs which are connected to one another on the upper side of the current bar or of the contact strip opposite the clamping edge by means of the actuating section. That the breakthrough in the clamping and spring legs is bounded and formed at the bottom by the clamping edge, at the top by the actuating gate and laterally by the two webs. The operating section thus connects the two webs to one another at an upper end of the webs opposite the clamping edge, so that the opening is closed on all sides. Preferably, the actuating portion is angled at the upper edge opposite the clamping edge of the webs, whereby a larger actuating surface for the user arises.

Furthermore, the current bar between the contact strip and the laterally angled retaining tabs on lateral cutouts, which are open to the first free end of the current bar, so that the breakthrough of the clamping leg during installation of the clamping spring element slipped onto the current bar over the first free end of the contact strip is introduced and the lateral webs on both sides of the contact strip transversely in the lateral cutouts. When the clamping spring element is latched onto the current bar, the lateral webs extend substantially vertically in the lateral cutouts between the contact strip and the laterally angled retaining tabs. Seen from the side, the U-shaped angled first free end of the current bar U-shaped cut and takes on the clamping edge surrounding region of the clamping leg.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the base leg and the terminal side facing away from the clamping side of the lateral retaining tabs of the current bar further locking means complementary to each other, by means of which the base leg is latched to the lateral retaining tabs. As a result, the clamping spring element in the longitudinal direction (insertion / course of the current bar) are latched to the current bar.

Preferably, the clamping edge between the actuating portion and the spring bow is arranged and in the normal state, the clamping edge is biased away from the spring bow against the spring bow facing the underside of the contact strip. The operating portion is therefore above the contact strip and the clamping edge, the spring bow and the base portion are located on the opposite bottom, which forms the nip. In other words, the contact strip extends between the clamping edge and the actuating portion through the opening. The actuating portion is further disposed at a free end of the clamping leg opposite the spring bow, and by pressing the actuating portion from above, the clamping edge is pressed against the bias of the contact strip in the direction of the base leg to the conductor end on the side facing the spring bow the contact strip can be inserted through the opening in the clamping leg between the contact strip and the clamping edge. Thus, the spring-loaded terminal is designed as a compression spring clamp.

Preferably, the clamping leg includes with the clamping edge an angle of less than 90 degrees, as seen from the insertion direction of the conductor end, when the clamping edge is biased without a conductor against the contact strip. This has two advantages. First, the spring force terminal is formed zugzuschschließ, ie a pull-out force on the conductor causes a closing force of the clamping leg. Secondly, the conductor end can even be inserted into the closed spring-loaded terminal without being actuated, and the spring-cage terminal opens automatically by means of the pushing force exerted directly on the clamping leg with the conductor end (direct plug-in technology). The latter allows the complete installation of the connection element in the connector housing and closing of the connector housing and subsequent insertion of the conductor. This allows the connector housing to be preassembled and then the conductor inserted into the preassembled connector housing. The contactable with the spring-loaded terminal conductor end is thus introduced through a rear opening in the connector housing in the spring-force connection terminal, either in direct plug-in technology under self-opening of the terminal point when closed Connector housing or with open connector housing under manual operation of the clamping spring.

More preferably, the two lateral webs on both sides in the region of the current bar or the contact strip against the insertion of the conductor end butt-stumped, so that the lateral webs in the actuated and open state of the spring terminal are steeper compared to the contact strip as the clamping edge. As a result, the lever ratios are improved in the operation.

Preferably, the base leg, the spring bow and the clamping leg substantially form a V-shape with an angle of less than 90 degrees, the angle when opening the spring-force connection terminal by applying force to the actuating portion is smaller. The convex side of the spring bow points opposite to the insertion direction and the clamping leg extends in the insertion direction of the conductor from the spring bow to the clamping edge at an acute angle of less than 90 degrees to the nip of the contact strip and the conductor end is in the acute angle between the Clamping leg and the contact strip inserted into the contact point. This is for the automatic opening of the terminal point by inserting the conductor end into the spring-force connection terminal a particularly advantageous embodiment (self-opening embodiment). Advantageously, the contact strip between its free end and the nip, the clamping legs between the nip and the spring bow and the base leg form a space-saving Z-shape, which facilitates the placement in a connector housing.

