conductor connection terminal

Abstract

conductor terminal (1) with an insulating housing (3) having a conductor entry channel (2), a busbar (4) and a clamping spring (5), wherein - the clamping spring (5) has a support leg (6) and a clamping leg (7), - the clamping leg (7) forms a clamping point (8) with the busbar (4) for an electrical conductor that can be inserted through the conductor entry channel (2) into the conductor connection terminal (1), - the clamping leg (7) can be moved between an open position (O) and a closed position (S) to open and close the clamping point (8) and - the conductor terminal (1) is configured to automatically move the clamping arm (7) into the closed position (S) when an electrical conductor is inserted into the conductor terminal (1), characterized in that the busbar (4) has a retaining contour (9) which is configured to directly or indirectly interact with a counter contour (10) of the clamping arm (7) to hold the clamping arm (7) in the open position (O), and that the busbar (4) has a release section (11) which is configured to move at least a part of the busbar (4) when an electrical conductor inserted into the conductor terminal (1) comes into contact with the release section (11),that the direct or indirect interaction between the holding contour (9) of the busbar (4) and the counter contour (10) of the clamping leg (7) is eliminated and an automatic displacement of the clamping leg (7) into its closed position (S) can take place.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a conductor terminal with an insulating housing having a conductor entry channel, a busbar and a clamping spring, wherein the clamping spring has a contact leg and a clamping leg, wherein the clamping leg forms a clamping point with the busbar for an electrical conductor that can be inserted into the conductor terminal through the conductor entry channel, wherein the clamping leg is movable between an open position and a closed position for opening and closing the clamping point and wherein the conductor terminal is arranged to automatically move the clamping leg into the closed position when an electrical conductor is inserted into the conductor terminal.

[0002] Such conductor connection terminals are well-known in practice. These terminals feature automatic connection of the electrical conductor when it is inserted. For this purpose, the terminal can be designed to temporarily hold the clamping arm of the spring in the open position. By inserting an electrical conductor into the terminal, the clamping arm, held in the open position, is automatically released, and the closed position secures the conductor. This allows for simple and convenient connection of an electrical conductor using the terminal.

[0003] For versatile use of such conductor terminals, especially in confined installation environments, and with a view to optimized manufacturing, it is desirable to design such conductor terminals as compactly as possible, with a simple structure and a small number of components. Furthermore, it can be advantageous to selectively increase the functionality of individual components of the conductor terminal to keep the number of components low.

[0004] Against this background, the invention aims to create an improved conductor terminal block with a reliably effective automatic conductor connection in a simple and compact design.

[0005] The problem is solved with a conductor terminal according to claim 1. Advantageous embodiments are disclosed in the dependent claims, the description and the figures.

[0006] According to the features of independent claim 1, a conductor terminal of the type mentioned at the outset is proposed, wherein the busbar has a retaining contour which is configured to interact directly or indirectly with a counter contour of the clamping leg for holding the clamping leg in the open position, and wherein the busbar has a release section which is configured to displace the busbar upon contact of an electrical conductor inserted into the conductor terminal with the release section in such a way that the direct or indirect interaction between the retaining contour of the busbar and the counter contour of the clamping leg is terminated and an automatic displacement of the clamping leg into its closed position can take place.

[0007] In other words, the busbar and the clamping leg of the spring clamp are designed to interact in such a way that the clamping leg is temporarily fixed to the busbar and released when an electrical conductor strikes the release section of the busbar, thus enabling automatic conductor connection. The proposed conductor connection terminal has the advantage that the components already intended for connecting the electrical conductor—the clamping spring and the busbar—are designed in such a way that no additional component is required to implement the automatic connection function. Therefore, existing conductor connection terminal components can be used for the automatic connection function. This allows for a small installation space requirement for the conductor connection terminal components and a compact overall design of the terminal.Furthermore, even simple geometric adjustments allow for an automatic connection function using the busbar and the clamping spring, resulting in a low level of design complexity for the conductor connection terminal. The functionality of the busbar is enhanced by providing not only an electrical connection function but also a mechanical holding and release function for implementing the automatic connection. The typically robust design of the busbar also ensures a reliably effective holding and release mechanism.

[0008] The insulating housing of the conductor terminal, made of a plastic material for example, accommodates the busbar and the clamping spring of the conductor terminal and protects them from environmental influences and contact. The conductor entry channel can form an insertion channel leading to the clamping point of the conductor terminal, for example, at least partially cylindrical or funnel-shaped. An end section of an electrical conductor can be inserted into the insulating housing in a defined direction and removed from the insulating housing in the opposite direction. The busbar, also called a contact piece or current bar, can be a largely rigid electrical conductor, for example, formed by a metal strip, which may be partially bent to create functional sections such as a clamping section or stop section, which will be described later.

