Wiring terminal

Abstract

The invention relates to a connection terminal (1), comprising: an insulating material housing (3) having a conductor introduction channel (2); a busbar (4); a clamping spring (5) and an actuating element (6). The clamping spring (5) has a bearing leg (7), a spring bow (8) and a clamping leg (9). The clamping leg, together with the busbar, forms a clamping point (10) for an electrical conductor that can be introduced into the conductor introduction channel (2) and is displaceable between an open position (O) and a closed position (S) in order to open and close the clamping point. The connection terminal is configured to autonomously displace the clamping leg into the closed position (S) when the electrical conductor is introduced therein. The actuating element (6) is designed to displace the clamping leg into the open position (O). The actuating element (6) is designed to be rotatable about its longitudinal axis (L) and has an actuating lug (12) for displacing the clamping leg into the open position (O) as a function of a rotational angle (alpha) of the actuating element.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a connecting terminal comprising: an insulating material housing with a conductor insertion channel; a busbar; a clamping spring; and an actuating element, wherein the clamping spring comprises a supporting leg, a spring bow, and a clamping leg, wherein the clamping leg together with the busbar forms a clamping portion for an electrical conductor that can be introduced into the conductor insertion channel, wherein the clamping leg is displaceable between an open position and a closed position in order to open and close the clamping portion, wherein the connecting terminal is configured to autonomously displace the clamping leg into the closed position when the electrical conductor is introduced into the connecting terminal, and wherein the actuating element is designed to displace the clamping leg into the open position. Background Art

[0002] Such connecting terminals are known from practice. These terminals automatically connect the electrical conductor to be clamped when the conductor is inserted into the terminal. The insertion of the conductor automatically releases the clamping legs of the clamping spring, which are held in the open position, and causes the conductor to be clamped. An actuating element of the connecting terminal serves to return the clamping legs to the open position to open the clamping point, for example, to release the clamped conductor. Summary of the Invention

[0003] It is desirable that the actuating element be designed to transmit sufficient force to the clamping legs of the clamping spring while at the same time requiring only a small amount of installation space. Against this background, the present invention is based on the object of creating an improved connecting terminal having a compact and still reliably functioning actuating mechanism.

[0004] This object is achieved by means of the connecting terminal according to the invention. Advantageous embodiments are disclosed in the invention.

[0005] According to the present invention, a terminal is proposed, which comprises: an insulating material housing with a wire insertion channel; a busbar; a clamping spring; and an operating element, wherein the clamping spring has a supporting leg, a spring bow and a clamping leg, wherein the clamping leg together with the busbar forms a clamping part for an electrical wire that can be introduced into the wire insertion channel, wherein the clamping leg can be shifted between an open position and a closed position to open and close the clamping part, wherein the terminal is configured to autonomously shift the clamping leg into the closed position when the electrical wire is introduced into the terminal, and wherein the operating element is configured to shift the clamping leg into the open position, wherein the operating element is rotatable about its longitudinal axis and has an operating cam, which is configured to shift the clamping leg into the open position according to the rotation angle of the operating element.

[0006] In other words, a connecting terminal is provided that has automatic conductor connection and that the clamping legs are reset into the open position by a rotatable actuating element, the rotational movement of which can be converted into a translational displacement or pivoting movement of the clamping legs by an actuating cam. This results in a very compact actuating mechanism that requires very little installation space, particularly in the case of a relatively narrow design and an arrangement of the actuating element near the clamping legs. This allows for a particularly compact connecting terminal that has automatic conductor connection and a reliably functioning actuating element for resetting the clamping legs.

[0007] The insulating housing of the connecting terminal, for example made of plastic material, accommodates the busbar and clamping spring of the connecting terminal and protects them from environmental influences and contact. The conductor insertion channel can form an insertion channel, for example at least partially cylindrical or funnel-shaped, leading to the clamping point of the connecting terminal, in which the end section of the electrical conductor can be inserted into the insulating housing in a defined insertion direction and can be removed from the insulating housing opposite to the insertion direction. The conductor insertion channel can extend obliquely to the housing surface of the insulating housing. The busbar, also called contact piece or busbar, can be a largely rigid electrical conductor, for example formed by a metal strip, which can be partially bent to form the clamping point according to advantageous design options or can have a hole flange produced by drawing.

