DE102021108317A1 - Terminal for connecting an electrical conductor - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a terminal (1) for connecting an electrical conductor (2) to a conductor rail (3), having a housing (4; 4T1, 4T2), the housing (4; 4T1, 4T2) being used to insert a conductor end section (2A ) of the electrical conductor (2) is configured in an insertion direction (X) in order to releasably attach the conductor end section (2A) to the busbar (3) by means of a clamping element (5) in a clamping position, the clamping element (5) being located in the housing ( 4; 4T1, 4T2) and is coupled to an adjusting element (6) for shifting between an assembly position and the clamping position, the adjusting element (6) being rotatably mounted about an axis of rotation (Y), the clamping element (5) being Coupling with the actuating element (6) has a coupling section (5A) and the coupling section (5A) is configured to move the clamping element (5) relative to the actuating element (6) in the direction of the axis of rotation (Y) when the actuating element (6) rotates and a v to ensure that the clamping element (5) can be pushed transversely to the direction of the axis of rotation (Y).

Description

The present invention relates to a terminal, preferably a front connection terminal, for connecting an electrical conductor.

Connection mechanisms for producing a permanent or detachable electrical contact are known from the prior art in a wide variety of designs and configurations. Clamps are often used for connecting and disconnecting and thus for the detachable connection of electrical conductors (wires, stranded wires, etc.). These are, for example, screw terminals, spring terminals or insulation displacement terminals.

Such clamps are often characterized by a relatively complex structure and by a large number of components and elements. For example, complex deflections of lever elements or spring elements are added to known front connection terminals.

For example, from German Patent Specification No. DE 10 2015 109 836 B4 a contact assembly with a first and a second contact element for connecting an electrical line is known. As a stamped and bent part, the second contact element comprises a receiving space with a tensioning element mounted displaceably therein. The clamping element is a cuboid solid body. The line can be pushed into the receiving space via an opening on the outer wall and also into the tensioning element via a bore. A spring acts on one side of the tensioning element with a compressive force and a screw that can be screwed into the receiving space presses on an opposite side designed as a ramp against the tensioning element subjected to compressive force in order to move the tensioning element from a clamping position into an assembly position.

From US Patent No. U.S. 4,511,204 a clamping connection for a wire conductor with an insulating housing is known, in which a support element and a clamping element are arranged with mutually inclined surfaces. The support element and the clamping element are held together by a spring. The support element has a threaded hole for receiving a screw. When the screw is screwed in, the elements are pressed apart, as a result of which the clamping element clamps an electrical conductor inserted into the insulating housing against a conductor on a wall section.

In the published German patent application no. DE 10 2014 103 826 A1 describes a screw connection arranged parallel to the insertion direction of the electrical conductor and having a connection housing, a gear-shaped clamping body being mounted in the connection housing so that it can be displaced and rotated about an axis of rotation.

In the German patent no. DE 10 2007 009 448 B4 describes a plug contact element with a screw terminal located in the housing. When it is screwed into the housing, a screw with a cone tip presses a pressure piece, which is located in an obliquely arranged opening. An underside of the pressure piece presses an electrical conductor introduced into the opening.

From German Offenlegungsschrift No. DE 195 12 337 A1 a screw terminal for an electrical conductor is known. The screw clamp comprises a cage designed as a bent sheet metal part with a threaded section for receiving a clamping screw. A pressure piece located in the receiving space of the electrical conductor is supported by a spring on the free end of the clamping screw. The pressure piece can be moved in the direction of a clamping piece lying obliquely to the axis of the clamping screw in order to clamp an electrical conductor inserted there.

Other electrical connectors with linearly displaceable clamping elements, which are actuated by clamping screws, are from the German Offenlegungsschrift DE 44 00 571 A1 and US Patent No. U.S. 4,857,020 known.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved clamp which is characterized by a small number of components and/or elements and by a simple structure and simple operation.

The object is solved by the features of independent claim 1. Further exemplary embodiments and applications of the present invention result from the dependent claims and are explained in more detail in the following description with partial reference to the figures.