The electrical connection element described above is particularly suitable for connectors with their overall longitudinal shape. Here, the terminal is installed in a multi-part dielectric connector housing, wherein the spring terminal is accommodated in a cavity in the interior of the connector housing. The conductor end contactable with the spring-force terminal is inserted into the spring-force terminal through a rear opening in the connector housing, either with the connector housing closed in the self-opening embodiment or with the connector housing open by manual operation of the clamping spring.

The connection element has a second connection at the second free end of the current bar opposite the first free end. The second connection is e.g. in a connector, a metallic pin or a metallic connector sleeve for connection to a complementary terminal of a mating connector. In other connector types, however, a crimp connection or a further spring-force connection terminal may also be provided as the second connection. The current bar extends between the first terminal in the form of the spring-force connection terminal and the second terminal and connects both electrically to one another. The second terminal is also housed by the multi-piece connector housing. In other words, the current bar extends longitudinally through the connector housing.

The connector may e.g. be designed as a wall-mountable electrical connector for electrical passage through a wall. In this embodiment, the multi-piece connector housing has at least one body portion for attachment in a wall opening and first and second sleeve portions for connection to the body portion on the first and second sides of the wall opening, respectively. The current bar extends longitudinally through the body part and is water-impermeably encapsulated by the latter in order to make the wall feed-through watertight even when the connector housing is open. The two free ends of the current bar jump out of the fuselage on both sides of the wall opening. The spring-force connection terminal (first connection) and the second connection are thereby accommodated on opposite sides of the wall opening of the multi-part connector housing.

Preferably, particularly in the wall-mountable connector, the dielectric connector housing includes a conductor holder, and the sleeve member and conductor holder are insertable and connectable to the body portion with the conductor inserted as a preassembled unit assembly.

The sleeve part is e.g. formed as a union nut for screwing on a thread of the body part and the conductor holder is rotatably held in the union nut, so that the conductor is clamped in the conductor holder and does not rotate when the union nut is screwed or unscrewed. Here, the stripped conductor end is clamped in the conductor holder and sunk completely and touch-protected in the union nut when the union nut is unscrewed from the body part.

In the following the invention will be explained in more detail by means of embodiments and with reference to the figures, wherein the same and similar elements are partially provided with the same reference numerals and the features of the various embodiments can be combined.

list of figures

• 1 eine Explosionsdarstellung eines Verbinders in Form einer Wanddurchführung,
• 2 eine perspektivische Ansicht des Verbinders aus 1 mit geöffnetem Verbindergehäuse,
• 3 eine perspektivische Ansicht des Verbinders aus 1 mit dem Verbindergehäuse in einem Zwischenzustand,
• 4 den Verbinder aus 1 mit geschlossenem Verbindergehäuse,
• 5 eine Querschnittsdarstellung des Verbinders aus 4,
• 6 eine perspektivische Darstellung wie 2, aber mit eingeführtem Leiter,
• 7 einen vergrößerten Ausschnitt aus 6 der Federkraftanschlussklemme mit angeschlossenem Leiterende,
• 8 eine seitlich perspektivische Ansicht der Federkraftanschlussklemme für den wandmontierbaren Verbinder aus 1 bis 7,
• 9 eine stirnseitig perspektivische Ansicht der Federkraftanschlussklemme für einen Steckverbinder,
• 10 eine seitlich perspektivische Ansicht der Federkraftanschlussklemme aus 9,
• 11 eine perspektivische Ansicht des Klemmfederelements entgegen der Einführrichtung des Leiters,
• 12 eine Ansicht von unten des Klemmfederelements aus 11,
• 13 eine seitlich perspektivische Ansicht von zwei miteinander verbundenen Anschlusselementen für eine Steckverbindung,
• 14 einen Längsschnitt durch zwei komplementäre paarende Steckverbinder mit den zugehörigen Federkraft-Anschlusselementen beim paarenden Verbinden,
• 15 wie 14, aber paarend verbunden und
• 16 eine Seitenansicht der paarend verbundenen Steckverbinder beim rückwärtigen Einführen des Leiters mit abisoliertem Leiterende.

