Wiring terminal

Abstract

The invention relates to a connection terminal (1) having an insulating material housing (3) with a conductor introduction channel (2), a busbar (4), a clamping spring (5) and an actuating unit (6), the clamping spring (5) having a bearing leg (7), a spring bow (8) and a clamping leg (9), wherein the clamping leg (9) forms, with the busbar (4), a clamping point (10) for an electrical conductor (11) that can be introduced into the conductor introduction channel (2), the clamping leg being displaceable between an open position (O) and a closed position (S) in order to open and close the clamping point (10), and wherein the actuating unit (6) is designed to displace the clamping leg (9) into the open position (O). The clamping point (10) is formed, in particular, by a clamping edge on the clamping leg (9), which clamping edge is normally at the free end of the clamping leg (9).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The invention relates to a terminal having an insulating material housing with a conductor lead-in channel, a busbar, a clamping spring and a handling unit, wherein the clamping spring has a bearing leg, a spring bow and a clamping leg, wherein the clamping leg forms a clamping point for an electrical conductor leadable into the conductor lead-in channel with the busbar, wherein the clamping leg is displaceable between an open position and a closed position in order to open and close the clamping point, wherein the handling unit is configured for displacing the clamping leg into the open position.

[0002] The clamping point is formed here in particular by a clamping edge at the clamping leg, which is usually at the free end of the clamping leg. BACKGROUND

[0003] Such terminals are known from practice. The handling unit of the terminal serves to reset the clamping leg into the open position in order to open the clamping point, for example in order to release the firmly clamped conductor again. In a variant, the terminal can automatically connect the electrical conductor to be clamped when the electrical conductor is introduced into the terminal. Then, by introducing the electrical conductor, the clamping leg of the clamping spring, which is held in the open position, can be released automatically and cause a firm clamping of the electrical conductor.

[0004] It is desirable with regard to the handling unit to effectively transmit a force onto the clamping leg in order to displace it into the open position with small force expenditure, while the handling unit at the same time only requires a small installation space and does not impair the automatic connection mechanism. Against this background, it is the object underlying the invention to realize an improved terminal. SUMMARY

[0005] The object is achieved with the terminal according to the invention. Advantageous embodiments are disclosed in the invention.

[0006] It is proposed for such a terminal that the handling unit has an operating element and a handling element, wherein the handling element has a bearing base, a handling section for handling the handling element by means of the operating element and a pivot arm for mechanically contacting the clamping leg, wherein the clamping leg has a driving section, and wherein the handling element is configured for pivoting about the bearing base upon handling and displacing the clamping leg into its open position via the pivot arm acting on the driving section.

[0007] In other words, a terminal is proposed in which the clamping leg is reset into the open position by means of a handling unit having an operating element and, in particular, a separately embodied handling element, wherein the handling element forms a double-armed lever pivotable about a support base, the lever arms of which are formed by a handling section and a pivot arm. The pivot movement of the handling element can here be transmitted via the pivot arm and the entraining section onto the clamping leg, so that the clamping leg can be displaced toward the support leg into its open position. With the proposed terminal it is possible, by virtue of the leverage that can be effected by means of the handling element, to achieve a reliable and effective reset of the clamping leg with small force expenditure and in a compact design.

[0008] By this a compact, easy-to-handle and reliable and effective handling mechanism is achieved.

[0009] The insulating material housing of the terminal, which is made of, for example, a plastic material, accommodates the busbar and the clamping spring of the terminal and protects it from environmental influences and contact. A conductor introduction channel can form an at least section-wise cylindrical or funnel-shaped insertion channel leading to the clamping point of the terminal, wherein end sections of the electrical conductor can be inserted into the insulating material housing along a defined introduction direction and can be removed from the insulating material housing against the introduction direction. The busbar, also referred to as contact or busbar, can be an electrically largely rigid conductor, for example formed by a metal strip, which according to advantageous design possibilities can be partially bent to constitute the clamping point, or can have a hole flange produced by drawing.

