CN113972507A

CN113972507A - Connecting terminal

Info

Publication number: CN113972507A
Application number: CN202110789377.XA
Authority: CN
Inventors: 汉斯-约瑟夫·克尔曼
Original assignee: Wago Verwaltungs GmbH
Current assignee: Wago Verwaltungs GmbH
Priority date: 2020-07-22
Filing date: 2021-07-13
Publication date: 2022-01-25
Also published as: DE102020119373A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a connecting terminal, comprising: an insulating material housing, wherein the insulating material housing has a wire introduction opening for accommodating an electrical wire along a wire introduction direction; a busbar section; a clamping spring, wherein the clamping spring has a clamping leg which forms a clamping point for the electrical conductor with the busbar section, wherein the clamping leg can be latched on the connection terminal in an open position of the clamping point, wherein the clamping spring has a support leg, wherein the support leg has at least: a) a first fastening section designed to fasten the clamping spring to the busbar section, b) a holding section designed to hold the clamping leg in the open position of the clamping point, c) a release section which sets up a lock for releasing the clamping leg in the open position of the clamping point.

Description

Connecting terminal

Technical Field

The invention relates to a connecting terminal, comprising: an insulating material housing, wherein the insulating material housing has a wire introduction opening for accommodating an electrical wire in a wire introduction direction; a busbar section; a clamping spring, wherein the clamping spring has a clamping leg which forms a clamping point for the electrical conductor with the busbar section, wherein the clamping leg can be locked on the connecting terminal in an open position of the clamping point, wherein the clamping spring has a support leg.

Background

Such a terminal is known from EP 2768079 a 1. The terminal has an automatic connection of the electrical line to be clamped when the electrical line is inserted into the terminal. By inserting the electrical conductor, the clamping legs of the clamping spring which are held in the open position are automatically released so as to cause clamping of the electrical conductor.

Disclosure of Invention

The object of the invention is to provide an improved connecting terminal.

In the case of a connecting terminal of the type mentioned at the outset, this object is achieved in that: the support leg has at least:

a) a first fastening section which is designed to fasten the clamping spring to the busbar section,

b) a holding section configured to hold the clamping leg in an open position of the clamping location,

c) a release section which is designed to release the locking of the clamping legs in the open position of the clamping point.

In this way, an automatic triggering mechanism with a spring element and a triggering element can be provided which is simple to produce and easy to install. Such a terminal with an automatic triggering mechanism is easy to handle by the user and saves time, in particular when connecting a large number of electrical lines. Here, the support legs are configured to be multifunctional as follows: at least a first securing section, a retaining section and a releasing section. In an advantageous embodiment, a spring element and a trigger element can be used which are formed in one piece and have the above-described clamping leg and the multifunctional support leg.

As mentioned, the clamping spring is or can be fixed to the busbar section via its first fixing section. Thereby, a self-supporting contact insert can be provided, wherein the spring force is not transmitted or at least not substantially transmitted to the insulating material housing.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the first locking element is arranged on the holding section and the second locking element is arranged on the clamping leg, wherein the first and second locking elements can be locked to each other in the open position of the clamping point. This allows the clamping legs to be held firmly in the open position of the clamping points. For example, the second locking element can be designed as a projecting locking bead and the first locking element as a retaining recess on the retaining section. If, as mentioned, the holding element, the release element and the first fastening section are formed in one piece with the clamping spring, the contact insert is also formed so as to be self-supporting in the locked open position.

The clamping spring can be of annular design and has a clamping leg which points toward the busbar. The clamping leg can have a clamping edge at the free end, which forms a clamping point for the electrical line with the busbar section. The electrical line is then clamped between the free ends or clamping edges of the clamping legs and the busbar sections. The second locking element can be arranged directly on the clamping leg or indirectly, for example via a further means, on the clamping leg.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the locking of the clamping legs in the open position of the clamping point can be released by applying pressure to the release section in the wire insertion direction. This allows a simple release process of the locking by means of the release section. The release section can be pressurized, for example, by a separate tool, a component of the connection terminal, for example, an actuating element, or via the electrical line itself, in order to release the locking. If the locking of the first and second locking elements is released, the clamping leg is moved into the closed position of the clamping point by the spring force of the clamping spring. In the closed position, the electrical line leading to the clamping point is clamped between the free end of the clamping leg and the busbar section. If no electrical line is introduced, the clamping leg rests against the busbar section.

