Wiring terminal for connecting electric wire

Abstract

A connection terminal (1) comprises a housing (10) and a contact element (11) for electrical connection to an electrical wire (2). The spring element (12) has a clamping leg (120) which is designed to act on the electrical wire (2) in a clamping position in order to contact the electrical wire (2) with a contact section (110) on the contact element (11). The trigger element (13) is movable relative to the housing (10), and the clamping leg (120) can be released from the release position by cooperation of the trigger element (13) with the electrical wire (2). The spring element (12) has a catch leg (124) which engages with the clamping leg (120) in a release position in order to maintain the position of the clamping leg (120) relative to the housing (10), the trigger element (13) being arranged on the catch leg (124) as a separate element in such a way that when the trigger element (13) is moved, the catch leg moves together with the clamping leg (120) in order to release the engagement.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a terminal for connecting electric wires as described in the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] Such terminals include a housing having a socket into which an electric wire can be inserted along an insertion direction to be connected to the terminal. Contact elements for making electrical contact with the electric wire are arranged on the housing. The contact elements have contact sections. The spring element has clamping legs which are designed to act on the electric wire in a clamping position to bring the electric wire into contact with the contact sections. The clamping legs can be moved relative to the housing from the clamping position to a release position to release the electric wire. The clamping legs remain in a fixed position relative to the housing in their release position. The triggering element is movable relative to the housing, wherein the clamping legs can be unlocked from the release position by the interaction of the triggering element with the electric wire.

[0003] Such terminals achieve a spring force connection by using a spring element, wherein the electric wire is clamped to the contact element by the elastic action of the spring element in the connection position, thereby electrically connecting the electric wire to the contact element. Background Art

[0004] In the terminal known from DE 10 2019 127 464 B3, a tension spring is provided as the spring element, which elastically pulls the connected electric wire to a position in contact with the corresponding contact element by its elastic action, thereby establishing a clamping connection between the electric wire and the contact element. For this purpose, the electric wire is inserted through an opening in the clamping leg during assembly and is clamped between the clamping leg and the contact element in the connection position.

[0005] In the terminal known from DE 10 2019 127 464 B3, a latching device is provided by which the clamping legs are locked relative to the housing in the release position. When inserting the electric wire, the latching device is triggered and thus the locking is released, so that the clamping legs move from the release position and thereby clamp the electric wire to the contact element. To move the clamping legs to the release position, in particular to install the electric wire or remove the connected electric wire from the terminal, a tool, such as a screwdriver, can be attached to the terminal and a force can be applied to the clamping legs thereby.

[0006] Different from directly adjusting the clamping legs with a tool in DE 10 2019 127 464 B3, in DE 10 2019 135203 A1 and DE 10 2020 104 140 A1, the known terminals are respectively provided with an operating element in the form of a so-called "pusher" which can be pressed into the housing of the terminal, thereby acting on the clamping legs in this way and moving the clamping legs to their release position.

[0007] In the terminal known from EP 3 772 777 B1, the housing has a socket for inserting an electric wire. A spring element is provided within the housing. The spring element is configured with clamping legs that are locked relative to the housing with a rocker element in the release position.

[0008] In the terminal known from DE 10 2019 132 316 A1, the clamping legs of the spring element are locked with deflection legs in the locked state. In this case, the locking elements of the clamping legs are configured at a distance from the clamping edges of the clamping legs. Summary of the Invention

[0009] The object of the present invention is to provide a terminal that can provide excellent electrical contact while having higher variability, is particularly suitable for connecting conductors with large wire cross-sections, and the terminal has a simple structure and a reliable triggering mechanism for convenient operation when connecting electric wires.

[0010] This object is achieved by a terminal having the features described in claim 1.

[0011] Thereby, the spring element has latching legs that are locked with the clamping legs in the release position to maintain the position of the clamping legs relative to the housing, wherein the triggering element is arranged as a separate component on the latching legs such that when the triggering element moves, the latching legs move accordingly, thereby releasing the locking with the clamping legs.

[0012] In the terminal, when an electric wire is inserted into the socket, the clamping legs act on the electric wire and elastically press the electric wire in the direction of contact with the contact element, thereby achieving electrical connection between the electric wire and the electrical contact element. To simplify the insertion operation of the electric wire, the clamping legs of the spring element can be elastically deflected, thereby turning the clamping legs into the release position. In this release position, the space in the socket area inside the housing is released, so that the electric wire can be inserted into the socket with almost no force applied, or the connected electric wire can be easily removed from the terminal.

[0013] In the state where the clamping legs are in the release position, the terminal can also be delivered to the customer by the manufacturer, for example.

[0014] The terminal has a triggering element for interacting with the electric wire when the electric wire is inserted into the socket. By the triggering element moving relative to the housing when the electric wire is inserted, the fixation of the clamping legs is cancelled, so that the terminal automatically closes when the electric wire is inserted. Due to the clamping action of the clamping legs, the connection process is simple and the contact between the electric wire and the contact element is reliable.

[0015] The spring element has a latching leg that locks with a clamping leg in a release position to hold the clamping leg in position relative to the housing. The latching leg is formed on the spring element and can be elastically deflected to release the latching connection between the clamping leg and the latching leg, thereby releasing the clamping leg from the release position.

[0016] When a wire is inserted into the socket, the trigger element can move relative to the housing through interaction with the wire to move the latching leg, thereby releasing the latching connection. The trigger element is arranged as a separate element on the latching leg in such a way that when the wire is inserted, the latching leg can also be moved by adjusting the trigger element, thereby canceling the latching connection between the latching leg and the clamping leg. The connection between the trigger element and the latching leg is such that when the trigger element moves, the latching leg also moves and in this way moves relative to the clamping leg to release the latching connection.

[0017] If a wire with a relatively large cross-section is to be connected to the terminal, the spring element needs to be designed to provide a relatively large spring force at the clamping position through the clamping leg to clamp the wire to the contact section of the contact element. The latching leg formed on the spring element enables the clamping leg to be reliably locked in the release position, thereby maintaining its position relative to the housing in the release position. In the release position, the clamping leg is elastically tensioned, and the tension on the latching leg is absorbed.

[0018] Since the trigger element is designed as a separate part separate from the latching leg and is mounted on the latching leg, the cooperation between the trigger element and the wire when inserted into the socket can be optimized, while ensuring that the trigger element can be manufactured more simply and at lower cost, for example, using plastic.

