Terminal with release lever

Abstract

The present application relates to a terminal with a release lever, having a spring force clamping terminal (2) with at least one clamping point (K), an insulating material housing (6), a conductor insertion channel (60) and a release lever (5). The release lever (5) is pivotably mounted in the insulating material housing (6) about a pivot axis (A) extending transversely to the conductor insertion direction (E) of the electrical conductor between a rest position in which the clamping point (K) is closed and a handling position in which the clamping point (K) is open. The release lever (5) has two mutually spaced lever arm portions (50) which at least partially insert into the insulating material housing (6) on both sides of the conductor insertion channel (60). Each lever arm portion (50) has a guide portion (53) which faces the other and between which at least a portion of the conductor insertion channel (60) is formed. The guide portions (53) in the rest position and / or the handling position extend the conductor insertion channel (60) constrictively towards the clamping point (K) in the conductor insertion direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a terminal, particularly a wiring terminal or connection terminal, for electrically connecting at least one electrical conductor, having a release lever for selectively opening the clamping point. Background Technology

[0002] Terminals with release levers of the type described in the introduction have been disclosed in the prior art. For support, the release lever is pivotally mounted within an insulating housing of the terminal. This insulating housing also houses a spring-loaded clamping terminal forming a clamping point. The release lever can pivot from a rest position to an operating position so as to cooperate with the spring-loaded clamping terminal to open the clamping point. Typically, the insulating housing has a wire insertion channel that narrows towards the clamping point to reliably guide the wire to be inserted to the clamping point. For this purpose, a certain length of the wire insertion channel is required. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Therefore, the objective of this invention is to provide a terminal of the type described in the preamble, which allows for reliable wire insertion while maintaining a compact structure.

[0004] According to a first aspect, the present invention relates to a terminal, particularly a wiring terminal or connecting terminal. The terminal has at least one spring-force clamping terminal with at least one clamping point for electrically connecting at least one conductor. Furthermore, the terminal has an insulating material housing that at least partially accommodates the spring-force clamping terminal. Additionally, the terminal has a conductor insertion channel extending from the outside toward the clamping point in the conductor insertion direction. Furthermore, the terminal has a release lever. The release lever is pivotally supported within the insulating material housing about a pivot extending transversely to (preferably orthogonally to) the conductor insertion direction, between a rest position and an operating position, wherein the clamping point is closed in the rest position to connect the conductor, and is opened in the operating position by cooperation between the spring-force clamping terminal and an operating portion of the release lever. The release lever has two spaced-apart lever arms that are at least partially inserted into the insulating material housing on both sides of the conductor insertion channel. Each lever arm has a guide portion that faces each other and forms at least a portion of the conductor insertion channel between them. The guide portions, when viewed in the wire insertion direction in the rest position and / or operating position, cause the wire insertion channel to narrow towards the clamping point; therefore, they preferably narrow at least partially towards the clamping point when viewed in the wire insertion direction. Thus, the guide portions (which at least partially form the wire insertion channel) allow the electrical wire in the terminal to be inserted to be guided to the clamping point.

[0005] By providing two opposing rod arms, they can be inserted as deeply as possible into the insulating housing, thus positioned on either side of the wire insertion channel. Therefore, a generally flat terminal with a release lever can be provided. The rod arms then simultaneously form part of the wire insertion channel through their guides, allowing the terminal to be designed to be generally elongated. Because the rod arms, through their guides, narrow the wire insertion channel toward the clamping point, at least one (lateral) region, or perhaps even the entire (lateral) region of the wire insertion channel located within the insulating housing, toward the clamping point is displaced into the release lever. Therefore, the terminal can also be designed to be short in terms of its length in the wire insertion direction. Because at least the narrowing of the wire insertion channel is now also displaced into the release lever, the transition to the release lever, located only within the narrowed region of the wire insertion channel, is widened, which further reduces the risk of tilting of the inserted wire. In principle, the wire insertion channel thus configured, and especially the partially narrowed guide, preferably have any orientation or profile that allows wire insertion and, consequently, allows the wire to be inserted and guided as required to the clamping point. Here, it is preferred, but not limited, that the invention is as smooth or wavy as possible, and preferably without steps or with a non-abrupt cross-section extending to the clamping point.

[0006] If the narrowed guide is positioned in the rest position, a rigid wire can be inserted simply and reliably even without opening the clamping point via the release lever. If the narrowed guide is positioned in the operating position, a flexible wire can be inserted simply and reliably even with the clamping point opened via the release lever. Depending on the application and desired outcome, the narrowed guide may therefore be present only in the rest position, only in the operating position, or preferably both in the rest and operating positions (and, if necessary, in any pivoting position in between).

[0007] The guide portion can either continuously narrow the wire insertion channel or smoothly extend towards the clamping point when viewed from the wire insertion direction. This allows for simple and reliable guidance and sliding of the wire along the guide portion to the clamping point. Continuous extension allows for targeted guidance to the clamping point. A smooth flow generally allows for optimal adaptation to the conditions and space requirements while maintaining miniaturization and reliable guidance of the inserted wire. For example, if needed, the guide portion can also have a portion that narrows partially parallel to the wire insertion direction; as long as there is an overall narrowing provided by the smooth profile towards the clamping point, reliable and simple guidance / sliding of the inserted wire can be achieved.