[0010] The clamping spring of the terminal can be a mainly planar component, which can be made of, in particular, an elastically resilient material. The clamping spring has a support leg for supporting the clamping spring at an adjoining structure, for example at the busbar or the insulating material housing, a clamping leg for clamping the electrical 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 at least section-wise extend opposite the clamping leg. The clamping leg can be displaced toward the support leg when displaced into its open position. The clamping leg can form, with the busbar, a clamping point for clamping the electrical conductor to the busbar in such a way that, by means of the spring force of the clamping spring, the conductor is pressed onto the busbar by the clamping leg, in particular by the clamping edge of the clamping leg, so that a reliable electrical contact can be established. 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 leg, the clamping leg is spaced apart from the busbar and, if necessary, the introduced electrical conductor, so that the clamping point is released and the conductor can be introduced into the terminal and positioned in the region of the clamping point or removed therefrom. In the closed position of the clamping leg, the clamping leg is displaced toward the busbar and the introduced electrical conductor and exerts a pressing force on the electrical conductor toward the busbar, so that an electrical contact exists between the conductor and the busbar.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment, the terminal block can be locked in the open position. Here, the terminal block can advantageously be equipped with automatic wire connection, wherein the terminal block is configured to allow the clamping legs to automatically move to the closed position when an electrical wire is introduced into the terminal block. For this purpose, the terminal block can particularly have a trigger mechanism, which can be operated by the introduced wire, and the clamping legs can be released from their open position via the trigger mechanism and can automatically move to the closed position due to spring force. The clamping legs in their open position can be held in a ready state, for example, by a suitable retaining structure at the bus or the support leg of the clamping spring. Accordingly, it can be particularly proposed that the operating unit of the terminal block is primarily configured for transferring the clamping legs to the open position by guiding, or displacing, or pivoting the clamping legs to the retaining structure, and less for permanently holding the clamping legs, wherein embodiments in which the clamping legs are held by the operating unit, particularly by an operating element, are not excluded.

[0012] The operating unit has an operating element and a control element. In a preferred embodiment, the operating element and the control element can be implemented as structurally separate components of the operating unit. The operating element is used to transmit the operating force applied to the operating element by the user from the terminal block to the control element. The operating element can be operated manually and / or by a tool, for example. The operating element can have a tool receiving portion, such as a guide slit for a screwdriver. The control element can be configured to pivot about a support base when the operating force transmitted to the operating section is applied. Here, when the operating section pivots toward the busbar, the pivot arm of the control element can pivot toward the operating section, making it possible to implement a seesaw-like movement about the support base. The operating section and the pivot arm pivot about the same pivot axis of the support base on different movement trajectories, the different movement trajectories being derived by their different orientations relative to the pivot axis. The pivot arm is configured such that it can move toward the driving section of the clamping leg and drive the driving section from mechanical contact, i.e., jointly continue the pivoting movement further through the pivot arm and the clamping leg. Thus, the clamping leg can be moved toward the support leg into its open position. The support base can have base legs that form pivot support feet for the operating element, through which the pivot axis of the operating element extends. The base legs are connected to the operating section and the pivot arm. For this purpose, the base legs can be limited to establishing a direct connection between the operating section and the pivot arm and forming a pivot support foot. However, the base legs can also extend from the operating section at least in one segment spaced apart from the pivot arm. The base legs and the pivot arm can extend from each other in different directions, for example at an angle of 90° ± 10°. It is conceivable that the pivot arm extends approximately perpendicularly from the busbar in the open position, and the base legs extend approximately parallel to the busbar. At least one sub-segment of the base legs and the pivot arm can collectively form a C-shaped profile. The support base having base legs, a pivot arm, and an operating section can be integrally constructed together.

[0013] The base leg can be supported on the busbar, and the pivot arm can contact the clamping leg on the side of the busbar directly opposite to the base leg for supporting the busbar. In this way, the rotation point of the support section and the contact point of the pivot arm are very closely aligned when viewed vertically; that is, the projections of the perpendiculars of the contact point and the rotation point onto the busbar are close to each other and almost overlap vertically when viewed from the side, i.e., they lie on the perpendicular lines relative to the busbar. The line connecting the rotation point and the contact point does not necessarily have to extend exactly perpendicular to the plane of the busbar (i.e., the surface of the busbar), but can also have a small acute angle relative to the plane of the busbar. This adjacent orientation of the rotation point and the contact point allows for the maximum possible movement distance of the clamping leg in the direction parallel to the surface of the busbar during pivoting of the pivot element.

[0014] Advantageously, the two pivot support legs are spaced apart from each other. Therefore, the two base legs can be spaced apart from each other. The two base legs can extend parallel to each other.