The release section is elastically deflectable. During the release process, the release section can be elastically deflected as a result of the pressure loading. If the pressure loading is over, the release section will spring back elastically into its original position.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the release section is cut out of the support leg. The clamping spring can be produced as a stamped and bent part from sheet metal. In the production process, the release section can be cut directly out of the support leg, so that it is formed integrally with the support leg. In this way, the mounting of the connecting terminal is particularly simple to design.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the first fastening section has at least one fastening leg which is designed to fasten the clamping spring to the busbar section. Such a fastening leg can likewise be cut out of the supporting leg like the release section, for example as a material region laterally next to the release section. The fastening leg can be connected to the busbar section by a force-fitting and/or form-fitting connection, for example by clamping and/or locking. For example, the fastening leg can have a latching element, so that the fastening leg is designed for latching on the busbar section.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, two fastening legs spaced apart from each other are provided on the first fastening section, wherein the fastening legs are fastened at their free ends to the busbar section. This allows a mechanically advantageous, symmetrical fastening of the first fastening section to the busbar section. For example, the fastening legs can be cut out of the support legs laterally from the left and right, respectively, of the release section.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the release section extends into the line insertion region in the region between the fastening legs spaced apart from one another. The release section does not have to extend directly between the fastening legs, i.e. in the same plane, or at least does not have to extend over its entire longitudinal extension; there can also be a height offset of the release section relative to the fixed leg. The release section can advantageously be pressed by the end of the inserted electrical line in order to release the locking of the clamping legs in the open position by the release section extending into the line insertion region.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the first locking element and/or the second locking element are arranged at least in the open position of the clamping point on the side of the clamping leg facing away from the clamping point. In this way, such a terminal having an automatic connection portion can be improved in terms of operability and reliability. In particular, an undesired premature release of the locking of the first locking element with the second locking element and thus of the clamping legs from the open position can be avoided. Furthermore, a secure clamping of the electrical line can be achieved by a sufficient overlap of the clamping points.

For example, the holding section can have a first latching section on which a first latching element is arranged. The first locking section can be connected with the release section via the first connecting section of the support leg. In this case, an angle of approximately 90 degrees, for example in the range of 90 degrees +/-20 degrees, can be formed between the first locking section and the first connecting section.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, a free space is provided between the second locking element and the clamping leg. This has the following advantages: in this free space, further functional elements of the connection terminal can be provided, for example, by: a mechanical coupling to the actuating element is provided there to actuate the clamping leg. The second locking element can be permanently arranged on the side of the clamping leg facing away from the clamping point. The clamping of the electrical line at the clamping point is then not influenced by the second locking element or the coupling element for the actuating element arranged in the free space.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the release section is arranged downstream of the clamping point in the direction of the insertion of the conductor. In this way, the release section of the holding element can be advantageously positioned for reliable triggering, in particular at a large distance from the clamping point and the second locking element, so that premature release of the lock can be reliably avoided and a reliable clamping of the electrical line can be ensured. In this way, a particularly reliable triggering time point for the automatic release of the locking can be ensured via the release section.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the second locking element is arranged on a locking lug, wherein the locking lug projects from the clamping leg. In this way, the second locking element can be advantageously positioned relative to the first locking element, so that the locking between the first locking element and the second locking element takes place at a location which does not hinder the introduction of the electrical line into the connection terminal. The locking tab can project at an angle, for example at least approximately at a right angle, from the clamping leg. The locking lug can be designed as a one-piece section of the clamping spring. The locking webs can be formed at least approximately at right angles.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the locking web has at least two oppositely directed bends. In this way, the locking tab can then be securely fastened to the clamping leg, for example via one of the connection types still to be explained below. Furthermore, the aforementioned free space can be provided between the second locking element and the clamping leg. For example, the second locking element can be designed as a free end of the locking tab. The locking tab can be formed, for example, substantially S-shaped in a side view.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the locking lug is designed as a separate component from the clamping spring. This has the following advantages: the connecting terminal can be equipped with a standard clamping spring, wherein only such a latching lug still has to be mounted in each case. The locking tab can be made of the same material as the clamping spring or of a different material.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the locking lug and the clamping leg of the clamping spring are connected to one another by a material-fit and/or form-fit connection. This allows a wide range of possibilities for connecting the locking tab to the clamping leg. For example, for connecting the locking tabs to the clamping legs, a welded connection, a soldered connection and/or an adhesive connection is advantageous.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the terminal has an actuating element for opening the clamping point. By means of such an operating element as part of the terminal, the user can open the clamping point in a simple manner by: the clamping legs are deflected to open the clamping points. The actuating element can be designed such that it is suitable for pivoting the clamping leg into the locking position, i.e. the first locking element and the second locking element are locked to one another, or the clamping leg can be moved only to a position that is not pivoted so far away by the actuating element, in which position locking has not yet taken place.