[0008] The guide section may have a first guide sub-section and a second guide sub-section, which are respectively opposite to each other. Therefore, the first guide sub-section of one guide section faces the first guide sub-section of the other guide section. Similarly, the second guide sub-section of one guide section faces the second guide sub-section of the other guide section. Thus, in the rest position, the first guide sub-section, viewed in the wire insertion direction, causes the wire insertion channel to narrow towards the clamping point, preferably continuously narrowing or smoothly extending. It is then located on both sides of the wire insertion channel in the rest position of the release lever and laterally defines it accordingly. On the other hand, in the operating position, the second guide sub-section, viewed in the wire insertion direction, causes the wire insertion channel to narrow towards the clamping point, preferably continuously narrowing or smoothly extending. It is then located on both sides of the wire insertion channel in the operating position of the release lever and laterally defines it accordingly.

[0009] By providing two of the aforementioned guide sections, a particularly optimized implementation can be obtained for correspondingly narrowing the wire insertion channel in both the rest and operating positions. This is especially advantageous when the pivot is farther from the wire insertion channel or its center when viewed in the wire insertion direction. The guide sections can then be designed for the respective pivot positions of the release lever to ensure optimal wire guidance at every desired pivot position. However, for example, in the case where the pivot is centered across the wire insertion channel, a narrowest portion can be provided in the pivot region, which widens with increasing distance from the pivot (at least opposite to the wire insertion direction). Thus, good wire insertion can be consistently achieved over a large, and preferably any, possible pivot range with a simple geometry of the guide section.

[0010] In principle, the guide portion or guide sub-segment can have any shape or geometry to provide a corresponding narrowing at least in the two release lever positions, but preferably also in between or even throughout the entire pivot range of the release lever, thus allowing for simple and reliable wire insertion. For example, the guide portion or guide sub-segment can be concavely raised, and preferably concavely raised away from the wire insertion channel. The guide portion or guide sub-segment can also be shell-shaped (i.e., shell-shaped recesses or dimples) formed within their respective lever arms. This, in addition to its simple geometry, allows for a smooth path and, consequently, reliable and simple wire insertion.

[0011] The guide portion, preferably a guide sub-section, can be formed by a preferred variation in material thickness of each lever arm portion about the pivot in the axial direction. Therefore, a simple structure for the guide portion can be provided. It can also be provided particularly simply, for example, by injection molding.

[0012] The guide sections, preferably their guide subsections, which are opposite each other, are preferably configured to be mirror images of each other, and are therefore preferably located about a plane of symmetry between the arm sections with the direction of wire insertion. This allows for reliable and consistent insertion of the wire into the terminal until the clamping point.

[0013] Each lever arm may have a partially circular sliding portion extending around a pivot and radially away from the pivot's direction. This then cooperates with a corresponding housing sliding portion to guide the release lever slidably around the pivot. The supporting force of the release lever can thus be easily distributed and borne within an insulating housing.

[0014] The sliding portion preferably has a first sliding sub-section extending about a pivot along a first circle having a first diameter d, preferably in the region of the respective guide portion. The sliding portion also has a second sliding sub-section extending about a pivot along a second circle having a second diameter D, preferably larger than the first diameter d, preferably in the region outside the respective guide portion. The lever arm portion can thus be optimized to meet its desired purpose. Thus, for example, the first sliding sub-section can provide a desired length for narrowing the wire insertion channel; it is defined, for example, by the circular area of ​​the first circle. On the other hand, the second sliding sub-section can have a desired distance for reliable support (defined by the radius of the second circle). Particularly preferably, the second sliding sub-section has, or forms, a respective operating portion. In this regard, an optimized length and thus a defined lever arm can be provided to open the spring force clamping the terminal.

[0015] The lever arms preferably extend substantially within a single extension plane. These extension planes are particularly preferably parallel to each other and also preferably orthogonal to a pivot. "Extending substantially within a single extension plane" means that the lever arms can, in principle, have extension within that plane, while being designed to be relatively flat in their transverse direction and obviously capable of varying their width to provide, for example, as a surface profile or other structural element, a guide.

[0016] The release lever preferably has a locking structure that cooperates with a corresponding housing locking structure of the insulating housing, allowing the release lever to be detachably and lockably held in a rest position and / or an operating position. The corresponding structure for the locking connection is designed so that the operator can selectively insert the release lever into the locking connection and also disengage it. Furthermore, the locking connection should automatically hold the release lever in this position. Therefore, the locking connection must, in the operating position, resist the spring force that would otherwise open the spring force clamping the terminal. The operator can then easily insert or remove the wire. In the rest position, the release lever should reliably remain "empty," thereby maintaining maximum terminal compactness during operation and minimizing the risk of accidental manipulation of the release lever.