[0019] In one embodiment, there is a form-fitting connection between the trigger element and the latching leg. The trigger element is arranged on the latching leg and forms a connection with the latching leg in the assembled position. The trigger element has a form-fitting connection with the clamping leg such that when the trigger element deflects, the clamping leg is driven and (elastically) moved to cancel the latching between the latching leg and the clamping leg. If the wire no longer acts on the trigger element, the trigger element will automatically return to its initial position due to the elastic return of the latching leg so that the trigger element can deflect again when the wire is reinserted.

[0020] For example, the trigger element can have a body on which a notch is formed, and the latching leg engages with the notch.

[0021] For example, the latching leg can pass through the notch in such a way that the latching leg enters the notch at one end and exits the notch again at the other end. In this way, the latching leg is located within the notch, thereby forming a form-fitting connection between the trigger element and the latching leg, and when the trigger element deflects, the latching leg will also deflect accordingly.

[0022] The connection between the latching leg and the trigger element can be gapless or have a gap. For example, the latching leg can be located in the notch of the trigger element body with substantially no gap or with a gap. In particular, the gap allows for a certain tolerance in the relative position between the trigger element and the latching leg.

[0023] For example, the engagement of the latching leg with the notch can be ensured by forming a latching element on the body of the trigger element, which extends into the notch region and engages the latching leg from behind in the installed position, so that the latching leg is fixed in the notch and is not easily disengaged from the notch.

[0024] Additionally or alternatively, for example, a latching element can also be formed on the body of the trigger element, which engages with a corresponding latching opening on the support leg, thereby fixing the trigger element on the spring element so that it does not get lost at least during assembly.

[0025] In one embodiment, the spring element has a support leg by which the spring element can be supported relative to the housing and held in a certain position relative to the housing. For example, the support leg can be directly supported on the housing. However, the support leg can also be supported on a component fixed relative to the housing, such as a contact element. The clamping leg can be elastically deflected relative to the support leg. In the release position, the clamping leg is deflected in such a way that the spring element is elastically tensioned, and the clamping leg moves out of the release position due to the elastic pre-tensioning force after being released from the release position.

[0026] In one embodiment, the clamping leg can be deflected relative to the support leg in a plane perpendicular to the insertion direction and the transverse direction. For example, the spring element is designed as a leg spring, where the support leg is supported relative to the housing and the clamping leg can be elastically deflected relative to the support leg. The clamping leg moves in a rotational plane determined by the insertion direction and the transverse direction and thus (at least approximately) points around a rotational axis perpendicular to the rotational plane.

[0027] In one embodiment, the first end of the support leg is connected to the clamping leg by a curved connecting section. The second end of the support leg is connected to the latching leg. The connecting section can, for example, extend around a pin-shaped housing section and provide a bending radius on which the clamping leg can elastically deflect relative to the support leg. The latching leg can, for example, bend towards the support leg and extend from the support leg so that the latching leg can latch with the clamping leg in the release position.

[0028] In one embodiment, the clamping leg forms a clamping edge at the end remote from the support leg for acting on the wire in the clamping position. In the clamping position, the clamping leg acts on the inserted wire through the clamping edge, thereby pressing it in the direction of contact with the contact section of the contact element. In contrast, the locking with the latching leg in the release position preferably takes place at a position on the clamping leg that is retracted from the clamping edge in the direction of the support leg and is thus spaced from the clamping edge. Thus, in the release position, the clamping leg is not locked by the clamping edge but at a position on the clamping leg that is at a certain distance from the clamping edge.

[0029] With this design, it is possible to reliably carry out the snap connection between the clamping leg and the latching leg and be unaffected by, for example, wear of the clamping edge of the clamping leg. The locking of the clamping leg in the release position and the clamping action of the clamping leg on the inserted wire through the clamping edge are spatially and functionally separated. Therefore, wear of the clamping edge of the clamping leg, for example, does not affect the reliability of the snap connection in the release position.

[0030] In one embodiment, the latching leg has a latching element located at the end of the latching leg remote from the support leg and preferably integrally and monolithically formed with the latching leg.

[0031] The latching element is preferably arranged on the latching leg in such a way that the latching element protrudes relative to the triggering element in the direction of the clamping leg. For example, if the latching leg is located within the notch of the body of the triggering element, the latching element protrudes from the body so that the latching element can snap with the clamping leg of the spring element outside the body of the triggering element in order to hold the clamping leg in position relative to the housing in the release position.

[0032] In one embodiment, the latching element engages around at least one side of the clamping leg to snap the clamping leg in the release position. Thus, the latching element acts on the side of the clamping leg to establish a snap connection between the latching element on the latching leg and the clamping leg.

[0033] In one embodiment, the latching element has at least one fork leg that can clamp the clamping leg for latching. For example, the latching element can have two fork legs with the clamping leg received between them for latching. In the release position, the clamping leg is located between the fork legs and is latched to the latching leg through the fork legs.

[0034] In one embodiment, at least one of the fork legs has a first notch into which the clamping leg engages in a latching manner in the release position. If there are two fork legs, each fork leg preferably has such a first notch, and the first notches of the fork legs point towards each other and engage with the clamping leg in the release position. In the release position, the side of the clamping leg is located in the first notches of the fork legs and is thereby latched together with the latching leg.

[0035] In one embodiment, the clamping leg has a second notch on at least one side, and a snap element can be brought into the notch area to release the snap. For example, the shape of the notch can be an inward indentation on the respective side edges of the clamping legs. In the release position, at least one prong of the snap element is in operative connection with the side edge of the clamping leg by surrounding engagement of the prong with the side edge. When inserting the wire, by acting on the triggering element to move the snap leg, the snap element can be brought into the area of the second notch on each side edge of the clamping leg, so that by sliding in the second notch, the respective snap legs are disengaged from the engagement with the respective side edges of the clamping leg, thereby canceling the snap.

[0036] In another embodiment, the snap element can be designed as a hook that, in the release position of the snap, is inserted into a corresponding snap opening on the clamping leg, for example.

[0037] Other designs of the snap element on the snap leg and the corresponding mating snap element on the clamping leg are also conceivable and possible.

[0038] In one embodiment, the housing has a first housing wall and a second housing wall extending parallel to the first housing wall, wherein the wire can be inserted into the accommodation space between the first housing wall and the second housing wall by inserting the wire into the socket along the insertion direction, and wherein the clamping leg can move within the accommodation space between the first housing wall and the second housing wall. In order to enable the wire to be inserted into the accommodation space inside the housing and to enable the wire to be reliably electrically contacted with the contact section of the contact element, the housing advantageously has a first housing wall and a second housing wall extending parallel to the first housing wall, and when the wire is inserted into the socket, the wire can be inserted between these two housing walls.