Show it:

• 1 an exploded view of a connector in the form of a wall duct,
• 2 a perspective view of the connector 1 with open connector housing,
• 3 a perspective view of the connector 1 with the connector housing in an intermediate state,
• 4 the connector off 1 with closed connector housing,
• 5 a cross-sectional view of the connector 4 .
• 6 a perspective view like 2 but with an inserted conductor,
• 7 an enlarged section 6 the spring-loaded connection terminal with connected conductor end,
• 8th a side perspective view of the spring terminal for the wall-mountable connector from 1 to 7 .
• 9 a front perspective view of the spring-loaded terminal for a connector,
• 10 a lateral perspective view of the spring-loaded terminal 9 .
• 11 a perspective view of the clamping spring element against the insertion direction of the conductor,
• 12 a view from below of the clamping spring element 11 .
• 13 a side perspective view of two interconnected connection elements for a connector,
• 14 a longitudinal section through two complementary mating connector with the associated spring-force connection elements in mating connect,
• 15 as 14 but mating and connected
• 16 a side view of the paired connector when inserting the rear conductor with stripped conductor end.

Detailed description of the invention

1 shows in an exploded view the components of a wall-mounted, watertight connector as a current feedthrough for mounting in a wall 2 , The dielectric body part 10 comes with a seal 22 provided and with a threaded pin 12 through the wall opening 4 stuck through and on the in 1 left side with a locknut 24 screwed watertight.

The connection element 30 includes a longitudinally extending current bar 32 , which at its left free end in a crimp connection 34 opens and at the right free end of the clamping spring element 41 is attached. The clamping spring element 41 is frontally on the current bar 32 put on and locked with this in order to work together with the current bar 32 the spring-cage connection terminal 40 to build. The current bar 32 has a U-shaped bent cross-section to increase stability.

The conductor holder 50 clamps and seals by means of the seal 52 the in 1 not shown ladder. The union nut 60 is sleeve-shaped and is with an internal thread 62 with the thread 14 of the body part 10 bolted to the connector housing 6 close. For this purpose, the union nut 60 an outer corrugation 64 for screwing with your fingers and a hexagon 66 for firmly tightening the screw connection.

Referring to 2 is the body part 10 with the nut 24 in the wall opening 4 screwed and forms the watertight current feedthrough means of the connection element 30 through the wall opening 4 , The wall 2 Eg is a housing wall through which the connection element 30 the current feedthrough from the right exterior to the left interior of the housing accomplished. On the inside of the housing is a conductor with the crimp 34 permanently with the connector 1 whereas, on the right outer side, the connection of an in 2 not shown conductor by means of the spring force terminal 40 is detachably formed.

The connection element 30 , more precisely the current bar 32 is hermetically tight coaxial in the body part 10 injected to accomplish the power feedthrough. On the right side of the wall the fuselage part seals 10 with the sealing collar 16 and the seal 22 from. The body part 10 with injected current bar already forms a hermetic seal of the housing wall in this state 2 ,

In 2 is the .Heithalter 50 about halfway into the sleeve-shaped union nut 60 inserted and is thereby clamped, rotatable and longitudinally slidably fixed to the nut 60 together with the conductor holder 50 in this pre-assembled state as a unit on the fuselage 10 to be able to put on.

To insert the stripped conductor end is the spring terminal 40 by Pressurized from above actuated while open against its bias. Then the union nut 60 with the conductor holder 50 via the spring-cage connection terminal 40 slipped, as best in 3 and 4 can be seen.

In the in 3 intermediate state shown is the spring force terminal 40 in a radially upwardly open cavity or clamping space 56 sunk. Through the radial opening 58 If necessary, the spring-loaded connection terminal may even still be in the in 3 shown, preassembled intermediate state are actuated when the spring-loaded terminal 40 already in the terminal room 56 sunk.

Referring to 4 then the union nut 60 on the body part 10 screwed on, with the seal 52 from the back collar 54 of the ladder holder 50 is squeezed to the head 8th seal back.

Referring to 5 is located in the closed final assembly state, the spring-loaded terminal in the inner hollow or terminal space 56 des.Verbindergehäuses 6 , The elongated current bar 32 is in the closed body part 10 fastened, namely by this completely circular encapsulated.