[0008] The clamping spring of the connecting terminal can be a predominantly planar component having a length and width extension that is significantly greater than its depth extension, and can in particular be made of a spring-elastic material. The clamping spring comprises a support leg for supporting the clamping spring on the insulating housing and / or the busbar, a clamping leg for clamping the conductor to the busbar, and a spring bow between the support leg and the clamping leg for deflecting the clamping spring, so that the support leg can extend at least partially opposite the clamping leg. When displaced into its open position, the clamping leg can be displaced toward the support leg. The clamping leg can form a clamping point together with the busbar for clamping the electrical conductor to the busbar by pressing the conductor against the busbar by means of the spring force of the clamping spring, thereby establishing a reliable electrical contact. The clamping leg can be displaced between an open position and a closed position to open and close the clamping point. In the open position of the clamping legs, they are spaced apart from the busbar and, if applicable, the inserted electrical conductor, so that the clamping point is released and the conductor can be inserted into the terminal and positioned in the area of ​​the clamping point or removed from the area. In the closed position of the clamping legs, the clamping legs are displaced toward the busbar and the inserted electrical conductor and exert a pressing force on the electrical conductor toward the busbar, so that electrical contact is established between the conductor and the busbar.

[0009] To enable automatic conductor connection, the connecting terminal is configured to automatically shift the clamping legs into a closed position when an electrical conductor is introduced into the connecting terminal. To this end, the connecting terminal particularly comprises a trigger mechanism that can be actuated by the introduced conductor and by means of which the clamping legs can be released from their open position and automatically moved into the closed position by spring force. In their open position, the clamping legs can be held in a ready state, for example, by suitable retaining structures on the busbar or on the extended support legs of the clamping spring, as will be explained in detail below with reference to the corresponding embodiments. Therefore, it can be provided in particular that the actuating element of the connecting terminal is primarily configured to shift the clamping legs into the open position by guiding them toward the retaining structure, and less so for permanently retaining the clamping legs, although embodiments in which the clamping legs are retained by the actuating element are not excluded.

[0010] The actuating element of the terminal block can be a structural element at least partially incorporated into the insulating material housing. The actuating element can, for example, be rotated between a ready position and an actuating position. The ready position can correspond to the closed position of the clamping legs, and the actuating position can correspond to the open position of the clamping legs. The actuating element can be rotated about its longitudinal axis, where the longitudinal axis can be understood as the central longitudinal axis of the actuating element, which can extend centrally through the actuating element along its maximum extension. The longitudinal axis can also be considered an axis extending between an actuating surface (described further below) of the actuating element and the opposing free end of the actuating element. The actuating cam can be a radial projection on the outer contour of the actuating element that applies a force, particularly a compressive force, to the clamping legs when the actuating element is rotated about its longitudinal axis. The actuating cam can, for example, protrude radially only in sections or be configured to protrude circumferentially with a variable spacing between the outer cam edge and the actuating element, so that the actuating cam can apply a force to the clamping legs depending on the rotation angle of the actuating element. This can also include, in particular, the absence of force acting on the clamping leg within a specific rotational angle or rotational angle range. In principle, it is not excluded that the actuating element has multiple, i.e., at least two, actuating cams, which can, for example, be arranged diametrically opposed to one another and can each cause a displacement of the clamping leg when the actuating element is rotated. Thus, for example, two successively acting rotational angle ranges can be used to displace the clamping leg during a full rotation of the actuating element.