[0039] The housing walls define an accommodation space therebetween into which the wire can be inserted to be connected to the terminal. The clamping legs of the spring element can move between the housing walls so that the clamping legs can engage between the housing walls to clamp the inserted wire to the contact section of the contact element.

[0040] Since the wire, when inserted into the socket, passes through the housing wall until it enters the area where the clamping legs of the spring element are located inside the housing, the wire can be reliably inserted into the housing interior and reliably clamped to the contact section of the contact element by the clamping legs of the spring element. In particular, this also enables the spring element to be designed to provide a relatively large elastic force to connect wires with a relatively large conductor cross-section.

[0041] In one embodiment, the clamping leg engages in the receiving space between the first housing wall and the second housing wall at least in the clamping position. The clamping leg is movable between the first housing wall and the second housing wall. However, the clamping leg does not necessarily always lie between the housing walls, but can, for example, be moved out of the region between the housing walls in the release position. However, depending on the conductor cross-section of the inserted wire, the clamping leg is designed such that it engages in the receiving space between the housing walls at least in the clamping position, so that the inserted wire is loaded in the direction of contact with the contact section of the contact element by the clamping leg, and the inserted wire is reliably clamped to the contact section of the contact element.

[0042] In one embodiment, the clamping leg is deflectable relative to the housing in the deflection plane spanned by the insertion direction and the transverse direction between the clamping position and the release position. The clamping leg is movable between the clamping position and the release position. The clamping leg is movable between different positions within the deflection plane defined by the insertion direction and the transverse direction.

[0043] Here, the first housing wall and the second housing wall are preferably spaced apart from each other in the depth direction perpendicular to the deflection plane. The first housing wall and the second housing wall each extend in a plane and are opposite each other when viewed in the depth direction. The wire can be inserted between the housing walls so as to be clamped to the contact section under the spring action of the clamping leg.

[0044] In one embodiment, when viewed transversely, the contact section abuts against the first housing wall and / or the second housing wall. In particular, the contact section can be arranged in a notch extending in the insertion direction, through which each respective housing wall is separated from another housing section of the housing. Thus, when viewed transversely, the contact section is arranged relative to the housing wall such that the wire can be inserted between the housing walls and can be pressed in the transverse direction under the action of the clamping leg, and thus in the direction of the contact section, in order to make electrical contact with the contact element.

[0045] The contact section preferably extends perpendicular to the transverse direction beside the first and / or second housing wall.

[0046] In one embodiment, the socket of the housing has an inlet region with a net width. The spacing between the first housing wall and the second housing wall is less than this net width. For example, the inlet region of the socket can have an approximately circular cross-section transverse to the insertion direction. The net width of the inlet region then corresponds to the diameter of the inlet region. On the other hand, the spacing between the housing walls is measured in the depth direction in which the housing walls are spaced apart from each other.

[0047] In one embodiment, when viewed in the insertion direction, a funnel section of the housing that tapers in the insertion direction is adjacent to the inlet region, and the first housing wall and the second housing wall are connected to the funnel section. The first housing wall and the second housing wall extend from the funnel section in the insertion direction, so that the socket extends in the insertion direction. The funnel section forms a transition between the inlet region and the housing walls, that is, the funnel section tapers in the insertion direction, so as to guide the wire from the inlet region into the accommodation space between the housing walls during insertion.

[0048] In one embodiment, the contact element has a support section arranged at an angle to the contact section, and a spring element, in particular the support leg of the spring element, is supported on the support section. For example, the support section is arranged at a 90° angle to the contact section and, for example, extends perpendicular to the insertion direction. For example, the support leg of the spring element is connected to the support section by means of a connection such as force fit, force-form fit, shape fit or material fit. In addition, the support leg can also be supported on the housing, for example, on the housing section around which the spring element extends.

[0049] When viewed in the insertion direction, the support section is preferably located below the first housing wall and / or the second housing wall. For example, the trigger leg of the trigger element can move between the end edge of the housing wall and the support section. The support section extending, for example, perpendicular to the insertion direction thus maintains a certain distance from the end edge of the housing wall, and the trigger leg of the trigger element can move in the intermediate space between the end edge of the housing wall and the support section.

[0050] In one embodiment, the trigger element includes a trigger leg that (at least approximately) extends transversely to the insertion direction in the initial position. The trigger leg can be moved out of the initial position through the interaction with the wire to release the clamping leg from the release position. By deflecting the trigger leg from the initial position, the trigger element acts on the latching leg and thereby releases the fixing of the clamping leg in the release position, so that the clamping leg moves in the direction from the release position towards the clamping position.

[0051] In one embodiment, the first housing wall and / or the second housing wall is provided with a stop element, and the trigger leg abuts against the stop element in the initial position. Therefore, in the initial position, the trigger leg is in a specific position relative to the housing defined by the stop element on the corresponding housing wall. The trigger leg can be moved out of the initial position and thus away from the stop element, thereby releasing the fixing of the clamping leg in the release position, so that the clamping leg turns to the clamping position.

[0052] A (single) stop element can be formed on one of the housing walls. However, it is also conceivable and feasible that each of the two housing walls is provided with a stop element.

[0053] In one embodiment, the stop element is formed by the end edges of the first and / or second housing walls facing the insertion direction. Seen from the insertion direction, the end edges face downwards. The trigger leg contacts the end edge in the initial position, thus forming a defined position relative to the housing.

[0054] In the initial position, the trigger leg can rest on the end edge of one of the housing walls. However, it is also conceivable that the trigger leg rests on the end edges of both housing walls in the initial position.

[0055] In one embodiment, the terminal has an operating element movable relative to the housing to move the clamping leg to the release position. By operating the operating element, the clamping leg can be moved to the release position. In the release position, the clamping leg remains in a certain position relative to the housing, so that the wire can be conveniently connected to the terminal or the connected wire can be removed from the terminal.

[0056] For example, the operating element can be designed in the form of a push rod and is pressed into the housing by the user's manipulation, thereby acting on the clamping leg in this way and moving the clamping leg in the direction of the release position.

[0057] In one embodiment, the operating element is mounted on the housing so as to be linearly displaceable and has an operating section for user manipulation and an acting section for acting on the clamping leg. The user can reach the operating section from outside the housing, for example using a tool such as a screwdriver, or alternatively the operating section can also be manually manipulated, while the acting section remains in operative connection with the clamping leg of the spring element. Therefore, by adjusting the operating element, the adjusting force is applied to the clamping leg via the acting section, so that when the operating element is adjusted from the non-operating position to the operating position, the clamping leg is driven and thus moved in the direction of the release position.