[0009] The clamping spring of the conductor terminal can be a predominantly flat component, which may be made of a resilient, springy material. The clamping spring has a contact leg for supporting it against an adjacent structure, such as the busbar or the insulating housing, and a clamping leg for clamping the conductor to the busbar. At least one spring arc for deflecting the clamping spring can be arranged between the contact leg and the clamping leg. The clamping leg can form a clamping point with the busbar, via a defined clamping edge in a clamping section of the busbar, for clamping the electrical conductor to the busbar. The conductor is clamped to the busbar by the clamping edge using the spring force of the clamping spring, thus ensuring reliable electrical contact.The clamping arm can be moved between an open and a closed position to open and close the clamping point. In the open position, the clamping edge of the clamping arm is spaced away from the busbar and any inserted electrical conductor, thus releasing the clamping point and allowing the conductor to be inserted into the conductor terminal and positioned within or removed from the clamping point. In the closed position, the clamping edge is moved onto the busbar and the inserted electrical conductor, exerting a clamping force on the conductor towards the busbar, thus establishing electrical contact between the conductor and the busbar.

[0010] To achieve automatic conductor connection, the conductor terminal is designed to automatically move the clamping arm into the closed position when the electrical conductor is inserted into the terminal. For this purpose, the terminal has a release mechanism that can be actuated by the inserted conductor, releasing the clamping arm from its open position so that it can automatically move into the closed position due to spring force.

[0011] According to the proposed features, the busbar has a retaining contour designed for direct or indirect interaction with a counter contour of the clamping arm to hold the clamping arm in the open position. In the case of direct interaction, the busbar and the clamping spring are designed such that the retaining contour of the busbar directly contacts the counter contour of the clamping arm to hold the clamping arm in the open position; that is, the retaining contour and the counter contour are in contact with each other. In the case of indirect interaction, a retaining element separate from the busbar and the clamping spring is provided, which contacts the retaining contour of the busbar and the counter contour of the clamping arm to hold the clamping arm in the open position.The separate holding element can simultaneously be designed as an actuating unit or be part of an actuating unit with which a return of the clamping leg from the closed position to the open position can be effected, as will be explained below.

[0012] According to the proposed features, the busbar has a release section designed to displace the busbar when an electrical conductor inserted into the conductor terminal strikes the release section. This displaces the direct or indirect interaction between the busbar's retaining contour and the counter contour of the clamping arm, allowing the clamping arm to move automatically into its closed position. The busbar can therefore be deflected, at least in the area of ​​the release section, to disengage the retaining contour from the counter contour or a separate retaining element, thereby causing the clamping arm to move automatically into the closed position. The release section can be an integral part of the busbar with a conductor impact surface that is displaceable by an electrical conductor striking this surface.The release section can, for example, connect to a clamping section of the busbar. The clamping spring can be fixed in the insulating housing in such a way that a displacement of the busbar does not cause a displacement of the clamping spring.

[0013] The clamping arm can be manually resettable so that, after being moved into the closed position, it can be returned to the open position by manual actuation. Manual actuation can refer to non-automatic actuation using an actuating tool separate from the conductor terminal and / or using an actuating unit of the conductor terminal itself.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the release section of the busbar can be displaced between a holding position, in which the holding contour interacts with the counter contour of the clamping arm, and a release position, in which there is no interaction with the counter contour of the clamping arm. With such an arrangement, defined states of the busbar can be achieved to realize the holding and release functions. The busbar can, for example, be movably mounted in the insulating housing and / or the release section can be movable relative to a clamping section of the busbar. Depending on the embodiment, the release section can be linearly movable or pivotally movable and, accordingly, can be displaced by a defined distance or pivoted by a defined tilting angle between the holding position and the release position.The insulating housing can have a receptacle for the busbar dimensioned in such a way that it allows sufficient play, especially in the area of ​​the release section of the busbar.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the release section of the busbar can be inclined more steeply towards the conductor entry channel and / or positioned closer to it in the holding position than in the release position. This facilitates displacement of the release section by an impacting electrical conductor, thus enabling a reliable release function. For example, the distance between the release section of the busbar and the conductor entry channel can be smaller in the holding position than in the release position.