[0015] The driving section of the clamping leg can be a surface area of ​​the front side of the clamping leg facing the wire introduction channel, where mechanical contact and the associated force action of the pivoting arm can be performed. The driving section can be formed by or protrude relative to a portion of the base surface of the clamping leg, for example, a rectangular base surface, such as a laterally widened profile or a protruding spring tongue.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the actuating element can have two pivot arms extending parallel to each other and / or two base legs extending parallel to each other. Here, each pivot arm can extend on both sides of the clamping leg, such that the pivot arms are located on opposite sides of the clamping leg. Similarly, each base leg can extend on both sides of the clamping leg, such that the base legs are located on opposite sides of the clamping leg. If the actuating element has two pivot arms, the clamping leg can have two corresponding driving sections, such that each pivot arm can mechanically contact the driving section of the clamping leg and displace the clamping leg via said driving section. Thus, it is feasible to uniformly apply force to the clamping leg, and the clamping leg can be reliably displaced without tilting and with minimal force consumption. With two parallel pivot arms and / or two parallel base legs, the actuating element also has improved stability and can pivot precisely. The two pivot arms and / or the two base legs can be constructed in the same manner in terms of shape and size, such that the features described below for a pivot arm or a base leg can be applied to two parallel pivot arms and / or two parallel base legs.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the control section can have two control arms extending parallel to each other and a connecting piece connecting the control arms. This provides a compact and stable control element. The connecting piece can extend substantially laterally to the control arms. The surfaces of the base legs, pivot arms, and / or control arms, especially when viewed from each side of the control element, can extend in a common plane, i.e., transition into each other without bending.

[0018] According to an improved design, the connecting piece can have an actuating surface for mechanical contact with the operating element. Thus, in addition to its mechanical connection and stabilization functions, the connecting piece also possesses an additional actuating function, further enhancing the compactness of the operating element through functional integration. The actuating surface of the connecting piece can face the operating surface of the operating element. The actuating surface of the connecting piece can at least partially have a curved surface.

[0019] According to one embodiment, a curved spring tongue can be formed at the operating section. The spring tongue can extend, for example, from the operating surface of the connecting piece. The spring tongue can bend from this operating surface in a direction away from the operating surface of the operating element. The spring tongue can be integrally formed with the operating section. The spring tongue can form part of the operating section and can be mechanically contacted by the operating surface of the operating element. When operating the operating section, the operating surface of the operating element can slide along the curved spring tongue, thereby facilitating smooth, gradual operation of the operating element and enabling comfortable operation of the supporting operating unit. Furthermore, the spring tongue, which restricts the pivoting movement of the operating element, can prevent the operating element from laterally jamming at the connecting piece.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the pivot arm can be configured in an L-shape. Thus, the pivot arm can surround the driving section of the clamping leg and reliably and efficiently transmit force to the clamping leg. The L-shaped pivot arm can have a first L-shaped leg, with the pivot arm attached to the support base and the driving section via the first L-shaped leg. The first L-shaped leg can be supported on the busbar in the open position. The L-shaped pivot arm can have a second L-shaped leg, which extends from the first L-shaped leg at an angle, particularly substantially vertically, and serves to mechanically contact the driving section. The L-shaped pivot arm is laterally guided beside the clamping spring.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the driving section can be formed by a protrusion extending laterally from the clamping leg. This allows for a favorable force application area for displacing the clamping spring by means of an actuating element, through slight and simple geometric adjustments to the clamping spring. The lateral protrusion can be considered a lateral widening of the front side of the clamping leg toward the wire introduction channel, such that the surface of the driving section and the front side of the clamping leg are in a plane. In other words, the driving section can form a stepped portion in the side of the clamping leg, where this side connects the front side and the opposite rear side of the clamping leg to each other. The clamping leg can have a greater width in the region of the driving section compared to the region adjacent to the driving section. The clamping leg can particularly have two protrusions extending laterally from the opposite sides of the clamping leg, which can be mechanically contacted by parallel pivot arms of the actuating element.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the busbar can have a busbar frame having frame legs extending parallel to each other, wherein a clamping spring is disposed between the frame legs. For example, the busbar can be a contact element with a main planar shape having an internal recess, wherein the recess is defined by the frame legs at least on both sides. The recess can be configured, for example, as a pull portion, such that a flange protrudes from the edge of the recess, and the clamping spring can be advantageously supported at the flange. The frame legs enable the clamping spring to be compactly and securely housed in the busbar, and improve the stability of the contact insertion of the terminal block formed by the clamping spring and the busbar. Here, the arrangement of the clamping spring between the frame legs can be understood as the clamping spring extending partially between the frame legs and extending through the recess between the frame legs. For example, the upper portion of the clamping spring with a spring bow can extend above the busbar, and the lower portion of the clamping spring with a release portion, also described below, can extend below the busbar. The free end of the clamping leg and the introduced electrical wire forming the clamping part can be at approximately the height of the frame leg or the flange of the hole, at least in the closed position, so that the electrical wire can be reliably clamped against the busbar.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the bus has an operating element receiving portion for supporting and guiding an operating element. This achieves stable placement and defined mobility of the operating element in the terminal block. The operating element receiving portion can be, for example, a recess, retaining pin, or other suitable receiving profile for holding the operating element in the bus frame, wherein a particularly compact arrangement can be achieved by the recess. The operating element receiving portion can particularly have two operating element receiving portions formed on opposite sides of the bus. The operating element receiving portion can be designed such that the pivoting movement of the operating element is not impaired by the operating element receiving portion, i.e., having a wider width than the operating element disposed in the receiving section within the operating element receiving portion.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the support base of the operating element can extend on the side of the busbar opposite to the spring bow of the clamping spring, and the operating section and / or pivot arm of the operating element can extend on the side of the busbar facing the spring bow of the clamping spring. This achieves a stable setting of the operating element with respect to the busbar and defined mobility. In other words, the support base can be located below the busbar, and the operating section and / or pivot arm can extend above the busbar. Therefore, the section connecting the support base to the pivot arm and / or operating section extends through an operating element receiving portion at the busbar, which can, for example, be configured as a recess in the busbar. For example, the support base can mechanically contact the lower side of the frame leg of the busbar frame, and the operating section and / or pivot arm can mechanically contact the upper side of the frame leg of the busbar frame depending on the operating state of the operating element. It is also conceivable that the busbar has a support surface, for example adjacent to the busbar frame, and that the support surface can be mechanically contacted by the operating section during operation.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the busbar can form stops for the operating section and / or for the pivot arm. This precisely limits the mobility of the operating element. For example, the upper side of the frame leg and / or adjacent support surfaces that may be in mechanical contact with the operating section and / or pivot arm can form stop surfaces. Through the seesaw-like structure of the operating element, the stop area can be in a plane and used according to the deflection state of the operating element.