[0058] In one embodiment, the spring element is designed as a tension spring. In this case, the clamping leg of the spring element is designed to pull the wire into contact with the contact section by spring force. For example, in this case, an opening can be formed in the clamping leg through which the wire can be guided when the wire is inserted into the socket of the housing, so that after the clamping leg is released from the release position, the wire is pulled into clamping contact with the contact element.

[0059] Alternatively, the spring element can also be designed as a compression spring. In this case, the clamping leg is designed to press the wire into contact with the contact section by spring force. When inserted into the socket, the wire enters the space between the clamping leg and the contact section, and after the clamping leg is released from the release position, the clamping leg acts on the wire to press the wire into contact with the contact section of the contact element.

[0060] The terminal of said type can be used in various different electrical and electronic devices in different ways, such as printed circuit boards, terminal blocks or plug connectors. Description of the Drawings

[0061] In accordance with the basic idea of the present invention, a detailed description will be given below with reference to the illustrated embodiments. The figures show:

[0062] Figure 1A : A view of an embodiment of the terminal, showing the clamping legs of the spring element in the released position;

[0063] Figure 1B : According to Figure 1A The sectional view of the structure;

[0064] Figure 2A : According to Figure 1A The side view of the structure;

[0065] Figure 2B : According to Figure 2A The sectional view of the structure;

[0066] Figure 3 : A view of the terminal assembly, including a contact element, a spring element and a trigger element;

[0067] Figure 4 : A separate view of the spring element;

[0068] Figure 5A : A view of the terminal when inserting a wire;

[0069] Figure 5B : According to Figure 5A The sectional view of the structure;

[0070] Figure 6A : According to Figure 5A The side view of the structure;

[0071] Figure 6B : According to Figure 6A The sectional view of the structure;

[0072] Figure 7A : According to Figure 5B The sectional view shown, showing the clamping legs in the clamped position;

[0073] Figure 7B : Figure 6B The sectional view shown, showing the clamping legs in the clamped position;

[0074] Figure 8 : A view of the terminal assembly, including a contact element, a spring element and a trigger element;

[0075] Figure 9A : The sectional view shown in Figure 7A when the operating element is pressed to move the clamping leg to the release position;

[0076] Figure 9B : The sectional view shown in Figure 7B when the operating element is pressed to move the clamping leg to the release position;

[0077] Figure 10A : Side view of the modified embodiment;

[0078] Figure 10B : The sectional view according to Figure 10A the structure;

[0079] Figure 11 : Figure 10A and 10B the spring element of the embodiment shown;

[0080] Figure 12A : View of another embodiment;

[0081] Figure 12B : The sectional view according to Figure 12A the structure;

[0082] Figure 13 : Figure 12A The structural view shown, without the contact element;

[0083] Figure 14 : Figure 12A and 12B View of the components of the structure shown, including the contact element and the spring element;

[0084] Figure 15 : View of the components of an embodiment of the terminal block, including the contact element, the spring element and the trigger element;

[0085] Figure 16 : View of an embodiment of the spring element and the trigger element;

[0086] Figure 17 : View of the terminal block, showing the load state when the spring element is in the release position;

[0087] Figure 18 : View of an embodiment of the spring element;

[0088] Figure 19 : View of another embodiment of the spring element;

[0089] Figure 20 : View of another embodiment of the spring element;

[0090] Figure 21 : View of another embodiment of the spring element;

[0091] Figure 22 : View of another embodiment of the spring element;

[0092] Figure 23 : View of the contact element assembly, including the spring element mounted thereon;

[0093] Figure 24 : View of an embodiment of the spring element, including a trigger element integrally formed thereon. Detailed Description of the Invention

[0094] Figure 1A , 1B Figs. 9A, 9B show an embodiment of the terminal 1, which includes a housing 10 having a socket 100 formed therein for inserting a wire 2 in the insertion direction E.

[0095] The housing 10 defines a receiving space 101. When the wire 2 is inserted into the socket 100 in the insertion direction E, the bare wire end 20 of the wire 2 is guided into the receiving space 101. In the connected state, the bare wire end 20 of the wire 2 is located within the receiving space 101 and is in electrical contact with the contact element 11 in the form of a current bar through the clamping leg 120 of the spring element 12, so that the wire 2 is electrically connected to the terminal 1.

[0096] The spring element 12 has a support leg 121, which in the illustrated embodiment supports on the housing 10 and the contact element 11, so that the spring element 12 is fixed relative to the housing 10. The clamping leg 120 can be elastically bent relative to the support leg 121, especially such that the clamping leg 120 in the Figure 7A , 7B and the clamping position shown in Fig. 8 clamps the wire 2 connected to the terminal 1 and presses it against the contact section 110 of the contact element 11 by elastic preloading, so that the wire 2 is in electrical contact with the contact element 11 at its wire end 20.

[0097] In the illustrated embodiment, the contact element 11 is integrally and monolithically formed, for example, formed as a stamping and bending part, having a contact section 110 and a support section 111 bent at 90° to the contact section 110. The support leg 121 supports on this support section through a support end 128. A support piece 114 is formed on the support section 111, which is separated from the support section 111 by cutting and bent towards the support section 111. The support leg 121 supports on the support piece 114, as shown in Figure 1B and 2BAs shown, the support leg 121 can also be fixed to the support piece 114 by welding, for example. Relative to being supported on the support piece 114, additionally or alternatively, the support end 128 of the support leg 121 can also be inserted into the opening in the support section 111 of the contact element 11.

[0098] The support leg 121 is connected to the clamping leg 120 by a bent connecting section 122. The connecting section 122 provides a bending radius such that the spring element 12 can be bent and deformed on this radius, so that the clamping leg 120 can be elastically deflected relative to the support leg 121 and relative to the housing 10, and can move between the clamping position and the release position.

[0099] In the illustrated embodiment, the connecting section 122 extends around the pin-shaped housing section 103 and is supported on the housing 10 here, as Figure 1B and 2B shown.

[0100] At one end away from the connecting section 122, a latching leg 124 is connected to the support leg 121, and the latching leg is bent towards the support leg 121 at a sharp angle. The transition region between the support leg 121 and the latching leg 124 extends around the pin-shaped housing section 104 of the housing 10. The latching leg 124 can be elastically deflected relative to the support leg 121 for locking the clamping leg 120 in the release position as shown in Figure 1A , 2B , 2A, 2B, 3 and 4.