For the user, the connector consists of two assemblies, each forming a unit, namely one in the wall opening 4 firmly screwed and hermetically sealed assembly unit from the fuselage 10 , the optional seal 22 , the mother-in-law 24 and the coaxial waterproof injected connector therein 30 and on the other hand, the conductor holder 50 , the optional seal 52 and the union nut 60 , For contacting the conductor 8th with the spring-loaded connection terminal 40 the user guides the ladder 8th in the assembly unit of contact holder 50 and sleeve part 60 (and optional gasket 52 ), pushes this assembly unit onto the body part 10 on, presses the clamping spring to open the nip, pushes the conductor 8th in the terminal opening 450 and then pushes the union nut 60 on the thread 14 of the body part 10 on to the connector housing 6 in the closed final state to screw.

When placing the module unit of conductor holder 50 , optional seal 52 and union nut 60 is preferably the stripped conductor end 9 inside the ladder holder 50 harbors and stands out from this, so that even the leader 9 is protected against contact during the assembly process.

Conversely, even with a separation of the conductor end 9 from the spring-cage connection terminal 40 provided in the field that the conductor end so far in the union nut 60 or the conductor holder 50 remains that the conductor end 9 is touch-protected. This ensures that no electrically conductive parts can be touched by the user when disconnecting the electrical connection in the field. It only needs the mother solved and a piece of the body part 10 to be pulled away. Thereafter, the spring-loaded terminal 40 operated to open the nip and the conductor end 9 pull it out. After this, the leader and the contact holder will be together 50 the union nut 60 and the optional seal 52 completely from the body part 10 deducted.

The crimp connection 34 is on the left side of the wall 2 (typically housing inside) in the lock nut 24 accommodated and during the connection of the conductor end 9 also completely protected against contact on the other side of the housing. Instead of the crimp connection 34 However, other types of connection are possible.

On the right side of the wall accessible to the installer 2 (typically housing outside) is the spring-loaded terminal 40 from the multi-part assembly unit 50 . 60 surrounded, which with the fuselage part 10 , which forms the actual bushing housing, is connected in the assembled state. In the examples shown, the union nut 60 with the body part 10 screwed. Here, however, a bond, locking or other connection can be provided.

Referring to 6 to 8th is the current bar 32 at its free end laterally around the nip 454 cut out around and thus opens in a flat contact strip 33 , The stripped end 9 of the leader 8th is by means of the clamping edge 432 of the clamping leg 424 from below against the contact strip 33 of the current bar 32 clamped. Thus forming the contact strip 33 with the clamping edge 432 of the clamping leg 424 the nip 454 for the leader 9 ,

Unlike the embodiment of 1 to 8th shows the embodiment in 9 to 10 and 13 to 16 a connector 1' for mating connection with a mating connector. The clamping spring element 41 , the design of the current bar 32 in the region of the free end on the spring force terminal connection and thus the spring force terminal 40 are in both embodiments of the connector 1 . 1' equal. In the two embodiments, only the current bar differs 32 beyond the spring-cage connection terminal 40 how best by comparing the 8th and 10 you can see.

Referring to both embodiments 1 . 1' and the 8th to 12 The following is the spring-cage connection terminal 40 explained in more detail.

The spring-cage connection terminal 40 is formed of a separate integral clamping spring element 41 which is in 11 and 12 is shown individually, and the current bar 32 , The clamping spring element 41 is an integrally stamped from spring metal sheet and shaped part, which at the free end 32a of the current bar 32 is fixed as best in 8th to 10 you can see. The clamping spring element 41 includes the clamping spring 42 and an annular body integrally formed with the clamping spring 430 ,

The clamping spring 42 includes a base leg 422 , a clamping leg 424 , a feather bow 426 , which is the base leg 422 and the clamping leg 424 resiliently interconnected and an actuating portion 428 at the in 8th to 11 free upper end of the clamping leg 424 ,