[0026] According to one embodiment, the busbar can have a support portion for guiding the pivot region of the support base, preferably a support portion for guiding the pivot region of the base leg of the support base. This enables a defined pivotability of the operating element. The support portion can, for example, be formed on the underside of the frame leg of the busbar. The pivot region of the support base can, for example, be convex and the support portion can be concave with a matching radius. Thus, when the operating element pivots about a pivot axis extending through the pivot region, the pivot region can roll on the support surface of the support portion.

[0027] According to one embodiment, the clamping leg and support leg of the clamping spring extend between the operating section and the pivot arm of the operating element, wherein the pivot arm faces the clamping leg and the operating section faces the support leg. Accordingly, the operating section and the pivot arm can surround and partially enclose the clamping spring on their opposite sides, thereby achieving a stable and reliable operating mechanism for returning the clamping leg to the open position. Furthermore, by placing the operating element on the side of the clamping spring away from the wire introduction channel, a compact structural form can be achieved.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the clamping leg can be configured to lock in the open position at the retaining profile of the support leg of the clamping spring. Thus, the clamping leg can be temporarily fixed to the support leg in its open position until an electrical wire introduced into the terminal triggers the clamping leg to autonomously displace to the closed position. The retaining profile can be provided at a retaining section, which is connected to the support leg. The retaining profile can be, for example, a retaining edge. The clamping leg can have retaining tabs by which the clamping leg can engage the retaining edge rearward, so that the clamping leg can be fixed to the support leg by locking at the retaining edge. It is conceivable that two retaining edges are provided on opposite sides of the support leg, which can cooperate with two corresponding retaining tabs of the clamping leg. This achieves an improved fixation of the clamping leg on the support leg.

[0029] According to one embodiment, the support leg can have a release section for releasing the clamping leg held in the open position when an electrical conductor encounters the release section. This provides a simple and reliable triggering mechanism, which can be fully integrated into the clamping spring in conjunction with the aforementioned retaining profile, thus enabling cost-effective and efficient implementation. The release section can, for example, have an activation surface onto which an electrical conductor introduced into a terminal block can be guided. Contact with the activation surface can cause displacement of the release section and a corresponding stretching or displacement of the retaining section, which can cause the retaining tab of the clamping leg to loosen from the retaining edge of the retaining section, allowing the activated clamping leg to autonomously shift into the closed position due to spring force. In other words, the locking of the clamping leg at the support leg can be released by pressure loading the activation surface. The clamping spring can be designed such that a slight shift of the release section at the end of the conductor already triggers the autonomous shift of the clamping leg into the closed position, for example, through the relatively small size of the retaining profile at the retaining section. The release section of the support leg, especially the activation surface of the release section, can be located at the free end of the support leg. The release section can be directly connected to the retaining section of the support leg or via a connecting section.