The advantages of such an operating element as part of a terminal are: the user does not need a separate tool to open the clamping site. The actuating element can be embodied, for example, as a push button, for example as a predominantly linearly movable push button, or as a pivotable lever or a combination thereof.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the actuating element has two opposite side elements, wherein the clamping leg extends between the opposite side elements. In this way, the connecting terminal can be realized particularly small and compact. The operating element can be arranged in a nested manner with the clamping spring. For example, the side elements can be formed in the form of lateral webs. The side elements can run at least predominantly parallel to one another. The clamping point can be arranged between the side elements. Accordingly, the electrical line can be inserted between the opposing side elements into the connection terminal and clamped there.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, a crosspiece is provided on the actuating element, wherein the crosspiece is designed to open the clamping point by deflecting the clamping leg. The transverse web can extend in particular in the transverse direction of the actuating element, for example from one side element toward the other side element or also up to the other side element. The side elements can be connected to one another, for example, by cross-pieces, so that the side elements are stabilized and the wire guiding function of the side elements is ensured. In this way, the clamping spring can be operated in a particularly advantageous manner, wherein the operating element can transmit relatively large forces. The transverse web can be arranged, for example, on the side of the clamping leg facing away from the clamping point, for example in the already mentioned free space between the second locking element and the clamping leg. In this way, a display of the state of the connecting terminal can be achieved, since the actuating element is coupled to the deflection of the clamping spring or clamping leg via the crosspiece held in the free space. In this way also: when the locking is released, the operating element can be transported out of an operating channel in which the operating element can be guided.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the clamping leg merges into a spring bracket which extends into the first connecting section, wherein the first connecting section merges into the support leg. In this way, an annular clamping spring can be realized, wherein it is possible in a kinematically advantageous manner that the clamping spring is fixed via its first fixing section on the busbar section and that the clamping leg is realized in the region of the busbar section. According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the support leg is bent toward the clamping leg.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, a line guide channel for guiding the electrical line to be clamped at the clamping point is formed in the insulating material housing, wherein the relief section is arranged in the line guide channel or at least projects into the line guide channel. The wire introduction channel can be formed completely or partially by the insulating material of the insulating material housing. The lead-through channel simplifies the insertion of the electrical conductor into the connection terminal and the further guidance of the electrical conductor into and beyond the clamping point. The release section is arranged in the line insertion channel or at least projects into the line insertion channel, in such a way that, when the electrical line is inserted into the line insertion channel, the release section can be directly pressurized by the electrical line, which leads to an automatic release of the locking. The user then does not have to carry out any additional steps to clamp the electrical line at the clamping point, since the clamping point automatically closes as a result of the pressure loading of the electrical line on the release element.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the line guide channel terminates in a blind hole in the base wall, wherein the relief section is arranged adjacent to the base wall or at least closer to the base wall than to the clamping point. The bottom wall can be part of a housing of insulating material. The release section is arranged relatively close to the bottom wall, in such a way that a large insertion depth of the electrical line is ensured before the automatic release of the locking is brought about by applying pressure to the release section. The electrical line strikes the release section with its free end only at the end of the insertion movement and actuates the release section.