[0011] The operating element can be rotated between a preparation position and an operating position through a limited rotational angle. The rotation of the operating element can be mechanically limited, for example by a stop or guide, so that the operating element can only be rotated between two predetermined angular positions, corresponding to the preparation position and the operating position. In other words, the operating element can be rotated from the preparation position to the operating position and back again, while, for example, a full rotation of the operating element according to the described embodiment can be eliminated. In other words, the operating element can be rotated from the preparation position to the operating position in a first rotational direction and from the operating position to the preparation position in the opposite rotational direction. In the preparation position, the operating cam can be rotated away from the clamping leg so that no force acts on the clamping leg, while the operating cam gradually rotates toward the clamping leg when rotating into the operating position and accordingly displaces the clamping leg by applying force. By limiting the rotational angle of the operating element, the preparation position and the operating position can be clearly defined, and the operating effort of the operating element can be reduced by performing additional rotations through an ineffective rotational angle.

[0012] The operating element can be configured to displace the clamping leg from the closed position to the open position by rotating the operating element through a rotational angle between 30° and 90°. Thus, even a small rotational movement can produce the desired effect, making operation of the operating element simple and comfortable. To achieve this, the operating cam of the operating element can be designed, for example, so that it protrudes radially far enough within the aforementioned angular spacing to displace the clamping leg, or so that multiple operating cams can follow one another within the aforementioned angular spacing. Furthermore, this embodiment can be combined with the above-described embodiment, for example, so that the limited rotational angle between the standby position and the operating position can be defined as between 30° and 90°. Advantageously, the operating element can be configured to displace the clamping leg from the closed position to the open position by rotating the operating element through a rotational angle between 40° and 50°. According to a further embodiment, the operating element can be configured to displace the clamping leg from the closed position to the open position by rotating the operating element through a rotational angle of 45°. This embodiment has the advantage that the operating surface of the operating element, which is provided with a cross slot, for example, allows easy visual differentiation between the closed position and the open position due to the changed cross slot orientation, while a rotation of, for example, 90° is associated with the same visual cross slot orientation.

[0013] The actuating element can be designed essentially in the shape of a pin, with a radial projection serving as the actuating cam. The actuating element can, for example, have a cylindrical, pin-shaped basic shape, with a triangular or square pin also being conceivable. The radial projection can be present, in particular, in the end region of the pin-shaped actuating element, in particular at the end of the actuating element facing the clamping leg. Thus, the actuating element can have an L-shaped profile. The actuating cam can form the shorter web of the L-shaped profile, while the pin-shaped section of the actuating element can form the longer web of the L-shaped profile.

[0014] The actuating cam can have a rounded actuating edge. This facilitates gentle displacement of the clamping leg and allows for easy introduction of force into the actuating element for displacing the clamping leg. Therefore, the actuating cam can have a radius on its actuating edge facing the clamping leg that allows for a gradual increase in force up to the apex of the actuating edge and a smooth decrease in force after the apex has been reached. According to one conceivable design option, the actuating cam can also be designed, for example, as a cam disc segment or a circumferential cam disc having a corresponding curvature on the actuating edge for displacing the clamping leg.

[0015] The operating element may include an operating section for introducing an operating force into the operating element and an operating section for transmitting the operating force to the clamping leg. The operating section may include an operating surface for introducing the operating force. The operating force may correspond to the torque introduced into the operating section for rotating the operating element. According to one design option, the operating surface may be substantially flush with the housing surface of the insulating material housing. The operating section may have a cylindrical basic shape. The operating section may transition via a step into an operating section that is, for example, pin-shaped, i.e., has a larger cross-section than the operating section. This allows for easy introduction of the operating force while still maintaining a narrow operating element, requiring little space within the terminal. An operating cam may be provided on the operating section, particularly at its free end. The operating force introduced into the operating section is transmitted to the clamping leg via the operating cam of the operating section, wherein the rotational motion of the operating element is converted into a translational motion or pivoting motion of the clamping leg by the operating cam.

[0016] The operating element can be made of plastic material, for example, to realize an operating element that can be easily and cost-effectively manufactured. Here, for example, the operating section and the operating section can be formed integrally with each other. In addition, the operating cam can be formed integrally with the operating element.