[0017] The release lever, preferably the lever arm, may have a first pivot support portion that cooperates with a corresponding second pivot support portion of the insulating housing to provide pivotable support for the release lever about a pivot axis. Thus, a simple and reliable pivot support can be provided with a simple geometry of the release lever. The first pivot support portion is particularly preferably located on or within the side of the lever arm opposite to the wire insertion channel. Therefore, on the one hand, a space-saving pivot mounting can be provided. On the other hand, it is thus positioned opposite the guide portion, so that during wire insertion, it presses the lever arm portion into the support connection during contact guidance, thereby reliably maintaining the support in each operating position. This pivot support portion can, for example, be designed as a protrusion (the second pivot support portion, e.g., pin-shaped) and a groove (the first pivot support portion; e.g., a blind hole or slot-shaped) that pivotally accommodates the protrusion.

[0018] The release lever preferably has a lever operating portion for moving the release lever about a pivot, preferably between the rest position and the operating position. The lever operating portion preferably extends substantially in a plane. The lever operating portion also preferably extends between the lever arms and is particularly preferably connected to each other. In this way, the release lever can be designed very stably at the point of operation. Furthermore, the lever operating portion provides the operator with a comfortable operating position. Particularly preferably, the operating portion and the lever operating portion are located at opposite ends of the release lever, so as to provide a very advantageous distribution of functional sections about the pivot, thereby obtaining a particularly advantageous lever arm distribution.

[0019] The pivot can extend laterally outside the wire insertion channel. Preferably, the pivot does not intersect the wire insertion channel or its extension when viewed in the wire insertion direction. This provides space for the connection while still allowing free access to the wire insertion channel. Thus, a generally stable release lever structure can be achieved while maintaining a compact terminal structure. However, in principle, the pivot can also extend through the wire insertion channel as needed.

[0020] The insulating housing preferably has guide walls that, together with the guides, at least partially form or define the wire insertion channel. Therefore, a wire insertion channel can be provided for reliably inserting the wire into the clamping point in a generally consistent manner.

[0021] The wire insertion channel preferably extends through the clamping point to reliably accommodate the distal end of the wire when the wire is connected at the clamping point.

[0022] Preferably, the wire insertion channel is designed as a closed loop when viewed in the wire insertion direction, preferably from the outside to the clamping point and perhaps beyond the clamping point along at least a portion, and more preferably the entire length thereof. The wire can thus be reliably accommodated in the terminal and guided to the clamping point.

[0023] The guide wall may also have lateral walls that at least partially define the wire insertion channel axially on both sides about the pivot. This can thus effectively prevent lateral displacement of the wire to be inserted into the insertion channel.

[0024] The sidewall portions preferably transition smoothly to their respective guide portions, at least on the wire insertion channel side and at least in the rest position or in the operating position when viewed in the wire insertion direction. They are particularly preferably arranged in a facet-like manner. In this way, a consistent wire insertion channel can be formed even at the transition between the insulating housing and the release lever. This, in turn, allows for reliable and simple insertion of electrical wires into the terminals.

[0025] The insulating housing preferably has a cover wall that extends above the wire insertion channel between the support of the release rod and the pivot in the rest position of the release rod. The terminal is thus designed such that the support is optimally slidably supported on the cover wall as the release rod pivots about the pivot. On the one hand, this allows upward coverage of the spring force clamping the terminal. On the other hand, the release rod can therefore be reliably supported on the insulating housing.

[0026] The insulating housing may also have partition walls that axially define, at least partially laterally on both sides of the pivot, the release lever, preferably at least as a lever arm. In other words, the partition walls are located beside the release lever when viewed in the direction of wire insertion. In this way, the release lever can be reliably guided laterally during its pivoting movement. Because the guide portion forms a narrowing of the wire insertion channel, the release lever can be supported relative to the insulating housing in a simple and reliable manner when the wire is inserted into the terminal and guided to the clamping point through the narrowed wire insertion channel. The terminal can therefore also be constructed generally stably. In addition, the partition walls can help extend electrical clearance and leakage paths.

[0027] The partition wall is particularly preferably equipped with a second pivot support, thereby providing a stable and reliable installation.

[0028] The spring-force clamping terminal may also have a bus rail and a clamping spring with a movable clamping arm. The clamping arm may have a clamping portion, preferably in the form of a clamping edge, to form a clamping point between the clamping portion and the bus rail. This provides a clamping point that can be easily opened using a release lever.

[0029] The clamping spring, or more precisely the clamping arm, can extend laterally through the wire insertion channel in the wire insertion direction, at least in the closed position of the clamping point, to form an inlet ramp leading to the clamping point. This allows for very reliable wire insertion until the wire is aligned with the clamping point.

[0030] The spring-force clamping terminal, preferably with a clamping spring having a spring actuating part arranged to cooperate with the actuating part to selectively open the clamping point. Providing a defined spring actuating part allows for the division of the corresponding functional areas of the spring-force clamping terminal, one for clamping and the other for actuation, thus allowing for efficient design of the spring-force clamping terminal.