According to a first general aspect, the invention relates to a terminal, preferably a front connection terminal, for connecting an electrical conductor to a busbar, having a housing, the housing being configured and/or designed for inserting a conductor end section of the electrical conductor in an insertion direction in order to Conductor end section on the busbar, preferably on a busbar end section of the busbar, by means of a to releasably fasten the clamping element in a clamping position, preferably to clamp it releasably, the clamping element being displaceably mounted in the housing and being coupled to an actuating element for displacement between an assembly position and the clamping position, the actuating element being pivoted about an axis of rotation, preferably in the housing an axis of rotation is rotatably mounted, wherein the clamping element has a coupling section for coupling, preferably for positive and/or non-positive coupling, with the actuating element and the coupling section is configured and/or designed such that when the actuating element rotates, the clamping element moves relative to the actuating element in the direction of the To move the axis of rotation and to ensure a displacement of the clamping element substantially transverse to the direction of the axis of rotation.

With the present invention, for example, a clamp can be provided which is characterized by a reduced number of components and elements. Furthermore, for example, a clamp can be provided which has a compact and space-saving structure.

Due to the rotatable mounting of the actuating element, preferably in the housing of the terminal, the actuating element always remains in its spatial location or position and, in particular, does not perform any translational movement in the sense of displacement, preferably relative to the housing.

Due to the configuration and/or design of the clamping element and the coupling with the rotatably mounted actuating element, a rotary movement of the actuating element can preferably be converted into a translational movement, i.e. into a displacement of the clamping element, in order to releasably clamp the conductor end section with the clamping element and the electrical Connect the conductors to the busbar.

According to a further aspect of the invention, it can be provided that sections of the coupling section are configured and/or designed essentially in the form of a toothed plate in order to form a form-fitting and essentially play-free connection with the actuating element, preferably with an actuating element section of the actuating element, and/or wherein the Adjusting element is threaded in sections, preferably threaded bolt-shaped, configured and / or formed.

In a view, preferably in a sectional view, the coupling section can have a rack-shaped contour at least in sections.

The essentially tooth plate-shaped configuration and/or design can be represented by a plurality of flanks arranged next to one another or lying next to one another.

The adjusting element can preferably be designed as a threaded bolt or as a screw and preferably have an actuating section, such as a flat head, for actuating, ie executing a rotary movement, with a tool.

According to a further aspect of the invention, it can be provided that the actuating element penetrates the clamping element, preferably in the direction of the axis of rotation, and/or the actuating element is rotatably mounted on two oppositely arranged actuating element end sections in the housing, with the clamping element preferably between the actuating element end sections with the actuating element is coupled and / or arranged.

The clamping element can preferably move along the actuating element and transversely to the actuating element.

It is possible for the clamping element to have a substantially U-shaped contour or a substantially rectangular frame-shaped contour, preferably a closed substantially rectangular frame-shaped contour, in a view, preferably in a cross-sectional view in the direction of the axis of rotation.

As a result, a compact design of the clamping element can be ensured, for example.

According to a further aspect of the invention, it can be provided that the clamping element is mounted displaceably and/or slidably at least in sections in at least one guide channel of the housing, the at least one guide channel extending in a guide direction, at least in sections, essentially in a straight line.

The at least one guide channel can be used, for example, to specify a defined distance from a mounting position to a clamping position for the clamping element.

The clamping element is thus subject to a kinematic forced coupling with the at least one guide channel in order to apply a resulting compressive force to the conductor end section in a clamping position and to releasably clamp it to the busbar, preferably to the busbar end section.

It is possible for the at least one guide channel to be formed by a first housing part and by a second housing part of the housing, with the first housing part and the second housing part being configured and/or designed to be plugged into one another, preferably latched in a form-fitting manner, preferably configured to be plugged into one another in the insertion direction and /or are trained.

As a result, for example, simplified manufacture and simplified assembly of the clamp can be ensured.

According to a further aspect of the invention, it can be provided that the at least one guide channel in a view, preferably in a sectional view, extends at an angle to the direction of the axis of rotation and/or is formed at an angle, preferably forming an angle in the range of 10° to 45° °.

It is possible for the coupling section to have a first coupling wall and a second coupling wall, the first coupling wall and the second coupling wall being spaced apart from one another and/or arranged opposite one another, the first coupling wall and the second coupling wall being configured and/or designed to permit the rotational movement implement the actuating element at least in a translational movement of the clamping element.

According to a further aspect of the invention, it can be provided that the first coupling wall has at least one flank in sections and the second coupling wall has at least one flank in sections, with the at least one flank in each case forming a positive connection with the actuating element, preferably with an actuating element section of the actuating element, in sections .

The at least one flank can have a tooth-shaped or involute-shaped contour at least in sections in a view, preferably in a cross-sectional view. As a result, optimal force transmission and/or torque conversion between the actuating element and the clamping element can be achieved, for example, with a complementary configuration and/or design of the actuating element, preferably the actuating element section, with a spirally extending, circumferential flank.