[0030] The insulating housing may have a guide pin extending into a wire receiving cavity from the lateral inner wall of the cavity into its interior space. The guide pin is positioned between the alignment line (Flucht) of the wire introduction channel, or the wire inserted therein, and the (vertical) connecting section extending between the release section and the retaining profile, and prevents accidental premature unlocking due to the wire contacting the connecting section before being fully inserted into the release section. The guide pin guides the inserted wire toward the release section until the wire touches it.

[0031] According to an improvement, the release section can have a V-shaped bend. The opening of the V-shaped bend can face the introduced electrical wire. This enables centering of the electrical wire with a small wire cross-section and a constant operating force for the triggering mechanism. Alternatively, other embodiments are conceivable, such as a circular recess within the release section.

[0032] According to one embodiment, the actuating element can be configured as a planar stamped and bent part. This allows for the cost-effective production and supply of lightweight and compact actuating elements. The actuating element can, for example, be configured as a thin-walled sheet.

[0033] According to one embodiment, the operating element can be configured as a pressing member. This allows for simple and comfortable operation of the control unit. The pressing member can have a tool receiving portion, such as a guide slit for a screwdriver. The pressing member can be considered, for example, an operating element that can be translated within the operating channel, currently particularly translatably oriented with the operating surface facing forward toward the operating section of the control element, especially the operating surface of the operating section. It is also conceivable, in principle, that the operating element can be implemented as a lever, such that the operating element is pivotally rotatable about a pivot axis.

[0034] In general, in the context of this application, unless otherwise explicitly defined, the word “one” should not be understood as a numeral, but rather as an indefinite article having the meaning of “at least one”. Attached Figure Description

[0035] This invention allows for different implementations, and these are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, based on one embodiment. The drawings are shown in a schematic manner:

[0036] Figures 1a-1b The terminal blocks of the clamping legs, which have clamping springs, are shown in the closed position in a cross-sectional view and a perspective front view of the spring-force clamping connector with a concealed insulating housing.

[0037] Figures 2a-2b A cross-sectional view and a perspective front view show the terminals of the clamping legs, which are shown in the open position, with clamping springs, and the connection ends clamped by spring force with a concealed insulating housing.

[0038] Figures 3a-3b A cross-sectional view and a perspective front view show the clamping leg terminal with clamping springs in the clamped position when an electrical conductor is introduced, with the springs clamping the connection end with a concealed insulating housing.

[0039] Figures 4a-4b Separate views of the clamping spring of the terminal block in the closed position are shown in side and perspective views;

[0040] Figures 5a-5b Separate views of the clamping spring of the terminal block in the open position are shown in side and perspective views;

[0041] Figures 6a-6c Independent views of the busbar for the terminal blocks are shown in side view, top view, and bottom view; and

[0042] Figures 7a-7b Independent diagrams of the control elements of the terminal block are shown in side and perspective views. Detailed Implementation

[0043] Figures 1a-3b Different views and states of terminal block 1 according to one embodiment are shown. Figures 4a-7b Individual diagrams of the various components of terminal block 1 are shown to illustrate the design details of the described embodiment.