The clamping leg 424 points in the upper area, away from the spring bow 426 a breakthrough 452 on, through which the current bar 32 extends through to the nip 454 to build. The breakthrough 452 is at its bottom by the clamping edge 432 on the two sides by the lateral webs 456 . 458 and at the top by the operating portion 428 limited. The operating section 428 thus connects stirrup-like, the two side bars 456 . 458 on the clamping edge 454 opposite side of the current bar 32 ,

In the in 8th to 10 illustrated normal condition without ladder 8th and without force is the clamping edge 432 from below against the contact strip 33 of the current bar 32 biased. The clamping spring 42 is designed substantially V-shaped, so that the clamping edge 432 , the feather bow 426 and the base leg 422 on the same side of the contact strip 33 or the terminal point 454 are arranged (in 8th to 10 below).

Referring to 8th to 12 are on the base leg 422 lateral fastening straps 434 . 436 Angled and bent, which with locking lugs 444 and 446 are latched to the side of the current bar. From the base leg 422 are the side of the attachment tabs 434 . 436 angled, which above the contact strip 33 are bent back to the one piece with the clamping spring 42 manufactured ring body 430 to build. The clamping spring element 41 is by means of the ring body 430 on the free end 32a of the current bar 32 mounted, eg locked. The ring body 430 is formed as a substantially closed rectangular ring. The ring body 430 is formed by the base leg 422 , the side fastening straps 434 . 436 , which at the side edges 422a . 422b of the base leg 422 angled, and upper deck sections 464 . 466 , which at the upper ends of the lateral attachment tabs 434 . 436 angled inwards. The one-piece with the clamping spring 42 trained ring body 430 surrounds annularly the clamping leg 424 between the spring bow 426 and the clamping edge 432 as well as the contact strip 33 , The clamping leg 424 extends obliquely in the insertion direction through the ring body 430 therethrough. Thus lie the spring bow 426 and the nip 454 on in the insertion direction E opposite sides of the ring body 430 ,

The clamping spring element 41 is therefore bent in two transverse dimensions, namely longitudinal to the current bar 32 to the V-shaped clamping spring 42 form and across the current bar 32 to the ring body 430 to build. The stamped part from which the clamping spring element 41 is bent is punched cross-shaped, with the base leg 422 , the feather bow 426 and the clamping leg 424 extend in a plane parallel to the longitudinal axis (= insertion direction E). The lateral fastening straps 434 . 436 and the deck sections 464 . 466 in turn extend in a plane transverse to the longitudinal axis. Thus, the base leg forms 422 also the underside of the ring body 430 ,

Referring to 9 and 10 points the current bar 32 at its free end 32a laterally downwardly bent retaining tabs 36 . 38 on. The lateral fastening straps 434 . 436 lie outside on the retaining tabs 36 . 38 to the ring body 430 at the current bar 32 to fix. The upper deck sections 464 . 466 of the ring body 430 embrace the top 33b of the contact strip 33 and are also attached to this. The current bar 32 is essentially designed as a downwardly open U-shape. Coaxially within the U-shape extends the clamping leg 424 from the free end 32a towards the interior of the U-shape. The ring body 430 encompasses the U-shape of the current bar 32 including the side retaining tabs 36 . 38 ,

The base leg 422 lies on the underside at the lower edges or end faces 36a . 38a the lateral retaining tabs 36 . 38 and thus closes the downwardly open U-shape of the current bar 32 , At the lower edges 36a . 38a the lateral retaining tabs 36 . 38 and the base leg 422 are complementary locking means 476 . 478 . 486 . 488 provided which the clamping spring element 41 longitudinally on the retaining tabs 36 . 38 lock. Referring to 10 For this purpose, the embodiment at the lower edges 36a . 38a the lateral retaining tabs 36 . 38 latching projections 476 . 478 on which in lateral recesses 486 . 488 in the base leg 422 intervention. The locking projections 476 . 478 have oblique push-on surfaces in the insertion direction E, so that the clamping spring element 41 parallel to the current bar 32 in the insertion direction E on the current bar 32 can be pushed and the side recesses 486 . 488 engage over the locking projections.