According to a further aspect of the invention, it can be provided that at least one sliding section is formed on the clamping element in order to move the clamping element in the housing, and the at least one sliding section is configured and/or designed to move the clamping element at an angle to the direction of the axis of rotation.

The exemplary embodiments and features of the invention described above can be combined with one another as desired. Further or other details and advantageous effects of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the attached figures.

• 1A eine perspektivische Ansicht eines Ausführungsbeispiels der Klemme gemäß der vorliegenden Erfindung mit einem in die Klemme eingeführten elektrischen Leiter;
• 1B eine perspektivische Ansicht des ersten Gehäuseteils des Gehäuses der in 1A dargestellten Klemme;
• 1C eine perspektivische Ansicht des zweiten Gehäuseteils des Gehäuses der in 1A dargestellten Klemme;
• 2A eine perspektivische Ansicht des ersten Gehäuseteils des Gehäuses der in 1A dargestellten Klemme mit einem Klemmelement und dem eingeführten, noch anzuschließenden elektrischen Leiter, wobei sich das Klemmelement in einer Montagestellung befindet;
• 2B eine Seitenansicht des ersten Gehäuseteils des Gehäuses der in 1A dargestellten Klemme mit einem Klemmelement und dem eingeführten, noch anzuschließenden elektrischen Leiter, wobei sich das Klemmelement in einer Montagestellung befindet;
• 2C eine Seitenansicht des ersten Gehäuseteils des Gehäuses der in 1A dargestellten Klemme mit einem Klemmelement und dem eingeführten und angeschlossenen elektrischen Leiter, wobei sich das Klemmelement in einer Klemmstellung befindet;
• 3A eine Draufsicht auf die in 1A dargestellte Klemme mit elektrischem Leiter;
• 3B eine erste Schnittansicht (Schnitt A-A aus 3A) der in 3A dargestellten Klemme mit elektrischem Leiter;
• 3C eine zweite Schnittansicht (Schnitt B-B aus 3A) der in 3A dargestellten Klemme mit elektrischem Leiter;
• 4A eine perspektivische Ansicht des Klemmelements der in 1A dargestellten Klemme;
• 4B eine Frontansicht des in 4A dargestellten Klemmelements;
• 4C eine Seitenansicht des in 4A dargestellten Klemmelements;
• 4D eine Draufsicht des in 4A dargestellten Klemmelement;
• 5A eine perspektivische Ansicht eines weiteren Ausführungsbeispiels eines Klemmelements mit einem Stellelement;
• 5B eine Frontansicht des in 5A dargestellten Klemmelements mit dem Stellelement;
• 5C eine Draufsicht des in 5A dargestellten Klemmelements mit dem Stellelement.

Show it:

• 1A a perspective view of an embodiment of the clamp according to the present invention with an electrical conductor inserted into the clamp;
• 1B a perspective view of the first housing part of the housing in 1A shown clamp;
• 1C a perspective view of the second housing part of the housing of FIG 1A shown clamp;
• 2A a perspective view of the first housing part of the housing in 1A shown clamp with a clamping element and the introduced, yet to be connected electrical conductor, wherein the clamping element is in a mounting position;
• 2 B a side view of the first housing part of the housing of FIG 1A shown clamp with a clamping element and the introduced, yet to be connected electrical conductor, wherein the clamping element is in a mounting position;
• 2C a side view of the first housing part of the housing of FIG 1A shown terminal with a clamping element and the inserted and connected electrical conductor, wherein the clamping element is in a clamping position;
• 3A a top view of the in 1A shown clamp with electrical conductor;
• 3B a first sectional view (section AA from 3A) the in 3A shown clamp with electrical conductor;
• 3C a second sectional view (section BB from 3A) the in 3A shown clamp with electrical conductor;
• 4A a perspective view of the clamping element in FIG 1A shown clamp;
• 4B a front view of the in 4A shown clamping element;
• 4C a side view of the in 4A shown clamping element;
• 4D a top view of the in 4A shown clamping element;
• 5A a perspective view of a further embodiment of a clamping element with an actuating element;
• 5B a front view of the in 5A shown clamping element with the actuating element;
• 5C a top view of the in 5A shown clamping element with the actuating element.

Identical or functionally equivalent components or elements are identified in the figures with the same reference symbols. For their explanation, reference is also made in part to the description of other exemplary embodiments and/or figures in order to avoid repetition.