[0017] The operating section can be made of a metallic material. This allows for a robust and reliably functioning operating element. Provision can be made for at least a portion of the operating section to be metallic. The metallic material can be, for example, a substantially pure metal or a metal alloy. The metallic material can be, for example, spring steel. Spring steel is characterized by high strength, yet at the same time possesses sufficient elasticity to compensate for point-like force peaks when the operating element is operated by elastic deformation. Furthermore, the operating section cannot be excluded from comprising other materials, such as plastic or ceramic. Metallic material can also be present in other sections of the operating element. For example, the operating element can have a metal core, which is surrounded by a sheathing material, for example, in the region of the operating section and is exposed in the operating section.

[0018] The operating section can comprise a plastic material, thereby making it possible to realize an operating element that can be operated reliably and comfortably.

[0019] The operating section can include a tool receptacle. For example, the tool receptacle can be a slot or cross slot shaped to match the tip of a screwdriver. The tool receptacle not only facilitates the introduction of force into the actuating element, but also provides a visual indication of the position of the actuating element, from which the position of the clamping legs can be correspondingly inferred. The tool receptacle can also complement visual markings on the insulating material housing to improve the visual display. For example, the orientation of the tool receptacle can indicate whether the actuating element is in the ready position or the actuating position, and correspondingly, whether the clamping legs are in the closed position or the open position.

[0020] The insulating material housing can have an actuation channel for accommodating an actuating element. This ensures a defined positioning of the actuating element in the terminal and prevents tilting of the actuating element. The actuating element can be accommodated in the actuating channel such that it can be rotated about its longitudinal axis in the actuating channel. The actuating channel can terminate at the housing surface before the actuating cam of the actuating element and transition into a connecting space of the terminal, in which a clamping spring is arranged and into which the conductor insertion channel opens.

[0021] The actuation channel can extend between the conductor insertion side of the insulating material housing and the clamping legs. This allows for a compact design of the connecting terminal. The actuation channel can, for example, extend substantially perpendicularly to the housing surface of the insulating material housing, at which the electrical conductor can be inserted into the connecting terminal, toward the clamping legs of the clamping spring. The conductor insertion channel of the connecting terminal can extend obliquely relative to the actuation channel.

[0022] The support leg can have a retaining section with a retaining edge for retaining the clamping leg in its open position. This allows the clamping leg to be temporarily fixed to the support leg in its open position until an electrical conductor introduced into the terminal triggers the clamping leg to move autonomously into the closed position. The clamping leg can have a retaining tab, by means of which the clamping leg can engage the retaining edge at the rear, so that the clamping leg can be fixed to the support leg in a latching manner. The retaining section of the support leg can, for example, extend with a bend from a support section of the support leg that is provided for supporting the support leg on the insulating material housing and is connected to the spring bow, in particular, bend or curve from the support section. According to one design option, the retaining section can extend substantially perpendicular to the support section. The retaining section can transition by means of a bend into a connecting section to a release section, which will be described below. According to one design option, the retaining edge can be provided at the transition from the retaining section to the connecting section. Furthermore, it is conceivable to provide two holding edges arranged on both sides of the holding section, which can interact with two correspondingly arranged holding webs of the clamping leg, thereby achieving an improved fixation of the clamping leg on the holding section.

[0023] The retaining section can be spaced apart from the conductor area of ​​the insulating material housing, in which an electrical conductor that can be introduced into the terminal via the conductor insertion channel can be positioned. This reliably prevents the retaining section from coming into contact with the introduced electrical conductor and, in this case, inadvertently triggering the clamping legs to move into the closed position. According to one non-limiting embodiment, the distance between the retaining section and the conductor area can be at least one-quarter the length of the clamping legs.