Vertical and in the lateral direction is the ring body 430 by the positive gripping around the current bar 32 fixed on this. Furthermore, the locking latches lock 444 . 446 in the side fastening straps 434 . 436 the ring body 430 vertically on the side retaining tabs 36 . 38 ,

This is the ring body 430 against slipping, both after installation, as well as when operating in the horizontal and vertical direction to the current bar 32 secured.

To insert the conductor end 9 into the spring-loaded connection terminal 40 becomes the operation section 428 against the bias of the spring bow 426 Pressurized by pressure, so that the clamping leg 424 in the direction of the base leg 422 pivots down and the clamping edge 432 from the bottom of the current bar 32 removed to the clamping opening 450 release.

After relieving the operating section 428 clamps the clamping edge 432 biased by the spring bow 426 the leader 9 against the underside of the contact strip 33 , The clamping leg 424 has bilateral constrictions on both sides 451 between the spring bow 426 and the clamping edge 432 , Furthermore, the clamping leg 424 , seen from the insertion direction E, slightly concave.

At the top of the constrictions 451 widens the clamping leg 424 again. Below the breakthrough 452 has the clamping leg 424 therefore a cross member 433 on, the upper edge of the clamping edge 432 and lower limit of breakthrough 452 forms. The side retaining tabs 36 . 38 point to the free end 32a open U-shaped cutouts 37 . 39 on, through which the cross member 433 extends transversely to the insertion direction E therethrough. When the clamping spring element 41 on the current bar 32 is mounted, the lateral U-shaped cutouts 37 . 39 insertion side through the attachment tabs 434 . 436 of the clamping spring element 41 limited and closed, so that the cross member 433 between the attachment tabs 434 . 436 and seen in the insertion direction E rear end of the U-shaped cutouts 37 . 39 across the U-shaped cutouts 37 . 39 through underneath the contact strip 33 extends. The clamping leg 424 is at the constrictions 451 so far that it tapers between both side retaining tabs 36 . 38 runs. Thus, the constrictions meet 451 a double function, namely on the one hand, the stress distribution in the clamping spring 42 improved and on the other hand, the clamping leg 424 a width that is sufficiently small to pass between the two retaining tabs 36 . 38 to fit and be deflected there when the clamping spring 42 is pressed. The lower edge of the U-shaped cutouts 37 . 39 forms a stop for the cross member 433 during operation.

The clamping leg 424 closes in the area of the clamping edge 432 in the normal state without conductor end 9 an angle of about 60 degrees, around the nip 454 train to train. At the height of the current bar 32 are the side bars 456 and 458 contrary to the insertion direction e Angled, so that the clamping leg both below and above the current bar 32 with the current bar an angle of less than 90 degrees, seen from the insertion direction e , includes. As a result, on the one hand the zugschließende effect on the clamping edge 432 achieved and on the other hand over the pivoting range of the clamping spring 42 a relatively good vertical orientation of the clamping leg 424 in the area of the breakthrough 452 achieved. Furthermore, the clamping spring 42 formed in the insertion direction E self- or thrust-opening, ie the nip 454 opens automatically by inserting the conductor end 9 against the nip 454 with sufficient strength. For this is the leader 8th either a rigid wire or the conductor end 9 is stiffened with a ferrule. The spring-cage connection terminal 40 is thus both by manual actuation of the operating section 428 openable, with the conductor end 9 in the open nip 454 is inserted as well as without manual operation of the actuating portion 428 , where the nip 454 by the pushing force on the ladder 8th in the insertion direction automatically by the leader 9 is pressed (double function).

The operating section 428 is at the top of the side bars 456 and 458 in insertion direction e Angled to increase the contact surface for manual operation.

Referring to the 13 to 16 is the connection element 30 for a waterproof connector 1' designed for outdoor applications and has at the clamping spring terminal opposite the free end 32b of the current bar 32 a second connection 35 in the form of a plug pin (male) or a plug sleeve (female), which are complementary plugged into each other. The male and female connection element 30 is each in an associated multi-part dielectric connector housing 6 houses. The two complementary connectors 1' are latched together with locking means known to those skilled in the art, when the connectors 1' are connected.