[0016] For example, the angle of inclination of the release section relative to the conductor insertion direction of the electrical conductor into the conductor terminal can be smaller in the holding position than in the release position.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the retaining contour of the busbar and / or the counter contour of the clamping arm can be designed as a detent contour. This allows for a secure and easily implemented holding function. In a direct interaction, for example, the retaining contour can have a detent element and the counter contour a corresponding counter detent element. In an indirect interaction, for example, the retaining contour and / or the counter contour can have a detent element, while a separate retaining element has at least one corresponding counter detent element. For example, the detent element and the counter detent element can form matching detent projections whose detent edges can engage behind each other to hold the clamping arm in the open position.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the insulating housing can have a guide section that guides an electrical conductor inserted into the conductor terminal to the release section of the busbar. This allows for optimized orientation of the inserted electrical conductor for repositioning the release section, thus enabling a reliable release function. The guide section can, for example, be designed as a guide ramp in the sense of an angled guide slope running towards the release section or as a funnel-shaped guide channel to achieve precise guidance of the electrical conductor to the release section.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the busbar can have a fixing section that is essentially immovably mounted within the insulating housing. This allows the busbar's movement to be limited to local areas such as the release section, ensuring a defined deflection while maintaining the busbar's secure hold within the insulating housing. The fixing section can, for example, be mounted in a receptacle within the insulating housing, dimensioned to fit the fixing section in such a way that the play is significantly reduced compared to a receptacle in the insulating housing accommodating the release section.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the busbar can be shaped and the fixing section of the busbar can be received in the insulating housing in such a way that the release section of the busbar is inclined towards the conductor entry channel. This allows the inclination of the release section towards the conductor entry channel to be achieved and ensured in a simple and defined manner when the busbar is in its fixed position. The orientation of the release section inclined towards the conductor entry channel can correspond to a rest position of the busbar defined by its fixing and shaping, from which the busbar can be deflected, in particular elastically deflected, upon contact with an electrical conductor.The busbar can therefore exhibit an intrinsic tendency to return to its original position due to the fixed fixing section, so that the displacement of the busbar is largely limited to the moment of triggering and the electrical connection function is not affected by the busbar displacement.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the fixing section can be designed as a solder pin. This provides an additional connection function for the busbar to electrically connect the conductor terminal to a circuit carrier, such as a printed circuit board. By designing the solder pin as a fixing section that is essentially immovable within the insulating housing, a secure hold of the conductor terminal to the circuit carrier can be ensured.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the conductor terminal can have an actuating unit for resetting the clamping arm from the closed position to the open position. This allows for convenient manual resetting of the clamping arm. The actuating unit can be a single piece or multiple pieces. Depending on the embodiment, the actuating unit can have a translationally movable actuating element, such as a push button, or a rotaryally movable actuating element, such as a pivot lever. The actuating unit can have an externally accessible operating section. This section can include a tool holder for easier operation.Depending on the position of the actuating unit, the operating section can protrude from the insulating housing to varying degrees and / or be shifted to different positions along the insulating housing, so that it is possible to recognize from the operating section whether the clamping leg is in the open or closed position.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the busbar can have a stop section to limit the insertion depth of an electrical conductor inserted into the conductor terminal, with the stop section forming the release section of the busbar. Thus, the conductor stop formed in this way can have multiple functions, limiting the insertion depth and triggering the automatic repositioning of the clamping arm into the closed position. The stop section can, for example, extend essentially perpendicular or at an angle to the insertion direction of the electrical conductor. The stop section can be connected to a clamping section of the busbar.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the insulating housing can have a support surface facing the stop section to stabilize it. This advantageously limits the movement of the busbar in the area of ​​the release section and supports it in the event of deflection by an impacting electrical conductor, so that the support surface can be used as a counter-support for controlled deflection of the busbar. Furthermore, local deformation of the stop section at the point of impact of the electrical conductor can be prevented.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the busbar can have a bent contact tab for supporting it against the insulating housing. The contact tab can be bent from the busbar starting from a retaining contour. The contact tab can form an end section of the busbar with a free end. The bent contour of the contact tab allows the busbar to pivot freely around the bending radius of the contact tab. The contact tab can be a material flap bent from the busbar.