[0024] The support leg can have a release section for releasing the clamping leg held in the open position when the electrical conductor strikes the release portion. This makes it possible to provide a simple and reliably functioning trigger mechanism that can, in particular, be fully integrated into the clamping spring in cooperation with the aforementioned retaining section, thereby enabling cost-effective and efficient implementation. The release section can, for example, have an activation surface toward which the electrical conductor introduced into the terminal can be guided. The contact of the conductor with the activation surface can cause the release section to shift and, for example, cause the retaining section to stretch or shift in this connection. This stretch or shift can cause the retaining tab of the clamping leg to release from the retaining edge of the retaining section, so that the activated clamping leg automatically shifts into the closed position due to the spring force. In other words, the latching of the clamping leg to the support leg can be released, for example, by applying pressure to the activation surface. The clamping spring can be designed so that even a slight displacement of the release section, for example by a flexible wire end, triggers the clamping leg to move autonomously into the closed position, for example due to the relatively small dimensions of the retaining edge on the retaining section. The release section of the support leg, in particular the activation surface of the release section, can be located at the free end of the support leg. The release section can be connected to the retaining section of the support leg via a connecting section. The retaining section, the connecting section, and the release section can together have two mutually opposite bends and together form a Z-shape, so that according to one design possibility, the retaining section and the release section can extend essentially parallel. The clamping point of the terminal can be arranged at the opening area of ​​the wire insertion channel into the connecting space of the terminal. The release section of the clamping spring can be arranged in an area of ​​the connecting space opposite the opening area, similar to a blind hole.

[0025] The support leg can have a support section, a holding section, and a release section, successively extending from the spring bow. This allows several possible functions of the support leg to be integrated into the clamping spring and meaningfully interconnected. Furthermore, a connecting section can be provided between the holding section and the release section, connecting the two.

[0026] The clamping leg can have an actuating section connected to the spring bow and a clamping section extending from the actuating section at a bend. The actuating section of the clamping leg can be designed so that an actuating cam can engage the actuating section and displace the clamping leg. The actuating section can be connected to the spring bow. The clamping section serves to clamp an electrical conductor to a busbar and can, for example, extend from the actuating section to the free end of the clamping leg. The bend between the actuating section and the clamping section allows for efficient implementation of spatially varying functions of the clamping leg.

[0027] The operating element can automatically reset when the clamping leg is autonomously displaced into the closed position. This eliminates the need for manual resetting of the operating element after the clamping leg has been transferred to the open position. For example, the operating element can be reset from the operating position to the ready position. For example, the clamping spring can be configured so that the clamping leg, which is initially held in the open position, is displaced into the closed position by the spring force when the trigger mechanism is actuated, thereby entraining the operating cam of the operating element, i.e., moving it back into its ready position. Alternatively or additionally, it is conceivable that the operating element can automatically reset when the operating force or torque introduced into the operating element is canceled. For example, the operating element can have a preload element, such as a spring, which can be rotated against the preload force of the preload element and by which the operating element is reset when the introduced operating force is canceled after the clamping leg has been transferred to the open position.

[0028] Generally speaking, in the context of the present application, unless explicitly defined differently, the word “a” is not to be understood as a numeral, but as an indefinite article with the meaning of “at least one”. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] The present invention allows for various embodiments and is explained in detail below based on an exemplary embodiment with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawings schematically show:

[0030] Figure 1a to Figure 1b Along the Figure 5a to Figure 5b The side view shown in FIG. 1 shows a connection terminal with a clamping leg shown in a closed position and an open position with a clamping spring;

[0031] Figure 2a to Figure 2b Shown in a stereoscopic front view according to Figure 1a and Figure 1b A terminal block, wherein the insulating material housing of the terminal block is concealed;

[0032] Figure 2c to Figure 2d In the perspective rear view, the Figure 1a and Figure 1b A terminal block, wherein the insulating material housing of the terminal block is concealed;

[0033] Figure 3a to Figure 3b Shown in a stereoscopic front view according to Figure 1a and Figure 1b Terminal blocks;

[0034] Figures 4a to 4d Show the basis Figure 1a and Figure 1b Individual views of the clamping springs, busbars and operating elements of the terminal blocks; and

[0035] Figure 5a to Figure 5bIn the top view, the Figure 1a and Figure 1b The terminal blocks. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] The aforementioned figures show a connecting terminal 1 according to an exemplary embodiment in different views.