The following detailed description of the exemplary embodiments illustrated in the figures serves for the purpose of further illustration or clarification and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention in any way.

First, individual components and/or elements are presented and described which can be used in exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

1A Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the clamp 1 according to the present invention.

The terminal 1 comprises a housing 4. The housing 4 comprises walls and/or wall sections of corresponding wall thickness or wall thickness and is of essentially cuboid design. The housing 4 has a first housing part 4T1 and a second housing part 4T2. Both the first housing part 4T1 and the two housing parts 4T2 are made from an insulating material, for example by at least one injection molding process and/or by at least one casting process. It is possible that the first housing part 4T1 and/or the second housing part 4T2 is additionally or alternatively formed and/or produced by at least one sintering process and/or by at least one 3D printing process. The first housing part 4T1 and/or the second housing part 4T2 is preferably formed integrally in one piece.

An electrical conductor 2 can be connected to terminal 1. The electrical conductor 2 is inserted into the housing 4 of the terminal 1 in an insertion direction X via a connection opening 7 on the first housing part 4T1. Also located at least partially in the housing 4 is a busbar 3. The electrical conductor 2, together with the busbar 3 in the housing 4 when connected, forms an electrically conductive connection for the transmission of electrical energy and/or electrical signals.

The first housing part 4T1 and the second housing part 4T2 are configured and/or designed in relation to one another in such a way that they can be plugged into one another in a form-fitting manner and essentially without play, preferably in the direction of insertion X. In other words, the first housing part 4T1 and the second housing part 4T2 are configured to be plugged into one another and/or designed, wherein preferably the first housing part 4T1 is configured and/or designed to be pluggable into the second housing part 4T2.

The first housing part 4T1 can be detachably fastened in the second housing part 4T2 by forming latching connections RV on defined walls and/or wall sections. The snap-in connections RV are formed by the interaction of snap-in recesses with corresponding snap-in projections and are not explained in more detail here.

The first housing part 4T1 also includes an actuation opening 8 for actuation, ie rotational movement of an actuating element 6 about an axis of rotation Y by means of a tool, for example a screwdriver. The actuating element 6 is arranged in the housing 4 and is accessible via the actuating opening 8 . The actuating element 6 is described in more detail below with regard to arrangement, construction and functioning.

1B shows a perspective view of the first housing part 4T1 of the housing 4 in FIG 1A shown terminal 1.

The first housing part 4T1 is fork-shaped and comprises a first housing part leg 4S1 and a second housing part leg 4S2. The first housing part limb 4S1 is spaced apart from the second housing part limb 4S2 and arranged opposite, and is also connected to the connection opening 7 and the actuating opening 8 via the wall section. In a side view, i.e. a view transverse to the direction of insertion X and/or transverse to the direction of the axis of rotation Y, both the first housing part leg 4S1 and the second housing part leg 4S2 taper with increasing extension away from the connection opening 7 and the actuating opening 8. The first housing part leg 4S1 has a sliding surface 4G1 on one side and the second housing part leg 4S2 has a sliding surface 4G2 on one side (in 1B not visible) on.

The sliding surfaces 4G1, 4G2 are for translational, i.e. displaceable, mounting of a clamping element 5 (see the further 2A until 4D ) is provided in the housing 4 and, together with corresponding sliding surfaces of the second housing part 4T2, form a first guide channel nal 4K1 and a second guide channel 4K2, based on the 2A until 3C will be described in more detail.

Overall, the first housing part 4T1 is designed essentially symmetrically to a plane.

1C shows a perspective view of the second housing part 4T2 of the housing 4 in FIG 1A shown terminal 1.

The second housing part 4T2, as the main housing part of the housing 4, has, as already described, an essentially cuboid configuration and/or design. The second housing part 4T2 is also essentially symmetrical to the plane indicated with regard to the first housing part 4T2.

The walls and/or wall sections of the second housing part 4T2 are configured and/or designed on the inside in such a way as to receive the first housing part 4T2 in a form-fitting manner and essentially without play in order to form a detachable plug connection.

It is clearly visible in 1C the spatial location and/or position of the sliding surface 4G2 of the second housing part 4T2 within the second housing part 4T2, which - when the clamp 1 is in the assembled state - is spaced apart from the sliding surface 4G2 of the first housing part leg 4S2 and is arranged opposite, for example to form the second guide channel 4K2 for form the clamping element 5 .

2A shows a perspective view of the first housing part 4T1 of the housing 4 in FIG 1A shown clamp 1 with a clamping element 5 and the introduced, yet to be connected electrical conductor 2, wherein the clamping element 5 is in a mounting position.