[0031] The spring-loaded clamping terminal can have multiple clamping points and corresponding wire insertion channels, which are preferably arranged at least partially in series and side-by-side and / or overlapping and / or aligned with each other. The wire insertion directions of the wire insertion channels corresponding to the clamping points are preferably at least partially, and preferably completely, parallel to each other. Thus, a terminal with any number of clamping points can be provided. It is also conceivable that multiple spring-loaded clamping terminals can be provided in a single terminal, or that the spring-loaded clamping terminal can be designed as a multi-piece or multi-section type. Thus, the spring-loaded clamping terminal can, for example, have a single-piece busbar with multiple clamping springs to form a corresponding number of clamping points. Multiple (especially two) wire insertion channels can also share a single clamping spring, for example, by their opposing arms forming a clamping arm for one of the two adjacent wire insertion channels. The opposing arms then preferably press against the opposing clamping points of a busbar (or multiple busbars) to form the corresponding clamping points. Therefore, the busbar can also be designed as a multi-piece design, with only one clamping spring or a portion thereof forming the corresponding number of clamping points.

[0032] At least one, but preferably two, of the multiple clamping points can each be associated with a release lever. Therefore, the terminal can be equipped with release levers as needed. The pivots of the release levers associated with the multiple clamping points are thus preferably arranged at least partially parallel or coaxially. This results in a very compact overall configuration and allows the operator to easily operate the terminal. Attached Figure Description

[0033] Other designs and advantages of the invention will now be described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0034] Figure 1 A side view of a terminal having a release lever in a resting position is shown according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 2 It shows that according to Figure 1 An end-side view of the terminal according to the invention, viewed in the wire insertion direction.

[0036] Figure 3 It shows that according to Figure 1 A top view of the terminal according to the present invention.

[0037] Figure 4 It shows that according to Figure 1 A perspective view of the terminal according to the present invention.

[0038] Figure 5 It shows according to Figure 1 A partial perspective view of a terminal according to the invention having a release lever in the operating position.

[0039] Figure 6 It shows according to Figure 1 A partial perspective view of a terminal according to the invention having a release lever in a stationary position.

[0040] Figure 7 It shows according to Figure 6 A side cross-sectional view of the terminal according to the present invention.

[0041] Figure 8 It shows according to Figure 5 A side cross-sectional view of the terminal according to the present invention.

[0042] Figure 9 It shows according to Figure 1 An end-side view of the spring-force clamping terminal and release lever (in the operating position) of the terminal according to the invention, viewed in the wire insertion direction.

[0043] Figure 10 Showing according to Figure 1 The terminals according to the present invention Figure 11 Side view of the component shown.

[0044] Figure 11 It shows according to Figure 1 The terminals according to the present invention Figure 11 Top view of the component shown.

[0045] Figure 12 It shows according to Figure 1 The terminals according to the present invention Figure 11 The first perspective view of the component shown.

[0046] Figure 13 It shows according to Figure 1 The terminals according to the present invention Figure 11 Another perspective view of the component shown.

[0047] Figure 14 It shows according to Figure 1 A side view of the release lever of the terminal according to the present invention.

[0048] Figure 15 It shows according to Figure 14 The end-side view of the release lever taken along the direction of wire insertion.

[0049] Figure 16 It shows according to Figure 14 A top view of the release lever.

[0050] Figure 17 It shows according to Figure 14 First perspective view of the release lever.

[0051] Figure 18 It shows according to Figure 14 Another perspective view of the release lever.

[0052] Figure 19 Showing according to Figure 1 A functional side view of the insulating material housing and release lever of the terminal according to the invention during the installation of the release lever into the insulating material housing.

[0053] Figure 20 It shows according to Figure 1 The terminals according to the present invention Figure 19 Functional perspective view of the component shown. Detailed Implementation

[0054] These figures show different views and details of the terminal 1 according to the invention, especially the wiring terminal or connecting terminal.

[0055] Terminal 1 here has a spring-force-clamped terminal 2, which has at least one clamping point K for electrically connecting at least one wire, such as from Figures 9 to 13 China, but also from Figures 5 to 8 As seen in the figure. The spring force clamping terminal 2 preferably has a bus rail 3 and a clamping spring 4 with a movable clamping arm 42, as shown in the figure. The clamping arm 42 preferably has a clamping part 421, which is preferably in the form of a clamping edge, to form a clamping point K between the clamping part 421 and the bus rail 3.

[0056] Especially Figures 5 to 8 as well as Figure 10 As shown, the clamping spring 4 may have two clamping arms 42, 40, which are interconnected by a spring bow 41. Each clamping portion 421, 401 is preferably located on the free end of the clamping spring 4 or the respective clamping arm 42, 40 opposite to the spring bow 41. The clamping spring 4, or alternatively the second clamping arm 40, may have a stop arm that supports the clamping spring 4 within the busbar or insulating housing 6, from which the spring bow extends, and then the clamping arm extends, to form, for example, a generally U-shaped clamping spring 4.

[0057] Terminal 1 also has an insulating material housing 6 (see, for example, see...) Figures 1 to 8The insulating housing 6 is at least partially accommodated by spring force to clamp the terminal 2. The insulating housing 6 is made of a non-conductive material such as plastic, preferably by injection molding. The insulating housing 6 can be designed as a single piece or preferably as multiple pieces. In a multiple-piece design, corresponding portions of the insulating housing 6 can be detachably or inseparably connected to each other, for example by means of corresponding locking elements and / or welding.