[0037] As in Figure 1a 、 Figure 1b 、 Figure 3a 、 Figure 3b 、 Figure 5a and Figure 5b As can be seen in FIG, the connection terminal 1 has an insulating material housing 3. The insulating material housing 3 has a Figure 3a and Figure 3b The housing surface 29 shown in detail in FIG. 2 extends obliquely as shown in FIG. Figure 1b 、 Figure 3b and Figure 5b As shown in FIG, the electric wire 11 can be introduced into the terminal 1 through the wire introduction channel. In addition, the terminal 1 has Figure 4c The busbar 4 shown in detail in FIG. 1 is used as a conductive connection structure for connecting the electrical conductor 11. Figure 4c As shown, the busbar 4 has bent-over clamping tongues 26 for clamping the electrical conductor 11 .

[0038] In addition, the terminal block 1 has Figure 4a and Figure 4b The clamping spring 5 is shown in detail in FIG. The clamping spring 5 comprises a support leg 7 for supporting the clamping spring 5 on the busbar 4 and / or the insulating material housing 3, a spring bow 8 for deflecting the clamping spring 5 and a clamping leg 9 for clamping the electrical conductor 11. The clamping leg 9 is used to form, together with the busbar 4, in particular together with the clamping tongue 26, for example Figure 1a The clamping portion 10 for the electrical conductor 11 introduced into the conductor insertion channel 2 can be seen in FIG. The clamping legs 9 can be used, for example, in Figure 1b The open position O shown in FIG is similar to that in FIG. Figure 1a , in which the conductor 11 can be guided to the clamping location 10 or removed therefrom, and in which the conductor 11 can be clamped to the busbar 4. The clamping leg 9 can be displaced toward the support leg 7 to move into its open position O. The clamping leg 9 has an actuating section 23 connected to the spring bow 8 and a clamping section 24 extending from the actuating section 23 with a bend 25, on which an actuating cam 12 (described below) of the actuating element 6 can act, and which serves to clamp the conductor 11 at the clamping location 10.

[0039] The terminal 1 is configured to automatically displace the clamping legs 9 into the closed position S when an electrical conductor 11 is introduced into the terminal 1. For this purpose, the supporting legs 7 of the clamping spring 5 are arranged as in Figure 4a and Figure 4b , the clamping leg 9 is shown to have a holding section 18 and a release section 21, the holding section having a holding edge 19 for holding the clamping leg 9 in its open position O by means of a holding tab 27 provided on the clamping leg 9, and the release section for releasing the clamping leg 9 held in the open position O when the electrical conductor 11 strikes the release section 21. The holding section 18 is spaced apart from the conductor area 20 of the insulating material housing 3, so that the clamping leg 9 is prevented from being accidentally released from the support leg 7 due to contact with the introduced conductor 11, wherein the electrical conductor 11 introduced into the terminal 1 via the conductor insertion channel 2 can be positioned in the conductor area. As in, for example, Figure 4a and Figure 4b As can be seen in FIG, starting from the spring bow 8, a support section 22 for supporting the clamping spring 5 on the busbar and / or the insulating material housing 3, a holding section 18 and a release section 21 are provided successively, wherein the holding section 18 and the release section 21 are connected to each other via a connecting section 32. The release section 21 has, for example, Figure 1a 、 Figure 4a and Figure 4b The active surface 31 shown in FIG, onto which the conductor 11 can be guided when it is introduced into the connecting terminal 1. Figure 1b , the state is shown just before the conductor 11 strikes the activation surface 31 , so that the contact of the conductor 11 with the activation surface 31 causes the clamping leg 9 to be released from the retaining edge 19 and an autonomous displacement of the clamping leg 9 into the closed position S.