A conductor end section 2A of the electrical conductor 2 is inserted or pushed in the direction of insertion X into the first housing part 4T1 via the connection opening 7 of the first housing part 4T1 and is already lying on the conductor rail 3, i.e. - in the assembled state of the terminal 1 - on a conductor in the housing 4 present busbar end section 3A of the busbar 3 in order to releasably attach the conductor end section 2A to the busbar 3 by means of the clamping element 5 in a clamping position, preferably to clamp it and thus to connect the electrical conductor 2 .

The conductor rail 3 is configured and/or designed as a flat component, that is to say as a flat component. The conductor rail 3 is made from an electrically conductive material, preferably a metallic material, for example by at least one bending process and/or at least one stamping process. Furthermore, the conductor rail 3 is formed with an angled section (not marked in the figures), which, for example, can be seen from the other 2 B and 2C emerges.

The outer contour of the clamping element 5 is essentially cuboid. As already shown, the clamping element 5 is displaceably mounted in the housing 4, which will also be described in more detail below, and is coupled to the actuating element 6 for displacement between an assembly position and the clamping position.

As already mentioned above based on the 1A until 1C Briefly described, the actuating element 6 is rotatably mounted in the housing 4 of the clamp 1 about an axis of rotation Y, preferably rotatably mounted in a stationary manner. In other words, the actuating element 6 always remains in its intended spatial location and/or position in the housing 4 when the terminal 1 is assembled, with the exception of the actuation in the form of a rotary movement the storage is prevented from doing so.

The clamping element 5 has a coupling section 5A for coupling to the actuating element 6 . The coupling section 5A is configured and/or designed in the form of a toothed plate in sections in order to establish a positive connection with the actuating element 6, preferably with an actuating element section 6A (see the 2 B and 2C and 3B and 3C) of the actuating element 6, which will be described in more detail below. The actuating element 6 is configured and/or designed essentially cylindrical and in sections in the form of a thread, preferably in the form of a threaded bolt.

The coupling portion 5A has a first coupling wall 5W1 and a second coupling wall 5W2, the first coupling wall 5W1 and the second coupling wall 5W2 being spaced from each other on the clamping member 5 and arranged opposite to each other. Both the first coupling wall 5W1 and the second coupling wall 5W2 are also designed in the form of a toothed plate and thus each comprise at least one flank 5F, preferably a large number of flanks 5F. The flanks 5F can be designed as projections or teeth corresponding to the contour and complementary to the actuating element 6, preferably to the actuating element section 6A, in order to shift the clamping element when the actuating element 6 rotates about the axis of rotation ments 5 to ensure from the mounting position to the clamping position, which is based on the other 2 B until 3C is shown.

In order to slidably mount the clamping element 5 in the housing 4 of the clamp 1, the clamping element 5 has a first slide section in the form of a first slide rail 5S1 and a second slide section in the form of a second slide rail 5S2. The second slide rail 5S2 is in 2A not visible. Both the first slide rail 5S1 and the second slide rail 5S2 extend outside the coupling section 5A of the clamping element 5 with the actuating element 6, i.e. outside the coupling section 5A, on the outside over the clamping element 5 or along the clamping element 5. The first slide rail 5S2 and the second slide rail 5S2 are essentially configured and/or formed in a straight line (see also the further 4A until 4D ). The first slide rail 5S1 is accommodated and/or displaceably mounted in a first guide channel 4K1 and the second slide rail 5S2 is at least partially accommodated in a second guide channel 4K2. Both the first and the second guide channel 4K1, 4K2, as above with reference to 1B and 1C described, formed by corresponding sliding surfaces 4G1, 4G1 of the first and second housing parts 4T1, 4T2. The first guide channel 4K1 is formed here, for example, by the sliding surfaces 4G1 of the first housing part 4G1, ie the first housing part leg 4S1, and the second housing part 4T2, which are arranged opposite and spaced apart.

In 2 B the sliding surface 4G1 of the first housing part leg 4S1 is marked and at least its spatial location and/or position in the housing 4 can be seen. The second guide channel 4K2 (see also 3B) is formed by the opposite and spaced-apart sliding surfaces 4G2 of the first housing part 4G1, ie the second housing part leg 4S2, and the second housing part 4T2.

The first guide channel 4K1 and the second guide channel 4K2 are thus arranged opposite one another and spaced apart due to the configuration and/or design of the clamping element 5 with the slide rails 5S1, 5S2 and their arrangement on the clamping element 5. Furthermore, the two guide channels 4K1, 4K2 are arranged to run parallel and are configured and/or designed to be essentially rectilinear.