[0026] According to one embodiment, the clamping spring can have a closed spring contour with a contact leg extending through the clamping arm. A compact conductor connection terminal can be realized with such a clamping spring. The clamping spring can, in particular, be designed as a cage clamp spring. A through-opening can be arranged in the clamping arm of the clamping spring, through which the contact leg is guided. The busbar can also extend through the through-opening. A conductor to be connected can be guided through the through-opening in the open position of the clamping arm and, in the closed position of the clamping arm, clamped against the busbar by a clamping edge that delimits the through-opening. The busbar can have a clamping surface against which the conductor is clamped. The busbar can have a contact surface facing away from the clamping surface, against which the contact leg of the clamping spring rests.The retaining contour of the busbar can be formed in the area of ​​the through-opening. The opposing contour of the clamping arm can be formed on a side edge that defines the through-opening. A clamping section of the busbar can run between the retaining contour and the release section, in which an electrical conductor can be clamped to the busbar. The insulating housing can have a spring support to accommodate the clamping spring and to limit displacement of the clamping arm between the open and closed positions.

[0027] According to one embodiment, the clamping spring can have an open spring contour with a clamping leg that is spaced apart from the contact leg in the closed position. This allows for a conductor connection with high clamping forces. The clamping leg can be spaced apart from the contact leg, at least in the closed position. The contact leg can extend at least partially opposite the clamping leg. When moved into its open position, the clamping leg can be displaced onto the contact leg.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the retaining contour of the busbar can be formed by a busbar edge and configured to interact with a clamping edge forming the counter contour of the clamping leg. This allows the clamping leg to be held in the open position by the busbar in a simple and reliable manner. The busbar edge can, in particular, be an end edge of the busbar at a free end. Specifically, the end edge can be located at an end section of the busbar that projects from a stop section of the busbar. The clamping edge can be an end edge of the clamping leg at its free end. To implement the described embodiment, the clamping leg and the busbar can, for example, be extended compared to conventional clamping spring arrangements such that the clamping leg, in its open position, can engage behind the busbar edge and be secured thereto.The busbar can have a clamping section, a stop section and a holding section with the holding contour consecutively along its longitudinal extent.

[0029] According to one embodiment, the retaining contour of the busbar can be configured for indirect interaction with the counter contour of the clamping arm via an actuating unit. This actuating unit has a first retaining projection for interaction with the retaining contour and a second retaining projection for interaction with the counter contour. The actuating unit thus forms a separate retaining element that contacts the retaining contour of the busbar and the counter contour of the clamping arm to hold the clamping arm in the open position. This enables a very stable and reliable holding function for keeping the clamping arm in the open position.To trigger the automatic repositioning of the clamping arm into the closed position, the busbar can be displaced, at least locally, such that the retaining contour can be disengaged from the first retaining projection, and the clamping arm and the actuating unit can be moved together by the spring force of the clamping spring and via the contact between the second retaining projection and the opposing contour of the clamping arm. The clamping arm and the actuating unit can be returned to the open position by actuating the actuating unit, which can be moved back until the retaining contour re-engages with the first retaining projection. The retaining contour of the busbar can be formed, in particular, at a stop section of the busbar to allow direct repositioning of the retaining contour by an impacting conductor.The first retaining projection and the second retaining projection can, in particular, be stepped shoulders on an outer contour of the actuating unit. The stepped surfaces of the actuating unit, intended to interact with the retaining contour and the counter contour, can have opposite orientations to each other.

[0030] According to one embodiment, the actuating unit can be designed as a push button. This allows the actuating unit to be linearly displaceable within the insulating housing, thus promoting a compact design with direct actuation and return paths. The busbar can have a stop surface that limits the linear movement of the actuating unit for moving the clamping arm from the closed position to the open position. The stop surface can be located on the side of the busbar facing away from the clamping surface.

[0031] According to one embodiment, the counter contour of the clamping leg and / or the retaining contour of the busbar can be designed as a freestanding retaining tab. This allows for optimized support of the retaining contour and / or the counter contour on the first and / or second retaining projection. The freestanding retaining tab can be bent away from the clamping leg and / or the busbar.

[0032] In general, in connection with this application, the words "ein / eine" are not to be understood as numerals, unless expressly defined otherwise, but as indefinite articles with the meaning of "at least one".

[0033] The invention allows for various embodiments and is explained in more detail below with reference to exemplary embodiments and the accompanying drawings. These show, in schematic form: Fig. 1a-1b - a conductor terminal according to a first embodiment with a clamping leg of a clamping spring shown in cutaway side views in an open position and in a closed position; Fig. 1c - an isolated perspective view of the clamping spring and a busbar of the in the Fig. 1a and Fig. 1b conductor terminal shown; Fig. 2a-2b - a conductor terminal according to a second embodiment with a clamping leg of a clamping spring shown in cutaway side views in an open position and in a closed position; Fig. 2c - the ones in the Fig. 2a and Fig. 2b shown conductor terminal during a return of the terminal arm to the open position; Fig. 3a-3b - a busbar, a clamping spring and an actuating unit of a conductor terminal according to a third embodiment with a clamping leg of the clamping spring shown in an open position and in a closed position in perspective side views; Fig. 3c-3e - isolated perspective views of the busbar, the clamping spring and the actuating unit of the in the Fig. 3a and Fig. 3b shown conductor connection terminal.