The indefinite article "a" or "an" is not to be understood as a word of number in connection with the invention. That is, for example, if a component is mentioned, this should be interpreted in terms of "at least one component". In terms of angular specification in degrees, the angular specification relates to a circle size of 360 degrees (360 °).

Drawings

The invention is explained in detail below on the basis of embodiments with the aid of the drawings.

The figures show:

fig. 1 shows a cross-sectional side view of the connecting terminal in the closed position, and

fig. 2 shows the connecting terminal according to fig. 1 in the open position, an

Fig. 3 shows a cross section through the connection terminal according to fig. 1 and 2.

Detailed Description

The terminal 1 shown in fig. 1 has a housing 2 of insulating material. The insulating material housing 2 has a wire introduction opening 20 to which a wire guide channel 21 is connected in the interior of the insulating material housing 2. The conductor guide channel 21 has a side wall formed from the insulating material of the insulating material housing 2, wherein a part of the conductor guide channel can also be formed by other parts of the connecting terminal, for example the busbar section 3. The wire introduction channel 21 terminates in a bottom wall 22 of the insulating-material housing 2 in the form of a blind hole. The electrical conductor 9 can be introduced into the clamping point along the conductor introduction direction L through the conductor introduction opening 20 and the conductor guide channel 21 and slightly beyond.

The terminal 1 has a busbar section 30 and a clamping spring 4 as part of an electrical contact insert. The clamping spring has a support leg 41, a first connecting section 71 connected to the support leg 41, a spring bow 42 connected to the first connecting section 71, and a clamping leg 43 connected to the spring bow 42. The clamping leg 43 terminates at a free end with a clamping edge 44. In the terminal 1, a clamping point is provided for clamping the electrical conductor 9, which is placed in the conductor guide channel 21, between the free end (clamping edge 44) of the clamping leg 43 and the busbar section 3.

The support legs 41 serve to support the clamping spring 4 against the spring force acting on the clamping legs 43 and, in accordance therewith, to fix the clamping spring 4 in the insulating material housing 2. In the insulating material housing 2, there can be a projection 23 formed from the material of the insulating material housing 2, which can be shaped like a profile body, for example, and can serve as an additional fastening for the clamping spring 4 and/or as a displacement limiting element for the maximum deflection of the clamping leg 43.

The support leg 41 has a first fastening section 8, by means of which the clamping spring 4 is fastened to the busbar section 3. The fastening of the clamping spring 4 via the first fastening section 8 will be explained in more detail below with reference to fig. 3.

The support leg 41 also has a holding section 7 for holding the clamping leg 43 in the open position of the clamping point and a release section 70 for releasing the locking of the clamping leg 43 in the open position of the clamping point. The holding section 7 has a first latching element 73, which is arranged on a first latching section 72 of the holding section 7.

The clamping leg 43 has a locking tab 6 on its side facing away from the clamping point. The locking tab 6 has a second fastening section 60, a second connecting section 61, a second locking section 62 and a second locking element 63. The locking tab 6 is connected to the clamping leg 43 via the second fastening section 60, for example, by material and/or form fit. The locking tab 6 transitions from the second fastening section 60 into the second connecting section 61 at an angle, for example at an approximately right angle. The locking tab 6 transitions from the second connecting section 61 into the second locking section 62 at an angle, for example, approximately at right angles. By means of this approximately S-shaped form of the locking web 6, a free space is provided between the second locking element 63 located at the free end of the locking web 6 or of the second locking section 62 and the clamping leg 43.

In general, off-right angles of configuration are also possible, for example in the range of +/-20 degrees.