2 B shows a side view (view D from 2A) of the first housing part 4T1 of the housing 4 in 1A terminal 1 shown with the clamping element 5 and the still to be connected electrical conductor 2, wherein the clamping element 5 is in a mounting position and thus the inserted conductor end section 2A is not yet detachably attached to the busbar 3, that is clamped.

2C shows a side view (view D from 2A) of the first housing part 4T1 of the housing 4 in 1A terminal 1 shown with a clamping element 5 and the now connected electrical conductor 2, wherein the clamping element 5 is now in a clamping position.

From the 2 B and 2C for example, the clamping mechanism of the clamp 1 according to the present invention becomes clear.

The actuating element 6 is accommodated in sections in the direction of the axis of rotation Y in the clamping element 5 and also penetrates the clamping element 5 and in particular the coupling section 5A. As already described above, the actuating element 6 is cylindrical and also configured and/or designed in the form of a threaded bolt in sections and therefore comprises an actuating element section 6A with a spirally circumferential flank 6F extending in the longitudinal direction of the actuating element 6 . The flank 6F is in corresponding engagement with the flanks 5F on the first coupling wall 5W1 and on the second coupling wall 5W2 for coupling the actuating element 6 to the clamping element 5 .

A rotation, i.e. rotary movement of the actuating element 6 about the axis of rotation Y as a result of actuation by means of a tool, such as a screwdriver, via the actuating opening 8 now causes a translatory connection due to the screw connection more or less formed by the engaging flanks 5F and 6F Movement of the clamping element 5 in the form of a displacement along the sliding surfaces 4G1, 4G2, which are part of the guide channels 4K1 and 4K2.

After the guide channels 4K1 and 4K2 for the clamping element 5 forming an angle α in the in 2 B the view shown run obliquely to the direction of the axis of rotation Y (see also the further 3B) , the clamping element 5 is displaced in the direction of the guide channels 4K1, 4K2 by the rotational movement of the actuating element 6 and thus by the forces transmitted via the flanks 5F, 6F (not shown in the figures). In other words, there is a displacement of the clamping element 5 in the direction of the axis of rotation Y and a displacement essentially transverse to the direction of the axis of rotation Y and thus towards the conductor section 2A.

With further rotational movement of the actuating element 6, the clamping element 5 migrates in the direction of the conductor section 2A until contact is made with the conductor section 2A by the clamping element 5 in order to then clamp the conductor section 2A against the busbar 3, i.e. the busbar end section 3A.

2 B shows the clamping mechanism in an assembly position, whereas FIG 2C shows the clamping mechanism in a clamping position. In the clamping position, the clamping element 5 is pressed against the conductor section 2A by the forces acting on the flanks 5F of the first and second coupling walls 5W1, 5W2 of the coupling section 5A and on the flank 6F of the actuating element 6, and this is thus detachably fastened. The clamping element 5 is supported to a certain extent on the first and second guide channel 4K1, 4K2 and preferably on the corresponding sliding surfaces 4G1, 4G2.

During the assembly process, i.e. during the rotary movement of the actuating element 6 about the axis of rotation Y, the clamping element 5 moves from a starting position or assembly position via the frictional and form-fitting coupling of the flanks 5F of the first and the second coupling wall 5W1, 5W2 and 6F of the actuating element 6 along one side the direction of the axis of rotation Y. On the other hand, a displacement of the clamping element 5 to the actuating element 6 essentially transverse to the direction of the axis of rotation Y also takes place at the same time. The flank engagement of the actuating element 6 on the first and on the second coupling wall 5W1, 5W2 shifts with further rotational movement of the actuating element 6 along the direction in which the flanks 5F of the first and second coupling wall 5W1, 5W2 extend.

As soon as the clamping element 5 contacts the inserted conductor section 2A, a compressive force, i.e. a clamping force FK, can be applied to the conductor section 2A with a further rotational movement of the actuating element 6 about the axis of rotation Y, in order to detach the conductor section 2A from the busbar 3, i.e. from the imported busbar section 3A to attach and thus connect the electrical conductor 2.