[0101] In the illustrated embodiment, a fork-shaped latching element 126 is formed on the latching leg 124, and the latching element forms two fork legs 126A and 126B, and inwardly recessed notches 127 are formed on the fork legs, especially as shown in the separate view of the spring element 12 in Figure 4 . In the release position, the clamping leg 120 latches with the latching leg 124. At this time, the side edges of the clamping leg 120 abut against the notches 127 of the fork legs 126A and 126B of the latching element 126, so as to be stuck with the latching leg 124, as Figure 4 shown.

[0102] The terminal 1 further includes a triggering element 13, and the triggering element has a triggering leg 130. The triggering element 13 is arranged on the latching leg 124 of the spring element 12 that is connected to the support leg 121 and bent towards the support leg 121 through a body 131, and the latching leg 124 is inserted into the notch 132 of the body 131, so that the triggering element 13 can be elastically flipped together with the latching leg 124 relative to the support leg 121, relative to the housing 10 and the contact element 11 fixed on the housing 10, as Figure 5A , 5B and 6A, 6B shown.

[0103] The trigger element 13 is in a form - fit connection with the snap - leg 124 by inserting the snap - leg 124 into the notch 132 of the body 131 of the trigger element 13. Thus, when the trigger element 13 is moved, the snap - leg 124 is also driven and elastically deflected relative to the support leg 121.

[0104] When the snap - leg 124 is inserted into the notch 132, it can be substantially gap - free or have a gap (respectively, with respect to the rotation plane of the clamping leg 120). Providing a gap can provide a certain tolerance for the position of the trigger leg 130 relative to the snap - leg 124.

[0105] The trigger leg 130 extends at least approximately transversely to the insertion direction E in the initial position (corresponding to the states shown in Figure 1A 、 1B 、2A, 2B) and extends into the region of the housing 10 that is aligned with the socket 100. Thus, when the wire 2 is inserted, the conductor end 20 of the wire will contact the trigger leg 130 and thereby act on the trigger element 13.

[0106] The trigger element 13 is used to cooperate with the wire 2 inserted into the socket 100 so as to automatically trigger the clamping leg 120 to connect the wire 2 to the terminal 1. As shown in Figure 5A 、 5B 、6A, 6B, when the wire 2 is inserted into the socket 100, the conductor end 20 of the wire 2 acts on the trigger leg 130, causing it to deviate from the initial position shown in Figure 1A 、 1B 、2A, 2B, as shown in Figure 5A 、 5B 、6A, 6B and Figure 7A 、 7B and 8.

[0107] By moving the trigger leg 130, the snap - leg 124 also moves accordingly, causing the snap - leg 124 to move on the clamping leg 120 until the fork legs 126A and 126B of the snap - element 126 enter the region of the notch 125 on the side edge of the clamping leg 120, as shown in Figure 5A 、 5B and 6A, 6B. Thus, the latched state of the clamping leg 120 is released. The clamping leg 120 can move relative to the snap - leg 124 by the sliding of the fork legs 126A, 126B of the snap - element 126 in the notch 125 of the clamping leg 120, and thus enter the clamping position shown in Figure 7A 、 7B and 8.

[0108] When in the state as shown in Figure 1A 、 1BWhen in the release positions shown in Figures 2A, 2B, 3 and 4, the latching leg 124 is substantially in a relaxed state, and when the clamping leg 120 is held in a deflected and tensioned state corresponding to the release position, the latching leg 124 is elastically deflected and in a tensioned state at the clamping position of the clamping leg 120. According to the design of the spring element 12, the latching leg 124 can support the clamping force on the clamping leg 120 in the clamping position, because the elastically deflected latching leg 124 strengthens the abutment of the clamping leg 120 against the inserted wire 2 due to the force deflection, thereby further increasing the clamping force provided by the clamping leg 120.

[0109] A clamping edge 123 away from the support leg 121 is formed on the clamping leg 120. Through this clamping edge, the clamping leg 120 abuts against the inserted wire 2 in the clamping position, as Figure 7A 、 7B shown in Figures 7 and 8. The latching element 126 of the latching leg 124 generates a latching action to keep the latching position of the clamping leg 120 retracted from this clamping edge 123 in the direction of the connecting section 122 in the release position. Therefore, the clamping of the wire 2 in the clamping position ( Figure 7A 、 Figure 7B 、 Figure 8 ) and the latching action in the release position ( Figure 1A 、 Figure 1B 、 Figure 2A 、 Figure 2B 、 Figure 3 and Figure 4 ) are generated at different positions on the clamping leg 120. Due to this spatial and functional separation, for example, wear on the clamping edge 123 does not affect the reliability of the latching in the release position.

[0110] In the illustrated embodiment, an operating element 14 that can move along the operating direction B is supported on the housing 10. The operating element 14 is movably received in the operating hole 102 of the housing 10 through the operating section 140 and can move relative to the housing 10 in a linearly guided manner along the operating direction B so as to act on the clamping leg 120 of the spring element 12 through one end 142 of the shaft-shaped acting section 141 extending from the operating section 140 and move the clamping leg to the release position.

[0111] The operating section 140 is accessible from the outside of the housing 10 through the operating hole 102 and can thus be operated by the user, for example, by using a tool.

[0112] The operating element 14 is in Figure 7A 、 7BIn the non-operated position shown, it moves outwards in the operating hole 102 in a direction opposite to the operating direction B. In the non-operated position, the stop element 143 formed on the operating element 14 abuts against the corresponding stop element 109 in the form of a step on the inside of the housing 10, thereby preventing the operating element 14 from slipping out of the operating hole 102 in a direction opposite to the operating direction B.

[0113] When the operating element 14 is operated in the operating direction B, it is operatively connected to the clamping leg 120 of the spring element 12, as Figure 9A 、 9B shown. For this purpose, the operating element 14 acts on the clamping leg 120 through the end 142 of the acting section 141 remote from the operating section 140, so as to move it to deflect elastically relative to the supporting leg 121. In this way, the fork legs 126A, 126B of the snap element 126 slide in the notch 125 of the clamping leg 120 until the clamping leg 120 moves to the height of the notch 127 inside the fork legs 126A, 126B of the snap element 126, and the snap element 126 slides onto the side edge of the clamping leg 120 under the elastic reset action of the snap leg 124, as Figure 9A 、 9B fitted Figure 4 shown. The clamping leg 120 is thus (re)caught and thereby locked in the release position as Figure 9A 、 9B shown.

[0114] Due to the reset of the snap leg 124, the trigger element 13 is also reset to its initial position.

[0115] In Figure 9A 、 9B shown corresponding to Figure 1A 、 1B 、2A, 2B in the operated position of the operating element 14, the clamping leg 120 moves to the release position, in which the area in the housing 10 aligned with the socket 100 is released, so that the wire 2 can be inserted into the housing 10 with little effort, as Figure 5A 、 5B and 6A, 6B shown.