Referring to 16 can the leader 8th with the stripped conductor end 9 with the connector housing closed 6 and possibly even connected connectors 1' from behind into the respective connector housing 6 and the spring-cage terminal 40 be inserted. In this pre-assembled condition ( 16 ) is the cap part 60 already on the body part 10 attached and screwed in the present example with this at least partially. Then the leader 8th inserted into the preassembled connector housing and the nip is automatically from the conductor end 9 pressed. Possibly. then only the union nut 60 dressed. If the two mating connectors 1' connected to each other, the arrangement is in each case at the introduction of the conductor 8th sealed and the two sockets 7 the connector housing 6 are also sealed against each other, so that the connector assembly is waterproof and suitable for outdoor applications, eg for photovoltaic systems. This direct plug-in technology with pre-assembled closed connector housing is also in the connector 1 possible.

Claims (16)

An electrical connection element (30) having a current bar (32) and a clamping spring element (41) which form a spring force connection terminal (40) for detachably connecting a stripped conductor end (9) to a first free end (32a) of the current bar (32) Clamping spring element (41) has a base leg (422), a clamping leg (424), a spring bow (426) resiliently pivotally connecting the clamping leg to the base leg and an actuating portion (428) for opening the spring force connection terminal (40) against the bias of the spring bow (426) wherein the clamping leg (424) has an opening (452) through which a contact strip (33) of the current bar (32) extends, wherein an inner edge of the opening (452) has a clamping edge (32) extending transversely to the current bar (32). 432), by means of which the stripped conductor end (9) can be clamped against a first side (33a) of the contact strip (33), so that the first side (33a) of the Contact strip (33) which forms the clamping edge (432) opposite clamping and contact surface for the conductor end (9) and wherein the clamping spring element (41) as from the current bar (32) is formed separate part, characterized in that the clamping spring element (41) lateral fastening straps (434, 436) and the base leg (422) of the clamping spring element (41) by means of the lateral fastening tabs (434, 436) is rigidly connected to the current bar (32), wherein the lateral fastening tabs (434, 436) of the clamping spring element ( 41) of the parallel to the insertion direction (E) of the conductor end (9) extending side edges (422a, 422b) of the base leg (422) are angled, extending from the base leg (422) to the contact strip (33) and on the clamping edge ( 432) opposite the second side (33b) of the contact strip (33) around the contact strip to form a ring body (430) which defines the contact strip (33) and the clamp Chenkel (424) surrounds annular and by means of which the clamping spring element (41) is fixed to the current bar (32). Connection element (30) after Claim 1 , wherein the annular body (430) for mounting the clamping spring element (41) on the current bar (32) in the insertion direction (E) of the conductor (8) via the first free end (32a) of the current bar (32) is formed inverted. A terminal (30) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the current bar (32) has lateral retaining tabs (36, 38) angled away from the contact strip (33) on both sides in the direction of the base leg (422) and the lateral mounting tabs (434, 436) abut the retaining tabs (36, 38) when the clamping spring element (41) is fixed to the current bar (32). Connection element (30) after Claim 3 in that the opening (452) in the clamping leg (424) is bounded by lateral webs (456, 458) which, on the second side (33b) of the contact strip (33) opposite the clamping edge (432), contact one another by means of the actuating section (428) and wherein the current bar (32) between the contact strip (33) and the lateral retaining tabs (36, 38) has lateral cutouts (37, 39) open towards the free end (32a) of the current bar (32), such that the opening (452) of the clamping leg (424) is slipped over the first free end of the contact strip (33) and the lateral webs (456, 458) extend on both sides of the contact strip (33) through the lateral cutouts (37, 39). Connection element (30) after Claim 4 , wherein the lateral webs (456, 458) on both sides in the area of the current bar (32) against the insertion direction (E) of the conductor end (9) are angled dull. Connection element (30) after Claim 4 or 5 wherein the actuating portion (428) at one of the clamping edge (432) opposite end of the webs (456, 458) interconnects the webs, so that the opening (452) is closed on all sides and the actuating portion (428) on the clamping edge (432 ) opposite end of the webs (456, 458) is angled from the webs. Connection element (30) according to one of Claims 2 to 6 , wherein the annular body (430) on the lateral fastening tabs (434, 436) locking tabs (444, 446) which are latched with end open cutouts (37, 39) in the retaining tabs (36, 38). Connection element (30) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the base leg (442) and the end face (36a, 38a) facing away from the clamping point (454) of the lateral retaining lugs (36, 38) of the current bar (32) are provided with latching means (476, 478 , 486, 488), by means of which the base leg (422) is latched to the lateral retaining tabs (36, 38) in the longitudinal direction. Connection element (30) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the clamping edge (432) is disposed between the actuating portion (428) and the spring bow (426) and in the normal state the clamping edge (432) is biased away from the spring bow (426) against the side of the contact strip facing the spring bow, wherein the contact strip (33) extends between the clamping edge (432) and the actuating portion (428) through the aperture (452) and wherein the actuating portion (428) is disposed at an end of the clamping leg (424) opposite the spring bow (426), and by urging the actuating portion (428) against the bias of the contact strip (33) towards the base leg (432). 422) is pressed to the conductor end (9) on the spring bow (426) facing side (33 a) of the contact strip (33) through the opening (452) in the clamping leg (424) between the contact strip (33) and the clamping edge ( 432) to introduce. The connector (30) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the base leg (422), the spring bow (436), and the clamping leg (424) substantially form a V-shape at an angle of less than 90 degrees and the angle when the spring force terminal is opened (40) becomes smaller by applying force to the operating portion (428). Connecting element (30) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the clamping leg (424) in the region of the clamping edge (432) in the insertion direction (E) of the conductor end (9) seen with the contact strip (33) forms an angle of less than 90 degrees, if the clamping edge (432) is prestressed against the contact strip (33) without a conductor (8), so that the clamping point (454) is designed to close in a closed and push-opening manner. Connection element (30) after Claim 11 , wherein the convex side of the spring bow (428) opposite to the insertion direction (E) and the clamping leg (424) in the direction of insertion of the conductor (8) seen from the spring bow (428) to the clamping edge (432) out at an acute angle of less as 90 degrees to the nip (454) of the contact strip (33) to extend and the conductor end (9) is inserted at the acute angle between the clamping leg (424) and the contact strip (33). A terminal (30) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the contact strip (33) between its free end and the nip (454), the clamping legs (424) between the nip (454) and the spring bow (426) and the base leg (422). form a Z-shape. Electrical connector (1, 1 ') with the connecting element (30) according to one of Claims 1 to 13 and a multi-part dielectric connector housing (6), wherein the with the spring terminal (40) clampable and contactable conductor (8) is insertable through an opening in the connector housing (6) in the spring force terminal (40), wherein the connecting element (30) second terminal (34, 35) at the first free end (32 a) opposite the second free end (32 b) of the current bar (32) and the current bar (32) the spring terminal (40) and the second terminal (34, 35) electrically and wherein the connection element (30) with the spring-force connection terminal (40) and the second connection (34, 35) in the multi-part connector housing (6) are accommodated. Wall-mountable electrical connector (1) for electrical passage through a wall (2) with the connection element (30) according to one of Claims 1 to 13 and a multi-part dielectric connector housing (6), said multi-part connector housing (6) comprising at least one body portion (10) for mounting in a wall opening (4) and first and second sleeve portions for connection to said body portion (10) first or second side of the wall opening (4), wherein the current bar (32) extends longitudinally through the body part (10) and is encapsulated by this waterproof and the two free ends (32a, 32b) of the current bar (32) on both sides of the wall opening (4) projecting from the body part (10), and wherein the spring force connection terminal (40) and the second connection (34, 35) on the first and second side of the wall opening (4) of the multi-part connector housing (6) be housed. Electrical connector (1 ') with the connection element (30) according to one of Claims 1 to 13 and a multi-part dielectric connector housing (6), said multi-part connector housing (6) comprising at least one body portion (10) having a front socket (7) for mating with a complementary mating connector (1 ') and a sleeve portion (60) for rearwardly connecting to said body Fuselage part (10) is formed, wherein the current bar (32) at its the spring force terminal (40) opposite the free end (32b) in a connector (35) or a connection socket (35) opens, which extends longitudinally through the body part (10) and is fixed therein, and wherein the spring force terminal (40) of the multi-part connector housing (6) is accommodated.

Images