[0034] The Fig. Figures 1a to 1c show a conductor terminal 1 and a component group thereof according to a first embodiment. The conductor terminal 1 is designed for the automatic connection of an electrical conductor. The conductor terminal 1 has an insulating housing 3 with a [missing information - likely a specific feature or component]. Fig. 1a to 1c conductor entry channel not shown in detail, which is comparable, for example, to the one in the Fig. The conductor entry channel 2 shown in Figures 2a to 2c can be formed in the insulating housing 3. A busbar 4 and a clamping spring 5 are arranged in the insulating housing 3.

[0035] The clamping spring 5 has a contact leg 6 and a clamping leg 7. The clamping leg 7 forms a clamping point 8 with the busbar 4 in a clamping section 24 for an electrical conductor (not shown in detail in the figures) that can be inserted through the conductor entry channel 2 into the conductor connection terminal 1. The clamping leg 7 is located between a Fig. 1a shown opening O and one in Fig. The closing position S shown in 1b can be moved to open and close the clamping point 8.

[0036] The conductor connection terminal 1 is designed for automatic movement of the clamping leg 7 into the closed position S when an electrical conductor is inserted into the conductor connection terminal 1. For this purpose, the busbar 4 has a retaining contour 9, which, according to the diagram in the Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figures 1a to 1c, the busbar 4 is arranged for direct interaction with a counter contour 10 of the clamping arm 7 for holding it in the open position O. The busbar 4 has a release section 11 which is designed to displace the busbar 4 when an electrical conductor inserted into the conductor connection terminal 1 comes into contact with the release section 11, such that the direct interaction between the holding contour 9 of the busbar 4 and the counter contour 10 of the clamping arm 7 is released and an automatic displacement of the clamping arm 7 into its closed position S can occur, as is the case, for example, in Fig. Figure 1b shows that the clamping spring 5 is fixed in the insulating housing 3 in such a way that a displacement of the busbar 4 does not cause a displacement of the clamping spring 5.

[0037] Through the interaction between the retaining contour 9 of the busbar 4 and the counter contour 10 of the clamping arm 7, the clamping arm 7 can be held in the open position O in a simple and efficient manner. Thus, the busbar 4 can be used not only to establish an electrical connection by clamping an electrical conductor, but also to implement an automatic mechanical conductor connection function. Therefore, an improved conductor connection terminal 1 with a reliably effective automatic conductor connection can be provided in a simple and compact design.

[0038] When considering the Fig. 1a and Fig. Figure 1b shows that the busbar 4 is pivotally mounted in the insulating housing 3. The busbar 4 is positioned between a [missing information] in the Fig. 1a and Fig. 1c shown holding position H, in which the holding contour 9 interacts with the counter contour 10 of the clamping leg 7, and one in Fig. The release position F shown in Figure 1b, in which there is no interaction with the counter contour 10 of the clamping leg 7, is movable. In the holding position H, the release section 11 of the busbar 4 is inclined more towards the conductor entry channel 2 than in the release position F, thus enabling easier triggering of the automatic displacement of the clamping leg 7.

[0039] As in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 1c, the retaining contour 9 of the busbar 4 and the counter contour 10 of the clamping leg 7 are designed as snap-fit ​​contours. For this purpose, the retaining contour 9 and the counter contour 10 have, as shown in Fig. Figure 1c shows matching detent projections whose detent edges can interlock to hold the clamping leg 7 in the open position O.

[0040] According to the first embodiment shown, the clamping spring 5 has a closed spring contour FK1 with a contact leg 6 extending through the clamping leg 7. The Fig. The embodiment of the clamping spring 5 shown in Figures 1a to 1c corresponds to a cage spring. By means of a Fig. The through-opening 26 of the clamping leg 7 shown in Figure 1c allows the mounting leg 6, the busbar 4, and an inserted conductor to extend through it. The conductor can be clamped against the busbar 4 by a clamping edge 20 that defines the through-opening 26. The insulating housing 3 has a spring support 27 to receive the clamping spring 5 and to limit displacement of the clamping leg 7 between the open position O and the closed position S. Fig. 1a and Fig. Figure 1b also shows that the insulating housing 3 has a guide section 12 designed as a guide slope, with which an electrical conductor inserted into the conductor connection terminal 1 can be guided to the release section 11 of the busbar 4, so that a reliable triggering of the automatic displacement of the clamping leg 7 is possible.