[0058] Terminal 1 also has a wire insertion channel 60 extending outward toward clamping point K in the wire insertion direction E. As will also be described, the wire insertion channel 60 may be formed or defined by different areas and portions of terminal 1.

[0059] As can be seen from this embodiment, the spring-force clamping terminal 2 can have multiple clamping points K and therefore multiple associated wire insertion channels. They are preferably arranged at least partially or entirely in series, side-by-side, and / or overlapping and / or aligned with each other. In the illustrated embodiment, as can be seen from... Figure 7 and Figure 8 As seen in the diagram, there are two upper clamping points and two lower clamping points K. The upper and lower clamping points K, or wire insertion channels 60, are aligned with each other. The wire insertion directions E of the wire insertion channels 60 associated with the clamping points K are preferably at least partially or, as shown here, all parallel to each other.

[0060] As from Figures 1 to 13 It can also be seen that terminal 1 also has a release lever 5, which is pivotally mounted within the insulating housing 6 about a pivot A extending transversely to the wire insertion direction E. Here, the release lever 5 can be closed at the clamping point K to connect the electrical wire to the stationary position (see...). Figures 1 to 4 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 The clamping point K is opened by the spring force clamping end 2 and the operating part 52 of the release lever 5 to the operating position (see...). Figure 5 and Figures 8 to 13 The release levers 5 are pivotally mounted within an insulating housing 6 about a pivot A. If terminal 1 has multiple clamping points K, at least one, multiple, or all of the clamping points K may be associated with one such release lever 5. In the illustrated embodiment, two of the four clamping points K are each associated with a release lever 5. The pivots A of the release levers 5 associated with the multiple clamping points K are preferably arranged at least partially parallel or coaxially. In the illustrated embodiment, the pivots A of all (i.e., two in this case) the release levers 5 are arranged parallel to each other.

[0061] The release lever 5 may preferably have locking structures 55a, 55b, which cooperate with corresponding housing locking structures 65a, 65b of the insulating housing 6, so that the release lever 5 is detachably locked in a rest position and / or an operating position. Figure 6 and Figure 7The detachable locking connection between the (first) locking structure 55a and the (first) housing locking structure 65a in the rest position of the release lever 5 is shown. Therefore, when the terminal 1 is transported or installed and electrically connected for use, the release lever 5 can be reliably held in the rest position. Figure 5 and Figure 8 The detachable locking connection between the (second) locking structure 55b and the (second) housing locking structure 65b in the operating position of the release lever 5 is shown. Therefore, when the clamping point K is kept open for insertion or removal of the electrical wire, the release lever 5 can be reliably held in the operating position, which improves the operational comfort of the terminal 1.

[0062] The release lever 5 may have a lever operating portion 51 for moving the release lever 5 about its pivot A, preferably between a rest position and an operating position. The lever operating portion 51 may preferably extend substantially in a single plane. The operating portion 52 and the lever operating portion 51 are particularly preferably located at opposite ends of the release lever 5, as particularly from... Figures 14 to 17 As seen in the image.

[0063] For example, especially from Figures 5 to 8 As seen in the diagram, pivot A preferably extends laterally outside and above the wire insertion channel 60. Therefore, pivot A does not intersect the wire insertion channel 60 or its extension in the wire insertion direction E. However, the invention is not limited to this in principle. Thus, pivot A may also preferably be centered and intersect the wire insertion channel 60.

[0064] The release lever 5 has two spaced-apart lever arms 50, which are at least partially inserted into the insulating housing 6 on both sides of the wire insertion channel 60 (i.e., viewed here in the wire insertion direction E), as if particularly from... Figures 5 to 8 As seen in the cross-sectional view.

[0065] For example, especially from Figures 15 to 18 As seen in the diagram, the arm portions 50 preferably extend substantially within the extension plane X. The extension plane X is preferably parallel in orientation. Particularly preferably, the extension plane X is orthogonal to the pivot A.

[0066] Preferably, the lever operating portion 51 can extend between the lever arms 50 and connect them to each other, just like from... Figures 14 to 18 As seen in the example.

[0067] The lever arms 50 each have guide portions 53, which are opposite to each other and form or define at least a portion of the wire insertion channel 60 therebetween (see, for example, see...). Figures 5 to 8 This is preferably applicable to every movement position of the release lever 5 around pivot A.

[0068] The guide portion 53 extends in a narrowing manner toward the clamping point K, at least in the rest position, or at least in the operating position, or, as shown in the illustrated embodiment, at least in both the rest and operating positions, when viewed in the wire insertion direction E. Here, the guide portions 53 relatively contract toward the clamping point K, thereby reducing the distance between the guide portions 53, and therefore, in particular, the width of the wire insertion channel 60 is reduced; it is thus narrowed toward the clamping point K. The guide portions 53 are particularly preferably characterized by a continuous narrowing of the wire insertion channel 60 toward the clamping point K in the wire insertion direction E, or by a smooth extension, as if from... Figure 5 , Figure 6 and Figure 18 As seen in the example.