[0116] In the illustrated embodiment, the housing 2 is constructed with spaced-apart housing walls 105A, 105B in the depth direction T, and a receiving space 101 is defined therebetween, into which the wire 2 enters when inserted into the socket 100.

[0117] Socket 100 has an inlet region 107 (which is approximately cylindrical) with a net width of L1. When wire 2 is inserted into socket 100, it first reaches this inlet region. A funnel section 106 is connected to the inlet region 107, and this funnel section tapers the inlet region in the insertion direction E. Housing walls 105A, 105B extend downward along the insertion direction E from the funnel section 106, and thereby laterally define housing 10 in such a way that housing walls 105A, 105B are spaced apart from each other in the depth direction T and define a receiving space 101 therebetween.

[0118] The spacing between housing walls 105A, 105B is L2 (measured between the inner sides of housing walls 105A and 105B facing each other), which is less than the net width L1 of the inlet region 107 of socket 100 (see Figure 1B ).

[0119] Housing walls 105A, 105B each extend perpendicular to the plane of the depth direction T. The clamping legs 120 of spring element 12 are movable between housing walls 105A, 105B and at least in the clamping position extend between housing walls 105A, 105B in order to clamp the inserted wire to the contact section 110 of contact element 11, as Figure 7A and 7B shown.

[0120] When wire 2 is inserted into socket 100, housing walls 105A and 105B can provide guidance for wire 2, thereby enabling a reliable insertion process, while wire 2 and contact section 110 are reliably clamped at the connection position.

[0121] Housing walls 105A, 105B are constructed with stop elements 108A, 108B at their end edges. In the initial position (when terminal 1 is open), the trigger leg 130 of trigger element 13 abuts against these stop elements, as Figure 1A , 1B , 2A, 2B shown. Through the stops on housing walls 105A, 105B, trigger leg 130 obtains a defined position within housing 10 in the initial position.

[0122] The contact section 110 extending perpendicular to the transverse direction Q (when viewed along the transverse direction Q) is located beside housing walls 105A, 105B and is in the gap between housing wall 105A and the end face outer wall of housing 10, as Figure 1A shown.

[0123] The support section 111 of contact element 11 is arranged at a right angle to contact section 110. Viewed from the insertion direction E, support section 111 is located below the end edges 108A, 108B of housing walls 105A, 105B.

[0124] The housing 10 and the housing walls 105A, 105B are integrally and monolithically formed.

[0125] The working principle is as follows:

[0126] When the operating element 14 is operated in the operating direction B and thus moves towards the housing 10, the operating element 14 drives the clamping leg 120 of the spring element 12 through its acting section 141, and the clamping leg 120 thus enters Figure 1A 、 1B the release positions shown in 2A, 2B, 3, and 4. By inserting into the housing 10 in the operating direction B, the operating element 14 acts on the clamping leg 120, so that the clamping leg 120 engages with the latching element 126 of the latching leg 124 and is thus held in the tensioned position relative to the housing 10.

[0127] In the release position, the clamping leg 120 releases the area that is aligned with the socket 100 in the insertion direction E within the accommodation space 101 between the housing walls 105A, 105B, so that the wire 2 can be inserted into the socket 100 without being hindered by the clamping leg 120 and inserted between the housing walls 105A, 105B, and thus can be connected to the terminal 1 in a substantially effortless manner.

[0128] The terminal 1 can also be provided by the manufacturer in the Figure 1A 、 1B operating and clamping positions shown in 2A, 2B.

[0129] If, when the clamping leg 120 is in the release position, the bare conductor end 20 of the wire 2 is inserted into the socket 100 and thus introduced into the accommodation space 101 in the insertion direction E, the wire 2 abuts against the trigger leg 130 of the trigger element 13, causing the trigger leg 130 to deflect. Thereby, the latching leg 124 and the latching element 126 arranged at the free end of the latching leg 124 are driven, causing the latching element 126 to move into the area of the notch 125 on the side edge of the clamping leg 120, thus canceling the latching. The clamping leg 120 is thus released from the release position and can be moved out of the release position by its spring preload.

[0130] After the latching is released, the clamping leg 120 makes clamping contact with the wire 2, thereby pressing the conductor end 20 against the contact section 110 of the contact element 11 in contact, so that the wire 2 is electrically connected to the terminal 1 and mechanically locked.

[0131] When it is necessary to disconnect the wire 2 from the Figure 7A 、 7B connection position shown in 8 and remove it from the terminal 1, the operating element 14 can be transferred back to the operating position again, as shown in Figure 9A 、 9BAs shown, the clamping leg 120 is separated from the electric wire 2 and locked again in the release position. In this way, the electric wire 2 can be taken out of the terminal 1 with almost no effort.

[0132] In Figure 10A , 10B and the modified embodiments shown in 11, the fork legs 126A, 126B of the latching element 126 of the latching leg 124 are bent. This enables the clamping leg 120 to Figure 10A , 10B completely slip off the fork legs 126A, 126B in the clamping position shown in 11, and can slide back onto the fork legs 126A, 126B again when the clamping leg 120 is transferred to the release position by the operation of the operating element 14.

[0133] In addition to the structure of the latching element 126 on the latching leg 124 of the spring element 12, Figure 10A , 10B and the embodiments in 11 are substantially the same as the embodiments described previously in Figure 1A , 1B to 9A, 9B.

[0134] In Figure 12A , 12B to the another embodiment shown in 14, the contact element 11 is configured with a side wall 112 that extends perpendicular to the depth direction T and replaces the Figure 1A , 1B front housing wall 105A in the embodiments of 9A, 9B. The contact section 110 and the support section 111 are also bent relative to the side wall 112.

[0135] In the illustrated embodiment, an engagement section 113 is formed at the edge of the side wall 112 away from the contact section 110, and the engagement section 113 engages with the engagement opening 133 on the main body 131 of the trigger element 13 with a clearance, thereby restricting the deflection path of the trigger element 13 relative to the housing 10.

[0136] In Figure 12A , 12B to the embodiment shown in 14, the latching element 126 of the latching leg 124 is constituted by a locking hook that is inserted into a corresponding locking hole on the clamping leg 120 in the release position of the clamping leg 120, as Figure 13 shown. The trigger element 13 is arranged on the latching leg 124, and when the electric wire 2 is inserted, it causes the latching leg 124 to deflect, so that the locking hook 126 disengages from the corresponding locking hole on the clamping leg 120, thereby canceling the locking of the clamping leg 120 in the release position.