[0041] According to the diagram in the... Fig. In the first embodiment shown in Figures 1a to 1c, a stop section 16 is provided to limit the insertion depth of an electrical conductor inserted into the conductor terminal 1. The stop section 16 forms the release section 11 of the busbar. This allows for a meaningful combination of a stop function and a release function with the stop section 16. Furthermore, the insulating housing 3 has a support surface 17 facing the stop section 16 to stabilize it.

[0042] In the Fig. 1a and Fig. Figure 1b further shows that the busbar 4 has a fixing section 13 designed as a solder pin, which is essentially immovably mounted in the insulating housing 3. The busbar 4 is shaped and the fixing section 13 is mounted in the insulating housing 3 in such a way that the release section 11 of the busbar 4 is inclined towards the conductor entry channel 2, thus facilitating easier triggering of the automatic displacement of the clamping leg 7. The busbar 4 also has a Fig. 1a to 1c shows the bent mounting tongue 18 for supporting the busbar 4 on the insulating housing 3. Due to the bent contour of the mounting tongue 18, the busbar 4 is pivotably mounted in the insulating housing 3.

[0043] The in the Fig. The conductor terminal 1 shown in Figures 1a to 1c can have an actuating unit 14 (not shown), for example a push button, for returning the clamping arm 7 from the closed position to the open position O. Alternatively or additionally, the clamping arm 7 can be returned to the open position O by a separate actuating tool, for example a screwdriver, which can be inserted into the conductor terminal 1.

[0044] The Fig. Figures 2a to 2c show a conductor terminal 1 according to a second embodiment. The conductor terminal 1 according to the second embodiment also has an insulating housing 3 with a conductor entry channel 2, a busbar 4, and a clamping spring 5. The clamping spring 5 has a contact leg 6 and a clamping leg 7. The clamping leg 7, together with the busbar 4, forms a clamping point 8 in a clamping section 24 for an electrical conductor (not shown in detail in the figures) that can be inserted into the conductor terminal 1 through the conductor entry channel 2. The clamping leg 7 is movable between an open position O and a closed position S for opening and closing the clamping point 8, as shown. The conductor terminal 1 is designed to automatically move the clamping leg 7 into the closed position S when an electrical conductor is inserted into the conductor terminal 1.

[0045] For this purpose, the busbar 4 has a retaining contour 9, which is designed to interact directly with a counter contour 10 of the clamping leg 7 to hold the clamping leg 7 in the open position O. Furthermore, the busbar 4 has a release section 11, which is designed to displace the busbar 4 when a conductor inserted into the conductor connection terminal 1 comes into contact with the release section 11, such that the direct interaction between the retaining contour 9 and the counter contour 10 is released and the clamping leg 7 can automatically move into its closed position S. Fig. 2a shows the clamping leg 7 in the open position O. Fig. Figure 2b shows the clamping leg 7 in the closed position S. Fig. Figure 2c shows the clamping leg 7 when returned to the open position O.

[0046] Even with the one in the Fig. In the embodiment shown in 2a to 2c, an improved conductor connection terminal 1 with a reliably effective automatic conductor connection can be provided with a simple and compact design of the conductor connection terminal 1, wherein the busbar 4 fulfills a mechanical holding and releasing function in addition to an electrical connection function.

[0047] According to the in the Fig. In the embodiment shown in 2a to 2c, the clamping spring 5 has an open spring contour FK1 with a clamping leg 7 that is spaced apart from the contact leg 6 in the closed position S. As shown in the Fig. As shown in Figures 2a to 2c, the holding contour 9 of the busbar 4 is formed by a busbar edge 19 and is designed to interact with a clamping edge 20 forming the counter contour 10 of the clamping leg 7. As shown in the Fig. As can be seen in 2a to 2c, the clamping leg 7 and the busbar 4 are shaped and dimensioned in such a way that the clamping leg 7 in its open position O can engage behind the busbar edge 19 and can be fixed thereon.

[0048] According to the second embodiment of the conductor terminal 1, the busbar 4 also has a stop section 16 to limit the insertion depth of an electrical conductor inserted into the conductor terminal 1, wherein the stop section 16 forms the release section 11 of the busbar 4.

[0049] As in the Fig. As can be seen in Figures 2a to 2c, the conductor terminal 1 has an actuating unit 14 designed as a pivot lever for returning the clamping arm 7 from the closed position S to the open position O. A force transmission element 25 is located on the pivot lever for transmitting a pivoting movement of the pivot lever to the clamping arm 7. For actuating the pivot lever, it has an operating section 15 that protrudes from the insulating housing 3.