[0040] Terminal block 1 has Figure 4d The operating element 6 shown in detail in FIG. 1 is designed to displace the clamping leg 9 into the open position O. Here, the operating element 6 is used to displace the clamping leg 9 so that the clamping leg 9 is Figure 4a The holding tab 27 shown in FIG can engage the holding edge 19 of the support leg 7 from behind, so that the clamping leg 9 is held by the holding section 18 of the support leg 7. Figure 1a and Figure 1b as well as Figures 2a to 2d It can be seen that the actuating element 6, which is essentially pin-shaped, can be rotated about its longitudinal axis L. The actuating element 6 has an actuating cam 12 designed as a radial projection, which is configured to move the clamping leg 9 into the open position O as a function of the rotation angle α of the actuating element 6. This results in a relatively compact and still reliably functioning actuating mechanism that requires little installation space. For example, Figure 1bIt can be seen that the actuating element 6 has an L-shaped profile due to its pin-shaped shape and the actuating cam 12 arranged at the end of the actuating element 6 facing the clamping leg 9 .

[0041] The operating cam 12 is, for example, Figure 4d It can be seen that the actuating edge 12 a has a rounded shape, so that a gentle and force-saving displacement of the clamping leg 9 is achieved.

[0042] The operating element 6 can be used, for example, Figure 1a and Figure 2a . It is not shown in detail but according to one design possibility for reducing the operating effort it is conceivable to mechanically limit the rotation angle α so that the operating element 6 can be rotated between the preparation position B1 and the operating position B2 by a limited rotation angle α.

[0043] For example, in Figure 4d As can be seen in FIG, the operating element 6 comprises an operating section 13 and an operating section 14, the operating section having an operating surface 28 and a tool receptacle 15, shown here as a cross slot, for introducing an operating force into the operating element 6, the operating section for transmitting the operating force via the operating cam 12 to the clamping leg 9. According to one design possibility, the operating section 14 can comprise a metal material. According to one design possibility, the operating section 13 can comprise a plastic material. In principle, the operating element 6 can also be constructed in one piece. As shown, for example, Figure 3a and Figure 3b It can be seen in FIG. 2 that the operating surface 28 can be substantially flush with the housing surface 29 of the insulating material housing 3 .

[0044] For example, in Figures 2a to 2d Neutralization Figure 5a to Figure 5b As shown in , the actuating element 6 can be configured to displace the clamping leg 9 from the closed position S into the open position O by means of a rotation R of the actuating element 6 at a rotation angle α between 30° and 90°, so that a sufficient displacement of the clamping leg 9 can already be achieved at a small rotation angle α. Figure 5a to Figure 5b It can be seen that such a rotation angle α can be approximately 45°, for example, and thus the position of the actuating element 6 and thus of the clamping leg 9 can advantageously be deduced visually via the orientation of the tool holder 15 designed as a cross slot.

[0045] As in Figure 1a and Figure 1bAs can be seen in FIG, the actuating element 6 is accommodated in the actuating channel 16, ensuring a defined positioning of the actuating element 6 and preventing it from tilting. The actuating channel 16 extends between the conductor insertion side 17 of the insulating material housing 3 and the clamping legs 9, resulting in a compact arrangement. The actuating channel 16 opens into the connection space 30 of the connecting terminal 1, in which the clamping spring 5 is arranged and into which the conductor insertion channel 2 opens.

[0046] With the aid of the connecting terminal 1 described according to the above exemplary embodiment, a connecting terminal 1 with automatic conductor connection and a compact yet reliably functioning actuating mechanism for returning the clamping legs 9 to their open position O can be provided.