[0044] As from Figure 1a , Figure 2a and Figure 3a As can be seen, terminal 1 has an insulating material housing 3 with a wire introduction channel 2. Figure 3a and Figure 3b The electrical wire 11 shown can be introduced into the wire introduction channel 2. Furthermore, the terminal block 1 has... Figures 1a-3b As shown in and in Figures 6a-6c Bus 4 is shown separately and described in further detail below. Additionally, terminal 1 has... Figures 1a-3b As shown in and in Figures 4a-5b The clamping spring 5 is shown separately in the diagram. The clamping spring 5 has a support leg 7, a spring bow 8, and a clamping leg 9. The clamping spring 5 is deflected by the spring bow 8, causing the clamping leg 9 to extend at least partially opposite the support leg 7. The clamping leg 9 is configured to form with the busbar 4 for insertion into the wire inlet channel 2. Figure 3a and Figure 3b The clamping portion 10 of the wire 11 is shown in the diagram. The clamping leg 9 can... Figures 2a-3b as well as Figure 5a and Figure 5b The open position O shown in the figure is the same as that in the figure. Figure 1a and Figure 1b as well as Figure 4a and Figure 4b The clamping leg 9 shifts between the closed positions S shown in the diagram to open and close the clamping part 10. When the clamping leg 9 shifts to its open position O, it moves as shown in the diagram. Figures 1a-3b The shown can be moved toward support leg 7. In the open position O, as in Figure 3a and Figure 3bAs shown, the conductor 11 can be positioned in the area of ​​the clamping portion 10. In the closed position S, the clamping leg 9 moves toward the conductor 11 and applies a clamping force toward the busbar 4 to the conductor 11 (not shown in detail). The terminal 1 is configured to allow the clamping leg 9 to move autonomously to the closed position S when the conductor 11 is introduced into the terminal 1. For this purpose, a retaining section 38 is connected to the support leg 7, the retaining section having a retaining profile 28 and transitioning into a (vertical) connecting section 37 after bending, and after further bending, a releasing section 29 is connected to the connecting section. Figure 3a and Figure 3b The clamping position of terminal 1 is shown. Clamping leg 9 rests against wire 11, and the release section 29 is deflected. This is also achieved by the displacement of spring bow 8 and compared to... Figure 2a The obviously displaced retaining piece 35 becomes clear.

[0045] exist Figures 1a-3b It can also be seen that terminal 1 has an operating unit 6. The operating unit 6 is configured to move the clamping leg 9 to the open position O. From Figures 1a-3b It is understood that the operating unit 6 has an operating element 12 implemented as a pressing member and a separate operating element 13. The operating element 12 is used to transmit operating force to the operating element 13. The operating element 13 is additionally located on... Figure 7a and Figure 7b The control element 13 is shown separately. It has a support base 14 with base legs 15. The control element 13 also has an operating section 16 for operating the control element 13 via an operating element 12. Furthermore, the control element 13 has a pivot arm 17 for mechanically contacting the clamping leg 9. The clamping leg 9 has a driving section 18. The control element 13 is configured to pivot about the support base 14 during operation. Here, the control element 13 can move the clamping leg 9 to its open position O via the pivot arm 17 acting on the driving section 18. As per the description in... Figures 1a-3b The position of the control element 13 is such that it acts as a double-arm lever, and its pivoting motion around its support base 14 is transmitted via the pivot arm 17 to the driving section 18 of the clamping leg 9. Thus, reliable and efficient adjustment of the clamping leg 9 to its open position O is possible, where only a small operating force is required on the operating element 12 due to the lever effect of the control element 13. Simultaneously, the terminal block 1 is compactly implemented due to the small-scale seesaw mechanism.

[0046] According to Figures 1a-3b as well as Figure 7a and Figure 7bIn the embodiment shown, the actuating element has two pivot arms 17 extending parallel to each other on both sides of the clamping leg 9 and two base legs 15 extending parallel to each other. According to the illustrated embodiment, the pivot arms 17 are L-shaped. (As shown in...) Figure 7a As shown, the pivot arm 17 can have a first L-shaped leg 17a and a second L-shaped leg 17b. The first L-shaped leg allows the pivot arm 17 to be supported on the busbar 4, and the second L-shaped leg is used for mechanical contact with the drive section 18. For example, in... Figure 4b and Figure 5b As can be seen, the clamping leg 9 has two driving sections 18 on opposite sides, and the pivot arm 17 can act on the driving sections. The driving sections 18 are formed by protrusions extending laterally from the clamping leg 9. These protrusions can be considered as lateral stepped portions of the clamping leg 9, and in their respective regions, the clamping leg 9 is widened relative to the adjacent clamping leg region. The clamping leg 9 and the support leg 7 of the clamping spring 5 extend between the operating section 16 and the pivot arm 17 of the operating element 13, wherein the pivot arm 17 faces the clamping leg 9 and the operating section 16 faces the support leg 7.