[0050] The Fig. Figures 3a to 3e show a conductor connection terminal 1 and its components according to a third embodiment. The conductor connection terminal 1 according to the third embodiment also has a [missing information] in the Fig. Figures 3a to 3e show an insulating housing 3 with a conductor entry channel 2, a busbar 4, and a clamping spring 5. The clamping spring 5 has a contact leg 6 and a clamping leg 7. The clamping leg 7 forms a clamping point 8 with the busbar 4 in a clamping section 24 for an electrical conductor (not shown in detail in the figures) that can be inserted through the conductor entry channel 2 into the conductor terminal 1. The clamping leg 7 is movable between an open position O and a closed position S, as shown, to open and close the clamping point 8. The conductor terminal 1 is designed to automatically move the clamping leg 7 into the closed position S when an electrical conductor is inserted into the conductor terminal 1.

[0051] According to the third embodiment, the busbar 4 has a retaining contour 9 which is designed to interact indirectly with a counter contour 10 of the clamping arm 7 to hold the clamping arm 7 in the open position O. The busbar 4 has a release section 11 which, when an electrical conductor inserted into the conductor connection terminal 1 comes into contact with the release section 11, is designed to displace the busbar 4 such that the indirect interaction between the retaining contour 9 of the busbar 4 and the counter contour 10 of the clamping arm 7 is released and the clamping arm 7 can automatically displace into its closed position S.

[0052] Even with the one in the Fig. In the embodiment shown in 3a to 3e, an improved conductor connection terminal 1 with a reliably effective automatic conductor connection can be provided with a simple and compact design of the conductor connection terminal 1, wherein the busbar 4 fulfills a mechanical holding and releasing function in addition to an electrical connection function.

[0053] To achieve indirect interaction between the holding contour 9 and the counter contour 10, the conductor terminal 1 has an actuating unit 14, which is configured to return the clamping leg 7 from the closed position S to the open position O. The actuating unit 14 is designed as a push button and has a first holding projection 21 for interaction with the holding contour 9 and a second holding projection 22 for interaction with the counter contour 10. The holding projections 21 and 22 are designed as stepped shoulders on an outer contour of the actuating unit 14. The actuating unit 14 forms a separate holding element that contacts the holding contour 9 and the counter contour 10 of the clamping leg 7 to hold the clamping leg 7 in the open position.The counter contour 10 of the clamping leg 7 and the retaining contour 9 of the busbar 4 are designed as freestanding, bent retaining tabs 23 to achieve optimized support of the retaining contour 9 and the counter contour 10 on the actuating unit 14. The busbar 4 has a stop surface 28 opposite a clamping surface in the clamping section 24, which limits the linear movement of the actuating unit 14.

[0054] The conductor connection terminal 1 according to the third embodiment has a clamping spring 5 with an open spring contour FK1 and a clamping leg 7 spaced apart from the mounting leg 6 in the closed position S. The release section 11 of the busbar 4 is located between a Fig. 3a shown holding position H, in which the holding contour 9 interacts with the counter contour 10 of the clamping leg 7, and one in Fig. The release position F shown in Figure 3b, in which the interaction is suspended, is relocatable. In the holding position H, the release section 11 of the busbar 4 is closer to the conductor entry channel 2 than in the release position F. The release section 11 of the busbar 4 is formed by a stop section 16 to limit the insertion depth of an electrical conductor inserted into the conductor terminal 1. The release section 11 is pivotally movable relative to the rest of the busbar body, while the clamping section 24 of the busbar 4 is essentially immobile. The holding contour 9 of the busbar 4 and the counter contour 10 of the clamping leg 7 can be considered detent contours, since in the holding position H they can engage the first holding projection 21 and the second holding projection 22 of the actuating unit 14 in a detent-like manner.

[0055] The power rail 4 can be used as in the Fig.Figures 3a to 3c show fixing sections 13 which can be essentially immovably mounted in the insulating housing 3. The fixing sections 13 can advantageously stabilize the busbar 4, particularly in the event of deflection of the release section 11.