In other words, the clamping element 5 gradually "wedges" with further or increasing rotational movement of the actuating element 6 about the rotational axis Y with on the one hand the conductor end section 2A and the first and the second guide channel 4K1, 4K2. Due to the given kinematic constraints and the configuration and/or design of the clamping element 5 as well as the mounting of the actuating element 5, a tensile force develops on the actuating element 6 from a certain spatial location and/or position of the clamping element 5 in the assembly position, which results in a permanent clamping position of the Clamping element 5 ensures, which is also resistant to vibration, for example. It therefore occurs a self-locking of the clamping mechanism.

3A shows a plan view of the in 1A terminal 1 shown, in which the second housing part 4T2 is shown as the main housing part, with the electrical conductor 2 and the conductor rail 3 running in the insertion direction X. It is clear from this representation that the clamp 1 according to the present invention can be made relatively narrow and therefore very space-saving.

3B shows a first sectional view (section AA from 3A) the in 3A shown clamp 1. It is seen in the synopsis that the clamping element 5 between the first housing part leg 4S1 and the second housing part leg 4S2 of the first housing part 4T1 together with the actuating element 6 is arranged. Furthermore goes out 3B clearly shows the spatial location and/or position of the first guide channel 4K1 and the second guide channel 4K2, in which the clamping element 5 is slidably mounted in a guide direction Z via the slide rails 5S1, 5S2.

In the view shown, the guide channels 4K1, 4K2, which extend essentially in a straight line in the guide direction Z, form an angle α with the direction of the axis of rotation Y, the angle α being in a range of approximately 10° to 45°, for example.

3C shows a second sectional view (section BB from 3A) the in 3A shown terminal 1.

From the sectional view in 3C shows that the actuating element 6 is rotatably mounted at its actuating element end sections 6E1, 6E2 by a first bearing 6L1 and a second bearing 6L2 in the second housing part 4T2 of the housing 4, preferably rotatably mounted in a stationary manner, so that the actuating element 6 can only be actuated in rotation and on its spatial location and / or position in the housing 4 remains.

The flanks 5F of the second coupling wall 5W2 extend in the view shown 3C in sections along the second coupling wall 5W2 essentially transversely to the direction of the axis of rotation Y. The flank 6F which runs or is formed in a spiral shape along the actuating element 6 is in sections engaged with the flanks 5F of the coupling walls 5W1, 5W2, preferably in a positive and non-positive engagement. Due to the extension of the flanks 5F on the coupling walls 5W1, 5W2, the coupling walls 5W1, 5W2 are designed in the shape of a toothed plate and thus also enable displacement, i.e. also ensure that the coupling element 5 can be displaced relative to the actuating element 6 essentially transversely to the direction of the axis of rotation Y.

In other words, during the rotary movement of the actuating element 6 in the course of an actuation, the actuating element 6 "screws" through the clamping element 5, in that the actuating element 6 does not migrate, but instead the clamping element 5 moves along the actuating element 6 and transversely to the actuating element 6. The clamping element 5 changes its location and position with regard to the coupling area of the flanks 5F on the first and second coupling wall 5W1, 5W2 with the peripheral flank 6F extending in sections in the longitudinal direction of the actuating element 6. Due to the configuration and/or design of the clamping element 5, a rotary movement of the actuating element 6 leads to a conversion into a translational movement of the clamping element 5. The clamping mechanism described makes it possible to move the clamping element 5 further in the direction of the conductor section 2A and to make contact , and also to apply a clamping force FK for the detachable attachment of the conductor section 2A to the busbar end section 3A, as described above.

4A until 4D show various views of the clamping element 5 in 1A shown terminal 1.

The configuration of the first and the second coupling wall 5W1, 5W2 with the flanks 5F which extend in one direction and are arranged next to one another in the form of a thread and which are provided for coupling to the actuating element 6 can be seen clearly.

5A until 5C show a further exemplary embodiment of a clamping element 5 together with a recorded actuating element 6 to illustrate the coupling of the actuating element 6 to the clamping element 5, the clamping element 5 not yet having at least one sliding section.

The invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments described above. Rather, a large number of variants and modifications are possible, which also make use of the idea of the invention and therefore fall within the scope of protection. Preferably, the invention also claims protection for the subject-matter and features of the subclaims independently of the claims referred to.

Reference List

1

clamp

2

electrical conductor

2A

conductor end section

3

power rail

3A

busbar end section

4

Housing

4G1

sliding surface

4G2

sliding surface

4K1

first guide channel

4K2

second guide channel

4S1

first housing part leg

4S2

second housing part leg

4T1

first housing part

4T2

second housing part

5

clamping element

5A

coupling section

5F

flank (on coupling wall)

5S1

sliding rail

5S2

sliding rail

5W1

first coupling wall

5W2

second coupling wall

6

actuator

6A

actuator section

6E1

first actuator end section

6E2

second actuator end section

6F

edge

6L1

first storage

6L2

second storage

7

port opening

8th

actuation opening

FK

clamping force

RV

snap connection

X

insertion direction

Y

axis of rotation

Z

guidance direction

a

angle

QUOTES INCLUDED IN DESCRIPTION

This list of documents cited by the applicant was 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.