[0047] In addition, for example in Figure 7b As can be seen, the control section 16 has two control arms 19 extending parallel to each other and a connecting piece 20 extending laterally to the control arms 19, thus forming a compact and stable control element 13. (As shown in...) Figure 7b As shown in the diagram, the connecting piece 20 has an operating surface 21 for mechanical contact via the operating element 12. Furthermore, for example, in... Figure 7a and Figure 7b As can be seen, the curved spring tongue 22 is formed at the operating section 16. The operating surface 21 and the spring tongue 22 face the operating surface 32 of the operating element 12. The curved spring tongue 22 enables the smooth guidance and gradual pivoting movement of the operating element 13.

[0048] According to terminal 1 Figures 1a-3b In the embodiment shown, the base leg 15 of the control element 13 extends on the side of the busbar 4 away from the spring bow 8 of the clamping spring 5, that is, below the busbar 4, while the control section 16 and pivot arm 17 of the control element 13 extend on the side of the busbar 4 facing the spring bow 8 of the clamping spring 5, that is, above the busbar 4.

[0049] For example in Figure 6bAs can be seen, the busbar 4 has a busbar frame 23, which has frame legs 24 extending parallel to each other. The busbar 4, as shown, can be a predominantly planar contact element, having an internal recess 33 defined by the frame legs 24. The recess can be created by drawing, thus forming a flange 31 at which a clamping spring 5 can be supported. Figure 1b , Figure 2b and Figure 3b As shown, the clamping spring 5 is positioned between the frame legs 24, extending through the opening 33. This forms a stable contact insert. (As shown in...) Figures 6a-6c As shown, the support surface 34 can be connected to the busbar frame 23, and when the control element 13 is operated, the control section 16, especially the control arm 19, can be supported on the support surface. The support surface 34 can also form a stop surface for the control section 16. In addition, the frame leg 24 can form a stop for the pivot arm 17. Accordingly, the seesaw-like movement of the control element 13 can be limited by the busbar 4.

[0050] In addition, for example in Figure 6b As can be seen, the busbar 4 has recessed control element receiving portions 25 on its opposite sides for supporting and guiding the control element 13, thereby achieving a compact arrangement and limited mobility of the control element 13. Furthermore, as in... Figures 6a-6c As can be seen, each of the busbars 4 has a support portion 26, which has a region that is concave and curved in this example, and a pivot region 27 formed by the convex shape of the corresponding base leg 15 of the support base 14 for guiding the support base 14.

[0051] According to Figures 2a-3b as well as Figures 4a-5b It is understood that the clamping leg 9 is configured to lock in the open position O at the retaining profile 28 of the support leg 7 of the clamping spring 5. Thus, the clamping leg 9 can be temporarily fixed to the support leg 7 in its open position O. The retaining profile 28 can be a lateral retaining edge as shown, which can be formed by the clamping leg 9 at... Figures 4a-5b Figures 4a-5bThe retaining tab 35 shown engages from the rear in a locked manner. For automatic wire connection via the autonomous displacement of the clamping leg 9 to the closed position S, the terminal 1 has a triggering mechanism, which, according to the illustrated embodiment, is implemented via a release section 29 at the free end of the support leg 7. The release section 29 releases the clamping leg 9 held in the open position O when the conductor 11 contacts it. The conductor 11, upon impact, deflects the support leg 7, causing the retaining tab of the clamping leg 9 to release from the retaining profile 28 and disengage. The release section 29 has a V-bend 30 through which the conductor, having a small cross-section, can be centered, thus generating sufficient triggering force.

[0052] By means of the terminal block 1 described according to the above embodiments, it is possible to provide a terminal block 1 with automatic wire connection and a compact, yet reliable and effective operating mechanism for resetting the clamping leg 9 to its open position O.