[0047] Reference Signs List

[0048] 1 Terminal block

[0049] 2 Wire introduction channel

[0050] 3 Insulating material housing

[0051] 4 Bus

[0052] 5 Clamping spring

[0053] 6 Control elements

[0054] 7 Support legs

[0055] 8 Springbow

[0056] 9. Tighten your legs

[0057] 10 Clamping area

[0058] 11 Wire

[0059] 12 Manipulating the Bump

[0060] 12a Manipulating Edges

[0061] 13 Operation section

[0062] 14 Control section

[0063] 15 Tool storage area

[0064] 16 control channels

[0065] 17 Wire entry side

[0066] 18 Holding section

[0067] 19. Keep the Edges

[0068] 20 Wire area

[0069] 21 Loosen section

[0070] 22 Support section

[0071] 23 Operation section

[0072] 24 Clamping section

[0073] 25 bend

[0074] 26 clamping tongue

[0075] 27 Keep tabs

[0076] 28 operating surfaces

[0077] 29 Shell surface

[0078] 30 Connecting Space

[0079] 31 Activation Surface

[0080] 32 connection section

[0081] B1 Ready Position

[0082] B2 control position

[0083] L longitudinal axis

[0084] O Open position

[0085] R Rotation

[0086] S closed position

[0087] α rotation angle

Claims

1. A terminal (1), comprising: an insulating material housing (3) with a conductor insertion channel (2); a busbar (4); a clamping spring (5); and an actuating element (6), wherein - the clamping spring (5) has a supporting leg (7), a spring bow (8) and a clamping leg (9), The clamping legs (9) together with the busbar (4) form a clamping point (10) for an electrical conductor (11) which can be introduced into the conductor insertion channel (2), - the clamping leg (9) is displaceable between an open position (O) and a closed position (S) in order to open and close the clamping point (10), The terminal (1) is configured to autonomously displace the clamping leg (9) into the closed position (S) when an electrical conductor (11) is introduced into the terminal (1), and the actuating element (6) is designed to displace the clamping leg (9) into the open position (O), It is characterized by: The actuating element (6) is rotatable about its longitudinal axis (L) and has an actuating cam (12) which is configured to displace the clamping leg (9) into the open position (O) as a function of a rotation angle (α) of the actuating element (6).

2. The connecting terminal (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that The operating element (6) is rotatable between a preparation position (B1) and an operating position (B2) through a limited rotation angle (α).

3. The connecting terminal (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The actuating element (6) is configured to displace the clamping leg (9) from the closed position (S) into the open position (O) by means of a rotation (R) of the actuating element (6) by a rotation angle (α) between 30° and 90°.

4. The connecting terminal (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that The actuating element (6) is configured to displace the clamping leg (9) from the closed position (S) into the open position (O) by means of a rotation (R) of the actuating element (6) through a rotation angle (α) of 45°.

5. The connecting terminal (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The actuating element (6) is designed essentially in the shape of a pin and has a radial projection as an actuating cam (12).

6. The connecting terminal (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The actuating cam (12) has a rounded actuating edge (12a).

7. The connecting terminal (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The actuating element (6) comprises an operating section (13) for introducing an actuating force into the actuating element (6) and an actuating section (14) for transmitting the actuating force to the clamping leg (9).

8. The connecting terminal (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that The actuating section (14) comprises a metallic material.

9. The connecting terminal (1) according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that The actuating section (13) comprises a plastic material.

10. The connecting terminal (1) according to any one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that The operating section (13) has a tool receptacle (15).

11. The connecting terminal (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The insulating material housing (3) has an actuation channel (16) for accommodating the actuation element (6).

12. The connecting terminal (1) according to claim 11, characterized in that The actuation channel (16) extends between a conductor insertion side (17) of the insulating material housing (3) and the clamping legs (9).

13. The connecting terminal (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The supporting leg (7) has a holding section (18) with a holding edge (19) for holding the clamping leg (9) in its open position (O).

14. The connecting terminal (1) according to claim 13, characterized in that The holding section (18) is spaced apart from a conductor area (20) of the insulating material housing (3), in which an electrical conductor (11) that can be introduced into the connecting terminal (1) via the conductor insertion channel (2) can be positioned.

15. The connecting terminal (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The supporting leg (7) has a release section (21) for releasing the clamping leg (9) held in the open position (O) when an electrical conductor (11) strikes the release section (21).

16. The connecting terminal (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The support leg (7) has, starting from the spring bow (8), a support section (22), a retaining section (18) and a release section (21).

17. The connecting terminal (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The clamping leg (9) has an actuating section (23) connected to the spring bow (8) and a clamping section (24) extending from the actuating section (23) with a bend (25).

18. The connecting terminal (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The actuating element (6) can be automatically reset when the clamping leg (9) is autonomously displaced into the closed position (S).

Images