[0069] In one embodiment, it is conceivable that the guide portion 53, in each pivot position of the release lever 5, also extends in a narrowing manner towards the clamping point K when viewed in the wire insertion direction E, between the rest position and the operating position. This can be achieved either through a certain geometric design or profile shaping of the guide portion 53. For example, the narrowest region could also be provided in the pivot region A and widen with increasing distance from it.

[0070] It is also conceivable that the guide section 53 has a first guide subsection 53a and a second guide subsection 53b that are respectively opposite to each other. Thus, in the resting position (for example, see...) Figure 6 and Figure 7 In the first guide segment 53a, viewed in the wire insertion direction E, the wire insertion channel 60 narrows towards the clamping point K, preferably continuously narrowing or smoothly extending. Thus, in the operating position (see, for example, see...), Figure 5 and 8 In the second guide sub-section 53b, viewed in the wire insertion direction E, the wire insertion channel 60 narrows towards the clamping point K, preferably continuously narrowing or smoothly extending. Guide sub-sections 53a and 53b, besides... Figures 5 to 8 External Figure 18 The example shown is illustrated in the text.

[0071] Guide portion 53 and guide sub-sections 53a and 53b may be concave or shell-shaped and formed within their respective rod arms 50 away from the wire insertion channel 60, as if, for example, from... Figures 15 to 18 As seen in the overview.

[0072] Especially see Figure 15 The guide portion 53 or its guide sub-sections 53a and 53b can be configured by preferably changing the material thickness of each lever arm portion 50 in the axial direction with respect to the pivot A.

[0073] The insulating housing 6 may also have a guide wall 63, which, together with the guide 53, at least partially forms or defines the wire insertion channel 60. The guide wall 63 may have lateral walls 630, which, about pivot A, at least partially laterally define the wire insertion channel 60 on both sides in the axial direction, such as from… Figure 5 and Figure 6 As seen in the illustration.

[0074] The lateral wall portions 630 preferably transition smoothly to their respective guide portions 53, at least on the side of the wire insertion channel 60 and at least in the rest or operating position, when viewed in the wire insertion direction E. Here, they are particularly preferably intersecting each other in the form of surfaces, as also from... Figure 5 and Figure 6 As seen in the example.

[0075] For example from Figures 5 to 8 As seen in the image, the spring-force clamping terminal 2 can be at least partially covered by the outer (here, upper) cover wall 62 of the insulating material housing 6 on the side where the release lever 5 is located. The cover wall 62 preferably extends above the wire insertion channel 60 between the support 57 of the release lever 5 and the pivot A in the rest position of the release lever 5. Thus, the terminal 1 is designed such that the support 57 preferably slides on the cover wall 62 as the release lever 5 pivots about the pivot A, for example from... Figure 5 and 6 or Figure 7 and 8 As seen in the overview.

[0076] The insulating material housing 6 may also have partition walls 61, which are at least partially laterally positioned on both sides of the pivot A to define the release rod 5. The partition walls 61 may at least partially form the lateral outer walls of the insulating material housing 6, as shown, for example, from... Figure 3 As seen in the diagram. The partition wall 61 can end flush with or at least partially above the release lever 5 in the direction away from the wire insertion channel 60 (perpendicular to the wire insertion direction E) at least when the clamping point K is closed, and / or retract at least partially about it. Figure 1 and Figure 7 As seen in [the image]. The partition wall portions 61 can each extend at least partially substantially within a partition wall plane T, wherein the partition wall plane T preferably extends perpendicular to the pivot A. As particularly from [the image]... Figures 3 to 6 As seen in the diagram, the extension plane X and the partition wall plane T can be oriented parallel to each other on one side of the wire insertion channel 60.

[0077] Each lever arm 50 may have a partially circular sliding portion 56 extending around pivot A and oriented radially away from pivot A, which cooperates with a corresponding housing sliding portion 66 to slide and guide the release lever 5 around pivot A, as in, for example Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown.

[0078] Similarly, refer to Figure 7 and Figure 8 The sliding portion 56 may have a first sliding sub-segment 56a, which preferably extends about the pivot A along a first circle C1 having a first diameter d in the region of the respective guide portion 53. Therefore, the corresponding first housing sliding sub-segment 66a of the housing sliding portion 66 also extends along the first circle C1. The sliding portion 56 may then have a second sliding sub-segment 56b, which preferably extends about the pivot A along a second circle C2 having a second diameter D preferably larger than the first diameter d in the region outside the respective guide portion 53. Therefore, the corresponding second housing sliding sub-segment 66b of the housing sliding portion 66 also extends along the second circle C2.

[0079] For example, especially from Figure 7 and Figure 8 as well as Figures 14 to 18 As seen in the diagram, the second sliding sub-section 56b can have or form a respective operating part 52 in a preferred embodiment, thereby simplifying the overall structure of the release lever 5. This is particularly preferred because the aforementioned extension along circles C1 and C2 with different diameters D and d results in a cam-like geometry of the lever arm 50, which is especially beneficial in... Figures 5 to 18 You can see it in there.