[0137] In accordance with Figure 12A , 12BIn the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1 to 14, the support legs 121 of the spring element 12 are not oriented perpendicular to the insertion direction E, but are inclined with respect to the insertion direction E in order to better absorb and dissipate the force effects on the spring element 12, in particular when the clamping leg 120 is in the released position.

[0138] In addition, the embodiments according to Figure 12A , 12B to 14 are similar to the embodiments according to Figure 1A , 1B to 9A, 9B, especially with regard to the operating mode of the terminal 1, and reference should therefore also be made to the description of the embodiments according to Figure 1A , 1B to 9A, 9B.

[0139] During installation, the clamping leg 120 of the spring element 12 is preferably transferred to the released position and is thereby locked with the latching leg 124. The trigger element 13 is arranged on the latching leg 124 by inserting the latching leg 124 into the notch 132 on the body 131 of the trigger element 13. In addition, as can be seen from Figure 15 , the trigger element 13 can be locked on the spring element 12 by engaging a latching element 135 in the form of a projection into the corresponding notch 129 on the support leg 121, so that the trigger element 13 is held firmly on the latching leg 124 especially during assembly.

[0140] As Figure 15 shows, the spring element 12 with the trigger element 13 arranged thereon is mounted on the contact element 11 and, if required (as per the design requirements), fixed to the support section 111, for example by welding.

[0141] Subsequently, the assembled component can be installed in the housing 10 by inserting the contact element 11 with the spring element 12 and the trigger element 13 mounted thereon into the housing 10 from the side and bringing the contact element 11 into supporting engagement with the housing 10.

[0142] In the embodiment shown in Figure 16 , the trigger element 13 is latched on the latching leg 124 by a latching element 136. The latching element 136 projects into the notch 132 and latches the latching leg 124 from behind in the installed position, as Figure 16 shows.

[0143] The terminal 1 can be shipped by the manufacturer especially when the clamping leg 120 is in the released position, as shown in the embodiment of Figure 17 (corresponding to the embodiments shown in Figure 1A , 1B to 7A, 7B). When the wire 2 is first connected, the terminal 1 automatically releases and clamps the wire 2 with the contact element 11 inside the housing 10.

[0144] In the release position, the clamping leg 120 is in a tensioned state relative to the support leg 121. Since the terminal 1 may remain in this state for a long time, the tension force of the clamping leg 120 acts on the terminal 1 as a long-term load, which loads the support leg 121, and this load must be absorbed and dispersed accordingly through the housing 10 and the housing sections 103, 104 formed thereon. This action is shown by the bending deformation of the spring element 12 in, particularly in the region of the support leg 121. Figure 17 in the region of the support leg 121.

[0145] Therefore, the ideal design of the spring element 12 is such that the long-term load on the spring element 12 can be effectively absorbed due to the clamping leg 120 in the release position. For this purpose, a reinforcement device can be provided on the spring element 12 to particularly strengthen the support leg 121 so as to better withstand the force.

[0146] In Figure 18 the illustrated embodiment of the spring element 12, to implement the reinforcement device 15A, the support leg 121 is wider than the clamping leg 120 and the connecting section 122, and has a width D2 measured in the depth direction T, which is larger than the width D1 of the connecting section 122 and the clamping leg 120. Therefore, the stiffness in the region of the support leg 121 is increased.

[0147] In Figure 19 the illustrated embodiment of the spring element 12, to implement the reinforcement device 15B, the support leg 121 is bent at the side edges. The bending of the side edges increases the area moment of inertia of the support leg 121 in the swinging plane of the clamping leg 120, thereby enhancing the stiffness of the support leg 121 against deformation in the swinging plane.

[0148] In Figure 20 the illustrated embodiment, the pre-tensioning of the support leg 121 anticipates the curvature caused by the long-term load and cancels the further deformation of the support leg 121. In this embodiment, the reinforcement device 15C is achieved by the convex bending of the support leg 121 (on the side away from the clamping leg 120).

[0149] In contrast, in Figure 21 the illustrated embodiment, the support leg 121 has a reinforcement device 15D, which is formed by a concave arc (relative to the support leg 121 on the side away from the clamping leg 120).

[0150] In Figure 22 the illustrated embodiment, the reinforcement device 15E is achieved by a central groove extending along the insertion direction E on the support leg 121, thereby strengthening the stiffness of the support leg 121 along its longitudinal direction.

[0151] In Figure 23In the illustrated embodiment, the support piece 114 on the support section 111 is extended such that the support leg 121 is reinforced along its longitudinal direction by the support piece 114.

[0152] Figure 24 In the illustrated embodiment of the spring element 12, the spring element 12 is integrally formed with the trigger element 13 in one piece. The trigger element 13 is connected to the latching leg 124 and forms a trigger leg 130 in the form of a surface section extending transversely to the insertion direction E. Through the opening 134, when the wire 2 is inserted into the socket 100, it acts together with the trigger leg 130, thereby triggering the trigger element 13 and releasing the locking of the latching leg 124 with the clamping leg 120.

[0153] The basic concept of the present invention is not limited to the foregoing embodiments and can also be implemented in other ways.

[0154] The operating element can be pre-tensioned to the non-operating position by the action of the clamping leg of the spring element. However, it is also conceivable to provide an additional pre-tensioning element, by means of which the operating element is pre-tensioned against the operating direction relative to the housing to the non-operating position. Such a pre-tensioning element can be realized by a compression spring or other mechanical spring.

[0155] The above-mentioned type of terminal can be used in a variety of applications, such as in a junction box or other electrical or electronic devices, such as for a carrier rail. Such terminals can also be applied, for example, in a plug connector.