[0056] With the described embodiments, a conductor connection terminal 1 with a reliably effective automatic conductor connection can be advantageously realized with a simple and compact design of the conductor connection terminal 1. Reference symbol list 1 conductor connection terminal 2 conductor entry channel 3 Insulating housings 4 busbar 5 clamping spring 6 attachment legs 7 clamping legs 8 clamping point 9 Holding contour 10 Counter contour 11 Solution section 12 Leadership section 13 Fixing section 14 Actuating unit 15 Operating section 16 Stop section 17 Support surface 18. Adhesive tongue 19 busbar edge 20 clamping edge 21 first holding lead 22 second holding lead 23 Retaining tab 24 clamping section 25 Power transmission element 26 Passage opening 27 Spring support 28 Stop area F Release position FK1 closed spring contour FK2 open spring contour H holding position O disclosure S Closed position

Claims

A conductor terminal (1) comprising an insulating housing (3) having a conductor entry channel (2), a busbar (4) and a clamping spring (5), wherein: - the clamping spring (5) has a contact leg (6) and a clamping leg (7), - the clamping leg (7) forms a clamping point (8) with the busbar (4) for an electrical conductor that can be inserted into the conductor terminal (1) through the conductor entry channel (2), - the clamping leg (7) is displaceable between an open position (O) and a closed position (S) for opening and closing the clamping point (8), and - the conductor terminal (1) is designed to automatically displace the clamping leg (7) into the closed position (S) when an electrical conductor is inserted into the conductor terminal (1), characterized in that the busbar (4) has a retaining contour (9).which is configured for direct or indirect interaction with a counter contour (10) of the clamping leg (7) for holding the clamping leg (7) in the open position (O), and that the busbar (4) has a release section (11) which is configured to displace at least a part of the busbar (4) when an electrical conductor inserted into the conductor connection terminal (1) strikes the release section (11) in such a way that the direct or indirect interaction between the holding contour (9) of the busbar (4) and the counter contour (10) of the clamping leg (7) is released and an automatic displacement of the clamping leg (7) into its closed position (S) can take place. Conductor terminal (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the release section (11) of the busbar (4) is displaceable between a holding position (H) in which the holding contour (9) interacts with the counter contour (10) of the clamping leg (7) and a release position (F) in which there is no interaction with the counter contour (10) of the clamping leg (7). conductor terminal (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the release section (11) of the busbar (4) is inclined more towards the conductor entry channel (2) and / or positioned closer to the conductor entry channel (2) in the holding position (H) than in the release position (F). Conductor terminal (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the retaining contour (9) of the busbar (4) and / or the counter contour (10) of the clamping leg (7) is designed as a locking contour. Conductor terminal (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the insulating housing (3) has a guide section (12) with which an electrical conductor inserted into the conductor terminal (1) can be guided to the release section (11) of the busbar (4). Conductor terminal (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the busbar (4) has a fixing section (13) which is essentially immovably received in the insulating housing (3). Conductor terminal (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that the busbar (4) is shaped and the fixing section (13) of the busbar (4) is received in the insulating housing (3) in such a way that the release section (11) of the busbar (4) is inclined in the direction of the conductor entry channel (2). Conductor terminal (1) according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the fixing section (13) is designed as a solder pin. Conductor terminal (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the conductor terminal (1) has an actuating unit (14) for resetting the clamping leg (7) from the closed position (S) to the open position (O). Conductor terminal (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the busbar (4) has a stop section (16) for limiting the insertion depth of an electrical conductor inserted into the conductor terminal (1), wherein the stop section (16) forms the release section (11) of the busbar (4). Conductor terminal (1) according to claim 10, characterized in that the insulating housing (3) has a support surface (17) pointing towards the stop section (16) for stabilizing the stop section (16). Conductor terminal (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the busbar (4) has a bent contact tongue (18) for supporting the busbar (4) on the insulating housing (3). Conductor terminal (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the clamping spring (5) has a closed spring contour (FK1) with a contact leg (6) extending through the clamping leg (7). Conductor terminal (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the clamping spring (5) has an open spring contour (FK1) with a clamping leg (7) spaced apart from the mounting leg (6) in the closed position (S). Conductor terminal (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the holding contour (9) of the busbar (4) is formed by a busbar edge (19) and is designed to interact with a clamping edge (20) forming the counter contour (10) of the clamping leg (7). Conductor terminal (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the retaining contour (9) of the busbar (4) is arranged for indirect interaction with the counter contour (10) of the clamping leg (7) via an actuating unit (14), in that the actuating unit (14) has a first retaining projection (21) for interaction with the retaining contour (9) and a second retaining projection (22) for interaction with the counter contour (10). Conductor terminal (1) according to claim 16, characterized in that the actuating unit (14) is designed as a push button. Conductor terminal (1) according to claim 16 or 17, characterized in that the counter contour (10) of the clamping leg (7) and / or the retaining contour (9) of the busbar (4) is designed as a freestanding retaining tab (23).

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