As further optionally provided means, the illustrated terminal 1 can have an actuating element 5, by means of which a user can open the clamping point by manually actuating the actuating element 5, in that: the clamping leg 43 is deflected via the operating element 5. The operating element 5 can be configured, for example, as an operating button. The insulating material housing 2 can have an operating opening 54 to which an operating channel 53 can be connected. The operating channel 53 serves to accommodate, support and guide the operating element 5 in the insulating material housing 2.

The actuating element 5 has a manual actuating region 50, for example a head region, which can have, for example, a recess, on which a user can place an actuating tool, for example a screwdriver, for actuation. The actuating element 5 has a frame-like configuration with corresponding lateral elements 52 which are guided on the left and right past the busbar section 3 and the clamping leg 43. The side elements 52 are connected to one another via a transverse connection 51, which can be arranged, for example, in or near the operating region 50 of the operating element 5. In the region of the clamping legs 43, the side elements 52 are connected to one another via a transverse web 55. The transverse web 55 is arranged in the free space between the second locking element 63 and the clamping leg 43. The crosspiece 55 serves not only to mechanically stabilize the actuating element 5, but also to additionally actuate and deflect the clamping leg 43 as a result of the pressure acting on the actuating region 50.

Fig. 1 shows the terminal 1 in the closed position of the clamping point. The operating element 5 is not operated. When no electrical line is inserted, the clamping leg 43 then bears against the busbar section 3. In this state, the first locking member 73 is not locked with the second locking member 63. If, as shown in fig. 2, the clamping leg 43 is now deflected by the actuation of the actuating element 50 so as to be moved away from the busbar section 3, the second latching element 63 reaches the first latching element 73 in the open position, so that a latching between the first and

second latching elements

63, 73 is brought about. If the actuating element 5 is no longer acted upon by force at this time, the clamping leg 43 remains in the open position, i.e. due to the locking of the first locking element 73 with the second locking element 63.

If the electrical line 9 is now introduced into the line introduction channel 21 through the line introduction opening 20 in the line introduction direction L, its free end will at some point reach the release section 70 and exert pressure thereon. As a result of this pressure, the release section 70 is elastically deflected, as a result of which the holding section 7 moves together and thus away from the locking tab 6. As a result, the locking between the first locking element 73 and the second locking element 63 is disengaged and correspondingly released. The clamping leg 43 now springs back again toward the electrical line 9 or the busbar section 3. The electrical line 9 is now clamped at the clamping point by means of the clamping legs 43.

Fig. 3 shows an exemplary shaping of the first fastening section 8. The first fastening section 8 can have fastening legs 80 cut out of the holding section 7 on the left and right, respectively, which are formed with a latching element 81 at the free end. The fastening leg 80 is fastened or fastened to the busbar section 3 via the locking element 81. It can also be seen how the operating element 5 with its side elements 52 is guided laterally past the clamping legs 43. The locking between the first locking element 73 and the second locking element 63 can also be seen.

List of reference numerals

1 connecting terminal

2 insulating material housing

3 bus bar section

4 clamping spring

5 operating element

6 locking contact piece

7 holding section

8 first fixed part

9 electric lead

20 lead-in opening

21 wire guide channel

22 bottom wall

23 projection

41 support leg

42 spring bow

43 clamping leg

44 clamping edge

50 operating region

51 transverse connecting piece

52 side member

53 operating channel

54 operation opening

55 transverse tab

60 second fixing section

61 second connection section

62 second locking section

63 second locking element

70 Release section

71 first connection section

72 first locking section

73 first locking element

80 fixed leg

81 locking element

L wire lead-in direction

Claims

1. A terminal (1) having: an insulating material housing (2), wherein the insulating material housing (2) has a conductor lead-in opening (20) for accommodating an electrical conductor along a conductor lead-in direction (L); a busbar section (3); clamping spring (4), wherein the clamping spring (4) has a clamping leg (43) which forms a clamping point for an electrical conductor with the busbar section (3), wherein the clamping leg (43) can be locked on the connecting terminal (1) in an open position of the clamping point, wherein the clamping spring (4) has a support leg (41), characterized in that the support leg has at least:

a) a first fastening section (8) which is designed to fasten the clamping spring (4) to the busbar section (3),

b) a holding section (7) which is designed to hold the clamping leg (43) in an open position of the clamping point,

c) a release section (70) which is designed to release the locking of the clamping leg (43) in the open position of the clamping point.