Patent Literature Cited

• DE 102015109836 B4 [0004]
• US4511204 [0005]
• DE 102014103826 A1 [0006]
• DE 102007009448 B4 [0007]
• DE 19512337 A1 [0008]
• DE 4400571 A1 [0009]
• US4857020 [0009]

Claims (10)

Terminal (1) for connecting an electrical conductor (2) to a busbar (3), having a housing (4; 4T1, 4T2), wherein the housing (4; 4T1, 4T2) is configured for the insertion of a conductor end section (2A) of the electrical conductor (2) in an insertion direction (X) in order to clamp the conductor end section (2A) on the busbar (3) by means of a clamping element (5) to be releasably fastened in a clamping position, wherein the clamping element (5) is slidably mounted in the housing (4; 4T1, 4T2) and is coupled to an actuating element (6) for displacement between an assembly position and the clamping position, the actuating element (6) being mounted rotatably about an axis of rotation (Y). is, wherein the clamping element (5) has a coupling section (5A) for coupling to the adjusting element (6) and the coupling section (5A) is configured, when the adjusting element (6) rotates, the clamping element (5) relative to the adjusting element (6) in the direction to move the axis of rotation (Y) and to ensure that the clamping element (5) can be displaced transversely to the direction of the axis of rotation (Y). clamp (1) after claim 1 , wherein the coupling section (5A) is configured in the form of a toothed plate in sections in order to form a positive connection with the adjusting element (6), preferably with an adjusting element section (6A) of the adjusting element (6), and/or wherein the adjusting element (6) is threaded in sections, preferably threaded bolt-shaped. clamp (1) after claim 1 or 2 , wherein the adjusting element (6) penetrates the clamping element (5), preferably in the direction of the axis of rotation (Y), and/or wherein the adjusting element (6) on two oppositely arranged adjusting element end sections (6E1, 6E2) in the housing (4; 4T1, 4T2) is rotatably mounted, the clamping element (5) preferably being coupled to the actuating element (6) between the actuating element end sections (6E1, 6E2). Clamp (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the clamping element (5) has a U-shaped contour or a rectangular frame-shaped contour in a view, preferably in a cross-sectional view in the direction of the axis of rotation (Y). Clamp (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the clamping element (5) is mounted displaceably at least in sections in at least one guide channel (4K1, 4K2) of the housing (4; 4T1, 4T2), the at least one guide channel (4K1, 4K2 ) in a guiding direction (Z) at least in sections in a straight line. clamp (1) after claim 5 , wherein the at least one guide channel (4K1, 4K2) is formed by a first housing part (4T1) and by a second housing part (4T2) of the housing (4; 4T1, 4T2), the first housing part (4T1) and the second housing part ( 4T2) are configured to be plugged into one another, preferably are configured to be plugged into one another in the insertion direction (X). clamp (1) after claim 5 or 6 , wherein the at least one guide channel (4K1, 4K2) extends obliquely to the direction of the axis of rotation (Y) in a view, preferably in a sectional view (AA), preferably forming an angle α in the range of 10° to 45°. Clamp (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the coupling section (5A) has a first coupling wall (5W1) and a second coupling wall (5W2), the first coupling wall (5W1) and the second coupling wall (5W2) being spaced apart and/or are arranged opposite each other, wherein the first coupling wall (5W1) and the second coupling wall (5W2) are configured to convert the rotational movement of the actuating element (6) at least into a translatory movement of the clamping element (5). clamp (1) after claim 8 , wherein the first coupling wall (5W1) has at least one flank (5F) in sections and the second coupling wall (5W2) has at least one flank (5F) in sections, the at least one flank (5F) in each case having a form-fitting connection with the actuating element (6) in sections , Preferably with an actuating element section (6A) of the actuating element (6) is formed. Clamp (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one sliding section (5S1, 5S2) is formed on the clamping element (5) in order to slide the clamping element (5) in the housing (4; 4T1, 4T2), and the at least one Sliding section (5S1, 5S2) is configured to move the clamping element (5) obliquely to the direction of the axis of rotation (Y).

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