[0053] List of reference numerals

[0054] 1. Terminal block

[0055] 2. Wire introduction channel

[0056] 3. Insulating material housing

[0057] 4 busbars

[0058] 5. Clamping spring

[0059] 6. Control Unit

[0060] 7 Support legs

[0061] 8. Spring bow

[0062] 9. Clasp your legs together

[0063] 10 Clamping parts

[0064] 11 electrical wires

[0065] 12 operating elements

[0066] 13 Control Elements

[0067] 14 Support base

[0068] 15 base legs

[0069] 16 control sections

[0070] 17 Pivot Arm

[0071] 17a First L-shaped leg

[0072] 17b Second L-shaped leg

[0073] 18 driving section

[0074] 19 control arms

[0075] 20 connecting pieces

[0076] 21 control surfaces

[0077] 22 spring tongues

[0078] 23 Busbar Framework

[0079] 24-frame leg

[0080] 25 Control element housing

[0081] 26 Support section

[0082] 27 Pivot Area

[0083] 28. Maintain the outline

[0084] 29. Loosen section

[0085] 30V-shaped bend

[0086] 31-hole flange

[0087] 32 operating surfaces

[0088] 33 Empty Section

[0089] 34 support surfaces

[0090] 35-inch splice

[0091] 36 guide pins

[0092] 37 Connecting Section

[0093] 38. Maintaining Section

[0094] O Open location

[0095] S Closed position

Claims

1. A terminal block (1) having an insulating housing (3) with a wire introduction channel (2), a busbar (4), a clamping spring (5), and an operating unit (6), wherein -The clamping spring (5) has a supporting leg (7), a spring bow (8), and a clamping leg (9). - The clamping leg (9) and the busbar (4) form a clamping portion (10) for the electrical wire (11) that can be introduced into the wire introduction channel (2). The clamping leg (9) is movable between an open position (O) and a closed position (S) to open and close the clamping part (10), and - The operating unit (6) is configured to move the clamping leg (9) into the open position (O). Its features are, The operating unit (6) has an operating element (12) and an operating element (13), wherein the operating element (13) has a support base (14), an operating section (16) for operating the operating element (13) via the operating element (12), and a pivot arm (17) for mechanically contacting the clamping leg (9), wherein the clamping leg (9) has a driving section (18), and wherein the operating element (13) is configured to pivot about the support base (14) during operation and to move the clamping leg (9) to its open position (O) via the pivot arm (17) acting on the driving section (18).

2. The terminal block (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The actuating element (13) has two pivot arms (17) that extend parallel to each other.

3. The terminal block (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The control section (16) has two control arms (19) extending parallel to each other and a connecting piece (20) connecting the control arms (19).

4. The terminal block (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The connecting piece (20) has an operating surface (21) for mechanical contact via the operating element (12).

5. The terminal block (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, A curved spring tongue (22) is formed at the operating section (16).

6. The terminal block (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The pivot arm (17) is L-shaped.

7. The terminal block (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The driving section (18) is formed by a protrusion extending laterally from the clamping leg (9).

8. The terminal block (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The busbar (4) has a busbar frame (23) having frame legs (24) extending parallel to each other, wherein the clamping springs (5) are disposed between the frame legs (24).

9. The terminal block (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The busbar (4) has a support housing (25) for supporting and guiding the actuating element (13).

10. The terminal block (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The support base (14) of the operating element (13) extends on the side of the busbar (4) away from the spring bow (8) of the clamping spring (5), and the operating section (16) and / or pivot arm (17) of the operating element (13) extend on the side of the busbar (4) facing the spring bow (8) of the clamping spring (5).

11. The terminal block (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The busbar (4) forms a stop for the operating section (16) and / or for the pivot arm (17).

12. The terminal block (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The support base (14) has base legs (15).

13. The terminal block (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The base leg (15) is supported on the busbar (4), and the pivot arm (17) contacts the clamping leg (9) on the side of the busbar (4) that is directly opposite to it for supporting the base leg (15) on the busbar (4).

14. The terminal block (1) according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that, The support base (14) has two base legs (15) spaced apart from each other.

15. The terminal block (1) according to claim 14, characterized in that, The two base legs (15) extend parallel to each other.

16. The terminal block (1) according to any one of claims 12 to 15, characterized in that, The busbar (4) has a support (26) for guiding the pivot region (27) of the base leg (15) of the support base (14).

17. The terminal block (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The clamping leg (9) and the supporting leg (7) of the clamping spring (5) extend between the operating section (16) and the pivot arm (17) of the operating element (13), wherein the pivot arm (17) faces the clamping leg (9) and the operating section (16) faces the supporting leg (7).

18. The terminal block (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The clamping leg (9) is configured to lock in the open position (O) at the retaining profile (28) of the support leg (7) of the clamping spring (5).

19. The terminal block (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The terminal block (1) is configured to allow the clamping leg (9) to move autonomously to the closed position (S) when an electrical conductor (11) is introduced into the terminal block (1).

20. The terminal block (1) according to claim 19, characterized in that, The support leg (7) has a release section (29) for releasing the clamping leg (9) held in the open position (O) when the electrical conductor (11) comes into contact with the release section (29).

21. The terminal block (1) according to claim 20, characterized in that, The loosening section (29) has a V-shaped bend (30).

22. The terminal block (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The actuating element (13) is configured as a planar stamped and bent part.

23. The terminal block (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The operating element (12) is configured as a pressing element.

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