[0080] The release lever 5 and preferably its arm portion 50 each have a first pivot support portion 54 on the side opposite to the wire insertion channel 60, which cooperates with the corresponding second pivot support portion 64 of the insulating material housing 6 and preferably the respective facing partition wall portion 61 to pivotally support the release lever 5 about pivot A. The first pivot support portion 54 is formed in the form of a V-groove on the outer side of the respective arm portion 50. They are then accommodated in the form of a pin-shaped protrusion of the second pivot support portion 64 to rotatably mount the release lever 5. The release lever 5 is thus as follows: Figure 19 and Figure 20 As seen in the image, the insulating material housing 6, or in this case, the housing body 68, can be inserted from below through a wide opening in the V-groove 54. The V-groove 54 then moves onto the pin-shaped protrusion 64 to pivotally accommodate it within the bottom of the V-groove 54. Subsequently, the spring-force-clamped terminal 2 is also inserted from below into the insulating material housing 6 or housing body 68 and is subsequently closed from below by the housing cover 69 (see example). Figure 7 and Figure 8 ).

[0081] The first pivot support 54 is preferably located on the side (in this case, the outer side) of the lever arm 50 opposite to the wire insertion channel 60, as shown on the left. Figure 17 and Figure 18 As can be seen in the example. Therefore, in this embodiment, the first pivot support portion 54 is provided on the side opposite to the guide portion 53 (here, towards the inside of the wire insertion channel 60). Thus, when the wire to be inserted into the wire insertion channel 60 is slidably supported on the guide portion 53 in order to be guided to the clamping point K, the rod arm portion 50 is pressed further against the second pivot support portion 64, thereby reliably maintaining the support connection by means of the pivot supports 54, 64.

[0082] For example, especially from Figure 6 and Figure 7 As seen in the diagram, the clamping spring 4 or its clamping arm 42 can extend laterally through the wire insertion channel 60 in the wire insertion direction E, at least in the closed position of the clamping point K, to form an inlet ramp extending to the clamping point K.

[0083] The spring-force clamping terminal 2, preferably its clamping spring 4, may have a spring actuating part 43 arranged such that it cooperates with the actuating part 52 to selectively open the clamping point K. The spring actuating part 43 preferably protrudes laterally (i.e., transverse to the wire insertion direction E or the extension direction of the clamping arm 42) and particularly from the clamping arm 42 on both sides, for example in… Figure 5 , Figure 6 and Figures 9 to 13 As can be seen in the image. By pivoting the release lever 5 from the rest position to the operating position, the operating part 52 moves along the second circle C2. The spring operating parts 43 protruding on both sides are located on the movement trajectory of the operating part 52 and form effective contact with it through the pivoting movement. As a result, the clamping spring 4 or its clamping arm 42 is pivoted downward and thus the clamping point K is opened.

[0084] This invention is not limited to the above embodiments, as long as it is covered by the subject matter of the following claims.

Claims

1. A terminal (1), said terminal (1) having: A spring-force clamping terminal (2) has at least one clamping point (K) for electrically connecting at least one conductor. An insulating material housing (6) at least partially accommodates the spring force clamping terminal (2). A wire insertion channel (60) extends from the outside in the wire insertion direction (E) to the clamping point (K), and Release lever (5), which is pivotally mounted within the insulating housing (6) about a pivot (A) extending transversely to the wire insertion direction (E), In the resting position, the clamping point (K) is closed to connect the electrical conductor. In the operating position, the clamping point (K) is opened by the cooperation of the spring force clamping the terminal (2) and the operating part (52) of the release lever (5). in, The release rod (5) has two spaced-apart rod arms (50) that are at least partially inserted into the insulating material housing (6) on both sides of the wire insertion channel (60). Each of the lever arms (50) has a guide portion (53), the guide portions being opposite to each other and forming at least a portion of the wire insertion channel (60) between them. In the rest position and / or the operating position, the guide portion (53) causes the wire insertion channel (60) to extend in a narrowing manner toward the clamping point (K) when viewed in the wire insertion direction. The guide section (53) has a first guide sub-section (53a) and a second guide sub-section (53b) that are respectively opposite to each other. The first guide sub-section of one guide section faces the first guide sub-section of the other guide section, and the second guide sub-section of the one guide section faces the second guide sub-section of the other guide section. In the resting position, the first guide segment (53a), viewed in the wire insertion direction (E), causes the wire insertion channel (60) to extend in a narrowing manner toward the clamping point (K), and In the operating position, the second guide sub-section (53b) extends the wire insertion channel (60) in a narrowing manner toward the clamping point (K) when viewed in the wire insertion direction (E).

2. The terminal (1) according to claim 1, wherein, The guide portions (53) are respectively concave and raised away from the wire insertion channel (60) or shell-shaped within their respective rod arms (50).

3. The terminal (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The guide portion (53) is formed by the axial material thickness variation of each lever arm portion (50) about the pivot (A).