2. A terminal block according to claim 1, characterized in that the latching of the clamping leg (43) in the open position of the clamping point can be released by applying pressure to the release section (70) in the wire insertion direction (L).

3. A terminal according to any preceding claim, wherein the relief section (70) is cut out of the support leg (41).

4. A terminal block according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the first fixing section (8) has at least one fixing leg (80) which is designed to fix the clamping spring (4) on the busbar section (3).

5. A terminal block according to claim 4, characterised in that two fixing legs (80) are provided on the first fixing section (8) at a distance from one another, wherein the fixing legs (80) are fixed at their free ends on the busbar section (3).

6. A terminal block according to claim 5, characterised in that the release section (70) extends into the conductor lead-in area in the area between the fixing legs (80) spaced apart from one another.

7. A connection terminal according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that a first latching element (73) is provided on the retaining section (7) and a second latching element (63) is provided on the clamping leg (43), wherein the first and second latching elements (63, 73) can be latched to one another in the open position of the clamping point.

8. A terminal strip according to claim 7, characterised in that the first latching element (73) and/or the second latching element (63) are arranged at least in the open position of the clamping point on a side of the clamping leg (43) facing away from the clamping point.

9. A terminal block according to claim 8, characterised in that a free space is provided between the second locking element (63) and the clamping leg (73).

10. A terminal strip according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the release section (70) is arranged behind the clamping point in the conductor insertion direction (L).

11. A terminal according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the second locking element (63) is arranged on a locking lug (6), wherein the locking lug (6) projects from the clamping leg (43).

12. A terminal according to claim 11, characterized in that the locking tab (6) has at least two oppositely directed bends.

13. A terminal according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that the locking lug (6) is designed as a separate component from the clamping spring (4).

14. A terminal strip according to claim 13, characterized in that the latching lug (6) and the clamping leg (43) of the clamping spring (4) are connected to one another via a material-fit and/or form-fit connection.

15. A terminal strip according to claim 14, characterised in that the locking lug (6) is connected to the clamping leg (43) via a welded connection and/or an adhesive connection.

16. A terminal strip according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the terminal strip (1) has an operating element (5) for opening the clamping point.

17. A terminal according to claim 16, characterized in that the operating element (5) has two opposite side elements (52), wherein the clamping leg (43) extends between the opposite side elements (52).

18. A terminal block according to claim 16 or 17, characterized in that an electrical line can be inserted into the terminal block (1) between the opposing side elements (52).

19. A terminal strip according to one of claims 16 to 18, characterised in that a crosspiece (55) is provided on the operating element (5), wherein the crosspiece (55) is set up for opening the clamping point by deflecting the clamping leg (43).

20. A terminal according to claim 19, characterized in that the side elements (52) are connected to each other by the cross-piece (55).

21. A connection terminal according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the clamping leg (43) merges into a spring bow (42) which extends into a first connection section (71), wherein the first connection section (71) merges into the support leg (41).

22. A terminal according to claim 16, wherein the support leg (41) is bent towards the clamping leg (43).

23. A terminal according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that a conductor guide channel (21) for guiding an electrical conductor to be clamped on the clamping point is formed in the insulating material housing (2), wherein the relief section (70) is arranged in the conductor guide channel (21) or at least projects into the conductor guide channel (21).

24. A terminal according to claim 23, characterised in that the wire guide channel (21) terminates in a blind hole in a bottom wall (22), wherein the release section (70) is arranged adjacent to the bottom wall (22) or at least closer to the bottom wall (22) than to the clamping point.