[0156] Explanation of reference numerals

[0157] 1 Terminal

[0158] 10 Housing

[0159] 100 Socket

[0160] 101 Accommodating space

[0161] 102 Operating hole

[0162] 103 Housing section

[0163] 104 Housing section

[0164] 105A, 105B Housing walls

[0165] 106 Funnel section

[0166] 107 Inlet area

[0167] 108A, 108B Stop elements

[0168] 109 Stop element

[0169] 11 Contact element (current bar)

[0170] 110 contact section

[0171] 111 support section

[0172] 112 side wall

[0173] 113 engagement section

[0174] 114 support piece

[0175] 12 spring element

[0176] 120 clamping leg

[0177] 121 support leg

[0178] 122 connecting section

[0179] 123 clamping edge

[0180] 124 snap leg

[0181] 125 notch

[0182] 126 snap section

[0183] 126A, 126B fork leg

[0184] 127 notch

[0185] 128 support end

[0186] 129 notch

[0187] 13 trigger element

[0188] 130 trigger leg

[0189] 131 body

[0190] 132 notch

[0191] 133 engagement opening

[0192] 134 opening

[0193] 135 snap element

[0194] 136 snap element

[0195] 14 operating element

[0196] 140 operating section (head)

[0197] 141 acting section (shaft)

[0198] 142 end

[0199] 143 stop element

[0200] 15A - 15E reinforcement device

[0201] 2 electric wires

[0202] 20 wire ends

[0203] B operation direction

[0204] D1, D2 widths

[0205] E insertion direction

[0206] L1 net width

[0207] L2 spacing

[0208] Q horizontal direction

[0209] T depth direction

Claims

1. A terminal block (1) is used to connect wires (2) and has A housing (10) having a socket (100) formed thereon, wherein the wire (2) can be inserted into the socket along an insertion direction (E) to be connected to the wiring terminal (1); A contact element (11) arranged on the housing (10) for making electrical contact with the wire (2), wherein the contact element (11) has a contact section (110); a spring element (12) having a clamping leg (120) which acts on the wire (2) in a clamping position to bring the wire (2) into contact with the contact section (110), wherein the clamping leg (120) is movable relative to the housing (10) from the clamping position to a release position to release the wire (2), wherein the clamping leg (120) maintains its position relative to the housing (10) in the release position; a trigger element (13) movable relative to the housing (10), wherein the trigger element (13) cooperates with the electric wire (2) to release the clamping leg (120) from the release position; It is characterized in that The spring element (12) has a snap leg (124) which is locked with the clamping leg (120) in the release position to maintain the position of the clamping leg (120) relative to the housing (10), wherein the trigger element (13) is arranged on the snap leg (124) as an independent element, so that when the trigger element (13) moves, the snap leg (124) moves together with the clamping leg (120) to cancel the lock.

2. The connecting terminal (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The trigger element (13) is connected to the buckle leg (124) in a form-fitting manner.

3. The connecting terminal (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The trigger element (13) has a main body (131) and a notch (132) formed in the main body (131), and the snap leg (124) engages in the notch.

4. The connecting terminal (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that: The snap leg (124) extends through the slot (132).

5. The connecting terminal (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The spring element (12) has a supporting leg (121) which is supported relative to the housing (10) and against which the clamping leg (120) can be elastically deflected.

6. The connecting terminal (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that: The supporting leg (121) is connected to the clamping leg (120) at a first end via a bent connecting section (122) and is connected to the snap-fit ​​leg (124) at a second end.

7. The connecting terminal (1) according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that: The clamping leg (120) is configured with a clamping edge (123) at one end away from the supporting leg (121) so as to act on the wire (2) in a clamping position, wherein the buckle leg (124) is designed to lock with the clamping leg (120) at a position retracted from the clamping edge (123) toward the supporting leg (121).

8. The connecting terminal (1) according to any one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that The snap-on leg (124) has a snap-on element (126), and the snap-on element is located at one end of the snap-on leg (124) away from the supporting leg (121).

9. The connecting terminal (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that: The snap-fit ​​element (126) protrudes relative to the trigger element (13).

10. The connecting terminal (1) according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that: The snap-fit ​​element (126) is locked at least on one side edge of the clamping leg (120).

11. The connecting terminal (1) according to any one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that: The snap-fit ​​element (126) has at least one fork leg (126A, 126B), which surrounds the clamping leg (120) for locking.

12. The connecting terminal (1) according to claim 11, characterized in that: At least one of the fork legs (126A, 126B) has a first notch (127) into which the clamping leg (120) snaps in the release position.

13. The connecting terminal (1) according to any one of claims 8 to 12, characterized in that: The clamping leg (120) has a second notch (125) at least on one side edge, and the snap-in element (126) can enter the region of the second notch to release the lock.

14. The connecting terminal (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The housing (10) comprises a first housing wall (105A) and a second housing wall (105B) extending parallel to the first housing wall (105A), wherein an electric wire can be introduced into a receiving space (101) between the first housing wall (105A) and the second housing wall (105B) along an insertion direction (E) through an insertion socket (100), wherein a clamping leg (120) can move between the first housing wall (105A) and the second housing wall (105B) in the receiving space (101).

15. The connecting terminal (1) according to claim 14, characterized in that The clamping leg (120) engages in a receiving space (101) between a first housing wall (105A) and a second housing wall (105B), at least in a clamping position.

16. The connecting terminal (1) according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that: The clamping leg (120) is capable of being deflected between a clamping position and a release position relative to the housing (10) within a deflection plane formed by an insertion direction (E) and a transverse direction (Q), wherein a first housing wall (105A) and a second housing wall (105B) are spaced apart from each other along a depth direction (T) perpendicular to the deflection plane.

17. The connecting terminal (1) according to claim 16, characterized in that Viewed in the transverse direction (Q), the contact section (110) is arranged next to the first housing wall (105A) and / or the second housing wall (105B).

18. The connecting terminal (1) according to any one of claims 14 to 17, characterized in that The socket (100) has an inlet region (107) with a clear width (L1), and the first housing wall (105A) and the second housing wall (105B) are arranged at a distance (L2) from each other, and the distance is smaller than the clear width (L1).

19. The connecting terminal (1) according to claim 18, characterized in that Viewed from the insertion direction (E), the inlet region (107) is connected to a funnel section (106) which tapers gradually along the insertion direction (E), and the funnel section (106) is connected to a first housing wall (105A) and a second housing wall (105B).

20. The connecting terminal (1) according to any one of claims 14 to 19, characterized in that The contact element (11) has a supporting section (111) arranged at a certain angle to the contact section (110), and the spring element (12) is supported on the supporting section, wherein, viewed from the insertion direction (E), the supporting section (111) is arranged below the first housing wall (105A) and / or the second housing wall (105B).

21. The connecting terminal (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The trigger element (13) has a trigger leg (130) which in an initial position extends transversely to the insertion direction (E), wherein the trigger leg (130) can be moved out of the initial position for releasing the clamping leg (120) from the release position by interacting with the electrical line (2).

22. The connecting terminal (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that An operating element (14) is provided which is movable relative to the housing (10) for moving the clamping leg (120) to a release position.

23. The connecting terminal (1) according to claim 22, characterized in that The operating element (14) is linearly movable relative to the housing (10) and comprises an operating section (140) for manipulation by a user and an acting section (141) extending from the operating section (140) for acting on the clamping leg (120).

24. The connecting terminal (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The clamping leg (120) is designed to press the wire (2) into contact with the contact section (110) or pull it out by spring force.

Images