4. The terminal (1) according to claim 1, wherein, Each of the lever arms (50) has a partially circular sliding portion (56) extending around the pivot (A) and oriented radially away from the pivot (A), the sliding portion cooperating with a corresponding housing sliding portion (66) to slide and guide the release lever (5) around the pivot (A).

5. The terminal (1) according to claim 4, wherein, The sliding portion (56) has a first sliding sub-segment (56a) that extends about the pivot (A) along a first circle (C1) having a first diameter d, and The sliding portion (56) has a second sliding sub-segment (56b) that extends about the pivot (A) along a second circle (C2) having a second diameter D, wherein the second sliding sub-segment (56b) has or forms a respective operating portion (52).

6. The terminal (1) according to claim 1, wherein, The arm portions (50) extend substantially within an extension plane (X).

7. The terminal (1) according to claim 1, wherein, The release lever (5) has a locking structure (55a, 55b) that cooperates with the corresponding housing locking structure (65a, 65b) of the insulating material housing (6) so that the release lever (5) is detachably and lockably held in the rest position and / or the operating position.

8. The terminal (1) according to claim 1, wherein, The release rod (5) has a first pivot support portion (54), which cooperates with a corresponding second pivot support portion (64) of the insulating material housing (6) for pivot support of the release rod (5) around the pivot (A). The first pivot support (54) is located on or in the side of the rod arm (50) opposite to the wire insertion channel (60).

9. The terminal (1) according to claim 1, wherein, The release lever (5) has a lever operating part (51) for moving the release lever (5) about the pivot (A). The lever operating part (51) extends substantially in a plane. The lever operating part (51) extends between the lever arms (50) and connects them to each other. The control part (52) and the lever control part (51) are disposed at opposite ends of the release lever (5).

10. The terminal (1) according to claim 1, wherein, The pivot (A) extends laterally outside the wire insertion channel (60), and / or wherein the pivot (A) does not intersect the wire insertion channel (60) or its extension in the wire insertion direction (E).

11. The terminal (1) according to claim 1, wherein, The insulating material housing (6) has a guide wall (63) that, together with the guide portion (53), at least partially forms the wire insertion channel (60).

12. The terminal (1) according to claim 11, wherein, The guide wall (63) has a lateral wall (630) that axially defines the wire insertion channel (60) on both sides at least partially laterally with respect to the pivot (A). The lateral wall portion (630) smoothly transitions to the respective guide portion (53) in the wire insertion direction (E) at least on the wire insertion channel (60) side and at least in the rest position and the operating position.

13. The terminal (1) according to claim 1, wherein, The insulating housing (6) has a cover wall (62) that extends above the wire insertion channel (60) between the support (57) and the pivot (A) of the release rod (5) in the rest position of the release rod (5). The terminal (1) is designed such that the support (57) is slidably supported on the cover wall (62) when the release rod (5) pivots about the pivot (A).

14. The terminal (1) according to claim 8, wherein, The insulating material housing (6) has a partition wall (61) that, about the pivot (A), axially at least partially laterally points to the release rod (5) on both sides, wherein the partition wall (61) has a second pivot support (64).

15. The terminal (1) according to claim 1, wherein, The spring force clamping terminal (2) has a busbar (3) and a clamping spring (4) with a movable clamping arm (42), wherein the clamping arm (42) has a clamping part (421) to form the clamping point (K) between the clamping part (421) and the busbar (3).

16. The terminal (1) according to claim 15, wherein, The clamping spring (4) extends laterally through the wire insertion channel (60) in the wire insertion direction (E) at least in the closed position of the clamping point (K) to form an inlet ramp up to the clamping point (K).

17. The terminal (1) according to claim 1, wherein, The spring force clamping terminal (2) has a spring operating part (43) arranged such that the spring operating part cooperates with the operating part (52) to selectively open the clamping point (K).

18. The terminal (1) according to claim 1, wherein, The spring force clamping terminal (2) has a plurality of clamping points (K) and their respective wire insertion channels (60), which are arranged at least partially in series and / or overlapping and / or aligned with each other, wherein the wire insertion directions (E) of the wire insertion channels (60) associated with the clamping points (K) are at least partially parallel to each other.

19. The terminal (1) according to claim 18, wherein, At least two of the plurality of clamping points (K) are each assigned a release lever (5), wherein the pivot (A) of the release lever (5) assigned to the plurality of clamping points (K) is at least partially parallel or coaxial.

20. The terminal (1) according to claim 1, wherein, The terminal (1) is a wiring terminal or a connection terminal.

21. The terminal (1) according to claim 5, wherein, The first sliding sub-segment extends within the region of its respective guide (53), and The second sliding sub-section extends in the region outside its respective guide section (53).

22. The terminal (1) according to claim 5, wherein, The second diameter D is greater than the first diameter d.

23. The terminal (1) according to claim 6, wherein, The extended planes (X) are parallel to each other.

24. The terminal (1) according to claim 6, wherein, The extended plane (X) is orthogonal to the pivot (A).

25. The terminal (1) according to claim 9, wherein, The lever control unit (51) causes the release lever (5) to move about the pivot (A) between the rest position and the control position.

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